The self-capacitance of Earth is approximately 710 μF, assuming the free-space dielectric to be a vacuum. The capacitance of Mars is 378 μF. At first glance, it may not be clear where these figures comes from or how a planet can have a capacitance. And if a planet has a capacitance, might it also have […]
Test and Measurement Tips
Filters offer ‘brick-wall’ performance to 7 GHz for semiconductor and IC testing
Two new filter series for high frequency testing applications–-LC17 and HC17-–provide brick wall characteristics and performance to 7 GHz making them candidates for audio-digital-conversion and digital-audio-conversion (ADC/DAC) test set ups. Such signal conditioning testing is especially important for semiconductor chips and integrated circuits where testing frequencies continue to trend higher and higher. Relevant markets include […]
PC-based scopes sport two 12-bit, 2.5 TSa/sec equivalent-time sampling channels
The PicoScope two-channel 9402 Sampler-Extended Real-time Oscilloscope (SXRTO) series comesin two models: the 9402-05 and the 9402-16 with 5-GHz and 16-GHz bandwidth respectively. They complement the already available four-channel models at a lower price point. Designed to analyze repetitive or clock-derived signals, they feature two high-resolution 12-bit channels driven by the equivalent-time sampling (ETS) of […]
PC-based scopes include two-channel 5-GHz and 16-GHz models
The PicoScope 9402-05 and 9402-16 two-channel models join the 9404-05 and 9404-16 four-channel models that are candidates for viewing repetitive or clock-derived signals. All models feature high-resolution 12-bit channels, each supported by real-time sampling to 500 MS/sec/channel and up to 2.5 TS/sec (0.4 psec) random equivalent-time sampling. The wideband inputs with fine timing and voltage […]
What is a load coil and how do you measure it?
The textbook description of an inductor often involves a coil of wire. Of course, any material other than a perfect ideal insulator has theoretical inductance. All the windings do is multiply the effect by creating overlapping fields. It’s good to in mind that inductance is measurable in many non-coils, such as power transmission lines, coax, […]
Emulator setup checks out EV charging, grid-edge apps
The SL1200A Series Scienlab Regenerative three-Phase ac Emulator is a comprehensive one-vendor solution consisting of hardware, software, consulting and support services for electric vehicle (EV) and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) charging applications and grid-edge applications. Energy infrastructures are changing, and in the automotive industry, the electrification of vehicles is expected to create significant charging […]
Is it possible to image an electron?
The electron has close to zero mass, a negative charge, and revolves in an orbit around its atomic nucleus or, alternately, moves through space or through a conductor, in which it is a charge-carrying free electron. An electron is also a fermion, which means it follows the Pauli exclusion principle: No two electrons can occupy […]
PCIe Gen5 test setup handles PHY-layer protocol analysis, transmitter/receiver, LEQ tests
A PCI Express 5.0 (PCIe Gen5) test solution combines Anritsu’s Signal Quality Analyzer-R MP1900A BERT series with Tektronix’s DPO70000SX series 70-GHz Real-time Oscilloscope and automation software. The all-in-one solution supports tests of PCIe 5.0 electrical characteristics, physical-layer protocol analysis, and transmitter/receiver and Link Equalization Training (LEQ) tests to facilitate efficient development of high-speed ICs, devices, […]
Pocket-size spectrometer captures light data in real time
The photonfy pocket-sized spectrometer measures 92.8 (H)x38.2(W)x20.5 mm(D) and weighs 55 g. It makes CCT, Illuminance, irradiance, and flicker measurements. It can be used as a light quality spectral optimizer for making reports on CIE CRI, IES TM30-15/18, color icon, color spaces, ANSI color binning, etc. It can also provide health indicators: Equivalent Melanopic Lux […]
Pocket-Sized PoE++ Tester needs no batteries
A new pocket-sized PoE++ tester called the TPS200C has an MSRP of $89.00. “The easy-to-use TPS200C has been designed for all varieties of PoE…up to 56 V and 280 W of power,” explained Sean Rothermel, Platinum Tools product manager. “Powered by the PoE circuit, the TPS200C requires no batteries and can be used inline with […]
