Ken,
It seems like we get into a conversation about test software once or twice a year which is good because it seems like it is a subject that is always changing. All of the software programs you list are good. They each have their strengths and there weaknesses. If possible, I recommend you look into getting an evaluation copy and try them out. Or visit some other labs that use the software and let them give you a program tour. Choose the one that best fits your needs. Whatever you choose, dedicate a good chunk of time for the learning curve. I’m not sure what tests you are planning on using this software for but the most complex test is probably radiated emissions. I have worked with some labs who’s initial goals are to have unqualified engineers setup their EUT and press a button on a computer and in a couple hours the test is done with reliable data. In my humble opinion, it is a misconception that fully automated, unmonitored emissions testing can be done. I feel in most cases it is not practical if done right and takes longer than a manual scan. I won’t get into details unless you want. What I recommend is having the test software perform automated tasks to assist and speed up the test while being witnessed by a qualified emc technician or engineer and adapts the test dependent on the EUT and the type of emissions it generates. I wouldn’t call this fully automated test but software assisted emc testing. That way you are not depending on the software but the training and experience of the person running the test and the software is just a tool. Nuff said. As usual, I always make a pitch for NI Labview. Whether you use turnkey software or not, I recommend every lab have Labview and send at least one person to training. Labview has 101 uses in an EMC lab. If you have the time and training you can write your own automated test software. But if not, you can use it to control almost any piece of test equipment in your lab. Here are a few examples of what we use Labview for: Radiated Emissions (controls HP Receiver, turntable and mast controller, AR Switchbox) Line Conducted Emissions (HP Receiver, HP Switchbox) Radiated Immunity (Switchbox, Fieldprobe, Power Meter, Sig Gen, Amp(s), Mast Polarizer. Conducted Immunity (Sign Gen & Power Meter) Surge Immunity (Haefely Surge tester) Fast Transient Burst (Haefely Burst Tester) Calibrations: Radiated Immunity Cal and Field Uniformity (also controls a Probotics Field Probe Positioner) Conducted Immunity for data from CDNs and Injection Clamps. Normalized Site Attenuation Insertion loss for testing Cables, Attenuators, directional couplers, etc. LISN calibration and impedance measurements (sig gen, power meter, vector impedance meter) Other: Fluke Data Bucket data acquisition System for thermal testing or EUT Monitoring. Labview program to convert waveforms from Scope to the format of our California Instruments CTS test system for Arbitrary Waveform Generation. Labview program to convert Liberty Labs antenna correction factors data files to the format we need for Emissions testing. Many more. Have fun!!! The Other Brian ________________________________ From: emc-p...@ieee.org [mailto:emc-p...@ieee.org] On Behalf Of Ken Javor Sent: Monday, July 21, 2008 11:57 PM To: Untitled Subject: Commercial EMI test software, need opinions on Forum Members, I am assisting in choosing automated software control for an EMI test facility. I’m old school – REAL old school – and am unfamiliar with any of the following: ETS Lindgren – TILE http://www.ets-lindgren.com/page/?i=Tile Teseq – Compliance 3 http://www.teseq com/com/en/products_solutions/emc_radio_frequency/software/index.php?navid=37 CKC – EMI Test http://www.ckc.com/emitest.asp If any of you have experience with any of these, or others, positive or negative, please let me know off-line. Thank you, Ken Javor Phone: (256) 650-5261 _________________________ LECO Corporation Notice: This communication may contain confidential information intended for the named recipient(s) only. If you received this by mistake, please destroy it and notify us of the error. Thank you. - ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. 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