Instrument Measures Device Characteristics to 1500 A/10 kV

The B1505A Power Device Analyzer/Curve Tracer significantly increases its voltage and current range to cover all devices in today’s fast-growing power-device market. These enhancements make it an evaluation solution to accurately and efficiently measure a device’s characteristics from sub-pA up to 10 kV/1500 A, with a fast pulse down to 10 microseconds. The B1505AP, a preconfigured version of the B1505A includes all modules, cables and accessories necessary to ensure a quick startup.

Both models are well suited for power-device researchers and manufacturers performing power-device characterization and failure analysis. Power-device users in equipment/automotive companies can also use these solutions for incoming device inspections and failure analysis.

Enhancements to the B1505A include the following:

Capabilities for improving the quality and performance of design and research: These include a wide I/V range with precision (up to 1500 A/10 kV), a medium current measurement with high voltage bias (500 mA at 1200 V, for example), a µΩ-class resistance measurement capability, and a sub-pA level current measurement, all of which are traceable to international standards. High peak powers (22.5 kW for high current and 900 W for high voltage) ensure complete characterization of most power semiconductor devices.

Extensive device evaluation capabilities: These include high-power pulsed measurement down to 10 µs, a temperature measurement capability and a GaN current collapse effect measurement. Both help speed the research and development cycle.

Improved efficiency: A newer standard test fixture (N1265A) for safe packaged-device testing, secure on-wafer testing over 200 A or up to 10 kV, and an oscilloscope view that enables real-time verification of I/V waveforms on multiple device terminals. The oscilloscope view takes advantage of two independent analog-to-digital converters equipped in each measurement channel to accurately visualize fast pulse waveforms with pulse widths as small as 10 µs. It can be used to quickly and efficiently monitor timing-critical measurement conditions and device behavior.

An upgradeable and scalable hardware architecture: A wide selection of measurement modules and support devices with up to 6 pins allow the B1505A to meet users test needs today and in the future.

The significantly enhanced Agilent B1505A is based on the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system and has a variety of selectable measurement modules that includes a high-current SMU (20A/20V), high-voltage SMU (8 mA/3000 V), medium-power SMU (1 A/200 V), multi-frequency capacitance measurement unit, ultra-high current unit (1500 A/60 V), ultra-high voltage unit (20 mA/10 kV), and high-voltage medium current unit (2.5 A/1500 V and 1.1 A/2200 V).

Superior capabilities already available in the B1505A can be used for the enhanced modules. With its scalable architecture, next-generation curve tracer, and automated test-and-analysis capabilities, the B1505A provides unparalleled performance and ease of use for power-device characterization.

Agilent Technologies

www.agilent.com

Agilent Announces Test Software for Altair Semiconductor Chipset

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) announced a new application based on its N7300 series chipset software platform. The Agilent N7304A-2, used with the company’s EXT wireless communications test set, was created in collaboration with Altair Semiconductor and optimized for high-volume manufacturing test for equipment based on Altair’s FourGee 3100/6200 TDD/FDD LTE chipset.

The N7304A-2, a fully integrated and automated solution, provides fast RF calibration and verification of TDD/FDD LTE technologies for handsets, mobile devices and customer-premise equipment based on Altair’s FourGee 3100/6200. The N7304A-2 leverages the measurement science and advanced sequence analyzer techniques of Agilent X-series signal analyzers.

The solution offers OEMs, ODMs, module manufacturers and design houses a reliable and efficient test solution to speed their TDD/FDD LTE devices to market.

Agilent Technologies, Inc.
www.agilent.com

Multichannel Analyzer for LTE, LTE-Advanced on Next-Gen Antennas, Base Stations, Handsets

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today introduced industry-leading enhancements to its N7109A multi-channel signal analyzer for emerging multichannel LTE, LTE-Advanced and MIMO RF measurement requirements, including LTE antenna beamforming and LTE-Advanced carrier aggregation.

Building on the N7109A’s strengths for WiMAXTM and LTE MIMO measurements, these new enhancements enable designers to stay one step ahead of rapidly evolving LTE and LTE-Advanced communication standards.

Using the latest 89600 VSA software release 15, the Agilent N7109A signal analyzer delivers:

• Phase synchronous measurements with up to eight RF channels in a single mainframe.
• Verification and visualization of TD-LTE base station RF antenna beamforming, including Transmission Mode 7 (8×1 single layer using Port 5) and Transmission Mode 8 (8×2 dual layer using Ports 7 and 8).
• Cross-channel measurements, including frequency response, cross correlation, coherence and more.
• Dense, modular architecture that scales from two to eight channels in one 4U mainframe.
• Independent center frequency tuning for each tuner module.
• LTE-Advanced carrier aggregation measurements with each channel tuned to a different component carrier, or multiple channels tuned to each component carrier for MIMO signals.
• Simultaneous uplink and downlink measurements.
• Correction wizard.
• Integrated with Agilent’s 89600 VSA software, this step-by-step wizard provides accurate amplitude and phase measurements at the device under test.

Providing general-purpose and standards-based tools for evaluating signal spectrum, modulation and time characteristics, the software enables engineers to  troubleshoot physical-layer signal problems. This software is compatible with not just the N7109A multichannel signal analyzer, but with more than 30 other Agilent products, including signal analyzers, oscilloscopes and logic analyzers. It runs on Microsoft Windows(r)-based PCs or on PC-based instruments.

Agilent Technologies
www.agilent.com

 

GAO unveils GAO2250 USB PC based DSO

GAO Tek Inc. (www.gaotek.com) has unveiled GAO2250, a versatile USB PC Based digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) that is specifically engineered to accurately display and analyze the spectrum of repetitive events.

GAO Tek is a world leader in research, manufacturing and development of high performance electronic measurement instruments, embedded development tools, telecommunication testers and other electronic products that cater to the needs of electronic professionals. It combines the benefits of a high-performing PC based digital storage oscilloscope with remarkable features that includes two eight bit channels, a real-time sample rate of up to 250 MS/s and a bandwidth of 80 MHz.

Eliminating the need for an external power, GAO2250 is USB 2.0 compatible and can be conveniently used with a notebook computer. This digital oscilloscope is ideal for laboratory work and electronic equipment in the fields of medicine, science, telecommunications, engineering and industry. The scope’s professional software provides the ultimate test and measurement solution.

This USB PC based oscilloscope can be adjusted vertically with its four vertical modes feature. The scope also has trigger types for both falling and rising edge. Operating under most Windows OS including VISTA, GAO2250 digital oscilloscope also displays waveform persistence, average, invert, intensity, subtraction, addition, division, multiplication and X-Y plot. Moreover, the scope allows its waveform output to be saved in various formats such as Microsoft Word, text, Microsoft Excel or BMP or JPG graphics.

 

Fluke COMPASS Software Covers All Calibration Needs

Fluke Corporation introduced COMPASS® for Pressure 3.0, software that helps calibration professionals organize and accelerate the task of calibrating pressure devices.

COMPASS for Pressure is a universal platform for all pressure calibration software needs. It provides an off-the-shelf software tool to maximize the automation of calibration and testing processes. COMPASS for Pressure integrates calibration functions with pressure-specific factors that are missing from more generic software packages.

This industry-leading pressure calibration software enables calibration professionals to advance from individual automated hardware components to a fully automated calibration system quickly, without consuming internal engineering resources. COMPASS software, and the expert assistance available from the product application specialists at the Fluke DH Instruments Division, removes the unknowns often associated with getting automated systems online.

COMPASS Software is structured around unit under test and test definitions. Unit under test definitions identify devices to be tested with all their characteristics. Test definitions define test sequences and all the details of test execution. The pressure reference devices, data acquisition equipment and auxiliary measurement and control devices available to COMPASS software are set up and stored in a hardware database. All DH Instruments devices and many commonly used data acquisition products are already set up as examples to simplify the implementation of actual test hardware. Users can change hardware selections without programming or interfacing skills.

And now, COMPASS software also enables users to export test data directly to MET/BASE database used by the MET/CAL® Plus Calibration Management System. Users can now manage their inventory, calibration location, maintenance and customers through MET/TRACK® software. Users gain the benefits of COMPASS software’s specialization in pressure calibration while maintaining the link to their organization’s overall calibration management system.

COMPASS for Pressure 3.0 is available in two versions. The basic version performs basic calibration and testing on units under test, even those that may have complex outputs. The enhanced version supports complex tests, including custom user macros within the test sequence and multiple outputs from a single unit under test. Each version is available for a single user or for a multi-user worksite.

www.fluke.com

Non-Contact Measurement System Fits On Any Benchtop

The StarLite™ GX, from RAM Optical Instrumentation, Inc. (RAM), is a compact non-contact measurement system with a unique ergonomic design, motorized zoom optics, color camera, and ample 6″ x 3″ x 5″ XYZ capacity. StarLite GX is small enough to fit on any workbench, yet large enough for routine inspection and measurement – a welcome difference.

StarLite GX is built for precision measurement, with a sturdy cast aluminum base and column, precise coarse/fine manual stage positioning, and one-micron resolution linear scales. Its high fidelity white ring light and back light illuminators provide optimal image quality.

New feature-packed eGx(TM) metrology software allows every user to get accurate and repeatable dimensional measurements easily. Measure directly or run part programs that guide every user through the measurement process. Easy to measure – Automatic measurements without motors.

RAM Optical
www.ramoptical.com

Digital Force Gauge Utilizes Motorized Test Stands

Mark-10 introduced the all new Series 5 digital force gauges, designed for tension and compression force testing in quality control, manufacturing, and R&D areas. A range of capacities from 0.12 lb to 500 lb (0.5 N to 2500 N) is available to address numerous applications in virtually every industry, including medical device, pharmaceutical, packaging, consumer products, automotive, aerospace, and others. Accuracy is better than +/-0.1% of full scale. Mark 10 is proud to showcase ESM301/ESM301L MOTORIZED TEST STANDS With PC CONTROL

The ESM301 and the new ESM301L are highly configurable motorized test stands for tension and compression testing applications up to 300 lb (1.5 kN). The stands can be controlled from the front panel or via computer.

The ESM301/ESM301L is engineered on a unique modular platform, allowing for “build-your-own” configurability. Features can be ordered individually at time of order or activated in the field. Integrated travel indication, overload protection, and a host of programmable parameters makes the ESM301/ESM301L quite sophisticated, while its intuitive menu structure allows for quick, simple setup and operation. A password can be programmed to prevent unauthorized changes. With a rugged and modular design, the test stand is a compelling solution for applications in laboratory and production environments.

The ESM301 travel distance is 11.5″, while the extended length ESM301L features travel distance of 18″. All other specifications are the same.

The force gauge’s averaging mode addresses the need to record the average force over time, useful in applications such as peel testing, while external trigger mode makes switch activation testing simple and accurate. An ergonomic design allows for hand held or mounted to a test stand or fixture for more sophisticated testing requirements. The housing may be reversed in order for the load cell shaft to be oriented up or down, while the display and buttons remain upright.

Stnadard features include; Selectable speed units of measurement (in/min & mm/min), LCD display with UP, DOWN, STOP, and emergency stop buttons and soft keys, Password protection of test parameters, to prevent unauthorized changes, Integrated mechanical limit switches, Removable fixture mounting plate with matrix of threaded holes, Stepper motor-driven, produces 0% speed variation with load, Mounting holes for bench mounting, Unique mechanical design significantly reduces column bending.

Mark-10
www.mark-10.com

Pump Testing – Closed Loop Electronic Meter Calibration

Gas pumps typically never provide the correct volume of fuel you have paid for due to a number of variable that most test methods are unable to correct for.  The biggest one is vapour loss – which is why many governments around the world are beginning to outlaw open neck prover cans as a valid test measure.  Another huge issue is temperature – specifically if you calibrate a gas pump on a hot day one time, and then on a cold day the next; your results will be very different.

Temperature correction at the gas pump to 15C, is mandatory in the UK, Canada and Australia. But in the USA it is a free-for-all, which is why “hotgas” is such a huge issue.
So if you are in America – BUY YOUR GAS ON COLD DAYS!!  In the Summer months, buy in the early early morning when it is cold.  Never buy your gas in the afternoon in the southern states unless you like paying extra for your fuels, a lot extra.

Laser Beam Analysis Software Combines Laser Profiling & Power Measurements

Ophir-Spiricon has announced that BeamGage®, the company’s next generation laser beam analysis software, is the first to support the combination of laser beam profiling with power meter measurements in a single system.

BeamGage now interfaces with Ophir power meters, including the company’s new Quasar wireless device. BeamGage matches the time stamps of the laser power meter readings to the beam profile data with a similar time stamp, providing a more complete view of laser performance.

BeamGage now interfaces with most Ophir power meters, including the Juno, LaserStar, Nova II, Orion handhelds, and Quasar wireless Bluetooth power meter; the Vega color display; and the USBI laser sensor to PC interface.

The software provides a range of power/energy results, including total power or energy, peak power/energy density, average pulse power, peak pulse power, device efficiency, and % in aperture.

BeamGage Standard features also include BeamMaker® beam simulator, automatic camera control for ease of use, and comprehensive set of beam analysis algorithms. The Professional version also includes such 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.

Accurate Measurements

BeamGage is based on UltraCal™, Ophir-Spiricon’s patented baseline correction algorithm that helped establish the ISO 11146-3 standard for beam measurement accuracy. BeamGage 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® XP, Vista or Windows 7, BeamGage operates in 32-bit mode. Enhanced 3D graphics improve data rendering. The software supports a selection of cameras with FireWire (IEEE-1394) and USB interfaces that cover wavelengths from 190nm to 3,000um.

www.ophir-spiricon.com

Video Measuring Has Computed Numerically Controlled Option

Vision Engineering will be showcasing their new and exciting products at MACH 2010, including the new Falcon video measuring solution with computed numerically controlled (CNC) option; and the Mantis Elite-Cam – an award winning stereo inspection system with ‘eyepieceless’ viewing head, now with a built-in camera for digital image capture, and onscreen measurement software.

The new Falcon video measuring solution with CNC is a powerful yet compact machine, ideal for a wide range of measuring applications including 3-axis measurement of precision machined component parts, with its CAD import and export facility, and advanced data analysis including PC software integration. With touchscreen technology, the Falcon can be programmed easily and quickly to enable accurate, repeatable and reproducible measurements in microns; and the CNC capability allows users to benefit from an automated measurement facility. Also benefitting from calibrated stages, quadrant LED illumination, and progressive motorised z-axis, the Falcon 5000 with CNC is a valuable and capable machine to have in any quality control department. New in Vision Engineering’s latest range of stereo inspection systems, the Mantis Elite-Cam with onscreen measurement has just been introduced, and is proving to be a popular solution for engineers requiring accurate, instantaneous results. With superior optics and high resolution viewing head, components can be inspected, reworked, digitally captured, and now measured on screen within minutes.

www.visioneng.com

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