R&S RT-ZC30 User manual

R&S®RT-ZC30
Current Probe
User Manual
1409787202
Version 04
(>9ÜÖ2)

This manual describes the following R&S products:
●R&S®RT-ZC30, Current Probe (1409.7772.02)
●R&S®RT-ZA13, Probe Power Supply (1409.7789.02)
© 2023 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
Muehldorfstr. 15, 81671 Muenchen, Germany
Phone: [phone] - 0
Email: [email protected]
Internet: www.rohde-schwarz.com
Subject to change – data without tolerance limits is not binding.
R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.
Trade names are trademarks of the owners.
1409.7872.02 | Version 04 | R&S®RT-ZC30
The following abbreviations are used in this manual: R&S®RT-ZC30 is abbreviated as R&S RT-ZC30.

Contents
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3User Manual 1409.7872.02 ─ 04
Contents
1 Safety and regulatory information....................................... 5
1.1 Safety instructions................................................................................5
1.2 Labels on the product.......................................................................... 7
1.3 Warning messages in the documentation.......................................... 8
2 Product description...............................................................9
2.1 Product overview.................................................................................. 9
2.2 Key features.......................................................................................... 9
2.3 Unpacking and checking......................................................................9
2.4 Description of the probe.................................................................... 10
2.4.1 Probe overview..................................................................................... 10
2.4.2 Terminator............................................................................................. 11
2.4.3 Sensor...................................................................................................12
2.4.4 Key and LEDs....................................................................................... 13
3 Connecting the probe..........................................................15
3.1 Handling the probe............................................................................. 15
3.2 Connecting the probe to the power supply......................................16
3.3 Connecting the probe to the oscilloscope....................................... 17
3.4 Setting up and demagnetizing...........................................................18
3.5 Connecting the probe to the DUT......................................................19
3.6 Disconnecting the probe from the DUT............................................ 21
3.7 Considerations for measurements....................................................21
4 Troubleshooting...................................................................25
5 Maintenance and service.................................................... 27
5.1 Cleaning...............................................................................................27

Contents
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5.2 Contacting customer support............................................................27
5.3 Returning for servicing...................................................................... 28
5.4 Calibration interval............................................................................. 28
5.5 Storage and transport........................................................................ 29
5.6 Disposal............................................................................................... 29
6 R&S RT-ZA13 probe power supply.................................... 31

Safety and regulatory information
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5User Manual 1409.7872.02 ─ 04
1 Safety and regulatory information
The product documentation helps you to use the product safely and efficiently.
Follow the instructions provided here and in the Chapter 1.1, "Safety instructions",
on page 5.
Intended use
The product is intended for the development, production and verification of elec-
tronic components and devices in industrial, administrative, and laboratory envi-
ronments. Use the product only for its designated purpose. Observe the operating
conditions and performance limits stated in the data sheet.
Where do I find safety information?
Safety information is part of the product documentation. It warns you of potential
dangers and gives instructions on how to prevent personal injury or damage
caused by dangerous situations. Safety information is provided as follows:
●In Chapter 1.1, "Safety instructions", on page 5. The same information is
provided in many languages as printed "Safety Instructions". The printed
"Safety Instructions" are delivered with the product.
●Throughout the documentation, safety instructions are provided when you
need to take care during setup or operation.
1.1 Safety instructions
Products from the Rohde & Schwarz group of companies are manufactured
according to the highest technical standards. To use the products safely, follow
the instructions provided here and in the product documentation. Keep the prod-
uct documentation nearby and offer it to other users.
Use the product only for its intended use and within its performance limits. Inten-
ded use and limits are described in the product documentation such as the data
sheet, manuals and the printed "Safety Instructions". If you are unsure about the
appropriate use, contact Rohde & Schwarz customer service.
Using the product requires specialists or specially trained personnel. These users
also need sound knowledge of at least one of the languages in which the user
interfaces and the product documentation are available.
Safety instructions

Safety and regulatory information
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Reconfigure or adjust the product only as described in the product documentation
or the data sheet. Any other modifications can affect safety and are not permitted.
Never open the casing of the product. Only service personnel authorized by
Rohde & Schwarz are allowed to repair the product. If any part of the product is
damaged or broken, stop using the product. Contact Rohde & Schwarz customer
service at https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/support.
In these safety instructions, the term "product" covers instruments (oscillo-
scopes), probes and their accessories.
Choosing the operating site
Only use the product indoors. The product casing is not waterproof. Water that
enters can electrically connect the casing with live parts, which can lead to elec-
tric shock, serious personal injury or death if you touch the casing. If
Rohde & Schwarz provides accessories designed for outdoor use of your product,
e.g. a protective cover, you can use the product outdoors.
Unless otherwise specified in the data sheet, you can operate the product up to
an altitude of 2000 m above sea level.
The product is suitable for pollution degree 2 environments where nonconductive
contamination can occur. For more information on environmental conditions such
as ambient temperature and humidity, see the data sheet.
Performing measurements
Take the following measures for your safety:
●Observe all voltage and current ratings of the instrument, the probes, and the
accessories. Exceeding the allowed limits can lead to an electric shock.
Limits and ratings are marked on the products and listed in the data sheets.
Consider that the rated values depend on the frequency. The limitation curves
or values are provided in the data sheet.
●Never cause any short circuits when measuring sources with high output cur-
rents.
●When working with current probes, observe the additional operating condi-
tions specified in these safety instructions.
●Prevent the probe from receiving mechanical shock. Avoid putting excessive
strain on the probe cable or exposing it to sharp bends. Touching a broken
cable during measurements can cause injuries.
●Set up all probe connections to the instrument before applying power.
Safety instructions

Safety and regulatory information
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Working with current probes
When working with current probes, you can measure high-frequency currents or
currents that contain high-frequency components.
●Switch off the test circuit while connecting the probe.
●Do not attach the clamp to bare unisolated conductors. To avoid injury from a
short circuit, measure at a location on an insulated wire where the insulation is
sufficient for the circuit voltage.
●Connect the probe only to the secondary side of a breaker. With this measure,
you avoid injury, if a short circuit occurs.
●The following effects can cause burns and fire or damage to the measurement
site:
– Eddy current loss can cause heating of the sensor head.
– Dielectric heating can cause heating of cord insulation and other materials.
●When measuring current that includes a high-frequency component, consider
the derating characteristics of the probe. Do not measure any current that
exceeds the rated current.
●Using the probes with high frequencies or strong magnetic fields may cause
the device to become abnormally hot, resulting in fire, equipment damage, or
burns.
1.2 Labels on the product
Labels on the casing inform about:
●Personal safety
●Product and environment safety
●Identification of the product
Table 1-1: Meaning of safety labels
Potential hazard
Read the product documentation to avoid personal injury or product damage.
Hazardous contact voltages
Do not use the probe at uninsulated live lines. Make sure to measure at sufficiently
insulated conductors. This measure protects you against electric shock, electric burn,
or arc flash.
Labels on the product

Safety and regulatory information
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Table 1-2: Labels regarding product and environment safety
Labeling in line with EN 50419 for disposal of electrical and electronic equipment after
the product has come to the end of its service life.
1.3 Warning messages in the documentation
A warning message points out a risk or danger that you need to be aware of. The
signal word indicates the severity of the safety hazard and how likely it will occur
if you do not follow the safety precautions.
WARNING
Potentially hazardous situation. Could result in death or serious injury if not avoi-
ded.
CAUTION
Potentially hazardous situation. Could result in minor or moderate injury if not
avoided.
NOTICE
Potential risks of damage. Could result in damage to the supported product or to
other property.
Warning messages in the documentation

Product description
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2 Product description
2.1 Product overview
The R&S RT-ZC30 is an AC/DC current probe. It allows the user to make current
measurements from DC to 120 MHz. By clamping on the conductor to be mea-
sured, the current waveform is captured easily without interrupting the electric cir-
cuit.
2.2 Key features
●The sensor head has a clamp design that makes it possible to easily observe
current waveforms while current continues to flow through the conductor being
measured.
●LED warnings indicate overload and unlocked sensor head.
●You can observe low-current waveforms at the high sensitivity of 1 V/A.
●Broadband frequency characteristics DC to 120 MHz.
●Demagnetization and automatic zero adjustment functions make it easy to get
ready for measurement.
2.3 Unpacking and checking
1. Unpack the product carefully.
2. Retain the original packing material. Use it when transporting or shipping the
product later.
3. Using the delivery notes, check the equipment for completeness.
4. Check the equipment for damage.
If the delivery is incomplete or equipment is damaged, contact
Rohde & Schwarz.
Unpacking and checking

Product description
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Delivery notes
The delivery contains the following items:
●User manual
●Carrying case
●R&S RT-Zxx high-voltage and current probes data sheet
●Safety instructions for oscilloscopes and accessories (multilingual)
●Calibration certificate
●Documentation of calibrated values
2.4 Description of the probe
2.4.1 Probe overview
12
Figure 2-1: Probe overview
1 = Sensor
2 = Terminator
Description of the probe

Product description
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11User Manual 1409.7872.02 ─ 04
2.4.2 Terminator
1
2
3
44 6
5
7
Figure 2-2: Terminator overview
1 = Output connector
2 = Unlock lever
3 = Key and LEDs
4 = Ventilation holes
5 = Power plug
6 = Shell
7 = Power supply cord
Output connector
Connect to the BNC input connector of the waveform measuring instrument.
The current waveform of the measured conductor is output at a constant rate
(1 V/A).
The terminator’s output connector can be connected when the locking pin on the
waveform measurement instrument’s BNC input connector is in either the hori-
zontal or vertical orientation.
Unlock lever
The lock mechanism keeps the clamp closed.
Description of the probe

Product description
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Power plug
Connect the plug to the R&S RT-ZA13 probe power supply receptacle to supply
power to the sensor.
2.4.3 Sensor
12
34
1
RT-ZC30
Figure 2-3: Sensor overview
1 = Current direction indication
2 = Jaw unlocked
3 = Opening lever
4 = Sensor cord
Current direction indication
Clamp the device to the conductor so that the direction in which the current being
measured is flowing matches the arrow.
Opening lever
Operating lever for opening the sensor head. Always use this lever to open the
sensor head.
JAW UNLOCKED indication
If the sensor head is unlocked, you can see this indication on the probe.
Sensor head
The sensor head clamps on the conductor being measured, and carries out the
actual current measurement.
Description of the probe

Product description
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2.4.4 Key and LEDs
1
3
4
5
2
Figure 2-4: Key and LEDs
1 = DEMAG/AUTO ZERO LED
2 = DEMAG/AUTO ZERO Key
3 = OVERLOAD
4 = JAW UNLOCKED LED
5 = POWER LED
The key is used to perform demagnetization and zero adjustment, while the LEDs
indicate the device status.
DEMAG/AUTO ZERO key
Performs demagnetization and zero adjustment.
Press this key long (approx. 1 sec.) for demagnetization and zero adjustment.
Press this key short (within 0.5 sec.) for a zero adjustment only.
Demagnetization and zero adjustment cannot be performed in the following cir-
cumstances:
●The sensor head is unlocked (JAW UNLOCKED LED is lit up)
●During an overload condition (the OVERLOAD LED is flashing)
●When a measured current is detected
DEMAG/AUTO ZERO LED
Shows the status of the demagnetazation/zeroing proccess. The following states
are defined:
Description of the probe

Product description
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Color State
Slow flashing
orange
●Before demagnetization and zero adjustment (when either can be per-
formed)
●After an overload is detected
●When demagnetization terminated abnormally
Orange During demagnetization and zero adjustment process
Off After demagnetization and zero adjustment is successfully completed
OVERLOAD LED
Shows the overload status of the system The following states are defined:
Color State
Slow flashing red Indicates that the maximum rated current is about to be reached. Exercise
care so as not to exceed the rating.
Fast flashing red Indicates that the maximum rated current is being exceeded. Remove the
sensor from the measurement target immediately.
JAW UNLOCKED LED
The JAW UNLOCKED LED turns red (lighting up continuously) if the sensor head
is not locked.
POWER LED
The POWER LED turns green (lighting up continuously) when the device is ener-
gized.
Description of the probe

Connecting the probe
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3 Connecting the probe
3.1 Handling the probe
The R&S RT-ZC30 can withstand a moderate amount of physical and electrical
stress. To avoid damage, treat the probe with care:
●Prevent the probe from receiving mechanical shock.
●Avoid strain on the probe cable and route it carefully. Keep the cable away
from heat sources, as bare conductors could be exposed if the insulation
melts.
●Do not spill liquids on the probe.
●Do not obstruct the ventilation holes on the sides and bottom of the terminator,
as it could overheat and be damaged, or cause a fire.
●Do not store or use the device near induction heating systems (such as high-
frequency induction heating systems and IH cooking equipment)
Handling the sensor head
The sensor head is a precision assembly including a molded component, a ferrite
core, and a Hall effect element. To avoid damage, treat it with care:
●Do not subject it to sudden changes in ambient temperature.
●If the mating surfaces are scratched, performance may be impaired. Prevent
the mating surfaces of the sensor head from being scratched:
– Keep the sensor head closed when not in use, to avoid accumulating dust
or dirt.
– Do not place foreign objects between the mating faces of the sensor head,
insert foreign objects into the gaps of the sensor head, or touch the mating
faces.
– When the power is on, keep the core section of the sensor closed, except
when clamping it onto the conductor to be measured. The mating surface
of the core section can be scratched while it is open.
Handling the probe

Connecting the probe
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Electromagnetic compatibility
The electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) class indicates where you can operate
the product. The product is rated in EMC class B, see also data sheet under
"General data".
Class B equipment is suitable for use in:
●Residential environments
●Environments that are directly connected to a low-voltage supply network that
supplies residential buildings
3.2 Connecting the probe to the power supply
1. Have the R&S RT-ZA13 probe power supply, and an oscilloscope or waveform
measuring instrument ready.
2. NOTICE! Voltage check. When using a different power supply than the
R&S RT-ZA13 probe power supply, before turning on the power, make sure
that the voltage of the used power supply matches the supply voltage indica-
ted in the data sheet "R&S RT-Zxx high voltage and current probes".
Turn off the power switch at the rear of the R&S RT-ZA13 probe power supply.
3. Connect the power cord.
4. Connect the power plug of the R&S RT-ZC30 to the power receptacle of the
R&S RT-ZA13 probe power supply.
5. Check that the conductor being measured is not clamped when supplying
power to the R&S RT-ZC30. When power is turned on, a demagnetizing wave-
form is initially applied to the output. This is intentional in the design, and not a
fault.
Connecting the probe to the power supply

Connecting the probe
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6. Turn on the power switch of R&S RT-ZA13 probe power supply. Ensure that
the front panel power indicator lights.
The POWER LED lights up in green and the DEMAG/AUTO ZERO LED is
slowly flashing in orange.
7. Connect the R&S RT-ZC30 to the oscilloscope, as described in Chapter 3.3,
"Connecting the probe to the oscilloscope", on page 17.
3.3 Connecting the probe to the oscilloscope
●The output of this device is terminated internally. Use a high impedance
input of the measuring instrument. With an input impedance of 50 Ω,
accurate measurement is not possible.
●If using BNC-banana plug adapters or similar to connect to input termi-
nals other than BNC connectors, make sure the polarity is correct.
To connect the probe:
1. NOTICE! Risk of instrument damage. To avoid damaging the terminator, keep
it oriented in a straight line relative to the waveform measurement instrument
when connecting and disconnecting it.
Insert the terminator of the R&S RT-ZC30 straight into one of the BNC input
connectors of the oscilloscope until it clicks. Take care not to tilt it.
Figure 3-1: Connecting the probe to the Rohde & Schwarz oscilloscope
2. Configure the probe connection at the oscilloscope.
Connecting the probe to the oscilloscope

Connecting the probe
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18User Manual 1409.7872.02 ─ 04
The exact procedure depends on the used instrument and is described in the
oscilloscope's user manual. Supported oscilloscopes are listed in the R&S RT-
Zxx data sheet.
Make sure to set the following:
● Vertical unit = Ampere
● Coupling = DC
● Termination = 1 MΩ
● Manual Gain = 1 V/A
Alternatively, select "Predefined probe" = R&S RT-ZC30 if this selection is
available on the instrument.
To disconnect the probe:
1. To avoid damaging the output connector of the terminator, or the BNC input
terminal’s locking mechanism on the oscilloscope, do not rotate when both ter-
minals are connected.
2. Pull the unlock lever toward you.
3. Pull the connector away from the oscilloscope.
3.4 Setting up and demagnetizing
1. With the waveform measuring instrument input at ground, adjust the waveform
to the zero position.
2. Connect the R&S RT-ZC30 current probe to the power supply as described in
Chapter 3.2, "Connecting the probe to the power supply", on page 16.
3. Connect the R&S RT-ZC30 current probe to the oscilloscope as described in
Chapter 3.3, "Connecting the probe to the oscilloscope", on page 17.
Setting up and demagnetizing

Connecting the probe
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4. NOTICE! Risk of circuit damage. Demagnetizing causes current to flow into
the conductor, which may damage parts in the circuit to be measured. Do not
demagnetize while the R&S RT-ZC30 is clamping a conductor to be mea-
sured.
Make sure that there is no conductor in the sensor aperture.
5. Press the opening lever until the JAW UNLOCK indication disappears. Ensure
that the sensor head is properly closed.
6. Press and hold the DEMAG/ AUTO ZERO key for about 1 second. Zero-
adjustment is performed after demagnetization.
The process takes about 20 seconds. During demagnetizing, a demagnetizing
waveform is shown on the oscilloscope. The positive and negative compo-
nents of this waveform may be asymmetrical.
Note: If the DEMAG/AUTO ZERO LED continues flashing instead of turning
off when the DEMAG/AUTO ZERO key is pressed, demagnetization and zero
adjustment did not complete normally.
3.5 Connecting the probe to the DUT
1. Check that the system is safe, and that the preparations described in the pre-
ceding sections have been carried out.
2. Pull the sensor opening lever, so that the sensor head opens.
Connecting the probe to the DUT

Connecting the probe
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3. Align the sensor so that the current direction indication matches the direction
of current flow through the conductor that you measure. The conductor should
be in the center of the clamp aperture because the measurement may be
affected by the position within the clamp aperture of the conductor being mea-
sured.
4. Press the opening lever until the JAW UNLOCKED indication disappears.
Check, if the sensors head is properly closed. The JAW UNLOCKED LED
turns off.
If the sensor head is not properly closed, accurate measurement is not possi-
ble.
Measuring low currents
●To measure DC or low-frequency current, multiple windings may be
used to increase relative sensitivity (10 windings multiplies the mea-
sured current by a factor of 10). However, in this case, the windings
should be made radially, with a diameter of at least 20 cm.
●Cord placement and the act of clamping the probe onto the conductor
being measured may trigger load fluctuations, affecting the observed
waveform.
Connecting the probe to the DUT