Tektronix IsoVu™ Isolated Voltage Probes
Tektronix IsoVu™ Isolated Voltage Probes enable power designers to accurately resolve high bandwidth, high voltage differential signals in the presence of large common-mode voltages. These probes utilize galvanic (optical) or RF isolation to divorce the reference voltage of the probe from the reference voltage of the oscilloscope (typically Earth ground). Tektronix's IsoVu technology uses galvanic isolation to provide superior common-mode rejection performance across a wide bandwidth. The IsoVu probes combine isolation and high frequency to provide more precise measurements than traditional differential probes for applications requiring high bandwidth while measuring high voltage signals. Typical applications for Tektronix IsoVu Isolated Voltage Probes include inverter designs, current shunt measurements, EMI and ESD troubleshooting, motor drive designs, and switching power supply designs.
Features
- IsoVu technology uses galvanic isolation to provide superior common-mode rejection performance across a wide bandwidth
- Output clamping
- More precise measurements than traditional differential probes
- Accurately resolve high bandwidth, high voltage differential signals in presence of large common-mode voltages
- DC and AC input coupling
- Safety certified
Applications
- Half- and full-bridge designs using SiC or GaN, FETs, or IGBTs
- Floating measurements
- Power converter designs
- Power device evaluation
- Switching power supply designs
- Inverter designs
- Motor drive designs
- Electronic ballast designs
- EMI and ESD troubleshooting
- Current shunt measurements
Specifications
- 160dB (100M to 1) CMRR at DC
- Up to 120dB (1M to 1) CMRR at 100MHz
- Up to 80dB (10,000 to 1) CMRR at 1GHz
- ±60kV common-mode voltage range
- Up to ±2500V differential input voltage range
- Up to ±2500V offset range
Less Common-Mode Noise
IsoVu technology utilizes power-over-fiber and an optical analog signal path for full galvanic isolation between the measurement system and the device under test (DUT). By permitting the probe to float independently at the common-mode voltage, isolation significantly minimizes common-mode interference. Combined with a 4, 5, or 6 Series MSO, IsoVu offers an efficient, reliable way to resolve high-bandwidth differential signals with fast-slewing references, enabling designers to spend less time "designing blind" in situations such as:
• Floating measurements in power supplies
• Measuring current through shunt resistors
• Debugging ESD and EMI susceptibility problems
• Breaking ground loops
High Differential Voltage
With traditional differential probes, designers have to choose between high bandwidth and high voltage levels. IsoVu probes, featuring shielded coaxial cable and isolation, offer high bandwidth and a differential voltage range of ±2500V. IsoVu Gen 2 includes a range of bandwidths (200MHz, 500MHz, and 1GHz) to fit the performance requirements of various applications.
Space-Saving Design
IsoVu Generation 2 probes provide the same bandwidth, voltage range, and common-mode rejection as Tektronix's IsoVu probes, but at 1/5 the size and without a separate controller box. The analog electronics and lasers are contained in the compact head and oscilloscope connector. Compared to the original IsoVu probes, Generation 2 probes also feature:
• Better DC gain accuracy
• Improved step response
• More built-in ranges
High Performance
IsoVu probe tips feature a range of connections and accessories that deliver high performance and accessibility. For example, MMCX connectors are cost-effective and widely available for stable, hands-free test points, providing ideal bandwidth and common-mode rejection. Their solid metal body shields the center conductor and reduces the ground loop area for the lowest interference possible. Other accessories can adapt the probe tips to a broad range of connections, and additional 0.100" and 0.200" spaced square-pin tips are ideal for applications that require greater than ±250V differential voltage. When not using a tip, the sensor head offers 1MΩ and 50Ω switchable termination at the probe's SMA connector, effectively adding an isolated channel to any compatible oscilloscope.