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Targeting Auto Testing  These PXI fault insertion modules target automotive test apps. The modules simulate high and low current faults when testing control systems for Hardware-in-Loop (HILS) test applications. The modules support seven channels, and can simulate various wiring faults. Modules allow faults to be hot switched into the system while tests are running.
| Down-the-Road Development Tools  If you are involved in the early stages of LTE development, this software-spectrum analyzer solution may prove useful. The LTE standard is still in development, yet the RP-39, version 8.20 is far enough along to justify development. The solution consists of real time spectrum analysis, and software controlled downlink and uplink signal analysis.
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Smaller Components Create Greater Test Challenges  Josh Petras, YESTech product manager, recently explained how to maximize PCB throughput when dealing with increasingly smaller devices. He says that printed-circuit-board inspection needs to consider the tradeoffs between methods and process points. He recommends a combination of automated optical inspection (AOI) and x-ray inspection, and offers tips on when to inspect.
| An Inspection Regimen
 Can you provide a total test solution? This source suggests a strategy of process monitoring tools, Automated Test Equipment (ATE), Specific To Type (STT) equipment, and early life failure screening techniques. For maximum test coverage, they also recommend analyzing product returns to provide reliability information to process and design engineers.
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New from HDWHDW Electronics Inc.  The new PVS100 phase verification system from HDW Electronics allows for easy, safe, and accurate identification of phases anywhere within a utilitiy's service territory.
| Process CalibratorOmni Controls, Inc.  Omni Controls' 744 does the work of several tools — sourcing, simulating, and measuring pressure, temperature, and electrical signals in one rugged, hand-held device. For documentation, the 744 automates calibration procedures and captures your data. And, of course, it helps you meet rigorous standards like ISO 9000, FDA, EPA, and OSHA regulations.
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When Should You Calibrate?  As an engineer or maintenance manager, do you know how often to calibrate? Plants can improve efficiency and cut costs using calibration history trend analysis. Using trends, the plant can analyze whether to increase or decrease the calibration frequency for all its instruments. Cost savings can be achieved by calibrating only as needed. [Access to this article may require a short registration.]
| Dealing with Drift and Forensics  Like any other electrical, electronic, or mechanical device, electronic test equipment tolerances change slightly over time. One key to successful operation is to plan for periodic calibration. Here is another view about the basics of equipment calibration — calibration, traceability, and establishing a calibration policy. And don't forget about test data acquisition and archiving.
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Test Uncertainty Fundamentals  When establishing a test strategy, you need to understand some basic rules of test. This 30 minute presentation covers fundamental measurement concepts. It highlights typical sources of error and ways to reduce or eliminate them. Topics include: Resolution, Sensitivity & Accuracy, Noise, Thermal EMF errors, Instrument Loading, and Ground Loops. [Access to this article may require a short registration.]
| Do Test and Control Need Firewalls  Are you involved in industrial control operations in critical industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, utilities, and power generation? Now you can meet ANSI/ISA-99 security and protect your system data using adaptive, distributed firewall security. The industrially-hardened security appliances work with one or more mission-critical devices.
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Longitudinal Balance Measurement BridgesNorth Hills Signal Processing  Deliver reliable broadband services by performing Longitudinal Balance Measurements with North Hills LBB Series Bridges!
North Hills Series LBB Longitudinal Balance Measurement Bridges are designed to measure balance to ground of balanced systems, cables, and components per ITU-T Recommendation O.9. In order to deliver reliable broadband services, longitudinal measurements are vital. www.northhills-sp.com | Fluke Networks MS2100 MicroScanner2
Cable VerifierFotronic Corporation / Test Equipment Depot  Fotronic presents a revolutionary change in voice, data, and video testing. The MS2-100 Cable Verifier takes results from four different test modes, displaying them all at once — graphical wiremap, pair lengths, distance to fault, cable ID, and far end device. Its integrated test ports support virtually any type of low-voltage testing without awkward adapters.
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Careers & Commentary . . . | |
A Better Job Search by DesignDice  DiceEngineering.com offers thousands of quality engineering jobs at top technology and engineering companies. Find jobs in your area of expertise.
Search now.
 | But Can You Manage Innovation  Consultant Booz Allen Hamilton says innovation has the most competitive value, but is managed with the least discipline. Craig Maxwell, corporate vice president for technology and innovation at Parker Hannifin, finds that many are missing the disciplined rigor of order and metrics common to running a factory. A standardized process allows them to evaluate projects and align them to strategic growth objectives. In real time, they can track their ability to grow as well as save time in producing increasing levels of value for customers.
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Nanoworms Creep Upon Cancers  It's worked on mice, now Nanoworms formed from spherical iron oxide Nanoparticles may target and reveal developing tumors in humans. The gummy worm-like structures are 30 nm long — or 3 million times smaller than an earthworm. Their superparamagnetism composition makes Nanoworms show up brightly in diagnostic devices, specifically in magnetic resonance imaging. Scientists at the Univ. of Calif., San Diego, Univ. of California, Santa Barbara, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are using Nanoworms to construct next-gen tumor-targeting Nanodevices. What other industrial applications can you imagine?
| Share Your Thoughts . . . Join a Conversation About This Month's Topic...  Do You Have the Total Test Solution?
Can you provide a total test solution? Do you know what that entails? What level of planning, financing, and follow through is necessary? How well do you compare right now?
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