The family of PXI instrumentation supporting extended boundary Scan Test strategies includes digital I/O modules, a mixed Signal I/O module and several power modules.

The family of digital I/O modules includes the PXI 5296 with 96 channels and the PXI 52196 with 192 channels. I/O channels are individually programmable as input, output, bi-directional or tri-state. The 32 channel groups are  voltage-programmable between 1.8 and 5VDC. Each channel features a special protection circuitry to avoid interface damages due to high fault currents, and allows hot-swap capability. A differential I/O module PXI 5384 with 48 programmable channels is available.

The mixed signal I/O module PXI 5702 has two channels with 12-bit resolution for the generation or measurement of voltages. Can also be used as digital pin driver.

The PXI 5120x series of power modules includes five different models (3VDC, 5VDC, 12VDC, 24VDC and 48VDC). All have two separate channels with 50W output power each, and are voltage and current programmable.  Feature galvanic isolation, load rejection relays, U/I read back and programmable current. Have an integrated U/I recorder per channel, synchronously operating to the BScan TCK clock.

The new suite supports the PXI trigger bus and, can be synchronized to the boundary scan test procedure.

GÖPEL electronic GmbH, goepel.com

DEK (dek.com) has developed machine interfaces to NPI and MES software tools from Aegis Industrial Software Corp. (aiscorp.com), allowing engineers using DEK screen printing platforms to reportedly maximise machine uptime, improve process monitoring and reduce operator mean time to assist (MTTA).

DEK screen printing platforms can now communicate using the Aegis xLink protocol, which allows users to reduce machine programming time for through-hole and surface mount production and inspection process machine interfaces using CircuitCAM, and to benefit from browser-based remote monitoring using iMonitor. The two utilities are part of Aegis' software for managing manufacturing information, which encompasses manufacturing activities from NPI to monitoring and optimising production.

CircuitCAM allows users to quickly create machine programs from CAD design information, working offline to maximise machine uptime. Enables generation of process routing, visual assembly documentation and reports from the input CAD information.

Bellows Falls, VT -- Straight cable, coiled cords and high performance flexible products that meet current environmental requirements are available for a range of medical and commercial interconnect applications. Comply with environmental directives such as RoHS and WEEE.

Whitney Blake Co. www.whitneyblake.com

Featuring ProfitPro, an Excel-based software application that calculates the cost and profit related to PWB assembly, the SMTA Cost Estimating Guidelines are intended to model real-time cost estimating (RTCE) in the electronics industry. The guidelines are arranged by Dr. Ronald C. Lasky, Indium Corp. of America/Dartmouth College.

Using these production variables such as cycle time, hours/shift, shifts/day, days/week, set up time and dowtime, ProfitPro can model RTCE for high-volume, low-mix to low-volume, high-mix lines.  Has default values of unknown cost metrics, can calculate "what-if" scenarios, including:

- The amount of profit gained if setup time is reduced.

- The amount of profit gained if cycle time is decreased.

- The amount of profit gained if new equipment or materials increases productivity.