PMK HORNET® Series High Voltage Differential Probes

Manufacturer

PMK Mess- und Kommunikationstechnik GmbH
Königsteiner Str. 98
65812 Bad Soden, Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 6196 999 5000
Internet: www.pmk.de
E-Mail: sales@pmk.de

Warranty

PMK warrants this product for normal use and operation within specifications for a period of one year from date of shipment and will repair or replace any defective product which was not damaged by negligence, misuse, improper installation, accident or unauthorized repair or modification by the buyer. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship only and does not cover wear and tear. PMK disclaims any other implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. PMK will not be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including damages for loss of profits, loss of business, loss of use or data, interruption of business and the like), even if PMK has been advised of the possibility of such damages arising from any defect or error in this manual or product.

Declaration of Conformity

PMK declares the conformity of this product with the actual required safety standards in accordance with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU:

Basis for Declaration:

• EN IEC 61326-1:2021: Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use – EMC requirements - Part 1: General requirements
• EN IEC 61000-4-2:2008: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-2: Testing and measurement techniques – Electrostatic discharge immunity test
• EN IEC 61010-1:2020: Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use – Part 1: General safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use.

WEEE/ RoHS Directives

This electronic product is classified within the WEEE/ RoHS category list as monitoring and control equipment (category 9) and is compliant to the following EC Directives.

• WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
• RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU: Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Your help and efforts are required to protect and keep clean our environment. Therefore, return this electronic product at the end of its life either to our Service Department or take care of separate WEEE collection and professional WEEE treatment yourself. Do not dispose as unsorted municipal waste.

IEC Pollution Degrees

Definitions and Examples:

Overview of measurement categories according to IEC 61010-01. O = No Measurement Category (Other circuits that are not directly connected to mains).

• Pollution Degree 1: No POLLUTION or only dry, nonconductive POLLUTION. NOTE: The POLLUTION has no influence.
• Pollution Degree 2: Only nonconductive POLLUTION. Occasionally, however, a temporary conductivity caused by condensation must be accepted.
• Pollution Degree 3: Conductive POLLUTION occurs or dry, non-conductive POLLUTION occurs which becomes conductive due to condensation which is to be expected.

IEC Safety Symbols

The following symbols may appear on the product or in this instruction manual:

• ⚠️ [warning] Caution, risk of danger. Refer to manual.
• ⚡ [electric_shock] Caution, risk of electric shock.
• ⏚ [ground] Earth (ground) TERMINAL.

Safety and Handling Information

The overall safety of any measurement setup incorporating this probe is the responsibility of the user. To prevent electrical accidents, read the safety instructions carefully. Observe the five safety rules of the German standard series EN 50110-1.

• ⚠️ Use the probe head's keyboard only when the circuit under test is de-energized. Use non-handheld and in test setups with safety environment only. This probe is not for hand-held use. Install the probe in a safety protected test environment and make all required configurations before starting the measurements.
• ⚠️ Prevent personal injury, fire and product damage. To avoid personal injury and to prevent fire or damage to this product or products connected to it, review and comply with the following safety precautions. Be aware that if you use this probe assembly in a manner not specified the protection this product provides may be impaired. Only qualified personnel should use this probe assembly.
• ⏚ Use only grounded instruments. Do not connect the probe's BNC ground to a potential other than earth ground. Always make sure the probe and the measurement instrument are grounded properly.
• ⚠️ Connect and disconnect properly. Connect the probe output to the measurement instrument before connecting the probe's inputs to the circuit under test. Disconnect the probe's inputs from the de-energized circuit under test before disconnecting the probe from the measurement instrument.
• ⚠️ Observe probe and probe accessory ratings. Do not apply any electrical potential to the probe input which exceeds the maximum ratings of the probe, or the accessories connected to it. In case of a combination, always the lower rating / measurement category applies to both probe and accessories connected to it.
• ⚠️ Keep away from hazardous live circuits. Avoid open circuitry. Do not touch connections or components when power is present.
• ⚠️ Do not operate with suspected failures. Check the coaxial probe cable for damages to make sure it has no failures. The cable has no wear indicator. If the contrasting color of the wear indicator of the 4mm input cable has become visible, then stop using the probe and contact your local PMK service center. Refer to qualified service personnel.
• ⚠️ Indoor use only. Do not operate in wet or damp environment. Keep the product dry and clean.
• ⚠️ Do not operate the product in an explosive atmosphere.

The max. input voltage decreases as the frequency of the applied Sine signal increases (see Voltage Derating curve). See the relevant section of this manual for further information on maximum input voltage, voltage derating and definitions of relevant IEC Measurement Categories (CAT).

About HORNET® Probe Series

The state-of-the-art high voltage differential probe series HORNET® establishes itself as the best-in-class solution for the growing demands of wide bandgap power electronics design, e.g. double pulse testing of high-speed high-voltage switching devices of SiC technology, and IGBTs, thyristors, fast-switching HV diodes, and more.

HORNET®'s ±4000V differential and common mode voltage capability provide engineers with the flexibility to tackle the most challenging high voltage applications in power electronics design.

With a bandwidth exceeding 300MHz, HORNET® ensures accurate and reliable measurements for fast-switching wide bandgap, SiC, power electronics, making it an essential tool for engineers working on advanced designs having a protected test environment.

HORNET® is engineered to deliver precise and consistent results, allowing designers to optimize the efficiency and performance of their power electronic systems with confidence.

The probe is designed with advanced safety features to safeguard both users and the equipment during high voltage measurements. However, HORNET® series probes are not for handheld use and are intended for integration into full-automated or manual test stations for high-voltage safety reasons. HORNET® is therefore used as a voltage-measuring component (permanently attached device) of a test system.

The HORNET® series probes have a universal BNC output connector and are compatible with any oscilloscope in the lab with 50Ω input impedance, or 1MΩ input impedance and a 50Ω feed-through termination.

All HORNET® series models require a power supply, which is not included in the scope of delivery and has to be ordered separately. Review the Ordering Information at the end of this document for more details. The interface box is powered by the required PMK power supply. The referring power supplies all have remote control capabilities and therefore a USB interface and optional additional LAN interface. As an alternative for most flexible use, the 1 channel battery pack power supply AP-01 provides >8h of portable and isolated operation but has no software remote control.

HORNET® series has the capability to be controlled from either remote control or the controls located on the interface box.

• For remote control, PMK offers the software “PMK Probe Control” with graphical user interface, which is shipped with any PS2 and PS3 power supply, and is available for download at: http://www.pmk.de/en/products/probecontrol
• In addition, the Python package "PMK-probes" is available as a programming interface for controlling PMK's active probes. Installation instructions, examples and documentation is available at: https://pmk-probes.readthedocs.io/en/latest/

Measurement Principle

The high voltage differential probe series HORNET® consists of two balanced precision attenuators, which are differentially matched. The attenuators scale the input voltage before passing into the differential amplifier. The output of the differential is fed over a driver stage to the 50 Ω input of a measuring device.

Factory Calibration

All models are shipped with factory calibration certificates. Annual factory re-calibration is recommended. ISO17025 calibration upon delivery or as re-calibration is possible on request.

Specifications

Read the Instruction Manual before first use and keep it for future reference. A digital copy of the latest Instruction Manual revision can be downloaded at www.pmk.de.

Do not exceed the specifications. Allow the probe to warm up for 20 minutes. This probe comes with 1 year warranty. Each specification is determined at +23 °C ambient temperature. This probe series is not for hand-held use, and not rated for CAT II, III or IV.

Electrical Specifications

Electrical Specifications¹ that are not marked with (*) as guaranteed are typical.

The use of a digital filter with BW=400MHz is recommended.

⚠️ The electrical specifications are valid for use in a controlled environment, like a semiconductor tester or test setup with protective cover.

Notes:

• ¹ Determined when using a PMK power supply PS-02 at +23°C ambient temperature.
• ² The rating is based on basic insulation in a controlled environment in accordance with IEC 61010-1. Also observe the definitions in the probe series' s instruction manual.
• ³ Input voltage >25%
• ⁴ Including input leads, cables in parallel, measurement frequency 1MHz.

Mechanical Specifications

¹ Different accessories for connectivity are available. Please review the section “Ordering Information”.

Environmental Specifications

Dimensions

Diagram shows dimensions of the probe interface box and connectors. Key dimensions include length of the probe cable (2m), width of the interface box (approx. 52mm), height (approx. 38.6mm), and connector lengths. A 4mm banana plug is shown. Dimensions are provided in mm and inches.

Probe's power supply pin assignment

Diagram shows a circular connector with 4 pins. Pin 1 is -9V, Pin 2 is SDA, Pin 3 is SCL, Pin 4 is +9V. The view is labeled "cable view".

⚠️ Observe the probe's power supply pin assignment.

Typical Voltage Derating

⚠️ Note that the maximum input voltage rating of the probe decreases as the frequency of the applied signal increases.

Typical Voltage Derating – HORNET4kV

No Measurement Category

Graph Description: The graph titled 'Typical Voltage Derating – HORNET4kV' plots Sine Amplitude AC rms [V] on the Y-axis against Frequency [Hz] on the X-axis. It illustrates the relationship between signal frequency and the maximum allowable input voltage. For instance, at 100 kHz, the voltage is approximately 1000V, decreasing to about 100V at 10 MHz, and further to around 10V at 100 MHz.

Typical Input Impedance

⚠️ The input impedance of the probe decreases as the frequency of the applied signal increases.

Graph Description: The graph titled 'Typical Differential Input Impedance – HORNET4kV' plots Input Impedance [Ω] on the Y-axis against Frequency [Hz] on the X-axis. It shows that the input impedance starts at 100MΩ at low frequencies and decreases as frequency increases, reaching approximately 100Ω at 100 MHz.

Maximum Input Voltage

Example 4000V Model, 1000:1 Range

Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates the maximum input voltage for the 4000V model at the 1000:1 range. It shows waveforms for differential input voltage (VDM) and common mode input voltage (VCM). The constraint |VCM + VDM| ≤ 4000V is depicted. The maximum differential input is ±4000V, and the maximum common mode input is ±4000V.

Example 4000V Model, 100:1 Range

Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates the maximum input voltage for the 4000V model at the 100:1 range. It shows waveforms for differential input voltage (VDM) and common mode input voltage (VCM). The constraint |VCM + VDM| ≤ 4000V is depicted. The maximum differential input is ±400V, and the maximum common mode input is ±4000V. Labels like 'VDM Exceeded' indicate operational limits.

Cleaning

To clean the exterior of the probe, use a soft cloth moistened with either distilled water or isopropyl alcohol. Before use, allow the probe to dry completely.

General Information

Read the "Safety and Handling Information" in this manual before first use.

When using HORNET® series non-hand-held probes, install them in a safety environment only, e.g., a tester application. Probe configurations via remote control are recommended.

Download "PMK Probe Control" PC software or Python package from www.pmk.de.

Make all required probe settings before the measurement starts. To prevent electrical accidents, read the safety instructions and this entire manual carefully, and observe the five safety rules of the German standard EN 50110-1.

⚠️ This is not a hand-held probe. Make sure the probe is installed in a safety environment and configured completely prior to its operation.

Handling Information

Adjust the input coupling of the measuring instrument to 50Ω before connecting the probe to it. After connecting the power supply, you will hear a short triplet of signals from the buzzer and the LEDs on the probe head will blink.

Connect first the BNC output to the oscilloscope, then connect the probe inputs to the deenergized circuit under test.

Best practice: Drill the input leads twice for best CMRR but acceptable bandwidth degradation.

⚠️ For use in environments with high levels of electro-magnetic interference (EMI), the noise suppression kit is recommended, and to be installed on the signal cable near the interface box.

Adjust the attenuation and offset correction if needed. After all settings are made, the probe is ready to be used as a component of the measurement system.

⚠️ For removing the probe's input from the DUT, or for changing the configuration via the knobs at the probe head, make sure the circuit under test is de-energized.

Probe Head Indicator Layout

⚠️ Use the probe head's control buttons only if the circuit under test is de-energized. Remote control is recommended.

Buttons (Controlled via the Remote Probe Control Interface)

• 1: Higher attenuation
• 2: Lower attenuation
• 3: Negative active Offset coarse *
• 4: Positive active Offset coarse *
• 5: Negative active Offset fine *
• 6: Positive active Offset fine *
• 3+5: Negative active Offset XL *
• 4+6: Positive active Offset XL *
• 7: Set Button

* Change the factory presets, 250mV, 4V, 400V via the remote control software "PMK Probe Control".

LED Lights A - C

• A: Attenuation Indicators (varying with model)
• B: Overvoltage Indicators: Input Channels, Output
• C: Colored Indicator of the Measuring Channel

User Default

The User Default settings of the HORNET® series probe are loaded automatically when the probe is powered up. They are saved in real-time, with no need to actively save or recall at any time.

Keylock

If no key is pressed for 10 seconds after opening the menu, the keypad will be locked. Press the "Set" button again to release it.

⚠️ Use the probe head's control buttons only if the circuit under test is de-energized. Remote control is recommended.

Global Offset

By pressing "Set", you can switch between the set global offset position and zero. This function is not available while in the setup menu. Also, with "Hold Overload" set, an occurring overload event must be cleared before switching offset zero position is available.

⚠️ Use the probe head's control buttons only if the circuit under test is de-energized. Remote control is recommended.

Setup Menu

Access the setup menu by holding the "Set" button for 5s. The Overvoltage-indicator LED of the output blinks green as confirmation.

The setup menu starts with the unlit/off LED 1000:1, indicating the Channel Identification Color menu, menu point I.

The selected menu item is indicated by the attenuation LEDs.

Change the menu selection using buttons "1" and "2". Use buttons "5" and "6" to configure the settings in the menu. Press "7", the SET button, to exit the menu.

⚠️ Use the probe head's control buttons only if the circuit under test is de-energized. Remote control is recommended.

In the following, LEDs are marked as x = unlit/off and o = lit/on.

Channel Identification Color (xooo) - Menu point I

For channel identification, the following colors (modes) are available: unlit, white, yellow, cyan, pink, blue, green, red.

Overload Buzzer (oxo o) - Menu point II

In case of detected overvoltage at the input or output channel, the Overload Buzzer gives an audible signal and can be turned on/off with Button "5". Additionally, the Hold-Overload Buzzer can be activated with Button "6". In case of detected overvoltage, the "Set" Button must be pressed to confirm and carry on.

Key buzzer (ooxo) - Menu point III

Activate the Key Buzzer, giving audible feedback when any Button on the keypad is pressed.

Offset synchronization (ooox) - Menu point IV

Turn offset synchronization on and off.

Offset-Zero (o o o x) - Menu points V - VIII

Adjust offset-zero per attenuation mode.

Reset Factory Default

By pressing both buttons "1+2" together while in setup menu, the probe resets to factory settings. Hold both buttons for 5s and wait until you hear a differing signal.

⚠️ Use the probe head's control buttons only if the circuit under test is de-energized. Remote control is recommended.

EMC Noise Suppression Kit

For use of PMK's high-voltage differential probes in environments with high levels of interference, like in double-pulse tester applications for analysis of fast switching power devices, the EMC noise suppression kit 891-102-EMC is recommended. Recommended installation is on the signal cable near the interface box.

⚠️ Please note that signal lines must never be laid parallel to pulsed lines. This also includes AC fields. Ensure that there is sufficient distance. The ferrites can be used in any order or individually.

Scope of Delivery

A PMK power supply is required for all models. See chapter "Ordering Information" to review the selection.

• Probe HORNET® series
• Factory calibration certificate
• Instruction manual
• 891-102-EMC: EMC Noise Suppression Kit for use in environments with high levels of Interference, like in DP tester applications (3x ferrites & opening key)
• 890-520-000: Power Supply Cable (0.5 m), 30VAC / 60V DC (1.5m cable available as option)
• 890-880-103: Pair of Probe Tip Adaptors 4mm to 0.8mm (2x black)
• 2x 890-808-105: 2-Footer
• 890-880-102: Set of 4 Spring Tips (fine)
• 890-880-101: Set of 10 Contact Pins 0.64mm
• 890-880-110: Pair of Spade Terminals, narrow (black / red), 30V AC / 60V DC
• 890-880-107: Pair of Spade Terminals, wide (black, red), 30V AC / 60V DC

Ordering Information

Step 1: Select the Probe

HORNET4kV: High voltage differential probe, 4000V, >300MHz, with four selectable dividing ranges, 1000:1, 500:1, 200:1, 100:1

Step 2: Select Additional Accessories

Note, that any additional accessory degrades the probe's performance. Always observe the lowest Maximum Input Voltage. Do not use any other accessories than recommended by PMK.

• 016-397-049: Carrying Case with Foam Inlay (black)
• 890-880-106: Pair of Mini Spring Tip Probes 4 mm (black, red), 600V CAT II
• 890-808-105: 2-Footer
• 4mm-SMA-M: 4mm safety banana socket to SMA plug adapter, for high-frequency voltage measurements, 500V DC + AC pk, 1000V peak pulse
• 4mm-SMA-F: 4mm safety banana socket to SMA socket adapter, for high-frequency voltage measurements, 500V DC + AC pk, 1000V peak pulse
• 4mm-MMCX-M: 4mm safety banana socket to MMCX plug adapter, for high-frequency voltage measurements, 250V DC + AC pk, 500V peak pulse
• 4mm-MMCX-F: 4mm safety banana socket to MMCX socket adapter, for high-frequency voltage measurements, 250V DC + AC pk, 500V peak pulse
• 4mm-BNC-F: 4mm safety banana socket to BNC socket adapter, for high-frequency voltage measurements, 750V DC + AC pk, 1500V peak pulse
• 4mm-WSQ-5.08: 4mm safety banana socket to square pin adapter, 5.08mm, for high-frequency voltage measurements, 750V DC + AC pk, 1500V peak pulse
• 890-880-115: Pair of Clamps, Hook (black & red), 1000V CAT II
• 890-880-114: Pair of Clamps, Jaws (black & red) 1000V CAT III
• 890-880-113: Pair of Clamps, Rotating Grip Jaw (black & red) 1000V CAT II
• 890-880-108: Pair of Safety Alligator Clips, big (black & red), 1000V CAT III
• 890-880-111: Pair of Safety Alligator Clips, small (black & red), 600V CAT III
• 890-880-112: 5x Pair of Rail Clip Connectors 4 mm (black, red), 600V CATIII
• 890-880-116: 4 mm Coupler f-f (red), 30VAC / 60V DC
• 890-880-109: Pair of Magnet Connectors 4 mm (black/red), 30VAC / 60V DC
• D010031: 50Ω BNC feed-through for 1MΩ input oscilloscopes. >500MHz
• 890-880-103: Pair of Probe Tip Adaptors 4mm to 0.8mm (2x black) – spare part
• 890-880-102: Set of 4 Spring Tips (fine) – spare part
• 890-880-101: Set of 10 Contact Pins 0.64mm – spare part
• 890-880-110: Pair of Spade Terminals, narrow (black / red), 30V AC / 60V DC – spare part
• 890-880-107: Pair of Spade Terminals, wide (black, red), 30V AC / 60V DC– spare part

Step 3: Select Power Supply

A PMK power supply is required, and available separately.

• 889-09V-PS2: PS-02, 2ch power supply, with USB interface for remote control, for 100 -240V AC / 50 - 60Hz mains *
• 889-09V-PS2-L: PS-02-L, 2ch power supply, with LAN and USB interface for remote control, for 100 -240V AC / 50 - 60Hz mains *
• 889-09V-PS3: PS-03, 4ch power supply, with USB interface for remote control, for 100 -240V AC / 50 - 60Hz mains *
• 889-09V-PS3-L: PS-03-L, 4ch power supply, with LAN and USB interface for remote control, for 100 -240V AC / 50 - 60Hz mains *
• 890-520-915: Power Supply Cable, 1.5 m (0.5m cable included in scope of delivery)

Diagram Description: The power supply connector pin-out shows a circular connector with 4 pins labeled 1 (-9V), 2 (SDA), 3 (SCL), 4 (+9V).

⚠️ The power supply pin assignment is different from other power supplies. Use only original PMK power supplies with PMK probes.

Step 4: Select Positioning System

• 893-350-010: 3D positioner with steel base, 200 mm span width, twin holder, ideal for reliable positioning when the probe's inputs is equipped with spring loaded tips
• 893-350-015: 3D positioner with steel base, 200 mm span width and probe holder
• 893-350-014: 3D positioner with steel base, arm with 200 mm span width and probe head holder, arm with 130 mm span width and twin holder, ideal for reliable positioning of a BumbleBee® or HORNET® series probe when the probe inputs are equipped with spring loaded tips
• 893-350-013: BumbleBee® or HORNET® series probe head holder – spare part, for use with PMK's SKID positioning system for PCBs and probes
• 890-880-104: Twin holder M6 – spare part, for use with PMK's SKID positioning system for PCBs and probes

Step 5: Select Accredited Calibration

KAL-DAKKS-HORNET4kV: ISO 17025 (re-)calibration

Notes

(Blank pages from original document are represented by this section.)