Software offers five bench instruments in a box

New Products | June 16, 2014

By eeNews Europe

Test and Measurement RF transmission

VirtualBench is an all-in-one instrument that integrates a mixed-signal oscilloscope, function generator, digital multimeter, programmable DC power supply and digital I/O. Users interact with VirtualBench through software applications that run on PCs or iPads. The device provides the most common functionality affordably and opens up new possibilities for how engineers can use benchtop instruments.

Because VirtualBench uses today’s consumer computing platforms, engineers and scientists can take advantage of the latest technologies such as multitouch displays, multicore processors, wireless connectivity and intuitive interfaces. The simplification and increased capability through software leads to more efficient circuit debugging and validation.

“We are building on what NI does best, which is our software-based approach to test and measurement,” said Chad Chesney, Director of Data Acquisition Marketing at NI. “VirtualBench’s software user experience is more intuitive, creating efficiencies that go above and beyond simply having these five devices in a single device.”

VitualBench, says NI;

• takes up minimal space on a desktop or benchtop

• simplifies instrument configuration through consistent, user-friendly interfaces

• offers new capability and convenience with a consolidated view of multiple instruments, visualisation on larger displays and quick functionality to save data and screenshots

• integrates seamlessly with LabVIEW system design software

next; instrument specs…

Outline specifications for each of its functions include;

Mixed-Signal Oscilloscope
Bandwidth	100 MHz
Channels	2 analogue, 34 digital
Sampling Rate	1 Gsample/sec (single channel), 500 Msamples/sec/ch (dual channel)
Waveform Measurements	cursors, 22 automatic measurements
Waveform Math	add, subtract, multiply, FFT
Record Length	1 million samples
Function Generator
Max Frequency	20 MHz (sine), 5 MHz (square)
Channels	1
Waveform Types	sine, square, ramp, triangle, DC
Digital Mulitimeter
Resolution	5 ½ digits
Measurement Functions	VDC, VAC, IDC, IAC, continuity, resistance, diode
Max Voltage	300 V max input voltage
Max Current	10A max input current
Basic Accuracy	up to 0.015% VDC
Programmable DC Power Supply
Channels	3
Voltage/Current (Ch1)	0 to +6 V/0 to 1 A
Voltage/Current (Ch2)	0 to +25 V/0 to 0.5 A
Voltage/Current (Ch3)	0 to -25 V/0 to 0.5 A
Digital I/O
Channels	8 (input or output)
Logic Level	5 V compatible LVTTL input, 3.3 V LVTTL output