The Keysight N2820A is a dual-channel AC/DC current probe engineered for high-sensitivity measurement across a wide dynamic range from 50 µA to 5 A. Designed specifically for energy-efficient devices and integrated circuits, this probe combines a unique dual-amplifier architecture to simultaneously capture high-gain and low-gain views of current waveforms. This approach eliminates the need to change sense resistors or compromise signal integrity when transitioning between sub-microwatt idle currents and multi-ampere operating conditions.
The probe measures voltage across internal or external sense resistors mounted on the device under test, delivering highly repeatable current characterization. Interchangeable RSENSE heads (20 mΩ, 100 mΩ, and custom options) accommodate different measurement scales. Make-Before-Break connectors enable non-disruptive probing of multiple circuit locations.
Technical Specifications
• Current measurement range: 50 µA to 5 A
• Dynamic range: >20,000:1 (86 dB)
• Bandwidth: 3 MHz (zoom-out channel), 500 kHz (zoom-in channel)
• Input coupling: AC/DC
• Maximum input voltage: 12 V
• Cable length: 1.2 m
• Probe length: 0.16 m
• Probe interface: AutoProbe (1 MΩ input impedance)
– Key Features
• Dual-amplifier design for simultaneous high-gain and low-gain acquisition without manual range switching
• Interchangeable RSENSE heads for flexible current scaling
• Make-Before-Break connectors for uninterrupted device operation during multi-site probing
• AutoProbe interface for direct oscilloscope integration
• Support for oscilloscope charge measurement functions to calculate integrated current consumption in Coulombs
– Typical Applications
• Sub-circuit characterization through low-level current flow analysis
• Wireless and battery-powered device current consumption profiling
• Integrated circuit current consumption measurement and trending
• Time-domain current consumption analysis with advanced waveform math
– Compatibility & Integration
Compatible with InfiniiVision 3000 X-Series (v2.30+), InfiniiVision 4000 X-Series (v3.10+), InfiniiVision 6000 X-Series, Infiniium S-Series, 9000A Series (v4.20+), and 9000 H-Series (v4.20+) oscilloscopes.
