EE-Evaluation Engineering articles from March 2008

EE-Evaluation Engineering archives from March 2008

Will there be a winner?(EDITORIAL)(usage of lithium-ion batteries)(Editorial)
March 1, 2008... I've noticed of late a number of articles reporting on events and technology enhancements relating to batteries--all types of batteries from those used in laptops to those powering hybrid vehicles. As examples, consider these news items: There...

Software tools automate SATA Gen-2 testing.(PRODUCT BRIEFING)(Tektronix Inc.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... TekExpress[TM] SATA, a test suite for Serial ATA (SATA) physical layer testing, automates 100% of the required SATA Gen-1 and Gen-2 compliance tests for receivers, transmitters, and interconnects. The test suite runs on TekExpress, a new...

Test solution addresses MIPI D-PHY interconnects.(PRODUCT BRIEFING)(Agilent Technologies Inc.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... MIPI D-PHY is a Mobile Industry Processor Interface protocol test solution that supports the Camera Serial Interface (CSI-2) and the Display Serial Interface (DSI) for mobile devices. This solution, based on Agilent's 16900 Logic Analyzer (LA)...

DDS-based generator produces 20-MHz waveforms.(PRODUCT BRIEFING)(direct digital synthesis)(B+K Precision Corp.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The Model 4040DDS Sweep Function Generator uses direct digital synthesis to generate 20-MHz sine and square waveforms and 2-MHz triangle waveforms. It offers 10 Vpk-pk amplitude into 50 [ohm], AM and FM modulation, linear or logarithmic sweeps,...

1,000-V isolation creates 48 separate instruments.(PRODUCT BRIEFING)(Data Translation Inc.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The TEMPpoint DT9872 is a PC-based instrument that performs direct RTD measurements. It features instantaneous stabilization, a new capability needed for WIMAX, semiconductor testing, and bio-analytical testing applications. [ILLUSTRATION...

Real-time scopes acquire one billion-plus samples.(PRODUCT BRIEFING)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The Infiniium 90000A Series Oscilloscopes capture 25 ms of time at 40 GS/s on all four channels simultaneously. The series provides InfiniiScan Plus, a hardware/software integrated triggering system, which enables 150-ps hardware-event...

Small-footprint meter powered solely from USB cable.(PRODUCT BRIEFING)(universal serial bus )(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The 6-GHz NI USB-5680 Power Meter combines a sensor and an A/D converter in one package occupying less than 9.6 in.[.sup.3] and consuming 100-mA of current without an external power supply. It connects directly to an available USB port on any...

Mid-range Spectrum Analyzers show live RF signals.(PRODUCT BRIEFING)(Tektronix Inc's RSA3408B spectrum analyzers )(radio frequency)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The addition of DPX[TM] Waveform Image Processor technology to the RSA3408B Spectrum Analyzers and the mid-range RSA3000B Series provides a live RF view of the spectrum for a range of digital applications including RFID, radio communications,...

There's more to data acquisition than A/D.(DATA ACQUISITION)(analog to digital converters)
March 1, 2008... Over the years, much I has been written about the specifications and usage of analog inputs in data acquisition (DAQ) systems. However, in most applications, the analog input is only a piece of the hardware puzzle. Often overlooked are the key...

Calculating accuracy of peak power measurements.(POWER METERS)
March 1, 2008... Peak power meters have long been accepted as accurate measurement standards. But just how accurate are these power measurements? Calculating the accuracy of RF peak power measurements requires more than just a glance at a specification sheet....

Ensuring that products will work.(ENVIRONMENTAL TEST APPLICATIONS)
March 1, 2008... If all products were operated in controlled, benign conditions, there would be little need for environmental testing laboratories. When used in the real world, equipment is exposed to shock, vibration, temperature extremes, dust, humidity, and...

Taking control of the integration factor.(AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS TEST)
March 1, 2008... The modern-day car has evolved into a multi-faceted computing platform It delivers vital information on vehicle status, diagnostics, safety, environment, and other systems and integrates multiple consumer and convenience technologies such as...

Managing the cellular handset certification bottleneck.(CELLULAR CERTIFICATION)
March 1, 2008... As of mid 2007, there were more than 700 Global System for Mobile Communications/Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (GSM/UMTS) networks in over 200 countries (1) with 2.5 billion subscribers using an increasing range of cellular...

Minute components challenge AOI.(automatic optical inspection)
March 1, 2008... One of the major changes to affect automatic optical inspection (AOI) equipment used during PCB assembly and inspection is the greatly reduced size of the latest components. As stated in an October 2007 press release from Hitachi...

Instrumentation Buyers Guide.(Directory)
March 1, 2008... EE's 24th annual Instrumentation Buyers Guide is a comprehensive, up-to-date listing of the companies that manufacture or rent instrumentation products. The guide is arranged in two sections. First is a product/company cross-reference. The...

The case for early testing.(EMC PRECOMPLIANCE TEST)
March 1, 2008... Before an electronic product can be sold, it must comply with EMC standards. In general, EMC specifications attempt to ensure that a product's performance is compatible with its environment. Emitting signals that could disrupt operation of...

Safety Shield coating.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Staticide[R] ESD Safety Shield, a durable water-based acrylic coating, bonds to plastics such as tubing, clamshell protective packaging, carrying trays, and lids. It dries clear and leaves a dissipative coating that will not wash off or...

Interlocking floor tiles.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... ESD-safe interlocking floor tiles come in coin-top and smooth-top styles. No glue or copper strips are needed to install tiles over pre-existing floor coverings or concrete. They measure 23.75" x 23.75". The electrical resistance is 1 x...

Impedance amplifier.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The A3 Family of RF amplifiers covers the 10-kHz to 3-MHz frequency range with three models: the 800-W 800A3, 1,500-W 1500A3, and the 5,000-W 5000A3. Each amplifier has selectable output impedance from 12.5 [ohm] to 400 [ohm]. In addition, an...

Moldable plastic shielding.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... PREMIER[TM] PEI-140, a lightweight, polyetherimide-based, electrically conductive plastic with up to 85-dB shielding effectiveness and UL 94V-0 flammability rating, is suited to high-temperature aerospace, defense, and transportation...

Filter Arrays.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The CM1692 EMI Filter Arrays family is based on the company's Praetorian II architecture targeted for EMI filtering applications in wireless handsets. They offer filter performance advantages for high-bandwidth applications including high...

Wrist Straps.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The Jewel[R] MagSnap Wrist Straps, available in both elastic and metal versions, create a magnetic connection between the wristband and the coil cord. The ground cord rotates on a machined pivot for flexibility and has a no-collapse banana...

Omnidirectional antenna.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The Omnifield Antenna Model OFA-S comprises three orthogonal miniature antennas in a 2.75" dia housing. Signals from all three antennas are combined and amplified to generate an output signal proportional to the absolute value of the E-field...

ESD-safe bins.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Static Intercept[R] Tote Bins offer permanent, humidity-independent ESD protection. Surface resistivity is [10.sup.5] to [10.sup.9] [ohm] with a static decay of

Magnetic field calculation software.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The EMI Analyst[TM] Software application now calculates magnetic-field radiated emissions as well as electric-field radiated emissions. The addition of magnetic field calculations supports requirements such as those of MIL-STD-461 RE101. A...

Miniature test chambers.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The Model 5200 Series of Benchtop RF Test Boxes provides RF isolation from 80 dB to 120 dB. Features include rugged construction, secure latching handles, and premium anechoic absorber lining. Options such as connector panels, connectors and...

Harmonics/flicker tester.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The HAR1000-1P is a single-phase low-frequency measuring system used for determining harmonic and flicker emissions generated by a EUT connected to 230 V/50 Hz and 115 V/60 Hz AC power. The HAR1000-1P comprises a power amplifier, a line...

Random EFT burst generator.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(electrical fast transient)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The new PEFT 8010 Electrical Fast Transient Simulator produces impulses singly and in bursts up to 7.3 kV in accordance with IEC/EN 61000-4-4. Each impulse has a 5-ns 10% to 90% rise time and a 50-ns duration measured between 50% points. Bursts...

High power amplifier.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The 500-W SMX500 increases the maximum output power of the SMX Solid State Power Amplifier range to at least 57 dBm at frequencies from 10 kHz to 1,000 MHz. The amplifier shares features common to the series such as digital display monitors for...

ESD packaging.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(L. Gordon Packaging Inc.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... PN 607 Custom Platforms and Inserts for the company's standard 4.5" x 4.5" x 1" carton protect different size modules from damage during shipping. PN 607 is a dissipative corrugated board designed to isolate and protect a module's formed leads...

Event Detector.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The portable Model 900 ESD Event Detector operates five to seven hours on batteries or with a power cube for continuous AC line operation. When an ESD event is detected, an audible buzzer sounds and visual color-coded lights show intensity. A...

Double-stage filters.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... A full range of RoHS-compliant and UL-, cUL-, and VDE-approved double-stage EMI filters is available for general-purpose as well as low-leakage medical versions (M) categorized as 092 and 092M series. Models are rated for operation at 1-, 3-,...

Storage Cabinets.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... ESD Drawer Storage Cabinets are available in a variety of heights, widths, and depths and come in five standard colors. Drawer interiors contain conductive plastic boxes and slotted grooved trays for additional protection. The drawers feature a...

Garments.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Value-ES Lab Coats made of 63% polyester, 33% cotton, and 4% carbon monofilament feature a one-piece construction with set-in sleeves, a 2.75" lapel, and a hemmed collar. There are three full-size pockets, two with 4-mm grounding snaps. The 2"...

Adjustable Handlers.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Adjustable In-Plant Handlers can be assembled in 30 combinations using the same base container, lid, and partitions. Thirty sizes are available from a five- to 150-cell handler. They are constructed from impregnated corrugated material with a...

Round flexible shields.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... A range of 22 electrically conductive beryllium-copper contact rings is offered for EMI shielding applications. The rings are manufactured using standard fingerstock gasket styles. Once installed in round-shaped plug openings, the gaskets...

Shielded USB connectors.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... A series of connectors incorporates EMI or ESD filters in an industry-standard USB package. The filtered connectors have a working voltage of 5 VDC with a 1-A current rating and are a drop-in replacement for unfiltered connectors. The maximum...

Differential-pair ISN.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(impedance stabilization network)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The ISN T8 CISPR-22-based impedance stabilization network (ISN) establishes the common-mode termination impedance when performing EMI measurements on a EUT. The ISN T8 is positioned between the EUT and auxiliary equipment or the EUT load and...

Ionizing air gun.(EMC/ESD PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... IonGun[TM] neutralizes static charges and operates with virtually no particle generation. The force of the ion burst can be adjusted from 15 to 30 psi. It is 7.5" long x 1.125" thick and weighs 6.4 oz. The 24-VAC input voltage protects...

Universal wireless transceiver.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
March 1, 2008... Connect the WRS232 Wireless Transmitter to an RS-232 device, and the wireless receiver module connects to a PC via USB interface to communicate with the RS-232 device as if it's directly connected. The receiver can operate multiple wireless...

Horn Antenna.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
March 1, 2008... The AHA-118 Active Horn Antenna has an integrated preamplifier with a 25-dB nominal gain that improves noise performance for EMI emissions testing systems. The preamplifier is connected to antenna using an ng cable. The combination long cable,...

Mil-461f test solutions.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
March 1, 2008... Modular system includes generator, coupling, calibration, waveform verification solutions for requirements of CS106, CS115, CS116; DO 160 Sections 17, 19; Airbus AMD 24C; more. RS105: Wide range of antenna sizes, pulse generators to produce 50...

LXI Standard.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
March 1, 2008... Pickering Interfaces has published the 2nd edition of the LXImate, which provides a clear overview of the LXI Standard. Sections describe discovery of LXI devices, LAN/web operation, trigger systems, and a description of compliance testing....

Antenna Kit.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
March 1, 2008... The AK-40G Antenna Kit with a 20-Hz to 40-GHz frequency range provides a wide array of antennas, current probes, and cables. The compact, lightweight package for field-testing provides excellent performance and includes a tripod with azimuth...

Electronic Loads.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
March 1, 2008... PPM's Modular Electronic Loads are configurable, stackable, best $/watt value in industry. Loads can be master or slave for flexibility, expansion. Loads available with/without front-panel controls and meters. 1 to 5-kW stand-alone; Up 60-kW in...

Vibration screening systems.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
March 1, 2008... Our vibration stress screening systems shake the "bugs" out before your products leave your plant. Rates of 10 to 10,000 units per day work on automotive, consumer, medical, and general industrial products. Get the "bugs" before they become...

Test and measurement.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
March 1, 2008... Keithley's 2008 Product Guide includes useful tutorials and selector guides as well as information on the newest innovations in test and measurement. You'll find the instrumentation and software you need to solve even your most challenging test...

Mobile and lab-based EMC testing.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)(EMC Corp. (Hopkinton, Massachusetts))(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... With 19 conveniently located North American EMC labs, TUVRheinland[R] is uniquely qualified to get your products to market quickly. But, if more convenient for you, one of our mobile testing labs can come to you. For a free brochure or more...

EMC accessories and instruments.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
March 1, 2008... AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation's RF and Microwave accessories and instruments brochure highlights signal generators, system controllers, directional couplers, EMC test software, test cells, and field monitoring equipment. Also included is the...

Adhesives and epoxies.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
March 1, 2008... Master Bond offers world-class technical support and a wide selection of epoxies, silicones, polyurethanes, anaerobics, cyanoacrylates, and UV cures. Our experienced technical representatives have garnered a well-deserved reputation for solving...

Portable test instruments.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
March 1, 2008... Many new products are featured in the 80-page catalog highlighting the AEMC[R] lines of portable test and measurement instruments, including megohmmeters, ground resistance testers, power quality analyzers and meters, cable testers, current...