PS0006A Optically Isolated Differential Probe Pod

The main structure of the PS0006A isolated probe includes a probe pod and a sensor head. The pod features the AutoProbe 1 interface, which connects to the oscilloscope input. To measure, a probe tip is needed to link the sensor head to the device under test (DUT). Probe tips are sold separately and come in different voltage ratings and connector types (MMCX, 100 Mil or 200 Mil Sockets). The family of PS000xA probes are compatible with Keysight's Infiniium EXR-Series, MXR B-Series and InfiniiVision HD3 Series of oscilloscopes.

*NOTE: This probe is not designed as a handheld probe due to safety and performance concerns. Each probe comes standard with a bipod. Use of the bipod is recommended for maximum CMRR performance and for measurement setups with voltages larger than 30 Vrms.

Features and Specifications

• Probe Bandwidth: 700 MHz
• Probe Tips: Supports up to 8 tips types (not included)
• Cable Type: Optical fiber bundle
• Typical CMRR: DC 160 db, 100 MHz >85dB, 1 GHz 80 dB
• Differential DC Gain Accuracy: +/‐3% DC offset error voltage, 60% full scale
• Probe Positioning: Probe holder required - no handheld applications
• Probe Control: Integrated into scope interface (AutoProbe 1)
• Warranty: One-year warranty with the option to extend to 3 or 5 years
• Safety: UL-certified

PS000xA Series of Optically Isolated Differential Probes

Galvanically isolated voltage probes provide separation between the device under test (DUT) and the oscilloscope, as well as earth ground, allowing for safer and more precise measurements. This isolation effectively blocks common-mode signals, reduces noise interference, and prevents ground loops in high-voltage settings. A high common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) is crucial for accurately detecting small signals, even amidst large common-mode voltages at floating nodes. The CMRR of an isolated probe can be over 100 million times higher than that of a standard differential voltage probe referenced to earth ground.

In addition to high CMRR and improved safety, isolated probes offer further benefits compared to standard differential probes. Their isolation makes them less prone to electromagnetic interference (EMI), decreasing signal distortion. Moreover, Keysight’s isolated probes support higher offset voltages and broader differential voltage ranges at higher bandwidths, ensuring accurate measurements of fast-switching signals and transients in noisy, high-common-mode environments.

The electrical ratings below are for probe pods and sensor heads without a probe tip. Each isolated probe requires the use of a probe tip, and therefore, the lower electrical rating of the two is applicable when used in combination.

Probe Tips For The PS000XA Series

Tips, sold separately, vary in voltage performance and connector type. The electrical ratings listed below apply solely to the probe tips. Since each isolated probe must be used with a probe tip, the lower of the two electrical ratings should be considered when used together. The specifications reflect both guaranteed (as indicated) and typical performance after a recommended warm-up period of 30 minutes.

^{1- Denotes a warranted specification using the PS0008A 1 GHz isolated probe with the PS0017A 10 V MMCX probe tip. All other measurements are typical.
3- Denotes a warranted specification using the PS0008A 1 GHz isolated probe with the PS0017A 10 V MMCX probe tip as per the performance verification procedure outlined in the User Guide. All other measurements are typical.
4- (a) Derated with frequency. See voltage derating curves. (b) View the diagram in Figure 9 to compare input voltage ranges.
5- If an optically isolated probe is held with a non-conducting probe holder that has virtually no DC leakage to the surrounding environment (i.e. very high resistance) then the DC CMRR becomes unmeasurable in practice and is considered nearly infinite.
6- View the User Guide for connector dimensions.}

Applications

Isolated probes provide substantial advantages in various industries and applications. They are frequently utilized in power electronic full-bridge and half-bridge architectures, improving the efficiency and performance testing of fast-switching devices like wide bandgap GaN and SiC semiconductors. These probes support high-voltage differential measurements up to 2,500 V and can reject common-mode signals up to 60,000 V, making them essential for automotive electric vehicle (EV) testing and photovoltaic solar power conversion. Other important applications include:

Semiconductor

• Developing power semiconductors, including MOSFETs, IGBTs, and wide bandgap SiC/GaN transistors.
• Testing power converters, inverters, motor drives, and associated evaluation boards.
• Evaluating power management ICs for DC-DC converters, voltage regulators, and battery management systems (BMS).

Automotive

• Testing electric vehicle (EV) powertrains, BMS, and other high-voltage automotive components, including inverters, on-board chargers, and DC-DC converters.

Aerospace and Defense

• Analyzing high-voltage systems in aircraft and spacecraft, such as power distribution for avionics.

Power Electronics

• Debugging power electronic systems like variable frequency drives (VFDs) and motor controllers used in automation, robotics, and HVAC systems.
• Verifying products against safety and regulatory standards, such as IEC 61010, UL, or other EMC requirements for isolated measurements.

Energy

• Validating photovoltaic inverters, wind turbine power systems, and grid-tied energy storage systems.
• Developing and evaluating HVDC converters used in power distribution networks.
• Designing and testing uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and generators.

What's in the Box

• PS0006A Differential Probe Pod
• PS0013-64701 Bipod
• 8710-2466 SMA Wrench (not shown)