The Z-Active probes use a tiny passive probe tip element that is separate from the amplifier, extending the usable reach of the probe. In traditional active probes, adding this much length can introduce signal fidelity problems. However this architecture maintains high DC input resistance and presents a higher AC impedance than previous probe architectures. It accomplishes this while providing significant length between the probe body and the probe attachment point to the DUT. This architecture provides the best of both worlds: high DC impedance like existing active probes and the stable high-frequency loading of Z0 probes.
