EEVblog #707 - Rigol Oscilloscope Probe Performance

This video is a response to a forum question that asks if the RP2200 150MHz probe supplied with the DS1054Z is degrading the performance of the scope compared with the 350MHz RP3300 supplied with the DS2000.
Are there any performance differences between the two probes on a 100MHz bandwidth DS1054Z?

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[bdivi]

Question is about the rise time of the function generator source. If the rise time of the source is limited (which I see in the AWG datasheet as 8ns) then of course the performance of the two probes will be identical - they have 2.3ns and 0.9ns respectively. You have to test them with rise time that is close to the rise time of the scope (which is 3.5ns) in order to see a difference.

The test with 8ns rise time pulse under these conditions is meaningless.

[DuanvantSlot]

Dave, I love your longer videos, Why do you always want to keep them short for our sake? The more you blabber, the more I pickup and learn! 

[freddiemortos]

EEVblog I just want to make a humble request if you can make a series of Basic or Fundamental electronics lesson for a beginner like me? I missed your Fundamentals Friday video. I always watch the video you have uploaded even though I don't understand them because it is so advanced for me and the others out there. You have a lot of viewers, many of them have an advanced knowledge while some are just beginner like me. Please consider also our level to your video contents and not always to the advanced viewers out there. :) Thank you.

[emilybjoerk]

So you used a 150 MHz BW and a 300 MHz BW probe with a 1 GHz BW scope without the input LP enabled and saw no difference in the step response. That means one of two things: both probes have the same actual bandwidth (which is entirely possible they are just marketing one as worse than it actually is) OR your test signal doesn't actually contain any high enough frequency components to make your test valid.

[BaratheonBC]

This is actually a good show format for learning... you get the best of both Dave's EE experience and rant enthusiasm

[danman]

6 years later and this model is still popular and probably the best bang for the buck.
You get all the features now without hacking except 100Mhz

[fuzzydk]

you could have compared with the waveform when using just a 50R cable from the generator and termination at the scope, to see the best case

[tkarlmann]

I think Dave was trying to assure everyone that the Rigol probes are good. No problem. I think the comparison test was a waste of my time, in that Dave could have EASILY measured the Risetime of each probe on each scope. Dave was being qualitative -- I would have done risetime measurements

[lmamakos]

A man with one oscilloscope can look at his signal. A man with 4 oscilloscopes is never sure what is signal really looks like.

[SilentGamer-jtdl]

Although i have no actual idea what you're talking about, i still find these videos intriguing xD

[rhost]

My DS2072A came with RP3300, but they are a fixed X10 with the short ground lead so they have definitely changed the probes over the years. 

[thommw]

You can actually use the REF function to compare signals. Very handy for stuff like that. :) I also would have liked to see a comparison with a super-duper Tek probe.

[DaveMueller]

+EEVblog so how often do you recommend to check compensation?

[uncensoredtr]

EEVblog Have you quit shooting fundamental friday's? I haven't seen one in long time I think.

[spiros]

You own so many high end oscilloscopes and I cant even aford a crapy one...thats life..

[longjohn]

Rigol seems to have changed the probes on the DS1054Z because mine (which arrived a couple of days ago) are completely different .... slightly different BNC connector The X10 switch is recessed and works in the opposite direction, up is x10 and down is X1 and the cable is apparently a different length. Also the flared end of the hook adapter is slightly larger in diameter. I found this out printing a scope probe case from Thingiverse and nothing fit right.
You may need to retest to verify they are just as good

[bibiricat]

Dave, do a tear-down of a passive and active oscilloscope probe please. You always do tear-down of oscilloscopes, but never voltage or current probe.

[yaghiyahbrenner]

Its time you do a probe shootout out video. 

[PilotPlater]

Good video Dave. What do you reckon is the cause for the difference in the signal the poster observed? maybe the "antenna ground lead"?

[FrontSideBus]

Could you point me in the direction of one of those probe-to-BNC adapters please? Thanks.