Picotest Products Integrated With Tektronix Oscilloscopes

At Picotest, we take pride in supporting Tektronix’s advanced TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) setups with our high-performance J2154A PerfectPulse® Differential TDR and TDR probes. Our collaboration empowers users to achieve precise single-ended and differential TDR measurements using Tektronix’s 4/5/6 Series B mixed signal oscilloscopes.

Tektronix Scope with Picotest J2154A Differential TDR

The J2154A PerfectPulse® Differential TDR generator is the core of the TDR setup, enabling accurate single-ended and differential TDR measurements. This differential pulse generator ensures that users can seamlessly transition between both types of measurements, delivering high fidelity in signal reflection and analysis.

The Set-Up

For connection to the DUT (Device Under Test), our browser probes, the P2105A single ended TDR probe and the P2103A differential TDR probe are essential. These probes are designed to meet the demands of high-speed signal testing, ensuring minimal signal degradation and optimal accuracy. The P2105A is ideal for single-ended measurements, while the P2103A excels in differential measurements, providing unmatched precision and reliability. Various pitches are available.

Tektronix’s TDR setup utilizes our J2154A and probes to measure impedance, inductance, and capacitance across various circuit components. The process is streamlined, with Tektronix’s TDR Preset feature eliminating the need for traditional, labor-intensive calibration methods. Instead, it automatically adjusts oscilloscope settings and calibrates the TDR system using the pulse waveform generated by our J2154A, simplifying the process for users and ensuring accurate results.

In scenarios where precise impedance measurements are critical—such as analyzing PCB traces—our J2154A and probes provide the high bandwidth necessary to capture detailed waveforms. For example, pairing a Tektronix 6 Series B MSO with 10 GHz bandwidth, our J2154A with 13 GHz bandwidth, and our P2105A probe with 16 GHz bandwidth yields an effective bandwidth of 6.15 GHz, ensuring rapid rise times and high-resolution measurement capabilities.

Using Picotest products with a Tektronix oscilloscope not only enhances TDR measurement capabilities but also streamlines the entire process, from setup to report generation. Users can save and document their TDR analysis with ease, exporting results in various formats for further analysis or reporting.

By integrating Picotest’s TDR solutions with Tektronix’s oscilloscopes, users can achieve accuracy and efficiency in their signal integrity testing, ensuring their designs meet the highest standards of performance.