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 device and see […]
FAQ
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 part 2, we looked at what steps […]
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 digital oscilloscopes offer many features, including waveform math functions, that go […]
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 trace the path of ESD current […]
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 […]
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 between a true 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, including […]
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 not uncommon to see sophisticated test and data-acquisition systems incorporating Windows computers. This approach works well […]
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 interference does not just travel in one way. Figure 1 […]
Review: Picotest J2150B comb injector
This handy tool lets you test active and passive components at frequencies up to 3 GHz. I tried an early unit, using it for radiated and conducted EMI emissions testing. After almost ten years, Picotest has launched a new version of its Harmonic Comb Injector (generator). The J2150B ($495) is one of the pieces I’ve […]
