Description
Soldering a tip to every test point takes time and can damage a costly board. A browser lets you touch two points by hand instead. The Rohde & Schwarz RT-ZMA30 browser is the browser module for the R&S RT-ZM modular probe system. It fits onto an RT-ZM amplifier and gives you a pair of hand-held contacts. R&S lists it at over 16 GHz and under 28 ps, in differential mode.
A tool for quick checks across a board
During debug, for example, engineers often want to sample many nodes in a few minutes. With a browser, you place the two pins on a pair of pads, read the trace, then move on. So you skip the solder work, and the board stays clean. That speed makes the browser a natural fit for first-pass checks before you commit to a solder-in tip on one key node.
One mode, by design
Here is the main difference from its siblings. The other RT-ZMA tip modules on the R&S page list P/N/DM/CM modes. The RT-ZMA30 lists DM only, which means differential mode. Therefore, choose it for differential pairs, and pick another module when you need to view each leg against ground.
What you see in the photo
The R&S product photo shows a grey browser body marked plus and minus. At the front, two gold pins sit in small red and blue holders. Meanwhile, the rear end has a cut-out where the body meets the amplifier.
Getting good readings with the Rohde & Schwarz RT-ZMA30 browser
Hold the Rohde & Schwarz RT-ZMA30 browser steady, because hand movement shows up as noise on fast edges. Also keep both pins square to the pads. In addition, check the bandwidth of your RT-ZM amplifier, since R&S rates each amplifier on its own, from over 3 GHz to over 13 GHz. Follow the manufacturer’s manual and ratings for input limits.
Ordering through Lost in HCM
Lost in HCM’s listing names RT-ZM modular probe amplifier modules as the compatible probes. Lost in HCM rents and sells the Rohde & Schwarz RT-ZMA30 browser and also arranges service on request. SMK Vietnam lists it but does not stock it. Send your amplifier and scope models, the quantity and your dates, then request a quote from Lost in HCM. For more parts, visit the oscilloscope probes category. The R&S modular probe page lists every RT-ZM part, and SMK Vietnam can answer listing questions.
Questions on the RT-ZMA30
Can it measure a single-ended signal?
R&S lists only differential mode for this module. For single-ended work, ask Lost in HCM about a module with P/N modes.
Is it a full probe?
No. It needs an RT-ZM amplifier and an R&S scope with a matching interface.
Does it suit production test?
It suits manual debug best. For fixed points on a test line, a solder-in or SMA module gives a steadier contact.
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