EE-Evaluation Engineering

Browse past and current articles from this publication.

Squirrels make it look so easy.(Editorial)
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering in conjunction with members of Boston Dynamics have developed a rather unique robot that can perform so . . .

Datalogger control outputs are software configurable.(PAUL'S PICKS)
The PicoLog 1000 Series of multichannel, USB-powered voltage dataloggers provides up to a 1-MS/s sampling rate and a current-limited sensor excitation output. The portable units include independent . . .

Mixed-Signal scopes debug embedded system designs.(PAUL'S PICKS)
The MSO3000 Mixed-Signal Oscilloscope Series offers up to four analog and 16 digital channels, a 100-to 500-MHz bandwidth, a 5M record length, and a 2.5-GS/s analog sample rate for system debug. Col . . .

Generators available in PCI, PXI, VXI, and LXI formats.(PAUL'S PICKS)
The ZT5210 Multichannel Waveform Generators support a sampling rate of 200 MS/s, bandwidth of 50 MHz, and 14-bit resolution. Up to 32 MS/channel can be output using an 8-MS waveform library. Up to e . . .

Hyperboloid contacts designed for micro connectors.(PAUL'S PICKS)
A micro-sized socket has been added to the ICS Series of integraMate[R] hyperboloid contacts. The new ICS40 is 0.031" in diameter and accepts 0.4-mm mating pins. Also available are larger sizes to a . . .

Zero-footprint tester analyzes ICs and microcontrollers.(PAUL'S PICKS)
The V101 System, designed to test 4-, 8-, and 16-bit microcontrollers and other low pin-count, low-end IC devices, operates at up to a 100-MHz data rate with up to 1,024 I/O channels. It features Te . . .

Upconverter supports transceiver testing.(PAUL'S PICKS)
The Model 2891-IQ Upconverter processes analog I and Q baseband signals for testing a transceiver's transmitter and analog I and Q output signals for testing a transceiver's receiver. It interfaces . . .

Noise figure test set targets 60-GHz band.(PAUL'S PICKS)
The NC5115-60G Noise Figure Test Set has separate systems designed to perform Y-factor noise figure measurements using a spectrum analyzer or a dedicated receiver. The NC5115-60G is a calibrated tes . . .

Dual redundant boards provide bus interface for 1553.(PAUL'S PICKS)
The DNA-1553-553 and DNR-1553-553 are two-channel MIL-STD-1553 bus interface boards for the company's Cubes and RACKtangle I/O chassis, respectively. Each channel provides a dual redundant 1553 inte . . .

Fixturing systems reduce redundant components.(PAUL'S PICKS)
A modular, customizable fixturing system is available for Teradyne, GenRad, and Agilent Technologies automated test systems. The design begins with a base kit weighing ~55 lb and overall dimensions . . .

Modules offer custom design capabilities.(PAUL'S PICKS)
The SMP3620, SMP3625, and SMP7000 Modules include analog output and custom breadboard design capabilities. They add custom development options on a COTS platform and high-density DACs suitable for t . . .

PXI Generators test across 100-kHz to 6-GHz range.(PAUL'S PICKS)
The 3026C and 3021C have been added to the 3020 Series RF Signal Generators featuring integrated dual-channel capabilities. The 3U PXI modules extend the output power range of the series to + 17 dBm . . .

Leveraging test data as a strategic management tool.(MANAGER'S FORUM)(Column)
Intelligence--strategically applied data--is more than knowledge, more than information or facts. Whether you're managing products, processes, people, competitive position, a test-floor operation, o . . .

DMM is an understatement.(DMMs)(digital multimeters)
By definition, a DMM measures AC and DC voltage and current. Most meters also handle resistance and some form of continuity checking or diode test. This level of basic capabilities is readily availa . . .

A tutorial: making basic strain measurements.(STRAIN GAGES)
Strain gages are sensing devices used in a variety of physical test and measurement applications. They change resistance at their output terminals when stretched or compressed. Because of this chara . . .

Crosstalk analysis in high-speed serial links.(COMMUNICATIONS TEST)
The bit error ratio (BER) of a serial data stream is impacted by both jitter and noise. There are several tools that allow the visualization and measurement of jitter, such as BER contours and BER v . . .

Test like you fly.(ENVIRONMENTAL TEST)
Although test-like-you-fly directly relates to aerospace projects, the underlying intention is to mitigate risk by running the most appropriate tests. In that sense, the phrase applies more broadly. . . .

Design and development testing.(EMC TEST)
Part 1 Large companies can afford a $ 10 to $30 million facility necessary for EMC qualification testing plus the additional expenses for the personnel to staff the operation. It could be argued t . . .

Company Guide.(PC-Based Test Buyers Guide)(Directory)
A.T.E. Solutions CA 310-822-5231 www.besttest.com ACCES I/O Products CA 800-326-1649 www.accesio.com Acculogic MA 888-722-8378 www.acculogic.com Acromag MI 877-295-7092 www.acr . . .

Stories worth reading.(Editorial)
With capital equipment budgets being scrutinized relentlessly by upper management to pare down or eliminate altogether any perceived nonessential expenditures, the task of merely justifying--let alo . . .

Data-capturing application requires no programming.
AD-Logger[TM] is a turnkey software logger that provides a real-time viewer with basic FFT power spectrum analysis and a historical view. It can be used with any of the company's data acquisition or . . .

Full-channel logic analysis highlight of DDR test suite.
A comprehensive DDR3 protocol debug and validation test suite for digital designers developing computer and embedded memory applications features a fast, full-channel logic analysis tool. The 16962A . . .

Portable analyzers handle precise signal investigations.
The 2650A Series of hand-held spectrum analyzers consists of the Model 2650A with a 50-kHz to 3.3-GHz frequency range; the Model 2652A, identical to the 2650A but with a tracking generator added; an . . .

New technology improves analog voltage readings.(PAUL'S PICKS)
More powerful versions of VOLTpoint[TM] and TEMPpoint[TM] instruments incorporate proprietary ISO-Channel[TM] technology using galvanic isolation to guarantee 1,000-V isolation between each sensor i . . .

Front end syncs data, GPS, and video inputs.(PAUL'S PICKS)
The DEWE-43-V is a USB 2.0 data acquisition front end with eight 24-b simultaneously sampled channels and a 200-kHz sample rate per channel. It features eight counter inputs that are synchronous wit . . .

High-speed digitizers offer 4 Gsamples of memory.
The CobraMax[TM] family of 8-b digitizers features one or two digitizing channels, 3- or 4-GS/s sampling per channel, up to 1.5 GHz of input bandwidth, and 4 Gsamples of on-board memory. By using th . . .

Module-software combo delivers inclusive reports.
A new Out-of-the-Box solution combines the 6000 Series Ethernet-based DAQ modules with Encore interactive measurement software. The units feature integrated signal conditioning and a modular design . . .

Triggering enhancements boost spectrum analyzers.
Swept DPX [TM] and new triggering enhancements have improved the broad sweep capability in the RSA6000 Series Spectrum Analyzer. With this new resource, the DPX function can be swept across the full . . .

Sockets feature adjustable pads for fragile devices.
The 27-mm CSP/MicroBGA Test and Burn-In Sockets now offer an optional adjustable pressure pad for handling very small, fragile devices such as thin or ceramic chips. Each pad comes with a washer sta . . .

AC sources can simulate power line disturbances.
Two 18-kW models and an 18-kW power stage have been added to the 61500 and 61600 Series of programmable AC power sources. The 1- and 3-phase sources are equipped with power-line disturbance simulati . . .

Generators provide signals from 100 kHz to 50 GHz.
The new 2500B Series of microwave signal generators provides fast switching with high purity signals from 100 kHz to 50 GHz. Six models are available that cover 2.5 GHz, 8 GHz, 20 GHz, 26.5 GHz, 40 . . .

Multifunction DAQ devices sample up to 2 MS/s.
The USB-1602HS, USB-1604HS, USB-1602HS-2AO, and USB-1604HS-2AO, the latest additions to the USB-1600HS family of simultaneous multifunction data acquisition modules, feature either two or four 16-bi . . .

Look to the sky when synchronizing systems.
LXI and the IEEE 1588 Precision Timing Protocol have many advantages that coordinate the timing of instrument systems with accuracy into the nanosecond range. (1), (2) But as powerful as this arrang . . .

Resolving test challenges for high-speed interfaces.
High-speed interfaces for the computer, consumer, and communications markets have moved dramatically forward, increasing from a few hundred megabits per second to much faster gigabit speeds, in some . . .

Low-cost scopes extend test equipment budgets.
Even in the unlikely event that your test equipment budget has received a bailout, you still need to get the highest instrument performance per dollar spent. So it's relevant to ask what capabilitie . . .

Multifunction DAQ modules integrate and diversify.(data acquisition)
At first glance, a multifunction data acquisition module may only look like a compact way to obtain the variety of functionality needed to address a particular application. Of course, it is. Being c . . .

IEEE 1149.7 expands JTAG functionality.(Joint Test Action Group)
Since its adoption in 1990, IEEE 1149.1 has enjoyed great popularity. The standard was built on the work of an industry organization, the Joint Test Action Group (JTAG), formed in the mid-1980s to p . . .

Product guide.(Buyers guide)
EE's annual EMC/ESD Buyers Guide is a comprehensive, up-to-date listing of the companies that provide EMC or ESD products and services to the electronics industry. The guide is arranged in two secti . . .

Company Guide.(Buyers guide)
3M TX 866-722-3736 www.3mstatic.com A.H. Systems CA 818-998-0223 www.ahsystems.com AB Electrostatic Canada 800-479-0190 www.abelectrostatic.com Adhesives Research PA 800-445-6240 . . .

EMC symposium rides into Central Texas.
Experience "EMC Austin Style" when the 2009 IEEE International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility is held Aug. 17-21 at the Austin Convention Center. The five-day program, hosted by the Cent . . .

The patch that saves lives.(heart monitors)(Editorial)
Maladies that befall us personally or a colleague naturally impact our daily lives much more than any situation--whether catastrophic or not--that happens somewhere else in the world. Because of the . . .

Low-power digitizers provide high channel density.(PAUL'S PICKS)
Four new two-channel, 8-bit U1071 ATM PCI Digitizers, additions to the Acqiris U1071A line, support 2-ppm clock accuracy for low-distortion measurement. Trigger jitter of 2 ps maintains low noise. D . . .

Modules support key 40G and 100G standards.(PAUL'S PICKS)
The 80C10B and 80C10B with Option F1 (80C10B F1) are new optical sampling oscilloscope modules for the DSA8200 Digital Serial Analyzer Series. The 80C25GBE module for 100-Gb/s Ethernet manufacturing . . .

25-MHz arbs feature large memory depth.(PAUL'S PICKS)
The 4075 and 4078 Arbitrary/Function Generators use DDS architecture to generate sine and square waveforms up to 25 MHz. Both models produce arbitrary waveforms with 14-bit amplitude resolution, a 1 . . .

GigaSample digitizer uses PCI express bus.(PAUL'S PICKS)
ATS9870[R] is a 1-GS/s waveform digitizer featuring dual-port memory and 1.4 GB/s throughput using an eight-lane PCI Express bus. It offers two simultaneous analog inputs that can each be sampled wi . . .

Test platform targets: LTE-enabled UEs.(PAUL'S PICKS)
The T4010 LTE[TM] Test System performs RF parameter verification throughout the development life of LTE-enabled UEs, allowing customization of 3GPP-defined test cases as well as complete test case d . . .

16-Bit multichannel digitizers have 4 GB of memory.(PAUL'S PICKS)
The Razor Compu-Scope 16XX family features up to four digitizing channels in a single-slot PCI card with 100-or 200-MS/s sampling per channel and up to 4 GB of on-board acquisition memory. The digit . . .

Scalable platform addresses multiple RF standards.(PAUL'S PICKS)
The multistandard CMW500 Wideband Radio Communications Tester incorporates a general-purpose RF power meter and a CW generator to handle every phase of development and production. When configured wi . . .

Cable adapter delivers data transfers to 80 Gb/s.(PAUL'S PICKS)
The PCle x 16 Gen 2 Host Cable Adapter enables high-speed expansion over a PCle cable from a host system at 80 Gb/s to a PCle downstream device or expansion chassis. It accommodates high-speed throu . . .

Analog input option doubles USB DAQ device capacity.(PAUL'S PICKS)
The USB-2416 Multifunction Measurement and Control Modules are 24-bit, analog input devices for voltage or temperature. The modules provide 16 differential or 32 single-ended analog inputs, eight di . . .