calibration passive probe of scope

danadak

Joined Mar 10, 2018
4,057
If your scope is relatively new, last 20 years or so, many have
an internal cal routine that tests the probe and stores a correction
data set for use in interpolation of scope results.

So no, not much need to do that unless you suspect there is a
real problem. Then based on cal costs might be just better to
retire probe and buy another.

Other possibility is if you need some form of metrology trace-ability
for the probe.....


Regards, Dana.
 

crutschow

Joined Mar 14, 2008
34,285
There's not much that can change in a passive probe expect the value of the attenuation resistor so, unless you need calibration verification for a customer, I see no reason for an outside calibration.
 

danadak

Joined Mar 10, 2018
4,057
Does it have any mention in a manufacturer's specification datasheet etc...
In the older datasheets I have looked at I saw no mention of need to do this.

You can always go to the Agilent or Tektronix websites, for newer probes, and look at their
datasheets.

The passive elements in a probe, the resistor elements come to mind, I am sure could shift
over time. Pinched cable causing reflections, compromised ground return losses....But again
in newer scopes this is taken care of by a internal scope probe cal routine.


Regards, Dana.
 
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