Certification for video testing.

Anritsu's receiver test (SINK Test) solution for latest DisplayPort 2.1 standard has been certified by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), the international standards organisation. Combining Anritsu's Signal Quality Analyzer-R MP1900A with automation software from Granite River Labs (GRL) or Teledyne LeCroy achieves automated verification of data transmission quality and calibration.

DisplayPort 2.1 enables the digital transmission of high-definition and high-refresh-rate video, such as 8K. The standard is still being developed. Recently, the integration of the USB Type-C specifications has led to a significant expansion in the versatility of DisplayPort 2.1 and its adoption across a wide range of applications. However, a challenge facing the development of products that comply with the new standard is that manually verifying transmission signal quality and calibrating are time-consuming due to the complexity of the test equipment settings and the lengthy configuration and test procedures. 

This solution improves development efficiency and ensures the quality of video data transmission by automating the testing and calibration processes.

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@Anritsu @AnritsuEMEA @NapierPR #TandM

Efficient tests of pulse radar Tx characteristics.

A Pulse Radar Measurement Function MX284059B software option for the Signal Analyzer MS2840A has been released by Anritsu. As well adding new functions to the earlier MX284059A, this MX284059B release also supports new interlocked control of the USB Peak Power Sensor MA24406A/18A/40A for automatic high-accuracy transmission (Tx) power and pulse-width measurements. In addition to facilitating pulse-radar field maintenance tests, these new functions help reduce production-line test times for more efficient line throughput.

Pulse radars must always operate accurately and reliably because they are used widely for meteorological, shipping, coastguard, and aerospace monitoring applications as important social infrastructure assuring safety and security on land and sea, and in the air.

Inspection of the Tx characteristics is key for stable pulse-radar operation and conventionally requires various test instruments, including a separate spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope, power meter, and frequency counter. In particular, when testing Tx spurious emissions, field engineers must create spectrum emission masks (pass/fail base lines) using results from several pieces of test instruments, which is time consuming. Moreover, more private weather forecasting businesses are installing high-performance pulse radar that is essential for monitoring increasingly frequent severe weather, such as sudden downpour and linear rainband causing heavy rain and flooding. Consequently, demand for pulse-radar maintenance testing is also increasing. However, the shortage of experienced field engineers may be unable to meet this rising test demand, which creates a need for automated shorter field tests using easily portable test instruments.

Analyzer Outline.
The MX284059B is configured easily in combination with the MS2840A and MA24406A/18A/40A to support tests of Tx characteristics and replaces the four conventionally required pieces of test instruments. Additionally, all test stages from data acquisition to spectrum emission mask creation are fully automated.

In comparison to its predecessor MX284059A, the MX284059B has a wider pulse-width measurement range for testing high-performance radar, including aerospace and maritime applications using short pulses as well as long-range radar using long-repetition cycles (long pulses).

Key Features.

• S-, C-, X-, and Ku-band (3 to 15 GHz band) pulse-radar Tx tests
• Automatic tests of Tx power and frequency, pulse width, pulse rise/fall times and repetition frequency, 40 dB bandwidth, and spurious emissions, with integrated saving of measured data, measurement screens, and pass/fail results
• Evaluation of spurious emissions test results using masks based on the Recommendation ITU-R SM.329, SM.1541 and M.1177 with masks superimposed on MS2840A test trace display

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* See also Releases in 2016 & 2021 for other developments in this instrument.

@Anritsu @AnritsuEMEA @NapierPR #5G #TandM

Industrial connectors: The next level.

When Han-Modular® was released in 1993, it was the first modular industrial connector to run power, signal, and data alongside each other in a single connector. Now Harting have announced the next development stage of the modular connector; the new Han-Modular® Domino range.

This new series meets the industry's requirements for saving installation space and weight. By using Han-Modular® Domino modules, you can save up to 50% installation space by integrating different transmission types in one module.

Just as dominoes have two separate squares, a domino module is made up of two building blocks or ‘cubes’. The Han-Modular® mating face is divided in two, resulting in an almost square surface in which even larger contacts can be accommodated.

Power, signal, data or compressed air as well as male and female contacts can now be combined in one module. This reduces the number of required interfaces per unit and the connection technology becomes smaller and more lightweight, as more modules and module types can now fit into one connector.

The new smaller Domino modules require less energy and raw materials to produce and users also benefit from space and weight savings. Modularity is improved by the use of smaller components that can be arranged next to each other in hinged frames. Domino modules are also compatible with existing components of the Han-Modular® series.

@hartinguk #PAuto #Communications

Complient high-speed ICs, devices, and networks.

Anritsu Corporation President Hirokazu Hamada and Tektronix have announced the provision of an automated PCI Express® 5.0 (PCIe Gen5) test solution combining Anritsu’s Signal Quality Analyzer-R MP1900A BERT series with Tektronix’s DPO70000SX series 70 GHz Real-time Oscilloscope and automation software. The all-in-one solution supports tests of PCIe 5.0 electrical characteristics, physical-layer protocol analysis, and transmitter/receiver and Link Equalization Training (LEQ) tests to facilitate efficient development of high-speed ICs, devices, and networks used in emerging environments, including 5G. 

Anritsu and Tektronix end-to-end solution can be quickly configured to support required PCIe 5.0 specifications and supports automated transmitter test, receiver jitter tolerance test, and Tx/Rx LEQ compliance test items. It incorporates waveform-calibration automation software with analysis function using event trigger and high-speed calibration between the MP1900A BERT and DPO70000SX oscilloscope to reduce test times. Cost-of-test is lowered as the solution supports PCIe 1.0-5.0 without a hardware upgrade and can upgrade to PCIe 6.0 test capability with a minimum hardware investment.

The Signal Quality Analyzer-R MP1900A series is a multi-channel BERT for designing and testing next-generation network interfaces, such as 200G/400G/800G Ethernet, as well as high-speed bus interfaces, including PCI Express 4.0/5.0, USB3.2, USB4™, and Thunderbolt™. It has a built-in pulse pattern generator (PPG) that produces best-in-class high-quality waveforms (115 fs low intrinsic jitter), as well as a high-sensitivity (15 mV) error detector (ED). A jitter (SJ, RJ, SSC, BUJ) generation source and CM-I/DM-I/white-noise generation source are also integrated into the instrument. Link Training and Link Training Status State Machine (LTSSM) analysis functions support various applications, including compliance tests, margin tests, and troubleshooting. 

With functions for evaluating PAM4 of optical modules, SERDES and other technologies used by data-center 200G/400G/800G Ethernet systems, the MP1900A BERT also evaluates PCIe 6.0 (PAM4 32 Gbaud) devices under development to ensure compliance with the latest PCI-SIG® standard. This expanded analysis capability controls test infrastructure costs.

The Tektronix DPO70000SX series 70 GHz Real-time Oscilloscope is linked with the Anritsu Signal Quality Analyzer-R MP1900A BERT as an automated PCIe Gen5 (32 GT/s) Base & CEM transceiver solution. The new Tektronix receiver test automation software uses an optimization algorithm to correct 32 GT/s and 16 GT/s stressed-eye waveforms to shorten test times using the leading SigTest Phoenix test tool and fast parallel processing. Moreover, support for multiple form factors (M.2 and U.2) and clocking architectures (CC, SRNS, SRIS) supports A/D range optimization and low-noise PCIe Gen5 Base specification 32 GT/s uncorrelated jitter and pulse-width jitter measurements.

@AnritsuEMEA @Anritsu @tektronix @NapierPR #TandM #Electronics

Sales & Manufacturing manager for gas analyser manufacturer.

The gas analyser manufacturer Signal Group has announced the appointment of Stephane Canadas as Sales and Marketing Manager. 

Stephane Canadas

“In recent years we have invested heavily in product development, so this is a great time for Stephane to join the company,” comments Signal MD James Clements. “In many respects, our latest products are significantly ahead of other analysers on the market, so Stephane will be focused on expanding our global distribution network and explaining the advantages of these instruments to our rapidly expanding customer base.

“As an electronics engineer with 30 years of experience in instrumentation, working in product management, projects, sales and marketing positions for world leading automation and analytical companies, Stephane has hit the ground running at Signal, and we are delighted to welcome him to the team.”

Stephane says: “With my technical background and a career spent understanding the needs of engineers, I am hugely excited by this opportunity to exploit the impressive features that Signal has designed into its products.

“The new Series IV analysers, with removable screens and the latest communications capabilities, will disrupt the gas analyser market, and the prospect of QAL 1 approval for the Signal FIDs will be of great interest to any organisation with a need to measure VOC emissions.”

Born in France, but having lived most of his life in Britain, Stephane is bilingual and is particularly looking forward to developing Signal’s international operations.

@GasAnalysers @_Enviro_News #PAuto 

Signal quality analyzer supports USB receiver.

Anritsu Corporation has started sales of its USB4^TM receiver test solution using the company's Signal Quality Analyzer-R MP1900A in combination with automation software from Granite River Labs or Teledyne LeCroy to control a connected oscilloscope and implement tests meeting the latest USB4 standards.

The spread of next generation 5G mobile communications and Internet of Things (IoT) devices is driving development of various new communications and IoT services that are massively increasing data volumes. To increase the speed of interfaces handling these large video and data files, smartphones, tablet PCs, and other digital devices are adopting USB Type-C® connectors. These connectors are an extension of the USB 3.2 high-speed standard (10 Gbit/s x 2 lanes), which has now been extended again to USB4 offering doubled speeds of 20 Gbit/s x 2 lanes; USB4 compliance tests are being run in 2020.

Due to the 20-Gbit/s speed of USB4, the Electrical test places heavy emphasis on the Tr/Tf and intrinsic jitter performance of the test signal source because measurement-system noise and jitter cannot be ignored. Additionally, like previous USB tests, to assure accurate measurement of device receiver sensitivity, the test is performed by calibrating the test signal according to the minimum input performance defined by the receiver standards. Automation of the BERT and oscilloscope combination is necessary to minimize the workload of signal calibration and optimize test reproducibility.

The Signal Quality Analyzer-R MP1900A is a high-performance BERT supporting not only USB tests, but also receiver tests of high-speed computing and data communications interfaces, such as PCI Express, Thunderbolt, and 400 GbE/800 GbE.

Its high-quality data output performance (12-ps Tr/Tf, and 115-fs rms Intrinsic Jitter) helps assure more accurate measurement of high-speed USB performance as required by the USB4 receiver test. In addition, combination with Granite River Labs GRL-USB4-RXA or Teledyne LeCroy QPHY-USB4-TX-RX (USB4/TBT3 transmitter and receiver) automation software for automating signal calibration and testing helps high-reproducibility measurement of USB4 interfaces according to the latest standards while also reducing test workload.

#TandM @AnritsuEMEA @Anritsu

Simple gas alalysis calibration.

Signal Group has launched a new highly accurate but simple to operate version of its Gas Divider, the Model 821S. Designed for testing the linearity and calibration of almost any gas analyser, the 821S only requires one calibration gas and a zero gas in order to conduct a full range calibration check.

The linearity of all gas analysers should be checked regularly as part of an effective QA/QC regime. To conduct a reliable, accurate check, users simply connect the calibration gas, the zero gas and the outlet flow connector to the analyser to be tested, and then switch the calibration gas in 10 equal steps from zero to the full concentration.

“These steps are accurate to within 0.2% and a calibration certificate is supplied with each instrument,” comments Signal MD James Clements. “Repeatability is 0.5% of the dilution step, and the European and US standards specify 2% accuracy, so if the 10% dilution is selected, 500ppm will be diluted to 50ppm with an uncertainty of 0.25ppm – significantly better than the +/- 1ppm required by international standards.”

#PAuto #TandM @GasAnalysers @_Enviro_News

Analysers thrive in China.

Gas analyser sales at Signal Group grew during 2019, and the most successful distributor was Beijing Leshi Alliance Tech., the company responsible for sales in China of their FID gas analysers and the new Series 4 suite of analysers. “This is particularly gratifying,” comments Signal MD James Clements, “because several of their staff visited our factory in the UK for training at the beginning of 2019, so it is great to see that they are already starting to make an impact in the market.”

As the exclusive Chinese distributor for these products, Beijing Leshi Alliance Tech. has been particularly successful in the sale of Signal’s portable VOC emissions analyser, the 3010 MINIFID PURE, which employs a flame ionisation detection method for the analysis of hydrocarbons in gaseous emissions from painting and coating operations, as well as from engines and combustion plant, and other processes that utilise solvents.

Lightweight and rugged with an integral heated sample line, the MINIFID is ideal for testing multiple sites or for testing multiple locations at one site. The accuracy and reliability of the instrument is underpinned by a built-in catalytic air purifier, which ensures that readings are not affected by ambient gases. James believes that the portability, reliability and high quality technical support are major factors in driving successful sales in China.

#PAuto @GasAnalysers @_Enviro_News #China

Oxygen analyser.

Oxygen is the latest parameter to be added to Signal’s advanced range of Series 4 continuous gas analysers. The AURORA is a Paramagnetic Oxygen Analyser for accurate percent measurements in incineration processes, inert atmospheres, medical and safety for humans, internal combustion engine exhausts and many more applications.

As a Series 4 instrument, the AURORA is supplied with software for remote access and control over the Internet, and with an optional touch-screen colour display, the AURORA is simple to operate on site. To ensure flexibility, users are able to specify their required configuration and programmable contact closures are available for gas path control.

Offering long-term reliability the unit delivers outstanding performance - 0.1% resolution and 0.1% linearity.

Remote access to Series 4 analysers means that users can perform a number of key functions from the comfort of their own office. This includes analyser set-up and configuration, remote viewing of readings, the collection of logged data and remote troubleshooting; all of which saves the time and cost of site visits.

 #PAuto @GasAnalysers @_Enviro_News

Hydrocarbon gas analysers.

Signal Group has launched the new ‘SOLAR’ range of fixed hydrocarbon monitors. The SOLAR instruments employ flame ionisation detectors (FIDs) and are supplied in a standard 19” rack, with heated and non-heated options. A dual detector version is also available for the simultaneous measurement of both methane and non-methane hydrocarbons.

Managing Director James Clements, who led the development team, said: “We have focused on the needs of our customers, and designed analysers that are: simple to run, employ cutting edge technology, deliver high levels of accuracy and reliability, and operate with remote connectivity via almost any communications technology.”

The SOLAR analysers can be operated via an intuitive colour touch-screen display. However, a non-screen version is available for systems integrators.

Typical applications include research and development, emissions compliance, gas purity, engine emissions, air quality, process control and combustion monitoring. Alternatively, a 24V version of the instrument is available for Real-world Driving Emissions (RDE) tests.

#SignalGRP #PAuto

Software options support 5G NR analysis.

Anritsu Corporation has announced the release of software options for the Signal Analyzer MS269xA series that provide support for measuring the RF Tx characteristics of fifth-generation (5G) mobile communications base stations and terminals.

The latest software options support signal analyses and measurement of RF characteristics by supporting 3GPP-compliant sub-6 GHz uplink and downlink signals and specifying 1 Component Carrier (1CC) up to a bandwidth of 100 MHz. Customers who have already invested in the Signal Analyzer MS269xA can immediately and effectively begin developing sub-6 GHz wireless equipment using the same familiar operations, helping bring commercial 5G products to market sooner.

The new software options include:

• 5G Measurement Software (Basic License) - MX269051A 
• NR TDD sub-6 GHz Downlink - MX269051A-011
• NR TDD sub-6 GHz Uplink - MX269051A-061

Installing the 5G Measurement Software and NR TDD sub-6 GHz options to the Signal Analyzer MS2690A/MS2691A/MS2692A series supports easy and consistent 5G signal analysis, including Tx power, frequency error and EVM of 5G NR TDD sub-6 GHz signals expected to be adopted by the new 5G standard.

With this software release, Anritsu has strengthened the functions of its M269xA series by adding support for 5G measurements to the other communications methods, including LTE/LTE-Advanced. With its excellent level accuracy and dynamic range, the MS269xA series is the ideal solution for accurate signal analysis; adding various options such as the built-in vector signal generator not only helps improve the quality of wireless equipment but also cuts the cost of sub-6 GHz measurements.

@AnritsuEMEA #TandM 

Programmable Signal Splitters.

Acromag’s new uBSP signal splitter/duplicator acts as a carrier for their microBlox line of plug-in signal conditioning modules to drive two scalable 4-20mA or 0-10V control outputs and an auxiliary 5V third output from a single input.

Users can select from more than ten miniature signal conditioning modules to process inputs from RTDs, thermocouples, two-wire transmitters as well as a variety of current, millivolt, or voltage sources. The interchangeable input modules snap into the uBSP carrier which provides input and output terminal blocks plus a USB port for easy software configuration from a Windows PC or Android mobile device.

“This modular, programmable approach provides an extremely flexible solution to many complex signal splitting applications,” explains Robert Greenfield, Acromag’s Business Development Manager.

The uBSP signal splitter’s USB port allows users to customize the I/O ranges, scaling, and other operations driven by the inserted microBlox signal conditioning module. The powerful configuration software is free and a common mini-B USB port eliminates the need for expensive proprietary cables or adapters to connect with your PC, smartphone, or tablet.

With the plug-in microBlox modules, users can change the input type quickly and inexpensively as requirements change. 1500V isolation safely separates the input from each output circuit to prevent damage to other instruments from surges. Two-wire transmitter input modules provide field excitation for the transmitter. RTD input modules support 2, 3, or 4-wire sensors with excitation, linearization, lead-wire compensation, and break detection functions. Thermocouple input modules support types J, K, R, S, T and E with linear or non-linear output.

To ensure reliable performance, units are highly immune to electrical noise and operate from 40 to 75°C. Power sources from 6-32V DC are supported to simplify battery and solar-powered applications. Units mount securely on a DIN rails with 25g shock and 4g vibration resistance. Hazardous location approvals are pending for UL/cUL Class 1 Div 2 and ATEX/IECex Zone 2 standards.

@Acromag #PAuto

Signal routing!

Pickering Interfaces has introduced version 6 of their signal routing software, Switch Path Manager™ (SPM), with a range of new capabilities as well as a new “lite” version.

This signal routing software simplifies signal routing through complex switching systems and speeds up the development of switching system software.

The latest version, Switch Path Manager 6, offers two major updates.
• The software evaluation period is now 14 days, but the time is based on the number of days the software is actually used rather than a fixed period of time; users are now able to fully evaluate the software as their schedule allows.
• The addition of Switch Path Manager Lite, a low-cost solution that is fully functional but with an operational limitation of two active switching modules in the configuration. Larger configurations with more than two modules can be created, loaded and edited—but not executed. In contrast to the SPM full license, SPM Lite is not connected to a dedicated computer, once purchased it can be used as a site license.

In addition to the major updates above, there is also a range of new capabilities including:
• The software evaluation period is now 14 days, but the time is based on the number of days the software is actually used rather than a fixed period of time; users are now able to fully evaluate the software as their schedule allows.
• The addition of Switch Path Manager Lite, a low-cost solution that is fully functional but with an operational limitation of two active switching modules in the configuration. Larger configurations with more than two modules can be created, loaded and edited—but not executed. In contrast to the SPM full license, SPM Lite is not connected to a dedicated computer, once purchased it can be used as a site license. An enhanced System Configurator Editor which gives the user the ability to apply standard functionality like copy, paste, delete, find, replace and cell manipulation. It also offers better filtering technology to filter dedicated pins, and it now has added display options, so the user can decide what will be displayed in the configurator.
• Introduction of Multipoint Routes—in the past, if a user wanted to create fixed routes for multipoints (e.g., A connect to B & C), two single routes (A-B, B-C) had to be created and combined into groups—this is now possible in one step.
• A new and very effective API function has been added: IsConnectedStatus (EndpointA, EndpointB). With only one simple function call, a user can find out whether given endpoints have been connected by SPM. This functionality is important when a route uses multiple relays, and on that route, there are more endpoints connected to each other than a user is thinking of. Example: A and B have been connected, but C is on the route and connected as well. It is not obvious the user would know about the route A-C-B unless you call IsConnectedStatus()

@Pickeringtest  #PAuto #TandM

New options for signal analyser.

Five new 5G measurement software options for its MS2850A Signal Analyser have been announced by Anritsu. The five new software options are compliant with the 3GPP 5G standards (5G NR hereafter) and used for measuring the RF Tx characteristics of next-generation 5G base stations and mobile terminals.

Any telecoms operators looking for early deployment of commercial 5G services these modules when combined with MS2850A Signal analyser provide a cost effect solution for fast and stable signal-analysis measurements, such as Tx power, frequency error, EVM, etc., at frequencies below 6 GHz (sub-6 GHz) and in the millimeter wavebands (mmWave) such as 28 GHz band and 39 GHz band.

The MS2850A has the same or better dynamic range and amplitude/phase flatness as higher-end models but at a better cost-performance point, assuring both high-precision signal analysis and higher finished product quality at a lower instrument cost.

To help facilitate early deployment of 5G services while meeting demands for high-level measurement technologies at lower instrument costs, Anritsu has developed the announced product release to improve the quality of 5G NR equipment while cutting costs.

 @AnritsuEMEA #TandM @NapierPR

Signal Analyzer/Spectrum Analyzer options.

Two new options for Anritsu's Signal Analyzer/Spectrum Analyzer MS2850A have been added to support high speed transfer of captured waveform data to an external computer for post processing and analysis. Combined with the 1-GHz capture and analysis bandwidth, the options expand the capability of the MS2850A to address the needs of emerging wireless networks, including 5G, where experimental and prototype waveforms are being analyzed using simulation and analysis software.

With the new options, the MS2850A provide engineers developing 5G terminals, broadcast satellite communications, wireless communications equipment, and broadband wireless communication systems with a cost-efficient solution to comprehensively verify their high-speed designs. The new options install free software in the external PC to control the MS2850A, and transfer data captured by the MS2850A high-speed over a dedicated USB3.0/PCIe data-transfer interface. The MS2850A-053 option provides a PCIe Gen2 x8 connector to support high-speed external PCIe interfaces, while the MS2850A-054 option utilizes a type-B connector for testing high-speed data transfer from external USB interfaces via USB3.0. These enable data transfer speeds up to 100 times faster than conventional Ethernet ports, cutting the data transfer waiting time from 20 minutes to less than 10 seconds.

In addition to the 1-GHz analysis bandwidth, the Signal Analyzer/Spectrum Analyzer MS2850A has up to 32 GB of built-in waveform capture memory, wide measurement dynamic range of >140 dB and high flatness performance. Two models – with frequency coverage up to 32 GHz and 44.5 GHz, respectively – are available, each with the noise figure (NF) and phase noise performance required for 5G testing.

 @AnritsuEMEA  #Laboratory #TandM

Signal Analyser Solution for 5G and Wideband.

The high-performance Signal Analyzer MS2850A from Anritsu Corporation, targets development and commercial production of 5G mobile communications systems. The MS2850A, the first mid-range Signal Analyzer to offer 1 GHz analysis bandwidth and supports the evaluation of 5G multi-carrier signals.

Installing the 5G measurement software packages leverages the MS2850A’s high dynamic range and excellent flatness performance to cut measurement times using all-at-once, high-accuracy measurements of a typical 800 MHz modulation bandwidth to be used in 5G (e.g. eight 100 MHz bandwidth carriers).

With many operators currently preparing the introduction of next-generation 5G cellular mobile communications systems, with plans to start actual testing from late 2017 into 2018, leading wireless equipment makers have started transitioning from the development and verification testing phases to development of commercial models and preparations for volume manufacturing. Reducing the potentially high equipment investments needed to start 5G NR production lines is a major issue for base station suppliers, who urgently need a high-performance but cost-effective 5G signal analyzer meeting both development and manufacturing requirements. Additionally, other non-5G communications fields will have the same bandwidth and flatness requirements as 5G when broadband communications come into use offering larger data capacity at faster speeds.

The Signal Analyzer MS2850A supports Transmitter performance tests for wireless communications equipment during development and manufacturing; the 32 GHz and 44.5 GHz measurement frequency models have an analysis bandwidth of 255 MHz as standard, which can be extended as an option up to 1 GHz. Noise Figure (NF) and Phase Noise measurement functions can also be installed in both models.

Installing the 5G measurement software packages in the MS2850A supports measurement of 5G uplink and downlink signal frequency error, power, EVM, etc., using CP-OFDM modulation. Additionally, downlink measurements evaluate multi-carriers all at once.

Not only does the MS2850A support all previous cellular technologies such as, LTE, W-CDMA, TD-SCDMA, and GSM, it also offers futureproof support for the new 5G NR standards now being defined by 3GPP.

@AnritsuEMEA #TandM