Articles by Mike Hertz

With the availability of both single-ended and differential oscilloscope probes, the question often arises as to which is best for probing low-speed differential serial data signals and why. The answer depends on trade-offs involving many factors. This article provides insight into factors to consider when choosing which type of probe is best for a given situation.  

This article provides a unified equation and quick rule of thumb for signal integrity engineers to determine how long of a pattern can be captured using their oscilloscope. Read on. 

How well do statistical models predict the behavior of real-world systems?  How can we make predictions about the likeliness and severity of worst-case system behavior?  In this article, the authors explain how they used a function generator and oscilloscope to collect varying population sizes of measurement parameter results in order to investigate the accuracy of a statistical model's predictions.

What’s the difference between Tracks and Trends features on an oscilloscope? Mike Hertz walks through the basics with some real-world examples in this article.

Verifying the modulation profile of SSC has historically been challenging because it involves a frequency shift as a function of time. Mike Hertz explains that by tracking the frequency measurement parameter, an oscilloscope can display the SSC modulation profile as a function of frequency versus time. Read on to see how it’s done.

Check out this article from Mike Hertz that details specifically how The Track measurement operator on oscilloscopes can be used to identify timing issues.

Read on for a way to combine a BERT and an oscilloscope for actual-time error detection and characterization.