AEMC SL261 AC/DC current probe - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Whalesac
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 29, 2011, 06:13:57 pm
content: I'm in the market for a low end DC current probe for a PWM related project I'm working on, but have found no reviews of any of AEMC's DC current probes. It appears to have specifications very similar to the A622 Tektronix probe (100kHz BW, 100mV/A, 10mV/A, etc.), but for almost $200 less ($425 vs $595). Do any of you have any experience with these AEMC probes (accuracy, longevity, reliability, etc.). I have no problem spending a little more to get the Tektronix if I have to....but I'd rather not. Thanks for any input.-Brian

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2011, 06:23:04 pm
content: Welcome friend , you are probably in USA ,that's why you are not aware the name of the European manufacturer (With main base in France)And the name that you seek areChauvin-ArnouxEnjoy this local link ..https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=660.0

author: Whalesac
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 02, 2011, 04:52:04 pm
content: Your assumption is correct. I am from the States. I appreciate your help with the link. Thank you.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2011, 07:57:36 pm
content: You are welcome.If by any chance , you find an similar Mini test review, about those clamps ( AEMC or Chauvin-Arnoux )Please post the link here too.I have the feeling ,that even today , there is no second like this ( mini review) worldwide.Regards.

author: Whalesac
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 03, 2011, 12:42:18 pm
content: Will do.

author: Whalesac
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 02, 2011, 12:06:38 am
content: Well, I just received the AEMC SL261 today and must say I am incredibly impressed.We have a Tektronix DPO4034 (300MHz BW) and TCP0030 DC current probe (120MHz BW) at work and I just did some quick tests to compare. We have a current control circuit at work that generates (for all intents and purposes) a square wave, and not until ~8kHz do you really start to notice the phase shift (compared to the TCP0030) and the probe was still supplying 440mV on a 4.4A signal. The SNR for the probe is ridiculous for the price as well. The tech data says that the probe measures down to 50mA, but with the DPO4034, I was able to measure ~10-20mA reliably. It just took some slight adjustment to the zero-adjustment knob on the probe. Unfortunately, though, my Rigol DS1052E generates far too much noise for that kind of accuracyThere are only a couple draw backs I can see with this probe.1) The first is the physical size. I should have checked the datasheet more carefully, but from the pictures you see of it, I was under the impression that it was only slightly larger than the TCP0030...boy was I wrong. The clamp itself is 2.0cm wide by 2.9cm deep. So, if you have a relatively tight wire bundle or area to probe, it might be hard to get the probe on there, and it weighs about 3/4 lb, so hanging it freely on a wire isn't an option in many cases.2) The other issue I have with it is the placement and layout of the zero-adjustment knob. You would think that a manual calibration feature would be implemented in such a way that it makes it difficult to accidently uncalibrate it. The zero-adjustment knob on the SL261, however, is directly above the range switch and raised up from the surface of the probe, where you could easily hit the wheel on accident with your thumb when switching ranges or even probably with your palm if changing your grip in the middle of clamping the probe to a wire. I guess the good thing, though, is that the zero-adjustment knob is very fine and it takes a good amount of rotation to make a noticeable effect, even at 20mA.Like I said earlier, I am incredibly impressed with the AEMC SL261 probe so far. With as cheap as it was ($449 USD from tequipment.net), I was originally worried that it would have such a terrible SNR that it wouldn't measure that well below the ~1.5A max current my circuit should generate. Phase shift wasn't that critical for me right now, but the small DC current accuracy and moderately high gain bandwidth certainly were. I am a satisfied customer, and will certainly be considering other AEMC and Chauvin-Arnoux products in the future.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2011, 12:33:20 am
content: Another one who got in love with AEMC (Chauvin-Arnoux) products .True true they are amazing , I was ready to feel jealous when I read how low it can get yours about mA,but them searched for the manual , and found that is 50mA - 120A AC /150A DC.My model is a different animal , and for a clamp that can do 400A, to get down low as 100mA ,its a championship in the Olympic games .http://www.aemc.com/products/pdf/1201.51.pdfI am very happy for you .. thump up !!