The common temperature probe contains a thermocouple consisting of two dissimilar metals welded together to form an electrical junction. A voltage that varies with temperature is generated. Slightly less accurate than resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), thermocouples cover a wide temperature range and respond quickly. Combinations of different metals create different voltage responses. All dissimilar […]
Lasers and how to measure their output
Laser is an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Lasers, of course, started out as comprised of discrete components. The most basic laser consists of a cylinder containing the lasing medium, a material that emits light when exposed to an outside source of energy. The gain medium can be gas, liquid, solid […]
Photovoltaic array simulators deliver 20 kW in a 3U format
A new family of photovoltaic (PV) array simulators are the first to deliver 2,000 V and 20 kW of power in a 3U format, enabling engineers to maximize solar power conversion. To keep solar power at grid parity with competing methods of power generation, performance and power conversion efficiency are critical. Small increments in power […]
Finding fiber-optic cable anomalies
Optical fiber is a form of waveguide. The lateral dimension of a waveguide depends upon the wavelength of the signal conveyed. A waveguide is not capable of carrying a wavelength much larger than its diameter. Optical fibers are characterized by their core diameters. In single-mode fiber, the standard core diameter is 9 μm. Standard multi-mode […]
Understanding electro-optic modulation
The electro-optic modulator is used to modulate a beam of light. Laser-controlled modulators are capable of operating in the gigahertz range, and modulation may be imposed on the amplitude, phase, or polarization of the beam. The component that makes this possible incorporates an element that exhibits an electro-optic effect, a change in its optical properties […]
Monitoring heart rate variability for better athletic ability
Sensors and sophisticated algorithms together deliver check heart-rate variability and other exercise metrics. Alisher Kholmatov, Recep Ozgun Micros, Security & Software Business Unit, Maxim Integrated From weekend warriors to professional athletes, most people who engage in regular sports activity take note of various factors that influence their performance. Some meticulously track certain metrics from game […]
Researchers get a charge out of measuring eels with battery powered oscilloscopes
Next time you find yourself swimming around with electric eels, try grabbing one and then put the leads of a battery powered oscilloscope on its head and tail. According to University of Central Florida zoology professor Will Crampton, you’ll probably measure a voltage in the 700-V range. Crampton and his associates went to the rivers […]
Testing regimes for the new frequencies and features of 5G
Measurements taking place in pre-commercial 5G network trials provide new insights and overcome uncertainties before the technology’s formal launch. By Rohde&Schwarz The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defined fifth-generation (5G) cellular technology in Release 15, which updated mission-critical (MC) communications and MC service functions, to meet the International Telecommunication Union’s IMT-2020 performance requirements. IMT-2020 laid […]
Verifying 5G with OTA testing
The 5G realm puts a new emphasis on making measurements without hardwired connections. Adnan Khan | Anritsu Co. 5G systems are being rolled out globally, bringing with them throughput speeds of up to 10 Gbps, higher frequencies that extend into the millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum, and devices operating in multiple radio access technologies (RATs). Engineers […]
The complexity of wireless receiver testing
Eric Hsu | Keysight Technologies, Inc. The demand for wireless communications now challenges the physical limitations of today’s wireless communications systems. Interference can easily arise when systems operate in a crowded wireless environment using a shared spectrum. Signal congestion makes the process of designing, testing, and isolating system problems more complex. In the next few […]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 56
- Next Page »
