WaveLink Probe System

Features

WaveLink probes provide industry leading technology for wideband signal connection to test instruments. The first differential probes to employ SiGe technology, they deliver full system bandwidth when used with WaveRunner WavePro WaveMaster, DDA and SDA oscilloscopes up to 6 GHz.

WaveLink probes:

• Maintain good loading characteristics across the frequency span
• Optimized for gain, noise and Bandwidth for optimal performance
• Offer broad range of dynamic range and noise over gain settings by incorporating automatic probe attenuation changes

WaveLink is the first differential probe to use a unique calibration process to achieve superb waveform fidelity for routine voltage measurements.

Calibration coefficients "fine tune" the frequency response of each WaveLink probe and are individually determined during factory calibration and programmed into the probe. The SDA, DDA, WaveMaster, WaveRunner, or WavePro Series oscilloscopes read this data and use it to digitally compensate the entire system response for superior fidelity.

WaveLink probes virtually eliminate distortion when measuring signals. This benefit is particularly useful in eye pattern measurements, now routine for systems using fast serial parallel data bus architecture.

All WaveLink probes offer:

• Superior loading characteristics
• Precise frequency response with outstanding fidelity for high-speed signals

Both low loading and frequency response flatness are needed to ensure the signal fidelity required to measure performance accurately.

3.125 Gb/s XUAI signal measured with system using a probe
with good frequency flatness, but excessive loading.

Same signal measured with WaveLink D610-PT. Low loading and flat frequency response combine to maintain the fidelity in the eye pattern.

WaveLink test leads make connecting to test points very simple. The wide variety of tips offered provide confidence that the most challenging test points can be probed.

The Solder-In, PT Browser, Quick Connect, and Square Pin lead sets are rated for multiple insertions and offer field replacement tips for user value, while giving the best signal fidelity as a system to the test points.

An assortment of hands-free probe holders ease the challenge of connecting multiple leads to a board.

Serial data signals all vary in signal characteristics and connection type. WaveLink features a wide dynamic range and offset to accommodate a wide input voltage range. WaveLink's automatic probe attenuation network allows an input voltage up to ±5 Vp-p with the lowest system noise for measuring small signals.

WaveLink differential probes offer enhanced capabilities to make single-ended measurements with low loading and improved CMRR. Singleended measurements on DDR signals with D6x0/D3x0 probes utilize ±3 V offset range to return a more accurate and repeatable measurement.

Multiple probe connections are often necessary to properly debug board level problems. WaveLink probes afford a variety of hands free positioners to offer stable and accurate probe tip placement to make perfect contact without the worry of hand probing errors.

XYZ Positioner with PT Tip.

FreeHand with PT Tip and Wand.

EZ-Probe Positioner.

Flexible Interconnection Options

The D610/D310 and D620/D320 probes provide superior electrical characteristics to provide the best signal fidelity.

• Lowest noise performance for accurate measurements
• High DC impedance
• Low loading for minimum signal disturbance
• High sensitivity for probing low voltage signals

The new D6x0/D3x0 probes are superior to single-ended probes for measuring ground referenced signals. Placing the probe will not alter local ground variation, and the measured signal won’t be distorted by this variation.

Best-in-class mechanical design for optimum utility:

• Small tip, high bandwidth differential probe
• Four interconnect configurations for flexibility
• Very small form factor for accessing tight spaces

Each of the interchangeable leads is a thin, highly flexible 145 mm (5.7") long lead connecting the tip and the D610/D620 and D310/D320 probe tip module.

Four Different Tips for Interconnect Flexibility

The Solder-In interconnect lead features the smallest physical tip size of any high bandwidth differential probe and the highest level of electrical performance. Two very small damping resistors are directly soldered into the connect points providing a reliable, intermittence-free electrical connection. The resistors have highly flexible leads allowing connection to input points with a wide range of input spacing.

The Quick Connect interconnect lead enables you to quickly move the probe between multiple test points on the test circuit. Just solder a pair of leaded damping resistors at each location where interconnection is required. A small connector mounted on the probe tip plugs into the damping resistors, letting you quickly move between sets of test points.

Many applications, such as IC characterization boards, use standard 0.025" square pins for interconnect. The Square Pin interconnect lead directly mates with a pair of 0.025" (0.635 mm) square pins that are mounted on standard 0.100" (2.54 mm) centers.

The PT positioner tips provides spring loaded leads to allow for easy probing. The adjustable wheel allows for precise probing, allowing a spread up to 0.14". The small form factor provides a convenient grip for hand probing, or use the wand or XYZ positioner for more precise placement.

Browser Options

WaveLink adjustable tip probes are designed to provide an optimum mechanical connection for signal measurement.

• Built-in thumbwheel for precise positioning of tip—stays put after adjustment
• Maintains sharp points for good contact
• Tips made of "NiTiNOL," a super-elastic nickel-titanium alloy
• Flexes as you apply pressure
• Consistently returns to original form

The probe has a very thin form factor, allowing multiple probes to be used when several channels are required to monitor signals from the same small IC.

The PT browser tip offers two options to pair with the appropriate probe body, providing the best scope/probe combination. The Dx10-PT and Dx20-PT browser tips are used with the D610/D620 for 6 GHz bandwidth probing needs, while a pairing with the D310/D320 amplifiers are rated to 3.5 GHz bandwidth.

The PT positioner tip offers the most flexibility in a browser probe to provide the best signal fidelity in an easy to use form factor. The PT browser tip offers superior noise and loading characteristics. The PT can be used with a variety of holders and accessories to allow for ease in hand browsing, or flexibility to use a positioner for hands free probing.

The small form factor makes probing small pitch ICs easy, with a tip spread of 0.14", adjustable with a thumb wheel. The probe tips offer a field replaceable spring tip (with a flex of 0.6 mm) to allow robust contact with DUT contacts.

Specifications

 
Ordering Information