Agilent Technologies 1146B User manual

Agilent 1146B
AC/DC Current Probe
User’s Guide

2
Manual Part Number
01146-92005
February 2013
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 1996–2013
Agilent Technologies, Inc
Oscilloscope Products Division
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"commercial item" as defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as
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than Restricted Rights as defined in FAR
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data.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described in this document
are furnished under a license and may be used or copied
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Warranty
The material contained in this document is provided “as
is,” and is subject to being changed, without notice, in
future editions. Further, to the maximum extent permitted
by applicable law, Agilent disclaims all warranties, either
express or implied, with regard to this manual and any
information contained herein, including but not limited to
the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose. Agilent shall not be liable for errors or
for incidental or consequential damages in connection
with the furnishing, use, or performance of this document
or of any information contained herein. Should Agilent and
the user have a separate written agreement with warranty
terms covering the material in this document that conflict
with these terms, the warranty terms in the separate
agreement shall control.
Safety Notices
This apparatus has been designed and tested in accor-
dance with IEC Publication 1010, Safety Requirements for
Measuring Apparatus, and has been supplied in a safe
condition. This is a Safety Class I instrument (provided
with terminal for protective earthing). Before applying
power, verify that the correct safety precautions are taken
(see the following warnings). In addition, note the exter-
nal markings on the instrument that are described under
"Safety Symbols."
CAUTION. A CAUTION notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an operating proce-
dure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result in dam-
age to the product or loss of important data.
Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION notice
until the indicated conditions are fully under-
stood and met.
WARNING. A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an operating pro-
cedure, practice, or the like that, if not cor-
rectly performed or adhered to, could result
in personal injury or death. Do not proceed
beyond a WARNING notice until the indi-
cated conditions are fully understood and
met.
CAUTION. Risk of Danger. Refer
to the manual for more informa-
tion.
CAUTION. Risk of Electric Shock.
Refer to the manual for more infor-
mation.
Earth terminal symbol: Used to indicate a cir-
cuit common connected to grounded chas-
sis.

Contents
3
Contents
Operation 4
Before Using the Probe 4
To Install the Battery 6
To Perform a Current Measurement 6
To Clean the Probe 7
Product Markings 7
Safety 8
Specifications 10
Characteristics 10
Safety Standards 12
Typical Response Curves 13
Performance Verification 15
If the Probe Fails a Test 16
Test 1. DC Current Measurement Accuracy (10 mV/A range) 17
Test 2. AC Current Measurement Accuracy (10 mV/A range) 18
Test 3. Bandwidth (10 mV/A range) 19
Test 4. DC Current Measurement Accuracy (100 mV/A range) 20
Test 5. AC Current Measurement Accuracy (100 mV/A range) 21
Test 6. Bandwidth Check (100 mV/A range) 22

Operation
4
Operation
The 1146B AC/DC Current Oscilloscope Probe expands oscilloscope
applications in industrial, automotive or power environments, and
is ideal for analysis and measurement of distorted current
waveforms and harmonics. The probe permits accurate display and
measurement of currents from 100 mA to 100A rms, DC to 100 kHz
without breaking into the circuit. The probe uses Hall effect
technology to measure AC and DC signals. The probe connects
directly to an oscilloscope through a 2 meter coaxial cable with an
insulated BNC.
The 1146B probe is compatible with any analog or digital
oscilloscope or other voltage measuring instrument which has the
following features:
■BNC input connector.
■Range capable of displaying 0.2V to 0.5V per division.
■Minimum input impedance of 1 MΩ.
Before Using the Probe
■Install the battery that was shipped with the probe. Refer to “To
Install the Battery” on page 6.
■Read the warnings listed under “Safety” on page 8.
■Confirm that the probe has not been damaged in transit. If the
unit is damaged, or fails to operate according to the
specifications, contact your dealer or Agilent representative.
■Check that the contents of the shipment agree with the packing
slip. If anything is missing, contact your nearest Agilent
Technologies Sales Office. If the shipment was damaged, contact
the carrier, then contact the nearest Agilent Technologies Sales
Office.

Operation
5
Figure 1 Control and Connector Identification
Zero-Adjust Knob. Use the zero adjust knob to eliminate the probe’s
offset before performing a measurement.
Battery Power Indicator. To ensure proper readings with your
current probe, be sure that the green battery indicator is lit during
measurement. If not, replace the 9V battery as described in “To
Install the Battery” on page 6.
Peak Overload (OL) Indicator. If the red Peak Overload indicator
illuminates during measurement, this indicates that the peak value
exceeds the instrument response level and that the output is
distorted. Use the range selection switch to change the probe to a
higher range, if possible.
Range Selection Switch. Use the range selection switch to turn the
probe OFF and to select from two ranges: 10 mV/A and 100 mV/A.
WARNING It is possible to change the current probe ‘s range without removing the probe
from the current carrying conductor, but never exceed the permissible peak
ratings of 1000 mV peak or 2000 mV peak-to-peak maximum. The peak ratings
by range are: 10A peak on the 100 mV/A range, 100A peak on the 10 mV/A
range.

Operation
6
To Install the Battery
Before using the probe for the first time, you must install the
battery. When the probe is turned on, the green battery indication
LED should light up. If not, replace the battery.
1Disconnect the probe from the circuit and the oscilloscope.
WARNING Do not replace the battery while probe is in use.
2Set the probe’s switch to the OFF position.
3Unscrew the battery compartment screw (shown on Figure 1 on
page 5) and pull out the battery compartment cover.
4Install the new 9V battery and put the cover back on.
To Perform a Current Measurement
1Read the warnings in “Safety” on page 8.
2Connect the current probe to an input channel on the oscilloscope.
WARNING Connect the probe to the oscilloscope or voltage measuring instrument before
clamping the probe around a conductor.
3Set the current probe to its least sensitive range (10 mV/A).
4Select the 0.5 V/division range on the oscilloscope.
5Clamp the probe on the conductor to be measured and read the
current flowing directly on your oscilloscope.
You may also use your oscilloscope to amplify the signal while
using the 100 mV/A probe range (which offers the best accuracy
and least phase shift).
WARNING It is possible to change the range on the current probe without removing the
probe from the current carrying conductor, but never exceed the permissible
peak ratings of 1000 mV peak or 2000 mV peak-to-peak maximum. The peak
ratings by range are: 10A peak on the 100 mV/A range, 100A peak on the
10 mV/A range.

Product Markings
7
To Clean the Probe
1Remove the probe from any circuit under test and from the
oscilloscope.
2Clean the external surfaces of the probe with a soft cloth
dampened with a mixture of mild detergent and water.
3Clean the mating surfaces of the probe’s jaws so that they are free
of dirt or foreign matter. If rust is present, gently clean the mating
surfaces with a soft cloth that has been lightly oiled with standard
machine oil. Do not leave excessive oil residue.
WARNING Make sure that the probe is completely dry before reconnecting it to a power
source.
Product Markings
This symbol indicates the Environmental Protection Use
Period (EPUP) for the product’s toxic substances for the
China RoHS requirements.
The CE symbol indicates the European Community.
CAUTION. Risk of Danger. Refer to the manual for more
information.
CAUTION. Risk of Electric Shock. Refer to the manual for
more information.
This symbol signifies that the probe is protected by double
or reinforced insulation. Only use specified replacement
parts when servicing the probe.
WEEE Directive notice. This marking is on a notice sticker
and is not actually fixed to the product.

Safety
8
Safety
This manual provides information and warnings essential for
operating this probe in a safe manner and for maintaining it in safe
operating condition. Before using this equipment and to ensure safe
operation and to obtain maximum performance from the probe,
carefully read and observe the following warnings, cautions, and
notes.
This apparatus has been designed and tested in accordance with
IEC61010, Safety Requirements for Measuring Apparatus, and has
been supplied in a safe condition. Note the external markings on
the instrument that are described in this document.
WARNING Connect the probe to the oscilloscope or voltage measuring instrument before
clamping the probe around a conductor.
WARNING Never use the probe on circuits rated higher than 600 Vac RMS CAT II or 300 Vac
RMS CAT III or with float voltage greater than 600 V.
WARNING Never leave the probe clamped around a conductor while it is not connected to
an oscilloscope or voltage measuring instrument.
WARNING Carefully center the conductor inside the probe jaws and ascertain that the
probe is perpendicular to the conductor before closing the jaws.
WARNING Check the magnetic mating surfaces of the probe jaws; these should be free of
dirt, rust, or other foreign matter
WARNING Do not use a probe which is cracked, damaged or has defective leads.
WARNING Avoid, if possible, the proximity of other conductors which may create noise.
WARNING Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification to the
probe.
WARNING Do not clamp the probe on a bare/un-insulated conductor.

Safety
9
WARNING Do not operate the probe or oscilloscope in the presence of flammable gasses or
fumes. Operation of any electrical instrument in such an environment
constitutes a definite safety hazard.
WARNING Do not use the probe or oscilloscope in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer.
WARNING Service instructions are for trained service personnel. To avoid dangerous
electric shock, do not perform any service unless qualified to do so. Do not
attempt internal service or adjustment unless another person, capable of
rendering first aid and resuscitation, is present.
Concerning the Oscilloscope or Voltage Measuring
Instrument to Which the Probe is Connected
WARNING Whenever it is likely that the ground protection is impaired, you must make the
instrument inoperative and secure it against any unintended operation.
WARNING If you energize the instrument by an auto transformer (for voltage reduction or
mains isolation), the ground pin of the input connector terminal must be
connected to the earth terminal of the power source.
WARNING Before turning on the instrument, you must connect the protective earth terminal
of the instrument to the protective conductor of the (mains) power cord. The
mains plug shall only be inserted in a socket outlet provided with a protective
earth contact. You must not negate the protective action by using an extension
cord (power cable) without a protective conductor (grounding). Grounding one
conductor of a two-conductor outlet is not sufficient protection.
WARNING Only fuses with the required rated current, voltage, and specified type (normal
blow, time delay, etc.) should be used. Do not use repaired fuses or
short-circuited fuseholders. To do so could cause a shock or fire hazard.
WARNING Capacitors inside the instrument may retain a charge even if the instrument is
disconnected from its source of supply.

Specifications
10
Specifications
All probe specifications are warranted based on the following
conditions:
■Within one year of calibration
■23° C ±5° C
■20% to 75% relative humitidy
■Probe zeroed
■1 minute warm up
■Battery at 9V ± 0.1V
■External magnetic field < 40 A/m
■No adjacent current carrying conductor
■1 MΩ/100 pF probe termination
Characteristics
All probe characteristics are the typical performance values and are
not warranted. Characteristics are based on these conditions:
■Within one year of calibration
■23° C ±5° C
■20% to 75% relative humitidy
■Probe zeroed
■1 minute warm up
■Battery at 9V ± 0.1V
Table 1 Specifications
Item Specification
Measurement Accuracy
(Input Current: dc to 1 kHz)
100 mV/A
Sensitivity Setting
10 mV/A
Sensitivity Setting
50 mA to 10A < ±3% of reading ±50 mA —
50 mA to 40A n/a < ±4% of reading ±50 mA
40A to 100A n/a < ±15% of reading ±100 mA
Bandwidth
–3 dB dc to 100 kHz
(with derating, see “Typical Response Curves” on page 13)