Connectorless logic-analyzer probes reduce capacitive load by 80%

Agilent's E5394A soft-touch probe minimizes its effect on system performance by connecting to target pc boards without passing the signals through a conventional adapter, which adds series inductance and shunt capacitance (Picture). Compared with other connectorless probes, the design reduces capacitive loading by 80% and occupies 70% less board area. The probes' micro spring-pin technology also enables reliable connections without special cleaning or special surface finishes on the target board's probe pads.

Agilent calls itself the first vendor to provide high-speed circuit-design engineers the full benefits of connectorless probing across a complete logic-analyzer line. The 34-channel, $2000, single-ended E5394A probe is compatible with all Agilent logic analyzers that use a 40-pin connector interface.

Agilent Technologies, 1-800-452-4844, www.agilent.com/find/softtouch.