Precision You Can Trust
NABL-Accredited Calibration | Available on Request
A high-precision Frequency Response Analyzer (FRA) setup using the Cleverscope CS328A oscilloscope and Jensen VB-1BB isolation transformer, designed to evaluate the stability and control loop behavior of switch-mode power supplies like the TI TPS55340 EVM. It enables in-system gain and phase margin testing with excellent noise rejection..
The Cleverscope CS328A was configured for Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) of the TI TPS55340 flyback converter EVM by injecting a small AC signal across a modified 50Ω resistor in the feedback path. The setup includes:
Signal injection via Jensen VB-1BB transformer
Sweep range from 7.6 Hz to 200 kHz
Excitation voltage: ~11–13 mV peak, optimized adaptively
Channel A (TP6) reads the injected signal
Channel B (TP2) captures the power supply’s response
Signal coherence and gain/phase measured using the Cleverscope FRA application (v4.672)
The system proved to be highly accurate, delivering phase margins around 60° and gain margins up to -19 dB, depending on line/load conditions. These results were validated against both TI's own analysis and Venable equipment.
Narrow band correlation for noise-free FRA readings
Adaptive low-level signal injection (as low as 10–13 mV)
Accurate gain/phase margin analysis on actual power supply boards
Software-controlled log sweep with 20 steps/decade
Supports both low line (8V) and high line (24V) operation conditions
Matches benchmark results from TI and Venable analyzers
Real-time phase margin slope and stability visualization
Built-in moving average and Hanning filters for signal clarity
Non-intrusive testing that avoids system disturbance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Oscilloscope Model | Cleverscope CS328A |
| Software Version | v4.672 |
| Isolation Transformer | Jensen VB-1BB (1:1 video transformer) |
| Signal Injection Resistor | 50 Ω (modified R3 on EVM) |
| Excitation Voltage | 10–13 mV peak |
| Frequency Sweep Range | 7.6 Hz – 200 kHz |
| Sweep Type | Logarithmic, 20 steps/decade |
| FRA Method | Synchronous gain/phase correlation |
| Noise Filtering | 1.28 μs moving average, Hanning window |
| ADC Resolution | 14-bit |
| Load Conditions Tested | 2.5 A (2 Ω), 1 A (5 Ω) |
| Operating Input Voltages | 8V (low line), 12V (nominal), 24V (high line) |
| Gain Margin (GM) Range | -9.2 dB to -19 dB |
| Phase Margin (PM) Range | 50.8° to 74.4° |