The Keysight (Agilent) 547A Current Tracer Probe is a handheld magnetic field detector that locates low-impedance faults in electronic circuits by sensing current flow without requiring physical circuit modification. Using a fingertip indicator lamp, the probe tracks current paths to identify short circuits, current overloads, and faulty components by observing brightness changes as the tracer moves along conductors.
Technical Specifications
• Sensitivity: 1 mA to 1 A
• Current Detection: Responds to current steps as small as 1 mA; detects single pulses 50 ns or greater
• Frequency Response: Pulse trains up to 10 MHz; typically 20 MHz for pulses ≥10 mA
• Risetime: Indicates current transitions with risetimes of 200 ns or less at 1 mA
• Power Supply: 4.5 Vdc to 18 Vdc; input current <75 mA; maximum ripple ±500 mV above 5 Vdc
• Overvoltage Protection: ±25 Vdc for one minute
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
– Key Features
• Detects only step-like changes in current, not steady DC levels
• Does not require ground reference; operates on floating battery power
• Rejects magnetic flux outside the tracer tip, enabling precise fault localization
• Indicator lamp brightness scales with current magnitude for intuitive follow-along troubleshooting
• Sensitivity adjustment control for optimized detection across varying circuit conditions
– Typical Applications
• Troubleshooting digital logic circuits and wired-AND buses
• Locating hairline solder bridges and faulty integrated circuits
• Diagnosing three-state bus faults without circuit disruption
• Field service and manufacturing test environments
– Compatibility & Integration
The probe is compatible with TTL, CMOS, and ECL logic families. It responds effectively to CMOS instantaneous charging currents (2–3 mA) and integrates with external stimulus sources such as the HP 546A and 10526T Logic Pulsers.
