PicoConnect™ 900 Series
Gigabit, RF, microwave and pulse passive test probes

Low cost
From only $699

Gigabit probe heads
For Ethernet, USB 3, HDMI, SATA, PCI, LVDS
Up to 9 GHz bandwidth (18 Gb/s serial data rate)
Down to 40 ps transition timeRF, microwave and pulse probe heads
Up to 5 GHz bandwidth
Down to 70 ps transition time

Low input capacitance
0.3 pF typical, 0.4 pF maximum

Standard instrumentation interface
Fits all SMA, K and PC3.5 50 Ω input ports

Convenient
Available individually or as sets of six
Supplied with precision low-loss cable and solder-in kit
12 models for different applications

www.picotech.com

The shape of probes to come
The PicoConnect 900 Series low-invasive, high-frequency passive probes are designed for microwave and gigabit applications up to 9 GHz and 18 Gb/s. They deliver unprecedented performance andflexibility at a low price.
The probes employ a unique (patent pending) in-PCB construction to realize extremely low capacitance, coplanar microwave integrity, robust reliability and very low cost. The result is a family of
miniature interchangeable passive probe heads that cover a range of division ratios, bandwidths and coupling types.

Gigabit digital probes

RF and microwave probes

Features of the 900 Series probes•

High-speed logic voltage applications•

High crest-factor pulse capability•

Interchangeable SMA probe heads at division ratios of 5:1, 10:1 and 20:1, AC or DC coupled.

•

Up to 9 GHz•

Up to 5 GHz•

Extremely low loading capacitance of < 0.3 pF typ., 0.4 pF upper test limit for all models.

•

Up to 18 Gb/s•

Less than 70 ps transition time•

Accurate probing of high speed transmission lines for Z0 = 0 Ω to 100 Ω.

•Less than 40 ps transition time•

Specified probe ratio compensated to correct for loading of the low-impedance probe input.

•

Suited to Ethernet, USB3, HDMI, SATA,
PCI, LVD and other high-speed cabled, chipto-chip and backplane interfaces•

Class-leading uncorrected pulse/eye response and pulse/eye disturbance.

•

Slim, fingertip design for accurate and steady probing or solder-in at fine scale.

•High dynamic range, low noise, and implicit linearity and long-term flatness of a passive design.

•

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.

•

Screened to minimize noise or response change due to finger proximity and EM interference.

•

Supplied with robust, high-performance, highly flexible low-loss microwave coaxial cable.

Price breakthroughAt 1 GHz and above and supplied by just a few manufacturers, the majority of available test probes
have been of familiar oscilloscope probe shape but with an active buffer amplifier within the probebody. They are mechanically complex, quite bulky, often heavy and always costly. In a survey of
all available active probe models between 3 GHz and 30 GHz, we found that list prices lay on or
above the $1000 + $1000/GHz line. Of course you need to multiply this by the number of signal
Bandwidth(GHz) Pico Technology probes Other probes
channels
to be probed.
0

100

1000

The 900 Series passive4probes all lie close to theline, less when purchased as a
700$100 + $150/GHz
5000
kit. Compared to the competition,
that
is
less
than
one
sixth
of
the
cost
per channel!
9
1450
10000

Cost per channel (US$)

10000

Existing active probes

8000
6000
4000
2000

Pico Technology probes

0
0

3

6

9

Bandwidth (GHz)

10000

PicoConnect™ 900 Series probes

The most flexible high-frequency probes

High-energy pulse and burst applications

Interchangeable division ratio

Passive probes, neglecting relatively small self-heating contributions, are inherently linear and sufferfrom permanent damage or ratio shift only under overload conditions. The PicoConnect 910 familyof RF, microwave and pulse probe heads uses MELF resistor technology and can be used for highamplitude narrow pulse or burst applications such as high-energy physics, radar or RF imaging.
The 910 family can withstand amplitudes in excess of the probe voltage rating under the following
conditions:Because of the ever-present limitations upon slew rate, high-speed digital signals have moved tolower and lower amplitudes, with some operating at only 100 mV swing. Inevitably, to raise probing
impedance when using a low-cost probe, we have to divide this voltage to an even lower amplitude.
The PicoConnect 900 Series interchangeable probe heads optimize this process by providing threedivision ratios to bring you the right probe ratio for each application. The 5:1 ratio is a particularly
attractive and slightly faster option when probing low-swing logic.

AC or DC coupled 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, andif the signal has a DC bias they will source or sink current to or from the signal source, potentiallychanging the device operating bias. The AC-coupled probe avoids the DC bias problem. Lowfrequency 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.

Load-compensated divide ratio for multiple typical line impedances
The PicoConnect 900 Series low-impedance probes are suited only to the probing of relatively
low-impedance test nodes, typically in the range 0 Ω to 100 Ω. Many applications involve probing
terminated transmission lines, generally 50 Ω, 45 Ω or 75 Ω single-ended. It is also common to use
two probes on 100 Ω or 90 Ω differential lines (50 Ω or 45 Ω single-ended). On the assumptionof a test node impedance in this range, the 900 Series probes are ratio-compensated and give amaximum ratio error as follows:
Transmission line impedanceError with probes of≤ 250 ΩError with probes of> 250 Ω0 Ω node+11% (+0.9 dB)+6% (+0.5 dB)

45 Ω –20% line, 90 Ω differential (22.5 Ω node)+3.5% (+0.3 dB)+2.4% (+0.2 dB)

50 Ω +20% line, 100 Ω differential (25 Ω node)–3.5% (–0.3 dB)–2.4% (–0.2 dB)

75 Ω line (37.5 Ω node)–6% (–0.54 dB)–3% (< –0.26 dB)

100 Ω line (50 Ω node)–11% (–1.0 dB)–6% (–0.5 dB)•••

Peak pulse or burst voltage within ±150 V peak [notes 1,3]
Peak pulse or burst width less than 500 ns [note 2]
Pulse or burst power not greater than (probe voltage rating)²/probe input resistance

Notes
1.

The 900 Series probes do not offer a user-protective barrier against touching of the test node. Thisapplication is only for suitably qualified personnel with full awareness of high-energy pulse and RF handlingand precautions. Pico Technology recommends only solder-in usage of the probe in these applications.

2.

To ensure that touch current lies within acceptable limits of EN 61010-031:2015 for voltages greater than
42.4 V peak, pulse or burst width must not exceed 500 ns and pulse mark:space must be below 2%.

3.

Standard SMA 50 Ω attenuators can be used to further reduce probe output signal amplitude if required.

Probes for use with a wide range of instrumentation
The PicoConnect 900 Series passive probes are suitable for use with any measurement instrumentwith 50 Ω input impedance, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

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

Standard connectorized SMA, PC3.5 and K accessories such as attenuators, signal dividers,multiplexers, filters and cables of varying length and performance can also be placed in series withthe probe output to further condition or route the signal.

PicoConnect™ 900 Series probes

Probing was a compromise ... until now

The principle behind the PicoConnect 900 Series passive probes

There is a rapidly proliferating need to probe, measure and view very high speed and broadband
signals. Gigahertz signal frequencies were once the domain of radio and microwave engineering andwere typically localized and narrowband within any given system. Today, a multiplicity of broadband
signals are routinely found within digital and computing systems, personal communication, media
and gaming devices, and position, sensing and control systems. Engineers now demand that thesemeasurements, once the domain of relatively few highly skilled microwave engineers using high-cost
instrumentation, be simpler and much cheaper to perform.

Low-invasive contact probing of a microwave transmission line is challenging because any additionof conductor material (let alone circuitry) will add capacitance and disturb the line geometry andline impedance at the point of contact. However, if the additional loading of the probe is firstly
minimized and then made consistent at all frequencies of interest, the overall impact of probing
will be a small reduction of signal amplitude at the probe tip. Critically, this is not a change of wave
or pulse shape or its relative spectral content and phases. A subsequent adjustment of probe or
instrument gain, or scaling of a measurement result, can then compensate for the small amplitude
reduction at the point of measurement. The result is excellent pulse fidelity and consistency as
shown in the graphs below.

The problem with invasive measurements
High-frequency and broadband signals typically propagate in transmission lines, whose transmitted
efficiency and signal integrity rely on consistent characteristic impedance along their length. In turn,characteristic impedance is determined by conductor and insulator materials and their geometries
relative to each other and adjacent grounds. These too must remain consistent if signal losses andreflections are to be minimized.

The 900 Series low-impedance, single-ended passive probes are suited to applications up to 9 GHz
and transition times down to around 40 ps. Probe tip impedance lies between 1 kΩ and 200 Ω andall have a very low parallel input capacitance of typically 0.3 pF (0.4 pF max.)

The challenge is to make contact with and measure these high-frequency or broadband signals
without significant disturbance of the signal or, by inference, the transmission lines that carry them.
This would be a non-invasive or, more realistically, a low-invasive measurement.

Low-cost, highly repeatable, very robust and high-integrity coplanar microwave design andscreening are all simultaneously achieved through within-substrate assembly of components andedge-of-substrate assembly of test pins and connectors (patent applied for).

Until now, microwave probing solutions have tended to be bulky, too invasive, too expensive,with poor measurement repeatability and in some cases mechanically or electrically fragile. As aresult, transmission lines under test have often been physically interrupted and either rerouted to,or power-divided to, a terminating measurement instrument. While this method produces very
accurate measurements, it can also be inconvenient or impractical in cases such as these:

Note: PicoConnect 900 Series probes are not designed to be used as launcher probes. These
probes are intended as low-invasive measurement devices for browsing of already terminatedtransmission lines. This purpose is distinct from launcher probes, which are intended to terminate
an unterminated transmission line in a measurement or signal injection.

•

Signal interruption, delay or attenuation may disturb the system function while under test.

•

The interruption and subsequent repair of fine pitch or buried PCB tracking.

•Multiple system signal paths may need to be interrupted and fitted with matching pick-off
networks and propagation delays, even if only one needs to be measured.

Designed for reliability

0.2
0.2

0.15

0.15

0.1

0.05

The 900 Series passive probes are a cost-effective and long overdue solution in all of these cases.

0

0.1

0.05

0

PicoConnect passive probe family pulse shapes – first 2 ns (inset 17 ns)(Corrected TDT using PicoScope 9311 20 GHz TDT/TDR sampling oscilloscope relative to reference through-path)

PicoConnect™ 900 Series probes

Specifications – RF, microwave and pulse probes
Model

911

912

913

914

915

916

Nominal division ratio

20:1

10:1

5:1

Bandwidth (–3 dB)> 4 GHz> 4 GHz> 5 GHzMax. usable data rate (fundamental)

8 Gb/s

8 Gb/s

10 Gb/sMax. usable data rate (3rd harmonic)

2.6 Gb/s

2.6 Gb/s

3.3 Gb/s

Max. usable data rate (5th harmonic)

1.6 Gb/s

1.6 Gb/s

2 Gb/sTransition time

< 87.5 ps< 87.5 ps< 70 ps

Probe tip impedance (nominal)

960 Ω

440 Ω

230 Ω

Probe tip capacitance (typical)

0.3 pF0.3 pF0.3 pF[8]

Probe tip capacitance (maximum)

0.4 pF0.4 pF0.4 pF[1]< ±0.13 dB (±1.6%)< ±0.18 dB (±2.1%)< ±0.30 dB (±3.4%)

Accuracy for line Z0 = 0 Ω to 100 Ω[2]< ±0.25 dB (±2.9%)< ±0.50 dB (±6.0%)< ±0.93 dB (±10.2%)

Nominal error for line Z0 = 75 Ω[4]< –0.17 dB (–1.9%)< –0.26 dB (–2.9%)< –0.54 dB (–6.0%)

Accuracy for line Z0 = 40 Ω to 60 ΩContinuous voltage
DC blocking voltage (max.)[3]

14 V AC RMS

14 V RMS

10 V AC RMS

10 V RMS

8 V AC RMS

8 V RMS

50 V DC–

50 V DC–

50 V DC–

Peak voltage[5,6]< 150 V

Pulse width at peak voltage< 500 ns

Mark:space at peak voltage< 1:120 (0.8%)< 1:230 (0.4%)< 1:360 (0.3%)

AC

DC

AC

DC

AC

DC

Low-frequency cut-off (–3 dB)

40 kHz–80 kHz–150 kHz–

Pulse /eye droop> 50 ns/%–> 20 ns/%–> 10 ns/%–

120 kHz to 2 GHz

DC to 2 GHz

240 kHz to 2 GHz

DC to 2 GHz

450 kHz to 2 GHz

DC to 2 GHz

Coupling[3]

Flatness (±0.5 dB)
Output impedance[7](for test node impedance 50 Ω)
Additive voltage noise @ 23 °C

717 Ω

245 Ω

203 Ω

3.4 nV/√Hz

2.0 nV/√Hz

1.7 nV/√Hz

PicoConnect™ 900 Series probes

Specifications – gigabit digital probes
Model

921

922

923

924

925

926

Nominal division ratio

20:1

10:1

5:1

Bandwidth (–3 dB)> 6 GHz> 7 GHz> 9 GHzMax. usable data rate (fundamental)

12 Gb/s

14 Gb/s

18 Gb/sMax. usable data rate (3rd harmonic)

4 Gb/s

4.6 Gb/s

6 Gb/sMax. 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 pF0.3 pF0.3 pF[8]

Probe tip capacitance (maximum)

0.4 pF0.4 pF0.4 pF[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[4]< –0.19 dB (–2.2%)< –0.40 dB (–4.5%)< –0.48 dB (–5.3%)

Accuracy for line Z0 = 36 Ω to 60 ΩContinuous voltage
DC blocking voltage (max.)[3]

7 V AC RMS

7 V RMS

5 V AC RMS

5 V RMS

5 V AC RMS

5 V RMS

50 V DC–

50 V DC–

50 V DC–< 25 V

Peak voltage[6]Mark:space at peak voltage< 1:20 (5%)

< 1:30 (3.3%)< 1:30 (3.3%)

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/%–

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

Coupling[3]

Flatness (±0.5 dB)
Output impedance[7](for test node impedance 50 Ω)
Additive voltage noise @ 23 °C

54 Ω matched

48 Ω matched

187 Ω unmatched

0.9 nV/√Hz

0.9 nV/√Hz

1.6 nV/√Hz

PicoConnect™ 900 Series probes

Specifications – all models
Environment
Operating temperature range

0 to 50°C

Storage temperature range
Temperature range for statedspecifications
Operating humidity range–20 to 70°C

5% to 80% RH non-condensing

Storage humidity range

5% to 95% RH non-condensing

15 to 30°C

Altitude range

up to 2000 m

Pollution degree2

Safety approvals

EN 61010-031:2015 safety requirements for hand-held probe assemblies for electrical measurement and test

EMC approvals

Not applicable
2012/19/EU - Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
2011/65/EU - Restriction of use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Environmental approvals
GeneralOutput connector (probe head)
Supplied cable
Supplied accessories

SMA(f)
60 cm SMA(m-m) precision unsleeved high-flex 085 microwave coaxial cable (unsleeved and 30 cm options also available)
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

Weight5g

All specifications are subject to change without notice.
Note 1:
Note 2:
Note 3:Note 4:Note 5:

Line impedance range representative of most common 50 Ω (100 Ω differential) and 45 Ω (90 Ω differential) lines ± 20% mismatch.
Line impedance range covers all typical transmission line or test node impedances in the range 0 Ω to 100 Ω (200 Ω differential).
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.
Typically it will be possible to scale results at the connected instrument to correct for this small nominal error.
WARNING: For peak voltage above 42.4 V, to ensure that touch current lies within acceptable limits of EN 61010-031:2015, 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.
Note 8: Bandwidth (BW) is calculated from measured transition time (tR) as BW (GHz) = 350 / tR (ps).

PicoConnect™ 900 Series probes

Twoprobeseffectively
free!

PicoConnect 900 Series single probe
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

PicoConnect 900 Series probe head
Precision 60 cm 085 low-loss cable
SMA-to-BNC adaptor (with RF and Microwave models only)
Quick Start Guide
Set of replacement gold-plated probe and ground tips
Two coils of solder-in gold-plated wire
Storage and carry case

PicoConnect 900 Series six-probe kit
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Six PicoConnect 900 Series probe heads
Two precision 60 cm 085 low-loss cables
Two SMA-to-BNC adaptors (with RF and Microwave models only)
Quick Start Guide
Set of replacement gold-plated probe and ground tips
Two coils of solder-in gold-plated wire
Storage and carry case

The best compromise of impedance,
division ratio and coupling isavailable for your test.

The impact upon a measurementof each probe loading can be
determined through comparison.

Use the PicoConnect 900 Series probes with any oscilloscope that supports standard 50 Ω probes, including these Pico products:
PicoScope 9200 Series
12 GHz sampling oscilloscopes

PicoScope 9300 Series
25 GHz sampling oscilloscopes

PicoScope 6000 Series
real-time oscilloscopes

PicoConnect™ 900 Series probes

Ordering information
Order code
TA274
TA275
TA278
TA279
TA282
TA283
TA272
TA273
TA276
TA277
TA280
TA281
PQ067
PQ066
TA264
TA265
TA263
TA312
TA313
TA314
TA315

Description
PicoConnect 911 20:1 AC-coupled 4 GHz RF, microwave and pulse passive probe
PicoConnect 912 20:1 DC-coupled 4 GHz RF, microwave and pulse passive probe
PicoConnect 913 10:1 AC-coupled 4 GHz RF, microwave and pulse passive probe
PicoConnect 914 10:1 DC-coupled 4 GHz RF, microwave and pulse passive probe
PicoConnect 915 5:1 AC-coupled 5 GHz RF, microwave and pulse passive probe
PicoConnect 916 5:1 DC-coupled 5 GHz RF, microwave and pulse passive probe
PicoConnect 921 20:1 AC-coupled 6 GHz gigabit passive probe
PicoConnect 922 20:1 DC-coupled 6 GHz gigabit passive probe
PicoConnect 923 10:1 AC-coupled 7 GHz gigabit passive probe
PicoConnect 924 10:1 DC-coupled 7 GHz gigabit passive probe
PicoConnect 925 5:1 AC-coupled 9 GHz gigabit passive probe
PicoConnect 926 5:1 DC-coupled 9 GHz gigabit passive probe
PicoConnect 910 Kit: all six 4 to 5 GHz RF, microwave and pulse probe head models with cables
PicoConnect 920 Kit: all six 6 to 9 GHz gigabit probe head models with cables
30 cm unsleeved 50 Ω, SMA(m-m) flexible 085 microwave cable, 1.1 dB @ 13 GHz
30 cm sleeved 50 Ω, SMA(m-m) flexible 085 microwave cable, 1.3 dB @ 13 GHz
60 cm unsleeved 50 Ω, SMA(m-m) flexible 085 microwave cable, 1.9 dB @ 13 GHz
60 cm sleeved 50 Ω, SMA(m-m) flexible 085 microwave cable, 2.2 dB @ 13 GHz
Inter-series adaptor SMA(f) to BNC(m), 50 Ω, 3 GHz
Inter-series adaptor SMA(f) to N(m), 50 Ω, 18 GHz
Kit of replacement gold-plated probe tips and solder-in wire

UK headquarters:
Pico Technology
James House
Colmworth Business Park
St. Neots
Cambridgeshire
PE19 8YP
United Kingdom

US headquarters:
Pico Technology
320 N Glenwood Blvd
Tyler
Texas 75702
United States









+44 (0) 1480 396 395+44 (0) 1480 396 296
sales@picotech.com

USD*
699
699
699
699
849
849
1005
1005
1165
1165
1395
1395
3095
5105
65
65
75
70
19
119
39

EUR*
579
579
579
579
709
709
839
839
969
969
1165
1165
2595
4285
58
58
67
59
16
99
33

GBP*
459
459
459
459
559
559
659
659
769
769
919
919
2045
3375
46
46
53
47
13
81
26

+1 800 591 2796
+1 620 272 0981
sales@picotech.com* Prices correct at the time of publication. Sales tax not included. Please check www.picotech.com for the latest prices before ordering.
Errors and omissions excepted. Pico Technology, PicoSource and PicoScope are internationally registered trade marks of Pico Technology Ltd.
Patent applied for: UK Patent Application Number 1608829.6 “Microwave and Gigabit Signal Probe”.
MM077.en-2. Copyright © 2016–2017 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.

www.picotech.com