Evaluation Engineering

Data acquisition (DAQ) systems are key to automotive tests ranging from engine development to interior buzz, squeak, and rattle noise abatement. Overall, tests split into those that are performed in a...

Today’s DMMs are differentiated by their feature sets and prices. Basic low-resolution meters that only measure voltage, current, and resistance are available for less than $100. High-accuracy measurement...

Scan diagnosis is an established method for identifying and locating semiconductor defects on devices that fail manufacturing test and on field returns. Effectively selecting the right devices for failure...

As PCB component density has increased, many more new designs are based on boundary scan-enabled parts because physical access has virtually disappeared. Today, complex ICs encompass several forms of built-in...

Expectations for devices in the rapidly expanding smartphone market segment are high. In addition to reliable voice calling, they must support data services over a range of cellular technologies (GPRS/EDGE,...

The mobile phone market is undergoing its next phase with the transition from largely single-connectivity cellular-only phones to multistandard connectivity or cellular + Bluetooth + Wi-Fi phones. The...

Environmental testing determines how well products withstand the stresses likely to be experienced in normal use. Of course, you may need to know if a design will survive one event representing 10x the...

Although test-like-you-fly directly relates to aerospace projects, the underlying intention is to mitigate risk by running the most appropriate tests. In that sense, the phrase applies more broadly. Skipping...

Has 3-D X-ray PCB assembly inspection finally become a mainstream, inline production tool? The answer ranges from "it has been for some time" to "almost" and clearly depends on whom you ask. There are...

Thermal management becomes more critical as higher electronics performance is designed into smaller packages. As a result, heat removal mechanisms need to become more efficient to prevent...

Manual Surge Coupling/Decoupling Network The CDN 3083-S100M injects standard 1.2/50-µs combination wave surges up to 8-kV open-circuit and up to 4 kA, 8/20-µs surge short circuit into an EUT’s main...

Ideally, EMC testing could be accomplished with one antenna, one amplifier, and one receiver. At least the receiver part generally can be achieved, and in some sports, one out of three is pretty good....

The power of LAN-based communications interfaces has transformed the way we approach everyday activities. Whether checking in for a flight or watching a movie, applications abound to save time and simplify...

It’s inevitable. Basic electronic technology evolves. Chips and circuit boards are designed and made differently today than they were 10 years or even five years ago. It stands to reason that the technologies...

Considering the current unprecedented economic conditions, it is no surprise that respondents to the 2009 EE—Evaluation Engineering Salary Survey ranked job security as the number-one career issue, up...

A pat on the back can go a long way. Many engineers who were interviewed for the 2007 EE-Evaluation Engineering Salary Survey said that although salary is important, being recognized for their engineering...