TechFocus0221
High-Speed Digital Test
Travelling at ever increasing speeds over digital interfaces, signal-integrity challenges, such as measuring jitter and evaluating complex modulation schemes, create challenges for front-line electronics designers. These latest devices represent some of the testing challenges and component solutions in the space.
Integrated motion controllers and driver
Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) has introduced their ICAD Series of integrated motion controllers and drivers for 2-phase stepper motors. Available as 1, 2, 3, and 4 axes modules (pictured), they are ideal for handling NEMA 8 to NEMA 42 stepper motors. These compact 6.000 in. x 8.000 in. plug-and-play, integrated controllers incorporate high-resolution micro-stepping drivers for precise positioning. Other features include home and limit switches on each axis, joystick interface, TTL/CMOS inputs and outputs, quadrature encoder feedback, with USB and optional Ethernet interfaces to permit each module to be customized for specific applications.
The ICAD series is powered from a single power supply up to +48 VDC. The high-voltage power supply allows for high-speed operation. Additional features of these ICAD Series modules include: Low power consumption, auto current reduction, high torque and high-speed capabilities, serially or manually controllable, or host controlled. Modes of motion include: Point-to-point positioning, jogging, and coordinated motion.
Another option is to program the motion controller using an easy programming language and store the code in the flash memory for automatic operation. No compiler or assembler is required. User-friendly software that allows for easy setup is included. Using the software, an operator can move each axis by using the control panel or a joystick. OES
Programmable Linear Power Sources
Pacific Power Source has introduced a range of precision programmable linear AC power sources for a wide range of AC power test applications. The LMX Series consists of over 20 different models ranging in power from 500VA to 30,000VA. Compared to legacy PWM switching AC power sources, the LMX Series uses linear technology to offer superior performance with respect to output noise, voltage distortion, output impedance and peak current capability. The LMX Series also offers a 15Hz to 5,000Hz output frequency range, which is higher than most switch-mode AC power sources. This allows the LMX to support gyro and other navigational avionics equipment applications that require AC frequencies well above 1,000Hz.
Housed in a 19” rack mount chassis, the LMX Series can be used on an engineering bench as well as easily integrated in an automated test station. LAN with LXI, USB, GPIB and RS232 Remote control interfaces are all standard and with the available PPSC Manager Windows 10® software, compliance testing to a wide range of avionics and commercial power standards is available without the need to write custom programs. This includes DO160, Mil-Std 704, Airbus ABD0100.1.8, ABD0100.1.8.1, AMD24D and Boeing B787, as well as IEC 61000-4 Grid. Pacific Power Source
Gowanda Electronics introduced additional broadband microwave RF conical inductors—C070—now available in SMT (C070SM) and Flying-Lead (C070FL) configurations for system flexibility, especially for communication applications. Features include an inductance from 0.165 µH to 1.050 µH, DCR ohms from 0.08 to 1.50 and current rating mA DC from 150 to 625. These conicals have been outgassing-tested per ASTM E595, and meet the TML requirement of 1.0% max. The C070FL coil measures 0.07 inches in length; the C070SM version is slightly longer overall due to its SMT design. These broadband conicals address a range of industries including aerospace, defense, space, medical, transportation and commercial sectors. Gowanda