• • • TEST & MEASUREMENT • • • Measurement confidence, however, is not simply
a case of selecting an instrument with the highest stated accuracy. Engineers also need to consider factors such as bandwidth, resolution, sampling rate, noise, isolation and probe or sensor performance in relation to the signals being measured. As switching frequencies increase, the performance of the entire measurement chain becomes increasingly important. An instrument may offer high accuracy under specified conditions but still be unsuitable for capturing the fast transient behaviour of a particular application. Crucially, the uncertainty associated with a
measurement is influenced by more than the instrument itself. Probes, sensors, cabling and connections can all contribute to the overall measurement uncertainty, while factors such as grounding, electrical noise and the physical test arrangement can affect the quality of the data being captured. Probe loading can alter the signal being
measured, while sensor tolerances or unsuitable cabling can introduce further uncertainty. Environmental conditions may also affect the performance of both the device under test and the measurement equipment. This means engineers need to consider
the complete measurement chain when assessing whether a test setup is suitable. A high- performance instrument cannot compensate for a probe with insufficient bandwidth or a sensor that is poorly suited to the parameter being measured. Equally, a measurement system that performs well in one application may not provide the same level of confidence when operating conditions, signal characteristics or the test environment change. Understanding the contribution of each part of the setup helps establish the overall level of uncertainty and, importantly, whether that uncertainty is small enough to support the engineering decision being made.
For safety-critical systems, comprehensive
validation is particularly important. Standards and recommended practices such as UL 2580, SAE J3068, the IEC 61851 and ISO 6469-3 provide requirements and guidance relevant to areas including EV batteries, charging systems and electrical safety, depending on the application and market. Meeting applicable standards is an important part of validation, but engineers also need to understand how a system performs under realistic operating stresses and conditions. Inaccuracies can generate false confidence where a component appears to meet the applicable requirements, but measurement uncertainty masks an issue that could affect safety and performance in the field. Conversely, a failure to meet requirements could be attributed to measurement inaccuracies. Test and measurement instrumentation is
fundamental to facilitating the transition of electrification. Depending on the application, this can require power analysers capable of accurately characterising conversion efficiency and harmonics, oscilloscopes and probes with sufficient bandwidth to capture fast switching behaviour, and programmable power sources and electronic loads capable of recreating realistic operating conditions. The key is ensuring that the instrumentation and wider test setup are appropriate for the characteristics of the system being evaluated. By bridging the gap between theoretical
performance and real-world behaviour, accurate and sophisticated equipment affords engineers valuable insights to meet the demands of the changing energy landscape. With the shift towards higher efficiencies, the differences in data can become small – when efficiency gains are measured in fractional points, the accuracy of the measurement becomes critical. Accurate measurements taken under real-world operating
conditions can provide evidence to validate models and make reliable engineering decisions. Repeatability is important here too. When
engineers are comparing design iterations or measurements taken at different stages of development, they need confidence that changes in the results reflect genuine changes in system performance rather than variations in the test setup. Consistent test methods, appropriate instrumentation and an understanding of measurement uncertainty make it easier to compare results meaningfully and build confidence in the conclusions being drawn from the data. As test requirements become more complex,
selecting the right instrumentation increasingly depends on the application rather than any individual specification on a datasheet. The operating voltage, switching frequency, environmental conditions, expected signal behaviour and acceptable level of measurement uncertainty all need to be considered when defining a test setup. Taking a system-level approach to measurement helps engineers ensure that the data being generated is sufficiently accurate and repeatable to support meaningful design and validation decisions. As electrification expands, the role of test and
measurement becomes more vital in addressing the technical challenges posed by wide bandgap devices, increases in power density and efficiency, and increasingly complex electronic systems. With smaller margins for error and increasingly demanding safety and performance expectations, engineers need greater confidence in their data. Accurate measurement provides the foundation for progress, as the energy transition demands systems that are safer, more reliable, more efficient, and sustainable.
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ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • SEPTEMBER 2026 35
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