Perhaps thanks to YouTube, more people understand that light emitting diodes (LEDs) and solar cells may be thought of as mirror images of one another because the conversion of energy in each involves similar interactions of charge carriers. It’s easy to find YouTubers who have either created solar arrays from LEDs or rigged solar cells […]
Test and Measurement Tips
Single-sweep VNA-spectrum analyzer spans 70 kHz to 220 GHz
The VectorStar vector network analyzer (VNA) family now inclues the world’s first single sweep VNA-spectrum analyzer solution that supports 70 kHz to 220 GHz. With the spectrum analyzer option installed, VectorStar can conduct single connection VNA and spectrum-based measurements to create a more efficient and accurate testing environment to verify active and passive devices during […]
The difference between impedance analyzers and network analyzers
At first glance, impedance analyzers and network analyzers seem to do the same thing: Describe the impedance of whatever is connected to their inputs. This statement is true as far as it goes, but as you might expect, there are significant differences between the two types of instrument. Here’s a review of the basics. There […]
PCI Express 5.0 interposer works with protocol analyzers
A PCI Express 5.0 Mini Cool Edge IO (MCIO) interposer works in combination with Teledyne LeCroy’s Summit family of PCI Express 5.0 protocol analyzers. The new interposer enables engineers to test products that incorporate card edge connectors or cabled connector assemblies that utilize the MCIO mechanical connector with PCIe 5.0, NVM Express (NVMe) or Compute […]
Polarization isn’t just for sunglasses
In a vacuum or homogeneous medium, the oscillations of magnetic and electric fields are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the direction of energy propagation. James Clerk Maxwell concluded that the principle of symmetry should imply that a spatially varying electric field is always associated with a changing magnetic field, and vice versa. In […]
Probe kit traces/locates cables in unpowered or active networks
The Digital Tone and Probe Kit (p/n TDG310K1C), now shipping, has an MSRP of $144.95. “The TDG310K1C Digital Tone and Probe Kit allows tracing and locating of single or bundles cables that are connected to unpowered or active networks such as phone lines, network cables or coax cables,” explained George Jang, Platinum Tools product manager. […]
IMS 2022 video: Test equipment
Several test equipment companies demonstrated their latest products for attendees of the International Microwave Symposium.
Shedding light on frequency and wavelength
Today, an advanced multimeter such as the Fluke 287 in volts mode accurately displays frequency. High frequencies are displayed in a bench-type frequency counter, which can read above 100 GHz. At still higher frequencies, measurements are made indirectly via heterodyning to down-convert the signal. Using a diode or similar device as a mixer, a frequency […]
New Wi-Fi 6/6E spectrum analyzer works with host PC
The WiPry Clarity is a a tri-band Wi-Fi spectrum analyzer that visualizes wireless activity on Wi-Fi 6/6E as well as legacy bands (2.4 & 5 GHz). The WiPry Clarity is the 6th generation of the award-winning WiPry product line, and it improves on an already impressive history of innovation and recognition. With WiPry Clarity, Oscium […]
Why do alternators output sine waves?
You often hear it said that motors and generators are the same thing–put electrical power into a motor and it generates mechanical torque. Turn the shaft of an electric motor and it generates electrical power. This statement is true theoretically. But motors and generators have different architectures. So you might wonder why there’s a difference. […]