Data Acquisition Output Modules Have USB-Based DAQ & Control

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.

www.accesio.com

Surface Roughness Tester For Manual Testing

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.

www.mitutoyo.com

Laser Beam Analyzer Runs on Microsoft® Vista or Windows 7

At PhotonicsWest 2010 Ophir Spiricon announced BeamGage Professional, its newest addition to the company’s laser beam analysis systems.

BeamGage Professional builds on the features included in BeamGage Standard: Beam-Maker beam simulator, automatic camera control for ease of use, and comprehensive set of beam analysis algorithms. The Professional version adds such new capabilities as partitioning of the camera output for separate analysis of multiple laser beams from sources such as fiber, a .NET interface for full remote control when integrating beam analysis into an automated application, and camera sharing.

Analysis of individual Beams

BeamGage Professional now supports partitioning of the camera output. This enables analysis of individual beams when multiple beams impinge on the camera simultaneously. This is particularly useful when analyzing multiple fibers in a single bundle. Individual partitions can be viewed in the 2D display window one at a time or all at once. The 3D display shows all at once.

.NETAutomation Interface

Applications can now be automated by interfacing through BeamGage Professional’s .NET controls for embedded or remote operation. Users can control the software using Active X or National Instruments’ LabVIEWcontrols. Features that can be automated include launch and termination of the application, camera settings, data capture, and image capture. Examples are provided in LabVIEW, Excel, Visual Studio.Net C#, and Visual Studio.NET VB.

Accurate Measurements

BeamGage Professional is based on UltraCal™, Ophir-Spiricon’s patented baseline correction algorithm that helped establish the ISO 11146-3 standard for beam measurement accuracy. Beam-Gage provides high accuracy results, guaranteeing the data baseline (zero reference point) is accurate to 1/10th of a digital count on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

BeamGage allows you to configure as many measurements as needed; it includes over 55 separate measurement choices, including many based on ISO standards, such as Centroid X and Y, Ellipticity, Eccentricity, Peak Fluence, and more.

Enhanced Interface

Running on Microsoft® Vista orWindows 7, BeamGage Professional operates in 32-bit mode for faster processing. Enhanced 3D graphics improve data rendering. The software supports a selection of cameras with FireWire (1394) and USB interfaces that cover wavelengths from 190 to 3000nm.

www.ophiropt.com

PCB Steering Wheel Enables Data Measurements

PCB Automotive Sensors, a division of PCB Piezotronics, introduces their new Instrumented Steering Wheel System, Model 5610-10A, for vehicles that enables true-to-life data measurements. The telemetry-based steering wheel with supplied adaptors can be installed in the same position as the OEM steering wheel to provide similar ergonomic feel and driving dynamics. The unit is equipped with integrated sensors to measure angle, angular rate, and torque. The vehicle’s active Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is fully supported and not compromised. PCB® Model 5610-10A units provide advanced integrated function keys, which include autozero for both steering angle and steering torque, shunt calibration, and function lock. The four integral switches located on the steering wheel within thumbs reach allow the unit user-programmable controlling options. Equipped with an integrated inductive power supply, Model 5610-10A Instrumented Steering Wheel Systems provide continuous running wireless operation.

The accompanying compact signal conditioning unit is designed for use where space is at a premium. Measured signals are retrieved directly from the signal conditioner via electrically isolated connectors. An optional CAN interface, for integration with data acquisition systems, or a USB interface used with computers, are available for further data recording and analysis.

Vision Sensor Tester has Many Analysis Functions

The ISL-3200 CMOS image sensor tester delivers critical test features/functions at a fraction of the price of an ATE. The fully integrated, off-the-shelf, hardware/software tester for image sensors and camera modules provides a full range of interfaces, controls, advanced image analysis test routines, and evaluation/characterization capabilities in one tool. It is suited for a variety of test environments, such as in engineering characterization and image-quality analysis, QA test, and volume manufacturing. It is designed to be easily adaptable and upgradeable over time through both the FPGA and adapter board. Communication is done via I²C, SPI, and UART. Image data rate is up to 16 bits wide per pixel at 100 MHz. The ISL-3200 isolates noise sources from being coupled to the image data. Current measurement mode delivers resolution down to 100 nA.

www.jovasolutions.com

GAO Rolls Out Portable Data Acquisition Board

GAO Instruments has rolled out its 4512U 100K-12bit-16CH portable data acquisition board.

This acquisition board is intended for field data acquisition, parallel data acquisition for more channels and time-phase sensitive acquisition. It achieves multi-point data acquisition at a reasonable cost and with high reliability.

This portable data acquisition board provides switchable triggering modes: manual, external and internal triggering. The internal triggers can be divided into triggering on rising or falling edge, and triggering levels are adjustable. The board is easy to install is hot-pluggable and automatically configured by the system. The device has a high A/D resolution, is integrated with 16-channel parallel synchronous acquisition and can be expanded to 256 full synchronized channels.

GAO’s portable data acquisition board includes pre-panel and post-panel: the pre-panel displays the acquisition state of channels while the post-panel provides a cascading interface of instruments.

www.gaoinstruments.com

Handheld Spectrolightmeter

Gigahertz-Optik’s BTS256-LED Tester is designed to measure the luminous flux, color and spectral characteristics of pc board mounted LEDs, discrete LEDs within a module, miniature lamps, endoscopes and any narrow beam emitting light source. Larger size light sources can be measured by attaching the LED tester to a Gigahertz-Optik integrating sphere. Plus illuminance can be measured with the optional diffuser window attachment.

The Portable BTS256-LED Tester for Fast & Accurate Measurement of:

• Spectral flux distribution in W/nm
• Illuminance in lux with optional diffuser window
• Peak wavelength
• Dominant wavelength
• Color temperature
• Color rendering index
• Color coordinates (x,y & u’ v’)

Key Components of the LED Measurement Tester
Key components of the BTS256-LED Tester include a built-in 50mm diameter integrating sphere with a unique exchangeable input optic nozzle designed to minimize positional error, auxiliary LED for test sample absorption factor correction, remote controlled shutter for on-line offset compensation of the diode array and GO’s bi-tech sensor.

Built-In Integrating Sphere with Exchangeable Input Nozzle

The integrating sphere is made out of GO’s ODM98 white diffuse plastic and includes a sealed window light output port. Interchangeable different size input nozzles (placed over the board mounted test LED) screw onto the port.

High Precision Photodiode/Compact Spectrometer
The Bi-Technology BTS256P light sensor houses both a high precision photometric filtered photodiode for accurate flux detection over a wide dynamic range and a compact low stray light design spectrometer. To achieve more stable readings in low frequency modulated light applications, the fast integral sensor (photodiode) detects the frequency of the AC component of the light signal. Both sensors (integral and diode array) are then synchronized to that frequency.

Ultra Compact Electronically Controlled Shutter
Another important component is the ultra compact electronically controlled shutter for on-line offset compensation of the diode array array through dark signal measurement and GO Bi-Tech sensor.

Measure Spectral Flux Distribution
Measure and display the spectral flux distribution in W/nm as well as peak intensity wavelength, dominant wavelength, xy and u’v’ color coordinates, color temperature and color rendering index. The measured spectral data is also used for on-line correction of the photometric detector for any photopic spectral mismatch error.

Auxiliary LED Lamp
A white LED auxiliary lamp is included to compensate test sample absorbance errors. The PC operated LED measurement tester, auxiliary lamp function and calibration correction for different size input nozzles are all under control of the supplied G.O.O.S. software.

Oscilloscope supports MIPI and SATA Standards

Agilent Technologies Inc. expands its mixed-signal and digital-storage oscilloscope portfolio with two lower-cost 600-MHz Infiniium 9000 Series models, three new application packages and GPIB compatibility. The 9000 Series is the industry’s first oscilloscope family to offer bandwidths from 600 MHz to 4 GHz, and it includes the industry’s first mixed signal oscilloscope to support MIPI and SATA industry standards.

Oscilloscopes are the primary tools engineers use to test and debug electronic designs, and engineers need increasingly broad measurement capability to deliver robust products in a timely manner. Agilent’s lower-cost Infiniium 9000 Series 600-MHz models incorporate advanced viewing and analysis for debugging and testing a wide variety of traditional signals and buses used in embedded designs. In addition, they offer optional logic and protocol analyzer capabilities.

In addition to extending its lineup with lower-cost models, Agilent has added new applications that capitalize on higher-bandwidth 9000 Series models. Emerging serial bus standards in the wireless mobile industry have created the need for teams to debug and test devices that meet MIPI-DPHY physical-layer standards. Agilent’s 9000 Series is the first mixed-signal oscilloscope to offer MIPI-DPHY compliance test and protocol analysis enabling faster development of wireless mobile products employing MIPI standards. Teams can quickly move from physical-layer to protocol-layer measurements and can use the compliance application to automate testing to ensure compliance with MIPI-DPHY standards.

Development teams working on electronic products that include storage may have cost constraints or legacy requirements that make SATA 1 a better choice than other interface technologies. Engineers using Agilent’s 9000 Series scopes can quickly see SATA 1 information at the physical and protocol layers. For development teams using the faster 3-Gbs SATA II standard, Agilent offers both compliance and protocol support with its Infiniium 90000 Series.

While LAN and USB IO have reduced the need for traditional programming over GPIB interfaces, many engineers continue to rely on programmatic interaction with oscilloscopes via GPIB. Agilent’s new GPIB-to-LAN adapter enables GPIB applications on a computer to interface transparently to an instrument with a LAN interface as if it were a GPIB instrument. This adapter broadens the number of test environments that are ideal for the Infiniium 9000 Series scopes.

“We’ve received great customer reviews on our Infiniium 9000 Series introduced earlier in the year,” said Scott Sampl, vice president and general manager of Agilent’s oscilloscopes business. “Now we’ve extended the family so more customers can use the scope with the industry’s broadest measurement capability.”

Data Acquisition Card Upgrade

Toronto, Canada – GAO Instruments recommends its upgrade data acquisition product, the PCI4712 parallel data acquisition card. This four-channel and single-ended card features a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and four independent programmable amplifiers. It has been widely used for transient signal recording, refined frequency synthesis, multi-channel parallel acquisition systems and time-phase-sensitive acquisition. The data acquisition card with high speed is ideally suited for the formation of long-based, multi-channel virtual instrument systems.

This A0720005 parallel data acquisition card from GAO Instruments uses advanced technology and processes, and independent A/D for each channel, amplifier and buffer, thus making the product features synchrony expansion of multi-card, high-speed parallel acquisition, large-capacity cache, small phase difference, high precision. It offers a maximum sampling rate of 50Msps and refined sampling rates from 100sps to 50Msps. The high resolution card supports all-electronic calibration – there are no POTs on the card to adjust. Remote ynamic upgrade service and voltage signal acquisition range from 100mV to 20V; the maximum sampling depth of each channel is up to 16M.
This PCM4712 parallel data acquisition board is one of the GAO Instruments’ popular line of PCI cquisition boards.

Fluke Ti32 Industrial-Commercial Thermal Imager

Fluke Corp., provider of handheld electronic test and measurement technology, introduced the Ti32 Thermal Imager, designed and priced to deliver what it believes is unprecedented performance for troubleshooting and preventive maintenance of electrical installations, electro-mechanical equipment, process equipment, HVAC/R equipment and more. In these tough economic times, these new imagers help its customers do that, the company says.

Fluke Ti32 is the first imager on the test and measurement market to incorporate a powerful 320×240 pixel sensor to provide strikingly crisp, detailed images for under $9,000, the company says. Using its patented IR-Fusion technology, users can marry high-precision thermal images with visual (visible light) images in full screen, picture-in-picture, or blended views for enhanced problem detection and analysis.

Fluke claims that its IR-Fusion is the only solution available with physical parallax correction, which enables perfect alignment, pixel by pixel, of both infrared and visible images. Fluke products are the only thermal imagers on the market to incorporate IR-Fusion in the camera and software.

The Ti32 is designed to make thermal imaging affordable and effective in many applications for plant maintenance professionals, production engineers, electricians, HVAC/R technicians, and others. Users can record voice comments with every image taken. It includes a three-button menu designed for intuitive operation and navigation, on-screen emissivity correction, transmission correction, and high temperature alarm.

Fluke says that the combined capabilities of its Ti32 can help plant and system maintenance professionals reduce energy consumption, strengthen preventive maintenance programs, and increase reliability by expanding problem detection, and providing customized reports.

Each unit comes with two field-swappable, rechargeable batteries that enable virtually continuous imager use. Typical battery life is more than four hours each. Optional telephoto and wide-angle lenses are available to bring distant and wide views into sharp focus.

The device is tested to withstand a drop of 6.5 ft. (2 m), and is IP54 rated to withstand water and dust. With a widescreen, full color LCD display, increased thermal sensitivity (≤0.05 °C at 30 °C target temperature) and a temperature measurement range of -20 to +600 °C (-4 to +1112 °F).

Fluke SmartView software (with free software upgrades for the life of the product) is included with each thermal imager. SmartView software is a modular suite of tools for viewing, annotating, editing, and analyzing infrared images that fully supports IR Fusion technology. It enables users to edit images in five viewing modes and generate customized professional reports in a few steps. Fluke 3D-IR^M three-dimensional viewing makes hot or cold spots “pop out” of the background for easy viewing and analysis.

The Ti32 includes a 2 GB SD memory card that will store at least 3,000 basic infrared images (.bmp or .jpg formats) or 1,200 fully radiometric (.is2 IR Fusion file format) infrared and linked visual images, each with 60 seconds of voice annotation, as well as a multi-function memory card reader (USB) for downloading images into a computer.

Each imager comes with a hard carrying case and soft transport bag, an adjustable hand strap for right- or left-handed use, two rechargeable lithium ion smart batteries, a two-bay external charger, an ac power supply, and an interactive training DVD.

The imager is designed for inspection and process control applications in many industrial functions, including:

• Inside electrical distribution and service, including switch gear, panels, controls, fuses, transformers, outlets, lighting, conductors, overhead buss, motor control centers, and other equipment:

• Motors, pumps and mechanical equipment, such as electric motors and generators, pumps, compressors, evaporators, bearings, couplings, gearboxes, gaskets/seals, belts, rollers, and other equipment;

• Process tanks and vessels, pipes, valves and traps, reactors and refractory insulation;

• Air conditioning, heating, air handlers, compressors, chillers, boilers, furnaces and refrigeration; and

• Outside electrical distribution, transformers, bushings, insulators, transmission lines, large circuit breakers, service connections, disconnects, capacitor banks, and other equipment.

IR-Fusion technology

Fluke says its IR-Fusion technology captures infrared and visible light images and simultaneously displays the images fused together, adding a new dimension of detail that saves time and best conveys infrared information of each specific application and environment. It features multiple viewing modes and allows users to manipulate images on the camera’s display. By enabling users to manage and analyze images with complete control over both the infrared and visible light spectrums, IR-Fusion makes it easier to identify details and potential problems.

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