Accurate, high-bandwidth current measurements require careful consideration of more than resistance value alone. IsoVu™ Isolated Current Probes from Tektronix were developed to accurately measure the voltage across precision, high-bandwidth shunt resistors. With galvanically isolated, 50 Ω differential inputs, IsoVu probes help deliver high bandwidth, high signal fidelity, and exceptionally high common mode signal rejection.

This application note provides practical guidance on selecting and applying shunt resistors for oscilloscope-based current measurements. It covers several interconnected considerations:

• Target current range and dynamic range requirements
• Resistance value optimization for signal amplitude and burden voltage
• Power dissipation limits and thermal management
• Bandwidth limitations due to parasitic inductance
• Test point implementation strategies
• Form factor selection based on space, power, and bandwidth requirements

Download the application note to learn how to select the right shunt resistor and achieve accurate, wide-bandwidth current measurements with reduced parasitic inductance and improved signal-to-noise ratio.