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Keysight Oscilloscope Probes Selection Guide

Probe Types

Keysight offers a broad range of voltage, current, and optical probing solutions for InfiniiVision and Infiniium Series oscilloscopes. Select from the probe categories listed below to see what Keysight has to offer.

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Hi-Z+ PASSIVE PROBING SYSTEM

Keysight offers a family of single-ended passive probes offers the performance expected of an active probe with the usability expected from a passive probe. The Hi-Z+ probes support higher input voltages and support for simplified probing of MMCX connectors. All three of these probes leverage the PP0004A Hi-Z+ Adapter to interface with our current generation oscilloscopes with AutoProbe 1 interfaces. There are also a variety of accessory kits available for extra parts or replacements.

PP000xA Hi-Z+ Probes
ModelBandwidthInput VoltageInput ImpedanceTip Type
PP0001A 1 GHz 300 V CAT II 10 MΩ // 4.0 pF 5mm tip
PP0002A 800 MHz 1200 V CAT II 40 MΩ // 2.0 pF 5mm tip
PP0003A 1 GHz 30 V CAT II 10 MΩ // 4.0 pF MMCX Connector

 

Passive Probes

Keysight offers a broad range of passive probes with various attenuation ratios and input impedance specifications to optimize the dynamic range and loading considerations of your oscilloscope ground-reference measurements. These passive probes are compatible with most Keysight oscilloscopes that have either standard BNC inputs or AutoProbe1/BNC input connections.

General-Purpose Passive Probes
ModelBandwidthAttenuation RatioInput Impedance1Compensation Range2Notes
N2840A 50 MHz 10:01 10 MΩ // 11 pF 5 - 30 pF
N2841A 150 MHz 10:01 10 MΩ // 11 pF 5 - 30 pF Recommended for InfiniiVision 2000 X-Series
N2871A 200 MHz 10:01 10 MΩ // 9.5 pF 10 - 25 pF Optimized for fine-pitch probing
N2842A 300 MHz 10:01 10 MΩ // 11 pF 5 - 30 pF Recommended for InfiniiVision 2000 X-Series
N2853A 350 MHz 10:01 10 MΩ // 11 pF 5 - 30 pF
N2872A 350 MHz 10:01 10 MΩ // 9.5 pF 10 -25 pF Optimized for fine-pitch probing
N7007A 400 MHz 10:01 10 MΩ // 16 pF 6 - 18 pF Extreme temperature probing  (-40 to +85°C), 2 meter cable
N2843A 500 MHz 10:01 10 MΩ // 11 pF 5 - 30 pF Recommended for InfiniiVision 3000 X-Series
N2873A 500 MHz 10:01 10 MΩ // 9.5 pF 10-25 pF Fine-pitch, recommended for Infiniium EXR/MXR/S-Series
N2875A 500 MHz 20:01 20 MΩ // 5.6 pF 7 - 20 pF Optimized for fine-pitch, low-capacitive probing
N2894A 700 MHz 10:01 10 MΩ // 9.5 pF 10 - 25 pF Fine-pitch, recommended for InfiniiVision 4000/6000 X-Series
PP0002A 800 MHz variable 40 MΩ // 2.0 pF N/A 5 mm tip, 1200 V CAT II, requires PP0004A (AutoProbe 1) 
PP0001A 1 GHz variable 10 MΩ // 4.0 pF N/A 5 mm tip, 300 V CAT II, requires PP0004A (AutoProbe 1) 
PP0003A 1 GHz variable 10 MΩ // 4.0 pF N/A MMCX connector, 30 V CAT II, requires PP0004A (AutoProbe 1) 

 

High-Sensitivity 1:1 Passive Probes
ModelBandwidthAttenuation RatioInput Impedance1,3Compensation RangeNotes
N2870A 35 MHz  01:01 1 MΩ // 39 pF +  N/A Recommended for low-voltage measurements 

 

Switchable Passive Probes (1:1 // 10:1)
ModelBandwidthAttenuation RatioInput Impedance1,3Compensation Range2Notes
N2142A 6 MHz 01:01 1 MΩ // 100 pF +  N/A Low-cost 2-pack, recommended for InfiniiVision EDUX1000 X-Series
70 MHz 10:01 10 MΩ // 15 pF + 15 - 30 pF Low-cost 2-pack, recommended for InfiniiVision EDUX1000 X-Series
N2140A 6 MHz 01:01 1 MΩ // 100 pF + N/A Low-cost 2-pack, recommended for InfiniiVision EDUX1000 X-Series
200 MHz 10:01 10 MΩ // 15 pF + 15 - 30 pF Low-cost 2-pack, recommended for InfiniiVision EDUX1000 X-Series
N2889A 10 MHz 01:01 1 MΩ // 60 pF + N/A The most general-purpose passive probe
350 MHz 10:01 10 MΩ // 11 pF + 10 - 35 pF The most general-purpose passive probe

 

High-voltage Passive Probe (100:1)
ModelBandwidthAtten. RatioInput Impedance1Compensation Range2Notes
10076C     500 MHz       100:1    66.7 MΩ // 3 pF +    6 - 18 pF    High-voltage, low capacitive probing

 

High-frequency/Low-Z Passive Probes (50-Ω terminated)
ModelBandwidthAttenuation RatioInput Impedance4Compensation RangeNotes
N2874A 1.5 GHz 10:01 500 Ω // 1.8 pF + N/A Low-cost, high-frequency probing at the cost of resistive loading
N2876A 1.5 GHz 100:01:00 5 kΩ // 2.2 pF +  N/A Low-cost, high-frequency probing at the cost of resistive loading

 

TDR/TDT Probe
ModelBandwidthTypeInput ImpedanceTip SpacingCompatible TDR/TDT ModulesNotes
N1021B 18 GHz Differential 100 Ω variable between 0.5mm-2.54mm DCA-X N1055A & 54754A Designed for TDR applications, but also suitable as high bandwidth, passive probe for non-TDR applications
  1. Input impedance when terminated into oscilloscopes with 1-MΩ input terminations. For higher-bandwidth Infiniium oscilloscopes with 50-Ω input terminations only, the E2697A high impedance adapter can be purchased (includes 10073D 500-MHz passive probe) to provide a 1-MΩ input termination. 
  2. For proper probe compensation (flatness), the oscilloscope’s input capacitance must be within the specified compensation range of the probe. 
  3. Capacitance at the probe tip of 1:1 probes is the specified probe capacitance plus the capacitance of the oscilloscope when terminated into 1-MΩ.
  4. Input impedance when terminated into oscilloscopes with 50-Ω input terminations. These probes are not compatible with Keysight’s InfiniiVision 1000 and 2000 X-Series oscilloscopes. 

 

High-Frequency Differential Active Probes < 10 GHz

Probing high-speed differential buses typically requires differential active probes. Keysight offers a broad range of differential active probing solutions for your unique measurement requirements based on bandwidth, dynamic measurement range, and probe loading.

High-Frequency Differential Active Probes  < 10 GHz
ModelBandwidthInput RangeProbe OffsetDiff Input ImpedanceAttenuation RatioProbe-to-scope InterfaceNote
N2750A 1.5 GHz ±5 V ±15 V 100 kΩ/0.7 pF 2:1/10:1 AutoProbe1 1
N2751A 3.5 GHz ±5 V ±15 V 100 kΩ/0.7 pF 2:1/10:1 AutoProbe1 1
N2752A 6.0 GHz ±5 V ±15 V 100 kΩ/0.7 pF 2:1/10:1 AutoProbe1 1
1130B2 1.5 GHz ±2.5 V ±12 V 50 kΩ/0.27 pF 10:01 AutoProbe1 2
1131B2 3.5 GHz ±2.5 V ±12 V 50 kΩ/0.27 pF 10:01 AutoProbe1 2
1132B2 6.0 GHz ±2.5 V ±12 V 50 kΩ/0.27 pF 10:01 AutoProbe1 2
1134B2 7.0 GHz ±2.5 V ±12 V 50 kΩ/0.27 pF 10:01 AutoProbe1 2
N2830A2,3 4 GHz ±2.5 V ±16 V 100 kΩ/0.32 pF 5:1/10:1 AutoProbe1 1, 2, 3
N2831A2,3 8 GHz ±2.5 V ±16 V 100 kΩ/0.32 pF 5:1/10:1 AutoProbe1 1, 2, 3
N7000A2,3 8 GHz ±2.5 V ±16 V 100 kΩ/0.32 pF 5:1/10:1 AutoProbe2 1, 2
  1. Auto-selected based on V/division setting.
  2. Requires differential probe head sold separately.
  3. Not compatible with InfiniiVision X-Series oscilloscopes, but is compatible with the Infiniium UXR (1 mm & 1.85 mm models) with the cascaded use of the N5442A and N2852A adapters
Oscilloscope Compatibility for High-Frequency Differential Active Probes   < 10 GHz
Probe-to-scope InterfaceScope TerminationCompatible Oscilloscopes
BNC 50 Ω
  • InfiniiVision 3000A, 3000T, 4000, and 6000 X-Series 
  • Infiniium EXR, MXR, S-Series, 9000 Series
  • Any vendor’s oscilloscope with a BNC input connection and a 50 Ω input impedance termination 
AutoProbe1 50 Ω
  • InfiniiVision 3000A, 3000T, 4000, and 6000 X-Series (except N2830A and N2831A)
  • Infiniium EXR, MXR, S-Series, 9000, and 90000A Series
  • Infiniium UXR (3.5 mm models), V, Z, Q, and 90000X Series
AutoProbe2 50 Ω
  • Infiniium UXR (3.5 mm models), V, Z, Q, and 90000X Series with the use of the N5442A adapter

 

High-Frequency Differential Active Probes ≥ 10 GHz

High-Frequency Differential Active Probes ≥ 10 GHz
ModelBandwidthImpedance Profile1Diff Input ImpedanceProbe Noise2Probe-to-Scope InterfaceInfiniiMode3Input RangeProbe OffsetAttenuation Range4
N2803A 30 GHz RCRC 100 kΩ /0.32 pF 23.9 nV/rt(Hz) AutoProbe2 No ±1.25 V ±16 V 06:01
MX0025A 25 GHz RC 50 kΩ/0.17 pF 25.0 nV/rt(Hz) AutoProbe2 Yes ±2.5 V ±16 V 1:1/4:1/8:1
N2802A 25 GHz RCRC 100 kΩ /0.32 pF 23.9 nV/rt(Hz) AutoProbe2 No ±1.25 V ±16 V 06:01
MX0024A 20 GHz RC 50 kΩ/0.17 pF 25.0 nV/rt(Hz) AutoProbe2 Yes ±2.5 V ±16 V 1:1/4:1/8:1
N2801A 20 GHz RCRC 100 kΩ /0.32 pF 23.9 nV/rt(Hz) AutoProbe2 No ±1.25 V ±16 V 06:01
N7003A 20 GHz RCRC 100 kΩ /0.32 pF 33.5 nV/rt(Hz) AutoProbe2 Yes ±2.5 V ±16 V 5:1/10:1
MX0022A 16 GHz RC 50 kΩ/0.17 pF 25.0 nV/rt(Hz) AutoProbe2 Yes ±2.5 V ±16 V 1:1/4:1/8:1
N7002A 16 GHz RCRC 100 kΩ /0.32 pF 33.5 nV/rt(Hz) AutoProbe2 Yes ±2.5 V ±16 V 5:1/10:1
MX0021A 13 GHz RC 50 kΩ/0.17 pF 25.0 nV/rt(Hz) AutoProbe2 Yes ±2.5 V ±16 V 1:1/4:1/8:1
N7001A 13 GHz RCRC 100 kΩ /0.32 pF 33.5 nV/rt(Hz) AutoProbe2 Yes ±2.5 V ±16 V 5:1/10:1
N2832A 13 GHz RCRC 100 kΩ /0.32 pF 33.5 nV/rt(Hz) AutoProbe1 Yes ±2.5 V ±16 V 5:1/10:1
1169B 13 GHz RC 50 kΩ /0.21 pF 25.0 nV/rt(Hz) AutoProbe1 No ±1.65 V ±16 V 3.45:1
MX0020A 10 GHz RC 50 kΩ/0.17 pF 25.0 nV/rt(Hz) AutoProbe2 Yes ±2.5 V ±16 V 1:1/4:1/8:1
1168B 10 GHz RC 50 kΩ /0.21 pF 25.0 nV/rt(Hz) AutoProbe1 No ±1.65 V ±16 V 3.45:1
  1. Input Impedance Profile: RCRC architecture is the best choice for signals with low source impedance and RC architecture is the best choice for measuring signals that transition to low power modes because it has lower loading.
  2. Probe noise listed is the most common setup. Probe noise can vary with multiple factors such as attenuation ratio, probe head, and probe mode.
  3. Measure differential, single-ended, and common mode signals.
  4. Auto selected based on volts/division (all modes).
Oscilloscope Compatibility for High-Frequency Differential Active Probes > 10 GHz
Probe-to-scope InterfaceCompatible Oscilloscopes
AutoProbe1
  • Infiniium MXR, EXR, S-Series, 9000, and 90000A Series
  • Infiniium UXR (3.5 mm models), V, Z, Q, and 90000X Series with the use of the N5442A adapter
  • Infiniium UXR (1 mm & 1.85 mm models) with the cascaded use of the N5442A & N2852A adapters
AutoProbe2
  • Infiniium UXR (3.5 mm models), V, Z, Q, and 90000X Series
  • Infiniium UXR (1 mm & 1.85 mm models) with the use of the N2852A adapter
  • Infiniium N1000A and 86100D DCA-X with the use of the N5477A adapter (only for N2801A/02A/03A) 

 

Single-Ended Active Probes

Measurements Referenced to Ground

When capacitive loading and limited bandwidth of conventional passive probes begin to degrade the measurement integrity of your high-speed signals, consider using one of Keysight’s higher bandwidth single-ended active probes.

Single-Ended Active Probes
ModelBandwidthInput RangeProbe OffsetDiff Input ImpedanceAttenuation RatioProbe-to-scope InterfaceNote
1130B1 1.5 GHz ±2.5 V ±12 V 50 kΩ/0.27 pF 10:01 AutoProbe1  
1131B1 3.5 GHz ±2.5 V ±12 V 50 kΩ/0.27 pF 10:01 AutoProbe1  
1132B1 6.0 GHz ±2.5 V ±12 V 50 kΩ/0.27 pF 10:01 AutoProbe1  
1134B1 7.0 GHz ±2.5 V ±12 V 50 kΩ/0.27 pF 10:01 AutoProbe1  
N2795A 1 GHz ±8 V ±8 V 1 MΩ/1.0 pF 10:01 AutoProbe1  
N2796A 2 GHz ±8 V ±12 V 1 MΩ/1.0 pF 10:01 AutoProbe1  
N2797A  1.5 GHz ±8 V ±12 V 1 MΩ/1.0 pF 10:01 AutoProbe1 Extreme Temp. (-40 to +85° C), 2 meter long cable
  1. Single-ended and differential probe. Requires probe head sold separately.

 

Oscilloscope Compatibility for Single-Ended Active Probes
Probe-to-scope InterfaceCompatible Oscilloscopes
AutoProbe1
  • InfiniiVision 3000A, 3000T, 4000, and 6000 X-Series
  • Infiniium EXR, MXR, S-Series, 9000, and 90000A Series
  • Infiniium UXR (3.5 mm models), V, Z, Q, and 90000X Series with the N5442A adapter
  • Infiniium UXR (1 mm & 1.85 mm models) with the cascaded use of the N5442A & N2852A adapters (only for N2795A/96A/97A, not for 1130B/31B/32B/34B)

 

High-Voltage Differential Active Probes

Keysight offers a broad range of high-voltage differential probes to help test power-related devices and circuits including probes with high input impedance for minimal loading, probes with multiple attenuation ratios for optimum dynamic range measurements, and probes that can measure up to ±7000 Volts.

High-Voltage Differential Active Probes
ModelBandwidthInput RangeDiff Input ImpedanceAttenuation RatioProbe-to-scope InterfacePower SourceOscilloscope Termination
DP0010A 250 MHz ±42 V 1.7 MΩ/0.9 pF 17:1/85:1 AutoProbe1 Oscilloscope 50 Ω
DP0011A 500 MHz ±42 V 1.7 MΩ/0.9 pF 17:1/85:1 AutoProbe1 Oscilloscope 50 Ω
DP0012A 1.0 GHz ±42 V 1.7 MΩ/0.9 pF 17:1/85:1 AutoProbe1 Oscilloscope 50 Ω
DP0013A 1.7 Ghz ±42 V 1.7 MΩ/0.9 pF 17:1/85:1 AutoProbe1 Oscilloscope 50 Ω
N2805A 200 MHz ±100 V 4 MΩ/4.0 pF 50:01:00 AutoProbe1 Oscilloscope 50 Ω
N2804A 300 MHz ±300 V 8 MΩ/10 pF 100:01:00 AutoProbe1 Oscilloscope 50 Ω
N2791A 25 MHz ±700 V 8 MΩ/3.5 pF 10:1/100:1 BNC USB cable or battery 1 MΩ
N2790A 100 MHz ±1400 V 1 MΩ/3.5 pF 50:1/500:1 AutoProbe1 Oscilloscope 1 MΩ
DP0001A 400 MHz ±2000 V 10 MΩ/2.0 pF 50:1/100:1/250:1/500:1 AutoProbe1 Oscilloscope 50 Ω
N2891A 70 MHz ±7000 V 100 MΩ/5.0 pF 100:1/1000:1 BNC USB cable or battery 1 MΩ
  1. Single-ended and differential probe. Requires probe head sold separately.
Oscilloscope Compatibility for High-Voltage Differential Active Probes
Probe-to-scope InterfaceOscilloscope TerminationCompatible Oscilloscopes
BNC 1 MΩ
  • InfiniiVision 1000, 2000, 3000A, 3000T, 4000, and 6000 X-Series
  • Infiniium EXR, MXR, S-Series, 9000 Series
  • Any vendor’s oscilloscope with a BNC input connection and a 1 MΩ input impedance termination 
BNC 50 Ω
  • InfiniiVision 3000A, 3000T, 4000, and 6000 X-Series
  • Infiniium EXR, MXR, S-Series, 9000 and 90000A Series
  • Any vendor’s oscilloscope with a BNC input connection and a 50 Ω input impedance termination
AutoProbe1 50 Ω
  • InfiniiVision 3000A1, 3000T, 4000, and 6000 X-Series
  • Infiniium EXR, MXR, S-Series, 9000 and 90000A Series
  • Infiniium UXR (3.5 mm models), V, Z, Q, and 90000X Series with the use of the N5442A adapter
  • Infiniium UXR (1 mm & 1.85 mm models) with the cascaded use of the N5442A & N2852A adapters

 

Power Rail Probes

Measure Output Ripple with High-Sensitivity

Engineers often use 1:1 passive probes for the sensitivity required to measure the output ripple of DC supplies. But 1:1 passive probes have limited bandwidth (typically less than 35 MHz) and no DC offset capability. A Keysight power rail probe can measure noise, output ripple, and transients on DC power supplies with high sensitivity (millivolts), large DC offsets, and high bandwidth.

Power Rail Probes
ModelBandwidthInput RangeProbe OffsetInput ImpedanceAttenuation RatioProbe-to-scope Interface
N7020A 2 GHz ±850 mV1 ±24 V 50 kΩ 1.1:1 AutoProbe1
N7024A 6 GHz ±600 mV1 ±15 V 50 kΩ 1.3:1 AutoProbe1

 

Current Probes

Keysight offers a broad range of current probing solutions including clamp-on current probes with bandwidths from DC to 150 MHz, Rogowski coils that can measure peak currents up to 3000 Amps, and high-sensitivity R-shunt probes that can measure current as low as 50 µA.

AC/DC Hall-Effect (Clamp-On) Current Probes
ModelBandwidthMax CurrentConversion Factor (Attenuation)Min Scope Vertical Scale Probe-to-Scope InterfacePower Source
N7026A 150 MHz 40 A-Pk1, 30 A-RMS (1) 1 V/A (1:1), 0.2 V/A (5:1)2 1 mA/div AutoProbe1 Oscilloscope
N2893A 100 MHz 30 A-Pk3, 24 A-RMS (3) 0.1 V/A (10:1) 10 mA/div AutoProbe1 Oscilloscope
N2783B 100 MHz 50 A-Pk, 30 A-RMS 0.1 V/A (10:1) 10 mA/div BNC N2779A
1147B 50 MHz 30 A-Pk3, 24 A-RMS3 0.1 V/A (10:1) 10 mA/div AutoProbe1 Oscilloscope
N2782B 50 MHz 50 A-Pk, 30 A-RMS 0.1 V/A (10:1) 10 mA/div BNC N2779A
N2781B 10 MHz 300 A-Pk, 150 A-RMS 0.01 V/A (100:1)  100 mA/div BNC N2779A
N2780B 2 MHz 700 A-Pk, 500 A-RMS 0.01 V/A (100:1)  100 mA/div BNC N2779A
1146B 100 kHz 100 A-Pk, 100 A-RMS 0.1 V/A (10:1), 0.01 V/A (100:1)4 10 mA/div BNC 9 V Battery

 

AC-Only Rogowski Current Probes
ModelBandwidthMax CurrentConversion Factor (Attenuation)Probe-to-Scope InterfacePower Source
N7042A 9.2 Hz- 30 MHz 300 A-Pk 0.02 V/A (50:1) BNC AC power adapter or 4x AA batteries
N7041A 12 Hz - 30 MHz 600 A-Pk 0.01 V/A (100:1) BNC AC power adapter or 4x AA batteries
N7040A 3 Hz - 23 MHz 3000 A-Pk 0.002 V/A (500:1) BNC AC power adapter or 4x AA batteries

 

High-Sensitivity AC/DC R-Shunt Current Probes
ModelBandwidthCurrent Range5GainChannelsProbe Heads (Standard)Probe-to-Scope InterfacePower Source
N2820A Zoom-out: 3 MHz
Zoom-in: 500 kHz
Zoom-out: 5 A
Zoom-in: 50 µ A 
Zoom-out: 1.97
Zoom-in: 300
2 20 mΩ, 100 mΩ,
User-defined
AutoProbe1 Oscilloscope
N2821A Zoom-out: 3 MHz
Zoom-in: 500 kHz
Zoom-out: 5 A
Zoom-in: 50 µ A 
Zoom-out: 1.97
Zoom-in: 300
1 20 mΩ, 100 mΩ,
User-defined
AutoProbe1 Oscilloscope
  1. When using a power adapter booster (standard). 15 A-Pk, 5 V-RMS without oscilloscope-provided power only. An MXR/EXR enables max current range without using the power adapter.
  2. Auto-selected based on Amps/division setting.
  3. The maximum number of current probes supported by InfiniiVision oscilloscopes is limited depending on the oscilloscope. Infiniium oscilloscopes have no limitations.
  4. Manually selectable. 
  5. A wider input range is possible when using the user-defined head and Rsense.

 

Optical Probes

Keysight offers fully-integrated optical front-end solutions for Infiniium real-time oscilloscopes. The solution is designed for reference receiver testing of industry optical standards or characterizing the raw response of an optical transmitter. It can also be used to view optical streams at speeds up to 56 Gbaud PAM4, making it an ideal solution for characterizing or troubleshooting high-speed optical signals in system level testing and debugging.

Optical Probes
ModelBandwidthInputsInput Connector TypeWavelength RangeRequired Infiniium Baseline SoftwareOutput Connector TypeCompatible Oscilloscopes
N7004A 33 GHz Single-mode & Multi-mode FC/PC to 50/125 um fiber  750 nm to 1650 nm Version 05.70 or higher 2.92 mm female UXR (3.5 mm models), V, Z, Q, and 90000X
N7005A 60 GHz Single-mode FC/PC to 9/125 um fiber 1250 nm to 1600 nm Version 10.25 or higher 1.85 male UXR (1 mm & 1.85 mm models)