You have analyzed your requirements, decided that a VXI test system is right for you, and now you are ready to select the mainframe. But while you would like to minimize initial acquisition costs, you want to be ready for the future when you may need a larger power supply or more monitoring facilities. Fortunately, a new scaleable mainframe series not only performs better than earlier models but also can be upgraded at a later time.
The Tektronix VX1420A, VX1410A, and VX1411A IntelliFrame® family of 13-slot mainframes offers intelligent operation, high reliability, easy maintenance, and cooling specifications up to four times greater than the VX1410. Air is automatically blocked from entering empty slots and variable-speed fans ensure low-noise operations.
The VX1420A Super Cooler™ Mainframe features the highest cooling capacity of the series. It is suited for applications in defense/aerospace, automotive electronics, and communications test, where system density and power requirements mandate a high cooling capability. It offers closed-loop, slot-by-slot temperature monitoring and is programmable from either an internal or external controller.
EMI DIN shields on the backplane restrict electromagnetic emissions, helping to attain EC92 compliance. For high-speed digital applications that draw substantial current from the 5 V-rail, the VX1420A supplies 90 A. It offers 1,672 W of available power and 875 W of usable power.
The system monitor provides continuous real-time information about equipment performance. It tracks parameters such as the exhaust temperature of each instrument module, current drawn on each rail, total power, and fan speeds. A standard front-panel display furnishes system information.
The VX1410A shares many of the features found in the VX1420A and offers 1,720 W of available power. The front-panel display is optional.
The VX1411A IntelliFrame Mainframe supplies 5 V at 80 A, 1,186 W of available power, 700 W of usable power, cooling, and standard EMI DIN shields on the backplane. It is suitable for first-time VXI users with medium-performance test-system needs.
You can buy the mainframe for today’s requirements and upgrade it with additional cooling, programmability, and other features as test needs change. For example, Tektronix can convert your VX1411A into a VX1410A or a VX1420A.
Waveform Analyzers
After selecting a mainframe to satisfy your initial needs, the next step is to choose the appropriate VXI stimuli, measurement, and analysis modules. For the latter function, the instrument of choice for almost any application is the signal or waveform analyzer.
The new TVS600A Series of waveform analyzers combines oscilloscope capabilities with processing and analysis in a compact VXI instrument. These modules address communications test and mixed-signal test applications as well as characterization and research-related analytical activities.
The series includes four models:
TVS645A TVS641A TVS625A TVS621A
Channels 4 4 2 2
Bandwidth 1 GHz 250 MHz 1 GHz 250 MHz
Maximum Sample Rate 5 GS/s 1 GS/s 5 GS/s 1 GS/s
Among the major features are template testing, zoned waveform measurements, statistics, measurement limit comparison, full-function VXIplug&play drivers, and a soft front panel. A built-in DSP and a portfolio of waveform processing and analysis functions reduce raw data to answers.
Other features include Digital Real-Time™ acquisition which delivers simultaneous single-shot capture on up to four channels. A peak detect mode that recognizes events as narrow as 1 ns anywhere within the sample interval and records their occurrence even at very low sampling rates. This can detect high-frequency events while observing long time windows. Also included is an auto-advance mode that captures a sequence of transient events in discrete memory segments.
Integration Services
After you select the mainframe and instruments, it’s time for system integration.
If you would rather not attempt this effort yourself, you can use the new Tektronix Mainframe Configuration Service. The Slot-0 device and all Tektronix instruments will be inserted into the mainframe, all drivers and soft front panels loaded, all jumper switches set, and the system tested to ensure correct operation. The mainframe and instruments are shipped to you as a single unit along with system documentation.
Prices for the VX1420A, VX1410A, and VX1411A IntelliFrame 13-slot mainframes are $7,995, 6,895, and $5,495, respectively. The waveform analyzers are TVS621A—$6,800, TVS641A—$11,800, TVS625A—$14,500, and TVS645A—$25,900. Tektronix, (800) 426-2200 (press 3, code 1031).
Copyright 1997 Nelson Publishing Inc.
October 1997
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