By understanding the key issues at every phase of the product lifecycle, engineers can make decisions that result in flexible, reliable, and scalable test systems. Taking a modular approach to test system development can accelerate development and mitigate risk throughout the entire product lifecycle. When it comes to designing and building automated test systems, today’s […]
Featured Contributions
How test executives automate equipment and processes
Working through test-program sets and drivers, test executives let engineers organize tests into logical sequences. They provide user interfaces for test technicians and store test results for analysis. Manufacturers of electronic and electromechanical devices rely on test instruments to generate stimuli and measure responses. While manually performing tests on the engineering bench might work for […]
Test methods for mmWave AiP designs bring tradeoffs
Engineers have several mmWave over-the-air test methods available for evaluating phased-array antennas used in antenna-in-package designs. Each has pros and cons.
IoT devices in private 5G networks bring new verification tests
With private networks connecting to many IoT devices, testing the device’s user interface requires updating test processes. Many IoT use cases rely on private 5G networks because they offer greater network control, better security, more reliable performance, and dedicated coverage and capacity as opposed to using a public network. With these advantages, private networks play…
Traceability and the hierarchy of calibration
Advances in the science of measurement are simplifying the task of accurately quantifying uncertainty. Michael Brown, Fluke Calibration Accurate measurements are critical to every aspect of our lives; that’s why metrology is the oldest science in the world. Our ability to understand the world around us depends on how well we can measure it. As […]
Selecting and applying programmable power supplies
A system-level view of testing is helpful when specifying power requirements. Jeff Brakley • Ametek Programmable Power Inc. There are numerous options available for programmable dc power supplies. Users can select from a wide range of voltage, current, and power ratings. Other specifications include input voltage, output voltage regulation, output ripple and noise, and transient […]
Exceeding 100 Gbps with a sub-terahertz 6G testbed
Here’s a look at testing necessary for super-high throughputs involved in the emerging area of 6G. Greg Jue, Keysight Technologies 6G research is in its early stages. The vision for what the International Telecommunication Union calls Network 2030 continues to take shape. While the industry is years away from starting the standards development process, subterahertz […]
Measuring ESR and ESL of dc-link capacitors
Impedance analyzers work better than LCR meters when it comes to sizing up the super-low impedance and inductance of modern power converter capacitors. Tim Ashworth, Meng Li, Zurich Instruments DC-link capacitors are often found in power conversion applications such as inverters, motor drives, medical power supply equipment, and so forth. Consequently, dc-link capacitors often need […]
Automotive cable and harness testing made easy
A hipot tester, switch, and automated software can assure vehicle connectors are safe and reliable. Glen Broderick, Vitrek Inc. Loose or mismatched electrical components cause the highest rate of failures in vehicles. Often harnesses and components are inadvertently pinched, miswired or damaged during installation. Also, cable insulation that isn’t secured can wear through and cause […]
Applying PC-based test & measurement instruments
For some features, PC-based scopes sport higher performance than similar benchtop instruments. Trevor Smith, Pico Technology The debugging and validation of electronic systems calls for versatile instruments with wide-ranging functions and easy programmability. An engineer working on high-speed logic signals one day might be called upon to run a long-duration soak test the following day […]
