Back to Basics: AC Sinusoidal Line Current

Figure 1: A single-phase AC current
vector rotates at 50 or 60 Hz

We've reviewed the basics of AC line voltage in previous posts. Now we'll turn our attention to the other fundamental component of line power. Regardless of whether you call it "grid," "household," "line," "utility," or "mains," AC sinusoidal current is what flows from the power utility's lines into every home and business.

Video: The Many Varieties of Oscilloscope Probes

Got a minute (OK, a minute and a half)? Take a look at this quick tutorial video that takes you through the four basic types of probes and what they're used for:

If this little thumbnail sketch whetted your appetite for more info on oscilloscope probes, we've got you covered with a series of popular blog posts on the topic:

The Realities of Oscilloscope Probes

Back to Basics: Probes (Part I)

Back to Basics: Probes (Part II)

Back to Basics: Probes (Part III)

Back to Basics: Probes (Part IV)

Understanding Probe Calibration Methods

Understanding Probe Calibration Methods (Part II)

The Effects of Passive Probe Ground Leads

Back to Basics: Probes (Part I)

Figure 1: An example of an active

oscilloscope probe 

To speak of an oscilloscope probe is to open a fairly large can of worms. There are many kinds of probes on the market, with differing functions and characteristics (Figure 1). This is the first in a short series of posts on the basics on probes, what the various kinds are used for, and how they might be expected to affect measurements taken with them.