5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Three Embedded Design Challenges Improved Frequency Analysis Helps Solve

By Michael Luciano | August 2, 2018

Embedded systems are trending toward greater complexity and higher levels of performance. A key means of optimizing embedded systems’ performance is improved frequency analysis, which test equipment makers are trying to address through new versions of their spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes.

One such product is Tektronix’s recently introduced 6 Series Mixed Signal Oscilloscope (MSO). The scope’s enhanced capabilities and feature set enables embedded designers to provide efficient, timely, and accurate results in their research. Below are three of the biggest hurdles embedded designers have endured in recent years that devices like the 6 Series MSO are aiming to overcome.

Devices like the 6 Series MSO from Tektronix are helping embedded designers overcome significant challenges with signal analysis (Image Credit: Tektronix)

1. Higher Performance

As layouts for embedded systems are getting smarter through incorporating more technologies like sensors, these designs are using faster clocks and high-speed serial buses for moving and processing larger volumes of data. To see these faster signals, embedded designers need higher performance capabilities from their equipment. One way vendors can meet these needs is extending the device’s performance threshold.

To aid designers working on faster, more complex embedded system formats, the 6 Series MSO, for example, has incorporated a frequency range spanning to 8 GHz, while simultaneously delivering a 25 GS/s sample rate on all four channels. According to Tektronix, this is an industry first for this oscilloscope class. The bolstered gigasamples per second rate on all channels enabled designers to accurately view up to four high-speed signals at once, while delivering a 16-bit resolution at 200 MHz when using the device’s High Res mode.

 

2. More Bandwidth, Less Noise

With the advances researchers and developers are beginning to utilize in spectrum analysis, they’re requiring more bandwidth and lower noise inputs. Sticking with the 6 Series MSO as an example, embedded designers can now improve measurement confidence with features like low-noise inputs, especially at the highest sensitivity settings, where this kind of assurance is most important.

Devices like the 6 Series MSO that are embracing and applying these new developmental advances in their designs, incorporate new low-noise preamplifier and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). These features significantly reduce noise, especially on signals in the hundreds of millivolts peak-to-peak.

 

3. New Power Requirements

Keeping ASICs on topic, designers are starting to ensure clean power to these complex systems (along with field-programmable gate arrays—FPGAs), leading to new power technologies and mandates. With this next wave of devices that the 6 Series MSO represents, these conditions will allow designers to measure aspects like DC power rails with improved accuracy and resolution, while reducing the time needed to understand high frequency in a design’s power rails. As a result, designers can see interfering signals on power rails, and measure them with a high level of accuracy.

To aid embedded designers, the 6 Series features a built-in arbitrary/function generator, free DVM, along with trigger frequency counter containing product registration, protocol options, and even a choice of operating systems. The 6 Series can also undergo bandwidth promotions (starting at 1 GHz) that extend up to 8 GHz, which is another capability signal analyzers will start to possess and only require a simple license upgrade.

Related Articles Read More >

RemCom Wireless InSite 4.0
Software simulates RF conditions from the Earth to the Moon
FAQ on the Butler matrix for beamforming: part 2
10 GHz RF cables feature double shields
Test wireless signal to 110 GHz with this 1-mm cable

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: Internet of Things
Explore practical strategies for minimizing attack surfaces, managing memory efficiently, and securing firmware. Download now to ensure your IoT implementations remain secure, efficient, and future-ready.

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World