What determines what kind of scope probe to use?
Oscilloscope probes are tuned circuit connections that bring the signals of interest to the scope's inputs. All probes load the circuits they are connected to - a potential error source in measurements. Additionally, all probes have a frequency response that can further negatively impact measurement accuracy. Thus, choosing and using the right probe is critically important if accurate measurements are the goal. Modern applications are now often de-embedding the effects of the probes and test fixtures to achieve best possible measurement accuracies which usher faster repeatable circuits and systems. Probes are genuine game changers.
For looking at voltages that are single ended and referenced to ground with frequencies up to 50 MHz, standard "10 X" probes usually produce reliable results. From 50 MHz up to 1.5 GHz, active FET probes are suggested as they offer less loading. Higher than 1.5 GHz signals are usually probed with active Differential probes. Make certain the probe's full scale voltage input matches what you expect to measure. Active probes also impact offset range.
Typical specifications include:
Attenuation
Bandwidth
Dynamic Range
Input Capacitance with compensation range
Jitter
Noise
Number of Interchangeable Tips for Probing a Variety of Test Points
Offset Range
Typical Probe Types:
Active (Hall Effect) Current
Active Differential
Active FET Voltage
Custom Electrical or Optical to Electrical Sensors
Micro-grabber Probes - best for MSO applications
Passive High Voltage
Passive Voltage
Digital scopes lend themselves to voltage and current probes being used together for making power measurements.
Deskew is the ability to remove the propagation delay difference between inputs - such as a voltage and a current probe. The same technique can eliminate the effect of uneven cable lengths presenting signals to scopes.
Probe accessories can include probe holders and positioners. They make hands free with precision
placement and stablility easy.