LeCroy ZS1000 User manual

ZS1000
High Impedance Active Probe
Instruction Manual
February 2007

Warranty
LeCroy warrants this oscilloscope accessory for normal use and operation within specification for a period of
one year from the date of shipment. Spare parts, replacement parts and repairs are warranted for 90 days.
In exercising its warranty, LeCroy, at its option, will either repair or replace any assembly returned within its
warranty period to the Customer Service Department or an authorized service center. However, this will be
done only if the product is determined by LeCroy’s examination to be defective due to workmanship or materi-
als, and the defect is not caused by misuse, neglect, accident, abnormal conditions of operation, or damage
resulting from attempted repair or modifications by a non-authorized service facility.
The customer will be responsible for the transportation and insurance charges for the return of products to the
service facility. LeCroy will return all products under warranty with transportation charges prepaid.
This warranty replaces all other warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to any implied war-
ranty of merchantability, fitness or adequacy for any particular purposes or use. LeCroy shall not be liable for
any special, incidental, or consequential damages, whether in contract or otherwise.
Corporate Headquarters
700 Chestnut Ridge Road
Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977-6499
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]
Internet: www.lecroy.com
Copyright 2007 by LeCroy Corporation. All rights reserved.
LeCroy, ActiveDSO, JitterTrack, WavePro, WaveMaster, WaveSurfer, WaveLink, WaveExpert, WaveJet, and
Waverunner are registered trademarks of LeCroy Corporation. Other product or brand names are trademarks
or requested trademarks of their respective holders. Information in this publication supersedes all earlier ver-
sions. Specifications subject to change without notice.
LeCroy products are covered by International and U.S. patents, issued and pending.
ZS1000-OM-E Rev C
914903-00 Rev A
Manufactured under an
ISO 9000 Registered
Quality Management Sys-
tem
Visit www.lecroy.com to view
the certificate.
This electronic product is subject
to disposal and recycling regula-
tions that vary by country and
region. Many countries prohibit the
disposal of waste electronic equip-
ment in standard waste recepta-
cles.
For more information about proper
disposal and recycling of your
LeCroy product, please visit
www.lecroy.com/recycle.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
according to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014:1998
Manufacturer’s Name: LeCroy Corporation
Manufacturer’s Address: 700 Chestnut Ridge Road
Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977
USA
herewith declare that
Product(s) Name: Active Voltage Probe
Model Number(s): ZS1000, ZS1500
including all their options are in conformity with the provisions of the following EC directive(s), including
the latest amendments, and with national legislation implementing these directives:
73/23/EEC Low Voltage Directive
89/336/EEC EMC Directive
and that conformity with Council Directive 73/23/EEC is based on
EN 61010-1:2001 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement
control and laboratory use
and that conformity with Council Directive 89/336/EEC is based on
EN 61326/A3:2003 EMC requirements for electrical equipment for measurement
control and laboratory use
Emissions EN 55011/A2:2002 Conducted and Radiated Emissions
Immunity EN 61000-4-2/A2:2001 Electrostatic Discharge
EN 61000-4-3/A1:2003 RF Radiated Electromagnetic Field
By: DavidC.Graef European Contact:
Vice President & Chief Technology Officer Your local LeCroy Sales Office or
Place: LeCroy Corporation LeCroy Europe GmbH
700 Chestnut Ridge Road Waldhofer Str 104
Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977 D-69123 Heidelberg
USA Germany
Date: December 18, 2007 Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Warning: This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause
radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

iv ZS1000-OM-E Rev C
BLANK PAGE

Contents
ZS1000-OM-E Rev C v
ZS1000 Table of Contents
Safety Information
Operator Safety ................................................................1-1
Conventions Used in this Manual .....................................1-1
Overview
Product Description ..........................................................2-1
Key Benefits ......................................................................2-1
Standard Accessories .......................................................2-2
Optional Accessories ........................................................2-2
Features and Accessories
Probe Head .......................................................................3-1
Description of Standard and Optional Accessories ..........3-1
A. Tips........................................................................... 3-1
B. Grounds.................................................................... 3-3
C. Leads........................................................................ 3-6
Operation
Handling the Probe ...........................................................4-1
Connecting the Probe to the Test Instrument ...................4-1
Connecting the Probe to the Test Circuit ..........................4-1
Operation with a LeCroy Oscilloscope ..............................4-1
High Frequency Measurements
Input Loading ....................................................................5-1
Inductive Loading (Lead Length) ......................................5-1
Capacitive Loading ...........................................................5-2
Care and Maintenance
Cleaning ............................................................................6-1
Calibration Interval ............................................................6-1
Service Strategy ...............................................................6-1
Returning a Defective Probe .............................................6-1
Replacement Parts ...........................................................6-2

ZS1000 High Impedance Active Probe
vi ZS1000-OM-E Rev C
Performance Verification
Test Equipment Required .................................................7-1
Preliminary Procedure ......................................................7-2
Functional Check ..............................................................7-3
Procedure .........................................................................7-4
A. Output Zero Voltage .................................................7-4
B. LF Attenuation Accuracy...........................................7-4
Adjustment Procedure
Introduction .......................................................................8-1
Test Equipment Required .................................................8-1
Preliminary Procedure ......................................................8-2
Procedure .........................................................................8-3
A. Adjust Output Zero....................................................8-3
B. Verify Calibration ......................................................8-4
Specifications
Nominal Characteristics ....................................................9-1
Warranted Characteristics ................................................9-1
Typical Characteristics ......................................................9-1
Environmental Characteristics ..........................................9-2
Physical Characteristics ....................................................9-2
Compliance and Certifications ..........................................9-3
Appendix A
Performance Verification Test Record ............................. A-1
Equipment Used: ............................................................. A-2
ZS1000 Test Record ........................................................ A-2

Safety Information
ZS1000-OM-E Rev C 1–1
1 Safety Information
OPERATOR SAFETY
This symbol appears on the product:
This refers you to additional information contained in this manual. The
corresponding information in the manual is similarly denoted.
To avoid personal injury and to prevent fire or damage to the probe or
any products connected to it, review and comply with the following
safety precautions.
Connect to properly grounded instruments. This probe is to be only
used with test instruments with input connectors which the BNC shield
(ring) is connected to earth ground.
Connect the probe properly:
Connect the probe to the measurement instrument before con-
necting probe input to test circuit. Do not disconnect probe from
test instrument while the test leads are connected to a voltage
source.
Do not apply any potential to the input which exceeds the maxi-
mum ratings of the probe (section 9, "Specifications").
Comply with the voltage derating curve. When measuring high fre-
quency signals, be sure to comply with the voltage versus frequency
derating curve (section 9, "Specifications").
Do not use in wet or explosive atmospheres.
For indoor use only. This probe is intended for indoor use and should
be operated in a clean, dry, environment.
Do not use the probe if any part is damaged. All maintenance should
be referred to qualified service personnel.
Avoid physical injury. The probe tips are extremely sharp. Use care
when handling to prevent injury, including accidental skin puncture.

ZS1000 High Impedance Active Probe
1–2 ZS1000-OM-E Rev C
Use of the probe and or the test instrument it is connected to in a man-
ner not specified by the manufacturer may impair the protection mecha-
nisms.
CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL
The following conventions may appear in this manual:
Note
A Note contains information relating to the use of the product.
CAUTION
A Caution contains information that should be followed to avoid possible
damage to the probe or the products connected to it.
This symbol appears on the product:
This refers you to additional information contained in this manual. The
corresponding information in the manual is similarly denoted.
###

Overview
ZS1000-OM-E Rev C 2–1
2 Overview
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The 1 GHz ZS1000 is a small, high impedance active probe designed to
meet today’s increasing demand for measurements on a variety of test
points.
With low input capacitance and high input resistance, circuit loading is
minimized.
The ZS1000 can be used with LeCroy’s WaveSurfer, WaveRunner,
WaveMaster, and WavePro series platforms with firmware version 4.9.3
or later.
With the ProBus interface, the ZS1000 becomes an integral part of the
oscilloscope. The probe can be controlled from the oscilloscope’s front
panel. The oscilloscope provides power to the probe, so there is no
need for a separate power supply or batteries.
KEY BENEFITS
• High frequency performance
• Low input capacitance
• Wide dynamic range
• ProBus interface
• Four interchangeable tips for probing a variety of test points (one
standard, three optional accessories)

ZS1000 High Impedance Active Probe
2–2 ZS1000-OM-E Rev C
STANDARD ACCESSORIES
The ZS1000 probe is shipped with the following standard accessories:
Item: Quantity:
Straight Tip 4
Sprung Hook 2
Right Angle Connector 1
Offset Ground 2
Ground Blade 1
Copper Pad 2
Short Single lead 1
Long Single Lead 1
Instruction Manual 1
Certificate of calibration 1
Y-lead Adapter 1
Color Coding Rings 4 sets
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
The following items are available as optional accessories for the
ZS1000 probe:
IC Lead Tip
Discrete SMD Tip
Bent Sharp Tip
Bendable Pogo Ground
Ground Spring with Hook
Solder-in Ground
Square Pin Ground Spring
Short Right-angle Lead
Long Right-angle Lead
For part number information for standard and optional accessories refer
to, Care and Maintenance, Replaceable Parts List.
###

Features and Accessories
ZS1000-OM-E Rev C 3–1
3 Features and Accessories
The ZS1000 probe is provided with numerous features and accessories
to make probing and connecting to different test points easier than ever.
PROBE HEAD
The small, low mass probe
head is designed for ease of
use and high performance.
The probe tip socket fits eas-
ily onto 0.025 inch square
pins for direct access to test
points. Several different
adapters are available which
connect directly in the probe
socket.
The ground socket will accept
several different ground leads
to provide a short ground
path for high frequency per-
formance.
DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD AND OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
The following accessories can be pushed into the probe tip socket,
ground socket or any other socketed lead or adapter.
A. Tips
Straight Tip
Rugged tip designed to con-
nect to the smallest vias and
small test points. Fits in
either probe socket.
PK-ZS-001, package of 4

ZS1000 High Impedance Active Probe
3–2 ZS1000-OM-E Rev C
IC Lead Tip
Covered in insulation on all
sides (except for a small
edge), this tip was designed
to prevent shorting neighbor-
ing IC leads. The gold part of
the tip is not insulated and
should touch the IC lead to be
tested. It is one-size-fits-all
and will work with any IC lead
pitch. Fits in either probe
socket.
The IC Lead Tip is an
optional accessory for the
ZS1000.
PACC-PT003, package of 4
Discrete SMD Tip
The crescent shape of this tip
is designed to fit tightly on
capacitors, resistors, transis-
tors and other surface mount
components with discrete
leads. Fits in either probe
socket.
The SMD Discrete Tip is an
optional accessory for the
ZS1000.
PACC-PT004, package of 4

Features and Accessories
ZS1000-OM-E Rev C 3–3
Bent Sharp Tip
Made out of titanium, this tip
is ideal for situations that
require the user to hold the
probe parallel to the circuit
board under test. Also gives
the user more control when
holding the probe like a pen-
cil. Fits in either probe socket.
The Bent Sharp Tip is an
optional accessory for the
ZS1000.
PACC-PT005, package of 4
B. Grounds
Micro Clip (0.5 mm) Sprung Hook
A pincher-like spring hook tip
designed to hold onto fine
pitch leads and small compo-
nents, commonly found in
SMD ICs. Fits in either probe
socket, or can be used with a
lead.
The Sprung Hook is a stan-
dard accessory for the
ZS1000 and available in
black and red.
PK-ZS-007R, PK-ZS-007B,
package of 4 each

ZS1000 High Impedance Active Probe
3–4 ZS1000-OM-E Rev C
Ground Spring with Hook
A flexible spring connected to
a square pin that fits into
either of the probe head
sockets. Designed to be used
as a ground lead, there is a
hook on the end of the spring
so that it can probe general
circuits.
The Ground Spring with
Hook is an optional acces-
sory for the ZS1000.
PACC-LD001, package of 4
Square Pin Ground Spring
A flexible spring connected to
a square pin that fits into
either of the probe sockets.
Designed to be attached to a
square pin on the circuit
under test.
The square pin ground spring
is an optional accessory for
the ZS1000 probe.
PACC-LD002, package of 4

Features and Accessories
ZS1000-OM-E Rev C 3–5
Offset Ground
The offset pin is designed to
be attached to either socket
of the probe head. The offset
pin is the highest quality
grounding solution and is rec-
ommended in high frequency
applications.
The offset ground is designed to connect to the ground socket and
wrap around the probe head. This gives the ability to a probe signal
and ground that are extremely close together. The short length pro-
vides high-quality grounding for high-frequency applications.
PK-ZS-002, package of 4
Ground Blade and Copper Pad
The Ground Blade and
Copper Pad are intended to
work together for the best
grounding solution for prob-
ing an IC. The Ground
Blade is designed to pro-
vide a short, low induc-
tance ground path. The
Copper Pad is adhesive
backed to stick to the top of
an IC, and can then be sol-
dered to the IC ground.
The Copper Pad can also
be used with the Offset
Ground.
PK-ZS-008, package of 4
PK-ZS-009, package of 4

ZS1000 High Impedance Active Probe
3–6 ZS1000-OM-E Rev C
C. Leads
While longer leads provide greater flexibility when connecting the probe
to a circuit, the added inductance may degrade the fidelity of high fre-
quency signals. See Section 4 for additional information.
Short and Long Lead
This lead has a socket on one
end and a square pin on the
other to connect to the input
or ground socket of the probe
body, and may be used for
general purpose probing.
PK-ZS-003 (short),
PK-ZS-004 (long), packages
of 4
Y Lead Adapter
This lead is used for both
ground and input lead
simultaneously.
It has two sockets on one
end and two square pins on
the other and may be used
for general purpose prob-
ing.
PK-ZS-005, packages of 4
###

Operation
ZS1000-OM-E Rev C 4–1
4 Operation
HANDLING THE PROBE
Exercise care when handling and storing the probe. Always handle the
probe by the probe body or compensation box. Avoid putting excessive
strain or exposing the probe cable to sharp bends.
CONNECTING THE PROBE TO THE TEST INSTRUMENT
The ZS1000 probe has been designed for use with LeCroy’s
WaveSurfer, WaveRunner, WaveMaster, and WavePro platforms
equipped with the ProBus interface. When you attach the probe output
connector to the oscilloscope’s input connector, the oscilloscope will
recognize the probe, provide proper termination and activate the probe
control functions in the user interface.
CONNECTING THE PROBE TO THE TEST CIRCUIT
To maintain the high performance capability of the probe in
measurement applications, care must be exercised in connecting the
probe to the test circuit. Increasing the parasitic capacitance or
inductance in the input paths may introduce a “ring” or slow the rise time
of fast signals. Input leads which form a large loop area will pick up any
radiated electromagnetic field which passes through the loop and may
induce noise into the probe input.
Using one of the available accessories makes the ZS1000 probe with its
small profile and low mass head ideally suited for applications in dense
circuitry.
OPERATION WITH A LECROY OSCILLOSCOPE
When the ZS1000 probe is connected to any compatible LeCroy
oscilloscope, the displayed scale factor and measurement values will be
automatically adjusted.
Control through the oscilloscope’s interface can be found in the
Coupling menu of the channel to which the probe is connected.
Turning the Volts/Div knob will control the oscilloscope’s scale factor to
give full available dynamic range up to 2 V/div.
###

ZS1000 High Impedance Active Probe
4–2 ZS1000-OM-E Rev C
BLANK PAGE

High Frequency Measurements
ZS1000-OM-E Rev C 5–1
5 High Frequency Measurements
INPUT LOADING
When you touch a probe to the circuit under test, the probe will affect
your measurement because of the probe’s input impedance introduced
into the circuit. All probes present resistive, capacitive and inductive
loading.
INDUCTIVE LOADING (LEAD LENGTH)
A significant element in this circuit is the inductance shown in the input
ground leads of the oscilloscope probe.
Figure 5-1. Probe Input Equivalent Circuit
The ground lead is the primary return path for the current resulting from
the input voltage acting on the probe’s input impedance. The ground
lead and input lead inductances act with the probe’s input capacitance
to form series L-C network. The impedance of a series LC network will
drop dramatically at its resonant frequency. This is the cause of the
"ring" we often see after the leading edge of pulses in measured wave-
forms. This effect is referred to as ground lead corruption. Because it is
impossible to eliminate either the L or C from this circuit, the method to
improve waveform fidelity is to raise the resonant frequency beyond the
bandwidth of interest in the measurement.
The resonant frequency of a simple LC circuit can be represented by:
FResonance
1
2πLC
------------------
=

ZS1000 High Impedance Active Probe
5–2 ZS1000-OM-E Rev C
The resonant frequency of a series LC circuit can be raised by decreas-
ing the inductance, capacitance or both.
Since the input capacitance is already very low and cannot be reduced,
you can only try to reduce the inductance. This can be accomplished by
using the shortest possible input lead as well as the shortest possible
ground lead.
For example, to obtain the shortest possible ground lead when measur-
ing IC related signals, attach a small piece of copper clad material to the
top of the IC package and connect this to the package grounding wires.
Using the shortest ground lead and input lead available makes probing
signals on the package easier and makes for the shortest lead length for
the best signal fidelity.
To illustrate how dramatic this effect is, we will work a simple example.
Assuming an input capacitance of 0.9 pF and a total lead length (input
and ground) of 2 inches (inductance of ≈25 nH/inch) such a setup may
cause ringing with a resonant frequency (f0) of:
This frequency is well within the passband of the probe and will there-
fore show up as part of the measured signal at faster time/div settings.
To determine how fast a waveform to be measured can be without caus-
ing ringing on a probe like this, divide the BW (ringing frequency) of the
probe into 0.35:
Any input signal with a rise time faster than 0.47 ns can cause ringing.
CAPACITIVE LOADING
Capacitive loading is usually the most troublesome of the three loading
effects.
It can affect the rise time, bandwidth and delay time measurements.
f0
1
2π50 10 9– 0.9 10 12– ×××
------------------------------------------------------------------- 750 MHz==
trise
0.35
BW
---------- 0.35
750MHz
--------------------- 0.47 ns== =