Differential measurements can be very important but it is usually not possible to make such measurements using standard scope inputs, including those on BitScope.
There are standard solutions for normal oscilloscope channels (e.g. PRB-06) but they tend to be expensive, bulky and designed for higher voltage work.
We decided a better solution was needed, one that leverages BitScope's Smart Port Interface to support differential and other measurements packaged as a low cost accessory tailor made for BitScope. What we've come up with is a small active differential probe design that needs only twisted pairs to connect to your circuit.
The first model is DP01 which is designed for use with BitScope Mini as shown here.
Powered by BitScope, it makes possible unreferenced measurements with excellent noise rejection even when using simple twisted pairs for probes.
It has fully compensated high impedance JFET inputs so it can be connected between high impedance nodes in a circuit without adversely affecting circuit operation and it offers many other unique test & measurement features such as optional AC coupling, selectable prescalers and single-ended operation. Read more about it here.
DP01 is designed for general purpose work over a working voltage range of ±13.8V and bandwidth up to 10MHz. It is designed primarily for differential measurements but this does not preclude its use for single ended measurements too. Likewise it's sometimes desirable to make AC coupled measurements so it has provision for this as well.
| Feature | Specification |
| Attenuation/Gain Ratios | 2:1 & 1:5 (prescale on) |
| Input Bandwidth | DC to 10MHz (-3dB, prescale off) DC to 3MHz (-3dB, prescale on) |
| Common Mode Rejection | 100Hz: >1,000 : 1 1MHz: > 400 : 1 |
| Input Resistance | 20MΩ (differential) 10MΩ (common) |
| Input Capacitance | 2.5pF (differential) 5pF (common) |
| Maximum Working Voltage | 12.5Vp-p (differental) ±13.8Vpeak (common) |
| Power Requirement | 5V & 3V3 (provided by BitScope) |