Passive Probes

Passive oscilloscope probes are the most widely used probes in electronics test and measurement. They consist of a resistive-capacitive voltage divider network — typically with 10:1 or 100:1 attenuation — connected to a coaxial cable that feeds the oscilloscope input. Because they contain no active components, passive probes are robust, cost-effective, and straightforward to use, making them standard equipment for general-purpose bench measurement and field service applications.

Standard passive probes are suitable for measuring signals up to a few hundred MHz and are available in a wide range of input capacitance and tip configurations. High-voltage passive probes, such as the Tektronix P6015A, extend measurement capability into the kilovolt range for power systems and high-voltage electronics applications. Passive probes from Keysight, Tektronix, Fluke, and Pico Technology are available across a broad range of bandwidths to match specific oscilloscope input specifications and measurement requirements.

Typical Applications

General-purpose bench electronics — measuring signal levels, timing relationships, and waveform shapes during PCB design, verification, and repair
Power electronics and high-voltage systems — high-voltage passive probes for safe measurement of rectifier outputs, transformer secondaries, and inverter rails
Field service and maintenance — portable passive probes for troubleshooting industrial control panels, motor controllers, and building automation systems
Educational laboratories — standard passive probes for teaching oscilloscope fundamentals in university and technical training environments
Consumer and industrial electronics repair — diagnosing audio, video, power, and communications circuits at typical signal levels

Popular Brands

Tektronix P6015A is a widely used high-voltage passive probe rated for measurements up to 20 kV peak. Keysight's N7007A provides 400 MHz bandwidth for general-purpose applications. Pico Technology's Pico Connect series covers passive probe needs for PicoScope instruments across standard and higher-bandwidth requirements. Fluke offers passive current clamp probes suitable for field measurement applications.