Troubleshooting Distributed Power Systems (Part 3): Measuring Impedance Using Vector Network Analyzers (One-Port Tests)

Focus:

Vector network analyzers (VNAs) have always had measurement capabilities that looked like they would be particularly useful in assessing the performance of analog and power components and circuits. Unfortunately, the input range of these instruments did not extend low enough in frequency for many power and analog applications. However, two of the more recently introduced VNAs—Omicron Lab’s Bode 100 and Agilent’s E5061B—have changed this situation, making it possible to measure the impedance of many types of power components and circuits as Steve Sandler explains in this 10-minute video. This video focuses on single-port measurements, describing how they can be applied to low power circuits such as linear regulators, voltage references and op amps as well as semiconductors, capacitors, and inductors. Test set up requirements are discussed and example measurements are presented.

What you’ll learn:

• How to understand the impedance measurement capabilities of VNAs in the single-port test configuration
• How to measure the impedance of passive and active components used in power circuits
• How to understand how vector network analyzers differ from frequency response analyzers with regard to measuring power circuits

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Author & Publication:

Steve Sandler, AEi Systems and Picotest, Phoenix, Ariz, How2Power Today, Aug 15 2013

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