Agilent/Keysight 1146B

The Keysight 1146B is a Hall-effect current probe designed for non-invasive AC and DC current measurement across industrial and laboratory environments. It captures transient signals without circuit interruption, delivering accurate readings from 100 mA to 100 A across a DC to 100 kHz bandwidth. The probe operates at working voltages up to 600 V and integrates with standard oscilloscopes via BNC connector, making it essential for characterizing motor controllers, switching power supplies, inverters, and current amplifiers driving inductive loads.

The 1146B successor to the discontinued 1146A maintains identical form, fit, and functionality while delivering proven measurement performance. A 9 V alkaline battery powers the unit, with status indicated by battery level and overload indicators. The light gray Lexan housing (UL 94 V2) houses a 231 × 36 × 67 mm form factor with a 2 m insulated coaxial output cable terminated in an insulated BNC connector.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency range: DC to 100 kHz (−3 dB with current de-rating)


• Maximum current: 100 A DC or 100 A peak AC (100 A RMS)


• Minimum current: 100 mA


• Working voltage: 600 V maximum


• Safety rating: 600 V Category III (Pollution degree 2); 300 V Category IV (Pollution degree 2) Measurement Accuracy


• At 100 mV/A: ±3% of reading for 50 mV to 10 A peak (≥50 mA)


• At 10 mV/A: ±4% of reading for 500 mA to 40 A peak (≥50 mA)


• At 10 mV/A: ±15% maximum at 100 A peak

Key Features

• Hall-effect sensor technology for simultaneous AC and DC measurement


• Non-contact measurement eliminates circuit breaking


• Battery level indicator and overload indicator


• 9 V alkaline battery powered


• Rated for demanding transient analysis applications

Typical Applications

• Motor controller characterization


• Switching power supply analysis


• Inverter current profiling


• Current amplifier load assessment

Compatibility & Integration Compatible with any oscilloscope featuring 0.2 to 0.5 V/div sensitivity and 1 MΩ BNC input impedance. High-impedance adapters (E2697A for 80000/90000 Series or N5449A for 90000X/Q Series) enable integration with 50 Ω Infiniium instruments. Suitable for use with digital multimeters and data acquisition systems.