QUADRA-CHEK Metrology Software for 3D profiling

HEIDENHAIN announced the latest version of their PC-based QUADRA-CHEK Metrology software for inspection measurement machines.  This software makes it possible to conveniently perform 2-D and 3-D measuring tasks in the field of metrology when standard DRO products will not suffice.  Labeled the IK5000 version 2.96, this inspection package builds upon the original Metronics QUADRA-CHECK QC5000 software by introducing 3D Profiling capabilities that can provide measurement and graphic evaluation of 3-D contours using multi-sensor and tactile measuring machines.  This new option, used for profile measurements, is able to import a 3D CAD file (either STEP or IGES) and compare it with the actual measured part.

Part Programming improvements were added to support compensation for the thermal behavior of products that experience shrinkage or growth of material during the manufacturing process. This will allow users to write a single inspection program for measuring parts with materials having a known growth or shrink rate throughout the manufacturing process.

Improvements were also added to currently existing Radial and Palletize methods of automatic part programming routines.  These methods help users when there are common features or parts that repeat angularly, around a datum, or based on a palletized grid layout. On Video-based Inspection machines, these improvements will retain specific video tool sizes and the positions needed for these measurements, and then repeat them based on the angle they are located around the datum or in reference to a linear layout.  The new Palletize grid functions allow the user to graphically select which parts in the grid are required for measurement, and only run the program in those locations.

The IK5000 version 2.96.0 will now also offer compatibility for PCs using Windows 7 (32bit) operating systems as well as Windows XP and Vista.

HEIDENHAIN
www.heidenhain.us

The World’s First iOS-Enabled Wireless DMM

Redfish Instruments releases the iDVM, which is the only DMM on the market that works on Apple’s iOS devices. The iOS device and App wirelessly acquires voltage, current, and resistance measurements from the device. The data can be saved, analyzed, and shared on the Apple i-device through CSV files, plots, spoken measurements so your eyes can stay on target, and an ad-hoc webserver.

With a price tag of $295 I expect this innovative product to give Fluke a run for their money on entry level DMMs, especially if it is reliable and the interface works. I can’t wait to get my hands on one for a test drive!

Ever since the early days of my engineering career I have yearned for electrical tools with better integration with computers. So why not integrate test and measurement tools with the best hardware integrators on the planet? Sounds like a no-brainer to me.

Redfish Instruments
http://www.redfishinstruments.com/products/iDVM/

The oscilloscope’s acquisition modes

The acquisition modes of an oscilloscope control how waveform points are generated from sample points, which refer to the digital values taken directly from the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The difference in time between the sample points is known as the sample interval. The stored digital values in the oscilloscope’s memory, waveform points are displayed to construct the waveform. Waveform interval refers to the time between these waveform points.

Waveform interval and sample interval may or may not be similar. This is attributed to the fact that there are various acquisition modes in which a waveform point features a number of sequentially acquired sample points.

The most commonly utilized acquisition modes are sample mode, peak detect mode, hi-res mode, average mode, envelope mode, waveform database mode and random equivalent time (ET) mode.

The simplest acquisition mode, sample mode creates a waveform point in the oscilloscope by saving one sample point during every waveform interval.

In peak detect mode, the oscilloscope utilizes the maximum and minimum sample points saved during two waveform intervals, as its corresponding waveform points. This mode is specifically useful for viewing narrow pulses spaced far apart in time. Although operating at a slow time base settings, digital oscilloscopes with peak detect mode operates the ADC at a fast sample rate and are capable of capturing fast signal changes occurring between the waveform points that are in sample mode.

Just like peak detect mode, hi-res is a manner of obtaining more information when the ADC samples faster than that required by the time base settings. Thus, multiple samples within one waveform interval are averaged to produce a single waveform point. This effectively reduces the noise and improves the resolution in low-speed signals. Unlike average, hi-res mode can be utilized even on a single shot event.

The oscilloscope, in average mode, saves a sample point taken during a waveform interval. The final displayed waveform is produced by averaging the waveform points from consecutive acquisitions. Although this mode requires a repeating signal, average mode minimizes noise without compromising bandwidth.

Like peak detect mode, envelope mode also combines the minimum and maximum waveform points from multiple acquisitions. However, envelope mode forms the waveform to determine the min/max accumulation over time. Peak detect mode is commonly utilized to acquire the combined records that form the envelope waveform.

The oscilloscope, in waveform database mode, accumulates a waveform database that delivers a three-dimensional array of time, amplitude and counts.

In random equivalent time (ET) mode, the oscilloscope gathers a waveform record from acquisitions in various trigger events. Samples will, then, fill parts of the waveform record as they randomly occur in any one trigger with respect to samples from other trigger. Although this mode can capture a number of samples in a single acquisition, this cannot be utilized on single-shot signals as it demands a repetitive waveform that is consistent from trigger to trigger.

OMEGA Introduces Temperature Chart Recorder CT89

 

Omega’s new series of Temperature Chart Recorders has an advanced microcontroller design that enables this instrument to accurately measure and record temperatures in air, gas, liquids, powders, solids and semi-solids using the stainless steel remote reading 102 mm (4″) probe with 4.6 m (15′) cable. The CT89 series features a large LED digital temperature display, 3 temperature ranges and 4 chart speeds, a battery back-up that assures normal operation during power interruptions, a durable polycarbonate case, cover and handle as well as the ability to be freestanding or wall mounted. Applications include food storage, HVAC, general laboratory and computer room monitoring.

Price starts at $345.

 

OMEGA Engineering, Inc.
www.omega.com

High-Speed ‘Scope Measures Spin Torque in Memory Devices

Submitted by: Cornell University Press Office

Edited by: John R. Gyorki, Editor in Chief

Putting a spin on it: Physicists measure current-induced torque in nonvolatile magnetic memory devices.

Tomorrow’s nonvolatile computer memory devices that retain stored information even when not powered will profoundly change electronics. Cornell University researchers have discovered a new way of measuring and optimizing their performance.

Using a high-speed oscilloscope, researchers led by Dan Ralph, the Horace Wright Professor of Physics and Robert Buhrman, the J. E. Sweet Professor of Applied and Engineering Physics, have discovered a way to measure the magnitude of the current-induced torque that writes information in magnetic tunnel junction memories.

Magnetic tunnel junctions comprise a sandwich of two ferromagnets with an oxide insulator–measured in nanometers–between them. The electrical resistance for parallel orientations is different than that for random orientations of the magnetic electrodes. This allows the two states to create a nonvolatile memory that does not require electricity for storing information.

An example of nonvolatile memory is flash memory, but this type is a silicon device that can lose its capability to store information after repeated writing cycles. By comparison, magnetic memory does not have this limitation.

The intrinsic fact that magnetic fields are required to switch the magnetic states–that is, write the information–has hampered magnetic-memory development. The magnetic fields themselves limit the magnetic memory size and efficiency because the fields occupy some surrounding space and are relatively weak. By comparison to solid-state devices, magnetic devices need larger currents to generate sufficient field strength to switch the device.

The Cornell researchers are studying a new generation of magnetic devices that can write information without using magnetic fields. Instead, they use a mechanism called “spin torque,” which arises from the idea that electrons have a fundamental spin. When the electrons interact with the magnets in the tunnel junctions, they transfer some of their angular momentum. This can provide an extremely strong torque per unit of current and has been demonstrated to be at least 500 times more efficient than magnetic fields to write magnetic information.

To measure these spin torques, the researchers used an oscilloscope in a facility operated by Cornell’s Center for Nanoscale Systems. They applied torque to the magnetic tunnel junctions using an alternating current and measured the amplitude of the resulting oscillations that were generated by the varying resistance. Because the resistance depends on the relative orientation of the two magnets in the tunnel junction, the amplitude of the oscillations could be related directly to the amplitude of the magnetic motion, and hence, the magnitude of the torque.

The researchers hope such experiments will help industry make better nonvolatile memory devices by understanding exactly how to structure them, and select the best materials for the oxide insulators and the ferromagnets surrounding them.

The work was supported by the National Science Foundation, the Army Research Office, and the Office of Naval Research. It also included collaborators Chen Wang, graduate student and first author; graduate student Yong-Tao Cui; and Jordan A. Katine from Hitachi Global Storage Technologies.

 

 

 

 

USB DrDAQ — oscilloscope, data logger, IO board in one

Saelig (www.saelig.com) has released Pico Technology’s (www.picotech.com) USB DrDAQ — a data logger, IO board and oscilloscope in one compact device.

Providing a remarkable collection of 15 I/O channels in a low-cost, compact package, the device is suitable for teachers, technicians and hobbyist. Its software delivers an easy-to-use oscilloscope with a bandwidth of 100 kHz and a datalogger that provides an additional input and output capabilities.

The USB DrDAQ features a light sensor, microphone, RGB LED, four digital I/O ports, oscilloscope, three sensor ports, a pH/redox sensor input and a signal generator output. Its innovative design eliminates the need for an external power supply. As a single channel oscilloscope, this eight-bit 100 kHz device can deliver a sample rate of 1MSa/s.

Its 10-bit D/A output provide a standard 10-bit signal generator including an arbitrary waveform generator which enables users to customize the waveforms created. Its RGB LED features also allow users to display various colors for indicator purposes. Two of the device’s I/O ports can be utilized as pulse counting inputs or pulse-width modulation (PWM) outputs. The device’s sensor ports are compatible with a vast array of humidity, temperature and oxygen sensors, including custom built sensors.

The device can be used in various applications, from research to education for audio frequency signals and beyond. Featuring a free Windows Software Development Kit (SDK), the USB DrDAQ offers fully documented function calls that control every aspect of the device, which can be integrated into programs such as C, C++, National Instruments LabVIEW and Microsoft Excel.

 

DAQ System Supports 18-Bit, Sample Rates

CAS introduced the new Expert Key Series 100 from Delphin Technology. The Expert Key is the latest generation system that incorporates powerful data acquisition hardware with software in a complete package. It enables data acquisition, test automation or experiment monitoring from a PC. The Expert Key includes analog and digital inputs and outputs in a compact unit. It is available in two versions, the model 100L, a portable desktop case, or the model 100C in a panel mount enclosure. A USB Interface allows data to be captured on a local PC and a 100-BaseT Ethernet Interface allows for remote monitoring across a LAN.

The Expert Key 100 Series has 14 Analog Inputs that can be attached to RTD Sensors, Thermocouples, Volt or 4-20 mA signals enabling any physical value to be acquired (e.g. temperature, pressure, flow-rate). The measurement data is saved as scaled and linearized to the device (e.g. PSI, ft/s, GPM, etc.). Scaling is pre-configured for all current thermocouple and RTD sensor types. The Expert Key supports sample rates up to 100 kHz with 18 bit measurement resolution. It also provides 8 digital inputs, 2 counters, 4 digital outputs, 4 PWM outputs and 4 additional bidirectional digital channels.

The Expert Key 100 is supplied with ProfiSignal Go software for set-up and monitoring measured data. ProfiSignal Go allows trend and x-y plots of live or historical data with integrated alarm functions. The system also includes drivers for 3rd party applications including LabView and Diadem. Data can be exchanged with other systems using an OPC server or Modbus TCP. An OCX interface is provided to interface with custom programs. ProfiSignal is upgradeable to the Basic Version which adds more analysis tools, data logging and reporting or the Klicks Version that allows for full test automation with recipe generation.

www.dataloggerinc.com

PXIe-4331 DAQ Module Built for Bridge-Based Measurements

National Instruments introduced the PXIe-4331, a PXI Express data acquisition module for high-speed bridge-based measurements.

According to National Instruments, the data acquisition module increases accuracy and bandwidth for high-channel-count strain, load and pressure measurement systems.

The NI PXIe-4331 has built-in signal conditioning, and is a simultaneous high-speed bridge input module that provides signal conditioning for dynamic measurements from strain, pressure, torque and load sensors.

The module increases the speed of bridge-based measurements and, with PXI Express, provides 250MB/s of dedicated bandwidth per device to give engineers the freedom to increase channel count without compromising sampling rates or data throughput.

The NI PXIe-4331 features eight channels with 24-bit analogue-to-digital converters (ADCs) per channel and 102.4kS/s per channel sampling rate. It also offers antialiasing and digital filters per channel.

The NI PXIe-4331 also provides remote sensing, internal bridge completion and shunt calibration options per channel. The 8-channel bridge input module can scale to a 136-channel system in a single chassis and thousands of channels when synchronizing across multiple chassis.

The simultaneous sampling, high sample rate and channel synchronization features make the module suited for structural test applications such as fatigue and impact test, design validation and other dynamic tests.

www.ni.com

Danaher to Acquire Keithley Instruments

Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) and Keithley Instruments, Inc. (NYSE: KEI) announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Danaher will acquire all of the outstanding Common Shares and Class B Common Shares of Keithley at a purchase price of $21.60 per share in cash for an enterprise value of approximately $300 million net of cash to be assumed. The acquisition has been unanimously approved by the Keithley Board of Directors.

Keithley Instruments, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, and markets complex electronic instruments and systems geared to the specialized needs of engineers at electronics manufacturers and academic institutions for research, product development, high-performance production testing and process monitoring. The company currently offers approximately 150 products used to source, measure, connect, control or communicate direct current (DC), and alternating current (AC) signals. Keithley’s product offerings include integrated systems solutions, along with instruments and data acquisition modules that can be used as system components or stand-alone solutions. Upon closing Keithley will be part of Danaher’s Tektronix business

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals and adoption of the merger agreement by Keithley’s shareholders, and is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of calendar 2010. A partnership affiliated with Joseph P. Keithley has agreed to vote a number of Class B Common Shares representing 19.99% of the voting power of the Company in favor of the merger.

Danaher
www.danaher.com

USB DAQ Box Offers Galvanic Isolation Of Input Signals

The DEWE-50-USB2-8 brings unprecedented power to USB data acquisition. There are a lot of USB based data acquisition instruments on the market today, but few of them provide real galvanic isolation of the input signals. Isolation is essential to protecting the test engineer and equipment from the effects of ground loops and high common mode voltages.

Most of the new crop of USB boxes emphasize low cost and convenience, but they achieve this by skipping real signal conditioning for serious data acquisition applications.

The DEWE-50-USB2-8 from Dewetron changes this completely, taking a fresh approach to USB data acquisition, incorporating real plug-in signal conditioning modules for low and high voltages, strain, pressure, acceleration, sound, temperature, force, and more.

The DAQP-HV high voltage module, for example, has selectable input ranges from ±20V to ±1400V (AC or DC), has a bandwidth of 300 kHz, and real galvanic isolation of 1800 Vrms. Therefore it can be used in demanding high voltage environments safely and with excellent performance. With this kind of isolation the test engineer can forget about CMV and focus on making the measurement.

The DEWE-50-USB2-8 has a powerful digitizer inside which features eight separate 24-bit ADCs – one per analog channel, for simultaneous sampling of all channels with very high resolution on the vertical axis. 24- bit resolution provides the test engineer the luxury of such a high dynamic range that he or she can use a single gain setting for a widely varying signals, and still get great resolution recordings.

Any combination of 8 DAQP series plugin modules plug into the front of the small DEWE-50-USB2-8 box, while the rear panel provides several more inputs:

o Two synchronous counter inputs, which can handle a wide variety of encoders and tachometers

o Each counter can alternatively be used as three digital inputs, for recording multiple bi-state TTL “event” inputs

o Two high speed CAN BUS interfaces, so that you can connect up to the data buses in all kinds of cars, trucks, aircraft, trains, and more. Everything is recorded synchronously to a single data file within DEWESoft

The rear panel also contains the DC power input connector, because the system runs from 10-30 VDC directly (AC/DC adapter and line cord is included). There is also a locking USB connector, of Dewetron’s own design, so that it cannot be pulled out of the chassis by accident. Conditioned analog outputs from the inputs are also available as an option, so you can access ±5V outputs from each of them.

Countless uses…

Power plants, flight test, train testing, automotive testing, factory troubleshooting…

Power plant testing

From rod control and rod drop testing in nuclear plants, to walk-around
trouble-shooting in a wide variety of applications. Advanced uses: 1-phase
and 3-phase – all power quality properties are calculated in real time
and displayed graphically. Easy report generation.

Flight test

Add ARINC 429 and MIL-STD-1553 interfaces, as well as IRIG time code and PCM data inputs to this Dewetron system, creating a powerful flight test data acquisition recorder.

Train test

New car inspection, speed tests, braking and emergency braking applications, using GPS, video and other speedometer sensors.

Automotive test

Drivability, Road load testing, CAPS and related applications, pass-by noise
tests, and all manner of in-vehicle and test cell applications.

Factory trouble-shooting

Machine diagnosis, shock and vibration testing, thermovac chambers,
and hundreds of physical measurement test and measurement applications.
Channel Expansion You can also plug in a second DEWE-50-USB2-8 to this one using the SYNC and USB DEVICE interface.

The system runs from 9-36 VDC power, and a convenient AC/DC converter is
included so that you can power the system from standard 120 VAC or 240 VAC power.

Plug-in Modules

There are DAQ series plug-in modules available which can handle a wide variety of sensors, including the DAQP-STG, developed by Dewetron for NASA, who have more than 1000 of these modules. The DAQP-STG can handle any kind of DC strain gage, voltages, resistive and ohmic measurements natively, and with the addition of our MSI plug-in interfaces, can additionally handle IEPE accels and mics, charge sensors, 200V, and more. This module has a bandwidth of 300 kHz.

If you don’t need such high performance, a lower cost version is available called the DAQP-MULTI, which can directly handle bridge, resistance, thermocouples, and RTDs, at a more attractive cost per channel.

The DAQP-HV is a high voltage module with ranges up to ±1400V, and the DAQP-LV low/medium voltage module with ranges from ±10 mV to ±50V, and still with high isolation. The DAQP-ACC-A is a 300 kHz bandwidth IEPE (ICP) signal conditioner amplifier which powers microphones and accelerometers.

Of course, CHARGE sensors are also supported with the DAQP-CHARGE-A and -B modules. Several other DAQP series modules are available for frequency to voltage, and other kinds of sensors.

Software

When you install the DEWE-50-USB2-8 on your computer, in addition to the driver,
Dewetron’s award winning DEWESoft data acquisition software will be installed.
DEWESoft provides incredible graphical control over the user interface, from system
setup through screen design, acquisition, triggering, and replay.

Version 7 now includes many more capabilities in the analysis mode. Data files can be processed using a wide range of math functions, from programmable filtering, (statistical analysis, integration and differentiation, and much more.

Standard displays include strip chart recorder, scope, digital and analog meters, FFT, and tabular numeric displays. You can connect video cameras to your computer and record video in sync with the data, adding a whole new level of understanding to it.

Software options are available for 3-phase power quality analysis, modal analysis, sine processing order tracking, torsional vibration, sound level meter, and many more advanced capabilities.

Size/performance

Instruments like the DEWE-50-USB2-8 are commonly sold at a much higher price point due to their isolation, 200 kS/s/ch sample rate, and 24-bit resolution.

Instruments like this are usually also much larger and occupy a bigger footprint than the DEWE-50-USB2-8.

www.dewamerica.com

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