Tektronix Introduces Precision Bench Digital Multimeters for Complex Designs

Online, October 6, 2009 (Newswire.com) - New DMM4000 Family Offers 5.5 and 6.5 Digit Resolution and Integration With Other Tektronix Bench Instrumentation
Bangalore, India, October 6, 2009 - Tektronix Inc., a leading worldwide provider of test, measurement and monitoring instrumentation, today announced the DMM4000 Series of 5.5 digit and 6.5 digit resolution digital multimeters (DMM) designed to help engineers debug complex electronics and validate circuit design through precision measurements and in-depth analysis capabilities. In addition, the DMM Series integrates with National Instruments LabVIEW SignalExpress interactive instrument software for quickly acquiring, analyzing, and presenting data from multiple instruments. With the addition of the DMM4000 Series, Tektronix offers customers an expanded portfolio of powerful bench instruments that can be connected for correlated measurements and data recording offering extended debug capabilities.
As the circuits in embedded system designs become more sophisticated and demand tighter tolerances, engineers need to precisely measure, debug and validate circuits across a wide range of signal types and parameters with a high degree of accuracy. This need is best met with an integrated set of tools including oscilloscopes, signal generators and DMMs that are easy to use, reliable and offer advanced analytical capabilities.
"The new Tektronix DMM family fits well with Tektronix MSO/DPO oscilloscopes, logic analyzers and AFG3000 function generators by offering engineers advanced capabilities and superior ease of use," said Bob Bluhm, vice president, Value Products and Accessories Product Line, Tektronix. "As part of the Tektronix intelligent debug strategy, we have worked with National Instruments to ensure the DMM Series is integrated with NI LabVIEW SignalExpress instrument software, in keeping with our other bench products. Now, our customer's entire Tektronix bench can be connected through one software interface for instrument control, automated measurements, data logging and extensive analysis of correlated signals. This is a breakthrough for today's engineers who are frustrated by debug of highly complex designs with many signal types."

Versatility and Precision
The new series of Tektronix digital multimeters provide the versatility and precision engineers need for their most demanding measurements. The offerings include a 5.5 digit and two 6.5 digit models which can support up to a full range of multifunction DMM measurements including voltage, current, frequency, period, diode, capacitance, resistance and temperature measurements. Dedicated front-panel buttons provide fast access to frequently used functions and parameters, reducing set up time. The DMM4040 and DMM4050 further simplify operation with a front panel USB port for easy data logging and instrument setup storage.
For in-depth analysis, the 6.5 digit DMM4040 and DMM4050 include a graphical display that supports histogram, trend plotting and statistical analysis features. All models, including the 5.5 digit DMM4020, are offered with a three-year limited warranty and include a limited edition of the National Instruments LabVIEW SignalExpress Tektronix Edition software.
NI LabVIEW SignalExpress makes it possible for customers to connect and control their Tektronix bench instruments using USB and other communication buses. Using a common software interface, users can then automate complex measurements, log data for extended periods, time-correlate data from multiple instruments, capture and analyze results. They can also export measurements and data logging results to Excel. Users can further enhance their systems with National Instruments LabVIEW graphical development environment to access additional analysis and measurement automation in validating their circuit designs.
"The new DMM series from Tektronix is an excellent complement to the advanced flexibility and high-performance functionality that is characteristic of the National Instruments software platform," said John Pasquarette, vice president of software marketing at National Instruments. "Because of its integration with NI LabVIEW SignalExpress, engineers can use the DMM 4000 Series to further enhance the efficiency and flexibility of their test bench for performing complex measurements and logging data."
For certain precision measurements, digital multimeters represent a critical addition to the embedded designer's test bench. For example, the Tektronix DMM4050 can measure milli or micro volts with industry leading accuracy. The benefits of this design are that it offers higher resolution up to 100 nano volts with 0.0024 % accuracy. Precise 2x4 ohms measurements can be made on all models through a patented single lead test set avoiding dual lead-set errors.

About Tektronix
Tektronix is a leading supplier of test, measurement, and monitoring products, solutions and services for the communications, computer, and semiconductor industries - as well as military/aerospace, consumer electronics, education and a broad range of other industries worldwide. With 60 years of experience, Tektronix enables its customers to design, build, deploy, and manage next-generation global communications networks, computing and advanced technologies. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Tektronix has operations in 19 countries worldwide. Tektronix' Web address is www.tektronix.com.