June Products

Four new X-Series Signal Generators include the MXG and EXG models (available in analog and vector versions) that support the development of components and receivers that meet the challenges of mitigating interference, speeding data throughput, and increasing signal quality in applications such as radar, military communications, and consumer wireless.

While the moderately priced EXG employs a single-loop design, the MXG uses a triple-loop synthesizer to deliver phase noise performance of -146 dBc/Hz at 1 GHz and 20 kHz offset, enabling it to provide the signals needed to test aerospace/defense enhanced radar designs. For developers of radar components such as mixers and ADCs, the MXG also features spurious performance of -96 dBc at 1 GHz.

For designers developing faster data streaming in 802.11ac devices, the MXG offers factory-equalized 160-MHz RF bandwidth and ±0.2 dB flatness. Both the MXG and EXG deliver low EVM, output power up to +27 dBm, and ACPR of up to -73 dBc. From $6,900 for the EXG N5171B Analog Signal Generator to $19,320 for the MXG N5182B Vector Signal Generator.

Agilent Technologies

USB Oscilloscopes

The PicoScope 6000 Series of oscilloscopes comprises six models that offer four channels with a maximum sampling rate of 5 GS/s, a range of input bandwidths from 250 MHz to 500 MHz, and buffer memory depths from 128 MS to 1 GS. A built-in function generator or arbitrary waveform generator is optional.

The PicoScope oscilloscope software supports serial decoding, mask limit testing, segmented memory, and advanced triggers. Running on a Windows PC, PicoScope provides a large, clear display that allows zooming and panning under keyboard or mouse control. Other built-in features are persistence displays with fast waveform update rates, math channels, automatic measurements with statistics, programmable alarms, and decoding of I2C, UART/RS232, SPI, CAN, and LIN bus signals. Triggering modes include pulse width, interval, window, window pulse width, level dropout, window dropout, runt pulse, variable hysteresis, and logic. A free software development kit can control the scopes from any custom application.

Pico Technology

Quad-Port PoE Frame Grabber

The GIE64+quad-port GigE Vision Frame Grabber features PoE (Power over Ethernet) capability, IEEE 1588 precision time protocol support, and a PoE application programming interface. The GIE64+ has four independent Gigabit Ethernet ports with data transfer rates up to 1 Gb/s and GigE Vision camera compliance.

The GIE64+ support for IEEE 1588 includes a software trigger mode for multicamera synchronized captures. Combining IEEE 1588 and PoE function, the GIE64+ utilizes one Ethernet cable for power supply, data transfer, and synchronization. In a typical four-channel image system, the GIE64+ requires four cables rather than the conventional 12. In addition, the GIE64+ also accommodates a PoE application programming interface enabling easy power status programming and auto detection of compatibility with both PoE and non-PoE devices.

ADLINK Technology

PXI Boundary-Scan Modules

The PXI XJLink2 second-generation PXI boundary-scan solution supports integration with PXI-based test systems, providing, for example, a way of accessing high pin-count FPGAs. Users of platforms such as National Instruments’ LabVIEW and LabWindows software can leverage the benefits of the XJLink2 boundary-scan controller from within their integrated PXI test platform. The PXI XJLink2 is the fastest XJLink to be released by XJTAG, with the company reporting a 10% to 20% improvement on flash-memory programming time and a 40% to 50% improvement on verify time. Those running LabVIEW software also benefit from a full set of virtual instruments to interface to the XJTAG system.

XJTAG

Bluetooth Low-Energy Test Set

The N4010A Test Set with the Bluetooth low-energy Tx/Rx option gives manufacturers and designers a method for testing Texas Instruments’ Bluetooth low-energy ICs. Bluetooth low-energy technology enables long operational life with minimal power consumption for applications such as mobile communications, sports and fitness, healthcare, security, and home entertainment. The tester supports TI’s single- and dual-mode solutions.

The N4010A delivers a multiformat test solution for WLAN, Bluetooth, and ZigBee applications in R&D, integration and verification, or manufacturing environments. It works with nonsignaling measurement test cases in external PC-hosted software.

Agilent Technologies

Modules for Optical Network Test

µOTDR modules for the Network Master MT9090A Platform provide the tools necessary for installing and maintaining high-speed, high-bandwidth optical networks including PON-based FTTx networks. The MU909014C/15C Modules offer three wavelengths: 1,310 nm and 1,550 nm for installation and either 1,625 nm or 1,650 nm for maintenance. They combine an OTDR, power meter, light source, loss test set, PON power meter, and connector inspection microscope in a single pocket-sized design.

The MU909014C/15C features a dynamic range of up to 38 dB. The dynamic range as well as the µOTDR’s enhanced midrange pulse widths allow the MT9090A modules to deliver better resolution and sampling of 2 cm, eliminating the need to test at multiple wavelengths. The µOTDRs also offer up to 250,000 data points and dead zones of <1 meter.

Anritsu

USB DAQ Module

DT9862S, the newest addition to the company’s series of high-speed simultaneous USB data acquisition modules, offers a bandwidth of 300 MHz with crystal-controlled sampling for low-jitter, precise applications. An external clock input enables the user to lock the under-sampling to a multiple of the signal under test. RF communications applications such as sonar and satellite surveillance are just a couple of areas where under-sampling is required for high-quality measurements.

The DT9862S offers two 16-bit simultaneous analog channels, two optional analog outputs, 32 DIO lines, two counter/timers, three quadrature decoders, and ±500-V galvanic isolation. A full range of software options including Windows XP/Vista/7-compatible drivers is available at no charge. The DT9862S ships installed in a metal connection box with SMA connectors or as a board-level OEM version. From $3,650.

Data Translation

LCR Meter

The E4982A LCR Meter tests passive components such as SMD inductors and EMI filters where impedance testing at frequencies of 1 MHz to 3 GHz is required. The E4982A offers 0.8% basic impedance measurement accuracy and repeatable measurements with small measurement variation. It also delivers measurement speeds of 0.9 ms, 2.1 ms, or 3.7 ms.

The E4982A is compatible with the current 4287A LCR Meter while offering greater performance. SCPI commands and a handler interface function for the E4982A also work with the 4287A LCR Meter, allowing customers to leverage earlier investments and expertise in the software. The E4982A provides PC connectivity via GPIB, LAN, and USB; an intuitive user interface; a 10.4” display; and a compact design with 277-mm depth. From $31,487 for 1-MHz to 3-GHz frequencies.

Agilent Technologies

Triaxial Connectors

A range of Triaxial connectors includes the TRB Series Bayonet Connectors and the TRT Series with a threaded coupling sleeve. The TRB and TRT Series feature low noise, isolated ground, nonconstant impedance, and high-integrity clamp construction. These connectors are suitable for high- or low-volume applications. They also are weatherproof and adapt to both Twinax and Triax cable types.

TRB bayonet-style connectors are used for quick-connect applications. TRT threaded coupling connectors are designed for applications requiring enhanced performance. Both series will withstand immersion in water for four hours at a 10-meter depth.

Triaxial connectors commonly are used in industrial, broadcast, and medical applications, including nuclear-medicine camera cables where reduced noise or interference levels are required and to ensure accurate measurements in medical dosimeter systems. Intelliconnect Triax connectors are double screened to ensure EMC integrity.

Intelliconnect USA

Thermal Management for ICs

The TSL-ST-01A Thermal Socket Lid allows any IC devices to be placed inside any socket and operated at the IC’s extreme temperature to determine its thermal capability. The socket lid and associated control system enable temperature control of IC devices during thermal characterization using direct thermal contact technology that provides accurate and stable temperatures on the IC resulting in precise characterization.

The three main components of the thermal-management system are the thermal socket lid, the chiller, and the controller. The chiller supplies chilled liquid to the thermal socket lid. The controller has a constant feedback to monitor the thermal socket lid and supply the necessary electrical input to control the temperature.

The thermal socket lid transfers heat to the IC and compresses the IC on the interconnect unit. It replaces the actual socket lid on top of a test socket and has a replaceable compression plate to accommodate various IC sizes. An additional accessory called a socket frame interfaces the thermal socket lid to the socket body. From $3,987 in unit quantities.

Ironwood Electronics

1.5-GHz Spectrum Analyzer

The DSA815 Spectrum Analyzer with all-digital IF technology covers a frequency range of 9 kHz to 1.5 GHz and features a compact design and easy-to-use interface. The spectrum analyzer has a typical displayed average noise level (DANL) of -135 dBm, offset phase noise of -80 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz, and a total amplitude uncertainty of <1.5 dB. The DSA815 includes AM/FM demodulation and a preamplifier plus a variety of optional enhancements such as an EMI filter and a quasi-peak detector kit and a 1.5-GHz tracking generator.

Rigol’s digital IF design technology offers users the ability to measure smaller signals by enabling smaller bandwidth settings, reducing the displayed average noise level. With a minimum resolution bandwidth of 100 Hz, Rigol’s digital IF filter can distinguish between small signals close in frequency. From $1,295.

Rigol Technologies

Hall-Effect Sensors

The MLX92221 and MLX92241 Hall-Effect Sensors deliver the levels of performance and robustness needed for the stringent requirements of automotive applications such as seat positioning systems, seat adjusters, seatbelt buckle switches, wipers, and motor commutations systems. These devices are equipped with an EEPROM memory, allowing the setting of customer-specific parameters for magnetic switch points and output polarity. The customer’s ability to specify tailored characteristics will enable improvements to sensor module yields, bill-of-materials costs, and performance capabilities.

With a wide programmable magnetic range, the MLX92221 and MLX92241 both feature Hall-effect sensing elements operating from 2.7 V to 24 V voltage levels, addressing automotive, consumer, and industrial applications. These devices integrate protection mechanisms to guard against ESD, reverse supply voltage, and thermal overload.

Melexis Microelectronic Integrated Systems

Multi-TAP JTAG for ICT

The QuadTAP/CFM is a four-channel JTAG hardware platform that seamlessly integrates boundary-scan test capabilities into Teradyne in-circuit testers. The QuadTAP/CFM is designed for use with Teradyne TestStation and GR228x Series Testers. The platform provides independently adjustable TAP interface voltages from 1.25 V to 3.3 V, 100-MHz test-clock rates for boundary-scan test support, compatibility with IEEE 1149.6 AC-coupled digital networks, and in-system programming of flash and CPLD devices.

The QuadTAP/CFM is a single-slot custom functional module form-factor board that installs directly into one of four slots on a Teradyne multifunction application board. Integration is simple and transparent once installed in the system. Up to eight signals of the QuadTAP/CFM are available to test fixtures and the tester backplane. Additional signals are available using the included expander modules, which install into additional board slots.

Corelis

Scope Analysis Application

The N8900A InfiniiView PC-based oscilloscope software allows engineers to view and analyze previously captured signals from oscilloscopes made by Agilent and other vendors. To enable engineers to create usable documentation faster, InfiniiView incorporates bookmark and smart-marker documentation features. Because the application runs on a PC, users can more easily share information with design partners, vendors, and customers using thumb drives, email, or web conferencing.

InfiniiView migrates a full-featured real-time oscilloscope user interface to a PC for rapid navigation and powerful viewing/analysis. It offers up to 1,680 x 1,200 display resolution for better waveform viewing with large monitors and separate dockable windows for time, frequency, and protocol measurements for user-customizable views. In addition, the application provides transportable and server-based licensing to facilitate sharing. From $750 for the base software; upgrades and a free 14-day trial license are available.

Agilent Technologies

65-GHz Real-time Bandwidth Scope

LeCroy has extended the bandwidth of its 10 Zi product line to 65 GHz, from a previously announced 60 GHz, and unveiled a roadmap to provide 100 GHz of real-time bandwidth in calendar year 2013. According to the company, the improvement to 65 GHz was made possible by results achieved with 8HP SiGe chipsets.

The modular oscilloscope architecture separates the oscilloscope signal-acquisition function from the display, control, and processing functions. The instrument’s MCM-Zi Master Control Module contains the display, controls, ChannelSync architecture, and a server-class CPU.

The 10 Zi acquisition modules provide silicon-based 36-GHz performance with up to 65 GHz on two channels. One 10 Zi master control module and one 10 Zi acquisition module function as a single conventional four-channel 36-GHz oscilloscope or as a conventional two-channel 65-GHz and four-channel 36-GHz scope. However, by using the ChannelSync architecture, up to 20 10 Zi acquisition modules can be synchronized, extending the channel density by a factor of 20 to achieve up to 80 channels at 36 GHz and 40 channels at 65 GHz. From $355,000.

LeCroy

Audio/Video Test Platform