RIGOL PVA8350 3.5GHz Active Differential Probe with 3 Position Memory Light User Guide
- June 4, 2024
- Rigol
Table of Contents
User Guide
PVA8000 Series Active Probe
Jan. 2022
RIGOL TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
Guaranty and Declaration
Copyright
© 2022 RIGOL TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved.
Trademark Information
RIGOL ® is the trademark of RIGOL TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
Publication number
UGE32100-1110
Notices
- RIGOL products are covered by P.R.C. and foreign patents, issued and pending.
- RIGOL reserves the right to modify or change parts of or all the specifications and pricing policies at the company’s sole decision.
- Information in this publication replaces all previously released materials.
- Information in this publication is subject to change without notice.
- RIGOL shall not be liable for either incidental or consequential losses in connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this manual, as well as any information contained.
- Any part of this document is forbidden to be copied, photocopied, or rearranged without the prior written approval of RIGOL.
Product Certification
RIGOL guarantees that this product conforms to the national and industrial
standards in China as well as the ISO9001:2015 standard and the
ISO14001:2015 standard. Other international standard conformance
certifications are in progress.
Contact Us
If you have any problem or requirement when using our products or this manual,
please contact RIGOL.
E-mail: service@rigol.com
Website: www.rigol.com
Safety Notices and Symbols
Safety Notices in this Manual:
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation or practice that, if not
avoided, will result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation or practice that, if not avoided,
could result in damage to the product or loss of important data.
Safety Terms on the Product:
DANGER
It calls attention to an operation, if not correctly performed, could result
in injury or hazard immediately.
WARNING
It calls attention to an operation, if not correctly performed, could result
in potential injury or hazard.
CAUTION
It calls attention to an operation, if not correctly performed, could result
in damage to the product or other devices connected to the product.
Safety Symbols on the Product:
| **** | Hazardous Voltage |
|---|---|
| **** | Safety Warning |
| Protective Earth Terminal | |
| Chassis Ground | |
| Test Ground |
Document Overview
This document is used to guide users to get a quick understanding of the
PVA8000 series active probe as well as its use method. Besides, this document
gives service information relating to care and cleaning.
PVA8000 series active probe includes the following models.
| Model | Bandwidth |
|---|---|
| PVA8350 | >3.5 GHz |
| PVA8700 | >7 GHz |
Main topics:
-
PVA8000 Series Overview
This chapter gives a brief introduction of the probe, including general inspection, probe dimensions, standard accessories, etc. -
To Use PVA8000 Series Active Probe
This chapter introduces how to use the probe, including how to connect to the oscilloscope, how to use the probe head, how to replace probe accessories, how to adjust the offset voltage, how to calibrate the probe, etc. -
Care and Cleaning
-
Warranty
-
Specifications
PVA8000 Series Overview
This chapter guides users to quickly get familiar with the PVA8000 series
active probe.
Main topics:
- Probe Introduction
- General Inspection
- Probe Dimensions
- Accessories and Options
- Active Probe Amplifier
- Probe Head
Probe Introduction
PVA8000, with more than 7 GHz bandwidth, is an active probe for high-frequency
applications. It can be used to measure differential and single-ended signals
with better common mode rejection. PVA8000 uses a plug-on socket probe head
and supports four types of interchangeable probe heads to cater to different
application scenarios, improving its usability. Besides, its replaceable probe
tip prolongs the service life of the probe and the probe tip spacing can be
precisely adjusted to fit different test point spacing.
PVA8000 is compatible with the auto-identification port of the RIGOL DS70000
series oscilloscope and can be recognized and configured automatically. Its
snap-in BNC connector enables easier connection with the oscilloscope.
PVA8000 provides various accessories and options, as well as multiple
replaceable components which make it applicable to be used in different tests
and measurements.
General Inspection
- Inspect the packaging If the packaging has been damaged, do not dispose of the damaged packaging or cushioning materials until the shipment has been checked for completeness and has passed both electrical and mechanical tests. The consigner or carrier shall be liable for the damage to the instrument resulting from shipment. RIGOL would not be responsible for free maintenance/rework or replacement of the instrument.
- Inspect the instrument In case of any mechanical damage, missing parts, or failure in passing the electrical and mechanical tests, contact your RIGOL sales representative.
- Check the accessories Please check the accessories according to the packing lists. If the accessories are damaged or incomplete, please contact your RIGOL sales representative.
Probe Dimensions
Figure1 shows the dimensions of the probe body of the PVA8000 series active probe.
Accessories and Options
This section lists the probe kits and standard accessories of the PVA8000
series active probe respectively. All the components listed below can be
ordered from RIGOL.
-
PVA8700 Active Probe Kit contains all the accessories listed in Table 1.
If any accessory or option needs to be ordered separately, please refer to Table 1. -
PVA8350 Active Probe Kit contains all the accessories listed in Table 2.
If any accessory or option needs to be ordered separately, please refer to Table 2.
Table 1 PVA8700 Active Probe Kit Standard Accessories
| Name | Qty. |
|---|---|
| PVA8700 Active Probe Amplifier | 1 |
| Solder-in Differential Probe Head | 1 |
| Solder-in Single-ended Probe Head | 1 |
| Hand-held Differential Probe Head | 1 |
| Hand-held Single-ended Probe Head | 1 |
| 0.2mm Nickel Wire | 1 |
| Trim Gauge | 1 |
| Ground Pin (Hand-held Single-ended) | 4 types (3 pcs for each type) |
| Signal Pin (Hand-held Single-ended) | 3 types (3 pcs for each type) |
| Probe Tip (Hand-held Differential) | 1 type (3 pcs) |
| User Guide | 1 |
| Storage Box | 1 |
| Probe Bag | 1 |
Table 2 PVA8350 Active Probe Kit Standard Accessories
| Name | Qty. |
|---|---|
| PVA8350 Active Probe Amplifier | 1 |
| Solder-in Differential Probe Head | 1 |
| Solder-in Single-ended Probe Head | 1 |
| Hand-held Differential Probe Head | 1 |
| Hand-held Single-ended Probe Head | 1 |
| 0.2mm Nickel Wire | 1 |
| Trim Gauge | 1 |
| Ground Pin (Hand-held Single-ended) | 4 types (3 pcs for each type) |
| Signal Pin (Hand-held Single-ended) | 3 types (3 pcs for each type) |
| Probe Tip (Hand-held Differential) | 1 type (3 pcs) |
| User Guide | 1 |
| Storage Box | 1 |
| Probe Bag | 1 |
Note: The accessories listed in this section are only for reference, take
the actual product as the standard.
Active Probe Amplifier
The active probe amplifier (Figure 2), with more than 7 GHz bandwidth, is a
main component of the active probe. One end of the active probe amplifier can
be connected to the oscilloscope (e.g. DS70000 series) and the other end can
be connected to the desired probe head.
When connecting a probe head to an active probe amplifier, push it straight
in. When plugging in, make sure that the active probe amplifier is tightly
connected to the probe head via the connection points. Pay attention to the
spring direction, if connected in the wrong direction, the performance of the
active probe will be undermined, and even worse, the probe may be damaged.
CAUTION
There is a black mark sleeve on the negative pole of the soldering single-
ended probe head.
Probe Head
PVA8000 supports a hand-held probe head and a solder-in probe head.
Hand-held Probe Head
The types of hand-held probe heads include hand-held differential probe heads
and hand-held single-ended probe heads.
Like using common passive probes, you can use this kind of probe head to
easily measure signals. Besides, the spacing between the probe tips can be
easily adjusted to fulfill your various measurement requirements.
For the hand-held differential probe head, the spacing between the probe tips
is controlled by the roller on the probe head. As shown in Figure 3, turning
the roller forwards or backward can precisely adjust the spacing between the
two probe tips.
As shown in Figure 4, the probe tip is a standard accessory and replaceable.
If it is damaged during use, you can easily replace it with a new one (refer
to To Replace Probe Accessories).
For hand-held single-ended probe heads, rotating the ground pin can adjust the
spacing between the ground pin and probe tip, as shown in Figure 5. 
The signal pin and the ground pin are standard accessories. There are
different types of signal pins and ground pins, and they are replaceable. You
can use them according to different application scenarios (refer to To
Replace Probe Accessories).
PVA8000 series probe provides three types of signal pins and four types of
ground pins to cater to different test requirements. The structure of the pins
is shown in Figure 6. Different types of signal pins and ground pins can work
with each other in different combination forms.
Signal Pin Types
a) Signal Pin (bent): (same as the hand-held differential probe tip, available
to use for any hand-held differential probe): suitable for carrying out the
handheld spot test for near-distance test points.
b) Signal Pin (straight): suitable for the hand-held spot test for near-
distance test points.
c) Signal Adapter (square pin): work with Male Dupont wires, suitable for
measurements of a longer distance of test points; or work with square pin
ground adapter, suitable for in-line circuit board pin tests. Ground Pin Types
d) Ground Pin (pogo): suitable for the hand-held spot test for near-distance
test points.
e) Ground Pin (solderable): suitable for the hand-held spot test for a longer
distance of test points or soldering test.
f) Ground Adapter (square pin): work with the signal square pin adapter,
suitable for in-line circuit board pin tests.
g) Ground Adapter (angled): works with male DuPont wires for measurements of a
longer distance of test points.
Solder-in Probe Head
The solder-in probe head includes two types: solder-in differential probe
head and solder-in single-ended probe head, as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8.
Wherein, the solder-in probe head is suitable for the measurement of high-
density IC pin signals.
The pin that is at the same side of the mark sleeve is used to connect to the
ground.
When using the solder-in probe head for measurement, we recommend you to use
an auxiliary device to fix the probe head.
CAUTION
Using your hand to fix the probe head may cause the lead resistor soldered
onto the probe head to break or fall off. The hand-held position might also
affect the probe performance!
The nickel wire of the solder-in probe head is a standard accessory. If the
nickel wire under use is damaged or broken, please replace it with a new one
(refer to To Replace Probe Accessories).
To Use PVA8000 Series Active Probe
During the use of PVA8000 series active probe, correct operations can ensure the probe performance, prolong the service life of the probe and ensure the effectiveness of the signal measurement result. This chapter introduces in detail the using method of the PVA8000 series active probe.
Main Topics:
- To Connect to the Oscilloscope
- To Use the Probe Head
- To Replace Probe Accessories
- To Adjust Offset Voltage
- To Calibrate the Probe
To Connect to the Oscilloscope
After PVA8000 is connected correctly to a RIGOL DS70000 series
oscilloscope, the oscilloscope recognizes the probe automatically and provides
both power and offset voltage to the probe. You can adjust the offset voltage
(refer to To Adjust Offset Voltage) and calibrate the probe (refer to To
Calibrate the Probe) by the front panel menu of the oscilloscope. Please
connect the probe to the oscilloscope following the steps below:
-
Connect the probe head (in the figure, taking a hand-held differential probe head for example) with the active probe amplifier.
-
Connect the other end of the active probe amplifier to the channel input connector of the oscilloscope and make sure the connection is tight.
- Use any probe auxiliary device to connect the probe to the circuit to be tested.
- To disconnect the probe from the oscilloscope, press the button on the probe (as shown in the left figure below), pull the connector straight out of the oscilloscope (as shown in the right figure below), and then release the button.
CAUTION
Do not twist the probe on the BNC connector of the oscilloscope. Otherwise,
the probe might be damaged.
To Use the Probe Head
In the Probe Head section, PVA8000 can be connected with 4 types of probe
heads. You can easily change the probe head by using the method introduced
in To Replace Probe Accessories. This chapter introduces how to use
these probe heads respectively.
- Hand-held Differential Probe Head
The hand-held differential probe head provides an effective bandwidth of more than 7 GHz. The spacing between the two probe tips can be precisely adjusted by turning the roller. You can also use the button on the probe head to make adjustments according to the existing adjustment history memory. \
The probe tips are replaceable, which can prolong the service life of the
probe. The structure of the hand-held differential probe head is shown in
Figure 9.
- Turning the roller to adjust the spacing (0.2 mm to 5.4 mm) between
- Hand-held Differential Probe Head
- probe tip.
The hand-held differential probe head can be used to measure differential and
single-ended signals. Button 1, 2, and 3 on the probe head has the memory
function. Take Button 1 as an example. When you need to save the current
position of the probe head for future use, long press this button in this
position until the indicator between the probe tips blinks. Then release the
button. In this way, the position of the probe tip is remembered by the probe.
For future use, once you want to adjust the probe to this specified
position, just press Button 1, and then the probe tip will be adjusted
automatically to this position. The button is a button for controlling the
on/off status of the indicator located between the probe tips. In the weak
light environment, you’d better turn on the indicator to make measurements
clear to see.
The following figure shows the operation demonstration: 
Hand-held Single-ended Probe Head
The hand-held single-ended probe head provides an effective bandwidth of more
than 7 GHz. The spacing between the signal pin of the probe the ground pin can
be adjusted by moving or rotating the ground pin.
The signal pin (hand-held single-ended) and ground pin (hand-held single-
ended) are replaceable, improving its usability and prolonging the service
life of the probe.
The structure of the hand-held single-ended probe head is shown in Figure 11.
 Solder-in Differential Probe Head
The solder-in differential probe head provides an effective bandwidth of more than 7 GHz. The replacement of the nickel wire enhances the usability of the probe and prolongs its service life. The structure of the solder-in differential probe head is shown in Figure 12.
- Solder-in differential probe head.
- 0.2mm Nickel Wire (4 mm typ.). When the points to be tested are widely spaced, the length of the nickel wire will be increased. At this point, overshoot and ringing will occur and the high-frequency response will change.
Solder-in Single-ended Probe Head
The solder-in single-ended probe head provides an effective bandwidth of more
than 5 GHz. The replacement of the nickel wire enhances the usability of the
probe and prolongs its service life. The structure of the solder-in single-
ended probe head is shown in Figure 13. The pin at the same side with the
negative pole mark sleeve (refer to Figure 8) is negative.
- Solder-in single-ended probe head.
- 0.2mm Nickel Wire (4 mm typ.).
When the points to be tested are widely spaced, the length of the nickel wire will be increased. At this point, overshoot and ringing will occur and the high-frequency response will change.
To Replace Probe Accessories
-
To replace the probe head Take care not to damage the connecting part to avoid affecting the probe performance when replacing the probe head. Replacing Method:
① Disconnect the connection between the probe and the oscilloscope.
② Disconnect the current probe head from the active probe amplifier.
③ Push the new probe head into the active probe amplifier straightly. When a single-ended probe head is used, keep the spring contact at the same side being connected -
To replace the probe tip can be inserted into the probe head directly, so please note the direction and strength when removing and installing the probe tip.
-
To replace the nickel wire If the nickel wire of the solder-in probe head under use becomes damaged or breaks off, you can replace a new one. The probe head nickel wire should satisfy the following size requirement, that is, the length is 4 mm (recommended value).
Note: If the length of the nickel wire is longer than 4 mm, the bandwidth
specification of the probe will be affected. You can use the trim gauge to
measure and cut the nickel wire.
To Adjust Offset Voltage
RIGOL DS70000 series oscilloscope can provide offset voltage to the PVA8000
series active probe. Then the offset voltage can be output through the BNC
module of the robe. The offset voltage adjusts the measured signal which
exceeds the input dynamic range of the probe to within an appropriate range to
ensure the measured signal’s integrity. You can adjust the offset voltage by
operating the front panel menu of the oscilloscope. The operation method is as
shown below.
- Follow the instructions in To Connect to the Oscilloscope to connect the PVA8000 series active probe to the channel input terminal (e.g. CH1) of the DS70000 oscilloscope.
- Open the probe offset voltage control menu of the DS70000 oscilloscope (CH1 Probe Bias) and input the value with the virtual keypad.
To Calibrate the Probe
Before using, you should calibrate the PVA8000 series active probe. Follow
the procedures below to calibrate the PVA8000 active probe:
- Connect the PVA8000 active probe to the analog channel (CH1 to CH4 of the oscilloscope, illustrations here are based on CH1).
- Open the probe calibration control menu (front panel operation: CH1Probe Calibration), and the oscilloscope starts to calibrate the probe. The calibration will last for about 80 to 90 seconds. When the probe calibration is finished, a prompt message “Probe calibration finished!” or “Probe calibration failure!” is displayed in the user interface of the oscilloscope. As the offset voltage of the PVA8000 series active probe is provided by the BNC module, after the first calibration, you do not need to calibrate it again before use next time.
Note: Technical specifications of the PVA8000 series active probe depend
on the calibration operation. After the calibration is finished, the DC gain,
offset voltage zero and offset gain will be calibrated. After inserting the
probe, users can view the information about the vendor, model, serial number,
and the last calibration time of the probe through the menu operation: CH1
Probe.
Care and Cleaning
Care
Do not place the probe and its accessories in places where they will be
exposed to sun light for long periods of time.
CAUTION
Keep the probe and its accessories away from any corrosive liquid.
Cleaning
Clean the probe and its accessories regularly according to their operating
conditions using the method below.
- Disconnect the probe from the oscilloscope or power source.
- Clean the external surfaces of the probe and its accessories with a soft cloth dampened with mild detergent or water.
WARNING
To avoid short-circuiting resulting from moisture or even personal injuries,
ensure that the probe is completely dry before use.
Warranty
RIGOL TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. (hereinafter referred to as RIGOL) warrants
that the product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship within
the warranty period. If a product proves defective within the warranty period,
RIGOL guarantees free replacement or repair for the defective product. To
get repair service, please contact your nearest RIGOL sales or service
office.
There is no other warranty, expressed or implied, except such as is expressly
set forth herein or another applicable warranty card. There is no implied
warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Under no
circumstances shall RIGOL be liable for any consequential, indirect,
ensuing, or special damages for any breach of the warranty in any case.
Specifications
Technical Specifications
| Item | PVA8350 | PVA8700 |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | >3.5 GHz | >7 GHz |
| Rise Time | 110 ps (Typ.) | 70 ps (typ.) |
| System Bandwidth | 3.5 GHz [1] | 5 GHz [1] |
| Input Capacitance | <0.6 pF | |
| Input Resistance | 50kΩ±2% Differential |
25kΩ±4% Single-ended
Input Dynamic Range| ±2 V
Input Common Mode Range| ±6.25 V DC to 100 Hz
±1.25 V >100 Hz
Common Mode| >40dB@1MHz| >40 dB@1 MHz
Rejection Ratio| >26dB@1GHz| >26 dB@1 GHz
22dB@3GHz| >20 dB@4 GHz
Smax[2]| 18 V/ns Single-ended
30 V/ns Differential
DC Attenuation| 10:1 ±2%
Zero Offset Error [3]| <30mV before calibration
<5mV after calibration
Offset Accuracy [3]| <3% of the current range before calibration
<1% of the current range after calibration
Input Noise| 5 mVrms
Transmission Delay| 6 ns (Typ.)
Max Input Voltage| 30V Peak CAT I [4]
Electrostatic Protection| >8 kV
General Characteristics
Environmental
Conditions| Operating| Non-operating
---|---|---
Temperature| +5°C to +40°C| -40°C to +60°C
Humidity| 0 RH to 80% RH| 0 RH to 90% RH
Altitude| 4600m| 15300m
Power Consumption| 1.35W| N/A
Weights| 137g±10g [5] 736g±50g [6]
Wire Length| 1 m
- System bandwidth when working with DS70000 series products.
- SRmax of a sine wave = 2 x (Amp x Frequency); SRmax of a step = 0.6 x Amp/Rise Time (20% to 80%).
- Typical value. The specifications would change when different scales are selected.
- CAT I and CAT II Definitions Installation Category (Overvoltage Category) I: signal level, special equipment or parts of equipment, telecommunication, electronic, etc., with smaller transient voltages than installation category (Overvoltage Category) II. Installation Category (Overvoltage Category) II: local level, appliance, portable equipment etc., with smaller transient voltages than installation category (Overvoltage Category) III.
- The weight of the PVA8000 probe with the hand-held differential probe head.
- The weight of the PVA8000 series active probe kit with the probe bag.