A device that converts dc to ac is known as an inverter. Nowadays, most engineers think of solid-state inverters in the context of applications such as electric vehicles and solar panels. Yet even today, not all inverters are solid state. One early form of power inverter was based on mechanical switching and was appropriately called […]
Test and Measurement Tips
Transistor circuit configurations and Spice
In a recent post, we reviewed the basics of Spice circuit simulators. Most circuit simulations involve transistors, either as discrete components or within an integrated circuit. So it is useful to understand a few basics about how Spice models transistors. Transistors may have multiple states, typically saturation, cutoff, active and reverse. And transistors have an […]
Wireless testbeds support new WiFi 6E standard
The Pal-6E wireless personal testbeds now support Wi-Fi 6E. A massive portion of new spectrum is made available by regulators around the world for Wi-Fi and other unlicensed uses. A total of 1,200 MHz in the new 6-GHz band increases the number of 80 MHz channels available for Wi-Fi from six to twenty resulting in […]
Highly flexible VNA cables support frequencies to 70 GHz
New highly flexible VNA test cables display excellent electrical properties such as exceptional phase stability of ±6° at 50 GHz and ±8° at 70 GHz with flexure, as well as VSWR of 1.3:1 at 50 GHz and 1.4:1 at 70 GHz. The new 50 GHz assemblies are terminated with 2.4-mm connectors while the 70 GHz […]
When you can use Spice and it’s variants, when you can’t
It has been a long time since it was practical to breadboard even moderately complex IC designs to evaluate them prior to manufacture. This is particularly true because of subtle parasitic and characteristic impedance effects that rear their ugly head in the frequency ranges of many modern circuit designs. That is the rationale for Spice […]
Customized enclosure paneling for 3U and 6U OpenVPX chassis
Customized solutions are available for enclosure paneling for 3U and 6U OpenVPX and other Eurocard-based systems. Some front or rear panels for VITA or PICMG-based enclosures cover the full length of the 19-in rackmount or smaller chassis. The panels/doors often need cutouts for I/O or special access needs. Pixus offers the panels/doors with options for […]
Basics of electrolytes in electronic processes
In electrolytes, traveling ions are the charge carriers, playing the role of electrons in a metal conductor. Ionic solutions, which are electrolytes, vary in resistivity depending on small changes in concentration. Ohmmeter probes dipped in a glass of distilled water produce a high-ohm reading, while adding a pinch of salt greatly increases the conductivity. Electrolytes […]
Data collaboration software works directly on oscilloscope data
TekDrive is the first native oscilloscope-to-cloud software solution to facilitate global data collaboration directly on an oscilloscope, PC, phone or tablet. Created to enable ultimate ease and accuracy in data accessibility and collaboration, TekDrive provides engineers the ability to instantaneously share and recall data directly on an oscilloscope, eliminating the need for cumbersome data-sharing practices. […]
3U VPX Ethernet switch meets SOSA technical standard
The SWE440S is an upgrade which builds on the strong capability and high performance of the SWE440A 3U VPX switches. This fully managed Ethernet switch is designed to align with the SOSA Technical Standard. By keeping power low and functionality high – the SWE440S provides greater interoperability and integration with SBCs, FPGAs, and Ethernet switches […]
Economical 4-channel 100-MHz scope features advanced triggering, deep memory
The SDS1104X-U four-channel 100-MHz oscilloscope is a lower priced, economy version of the very popular SDS1104X-E. Many excellent features have been retained, including the large 7-in TFT-LCD display and ergonomic front panel design, while economies have been made by removing the optional MSO and function generator upgrade capabilities, a reduced time-base resolution and vertical resolution, […]
