Date: 18/02/2009

Audio bus & power analysis solutions for the embedded design engineer

Tektronix introduced the triggering and analysis module for digital audio serial buses and a new power analysis module. The DPOxAUDIO and DPOxPWR modules (DPO3AUDIO, DPO4AUDIO, DPO3PWR and DPO4PWR) are designed to automate key measurement and analysis tasks on digital audio buses and switch-mode power supplies, respectively, enabling to quickly troubleshoot and debug the designs. Both new modules complement the MSO/DPO4000 Series and DPO3000 Series oscilloscopes.

The DPOxPWR module is configured with features and automated measurements to quickly, correctly, and completely perform these tests every time with no complicated programming required of the user.
Similarly, the DPOxAUDIO module addresses the needs of designers integrating digital audio capability into products ranging from toys to gaming systems and mobile phones to professional recording consoles. Common serial bus protocols used in these designs include I2S, TDM, and others. The DPOxAUDIO module instantly decodes the protocol, presenting the waveform and decoded data packets time-aligned on the scope display, and provides the ability to automatically trigger on and then search for specific packet level content.

The new DPOxPWR and DPOxAUDIO modules add to the features like "Wave Inspector" search/navigation toolset and the "TekVPI" probe interface as well as the integrated protocol-specific analysis modules and transform the host oscilloscope into a powerful acquisition, display, and analysis solution for a specific industry challenge. Both install directly on the host oscilloscope and provide one-button automation without the use of special interfaces or external PCs.

The DPOxPWR power analysis module automates power measurements including power quality, switching loss, harmonics, safe operating area (SOA), modulation, ripple, and slew rate (di/dt, dv/dt), and simplifies the probe de-skewing steps that precede power measurements. No external computer or interface is required.

The DPOxAUDIO serial triggering and analysis module 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, RJ, and TDM audio bus formats.

Tektronix Web address is www.tektronix.com