Picotest.com, has released a new ‘FRA Bundle’ of signal injectors that enables Bode plots and PSRR (power supply rejection ratio) measurements for Keysight, Tektronix, Siglent, and Rohde & Schwarz oscilloscopes.
“Traditionally Bode plots and PSRR measurements have been made on vector network (VNA) or frequency response analyzers (FRA). But recently scope manufacturers have begun to add FRA features to oscilloscopes, expanding their measurement capabilities. While the software add-ons enable new FRA features, without our injectors end-users can’t actually make the measurements” according to Steve Sandler, Picotest CEO. “The FRA bundle provides the signal injectors needed to connect the scope to the DUT.”
The Picotest FRA Bundle provides essential support for Bode Plots and PSRR/PSMR measurement on oscilloscopes. It works with the Keysight InfiniiVision X-Series with the power measurements option, Tektronix 5 or 6 series oscilloscopes using the 5-PWR or 6-PWR software, Siglent SDS1000X-E-FG series scopes with the appropriate firmware and SAG/SDG AWG support, and Rohde & Schwarz R&S RTM, RTA, and RTB oscilloscopes using the R&S®RTx-K36 FRA option. The software options alone do not enable these control loop measurements. The stimulus signals from the oscilloscope or AWG to the power supply under test must be injected and this requires Picotest injectors.
The FRA Bundle includes the J2100A injection transformer. This injector enables Bode Plots; without an injection transformer it is not possible to break the control loop of the power supply and, therefore, cannot make the measurement even though the software may be installed. The J2100A works from 10Hz - 5MHz, high enough for most power supplies – a 23 Octave range, with low distortion and support for 5 Ohm terminations that have minimum loop impact. The FRA bundle also includes the J2120A line injector. The J2120A enables PSRR measurements; it allows combination of the ripple signal with the power rail voltage for injection into the DUT with a 10Hz-10MHz usable bandwidth, low loss design and 5 Amps/50VDC capability.
Breaking the loop is an essential aspect of the Bode Plot based stability measurement. The J2100A accomplishes this in order to inject the stimulus signal from the oscilloscope. The J2101A is an available option for applications in the 10Hz to 45MHz range. For applications requiring lower or higher bandwidths, the optional J2110A solid state injector works from DC to well over 100MHz.
While the ‘Bode plot’ injection transformer is a very wideband adapter, it is not useful for measuring ripple rejection (PSRR/PSMR) of a power supply or even an opamp. This is because the attributes that make the injection transformer perform so well also result in a transformer that is intolerant of DC current. Even very small DC currents (5mA or less) can greatly reduce the signal capacity or even totally saturate the transformer. For this reason, the Picotest line injector (J2120A) is another essential test adapter. The J2120A line injector allows the input DC supply voltage to be modulated by the oscilloscope’s source signal output, as in the case of a Bode plot measurement.
The price of the Picotest FRA Bundle is $1,050 in single quantities and is available now at https://www.picotest.com/products_FRA_Bundle.html.
For more information please see https://www.picotest.com/tektronix.html and https://www.picotest.com/rohde.html.