There came a time when high-speed electronic circuits reached speeds that required engineers to analyze the design for signal integrity (SI), power integrity (PI), and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Prior to that time, dedicated experts in separate teams focused primarily on their main specialty. The result: lengthy product review cycles when subsequent teams from these disciplines […]
EMI/EMC/RFI
R&S MXO3 Oscilloscope for EMC measurements: part 1
Rohde & Schwarz recently announced the MXO3, a 1 GHz, 12-bit oscilloscope. The company sent a review unit. In this part, I found that it has some nice features for making EMC measurements, though it could use another. R&S sent me a model MXO38, the eight-channel version with built-in 50 MHz single-channel AWG and two […]
Noise generator substitutes for tracking generator
When your spectrum analyzer lacks a tracking generator, you can use a low-cost noise generator to characterize RF components. Here’s how. Low-cost spectrum analyzers often lack tracking generators, preventing you from having a signal source that tracks the analyzer’s frequency sweep. Not having a tracking generator can make some measurements difficult. You can, however, use […]
Locate ESD sources using an oscilloscope and two antennas
The key to identifying the location of an ESD source is by measuring the time of arrival between the two antennas. ESD discharges are tough to locate because they don’t occur periodically. Rather, they occur intermittently. I earlier wrote an application note on how to use an oscilloscope to trace the path of ESD current […]
Tektronix event highlights precision measurements
At “Precision Unveiled,” Tektronix gave attendees a look at the future and displayed some current test equipment. Raleigh, NC, October 28, 2025 — Tektronix, well known for oscilloscopes and more recently power sources and power measurements through its acquisitions of Keithley and EA Elektro Automatic, hosted an event at the North Carolina Museum of Art. […]
EMI: what it is and how to keep it in check
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is essentially invisible noise or pollution. It is unwanted electromagnetic energy generated by one electronic device that disrupts the normal operation of another nearby device. This FAQ will explain what an EMI is and what are the ways to prevent it. This interference does not just travel in one way. Figure 1 […]
Review: Picotest J2150B comb injector
This handy tool lets you test active and passive components at frequencies up to 3 GHz. I tried an early unit, using it for radiated and conducted EMI emissions testing. After almost ten years, Picotest has launched a new version of its Harmonic Comb Injector (generator). The J2150B ($495) is one of the pieces I’ve […]
How to compare EMI absorption materials with a cookie tin
Product enclosures have frequency resonances that can produce unwanted EMI. Absorption materials in the cavity can reduce EMI. Use a cookie tin to compare materials before inserting them into your product. As operating frequencies approach microwaves, enclosures can appear as resonant cavities and amplify EMI emissions. When I was working on space shuttle communications systems, […]
Phone chargers produce EMI: We compared four
The switching power supplies that regulate output voltage produce radiated emissions. Our tests compare waveforms that give clues as to how the chargers operate.
APEC 2025 test equipment: oscilloscopes and probes
Oscilloscopes and probes play a vital role for engineers designing and testing power electronics. Delivering electrical power to analog and digital circuits and systems is more than just DC measurements. That’s because nearly all power-converter circuits use switching techniques to maximize efficiency. Silicon carbide (SiC and gallium nitride (GaN) transistors, with their higher voltage and […]
