Highlights

Pickering Interfaces has expanded its PXI RF switching line with the introduction of four new single-slot modules that offer RF performance to 3 GHz with low insertion loss. Each module is available in partial-build configurations, allowing users to specify the number of switching elements they need, and each is available with a choice of MCX or SMB connectors.

The 40-870 provides up to six-off SPDT switches; the 40-872 offers up to four-off four-way multiplexers; the 40-874 includes one or two eight-way multiplexers; and the 40-877 provides a single or dual 2x2 matrix with loop-through connections that permit users to construct larger matrices.

David Owen, business development manager for Pickering Interfaces, commented, “The new RF modules are the start of a new generation of high-density and high-performance RF cards. They use novel construction methods that offer lower loss, lower VSWR, and higher density than competitive PXI solutions.” www.pickeringtest.com.

Strategic Test is now providing free LabWindows/CVI examples for its UltraFast line of PCI Express, PCI, PXI, and CompactPCI instrument cards. The examples demonstrate how to integrate the UltraFast Windows DLL with LabWindows/CVI so that mixed-mode test systems can be configured using Strategic Test’s digitizer, arbitrary waveform generator, digital I/O, and pattern generator boards.

The examples include a soft oscilloscope, a function generator, a signal generator, digital recording and playback, and digital pattern generation. Users can modify the examples for their own applications. www.strategic-test.com.

ZTEC Instruments has released a free software development kit (SDK) and driver package for its PCI, PXI, and VXI-based modular oscilloscopes. The SDK and drivers for ZTEC's C-Class and M-Class oscilloscopes add support for Windows Vista and Linux 2.6.x. Class-level drivers provide the hooks you need to control the oscilloscopes through C, LabView, LabWindows/CVI, COM, Visual Studio, and Matlab. Class-level instrument drivers let you use the same programming interface for all instruments of the same class. That consistency helps you avoid changing code when changing instruments, computing platforms, or bus architectures.

ZTEC customers can upgrade to the new software, which makes it possible to use the ZScope soft front panel on Windows Vista, XP, and 2000. (If you don’t have a ZTEC oscilloscope, you can still download the software and evaluate the ZScope interface.) The company plans to release ZScope for Linux and native Mac in the near future. ZScope lets you control all ZTEC scopes of the same class. You can view captured, computed, and reference waveforms, and you can save waveform data and instrument settings. With a single ZScope application, you can switch between multiple instruments and view and control instruments within a test system.

The SDK, instrument drivers, and ZScope application are available at no cost as a download. www.ztecinstruments.com/download-software.