test equipment – Apex Waves

September 28, 2023September 28, 2023

What is the PXI Specification Standard?

To meet the precision and reliability demands of test and measurement, the PXI Systems Alliance (PXISA) created the PXI specification standards. These technical requirements, maintained by the PXI Systems Alliance (PXISA), define the mechanical, electrical, and functional characteristics of PXI systems and modules. In this post, we’ll explore these specification standards and examine their significance in the realm of test and measurement.

September 26, 2023September 26, 2023

Unlocking the Power of Weather Radar Technology with NI FlexRIO and LabVIEW

Radar loop of developing supercells near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma from the NWS Norman radar

In the ever-evolving world of weather radar technology, innovation is the key to staying ahead of the curve. In this post, we will take a look at a previous case study- when Furuno Electric Co., Ltd. faced significant challenges in developing a cutting-edge weather radar system. To overcome these hurdles, they turned to the formidable combination of NI FlexRIO and LabVIEW, revolutionizing the way we approach weather radar system design and simulation.

September 19, 2023September 19, 2023

Serimax’s Success Story with NI CompactRIO and LabVIEW

In the world of industrial welding, precision and reliability are paramount. An international welding company known for its innovative solutions in the most challenging environments, Serimax, faced the daunting task of developing a cutting-edge automated pipeline welding system.

September 12, 2023September 12, 2023

Why Testing is Essential for Semiconductor Manufacturing

Closeup of tweezers adding a chip onto a PCB

Semiconductors, the tiny powerhouses at the core of our modern electronics, undergo a rigorous journey before they make their way into our devices. The testing process in semiconductor design is vital, ensuring that these minuscule components meet the highest quality standards. In this blog post, we’ll take you step-by-step through the semiconductor testing process and discuss why it’s absolutely crucial.

September 7, 2023September 7, 2023

Understanding the Prefixes and Suffixes of NI Accessory Models

Closeup of 3 male engineers working in a lab

When working with NI equipment for data acquisition and signal conditioning, understanding the nomenclature of accessory models can be essential. The wide range of accessories manufactured by NI are designed to both facilitate connections and enhance functionality in your testing and measurement applications.

September 5, 2023September 5, 2023

What is the Difference Between PXI and PXIe?

Male mechanical engineer working on developing sustainable agricultural robotics

In the world of test and measurement, precision and flexibility are paramount. Two prominent modular instrumentation platforms, PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) and PXIe (PXI Express), have been developed to meet these needs. While they share some similarities, they also have critical differences that can significantly impact your testing setup.

August 31, 2023August 31, 2023

Understanding TTL Triggers in Oscilloscopes

Oscilloscopes are indispensable tools in the world of electronics. They allow engineers and technicians to visualize and analyze electrical signals, providing valuable insights into circuit behavior. One crucial feature that enhances the utility of oscilloscopes is the trigger function. Among the various trigger options available, TTL triggers play a significant role in capturing and analyzing digital signals.

August 29, 2023August 29, 2023

LabVIEW vs. Python: Pros and Cons for Your Test Automation Project

Side view of man and woman reviewing code on a computer screen

In a previous blog post, we discussed the NI webinar that outlined the benefits of LabVIEW and Python working together. While integrating these programming languages and using them in tandem can be incredibly successful, some projects require making a choice between the two. Both LabVIEW and Python have advantages and disadvantages for different use cases, and knowing these will help you to make an informed decision for your project. Let’s dive right in!

August 24, 2023

Memory vs. Logic Chips in Test and Measurement Equipment

Closeup of a central processing unit chip for a computer

For engineers, scientists, and tech enthusiasts, test and measurement equipment stands at the forefront of technological advancement. Behind the scenes, two fundamental types of semiconductor chips play a pivotal role in the functionality of these devices: memory chips and logic chips. Read on as we explore the distinctions between these two chip types and their indispensable roles in the realm of test and measurement equipment.

August 15, 2023

The Diverse World of Semiconductor Chips

A plain Mitayi Pico RP2040 PCB near to two RP2040 microcontrollers.

In our rapidly advancing technological age, semiconductor chips, often referred to as integrated circuits (ICs), are the unsung heroes powering the devices and systems that shape our lives. These tiny wonders come in a variety of types, each meticulously crafted to serve specific functions and applications. This post will discuss the many types of semiconductor chips that make modern electronics possible.