NI, the provider of platform-based systems that enable engineers and scientists to solve the world’s greatest engineering challenges, announced today a new PXI FlexRIO architecture that integrates mezzanine I/O modules with Xilinx Kintex UltraScale FPGAs. The first wave of products based on this new architecture includes two high-resolution PXI FlexRIO Digitizers, three dedicated PXI FlexRIO […]
Calibration
Miniature data recorder rated for IP68
The new SLICE IP68 data acquisition system is designed to capture physical signals in challenging environments. Targeted at applications with size or mass constraints, SLICE IP68’s 60×60-mm footprint makes it easy to embed in most test articles. The rugged housing is impervious to shock, water, and dust, making SLICE a candidate for testing in inclement […]
Characterizing sinusoidal signals with equations
Mathematics is the language we use to understand and communicate our knowledge about electrical relationships. It is easy to get overwhelmed by some of the complexity involved. The best approach is to begin at the most fundamental level and take it from there. Consider the realm of sinusoidal signals. First, a definition: A sinusoidal signal […]
Tiny recorders let crash test dummies take one for the Gipper
The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s (UAB) Department of Mechanical Engineering is developing new testing methodologies using crash test dummies to improve helmet testing and ultimately reduce concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In that regard, they are putting sensors and recorders inside crash test dummy heads to get biofidelic impact data. Miniature DTSSLICE NANO […]
In search of accuracy: Instrument calibration using frequency standards
Accuracy as it relates to the measurement of electrical signals would seem to be a simple, straight-forward concept. In the simple case, a reading as shown in a digital display could be compared to that of a perfectly accurate instrument. The discrepancy, if any, could be expressed as a fraction of a percent. The difficulty […]
In search of accurate measurements — The speed of light
If an instrument is to give accurate measurements, it must first have been calibrated to a standard. In metrology, a standard (or etalon) is an object, system, or experiment that bears a defined relationship to a unit of measurement of a physical quantity. Standards are the fundamental reference for a system of weights and measures, […]
Basics of working with I2C buses
Back in olden days, parallel buses were used to link electronic building blocks. Today serial buses have largely replaced them. There are numerous components for many applications that have standard serial interfaces, and this trend makes serial technology a good choice for design engineers. Because there are fewer signal lines, serial bus electronics take up […]
Multi-gigabit serial protocols demystified
Chris Nunn, National Instruments Corp. High-speed serial is a growing technology aimed at reducing device footprint and boosting data communication rates. We have seen a drastic change in digital communication buses shifting from parallel to serial formats starting in the early 2000s. The transition from parallel buses to high-speed serial buses has led to many […]
Renishaw new XM-60 multi-axis calibrator
The XM-60 is capable of measuring all six degrees of freedom from a single set-up, in any orientation for linear axes. It offers significant improvement in simplicity and time saving over conventional laser measurement techniques. As demands on component tolerances increase, manufacturers are now required to consider all error sources from the machines producing parts; […]
Channel emulator tests LTE-LAA and HetNet small cell instrumentation
Highlights: New capabilities in Propsim F32 channel emulator enable efficient performance testing of devices and network equipment with LTE-LAA and HetNet small cell technology support The enhanced Propsim F32 allow users to assess all existing, as well as planned, LTE-LAA Carrier Aggregation and Wi-Fi-offloading field deployment scenarios Keysight has developed new LTE-Hi test scenarios, in […]
