Innovative Test, Meaasurement, and Control Products

Package supports RapidIO test

Driven by the network computing market, the RapidIO interconnect architecture addresses the demand for software transparency, greater reliability, and higher bandwidth. RapidIO provides a high performance Gbit/sec standard that optimizes interaction between chips and circuit boards. At such high speeds, designers need to acquire and view both digital and analog properties of signals to characterize faults. Tektronix' TMS805 RapidIO support package uses multiplex capability and analog/digital displays to permit engineers to integrate a TLA700 logic analyzer and TDS6000 oscilloscope to view, trigger, and characterize digital and analog characteristics of high speed signals with a single, connectorless differential probe. TMS805 provides support for rates up to 1 Gbit/sec. The package enables capture of transmit and receive buses, triggering on control symbols or packets using predefined templates, viewing captured data in a packet display, and automatically linking the transaction- and operation-level activities between the transmit and receive buses. "An integrated toolset enables design engineers to quickly and easily implement RapidIO ports into their designs," says David Bennett, GM, Logic Analyzer Product Line. Tektronix, www.tektronix.com. Enter 563

Encoder offers 36-bit resolution

Baumer Electric's Dignalizer is an absolute rotary encoder with 36-bit resolution in a multiturn configuration. Capable of measuring 262,144 pulses per revolution over an equal number of revolutions, the encoder can track more than 68 billion pulses with unique binary codes. The basic encoder comes in an 18-bit single-turn version. According to Michael Hohl, lead design engineer, "Key technology is a proprietary Pseudo Random Code disk with a single track that provides 12 bits of data. A second sine-cosine incremental track is interpolated six times, giving a total 18-bit output." This configuration allows for high miniaturization—the encoder measures 58 mm in diameter with a depth of 55 mm, and weighs 370g. The Dignalizer supports major bus system outputs, including SSI, CANopen, DeviceNet, and Profibus, as well as RS-485 outputs. Cable and radial connector configurations are available, and shafts include 12-mm hollow shaft and industry standard sizes. Baumer Electric, www.baumerelectric.com. Enter 564

Data module logs bus data

Opto 22's SNAP Data Logging Module provides a non-volatile file system for the company's SNAP Ultimate I/O system. Previously, the 16-Mbyte RAM on the SNAP Ultimate brain provided the only data storage for the system. The Data Logging Module, a removable, postage stamp-sized multimedia card, stores up to 256 Mbytes of data from devices connected to the SNAP system for industrial automation and control, enterprise data acquisition, and remote monitoring. This card can be plugged into a PC for viewing the saved files. "The SNAP Data Logging Module features a FAT (file-allocation table) file system and is available with multimedia cards with 16, 32, 64, 128, and 256 MByte of RAM," says Opto 22 Engineer Ken Johnson. "If additional memory is required, multiple modules can be used on the same rack." The SNAP FTP server can also upload the Data Logging Module's data to a PC or website. Applications also include those that require periodic gathering of data from equipment, especially at remote locations. Opto 22, www.opto22.com. Enter 565

Software boosts fault detection

Agilent's Test Analyzer is a Windows-based software tool for its Fault Detective, a standalone software and services suite for automating circuit board, and sub-systems test diagnostics. By optimizing test suites and boosting diagnostics accuracy, engineers can reduce board rework or component repairs, cutting production costs from 5 to 7%, according to Duane Lowenstein, product manager. And costly corrections during the production cycle are mitigated. He adds, "Fault Detective creates a model of a test suite, and Test Analyzer performs a Monte Carlo simulation on that model. Test Analyzer then produces metrics on the fault detection and diagnostic capability of the test suite for engineers to use to improve the test suite, functional tests, and the product design." Once fine tuned for maximum coverage, the Fault Detective model can be saved for adoption for future designs. Agilent Technologies, www.agilent.com/find/fd. Enter 566

Instrument speeds equipment diagnosis

Rockwell Automation's Enwatch™ PX surveillance instrument offers two-channel simultaneous data acquisition to extend the company's Entek Enwatch Online Surveillance System. "Identifying machinery problems early enables intelligent decisions regarding equipment availability," says George Hofer, Rockwell market specialist. "By using existing sensors and buffered output data from installed protection monitoring systems, Enwatch PX captures critical equipment information in a timely fashion," he adds. Enwatch PX integrates directly with existing continuous monitoring systems to minimize installation costs. The device improves diagnostics by simultaneously sampling paired channels. Acquired data can be displayed in various analysis plots (orbit, shaft centerline, spectra, etc.) and sent via plant asset management software over an existing Ethernet LAN. Up to eight pairs of two channels can be multiplexed from a single Enwatch PX or inputs can be configured for 16 individual proximity probe inputs from a single machine. Combined with existing Rockwell software packages, users can view a complete picture of equipment condition. Rockwell Automation, www.rockwellautomation.com. Enter 567

Data logger knows where it's at

Triangle Digital Systems TDS2020GDL GPS Datalogging System uses PCMCIA or CompactFlash cards to store location and sensor information for later use in a PC. A new sapphire GPS receiver module (housed in a small hemisphere with a magnetic base) makes possible the compact size of the position data logger. The Software Datalogger Wizard provided allows non-programmers to configure the device to individual needs. "It's not unique in itself. But the combination of recording GPS data onto Flash cards, the easy-to-write software, together with low-power battery use for portability, are what make it unique," says Alan Lowne, president of Saeling Co., the U.S. distributor. A keypad and graphics display can be added to the module for a complete portable instrument. Other ready-made or custom software modules can be added to allow control functions, as well as data collection. Triangle Digital Systems, www.triangledigital.com/front.htm. Enter 568