Test & Measurement: August 1, 1996

Pocket-sized sensor takes temperature.

QuickTemp, a pocket-sized temperature sensor, operates over a temperature range of 0 to 600°F (-18 to +315°C), accurate to within ±2% of reading. The noncontacting IR thermometer has a response time of 1 sec and offers a 6-sec temperature-hold function for view convenience. The distance-to-target ratio is 3-to-1 with a minimum target requirement of 1 in. QuickTemp costs $149. Linear Laboratories, Fremont, CA. (510) 226-9600.

Signal analyzer uses direct digital synthesis.

Operating over a frequency range of dc to 20 MHz, the SG-100 signal generator and analyzer delivers fully synthesized modulated or unmodulated waveforms with 0.1-Hz resolution. Measurement modes include basic sine wave, linear/log sweep, AM, FM, PM, single sideband, binary phase-shift keying, frequency-shift keying, burst, dual-tone multiple-frequency generation and detection, and power level. For each modulation mode, you can use internal or external sources. An RS-232C port for remote control is available. The SG-100 costs $795. Telulex Inc, Mountain View, CA. (415) 938-0240.

Signal generator spans 9 kHz to 4 GHz.

The HP 8648D, a synthesized signal generator, covers frequencies from 9 kHz to 4 GHz for general-purpose receiver testing, as well as specialty areas, such as personal communication systems and wireless LANs. An optional variable-modulation generator expands audio-band testing by adding variable 10-Hz to 20-kHz modulation with different shapes, including triangle, square, and sawtooth. The HP 8648D costs $11,000; option 1E2 costs $400. Hewlett-Packard Co, Santa Clara, CA. (800) 452-4844, ext 1491.

Software targets macro viruses.

Dr Solomon's antivirus tool kit now contains an engine that scans, detects, and kills macro viruses that infect Macintosh and Windows 3.x, 95, and NT document files created with Microsoft Word and Excel, Lotus Ami Pro and Word Pro, Corel Word Perfect, and other applications that generate OLE2-compliant compound documents. Additionally, the updated program scans compressed files formatted using the Microsoft Expand.exe utility. The program costs $125. S&S Software International Inc, Burlington, MA. (617) 273-7400.

ADC board for PCI bus supplies 64 channels.

A DSP-based data-acquisition card multiplexes eight 16-bit ADCs to provide 64 single-ended or 32 differential analog input channels. Converters are available in 100- and 263-kHz versions. The ADC64 also supplies two 16-bit analog output channels and 16 bits of digital I/O. An onboard PCI-bus-mastering interface provides a peak transfer rate of 132 Mbytes/sec to enable full-speed data acquisition directly to host memory or disk. A TMS320C32 32-bit DSP handles real-time data-collection and -manipulation functions independent of the host processor. Prices start at $1195. Innovative Integration Inc, Westlake Village, CA. (818) 865-6150.

PCI-bus board is IEEE 488.2-compliant controller.

The Personal488/PCI, a PCI-bus-based IEEE 488.2 instrument controller, transfers >1 Mbyte/sec using the 488.2 handshake protocol. The 32-bit board also generates and detects termination characters to further improve 488 bus throughput. The board comes with eight lines of onboard digital I/O lines and drivers for DOS, Windows 95, Windows NT, and Windows 3.x. Drivers support applications written in C, Visual Basic, Borland C++, and LabView. Prices start at $395, excluding software. IOtech Inc, Cleveland, OH. (216) 439-4091.

VXIbus interface card delivers FDC.

The VXI-5526 connects to virtually any circuit with the VXIbus and provides a Fast Data Channel (FDC) interface for applications requiring high data-transfer rates. The FDC adds a 32-bit-wide data path to the VXI-5526's onboard DRAM and transfers data at rates as fast as 4 Mbytes/sec. Maximum memory size is 4 Mbytes. Based on a 386EX processor with flash PROM, the VXI-5526 comes with an SCPI command parser and an expanded FDC command set that handles as many as 32 streaming channel pairs. Prices start at $995. ICS Electronics, Milpitas, CA. (408) 263-5500.

SCXI chassis and module supply serial interface.

The SCXI-2000 chassis and SCXI-2400 RS-485/RS-232C interface module provide remote communication for SCXI-based systems. The two products let you combine signal-conditioning modules with a long-distance communications link to a PC to build a remote data-acquisition system. The shielded, four-module SCXI-2000 enclosure includes an RS-485/RS-232C interface. Alternatively, you can install the SCXI-2400 module into an SCXI chassis to add an RS-485/RS-232C communication link. The SCXI-2000 and -2400 cost $995 and $795, respectively. National Instruments, Austin, TX. (512) 794-0100.

Windows software eases data acquisition and analysis.

V3.1 of Snap-Master data-acquisition and -analysis software for Windows adds a thermocouple-linearization function that calculates and plots temperature in real time without dedicated signal conditioning. To simplify data analysis, the software also removes noise that is common in low-level signals. V3.1 also adds data-presentation features, including scatter plots and the ability to display the time of day in Y-T and strip charts. The data-acquisition module of Snap-Master costs $995; waveform- and frequency-analyzer modules cost $495 each. Hem Data Corp, Southfield, MI. (810) 559-5607.

Sealed platinum RTDs promise ±0.058 stability.

This 100(ohm), thin-film-platinum resistance-temperature (RTD) is refractory-sealed to deliver long-term stability >±0.05°/five years. The miniature DIN sensor operates over a temperature range of -200 to +260°C, and its small, flexible package easily conforms on complex surfaces to deliver fast and accurate temperature measurements. A second device has internally insulated lead wires anchor-welded within the sealed RTD. The surface platinum RTD capsule offers the same stability and temperature range as the miniature device. Standard configurations cost <$10 (OEM). RdF Corp, Hudson, NH. (603) 882-5195.

Integrated acquisition system rides VXI bus.

The VXI data-collection system (DCS) provides signal conditioning, digitization, and data storage for production and research-acquisition applications. Based on the VXI bus, the system combines the 16-channel VX4244 digitizer, the VX4780 signal conditioner, and the VX4570 mass-storage controller with system-management control software (SMCS). The DCS works with any VXIplug&play embedded controller or MXI slot 0 instrument. Respective prices for the VX4244 and VX4780 are $11,995 and $4995, including VXIplug&play drivers. The VX4570 with the SMCS costs $4495. Tektronix Inc, Beaverton, OR. (800) 426-2200.

Acquisition cards team with visual programmer.

The VIValue virtual instrumentation package combines one of the vendor's low-cost data-acquisition cards with Hewlett-Packard's HP-VEE visual-programming software. Cards come in PCMCIA- and ISA-bus formats and include A/D conversion, analog output, digital I/O, and IEEE 488 communication functions. Another package, UniversalTools for Programmers, consists of GUI custom controls and a library of data analysis, manipulation, and control functions for integration with any Windows 3.1 or 95 application. UniversalTools for Programmers costs $99; the VIValue package sells for $995. ComputerBoards Inc, Mansfield, MA. (508) 261-1123.

C-sized VXIbus card exercises closed-loop control.

Faster and more powerful than standard PID controllers, the HP E1415A brings algorithmic closed-loop control to VXIbus systems. The single C-sized controller card handles a single loop at update rates as high as 2.5 kHz/loop and as many as 32 loops at lower update rates. You can program the HP E1415A using standard PID algorithms for turnkey operation or develop custom control algorithms. The controller costs $6500. Hewlett-Packard, Santa Clara, CA. (800) 452-4844, ext 1652.

Handheld scope shows high-contrast display.

The dual-channel 100-MHz ScopeMeter B test tool uses a cold-cathode fluorescent backlit display that is 10× brighter than previous ScopeMeter displays. With its new display and high bandwidth, the ScopeMeter B rivals the performance of bench scopes, yet offers handheld convenience and battery-powered portability. The unit also integrates a 5-MHz true-rms DMM. The ScopeMeter uses random repetitive sampling, delivering a 200-psec time resolution: the equivalent of a 5G-sample/sec rate. Prices start at $1495. Fluke Corp, Everett, WA. (206) 347-6100.

Thermocouple input module watches 14 channels.

Joining the DBK series of signal-conditioning and expansion boards for portable and desktop-PC-based data acquisition is the DBK52 thermocouple input module. The notebook-PC-sized board provides 14 SMP-style thermocouple connectors and accepts J-, K-, S-, T-, E-, B-, R-, and N-type thermocouples. Daq-View software controls the DBK52's compensation features. The module costs $595. IOtech Inc, Cleveland, OH. (216) 439-4091.

Four-channel DSO offers PCMCIA removable storage.

The OX2000, a 150-MHz, four-channel DSO, captures data in single-shot mode at rates as fast as 200M samples/sec. The device handles repetitive waveforms as fast as 50G samples/sec. Internal nonvolatile memory offers a storage capacity of 40 kbytes, and the scope's front-panel PCMCIA interface handles 1 Mbyte of removable storage. A 7-in. CRT simultaneously displays as many as eight traces. The OX2000, which comes with a dual timebase and 16 preprogrammed automatic measurements, costs $5995. Boonton Electronics Corp, Parsippany, NJ. (201) 386-9696.

Distance telemetry units offer multichannel measurement.

Using IR LEDs or laser diodes, the Distel line of monitors measures the distance of dark and bright objects from 9 to 27 in. away. The Distel-LED40 is a 40-channel monitor with LEDs spaced 1 in. apart. Accuracy is to within ±0.25 in. at 9 in. from the base of the detector, extending to ±0.5 in. at 24 in. from the base. For high-precision applications, the Distel-LAS laser-based monitor achieves 2.5× better accuracy than the LED model. TOS Systems Inc, Wellesley, MA. (617) 431-2456.

Acquisition system expands to 4096 input channels.

DAS-Scan, a rack-mount data-acquisition system, holds as many as 896 channels in each full 19-in. rack configuration and as many as 448 channels in each half-rack setup. You can daisy-chain multiple racks for a total of 4096 multiplexed channels. DAS-Scan multiplexes all analog signals into a single differential line that is measured by an A/D conversion card in the host PC. The system offers channel-expansion boards for nonisolated voltage measurement, voltage with bank isolation, nonisolated TC measurement, and TC with bank isolation. Complete DAS-Scan systems start at $3350. Keithley Metrabyte, Taunton, MA. (508) 880-3000.

ISA-bus board includes Windows acquisition software.

Optimized for Windows environments, the 5803HR data-acquisition board supplies both 16-bit analog inputs and 16-bit analog outputs. Windows-specific hardware features include dual DMA, 1024-word FIFO buffer, and on-board RAM for storing channel-gain lists. The ISA-bus board comes with a 16-bit 100-kHz ADC and Direct View for Windows, a data-acquisition package that performs high-speed data collection, display, and streaming to disk. Prices start at $995. Adac Corp, Woburn, MA. (617) 935-3200.

Single-box acquisition system connects to PC's parallel port.

The DI-500 series of PC-based data-acquisition systems provides built-in signal conditioning and 1000V of I/O isolation from a single box. The system provides sample rates as high as 250,000 samples/sec using a PC's enhanced parallel port. The DI-500's backplane accepts as many as 32 industry-standard 5B modules for interfacing with industrial sensors. Housing the ADC, signal conditioners, and I/O connectors in a single unit eliminates cabling and integration problems. Systems are available in portable, desktop, and 19-in., rack-mount configurations. Prices start at $3995. Dataq Instruments, Akron, OH. (330) 668-1444.

Kit carries model-specific test accessories.

An accessory kit for Tektronix's THM 500 series TekMeter supplies a range of test accessories in a briefcase-style carrying case that also holds and protects the meter. The Model 6119 Test Companion comes with an X1 30-MHz oscilloscope probe, test lead set, probe bodies with banana-plug tips, Grabber-brand test clips, a grip clip, large safety alligator clips, and BNC female adapter banana plugs. The Model 6119 kit costs $270. ITT Pomona Electronics, Pomona, CA. (909) 623-3463.

PC Cards test T1/E1 lines.

When plugged into an expansion slot of a PC/AT or compatible computer, the Super T1 and Super E1 cards and associated software let you perform T1/E1 analysis. Updated features include unframed, framed, and fractional bit-error-rate testing with pseudo-random, static, and user-defined bit sequences. T1 and E1 multiport repeaters allow you to multiply a single T1 or E1 signal into 10 identical T1 or E1 outputs, and a dual-E1 multiport repeater converts between 75(ohm) unbalanced and 120(ohm) balanced interfaces. Prices for the Super T1 and Super E1 start at $1950. GL Communications Inc, Gaithersburg, MD. (301) 670-4784.

Acquisition board stores custom programs.

Based on an HC11 microcontroller, an ADC board supplies 32 kbytes of EPROM for storing custom programs written in Avocet C. The board includes an eight-channel 12-bit programmable ADC, an eight-channel 8-bit ADC, eight buffered digital inputs, and 24 buffered digital outputs. Communication is through an RS-232C port at speeds as high as 19,200 baud. The board costs $299, including basic A/D and I/O routines, as well as sample code for IBM compatibles. Columbus Instruments, Columbus, OH. (614) 276-0861.

PC/AT lowpass filter card cleans acquired signals.

The AAF-16 lowpass filter card provides antialiasing and noise elimination in ISA-bus data-acquisition systems with A/D resolutions as high as 16 bits. The card provides 16 single-ended analog-input channels and ±10V input and output signal ranges. Each channel can have eight-pole Cauer (elliptic), Bessel, Butterworth, or high-speed linear phase filter characteristics with software-selectable cutoff frequency of 2 Hz to 200 kHz and attenuation floors as low as 120 dB/octave. The board comes with LabView drivers, as well as menu-driven software and subroutine libraries for DOS and Windows. The AAF-16 costs $4495. Alligator Technologies, Costa Mesa, CA. (714) 850-9984.

System prototypes double-sided circuit boards.

With the Quick Circuit Model 5000, you can prototype double-sided circuit boards as large as 9×12 in. Using standard Gerber output files, the Model 5000 creates an outline or isolation path to electrically isolate the circuit from the base material. It then mills off all conductive material to create a prototype board without generating artwork or using any caustic chemicals. The system has a resolution of 0.00025 in. and mills as fast as 60 ips. The system's software comes in DOS and Windows versions. The Model 5000 costs <$10,000. T-Tech Inc, Atlanta, GA. (770) 455-0676.

Proximity sensors offer reliability, long life.

The MPS series of magnetic proximity sensors is based on Alnico V magnets, which provide long life, stability, and the strength necessary for reliable operation. The reed switch contains rhodium-coated contacts that offer low resistance and transient protection, as well as long life. Contacts are hermetically sealed within a glass capsule and allow the reed switch to operate reliably in damp or dusty environments. Prices start at $2 (1000). C&K Components Inc, Watertown, MA. (617) 926-6400.

Portable frequency counter spans 10 Hz to 2.5 GHz.

The Model 381235 handheld frequency counter measures from 10 Hz to 2.5 GHz using three channels with a sensitivity of <50 mV rms. Period values range from 10 Hz to 10 MHz. Standard functions include data-hold and overload indication, maximum/minimum and average readings, selectable fast or slow sampling, and automatic/manual power off. The Model 381235 runs on four AA batteries and costs $249. Extech Instruments Corp, Waltham, MA. (617) 890-7440.

Digital stimulus-re-sponse system handles 576 channels.

The SR2500 digital-test subsystem performs serial and parallel testing of all standard TTL, differential ECL, variable voltage, or 5V CMOS logic devices, assemblies, units, or systems that require as many as 576 individual input and output channels. The system consists of two dual-slot C-size VXIbus modules. The SR2510 stimulus-response module provides as many as 96 bidirectional I/O channels, and each SR2520 expansion module supplies 32 to 96 additional channels. The SR2500 operates at data rates from dc to 25 MHz. Prices start at $24,900. Interface Technology Inc, Walnut, CA. (909) 595-6030.