Despite their limited use for testing wall chargers and power banks, USB inline testers let you compare power sources. In three videos, we take you through their features, and we also try an inline USB electronic load. When testing a USB charger … [Read More...] about Tryout: two low-cost USB inline meters and a load
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FROM THE EDITORS
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Aimee Kalnoskas
Signal analyzer combines spectrum and vector network analysis in three models -
Martin Rowe
NI boosts PXI with controllers, chassis, and I/O -
Rick Nelson
Making sense of test circuits with Kirchhoff’s laws: part 1 -
Emma Lutjen
Design World presents the 2025 LEAP Awards Winners: Test & Measurement -
Kenneth Wyatt
Locate ESD sources using an oscilloscope and two antennas
FAQs
Making sense of test circuits with Kirchhoff’s laws: part 1
You can avoid solving simultaneous equations in multiple unknowns by identifying series and parallel combinations of resistors. When you buy test instruments, you hope they’ll have the flexibility to provide the necessary stimulus to the device under test (DUT) and acquire and process the … [Read More...] about Making sense of test circuits with Kirchhoff’s laws: part 1
Tryout: two low-cost USB inline meters and a load
Despite their limited use for testing wall chargers and power banks, USB inline testers let you compare power sources. In three videos, we take you through their features, and we also try an inline USB electronic load. When testing a USB charger or power bank, you can connect a phone or other … [Read More...] about Tryout: two low-cost USB inline meters and a load
Contending with Windows 10’s retirement: part 4
A continuous process of technical architecture modernization can help you prepare for any operating system’s inevitable demise. With the retirement of Windows 10, as described in part 1 of this series, users of the operating system to control test and measurement systems have a choice to make. In … [Read More...] about Contending with Windows 10’s retirement: part 4
Make the most of oscilloscope triggering: part 1
Learning the basics of oscilloscope triggers can help you leverage advanced features. In an earlier series, we discussed how the oscilloscope has evolved over the past three-quarters of a century. We noted that the basic horizontal and vertical controls remain functionally similar, but today’s … [Read More...] about Make the most of oscilloscope triggering: part 1
Locate ESD sources using an oscilloscope and two antennas
The key to identifying the location of an ESD source is by measuring the time of arrival between the two antennas. ESD discharges are tough to locate because they don’t occur periodically. Rather, they occur intermittently. I earlier wrote an application note on how to use an oscilloscope to … [Read More...] about Locate ESD sources using an oscilloscope and two antennas
Contending with Windows 10’s retirement: part 3
You can take several steps to ensure success when you upgrade to Windows 11. In part 1 of this series, we looked at the use of Windows to control test and measurement systems, and we considered the dilemma posed by the retirement of Windows 10 on October 14. In part 2, we looked at steps you … [Read More...] about Contending with Windows 10’s retirement: part 3
What’s the difference between live zero and dead zero?
Live zero is a non-zero signal value, like 4mA in a 4-20 mA loop, that represents the lowest measurement confirming the signal is live, and the system is operational. Dead zero occurs when a zero-based signal like 0 mA or 0 V indicates the lowest measurement, making it impossible to distinguish … [Read More...] about What’s the difference between live zero and dead zero?
Contending with Windows 10’s retirement: part 2
You may have good reasons to stay with Windows 10 for now, but be sure to take steps to maintain security. In part 1 of this series, we looked at the dilemma posed by the retirement of Windows 10 on October 14, with Microsoft ceasing to provide support or free security patches to customers, … [Read More...] about Contending with Windows 10’s retirement: part 2
Contending with Windows 10’s retirement: part 1
The discontinuance of tech support and free security patches presents challenges to users of legacy Windows 10-based test-and-measurement systems. The test-and-measurement industry has long leveraged consumer technology to take advantage of economies of scale and lower costs. Consequently, it’s … [Read More...] about Contending with Windows 10’s retirement: part 1
EMI: what it is and how to keep it in check
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is essentially invisible noise or pollution. It is unwanted electromagnetic energy generated by one electronic device that disrupts the normal operation of another nearby device. This FAQ will explain what an EMI is and what are the ways to prevent it. This … [Read More...] about EMI: what it is and how to keep it in check
Sponsored Content
What is the importance of resolution in an oscilloscope?
When looking at the oscilloscope feature of a multi-instrument device or when comparing two benchtop oscilloscopes, the first specifications that we look at are the bandwidth and sample rate. While these are incredibly important specs, often most design work is done well within the limits of most products and the more critical specification to consider is resolution. Did you know that while most […]
