Torridon Test Equipment Evaluated By Demartek
March 24, 2010 by admin
Filed under Test Equipment
Demartek evaluated the Torridon disk storage test equipment from Quarch Technology, Ltd. in the Demartek lab. This equipment provides automated testing functions for storage arrays by managing and manipulating the individual control lines between disk controllers and individual disk drives. The Torridon system allows for full automation of insertion and removal of disk drives from a storage enclosure without physically having to remove or insert the drives. The Torridon system also allows virtually any error condition to be programmatically created and repeated, with precise timings for each of the signals on the interface.
The Torridon system provides test modules for 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch SAS and SATA disk drives, SBB cannisters, PSUs and data cables.
We found that the Quarch Torridon testing solution was a useful and flexible tool for conducting manual and automated testing of the interface between disk controllers and disk drives. It is suitable for complete system test automation as well as fault injection and debugging down to the individual signal level.
View the Demartek Evaluation of Quarch Torridon Test Equipment (PDF, 4447 KB)
Data Acquisition Output Modules Have USB-Based DAQ & Control
March 9, 2010 by admin
Filed under Data Acquisition
ACCES I/O Products, Inc. announces the latest addition to its extensive line of small form factor USB-based data acquisition and control I/O modules-the USB-AO Series. This innovative line of 12 and 16-bit USB modules will be showcased at the upcoming Embedded Systems Conference in San Jose. Starting with its flagship model, the USB-AO16-16A, this high speed USB 2.0, multifunction board features 16 channels of 16-bit resolution analog outputs along with two 16-bit analog inputs and 16 digital I/O lines-all packaged in a small, rugged, industrial enclosure. This module can be used in any PC or embedded system with a USB port and is an ideal choice for embedded system and test designers. The USB-AO16-16A can be used in an assortment of USB-based embedded applications which require stable and accurate output signals. Ideal applications include light control, motion control, and process controls.
The USB-AO Series includes 10 models with list prices ranging from $299 to $699, an unprecedented value. The boards features both unipolar and bipolar output ranges. Additional specific ranges can be achieved as factory options. All analog output channels can be updated either individually or simultaneously. System calibration specific to user requirements can be performed via a provided, easy-to-use, software utility. Automatic circuits limit analog outputs to zero volts until initialized via software command.
A micro-fit USB header connector is provided in parallel with the high retention type B connector and can be used for stacking and embedded applications. Available accessories include a wide variety of cables and screw terminal boards for quick and easy connectivity.
Key features of the USB-AO Series include:
o Up to 16 analog outputs with 12 or 16-bit resolution
o High-speed USB 2.0 device, USB 1.1 compatible
o Unipolar and bipolar output ranges
o Real-time hardware calibration per channel
o Update outputs individually or simultaneously
o Two 16-bit analog inputs and 16 lines of digital I/O
o All digital I/O lines buffered with 10mA source, 24mA sink current capabilities
o USB/104 form-factor for OEM embedded applications
o OEM version (board only) features PC/104 module size and mounting compatibility
o Alternate micro-fit embedded USB header connector
o Type B USB connector features industrial strength and high-retention design
o Extended operating temperature and DIN rail mounting provisions
o Small, (4″ x 4″ x 1.25″) rugged, steel industrial enclosure
o Eight or four channel versions available
The USB-AO Series was designed to be used in rugged industrial environments but is small enough to fit nicely onto any desk or testing station. The board measures just 3.550 by 3.775 inches and ships inside a steel powder-coated enclosure with an anti-skid bottom. A DIN rail mounting provision is available for installation in industrial environments. What makes the OEM USB/104 option unique is that its PCB size and pre-drilled mounting holes match the PC/104 form factor (without the bus connections). This ensures easy installation using standard standoffs inside most embedded enclosures or systems. The USB-AO Series can be integrated into any PC/104-based stack by simply connecting it to a USB port included on-board with embedded CPU form factors such as EBX, EPIC, and PC/104.
The USB-AO Series utilizes a high-speed custom function driver optimized for a maximum data throughput that is 50-100 times faster than the USB human interface device (HID) driver used by many competing products. This approach maximizes the full functionality of the hardware along with capitalizing the advantage of high-speed USB 2.0.
The USB-AO Series is supported for use in most operating systems and includes a free Linux (including Mac OS X) and Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/7 compatible software package. This package contains sample programs and source code in Visual Basic, Delphi, and Visual C++ for Windows. Also provided is a graphical setup program in Windows. Third party support includes a Windows standard DLL interface usable from the most popular application programs, and includes LabVIEW VIs. Embedded OS support includes Windows Xpe.
Surface Roughness Tester For Manual Testing
March 2, 2010 by admin
Filed under Data Acquisition, Meters & Testers, Test Equipment
Mitutoyo America Corporation announces the new Surftest® SJ-210 portable surface roughness tester. Numerous innovative features combined with high accuracy and a competitive price makes this instrument the new class leader.
The Surftest SJ-210’s large, 2.4″ color LCD display includes backlighting, over-size fonts and the unique ability to re-orient screen content to be read vertically or horizontally left and right-handed. Color tolerance judgments, evaluation curves and all data can be displayed in one of 16 languages. Self-timed measurement and optional foot switch facilitate smooth, consistent operation. Up to ten measurement conditions can be registered and the ten most recent trace results are stored automatically. The SJ-210 employs a micro-SD card for storage of up to 10,000 results and support of screen capture. USB and RS-232C connectivity is supported. Security is managed via a password lock.
With high accuracy (a resolution of 0.0016µm at a measurement range of 25µm), a fast measurement speed (up to a max. of 0.75mm/s), a selection of nine exchangeable detector tips and features such as gear tooth surface detection, the Surftest SJ-210’s flexibility and high throughput make it ideal for any manual surface roughness inspection task.
