The TekBox TBMDA2/TBMDA3 Modulated Wideband Power Amplifiers are designed to create an inexpensive signal source for pre-compliance immunity testing of electronic PCBs and products. Driven by the tracking generator output of a spectrum analyzer, they provide the increased RF power outputs required by many test environments. With an input power range of up to -8 […]
Calibration
Portable, 4-in-1 26.5 GHz calibration kits for T&M, field testing, antenna measurement and cable verification
A new line of 4-in-1 3.5-mm calibration kits for test and measurement, field testing, antenna measurement and cable verification applications consists of two models, both with a compact, lightweight, 4-in-1 design package. These short-open-load-through (SOLT) calibration kits have a 26.5-GHz calibration capability. They feature gold-plated 3.5-mm connectors and a handy lanyard. Plus, they are available […]
Ethernet data logger provides 1-wire interface for up to eight sensors
The TCW220 Ethernet data logger has two analog inputs, with 10-bit resolution and two discrete inputs. It supports a 1-Wire interface for up to eight Teracom 1-Wire sensors – carbon dioxide, 0/20mA, AC/DC current, temperature, humidity, etc. All monitored parameters can be logged on previous set time intervals and/or on alarm conditions. The memory is large […]
High-rez digitizers, co-processors come in PXI format
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 […]
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 […]