AnsweredAssumed Answered

New passive probe N2894A and 3000 X-series?

Question asked by MarkL on Nov 13, 2012
Latest reply on Nov 20, 2012 by ksmith

Like • Show 0 Likes0
Comment • 3

Along with the new 4000 X-Series, it seems there's also a new passive probe model, the 700 MHz N2894A.

Any reason why this wouldn't also be a good choice for the 3000X 1GHz model too? The N2894A product page only mentions the 4000X.

And is it compatible with the N287xA series 2.5mm accessories? Strictly speaking it's in a different series, but it sure looks like a N287x.

Thanks,

-mark

No one else has this question

Outcomes

3 Replies

ksmith Nov 15, 2012 12:29 PM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
Hi,

The accessories for the N2780A sereis will ineed work, but you won't get 700 MHz out of it when used with a 3000X. The 3000X has 500 MHz bw on the 1M input. The 4000X apparently has over 700 MHz on the 1M path (haven't had the cahnce to check that out yet). if u really want 1 GHz of SYSTEM bw (assuming a 1 GHz scope) and good loading, get an N2795A se active probe. These are very nice and realtively low cost (~$1k).

pretty much all 1M paths on ALL scopes are 500 MHz, though this is rearely mentioned anywhere.
Like • Show 0 Likes0
Actions
- MarkL @ ksmith on Nov 15, 2012 8:07 PM
  Mark Correct
  Correct Answer
  Ok, so you wouldn't get 700MHz out of the combination of a MSO3104X + N2894A, but wouldn't there at least be some improvement over say the N2873A (500MHz)?
  
  The scope's 1Mohm 500MHz rolloff will dominate in the overall determination of BW, but part of the BW is also dependent on the probe characteristics. So I think it should land somewhere in between 500MHz and 700MHz, and closer to the 500MHz side. Right?
  
  The reason I'm asking is that we're upgrading the stock probes on a 3104X to get finer passive probing capability. The N2873A was the obvious choice, but since the N2984A is now available and is about the same price and is identical size-wise, why not get it instead?
  
  Noted that the N2894A probe package is minus a couple of accessories. And to your point, we already have an active probe when we need 1GHz to the probe tip. It's really the 2.5mm diameter and wide array of accessories for the N287x and N2894A that's most attractive.
  
  Edited by: MarkL on Nov 15, 2012 9:07 PM
  Like • Show 0 Likes0
  Actions
  - ksmith @ MarkL on Nov 20, 2012 9:46 AM
    Mark Correct
    Correct Answer
    so with a 500 MHz passive probe ona 500 MHz (1MOhm) channel, the effective scope + probe system 3dB bw is less than 500 MHz. when the 700 MHz passive probe is added, the results shud be pertty darn close to 500 MHz 3 dB system bw.
    Like • Show 0 Likes0
    Actions

New passive probe N2894A and 3000 X-series?

Outcomes

Related Content

Recommended Content