The Keysight N2857A is an alligator ground lead accessory engineered to establish reliable ground connections across diverse measurement scenarios. Designed as a direct replacement for factory-supplied ground leads, the N2857A integrates with Keysight’s N28xxA/B series of passive probes, delivering consistent electrical contact for precision oscilloscope measurements.
Technical Specifications
• Accessory Type: Alligator Ground Lead
• Length: 120 mm
• Compatible Probe Series: N2840A, N2841A, N2842A, N2843A, N2853A, and N28xxA/B passive probes
– Key Features
The N2857A functions as a replacement ground lead for passive probe installations where the original lead requires substitution or supplemental grounding paths are needed. Its 120 mm length accommodates standard bench-top measurement geometries without excessive slack or tension. The alligator-style connection provides mechanical security and repeatable contact resistance across multiple connect-disconnect cycles.
– Typical Applications
This ground lead suits general-purpose analog and digital signal acquisition on breadboards, PCBs, and test fixtures where the probe’s primary ground path alone proves insufficient. It finds use in multi-point grounding scenarios and environments requiring quick disconnection between measurements.
– Compatibility & Integration
The N2857A is part of Keysight’s passive probe accessory ecosystem, which includes the N2856A probe accessory kit, N2858A retractable hook tip adapter, N2859A replaceable probe tip, and specialized adapters (N4826A dual lead, N4827A PCB socket, N4828A 5 mm ground springs). Complementary components include insulating caps, IC insulating caps, BNC adapters, and low-frequency compensation adjustment tools.
Keysight N28xxA/B passive probes—for which this ground lead is specified—connect to oscilloscopes featuring 1 MΩ BNC input impedance shunted by 5 to 30 pF input capacitance. Compatible instrument families include InfiniiVision and Infiniium Series oscilloscopes meeting these input specifications.
