Agilent Technologies WireScope 350, User Manual, Page: 40 / 155

Chapter 4 Preparing to Run an Autotest 39
Using test probes
It is important that any instrument be configured properly if the test data is to be
useful. At a construction job site, it is especially critical that the cable
certification equipment be configured properly before testing begins to avoid
wasting time and money by testing to the wrong requirements. The WireScope
350 is designed to minimize the opportunities to make such mistakes through the
use of an intelligent test probe (SmartProbe) port and a robust autotest settings
profile capability.
Understanding SmartProbe test port features
With the advent of Category 6 technology, you must not only match test probes
type to the test configuration (i.e. Link or Channel), but also match to the
manufacturer of the connectors used on the cabling to be certified. Failure to do
this can yield useless certification results.
The WireScope 350 has the ability to detect the characteristics of the attached
test probes and based on this information and the selected connector and cabling
limit settings, warn you if there is a potential misconfiguration before testing
starts.
In addition to providing a high performance connection for the test signals from
the test hardware, the SmartProbe interface provides power and a two-way
control interface to support active test probes. All of the Category 6
SmartProbes for the WireScope 350, for example, are active. This allows critical
data such as probe serial numbers, compatibility information, and how many
times the probe has been used to be stored in memory internal to each probe.
Caring for the SmartProbe test port
The SmartProbe port is not designed to be connected to cables that have high
voltages present (for example, voltages present on telephone lines). Therefore,
be certain that no excessive voltages are present before connecting the cable
under test to the SmartProbe or Channel Adapter.
CAUTION:
Do not connect WireScope test probes or test cables to a voltage source,
such a telephone jack. Excessive voltages can damage WireScope probes
and/or the WireScope 350 analyzer and void your warranty.
SmartProbe
Interface