High-Power Current Probe Captures Up to 1,000 A with 1.5 MHz of Bandwidth

Why It Matters

The CP1000 lets engineers capture fast‑switching, high‑current waveforms without invasive shunts, accelerating development of SiC/GaN converters and electric‑vehicle powertrains while improving test safety and data integration.

Key Takeaways

• 1000 A RMS probe, 1.5 MHz bandwidth.
• Split‑core 33 mm aperture, contactless AC/DC measurement.
• ProBus links probe to oscilloscope, auto‑zero, power readout.
• Targets EV motor drives, traction inverters, high‑power testing.
• Competes with Tektronix shunt‑based probes offering higher bandwidth.

Pulse Analysis

The rapid adoption of silicon‑carbide (SiC) and gallium‑nitride (GaN) converters has pushed test engineers to demand instruments that can follow megahertz‑range switching while handling kilo‑ampere currents. Teledyne LeCroy’s new CP1000 addresses that gap with a 1 000‑A RMS rating and a flat frequency response up to 1.5 MHz. Its 33‑mm split‑core design provides a non‑intrusive aperture, allowing both AC and DC waveforms to be captured without inserting a shunt. By combining transformer‑based and Hall‑effect sensing, the probe delivers accurate amplitude and phase information across the entire bandwidth.

Beyond raw performance, the CP1000 leverages Teledyne’s ProBus interface to embed the probe directly into the oscilloscope workflow. Power is supplied over the same cable that carries measurement data, enabling the instrument to display current in amperes and compute instantaneous power in watts without manual scaling. Features such as remote de‑gauss and auto‑zero reduce setup time and improve repeatability, while the long, insulated lead enhances safety on high‑voltage motor‑drive benches. Engineers can therefore validate inverter switching losses and harmonic content faster, shortening development cycles for electric‑vehicle traction systems.

The launch positions Teledyne LeCroy against rivals like Tektronix, whose TICP series reaches 1 GHz bandwidth but requires a physical shunt, limiting its use on high‑current paths. By offering a contactless solution with sufficient bandwidth for most power‑electronics applications, the CP1000 fills a niche where safety and ease‑of‑use outweigh ultra‑high frequency needs. The probe also extends the company’s broader current‑sensor portfolio, which spans 100 MHz bandwidths and peak currents up to 1 400 A, giving designers a scalable toolbox. As EV powertrains and data‑center VRMs continue to scale, such versatile measurement hardware will become a cornerstone of reliable product validation.