Teledyne LeCroy WaveMaster 8000A - Manual (Page 27)

Getting Started Manual
WM-GS-E Rev E
25
Probes
LeCroy offers a variety of passive and active probes for use with your X-Stream scope. Visit
www.lecroy.com for specifications and ordering information.
Current Probes
Current Probes measure the current passing through a wire; current
probes do not use the "traditional" probing style of placing a tip onto a test
point. Rather, a wire is placed inside of the "jaw" of the probe, which then
allows the probe to measure the current (in Amps).
Active Probes
There are two different types of active probes: "single-ended" and
"differential."
Single-ended: A single-ended active probe is associated with measuring
voltages at high frequencies. Measurement with an active probe requires a
test point and a ground point. The ground (also called earth) acts as a zero
reference for the test point measurement.
Differential Probes
Differential active probes are like two probes in one. Instead of measuring
a test point in relation to a ground point (like single-ended active probes),
differential probes measure the difference in voltage of a test point in
relation to another test point.
Passive Probes
Passive probes measure voltages at lower frequencies (<400 MHz). They
have higher input capacitance (input C) and do not need power to operate
(unlike active probes). At higher frequencies, higher input capacitance
loads the test circuit, attenuating the signal. This is why active probes are
used in high frequency applications. Passive probes also measure voltage
in reference to ground.
High Voltage
Probes
These are active single ended probes that are designed to measure high
voltages (safely). They measure the voltage in reference to ground.