All-in-one instrument delivers additional functionality
A new, high-performance model of VirtualBench has been introduced by National Instruments. The software-based VirtualBench all-in-one instrument combines a mixed-signal oscilloscope, function generator, digital multimeter, programmable DC power supply and digital I/O. With 350MHz of bandwidth, four analogue channels and Ethernet connectivity, the new version of VirtualBench offers increased functionality for engineers characterising and debugging new designs or automated test systems.
“Since we introduced VirtualBench to the marketplace, its versatility and practicality have created considerable efficiencies for users,” said Stefanie Breyer, Vice President of R&D, Data Acquisition at NI. “With this next iteration, we incorporated greater performance and more features that open up even more possibilities for engineers interacting with benchtop test equipment.”
Users still interact with VirtualBench through free upgradable software applications that run on PCs or iPads for an easy, unified software experience for all five instruments.
Because VirtualBench uses today’s consumer computing platforms, engineers and scientists interact with their instruments using multitouch displays, multicore processors, wireless connectivity and intuitive interfaces for increased productivity.
Simplification and increased capability through software leads to more efficient circuit debugging and validation.
Key benefits include an enhanced mixed-signal oscilloscope with protocol analysis that delivers 350 MHz of bandwidth and four analogue channels for higher performance interactive test and a higher wattage programmable DC power supply with up to 3 A for the 6 V output channel and up to 1 A for the 25 V and -25 V channels for higher current applications.
There is a convenient, unified view of all five instruments, visualisation on larger displays and quick functionality to save data and screenshots, Ethernet connectivity in addition to USB and WiFi compatibility for distributed measurements and the VirtualBench integrates seamlessly with LabVIEW system design software.