On-Die Power Rail Measurements: Setup and Best Practices
Accurate on-die power rail measurements depend on proper sense-line design, differential probing, and careful test setup at the package level.
Ripple patterns in S-parameters are caused by reflections from impedance discontinuities, with ripple spacing determined by interconnect length and ripple magnitude driven by impedance mismatch.
Sharp dips in S-parameter plots often indicate coupling to high-Q resonant structures, where specific frequencies are absorbed by PCB cavities or floating interconnects.
Knowing a probe’s dynamic range, differential limits, and common-mode voltage helps ensure safe and accurate measurements in high-voltage circuits.
Choosing between a 50 Ω and 1 MΩ oscilloscope input depends on signal bandwidth, cable impedance, and voltage level to ensure accurate and safe measurements.
Following key measurement best practices—anticipating results, understanding instrument limits, defining objectives, and validating consistency—helps ensure accurate oscilloscope measurements.
Attaching multiple probes to the same test point can cause probe loading and interference, leading to inaccurate oscilloscope measurements and distorted waveforms.
FFT analysis converts time-domain oscilloscope data into a frequency-domain spectrum, revealing the signal’s underlying sine-wave components and interference sources.
TDME oscilloscope software enables engineers to measure serial bus performance and convert encoded data into analog waveforms for deeper debugging and analysis.
Eye diagrams generated from serial decode data help engineers visualize jitter, noise, and signal integrity issues in high-speed digital communications.
CAN XL extends the CAN ecosystem with higher data rates, larger payloads, and improved signal integrity, making it a compelling option for 10 Mbit/s automotive networks.
S-parameters quantify how signals reflect and transmit through a network, providing a frequency-domain view of loss, impedance, and signal integrity.
Accurate EMC/ESD testing begins with verifying surge and ESD pulse characteristics—such as rise time and bandwidth—using high-speed oscilloscopes before applying them to the DUT.