A clock may refer to an oscillator that has been designed to provide a timing signal to facilitate operation of one or more synchronous processors. In contrast, asynchronous operation does not require a clock because each step initiates upon completion of a prior step. It is potentially faster than synchronous operation because there is not […]
Bench Test
Handy test equipment for troubleshooting
Not all test equipment needs to be expensive. Here are a few helpful tools that won’t break the bank. Electricians doing residential, commercial or industrial work need to know with absolute certainty whether a wire or terminal is live and whether a given piece of electrical equipment is energized at the power input terminals. Usually, […]
How to measure electrolytic capacitors
Electrolytic capacitors are often used because they deliver relatively large capacitance values in a physically small package. The compact packaging is possible because they use a thin dielectric layer in conjunction with an etching or sintering process that vastly increases the area of the plates and the capacitance associated with them. Most capacitors have two […]
Budget-priced vector network analyzer handles 6 GHz with 122 dB dynamic range
The TTR500 Series USB Vector Network Analyzer is said to cost 40% less than alternatives capable of 122 dB dynamic range and 6 GHz frequency range. Developed by Tektronix, it also includes advanced features such as VectorVu-PC analysis software and a built-in bias tee for testing active devices. The TTR500 Series features an easy-to-use user […]
Why does simultaneous sourcing/measurement matter?
Engineers whose test bench already comes equipped with power supplies, meters, and electronic loads might wonder what good a source measure unit might be. Here’s the rationale for this type of instrument. Qing D. Starks • Tektronix Inc. Most engineers have a power supply and a DMM on their benches. So it’s logical to ask […]
End of an era at National Instruments: Dr. James Truchard, CEO and co-founder, to step down
National Instruments, best known for its LabVIEW program and platform-based instrumentation systems, says Alex Davern, age 49, will serve as Chief Executive Officer and President, effective January 1, 2017. Davern will succeed Dr. James Truchard, age 73, who has served as the Chief Executive Officer of NI since the company’s founding in 1976. Dr. Truchard […]
Keithley Introduces World’s First Source Measure Unit Instrument
Keithley Instruments announces the first benchtop Source Measure Unit (SMU) instrument with a capacitive touchscreen graphical user interface. The Model 2450 SourceMeter SMU Instrument combines the intuitive touchscreen and icon-based control that novice SMU users can appreciate with the exceptional versatility that experienced users need to learn faster, work smarter, and invent easier. This new […]
Agilent Technologies Launches Versatile Benchtop Boundary Scan Analyzer
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) announced the launch of the Agilent x1149 boundary scan analyzer. Boundary scan has become an indispensable technology as engineers face increasing test access challenges. The x1149 boundary scan analyzer is a versatile yet easy to use board test tool designed to help users through board design and validation, and re-using the same x1149 […]
Agilent Technologies Introduces Benchtop Digital Multimeter
Agilent Technologies Inc. announced the 34450A 5½ digit Benchtop Digital Multimeter, designed to turbocharge electronic test and measurement applications for industrial and educational use. The Agilent 34450A is the fastest bench top digital multimeter in its class, capable of measuring up to 190 readings per second with 0.015 percent DCV accuracy. Its multiple connectivity options, including […]
ZF Services nears the completion of 2.5MW Test Bench
ZF Services, LLC is nearing the completion of an expansion of its wind service operations. With the expected completion of the 2.5MW test bench in March, ZF Services, LLC is achieving all the major milestones of finishing the project on time. ZF Services was awarded a grant of $1.6 million from the state of Illinois […]
