GaGe Application Note: Creating a Data Link Signal Integrity Test Platform
Creating a Data Link Signal Integrity Test PlatformThis application note describes how a manufacturer of data links utilizes GaGe Instruments’ PC-basedhigh-speed data acquisition digitizers to perform production-level signal integrity testing. Data Link Device Testing The data link device under test (Figure 1) is characterized by comparing test signals that are input to the link with signals measured at the link output. Differences between these two test signals indicate a degradation by the link during transmission. The input and output test signals require sampling at 1 GS/s (GigaSample per second) with at least 14-bit vertical resolution. Both signals must [...]
MTI Application Note: Security of Flight Doors Improved Through Use of MTI-2100 Fotonic Sensor
Security of Flight Doors Improved Through Use of MTI-2100 Fotonic Sensor Increased Safety & Reliability for Aircraft Cockpit Doors NTSB safety records point to numerous incidents involving cockpit door locking/unlocking mechanisms, either accidentally opening/closing or not operating fact enough upon command. Learn how one key industry supplier leveraged Fotonic Sensors to increase reliability and safety for their door locking mechanisms. Introduction Figure 1. Example of a typical cockpit door strike NTSB safety records point to numerous incidents involving cockpit door locking/unlocking mechanisms, either accidentally opening/closing or not operating fast enough upon command. In the assembly [...]
Acoustic Engineering with Stimulus Response System
Acoustic Engineering with Stimulus Response System Customer Case The performance of music without electrical amplification requires precise acoustic engineering of its venues. A customer advises concerning large-scale renovations to existing cathedrals, concert halls and opera houses. Renovations may include decoupling the structure from its surroundings to minimize outside noise and redesigning the interior in order to optimize echo patterns. Buildings are acoustically characterized with precision sound equipment. A sound Stimulus, S(t), is generated by a loudspeaker and the Response, R(t) is received by a microphone, where t is time. Usually, the loudspeaker and microphone are positioned at the musician [...]
MTI Case-In-Point: Gap Monitor Keeps Wind Turbines Running
Gap Monitor Keeps Wind Turbines Running System helps operators minimize downtime and protect against catastrophic failure Introduction Wind turbine production has been steadily increasing to meet growing demand for renewable energy. As power outputs and the number of installations climb, maintenance becomes ever more critical. Operators want to minimize downtime and protect against catastrophic failure. The ability to predict when maintenance will be required can go a long way to ensure these goals are met. Challenge A leading manufacturer of wind turbine power generators approached MTI for critical gap monitoring sensors. Specifically, the company wished to monitor [...]
MTI Application Note: Testing for Connector Failure Due To Vibration or Shock
Testing for Connector Failure Due to Vibration or Shock Mobile Communications Equipment Needs Reliable Connectors That Will Not Disconnect with Shock or Vibration Introduction A large multinational company approached MTI to provide a sensor capable of measuring displacement that also wouldn’t load the target (connector). Shock and vibration testing would span 2-15G and the target connectors were very small. Application MTI’s 2100 optical displacement sensor system is ideal for this kind of application because very small probes can be used and they measure displacement via reflected light. [...]
Application Note: How to Ensure Your LED Lighting Products Meet Industry Standards
Testing for performance, energy effeciency, consumption verification, quality and safety compliance during product development. Introduction Manufacturers and users of LED lighting products need to ensure that their products meet the qualifications and requirements of a multitude of reliability and efficiency standards. In addition to voluntary initiatives and programs like EnergyStar, mandatory standards and specifications for the lighting industry must be kept in mind during project development, including the latest IES LM-79-19 and the ANSI C82.16 documents. This application note provides an overview of relevant lighting standards and specifications for LED lighting products. [...]
GaGe Application Note: Creating a Data Link Signal Integrity Test Platform
Download a PDF Copy of this App Note Data Link Device Testing The data link device under test (Figure 1) is characterized by comparing test signals that are input to the link with signals measured at the link output. Differences between these two test signals indicate a degradation by the link during transmission. Figure 1. Two test platforms (PCIe and PXIe, respectively) transmit and receive the data link test signals. GaGe RazorMax high-speed data acquisition cards record the data for signal integrity comparison. The input and output test signals require sampling at 1 GS/s (GigaSample per second) [...]
Automotive Engine Controller Monitoring
Automotive Engine Controller Monitoring Customer Case The customer is a major electronics manufacturer who wants to find a cost effective replacement to VXI digitizers in testing automotive engine control signals. The requirement is for several ATE stations. Each one will require 4 single-ended channels or 2 "true differential" channels, 4 MHz of input analog bandwidth (mostly single shot) with voltage ranges from 0.05 to 70 volts. The digitizers must have at least 12 bits of vertical resolution, 0.5% accuracy and ½ MegaSample per channel of acquisition memory. The customer would like to operate the station under a controlling LabVIEW [...]
A Comprehensive Guide to Non-Contact Sensors and Their Applications
Sensors, both contact and non-contact, are crucial devices that allow the monitoring, detection, and reaction to conditions in an environment or within a process or piece of equipment. While myriad types of sensors exist and are designed to monitor varying conditions, all of them can be characterized as being one of two types — contact sensors and non-contact sensors. We’ll focus on the latter, diving into different technologies, types, and applications of non-contact sensor technology; but first, let’s explore what differentiates contact and non-contact sensors. Contact vs. Non-Contact Sensors: What’s the Difference? Measuring, monitoring, or detecting a particular condition [...]
Fiber Optic Automated Measurement System
Fiber Optic Automated Measurement System Customer Case The customer is in the business of developing lasers and LED components for fiber optic data \ telecommunications applications. The requirement is for an automated test system to monitor the pulse characteristics of the laser. The customer will require 3 channels at high vertical resolution due to the fact that some variances in amplitude will be only 1 mV and need to be detected. The goal is to capture 10,000 samples per channel at 50 MegaSamples per second with a 1 KHz to 5 KHz Pulse Repeat Frequency (PRF). The customer would [...]






