Unique? Yes! All-in-One USB Power Delivery Compliance Tester

 Complete USB PD Compliance Tester and development tool for USB Power Delivery

Made by Europe’s foremost USB experts MQP Electronics, the MQP Packet-Master USB-PDT is the world's first all-in-one comprehensive Power Delivery Compliance Tester, for testing protocol, measuring transmitter signal quality, receiver quality and interference rejection, and power load testing. The USB-PDT has been designed in conjunction with the USB-IF Power Delivery Compliance Plan. It is a complete Compliance Tester and development tool for USB Power Delivery, incorporating Analyzer, Exerciser, Compliance Tester, PD VBUS Generator, PD VBUS Load, VBUS Voltage and Current Monitor functions. The unit performs comprehensive PHY, Protocol and Power Compliance Tests on PD devices, and PHY and Protocol Tests on PD Cable Marker chips.

The base unit of the MQP Packet-Master USB-PDT has been conceived to be as flexible as possible by incorporating a plug-in module design. It comes complete with GraphicUSB, an easy-use graphical Windows application for driving and reporting on the Compliance Tests and capturing and displaying every detail of power delivery interactions.  ‘Power Delivery’ is a specification allowing USB ports to provide power in a more flexible and adaptable way.  The industry standard BMC version uses two-way signaling on the CC wire of a USB C-cable. The Packet-Master USB-PDT behaves as one end of a power delivery link. It can emulate the behavior of an initial Downstream Facing Port (DFP) or Upstream Facing Port (UFP) in controlled ways, and can confirm the responses of the connected Unit Under Test (UUT). It is also designed to perform all the required protocol and PHY Compliance Tests on Electronic Cable Markers.

In Exerciser mode, the USB-PDT behaves as a Provider, Provider/Consumer, Consumer or Consumer/Provider, and the operation can be manually controlled to perform all usual PD operations, including Requests, Swaps, Hard Resets and BIST Mode Requests. Simultaneously, an Analyzer Capture may be performed to see how the UUT responds. The Analyzer functionality is always available, but an additional plug-in module is required to allow analysis of power delivery between two external PD devices.

Virtually any non-compliance with the protocol, timings, signal quality, or power control will be revealed, and a detailed description of the problem displayed.  The Tester is built around a 250MSa/s ADC and DAC, combined with a number of other critical resources.  Because of its unique design approach, the USB-PDT can be easily updated to meet new PD specification requirements, by using different plug-in modules.

The Packet-Master USB-PDT’s plug-in module design concept has the following advantages for connecting test devices:

• USB-PD connectors can be damaged by handling. If a connector becomes damaged, simply replace the plug-in module.
• The Type-C receptacle on the plug-in is itself a user-replaceable item.
• Different connector styles are available for USB-PD use. Swapping plug-in modules provides the flexibility required.

One important capability of the Tester is to run an Eye Diagram test as specified in the Compliance Plan.  The Tester will establish PD communication with the UUT, transmit a BIST Mode 2 request, and during the 30-60ms continuous transmission resulting, will capture samples of the waveform from the UUT.  The UUT may be a PD device or an electrically marked Type-C cable. The samples are plotted against the defined mask, with an indication of any places where the mask is intersected.  The other specification parameters (rise-time, fall-time, bitrate, and bitrate drift) are also calculated and displayed – and highlighted if out of specification.

Details here: http://www.saelig.com/product/usb-pdt.htm

Marvelous Pico Reviews For Their PC-based Oscilloscopes

Love the 2204A and how Pico Scope listen their customers, even when they have bought the entry level product.

I chose 2204A to put together a ultra mobile scope consisting of 8” Dell venue Pro Windows Tablet and scope to provide wireless analysis tool with a 4-5 hour running time and fitting into to your jacket pocket. Excellent for my electronics, amplifier repair and automotive analysis uses.

Hardware is robust and solid piece of engineering and “battle ready quality”. Software is best you can get, offering many advanced features at entry level cost.

Pico Scope listen their customers. For me it is magnificent that Pico Scope 6 Beta software is now optimized for touch screen as I’m using a tablet. Great work Pico!

Highly recommended product and great value, two probes and scope for 180€ is an ultimate offering what quality of hardware and software is excellent!

Pic of my ultra-mobile scope and greetings from Finland:

https://www.facebook.com/janne.pohjala/posts/10154449100568419

Chiel Voswijk
PicoScope 2204A

I needed a scope as a Student/Hobbyist looking to get serious with my personal projects, but had a limited budget. A Benchtop would have been a bit cumbersome and expensive so i went for a PicoScope 2204a

The scope itself is exactly what is advertised, it does what it needs to do within the specifications. Can’t ask for more. The included AWG is great little extra.

The software is the real star tough. I've never expected such a amount of features for a entry-model scope. Advanced triggers, Spectrum analysis, persistence mode, Able to add custom math channels and a arsenal of measurements make the scope outshine most entry level benchtops. you can view much more information on your computer much faster then you ever could with the small display on a benchtop.

In overall the PicoScope is simply great. Every bit from the scope to the software and the support shows care and passion. Considering how satisfied I am when the time comes to get a faster scope I would probably go for a PicoScope again!

Raul Trifan
PicoScope 2204A

Not many USB scopes works on Win & Mac & Linux too, so that proves me that guys from Pico really cares about us, customers. This made my decision much easier when I was looking to buy an USB scope.
For its price, the 2204A scope does the job pretty well, has a low noise input stage (I measured around 200uV RMS with included probes) and the software is quite great too.
Pros: small and portable, decent probes, low noise input stage, great software that works on most operating systems.
Cons: no USB isolator, internal memory could be bigger.

Md. Kamrul Hussain
PicoScope 2204A

it’s a handy tool for those who need a “scope” anywhere anytime. Its small enough to fit in your pocket but strong enough to provide a bench-top performance and smart enough to give you flexible operations. In a single word, it is just a ‘perfect’ entry level PC based Oscilloscope.
http://www.element14.com/community/roadTestReviews/1762

Niels Larsen
PicoScope 2204A

It is a great scope. I had a weird problem - it did not work on one of my PC’s. Customer service gave me first class service. We isolated the problem to “me not using the supplied USB Cable”. It turns out, that a USB Cable is not just a USB cable.

So when the manual tell you to use the one delivered - that is the smart thing to do.

If I could give 6 stars for customer service - I would do so.

D Smith
PicoScope 2205 MSO

Very good device.
I bought the Picoscope 2205 MSO kit to analyze signals clocked at 24MHz and it does this well on its 16 channels. The software is reasonably intuitive and makes good use of the PC to offer useful measurements, calculations and note-keeping facilities. The combination of oscilloscope, logic analyzer and waveform generator in a light, portable device has been invaluable for my work.
The kit was worth the additional cost over the basic device.

Per Hojfeldt
PicoScope 2205 MSO

The best scope for the price.
This is the best scope I ever bought. Works perfect to it’s spec. And the + with 16 digital channels and a function generator. Can’t beat it for the buck. Can highly recommend it.

Darren Kuypers
PicoScope 2205 MSO

Excellent functionality for low cost.
I am very impressed with the functionality of the 2205 MSO (Mixed signal) scope. The only issue so far is that the wave form generator (AWG) cannot generate 5 volts.

Jon Simpson
PicoScope 2205 MSO

Great Value Scope.
Bought this scope purely for the Serial Decoding feature - which incidentally works very well. However, have used the scope for all general purpose activities along with the logic analyzer. Wouldn’t be without this device, has made my other scopes redundant!

Topcat
PicoScope 2204A

The addition of an AWG is very useful and now I don’t have to use a separate signal generator unless I want an isolated signal (I assume the ground is common across channels A/B & AWG).
The software is fairly universal across all ranges which makes even the ‘lowest’ scope in their range a very powerful tool. 
Being able to use the data-logger with this is also a bonus - I can log slow data without needing a different device (for example, testing a battery charge / discharge cycle).

My only irk is that many ‘buttons’ do not appear to have equivalent drop-down menu items. Most software I’ve used has every setting or configurable item under a menu option somewhere, even if they are inactive. This is especially important for options that are rarely used - it allows me to ‘search’ for what I need by working through the drop down menus. It also means I can just use the keyboard, which can be easier and quicker than the mouse. If you’re in a tight spot balancing a laptop on one knee while trying to hold a probe on a wire, moving a mouse just gets impractical. For example, probe settings are only under the probe icon - there is no menu item for this. Likewise for the AWG: have to use the icon. 
But, all-in-all a brilliant piece of kit and highly recommended for all workshops.

USB-232-K and USB-485-K Isolated USB to Serial Converter Cables

Saelig introduces the USB-232-K and USB-485-K, isolated USB to serial converter cables that are ideal for computers which do not have a serial port, or where an extra serial port is required. The USB-232-K is an isolated USB-to-RS232 converter, while the USB-485-K is an isolated USB-to-RS422 /485 converter.  These 39” cables are distinctive in the marketplace in that each unit has a world-unique device ID which ensures that it appears under the same COM port number regardless of which USB port on a particular PC it is plugged into. This simplifies application software configuration and eliminates many tech support issues.  Powered entirely from USB port using an internal isolated inverter, these converter cables can transmit signals at a data rate of up to 115kbps (USB-485-K) or 230kbps (USB-232-K).  The supplied software drivers support Windows 98, ME, Win2000, WinXP, Vista, Win7, Win8, and Win10 (32 and 64 bit).

Many PCs and laptops today lack serial ports and are required to be used in situations where isolation is required for safety or for operational quality and thus a conventional interface converter cannot be used.  These isolated converters are the solution in these circumstances.  Isolation for both the USB-232-K and USB-485-K is 100% tested to 1500V AC RMS. Female screwlocks are provided on the DB-9 side, making them physically resemble a standard serial port.  All the standard serial handshake lines are supported to allow for maximum compatibility.

The USB-485-K performs automatic driver enable (ADE) automatically, activating the RS485 drive for each transmitted character and eliminating the need for the application software to provide RTS control. This can be overridden by grounding pin 9 of the DB9 connector to permanently enable the drive stage for RS422 (or 4-wire RS485 Master) applications. The USB port provides sufficient power for a full-spec RS422 or RS485 interface capable of driving termination resistors and long cables.  

The addition of an optional DB-9-to-XLR cable makes the USB-485-K ideal for use with many professional audio controllers. The USB-485-K converter plugs directly into the USB socket of a PC or laptop and the three pin XLR plug connects to the remote interface port of the controller allowing remote control using the audio equipment’s software.    

The USB-232-K and USB-485-K converter cables are produced by KK Systems, Europe’s foremost serial interface manufacturer, and are now available from their USA distributor Saelig Company, Inc. Fairport NY. For detailed specifications, see http://www.saelig.com/pr/usb-rs232-485.html

Mobidapter - one of the Unique Products from Saelig

Unique? Yes! That's what we seek at Saelig to provide to our American customers.  Unique products - in performance, availability, price, or service.

Here's one example:  Mobidapter - SD to USB Adapter makes SD slots in camera and phones, etc. USB memory-compatible.  No-one else has this!! 

http://www.saelig.com/EL/MIO001.htm

Test your USB devices 42 x faster!

Cambrionix' latest blog posting:  http://bit.ly/2egSPmo

Following on from our last post on how to test 64 high powered USB devices remotely we decided to change the goalposts! How does this change when faster testing is required or the test involves a lot of data, maybe even full OS restores? In short its changes by quite a lot! Lets take a look at out third test scenario:

Test Option #3

2.4Amp target devices – power hungry devices such as large screen tablets.
Port control and monitoring is required and data transfer speed is of the highest priority or there is a lot of data to transfer.
In this case devices do not need to be shared over a network.

Solution

ThunderSync16 is by far the best and only solution for this scenario!
The Cambrionix ThunderSync16 is currently the worlds fastest USB ‘hub’ (this term is particularly loose when referring to ThunderSync16!).
This unit offers compatibility with our API for control and monitoring, provides 12W per port and extremely fast data transfer speeds!
ThunderSync16 allows you to connect your USB devices to a host computer via the Thunderbolt interface which runs at 20 Gbits.
To put this into perspective, USB2.0 (which is what your phone and tablet uses) runs at 480Mbps so Thunderbolt is just under 42 (yep, forty-two) times quicker than USB2.0!

ThunderSync16 – The Worlds fastest USB Hub and the perfect solution for testing lots of devices as fast as physically possible!

If you are the kind of engineer who needs to transfer lots of data onto devices quickly, and a number of times per day for testing then this should be a part of your test environment.
You can save yourself a lot of time, money and not to mention impress the boss on many levels!
This is one of the primary reasons why our ThunderSync16 product is gaining so much traction within large corporations.

Is my testing 42x quicker?

Ok, that all sounds great but does this really mean your data transfers and testing will be 42x quicker?
On paper, yes but in reality there are so many factors which affect the data transfer speed.
This includes the host computer, the host computer hard-disk or SSD performance, the performance of the target device and many more factors.
In our testing we have been regularly achieving more than a x10 increase in speed vs using ‘standard’ hubs and tablet devices.
We also have experienced more than a x15 increase when using USB storage devices such as flash drives and solid state disks.
Great, but I need 64 ports!
That’s fine, you can daisy chain ThunderSync16 products using Thunderbolt cables or use a host which offers more Thunderbolt ports and connect them directly.

Conclusion

Every test scenario is different but sometimes its easy to keep using the same test hardware to address this scenario with no gains in speed, functionality or cost-saving.
We challenge this approach and welcome discussion with you to streamline USB device testing hardware – just get in touch for a chat!
All of the software QA companies and mobile device testing labs around the world we work with have the same issue – Time.
They all have a finite resource, an expanding product base, ever more complicated (and sizeable!) firmware/software builds to test.
This puts pressure on various parts of the value chain.
But don’t worry as Cambrionix can help!  Call Saelig (585-385-1750) for details.

Single-Channel Programmable DC Supplies with Multiple Features

High precision DC voltages with operational modes can suit a variety of test and operational applications

Saelig Company, Inc. has introduced the PSU-Series of single output programmable switching DC power supplies that can provide up to 200A current and cover a power range up to 1520W. These high efficiency, high power density supplies include five models from 6V to 60V rated voltages.  The PSU-series can be connected in series for increased power capacity: up to two units in series or up to four in parallel to cover a broad coverage of applications.

• PSU 12.5-120 provides 12.5V at up to 120A
• PSU 20-76 provides 20V at up to 76A
• PSU 40-38 provides 40V at up to 38A
• PSU 6-200 provides 6V at up to200A

The PSU-Series of 19” rackmount (1U) single channel power supplies from GWInstek provide Constant Voltage / Constant Current selection - a very useful safety feature for protecting a Device Under Test (DUT). The power supplies normally operate in constant voltage (CV) mode when turned on, but, if connected to a capacitive load, this could cause a high inrush current or current-intensive load at the power output stage.  Running in constant current mode limits current spikes, protecting the DUT from inrush current damage.  The Over-voltage (OVP) and Over-current (OCP) protection levels can be selected from 10% to 110%, with the default level set at 110% of the power supply’s rated voltage / current.

The adjustable slew rate of the PSU-Series allows users to set either output voltage or output current with a specific rise time for low to high level transition, and a specific fall time for high to low level transition. This facilitates the characterization of a DUT during voltage or current level changes with controllable slew rates. The Output On/Off delay feature enables the setting of a specific time delay for Output On after the power supply output is turned on, and a specific time delay for Output Off. When multiple PSU units are used, the On/Off delay time of each unit can be set respectively at preset time points. This multiple-output control can be done through the analog control terminal at rear panel or through the PC programming with standard commands.

The PSU-Series provides USB Host , USB Device , LAN, RS-232 with RS-485, and isolated analog control interfaces as standard. A LabView driver is also available for rear-panel external control of Power On/ Off and external monitoring of the power output voltage and current.

Made by the Taiwanese test and measurement specialists GWInstek, the PSU Series Power Supplies are available now from Saelig Company, Inc.