Single-chip PCI connectivity for instruments
September 2003
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Surveillance
Instrument manufacturers now can use the single-chip National Instruments TNT5002 Asic to add GPIB connectivity to standalone instruments based on the PCI bus interface.
By packing GPIB and PCI connectivity as well as GPIB transceivers into one chip, the NI TNT5002 helps instrument manufacturers simplify instrument design for faster time to market. The one-chip design takes up less room on a circuit board than the traditional three or four-chip solution, and therefore makes it easier and less expensive to manufacture the instrument. The chip features a 3,3 V PCI core, supports both 3,3 and 5 V signalling and is fully compliant with revision 2.2 of the PCI local bus specification.
Instrument manufacturers can use the NI TNT5002 with NI-Device software to develop GPIB-based instruments and devices. NI-Device delivers a powerful application programming interface that instrument manufacturers can use to create bus-independent firmware for their ANSI-IEEE Standard 488.2-1992 instruments and devices.
For more information contact National Instruments, 0800 299 199.
Further reading:
Oils don’t die, they degrade
Wearcheck
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
WearCheck explores the main ways lubricants degrade in service and how these degradation modes affect oil performance and machine reliability.
Read more...
Real-time spectrum analyser
Vepac Electronics
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
The PXE series real-time spectrum analyser covers frequencies up to 20 GHz with a 100 MHz analytical bandwidth and ultra-fast sweep speed, supporting spectrum monitoring, interference finding and RF test and measurement functions.
Read more...
Preserving a French heritage landmark
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Omniflex supplied a remotely monitored impressed current cathodic protection system for the Perret Tower in Grenoble, a protected French heritage site, combining 24/7 corrosion protection with integrated surge protection against lightning strikes.
Read more...
Operational efficiencies and safety compliance with preventive maintenance programmes
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Konecranes explains how its Lifecycle Care Preventive Maintenance programme reduces unexpected downtime, improves safety compliance and delivers measurable financial benefits for operators of cranes and lifting equipment across any make or sector.
Read more...
Portable appliance tester
Vepac Electronics
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Vepac Electronics’ new portable appliance tester enables precise safety testing of electrical appliances in accordance with DGUV regulation 3 and BetrSichV, with simple three-button operation and battery-powered mobility.
Read more...
Why lubrication fails in mining and what to do about it
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Lubrication Engineers explains the recurring failure points behind mining lubrication problems and how the right product, storage and application practices can improve equipment reliability.
Read more...
When digital twins move from concept to critical tool
IT in Manufacturing System Integration & Control Systems Design Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Digital twins are moving out of the lab and onto the mine, the factory floor and the transport network where they predict failures before they happen. Amritesh Anand looks at where they earn their keep, the data and integration work behind them, and the security questions every organisation should ask before switching one on.
Read more...
Why asset level intelligence is now essential for resilient wastewater plants
Schneider Electric South Africa
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Sub-Saharan Africa’s wastewater operators face mounting pressure to keep ageing plants running smoothly and meet tougher environmental standards, all while lacking visibility into the health of their medium-voltage (MV) drives and other critical rotating assets. Adding predictive analytics, digital twins and enterprise dashboards enables optimisation across multiple sites, ensuring every drop moves safely and efficiently through the water cycle.
Read more...
How multiple boilers can minimise costly downtime
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Associated Energy Services explains how multi-boiler systems reduce downtime risk for South African manufacturers, covering redundancy planning, fuel source diversification and the strategic management of backup boiler capacity.
Read more...
Field calibration made easy
Instrotech
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Instrotech’s locally designed and manufactured Calog calibrator range feature a rugged IP54-rated housing, backlit display with data logging via SD card, and a lithium-ion battery with approximately eight hours of run time.
Read more...