August 5, 2008

Do you make enough money?
Read the results of our 2008 Salary Survey to learn whether your salary and benefits are competitive with your peers in the test-engineering industry. Read More

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Master of multiplexing
For a growing number of life sciences testing challenges from plant pathogen detection to genetic testing services for identifying blood disorders, the solution is bioassay analysis equipment produced by Luminex Corp. Read More

Optimize a digitizer's analog signal path
Mixed-signal ICs used in cellphones, DVD players, HDTVs, and set-top boxes require analog signal measurements during production. Therefore, the ATE systems used to test such products need amplifiers that provide a combination of high bandwidth and accuracy when digitizing signals. Read More

Vision product introductions focus on higher resolution, faster processing
Machine vision and optical inspection product introductions at Semicon West included compact and high-resolution microscopes, as well as systems that combine multiple capabilities to speed inspection. Read More

Keithley debuts software upgrade and switch/multimeter options
Keithley Instruments at Semicon West introduced Keithley Test Environment Interactive (KTEI) V7.1 for the company's Model 4200-SCS semiconductor characterization system. The company also announced an expansion of its Series 3700 system switch/multimeter and plug-in card family. Read More

August issue introduces "Test Ideas"
Our new "Test Ideas" column makes its debut in the August issue of Test & Measurement World. The initial installment of the column, in which readers share their test tips, describes a circuit that uses three ICs to generate a low-THD, constant-amplitude sine-wave. Another feature explains how characteristics such as noise and distortion interact to affect the dynamic range of a spectrum analyzer, and a third describes how you can verify that your ESD simulator produces a current pulse with the proper shape and rise time. Plus, the issue also includes the Machine-Vision & Inspection Test Report. Read More

Challenge yourself; win a prize
Answer a challenge question correctly, and you could be eligible to win a prize.

Oscilloscope Challenge:
Question: In an FFT, the frequency resolution is inversely proportional to what?
Prize: TomTom ONE GPS
Sponsor: Yokogawa

Data-Acquisition Challenge:
Question: Which kind of sensor typically uses six wires?
Prize: $300 American Express gift card
Sponsor: Data Translation

Go to the Challenge Page

Industry calendar of events
Upcoming events include the International Test Conference (October) and Electronica (November). For more information about these and other test-related events, visit our online calendar.