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Floating and differential measurements – B&K Precision 2510 Series - Datasheet User Manual

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Handheld Digital Storage Oscilloscopes

2510 Series

4

Fully Isolated Channel Design for Safe Measurements (models 2515/2516 only)

Models 2515 and 2516 offer two CAT III 600 V
input channels for floating measurements and
feature an electrically isolated circuit design

between inputs and the digital acquisition circuit.
Isolating the ground references eliminate ground
loops and help reduce channel noise and crosstalk.

Input Signal and Float Voltage Safety Ratings

Model

2511 / 2512

2515 / 2516

Maximum signal input safety rating with included probe

300 Vrms CAT II

1000 Vrms CAT II, 600 Vrms CAT III

Maximum signal input safety rating without probe

300 Vrms CAT II

300 Vrms CAT II

Maximum reference floating safety rating

30 Vrms

1000 Vrms CAT II, 600 Vrms CAT III

All 2510 Series models come standard with high
bandwidth, safety certified passive probes (one per
channel) to help you get the most out of your
scope.

Safety Rated High Bandwidth
Oscilloscope Probes

Floating and Differential Measurements

Many industrial applications such as power electronics require measurements of high voltages and currents
that are not referenced to ground. This poses an issue with traditional line-powered oscilloscopes, which
typically have signal common connected to the chassis of the oscilloscope. This means all measurements
must be made relative to earth ground, preventing users from making differential measurements where none
of the test points are referenced to ground.

As a workaround, some people choose to float an oscilloscope by removing the connection between the
instrument's chassis and power line ground. Floating a scope is not recommended as it can put the user
at a safety risk. Parasitic capacitance is also induced in the measurement which can cause ringing and
invalidate the measurement. The 2510 Series allows engineers and technicians to make accurate and safe
measurements when the signal reference is floating.

Model

Included Probes

2511

Two 150 MHz bandwidth, x1/x10

probes rated for 300 V CATII

measurements

2512

2515

Two touch-protected 250 MHz bandwidth,

x10 probes rated for 1000 V CATII,

600 V CATIII measurements

2516

Probe Model PR150SA

2515/2516 block diagram

Probe Model PR250SA