Measuring PCB, Cable and Interconnect Impedance, and Dielectric Constants
Low cost, portable, oscilloscope connected TDR/TDT
A TDR/TDT is generally a large, expensive instrument that includes a high-speed edge pulse and a sampling oscilloscope.
TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) is used to measure dielectric constants, PCB coupons, PCB signal traces, interconnects and cables.
TDT (Time Domain Transmission) is used to measure crosstalk, rise time degradation, insertion loss, dielectric loss, skin effect and characterize lossy transmission line parameters.
Picotest has a low-cost, pocket sized, signal edge generator and resistive port splitter that together with a real time oscilloscope can be used to make these measurements with excellent accuracy.
Along with a sampling oscilloscope, it can also be used to generate an eye diagram. Look below for testing solutions and product information.
TDR/TDT Solution
J2154A PerfectPulse® Low-Cost Differential TDR
- Low-cost PCB coupon tester – Characteristic Impedance PCB traces
- Measure cable and PCB trace length, characteristic impedance, and dielectric constant
- Locate and detect impedance mismatches
- Measure parasitic values of inductance and capacitance such as bond wires, vias, and ESL
- Verify the integrity of cable crimps and connector launches
- Measure PCB trace path rise/fall time and overshoot/undershoot
- Supports cable and trace loss modeling
- Troubleshoot clock jitter and crosstalk
- Measure microwave filters
- Test the frequency bandwidth, rise/fall time, and flatness of lab instruments and probes
Products
Articles & Documents
Optimizing TDR Measurements: Picotest Solutions 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….
Picotest Pocket TDR Fills Important Niche
A time domain reflectometer (TDR) is generally a large, expensive benchtop instrument that measures impedance, PCB coupons, dielectric constants, PCB signal traces, interconnects, connectors,…
J2154A PerfectPulse® Revolutionizing Impedance Testing – Features and Unbeatable Benefits of the New Differential TDR
Addressing the need for a low-cost single or differential TDR in a portable package, the J2154A PerfectPulse® Differential TDR emerges as a trailblazing solution,…
Measuring the Bulk Dielectric Constant (Dk) on a Microstrip with a TDR
by Benjamin Dannan and Steve Sandler Published by Signal Integrity Journal, January 11, 2022 Most modern circuit designs depend on accurate logic signals at the logic…
Measuring pH and fF With a TDR Using a Cursor Measurement
“The time domain reflectometer (TDR) is an instrument that is often used to measure printed circuit board (PCB) test coupons and cable impedance. The…
The Goldilocks TDR
Those that know me, know that I like things that, on a scale of one to ten, go to eleven. For the youngsters out…
New Fast Edge TDR in a Portable Package Supports PCB Coupon Testing and Instrument Calibration
We have released a new, low-cost, pocket-sized, fast-edge signal generator and TDR in one convenient package. “Such a high speed, precise TDR/TDT has never…
Six tips for better TDR measurements
Signal speeds and devices continue to get faster and operating voltages continue to fall, placing ever increasing demands on signal and power integrity. If…