Probe for sampling differential electromagnetic fields

A circuit board for use in detecting signals on telephone cables, comprising:

• a) a probe area having a first surface and an opposite second surface, the first surface having a first conductive plate and the second surface having a second conductive plate, with each of the first and second conductive plates having an overall size and having plural nonconductive interstices therein so as to reduce a capacitance between the first and second conductive plates, said probe area being structured and arranged to be inserted between a pair of wires for capacitive coupling to the pair of wires:
• b) an electronics area that is integral to and adjacent to the probe area, the electronics area being structured and arranged to receive sensing electronics for use in processing a signal collected by the first and second conductive plates.

A method of sensing a signal in a pair of wires, comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a probe having two comb shaped conductors that are separated from each other, the comb shaped conductors having conductive parallel teeth;
• b) inserting the probe between the wires in the pair such that the wires are parallel to the conductive teeth;
• c) collecting a portion of the signal from the pair of wires with the probe.