TDR Measurement tools

Unleash the Power of TDR with Oscilloscopes

Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) is a powerful technique for analyzing the electrical characteristics of high-speed interconnects and PCBs. By measuring the reflection of a signal pulse, TDR provides valuable insights into:

• Impedance Analysis:
  • Precisely measure characteristic and differential impedance.
  • Identify impedance mismatches that can lead to signal degradation.

• Discontinuity Detection:
  • Detect and locate discontinuities like vias, connectors, and trace width variations.
  • Assess the impact of these discontinuities on signal integrity.

• Crosstalk Analysis:
  • Evaluate near-end and far-end crosstalk to ensure signal integrity in high-density PCBs.

By integrating time-domain reflectometry (TDR) measurements with the real-time analysis capabilities of oscilloscopes, engineers can gain a comprehensive understanding of signal behavior, facilitate more efficient troubleshooting, and optimize the performance of their designs.

VNA Gains PCB Probing Power

Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) are now equipped with 50 Ohm single-ended and 100 Ohm differential probes, expanding their capabilities to directly probe Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).

Key Benefits of PCB Probing with VNAs:

• Accurate Impedance Measurements: Precisely measure impedance at specific points on the PCB.

• Signal Integrity Analysis: Identify and mitigate signal integrity issues like reflections and crosstalk.

• Device Characterization: Characterize the performance of individual components and subsystems.

• Faster Troubleshooting: Quickly pinpoint and resolve PCB design and manufacturing defects.

By combining frequency-domain and time-domain analysis, VNAs offer a comprehensive solution for characterizing high-speed digital and RF systems.