R&D for the multi-function tester began in 2009 and incorporates Uson’s vast knowledgebase of the wide ranging requirements for leak detection and flow testing in medical, automotive, and other industrial parts testing.

Key features of the Optima vT Leak and Flow Tester include:

• Capabilities for vacuum decay tests, pressure decay leak testing, differential pressure decay leak tests, mass flow leak detection (including back pressure and differential), upstream and downstream cracking pressure, pressure rise tests, burst tests, laminar flow tests, force decay testing, and occlusion testing
• 2 channels with up to 4 sensors/channel, totaling up to 8 sensor inputs
• Simultaneous testing on all sensor inputs
• Built-in automated calculators to speed testing and data handling
• Fully customizable pneumatic controls
• Large easy-to-read full color touch screen display with intuitive user interface

Uson
www.uson.com

Test & Measurement Tips

Key features and benefits of the DS1xxDF410, DS1xxRT410, and DS100KRxxx families:

• Extend reach to exceed 50+ inches of FR-4 backplane or 20 meters of 26-AWG copper cable
• 36-dB input EQ and 12-dB output de-emphasis (DE)
• Multi-tap decision feedback equalizer (DFE)
• Clock and data recovery (CDR) with internal clock synthesis
• Repeaters consume 65-mW per channel; retimers with CDR consume 150-mW per channel
• Reduce bill of materials (BOM) cost and simplify system design
• Fully adaptive EQ simplifies link tuning
• Internal clock synthesis avoids the need for an external reference clock
• Built-in eye monitor and PRBS generator simplifies system debug
• Single power supply without the need for external RF chokes.

These signal conditioners are used to drive optical and direct-attach passive copper cables in latency-sensitive, front-port line cards, while meeting SFF8431 (SFP+) specifications. They also can be used to compensate for loss and crosstalk in backplanes, and reduce gauge thickness in active copper cable assemblies. Offered as a pin-compatible IC family, system designers can choose from repeaters (EQ and DE driver), retimers (EQ, CDR and DE driver), and advanced retimers (EQ, CDR, DFE and DE driver) to achieve the desired link performance and system cost without having to redesign their board.

To support redundancy and fail-over applications, TI offers new 10.3G and 14.2G mux/buffers that support two- and four-port switching capability. Both devices support 10G-KR transmit link training. TI also offers the TLK10002 10G multi-rate transceiver, LMK03806 clock generator, and SIMPLE SWITCHERs and temperature sensors to complement the signal conditioners in a system.

The DS1xxDF410 and DS1xxRT410 quad-channel retimers are offered in 7-mm x 7-mm, 48-pin leadless LLP packages, and the DS100KRxxx octal-channel repeaters and DS100MB203 dual-lane mux/buffer are supplied in 10-mm x 5.5-mm, 54-pin LLPs. The SN65LVCP114 quad-lane mux/buffer is packaged in a 12-mm x 12-mm, 167-pin BGA.

Texas Instruments
www.ti.com

Test & Measurement Tips

The B.O.S.S. represents the most significant technological improvement to Brinell testing since the test was first introduced. The system measures Brinell impressions in seconds and yields a measurement resolution of 0.01mm. The system even takes into account such anomalies as impression roundness and overall surface finish.

Among the standard features of the B.O.S.S. system is a high-resolution video scanning head with video imaging software that operates in a Windows® environment. The software and scanning head can be added to an existing computer or provided as a complete “turn-key” system using a computer with optional printer and mobile protective cabinet.

The powerful PC-based B.O.S.S. features Windows®-based software, statistical and reporting functions, data storage and transfer, and an assortment of advanced options. These options include real-time advanced SPC, the ability to save a viewed image, and a manual measurement function that allows the B.O.S.S. to be used to measure other visually discernable aspects such as etched case depth layers.

The new OS-100X-HD option for the B.O.S.S. adds the ability to accurately measure light-load Brinell impressions made with test loads ranging from 62.5 Kgf to 187.5 Kgf and tungsten carbide ball indenters from 2.5mm and 5.0mm in diameter. Both the standard and HD versions include an impression measurement scan head with built-in light source, imaging microchip and a reduced footprint with free stand adapter (where applicable).

Test & Measurement Tips

The 86108B precision waveform analyzer has residual jitter below 50 femtoseconds, channel bandwidths to 50 GHz, and integrated clock recovery to 32 Gb/s. This new plug-in module is the latest addition to the Agilent 86100C/D DCA wide-bandwidth oscilloscope family.

This device is well-suited for testing IEEE 802.3ba (40-Gb/100-Gb Ethernet), Optical Internetworking Forum CEI 3.0, INCITS T-11 32G Fibre Channel and high-speed proprietary systems. The 86108B’s integrated precision timebase and clock recovery design, with typical residual jitter below 50 fs rms, enables it to minimize potential measurement problems.

Continuous data-rate coverage from 50 Mb/s to 32 Gb/s, peaking control and adjustable loop bandwidths to 20 MHz also allow the clock recovery circuit to provide a phase-locked-loop response for accurate device characterization.

The integrated instrumentation-grade clock recovery circuit allows the module to trigger directly from single-ended or differential data signals eliminating a separate trigger input. The module also integrates high-bandwidth pickoffs and phase-matched cables, which reduces setup complexity and maintains signal integrity.

An auxiliary clock-recovery input circuit lets you analyze extremely low-level signals, or signals that have been closed due to severe inter-symbol interference, by triggering the scope using a separate synchronous data (or clock) signal connected to the 86108B’s auxiliary CR input. The on-board phase detector enables a flexible and accurate technique to determine PLL bandwidth/peaking on devices with either clock or data inputs and outputs.

The cost of the system (an 86100D mainframe plus the 86108B module) is below comparable real-time or equivalent-time oscilloscope units. It is available with bandwidth options of 35 GHz and 50 GHz and clock recovery data-rate options of 16 Gb/s and 32 Gb/s. Both bandwidth and clock recovery options are upgradeable, so users can enhance their instruments as their designs warrant.

Agilent’s high-speed digital solutions offer a range of essential tools to help engineers design and simulate, analyze, debug and ensure compliant designs while cutting through the challenges of gigabit digital designs.

Agilent Technologies
www.agilent.com

Test & Measurement Tips

Since it is battery operated, the oscilloscope effectively eliminates the need for main outlets. It also features a handheld format and weighs only 1.2 kg, making it easy to carry while fitting comfortably in the hands of the user.

With Connect-and-View automatic triggering, users need not worry of triggering as well as instrument setting, as the oscilloscope provides all the information on the screen.

Unlike traditional oscilloscopes that take measurements referenced to power line ground, the Fluke 123 does not run the risk of accidental ground short circuit as it can make floating measurements.

Its shielded test leads can take various measurements including waveform-, capacitance-, resistance- and meter-measurements. This enables users to save time in swapping or finding leads.

The Fluke 123 as well as its shielded test leads have been safety certified for 600 V CAT III industrial power systems. With the VPS40 probe, the oscilloscope can also measure up to 100 V CAT II, while its optically isolated USB interface or RS-232 allows the oscilloscope to be connected to a PC for analysis and documentation or to a printer for a direct print-out.

Test & Measurement Tips

To deliver unrivaled signal fidelity, the dual channel oscilloscope seamlessly combined the newly designed low-noise front ends with true 12-bit ADC. The oscilloscope offers a shocking contrast to conventional eight-bit oscilloscopes as it provides ultra-thin, crisp traces to blazing responsiveness and update speed.

It offers a powerful feature set that includes a vast array of application packages, a user interface for easy and quick navigation, advanced triggering to isolate events, lightning fast performance and a wide range of probing options.

The HRO 64Zi is specifically designed with a pristine signal acquisition that allows it to deliver unmatched signal fidelity and low noise. It features a huge offset as well as timebase delay adjustment enables easy amplifier and signal performance assessment and zooming on horizontal and vertical signal characteristics.

The oscilloscope’s WavePilot control area offers convenient control of Decode, Cursors, History, WaveScan, Spectrum and LabNotebook through their respective front panel function buttons.

Standard features of the oscilloscope include a powerful combination of 10 different SMART triggers and high bandwidth edge, measurement trigger, four stage cascade triggering and TriggerScan. These functions allow users to easily isolate problems and focus on the cause.

In addition, the HRO 64Zi features a large 12.1-inch high resolution WXGA display. Ideal for various signals that require long records and scrolling or zooming of results in a large block of data, the rotating display offers the best view of virtually all signal type.

Test & Measurement Tips

The High-Accuracy Digimatic® Micrometer utilizes the Absolute® rotary sensor (patent pending) manufactured utilizing Mitutoyo’s own high precision screw machining technology. This sensor reduces instrument error to ±0.5μm to deliver high-accuracy with no trade-off in operability. The Absolute® system eliminates the need to reset the origin each time power is turned on thus enabling measurement immediately upon start-up. In addition, the measurement origin can be preset to any value within the display range to reduce set-up time and improve repeatability. The display can be zeroed at any position, making comparison measurement easier. Display resolution can be switched to 0.5μm if 0.1μm measurement is not required.

The Mitutoyo High-Accuracy Digimatic® Micrometer features an extremely rigid frame for stable measurement while a constant-force barrel/spindle mechanism eliminates the possibility of overspeed errors. Transference of body heat to the instrument is reduced by use of a heat shield (removable), minimizing errors attributable to thermal expansion while handheld measurements are performed.

Additionally, the Mitutoyo High-Accuracy Digimatic® Micrometer supports output to measurement data applications such as MeasurLink®, Mitutoyo’s proprietary statistical-processing and process-control program which performs statistical analysis and provides real-time display of measurement results for SPC applications. The program can also be linked to a higher-level network environment for enterprise-wide functionality.

Mitutoyo Corporation
www.mitutoyo.com

Test & Measurement Tips

Generally, handheld oscilloscopes integrate test tools specifically designed for field use where the conditions are dangerous, rigorous and precarious. It has to be noted, however, that handheld oscilloscopes are not designed equal. Hence, it is advantageous for users to compare some of its important specifications, such as bandwidth, sample rate and memory depth, before deciding on which one to purchase.

Users should also take into consideration the number of channels, channel isolation capability and safety ratings of the handheld oscilloscope.

Most oscilloscope users erroneously believe that bandwidth determines the highest frequency that can be captured. However, oscilloscope’s bandwidth refers to the frequency that the input signal is attenuated by three dB, which translates to around -30 percent amplitude error. This implies that signals cannot be accurately captured near the oscilloscope’s bandwidth.

When choosing a handheld oscilloscope, users should pick one with a bandwidth that is five times more than the highest frequency that has to be captured.

Another mistaken assumption is that an oscilloscope with a higher sample rate is better than one with a lower sample rate. In truth, an oscilloscope offering higher sample rate does not necessarily offer any extra benefit when compared to an oscilloscope with a lower sample rate.

For a faithful reproduction of a signal on an oscilloscope, Nyquist’s sampling theorem provides that the oscilloscope’s sample rate should be more than double the signal’s highest frequency. This means that if a 40 MHz signal is to be captured, the sample rate of the oscilloscope should be at least 80 MSa/s.

Captured data are stored in the oscilloscope’s waveform buffer and the size of its buffer memory is known as the memory depth. An oscilloscope with deep memory allows users to keep a higher sample rate for a longer period of time.

The memory buffer is quickly filled at high sample rates. Thus, an oscilloscope with a limited memory depth and a high sampling rate of up to two GSa/s can collect data only if it reduces its sample rate. This will prevent the oscilloscope from capturing waveform accurately since the sample points are placed too far apart from each other. However, an oscilloscope that offers deeper memory can sustain its maximum sampling rate, allowing it to accurately capture the waveform.

Oscilloscopes are available in two-channel and four-channel varieties. Each channel allows users to record and measure one signal at a time. In deciding which oscilloscope to purchase, a user should determine the number of signals the user wanted to display on the oscilloscope.

Oscilloscopes with four independently isolated channels are generally used when simultaneously viewing three or more signals, such as when troubleshooting three-phase applications like industrial motors, high-power inverters and variable-frequency motor drives. These kinds of oscilloscopes are rarely used and are usually more expensive. Most of the time, users will only need two channels.

Test & Measurement Tips

Released in 2011, the new MDO4000 Mixed Domain Oscilloscope Series features an integrated RF Spectrum Analyzer and is commonly utilized as a standalone test device that can be externally controlled by a computer running its programming environment.

“For 25 years, LabVIEW has been programmatically controlling test equipment like Tek’s new MDO4000 Series scope,” said Brian Spears, head of Sixclear’s video instruction.

“Quite commonly, we see LabVIEW automating an entire suite of devices at once, and when the new piece of equipment comes in, someone has to learn how to program and integrate it with the rest of the application.”

Although new users were informed that the oscilloscopes can be programmed easily with LabVIEW, the customers remain hesitant, noted Luke Graham, Consulting Account Manager at Tektronix.

“Having a video tutorial walk the user through the scope setup process and into programming some simple code is invaluable.”

Spears explained that the set of four tutorials walks a user first “through installation of the driver, explores the driver structure, looks over example programs, explains how the scope is recognized and configured with the NI-VISA driver.

Then it shows the users “how to configure and acquire single and multiple channels, demonstrates how to save waveforms and set up triggering, and finally how to acquire off the digital logic channels and the RF channel.”

The high-resolution video tutorial can be accessed for free at sixclear.com/tek.

Test & Measurement Tips

Oscilloscopes can generally store huge amounts of waveform data even after longer periods of time. The GDS-3352 prevents users from selecting the wrong file from the numerous waveform files stored in the oscilloscope through its screen capture preview function. This allows users to view the waveform file without opening it, making the oscilloscope operation more convenient and efficient.

Offering an optional software upgrade as well as an additional feature built-in environment, the oscilloscope also allows users to install additional application software at its user site. This added flexibility makes the oscilloscope always up-to-date.

Users can easily capture data from the oscilloscope using the FreeWave remote monitoring software and its USB host port. The FreeWave enables users to save a screenshot as an image file (.jpg or .bmp), log waveform data (.csv) and record movie files (.wmv) in real time. Aside from recording and monitoring waveforms, FreeWave also allows users to view previously recorded waveforms.

The instrument settings of the oscilloscope can be configured easily, eliminating the need for users to learn complex command line syntax. The robust features and simple user interface of the FreeWave allows users to get the most out of the GDS-3352 with minimal effort.

Test & Measurement Tips