Electronics Automation

Ease of use for GSM handset tester

2007-02-28T01:34:00.003-08:00

Agilent has demonstrated at 3GSM a new test capability for Unlicensed Mobile Access/Generic Access Network (UMA/GAN) that promises low pricing and exceptional ease-of-use.

Agilent has demonstrated at 3GSM a new test capability for Unlicensed Mobile Access/Generic Access Network (UMA/GAN) that promises low pricing and exceptional ease-of-use. This one-box benchtop UMA/GAN test solution will initially be available via subscription release to Agilent 8960 Wireless Communications Test Set customers with E6720A annual contracts. UMA specifications are intended to extend mobile voice and data services over fixed WLAN.

These services are available to mobile users via dual-mode and UMA-enabled handsets.

Consumer acceptance of this new generation of handsets depends heavily on their ability to seamlessly transition between cellular and WLAN networks during calls, while using services such as SMS/MMS, Web browsing and in idle mode.

Protocol developers and integration engineers, therefore, require an easy-to-use, comprehensive solution for testing the functional aspects of UMA/GAN, as well as to ascertain whether handovers occur at the correct parametric conditions and that all services are correctly managed throughout the transition.

Previously, to perform these tests, engineers would have been required to use a substantially more costly conformance test system.

With Agilent's one-box tester, all testing takes place on a bench rather than getting access to a system rack.

Engineers simply connect the equipment and begin testing.

'Today's engineers require cost-effective, easy-to-use measurement solutions that provide broad test coverage for stress test, validation and regression testing across RF, protocol and software', says Earl Thompson, Vice President and General Manager of Agilent's Wireless Division.

'Agilent's subscription release of the UMA/GAN capability reiterates our continued commitment to deliver cost effective, innovative and value-added solutions to manufacturing and RandD activities worldwide in support of new and emerging communication technologies like UMA'.

Agilent's new UMA/GAN handover testing capability will initially be available only via the Agilent E6720A Lab Application annual contract.

This contract not only offers all new official releases that are available during the contract period, but also gives customers access to subscription releases, which are early releases of leading-edge test capabilities such as UMA/GAN.

Test catalogue tutorials simplify selection

2007-02-28T01:34:00.001-08:00

Keithley Instruments has published its 2007 Test and Measurement Product Catalogue. This desktop reference guide offers details and specifications on Keithley's general-purpose and sensitive sourcing and measurement products, DC switching, RF switching and measurement, data acquisition solutions, semiconductor test systems, and optoelectronics test hardware. Tutorials simplify choosing solutions for specific applications.

Arranged by major product type and application area, each section of the catalogue contains a tutorial on test-system design and use with practical tips to help users avoid common measurement errors, increase productivity, and lower their cost of test.

The major catalogue sections include: digital multimeters and systems; switching and control; RF/microwave switching and instruments; specialised power supplies; source and measure products; low level measurements and sourcing; pulse/pattern generators; PXI hybrid system products; optoelectronic test; semiconductor test; and data acquisition products.

FlexRay options aid automotive testing

2007-02-28T01:32:00.002-08:00

Automotive test products can easily be integrated in complex, automated functional test configurations, which can be leveraged from design validation into production.

At Embedded World, Agilent Technologies introduced a number of product options to help automotive engineers develop their electronic products faster and under budget, while meeting quality requirements. These automotive test products can easily be integrated in complex, automated functional test configurations, which can be leveraged from design validation into production. A FlexRay option for the Agilent 6000 series mixed signal oscilloscopes offers a robust set of FlexRay frame, slot and error triggering, including the ability to trigger on specific FlexRay communications qualified on base-cycle and cycle-repetition.

A FlexRay extension to the Agilent 16800 and 16900 Series logic analyser provides FlexRay packet decoding capabilities and is essential when debugging and validating activity between multiple buses in an automotive system.

Analysis includes timing between signals, inverse assembly and packet display for key buses, as well as time-correlation of protocol packets to CPU and memory bus activity.

'New advanced driver assistance systems will further connect subsystems within the car, and from cars to cars and cars to the infrastructure', said Roland Jeutter, Automotive Business Manager at Agilent Technologies Germany.

'Our new automotive products help to master new technologies and the increasing complexity of these advanced electronic control units'.

To ensure that the advanced electrical/electronic system of a vehicle stays within the limits for the electromagnetic emissions, Agilent has added support for the widely adopted measurement methods defined in the CISPR25 standard.

As unveiled at IEEE EMC 2006, Agilent's fully CISPR16-compliant solution will be released later this year.

In addition to making CISPR25 measurements, the Agilent solution, which is based on the Performance spectrum analyser (PSA), will allow testing throughput not seen in previous-generation EMI receivers, at a competitive price.

Oscilloscope turns to FlexRay measurements

2007-02-28T01:32:00.001-08:00

Measurement system provides the highest-level FlexRay triggering and protocol decode measurements available in an oscilloscope.

Agilent Technologies and Dependable Computer Systems (Decomsys) have introduced a measurement system that provides the highest-level FlexRay triggering and protocol decode measurements available in an oscilloscope. This new measurement solution allows automotive designers who use embedded microprocessors to verify proper signal integrity of their FlexRay signals and proper timing of the time-triggered communication bus. The measurement system combines an Agilent 6000 Series mixed signal oscilloscope (MSO) with a Decomsys::Busdoctor 2 protocol analyser to provide the first time-correlated slot/segment boundary display of the global FlexRay timing schedule on an oscilloscope.

The FlexRay serial bus is an automotive communication bus with a time-triggered, deterministic architecture.

This higher-performance and fault-tolerant serial bus is gaining rapid adoption in the design of some of today's higher-end automobiles including BMW's X5 SUV, where it initially is being used to support a suspension application.

Because of the fault-tolerant nature of the FlexRay protocol, FlexRay technology is expected to be used in the near future for many safety-critical applications such as steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire and collision-avoidance systems.

When used in combination with the Decomsys::Busdoctor 2 protocol analyser, Agilent's FlexRay option for the 6000 Series mixed signal oscilloscopes offers a robust set of FlexRay frame, slot and error triggering, including the ability to trigger on specific FlexRay communications qualified on base-cycle and cycle-repetition.

Designers can see a synchronous and time-correlated display of segment and slot-timing boundaries by importing a Fibex file that defines the global FlexRay schedule directly into the 6000 Series mixed signal oscilloscope.

This capability allows the system to be used as a stand-alone tester (no external PC required).

Alternatively, the Decomsys::Busdoctor 2 and MSO can be configured for synchronous operation using Decomsys' Vision software package.

This type of system configuration provides higher-level FlexRay protocol analysis measurements on the PC and time-correlated FlexRay measurements on the oscilloscope's display.

The Agilent N5432A FlexRay triggering and real-time decode option for the 6000 Series mixed signal oscilloscope is priced at $2500.

The Decomsys::Busdoctor 2 FlexRay protocol analyser and optional MSO communication cable can be ordered directly from Decomsys.

Alliance targets Mobile WiMAX testing

2007-02-28T01:28:00.000-08:00

Agilent Technologies and Beceem Communications have signed an agreement to develop high-speed manufacturing test solutions for mobile WiMAX devices based on the IEEE802.16e-2005 standard.

Agilent Technologies and Beceem Communications have signed an agreement to develop high-speed manufacturing test solutions for mobile WiMAX devices based on the IEEE802.16e-2005 standard. Agilent will initially develop a new test system based on the MXA signal analyser and MXG signal generator for WiMAX, and Agilent's test executive and control software. This test system will be optimised to directly control Beceem's MS120 baseband and RF chipset and the WiMAX modem software, thus enabling the highest possible measurement throughput.

Beceem will certify Agilent's test systems for use by manufacturers that are developing mobile WiMAX products based on the MS120 chipset.

'We are truly excited to be working so closely with Beceem', said Pat Byrne, President of Agilent's Electronic Measurement Group.

'Beceem is a leading chipset vendor in Mobile WiMAX, and is in a first-mover market position with shipping well-qualified chipsets and reference designs for this rapidly growing industry'.

'Agilent is a leader in test equipment for CDMA, GSM and WCDMA, and it's our pleasure to work with them to accelerate the mobile WiMAX market', said Babu Mandava, President of Beceem Communications.

'Solutions like Agilent's are critical for enabling OEMs and ODMs to develop and test their WiMAX products, both in their labs and in production'.

Protocol tester turns to multimedia broadcasting

2007-02-23T21:31:00.000-08:00

Anritsu has developed a 'first-to-market' MBMS test solution for its highly successful PTS (Protocol Test System), confirming its leadership position in 3G research and development test.

A heritage of collaboration with industry leading terminal manufacturers enables Anritsu to announce a 'first-to-market' MBMS test solution for its highly successful PTS (Protocol Test System), confirming its leadership position in 3G research and development test. MBMS physical layer test capability was first launched in the MD8480C W-CDMA signalling tester in January 2007. Initial layer 3 test functionality will be introduced into the Protocol Test System (PTS) in February with further MBMS enhancements planned during the year.

An MBMS protocol conformance test capability for GCF certification is also planned.

MBMS (Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service) introduced in 3GPP Release 6, is a feature which offers two new bearer services, Broadcast Mode and Multicast Mode, enabling the delivery of multimedia content directly to handsets via point-to-point or point-to-multipoint transmission.

This is achieved either as a stream which is played back at the receiver in near-real time or as one or more files downloaded to the device for playback at a convenient time.

The growth in demand for point-to-point high bandwidth content delivery such as real time streaming and video services is currently being constrained by available network capacity.

By providing MBMS test functionality Anritsu is meeting industry demand head on, playing a pivotal role in enabling the delivery and transmission of content via MBMS which in turn provides improved network resource sharing, enabling the efficient usage of radio-network and core-network resources.

MBMS is an attractive upgrade to current infrastructure services as it requires no hardware modifications and will not affect current capacity for voice and data communications.

It is envisaged that MBMS will be the primary vehicle for, streaming and downloading services over the UE and as such will provide operators with a method of user initiated content targeting and greatly improved revenue streams.

Preventive monitoring to protect digital TV

2007-02-23T21:30:00.002-08:00

Pixelmetrix, the global expert in Preventive Monitoring for digital television and IPTV networks, will present its latest line of innovative devices come April at NAB 2007, Las Vegas.

Pixelmetrix, the global expert in Preventive Monitoring for digital television and IPTV networks, will present its latest line of innovative devices for preventitive monitoring in April at NAB 2007, Las Vegas. Its new portfolio of solutions is targeted at IPTV, terrestrial, satellite and cable market players to clinch optimum system performance and service delivery. Highlights at the Pixelmetrix booth SU12109 will include the integration of its DVStation-IP and DVStorIP-Gen, featuring end-to-end commissioning and testing of IPTV networks.

Exclusive previews of DVB-S2 and DVB-H are also on the agenda.

'At NAB 2007, we are introducing the bundling of our slew of advanced tools to fulfill the need for IPTV quality of experience and quality of service, disaster recovery, compliance recording and streamlined headend monitoring, just to name a few', says Danny Wilson, President and CEO of Pixelmetrix.

'The aim is to help operators and service providers bolster their confidence to create an efficient infrastructure, align their IPTV deployments and assure successful implementation and execution'.

Pixelmetrix will also exhibit the dynamic enhanced features of its DVShift MPEG-TS time shifter and DVStor transport storage and playback system.

On the Visualmpeg showcase, real-time elementary stream and video quality analysis will be covered.

Pixelmetrix develops a host of IPTV and preventive monitoring systems that offer unique attributes and versatility, allowing operators to achieve end-to-end visibility and keep tabs on their network architecture.

Optical tester guards against signal attenuation

2007-02-23T21:30:00.001-08:00

EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering has launched the IQS-3150 Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA) for optical network testing and active component manufacturing applications.

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has launched the IQS-3150 Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA) for optical network testing and active component manufacturing applications. The VOA offers an attenuation range of 65dB and spectral uniformity (+/-0.03dB over the C-band) as well as an optional intelligent function (integrated power meter). This new IQS module can be used in an automated testing environment to simulate the loss of optical power or increased link attenuation.

It combines reliable performance, complete control of the signal level, advanced programming capabilities and user-friendliness inside a one-slot singlemode or multimode module within the IQS-500 Intelligent Test System.

The IQS-3150 VOA has been designed to meet the requirements of the most extensive manufacturing applications in which 24 x 7 operation over a period of five years or more is needed.

When equipped with the optional power meter, the instrument can be set to reach a calibrated output power level instead of a known level of attenuation.

This two-in-one option eliminates the need for an external power meter and simplifies test setups.

'Our variable optical attenuator represents a key building block in the development of a multitude of automated test stations for manufacturing, system verification or RandD applications', says Etienne Gagnon, Exfo's Vice-President of Optical and Protocol Product Management.

'A wide range of optical and protocol test modules can be combined to create high-performance test stations like those required for BER testing of transmission cards or gain and noise characterisation of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs)'.

'Combined with the integrated power meter option, this new VOA increases the flexibility and stability of such test stations'.

Analyser evolves to handle power over Ethernet

2007-02-23T21:29:00.001-08:00

The DTX CableAnalyzer can now validate twisted-pair cabling links that use midspan power-over-Ethernet controllers, in accordance with TIA/EIA standards.

Fluke Networks has added a new capability to its industry-leading DTX CableAnalyzer Series. The DTX CableAnalyzer can now validate twisted-pair cabling links that use midspan power-over-Ethernet (PoE) controllers, in accordance with TIA/EIA standards. DTX AC Wiremap tests the wiring in each link to assure that VoIP phones, wireless access points, security cameras and other PoE devices will work with midspan power supplies before deployment, and to identify failures that may appear after deployment.

'This capability solves a testing issue that has been problematic for Power-over-Ethernet consumers', said John Schmidt, Senior Product Manager, Structured Cabling Systems for ADC.

'The ability to properly test through a PoE midspan is essential to certifying modern Ethernet networks'.

Ordinary wiremap tests fail when working with midspan power supplies, as the power supplies block the wiremap test signals from flowing in the direction of the Ethernet switch or hub.

As the name implies, the new DTX AC Wiremap test uses Alternating Current and innovative analysis methods that are unaffected by a midspan supply to provide accurate wiremap tests.

'We believe this new capability will enable current and future PoE installations to be easily tested with a single device making PoE Midspan devices easy to test and integrate into structured cabling systems', said Michael K Pula, Product Line Manager, Panduit Managed Network Solutions.

The DTX AC Wiremap test also diagnoses failures by determining the distance to the point of failure, possible reason(s) for the failure and corrective actions, saving time and allowing technicians with a wide range skill levels to understand and correct the problem.

The use of PoE is growing 20 to 30% per year.

Rapid increase in the use of VoIP phones, wireless access points and other PoE devices has made the powered network essential to businesses.

This is especially true where existing infrastructure, such as expensive switches and routers, is being coupled with new midspan power supplies.

The need for accurate testing on PoE networks is now mission critical.

The new DTX AC Wiremap test is now a standard feature on all DTX CableAnalyzers, can be added to existing units as a no-cost upgrade.

Digital ohmmeter for low resistance measurement

2007-02-23T21:25:00.000-08:00

The Cropico DO4A is a versatile digital ohmmeter used for low resistance measurement across a diverse range of engineering and power system safety applications.

The Cropico DO4A is a versatile digital ohmmeter used for low resistance measurement across a diverse range of engineering and power system safety applications. The DO4A uses True 4 Wire measurement to eliminate lead resistance errors across a push button selectable range from 40mW to 4kW with respective resolutions between 10mW and 1W. Contained in an aluminium case with a tilted carrying handle, the robust unit can be used in the workshop, by field or maintenance engineers or as part of more comprehensive electrical test facilities.

Input protection is provided up to 415V RMS.

For ease of operation the control functions have been kept to a minimum and a four-digit LCD gives direct readings of the resistance measured, with over-range and low-battery indicators also provided.

Other special features include an auto zero facility where thermal EMF may cause a large measuring error and warning LEDs to indicate an open circuit lead condition.

Rechargeable batteries provide full portability with over 14hr of continuous working on the lowest ranges and 28hr operation on others.

The Cropico DO4A is supplied ready for immediate use and comes complete with battery, mains cord and measuring leads.

In addition, a wide range of optional accessories including duplex handspikes, other specialist clips, long length leads and wire clamps further extend the instrument's versatility.

Digital Serial Analysers test high-speed data

2007-02-14T21:26:00.001-08:00

The DSA70000 real-time Digital Serial Analysers (DSA) and P7500 probes from Tektronix test the next generation of high-speed serial data applications such as PCI-Express 2.0, HDMI 1.3, and SATA III.

Tektronix has brought out a new line of DSA70000 real-time Digital Serial Analysers (DSA) and P7500 probes, both providing high-speed performance for the next generation of fast serial data applications such as PCI-Express 2.0, HDMI 1.3, and SATA III. The latest serial technologies are faster and more complex than prior generations and require better test equipment capable of greater performance and more extensive analysis. 'Tektronix is intimate with the latest technologies that underpin the fast data buses inside PCs, entertainment systems, networks, new wireless standards, and with on-demand delivery of digital video over converged multi-carrier networks that are integral to the new digital world', said Rick Wills, Chairman and CEO, Tektronix.

'With our latest announcements, customers have access to the most advanced instruments and software available for testing their high-speed serial data designs'.

The new real-time DSA70000 Series with bandwidth to 20GHz are said to be the world's fastest 4-channel real-time oscilloscopes, and the P7500 Series are claimed to be the world's fastest active differential probes.

'2nd and 3rd generation serial data technologies provide order of magnitude greater data throughput than possible only a few years ago and now underpin the fastest product designs', said Martyn Etherington, Vice President, Instruments Business, Tektronix.

'With the new DSA70000 Series real-time oscilloscopes, DSA8200 sampling oscilloscopes, AWG7000 arbitrary waveform generators, and P7500 series probes, engineers have access to an entirely new portfolio with the capabilities needed to develop next generation products incorporating high-speed serial data technologies''.

The DSA7000 Analysers have up to 20GHz bandwidth on all four channels simultaneously, 50 Gsample/s on all four channels, up to 200Mbyte memory on all four channels, and more than 300,000 waveforms captured per second to provide both critical insight into signal behaviour and in-depth analysis.

The new models include 12.5GHz, 16GHz, and 20GHz versions.

The DSA70000 series instruments include leading Serial Compliance, Jitter and Timing Analysis tools that provide patented software clock recovery, RT-Eye Serial Compliance and Analysis Software, and a full battery of standard-specific parametric measurements.

The new DSA70000 can be optioned with the industry's broadest range of automated software applications to speed pass/fail testing to industry standards such as PCI Express, SATA, FB-DIMM, HDMI and more.

Inspection system for computerised tomography

2007-02-14T21:25:00.002-08:00

The X-Tek Group will announce a new camera and detector combination for the Revolution NanoTech X-ray inspection system at APEX 2007.

The X-Tek Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of real-time microfocus X-ray systems, will announce a new camera and detector combination for the Revolution NanoTech X-ray inspection system and a new validation station for enhanced production capability at APEX, Booth 2237. Visitors to the X-Tek booth will also be able to experience a demonstration of computerised tomography (CT), a powerful new 3D imaging capability to the industry leading Revolution system. Impix, the new scientific grade camera and detector combination, further improves the dynamic range, accuracy, repeatability and feature recognition capability of the Revolution.

The camera boasts real-time frame rates at full camera resolution and full dynamic range.

Using the X-Tek InspectX image enhancement software the X-ray image is displayed on a separate LCD monitor for clutter free viewing.

The Revolution provides over 65 thousand levels of grey to assist in distinguishing fine features in components.

Supplied with X-Tek's On Chip Integration feature, the Revolution is also capable of imaging very transparent materials at very low X-ray energies.

The Impix camera will also enhance the CT option on the Revolution by further improving the voxel resolution capability.

The validation station option allows viewing/reviewing of captured data offline, enabling continued use of the X-ray system for production.

Data can be accessed remotely by serial number or by barcode scanning.

X-Tek's CT capability has recently received extensive global recognition.

X-Tek pioneered a powerful new X-ray source which allowed an international team of researchers to reveal the true purpose of one of the most technically advanced artefacts from the Greek classical world, the Antikythera mechanism.

X-Tek specifically developed a new 450kV microfocus X-ray source for the project, a dramatic advancement over the conventional 225kV source.

The results from X-Tek's new CT system provided researchers with new material and enabled them to read inscriptions that had never been seen before.

CT produces high resolution 3D data sets which can be viewed at any angle, sliced in any direction and measured to enable detailed analysis of the internal structure of a wide range of components and objects.

X-Tek has made true 3D imaging available, affordable and simple to use for fast internal analysis, measurement, reverse engineering and product verification.

The Revolution features submicron defect detection, 75 degree oblique viewing, digital detectors and automatic BGA software.

Offering the highest degree of off axis tilt available and NanoTech open tube technology for unparalleled resolution and magnification, visitors are invited to bring a sample with them to the X-Tek booth to test the system's capability.

The Revolution offers maximum magnification (up to 6000x) at all angles over the entire 410 x 410mm manipulator scan area, for 100% BGA, micro-BGA, multilayer board and PCB solder joint inspection, with quick analysis of BGA ball wetting, attachment, cracks and delaminations.

Clamp-on meters are easy to handle

2007-02-14T21:25:00.001-08:00

Fully functional clamp meters with simplified interfaces and easy-to-read, oversized display screens help technicians get their work done quickly and easily.

Amprobe Test Tools introduces the ACDC-100 and ACDC-100 TRMS digital clamp-ons, fully functional clamp meters with simplified interfaces and easy-to-read, oversized display screens to help technicians get their work done quickly and easily. Both models feature auto and manual ranging, relative zero mode, max capture for inrush current measurements (30ms response), auto power off, data hold, diode test, audible continuity and 'third hand' test probe holder. The ACDC-100 TRMS features true RMS measurements and a backlit display.

The clamp-ons are safety rated CAT III 600 V.

The ergonomics of the ACDC100 are enhanced by Amprobe's Red, Rubber, Ribs design, making it easy to handle.

The rubber overmoulded case includes built-in probe storage.

The ACDC-100 and ACDC-100 TRMS come with carrying cases, test leads, two AAA batteries and user manual.

Oscilloscopes are digital serial analysers

2007-02-14T21:24:00.002-08:00

Tektronix has announced the introduction of the industry's first ultra-high-performance oscilloscope with 20GHz real-time bandwidth and 50Gsample/s simultaneous sampling rate.

Tektronix has announced the introduction of the industry's first ultra-high-performance oscilloscope with 20GHz real-time bandwidth and 50Gsample/s simultaneous sampling rate. The DSA70000 digital serial analyser (DSA) oscilloscope family includes several new models - 20GHz DSA72004, 16GHz DSA71604 and 12.5GHz DSA71254. These new products provide unmatched performance and analysis and extend the real-time DPO performance platform introduced last summer with 4-8GHz DSA models.

The DSA70000 series offers more four-channel performance than any alternative oscilloscopes and are ideal for the high-speed serial data applications of today and tomorrow.

The new Tektronix oscilloscopes are an integral part of the new high-speed serial data test bench, and will foster development of next generation products for the new digital world.

New generations of consumer, computing, communications, and video products and systems are emerging that use faster, wider information buses and interconnects - often using serial data architectures - within the underlying semiconductors and IC components.

Ultra-high-performance oscilloscopes are required to capture the frequency harmonics of high-speed serial signals to make accurate and repeatable measurements.

The DSA71000 and DSA72000 oscilloscopes provide support on all channels for ultra-high bandwidth, deep memory, fast sample rate, and fast waveform capture rate.

This is especially valuable for high speed multi-lane serial data architectures where multichannel analysis is needed for lane skew timing violations.

The models are ideal for design engineers developing and testing state-of-the-art serial data applications, including PCI-Express 2, SATA 3, FB-DIMM II, HDMI 1.3, and 10Gbit/s Ethernet.

'The need for high-end test equipment continues to escalate in keeping with market demands driving greater performance', said Colin Shepard, Vice President, Performance Oscilloscopes, Tektronix.

'Engineers need an oscilloscope that is free of compromises, that has leading specifications to keep pace with the performance curve, and that provides a complete, efficient and productive test solution'.

'The new DSA70000 models are the best real-time oscilloscopes yet developed, delivering the performance our customers need for high-speed multi-lane serial data applications and processor buses'.

'The new oscilloscopes provide the most extensive analysis and compliance measurements available and reinforce the Tektronix track record of innovation with the right technologies at the right time for the market'.

The new digital real-time (DRT) models provide the best combination of performance with 12.5, 16, and 20GHz version, 50Gsample/s maximum sample rate per channel, and up to 200Msample memory across all four channels.

A FastAcq acquisition mode waveform capture rate greater than 300,000 per second - about 1000 times faster than any competing alternative - with the DPX parallel architecture signal processor yields both critical insight into signal behaviour and in-depth analysis.

The unequaled combination of DRT and DPO ultrahigh performance on four channels simultaneously provides engineers with the industry-leading attributes they need for the most demanding test challenges.

Faster than any other, the new real-time oscilloscopes share a new generation scalable performance platform first introduced less than a year ago that makes broad use of IBM 7HP silicon germanium (SiGe) technology.

The 7HP SiGe technology offers peak performance for applications requiring high speed transfer of data, low noise, high linearity and low power consumption.

'The new DSA70000 oscilloscopes are the ultra-high performance products that Tektronix envisioned when work began several years ago with IBM on a 7HP silicon germanium implementation', said David Harame, Director of Enablement and IBM Fellow, Systems and Technology Group, IBM.

'The results of the collaboration are a test and measurement platform for the future, apparent in these transformational products'.

'The new DSA70000 products provide industry leading multi-channel performance, a requirement for design engineers developing next generation products'.

This level of performance is necessary for emerging 2nd and 3rd generation serial data technologies.

At 50Gsample/s and 200M record length, an engineer can capture more than 4 ms of data, ensuring the best resolution at full performance compared with alternative products.

The 20GHz DSA72004 provides 3rd harmonic measurements for datarates up to 12Gbit/s and 5th harmonic measurements on signals running up to 8Gbit/s.

This performance satisfies the signal integrity measurement and compliance requirements of the fastest chip-to-chip serial bus architectures.

With the DSA70000, Tektronix provides the performance and functionality most needed by design and test engineers working with high-speed serial databuses including the best multilayer analysis tools for the debug and validation of single and multilane signals.

The DSA70000 series instruments include leading Serial Compliance, Jitter and Timing Analysis tools that provide patented software clock recovery, RT-Eye Serial Compliance and Analysis Software, and a full battery of standard-specific parametric measurements.

The DSA70000 also includes hardware serial pattern triggering up to 3.125Gbit/s.

Engineers can add options for domain expertise that provide specific Pass/Fail waveform mask and measurement limit testing in conformance with industry-acknowledged standards.

The DSA70000 models can be optioned with the industry's broadest range of automated software applications to speed pass/fail testing to industry standards.

The analysis software provides jitter measurements for most key timing parameters required by high-speed serial data standards, and offers the greatest accuracy and lowest jitter noise measurements for the highest available bandwidth, four-channel real time oscilloscope on the market.

Many customer applications require connecting to signals through high bandwidth probes.

Connecting these probes to the scope changes the overall response of the scope and probe system.

The DSA70000 models offer user selectable DSP that compensates for connection of the P7313 Z-Active differential probe with the High Bandwidth Straight Flex Tip-Clip Assembly so that the full potential performance of the system is achieved with the probe attached.

The same advantages of bandwidth enhancement - flat signal response, linear phase response, and matched channels - and noise reduction now extend all the way to the probe tip.

With this new feature, any signal applied at the probe tip has the same fidelity as if it were connected directly to the scope input.

Engineers now have the ability of connecting to their signals with the P7313, directly via high frequency cables, or a mix of both at the same time, and retain full system performance and fidelity.

Full bandwidth to the tip support for more probes and tips, including the new P7513 and P7516 probes will be available within the next several months.

With this announcement, there are now DSA70000 models ranging from the 4GHz DSA70404 to the 20GHz DSA72004 designed for serial data applications.

These share the same basic platform with the DPO7000 and DPO70000 models designed for advanced digital test, beginning with 500MHz DPO7054.

Also now available are new DPO70000 models, also ranging from 12.5 to 20GHz.

All together there are 16 new oscilloscope models introduced within the last year based on this new generation architecture, a complete transformation of the mid-range and high-end Tektronix oscilloscopes.

Network analyser with integral second source

2007-02-14T21:24:00.001-08:00

Agilent Technologies's new PNA-X microwave network analyser opearates in 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz range.

The PNA-X microwave network analyser from Agilent Technologies provides engineers with a novel single-connection means of making two-tone and swept LO measurements in the 10MHz to 26.5GHz range. The analyser has an internal second source and a signal-combining network. The PNA-X is suitable for engineers in the aerospace/defense and wireless communications industries developing and testing high-performance active devices such as amplifiers, mixers and convertors.

It is configurable in 2- or 4-port versions and is believed to be the only 2-port network analyser ot have an internal second source.

A new signal-routeing architecture allows it to be transformed from a pure network analyzer to an RF measurement hub for amplifiers and frequency convertors.

With two internal signal sources -- each with high output power (+16 dBm), low harmonics (-59 dBc), a wide power sweep range (40 dB), and a built-in pulse modulator and signal combiner, the PNA-X can perform amplifier intermodulation distortion, hot S22, traditional S-parameter and pulsed-S-parameter measurements along with harmonic and compression measurements.

The analyzer's integrated second source can be used as a fast fixed-IF or swept-LO signal for testing mixers and converters.

Speed improvements up to 35 times faster can be realised using the PNA's internal source as compared to using a traditional external source.

The PNA-X also has internal signal-routeing switches which provide increased flexibility for adding signal-conditioning hardware or additional test equipment for single-connection measurements.

This capability, coupled with the analyser's improved source performance, unmatched receiver compression (0.1 dB at +12 dBm) and stability, simplifies test setup and reduces the number of system calibrations required, while ensuring faster, more accurate measurements.

The PNA-X is believed to be the only network analyser with internal pulse modulators and generators for fast, simplified pulse measurements.

This enables pulse measurements to be taken 30 times faster compared with other analysers that require external generators and modulators.

The PNA-X network analyser's enhanced user interface comprising a large touch-screen display, eight soft keys and simplified hard-key arrangement make operation without a mouse easier than ever before.

These features also make it easier for engineers to read multiple measurements at the same time.

The new PNA-X exploits all existing features and capabilities of the PNA Series of network analysers, including: advanced connectivity via LAN, USB and GPIB; an easy-to-use Windows-based open architecture; an embedded help system; a frequency converter measurement application (FCA); and an automatic port extension.

It is also 100-percent code compatible with existing PNA Series analyzers.

An optional ECal feature enables fast, precision, single-connection calibration.

Bit-error-rate tester takes DesignVision Award

2007-02-08T20:45:00.003-08:00

Agilent Technologies has won a 2007 DesignVision Award in the test and measurement category for its J-BERT N4903A.

Agilent Technologies has won a 2007 DesignVision Award in the test and measurement category for its J-BERT N4903A, a high-performance serial bit-error-rate tester with an industry-first built-in, compliant and tunable clock data recovery (CDR). The International Engineering Consortium (IEC), which presents the DesignVision Awards, acknowledges individuals and companies that offer innovative and unique applications, products, technologies and services of impact to the semiconductor industry. IEC President John Janowiak commented: 'Our DesignVision Awards honour those catalyzing positive change in high-technology, business and academia, completely in line with the IEC's mission'.

'We are delighted to recognise the DesignVision finalists and share the best design advancements and innovators with the entire industry'.

The J-BERT N4903A is the only complete jitter tolerance test solution.

It provides integrated and calibrated jitter sources for stressed eye testing of gigabit receivers.

The new compliant and tunable CDR is also integrated into the J-BERT box.

This enables engineers in characterisation and validation labs to get precise jitter budget results for clock-less devices.

Engineers save test setup time by using J-BERT's new library of compliant CDR settings for many popular standards, such as PCI Express, Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), Fibre Channel, fully buffered DIMM, Common Electrical interface (CEI), 10Gbit/s Ethernet and XFP/XFI.

'We are pleased to be honoured by the IEC for the J-BERT N4903A with CDR', said Sigi Gross, Vice President and General Manager of Agilent's Digital Verification Solutions Division.

Ethernet testing moves to higher layers

2007-02-08T20:45:00.001-08:00

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has a new Ethernet test module, the FTB-8510B Packet Blazer, for advanced Ethernet and higher-layer test applications.

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has a new Ethernet test module, the FTB-8510B Packet Blazer, for advanced Ethernet and higher-layer test applications. Building on the strong technical base of its predecessor, the FTB-8510, this new module enhances Exfo's Ethernet testing capabilities and provides support for the growing demand in higher-layer protocol testing and service validation. Among its many enhancements, the FTB-8510B delivers wire-speed transmission control protocol (TCP) throughput measurements, adding key test metrics for carrier-grade Ethernet network performance validation.

This new feature allows customers to further qualify their service-level agreements (SLAs) by providing performance indicators relevant to the transmission of application data over a reliable TCP connection.

The FTB-8510B Packet Blazer now supports standardised 100Mbit/s optical Ethernet connections, while continuing to offer the full range of electrical 10/100/1000Mbit/s and 1000Mbit/s optical/physical interfaces - all within the same test module.

With 100Mbit/s optical interfaces at the heart of active Ethernet broadband access deployments worldwide, the FTB-8510B is the ideal product to address active Ethernet link performance validation.

'Exfo's innovative TCP throughput measurement feature on the new FTB-8510B Packet Blazer represents an industry first in the portable test equipment market', said Etienne Gagnon, Exfo's Vice-President of Protocol and Optical Product Management.

'It provides our customers with unmatched capabilities to validate the application performance of their networks'.

'Once again, Exfo has demonstrated its full commitment to the rapidly evolving Ethernet market by adding key features to its technology- leading Packet Blazer test family'.

The FTB-8510B Packet Blazer is available on the FTB-200 Compact Platform and the FTB-400 Universal Test System for field-testing and central office applications.

Its counterpart, the IQS-8510B can be hosted inside the IQS-500 Intelligent Test System for manufacturing and R and D test applications.

Emerging technologies in focus at 3GSM

2007-02-08T20:43:00.000-08:00

At 3GSM 2007, Anritsu will demonstrate a portfolio of solutions confirming a roadmap which sets the pace which will enable emerging technologies.

At 3GSM 2007, Anritsu will demonstrate a portfolio of solutions confirming a roadmap which sets the pace which will enable emerging technologies such as long term evolution and next generation networks. 3GSM will also see Anritsu announce its continued leadership in providing HSUPA protocol test cases approved by the GCF which follows the submission of the first 3GPP HSUPA conformance test case in September 2006. Anritsu's strong involvement in standards development and world leading solutions for conformance test allows it to offer solutions for later stages of the lifecycle.

For example, Anritsu is actively testing 4G networks Anritsu will showcase leading edge solutions for the mobile communications market covering development, verification, production, installation and maintenance as well as end-to-end quality test and monitoring and service quality optimisation.

These cover all wireless and converged networks and services and will include HSUPA, HSDPA, WiMAX and MBMS solutions for user equipment and infrastructure manufacturers.

Building on its acquisition of NetTest, Anritsu has developed OSS service assurance and service optimisation solutions key to improving service quality, revenue and profitability for mobile operators.

Our Service Assurance portfolio includes solutions for GSM,/GPRS, UMTS/HSPA, VoIP, IMS and IPTV networks and services.

New products and key technology developments showcased at 3GSM will include the following.

Anritsu's MD8480C signalling simulator offers HSPA with full rate HSUPA 5.7Mbit/s and HSDPA 14.4Mbit/s, R99 and intra-system handover capabilities.

Anritsu will launch HSPA on its MD8470A with full rate HSUPA and HSDPA functionality, adding throughput measurement capability for analysis of mobile application efficiency.

A key part of Anritsu's OSS portfolio, MasterClaw increases revenue and reduces operational expense by enabling faster resolution of network and service issues, promoting customer retention and usage and improving operational efficiency.

A nonintrusive monitoring system providing full end-to-end monitoring of converged networks, MasterClaw is the leading service and network monitoring system for GSM/GPRS, UMTS/HSPA, SS7, VoIP, IMS and IPTV networks.

3GSM will see MasterClaw showcasing the company's newest mobile broadband Service Assurance solutions, including a new service management application and the latest release of Traffic Observer, a real-time application for NOC centre operations purposes.

Visitors will also see the new IMS deployment and troubleshooting applications, and also our latest end-to-end HSPA monitoring solutions.

NetClaw is a key solution for enabling rapid network fault restoration, improving service quality and directly impacting service turn-up and pay-back.

NetClaw, an advanced network and service performance analyser is designed to quickly provision, troubleshoot and optimise existing and emerging services across GSM/GPRS, UMTS/HSPA, SS7, VoIP, IMS and IPTV domains.

With advanced applications for service testing, network monitoring, and data acquisition for next-generation networks in a single box, NetClaw is a scalable and easy-to-use solution for remote and local operation across fixed and mobile domains.

NetClaw is being shown live at 3GSM and we are featuring our new MMS and HSDPA applications.

Radio infrastructure test solutions reduce capex and improve service roll-out.

Anritsu's radio infrastructure test solutions reduce capex and improve service roll-out, raising operational efficiency.

The range of solutions on show at 3GSM includes the BTS Master handheld basestation analyser (MT8222A), a true one-stop solution for wireless field technicians working with GSM/GPRS/Edge/WCDMA/HSPSA).

Other solutions include the MS8911B digital broadcast field analyser, the only complete handheld test tool for DVB-T and DVB-H and WCDMA/HSPA/GSM area scanners/area testers for area coverage measurement.

Bit error tester runs from T1 to STM-1 rates

2007-02-08T20:42:00.000-08:00

Stand-alone bit error tester provides unframed high speed PRBS, serial binary output ranging from T1 to STM-1 rates.

The Technisys PN 701182-1 bit error tester is a stand-alone device designed to provide unframed high speed PRBS, serial binary output ranging from T1 to STM-1 rates. Outputs can be encoded with applicable zero suppression techniques. Signal levels include differential and single ended AMI, CMI, ECL, PECL, RS422 and LVDS levels for copper interface and STM-1 (OC3) fibre optic interface.

All electrical I/O is through rear panel concentric twinaxial connectors or industry standard BNC connectors.

NRZ interfaces are all differential pairs.

Fibre optic l/O is through LC connectors and a SFP transceiver.

The SFP I/O can be electrical, if Infiniband or Fibre Channel device is installed.

The unit pricing for these is at under US $5000 with significant discount for quantity orders.

Handheld digital multimeters are hot products

2007-02-08T20:38:00.000-08:00

Agilent's U1250A Series handheld digital multimeters have been named in EDN magazine's list of the Hot 100 Products.

Agilent's U1250A Series handheld digital multimeters have been named in EDN magazine's list of the Hot 100 Products of 2006. This list recognises the most innovative and significant new products built by and for electronics engineers in 2006. 'Agilent is honoured to receive this prestigious recognition from EDN', said Ee Huei Sin, Vice President and General Manager of Agilent's Basic Instruments Division.

'We view this as an acknowledgment of our commitment to provide engineers with affordable test-and-measurement solutions that deliver uncompromising measurement integrity'.

Designed for cost-sensitive engineers and technicians on the go, the U1250A Series includes two models that provide 4.5-digit resolution with +/-50,000 counts full-scale on a dual display.

Basic error limits are as low as 0.025%, enabling simultaneous, accurate measurements and providing the flexibility to perform both quick validation or tolerance checks and marginal-failure troubleshooting.

In addition to the basic measurement functions, the models come with capabilities such as automated data-logging with the optional PC interface cable, 20MHz frequency counter, and programmable square-wave generator and temperature measurement.

Enclosed in a robust package with shock-absorbing overmould, both models are Category III 1000V-rated and operate over a temperature range of -20 to +55C.

Handheld test set checks IPTV over VDSL2

2007-01-30T21:22:00.000-08:00

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has developed the first handheld test set to support IPTV and HDTV over a standards-based VDSL2 test module.

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has developed the first handheld test set to support Internet Protocol television (IPTV) and high-definition television (HDTV) over a standards-based, very high-speed digital subscriber loop, version 2 (VDSL2) test module. This new product announcement marks the latest in a series of test modules for the CoLT-450P, a handheld, battery-powered test set for installation and maintenance applications on copper-based broadband access networks. VDSL2 is beginning to be deployed by network service providers (NSPs) as a part of their strategy to offer standard definition (SD), high-definition (HD) IPTV and IP video-on-demand (VOD) services over multiple channels.

NSPs use a fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) configuration to bring VDSL-based digital subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs) within 900-1200m of subscribers.

This architecture enables VDSL2-based DSLAMs to deliver up to 100Mbit/s of downstream data to each subscriber with typical rates of 30Mbit/s.

As such, VDSL2 is regarded as an economical and rapid deployment alternative to fibre-to-the-home (FTTH).

Exfo's CoLT-450P, equipped with a new VDSL2 test module, allows NSP installation and maintenance personnel to confirm upstream/downstream connection rates, signal levels, VDSL2 error statistics and other important parameters of the VDSL2 link-up.

Once a link is established, technicians can use the CoLT-450P to test the various protocol layers and the quality of the applications themselves.

Exfo's solution interoperates with VDSL2 equipment that is based on several different chipsets.

In addition, it is backwards-compatible with some interim VDSL 1.5 solutions that exist in the field.

The CoLT-450P is used to install and troubleshoot digital subscriber line (DSL) circuits that deliver triple-play services (voice, data and video) over high-speed access networks.

The CoLT-450P is the first DSL test set to be purpose-built for assessing the high bit-rate throughput of multiple-channel HDTV.

This easy-to-use, modular test solution acts as a golden modem for confirming the rates and other measured parameters provided by asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL), ADSL2, ADSL2+, reach-extended (RE) ADSL and now VDSL2.

As well, the CoLT-450P performs functional testing and quality-of-service testing for voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Internet services.

The CoLT-450P is an indispensable tool for rapid installation and efficient troubleshooting of IPTV services.

It supports an industry-leading and flexible suite for IPTV test capabilities.

The CoLT-450P features high-performance video-packet processing speed and throughput.

Once equipped with a CoLT-450P, technicians can establish a DSL connection, log onto a service provider's network: 'join' and 'leave' various streaming video channels, and measure the quality of the video stream.

The CoLT-450P has the power to support the highest DSL rates and performance, while simultaneously handling multiple standard and high-definition video streams.

A 10/100BaseT Ethernet interface enables the CoLT-450P to operate as a complete home/office DSL modem and router, allowing it to work 'in-line' on a live IPTV service in conjunction with a set-top box.

'With NSPs poised to make large-scale deployments of IPTV services, the CoLT-450P is an indispensable tool for rapid installation and efficient troubleshooting', said Robert Fitts, Exfo's Vice-President of Product Management, Copper Access Group.

'Launching this new VDSL2 test module barely a few weeks after receiving the 2006 Frost and Sullivan xDSL Growth Strategy Leadership Award proves that Exfo means business in the DSL and triple-play test space and is highly committed to deliver the best IPTV test solution on the market'.

Measurement products for aerospace testing

2007-01-30T21:16:00.000-08:00

At Aerospace Testing Expo, Rohde and Schwarz will showcase a cross-section of its broad portfolio of test and measurement products.

At Aerospace Testing Expo (Munich, Germany, 27th to 29th March 2007), Rohde and Schwarz (Hall A1, Stand 1204) will showcase a cross-section of its broad portfolio of test and measurement products, ranging from high-end instruments for signal generation and analysis to network analysis and standards-compliant EMC measurements. Depending on customer requirements, the company offers complete system solutions or stand-alone applications. Plus, individual products can be integrated into existing systems.

To ensure flexible use, the instruments from Rohde and Schwarz are downward-compatible.

And features such as LXI compatibility provide the safety of investment demanded by customers.

In everyday operation, antenna and radar systems must often handle pulsed signals.

Amplifiers and on-wafer measurements also require pulsed signals in order to avoid overheating.

With the R and S ZVA-K7 software option, Rohde and Schwarz has integrated pulsed measurements into the R and S ZVA family of high-end network analysers, thus providing a compact and cost-efficient solution.

Absolute levels, complex S-parameters, and quantities derived from them can be displayed in real time by using pulses with a resolution of 12.5ns.

The option makes it possible to analyse periodic and nonperiodic pulses as well as single pulses with an IF bandwidth of up to 30MHz.

Special advantages of the new method include simple test setup and adaptive error correction when measurement settings are changed.

When equipped with the R and S SMA-K25 option, the analogue R and S SMA100A high-end signal generator operates as a source for precise VOR/ILS signals.

The instrument's low modulation errors and high level accuracy permit reliable tests on air navigation receivers.

With a frequency range of 9kHz to 6GHz, it can be used for all applications in the lab, in production, and in service that require signals of high spectral purity.

The compact R and S SMA100A generates amplitude modulation (AM) and pulse modulation signals as standard.

For mil/aero applications, the instrument can be upgraded with a high-end pulse generator by means of the R and S SMA-K23 option.

To enable users to check and maintain ILS and VOR systems, Rohde and Schwarz has developed the R and S EVS300.

This robust level and modulation analyser with a weight of less than 6kg is ideal for use not only in the laboratory but also at airports and for performing flight inspections with measurement aircraft.

An internal calibration generator enables it to achieve very high level measurement accuracy.

In addition to extremely fast measurement value processing, the R and S EVS300 features an internal data memory that records up to ten million measurement data records for applications with maximum measurement speed or for long-term monitoring.

The measurement values can be transmitted over standard interfaces or copied to a USB memory stick.

In the absence of an AC supply, rechargeable batteries provide an operating time of 8-10h during continuous measurements.

Rohde and Schwarz will also present the R and S SMF100A at Aerospace Testing Expo.

This new analogue microwave signal generator claims new standards in single sideband (SSB) phase noise.

Thanks to its unique value of -115dBc (at 10GHz/10kHz offset), the instrument is ideal for a variety of telecommunications and radar applications.

In addition, high output power and very short setting times enable flexible applications in production.

With level and frequency setting times of 4 and 3ms, respectively, the R and S SMF100A achieves an outstanding value.

Moreover, the instrument provides output power of typically up to +26dBm without an external amplifier.

The R and S SMF100A is designed for a frequency range up to 22GHz.

To develop and produce high-quality transmit and receive equipment such as communications systems and radar, users need the conventional measurements of both a phase noise tester and a spectrum analyser.

The R and S FSUP is the only instrument worldwide that combines a spectrum analyser and a phase noise tester up to 50GHz.

With the R and S FSUP, Rohde and Schwarz for the first time offers an instrument specially designed for characterising RF signal sources and in particular for measuring phase noise.

The R and S FSUP incorporates the company's many years of experience in developing high-quality spectrum analysers and low-noise oscillators and synthesisers.

The R and S FSUP allows extremely flexible and easy test setups and reduces investment costs significantly.

The R and S FSH18 handheld spectrum analyser from Rohde and Schwarz underscores the company's continued development of the 3 and 6GHz models of the R and S FSH, already firmly established on the market.

These models are highly regarded by users especially because of their extensive measurement functions, excellent RF characteristics, and compact design (2.5kg).

Accommodated in the same housing as the low-frequency models, the R and S FSH18 is ideal for a variety of applications in the microwave range.

In field use, this newcomer helps to detect spurious signals in a frequency range up to 18GHz - no matter whether in tests on radar equipment, air traffic control systems, satellite systems, or microwave links.

Plus, it covers the complete frequency range for WiMAX, thus providing a cost-effective solution for spectrum measurements in this field.

To enable users to perform complex measurements on radar and mobile radio signals, Rohde and Schwarz offers its R and S NRP-Z81 broadband power sensor.

For the first time, an RF detector, analogue and digital signal processing, as well as the entire evaluation logic of a peak power meter are combined in a compact sensor that can be directly remote-controlled via USB.

By featuring video bandwidth of up to 30MHz and a rise time of 13ns, the R and S NRP-Z81 allows high-resolution envelope analyses.

Complete statistical analysis of a signal can be performed within only a few milliseconds.

For average power measurements, it provides a dynamic range of 80dB.

The instrument's frequency range extends from 50MHz to 18GHz.

The R and S ESU from Rohde and Schwarz is a new family of CISPR16-1-1-compliant EMI test receivers that meets all civil and military standards for electromagnetic interference measurements.

A new, FFT-based test method considerably speeds up measurements.

The time-domain scan allows users to perform overview measurements more than 100 times faster than with existing EMI test receivers.

The instrument also features comprehensive test functions, a complete set of parallel detectors including the new CISPR-RMS detector, RF scan, IF analysis, and a flexible report layout function.

Alcatel-Lucent adopts testers for IPTV

2007-01-25T03:17:00.002-08:00

Alcatel-Lucent has chosen Agilent as a formal test and measurement partner for its IPTV ecosystem.

Alcatel-Lucent has chosen Agilent as a formal test and measurement (T and M) partner for its IPTV ecosystem. The partnership will enable collaboration to ensure that new IP-based video deployments meet end-to-end service-quality expectations. Agilent test solutions provide a holistic approach to measuring and monitoring video service quality from R and D and lab-based performance validation, through to service assurance and network troubleshooting.

Realising the critical role that T and M solutions play in the effective delivery of IP-based video services, Alcatel-Lucent has proactively established formal relationships with best-in-class vendors in the IPTV T and M segment.

Service providers and network equipment manufacturers face the challenge of converging new IP-based video services, such as IPTV and video on demand (VOD), with existing voice and data services to residential customers over a single access point.

Ensuring network integrity, quality of service (QoS) and subscriber quality of experience (QoE) is critical to the success of video service deployments.

Agilent offers a portfolio of solutions for testing video service quality, including research and development through to network installation and ongoing monitoring.

Agilent equipment provides stress testing and service validation prior to and during the installation process, which significantly reduces post-deployment performance issues and helps prepare new service offerings for production networks.

Agilent's monitoring tools provide real-time video-quality analysis and troubleshooting for live video service deployments, which is critical given the complexity and ever-changing conditions within next-generation triple play networks.

These test solutions help network equipment manufacturers and service providers reduce time to market, lower development costs and minimise risks for new IP-based service offerings.

Alcatel-Lucent's IPTV ecosystem includes the following Agilent equipment.

The Agilent N2X multiservices test solution provides predeployment verification of IPTV service quality under highly scaled and dynamic triple play network conditions.

The N2X emulates thousands of dynamic IPTV subscribers and generates triple play video, voice over IP and data (high-speed Internet) traffic to place significant stress on IPTV network equipment.

N2X delivers real-time MDI metrics, protocol decodes and post-capture replay for IPTV traffic.

The Agilent J6900A is triple play analyser, which provides complete analysis and troubleshooting in a single platform for installation, monitoring and troubleshooting of voice, data and video services.

The analyser provides accurate measurements of VoIP, IPTV and VoD Quality of Experience as well as real-time channel-zapping analysis.

The Agilent FrameScope Pro handheld instrument allows technicians to measure point-to-point network performance and to correlate triple play transport quality and QoS with end-user QoE.

Its network test toolbox provides insights into network impairments and helps locate failures and bottlenecks.

'Agilent equips network equipment manufacturers and service providers with the tools they need to measure video service quality at the most granular level', said Rod Unverrich, Business Manager of Agilent's Data Network Operation.

'Our video test solutions address all stages of the test cycle to improve both the time to market and performance of new video service deployments'.

Options expand range of digital comms analyser

2007-01-25T03:17:00.001-08:00

Agilent Technologies has introduced industry-first phase noise application software and options for the DCA-J digital communications analyser.

Agilent Technologies has introduced industry-first phase noise application software and options for the digital communications analyser (DCA-J). The software allows phase noise/spectral jitter analysis of clock and data signals over a wide dynamic range from 50Mbit/s to 13.5Gbit/s. A new optical/electrical module provides optical transmitter test and 40Gbit/s optical compliance test; an advanced amplitude analysis option offers new methods for optical modulation amplitude and relative intensity noise.

These enhancements prove the DCA-J's leading-edge performance and capabilities as an affordable, comprehensive, easy-to-use sampling scope for optical and electrical applications.

The multirate wide loop bandwidth clock recovery module allows precision waveform measurements with a variety of signals, including spread spectrum clocked.

This is the industry's first phase noise application software, which allows phase noise/spectral jitter analysis of clock and data signals ranging from 50Mbit/s to 13.5Gbit/s.

Many serial bus architectures employ spread spectrum clocking for better signal integrity, known as electromagnetic interference (EMI) management.

Hardware clock recovery elements of sampling oscilloscopes have not been able to follow the large amounts of jitter produced with spread spectrum clocks, making meaningful measurements virtually impossible.

This has been overcome with the Agilent 83496B.

The 83496B and phase noise application software reveal root causes of jitter through frequency domain analysis - an effective and easy method for detecting jitter sources.

Also, this solution can perform the analysis on both clock and data signals, so the root causes of data jitter can be related to system clocks.

'This tool allows our customers to see the root causes of jitter, whereas other measurement tools are limited in dynamic range or in the types of signals they can observe', said Sigi Gross, Vice President and General Manager of Agilent's Digital Verifications Solutions Division.

In addition, the DCA-J offers three new functions for optical applications.

The 86116C can be used as a 65GHz oscilloscope channel or switched to a reference receiver for 40Gbit/s optical transmitter eye-mask test.

Carefully controlled frequency response allows operation as a reference receiver and provides consistent and accurate eye mask tests.

It can be configured at standard or FEC rates for OC-768, STM-256 and related specifications.

Just as the DCA-J revolutionised jitter analysis, DCA-J option 300 provides the same industry-accepted analysis now translated into the amplitude domain.

This enables capabilities such as relative intensity noise (RIN) measurement, a common specification for optical transmitters.

Historically, RIN measurements have required expensive or complicated test equipment.

Now, with this software, eye-mask tests and RIN measurements can be performed quickly and accurately using the same equipment and at the same time.

Option 300 also allows separation of interference parameters to extremely low probabilities, providing an accurate measurement of Q-factor, commonly used to estimate bit error ratio.

Agilent's new Rev 7.0 firmware for the 86100C DCA-J enhances the system through a novel approach to the measurement of optical modulation amplitude (OMA), a common specification for optical transmitters.

The general OMA test requires special data patterns.

Agilent's 86100C provides the correct OMA result for these patterns, and has the added flexibility to provide an accurate OMA result for virtually any data pattern.

This flexibility eliminates the need to reconfigure the stimulus, saving measurement time for a complete characterisation of the transceiver.

All products will be available from 1st February 2007.

The Agilent 83496B multirate wide bandwidth clock recovery module will start at US $18,500.

The 86116C optical/electrical module will start at $64,089.

The 86100C Option 300 amplitude interference/RIN/Q-factor software will cost $2800.

The Agilent 86100C Infiniium DCA-J firmware revision 7.0 will be available at no charge via the web.

Modules expand optical transport network tests

2007-01-21T21:36:00.002-08:00

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has added ODU1 to ODU2 multiplexing test capabilities on its Transport Blazer test modules.

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has evolved its optical transport network (OTN) test solution with the availability of ODU1 to ODU2 multiplexing test capabilities on its Transport Blazer test modules. As defined in the ITU-T G.709 (Optical Transport Network) standard, the Optical Channel Data Unit (ODU) multiplex/demultiplex scheme allows four ODU1 signals within one ODU2 signal structure. This scheme provides a cost-efficient means of transporting 2.5G dense-wavelength division multiplexed (DWDM) services onto 10.7G DWDM wavelengths.

Exfo's enhanced OTN test solution supports OTU1 (2.7Gbit/s) and OTU2 (10.7Gbit/s) test rates, as well as ODU1 to ODU2 multiplex/demultiplex schemes.

In addition, it covers forward error correction (FEC) generation/analysis, all OTN layer-alarm generation/monitoring, and trace-message generation/analysis.

This combined feature-set is offered as a Transport Blazer test module for the FTB-200 compact platform to produce the most portable and lightweight OTN solution in the industry.

It can also be hosted in the FTB-400 universal test system and IQS-500 intelligent test system for field deployment, maintenance, troubleshooting and lab applications.

'Exfo's Transport Blazer test solution continues to evolve as customer deployments and requirements become more well-defined, especially with regard to optimising DWDM networks', said Etienne Gagnon, Exfo's Vice-President of Protocol-Layer Product Management.

'OTN deployments are growing and increasingly becoming more important as reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADMs) gain acceptance'.

'As a result, the need for advanced OTN test capabilities is becoming more apparent and Exfo is once again at the forefront of the innovation curve with a comprehensive technology offering in a compact format'.

Simulator tests all NIBP monitors

2007-01-21T21:36:00.001-08:00

Rigel Medical has upgraded its NIBP simulator for the fast and accurate testing of all types of NIBP monitors.

Rigel Medical has upgraded its NIBP simulator for the fast and accurate testing of all types of NIBP monitors. The new Rigel 311c is an advanced technology battery powered NIBP simulator, which now incorporates innovative calibration tables for all the major monitor manufacturers. The comprehensive CalTables have been developed and certified by the NIBP monitor manufacturers enabling test results to be immediately and automatically corrected and verified.

In addition, the CalTables can be upgraded quarterly in line with individual manufacturers' recommendations to ensure that the Rigel 311c is continually capable of testing within specifications.

The Rigel 311c is a lightweight and compact NIBP simulator that has been designed specifically for highly portable applications in biomedical engineering departments in hospitals, health centres and similar medical facilities.

The tester incorporates an internal pump for static calibration, leak tests and overpressure tests.

Built-in adult and neonate mandrels also eliminate the need for blocks to be used to test blood pressure monitors.

Other special features include independent systolic and diastolic pressures, high-resolution cuff and pulse pressure waveform display and closed-loop servo for accurate pulse generation.

The Rigel 311c forms part of a high performance range of specialist biomedical test equipment supplied by Rigel Medical, part of the Seaward Group.

Supplies stand the test of R and D

2007-01-13T20:58:00.000-08:00

Output ranges from 0-6 to 0-100V DC, rated to 270W, are provided by Acopian's Series Y programmable power supplies.

Output ranges from 0-6 to 0-100V DC, rated to 270W, are provided by Acopian's Series Y programmable power supplies. Linear regulation limits output ripple to less then 0.25mV RMS, and line/load regulation in constant-voltage mode is +/-0.005% or 2mV, so these supplies are ideal for use in test equipment, analogue systems and R and D. They can be voltage programmed with an external potentiometer or switched resistance, or with a 0 to +10V DC control voltage.

Input ranges are 105-125 or 210-250V AC, 50-400Hz.

All models are UL recognised.

Operating temperature range is -20 to +71C.

Storage temperature range is -55 to +85C.

Output is floating; either positive or negative terminal may be grounded or floated up to 300V above ground.

The temperature coefficient is typically 0.02%/C.

Prices start at US $195.00.

Modular models are shipped within three working days and rack mounted models within nine.

Continuity tester works single-handed

2007-01-13T20:57:00.000-08:00

The Continuity Tester Pro features the unique capability for single person operation of wire and cable continuity checking and wire identification.
Extech Instruments has expanded its product offering and increased its market presence with a new line of electrical testers. Extech now offers a comprehensive range of electrical testers including continuity testers, wire identifiers, receptacle testers, circuit testers, voltage testers and current detectors, many with unique and innovative features. At the heart of this product expansion is the launch of Extech's CT20 Continuity Tester Pro.

This extremely affordable test product features the unique capability for single person operation of wire and cable continuity checking and wire identification.

These features eliminate the need for someone to be at both ends of the wire under test.

The Continuity Tester Pro is an ideal tool for electricians, cable TV and audio system installers, alarm technicians, HVAC installers, auto repair technicians, handymen, and do-it-yourself homeowners.

Exfo grows sales, earnings and margins

2007-01-12T20:57:00.001-08:00

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has reported significant year-over-year growth in sales, net earnings and gross margin for the first quarter.

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has reported significant year-over-year growth in sales, net earnings and gross margin for the first quarter ended 30th November 2006. Sales increased 31.4% to US $35.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 from US $27.0 million in the first quarter of 2006, but decreased 0.5% from US $35.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2006. Excluding Consultronics, which was acquired in January 2006, sales increased organically 21.8% year-over-year.

Net bookings improved by 21.0% year-over-year to US $37.0 million for a book-to-bill ratio of 1.04 in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 from US $30.6 million in the same period last year and 13.3% from US $32.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Gross margin increased to its highest level in five years to 57.2% of sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 from 55.4% in the first quarter of 2006 and 54.3% in the fourth quarter of 2006.

GAAP net earnings in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 totalled US $3.5 million, or US $0.05 per diluted share, compared with US $0.4 million, or US $ 0.01 per diluted share, in the same period last year and US $2.9 million or US $0.04 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2006.

GAAP net earnings in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 included US $0.9 million in amortisation of intangible assets and US $0.3 million in stock-based compensation costs.

'We continue to execute our profitable growth strategy with solid year-over-year progression in terms of sales, gross margin and net earnings, without sacrificing our long-term plan as we keep strengthening our global sales organisation and accelerating our new product development programmes', said Germain Lamonde, Exfo's Chairman, President and CEO.

'Within our Telecom Division, our protocol business unit, which generated more than 80% sales growth from 2005 to 2006, continued to demonstrate solid traction in the first quarter on the strength of our strong product offering, accelerating roadmap and developments in the triple-play test market'.

'Overall, the sale of new products contributed about one-third to our revenues in the first quarter, while five new test solutions were released with several major product launches still to come'.

'Given these data points, I am optimistic about the full fiscal year and our long-term prospects'.

Selling and administrative expenses amounted to US $11.5 million, or 32.5% of sales, in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 compared with US $9.1 million, or 33.5% of sales, in the same period last year and US $10.9 million, or 30.4% of sales, in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Gross research and development expenses totaled US $5.5 million, or 15.5% of sales, in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 compared with US $4.0 million, or 14.8% of sales, in the first quarter of 2006 and US $5.2 million, or 14.6% of sales, in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Net R and D expenses totaled US $4.4 million, or 12.2% of sales, in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 compared with US $3.1 million, or 11.6% of sales, in the same period last year and US $4.3 million, or 12.0% of sales, in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Exfo has forecasted sales between US $34.0 million and US $37.0 million and GAAP net earnings between US $0.02 and US $0.05 per diluted share for the second quarter ending 28th February 2007.

GAAP net earnings include US $0.01 per diluted share in amortisation of intangible assets and stock-based compensation costs.

'We are maintaining sales guidance between $34 and $37 million despite a typically weak start of a new calendar year, which indicates our confidence in reaching our growth metric of 20% or more for fiscal 2007', Lamonde added.

Oscilloscope software expands UWB debug

2007-01-12T20:56:00.001-08:00

New Tek UWB WiMedia2 software extends the UWB debug and analysis capabilities of the Tektronix DSA70000, DPO70000 and TDS6000C Series oscilloscopes.

Tektronix has expanded its TDSUWB oscilloscope software utility. The new Tek UWB WiMedia2 software extends the UWB debug and analysis capabilities of the Tektronix DSA70000, DPO70000 and TDS6000C Series - the industry's highest multi-channel performance real time oscilloscopes - to include real-time analysis of ultrawideband RF and electrical signals. UWB wireless technology promises a data transfer rate of up to 1Gbit/s to meet the demand of data-intensive future applications.

With the Tektronix UWB WiMedia2 application, engineers will be able to design, debug, and validate performance of WiMedia ultrawideband radios used in Certified Wireless USB, WiNet and High Speed Bluetooth consumer electronics.

UWB is a wireless radio technology that uses pulses or waveforms compressed in time, allowing frequency energy to be spread over a very wide bandwidth to very low levels enabling UWB radios to share spectrum with existing narrowband transmissions without causing undue interference.

Extensions within Tek UWB WiMedia2 for the WiMedia Alliances' UWB Common Radio Platform offer single-button tests for efficient debugging and RF compliance testing of WiMedia UWB systems including demodulation of the RF waveform and RF signal quality measurements including constellation patterns, EVM, power spectral density, ACPR measurements and spectrograms.

The information-rich display of modulation and time domain frequency domain waveforms offers new insight into ultrawideband radios.

'Our UWB customers worldwide tell us it is important that test equipment be able to accommodate without modification the regulatory requirements of all regions', said Marv LaVoie, Tektronix Fellow, Performance Scope Product Line, Tektronix.

'Tek UWB WiMedia2 demodulates and measures all WiMedia Bandgroups, frequencies and Time Frequency Codes when installed on DSA70000, DPO70000, or TDS6000C oscilloscopes with sufficient real time bandwidth'.

'Tek UWB WiMedia2 provides UWB design engineers with essential debug and compliance testing capabilities'.

Tek UWB WiMedia2 automatically identifies time frequency code (TFC) - frequency of operation and hopping sequence and automatically identifies datarate from the RF waveform for unprecedented ease of use.

The results of all combinations of TFCs, datarates and bandgroups are tabulated in standard CSV format providing fast and easy documentation of all RF measurements.

To complete the UWB solution, Tektronix also provides the industry-leading signal generator, the AWG7000 series that enables UWB developers to generate WiMedia signals for complete receiver verification.

With its 20Gsample/s sample rate and 5GHz bandwidth, the AWG7000 is capable of direct generation of UWB signals.

Also available for download are sample WiMedia radio waveforms that can be used to drive UWB test signal generation from the AWG7000.

'The Tek UWB WiMedia2 software from Tektronix enables Tzero and our customers to more easily build and test solutions built with advanced ultra wideband technology', said Rajeev Krishnamoorthy, Tzero Technologies Founder and CTO.

'Tek UWB WiMedia2 provides an intuitive interface and the tests necessary to validate designs, all with one-button simplicity'.

'This reflects the advanced expertise that has been built into the software and user interface'.

'Tek UWB WiMedia2 will help speed time to market of a wide range of products'.

The Tek UWB WiMedia2 is currently prerelease software and is available for download from the Tektronix website for a limited time without charge.

Handheld spectrum analysers cover broad bands

2007-01-11T20:55:00.000-08:00

Anritsu describes the MS2724B as the most advanced ultraportable spectrum analyser featuring unparalleled performance and continuous frequency coverage from 9kHz to 20GHz at a modest price.

Anritsu describes the MS2724B as the most advanced ultraportable spectrum analyser featuring unparalleled performance and continuous frequency coverage from 9kHz to 20GHz at a modest price. Anritsu has also introduced the MS2721B and MS2723B handheld spectrum analysers which offer frequency coverage up to 7.1 and 13GHz, respectively, as part of its expansion of the industry-leading Spectrum Master Product line. The high performance and measurement capability of the MS272xB series make it easier for engineers and field technicians to design, deploy, and optimise the performance of wireless devices and networks ranging from commercial to defence and public safety.

The MS2724B's continuous 9kHz to 20GHz frequency coverage gives wireless professionals the range necessary for the most demanding harsh RF and physical environments.

Its very low phase noise of typically -104dBc/Hz at 10kHz offset at 2GHz, and 1Hz to 3MHz RBW range make it well suited for spectrum monitoring, security and intelligence needs, RF/microwave measurements, or cellular signal measurements.

Both the MS2721B and MS2723B have similar high performance.

The MS2721B has low phase noise of -100dBc/Hz maximum at 10kHz offset up to 7.1GHz whereas the MS2723B has typical phase noise of -104dBc/Hz at 10kHz offset at 2GHz.

All three new models use the industry-leading Spectrum Master design, which combines high durability with light weight.

The MS2724B and MS2723B are only 3.4kg and the MS2721B is 3.1kg.

All three also have a standard built-in AM/FM/SSB demodulator and built-in preamplifier.

These three models are the first in the Spectrum Master family to feature a quasi-peak detector and CISPR bandwidths for EMC precompliance testing.

RBW range of these units is 1Hz to 3MHz, as well.

Additionally, the MS2721B can be equipped with a tracking generator that provides calibrated output from 400kHz to 7.1GHz with a power range of 0 to -40dBm in 0.1dB steps.

The Spectrum Master design's inherent performance advantages are also realised with the MS2724B, MS2723B and MS2721B.

The MS2721B has best-in-class typical DANL of -163dBm at 1GHz in a 1Hz bandwidth while the MS2723B and MS2724B deliver a DANL of -156dBm at 1GHz (1Hz RBW) with preamplifier on and -139dBm with the preamplifier off.

These instruments have the fastest sweep speeds of any spectrum analyser in their respective classes.

To simplify measurements and ensure accuracy, they also have several smart measurements, including channel power ratio, Carrier to Interference ratio (C/I), and field strength.

Designed for the field, the MS272xB Spectrum Master models have a large display and provide more than two hours of battery life.

Electron microscope has resolution for research

2007-01-11T20:54:00.000-08:00

Ultra-high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscope is characterised by new electron optics which now include a spherical aberration correction system.

Hitachi High-Technologies has launched the HD-2700 ultra-high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). This instrument is characterised by new electron optics which now include a spherical aberration correction system (developed in collaboration with Ceos). By reducing the performance-limiting spherical aberration, the HD-2700 offers significantly improved resolution and analytical sensitivity, enabling atomic level imaging on many specimens.

The HD-2700 has applications in materials science, semiconductors and nanotechnology, both in research and development and quality control.

High speed, high sensitivity EDX analysis is possible as the HD-2700 can achieve exceptionally high probe current density (10x greater probe current than other models in the HD-series).

This allows extremely rapid acquisition of elemental distribution images, even for elements at low concentration.

Electron energy loss spectrometry is also available for analysis with enhanced spatial resolution and even lower elemental detection limits.

Extremely versatile imaging allows simultaneous multiple-image acquisition and display, with a wide variety of combinations, including secondary electron/bright field, secondary electron/dark field, bright field/dark field, dark field/EDX and dark field/EELS.

A comprehensive digital image management system is also included.

The HD-2700 enjoys the same simplicity of operation as other models in the HD-series with a user interface that is as easy to use as that of an SEM enabling occasional users to produce results only dedicated specialists could achieve in alternative instruments.

The HD-2700 also has sample holders that are fully compatible with the FB-2100 focused ion beam system, ensuring seamless interchange between the instruments for sample preparation and imaging and analysis.

This also provides high sample-throughput so that the HD series can meet varied demands from state-of-the-art R and D to evaluation at the production line.

Spectrum analyser expands demodulation bandwidth

2007-01-10T20:43:00.000-08:00

Rohde and Schwarz has extended the demodulation bandwidth of its R and S FSQ high-end spectrum analyser.

Rohde and Schwarz has extended the demodulation bandwidth of its R and S FSQ high-end spectrum analyser. With the expanded R and S FSQ-B72 option, the instrument now offers 120MHz over the entire frequency range - which extends up to 3.6, 8, 26.5 or 40GHz, depending on the model. In addition to its large bandwidth, the R and S FSQ with the R and S FSQ-B72 option has a very high dynamic range of 70dB.

In combination with the instrument's high measurement quality, the enhancement makes the R and S FSQ the ideal choice for all broadband applications - including the development and production of amplifiers for UMTS or WiMAX, the analysis of satellite signals or measurements on the 802.11n and 802.16 broadband standards.

Network tester is quick to find fault

2007-01-10T20:42:00.000-08:00

Inline network tester is claimed to identify and isolate enterprise network and application connectivity problems more than four times faster than traditional methods.

Fluke Networks reckons its NetTool Series II inline network tester with NetProve diagnostics can identify and isolate enterprise network and application connectivity problems more than four times faster than traditional methods. The NetTool Series II's simple one-step NetProve test pinpoints problems so that technicians, regardless of skill level, can quickly and easily recognise the source of the problem. NetTool Series II helps identify whether the problem originates with a device, like a server, switch or router, or an application, like SMTP, FTP or HTTP.

The NetProve test results can be saved as a report to document connectivity status.

NetTool continues to provide a unique view into the actual traffic between the network and end devices such as PCs, VoIP phones, access points, printers and copiers.

With Series II that inline visibility is extended to include gigabit Ethernet links.

Inline testing allows easy identification of device and network configurations and performance issues, reducing troubleshooting time.

NetTool Series II is also a front-line VoIP management tool.

Users can verify link readiness during pre-deployment planning, as well as troubleshoot problems on active networks by monitoring real-time VoIP traffic.

Simple inline connectivity provides visibility into VoIP calls to quickly diagnose both IP phone boot-up and call control problems, and to measure key call quality metrics.

Series II adds H.323 to existing SIP and SCCP support.

Also new to NetTool Series II is advanced power over Ethernet (PoE) detection and measurement.

NetTool can negotiate with Ethernet-based power-sourcing equipment (PSE), acting as a powered device and displaying both voltage and current delivered over the cabling.

This eliminates the need for a separate PoE detector and makes PoE link characterisation and troubleshooting faster and more accurate.

Built into NetTool Series II is an IntelliTone tone generator.

This digital tone generator works with Fluke Networks' IntelliTone probe to safely and effectively locate cables, even on active networks and when terminated at a switch.

This reduces the time needed for cable isolation and identification in typical LAN wiring closets by over 95%.

NetTool Series II is available in two models: NetTool Series II Pro with NetProve and inline testing of 10/100/1000 networks, and NetTool Series II Pro VoIP, which adds the VoIP diagnostic option.

Both models are available for immediate delivery from Fluke Networks' distributors and sales partners worldwide.

Safety tester is faster and easier

2007-01-09T20:41:00.002-08:00

The PrimeTest 300 boosts the test productivity of contractors and service engineers by making the safety testing of electronic and electrical appliances faster and easier.

The PrimeTest 300 has been specifically designed to boost the test productivity of contractors and service engineers by making the safety testing of electronic and electrical appliances faster and easier. The lightweight handheld tester incorporates all Class I and Class II required electrical safety tests in a compact user-friendly design. Long life batter power eliminates the reliance on mains supply, reduces downtime between tests and makes the instrument totally practical and portable to use anywhere.

In addition, new Bluetooth technology enables the wireless connection of bar code scanners, label printers and other accessories - allowing totally cable-free testing, without the cumbersome and constant plugging and unplugging of leads and cords.

An intuitive and fast user interface supports straightforward operation and test control in either manual or automatic test modes.

Operating features also include fast start up and a large white backlit graphics display, which is supported by a full alphanumeric keypad, including programmable soft keys for customised test routines.

The PrimeTest 300's large internal memory facilitates the storage of test results for safety audit and traceability purposes.

In addition, as well as test results, the tester can also record other details and descriptions of the equipment under test.

Wireless connection means that stored data can be transferred immediately and directly from the tester to PC-based record keeping systems at the touch of a button.

The PrimeTest 300 can also be used with the special 'Test and Tag' system for the fast and automatic printing of appliance test labels direct from the test instrument.

Digital meter covers low resistance measurement

2007-01-09T20:41:00.001-08:00

Versatile digital ohmmeter can be used for low resistance measurement across a diverse range of applications.

The Cropico DO4A is a highly versatile digital ohmmeter used for low resistance measurement across a diverse range of applications including electrical bonding resistance, component quality assurance and power system safety applications. The DO4A uses true four-wire measurement to eliminate lead resistance errors across a pushbutton selectable range from 40mohm to 4kohm with respective resolutions between 10uohm and 1ohm. Contained in an aluminium case with a tilted carrying handle, the robust unit is a highly practical instrument that can be used in the workshop, by field or maintenance engineers or as part of more comprehensive electrical test facilities.

Input protection is provided up to 415V RMS.

For ease of operation the control functions have been kept to a minimum and a four digit LCD gives direct readings of the resistance measured, with over range and low battery indicators also provided.

Other special features include an auto zero facility where thermal EMF may cause a large measuring error and warning LEDs to indicate an open circuit lead condition.

Rechargeable batteries provide full portability with over 14 hours of continuous working on the lowest ranges and 28 hours' operation on others.

The Cropico DO4A is supplied ready for immediate use and comes complete with battery, mains cord and measuring leads.

In addition, a wide range of optional accessories including duplex handspikes, other specialist clips, long length leads and wire clamps further extend the instrument's versatility.

The DO4A forms part of a comprehensive range of precision measurement instruments available from Cropico, part of the Seaward Group.

Medical tester is ready for new standard

2007-01-08T20:40:00.000-08:00

The Rigel 288 has been specifically designed to enable EBME departments and medical equipment service engineers to meet the in-service and post-repair test demands of the IEC60601 standard.

Rigel Medical has introduced an advanced technology handheld electrical medical safety analyser. The Rigel 288 has been specifically designed to enable EBME departments and medical equipment service engineers to meet the in-service and post-repair test demands of the IEC60601 standard, as well as being prepared for the new IEC62353 standard for in-service testing of medical devices. A compact lightweight design and long life battery power reduces downtime between tests, making the instrument totally practical and highly portable for multisite use.

In addition, Bluetooth technology also enables the wireless connection of bar code scanners, label printers and other accessories - allowing totally cable-free testing and data transfer, without the cumbersome plugging and unplugging of leads and cords.

Easy to follow menu driven instructions support ease of operation and test control of all required electrical safety tests in manual, SEMI automatic or fully automatic test modes.

Users also have the facility to select from a range of preset test programs or develop their own customised test routines.

This is particularly important given the current and future requirements for testing medical electronic equipment such as patient monitors, defibrillators and other medical equipment having applied parts or electrical patient connections.

The Rigel 288's large internal memory facilitates the storage of test results for safety audit and traceability purposes.

In addition, as well as storing the results of electrical tests, there is also the ability to record user defined inspections and measurements from other equipment such as SpO2, NIBP, ECG and other electromedical patient equipment.

Comprehensive database software is available to enable fast and easy download of test results, the management of asset databases, the creation of test sequences, scheduling preventative product maintenance and producing test certificates.

Wireless connection means that stored data can be transferred immediately and directly from the tester to PC-based record keeping systems at the touch of a button.

The highly versatile Rigel 288 represents the next generation of electrical safety analysers and has been specifically developed to provide EBME departments and medical service engineers with an all in one handheld test solution.

Software upgrades serial bit-error-rate tester

2007-01-08T20:39:00.000-08:00

Software release 4.5 for the Agilent J-BERT N4903A high-performance serial bit-error-rate tester enables test engineers to retrieve the fastest jitter tolerance test results.

Agilent Technologies has introduced software release 4.5 for the Agilent J-BERT N4903A high-performance serial bit-error-rate tester that enables test engineers to retrieve the fastest jitter tolerance test results. The next generations of multigigabit devices are emerging throughout the computer, storage and communications industries. Design and validation teams require new test tools that allow efficient and accurate characterisation and conformance testing for these high-speed interfaces.

Agilent's award-winning J-BERT significantly improves jitter tolerance testing of these gigabit receivers.

J-BERT is the only complete jitter tolerance test solution with built-in and calibrated jitter sources.

Automated jitter tolerance tests significantly reduce the programming effort.

The new J-BERT software 4.5 provides the following benefits: one-click jitter tolerance test insight with one-screen results that show all tested points and the test limits; faster device debug with restore of jitter setup by clicking on tested points in the jitter tolerance result screen; quicker documentation of test results with the new all-inclusive jitter tolerance compliance report in HTML format; worst-case testing of computer bus devices with SSC (spread spectrum clocking); SSC can be enabled during the automated jitter tolerance tests; and convenient web-based access to J-BERT's user interface from any remote web location with the new web server.

J-BERT can be operated in far-distance, noisy or environmental test labs even if the user is offsite and has no knowledge of instrument programming.

Agilent's new one-click-results software further accelerates jitter tolerance insight with a one-screen result display that shows all passed and failed tested conditions as well as specification limits.

A jitter setup can now be restored simply by clicking on tested points.

For quicker test documentation, J-BERT now generates all-inclusive jitter tolerance compliance test reports in HTML format.

'Design and validation teams require the most accurate and efficient test equipment to ensure new designs operate robustly and are available in time', said Siegfried Gross, Vice President and General Manager of Agilent's Digital Verification Solutions Division.

'Agilent demonstrates its leadership by continuously providing a complete set of best-in-class tools for physical layer testing for the next generation of gigabit technologies'.

In addition to the new 'one-click jitter tolerance test results', all J-BERTs are now equipped with an improved clock data recovery (CDR) for the error detector.

To support all emerging and proprietary datarates the built-in CDR operates over the complete range of 1 to 12.5Gbit/s.

For optimising the jitter budget and making tests under compliant CDR conditions, the option CTR 'compliant CDR with tunable loop bandwidth' is available.

Installed J-BERTs can be upgraded to the new CDR functionality.

The new software revision 4.5 for the Agilent J-BERT N4903A high-performance serial BERT is available now as a free download from the web.

The new clock data recovery capabilities are also available now for shipment.

Communications testers in Barcelona showcase

2007-01-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

Agilent Technologies will demonstrate its wide-ranging portfolio of communications test solutions at 3GSM 2007 World Congress.

Agilent Technologies will demonstrate its wide-ranging portfolio of communications test solutions at 3GSM 2007 World Congress. Agilent's portfolio of design and test solutions addresses the needs of network equipment manufacturers, infrastructure designers, chipset manufacturers and service providers. The conference will take place in Barcelona, Spain, from 12th to 15th February 2007.

With communications technology advancing on many fronts and the continuing moves toward convergence, communications companies need application-specific design and test tools that can evolve to meet their changing needs.

This is especially true in an environment where standards are often fluid and not finalised until late in the design and implementation cycle.

At 3GSM 2007 Agilent will demonstrate: new logic analysers that provide digital and stimulus analysis for digital RF solutions (DigRF 3.0x); new wireless libraries for 3G LTE (Long Term Evolution) that are part of Agilent's Advanced Design System (ADS), which is widely used by communications component and equipment designers; a new one box tester design and verification solutions based on the latest release of 3GPP specifications; new manufacturing test solutions that support the draft 802.11n wireless LAN specification that adds MIMO capabilities to increase data throughout and range; new drive-test solutions that allow cellular operators to characterise the performance of their networks; assureME Intelligence, the industry's first solution to manage services and customers in real-time by combining customer experience data with SLA contract information and enterprise data; the latest N2X and network tester solutions for 3G data link integrity and triple play service performance validation; new signal analyser solutions that support the convergence of mobile IP.

Agilent is committed to creating leading-edge design, test and service management solutions for its customers across the value chain, focusing on delivering solutions for customers at the right time and with the right performance.

Companies that design, build and deploy the latest-generation products and services for WiMAX, UMTS (HSDPA, W-CDMA, EGPRS, GPRS and GSM), Bluetooth, ZigBee, UWB and others are using Agilent's products to accelerate their time to market and improve their revenue flows.

'Agilent understands the importance of developing innovative technologies for next generation wireless', said Benoit Neel, Agilent Vice President and General Manager of European Field Operations.

'We are determined to continue to expand our range of innovative wireless communications design and test products and applications in order to open new frontiers, help maximise productivity and provide cost savings'.

xDSL test growth strategy is recognised

2007-01-07T20:37:00.000-08:00

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has been named recipient of the 2006 Growth Strategy Leadership Award for the digital subscriber line test equipment market by Frost and Sullivan.

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has been named recipient of the 2006 Growth Strategy Leadership Award for the digital subscriber line (xDSL) test equipment market by Frost and Sullivan. The award is presented annually to the company whose growth strategy delivers the largest market-share gains in the global xDSL test equipment market. Exfo, a leading supplier of optical and protocol test solutions for network service providers (NSPs) and system vendors, entered the xDSL test equipment market through the acquisition of the assets of Consultronics in January 2006.

Consultronics was a privately held company based in Toronto, Canada, with operations in the UK and Hungary.

It specialised in xDSL, Internet protocol TV (IPTV) and voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) test solutions for the broadband access market.

Consultronics also offered network monitoring probes for VoIP and legacy telephone networks, Gigabit Ethernet/Ethernet analysers for remote testing applications, as well physical characterisation instruments for local copper loops.

Frost and Sullivan estimated that the global xDSL test equipment market reached US $395.3 million in 2005, including $68.0 million for the handheld xDSL test equipment market segment.

Consultronics held a 4.2% market share of the overall xDSL test equipment market and 13.1% market share of the handheld xDSL market segment in 2005, according to Frost and Sullivan.

The handheld market segment is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.2% from 2005 to 2012.

'Exfo's early success in the xDSL test equipment market is the result of its timely and strategic acquisition of Consultronics', said Gabriel Khon, a Telecom Research Analyst at Frost and Sullivan.

'But the company has gone beyond meeting physical-layer xDSL/copper testing needs of NSPs through the development of higher-layer test capabilities, namely IPTV, VoIP and high-speed Internet test solutions that will be in large demand for characterising triple-play services over broadband access networks in upcoming years'.

Less than six months after the acquisition, Exfo released a new-and-improved xDSL triple-play test set (CoLT-450P) and enhanced VoIP/xDSL/POTS test set (CoVALT) for copper-based broadband access networks.

The CoLT-450P is the first xDSL test set to be specifically designed for assessing the high bit-rate throughput of multiple-channel, high-definition television (HDTV).

The CoVALT is the lone test set on the market that combines the familiar ergonomics, ruggedness and weather-proofing of a telephone lineman's butt set with the tests needed to turn up DSL and VoIP subscribers.

These value-added test solutions enable Exfo to provide customers with a comprehensive product portfolio for all their triple-play testing needs.

'With large-scale deployments of IPTV services just around the corner and the strong focus by NSPs to accelerate their triple-play deployment strategies, the Consultronics acquisition has strategically positioned Exfo to address this significant market opportunity as well as other IP-based testing needs in access networks', said Robert Fitts, Exfo's Vice-President of Product Management, Copper Access Testing.

'Exfo is committed to bring to market best-of-class test solutions for IPTV, triple-play deployments and access networks'.

Waveform generators claim speed record

2007-01-06T20:31:00.001-08:00

Series of arbitrary waveform generators are billed as the world's fastest, designed to meet the test needs for high-speed serial databuses and wideband digital RF devices.

New from Tektronix, the AWG7000 Series of arbitrary waveform generators (AWGs) are billed as the world's fastest, designed to meet the test needs for high-speed serial databuses and wideband digital RF devices. With 5.8GHz bandwidth, 10bit resolution, and sample rates up to 20Gsample/s, the AWG7000 is the only AWG that can produce high-speed real-life waveforms including pre/de-emphasis and multilevel signalling up to 10Gbit/s. The AWG7000 is the fastest, most capable, and versatile signal source available for high-speed serial and wideband RF signals.

Design engineers who are developing new technologies such as SATAIII, PCI Express 2, 2x XAUI, HDMI 1.3, ultrawideband (UWB), the latest storage devices and radar need to process large amounts of data at faster speeds, broader bandwidths and higher frequencies, and often involving the latest high-speed standards.

An AWG is used by engineers in design and test processes to create, replicate and generate either ideal, distorted or 'real-life' signals including noise, jitter, glitches and other imperfections to assist with prototype, debug, verification, and standards compliance for the latest serial data or wideband digital RF designs.

'Engineers have told us that they need greater performance, capability, and versatility from their signal source to keep pace with the latest technology', said Mike Higashi, Vice President, Signal Sources Product Line, Tektronix.

'Tektronix designed the AWG7000 to minimise complexity for users and to provide the performance needed to match increasing serial datarates and the advance of wideband digital RF technologies'.

'The AWG7000 can create, replicate or generate any signal and can generate up to six signals simultaneously'.

'No other AWG can match the performance, capability and flexibility of the AWG7000'.

'The AWG7000 will assist engineers with the development of better products and with a lower investment of time and money'.

The AWG7000 Series is based on a new high performance platform that incorporates a new digital-to-analogue (DAC) convertor to produce greater precision and performance.

The DAC uses an IBM silicon germanium (SiGe) 7HP process that increases vertical resolution and sample rate to establish new performance benchmarks for signal fidelity and timing resolution.

With the flexibility to create, replicate and generate virtually any type of signal, the AWG7000 is the most capable and versatile signal source available.

The sample rate has increased from 4.2Gsample/s in previous generation products to 20Gsample/s with the AWG7000 Series, providing engineers with more than 4x the performance compared with any other AWG.

The AWG7000 is able to generate signals including imperfections up to 10Gbit/s for high-speed serial data applications and modulated digital RF/IF signals up to 5GHz for wideband applications including advanced radar.

The combination of industry-leading AWG7000 performance attributes matches the test needs of new generations of high-speed serial and wideband digital RF technologies.

'Engineering is constantly under pressure to develop products faster and more cost effectively', said David Erisman, Chief Technology Officer, X-Com Systems.

'As system designs become more advanced and complex, the ability to create accurate signals in a realistic test environment becomes increasingly important'.

'The user interface and waveform development tools of the AWG7000 enable engineers to easily generate, very early in the development process, the exact waveform, data stream or mixed signal needed for testing design concepts before committing them to hardware'.

'The Tektronix AWG7000 provides breakthrough performance and more capabilities and ease of use than any signal source we have seen'.

'The AWG7000 will definitely improve our ability to develop leading products and solutions for our customers'.

Tektronix user experience designers researched signal source customer usage patterns and needs to determine requirements for the AWG7000.

Based on this research, the AWG7000 is equipped with a 10.4in LCD touch screen colour display and an intuitive user interface employing Windows XP to help engineers be more productive.

Connectivity features include GPIB and Gigabit Ethernet.

The units come with one or two analogue channels and two or four marker outputs enabling the generation of mixed-signal waveforms that provide for analogue signals and digital control channels.

The AWG7000 enables easy data interchange with third-party software including Matlab, Mathcad and Microsoft Excel which are often used in the creation and generation of waveforms, data streams and mixed signals as an aid to design, prototype, debug and test compliance of the latest products.

Exfo completes 12th consecutive growth quarter

2007-01-06T20:31:00.000-08:00

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has reported strong sales and earnings growth.

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has reported strong sales and earnings growth for the fiscal year ended 31st August 2006. Sales increased 31.9% to US $128.3 million in fiscal 2006 from US $97.2 million in 2005. In the fourth quarter of 2006, sales reached US $35.7 million compared with US $35.4 million in the previous quarter and US $26.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2005.

Net bookings totalled US $32.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 compared with US $37.9 million (-14.0%) in the third quarter of 2006 and US $24.6 million (+32.6%) in the fourth quarter of 2005.

Gross margin improved to 55.3% of sales in fiscal 2006 from 54.7% in 2005.

In the fourth quarter of 2006, gross margin amounted to 54.3% compared with 56.4% in the previous quarter and 54.7% in the fourth quarter of 2005.

GAAP net earnings totalled US $8.1 million, or US $0.12 per diluted share, in fiscal 2006 compared with a net loss of US $1.6 million, or US $0.02 per diluted share, in 2005.

GAAP net earnings in 2006 included US $4.4 million in amortisation of intangible assets, US $1.0 million in stock-based compensation costs, US $0.6 million in impairment of long-lived assets, and a nonrecurring government revenue grant of US $1.3 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2006, GAAP net earnings amounted to US $2.9 million, or US $0.04 per diluted share, compared with US $3.5 million, or US $0.05 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2006 and US $0.5 million, or US $0.01 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2005.

GAAP net earnings included US $1.0 million in amortisation of intangible assets and US $0.2 million in stock-based compensation costs in the fourth quarter of 2006.

'Clearly, Exfo stands out in the telecom industry with 12 consecutive quarters of sales growth, a 31.9% year-over-year sales increase in fiscal 2006, as well as compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) of 27.5% and 20.9% over the last 3 and 10 years, respectively, despite the 2001 telecom crisis', said Germain Lamonde, Exfo's Chairman of the Board, President and CEO.

'Like every year since our inception in 1985, I believe that we have increased sales faster than our end-markets'.

'Our bottom-line improved even faster than our top-line in recent years with GAAP net earnings of US $8.1 million in 2006, thus extending our sequence to seven consecutive quarters of GAAP profitability'.

'These performance highlights, which must be weighed against the strengthening Canadian dollar, larger customers consolidating and competitors intensifying pricing pressure, reflect ongoing market-share gains in each division as well as operating efficiencies throughout the company'.

'Based on long-term planning and judicious R and D investments in optical, protocol and copper access testing, I believe that Exfo is well-positioned to benefit from the migration of carriers to converged, IP-based networking as they increase bandwidth and accelerate triple-play service deployments', Lamonde added.

'We intend to continue strengthening our sales, marketing and R and D teams in order to build on our competitive advantage in the marketplace'.

'As well, I am pleased to report that we surpassed two key corporate performance goals for fiscal 2006 and have announced ambitious performance metrics for 2007, as we maintain our focus on growing faster than our end markets, increasing net earnings faster than revenues, and achieving these results through excellence in product innovation'.

'I would like to thank all our employees for their outstanding commitment and real passion to serve our customers, since we could not aspire to reach such lofty heights without their wholehearted contribution'.

Selling and administrative expenses amounted to US $40.3 million, or 31.4% of sales, in fiscal 2006 compared with US $31.8 million, or 32.7% of sales, in 2005.

In the fourth quarter of 2006, selling and administrative expenses totalled US $10.9 million, or 30.4% of sales, compared with US $11.1 million, or 31.3% of sales, in the third quarter of 2006 and US $8.1 million, or 30.7% of sales, in the fourth quarter of 2005.

Gross research and development (R and D) expenses reached US $19.5 million, or 15.2% of sales, in fiscal 2006 compared with US $15.9 million, or 16.3% of sales, in 2005.

In the fourth quarter of 2006, gross R and D expenses attained US $5.2 million, or 14.6% of sales, compared with US $5.3 million, or 15.1% of sales, in the previous quarter and US $4.1 million, or 15.8% of sales, in the fourth quarter of 2005.

Net R and D expenses totalled US $15.4 million, or 12.0% of sales in fiscal 2006, compared with US $12.2 million, or 12.5% of sales, in 2005.

In the fourth quarter of 2006, net R and D expenses amounted to US $4.3 million, or 12.0% of sales, compared with US $4.1 million, or 11.6% of sales, in the third quarter of 2006 and US $3.3 million, or 12.5% of sales, in the fourth quarter of 2005.

Exfo forecasts sales between US $34.0 million and US $37.0 million and GAAP net earnings between US $0.02 and US $0.05 per diluted share for the first quarter of fiscal 2007.

GAAP net earnings include US $0.02 per diluted share in amortisation of intangible assets and stock-based compensation costs.

Generator produces IPTV test streams

2007-01-05T20:30:00.001-08:00

The DVStorIP-Gen is a high-performance, cost-effective tool for the evaluation, compliance testing and verification of networks, monitoring and equipment analysis.

Pixelmetrix has expanded its repertoire of IPTV service validation systems with the IPTV test stream generator, DVStorIP-Gen. The DVStorIP-Gen is a high-performance, cost-effective tool for the evaluation, compliance testing and verification of networks, monitoring and equipment analysis. The DVStorIP-Gen supports SPTS (single-programme transport stream) and MPTS (multiple-programme transport stream) generation, as well as UDP and RTP streaming.

Each generated transport stream can be forwarded to up to 100 target IP destinations, identified by the IP address and port number.

Danny Wilson, President and CEO of Pixelmetrix Corp elaborated: 'Our DVStorIP-Gen can generate up to seven unique transport streams simultaneously'.

'Plus the fact that it can generate up to 900Mbit/s of IPTV traffic, makes it an efficient solution for IPTV broadcasters as well as test and monitoring equipment and network providers'.

Among its other unique features, the DVStorIP-Gen also allows restamping of continuity count and insertion of PCR discontinuity flag during transport stream loopback for error-free streaming.

The DVStorIP-Gen is a hard-disk based system that allows nonstop simultaneous recording of multiple channels of transmitted IP video.

It allows broadcasters using Internet Protocol television (IPTV) to verify that a specific transmission actually occurred at a given time.

With DVStorIP-Gen, not only legal compliance can be sustained, but disputes can also be resolved promptly through transmission records check.

Scope analyses next-generation serial streams

2007-01-04T20:29:00.000-08:00

Digital serial analyser sampling oscilloscope, remote sampling electrical modules and enhanced IConnect software are ideal for serial data network analysis applications.

New from Tektronix, the DSA8200 digital serial analyser sampling oscilloscope, remote sampling electrical modules and enhanced IConnect software are ideal for serial data network analysis applications. The new TDR (time-domain-reflectometry) and electrical modules represent the most significant performance advancement in TDR test technology in 20 years, in direct response to the demanding needs and compliance requirements of high-speed serial data standards. The emergence of multigigabit serial standards is driving down power budgets and timing margins.

As a result, accurate analysis of signal path and interconnects in both time and frequency domains is critical to fully understand the effects of loss and crosstalk in today's high speed serial designs.

Industry standards such as PCI Express, Serial ATA, XAUI, and Infiniband increasingly call for the use of S-parameters and impedance measurements to characterise the effects and ensure system interoperability.

With a 250% increase in TDR performance and new automation tools, the new DSA8200 solutions are an ideal fit for serial data network analysis requirements.

The DSA8200 represents the highest performance and most cost-effective solution for accurate and repeatable S-parameters measurements for 1 to 12.5Gbit/s serial datarates of current and emerging differential standards.

'Engineers are challenged to accurately characterise the effects of the signal path on multi-gigabit serial data transmissions', said Brian Reich, General Manager, Electrical Optical Product Line, Tektronix.

'For serial data network analysis applications, the Tektronix DSA8200 solutions provide engineers with a versatile, time and cost-effective toolset'.

'The primary alternative has been the vector network analyser (VNA), a specialised, dedicated frequency-domain instrument'.

'However, the VNA requires extensive setup and calibration routines, and is significantly more expensive than the new Tektronix TDR-based solution'.

'TDR and S-parameter measurement routines for serial data network analysis that often require hours to set up and execute using a VNA can be performed in a few minutes using the DSA8200 mainframe, new electrical modules and IConnect'.

Four new electrical modules feature an unparalleled combination of high bandwidth and low noise to address the trend toward lower power, higher bit rate differential signalling.

The modules include advanced usability features such as channel-to-channel and module-to-module deskew of +/-250ps, user-selectable bandwidth, and small form factor remote samplers.

Each channel has a fully integrated 2m cable with a remote sampler that brings the TDR head very close to the device under test (DUT), minimising the effects of probes, cables, and fixtures.

This ensures the highest possible system fidelity for measurement accuracy and repeatability.

The 80E10 Dual Channel True Differential TDR module provides a 12ps incident and 15ps reflected TDR rise time, 50GHz bandwidth and 600uV RMS noise, the lowest noise at this performance level.

With independent step generation for true differential measurements and industry-leading specifications for a fully integrated system, the 80E10 represents the most significant advance in TDR performance in twenty years.

Other modules include the 80E08, a dual channel TDR electrical module with 18ps incident and 20ps reflected rise times, and 300uV RMS noise at 30GHz bandwidth.

Two new dual channel low-noise electrical modules, the 80E09 and 80E07, feature 450uV RMS noise at 60GHz and 300uV RMS noise at 30GHz, respectively.

IConnect software provides efficient and easy signal integrity analysis for gigabit serial data interconnect links.

IConnect quickly measures insertion and return losses, reflections, eye diagrams, jitter, crosstalk, reflections and ringing.

The IConnect product family has three product configurations: IConnect, IConnect S-parameters and IConnect with MeasureXtractor.

IConnect applications include signal path integrity analysis, impedance characterisation, S-parameters (insertion and return loss), eye diagram compliance tests and fault isolation.

A new command line interface (CLI) enables automation of multi-port S-parameter measurements, and other compliance test needs, significantly reducing calibration and test times while increasing test repeatability.

With automated CLI scripts, test routines typically requiring hours for set-up and execution can now be performed in a few minutes, greatly improving productivity.

IConnect now also supports very long record lengths with up to 1M points.

1M memory provides sufficient S-parameter frequency domain resolution and the highest frequency when measuring long devices such as cables.

A new EZ Z-Line viewer enables dynamic adjustment of the oscilloscope for much more efficient fault isolations in packages, PCBs and on-chip.

IConnect also supports Touchstone file export capabilities.

'Tektronix pioneered the TDR-based S-parameter measurements, and provides the most cost-efficient and highest-throughput approach to measurements in digital design, signal integrity analysis, and interconnect compliance testing', said Kiran Unni, Program Industry Manager, Test and Measurement group with Frost and Sullivan.

'As a new generation of S-parameter users become familiar with this measurement methodology they will look for an instrument solution that is familiar and provides accurate and repeatable results'.

'The DSA8200 is a versatile, cost and time effective solution to achieve accurate, repeatable S-parameter measurements for serial data network analysis applications in product development and manufacturing'.

The DSA8200 digital serial analyser is based on a new generation hardware mainframe designed for the communication, computer, and consumer electronics industries that increasingly require signal path characterisation and compliance verification.

The DSA8200 provides the versatility and superior accuracy needed for characterisation, design validation, and compliance verification of time and frequency domain behaviour of differential channel interconnects for high-speed serial standards including PCI-Express II, FB-DIMM II, SATA II, and 10Gbit/s Ethernet.

The DSA8200 extends the capabilities of the TDS/CSA8200 Series and provides full support for the same modules and software.

The new mainframe unit incorporates a high-speed processor and the benefits and familiarity of the Microsoft Windows XP operating system.

The new front panel mounted DVD/CD-RW combo drive and USB 2.0 port provides easier and faster measurement and data file storage and transfer.

With six available mainframe slots, the DSA8200 provides the most extensible modular architecture, allowing users to configure the instrument to meet their most demanding measurement challenges today and in the future.

The DSA8200 can be configured for up to four true differential TDR channels, the most available in any oscilloscope-based toolset for serial data network analysis.

When combined with the new TDR modules and IConnect capabilities, the new DSA8200 solution provides the most complete and cost-effective solution for the analysis and characterisation of complex serial data networks.

Oscilloscopes provide access to Matlab

2007-01-04T20:28:00.001-08:00

A new user-definable function option enables Agilent Infiniium oscilloscope users to create and execute application-specific measurements.

A new user-definable function option enables Agilent Infiniium oscilloscope users to create and execute application-specific measurements. This option, on which Agilent and The MathWorks collaborated, makes it possible for Infiniium oscilloscope users to develop custom maths and analysis functions in the Matlab software environment and execute them live on the oscilloscope screen, just like any of the scope's standard functions. The Agilent Infiniium user-definable function consists of two components: the custom analysis function developed in Matlab and the graphical user interface to enable the scope user to select measurement parameters.

The custom function is developed in the Matlab software environment and defines the data analysis to be performed, such as equalisations and digital filtering.

Users can perform further data analysis by combining this software with other popular Infiniium oscilloscope software packages such as the Agilent N5400A EZJIT Plus or E2688A serial data-analysis software.

With access to Matlab on the oscilloscope, users can also interactively analyse and visualise their results in the Matlab environment, configure and control their instruments, and generate reports.

'Increasing signal rates in high-speed serial communications and digital/RF designs, coupled with decreasing product-development cycles, have driven the need to make custom measurements with tools that are reliable and flexible', said Jay Alexander, Vice President and General Manager, Agilent Technologies.

'By integrating MATLAB with Infiniium oscilloscopes, users have the dependability of an industry-standard instrument and the flexibility of an industry-standard software environment'.

'When testing or verifying a complex design, oscilloscope users often need to make measurements that are application-specific and not available with the analysis functions built into the instrument', says Richard Rovner, Vice President of Marketing, The MathWorks.

'The Matlab integration on Infiniium oscilloscopes enables design and test engineers to make the custom measurements they need to qualify a design'.

Agilent's N5430A user-definable function option is available immediately from Agilent Technologies.

Software enhances optical spectrum analysis

2007-01-04T20:28:00.000-08:00

Windows-based software tool adds powerful viewing, control and analysis functions to enhance optical spectrum analyser's productivity.

A Windows-based software tool has been introduced for use with the Yokogawa AQ6370 high-resolution optical spectrum analyser, adding powerful viewing, control and analysis functions to enhance the instrument's productivity. In addition to providing a PC display of stored waveform data, the new AQ6370 Viewer software enables the user to remotely control the spectrum analyser from a PC via an Ethernet or other network connection and to analyse measurement data on the PC. In addition, it allows file transfer of measurement data from the hard disc of the spectrum analyser to the PC.

In R and D applications, the software will allow users to analyse one set of measurements while the analyser is being used to make new measurements.

In manufacturing, the remote control capabilities allow the user to create, edit and run macros on the spectrum analyser and transfer new measurement results directly to the PC.

All analysis functions provided by the AQ6370 are supported by the AQ6370 viewer software, including automatic analysis of parameters such as spectral width, optical signal/noise ratio, EDFA evaluation and optical power analysis.

A setting mode is included for WDM filter analysis, and pass/fail templates can be implemented for manufacturing test applications.

Ulm University team wins network analyser

2007-01-03T23:31:00.000-08:00

In mid-October, Gerotron presented the Innovation Award sponsored by Rohde and Schwarz to the winning team in the research association category.

In mid-October, Gerotron presented the Innovation Award sponsored by Rohde and Schwarz to the winning team in the research association category. This award has been offered once a year since 2002 at EEEfCOM in Ulm. The award is then presented at RadiotecC, which is a trade fair including a developer forum for RF electronics and mobile radio, at the Adlershof Science and Technology Park (WISTA).

Rohde and Schwarz is one of the main sponsors of this event.

'As a high-tech company, we live from innovations', says Gerhard Sonnde, Director of the T and M Central Marketing Subdivision.

'Therefore, we present this award as part of our effort to promote co-operation between industry and science'.

The team from Ulm was the lucky winner of the R and S ZVB network analyser, worth more than Eur 40,000.

All told, prizes worth Eur 250,000 were awarded.

Winfried Mayer and Arnold Gronau, two academic staff members of the microwave engineering department at Ulm University, and Dr Helmut Leier of Daimler Chrysler impressed the distinguished jury with their joint work.

This year was thus the first time that a joint venture consisting of research and industry took part - and with success.

The team's practice-oriented work and their contribution to improving techniques commonly used today were the main reasons for the jury to give them high marks.

The innovative value of their concept was also of major importance.

They scored at or near the top in all categories, making them the uncontested winners.

The winning team concentrated on road traffic safety.

Automobile drivers are increasingly benefiting from driver assistance.

Sensors with high angular resolution and a wide field of vision are essential for detecting critical traffic situations.

After the situation has been detected, it is evaluated.

This includes ensuring, for example, that automatic braking takes place only when clearly necessary in order to avoid rear-end collisions.

Given the current state of research, today's sensor concepts are relatively expensive and difficult to implement.

The winning proposal exploits the advantages of high-resolution radar systems for use in automobiles.

In addition, its simple hardware architecture contributes to a more cost-efficient solution.

The concept has already been tested for suitability in practical applications: at Ulm University, it was successfully implemented on a demonstration system at a frequency of 24GHz.

Tester offers low-cost Wi-Fi analysis

2007-01-03T20:27:00.000-08:00

The Nexus turnkey wireless testing systems provide all the signal generation and analysis hardware and software required for complete testing of 802.11 a, b, g, j and n wireless devices.

A new range of low-priced 802.11 Wi-Fi test systems is now available in the UK from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments), the exclusive UK distributor for GaGe Applied Technologies. The Nexus turnkey wireless testing systems provide all the signal generation and analysis hardware and software required for complete testing of 802.11 a, b, g, j and n wireless devices. IEEE802.11, also known as the Wi-Fi standard, defines a set of modulation standards developed for wireless local area networks (WLANs).

Design, test and manufacturing engineers have previously had difficulty finding a low-priced testing solution for 802.11 a, b, g, j and n devices.

To meet this requirement, GaGe has developed Nexus 802.11 systems, which are built on a foundation of GaGe CompuGen and CompuScope hardware (arbitrary waveform generator and digitiser cards) and software technology, combined with powerful WLAN generation and analysis application software.

GaGe Nexus 802.11 Wi-Fi test systems are capable of generating complex 802.11 testing signals for up-conversion and transmission as well as acquiring and analysing received and down-converted 802.11 signals.

The systems can provide an error vector magnitude (EVM) measurement of -45dB.

This compares well to the best currently available transmit/receive wireless devices, which typically provide an EVM of -35dB, giving a base performance at least 10dB better than the device under test.

Another important benefit of the Nexus system is true simultaneous conversion clocking and triggering on all channels.

This benefit is a direct result of GaGe's master/slave multi-CompuScope digitiser architecture.

Simultaneous timing on multiple channels gives the Nexus a fundamental advantage for 802.11n multiple-in/multiple-out (MIMO) architectures, where multiple transmitter and receiver antennas are used.

Other manufacturers of 802.11 test systems suggest that their single-antenna systems may be combined and used in MIMO architectures, but closer examination often reveals that synchronisation between separate channels is minimal or nonexistent.

Harness safety tester takes to the field

2007-01-02T23:30:00.001-08:00

The Horizon 1500 RWA is an extremely durable cable and harness analyser tester that meets aerospace, transportation and military requirements for durability and test performance.

The latest addition to the Clare range of electrical safety testing equipment is a special ruggedised cable and wiring harness tester designed for demanding test locations and environments. Designed specifically for portable field-testing applications, the Horizon 1500 RWA is an extremely durable cable and harness analyser tester that meets aerospace, transportation and military requirements for durability and test performance. Enclosed in an shock resistant and totally weatherproof enclosure, the tester is capable of battery powered operation and can be equipped with any standard Horizon analyser for the testing of everything from simple data cables to complex wiring assemblies used in electrical and electronic systems incorporated in automotive, aerospace, computing, medical, military, railway and telecomms equipment.

Horizon RWA testers are equipped with 128 high voltage test points for hipot testing up to 1500V DC and/or 1067V AC.

Touch screen control enables test programs to be established quickly and easily, enabling immediate in-field verification of cable systems, components and connections, ensuring that any defective products or wiring configurations are highlighted immediately.

The Horizon 1500 RWA forms part of a comprehensive range of electrical safety testing equipment supplied by Clare for all safety, conformance and type approval testing requirements.

DSOs are made for systems integration

2007-01-02T23:30:00.000-08:00

Agilent Technologies has introduced the first LXI class C compliant oscilloscope family optimised for use in test systems.

Agilent Technologies has introduced the first LXI class C compliant oscilloscope family optimised for use in test systems. The Agilent 6000L Series digital storage oscilloscopes (DSOs) offer four channels of measurements in a compact, rack-mountable 1U-high form factor, giving engineers a space-efficient way to integrate oscilloscopes into their test systems. The unit's remote capabilities and graphical web interface reduce setup and troubleshooting time for engineers building design-verification and functional-test systems in the aerospace/defence, automotive, communications, medical and computer industries.

Test engineers in these industries are demanding more digitiser channels in less rack space.

The Agilent 6000L Series low-profile oscilloscopes come in a 'true 1U' package that packs four channels and up to 1GHz bandwidth into a slim design, providing more digitiser channels to engineers who have limited rack space.

'The introduction of these LXI oscilloscopes demonstrates our commitment to lead the transition to LXI products', said Scott Sampl, Vice President and LXI spokesperson for Agilent's Electronic Measurements Group.

'It's another important step in helping our customers simplify test-system configuration and create new possibilities in testing'.

The 6000L Series oscilloscope models offer 100MHz, 500MHz and 1GHz analogue bandwidth and up to 4Gsample/s sample rate.

All three models come standard with 8Msample MegaZoom III deep memory so engineers can capture long, nonrepeating signals, and maintain high sample rates with good timing resolution.

All Agilent 6000L Series oscilloscopes come standard with LAN, GPIB and USB interfaces as well as an additional front-panel USB port that lets engineers easily store waveform data, scope setups and screen images on standard USB memory sticks.

The 6000L Series DSOs are 100% software compatible with Agilent 6000A Series portable oscilloscopes, which offer displays and front-panel control knobs and buttons.

Engineers can use a 6000A Series oscilloscope during the R and D phase.

When the product moves to manufacturing, they can use a system-optimised 6000L Series oscilloscope without a display.

Because the 6000A and 6000L are completely software compatible, the manufacturing team can use the software and test routines developed in R and D.

Engineers working with both analogue and digital circuitry can easily upgrade the 6000L Series DSOs to get the unique capabilities of a 4+16-channel (scope and logic) mixed signal oscilloscope (MSO).

Both the MSOs and the traditional four-channel DSO models are optimised with the capabilities engineers need for verifying and debugging designs that include embedded system components.

An optional secure environment mode provides the highest level of security by ensuring that internal memory is clear of all setup and trace settings in compliance with National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, Chapter 8 information-system security requirements.

The Agilent 6000L Series oscilloscopes are part of Agilent Open, a versatile combination of test-system hardware, I/O and software tools that are easy to enhance and maintain by ensuring greater choice in measurements, connectivity and programming.

10 Gigabit Ethernet tester goes local and wide

2007-01-01T23:29:00.003-08:00

Compact 10 Gigabit Ethernet test solution provides performance assurance and quality of service testing in local and wide area networks.

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has launched a compact 10 gigabit Ethernet test solution for performance assurance and quality of service (QoS) testing in local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WAN). The FTB-8510G Packet Blazer 10 Gigabit Ethernet module, currently supported in the FTB-400 Universal Test System, can now be housed in the FTB-200 Compact Platform, thus extending Exfo's extensive 10 Gigabit Ethernet test capabilities to a convenient, lightweight and compact form factor. The increase in IP-based applications has placed additional bandwidth and performance requirements on supporting Ethernet services.

Delay-sensitive applications like voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) demand that service-level agreements (SLAs) are validated and maintained throughout the network.

The FTB-200 Compact Platform, equipped with both the FTB-8510 and FTB-8510G Packet Blazers, provides users with the capability to fully test and validate Ethernet services from 10Mbit/s to 10Gbit/s.

Features, such as multi-stream generation and analysis, expert mode and service-disruption measurements, along with RFC 2544 testing, packet jitter measurement, and bit-error-rate testing, provide a complete test solution that enables customers to thoroughly validate the performance of their 10 GigE links.

The FTB-8510G Packet Blazer also offers both LAN and WAN PHY interfaces within the same module, covering all networking applications.

At the increased rate in which 10 Gigabit Ethernet networks are being deployed, this combination offers field technicians another unique capability in testing performance and efficiency.

'Coping with the increasing number of 10 Gigabit Ethernet networks being deployed, service providers are faced with the challenge of turning up and validating networks at a much faster rate', said Etienne Gagnon, Exfo's Vice-President of Protocol and Optical Product Management.

'Adding the FTB-8510G Packet Blazer to the FTB-200 Compact Platform provides a feature-rich Ethernet test solution required to effectively and efficiently validate Ethernet services covering rates from 10Mbit/s to 10Gbit/s, and all this at approximately half the sise and weight of the nearest competitor'.

Mobile tester adds radio channel fading

2007-01-01T23:29:00.001-08:00

Aeroflex has added a radio channel fading capability to its highly successful 6401 AIME 3G mobile protocol test system.

Aeroflex has added a radio channel fading capability to its highly successful 6401 AIME 3G mobile protocol test system. The 6401 AIME's new radio channel emulation capability addresses and overcomes the inherent drawbacks of traditional RF based radio channel emulation methods by integrating these functions at baseband. Applying the time varying radio channel characteristics digitally facilitates very high accuracy combined with precise repeatability, essential for thorough testing of the physical layer of 3G devices.

Traditionally, radio channel emulation requires expensive additional test equipment, such as fading simulators and AWGN noise sources, connected at RF between the signal generator and the unit under test.

RF issues like insertion loss and timing delays need to be compensated for, or calibrated out by the user, and even then are subject to the uncertainties inherent in analogue RF circuitry.

For complicated testing scenarios like soft handover, antenna diversity, and MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) the cost of multiple external RF fading simulators and AWGN sources, and the complexity of their control and calibration, can become prohibitive.

With the 6401 AIME's integrated radio channel fading capability, up to eight paths for each of its three UMTS carriers are available.

This allows multipath conditions to be simulated with each path independently controlled to provide either constant, Rayleigh, Doppler, periodic or log-normal gain and constant, periodic or pseudo-random delay conditions.

This satisfies all of the current 3GPP RF and protocol conformance test radio channel fading profiles, as well as giving the user the ability to create their own.

An AWGN generator for each cell is also incorporated to provide simulation of interference signals.

A highly accurate and repeatable solution results, as both the Fading and AWGN are implemented digitally at baseband.

The 6401 AIME 3G mobile protocol test system is already well established in the market and used by most of the world's top test labs and major mobile handset manufacturers.

Due to its powerful system design existing users can upgrade their development test systems to include the new channel fading capability without the need for additional hardware.

One test tool does the lot for optical networks

2006-12-31T23:28:00.000-08:00

New from Anritsu Instruments, the Access Master MT9083A Series is an all-in-one field measuring OTDR for construction and maintenance of optical networks.

New from Anritsu Instruments, the Access Master MT9083A Series is an all-in-one field measuring OTDR for construction and maintenance of optical networks. Until now, installing and maintaining optical networks required technicians to carry a variety of equipment which was not only cumbersome, but also expensive. Hearing this common complaint, Anritsu engineers have developed its new line of MT9083A Access Master OTDRs.

They feature multiple wavelengths and options to satisfy any network testing requirement: access or metro, FTTx or LAN - all without straining your budget.

MT9083A test sets are designed to make your measurement experience simple and error-free with true one-button fault location, pass/fail classification, automated file saving and naming and even a macrobend detection feature for identifying installation issues.

When asked what the ideal testing solution would have, customers consistently replied with a few key features: it must be lightweight and reliable, provide high resolution and long battery life, feature simple operation to help our copper technicians entering the fibre world and do all of this cost effectively.

A tall order, but one met by the new Access Master MT9083A from Anritsu.

In fact, during a recent demo, a major US service provider responded 'all that in one box - how can you lose?'.

For customers installing and maintaining metro area or access networks, the Access Master offers an automated fibre construction application and multiple wavelengths including specialty applications such as 1383nm for certifying legacy fibres for CWDM upgrades.

For FTTx networks, the MT9083A series provides both optical testing at all of the primary wavelengths plus quality of service (QoS) verification via the IP testing option.

With the IP option, continuity, download speed, throughput and frame loss of gigabit Ethernet links can be verified up to full line rate.

It also features a unique way to troubleshoot live PON based, FTTx networks without additional costly and complicated external filters.

'The Access Master MT9083A is the first all-in-one tool that does not compromise performance'.

'It features extremely high resolution to see those closely spaces splices and connectors, while still being able to certify 100km-plus spans - quickly and accurately', says Steve Colangelo, Business Development Manager, Anritsu Instruments Company.

'In addition to verifying the integrity of the fibre plant, network performance can also be verified ensuring the customer experience is at its highest level'.

Milliohmmeters provide precision measurement

2006-12-31T23:27:00.000-08:00

Digital ohmmeter range is practical for a wide range of low resistance measurement applications across the electrical, electronics, QA, instrumentation and utilities sectors.

The Cropico Series 4000 digital ohmmeter range provides a highly practical solution for a wide range of low resistance measurement applications across the electrical, electronics, QA, instrumentation and utilities sectors. The portable and rugged instrument includes a number of advanced features to ensure measurement accuracy including forward and reverse current measurement with auto averaging, true current zero, long scale length and a selectable measurement range from 40mohm to 4kohm with respective resolutions between 10uohm and 1ohm. Within the range, model 4001 also includes temperature compensation, with preset coefficients for copper and aluminium plus user settable coefficients for other materials.

Temperature measurement over the range -50 to +800C is also available.

Protection up to 415V RMS is provided at the measurement terminals and push button operation is achieved easily by clearly marked function controls.

Direct reading measured values are displayed on a four-digit LCD.

Over range and low battery indication is also provided and warning LEDs illuminate when an open circuit lead condition is detected.

The Cropico 4000 series comes complete with a standard 1m-length lead set and a rechargeable battery option includes a battery pack, docking station and charger.

The 4000 Series of milliohmmeters forms part of a comprehensive range of precision measurement instruments available from Cropico, part of the Seaward Group.

Measurement receiver claims speed record

2006-12-30T03:07:00.001-08:00

Agilent Technologies has introduced the industry's fastest measurement receiver, with 10 times the performance of its existing platform.

Agilent Technologies has introduced the industry's fastest measurement receiver, with 10 times the performance of its existing platform. The Agilent W1314A receiver enables RF engineering teams to optimise and troubleshoot UMTS and GSM networks and quickly identify the cause of problems. The platform has options to support GSM, UMTS, IS95, cdma2000, 1xEVDO and iDEN technologies.

As hardware and operational budgets are squeezed from every angle, it is important to maximise the efficiency of drive test teams by providing them with reliable equipment that allows them to quickly and accurately collect RF measurement data.

The new receiver integrates with the industry-leading Agilent E6474A network optimisation software to provide a core of RF coverage data, technology-specific interference and optimisation measurements.

Benefits of the W1314A receiver include: support of up to four frequency bands with both uplink and downlink configurations, which allows multiband and multitechnology networks to be monitored with a single compact solution; small form factor and rugged casing, which makes the solution easily portable and able to withstand the rough environment of field-based testing; and a built-in 12-channel GPS and four-port USB hub, providing maximum measurement flexibility with minimum hardware.

'Faced with the increasing challenges of maintaining today's multiband wireless networks, operators expect high performance and increased flexibility from their test equipment', said Alois Hauk, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Photonic and Network Test Division.

'Agilent's new W1314A receiver platform addresses these needs head-on, providing the measurement performance and breadth of capability required to be effective'.

The new Agilent W1314A receiver platform supports all major wireless technologies and provides a core of general-purpose RF measurement tools as well as specialised measurements for each technology.

RF analyser runs from the bench to the line

2006-12-30T03:07:00.000-08:00

RF vector signal analyser is optimised for testing of wireless devices and transmitter circuits in production test environments, as well as new product research and development.

Keithley Instruments has released the Model 2810 RF vector signal analyser, optimised for automated testing of wireless devices and transmitter circuits in production test environments, as well as in new product and device research and development. It features measurement speeds up to three times faster than competitive instruments in production test, takes up half the space, and costs half as much as competitive products. The Model 2810 combines high performance, complex signal analysis capability with unprecedented ease of use for even those with little training, background, or practical experience in RF measurement to serve a wide range of measurement needs on wireless devices, transceiver modules, and RF components.

Keithley's Model 2810 is the lowest cost, widest signal acquisition bandwidth, stand-alone vector signal analyser with both manual and automated operation on the market today.

The Model 2810 RF vector signal analyser is designed to work closely with Keithley's Model 2910 RF vector signal generator.

Together, these two instruments form a powerful RF test ad measurement solution hat reduces test times and capital equipment costs for testing active and passive RF components.

For example, production test engineers can use built-in list mode features with the test modes of the latest mobile phone chipsets to perform fast simultaneous calibration of the phone's transmitters and receivers - dramatically reducing test times.

Mobile handset manufacturers and wireless component manufacturers are under tremendous pressure to reduce costs, address new technologies, and increase their manufacturing flexibility.

The Model 2810 reduces testing time with industry leading measurement and data acquisition times.

Keithley's Model 2810 vector signal analyser uses an advanced software-defined radio architecture with a 500MHz digital signal processor, enabling fast data acquisition and processing.

Production test engineers can drastically reduce test times, and R and D engineers and scientists can reduce the time it takes to acquire large sets of data.

For example, in the case of users searching for spurious emissions from devices under test, the Model 2810 can perform a 200MHz span sweep using a narrow resolution bandwidth of 100Hz in approximately 15 seconds.

A conventional spectrum analyser needs 1000 times longer to perform the same sweep.

Another factor contributing to the Model 2810's outstanding processing power is greater than 30MHz of 3dB measurement bandwidth with 20MHz of flatness within 1dB.

Wide bandwidth signals can be captured in one acquisition, which is essential for capturing the new high bandwidth, high throughput transmission signals such as WLAN and WiMAX signals.

This exceptionally wide signal acquisition bandwidth is much greater than conventional spectrum analysers and wider than most VSAs in the $30,000 and under price range.

The Model 2810 has the performance now to acquire the future 4G technology signals under development in R and D labs.

The Model 2810 is more than a spectrum analyser.

In addition to being able to decompose a waveform into its constituent frequencies, it can also decompose digitally modulated signals into their I and Q phase components.

With the I and Q components, a vector signal analyser can determine the quality of a modulated signal.

Research and development personnel working with modulation schemes can easily transfer the acquired signal components to a PC for more extensive analysis.

The Model 2810 offers firmware options at prices significantly lower than competitors to enable more cost effective modulation quality analysis on GSM and Edge signals, CDMA2000 Reverse Link signals, and WCDMA Uplink signals.

These measurements are performed much faster than analysers commonly used today.

A suite of GSM/EDGE measurements including time mask conformance, phase error or EVM, and channel power can be acquired and computed in 27ms.

This is twice as fast as the industry's current leading analysers.

The Model 2810's flexible, software-defined radio architecture gives telecom manufacturers the testing flexibility needed to keep pace with changing wireless technologies.

New modulation analysis schemes and new measurement algorithms can be incorporated easily and economically with ongoing firmware updates.

The Model 2810's upgradeability eliminates the need to buy another instrument when new measurement needs arise, making it a more flexible instrument over time and keeping down capital equipment costs.

In addition, with space at a premium, the Model 2810's reduced sise is a significant advantage, reducing the amount of space needed in a standard rack or on a benchtop.

The Model 2810 also speeds start-up and troubleshooting times in automated test development.

Its user-friendly interface also minimises the time it takes to learn how to operate the instrument.

In either R and D or university laboratories, even occasional users, such as RF development engineers and researchers, can quickly orient themselves to the nonintimidating front panel and easily make measurements.

The graphical user interface (GUI) greatly simplifies the use of such a complex instrument and eliminates the need for an entire front panel of buttons.

While typical spectrum analysers may have more than 20 buttons, the Model 2810 has only two buttons and an intuitive touch screen.

It can also be easily operated by a USB mouse, making it an excellent tool for communications theory training in student labs where PC-knowledgeable students can comfortably learn to make spectrum analysis measurements via the mouse.

The GUI uses a Windows-based display format, so any user who is familiar with operating a PC can easily navigate through the menus of the Model 2810.

A built-in help system makes all user information available at the touch of the screen or with the click of a mouse.

Because its GUI eliminates the need for a whole front panel of buttons, the Model 2810 can be packaged in an industry-leading half-rack package, saving precious rack space in production and R and D environments.

The Model 2810 includes a number of additional features that most competitive analysers do not provide as part of their standard offering.

Examples include electronic attenuation, pre-amplifiers, and a sweeping continuous wave source, all of which are included as standard features on the Model 2810 but are costly options on competitive instruments.

Also, an industry-leading three-year warranty on the Model 2810 is included at no additional charge.

The Model 2810 includes three standard interfaces to meet current and future system integration requirements.

An IEEE488 interface enables users of legacy systems to easily integrate the Model 2810 into their test systems.

Users looking for higher data transfer rates can use the USB or LAN interface.

The LAN interface is compatible with the new LXI standard.

Specifically, the Model 2810 conforms to the LXI-C standard.

The Model 2810 RF vector signal analyser is available four weeks after receipt of order.

Triple play analyser answers IPTV demands

2006-12-29T03:06:00.003-08:00

Triple play analyser for video, voice and data monitoring, analysis and troubleshooting enables companies to capture broadband market share and revenue faster.

Agilent Technologies has introduced a triple play analyser for video, voice and data monitoring, analysis and troubleshooting that enables companies to capture broadband market share and revenue faster. The Agilent J6900A is the most complete test tool for network equipment manufacturers and communication service providers who develop, install, maintain and troubleshoot new triple play voice, video, and data networks and services. This flexible analysis dramatically improves operational efficiency by offering a solution for all types of services under a single local or distributed platform.

Efficiency is increased at least three times by having a single instrument for all types of services with drill-down capabilities to the root cause of problems.

The analyser provides a single instrument for all services testing, one user interface to learn and a consistent troubleshooting methodology.

The J6900A triple play analyser solution is the perfect tool to detect and resolve signalling, transport and voice/video/data QoE (quality of experience) problems before customers are affected.

In addition, the analyser is coupled with the legendary data analysis of the Agilent distributed network analyser platform.

Agilent's triple play analyser addresses numerous issues related to network interoperability, voice and video media transport, service delivery, QoE and IP network performance in a single comprehensive tool without the need for expertise or programming.

It provides the essential measurements and key performance indicators that enable engineers and technicians to quickly and proactively identify customer problems, empowering faster, less-expensive and higher-quality triple play deployments and networks.

Measurements provided by the analyser include: extensive IPTV, VoD, VoIP and data analysis in a single solution; in-depth signalling and media analysis for IPTV, VoD and VoIP; passive analysis and troubleshooting of user traffic in real time; analysis of channel zapping latency and VoD command response times; video and voice MOS, QoE with transmission layer analysis, including RFC4445 - MDI (Media Delivery Index) and ETSI TR101-290 analysis, and; IPTV channels, VoD programmes and voice calls statistics.

'The race for IPTV dominance is remarkable as the future of many companies depend on a successful deployment and acceptance of video over IP', said Christopher Witt, Business Manager of Agilent's Network Systems Test Operation.

'Using our triple play analyser, network operators can quickly assess the impact of voice, data and video traffic, as well as measure the end-user quality of experience'.

'This allows network operators to deploy high-quality services correctly - the first time - and increase market share and revenues'.

Yoigo signs up for network intelligence

2006-12-29T03:06:00.001-08:00

TeliaSonera affiliate Yoigo will deploy solutions included in Agilent's assureME portfolio.

TeliaSonera affiliate Yoigo, the Spanish wireless operator and holder of a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Services (UMTS) licence, will deploy solutions included in Agilent's assureME portfolio. These products will deliver key performance indicators on UMTS network, services and customer experience; report on partner implementation; ensuring the network is performing effectively and delivering a premier quality of service to subscribers. 'We are preparing to launch voice, data, roaming and international services and require quick access to information regarding the network, services, content providers and devices', said Johan Andsjo, Chief Executive Officer at Xfera.

'Agilent's assureME network and business intelligence solutions are being rapidly deployed to manage the performance of our network and delivered services'.

'By outsourcing content services and network operations, we can speed up the rollout of our network and new services while managing total cost of ownership'.

'Agilent's solutions maximise the quality and availability of services'.

Wireless service providers are trying to cope with efficient network-expansion for new service delivery and subscriber growth, while managing technology migrations, all within the landscape of reduced operating expenditures.

'Outsourcing services and network operations may be the answer as long as these services can be measured and managed to ensure excellent service quality that meets customer expectations', said Tom Walls, Vice President and General Manager, Assurance Solutions Division, Agilent Technologies.

Multistream IPTV generator on show in Dallas

2006-12-28T03:05:00.000-08:00

This week Pixelmetrix has been demonstrating its sturdy multistream IPTV generator, the DVStorIP-Gen, at TelcoTV 2006 in Dallas, Texas.

This week Pixelmetrix has been demonstrating its sturdy multistream IPTV generator, the DVStorIP-Gen, at TelcoTV 2006 in Dallas, Texas. The DVStorIP-Gen works as an effective IPTV stress test tool for the evaluation, compliance testing and verification of networks. It supports SPTS and MPTS generation, with support for UDP and RTP streaming as well.

Each generated transport stream can be forwarded to up to 100 target IP destinations, identified by the IP address and port number.

The DVStorIP-Gen can also generate up to seven unique transport streams simultaneously, and up to 900Mbit/s of IPTV traffic, making it an efficient solution for IPTV service providers, monitoring and network equipment providers.

The DVStorIP-Gen simulates real network conditions by injecting different types of errors or impairments that can occur in the end-to-end delivery chain of an IPTV system.

Pixelmetrix also displayed its recently launched DVStation-IP, the complete IPTV quality of service monitoring engine.

Cable tester replaces up to six tools

2006-12-28T03:04:00.000-08:00

A triple-play telephone, data and video testing solution, the JDSU IVT600 is the first all-in-one, low cost residential cabling qualifier and tester.

Specialized Products Company has added the JDSU IVT600 Tri-Porter to its 2007 tool lineup. A triple-play telephone, data and video testing solution, the JDSU IVT600 is the first all-in-one, low cost residential cabling qualifier and tester. The unit actually replaces up to six traditional testing tools, including the DSL-safe telephone test set, network tester, tone generator, cable tester verifier, tone detector/cable finder and coax mapper.

The Tri-Porter tester easily qualifies voice/telephony lines, network systems and coax runs for service levels to assure optimal performance.

The ITV600 triple-play qualifier and tester, sold in a handy carrying case, includes main unit, remote tester/tracer and 20-piece wire mapping set for remote discovery of telephone, coax and network cables.

Analyser puts video coding into vision

2006-12-27T00:59:00.001-08:00

Pixelmetrix has introduced VisualmpegPro, integrating its Visualmpeg elementary stream and video quality analysers, to boost consistency in data verification.

Pixelmetrix has introduced VisualmpegPro, integrating its Visualmpeg elementary stream and video quality analysers, to boost consistency in data verification. The VisualmpegPro allows for visual inspection of all aspects of MPEG video coding right from bit rate to macroblock motion vector analysis. Attributes of the VisualmpegPro include quantiser values, picture frequencies, MPEG artefacts, frame quality index, DCT coefficients and error logger.

It supports detailed analysis of MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 Part 10 video, presenting an ideal R and D system for MPEG experts.

The VisualmpegPro provides several measures for video quality and covers the detection of a broad range of video distortion and quality degradation.

An advanced feature of this analyser is the MOS (mean opinion score) rating.

this scoring system provides a correlation between a displayed frame and its corresponding quality.

Danny Wilson, President and CEO of Pixelmetrix Corp remarked: 'Pixelmetrix VisualmpegPro serves to step up testing of MPEG-based advanced coding'.

'Upgrading to this flexible software application offers customers optimum screening, coherent auditing of video content and methodical analysis of video compression'.

Award recognises supply chain excellence

2006-12-27T00:58:00.001-08:00

Agilent Technologies received the High-Tech Supply Chain Excellence Award at the recent SCMLogistics World.

Agilent Technologies received the High-Tech Supply Chain Excellence Award at the recent SCMLogistics World 2006. The award recognises companies for their transformation change management and leadership in driving supply-chain excellence to achieve greater business profitability and a higher level of customer service. The award is the only one in Asia that honours manufacturing companies and individuals in the region for their achievements in optimising supply chains to attain greater business results.

The award was presented to Agilent at the SCMLogistics World 2006 conference last month in Singapore.

The criteria for winning the award include: having a clear vision; a commitment to designing paradigm-shifting innovation in supply chain concepts; and transforming these innovations into competitive differentiators.

'Great products have to be supported by an excellent supply chain to improve competitiveness and increase customer satisfaction', said Gooi Soon Chai, Vice President and General Manager of Agilent's Electronic Instruments Business Unit, who also has management responsibility for Agilent's Electronic Measurements Group's supply chain.

'The programme implemented by the supply chain team has transformed the company into a world-class organisation, with significant cost savings and improved turnaround time'.

Chai attributed this win to a dynamic business strategy built around supply chain excellence specially designed for cost-competitiveness.

Agilent has reassessed and consolidated its overall supply base for greater efficiency and reliability, he said.

This has been complemented by successful supply chain collaboration with suppliers who have enabled cost savings to be optimised both across the organisation and with Agilent's partners.

The panel of judges, from schools and consultancies such as the Cranfield School of Management in the UK, Insead in France, and the ARC Advisory Group in the USA, were unanimous in their selection of Agilent as the winner over 20 other global high-tech leaders.

Network simulators put telecomms kit to the test

2006-12-26T00:57:00.001-08:00

UK based NTS Telecom has recently been appointed as the sole European distributor for the advanced PSTN simulators manufactured by Virtual Console.

UK based NTS Telecom has recently been appointed as the sole European distributor for the advanced PSTN simulators manufactured by Virtual Console. The simulators can simulate any worldwide telephone network, with the ability to customise all network parameters. Virtual Console simulators are supplied with default configurations for the majority of worldwide networks and are easily configured to individual requirements with the supplied PSTN Manager software.

The simulators are highly portable and do not require an attached PC for day to day operation.

Advanced features include programmable signal levels and the option to introduce echo and white noise.

Worldwide caller ID standards are supported including FSK, line reversal and DTMF.

Other than the traditional uses of development and factory testing, the simulators are also ideal for testing returns in a retail environment.

With the growing emergence of VOIP the simulators are increasingly being used for testing the suitability of FXO ports for PSTN breakout.

The simulators are available directly from NTS Telecom priced at GBP 560 and distributors will shortly be appointed throughout Europe.

Handheld tester hunts out rogue wireless devices

2006-12-26T00:57:00.000-08:00

Fluke Networks has added new capabilities to its award-winning EtherScope Series II Network Assistant.

Fluke Networks has added new capabilities to its award-winning EtherScope Series II Network Assistant. The new security scan and locate features reduce the time to locate a rogue wireless local area network (WLAN) device by 75%, as measured by the time spent on the same task using an omnidirectional antenna found on most PC radio cards. The advanced WLAN locate feature uses an external, directional antenna to quickly identify and pinpoint the location of unauthorised wireless access points.

This includes access points in ceilings and on floors above and below, which saves time in a multi-floor environment.

Combined with the EtherScope's handheld, lightweight package and easy-to-read, colour touch-screen display, users will find rogue access points faster and easier than ever before.

Also new to EtherScope is the ability to test the performance of LAN and WAN links using commonly accepted RFC 2544 test procedures.

EtherScope Series II Network Assistant incorporates RFC 2544 tests for measuring throughput, latency and frame loss.

These tests are bundled together with EtherScope's current Internetwork Throughput Option and traffic generator.

Private network owners and service providers now have the ability to perform a fast, easy and RFC-based means of verifying network performance.

Carriers can document the performance levels delivered to their customers.

Private network owners can verify the bandwidth received matches that which was purchased.

Concurrent with the new RFC 2544 tests and advanced WLAN Locate ability, EtherScope will now support Russian as a user-selectable language.

EtherScope now displays its user interface, all desktop applications on the unit, report headers, and help screens in eight different languages (English, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Russian), making EtherScope Network Assistant a tool for the truly worldwide nature of networking.

EtherScope Series II Network Assistant is available for immediate delivery through Fluke Networks sales partners worldwide.

The RFC 2544/ITO tests and WLAN analysis, including the directional Locate feature, are available as options.

Current EtherScope owners can purchase these options as upgrades.

Preventive monitoring tools on show in Japan

2006-12-25T00:56:00.000-08:00

Pixelmetrix will demonstrate its DVStorIP-Gen, at Inter BEE 2006 from 15th to 18th November 2006 in Japan. The DVStorIP-Gen is a high-performance, cost-effective tool for the evaluation, compliance testing and stress verification of networks and IPTV monitoring equipment analysis. It supports SPTS and MPTS generation, including UDP and RTP streaming.

Each generated transport stream can be forwarded to up to 100 target IP destinations, identified by the IP address and port number.

The DVStor can also generate up to seven unique transport streams simultaneously, and up to 900Mbit/s of IPTV traffic, making it an efficient solution for IPTV broadcasters as well as test and monitoring equipment and network providers.

With the DVStorIP-Gen, operators can observe error-free streaming through the restamping of continuity count and insertion of PCR discontinuity flag during transport stream loopback.

The DVStation-IP will also be on show.

This feature-rich system provides transport stream analysis and monitoring over an IP connection via a 10/100 and 1000Mbit/s Ethernet port.

It offers remote control and automation platform - ideal for operators requiring the transmission of video and data over Internet or other IP networks.

Live video display that allows visual confirmation of program content presence, Service View that spans multiple TS, displays MPEG-2 and H.264 video thumbnails, critical TS and audio/video parameters in a concise format, are some of its key features.

A combination of real-time signal measurements and user-configurable alarm thresholds are also integrated.

Danny Wilson, President and CEO of Pixelmetrix Corporation conveyed: 'Pixelmetrix IPTV test and monitoring platforms are fast gaining interest'.

'We have identified that the Japanese market has specific needs'.

'Hence, for Inter BEE, we are working closely with our distributor in Japan to present the latest in our innovations and bring on our preventive monitoring tools that best fulfil their requirements'.

Added to the demo line up are the DVStation Mini and VisualmpegPro.

The DVStation Mini is available in an ASI version for transport stream analysis, 8VSB RF version for ATSC monitoring and now a QAM version for cable applications.

The VisualmpegPro serves to boost consistency in data verification.

It allows for visual inspection of all aspects of MPEG video coding right from bit rate to macroblock motion vector analysis.

Instrument maker seeks European distributors

2006-12-25T00:55:00.000-08:00

Extech Instruments is looking to expand its distribution base throughout Western and Eastern Europe.

Extech Instruments is looking to expand its distribution base throughout Western and Eastern Europe. Offering an unmatched breadth of products, Extech is seeking a select number of committed distributors to help continue the company's success in providing innovative quality products, value and service to its customers. Extech offers over 64 product lines, including multimeters, clamp-on meters, tachometers, light meters, sound meters and meters to test temperature, airflow, humidity and water quality.

Many of the meters are engineered to be multifunctional including either a patented, built-in, noncontact infra-red thermometer or a built-in voltage detector.

Along with the powerful and exclusive built-in features and functions, Extech offers a product for any application.

Supply sets standard for harmonics tests

2006-12-24T00:55:00.000-08:00

Low-distortion AC power supply provides pure source of mains power for the measurement of current waveform harmonics as required for EMC compliance under EN61000-3-2.

TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) has re-engineered its AC1000 low-distortion EN61000-3-2 compliant power source. The new unit, designated AC1000A, has been redesigned to improve both performance and ergonomics. The AC1000A is a 1kW low-distortion AC power supply designed to provide a pure source of mains power for the measurement of current waveform harmonics as required for EMC compliance under EN61000-3-2.

Compliance quality measurements under the standard require the source supply to provide a pure voltage waveform to the equipment under test.

The AC1000A is specifically designed for this purpose.

Many environments may have mains waveforms which diverge significantly from a pure sinusoid as a result of nonlinear loading, either within the environment or outside.

Most common of these distortions is the 'flat topped' waveform that results from high currents being taken at the voltage peaks.

The AC1000A is also very useful for the stress testing of power supplies in electronic equipment.

The use of a harmonically pure, distortion-free device is essential to fully stress and evaluate the power supply under test.

The power source is rated up to 1000VA for 230V operation.

It has a continuous current rating of 4.4A and a peak current rating of 10A.

In contrast to products which use a passive filtering approach, it uses an innovative technique which actively corrects the AC supply to produce a harmonically pure output.

The unit under test is connected via a standard 13A socket mounted on the front panel of the instrument.

Weighing only 5kg and measuring 307 x 105 x 225mm, the unit has a compact footprint which matches that of TTi's own power and harmonic analyser, the HA1600A.

Long Term Evolution in focus at 3GSM

2006-12-24T00:54:00.000-08:00

At the 3GSM World Congress 2007 Aeroflex will outline its product strategy with regard to 3G LTE - the initiative relating to the Long Term Evolution of 3GPP radio technology.

At the 3GSM World Congress 2007 (Hall 2, Stand 2E09), Aeroflex will outline its product strategy with regard to 3G LTE - the initiative relating to the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of 3GPP radio technology. Aeroflex will also be demonstrating its complete 3G test coverage highlighted by various new product developments and enhancements relating to its 6103 mobile handset test systems, 6401 mobile protocol test system, 6413A UMTS basestation test system, WiMAX protocol conformance test solution, PXI 300 Series modular wireless test platform and IQCreator software. The objective of the 3G LTE initiative is to develop a framework for the evolution of the 3G towards a high-data-rate, low-latency and packet-optimised radio-access technology.

Its aim is to achieve a peak downlink datarate of 100Mbit/s, some three to five times better than HSDPA with latency as low as 20ms.

The capabilities of 3G LTE have the potential to enable some significant new service opportunities particularly in relation to mobile TV and video where 3G is struggling to match the capabilities of other broadcast technologies such as DVB-H and wireless broadband technologies such as WiMAX.

Product enhancements and developments highlighting Aeroflex's complete 3G test capability to be demonstrated at 3GSM World Congress 2007 include: fully integrated A-GPS and GAN test solutions for the Aeroflex 6103 AIME and 6103 AIME/CT mobile handset test systems; a radio channel fading capability for the 6401 AIME 3G mobile protocol test system that integrates traditional RF- based radio channel emulation methods at baseband; live receiver testing and transmitter testing including HSDPA, IMA support and new blocking and inter-modulation test capabilities for the Aeroflex 6413A UMTS basestation test system; a development test mode for the WiMAX 802.16e protocol conformance test solution developed by Aeroflex and AT4 wireless (formerly known as Cetecom Spain) on behalf of the WiMAX Forum; significant new wireless test capabilities to its Aeroflex PXI 3000 Series modular wireless test platform with test suites supporting WiMAX OFDMA, 1xEvDO and HSUPA; and IQCreator version 8.3 with significant new features to support the WiMAX 802.16 standard.

Generator cuts the cost of RF testing

2006-12-23T04:19:00.002-08:00

RF signal generator provides high performance and superior quality at a lower cost, while significantly reducing the cost of test.

Agilent Technologies has announced the worldwide availability of its N9310A RF signal generator. This instrument provides high performance and superior quality at a lower cost, while significantly reducing the cost of test. As more consumer electronics devices require sophisticated RF technologies, manufacturers face the challenge of reducing the cost of test and time to market without compromising the quality of product design and production.

The new Agilent N9310A RF signal generator reinforces Agilent's entry into the low-cost test instruments market and delivers on Agilent's commitment to provide leading-quality and cost-effective products to customers.

The Agilent N9310A RF signal generator covers ranges from 9kHz to 3GHz and full range of modulation types, including AM, FM, phase modulation, pulse modulations and an optional IQ modulator.

With external IQ source, it can easily generate various types - even I/Q modulated signals such as GSM, CDMA and OFDM signals as seen in modern digital communications systems.

The ease of usability helps to ensure that manufacturers can use the Agilent N9310A more successfully.

User-friendly features, such as multiple-language display, 6.5in TFT colour screen, and USB connectivity for effortless automated tests and remote control, help to reduce operation time.

The N9310A's compact size offers easy installation and maintenance, which can help with overall setup and reduce operation cost.

With versatile functions and capabilities, the N9310A expands Agilent's existing range of RF signal sources products to a broader consumer base.

It can be used in high-volume consumer electronic manufacturing, low-cost R and D, service installation and maintenance, and especially in educational teaching labs.

Students will be able to focus on RF circuit experimentation and exercises, as the N9310A offers sufficient performance for many basic research projects.

The Agilent N9310A was initially launched in July 2006 in the Asia market.

'The Agilent N9310A helps customers significantly reduce the cost of test, allowing them to stay competitive in today's price sensitive markets', said Huo Feng, General Manager of Agilent Chengdu Instruments Division.

'Customers also have access to Agilent's superior technical support, backed by a global service and calibration network'.

'The launch of N9310A is a milestone for Agilent's low-cost test initiative in the RF segment, and reiterates Agilent's commitment to continue to provide value-added solutions to high-growth electronics manufacturing activities worldwide'.

One-box test system covers Mobile WiMAX

2006-12-23T04:19:00.001-08:00

LitePoint Corp has added support for Mobile WiMAX to its IQmax one-box test system.

LitePoint Corp has added support for Mobile WiMAX to its IQmax one-box test system. Based on an integrated vector signal analyser (VSA) and vector signal generator (VSG) architecture, the single-box IQmax test system can test critical WiMAX physical layer parameters for developers, volume manufacturing test and quality assurance (QA) stations at the lowest possible cost. 'This latest software upgrade of the IQmax test system demonstrates the flexibility of the one-box test solutions from LitePoint and shows our continued commitment to our customers to provide the lowest cost-of-test manufacturing and Q/A solutions in the market', said Greg Ravenscroft, President Advanced Development at LitePoint Corporation.

Ravenscroft continued: 'After pioneering advanced Wi-Fi, MIMO, and Bluetooth test solutions, LitePoint now also offers similar testing capabilities for fixed and mobile WiMAX products'.

The IQmax test system supports the IEEE802.16e-2005 WirelessMAN OFDMA (mobile WiMAX) and 802.16-2004 WirelessMAN OFDM (fixed WiMAX) physical layer standards including all bandwidth and datarate options.

Included with the IQmax test system is the intuitive and richly featured IQsignal for WiMAX analysis suite.

This GUI driven software presents the user with all IQmax instrument setup, control and analysis functions needed to measure the performance of a device-under-test (DUT).

With this tool, many analysis functions are available including time domain RF and I and Q graphs, frequency spectrogram, power spectral density, constellation diagrams, EVM per symbol or subcarriers and peak, average power levels and many other functions.

The software is capable to do automatic detection of most critical signal parameters - including bandwidth, rate ID, cyclic prefix, 16e burst map etc - simplifying capture and analysis of complex WiMAX waveforms.

To support automated laboratory and manufacturing floor testing, a C++ compatible API is included with the IQmax test system which enables fast testing with limited user-interaction.

The IQmax test system is software upgradeable for easy transition to future enhancements of the WiMAX standard or software feature enhancements and product upgrades.

IPTV service validation in the spotlight

2006-12-22T03:23:00.000-08:00

Pixelmetrix participated for the first time at TelcoTV 2006 which took place last week in Dallas, Texas.

Pixelmetrix participated for the first time at TelcoTV 2006 which took place last week in Dallas, Texas. At the show, Pixelmetrix featured its latest DVStorIP-Gen for IPTV stress testing and DVStation-IP for IPTV quality of service monitoring. Danny Wilson related: 'TelcoTV focused on US telcos deploying IPTV services'.

'The event proved to be an excellent platform for us to highlight our latest IPTV service validation tools'.

'Ever since IPTV became the inevitable conversation piece, a great deal of concerted effort has been put in to achieve better management and monitoring through improved end-to-end integration'.

'Participating in tradeshows such as TelcoTV where we know majority of the players are, also allows us to observe closely the outlook on market sentiments'.

Handheld tester checks safety and more

2006-12-22T03:22:00.000-08:00

Multifunction tester not only checks the electrical safety of electronic equipment and electrical appliances, but also checks the condition of the electrical circuit to which they are connected.

A new multifunction tester not only checks the electrical safety of electronic equipment and electrical domestic appliances, but also checks the condition of the electrical circuit to which they are connected. The new PrimeTest 200 handheld unit from Seaward Electronic incorporates important safety-testing capabilities for in-service testing along with installation and digital multimeter test functions. The instrument has a comprehensive range of tests to check the electrical safety of the electronic or electrical appliance and its power socket as well as diagnostic tests for service and repair.

The special tester has been designed for the fast and effective in-service testing of electrical equipment carried out by service engineers, domestic appliance installers and contractors.

The unit is battery powered requiring mains power only for tests which must be performed at mains voltage.

For electrical safety, tests are selected for either Class I or Class II equipment and all appropriate tests are carried out automatically.

In addition an IEC power cord test is also incorporated which automatically sequences through all required tests.

Protective earth current leakage and touch current tests can also be carried out when the PrimeTest 200 is connected to a mains power supply.

A suite of complementary electrical installation tests can be undertaken with the same unit to verify building wiring conditions.

These include an earth loop impedance check, RCD test and socket polarity test to provide an indication of the status of the electrical circuit to which an appliance or equipment might be connected.

In addition, the PrimeTest 200 enables conventional digital multimeter voltage and continuity measurements to be made.

A temperature measurement facility is also provided for use with an optional accessory temperature module.

The new instrument features a large easy to use rotary switch for test selection and simple push button control for test initiation.

A large backlit analogue and digital display gives a clear reading of test results allowing the user to make informed decisions about the safety of an appliance or electrical circuit.

Other special features include integral rubber bumpers for rugged use, a test button lock for continuous measurement, an automatic switch off when not in use and a battery life indicator.

RF signal software takes in WiMAX

2006-12-21T03:21:00.002-08:00

Aeroflex has announced IQCreator version 8.3 with significant new features to support the rapidly growing WiMAX 802.16 standard for wireless metropolitan area networks.

Aeroflex has announced IQCreator version 8.3 with significant new features to support the rapidly growing WiMAX 802.16 standard for wireless metropolitan area networks. The new version of IQCreator also adds support for CDMA2000 1xEvDO rev A uplink capabilities. Aeroflex frequently updates its IQCreator software to support the RF signal generation needs of engineers designing and testing the latest consumer wireless devices.

It is available free-of-charge from Aeroflex on the company's website.

IQCreator 8.3 further extends the capabilities of this versatile waveform creation tool for use with the 3410 Series and the 3000 Series PXI digital RF signal generators.

For WiMAX, IQCreator enhances the capabilities of Aeroflex's digital signal generators to provide signals suitable for supporting both IEEE802.16 (2004) OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplex) and IEEE802.16 (2005) OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiple access).

Users can create arbitrary waveforms representing both WiMAX uplink and downlinks in both FDD (frequency domain duplex) as well as the TDD (time domain duplex) systems.

An intuitive user interface is provided to allow selection of the fundamental settings according to the 802.16 specifications.

The user may construct frames with an uplink and/or downlink subframe according to the chosen duplex mode.

The interface automatically displays the OFDMA symbol time for the chosen parametric settings along with a graphical display of the frame content.

In each subframe, the user may add a number of permutation zones.

Each permutation zone can be populated with bursts of modulated data.

An easy to use, click-and-drag interface is provided to allow the user to manipulate the data bursts in the permutation zone.

The CDMA2000 1xEvDO capability has been further extended to include support for 1xEvDO rev A uplink.

In addition to providing support for the default subtype 0 physical layer protocol (used in standard 1xEvDO), 1xEvDO rev A provides support for two new physical layer protocols, subtype 1 and subtype 2.

Other enhancements included in IQCreator 8.3 are user-defined shift keying, multicarrier update, user modulation update and a 3030 series signal generator packager to allow sample rates between 33 and 44MHz.

IQCreator is a Windows-based software application that enables a user to set up a modulation scheme and then create an ARB file for use in conjunction with either the 3410 Series or 3020 PXI Series signal generators.

Graphical displays of the waveform FFT, vector and constellation diagrams, and more can be viewed and exported for use in other Windows applications.

The ARB file may be saved or downloaded into the ARB.

User-defined configurations can also be saved.

Consequently, it is possible to load previously saved setups to regenerate the ARB files quickly and easily.

Tektronix stars in support awards

2006-12-21T03:21:00.001-08:00

Tektronix has received a Star Award from the Service and Support Professionals Association, the largest and most influential association for technology service and support professionals.

Tektronix has received a Star Award from the Service and Support Professionals Association (SSPA), the largest and most influential association for technology service and support professionals. The Star Awards recognise technology companies that display exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to service excellence. Tektronix was the only test and measurement industry firm that received a SSPA Star Award for service and support delivery.

Awards were presented at the inaugural SSPA Services Leadership Conference in seven major categories, acknowledging excellence in different aspects of service and support delivery.

The SSPA Star Awards have become one of the highest honours in the service and support industry, acknowledging the contribution of companies of all sizes to the continual improvement of service and support delivery industry-wide.

The judging committee, comprised of industry executive SSPA Advisory Board members and senior SSPA association executives, evaluated data tabulated on criteria including description of overall support model, the nature and types of assisted support offered, the nature and types of nonassisted support offered, key performance metrics, and customer satisfaction results and methodologies.

'The Star Awards recognise technology companies who display exceptional leadership, innovation and commitment to service excellence', said Bill Rose, founder and Executive Director of the SSPA.

'The award reflects peer recognition, indicating that Tektronix and the other award recipients are among the very best in the business of providing customer support'.

Tektronix won for the category of Complex Support which is presented to the company that delivers sophisticated technical support for complex applications in mixed or otherwise complex environments, typically engineering and scientific fields.

The company deploys senior level technical support representatives with advanced degrees who interface with senior level customers.

'Tektronix has long been known for providing excellent after sales customer support', said, Steve Aleshire, Vice President, Customer Service, Tektronix.

'The recognition by the SSPA for a Star Award - which have become one of the highest honours in the service and support industry - reinforces what our customers have long known'.

Upgraded laboratory power supply costs no more

2006-12-20T22:48:00.000-08:00

TTi has replaced its best-selling EL302T triple-output laboratory power supply with a new model that incorporates a fully variable third output.
TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) has replaced its best-selling EL302T triple-output laboratory power supply with a new model that incorporates a fully variable third output. The new EL302Tv is a linear regulated power supply with dual outputs of 0 to 30V at 0 to 2A. The third output is now continuously variable between 1.5 and 5.0V at currents of up to 2A, replacing the fixed 3.3/5V at 1A auxiliary output of its predecessor.
A 'push to measure' button allows the right-hand displays to show the settings for the auxiliary output, enabling the voltage to be set accurately without the need for an external meter.
The model change reflects the increasing use of low-voltage circuitry in most areas of electronics and the move away from standard operating voltages.
The price of the EL302Tv remains at GBP 305 (plus VAT), unchanged from that of the model it replaces.

Oscilloscope-based DDR2 compliance test

2006-12-20T22:47:00.000-08:00

Agilent Technologies has introduced what it believes to be the industry's first oscilloscope-based DDR2 compliance test application.Agilent Technologies has introduced what it believes to be the industry's first oscilloscope-based DDR2 compliance test application, ideal for engineers working in the computer, data storage, electronic data processing and consumer electronics industries. The Agilent N5413A DDR2 test application, which runs on Infiniium 54850 and 80000 Series oscilloscopes, provides DDR2 electrical compliance measurements based on the Joint Electronic Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) JESD79-2C DDR2 SDRAM Specifications and INTEL DDR2 667/800 JEDEC Specification Addendum Rev.1.1. The N5413A also features Advanced Debug mode, which provides crucial measurements such as eye-diagrams, mask tests, ringing measurements and other tests not covered in the JEDEC specifications that help engineers discover the root causes of problems in their designs.
DDR2 memory technology is an evolutionary upgrade to its predecessor, DDR.
DDR2 devices will feature higher bandwidths and smaller chip footprints and will consume less power and generate less heat.
'Adoption of DDR2 among system OEMs and system integrators is increasing, and we expect interest to continue accelerating into 2007,' said Jay Alexander, vice president and general manager of Agilent's design validation Division.
'We are pleased to be able to offer engineers the tools they need now for testing, debugging and characterizing DDR2 designs quickly and easily'.
With the N5413A DDR2 compliance test application, engineers can use an ordinary oscilloscope to perform automated testing and margin analysis.
The application automatically configures the oscilloscope for each test and provides informative reports.
It includes margin analysis that indicates how closely the device passes or fails each test.
When engineers conduct DDR2 tests, they may encounter difficulties connecting to the target device, configuring the oscilloscope, performing the tests and analysing the measured results.
The DDR2 compliance test application guides users through these steps and does most of this work for the user.
If a designer discovers a problem, the Advanced Debug feature in the test application and debug tools in the oscilloscope are available to aid in root-cause analysis.
The Advanced Debug functionality includes a unique technique that separates read/write burst signals on the same bus, which gives engineers a powerful tool for debugging their designs.
With the increasing data rate and decreasing window validity time of DDR2 memory systems, signal integrity performance of the measurement tools becomes critical to achieving accurate and repeatable measurements.
The advantages of Agilent's Infiniium 80000 Series award-winning oscilloscopes and InfiniiMax probing include the industry's lowest noise floor, lowest jitter measurement floor, lowest trigger jitter and flattest frequency response.
Superior signal integrity in measurement tools maximises DDR2 design margins.
The JEDEC Solid State Technology Association is the semiconductor engineering standardisation body of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), a trade association that represents all areas of the electronic industry.
Current Agilent N5413A DDR2 clock characterisation application owners can upgrade to the new DDR2 compliance test application at no cost.

Bench power supply reflects use of lower voltages

2006-12-19T22:46:00.001-08:00

TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) has replaced its best-selling EL302T triple-output laboratory power supply with a new model that incorporates a fully variable third output.
TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) has replaced its best-selling EL302T triple-output laboratory power supply with a new model that incorporates a fully variable third output. The new EL302Tv is a linear regulated power supply with dual outputs of 0 to 30V at 0 to 2A. The third output is now continuously variable between 1.5 V and 5.0V at currents of up to 2A, replacing the fixed 3.3V/5V at 1A auxiliary output of its predecessor.
A 'push to measure' button allows the right-hand displays to show the settings for the auxiliary output, enabling the voltage to be set accurately without the need for an external meter.
The model change reflects the increasing use of low-voltage circuitry in most areas of electronics and the move away from standard operating voltages.
The price of the EL302Tv remains at USD305 (plus VAT), unchanged

Support for live receiver and transmitter testing

2006-12-19T22:46:00.000-08:00

Aeroflex has announced that it has added the ability to undertake live receiver testing and transmitter testing including HSDPA on its highly successful 6413A UMTS basestation test system.
Aeroflex has announced that it has added the ability to undertake live receiver testing and transmitter testing including HSDPA on its highly successful 6413A UMTS basestation test system. The capability is ideal for the ongoing maintenance of UMTS basestations to ensure they perform to specification as it enables testing to be undertaken without any disruption to live traffic caused by taking the basestation out of service. The performance of the basestation receiver is extremely important as it essentially defines quality of service in a cell.
With the low operating power of mobile terminals, the performance of the receiver has to be exceptionally good at all times.
A poorly performing basestation receiver will result in an increasing number of calls being dropped due to lower sensitivity and signal quality.
Phones will be required to transmit at higher power impacting battery life and potentially causing signal interference.
It will also make it difficult for revenue generating higher data rate services to be used.
A poorly performing base station will also significantly impact network planning as the number of calls a cell can handle will be restricted.
Conversely, a 1dB improvement in basestation receiver sensitivity, for example, can mean that 11% fewer basestations are required in network (source: WCDMA for UMTS by Harri Holma and Antti Toskala (Wiley 2004)).
The Aeroflex 6413A UMTS basestation test system is designed specifically for the installation and commissioning, maintenance, fault-finding, performance verification and optimisation of radio basestations.
A single-box portable solution, it is able to take complete control of the basestation via the Iub interface and perform all of the critical transmitter, receiver and functional tests without external control equipment or the need for detailed knowledge of the basestation's operation and control.
The addition of a live receiver and transmitter testing capability to the Aeroflex 6413A UMTS basestation test system compliments its existing Iub controlled test mode which facilitates the implementation of repeatable test scenarios in controlled environment based on the methods defined in the ETSI standard 3GPP TS25.141.
The Aeroflex 6413A's user interface is intuitive to use.
Based around an embedded PC and using touch-screen controls, all functions can be operated from the front panel.
Measurement results can be viewed while tests are running or stored for later analysis.
Tests can be run manually or automatically using pre-programmed test sequences.
'The addition of live receiver and transmitter testing to the Aeroflex 6413A will considerably improve its appeal to network operators,' said Ross Broadhurst, Product Marketing Manager at Aeroflex Test Solutions.
'Network operators will now be able to test basestation performance and optimise network quality of service without adversely interfering with the live traffic on the network'.

USB connectivity now available for serial data

2006-12-18T22:45:00.001-08:00

New Forest Electronics has introduced a TTL to USB convertor cable, for connecting serial data at 3V3 logic levels to a computer USB port.
New Forest Electronics has introduced a TTL to USB convertor cable, for connecting serial data at 3V3 logic levels to a computer USB port. It includes connections for the RTS and CTS control lines. This USB convertor cable allows an application program running on a computer to receive and transmit serial data on a circuit board operating at 3V3 TTL logic levels.
It also allows an RTS control line to be set, and a CTS control line to be monitored.
The drivers provided make the computer USB port appear as a standard serial port, ie it will appear to application programs as 'COM3' or 'COM4' etc.
The USB cable TTL connections are terminated with easy to connect female receptacles suitable for pushing onto standard 0.64mm (0.025 inch) square PCB header pins.
Each cable includes certified drivers, printed manual and lifetime technical support by phone or email.

RF test systems cover cellular, WLAN and WiMAX

2006-12-18T01:41:00.000-08:00

Aeroflex has added significant new wireless test capabilities to its PXI 3000 Series modular wireless test platform to aid the rapid production testing of the most popular consumer mobile devices.

Aeroflex has added significant new wireless test capabilities to its PXI 3000 Series modular wireless test platform to aid the rapid production testing of the most popular consumer mobile devices. Within a single software-definable PXI modular platform, the Aeroflex PXI 3000 Series now includes support for WiMAX OFDMA, 1xEvDO and HSUPA. With the addition of these new measurement suites, the Aeroflex modular RF test systems now allow testing of cellular, WLAN and WiMAX in one product, whereas competitive test systems must be configured from numerous instruments making them more costly, bulky, slower and harder to integrate.

'Manufacturers are continuously demanding increased test coverage as they strive to keep their test systems up-to-date with the latest wireless standards'.

'Aeroflex is unique because our modular platform is hardware reconfigurable to support different frequency ranges and analysis bandwidths'.

'Our PXI 3000 Series now supports any combination of GSM/Edge, W-CDMA, cdma2000, 1xEVDO, WLAN 802.11a,b,g and WiMAX 802.16e standards within the same platform'.

'No other single product can offer such flexibility', said Tim Carey, Product Manager, PXI Systems, Aeroflex Stevenage.

Aeroflex provides signal generation and analysis in a single, configurable platform for testing RF components and wireless devices.

With Aeroflex's modular PXI-based manufacturing test systems, customers can protect their investment by rapidly upgrading their test systems via software updates or plug-and-play hardware.

Customers can easily add test capability with minimal effort and investment in new equipment and software.

The WiMAX measurement suite expands on the capability of the Aeroflex 3030 Series PXI RF digitiser family to perform WiMAX PHY (physical layer) OFDMA (orthogonal frequency domain multiple access) device testing of power, spectrum and modulation measurements in accordance with IEEE802.16e.

Designed for PXI-based RF test systems used in development and manufacturing of PC plug-in cards, handheld terminal devices and modules for integration in other equipment, the WIMAX software library provides analysis of OFDMA RF transmit signal characteristics for both uplink and downlink.

For complete RF characterisation, the WiMAX measurement library, combined with Aeroflex's IQCreator waveform creation software provides a high-performance, high-speed stimulus and response capability for WiMAX OFDMA.

The CDMA2000 measurement suite has been upgraded to include support for 1xEvDO reverse link measurements.

Together with an Aeroflex 3030 Series PXI RF digitiser, they enable the precision characterisation of both CDMA2000 rev C and 1xEvDO rev 0 reverse link transmissions.

The CDMA2000 and 1xEVDO measurement suite provides analysis of all major signal characteristics in accordance with the requirements of 3GPP2 C.S0011-A rel C and C.S0024 ver 4 for CDMA2000 and 1xEvDO rev 0 reverse link transmissions.

The measurement suite is designed for PXI-based RF test systems used in the development and manufacturing of mobile radio transmitters, submodules and RFICs.

The UMTS UL (Uplink) measurement suite adds the capability to perform analysis of power, spectrum and modulation for 3GPP rel 6 HS-DPCCH and enhanced physical channels.

This further enhances the capabilities of the Aeroflex 3030 Series RF digitisers.

The measurement suite is designed for PXI-based RF test systems used in the development and manufacturing of consumer mobile device radio transmitters and submodules.

The UMTS UL measurement library provides analysis of all major 3G W-CDMA signal characteristics.

All three new PXI measurement suites are libraries of special functions with both dll and Visual Basic APIs (application programming interfaces) for use in a broad range of ADEs (application development environments) such as LabView, LabWindows/CVI, Visual Basic and Visual C/C++.

Each measurement suite is supplied with Help, including source code examples to aid the user in the development of measurement applications.

Examples are provided for a variety of ADEs including Visual Basic 6, LabWindows CVI and Visual Basic C/C++.

Tester verifies patient diagnostic equipment

2006-12-17T01:40:00.001-08:00

Medical electronics test specialist Rigel Medical has incorporated the specifications of a number of major pulse oximeter manufacturers in its new high performance Rigel 322 pulse oximetry analyser.

Medical electronics test specialist Rigel Medical has incorporated the specifications of a number of major pulse oximeter manufacturers in its new high performance Rigel 322 pulse oximetry analyser. The Rigel 322 electrical SpO2 simulator incorporates the new technology used by manufacturers such as Nellcor (Oximax) and Masimo to ensure that in-service testing and verification of patient diagnostic equipment is carried out to original manufacturers' specifications. The Rigel 322 incorporates patented direct electrical simulation that provides fast, accurate and efficient testing of SpO2 devices and eliminates the inconsistencies that are often associated with testing using an optical finger.

Market leaders in oximeters use and specify instruments using electronic simulation for quality assurance purposes as a direct result of the high accuracy and repeatability of direct electrical simulation.

As well as electrical simulation, the Rigel 322 also has advanced simulation features that include arrhythmias, motion artefact and ambient light.

The tester also incorporates in-built probe analyser for all main probe brands and can identify light sensitivity and continuity in probes, including intermittent faults thanks to its large graphic display.

With a small desktop footprint and built-in battery cell, the Rigel 322 is one of the most portable and comprehensive SpO2 analyser on the market and forms part of a comprehensive range of electromedical testers available from Rigel Medical.

Handheld tester checks safety and more

2006-12-17T01:40:00.000-08:00

DSL test set assesses quality of service

2006-12-16T01:39:00.001-08:00

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has released a new IPTV quality of service (QoS) assessment package for its full-featured multilayered Colt-450P DSL test set.

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has released a new IPTV quality of service (QoS) assessment package for its full-featured multilayered Colt-450P DSL test set. This advanced software package allows wireline network service providers to view critical QoS parameters of delivered video streams in order to maintain a consistent level of service to each subscriber. It provides media deliver index (MDI) capabilities, which is a set of standards-based measurements (IETF RFC4445) that indicate the delay factor (DF) and media loss rate (MLR) at a particular measuring point in the network, namely the customer premises.

In addition, the new package offers a packet identification (PID) viewer and program clock reference (PCR) jitter measurement.

With these new measurements, field technicians can confirm the quality of the delivered video or identify degradations in service.

Among a myriad of capabilities, the Colt-450P was the first DSL test set on the market to be purpose-built for assessing the high bitrate throughput of multiple-channel HDTV.

This easy-to-use, modular test solution acts as a golden modem for confirming the connection rates and other measured parameters provided by asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL), ADSL2, ADSL2+, and reach extended (RE) ADSL.

As well, the Colt-450P performs functional testing and QoS testing for video and television services over IP (IPTV), voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Internet services (ISP).

The Colt-450P has the power to support the highest DSL rates and performance, while simultaneously handling multiple standard and high-definition video streams.

A 10/100Base-T Ethernet interface enables the Colt-450P to operate as a complete home/office DSL modem and router, allowing it to work 'in-line' on a live IPTV service in conjunction with consumers' set-top boxes and television sets.

'With telecom service providers now starting to roll out large-scale deployments of IPTV services over DSL, the Colt-450P is an indispensable tool for rapid installation and efficient troubleshooting', said Robert Fitts, Exfo's Vice-President of Product Management, Copper Access Group.

'This enhanced measurement package builds on Exfo's reputation as a leader in IPTV testing in the DSL access market'.

'The Colt-450P supports an industry-leading and flexible suite for IPTV testing and features high-performance, video-packet processing speed and throughput'.

'Once equipped with a Colt-450P, technicians can establish a DSL connection, log onto a service provider's network, 'join' and 'leave' various streaming video channels, and measure the quality of the video stream'.

'The constantly updated histograms and tables of quality metrics allow network service providers to ensure the stability of their video services'.

Mobile phone tester adapts to Chinese needs

2006-12-16T01:38:00.000-08:00

Willtek Communications has a new option that is designed to speed up integration testing and production of TD-SCDMA mobile phones.

Willtek Communications has a new option that is designed to speed up integration testing and production of TD-SCDMA mobile phones. The TD-SCDMA call-mode option complements the non-call-mode option for the 4400 mobile phone tester series. These products integrate all the functions necessary to calibrate transmitter and receiver of the mobile phone, perform functional tests, and carry out the final test prior to shipment.

Willtek's updated TD-SCDMA product portfolio will be presented to the public for the first time at the ITU Telecom World 2006 exhibition in Hong Kong from 4th to 8th December.

The product will be available by end-December.

Says Matthias Weber, Director of Product Marketing at Willtek Communications: 'The call-mode option comes right in time before the start of TD-SCDMA phone mass production'.

'The 4400 mobile phone tester with TD-SCDMA is the first reliable test solution for production; it is not only cheaper but also much faster than the rack and stack equipment currently being used by integration teams'.

Weber explains: 'You do not want testing to become the bottleneck of your production'.

'This is why proper integration of test equipment into the production lines is so important'.

With many years of experience in test and integration, Willtek has the hardware, software and knowhow to help integrate the 4400 into production lines.

The support team in Shanghai has already helped a number of customers in China, with backup from the R and D team in the German headquarters.

The 4400 mobile phone tester series is the first true multiformat cellular phone tester also embracing TD-SCDMA.

As Chinese manufacturers produce phones for countries applying multiple standards such as GSM, GPRS, Edge, WCDMA, CDMA2000 and 1xEV-DO, testers need to accommodate those standards, too.

In addition to this, the 4400 can easily be switched between different 2G and 3G wireless technologies.

It is therefore possible to test mobile phones of various standards in the same production line.

Willtek was the first vendor of integrated test equipment for mobile phones committing to the Chinese TD-SCDMA standard.

The 4400 with TD-SCDMA supports the call setup and all the important transmitter and receiver measurements for validation, functional testing and calibration of wireless devices.

These measurements include peak and average power, open and inner loop power, error vector magnitude, frequency error, peak code domain power, spectrum, constellation display, BER and BLER.

The 4400 also eases successful interoperability tests because major signalling functions are based on the Datang protocol stack, while other protocol parts have been developed in co-operation with the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT).

The 4400 with the TD-SCDMA options forms a fast, accurate and reliable test system for wireless devices such as mobile phones, wireless PDAs and PC cards.

With its fast power measurements, production sites can use it to precisely align the phone's transmitter within very little time, increasing the production throughput and the quality of the devices.

With its outstanding performance and price, the 4400 provides vendors with extremely low total test cost per wireless device.

As all major cellular standards are available on the 4400 series, it drastically reduces production downtime because one test station can easily switch from one technology to another.

Baseband analyser for chipset development

2006-12-15T01:38:00.000-08:00

Baseband analyser is exactly tailored to the requirements of chipset development for mobile phones and basestations.

The new R and S FMU36 baseband analyser is exactly tailored to the requirements of chipset development for mobile phones and base stations. The cost-efficient instrument with a frequency range up to 36MHz performs the measurement ahead of the RF signal and measures the I/Q signals in the baseband. Spectrum and vector signal analysis for WLAN or 3GPP FDD, for example, can be performed by means of probes directly on the DUT's printed board, if necessary.

For low-frequency applications such as radio transmission via RFID or measurements on ADSL modems, the RandS FMU36 features consistently high sensitivity even at very low frequencies.

The baseband analyser combines all functions in one instrument and runs without an external PC.

For use in measurement systems, it can be remote-controlled via GPIB or LAN.

By means of the R and S FMU36, developers can check the modulation quality of their circuits even at the I/Q baseband.

For this purpose, the instrument features two analog inputs that can be operated either as balanced or unbalanced.

Probes available as an accessory allow you to directly perform measurements on the connections of integrated circuits.

During measurement, all parameters that are important for the respective application are determined in the frequency, time and modulation domain.

This also includes frequency response and spectrum mask, adjacent-channel power, carrier-to-noise ratio and modulation depth.

If a weak pulsed signal is close to a strong signal, the pulsed signal can be filtered out.

With a time-capture memory of 16Msample on I and Q, the R and S FMU36 can capture long sequences.

The memory can be extended to 705Msample, if necessary.

Moreover, the RandS FMU36 comes equipped with the established RandS FSQ-K70 vector signal analyser.

Thus, you can demodulate and analyse digital signals of all common mobile radio standards such as GSM, WCDMA, CDMA2000 or Tetra down to the bit stream level.

Standard measurements such as modulation accuracy, carrier leakage or I/Q imbalance can be easily performed.

Automated fibre optic loss test set

2006-12-15T01:37:00.000-08:00

Small rugged automated fibre optic loss test set characterises single-mode fibre links at wavelengths of 1310, 1490 and 1550nm.

Scitec Instruments has announced the introduction of a small rugged automated fibre optic loss test set that characterises single-mode fibre links at wavelengths of 1310, 1490 and 1550nm. The Model LTS-1500 consists of a sensitive InGaAs based optical power meter calibrated at six wavelengths with better than -75dBm noise level plus a stabilised laser light source with up to three selectable wavelengths. In its Autotest mode, the master unit changes wavelengths at a fixed rate and informs the slave unit of the wavelength currently being measured.

Storing the loss measurement saves the loss at each wavelength in memory.

Up to 2000 triple wavelength measurements may be stored and recalled via the unit's USB port or from the front panel.

PC application software is provided for downloading stored data and organising the information.

The instrument also performs fibre identification functions with modulation frequencies of 270, 1000 and 2000Hz.

The LTS-1500 is powered either by a rechargeable lithium polymer battery that provides more then 15 hours of continuous operation, its universal power supply or, in an emergency, by a normal 9V alkaline battery.

Standard accessories include a protective rubber boot and stand, USB cable, adaptors for PC, ST or SC connectors, universal power supply/charger, CD containing application software and an operating instruction manual.

Amplicon wins major contract to supply Israel

2006-12-14T01:36:00.001-08:00

Amplicon signs agency agreement with Militram Israel, one of Israel's largest and most successful representation companies.

Amplicon is proud to announce the signing of an agency agreement with Militram Israel, one of Israel's largest and most successful representation companies. This partnership was a direct result of a very positive Electronica 2006 exhibition where Amplicon was showcasing a new product division, Security Automation; a new small form factor embedded PC, Impact-E, as well as an innovative workstation industrial PC to complement the already successful Amplicon Ventrix brand. Militram, an expert in network and multi-process systems has sales expected to exceed USD130 million this year.

Based in Tel Aviv, it has over 30 years experience in both the medical machine vision and industrial control fields in Israel.

Militram has chosen to partner with Amplicon as it considers the company's range of standard systems is now the most comprehensive available in the marketplace today from a single manufacturer.

The company also values the many years of experience of designing and building sophisticated and rugged systems used both in security and industrial applications that Amplicon represents.

The Amplicon brand has become synonymous with innovative designs and high quality in-house integration - a critical component for this partnership choice.

Ram Lachover CEO of Militram commented; 'The combination of both our companies' capabilities guarantees the combination of the Israeli market and additional export markets'.

The agreement was finalised and signed-off during the Electronica show.

Douglas Saunders, Amplicon's International Sales Manager commented; 'This is a significant step forward in our international development'.

'We are already regarded as the UK's leading supplier of industrial and embedded systems and our reputation is now spreading throughout the world! Militram is a major move forward in our long-term goal to become the world's leading manufacturer of this type of product'.

Test Software for Real-Time Spectrum Analysers

2006-12-14T01:36:00.000-08:00

Tektronix has introduced new software measurement capabilities to support digital RF tests using the WCA200A, RSA3300A and RSA3408A Series Real-Time Spectrum Analysers.

Tektronix has introduced new software measurement capabilities to support digital RF tests using the WCA200A, RSA3300A and RSA3408A Series Real-Time Spectrum Analysers. The new software provides test engineers with easy-to-use analysis tools that test RFID standards, 3rd generation mobile phone technology including High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), and the Project 25/Mobile Land Radio standard for digital two-way wireless communication. The new measurements help test engineers take-on the challenging issues associated with the growth of digital RF technologies in wireless communications.

The advance of digital RF technologies, spurred by increasing consumer demands has led to rapid growth in wireless communications.

However, test engineers face unique problems since digital RF signals carry complex modulation and are variable over time, changing from one instant to the next, hopping frequencies, bursting, spiking briefly and then disappearing.

These transient and time varying transmission techniques help RF devices avoid interference and maximise peak power.

The new Tektronix software measurements for Real-Time spectrum analysers expand the award winning capabilities to an even broader range of standards and applications.

'Digital RF creates the need for test tools whose capabilities mirror the time-varying nature of today's signals,' said Rick King, Vice President, Real-Time spectrum analyser product line, Tektronix.

'Real-Time Spectrum Analysers dramatically improve customers' ability to troubleshoot RF systems by providing insights into problems with their design'.

'The new software measurements for RFID and HSUPA provide new capabilities for engineers'.

'Customers will be able to capitalise on these capabilities in order to facilitate and expedite design characterization, system integration and validation to industry standards certification for emerging technologies used in a variety of devices from simple RFID tags to complex HSUPA/HSDPA systems'.

Interoperability continues to be a significant issue in the wireless world.

With more RFID standards and devices, and with the prospect of additional RFID standards being developed, interoperability is a key issue in RFID work.

To help ensure interoperability, Tektronix has expanded RFID support to include ISO14443 (Type A and B) and legacy support for EPCglobal Gen1.

Only the Tektronix Real-Time Spectrum Analysers offer patented frequency domain trigger capability, unique capture capability, and powerful time correlated multi-domain analysis features to help designers understand the full range of RFID interrogator and transponder behaviour.

Adding to existing support for High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), Tektronix is now offering support for HSUPA 3GPP Release 6.

This allows test engineers to monitor the uplink channel and check signal quality such as Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) and Code Domain Power.

In addition, engineers can check the interaction between the base station and the handset using a Tektronix unique gain ratio view and codogram to enable the engineer to monitor power consumption, and validate total system operation.

The new capabilities also support the analysis of C4FM modulation as used in Project 25, an industry standard for the manufacturing of interoperable digital two-way wireless communications products, created to improve radio spectrum efficiency.

Project 25 is becoming increasingly important in the modern era to address communication among various emergency-response agencies.

The software offers new standard measurements as well as troubleshooting capabilities for the Real-Time Spectrum Analysers.

illuminator delivers consistent illumination

2006-12-13T01:35:00.001-08:00

A pre-centred mercury-fibre illumination system that never needs alignment has been launched by Nikon Instruments.

A pre-centred mercury-fibre illumination system that never needs alignment has been launched by Nikon Instruments. The Intensilight provides stable, flicker-free illumination, making it ideal for a variety of industrial applications and its light levels can be controlled via Nikon's NIS-Elements software. With a typical life of 2000 hours, the Intensilight can be used for approximately ten times longer than a conventional mercury illumination system before lamp replacement is needed.

Furthermore, its fibre connection means neither heat nor electrical noise generated by the lamp can be transferred to the body of the microscope.

Stable light intensity, which completely fills the back aperture, is obtained through the use of direct current instead of an alternating current power source.

Intensilight includes matched adapters for different families of Nikon microscopes.

A built in open-close shutter makes it easy to transfer the illumination source to multiple microscopes on the move or to shutter the illuminator's light to the specimen.

Two sizes of light guide fibres, 1500 and 3000mm, are available.

The Intensilight system includes two models: a manual version, with manual shutter and neutral density selector controls; and a motorised and PC controllable version that has an optional desk top control pad for standard use.

HSUPA protocol test capability extended

2006-12-13T01:35:00.000-08:00

Anritsu confirms its leadership by introducing full HSUPA capability for its highly successful Protocol Test System (PTS).

Following success in completing the first 3GPP HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access) protocol conformance test case, Anritsu confirms its leadership in the field by introducing full HSUPA capability for its highly successful Protocol Test System (PTS). PTS is a highly stable, well-proven test environment for testing higher data rate HSUPA capable mobile terminals as they are developed. This commercially available HSUPA capability means the mobile communications industry can take another major step towards the 2007 target date for HSUPA deployment by greatly reducing time to market for developers and manufacturers.

A unique solution, PTS has been developed with the future in mind and supports the maximum 5.7Mbps HSUPA data rate combined with a proven 14.4Mbps HSDPA capability, meaning future upgrades are not required, providing valuable protection to investment.

PTS is also the only test system available that can support 2G, 2.5G, 3G and 3.5G, all within a single hardware platform solution.

HSUPA is a 3GPP Release 6 feature that provides higher uplink data rates, which when combined with High Speed Downlink Capability (HSDPA), improves spectral efficiency, reduces latency and delivers the data bandwidth vital for services such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and video telephony.

Anritsu continues to work at the forefront of 3G and 3.5G mobile test technology, working closely with the world's leading mobile terminal equipment suppliers within the industry to help them deliver market-leading products.

Kevin Ingrams, Marketing Manager at Anritsu commented : 'By continuously focusing on our customers' needs coupled with our commitment to work closely with them throughout their development cycle we are able to deliver a timely and high quality HSUPA test technology solution that ensures our customers' time to market objectives will be realised'.

Anritsu's Protocol Test System (PTS) builds on the highly successful MD8480C W-CDMA Signalling Tester for W-CDMA/GSM/GPRS and HSDPA/HSUPA terminals launched earlier this year.

Application note on evolving wireless standards

2006-12-12T01:34:00.000-08:00

Agilent has released a new Evolving Wireless Standards poster and application note based on IEEE 802.16e mobile WiMAX.

Agilent has released a new Evolving wireless standards poster and application note based on IEEE 802.16e mobile WiMAX.

As a quick reference guide for engineers working in the communications industry, the wireless poster highlights a range of information on the latest cellular and wireless connectivity technologies and applications.

The 'IEEE 802.16e WiMAX OFDMA Signal Measurements and Troubleshooting' application note provides engineers with a guide for measuring and troubleshooting mobile WiMAX signals, components and systems.

Spectroscopic ellipsometer for thin films

2006-12-12T01:33:00.000-08:00

Mikropack has introduced a compact, easy-to-use, bench-top spectroscopic ellipsometer for thin film measurement.

Mikropack has introduced a compact, easy-to-use, bench-top spectroscopic ellipsometer for thin film measurement. The SpecEL-2000-VIS is ideal for semi-transparent flat samples such as wafers and glass plates. It provides fast, precise measurement of layer thickness, refractive index, absorption and components ratio at the touch of a button.

Half the price of standard spectroscopic ellipsometry equipment, the all-in-one system has a footprint of only 52x33x24cm and features an integrated light source, spectrometer and two polarisers.

It comes with a 32-Bit Windows PC featuring easy-to-use software and measures polarised light reflected from the surface of the substrate to determine the thickness and the refractive index of the material as a function of wavelength.

Depending on the layer and substrate material, the SpecEl can detect layer thickness between 1 nanometre and 5 micrometres, and refractive indices over the full spectral range.

After putting a sample on the wafer-chuck, analysis is carried out within seconds at the touch of a button.

The software enables experiment methods to be configured and saved for one-step analysis.

The powerful analysis software provides a range of modelling possibilities such as Cauchy, OJL,Tauc-Lorentz, Drude, EMA and different types of oscillator.

Compared to reflectometry, spectroscopic ellipsometry measures relative changes in the phase and amplitude of the light instead of absolute intensity.

Ellipsometry is therefore independent from any reference measurement and multiple parameters can be determined simultaneously.

Analysers cover full spectrum of applications

2006-12-11T01:47:00.001-08:00

Rohde and Schwarz reckons it can now meet almost every requirement in spectrum analysis with its product portfolio of 33 instruments.

Rohde and Schwarz reckons it can now meet almost every requirement in spectrum analysis with its product portfolio of 33 instruments, ranging from small portable spectrum analysers to premium microwave signal analysers. The company first entered the field of spectrum analysis in 1986 with the R and S FSA. Since then, the company has continued to fulfil its role as pioneer in developing innovative solutions.

Now the R and S ESU EMI test receiver speeds up EMC measurements by the factor of 100; and the R and S FSUP is the first instrument to combine the functionalities of a signal source analyser with those of a spectrum analyser.

'What we do best is to create innovative products that are not yet available but that everyone dreams of', explains Josef Wolf, Director of Subdivision Spectrum and Network analysers.

A recent example is WiMAX: Rohde and Schwarz has been involved in defining this standard right from the start, and also provides a wide range of RF test equipment for development and production applications for the mobile version.

UMTS LTE represents the next step: even while Rohde and Schwarz is supporting the definition of the standard, the company already offers a solution for development and research projects.

'If you want to position yourself in the technology sector on a permanent basis, it is essential to transcend limits', states Josef Wolf.

'This thinking will enable innovations in the future as well'.

The success story began in 1986 with the R and S FSA.

Back then, the newcomer set standards in RF performance and ease of operation as the first spectrum analyser on the market to feature a colour display.

The second generation, the R and S FSE family, enabled for the first time modulation analysis of digitally modulated signals in a high-end spectrum analyser.

The RMS detector redefined power measurement with modulated signals and was integrated into test specifications, eg for measuring adjacent channel power.

The R and S FSIQ was launched in 1998 and soon established itself on the market as a reference in development for 3GPP FDD.

Today, Rohde and Schwarz seamlessly covers the spectrum analysis segment for any requirement and budget in five instrument classes ranging from a 3GHz handheld to a 50GHz desktop unit.

For mobile radio, broadband and close range communications applications or general measurements such as noise figure, phase noise or power, the cross-platform software portfolio provides a customised solution.

Analysis software aids WiMAX development

2006-12-11T01:46:00.000-08:00

Tektronix has announced RSA-IQWIMAX demodulation and analysis software, part of a comprehensive test set to find and solve WiMAX design problems.

Tektronix has announced RSA-IQWIMAX demodulation and analysis software, part of a comprehensive test set to find and solve WiMAX design problems. RSA-IQWIMAX software is a new application specific test tool for characterising and troubleshooting WiMAX device designs using a Tektronix RSA3408A real-time spectrum analyser and is the result of a partnership between Tektronix and LitePoint. With RSA-IQWIMAX and the RSA3408A, engineering teams will be able to more quickly detect, diagnose and resolve design issues improving time to market for WiMAX end-user products, including consumer electronics, computers and handheld devices.

RSA-IQWIMAX provides spectrum and modulation measurements on OFDM and OFDMA signals in accordance with IEEE802.16-2004 (fixed) and IEEE802.16e-2005 (mobile) WiMAX standards.

The RSA3408A captures intermittent or random events that other solutions will miss enabling engineering teams to detect, diagnose and resolve design issues more quickly.

The combination of RSA3408A real-time spectrum analyser with RSA-IQWIMAX software is the world's most powerful WiMAX R and D test solution, enabling engineers to perform needed time-, frequency- and modulation-domain measurements to decompose signals and uncover anomalies, and generate in-depth analysis for troubleshooting WiMAX devices at the design stage.

'With digital RF technology accelerating the move to packet oriented network technologies like WiMAX, packet collisions and spurious signal detection becomes much more complex'.

'In addition, WiMAX services may be sharing spectrum with other services operating asynchronously making interference detection very difficult but critical to proper operation'.

'The RSA3408A with its unique ability to trigger, capture, and analyse transient RF phenomenon is an ideal tool for WiMAX designers', said Rick King, Vice President, Real-Time Spectrum analyser product line, Tektronix.

'The RSA3408A combined with the spectrum and modulation measurement capabilities provided by RSA-IQWIMAX software creates a highly-efficient and effective test set, providing WiMAX research and development engineers the world's fastest time to market for new component and module designs'.

RSA-IQWIMAX analysis software is used on an external PC connected to the RSA3408A by Ethernet or GPIB.

Optionally, an engineer may load captured data and analyse the results offline.

Test results from the RSA3408A and RSA-IQWIMAX software can be tightly integrated with LitePoint's IQmax WiMAX test system to form an integrated end-to end test solution from R and D through manufacturing test.

The single-box IQmax test system can test critical physical layer radio parameters for developers, volume manufacturing test and quality assurance (Q/A) stations at the lowest possible cost.

Using Tektronix' RSA-IQWIMAX and the LitePoint IQmax WiMAX test system, R and D and production teams can share common test algorithms and data formats, reducing production ramp-up time in manufacturing.

'Through our work with Tektronix, we are extending our successful value chain approach for complete test solutions further into R and D', said Dr Benny Madsen, CEO of LitePoint.

'WiMAX design, test, manufacturing, and QA professionals who are concerned with lowering test costs, faster test times, higher yields, better product quality, and faster time to market will find benefits from the LitePoint and Tektronix collaboration'.

'The combination of Tektronix' RSA-IQWIMAX and RSA3408A real-time spectrum analysers with the LitePoint IQmax WiMAX test system provides companies with the world's most powerful end-to-end WiMAX test solution'.

The Tektronix RSA3408A plus RSA-IQWIMAX and the LitePoint IQmax WiMAX test system address physical layer test needs from R and D through manufacturing test.

This complements the recent announcement from Tektronix for the K1297-G35 WiMAX solution, the telecommunications industry's first protocol monitoring platform for functional testing of WiMAX products that are based on the IEEE802.16e-2005 standard.

The K1297-G35 WiMAX solution for Mobile WiMAX equipment helps to bring WiMAX out of the labs and into live networks.

The complete offering spans R and D through to deployment.

The new RSA-IQWIMAX demodulation and analysis software is available now for GBP 5580 (Eur 8260) MSRP.

RSA-IQWIMAX software, the RSA3408A real-time spectrum analyser, and the K1297-G35 are available from Tektronix.

Power source stands the test of precision

2006-12-10T01:46:00.000-08:00

The R6240A is a four-quadrant power source (+/-15V with +/-1(4)A), which is a cost-efficient solution for component and module tests.

Manufacturers of integrated circuits are faced with the challenge of packing more and more functionality into ever smaller components. This applies to microcontrollers, ASICs, RFIDs, and other SoC structures. For development purposes, it is essential that even the smallest currents are reproducible, and can be exactly generated and measured.

Available now from Rohde and Schwarz, the R6240A is a four-quadrant power source (+/-15V with +/-1(4)A), which is a cost-efficient solution for component and module tests.

The instrument features setting resolutions of up to 100uV/100nA and measurement resolutions up to 10uV/10nA.

To perform measurements on particularly sensitive components without cooling, the R6240A offers pulse and pulse sweep functions.

In the pulse mode, which minimises the heating of the DUTs, users can implement minimum pulsewidths of 500us with a resolution of 1us.

It is also possible to carry out tests stress-free on modules that have built-in backup batteries: various suspend voltages can be programmed to prevent backup batteries from being discharged.

Together with the integrated 5000-point trace and result memory as well as its extensive trigger capabilities, the R6240A provides a wide range of functions that allow high-speed testing of sophisticated electronics.

Scope is clear winner of product award

2006-12-10T01:44:00.000-08:00

The Tektronix DPO4000 digital phosphor oscilloscope has won the Elektra Product.

The Tektronix DPO4000 digital phosphor oscilloscope has won the Elektra Product of the Year Award for 2006. Now in their fourth year, the Elektra European electronics industry Awards recognise excellence, innovation and achievements in the electronics industry. An independent panel of industry experts, including representatives from companies, trade bodies and academia as well as editors from Electronics Weekly, look for evidence of setting challenging objectives, outstanding achievements and innovation and achievement.

The 15 award categories are designed to promote best practice in key areas, including customer care, sales growth, innovation and employee motivation.

'The DPO4000 digital phosphor oscilloscope was the clear winner in the 'Product of the Year' category'.

'It stood out from the rest of the shortlist for the way it addresses a specific engineering need - the pressing debug needs of embedded systems design engineers', said Richard Wilson, Editor, Electronics Weekly.

'The design was clearly a result of well targeted research which led to the product itself offering a number of unique selling points and setting a new standard for the test and measurement industry'.

'Customers have told us how much the DPO4000 is helping them to reduce the time and effort involved in finding and solving design problems', said Bob Bluhm, Vice President and General Manager, Value Scope Product Line, Tektronix.

'We're honoured to receive industry recognition in the form of the prestigious Elektra Product of the Year Award'.

'With many industry firsts, the DPO4000 is a truly leadership product that sets new standards for productivity, performance, value and ease of use'.

Logic analyser modules aid DDR3 development

2006-12-09T01:43:00.000-08:00

Agilent Technologies and FuturePlus Systems Corp have announced a collaborative analysis solution for DDR3 memory buses operating at datarates up to 1066Mtransfer/s.

Agilent Technologies and FuturePlus Systems Corp have announced a collaborative analysis solution for DDR3 memory buses operating at datarates up to 1066Mtransfer/s. The new tool combines the FuturePlus FS2350 DDR3 interposer analysis probe and the Agilent 16950B series logic analyser modules, both introduced in November 2006. The new tools will be used by design teams in the computer, communications, semiconductor, aerospace and defence industries.

Those designers face growing bus-analysis challenges as ever-faster memory speeds continue to outpace existing measurement platforms.

The FuturePlus FS2350 analysis probe, designed for use with Agilent logic analysis systems, provides state analysis and protocol decode at up to 1066Mtransfer/s, as well as timing analysis at up to 4GHz in systems with typical data valid windows as narrow as 650ps.

The FS2350 is the only DDR3 interposer analysis probe proven to provide reliable 1066Mtransfer/s data capture.

The new Agilent 16950B 68-channel logic analyser modules provide high sample rate and deep memory offering state analysis capture of up to 667MHz and maximum datarate of 1066Mbit/s as well as up to 64Mword of acquisition memory.

The 16950B offers the performance necessary to validate leading-edge designs in the computer and semiconductor industries, such as DDR3 and front-side bus designs.

Agilent's new 16951B 68-channel logic analyser module offers the same acquisition performance as the 16950B, but also quadruples the industry's maximum memory depth to 256Msample.

Both of the new modules are designed for use in Agilent 16900 Series logic-analysis systems.

The FuturePlus Systems FS2350 analysis probe and Agilent 16950 Series logic analyser modules are available at the following prices: FS2350 DDR3 1066 memory analysis probe US $40,000; 16950B 68 channel logic analyser starting at US $23,500; and 16951B 68 channel logic analyser with 256Msample memory starting at US $65,000.

Mini OTDR aids installation and maintenance

2006-12-09T01:42:00.000-08:00

The Yokogawa AQ7270 fiberXplorer is a mini OTDR claimed to set new standards in terms of performance, speed of operation and ease of use.

Available now in the UK from DMOptics, the Yokogawa AQ7270 fiberXplorer is a mini OTDR (optical time-domain reflectometer) claimed to set new standards in terms of performance, speed of operation, and ease of use to aid the installation and maintenance of core, metro and access networks including FTTH (fibre to the home) and PON (passive optical networks). The AQ7270 offers the industry's best performance in terms of event separation capability and the shortest dead zone - less than 80cm - to enable multiple-event detection even when events are close to one another. Its high-speed operation optimises work efficiency, while automatic test functions enable installation operatives to execute tests easily and reliably.

The Yokogawa AQ7270 is a compact, lightweight instrument measuring only 287 x 182 x 75mm and weighing 2.9kg.

It features a large (8.4in) high-luminance LCD display with a dark background which makes it easy to read the screen and manipulate markers, even in bright sunlight.

The Yokogawa AQ7270 Series includes eleven models, each of which will test up to four wavelengths covering the requirements of core, metro and access networks.

Seven wavelengths: 850, 1300, 1310, 1490, 1550, 1625 and 1650nm - are currently available in the product lineup.

Key features which improve operational efficiency are the instrument's speed of operation and its powerful integrated test functions.

Fast power-up enables users to start testing within 10 seconds on turning the OTDR on, while one-button testing is used to execute preset test routines for dramatically improving the productivity of operatives without specialist technical skills.

The Yokogawa AQ7270 is equipped with a number of functions to help users to execute a reliable measurement easily, including a fully automatic mode which sets appropriate test conditions according to the fibre under test, carries out the measurement, and saves the data to a file.

In addition, a 'fibre in use' indicator and alarm prevents on-channel measurements being made on fibres with in-service wavelengths.

Other features include multiple languages for menus, internal data storage of up to 1000 traces) and external USB storage.

A number of options are available to expand the instrument's test capability and work efficiency, including an optical power monitor, light source, built-in printer and built-in dummy fibre to aid near-end evaluation.

Novel SoC drives generator performance

2006-12-08T01:42:00.000-08:00

The Tektronix AFG3000 Series of arbitrary/function generators consists of six models with the market-leading 240MHz, dual-channel, 2Gsample/s AFG3252 at the head of the series.

Now available from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) is the Tektronix AFG3000 Series of arbitrary/function generators, consisting of six models with the market-leading 240MHz, dual-channel, 2Gsample/s AFG3252 at the head of the series. Thanks to an innovative architecture based on a powerful 'generator on a chip' (GoC) ASIC, the AFG3000 Series delivers industry-leading performance in its class. At the same time, the platform's user interface is straightforward and easy to use, maximising productivity.

The AFG3000 Series spans a broad range of applications.

The 240MHz models at the top of the series will appeal to designers developing high-performance computing or communications equipment and video products.

The high 2Gsample/s sampling rate and wide analogue bandwidth provide a minimum rise time of less than 2.5ns.

Both rise and fall times can be independently adjusted on single or dual channels up to a maximum of 62.5s.

The AFG3000 supports 12 standard functions (waveform shapes), including sinusoidal waves at frequencies up to 240MHz.

A built-in arbitrary waveform generator capable of delivering sample rates up to 2Gsample/s (an industry first in this class of signal sources) and 14bit amplitude resolution can generate or replicate any waveform.

This exceptional performance is essential for maintaining narrow test margins, and it protects the user's investment as bandwidth requirements increase over time.

All the instruments in the series are equipped with a stable time base whose drift is only +/-1ppm per year.

The dual-channel models provide completely independent selection of waveform and frequency for each channel.

Designers working with mixed-signal devices, for example, will be able to drive the device with both analogue and digital signals simultaneously, at two distinct frequencies if necessary.

Similarly, two serial bit streams - one ideal and the other impaired, can be fed to a component at the same time.

By using the phase align and phase adjust features, the dual-channel versions are also ideal for generating I and Q channels for testing of communications equipment components.

The large (5.6in) LCD on every AFG3000 Series model is easy to read at a glance, offering ample space for both graphical waveforms and instrument settings.

This display supports an information-rich user interface that is patterned after the proven graphical interface used in Tektronix oscilloscopes.

Simple on-screen menus are supplemented by shortcut keys that control the most common waveform parameters.

AFG3000 Series users can move quickly around the front panel to set up even the most complex modulated signals.

The 0.18um ASIC at the heart of the AFG3000 Series instruments integrates a host of essential features into a single CMOS chip encompassing the core signal-generating functions.

The GoC incorporates a direct digital synthesis (DDS) circuit, a digital-to-analogue convertor, and other signal-generating elements including a pulse generator with variable period and independently adjustable rise and fall times, a modulation source, a noise source, and a frequency sweep generator.

The ASIC also includes up to 128Ksample of arbitrary waveform memory.

Standard function generator waveforms are stored in separate memory.

The GoC design enables better performance and lower cost than has been previously available in this class of instrument.

USB, GPIB and LAN interfaces are provided, with an additional front panel USB connector for waveform storage on a memory device.

TM-1000 on show at Buckingham Palace

2006-12-08T01:41:00.000-08:00

Two of Hitachi's TM-1000 tabletop microscopes were on display as part of the Natural History Museum's contribution to a special science exhibition.

TM-1000 on show at Buckingham Palace Two of Hitachi's TM-1000 tabletop microscopes were on display as part of the Natural History Museum's contribution to a special science exhibition held at Buckingham Palace on 24 October 2006. More than 800 GCSE and A-level students and their teachers from across the country visited the Palace to watch a 'Punk Science' show and view an exhibition demonstrating areas of current scientific research. The event was designed to acknowledge the importance of British Science in national life.

On the same day, The Queen opened the Smith Centre at the Science Museum.

The TM-1000s were in use all day, and were chosen for their ease of use, ability to image a wide range of different materials without any special sample preparation and their excellent imaging quality.

Their ease of use allowed the teenagers to obtain images for themselves, with samples such as red blood cells, feathers, split ends from hair, wasps and bees being particularly popular since they could easily be related to the 'real world'.

Twenty different exhibits were organised with support from the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, Research Councils UK and the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.

These included 'Mars in their eyes' 'How to Build a Human', 'Parasites and Lions in London', 'So you think you could design an aeroengine?!' and Superhuman Vision: Seeing with Terahertz'.

In the evening, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh hosted a reception for 500 members of the British scientific community including Professor Stephen Hawking and the microscopes were also on display for this.