Thursday 23 June 2016

oscilloscope - My scope detects a 50Hz signal when the probe is not connected to a circuit, is this normal?


Having no prior experience with scopes, it seems strange to me that when the probe is not measuring anything (~ not connected to a circuit) it measures a small 50Hz (~ my mains are running at 230V 50Hz) signal instead of some random noise. Is this normal behaviour (my scope is a Rigol DS1052E)?



Answer



Yes, that's normal. Due to its high impedance the probe acts as an antenna for the 50Hz field from the mains which fills the space surrounding the wiring (i.e. any room in your house). You'll notice that touching the probe will even show a stronger signal, indicating that your body is even a better antenna.


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