Understanding Scope Probes 

Oscilloscopes are one of the most important and useful instruments available today for measurement of signals. Oscilloscope probes are equally important because they provide the interface between the scope and the signal of interest.

This tutorial will help you understand how scope probes work, and what deviations from ideal behaviour they may introduce. We will provide information on the different types of loading introduced by scope probes and their effects on the circuit under test. Each kind of probe will have an explanation and summary of its features, benefits, tradeoffs, and applications.

Table of Contents

Note: The probes used in the Morse Labs are Compensated High Resistance Passive Divider Probes (model HP10071a) which apply a 10:1 attenuation ratio.

So when using a probe, be sure to select:
Probe
1 10 100
in the scope's channel menu.

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