Best in Test Finalists 2010: Test components and subsystems

-- Test & Measurement World, 12/22/2009 12:00:00 PM

Return to the entire list of Best in Test finalists for 2010.

--ADS5400 ADC, Texas Instruments
--BIRST Built-In Relay Self-Test Tool, Pickering Interfaces
--EX72SF Microwave Switching Subsystem, VTI Instruments
--i1 Connector, Virginia Panel

 

ADS5400 ADC
Texas Instruments
www.ti.com

Texas Instruments says that its ADS5400 is the first 12-bit, 1-Gsample/s ADC with a buffered input for simplifying analog front-end design in wide-bandwidth applications such as wireless communications, defense, and test and measurement equipment. The data converter's 12 bits of resolution combined with a 1-Gsample/s sampling rate effectively doubles the amount of signal bandwidth that can be captured in a single 12-bit ADC.

According to TI, the ADS5400 offers the highest SNR (59.1 dBFS), SFDR (75 dBc), and SINAD (58 dBFS) available for systems digitizing greater than 200 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth, while the user-selectable single- or dual-bus DDR LVDS outputs provide designers the flexibility to choose between I/O speed and pin-count. Additionally, the device's adjustable fine gain, offset, and phase ease the interleaving of two or more ADCs to create a multi-gigasample-per-second digitizer or the balancing of two ADCs in an I/Q receiver.

Price: 100-pin TQFP package—$775 in 100-unit quantities.

 

BIRST Built-In Relay Self-Test Tool
Pickering Interfaces
www.pickeringtest.com

Pickering Interfaces notes that complex switching systems such as VXI have typically included self-test for relays, but the PXI industry has not included self-test on switching because of the compromises required on density and cost. With Pickering's BIRST tool, it is possible to include full self-test with a minimal cost penalty or minimal reduction in switching density.

The BIRST (Built-In Relay Self-Test) tool easily checks system switching operation on command. BIRST will identify any relay failures in the switch module and can detect relays with deteriorating contacts, an indication that they are in the process of failing. No supporting test equipment is needed; the test identifies the position of any defective or suspect relays within the module.

Price: included at no extra cost on select Pickering high-density PXI matrices.

 

EX72SF Microwave Switching Subsystem
VTI Instruments
www.vtiinstruments.com

The EX72SF is a modular microwave (DC to 40 GHz) switching subsystem designed to reduce development and integration time by up to 60%. The compact 2U mainframe can house a variety of relay topologies including SPDT, SP4T, SP6T, and transfer switches; a total of 12 relays can be defined.

An embedded graphical configuration utility quickly builds a virtual wire-list file that indicates signal-routing paths and resides on the EX72SF. The utility generates an interactive soft front panel, accessible through any standard Web browser, that simplifies the monitoring and control of the configuration; no programming or third-party software is required. This feature also assists in preventative maintenance by providing visual indication of the relay cycle count (odometer).

The EX72SF can be reconfigured on-the-fly to support multiple test requirements. The configuration file is automatically updated and can be used to facilitate end-to-end path level programming, regardless of the complexity of the design.

Base price: $4750.

 

i1 Connector
Virginia Panel
www.vpc.com

Virginia Panel (VPC) developed the i1 to meet the market need for a low I/O connector that combines a high cycle life, rugged durability, and the ability to mix I/O types. The i1 offers a 30° U-shaped cable clamp that provides cabling strain relief without restricting vertical stackability, pin protection with recessed double shrouding, and an easy half-turn engaging handle with spring locking tabs for secure engagement.

The i1 is field serviceable: the back-shell and engaging mechanism are removable, allowing for easy wire access, and VPC says its extraction tools make servicing pins and modules effortless. The connector offers hybrid modules for mixing I/O (signal, power, and coaxial) in various configurations, and it will operate in temperatures from -55° C to 105° C and is rated to 10,000 mating/unmating cycles. With i1, VPC provides a small connector that mixes I/O and can withstand rugged testing conditions.

Price: not provided.