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Picotest J2121A High Power Line Injector - 400V/20A

Picotest J2121A High Power Line Injector - 400V/20A

Professional-grade line injector for PSRR and impedance measurements in high-power military and satellite applications up to 400V/20A.

SKU: J2121A

Regular price
£2,904.00 inc VAT
£2,420.00 exc VAT
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£2,904.00 inc VAT
£2,420.00 exc VAT
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Key Features

400VDC/20A maximum power handling capability
100Hz to 1MHz measurement bandwidth
Regulated 750mV voltage drop
Integrated current monitor output
Fan-cooled thermal management
Complete measurement package
Unity gain signal transfer

Overview

The Picotest J2121A High Power Line Injector enables precise power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) and input impedance measurements for high-voltage applications up to 400VDC and 20A continuous current. Designed specifically for military and satellite power systems, this advanced test instrument features regulated DC output with fixed 750mV voltage drop and integrated current monitoring for streamlined measurements.

Unlike passive injection transformers, the J2121A accommodates significant DC bias currents whilst maintaining measurement accuracy from 100Hz to 1MHz. The device includes an isolated current sense monitor output that connects directly to vector network analysers, eliminating external current probe requirements and reducing measurement uncertainty.

Complete package includes the J2171A 200mA low-noise power supply, 1Ω calibration fixture for measurement verification, and comprehensive user documentation. The fan-cooled design ensures reliable operation during extended test sessions, making it ideal for production environments and research laboratories requiring high-power PSRR characterisation.

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High-Power Capability

Enables PSRR testing of military and satellite power systems beyond conventional equipment limits

Measurement Accuracy

Integrated current monitoring and regulated voltage drop ensure precise, repeatable results

Complete Solution

Includes power supply, calibration fixture and documentation for immediate operational capability

Professional High-Power PSRR Testing for Military and Satellite Applications

The Picotest J2121A High Power Line Injector represents the pinnacle of power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) testing capability, engineered specifically for high-voltage, high-current applications in military and satellite power systems. This advanced test instrument enables engineers to inject precise modulation signals into DC power lines whilst maintaining electrical isolation and measurement accuracy across a wide frequency spectrum.

How PSRR Measurement Works

Power Supply Rejection Ratio testing quantifies how effectively a power supply or regulator attenuates unwanted AC signals on its input from appearing at the output. The J2121A modulates the input DC supply voltage using a network analyser source signal, creating controlled disturbances that simulate real-world noise conditions. Engineers measure both input and output signals to calculate the rejection ratio as 20×log(Vinput/Voutput).

What Makes Line Injectors Essential: Unlike current probes or injection transformers, line injectors can handle significant DC currents whilst providing galvanic isolation between measurement equipment and high-voltage systems.

Wiring Quick-Start

J2121A connection diagram showing VNA, power supply, and DUT connections

Basic PSRR Measurement Setup:

  1. Power Connections: Connect J2171A power supply to J2121A proprietary power connector
  2. Input Power: Connect DC supply positive to red banana jack (+), negative to black banana jack (-)
  3. Signal Injection: Connect VNA source output to BNC modulation input
  4. DUT Connection: Connect J2121A output banana jacks to device under test input
  5. Current Monitoring: Connect current monitor BNC output to VNA channel 1
  6. Voltage Measurement: Connect high-impedance probe to DUT output for VNA channel 2
Connection Point Connector Type Function
DC Input +/- 4mm Banana Jacks (Female) 400VDC @ 20A Maximum
Modulation Input 50Ω BNC 6dBm Recommended Signal Level
Current Monitor BNC 100mV/A Scale Factor
Power Input Proprietary (J2171A) 200mA Low-Noise Supply

DC-DC Converter Input Impedance Testing

Beyond PSRR measurements, the J2121A excels at characterising DC-DC converter input impedance—a critical parameter for avoiding negative resistance instabilities in power distribution networks. The integrated current monitor eliminates the need for external current probes, streamlining the measurement process whilst maintaining accuracy.

// Example calculation for input impedance Z_input = V_modulation / I_monitor // Where I_monitor = V_current_out / 100mV/A // Frequency sweep from 100Hz to 1MHz
Professional Tip: Always use the included 1Ω calibration fixture to verify measurement accuracy before conducting critical tests. This ensures traceability and validates the complete measurement chain.

Comparison with J2120A Line Injector

The J2121A addresses applications where the popular J2120A's 50V/5A limits prove insufficient. Key advantages include 8× higher voltage capability, 4× higher current rating, active regulation maintaining constant 750mV voltage drop, and integrated Hall-effect current monitoring that eliminates external probe requirements.

Engineer Q&A

Questions and Answers

10 questions
  • What Frequency Range Does the J2121A Cover?

    The measurement bandwidth is 100Hz to 1MHz, covering power supply PSRR characterisation and DC-DC converter analysis.

    Answered by John LeggUpdated 12 Oct 2026
  • Is Calibration Required Before Measurements?

    Use the included 1 Ω calibration fixture for a through calibration, which corrects the scaling of the current monitor and probe connections.

    Answered by John LeggUpdated 12 Oct 2026
  • Can the J2121A Work with Oscilloscopes for PSRR Measurements?

    Picotest's manual says the current monitor output is intended for vector network analysers. Picotest also documents input impedance tests with the J2121A on a Tektronix 5/6 Series MSO.

    Answered by John LeggUpdated 12 Oct 2026
  • What Safety Precautions Are Necessary When Using the J2121A?

    Always observe the 400VDC maximum rating. Ground the unit properly, use suitable personal protective equipment, and check all connections before applying power. Safe operating procedures are essential.

    Answered by John LeggUpdated 12 Oct 2026
  • Does the J2121A Require External Cooling?

    No. The J2121A has integral fan cooling. Keep the area around the unit ventilated and don't block the cooling vents during operation.

    Answered by John LeggUpdated 12 Oct 2026
  • What Is the Maximum Voltage and Current the J2121A Can Handle?

    The J2121A handles up to 400VDC input voltage and 20A continuous current. It suits high-power military and satellite bus applications up to 270V operational voltage.

    Answered by John LeggUpdated 12 Oct 2026
  • How Does the J2121A Differ From the J2120A Line Injector?

    Compared with the J2120A, the J2121A has:

    • 8× higher voltage capacity (400V vs 50V)
    • 4× higher current rating (20A vs 5A)
    • Active voltage regulation with a fixed 750mV drop
    • Integrated current monitoring

    The J2120A offers ultra-low noise for sensitive low-power applications.

    Answered by John LeggUpdated 12 Oct 2026
  • What Equipment Is Needed to Perform PSRR Measurements with the J2121A?

    You need:

    • A vector network analyser or frequency response analyser, such as the Bode-100
    • The included J2171A power supply
    • A DC voltage source for your test voltage
    • The device under test

    High-impedance voltage probes are recommended for output measurements.

    Answered by John LeggUpdated 12 Oct 2026
  • Can the J2121A Measure DC-DC Converter Input Impedance?

    Yes. The J2121A measures input impedance using its integrated current monitor output. This is essential for characterising negative resistance effects and checking power distribution network stability.

    Answered by John LeggUpdated 12 Oct 2026
  • What Is the Voltage Drop Through the J2121A?

    The J2121A provides a regulated input-to-output voltage drop of typically 750mV.

    Answered by John LeggUpdated 12 Oct 2026

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