AP031/AP032 Differential Probe

Operating Instructions

AP031/032-OM-E
Revision B - November 1996
I. Application
a. Overview
The AP031 / AP032 are fully differential active probes designed for applications where
electrical signals must be measured relative to a floating voltage different to the oscilloscope
ground potential.

These probes are specifically designed for situations where:

- The reference voltage may be several hundreds volts above or below ground.
- Measurements require the rejection of common mode signals.
- Ground loops and currents produce to excessive signal interference.

The use of these probes ensures safe operation of the oscilloscope and maintains high signal
fidelity with good common mode rejection and dynamic range.

b. Fully Differential Inputs

The probe is a fully differential active device. The differential capability allows measurements
to be made between two points in a circuit without reference to ground. The two input signals
are processed inside the probe (see figure 1) and the resulting single-ended signal may be
measured by any grounded oscilloscope. Because the differential voltage is calculated within
the probe, with only the resultant difference signal being passed to the oscilloscope, a large
dynamic range can be achieved with excellent rejection of common mode signals.
Figure 1

c. Making Measurements
Ensure the probe is fitted with four high-quality, AA cells. These should be cells that are
protected from leakage which could damage the power supply contacts in the probes.

Before making any measurements or connections refer to the safety information contained in
this document.

Connect the probe to one of the oscilloscope input channels ensuring the BNC connector is
fully mated, and the safety ground lead to the oscilloscope CAL BNC connection.
Select the proper range setting on the probe using the slide-switch on the probe body.
Figure 2
Adjust the input coupling impedance and attenuation of the oscilloscope
channel to which the probe is connected using the input coupling menu as
shown in Figure 2.

Ensure 1 M
input impedance ( ‘DC1M
’ or ‘AC1M
’ ) is selected. The

use of 50
input impedance will unduly load the output of the differential
probe resulting in reduced amplitude output and incorrect scaling.

To ensure the oscilloscope correctly interprets the vertical waveform scale

be sure to adjust the probe attenuation setting using the ‘Probe Atten’
menu controls. The example shown, x100 probe attenuation, would
achieve correct vertical scaling AP031 operating with a maximum range of
± 700 V ( see figure 3 below ).

Finally, adjust the vertical sensitivity and offset of the oscilloscope channel
to which the probe is connected to achieve an optimum display.
Figure 3
Probe Model Range Setting Probe Operating Range
( DC + Peak AC )
AP031 1/10 ± 70 V
1/100 ± 700 V
AP032 1/20 ± 140 V
1/200 ± 1400 V
II. Specifications
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
AP031 AP032
Bandwidth 25 MHz
Rise Time 14 ns
Attenuation 1:10 / 1:100 1:20 / 1 :200
Atten. Accuracy ±2 %
Input Resistance 4M

Input Capacitance 10 pF each side to ground
Input Configuration Differential
Input Voltage:
Max. Differential 1:100 Range 1:200 Range
±700 V ( DC + peak AC ) ±1400 V ( DC + peak AC )
or 500 V r.m.s. or 1000 V r.m.s.
1:10 Range 1:20 Range
±70 V ( DC + peak AC ) ±700 V ( DC + peak AC )
or 50Vrms or 100Vrms
Max. Common Mode ±700 V ( DC + peak AC ) ±1400 V ( DC + peak AC )
or 500 V r.m.s. or 1000 V r.m.s.
Max. Absolute ±1400 V ( DC + peak AC ) or 1000 V r.m.s.
CMRR:
50 Hz - 86 dB - 80 dB
20 kHz - 66 dB - 60 dB
200 kHz - 56 dB - 50 dB
Output Offset (Typical ) <±5 mV
Output Noise ( Typical ) 1.5 to 2 mV typical
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Ambient Temperature
Operating -10º C to 40º C
Storage -30º C to 70º C
Power requirement Four internal 1.5 V AA size batteries or 6 V d. c. / 60 mA
mains adaptor ( Not supplied )
Dimensions 6.6" ( 168 mm ) x 2.4" ( 62 mm ) x 0.79" ( 20 mm)
( excluding casing )
Cables BNC: 95 cm ( RG58 / U ), Input Lines: 45 cm ( PVC, double
insulation )
Accessories 2 x Safety Hooks, 4 mm compatible ( 1 red, 1 black )
Weight 9.35 oz ( 285 g ) excluding batteries and casing
Safety Certification IEC-1010, CAT III Approval
III. Safety Information OPERATOR SAFETY
The probe is designed to make differential
International Electrical Symbols that appear voltage measurements. It is not to be used
on the product: to insulate the circuit under test from the
measuring instrument.
Attention: Refer to this manual When using the probe ensure that your
before using the probe. fingers are well clear from any exposed
connections and behind the safety hooks
Danger, High Voltage. shield. Use of other hooks than the provided
ones is not recommended.
The probe has been designed to comply with In addition, the following guidelines should
IEC1010-1, IEC1010.2-031 Installation be observed and followed:
Category ( Over-voltage Category ) III,
MAXIMUM WORKING VOLTAGE
Pollution Degree 2. It is designed to be safe
To avoid injury, do not use the probe above
under the following environmental
where the potential between each input lead
conditions:
and ground or the differential voltage
Indoor use.
between the two input leads exceeds
Altitude to 2000 m.
1000 V r.m.s. ( 1400 V DC + peak AC ).
Temperature - 10 °C to 40 °C.
Maximum relative humidity 80 % GROUNDING PRECAUTIONS
for temperatures up to 31 °C Ensure the BNC cable is connected to a
decreasing linearly to 40 % relative grounded oscilloscope before connecting the
humidity at 50 °C. measuring inputs.
Ensure the safety ground lead is always
connected to the oscilloscope CAL
connector.
CLEANING LECROY SALES & SERVICE
The exterior of the probe only should be Corporate Headquarters
cleaned with a soft cloth moistened with 700 Chestnut Ridge Road
either water or isopropyl alcohol. Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977-6499
Tel: (914) 578 6020
Fax: (914) 578 5985
USAGE AND MAINTENANCE European Headquarters
The probe user should note that if the Mannheimer Str. 175
equipment is used in a manner not specified D-69123 Heidelberg, Germany
by the manufacturer, the protection provided Tel: 49 6221 82700
by the equipment may be impaired. Fax: 49 6221 833827
To guarantee accurate performance European Manufacturing Headquarters
characteristics, mechanical shocks should 2, rue du Pré-de-la-Fontaine
be avoided, as well as damage to the cable 1217 Meyrin 1 - Geneva, Switzerland
through excessive bending. Tel: (022) 719 21 11
Fax: (022) 782 39 15
Do not use the probe if any part is damaged.
All maintenance should be referred to
qualified personnel.