C h a p t e r 1
One of the most important fields of
instrumentation is electronic test
and measurement. Electronic test
and measurement involves the use of
specialized equipment and techniques to
evaluate the performance, functionality,
and reliability of electronic devices,
components, and systems. Given the broad
diversity of the electronics field, electronic
test and measurement encompasses
a wide range of activities, from simple
voltage and current measurements to
complex signal analysis and system
diagnostics. By the same token, this
testing can happen almost anywhere—
from laboratory equipment used on an
industrial scale to portable handheld
equipment used by individuals.
Within electronic test and measurement, a
key area is communications testing, which
is concerned with the testing of different
types of communications systems,
including the physical layer and higher-
level protocol layers. Breaking it down
even further, communications testing can
be divided into two major classifications:
wired and wireless, both of which are
facing growing challenges with increased
technological demands and complexity.
For wireless communication, the
introduction of new technologies and
protocols is leading to higher data
rates and bandwidths. For example,
the evolution from 4G to 5G cellular
networks has brought significantly higher
ELECTRONIC TEST
AND MEASUREMENT
Armen Kirakosyan
Principal System Design Engineer, National Instruments
Test equipment manufacturers face
the ongoing challenge of keeping pace
with evolving technologies, interfaces,
and protocols. Today's integrated
circuits (ICs) are faster and more
intelligent, demanding low-latency
digital communication for the device
under test (DUT) control and advanced
over-the-air (OTA) interfaces."
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8 Industry Experts Discuss the Role of Instrumentation in Modern Technology
