New Solution Center from Mitutoyo to Open in Alabama
May 2, 2012 by Test and Measurement Editor
Filed under Meters & Testers, New Articles, Sensing, Test Equipment
Mitutoyo America Corporation announces the opening of the first M3 Solution Center in the south central United States region, located in Birmingham, Alabama. This new, 4,800 sq. ft. showroom is conveniently located so customers can schedule appointments for product demonstrations and assistance with metrology solutions and application challenges.
“Our goal is to provide timely metrology solutions to our customers, in a region that is home to a booming automotive industry. The benefit of opening this new M3 Solution Center was the accessibility in offering an experienced metrology specialist to our customers that could provide up to date and knowledgeable metrology information for any situation they may encounter”, says Mike Dukehart, Regional Sales Manager, South Central region.
The grand opening celebration will be held on Tuesday, May 22 and Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 2100 Riverchase Center, Suite 106, Birmingham, AL. The festivities for the two day event will include facility tours, refreshments, raffles and live demonstrations from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. If interested in attending the event. RSVP to randy.stephenson@mitutoyo.com.
Mitutoyo Corporation
www.mitutoyo.com
Keithley’s New Generation Source Meter Unveiled
April 5, 2012 by Natasha Townsend
Filed under Meters & Testers, New Articles
Keithley Instruments’ newly designed and updated power system source meter is nothing to scoff at. At an exclusive presentation, I was given a first hand opportunity to watch the new power system calculate a testing device within a matter of microseconds. The software output program has the options of viewing the tested device analysis in either table or graph mode. Fascinated with the speed, variance, and detail; I chose to view both outputs. Inasmuch, this meter has triple redundant safety features providing grounding and mechanical fail-safes.
This instrument is capable of testing SiC GaN semiconductors devices which offer: Greater energy efficiency; higher levels of voltage, current, power and frequency; 10x the power density of Si; ½ the size of comparable silicon devices; better high temp performances; and, higher frequencies which results in lower losses during switching.
The newest in this Series 2600A System SourceMeter line, the Model 2657A combines the functionality of multiple instruments in a single full-rack enclosure. Optimized for high voltage applications, such as testing power semiconductor devices, including diodes, FETs, and IGBTs, this system can also characterize high-speed transients and perform breakdown and leakage tests; 3 kV-180 W power; 1 fA resolution; 2 sets of high speed; and a high accuracy (22-bit) A/D converter. If that is not enough, for transient testing this meter’s design gives it the ability to cross between positive and negative quadrants seamlessly without relays, without switching.
Keithley’s Test Script Processor (TSP) provides a virtual backplane, and fully isolated, independent and synchronized channels that enable true SMU-per-pin testing. The software tools for system/production applications are written on Labview and Test Script Builder (A LUA-based software).
Testing on the S530 Parametric Test Systems provides cost effective, high-speed systems for production and R&D, which are ideal for fabrication or applications that support 48-pin full Kelvin (four-wire) switching. It has optional ring oscillator measurements (freq for 10kHz to 20Mhz), optional pulse generation for memory testing, and optional 7-1/2 digit, low noise DMM optimized for low volt for testing.
Keithley Instruments
Rigol’s DSA815 Spectrum Analyzer
April 5, 2012 by Natasha Townsend
Filed under Bench Test, Meters & Testers, New Articles, Oscilloscopes
The new DSA815 spectrum analyzer from Rigol Technologies, Inc., features all-digital IF technology virtually eliminating errors that occur when using traditional analog IF designs, covers a frequency range of 9kHz to 1.5 GHz, a compact design and easy-to-use interface with a reliable spectrum analyzer for the cost of a digital oscilloscope. The analyzer has a wide range of standard functions including AM/FM demodulation and a preamplifier, plus a variety of optional enhancements such as an EMI filter and quasi-peak detector kit and a 1.5 GHz tracking generator. As a result, the DSA815 is easy to use and highly reliable in even the most demanding RF applications.
Having a typical displayed average noise level (DANL) of -135 dBm, offset phase noise of -80 dBc/Hz @10 kHz and a total amplitude uncertainty of <1.5 dB, makes the analyzer ideal for benchtop or field apps in RF and wireless testing and production. With digital IF design technology, it allows users the ability to measure smaller signals by enabling smaller bandwidth settings, which greatly reduces the displayed average noise level. A minimum resolution bandwidth (RBW) of 100 Hz gives the analyzer the ability to distinguish between small signals close in frequency.
The Tracking Generator option provides a complete additional set of functionality. Use the instrument as a VSWR tester with a bridge or simply connect to test passive and active RF components. The Generator will also function as a static signal source generator from 10 MHz to 1.5 GHz by setting the Spectrum Analyzer to zero span mode.
Rigol Technologies, Inc.
The World’s First iOS-Enabled Wireless DMM
October 27, 2011 by admin
Filed under data acquisition, Meters & Testers
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/
National Instrument’s new Modular Instruments for measurement and test
November 23, 2010 by Test and Measurement Editor
Filed under Meters & Testers, Test Equipment
Technologies from National Instruments (www.ni.com) have revolutionized the way scientists and engineers in academia, government and industry approach measurement, test and automation, with the introduction of its new PXI – a PC-based platform for measurement, test and control. The PXI delivers the industry’s lowest latency and highest bandwidth with modular I/O for high-resolution DC to 6GHz RF.
With over 1,200 products from over 70 markets around the world, PXI is the platform of choice for a number of companies. Together with powerful software such as National Instruments’ LabVIEW, as well as swappable modular instruments, industrial engineers can produce sophisticated analysis routines and custom defined measurements.
Modular instruments from National Instruments serve as building blocks of versatile and economical automated test systems. Because the instruments are software-defined and modular, they are easily repurposed and quickly interchanged to meet evolving test needs.
NI Modular Instruments feature oscilloscopes and high-speed digitizers with bandwidth of up to 300MHz, 8- to 24-bit resolution, sampling rates up to 2GS/s, and up to 8 channels in PXI, PCI, and PXI Express. The company also offers function and arbitrary waveform generators with 16- and 12-bit resolution of up to 400MS/s sample rates for PXI and PCI.
NI Modular Instruments also offers digital waveform generator or analyzers with maximum clock rates of up to 200MHz, flexible differential and single-ended voltage levels for PXI and PCI, and data rates of up to 200MB/s.
NI Modular Instruments delivers high-frequency and RF devices, vector-based signal acquisition, analysis, and generation of up to 6.6GHz with 20MHz real-time bandwidth; digital multimeters (LCR Meters and DMMs) of 7½, 6½ and 5½ digit DMMs with up to 1.8MS/s sample rates and 10- to 26-bit resolution for PXI and PCI; programmable power supplies; and dynamic signal acquisition, analysis, and generation.
Sound Meter Has Real Time Analyzer, Reducing Test Times
November 11, 2010 by admin
Filed under Meters & Testers
Designed for safety compliance and exposure monitoring, the Casella CEL-620B sound meter digitally measures sound level in factories, refineries, construction sites or other workplaces where noise is a concern. In addition to assuring compliance to government regulations, such as OSHA, ACGIH and NIOSH, it helps occupational hygienists in quickly identifying and eliminating noise factors.
At the top of the list is a wide sound range (20 to 140 dB) and real time octave band frequency analysis from 16 Hz to 16 kHz, along with a full-color LCD that presents overall noise levels in numerical and graphical formats.
The CEL-620B also has the capability to measure three broadband levels plus 11 octave bands over the whole audio range simultaneously in parallel. Based on digital signal processing, this simultaneous recording eliminates the need to go back and re-measure the noise to get the result set required for a thorough survey.
Up to 100 run results can be stored in its internal memory for later retrieval. The instrument connects to a PC using its integral high speed USB interface. Runs can be imported into standard office programs such as word processors and spreadsheets.
Digital Insulation Meter Detects Signs of Insulation Deterioration
November 1, 2010 by admin
Filed under Meters & Testers
Damaged electrical insulation threatens equipment operation and endangers employee safety. The IDEAL 61-797 Digital Insulation Meter allows for periodic testing of insulation for signs of deterioration that can lead to breakdowns in electrical systems, generators, switchgear and motor windings. More importantly, testing with the 61-797 can prevent the dangerous occurrence of short circuits or short to grounds.
Compact enough to be held in one hand yet durable enough to withstand the rigors of heavy commercial and industrial usage, the 61-797 is purpose-designed to identify whether insulation is performing at an effective, safe level. Using test leads, the technician can quickly determine the integrity of insulation in new and existing wiring by identifying capacitive, absorption and leakage current at multiple test voltages (50V, 100V, 250V, 500V and 1000V) and resistance up to 20G ohms.
In addition, this versatile tester measures earth-bond resistance to assure verification of the continuity of the protective bonding, automatically senses and displays AC/DC voltage to 600V, plus calculates the Polarization Index (PI) and Dielectric Absorption Ratio (DAR).
Insulation testing is most effective when it is part of a scheduled maintenance program. Repetitive testing is made easier with the 61-797′s straightforward Pass/Fail function and its internal storage of values. Another convenience feature that will be appreciated by maintenance staff are the included “twist-on” alligator clips that fit over the test leads. There is also a remote test button for two-handed operation.
The 61-797 was designed with a 600 V Cat IV overvoltage rating and will safely disable itself if connected to a live circuit exceeding 30 volts. A live voltage hazard indictor is also prominently displayed on the front panel to warn the technician before use on an energized circuit. Once testing is complete, the 61-797 automatically discharges capacitive voltage from the equipment under test that may be a shock hazard.
One Meter Measures Ten Gasses
October 18, 2010 by admin
Filed under Meters & Testers
Bronkhorst High-Tech BV upgraded their series of MASS-VIEW® flow meters with three additional gases. Now one can easily select one out of ten pre-installed gases – Air, N2, O2, Ar, CO, CO2, N2O, CH4, C3H8 or C4H10 – which eliminates the need to recalibrate for different gases. Besides the selection of gases,someone can switch between four different flow ranges. The instruments are suitable for flow rates from 0.01 to 200 ln/min (Airequivalent), offering an accuracy of ±2%RD if the flow is higher than 50% of it’s maximum full scale and ±1%RD plus ±0.5%FS on lower flows. The maximum operating pressure for the instruments is 10 bar(g) or 150 psi(g).
MASS-VIEW flow meters distinguish themselves by their direct local readout with OLED (organic light emitting diode) technology, indicating the actual gas flow (in figures and as bar graph), clearly visible from virtually any angle and free from parallax error. The display also shows the flow unit, gas type and totalised flow. As an option, the thermal mass flow meter can be equipped with in-built needle valve for flow control duties.
MASS-VIEW was designed to mimic the straightforward features and vertical format of the VA meter, but with the considerable added benefits of an electronic output signal, high measuring accuracy, virtual independence from gas temperature and pressure variations and inherently safe construction, with no fragile glass components in the flow path.
Power consumption is low and mechanical process connections are fitted for straightforward VA meter replacement. Alarm settings and the selection of preinstalled gases and flow ranges are accessed via a user-friendly menu, using a 4-way navigation button mounted on the front plate. An analog output signal enables data logging against various parameters and full accountability of gas flow, such as for shared ring main applications.
Accelerometer Measures Ultra-Low Level Vibration On Structures
October 8, 2010 by admin
Filed under Meters & Testers
Meggitt Sensing Systems released the Wilcoxon Research Model 731A, an ultra-high sensitivity industrial seismic accelerometer designed for measuring both seismic and ultra-low level, low frequency vibration on structures and objects.
Offered with the noise performance of 0.5 μg rms and with a sensitivity of 10 V/g, the Wilcoxon Research Model 731A incorporates use of ultra low-noise electronics for clear signals at sub micro-g levels. The sensor is designed to reliably operate over a temperature range of -10°C to +65°C (+14°F to +149°F) and includes an integral low-pass filter to eliminate high frequencies and ensure greater measurement quality and reliability. These attributes also help the Model 731A to be low-frequency capable. Units include electrostatic discharge (ESD) and reverse wiring protection for added quality assurance.
The Model 731A is supplied with mounting stud and level 3 calibration data. The combined ultra-high sensitivity and low frequency measurement capabilities of the Wilcoxon Research Model 731A make it suitable for use in high-accuracy industrial manufacturing environments, as well as in floor isolation testing and photolithography applications.
Mini Optical Light Source Has 133/155onm Wavelength
October 5, 2010 by admin
Filed under Meters & Testers, Test Equipment
GAO Fiber Optics Inc. has released its mini optical light source which operates at a wavelength of 1330nm or 1550nm and provides a highly stable output wavelength for high dynamic range tests. It is commonly used to meet testing requirements from telecommunication, CATV testing and maintenance of fiber optic networks.
The mini optical power meter, model 08112, works in conjunction with the 08221 mini power meter providing an efficient testing solution for field work in fiber optic networks. This optical meter offers FC and PC optical connector options to meet various testing requirements. It works over a temperature range from -10°C to 60°C.
