Expanded Bandwidth Options on Arbitrary Waveform Generator

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) announced enhancements to its industry-leading, high-resolution, wide-bandwidth M8190A arbitrary waveform generator. The enhancements allow engineers to create signal scenarios using the 5- to 7-GHz spectrum.

The Agilent M8190A is a source of high fidelity because it simultaneously delivers wide bandwidth and high resolution with up to 80 dBc of spurious-free dynamic range. This unique combination lets engineers create signal scenarios that push their designs to the limit and bring new insights to their analyses.

An AWG is the most versatile signal scenario generator possible. Capabilities such as easy switching between 14-bit output at 8 GSa/s and 12-bit output at 12 GSa/s help engineers handle multiple applications and measurement requirements.

The device contains three amplifiers that are optimized for different applications. The latest enhancements take the instrument’s versatility one step further with support for various output formats, including NRZ (no return to zero), DNRZ (double no return to zero), RZ (return to zero) and doublet mode.

Engineers working on applications that require the highest spurious-free dynamic range can use the DNRZ format. For time-domain applications requiring the best pulse performance, engineers can use the NRZ format. If they need a higher frequency spectrum, they can switch into doublet mode, which allows them to use the 5- to 7-GHz spectrum. Engineers working on RF applications can select between the desired frequency spectrums.

Agilent Technologies Inc.
www.agilent.com

Saelig Debuts Unique Circuit Track Current Probe

Saelig Company, Inc. announces the Aim-TTi I-Prober 520, a unique, compact hand-held current probe for use with any oscilloscope, unlike any other current measurement device available. The current flowing in a pcb track can be observed and measured, allowing measurements by merely placing the insulated tip of the probe on to the track.

Calibrated measurement of current flow normally requires current to be passed through a closed magnetic loop using some form of split clamp device. While this is suitable for individual wires, it is of no use for measuring current in pcb tracks. Conventionally, current can only be measured by either breaking the circuit to insert a shunt resistor. However, breaking the circuit is impractical in many circumstances, and, in the case of pcb tracks, may be impractical.

I-prober 520 can uniquely observe and measure currents flowing in pcb tracks and other conductors where conventional current probes cannot be used; this includes captive wires, components, integrated circuit pins, and pcb ground planes. It does not require breaking or surrounding the conductor, and is even usable on high voltage conductors and in high temperature areas.

The device is a high-accuracy general purpose H-field probe based on the well-established fluxgate magnetometer principle, and, for the first time, allows track currents to be measured over a wide dynamic range: from 10mA to 20A (pk-pk), with a bandwidth of d.c. to 5MHz. I-Prober 520 contains a special, custom-made miniaturized precision sensor to form a practical current measurement probe. The high-excitation-frequency sensor within the probe provides levels of positional accuracy, sensitivity, bandwidth, and dynamic range previously unavailable. To achieve a calibrated measurement, the field sensor maintains a precise distance from the track; to achieve good sensitivity, this distance is very small, since field strength reduces with the square of distance. I-Prober 520 has a low noise equivalent of <6mA rms at full bandwidth, and presents minimal disturbance to circuit conditions due to its very low insertion impedance and stray capacitance.

Saelig Company, Inc.
www.saelig.com

Spectro Releases Handheld EDXRF Spectrometer xSORT

Spectro's high throughput handheld xSORT spectrometer.

SPECTRO Analytical Instruments, a leading supplier of analytical instruments for optical emission and XRF spectrometry, has introduced the next-generation SPECTRO xSORT handheld energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer. The new instrument comes in a smaller, lightweight package that offers better analytical performance, and incorporates many exclusive new features.

The new xSORT is designed for high-throughput elemental testing and spectrochemical analysis of a wide range of metals and other materials in the field. Its speed, accuracy and ease of use set new benchmarks for handheld spectrometric performance. SPECTRO xSORT is ideal for applications, including positive material identification (PMI) and environmental screening, recycling of alloys, precious metals, and aluminum, plus mining and compliance screening.

“Users were requesting more speed, higher accuracy and greater operating simplicity in the field,” notes Dirk Wissmann, Senior Product Manager. “For many jobs, such as material verification, our new instrument delivers highly reliable analyses in two seconds! And, for more complex matrices such as in environmental screening, xSORT achieves very low detection limits without the need for complex sample preparation.”

The new xSORT also is available with time and cost-saving features, such as an integrated video camera for precise spot testing and visual memory storage. Also available is an integrated global positioning system (GPS) that allows users to quickly return to previously checked locations without time-wasting resurveys.

Two-second Analysis
For metals and most alloys, xSORT delivers grade identification and material verification within two seconds of clicking its trigger. Pre-installed grade libraries cover common alloys used in industry and its exclusive high-resolution SDD detector provides signal throughput up to 10 times faster than other handheld spectrometers. Even light-metal alloys require only 12 seconds to process.

“High-volume users, such as service companies doing PMI, may use SPECTRO xSORT to complete hundreds of inspections per shift with greatly enhanced productivity and profitability,” adds Wissmann.

Exceptionally Low Detection Limits
The xSORT offers exceptionally low detection limits – down to the parts-per-million (ppm) range – for analyses of heavy metals. This allows the instrument to deliver accuracy that rivals laboratory analysis results. In addition, the system includes an optional docking unit for stationary operation, adding stability for very small samples along with extended analysis with ultra-low detection limits.

Lightweight, Compact Design
With SPECTRO xSORT, operators don’t need to switch methods between metals or use complicated flushes or vacuum systems. The instrument’s light weight (1.64 kg or 3.62 lb)  and compact, one-piece design make it optimal for easy use in the field, even in areas that are less accessible.

The instrument incorporates an exclusive SPECTRO ICAL system for convenient one-sample, one-time calibration. Its simplified software features an intuitive touchscreen interface with two menu levels.

SPECTRO Analytical Instruments, GmbH
www.spectro.com/xsort

Spectris to acquire Omega Engineering for $475 million

Spectris plc, the productivity-enhancing instrumentation and controls company, announces that it has signed an agreement to acquire the Omega Engineering business. Omega is a leading supplier of process measurement and control instrumentation across a broad range of categories, including automation, wireless, test and measurement, process control, power monitoring, environmental and lab equipment.

Founded in 1962, Omega has grown steadily and is now an established global leader in the technical marketplace. The company offers over 100,000 state-of-the-art solutions for measurement of temperature, pressure, flow, level, strain, humidity, pH and conductivity, as well as a comprehensive line of data acquisition, electric heating and custom engineered products.

“We are delighted to have reached agreement to acquire the Omega Engineering business, which will bring a significant strategic growth platform to Spectris,” said John O’Higgins, Chief Executive of Spectris. “Omega will continue to serve its customers with innovative products and outstanding service. With its focus on control of temperature, pressure, flow and other common industrial process measurements, Omega is a natural fit for our industrial controls segment and enables us to expand our product offering to customers globally.”

Spectris plc is a leading supplier of productivity-enhancing instrumentation and controls. The company’s products and technologies help customers to improve product quality and performance, improve core manufacturing processes, reduce downtime and wastage, and reduce time to market. Its global customer base spans a diverse range of end user markets.

Spectris operates across four business segments, which reflect the applications and industries it serves: Materials Analysis, Test and Measurement, In-line Instrumentation and Industrial Controls. Headquartered in Egham, Surrey, England, the company employs over 6,400 people, with offices in more than 30 countries.

Spectris plc.
www.spectris.com

Omega Engineering
www.omega.com