RF Probe
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Specifications
Photos
Apps info
Further Information

probe-sm.jpg (10214 bytes)

One of the tools I use a lot in the lab is the RF probe. Several people have expressed  interest in it, so I'm making it available to the world, for a nominal fee.

What it is:

The RF probe is a handheld probe assembly, comprised of:

  1. a broadband DC block on the probe tip,

  2. a minimum-loss pad,

  3. a 50 Ohm cable, connecting to your indicating device, i.e. spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, or frequency counter.

What it does:

The RF probe acts like a minimum-loss matching network, converting your low-impedance test equipment into a higher input impedance at a probe tip, for making measurements that don't load down your circuit.

What it's good for:

It can be used for:

  1. Tracing signal and distortion levels through a long chain of stages,

  2. In the reverse direction, for injecting signals,

  3. Other applications - see applications page.

Most RF engineers have their own versions of homemade RF probes. Properties that make this one unique are:

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Durable pogo pin to make ground contact

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Wide, flat, calibrated frequency response

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Relatively light load on the circuit being tested

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Bi-directional, for both signal injection and tracing

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Long-life, high-quality construction

Click the further information link if you want me to build you one (or more).