The electron has close to zero mass, a negative charge, and revolves in an orbit around its atomic nucleus or, alternately, moves through space or through a conductor, in which it is a charge-carrying free electron. An electron is also a fermion, which means it follows the Pauli exclusion principle: No two electrons can occupy […]
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Combo multi-channel, mixed-signal scope/DAQ captures high-speed transients, long-term trends
The DL950 ScopeCorder improves efficiency and effectiveness in design and evaluation of renewable and energy efficient technologies. The DL950 ScopeCorder is a combination of a multi-channel, mixed-signal oscilloscope and portable data acquisition recorder. It captures both high-speed transient events and long-term trends. Building on the capabilities of the well-established DL850E, the new DL950 ScopeCorder can […]
Clamp meter optimized for photovoltaic system tests
A solar clamp meter can measure up to 2,000 Vdc and 1,500 Vac (using PVHV leads) during installation, maintenance, monitoring and testing of photovoltaic systems and standard ac or dc electrical equipment. The DCM1500S can also measure ac and dc current up to 1,500 A and offers a true RMS reading on the ac range […]
Understanding decibels and decibel measurements
Decibels, (derived from bels, old units which, like unwieldy farads, are rarely used) are convenient and user-friendly terms for expressing the ratio between two amounts of power on a logarithmic scale or the amount of change, amplification or attenuation, over time of a single amount of power. In power and sound ratios, the factor is […]
Source measurement units reliably gauge currents from nanoamps to amps in a single sweep
The R&S NGU series of high-precision SMUs feature innovative current feedback amplifier technology that provides both maximum sensitivity and accuracy to reliably measure currents from nanoamps to amps in a single sweep. To handle rapidly changing load conditions typical of battery-powered communications devices switching between sleep and transmit modes, the R&S NGU features an optimized control loop […]
Measuring and specifying microphones
One aspect of the work-at-home/stay-at-home environment of the past year has been an increased emphasis on podcasts, online meetings, and online video events. That’s why there’s more interest in microphone technology among those interested in producing a higher-quality experience. Here’s a short run-down on microphones and how they are typically measured and quantified. A microphone […]
Waveguide-to-coax adapters use European IEC standard flanges
A new line of euro-style flange, waveguide-to-coax adapters are candidates for radar, satellite and wireless communications, and test instrumentation applications. Fairview Microwave’s new waveguide-to-coax adapters cover a wide range of waveguide sizes that include European IEC standard flanges (including UBR square cover, UDR and PDR types), WR-22 to WR-430, right-angle and end-launch coaxial connector options, […]
Antennas and antenna measurements
Most antenna designs operate via the resonance principle, which is based on the fact that electrons moving through a conductor reflect back toward the power source when encountering a discontinuity. When current, caused by a radio signal’s induced voltage, reaches the end of the antenna element, it is reflected, travels in the reverse direction, and […]
Measuring the behavior of electronic filters
Passive electronic filters are composed of one or more passive components including resistors, inductors and capacitors. In contrast, active electronic filters also contain an amplifier composed of transistors or op-amps. The point of electronic filters is to pass some frequencies while blocking others. Depending upon the configuration, they selectively attenuate high frequencies (low pass), low […]
OpenVPX chassis platform supports speeds over 100 GbE, 2.5 kW of cooling
The 9U RiCool chassis platform for 6U OpenVPX boards features dual hot-swappable 191 CFM fans for cooling up to 2,500 W. The design allows the use of Rear Transition Modules (RTMs) in all slots. Rear-pluggable PSUs provide power for the VPX and custom rails, available in various wattage and output options. The 14-slot design required […]
