Getting Started Manual
WR6Zi-GSM-E
32
Probe and Signal Connection
Interfaces
Probe and Signal Connection Interfaces
Overview
LeCroy oscilloscopes are equipped with a variety of connection interfaces
to allow connection of cables directly to the oscilloscope channels, or to
allow probe connections to the oscilloscope. When probes are
connected, a probe interface is used to power the probe (as necessary),
to recognize the probe type and its characteristics, and to communicate
to and from the probe to completely integrate the probe with the
oscilloscope channel in a number of ways. For instance, active single-
ended and differential voltage probes and current probes use these
interfaces upload gain and offset correction factors from the probe
EEPROM's and, in some cases, automatically compensates responses to
achieve fully-calibrated measurements.
Some oscilloscope product series support multiple probe and connection
interfaces. This can be an advantage when the highest speed signal on a
design requires the use of a high-bandwidth oscilloscope, yet it is also
highly desired to view other low-speed signals in conjunction with the
highest-speed signals so as to debug or analyze a complicated embedded
design. An example would be a high-speed serial data interface, such as
PCIe, that may interoperate with low-speed signals, such as I
2
C or power
supply lines. In this case, the multiple connection interfaces in a single
high-bandwidth oscilloscope would allow connection of passive voltage
probes, current probes, and high-bandwidth differential probes without
the use of additional adapters that cost extra money and may be easily
lost or misplaced. Multiple probe and connection interfaces also provide
users the ability to connect two probes to the circuit on a single channel
and switch between them without disconnecting and re-connecting
probes from the circuit. This function is remotely programmable allowing
the interface to operate like a switch, and the ability to select four out of
eight inputs provides unheard of connection flexibility.
