Electronics Expanse
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Gero Mueller’s NanoTracer can monitor ultra-low currents

Nov 21, 2024 by admin

In industries with advanced equipment, precise and efficient voltage sources are essential, especially for applications involving nanoampere-level current measurements. One notable innovation in this area is the NanoTracer, developed by Gero Mueller and INRIA, which delivers a sophisticated voltage supply and measurement system optimized for monitoring ultra-low currents with microsecond-level accuracy. This capability makes the NanoTracer indispensable for engineers and researchers working with the latest electronics and miniaturized components.

Key Attributes of the NanoTracer Voltage Supply

The NanoTracer can provide highly accurate and rapid electrical signal measurements. Capable of capturing up to 2 million samples per second, it ensures robust data collection, supporting currents from as low as 100 nA up to 100 mA. The wide current range makes it suitable for both high and low-power applications, providing flexibility across various projects. With a data streaming rate of 6 Mbps, it facilitates smooth, real-time monitoring, allowing users to access high-resolution data seamlessly.

The NanoTracer also offers a stable and adjustable voltage supply, ranging from 0 to 5.125 V in 256 precise steps, ensuring fine control over the output. Notably, it maintains a consistent voltage across all ranges, avoiding any drops that could affect measurement accuracy. This level of reliability enhances its suitability for applications requiring precision voltage management.

For data handling, the NanoTracer includes an RCA connector for specialized setups and a high-speed USB 2.0 interface via a micro USB port, supporting fast, efficient data transfer. Its communication protocol, based on a straightforward binary format, makes it user-friendly for engineers. The device operates on a 20V external power source, ensuring stable performance.

Complementary Features of the NanoTracer

In addition to its core features, the NanoTracer offers a suite of complementary functionalities for enhanced usability. It includes 3.3V and 5V auxiliary voltage outputs, allowing it to power external devices directly. The NanoTracer includes a UART port for device communication and two extra input and output pins for added component integration. To measure voltages below 3.3V, it uses two ADC pins connected to its microcontroller, expanding its range.

Cross-Platform Measurement Software

Supporting the NanoTracer hardware is a cross-platform measurement software that enhances real-time data visualization and storage. This software allows users to view live measurement data, complete with a trigger function to capture critical events. For further analysis, data can be streamed directly to a hard drive, enabling easy access to past measurements for review and analysis.

NanoTracer

The NanoTracer, with its advanced measurement capabilities, reliable voltage stability, and user-friendly features, represents a powerful tool for precision electronic applications, simplifying complex tasks and enhancing productivity in research and engineering projects. For more information go to its product page.

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