Picotest Corp
Measuring instruments
Company Overview
Picotest specializes in providing advanced solutions for power systems testing, voltage regulator module (VRM) validation, and power distribution network (PDN) validation. The company focuses on addressing critical power integrity challenges in modern electronics, offering a comprehensive suite of test equipment and educational resources designed for engineers working with increasingly high-speed and complex systems.
Products and Solutions
Picotest offers a range of precision test equipment. This includes the Bode 500 VNA, an analyzer capable of precise measurements from <1 Hz up to 450 MHz, suitable for ultra-wide frequency analysis. For PDN measurements, Picotest provides precision passive transmission line 'Browser' probes. The J2154A PerfectPulse® Differential TDR allows for precise differential or single-ended Time Domain Reflectometry, effectively turning an oscilloscope into a TDR for PCB, coupon, trace, and impedance testing with fast edge generation. The company also supplies versatile test adapters, signal injectors for high-resolution voltage regulator and power supply measurements, and a line of high-speed transient load steppers, such as the PicoSlammer. These load steppers are crucial for validating VRMs and PDNs, supporting very fast load stepping for hundreds or thousands of amps required by high-speed processor solutions. Specialized PDN Cable® is also available for accurate impedance testing.
Expertise and Educational Resources
Picotest extends its offerings beyond hardware with extensive educational resources. These include online training courses, application notes, articles, presentations, and demonstration videos. A notable offering is the on-demand course 'Master the Fundamentals of Power Integrity and Power Supply Testing,' which covers essential measurements and power distribution systems with detailed lab demonstrations. Furthermore, the company contributes to industry knowledge through publications like the 'Power Integrity' book, providing insights on selecting test equipment, interpreting results, and resolving common measurement issues. Picotest actively addresses emerging challenges such as 'TAPI concerns' (testing extreme dynamic transient conditions) and complex measurement scenarios, exemplified by discussions on measuring low-impedance PDNs, demonstrating their commitment to advancing power integrity testing methodologies.
