Pickering Interfaces expands
range of Fault Insertion PXI Modules

Pickering Interfaces is expanding its range of PXI Fault Insertion solutions with the introduction of the 40-197 and the 40-198. Fault Insertion (FI) modules are used within an Automatic Test System to simulate common fault conditions such as an open, short to ground or a short to other connections in a device under test.

The 40-197  provides up to 34 fault insertion channels that can be connected to any of four fault bus connections, each having two 2 different conditions. Each fault insertion channel can switch up to 220VDC at 60W. Each channel can carry and hot switch 2A continuously and up to 6A carry for short duration surge currents. The 40-197 bridges the gap between Pickering's simpler fault insertion offerings & more complex FIBO options also available from Pickering Interfaces.

The 40-198 supports up to 20 fault insertion channels that can be connected to one of two fault insertion buses, each of which has three optional fault definitions. With hot switching capabilities of up to 110VDC & 150W, each channel can carry and hot switch 5A continuously and up to 10A carry for short duration surge currents. The 40-198 is designed to fill a gap between Pickering's 2A & 10A standard topology fault insertion solutions .

The two models use a switch design based around high quality electro-mechanical relays and in addition to being supported in any PXI compliant chassis, they can be supported in Pickering Interfaces Modular LXI Chassis'.

Pickering Interfaces offers the widest range of fault insertion modules available in the PXI platform, allowing users to choose the size and rating of the fault insertion channels they need from 2A to in excess of 30A. All fault insertion solutions are compatible with most common real time operating systems

For further information, view website: www.pickeringtest.com   

Molex Integrated Interconnect Solutions deliver
innovation, quality and reliability for defence contractors

Molex Incorporated serves defence contractors and military suppliers with a broad portfolio of proven high performance interconnect technologies including custom fibre optics, flex circuit assemblies, RF/antennas, high-speed cable assemblies and connector solutions for aerospace, defence and marine applications.

"Molex directs tremendous resources to the global support of our military customers and armed forces," states Benjamin Jeffrey, Group Manager Industry Marketing, Defence and Aerospace Systems, Molex. "Migrating proven commercial technologies into military applications helps defence contractors strategically control costs, while ensuring superior performance and reliability on the frontline in mission computers, flight control systems, electronic warfare and other critical deployments."

Military applications require components that can withstand harsh conditions; components may be subject to water, extreme temperatures, wind, sand, and vibration or impact.  From avionics to marine applications and radar systems, Molex offers a full range of advanced copper and fibre optic solutions that are rugged and reliable in the most demanding environments.  Solution highlights include:

Ultra-reliable Copper Flex Assemblies feature a flexible printed circuit system and high-speed flex assemblies supporting signal speeds over 10 Gbps.  These temperature-resistant assemblies offer tight electrical properties to mitigate impedance, loss and cross talk.  Copper Flex can be bent to fit a much smaller device enclosure.  Copper Flex military applications include night vision goggles, wireless antennas, missile detonators, ordinance and tactical systems, cockpit video recorders, infrared sighting systems, ruggedised computers, radar systems, and GPS-guided missiles.

Molex fibre optic connectors and adapters, assemblies, backplanes, and optical circuitry include the  industry's only metal-housing LC2+ Optical Connector to support enhanced performance aerospace-grade optical cabling.  The next-generation solution to the highly popular LC connector interface, LC2+ Optical Connectors meet all FOCIS 10 (Fibre Optic Connector Intermateability Standard) specifications.  LC2+ military applications include avionics, satellites, remote antennas, signal processors, sensors, and space systems.

Cost-effective Optical Connector Cable Assemblies provide short lead-time solutions.  Rugged and flexible circuitry, backplane systems and standard connectors (FC, LC, MT, MTP, SC and ST) feature customized terminations for discrete fibre and ribbon cable.  Military applications for Optical Cable Assemblies include avionics, flight-control equipment, mobile tactical field command platforms, EMI sensitive equipment, security, and battlefield networking.

The high-speed HBMT™ MT High Density Backplane Interconnect System provides signal integrity, with reduced impedance and cross-talk for military data-communication and telecom.  Leading-edge fibre optic assemblies offer security, bandwidth and weight savings for lighter and faster aircraft, ground and water-based vehicles.  Fibre optic interconnects and cable assemblies resist RF and EMI, making them ideal for sensitive applications such as radar, video surveillance, target identification and night vision.

"Military electronics no longer focus exclusively on ruggedised construction to the exclusion of performance and cost considerations.  Molex advanced electronic solutions deliver the total package," adds Jeffrey.  "For specialised military applications, our engineering teams build prototype solutions from the ground-up.  Designing integrated assemblies, rather than single components, shortens the design cycle and substantially lowers overall cost."

Molex supports industry efforts toward developing VITA open standards in modular embedded computing systems and components, in addition to SAE standards for fibre optics on aircraft and other flight vehicles.  Reliability testing ensures product certification by third party agencies (UL, TUV, CSA, and CE).  All Molex world-class manufacturing facilities are ISO9000 and ISO14000 certified. 

For further information, view website: www.molex.com   Refer to page 365

New Ocean Optics measurement
system for quality inspection of solar simulators

Ocean Optics, the industry leader in miniature photonics, will unveil at the PV SEC exhibition in Hamburg a new optical measurement system for absolute irradiance measurements of solar simulators and other radiant sources. The RaySphere allows you to measure absolute irradiance over different spectral ranges from the UV to the NIR (380-1700 nm).

The portable RaySphere is especially useful to solar simulator manufacturers and R&D labs as a tool to validate the output of installed solar flash lamps. The flash of a solar simulator is used within the photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing process for the binning of cells according to spectral response and for final PV module efficiency measurements. For the verification of such solar flashers Ocean Optics developed RaySphere - a system that provides the necessary accuracy and resolution to measure and analyse the performance and stability of the flasher, with advanced, ultra-low jitter triggering electronics for timing the measurement to the flashes. The calibration of the RaySphere has been validated by an accredited certification lab to ensure accurate detection, allowing you to evaluate and qualify the spectral distribution of your solar flashers and simulators according to the IEC60904-9 (2007) norm.

The RaySphere includes two thermo-electrically cooled detectors allowing highly repeatable and accurate spectral analysis of your solar flashers from 380 to 1700 nm.  A second version contains a single cooled detector for measurement to 1100 nm. 

The system also includes advanced, high-speed electronics and an intuitive and powerful software interface. Extremely brief measurement times enable the detection of a complete spectrum during a flash or even during a portion of the flash. In addition, the measurement can be triggered by a fast response photodiode that reacts on the increasing intensity of the flashlight with sub-microsecond response times.

For further information, view website: www.OceanOptics.eu or e-mail: info@oceanoptics.eu  Refer to page 342 

Meggitt Sensing Systems' general purpose
premium noise-treated softline coaxial cable assembly

Meggitt Sensing Systems' Endevco® model 3090C-XXX, is a premium, noise-treated (low noise) softline cable assembly, offering reliable low and high-temperature operation from -254°C (-423°F) to +260°C (+500°F). The cable assembly is designed for compatibility with both high- and low-impedance Endevco® piezoelectric accelerometers, and other industry models, in support of a variety of general purpose aerospace, automotive, industrial and test and measurement applications.

One of the most commonly overlooked components of an electronic measurement system is the selection of a proper cable assembly to support accurate data transfer between accelerometer and signal conditioner. While engineers spend much time choosing the "right" accelerometer, signal conditioner or data acquisition system, the cable is often an afterthought. And yet, it is widely regarded that no other single component within a measurement system has a more significant influence on the success of a test than the cable itself.  The effects of poor cable performance can be devastating to any test setup, in terms of corrupted and unreliable data, costly measurement errors and unforeseen project delays. Recognizing the importance of high-reliability cabling for successful test setups, Meggitt has invested in the development of its own proprietary cable construction methods, all of which are 100% tested for best performance.

The Endevco® model 3090C-XXX (where XXX refers to cable length in inches) 10-32 to 10-32 cable assembly features Meggitt's own proprietary welded center pin design for optimal mechanical and electrical joint strength, with reduced susceptibility to pin pullout. The assembly also incorporates a fused Teflon® jacket for ruggedness and repeated usage, in applications where cable abrasion is anticipated. The cable is also specially treated to guarantee low-noise characteristics and to further reduce the effects of triboelectric noise on signal transmission quality. Incorporating stainless steel connectors (center-pin fused into glass insulator, 10-32 threaded nut); a stranded-wire center connector for maximum flexibility; and high cable pullout tensile strength for increased ruggedness and longevity, the cable is also an excellent choice for high humidity, high temperature conditions.

For further information, view website: www.meggittsensingsystems.com  Refer to page 375