Fast and automated: quantitative VRM stability on your oscilloscope
Power distribution network (PDN) and power supply testing are becoming increasingly complex as modern voltage regulator modules (VRMs) and voltage regulators employ non-linear control loops. Traditional frequency-domain analysis methods, such as Bode plots, are based on linear time-invariant (LTI) systems. When applied to non-LTI regulators, they may therefore produce misleading results when assessing stability.
In this webinar, Benjamin Dannen, CEO of Signal Edge Solutions, will demonstrate Picotest’s Scope Embedded Power Integrity Analysis (SEPIA), a software solution that runs directly on an oscilloscope. Using data from a time-domain step-load measurement, SEPIA analyzes the power supply’s response and generates a high-fidelity RLC equivalent SPICE model of its output impedance.
Participants will learn how SEPIA can be used to:
• Quantitatively assess stability, including phase margin and quality factor (Q), directly from measured time-domain data
• Determine natural and forced resonance frequencies and derive the corresponding frequency-domain output impedance
• Identify key system parameters, including characteristic impedance, total output capacitance and excess inductance
• Export the extracted model to a SPICE simulator for system-level co-simulation
• Optimize output capacitance to meet a defined target impedance or determine the adjustments required to achieve a stable design
By turning step-load response data into actionable design insights, SEPIA extends the oscilloscope from a measurement instrument into an integrated tool for power integrity analysis, optimization and simulation.
Speakers:
Dr. Luca Gragnaniello, Product Manager Oscilloscopes, Rohde & Schwarz
Dr. Luca Gragnaniello works as a Product Manager for Oscilloscopes, with a focus on power integrity and RF applications. He joined Rohde & Schwarz in 2022, after several years of experience in Product Management and Development for Scientific Instrumentations, carrying also a deep academic background, thanks to seven years as a scientific researcher in renowned European universities. Luca holds a Diploma in Physics and a PhD in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
Benjamin Dannan, Founder & Chief Technologist, Signal Edge Solutions
Benjamin Dannan is the Founder and Chief Technologist at Signal Edge Solutions. Benjamin Dannan is an experienced signal and power integrity (SI/PI) design consultant developing advanced packaging solutions for high-performance ASICs, chiplets, and complex FPGA designs. He has expert-level proficiency with multiple test and measurement solutions, including oscilloscopes, vector network analyzers (VNA), Time Domain Reflectometers (TDRs), function generators, and EMC lab testing equipment.
He is a senior member of IEEE with a multi-faceted background that includes a wide range of professional engineering and military experiences. His engineering experience includes designing, developing, and launching production products, including ASICs, radars, fully autonomous robotic platforms, pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera video systems, and ground combat vehicles.
He is a specialist in signal and power integrity concepts, high-speed circuits, and multi-layered PCB design, as well as has multiple years of experience with EMC product development and certifications to support global product launches. Additionally, he has extensive experience with Chip-Package-PCB-VRM power delivery network (PDN) principles.
Benjamin holds a certification in cybersecurity, has a BSEE from Purdue University, a Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, and graduated from the USAF Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer training school with an aeronautical rating. Benjamin is a trained Electronic Warfare Officer in the USAF with deployments on the EC-130J Commando Solo in Afghanistan and Iraq, totaling 47 combat missions, and a trained USAF Cyber Operations Officer. In addition, he was awarded the DesignCon 2025 Engineer of the Year, has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed journal publications, and has twice received the prestigious DesignCon Best Paper award, given to authors who are leading practitioners in semiconductor and electronic design.
In this webinar, Benjamin Dannen, CEO of Signal Edge Solutions, will demonstrate Picotest’s Scope Embedded Power Integrity Analysis (SEPIA), a software solution that runs directly on an oscilloscope. Using data from a time-domain step-load measurement, SEPIA analyzes the power supply’s response and generates a high-fidelity RLC equivalent SPICE model of its output impedance.
Participants will learn how SEPIA can be used to:
• Quantitatively assess stability, including phase margin and quality factor (Q), directly from measured time-domain data
• Determine natural and forced resonance frequencies and derive the corresponding frequency-domain output impedance
• Identify key system parameters, including characteristic impedance, total output capacitance and excess inductance
• Export the extracted model to a SPICE simulator for system-level co-simulation
• Optimize output capacitance to meet a defined target impedance or determine the adjustments required to achieve a stable design
By turning step-load response data into actionable design insights, SEPIA extends the oscilloscope from a measurement instrument into an integrated tool for power integrity analysis, optimization and simulation.
Speakers:
Dr. Luca Gragnaniello, Product Manager Oscilloscopes, Rohde & Schwarz
Dr. Luca Gragnaniello works as a Product Manager for Oscilloscopes, with a focus on power integrity and RF applications. He joined Rohde & Schwarz in 2022, after several years of experience in Product Management and Development for Scientific Instrumentations, carrying also a deep academic background, thanks to seven years as a scientific researcher in renowned European universities. Luca holds a Diploma in Physics and a PhD in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
Benjamin Dannan, Founder & Chief Technologist, Signal Edge Solutions
Benjamin Dannan is the Founder and Chief Technologist at Signal Edge Solutions. Benjamin Dannan is an experienced signal and power integrity (SI/PI) design consultant developing advanced packaging solutions for high-performance ASICs, chiplets, and complex FPGA designs. He has expert-level proficiency with multiple test and measurement solutions, including oscilloscopes, vector network analyzers (VNA), Time Domain Reflectometers (TDRs), function generators, and EMC lab testing equipment.
He is a senior member of IEEE with a multi-faceted background that includes a wide range of professional engineering and military experiences. His engineering experience includes designing, developing, and launching production products, including ASICs, radars, fully autonomous robotic platforms, pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera video systems, and ground combat vehicles.
He is a specialist in signal and power integrity concepts, high-speed circuits, and multi-layered PCB design, as well as has multiple years of experience with EMC product development and certifications to support global product launches. Additionally, he has extensive experience with Chip-Package-PCB-VRM power delivery network (PDN) principles.
Benjamin holds a certification in cybersecurity, has a BSEE from Purdue University, a Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, and graduated from the USAF Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer training school with an aeronautical rating. Benjamin is a trained Electronic Warfare Officer in the USAF with deployments on the EC-130J Commando Solo in Afghanistan and Iraq, totaling 47 combat missions, and a trained USAF Cyber Operations Officer. In addition, he was awarded the DesignCon 2025 Engineer of the Year, has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed journal publications, and has twice received the prestigious DesignCon Best Paper award, given to authors who are leading practitioners in semiconductor and electronic design.
