CFD software
The latest release of front-loading computational-fluid-dynamics (CFD) FloEFD software offers greater accuracy and user productivity. Updated features in this new version include improved mesh handling, an enhanced transient solver, a robust EDA interface, and an interface to Abaqus finite-element-analysis software for stress analysis. Engineers and specialists in the automotive, aerospace, and electronics markets can directly benefit from the improved accuracy and productivity.
The latest version of FloEFD offers new capabilities for minimizing user time and effort spent on meshing. The FloEFD tool can automatically fill gaps of specified size to quickly make the model watertight, thereby eliminating the necessity to adjust the original geometry. The new equidistant refinement capability lets users build multilevel uniform meshes around the body or surface of the model with one click. The mesh preview visualization tool helps users achieve the desired mesh with ease and speed. Mentor Graphics
The latest ‘nRFready Smart Remote 3’ reference design makes the development of advanced Bluetooth Smart remotes as easy as clicking on a list of check-box options—minimizing time-to-market and unnecessary design risk. Targeting remote-control OEMs/ODMs and smart TV, set-top-box, and digital-media-device manufacturers, the nRFready Smart Remote 3 reference design delivers a rich, intuitive, and engaging end-user experience. It employs state-of-the-art voice input and speech recognition control, a six-axis motion-sensing air-mouse, multitouch trackpad technology, and 39 developer-programmable buttons and legacy IR hardware support (to control IR-only products). Nordic Semiconductor
The 290 Series hipot testers offer an improved interface that eliminates confusing menus and redundant button pushes, allowing manufacturers to set up and run production hipot tests in a matter of seconds. The 290 Series also provides common-sense security settings that make it easy to set permission levels. With a rugged and reliable design, the 290 testers are suited for production-line applications; an optional USB interface provides a simple way to automate a production line.
Prices start at $1,399 for a 5-kV AC hipot tester. Slaughter
EMC filter
The PCB-mount DC-input iDQ48010A480V EMC filter is designed to reduce emissions from high-frequency DC/DC converters. It features high onboard capacitance that minimizes the need for additional external components and provides differential-mode filtering. It can be used in test-and-measurement, datacom, and telecom equipment.
The filter accommodates voltages up to 75 VDC, is rated at 10 A, and will operate at full current with natural convection in ambient temperatures from -40°C to +85°C. Differential-mode attenuation at 300 kHz is 63 dB with a 50-Ω source and load impedance. The package size is 50 mm long, 15 mm wide, and 10.8 mm high. The filters have 1,500-VDC input/output to ground isolation, allowing them to be used with either positive- or negative-grounded systems. A pin is provided to connect additional capacitance to increase common-mode attenuation. TDK-Lambda
USB DAQ drivers
The vendor has extended driver support for its USB DAQ Series from Microsoft Windows to include Linux and Mac OS X operating systems, increasing the choices and flexibility for test-and-measurement users to develop specialized measurement and automation applications for different operating systems. The USB-powered plug-and-play DAQ modules deliver easy connection and accurate results for both portable measurement and machine-automation applications. Featuring built-in signal conditioning, the modules enable direct measurement of most frequently applied signal sources, reducing manpower requirements and associated development costs while increasing overall accuracy. ADLINK Technology
RF amplifier
The PE15A7000 19-inch rack-mount variable-gain RF amplifier with performance from 100 MHz to 18 GHz is designed for lab use and various test-and-measurement applications. It offers broadband frequency coverage with high gain levels of 50 dB minimum over a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. Integrated digitally controlled attenuators boost the dynamic range up to 60 dB in 1-dB steps. Typical performance includes 6.5-dB noise figure and +14-dBm output at P1dB. The package design supports a front-panel LED display with a manual control dial and SMA connectors and a nine-pin D-subminiature connector on the rear panel. It also is environmentally sealed and designed to meet a series of MIL-STD-202F test conditions. Pasternack
DC electronic loads
The Keithley Series 2380 family of compact, standalone DC electronic loads complements the company’s set of power test and measurement solutions. Available in 200-W, 250-W, and 750-W models, the new loads can handle a range of applications including performance verification, stress test, and environmental test of DC power sources, power components, and batteries in power-electronics, LED-lighting, automotive, and alternative-energy industries.
Using any of the Series 2380 models, engineers can test their device under multiple working modes using the same instrument. The operation modes include constant current, constant voltage, constant resistance, and constant power. The new instruments build confidence in measurement accuracy with 0.1-mV/0.01-mA voltage/current read-back resolution and 0.025%/0.05% voltage/current read-back accuracy. Prices start at $1,880. Tektronix
Filter/amplifier
The PFA-2 compact, rugged, and versatile dual-channel precision filter/amplifier offers a low-noise, high common-mode-rejection balanced differential input with programmable AC/DC input coupling, making it suitable for conditioning static or dynamic signal inputs. Sharp, programmable six-pole low-pass precision filters support two response characteristics, which are optimized for making time-domain (such as shock) or frequency-domain (such as anti-aliasing) measurements.
Gain is distributed before and after the filter, eliminating out-of-band energy such as transducer resonant peaking, which can cause nonlinearities due to clipping of the amplifier. Front-panel overload detectors alert the user to pre- and post-filter overload conditions that could otherwise be masked by the filter. The optional two-pole high-pass filter provides programmable low-frequency roll-off to attenuate sources of low-frequency noise. Precision Filters
Reconfigurable probe station
The Model W4.0 x L6.5 mini probe station can be used to test a chip or small circuit board when a local lab probe station is not available. The 9-lb probe station has small footprint (X = 22 in., Y = 9 in., Z = 8 in.) and can be used at a desk or in a lab.
The probe station is fully manual and features a 4.0-in. x 6.5-in. test plate with vacuum holes and wide probe holder plates on each positioner with multiple holes for probe mounting. Both positioners slide back and forth in the X and Y directions and can be moved toward the DUT at an angle. The height positioning is accomplished via digital micrometers, and each positioner can be locked independently. This probe station is compatible with all standard wafer probes and many DC needle setups. D-COAX