When performing functional tests, keeping test times as short as possible is often a critical requirement. Time is money, after all. One way to reduce test times is to reduce the latency in setting up signal switch paths, stimulus devices, and measurements. These can all have a significant impact on the overall time it takes to complete a full functional test of a particular DUT. 

Manufacturing and test environments can be very demanding, and most manufacturers need test equipment that is both accurate and reliable to meet increasing product throughput demands. To meet these demands, AMETEK Programmable Power has introduced the VTI EX1403 16-channel bridge and strain gauge instrument. The EX1403 sets the standard for stress and fatigue testing, delivering the highest performance measurements possible while keeping overall test hardware costs low and maximizing system uptime.

Calibration is not an option. While today's instruments are more accurate and drift less than previous generations, you still need to periodically check and calibrate your equipment. The way you do this, however, is changing.

In the past, manufacturers would recommend calibration intervals. A digital multimeter manufacturer might, for example, recommend that you calibrate the instrument once a year. When that year was up, you sent the DMM to your company's cal lab or to a third party.

That paradigm is changing. The current trend in metrology is not to blindly follow a manufacturer’s stated calibration interval, but to determine your own interval based on how much each instrument drifts over time and how much risk you're willing to take. 

We have just added two new higher-power models to our Asterion™ line of AC power sources:

AMETEK VTI's new RX0424 IEPE/Voltage Instrument is a cost-effective new device that is ideal for measuring acceleration forces and sensing static and dynamic movement or vibrations. Fully-integrated IEPE current excitation and tachometer input channels further enhance the instrument’s utility and functionality.

The RX0424’s precise signal path design delivers laboratory-grade measurements to the field. The RX4024 provides exceptional accuracy and repeatability by using independent 24-bit analog-to-digital converters at programmable data acquisition rates up to 204.8 kSa per second. Multiple input ranges help ensure that users capture all vibration events, large or small, and precision

The RX4024 connects directly to Integrated Electronic Piezoelectric (IEPE) transducers, which have a built-in charge amplifier or voltage amplifier. IEPE current excitation sources can be programmed to supply either 4.5 mA or 10 mA drive current. These sources can also be tailored to specific application demands.

The automotive market is a highly competitive and complex business. In order to be competitive, vehicles must not only offer comfort and top-notch features at a cost-effective price but also ensure passenger safety. Long before any new model goes into mass production, a long series of sophisticated tests and validations are required at various stages to ensure that the vehicle meets all governmental standards and company performance standards.

Vehicles are often operated under test conditions for weeks or months, which requires logging and archiving massive amounts of data. In addition, in-vehicle tests often require the use of portable test systems, which are ideally compact, rugged, light in weight and free standing. Given the limited space within the vehicle, they typically must operate wirelessly with no connection to a computer. These in-vehicle datalogging systems must be compatible with a wide array of sensors.

A jet engine is the very definition of “mission-critical.” A critical failure could cause a serious accident that endangers hundreds of lives. To prevent this from happening, manufacturers perform extensive testing on jet engine components, systems, and manufacturing processes.

Jet engine tests involve subjecting the unit under test to extreme temperatures, jets of water, simulated hail, severe vibration, and other harsh conditions. Sometimes test engineers even slam chicken carcasses against engines to simulate bird strikes. These tests can be very costly and take years to develop. Engineers must measure many different parameters during these tests, including temperature, flow, pressure, rotation, strain, and vibration.