Rohde & Schwarz EZ-17 User manual

R&S®EZ-17
RF current probe
User Manual
1179701002
Version 01
(;ÝÔ:2)

This document describes the following R&S®EZ-17 models:
●Model 02: RF current probe 20 Hz to 100 MHz (245 MHz) (0816.2063.02)
●Model 03: RF current injection probe 20 Hz to 100 MHz (245 MHz)
(0816.2063.03)
© 2023 Rohde & Schwarz
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.
All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
1179.7010.02 | Version 01 | R&S®EZ-17
Throughout this manual, products from Rohde & Schwarz are indicated without the ® symbol, e.g.
R&S®EZ-17 is indicated as R&S EZ-17.

Contents
R&S®EZ-17
3User Manual 1179.7010.02 ─ 01
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 Documentation overview...................................................... 9
3 Welcome to the R&S EZ-17.................................................10
4 Preparing for use................................................................. 11
4.1 Unpacking and checking....................................................................11
4.2 Choosing the operating site...............................................................11
4.3 Considerations for test setup............................................................ 11
5 Operating the current probe............................................... 13
6 Measurements......................................................................16
6.1 RF current measurement................................................................... 16
6.2 Electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS) measurement...................... 18
7 Maintenance, storage and disposal................................... 19
7.1 Cleaning...............................................................................................19
7.2 Storage.................................................................................................19
7.3 Disposal............................................................................................... 19
8 Contacting customer support............................................ 21

Contents
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Safety and regulatory information
R&S®EZ-17
5User Manual 1179.7010.02 ─ 01
1 Safety and regulatory information
The product documentation helps you to use the product safely and efficiently.
Follow the instructions provided here and in 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
R&S®EZ-17
6User Manual 1179.7010.02 ─ 01
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.
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 your product, e.g. a carrying
bag, you can use the product outdoors.
Unless otherwise specified, you can operate the product up to an altitude of
2000 m above sea level. The product is suitable for pollution degree 2 environ-
ments where nonconductive contamination can occur. For more information on
environmental conditions such as ambient temperature and humidity, see the
data sheet.
Working with current probes
Only connect, set up and use current probes if you are an electrically skilled per-
son. Electrically skilled persons have the relevant education and experience to
enable them to perceive risks and to avoid hazards that electricity can cause.
Direct contact with high currents can cause serious injuries.
Before applying the current probe, always switch off the test circuit and take the
following measures for your safety.
Only use the current probe on insulated conductors.
●Make sure that the insulation of the conductor is sufficient for the voltage that
must be insulated.
●Make sure that the insulation of the conductor meets the requirements of cur-
rent standards (IEC 60664-1:2020 or a similar standard that complies with
your local rules and regulations).
●Using the current probe on uninsulated conductors that belong to measure-
ment category II, III or IV can cause serious injury.
Safety instructions

Safety and regulatory information
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7User Manual 1179.7010.02 ─ 01
Use the current probe only in environments that contain sufficiently insulated con-
ductors.
●Make sure that there are no devices with hazardous voltages nearby.
●Only connect the current probe to devices that cannot imprint hazardous vol-
tages on the probe. Voltages higher than 30 V RMS, or 42 V peak, or 60 V DC
are regarded as hazardous contact voltages.
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.
In addition, use the current probe only within the specified frequency limits as sta-
ted in the data sheet. Using the probe above those limits can cause high temper-
atures which in turn can cause burns or start a fire.
Cleaning the product
Use a dry, lint-free cloth to clean the product. When cleaning, keep in mind that
the casing is not waterproof. Do not use liquid cleaning agents.
Meaning of safety labels
Potential hazard
Read the product documentation to avoid personal injury or product damage.
Hazardous contact voltages
Do not use the current probe at uninsulated live lines. Make sure to measure at suffi-
ciently insulated conductors. This measure protects you against electric shock, elec-
tric burn, or arc flash.
1.2 Labels on the product
Labels on the casing inform about:
●Personal safety, see "Meaning of safety labels" on page 7
●Product and environment safety, see Table 1-1
●Identification of the product is indicated on a sticker on the current probe. The
identifier consists of the order number and serial number (for example:
0816.2063.02-123456).
Labels on the product

Safety and regulatory information
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8User Manual 1179.7010.02 ─ 01
Table 1-1: 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. For more information, see "Dispos-
ing of electrical and electronic equipment" on page 19.
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.
DANGER
Imminently hazardous situation. Will result in death or serious injury if not avoi-
ded.
Warning messages in the documentation

Documentation overview
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2 Documentation overview
This section provides an overview of the R&S EZ-17 user documentation.
The documents are available on our website at https://www.rohde-schwarz.com.
Safety instructions
Contains information about using the current probe safely. A printed version of the
safety instructions in various languages is part of the delivery.
User manual
Contains information about operating the current probe and the measurements
you can perform with the current probe. The user manual also provides informa-
tion on maintaining the probes.
A printed version of the user manual is part of the delivery. It is also available to
download from the internet.
Product brochure
Contains an overview of the features of the current probe. The brochure also con-
tains technical specifications.
The product brochure is available to download from the internet.

Welcome to the R&S EZ-17
R&S®EZ-17
10User Manual 1179.7010.02 ─ 01
3 Welcome to the R&S EZ-17
The R&S EZ-17 is a current probe that allows measurements of the RF current in
a conductor. During the measurement, the jaws of the probe are clamped around
the conductor. The current probe measures a voltage proportional to the primary
current at its RF output of the current probe. A measuring instrument connected
to the probe displays the results of the measurement.
In addition to measuring the RF current, model 03 of the probe also allows you to
inject interference currents on the conductor. Refer to the datasheet for informa-
tion about maximum current and power consumption.
The two variants of the R&S EZ-17 are suitable for the following applications in
the frequency range from 20 Hz to 100 MHz (245 MHz).
●Model .02 (complies with the norm CISPR 16-1-2)
With its flat frequency response above 1 MHz and an internal resistance of
50 Ω, model .02 is ideal for the following applications.
– Measuring electromagnetic emissions according to CISPR14-1, CISPR25,
CISPR32, MIL-STD-461.
– Measuring the shielding effectiveness of RF cables.
●Model .03
With its small transducer factor in the frequency range from 1 MHz to
200 MHz and its high load capacity, model .03 is ideal for the following appli-
cations.
– Measuring electromagnetic emissions with high sensitivity requirements
(for example VG 95373-20 and RTCA/DO-160).
– Measuring electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS) (bulk current injection
tests).

Preparing for use
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11User Manual 1179.7010.02 ─ 01
4 Preparing for use
Here, you can find basic information about setting up the product for the first time.
4.1 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.
4.2 Choosing the operating site
Specific operating conditions ensure proper operation and avoid damage to the
product and connected devices. For information on environmental conditions
such as ambient temperature and humidity, see the data sheet.
See also "Choosing the operating site" on page 6.
4.3 Considerations for test setup
Permissible current loading
Currents beyond the limits stated in the datasheet impair the result due to satura-
tion of the ferrite core.
When measuring bunched wires, make sure that the vector sum of the currents
does not exceed the aforementioned limits.
Considerations for test setup

Preparing for use
R&S®EZ-17
12User Manual 1179.7010.02 ─ 01
The permanent permissible current loading is limited for model 02 by the loading
of the internal terminations, for model 03 by the thermal loading capacity of the
ferrite core.
Considerations for test setup

Operating the current probe
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5 Operating the current probe
The RF current probe is designed as a clamp whose jaws surround the conductor
through which the current flows or is to be applied to. The metal frame of the cur-
rent probe contains two halves of a ferrit core and forms a static shielding.
1. DANGER! Risk of physical injury. Follow the measures described in "Working
with current probes" on page 6 before using the current probe to avoid physi-
cal injuries like electric shock, burns or injuries resulting from an arc flash.
Turn off the test circuit.
2. Connect the probe to the measuring instrument, for example an EMI receiver.
1
Figure 5-1: Closed current probe without conductor and cable
1 = RF connector (output)
2 = Jaws
3 = Opening / closing mechanism
An appropriate cable is part of the delivery.
● For the cable that is part of the delivery, the frequency-dependent cable
loss is already considered while determining the calibration data.
● For other cables, shield the cable adequately and correct the measure-
ment results for the additional loss. Cables must have an impedance of Z
= 50 Ω.
a) Connect one end of the cable to the RF output of the current probe (N-con-
nector).
b) Connect the other end of the cable to the RF input of the measuring instru-
ment (N-connector).

Operating the current probe
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3. Open the jaws of the current probe.
1
2
Figure 5-2: Opened current probe with cable
1 = RF connector (output)
2 = Spring catch
4. Place the conductor between the two halves of the current probe.
The outer diameter of the conductor (single-wire or multi-wire cables, bunched
wires, coaxial cables) must be less than 30 mm.
Tip: Quality of measurement results. Avoid any contamination that can pro-
duce an additional air gap between the two halves and thus invalidate the
measurement result.
5. Close the jaws of the RF current probe.
A spring catch holds the two halves of the current probes together and closes
its magnetic circuit.

Operating the current probe
R&S®EZ-17
15User Manual 1179.7010.02 ─ 01
1
2
Figure 5-3: Closed current probe with conductor and cable
1 = RF connector (output)
2 = Conductorcaught between the jaws
6. Turn on the test circuit.
When you are done with the measurement and disassemble the test setup,
follow the steps above in reverse order.

Measurements
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6 Measurements
You can use the R&S EZ-17 for RF current measurements. R&S EZ-17 model .03
also supports electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS) measurements.
6.1 RF current measurement
The current probe works like a transformer.
●The DUT surrounded by the current probe forms the primary winding.
●The two jaws of the current clamp forms the secondary winding.
See Figure 6-1 for an overview.
When closed, a spring catch holds the two jaws of the probe together, providing a
defined air gap for a definitely closed magnetic circuit.
I1
LSRiReU2
I2
Figure 6-1: Equivalent circuit diagram
To get an even frequency response, the inductive resistance ωLS of the secon-
dary winding in Figure 6-1 is higher than the receiver input impedance Re.
For frequencies lower than 1 MHz, the voltage response decreases by 20 dB per
frequency decade.
For frequencies higher than 100 MHz voltage response is influenced by an intrin-
sic resonance of the R&S EZ-17.
RF current measurement

Measurements
R&S®EZ-17
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-20
0
20
40
60
80
10 100 1,000 10,000 100,000 1,000,000 10,000,000 100,000,000
k [dB(1/Ω)]
f [Hz]
Model .02 Model .03
Figure 6-2: Transducer factor k for model 02 and model 03 in the frequency range 20 Hz to
245 MHz
The relation between the current measured in the conductor I1 and the voltage
reading U1 is given by the transfer admittance.
Equation 6-1: Calculation of transfer admittance
Equation 6-2: Calculation of transducer factor
Dimensioning the electrical components correspondingly results in the following
transducer factor in the range of the plane frequency response (see Figure 6-2):
●k = -10 dB for model 02
●k = -17 dB for model 03
At lower frequencies the transducer factor increases by 20 dB / decade.
An individual transducer factor is part of the standard delivery.
We recommend storing the transducer factor in the measuring receiver connected
to the R&S EZ-17. The receiver then automatically provides the corrected result
with the correct unit (dBμA).
To obtain the current level in dB(μA), it is necessary to add the transducer factor
to the voltage level in dB(μV):
Example: If U = 20 dB(μV) and k = -17 dB(V/A), current I = + 3 dB(μA).
RF current measurement

Measurements
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18User Manual 1179.7010.02 ─ 01
6.2 Electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS) measure-
ment
The RF current probe can be compared to a transformer.
●The conductor surrounded by the probe forms the secondary winding.
●The winding of the two halves of the ferrite core forms the primary winding.
Determine the transducer factor as described in Chapter 6.1, "RF current mea-
surement", on page 16.
Electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS) measurement

Maintenance, storage and disposal
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7 Maintenance, storage and disposal
The product does not require regular maintenance. It only requires occasional
cleaning. It is however advisable to check the nominal data from time to time.
7.1 Cleaning
How to clean the product is described in "Cleaning the product" on page 7.
Do not use any liquids for cleaning. Cleaning agents, solvents, acids and bases
can damage the front panel labeling, plastic parts and display.
7.2 Storage
Protect the product against dust. Ensure that the environmental conditions, e.g.
temperature range and climatic load, meet the values specified in the data sheet.
7.3 Disposal
Rohde & Schwarz is committed to making careful, ecologically sound use of natu-
ral resources and minimizing the environmental footprint of our products. Help us
by disposing of waste in a way that causes minimum environmental impact.
Disposing of electrical and electronic equipment
A product that is labeled as follows cannot be disposed of in normal household
waste after it has come to the end of its life. Even disposal via the municipal col-
lection points for waste electrical and electronic equipment is not permitted.
Figure 7-1: Labeling in line with EU directive WEEE
Disposal

Maintenance, storage and disposal
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20User Manual 1179.7010.02 ─ 01
Rohde & Schwarz has developed a disposal concept for the eco-friendly disposal
or recycling of waste material. As a manufacturer, Rohde & Schwarz completely
fulfills its obligation to take back and dispose of electrical and electronic waste.
Contact your local service representative to dispose of the product.
Disposal