This 50 MHz pulse generator was built as solid as a rock. It’s almost all metal. We take the unit completely apart and look at it from a system and board level. On a visit to the MIT swapfest in 2024, I came across an HP 8112A 50 MHz pulse generator. For $20, I brought […]
Bench Test
Modular system combines DMM with DAQ
The DAQ3120 from B+K Precision lets you install up to three measurement modules to create a custom system for your bench. Most engineers have a digital multimeter (DMM) for basic measurements such as voltage, current, and resistance. Sometimes, however, you need the flexibility to add channels and log measurements without or without a computer. That’s […]
How can I quantify a device’s nonlinearity? part 1
You can specify nonlinearity in parts per million or, especially for RF components, in terms of the 1-dB compression point or third-order intercept point.
What’s a half digit and are they all the same?
The most significant digit on a DMM’s display often doesn’t count 0 through 9.
Audio analyzer combines analog and digital domains
The APx516B from Audio Precision comes with built-in analog I/O and a slot that adds wired or wireless digital I/O. With so many of today’s devices having audio capabilities, engineeers designing wired or wireless audio into a device need to verify audio quality. Audio Precision, well known for its audio analyzers, has introduced the APx516 […]
How to locate EMI emissions with near-field probes: Part 1
Near-field probes let you find the sources of near-field and far-field EMI that ruin your design, and your day. You don’t need to know Maxwell’s Equations to troubleshoot your designs.
EE World’s 2023 T&M Handbook is now available
For 2023, the digital version features 11 technical articles that cover test from signal integrity on the bench to automated test on the production floor.
What is de-embedding and how do I perform it (part 1)?
It’s a tenet of the test-and-measurement industry that you should concentrate on looking for defects in your device under test (DUT) — not in your test equipment. Figure 1 illustrates a common problem. An instrument presents an incorrect reading; in this case, an LRC meter or multimeter presents a resistance reading that’s about 5% low. […]
Functional tester covers bench, production, and service applications
The midUTS from Bloomy contains a multimeter, data-acquisition, switching, and power supplies for testing boards and systems. Automating tests — whether for bench testing new designs, in production, or for service — increases productivity but comes at a price. If you’re going to build an automated test system all yourself, expect to specify the instrumentation, […]
I’ve got the measurement blues again
Back from a three-year hiatus, I’m covering test and measurement again. This time, it’s for EE World.
