What you will learn in this course

Introduction to Test

The first of 3 pre-requisite classes in the Master the Fundamentals of Power Integrity and Power Supply Testing series. This class introduces you to the fundamentals of test including the motivations for testing, as well as some hard-learned lessons from the Instructor’s 40+ year career.

Understanding & Quantifying Noise

This class covers managing noise, computing ENOB and other key parameters; proper practices for taking measurement data and understanding various sources of noise that can get into your measurements.

Basic Connections & 50 Ohm Cables

The last pre-requisite class delves into a variety of concern related to cables and test setup interconnects. Characteristic impedance, excess inductance and capacitance, impedance matching, coupling, common mode rejection, and various cable and interconnect equations are discussed.

Measuring Signals

This class covers the various probes that will be used throughout the class, how they are impacted by noise, measuring and validating probes, and what probes are used for each type of measurement.

Introduction to Impedance

Impedance is the basis by which we define, design, verify, and validate power integrity, noise, and stability. This class covers the fundamentals of impedance testing, what it tells us, and the benefits of each of the specific test configurations. 2-port testing demonstrations of some interesting decoupling structures are performed.

1-Port Impedance Measurement

The 1-port reflection measurement is the simplest way to measure impedance. In this class we will explore the measurement theory, limitations of this configuration, demonstrate stability testing with NISM (Non-Invasive Stability Measurement), and how and when to best use this setup.

2-Port Impedance Measurement

The 2-port shunt-through test setup is the gold standard by which low and ultra-low impedance is measured. In this class we’ll explore the measurement theory and how to minimize errors in low impedance measurements. S-parameter definition and transformations, impedance range limitations, eliminating ground loops and cable related errors, and how to use calibration or de-embedding to improve the measurement range and accuracy are also discussed. Lab demonstrations covering 2-port shunt-through impedance testing of components with several different types of VNAs, calibration, and the measurement’s limitations are performed.

2-Port Impedance Measurement – Part II

In this next segment about 2-port shunt-through impedance testing we explore the ways to extend the range of the impedance you can measure. Probes and other ways to connect your test instrument to your DUT, including 1-port and 2-port browser type probes, are discussed. Calibration and probe placement are also covered. The 2-port extended shunt-through test and NISM test (Non-Invasive Stability Measurement, a unique way to use impedance to test control loop stability) are demonstrated.

2-Port Impedance Measurement – Part III

Traditionally a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) based measurement, the 2-port impedance test can now be performed on many oscilloscopes. In this final class segment on 2-port shunt-through testing we explore how to accomplish this and what added equipment is necessary. DC biased impedance measurement of capacitors and inductors (up to 125A) are discussed and demonstrated along with ways to turn your oscilloscope into a high frequency Vector Network Analyzer capable of measuring low impedances.

3-Port Impedance Measurement

Voltage divided by current is impedance. Seems simple. But there are practical hurdles to calibration and DUT connection. Measuring voltage and current of a stimulator and dividing these quantities provides impedance for DC/DC converter input and output impedance, LED impedance, filter impedance, and more. There are several obstacles in this measurement and this class covers how to properly implement this test.

Step Load / Large Signal Impedance Measurement

Testing the voltage excursions of power systems is crucial to their validation. As currents have climbed and edge speeds increased, the tools and techniques have changed dramatically. This class explores how to perform small and large signal step loads, as well as how to perform large signal impedance measurements easily yet accurately along with how to understand the results, all while minimizing sources of error.

TDR Measurements

TDR is another method of measuring impedance. It offers a very fast method for testing cables and connections, characteristic impedance of a trace, cable or PCB coupon, distance to fault. In this class we explore the theory behind TDR testing and how it can help debug and confirm the validity of your test setup.

Support Materials

• App notes, webinars, and papers on various topics
• Test exercises for VNA and Oscilloscopes with sample setup files for popular instruments

Certificate

Every student who actively engages with course activities will receive a personal Power Integrity and Power Supply Testing Certificate

Duration

12 lessons. Each lesson has a tutoring video that is approximately 45-60 minutes long (watch when it’s best for you) + activities for practicing.

Software Requirements

None

Course Pre-requisites

No test equipment is necessary to undertake the course. Demonstrations are performed on various oscilloscopes and vector network analyzers and the measurement setups are explained in each video. For each class the equipment utilized is listed in the Links & Downloads area. Some of it you may have, other pieces you may want to acquire depending on your interest level in the particular test. Setup files for particular scopes and VNAs are provided and they can be used if you have that specific instrument(s).