Test & Measurement
Editor in Chief
Family of modules provides all-in-one LTE connectivity for M2M
- 05.21.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
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French 4G chipmaker Sequans Communications has introduced a new line of LTE modules with a complete RF front end and key interfaces in a single, compact package for M2M designs. Read More...
Geotest grows line of PXI/PXI Express chassis
- 05.20.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
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Two new models join Geotest–Marvin Test Systems’ broad line of PXI chassis: the GX7200, a 21-slot PXI Express chassis, and the GX7800, an 8-slot PXI chassis. Read More...
Upgraded DC electronic loads handle up to 800 A
- 05.20.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
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Kepco has introduced several enhancements to its EL series of single- and dual-channel DC electronic loads, including increased current capability of up to 800 A at 5 kW for all low-voltage models. Read More...
Electronic test 1988-2000 (A Look Back: Part 1)
- 05.20.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
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Check out this slide show of some of historic test equipment. This is Part 1 of 3. The total series spans 1936-2000. Read More...
2U programmable-supply family delivers 200 W to 800 W
- 05.18.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
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TDK-Lambda has expanded its Z+ series of programmable DC supplies with the addition of models that furnish 800 W of output power, as well as a selection of output-voltage ranges covering 0 to 100 VDC and output current of up to 72 A. Read More...
Value bench multimeter employs 5-1/2-digit dual display
- 05.15.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
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With a price tag of just $449, the DM3058E digital multimeter from Rigol Technologies sports a dual display and 5-1/2-digit (240,000-count) resolution for basic bench measurements, while software options enable datalogging and remote SCPI programming from almost any interface. Read More...
How to validate and analyze complex serial-bus-link models
- 05.15.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
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The goal is to measure the DUT and not the test equipment, fixtures, or cables that are used to acquire the signal. The act of removing the effects of any of these elements can result in a significant improvement in the margin of the device. Read More...
Ground-bond instrument meets alternative-energy test needs
- 05.14.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
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Part of the HYAMP III series of manual ground-bond testers from Associated Research, the Model 3145 provides up to 40 A of DC ground-bond test current for alternative-energy and solar test applications. Read More...
Frequency response: the gold standard
- 05.14.2013 ·
- type: Blog ·
- 2 Comment(s) ·
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Engineers predict real-world response and identify model parameters. Read More...
Message automation tool supports LTE X2 interface
- 05.12.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
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GL Communications has introduced an LTE X2 interface emulator to test and verify eNodeB implementations through its MAPS (Message Automation & Protocol Simulation) platform, a protocol simulation and conformance test tool that can emulate a variety of protocols over IP, TDM, and wireless networks. Read More...
Complete, low-cost, software programmable ohmmeter measures micro-ohms
- 12.06.2012 ·
- type: Design Idea ·
- 4 Comment(s) ·
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An ac voltage is generated by switching current into the unknown resistance. The resulting ac voltage is then amplified and filtered to produce an output voltage proportional to the resistance being measured. Read More...
Convert your smartphone into a pedometer and tracking device
- 10.22.2012 ·
- type: Design Idea ·
- 8 Comment(s) ·
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A bit of Python code along with the power of GPS and your smartphone lets you track and record your outdoor excursion activities. Read More...
Photo meter assesses ambient light
- 10.15.2012 ·
- type: Design Idea ·
- 4 Comment(s) ·
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When most PN-junction diodes are reverse biased, they will produce a small photovoltaic output as the light level is increased. Read More...
Circuit automatically switches off DMM
- 08.17.2012 ·
- type: Design Idea ·
- 7 Comment(s) ·
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Add automatic-shutoff to your DMM, save batteries, and eliminate wear and tear on the function switch. Read More...
Create secondary colors from multicolored LEDs
- 07.24.2003 ·
- type: Design Idea ·
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One disadvantage of generating a yellow color by mixing two primary-color light sources is that the LED must use twice the current because both the red and the green LEDs must be on. Read More...
Measure an amplifier's THD without external filters
- 01.05.2012 ·
- type: Design Idea ·
- 8 Comment(s) ·
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Adding a secondary amplifier boosts the THD to measurable levels. Read More...
Wireless temperature monitor has data-logging capabilities
- 01.19.2012 ·
- type: Design Idea ·
- 6 Comment(s) ·
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You can make a wireless temps system with two ICs. Read More...
Make an asynchronous clock for VPX-based PCIe systems
- 01.19.2012 ·
- type: Design Idea ·
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Careful crystal selection and an FPGA are key to success. Read More...
Geotest grows line of PXI/PXI Express chassis
- 05.20.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
- Save & Follow
Two new models join Geotest–Marvin Test Systems’ broad line of PXI chassis: the GX7200, a 21-slot PXI Express chassis, and the GX7800, an 8-slot PXI chassis. Read More...
Upgraded DC electronic loads handle up to 800 A
- 05.20.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
- Save & Follow
Kepco has introduced several enhancements to its EL series of single- and dual-channel DC electronic loads, including increased current capability of up to 800 A at 5 kW for all low-voltage models. Read More...
2U programmable-supply family delivers 200 W to 800 W
- 05.18.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
- Save & Follow
TDK-Lambda has expanded its Z+ series of programmable DC supplies with the addition of models that furnish 800 W of output power, as well as a selection of output-voltage ranges covering 0 to 100 VDC and output current of up to 72 A. Read More...
Value bench multimeter employs 5-1/2-digit dual display
- 05.15.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
- Save & Follow
With a price tag of just $449, the DM3058E digital multimeter from Rigol Technologies sports a dual display and 5-1/2-digit (240,000-count) resolution for basic bench measurements, while software options enable datalogging and remote SCPI programming from almost any interface. Read More...
Ground-bond instrument meets alternative-energy test needs
- 05.14.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
- Save & Follow
Part of the HYAMP III series of manual ground-bond testers from Associated Research, the Model 3145 provides up to 40 A of DC ground-bond test current for alternative-energy and solar test applications. Read More...
Message automation tool supports LTE X2 interface
- 05.12.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
- Save & Follow
GL Communications has introduced an LTE X2 interface emulator to test and verify eNodeB implementations through its MAPS (Message Automation & Protocol Simulation) platform, a protocol simulation and conformance test tool that can emulate a variety of protocols over IP, TDM, and wireless networks. Read More...
Thin-film metrology system targets 28-nm nodes and below
- 05.09.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
- Save & Follow
Using a focused-beam ellipsometer and small-site measurement optics, Rudolph Technologies’ S3000SX thin-film metrology system for 2X and 1X process nodes measures the thickness of single-layer and multilayer transparent films on product wafers and within die areas as small as 30x30 µm. Read More...
Handheld touch tablet serves as an RF analyzer
- 05.06.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
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RF-Vue from Kaltman Creations is a touch-tablet RF spectrum analyzer that can be used by wireless audio professionals for interference elimination, site and field analysis, frequency coordination, and AV system integration. Read More...
Simulation tool eases automotive-suspension design
- 05.05.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
- Save & Follow
Automotive Simulation Models (ASMs) from dSpace—open Simulink models for the real-time simulation of passenger cars and trucks, as well as their components—now include a module for designing and simulating wheel suspensions on a virtual test bench. Read More...
RF field-strength meter offers low noise floor
- 05.05.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
- Save & Follow
The UBA 9290 battery-operated field-strength analyzer from AWT Global covers a frequency range from 100 kHz to 2.9 GHz with a sensitivity of –117 dBm to evaluate even weak RF signals. Read More...
The Tektronix 1101 oscilloscope-probe power supply
- 07.28.2011 ·
- type: Teardown ·
- 8 Comment(s) ·
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A mechanical design is at once a masterpiece and an expensive expedient. Read More...
What's inside a smart meter? iFixit tears it down
- 08.25.2011 ·
- type: Teardown ·
- 15 Comment(s) ·
- Save & Follow
When iFixit's Kyle Wiens had the opportunity to tear down an Elster smart meter, he jumped at it—not to come up with a repair manual but to evaluate the health and safety issues that seem to surround the utilities’ installation of smart meters. Read More...
Electronic test 1988-2000 (A Look Back: Part 1)
- 05.20.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
- Save & Follow
Check out this slide show of some of historic test equipment. This is Part 1 of 3. The total series spans 1936-2000. Read More...
How to validate and analyze complex serial-bus-link models
- 05.15.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
- Save & Follow
The goal is to measure the DUT and not the test equipment, fixtures, or cables that are used to acquire the signal. The act of removing the effects of any of these elements can result in a significant improvement in the margin of the device. Read More...
Ensure FinFET defect coverage with cell-aware test
- 05.06.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
- Save & Follow
The cell-aware test approach to internal cell defect coverage is fully capable of targeting new FinFET defect mechanisms and should prove indispensable in ensuring necessary quality in upcoming designs. Read More...
Target impedance based solutions for PDN may not provide realistic assessment
- 05.01.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
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This article focuses on the fundamental flaws of using target impedance as an assessment method using simple, lumped element models and simulations to highlight some of the key issues. Read More...
Inexpensive ways to test radiated immunity
- 04.29.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
- 2 Comment(s) ·
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Want to avoid troubleshooting while at an expensive test facility? Most don’t have the means to perform formal radiated immunity testing, but here’s how to evaluate pre-compliance using simple low-cost instruments. Read More...
Profiles in Test: Eric Starkloff, NI
- 04.29.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
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Sixteen years ago, Eric Starkloff joined NI as an applications engineer after earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia. Starkloff reflects on his career, advice for new engineers, as well as surprises and laughs along the way. Read More...
Compare low-cost spectrum analyzers
- 04.19.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
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Ken Wyatt tries out a number of low-cost spectrum analyzer options, particularly for EMC applications. Read More...
Scope basics: Multiple-domain measurements
- 04.18.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
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Complex embedded systems often have multiple signals that need to be monitored in the time and frequency domains. Here’s how to make multiple-domain measurements with a digital oscilloscope. Read More...
Safety guidelines for electronic controls explained
- 04.05.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
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A closer look at the test and diagnostic methods included in IEC 60730 Class B in order to ensure safe operation of embedded control hardware and software for home appliances. Read More...
Two-wire vs. four-wire resistance measurements
- 04.02.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
- 8 Comment(s) ·
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Which configuration makes sense for your application? Read More...
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FPGAs, the new test and measurement enabler?
When I was at IMS2012 recently in Montreal, there was some talk about how FPGAs are being used in test equipment to speed up performance... Read more...
