Do you think your measurement is "In-Tolerance" if the measured value is within the manufacturer's accuracy specification? If the calibration provider is not considering the test uncertainty ratio, chances are your measurements are not what you think they are and it is very likely that you may be making bad measurements.

Researchers have created a miniaturized, portable version of the mass spectrometer, which traditionally has been bulky, limiting its in-field potential. Other smaller spectrometers have been less sensitive and more likely to break down.

Tektronix, Beaverton, OR, introduced the TTR500 Series USB vector network analyzer, a USB-based RF test instrument. It includes VectorVu-PC analysis software and built-in bias tee for testing active devices. The 2-port, 2-path S-parameter VNA features 100 kHz to 6 GHz frequency range, 122 dB dynamic range, less than 0.008 dB trace noise, and -50 to +7 dBm output power. The built-in bias tee allows for 0 to ± 24V, and 0 to 200 mA on both ports for active devices. The analyzer operates with any Windows PC or laptop, and VectorVu-PC software controls and calibrates the instrument. For automated test systems in design or manufacturing, the software offers programmatic support for SCPI commands, including command compatibility with common legacy VNAs for integration into existing test systems. In addition, the software offers an offline mode for data analysis with an output file format compatible with common EDA simulation tools. Accessories include a rugged carrying case, rack mount kits, phase-stable cables, attenuators, adapters, and calibration kits.

As Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology evolves, how do you test autonomous cars that ‘learn from their mistakes?’

NASA's Langley Research Center has developed a photo-acoustic sensing-based laser vibrometer for the measurement of ambient chemical species. The technology allows for detection of sub-part-per-billion (ppb) levels of ambient trace gases and chemical species, with an order of magnitude more sensitivity than similar technologies. Among other applications, the technology could be used for the detection of explosives and hazardous or toxic chemicals.

In a system or on a lab bench, proper instrument calibration reduces the chances of false test results. Not all calibrations are equal, and six key factors affect quality, usefulness and cost. In Six Axes of Calibration, we highlight the importance and value of each factor. Download application note.

Keysight's new InfiniiVision 1000 X-Series oscilloscopes feature 50- to 100-MHz models with up to 6-in-1 instrument integration and industry-leading software analysis. They have the unbelievably low starting price of $449* and deliver professional-level functionality you'd expect from oscilloscopes 3x's the cost.

CILS 8900OG low-outgassing printable labels
Computer Imprintable Label Systems (CILS)
Burlington, MA
877-512-8763
www.cils-international.com

Anritsu Company (Richardson, TX) has introduced the BERTWave MP2110A, an all-in-one instrument that conducts simultaneous BER measurements and eye pattern analysis to more efficiently evaluate multi-channel optical devices used in optical communications systems, including 100GbE, InfiniBand EDR, and 32G Fibre Channel. The BERTWave MP2110A features a built-in BERT that can be configured with up to 4 channels at up to 28.2 Gbit/s, and up to a 2-channel sampling oscilloscope. This single-instrument design allows the BERTWave MP2110A to conduct simultaneous TRx BER measurements of multi-channel optical modules used by 100GbE standards, such as QSFP28, and other standards, such as InfiniBand EDR and 32G Fibre Channel, as well as simultaneous 2-channel eye pattern analyses.

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Hotwatt has manufactured specialized electric heating elements for over 64 years, all made in the USA. Products include cartridge, air process, immersion, strip and finned strip, tubular and finned tubular, band, compressor crankcase, foil, flexible rope and ceramic heaters. We are a quality supplier to OEM's in the in industrial, medical, commercial appliance, packaging, instrumentation, aviation, transportation and military fields.