® R&S RT‑ZD10/20/30 Active Differential Probe ® R&S RT‑ZA15 External Attenuator User Manual (>:]À2) Version 05 User Manual 1410455002
This user manual describes the following R&S®RT-ZD models and external attenuators: ● R&S®RT-ZD10 (1410.4715.02) ● R&S®RT-ZD20 (1410.4409.02) ● R&S®RT-ZD30 (1410.4609.02) ● R&S®RT-ZA15 (1410.4744.02) © 2019 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG Mühldorfstr. 15, 81671 München, Germany Phone: +49 89 41 29 - 0 Fax: +49 89 41 29 12 164 Email: info@rohde-schwarz.com Internet: www.rohde-schwarz.com Subject to change – Data without tolerance limits is not binding.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Contents Contents 1 Product Description.............................................................. 5 1.1 Key Features and Key Characteristics............................................... 5 1.2 Unpacking..............................................................................................7 1.3 Description of the Probe...................................................................... 8 1.4 Accessories and Items...............................................................
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Contents 7 Maintenance and Service....................................................51 7.1 Cleaning...............................................................................................51 7.2 Contacting Customer Support...........................................................51 7.3 Returning for Servicing...................................................................... 52 7.4 Calibration Interval...........................................................................
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Product Description Key Features and Key Characteristics 1 Product Description 1.1 Key Features and Key Characteristics The R&S RT‑ZD10/20/30 is a differential probe with high input impedance. It is used for differential voltage measurements from DC to 1.0 GHz, 1.5 GHz, and 3 GHz, respectively. Differential probes can be used for single-ended and differential applications. They are equipped with two high-impedance inputs and can measure the voltage between any two test points.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Product Description Key Features and Key Characteristics 1.1.1 Key Characteristics The key characteristics of the probe are the following: Bandwidth DC to 1.0 GHz (R&S RT-ZD10) DC to 1.5 GHz (R&S RT-ZD20) DC to 3.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Product Description Unpacking The R&S ProbeMeter simultaneously measures both differential and common mode DC voltages. For details, see Chapter 2.4.3, "R&S ProbeMeter", on page 21. Data memory The probe has an integrated data memory, containing the individual probe correction parameters (e.g. gain, delay, offset). These parameters are read out and processed by the Rohde & Schwarz oscilloscope.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Product Description Description of the Probe ● Inspect the accessories. If the contents are incomplete or damaged, notify your Rohde & Schwarz service 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.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Product Description Accessories and Items 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 provides 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 generated in the probe box.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Product Description Accessories and Items RT-ZA15 External Attenuator Figure 1-1: Available accessories 1.4.1 Accessories Supplied The following table shows the accessories supplied with the R&S RT‑ZD10/20/30 differential probe. User Manual 1410.4550.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Product Description Accessories and Items Table 1-1: Accessories supplied Item User Manual 1410.4550.02 ─ 05 Quantity Description 10 Signal pin, solder-in 4 Signal pin, variable spacing 1 Browser adapter 2 Adapter, square pin 1 1 Flex adapter, solder-in, 4 cm / 1.6 in 10 cm / 3.9 in 1 1 Flex adapter, square pin, 4 cm / 1.6 in 10 cm / 3.9 in 2 Lead, 6 cm / 2.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Product Description Accessories and Items Item Quantity Description 1 Lead, 15 cm / 5.9 in 2 Mini clip 2 Micro clip 1 Marker band kit 1 (only with R&S RT‑ZD10) External attenuator 1 (only with R&S RT‑ZD10) Adjustment tool 1 Carrying case with foam inlay User Manual 1410.4550.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Product Description Accessories and Items For a list of spare parts, see Chapter 7.6, "Spare Parts", on page 53. 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‑ZA4 mini clips Item Quantity Mini clip 10 Description Contains mini clips.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Product Description Accessories and Items Table 1-7: R&S RT‑ZA15 external attenuator (optional for R&S RT‑ZD20/30) 1.4.3 1 External attenuator 1 Adjustment tool Service Accessories To order accessories for servicing the probe, contact your Rohde & Schwarz service center. The following accessories are available: Table 1-8: Service accessories Item Description R&S RT-ZK2 The service kit is used to calibrate the probe, to do performance tests, and for servicing.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 2 Putting into Operation 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 probe's data sheet. Read and observe the printed "Basic Safety Instructions" that are delivered with the probe. Also, read and observe the safety instructions of the oscilloscope the probe is connected to.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Putting into Operation Connecting the Probe to the Oscilloscope 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).
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Putting into Operation Using the Probe ► To disconnect the probe: a) Press and hold the release button (3). b) Pull the probe box away from the oscilloscope. 2.2 Identification of the Probe When the probe is connected to the oscilloscope, the oscilloscope recognizes the probe and reads out the probe-specific parameters. The oscilloscope settings for attenuation and offset are automatically adjusted.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Putting into Operation Offset Compensation 4. Adjust the zero position of the waveform using the appropriate function of the oscilloscope ("AutoZero", "Zero Adjust" or similar). The waveform is set to 0 V on the horizontal centerline of the oscilloscope. 2.3.2 Micro Button The micro button provides easy and quick access to important functions of the Rohde & Schwarz oscilloscope.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Putting into Operation Offset Compensation 2.4.1 Differential Offset The differential offset compensation is often referred to as offset compensation. The differential offset function can compensate a DC voltage applied between the positive and the negative input socket. This is particularly helpful if a small singleended signal with a large DC offset is measured with a differential probe, for example, with the negative input socket connected to ground.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Putting into Operation Offset Compensation 2.4.2 Common Mode Offset Common mode offset compensation is available for R&S RT‑ZD probes with serial number ≥ 200 000. It can compensate a common DC voltage applied to both input sockets (referenced to the ground socket). This is particularly helpful for measurements on differential signals with high common mode levels, for example, current measurements using a shunt resistor.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Putting into Operation Offset Compensation The R&S RT‑ZD10/20/30 measures only differential input signals. Common mode signals are suppressed by the probe. Therefore, the common mode offset compensation is not directly visible on the oscilloscope screen, see also Chapter 5.2, "Dynamic Range and Operating Voltage Window", on page 38. An incorrect common mode offset compensation can lead to unwanted clipping effects.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Putting into Operation Offset Compensation ● High measurement accuracy and low temperature sensitivity. ● Simple means of setting the oscilloscope's trigger level and vertical scaling if a waveform is not visible. ● Independent of oscilloscope settings for offset, position, vertical scale, horizontal scale, and trigger. ● Independent of probe settings for measurement mode and gain. ● Unique way to detect unexpected or inadmissible common mode voltages, e.g.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 R&S RT‑ZA15 External Attenuator Key Characteristics 3 R&S RT‑ZA15 External Attenuator The R&S RT‑ZA15 is an external 10:1 attenuator for the R&S RT‑ZD10/20/30 differential probe. It extends the input voltage range of the R&S RT‑ZD10/20/30 probe. Both dynamic range and operating voltage window are increased. 3.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 R&S RT‑ZA15 External Attenuator Inserting the Probe 3.2 Description The R&S RT‑ZA15 external attenuator with inserted R&S RT‑ZD10/20/30 is shown in Figure 3-1.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 R&S RT‑ZA15 External Attenuator Adjusting Attaching the attenuator with wrong polarity can damage the probe and the external attenuator. 3. Press the probe gently into the attenuator until the micro button matches the notch on the attenuator in a central position. 4. The oscilloscope does not detect the external attenuator automatically. To adjust the scaling for display, R&S ProbeMeter and offsets, select the attenuator in the probe setup of the oscilloscope.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 R&S RT‑ZA15 External Attenuator Adjusting Adjusting the DC common mode rejection Equipment ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Setup R&S RTO oscilloscope DC voltage source, max. output voltage 30 V, floating output, e.g. HMP4040 BNC to 4 mm dual banana adapter BNC to grabber adapter, e.g. Pomona mod. 3789 2 mini clips 2 leads, 6 cm/2.4 in 1 lead, 15 cm/5.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 R&S RT‑ZA15 External Attenuator Adjusting R&S RTO settings ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Adjustment ● ● ● ● ● Horizontal scale = 1 ms/div Bandwidth = 20 MHz Vertical scale = 100 mV/div Trigger source = Ch1, Trigger mode = Auto, Run cont [Acquisition] key > Decimation Mode = High res, Waveform arithmetics = Average, Average Count = 10 "Meas" menu > Setup > Source = Ch1, Main Measurement = Mean, State = On "Vertical" menu > "Probe Setup" > "Ch" tab > "Attenuator RT-ZA15" "Vertical" menu > Channels >
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 R&S RT‑ZA15 External Attenuator Adjusting Adjusting the pulse response of the positive and negative inputs Equipment ● ● Setup Pulse response of the positive input: ● Connect the probe to CH1 of the R&S RTO oscilloscope. ● "Vertical" menu > "Probe Setup" > "Ch" tab > "Attenuator RT-ZA15" ● Using the lead and a mini clip, connect the negative input of the external attenuator to the ground clamp of the R&S RTO oscilloscope.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 R&S RT‑ZA15 External Attenuator Adjusting Adjustment ● Setup and adjustment Repeat the procedure to adjust the pulse response of the negative input: ● Using the lead, connect the positive input of the external attenuator to the ground clamp of the R&S RTO oscilloscope. ● Press the negative input directly to the square wave signal clamp.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 4 Connecting the Probe to the DUT Connecting the Probe to the DUT This chapter describes the different ways of connecting the probe to the DUT. In addition, the accessories supplied are described and their use is explained. In order to achieve optimum RF performance, the connections should always be as short as possible. Risk of injuries The included probe pins are exceptionally sharp and must be handled with extreme care.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Connecting the Probe to the DUT Pins Signal pin, solder-in Use tweezers to insert the solder-in pins into the signal sockets on the probe, and then cut to the appropriate length. Try to keep the wires as short as possible. Finally, stabilize the probe, for example by using adhesive tape. The fine wires on this adapter are best suited to making secure contact with small contact points, such as SMT components or IC pins.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Connecting the Probe to the DUT Adapters Adapter, square pin The square pin adapter is used for plugging the probe onto pin strips with a pitch of 2.54 mm (100 mil). Distance range: 2.54 mm (100 mil) Browser adapter The spring-loaded browser adapter allows handheld probing with maximum convenience. Because it compensates for minor unevenness and movements, it is capable of establishing a firm contact with the test point. The pin distance can be set by turning the levers.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Connecting the Probe to the DUT Flex adapter, solder-in The flex adapter is particularly well suited for creating solid contact with test points that are hard to reach (e.g. between two inserted boards). The two wires at the tip of the flexible line are soldered to the contact points. The pins on the other end of the adapter are inserted in the signal receptacles of the probe. The flex adapter reduces the probe rise time, but is designed to ensure optimum settling.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Connecting the Probe to the DUT Leads and clips Short and long lead The lead provides a flexible connection to the DUT. It is plugged onto a pin on the DUT and can be used to connect either the signal sockets or the ground socket. In addition, it allows micro and mini clips to be connected to the probe. Length: Short lead: 60 mm (236 mil) Long lead: 150 mm (591 mil) Mini clip The mini clip is designed for probing large IC pins, wires and through-hole components.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Connecting the Probe to the DUT Micro clip The micro clip is designed for probing IC pins and thin wires in fine-pitch applications. The micro clip fits directly into the signal socket or the ground socket using a lead. User Manual 1410.4550.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 5 Characteristics of Differential Probes Characteristics of Differential Probes A differential probe has three sockets: the positive signal socket (+), the negative signal socket (-), and the ground socket.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Characteristics of Differential Probes Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR) The output voltage Vout, which is displayed on the base unit, is obtained by superimposing the voltages generated from the differential mode input voltage and from the common mode input voltage: Vout AvdmVin AvcmVcm In this equation, Avdm is the amplification of the differential mode input voltage and Avcm is the amplification of the common mode input voltage.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Characteristics of Differential Probes Dynamic Range and Operating Voltage Window ● Probing on ground-referenced signals. In this case, the common mode component is always equal to half of the input voltage. 5.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Characteristics of Differential Probes Ground Connection Signal clipping Only differential input signals are detected by the probe and displayed by the base unit. Common mode signals are suppressed by the probe. Therefore, the user does not initially recognize that the operating voltage window is exceeded owing to inadmissible common mode voltages. If unexpected clipping occurs, check the positive or negative input voltage relative to ground.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 6 Measurement Principles Measurement Principles The R&S RT‑ZD10/20/30 differential probe provides an electrical connection between the DUT and the oscilloscope. The probe transfers the voltage of the electrical signal tapped off the DUT to the oscilloscope, where it is displayed graphically.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Measurement Principles Figure 6-1: Equivalent circuit model of the R&S RT‑ZD10/20/30 probe Table 6-1: Designations Abbreviation Description VS Differential voltage between the test point without probe connected Vin Differential voltage at the test point with probe connected, corresponds to the input voltage of the probe RS Differential source resistance of the DUT RL Differential load resistance of the DUT R1, R2 Probe-specific input resistance C1, C2 Probe-specific input ca
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Measurement Principles Signal Integrity of the Transferred Signal 6.1 Signal Integrity of the Transferred Signal The following sections describe the effect that bandwidth, connection inductance and common mode rejection ratio have on signal integrity. 6.1.1 Bandwidth The bandwidth BW of a probe is one of its specific parameters. The bandwidth of the probe and the bandwidth of the base unit together form the system bandwidth.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Measurement Principles Signal Integrity of the Transferred Signal ● Specifies the transferable spectrum for other waveforms. E.g., with square wave signals, the fifth harmonic should still be within the bandwidth for a high signal integrity. ● Determines the minimum measurable signal rise time. The rise time trise of the probe is inversely proportional to its bandwidth. The following approximation applies: t rise 0 .
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Measurement Principles Signal Integrity of the Transferred Signal 6.1.2 Connection Inductance The connection inductance Lcon is caused by connecting the probe to the DUT. In contrast to the probe-specific bandwidth, the connection inductance mainly depends on the selected type. The connection inductance: ● Increases with the length of the connection and the size of the resulting loop area A. See Figure 6-4.
Connection inductance Lcon ~4 nH ~8 nH ~20 nH ~60 nH Type of connection Very short signal pins, solder-in, variable spacing Short browser adapters adapters, square pin Long flex adapters (4.8 cm) User Manual 1410.4550.02 ─ 05 Very long leads micro clips mini clips 500 MHz very long settling time 700 MHz 10 - 90%: 800 ps 20 - 80%: 300 ps 3.0 GHz 120 ps 3.2 GHz 110 ps Typ.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Measurement Principles Signal Loading of the Input Signal 6.1.3 CMRR The CMRR is very good for low-frequency signals, but it continuously decreases for higher frequencies. Therefore, the CMRR is usually specified as a function of frequency. The Figure 6-5 shows a typical CMRR for an R&S RT‑ZD10/20/30 differential probe with a very symmetrical connection to the DUT. An asymmetrical connection to the test point can decrease the CMRR.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Measurement Principles Signal Loading of the Input Signal 6.2.1 Signal Loading for Differential Input Signals The Figure 6-1 presents an equivalent circuit model of an R&S RT‑ZD10/20/30 differential probe. The differential input impedance of the probe is equal to the impedance between its positive (+) and the negative (-) signal socket. The resulting input impedance versus frequency is indicated in Figure 6-6.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Measurement Principles Signal Loading of the Input Signal 6.2.1.2 Input Capacitance Cdm The input capacitance Cdm causes the input impedance to decrease in the medium-frequency range (100 kHz to 1.0 GHz). It affects the settling time of the input voltage in the case of fast transients. 6.2.1.3 RF Resistance RRF The RF resistance RRF determines the minimum input impedance and thus the maximum loading at very high frequencies above 1.0 GHz.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Measurement Principles Probing Philosophy 6.2.2 Signal Loading for Non-Differential Input Signals As described in Chapter 5, "Characteristics of Differential Probes", on page 36, various types of input signals can be measured with a differential probe. Every type of input signal has an associated input impedance. ● For differential input signals, the input impedance of the probe is the impedance between its positive and negative signal sockets.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Measurement Principles Probing Philosophy As a result, there are different opinions which signal is the better output of the probe: ● The initial signal that is not loaded by the probe (VS), and that corresponds to the signal at the test point without the probe being connected. ● The input signal that is loaded with the input impedance of the probe (Vin) and that is present between the probe tips.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Maintenance and Service Contacting Customer Support 7 Maintenance and Service Like all Rohde & Schwarz products, Rohde & Schwarz probes and adapters are of high quality and require only minimum service and repair. However, if service or calibration is needed, contact your Rohde & Schwarz service center. Return a defective product to the Rohde & Schwarz service center for diagnosis and exchange. 7.1 Cleaning 1.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Maintenance and Service Returning for Servicing Europe, Africa, Middle East Phone +49 89 4129 12345 customersupport@rohde-schwarz.com North America Phone 1-888-TEST-RSA (1-888-837-8772) customer.support@rsa.rohde-schwarz.com Latin America Phone +1-410-910-7988 customersupport.la@rohde-schwarz.com Asia/Pacific Phone +65 65 13 04 88 customersupport.asia@rohde-schwarz.com China Phone +86-800-810-8228 / +86-400-650-5896 customersupport.china@rohde-schwarz.com 7.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Maintenance and Service Spare Parts 4. Seal the box with tape. 5. Address the package to your nearest Rohde & Schwarz service center. 7.4 Calibration Interval The recommended calibration interval for R&S RT‑ZD10/20/30 differential probe is two years. For servicing, send the probe to your nearest Rohde & Schwarz service center (see Chapter 7.3, "Returning for Servicing", on page 52). 7.5 Discarding the Product Handle and dispose the product in accordance with local regulations. 7.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Maintenance and Service Spare Parts Pos Item Description Material Number 3 Browser adapter 1417.0509.00 4 Adapter, square pin 1417.0573.00 5 Flex adapter, solder-in, 4 cm / 1.6 in 10 cm / 3.9 in 1417.0596.00 6 Flex adapter, square pin, 4 cm / 1.6 in 10 cm / 3.9 in 1417.0580.00 7 Lead, 6 cm / 2.4 in 1416.0128.00 8 Lead, 15 cm / 5.9 in 1416.0134.00 User Manual 1410.4550.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Maintenance and Service Spare Parts Pos Item Description Material Number 9 Mini clip 1416.0105.00 10 Micro clip 1416.0111.00 11 Marker band kit 1416.0205.00 12 External attenuator 1410.4744.02 13 Adjustment tool 1416.0057.00 14 Pogo pin Pogo pin connector, 6 pins 3584.6396.00 15 R&S RT-ZK2 R&S RT-ZK2 service kit 1410.5305.02 Table 7-2: Parts for ESD prevention Pos. Item Material number 1 ESD wrist strap 0008.9959.00 2 ESD grounding cable 1043.4962.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 8 Functional Check Functional Check The functional check confirms the basic operation of the R&S RT‑ZD10/20/30 differential probe. The functional check is not suitable for verifying compliance with the probe specifications. 1. Connect the R&S RT‑ZD10/20/30 to a Rohde & Schwarz oscilloscope as described in Chapter 2.1, "Connecting the Probe to the Oscilloscope", on page 16. 2.
R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30 Index Index A L Accessories ............................................. 10 AutoZero ..................................................17 Leads .......................................................13 Loading ....................................................46 B M Bandwidth ............................................6, 42 Micro button .........................................6, 18 C N Cleaning .................................................. 51 Clipping ................
