Test Instruments Fit in Your Pocket

September 21st, 2006

Now, you can purchase a set of pen-style instruments that plug into a PC’s USB port. The set includes an oscilloscope, a function generator, a pulse/clock generator and a frequency/period counter, all sharing an identical form factor.

Integral galvanic isolation protects equipment and users from potential shock or damage. All the devices can be synchronized and stacked or plugged together via a flexible hub providing a highly sophisticated, portable and very affordable test lab.

The USBscope50, a digital storage oscilloscope, offers 50 Msps, 8-bit single-shot 1 Gsps equivalent time sampling, DC-75 MHz analogue bandwidth with 1 Meg/15 pF input impedance. Input range 0.3-300 V with industry-standard probes.

The USBwave12 Function Generator provides all the usual functions found in standard bench-type function generators, including sine, square and triangle wave output, 0 to 12.5 MHz frequency range with a 0.2 Hz resolution, 0 to +/-10 V amplitude range with a 20 mV resolution, 0 to +/-10 V offset range with a 20 mV resolution, 50-ohm output impedance, and output can also be tri-stated to protect sensitive circuitry whilst the function generator is set up. This instrument uses direct digital synthesis (DDS) for excellent stability and has user-programmable frequency and phase.

The USBpulse100 Pulse and Clock Generator that has a 0-100 MHz frequency range in 5 V mode, with 4 programmable output drive levels, square wave output with 50% variable duty cycle, tri-stateable output. It offers continuous running or single pulse modes.

The USBcount50 Frequency/Period Counter, completes the set, measuring frequencies up to 50 MHz using internal reference periods of 0.1s, 1s or 10 s. 100 MHz count rates are also possible. Periods from 10 ns to over 268 s using internal reference clocks of 100 MHz, 10 MHz or 1 MHz, and reciprocal measurements for frequencies down to 4 MHz.

For more information, visit the Elan website.

Entry Filed under: Test Equipment