Manufacturers of electrical and electronic goods use a variety of methods to test the products during or after the production process These include dedicated ATE systems (automated test equipment) with specific test fittings and benchtop test equipment.
The increase in performance of industrial computers coupled with the development of software such as LabVIEWTM and VEE means many manufacturers prefer to use PC based test systems. Specific test and measurement instruments such as oscilloscopes and multimeters can be integrated with the test software for precise or specialist measurements.
Our test systems are built using industrial computer platforms with repeatable motherboards or SBCs. We ensure they are suitable for 24/7 operation with 3 years warranty as standard, using industrial grade hard disks for storage of data. Up to 10 PCI cards can be accommodated in each chassis providing capacity for many measurement and control cards or interfaces. Specialist test equipment can be integrated using GPIB or Ethernet communications.
Data acquisition cards enable multiple analog signals to be measured in a sequence determined by the user, or simultaneously at high speed. Analog outputs generate voltages or waveforms for stimulating devices under test. Data lines or status bits can be monitored and controlled using digital I/O cards. Many cards use D-Sub connectors or high density SCSI connectors for use with wiring looms. For easy connection to products under test, mass interconnects or “a bed of nails” may be preferred. Talk to us about including these in your system.
Test instruments such as multimeters and oscilloscopes enable precise measurements of high voltages, or high speed analysis of waveforms and complex signals. Integrating these instruments can be achieved using LXI or GPIB communications to the host computer. These signals provide very fast data transfer enabling the automated test system to operate at full speed.
19” rack cabinets allow all parts of the test system to be connected and kept together. We can install all appropriate equipment including computer, rugged keyboard / monitor, instruments and cabling. Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS) can be included to ensure the test system will not crash in the event of a power outage.
Test software is available to suit a variety of different test requirements. Agilent VEE is a graphical programming environment aimed at engineers and scientists who need to quickly create and automate measurements and tests. ATEasy provides a complete Test Executive and can integrate any device with a DLL driver. Alternatively we can create a complete test routine for your application, enabling you to concentrate on testing your products.
For further information please contact our Measurement & Control application engineers on 01273 570220 or email sales@amplicon.com.
