The EMP/EMC ruggedized and shielded RF-over-fiber Sentinel 3 system now has a driver that is compatible with LabVIEW based systems. The driver has been approved by National Instruments and provides a high level of accuracy at±1⁄4 dB across the Sentinel 3 link gain. The Sentinel 3 system basically consists of remote RF sensors that connect […]
Test and Measurement Tips
When to use NPN and PNP transistors and FETs
Most bipolar junction transistors and field-effect transistors (FETs) have three terminals. In the BJT symbol, the base lead is perpendicular to and lands at the midpoint of a short line segment representing the semiconductor substrate. The emitter has an arrowhead embedded in the lead, so the remaining lead has to be the collector. If the […]
3U VPX chassis features easy access card cage
A new development platform is said to enable easier access and faster testing of plug-in cards aligned to SOSA 3U VPX. The 3U VPX slimline CompacFrame, is the first in a series of new development platforms designed to accelerate the design and testing of open architecture-based embedded systems. The platform features a card cage that […]
VNAs cover 9 kHz to 8.5 GHz with 1-Hz resolution
The Siglent SNA5000A series of two- and four-port vector network analyzers offer a frequency analysis range of 9 kHz up to 8.5 GHz with a resolution of 1 Hz, a dynamic range of 125 dB, and a level resolution of 0.05 dB. The Siglent SNA5000A series consists of four models (4.5 GHz or 8.5 GHz […]
DisplayPort 2.0 PHY test setup integrates BERT, analysis of multi-lane 20 Gb/sec video links
The QualiPHY DisplayPort 2.0 source and sink compliance and DisplayPort AUX DME (Decode, Measure & Eye Diagram) oscilloscope software options build on a recently announced industry-leading DisplayPort 2.0 Link Layer compliance test solution. The market demands higher resolution for Virtual Reality and PC displays — up to 16,000 pixels (16K) — and ever faster refresh […]
Wireless test sets support Wi-Fi 6E UE, chipsets, modules
A hardware option extends the frequency of the TRX Test Module MU887002A for Universal Wireless Test Sets MT8870A and MT8872A from 6 GHz to 7.3 GHz to address emerging Wi-Fi 6E designs. With the hardware option, the wireless test sets support RF tests of the 6 GHz band (5.925 to 7.125 GHz) specified by the […]
Hand-held testers check out copper cabling up to Cat 6A standards
The WireXpert cable tester series now includes the WireXpert 500, a cable certifier that targets copper cables up to Cat 6A. With its modular concept and unique licensing system, the WireXpert 500 is a versatile, cost-effective tool for cable system certification in office environments, industrial settings, laboratories and data centers. Softing has found that the […]
Q/V-band phased-array satellite antennas target next-generation satellites
A new phased-array user terminal is specifically designed for operation in the higher millimeter-wave (MMW) frequency bands for evolving next-generation communication satellites. The new low-profile antenna, based on ThinKom’s patented VICTS (Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub) technology, will operate in the Q- and V-band frequencies (37.5-42.5 GHz and 47.2-51.4 GHz). These bands have been designated […]
Difference between arc-fault circuit interrupters and ground-fault circuit interrupters
Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are sometimes confused with similar appearing ground-fault interrupters, GFCIs, which protect against electric shock. Rather than protecting against electric shock, AFCIs protect buildings and occupants from electrical fire. Internal electronics and operating principles of the two devices are entirely different. A GFCI protects the occupant from electric shock by detecting the […]
TAA-compliant waveguide horn antennas span 1.7 to 40 GHz
A new series of standard gain, waveguide horn antennas can be used in a wide range of test and measurement, wireless communication, government/military, R&D, and microwave radio systems applications. Fairview Microwave’s new waveguide horn antennas are made in the U.S. and are TAA-compliant. With low loss, high power handling capability, high directivity and near constant […]