eevBLAB 111 - The TMA Banning x1/x10 Switchable Probes?

[exxos]

Great, another self appointed authority screwing everything up as usual. I find X1 & X10 being switchable incredibly useful for when troubleshooting ringing and noise issues on particular inputs or outputs of chips which can cause circuit malfunctions. Having the ability to switch between the two capacitances on the probe can quickly help troubleshoot where the problem is. Having 2 different probes which are fixed would mean I would have to switch them out repeatedly and everything will take 10 times longer in troubleshooting. :roll:

[cmorley]

It is April 1st the other side of the world... I stopped watching the video 30s in when I realised the date here.

[exxos]

It is April 1st the other side of the world... I stopped watching the video 30s in when I realised the date here.

I was wondering that as well but the website seems to be valid https://tm-alliance.org/blog/2023-03-31/

Dave even posted a response.

If it is a joke then it is extremely well thought out one! :shrug:

UPDATE: I heard from the TMA and this is their response:
Response to Concerns Regarding the Ban on Switchable Probes

Dear valued engineers and industry professionals,

We, at the Test and Measurement Alliance (TMA), appreciate the concerns raised by many of you regarding our recent decision to ban x1/x10 switchable oscilloscope probes. We understand that this decision may initially appear restrictive, as switchable probes have been popular among users for their perceived versatility. However, we would like to take this opportunity to provide a comprehensive explanation of our decision and address your concerns.

Our primary objective at TMA is to ensure that we provide the most reliable, accurate, and user-friendly test and measurement solutions to our customers. Our decision to ban switchable probes was based on a thorough analysis of their limitations and potential risks. We believe that the benefits of fixed x1 and x10 probes outweigh the perceived advantages of switchable probes, and we would like to outline our reasoning as follows:

Improved Accuracy: Switchable probes can lead to incorrect readings when users forget to adjust the oscilloscope settings to match the probe configuration. Fixed probes enable auto-detection, eliminating this risk and ensuring more accurate measurements.

Simplified User Experience: The elimination of switchable probes reduces the likelihood of user error and streamlines the oscilloscope setup, making it easier for engineers to focus on their work and obtain reliable results.

Enhanced Reliability: Fixed x1 and x10 probes are less prone to wear and tear due to the absence of a switch mechanism, resulting in a longer lifespan and reduced need for replacements.

Better Signal Integrity: Fixed probes can provide better signal integrity and more accurate measurements by minimizing the risk of attenuation or distortion caused by poor switch contact or impedance mismatches.

Reduced Manufacturing Costs: By focusing on fixed x1 and x10 probes, manufacturers can reduce the number of components in their bill of materials (BOM) and lower production costs, ultimately providing more cost-effective solutions to customers.

While we acknowledge that switchable probes have been popular in the past, we believe that the benefits of fixed probes far outweigh their perceived versatility. We have taken this decision with the best interests of our customers and the industry in mind. As we continue to innovate and develop new test and measurement solutions, we will always prioritize safety, accuracy, and user experience above all else.

We hope that our response has provided clarity on our decision to ban switchable probes. We appreciate your feedback and are committed to engaging in open dialogue with industry professionals. If you have any further concerns or questions, please feel free to reach out to us.

Sincerely, Dexter Reed
Chief Engineer

[exxos]

Saying that...

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Dave must have gone all out in creating a new website and articles for all this. Problem being the whole thing does seem totally legitimate for something which would actually happen anyway :roll: I guess Dave is going to get a lot of hate mail tomorrow.

I'll go back to sleep then.

[Badwolf]

Yeah, nah.

BW