EE-Evaluation Engineering articles from May 2009

EE-Evaluation Engineering archives from May 2009

Sooner, not later.(Editorial)
May 1, 2009... I'm not a fan of blogs so I rarely ever read them. However, the title of a recent blog caught my attention because it seemingly flies in the face of current development and expectations. When the title states "long time coming" and is...

Spectrum analyzers measure RF frequency to 26.5 GHz.(PAUL'S PICKS)(radio frequency)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... The 3250 Series comprises four spectrum analyzers that measure from 1 kHz to 26.5 GHz. All models have a Windows XP operating system; remote-control capabilities via LAN, GPIB, and RS-232-C; and a 7" touch-panel screen. Three traces can be...

Solar cell testing system expands capabilities.(PAUL'S PICKS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Several hardware, firmware, and software enhancements have been introduced for the Model 4200-SCS Semiconductor Characterization System, including support for the company's new nine-slot chassis. Topping the list of developments is the Keithley...

Digital scopes enhance speed and connectivity.(PAUL'S PICKS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... The new WaveSurfer Xs-A and MXs-A Digital Oscilloscopes feature faster processing, a more responsive user interface, 5-Mpoints/ch memory, and LXI compliance in bandwidths from 200 MHz to 1 GHz. The design incorporates a 10.4" touch screen and...

Functions bring real world into wireless test lab.(PAUL'S PICKS)(Spirent Communications Inc.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... To help recreate and replay field RF conditions in the lab, Virtual Drive Test and Fading Lab functionality have been added to the SR5500 Wireless Channel Emulator. Virtual Drive Test generates a set of controlled dynamic RF channels based on...

Test contactors target RF/microwave devices.(PAUL'S PICKS)(radio frequency)(Johnstech International Corp. )(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Pad ROL [TM]100A Series Contactors offer > 40-GHz electrical performance for testing RF/microwave communications devices such as RF amplifiers and transceivers used in WiMAX and 3G- and 4G-based wireless systems. Features include a contact...

Portable cell developed for wireless testing.(PAUL'S PICKS)(Model 5247RF test Cell )(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... The Model 5247RF Test Cell features RF shielding and shielded door technology and 80-dB performance over the frequency range of 700 MHz to 10 GHz. It accommodates wireless device design verification and over-the-air performance measurements for...

Signal Conditioning Module features on-board ADCs.(PAUL'S PICKS)(analog to digital converters)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... The single-wide CP246 CompactPCI/PXI Bridge Signal Conditioning Module incorporates eight signal conditioning channels and eight independent 16-bit ADCs as well as 16 multifunction digital I/O channels. Typical applications include structural,...

Optical analyzer addresses 40/100G physical layer test.(PAUL'S PICKS)
May 1, 2009... The time-domain N4391A Optical Modulation Analyzer is based on a 90000 Infiniium Oscilloscope, a special version of the 89600 Vector Signal Analysis software, and an optical polarization sensitive coherent receiver. The optical coherent...

LXI Class A subsystem handles 576 channels.(PAUL'S PICKS)
May 1, 2009... The EX1200 Series of high-density switch/measure and control subsystems features LXI Class A technology and measures up to 576 channels of voltage or temperature. It offers a scalable architecture with half-rack 1U and full-rack 1U and 3U...

Modules automate audio bus and Power Analysis functions.(PAUL'S PICKS)
May 1, 2009... Two new solutions, the DPOxAUDIO Triggering and Analysis Module for digital audio serial buses and the DPOxPWR Power Analysis Module, support embed ded design engineering. Both units are compatible with the MSO/ DPO4000 and DPO3000 Series...

Generators offer output frequency to 250 MHz.(PAUL'S PICKS)
May 1, 2009... Models WS8101, WS8102M and WS8251 compose the new Wave Standard Series of single - and dual-channel function/arbitrary generators. These instruments, housed in a 2U half-rack size box, feature Ethernet, USB, and GPIB interfaces and a...

Introducing the CNO.(MANAGER'S FORUM)(chief no officer)
May 1, 2009... Every company needs a CNO. Ideally it should be the CEO, but if for some reason the CEO does not want the job, his next in line has to take it. What is a CNO? The chief NO officer. This is the single person in your company allowed to say no to...

Switches get no respect.(SWITCHING SYSTEMS)
May 1, 2009... Because virtually every test application has some aspect that is unique, there is no such thing as a standard test setup. Instead, the test system integrator must determine the combination of instruments, test fixtures, and switching that best...

The rest of the story.(DATA ACQUISITION)
May 1, 2009... The vast majority of data acquisition (DAQ) and control I/O channels are fairly generic A/D inputs, D/A outputs, and parallel digital I/O. System requirements vary greatly, but the old 80-20 rule holds as well in the DAQ arena as anywhere....

Testing ICs without breaking the (power) budget.(IC TEST)(integrated circuits)
May 1, 2009... Saying that advanced ICs are complex is an understatement. The seemingly endless progression to smaller geometries, the ever-increasing integration between analog and digital blocks, and the diminishing voltage supply are just some of the...

ATE buyers guide.(Buyers guide)
May 1, 2009... EE's 28th annual ATE Buyers Guide is a comprehensive, up-to-date listing of the companies that offer automated test equipment. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The guide is arranged in two sections. First is a product/company cross-reference...

Four keys to successful multicore optimization.(MACHINE VISION)
May 1, 2009... For many years, increases in machine vision speed came almost automatically with increasing microprocessor speeds. However, this no longer is true with multicore PC architectures, which require major software design changes to take advantage of...

EMC testing goes the extra mile.(EMC TEST LABS)(electromagnetic compatibility)
May 1, 2009... EMC standards strike a balance between extremes. Emissions must be controlled, but equally, there is a need "to harden a design against interference, whether from internal or external sources. Reducing emissions and their effects requires...