Keysight Technologies N2797A User manual

Keysight N2797A
Extreme Temperature
Single-Ended Active Probe
User’s
Guide

2N2797A User’s Guide
Notices
© Keysight Technologies, Inc. 2013 - 2014
No part of this manual may be reproduced in
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tronic storage and retrieval or translation into
a foreign language) without prior agreement
and written consent from Keysight Technolo-
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international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
N2797-97000
Edition
Second edition, October 2014
Published by:
Keysight Technologies, Inc.
1400 Fountaingrove Parkway
Santa Rosa, CA, 95403
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Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard.
It calls attention to an operating
procedure, practice, or the like that,
if not correctly performed or
adhered to, could result in damage
to the product or loss of important
data. Do not proceed beyond a
CAUTION notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and
met.
WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a haz-
ard. It calls attention to an operat-
ing procedure, practice, or the like
that, if not correctly performed or
adhered to, could result in personal
injury or death. Do not proceed
beyond a WARNING notice until the
indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.

N2797A User’s Guide 3
Contents
1UsingtheProbe/5
Probe Features / 7
Using the Accessory Tips and Grounds / 14
Dynamic Range and Offset Voltage Limitations / 20
Functional Test / 21
Inspecting the Probe / 22
Cleaning the Probe / 22
Returning the Probe for Service / 23
Safety Information / 24
2ProbeCalibration/27
Calibrating the Probe on Infiniium Oscilloscopes / 28
Calibrating the Probe on InfiniiVision Oscilloscopes / 30
3 Characteristics and Specifications / 31
Dimensions / 33
4PerformanceDataPlots/35
5 Performance Verification / 37
Test 1. DC Input Resistance / 39
Test 2. Bandwidth / 40
Performance Test Record / 46
Index

4N2797A User’s Guide
Contents

5
Keysight N2797A
User’s Guide
1 Using the Probe
Probe Features 7
Using the Accessory Tips and Grounds 14
Dynamic Range and Offset Voltage Limitations 20
Functional Test 21
Inspecting the Probe 22
Cleaning the Probe 22
Returning the Probe for Service 23
Safety Information 24
The N2797A single-ended active probe is designed to be used in extreme temperatures
environments. With a 2 meter cable and ability to operate in temperatures from –40°C to
+85°C, the N2797A probe is ideal for environmental labs. The probe’s bandwidth is 1.5 GHz.
The N2797A integrates many of the characteristics needed for today’s general-purpose,
high-speed probing, especially in digital system design, component
design/characterization, and educational research applications. Its 1 MΩinput resistance
and extremely low input capacitance (1 pF) provide ultra low loading of the device under
test. This, accompanied with superior signal fidelity, makes this probe useful for most of
today’s digital logic voltages. With a wide ±8V dynamic range and ±12V offset range, this
probe can be used in a wide variety of applications.
For high signal integrity probing, the N2797A 1.5 GHz active probe is a perfect
complements to Keysight’s 500 MHz – 600 MHz and 1 GHz bandwidth scopes.
The probe is powered directly by the InfiniiVision and Infiniium AutoProbe interface,
eliminating the need for an additional power supply. The probe also come with a number of
accessories that allow for easy connections to the circuit under test. Refer to “Supplied
Accessories" on page 8.
WARNING
Handle the probe with care to avoid injury, especially when it is fitted with the sharp spring or rigid tip.

6N2797A User’s Guide
1Using the Probe
CAUTION
This probe is an ESD sensitive devices, particularly at the probe tips. Follow standard ESD precautions
when handling. Remove tip accessories when storing the probe.
CAUTION
Before using the probe, refer to “Safety Information" on page 24.
CAUTION
Handle the probe cable carefully to avoid damaging it through excessive bending or pulling. Avoid any
mechanical shocks to the probe in order to guarantee accurate performance and protection.

Using the Probe 1
N2797A User’s Guide 7
Probe Features
Oscilloscope Compatibility
The N2797A probe is compatible with the Keysight oscilloscopes shown in Table 1. Up to
four probes can be connected to the oscilloscope. The table also lists the minimum required
firmware version for the oscilloscope.
Is Your Oscilloscope Software Up-to-Date? Keysight periodically releases software updates
to support your probe, fix known defects, and incorporate product enhancements. To
download the latest firmware, go to www.keysight.com and search for your oscilloscope’s
topic. Click on the “Drivers, Firmware & Software” tab.
NOTE
The N2797A probe is designed for oscilloscopes with 1 MWAutoProbe-interface channel
inputs.
Table 1 Compatible Oscilloscopes and Support
Oscilloscope Adapter Required
Infiniium Oscilloscopes (firmware version ¡ 3.50 or above)
90000 Q-Series N5442A
90000 X-Series N5442A
90000A —
9000 H-Series —
9000A-Series —
InfiniiVision Oscilloscopes (firmware version ¡ 2.11 or above)
4000 X-Series —
3000 X-Series —

8N2797A User’s Guide
1Using the Probe
Probe Headlight
The probe is equipped with a white LED headlights to illuminate the area around the probe
tip. This headlight has a fixed intensity and is turned on and off by pressing the button that
is located on the probe’s body.
Figure 1 Headlights and Button
Channel-Identification Rings
When multiple probes are connected to the oscilloscope, the channel identification rings
(yellow, green, blue, and purple) allow you to quickly determine which channel input is
associated with each probe. On the probe, place one colored ring near the probe’s channel
connector and place an identical color ring near the probe head.
Supplied Accessories
The probe comes with the accessories shown in Figure 2.
CAUTION
All of the supplied accessories can be used at the probe’s specified extreme temperature range of –40°C
to +85°C (–40°F to +185°F) except the flex nose clip and pico hook tips. These adapters have a slightly
reduced temperature range of –20°C to +80°C (–4°F to +176°F).

Using the Probe 1
N2797A User’s Guide 9
Figure 2 Accessories Supplied With the Probe (Not to Scale)

10 N2797A User’s Guide
1Using the Probe
Available Accessories
Table 3 shows the replacement accessories available in the N2798A replacement accessory
kit. The table lists the ambient operating temperatures for each accessory. Those
accessories that have the same temperature range as the probe are marked
“extreme temp”.
Table 4 shows additional accessories that work with the probe, but are not provided with
the probe. Notice that most of these accessories can not be used at extreme temperature
range of the probe.
Table 2 Supplied Accessories
Accessory
Ambient Operating
Temperature Quantity
Flex Nose Clip (red) –20°C to +80°C
(–4°F to +176°F)
2
Flex Nose Clip (black) 2
Pico Hook (red) 1
Pico Hook (black) 1
Rigid Probe Tip Same as probe
–20°C to +85°C
(–4°F to +185°F)
5
Solderable Tip (0.97 mm square) 10
Ground Blade 2
Y-Lead Adapter, long with damping resistor (9 cm) 2
Y-Lead Adapter, short with damping resistor (6 cm) 2
Right-Angle Ground (5 cm) 2

Using the Probe 1
N2797A User’s Guide 11
Table 3 Replacement Accessory Kit (N2798A)
Item Description
Ambient Operating
Temperature Qty
Kit Part
Number
Solderable Tip, extreme temp Same as probe
–40°C to +85°C
(–40°F to +185°F)
10 5061-7385
Ground Blade, extreme temp 2 5061-7393
Rigid Probe Tip, extreme temp 5 5061-7389
Flex Nose Clips
This adapter has a slightly reduced
temperature range compared to the probe.
–20°C to +80°C
(–4°F to +176°F)
2 (red)
2 (black)
5061-7390 (red)
5061-7391 (black)
Pico Hook Nose Clips
This adapter has a slightly reduced
temperature range compared to the probe.
–20°C to +80°C
(–4°F to +176°F)
1 (red)
1 (black)
—
Long Y-Lead Adapter with damping resistor
(10 cm), extreme temp
Same as probe
–20°C to +85°C
(–4°F to +185°F)
2 5061-7386
Short Y-Lead Adapter with damping resistor
(5 cm), extreme temp
2 5061-7387
Right Angle Ground (5 cm), extreme temp Same as probe
–40°C to +85°C
(–40°F to +185°F)
2 5061-7384

12 N2797A User’s Guide
1Using the Probe
Table 4 Additional Available Accessories
Item Description
Ambient Operating
Temperature Qty
Kit Part
Number
Spring Probe Tip, extreme temp 2 5061-7388
Long Y-Lead Adapter(10 cm) 0°C to 50°C
(32°F to 122°F)
1 5061-7392
Right Angle Ground (10 cm) 0°C to 50°C
(32°F to 122°F)
2 5061-7400
Right Angle Ground (5 cm) 2 5061-7399
Ground Lead (6 cm) 0°C to 50°C
(32°F to 122°F)
2 5061-7395
Ground Lead (12 cm) 2 5061-7396
Offset Ground 0°C to 50°C
(32°F to 122°F)
2 5061-7394
N2787A 3D Probe Positioner Not Specified — —

Using the Probe 1
N2797A User’s Guide 13
Attaching Probe Accessories
It’s easy to change the probe tip and ground accessories. Figure 3 shows locations for
inserting the tip and the ground accessory. To change an accessory, gently pull it straight
out of its contact socket along the axis of the probe. Once the accessory is removed, insert
the new accessory until it is seated in the contact socket. In order to insert the probe tip
completely into the housing, carefully press the probe tip against a hard surface.
Figure 3 Tip and Grounding Connections

14 N2797A User’s Guide
1Using the Probe
Using the Accessory Tips and Grounds
This section presents the various probe accessory configurations listed in order of available
bandwidth for your measurements. Select the configuration to match your measurement
needs, including ease of use.
Table 5 Probe Configuration in Order of Decreasing Bandwidth
Recommended
Order of Use Probe Configuration Topic
Typical
Band wid th
1“Rigid or Solderable Tip with Ground Blade" on page 15 1.5 GHz
2“6 cm Y-Leads with 0.1” Headers" on page 16 1.0 GHz
3“Solderable Tip with Right-Angle Ground" on page 17 800 MHz
4 “9 cm Y-Leads with 0.1” Headers" on page 18 800 MHz
5“Y-Lead with Flexible Nose Clips and
Pico Hooks" on page 19
500 MHz

Using the Probe 1
N2797A User’s Guide 15
Rigid or Solderable Tip with Ground Blade
The combination of rigid or solderable tip and ground blade provide the highest
bandwidth of any combination of accessory tips and grounds. Use this
configuration at room temperatures where hand probing is possible or at extreme
temperatures when using a probe positioner that can withstand the required
temperature. The bandwidth with accessory is 1.5 GHz.
When inserting the tip, insert the end with the ridge into the probe head as shown in
Figure 4.
Figure 4 Inserting the Rigid Tip
WARNING
Handle the probe with care to avoid injury, especially when it is fitted with the sharp rigid or spring tip.

16 N2797A User’s Guide
1Using the Probe
6 cm Y-Leads with 0.1” Headers
The short 6 cm long Y-leads offer a convenient and reliable
method to connect both the probe signal and ground to probe
points on the board via or the solderable pins that are provided
with each probe. The sockets accept 0.56 to 0.86 mm round and
0.64 mm square (0.022 to 0.034 inch round and 0.025 inch
square) diameter pins. The maximum insertion depth is 7.5 mm
(0.295 inch) and the outer insulation of the socket is less than
2.54 mm. You can use it for 2.54 mm pitch (0.1 inch) terminals. The bandwidth with
accessory is 1.0 GHz.
Figure 5 Probe with Y-Leads Attached

Using the Probe 1
N2797A User’s Guide 17
Solderable Tip with Right-Angle Ground
The solderable pin and right-angle ground provide hands free probing at
extreme temperatures. Solder the tip on the printed-circuit board as shown in
Figure 6 and then slip the probe onto the free end of the solderable pin. The
bandwidth with accessory is 800 MHz.
Figure 6 Placing the Probe Onto the Solderable Tip
NOTE
The longer right-angle ground lead introduces increased inductance in the ground path.
Therefore, keep the right-angle ground lead as straight as possible for maximum
measurement bandwidth. Loops and bends in the ground lead, as shown in this picture, can
reduce the measurement bandwidth.

18 N2797A User’s Guide
1Using the Probe
9 cm Y-Leads with 0.1” Headers
Like the 6 cm Y-leads, the 9 cm Y-leads offer a convenient and
reliable method to connect both the probe signal and ground to
probe points on the board via or the solderable pins that are provided
with each probe. The added convenience of the longer leads results
in a slightly reduced bandwidth. The bandwidth with accessory is
800 MHz.
The sockets accept 0.56 to 0.86 mm round and 0.64 mm square (0.022 to 0.034 inch round
and 0.025 inch square) diameter pins. The maximum insertion depth is 7.5 mm (0.295 inch)
and the outer insulation of the socket is less than 2.54 mm. You can use it for 2.54 mm pitch
(0.1 inch) terminals.
Figure 7 Probe with Y-Leads Attached

Using the Probe 1
N2797A User’s Guide 19
Y-Lead with Flexible Nose Clips and Pico Hooks
You can use flexible nose clips and Pico hook clips to make connections to components or
wires with leads that are 1.01 mm (0.04 inches) in diameter or smaller. With today’s
miniature IC- and component-packaging techniques, these clips can make probing
challenging devices much easier. The bandwidth with accessory is 500 MHz.
Figure 8 Flexible Nose and Pico Hook Clips
Most users prefer to attach the clips to the probe via the Y-lead adapter as shown in the
picture below. Press the back of the clip to extend the grasping hook and then release to
tighten the hook around the component you are testing.
Figure 9 Probe with Flexible Nose Clips Attached
CAUTION
The clips have an ambient operating temperature range of –20°C to +80°C (–4°F to +176°F). This is a
slightly reduced range compared to the probe.

20 N2797A User’s Guide
1Using the Probe
Dynamic Range and Offset Voltage Limitations
With the 16Vpp (±8V) of dynamic range and ±12V of offset range, the probes have a wide
measuring range of ±20V, which allows them to be used for a wide variety of applications.
For example, if you wanted to measure small AC noise riding on top of a +10V DC signal,
you could use DC offset to position the signal at the center of the screen to keep the probe
within its dynamic range. You could then zoom in to see the detail at a higher resolution.
Trying to measure a signal out of the dynamic range may result in a clipped or distorted
waveform.
Figure 10 Dynamic Range and Offset Limits