October 13, 2008

Autotestcon sees JTAG diagnostics, RF test, ATEasy release,
PXI chassis
Many companies made important announcements at Autotestcon 2008: Intellitech announced a JTAG production-test accelerator, Geotest debuted ATEasy 7.0, Phase Matrix unveiled 26.5-GHz PXI downconverters, Adlink introduced a PXI chassis, Huntron commercialized a near-field RF test system, and more. Read More

A D V E R T I S E M E N T New Talon Instruments™ Serial Bus Simulator/Analyzer Accessories EADS North America Test and Services announces enhancements to the Talon Instruments™ 2108, the recognized full-featured solution to serial bus test up to 200 MHz. These are the TX03/RX03, RS-485/RS-232 transmitter/receiver pairs and the TX04/RX04, LVDS pairs. In addition, the data sheet contains a configuration guide for easy system specification. Click here for more information.

Test Ideas: Serial port controls ADC
Engineers often need simple measurement circuits that connect to a PC. When you don't have the resources to buy a digitizer for low-speed signals, you can build one yourself with just two ICs connected to a PC's serial port. Read More

Geotest avionics platform enables mixed-signal test
The TS-375 GBATS offers test engineers a variety of options for handling analog, digital, and mixed-signal test applications, as well as ARINC429 and MIL-STD-1553 interfaces. Read More

Signal source designed for UWB, radar test
The R&S AFQ100B baseband signal source from Rohde & Schwarz generates test signals for WiMedia UWB components, and with its 528-MHz bandwidth, the instrument also handles aerospace and defense applications. Read More

A D V E R T I S E M E N T Pre-Register Now for AeroTest America 2008! Running November 18-21, 2008, in Fort Worth, Texas, AeroTest America provides a unique, 100% dedicated showcase of the latest analytical, testing & evaluation, measurement, inspection, monitoring & compliance technologies, solutions, equipment, specialist services & facilities for the demanding needs of the Civil & Military Aviation, Space Engineering & Airborne Defense industries.Click here

Dytran triaxial accelerometer offers 100-mV/g sensitivity
The Model 3263M8 miniature triaxial accelerometer from Dytran Instruments is suitable for modal analysis, NVH studies, environmental stress screening, and general-purpose vibration measurement. Read More

AICON's automotive tester measures engine movements
An optical measuring system from AICON 3D Systems, called EngineWatch, acquires engine movements in six degrees of freedom and can be used during a test drive and in a test station. Read More

Torque sensor features four temperature inputs
Sensor Developments offers a high-speed, high-performance, noncontact torque sensor for use in dynamometer systems. Read More

A D V E R T I S E M E N T WEBCAST: Back-to-Basics: Measurement-Based Channel Modeling for Signal Integrity using Agilent ADS Watch a rapid technique “what if” analysis for signal integrity applications. Learn a much faster, more thorough approach to explore the design space than "iterating the hardware to success.” An ADS circuit model using a Tyco XAUI backplane is used in a series of simulations to show what configuration changes lead to the required performance. Register now!

What do you know about jitter? LXI?
Answer one of our October challenge questions correctly, and you could be eligible to win a prize.

Oscilloscope Challenge:
Question: Which of the following is an oscilloscope display mode that can facilitate jitter measurements on high-speed serial data lines?
Prize: TomTom ONE GPS
Sponsor: Yokogawa

Data-Acquisition Challenge:
Question: What is the potential role of LXI in data-acquisition applications?
Prizes: Three $100 American Express gift cards (three winners of $100 each)
Sponsor: Data Translation

Go to the Challenge Page

Call for Nominations: T&MW Awards Program
Test & Measurement World is now accepting nominations for the 2009 Best in Test and Test of Time awards. The deadline is November 5. Read More

October issue looks at RF modules, power-aware ATPG, and GigE Vision
Our October cover story describe how engineers at EPCOS employ multiport vector network analyzers to test multifunction miniature front-end modules that support multiple wireless communications standards. Another feature, "Playing it cool," explains how power-aware ATPG technology controls thermal and power-rail-droop problems. And the Machine-Vision & Inspection Test Report discusses the role of GigE Vision in inspection applications. Read More

Industry calendar of events
Upcoming events include the Space Simulation Conference (October), Automotive Testing Expo North America (October), and the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology Fall Conference (November). For more information about these and other test-related events, visit our online calendar.