The use of measuring devices to monitor and control processes is critical to the smooth operation of large systems, and it is an integral part of the future of the Internet of Things. Considerations include fiber optics, IP ratings, connector materials, and more.   Seven Essentials for Rugged Connectors in Instrumentation Applications The use ofRead More

To ensure the longevity of your test system, National Instruments explains the six things you need to know about USB instrument control.   With plug-and-play connectivity and the near ubiquity of USB ports on modern PCs and laptops, USB has become a popular choice for controlling standalone instrumentation. As more instrument manufacturers begin to includeRead More

The Ironwood Electronics socket for 177-ball BGA packages can be used on any PCB without soldering or mounting hardware or screws. Ironwood Electronics introduced a new high-performance BGA socket for 0.8mm-pitch BGA 177-pin devices. The SG-BGA-6434 socket is designed for a 13x13mm package size and operates at bandwidths up to 27GHz with less than 1dB of insertion loss.Read More

CAMI Research shares the top five questions to ask about your new cable and harness tester.     When choosing a cable and harness tester, there are five key factors to address with potential manufacturers: 1. Is it PC-based? A PC-based system is operated by an autonomous (rather than embedded) computer. Being independent of embeddedRead More

There are several options for testing cable assemblies, and CAMI Research makes the case for feature-rich, cost-efficient PC-based cable and harness test systems. Q: What are the available options for wire and harness testing and how do they compare? There are three categories of test systems on the market: PC-based (external control), microprocessor-controlled, and embeddedRead More

Three-dimensional digital models of components created with the help of a computer tomograph enable targeted process optimization of injection molding and high-pressure die-casting processes.   Computer tomography is an X-ray-based procedure in which the test object is scanned from different angles. The test object is positioned on a turntable between an X-ray source and aRead More

The Continental Automated Buildings Association and Communication Planning Corporation have developed a cable test guide to assist you in testing copper cabling. The excerpt below examines the types of tools available for proper testing.   Copper testing tools can be classified into one of three broad hierarchical groups – verification, qualification, and certification. There is also aRead More

The LEMO OT Series is a watertight connector that uses the company’s original push-pull technology. LEMO announced a new watertight connector, the OT Series, which is ideal for defense/security, test and measurement, medical, and other applications. The OT Series connector is a small, watertight connector that uses the original LEMO push-pull technology. Based on the LEMO B Series, theRead More

Cloud computing, smart phones, and LTE services are causing a significant increase in network traffic, as well as bottlenecks in high-end services in data centers. Jon Martens and Bob Buxton of Anritsu explain how to overcome high-speed interconnect challenges with vector network analyzers. Cloud computing, smartphones, and LTE services have caused a significant increase in networkRead More

The Anritsu field analyzer with integrated PIM and line sweep testing capability is the first of its kind. Anritsu Company breaks new ground in field wireless test with the introduction of the MW82119B PIM Master, which combines a 40W, battery-operated PIM analyzer with a 2MHz to 3GHz cable and antenna analyzer, eliminating the need toRead More

Semiconductors drive the electronics industry, and the connection between semiconductors and connectors spans more than three decades. The semiconductor industry has grown from roughly $10B in 1980 to $300B in 2013. Along the way it transitioned from analog to digital, ECL and Bipolar to CMOS, and has featured sizes from 100s of nm to as lowRead More

Fairview Microwave low-loss LL335i and LL142 cable assemblies are rated to 18GHz, making them ideal for rugged test environments. Fairview Microwave introduced a new line of low-loss test cables using LL335i and LL142 coax. Rated to 18 GHz, these new low-loss cable assemblies are ideal for test environments where a rugged, phase-stable cable assembly isRead More