Test Leads and Oscilloscope Probes are essential accessories for electronic testing and measurement. These precision tools are instrumental in connecting an oscilloscope—a device that visualizes electrical signals—to test points or electronic components within a circuit. The main function of these products is to ensure a stable and secure connection while providing accurate signal transmission from the test point to the oscilloscope, allowing technicians, engineers, and hobbyists to observe and analyze waveforms and signal properties. Test leads usually come in pairs and are designed with insulated wires and connectors to prevent short circuits, while oscilloscope probes include a grounding clip and an active tip to capture high-speed signals with minimal distortion or loading on the circuit.
The main uses of Test Leads and Oscilloscope Probes vary from simple voltage measurements to complex signal analysis in a broad range of applications, including electronic device repair, engineering design, and educational settings. They are characterized by parameters such as bandwidth, which dictates the range of frequencies they can accurately transmit; attenuation, which affects the signal's amplitude; and the probe's input impedance, which influences the interaction with the circuit under test. High-quality probes also feature compensation adjustment to match the probe and oscilloscope, and robust design to withstand the demands of different environments. Several notable manufacturers of these products include Tektronix, Keysight Technologies, and Fluke Corporation.