Scope-based audio-bus, power-analysis tools target embedded-system designers
By Dan Strassberg, Contributing Technical Editor -- EDN, February 12, 2009
Tektronix has announced a triggering-and-analysis module for serial-digital-audio buses and a new power-analysis module. The modules plug into the company’s DPO (digital phosphor oscilloscope) 3000 and MSO (mixed-signal-oscilloscope)/DPO4000 Series and enable the use of analysis capabilities that reside in the firmware of the instruments, which offer bandwidths as high as 1 GHz. The capabilities automate measurement and analysis tasks on digital-audio buses and switch-mode power supplies, simplifying and speeding troubleshooting and debugging of new designs.
Switch-mode power supplies require several specialized tests that take both time and expertise. The DPOxPwr module incorporates automated features that quickly perform these tests without complicated programming. Similarly, the DPOxAudio module addresses the needs of designers who integrate digital-audio capabilities into products such as toys, gaming systems, mobile phones, and professional-recording consoles. These designs use I2S (inter-IC-sound) and TDM (time-division-multiplexed) serial-bus protocols. For efficient debugging, the DPOxAudio module instantly decodes the protocol, time-aligns the waveform and decoded-packet data on the scope display, and automatically triggers on and then searches for packet-level content that you specify.
The integrated protocol-specific analysis modules and the host oscilloscopes’ Wave Inspector search/navigation tool set and TekVPI (versatile probe interface) combine to transform the scopes into powerful acquisition, display, and analysis tools for rapidly growing market segments and to enhance the productivity of embedded-system developers. You install the modules directly into the oscilloscopes, and they provide one-button automation without the need for special interfaces or external PCs.
The power-analysis module simplifies the probe-deskewing steps that precede power measurements and automates such measurements as power quality, switching loss, harmonic content, SOA (safe operating area), modulation, ripple, and voltage/current-slew rates. One button initiates the tests, and the oscilloscope’s screen displays the results. Embedded-system designers who rarely deal with power measurements can obtain the same accurate, repeatable results as power-supply experts.
The audio serial-triggering-and-analysis module provides insight into serial-bus behavior. It decodes and triggers on user-defined packet content and then displays the results as time-correlated waveforms and data packets. The module automatically decodes packet streams in the I2S, LJ (left-justified), RJ (right-justified), and TDM audio-bus formats. Using the oscilloscope’s Wave Inspector tools, you can search packet-level content, mark points of interest, and then navigate among these with the Next and Previous keys and the Pan/Zoom knob.
Both of the new application modules are compatible with the four models in Tektronix’s in the MSO4000 Series, the three models in the DPO4000 Series, and the six models in the DPO3000 Series. US list prices for the DPOxPwr power-measurement-and-analysis module start at $1290, and prices for the DPOxAudio serial-triggering-and-analysis module start at $990. In addition, the manufacturer offers a 25% discount on a bundle that includes—in a hard-sided carrying case—the power module and a selection of power-measurement probes and accessories from the company’s broad line.
