3D Integrated Circuits Use Capacitive Sensing to Ensure Coplanarity
Three-dimensional (3D) integrated circuits (ICs) feature silicon wafers and dies that are stacked vertically for improved device performance. By using the Z-axis, 3D ICs can overcome the power and footprint limitations associated with two-dimensional (2D) integrated circuits. Yet 3D ICs need coplanar surfaces to contact all of the pads, pins, and pillars. To determine coplanarity, semiconductor manufacturers measure the angle and gap between two planes. Bonding tool actuators use these measurements to adjust components and ensure that all device pins and solder balls reside on the same geometric plane. This process, active parallelism compensation, promotes proper bonding without residual [...]
Engine Vibration and Balancing 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. The MTII’s PBS-4100+ Series Turbine Vibration Analyzer/Balancing System was developed to ensure that Turbine engines run as efficiently as possible. Excessive vibration is detrimental for a host of reasons: energy intended for useful output is instead expended on the vibration vibration manifests as acoustic energy (noise), again wasting otherwise useful energy excessive [...]
Oiling System Uses Capacitive Sensing to Detect Water Contamination
Water contamination can reduce the life of lubricants and increase the frequency of maintenance and repairs. If corrective action isn’t taken before an out-of-limit incident occurs, operational costs can escalate. When unplanned maintenance disrupts operations, productivity suffers and technicians may focus on a quick fix instead of the root cause. To detect water contamination in oil systems, in-line capacitance probes can be used. These flexible, off-the-shelf devices provide automatic and continuous monitoring. Yet checking moisture levels isn’t just about enhancing reliability or eliminating corrosion. In-line capacitance probes improve operations by supporting a proactive approach to maintenance. How In-Line Capacitance [...]
Laser Thickness Gauge System Principles
The Microtrak™ 3 TGS system is specifically designed for thickness applications utilizing two lasers. The product can be used in a standalone configuration or easily interfaced with PLCs and PCs. Each module contains an integral LCD display and keypad for setup and display of measurements. A USB serial port also allows control by a laptop computer. Basic PLC or control input/output is provided by discrete digital I/O lines or a Modbus® interface. Laser Triangulation Principle The Microtrak™ 3 TGS system uses the principle of laser triangulation to perform a one dimensional measurement of a target. The [...]
The Top Five Trends Impacting Test and Measurement for 2019
With 2019 upon us, we know everyone is thinking about what's next in the Test and Measurement industry. We also know that without test and measurement equipment, engineers can't accurately and consistently prove that their mechanical or electronic devices perform as required. When they don't work, engineers also need to determine why and how to fix them. All of this leads to innovative thinking on how to test and measure even better by taking advantage of rapidly growing trends such as digitization, software, additive manufacturing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and new sensing applications that are driving advances in T&M. [...]
Offshore Wind Supply Chain Uses MTI Capacitance Sensors
Capacitance sensors from MTI Instruments are an important part of the supply chain for offshore wind (OSW) in New York State. According to a recent report from the Center for Economic Growth (CEG), New York’s Capital Region is home to MTI Instruments and dozens of other manufacturers who support this growing form of wind power. The Capital Region also offers essential infrastructure for OSW. As the CEG report explains, the New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) has assessed 54 waterfront sites for OSW-related projects such as component staging, manufacturing, and fabrication. Two of the most promising sites [...]
Handheld Signal Source Generator Principles
The MTI 1510A Portable Signal Generator is a sophisticated two channel battery powered microprocessor controlled direct digital synthesizer. It can generate sine, square, saw tooth and triangle continuous signals on both channels as well as single pulse and odd pulses on the B channel to simulate tachometer output pulses. The main reason for two channels is to be able to create a phase shift in the A to B output signals as may be encountered in a piece of rotating equipment such as a jet engine. The A channel also has the ability to simulate precise DC signals or [...]
Digital Accumeasure Gen 3 Reduces Noise and Increases Resolution
MTI Instruments is announcing a third-generation digital capacitance displacement gauge with lower noise and an industry-leading resolution. The Digital Accumeasure DSeries Gen 3 provides up to 0.01% FST linearity and is designed for measuring gap, vibration, and positioning. In both analog and digital systems, noise is an unwanted disturbance that distorts or interferes with a desired electrical signal. MTI’s Digital Accumeasure Gen 3 is a lower-noise amplifier than the Gen 2 and features sub-nanometer resolution for highly-precise measurements. Using state-of-the-art technology, the Digital Accumeasure DSeries Gen 3 converts a highly-reliable capacitive electric field measurement (displacement) directly into a highly-precise [...]
New Signal Buffer Conditioner Solves Signal Distribution Challenge
MTI Instruments is solving signal distribution challenges with a new product, the BC804 signal buffer conditioner. Now available as part of a limited production run, the BC804 acts as a buffered amplifier and is optimized for ultra-sensitive measurement equipment. When a single signal must be distributed to multiple instruments, one shortened output can affect the others. The BC804 solves this signal-distribution challenge by providing eight fully independent and isolated buffer amplifier channels. With the BC804, each channel has one input and four buffered outputs. Each output can tolerate a short without failure and won’t affect the other outputs. Equipped with [...]
Vitrek Completes Acquisition of XiTRON Technologies Brand and Product Lines
Vitrek Completes Acquistion of XiTRON Technologies Brand and Product Lines Acquisition broadens Vitrek’s power analyzer portfolio and adds range of complementary products; expands customer base with limited overlap; adds domestic and international representation and distribution channels. […]






