EE – October 2014 Product Picks

Sine/Cosine Converter

Employing an interpolation method for optical and magnetic length gages featuring decimal gratings, the iC-MQF incorporates a signal-conditioning analog front end, a vector-tracking converter for real-time conversion without latency, and fault-tolerant RS-422 driver stages.

Differential or referenced input signals from a few millivolts upwards can be connected, such as those coming from MR bridge sensors or photo sensors, for which a low impedance also can be selected. A ready-to-operate demo board with a GUI (PC software) is available for sampling; a device DLL is optional to support production tools. $9.79 in 1,000-unit volumes. iC-Haus

Force Transducers

The U9C and C9C lines of flexible miniature force transducers are highly accurate and come in more than 480 different configurations. U9C force transducers measure static and dynamic tensile and compressive force while C9C force transducers can be used to measure static and dynamic compressive force. Both are available in 10 measurement ranges from 50 N to 50 kN.

Their small size (26-mm diameter) makes the U9C and C9C transducers easier to install than larger sensors, but their 0.2% accuracy allows them to be used in many applications that previously required the use of larger sensors. The transducers are made from stainless steel and are hermetically sealed to protect against dust and water to meet the IP67 standard, making them suitable for applications outside the lab. HBM

Protocol Simulation and Conformance Test Tool

The Message Automation and Protocol Simulation (MAPS) test tool, which supports a variety of wireless, IP, and TDM protocols, has been enhanced to run as a true 64-bit application. The 64-bit version improves the signaling simulation performance to overcome the limitation of only 2-GB application memory in 32-bit processors.

The application includes various test plans and test cases to support the testing of real-time entities. Along with automation capability, the application gives users the unlimited ability to edit messages and control scenarios (message sequences). A new scheduler feature helps users automate the testing process. GL Communications

JTAG Flash Module

An integrated XJFlash feature allows engineers to automatically generate customized programming solutions that can overcome the speed limitations generally associated with using boundary scan to program flash memories connected to FPGAs. By creating custom programming designs for each flash/FPGA combination, XJFlash relieves the JTAG chain of unnecessary traffic (usually generated by repetitive functions such as shifting in control, address, and data bits). By doing so, programming speeds close to the device’s theoretical maximum can be achieved.

Previously only available as a consultancy service, the XJFlash module supports a range of flash and FGPA configurations, and it can be used as part of an XJDeveloper boundary-scan test project by the end user to create a programming solution. XJTAG

PXI Network Analyzer

The M9370A Series one-slot PXI vector network analyzers cover 300 kHz up to 26.5 GHz. When space is at a premium, full two-port VNA functionality with S-parameter measurement capability can be added to an existing system that has just one open slot. To address applications such as high-volume device testing and highly complex on-wafer testing, a single chassis can be loaded with up to 16 PXI VNA modules for use as either multiple two-port VNAs, a single 32-port VNA, or any combination in between.

Six models are available, providing frequency coverage from 300 kHz to 4, 6.5, 9, 14, 20, or 26.5 GHz. Prices range from $9,000 to $38,000. Keysight Technologies

PXI Express Controller

The PXIe-3985 3U PXI Express (PXIe) embedded controller is equipped with the quad-core fourth-generation Intel Core i7-4700EQ processor and operates at up to a 3.4-GHz clock frequency (in single-core Turbo Boost mode). The PXIe-3985 is suitable for applications requiring intensive data analysis or processing and high-speed data streaming, such as in wireless, radar, or RF testing environments.

The PXIe-3985 provides versatile I/O capability, including dual DisplayPort connectors, dual GbE ports, a GPIB port, four USB 2.0 ports, dual high-speed USB 3.0 ports, and trigger I/O ports for advanced PXI trigger functions. Easy connection with external, standalone instruments or devices and designs such as dual BIOS backup reduce maintenance efforts. ADLINK Technology

Optical Field Instrument

The MT1000A Network Master Pro is an all-in-one optical field instrument that has the capability to conduct Optical Transport Network (OTN) mapping of all client signals as well as multistage mapping in a lightweight, portable package that is easy to use. The MT1000A can measure Ethernet and SDH/SONET client signals, making it easier for technicians to install and maintain mobile and fixed-access, metro, and core transmission networks.

Designed with dual ports at 10 Gb/s, the MT1000A Network Master Pro can test at all supported interfaces and rates. The two ports can be used independently, effectively providing field technicians with two instruments in a single solution that improves test time and simplifies measurements while reducing cost-of-test. Two-port testing also can be used for in-service bidirectional monitoring of live traffic links, providing a new capability to maintain and optimize existing networks and test networks while in operation. Anritsu 

USB Sound and Vibration Module

The DT9857 high-channel-count USB module for noise and vibration measurement includes an accurate frontend design that allows simultaneous measurement of 16 24-bit IEPE sensor inputs at a sampling rate of 105.6 kS/s. This module is suitable for precision measurements with microphones, accelerometers, and other transducers that have a large dynamic range. Common applications include audio, acoustic, and vibration testing. Up to four modules can be triggered simultaneously for synchronized measurements of up to 64 IEPE sensor inputs. Prices start at $3,495. Data Translation 

Tablet Spectrum Analyzer

The RF-Vue T10 spectrum analyzer is an RF communications tool integrated with a 10-inch Windows 8 Touch Tablet. It covers the standard wireless microphone and in-ear monitor (IEM) frequency range of 470 MHz to 700 MHz. An extended-frequency version, the RF-Vue T10X, has a frequency range of 40 MHz up to 2.5 GHz, covering all VHF and UHF microphones, IEMs, assisted-listening devices, and remote-control equipment.

The RF-Vue T10 Spectrum Analyzer offers easy-to-use finger functions such as pinch, expand zoom, and slide for navigating through the RF spectrum. The RF-Vue T10 has an MSRP of $1,750; the RF-Vue T10X sells for $1,995. Saelig 

Programmable DC Supplies

The PVS10005, PVS60085, and PVS60085MR programmable DC power supplies deliver output power up to 5.1 kW. All models provide a built-in solar array simulator (SAS) function to generate photovoltaic I-V curves. Offering high-power density in a compact 2U form factor, these DC power supplies are especially suitable for high-voltage testing up to 1,000 V, motor inverter testing, and solar array testing applications.

Front-panel features include a bright VFD display, protection LED indicators, and a numerical keypad with a rotary control knob and cursors for setting output levels. Each model provides internal memory storage to save and recall up to 100 instrument settings. B&K Precision 

Current-Sensor IC

The ACS726 current-sensor IC includes a backend amplifier that can be used to adjust gain and bandwidth via external RC networks. The backend amplifier is fully independent and when unused can be powered down to reduce system power consumption. The fully differential output of this device provides immunity to output offset drift as well as common-mode noise.

The device package allows for easy implementation by the customer. Typical applications include motor control, load detection and management, switched-mode power-supply control, and overcurrent fault protection.

The device consists of a low-offset linear Hall sensor circuit with a copper conduction path located near the surface of the die. Applied current flowing through this copper conduction path generates a magnetic field that is sensed by the integrated Hall IC and converted into a proportional voltage. Device accuracy is optimized through the close proximity of the magnetic field to the Hall transducer. A proportional voltage is provided by the low-offset, chopper-stabilized BiCMOS Hall IC, which is programmed for accuracy after packaging.

The terminals of the conductive path are electrically isolated from the sensor IC signal leads. This allows the ACS726 to be used in high-side current-sense applications without the use of high-side differential amplifiers. Pricing for 1,000 pieces is $1.73 each. Allegro Microsystems 

Network Performance Monitor

EXFO Xtract is a comprehensive monitoring platform using a combination of patented software engines to collect, analyze, correlate, and report on real-time, historical, and predicted events in a network. This solution offers complete visibility of network infrastructure performance through a distributed polling system with the capability to monitor millions of elements in real time.

EXFO Xtract was developed to give network operators an in-depth view of their infrastructure as well as the level of information required to improve the overall control and performance of their network. This is accomplished through proactive monitoring and management of their assets, regardless of infrastructure size, geographical deployment distribution, or network topology architecture.

Equipped with a large number of preloaded management information bases containing key performance indicators, EXFO Xtract provides rapid time to value by bypassing lengthy installation and configuration processes. In many cases, the solution can be deployed and operational within a single day. EXFO 

DDR4 BGA Interposers

New DDR4 ball-grid array (BGA) probe interposer solutions for Infiniium Series oscilloscopes enable engineers to use the oscilloscopes for debugging and characterizing DDR4 memory designs and testing device compliance with the JEDEC DDR4 standard.

With the introduction of DDR4 memory technology, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) data rates now can reach 3.2 gigatransfers per second. These high data rates make probing memory signals challenging for engineers working on high-speed memory system designs. The new DDR4 BGA interposers provide direct access to the balls of the DRAM with low loading and minimal impact on signal integrity, allowing engineers to accurately measure DDR4 signals.

The DDR4 BGA interposers support different packages. The N2114A BGA interposer is used with x4 and x8 DRAM packages. The N2115A BGA interposer accommodates x16 DRAM packages. Both models allow connection to the oscilloscopes with high-bandwidth solder-in InfiniiMax II/III probes.

The N2114A DDR4 is priced at $1,250. The N2115A DDR4 costs $1,450. Keysight Technologies

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