Rohde & Schwarz R&S RT-ZC10 User manual

R&S®RT-ZC10
Current Probe
User Manual
1409780802
Version 03
(>9Ü82)

This manual describes the following R&S products:
●R&S®RT-ZC10, Current Probe (1409.7750.02)
●R&S®RT-ZA13, Probe Power Supply (1409.7789.02)
© 2020 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
Mühldorfstr. 15, 81671 München, 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.
1409.7808.02 | Version 03 | R&S®RT-ZC10
The following abbreviations are used in this manual: R&S®RT-ZC10 is abbreviated as R&S RT-ZC10, and
R&S®RT-ZA13 is abbreviated as R&S RT-ZA13.

Contents
R&S®RT-ZC10
3User Manual 1409.7808.02 ─ 03
Contents
1 Notes on Safety......................................................................5
2 Product Description............................................................ 10
2.1 Product Overview............................................................................... 10
2.2 Key Features....................................................................................... 10
2.3 Inspecting the Contents..................................................................... 10
2.4 Description of the Probe.................................................................... 11
3 Putting into Operation.........................................................13
3.1 Preparing the Measurement...............................................................13
3.2 Connecting the Probe to the Oscilloscope...................................... 15
3.3 Demagnetizing and Zero Adjustment............................................... 16
3.4 Connecting the Probe to the DUT..................................................... 17
4 Maintenance and Service....................................................22
4.1 Cleaning...............................................................................................22
4.2 Contacting Customer Support...........................................................22
4.3 Returning for Servicing...................................................................... 23
4.4 Calibration Interval............................................................................. 23
4.5 Discarding the Product...................................................................... 24
5 R&S RT-ZA13 Probe Power Supply....................................25

Contents
R&S®RT-ZC10
4User Manual 1409.7808.02 ─ 03

Notes on Safety
R&S®RT-ZC10
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1 Notes on Safety
Thank you for purchasing the R&S RT-ZC10 current probe.
To obtain maximum performance from the device, please read this manual first,
and keep it handy for future reference.
Risk of physical injury
This device is designed to comply with IEC 61010 Safety Standards, and
has been thoroughly tested for safety before shipment. However, mishan-
dling during use could result in injury or death, and damage to the device.
Be certain that you understand the instructions and precautions in the man-
ual before use.
Follow these precautions to ensure safe operation and to obtain the full benefits
of the various functions.

Notes on Safety
R&S®RT-ZC10
6User Manual 1409.7808.02 ─ 03
Risk of fatal injury
●To avoid electric shock and short circuits, never attach the clamp to
bare, unisolated conductors.
Make sure to measure at a location on an insulated wire where the insu-
lation is sufficient for the circuit voltage.
●Be careful to avoid damaging the insulation surface while taking mea-
surements.
●Refer to the derating characteristics when measuring current that
includes a high-frequency component and never measure any current
that exceeds the rated current. Use with high frequencies or strong
magnetic fields may cause the device to become abnormally hot, result-
ing in fire, equipment damage, or burns.
●To prevent fire or damage of the measurement target and device as well
as burns, exercise caution concerning the following when measuring
high-frequency currents or currents that contain high-frequency compo-
nents:
– Eddy current loss may cause heating of the sensor head.
– Dielectric heating may cause heating of cord insulation and other
materials.
●Be sure to observe all operating precautions for the oscilloscope and
other instruments to which this device is connected.

Notes on Safety
R&S®RT-ZC10
7User Manual 1409.7808.02 ─ 03
Risk of fatal injury
●This device is made for use with the R&S RT-ZA13 probe power supply.
●When using a measurement instrument that does not provide isolation
between its input terminals and chassis or other input terminals, please
pay attention to the following points. If a signal is applied to an input ter-
minal other than that to which this device is connected, do not connect
the ground-side terminal to any nonground potential. Otherwise, short-
circuit current flows through the R&S RT-ZA13 probe power supply, or
this device from the ground terminal, which could cause an electrical
accident or damage.
Shock hazard
Do not allow the device to get wet, and do not take measurements with wet
hands. This may cause an electric shock.
To avoid electric shock when measuring live lines, wear appropriate protec-
tive gear, such as insulated rubber gloves, boots, and a safety helmet.

Notes on Safety
R&S®RT-ZC10
8User Manual 1409.7808.02 ─ 03
Risk of instrument damage
●To avoid damage to the device, protect it from vibration or shock during
transport and handling, and be especially careful to avoid dropping.
●Do not store or use the device where it could be exposed to direct sun-
light, high temperature, humidity, or condensation. Under such condi-
tions, the device may be damaged and insulation may deteriorate so
that it no longer meets its specifications.
●Before using the device the first time, verify that it operates normally to
ensure that no damage occurred during storage or shipping. If you find
any damage, contact your dealer or R&S representative.
●This device is not designed to be entirely water- or dust-proof. To avoid
damage, do not use it in a wet or dusty environment.
●The sensor head is a precision assembly including a molded compo-
nent, a ferrite core, and a Hall effect element. It may be damaged if sub-
jected to sudden changes in ambient temperature, or mechanical strain
or shock, and therefore great care should be exercised in handling it.
●Do not apply a static electricity or other source of high voltage to the
sensor. Doing so may damage the internal Hall elements and circuitry of
the sensor.
●The mating surfaces of the sensor head are precision, and should be
treated with care. If these surfaces are scratched, performance may be
impaired.
●Foreign substances such as dust on the contact surfaces of the sensor
head can cause acoustic resonance and degrade measurement, so
clean it by gently wiping with a soft cloth.
●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.
●To avoid damaging the sensor cable and power supply cable, do not
bend or pull the cables.
●Avoid stepping on or pinching the cable, which could damage the cable
insulation.
●Keep the cable well away from heat sources, as bare conductors could
be exposed if the insulation melts.

Notes on Safety
R&S®RT-ZC10
9User Manual 1409.7808.02 ─ 03
Strong electromagnetic fields
Correct measurement may be impossible in the presence of strong mag-
netic fields, such as near transformers and high-current conductors, or in the
presence of strong electromagnetic fields such as near radio transmitters.

Product Description
R&S®RT-ZC10
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2 Product Description
2.1 Product Overview
The R&S RT-ZC10 is an AC/DC current probe. It allows the user to make current
measurements from DC to 10 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
●Highly accurate current detection.
●Easy current measurement without interrupting the electric circuit.
●Broadband frequency characteristics DC to 10 MHz.
●Large diameter allows high-current measurements.
●Easy protection function to avoid self-heating during excessive input.
●Unique thin film Hall effect element.
2.3 Inspecting the Contents
●Inspect the package for damage.
Keep the package and the cushioning material until the contents have been
checked for completeness and the device has been tested.
If the packaging material shows any signs of stress, notify the carrier and your
Rohde & Schwarz service center. Keep the package and cushioning material
for inspection.
●Inspect the probe.
If there is any damage or defect, or if the R&S RT-ZC10 current probe does
not operate properly, notify your Rohde & Schwarz service center.
●Inspect the accessories.
If the contents are incomplete or damaged, notify your Rohde & Schwarz ser-
vice center.
Inspecting the Contents

Product Description
R&S®RT-ZC10
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The following accessories are delivered with the probe:
●User manual
●Carrying case
●R&S RT-Zxx data sheet
●Calibration certificate
●Documentation of calibrated values
2.4 Description of the Probe
1 = Sensor head (clamp)
2 = Sensor
3 = Slider
4 = Lever
5 = Lock/Unlock indicator
6 = Indicator of current direction
7 = Demagnetizing switch (DEMAG)
8 = Zero adjustment dial (ZERO ADJ)
9 = Output connector
10 = Power plug
Description of the Probe

Product Description
R&S®RT-ZC10
12User Manual 1409.7808.02 ─ 03
11 = Terminator
12 = Power supply cable
13 = Sensor cable
Sensor head
The sensor head clamps on the conductor being measured, and carries out the
actual current measurement. It is a precision assembly including a molded com-
ponent, a ferrite core, and a Hall effect element. It may be damaged if subjected
to sudden changes in ambient temperature, or mechanical strain or shock, and
therefore great care should be exercised in handling it.
Slider
The slider opens the clamp. Always use it to open and close the clamp.
Lever
The lock mechanism keeps the clamp closed.
Demagnetizing switch (DEMAG)
This demagnetizes the core if it has been magnetized by switching the power on
and off, or by an excessive input. Always carry out demagnetizing before mea-
surement.
Zero adjustment dial (ZERO ADJ)
Use the zero adjustment dial to correct for the effect of a voltage offset or temper-
ature drift.
When beginning measurement, after demagnetizing always carry out a zero
adjustment.
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
(0.01 V/A).
Power plug
Connect the plug to the R&S RT-ZA13 probe power supply receptacle to supply
power to the sensor.
Description of the Probe

Putting into Operation
R&S®RT-ZC10
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3 Putting into Operation
3.1 Preparing the Measurement
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 indicated in the data sheet "R&S
RT-Zxx high voltage and current probes".
●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.
●Turn the collar until it clicks, and check that it is locked securely.
1. Have the R&S RT-ZA13 probe power supply, and an oscilloscope or waveform
measuring instrument ready.
2. Turn off the power switch. Connect the power cord.
3. Connect the power plug of the R&S RT-ZC10 to the power receptacle of the
R&S RT-ZA13 probe power supply.
Preparing the Measurement

Putting into Operation
R&S®RT-ZC10
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4. Check that the conductor being measured is not clamped when supplying
power to the R&S RT-ZC10. 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.
5. Turn on the power switch R&S RT-ZA13 probe power supply. Ensure that the
front panel power indicator lights.
6. Connect the output connector of the R&S RT-ZC10 to one of the BNC input
connectors of the oscilloscope. Turn the collar until it clicks, and check that it
is locked securely.
Figure 3-1: Oscilloscope inputs
The current waveform of the measured conductor is output at a constant rate
(0.01 V/A).
7. Configure the probe connection at the oscilloscope. Make sure to set the fol-
lowing:
● Vertical unit = Ampere
● Coupling = DC
● Termination = 1 MΩ
● Manual Gain = 1 V/A
Alternatively, select "Predefined probe" = R&S RT-ZC10 if this selection is
available on the instrument.
The procedure depends on the used instrument and is described in the oscil-
loscope's user manual. Supported oscilloscopes are listed in the R&S RT-Zxx
data sheet.
8. When disconnecting the output connector, be sure to release the lock before
pulling off the connector. Forcibly pulling the connector without releasing the
lock, or pulling on the cable can damage the terminator.
Preparing the Measurement

Putting into Operation
R&S®RT-ZC10
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3.2 Connecting the Probe to the Oscilloscope
► Connect the probe box (1) to the Rohde & Schwarz probe interface of the
oscilloscope (2).
The probe snaps in when connected properly to the port.
Figure 3-2: Connecting the probe to the Rohde & Schwarz oscilloscope
► To disconnect the probe:
a) Press and hold the release button (3).
b) Pull the probe box away from the oscilloscope.
Connecting the Probe to the Oscilloscope

Putting into Operation
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3.3 Demagnetizing and Zero Adjustment
Risk of circuit damage
●Do not demagnetize while the R&S RT-ZC10 is clamping a conductor to
be measured. Demagnetizing causes current to flow into the conductor,
which may damage parts in the circuit to be measured.
●Check that the conductor being measured is not clamped when supply-
ing power to the R&S RT-ZC10. When power is turned on, a demagnet-
izing waveform is initially applied to the output. This is intentional in the
design, and not a fault.
Risk of instrument damage
Make sure to open the clamp of the probe always with the slider.
1. With the waveform measuring instrument input at ground, adjust the waveform
to the zero position.
2. Connect the R&S RT-ZC10 current probe. Configure the oscilloscope as
described in Chapter 3.1, "Preparing the Measurement", on page 13.
3. Make sure that there is no conductor in the sensor aperture.
4. Close the clamp until it snaps in.
Demagnetizing and Zero Adjustment

Putting into Operation
R&S®RT-ZC10
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5. Press the slider on the sensor head until the UNLOCK indication disappears,
and hold it until LOCK appears. Check that the opening lever is firmly locked
and the clamp is securely closed.
6. Press the demagnetizing switch (DEMAG) on the terminator.
The demagnetizing process takes about 3 seconds. During demagnetizing, a
demagnetizing waveform is shown on the oscilloscope. The positive and neg-
ative components of this waveform may be asymmetrical.
7. Turn the zero adjustment dial on the terminator to adjust the trace to the zero
position.
3.4 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 slider, so that the clamp opens.
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. Close the clamp until it snaps in.
5. Press the slider on the sensor head until the UNLOCK indication disappears.
Hold it until LOCK appears.
Connecting the Probe to the DUT

Putting into Operation
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Check, if the opening lever is firmly locked and the clamp is securely closed. If
the sensor head is not properly closed, accurate measurement is not possible.
.
The current consumption of clamp-on probes depends on the current to be
measured. Confirm that the total current consumption of the probes does
not exceed the rated output current of the R&S RT-ZA13 probe power sup-
ply.
Figure 3-3: Current consumption* vs. current to be measured (typical)
*The sum total of positive and negative current consumption.
Connecting the Probe to the DUT

Putting into Operation
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19User Manual 1409.7808.02 ─ 03
Risk of instrument damage due to continuous input current
●The maximum continuous input range is based on heat that is internally
generated during measurement. Always keep the input current below
this level. Exceeding the rated level may result in damage to the probe.
●The maximum continuous input range varies according to the frequency
of the current being measured. Refer to the data sheet "R&S RT-Zxx
high voltage and current probes".
●The device may sustain damage from self-heating even at current levels
that are lower than the maximum rated current. The maximum rated cur-
rent is a recommended value that assumes sine-wave input under stan-
dard conditions. Self-heating may happen if the ambient temperature
increases or the measurement current waveform contains other fre-
quency components.
●If the input current exceeds a certain level, generated heat activates a
built-in safety function that blocks normal output. If this happens,
remove the input immediately (remove the sensor from the conductor
being measured, or reduce the input current to zero). Wait until the sen-
sor has had sufficient time to cool before resuming operation.
●Even if the input current does not exceed the rated continuous maxi-
mum current, continuous input for an extended period of time may result
in activation of the safety circuit to prevent damage resulting from heat-
ing of the sensor.
Connecting the Probe to the DUT

Putting into Operation
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20User Manual 1409.7808.02 ─ 03
Risk of instrument damage due to continuous input current
●At high ambient temperatures, the built-in safety circuit may activate at
current input levels below the rated continuous maximum current.
●Continuous input of current exceeding the rated maximum or repeated
activation of the safety function may result in damage to the device.
●Current measurement exceeding approx. 1 kHz may result in tempera-
ture rise on the sensor-head. This is attributed to excitation loss that
cannot be prevented due to natural physical principles. Be careful to
avoid injury, electric shock due to short-circuits, or damage to the device
that may be caused by the increased temperature.
●Do not place any unclamped conductor with an electric current of a fre-
quency of 10 kHz or more near the sensor head. Current flowing in the
conductor nearby may heat up the sensor head and cause its tempera-
ture to rise, leading to damage to the sensor. For example, when one
side of a go-and-return conductor is clamped and the other side is also
placed near the sensor head as shown in the diagram, even if the elec-
tric current is lower than the consecutive maximum current, electric cur-
rents in both sides will heat up the sensor and raise the temperature,
thereby causing damage to the sensor.
Connecting the Probe to the DUT