What Is a Test Probe?
A test probe is specialized for experimenting with electric circuits and test equipment, checking continuity, and checking waveforms.
Unlike ordinary clips and probes, test probes can measure small electronic components on a circuit board or in the condition of uncoated cables.
Test probes come in several sizes and tip shapes to suit the object needing inspection. Typical tip shapes include “tip clamp probes,” “piercing probes,” and “probe pins.”
Uses of Test Probes
Test probes inspect printed circuit boards and electronic components without soldering or connection to the board.
- Tip Clamp Type Probe: Grip the measurement point and measure. It is used to measure small components in narrow and deep locations that are beyond the reach of ordinary clips and probes.
- Piercing Probe: Used for measurement by piercing the conductor from above the cable jacket. The probe is characterized by its ability to measure even when cutting the cable is impossible.
- Probe Pin: Used for electrical testing with appropriate load and contact to the electrode to be tested.
Principle of Test Probes
- Tip Clamp Type Probe: The tip clamp section uses the same principle as a clothespin, with the mouthpiece (tip clamp), which is the part that clamps the object, being movable. The tip clamp connects the symmetrical part to the part that attaches the object by a spring. When the spring is pulled, the tip clamp opens. The hook tip is also connected to the spring. When the hook tip is pulled, the spring is pulled to open the tip clamp. When the hook tip is returned, the spring returns, the tip clamp closes, and the object is clamped.
- Piercing Probe: The piercing probe has a very long and thin tip, like a syringe needle. It penetrates the cable sheath and makes contact with the conductor. They are made of relatively hard metals such as stainless steel to prevent breakage.
- Probe Pin: A probe pin consists of three parts: a plunger, a pipe (also called a barrel), and a spring. The spring is contained in the pipe and the spring contracts when the plunger is overloaded. Therefore, the appropriate load can be maintained on the object to be inspected.