Test Equipment

There exists on the market today a wide range of testing equipment. They incorporate the latest generation of test instruments that have the most up-to-date ability to deliver performance, analysis and measurement capability for the industry.

Oscilloscopes

Used to analyze voltages, oscilloscopes are put into use in order to debug or verify a DUT (device-under-testing). They can range from simpler systems that only visualize a signal or verify its limits at low cost up to the more expensive 20 GHz bandwidth models providing the most rapid electrical and optical standards. Oscilloscopes are relatively simple to connect using GPIB.

Logic analyzers

A vital tool used to judge performance of a microprocessor. Logic analyzers can be crucial in pinpointing timing or logic error, many of which can disrupt, sometimes completely, the development of a product.

DC Power Analyzers

Used to measure DC voltage and current. It can combine several advanced DC power sources which may include oscilloscopes, DMMs, dataloggers and waveform generators. Specifically DC power analyzers can be used to overview switching sequences; constantly and accurately measure and display voltage; log data for a given period of time (seconds, minutes, hours, etc.) and share setups with colleagues more efficiently through screen shots, saving data via USB and the ability to save and name setups.

Frequency Counter

As the name indicates, this piece of test equipment is used to measure signal frequency. There are many aspects it can measure such as frequency ratio, period, time interval, pulse width, and many more.

Multimeter/Voltmeter

The latter of these two units, the voltmeter, is well known the most. However, it has become far more lucrative to combine several pieces of equipment into a catch-all configuration called the multimeter. Whereby the voltmeter measures circuit voltage, the multimeter can also measure current, resistance, frequency and temperature. The more expensive models also give extra functionality with the ability to measure capacitance or pulse width, or to include the capability to perform a diode test.

Sensitive Measurement

On the other hand, there are some specialised stand-alone pieces of equipment used to measure extremely accurately at differing magnifications such as picoammeters, nanovoltmeters or high and low resistance meters, all of which measure voltage, current or resistance to extreme tolerances and with ultimate accuracy.

Probes

The humble probe is often the most effective way to connect the electronic instrument to the testing device. There are hundreds available, all designed to ergonomically transfer data. The data conveyed to a test engineer is only as good as the probe used to gain it.

Contact a: Test Automation Specialist

Many companies will supply testing equipment.
However, there are some market leaders of note:

Agilent

Originally established by Hewlett Packard, Agilent has long been a market leader in electronics, testing and measurement. Agilent works closely with scientists, engineers and researchers from all over to ensure they remain "the World’s premier measurement company".

Keithley

As well as manufacturing instruments of high accuracy and data acquisition, Keithley also provide entire systems to manage assembly testing and high-volume production. All manner of connectivity issues are addressed, with Keithley’s ability to assemble products as integrated systems, stand-alone or as PC plug-in boards.

Tektronix

A company that leads with their ability to testing, monitoring and measurement technology. Trading with everyone from educators, through broadcasters and into the military and aerospace industries, the constantly push to provide cutting edge, next generation devices for accurate reliability, compatibility and performance.

Article published December 11th, 2009
Versatyle.com – Testing Equipment