November 2013 Product Picks

SystemVue 2013.08 supports high-performance distributed computing by introducing the W1712 Distributed Computing Eight-Pack, which integrates with enterprise grid managers and provides concurrent licensing for up to eight dataflow simulations (and necessary add-on libraries). System architects of wireless, 4G smartphone, and radar applications now can verify next-generation system performance up to 64 times faster using Linux-based grid computing managers such as the IBM Platform Load Sharing Facility.

The W1712 is stackable in steps of eight, making accelerated validation of user algorithms in MATLAB, C++, and native SystemVue dataflow formats scalable across large server farms. From $17,687; a free 30-day evaluation copy is available. Agilent Technologies

Mixed-Signal Oscilloscope

The MSO4000 Series mixed-signal oscilloscope offers 16 digital and up to four analog channels at bandwidths ranging from 100 to 500 MHz. The mixed-signal capabilities enable users to tackle more extensive signal analysis and digital decoding for testing and debugging of a wider range of analog/digital signals. Featuring 28-Mpoint memory depth in each digital channel and 140 Mpoints in analog channels, the MSO4000 scopes deliver sample rates of 1 GS/s digital and 4 GS/s analog.

The vendor’s UltraVision technology allows for real-time waveform recording, replay, and analysis of up to 200,000 frames (64,000 frames with digital). From $3,217. Rigol Technologies

MIL/Aero DAQ Platform

The DNA-PPC6-1G-MIL CUBE is compliant with many aspects of MIL-STD-461 (including all power-supply requirements) and MIL-STD-810, supporting virtually any input, sensor, or interface I/O. The chassis is U.S. manufactured, factory tested, rated for operation from -40°C to +70°C, able to withstand 5g vibration and 100g shock, and designed to support a range of high- and low-voltage analog and digital signals.

The MIL-CUBE is easily configured as a standalone I/O controller or integrated with high-density, multifunction data-acquisition systems. Its advanced architecture provides users with a simple and universal software API to construct, add, and reconfigure applications based upon the I/O layers. From $6,000. United Electronics Industries

Equalizer

The LE320 two-differential-channel, nine-tap linear equalizer supports data rates up to 32 Gb/s as part of a BERTScope receiver test system. The LE320 provides versatile output signal conditioning and tunable input equalization to create an optimal system for testing four electrical channels operating at 25 to 28 Gb/s each, complementing the multichannel capabilities of a new, enhanced line of PPG/PED pattern-generator and error-detector products. A sampling oscilloscope option (CEI-VSR) ensures efficient and consistent compliance testing support so that design teams can smooth the transition to manufacturing.

For customers working with lower data rates, the vendor offers an LE160 model for systems up to 20 Gb/s. From $23,000. Tektronix

Dynamic Signal Acquisition Module

The PXIe-9529 PXI Express dynamic signal acquisition module has up to eight 24-bit analog input channels simultaneously sampling at 192 kS/s and a 108-dB dynamic range. The PXIe-9529 features a vibration-optimized lower AC cutoff frequency of 0.3 Hz, and all input channels incorporate 4-mA bias current for integrated electronic piezoelectric (IEPE) signal conditioning for accelerometers and microphones, positioning the module for machine condition monitoring; noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH); and phased-array data-acquisition applications.

The PXIe-9529 provides flexible input ranges up to ±10 V or ±1 V, software-selectable AC or DC coupling, and both differential and pseudo-differential input configuration, with up to ± 42.4-V over-voltage protection for positive and negative inputs in both configurations. ADLINK Technology

Flying Prober

The Pilot^4D line brings flying-probe test advantages to all four stages in the life cycle of an electronic board. At the prototype stage, once the CAD data is available, the test program can be ready within minutes. At the production stage, a fully automated loading and unloading option is available on all systems, and the double-side test configuration of the vertical systems enables the flying probers to test hundreds of boards every day.

At the repair stage, the Pilot^4D includes a suite of about 15 test techniques, complementary to each other and fully automatic, maximizing fault coverage and diagnostic capabilities. At the legacy support stage, reverse-engineering capabilities can rebuild the board schematics and CAD data. Seica

High-Power System Power Supplies

The Advanced Power System (APS) family offers 1- and 2-kW power supplies for demanding ATE applications, and the N8900 Series provides programmable 5-, 10- and 15-kW power supplies with autoranging outputs for basic ATE applications. These two new power-supply families extend the vendor’s range of power supplies into the high-power market.

The 1- and 2-kW APS models, expandable to 10 kW, are available in two performance classes. The APS N6900 Series DC power supplies are designed for ATE applications where high performance is critical. The APS N7900 Series dynamic DC power supplies support ATE applications where high-speed dynamic sourcing and measurement are needed. Agilent Technologies

20-GHz PC Oscilloscope

The PicoScope 9300 oscilloscopes (manufactured by Pico Technology) use sequential sampling technology to measure fast repetitive signals without the need for expensive real-time sampling hardware. With an input bandwidth of up to 20 GHz, acquisition of signals with rise times as fast as 17.5 ps now is possible with this sampling adapter, which attaches to a standard PC. Precise time-base stability and accuracy and a resolution of 64 fs allow accurate jitter characterizations. With over 15-TS/s effective sampling rate, 17.5-ps input rise time, and dual 16-bit, 60-dB dynamic-range inputs, PicoScope 9300 sampling scopes are suitable for applications including signal analysis, timing analysis, testing and design of high-speed digital communications systems, network analysis, semiconductor testing, and research and development. Saelig

Embedded Vision Starter Kit

The Blackfin BF609 embedded vision starter kit for the dual-core Blackfin BF609 processor offers an updated pipelined vision processor (PVP) programmer and a new lens adapter. CrossCore Embedded Studio, the new PVP programmer add-in to the Blackfin development tool, enables a streamlined configuration of the PVP found in ADSP-BF60x parts.

Each kit has a single board featuring the blocks necessary to prototype an embedded-vision application, including the BF609 dual-core processor, a high-definition CMOS color sensor with replaceable lens for video input, an HDMI/DVI port for output, a 10/100 Ethernet interface, and LED target illumination. Each kit (manufactured by Analog Devices) also includes a USB-based in-circuit emulator providing an easy, portable, nonintrusive debugging solution for the kit. Avnet Electronics Marketing

Safety MCU Development Kits

Two new TI Hercules LaunchPad development kits allow design engineers to explore the TI Hercules Safety MCUs and evaluate the MCUs’ safety features, specifically with regard to the IEC 61508 (industrial) and ISO 26262 (road vehicle) functional safety standards. The kits deliver scalable performance, connectivity, memory, and safety features for the TMS570 and RM4x series of ARM Cortex-based MCUs. Each kit (manufactured by Texas Instruments) contains the development board, a USB cable, and documentation. Newark element14

Real-Time Support for DSP Data Acquisition

A new software upgrade supports development of DSP code for the company’s DT9841 series of real-time DSP data acquisition modules. With the upgrade, TI Code Composer Studio 5.2.1 now can be used to develop low-level DSP applications that run standalone or communicate with a Windows application. The upgrade works with vibration-centric and other systems.

The DSP software support is included with the DSP board purchase. It consists of a DSP Series Library, a download utility, a flash program utility, sample programs, and a calibration utility. Data Translation

VoLTE Voice Quality Measurement

Spirent has integrated its field-based Nomad HD solution with its CS8 Mobile Device Tester and 8100 Mobile Device Test System to assess VoLTE call performance and voice quality in the lab. Now carriers and mobile device suppliers can apply the same voice-quality measurement system in live networks as well as in the lab to ensure subscriber satisfaction with VoLTE services. The integrated solution can fully quantify the end-user quality of experience and testing with realistic scenarios prior to commercial deployment. Spirent Communications