Tektronix has announced a second-generation of IsoVu isolated oscilloscope probes, claiming smaller size, easier use and enhanced electrical performance.

Tek-TIVP-02-IsoVu-probe

Isolated probes are for probing power systems when high common-mode voltages and un-grounded systems make life difficult for differential probes.

“Engineers working with wide-bandgap technologies such as SiC and GaN face difficult challenges to accurately measure and characterise devices due to the higher frequencies and switching speeds involved,” according to Tek. “By galvanically isolating the probe from the oscilloscope, IsoVu probes have changed how power researchers and designers make wide bandgap power measurements.”

With the second generation probes, dubbed TIVP Series, the company aims to push IsoVu to users that the original probes, first introduced in 2016, didn’t reach – adding product level R&D, validation and EMI troubleshooting to applications, according to Tek general manager Suchi Rinivasan.

Available bandwidths span 200MHz to 1GHz.

IsoVu probes use a proprietary electro-optical technique to capture signals and power the probes with no electrical connection to the oscilloscope. “The use of optical cables also allows for long cable lengths and makes the probes largely immune to EMI,” said the company.

Compared with IsoVu gen 1, Gen 2 has:

Smaller size: Probe one-fifth the size, separate controller box condensed and now inside compensation box
Improved sensitivity, and noise on +/- 50V measurements
More dc accuracy, gain accuracy and improved temperature drift
Less tip swapping: sensor head has wider dynamic range so fewer tips cover the same voltage range as Gen 1

“Compared to traditional high voltage differential probes, IsoVu probes offer a unique combination of high bandwidth, dynamic range and best-in-class common-mode rejection ratio over the probe’s full bandwidth. Non-isolated probes’ CMRR ratings derate quickly as frequency increases, making higher frequency measurements impossible,” according to the company. Electronics Weekly has requested some numbers to back up these claims.