Power and power applications intersect with a number of measurement tools and instruments. Capabilities include the ability to deliver voltage, current, and power as well as the ability to draw or load voltage, current, and power. Power measurements are also made using meters and oscilloscopes with specialized probing. Here you can learn more about these applications:

High resolution hardware and advanced software algorithms work together to realize high-precision and high-efficiency tests, support synchronous sampling of three-phase voltage/current waveforms, integrate one-button measurement functions covering core functions including:

All to help significantly accelerate the debugging of motor drive systems. 

SIGLENT High Resolution Oscilloscopes are all equipped with an optional power analysis kit that is used to analyze switch mode power supplies. Measurements include:

Characterize the dynamic response of high power IGBTs and MOSFETs with dual pulse testing. Customize pulse timing to improve switching efficiency and analyze characteristics like body diode conduction.

Ripple and noise are critical parameters for evaluating the quality of a power supply, as they reflect the instability and interference in the power supply’s output. Excessive ripple or noise can lead to inefficient operation, system instability, and accelerated equipment aging. Therefore, when designing power modules, it is crucial to accurately measure and assess ripple and noise levels.

For accurate ripple measurements, use a power rail probe like the SAP4000P.

Higher voltage and faster switching devices require bandwidth and voltage headroom. The combination of this requirement makes CMRR - Common Mode Rejection Ratio - a critical factor for high speed probes. Accurately make these measurements with optically isolated probes like the ODP6000B series.

Download the complete power measurements guide to learn how to configure and analyze measurements with power supplies, oscilloscopes, and more. This includes sections on:

A good power supply design should deliver the required voltage and current values consistently over the range of load impedance values that are expected. An unstable supply cannot regulate the output well which can lead to the circuit being fed by the supply to behave erratically or to not function at all. Luckily, there are easy tests that can be performed to test your design and ensure stability across the required load impedance range.

A good primary test for power supply stability is the load-step response.  In this test, a DC electronic load is used to provide a changing load to the supply-under-test and an oscilloscope is used to measure the supply response.

Another common method of determining power supply stability is to perform a frequency response curve or Bode plot on the power supply. 

In this process, a known signal is injected into the design, and the resultant output amplitude (gain) and the phase shift are measured. The frequency of the known signal is changed, amplitude (gain) and phase are measured again. This process is repeated until the operating frequency range is covered. Then, the gain and phase data is plotted on a common frequency axis where the data can be analyzed for stability.

Many electronic designs require a power supply that delivers a known voltage over a specific range of current loads and conditions. In many instances, the efficiency of the supply is an essential characteristic of the design. More efficient designs covert the input power into a higher percentage of output power than less efficient designs. Since the majority of power supply losses are generated as heat within the supply, more efficient designs tend to run cooler, offer higher stability, and longer operating lifetime. More efficiency often just makes more sense. This is especially important for applications that require battery power like remote IOT sensing or communications modules that need to be operational for an extended length of time.

In order to make more efficient designs, we need to know how to measure power supply efficiency.

Power supply efficiency testing requires complete analysis of system inputs and outputs. Automating this type of testing for long term burn in test, use case studies, or manufacturing verification are all important applications.

Here is an example system programming codebase utilizing multiple meters, supplies, and loads in a automated, Python, and VISA based system.

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