sA

User’s Guide

Publication number 01146-92002

September 2002

© Copyright Agilent Technologies 1996-2002

All Rights Reserved

Contents
Receiving your Shipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Warning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Control and Connector Identification . . . . . . . . 3
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Mechanical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Safety Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Electromagnetic compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Typical Response Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Linearity for DC signal Range 10 mV/A . . . . 7
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Zero Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Current Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Battery Indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Overload Indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Technical Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Agilent 1146A AC/DC

Oscilloscope Current Probe
 Agilent 1146A AC/DC Oscilloscope Current Probe
Receiving Your Shipment

Receiving Your Shipment

Upon receiving your shipment, check that the contents agree with the packing
slip. If anything is missing, contact your nearest Agilent Technologies Sales
Office. If the shipment was damaged, contact the carrier, then contact the
nearest Agilent Technologies Sales Office.

Packaging
The 1146A AC/DC Current Oscilloscope Probe is shipped with a separate battery
(not installed) and a User’s Guide.

WARNING • Connect the probe to the oscilloscope or voltage measuring instrument before
clamping the probe around a conductor.
• Never use the probe on circuits rated higher than 600 V or with float voltage
greater than 600 V.
• Never leave the probe clamped around a conductor while it is not connected
to an oscilloscope or voltage measuring instrument.
• Carefully center the conductor inside the probe jaws and ascertain that the
probe is perpendicular to the conductor before closing the jaws.
• Avoid, if possible, the proximity of other conductors which may create noise.
• Check the magnetic mating surfaces of the probe jaws; these should be free
of dirt, rust, or other foreign matter
• Do not use a probe which is cracked, damaged or has defective leads.

This symbol signifies that the 1146A AC/DC Oscilloscope Current Probe is
protected by double or reinforced insulation. Only use specified replacement
parts when servicing the instrument.

This symbol signifies CAUTION! and requests that the user refer to the user
manual before using the instrument.

2
 Agilent 1146A AC/DC Oscilloscope Current Probe
Description

Description
The 1146A AC/DC Current Oscilloscope Probe expands oscilloscope applications
in industrial, automotive or power environments, and is ideal for analysis and
measurement of distorted current waveforms and harmonics. The probe permits
accurate display and measurement of currents from 100 mA to 100A rms, DC to
100 kHz without breaking into the circuit. The probe uses Hall effect technology
to measure AC and DC signals. The probe connects directly to an oscilloscope
through a 2 meter coaxial cable with an insulated BNC.

Compatibility
The 1146A AC/DC Current Oscilloscope Probe is compatible with any analog or
digital oscilloscope or other voltage measuring instrument which has the
following features:
• BNC input connector.
• Range capable of displaying 0.2 to 0.5 V per division.
• Minimum input impedance of 1 MΩ.

Control and Connector Identification

Figure 1

Current Flow for DC Measurements

or Supply to Load for AC Measurements

Zero Adjust Knob

Power Indication LED
Range Selection Switch

φ = 0.46”
(11.8 mm)

Peak Overload Indication LED

Battery Battery Compartment Cover

Compartment Screw

Control and Connector Identification

3
Agilent 1146A AC/DC Oscilloscope Current Probe
Specifications

Specifications
Electrical Specifications
Current Range 100 mV/A:100 mA to 10 A peak
10 mV/A:1 to 100 A peak
Output Signal 1000 mV peak max
AC current accuracy (After calibration and for one year)
(zero probe before making measurement)
Range Accuracy
100 mV/A (50 mA to 10 A peak) 3% of reading ±50 mA
10 mV/A (500 mA to 40 A peak) 4% of reading ±50 mA
10 mV/A (40 A to 100 A peak) 15% max at ±100A
Phase Shift1 < 1º from dc to 65 Hz on 10 mV/A
< 1.5º from dc to 65 Hz on 100 mV/A
Frequency Range DC to 100 kHz (-3dB with current derating)
Noise Range 10 mV/A: 480 µV
Range 100 mV/A: 3 mV
Slew Rate Range 10 mV/A: 20 mV/µs
Range 100 mV/A: 0.3 V/µs
Load Impedance >1 MΩ / 100 pF
Insertion Impedance (50/60 Hz) 100 mV/A: 0.01Ω
10 mV/A: 0.01Ω
Rise or Fall time Range 100 mV/A: 3 µs
Range 10 mV/A: 4 µs
Working Voltage 600 Vrms max.
Common mode voltage 600 Vrms max.
Influence of adjacent conductor <0.2 mA/A AC
Influence of conductor position in jaw 0.5% of reading at 1 kHz
Battery 9 V alkaline (NEDA 1604A, IEC 6LR61)
Low battery green LED when ≥6.5 V
Overload indication red LED indicates input greater than the selected
range.
Typical Consumption 8.6 mA
Battery Life 55 hours typical
1 Reference conditions 23 °C ±5 °C, 20 to 75% relative humidity, DC to 1kHz, probe zeroed,
1 minute warmup, batteries at 9 V ±0.1 V, external magnetic field <40 A/m, no DC component, no
external current carrying conductor, 1 MΩ / 100 pF load, conductor centered in jaw.

4
 Agilent 1146A AC/DC Oscilloscope Current Probe
Specifications

Environmental Specifications
Operating Temperature 0º to 50 ºC
Storage Temperature -30º to 80 ºC
Temperature Influence <0.2% per ºC
Operating Relative Humidity
10º to 30 ºC: 85 5% RH (without condensation)
40º to 50 ºC: 45 5% RH (without condensation)
Altitude Operating:0 to 2000 m
Non operating:0 to 12,000 m

Mechanical Specifications
Zero Adjustment 20 turn potentiometer
Maximum cable diameter 11.8 mm
Case Protection IP20 per IEC 529
Drop Test 1.0 m on 38 mm of oak on concrete; test according to IEC 1010
Mechanical Shock 100 G; test per IEC 68-2-27
Vibration Test per IEC 68-2-6, frequency range 10 Hz to 55 Hz, amplitude
0.15 mm
Handle Lexan¨ 920A, UL 94 V2
Dimensions 231 x 36 x 67mm
Weight 330 g (11.6 oz) with battery
Color light gray
Output lead insulated coaxial cable with insulated BNC connector
Cable length 2 m

Safety Specifications
• Double insulation or reinforced insulation between primary or secondary
and outer case of the handle, per IEC 1010.
• 600 V category III, Pollution: 2.
• 300 V category IV, Pollution: 2.
• 5550 V 50/60 Hz between primary or secondary and the outer case of the
handle.
• 3250V 50/60 Hz between primary and secondary.

Electromagnetic compatibility
EN 50081-1 Class B
EN 50082-2 Electrostatic discharge IEC 1000-4-2
Radiated Field IEC 1000-4-3
Fast transients IEC 1000-4-4
Magnetic Field at 50/60 Hz IEC 1000-4-8

5
Agilent 1146A AC/DC Oscilloscope Current Probe
Specifications

Typical Response Curves

Frequency

Phase Shift

6
 Agilent 1146A AC/DC Oscilloscope Current Probe
Operation

Linearity for a DC signal Range 10 mV/A

Typical
Specification
0%

-2%

-4%

-6%
Uncertainty

-8%

-10%

-12%

-14%

-16%
0A 20A 40A 60A 80A 100A
Accuracy

Operation
Zero Adjustment
The probe has a zero adjustment which should be adjusted before measurement.
Alternatively, you may "zero" with the oscilloscope instead.

Current Measurement
Connect the current probe to the proper input channel on the oscilloscope. Begin
with the least sensitive range on the current probe (10 mV/A). Select the
0.5 V/Division range on your oscilloscope. Clamp the probe on the conductor to
be measured and read the current flowing directly on your oscilloscope.
You may also use your oscilloscope to amplify the signal while using the 100 mV/A
probe range (which offers the best accuracy and least phase shift).

Important
It is possible to change the range on the current probe without removing the probe
from the current carrying conductor, but it is important to remember not to exceed
the permissible peak ratings of 1000 mV peak or 2000 mV peak to peak maximum. The
peak ratings by range are: 10 A peak on the 100 mV/A range, 100 A peak on the 10 mV/A
range.

7
Agilent 1146A AC/DC Oscilloscope Current Probe
Maintenance

Battery Indication (Green LED)

The probe has a battery condition LED. To ensure proper readings with your
current probe, be sure that the green LED is lit during measurement. If not,
replace the 9 V battery.

Peak Overload (OL) Indication (Red LED)

The 1146A offers an overload indicator. If the red LED illuminates during
measurement, this indicates that the peak value exceeds the instrument
response level and that the output is distorted. Switch the probe to a higher range
if possible.

Maintenance
Be sure that mating surfaces of the jaw are free of dirt or foreign matter. If they
are rusted, gently clean with a soft, lightly oiled cloth. Do not leave excessive oil
residue.

Battery Replacement
When the probe is turned on, the green battery indication LED should light up.
If not, replace the 9 V battery (see Figure 1). To replace the battery, disconnect
the probe from the circuit and the oscilloscope. Turn the probe "OFF". Unscrew
the battery compartment screw and pull out the battery compartment cover.
Replace the battery and put the cover back on. Do not replace the battery while
probe is in use.

8
 Agilent 1146A AC/DC Oscilloscope Current Probe
Calibration

Calibration
Repair and Calibration
To guarantee that your instrument complies with the factory specifications, we
recommend that the 1146A AC/DC Oscilloscope Current Probe be submitted to
our factory service center at one year intervals for recalibration, or as required
by other standards.

Equipment Required

Required Equipment Critical Specificaitons Recommended Model

DC/AC Voltage Calibrator Fluke Model 5500A or
equivalent
2 Digital Multimeters 1 A range, 1 V AC band with 100 Agilent 34401A or
KHz accuracy 1% or better. 0.1% equivalent.
DC accuracy
Magnet wire coil 100 Turns None
Small insulated None None
screwdriver
BNC to banana plug None None
adapter
Function Generator 50-100 KHz Agilent 33120A or
equivalent

To calibrate the 1146A, carefully pop out the plastic dot located on the left side
of the probe, to access the potentiometer.
Turn the calibrator on and allow 15-30 minutes for it to warm up.
Figure 2

Accuracy Calibration Test

9
 Agilent 1146A AC/DC Oscilloscope Current Probe
Calibration

Accuacy Calibration Test

1 Connect the equipment.
a Connect the 100 turns coil to the output of the calibrator.
b Connect the 1146A output (BNC side) to the Digital Mulitimeter input using
the BNC adapter.
2 Select the 200 mV DC range on the multimeter and 100m V/A range on
the probe.
3 Adjust the zero adjust knob to read ±0.5 mV on the multimeter.
4 Set the calibrator to provide 60 mA at 50 MHz in the 100 turns coil, this
produces 6A turns.
5 Clamp on the 1146A probe to the coil.
6 With the multimeter set to AC (1V range) adjust R17 (resistor 17 pot 470
ohm 20% 1/2 W 100 ppm MULTI-CE 525121B00) to 602 mV ±2 mV.
7 Set the amplifier to standby, then select 10m V/A range on the 1146A
probe.
8 Set the calibrator source to 600 mA at 50 Hz in the 100 turns coil, this
produces 60 A turns.
9 With the multimeter in AC function and the probe clamped onto the coil,
verify that the reading is 600 mV ±24 mV.
10 Set the calibrator to source 60 mA at 50 Hz in the 100 turns coil. Verify
that the reading on the multimeter is 60 mV ±2.4 mV.
11 After calibration, verify the 1146A on the chart below. If some points
are out of accuracy, re-adjust R17 to balance the reading.
DC Range 10 mV/A

Positive Negative
Measure Minimum Maximum Measure Minimum Maximum
10 A 98 mV 102 mV -10 A -98 mV -102 mV
30 A 294 mV 306 mV -30 A -294 mV -306 mV
60 A 576 mV 624 mV -60 A -576 mV -624 mV
90 A 837 mV 963 mV -90 A -837 mV -963 mV
100 A 910 mV 1.09 V -100 A -910 mV -1.09 V

DC Range 100 mV/A

Positive Negative
Measure Minimum Maximum Measure Minimum Maximum
1A 98 mV 102 mV -1 A -98 mV -102 mV
3A 294 mV 306 mV -3 A -294 mV -306 mV

10
 Agilent 1146A AC/DC Oscilloscope Current Probe
Calibration

Positive Negative
6A 588 mV 614 mV -6 A -588 mV -612 mV
10 A 980 mV 1.02 V -10 A -980 mV -1.02 V

Overload LED Verification

Use the same setup as done in the calibration.
The red LED must be lit when the current measured is greater than the value of
the chart below.

Measure Range
+10 A ±2% 100 mV/A
+120 A 10 mV/A
-120 A 10 mV/A

Probe Output Voltage

1 Connect a 100 turns coil to the output of the function generator and
monitor the current with an ammeter (100 KHz bandwidth) in series.
2 Adjust the current to 19 mA AC at 100 KHz.
3 The probe output should be between 130.15 mV and 193.8 mV on the
100m V/A range and 13.02 to 19.4 mV on the 10m V/A range.
Figure 3

Probe Output Voltage

11
Agilent 1146A AC/DC Oscilloscope Current Probe
Calibration

12
 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and CEN/CENELEC EN 45014

Manufacturer's Name: Agilent Technologies, Inc

Manufacturer's Address: 1900 Garden of the Gods Road
Colorado Springs, CO
80907, U.S.A.
Declares, that the product
Product Name: Oscilloscope Current Probe
Model Number(s): 1146A
Product Option(s): This declaration covers all options of the above products(s)
Conforms to the following product standards:
EMC Standard Limit
IEC 61326-1:1997+A1:1998 / EN 61326-1:1997+A1:1998
CISPR 11:1990 / EN 55011:1991 Group 1, Class A [1]
IEC 61000-4-2:1995+A1:1998 / EN 61000-4-2:1995 4 kV CD, 8 kV AD
IEC 61000-4-3:1995 / EN 61000-4-3:1995 3 V/m, 80-1000 MHz
IEC 61000-4-4:1995 / EN 61000-4-4:1995 0.5 kV signal lines, 1 kV power Lines
IEC 61000-4-5:1995 / EN 61000-4-5:1995 0.5 kV line-line, 1 kV line-ground
IEC 61000-4-6:1996 / EN 61000-4-6:1996 3 V, 0.15-80 MHz
IEC 61000-4-11:1994 / EN 61000-4-11:1994 1 cycle, 100%
Canada: ICES-001:1998
Australia/New Zealand: AS//NZS 2064.1

Safety IEC 61010-1:1990+A1:1992+A2:1995 / EN 61010-1:1993+A2:1995

Conformity / Supplementary Information:

The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and
the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC (including 93/68/EEC) and carries the CE-marking accordingly
(European Union)
[1] The product was tested in a typical configuration with Agilent Technologies test systems.

Date: 06/28/2000

Name

Ken Wyatt, Product Regulations Manager

For further information, please contact your local Agilent Technologies sales office, agent, or distributor.
Product Regulations
EMC IEC 61326-1:1997+A1:1998 / EN 61326-1:1997+A1:1998
CISPR 11:1990 / EN 55011:1991
IEC 61000-4-2:1995+A1:1998 / EN61000-4-2:1995 A
IEC 61000-4-3:1995 / EN 61000-4-3:1995 B
IEC 61000-4-4:1995 / EN 61000-4-4:1995 A
IEC 61000-4-5:1995 / EN 61000-4-5:1995 A
IEC 61000-4-6:1996 / EN 61000-4-6:1996 A
IEC 61000-4-11:1994 / EN 61000-4-11:1994 A
Canada: ICES-001:1998
Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS 2064.1

Safety IEC 348:1978 / HD 401 S1:1981

UL1244
CSA-C22.2 No. 231 (Series M-89)

Performance Codes:
A PASS - Normal operation, no effect.
B PASS - Temporary degradation, self recoverable.
C PASS - Temporary degradation, operator intervention required.
D FAIL - Not recoverable, component damage.

Notes: (none)

Sound Pressure Level N/A

Regulatory Information for Canada

ICES/NMB-001
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est confomre à la norme NMB-001 du Canada.

Regulatory Information for Australia/New Zealand

This ISM device complies with Australian/New Zealand AS/NZS 2064.1

Safety rendering first aid and resus-
citation, is present.
Safety Symbols

Notices • Do not install substitute parts

or perform any unauthorized
!
modification to the instrument. Instruction manual symbol:
This apparatus has been • Capacitors inside the instru- the product is marked with
designed and tested in accor- ment may retain a charge this symbol when it is neces-
dance with IEC Publication even if the instrument is dis- sary for you to refer to the
1010, Safety Requirements for connected from its source of instruction manual in order to
Measuring Apparatus, and supply. protect against damage to the
has been supplied in a safe • Do not operate the instru- product..
condition. This is a Safety ment in the presence of flam-
Class I instrument (provided mable gasses or fumes.
with terminal for protective Operation of any electrical
earthing). Before applying instrument in such an environ-
power, verify that the correct ment constitutes a definite Hazardous voltage symbol.
safety precautions are taken safety hazard.
(see the following warnings).
In addition, note the external • Do not use the instrument in
markings on the instrument a manner not specified by the
that are described under manufacturer. Earth terminal symbol: Used to
"Safety Symbols." indicate a circuit common
To clean the instrument connected to grounded chas-
Warnings If the instrument requires sis.
• Before turning on the instru- cleaning: (1) Remove power
ment, you must connect the from the instrument. (2) Clean
protective earth terminal of the external surfaces of the
the instrument to the protec- instrument with a soft cloth
tive conductor of the (mains) dampened with a mixture of
power cord. The mains plug mild detergent and water. (3)
shall only be inserted in a Make sure that the instru-
socket outlet provided with a ment is completely dry before
protective earth contact. You reconnecting it to a power
must not negate the protec- source.
tive action by using an exten-
sion cord (power cable)
without a protective conduc-
tor (grounding). Grounding
one conductor of a two-con-
ductor outlet is not sufficient
protection.
• Only fuses with the required
rated current, voltage, and
specified type (normal blow,
time delay, etc.) should be
used. Do not use repaired
fuses or short-circuited fuse-
holders. To do so could cause
a shock or fire hazard.
• If you energize this instru-
ment by an auto transformer
(for voltage reduction or
mains isolation), the common
terminal must be connected to
the earth terminal of the
power source.
• Whenever it is likely that the
ground protection is impaired,
you must make the instrument
inoperative and secure it
against any unintended opera-
tion.
• Service instructions are for
trained service personnel. To
avoid dangerous electric
shock, do not perform any ser-
vice unless qualified to do so.
Do not attempt internal ser-
vice or adjustment unless
another person, capable of

Agilent Technologies
P.O. Box 2197
1900 Garden of the Gods Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80901
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ual and any information
WARNING
contained herein, includ- A WARNING notice
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. ing but not limited to the denotes a hazard. It
1996-2002 implied warranties of calls attention to an
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Manual Part Number
and the user have a sepa- indicated conditions
01146-92002, September 2002 are fully understood
rate written agreement
Print History with warranty terms cov- and met.
01146-92000, November 1996 ering the material in this
document that conflict
01146-92001, August 2000
with these terms, the war-
01146-92002, July 2002 ranty terms in the sepa- CAUTION
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1900 Garden of the Gods Road control. A CAUTION notice
Colorado Springs, CO 80907 denotes a hazard. It
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Document Warranty
The material contained in
this document is provided
“as is,” and is subject to
being changed, without
notice, in future editions.
Further, to the maximum
extent permitted by appli-
cable law, Agilent dis-
claims all warranties,
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sA

Agilent Technologies
Printed in the Malaysia

Manual Part Number

01146-92002

*01146-92002*