Operator’s Manual AP033 Active Differential Probe
AP033 Active Differential Probe Operator’s Manual February 2017
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Operator’s Manual Contents Safety Instructions.........................................................................................................1 Overview .......................................................................................................................3 Description ................................................................................................................... 3 Applications .....................................................................................
AP033 Active Differential Probe Reference Information ................................................................................................ 46 Differential Mode and Common Mode......................................................................46 Differential Mode Range and Common Mode Range ................................................46 Common Mode Rejection Ratio .................................................................................47 Certifications ............................
Operator’s Manual Safety Instructions This section contains instructions that must be observed to keep this oscilloscope accessory operating in a correct and safe condition. You are required to follow generally accepted safety procedures in addition to the precautions specified in this section. The overall safety of any system incorporating this accessory is the responsibility of the assembler of the system.
AP033 Active Differential Probe Use only within operational environment listed. Do not use in wet or explosive atmospheres. Keep product surfaces clean and dry. Use indoors only. Handle with care. Probe accessory tips are sharp. They can puncture skin or cause other bodily injury if not handled properly. Keep fingers behind the finger guard of the probe accessories. Do not operate with suspected failures.
Operator’s Manual Overview Description The AP033 is a wide band differential active probe. The probe features low noise, low input capacitance, high common mode rejection, and FET-buffered inputs in the probe head. User selectable attenuation and offset give the probe flexibility to measure a large range of signal amplitudes. Plug-on attenuator and AC coupling accessories further extend the application range.
AP033 Active Differential Probe Optional Accessories Teledyne LeCroy Part Number Description PK033 Accessory Kit, AP033 without AC Coupler and Attenuator AP03X-FLEX-LEAD Flex Lead 405400003 Offset Pin, package of 10 AP033-ATTN Plug-On Attenuator, /10, AP033 AP03X-AC-COUPLER Plug-On AC Coupler ADPPS Power Supply Adapter for Non-ProBus Oscilloscopes Oscilloscope Software Compatibility Teledyne LeCroy LC series oscilloscopes must have legacy software version 8.1.0 or higher loaded.
Operator’s Manual Specifications Nominal Characteristics Nominal characteristics describe parameters and attributes that have are guaranteed by design, but do not have associated tolerances.
AP033 Active Differential Probe Typical Electrical Characteristics Typical characteristics are parameters with no guaranteed performance. Tests for typical characteristics are not provided in the Performance Verification Procedure. Bandwidth, probe only: (-3 dB): DC to 500 MHz Risetime, probe only: ≤ 700 ps (÷10 Attenuation) ≤ 875 ps (÷1 Attenuation) Residual Offset: (Ref. to input) ≤ 100 μV (÷1 Attenuation) ≤ 1.
Operator’s Manual Figure 1, Typical CMRR Graphs Temperature: General Characteristics 0° to 50° C Operating -40° to 75° C Storage Input Connectors: Compatible with 0.025” (0.635 mm) square pins 0.036” (0.91 mm) maximum diameter (for round pins) Power Requirements: Powered from oscilloscope through ProBus interface or with ADPPS power supply. Control Housing: Dimensions Length:3.625 in (9.2 cm) Width: 1.50 in (3.8 cm) Height: 1.00 in (2.5 cm) Head: Length: 4.0 in (10.
AP033 Active Differential Probe Operation CAUTION: The input circuits in the AP033 incorporate components that protect the probe from damage resulting from electrostatic discharge (ESD). Keep in mind that this is an active probe, and it should be handled carefully to avoid damage. When using the AP033, you are advised to take precautions against potential instrument damage due to ESD. Connecting the Probe to the Test Instrument Attach the probe output connector to the oscilloscope input connector.
Operator’s Manual To maintain the high performance capability of the probe, user care in connecting the probe to the test circuit. Increasing the parasitic capacitance or inductance in the input paths may introduce a “ring,” or slow the rise time of fast signals. To minimize these effects, use the shortest length possible when connecting the probe to the circuit under test.
AP033 Active Differential Probe Probe Input Loading Attaching any probe to a test circuit will add some loading. In most applications, the high impedance of the AP033 Active Differential Probe inputs imparts an insignificant load to the test circuit. However at very high frequencies, the capacitive reactance of the probe’s input capacitance may load the circuit enough to affect measurement accuracy.
Operator’s Manual NOTE: The AP033 Active Differential Probe transmits the measured signal differentially through the probe cable. This essentially eliminates signal degradation from ground loop effects within the probe. However, creating a ground loop may introduce signal distortions in the test circuit itself, or in any coaxial cable between the ADPPS power supply and the test instrument.
AP033 Active Differential Probe Table 1, Dynamic ranges and input capacitance at different attenuator settings ÷1 Attenuation ÷10 Attenuation ÷100 Attenuation ± 4.2 V ± 42 V ± 42 V Differential Mode Range with x1 Gain* ± 400 mV ±4V ± 40 V Differential Mode Range with x10 Gain* ± 40 mV ± 400 mV ±4V Input Capacitance, each side to Ground 6.0 pF 3.0 pF 1.9 pF Input Capacitance each side to Ground with AC Coupler 7.3 pF 4.3 pF 3.
Operator’s Manual Operating with Teledyne LeCroy Oscilloscopes When the AP033 probe is connected to an oscilloscope equipped with the ProBus interface, the displayed scale factor and measurement values will be adjusted to account for the effective gain of the probe. The probe gain, internal attenuation, and offset can be conveniently controlled through the oscilloscope’s user interface. In X-Stream software versions, the AP033 dialog appears behind the Channel dialog.
AP033 Active Differential Probe limited to the scale factors that can be obtained without changing the AP033 gain or attenuation. Thus in Manual gain control mode, only the scale factor of the oscilloscope will be changed. In this mode, dedicated touch screen controls are displayed for Probe Attenuation and Probe gain (see Figure 5). The available values that appear in Probe Attenuation will change depending on the presence of the external attenuator.
Operator’s Manual Adding Offset The AP033 has true differential offset capability. This allows you to remove a DC bias voltage from the differential input signal while maintaining DC coupling. By using probe offset rather than offset at the oscilloscope inut, the full dynamic range of the probe remains centered around the offset level. Add or remove offset using the oscilloscope OFFSET controls. Figure 6, Effect of Differential Offset NOTE: In any software version later than legacy 8.1.
AP033 Active Differential Probe To invoke AutoZero, either: • Touch AutoZero on the AP033 dialog. • In Manual mode, or if the probe is being used with the ADPPS power supply, push and hold the ↑ and ↓ OFFSET buttons at the same time for two seconds. (This action is labeled AUTO BAL on the probe body). The AP033 output must be terminated into 50Ω for successful AutoZero. Upon successful completion of the AutoZero cycle, all four of the EFFECTIVE GAIN indicators will be briefly illuminated.
Operator’s Manual Maintenance This probe is a high quality, precision instrument. To maintain accuracy and signal fidelity, mechanical shock should be avoided, as well as damage to the cable through excessive bending. To achieve the small 2.5 mm tip size, the input tip diameter is narrower than those in larger probes. Avoid placing excessive force sideways on the tip. Should the tip become damaged, it may be replaced. Other maintenance and component replacement should be referred to qualified personnel.
AP033 Active Differential Probe Troubleshooting If the probe is not operating properly the problem may be the way in which it is used. Before assuming the probe is defective, perform the following troubleshooting procedures. A. Trace Off Scale This is typically caused by improper offset setting, or by an input signal that exceeds the probe differential or common mode range. 1. Remove the input signal from the probe, return the offset to zero, and AutoZero the probe.
Operator’s Manual B. Incorrect Frequency Response Possible causes are a defective probe or oscilloscope, poor connections, or poor grounding. 1. Verify that the BW limiting of the oscilloscope is off. 2. Connect the probe to another oscilloscope. If the probe now measures properly, the problem may be in the oscilloscope. 3. If the probe behaves as if it is AC-coupled at high frequency, check for an open input connection.
AP033 Active Differential Probe Returning a Probe Contact your local Teledyne LeCroy service center for calibration or other service. If the product cannot be serviced on location, the service center will give you a Return Material Authorization (RMA) code and instruct you where to ship the product. All products returned to the factory must have an RMA. Return shipments must be prepaid. Teledyne LeCroy cannot accept COD or Collect shipments. We recommend air-freighting.
Operator’s Manual Matching Procedure for ÷10 Plugs The ÷10 Plug-on attenuator provided as a standard accessory with the AP033 is calibrated to match the specific probe it was shipped with. Individual probes will have small variations in parasitic capacitance within the input circuits. To obtain maximum common mode rejection performance, the attenuators are calibrated to match a specific probe during the manufacturing process.
AP033 Active Differential Probe Procedure 1. Attach the AP033 to the test oscilloscope. If the test oscilloscope is not equipped with ProBus, use the ADPPS to provide power for the AP033. 2. Attach the ÷10 Attenuator Adapter to the AP033 probe tip. 3. Insert 0.025 in. (0.635 mm) square pins into the +, -, and input connectors of the ÷10 Attenuator Adapter. 4. Attach the interconnect cable to the output of the signal source. 5.
Operator’s Manual . Figure 8, ÷10 Attenuator Adjustment Locations 12. Move the connections on the interconnect cable so the signal generator ground is connected to the square pin inserted in the ground connector of the ÷10 Attenuator Adapter. Connect the signal generator output to BOTH the + input and – input square pins in the Attenuator Adapter. 13. Set the signal generator frequency to about 50 Hz, and the output amplitude to about 10 V. 14.
AP033 Active Differential Probe Performance Verification This procedure can be used to verify the warranted characteristics of the AP033 Active Differential Probe. You can do the performance verification without removing the instrument covers and exposing yourself to hazardous voltages. Adjustment should only be attempted if a parameter measured in the Performance Verification Procedure is outside of the specified limits. Adjustment should only be performed by qualified personnel.
Operator’s Manual Description Minimum Requirements Example Test Equipment Attenuator, BNC 50 Ω ±2%, ÷10 (20 dB) Pomona 4108-20dB Attenuator, BNC 50 Ω ± 2%, ÷2 (6 dB), Pomona 4108-6dB BNC coaxial cable (2 required) male-male BNC, 50 Ω, 36 in.
AP033 Active Differential Probe Test Procedure NOTE: This procedure must be performed with the probe set to Manual gain control. See Operating with Teledyne LeCroy Oscilloscopes on page 13 for more information about controlling probe settings in different software versions. A. Check Gain Accuracy 1. From the oscilloscope front panel, select Channel 1. Set the AP033 gain control to Manual, the Probe gain to X1, and the Probe Attenuation to /1. (/1 is the same as ÷1) 2.
Operator’s Manual 15. Record the answer to two significant places (±x.xx%) on line A-15 in the Test Record. 16. Verify that the X1 gain error is less than ±2%. 17. Change the probe Attenuation to /10 and the probe Gain to X10. 18. After the DMM reading has stabilized, record the measured output amplitude to 100 μV resolution in the Test Record. 19. Divide the measured output voltage recorded in step A-18 by the sine wave generator output voltage (probe input voltage) from step A-7. Subtract 1.
AP033 Active Differential Probe 1. Disconnect the ProBus Extension cable from the AP033 and the oscilloscope. Reconnect the AP033 directly to the Channel 1 input of the oscilloscope. 2. Carefully move the AP033 probe head from the Differential Drive No Termination connector of the AP033 Calibration Fixture to the Differential Drive 50 Ohm Termination connector. Make sure that the probe is fully engaged in the fixture. 3. Set the oscilloscope to display Channel 1.
Operator’s Manual 13. Move the leveled sine wave generator output cable from the Differential Drive 50 Ohm Termination connector of the AP033 Calibration Fixture to the Channel 2 input of the oscilloscope. 14. Carefully move the AP033 probe head from the Differential Drive 50 Ohm Termination connector of the AP033 Calibration Fixture to the Common Mode Drive 50 Ohm Termination connector. Make sure the probe is fully engaged in the fixture. 15.
AP033 Active Differential Probe C. Check Low Frequency CMRR NOTE: The attenuation of the AP033 Active Differential Probe below 10 MHz is so insignificant that the Differential Mode Gain can be assumed to be unity (1.0). Because greater amplitudes are required to measure the higher CMRR specifications at low frequencies, the Function Generator will be used in place of the leveled sine wave generator for the low frequency CMRR test. 1.
Operator’s Manual Common Mode Gain). Record the result to two-digit resolution (xx,000 : 1) in the Test Record. 10. Verify that the Common Mode Rejection Ratio at 70 Hz is greater than 3,160:1 (70 dB). 11. Set the oscilloscope to display Channel 2. Change the horizontal scale factor to 0.5 s/division. Set the BWL on channels 1 and 2 to 200 MHz. 12. Change the frequency of the Function Generator to 1 MHz. 13. Adjust the trigger level as necessary for a stable display.
AP033 Active Differential Probe AP033 Performance Verification Test Record Permission is granted to copy and use the following pages to record the AP033 Performance Verification results. File the completed record as required by applicable internal quality procedures. The section in the test record corresponds to the parameters tested in the performance verification procedure. The numbers preceding the individual data records correspond to the steps in the procedure that require the recording of data.
Operator’s Manual AP033 Performance Verification Test Record, Page 2 Serial #:______________________________ Step Description Date: _______________ Intermediate Data Test Result Gain Accuracy A-7 Sine Wave Generator Output Voltage ___________ mV A-13 Probe Output Voltage ___________ mV A-15 X1 Gain Error (Test limit ≤ ±2%) A-18 Probe Output Voltage A-20 X10 Gain Error (Test limit ≤ ±2%) A-22 Expected Probe Output Voltage ___________ mV A-24 Measured Probe Output Voltage ___________ mV
AP033 Active Differential Probe Adjustment Procedure Introduction You can use this procedure to adjust the AP033 Active Differential Probe to meet the warranted specifications. This procedure should only be performed if the instrument fails the Performance Verification tests. If the probe cannot be adjusted to meet the Performance Verification limits, repair may be necessary. To ensure instrument accuracy, check the calibration of the AP033 Active Differential Probe every year.
Operator’s Manual Test Equipment Required The table below lists the test equipment and accessories, or their equivalents, that are required for complete calibration. Specifications given for the test equipment are the minimum necessary for accurate calibration. All test equipment is assumed to be correctly calibrated and operating within the specifications listed. Detailed operating instructions for the test equipment are not given in this procedure.
AP033 Active Differential Probe Description Minimum Requirements Example Test Equipment Termination, precision 50 Ω ± 0.05% Teledyne LeCroy TERM-CF01 Termination, BNC 50 Ω through male-female Pomona 4119-50 Calibration Fixture ProBus Extension Cable Teledyne LeCroy PROBUSCF01 Calibration Fixture AP033 Calibration Fixture Teledyne LeCroy AP03X-CF01 BNC coaxial cable (2 Required) male-male BNC, approx.
Operator’s Manual Preliminary Procedure 1. Using pliers, carefully remove each of the push buttons from the ProBus interface housing by gently pulling them away from the housing. 2. Remove the two screws that secure the plastic cover on the cable end of the ProBus interface housing. Gently pull on the probe cable to slide the circuit board assembly from the metal housing. 3. Remove the two, M2X6 flat socket head cap screws from the small cover on the back of the probe tip.
AP033 Active Differential Probe Procedure NOTE: This procedure must be performed with the probe set to Manual gain control. See Operating with Teledyne LeCroy Oscilloscopes on page 13 for more information about controlling probe settings in different software versions. A. Adjust Preliminary Probe DC Balance (R36) 1. From the oscilloscope’s front panel, select Channel 1. Set probe Gain Control to Manual, Attenuation to ÷10, and Gain to X10. 2. If necessary, set the probe offset to 0.000 V. 3.
Operator’s Manual Figure 10, Probe Tip Adjustment Locations B. Adjust Coarse DC Balance (R226) 1. Remove the shorting plug from the Logic Board. 2. Change the Channel 1 probe Gain to X1. 3. Reinsert the shorting plug into the two holes near the end of the Logic Board. 4. Re-enter Cal Mode by pushing any one of the four buttons that protrude through holes in the Logic board. 5. Adjust Coarse DC Bal (R226) on the amplifier board for an output voltage of 0 mV -10 mV. (See Figure 11 for location.
AP033 Active Differential Probe C. Adjust Fine DC Balance (R304) 1. Remove the shorting plug from the Logic Board. 2. Change the probe Gain to X10. 3. Reinsert the shorting plug into the two holes near the end of the Logic Board. (Figure 8.) 4. Re-enter Cal Mode by pushing any one of the four buttons that protrude through holes in the Logic board. 5. Remove the BNC cable from the precision 50 Ω terminator attached to the DMM. 6.
Operator’s Manual D. Adjust ÷10 Attenuator CMRR (R7) 1. Keep the BNC cable attached to the probe end of the ProBus extension cable. Attach a 50Ω BNC Through Terminator on the other end of the BNC cable. Attach the male end of the 50Ω terminator to Channel 3 on the oscilloscope. The oscilloscope end of the ProBus extension cable should remain connected to Channel 1 of the oscilloscope although there is no signal cable attached. 2. Set AP033 probe Attenuation to /10 and Gain to X10. 3.
AP033 Active Differential Probe Continuous, with 1:15 weighting, of Channel 3. Turn off the trace 3 display. Use the Math Zoom and Position controls as necessary to view the waveform. 12. Adjust ÷ CMRR (R7) for minimum amplitude. (See Figure 10 for location.) 13. Remove the BNC cable from the output of the Function Generator and the calibration fixture. Leave the BNC cable from the SYNC output to the oscilloscope external trigger input in place. Remove the BNC cable and 50Ω terminator from Channel 3. E.
Operator’s Manual 15. Note the amplitude of the trace from center screen. 16. Adjust Offset (R330) to position the trace to approximately ½ the amplitude from center screen noted in the previous step. This amplitude should be within 10 mV of center screen. Note this value. 17. Again, remove the dual banana plug adapter from the output of the DC voltage source and reconnect it, with the pins reversed.
AP033 Active Differential Probe 9. Adjust GAIN (R322C) so that the DMM reading is within ±1 mV (0.5%) of the reading recorded in step F-6. (See Figure 11.) 10. Set AP033 probe Gain to X10, and probe Attenuation to /10. 11. Verify that the DMM reads within 1 mV of the reading recorded in step F-6. If the error exceeds 1 mV, readjust GAIN (R322C) for an error amplitude of ½ of the value before making the readjustment.
Operator’s Manual H. Adjust Final Attenuator CMRR (C18A) 1. Carefully move the AP033 probe head from the Differential Drive 50 Ohm Termination portion of the AP033 Calibration Fixture to the Common Mode Drive 50 Ohm Termination portion. 2. Remove the BNC cable from the Differential Drive 50 Ohm Termination connector of the AP033 Calibration Fixture. Connect one end of the BNC cable to the Common Mode Drive 50 Ohm Termination connector of the AP033 Calibration fixture.
AP033 Active Differential Probe 7. Insert and tighten the two screws which secure the end panel to the ProBus interface housing. Avoid over tightening the screws as the cover may warp. 8. Replace the four push button caps, pressing each fully to seat the cap on the button shaft. J. Attenuator Matching and Final Check 1. Repeat the Performance Verification procedure to ensure compliance with the warranted specifications. 2. Perform the Attenuator Matching Procedure listed on page 21.
Operator’s Manual Figure 13, Common Mode and Differential Mode Range Common Mode Rejection Ratio The ideal differential probe or differential amplifier would amplify only the differential mode voltage component and reject all of the common mode voltage component. Real differential probes and amplifiers are less than ideal, so a small portion of the common mode voltage component appears in the output.
AP033 Active Differential Probe Certifications Teledyne LeCroy certifies compliance to the following standards as of the date of publication. For the current certifications, please see the EC Declaration of Conformity shipped with your product. EMC Compliance EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY - EMC The probe meets intent of EC Directive 2014/30/EU for Electromagnetic Compatibility.
Operator’s Manual Australia / New Zealand Contacts:* RS Components Pty Ltd. Suite 326 The Parade West Kent Town, South Australia 5067 RS Components Ltd. Unit 30 & 31 Warehouse World 761 Great South Road Penrose, Auckland, New Zealand * Visit teledynelecroy.com/support/contact for the latest contact information. Safety Compliance EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY – LOW VOLTAGE The probe meets the intent of EC Directive 2014/35/EU for Product Safety.
AP033 Active Differential Probe Warranty Teledyne LeCroy warrants this oscilloscope accessory for normal use and operation within specification for a period of one year from the date of shipment. Spare parts, replacement parts and repairs are warranted for 90 days. In exercising its warranty, Teledyne LeCroy, at its option, will either repair or replace any assembly returned within its warranty period to the Customer Service Department or an authorized service center.
Operator’s Manual Technical Support Live Support Registered users can contact their local Teledyne LeCroy service center at the number listed on our website. You can also request Technical Support via the website at: teledynelecroy.com/support/techhelp Resources Teledyne LeCroy publishes a free Technical Library on its website. Manuals, tutorials, application notes, white papers, and videos are available to help you get the most out of your Teledyne LeCroy products. Visit: teledynelecroy.
AP033 Active Differential Probe Notes 52
928154-00 Rev A February, 2017
