EE-Evaluation Engineering articles from September 2007

EE-Evaluation Engineering archives from September 2007

Another student challenge.(EDITORIAL)
September 1, 2007... As you probably surmised from past editorials, I'm a firm believer that we should do much more to encourage students to pursue engineering careers, especially electronics engineering. It's been reported that fewer engineers are graduating from...

Module accelerates design and development of storage devices.(PRODUCT BRIEFING)
September 1, 2007... The 1736 dual-purpose module combines the network stimulus of a storage area network (SAN) tester application with protocol analysis and troubleshooting capabilities for 8-Gb/s Fibre Channel. The module also supports 4 Gb/s, 2 Gb/s, and 1 Gb/s...

Boundary scan tools support remote diagnostics.(PRODUCT BRIEFING)
September 1, 2007... A tool suite to support remote diagnostics of faults is a new integrated part of the SYSTEM CASCON[TM] JTAG/boundary scan software platform. The suite is based on a special vector interface for the export and import of test patterns in various...

Graphical software addresses multicore and FPGA technology.(PRODUCT BRIEFING)
September 1, 2007... LabVIEW 8.5 simplifies multicore and FPGA development for high-performance test applications with its intuitive parallel dataflow language. It offers performance gains with automatic thread scaling based on the total available number of...

Temperature Forcing System is compact and versatile.(PRODUCT BRIEFING)
September 1, 2007... The T-2650BV Precision Temperature Forcing System (PTFS) for electronic component testing is a portable benchtop unit with a temperature range of -60[degrees]C to 200[degrees]C and an airflow rate of 300 scfh. It offers the convenience of...

Graphical test software developed for LXI applications.(PRODUCT BRIEFING)
September 1, 2007... Instrument Pak, an add-on to Measure Foundry[TM] 5.0, provides drag-and-drop graphical software to configure LXI test and measurement applications using IVI-COM drivers along with existing VISA and SCPI programs. It supports several standard...

Vector network analyzer features portable design.(PRODUCT BRIEFING)
September 1, 2007... The R & S ZVL Series combines a full-featured vector network analyzer with a spectrum analyzer in a portable instrument. Two models are available: one with a frequency range from 9 kHz to 3 GHz and the other covering 9 kHz to 6 GHz, both with a...

Software creates and edits RF/IF/IQ waveforms.(PRODUCT BRIEFING)
September 1, 2007... RFXpress[TM] Software performs RF/IF/IQ waveform creation and editing of digitally modulated signals for the company's AWG5000 and AWG7000 Arbitrary Waveform Generators. It provides an intuitive user interface for creating and managing...

The impending implementation of CMMI for test software.(AEROSPACE/DEFENSE TEST)
September 1, 2007... Component maturity model integration (CMMI) is a software development standard spearheaded by the Department of Defense (DoD) to improve the quality of the software developed by its contractors. Some of the largest defense and aerospace...

The art of test system development.(DATA ACQUISITION)
September 1, 2007... An off-the-shelf data acquisition (DAQ) system may cost less to purchase than a custom solution, but how well will it solve your problem? For applications requiring a special mix of measurement and stimulus types or in cases where a turnkey...

Is full test coverage feasible or fools gold?(MAXIMIZING TEST COVERAGE)
September 1, 2007... When asked, many engineers will say that the goal of a test plan for a PCB is full or 100% test coverage. When pressed further, they usually admit that 100% test coverage is virtually impossible to achieve. The real goal becomes optimum test...

WiMedia beaconing protocol test considerations.(PROTOCOL ANALYSIS)
September 1, 2007... The WiMedia Alliance's ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless architecture handles multiple protocols with a common radio platform that uses the same PHY/MAC layer. Whether the device is using Certified Wireless USB, Bluetooth technology, or Wireless...

Tiny switches with big features.(MEMS TEST)
September 1, 2007... Development of MEMS relays has been underway since at least the early '90s with many types reported during the intervening years. Anticipated benefits include extremely small size, long life in excess of 100 billion cycles for military...

MIL-STD-810G finally recognizes multiaxis shaking.(MILITARY ENVIRONMENTAL TEST)
September 1, 2007... Three tests--shaking a product first in the X axis, then in the Y axis, and finally in the Z axis--are not realistic. But MIL-STD-810, published in 1962, revised six times since 2000, and currently in its F revision, has only offered the...

PXI/VXI Buyers Guide.(Directory)
September 1, 2007... EE's PXI/VXI Buyers Guide is a comprehensive, up-to-date listing of the companies that specialize in PXI/VXI products and services, including arbitrary waveform generators, embedded controllers, power supplies, mainframes, switches and...

Amplifier considerations for the new IEC 61000-4-3.(EMC TEST)
September 1, 2007... The third edition of IEC 61000-4-3, published in 2006, has mandated changes in some key areas that may require the replacement of your radiated immunity test amplifier. Along with extending the test frequency range to 6 GHz and better defining...

5-W Solid-State Amplifier.(EMC/ESD PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... The Model 5S10G20 Solid-State Amplifier provides 5-W output power at a 10-GHz to 20-GHz frequency range. It is a self-contained, air-cooled, broadband amplifier designed for benchtop use but can be rack mounted. The 5S10G20 is protected from RF...

Absorber Sheets.(EMC/ESD PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... AB-5000S Absorber Sheets reduce EMI at frequencies below 1 GHz and EMI noise and harmonic coupling in electronic equipment, cables, or circuits including any portion covered by a shield can. They also decrease EMI susceptibility of sensitive...

Barrier Strip Terminal Blocks.(EMC/ESD PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... Barrier Strip EMI Filtered Terminal Blocks now offer 90-degree lead bends. They provide EMI/RFI filtering of AC and DC power and control lines and address backplane EMI leakage problems. They are UL recognized and CSA approved for DC voltages...

Foam gaskets.(EMC/ESD PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... The 2700 Series Conductive Foam is available as gaskets, custom designs, or sheet stock. The durable foam provides X-, Y- and Z-axis conductivity. The material, suitable for computer, router, and telecom I/O shielding, comes with or without...

Board-Level Shields.(EMC/ESD PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... The BMIS-226 and BMIS-208 Frame and Cover Sets add two footprints to the BMI series of standard board-level shield (BLS) products. The shields isolate board-level components and minimize crosstalk and susceptibility without impacting system...

Emissions/immunity software.(EMC/ESD PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... Version 4.0 of the Compliance 3 Emissions and Immunity Test Software supports recent changes in the IEC 61000-4-3 field uniformity calibration requirements. Because the new process requires calibrations be performed at 1.8 times the regular...

Filtered inlets and outlets.(EMC/ESD PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... A line of IEC 60320 filtered inlets and outlets accommodates computer, medical, general-purpose, and custom indoor-type equipment applications. They have ratings from 6 A to 20 A and 120 VAC or 250 VAC. Features include an IEC 60320 Class I...

Benchtop ion blower.(EMC/ESD PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... The minION2 Bipolar DC Corona Ionizer is designed for use in critical assembly benchtop applications. The unit maintains [+ or -]10-V balance, and a fan speed control can be used to adjust the amount of air delivered to the worksur-face....

Combination data Tester.(EMC/ESD PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... The Ohm-Stat[TM] CT-8900 Combination Tester measures, records, prints, and e-mails the resistivity value of each foot and wrist strap individually and simultaneously in [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

4-GHz to 8-GHz amplifiers.(EMC/ESD PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... The 4G8 family of solid-state, self-contained, water-cooled broadband amplifiers covers a frequency range from 4 GHz to 8 GHz. They are suitable for testing to wireless, EMC automotive, and IEC 61000-4-3 specifications. The family includes the...

Image analysis boosts camera sensor alignment.(CAMERA SENSOR ALIGNMENT)
September 1, 2007... Consumer demand for products that incorporate camera modules such as cell phones, automobiles, and even toys continues to grow rapidly. Sales of camera phones reached 295 million units worldwide in 2005 and will rise by 26% annually over the...

Tektronix and CESI establish joint digital RF Research Lab.(NEWS 'n NOTES)(China Electronics Standardization Institution )(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Tektronix has developed a partnership with the China Electronics Standardization Institution (CESI) to set up a joint lab for advanced research and assessment of digital RF and digital TV standards in China. The new lab will be a key research...

EMC design seminar/workshop.(NEWS 'n NOTES)
September 1, 2007... EMC By Your Design, a four-day seminar/workshop that applies EMC design fundamentals to real-life situations, will be held Oct. 25-26 and 29-30 at the Hilton Hotel in Northbrook, IL. Participants can earn 30 professional development credits by...

White Mountain Labs adds specialized test Services.(NEWS 'n NOTES)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... White Mountain Labs, a company addressing test and characterization of advanced technologies, has added ClearTest ATE Services as its new ATE business segment. ClearTest will support development on many test platforms, including the Teradyne...

Environmental test seminars.(NEWS 'n NOTES)(Calendar)
September 1, 2007... Hobbs Engineering will conduct several environmental test-related seminars this fall. Scheduled in Minneapolis are Comprehensive HALT and HASS on Sept. 10-11, HALT and HASS Workshop and Developing a Reliability Program Plan Sept. 12, and...

Thermocouple-to-wireless connector.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
September 1, 2007... Smart Connector[TM] UWTC Wireless Thermocouple Connector Series features stand-alone, compact, battery-powered thermocouple connectors that transmit linearized, cold junction-compensated measurements to USB-powered receiver connected to a PC....

Automotive network interfaces.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
September 1, 2007... Model AVT-418 Ethernet Interface supports all popular vehicle network protocols. CAN (with ISO 15765), three CAN physical layers, LIN, K-line, J1850, and more. All protocols supported, nothing else to buy. Free terminal software. All...

Test and measurement.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
September 1, 2007... Data Translation's free Product Guide offers details on the company's broad range of USB, PCI, and LXI data acquisition test and measurement products, including Measure Foundry application builder. Choose from low-cost, simultaneous,...

6 1/2-digit DMM.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
September 1, 2007... Get Keithley's new Model 2100 6 1/2-Digit USB Digital Multimeter at its special introductory price of $795 plus 30-day no risk evaluation. Learn more about its high precision, features, and speed or take advantage of this limited time offer and...

Conductive adhesives.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
September 1, 2007... Master Bond's electrically conductive adhesives are the number-one choice for the design of tomorrow's advanced electrical circuitry. The line includes silver-, nickel-, copper-, and graphite-filled compounds. Both one- and two-component...

Oscilloscope measurement.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
September 1, 2007... Become a measurement expert! ZTEC Instruments invites you to download our free technical article titled "Oscilloscope Measurement Fundamentals." This 10-page color article explains oscilloscope waveform measurements and measurement accuracy and...

Measurement and automation.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
September 1, 2007... Free 2007 catalog features product information, comparison charts, key specifications, information on: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * LabVIEW 8.20 20th Anniversary Edition Graphical System Design Software * Isolated M Series, PXI...

Microscope Inspection.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
September 1, 2007... The NAT-31 Microscope Inspection System with USB 2.0 camera resolves 1-micron or less features. High-clarity zoom optics use a 0.7X to 4.5X objective lens for magnification of 42X to 270X with the standard 0.5X auxiliary lens and 84X to 540X...

3U PXI chassis.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
September 1, 2007... The PXIS-2508/2558T 8-slot 3U PXI chassis feature one system slot, seven peripheral slots, an innovative control board, remote system power on/off control, and an optional 8.4" LCD with touch-panel capability. Sustained thermal stability, low...

Vibration and shock testing.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
September 1, 2007... Book Sale! Buy Wayne Tustin's Random Vibration & Shock Testing, HALT, ESS & HASS until Dec. 31, 2007, and get a second copy for $175. Includes test/measurement practice; new material on digital techniques for spectrum analysis/digital control...

Semiconductor test systems.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
September 1, 2007... Verigy provides advanced test systems and solutions that help semiconductor device designers and manufacturers improve competitiveness through optimum combinations of flexibility, lower cost-of-test, and performance: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

RF/microwave products.(LITERATURE MARKETPLACE)
September 1, 2007... A new CD offers a virtual tour of all AR products including specification sheets on RF and microwave amplifiers, amplifier modules, EMI receivers, RF test accessories, and additional products plus application notes, advertisements, brochures,...