November 24, 2013. Recently introduced test sockets, EMI and ESD components, sensors, instruments, boards, and software help engineers address a range of test and compatibility challenges, In addition, a new white paper addresses spectrum measurements.
In this last category, X-COM Systems LLC, a subsidiary of Bird Technologies, has released a new white paper entitled “Benefits of Time-Synchronized Dual-Channel Spectrum Recording.” Many applications, such as analyzing aircraft radar cross-section and monitoring of wireless networks to find and identify interference, can significantly benefit from recording two channels of spectrum synchronized in time, from seconds to minutes or even longer. For details download Application Note 101 at www.xcomsystems.com.
Test Sockets
Ironwood Electronics recently introduced its CBT-QFN-7033 stamped spring pin socket for testing DFN6 (6-contact dual-flat no-leads) electronic filters. The contactor used in CBT-QFN-7033 socket is a stamped spring pin with 34-g actuation force per ball and cycle life of 10,000+ insertions. The self inductance of the contactor is 0.9 nH, insertion loss is < 1 dB at 9.1 GHz, and capacitance is 0.03 pF. The current capacity of each contactor is 2.2 A. Socket temperature range is -55 to +155°C. The socket also features a clamshell lid, and it accommodates two DFN devices. Price is $543 in unit quantities.
The company also introduced the CBT-LGA-5006 LGA socket for 0.6-mm pitch devices. The contactor is a stamped spring pin with 31-g actuation force per pin and cycle life of 500,000 insertions. The self inductance of the contactor is 0.88 nH, insertion loss is < 1 dB at 15.7 GHz, and capacitance 0.097 pF. The current capacity of each contactor is 4 A. Socket temperature range is -55 to +180°C. The socket also features an IC guide for precise LGA edge alignment. www.ironwoodelectronics.com.
EMC/EMI/ESD
TDK Corporation announced a series of EPCOS multilayer varistors in the CeraDiode family for ESD protection of mobile equipment. It features a footprint of 0.47 mm x 0.47 mm at a low profile of 0.1 mm in LGA packaging. Available in EIA case sizes 0402, 0201, and smaller, the new CeraDiodes have an ESD immunity of 15 kV or 25 kV, depending on type. Their clamping voltage is 70 V or 90 V at pulse voltage of 8 kV (IEC-61000-4-2), depending on type. Thanks to their low capacitance, the signal integrity of high-speed interfaces such as HDMI is not impaired. www.epcos.com/CeraDiode.
Laird expanded its EMI shielding portfolio with the release of a new Fingerstock product, the Edge Guide Clip-on Strip. Suitable for applications where printed circuit boards (PCBs) need to be grounded and/or shielded, this new product reduces installation and labor costs and is available in custom lengths. A customer installing a 10-cm, or 8-finger, strip could reduce installation time by up to 80% using the Edge Guide Clip-on Strip as opposed to performing a typical installation with 8 traditional single clips, the company said. www.lairdtech.com.
Sensors, Instruments, and Boards
Measurement Specialties announced the Model 8101 compact accelerometer for general purpose vibration measurement. The new plug-and-play piezoelectric linear accelerometer is available in two dynamic ranges, ±40 g and ±160 g, as well as in two measurement directions, either an X- or Z-axis configuration. The Model 8101 features stable piezoceramic crystals in shear mode with low base-strain sensitivity and a flat frequency response across a 6,000 Hz bandwidth. The accelerometer is fully potted for an environmentally sealed IP65 construction. Click here for more. www.meas-spec.com.
Cal Test Electronics has introduced the CP6000 Series, a four-model family of ELDITEST AC/DC oscilloscope clamp-on current probes. They feature operating bandwidth ranging up to 1.5 MHz, dual-range selectivity, an over-range indicator, and current capability to 100 A. They can operate from a a power adapter or battery power. caltestelectronics.com.
Megger announced it now offers a rugged, handheld, battery-operated TTR (transformer turns ratio) tester. The TTR20 measures turns ratio, polarity, and excitation current, allowing users to perform tests in less than five seconds after hook up to the transformer. This TTR is easy to operate by simply pushing a button, and it runs on replaceable AA batteries. It can accurately measure turns ratio of 10,000:1 with low excitation voltage and excitation current up to 100 mA. Its repeatability is better than 0.5%. www.megger.com.
ADLINK Technology has introduced the ADLINK NuPRO-E42, its latest PICMG 1.3 full-size System Host Board (SHB). The NuPRO-E42 is equipped with the 4th generation Intel Core processor—at core speeds up to 3.5GHz—combined with the Intel Q87 Express chipset. It provides high-speed data transfer interfaces such as USB 3.0 and SATA. With dual-channel DDR3 1,333/1,600-MHz memory up to 16 GB in two DIMM sockets, the NuPRO-E42 SHB is suited to industrial-control, machine-vision, and automation applications requiring multitasking capabilities, high computing power, and high-speed data transfer rates. www.adlinktech.com.
Software
The Numerical Algorithms Group (NAG) announced a new technical collaboration with ARM under which NAG’s team of HPC numerical analysts and computer scientists will ensure the algorithms in the NAG Numerical Library and the facilities of the NAG FORTRAN Compiler are available for use on ARM’s 64-bit ARMv8-A architecture-based platforms. As part of this collaboration, NAG’s numerical software will be ported to the ARMv8-A architecture using the DS-5 Development Environment. www.nag.com.
Customer Support
Finally, Koh Young America (KYA) announced the appointment of two new engineers, David Nemeth and Derek Barton, to its direct service staff. Headquartered in the new Chandler office, they will handle equipment service issues and process development assistance for Koh Young America’s growing customer base in the Americas, according to Harry Yun, KYA general manager. “Just as we recently expanded our facility to accommodate KYA’s growth, so also are we adding new skilled engineering professionals to maintain our dedicated commitment to customer service and support,” Harry stated. Both engineers have more than 10 years’ experience in SMT. www.kohyoung.com.