May Web-exclusive products
-- Test & Measurement World, 5/1/2004
Handheld vibration meter
The Model VM-300 serves as a general-purpose vibration-measuring instrument for performing periodic routine checks of industrial machinery, as well as for general field use. Housed in a 7.5T4T2-in. plastic case, the VM-300 incorporates a piezoelectric accelerometer and a charge amplifier input stage for stability and accuracy. The meter measures acceleration from 0.1 g to 300 g, velocity from 0.1 in./s to 300 in./s, and displacement from 0.001 in. to 3 in. full scale. Power is derived from an internal battery or through an external AC adapter. Columbia Research Laboratories, Woodlyn, PA. 610-872-3900; www.columbiaresearchlab.com.
Portable chillers
Offering up to 35,827 BTU/hour of heat removal, DURACHILL portable chillers are useful for cooling plastic molding equipment, machine tools, lasers, printing presses, laboratory equipment, electronics, and other process equipment. Units are available with 1-1/2-hp, 2-hp, or 3-hp compressors and either air-cooled or water-cooled condensers. Temperature is adjustable over a range of 41-F to 95-F (5-C to 35-C). The chillers maintain set-point temperature to within W0.9-F (0.5-C). Standard features include microprocessor-based digital temperature control and LED display of temperature and pressure/flow rate. PolyScience, Niles, IL. 847-647-0611; www.polyscience.com.
Anemometer/thermometer
Control Company’s Traceable anemometer/thermometer measures air velocity and temperature, accurate to within W3% full-scale and W1-C, respectively. A hold key freezes the display of the current reading, while a memory key recalls the highest and lowest readings acquired. The unit comes with an RS-232 serial output jack and a certificate that indicates traceability to NIST standards. Control Company, Friendswood, TX; 281-482-1714; www.control3.com.
Spring contact probe
The Eccentric plunger probe employs a patented biasing design that improves the reliability and longevity of the probe by reducing resistance and probe wear. By drilling the plunger’s spring cavity in an eccentric fashion to the centerline of the plunger, the spring induces lateral force that proves to be significantly superior to biasing in enforcing plunger-to-barrel contact. The result is a very short probe with a longer stroke, higher reliability, and lower, more consistent resistance. Interconnect Devices, Kansas City, KS; 913-342-5544; www.idinet.com.
26.5-GHz switch matrix
In addition to a CANbus interface, the Model 5047 coaxial switch matrix provides Ethernet, IEEE 488, RS-232, and RS-485 control interfaces. The 4U rack-mount unit is configured as a 1T48 matrix and operates from DC to 26.5 GHz. All unused ports are terminated to 50-V internal connections. The EWAB version is accessible from anywhere in the world using TCP/IP protocols on 10BaseT networks through an HTTP 1.0 interface. Dow-Key Microwave, Ventura, CA. 805-650-0260; www.dowkey.com.
IEEE 1394 cameras
Enhancements to the Basler A600f series of IEEE 1394 cameras allow real-time transmission of both basic image data and additional image parameters, such as the position and size of the area of interest. On-the-fly changes in AOI position permit fast tracking of objects. A frame counter, time stamp, and a list of general parameter settings can be added to the basic image data and sent to a PC with 32-bit accuracy. Basler, Exton, PA. 610-280-0171; www.basler-vc.com.
In-circuit programmer
The pICSPeed in-circuit programmer accommodates custom automation through the use of a new dynamic link library. With this optional Win32 DLL, you can create your own programming, production, and test applications for products based on the PIC family of microcontrollers. The pICSPeed DLL works with any Windows-based application and supports custom serialization, calibration, and other user-specific requirements. In-Circuit Solutions, Blainville, Quebec, Canada. 514-779-9432; www.in-circuitsolutions.com.
Color sensor module
Unlike conventional sensors that detect only light to dark contrast, the QC50 color sensor detects up to three colors and their intensity. The module emits a modulated white light which, when reflected back from an object, is electronically filtered to its red, green, and blue components for accurate color determination. You can choose color-only or color-plus-intensity sensing modes to best suit your sorting application. The QC50 comes in a rugged IP67-rated ABS plastic housing. Price: $439. Banner Engineering, Minneapolis, MN. 763-544-3164; www.bannerengineering.com.
Temperature/humidity logger
The Model 5020A thermohygrometer accepts inputs from up to two sensors, which can be mounted directly on the unit or remotely up to 50 ft away. Each of the two sensor types available contains its own temperature and humidity calibration data so recalibration does not require the 5020A mainframe. Total range for both sensors is 0 to 50-C and 0% to 100% RH. On-board memory stores up to 400,000 date and time-stamped measurements. Price: $1495 to $1745, depending on sensor type. Fluke, Everett, WA. 888-308-5277; www.fluke.com.
Hipot testers
HypotULTRA III fully automated hipot testers now carry the combined Canada/US UL listing mark, complying with safety regulations for both countries. The family comprises two models: the 7620 5-kV AC tester and the 7650 5-kV AC/DC tester with built-in insulation resistance tester. Associated Research, Lake Forest, IL. 800-858-8378; www.asresearch.com.
14-slot PXI mainframe
Intended for power-hungry functional test, control, and data acquisition applications, the Model 1461-14 expandable mainframe accepts not only 3U-high PXI and CompactPCI modules, but also 111.7-mm-high modules. Standard features include automatic power supply and fan monitoring, benchtop and rack-mount capability, a single bridge card for optimal backplane throughput, and 574 W of power available to all 14 slots. Price: $3735. Racal Instruments, Irvine, CA. 949-859-8999; www.racalinst.com.
Vector signal generator
Operating from 250 kHz to 2.7 GHz, the PXI-5670 RF vector signal generator produces analog and custom digital test signals, as well as standard digital modulation formats such as ASK, FSK, MSK, PSK, and QAM. The module performs arbitrary waveform generation at 100 Msamples/s (400 Msamples/s interpolated) with 16-bit resolution. It comes with up to 256 Mbytes of memory and the NI Modulation Toolkit for LabView 7 Express. National Instruments, Austin, TX. 512-683-0100; www.ni.com.
Electrical safety testers
The benchtop Model 299 and portable Model 277 let you perform electrical safety compliance testing of medical electronic devices on the production line or in the field. Test functions include high-current earth bond testing of exposed metal parts, insulation resistance measurements on mains power lines, earth and enclosure leakage current measurements, and patient leakage current through 11 applied part connections. Both units offer fully automatic, semi-automatic, and manual modes of operation. Price: Model 299--$6365; Model 277--$6,500. QuadTech, Maynard, MA. 978-461-2100; www.quadtech.com.
Milliohmmeter
Covering a measurement range of 1 mV to 2 MV, the LR2000 milliohmmeter delivers a basic accuracy of 0.05% and resolution down to 1 mV. What’s more, with nine measurement ranges, the instrument automatically selects the appropriate range providing reliable test results over a wide range of values. The unit comes with an RS-232 interface, plus optional IEEE 488 and handler interfaces. Base price: $2495. QuadTech, Maynard, MA. 978-461-2100; www.quadtech.com.
DSO bus options
The DL7400 series of digital oscilloscopes is now available with advanced triggering and analysis options for three common serial data buses: CAN, SPI, and I2C. These options let you trigger on user-defined serial bus conditions and bytes or frames of information, and then analyze the data for immediate insight into bus behavior. Price: Option /F5--$1100 (I2C and SPI); Option /F7--$2300 (CAN and SPI); and Option /F8--$2900 (I2C, CAN, and SPI). Yokogawa, Newnan, GA. 800-258-2552; www.us.yokogawa.com.
Temperature probes
Part of the SureGrip line of test accessories, these six new temperature probes are for taking measurements of air, liquids, large surfaces, small areas, and insulation-covered surfaces. Each probe features the SureGrip design, with soft rubber handles and easy-to-grasp shapes that help reduce operator fatigue, while improving contact with target surfaces. Price: $54 to $199. Fluke, Everett, WA. 888-492-7542; www.fluke.com.
PXI mainframe modules
Four modules allow you to configure Racal’s 14-slot PXI mainframe, the Model 1461-14, for a variety of applications. Modules include the Model 1268-001 two-slot embedded controller, the Model 9215 30-W power supply, the Model 5601 DC-to-20-MHz wideband amplifier, and the Model 3155 14-bit arbitrary waveform generator. Price: Model 1268-001--$2725; Model 9215--$2945; Model 5601--$1295; and Model 3155--$3995. Racal Instruments, Irvine, CA. 949-859-8999; www.racalinst.com.
UMTS FDD UE test system
Designed for handset product development and integration testing, the 6401 UMTS FDD UE Release 5 Layer 1 test system supports High Speed Downlink Packet Data Access (HSDPA) technology. HSDPA achieves data rates that are approximately five times faster than is currently possible on most 3G networks. The system is aimed primarily at DSP and baseband developers, but also provides extensive RF test capability. Aeroflex, Plainview, NY. 516-694-6700; www.aeroflex.com.
Spectrofluorometer
A miniature fiber-optic spectrometer for low-intensity fluorescence applications (380 nm to 1050 nm), the USB2000-FLG detects picomolar-range concentrations of fluorophores from surfaces and in liquids and powders. The unit, which is outfitted with a USB interface, offers AG-coated mirrors for improved sensitivity and a time-gated mode that delays the start of spectral data acquisition by 5 ms to 500 ms. Price: $2999. Ocean Optics, Dunedin, FL. 727-733-2447; www.oceanoptics.com.
Temperature control system
Eliminating the need to maintain two separate hot runner temperature controllers, the Series SY provides both 240-VAC and 18-to-45-VAC outputs in a single mainframe. The system, which is for use with injection molders, offers either four-zone or eight-zone control, as well as a choice of temperature controllers. Advanced diagnostics warn of fault conditions, including open, shorted, and reversed thermocouple; open heater; and high/low process temperature. Athena Controls, Plymouth Meeting, PA. 610-828-2490; www.athenacontrols.com.
Mixed I/O module
Saving both space and installation time, this single compact module supplies a variety of inputs and outputs, including two analog outputs, six analog inputs, two digital inputs, and two digital outputs. The ADAM-6024 also provides Ethernet connectivity, an embedded Web server, and pre-built Web page for displaying real-time I/O data values, alarms, and module status through a LAN or Internet connection. Advantech, Cincinnati, OH. 513-742-8895; www.advantech.com.
Temperature controller
Complete with a built-in 10-kV thermistor input, the ADAM-4022T temperature controller works in either MODBUS or BACnet industrial networking environments. The two control loops can be changed through software to function as PID controllers or as simple I/O interfaces. ADAM’s bundled software also lets you set PID parameters. Advantech, Cincinatti, OH. 512-742-8895; www.advantest.com.
IPSec VPN test application
IxVPN enables gigabit line-rate encryption testing for benchmarking IPSec VPN devices and networks using the industry-standard RFC2544 methodology. The program measures the encryption and decryption throughput, latency, and loss at various frame sizes. IxVPN supports several encryption algorithms, including 3DES and AES, IPSec tunnel and transport modes, and IKE main mode and aggressive modes. It also provides statistics and diagnostics in real time on a per-tunnel and aggregate basis. Ixia, Calabasas, CA. 818-871-1800; www.ixiacom.com.
Current sensor
Intended for use in through-hole printed circuit board assembly, the CSNA111 closed-loop linear current sensor offers improved accuracy and faster response times than open-loop current sensors. The CSNA111 performs AC, DC, or impulse current sensing up to 70 A with no limitation on the measured current waveform. Its rapid response time of less than 1 ms allows the output signal to closely track the input signal. Honeywell Sensing and Control, Freeport, IL. 800-537-6945; www.honeywell.com/sensing.
Portable spectrometer
Offering a choice of spectral ranges to cover the ultraviolet through near-infrared spectral regions, the OSM-400 portable spectrometer lets you carry out local data analysis in real time. The instrument employs a 32-bit processor and includes a color LCD with touch-screen control, Smart Media card reader, RS-232 port, and optional 10/100-Mbps Ethernet port. It accepts optical input via an SMA connector or directly through the input slit. Newport, Irvine, CA. 949-863-3144; www.newport.com.
Digital data recoders
The modular design of the EX series of digital data recorders allows easy expansion from 4 to 24 channels in 4-channel increments. With its remote control capability and solid-state memory, the PC-based system is useful for capturing data in a variety of noise and vibration applications. Input modules include IEPE/direct voltage, microphone, charge sensor, DC strain gauge, thermocouple, and pulse/frequency. Sony Precision Technology, Lake Forest, CA. 949-770-8400; www.sonypt.com.
Dynamic pressure sensor
Housed in an all-welded stainless-steel case, the Model P-766 sensor measures dynamic pressure events, including high-intensity sound pressure levels in frequency ranges of 2 Hz to 10 kHz. The flush-diaphragm device provides a pressure range of up to 5000 psi and a charge sensitivity of 25 pC/psi, while operating at temperatures as high as 150-C. A ½-in. male pipe thread permits convenient mounting. Columbia Research Laboratories, Woodlyn, PA. 800-813-8471; www.columbiaresearchlab.com.
