Product Update

The 4-1/2-digit Model 380193 LCR meter provides standard ranges for measurement of inductance (2000 µH to 10 kH), capacitance (2000 pF to 10 mF), and resistance (20 Ω to 10 MΩ). The meter also supplies a serial port that lets a PC gather measurement data. Optional low-cost software displays measurement results on a PC that runs Windows. The software also lets you store and analyze data acquired from the meter. Users can set Hi/Lo limits for measurements by specifying either actual values or percentages, and the meter can record minimum, maximum, and average values over a series of measurements. Price: $179. Optional software (SW194)—$29. Extech Instruments, Waltham, MA. 781-890-7440; www.extech.com.

A new suite of C-language development tools lets you easily program the manufacturer's line of TT8 embedded dataloggers and controllers. The TT8 modules provide as many as 25 digital I/O lines and counter inputs, plus 8 analog I/O lines, and they find use in datalogging applications that require complicated calculations and control operations. The new software tools come in several versions, but the most basic kit ($25) includes libraries, start-up code, example files, setup files, and a terminal emulator program for the Motorola 68332 processor used in each TT8 module. You also can purchase a version that comes with the CodeWarrior cross compiler for the Palm OS ($570) and a Developer Kit that includes additional software-development materials (base price $695). Onset Computer, Bourne, MA. 508-759-9500; www.onsetcomp.com.

The air-cooled Octet system-on-chip (SOC) test platform combines analog instrumentation with 400-Mbit/s, 800-Mbit/s, and 1.6-Gbit/s digital data rates.

Octet's standard 1024-pin architecture can be configured with options for multiple-data-rate digital-test capability, high-speed serial test, and a full suite of analog instrumentation to meet SOC test requirements. It performs one-pass jitter and functional test of serial pins in conjunction with instrumentation from Wavecrest (Eden Prairie, MN; www.wavecrest.com ).

Octet's compatibility with Credence's Quartet Series of IC test systems helps protect capital equipment investments by allowing the reuse of existing load boards and test programs. The system software suite includes test-development tools as well as virtual-test and debug tools from Credence's IMS division. Octet's Program Developer suite provides a graphical user interface and enables the software modules in the suite to share a single interface for all test-program-development tasks.

Price: $1.5 to $2 million. Credence Systems, Fremont, CA, 510-657-7400; www.credence.com.

With the introduction of the 8508A, Fluke enters the 8.5-digit DMM market long covered by Agilent's 3458A. Fluke's entry, though, adds temperature measurement, so you can use the 8508A as a reference standard for calibrating other thermometers. The DMM accepts two-wire, three-wire, or four-wire platinum-resistance thermometers (PRTs) and standard platinum-resistance thermometers (SPRTs). The meter's front and rear input jacks let you compare a thermometer under test to a reference thermometer.

The two sets of inputs let you use the meter as a transfer standard between voltage standards and other equipment. Because the DMM also can operate as a voltage divider, resistance bridge, and null detector, you can replace several pieces of equipment with this one instrument.

The 8508A has accuracy specs that make it suitable for calibrating multifunction calibrators that, in turn, calibrate lower-accuracy and resolution measuring equipment. For example, Fluke claims the 8508A's 20-min transfer uncertainty is 0.12 ppm with 1-yr transfer uncertainty of 3 ppm.

Price: $12,495. Fluke, Everett, WA. 888-308-5277; www.fluke.com .

With Release 13, The MathWorks improves execution speed and ease of use and also adds a host of other enhancements to its flagship MatLab package and SimuLink add-on. MatLab 6.5 uses an accelerator to improve execution time of MatLab scripts, called M files, by anticipating the next possible set of resources. According to the company, MatLab scripts in version 6.5 will run as quickly as code written in C or C++, thereby eliminating the need for writing code in those languages in place of MatLab code.

MatLab 6.5 adds many other features including the ability to compile MatLab scripts into Windows COM objects with the Com Builder. You then can call the COM object for any Windows language such as Visual Basic or C/C++. You also can call the objects from Excel, and you can convert MatLab scripts directly into C or C++ code using the MatLab compiler.

Simulink 5, included in Release 13, is a graphical application builder that lets you simulate real-time systems through MatLab scripts. Version 5 lets you graphically define waveforms that you previously had to define with script code. Release 13 also includes many enhancements that previously were available as downloads only. These include Excel Builder, which lets you convert MatLab program into Excel add-ins. Other upgrades new to Release 13 include Statistics Toolbox 4 and Signal Processing Toolbox 6.

Base price for a single-use, PC version: $1900. Excel Builder—$400; compiler—$900. The MathWorks, Natick, MA. 508-647-7000; www.mathworks.com.

Targeted at both R&D and production lines, the R3860 RF tester analyzes complex wireless communication components, such as balanced I/O devices, front-end modules, and mixers, at a sweep speed of 10 µs/point. The instrument's flexible design allows functions to be easily changed and expanded as needed. Along with a frequency range of 300 kHz to 8 GHz, the R3860 offers an array of analysis capabilities, including impedance conversion, circuitry matching, and time-domain analysis. It comes with up to four built-in test ports, expandable to a maximum of 12 ports using an external test adapter. Advantest America Measuring Solutions, Edison, NJ. 866-414-0870; www.advantest.com.

Boasting integrated wideband IQ demodulation, the FSQ spectrum analyzer combines the functions of both spectrum analysis and vector signal analysis in a single box. The FSQ embodies all of the features and performance of the FSU26 microwave spectrum analyzer. With its 28-MHz IQ demodulation features, the FSQ can capture and analyze the full breadth of an IEEE 802.11a WLAN or multiple-carrier W-CDMA signal. Base price: $67,250. Delivery: 11 weeks. Tektronix, Beaverton, OR. 800-426-2200 (request code 1269); www.tektronix.com.

Emulation Technology's socket and prototyping adapter speed replacement and repair of the Ericsson ROK 101 007 Bluetooth point-to-multipoint multichip module used in mobile phones, laptops, PDAs, and wireless networks. The socket, part number S-BGA-00-030-SM, can be surface mounted to PCBs and allows easy insertion and removal of modules. The prototyping adapter, part number AB-030-BT01S-P4-M-1, provides options beyond surface mounting and allows the socket to be plugged into standard prototyping boards. Price: S-BGA-00-030-SM socket—$2.60 each (5000 units); AB-030-BT01S-P4-M-1 adapter—$65. Emulation Technology, Santa Clara, CA. 800-232-7837; www.1800adapter.com.

Six new models join the Wavetek Meterman line of electrical testers, ranging from the VT201 (for noncontact detection of voltages from 70 VAC to 440 VAC) to the ST102 GFCI socket tester. A three-piece toolkit consists of the DM73B pen-style digital multimeter that tests both AC and DC voltage to 600 V, the AD40A mini clamp meter for measuring up to 400 A AC, and a soft, vinyl carrying case. Other models include the VT101 one-lamp voltage tester (90 VAC to 500 VAC), the VT102 four-lamp voltage tester (four ranges from 110 VAC to 460 VAC), and the ST101 socket tester (for use on 110 VAC to 125 VAC). Prices: VT201—$9.95; ST102—$8.95; DM73B/AD40A kit—$99.95; VT101—$1.95; VT102—$3.95; and ST101—$4.95. Wavetek Meterman Test Tools, Everett, WA. 877-596-2680; www.metermantesttools.com.

The DL1600, a four-channel digital oscilloscope with a 200-MHz bandwidth, provides a maximum sampling rate of 200 Msamples/s and a long acquisition memory of up to 32 Mwords/channel. You can control the lightweight, portable instrument from any network connection using the built-in Web server and 100BaseT Ethernet interface, or through a direct connection to a PC via a USB, RS-232, or IEEE 488 interface. The DL1600 offers three types of removable media: floppy disk, ZIP disk, or Type II PC Card. Yokogawa, Newnan, GA. 800-258-2552; www.yca.com.

The Model 22-300 is a small benchtop DSO at a price that competes with low-end analog scopes. The $595 scope provides a 20-MHz bandwidth at 100 Msamples/s with up to 16 ksamples per channel. A 6-in. LCD provides 320x240 dots of screen resolution. Cursors let you measure amplitude and time. You also can set a level trigger to trigger the scope at any location in its memory. For computer control, you can get optional software and cables for RS-232 or USB operation ($149). Wittig Test Technologies, E. Meadow, NY. 516-794 4080. www.wittigtechnologies.com.

Occupying a footprint of just 2T2 in., the SPPOSC offers a dual-channel programmable sine-wave or quadrature oscillator for evaluating various signal and function generators before committing to a design. The unit can be configured to operate with independent 8-bit tuning ranges for each channel, a single 9-bit tuning range for both channels, or as an 8-bit programmable quadrature oscillator. Many standard and custom tuning ranges are available, all offering the same pin-out and form factor. The SPPOSC covers the audio/ultrasonic bandwidth from 1 Hz to 100 kHz with noise and distortions floors to less than –100 dB. Price: $350 (100 units). Frequency Devices, Haverhill, MA. 800-252-7074; www.freqdev.com.

Specifically for use in the electronics industry, the EL thermal-imaging system analyzes the thermal behavior of circuit board components, power supplies, motors, electronic packaging, thermal-management devices, and optoelectronics. A radiometric thermal-imaging camera allows real-time temperature measurement of 19,200 individual points on an image, accurate to within 2°C. You can measure the temperature of targets as small as 0.015 in. with a resolution as fine as 0.1°C. At 30 frames/s, EL system software permits real-time viewing and analysis of the detailed temperature information contained in thermal images. Price: under $10,000. OptoTherm, Ingomar, PA. 412-367-6265; www.optotherm.com.

The Dimension X3D in-line metrology tool is a nondestructive automated atomic force microscope (AFM) that provides 3-D resolution for characterizing 90-nm and smaller semiconductor device features in advanced photolithography and etch processes. Three-dimensional AFM scanning probe technology allows you to gather detailed data on contact holes, vertical and re-entrant sidewalls, line-edge roughness, and photomask features. What's more, measurements are not affected by multiple layers of materials on the wafer. Veeco Instruments, Woodbury, NY. 516-677-0200; www.veeco.com.

With the Model 355.6mm, a small-footprint manual probing station with 14-in. wafer handling capability, you can test many wafers at once using the rotary chuck and 17 independent vacuums. The unit features separate vacuum controls for concentric circles at 3-in., 6-in., 8-in., 10-in., and 12-in. wafer diameters, plus 1:1 correlation for vacuum actuation and chuck vacuum positions. Base price: $42,000. D-Coax, Newberg, OR. 503-538-0696; www.dcoax.com.

Outfitted with a 40X zoom camera and 50-kV x-ray tube, the XR 3000 inspection system detects rework anomalies such as incomplete reflow, cold solder joints, missing solder balls, bridges, voids, and other irregularities as small as 0.001 in. in size. The benchtop system, which comes with a PCB fixture for repeatable inspections and a special pallet for holding small PCBs, allows image capture, frame averaging, and gain adjustment. Pace, Laurel, MD. 301-490-9860; www.paceworldwide.com.

You can achieve increased accuracy and resolution for your vision applications with the PXI-1409 multiple-channel monochrome image-acquisition board. It combines a high-speed PCI bus with advanced timing and triggering functions to provide asynchronous acquisition and easy integration with motion and data-acquisition devices. The PXI-1409 offers user-configurable 8-bit (256 grayscale) or 10-bit (1024 grayscale) image acquisition resolution, increasing accuracy from standard and nonstandard cameras. In addition, it is compatible with analog double-speed progressive-scan cameras at speeds of up to 60 frames/s. Base price: $1395. National Instruments, Austin, TX. 512-794-0100; www.ni.com.

Fault Detective Test Analyzer software simulates component failures to optimize the functional test process and boost automated test diagnostic accuracy. The software, which is a component of the Fault Detective Diagnostic suite, performs a Monte Carlo simulation within the Fault Detective model, identifying possible component failures in a design and creating a collection of predictive test results and associated diagnoses. In addition to raising diagnostic accuracy to up to 90%, Test Analyzer reduces production costs by minimizing repairs and rework. Price: $12,000. Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA. 800-452-4844, ext. 7744; www.agilent.com.

Andon's BGA test socket features a guided contact plunger that makes a reliable contact on the periphery of the solder ball and maintains perpendicularity. It also has a tapered cup design that makes contact on an angle and does not touch the spherical radius of the solder ball on the bottom. The spring pushing the plunger never makes contact with the BGA device, unlike conventional designs where the sharp end of the spring makes contact and often deforms the solder ball, disrupting its coplanarity. The device is available in 1.27-mm, 1-mm, 0.8-mm, and 0.75-mm pitches. Base price: $0.50 to $0.90/pin. Andon Electronics, Lincoln, RI. 401-333-0388; www.andonelect.com.

For use with the Eagle ETS-600 mixed-signal test system, the in2Pro Talon universal positioning system provides fast, easy test setups to accelerate wafer and IC testing. Talon's seven adjustable motions include up/down, side-to-side, swing, twist (or rotation), in/out, tumble, and test-head theta. All motions are independently adjustable, except naturally integrated test-head theta and in/out motions. Each axis of motion can be left floating or brake-locked into position. The manipulator is available in both manual and motorized versions. InTEST, Cherry Hill, NJ. 856-424-6886; www.intest.com.

Application Note AN105 offers a wealth of information about resistance temperature detectors—from the physics of temperature effects on electron flow to mathematical models and equivalent circuit behaviors. The three-page bulletin also provides a number of URL links to Web sites offering additional information on RTDs. Dataforth, Tucson, AZ. 520-741-1404; dataforth.com/catalog/pdf/an105.pdf.

Keithley is offering new and updated reference works that provide up-to-date information on measurement techniques and technology. The free technical publications include the new Data Acquisition Handbook, a practical guide to software and hardware techniques for data acquisition, measurement, and control applications. Low Level Measurements, 5th ed., offers information on precision low-level DC measurements, while the Switching Handbook, 4th ed., provides a detailed road map to signal switching in automated test systems. Keithley Instruments, Cleveland, OH. 888-534-8453; www.keithley.com.

The Kikusui 2002 catalog features AC and DC power supplies, electronic loads, power controllers, battery testers, and electrical safety testers. It highlights such new products as the PAS and PAM series of variable-switching regulated DC power supplies, the TOS9200 series withstanding voltage and insulation resistance tester, and the PFX2000 battery-test system. The 200-page document offers a concise format for displaying each product with pictures, specifications, and product outlines. IFR, Wichita, KS. 800-545-8784; www.ifrsys.com.

A report entitled, Evaluating Geometric Pattern Matching Software: 10 Questions You Must Ask, provides answers to some of the most important questions to consider about pattern matching yield, accuracy, speed, and model training. It also offers valuable tips on how to evaluate specific product features. Cognex, Natick, MA. 877-264-6391; www.cognex.com.

Thermocouple curves of millivolt output versus temperature, application characteristics for base and noble materials, and a reference junction selection guide are presented in this short-form bulletin, along with a broad line of single- and multiple-channel TC reference junction compensators. Additionally, the document describes calibration and testing equipment for temperature measurement systems. Hades Manufacturing, Farmingdale, NY. 631-249-4244; www.hadesmfgcorp.com.

This tri-fold product guide presents 15 of Global Specialties' latest test products, all of which carry a three-year warranty. Complete with photographs, the guide highlights intelligent DMMs, DC power supplies, AC power supplies, AC power meters, function generators, and prototyping boards. Global Specialties, Cheshire, CT. 800-572-1028; www.globalspecialties.com.

Detailed information and specifications for more than 40,000 products are given in Omega's Volume MM Temperature Handbook. This extensive reference of over 2000 pages covers connectors, wire, and temperature sensors for thermocouples, RTDs, thermistors, and infrared probes. It also covers meters, handhelds, transmitters, controllers, and recorders. Omega Engineering, Stamford, CT. 203-359-1660; www.omega.com .

Volume 2-2002 of Astrodyne's Power Supply Products Reference Guide contains complete specifications and product outline dimensions for AC/DC switching power supplies, high-density DC/DC converters, open-frame and enclosed switching power supplies, external and wall-mount switching power adapters, enclosed and DIN rail-mount switchers, surge suppressors, and filters. The comprehensive product line offers supplies with single, dual, triple, and quad outputs ranging from 0.75 to 800 W. Astrodyne, Taunton, MA. 508-823-8080; www.astrodyne.com.