What’s New for Bode 100 & Bode 500 Users

New Capabilities for Power Integrity, Modeling, and High-Frequency Test

The OMICRON Lab Bode 100 and the newer Bode 500 VNAs have evolved significantly over the past 1–2 years. Combined with new Picotest accessories, software enhancements, and application workflows, today’s Bode platform supports measurements and modeling capabilities that previously required multiple high-end instruments. (Picotest)

Whether you already own a Bode 100 or are considering an upgrade to the Bode 500, here are the most important new capabilities you may have missed.

1. Component Test Has Improved Dramatically

New Capability

The new Picotest Component Test Fixture (CTF) enables highly accurate impedance and S-parameter measurements of passive components up to 3 GHz. (Signal Edge Solutions)

Benefit

More accurate impedance magnitude and phase measurements
Better SPICE models
Far better simulation-to-hardware correlation
Improved ESL and ESR extraction for PDN simulations

Application

Capacitor characterization
Ferrite bead modeling
Inductor modeling
Measurement-based PDN simulation workflows

Related Products

OMICRON Lab Bode 100
OMICRON Lab Bode 500
Picotest Component Test Fixture (CTF)
Picotest PDN cables and probes

The CTF was specifically designed to solve the calibration limitations of the Bode 100/500 architecture while enabling pH-level measurement fidelity. (Signal Edge Solutions)

2. PDN Impedance Testing Now Extends to Much Higher Frequencies

New Capability

With the Bode 500, new Picotest PDN probes, higher-power amplifiers, and improved ground isolation (J2116A), users can now measure ultra-low PDN impedances over much wider bandwidths. (Picotest)

Benefit

Detect resonances missed at lower frequencies
Validate AI/datacenter PDNs
Improve decoupling network optimization
Measure lower impedances with greater confidence

Application

FPGA/ASIC power rails
AI accelerator boards
High-speed processors and memory systems
VRM and PDN validation

Related Products

Bode 500
Picotest P2104A / P2105A PDN probes
Picotest J2116A Ground Isolator
Picotest injectors and amplifiers

The Bode 500 extends measurement capability to 450 MHz with >120 dB dynamic range and higher output power for difficult low-impedance measurements. (Picotest)

3. Accurate SPICE Model Generation Is Easier Than Ever

New Capability

The Bode Analyzer Suite now includes the powerful Circuit Fit / SPICE Modeling feature, enabling users to fit measured impedance curves directly into equivalent circuit models. (how2power.com)

Benefit

Create measurement-based SPICE models
Eliminate dependence on poor vendor models
Improve simulation accuracy
Export directly into LTspice, ADS, SIMPLIS, and other simulators

Application

Capacitor models
Ferrite bead models
VRM black-box models
LC filter simulation

Related Products

Bode Analyzer Suite (BAS)
Bode 100
Bode 500
Picotest CTF

The newer Network Fit capability can automatically generate high-order equivalent networks with SPICE export support and model orders up to 20. (OMICRON Lab)

4. PSRR, PSNR, and PSMR Testing Has Expanded

New Capability

New higher-power noise injectors and improved measurement workflows now allow Bode users to perform more advanced power supply rejection testing across wider bandwidths and at higher signal levels. (axmeas.com)

Benefit

Better noise sensitivity characterization
Improved optical and RF system validation
Quantify supply-noise coupling mechanisms
Validate sensitive analog and mixed-signal systems

Application

Optical modules
Clock circuits
ADC/DAC systems
RF and mixed-signal electronics

Related Products

Picotest injectors
Bode 100
Bode 500
Picotest probes and amplifiers

Modern PI workflows now combine PSRR, PDN impedance, transient response, and loop gain into a complete system-level power integrity validation process. (axmeas.com)

5. The Bode 500 Extends Testing to 450 MHz

New Capability

The Bode 500 significantly extends the frequency range of the Bode platform—from the Bode 100’s 50 MHz capability to 450 MHz. (Picotest)

Benefit

Perform true high-frequency Power Integrity testing
Measure EMI filter insertion loss
Characterize high-speed interconnects and filters
Analyze higher-order resonances

Application

PDN impedance
EMI filter characterization
S-parameter measurements
RF and high-speed digital systems

Related Products

Bode 500
Picotest probes
B-TCA and related fixtures

The Bode 500 maintains the same easy-to-use Bode Analyzer Suite workflow while adding significantly more bandwidth, output power, and dynamic range. (Picotest)

6. Training and Learning Tools Have Improved

New Capability

Picotest has expanded its ecosystem of demo boards, training materials, setup files, videos, and online classes to make learning advanced power supply and power integrity measurements easier than ever. (Picotest)

Benefit

Faster onboarding
Easier measurement setup
Reduced learning curve
Better test repeatability

Application

University labs
Corporate training
New PI engineers
Advanced power supply validation

Related Products

Picotest Online Training
Exercise Booklet
Converter Stability Demo Board
VRTS boards
Bode Analyzer Suite

Recent application notes now cover:

LC filter simulation and modeling
Motor impedance measurements
Measurement-based SPICE workflows
Advanced PDN impedance testing (OMICRON Lab)

Why Upgrade from Bode 100 to Bode 500?

If your work now includes:

AI/datacenter hardware
Advanced PDN validation
Higher-frequency PI testing
EMI filter characterization
Measurement-based modeling
Ultra-low impedance measurements

…the Bode 500 dramatically extends what you can measure while preserving the same simple BAS workflow you already know. (Picotest)

Key Bode 500 advantages include:

450 MHz bandwidth
120 dB dynamic range
Higher output power
Better low-impedance capability
Ethernet/SCPI automation
Improved PI measurement workflows

The Bigger Picture

The Bode platform has evolved far beyond traditional loop-gain measurements.

Today, the combination of:

Bode 100/500
Picotest probes and injectors
Circuit Fit/SPICE modeling
PDN measurement workflows
Component characterization tools

creates a complete Power Integrity and modeling ecosystem capable of solving problems that previously required multiple expensive instruments and software packages.