PICOPROBE® Model 10 Series | RF and Microwave Probe

Passive RF and Microwave Probe for Precise Contacting up to 11 GHz

The Picoprobe Model 10 Series from GGB Industries is a passive high-speed probing system for RF and microwave measurements on printed circuit boards, wafer structures, RF modules, ICs, and prototypes. The basic system combines a flexible 50 Ω coaxial cable with a length of 1 m, SMA connector, and interchangeable coaxial probe tips. Depending on the version, the Model 10 Series can acquire or inject high-frequency signals and can be used at 50 Ω test points as well as at high-impedance test points. Selection is based on input resistance, attenuation, contact length, ground configuration, wire diameter, contact material and spacing between the probe contacts. Depending on the probe tip configuration, the maximum frequency range extends from DC to 11 GHz.

High-Impedance Test Points with Defined Signal Attenuation

For high-impedance test points GGB offers Model 10 Series probes with 250 Ω, 500 Ω or 5 kΩ input resistance. Depending on the input resistance, these versions attenuate the acquired signal at a ratio of 5:1, 10:1 or 100:1. For 50 Ω environments, the Model 10 Series includes versions with a 50 Ω terminating resistor for measuring and injecting high-frequency signals.

Ground Configuration and Signal Quality

Why Is Ground Configuration So Important with the Picoprobe Model 10 Series? In RF and microwave measurements the contact geometry directly affects signal quality. Short signal paths and a short ground connection reduce unwanted inductance, reflections, and signal distortion. If a suitable ground point is located directly next to the signal point, the Model 10 Series routes signal and ground through two separate probe contacts. If the ground point is farther away, a flexible ground strap can replace the ground contact. This simplifies measurement series with many contact points and test setups where no local ground point is available. GGB offers ground configuration options ranging from separate signal and ground contacts to a flexible 6-inch ground strap. According to the manufacturer, the Model 10 probe tips are matched to the flexible 50 Ω coaxial cable supplied as standard equipment. This compensates for cable attenuation. At the same time, the measurement setup becomes less sensitive to a greater distance from the ground point.

Fine-Pitch Contacting on Small Pads and Wafer Structures

The interchangeable Model 10 probe tips allow precise adaptation of the contacting to the measurement point. Available options include probe wire diameters between 125 µm and 10 µm, contact materials made of tungsten, palladium, or beryllium copper and - for tungsten - tip radii down to approximately 0.2 µm. The version can be selected with one signal contact or with separate signal and ground contacts. In addition, ground position and spacing between signal and ground contact can be defined. This makes the Model 10 Series suitable for small pads, dense RF assemblies, PCB traces and wafer structures, where electrical characteristics and contact geometry must be matched.

Which Probe Tip Fits Your Measurement Task?

The input resistance determines how much the measurement loads the test point. The attenuation defines which signal level reaches the measuring instrument. Wire diameter, contact material, and contact spacing determine how reliably small pads, PCB traces, or wafer structures can be contacted. Would you like to make sure that the selected Picoprobe Model 10 probe tip fits your application? Additional RF and microwave probes for precise contacting and reliable measurement results can be found here. Or even easier: Send us your inquiry. We support you in selecting the right version and help classify the probe tip according to your test setup - straightforward, application-oriented, and without unnecessary coordination on your part.