A CW (continuous wave) signal is accessed and displayed in the Tektronix PC-based spectrum analyzer. Hello and welcome again. This is our 70th Test and Measurement Video. We’re continuing our demonstration of the new Tektronix RSA306B PC-based spectrum analyzer. This instrument represents a real price breakthrough because, assuming that you already own or have access […]
Test and Measurement Tips
Miniature data recorder rated for IP68
The new SLICE IP68 data acquisition system is designed to capture physical signals in challenging environments. Targeted at applications with size or mass constraints, SLICE IP68’s 60×60-mm footprint makes it easy to embed in most test articles. The rugged housing is impervious to shock, water, and dust, making SLICE a candidate for testing in inclement […]
The challenges of HIL testing and ADAS
Engineers running hardware-in-the-loop simulations face difficulties associated with how to devise sensor signals that truly exercise advanced drive assistance systems. DAVID A. HALL, National Instruments Corp. More than 50 years ago, in 1959, the Cadillac Cyclone XP-74 concept car featured two modified aircraft radars designed to alert the driver about oncoming traffic. Today, an automotive […]
Multifunction PCIe 12-to-26-bit DAQ cards include analog trigger, waveform generator
When advanced DAQ card features such as analog trigger and a waveform generator is needed, Advantech’s PCIe-1800 series with A/D resolution from 12-bit to 26-bit and a sampling rate from 500KS/s to 500MS/s as well as simultaneous or multiplexed sampling can fulfill a variety of solution needs. For multiplex sampling (PCIe-1810 and the PCIe-1816/H) or […]
LTE-Advanced RF conformance test system verifies IoT devices according to global standards
Anritsu Co. says it is the first test company to earn GCF approval for more than 80% of Cat-M1 RF conformance test cases for frequencies used in Japan, North America, and Europe. The test cases can be integrated into the LTE-Advanced RF Conformance Test System ME7873LA. The Cat-M1 RF conformance test cases are software tools […]
Remote control module lets laptops run PXI systems via USB-C Thunderbolt 3
NI (National Instruments) announced today the PXIe-8301 remote control module, the industry’s first solution for laptop control of PXI systems using Thunderbolt™ 3. The PXIe-8301 offers PCI Express Gen 3 connectivity through two Thunderbolt 3 ports to maximize performance and delivers up to 2.3 GB/s of sustained data throughput. Engineers can use the second port […]
Measuring emitter followers and other transistor configurations
There are three bipolar junction transistor amplifier topologies: common emitter, common base and common collector. (For field-effect transistors, the analogous circuit configurations are common source, common gate and common drain. In the old world of vacuum tubes, they were common cathode, common grid and common plate.) This particular classification derives from the external circuit configuration. […]
Thermal Imaging camera handles quick temperature checks on PCBs, small electronics
Newark element14, the Development Distributor, is now shipping the new FLIR ETS320 Thermal Imaging camera, designed for quick temperature checks on printed circuit boards and other small electronics in the laboratory and accurate quality assurance and factory acceptance testing. Heat can be an important factor in understanding how a system is functioning and the FLIR […]
Thévenin and Norton help interpret measurement results
Engineers are often tasked with making sense of what initially looks like a tangle or wires, electrical energy sources, and components. Before attacking such situations with scope probes, it’s good to recall a few basics. Thévenin’s Theorem states it is possible to simplify any linear circuit to a single equivalent circuit composed of a single […]
Handy test equipment for troubleshooting
Not all test equipment needs to be expensive. Here are a few helpful tools that won’t break the bank. Electricians doing residential, commercial or industrial work need to know with absolute certainty whether a wire or terminal is live and whether a given piece of electrical equipment is energized at the power input terminals. Usually, […]