Signal-Integrity Tools Measure Up To DSO Demands

Nov. 15, 2004
New accessories for LeCroy's digital storage oscilloscopes (DSOs) help boost the accuracy of, as well as simplify, signal-integrity measurements. They include a set of small-tip (ST) accessories for the Wavelink family of differential probes and a...

New accessories for LeCroy's digital storage oscilloscopes (DSOs) help boost the accuracy of, as well as simplify, signal-integrity measurements. They include a set of small-tip (ST) accessories for the Wavelink family of differential probes and a test fixture that lets users deskew the timing of multiple (up to four) probes.

That fixture, dubbed the TF-DSQ, makes it possible to calibrate the dc gain and offset of each channel at the probe tip. Probe bandwidths go up to 7.5 GHz. Also, the Wavelink D600ST probe module features tiny 3.75-mm tips and a lengthy 145-mm interconnect cable, enhancing the probe performance.

Three lead sets are included: a direct solder-in lead, a quick-connect lead with a socket, and a square pin lead. All probes are calibrated for frequency response flatness, and they display low divide-by-2.5 attenuation. To lower the cost of ownership, LeCroy designed the Wavelink ST with replaceable interconnect leads and amplifier modules. As a result, the entire probe needn't be replaced should any of its components fail.

The TF-DSQ accounts for rise-time variations, probe loading, and common-mode voltage. The drive signal is available in both single-ended and differential form, so differential probes can be deskew-calibrated without introducing common-mode timing errors. Featuring a 75-ps edge, the fixture offers deskew accuracy within ±20 ps. It also calibrates gain, offset, and skew at the same probing point.

The D600ST module costs $6300, and the TF-DSQ is priced at $1195. Lead time is two to four weeks.

LeCroy Corp.www.lecroy.com (800) 453-2769

About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.

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