Agilent/Keysight E5406A

The Agilent/Keysight E5406A is a Pro Series soft touch connectorless probe engineered for high-speed digital debugging and signal integrity analysis. It has direct access to target signals without requiring physical connectors on the PCB, using micro spring-pin technology to contact signal pads reliably across uneven and contaminated surfaces. The top-side retention module eliminates backside board access, streamlining the probing workflow and enabling accurate measurements of high-speed digital signals with minimal loading on the target system.

Technical Specifications

• 34 channels total: 32 single-ended data channels, 2 single-ended or differential clock channels


• Equivalent load capacitance: Less than 0.7 pF


• Maximum data rate: Greater than 2.5 Gb/s


• Minimum measurable signal amplitude: 250 mV peak-to-peak Mechanical & Physical Design


• Footprint 30% smaller than previous soft touch probe generations


• Micro spring-pin contact technology for signal pad engagement


• Top-side retention module design


• Compatible with all board surfaces, including lead-free materials

Key Features

• Connectorless probing eliminates PCB connector footprints, reducing board real estate by 30% compared to prior versions


• Ultra-low loading at less than 0.7 pF enables accurate high-speed measurements above 2.5 Gb/s without signal degradation


• Reliable contact across surface irregularities and oxide contamination through micro spring-pin technology


• Top-side access eliminates the need for backside board manipulation, reducing setup time and handling risk


• Supports both single-ended and differential clock measurements within the same probe assembly

Typical Applications

• High-speed digital system debugging and verification


• Real-time signal integrity analysis on production boards


• Multi-channel data capture on lead-free PCB assemblies


• Low-jitter clock and timing measurements

Compatibility & Integration The E5406A interfaces with logic analyzers equipped with 90-pin cable connectors. Integration requires upfront design of the Pro Series soft touch connectorless footprint on the target PCB. The probe operates across all standard board surface finishes, including lead-free technologies. Note: This product is no longer available due to non-compliance with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. Keysight provides ongoing service and support through the end of worldwide support life.