Test and measurement probe with touch screen

Abstract

A test and measurement probe (200) for a test and measurement instrument (101), the test and measurement probe having a probe head (103) and a touch screen user interface (250). The probe head is configured to obtain a signal from a device under test. The touch screen user interface is configured to visually convey test and measurement information to a user and to accept user touch input. In an embodiment, the touch screen user interface is removably connected to a compensation box (105) of the test and measurement probe via a wired connection or wirelessly.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 683,611, filed on June 11, 2018, which is incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to test and measurement instruments, and more particularly, to test and measurement probes. Background Art

[0004] Users of test and measurement instruments, such as oscilloscopes, typically use probes to connect a device under test (DUT), such as a circuit board, to the inputs of the test and measurement instrument in order to visualize and perform measurements of signals occurring in the DUT. Test and measurement companies, such as Tektronix, typically offer many different types of probes designed for a wide variety of probing applications. The design of the probes may take into account the type of signal to be measured. For example, some probes may be designed to measure voltage signals, while others are designed to measure current signals, and still others are designed to measure optical signals. The design of the probes may also take into account the physical geometry of the test points being probed on the DUT. For example, some probes may be so-called "solder-in" or "solder-on" probes that are designed to be soldered to appropriate locations on the user's DUT, while other probes are so-called "browser" style probes that are designed to be held by the user and physically placed in contact with test points on the DUT. The design of the probes may also take into account the type of test and measurement instrument to which the probes are connected, or the specific type of input connector on the test and measurement instrument. For example, some test and measurement instruments may feature simple BNC (Neil-Conseman) input connectors, while others may use specialized probe-to-instrument connection interfaces, such as the TEKCONNECT® probe interface, or the TEKVPI® probe interface, both of which are offered by Tektronix. The design of a probe may consider a combination of these and other design factors, and design trade-offs may be made between them. As a result, the probe product lines offered by test and measurement companies may include dozens or even hundreds of different probe models.

[0005] Embodiments of the disclosed technology address shortcomings in the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a configuration of a test and measurement probe connected to a test and measurement instrument and a device under test;

[0007] Figure 2is a functional block diagram of a configuration of a test and measurement probe with a touch screen user interface according to an embodiment;

[0008] Figure 3 is a conceptual representation of a test and measurement probe configured to accept a removable touch screen user interface according to an embodiment;

[0009] Figure 4A is a conceptual representation of the front side of a touch screen user interface according to an embodiment. Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A conceptual representation of the back side of a touch screen user interface;

[0010] Figure 5A is a conceptual representation of the front side of a docking station for a touch screen user interface according to an embodiment. Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A conceptual representation of the back side of the docking station;

[0011] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of receiving user input of a test and measurement probe according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] As described herein, embodiments are directed to a test and measurement probe with a touch screen user interface that is available within the user's workspace. Thus, embodiments of the disclosed technology can enhance the user's probing experience by keeping the user's focus on the DUT; provide a method of controlling a test and measurement probe at the DUT; provide a method of controlling a test and measurement instrument at the DUT; provide a visual display of a measurement, state, or waveform at the DUT; provide a magnified view of the DUT for probing; and other potential benefits described below.

[0013] Figure 1 1 is a functional block diagram showing a partial configuration of a test and measurement probe 100 connected to a test and measurement instrument 101 and a device under test (DUT 102). Figure 1 As illustrated in , the test and measurement probe 100 typically includes a probe head 103 , a probe cable 104 , and a compensating box (compbox) 105 .

[0014] The probe head 103 is a portion of the test and measurement probe 100 that physically connects the test and measurement probe 100 to the DUT 102 and obtains a signal 106 from the DUT 102. As an example, the signal 106 can be an electrical signal or an optical signal. The probe head 103 can be a single probe tip contact, or the probe head 103 can be more complex, such as a probe head of an active probe that includes an amplifier or other signal conditioning circuit. The probe cable 104 typically has a certain length, usually one meter or more, and conducts the signal 106 obtained from the DUT 102 between the probe head 103 and the compensation box 105.

[0015] The compensation box 105 is a portion of the test and measurement probe 100 that is typically connected to the test and measurement instrument 101 via a probe-to-instrument interface 107. The probe-to-instrument interface 107 may include mechanical and electrical connections to mechanically and electrically connect the test and measurement probe 100 to the test and measurement instrument 101. "Compensation box" is a standard term in the test and measurement industry and refers to the electronics between the probe cable 104 and the probe-instrument interface 107, which are typically located in a housing or box. Although the term historically comes from the expression "compensation box", as used in the present disclosure, the compensation box may or may not include electronics to compensate for any mismatch in the impedance of the test and measurement probe 100 and the input 108 of the test and measurement instrument 101. The compensation box 105 typically houses a controller 122 to control the operation of the various components of the test and measurement probe 100. However, the controller 122 may alternatively be located on or in the probe head 103 , or anywhere else on the test and measurement probe 100 between the probe-to-instrument interface 107 and the probe head 103 .

[0016] The test and measurement instrument 101 may be, for example, an oscilloscope and may include a processor 109 , a memory 110 , and a user interface 111 , which may include a display. The processor 109 may communicate with the controller 122 via the probe-to-instrument interface 107 .

[0017] The compensation box 105 may include a user interface 112, typically in the form of buttons or lights or both, which allows a user to monitor and control settings or functions of the test and measurement probe 100 or the test and measurement instrument 101. For example, the user interface 112 may have a menu button that, when pressed by the user, brings up menu options on a display of the test and measurement instrument 101. In conventional probes, the user interface 112 of the compensation box 105 may be implemented through a combination of status lights, graphic or text labels, membrane switches, and e-mat switches, which are flexible switches that include dome switches or other mechanical switches in a flexible substrate or mat.

[0018] Thus, the user interface 112 of the compensation box 105 for each different probe type may have a unique combination of status lights, graphic or text labels, membrane switches, and e-mat switches. However, because these are physical components, it may be difficult and time consuming to redesign these components to include functionality beyond what the components were originally designed to perform. Further, even relatively simple modifications, such as changes in label text or color schemes, may require redesigning these components.

[0019] The probe settings can typically be changed through the user interface 112 of the connected test and measurement instrument 101. But the connected test and measurement instrument 101 may not have a display, or the display of the test and measurement instrument 101 may be out of reach or out of sight when the user is operating the test and measurement probe 100. Further, one of the challenges of probing is having to change the probe settings while trying to obtain a signal from a specific location on the DUT 102. Because humans only have two hands, the user must typically shift the user's attention - and at least one of the user's hands - to the test and measurement instrument 101 to change the probe settings. However, by looking away from the DUT 102, the user may accidentally lose physical contact with the desired portion of the DUT 102. In addition, when the user reaches out to contact the test and measurement instrument 101, such as to change a setting, the user is distracted from the probing task at hand.

[0020] Figure 2 1 is a functional block diagram showing various parts of the configuration of an improved test and measurement probe 200, which is connected to the test and measurement instrument 101 and the DUT 102. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the test and measurement probe 200 may include a probe head 103 , a probe cable 104 , and a compensation box 105 . The test and measurement probe 200 may be coupled to the test and measurement instrument 101 via a probe-to-instrument interface 107 . Figure 2 The compensation box 105, probe cable 104, test and measurement instrument 101, and probe-to-instrument interface 107 shown in FIG. 1 are each as described above with respect to FIG. Figure 1 The test and measurement probe 200 includes a touch screen user interface 250 instead of Figure 1 The test and measurement probe 200 may further include a probe camera 213 .

[0021] The touch screen user interface 250 includes a processor and is configured to both visually convey information to a user and accept user touch input via the touch screen display 418 of the touch screen user interface 250 .

[0022] The touch screen user interface 250 can allow for an improved method of communication between the test and measurement probe 200 and the test and measurement instrument 101. A single touch screen user interface 250 design can be configured to work with many different test and measurement probe designs. Thus, the touch screen user interface 250 can create a common platform for the test and measurement probes to use the same user interface design and allow an icon-driven approach to the connectivity of the test and measurement probes with the test and measurement instrument 101. While utilizing a common software platform for different types of test and measurement probes, utilizing the touch screen user interface 250, the user can have a menu series specific to the test probe that can be adapted for use with other types of test and measurement probes.

[0023] For example, by selecting a virtual menu button displayed on the touch screen user interface 250, the user can navigate to a submenu to select a desired attenuation without viewing the user interface of the test and measurement instrument 101. Furthermore, when using a generic software design, the menu structure presented on the touch screen user interface 250 can be customized for different types of test and measurement probes (e.g., such as single-ended, differential, power, or high bandwidth test and measurement probes, among others) to present a menu structure suitable for the intended use of the particular test and measurement probe.

[0024] In an embodiment, test and measurement information may be shown on the touch screen user interface 250. Non-exclusive examples of such test and measurement information are calibration status, connectivity, identification of a test and measurement probe coupled to the touch screen user interface 250, status of the test and measurement probe, status of the test and measurement instrument 101, DUT measurements (e.g., current, voltage, and waveforms), and graphical features prompting the user for touch input, including through virtual buttons and menus.

[0025] The coupled test and measurement probe may be identified by, for example, displaying an icon, color, or text information corresponding to the test and measurement probe or the channel of the test and measurement instrument 101 to which the test and measurement probe is connected on the touch screen user interface 250. In an embodiment, user input to the touch screen user interface 250 may cause a light (such as an LED) on the coupled probe head 103 to illuminate, thereby visually identifying to the user the corresponding probe head 103. The light may illuminate in a color corresponding to the channel of the test and measurement instrument 101 to which the test and measurement probe is connected.

[0026] As another example of using probe identification, some probe types include interchangeable probe tips. Therefore, the displayed test and measurement information can identify the specific probe tip in use. In addition, the touch screen user interface 250 can automatically adjust the menu options to those options associated or related to the identified probe tip.

[0027] Once a specific probe tip is identified, the touch screen user interface 250 may also display accessories to be used with the identified probe tip. If the user has a series of tests that require different probe tips and different accessories, the touch screen user interface 250 may display the next sequence of probe tips and accessory requirements in succession, thereby speeding up the test process.

[0028] Displaying test and measurement information at the touch screen user interface 250 can improve user efficiency by, for example, reducing the time it takes for a user to set up a test and measurement probe. That is, allowing a user to perform initial setup of the test and measurement probe at the compensating box 105 (as opposed to, for example, at the test and measurement instrument 101) can speed up the process, allowing the user to begin probing operations more quickly. The touch screen user interface 250 can be particularly helpful in reducing setup time for a test and measurement instrument 101 that does not have its own display by facilitating user interaction with the test and measurement instrument 101.

[0029] Having a touch screen user interface 250 at the test and measurement probe can also accelerate the introduction of new probe models to the market by reducing or eliminating the need to create additional physical components (such as status lights, graphic or text labels, membrane switches, and e-mat switches as described above) for each new test and measurement probe. Alternatively, customization can be achieved by programming the touch screen user interface 250 to have desired features. Therefore, one programmable touch screen user interface 250 can replace dozens of physical user interfaces 112 (such as those that transmit information and receive inputs through status lights, graphic or text labels, membrane switches, and e-mat switches), thereby greatly reducing the inventory of new and spare parts. This also simplifies maintenance and upgrades, which can be completed through software revisions.

[0030] return Figure 2 , the probe camera 213 can allow the test and measurement probe 200 to capture live video images of the DUT 102. In some embodiments, still images can be captured and stored. Then, those captured images can be displayed on the touch screen user interface 250, on a display on the test and measurement instrument 101, or on both. The displayed image can be a magnification or expansion of the image captured by the probe camera 213 to allow the user to better view the probe points of the DUT 102. If the image is displayed on the touch screen user interface 250, this may be particularly beneficial because the user can then refer to the image to properly position the test and measurement probe 200 at the probe point of the DUT 102 without having to look at the test and measurement instrument 101.

[0031] In some embodiments, the image captured by the probe camera 213 can be used for augmented reality features. That is, the test and measurement instrument 101 can save data about the user schematic and layout of a specific DUT 102. The data can be processed to identify the detection position for measurement. The image captured by the probe camera 213 can be compared with the processed data to guide the user to the correct detection point. For example, the touch screen user interface 250 can display a flashing arrow on the image captured by the probe camera 213 to guide the user to move the probe head 103 to the desired detection position.

[0032] In an embodiment, the touch screen user interface 250 can be removable from the compensation box 105. Thus, for example, the touch screen user interface 250 can be connected to the compensation box 105 via a user interface cable 316, and when the touch screen user interface 250 is removed from the compensation box 105, a wired connection is provided between the touch screen user interface 250 and the compensation box 105. As another example, the touch screen user interface 250 can be wirelessly coupled to the compensation box 105. In addition to or in lieu of being coupled to the compensation box 105 (whether by a wired connection or a wireless connection), the touch screen user interface 250 can be wirelessly coupled to the probe head 103 or the test and measurement instrument 101, or both. Various wireless connections can utilize, for example, Bluetooth® or other short-range wireless communication protocols. Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth Sig. Therefore, each touch screen user interface 250, the probe head 103, and the test and measurement instrument 101 can be individually identifiable by a wireless communication protocol.

[0033] The touch screen user interface 250 may include a battery for wireless operation. The battery of the touch screen user interface 250 may be removed by, for example, inserting the touch screen user interface 250 into the compensation box 105, a separate docking station 520 (as described below for Figure 5A and Figure 5B discussed) or another power source for charging.

[0034] In embodiments with a removable touch screen user interface 250, the wireless coupling may be disabled when the touch screen user interface 250 is connected to the compensation box 105 via a wired connection.

[0035] The removable touch screen user interface 250 has many potential advantages for command and control of the test and measurement probe 200 and the test and measurement instrument 101. For example, the user can place the touch screen user interface 250 in the user's hand or on the user's workspace near the DUT 102. Therefore, the removable touch screen user interface 250 can enable functions to be implemented at the probing location in the user's workspace. For example, through the removable touch screen user interface 250, the user can make user inputs (e.g., menu selections) at the user's workspace to operate or set the operating characteristics of the test and measurement probe 200 or the test and measurement instrument 101 or both without the user turning, reaching or otherwise diverting the user's attention from the DUT 102 and to the compensation box 105 or the test and measurement instrument 101. Therefore, as an example, a single user can trigger an oscilloscope (such as the test and measurement instrument 101) to capture data from the DUT 102 while the user stays at the DUT 102 with the test and measurement probe 200, even if the probe cable 104 is long (such as, for example, two meters long).

[0036] In an embodiment, the removable touch screen user interface 250 can be coupled to more than one test and measurement probe 200 or more than one test and measurement instrument 101, or both. In such an embodiment, the touch screen user interface 250 can allow a user to select between various devices (coupled test and measurement probes and test and measurement instruments) whose information will be displayed on the touch screen user interface 250 or whose operating characteristics will be set by the touch screen user interface 250. As described above, each touch screen user interface 250, probe head 103, and test and measurement instrument 101 can be individually identified by a wireless communication protocol.

[0037] Figure 3 1 is a conceptual representation of a portion of a test and measurement probe 300 according to an embodiment. As illustrated, the test and measurement probe 300 may include a compensation box 105, a probe cable 104 (partially shown), and a probe to instrument interface 107. The probe head 103 is Figure 3 105, although it will be located at the end of the probe cable 104 that is not attached to the compensation box 105. In addition to what is mentioned here, Figure 3 The compensation box 105, the probe cable 104 and the probe to instrument interface 107 shown in FIG. Figure 2 Just as described.

[0038] like Figure 3, the compensation box 105 may include a channel 314 configured to receive and protect a touch screen user interface 250 that can be removed from the compensation box 105. The compensation box 105 may include a connector 315 to provide an electrical connection between the compensation box 105 and the touch screen user interface 250 when the touch screen user interface 250 is fixed in the channel 314. In an embodiment, the compensation box 105 may include a user interface cable 316 configured to provide a wired electrical connection between the connector 315 of the compensation box 105 and the touch screen user interface 250. The user interface cable 316 may include a micro USB connector, for example, for connecting to the touch screen user interface 250 or the compensation box 105 or both. The compensation box 105 may include an eject button 317 that is configured to allow the touch screen user interface 250 to be removed from the compensation box 105 when activated.

[0039] According to an embodiment, Figure 4A is a conceptual representation of the front side of touch screen user interface 250 . Figure 4B yes Figure 1 A conceptual representation of the back side of the touch screen user interface 250. Figure 4A and 4B As shown in FIG. 4 , the touch screen user interface 250 may include a touch screen display 418 and a housing 419. The housing 419 may be configured to include Figure 3 The channel 314 of the compensation box 105 shown in FIG. 2 is received and fixed. The touch screen user interface 250 can be configured to be handheld and have a size similar to a mobile device. In an embodiment, the touch screen user interface 250 can be a mobile device, such as a smart phone or a tablet computer.

[0040] The touch screen user interface 250 may include a camera 413. Although illustrated as being on the back side of the touch screen user interface 250, the camera 413 may be anywhere on the touch screen user interface 250. The camera 413 may allow the touch screen user interface 250 to capture a live video image of the DUT 102. In some embodiments, a still image may be captured and stored. Then, these images may be displayed on the touch screen display 418 of the touch screen user interface 250, on a display on the test and measurement instrument 101, or on both. The displayed image may be an enlargement or expansion of the image captured by the camera 413 to allow the user to better view the probe points of the DUT 102. If the image is displayed on the touch screen user interface 250, this may be particularly beneficial, because the user may then refer to the image to properly position the test and measurement probe at the probe point of the DUT 102 without having to look at the test and measurement instrument 101. The augmented reality feature discussed above for the probe camera 213 is also a feature of some embodiments having a camera 413 on the touch screen user interface 250.

[0041] Figure 5A is a conceptual representation of the front side of the dock 520 of the touch screen user interface 250 according to an embodiment. Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A conceptual representation of the back side of the docking station 520. Figure 5A and 5B As shown in FIG. 1 , the docking station 520 or hands-free device holder may include a channel 514 configured to receive and secure a touch screen user interface 250, such as Figure 4A and 4B The docking station 520 may include a connector 515 to provide an electrical connection between the docking station 520 and the touch screen user interface 250 when the touch screen user interface 250 is secured within the channel 514. The docking station 520 may include a bracket 521 to support the docking station 520 in an inclined position. Figure 5B , the stand 521 is illustrated as being folded against the back side of the dock 520. The dock 520 may include an eject button 517 configured to allow the touch screen user interface 250 to be removed from the dock 520 when activated.

[0042] In an embodiment, the docking station 520 may be wearable by a user, such as, for example, worn on a user's wrist. The docking station 520 may be used as a cover or housing to protect the touch screen user interface 250 when the touch screen user interface 250 is not secured to the compensation box 105. The docking station 520 may also provide extended battery life for the touch screen user interface 250 by providing a means for charging the battery of the touch screen user interface 250 as described above.

[0043] In an embodiment, the dock 520 may include a user interface cable 316 configured to provide a wired electrical connection between the connector 515 of the dock 520 and the touch screen user interface 250. The user interface cable 316 may include, for example, a micro USB connector for connecting to the touch screen user interface 250 or the dock 520 or both.

[0044] like Figure 6 , a method 600 of operating a test and measurement probe may include coupling 601 a touch screen user interface to the test and measurement probe, the touch screen user interface being configured to visually convey test and measurement information to a user and to accept user touch input, and the test and measurement probe being configured to obtain a signal from a device under test; displaying 602 test and measurement information on the touch screen user interface, the test and measurement information including graphical features to prompt a user to perform touch input to the touch screen user interface; and receiving 605 the user touch input at the touch screen user interface. As described above, the coupling between the touch screen user interface and the test and measurement probe may be wireless.

[0045] As described above, the user touch input can include a menu selection or multiple menu selections to, for example, view settings of a test and measurement probe, view settings of a connected test and measurement instrument, change settings of a test and measurement probe, change settings of a connected test and measurement instrument, view DUT measurements (e.g., current, voltage, or waveform), start or terminate a function of a test and measurement probe, or start or terminate a function of a connected test and measurement instrument (e.g., triggering an oscilloscope to capture data).

[0046] The method 600 may also include detecting 603 a type of the test and measurement probe; and displaying 604 an indicator of the detected test and measurement probe type on the touch screen user interface.

[0047] Thus, embodiments of the disclosed technology may enhance a user's probing experience by keeping the user's focus on the DUT.

[0048] Example

[0049] Illustrative examples of the disclosed technology are provided below. Embodiments of the technology may include one or more and any combination of the examples described below.

[0050] Example 1 includes a test and measurement probe for a test and measurement instrument, the test and measurement probe comprising: a probe head configured to obtain signals from a device under test; and a touch screen user interface configured to visually convey test and measurement information to a user and to accept user touch input.

[0051] Example 2 includes the test and measurement probe of Example 1, further comprising a controller, the touch screen user interface coupled to the controller.

[0052] Example 3 includes the test and measurement probe of Example 2, wherein the controller is housed in a compensating box and the touch screen user interface is removably connected to the compensating box.

[0053] Example 4 includes the test and measurement probe of any of Examples 2-3, wherein the touch screen user interface is wirelessly coupled to the controller.

[0054] Example 5 includes the test and measurement probe of any of Examples 2-3, wherein the touch screen user interface is coupled to the controller via a user interface cable.

[0055] Example 6 includes the test and measurement probe of any of Examples 1-5, further comprising a camera, the touch screen user interface being further configured to display an image from the camera.

[0056] Example 7 includes the test and measurement probe of any of Examples 1-6, wherein the touch screen user interface is wirelessly coupled to the probe head.

[0057] Example 8 includes the test and measurement probe of any of Examples 1-7, wherein the touch screen user interface comprises a mobile device.

[0058] Example 9 includes a test and measurement system, the system comprising: a test and measurement instrument; and a test and measurement probe coupled to the test and measurement instrument, the test and measurement probe comprising: a probe head configured to obtain a signal from a device under test, and a touch screen user interface configured to visually convey test and measurement information to a user and to accept user touch input.

[0059] Example 10 includes the test and measurement system of Example 9, wherein the touch screen user interface is configured to wirelessly communicate with the test and measurement instrument.

[0060] Example 11 includes the test and measurement system of any of Examples 9-10, wherein the test and measurement probe is coupled to the test and measurement instrument via a probe-to-instrument interface configured to mechanically and electrically connect the test and measurement probe to the test and measurement instrument.

[0061] Example 12 includes the test and measurement system of any of Examples 9-11, further comprising a camera, the test and measurement instrument being configured to display an image from the camera.

[0062] Example 13 includes the test and measurement system of any of Examples 9-12, wherein the test and measurement instrument is an oscilloscope.

[0063] Example 14 includes the test and measurement system of any of Examples 9-13, the test and measurement probe further comprising a controller, wherein the touch screen user interface is coupled to the controller.

[0064] Example 15 includes the test and measurement system of Example 14, wherein the controller is housed in a compensating box and the touch screen user interface is removably connected to the compensating box.

[0065] Example 16 includes the test and measurement system of any of Examples 14-15, wherein the touch screen user interface is wirelessly coupled to the controller.

[0066] Example 17 includes the test and measurement system of any of Examples 14-15, wherein the touch screen user interface is coupled to the controller via a user interface cable.

[0067] Example 18 includes a method of operating a test and measurement probe, the method comprising: coupling a touch screen user interface to the test and measurement probe, the touch screen user interface being configured to visually convey test and measurement information to a user and to accept user touch input, and the test and measurement probe being configured to obtain signals from a device under test; displaying test and measurement information on the touch screen user interface, the test and measurement information including graphical features to prompt the user to make touch input to the touch screen user interface; and receiving user touch input at the touch screen user interface.

[0068] Example 19 includes the method of Example 18, wherein coupling the touch screen user interface to the test and measurement probe is wirelessly coupling the touch screen user interface to the test and measurement probe.

[0069] Example 20 includes the method of any of Examples 18-19, further comprising: detecting a type of the test and measurement probe; and displaying an indicator of the detected type of the test and measurement probe on the touch screen user interface.

[0070] Aspects of the present disclosure may be operated on specially created hardware, firmware, digital signal processors, or on specially programmed general-purpose computers including processors operating according to programming instructions. The term controller or processor used herein is intended to include microprocessors, microcomputers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and dedicated hardware controllers. One or more aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied in computer-usable data and computer-executable instructions such as in one or more program modules executed by one or more computers (including monitoring modules) or other devices. Typically, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types when executed by processors in computers or other devices. Computer-executable instructions may be stored on non-transitory computer-readable media, such as hard disks, optical disks, removable storage media, solid-state memory, random access memory (RAM), etc. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the functions of the program modules may be combined or distributed in various aspects as desired. In addition, the functions may be embodied in firmware or hardware equivalents such as integrated circuits and FPGAs, etc. Specific data structures may be used to more efficiently implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure, and such data structures are contemplated within the scope of computer-executable instructions and computer-usable data described herein.

[0071] In some cases, the disclosed aspects may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. The disclosed aspects may also be implemented as instructions carried or stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, which may be read and executed by one or more processors. Such instructions may be referred to as computer program products. As discussed herein, computer-readable media refers to any medium that can be accessed by a computing device. As an example and not limitation, computer-readable media may include computer storage media and communication media.

[0072] Computer storage media refers to any medium that can be used to store computer-readable information. By way of example and not limitation, computer storage media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital video disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, and any other volatile or non-volatile, removable or non-removable media implemented in any technology. Computer storage media does not include the signal itself and the temporary form of signal transmission.

[0073] Communication media refers to any medium that can be used for communication of computer-readable information. By way of example and not limitation, communication media may include coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, air, or any other medium suitable for communication of electrical, optical, radio frequency (RF), infrared, acoustic or other types of signals.

[0074] The foregoing versions of the disclosed subject matter have many advantages that have been described or are apparent to those of ordinary skill. Even so, not all of these advantages or features are required in all versions of the disclosed apparatus, system, or method.

[0075] In addition, the written description mentions specific features. It should be understood that the disclosure in this specification includes all possible combinations of these specific features. For example, where a specific feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment, the feature may also be used in the context of other aspects and embodiments to the greatest extent possible.

[0076] Furthermore, when the present application refers to a method having two or more defined steps or operations, the defined steps or operations may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless the context excludes such possibilities.

[0077] Furthermore, the term "comprising" and its grammatical equivalents are used in this application to mean that other components, features, steps, processes, operations, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article "comprising" or "which includes" components A, B, and C may include only components A, B, and C, or it may include components A, B, and C and one or more other components.

[0078] Although particular embodiments have been shown and described for purposes of illustration, it will be appreciated that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited, except as in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A test and measurement probe for a test and measurement instrument, the test and measurement probe comprising: a probe head configured to obtain a signal from a device under test; and a touch screen user interface configured to visually convey test and measurement information to a user and to accept user touch input, wherein the touch screen user interface is configured to be removable from the test and measurement probe to work with a plurality of different test and measurement probes and to display an identification of a test and measurement probe coupled to the touch screen user interface; wherein the touch screen user interface creates a common software platform for multiple different types of test and measurement probes; Wherein, by selecting a menu button displayed on a touch screen user interface, a user navigates through a series of menus and submenus specific to the test probe to select desired operating characteristics of the test and measurement probe while utilizing a common software platform. 2 . The test and measurement probe of claim 1 , further comprising a controller, the touch screen user interface being coupled to the controller. 3 . The test and measurement probe of claim 2 , wherein the controller is housed in a compensating box and the touch screen user interface is removably connected to the compensating box.

4. The test and measurement probe of claim 2, wherein the touch screen user interface is wirelessly coupled to the controller.

5. The test and measurement probe of claim 2, wherein the touch screen user interface is coupled to the controller via a user interface cable. 6 . The test and measurement probe of claim 1 , further comprising a camera, the touch screen user interface further configured to display an image from the camera.

7. The test and measurement probe of claim 1, wherein the touch screen user interface is wirelessly coupled to the probe head.

8. The test and measurement probe of claim 1, wherein the touch screen user interface comprises a mobile device.

9. A test and measurement system comprising: Test and measurement instruments; and A test and measurement probe coupled to a test and measurement instrument, the test and measurement probe comprising: a probe head configured to obtain a signal from a device under test, and a touch screen user interface configured to visually convey test and measurement information to a user and to accept user touch input, wherein the touch screen user interface is configured to be removable from the test and measurement probe to work with a plurality of different test and measurement probes and to display an identification of a test and measurement probe coupled to the touch screen user interface; wherein the touch screen user interface creates a common software platform for multiple different types of test and measurement probes; And wherein while utilizing the common software platform, by selecting a menu button displayed on a touch screen user interface, a user navigates through a series of menus and submenus specific to the test probe to select desired operating characteristics of the test and measurement probe.

10. The test and measurement system of claim 9, wherein the touch screen user interface is configured to communicate wirelessly with the test and measurement instrument.

11. The test and measurement system of claim 9, wherein the test and measurement probe is coupled to the test and measurement instrument via a probe-to-instrument interface configured to mechanically and electrically connect the test and measurement probe to the test and measurement instrument.

12. The test and measurement system of claim 9, further comprising a camera, the test and measurement instrument being configured to display an image from the camera.

13. The test and measurement system of claim 9, wherein the test and measurement instrument is an oscilloscope.

14. The test and measurement system of claim 9, the test and measurement probe further comprising a controller, wherein the touch screen user interface is coupled to the controller.

15. The test and measurement system of claim 14, wherein the controller is housed in a compensating box and the touch screen user interface is removably connected to the compensating box.

16. The test and measurement system of claim 14, wherein the touch screen user interface is wirelessly coupled to the controller.

17. The test and measurement system of claim 14, wherein the touch screen user interface is coupled to the controller via a user interface cable.

18. A method of operating a test and measurement probe, the method comprising: coupling a touch screen user interface to the test and measurement probe, the touch screen user interface configured to visually convey test and measurement information to a user and to accept user touch input, wherein the touch screen user interface is configured to be removable from the test and measurement probe to work with a plurality of different test and measurement probes and to display an identification of a test and measurement probe coupled to the touch screen user interface, and the test and measurement probe is configured to obtain a signal from a device under test; displaying test and measurement information on the touch screen user interface, the test and measurement information including graphical features to prompt a user to perform touch input to the touch screen user interface; and Receiving user touch input at a touch screen user interface; wherein the touch screen user interface creates a common software platform for multiple different types of test and measurement probes; And wherein while utilizing the common software platform, by selecting a menu button displayed on a touch screen user interface, a user navigates through a series of menus and submenus specific to the test probe to select desired operating characteristics of the test and measurement probe.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein coupling the touch screen user interface to the test and measurement probe is wirelessly coupling the touch screen user interface to the test and measurement probe.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: Detection of types of test and measurement probes; and An indicator of the type of test and measurement probe detected is displayed on the touch screen user interface.

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