EE-Evaluation Engineering articles from June 2006

EE-Evaluation Engineering archives from June 2006

The not-so-quiet skies.(EDITORIAL)
June 1, 2006... I'm really not looking forward to the day when airline passengers will be able to use their cell phones while flying to that next business meeting or to some far off destination for a short vacation. Heretofore, the flights I have taken were...

Teradyne co-founder dies.(In The News)
June 1, 2006... Nicholas DeWolf, 77, a co-founder of Teradyne, died April 16 in Aspen, CO. Mr. DeWolf's distinguished career began after graduating from Massachusetts Institute of Technology at the age of 19. He worked as an engineer for General Electric in...

Agilent Technologies names CEO of Verigy subsidiary.(In The News)
June 1, 2006... Agilent Technologies has named Keith Barnes as president and chief executive officer of Verigy, its semiconductor test subsidiary. Mr. Barnes currently is the chairman and CEO of Electroglas, an IC prober manufacturer. Previously, he was...

Agilent reorganizes businesses.(In The News)
June 1, 2006... Agilent Technologies has reorganized its Electronic Measurements Group (EMG), merging the company's Operations Support Systems Group (OSSG) with two other existing businesses within EMG. David Churchill, vice president and general manager of...

EOS/ESD symposium.(Dates)
June 1, 2006... The 28th annual EOS/ESD Symposium will be held Sept. 10-15 at the Westin La Paloma in Tucson, AZ. Sponsored by the ESD Association in cooperation with the IEEE and technically cosponsored by the Electron Devices Society, the symposium addresses...

Environmental test seminars.(Dates)
June 1, 2006... Hobbs Engineering will conduct several environmental test-related seminars this summer in Irvine, CA. The schedule includes Preventing Vibration and Shock Failures and Comprehensive HALT and HASS on July 31-Aug. 1, HALT and HASS Workshop on...

Fixed-configuration analyzers offer touch screens.(Product Briefing)
June 1, 2006... The Agilent 16800 Series offers eight fixed-configuration logic analyzer models equipped with memory depth to 32M samples, a 15" display, and an optional touch-screen interface. Three models also have an integrated digital stimulus to assist in...

Generators control 3-ns pulse widths.(Product Briefing)
June 1, 2006... The Series 3400 Pulse/Pattern Generators feature an intuitive user interface, a maximum frequency of 165 MHz with a minimum frequency capability down to 1 mHz, and pulse amplitudes of [+ or -] 10 V or [+ or -] 20 V. The minimum attainable pulse...

Digitizer family provides eight channels.(Product Briefing)
June 1, 2006... The multi-channel Octopus[TM] Digitizer Cards feature up to eight channels with 10-, 25-, 50-, 65-, 100-, or 125-MS/s sampling per channel. The single-slot PCI card offers 12- or 14-b vertical resolution and up to 4 GB of on-board acquisition...

Chassis and controllers based on PXI Express.(Product Briefing)
June 1, 2006... The first chassis and controllers based on PCI Express signaling deliver up to 1 GB/s per-slot dedicated bandwidth. This new equipment adds capabilities from the latest PXI specification, which defines PXI Express as increasing PXI bandwidth by...

Pin scale card supports 12.8-Gb/s data rates.(Product Briefing)
June 1, 2006... The Pin Scale HX is a 12.8-Gb/s ATE channel card designed to extend the performance of the Agilent 93000 SOC Series. The combination of a full-function at-speed drive/receive channel card with high-integrity loopback supports fast progression...

Serial data analyzer delivers 18-GHz bandwidth.(Product Briefing)
June 1, 2006... The four-channel, real-time SDA 18000 Serial Data Analyzer delivers an 18-GHz bandwidth, a combined highest sampling rate of 60 GS/s, and a memory of up to 150 million points to accommodate 10 GbE and Fibre Channel 8.5 technologies. It features...

The pitfalls of replacing obsolete instrumentation: an emulation strategy can help you incorporate new test instruments as build standards are upgraded.(AEROSPACE/DEFENSE TEST)
June 1, 2006... Overcoming test-equipment obsolescence is paramount in military and aerospace applications where test systems are supporting equipment with a service life of more than 20 years. However, replacing one or more obsolete instruments in a test...

Statistical analysis for automated wire test operations: the U.S. Coast Guard launches a search to collect wiring failure data and makes sense of the data once it is captured.(CABLE/HARNESS TEST)
June 1, 2006... Industries such as aircraft, aerospace, telecommunications, and transportation have long recognized automated testing of electrical and fiber-optic systems as the optimal way to ensure the integrity of complex, critical systems. Automated test...

Bluetooth product qualificationz: don't panic if the Bluetooth product qualification process seems daunting. Help has arrived.(WIRELESS TEST)(Cover story)
June 1, 2006... When counting the contributions to the electronics industry, Bluetooth is a big player. In 2005, more than 200 million units shipped with Bluetooth technology aboard, and market forecasts predict the billion units mark by 2010. ...

Enhanced performance through DSP: a DSP IC is more than a microprocessor on steroids. The architecture's different.(DSP APPLICATIONS)
June 1, 2006... Convergence often is used to describe the growing areas of overlap among computing, communications, and consumer electronics. But, convergence also exists more generally at a lower level between hardware and software. In many cases, it's...

Multi-axis vibration reduces test time: reproducing real-world vibration environments for testing may introduce a higher level of product reliability.(VIBRATION TEST)
June 1, 2006... Widely accepted as a method to improve product quality, vibration testing is used to qualify products for production. Either alone or combined with an environmental chamber, vibration testing is a critical step in the successful development of...

Lead-free reliability issues and test methods: environmentally friendly is a term rapidly invading the electronics industry.(RELIABILITY TEST)
June 1, 2006... The electronic industry will be facing great challenges over the next few years as the solder used in electronic products is migrating toward lead free. This is being driven by mandates in Europe such as Waste Electrical and Electronic...

Inspection buyers guide.(Directory)
June 1, 2006... EE's annual Inspection Buyers Guide is a comprehensive, up-to-date listing of the companies that provide inspection equipment or related products. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The guide is arranged in two...

New airliners influence lightning tests: today's aircraft designs are piloting the need for new testing methods.(EMC TEST)
June 1, 2006... With the changing ways aircraft are designed and built, namely the inclusion of increasing amounts of composite material and the drive to provide more power for systems, the way aircraft are tested to ensure survivability to lightning strikes...

RF test chambers.(COMMUNICATIONS TEST)
June 1, 2006... The TS712x Shielded RF Test Chambers operate from 400 MHz to 6 GHz with typical isolation values of 65 to 70 dB. The shielding effectiveness makes them suitable for performing interference-free, reproducible tests in accordance with standards...

Small cable assemblies.(COMMUNICATIONS TEST)
June 1, 2006... The GORE[TM] EYE-OPENER[R] Cable Assemblies are built with FCI DensiShield Connectors using a wafer structure where each pair is shielded to lower cross-talk within the connector. Coupled with the company's lightweight cabling options, the...

Time-to-digital converter.(DATA ACQUISITION)
June 1, 2006... The TC840 is a wide-range, single- and multi-start time-to-digital converter (TDC) CompactPCI module with 50-ps timing resolution. It features inputs with programmable thresholds and 13 identical hardware channels, 12 as independent stop inputs...

Thermocouple Module.(DATA ACQUISITION)
June 1, 2006... The USB-4718 Thermocouple Module uses either USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 buses and supports seven types of thermocouples (J, K, T, E, R, S, B), six voltage input ranges, and 0 ~ 20mA or 4 ~ 20mA current input compatible with a variety of sensors. It...

Tomography X-ray system.(INSPECTION)
June 1, 2006... The granite-based nanotom[R] Computed Tomography System uses a 160-kV nanofocus[TM] X-ray tube and a digital detector to reach a voxel resolution of

Compact Vision system.(INSPECTION)
June 1, 2006... The PC-based SmallFrEYE[TM]_PC Vision System supports a modular software design that combines and exercises various functional blocks. The primary modules include part detection, pin 1 detection, package location, mark inspection/OCV, 2-D BGA...

RF glossary.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)(Glossary)
June 1, 2006... The furious pace of innovation in the semiconductor and wireless communications industries means the vocabulary of these industries is growing rapidly. Our free RF glossary, Speaking RF: Wireless Communication Terminology, can help you stay up...

Boundary scan.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
June 1, 2006... Test Coach has been chosen as a Center of Expertise for Gopel in the United States. As a COE, Test Coach will work with customers to provide boundary scan solutions and integration using Gopel software. Services include design for test and...

Electrostatic discharge Gun.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
June 1, 2006... The new KES4021 ESD Gun generates accurate waveforms conforming to IEC 61000-4-2 and ISO10605 standards; discharge voltage is up to [+ or -]30 kV. The current waveform is only small ringing and correct first peak, second peak. Repeatable ESD...

Custom EMI filters.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
June 1, 2006... Captor custom-designs EMI filters to control interference on power, data transmission and signal lines, often in difficult environments. Colorful 6-page brochure covers engineering, testing, and production of these complex filters, as well as a...

Humidity calibration solutions.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
June 1, 2006... Featuring the Model 2500 [+ or -]0.5% RH Humidity Calibration Chamber, NVLAP-accredited Thunder Scientific is recognized the world over as the industry standard for NIST-traceable two-pressure humidity calibration technology. High-accuracy...

Peak power analyzer.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
June 1, 2006... The new 4500B Peak Power Analyzer, totally redesigned from the inside out, is changing the way the industry views and analyzes RF data. Some of the key features include an 8.4" TFT color LCD display; 100-ps time-base resolution; automatic...

RF/Microwave accessories.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
June 1, 2006... The revised accessories brochure from AR Worldwide RF/Microwave Instrumentation highlights the new signal generator, tubular wave couplers, system controllers, directional couplers, software, test systems, and the line of field monitoring...

I/O cube.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
June 1, 2006... PowerDNA is the ultimate distributed data acquisition I/O cube. Up to 150 thermocouple inputs, 48 strain gage inputs, [+ or -]100-V analog inputs, 288 digital I/O, CAN-Bus, PWM, and more in a 4x4x6" or 4x4x4" cube. Extensive software for...

Technical Writing Services.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
June 1, 2006... Veteran's Technical Writing Services write environmental test plans, test procedures, and test reports. Will save you many dollars in preparing test documentation. Our vets write Procedures IAW MIL-STD-810, DO-160, and PRF 28800. Uses your...

Power conditioners.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
June 1, 2006... The new GATEKEEPER[TM] line of power conditioners for military and aerospace ATE eliminates the need for multibox distribution, isolation, and protection solutions and satisfies COTS requirements, supplying clean power for noise sensitive...

Switch matrix modules.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
June 1, 2006... Digalog[TM] introduces the DigESwitch. It provides you with five 46x8 switch matrix modules that, when combined, offer you a 230x8 switch matrix. The DigESwitch uses high-reliability ATE-grade relays all controlled through an Ethernet...

Coaxial switching systems.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
June 1, 2006... Cytec offers a complete line of standard or custom coaxial switching systems for automated test, data acquisition or communications. DC to 40 GHz. Matrix and multiplexer configurations. 50- or 75-[OMEGA]. Electromechanical relays or...

USB data acquisition.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
June 1, 2006... NI CompactDAQ provides the plug-and-play simplicity of USB to sensor, electrical, mechanical, and physical measurements plus fast, accurate data acquisition in a small, simple, affordable system. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Hi-Speed USB...

Oscilloscopes.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
June 1, 2006... LeCroy's award-winning Wave-Surfer[R] digital oscilloscope is highlighted in a four-color brochure. Designed with a bright 10.4" SVGA touch-screen display--250% larger than other oscilloscopes in this class--the WaveSurfer provides long record...

Current monitoring module.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
June 1, 2006... Spectrum Control's new data acquisition module enables monitoring and reporting of individual load and voltage status for remote installations and uses SNMP to manage the changes in state. Spectrum Control, Inc., 814-474-4362, www.specpower.com...

Test cable assemblies.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
June 1, 2006... Micro-Coax's ULTIMATE UTiFLEX test cable assemblies optimize high-performance microwave testing through 65 GHz and deliver precise electrical data while offering substantial mechanical benefits. They are designed primarily to support vector...