Rohde & Schwarz RT-ZS10 User manual

R&S®RT-ZS10E/10/20/30
Active Voltage Probe
User Manual
User Manual
Version 07
1410353102
(>:SO2)

This User Manual describes the following R&S®RT-ZS models and options:
●R&S®RT-ZS10 (1410.4080.02)
●R&S®RT-ZS10E (1418.7007.02)
●R&S®RT-ZS20 (1410.3502.02)
●R&S®RT-ZS30 (1410.4309.02)
© 2019 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
Mühldorfstr. 15, 81671 München, Germany
Phone: [phone] - 0
Fax: [phone]
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.
1410.3531.02 | Version 07 | R&S®RT-ZS10E/10/20/30
Throughout this manual, products from Rohde & Schwarz are indicated without the ® symbol, e.g.
R&S®RT-ZS10/20/30 is indicated as R&S RT-ZS10/20/30.

1171.1307.42 - 05
1
Safety Instructions
Instrucciones de seguridad
Risk of injury and instrument damage
The instrument must be used in an appropriate manner to prevent
personal injury or instrument damage.
●Do not open the instrument casing.
●Read and observe the "Basic Safety Instructions" delivered as
printed brochure with the instrument.
●Read and observe the safety instructions in the following sections.
Note that the data sheet may specify additional operating conditions.
●Keep the "Basic Safety Instructions" and the product documentation
in a safe place and pass them on to the subsequent users.
Riesgo de lesiones y daños en el instrumento
El instrumento se debe usar de manera adecuada para prevenir
descargas eléctricas, incendios, lesiones o daños materiales.
●No abrir la carcasa del instrumento.
●Lea y cumpla las "Instrucciones de seguridad elementales"
suministradas con el instrumento como folleto impreso.
●Lea y cumpla las instrucciones de seguridad incluidas en las
siguientes secciones. Se debe tener en cuenta que las
especificaciones técnicas pueden contener condiciones adicionales
para su uso.
●Guarde bien las instrucciones de seguridad elementales, así como
la documentación del producto, y entréguelas a usuarios
posteriores.

Safety Instructions - Informaciones de seguridad
1171.3200.12 E/Esp-1 Page1
Safety Instructions for Active Voltage Probes
When handling active voltage probes, the following basic rules must be observed.
Prior to using an active voltage probe, read the applicable manual including the safety
instructions. Keep the safety instructions and the product documentation in a safe place
and pass them on to other users. Use active voltage probes exclusively within the
measurement ranges specified in the applicable data sheets. Rohde & Schwarz accepts
no responsibility for misuse of the product. Use only the accessories supplied with the
active voltage probe.
Risk of electric shock
Do not connect an active voltage probe to any voltage that exceeds the maximum
permissible input voltage specified in the data sheet. Non-compliance with this
instruction carries the risk of an electric shock.
Make sure not to cause any short circuits when performing measurements on sources
with high output currents. Short circuits may cause injuries or burns.
Risk of injury caused by pointed object
The pins of the active voltage probes are extremely pointed and can easily penetrate
clothes and the skin.
Therefore, handle the probe pins with great care. When transporting an active voltage
probe, e.g. when carrying it in a pocket or tool bag, always use the box supplied with
the probe. To exchange a probe pin, use tweezers or pliers to avoid injuries.

Instructions - Instrucciones
1171.0300.62 E/Esp-3
Instructions for Electrostatic Discharge Protection
Risk of damaging electronic components
To avoid damage of electronic components, the operational site must be
protected against electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Wrist strap with cord
Ground connection
of operational site
Heel strap
Floor mat
The following two methods of ESD protection may be used together or
separately:
,Wrist strap with cord to ground connection
,Conductive floor mat and heel strap combination

1171.0200.22-06.00
Customer Support
Technical support – where and when you need it
For quick, expert help with any Rohde & Schwarz equipment, contact one of our Customer Support
Centers. A team of highly qualified engineers provides telephone support and will work with you to find a
solution to your query on any aspect of the operation, programming or applications of Rohde & Schwarz
equipment.
Up-to-date information and upgrades
To keep your instrument up-to-date and to be informed about new application notes related to your
instrument, please send an e-mail to the Customer Support Center stating your instrument and your wish.
We will take care that you will get the right information.
Europe, Africa, Middle East Phone [phone]
[email protected]
North America Phone 1-888-TEST-RSA(1-888-837-8772)
[email protected]
Latin America Phone [phone]
[email protected]
Asia/Pacific Phone [phone]
[email protected]
China Phone [phone] /
[phone]
[email protected]

Contents
R&S®RT-ZS10E/10/20/30
3User Manual 1410.3531.02 ─ 07
Contents
1 Product Description.............................................................. 5
1.1 Key Features and Key Characteristics............................................... 5
1.1.1 Key Characteristics................................................................................. 5
1.1.2 Key Features...........................................................................................6
1.1.3 R&S RT-ZS10E.......................................................................................7
1.2 Unpacking..............................................................................................7
1.2.1 Inspecting the Contents.......................................................................... 8
1.3 Description of the Probe...................................................................... 8
1.3.1 Probe Head.............................................................................................8
1.3.2 Probe Box............................................................................................... 9
1.4 Accessories and Items....................................................................... 10
1.4.1 Accessories Supplied............................................................................10
1.4.2 Optional Accessories............................................................................ 12
1.4.3 Service Accessories..............................................................................13
2 Putting into Operation.........................................................15
2.1 Connecting the Probe to the Oscilloscope...................................... 16
2.2 Identification of the Probe..................................................................17
2.3 Using the Probe.................................................................................. 17
2.3.1 Zero Adjustment....................................................................................17
2.3.2 Micro Button..........................................................................................18
2.3.3 Offset Compensation............................................................................ 18
2.3.4 R&S ProbeMeter...................................................................................19
3 Connecting the Probe to the DUT...................................... 21
4 Measurement Principles..................................................... 25

Contents
R&S®RT-ZS10E/10/20/30
4User Manual 1410.3531.02 ─ 07
4.1 Signal Integrity of the Transferred Signal.........................................27
4.1.1 Bandwidth............................................................................................. 27
4.1.2 Connection Inductance......................................................................... 29
4.2 Signal Loading of the Input Signal....................................................32
4.2.1 Input Impedance................................................................................... 32
4.3 Probing Philosophy............................................................................ 35
5 Maintenance and Service....................................................37
5.1 Service Strategy..................................................................................37
5.2 Returning for Servicing...................................................................... 37
5.3 Cleaning...............................................................................................38
5.4 Calibration Interval............................................................................. 38
5.5 Discarding the Product...................................................................... 38
5.6 Spare Parts.......................................................................................... 38
6 Functional Check.................................................................41
Index..................................................................................... 42

Product Description
R&S®RT-ZS10E/10/20/30
5User Manual 1410.3531.02 ─ 07
1 Product Description
1.1 Key Features and Key Characteristics
The R&S RT‑ZS10/20/30 is a single-ended active voltage probe with high input
impedance. It is used for ground-referenced voltage measurements from DC to
1.0 GHz, 1.5 GHz and 3 GHz, respectively.
The comprehensive accessory set allows this probe to be connected to a wide
variety of devices under test (DUT). Provided with special features such as the
R&S ProbeMeter and the micro button, the R&S RT‑ZS10/20/30 is designed to
meet tomorrow's challenges in probing.
Since the probe is equipped with Rohde & Schwarz probe interface, it can be
connected to any Rohde & Schwarz base unit that is compatible with this inter-
face. When connected to the front panel of an R&S oscilloscope, the probe is
controlled via the software menus of the oscilloscope.
Using a specially developed adapter (see Chapter 1.4.2, "Optional Accessories",
on page 12), the probe can be connected to any other base unit.
1.1.1 Key Characteristics
The key characteristics of the probe are the following:
Key Features and Key Characteristics

Product Description
R&S®RT-ZS10E/10/20/30
6User Manual 1410.3531.02 ─ 07
Bandwidth DC to 1 GHz (R&S RT-ZS10)
DC to 1.5 GHz (R&S RT-ZS20)
DC to 3 GHz (R&S RT-ZS30)
Dynamic range ±8 V with ±12 V offset capability
16 V AC (Vpp)
Maximum non-destructive input voltage ±30 V
Input resistance 1 MΩ
Input capacitance 0.8 pF
R&S ProbeMeter, measurement error <0.1 %
Extremely low zero and gain errors throughout the entire temperature range, no significant tem-
perature drift
Micro button
Rohde & Schwarz probe interface
1.1.2 Key Features
Micro button
The micro button at the probe head can remotely control different functions on the
base unit. The assigned function is configured via the base unit.
For details, see Chapter 2.3.2, "Micro Button", on page 18.
R&S ProbeMeter
The R&S ProbeMeter measures the DC voltage of the input signal directly at the
probe tip. It provides a continuous high-precision DC voltage measurement that is
independent of the settings of the oscilloscope and runs in parallel to the time
domain measurement. If activated on the base unit, the measured value is dis-
played on the screen of the Rohde & Schwarz oscilloscope.
For details, see Chapter 2.3.4, "R&S ProbeMeter", on page 19.
Data memory
The probe has an integrated data memory, containing the individual probe correc-
tion parameters (e.g. gain, delay, offset). These parameters are read out and pro-
cessed by the Rohde & Schwarz oscilloscope. As a result, the probe offers a high
degree of accuracy, and additional calibration procedures are not required.
Key Features and Key Characteristics

Product Description
R&S®RT-ZS10E/10/20/30
7User Manual 1410.3531.02 ─ 07
1.1.3 R&S RT-ZS10E
The R&S RT-ZS10E probe is a cost-efficient alternative to the R&S RT-ZS10
probe. The electrical specifications of both probes are identical. The two probes
are of the same high quality, for example, in terms of frequency response,
dynamic range, input resistance, input capacitance and zero and gain error. In
contrast to the R&S RT-ZS10, the R&S RT-ZS10E has a limited range of acces-
sories, and does not offer offset compensation, micro button and R&S ProbeMe-
ter. The R&S RT-ZS10E is ideally suited for customers who value the high signal
fidelity of Rohde & Schwarz probes, and who do not need a large set of accesso-
ries and additional functions.
In the following, the R&S RT-ZS10E and the R&S RT-ZS10 are equivalent, with
the following exceptions:
●The R&S RT-ZS10E does not come with a carrying case or its contents.
●The R&S RT-ZS10E does not offer the offset compensation, micro button and
R&S ProbeMeter functions.
●The R&S RT-ZS10E has only a limited set of accessories.
1.2 Unpacking
The carrying case contains the following items:
●R&S RT‑ZS10/20/30 active voltage probe
●Carrying case
●Accessory boxes
●User manual
●R&S RT‑ZS10/20/30 data sheet
●Calibration certificate
●Documentation of calibration values (if
ordered)
Unpacking

Product Description
R&S®RT-ZS10E/10/20/30
8User Manual 1410.3531.02 ─ 07
1.2.1 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‑ZS10/20/30 active voltage
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.
Accessories supplied with the device are listed in Chapter 1.4.1, "Accessories
Supplied", on page 10.
1.3 Description of the Probe
The probe consists of the probe head for connection to the DUT, the probe box
for connection to the oscilloscope, and the probe cable.
1.3.1 Probe Head
The small and lightweight probe head is designed for easy handling and high-per-
formance measurements. The probe head is used for connecting the probe and
the DUT. Different accessories for the signal and ground sockets allow the probe
head to be connected to a wide range of DUTs.
Description of the Probe

Product Description
R&S®RT-ZS10E/10/20/30
9User Manual 1410.3531.02 ─ 07
(1) Signal socket
(2) Ground socket
(3) Micro button
The accessories supplied for the probe head
sockets are listed in Chapter 1.4.1, "Accesso-
ries Supplied", on page 10.
Signal and ground sockets are compatible with
0.64 mm (25 mil) square pins and 0.6 mm to
0.8 mm (24 mil to 35 mil) round pins.
1.3.2 Probe Box
The probe box connects the probe and the oscilloscope via the Rohde & Schwarz
probe interface. The Rohde & Schwarz probe interface contains a male precision
7 mm (276 mil) BNC connector and six pogo pin connectors. This interface pro-
vides the required supply voltage and is also used to transmit analog signals and
digital data simultaneously. All the analog voltages required by the probe are gen-
erated in the probe box. This approach ensures that it will be possible to operate
future probes on any base unit that features a Rohde & Schwarz probe interface.
(1) Rohde & Schwarz probe interface with
7 mm (276 mil) coaxial connector and 6 pogo
pins
(2) Release knob
Description of the Probe

Product Description
R&S®RT-ZS10E/10/20/30
10User Manual 1410.3531.02 ─ 07
1.4 Accessories and Items
The figure below shows all accessories that are available for the
R&S RT‑ZS10/20/30 active voltage probe.
Figure 1-1: Available accessories
1.4.1 Accessories Supplied
The following table shows the accessories supplied with the R&S RT‑ZS10/20/30
active voltage probe.
Table 1-1: Accessories supplied
Item Quantity Description
ZS10/20/30 ZS10E
10 5 Signal pin
Accessories and Items

Product Description
R&S®RT-ZS10E/10/20/30
11User Manual 1410.3531.02 ─ 07
Item Quantity Description
5 2 Ground pin, pogo
10 2 Ground pin, solderable, offset
2 - Ground adapter, square pin
2 - Lead, 6 cm / 2.4 in
2 1 Lead, 15 cm / 5.9 in
2 1 Mini clip
2 - Micro clip
Accessories and Items

Product Description
R&S®RT-ZS10E/10/20/30
12User Manual 1410.3531.02 ─ 07
Item Quantity Description
1 1 Marker band kit
1 - Carrying case with foam inlay
For a list of spare parts, see Chapter 5.6, "Spare Parts", on page 38.
1.4.2 Optional Accessories
If the delivered accessories do not meet individual customer requirements,
Rohde & Schwarz offers different accessory sets for sale. The order numbers are
provided in the data sheet.
Table 1-2: R&S RT-ZA2 spare accessory set
Item Quantity Description
Signal pin
Ground pin, pogo
Ground pin, solderable, offset
Ground adapter, square pin
Marker band kit
Mini clip
Micro clip
Lead, 6 cm / 2.4 in
Lead, 15 cm / 5.9 in
Accessory box and vials
Carrying case with foam inlay
R&S RT-ZS10/20/30 User Manual
10
5
10
2
1
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
Contains all accessories that
are supplied with the
R&S RT‑ZS10/20/30.
Accessories and Items

Product Description
R&S®RT-ZS10E/10/20/30
13User Manual 1410.3531.02 ─ 07
Table 1-3: R&S RT-ZA3 pin set
Item Quantity Description
Signal pin
Ground pin, pogo
Ground pin, solderable, offset
Ground adapter, square pin
Marker band kit
20
5
20
2
1
Contains the pins available for
the R&S RT‑ZS10/20/30.
Table 1-4: R&S RT-ZA4 mini clips
Item Quantity Description
Mini clip 10 Contains mini clips.
Table 1-5: R&S RT-ZA5 micro clips
Item Quantity Description
Micro clip 4 Contains micro clips.
Table 1-6: R&S RT-ZA6 lead set
Item Quantity Description
Lead, 6 cm / 2.4 in
Lead, 15 cm / 5.9 in
5
5
Contains short and long leads.
Table 1-7: R&S RT-ZA9 probe box to N / USB adapter
The adapter can be used to connect the
R&S RT‑ZS10/20/30 active voltage probe to any
other oscilloscope or any other measurement instru-
ment (e.g. a network or spectrum analyzer).
Using the USB interface of the adapter, the probe
can be powered and controlled from any conven-
tional PC.
1.4.3 Service Accessories
To order accessories for servicing the probe, contact your Rohde & Schwarz ser-
vice center. The following accessories are available:
Accessories and Items

Product Description
R&S®RT-ZS10E/10/20/30
14User Manual 1410.3531.02 ─ 07
Table 1-8: Service accessories
Item Description
R&S RT-ZK1 The service kit is used to calibrate the probe, to do perform-
ance tests, and for servicing. The service kit includes all
adapters and accessories to connect the probe to the
required measuring instruments.
R&S RT‑ZS10/20/30 Service
Manual
The service manual contains a detailed description of the
performance test to verify the specifications, and other
important service procedures.
Accessories and Items

Putting into Operation
R&S®RT-ZS10E/10/20/30
15User Manual 1410.3531.02 ─ 07
2 Putting into Operation
The probe is designed for usage with oscilloscopes that have a Rohde & Schwarz
probe interface. Supported Rohde & Schwarz oscilloscopes are listed in the pro-
be's data sheet.
Read and observe the "Basic Safety Instructions" that are delivered with the
probe as a printed brochure. Also, read and observe the safety instructions of the
oscilloscope the probe is connected to.
Maximum non-destructive input voltage
The maximum non-destructive input voltage is ±30 V. A higher input voltage
can destroy the probe.
The maximum input voltage is derated for higher frequencies. Refer to the
data sheet for further information.
Risk of device damage
The R&S RT‑ZS10/20/30 can withstand a moderate amount of physical and
electrical stress. To avoid damage, treat the probe with care:
●Do not exceed the specified voltage limits.
●Connect the R&S RT‑ZS10/20/30 only to an instrument with
Rohde & Schwarz probe interface. Never connect it to a usual BNC
jack. Although the 7 mm coaxial connector looks like a standard BNC
connector, it is constructed differently and does not fit to the standard
BNC jack. The interface of the R&S RT‑ZS10/20/30 can withstand a
higher frequency limit.
●Avoid excessive strain on the probe cable, and kinking.
●Prevent the adapter from receiving mechanical shock.
●Do not spill liquids on the probe.
●Store the probe in a shock-resistant case, e.g. in the foam-lined ship-
ping case.

Putting into Operation
R&S®RT-ZS10E/10/20/30
16User Manual 1410.3531.02 ─ 07
During usage, the probe slightly heats up. Warming is normal behavior and not a
sign of malfunction.
Damage caused by electrostatic discharge
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage the electronic components of the
probe and the instrument, and also the device under test (DUT). Electro-
static discharge is most likely to occur when you connect or disconnect a
DUT or test fixture to the probe and to the instrument's test ports. To pre-
vent electrostatic discharge, use a wrist strap and cord and connect your-
self to the ground, or use a conductive floor mat and heel strap combina-
tion. Discharge cables and probe tips before you connect them.
2.1 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 2-1: Connecting the probe to the Rohde & Schwarz oscilloscope
Connecting the Probe to the Oscilloscope