Software-based audio test systems use your PC

3 May 2006 Test & Measurement

The DS10 is a Windows software package, which turns any PC with a sound card into an audio test system that combines the functions of an oscillator (signal-generator), level meter, spectrum analyser, noise meter, peak programme meter and distortion meter, along with frequency and phase measurement.

Developed by UK company Lindos Electronics, local distributor Eltron says that its main feature though, is 'sequence testing'. This was introduced by Lindos 20 years ago in its LA100 test set, and universally used by broadcasters and studios for routine quality assurance ever since.

In just two clicks it allows to run a typical test sequence that can quantify any audio system in terms of levels, frequency response, phase, distortion and noise in as little as 20 s. If Lin4WinXP (another software package common to all Lindos test systems) is also running, an impressive results sheet with graphs and pass/fail tolerance testing appears immediately on the screen ready to save, print, or even publish to the Web on a test sheet database.

Sequence tests carry FSK-coded information, which ensures that they are self-synchronising and fully automatic. The company's DigiSonic tester can generate and receive LA100 and MiniSonic sequences, and with the benefit of digital processing, swept distortion and swept phase tests are also included. All measurements are completely realtime and attention has been paid to ensure that the software behaves more like hardware than software.

A variation is the Lindos MiniSonic test instrument, the MS10. This is a complete, portable audio test set that combines the functions of an oscillator (signal generator), level meter, peak programme meter, noise meter and distortion meter, along with frequency, phase, and tape speed measurement, in one small handheld unit that can be used on its own or with a computer running the Lin4Win support software.

Further reading:

60 MHz 16-bit AWG
Vepac Electronics Test & Measurement
Siglent’s SDG1000X Plus series function/arbitrary waveform generator offers a maximum output frequency of 60 MHz, 16-bit vertical resolution, 1 GSa/s sampling rate, and 8 Mpts arbitrary waveform length.

Read more...

---

AC programmable power
Accutronics Test & Measurement
TDK Corporation has announced the introduction of the TDK-Lambda brand GENESYS AC and GENESYS AC PRO series of 2 kVA and 3 kVA rated programmable AC power sources.

Read more...

---

QA introduces large chisel tip style probes
Techmet Test & Measurement
The two new probes have a larger diameter to provide better contact reliability.

Read more...

---

Digital PSU with four variable outputs
Vepac Electronics Test & Measurement
The PeakTech 6215 is a laboratory power supply with four separate voltage outputs, each one infinitely variable using the rotary controls on the front of the unit.

Read more...

---

High-voltage insulation resistance testers
Comtest Test & Measurement
Two new high-voltage insulation resistance testers, from Fluke, deliver accuracy and speed in industrial and solar PV applications.

Read more...

---

Digital accelerometer for high dynamics applications
RS South Africa Test & Measurement
TDK extends its Tronics portfolio with the AXO314, a high-performance digital MEMS accelerometer with ±14 g input range for industrial applications operating under shock and vibration.

Read more...

---

Acceleration sensors for wearables
Future Electronics Test & Measurement
Bosch Sensortec has introduced two new acceleration sensors, the BMA530 and BMA580, both offered in a compact size of only 1,2 x 0,8 x 0,55 mm.

Read more...

---

Accurate laser measurement
Avnet Silica Test & Measurement
Online Teaser: Panasonic Industry’s laser sensor has a resolution of up to 0,5 µm, a linearity of ±0,05% FS, and a high-speed sampling of 100 µs.

Read more...

---

Handheld analyser with wide frequency range
Vepac Electronics Test & Measurement
The PXN-400 from Harogic is a handheld spectrum analyser that covers a frequency range of 9 kHz to 40 GHz, with an analytical bandwidth of 100 MHz.

Read more...

---

Real-time portable spectrum analyser
Vepac Electronics Test & Measurement
The SA series from HAROGIC Technologies is designed as a compact USB real-time spectrum analyser using low SWaP principles.

Read more...

---