https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tektronix/FROM INSPIRATION TO REALIZATION Reducing the distance between inspiration and realization. We are the measurement insight company committed to performance, and compelled by possibilities. Tektronix designs and manufactures test and measurement soluten-USTelligent Community 12https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tektronix/f/forum/53556/how-are-students-making-use-of-our-tekscope-pc-analysis-software/224774Sun, 20 Oct 2024 22:54:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:2f5a473f-091b-44cf-b5a2-f0baee63b535battlecoderTruly inspiring. I remember being a kid and literally dreaming of having a scope. Back then the "closer" to a DIY scope I ever got, was borrowing a Forrest Mims book from a friend, and photocopying a couple of pages that included plans for a simple "solid state" scope. Never got to build it though.https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tektronix/b/blog/posts/enhancing-flying-probe-testers-with-1-5-ghz-tap1500l-probesThu, 19 Sep 2024 08:49:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:c7ec1a38-7bac-4b4b-94cf-e21311da2845r.ngugiThis blog first appeared on the Tektronix website Introduction In PCB validation and manufacturing workflows there is an increasing need for cost reduction, effectual defect detection, repeatability, improved throughput and minimized touch time. Many of Tektronix’ customers are utilizing, or planning to utilize, an automated testing solution to address these needs. The costs of capturing defects and addressing manufacturing or design gaps downstream of final assembly are substantial. Flying probe automated test equipment (ATE) technologies have become a global front-runner in PCB test for their flexibility, speed, accuracy and automation capability. At Tektronix we are committed in assisting our customers along their test and validation journeys. To this end, we’re excited to announce the release of our TAP1500L ; a 1.5 GHz single-ended, low-capacitance active probe that was designed with a 7 meter cable – aimed directly at our ATE development customers, end-users, or any engineer who desires greater distance between their test stations and DUTs. With the industry’s longest cable length for an active oscilloscope probe, the TAP1500L does not compromise performance and provides one additional meter versus other single-ended active probes in the market. The TAP1500L requires no external power supply, is compatible with all the accessories within Tektronix’ single-ended active probe catalogue and performs equivalently with our best-selling TAP1500 oscilloscope probe. Flying Probe Test vs. In-Circuit Test Flying Probe Test (FPT) is an automated process utilizing flying probe testers to assess PCBs in design, validation and manufacturing workflows. Probes, typically attached to robotic arms and aided by high-resolution cameras, swiftly glide over and below the PCB surface automatically making electrical contact at specific test points on the PCB to provide real-time data to engineers. This probing process quickly identifies defects such as open circuits or component placement issues without the need for custom test setups, or bed-of-nails fixtures. FPT can also be used for functional testing, in which a populated board is powered up and running. In this application, single-ended, active oscilloscope probes and an accompanying oscilloscope can be integrated into the system to perform go/no-go testing on critical signals. A key benefit to FPT is changes to PCB layout or design do not require any new fixturing to conduct quality or validation tests. A change in the FPT test program to accommodate the PCB design changes allows for a nimbler approach to PCB testing and increases throughput at this process step. Tektronix has solved a critical pain point by extending our standard cable length by more than 5 times. In-Circuit Test (ICT) is a more traditional method of testing PCBs, typically utilizing a bed-of-nails test fixture. Bed-of-Nails relies on a customized fixture unique to the PCB under test and involves some amount of spring-loaded electrical connections to measure circuit behavior during quality control, manufacturing or functional testing procedures. ICT is a valid and effectual method for testing PCBs at various stages in the development and manufacturing process. However, as form factors shrink, PCB designs increase in complexity and aggressive cost savings are pursued, more customers are exploring and implementing FPTs to meet their performance goals. With FPT, testing with multiple probes moving along 3-axes at high speed requires careful planning and design to minimize damage to the DUT or to the probes themselves. Tektronix has solved a critical pain point by extending our standard cable length by more than 5 times - providing engineers greater flexibility in how they design these ATE systems and how these systems interface with their oscilloscopes and other measurement hardware. Performance Characteristics Using our best-selling TAP1500 single-ended active probe as a backbone, Tektronix was successful in increasing the probe cable length with no impact to probe performance. Increasing cable length presents some performance challenges, specifically increased impedance and impacts to rise time and step response. Tektronix was able to solve these performance deltas with a customized DSP (Digital Signal Processor) that accompanies every TAP1500L. A simple installation of this DSP to the appropriate math channel level-sets the TAP1500L performance with the TAP1500 upon which it was developed. No additional power supply is required to utilize the TAP1500L. The TAP1500L is compatible with 4 Series, 5 Series and 6 Series MSO midrange oscilloscopes and utilizes the TekVPI TM probe to oscilloscope interface. This enables the engineer to see results and adjust key parameters in real-time from the front panel of the oscilloscope. Specification TAP1500L w/DSP TAP1500 Cable Length 7m 1.3m Bandwidth 1.5 GHz 1.5 GHz Rise Time <267ps <267ps Input Capacitance ≤1pF ≤1pF Input Resistance 1MΩ 1MΩ Input Dynamic Range -8V to +8V -8V to +8V DC Input Offset Range -10V to +10V -10V to +10V Table 1: Performance specifications of the TAP1500L vs TAP1500. Even though the cable on the TAP1500L is 7m long, the rise time and input loading are unchanged from the original TAP1500. Conclusion The ATE and Flying Probe market spend is expected to increase nearly 3x by 2030, per a 2024 study by Research Reports World, with primary adoption centers forecasted in the Americas, European and Asian regions. Flying probe testing (FPT)is becoming more commonplace in PCB development and probing needs have and will continue to evolve alongside this technology. Providing probing solutions that address customer pain points is going to be critical as this ATE technology scales to meet global demand. The TAP1500L represents the first step that Tektronix is taking to better partner in this market and empower our customers to make the most out of their FPT investments.tektronixprobesTAP1500Lhttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tektronix/b/blog/posts/analyzing-a-raspberry-pi-as-a-rf-transmitterFri, 13 Sep 2024 09:28:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:3aa8f72f-c9e9-4a8f-8822-2aad3f59a71br.ngugiRaspberry Pis are an extremely useful tool for hobbyists and technical professionals alike, but did you know that you can use one to transmit an RF signal? Using the RSA306B real-time spectrum analyzer, we can characterize the capabilities of this ultra low-cost RF generator made with nothing more than a Raspberry Pi, RPiTX software, and some spare wire. How do I install RPiTX? The RPiTX software is ran on the Raspberry Pi (Raspbian) Operating System designed for all Raspberry Pis. This operating system can be configured for your device’s SD Card using Raspberry Pi’s provided Imager . Once the operating system is on your device, you need to have the latest git package installed on your device. This can be done via the commands in the terminal. From there you can clone the repository for RPiTX and install it on your device. Once installed, you can now launch the software from your terminal to start transmitting your own signals. Contained on the RPiTX GitHub Page is the full breakdown for the installation of the software. This page also provides a detailed catalog of the features available with the software. With the RPiTX running on your Raspberry Pi and signal frequency selected you can now begin transmitting your own RF signals. By utilizing the RSA306B USB Spectrum Analyzer connected to SignalVu-PC you can measure the signals you are generating in real time. This hardware/software pair provides many ways to characterize RF signals up to 6.2 GHz, well beyond the output capabilities of the Raspberry Pi. Let's look at a few common RF measurements to get an idea of what characterization is possible, and examine the output of the Raspberry Pi. Carrier Frequency A carrier frequency is the base frequency that will be modulated in an RF signal. Without any modulation, it is a simple RF peak at a chosen frequency. This is the default output of RPiTX software. Using the RSA306B with SignalVu-PC software we can capture this band of frequency and measure its amplitude. Chirp An RF chirp is a simple frequency modulation over time. SpectrumVu-PC allows us to see chirps generated with RPiTX in a few different ways. Notably, the DPX Spectrum view shows us a waterfall of RF intensity over time in which this chirp, or any frequency modulation becomes apparent and easy to visualize. For faster modulations, we would also benefit from the RSA306B's real-time acquisition, preventing us from missing any time in the signal. Spur Search with the RSA306B Thanks to the impressive 40MHz bandwidth of the RSA306B, large samples of the spectrum are taken in real-time. By knowing the amplitude of our spurious signals, we can hunt for them across a wide spectrum. Spurious signals are more common in low cost RF transmitters, and the Raspberry Pi is no exception. Real-time spectrum analyzers like the RSA306B are especially fast at spur searches thanks to that real-time bandwidth. In the SignalVu-PC software we can specify multiple amplitudes to hunt for and have the largest samples at frequencies be saved to ease our search. A fun experiment to run is randomly select a frequency within RPiTX and watch as it breaks the threshold of a spur search and watch as it is detected. This blog first appeared on the Tektronix website.rpitxsignalvu-pc software analysisrpitx software installationrt transmittercarrier frequency measurementraspberry pi radio transmissionspectrum analyzer for rf signalsrf signal generation with raspberry piraspberry pispurious signal detectionrsa306b spectrum analyzerlow-cost rf transmitterrf chirp analysisreal-time rf signal analysisreal-time spectrum analyzerRF Signalsraspberry pi rf modulationraspberry pi wireless communicationhttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tektronix/b/blog/posts/probe-points-understanding-low-frequency-responseFri, 06 Sep 2024 08:03:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:40473911-30e8-4e7f-b2d2-f5a1616540c6r.ngugiThis blog first appeared on the Tektronix website The Practice of AC Coupling and DC Reject Modes The practice of AC coupling the scope input or using a probe with DC reject capability is very common when looking at noise and/or ripple of DC power rails. Anytime there is insufficient DC offset available, then users often elect to use AC Coupling or DC Reject settings. With the focus on clean power, we see users more interested than ever before in understanding the voltage and noise characteristics of their power sources. Exploring AC Coupling and DC Reject Modes This post explores some of the perhaps unexpected or unknown characteristics of using AC coupling or DC Reject modes and how they ultimately may lead to incorrect conclusions. Functionally, when we think of either of these modes, we can visualize placing a capacitor in series with the input to the scope and therefore how this could impact the low-frequency response. More often, when we think of probes and oscilloscopes, we look at the high-frequency response and roll-off characteristics and ignore the low-frequency behavior. Note that the numbers portrayed in this post represent experimental results and are not meant to reflect actual guaranteed specifications. The plot above compares the low-frequency response of several setups and illustrates the differences. In the plots above in the first image, I chose 1 Hz as the low-frequency limit for practical sake and 100 kHz as the high limit, as all probes behaved similarly above 100 kHz. The table below gives more detail and shows the measured 3dB bandwidth for each of the different probing/setups used. Connection 3dB roll off (LF) Comments Direct AC 7 Hz No probe, AC coupling TPR_DCR 16 kHz TPR1000 Power Rail Probe, TekVPI ™ probe interface, DC Reject mode (datasheet) TPP1000_AC < 1 Hz TPP1000 10x Passive Probe, TekVPI probe interface, AC Coupling Mode (datasheet) TDP1000_DCR 22 Hz TDP1000 Differential Probe, TekVPI probe interface, DC Reject mode, 4.25V range (datasheet) P6247_DCR 5 Hz P6247 Differential Probe, TekProbe ™ interface, DC Reject mode, X1 (datasheet) Data was collected using the FRA (frequency response analysis) tool included in the Power Measurement and Analysis option (PWR) on an MSO68B oscilloscope, coupled with an AFG31000 Series arbitrary/function generator to perform the frequency sweep. Data was exported to CSV from the scope application and imported into Excel for plotting and analysis. In addition to the 6 Series B MSO , the PWR package is also available on 4 Series B MSO and 5 Series B MSO oscilloscopes. I found published specs for the scope's (MSO68B) AC coupling mode roll-off of < 10Hz, so the measured 7 Hz is in line. Same for using a TPP1000, the low freq 3dB point should be <1Hz. I didn't find any low-frequency response specs for the TPR1000 or TDP1000 probes. Recently, I had an application where a customer was mostly concerned about power rail noise in the <5Hz range. There were many conflicting choices for a solution. The TPP1000 in AC coupling mode had the low frequency covered, but the 10X attenuation was detrimental to the noise floor of the measurement. The P6247 in 1X mode historically has been a good choice for power rail noise, but its roll-off and also its legacy design being slightly noisier made it unacceptable. The TPR1000 Power Rail Probe in DC Coupled mode worked well for the customer's < 5 Hz requirement, but one can see how choosing DC reject mode (as in Table 1) could give misleading results. A powerful feature of the TPR1000 is its large ( +/- 60 V) offset range, allowing it to zero out a wide range of DC in lieu of using DC Reject. It is also good to remember the TPR probes do load the AC portion of the signal differently than other probes. Summary Knowing the low-frequency response of your measurement system can be critical to many measurements, especially for power and noise applications.probesoscilloscopehttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tektronix/b/blog/posts/understanding-how-to-analyze-jitterFri, 30 Aug 2024 10:39:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:972247d6-dad4-439b-b750-d1893faeb929r.ngugiWhy You Should Care About Jitter Jitter is a common problem. A quantified misplacement in time of the signal relative to the expected time position, jitter is ultimately a degradation of the key definition of performance of a serial link, which is the bit error ratio. Power distribution networks (PDNs) can cause noise as well as jitter; both can cause transmission errors and increase the bit error ratio of a serial link. Engineers need to characterize their devices definitely in terms of the bit error ratio. They want to know whether their device is measuring up to the target bit error ratio, whether it has forward error correction, and what is the target bit error ratio they need to reach. The behavior of different elements is very relevant to the total behavior and impairment of a device. Traditionally, Bit Error Rate Testers (BERTs) were used as instruments to directly measure the bit error ratio, which is the actual measurement target, but those devices are very expensive, and they don't really help people identify the root causes of impairments of the links. As a result, the industry developed alternate approaches using oscilloscopes and advanced custom analysis tools, which are better focused on the causes of error, are more cost-effective and have faster throughput. Bit error requirements have been translated to jitter and noise budgets. Consider a serial link with a transmitter, channel, and receiver. From the receiver's point of view, we can see that the decision threshold is impaired by the noise in the system, and the time reference is impaired by jitter. By extracting jitter and noise and identifying them clearly in a serial link, we can extrapolate their effects to predict the bit error ratio and understand the performance of the system. Jitter analysis evaluates a waveform in the horizontal dimension based on when the waveform crosses a horizontal reference line, while noise analysis evaluates along a vertical dimension on the basis of crossings of a vertical reference line, typically in the center of the eye; combining jitter and noise analysis provides a better prediction of bit error ratio performance. Types of Jitter Jitter is caused by many things, including: Broadband noise density jitter: Wideband noise related to power loss impedance that shows up as voltage in sensitive circuits, creating jitter. Power rail resonance jitter: Impedance resonance, with noise peaks that convert to AM in the power supplier rail of a sensitive circuit. Image 1: Example of Power Rail Resonance Jitter Event-driven jitter: Jitter that occurs because of something else that happened in the system. Modulation-induced jitter: FM or phase modulation that converts to AM on the power supply rail. Thermal noise: Typically a Gaussian distribution, thermal (or intrinsic) noise is unbounded and caused by the random thermal motion of carriers. It’s much like background conversations … random and ever-changing. Injected noise: Jitter from electromagnetic interference (EMI) or crosstalk from neighboring wiring, injected noise is bounded but uncorrelated to the data stream the device is handling. It usually has a fixed, identifiable source, like an oscillator or power supply. Image 2: Example of Jitter on Clock from Power Supply Transmission losses: Jitter due to bandwidth limitations, skin effect losses, dielectric absorption, dispersion in the optical fiber, or reflections, impedance and mismatches. How to Analyze Jitter and Noise The goal is to predict, using limited acquired data, the behavior of a device at target bit error ratio specifications. The methods are complex, requiring the tester to decompose, reconcile and model noise and jitter. It involves a five-step process: Acquire statistically relevant data. How to do so depends on whether the oscilloscope in use is a real-time or a sampling instrument. Break down and separate the various jitter and noise components. Reconcile the effects of jitter and noise. What is jitter? What is noise? Noise is always jitter, but jitter is not always noise. Build statistical models that allow for extrapolation of behaviors to higher BER targets. Perform measurement on the models for Total Jitter as a Specified Bit Error Rate (TJ@BER) and Total Noise at a Specified Bit Error Rare (TN@BER). The serial data standards of today’s high-speed communications require extensive jitter compliance tests. Learn more about how Tektronix' test instrumentation portfolio enables you to meet design goals and compliance requirements or view our on-demand webinar, Signal and Power Integrity. This blog first appeared on the Tektronix website.oscilloscopejitterjitter analysishttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tektronix/b/blog/posts/test-and-measurement-in-the-quantum-eraFri, 16 Aug 2024 08:00:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:b7f3d2dc-496b-42e5-ade6-471aa2fd796dr.ngugiThis blog first appeared on the Tektronix website. From an engineer’s perspective the continuous advancement of quantum hardware and technologies is amazing. My interest began with curiosity about quantum physics. Now that curiosity is expanding as I gain a deeper understanding of the test processes, principles and criteria being used by these emerging technologies and how Tektronix can serve them. But let’s start at the beginning. A Growing Number of Quantum Applications Quantum technologies promise to be game-changing. In fact, we are living in the transition from pure research to a broad initiative feeding a quantum ecosystem across many industries. Several government-funded initiatives have nurtured and supported the study of matter and energy both at their most fundamental level and also the way their behavior can be deployed into practical technologies applicable in quantum computing, quantum communications and quantum sensing. Quantum research has a broadening array of applications. Source: FutureBridge Analysis. Measurement Plays a Key Role As with any technology, measurement is necessary to confirm both progress and effectiveness. Tektronix has always been involved with validating measurements and enabling applications at the early stages of revolutionary waves. When the so-called “AC Josephson Effect” and “Quantum Hall Effect" revolutionized electrical metrology by providing stable reference standards linked to fundamental physics, instruments like Keithley electrometers and sensitive source measure unit instruments (SMUs) were part of the calibration test system used. But improving the reference of Volt or Ampere standard is just the beginning. Quantum Sensors Measurement of physical quantities in quantum phenomena is essential for describing quantum properties of quantum sensing systems. Research has made a large step forward with the realization and practical application of quantum sensors like magnetometers based on superconducting quantum interference devices; instrumentation has provided sensitivity and precision in proving the behavior of spin qubits, flux qubits and trapped ions. Quantum sensors base their operating principle on the fact that physics particles can be used as “probes” to measure physical quantities such as magnetic fields, gravity, rotation, and acceleration more precisely than classical devices based on other electrochemical phenomena. Very often we come across laboratories that are trying to establish quantum phenomena in quantum materials. Their diagnostic (measurement) need is to precisely acquire a photocurrent that originates with the transduction of light into electrical signals when interacting with quantum materials. The interaction and connection of light with matter is being explored using ever more innovative techniques. Test and measurement equipment is being used to acquire ultrafast photocurrents in order to be a “diagnostic tool” for understanding what happens in the quantum material. Modern oscilloscopes such as the Tektronix 6 Series B MSO with their front-end linearity and wide dynamic range enable microwave readout from resonators excited by optical signals. Oscilloscopes excel in microwave photon resonator testing where precise triggering of multiple pulse signals for acquisition in the nanoseconds range is needed. Researchers can use the 6 Series B MSO oscilloscope to view signal details due to its high-resolution 12-bit analog-to-digital converters. Capture single event, fast-changing electrical signals using analog-to-digital converters and then store the digitized waveform data in fast memory. Quantum Communications and Quantum Security Applications Another key application within the quantum ecosystem is quantum communications. Here light travels through fiber networks. The advantage of applying quantum technology to communication lies in the attempt to make information transfer secure. QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) technology enhances conventional encryption technology and makes data transfer intrinsically “unhackable”. Quantum-based cryptography provides a means for the detection of eavesdropping by observing a disturbance of intercepted quantum states. Further research is still needed before it can be practically implemented, however. Approaches and protocols to implement QKD are the focus of multiple government-funded projects and test and measurement equipment may be applied in observing and accurately measuring these disturbances. They also play a role during the polarization state of qubits traveling via fiber optic cables in the form of pulses of polarized photons attenuated to the quasi single-photon level, and specifically with the phenomenon of decoherence. Quantum researchers can use the AWG5200 arbitrary waveform generator to create the clean, stable waveforms that make breakthroughs possible. Laboratories working on demonstrating CV-QKD (Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution) across a several kilometers long multi-core fiber (MCF) have applied the Tektronix AWG 5204 with its four 16-bit, 5 GS/s DAC channels AC coupled with wideband RF amplifiers. This arbitrary waveform generator is capable of generating highly synchronized and precisely modulated pulse signals that, coupled with a continuous light wave in electro-optic phase modulators, generate quantum signals and reference pulses in the sub-nanoseconds time base scale (“ Alice ” emitter side). At the “ Bob ” receiver side, a Tektronix 6 Series B MSO 12-bit oscilloscope can collect the phase information and rapidly store/transfer data for statistical processing of noise. The acceleration of QKD and its integration into secure network communication at increasingly high baud rates is extremely interesting and rewarding. Quantum Computing The last and most intriguing quantum application we are honored to support is quantum computing. Despite the difficulty in sharing any details about how superconducting qubit chipsets are manufactured, AWGs and oscilloscopes are definitely involved wherever a Transmon (Transmission Line Shunted Plasmon Oscillation Circuit) is present and whenever complex signal schemes need to be routed to resonators for setting the states and amplitude coherence (or energy relaxation) time has to be measured. In fact, before integrating multiple channels in a specifically designed FPGA architecture, flexible instruments like AWGs are used and appreciated for their high configurability and analog bandwidth, and also their low latency and intrinsic jitter. The tasks of qubit excitation and that of readout pulse are implemented using, respectively, remotely controlled AWGs and mixed signal oscilloscopes. This allows verification of design within a highly reproducible setup. Tektronix AWGs can easily target qubit generation frequencies in the few GHz range and Tektronix 6 Series B MSO oscilloscopes with their 10GHz max bandwidth are used for reading out resonator frequencies in the range of 5–6 GHz. The challenge of scalability of quantum integrated circuit architecture into several 10’s of qubits goes beyond the capabilities of instruments specifically designed for an R&D context, but crucial to the future of testing is the need to reduce cost per channel, improve closed loop feedback control, and integrate test equipment into complex quantum test libraries. The systematic approach to test automation that Tektronix initiated by releasing Python specific libraries and programming environment integration demonstrates our leadership in this domain as well.Arbitrary Waveform Generatorsoscilloscopehttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tektronix/b/blog/posts/automotive-ethernet-testing-challengesFri, 02 Aug 2024 13:15:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:87c400f5-7e67-4144-ad18-1112b5390100r.ngugiThis blog first appeared on the Tektronix website. There are a number of compliance requirements for the latest automotive Ethernet standard, which is Multigigabit Ethernet. While some of the low-speed, in-vehicle network standards, like CAN, LIN, and FlexRay, do not require any compliance testing, for automotive Ethernet there is a compliance test defined by IEEE and Open Alliance that contain a number of test requirements. The integration of automotive Ethernet is placing greater demands on technology and is placing even greater demands on comprehensive design validation to ensure interoperability between multiple Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and reliability in demanding environments. A complete testing solution enables passing strict compliance tests and provides greater confidence in design margins under real-world conditions. In particular, there are a number of testing challenges and measurements that are needed to ensure hardware interoperability. They include: Distortion Measurement – The distortion test measures the maximum allowable transmitter distortion. This test requires the use of a disturbing sine wave signal that is added to the PHY output signal. The peak transmitter distortion is calculated, and the measured values are compared against the compliance test specification. Return Loss Measurement – The return loss test determines the impedance mismatch from the differential impedance specification of 100 Ω, which will affect hardware interoperability. Jitter and Transmit Clock Frequency Measurements – Separate tests are run to measure the Master (Slave) RMS jitter and the Tx clock frequency. Droop Measurement – The droop measurements are performed by determining the positive and negative waveform peak voltages. Power Spectral Density (PSD) Measurement – The spectral of an input signal is computed using built-in oscilloscope MATH functions. Post processing is done on the signal to arrive at the PSD. The computed PSD is then compared with the specification by using lower and upper masks to arrive at the final result. MDI Jitter Measurement – This test measures jitter of the data signals. These types of early testing increase the likelihood of passing compliance tests, while allowing more complete characterization and determination of design margins. If we perform these measurements manually, however, it's going to be very time consuming. The Tektronix automated test application for automotive Ethernet , which helps reduce test time, also achieves higher accuracy with the measurements the algorithm developed in association with the standard bodies. TekExpress is the automation platform used for many of the Tektronix high-speed serial compliance tests. Test Selection with Automotive Ethernet Software For more detail on these measurement tests and use cases and the pitfalls that an engineer might encounter during test setup and execution, watch our pre-recorded webinar, Automotive Multigigabit Ethernet , or the related software demonstration.automotivesoftwarehttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tektronix/b/blog/posts/overcoming-3-challenges-of-time-and-frequency-correlated-rf-measurementsFri, 26 Jul 2024 08:57:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:3707d0e9-5f72-4ad9-a065-c64a08606b78r.ngugiThis blog first appeared on the Tektronix website. Historically, engineers working with high-frequency signals have relied on spectrum analyzers to identify, characterize, and test the performance of their designs, devices, and systems. But these devices fall short when analyzing signals with an unpredictable time-related behavioral component. Tektronix Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers (RTSAs) , however, capture and store signals as a seamless, continuous record of time. Combining deep memory with powerful digital signal processing, RTSAs allow for a variety of triggering, display, and analysis capabilities to reveal signal changes in both the time and frequency domains. In this post, we’ll cover three key challenges engineers face when it comes to time and frequency correlated measurements, and how Tektronix RTSAs can address those challenges. Capturing Unknown Signals Analyzing today’s high-bandwidth RF signals requires vector measurements that provide both magnitude and phase information. Modern vector signal analyzers (VSAs) are best suited for capturing stationary or repetitive waveforms. But they have a limited ability to analyze transient events, pulsed waveforms, or other fast-occurring phenomena. This becomes an issue, of course, because it’s tough to capture a signal you aren’t aware of or you’re not anticipating. In addition to capturing traditional spectral measurements, RTSAs produce spectrograms using gapless acquisition with thousands or even millions of FFTs per second. These spectrograms are traditional waterfall color-coded representations of spectral power over time, which allows engineers to track variations in the spectrum. Using patented Digital Phosphor Technology (DPX ™ ) , Tektronix RTSAs can uncover hidden signals by rasterizing RF samples into pixel information, giving you a truly “live” view of the RF signals. The DPX display helps you to see how traces change over time and displays signal events that cannot be seen with traditional spectrum analyzers. The DPX spectrum indicates how traces change in two ways: First, it uses color shading to show how consistent the shape of a trace is. Second, it uses persistence to hold signals on the screen so you can see them longer. The DPX display reveals transient signal behavior that helps you discover instability, glitches, and interference that might be in the same band as your expected signals but separated by either time or power levels. This enables you to distinguish rare transient signals from normal signals and background noise, as the figure above shows. Triggering in Frequency and Time VSAs lack key mixed-domain (frequency and time) triggering capabilities — like triggering on specific signal frequency variations, power densities, or event durations — needed to discover infrequent events. They also lack the ability to continuously record while processing acquisitions, so VSAs may miss triggering conditions that occur while processing the previous acquisition. Triggering also requires prior knowledge or understanding of the event, which may not be realistic with transient, intermittent, or unexpected signals. With gapless acquisition capabilities, Tektronix RTSAs maintain a continuous time record of thousands or even millions of spectra per second, so engineers will never miss fast RF transients and effects again. You can also use RTSAs to set new types of triggers that respond to mixed-domain conditions such as carrier frequency drift or appearance of interferers during an acquisition window. Additionally, users can set DPX density-based triggers, which leverage signal history in the form of display persistence to capture signals only when they occur a minimum number of times. Storing, Retrieving, and Analyzing Data in the Time and Frequency Domain With traditional VSAs, field engineers often struggle to analyze signals in both the time and frequency domains. To begin with, they need two acquisitions to capture this information — one in the time domain and one in the frequency domain — which is a time-consuming task. Second, the relationship between time and frequency is often lost when engineers are back in the lab and want to retrieve and analyze those signals. To address this challenge, the internal architecture of Tektronix RTSAs only requires a single acquisition, saving you time, and ensuring that every acquired sample maintains a correlation in the time and in the frequency domain. Furthermore, Tektronix RTSAs preserve the relationship between time and frequency measurements not only during the acquisition, but also when the data moves to storage for later retrieval and analysis. Never again will you find yourself reviewing your data and wondering when that unexpected glitch happened. For engineers who need to efficiently understand the relationship between signal power, frequency, and time, traditional VSAs can’t do the job. Tektronix Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers, however, address this challenge, saving you time and allowing you to capture, identify, and analyze the hard-to-get, glitchy, and unexpected signals that VSAs miss. For detailed information regarding these three challenges, please download the technical brief – Overcoming 3 Key Challenges of Time and Frequency Correlated RF Measurements . To see a quick demonstration, check out this video on Fast Spectrum Sweeps with a Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer .spectrum analyzerRF Signalshttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tektronix/b/blog/posts/3-radiation-hazards-radhaz-and-how-to-mitigate-riskFri, 21 Jun 2024 10:31:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:f8589bf4-d8a8-4120-939c-3393e5f6e9e4r.ngugiThis blog first appeared on the Tektronix Website. If you are involved in military, aerospace or defense and have been around radar and communication systems, with high-power RF transmitters and high-gain antennas, you are probably aware of the many risks associated with Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR) Hazards . RF emissions from these systems have the potential to cause catastrophic damage to operations and maintenance personnel, ordnance and fuels, and associated equipment. If you are responsible for Radiation Hazards (RADHAZ), Emission Control (EMCON), Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) or the management of electromagnetic environmental effects (E3), you understand that in today’s technological environment, it’s not sufficient only knowing whether systems are exceeding appropriate levels. To support daily operation to ensure security and safety, it’s more important than ever to be able to discover, locate, classify, record, and playback signals of interest through a combination of field surveying and deployed spectrum monitoring. Government publications and others provide comprehensive information on the risks, Personnel Exposure Limits (PEL), hazard measurements, design criteria and safe operation guidelines. However, new technology advancements with increased RF emitting technology capabilities requires a higher level of RF situational awareness. RADHAZ procedures set the fundamental requirements to mitigate risks associated with Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR). For military personnel, RADHAZ risks can be especially high when two radar emitting vehicles or ships interact with each other. As an example, when two ships approach each other, each ship needs to be aware of the potential electromagnetic radiation hazards and their required safe distances and procedures during operation. Failure to monitor the RFR present can, and has, resulted in catastrophic accidents. Per the Navel Safety Center, RF Hazards fall into three main categories: Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Personnel (HERP) Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO) Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Fuel (HERF) Let’s take a look at each of these RF hazards: What are Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Personnel (HERP)? HERP may result in injuries to people in environments where radar and communications systems operate. The use of high frequency transmitters and high-gain antennas, and the complicated structure and rigging aboard ships has increased the probability of voltages being present on shipboard objects such as running rigging, booms and parked aircraft. Radiation from nearby transmitting antennas may result in voltage levels that are sufficient to cause burns or shocks. These injuries may occur from direct contact with a conductive object or from a spark discharge. What are Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordinance (HERO)? HERO occurs when RFR enters sensitive electrically initiated devices (EIDs), or electro-exploding devices (EEDs) and may lead to triggering an unexpected explosion. RFR energy can enter an ordnance item through a hole or crack in its skin, or through firing leads and wires. First identified in 1958, the HERO risk has increased with the increased power output and frequency ranges found in modern radio and radar transmitting equipment. According to the Navy Safety Center, “EID systems are most susceptible during assembly, disassembly, loading, unloading, and handling in RFR electromagnetic fields.” Ordnance systems are classified into three categories; HERO safe, HERO susceptible and HERO unsafe based on their probability of being adversely affected by the RFR environment. What are Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Fuel (HERF)? HERF concerns the accidental ignition of fuel vapors by RF-induced arcs during fuel-handling operations. Fuel-handling is defined as the transferring of fuel from one container to another. While the probability of a HERF event occurring is relatively low, accidental combustion is still possible with certain conditions being present. To reduce the probability of a HERF event, a number of measures have been advised for military operations. Included among these are prescribed safe separation distances and securing transmitting radar and communication systems during fueling operations. Frequency mask triggering captures signals that violate user defined thresholds. Mitigating RADHAZ Risk Using a Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer To mitigate the risks for RADHAZ operations, investing in technology that provides greater RF situational awareness takes on greater importance. A portable Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (RTSA), such as the Tektronix RSA306B or RSA500 Series , is the perfect tool for intelligent sensing to monitor EMCON compliance and complement RADHAZ safety procedures. The RTSA provides the ability to sense important signals of interest (SOIs) in a crowded spectrum and understand what RF signals exists at any given time. To monitor an area 24/7, capabilities like frequency mask triggering are preferred, as it allows the RTSA to capture any signal that violates set frequency thresholds. This is critical given the potential consequences of an EMCON violation or a RADHAZ event.spectrum analyzerRadar&EwRF Signalshttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tektronix/b/blog/posts/2-ways-to-remotely-control-a-parameter-analyzerFri, 14 Jun 2024 08:38:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:134f3f07-0dd0-4098-8285-1b65ff69e59br.ngugiThis blog first appeared on the Tektronix website. Controlling instruments remotely has become a part of nearly every engineer’s and researcher’s life, whether by working remotely or combining instruments into large test systems. The Keithley 4200A-SCS Parameter Analyzer supports a few different methods of remote control optimized for each scenario. This blog introduces remote control using Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Connection and the Keithley External Control Interface (KXCI).What is Remote Desktop Connection? What is Remote Desktop Connection? Remote Desktop Connection is a program included in Microsoft’s Windows 10 Operating System. It allows you to control a Windows 10 PC from a remote Windows PC. Because the 4200A-SCS runs Windows 10 natively, you can use this tool to control your 4200A-SCS too! Remote Desktop allows you to take full advantage of the Clarius software’s test and project library, intuitive test configuration and data analysis tools. There is no downtime to develop code and debug code, and previously configured projects and saved data can be quickly accessed. You can also use other Clarius+ Suite tools like the KULT Extension to develop user libraries. Remote Desktop facilitates a seamless transition between working in the lab and working from home. How do I use Remote Desktop Connection with my 4200A-SCS? Controlling your 4200A-SCS with Remote Desktop Connection is just as easy as controlling any Windows 10 PC. Both computers must be connected via LAN or the internet. For full instructions on connecting, see Microsoft’s support article here. Once connected, you can use Clarius to control the 4200A-SCS’s instruments as shown in Figure 1. New runs of a project are stored in Clarius and can be exported from Clarius to either a shared network location or to the 4200A-SCS system, where they can be copied through the Remote Desktop connection. Remote Desktop is a great option if you want to get up and running fast without developing code. Figure 1: Clarius viewed through Remote Desktop What is KXCI? Pronounced “kick-see”, KXCI is an interface included with the Clarius+ software suite that allows you control individual instruments inside the 4200A-SCS from a remote computer. Even though the parameter analyzer comes with easy-to-use interactive software called Clarius, sometimes you may want to control the instruments inside (modules) at a very granular level. This can be the case if the system will be part of a larger test setup that may include other instruments or for certain very specialized tests. Commands from the KXCI command set can configure the modules to make measurements and return the data to the controlling PC for analysis. How do I use KXCI? To get started, connect your 4200A-SCS to the remote PC through either GPIB or ethernet. On the 4200A-SCS, open KCON (Keithley Configuration Utility) and configure the KXCI settings to the interface you’ve chosen. Once configured, open the KXCI console. The 4200A-SCS is now ready to start receiving commands. The console, shown in Figure 2, contains a message pane for status messages, errors and echoed commands for debugging. There is also a pane for data to be graphed. Figure 2: KXCI Console KXCI commands are sent from the remote PC via any program of your choice. Several options for programming languages exist, and each have a few requirements to be able to communicate with the 4200A-SCS. Table 1 shows a few examples with any extra requirements to connect with the 4200A-SCS. Table 1: Programming Languages to Send KXCI Commands Language Communication Method Requirements Examples Python (Sockets) Ethernet Python socket library Python (pyVISA) Ethernet, GPIB NI VISA and pyVISA Application Note C/C++ Ethernet KXCI Ethernet Driver (provided with Clarius software) C/C++ GPIB KUSB-488B USB to GPIB Driver LabVIEW Ethernet, GPIB LabVIEW Driver MATLAB Ethernet, GPIB Instrument Control Toolbox Each module in the 4200A-SCS has its own set of commands to control them: Source Measure Units (SMUs), Capacitance-Voltage Units (CVUs), and Pulse Measure Units (PMUs). The SMU commands enable the user to configure the source and measure functions, timing settings, and initialize the test for measuring DC I-V. The CVU commands control the DC voltage, AC drive voltage, test frequency, timing settings, and other functionality to obtain C-V data. The PMU commands can only control sourcing with the PMU such as the pulse voltage and pulse timing. There are also KXCI commands to call and execute user modules written with the Keithley User Library Tool (KULT) or the KULT Extension on the 4200A-SCS. This extends the functionality of KXCI to measuring with the PMU and controlling external instruments like the CVIV multi-switch. Every command for every instrument is described in the KXCI Remote Control Programming Reference Manual . The manual also contains information on configuring KXCI through KCON, program and command usage examples, and error codes. For hands on learning, a training module on KXCI can be found in the Learning Center of the Clarius software under Training Materials. This training contains tutorials to set up KXCI and the programming environment on the PC, verifying communications and example programs. Try out the KXCI interface and start learning in the Learning Center by downloading the Clarius+ suite to your own PC for free.4200ahttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tektronix/b/blog/posts/advanced-oscilloscope-analysis-4-unique-capabilities-with-the-6-series-b-msoFri, 31 May 2024 12:33:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:0bdb6df9-2b4e-4124-9b1f-cdef671d6063r.ngugiThis blog first appeared on the Tektronix website. With the lowest input noise and up to 10 GHz analog bandwidth, the 6 Series B MSO provides the best signal fidelity for analyzing and debugging today's embedded systems with GHz clock and bus speeds. The remarkably innovative pinch-swipe-zoom touchscreen user interface coupled with a large high-definition display and up to eight FlexChannel ™ inputs, each of which lets you measure one analog or eight digital signals, the 6 Series B MSO is ready for today's toughest challenges (and tomorrow's too). The 6 Series B MSO also delivers simplified, advanced measurement and analysis. Characterize jitter on GHz clocks and serial buses with ease. Bring statistics into your everyday toolkit with integrated measurements. Use the same simple drag and drop action to add advanced and everyday measurements. Four unique analysis capabilities in particular help the 6 Series B MSO stand out, including: Spectrum View Synchronized Multi-channel Spectrum Analysis. It is often easier to debug an issue by viewing one or more signals in the frequency domain. Oscilloscopes have included math-based FFTs for decades in an attempt to address this need. However, FFTs are notoriously difficult to use for two primary reasons. First, when performing frequency-domain analysis, you think about controls like Center Frequency, Span, and Resolution Bandwidth (RBW), as you would typically find on a spectrum analyzer. But then you use an FFT, where you are stuck with traditional scope controls like sample rate, record length, time/div, and must perform all the mental translations to try to get the view you’re looking for in the frequency-domain. Second, FFTs are driven by the same acquisition system that’s delivering the analog time-domain view. When you optimize acquisition settings for the analog view, your frequency-domain view isn’t what you want. When you get the frequency-domain view you want, your analog view is not what you want. With traditional oscilloscope FFTs, it is virtually impossible to get optimized views in both domains. Spectrum View changes all of this. Tektronix’ patented technology provides both a decimator for the time-domain and a digital downconverter for the frequency domain behind each FlexChannel. The two different acquisition paths let you simultaneously observe both time and frequency-domain views of the input signal with independent acquisition settings for each domain. Other manufacturers offer various ‘spectral analysis’ packages that claim ease-of-use, but they all exhibit the limitations described above. Only Spectrum View provides both exceptional ease-of-use and the ability to achieve optimal views in both domains simultaneously. Watch an overview : Using Spectrum View Spectrum Analysis on Multiple Channels Advanced Jitter A nalysis Quickly Characterizes Clock Signal Quality The 6 Series B MSO has seamlessly integrated the DPOJET Essentials jitter and eye pattern analysis software package, extending the oscilloscope's capabilities to take measurements over contiguous clock and data cycles in a single-shot real-time acquisition. This enables measurement of key jitter and timing parameters such as Time Interval Error and Phase Noise to help characterize possible system timing issues. Analysis tools, such as plots for time trends and histograms, quickly show how timing parameters change over time, and spectrum analysis quickly shows the precise frequency and amplitude of jitter and modulation sources. Option 6-DJA adds additional jitter analysis capability to better characterize your device's performance. The 31 additional measurements provide comprehensive jitter and eye-diagram analysis and jitter decomposition algorithms, enabling the discovery of signal integrity issues and their related sources in today's high-speed serial, digital, and communication system designs. Option 6-DJA also provides eye diagram mask testing for automated pass/fail testing. Watch an overview: High Speed Serial and Jitter Test for 6 Series B MSO Advanced Power A nalysis Delivers Fast, Repeatable Power Supply Measurements The 6 Series B MSO has also integrated the optional 6-PWR power analysis package into the oscilloscope's automatic measurement system to enable quick and repeatable analysis of power quality, in-rush current, harmonics, switching loss, safe operating area (SOA), ripple, magnetics measurements, efficiency, Control Loop Response (Bode Plot), and Power Supply Rejection Ratio (PSRR). Measurement automation delivers measurement quality and repeatability at the touch of a button, without the need for an external PC or complex software setup. Watch an overview: Measuring Bode/Control Loop Response of a Power Supply Vector Signal Analysis for Examining Modulated Signals The 6 Series B MSO, combined with available analysis software, offers cost-effective mid-range performance as either a 4 channel, 10 GHz bandwidth, or 8 channel, 5 GHz bandwidth multichannel, multi-domain Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) solution. When analysis needs go beyond the basic spectrum, amplitude, frequency, and phase vs. time you can employ the SignalVu-PC vector signal analysis application. This enables in-depth transient RF signal analysis, detailed RF pulse characterization, and comprehensive analog and digital RF modulation analysis. For example, Tektronix’ mixed signal oscilloscope-based approach to 5G New Radio testing, with dedicated digital down converters on each channel and SignalVu-PC VSA software, offers a novel approach to validate 5G NR designs that the traditional RF engineer may not have considered previously due to technical limitations in traditional FFT-based oscilloscopes. Watch an overview: 5G New Radio Vector Signal Analysis For more information, visit our website for details. You can also download the 6 Series B MSO datasheet below. community.element14.com/.../MSO6B_2D00_Datasheet_2D00_EN_2D00_US_2D00_48W_2D00_61716_2D00_11.pdfoscilloscopejitter analysishttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tektronix/b/blog/posts/what-is-evse-a-comprehensive-guide-to-electric-vehicle-supply-equipmentFri, 03 May 2024 08:19:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:f71eef62-2514-4af2-9c2f-e9bbb9b34518r.ngugiThis blog first appeared on the Tektronix website. As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to proliferate, understanding the infrastructure that supports them, particularly Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), or charging stations, becomes crucial. This guide explains what EVSE is, how it works, and why it's essential for the transition to electric mobility. After learning about EVSE, take the next step to learn about EVSE test and measurement. What is EVSE? Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) is the bridge that connects an electric vehicle to a power source, facilitating safe and efficient charging. They take electrical power from the grid and transfer it to an electric vehicle in order to charge the battery within the EV. They can go by different names like charging stations, EV chargers, or charge points. Breakdown of EV Charger Components The components of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) are designed to move electrical power from the power grid to an electric vehicle safely and efficiently. Here's a closer look at the main components of an EVSE: Housing/Enclosure: This is the protective casing that contains all of the EVSE's internal components. It safeguards the electronics and electrical equipment from environmental factors, like rain or snow, and potential mechanical damage, like a car backing into them or vandals. The design can vary from simple wall-mounted boxes to sophisticated standalone units for public use. Power Input: This subsystem is responsible for connecting the EVSE to the electrical grid. It can handle various voltage and current levels, as well as phase configuration, depending on whether the EVSE is designed for Level 1, Level 2, or DC Fast Charging. Input electronics help control the impact of the EVSE on the grid, including conducted electromagnetic compatibility, harmonics, and power factor. Control Electronics: These are the brains of the EVSE. They manage the charging process by communicating with the connected vehicle to ensure that the correct amount of power is delivered at the right speed. This is also where the electricity used is measured for billing the user. This system includes relays and switches that can interrupt power flow for safety. Cable and Connector: The cable extends from the housing and ends in a connector, which plugs into the electric vehicle. The design of the connector varies by the standards it supports (such as J1722, IEC 62196, NACS, CCS, and CHAdemMO). Some connectors support only AC charging (Level 1 and or Level 2) while others support DC fast charging. In addition to power transfer, cables and connectors must carry communications signals between the EVSE and EV. User Interface: Most EVSE includes a user interface, which can range from simple indicator lights to advanced touchscreens that display charging status, power usage, and other operational details. EVSE may also include network connectivity like Wi-Fi or Ethernet, allowing for billing, remote management, and updates. Safety Mechanisms: Integral to all EVSEs are various safety features, such as circuit breakers, ground fault circuit interrupters or residual current device (GFCIs or RCDs), and thermal sensors, which help prevent overheating and electrical faults. Cables, connectors, and communication between the EVSE and the EV are designed for safe connection and charging sequencing. These systems ensure that the charging process is safe for both the vehicle and the user. Together, these components form a complex system that plays a crucial role in the usability and safety of electric vehicle charging, providing a reliable bridge between the power grid and the vehicle. Operation and Connectivity of EVSE How EVSEs Operate: Getting electrical power from the grid to an electric vehicle is all well and good, but as we saw above, EVSE is more complicated than a simple wire. Let's break down a few different ways EVSE are different from each other. Charging Levels and Specifications: Charging levels in EVSE vary by power source and determine how fast a vehicle charges. The definition of the levels or types varies between regions. In North America, which uses 120 V single-phase voltage and 240 V split-phase voltage in residences, the following levels apply: Level 1 Charging : Utilizes standard 120 VAC household outlets for slow charging. This level of EVSE is closest to being a simple wire, but there are still safety mechanisms and occasionally control electronics present. Many of the components discussed above are excluded in Level 1 EVSE. Level 2 Charging : Employs a 208-240 VAC supply to deliver power to the vehicle faster, resulting in faster charging. Most residential and commercial spaces either have this level of voltage available already, or can be retro-fitted with minimal effort. This level of charging is currently the most common. DC Fast Charging : This level of EVSE is the most complex and involves converting AC electrical power to DC power before sending it to the vehicle while Levels 1 and 2 send AC power to the vehicle. This level typically uses higher voltage and current 3-phase power that is only available in commercial or industrial settings. In countries that have single-phase 230 VAC receptacles throughout the power system, there is no equivalent to the North American Level 1. However, power levels roughly corresponding to Level 2 are typical in international AC systems, including some systems and EVs that can handle 3-phase AC. All regions support some form of DC Fast Charging. Note : The terms “Type 1” and “Type 2” are used to describe the pin configurations on EV power connectors. These do not correspond directly to the “Level 1” and “Level 2” charging levels used in North America. Power Connections: EVSEs can be connected to the grid in several ways, tailored to different needs: Plug-in Connections : Typically used in homes and for emergency charging for their simplicity and convenience. In North America this is the standard for Level 1 charging. Hardwired Connections : Necessary for higher power requirements such as Level 2 or DC fast charging, these requires professional installation. Safety, Testing, and Maintenance: Maintaining the safety and efficiency of EVSE is critical, necessitating regular testing and maintenance. Inspections and Updates : Routine checks ensure that all electrical connections are secure, while firmware updates enhance functionality and safety. Physical Checks : Regular inspections help to detect and address wear and tear, preserving the integrity and safety of the equipment. Connectivity Explained: Modern EVSE leverages network connectivity to enhance both user experience and operational efficiency. Key features include: Remote Monitoring : Enables both users and service operators to monitor charging sessions and manage energy consumption from afar. Smartphone Control : Offers users the convenience to start, stop, and schedule charging via a smartphone application. Smart Home/Building Integration : Connects with home energy management systems to optimize electricity use, integrating smart features such as adaptive solar energy consumption. Utilities may offer discounts in return for being able to throttle charging during periods of high demand. Cables and Connectors for EVSE The role of cables, and connectors in EVSE systems is crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective charging of electric vehicles. Here's a deeper look: Cables Engineered for durability and safety, charging cables need to handle significant currents while maintaining flexibility and standing up to heavy use. Generally, their thickness varies by charging level, with thicker cables required to support higher amperage. Connectors Available in several types, connectors must match vehicle standards and are equipped with safety features like thermal sensors and locking mechanisms. Naturally, they need to mate with the matching port on the EV or be made compatible through an adapter. The standard connectors are: J1772 (Type 1) : Primarily used in North America for Level 1 and Level 2 charging. IEC 62196 (Type 2) : Used in Europe and integrated into CCS for DC fast charging. It can also handle 3-phase AC in certain electrical systems. CHAdeMO : Japanese standard for DC fast charging, notable for its large size and for being one of the earliest connector standards. CCS (Combined Charging System) : Integrates AC and DC charging into a single connector, widely adopted in Europe and North America for fast charging. CCS1 uses the Type 1 connector with 2 added pins to carry DC current. CCS2 does the same but uses the Type 2 connector. J3400 (NACS) : Previously a propriety standard from Tesla that is now available for broader use, this connector is being adopted by much of North America for the future. It is designed to handle all levels of charging. EV Charging Standards: Importance and Key Guidelines Introduction to EV Charging Standards Electric Vehicle Charging Stations are vital components of the EV ecosystem, governed by standards that help to ensure safety, efficiency, and compatibility: Safety : Standards prevent overloading and electrical fires, ensuring that connections are secure before power is transmitted. Interoperability : Ensures different vehicle models can use various charging stations safely and without issues. Power quality standards and electrical codes : These codes and standards regulate the connection to the electrical system and limit the allowable impact of charging stations on the grid – for example power factor and harmonics. Major Standards Organizations In addition to local electrical codes, several bodies develop and enforce standards for EVSE: IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) : Focuses on electrical systems, producing standards like IEC 61851 for electromagnetic compatibility, EVSE types and communications, as well as IEC 62196 for connectors. IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) : Specializes in electronics and electrical engineering, setting guidelines for safety and technology integration. SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) : Develops standards for manufacturing and testing EV components, ensuring they meet rigorous automotive requirements. GB (National Standards of the People’s Republic of China) : Develops standards for EVSE in China, such as GB/T 20234. The standards created by these bodies foster a reliable, safe, and user-friendly environment for electric vehicle charging, contributing to the broader adoption of EVs globally. Market and Technological Trends in EVSE The realm of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) development is dominated by a few exciting technologies that promise to make EV charging more efficient and accessible: Enhanced Charging Speeds : Ongoing advancements are consistently aimed at reducing charging time, making it comparable to or faster than traditional fueling methods. Wireless Charging Developments : Steady progress in wireless charging technologies suggests a future where EVs can be charged effortlessly, eliminating the need for physical cables. Predictions for Sustained Developments: Seamless Integration with Renewable Resources: Future EVSE technologies are expected to harmonize more effectively with renewable energy, promoting environmental sustainability and reducing dependency on traditional power sources. Advancements in Smart Charging Capabilities : Innovations are likely to further refine the intelligence of charging systems, enabling them to adapt charging schedules based on real-time energy demand and pricing. Expansion of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Systems : As V2G technology matures, it is anticipated to become more widespread, allowing EVs to contribute back to the power grid and enhance grid resilience. These trends indicate a trajectory towards a more integrated, efficient, and user-centered EV charging infrastructure, continuously adapting to the evolving needs of the market and technology. Equipment Used for Testing EVSE Systems To ensure safety, reliability and efficiency, EVSE systems are rigorously tested during the design process, during manufacturing, and in the field. Here's an overview of the key types of test equipment used. General Test and Measurement During the design and manufacturing process, oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, signal generators, power supplies, electronic loads, and power analyzers are used to help bring up new designs and confirm that EVSE is operating within specifications. Pictured in the image above: Oscilloscope (in the center): Utilized for visualizing and analyzing the waveforms of electrical signals within the EVSE. This can be used to ensure the proper functioning of the pilot signal between the vehicle and the charging station, to observe the quality of the power supply, and to check for any noise or interference that might affect the charging process. Arbitrary Function Generator (to the left of the oscilloscope): Used to simulate various signal conditions that the EVSE might encounter when interfacing with different electric vehicles. This device can help in stress-testing the EVSE’s response to irregular signals or to mimic vehicle communications for testing purposes. Source Measure Unit (SMU) (to the far left): Employed to accurately measure the electrical parameters such as voltage, current, and resistance in the EVSE modules and components. It ensures the output is within specified tolerances and that the charging station is safe and efficient. It may also be used for diagnostic purposes when troubleshooting EVSE faults. Power Supply (below the SMU): Provides a stable and adjustable source of power to emulate different charging conditions. A low wattage power supply, like the one shown, can be used to power modules and subsystems during testing. A high wattage supply (https://www.tek.com/en/products/ea/dc-power-supplies/ea-10000-series) can be used to emulate a vehicle's battery system for DC fast charging, or emulate abnormal conditions during development or testing. These devices are used to simulate vehicle connections and assess the EVSE's response, verifying compliance with standards such as IEC 61851 and SAE J1772. They can check for correct signaling, timing, and the delivery of power. Functional testers and test adapters are used to simulate an EV connection to verify the EVSE's operational functions. Test adapters facilitate the connection of digital multimeters or oscilloscopes. Protocol analyzers check communication protocols to ensure compatibility with various vehicle models. Network Connectivity Testers These tools evaluate the EVSE's ability to communicate with remote monitoring systems, ensuring that features like smart charging and firmware updates function properly. The two main types of equipment used for testing connectivity are as follows: Network analyzers assess the ability of the EVSE to communicate with central systems. Wi-Fi testers ensure the reliability and security of wireless connectivity features. Electrical Safety Analyzers Critical for ensuring that the EVSE operates safely, these analyzers test protective mechanisms, grounding, insulation, and the presence of any potentially hazardous electrical faults. These generally fall into the following types: Insulation resistance testers measure the integrity of electrical insulation. Ground fault circuit testers detect faults in the grounding system to prevent electrical hazards. Power quality analyzers these instruments measure the impact of EVSE on the electrical grid, including voltage levels, current, frequency stability, power factor, and harmonics. EVSE Glossary: Key Terms in EV Charging EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) : The hardware or infrastructure that delivers electric power to recharge electric vehicles, commonly referred to as charging stations. Level 1, 2, and DC Fast Charging : These terms refer to the different speeds and power specifications for charging electric vehicles. Level 1 is the slowest form, using standard household outlets, while Level 2 is faster and uses a higher voltage. DC Fast Charging represents the quickest charging technology, utilizing direct current (DC). V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) : Technology that allows energy to be returned from the electric vehicle’s battery to the power grid. Smart Charging : Refers to charging systems that optimize energy use by automatically adjusting charging times based on grid load and electricity rates. Interoperability : The ability of EVSEs to operate with electric vehicles of different makes and models without compatibility issues. Demand Response : Technology that adjusts the charging rate based on utility signals to prevent grid overload during peak energy-use periods. Firmware : Software programmed into the hardware of an EVSE that controls the charging process, communications, and user interaction. Grid : The network of power lines and associated equipment used to distribute electrical energy around a community. Charger Topology : Describes the configuration of an EV charging station in terms of its architecture and how it connects to the grid and the vehicle. DC Fast Charger : A type of EVSE that delivers a high power output directly using DC (Direct Current), significantly reducing charging time. Interoperability : The ability of different makes and models of EVSE and EVs to work together. J1772 : The standard connector type for Level 1 and Level 2 charging in North America, which provides AC power to the vehicle.Electrical vehicle supply equipmentevoscilloscopeautomotivepower supplies