Best in Test Finalists 2010: EMC and safety test

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

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

--FST-200 4 S Analyzer, Finero
--NSG 3040 EMC Multifunction Generator, Teseq
--R&S BBA100 Broadband Amplifier, Rohde & Schwarz

 

FST-200 4 S Analyzer
Finero
www.qacontrol.com

Finero's FST-200 4 S Analyzer combines all necessary safety tests as well as resistance measurements in one unit. The analyzer measures hipot (5-kV AC or 6-kV DC, with a test current up to 10 mA), PE continuity (with a test current up to 25 A, a measuring range up to 500 mΩ, and an accuracy of +/-0.5%), insulation resistance (up to 10 GΩ), and DUT resistance (up to 500 Ω with an accuracy of +/-0.5%). The unit offers RS-232 and GPIB interfaces as standard features with Ethernet and USB interfaces as options.

Finero says the unit is easy to program and use with the company's standard software, and it offers considerable cost savings. It can be used in applications such as filter testing for power electronics.

Price: 5230 euros.

 

NSG 3040 EMC Multifunction Generator
Teseq
www.teseq.com

Teseq's NSG 3040 is an EMC multifunction generator that simulates electromagnetic interference effects for immunity testing and conformance testing to international, national, and manufacturers' standards, including the latest IEC/EN standards. It also fulfills conducted EMC test requirements for CE mark testing, which generally include burst, surge, and power-quality tests.

The 7-in. color touch-panel display, enables users to enter data quickly using an onscreen keyboard and a thumbwheel. To achieve quick, reliable results, users can select a standardized test from a large test library with just a few screen taps. Ramping functions can easily be programmed, and the instrument permits users to create multistep test procedures and also change their sequence or parameter values.

Teseq says the NSG 3040 is easy to use, compliant, accurate, and complete with an integrated coupler. The generator offers a Test Assistant for basic testing needs and an expert mode for advanced users.

Base price: $15,000.

 

R&S BBA100 Broadband Amplifier
Rohde & Schwarz
www.rohde-schwarz.com

The R&S BBA100 broadband amplifier is suitable for a variety of applications in EMC environments, communications, research, and physical engineering. The compact unit has a modular design with extensive switching options and multiple frequency ranges. It features a base unit and extensions to accommodate additional amplifiers, allowing the R&S BBA100 to expand into a system with higher power and additional frequency bands.

The R&S BBA100 provides high reliability and cost benefits due to reduced downtime, according to Rohde & Schwarz. It has three interlock circuits that are each assigned to an RF path, a safety concept that permits continuous operation during test setup changes. The modular concept allows the operator to perform an onsite upgrade in only minutes.

Users can operate the R&S BBA100 through a GUI on the instrument or through a browser over the Web. Additionally, remote-control operations with Ethernet, optical Ethernet, or GPIB interfaces are possible.

Base price: approximately $16,000.