January 2014 Product Picks

The HDO4000-MS and HDO6000-MS oscilloscopes combine the high-definition analog channels of the HDO4000 with the flexibility of 16 digital inputs, long memory, and a compact form factor in bandwidths from 200 MHz to 1 GHz. All HDO models sport a 12.1-inch touch-screen display and an intuitive interface. Debug tools plus a full complement of automatic measurements and waveform math capabilities turn the HDO-MS oscilloscope into an all-in-one analog, digital, and serial debug machine. Spectrum analyzer software and power analysis software also are available. From $11,800 to $22,700. Teledyne LeCroy

Enhanced ScopeCorders

Two new instruments in the ScopeCorder family of portable multichannel data-acquisition recorders and oscilloscopes include the DL850E and DL850EV (Vehicle Edition). The ScopeCorders incorporate new features to allow engineers to measure and analyze signals in real time and speed up development and fault finding in areas such as power electronics, mechatronics, and transportation.

In addition to the high-speed multichannel capabilities plus long memory and isolated input channels, the new instruments have the capability to carry out the real-time measurement and analysis of electrical power. The new DL850E versions offer the /G5 option for real-time measurement of electrical power. The DL850EV Vehicle Edition serves engineers working in the automotive and railway industries. Yokogawa Corp. of America

Compact Vision System

The NI CVS-1457RT is a rugged, compact device powered by a 1.66-GHz Intel Atom processor and featuring two independent GigE Vision ports with Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology. These ports support deterministic camera triggering over the Ethernet bus so users can power the camera, send triggers, and acquire images from a single Ethernet cable.

The NI CVS-1457RT also features FPGA-enabled I/O, which can be combined with the easy-to-use Vision RIO API to tightly synchronize vision inspection results with other parts of the system, such as encoders, ejectors, and proximity sensors. The vision system is programmed with either NI LabVIEW system design software or NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection. National Instruments

Regenerative Grid Simulators

The 61800 Regenerative Grid Simulator is a full four-quadrant, fully regenerative AC power source with advanced features addressing rigorous regulatory standards testing as well as design and verification testing throughout the product development cycle. The 61800 can both sink and source from the UUT seamlessly. In cases where the UUT sources current, a detection circuit will sense the excess power and recycle it back to the grid. Designed to simulate grid characteristics, the 61800 is suitable for testing PV inverter, online UPS, smart grid, vehicle to grid, and energy storage system applications as well as common electrical product testing such as home appliances and industrial electronics requiring a programmable input source. Chroma Systems Solutions

VNA Switch Matrix

The R&S ZN-Z84 external switch matrix complements the R&S ZNB vector network analyzer. The matrix covers the frequency range from 10 MHz to 8.5 GHz, and the base model is equipped with six test ports. When needed, the number of test ports can be increased in groups of six to provide a total of 24 ports. A four-port R&S ZNB with two 24-port matrices can support 48 test ports.

The combination of the R&S ZNB and the ZN-Z84 is suitable for users in R&D and production who test components for the wireless communications sector. The R&S ZNB analyzer’s firmware supports and automatically detects the switch matrix, making it easy to integrate the ZN-Z84 into test setups. Rohde & Schwarz

Loudspeaker Test Software

A new software release increases the features of the electro-acoustic test suite for APx audio analyzers. APx v3.4 adds Thiele/Small parameters, complex impedance, and loudspeaker production test to the APx platform. This expanded electro-acoustic capability makes APx audio analyzers suitable for designing and testing integrated audio products that incorporate electronics, digital signal processing, and loudspeakers.

In addition to the new measurements, the APx electro-acoustic suite includes capabilities for measuring energy-time curve (for quasi-anechoic measurements), impulse response, frequency response, relative level, phase, distortion product ratio, distortion product level, rub and buzz, and modulated noise (for air-leak detection). Output options support waterfall charts and polar plots via APx utilities. Audio Precision

Network Analyzer Metrology Option

A new metrology option for the PNA family of network analyzers offers national metrology institutes and calibration laboratories around the world a new standard in S-parameter measurement accuracy. The new metrology option employs a unique technique for accurately characterizing the thermal stability of the vendor’s network analyzers, independent of the effects from cables and adapters. The technique provides 48 hours of stabilization data that accurately characterizes instrument drift stored on the analyzer’s hard drive. This data can be used to calculate measurement uncertainty.

In addition, the new metrology option has optimized the raw performance of the PNA family to address the specific measurement needs of metrology laboratories. For example, all front-panel loops were removed to improve stability. The PNA’s raw source match and load match also were optimized. Breakthrough receiver linearity was realized by specialized hardware techniques based on the vendor’s in-house semiconductor processes. Agilent Technologies