Getting Started
4
A6304XL Instructions
Failure to degauss the probe is a leading cause of measurement errors. To
maintain measurement accuracy, degauss your probe in each of these cases:
H
After turning on the Amplifier and allowing a 20-minute warm-up period.
H
Before connecting the probe to a conductor, or changing conductors under
test.
H
Whenever an overload condition occurs.
H
Whenever the probe is subjected to a strong external magnetic field.
H
Periodically during normal use.
Maximum Current Limits
Current probes have three maximum current ratings: continuous, pulsed, and
Ampere-second product. Exceeding any of these ratings can cause measurement
errors or probe heating. See Specifications on page 6 for probe current ratings.
H
Maximum Continuous Current refers to the maximum current that can be
continuously measured at DC or at a specified AC frequency. The maximum
continuous current value is derated with frequency; as the frequency
increases, the maximum continuous current rating decreases. Higher
frequency currents may be measured at limited duty cycles. The duty cycle is
the ratio of the maximum intermittent current to the continuous current.
H
Maximum Pulsed Current refers to the maximum peak value of pulsed
current the probe can accurately measure, regardless of how short (within
bandwidth limitations) the pulse duration is.
H
Ampere-Second Product defines the maximum width of pulsed current that
you can measure when the pulse amplitude is between the maximum
continuous and maximum pulsed current specifications. The maximum
continuous specification itself varies with frequency.
NOTE
. Always degauss the probe after measuring a current that exceeds the
maximum continuous current, maximum pulsed current, or Ampere-second
product rating of the probe. Exceeding these ratings can magnetize the probe
and cause measurement errors.
To determine if your measurement exceeds the rating of the probe, determine the
maximum allowable pulse width and pulse amplitude.
