Circuit Gear 7-in-1 USB Test Instrument

The Circuitgear CGR-101 from Audon Electronics is a PC-based instrument that provides the features of seven devices in one USB-powered compact box. The device offers the performance of a two-channel 10-bit 20MSa/sec 2MHz oscilloscope, a two-channel spectrum-analyser, and a 3MHz 8-bit arbitrary-waveform/standard-function generator with eight digital I/O lines. It also functions as a network analyser, a noise generator and a PWM output source. Its open-source software runs with Windows, Linux and Mac OS.

The CGR-101's oscilloscope capability provides a two-channel 10-bit -+/-0.25Vp-p to +/-25Vp-p 2MHz basic scope, but with sophisticated marker measurements, triggering (normal, auto, single-shot and pre-trigger) with time-base adjustable from 50ns/division to 100ms/division. With a 1k sample/channel data buffer, the user can even view pre-trigger signals.

The CGR-101's two-channel FFT spectrum analyser feature offers marker measurements, and when used with the internal signal generator, displays Bode plots and performs vector network analysis, showing gain and phase values.

The CGR-101's signal generator is an 8-bit 0.1Hz to 3MHz signal source, offering sine/square/triangle/ramp waveforms, as well as being capable of outputting arbitrary or preloaded waveforms such as ECGs. The user can enable the generator, connect its signal to a circuit and perform measurements with the oscilloscope and/or spectrum analyser. The generator can also be set to function as a white noise source. A slider-controlled PWM generator is also provided, with mark-space ratio clearly displayed.

The included visual interface software enables simple control and display of information. The oscilloscope, generator, and digital I/O are operated from a custom open-source Tcl/Tk software GUI included with the hardware. As the software is open source, the code can be read and even added to or customised.The CGR-101 is also Labview compatible and can be controlled by any serial-port-driving software, such as Matlab or Visual Basic.

Project-based electronics lab teaching materials are also available for use with Circuitgear CGR-101. http://www.audon.co.uk/cgr101.html

Price drop on PCI DAQ Cards

Audon Electronics have reduced the price of the PCX range of PCI data acquisition and control cards. The range was designed with the industrial user in mind, and feature real-world interfaces such as relays, Darlington drivers and optically isolated inputs.

There are seven models available ex-stock, 4 digital I/O cards, a counter/timer card an analogue output card and a multifunction I/O card

All cards come with a comprehensive software development kit with a dll, ActiveX and numerous examples in Visual Basic and C++. Also included are LabView VI's and examples and Intouch drivers.

Prices start at just £99.