Contents
What is oscilloscope compensation?
Compensation is required to properly match the input impedance of the oscilloscope’s vertical input channel circuitry. The oscilloscope probe contains a variable capacitor that is used to “tune” the probes cable and distributed capacitance to match the input impedance of the scope.
What is probe calibration?
Thermometer calibration means checking that your thermometer is working correctly, and making adjustments if it is not. There are two common calibration methods for probe thermometers — hot calibration and cold calibration.
Why should probes be calibrated?
The goal of calibration is to minimise any measurement uncertainty by ensuring the accuracy of test equipment. Calibration quantifies and controls errors or uncertainties within measurement processes to an acceptable level.
Do you need frequency compensation for oscilloscope probes?
Frequency compensation for oscilloscope probes is required when using a voltage type probe that includes an attenuator, i.e. X10, X100 or other values. Scope probe compensation is not required for X1 probes.
What happens when a probe on an oscilloscope fails?
If it fails, most likely either the probe tip or ground return lead is not making a good connection. When compensating a TPP1000 probe on the MDO3000 Series oscilloscope, each compensation generates values for a specific probe-channel combination. To compensate a probe to a different channel, run a new compensation for that combination.
What to do when probe compensation is not working?
If you do see the probe compensation signal, then basic operation of the scope is working properly. Connect your signal again, and try the Autoset button again. If you still do not get your signal, try setting the vertical and horizontal scales to values that are appropriate for your signal.
How do you compensate a square wave on an oscilloscope?
Activate the channel and press Autoset if necessary to view the square wave. Adjust the probe until a well-formed square wave is seen, neither over-compensated nor under-compensated. Probe compensation status is revealed in the appearance of a square wave as accessed by the probe.