All-in-one instrument gets oscilloscope upgrade

16th February 2017

Mick Elliott

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The VB-8054 instrument is a new higher performance model of VirtualBench from National Instruments (NI). VirtualBench consolidates five of the most commonly used instruments into one device. Combined with a modern software experience and simple programming interface, it creates new efficiencies for engineers interacting with benchtop test equipment or developing low-cost automated test systems.

Key new features of the VB-8054 include a four-channel, 500MHz mixed-signal oscilloscope with 2GS/s sampling rate and protocol analysis (34 digital channels) and a function generator with 40MHz max sine output, 5MHz square, ramp/triangle, DC and arbitrary modes.

In addition the instrument offers a true 5½ digit DMM with 300V input range, three-channel programmable DC power supply (up to 3 A) and eight general-purpose digital I/O lines.

Intuitive, unified software enables a view of all five instruments, visualisation on larger displays and quick functionality to save data and screenshots.

There is USB, Ethernet and WiFi connectivity to Windows software application and WiFi connectivity to Apple iPad software application and programming interfaces to automate measurements in LabVIEW and C environments

The VirtualBench application requires zero installation and can load automatically through Windows AutoPlay when connected through USB.

VirtualBench also includes software capabilities like digital phosphor density maps for displaying multiple acquisitions simultaneously, XY mode for plotting channels against one another and hands-free smart capture for automatic data capture of repeated stable waveforms.

To help better maintain the value of any VirtualBench investment, NI provides free software and firmware updates as new features are released.

These features, in addition to the consolidated interface, help engineers streamline their approach for benchtop characterisation and validation.

The VirtualBench hardware family consists of three models most easily designated by oscilloscope analogue bandwidth: 100, 350 and 500MHz. Through these models, the instruents serve a wide range of applications and price points in academic labs, hardware characterization/debug benches and automated test systems.