Course

Switch Mode Power Supply Testing Basics Using Oscilloscopes

Courses
14 items

Use an oscilloscope to make 11 essential switch mode power supply measurements that will help you characterize and optimize your SMPS.

Learn:

How to setup and measure a switch mode power supply
What the key measurements are and why they matter
Why the InfiniiVision X-Series oscilloscopes are ideal for SMPS measurements

Lessons

Lesson 1 - SMPS Measurement Basics

Introduces the basics of switch-mode power supply (SMPS) testing and the key measurements that can be used to characterize an SMPS. The lesson also covers the different types of oscilloscopes that can be used for SMPS testing and the different types of probes that can be used.

Lesson 2 - AC Input/Power Quality

Covers the quality of the AC input power to a switch-mode power supply (SMPS). It covers topics such as the different types of power quality disturbances, how to measure them, and how they can affect the performance of an SMPS.

Lesson 3 - Current Harmonics

Discusses the harmonic content of the current drawn by an SMPS. It covers topics such as the different types of harmonics, how to measure them, and how they can affect the power grid.

Lesson 4 - Inrush Current

Explains the inrush current of an SMPS. Inrush current is the surge of current that occurs when an SMPS is first turned on. It is caused by the capacitors in the SMPS charging up. Inrush current can be a problem because it can overload the AC input power source and cause voltage sags.

Lesson 5 - Modulation Analysis

Covers the modulation techniques used in SMPS. Modulation is the process of changing the amplitude, frequency, or phase of a signal. In SMPS, modulation is used to control the output voltage of the power supply.

Lesson 6 - Rds(on) and Vce(sat)

Discusses the on-resistance (Rds(on)) and saturation voltage (Vce(sat)) of power MOSFETs. These are two important parameters that determine the efficiency and performance of an SMPS.

Lesson 7 - Slew Rate

Focuses on the slew rate of a power MOSFET. The slew rate is a measure of how quickly the voltage across a MOSFET can change. It is an important parameter that determines the dynamic performance of an SMPS.

Lesson 8 - Output Ripple

Explains the output ripple of a switch-mode power supply (SMPS). It covers topics such as the different types of output ripple, how to measure them, and how they can affect the performance of an SMPS.

Lesson 9 - Turn on and Turn off Time

Discusses the turn on and turn off times of a switch-mode power supply (SMPS). It covers topics such as the different factors that affect these times, how to measure them, and how they can affect the performance of an SMPS.

Lesson 10 - Transient Response

Discusses the transient response of a switch-mode power supply (SMPS). It covers topics such as the different types of transients, how to measure them, and how they can affect the performance of an SMPS.

Lesson 11 - Efficiency

Discusses the efficiency of an SMPS. It covers topics such as the different factors that affect efficiency, how to measure efficiency, and how to improve efficiency.

Bench and Power Products

As devices have changed, so have your testing needs. Today’s designs are increasingly portable and connected. Troubleshooting DC to radio-frequency (RF) technologies requires a variety of instruments, and Keysight offers the deepest bench in the industry.

eBooks

Switch Mode Power Supply Analysis

From laptops to vacuum cleaners, all electrical products have one thing in common: a power supply. Without stable, well-regulated DC power, devices can malfunction. If you do not test for this properly during the design phase, it could damage other components in your design or, worse, delay your entire project.

Application Notes

How to Make the Best Switch Mode Power Supply Measurements

Characterizing the operation of switch mode power supplies requires a broad range of measurements. Most of the required measurements can be performed using an oscilloscope. However, many engineers today still perform these measurements manually on their scopes, which is very time consuming.

Related Use Case