Can you use normal oscilloscope probes on a spectrum analyzer?

[cvanc]

Hi all-

Will using normal oscilloscope probes work on a spectrum analyzer?

Thank you.

[nctnico]

Assuming you intend to use a spectrum analyser with 50 Ohm inputs only:

The High-z 1:10 probes: no

But Low-z high frequency probes (like the Tektronix P6156), which are designed to work with a 50 Ohm input, work well on a spectrum analyser but be aware of DC level limits

[alm]

Many active probes, especially the higher frequency single-ended and differential probes, are also designed to work in 50 Ohm inputs, so should work fine assuming you can power them. Some manufacturers made/make separate probe power supplies that could be used to adapt their probes to a spectrum analyzer.

You might want to put a DC block between probe and spectrum analyzers, since these probes are DC coupled and most spectrum analyzers do not like DC at their input.

[Wallace Gasiewicz]

I use 10 X Scope Probes on my HP 8935 Antenna Input for Spectrum Analyzer very frequently. It works well for relative amplitude,A lot safer for the equipment than using straight leads or a 1X probe.
I do not think Calibration of the magnitude is accurate.

[alm]

The attenuation will vary over the bandwidth, so while it will show a signal, just like holding a bare wire close to the signal source will show a signal, it won't be an accurate representation.