Featured Products - Paul's Picks

SoMat cDAQ Mobile CAN-Based Modules operate within severe temperatures ranges of -40°C to 125°C with an IP67 protection class rating and take measurements directly in difficult test areas. They are compatible with any CAN ISO 11898 2.0B-based system or vehicle network and have a selectable baud rate from 20 kb/s to 1 Mb/s.

The modules are powered from 8 V to 36 V by a DC power source. Connecting multiple modules through the CAN bus allows for nearly unlimited channel counts, covering distances up to 250 m.

cDAQ modules are available in 16-channel isolated configurations for K-, J-, or T-type thermocouples. Each channel has individual cold junction compensation fully isolated up to 500 V and accuracy of ±0.5°C. Selectable sample rates are available for each channel from 0.1 to 15 Hz.

HBM

The 60-311 LXI Matrix uses high-voltage D-type connectors to withstand voltages up to 1 kV with up to 2 A of carry current. The device is offered in single, dual, and triple 75x4 configurations. Each matrix includes isolation relays on the X and Y axes that simplify development into larger matrix sizes when interconnecting the matrices, avoiding excessive matrix loading in many applications.

The LXI Class C-compliant interface allows simple Ethernet control of the matrix with local or remote access. The isolated nature of the LAN connection accommodates high-voltage applications. The 60-311 can be used in rack, bench, or distributed test systems and features a 3U rack-mountable case system.

The 60-311 ships with IVI and direct I/O drivers.

Pickering Interfaces

The self-powered DT9824 USB Module simultaneously samples up to four analog inputs at throughput rates up to 4,800 Hz with 24-b resolution. It also offers a temperature coefficient of ±0.05 µV/°C and a common-mode rejection ratio of >150 dB. The proprietary ISO-Channel™ technology provides 1,000-V galvanic isolation channel-to-channel and ±500 V to earth ground. Gains of 1, 8, 16, and 32 support input ranges of ±10 V, ±1.25 V, ±0.625 V, and ±0.3125 V.

The DT9824 has 16 opto-isolated digital lines, eight input and eight output; the outputs are solid-state relays that handle ±30 V at currents up to 400 mA AC or DC. Features include single-value and continuous conversion modes; software and external trigger to accommodate sampling; and a 1U, half-rack profile.

Data Translation

The Tag4M is a 2.55" x 1.88", low-power 802.11b/g device for connecting sensors to the Internet. The tag incorporates a 2.4-GHz radio, a 32-bit RISC processor, full TCP/IP stack, a 32-kHz real-time clock for wakeup and timestamping, FTP, DHCP, DNS, and a Web server. It sends measurement data to a Wi-Fi access point, which routes that data over the Internet to a server IP address and a LAN.

The tag includes an on-board ceramic chip antenna and a U.FL connector for an external antenna; a four-channel, 14-bit A/D converter; five voltage/current input channels; four digital I/O channels; and an on-board temperature sensor. The maximum sampling rate is 3.3 Hz. When transmitting, it requires approximately 200 mA; in the sleep mode, consumption drops to <10 µA.

Cores Electronic

The N9923A FieldFox RF Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) provides 0.01-dB/°C measurement stability and QuickCal, a capability for calibrating the hand-held VNA without the need for an external kit. The full two-port network analyzer also can produce and display single-connection measurement of all four S-parameters in multiple formats including Smith chart and polar.

The VNA is rugged and weather-resistant and offers a field-proof design with no fans or vents. It complies with MIL PRF 28800F Class 2. Features include cable and antenna test (distance to fault, return loss, and VSWR); a vector voltmeter (one- and two-channel); power meter measurements up to 24 GHz with a USB power sensor; USB, LAN, and micro SD connectivity; and a wide-angle and bright display for use in direct sunlight.

Agilent Technologies

The AQ6373 Optical Spectrum Analyzer measures wavelengths ranging from 350 nm to 1,200 nm. With free space optical inputs, it handles light from large core, multimode, and single-mode fibers without additional options or changing connectors. Wavelength accuracy is ±0.05 nm; resolution is 0.02 to 10 nm, 0.01 from 400 to 470 nm.

A built-in screen allows for analysis of data in real time. Up to seven individual traces can be controlled at one time or used for the 13 built-in data analysis functions.

The benchtop analyzer is equipped with Ethernet, USB, and GBIP ports and a built-in Macro function for repetition of measurements and analysis. When used with the AQ6370 Viewer Software, the AQ6373 can be viewed and controlled via the Internet.

Yokogawa Corp. of America

EX1200-3096 is a 96-channel multiplexer that scans multiple points to a common bus and supports thermocouple, RTD, and thermistor measurements. It consists of dual (1x48) two-wire multiplexer banks. Each bank can be interconnected within a module under program control via busing relays and across modules via the EX1200 analog bus to configure larger multiplexers as required. It can also be used as a system switch and handshake with external devices through LXI LAN messages or the hardware trigger bus.

Up to 576 two-wire or 288 four-wire channels can be accommodated in a single EX1200 full-rack mainframe for maximum density or mixed and matched with other EX1200 plug-ins for flexibility. All relays can hot switch up to 100 V and 1 A.

Internal residual voltage discharge relays can be enabled to momentarily short out the measurement path when changing from one input channel to the next. An optional terminal block provides screw termination points for external field wiring and includes a cold junction compensation reference.

VTI Instruments