<div class="entry-content">
 <div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WdlN8bHw-w0" class="youtube-player" width="740" height="416.418" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 </div>
 <div class="blog-content">
 What is important when designing boards and power supplies with high currents? Explained by Steve Sandler
 </div>
 <div class="blog-content-chapters">
 <div>
 Chapters:
 </div>
 <ul class="chapters-list">
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 00:00What is this video about
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 00:32Current state of the art
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 09:20Why inductance is the biggest challenge (1)
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 19:15Minimizing the inductance (1)
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 20:47Thinner dielectric for even lower inductance (1)
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 23:35Why inductance is the biggest challenge (2)
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 39:03Decoupling the ASIC
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 45:50Minimizing the inductance (2)
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 50:55Thinner dielectric for even lower inductance (2)
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 53:23Carrying the current (ANSWER on the question in title)
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 59:24Stability - Both input and output (control loops)
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 1:10:45Million dollar chip
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 1:17:55What VRMs can supply this kind of currents?
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 1:26:20Is GaN the answer?
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 1:31:58Testing gets really tough
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 1:37:34Thank you and contact
 </li>
 </ul>
 </div>
 <div class="blog-content-links">
 <div>
 Links:
 </div>
 <ul class="links-list">
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-sandler-022a7210/">Steve's LinkedIn</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://fedevel.com/courses/power-integrity-and-power-supply-testing">Steve's Online Course</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://www.picotest.com/">Steve's company</a></li>
 </ul>
 </div> 
</div>

Do you need thick copper layers in PCB for high currents? Are you sure? | Steve Sandler

<div class="entry-content">
 <div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vzqZm2IFn6Y" class="youtube-player" width="740" height="416.418" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 </div>
 <div class="blog-content">
 What you are expecting may be completely different from what is happening on your PCB. Also, this video shows how you can do some simulations of your PCB and what you may learn from these simulations.
 </div>
 <div class="blog-content-chapters">
 <div>
 Chapters:
 </div>
 <ul class="chapters-list">
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 00:00What this video is about
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 03:25About the board we are simulating ( Altium )
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 06:33The board we are simulating in ADS
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 07:58DC Analysis
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 11:48Power plane resonances analysis ( PPR )
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 18:27Closer look at the PCB stackup
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 20:46SI Analysis
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 29:19SI Analysis - Schematic
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 30:43Analyzing the results of SI simulation 
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 40:17How to match impedance of vias
 </li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">
 47:06AC Analysis
 </li>
 </ul>
 </div> 
 <div class="blog-content-links">
 <div>
 Links:
 </div>
 <ul class="links-list">
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-sandler-022a7210/">Steven Sandler</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://www.picotest.com/">Steve's company Picotest</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://www.keysight.com/zz/en/products/software/pathwave-design-software/pathwave-advanced-design-system/pathwave-ads-simulation-elements.html">The software we used is ADS</a></li>
 </ul>
 </div> 
</div>

Thinking to do PCB Layout Simulations? This May Help … (with Steve Sandler)

How to test Power Distribution Systems and Power Supplies through hands-on lab demonstrations and classroom style lecture/slide presentations. Learn from Steve Sandler, internationally renowned author and lecturer on all topics power. In addition, a variety of support materials including sample laboratory exercises are provided.

What will you learn?

Practicing Electrical Engineers of all experience levels, Students, Test Technicians. This course requires some basic knowledge about instrumentation including Vector Network Analysis and Oscilloscopes.

Who is this course for?


This course covers how to master the most important power supply measurements including those associated with Power Integrity and today’s power distribution systems. 

Description

Every student who actively engages with course activities will receive a personal Power Integrity and Power Supply Testing Certificate

Certificate

No test equipment is necessary to undertake the course. Demonstrations are performed on various oscilloscopes and vector network analyzers and the measurement setups are explained in each video. For each class the equipment utilized is listed in the Links & Downloads area. Some of it you may have, other pieces you may want to acquire depending on your interest level in the particular test. Setup files for particular scopes and VNAs are provided and they can be used if you have that specific instrument(s).

Course Pre-Requisites

Email support@picotest.com if you have any questions.

Questions?

I am very happy with these classes. The presentations are very clear and easy to understand

Another great class. These methods would benefit the whole team.

2-Port Impedance was really good. I watched it two times. Next best thing is to do hands-on.

Very professional and complete content for people to know test in design world.

I did not expect 1-port method to cover such a variety of applications.

This course covers how to master the most important power supply measurements.


This course covers how to master the most important power supply measurements. You will learn how to test Power Distribution Systems and Power Supplies through hands-on lab demonstrations and classroom style lecture/slide presentations.This course is for Practicing Electrical Engineers of all experience levels, Students, Test Technicians and requires some basic knowledge about instrumentation including Vector Network Analysis and Oscilloscopes.

This course covers how to master the most important power supply measurements.

Master the Fundamentals of Power Integrity and Power Supply Testing

The first of 3 pre-requisite classes in the Master the Fundamentals of Power Integrity and Power Supply Testing series. This class introduces you to the fundamentals of test including the motivations for testing, as well as some hard-learned lessons from the Instructor’s 40+ year career.

Introduction to Test

This class covers managing noise, computing ENOB and other key parameters; proper practices for taking measurement data and understanding various sources of noise that can get into your measurements. 

Understanding & Quantifying Noise

The last pre-requisite class delves into a variety of concern related to cables and test setup interconnects. Characteristic impedance, excess inductance and capacitance, impedance matching, coupling, common mode rejection, and various cable and interconnect equations are discussed.

Basic Connections & 50 Ohm Cables 

This class covers the various probes that will be used throughout the class, how they are impacted by noise, measuring and validating probes, and what probes are used for each type of measurement.

Measuring Signals

Impedance is the basis by which we define, design, verify, and validate power integrity, noise, and stability. This class covers the fundamentals of impedance testing, what it tells us, and the benefits of each of the specific test configurations. 2-port testing demonstrations of some interesting decoupling structures are performed.

Introduction to Impedance

The 1-port reflection measurement is the simplest way to measure impedance. In this class we will explore the measurement theory, limitations of this configuration, demonstrate stability testing with NISM (Non-Invasive Stability Measurement), and how and when to best use this setup.  

1-Port Impedance Measurement

The 2-port shunt-through test setup is the gold standard by which low and ultra-low impedance is measured. In this class we’ll explore the measurement theory and how to minimize errors in low impedance measurements. S-parameter definition and transformations, impedance range limitations, eliminating ground loops and cable related errors, and how to use calibration or de-embedding to improve the measurement range and accuracy are also discussed. Lab demonstrations covering 2-port shunt-through impedance testing of components with several different types of VNAs, calibration, and the measurement’s limitations are performed.

2-Port Impedance Measurement

In this next segment about 2-port shunt-through impedance testing we explore the ways to extend the range of the impedance you can measure. Probes and other ways to connect your test instrument to your DUT, including 1-port and 2-port browser type probes, are discussed. Calibration and probe placement are also covered. The 2-port extended shunt-through test and NISM test (Non-Invasive Stability Measurement, a unique way to use impedance to test control loop stability) are demonstrated.

2-Port Impedance Measurement – Part II

Traditionally a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) based measurement, the 2-port impedance test can now be performed on many oscilloscopes. In this final class segment on 2-port shunt-through testing we explore how to accomplish this and what added equipment is necessary. DC biased impedance measurement of capacitors and inductors (up to 125A) are discussed and demonstrated along with ways to turn your oscilloscope into a high frequency Vector Network Analyzer capable of measuring low impedances.

2-Port Impedance Measurement – Part III

Voltage divided by current is impedance. Seems simple. But there are practical hurdles to calibration and DUT connection. Measuring voltage and current of a stimulator and dividing these quantities provides impedance for DC/DC converter input and output impedance, LED impedance, filter impedance, and more. There are several obstacles in this measurement and this class covers how to properly implement this test.

3-Port Impedance Measurement

Testing the voltage excursions of power systems is crucial to their validation. As currents have climbed and edge speeds increased, the tools and techniques have changed dramatically. This class explores how to perform small and large signal step loads, as well as how to perform large signal impedance measurements easily yet accurately along with how to understand the results, all while minimizing sources of error.

Step Load / Large Signal Impedance Measurement

TDR is another method of measuring impedance. It offers a very fast method for testing cables and connections, characteristic impedance of a trace, cable or PCB coupon, distance to fault. In this class we explore the theory behind TDR testing and how it can help debug and confirm the validity of your test setup.

TDR Measurements

Includes: Online video access for 12 weeks (can be extended by 1 month for FREE) All lessons available immediately1 certificate (if you complete activities) 100% money-back guarantee up to 30 days from order

Online

Includes: Online access to this course for up to 3 people, each access for 12 weeks Every online access can be extended 2 times for FREE, each time for 1 more month ALL lessons accessible immediately after payment Unlimited video access (after downloaded) Video download available (after 30 days) Certificate for up to 3 people (when they complete activities) 100% money-back guarantee up to 30 days from order

Online and Download

(Recommended)

Includes: Online access to this course for up to 5 people, each access for 12 weeks Every online access can be extended 3 times for FREE, each time for 1 more month ALL lessons accessible immediately after payment Unlimited video access (after downloaded) Video download available immediately after payment Certificate for up to 5 people (when they complete activities) 100% money-back guarantee up to 30 days from order

Quick Download

Upgrade to Quick Download

Unlock all lessons

Extend video access (1 month)

Extend video access (3 months)

Extend video access (6 months)

Extend video access (12 months)

Upgrade to Online and Download

Extra Online licenses for Online and Download or Quick Download options

Extra Online license

Additional Online license

Extra Online licenses for Online and Download or Quick Download options. For Companies, which need additional online access to this course for their engineers.

Steven is a power system engineering veteran with over 40 years of experience. As a globally acclaimed authority, Steve frequently lectures and conducts workshops on Power Integrity and Distributed Power System Design. He has been awarded the DesignCon 2017 and EDICON 2017 Best Paper Awards, and was a winner of the Jim Williams ACE Award for Contributor of the Year (2015), as well as DesignCon 2023 Engineer of the Year award. Steve is also a two-time Test & Measurement Test Engineer of the Year Finalist.With numerous publications and books on power supply and distribution network performance, including his latest book "Power Integrity Using ADS" (2020), Steve is a leading authority in the field. Additionally, he is the founder of AEi Systems, specializing in modeling and worst-case circuit analysis for high reliability industries. He is also the founder and CEO of PICOTEST.com, which is a company specializing in instruments and accessories for high-performance power systems and distributed system testing.

Steve Sandler

Steven is a power system engineering veteran with over 40 years of experience. As a globally acclaimed authority, Steve frequently lectures and conducts workshops on Power Integrity and Distributed Power System Design. He has been awarded the DesignCon 2017 and EDICON 2017 Best Paper Awards, and was a winner of the Jim Williams ACE Award for Contributor of the Year (2015), as well as DesignCon 2023 Engineer of the Year award. Steve is also a two-time Test & Measurement Test Engineer of the Year Finalist.

With over 20 years of experience in the electronics industry, Robert Feranec is a distinguished engineer who has contributed to numerous high-profile projects. His diverse roles include hardware designer at VOIPAC Technologies and senior hardware engineer at EUROTECH.Robert is known for his expertise in the field of hardware design, particularly in the areas of PCB design, signal integrity, and high-speed digital design. In addition to his role as a founder and CEO of FEDEVEL, he is a passionate content creator on YouTube. There, he provides valuable tips, tricks, and tutorials on PCB design and electronics engineering. Robert's commitment to education and innovation continues to inspire and empower the next generation of electronics engineers.

Robert Feranec

With over 20 years of experience in the electronics industry, Robert Feranec is a distinguished engineer who has contributed to numerous high-profile projects. His diverse roles include hardware designer at VOIPAC Technologies and senior hardware engineer at EUROTECH.

With a diverse skill set, Philip's areas of specialization span from high-speed, mixed-signal electronics for industrial drones to cutting-edge audio electronics. He is also a sought-after industrial consultant and content creator for Altium. Philip holds a degree in Electronics and Control Systems Engineering from the University of Cambridge, England, and is certified by IPC CID+, demonstrating his expertise in the industry.His identity is greatly shaped by his renowned YouTube channel, Phil's Lab. As an experienced hardware and PCB design consultant, Philip uses his channel as a platform to share educational engineering content, covering topics such as PCB design, electronics, and real-time digital signal processing.

Philip Salmony

With a diverse skill set, Philip's areas of specialization span from high-speed, mixed-signal electronics for industrial drones to cutting-edge audio electronics.He is also a sought-after industrial consultant and content creator for Altium. Philip holds a degree in Electronics and Control Systems Engineering from the University of Cambridge, England, and is certified by IPC CID+, demonstrating his expertise in the industry..

The founder and principal EMC consultant, who brings extensive expertise in power electronics, digital electronics, electric machines, and product design. With a PhD from Newcastle University's Electrical & Electronics Engineering department, where his research focused on novel power switching schemes to reduce EMI emissions, Min's work has been widely cited in research papers. He has worked as an EMC specialist on milestone projects with Dyson Technology in the UK, establishing EMC capabilities for the Dyson Electric Vehicle project.Following that, he joined Cherry Clough Consultants Ltd to provide independent expertise in cost-effective EMC design worldwide. Now he works as a principal EMC consultant in Mach One Design Ltd. Dr. Min Zhang's in-depth knowledge and proven track record in designing cutting-edge electronics and electric machines with minimal EMC issues make him a valuable asset in helping you achieve efficient and cost-effective product designs.

Min Zhang

The founder and principal EMC consultant, who brings extensive expertise in power electronics, digital electronics, electric machines, and product design. With a PhD from Newcastle University's Electrical & Electronics Engineering department, where his research focused on novel power switching schemes to reduce EMI emissions, Min's work has been widely cited in research papers. He has worked as an EMC specialist on milestone projects with Dyson Technology in the UK, establishing EMC capabilities for the Dyson Electric Vehicle project.

Keith has dedicated his career to solving real-life interference problems in high-tech products and systems across various industries. Graduating with a B.Sc (Hons.) in Electrical Engineering from Imperial College London in 1972, he specialized in analogue circuit design and electromagnetic field theory, earning Upper Second Class Honours (Cum Laude).Throughout his career, he has managed critical projects, such as developing a new range of microwave test instruments (the 6200 series) for Marconi Instruments. As a Chartered Electrical Engineer since 1978 and a Group 1 European Engineer since 1988, Keith has authored numerous papers on EMC and EMC for Functional Safety. He has also held leadership roles in professional organizations, including chairing the IEE's Professional Group (E2) on Electromagnetic Compatibility and the IEE's Working Group on 'EMC and Functional Safety', and serving as the UK expert for the IEC 61000-1-2 maintenance team.

Keith Armstrong

Years in Electronic Design and Management

EMC Specialist & Chartered Electrical Engineer

Keith has dedicated his career to solving real-life interference problems in high-tech products and systems across various industries. Graduating with a B.Sc (Hons.) in Electrical Engineering from Imperial College London in 1972, he specialized in analogue circuit design and electromagnetic field theory, earning Upper Second Class Honours (Cum Laude).

With nearly 20 years of experience developing CPU and network chips for high-performance computing systems and several years as founder and CEO of Redwood EDA, Steve Hoover brings a great deal of industry knowledge to his courses.Steve holds a BS in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MS in computer science from the University of Illinois. He contributed to multiple generations of Alpha microprocessors at DEC and Compaq as well as Itanium and Xeon server projects and Omni-Path HPC network switch microarchitecture for Intel. Recognizing the urgency for a new design paradigm, Steve left Intel to found Redwood EDA in 2015. He is fostering an open-source hardware ecosystem with the introduction of makerchip.com, and he is actively contributing to the evolution of the Transaction-Level Verilog standard.

Steve Hoover

With nearly 20 years of experience developing CPU and network chips for high-performance computing systems and several years as founder and CEO of Redwood EDA, Steve Hoover brings a great deal of industry knowledge to his courses.

With a decade of hands-on experience in Altium Designer and Altium Enterprise Systems, this engineering expert is passionate about training professionals to maximize their proficiency and efficiency using these powerful tools. Gaining extensive knowledge through his work as a hardware developer at IDS-Imaging Development Systems GmbH, Sven has managed the transition to Altium Designer, implemented Altium Vault and Altium Concord Pro, and overseen PLM integration.Over the years, he has continued to broaden, extend, and deepen his expertise through numerous development projects. Sven is the founder of the company EDATRON Solutions GmbH (link→ <a href='https://www.edatron-solutions.com/en' style='color: white; text-decoration: underline;'>https://www.edatron-solutions.com/en</a>), where he currently leads practical Altium training sessions. These sessions take place both at the customer's location and at a training center in Germany. As a skilled trainer, Sven has successfully supported several customers in implementing Altium's enterprise products, as well as consulting about Altiums software solutions.

Sven Ingelfinger

With a decade of hands-on experience in Altium Designer and Altium Enterprise Systems, this engineering expert is passionate about training professionals to maximize their proficiency and efficiency using these powerful tools. Gaining extensive knowledge through his work as a hardware developer at IDS-Imaging Development Systems GmbH, Sven has managed the transition to Altium Designer, implemented Altium Vault and Altium Concord Pro, and overseen PLM integration..

A talented FPGA engineer with degrees in Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology and Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton, Jordan also has a patent pending for an innovative electronic monitoring device. Proficient in FPGA development, digital electronics, circuit board design, and VHDL design and modeling of hardware systems, his expertise is rooted in embedded systems.His passion for engineering extends beyond academia, as he actively pursues diverse interests that allow him to further develop his skills. These include mobile application development, PCB layout and assembly, computer application programming, and various other electrical engineering pursuits, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and innovation in the field.

Jordan Christman

A talented FPGA  engineer with degrees in Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology and Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton, Jordan also has a patent pending for an innovative electronic monitoring device. Proficient in FPGA development, digital electronics, circuit board design, and VHDL design and modeling of hardware systems, his expertise is rooted in embedded systems.

Sierra Circuits excels in providing high-quality, quick-turn PCBs and medium production runs, prioritizing rapid delivery and unmatched product quality. Committed to offering customers exceptional resources and knowledge, their industry-leading circuit boards are designed to withstand even the most extreme conditions.One striking example of their product resilience is a cubesat board that not only survived a catastrophic rocket explosion but also remained undamaged after plummeting back to earth. It is important to emphasize that their cubesat board was not the cause of the explosion. Sierra Circuits' steadfast dedication to engineering and innovation ensures their position at the forefront of the industry, meeting and exceeding customer expectations.

Sierra Circuits

Sierra Circuits excels in providing high-quality, quick-turn PCBs and medium production runs, prioritizing rapid delivery and unmatched product quality. Committed to offering customers exceptional resources and knowledge, their industry-leading circuit boards are designed to withstand even the most extreme conditions.

XJTAG specializes in enabling engineers to swiftly debug, test, and program complex electronic circuit boards, streamlining design, development, and manufacturing processes. With a focus on innovative product development and high-quality technical support, the company caters to a diverse array of industries, including aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, manufacturing, networking, and telecommunications.XJTAG's global presence is supported by an extensive network of over 50 experienced distributors and technology partners, ensuring clients worldwide can access their products and services. By delivering exceptional solutions that facilitate efficient electronic circuit board management, XJTAG helps industries optimize their operations and achieve greater success.

XJTAG

XJTAG specializes in enabling engineers to swiftly debug, test, and program complex electronic circuit boards, streamlining design, development, and manufacturing processes. With a focus on innovative product development and high-quality technical support, the company caters to a diverse array of industries, including aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, manufacturing, networking, and telecommunications.

Voipac provides scalable and compact COMs and SBCs, covering all of the technologically and development demanding parts, significantly cutting customers’ new products time-to-market.Since 2002, Voipac team has served numerous satisfied customers from all over the world. Its focus is to maintain close links with not only other commercial companies, but also with the technical institutes and university students that will once graduate and become the driving force of the future development teams.

Voipac

New product development projects realized

Institutes and universities using our SBCs and COMs

Years of learning and experiences gathering

Voipac provides scalable and compact COMs and SBCs, covering all of the technologically and development demanding parts, significantly cutting customers’ new products time-to-market.

| OUR INSTRUCTOR

Steve Sandler

Instructor Steve Sandler in numbers

Steve Sandler's Top Courses

Master the Fundamentals of Power Integrity and Power Supply Testing

Videos with Steve Sandler

Videos with Steve Sandler

Get to know our highly
experienced instructors

Didn't find what you were looking for?

BUSINESS ADDRESS

| OUR INSTRUCTOR

Steve Sandler

Instructor Steve Sandler in numbers

Steve Sandler's Top Courses

Master the Fundamentals of Power Integrity and Power Supply Testing

Videos with Steve Sandler

Videos with Steve Sandler

Get to know our highlyexperienced instructors

Didn't find what you were looking for?

Get to know our highly
experienced instructors