(1) YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC Deep-memory oscilloscope platforms probe automotive FlexRay eeProductCenter's Alex Mendelsohn says: "So, what's all this about FlexRay? Well, if you?e not up to speed (no pun intended) FlexRay is a relatively new fault-tolerant communications network primarily developed for automotive applications." Readers say: » "Great and very useful product of a great company » "I really like the fact that This analyzer is the first measuring instrument to integrate both functions. » "Not my area, but I'm very interested in the technology » "Easy to use. » "Would probably use since we manufacture mobile video entertainment systems for a multitude of vehicle platforms. » "Protocol analyzer and Oscilloscope in one apparatus is a very tempting option from cost, maintenance and space saving aspects.'' » "Interesting and would be useful for auto industry.'' » "Nice 'scope but outside of physical layer analysis it is not real useful for system development where one needs to address signal information with respect to the applications using it.'' » "These would work well in an EMI lab or any other lab environment.'' » "I think it is one of the nicer oscilloscopes not only for regular stuff, but also for the high end high speed applications.'' » "Very application specific.'' » "I would probably try to customize a general purpose digital oscilloscope before resorting to a probably expensive custom solution. It is time-productivity tradeoff.'' » "I haven't read enough about this instrument but I think an instrument that could do OFDMA analysis will have more future.'' » "Impressive product. Like to see more on communication side.'' » "It is very much user friendly, No need of much Technical knowledge to operate it. Definitely useful for students and RD people in industry....'' » "Wide number of functions and developments in the pipe.'' » "I understand that the sampling is 16 bits wide (an important feature in a digital oscilloscope) but I do not find that specification in the short datasheet.'' USABILITY RANK: 1
(2) TEKTRONIX Fast hardware search engines let deep-memory scopes analyze long records eeProductCenter's Alex Mendelsohn says: "As you can tell from the glowing testimonials in Tektronix's press statement (on the left), pre-release adopters of Tek's DPO4000 digital phosphor oscilloscopes are enthusiastic. This kind of zing also came across when I sat down to discuss these instruments with Tek marketing manager Gary Waldo." Readers say: » "Very useful!''
» "Working in high-speed areas - 1 GHz is not enough for our apps. But great tool for low/midrange apps.''
» "I already own a TDS3430.''
» "Easy to operate and can give as max as possiblieties....''
USABILITY RANK: 2
(3) ANRITSU Outboard sensors give RF power meters versatility eeProductCenter's Alex Mendelsohn says: "Not mentioned in Anritsu's release notes for its ML2490A Series RF power meters (on the left) are that they're IEEE-488/GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus) instruments, and they can also communicate over RS-232 serial lines." Readers say: » "I am in sales so I will not use but might recommend the ML2490.''
» "I am using it.''
» "Best in Bandwidth wise and dual channels provide additive features.''
» "I would have liked to have this product for the several pulsed RF projects
I've done the past few years. Impressive!''
USABILITY RANK: 4
(4) SIGNAL FORGE Less-than-$1000 signal generator spans 1-Hz to 1-GHz eeProductCenter's Alex Mendelsohn says: "In September of last year we reviewed Signal Forge's first product, the Signal Forge 800 signal generator.
Designers at Signal Forge created the SF800 as a result of problems the firm's founders faced repeatedly in circuit board and IC design labs over a 20 year period. The folks at Signal Forge devised a PC-controlled low-harmonic, and low phase-noise synthesized generator based on a TCXO (temperature-compensated crystal oscillator). " Readers say: » "Already using it for uncritical applications. A good fit for smaller companies on a limited budget. Lacks GPIB connectivity; low-quality user interface.''
» "How do you load arb. waveforms?''
» "Portable and light weight, Computer Controllable, so easy to use in any environment.''
» "Economical, portable, not a hot output. Seems to be built for cell-site tech's.
RS-232?''
USABILITY RANK: 3
(5) AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES Self-contained LXI instruments talk Ethernet in distributed test systems eeProductCenter's Alex Mendelsohn says: "In late 2004 Agilent Technologies rolled out an alternative to test-and-measurement systems such as VXI and PXI platforms. At that time, the company introduced its 34980A multi-function switch/measure unit, which we briefly reviewed.
<br><br>
The 34980A won the hearts and minds of EEs everywhere by providing a broad range of core switch/measure functions, and at prices up to 40% less than comparable switch and measurement platforms. You could configure a 34980A from about $2800 to $15,000. " Readers say: » "Simple connection to the PC accessing and processing across the workgroup....''
USABILITY RANK: 8
(6) CORELIS Boundary-scan test software extols system-wide coverage eeProductCenter's Alex Mendelsohn says: " When it comes to boundary-scan software and hardware Corelis is right up there with the pack. This product really stands out at the top of the bunch, too, especially when you consider its less-than-$4000 price tag.
Not up to speed on boundary-scan? <a href="http://www.corelis.com/products/Boundary-Scan_Tutorial.htm">Click here </a> for a brief tutorial/refresher.
Note that the firm? existing ScanPlus and ScanExpress boundary-scan systems are used for interconnect testing, as well as for ISP (in-system programming) of flash memories, CPLDs (complex programmable logic devices), and FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays). " Readers say: » "Very useful tool.''
» "Multi Pupose and Low priced, Strongly recommending for students''
USABILITY RANK: 6
(7) SAELIG Fast FPGA-based modules prototype logic on your PC eeProductCenter's Alex Mendelsohn says: "The Xilinx-based Hevday HDK-0501 Interactive Logic Development Kit, offered by Saelig, costs less than $500, but potentially could bring a lot more value to your bench. It could even be used in low-volume applications as an integral module of an OEM system.
Or, thanks to its Ethernet hooks, it could reside on a network where it might work as a remote monitoring and control module. The possibilities are endless. " Readers say: » "Ladder logic is very efficient for process type applications.''
» "The package is a good intro package for students and hobbyists. It is however too restricted in terms of gate count for more serious applications.''
USABILITY RANK: 5
(8) VXI TECHNOLOGY LXI-compatible sensor measurement unit packs built-in LAN controller eeProductCenter's Alex Mendelsohn says: " This high-density rack-mount unit from VXI Technology packs no less than 48 channels of strain gauge conditioning circuitry and excitation into a single 19-inch enclosure that? priced at about $19,500.
What's more, the EX1629 1.5-in. high chassis supports programmable bridge completion, excitation changes, and extensive calibration hooks. These features add up to a system that spares you from having to re-configure any hardware when it comes time to make sensor and measurement changes to your application. " Readers say: » "Looks like a promising product...''
» "My coleagues told me about this as very good instrument for remote measurement.''
USABILITY RANK: 7
(9) R.C. ELECTRONICS Web-enabled programmable signal conditioners are Windows-equipped eeProductCenter's Alex Mendelsohn says: "Although the press statement (on the left) indicates they will be ready for shipping, R.C. Electronics, Inc. is pre-announcing these intelligent and Web-oriented Windows-based programmable signal conditioning boxes. Nonetheless, they look like they'll shape up as powerful, yet cost-effective systems, when they debut in the very near future.
At this time, however, there's no information about the DTX-5000s on the company's Web site, nor has a datasheet been posted.
So, is this product a paper tiger? Not according to R.C. Electronics's sales manager Dennis Foti. He assures me that the soon-to-be released DTX-5000 Programmable Signal Conditioning System is indeed real. " Readers say: » "64 channel unit is much helpful for interfacing but think about the range...''
USABILITY RANK: 9
