20 August 2010

B&K Precision Upgrades Handheld LCR Meters

Two New LCR Meters Raise the Level of Performance

YORBA LINDA, CA  - August 2010  -  B&K Precision has enhanced two of its handheld LCR meters.  Models 878B and 879B add increased and improved features such as wider measurement ranges as well as higher accuracy and speed, offering more precise and reliable measurements of inductance, capacitance, and resistance.  Models 878B and 879B provide these necessary features including new capabilities not previously available in handheld LCR meters.

Updates for Models 878B and 879B include greater flexibility with a variety of measurement capabilities: 0.5% accuracy, wide frequency and voltage test ranges, and three tolerance modes with visible or audible alerts for batch component sorting. Both units can measure D (dissipation), Q (quality factor) and transfer all measurement results to a PC via USB interface using the provided logging software.  Alternatively, users could write a custom program and control the meters remotely via SCPI commands. With their 40,000-count plus 10,000-count dual display, these improved LCR meters rate as the first meters in this price category to offer such high-resolution performance displays.

New and unique to Model 879B is the inclusion of an ESR (equivalent series resistance) function to measure and rate the true quality of a capacitor, and calculation of impedance (Z) and Theta—features usually reserved for bench top LCR units.

The specialized feature sets of Models 878B and 879B make these LCR meters particularly suited for passive component testing, electronic assembly, or quality control.

Available for immediate delivery, models 878B and 879B are competitively priced at $249 and $299, respectively. Both models are covered by three-year warranties. Visit www.bkprecision.com for detailed data sheets, additional specs or for more information on where to purchase these LCR meters.

About B&K Precision

For more than 50 years, B&K Precision Corporation has been building a reputation for excellence in the design and manufacture of reliable and cost-effective test and measurement instruments. The company’s products are used in a wide range of applications including design, research and development, production line testing, industrial maintenance, and electronic field service. B&K Precision test and measurement instruments are standard equipment in a large number of universities and technical schools which train future engineers and technicians. B&K Precision was founded in 1951 and is headquartered in Yorba Linda, California.

Press Contact:
Lucinda Farwell
(425) 210-8060   
LFarwell@TheTurnedStone.com

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04 August 2010

New Powerful Waveform Editing Software Solution

Create Real World Test Signals with Ease


YORBA LINDA, CA July 2010 - B&K Precision, a key manufacturer of benchtop test instrumentation, has developed and launched WaveXpress™, a powerful, new software application for creating complex test signals which can be transferred and reproduced on B&K arbitrary waveform generators (AWG). WaveXpress on your PC interfaces via GPIB, RS-232, or USB–and when used along with B&K Precision AWGs and DSOs–it functions as a complete test solution for performing demanding circuit validation tasks. This integration not only allows for designing and debugging in industry applications, but also serves as an excellent educational tool.

WaveXpress users can edit waveforms downloaded directly from a B&K Precision digital storage oscilloscope (DSO), or alternatively create new waveforms from scratch without any external instruments. Once a waveform has been set up as desired, WaveXpress enables direct upload of the modified signals to a B&K AWG to stimulate circuits and systems. The software’s scan feature automatically detects connected AWGs and DSOs when interfaced via USB or GPIB.

To help expedite certain types of signal tests, WaveXpress contains a large library of noise distributions that can easily be added to waveforms. The software conveniently stores dialog settings for faster repetitive work, and features easy panning and zooming down to the individual point level. The WaveXpress PC interface comprises five full language settings, namely English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, with the unique feature of user-modification of existing languages, or complete addition of new language libraries.

More advanced users can take the program’s capabilities to another level via the Python programming language. As a Python-based open-source application, WaveXpress allows any number of user-defined signal transformations through a wealth of Python libraries relevant to the scientific and engineering communities. Even with limited Python knowledge, users can automate waveform-processing tasks, or customize the software for more complex requirements.

Experience firsthand the intuitive interface and limitless editing features of WaveXpress.  Visit http://www.bkprecision.com/WaveXpress/ to download this invaluable free software tool, and to get more information about B&K Precision’s WaveXpress-compatible DSOs and AWGs.


About B&K Precision

For more than 50 years, B&K Precision Corporation has been building a reputation for excellence in the design and manufacture of reliable and cost-effective test and measurement instruments. The company’s products are used in a wide range of applications including design, research and development, production line testing, industrial maintenance, and electronic field service. B&K Precision test and measurement instruments are standard equipment in a large number of universities and technical schools which train future engineers and technicians. B&K Precision was founded in 1951 and is headquartered in Yorba Linda, California.

Press Contact:

Lucinda Farwell

(425) 210-8060

LFarwell@TheTurnedStone.com

NOTE TO EDITORS: To obtain high-resolution images, visit http://www.bkprecision.com/hires. The majority of our hi-resolution photos are saved in a compressed Zip file format so we can deliver multiple angles of the products at once.

03 June 2010

B&K Precision Extends Bench-Top Multimeter Line

True RMS and 50,000 Count for Service/Repair and Educational Use

 

5491B_intro

YORBA LINDA, CA - June 3, 2010 - B&K Precision refreshes their 50,000 Count bench-top multimeter with added features, and a still-low list price of under $400. Model 5491B multimeter is unsurpassed for applications in education, service & repair, manufacturing or any application where affordable, accurate, and reliable measurements are needed.

 
The 5491B offers a remarkable accuracy of 0.02%, a digital dual display for viewing two measurements simultaneously, a fast measurement rate of up to 25 readings per second, threshold settings for quick Pass/Fail testing, plus the ability to download measurement values to a computer via USB or RS-232 interfaces using SCPI protocol.

This bench-top DMM provides True RMS precision with a 50,000 count display. Its AC+DC capability captures any DC effects within the measured voltage or current for the most accurate results. Housed in a rugged case for easy stacking, the front panel of the 5491B has a bright display and tactile pushbutton control with easy-to-follow second function commands.

This workhorse instrument provides all expected measurements of AC and DC voltage to 750 V and 1000 V, respectively, AC and DC current to 20 A, resistance, frequency, and continuity test. Add to this the bonus built-in math functions of REL (relative) for offset measuring,  Max/Min for capturing highest and lowest values, dB, dBm, Data Hold, and Compare. Wide measurement ranges, accuracy, and affordability make this the multimeter of choice on the test bench.

About B&K Precision
For more than 50 years, B&K Precision Corporation has been building a reputation for excellence in the design and manufacture of reliable and cost-effective test and measurement instruments. The company’s products are used in a wide range of applications including design, research and development, production line testing, industrial maintenance, and electronic field service. B&K Precision test and measurement instruments are standard equipment in a large number of universities and technical schools which train future engineers and technicians. B&K Precision was founded in 1951 and is headquartered in Yorba Linda, California.

Press Contact:
Lucinda Farwell
(425) 210-8060   
LFarwell@TheTurnedStone.com

NOTE TO EDITORS: To obtain high-resolution images, visit http://www.bkprecision.com/hires. The majority of our hi-resolution photos are saved in a compressed Zip file format so we can deliver multiple angles of the products at once.

26 April 2010

B&K Precision’s 2540 and 2542 DSOs Win EN-Genius Network’s 2009 Product of the Year Award

Yorba Linda, CA – April 26, 2010 – B&K Precision is pleased to announce that its Models 2540 and 2542 Digital Storage Oscilloscopes have been awarded EN-Genius’ 2009 Product of the year.  EN-Genius recognized these models in the category of Best Value DSOs for exceptional product merit and performance.

Models 2540 (60 MHz) and 2542 (100 MHz) are versatile and compact oscilloscopes delivering an unmatched combination of features, performance and value. Auto measurement functions and analog-style knobs make these oscilloscopes easy to use. Advanced triggering, digital filtering, waveform recorder, delayed sweep/zoom, mask testing, automatic measurements, and FFT functions provide the user with many options for troubleshooting and debugging.  Both models are ideal oscilloscopes for use in education, design, training, field service, maintenance, manufacturing and quality control.

In their review, EN-Genius opined, “With their 8-bit vertical-resolution input amplifiers, 1/4-VGA color LCDs, USB (Universal Serial Bus) connectivity to PC-hosted analysis and display software, auto-calibration, and automatic set-up and measurement hooks, B&K's latest storage scopes compete head on with pricier instruments from the likes of Tektronix, Yokogawa, Agilent…In fact, these B&K scopes may very well establish a benchmark for just how far along entry-level oscilloscope technology has advanced.”

EN-Genius’s final analysis: “…Judging by past experience with low cost B&K instrumentation, I would argue that you would get your money's worth, and then some.”

About EN-Genius Network
Founded in 2001, the EN-Genius Network is the premier source for electronic design engineers working in the fields of power management, audio/video, acquisition, connectivity, networking, wireless applications, dsp, programmable logic, and green engineering.  It is staffed with a team of professionals with wide-ranging experience in the electronic industry and an extensive depth and breadth of electronic knowledge.

About B&K Precision
For more than 50 years, B&K Precision Corporation has been building a reputation for excellence in the design and manufacture of reliable and cost-effective general-purpose test and measurement instruments. The company’s products are used in a wide range of applications including design, research and development, production line testing, industrial maintenance, and electronic field service. B&K Precision test and measurement instruments are standard equipment in a large number of universities and technical schools which train future engineers and technicians. B&K Precision was founded in 1951 and is headquartered in Yorba Linda, California.

Jorg Hesser (General)
(714) 921-9095
jhesser@bkprecision.com

02 April 2010

New B&K Precision Guide for Function and Arbitrary Waveform Generators

YORBA LINDA, CA  April 2, 2010 - B&K Precision has created a comprehensive guide on function and arbitrary waveform generators. Anyone from novice to experienced users of function and arbitrary generators will appreciate this detailed guide and generator selection aid. A primary goal of this guide is to help users select the best generator for their particular testing requirements. With over 28 signal generators already in its lineup—and more on the horizon—B&K realized this guide would help customers make the right choice.


B&K Precision’s signal generator line ranges from general-purpose analog function generators and direct digital synthesis (DDS) based instruments to sophisticated arbitrary waveform generators (AWG). This complete line addresses the requirements of a broad spectrum of applications and environments from schools, hobbyists, and repair shops to engineering and science labs. The appeal of modern DDS generators is the ability to provide a wide variety of output signals with outstanding frequency resolution. Building on DDS technology, arbitrary waveform generators allow users to create complex, fully user-defined output signals, as well as common function generator waveforms.

This informative guide explains the intricacies of these various types of generators. Additionally, the guide offers a complete glossary explaining terms such as Amplitude Modulation, Distortion, Voltage Controlled Frequency, and more. The B&K Guide for Function and Arbitrary Waveform Generators also contains a useful Q & A section with tips for various circuitry set-ups.

Download this valuable guide on function and arbitrary waveform generators free of charge by visiting http://www.bkprecision.com/generator-guide.


About B&K Precision

For more than 50 years, B&K Precision Corporation has been building a reputation for excellence in the design and manufacture of reliable and cost-effective test and measurement instruments. The company’s products are used in a wide range of applications including design, research and development, production line testing, industrial maintenance, and electronic field service. B&K Precision test and measurement instruments are standard equipment in a large number of universities and technical schools which train future engineers and technicians. B&K Precision was founded in 1951 and is headquartered in Yorba Linda, California.


For more information:

Lucinda Farwell
(425) 210-8060

LFarwell@TheTurnedStone.com

03 March 2010

B&K Precision Adds USB Bench-Top Multimeter to Product Line

True RMS and 20,000 Count for Service/Repair and Educational Use

2831E_left_lrgYORBA LINDA, CA  February 2010  - B&K Precision launches their newest bench-top multimeter with a value greater than its low list price of $339 would imply. Model 2831E multimeter is unsurpassed for applications in education, service & repair, manufacturing or any application where affordable, accurate, and reliable measurements are needed.

The 2831E offers a remarkable accuracy of 0.03%, a digital dual display for viewing two measurements simultaneously, a fast measurement rate of up to 25 readings per second, threshold settings for quick Pass/Fail testing, plus the ability to download measurement values to a computer via USB interface using SCPI protocol.

This bench-top DMM provides True RMS precision with a 20,000 count display. Its AC+DC capability captures any DC effects within the measured voltage or current for the most accurate results. Housed in a rugged case for easy stacking, the front panel of the 2831E has a bright display and tactile pushbutton control with easy-to-follow second function commands.

This hardworking instrument provides all expected measurements of AC and DC voltage to 750V and 1000V, respectively, AC and DC current to 20 A, resistance, frequency, and continuity test. Add to this the bonus built-in math functions of REL (relative) for offset measuring, Max/Min for capturing highest and lowest values, dB, dBm, Data Hold, and Compare. Wide measurement ranges, accuracy, and affordability make this the multimeter of choice on the test bench.

Click for a video overview of the 2831E Multimeter

Attn. Editor: To obtain high-resolution images, please visit http://www.bkprecision.com/hires. The majority of our hi-resolution photos are saved in a compressed Zip file format so we can deliver multiple angles of the products at once.


About B&K Precision

For more than 50 years, B&K Precision Corporation has been building a reputation for excellence in the design and manufacture of reliable and cost-effective test and measurement instruments. The company’s products are used in a wide range of applications including design, research and development, production line testing, industrial maintenance, and electronic field service. B&K Precision test and measurement instruments are standard equipment in a large number of universities and technical schools which train future engineers and technicians. B&K Precision was founded in 1951 and is headquartered in Yorba Linda, California.

For more information:

Lucinda Farwell

(425) 210-8060 

LFarwell@TheTurnedStone.com

26 January 2010

B&K Precision Extends its Power Supply Line with ATE Series

New XLN Series for ATE System Integrators and Benchtop Users

Image002 YORBA LINDA, CA, January 26, 2010 – B&K Precision’s new XLN series of DC Power Supplies provide up to 1440 watts of power in a compact 1U, full-rack case for rack mounting in an ATE environment, or for bench top use.  The XLN series contains four base models to choose from with various output voltage and current selections and optional GPIB/LAN interface.  All units include free application software for remote control capability without the need for computer programming.

For the ATE user, ease of system integration is important. These power supplies simplify the building and operation of custom test systems for a broad range of applications. Their compact size, and high power density with fast processing times below 50ms, make for easy integration into test systems, while front to rear airflow circumvents interference with other mounted devices.

Bench top users of the XLN series can interact with a full keypad and rotary encoder knob for easy interface, and precise voltage and current adjustments.  The additional list mode feature lets users create up to 150-step test sequences, which are executed from internal memory.

All four base models use standard USB and RS485 interfaces with SCPI protocol.  Optional GPIB and LAN interfaces are available as well to make the XLN series flexible for any test situation. This option includes a built-in web server, which allows users to control basic power supply settings through a web browser.  Another noteworthy feature is the master and slave mode, which greatly simplifies configuration and control of several power supplies connected in series and parallel while using the RS485 interface for synchronization.

Clean power, low ripple, and low noise qualify these new B&K Precision power supplies for the most rigorous test situations; i.e., product design and development, product QC and burn-in testing, production, or any application requiring large amounts of clean power.  Each XLN unit includes a comprehensive protection design for safe interfacing with any unit under test.

These new versatile DC power supplies have a wide range AC input voltages for use in any region. All of the XLN series Power Supplies ship with a full two-year warranty and are priced at $2275 for the base models and $2495 for the GL versions with GPIB/LAN interfaces added.  With this new series, B&K Precision now offers a full range of quality power supplies from basic to system power supplies for demanding ATE applications without the expense of higher priced brands.

About B&K Precision

For more than 50 years, B&K Precision Corporation has been building a reputation for excellence in the design and manufacture of reliable and cost-effective test and measurement instruments. The company's products are used in a wide range of applications including design, research and development, production line testing, industrial maintenance, and electronic field service. B&K Precision test and measurement instruments are standard equipment in a large number of universities and technical schools which train future engineers and technicians. B&K Precision was founded in 1951 and is headquartered in Yorba Linda, California.

For more information:

 

Lucinda Farwell

(425) 210-8060

LFarwell@TheTurnedStone.com