7234 Single-phase

New Product Announcement 7234 Single-phase, 2U, Industrial Amplifier/Battery Simulator

Posted on by Mihir Mehta

Benchtop powerhouse

The 7234 is a benchtop powerhouse. With its exclusive DC max topology it is able to deliver an amazing 28 amps of continuous DC power into the EUT—almost double what was previously possible. The DC max technology also increases the 7234’s ability to sync current by an impressive 50%. When coupled with AE Techron’s 3110A standards waveform generator, it creates a compact, very competent conducted immunity test system.

Benchtop-powerhouse1-1.

Value proposition

The 7234 is configurable, multi-mode and scalable. A key to the 7234’s value proposition is its configurability. The 7234 has a slew rate in excess of 100 volts per microsecond, making it the fastest battery simulator available. It is able to accurately produce dropouts and surges, with rise and fall times as short as 1.2 microseconds, meeting present test requirements with capacity left for customer-requested over-testing or future more stringent standards.

Battery simulator to amplifier

With the flip of a couple of switches, the 7234 is able to go from being a low-voltage, high-current battery simulator to a wide bandwidth DC blocked amplifier, ideal for driving coupling transformers in aviation standards like DO160, Section 18 and 19, or automotive standards like ISO11452-10.

Fast slew rate

One problem inherent in wide-bandwidth coupling transformers, like those used in EMC test standards, is the reduced output for a given input voltage at higher frequencies. This reduced output requires the amplifier to produce greater voltages to achieve the desired voltage out of the coupling transformer. The fast slew rate of the 7234 allows it to produce higher voltages at higher frequencies than other similar products.

Driving loads

Circuit topology of the 7234 was initially developed for, and is used to this day, to drive very inductive loads, like MRI gradient coils in some pretty interesting locations. This designed-in ability to drive highly inductive loads, coupled with a voltage potential of up to 150 volts peak, make it an ideal amplifier for driving loads like radiating loops or Helmholtz coils that are highly inductive.

Portability

The 7234 is small, rugged and efficient. At less than 50 pounds in weight and 2U in height, the amplifier is small enough and light enough to be easily moved from one test location to another. There are times when the object to be measured is too large to be moved. The 7234 is mechanically rugged enough to use in the field if needed. Even if the physical environment in your lab is less hostile than those encountered outdoors, it is very likely that the loads that need to be driven are not. Because of this AE Techron has made the 7234 just as tough electrically. AE Techron has combined a robust design with comprehensive, conservatively set protections and finished with resettable circuits and breakers instead of fuses. This makes missed connections, output shorts and system ground loops, events that could mean an extended stay at the repair shop for lesser products, a simple turn off the power, fix the issue and start again for the AE Techron.

Compelling warranty

For the small chance that the 7234 might be damaged, AE Techron has a three-year, no-fault warranty and a 30-day repair turnaround guarantee. The hidden cost of ownership of other products at this power level is a requirement for three-phase power. The 7234 is efficient enough that it can be powered from a standard single-phase wall outlet, avoiding the expense of running special power to the test location.

Another area where the 7234 can save a great deal of money is in its scalability. When there is that one test that requires just a little bit more than is available from a single 7234, instead of purchasing a new larger system, simply flip a switch, connect a second 7234 in parallel and resume testing.

In summary

More DC power.
Faster slew rate.
More voltage potential.
Ability to source and sink.
Compact, efficient, rugged.
Field configurable.
Scalable.
3-year no-fault warranty.

The 7234 represents an unbeatable value.

Form Factor Acquires High Precision Devices

Form Factor Acquires High Precision Devices, Inc.

Posted on by Mihir Mehta

HPD

In October 2020 Form Factor completed the acquisition of Boulder, Colorado-based High Precision Devices, Inc. (HPD), a respected supplier of scientific instruments, especially precision cryogenic instruments. The transaction makes HPD part of FormFactor, bolstering FormFactor’s capabilities, capacity, portfolio of products—and potential. Exciting times for FormFactor as the HPD approach is to work with top-flight researchers, engineers and scientific organizations to provide practical solutions from concept to fruition. HPD is imaginative, connected and knows how to deliver.

Form Factor completed

The key to any corporate acquisition is whether or not the product lines, services and cultures of the two companies are a good match. FormFactor’s acquisition of HPD is a great fit as HPD’s impressive range of precision cryogenic instruments, including chip-scale cryogenic probe systems and cryostats capable of extremely low temperatures, beautifully complement Form Factor’s existing line of cryogenic wafer probe systems and cryogenic engineering probes, expanding its market reach with cryostats for die and package testing and lower-temperature wafer probe capabilities.

Small, rectangular ADR cryostat

Small, rectangular ADR cryostat

HPD cryostats provide an alternative to more expensive and space consuming dilution refrigerators (DR). These Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerators (ADR) are great for applications that do not need the full power of a DR, but still require sub-Kelvin temperatures. HPD’s ADRs provide a faster, compact, and less costly path to temperatures a fraction of a degree above absolute zero. And the new Continuous ADRs (CADR) allow the cold to be maintained.

Leveraging the strength and scale of HPD and FormFactor together, a broad portfolio of ultra-low temperature test technologies can now be offered to enable scientific and industrial customers to tackle important societal challenges, solutions to which will benefit people  around the world for generations to come. One such need that HPD/FormFactor are staring down is solving the data center energy crisis, solutions to which will contribute to the mitigation of climate change. Another need is realizing the astonishing possibilities of quantum computing, which is now being oriented toward real-world use in pharmaceutical, data security and other applications. Quantum computing, along with superconducting computing, are now experiencing tremendous growth and will likely have profound impacts on various emerging technologies and, ultimately, in our everyday lives. HPD’s technical team brings highly specialized skills and know-how to address the unique test challenges for these emerging technologies.

HPD cryostat

Cryogenic circuitry could revolutionize computing

Long before these technologies mentioned above become reality, years of development is required for many of the essential components. Conceptualization, prototyping, and refinement of these superconducting devices can only be performed at cryogenic temperatures. HPD 4 K cryogenic probe stations and millikelvin Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerator (ADR)  research cryostats serve a vital role in many of these endeavors. As a result, through its acquisition of HPD, FormFactor has positioned itself to be an important player in the development of a host of forward-looking technologies that will improve quality of life in the decades ahead.

Tesla T200 200mm

WEBINAR : Unattended RF Measurement and Calibration for 5G Device Characterization and More

Posted on by Mihir Mehta

Unattended RF Measurement

June 3, 2021 (US/EU) | 9:00am PDT/ 6:00pm CEST

June 3 and 4, 2021 (US/ASIA) | 5:00pm PDT/ 9:00am China

Unattended RF MeasurementNew generations of 5G devices can have dozens of RF channels operating at high frequency, creating a need for a greater on wafer test volume. In engineering, more device tests are needed to support the expanded speed bands, increasing the workload to complete testing. How can test engineers manage the load? What if the probers could operate unattended — start a test and measure during a whole shift, overnight, or even over the weekend? There is a real, hands-free solution that provides fast, accurate measurements with high throughput — leading to more accurate design models and faster time to market.

Learn how an autonomous wafer probe system with integrated components from Keysight and FormFactor can:

  •  Automatically perform wafer and die soaks to get the probes quickly to consistent operating temperature
  • Quickly and automatically clean probes and then calibrate at mmw frequencies without user input
  • Adjust automatically to multiple probe-to-probe spacings for different device geometries in a single test run
  • Monitor calibration drift and recalibrate on the fly when necessary
  • Work seamlessly for full temperature range -60 to 175C operation using N5291A Solution, from Keysight technologies, providing single sweep operation of 900 Hz to 130 GHz, and beyond this using Virginia diodes Waveguide mini modules and waveguide probes

LEARN MORE

Unattended RF Measurement

Tesla T200 200mm

WEBINAR : Delivering Advanced mm-Wave Load-Pull Measurements

Posted on by Mihir Mehta

Delivering Advanced mm-Wave

May 25, 2021 (US/EU) | 9:00am PDT/ 6:00pm CEST

 May 25 and 26, 2021 (US/ASIA) | 5:00pm PDT/ 9:00am China

Delivering Advanced mm-WaveThe ramp-up of 5G mm-Wave technologies comes with substantial enhancements in connectivity, promising to revolutionize our world. A fundamental requirement of 5G devices is to maximize performance by optimizing the power and/or effciency of the amplifiers and transistors. This is done by measuring the performance characteristics of the device at different impedances that are systematically changed using load-pull tuners.

FormFactor has partnered with Focus Microwaves and Keysight Technologies to deliver a fully integrated probe solution for accurate on-wafer mm-Wave load-pull measurements, delivering a number of benefits along the way, including:

• Low-Loss Measurement Channel for Maximized Tuning Range
• Accurate Probing of Small Pads for High Resolution with aPerfect Fit
• Coaxial Calibration with the Highest Phase Stability
• EMI and light-tight testing at a wide temperature range, including tests down to -40°C without a build-up of frost and condensation.

Join our webinar to learn more about our best-in-class tuning range performance with minimized insertion loss.

LEARN MORE
Delivering Advanced mm-Wave02

AZX Series of Regenerative AC and DC Power Sources

Posted on by Mihir Mehta
AZX Series

3500AZX parallel source

Are you seeking ways to conserve grid power—and thereby save money—in your equipment testing operations? Of course you are! The AZX Series, therefore, may be just what you’re looking for.

The AZX Series is a family of high-power, single-, split- and three-phase, AC, DC and AC+DC output capable power sources with full energy recovery to the AC mains when sinking power from the equipment under test. Think about that: full energy recovery. That’s a clear strategy for conserving grid power and saving money.

The AZX Series

AZX Series models range from 30-100 kVA. Using a modern color touch screen based user interface for ease of use, the AZX Series is cost effective and fully programmable for both basic frequency conversion and advanced AC power line or DC power disturbance test applications requiring up to 1000 Hz fundamental frequency.

AZX Series models

Key features of the AZX Series

  • Full power source and sink capability with energy recovery to the grid
  • 100% of the current and power rating in source and sink modes
  • Parallel configurations for higher power (see image above)
  • Three-phase, split-phase and single-phase output modes
  • AC, DC, AC + DC or DC + AC output capability
  • Dual constant power mode voltage ranges
  • Frequency range DC, 15 – 1000Hz or 1Hz – 15Hz in VLF mode
  • Phase angle programming
  • Precision output voltage and load regulation
  •  Metering of volts, RMS current, peak current, apparent power and true power on all phases
  • Harmonic measurements
  • Scope function to capture voltage and current waveforms
  • Sine, square, triangle, clipped sine and arbitrary waveforms selections
  • Output transient programming
  • Programmable output impedance
  • Standard USB, LAN (LXI), RS232 and GPIB interfaces
  • High-speed analog I/O for PHIL applications amplifier mode (Option H)
  • Electronic regenerative AC or DC load mode (Option L)

Key applications of the AZX Series

Regenerative grid simulation applications

Demand for renewable energy is growing rapidly, as is the need to test AC and DC products and systems that can recycle energy back to the grid. Regulatory and performance test requirements of these systems require an AZX power source for grid simulation. With extensive control over voltage, current, frequency, phase angles and transients, the AZX series supports testing of solar inverters (PV), energy storage systems (ESS), EV batteries and traction systems, as well as on-line UPS equipment with both AC and DC source and sink capabilities.

Regenerative grid

Avionics and defense power test applications

The AZX Series has a wide output frequency range, allows their use in avionics and defense power applications requiring either 400Hz fixed or 360Hz to 800Hz wild frequency output. For emerging battery backed DC avionics power systems, multiple 270Vdc outputs can be used to simulate a split 540Vdc aviation DC power bus. High-power, three-phase configurations are available to meet regenerative or conventional power test demands. As needs change over time, additional units can be added easily to keep up with your test needs while protecting your original investment.

About Pacific Power Source

Founded in 1971, Irvine, California-based Pacific Power Source was a pioneer in the development of solid-state power conversion equipment and continues to develop and manufacture both linear and high-performance AC power solutions that are technically advanced, reliable, and cost effective and feature fast transient response, tight regulation, high peak current capability, no switching noise (linear) and very low switching noise (PWM switching) models and low impedance. Markets served include test and measurement instrumentation, household appliance and consumer product manufacturing, military, aerospace, aviation, communication, industrial, computer and government agencies.

 

TDK Lambda SFL DC Electronic

TDK Lambda SFL DC Electronic Load Series

Posted on by Mihir Mehta

TDK Lambda SFL DC1.jpg

TDK Lambda’s SFL DC Electronic Load Series was developed to provide an electronic load for the design, evaluation and manufacture of regulated DC power supplies, fuel cells, solar cells, batteries and components. Sales of the series commenced in July 2020.

Key features of the SFL DC Electronic Load Series

  • The SFL series is multi-functional, programmable and offers power levels of 300W (3U half rack) and 1000W (3U full rack) with high-speed response and stable operation at low voltage. The series also offers seven load operating modes that allow the user to connect and test products under various operating conditions.
  • There are two different dynamic operating modes: Dynamic Frequency Mode (allows the user to switch the load between two different settings for a single pulse or repeating pulse profile); and Dynamic Time Mode (allows the user to program up to 16 load settings that can be programmed for a repeating pulse profile). Both modes also provide a rear panel TRIG OUT function for waveform scope viewing or for synchronization with other test equipment.
  • A Sequence function is built-in where simple/complex waveforms can be created (up to 1024 time steps) using Excel-based control software and digital interface communication (USB or IEEE). A Sweep Mode feature is also available, allowing for product testing where devices/products require test sweeps in CR mode for V-I characteristic testing, CC mode for overcurrent protection characteristic testing or CP for overpower protection characteristic testing.
  • The SFL series has a V Mode function that automatically changes the load mode (when voltage is rising or falling) or turns off the load input until the load voltage reaches a set value, on-board memory for storage/recall of up to eight operational settings and a rear panel Remote Sense selection switch and connection ports for connection and voltage measurement across the test device.
  • Model functions can be set up via the 3.5” color LCD front panel display (which has oscilloscope-like function keys on the vertical and horizontal borders). Using these keys in combination with the four embedded operating allows for adjustment, setup, storage and recall of the load operating parameters. These model functions are also accessible via the built-in USB interface or the optional IEEE Interface.
  • Higher power DC load systems (up to 10kW) are achievable using a Master-Slave unit arrangement and a simple parallel cable connection from unit-to-unit, with all system control and monitoring performed through the master unit (for easy interfacing).
  • Multi-channel synchronous operation (with triggering) is also available and allows multiple DC electronic loads to be connected to separate devices by using the same parallel cable connection from unit-to-unit. Synchronized load ON/OFF and Dynamic operation are featured in a Master-Slave configuration with up to ten units (up to 10kW total).
  • Optional interfaces offered include the IEEE Interface (with a built-in DIDO Interface) and the Ripple Measurement Module (R ) Interface. The IEEE Interface is 488.1 compliant with instrument software drivers available for use. The DIDO  Interface allows for remote interfacing with PLC controllers and includes isolated control and status of load ON/OFF, Range setting, Alarm Detection/Clear and Sweep Function Pass/Fail status.
  • Models are available in 300W and 1000W power levels with Output voltages of 120V (60A and 180A) and 500V (18A and 36A) and are powered from a universal single-phase AC input (85~264VAC, 47~63Hz).

About TKD-Lambda

TDK-Lambda Corporation, a subsidiary of TDK Corporation, is a global supplier and recognized leader of power conversion products suited to many applications, including: medical, industrial, broadcast, defense, factory automation and LED/LCD signage. With global sales in excess of $500 million, they have design, manufacturing, and sales locations in Japan, China, EMEA, ASEAN, and the Americas. TDK-Lambda’s view is a “Power Supply” is more than just an electronic device. It is the “heart” of their customers’ systems and the core element of safety and reliability.

 

FL8000 Series

FL8000 Series of Electric Field Probes

Posted on by Mihir Mehta

FL8000 Series

What is an electric field probe?

An electric field (E-field) probe is a long, spherical probe-capped wand that detects unsafe levels of RF emissions and gives operators data on the electric field in an area. E-field probes are also used in anechoic chambers (rooms that completely absorb reflections of sound or electromagnetic waves), OATS locations (open air test sites) as well as other unique applications, such as monitoring emissions of aerospace and military systems. An E-field probe generally consists of a dipole antenna, readout device, RF detector and non-perturbing transmission line.

The FL8000 Series—a “3-in-1” solution

Launched in spring 2021, AR’s FL8000 Series of five E-field probes is a new generation of field probes that offer a “3-in-1” solution—the capability of measuring, with a single probe:

  • Continuous-wave electric fields;
  • Pulsed electric fields; and
  • Modulated electric fields.

Covering the 5 kHz – 60 GHz frequency range, this “3-in-1” solution represents the ultimate in E-field probe versatility for simplifying EMC testing in the lab. In the past this testing often required multiple field probes for measuring different types of electric fields in commercial, automotive, military, and aviation applications. This compromised lab layout and efficiency.

As AR CEO John Kim notes:

“We continue to raise the bar in probe testing functionality and integration to help our customers improve the layout and efficiency of their testing labs. With the unique combination of the wide frequency ranges, unmatched reliability, and multiple measurement types, the FL8000 Series is the single go-to solution for meeting a variety of EMC standards.”

The FL8000 series offers exceptional linearity and dynamic range performance to enable the accuracy required for even the most demanding testing. With fiber power connectivity, the FL8000 Series provides an easy migration path, all while delivering the reliability that has made AR the world leader in field monitoring.

FL8000 Series kits

The Field Probe kits contain a laser probe interface, and everything needed to operate its associated field probe.

FL8000 Series kits

FL8000 series highlights

  • Separable-axis field probe capable of measuring continuous-wave, pulsed and modulated electric fields
  • Use of laser to deliver power-over-fiber allows for continuous operation without recharging or replacing batteries
  • Correction factors from accredited ISO 17025 lab

About AR

Founded in 1969 and located in Souderton, Pennsylvania, Amplifier Research (AR) does business as AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation. The company is a leading supplier of RF/microwave benchtop and rack-mounted broadband, high-powered, solid-state RF and microwave amplifiers, antennas, amplifier modules, complete EMC test systems, EMI receivers, military communications booster amplifiers and more. AR has developed a strong customer base in a wide range of markets including communications, military, commercial, wireless, medical, automotive, aerospace, product compliance testing, research and education.

 

 

 

 

Unigraf Webinar

Unigraf webinar announcement – TMetrix brings the latest news & trends on Video Electronics Industry

Posted on by Mihir Mehta

Unigraf Webinar

Hosted by Unigraf CEO Henri Muhonen

Who Should Attend:

People interested in DisplayPort, USB-C, and HDMI development in Video Electronics Industry.

In this seminar, you will get the latest on:

  • Technological trends and features in HDMI 2.1, DP 2.0, USB-C
  • Introduction to HDR and USB4
  • Unigraf’s DisplayPort 2.0 development

Speakers:

Henri Muhonen

Henri Muhonen has been working in Video Electronics Business and Unigraf as CEO since 2016. He has more than 20 years of experience in the international B2B test and measurement equipment business. Henri has worked in the mobile phone and base station industry prior to Unigraf.

 Henri Muhonen

Sergey Grushin

Sergey Grushin is the CTO of Unigraf. Sergey has an extensive background in DisplayPort technology. Sergey is the editor of VESA Link Layer compliance test specifications for DisplayPort.

 Sergey Grushin

About Unigraf

Unigraf is a worldwide leading video electronics testing company. Unigraf specializes in Hardware and Software Test Tools for testing USB-C™, DisplayPort™, and HDMI™ interfaces. Unigraf’s technological strengths are the deep understanding of the interfaces in R&D, Test Automation and Compliance Test environments. Over the years Unigraf has introduced multiple grounds breaking innovations such as the first DisplayPort over USB-C test tool in UCD-340 and the first HBR3 capable DP 1.4 Test device in UCD-400.
Unigraf webinar announcement

Product Update Announcement Battery Tester BT3554-52 Pro Kit

Posted on by Mihir Mehta

Battery Tester BT3554-52 Pro Kit

 

Maintaining lead acid batteries for UPS stations requires the measurement of dozens to hundreds of cells, introducing potential human recording errors and time-consuming data management. Preventing the need to redo measurements and efficiently manage location data can help save time and increase efficiency. Hioki’s latest portable battery tester, BT3554-52, an update of the BT3554-50, helps streamline UPS and lead acid battery diagnostics with high-precision measurements and voice-guided capability.

BT3554-52 features

The Battery Tester BT3554-52 Pro Kit comes with new features that will help streamline measurements by providing operators the ability to input location information as well as applications-based audio guidance for measurement sequence and results.

BT3554-52

About Hioki

Established in 1935, Hioki has grown to become a world leader in providing consistent delivery of test and measuring instruments through advanced design, manufacturing, sales and service. Click here for more information.

Battery Tester BT3554-52 Pro Kit