Series 12 – Episode 8 – Testing platforms for signal integrity

Power integrity issues are generally unwanted changes in power rail voltages. These can happen due to high current demand, signal coupling, poor regulation, or switching noise.

“One point of confusion is that common use of the terms ‘switching noise’ and ‘simultaneous switching noise’,” notes Morgan.

Switching noise is usually associated with switch mode power supplies or regulators which are pretty common in all forms of electronics these days. Simultaneous switching noise occurs when an integrated circuit draws high current to switch multiple drivers at once.

“Now, both of these phenomenon’s, along with crosstalk, can manifest themselves as ripple,” said Morgan. “Ripple is basically any high frequency noise on a DC line.”

The design of power distribution networks, including regulators, board layout and even where you place the capacitors, can play critical roles in terms of power integrity issues.

Morgan goes on to speak about the sectors where power integrity is becoming most crucial, the instruments needed to undertake the necessary power integrity testing, and the electrification of vehicles and what this means for power integrity.

To hear more about power integrity, and much more, you can listen to Electronic Specifier’s interview with Lee Morgan on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.