Hidden Measurement Errors in AI Data Center Power Integrity

Reliable power integrity is essential in AI data centers where massive current demands and fast transients push power delivery networks to their limits. Accurately measuring these systems, however, depends not only on the device under test but also on the performance of the probing system. In high-current, fast-switching environments, probe flatness, common-mode rejection, noise, and ground loop susceptibility can significantly affect measurement accuracy.

This 45-minute webinar will explore common pitfalls that introduce hidden measurement errors and demonstrate best practices for improving measurement fidelity. Using real-world probing and measurement examples, the program will demonstrate practical techniques to reduce noise, avoid ground loops, and achieve reliable power integrity measurements in AI data center applications. Along the way, we’ll share a few measurement examples that may be unfamiliar even to experienced engineers.

What attendees will learn:

• Common measurement errors that affect power integrity validation
• How probe flatness, CMRR, and noise influence waveform accuracy
• Techniques to reduce ground loops and measurement noise
• Best practices for reliable PDN measurements in AI data center systems

An audience Q&A session will follow the technical presentation.

Speakers:

Steve Sandler, Managing Director, Picotest

Steve Sandler has been involved in power system engineering for nearly 50 years. He is the Founder and Managing Director of Picotest, a company specializing in power integrity solutions including measurement products, services, and training. Steve regularly lectures and leads workshops internationally on power, PDN, and distributed systems and is a frequent author of articles and books on power supply and PDN performance.

Seamus Brokaw, Application Engineer, Tektronix

Seamus Brokaw is an Application Engineer at Tektronix, where he has worked for nearly 10 years. In this role, Seamus supports isolated and power probes, working closely with customers to improve measurements on power converters and recommending the right probes and practical techniques to reduce ringing, lower noise, and maximize bandwidth.

Moderator:

Amanda Hosey, Editor, SAE Media Group