Measuring PCB, Cable and Interconnect Impedance, and Dielectric Constants

Low cost, portable, oscilloscope connected TDR/TDT

A TDR/TDT is generally a large, expensive instrument that includes a high-speed edge pulse and a sampling oscilloscope.

TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) is used to measure dielectric constants, PCB coupons, PCB signal traces, interconnects and cables.

TDT (Time Domain Transmission) is used to measure crosstalk, rise time degradation, insertion loss, dielectric loss, skin effect and characterize lossy transmission line parameters.

Picotest has a low-cost, pocket sized, signal edge generator and resistive port splitter that together with a real time oscilloscope can be used to make these measurements with excellent accuracy.

Along with a sampling oscilloscope, it can also be used to generate an eye diagram. Look below for testing solutions and product information.

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us

The PerfectPulse® TDR combined with the P2104A or P2105A Probes can measure PCB coupons using a 1-2GHz real time oscilloscope.

The PerfectPulse^® can be used to measure cable impedance or length, PCB dielectrics and trace length or even identify damaged cables or poor connector crimps.

TDR/TDT Solution

J2154A PerfectPulse^® Low-Cost Differential TDR

Low-cost PCB coupon tester – Characteristic Impedance PCB traces
Measure cable and PCB trace length, characteristic impedance, and dielectric constant
Locate and detect impedance mismatches
Measure parasitic values of inductance and capacitance such as bond wires, vias, and ESL
Verify the integrity of cable crimps and connector launches
Measure PCB trace path rise/fall time and overshoot/undershoot
Supports cable and trace loss modeling
Troubleshoot clock jitter and crosstalk
Measure microwave filters
Test the frequency bandwidth, rise/fall time, and flatness of lab instruments and probes