Test Instruments
Agilent's Next-Generation Hybrid Multimeter/Power Supply and Simple, Affordable Multimeters
Agilent has introduced three test instruments that offer new levels of functionality and value. One instrument is a next-generation hybrid that combines a digital multimeter (DMM) and a power supply in one unit. The other two introductions, a pair of DMMs, provide basic capabilities and solid performance at affordable prices.
RF Vector Signal Analyzer Offers Improved Speed and Enhanced Measurement Performance
Keithley Instruments has announced that it has upgraded its popular RF Vector Signal Analyzer line with new capabilities that reduce signal acquisition and measurement times. The new Model 2820A RF Vector Signal Analyzer, which provides a 40MHz signal acquisition bandwidth with a frequency range of either 400MHz–4GHz or 400MHz–6GHz, builds on the capabilities of Keithley's Series 2800 signal analyzer line. It expands the line's applications for testing wireless devices to today's high throughput, complex modulation, and wide bandwidth wireless telecom standards.
Hand-held digital power meters from Aspen
The Bird 5000-XT hand-held digital power meter is redesigned specifically for portability and ease of use in the field. Available in the UK from Aspen Electronics, this digital power meter is ideal for field service technicians and engineers who need to work in tight corners. It is easily attached to a tool belt and can even be operated with one hand.
Agilent's New Functional Test Features for its E6651A Mobile WiMAX Test Set Family
Agilent Technologies has announced it has added new functional test features to its E6651A Mobile WiMAX test set family. Now offering support for mobile station (MS) and base station (BS) initiated handover, sleep and idle mode, and security features, the E6651A test set is well suited for Mobile WiMAX developers performing R&D, system integration and verification, or conformance test in RF, protocol and functional application test.
Handheld multimeters for field maintenance applications
The Yokogawa TY500 Series is a new range of general-purpose handheld digital multimeters which combine reliability, ease of use and safety for use in field maintenance applications. Featuring a basic accuracy of 0.09% and a 3.5-digit 6000-count backlit display with a 31-segment bar graph, the TY500 Series includes true RMS measurements as standard, along with functions such as thermocouple temperature measurement, low-pass filtering and optional current measurement using a clamp sensor.
Teseq's Test System For Conducted And Radiated Immunity
TESEQ, the provider of instrumentation and test systems for EMC emission and immunity testing announces the introduction of its updated NSG 4070 multifunctional EMC immunity test system. The Teseq NSG 4070 offers a wide test frequency range, from 9 kHz to 1 GHz and its modular set-up, using internal or external amplifiers, make it suitable for a wide variety of test applications.
True-rms AC Ammeters from Murata
Murata Power Solutions has introduced a series of digital AC ammeters with alarm for the measurement and display of complex, true-rms, non-sinusoidal AC currents. The DATEL ACA-20RM-ALM AC Ammeters are completely self-contained and include a built-in current transformer to simplify their use in numerous applications. The integral alarm is triggered when the user-settable over current value is exceeded. The red LED display continually flashes from low to high intensity to indicate an alarm condition.
Agilent launches 10G Digital Communication Analyzer
Agilent has introduced the PXIT 10G Digital Communication Analyzer (DCA), Passive Optical Network (PON) filter rate options and smart post processing for the PXIT N2100B DCA, helping optical transceiver test vendors reduce their cost of test.
HiPOT tester from Clare available in both single and three phase options
The Quad Series from Clare Instruments is said to be the first tester that can be used to HiPOT/flash test electrical products with in-built internal circuitry while they are connected to an isolated power supply. Typical products that incorporate internal circuits are microprocessor based domestic/industrial washing machines, cooking appliances, consumer audio/TV/IT products and construction machinery built to international standards such as IEC355, IEC950, IEC601, IEC598, and IEC204.
Spectrum analyzers from Aeroflex provide excellent RF performance in a smaller, more affordable package
Aeroflex unveiled its new 3250 Series of spectrum analyzers designed to offer impressive RF and microwave capabilities, exceptional connectivity and many ease-of-use features in a smaller package and with a lower price tag than ever before available. With RF frequency ranges spanning 1KHz to 26.6GHz, the 3250 Series is ideal for wireless design, research, development and production test engineers in numerous applications including military communications, satellite test, radar and portable mobile radio (PMR) test.
True-rms Voltmeters measure to 0V for complex AC voltages
Murata Power Solutions has introduced a series of DATEL Voltmeters that overcome the limitations of conventional average-responding AC Voltmeters. The DATEL DMS-20RM series is able to measure the true-rms value of complex AC voltages and, with an input frequency range of 47 – 1kHz, is ideal for use in a wide range of applications including high-end consumer electronics, laboratory instrumentation and other equipment requiring precise AC line monitoring.
Analyzer Fills the Gap of Amplitude and Phase-Modulated Optical Signal Analysis
Agilent has introduced what is says is the industry's first time-domain based optical modulation analyzer offering in-depth analysis of amplitude and phase-modulated optical signals. This optical test instrument was developed in close cooperation with Agilent Laboratories, the central research arm of Agilent Technologies. It is based on wide-bandwidth, polarization-diverse coherent optical receiver technology, the Agilent 89600 vector signal analysis software (VSA), and Agilent's high-speed real-time data acquisition unit called the Infiniium Series 90000 oscilloscope.
New Oscilloscope Series from LeCroy
LeCroy has announced a new line of WaveRunner Xi-A Oscilloscopes. The WaveRunner Xi-A incorporates new X-StreamTM II hardware architecture to increase acquisition and display speed, TriggerScanTM rare event capture technology to improve debug and analysis, a new Spectrum Analyzer option to effectively debug in the frequency domain, and new connectivity and control options with LXI (LAN eXtension for Instrumentation) for automated test systems. The striking black and silver industrial design incorporates a large, bright display and a space-efficient footprint, and is available on all models which range from 400 MHz to 2 GHz, with 10 GS/s sample rate and 25 Mpts memory.
Aeroflex accelerates the roll-out of new features for its 7100 LTE handset tester as LTE goes global
With 3G Long Term Evolution (LTE) fast becoming a global phenomenon, Aeroflex has announced that it is to accelerate the roll-out of the new features planned for 2009 for its recently launched Aeroflex 7100 Digital Radio Test Set for LTE mobile device test.
True-rms AC ammeters from Murata interface directly with current transformers
The Datel ACA5-20RM series from Murata Power Solutions is a new family of functionally complete, high current, true-rms responding AC ammeters designed to interface directly with an external 5A output current transformer (CT) Covering input ranges from 100A to 500A, the ACA5-20RM series is ideal for use in electronic equipment that uses switching power supplies such as inverters and generators, battery chargers, power distribution units and AC/DC power supplies.
Blue and green LED versions added to Murata's low-power digital panel voltmeter range
Murata Power Solutions' low-power, high brightness, three-and-a-half digit, DMS-20PC digital panel voltmeters are now available with 'brilliant blue' or 'pure green' LED colours in addition to the current 'low-power red'. The DMS-20PC series provides a sub-miniature, low-cost solution in applications such as battery chargers, power amplifiers, rack-mounted power and high-end consumer electronics.
Oscilloscopes from TTi offer serial triggering and analysis
Now available from TTi, the Tektronix DPO3000 Series is a family of lower-cost mid-performance oscilloscopes incorporating the long record length needed for serial data analysis in embedded systems. All DPO3000 models incorporate a 5 megasample record length on each channel and can sample at up to 2.5 GS/s on all channels simultaneously. Two- or four-channel models are available with bandwidths of 100 MHz, 300 MHz or 500 MHz.
Tektronix Claims World’s Fastest Oscilloscopes Enhanced for 3rd Generation Serial Data Analysis
Tektronix has announced availability of the high-performance DPO70000B Digital Phosphor Oscilloscope (DPO) and DSA70000B Digital Serial Analyzer (DSA) Series. Already said to offer the highest available bandwidth for real-time oscilloscopes, and with an industry-best jitter noise floor, the new "B" models now also claim the best vertical noise performance, flattest frequency response, and greatest effective number of bits (ENOB). Adding to the leading Pinpoint Trigger system, the new models also provide the fastest available hardware-based pattern triggering for advanced serial data bus speeds at rates up to 5 Gb/s.
Battery Powered Signal Generator From Signal Forge
Signal Forge has released a new battery-powered signal generator. With the introduction of the Signal Forge 1020 (SF1020), field test engineers now have the option to leave their large, heavy and expensive signal generators in the lab. The SF1020 is a small, lightweight battery-powered signal generator with a frequency range of 1 Hz to 1 GHz and numerous waveform modulation functions. It is ideal for applications such as building surveys, installation and maintenance of facility-based cellular and wireless networks and a variety of other test applications that can only be conducted outside of the lab.
Digital multimeters from Yokogawa
The Yokogawa TY700 Series is a range of handheld digital multimeters which combine high accuracy, performance and reliability with a range of new functions for both electronics and general industrial applications.
Multi-channel audio analyser from Thurlby Thandar
The new APx585 from Audio Precision is the only audio analyser in the world capable of interfacing with HDMI and Blu-ray disc audio. With the APx HDMI option, engineers can now use the same familiar Audio Precision tools to measure HDMI audio quality and audio format compatibility on devices such as surround sound receivers, set-top boxes, HD TVs, and DVD and Blu-ray Disc(tm) players.
Tektronix Claims Industry-Best Oscilloscopes at Entry-Level Price for Mixed Signal Designs
Tektronix has announced its MSO2000 Mixed Signal and DPO2000 Digital Phosphor oscilloscopes which look to provide powerful tools to simplify the debug of mixed signal designs including Wave Inspector search and navigation tools, automatic decoding of serial data busses, unique FilterVu variable low pass filters to reduce unwanted noise from signals, all in a portable, affordable package.
Aeroflex introduces the 3500A, a powerful and rugged 1GHz hand-held Radio Test Set
Aeroflex has introduced the new, lightweight 3500A 1GHz hand-held Radio Test Set. The Aeroflex 3500A improves upon the success of the Aeroflex 3500, the industry's first 1GHz hand-held test set. With improved audio analysis and operation, the Aeroflex 3500A offers lighter weight, integrated audio test connections and a new microphone interface for easier operation.
20 MHz function generator from TTi
TTi has updated its low-cost 20 MHz function generator, the TG2000, with new drivers to give improved USB performance under Windows Vista whilst retaining compatibility with earlier Windows versions. Other changes include a new display with improved brightness and contrast.
WaveAce™ Series Digital Oscilloscopes with 60 MHz to 300 MHz Bandwidths
LeCroy Corporation introduces the WaveAce™ series of digital oscilloscopes that expands its line of portable, affordable and easy to use oscilloscopes in the 60 MHz to 300 MHz range. The WaveAce™ improves troubleshooting and shortens debug time by providing unique features such as long memory, a color display, extensive measurement capabilities, and advanced triggering. A streamlined, time-saving user interface provides quick access to all important controls. With its USB host and device ports the WaveAce easily connects to a memory stick, PC or printer. The variety of standard acquisition modes and advanced triggers simplifies capturing even the most complex waveforms making the WaveAce a valuable tool for design, debug and troubleshooting.
National Instruments Introduces 6.6 GHz PXI Express RF Vector Signal Analyser and Vector Signal Generator
National Instruments has announced a new RF vector signal analyser, RF vector signal generator and PXI Express 18-slot chassis that offer flexible RF measurements up to 10 times faster than traditional RF instrumentation. The new software-defined modular instruments – the NI PXIe-5663 6.6 GHz RF vector signal analyser and the NI PXIe-5673 6.6 GHz RF vector signal generator – are complemented by the NI PXIe-1075 18-slot high-bandwidth chassis. The NI PXIe-5663 can perform signal analysis from 10 MHz to 6.6 GHz with up to 50 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth. The NI PXIe-5673 delivers signal generation from 85 MHz to 6.6 GHz and up to 100 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth. The NI PXIe-1075 is the industry's first PXI Express chassis with PCI Express lanes routed to every slot providing up to 1 GB/s per-slot bandwidth and up to 4 GB/s total system bandwidth.
PC-based logic analysers introduced
New Forest Electronics has introduced a range of three high performance PC-based Logic Analysers. A logic analyser is an invaluable debugging tool during the development of digital circuits, and these high quality products from Janatek Electronic Designs offer excellent value for money and ease of use.
Aeroflex announces a major breakthrough in radio test, alignment speed and accuracy
Aeroflex has announced the release of new Motorola Auto-Test II test and alignment support for Motorola XTS-5000 radios. This new capability allows users of the Aeroflex 3900 Series to automatically test and align radios with minimum user intervention. The new software is available for all Aeroflex 3900 Series products currently in the field, including the 3901, 3902 and the new 3920 Series.
VESA Approves Tektronix DisplayPort Cable Testing Methods
Tektronix Inc. has announced that Video Electronics Standards Association(VESA) has approved Tektronix Method of Implementation for testing interconnect cable as per the DisplayPort 1.1a specification. The DisplayPort MOI portrays utility and cost-effective advantages of Tektronix tools and methodology.
Polar Instruments breaks £20k price barrier for Flying Probe test system
Polar Instruments has announced that it has broken the £20,000 price barrier for the GRS500 Flying Probe test system, bringing it within reach of specialist test houses and manufacturers of low-volume, high-value printed circuit boards (PCBs). The system is designed for comprehensive testing of prototypes, low-volume production runs or field failures where full ATE is not a viable option.
SMMU closes the gap between SMUs and ICT/FKT-Systems
The FRANK Source-Measure-Multiplex-Unit (SMMU) is said to bring to the laboratory and test-bench what a Scanner-Printer-FAX-Copier-Multifunction-Unit brought to the office. The SMMU-05 combines Voltage Source / Current Sink with Digital Multimeter (Voltage / Current / Resistance / Capacitance / Diode-Test) and Multiplexer for up to 128 Test-Points and many additional functions.
Low-cost Frequency Counter from TTi operates to 3GHz
The new PFM3000 from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) is a UK built hand-held frequency counter which can measure signals from below 3 Hz to above 3 GHz. Its low cost of £115 puts it into a similar price category as hand-held multimeters.
12 GHZ USB Sampling Oscilloscope from Pico Technology
Pico Technology has unveiled the PicoScope 9201, a dual-channel PC Sampling Oscilloscope with a bandwidth of 12 GHz that redefines the performance of sampling oscilloscopes at this price level. The dual-channel PicoScope 9201 uses sequential equivalent-time sampling to achieve a sampling rate of 5 TS/s. The wide bandwidth allows acquisition and measurement of fast signals with a transient response of 50 ps or faster.
Oscilloscope Series Equipped for Comprehensive Debug, Validation and Documentation
LeCroy Corporation has announced a complete WaveRunner MXi oscilloscope series with models ranging from 400 MHz to 2 GHz. Designed to be the most capable instruments available in their class, each oscilloscope comes standard with a full set of analysis tools including WaveScanTM, an advanced search & analysis feature; WaveStreamTM, a fast viewing mode; and LabNotebook, a unique tool for documentation and report generation.
APC-Hero introduces ambient light sensors
Sharp's ambient light sensors means stable light measurements at varying temperatures. This range of Optical IC (OPIC) Sensors combines superior spectral response with temperature range stability and curves that match those of the human eye. The resulting linear output measurement is what is naturally expected in any lighting condition; meaning minimum engineering time spent in compensation circuitry. The range includes packages as small as 1.6 mm × 2.0 mm.
Bench top high voltage wiring analyser
The rapid and easy HiPot testing of cables, connectors and harnesses is provided with the new all-in-one bench top high voltage wiring analyser from electrical safety testing specialists Clare Instruments. Horizon II is the latest in a range of versatile and high performance analysers from Clare Instruments, and meets the requirement for an easy-to-use, fully integrated and flexible data management tool offering virtually unlimited data storage and reporting capabilities.
Fluke's 2008 Test Tools Catalogue available now and it's free
Fluke has announced the availability of its 2008 Test Tools Catalogue. The free, 116 page, full-colour catalogue contains the latest information about the continuously expanding line of rugged and reliable Fluke test tools, together with useful application articles of interest to engineers, technicians and troubleshooters.
Sixteen-channel 'scope and chart recorder has high resolution printer built in
The new Yokogawa DL750P, available from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments), is a combined oscilloscope and chart recorder (ScopeCorder) with a built-in A4 width printer and paper-based chart recorder. It is configurable to have up to 16 analogue and 16 digital/logic channels and can capture 30 days of data with up to 1 gigaword of memory.
Arbitrary/function generators gain longer memory and system connectivity
The latest versions of the Tektronix AFG3000 arbitrary/function generators are now available from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments). Designated AFG3021B and AFG3022B, these new models have an arbitrary waveform memory increased from 64k to 128k points. They also include full system connectivity via USB, GPIB and LAN interfaces, the latter being LXI compliant.
Investing in people, with military precision
Sensor Technology has received the Investors in People Award, recognising its commitment to training and its record of staff retention.
