Use of electronics and capacitive-based position sensing have transformed the caliper, a fundamental and essential instrument of precision linear-dimension measurement. Part 1 of this FAQ looked briefly at the basic mechanical, Vernier, and dial-readout calipers, as well as the micrometer. All these mechanical-only embodiments of the caliper were made obsolete within a few years with […]
Test and Measurement Tips
The difference between attenuation in conductors and optical fibers
Electrical power moves through a conductor when opposing dc or ac voltages are applied at opposite ends. Charge carriers — free electrons or electron holes in semiconductors, ions in electrolytes – migrate toward the opposite poles. Metals, with abundant free electrons, have high conductivity. All conductors are partial insulators and all insulators are, to some […]
Electrical tester calibrator helps comply with new regulatory standards
The 5322A Electrical Tester Calibrator is a multi-device calibrator built to facilitate compliance with exacting international standards such as the UK’s BS7671 17th Edition, IEC/EN Standards, Australia and New Zealand’s AS/NZS 3000 and Chinese verification/calibration regulations for various electrical testers. The 5322A combines many functions into a single instrument, replacing discrete resistors, decade boxes, and […]
Rugged real-time spectrum analyzer/RF recorder works up to 20 GHz
The Spectran XFR V5 PRO Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer is a portable, rugged RF detection device designed to capture even the briefest signal transmissions. Its rapid signal acquisition scans a 20-GHz bandwidth in less than 20 msec, making it the world´s fastest counter-surveillance receiver. The instrument’s internal GPS also indicates the precise location of the measured […]
Low-cost spectrum analyzers monitor in real-time to see intermittent and frequency-hopped signals
The compact ThinkRF R5500 Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer series is designed to monitor and analyze wireless signals in real-time and not progressively scanned like most common spectrum analyzers. Real-time analysis is vital for being able to observe intermittent or frequency-hopped signals. The R5500 series comes in three models to cover 8, 18, or 27-GHz signals. They […]
RF downconverter extends range of spectrum analyzers
The compact ThinkRF D2030 RF Downconverter is engineered to work seamlessly with existing spectrum analysis equipment by down-converting RF signals from the 27-30 GHz frequency bands down to an intermediate frequency (IF) of 3.55 GHz or 5.6 GHz. The D2030 RF Downconverter works with existing test equipment, RF signal detectors, and interfaces, minimizing user training […]
Digital caliper, Pt 1: Background and predecessors
Use of electronics and capacitive-based position sensing have transformed the caliper, a fundamental and essential instrument of precision linear-dimension measurement. Making precise measurements across small distances of up to several inches or tens of centimeters is an obvious and fundamental requirement of modern metrology, research, and mass production. But how can that be done accurately, […]
Cathode ray tube vs. flat screen displays in oscilloscopes
Prior to the digital revolution in electronic instrumentation, oscilloscopes displayed waveforms on cathode ray tube screens. Modern digital oscilloscopes universally have flat screens. The flat screen is light, thin, consumes far less energy, and is less expensive to manufacture. All agree that it is a great improvement. The one advantage of CRT technology is that […]
Software tracks, monitors lab instruments, optimizes student learning
The BenchVue Lab Management and Control software tool is designed to simplify the configuration, monitoring and tracking of lab instruments, while optimizing student learning. Keysight’s new BenchVue Lab software application enables educators to spend less time on the manual set-up and tracking of lab instruments and focus on what really matters—providing a high-quality teaching experience. […]
Economical scope offers 1 GHz bandwidth, 5 GS/sec sample rate, 250 Mpt acquisition memory
The SIGLENT SDS5000X is available with bandwidths of 350, 500, and 1 GHz, and features a maximum sample rate of 5 GS/sec. It also features 250 Mpts of acquisition memory and a waveform-update rate of up-to 110,000 wfm/sec. To help maintain high test speeds, many of its waveform analysis features are implemented in hardware. The […]