January 8, 2008

Optical power measurements ensure quality bits
Fiber-optic power meters, which test active and passive electro-optic components, are now available in several configurations: stand-alone bench meters, modular systems, and handheld units. Read more and link to a comparison chart of available models

Demystifying production test of UWB devices
Despite what you might think, you don't need specialized test equipment to test ultrawideband (UWB) devices during high-volume production. Read more

NI introduces USB-controlled RMS RF power meter
The 6-GHz NI USB-5680 power meter features high measurement accuracy and wide dynamic range packaged in a size similar to a typical power head. Read more

AT4 Wireless selects Agilent Mobile WiMAX protocol tester
AT4 Wireless' WiMAX Forum Accredited Lead Lab will use Agilent's N6430A WiMAX protocol conformance test (PCT) and development solution, which is based on the Agilent E6651A Mobile WiMAX test set, for PCT testing of WiMAX devices. Read more

In-Stat says UWB beginning to take off
Ultrawideband-enabled notebook PCs shipped this year, PC peripherals will follow in 2008, and over 400 million UWB-enabled devices will ship in 2011, the market-research firm reports. Read more

Tektronix adds TD-SCDMA scanner to interference tool
Tektronix has enhanced its RF Scout interference hunter with a TD-SCDMA scanner to support the emerging standard currently being deployed in China. Read more

Analog Devices' DDS IC targets wireless handheld equipment
According to the manufacturer, the AD9913 is the first DDS device to deliver a 250-MHz clock rate while consuming as little as 50 mW of power. Read more

EXFO module provides SONET/SDH and OTN test functions
Compatible with the FTB-400 Universal Test System, the FTB-8140 Transport Blazer offers advanced SONET/SDH and OTN test functions at 40-Gbps and 43-Gbps transmission rates—all in a single module.
Read more

JDSU introduces compact DWDM channel checker
The OCC-56 smart optical channel checker from JDSU is a selective power meter that serves as a low-cost alternative to optical spectrum analyzers. Read more

January challenges include Environmental Test question
For January, we have added an environmental test question to our challenge line-up. Answer one of our challenge questions correctly, and you could win a prize, courtesy of the contest sponsor.

ENVIRONMENTAL TEST CHALLENGE
During vibration testing, most mechanical failures are blamed on which factor?
Prizes: Two $100 Best Buy gift certificates
Contest sponsor: Cincinnati Sub-Zero

OSCILLOSCOPE CHALLENGE
How can you minimize the effects of probe loading?
Prize: TomTom ONE navigation system
Contest sponsor: Yokogawa

Go to the Challenge page

Best in Test winners announced in December/January issue
Read our December/January issue to learn about the 12 winners of the
2008 Best in Test awards, and then cast your vote for the Test Product
of the Year. Plus, the issue also explains how FPGAs are improving
machine-vision systems. Read it today!

Industry calendar of events
Upcoming events include OFC/NFOEC (February), APEX (April), and IEEE MTT-S/International Microwave Symposium (June). For more information about these and other test-related events, visit our
online calendar.