TIVP05 IsoVu™ Optically Isolated Probe

What is an isolation probe?

Isolated probes use electrical (optical) or RF isolation to isolate the probe's reference voltage from the oscilloscope's reference voltage, which is usually grounded. This allows power supply designers to accurately resolve high-bandwidth, high-voltage differential signals in the presence of large common mode voltages. Tektronix has developed a new technology (IsoVu) that uses galvanic isolation to provide best-in-class common-mode rejection in high bandwidth probes.

The combination of isolation and high-frequency of the IsoVu probe provides power supply designers with more accurate measurements than high-bandwidth conventional differential probes used to measure high-voltage signals. Application examples include:

• Switching Mode Power Supply Design
• Power FET Design/Analysis for Wide Bandwidth GaN and SiC Devices
• Inverter Design
• Motor Drive Design
• BCI or ESD measurements
• Current shunt measurement

Lower common mode noise, more details

IsoVu technology uses fiber optic power and an optical analog signal path to provide complete galvanic isolation between the measurement system and the DUT. The isolation greatly reduces common-mode interference by supporting the probe to float independently of common-mode voltages.

Combined with the 4, 5, or 6 series MSOs, IsoVu provides an efficient and reliable way to address high-bandwidth differential signals with fast reference conversions, allowing you to spend less time on various design tasks:

• Float Measurement in Power Supplies
• Measurement of current through shunt resistors
• Debugging ESD and EMI Sensitive Issues
• Disconnect the grounding circuit

High differential voltage over a wide bandwidth

With traditional differential probes, you have to choose between high bandwidth and high voltage. the IsoVu probe uses shielded coaxial cable and isolation to provide high bandwidth and a differential voltage range of ±2500V.

The second-generation IsoVu TIVP probes are available in a range of bandwidths from 200 MHz, 500 MHz and 1 GHz to fit your budget and build a workbench with the performance you need for your specific project.

Innovative technology with space-saving design

The second generation IsoVu probe offers the same bandwidth, common-mode rejection performance, and voltage range as our original IsoVu probe, but is 1/5 the size and removes the separate controller box. The compact probe and oscilloscope connector contains the laser and analog electronics. Compared to the original IsoVu probe, the second-generation optically isolated probe also features:

• Better DC gain accuracy
• Better step response characteristics
• More built-in ranges

Simple connection, higher performance

The IsoVu probe tip features a range of connections and accessories that provide high performance and accessibility.

For example, the MMCX connector is an economical, widely available connector that provides a stable, hands-free test point with optimal bandwidth and common mode rejection. Its rugged metal body shields the center conductor and minimizes the ground loop area to minimize interference.

Additional accessories are available to adapt the probe ends to a variety of connection methods. For applications requiring differential voltages greater than ±250V, additional policy ends are available in 0.100" and 0.200" spacing.

When the probe is not in use, the sensor probe has 1MΩ and 50Ω switchable termination at the probe SMA connector. This feature effectively adds an isolated channel to any compatible oscilloscope.