EDN — 01.18.96 Test & Measurement

Test & Measurement: January 18, 1996

Board decodes quadrature-encoded signals. A quadrature decoder board has four input channels, each of which measures quadrature-encoded signals with frequencies of up to 1 MHz. Each channel also has a 16-bit counter that can be software extended to 32 bits. Up to six boards can be attached to the on-board digital input of the e-series data-acquisition processors, for a total of 24 channels of quadrature-encoded input. The MSXB 023 costs $350; e-Series boards start at $1995. Microstar Laboratories Inc, Bellevue, WA. (206) 453-2345.

Single-mode plug-ins extend OTDR operation. Plug-in modules for the TFP2A FiberMaster optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) come in two wavelength configurations: the FG 1300 operates at 1310 nm, and the FG 1315 operates at both 1310 and 1550 nm. Both of the single-mode modules provide good dead-zone performance at 4m and offer a 31-dB dynamic range at 1310 nm. The FG 1300 costs $11,800; the FG 1315 costs $14,000. Tektronix Inc, Beaverton, OR. (800) 426-2200.

UNIX imaging software for view, markup, and edit of engineering documents. Imagenation release 3.1 provides a variety of raster utilities that let you despeckle, deskew, resize, and crop raster images. You can also convert images from vector to raster. The release adds HPGL/2, Intergraph DGN, Micrographx DRW, HP ME 10, and multipage raster TIFF, DCX, and SMF file formats. AutoCAD DWG and HPGL file format accuracy have also been improved. The software starts at $395. Spicer Corp, Kitchener, ON, Canada. (519) 748-2462.

Gang programmer loads 16 memory devices. The ET-PIC 12000 simultaneously programs up to 16 memory devices and up to 8 microcontrollers, programming each device identically or in splits and sets. Interchangeable modules support a wide range of devices, including EPROMs, flash memories, bipolar PROMs, PALs, EPLDs, and GALs, as well as microcontrollers from Atmel, Intel, Microchip, Motorola, NEC, Philips, SGS-Thomson, Texas Instruments, and Zilog. The ET-PIC 12000 programs 16 1-Mbit EPROMs in just 20 sec and operates with a PC or as a stand-alone device. The base unit costs $1650; programming modules range from $1095 to $2060. Emulation Technology Inc, Santa Clara, CA. (408) 982-0660.

Software converts device programmer for general-purpose ATE. Using a series of software tools, the Allpro-88 device programmer becomes a pin-programmable test bed for do-it-yourself automatic-test-equipment (ATE) applications. You can directly access its 88 identical pin drivers to sink or source up to 1.0A of continuous current in 100-mV steps. Pin drivers can be programmed to V_CC, V_PP, ground, pullup, clock, analog, or TTL levels. Each pin can also read voltage levels from 0 to 30V in 8- or 12-bit resolution. Test-language software lets you create high-level test protocols in a menu-based system under Windows 3.1 and Windows 95. The Allpro-88 costs $5995, not including test heads. The software costs $995. Logical Devices Inc, Golden, CO. (303) 279-6868.

Transmitter card controls four current outputs. Intended for portable and desktop PC-based data-acquisition systems, the DBK5 current-loop-transmitter card controls four electrically isolated 4- to 20-mA current outputs. It offers channel-to-channel and channel-to-system isolation of 500V and is powered by any regulated or unregulated 12V- to 45V-dc power supply. The DBK5 drives a maximum current-loop resistance of up to 1950V based on a 45V loop supply. The card works with IOtech’s Daq PCMCIA A/D cards as well as DaqBook and DaqBoard products. The DBK5 sells for $395. IOtech Inc, Cleveland, OH. (216) 439-4091.

Program tracks network traffic with movies, pictures, and sound. NetMeter, a real-time network monitoring program for Macs, displays network traffic data in a variety of customizable meter formats. Each meter is a visual or audio presentation of specific network information. For example, network traffic can be displayed as a needle on a voltmeter, in strip-chart form over time, or spoken in actual values. Display options include percent utilization, packets/sec, bytes/ sec, and bits/sec. NetMeter works with the vendor’s Satellite data-collection engine. The NetMeter/Satellite bundle costs $395. NetMeter sells for $149. The AG Group Inc, Walnut Creek, CA. (510) 937-2479.

Field-strength meter checks antenna performance. The CTM100 is a digital cellular two-way ham-radio field-strength meter that tests the performance of antennas and determines optimal mounting position. The unit has a frequency response from dc to 12 GHz, with a relative sensitivity of 0.1% and a range of 5 ft. It also features a 3½-digit LCD and a built-in low-battery-voltage indicator. The CTM100 costs $169.95. Accele Electronics Inc, Long Beach, CA. (310) 809-5090.

Accessory calibrates current clamps and meters. When used in conjunction with the vendor’s multiproduct calibrator, the 5500A/Coil calibrates and verifies current clamps and clamp meters that operate as ac current transformers or by the Hall effect. The 50-turn coil design permits the accessory to simulate 50A for every 1A of input (up to 550A). Although it is designed to complement the 5500A, the 5500A/Coil can also be used with the vendor’s 5700A, 5100 series and with other calibrators. Equipped with 30A test leads, the 5500A/Coil costs $595. Fluke Corp, Everett, WA. (206) 347-6100.

Embedded software tool enables onboard test. The Scan Ease test-management software package applies, controls, and evaluates tests within an IEEE 1149.1-compliant embedded system. Because it is processor- and memory-independent, Scan Ease eliminates the need to create proprietary embedded test software. The suite of software tools is compatible with Teradyne’s Victory ATPG and JTAG Technologies’ BTPG tools, offering direct acceptance of output vectors. It also works with National’s SCANPSC100F embedded boundary-scan controller, which provides the interface between the µP bus and an 1149.1 test bus. Scan Ease V100BSW costs $6700 for the first seat and $2650 for each additional seat. National Semiconductor Corp, Santa Clara, CA. (800) 272-9959.

Waveform-capture board for VMEbus digitizes at 500 MHz. Operating at a real-time sampling rate of 500 MHz, the VDA500 waveform-capture board sustains data transfers of up to 200 Mbytes/sec over the 64-bit Signatec auxiliary bus. You can expand its onboard 256-kbyte memory to 1 Gbyte or more with external memory modules. The 6U VMEbus Rev C.1-compatible board also offers two input channels and a multiplexer that lets you select one of the channels as the digitization source. The VDA500 costs $7450. Signatec Inc, Corona, CA. (909) 734-3001.

Component-test system suits production needs. Operating at rates of up to 1000 readings/sec, the Model 2400 Digital SourceMeter speeds production testing of resistors, varistors, thermistors, diodes, displays, and hybrid circuits. The system combines voltage and current sources with a DMM and measurement firmware to provide dc measurements with an input impedance of up to 2 T(ohm), voltage- and current-source accuracy of ±0.012%, and 5½-digit resolution. The half-rack Model 2400 costs $3495. Keithley Instruments Inc, Cleveland, OH. (216) 248-0400.

Archiving/compression library supports PKZIP and Windows 95. The ArchiveLib V2.0 multiplatform data-compression library works with C, C++, and Visual Basic compilers under MS-DOS, Extended DOS, Windows 95, Win32, and OS/2. ArchiveLib V2.0 provides proprietary archive formats and a set of functions to store and retrieve data in PKZIP-compatible archives. It also lets you compress and archive buffers of data within your application without storing them as a file. ArchiveLib V2.0 costs $279. Greenleaf Software Inc, Dallas, TX. (214) 248-2561.

PC diagnostic program is self-booting. Bypassing the PC’s operating system, the Troubleshooter V4.5 uses its own operating environment to directly test all hardware components. The diagnostic program works with any PC equipped with an Intel or compatible processor and with any operating system, including Novell, DOS, Windows 95, OS/2, and Unix. You can run a continuous burn-in test on all components in the system to identify intermittent problems. Troubleshooter also isolates problems in multimedia systems, such as a defective CD-ROM or I/O port contention. It sells for $350. AllMicro, Clearwater, FL. (813) 539-7283.

Signal-processing package provides symbolic functions. The Mathematica Signals and Systems Pack, a set of tools for signal processing, comes with symbolic functions offering numeric and graphic capabilities. It extends the domain of signal-processing software, from expressing and modifying signals of infinite extent to performing operations on nonseparable multidimensional signals. Written in the Mathematica language, the package runs on a variety of platforms, including Windows PCs, Power Macintosh, SPARC, HP 9000/700, and IBM RS/6000. Wolfram Research Inc, Champaign, IL. (217) 398-0700.

Diagnostic card monitors PC Card activity. Two PCMCIA development and test products, the PC ReportCard and PC ExtenderCard, work together to develop and troubleshoot PC Card software and hardware. All PC Card I/O and memory access cycles are displayed on the PC ReportCard with a series of LEDs. A general-purpose logic probe is used to tap bus signals or signals on the PC Card. The companion PC ExtenderCard is a four-layer pc board with extensive grounding and 16 DIP switches for breaking key signals to the PC ReportCard. Test points for each of the 68 pins of the bus are provided with clearly labeled mnemonics. The PC ReportCard and PC ExtenderCard cost $229 each—$425 if purchased together. Accurite Technologies Inc, San Jose, CA. (408) 433-1980.

Instrument embodies five-in-one calibrator. The portable Model E-35 Instant Lab serves as an RTD simulator, thermocouple simulator, decade box, current source, or voltage source, at a basic accuracy to within ±0.1%. The instrument simulates E-, K-, J-, T-, R-, S-, and B-type thermocouples and RTDs from 0 to 2000V, including 10V copper; 120V nickel; and 100, 500, and 1000V platinum devices. Outputs are either 0 to 200 mV dc and 0 to 20V dc or 0 to 200 mA dc. The battery-operated E-35 costs $925. General Resistance, North Branford, CT. (203) 481-5721.

Signal source generates white and pink noise. The Model 3024 Very Random noise generator supplies white and pink noise, along with a 1-kHz reference tone, for reverberation measurements and vibration testing. Crystal-controlled pseudorandom circuitry provides a random cycle time of 2 hours and 20 minutes, resulting in a bandwidth of 1.6 Hz to 39 kHz with a line resolution of 119 µHz. The portable instrument, which operates from either ac or batteries, uses 40-dB step and variable attenuators to control the 1V rms output. The Model 3024 costs $695 and includes an ac adapter. ACO Pacific Inc, Belmont, CA. (415) 595-8588

CAD tool for memories implements BIST. The MemBIST automatic- built-in-self-test- (BIST-) generation tool creates technology-independent VHDL and Verilog HDL register-transfer-level modules for embedded and stand-alone memory devices. MemBIST also generates synthesis-constraint files and provides a verification test bench for behavioral validation of synthesized logic. Price of a Windows NT version of MemBIST for Digital Equipment’s Alpha and Intel’s Pentium-based systems starts at $50,000. Unix versions are also available. HPL Inc, Milpitas, CA. (408) 263-1466.

Pulse generator controls up to eight channels. Equipped with eight independent outputs, the Model 9318 pulse generator synchronizes up to eight instruments, offering a divide-by-n function for four of the channels. The delay and pulse widths for each channel are selectable from 1 µsec to 99 sec. Operating modes include continuous, burst, single-shot, and external trigger/gate, as well as a special mode to control the intervals and number of pulses produced. The Model 9318 features a backlit LCD and an RS-232C interface. It costs $3500. Quantum Composers Inc, Bozeman, MT. (406) 586-3159.

Sine-wave oscillator holds distortion to 0.0002%. Covering a frequency range from 1 Hz to 110 kHz with three-digit tuning, the Model 4402B oscillator produces a virtually distortion-free sine wave, typically within 0.0002%. It also offers an exceptionally flat response of 0.02 dB. The Model 4402B has a 7V rms sine-wave-balanced output (14V rms end to end) and 3.5V rms into 50(ohm) (7V rms end to end). A three-position pushbutton attenuator calibrated in 20-dB steps, along with a 30-dB vernier, provides a total dynamic range of 90 dB. The instrument costs $1350. Krohn-Hite Corp, Avon, MA. (508) 580-1660.

Windows software creates waveforms. WaveWorks Pro for Windows comes with 30 standard waveforms and 20 math-transfer functions. It lets you create, analyze, manipulate, and download waveforms at the click of a mouse. The software, which works with all Pragmatic waveform generators, imports and exports files in seven formats, including common ASCII formats. WaveWorks Pro costs $495. Pragmatic Instruments Inc, San Diego, CA. (619) 271-6770.

RLC meter shakes off 50A surges. The 7400C impedance-measuring instrument offers charged capacitor protection to handle surge currents of up to 50A for a single 60-Hz cycle. Covering a frequency range of 10 Hz to 500 kHz, the 7400C measures the capacitance, dissipation factor, and equivalent series resistance of large-value capacitors. It performs swept-parameter measurements that verify component and material responses to changes in ac test frequency, voltage, or current. The meter has a basic measurement accuracy of 0.05% and costs $9100. QuadTech Inc, Marlborough, MA. (508) 485-3500.

Wireless control kit for IEEE-488 instruments precludes cabling. The GPIB-RF wireless interface kit lets you remotely control IEEE-488 instruments where cabling is difficult or impossible to route. The kit comprises the GPIB-232CT-A external controller, a pair of 902- to 928-MHz spread-spectrum wireless modems, and serial cables. The GPIB-232CT-A, which connects as many as 14 instruments, turns any computer with an RS-232C port into a full-function IEEE-488.2 controller. The GPIB-RF-interface kit costs $2095. National Instruments, Austin, TX. (512) 794-0100