August 1, 2014. Companies last month introduced a variety of innovative products, including a network performance suite, bench and modular instruments, cameras, components and sensors, and data-acquisition systems.
EXFO Inc. unveiled its new BrixNGN Infrastructure Performance Suite, designed to provide service providers with significantly enhanced visibility into the performance of network infrastructure in the context of its impact on service quality. EXFO added the Infrastructure Performance Suite to its BrixNGN product line to enable the correlation of service-level KPIs with key infrastructure metrics such as port speed and flow performance as well as CPU, memory, and interface utilization. Using patented optimization methods, the suite is highly scalable to support the largest networks and provides sub-second polling for real-time performance assessment. www.exfo.com/brixngn
Saelig Company Inc. said it is offering a two-channel versions of the TG5011 function/arbitrary/pulse generators. The new TG5012A offers a maximum frequency of 50 MHz. Unlike some other two channel generators, both channels provide the full performance and specification, along with entirely independent operation when required. A notable feature is that either channel can be triggered by the other channel to set up a complex and versatile inter-channel trigger scheme without requiring external connections. The instrument is made by European test equipment manufacturer Aim-TTi.
Saelig is also offering the CTR-101 PC-hosted curve tracer, which plots device characteristics for diodes, transistors, MOSFETs, JFETs, and other semiconductors or which demonstrates the linearity of resistive substrates. It provides up to 30-V test voltage at up to 1-A test current from true voltage and current source drive amplifiers. Price is $399.95.
The company also announced it is offering the Owon TDS7102, a new, 100-MHz four-channel bench-top oscilloscope, with touch-screen capabilities that make instrument setting, operation, and adjustment faster and more intuitive. The instrument offers 1-GS/s signal capturing on all four channels simultaneously, a 7.6-MSample record length, and 50,000 waveform-per-second capture rate. Controlling waveform position, display, and triggering is much faster with touch control, but buttons are also provided to offer conventional operation. The TDS7102 is costs $899.00 www.saelig.com
inTEST Thermal Solutions announced the integration of a temperature-controlled thermal platform with the Agilent B1506A Power Device Analyzer (Agilent's test and measurement business became Keysight Technologies effective August 1). The newly designed hot plate permits automated control of platform temperature, from enclosure ambient to 250°C, for characterization of power devices such as IGBTs and MOSFETs. The HP289-PM platform system comprises a thermal plate, controller, and connection harnesses to interface with the analyzer. The thermal platform/analyzer integration was a joint development project between Agilent and inTEST Thermal Solutions in Mansfield, MA, where the plates are manufactured. www.intestthermal.com/hot-plate-hp289-agilent
Cameras and controllers
Vision Components introduced the VC Base+ intelligent camera series, which extends the performance range of the VC Base line. Five new camera models available as black-and-white or color versions feature a 700-MHz processor, thus providing more computing power for demanding applications. In addition to high-speed applications, VC Base+ cameras are suited for tasks in industrial image processing, for traffic monitoring, 3D scans, motion surveillance, automotive applications, and barcode and OCR recognition. Depending on the model, they are based on various state-of-the-art CMOS sensors. They feature a global shutter, a fast trigger mode, and a line-scan mode that allows for frame rates up to 18 kHz. With sizes between 1/3ʺ and 1ʺ, the sensors provide resolutions between 752 x 480 and 2,048 x 2,048 pixels. All VC Base+ cameras are equipped with 32-MB flash and 128 SDRAM for program and data storage. An Ethernet interface and an optional RS-232 interface enable integration into automation environments. Just like the VC Base series, the new VC Base+ models feature a housing measuring 90 x 50 x 35 mm. www.vision-components.com
Cypress Semiconductor Corp. announced that Raytrix GmbH has selected Cypress’s EZ-USB CX3 USB 3.0 camera controller for its new 3-D camera. The EZ-USB CX3 controller, which is now in full production, delivers 5-Gb/s performance to the innovative R42 3-D Light Field Camera. The R42 supports up to 40-Megapixel resolution and 4,000 images, leveraging the CX3 solution’s throughput to provide 3-D images with extended depth-of-field. The versatile camera is small enough for convenient use in a variety of applications, including machine vision, motion tracking and surface inspection. www.cypress.com
Chips, cables, sensors, and probes
Microchip Technology Inc. announced the expansion of its instrumentation amplifier portfolio with the new zero-drift MCP6N16. This self-correcting architecture maximizes DC performance by enabling ultra-low offset, low-offset drift, and superior common-mode and power-supply rejection, while eliminating the adverse effects of 1/f noise. The MCP6N16’s low-power CMOS process technology enables low power consumption while still providing 500-kHz bandwidth, and it features a hardware-enable pin for even more power savings. The amplifier’s 1.8-V operation allows two dry-cell, 1.5V batteries to be drained well beyond typical use, and its rail-to-rail input and output operation enables full-range use, even in low-supply conditions. www.microchip.com/get/PB60
Peak Test Services said it has added a new threaded long-travel probe to its comprehensive range of spring-contact test probes for contacting printed-circuit boards in automatic test systems. The new P61/G has a travel length of 5.6 mm nominal (7 mm maximum) and is designed for mounting at 4 mm (157 mil) centers. Current rating is 10 A, and typical resistance is 25 mΩ. Operating temperature range is from -20°C to +80°C. Nominal spring force is 150 cN (±20%) with a preload of 60 cN and 300 cN with a preload of 120 cN. Probe barrels and receptacles are made from gold-plated brass, and plungers are available in beryllium-copper or gold depending on tip style. www.thepeakgroup.com
Pasternack Enterprises introduced a series of low PIM cable jumpers with formable coax. These new assemblies are designed for low passive intermodulation (PIM) applications including use in black boxes, test equipment racks and cabinets, distributed antenna systems (DAS), and lab testing. Pasternack’s low PIM formable cables are made using a tin-filled braid that produces a hand formable, solid outer conductor wall. These RF cables are available with two different coax diameters sizes including 0.163” and 0.276”. Connector options include 7/16 DIN, 4.1/9.5 mini-DIN, Type N, and SMA. www.pasternack.com
DTS (Diversified Technical Systems Inc.) announced the new ARS3 PRO Triaxial Angular Rate Sensor. With the new sensor, measuring the durability of a lever or capturing drive shaft speed in a manufacturing machine can be done without the need for a slip-ring. Life-cycle product testing, like a car door, is easy and portable with embedded DAS and a tiny sensor. The ARS3 PRO is suitable for testing products like sports helmets or hockey sticks that have tight space constraints, all without affecting the test dynamics. www.dtsweb.com
Pulse Electronics introduced its new 50-Hz/60-Hz, di/dt AC current sensor that can be clamped onto an existing solid conductor without having to disconnect the conductor. The PA3828NL clamp-on sensor has a linear current range of 0.1 to 200 A with 1.0% accuracy. This sensor is the latest addition to Pulse Electronics' Sidewinder current sensor family. Applications include metering, industrial motor control, power monitoring, circuit protection, and current fault monitoring. The sensor has an internal diameter of 6.2 mm and opens to 7.0 mm to clamp onto a conductor. productfinder.pulseeng.com/product/PA3828NL
Data acquisition and loggers
HBM introduced a new high-voltage data acquisition module, the MX403B. The company said the MX403B is the only high-voltage measurement module on the market with the highest resolution capable of making 1,000-V measurements and capable of acquiring data synchronously at all times to other physical quantities. The MX403B amplifier—the latest member of HBM’s QuantumX family—offers four differential, isolated channels with analog anti-aliasing filters and a 24-bit A/D converter. www.hbm.com
CAS DataLoggers and Jager introduced a new processor board for ADwin-Pro-II Data Acquisition and Control Systems. The new board has a 64-bit FPU (floating-point unit) for math coprocessing. The new Pro-CPU-T12 processor module offers real-time computing and is largely software-compatible to previous versions. With Ethernet support enabling high-speed data transfer, ADwin’s Pro-CPU-T12 module enables standalone data recording in applications where there’s no PC or no connection to one. www.DataLoggerInc.com
Silicon Designs Inc. (SDI) announced the global market launch of its Model 3340 G-Logger. The Model 3340 is a 3-channel, portable data acquisition system, offering FFT analysis and display as well as real-time acceleration and GPS data collection and viewing, all within the same compact package. It is designed to optimize the low-noise performance of all Silicon Designs single and triaxial MEMS variable capacitance accelerometers with analog output and 8- to 32-VDC excitation. Model 3340 offers 16-bit data acquisition, with data rates of 1 to 10k samples per second and per axis, through each of its available input channels. Its simple and intuitive user interface is built on an NI LabVIEW platform. www.SiliconDesigns.com
Omega introduced its OM-CP-RFPULSE2000A Wireless Pulse Data Logger, which features wireless two-way communication with pulse input for monitoring wind speed, energy, or flow rate. The data logger has a digital display that shows data in real time, a battery life indicator, and audible and LED alarm indicators. This CE compliant product features configurable alarms and a 3-year battery life.
Omega also OMEGA Introduces the OM-CP-RFRTDTEMP2000A wireless RTD temperature data logger, which features a digital display that shows data in real time along with a battery life indicator and audible and LED alarm indicators. The OM-CP-RFRTDTEMP200A has wireless two-way communication, is field upgradeable, and has a cumulative alarm delay feature. www.omega.com
Dataforth said its MAQ20 Industrial Data Acquisition & Control System now offers an accessory Load Sharing Power Supply Module for expansion, standby, and redundant power. The MAQ20 system is made up of DIN rail mounted, programmable, multichannel, signal conditioning input and output modules and communications modules. System power is connected to the Communications module, which in turn powers the I/O modules. While its primary function is to supply extra power to a system in which the I/O modules demand more power than the communications module can provide, the Load Sharing Power Supply module also can be used to provide redundant power for loads under 3 A (15 W), enhancing system reliability. www.dataforth.com
Advanced Thermal Solutions said it now offers the ATS-0345 portable vane anemometer for measuring air flow speed, volumetric flow rate, and temperature. The hand-held anemometer provides precise measurements for automotive, aerospace, marine, and other applications. Held in the air stream, the anemometer’s rotating blades create a frequency proportional to the wind speed. This frequency is converted to air speed values accurate to 0.1 m/s or 3%. Air speeds can be measured from 0.3 to 45 m/s. Air temperatures can be measured from 0 to 60°C with accuracy of ±0.5°C. The portable device is easy to operate and features a large LED display. The unit runs on a 9-V battery and powers off when inactive. www.qats.com