The current probe is an essential accessory for oscilloscopes, allowing users to measure electrical currents effectively. However, the cost of these probes varies significantly across different brands. Choosing a reliable current probe can be challenging. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to verify the reliability of a current probe, sharing all the test results and methods that you can use to evaluate your own probes.
In this study, we tested the ZCP0030-50 current probe across multiple performance parameters, including DC accuracy, rise time, square wave response, noise levels, and its ability to capture the current waveform of a switching power supply’s MOSFET. To ensure accurate comparisons, we used the T Company's TCP312 current probe as a reference. All tests were documented with clear images and detailed results, making the process fully traceable and easy to follow.
**First, DC Accuracy Verification**
The ZCP0030-50 has a specified DC accuracy of 1% reading ± 1 mV. During testing, we used a FLUKE5720 calibrator and a six-and-a-half-digit multimeter (DMM6000) to measure the voltage output of the probe under various current conditions. The results are shown in Table 1, confirming that the probe meets its stated accuracy specifications over the entire measurement range.
**Second, Rise Time Verification**
With a bandwidth of 50 MHz, the ZCP0030-50 should have a rise time of less than 7 ns. To test this, we used a Keysight 33600 signal generator and a ZDS2022 oscilloscope. A 5 ns rise time square wave was generated and passed through the probe. The measured rise time was 8.5 ns, which includes both the signal generator’s and the probe’s rise times. After subtracting the generator’s contribution, the probe’s actual rise time was found to be within the expected range, confirming its performance.
**Third, Square Wave Response Verification**
This test evaluates the amplitude-frequency response of the probe. We applied square waves at frequencies of 1 kHz, 100 kHz, and 1 MHz. The ZCP0030-50 showed excellent square wave reproduction without distortion, indicating a flat and stable frequency response.
**Fourth, Noise Evaluation**
Noise is a critical factor affecting the resolution of a current probe. Using the ZDS2022 oscilloscope, we measured the noise level of the ZCP0030-50. The peak-to-peak noise was below 10 mA, and the RMS noise was under 1 mArms, showing good noise control.
**Fifth, Switching Power Supply Waveform Measurement**
To further validate the probe’s performance, we compared the ZCP0030-50 with the TCP312 by measuring the current waveform on a MOSFET in a switching power supply. Both probes captured the waveform accurately, with minor differences due to the higher bandwidth of the TCP312. However, for typical switching frequencies of around 100 kHz, the difference had minimal impact on the overall results.
**Final Summary**
Through comprehensive testing of DC accuracy, rise time, square wave response, noise, and real-world waveform measurements, the ZCP0030-50 proves to be a reliable and high-performance current probe. If you're interested in experiencing the ZLG Zhiyuan ZCP0030-50 for yourself, feel free to contact us at 400-888-4005 or leave a message on our WeChat page.
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