The Keysight N287xA / N2894A passive probe family is a set of eight oscilloscope probes covering attenuation ratios from 1:1 through 100:1 and bandwidths from 35 MHz to 1.5 GHz. Each model in the family is designed to connect a specific class of signal — from low-amplitude bench signals through several-hundred-volt measurements — to a compatible oscilloscope input, with model-specific input resistance and capacitance characteristics that determine its loading behavior on the device under test.

The probes are used for time-domain voltage measurements on circuits under test, where the probe and oscilloscope together form the measurement system. Specific models within the family target different applications: the 1:1 N2870A pairs with 1 MΩ oscilloscope inputs for small-signal work, the 10:1 models (N2871A, N2872A, N2873A, N2894A) cover general-purpose bench measurement across 200 MHz to 700 MHz bandwidth tiers, the 20:1 N2875A extends to 400 V CAT I with 20 MΩ input resistance, and the 100:1 N2876A handles higher-amplitude signals at 1.5 GHz bandwidth. The N2874A and N2876A are designed for 50 Ω oscilloscope inputs, while the remaining models pair with 1 MΩ inputs.

ValueTronics International, LLC stocks and supports the Keysight N287xA and N2894A passive probe family from our 20,000 square foot warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive, Elgin, Illinois. Each pre-owned probe in our inventory is verified before shipment by our technicians, and we maintain the documentation depth — including the original Keysight specifications referenced above — that lets engineers confirm spec compatibility with their oscilloscope and application before the unit arrives on the bench. As an authorized Keysight distribution partner, we serve customers across R&D, production test, education, and field service who need a specific probe model in a specific configuration, supported by a real company with real inspection processes.

Brand Heritage

Keysight Technologies originated as the test and measurement business of Hewlett-Packard, which spun off as Agilent Technologies in 1999 and then divided again in 2014, with the electronic measurement business becoming Keysight Technologies. Passive probes carrying the N287xA and N2894A model numbers are part of the current Keysight catalog and reflect that engineering lineage.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The N287xA / N2894A family consists of eight passive probe models that share a common mechanical and environmental design (48 g probe, 1.3 m cable, 2.5 mm barrel, 0–50 °C operating range, Pollution Degree 2) but differ across several electrical dimensions: attenuation ratio, bandwidth, risetime, maximum input voltage, input resistance, input capacitance, and the oscilloscope input coupling they are designed to pair with (1 MΩ or 50 Ω).

Selecting the right probe within the family requires matching the model's attenuation ratio and input impedance to the signal amplitude being measured and the oscilloscope input it will connect to, then confirming the bandwidth and risetime are adequate for the highest-frequency content in the signal. The comparison table that follows organizes the per-model specifications for direct evaluation.

Each pre-owned probe in this family is listed as its own product page with condition-matched pricing. Select the specific model that matches your application's attenuation, bandwidth, input impedance, and voltage rating requirements.

The most significant differentiators across the family are bandwidth and input impedance. The N2870A (35 MHz, 1:1, 1 MΩ + scope) is the lowest-bandwidth model and the only 1:1 attenuation member of the family. The 10:1 group spans 200 MHz (N2871A), 350 MHz (N2872A), 500 MHz (N2873A), and 700 MHz (N2894A, with the qualifier noted above), all paired with 1 MΩ oscilloscope inputs and 10 MΩ system input resistance. The 1.5 GHz tier comprises the N2874A (10:1, 50 Ω scope coupling, 500 Ω input resistance, 8.5 V CAT I) and the N2876A (100:1, 50 Ω scope coupling, 5 kΩ input resistance, 21 V CAT I).

Input capacitance also varies across the family: 1.8 pF on the N2874A is the lowest in the lineup, followed by 2.2 pF on the N2876A, 5.6 pF on the N2875A, 9.5 pF on the 10:1 models, and 39 pF (plus oscilloscope input capacitance) on the N2870A 1:1 model. Lower input capacitance reduces probe loading on high-frequency or high-impedance circuits. The voltage derating plot in the datasheet shows that the N2871A, N2872A, N2873A, N2875A, and N2894A track together at the highest voltage envelope, with the N2876A and N2874A on lower envelopes consistent with their 50 Ω application focus.

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

Product Core & Specifications

About this used unit

• Warranty included
• Functional verification included
• Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data.
• Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm).

Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.