C h a p t e r 3
In most cases, when we think
about instrumentation, our
minds go to pictures of big
equipment in a laboratory
setting. But equally important
is point-of-test equipment or
portable instruments for
field use.
Currently, a growing need
exists for making real-
time measurements in the
environment of interest.
Bringing instrumentation to
the point of measurement
eliminates having to collect
a field sample and send it
back to the lab or build up lab
equipment in the field. This
trend is driven by limitations
of traditional laboratory-based
analysis, such as the time delay
between sample collection and
results availability, potential
degradation or contamination
of samples during transport,
and logistical challenges and
costs associated with setting
up laboratory equipment in
the field.
Consider the example of
testing an automotive traction
inverter. This subsystem is
designed and initially tested
in a laboratory environment,
where variables are controlled
and lab equipment is available.
Eventually, however, the system
needs to undergo a real-world
test drive. Measuring the real-
world performance of systems
necessitates instrumentation
that can be leveraged on
the track.
Another example is portable
spectrometers. Laboratory-
based spectrometers are
confined to benchtops for
samples taken in the field
and delivered to the lab, but
much can go wrong during
transportation and in the idle
FROM LAB EQUIPMENT TO
POINT OF TEST
R&D test equipment generally
needs to have high performance
and great versatility, both of
which warrant greater cost.
Field test usually demands
portability, battery power,
moderate cost, and a host of
application-specific software."
Alexander Chenakin
Chief Technology Officer, Anritsu
16
8 Industry Experts Discuss the Role of Instrumentation in Modern Technology
