Features boost audio analyser performance

The Auto-Sequence tool provides a simple way to setup and execute a series of tests and to produce high-quality reports in html and Microsoft Excel formats without having to write any code. This update provides a powerful “Edit Mode” that makes sequence construction and adjustment even faster so that automated production line tests can quickly and easily be set up using the design engineer’s test configurations as a starting point. For example, it is now possible to browse to an existing test configuration file and import it directly as a new step into the test sequence and to rename, copy, delete and re-order test steps. Also included is a “tweak” feature that enables a single parameter adjustment to be applied to several test steps automatically, avoiding the need for editing individual test configurations manually. Finally for the Auto-Sequence update, a new Dialog (or Form) editor allows easy construction of pop-up forms for user interaction such as entering serial numbers and other information, confirming actions such as external test fixture or device adjustments or confirming observations of the equipment under test.

The dScope Series III Audio Analyser System tests sound cards using a direct software interface between the test application (dScope) and the sound card’s Windows (WDM) driver, combined with the complementary function of the dScope hardware connected to the other side of the sound card. Using this method it is possible to drive the soundcard from the dScope software audio generator and to measure the analogue soundcard output with the dScope’s analogue measurement input.

The new release of software now adds the capability to support ASIO drivers as well as WDM, enabling a wide range of professional as well as consumer audio soundcards and interfaces to be tested in this way. In addition, ASIO guarantees bit-perfect transfer between the host computer and the audio device, especially useful when testing the accuracy of the interface device.

In addition, dScope’s Continuous Time Analyser (CTA) is now available for use with Soundcard inputs in addition to the FFT based analysis previously provided for soundcards.

The dScope scripting environment now provides support for serial port control on 64-bit Windows systems, enabling the control of external devices using RS232/422. This could be used to control external switching, DC power supplies or other equipment.