- #1
RFbeginner
- 9
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I often use Spectrum Analyzers to probe RF signal powers at different points on multilayered PCBs. These probes have a single conductor (or at least only require a single conductor). Placing the probe on a signal trace on the top exposed surface of the PCBs instantly shows us the RF power at that point. BUTTTTT How can this be when the RF energy is flowing within the PCB (between two conductors and amongst the DIELECTRIC)? It would make sense if we connected one probe on the top conductor and the other probe on the other conductor (usually a ground plane), that way we can multiply a I and V value, but this works on 1 probe. They just touch these magic probes on the top layer and BINGO.. they get teh RF POWER reading. How can these devices somehow guide the underlying RF Energy to dive into them