Electronics-powered Oilfield Technologies

Advanced drilling and telemetry systems rely on electronic circuits that must endure harsh environments and ultra-high temperatures. The technology can increase productivity, improve durability and expand possibilities to oilfield operators. When it comes to testing and isolating potentially faulty components in the field or in a lab, OEMs require versatile test and diagnostic equipment that can deliver results fast and accurately.

The latest ultra-high temperature rated drilling technologies enable operators to keep the BHA (bottom hole assembly) on track regardless of the very abrasive formations that it can encounter on the way to targeted reservoirs. These formations along with high temperatures (190C and above) may end up veering a conventional BHA off track. The ability to recover or stick to the specified trajectory not only saves time but ensures that pre-identified drilling targets are accomplished successfully. Drillers can unlock the production potential of ultraHT reservoirs with improved well trajectory while saving rig time and operating cost. And with rig operating days costing an excess of US$150,000/day, having the right and reliable gear in place saved operators like PEMEX, US$1.35million by completing the drilling operation 9 days ahead of schedule. 

 If the electronics driving a BHA fails, operators have two options: use valuable rig time to pull the BHA out of the whole and replace the faulty card or keep drilling without measurements which are provided by the electronics, and risk missing the reservoir completely.

Operating in the UK since 1983, ABI Electronics is a leading manufacturer of specialist test and diagnostic equipment used by oilfield technology manufacturers in the following applications:

• In-warranty fault analysis of electronic PCBs powering BHAs and rotary steerable systems (RSS)
• Field test of potentially faulty PCBs to avoid unnecessary replacement of expensive and critical electronics
• Protection against component obsolescence and counterfeit component detection
• Predictive maintenance of PCBs

ABI's BoardMaster is a benchtop modular diagnostic system that includes the hardware and software tools used to create comprehensive and user-friendly fault analysis sequences (TestFlows). These TestFlows can be easy executed in a lab or in the field to acquire and compare signals and functional test results from individual components or complete assemblies. The unmatched fault coverage and straightforward operation has made ABI's BoardMaster a popular choice within the oil and gas industry. ABI products are also widely adopted by sectors such as defense, aviation, automotive, railway, biomedical and industrial repair across the world.

Oilfield tech companies using ABI equipment as part of an internal test and fault analysis strategy achieve the following results:

- Increased understanding of product behavior and reliability

- Continued and timely support to quality and R&D

- Faster design to market path for improved solutions including modifications and customization requests.

Contact Saelig to discuss your test and field support requirements on sales@saelig. Live technical demonstrations can be arranged online in multiple languages with ABI's application engineers and international partners. 

#ABISavesYouTime // #Repairdontwaste

Demos Work!

On-site demos where a customer can see equipment in action at their facility is undoubtedly the best way to show a customer the value of our equipment.  But it is not usually cost-effective unless the product is of high value.

Our engineer just spent 4 hours with a group of 12 high-level engineers and managers in Arizona who absolutely loved the ABI PCB diagnosis system. One manager said: “With the BoardMaster, even a monkey can repair our PCBs!”. PCBs are currently tested with ATEs and when they fail, techs have schematics, traditional instruments and knowledge to work on repairs. An order for 4 x BoardMasters is in process …

Mobile Device Isolation and Forensic Capability

Digital Forensic Investigators are encountering an increasing prevalence of mobile devices in a wide variety of cases. Stolen data, incriminating communications, and more can be found on devices used by suspects in criminal and civil cases as well as rogue employees in corporate settings.

Mobile devices can contain details about who was doing what, where, and when, so their usefulness as a source of information and evidence in an investigation is important to protect. Because of the consequences of preserving accurate data, it remains the responsibility of the examiner during their investigation to maintain the credibility of any evidence that may be contained in a wireless device. As the size and shape of wireless devices evolve and expand, it becomes paramount to properly identify, contain and control their signals correctly.  To respond to this growing concern, we have a wide product offering of mobile forensic bags and investigative EMI-proof housings to prevent data tampering.   RF Isolation Tent Enclosures, USB Forensic Pouches, and Window or Windowless Pouches block the ability of wireless portable electronic devices to access or transmit cellular signals that can potentially erase or corrupt important evidence. These EMI-quiet products are an ideal solution for Mobile Device Forensics, Cyber Forensics, Secure Facilities, SCIFS, and Government Facilities.  More here: http://www.saelig.com/category/TE.htm

Specialized RF Shielded Enclosures Cope With ...

... vehicle exhaust, outdoor environments, fire hazards, and work

center testing applications.

Flexible, portable, high attenuation EM RF shielded environments are in demand for many testing applications. Vehicles of all sizes, can be tested in a RFI / EMI screen rooms with proper intake and exhaust systems. Mobile outdoor RF isolation testing tents can be assembled on-site when needed in isolated areas. Fire retardant liners and systems support local fire code requirements. Work center structures assist semi-conductor manufacturing. Vehicle Enclosures Vehicles from small garden tractors to large aerospace units (Mil-STD 461) can be set up for testing in a modular unit with collapsible sections, removable thresholds and/or custom-sized doors. A new, removable threshold is now available that eases entry into a patented single door, double magnet system (US Pat. No. 9,029,714) including level grade guides and recommended floor protection mats. The door itself is optionally removable as well as sized for the vehicle. A recent example of this design is a 20’ x 18’ vehicle door to accommodate the object under test. Shielded intake and exhaust systems have been developed to deal with vehicle emissions. The systems feature large vents with an exhaust waveguide vent pipe. With proper design and preparation, vehicles of all types and designs can be tested in-house or outdoors, see below, in mobile, modular units.

 http://www.saelig.com/news/articles/vehicle-exhaust.pdf

Irish Rail Amazement!

Ray Holden, Irish Rail's Electronic Repair Facility Manager, recently finished a training session at ABI's headquarters: "You know, this week has been a real eye-opener." We bought ABI's BoardMaster and RevEng at the end of 2017."

"We used it only to a very limited scope so far. We saved 20,000 euros thanks to the BoardMaster and that's considering the PCBs that we repaired over the last 2 weeks alone. I have to say that after the training, I see a world of possibilities that are available to us. We are very, very enthusiastic about going back and 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 through LinkedIn, YouTube and your contact with the guys in the main office. 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.

Are you happy with the choice that you made?

RH: "Delighted, absolutely delighted. And we go from here, onwards and upwards!"

What you see with nearfield probes ...

Here's a helpful article on using nearfield probes with a spectrum analyzer to fix EMI problems on PCBs.

In EMI/EMC troubleshooting, near field probes (NFPs) are great tools. But do you understand what you really see at the screen of your instrument with a magnetic near field probe?

EMI/EMC problems (radiated and conducted emissions) are usually related with current in circuits: high frequency currents (i.e. high di/dt currents) are responsible of radiation from PCBs, cables, slots and apertures, ground noise, crosstalk, etc.   A magnetic field probe (loop) is a great help in identifying where the culprit signal is being created (ringing, parasitic oscillations, harmonics, etc.). 
And it is common to use near field probes with spectrum analyzers. In this way, you see the spectrum of the signals close to the probe and it is easy to measure the frequencies involved in the test.

Read on here:

 http://snip.ly/je6yt9

Awesome Periodic Table ...

This Awesome Periodic Table Tells You How to Actually Use All Those Elements: 

You can also download the PDF if you've got a class to teach, or maybe you just want to be cool and put it on your bathroom door!

http://snip.ly/huzbj1

Three 100MHz Scopes Under $300?

The Siglent SDS1102CML+ is a dual-channel universal 100 MHz digital oscilloscope. It includes a 2 Mpts memory depth that helps to ensure accurate waveform resolution and to capture longer signal lengths. With its 7 inch TFT-LCD (800*480) screen, there is adequate screen space to help better see and analyze waveform details. Along with a 1 GSa/s sampling rate, the SDS1102CML+ supports 32 parameters measurements and common mathematical operations.

http://www.saelig.com/sds1000cml-series/sds1102cml-plus.htm

The Rigol DS1102E Oscilloscope is an economical 100MHz unit that is in use around the world.  With advanced features such as 1Mpt memory depth, 1GSa/s sampling, FFT capability, record and replay, roll mode, alternate trigger mode, and adjustable trigger sensitivity, the DS1102E also includes standard features such as USB Device for waveform storage, and USB Host and RS-232 connectivity and Pass/Fail output for remote controlled automated test setups. PictBridge compatibility facilitates printing out waveforms stored on the 5.6” TFT display.

http://www.saelig.com/ds1000e-series/ds1102e.htm


The GWInstek GDS-1102-U is a 100MHz digital storage oscilloscope by GW Instek.  It is an extremely affordable general purpose 2-channel oscilloscope designed for educational and basic industrial requirements - at a very attractive price. With an easy-to-use interface design ideal for students, occasional use, or by seasoned professionals, the 5.7" color TFT LCD GDS-1102-U scope offers 250MSa/s (25GSa/s equivalent) sample rate, giving users accurate incoming signal sampling for most purposes. 

http://www.saelig.com/gds-1000-u-series/gds-1102-u.htm

Scope control via web and lots of new products!

Latest Saelig Newsletter Is Out! Scope control via web and lots of new products! 

http://www.saelig.com/news/newsletters/saelig1807.htm

Improved Performance of Motor-Drive Systems by Shaft Torque Feedback

This paper describes the application of a non-contact, high bandwidth, low cost, SAW-based torque measuring system for improving the dynamic performance of industrial motor-drive systems.

  

 

https://www.sensors.co.uk/files/tpr/tpr_MM462204.pdf

EMI Troubleshooting with Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers

In this article in Ken Wyatt shows how the latest tool for serious troubleshooting & debugging - real-time spectrum analyzers – have advantages in using RT analysis for observing and troubleshooting unusual EMI issues.

http://snip.ly/mzi05r

Our range of Realtime Spectrum Analyzers are here:
http://www.saelig.com/category/TSEQRFSAPCB.htm

Saelig Introduces Waterproof 6-axis Acceleration and Angular Rate Sensor

Code Mercenaries modules provides 3-axis measurements of both acceleration and angular rate with 16-bit resolution for motion, vibration, or orientation sensing applications. 

Fairport, NY:   Saelig Company Inc. (www.saelig.com) has announced   JoyWarrior56FR1-WP - a cost efficient, waterproof, six-axis MEMS motion sensor with a 6 foot cable and USB interface. Three axes of acceleration and three of angular rate are measured with 16-bit resolution. Measurement ranges from ±2g to ±16g and 125dps to 2000dps are available.  Readings are taken at 833 measurements per second in standard mode, while a high speed mode generates 6,664 data points per second.  In standard mode the data is reported as joystick data, which eliminates the need for a special driver. The data can be read with any program that can accept joystick data as input.

The different range settings at which acceleration and angular rate can be measured can be stored permanently in the sensor.  Options are provided for data filtering inside the sensor to reduce noise.  A configuration tool for setting the sensor parameters, a 3D tilt angle demo, and a data recorder are included as part of the software support. 

Each USB-powered JoyWarrior56FR1-WP has a unique 8-digit hexadecimal serial number in its device descriptor which can be used to simplify programming for multiple JoyWarriors connected to a single computer. The serial numbers are factory programmed and cannot be changed. The sensors are factory calibrated for neutral position and range so there is no need for additional calibration of the sensor itself.

The extended temperature range of -10°C to 85°C and the waterproof packaging opens this product up to many applications.  The sensor has two convenient mounting holes and a strong internal magnet to make it simple for attaching to a surface.  The JoyWarrior56FR1 sensor is also available as a PCB module or a kit containing the module, cable and enclosure.  It may be used for motion, vibration, or orientation sensing applications. 

Technical Data

• 6 axis 16-bit acceleration and angular rate sensor
• Selectable measurement ranges: ±2g, ±4g, ±8g, ±16g, 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000 dps
• Resolution down to 61µg
• 822 or 6664 readings/sec
• Identifies as a joystick for easy data access
• Temperature range -10°C to 85°C
• 6 ft USB cable for data and power
• 2.5” x 2.0” x  0.6” waterproof plastic housing
• Mounting by screws or internal magnet

JoyWarrior modules and ICs are designed by Code Mercenaries, a leading European supplier of industrial input devices and peripherals since 1998. JoyWarrior56FR1-WP is available now from their USA distributor Saelig Company, Inc.

http://www.saelig.com/pr/jw56fr1-wp.html

Interesting Picoscope Application!

The Insect Ecology and Communication Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Ohio University focuses on understanding communication pathways in insects (inter- and intra-specific communication) and their environment (plant-insect interactions and foraging). We are interested in using chemical ecology, behavioral ecology and physiology to advance our knowledge of basic insect ecology (foraging, reproduction) in particular for pest management (e.g., blow flies, midge flies), forest entomology (e.g., longhorn beetles) and pollination (e.g.native pollinators) applications, and to develop viable monitoring techniques and strategies for threatened and endangered insect species. To tackle these research avenues, we use a combination of laboratory assays, field experiments and surveys, and chemistry and chemical ecology methods (compound identification via mass spectrometry [GC-MS] and electro-antennogram [EAD]).

They have purchased a Picoscope on our recommendation, wanting to measure the frequency of insect wing vibrations!

Teledyne LeCroy 3000z Oscilloscope Offers Valuable Features

The WaveSurfer 3000z oscilloscopes feature a large 10.1” capacitive touch screen, a vast set of debug and analysis tools, multi-instrument capabilities, feature/option upgrades, and support for a wide probe range. They come in five models with bandwidths from 100 MHz to 1 GHz and sample rates up to 4 GS/s. New 100-MHz and 1-GHz Models The WaveSurfer 3000z adds a 100-MHz version that brings the powerful features of the WaveSurfer 3000 to an entry-level price, and a highly affordable, yet equally feature-loaded 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. More Memory, More Speed, and More Insight The WaveSurfer 3000z combines an entirely 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” capacitive touch screen combines with Teledyne LeCroy’s MAUI user interface to give users a better look at waveforms and deeper insight into signal abnormalities.

Advanced Tools and Probes for Power-Electronics/Conversion Testing 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. -MORETo augment the Power Analysis software package, the WaveSurfer 3000z offers an advanced 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. Together, the Power Analysis software, specialized probes, and the balance of Teledyne LeCroy’s large selection of probes give the WaveSurfer 3000z all of the required resources for debugging and validation of power electronics and power-conversion circuits.

It also packs a deep measure and math toolset of 20 math functions for quick waveform insight and 24 automated parameter measurements. A dedicated grid eases viewing of math traces, while statistics, histicons, and trends extract revealing details from parameter measurements. The LabNotebook feature saves and/or restores oscilloscope setups and waveforms with the touch of a single button, and provides a handy tool for annotation and documentation of your work sessions. Adding to the comprehensive toolset inherited from earlier models, 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 already broad 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 I 2S, LJ, RJ, and TDM variants.

Not only is the WaveSurfer 3000z an extremely capable oscilloscope, but it also 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.

More here:  http://www.saelig.com/category/teledyne-lecroy-wavesurfer-3000.htm

Aaronia's AARTOS Drone Detection Systems at Trump/KimJongUn Meeting

Aaronia's AARTOS Drone Detection Systems protected the summit meeting of Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump.  Saelig supplier Aaronia AG, the German advanced RF company, announced the use of their AI based Drone Detection System for this historical meeting.

The fully automatic drone detection system AARTOS detects the RF emission of any drone and its remote control and offers a live situation awareness display incl. highly featured 3D flight plots.

Aaronia AG CEO, Thorsten Chmielus said: "We’re overjoyed to be a part of this historical and unique event to provide protection against drones. We are pleased that once again the inimitable capabilities of the AARTOS Drone Detection System are gaining in importance internationally."

The AARTOS system offers a unique ultra-high range (10-15km) 360 degree dome coverage. The detection technology is based on the patented AARONIA ISOLOG 3D Tracking Array Antenna, a UWB real-time Rf receiver “SPECTRAN V5” and a highly complex AI based Tracking-Software.

 

The AARTOS Drone Detection System allows very detailed analysis of any RF emissions e.g. “hopping” patterns of drones but also any other RF signals e.g. cell phones enabling to detect even the latest 4G based drones . The rapid proliferation of micro/mini UAV is a growing potential threat to national and commercial security.

As the use of drones becomes more and more commonplace, safety and reliability are of enormous importance. Drone Detection Systems are gaining in importance because of the increasing number of illegal drone entering areas (e.g. major events, airports, …). For safety, the position of the drones needs to be tracked by their RF emission. The user of the drone will also be detected by the emission of the remote control.

https://www.aaronia.com/news/

Saelig Introduces Teledyne LeCroy Mercury T2C/T2P USB2.0 Protocol and Power Analyzers

http://www.saelig.com/pr/t2p-t2c.htm

Saelig Company, Inc. has announced the availability of the new Teledyne LeCroy Mercury T2P and T2C USB2.0 Analyzers, low cost, robust USB Type-C Protocol Analyzers with upgraded VBUS (power) analysis and optional support for DisplayPort™ Auxiliary channel message decoding.  They offer full support for USB 2.0 protocol testing and adds advanced USB Type-C analysis capabilities.  There are two base models: the Mercury T2C and the new Mercury T2P, which adds the Power Tracker™ graphical analysis of VBUS and CC voltages.These pocket-sized analyzers capture and decode the widest range of USB 2.0 device classes plus Type-C link states and Power Delivery 3.0 messages. Both the Mercury T2P and T2C utilize the industry leading CATC Trace analysis software for verifying and debugging USB and PD protocol issues.

Power Tracker is a versatile power analysis tool for testing power delivery protocols and guides USB Power Delivery (PD) designs to safely provide appropriate charging currents across a growing range of USB devices.  The Power Tracker tool monitors the real-time voltage and current on VBUS, VCONN, and the USB Type-C Communication Channel (CC), and it displays voltage and current in a histogram format as well as simultaneous synchronized message level traffic.

These advanced analysis capabilities come in a low-cost, high-quality device that includes the widely implemented alternate mode (Alt Mode) of Type C - DisplayPort (DP). The Mercury T2P offers the ability to capture and decode DisplayPort Auxiliary channel messages, including configuration messages, enabling DP connectivity troubleshooting. Power Delivery 3.0 protocol capture is also available as a licensed option.  This mode provides full analysis and decoding of all PD packets over the CC link including Source/Sink communication, Authentication, Firmware Update, and Alt-Mode commands.

The Mercury T2P includes many of the advanced analysis features found on Teledyne LeCroy’s high-end Voyager analyzer, including sequential and hierarchical displays, protocol traffic summaries, detailed error reports, and comprehensive USB device-class decoding.

The Mercury T2C/T2P USB2.0 Analyzers are for sale from Teledyne LeCroy’s authorized North American distributor Saelig Company, Inc. Fairport, NY.