1.5 KiB
TRIDENT
TRIDENT – Open‑Source High‑Precision Spring‑Loaded UHF Probe
The TRIDENT is a compact, high‑frequency probe engineered for exacting PCB diagnostics. Housed within a 44 mm‑tall, copper‑chassis PCB that is grounded and soldered directly to the board, delivering a low‑impedance return path that preserves signal integrity well into the multi‑gigahertz range. Its tri‑needle architecture comprises two outer, spring‑loaded ground contacts that engage the board’s ground pours, establishing a stable reference plane, and a central needle that mates precisely with the stripline under test for consistent signal coupling.
Designed at the forefront of current fabrication capabilities, the TRIDENT’s PCB employs the finest tolerances and material selections available to achieve minimal parasitic inductance and optimal high‑frequency performance. The entire hardware design is released under the CERN Open Hardware Licence (CERN‑OHL‑S), allowing unrestricted modification, redistribution, and collaborative improvement by the community.
Because the probe integrates seamlessly with standard peripherals and requires no proprietary components, engineers can rapidly prototype, validate, and iterate high‑speed designs while benefiting from the transparency and extensibility of an open‑source hardware platform.