High-resolution, wide-bandwidth time-domain reflectometry (TDR) signal analysis often requires high-pricetag vector signal analyzers. But that cost problem should become a nonfactor thanks to Picosecond Pulse Lab's (PSPL's) fast-rise-time TDR module and TDA Systems' advanced software. Sold together, they provide cost-effective signal-integrity analysis for 10- and 40-Gbit/s applications and high-resolution fault analysis.
PSPL's 4020 single-ended source enhancement module features an ultra-fast 250-mV incident-pulse rise time of 9 ps (see the figure, foreground). It can work with Agilent or Tektronix TDR systems, increasing their resolutions by a factor of two to three compared to using Agilent's or Tektronix's own TDR modules.
TDA Systems' IConnect and MeasureXtractor software lets users capture high-resolution data and more precisely identify interconnect discontinuities in packages, boards, and connectors (see the figure, background). The software provides frequency-dependent signal-integrity analysis and modeling to get S-parameters and eye diagrams up to 65 GHz.
The combined tools leverage current investment in TDR instrumentation, retain the intuitive nature of TDR measurements for high-speed phenomena, and more accurately predict the total effect of gigabit interconnects on signal integrity. They provide state-of-the-art incident-pulse rise-time measurement capability with advanced software-analysis tools.
The PSPL model 4020 source-enhancement module costs $17,995. The TDA Systems IConnect version 3.0 software package goes for $20,000, and the optional MeasureXtractor software package costs $9000. All are available from stock.
Picosecond Pulse Labswww.picosecond.com (303) 209-8133TDA Systemswww.tdasystems.com (503) 246-2272