Electronic – Oscilloscope probe pF values

oscilloscopeprobe

I bought some time ago a 2nd hand Philips PM 3253 including probes which shows on the oscilloscope probe inputs:

1 MOhm, 20 pF

While the probes I got with it show:

1:1 1.5m 10:1
130pF +oscCap    10 MOhm/14pF
max 42 Vpk

They seem to work fine though.

However, I would like to use them on the Philips PM3110 which shows on the probe inputs:

1 MOhm, 30 pF

Also here it seems to work.

However, I would like to ask if I can expect problems/safety/malfunction issues when using the probes on the PM3110 oscilloscope.

Best Answer

You'll be fine. The +oscCap basically means to add the scope pF value to the probe pF value.

The pF rating of a probe/scope doesn't ever cause safety/malfunction issues, but it will affect probe loading on your device under test.

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