TTi Iprober 520 – Positional Current/Field Probe DC-5MHz 5mA-20A

• Observe and measure current in a PCB track
• Make measurements via non-contact probing
• Suitable for observation and measurement of current in component leads & ground planes as well as PCB tracks
• Wide dynamic range of 10mA to 20A pk to pk
• Wide bandwidth of DC to 5MHz

Current measurement from insulated probing of conductor suitable for observation and measurement of current in PCB tracks, component leads and ground planeside dynamic range of 10mA to 20A peak to peak

The Aim I-prober 520 positional current probe is unlike any other current measurement device available.

Calibrated measurement of current normally requires the current to be passed through a closed magnetic loop. Typically this is done using some form of split clamp device. Whereas this is suitable for individual wires, it is of no use for measuring current in PCB tracks.

The I-prober 520 is a compact hand-held probe which is used with an oscilloscope. By placing the insulated tip of the probe onto a PCB track, the current flowing in the track can be observed and measured.

The I-prober 520 achieves something radically new. It can observe and measure currents in PCB tracks and other conductors where conventional current probes can’t be used. This includes captive wires into components, the legs of integrated circuits, and PCB ground planes.

Conventionally, current can only be measured by either breaking the circuit to insert a shunt resistor, or by surrounding the conductor by a loop of magnetic material as in a standard current probe. The I-prober 520 enables currents, from dc up to 5MHz, to be observed and measured simply by placing its insulated tip onto the conductor.

The I-prober 520 is safety rated to 300V CAT 11 (600V CAT 1). This enables it to be used on circuits with direct connection to AC line at up to 300V rms, and on isolated circuits at voltages up to 600V rms. A finger guard is incorporated to maintain user safety at higher voltages.

The probe can be used to measure high temperature PCB tracks and component leads up to 120°C continuous or 150°C short term.

The very small size of the field sensor within the I-prober 520 gives it some unique capabilities when used to measure magnetic fields.

The variation of field with position can be accurately determined enabling the precise source of fields to be located and their variation in space measured. A switch on the control box re-scales the output voltage to measure in Teslas or in amps per metre.