Impedance-analyzer measurements of high-frequency power passives: Techniques for high power and low impedance

Challenges for measurements of high-frequency passive components for power electronics applications include the difficulty in measuring the small real impedance of an efficient component, the need for high-level excitation to match operating conditions for a nonlinear component, and in some applications, the need to measure very low Impedances. Commercial impedance analyzers are tested and shown to be able to meet some of these requirements. To extend their capabilities, a new test fixture with less than 100 pH stray inductance has been developed for measurements of low impedances. The use of a power booster to extend drive capability to higher powers is also presented.