Blogs
Press Release: MTI Instruments’ PBS-4100+ and PBS-4100R+ Engine Vibration & Balancing Systems Now Supports ARINC 429 & AFDX Data
MTI Instruments’ PBS-4100+ and PBS-4100R+ Engine Vibration & Balancing Systems Now Supports ARINC 429 & AFDX Data Expanded digital interface compatibility simplifies engine vibration & balance testing Lockport, IL—April 8, 2025— MTI Instruments, a Vitrek brand, proudly announces the latest update to its industry-leading PBS-4100 Family of Engine Vibration Monitoring Systems — full support for ARINC 429 and ARINC 664 (AFDX) digital data interfaces. This enhancement significantly expands the PBS-4100+ and PBS-4100R+ system’s compatibility with modern engine platforms, including those on the Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX, Airbus A350, Boeing 787, and more. Leveraging digital data [...]
Application Note: GaGe RazorPlus: Revolutionizing Radar Signal Recording for Military Vehicles
Introduction A moving military test vehicle is equipped with a radar system. From a fixed location, a user wants to record radar signals emitted by the vehicle during a motion sequence that lasts about one minute. This application note describes how Vitrek’s Gage RazorPlus CSE 16502 digitizer meets the requirements for this task. System Overview The radar system emits narrowband signals within the X band (8 to 12 GHz). These signals are down-converted to a lower frequency range of 0 to 200 MHz using a down-converter. The down-converter generates two output signals - [...]
Did You Know? GaGe Digitizers in Particle Physics Applications
Introduction Discover the fascinating world of particle physics through our detailed document on scattering experiments. Learn how targets are hit by incident particles, leading to scattered particles and fragments that are studied using advanced particle detectors. Explore the roles of Photomultiplier Tubes (PMTs) and solid-state detectors in converting detected particles into electrical pulses, and understand how the Multi-Channel Analyzer (MCA) and RazorMax CompuScope perform Pulse Height Analysis (PHA) for more complex measurements. Particle Physics Experiments In a scattering experiment in nuclear or particle physics, a target is hit by incident particles, which are [...]
Press Release: Vitrek, LLC Expands Industry-Leading MTI PBS line to include the PBS eXpress™, a Portable Engine Balancing System for Business and Regional Jets
Vitrek, LLC Expands Industry-Leading MTI PBS line to include the PBS eXpress™, a Portable Engine Balancing System for Business and Regional Jets Lightweight, portable system utilizes proven PBS technology for fast, highly accurate rebalancing of small-frame turbofan and turboprop engines
The Answer Vault: GaGe CompuScope Digitizers — Q & A with Dr. Andrew Dawson
Introduction This document explores the advanced features of GaGe CompuScope Digitizers in a variety of applications, featuring insights from Dr. Andrew Dawson. A seasoned physicist and leader, Dr. Dawson holds a Doctorate in experimental solid-state physics from McGill University and has extensive experience in ultrasonic material analysis. As an application engineer for GaGe, his experience has exposed him to a wide variety of digitizer applications, making this a valuable resource for understanding cutting edge advancements in the field. Question 1: Can You Provide some Features of GaGe CompuScope Digitizers that are useful in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) applications? [...]
Did You Know? GaGe Digitizers in Military & Aerospace Applications
Introduction High-speed digitizers are indispensable tools in the military and aerospace industries, revolutionizing the way data is captured, processed, and analyzed. These advanced devices enable precise measurement and real-time monitoring of complex systems, from radar and communication systems to electronic warfare and avionics. By converting analog signals into high-resolution digital data at unprecedented speeds, high-speed digitizers enhance the accuracy and efficiency of critical operations, ensuring superior performance and reliability in some of the most unique applications. Unlocking the Skies: Advanced Drone Detection with X-Band Radar With the increasing use of drones across various sectors, there’s a growing [...]
Did You Know? GaGe RazorMax Express Digitizer/Oscilloscope: An Efficient & Cost-Effective Tool for High-Energy Physics Particle Counting Applications
Introduction Figure 1. Examples of photo-mulitiplier tubes, or PMTs (Photo courtesy of Hamamatsu). An important category of experimental physics is nuclear and particle physics, a near synonym for high-energy physics. A broad range of experiments in this domain are classed as scattering experiments in which an incident particle hits a target and the resulting scattered particles are studied. Scattering processes can involve the creation or annihilation of particles. The modern approach to studying scattered particles is to employ particle detectors, devices that detect individual particles impinging upon them. This paper provides an overview of typical instruments [...]
Case-In-Point: MTI Turbine Vibration Analyzer/Balancing System Technology Principles
What do you think when you’re flying home, cruising at 30,000 feet and the drinks have just been served? Our engineers think about the ripple in the glass. That ripple signals vibration and is an indication that the engine may be in need of a balance.
Aviation NewsBrief: Industry Growth Faces Trained Technician Shortage
Introduction Prior to the COVID pandemic, the average age of a highly trained aircraft technician was 57. The airline industry, like so many others, reacted to the pandemic by reducing operations and offering early retirement as way of balancing the workforce with demand. Now the airline industry is experiencing unprecedented growth and thanks to the early retirement of senior MRO technicians, the industry is experiencing a shortfall in its population of qualified personnel. The Problem: Too Few Young Mechanics Joining the Ranks Not enough young mechanics are joining the trade. Exacerbating the situation is [...]