Agilent Technologies N2893A User manual



Agilent N2893A

100 MHz Current

Probe

User’s Guide

Publication number N2893-97000

January 2011

For Safety information, Regulatory information, and

publishing information, see the pages at the end of

this book.

N2893A 100 MHz Current Probe Introduction

TheN2893A is a wide-band, DC to 100 MHz, active currentprobe. The probe

featureslownoiseandlowcircuitinsertionloss.ItalsofeaturestheAutoProbe

interface which makes current measurements as simple as those made with

active voltage probes.

The N2893A has two operating regions that provide a wide, flat frequency

response. In the DC to low frequency AC region, the probe operation is based

on the negative feedback of the amplifier system that includes the thin film

Hall element as a detector. In the high frequency region, the probe operates

as a current transformer.

The N2893A is ideal for acquiring high transient time signals such as those

found in Motor Controllers, in Switching Power Supplies, and in Current

Amplifiers driving inductive loads.

In order to use this product effectively and to ensure a long operational life,

read this User’s Guide carefully and retain it for future reference.

Features

• Highly accurate current detection

• Easy current measurement

• Broadband frequency characteristics DC to 100 MHz

• Compact

• Permits measurement of low current levels

• Easy protect function at excessive input

Scope Compatibility

• 5000,6000(except100MHzmodels),and7000 Series oscilloscopes with software

version 6.10 or higher

• 9000A Series with software version 3.0 or higher

• 90000 X-Series with the N5449A adapter

Inspection

When the unit is delivered, check and make sure that it has not been damaged

in transit. If the unit is damaged, or fails to operate according to the

specifications, contact your dealer or Agilent representative.

Contents

Note on Safety 4

Safety Symbols 4

Safety Considerations 5

Description of Parts 7

Characteristics and Specifications 9

Measurement Characteristics 9

Power Supply Characteristics 9

Mechanical Characteristics 10

Environmental Characteristics 10

Plots 11

Preparations for Measurement 13

Demagnetization Procedure 14

Demagnetization and Zero Offset Procedure 14

Measurement Procedure 14

Service Strategy 18

To return the Probe to Agilent Technologies for Service 18

Calibration Testing Procedures 19

Test Equipment Required 19

Preliminary procedure 19

(1) AC Accuracy 20

Calibration Test Record 21

Note on Safety

This equipment is designed according to IEC 61010-1 Safety Standards, and has been

tested for safety prior to shipment. Incorrect measurement procedures could result in

injury or death, as well as damage to the equipment. Please read this manual carefully

and be sure that you understand its contents before using the equipment. The

manufacturerdisclaimsallresponsibilityforanyaccidentorinjuryexceptthatresulting

due to defect in its product.

Safety Symbols

This User’s Guide provides information and warnings essential for operating this

equipment in a safe manner and for maintaining it in safe operating condition. Before

using this equipment, be sure to carefully read the following safety notes.

ThefollowingsymbolsareusedinthisUser’sGuidetoindicatetherelativeimportance

of cautions and warnings.

Caution refer to accompanying documents.

Indicates DC (Direct Current) or AC (Alternating Current).

Indicates that incorrect operation presents extreme danger of

accident resulting in death or serious injury to the user.

Indicates that incorrect operation presents significant danger of

accident resulting in death or serious injury to the user.

Indicates that incorrect operation presents possibility of injury

to the user or damage to the equipment.

Denotesitemsofadvicerelatedtoperformanceoftheequipment

or to its correct operation.

WARNING

DANGER

WARNING

CAUTION

NOTE

Safety Considerations

Only trained service personnel who are aware of the hazard involveds (for example,

fire and electric shock) should perform maintenance on the instrument. When

maintenance can be performed without power applied, the power cord must be

disconnected from the instrument.

To ensure safe operation and to obtain maximum performance from the unit, observe

the cautions listed below.

•To avoid short circuits and accidents that could result in injury or death, use the

N2893A only with power lines carrying 300 V or less.

• When conductors being measured carry in excess of the safe voltage level (SELV-

E) and not more than 300 V, to prevent short circuits and electric shock while the

core section is open, make sure that conductors to be measured are insulated with

material conforming to (1) Overvoltage Category I, (2) Basic Insulation

Requirements for Working Voltages of 300 V, and (3) Pollution Degree 2. Never

use this sensor on bare conductors, the core and shield case are not insulated. If a

bare conductor is inevitable to be measured, make sure that the power to the wire

must be turned off, when opening the jaws of the probe to insert or remove the bare

wire so that 300V CAT I is always satisfied.

• Avoid damaging the cable insulation surfaces while taking measurements.

• This instrument is only made for use withthe Infiniium. Do not plug the probe into

anyinterfaceotherthantheAutoProbeinterface,ofwhichInfiniiumhasaprotective

earthing with double-insulation construction.

• Take the following precautions to ensure that the Infiniium does not form a bridge

between the probe and any hazardous live part.

1Isolate the AutoProbe interface to which the probe is connected from other

AutoProbe interfaces using basic insulation conforming to the overvoltage

category, working voltage, and pollution degree requirements of the circuit

being tested.

2Ifbasic insulationrequirements cannot be metbetween the AutoProbe interface

to which this unit is connected and otherAutoProbe interfaces of the measuring

instrument, make sure that the voltage input to the AutoProbe interfaces does

not exceed the safe voltage level (SELV-E).

3Read and observe all warnings and precautions relating to electrical safety for

the Infiniium.

• Refer to the following standards regarding the meanings of underlined terms.

IEC61010-1

IEC61010-2-031

IEC61010-2-032

•To prevent electric shock, do not allow the unit to become wet and do not use the

unit when your hands are wet.

•Do not subject the unit to vibrations or shocks during transport or handling. Be

especially careful to avoid dropping the unit.

WARNING

DANGER

WARNING

CAUTION

Safety Considerations

• Do not store the unit where it will be exposed to direct sunlight, high temperature,

high humidity, or condensation. If exposed to such conditions, the unit may be

damaged, the insulation may deteriorate, and the unit may no longer satisfy its

specifications.

• Before using the unit, inspect it and check the operation to make sure that the unit

was not damaged due to poor storage or transport conditions. If damage is found,

contact your dealer or Agilent representative.

• This unit is not constructed to be waterproof or dustproof, so do not use it in a very

dusty environment or in one where it will get wet.

• The sensor head is a precision assembly including a molded component, a ferrite

core, and a Hall effect element. It may be damaged if subjected to sudden changes

in ambient temperature, or mechanical strain or shock, and therefore great care

should be exercised in handling it.

• The matching surfaces of the sensor head are precision ground, and should be

treated with care. If these surfaces are scratched, performance may be impaired.

• Do not bend or pull the sensor cable and power supply cable in order to avoid

damaging the sensor cables.

• Gently wipe dirt from the surface of the unit with a soft cloth moistened with a

small amount of water or milddetergent. Do not try to clean the unit using cleaners

containing organic solvents such as benzine, alcohol, acetone, ether, ketones,

thinners, or gasoline. They may cause discoloration or damage.

• To avoid scratching the surfaces of the Hall effect elements, keep the core section

ofthesensorclosed,exceptwhenclampingit around theconductortobemeasured.

•Accurate measurement may be impossible in locations subject to strong external

magnetic fields, such as transformers and high-current conductors, or in locations

subject to strong external electric fields, such as radio transmission equipment.

NOTE

Description of Parts

1Opening lever

Operating lever for opening the sensor head. Always use this lever to open the sensor

head.

2Sensor head

This clamps the conductor being measured, and carries out the actual current

measurement. It is a precision assembly including a molded component, a ferrite core,

andaHalleffectelement.Itmaybedamagedifsubjectedtosuddenchangesinambient

temperature, or mechanical strain or shock. Care should be exercised when handing

the sensor head.

3Demagnetizing switch (DEMAG)

This demagnetizes the core if it has been magnetized by switching the power on and

off, or by an excessive input. Always carry out demagnetizing before measurement.

The demagnetizing process takes about one second. During demagnetizing, a

demagnetizing waveform is output.

4Coarse adjustment trimmer

This adjustment should only be carried out if the probe offset is outside the range of

the zero adjustment.

Current direction indication

"UNLOCK" indication

Sensor Terminator

Sensor cable

Description of Parts

•The output of this unit is terminated internally. The high-impedance such as 1 M

input impedance will be automatically selected on the Infiniium, as the Terminator

ispluggedinto the AutoProbeinterface. With aninputimpedanceof 50 , accurate

measurement is not possible.

• The probe output sensitivity 0.1 V/A will be automatically selected, as the

Terminator is plugged into the AutoProbe interface. With an different output

sensitivity, accurate measurement is not possible.

NOTE

Characteristics and Specifications

Measurement Characteristics

See note 1 below.

Power Supply Characteristics

Probe Bandwidth DC to 100MHz (-3 dB)

Accuracy (Probe Only)* ±1% of reading ±1mV

(DC or 45Hz to 66Hz)

Risetime2~ 7ns

Maximum continuous current 15A (DC + ACrms) continuous

(Refer to frequency derating curve, Fig. 2)

Maximum peak current 50A (for Pulse Widths ~10µs)

Probe sensitivity 0.1V/A

Noise ~2.5mArms(with 20MHz Bandwidth limiting)

Insertion impedance Refer to Fig. 3

Temperature coefficient ~±2% (0%C to 40%C)

Effect of external magnetic fields Equivalent to ~20mA (for a 400A/m magnetic

field, DC to 60Hz)

Maximum circuit voltage 300V Cat I (refer to safety considerations and

product compliances)



*This is a specification and is guaranteed at 23%C ±3%C (73%F ±5%F).

1. Requires 1MWtermination. Valid for 23%C ±3%C (73%F ±5%F), at least 30 minutes after power

on.

2. Rise time is calculated as: Tr = 0.35/Bandwidth.

DC supply voltage requirements ±12Vdc ±1V

Probe power consumption Increases with measured current.

3 VA when measuring 15 A

Characteristics and Specifications

Mechanical Characteristics

Environmental Characteristics

See note 3 below.

Maximum cable diameter 5 mm (0.2 inch)

Sensor cable length 1.5 m (59 inches)

Power cable length 1 m (39 inches)

Dimensions Sensor:



Terminator:

175 mm x 18 mm x 40 mm

6.89 in. x 0.71 in. x 1.6 in.



28 mm x 81 mm x 24 mm

1.1 in. x 3.2 in. x 0.94 in

Weight 210 g (7.4 oz.)

Accessories supplied storage case, calibration certificate

Operating temperature range 0%C to 40%C (32%F to 104%F)

Storage temperature range -10%C to 50%C (14%F to 122%F)

Maximum relative humidity

(operating or storage) 80% (no condensation)

Vibration 10 to 55 Hz:



55 Hz:

30 min/axis

10 octave/min

Amplitude 0.3 mm

30 min/axis

Amplitude 0.3 mm

Acceleration 17.91 m/s2

Maximum Altitude 2000 m



3. This probe is intended for indoor use only.

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