Saelig Introduces AFV-P Series Programmable AC Power Supplies

Versatile AC+DC power sources suit a variety of test situations and power simulations 

Saelig has introduced the Preen AFV-P Series of programmable AC power sources with DC output and precision measurement capabilities. These compact power sources come in four power levels: 600VA, 1250VA, 2500VA, and 5000VA, providing clean power with THD less than 0.3% at 50/60Hz.  They deliver a continuously variable output voltage of 0-310VAC and frequency of 40-500Hz (optionally 15-1000Hz). They are ideal for commercial, defense and aerospace test applications that range from design verification, quality assurance, ATE to mass production.

The AFV-P series provides comprehensive programmable features (step/ramp/transient) and a total of 1200 test steps in 50 built-in memory sets, as well as a transient generation functionality that allows simulations of voltage variations, surges, sags, dropouts, and frequency disturbances for simulating global AC power conditions. With advanced PWM technology, the AFV-P series can deliver up to 4.5 times peak current from its rated output, which is ideal for motor-type tests of inrush current.  Users can adjust the starting and ending phase angle from 0 - 360 degrees.

Measurement features in the AFV-P series include RMS voltage, RMS current, true power, apparent power, power factor, crest factor, reactive power, etc.  An intuitive 5" touch screen with an additional rotary knob control allows quick adjustments and configurations of voltage, current and frequency. The AFV-P series can also be remotely controlled via standard interfaces. Free control software and a LabVIEW driver are available for easy programming and remote operation.

Product Features

• Compact and high power density: 600VA to 2500VA (2U case) and 5000VA (4U case).
• AC source with DC output extends applications to include DC testing
• Wide output voltage of 0-310V; output frequency 15-1000Hz
• THD < 0.3 % when output power is under 100Hz
• Inrush current: capable of delivering up to 4.5 times of peak current.
• Start/End phase angle: define the start and end phase angle from 0° to 360°
• Current foldback feature: constant output current when output voltage varies.
• STEP and RAMP function for voltage and frequency variation tests
• TRANSIENT generation provides users an easy setup for power line disturbance (PLD) simulation.
• Set and view parameters easily via 5” touch panel or rotary knob.
• Free control software and LabVIEW driver for programming and remote control.
• High slew rate: less than 300µs for 0 to 90% output voltage

Housed in an attractive 2U or 4U rackmount case, the AFV-P series of AC/DC power supplies are designed and built by Preen AC Power Corp., a leading Taiwanese power supply systems provider.  Preen power supplies are available now from their technical distributor Saelig Company, Inc., Fairport, NY. For detailed specifications, free technical assistance, or additional information, please contact Saelig 1-888-7SAELIG

http://www.saelig.com/pr/afv-p-series.html

New Teledyne LeCroy Webinar Posted!

New Teledyne LeCroy Webinar posted - Learn Techniques to Make #EMC /#ESD Pulse Measurements With Your #Oscilloscope 

lcry.us/2LGtcI6 

Register Now!

Testing An Amplifier's Gain v Frequency?

Helpful video from Siglent's Jason Chonko demonstrates the use of the SVA1015X Spectrum and Network Analyzer for testing an amplifier’s gain verification.

 https://youtu.be/zVVR27QopT0

It's National Bowtie Day!

#NationalBowTieDay:  Let's hear it for the Bowtie Antenna!  The bow-tie antenna has much better bandwidth than a thin-wire dipole antenna. In general, antennas with more volume have wider bandwidth.  

http://www.antenna-theory.com/antennas/wideband/bowtie.php

Nice article in the local Sunday paper about us ...

Overcoming IIoT Network Challenges

The data transmission requirements of the Industrial Internet of Things demand robust, adaptable and flexible networks. Kinetic mesh technology, proven in the widely dispersed mining and oil and gas industries, could prove beneficial for manufacturing operations of all types. 

See http://bit.ly/2w7Rypg

On the Automotive SENT Trail ...

SENT (Single Edge Nibble Transmission) is growing in popularity for many automotive sensors such as temperature, flow, pressure and position.  It is unidirectional, relatively low-speed/high-amplitude pulse trains. Robust and easy to integrate, it can still be challenged by noise, timing problems, and subtle implementation differences.  

More here:  http://snip.ly/iij9sd

How DO You Separate Spectrum Signals From Noise?

#SpectrumAveraging hashtag#FFT hashtag#12BitsPlus 

Separating your signal from random noise is quick and easy in the frequency domain by averaging (blue trace) the FFT on a Teledyne LeCroy oscilloscope!

http://www.saelig.com/category/teledyne-lecroy.htm

How To Use the PicoScope CANbus Breakout Box

 

The CAN Test Box allows you to connect your PicoScope oscilloscope, or any other compatible scope, enabling you to monitor any signals present, such as the CAN High and Low signals. The CAN Test Box terminal pin ports are accessible with standard 4 mm  jacks.

The CAN Test Box includes a 8.2 foot cable so that you can work in a convenient location away from the diagnostic connector, and an additional pass-through connector so that you can hook up your scan tool at the same time as your scope. The box is powered by the diagnostic connector, so no batteries or mains adaptor are needed.

Test Control Area Network systems easily using this OBDII breakout box with smart LED signal indicators per pin. Use as scan tool extension lead, oscilloscope accessory plus more.

The CAN Test Box gives you easy access to the 16 pins of the diagnostic connector which is fitted to all modern vehicles. Depending on the configuration of the vehicle, this may allow you to check power, ground and CAN Bus signal quality. With the test leads supplied you can connect your Oscilloscope to the CAN Test Box to monitor any signals present, such as the CAN High and Low signals.

 The CAN Test Box connects to the vehicle᾿s OBDII / EOBD connector and lets you easily diagnose electrical faults.

·         Instantly check power and ground circuits

·         Identify communication link protocols

·         Connect an oscilloscope for signal capture and collection of signal waveform data.

The CAN Test Box uses numbered backlit LEDs which illuminate when signal data is present on the corresponding pin of the DLC. Pulsing LEDs indicate signals being transferred high/low.

·         LED 1/9 - 485A/485B (Manufacturer’s proprietary information)

·         LED 2/10 - Bus+ Line J1850/Bus- Line J1850

·         LED 3/8/12/13 - future upgrade

·         LED 4 - Chassis GND (GROUND)

·         LED 5 - Signal GND (SIGNAL)

·         LED 6/14 - CAN High of SAE J2284/CAN Low of SAE J2284

·         LED 7/15 K Line of ISO9141-2 and keyword 2000485A/L Line of ISO9141-2 and keyword 2000

·         LED 11 - Clock

·         LED 16 Batt+ (Voltage supply)

https://youtu.be/1pzA4u-f6GM

Digital Storage Oscilloscope Tutorial

 The basic concept behind digital oscilloscopes / DSOs is the conversion of the incoming analog signal into a digital format where it can be processed using digital signal processing techniques.

Read on here:   http://snip.ly/g3890s

Teledyne LeCroy's LabNotebook Makes Documentation Simple

Teledyne LeCroy's LabNotebook makes documentation simple by saving all displayed waveforms data, the oscilloscope setup file, and a screen image with a single button press. You can also annotate key observations and export to .pdf, .jpg, etc. to clearly tell the journey of your discoveries and their impacts. 

Key Features

• Complete documentation with a single button press
• Each LabNotebook contains:
  • All waveforms (channels, math, zoom, etc.)
  • Setup file
  • Annotated screen image
• Convenient Report Generation
• Easily Annotate Areas of Interest
• Flashback to Easily Recreate Experiments
• Seamlessly Collaborate with Colleagues
• Standard on all MAUI oscilloscopes

The Ideal Documentation Tool

LabNotebook saves everything that you need with a single button press. Each LabNotebook contains all displayed waveforms, the oscilloscope setup file, and an annotated screen image. Saving a LabNotebook is as simple as saving a waveform and does not require navigation of multiple menus to save each individual element. LabNotebook guarantees that everything you would possible need has been saved for complete documentation.

Convenient Report Generation

Document your work by quickly creating a report which captures the screen image and all of the important acquisition settings. A report can be generated from a LabNotebook file or directly from the current oscilloscope setup. Reports can be created as a PDF, HTML, or RTF and can be customized to include your company logo.

Flashback to Easily Recreate Experiments

A LabNotebook can be recalled to restore the oscilloscope to exactly how it was when the LabNotebook was saved. All the data is as if it were just acquired so a new acquisition can be made using the same setup as the previous experiment or measurements can be added or modified to re-analyze existing data.

Easily Annotate Areas of Interest

When saving a LabNotebook the screen image can be annotated with text or using the “scribble” drawing tool to document important notes and highlight areas of interest. Additionally, a description can be entered to include details about test setup.

Seamlessly Collaborate with Colleagues

LabNotebook files are easy to share in order easily collaborate with colleagues around the world. A single file can be sent to colleague and recalled on their oscilloscope so that they can easily see what you are seeing.

WHAT IS VSWR?

Have you ever been confused by VSWR and not quite known as much as you would like about it. Check out the clearly explained pages on VSWR / SWR, etc.   

http://snip.ly/yfstfh

British Defense Ministry Chooses RevEng from ABI Electronics

Following a technical seminar held in the summer of 2017, ABI Electronics has just been awarded a contract to supply its exclusive electronic reverse engineering system, RevEng, to the British Defense Ministry's Defense Electronics and Components Agency (DECA).

The Electrical and Instrumentation Product Line (E&I), based at the DECA Sealand site, is responsible for the maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade of electro-optical, electro-mechanical, electronics airspeed pitot, static, hydraulic, pneumatic and fuel management equipment used on both fixed wing aircraft, such as Typhoon, Tornado, Hawk and Sentry, and rotary wing aircraft including Sea King, Lynx, Chinook, Wildcat and Gazelle. Manned by over 30 highly skilled technicians with more than 200 years of experience, E&I plays a vital role in keeping aircraft from all three services flying, carrying out repairs, overhaul and modification across a wide range of equipment. The E&I team provide skilled maintenance and service for a huge variety of equipment, but there is one thing that they all have in common; their enthusiasm to continue to provide the best possible support to the UK Armed Forces.

Shortly after the announcement that the UK had been chosen to be the avionics sustainment hub in Europe for the F-35 joint strike fighter program, ABI Electronics, a British manufacturer of specialist test and repair products operating since 1983, was invited to conduct a technical seminar at the Sealand site. Over the lifetime of the program, components for hundreds of European-based F-35 aircraft will be serviced and maintained at DECA’s site in North Wales. The event took place in July 2017 and DECA engineers, who had already been working with ABI products for over 20 years, had the opportunity to see the company's latest products in action.

During the on-site seminar, DECA's lead engineer stated that “despite having the latest ATEs and dedicated board level test systems, ABI products take us to the ultimate stage of fault finding a circuit board. We have been able to identify component level faults with ABI’s BoardMaster that no other system would. We don’t call it by name here in the lab, we call it “the life-saver” system!”

In August 2018, ABI Electronics was awarded a contract to supply a comprehensive package including the company's popular schematic learning system, RevEng. RevEng is an exclusive system for the generation of professional circuit diagrams and schematics from an existing PCB. RevEng represents a safe, modern and accurate way of achieving professional schematics through a user-friendly, software led process where operators are guided from start to finish.

RevEng users who previously spent days or even weeks, creating schematics using the traditional method (multimeter, pen and paper) from an existing PCB, achieve huge savings in time and can now complete the job in just a few hours.
RevEng's user friendly operation through ABI's SYSTEM 8 Ultimate software along with the product's affordability, tried and true performance and expandability features were key deciding factors leading this investment by the MoD. ABI's regional sales manager, Javier Sagrado said "It was an honor to visit DECA last year and realize how much ABI has contributed to the MoD over nearly three decades. We are very excited with this outcome and look forward to many more years of partnership with the entire UK defense sector".

Need a Ready-made Active RF Mixer / RF Signal Generator 85MHz to 4.2GHz in 1Hz steps?

The Windfreak MixNV is a 1MHz to 6GHz software programmable RF mixer with a built-in PLL Local Oscillator that can up-convert, down-convert, or act as an RF Signal Generator that is controlled and powered by a PC running Windows XP, Windows 7 or 8 via its USB port.  It can also be powered and programmed with an Android phone or tablet. 

The oscillator will tune from 85MHz to 4.2GHz in 1Hz steps using an advanced sigma-delta modulator PLL that delivers low fractional spurious products and excellent phase noise. It will also tune up to 5GHz with reduced performance.

The MixNV has nonvolatile on board memory so it can be programmed to fire up by itself to any LO frequency, FSK modulation, or other settings. This makes for a highly mobile, low power and light weight solution for your RF frequency conversion or independent signal generation needs.   Please scroll down for more info on the powerful hardware and software features.

The MixNV is designed as a stand-alone mixer for use in RF and Microwave communications products or test setups but has the ability to self-bias the mixer such that it can be used as a signal generator with fine frequency resolution. It also has the ability to perform 2 level FSK (Frequency Shift Keyed) Modulation with finely adjustable frequency deviation via software or offboard external 3.3V CMOS drive. Use the open source Windfreak software, or the device can be controlled easily with 3rd party programs such as Hyperterminal or other freeware serial communications terminals across many operating systems.

Applications include: wireless communication systems, RF and microwave radios, software-defined radio, RL-SDR 6GH frequency extender, frequency up/down conversion, FSK modulator, ATE, radar, quantum device research, etc.

Case Dimensions including mounting tabs: 2.5" X 1.25" X 0.76" 

https://www.saelig.com/product/mixnv.htm 

How To Measure the 3dB Point of a Filter

If you have a handy signal generator and a scope you can manually plot a filter response.  Here's a video using a SIGLENT SDG2122X arbitrary waveform generator and an SDS2304X oscilloscope to find the 3dB point of an RF filter.  It's much easier, however, to use a spectrum analyzer with a built-in tracking generator that sweeps through a frequency range to plot the result automatically.  The video shows the manual results confirmed using an SSA3032X Spectrum Analyzer.

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

We're at the US Navy Procurement Conference in San Diego

Lots of new opportunities and relationships being developed by our Sales manager Dan Evans, especially for ABI Electronics PCB repair products.

The San Diego Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) presented the NDIA 30th Annual Department of the Navy Gold Coast Small Business Procurement Event.  It is the premier Navy procurement conference in the country. Gold Coast provides a forum to educate, guide, and assist businesses, large and small, in support of the warfighter mission within Department of the Navy and throughout the DOD.

The event provides exciting and relevant topics delivered by government and industry experts – and boasts insightful panels, workshops and networking events. Of course, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to meet key government and industry contracting personnel through our one-on-one matchmaking sessions – the hallmark of Gold Coast. On the exhibit floor are over 200 government agencies and industry organizations, including the ten Navy Systems Commands.

Saelig plays a vital role within the US Defense Industrial Base to support our National Defense Strategy and the warfighting men and women that keep our nation, and the world, secure.
As the only Department of the Navy co-sponsored procurement event, we are  finding this to be a most valuable and rewarding event.

RF EMI Shielded Tent Enclosures Offer Advantages Over Hard Wall Structures

Select-A-Shield™ high performing RF EMI shielded soft wall enclosures are available at a fraction of the cost of fully-welded metal enclosures and provide a Faraday cage solution that is truly portable with an on-the-fly setup. Prototype and pre-compliance testing of electronic and wireless devices, temporary EMI shielding, and secure communications* all need on-site, economical shielding.

Select-A-Shield Portable Enclosures

Designed to be durable, these soft wall enclosures will provide years of trouble-free service. Every enclosure includes a one-year warranty.  Standard sizes from tabletop enclosures to 9’x 19’ x 10’ free standing enclosures. Larger custom designed sizes can also be produced to meet your critical specifications.

Enclosure Construction:

Manufactured using US made, RoHS compliant, conductive fabric and double (US No. 8,530,756) or single (US No. 9,029,714) patented door seal systems, these tent enclosures deliver maximum isolation.

• Double Layer Enclosure SE: -87.5 dB minimum from 400 MHz to 18 GHz
• Double wall enclosure with ESD liner and vestibule

Shielding performance data must be carefully scrutinized to assure the enclosure as used will meet requirements for a specific application. The IEEE® 299 standard test was conducted by an independent test lab on a complete assembled system including installed components operating under typical conditions at various frequencies measured through the tent wall at multiple locations in the tent. The minimum readings indicate shielding functionality that can be expected in use.

External Framing

Simple to set up, with lightweight pop-up or semi-permanent frames.

• Series 100: Easy-up steel frame
• Series 300: Rectangular heavy-duty aluminum frame
• Series 500: Round heavy-duty aluminum frame

 General Specifications

All enclosures are made in the USA of US materials.

• Standard tent sizes and configurations from tabletop to 9’ x 19’ x 10’ (LWH)
• Custom sizes designed to your requirements
• Standard enclosure includes
  • 40” x 54.5” Door on the length side
  • Floor: Two layers of heavy-duty tarp material protect the conductive floor.
  • Enclosure storage bag: All soft wall enclosures come standard with a storage bag for protection when in transit or not in use
  • Complete assembly instructions
  • One year limited warranty

 Options

• Flame retardant liner
• ESD white interior liner to provide static control
• Sound reduction materials
• Exterior covers for outdoor deployment in arctic to desert conditions
• Frame roller bags and hard plastic transport cases
• LED interior perimeter lighting or EMI hardened stringed lights
• Testing of completed enclosure
• Cleaning in SELECT’s on-site  ISO Class 6 (Class 1,000 – Fed. Std. 209) clean room
• Ventilation and A/C
• Vestibule
• Filter plates
• Data and Signal Filter connectors including
  • DB 9
  • DB 15
  • DB 25
  • USB
  • Ethernet
• Power – AC/DC
  • AC:  90 – 480 volts up to 100 amps
  • DC:  0-100 volts up to 20 amps

Call for details:  http://www.saelig.com/category/MFR00069.htm

UK Defense Ministry Chooses ABI's RevEng ...

British Defense Ministry Chooses ABI's RevEng To Keep Obsolete Equipment Running: 

In August 2018, ABI Electronics was awarded a contract to supply a comprehensive packaged including the company's popular schematic learning system, RevEng. RevEng is an exclusive system for the generation of professional circuit diagrams and schematics from an existing PCB. RevEng represents a safe, modern and accurate way of achieving professional schematics through a user-friendly, software led process where operators are guided from start to finish.

The UK has been chosen to be the avionics sustainment hub in Europe for the F-35 joint strike fighter program, and ABI Electronics, a British manufacturer of specialist test and repair products operating since 1983, was invited to conduct a technical seminar at the Sealand site. Over the lifetime of the program, components for hundreds of European-based F-35 aircraft will be serviced and maintained at DECA’s site in North Wales.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/british-mod-chooses-reveng-from-abi-electronics-willian-santos/

Endorsements, Schmindorsements ...

It's great when customers love what you're offering - plus it saves them tons of money!

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

Automotive Intro Flashdrive FREE!

 Free with every PicoScope – a 0.5GB memory stick packed with helpful introductory videos and application notes to get technicians started and confident with using a PicoScope for vehicle diagnosis. 

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

Saelig Introduces the ABI BoardMaster-RM Universal PCB Test Solution

Compact, easy-use PC-based board tester is ideal for finding PCB faults quickly.

Fairport, NY, USA:  Saelig Company, Inc. (www.saelig.com) has introduced the ABI BoardMaster-RM Universal PCB Test Solution  – a unique, versatile, self-contained, and easy-to-use PCB test system, now housed in a convenient 19” rack case.  It is an all-in-one unit featuring a comprehensive set of test instruments, complete with a built-in Windows 10 PC and special software for testing and fault-finding on almost any kind of PCB and assembly.  Numerous valuable investigation methods are provided, such as V/I testing and digital/analog IC test, to speed up PCB repair and get equipment back in operation. 

The ABI BoardMaster-RM is a unique benchtop test system that uses a mix-and-match selection of CD-drive-sized System 8 modules to create a self-contained, customized PCB test station.  This rackmount solution provides complete testing and fault-finding for almost any kind of PCB and can be configured to suit specific needs and can be expanded later as new requirements evolve.  128 digital and 24 analog test channels are available for a variety of test and measurement techniques to track down the most elusive faults, even on unpowered boards.  Comparing results with a known good board using automated-sequence fault-finding procedures, the BoardMaster can be used by minimally-trained staff for testing and problem diagnosis.  The BoardMaster-RM comes complete with ABI's multi-license and user friendly SYSTEM 8 Ultimate Software preinstalled, which can be configured to guide users step-by-step through a test procedure, with custom-annotated images, PDFs, instructions, videos, and attached datasheets to give quick Pass/Fail and component fault results. The software has a built-in library with tens of thousands of common components. Using a test clip, or device adapter, the system can run multiple tests in a few seconds.  This is much faster and more economical than using traditional oscilloscopes, meters, and other bench test methods, and allows procedures to be performed by less qualified technicians.  

http://www.saelig.com/pr/boardmaster-rm.html