Put the spring-loaded test needle on the signal, place the spring-loaded ground needle next to it and release the probe. The flexible arm holds it in position while the N52 neodymium magnet keeps the base fixed to the PCBite base plate. The SQ500 is a passive 10:1 probe with a bandwidth of 500 MHz, 10 MΩ at the tip and the lowest tip capacitance in the SQ range at 9 pF. A probe ID pin in the BNC connector lets compatible oscilloscopes select 10:1 scaling automatically.
The 500 MHz bandwidth and low tip capacitance keep loading small on fast edges, which makes the probe a good match for high-speed clocks and digital lines, overshoot and ringing on switching nodes, and signal integrity checks during PCB bring-up. The insulated body allows handheld use when needed, and the included adjustment tool compensates the probe to oscilloscope inputs from 8 pF to 27 pF.
Two ground options are included, the ground spring needle for handsfree work and the ground spring for handheld work, and both keep the full rated bandwidth. Where no ground pad is close by, a test hook, an alligator clip and ground leads with 2.54 mm (0.100 in) jumper connectors, often called Dupont connectors, complete the connection. Color coded cable holders in four channel colors mark each probe and its oscilloscope input.
The SQ500 is designed to IEC 61010-031 and rated CAT II 300 V RMS with the finger protection mounted. A PCBite base plate and holders are required for handsfree use.
