PMK dataTec FireFly FF-1500 User manual

Instruction Manual
FireFly®
High Voltage Optically-Isolated Probe
with Universal BNC Interface
>1.5 GHz, >180dB CMRR
Preliminary
DE | EN
Ihr Ansprechpartner /
Your Partner:
dataTec AG
E-Mail: [email protected]
>>> www.datatec.eu

FireFly®Instruction Manual
2
Copyright © 2023 PMK - All rights reserved.
Manufacturer
PMK Mess- und Kommunikationstechnik GmbH
Königsteiner Str. 98
65812 Bad Soden, Germany
Tel: [phone]
Internet: www.pmk.de
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Warranty
PMK warrants this product for normal use and operation within specifications for a period of one year
from date of shipment and will repair or replace any defective product, which was not damaged by
negligence, misuse, improper installation, accident or unauthorized repair or modification by the buyer.
This warranty is applicable only to defects due to material or workmanship. PMK disclaim any other
implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. PMK will not be liable for any
indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including damages for loss of profits, loss of
business, loss of use or data, interruption of business and the like), even if PMK has been advised of
the possibility of such damages arising from any defect or error in this manual or product.

FireFly®Instruction Manual
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Table of Contents
Manufacturer ...................................................................................................................................... 2
Warranty ............................................................................................................................................. 2
Compliance Information ...................................................................................................................... 4
IEC Pollution Degrees ......................................................................................................................... 5
IEC Safety Symbols ............................................................................................................................ 5
Safety and Handling Information ......................................................................................................... 6
Safety and Handling Information (Continued) ...................................................................................... 7
Lithium-Ion 18650 Battery Charging and Storage Information ........................................................ 7
Clearance Requirements ............................................................................................................... 8
About FireFly® ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Factory Calibration .............................................................................................................................. 9
Specifications ................................................................................................................................... 10
Electrical Specifications1 .............................................................................................................. 10
Electrical Specifications (Continued) ........................................................................................... 11
Environmental Specifications ....................................................................................................... 12
Physical Specifications ................................................................................................................. 12
Dimensions .................................................................................................................................. 12
Typical Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR) .......................................................................... 13
Typical Maximum Differential Input Voltage (CW) ........................................................................ 13
Typical Frequency Response ....................................................................................................... 14
Typical Pulse Response ............................................................................................................... 14
Typical Differential Input Impedance ............................................................................................ 15
User Interface ................................................................................................................................... 15
Interface Box Controls & Indicators .............................................................................................. 15
Probe Status Indicator.................................................................................................................. 16
Probe Head Battery Level Indicators ............................................................................................ 16
Probe Head Power ON/OFF Button ............................................................................................. 16
Auto-Zero Button.......................................................................................................................... 16
Remote Interface .............................................................................................................................. 17
Getting Started.................................................................................................................................. 17
Cable Selection ............................................................................................................................ 17
Probe Setup ................................................................................................................................. 17
Connection to the Test Points (Circuit-Under-Test) ...................................................................... 18
Making the Measurement ............................................................................................................. 19
Scope of Delivery .............................................................................................................................. 19
Ordering Information ......................................................................................................................... 20

FireFly®Instruction Manual
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Compliance Information
The FireFly® probing system complies with the following relevant union harmonization legislation, safety
and environmental standards. Only professionals and qualified personnel should use this product.
Serious injury or death may occur as result of incorrect usage of this product.
Probe
•IEC/EN 61010-1:2010 - Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control
and Laboratory Use, Part 1: General Requirements
•IEC/EN 60825–1 - Safety of Laser Products Part 1: Equipment Classification and Requirements
-Edition 3 (2014)
•US 21CFR Part 1010 - Performance Standards for Electronic Products: General
•US 21CFR Part 1040 - Performance Standards for Light- Emitting Products
•Laser Certification: Class 1 Laser Product
This product complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 except for deviations pursuant to Laser
Notice No. 50, dated June 24, 2007.
CAUTION. Use of controls or adjustments for performance of procedures other than those
specified herein may result in hazardous exposure.
Battery
•EU model: CE conform. More information follow soon.
•US model: UL conform. More information follow soon.
•Asian model: PSE conform. More information follow soon.

FireFly®Instruction Manual
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IEC Pollution Degrees
Definitions and Examples:
Overview of measurement categories according to IEC 61010-01
O = No Measurement Category (Other circuits that are not directly connected to mains)
Pollution Degree 1
No POLLUTION or only dry, non conductive POLLUTION. NOTE: The
POLLUTION has no influence.
Pollution Degree 2
Only- non conductive POLLUTION. Occasionally, however, a temporary
conductivity caused by condensation must be accepted.
Pollution Degree 3
Conductive POLLUTION occurs or dry, non-conductive POLLUTION
occurs which becomes conductive due to condensation which is to be
expected.
IEC Safety Symbols
The following symbols may appear on the product or in this instruction manual:
Caution, risk of danger. Refer to manual.
Caution, risk of electric shock.
Earth (ground) TERMINAL.

FireFly®Instruction Manual
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Safety and Handling Information
The probe head, tip cables and accessories are NOT for hand-held use. The overall safety of any
measurement setup incorporating this probe is the responsibility of the user.
The probe head is optically isolated and galvanically isolated from the measuring
system and earth ground.
To avoid personal injury and to prevent fire or damage to this product or products
connected to it, review and comply with the following safety precautions. Be aware that if
you use this probe assembly in a manner not specified the protection this product provides
may be impaired. Only qualified personnel should use this probe assembly.
Beware of High Voltages.
Observe probe and probe accessory ratings. Do not apply any electrical potential to the
probe input, which exceeds the maximum ratings of the probe head, tip cables or the
accessories connected to it. In a combination, the lower rating / measurement category
applies to both the probe and accessories connected to it. Make sure to comply with the
voltage versus frequency derating curve.
Do not connect the probe head/tip cable to an energized circuit to avoid the risk of shock.
Always de-energize the circuit-under-test before installing or removing the probe head or
tip cable from the circuit-under-test. The plastic case of the probe head and insulating
sleeve on the tip cable do not supply adequate isolation
Keep away from hazardous live circuits.
Avoid open circuitry. Do not touch connections or components when power is present.
Maintain safe clearance from the Probe Head and Tip Cable while connected to the
energized circuit
Avoid unnecessary stress.
The small electrical components of the probe are sensitive to shock and impact. Avoid any
unnecessary stress to the probe like throwing, falling and strong vibrations.
The FireFly® fiber cable between the probe head and the interface box contains multiple
optical fibers. Avoid tight radius bends, crushing, crimping, twisting, or otherwise stressing
of the fiber cable. Do not crush, crimp, twist, pull, jerk or sharply bend the fiber-optic cable.
Avoid making loops in the fiber-optic cable smaller than 12.7cm (5in).
Avoid over-bending the Probe Head's Tip Cables; do not exceed the minimum bend radius
of 5cm (2in).
Keep products clean and dry.
Remove all connections of the probe before cleaning. Keep the fiber cable clean and free
from contaminants in order to maintain the 60kV common mode voltage rating.
Inspect the fiber cable for dirt, contaminants or damage before each use and clean using
a dry, lint-free cloth. If dirt remains, use a soft cloth or swab dampened with a 75%
isopropyl alcohol solution and rinse with deionized water. A swab is useful for cleaning
narrow spaces, use only enough solution to dampen the swab or cloth. Do not use
abrasive compounds on any part of the probe.
Do not use chemical cleaning agents; they may damage the probe. Avoid using chemicals
that contain benzine, benzene, toluene, xylene, acetone, or similar solvents.
Continues on next page.

FireFly®Instruction Manual
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Safety and Handling Information (Continued)
Do not operate with suspected failures.
Refer to qualified service personnel.
Do not operate in wet or damp conditions.
Condensation may occur if a unit is moved from a cold to a warm environment.
Do not operate the product in an explosive atmosphere.
Connect and disconnect properly.
The circuit-under-test MUST BE DE-ENERGIZED (TURNED OFF) when handling,
connecting & disconnecting the probe head, tip cables or accessories to the circuit.
Use ONLY non-conductive probe head & tip holders.
Use only PMK recommended 18650 batteries in the probe head.
Avoid applying an input signal without batteries in the probe head.
Use only the originally provided carry case to store or transport the probe not in use.
If the probe is no longer being used, and before the probe is placed back into the probe
case, remove the battery from the probe head for storage.
Lithium-Ion 18650 Battery Charging and Storage Information
For optimal charging, the ambient temperature during charging should be 24±2.5°C. Batteries should
be stored in a dry, room temperature space. Avoid any situations that might subject the batteries to
either extreme cold or heat. Between the range of -20°C to +50°C (-4°F to +122°F) is sufficient but the
most optimal storage temperature is somewhere around 77°F or 25°C.
Before handling the probe head to change the battery, make sure the circuit under test
has been de-energized or has been disconnected from the circuit-under-test.
Use ONLY the PMK recommended 18650 batteries, in the probe head. If using a battery with a built in
USB charge port, connect the appropriate USB cable and connect to a USB port on the oscilloscope,
AC power adaptor or PC. Use only the PMK recommended charger.
Charging times will vary based on the battery and the charger used.
Observe battery safety: The FireFly®probe head is powered by a user-replaceable 18650
rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery.
To avoid personal injury or property damage due to electrical burst, smoke, fire or explosions,
please operate the probe within the specified operating conditions.
Do not drop the probe or subject it to strong impacts.
Do not use the probe if it has been damaged in any way.

FireFly®Instruction Manual
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Clearance Requirements
The probing system can be used for very high common mode voltages. Observe all pre-cautions and
information from the manual when using this product. See also the specifications and referring derating
curves in this manual.
Maintain at least 1m (40in) safe clearance of the probe head, tip cable and tip cable
accessories in all directions when connected to an energized circuit.
RF burn hazard zone around the probe head and tip cable
Maximum Safe Handling Limits
Common Mode Voltage (Probe Head to Earth Ground)
1 6,00E+04 4,24E+04 4,24E+04
1,00E+01 6,00E+04 4,24E+04 4,24E+04
1,00E+02 6,00E+04 4,24E+04 4,24E+04
1,00E+03 6,00E+04 4,24E+04 4,24E+04
1,00E+04 6,00E+04 4,24E+04 4,24E+04
1,00E+05 6,00E+04 4,24E+04 4,24E+04
8,00E+05 6,00E+04 4,24E+04 4,24E+04
1,00E+06 6,00E+04 4,24E+04 4,24E+04
2,00E+06 6,00E+04 4,24E+04 3,00E+04
3,40E+06 6,00E+04 4,24E+04 2,00E+04
5,00E+06 6,00E+04 4,24E+04 1,30E+04
6,50E+06 6,00E+04 4,24E+04 1,00E+04
1,20E+07 6,00E+04 4,24E+04 5,60E+03
2,00E+07 6,00E+04 4,24E+04 3,50E+03
1,00E+08 6,00E+04 4,24E+04 7,00E+02
1,00E+09 6,00E+04 4,24E+04 1,00E+02
1,50E+09 6,00E+04 4,24E+04 2,50E+01
2,00E+09 6,00E+04 4,24E+04 1,00E+01
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
110 100 1000 10000 100000 1000000 10000000 100000000 1E+09
Common Mode Voltage [kV]
Frequency [Hz] -Continuous Wave
Common Mode Voltage [V
PEAK
]
Common Mode Voltage [VRMS]
RF Burn Area
1m (40in)
Away from
Probe Head
1 10 100 1k 10k 100k 1M 10M 100M 1G
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FireFly®Instruction Manual
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About FireFly®
The FireFly® high voltage optically isolated probe offers industry leading performance that combines the
ability to accurately resolve high bandwidth, small differential signals in the presence of large common
mode voltages with its ultra-high common mode rejection performance across its entire bandwidth. With
>1.5GHz bandwidth, wide differential input range, unmatched common mode rejection ratio CMRR up
to >180dB (1 billion to 1 rejection), and a 60kV common mode, FireFly® is the ideal measurement
solution for both GaN and SiC device characterization and system level design development.
PMK‘s optically isolated interface and unique compact angled probe head design are the key attributes
that set FireFly® apart from the other solutions in the market, providing very stable and accurate
measurements over a wide temperature range and easy access to the measurement points in tight
spaces.
The compact angled probe head design allows for shorter tip cables to be used, resulting in higher
signal fidelity measurements and reduced stresses placed on the measurement test point. FireFly®‘s
wide selection of probe tip connections and accessories offer reliable, hands-free, high-fidelity
connectivity to the measurement points. Using industry standard MMCX and square pins connections
allow FireFly® to easily interface to test boards that have already been design with these test points.
The FireFly® probe head is powered by an easy to change, rechargeable, industry standard 18650
battery that provides continuous operation for up to 30h at room temperature. FireFly® has a universal
BNC output connector and is compatible with any oscilloscope with a 50Ω input impedance or 1MΩ
input impedance and a 50Ω feed-through termination, allowing FireFly® to be used on any oscilloscope
in the lab. For accurate deskew, each probe‘s unique propagation delay is measured and added to each
probe label.
Coming soon: FireFly® series will have the capability to be controlled from either remote control or the
controls located on the interface box. The „PMK Probe Control“ software provides the ability for the user
to control the probe remotely via a computer, and provides the user with a graphical user interface. The
software is free of charge, and included with PMK’s 2ch and 4ch power supplies PS2 and PS3, which
are required to power the probe. The PS2 and PS3 power supplies all have a USB interface and are
available with optional LAN interface. The new AP-01, 1 channel battery pack power supply, provides
> 8h of portable and isolated operation, which allows the user the flexibility of where the probe can be
used. The AP-01 supplies power only to the probe with no software remote control.
Factory Calibration
Annual re-calibration is recommended. ISO17025 calibration upon delivery or as re-calibration will be
possible on request.

FireFly®Instruction Manual
10
Specifications
Read the Instruction Manual before first use, and keep it for future reference. A digital copy of the latest
Instruction Manual revision can be downloaded at www.pmk.de
Specifications that are marked with * are guaranteed, others are typical. Do not exceed specifications.
Allow the probe to warm up for 20 minutes. The probe head and tip cables are not for handheld use.
The probe can be used without the probe tip. To achieve the most accurate measurement results,
review the “Getting Started” section in the Instruction Manual. This probe comes with 1 year warranty.
Electrical Specifications1
Observe adequate spacing between probe head components and earth ground. This product is not
rated for CAT II, III or IV. Do not exceed the specifications. Use original PMK power supplies only.
FireFly®
Bandwidth *
(-3dB)
Rise time *
(10% - 90%)
Input
Attenuation
Input Impedance 2
SMA Input
> 1.5 GHz
<280 ps
1X
200 kΩ || 4.0 pF
FF-MMCX-1V
> 1.5 GHz
<280 ps
1X
50 Ω 3
FF-MMCX-10V
> 1.3 GHz
<280 ps
10X
2 MΩ || 3.4 pF
FF-MMCX-25V
> 1.3 GHz
<280 ps
25X
4.9 MΩ || 2.1 pF
FF-MMCX-50V
> 1.3 GHz
<280 ps
50X
10 MΩ || 2 pF
FF-MMCX-250V
TBD
TBD
250X
TBD
FF-WSQ-500V
TBD
TBD
500X
TBD
FF-WSQ-1000V
TBD
TBD
1000X
TBD
FF-WSQ-2500V
TBD
TBD
2500X
TBD
See next page for more Electrical Specifications and footnotes.
Maximum Rated Input Voltages 4
Common Mode Voltage 5
(Maximum Voltage to Earth)
± 60 kV (DC + Peak AC)
No Measurement Category
Linear Input
Voltage Range
(DC + Peak AC) 2
Maximum Non-Destruct Differential
Input Voltage
(DC + Peak AC) 2
SMA Input
± 1 V
5 V
FF-MMCX-1V
± 1 V
5 V
FF-MMCX-10V
±10 V
50 V
FF-MMCX-25V
± 25 V
100 V
FF-MMCX-50V
± 50 V
100 V
FF-MMCX-250V
± 250 V
TBD
FF-WSQ-500V
± 500 V
TBD
FF-WSQ-1000V
± 1000 V
TBD
FF-WSQ-2500V
± 2500 V
TBD
Pollution Degree
2

FireFly®Instruction Manual
11
Electrical Specifications (Continued)
Common Mode
Rejection Ratio
DC
1 MHz
100 MHz
200 MHz
500 MHz
1 GHz
SMA Input
> 180 dB
165 dB
110 dB
100 dB
90 dB
90 dB
FF-MMCX-1V
> 180 dB
145 dB
95 dB
85 dB
90 dB
90 dB
FF-MMCX-10V
> 180 dB
145 dB
85 dB
82 dB
80 dB
65 dB
FF-MMCX-25V
> 180 dB
142 dB
78 dB
75 dB
76 dB
58 dB
FF-MMCX-50V
> 180 dB
135 dB
75 dB
70 dB
70 dB
50 dB
FF-MMCX-250V
> 180 dB
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
FF-WSQ-500V
> 180 dB
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
FF-WSQ-1000V
> 180 dB
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
FF-WSQ-2500V
> 180 dB
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
DC Gain Accuracy
< 2 % ± DC Offset voltage - preliminary
Noise (input referred)
SMA Input (1X): < 2 mV rms
With tip cable: (SMA Input noise) · (Tip cable input attenuation) 7
scales proportionally to tip attenuation
DC Offset Voltage
(input referred)
SMA Input (1X): < 1.5 mV (After Auto-Zero)
With tip cable: (SMA Input offset voltage) · (Tip cable input attenuation) 8
scales proportionally to tip attenuation
Propagation Delay
2 m fiber cable: 15 ns
The probe specific value is measured and printed on interface box label,
tip cable approx. 500 ps
Battery Life
> 30 h @ 22 ⁰C – 25 °C, > 20 h @ 0 ⁰C, >4 h @ 50 ⁰C
Dependent on probe head operating temperature
(Continuous Operation)
Output Termination
& Coupling
50 Ω DC
Battery Type
Protected 18650 Li-Ion, Rechargeable, 3.7V Certified
Laser Certification
Laser Class 1
IEC/EN 60825-1:2014, US 21CFR Part 1010, US 21CFR Part 1040
Notes:
* Guaranteed specification
¹ Determined when using a PS-02 power supply at +23°C ambient temperature.
2 For input voltage and input impedance derating graphs review the FireFly® instruction manual.
3 Terminated, 50 Ω transmission line.
4 as defined in IEC 61010-1. Rated for indoor, dry location use only.
5 Galvanically isolated FireFly® probe head through fiber optic connection.
6 CMRR performance is >180dB below 500kHz. See CMRR graph.
7 Example: 10x tip FF-MMCX-10V noise = 10x SMA input noise.
8 Example: 10x tip FF-MMCX-10V offset = 10x SMA input offset.

FireFly®Instruction Manual
12
Environmental Specifications
Parameter
Specification
Temperature
Range
Operating
Probe Head
0 ⁰C to +50 ⁰C
Interface Box
0 ⁰C to +40 ⁰C
Tip Cables &
Adapters
-40 ⁰C to +85 ⁰C
Non-Operating
Probe Head &
Interface Box
-20 ⁰C to +71 ⁰C
Tip Cables &
Adapters
-40 ⁰C to +85 ⁰C
Maximum Relative
Humidity
Operating
Probe Head
5 % to 85 % RH (relative
humidity) at up to +40 °C, 5 % to
45 % RH above +40 °C up to
+50 °C, non-condensing
Interface Box
5 % to 85 % RH (relative
humidity) at up to +40 °C, non-
condensing
Non-Operating
Tip Cables &
Adapters
5% to 85% RH (relative
humidity) at up to +85 °C, non-
condensing
Probe Head &
Interface Box
5 % to 85 % RH (relative
humidity) at up to +40° C, 5 % to
45 % RH above +40° C up to
+71° C, non-condensing
Maximum Altitude
Operating
3000 m (9843 ft)
Non-Operating
15000 m (49213 ft)
Physical Specifications
Parameter
Specification
Weight
Probe
325 g
Tip Cable
11 g
Length
Tip Cable
9.5 cm (3.74")
Fiber Cable
2 m (6.56 ft)
Connectors
Probe
Input: SMA (Female) – Probe Head
Output: BNC (Male) - Interface Box
Dimensions
The dimensions shown are in mm. Drawings from the probe tips are coming soon. If the needed
drawing is missing, please contact us via [e-mail]

FireFly®Instruction Manual
13
Typical Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR)
Typical Maximum Differential Input Voltage (CW)
Note that the maximum input voltage rating of the probe decreases as the frequency of the
applied signal increases.
The maximum input voltage derating is coming soon.

FireFly®Instruction Manual
14
Typical Frequency Response
Typical Pulse Response
The graphs are normalized to 1 for better comparison.

FireFly®Instruction Manual
15
Typical Differential Input Impedance
Note that the maximum input voltage rating of the probe decreases as the frequency of the
applied signal increases.
User Interface
Interface Box Controls & Indicators
Probe Status Indicator
Auto-Zero Button
Probe Head Battery Level Indicators
Bottom Battery Level Indicator
Probe Head Power ON/OFF Button

FireFly®Instruction Manual
16
Probe Status Indicator
Indicator
Status
Action/Information
Green
(Solid)
READY
Probe Head
Power ON
Successful powered up and probe head is on and warmed
up. Ready for measurements.
Green
(Blinking)
Auto-Zero In
Process
Auto-Zero is in process - Very fast. Probe head not ready.
De-energized circuit under test before performing an Auto-
Zero.
Red
(Solid)
Probe Head
Power OFF
Caution - Probe Head is powered OFF and not able to
pass a signal. Probe head not ready.
Yellow
(Solid)
Probe Head
Warm Up
Probe head has successfully powered up and warming up
Probe head not ready. Do not energize your circuit under
test.
Blue
(Solid)
Power Up
Powering up and running self-checks. Probe head not
ready. Do not energize your circuit under test.
Red
(Blinking)
Error
Condition
An error condition has occurred - Power cycle the probe &
check probe head battery. Probe head not ready. Do not
energize your circuit under test.
Probe Head Battery Level Indicators
The Battery Level Indicators will illuminate after the Probe Head is turned on.
Indicator
Status
Action/Information
Green
(Solid)
Normal Operation
1 - 4 Green LEDs
Ready for measurements. Four (4) Solid
Green LEDs indicates the battery is full and
One (1) Solid Green LED indicates the
battery will soon need to be replaced.
Bottom Green
(Blinking)
Low Battery
Battery replacement recommended.
Bottom Orange
(Blinking)
Low Battery
(Critical Warning)
Warning - Battery needs to be changed.
Bottom Red
(Blinking)
Empty or NO Battery
Installed
Action required: Probe Head is NO longer in
operation and passing a signal
- De-energize your circuit
- Check and replace battery
Probe Head Power ON/OFF Button
Turn the probe head ON before use and power OFF after use to conserve the battery. The Interface
Box will power up even if the probe head is in the Probe Head OFF mode. See Probe Status Indicator
Information.
When the Probe Head is in the OFF mode, the probe will not pass a signal.
Auto-Zero Button
Press the Auto-Zero Button on the probe interface box to remove any DC offset errors (drift) in the
probe's output. See Probe Status Indicator overview for more information.
Make sure the circuit-under-test is de-energized. No signal must be applied to probe tip.

FireFly®Instruction Manual
17
Remote Interface
COMING SOON: The "PMK Probe Control“ software, available free of charge, provides the ability for
the user to control the probe remotely via a computer, and provides the user with a graphical user
interface. Download: www.pmk.de/probecontrol
In order to achieve the highest CMRR and minimum CM loading, keep the probe head away from
surrounding metal or earth ground.
Getting Started
Read the Safety and Handling Information, the Specifications and the entire Instruction Manual before
first use, and keep them for future reference. A digital copy of the latest revision can be downloaded
at www.pmk.de
Cable Selection
Each tip cable has a set of labels on them that specify the linear input voltage range as well as the
attenuation factor to correctly setup the scale factor on the oscilloscope to display the correct signal
amplitudes. When selecting a tip cable for the measurement being made, consider the following criteria:
1) Maximum DC + AC peak voltage at the test point to be measured
2) Minimum differential loading (input resistance and capacitance) that test circuit can tolerate
3) Minimum needed sensitivity for the measurement (minimum V/div setting)
Probe Setup
1) Connect the FireFly®Interface Box to the BNC input of the oscilloscope or other measurement
system with either an internal or external 50Ω input termination. If using a tip cable, attach the tip
cable to the probe head SMA connector by turning it clockwise until fully tightened, so the tip cable
is secure and not loosen up when in use. Set the propagation delay on the oscilloscope to the
measured propagation value printed on the FireFly® Interface Box's label and add the tip
cable/accessory delay if one is used. Set the oscilloscope’s attenuation scale factor to the tip
cable's attenuation.
2) Connect the PMK Power Supply, model 2ch PS2, 4ch PS3 or battery pack AP-01, to the power
connector on the FireFly® Interface Box using a PMK Probe Connection Cable. Turn on the Power
Supply. The Interface Box Probe Status Indicator turns red and the Probe Head Battery Level
Indicators will light to indicate the probe head’s battery level.
The power supply pin assignment is different from other power supplies. Use only
original PMK power supplies with PMK probes.
Probe’s power supply pin assignment “cable view”
Before handling the probe head, tip cable or tip cable accessories, make sure the
circuit-under-test is either de-energized or not connected to the probe.

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3) Insert or Replace the battery
Open the probe head’s battery compartment by unscrewing the battery cap counter-clockwise.
Insert or replace the existing battery with a fully charged 18650 rechargeable battery, in order to
achieve the longest probe head operating time. Follow the polarity markings on the compartment.
Make sure that the positive end of the battery goes in first and the negative end of the battery is
facing out, towards the battery cap. Close the probe head’s battery compartment by screwing the
battery cap back onto the probe head in the clockwise direction and tighten.
4) Power ON/OFF the Probe Head
Press the Probe Head Power ON/OFF Button to turn on the probe head. Battery indicators will only
illuminate when the Probe Head Power is turned ON and will turn off when Probe Head Power is
turned OFF. Wait for the Probe Status Indicator on the interface box to turn green, which means
the probe is now ready to make a measurement.
5) Connect the insulating probe holder
Connect the probe head to the FireFly® probe holder by aligning the attachment interface and then
rotating it 90° to securely lock the probe head and holder together. If another probe holder is being
used, use non-conducting probe holders only.
Insert / remove probe
Make sure probe head is fully
inserted and seated into holder
Twist by 90°
to mount or unmount
6) Attach the probe tip cable or accessory input connector to the circuit-under-test. When using an
MMCX connector, insert the tip cable's MMCX plug straight into the mating socket until a “click”
sound occurs to indicate a proper connection between the plug and socket. When removing the tip
cable from the MMCX socket, grasp the tip cable's MMCX connector and pull straight out, taking
care not to wiggling the connector side-to-side to prevent excessive stresses on the socket and its
connection to the DUT.
7) Auto-Zero button
Press the Auto-Zero button on the interface box to remove any DC offset errors (drift) in the probe's
output.
8) Ready for making the measurements: Apply power to the circuit-under-test to begin making the
measurements. To achieve the most stable measurements, allow the probe to warm up for 20
minutes.
Connection to the Test Points (Circuit-Under-Test)
To achieve the best performance from the FireFly
®probe, use an MMCX
connector as close to the test point as possible. The MMCX connectors provide a compact footprint and
solid metal body that provide the best signal fidelity of the signal being measured as well as shielding
- +

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19
down as close as possible to the test point. This connection also provides a stable and repeatable
measurement.
To achieve the best electrical performance, especially the CMRR performance and EMI susceptibility,
place the probe tip adapter/accessories as close as possible to the circuit board.
To minimize the effects of common mode capacitive loading of the probe head/tip cable and maximum
CMR, consider the following items.
• Whenever possible, connect the coaxial (common) shield of the tip cable to the test point that has
the least dynamic signal, with respect to earth ground, relative to the tip cable signal (center) test
point in the circuit-under-test.
• The coaxial (common) shield of the tip cable and tip cable adapters should always be connected
to the lowest impedance point (usually a circuit common or power supply rail) in the circuit-under-
test (relative to the tip cable/center conductor) to obtain the most accurate waveform.
• Increasing the physical distance between the probe head/tip cable and any conductive surface
will reduce the parasitic capacitance.
Making the Measurement
Tips for making the highest signal fidelity measurements:
• To achieve the best CMRR performance, make sure to tighten the tip cable to probe SMA
connection.
• Measure as close as possible to the desired measurement point.
• Avoid fiber movement when making a precise measurement.
• If use a tip cable adapter/accessory with input leads, twist the input leads together to reduce
the input inductance and improve the CMRR of the test setup.
• Add external ferrite beads over the tip cable or adapter/accessory as close as possible to the
test points will improve the CMRR and common mode loading on the circuit-under-test.
Scope of Delivery
Not all required items are included in the scope of delivery of the base probe FireFly® FF-1500. See
Ordering Information to configure your individual probing solution and select a required PMK power
supply. The following accessories are included in the scope of delivery.
• FireFly® FF-1500 base Probe, ±1V input range
• 2x 18650 rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries
• USB Wall charger + USB cable (for battery charging) Charger type may vary by region
• Interface box probe connection cable (0.5m), 890-520-900
• Probe head holder 2-Footer (Bi-Pod), FF-2FOOTER
• Set cable coding rings (3x4 colors)
• Instruction Manual
The accessories for this probe series have been safety tested.
Do not use any other accessories, batteries or power supplies than what is recommended.

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20
Ordering Information
Step 1: Select Base Probe
FF-1500
FireFly® optical isolated probe, 1.5GHz, >180dB, 2m fiber cable (2 batteries and
2footer included, required power supply to be ordered separately)
Step 2: Select Probe Tip Cables
The probe tip cables are interchangeable without requiring any tools. The probe head SMA input range
is ±1V with no attenuation.
FF-MMCX-1V
FireFly® probe tip cable, MMCX, ±1V, >1.5GHz, 1x attenuation,
50Ω terminated for shunt measurements
FF-MMCX-10V
FireFly® probe tip cable, MMCX, ±10V, >1.3GHz, 10x attenuation
FF-MMCX-25V
FireFly® probe tip cable, MMCX, ±25V, >1.3GHz, 25x attenuation
FF-MMCX-50V
FireFly® probe tip cable, MMCX, ±50V, >1.3GHz, 50x attenuation
FF-MMCX-250V
FireFly® probe tip cable, MMCX, ±250V, TBD GHz, 250x attenuation
FF-WSQ-500V
FireFly® probe tip cable for 5.08mm square pins, ±500V, TBD GHz, 500x
attenuation
FF-WSQ-1000V
FireFly® probe tip cable for 5.08mm square pins, ±1000V, TBD GHz, 1000x
attenuation
FF-WSQ-2500V
FireFly® probe tip cable for 5.08mm square pins, ±2500V, TBD GHz, 2500x
attenuation
Step 3: Select Connectivity Accessories
Observe the frequency derating of each accessory. Observe maximum input voltage of the probe’s
input. Do not use any other accessories.
FF-SQ-MMCX5
5x MMCX to 2x 0.025'' (0.635mm) socket , -40°C to +125°C
FF-HTSPAD-MMCX3
3x MMCX solder-in cable adapter HT, 50Ω RF micro coax
to flex solder-in pad, -40°C to +155°C (green = 0Ω, yellow = 36Ω, red = 75Ω)
FF-HTS-MMCX2
2x MMCX solder-in cable adapter HT, MMCX socket with
50Ω RF micro coax cable and open end, -40°C to +155°C
FF-UFL-MMCX2
2x MMCX cable adapter, MMCX socket with 50Ω RF micro
coax cable to UF.L plug, -40°C to +125°C
FF-2XR-MMCX
MMCX to 2x XR Mini-Hook
Continues on next page.