Benchtop Scope Accessories

Oscilloscope probes help an oscilloscope sense different electrical parameters with various characteristics. The main types are passive, active and differential - produce a voltage at the oscilloscope input since oscilloscopes measure voltage as a function of time. Current probes convert a measured current waveform into a voltage for display on the scope’s screen. So-called ‘10x’ probes are the standard probes supplied with most scopes. They reduce signal amplitude by a factor of ten (but usually have a switch for 1:1 display). This added attenuation makes 10x probes good for higher voltage measurements. Very high voltages need differential or opto-isolated probes. Despite its high price, the active probe is the tool of choice when you need high-bandwidth performance. Active probes typically cost more than passive probes and feature limited input voltage but, because of their significantly lower capacitive loading, they give a more accurate insight into very fast signals.