November 10, 2008

Quality by negotiation
For the past 25 years, engineers at Mercury Computer Systems have designed processor boards and systems for military applications, but yesterday's design and test methods no longer work. Read More

A D V E R T I S E M E N T SL4 – VPC's 4 Module Interface System SL4 integrates slide-lock engagement with a four module capacity to provide an interface that satisfies a range of benchtop and thermal chamber testing needs. Available in rack-mount and benchtop formats, SL4 accepts all VPC standard modules, allowing for a variety of configurations. Front-mount handle and spring locks enables easy and secure engagement.Click here for more information.

Customer-focused EMC
Dan Dwyer is a principal systems engineer at Allegro Microsystems in Manchester, NH, where engineers develop and test Hall-effect sensors that are used instead of mechanical switches in high-reliability applications in printers, copiers, and cellphones. Read More

DDC development kit supports symmetric multiprocessing
DDC has updated its MIL-STD-1553 and ARINC-429 software development kits with support for SMP (symmetric multiprocessing) under the latest Linux operating system. Read More

IDT shrinks high-speed camera for automotive testing
The miniature Redlake N-Series camera from IDT (Integrated Design Tools) is smaller, lighter, and faster than comparable cameras used for automotive testing, according to the manufacturer. Read More

A D V E R T I S E M E N T New Talon Instruments™ Highest-Density Dual-Waveform ANSI Standard MA-Module EADS North America Test and Services announces the availability of the Talon Instruments™ MA1801A, that contains two 14-bit Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG) channels which can operate independently or in synchronization for use in VXI, PXI, PCI, VME, and Ethernet platforms. The small size and high performance of the dual channel MA1801A make it ideal for use in high channel-count applications. Click here for more information

Micronas Hall-effect sensors compensate system tolerances
Micronas' HAL 880 series of programmable linear Hall-effect sensors uses digital signal processing to perform sensor linearization and to compensate for variations in the Hall effect. Read More

Tegam's RF power meter serves the military
Three branches of the US military have purchased Tegam's Model 1830A RF power meter in the first month following its release and have assigned the instrument a national stock number (6625015667703). Read More

Agilent partners with Aeroflex to address high-reliability market
Agilent Technologies and Aeroflex Microelectronic Solutions have formed a strategic alliance to deliver RF and microwave components and multi-chip modules for aerospace, satellite, and military applications using Agilent's MMICs. 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

Measurement Specialties sensors empower crash test dummies
A family of automotive crash test accelerometers from Measurement Specialties meets SAE J211/2570 standards for use in anthropomorphic dummies. Read More

Vote for the 2009 Test Engineer of the Year
Our editors have selected the six finalists for this prestigious award. The finalists work in various fields, including Automotive Test, Medical Test, Fuel Cell Test, and Consumer Electronics Test. To help choose the winner and honor the test profession, cast your ballot by December 5. Read More

Take a challenge, win a prize
Answer a challenge question correctly, and you could be eligible to win a prize.

Oscilloscope Challenge:
Question: What is the order of the colors used to indicate the frequency of occurrence of a signal?
Prize: TomTom ONE GPS
Sponsor: Yokogawa

Data-Acquisition Challenge:
Question: Why do data-acquisition and control systems use a high-value pull-up resistor connected between a thermocouple and a fixed voltage?
Prizes: Two $100 AMEX gift cards (two winners of $100 each)
Sponsor: Test & Measurement World

Go to the Challenge Page

Troubleshoot intermittent signals; compress digital signals
Our November issue is now online. One feature explains how to use a digital oscilloscope to locate an elusive waveform, set up a trigger, and capture the event. Another feature discusses digital signal compression in mixed-signal ATE, and the Machine-Vision Tech Trends column offers advice for planning a machine-vision system. Plus, the issue also includes the PXI Test Report. Read it today

Industry calendar of events
Upcoming events include AeroTest America (November), SAE World Congress (April), and Aerospace Testing Expo North America (April). For more information about these and other test-related events, visit our online calendar.

November Issue

S P O N S O R E D Read Testing Modern Radios by Tektronix High-performing radio communications are critical to the success of military and civil defense radio applications. This paper discusses techniques used to ensure efficient communications across the chaotic radio spectrum, including Software Defined Radio (SDR). View Other Resources from Tektronix Other Resource Center Features: • Boundary-Scan for PCB Interconnect Testing by Corelis • Evaluating Oscilloscopes for Best Signal Visibility by Agilent • UPC Manager Software by Pacific Power Source