News in Brief: Power Analyzer Software, VoLTE Test, More…
November 26, 2012. Vendors have recently introduced a variety of hardware and software tools to support design, characterization, and test of electronic products and systems. Highlights include oscilloscopes, power supplies and loads, an LXI switch matrix, communications test instruments and software, ATE, a smart metering FEM, and even a green roof monitoring system.
In addition, companies have introduced oscilloscope power-analyzer options, 3-D EM software, VoLTE test capabilities, and an NPI tester as well as lenses, sensors, voltage-controlled oscillators, and data-acquisition software.
Teledyne LeCroy, for example, has introduced its Power Analyzer software option for the HDO4000 and HDO6000 High Definition Oscilloscopes. The option enables easy measurement and analysis of the operating characteristics of power conversion devices and circuits. With the software, the HDO oscilloscopes analyze all aspects of switched-mode power devices with tools for automatic power loss measurements, control loop modulation analysis, and line power harmonics testing, all within a streamlined user interface that simplifies probe and measurement setup.
For analysis of power losses in switching devices or circuits, the Power Analyzer software automatically detects and measures turn-on, turn-off, conduction, and off-state losses. A unique color-coded overlay annotates the power waveform and identifies all areas of power losses. The Safe Operating Area (SOA) plot shows in-circuit behavior of the power device under test to quickly identify any transitions near the peak power limits. The dedicated interface handles proper probe setup to eliminate sources of error associated with probing.
Control loop analysis evaluates the loop dynamics of switched-mode power devices, plotting the variation of pulse width, duty cycle, period, or frequency. This analysis mode takes advantage of the HDOs’ long memory of up to 250 Mpts to capture control loop performance during startup.
Pre-compliance testing of line power harmonics is performed to the EN61000-3-2 standard. Voltage, current, and line harmonics may be viewed simultaneously. Mask testing reports when harmonics are outside the allowable range and all results are summarized in a table.
Power Analyzer software for the HDO4000 and HDO6000 High Definition Oscilloscopes is priced at $1,700. www.teledynelecroy.com
Communications Test
Agilent Technologies Inc. has announced shipment of EMPro 2012 , its 3-D electromagnetic simulation software, which allows designers to create 3-D models and analyze the electrical performance of packages, connectors, antennas, and other RF and high-speed components. It delivers a number of critical features for new and existing EMPro users, including, enhanced integration between EMPro and Advanced Design System, enabling users to save EMPro projects as ADS libraries; availability of 3-D models in ADS as schematic and layout views; and availability of parameters created in EMPro in ADS for EM sweep/optimization. Additionally, changes made in EMPro now dynamically update in ADS. A low-frequency analysis algorithm enables stable, accurate results down to very low frequencies (below 100 MHz, including at DC). The algorithm also provides accurate DC results for use in higher-frequency circuit simulations. Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations run 1.4X faster compared with EMPro 2011, stemming from technology advancements that increase the robustness and speed (two to three times faster) of the FEM mesher. www.agilent.com/find/eesof-empro-downloads-and-trials
Anritsu has introduced Voice over LTE (VoLTE) supplementary service test capability for its MD8475A signaling tester that includes the ability to confirm operation of services, such as call forwarding and call waiting, under a variety of network conditions. Introduction of these options extends the MD8475A’s VoLTE test capability and builds on the signaling tester’s integrated functionality to simulate LTE and IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) networks as well as an IMS client, providing a comprehensive test environment for UE manufacturers to verify device functionality.
The MD8475A’s new Supplementary Service option enables functional testing of call forwarding, call waiting, call hold, identification presentation, and identification restriction. An XML Configuration Access Protocol (XCAP) server for modification of service settings during test is included. This new option builds on VoLTE test functionality—including Preconditions and Authentication and Keys Agreement (AKA) security—recently added to the MD8475A. www.anritsu.com
Spirent Communications has announced that its Spirent Landslide now offers the ability to test mobile infrastructure’s readiness for all-IP services such as VoLTE, video calling, and multi-player mobile gaming. Spirent Landslide can test VoLTE performance and scalability at the intersection of the mobile core and IMS cloud. The solution is able to test the network’s ability to support data traffic and high-bandwidth/low latency applications including FaceTime, mobile gaming, and Twitter. It combines control-plane testing with the most realistic application data to provide insights into policy control procedures, charging, and content awareness. It provides carriers with a more efficient solution compared with earlier approaches, which utilized separate testing products for the control and data planes. “Operators have an increasing need to test VoLTE capabilities, and when all traffic is eventually sent over IP networks, they will need to make the right policy, as well as QoE and QoS, decisions to satisfy end users,” said Ross Cassan, director of product marketing at Spirent Communications. “Mobile voice services are a significant revenue source and VoLTE is poised to bring both higher call quality and expanded video capabilities. Spirent Landslide stands out from competitors because it offers a seamless method to test both the mobile control plane and stateful data performance at the same time.” www.spirent.com/Solutions-Directory/Landslide
ATE
Everett Charles Technologies (ECT) has announced that its Fixture and Service Group (FSG) has released the new Tilt Tester, a fast NPI tester with low overall cost of test. The Tilt Tester features test and diagnostic capabilities, fast test times, and improved fault coverage compared with flying probers. It is capable of testing printed circuit board assemblies up to 25″ x 31″ with up to 10,000 nets. Tilt Tester fixtures and test programs average 33% of the cost of conventional ICT, the company reports, and can be delivered in less than half the time normally required for conventional ICT programs and fixtures. Additionally, test access is increased with the ability to test 0.015″ (0.38 mm) targets on 0.024″ (0.6 mm) spacing. Backplanes also can be tested.
Inspection
Edmund Optics' C-Mount Focus-Tunable Lenses combine Electrically-Focus Tunable Lenses with C-Mount compatible housings for easy mechanical integration into a range of imaging systems. When a control current is applied to the lens, its focal range is adjusted from +80 to +200 mm. This variable tuning range—the ability to adjust focal length—allows the user to replace multi-lens focus or zoom systems, saving space, time, and cost.
In order to shift the focal range, any 12-mm diameter plano-convex (PCX) or plano-concave (PCV) lens with an edge thickness of less than 4.7 mm may be used as an offset lens. For imaging applications in the visible (VIS) spectrum, a C-Mount Focus-Tunable Lens with a pre-mounted -150-mm BK7 PCV lens is available. Near infrared (NIR) coating is also available. For planning and specification purposes, prescription data is also available for the user to model the effect an offset lens will have on the overall focal range. www.edmundoptics.com
OptoTherm Inc. has released a thermal-imaging camera that can be used in electronics applications such as detecting short circuits. The camera system includes the IR LabMate thermal imaging camera, required cables, and Thermalyze image-analysis software. The IR LabMate camera utilizes a 320×240 array detector, has a temperature sensitivity of 0.08˚C, uses an Ethernet interface, and comes with a wide-angle lens. Optional accessories include camera stand, circuit-board test probe, high calibration range, and relay output module to synchronize board power with software tests. www.optotherm.com
Sensors
Piher Sensors & Controls has introduced the MTS-360 Mechanical Mount Rotary Position Sensor with integral PCB. The MTS-360 Sensor/PCB Combo package allows engineers to install a fully featured rotary sensor without first having to design a printed circuit board. The MTS-360 sensor/PCB assembly is available with either 6-pin (dual output) or 3-pin (single output) Molex 90119 Series mating connectors. The entire assembly measures 35-mm wide by 36-mm long and 7.5mm high, allowing for applications with tight packaging constraints. The MTS-360 relies on Hall effect technology to enable non-contacting through-hole shaft sensing.
Performance features include electrical angles up to 360° with no dead band and linearity as low as ±0.5%. The sensor can operate up to 333 RPM and can be programmed with full-scale output with angles as narrow as 15° or as wide as 360° degrees. The MTS-360 can serve in applications including optical imaging stabilization, precision biomedical devices, optical zoom devices, consumer electronics, instrumentation, robotics, automotive control systems, and unmanned vehicles. Price starts at $5.65 per unit. www.piher.net
The OMEGA zSeries wireless sensor/transmitter system provides Web-based monitoring of temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure, as well as thermocouples and any transducer with analog voltage or current output. The rugged, high power zSeries wireless sensors are designed for demanding industrial applications and harsh outdoor environments. The new zED-DC-H2 wireless sensor/transmitter can run on low-voltage power: 10 to 30 VDC or 24 VAC. The electronics are protected in a rugged, weatherproof, polycarbonate NEMA4/IP65 rated housing. You can set alarms to be notified by e-mail. Alarms can be sent to a single user or to a group distribution list, including text messages to cell phones.
The coordinator/meter-controller connects directly to an Ethernet network and the Internet and serves active web pages to display and chart the data. You can monitor and record the measurements over an Ethernet network or the Internet without any special software—just your Web Browser. www.omega.com
Components
Crystek's CVCO55FL-0183-0219 VCO (voltage controlled oscillator) operates from 183 MHz to 219 MHz with a control voltage range of approximately 0.5V to 4.5V. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -123 dBc/Hz at a 10-KHz offset. Output power is typically +8.5 dBm. Model CVCO55FL-0183-0219 is packaged in the industry-standard 0.5-in. x 0.5-in. SMD package. Input voltage is 5 V, with a maximum current consumption of 25 mA. Pulling and pushing are minimized to 0.5 MHz and 0.5 MHz/V, respectively. Second harmonic suppression is -20 dBc typical. The CVCO55FL-0183-0219 can serve in applications such as digital radio equipment, fixed wireless access, satellite communications systems, and base stations. www.crystek.com
Software
Microstar Laboratories Inc. has released the new version 6.10 of its DAPtools software package, which allows DAP data acquisition applications to run under Microsoft Windows 8. Application programs that ran under Windows 7, in either 32-bit or 64-bit mode, will run unchanged with this software under Windows 8. Applications that are directly compiled or that use portable scripting languages will require no changes or recompilation to work with this new software release. You do not need to modify DAPL processing configuration scripts. You do not need to recompile the downloaded binary processing code that runs in the embedded DAPL system environment.
The DAPtools Basic 6.10 edition is available for free download from the Microstar Laboratories Web site. This edition provides the DAPIO programming API that all applications use, with everything that most applications require. For applications requiring advanced processing, software platform support, or networking features, contact Microstar Laboratories to obtain DAPtools Standard 6.10 or DAPtools Professional 6.10. www.mstarlabs.com/software/upgrades.html