The Latest in T&M handheld devices

Monday, February 11, 2013: Handheld test and measurement (T&M) devices are been developed and customised to meet the requirements of the various complex applications. Manufacturers are introducing devices that are not only portable, rugged, hassle free but equally efficient and loaded with features to deliver high performance. Here’s a few of the latest handheld devices launched in 2012.

Model: MS2720T, Brand: Anritsu
Manufacturer: Anritsu Company, USA
Price: US$ 50,000, 43 GHz model

Launched in December 2012, MS2720T handheld spectrum master integrates the features of over 30 analysers in one to meet virtually every measurement needed. In addition to spectrum analysis, a user can select optional capabilities and analysers including a high accuracy power meter, tracking generator options to 20 GHz, interference analyser, etc.

Key features
Frequency ranges: 9 kHz to 9 GHz, 13 GHz, 20 GHz, 32 GHz and 43 GHz; •Measurements: occupied bandwidth, channel power, ACPR, C/I, emission mask and field strength; •3G and 4G measurement options for LTE, CDMA, W-CDMA, WiMAX, GSM, and TD-SCDMA; •Interference analyser: spectrogram, signal strength, RSSI and mapping

Contact details: Anne Claspell, senior international order administrator, Ph: 1-408-201-1288; [email protected], www.anritsu.com

India branch: Anritsu India Pvt Ltd

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Model: MW82119A PIM Master,
Brand: Anritsu, Manufacturer: Anritsu Company, USA,
Price: US$ 25,000

Launched in December 2012, MW82119A is a high power, battery operated portable PIM test analyser for the major wireless standards that are in use. The PIM Master’s small size and light weight, combined with its being battery operated, make it the ideal solution for verifying PIM performance at difficult to access sites such as remote radio head (RRH) installations or indoor distributed antenna systems (DAS).

Key features
Battery operated, high power passive intermodulation analyser; •Small size: 350 mm x 314 mm x 152 mm (13.8 in x 12.4 in x 6.0 in); •Lightweight: 9.0 kg to 12.2 kg (20 lb. to 27 lb.) depending on frequency band; •Battery operated: 12 V li-ion battery; •25 dBm (0.3 W) to 46 dBm (40 W) output power

Contact details: Anne Claspell, senior international order administrator; Ph: 1-408-201-1288; [email protected]; www.anritsu.com

India branch: Anritsu India Pvt Ltd
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Model: CNX wireless system,
Brand: Fluke,
Manufacturer: Fluke Corporation, USA
Price: Wireless DMM: Rs 23,750 and each field module (V, A, temp): Rs 9500

Launched in December 2012, CNX wireless system connects multiple measurement modules and sends simultaneous readings to a master device that can be up to 20 m away, allowing users to troubleshoot problems quickly and efficiently. The rugged, customisable tool set allows users to choose various measurement modules based on their specific troubleshooting scenario, as the users can view live measurements from up to 10 modules.

Key features
3.5 digit, 6000 count; •CAT III 1000 V/CAT IV 600 V wireless DMM; •Connect up to three field measurement modules; •Measures voltage, current and temperature remotely through wireless field modules; •Live measurements from up to 10 field devices using PC and Fluke software; •Scalable system, customers can choose from a range of field modules as it can record up to 65,000 readings

Contact details: Ph: +1(425) 347-6100, Toll-free: 1(800) 443-5853, www.fluke.com
India branch: Fluke India
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Model: DigiFLEX MA400D,
Brand: Chauvin Arnoux,
Manufacturers: Chauvin Arnoux, France

Launched in October 2012, MA400D current testers can fit anywhere. Its flexible sensors can be connected to a compact housing, which fits easily into any cabinet for applications up to 600 V CAT IV. It is a standalone instrument that is equipped with a 4,000 count digital display for direct current readings. MA400D is very simple to use—with just two buttons, one can activate or deactivate the automatic power off function, and hold the display or the maximum value measured.

Key features
It has a measurement range starting at just 20 mA, which is ideal for working in residential conditions and can also be used to check electricity distribution points up to 400 A; •Available with a clamping diameter of 45 mm or 70 mm; •Used on higher powered installations in industry and energy production; •Offers a 100 mm clamping diameter; •It is delivered ready to use, in blister packs

Contact details: Fulya Huet, Ph: +33 1 44 85 44 76, [email protected], www.chauvin-arnoux.com

India distributor: Cyronics Instruments Pvt Ltd
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Model: U1273AX, Brand: Agilent,
Manufacturer: Agilent Technologies, USA,
Price: US$ 450

Launched in October 2012, the U1273AX OLED handheld digital multimeter can operate in temperatures as low as -40˚C. Even in frigid conditions, this DMM provides accurate results with no warm up time required. Apart from winters, it remains useful throughout the year with an operating temperature range that extends up to 55˚C. It is compatible with infrared and bluetooth adapters, and the associated remote monitoring programmes that support Agilent’s entire line of handheld DMMs. This unique capability enables the use of an Android device to wirelessly monitor and control the U1273AX from the warmth and safety of a nearby vehicle or structure.

Key features
CAT IV/600 V safety rating, and IP54 water and dust resistance; •Low impedance mode reduces ghost voltages from capacitive coupling and a low pass filter eliminates switching noise; •41/2-digit resolution on an OLED display that provides crystal clear readings with a 2000-to-1 contrast ratio and 160˚ viewing angle

Contact details: Toll free; 1800-11-2929; www.agilent.co.in

India branch: Agilent Technology Pvt Ltd
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Model: CA 527x series, Brand: Chauvin Arnoux,
Manufacturer: Chauvin Arnoux, France

Launched in October 2012, the CA 527x series comprises of four TRMS multimeters (the CA 5271, CA 5273, CA 5275 and CA 5277) with digital displays. These are aimed mainly at self-employed electricians and maintenance departments for measurements on electrical networks at industrial frequencies—for installations up to CAT IV 600 V and CAT III 1000 V. The range provides measurement accuracy, a rugged design and reliability.

Key features
AC/DC TRMS multimeter; •Certified standard IP 54, 600 V CAT IV/1000 V CAT III; •6000 count display with bar graph; •Autorange AC/DC; Voltage up to 1000 V; •Current up to 10A; •Resistance, audible continuity and diode test; •VLowZ function with low pass filter

Contact details: Fulya Huet, media contact; Ph: +33 1 44 85 44 76; [email protected]; www.chauvin-arnoux.com

India distributor: Cyronics Instruments Pvt Ltd
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Model: MS 8218, Brand: Mastech
Manufacturer: Precision Mastech
Enterprises Ltd, Hong Kong

Launched in September 2012, MS 8218 handheld multimeter is an auto range 50,000 count true RMS digital multimeter with high accuracy and resolution. With its 24-bit A/D converter and single chip microprocessor, it can measure AC/DC current and voltage up to 1000 volts and 10 amps, and give true RMS readings even if it’s a mixed AC/DC signal. It can also be used to measure large resistors (up to 50 MOhms) and capacitors (upto 5 mF). This meter comes with an BS232C port and compatible software, so it can easily be hooked up with a computer to display, record and plot measurements on it.

Key features
AC/DC V/A + resistance + capacitance + frequency (linear and logic); •True RMA reading on AC and AC+DC; •All range fuses protected; •Automatic/manual range: 50000 counts; •Measures DC voltage: 50/500mV/5/50/500/1000V ±0.03%; •Measures: DC+AC volage: 50/500mV/5/50/500/100V±0.5%; •Measures DC current:500/5000µA/50/500mA/5/10A ±0.15%; •Measures AC current: 500/5000µA/ 50/500mA/5A±0.75%, 10A ±1.5%

Contact details: Chiasan, sales head; [email protected]; www.p-mastech.com

India distributor: Metro Electronic Products
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Model: N9918A, Brand: Agilent
Manufacturer: Agilent Technologies, USA,
Price: Starts from US$ 13,000

In August 2012, Agilent launched 14 FieldFox handheld analysers that deliver bench top instrument accuracy in field test environments. Designed for harsh conditions and hard to reach locations, these analysers cover satellite communications, microwave backhaul, military communications, radar systems and a wide range of additional applications. They can be configured as cable and antenna analysers, spectrum analysers, vector network analysers, or all in one combination analysers.

Key features
Its completely sealed enclosure is compliant with US MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2 requirements; •Provides full two port S parameter measurements with a remarkably low trace noise of ± 0.004 dB; •Superior dynamic range of 94 dB (up to 18 GHz); •QuickCal function, which enables hassle free calibration without external accessories; •Amplitude accuracy of ±0.5 dB at power up; •Detects more signals in the band of interest with phase noise of -111 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset; •Measures low level signals in the presence of high power transmitters with a spur free dynamic range of 105 dB

Contact details: Toll free 1800-11-2929; www.agilent.co.in

India office: Agilent Technology Pvt Ltd
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Model: GDM-461, Brand: GW Instek,
Manufacturer: Good Will Instrument Co Ltd, Taipei, Taiwan
Price: Rs 5900

Launched in April 2012, GDM-461 is a handheld digital multimeter that is compact, high precision, battery operated and comes with a 22,000 count display. Its design is driven by mobile oriented features, such as automatic power down to preserve battery life, a rotary selector switch, and clear cut push buttons to ease operation. Its basic functions match the depth of bench-top multimeters—fuse-protected current input, true RMS for accurate AC measurements, an RS-232C interface, auto ranging, duty cycle and relative mode. The company claims that this is a multimeter designed to meet most of the daily needs of bot design engineers as well as service engineers.

Key features
22,000 counts auto/manual ranging; •46 segments analogue bar; •hFE test; •Data/peak hold and relative mode; •True RMS/RS-232C

Contact details: Cindy Chen, overseas sales department; Ph: 2-2268-0389, ext 681; [email protected]; www.gwinstek.com (Southeast Asia)

India office: Good Will Instrument Co
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Model: R&S ZVH, Brand: Rohde & Schwarz,
Manufacturer: Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co KG, Germany

Launched in April 2012, R&S ZVH is a rugged, handy cable and antenna analyser, designed for use in the field. Its low weight and simple operation makes it indispensable for those who need an efficient measuring instrument outdoors for the installation and maintenance of antenna systems. Its frequency ranges from 100 kHz to 3.6 GHz or 8 GHz and it has an in-built DC voltage supply (bias) for active components such as amplifiers. It has a rugged, splash-proof housing for rough work in the field. It comes with a power meter option and an easy to replace li-ion battery.

Key features
Frequency range: 100 kHz to 8 GHz; •Standard measurement functions: reflection measurement, distance to fault measurement and one port cable loss measurement; •Output power (port 1, port 2): 0 dBm to –40 dBm (nominal), in 1 dB steps; •Maximum permissible spurious signal level: +17 dBm (nominal); •Number of points: 101, 201, 401, 601, 631, 801, 1001 and 1201; •Distance to fault (DTF) measurement; •Display modes: return loss (dB) and VSWR; •100 dB (typ.) dynamic range for filter and antenna isolation measurements

Contact details: Ph: +49 89 4129-0; www.rohde-schwarz.com

India office: Rohde & Schwarz India Pvt Ltd
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