Products > Test Equipment
scope differential probes
jonpaul:
Read and learn: 1960s..1990s Circuit Concets books written by Tektronix i staff.
Calssisc and authoritative even today.
https://www.w140.com/tekwiki/index.php/Concepts_Series
Oscilloscope Probe Circuits:
https://w140.com/tekwiki/images/6/62/062-1146-00.pdf
Probe measurements
https://w140.com/tekwiki/images/1/19/062-1120-00.pdf
Enjoy,
Jon
bdunham7:
--- Quote from: robint on October 13, 2023, 05:37:21 am ---Any Techs out there care to share wisdom on this :-BROKE
--- End quote ---
Sure. There are many different situations that each require a specific solution to the probing problem. An audio transformer would not be a good general solution, but if you wanted to see the output of a bridged audio amplifier (where you can't ground either side), it would be appropriate. If you wanted to look at mains or a LF SMPS, an inexpensive HV differential probe might work well, but with higher frequencies you might have issues. Using two channels plus math as an ad hoc differential probe might work well enough in certain situations but isn't great in general. Tek IsoVu probes will work great in almost any case, but they're a bit pricey.
https://www.testequity.com/product/32064-1-TIVP1?gclid=Cj0KCQjw1aOpBhCOARIsACXYv-dYwymIuOL7XosEPk0bZxmwy8rYyVzTf0YvQHztzusndY59d7vENBUaAic6EALw_wcB
So you need to be discussing a specific use case to really get any meaningful answers here.
tggzzz:
--- Quote from: robint on October 13, 2023, 11:17:58 am ---As for what user spec I am - say amateur (not prof techie) repairs/hacking something like SMPS from a PC. I am rarely involved in live Mains work and then I take proper precautions for personal safety - as you do. I am sufficiently schooled to know what I am doing there I hope which is why I hoped to divert comment away from HnS. IMHO if you have NOT got those basics you shouldnt be anywhere near a scope, or any other sensitive expensive kit.
--- End quote ---
Don't think that £3k is the top end of probe prices: look at any major distributor, and sort on price. Or how about $5 every time a probe touches a circuit https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/what-do-you-use-prototyping/msg1309435/#msg1309435
Some of the phrases[1] you have used in this thread make me wonder whether you do know as much as you think you know. There are many subtle failure modes that aren't obvious to newcomers.
Some parts of SMPSs will be directly connected to the mains. That isn't an area for an amateur to try to cut corners with cheap or inadequate tools.
Mistakes, however short duration, can lead to loud noises, bad smells, - and deathly quiet.
Having said that, it is your scope, your UUT, and your health.
[1] e.g. "I take proper precautions for personal safety - as you do". You have no idea what personal precautions I do - and don't - take.
robint:
Thanx for your superior opinion
Q
Some of the phrases you have used in this thread make me wonder whether you know as much as you think you do. There are many subtle failure modes that aren't obvious to newcomers.
Some parts of SMPSs will be directly connected to the mains. That isn't an area for an amateur to try to cut corners with cheap or inadequate tools.
Mistakes, however short duration, can lead to loud noises, bad smells, - and deathly quiet.
UQ
Its always good to know that new members can benefit from such wisdom (as above) from elder statesmen and not waste their time on the all too regular rubbish that diverts and confuses important questions hoping that all may be helped (and avoid noxious smells)
tggzzz:
--- Quote from: robint on October 13, 2023, 02:36:47 pm ---Thanx for your superior opinion
Q
Some of the phrases you have used in this thread make me wonder whether you know as much as you think you do. There are many subtle failure modes that aren't obvious to newcomers.
Some parts of SMPSs will be directly connected to the mains. That isn't an area for an amateur to try to cut corners with cheap or inadequate tools.
Mistakes, however short duration, can lead to loud noises, bad smells, - and deathly quiet.
UQ
Its always good to know that new members can benefit from such wisdom (as above) from elder statesmen and not waste their time on the all too regular rubbish that diverts and confuses important questions hoping that all may be helped (and avoid noxious smells)
--- End quote ---
Good luck, and have fun safely.
BTW: there's a useful "Quote" button at the top right of each post.
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