Tuesday 23 September 2014

Novel Solution for smarter, more cost- effective test instrumentation recognised!

Based on its recent analysis of the peripheral component interconnect or PCI eXtensions for instrumentation (PXI)-based instrumentation for electronic test applications market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes RADX Technologies (RADX) with the 2014 Global Frost & Sullivan Award for New Product Innovation. RADX entered the test and measurement market with the introduction of the LibertyGT COTS Software Defined Synthetic Instrument (SDSI) product line that synthesizes a wide range of instruments while enabling concurrent operation for high throughput to address key end-user demands. This product features an innovative touchscreen design that has been optimized for re-configurability, technology insertion and user programmability.

Using PXI hardware and LabVIEW, LabVIEW FPGA and TestStand software from National Instruments packaged in a touchscreen enclosure developed by RADX, the LibertyGT SDSI offers faster measurement speed than traditional instrumentation. Furthermore, the range of functionalities available from RADX Technologies (up to 32 instruments currently) translates to a significantly lower cost of ownership as the number of instruments it replaces increases.

Based on patented technology licensed exclusively by RADX from BAE Systems, the LibertyGT features measurement science firmware and software (MSFS) that encompasses spectrum analysis, digital storage oscilloscope (DSO), Digital Multimeter (DMM), RF signal generation stimuli and comprehensive radio test. The LibertyGT includes an open source scripting language for local Test Program Set development and the system also supports Interchangeable Virtual Instrument (IVI) drivers for remote access. Apart from providing a wide range of intrinsic capabilities, the RADX LibertyGT SDSI also supports third-party measurement science and the company develops custom modules for customers. The solution is available with two software packages, the MSFS base bundle and the advanced measurement science software and firmware bundle (AMSB).

"While other companies have taken similar steps to provide program specific solutions using PXI hardware, RADX Technologies differentiates itself by integrating a turnkey, touchscreen, general purpose synthetic instrument that provides control of solution to customers, which is essential to add/modify functionality over time,” said Frost & Sullivan Industry Director Jessy Cavazos. "This is made possible by the innovative hardware and software design of the instrument, from the hinged front panel design of the enclosure to the modular software architecture that enables customer to tailor and maintain the system as their requirements dictate."

In addition to hardware re-configurability, the LibertyGT software architecture enables concurrent measurement capability, transforming the synthetic instrument into a compact, yet comprehensive test system, which, in turn, lowers costs. The product also offers cost-savings by isolating the hardware, software, and test program sets (TPS) from each other. This model allows hardware and software to be changed without affecting the TPS, eventually greatly reducing the need to rewrite and recertify TPS in military ATE applications.

RADX employed a number of experts in the LabVIEW and embedded systems ecosystem to develop LibertyGT, including JKI to help with the system’s intuitive LabVIEW user interface (UI) which features simple workflows, user and third party extensibility and powerful screen animations.

"The breadth of instrument personalities offered by the LibertyGT, coupled with the addition of a its python based local TPS framework and Test Management based on NI TestStand makes the system ideal for benchtop and automated test systems,” noted Cavazos. "Simultaneously, the company has strived to make its LibertyGT solution especially suited to the production test environment by providing the user programmability, front-to-back cooling, and modular power supply."

In addition to its use in military test and measurement applications, the LibertyGT SDSI is well suited for commercial applications in wireless infrastructure, wireless communication devices, commercial radios, and commercial avionics. Customers may employ its wide range of instrument personalities and/or develop and add their own measurement science to the instrument.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has developed an innovative element in a product by leveraging leading-edge technologies. The award recognizes the value-added features/benefits of the product and the increased ROI it offers customers, which, in turn, increases customer acquisition and overall market penetration potential.

Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for outstanding achievement in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research.

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