Each DT9800-MAC module comes with Quick DataAcq. This menu-driven, ready-to-run application lets users verify USB module operation, display data, and save data to disk or an Excel spreadsheet without any complicated setup. The modules also are capable of functions that were only available with plug-in boards, such as 100-kHz gap-free analog-to-digital performance. Additionally, 16-bit versions run at 50 kHz. No external power supply is needed, either.
Available now, pricing for the DT9800-MAC starts at $795.
Data Translation Inc., 100 Locke Dr., Marlboro, MA 01752-1192; (508) 481-3700; fax (508) 481-8620; www.datx.com.
Virtual Instrument Combines Four Functions In A Single Unit The Iolyzer is a virtual test instrument designed to be entirely software configurable using fast, high-density FPGAs. It combines digital logic analyzer, digital pattern generator, EPROM emulator, and PCI bus monitor functions. Also, it has 128 channels and a 32-Mbyte effective memory depth (in differential mode) with 100- (64 channels) and 50-MHz (128 channels) capture speeds.As a pattern generator, it can store a pattern that's 128k by 128 bits wide and play it out at 50 MHz. EPROM emulation for 8- or 16-bit EPROMs is provided as well. The PCI bus monitor includes a PCI bus extender/monitor card, and it can handle either 25- or 33-MHz PCI busses. Four pods of 32 channels each are included. Each independent pod can be configured individually. As a result, some pods can act as analyzers while others simultaneously perform pattern generation.
The Iolyzer's user interface is Windows 95/98/NT compliant. Available now, it costs $2995.
RD Labs, 1411 S. Rimpau #206, Corona, CA 91719; (909) 736-0893; fax (909) 736-2090; www.rdlabs.com.
Logic Analyzer Includes High-Performance Digital Stimulus The TLA7PG2 is a multichannel, programmable pattern generator module with sequential control that plugs into the TLA 700 series logic analyzer. It generates necessary—but previously unavailable—digital stimuli to simulate infrequently encountered test conditions in hardware design and software program testing. Also, it simulates the prototype with data from the simulator for extended analysis. Designers can combine it with the TLA7XM expansion mainframe for a total of up to 1024 stimulus channels, or over 2000 acquisition channels.With up to 64 channels per module, the TLA7PG2 supports a 268-MHz clock rate for data output. It reaches 268 million vectors/s output while boasting up to 2 Mbits of memory. Designs can be tested at full speed through full performance up to the specified maximum clock rate. It operates with a Windows user interface that communicates with the TLA 700 Series, and it features the same look and feel of the flagship TLA logic analyzer family.
Available now, the TLA7PG2 starts at $12,995.
Tektronix, P.O. Box 3960, Portland, OR 97208-3960; (800) 425-2200 (code 1183); fax (503) 222-1542; www.tektronix.com.
Cable Modem Test System Reviews Transmission Performance The TAS 8250 Cable Network & Interference Emulator emulates critical hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) cable network impairments. Designers can use it to evaluate the transmission performance of cable modems, cable modem termination systems (CMTSs), set-top boxes, HDTV equipment, and IP telephony products. It emulates both upstream (5 to 42 MHz) and downstream (50 to 860 MHz) HFC channel characteristics in a single, integrated instrument.Also, it can emulate amplitude tilt, intermodulation distortion, group delay distortion, noise, and interference. These impairments can be emulated independently to isolate the effect of a particular impairment on a product's performance or simultaneously to evaluate product performance in a real-world environment. A built-in diplex filter combines the upstream and downstream channels from the CMTS (or headend) into a single interface, permitting the testing of multiple subscriber devices, i.e., cable modems. All of these features come in a controlled, repeatable environment that reduces the time required to evaluate product performance.
Pricing is available upon request.
Telecom Analysis Systems Inc., 34 Industrial Way East, Eatontown, NJ 07724-3319; (732) 544-8700; fax (732) 544-8347; www.taskit.com.
Anti-Aliasing Board Upgrade Yields Ideal FFT Binning Rate The iDSC 1816 specialized PCI DAP board has been upgraded. It now reaches 102,400 samples/s on each channel, which is an ideal rate for 1024-point FFTs binning at 100 Hz. It applies eight on-board first-stage analog filters to its eight simultaneous inputs, followed by digital filtering on two DSP chips. This provides 96-dB (sixteenth bit) stopband rejection within one quarter octave. Each channel can sample at up to 153.6 ksamples/s—the rate for 1024-point FFTs binning at 150 Hz—for a total 1.22-Msample/s throughput.This upgrade was designed for sonar and other spectral analysis applications. Users control the board, either locally or across a network, through a graphical interface. Also, it features data acquisition with 16-bit resolution, optical isolation, and anti-aliasing.
Available immediately, the iDSC 1816 costs $3995.
Microstar Laboratories, 2265 116th Ave. N.E., Bellevue, WA 98004; (425) 453-2345; fax (425) 453-3199; www.mstarlabs.com.