9 GHz Low Capacitance Passive Oscilloscope Probes

Configure Your Probe

Division ratio

5 10 20

Coupling

AC DC

Bandwidth (GHz)

9

Bit rate (Gb/s)

18

Model

925

Price

^£1025

6 GHz ÷5 AC coupled probe. 515 Ω // < 0.4 pF, 50 V dc + 7 V ac rms max

Cart
Your cart is empty

Features

Experience the cutting-edge performance of PicoConnect 920 Series probes, offering speeds of up to 18 Gb/s with 9 GHz bandwidth. These passive probes are designed for high-speed digital testing across a wide range of applications, from telecommunications to data centers. With affordability and reliability built-in, the PicoConnect 920 Series is your go-to solution for accurate signal capture in demanding testing environments.

Interchangeable probe heads at division ratios of 5:1, 10:1 and 20:1, AC or DC-coupled
Ideal for high-speed logic voltage applications
Up to 9 GHz bandwidth, up to 18 Gb/s maximum useable data rate.
Extremely low loading capacitance of < 0.3 pF typ., 0.4 pF upper test limit
Less than 40 ps transition time
Accurate probing of high speed transmission lines for Z0 = 0 Ω to 100 Ω
Passive design gives high dynamic range, low noise, linearity and long-term flatness
Tolerant of very high input slew rate, hardened to EM discharge and no saturation and recovery characteristic. Can address high-amplitude pulse and burst applications

Compatibility

The PicoConnect 920 Series passive probes are suitable for use with any measurement instrument with 50 Ω input impedance, including:

Oscilloscopes
Sampling oscilloscopes
Receivers
Spectrum and modulation analyzers
Power meters
Millivoltmeters
Network analyzers

Unique Design and Construction

At the heart of the PicoConnect 920 Series gigabit digital probes lies an innovative in-PCB construction. This advanced design ensures not only low capacitance but also coplanar microwave integrity, enabling precise and reliable digital measurements.

With a focus on precision and flexibility, these 920 series probes feature miniature interchangeable probe heads, covering a range of division ratios, bandwidths, and coupling types. This versatility ensures seamless adaptation to various gigabit digital testing scenarios, setting new standards in digital probing technology.

High Speed Performance

With the ever-increasing demand for high-speed digital testing, the PicoConnect 920 Series rises to the challenge. Offering capabilities of up to 18 Gb/s, these probes excel in capturing and analyzing high-speed digital signals with precision and accuracy.

The transition times of less than 40 ps ensure that even the fastest signals are captured with utmost fidelity, making the PicoConnect 920 Series the ultimate choice for demanding gigabit digital testing applications.

Low Invasive Passive Oscilloscope Probing

The PicoConnect 920 Series passive probes offer non-invasive or low-invasive measurement capabilities, minimizing signal disturbance while maintaining signal integrity. This innovative design eliminates the need for bulky and invasive probing solutions, offering a more practical and cost-effective option for gigabit digital engineers.

AC or DC Coupled Oscilloscope Probe Head

Pico also brings the flexibility of AC or DC coupling, again through selection of
interchangeable probe heads. Low-impedance probes load the probed signal, slightly
reducing the amplitude, and if the signal has a DC bias they will source or sink current to
or from the signal source, potentially changing the device operating bias.

The AC-coupled probe avoids the DC bias problem. Low-frequency 3 dB cut-off is less than 160 kHz
and droop of pulse top or base is < 0.1%/ns on all AC-coupled models. Applications for
AC-coupled probing include DC-biased data streams such as HDMI, USB, SATA, ECL and
PECL; and the probing of small signals on supply and control lines, as when looking for current noise or decoupling problems.

Interchangeable Division Ratio of 5:1, 10:1 & 20:1

Flexibility is paramount in gigabit digital testing, and the PicoConnect 920 Series delivers just that with its interchangeable probe heads. Offering division ratios of 5:1, 10:1, and 20:1, these probes cater to a wide range of digital signal amplitudes and requirements.

Whether probing low-voltage logic or high-speed data streams, engineers can select the ideal probe ratio for accurate and efficient measurements. This versatility ensures that the PicoConnect 920 Series adapts seamlessly to various gigabit digital testing scenarios, enhancing productivity and effectiveness in digital analysis.

Price Breakthrough

Despite their advanced technology and superior performance, the PicoConnect 920 Series RF probes offer an unprecedented price breakthrough. Traditionally, RF probes with similar capabilities have been prohibitively expensive, placing them out of reach for many engineers and researchers.

However, with the PicoConnect 920 Series, affordability meets quality where these probes provide exceptional value for RF testing applications. Whether purchased individually or as part of a kit, the PicoConnect 920 Series offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on performance.

Advanced Features

Beyond its high-speed performance and affordability, the PicoConnect 920 Series boasts a range of advanced features tailored for gigabit digital testing

High Crest-Factor Pulse Capability

Suitable for analyzing high-amplitude pulse signals commonly found in gigabit digital applications.

Wide Compatibility

Compatible with a variety of high-speed cabled, chip-to-chip, and backplane interfaces, including Ethernet, USB3, HDMI, SATA, PCI, and LVD.

Slim, Fingertip Design

Ensures accurate and steady probing, even at fine scales, enhancing precision and usability in digital testing environments.

6 Passive Probes for the Price of 4

The best compromise of impedance, division ratio and coupling is available with our 6 probe kit, including

Six PicoConnect 920 Series probe heads
Two precision 60 cm 085 low-loss cables
Quick Start Guide
Set of replacement gold-plated probe and ground tips
Two coils of solder-in gold-plated wire
Storage and carry case

Specifications

Model	921	922	923	924	925	926
Nominal division ratio	20:1		10:1		5:1
Bandwidth (–3 dB)	> 6 GHz		> 7 GHz		> 9 GHz
Max. usable data rate (fundamental)	12 Gb/s		14 Gb/s		18 Gb/s
Max. usable data rate (3rd harmonic)	4 Gb/s		4.6 Gb/s		6 Gb/s
Max. usable data rate (5th harmonic)	2.4 Gb/s		2.8 Gb/s		3.6 Gb/s
Transition time	< 58.3 ps		< 50 ps		< 38.8 ps
Probe tip impedance (nominal)	515 Ω		250 Ω		220 Ω
Probe tip capacitance (typical)	0.3 pF
Probe tip capacitance (maximum)	0.4 pF
Accuracy for line Z₀ = 40 Ω to 60 Ω^[1]	< ±0.20 dB (±2.4%)		< ±0.27 dB (±3.1%)		< ±0.25 dB (±2.9%)
Accuracy for line Z₀ = 0 Ω to 100 Ω^[2]	< ±0.48 dB (±5.6%)		< ±0.86 dB (±10.4%)		< ±0.90 dB (±10.9%)
Nominal error for line Z₀ = 75 Ω^[3]	< –0.19 dB (–2.2%)		< –0.40 dB (–4.5%)		< –0.48 dB (–5.3%)
Continuous voltage^[4]	7 V AC RMS	7 V RMS	5 V AC RMS	5 V RMS	5 V AC RMS	5 V RMS
DC blocking voltage (max.)	50 V DC	-	50 V DC	-	50 V DC	-
Peak voltage^[5,6]	< 25 V
Mark:space at peak voltage	< 1:20 (5%)		< 1:30 (3.3%)		< 1:30 (3.3%)
Coupling^[4]	AC	DC	AC	DC	AC	DC
Low-frequency cut-off (–3 dB)	70 kHz	-	140 kHz	-	160 kHz	-
Pulse /eye droop	> 20 ns / %	-	> 10 ns / %	-	> 10 ns / %	-
Flatness (±0.5 dB)	210 kHz to 2 GHz	DC to 2 GHz	420 kHz to 2 GHz	DC to 2 GHz	480 kHz to 2 GHz	DC to 2 GHz
Output impedance^[6] (for test node impedance 50 Ω)	54 Ω matched		48 Ω matched		187 Ω unmatched
Additive voltage noise @ 23 °C	0.9 nV/√Hz		0.9 nV/√Hz		1.6 nV/√Hz

Environment
Operating temperature range	0 to 50°C
Storage temperature range	–20 to 70°C
Temperature range for stated specifications	15 to 40°C
Operating humidity range	5% to 80% RH non-condensing
Storage humidity range	5% to 95% RH non-condensing
Altitude range	up to 2000 m
Pollution degree	2
Safety approvals	EN 61010-031 safety requirements for hand-held probe assemblies for electrical measurement and test
EMC approvals	Not applicable
Environmental approvals	2012/19/EU - Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment 2011/65/EU - Restriction of use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment

General
Output connector (probe head)	SMA(f
Supplied cable	60 cm SMA(m-m) precision unsleeved high-flex 085 microwave coaxial cable (unsleeved and 30 cm options also available)
Supplied accessories	Pack of replacement probe tips; two coils of solder-in gold-plated wire; SMA-to-BNC adaptor (with RF, microwave and pulse models only)
Dimensions (probe head)	68 x 19 x 11 mm
Nominal probe tip pitch	5 mm
Weight	5 g

All specifications are subject to change without notice.

Note 1: Line impedance range representative of most common 50 Ω (100 Ω differential) and 45 Ω (90 Ω differential) lines ± 20% mismatch.
Note 2: Line impedance range covers all typical transmission line or test node impedances in the range 0 Ω to 100 Ω (200 Ω differential).
Note 3: CAUTION: When using AC coupled probes, to avoid damage to the connected instrument ensure that it can withstand transient voltage equal to the DC bias of the test node divided by the nominal probe ratio.
Note 4: Typically it will be possible to scale results at the connected instrument to correct for this small nominal error.
Note 5: WARNING: For peak voltage above 46.7 V, to ensure that touch current lies within acceptable limits of EN 61010-031, pulse or burst width must not exceed 500 ns and pulse mark:space must remain below 2%.
Note 6: CAUTION: To avoid damage to the probe, RMS voltage over the pulse period must remain within specified probe rating.
Note 7: Probes having unmatched output impedance will not absorb pulse aberrations that reflect off mismatch at the connected instrument input. Pulse fidelity and flatness are therefore more dependent on good instrument match.

Accessories

Product		Price	Quantity
	Gold-plated probe tips and solder-in wire kit for PicoConnect probes TA315 Recommended	^£29
	1.5 GHz low-impedance passive oscilloscope probe 10:1 with BNC TA062 Recommended	^£329
	1.5 GHz low-impedance passive oscilloscope probe 10:1 with SMA TA061 Recommended	^£279
	Precision sleeved coaxial cable (60 cm) TA312 Recommended	^£51
	Precision sleeved coaxial cable (30 cm) TA265 Recommended	^£75
	Precision high-flex unsleeved coaxial cable (30 cm) TA264 Recommended	^£51
	Adaptor 3 GHz SMA(f)-BNC(m) TA313 Recommended	^£21
	Adaptor 18 GHz SMA(f)-N(m) TA314 Recommended	^£68

Customer reviews

Add review

Industry comparison
	Frequency and power range	Sweep types, length and speed	Port interfaces and match	Dynamic range	Trace noise stability and accuracy	Features summary
Pico Technology PicoVNA 106 $5995	0.3 MHz to 6 GHz at 10 Hz resolution –20 to 6 dBm	Frequency: Linear CW Linear + Dwell Power: Linear up to 10001 pts at 5 s2p/ms*	N(f) ports with bias-Ts Load 46 / 16 dB Source 46 / 16 dB Directivity 47 dB	Typically: 118 dB @10 Hz Guaranteed: 108 dB 10–4000 MHz 100 dB 0.3–6000 MHz	± 0.005 dB RMS ± 0.02 dB/°C. Measured at maximum bandwidth. Transmission: ±0.1 dB, ±1° Reflection: ±0.5 dB, ±4°	Reference Offset, Embed / De-embed, Time Domain, P1dB utility, AM to PM utility
Copper Mountain Cobalt C1209 $22,495	0.1 MHz to 9 GHz at 1 Hz resolution –60 to 15 dBm	Frequency: Linear Logarithmic Segmented Power: Linear up to 500001 pts at 48 s2p/ms*	N(f) ports Load 46 / 20 dB Source 40 / 20 dB Directivity 46 / 20 dB	Typically: 162 dB @1 Hz Guaranteed: 148 dB 1–8000 MHz 138 dB 1–9000 MHz	± 0.001 dB RMS ± 0.02 dB/°C. Measured in 3 kHz bandwidth. Transmission: ±0.1 dB, ±1° Reflection: ±0.4 dB, ±3°	Reference Offset, Embed / De-embed, Time Domain, Time Gating, P1dB utility, Mixed Frequency
Copper Mountain S5065 $12,995	0.01 MHz to 6.5 GHz at 1 Hz resolution –50 to 5 dBm	Frequency: Linear Logarithmic Segmented Power: Linear up to 200001 pts at 7 s2p/ms*	N(f) ports Load 46 / 18 dB Source 40 / 18 dB Directivity 46 / 18 dB	Typically: 130 dB @1 Hz Guaranteed: 125 dB 0.3–4800 MHz 120 dB 0.3–6500 MHz 75 dB 0.1–6500 MHz	± 0.0021 dB RMS ± 0.02 dB/°C. Measured in 3 kHz bandwidth. Transmission: ±0.1 dB, ±1° Reflection: ±0.4 dB, ±3°	Reference Offset, Embed / De-embed, Time Domain, Time Gating, P1dB utility, Mixed Frequency
Anritsu Shockline MS46122B-010 $17,490	1 MHz to 8 GHz at 1 Hz resolution –20 to 5 dBm	Frequency: Linear CW + dwell Logarithmic Segmented up to 16001 pts at 3.8 s2p/ms*	N(f) ports Load 42 / 8 dB Source 33 / 8 dB Directivity 42 dB / 8 dB	Typically: 110 dB @10 Hz Guaranteed: ≥100 dB 10 MHz–8 GHz	± 0.006 dB RMS ± 0.02 dB/°C. Measured at maximum bandwidth. Transmission: ±0.08 dB, ±0.5° Reflection: ±0.37 dB, ±2.2°	Reference Offset, Embed / De-embed, Time Domain ($ opt), Time Gating ($ opt), Mixed Frequency, kQ product / ɳmax
Anritsu Shockline MS46322A-008 $22,973	0.05 MHz to 8 GHz at 1 Hz resolution –20 to 5 dBm	Frequency: Linear CW + dwell Logarithmic Segmented up to 16001 pts at 3.8 s2p/ms*	N(f) ports Load 42 / 8 dB Source 33 / 8 dB Directivity 42 dB / 8 dB	Typically: 115 dB @10 Hz Guaranteed: ≥100 dB 10 MHz–8 GHz	± 0.006 dB RMS ± 0.02 dB/°C. Measured at maximum bandwidth. Transmission: ±0.08 dB, ±0.5° Reflection: ±0.37 dB, ±2.2°	Reference Offset, Embed / De-embed, Time Domain ($ opt), Time Gating ($ opt), Mixed Frequency, kQ product / ɳmax
Tektronix TTR506A $12,000	0.1 MHz to 6 GHz at 1 Hz resolution –50 to 7 dBm	Frequency: Linear Logarithmic up to No spec. pts at No spec. s2p/ms*	N(f) ports with bias-Ts Load 37 / 7 dB Source 34 / 25 dB Directivity 36 / 25 dB	Typically: 122 dB @No spec. Hz Guaranteed: ≥124 dB typ. 2–200 MHz ≥125 dB 200 MHz–3 GHz ≥122 dB 3–6 GHz	± 0.008 dB RMS ± 0.015 dB/°C. Measured at maximum bandwidth. Transmission: ±0.2 dB, ±2° Reflection: ±No spec. dB, ±°	Reference Offset ? Embed / De-embed ?
Keysight ENA E5063A-265	0.1 MHz to 6.5 GHz at 1 Hz resolution –20 to 0 dBm	Frequency: Linear Logarithmic Segmented up to 10001 pts at 5 s2p/ms*	N(f) ports Load 45 / 11 dB Source 44 / 25 dB Directivity 52 / 25 dB	Typically: 122 dB @10 Hz Guaranteed: >93 dB 0.3–8.5 MHz >116 dB 8.5 MHz to 4.34 GHz >112 dB 4.43 GHz to 6.5 GHz	± 0.005 dB RMS ± 0.02 dB/°C. Measured at maximum bandwidth. Transmission: ±0.07 dB, ±0.5° Reflection: ±0.13 dB, ±0.9°	Reference Offset, Embed / De-embed, Time Domain ($ opt), kQ product / ɳmax
Rohde & Schwarz ZVL6 $28,485	0.009 MHz to 6 GHz at 1 Hz resolution –50 to 10 dBm	Frequency: Linear Logarithmic Segmented up to 4001 pts at 3.3 s2p/ms*	N(f) ports Load 46 / 14 dB Source 40 / 14 dB Directivity 46 / - dB	Typically: 123 dB @10 Hz Guaranteed: >115 dB 20 MHz to 5 GHz >105 dB 7 MHz to 6 GHz	± 0.005 dB RMS ± 0.02 dB/°C. Measured at maximum bandwidth. Transmission: ±0.2 dB,± 2° Reflection: ±1 dB, ±6°	Reference Offset, Time Domain ($ opt), Time Gating ($ opt)
All prices and specifications retrieved from manufacturer/distributors on June 1^st 2017