Using Mixed Signal Oscilloscopes to Find and Diagnose Jitter Caused by Power Integrity Problems

This guide explores how power integrity issues affect signal jitter and shows how mixed signal oscilloscopes can pinpoint and resolve root causes.

Relationship between signal integrity (SI) and power integrity (PI), with a focus on jitter

Overview of jitter types, terminology, and measurement techniques

Analysis of random and periodic jitter on clocks and their link to power integrity

Common sources of power rail noise that contribute to jitter on serial data lines

Case study demonstrating how power rail ripple can induce jitter on a clock signal

Application Note Overview

In aerospace and defense systems, even nanoseconds of timing error can lead to mission failure. Tektronix’s application note, Using Mixed Signal Oscilloscopes to Find and Diagnose Jitter Caused by Power Integrity Problems, equips engineers with the methodology to uncover the hidden link between power rail noise and signal jitter. Using the 6 Series B MSO, the guide demonstrates how to correlate periodic jitter with power ripple, analyze both in time and frequency domains, and apply advanced jitter decomposition techniques. Whether you're debugging SERDES links, embedded clocks, or high-speed digital systems, this resource helps ensure your signal integrity is as robust as your system’s purpose.