August 12, 2008

Dynamic range unraveled
A spectrum analyzer's distortion and noise floor directly affect its dynamic range. Understanding the measurements you need to make can help you evaluate whether an analyzer’s dynamic range is adequate for a given application. Read More

A D V E R T I S E M E N T Learn how to improve the power accuracy of receiver tests Testing to WiMAX™ standards, this application note from Agilent tells how power measurement inaccuracy affects receiver tests, and shows you how to use external variable attenuators to increase both accuracy and speed in power calibration. Click here to learn more and download the note.

Speed, flexibility key for RF PXI instruments
National Instruments announced this week that it is extending the measurement range of its PXI RF instrument lineup beyond 6 GHz. Read More

Test sets the tone for telecom quality
In a recent interview, Étienne Gagnon of EXFO discussed test solutions for telecom applications. Read More

Got HD radio?
Probably not. According to Tech Lab columnist Hiawatha Bray writing at Boston.com, "…only 24 percent of consumers have heard of HD radio." That, he says, is because no one is forcing us to care about digital radio, as there are no government mandates to end analog radio broadcasts (in contrast to the situation in over-the-air television). Do you have any experience with HD radio? Read More

A wireless mess
Wireless sensor networks have found their way into applications from grape vineyards to office buildings. Because no single wireless technology currently fits all situations, numerous radios and protocols have appeared, muddying the waters for engineers who need to develop these networks. Read More

Need for EMC testing benefits spectrum-analyzer market
EMC remains a hot topic among regulatory groups and manufacturers. With the continued integration of electronics in consumer devices, EMC testing is necessary to guarantee the safe and effective operation of such products. Read More

GL Communications rolls out handheld BER testers
Housed in compact hand-portable packages, LinkTest bit-error-rate testers from GL Communications can be used to test a wide variety of communications facilities and equipment. Read More

Digi expands IEEE 802.15.4 wireless networking portfolio
Digi International offers new versions of its ConnectPort X gateways, XBee adapters, and developments kits that are compatible with existing XBee and XBee-PRO IEEE 802.15.4 embedded RF modules. Read More

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

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.