The RIGOL NFP-3 is a magnetic near-field probe kit covering 30MHz–3GHz for locating electromagnetic interference sources in electronic products. Used with a spectrum analyzer, it enables short-distance, non-contact investigation of magnetic fields around PCB traces, components, cables and assembled electronic modules.
Four differently shaped H-field probes support both broad-area scanning and precise source localization. This allows engineers to identify the frequency and relative strength of interference components before moving to formal EMC compliance testing.
Key Features
-
30MHz–3GHz frequency range: Covers common interference frequencies encountered during electronic product development and EMI troubleshooting.
-
Four magnetic near-field probes: Different sensing ranges and spatial resolutions support progressive scanning from general problem areas down to individual PCB traces.
-
Short-distance, non-contact measurement: Investigates magnetic leakage without requiring a direct electrical connection to the signal node.
-
EMI source localization: Helps determine where unwanted emissions originate and which spectral components are involved.
-
PCB and cable diagnostics: Dedicated probes support examination of board-level magnetic fields and electromagnetic leakage from cables.
-
Thin, electrically insulated construction: Facilitates measurements around daughterboards, components and other confined areas while reducing the risk of shorting exposed circuitry.
-
50Ω measurement path: The probe terminals, RF cable and supplied adapter are designed for 50Ω spectrum-analyzer systems.
-
Complete connection accessories: Includes a 1000mm BNC-SMB RF cable and an N-BNC adapter for connection to a compatible analyzer input.
Probe Differences & Selection
-
NFP-3-P1 – Broad-area magnetic field search: Provides a sensing range within 10cm. Use it for initial scanning and quickly identifying the general location of a leakage field.
-
NFP-3-P2 – Focused leakage-field detection: Provides a sensing range within 3cm. Choose it after the P1 probe when a smaller area must be examined more accurately.
-
NFP-3-P3 – Cable leakage testing: Offers approximately 5mm spatial resolution and is intended for locating electromagnetic leakage along cables and wiring.
-
NFP-3-P4 – PCB trace localization: Offers approximately 2mm spatial resolution and detects magnetic fields in the vertical direction. It is the preferred probe for isolating emissions generated by individual PCB traces and closely spaced board components.
For an efficient debugging workflow, begin with the P1 probe to scan a larger area, narrow the location with the P2 probe, and then use the P3 or P4 probe according to whether the suspected source is a cable or a PCB-level structure.
Typical Applications
- Locating radiated EMI sources during product development
- EMC pre-compliance troubleshooting
- Identifying noisy PCB traces and components
- Examining switching power supplies and converters
- Testing electromagnetic leakage from cables
- Investigating coupling paths between electronic modules
- Comparing the frequency and relative strength of interference sources
- Evaluating shielding improvements and enclosure leakage
Connection and Measurement
Each probe uses an SMB male terminal. The supplied BNC-SMB RF cable connects the selected probe to the BNC female side of the included adapter, while the adapter’s N male connector attaches to the spectrum analyzer RF input.
Measurements are performed by moving the selected probe close to the device under test while observing the spectrum-analyzer display. Probe position, orientation and distance affect the relative signal level and should be kept consistent when comparing different locations or design revisions.
Technical Specifications
-
Frequency range: 30MHz–3GHz
-
Probe type: Magnetic near-field probes
-
Number of probes: 4
-
Probe connector: SMB male
-
System impedance: 50Ω
-
RF cable: BNC male to SMB female, 1000mm
-
Adapter: N male to BNC female
-
Operating temperature: 0–50°C
-
Storage temperature: -20–70°C
-
Packaged dimensions: 260×190×30mm
-
Packaged weight: 0.425kg
Package Contents
- NFP-3-P1 magnetic near-field probe
- NFP-3-P2 magnetic near-field probe
- NFP-3-P3 magnetic near-field probe
- NFP-3-P4 magnetic near-field probe
- 1000mm BNC-SMB RF cable
- N male to BNC female adapter
Why Choose the RIGOL NFP-3?
The NFP-3 combines four complementary magnetic probes in one kit, enabling engineers to move from broad EMI scanning to precise PCB- or cable-level localization without changing measurement systems. It is suitable for R&D laboratories, embedded-system development, power-electronics debugging, product verification and EMC pre-compliance investigation.
