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Introducing the New FireFly® Power Over Fiber Adapter—24/7 Continuous Operation for High-Voltage Measurement Systems
The FireFly® Series from PMK has been recognized by many as the industry’s premier solution for galvanically isolated, high-bandwidth, high-voltage measurements in advanced electronics testing environments. Besides its spectacular performance specs, the FireFly®'s most appreciated facts are its
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compatibility with any oscilloscope thanks to generic BNC connection,
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ultra-low temperature drift of less than 0.05%/°C,
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full-range bandwidth of >1.5GHz in a single probe, and its
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patented ergonomic, minimally invasive form-factor.
See also the FireFly® datasheet for in-depth spec and performance information.
Now, we are happy to announce the next evolutionary step of the FireFly®--the FireFly® Power Over Fiber (POF) Adapter.
24/7 Continuous Operation—No More Battery Interruptions
All FireFly® probe heads can be powered by an industry-standard 18650 type rechargeable battery—ideal for debugging and measurement campaigns between 8 and 30 hours. But what if your tests demand continuous, uninterrupted measurements?
That's where the FireFly® POF Adapter comes in. By replacing the battery with the POF Adapter, your FireFly® probe becomes capable of continuous 24/7 operation, which is ideal for:
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Automated production line testing
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Long-duration device characterization
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Continuous reliability and durability testing scenarios
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Adding safety and convenience
Never again worry about battery replacements or charge cycles interrupting critical measurement sequences.
Fully Galvanically Isolated—Powered by Fiber Optics
Similar to the battery-powered setup, the POF-powered configuration keeps the FireFly® probe head fully galvanically isolated—now delivering power entirely through optical fiber. This design offers:
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Complete electrical isolation between power source and probe tip
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Uncompromised measurement accuracy, noise immunity, and signal integrity
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Enhanced operator safety and test consistency due to reduced manual work with the probe
Seamless Integration and Easy Retrofit Installation
Upgrading to continuous power delivery couldn’t be simpler. The POF Adapter is designed to seamlessly integrate with existing FireFly® probe heads. Simply:
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Remove the battery compartment lid of your existing FireFly® probe, and
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Replace the battery with the POF Adapter.
In mere moments, your FireFly® probe is retrofitted for continuous power operation with zero compromise on performance.
Perfect for Automation and Test Stations
The FireFly® POF Adapter’s continuous, reliable operation makes it ideally suited for integration into:
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Automated production and assembly lines
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Laboratory setups demanding continuous measurements
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Reliability test stands requiring extended, uninterrupted test sequences
It effortlessly ensures your critical measurements run uninterrupted, significantly boosting testing efficiency and making efficient use of your FireFly® probe.
Remote Control and Easy Integration
To further streamline automation, the FireFly® POF Adapter supports remote control capabilities. It seamlessly integrates into your existing infrastructure, requiring just a dedicated power supply channel from the existing PMK PS02/03 power supply. The setup remains simple yet robust, allowing automated test stations maximum flexibility.
Backward Compatible and Future-Proof
The FireFly® POF Adapter is fully backward compatible. It integrates effortlessly with your existing FireFly® probes, ensuring your previous investments remain protected. Transitioning from battery to continuous power is straightforward, future-proofing your measurement setup.
FireFly® System with POF: Setup and Key Components
Let's take a brief look at how the FireFly® test and measurement setup is setup with the new POF adapter. Fig. 1 below shows a simplified illustration of the connectivity for a first glance understanding. It is not to be understood as a manual. Always read the manual and datasheet and follow PMK's specific safety instructions.
A POF FireFly® setup typically includes:
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the FireFly® system (dashed green lines),
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the (external) POF adapter (dashed red lines),
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an (external) PMK Power Supply (dashed orange lines), and
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any suitable Oscilloscope (dashed blue lines).
The oscilloscope and the power supply are connected directly to the grid.
The FireFly® system and the FireFly® POF adapter each connect to one power supply power channel. This provides power to the FireFly® interface board (IB) and the FireFly® POF base station.
Fig. 1: Simplified connectivity diagram for a FireFly with POF Adapter setup
Floating on Two Fiber-Optic Connections
The FireFly® setup achieves full galvanic isolation—hence "floating"—through two independent fiber-optic connections.
- The first fiber-optic cable connects the FireFly® IB to the FireFly® probe head, enabling optical-analog signal transmission.
- The second fiber-optic cable links the POF base station to the POF head, delivering power via Power Over Fiber (POF) while maintaining complete isolation.
Seamless Installation
As shown by the dashed purple line in Fig. 1, mounting the POF adapter onto the FireFly® probe head is a straightforward process. Simply open the battery compartment, remove the FireFly® battery, and securely screw the POF adapter into the existing compartment.
Safety First: Read the Manual Before Use
The FireFly® is intended for professional engineers with expertise in high-voltage environments and test and measurement applications. The information provided above is for educational purposes only. Before using the FireFly® probe or the POF adapter, always refer to the FireFly® datasheet, user manual, and PMK’s official safety guidelines to ensure proper handling and operation.
Availability and Ordering Information
The FireFly® POF Adapter (Model FF-POF-A01) can be ordered separately and is compatible with all FireFly® probe models. Pricing starts at $4,950 USD, with lead times available for mid-June 2025 deliveries.
To explore availability, request a quotation, or ask additional questions, contact:
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Global sales: sales@pmk.de
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Americas: sales@pmkamerica.com
Or visit our online web shop for convenient ordering options.
Upgrade your FireFly® probe today with the groundbreaking Power Over Fiber Adapter, and experience uninterrupted, galvanically isolated measurements like never before.
Your PMK Probing Solutions Team