Calibrator handles 61/2-digit meters
An updated multiproduct calibrator from Fluke, the 5500A, calibrates: digital and analog multimeters, RTD thermometers, panel meters, data loggers, stripchart and oscillographic recorders, process calibrators, graphical multimeters, and more. Optionally, it can also calibrate analog and digital oscilloscopes up to 600 MHz. Compared with the 5500A, the 5520A offers increased accuracy in most calibration functions. Lower output uncertainties add the ability to accommodate 51/2- and 61/2-digit multimeters such as the Hewlett-Packard 34401A, Fluke 8840A and 8842A, and Keithley 2000.
Fluke Corp., FAX (206) 356-5116.
Tiny instrument measures force
The KNM-DYN12, a new addition to Keithley's SmartLinkTM series of miniaturized instruments, makes laboratory-grade measurements of force, acceleration, and dynamic pressure in virtually any plant location. Because the unit measures only 6.7 ื 1.3 ื 1.1 inches, users can locate it inches away from demanding signals and sensors, minimizing lead-length errors and induced electrical noise. The unit accepts up to eight transducer or digital inputs. Users can link measurements to a remote PC or controller, or display and store results locally on a digital readout device or palmtop PC. Communications support includes Ethernet, RS-232, USB (Universal Serial Bus), and IEEE 488.
Keithley Instruments Inc., FAX (216) 248-6168.
EMI tester gets around
Thanks to a strategic alliance between Tektronix and Rohde & Schwarz, Germany, Tek will be marketing and supporting R&S's ESCS 30 EMI (electromagnetic interference) tester in North America. A relatively low-cost, portable unit for commercial EMI test requirements, the ESCS 30 is designed for testing new products during the design phase. The automatic test receiver functions as a stand-alone unit that performs measurements and documents the results on a color printout or a Windows-compatible file on floppy disk. "The ESCS 30 is designed to lower the cost of EMI compliance testing," says Tek's Cliff Morgan. "It delivers a complete series of certification tests, yet costs significantly less than other existing solutions." Pricing starts at $44,750.
Tektronix Inc., FAX (413) 448-8033.
Logic probe simplifies trouble shooting
A new instrument from Hewlett-Packard redefines the capabilities of a logic probe. The HP LogicDart incorporates a 100-megasample/second timing analyzer, logic monitor, dc voltmeter, and continuity tester. Different beeper tones indicate high and low conditions; graphic timing displays and blinking LEDs also alert the user to testing results. The probe's sharp point and thin profile make working with fine-pitch ICs and narrow circuit-board traces easier and more precise. The $795 LogicDart can display all three of the timing analyzer's input channels simultaneously and store up to ten 2,048-sample waveforms.
Hewlett-Packard Co., Phone (800) 452-4844, ext. 1893.
PCI bus DAQ boardpacks channels
Data Translation's DT3010 high-speed data-acquisition board gives users the functionality of multiple plug-in DAQ boards in a single PCI slot, according to the company. It includes: 32 single-ended or 16 differential analog inputs; 16 digital I/O channels that can run synchronous with analog inputs; 2 dynamic digital outputs; 2 high-speed analog outputs; and 4 counter/timer channels. Users can configure a few channels for high sample rates or many channels at medium sample rates. Maximum sample rate is 1.25 megasamples/second with 12-bit resolution.
Data Translation, FAX (508) 481-8620.
Stripchart recorder shuns paper
A next-generation recorder from IOtech combines the familiar feel of paper-based stripchart recorders with the features of the company's PC-based data-acquisition systems. Unlike hybrid recorders--which often include complex push-button menu systems, low-visibility LCDs, and inconvenient multipurpose keypads--the ChartScan/1400 recorder includes ChartViewTM software, which uses many familiar Windows-type commands. The graphics-based package displays data in a smooth-scrolling stripchart fashion, and includes digital meter, analog meter, and bar graph formats. Scan rate is up to 147 channels/second in normal multi-channel dc and thermocouple applications. For ac measurements, the unit can sample a channel at 20 kHz and convert those samples to a true rms reading. ChartScan/1400 costs $1,995; module pricing starts at $695.
IOtech, FAX (216) 439-4093.
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