Saelig Introduces CircuitMaster 4000M Precision Active Oscilloscope

The CircuitMaster 4000M Precision Active Oscilloscope combines the power of a 100 MHz 10-bit DSO and a 0.1% accurate digital voltmeter, with unique test techniques to provide multiple circuit diagnostic capabilities in a single unit. Designed to simplify the safe investigation of fine pitch PCBs, the CircuitMaster 4000M is unlike any other oscilloscope (usually 8-bit devices), providing innovative test and measurement functions for detailed circuit analysis. With two analog input channels, as well as an external trigger, the CircuitMaster 4000M also offers four adjustable-threshold digital inputs for logic signals, making it useful for mixed signal applications. For multiple signal acquisition, a 40-channel connector is provided for use with IC or PCB connectors. This accessory can be used as dual 20-channels for real-time signal acquisition and comparison.

While the CircuitMaster 4000M can operate like a conventional oscilloscope with standard capabilities of acquisition and measurements, its built-in accurate voltmeter (0.1% 24-bit) offers a precise reading of the probed voltage while simultaneously displaying the signal waveform. Footswitch sampling makes probe measurements easier and safer too. Other display options can provide additional useful signal analysis capabilities.

The CircuitMaster 4000M ‘s unique Active Mode provides DC or AC signal outputs on the same channel used to measure an input signal. This measures the active response of a test point to a stimulus, detecting circuit conditions not visible with conventional instruments. Alternatively, this mode can be used as a function generator to inject signals to a board, with the second channel being used to monitor the response at a different point in the circuit, checking phase lag, for instance.

Finding a short circuit or an open circuit on a powered PCB can be a challenge – both situations return a voltage measurement of 0V with an ordinary voltmeter or oscilloscope. But with CircuitMaster 4000M’s Active Mode, injecting a small DC signal to the circuit and measuring the response gives the user a clear indication of the board fault condition. With an open circuit (no current flow) the voltage output of the CircuitMaster 4000M remains unchanged, but with a short circuit, the voltage will drop almost completely. An additional capability – the FirmFlex mode – provides even more useful information – it can assess the strength of a node, i.e. its ability to correctly sink or source current in a circuit.

The CircuitMaster 4000M can quickly and easily perform Analog Signature Analysis (or VI testing), a technique for investigating the node voltage-current characteristics of unpowered devices. The resulting curve can indicate resistive, capacitive, inductive, and semiconductor characteristics to detect faults in components – a leaky diode, for instance, or for comparing known good and suspect devices. For additional fault detection capabilities, the CircuitMaster 4000M’s Scan Mode can perform automatic curve tracing, showing amplitude and phase for various voltage and frequency variations.

The TestFlow Manager supplied software allows users to create automated test sequences in a simple, step by step structure, customized with photos, schematics, instructions, PDF datasheets, or Web material. A graphical option can also be used to guide testing procedures, allowing users to enter their comments which will appear in a final report. The capabilities for saving and sharing test procedures and data make the CircuitMaster 4000M useful for multiple stations or geographical sites.

Saelig
www.saelig.com