June 29th is National Camera Day!

June 29th is National Camera Day! Here's our spectacular IR camera - great for PCB diagnosis! With its smart camera back it has loads of features! 

http://www.saelig.com/category/fotric.htm

New Economical VNA from Siglent!

Saelig has introduced the Siglent SVA1015X Spectrum / Vector Network Analyzer - a powerful tool for measuring the performance of RF circuits and networks such as amplifiers, filters, attenuators, cables, and antennas. With a wide frequency range from 9kHz to 1.5GHz, the SVA1015X analyzer delivers reliable automatic measurements with its built-in tracking generator and multiple modes of operation. With the optional VNA package, it can operate as a vector network analyzer, a frequency domain reflectometer for distance-to-fault location, and a modulation analyzer. 10.1” (1024x600) multi-touch screen, mouse, or keyboard input. Remote control via web browser or a local PC (SCPI / Labview / IVI , based on USB-TMC / VXI-11 / Socket / Telnet)

This video highlights the specs!

https://youtu.be/QStln_R_LeM

Irish Rail Loves ABI Repair Gear!

An interview between ABI's Willian Santos and Irish Rail's Ray Holden was published in last month’s issue of Rail Professional as well as its social media and website

https://www.railpro.co.uk/news/irish-rail-interview. It stayed in their homepage as a highlight for a full week.

With over 12 years’ experience under his belt, Irish Rail’s electronic repair facility manager, Ray Holden talked about his views on internal maintenance and overhaul of electronic rolling stock systems. He also gave advice to newcomers and education providers and shared his experience with ABI Electronics’ test and repair systems.

Ray stated that his trial of ABI equipment was a real eye-opener. They bought ABI’s BoardMaster and RevEng at the end of 2017 and saved >$20,000 thanks to the BoardMaster - and that’s the PCBs that repaired over the last two weeks alone!

"We are very, very enthusiastic about creating something special using this equipment because we know its capability is absolutely colossal. We want to get the best out of it. A year ago, and after successfully using the ChipMaster for years – I love it by the way – I learned about the high-end products from ABI. I was blown away. The more research I did into ABI’s range, the more possibilities it presented. Can it do this…can it do that…? We intend on using the BoardMaster and RevEng as an integral part of all our repairs, using the SYSTEM 8 TestFlows and software to drive all our new repair in the future.

I am delighted - absolutely delighted - with the choice we made. And from here on out we go onwards and upwards!"

EDN Covers 10GSa/s Mid-range Scopes

https://www.edn.com/electronics-products/other/4460825/Mid-range-scopes-handle-10-Gsamples-s

Susan Nordyk -June 25, 2018

  

All eight models in Rigol’s 7000 series of oscilloscopes provide a real-time sampling rate of 10 Gsamples/s and 500 million points of memory. According to the manufacturer, the 7000 series can achieve 20X oversampling on a 500 MHz signal, while still capturing a full 50 ms of data.

All models furnish 4 analog channels, while MSO7000 models also include 16 digital channels. In addition, MSO variants combine six instruments in one: oscilloscope, logic analyzer, protocol analyzer, waveform generator, voltmeter, and counter/totalizer. A waveform capture rate of 600,000 wfms/s on both the DS7000 and MSO7000 units minimizes scope dead time between trigger events and increases observations of random and sporadic events.

Oscilloscopes in the 7000 series offer bandwidths of 100 MHz, 200 MHz, 350 MHz, and 500 MHz. Their 10.1 in. displays provide intensity color grading for observing and highlighting signal anomalies, even when overlapping with other signal artifacts. Along with conventional knobs, buttons, and soft keys, the 7000 series features a touch-enabled browser that allows the instrument to be controlled on a network via a tablet or smart phone.

Prices for the 7000 series oscilloscopes range between $2699 and $11,299.

http://www.saelig.com/category/ds7000-series.htm

Monday Motivation ...

Seen in a Chick-Fil-A restaurant in Lancaster, PA.

Take Your Dog To Work Day ...

The video we made a couple of years ago is still relevant today!

https://youtu.be/ubXXG_ed2tY

Remote torque measurement

Sensor Technology‏  

RWT and ORT series transducers can be purchased with an optional @BluetoothSIG module which offers wireless connectivity and the ability to view torque, speed & temperature data in our TorqView Android App. Read all about it here: https://www.sensors.co.uk/torque-sensors/bluetooth-module/ … #Bluetooth

Another neat thing ...

...you can do with Fotric's 225 when examining PCBs is to remove the built-in smartphone and position it anywhere for better viewing.

Place the display(smartphone) anywhere you want when you inspect hotspots on PCBs or other electronic assemblies. 

http://www.saelig.com/category/fotric.htm

My article in Test&Measurment TIps!

IR cameras can help size up the surface temperatures of electronic components, PCBs, and other objects to reveal unseen problems. Detect “hot spots” in #PCB or other electronic assemblies. Speed up repair work. See my article!

https://www.testandmeasurementtips.com/infrared-cameras-for-pcb-development-and-diagnosis-faq/
 

7000 Series Summarized!

Saelig Introduces New Rigol 7000 Series 100/500MHz 10GSa/s oscilloscopes.

The 6-in-1 MSO7000/DS7000 series have superior waveform capture rate, large memory depth, a 10.1” touch-screen display, and powerful data analysis function. 

These 4-channel advanced specification oscilloscopes with an excellent 10GSa/s real-time sample rate.  They come in four bandwidth versions (100/250/350/500MHz) as well as mixed-signal versions that offer 16 digital debug channels.  Based on Rigol’s new UltraVision II architecture and innovative proprietary Phoenix chipset these scopes offer 100Mpts memory depth (500Mpts option) and a very high waveform capture rate of over 600,000 waveforms per second.

This scope series integrates several independent instruments into one, including a sophisticated digital oscilloscope with mixed-signal abilities, a digital voltmeter, a 6-digit frequency counter and totalizer, an optional two-channel arbitrary waveform generator, and a protocol analyzer with a variety of serial protocol triggers and decodes available.  This scope series also offers automatic measurements for 41 waveform parameters and a variety of math operations, built-in enhanced FFT analysis, and a peak search function.

The 10.1” 1024x600 capacitive multi-touch screen supports touch gestures, while still keeping the knob and key operation of traditional digital oscilloscopes to optimize the user-friendly interactive experience. The TFT LCD display also provides a 256-level intensity grading with color persistence.  Multiple interfaces are designed-in, including USB Host & Device, LAN(LXI), HDMI, TRIG OUT, and USB-GPIB (option).  Web Control allows remote control of the scope from any location.  Four 500MHz passive voltage probes are also provided with each instrument.  The supplied bandwidth can be optionally upgraded up to 500MHz after purchase.

Spec Summary:

• 100-500MHz bandwidth
• 10.1" multipoint touch screen
• 10GSa/s ADC
• refresh rate 600,000 waveforms per sec
• memory for 450,000 waveforms
• HDMI for external display
• 2-channel waveform generator
• 16 channel logic analyzer
• RS232/UART, I2C, SPI, CAN, LIN, I2S, FlexRay, MIL-STD-1553 decoding

Made by Rigol Technologies, a leading manufacturer of precision electronic instrumentation for test and measurement, the DS/MSO7000 Series Oscilloscopes are available now from Saelig Company, Inc., their USA technical distributor.

http://www.saelig.com/pr/ds7000.html

Mix'n'match RF Testing!

 Create a custom automated test system for RF signals up to 18 GHz controlled from a PC!

Creating a custom automated test system for RF signals up to 18 GHz usually requires costly instruments controlled from a PC. Computer-controlled test equipment once required racks of instruments connected to a control computer via GPIB. But GPIB has all but disappeared in new equipment and USB is quickly making test systems with laptop control readily available, that are affordable and that fit in a briefcase for field work. No longer do you need to have a customized rackmount system specially designed for you. You can build what you need with reusable USB RF building blocks. Telemakus is one of several companies now offering high-frequency measurement and signal generation functions through 18 GHz that take advantage of a laptop or personal computer (PC) for its processing and display capabilities, in flash-drive sized RF building blocks.

 http://www.saelig.com/news/articles/telemakusarticle031616p.pdf

Control Your Scope Over the Internet!

How to update, install, and use the updated firmware and operating system and use the updated webcontrol for the SDS1000X-E series Oscilloscopes. Jason Chonko from Siglent tells you how in this brief video!

https://youtu.be/s7IRaWnqpXQ

http://www.saelig.com/category/MFR00110.htm

Economical Modulated RF Power Amplifiers For Pre-compliance Testing.

TekBox TBMDA2 & TBMDA3 modulated wideband power amplifiers create inexpensive signal sources for immunity testing using a spectrum analyzer’s tracking generator output. 

 Saelig Company, Inc. announces the availability of the TekBox TBMDA2/TBMDA3 Modulated Wideband Power Amplifiers, which are designed to create an inexpensive signal source for pre-compliance immunity testing of electronic PCBs and products. Driven by the tracking generator output of a spectrum analyzer, they provide the increased RF power outputs required by many test environments. With an input power range of up to -8dBm /0dBm, these amplifiers can boost the output power of a tracking generator up to 500mW/5W or 40dB from 10MHz to beyond 1GHz.

In addition to other applications, the TBMDAx amplifiers are ideal for driving TekBox near-field probes in order to detect problem areas of an electronic circuit or to create electric fields up to 550V/m when driving TekBox TEMcells. Test signals for immunity testing can be CW or AM/PM modulated.  These amplifiers include built-in modulation capabilities to generate 1 kHz AM or PM signals. In PM mode, the TBMDAx amplifiers can also generate a 217Hz Signal with 12.5% duty cycle in order to simulate mobile phone TDMA noise.

The TBMDA2 is powered by external 5V and consuming around 3.5W, and the TBMDA3 is powered by external 100-240V and consumes 20W. 

Created by EMI experts TekBox, the TBMDAx amplifiers are available now from their authorized North American distributor Saelig Company, Inc. Fairport, NY. 

http://www.saelig.com/pr/tbmdax.html

FRA anyone?

GW Instek has successfully introduced a frequency response analysis function in MDO-2000E & MSO-2000EA oscilloscopes. Easily understand circuit characteristics, verify as well as analyze the component performance using affordable instruments. More Here: https://goo.gl/KJxFn5

Automobile LINbus - probably >12 devices in your car!

As more electronic subsystems populated automobiles serial data networks have been used to minimize wiring and optimize performance. Modern vehicles contain multiple networks: Controller Area Network (CAN), Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST), FlexRay, and even Ethernet. But the most widely used interface is the Local Interconnect Network (LIN), which connects a variety of sensors and actuators. LIN is a simple, flexible, tolerant, and low cost 1-wire bus.

Most newer vehicles contain at least a dozen LIN nodes. They’re used in applications where data speed isn’t high and many operations are of the off-on type. Common applications include:

• Power door locks
• Power windows
• Power seats
• Power mirrors
• Windshield wipers
• Seat heaters
• Heating and air-conditioning controls
• Interior lights
• Climate controls
• Steering-wheel controls
• Sun roof
• Trunk

More here:   The LIN Interface and Automotive Interconnects—A Perfect Match

http://www.electronicdesign.com/automotive/lin-interface-and-automotive-interconnects-perfect-match

See Saelig's LIN tools here: http://www.saelig.com/category/MFR00045.htm

Economical Programmable 128W Power Supply With 1mV/1mA Precision

Saelig Introduces Economical Programmable 128W Power Supply With 1mV/1mA Precision
The SPD1168X supply is an economical, stable, reliable, power source with low ripple and noise (≤ 350 uV RMS/3mVpp; < 2 mA RMS) and fast transient response time (< 50 μs).

Fairport, NY, USA:  Saelig Co. Inc. has introduced the Siglent SPD1168X Programmable Linear DC Power Supply - a single-channel 16V high performance power source with a 2.8” TFT-LCD display that also includes remote computer control capability and real-time waveform display. The SPD1168X features a high precision programmable output capable of delivering up to 16V at 8A (128W) with a remarkable minimum resolution of 1mV/1mA.  The SPD1168X power source design features low ripple and noise (≤ 350uV RMS/3mVpp; < 2mA RMS) and fast transient response time (< 50us).

The SPD1168X also includes a 4-wire sense function for accurate voltage sourcing, especially with long lead situations or high resistance connections. The display provides 5-digit voltage and 4-digit current indication, a waveform display function, and timer features.   Additional output short and overload protection ensures safety for education, production, and development applications.   

The SPD1168X Programmable Linear DC Power Supply offers two output modes: 2-wire output mode, and 4-wire compensation output mode.  The advanced design also includes an intelligent temperature-controlled fan to minimize noise.  Five groups of system parameters can be saved and recalled.  Easypower PC software is included, which allows PC control of the power supply and supports SCPI and LabView.

Broadcast Solutions GmbH chooses ABI

Europe's leading #broadcast technology company Broadcast Solutions GmbH chooses ABI Electronics' BoardMaster for internal support/maintenance of their highly advanced communication systems. #ABISavesYouTime #Repairdontwaste ABI Electronics electronic test, repair & maintenance products

WaveSurfer 3000z oscilloscopes at ESC Boston

Nice write-up in EE!  https://www.evaluationengineering.com/scopes-spectrum-analyzers-dmms-highlighted-at-esc-boston

"Teledyne LeCroy highlighted its new WaveSurfer 3000z oscilloscopes at ESC Boston recently. They expand the existing WaveSurfer 3000 bandwidth range above and below that of earlier models while also bolstering functionality for power-electronics testing. In addition, the new models provide more processing power and memory. The WaveSurfer 3000z adds a 100-MHz version as well as a 1-GHz model. The 100-MHz version addresses the requirements of general-purpose debugging and validation tasks, while the 1-GHz model serves users looking for the bandwidth to tackle sophisticated applications such as higher-speed serial communications test and RF signal analysis.

All WaveSurfer 3000z oscilloscopes feature a 10.1-in. capacitive touchscreen, a set of debug and analysis tools, multi-instrument capabilities, feature/option upgrades, and support for a wider probe range. The WaveSurfer 3000z comes in five models with bandwidths from 100 MHz to 1 GHz and sample rates up to 4 GS/s.

The WaveSurfer 3000z combines a new CPU engine, an improved internal-communications bus, and up to 20 Mpoints of acquisition memory, twice that of the WaveSurfer 3000, to facilitate rapid and responsive oscilloscope operation. Meanwhile, the 10.1-in. capacitive touchscreen combines with Teledyne LeCroy’s MAUI user interface to give users a better look at waveforms and deeper insight into signal abnormalities.

Now available for the WaveSurfer 3000z, the Power Analysis software package performs detailed analysis of line power, control loops, and system/device power performance. The WaveSurfer 3000z’s fast display update rate of 130,000 waveforms/s makes it easy to identify anomalies during power analysis.

To augment the Power Analysis software package, the WaveSurfer 3000z offers an active-probe interface that supports Teledyne LeCroy’s power-focused HVFO103 high-voltage, fiber optically-isolated probe, RP4030 power-rail probe, CP03xA high-sensitivity current probes, and HVD3000A high-voltage differential probes.

The WaveSurfer 3000z includes LXI-compatible web browsing to facilitate remote configuration and operation. In the event of AC-line disconnection, a new “power on AC line” feature restores power by simply reattaching the cord. The palette of optional serial trigger/decode packages now adds an Audiobus trigger/decode package, which performs analysis and debug of the digital audio-bus standard in its I2S, LJ, RJ, and TDM variants.

Figure 2. Teledyne LeCroy WaveSurfer 3000z oscilloscope with 10.1-in. capacitive touchscreen

The WaveSurfer 3000z can serve as a 5-in-1 instrument. The function-generator option offers a standard collection of waveforms at up to 25 MHz, while the logic-analyzer option provides 16 digital channels for mixed-signal capabilities. A digital-voltmeter option performs 4-digit voltage measurements and 5-digit
frequency counting on any channel, and the protocol-analyzer option with serial trigger/decode features intuitive, color-coded waveform overlays and interactive data tables.
WaveSurfer 3000z prices range from $3,450 for the 100-MHz 3014z to $9,950 for the 1-GHz 3104z. Serial-data options, including CAN/LIN, CAN FD, I2C/SPI/UART/RS-232, FlexRay, and Audiobus cost $990 each. Multi-instrument options cost $1,500 for mixed-signal hardware/software, $990 for the Power Analysis package, and $500 each for an MSO license and the function-generator option. Bandwidth-upgrade options are available for all WaveSurfer 3000z models.