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General information
2.3.1
Probe compensation
Perform this adjustment to match your probe to the input channel. This should be done whenever
you attach a probe for the first time to any input channel. Most probes are designed to match the
inputs of specific oscilloscope models. However, there are slight variations from oscilloscope to
oscilloscope and even between different input channels in the same oscilloscope. To deal with this
where necessary, many probes, especially attenuating probes (X10 and X100 probes), have built-in
compensation networks.
An uncompensated probe can lead to various measurement errors, especially in measuring pulse
rise or fall times. To avoid such errors, always compensate probes right after connecting them to the
oscilloscope and check compensation frequently. If your probe has a compensation network, you
should adjust this network to compensate the probe for the oscilloscope channel that you are using.
To do this, use the following procedure:
1.
Attach the probe to the oscilloscope.
2.
Attach the probe tip to the probe compensation testpoint on the oscilloscope’s.
3.
Check the shape of the displayed waveform.
OK
NOT OK
NOT OK
4.
Use the adjustment tool provided with the probe or other non-magnetic adjustment tool to adjust
the compensation network to obtain a calibration waveform display that has flat tops with no
overshoot or rounding.
5.
If the oscilloscope has a built-in calibration routine, run this routine for increased accuracy.
6.
Repeat as necessary.
