New family of ready-to-use semi-rigid test probes operate to 6GHz

Latest from Pasternack is a new line of semi-rigid test probes designed to assist in testing microwave circuits. By soldering the outer conductor to the signal ground and the exposed centre conductor to the trace carrying the signal of interest, sampling measurements with the probes can be made without having to create a separate subassembly circuit board or add a connector to the circuit layout which can take up valuable real estate. test probes are offered in three different diameters of semi-rigid coax including 0.51mm, 0.86mm and 1.19mm. All test probe cable assemblies are 100% RF tested to ensure the cable assemblies operate to a maximum frequency of 6GHz and to also ensure that the SMA connector interface meets the 1.35:1 VSWR specification prior to shipping. These assemblies come in 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-inch lengths and are designed to fit a variety of trace widths and applications. The probes are also terminated with female SMA connectors. The semi-rigid test probes come in two versions including straight-cut probe ends for those that would like to customize the dimensions of the centre conductor and dielectric dimensions, as well as pre-stripped probe ends (pig tail) that are ready for immediate use and do not require any additional stripping, says the company. "Testing development circuits, troubleshooting and analyzing different portions of microwave circuits is made easier with our new lines of ready-to-use semi-rigid test probes," explains Steve Ellis, interconnect product manager, Pasternack. "These new assemblies are part of a rapidly expanding test and measurement components portfolio designed to meet the urgent requirements of our customers."