Time Electronics 5045 Oscilloscope Timer/Counter Calibrators

A versatile, high accuracy calibrator capable of calibrating a wide range of oscilloscopes and timer/counters. The Time Electronics 5045 provides a wide range of outputs for amplitude, frequency, period and bandwidth. Amplitude calibration is achieved by a DC signal or 1kHz square-wave, ranging from 1mV to 220V (2V max for 50 ohm loads). Deviation up to ±9.99% allows fine adjustment of amplitude and direct read-out of error. Accurate frequencies are generated from a temperature controlled quartz crystal oscillator. Timing accuracy of 0.1ppm is suitable for most oscilloscopes and timer counters. A precise square-wave output provides a fast rise time of less than 300ps, which allows bandwidth testing up to 600MHz.

Simple Operation
Functions and ranges are easily accessed from the front panel. Increase and decrease keys per digit, are used to quickly set the output value. Deviation control then enables the user to finely adjust the output value as a percentage (+/-9.99%). All this information is shown on a clear, easy to read LED display.

Virtual Front Panel Software
Supplied as standard is Time Electronics’ windows based ‘Virtual Front Panel’ interface that allows the user to control the 5045 via a laptop or PC.

2 GHz Leveled Sine-Wave Option
For precise bandwidth determination and frequency response analysis the 2 GHz option is available. The ability to sweep the frequency output from 100MHz to 2 GHz and adjust the amplitude to 0.5V, 1.0V and 1.5V pk-pk ensures accurate analysis of oscilloscope input amplifiers.

Current Probe Calibration
For calibration of oscilloscope current probes an external adapter is available. This converts the 5045’s amplitude output to current and covers the range 0.1mA to 100mA pk-pk, 0.2% accuracy, DC or 1kHz.

Rubidium Frequency Reference
Enhanced timing performance is also available by specifying the rubidium frequency reference option (9762). This option achieves timing accuracies required to calibrate high performance Timer/Counters to 1 part in 10¹º.

Calibration Made Easy
To automate the oscilloscope calibration process the 5045 can be controlled using Time Electronics’ EasyCal calibration software. This reduces calibration times, ensures consistent results and produces certificates to international quality standards.

Test Equipment Connection offers a great selection of Time Electronics Calibrators and Test Instruments

Precision Measurements Shop Helps Mission Stay Safe and Accurate

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — It may take dozens of maintainers to keep an aircraft mission ready, but it is often unseen that the tools and test equipment they use have its very own maintainers. The Airmen in the 60th Maintenance Squadron Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory at Travis calibrate, maintain and certify the test equipment used directly and indirectly in the maintenance of aircraft.

Airman First Class Kourtnie Melendez, a calibration technician with the 60th Maintenance Squadron’s Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory, uses a stainless steel gauge block to measure a micrometer, while Staff Sgt. John Cox, a quality assurance evaluator, observes her work. PMEL fine tunes countless pieces of equipment, like this micrometer that is used by a jet engine shop belonging to the California Air National Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Ken Wright)

“There is no room for error,” said Airman 1st Class Kourtnie Melendez, 60th MXS PMEL calibration technician. “Precision is the first word of this job.”

If Melendez doesn’t do the job properly, it can result in Travis aircraft being grounded, she said. Maintainers would not be able to work the aircraft without properly calibrated test equipment.

To make sure the job is done properly and all the PMEL technicians are adhering to the proper technical data, quality assurance inspectors frequently conduct reviews on the calibration of equipment.

“Being QA in the PMEL shop is a two-man job,” said Staff Sgt. John Cox, 60th MXS PMEL quality assurance inspector. “We have to evaluate 29 technicians for adherence to guidance, as well as, inspect 8,900 pieces of test, measurement and diagnostic equipment items supporting nine different airframes.”

Having a heavy workload makes it all that more important for safety to be the number one priority, Cox said.

“As with most maintenance jobs, we have to be mindful of any tasks involving high pressure, force, high voltage and radio frequency radiation,” Cox said.

With all the dangerous aspects and the importance of doing the job correctly, the PMEL shop can be quite the challenge, Melendez said.

“Pressure can be very dangerous when it gets into the thousands of pounds per square inch,” Melendez said. “We abide by all the safety warnings and cautions and are very safe when it comes to handling these things. Focusing on the task at hand and calibrating equipment with zero errors are the greatest challenges.”

The challenge for Cox is to go on “fact finding” missions to find the root cause of any nonconformity that may be found with equipment, he said.
“Sometimes the root cause is attributed to training, or a faulty piece of equipment, those are easy,” Cox said. “The more challenging ones are distinguishing the accidents from disregarding policy; basically did this truly happen because of human error or was it because this person did not follow a step, note, caution or warning?”

Whether it’s carefully calibrating test equipment or ensuring the quality standards are being properly upheld, the maintainers at Travis can count on their PMEL shop to do the job safe, accurate and fast. (source www.travis.af.mil)

LeCroy WaveAce A Closer Look at Waveforms Video

LeCroy WaveAce Oscilloscopes combine long memory, a 5.7″ Color QVGA Display, extensive measurement capabilities, advanced triggering and excellent connectivity to improve troubleshooting and shorten debug time with bandwidths from 40 MHz to 300 MHz. The built-in zoom function provides a way to get a closer look at waveforms.

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LeCroy Trade In Program – Enjoy 15% Off List Price on the Purchase of a New LeCroy Oscilloscope with the Trade-In of a Used Oscilloscope – Now Through December 23rd 2011

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WaveSurfer and MSO-Model Oscilloscopes – Free Software Promotion

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15% Education Discount on all LeCroy Test & Measurement Equipment, Probes and Software options

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LeCroy Oscilloscope Promotions Valid Through December 23, 2011

UCF Earns $1.3 Million National Green Challenge Grant for Clean Tech

The University of Central Florida is leading a team that just won $1.3 million in a national White House competition aimed at driving technology commercialization and entrepreneurship to support a “green innovation economy.”

The Obama Administration Thursday announced the winning i6 Green Challenge projects from Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, New England and Washington. Each project will receive about $1 million from the U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration and up to $6 million in additional funding and technical assistance from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Science Foundation, as well as Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

All of the competition’s winners will support emerging technology-based businesses as they mature and demonstrate their market potential, making them more attractive to investors and helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas and innovations into viable companies. UCF is leading the state’s only winning team, which includes the Technological Research and Development Authority and the University of Florida’s Florida Energy Systems Consortium.

According to a 2009 study, the Central Florida region is ideally situated for the cleantech industry.

The Florida partners will work together to speed up the development and commercialization of research in clean technology areas, such as solar power, building science, energy efficiency, hydrogen fuel cells and ethanol production. Research centers at universities across the state, economic development agencies, incubators and entrepreneur support organizations will participate in an online network to share proven techniques and encourage technology development in cleantech industries.

“We proposed this network to utilize the existing resources we have in the state and bring them together to help jumpstart the development of clean technologies statewide,” said Tom O’Neal, associate vice president for UCF’s Office of Research and Commercialization and the lead investigator on the project.

“Not only do we have outstanding energy research expertise, we have a skilled technical workforce located in Florida’s Space Coast to develop a strong energy innovation cluster in Central Florida,” O’Neal added.

Among the resources the program will offer is a catalog of energy research conducted at Florida universities, a dedicated market research team to identify opportunities for research while helping with market evaluation and business plan development and a statewide network of experienced mentors, investors and industry experts to assist entrepreneurs in business strategy, financing and management.

Venture capitalists are now investing more heavily in later stages of research, making it difficult to find funding for early-stage projects, according to a Kauffman Foundation study. The UCF-led project will help bridge that gap.

“We congratulate the organizations and entrepreneurs who came together to form these vibrant public-private partnerships in an effort to promote new green technologies and green jobs in the United States,” Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank said. “These investments will help boost U.S. competitiveness and better position the nation to out-innovate, out-educate and out-build the rest of the world.” (source UCF TOday http://today.ucf.edu)

The winning projects of the i6 Green Challenge include:

• Ames, Iowa: Iowa Innovation Network i6 Green Project
• Holland, Mich.: Proof of Concept Center for Green Chemistry Scale-up
• New England: iGreen New England Partnership
• Orlando, Fla.: Igniting Innovation (I2) Cleantech Acceleration Network
• Ruston, La.: Louisiana Tech Proof of Concept Center
• Washington State: Washington Clean Energy Partnership Project

Discounts On Select LeCroy WaveAce and WaveJet Oscilloscopes

LeCroy Trade In Program – Enjoy 15% Off List Price on the Purchase of a New LeCroy Oscilloscope with the Trade-In of a Used Oscilloscope – Now Through December 23rd 2011

LeCroy WaveAce Series

The LeCroy WaveAce Oscilloscope Series combine long memory, a 5.7″ color display, extensive measurement capabilities, advanced triggering and excellent connectivity to improve troubleshooting and shorten debug time. With bandwidths from 40 MHz to 300 MHz, sample rates up to 2 GS/s and waveform memory up to 10 kpts/Ch (20 kpts interleaved) the WaveAce exceeds all expectations of a small affordable oscilloscope.

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LeCroy WaveJet Series

The LeCroy WaveJet 300A Oscilloscope Series provide the banner specifications, feature set and user interface to simplify how you work and shorten debug time. With a big, bright 7.5″ display, long 500 kpts/Ch memory and up to 2 GS/s you will easily capture and see every detail of your waveform. The USB ports provide a quick way to save waveforms, store or print screen captures or connect to a PC. Math and measurement tools help you understand the waveforms and Replay mode allows you to look at a history of what has been captured.

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LeCroy WaveSurfer 104MXs-A

WaveSurfer and MSO-Model Oscilloscope – Free Software Promotion

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Promotions Valid October 24 – December 23, 2011

Electrocorder Voltage and Current Logger Questions and Answers

Q What is the Electrocorder?
A. Electrocorders are a range of voltage and current loggers. They allow users to monitor and record voltages and currents in electrical systems, the products record the average voltage or current, maximum voltage or current, & minimum voltage or current, with dates and times. The loggers store this data to internal memory for later analysis using Electrosoft, the supplied Windows (9X, NT, 2K, ME, XP, Vista, Windows 7) based software. The Electrocorder allows users to quickly and cost effectively monitor supplies.

Q Why is the Electrocorder different?
A. The Electrocorder range use a constant sampling technique, unlike the single reading of competitors. When the loggers start to record, they sample every channel 16 times per cycle, a cycle is 16ms at 60Hz and 20ms at 50Hz. At the end of each averaging period, 3 quantities are saved for each channel, the True RMS average, the Max, which is the highest cycle value during the period and the Min, lowest cycle value. This means that it will record all the peaks and troughs which are one cycle or longer.

Q. What Models are available?
A. EC-1V Single phase voltage logger, IP65/NEMA 12/4 logger with lead.
EC-1A Single phase current logger.
EC-2V Two phase voltage logger, IP65/NEMA 12/4 logger with lead.
EC-2VA Single phase voltage and current logger (300A).
AL-2VA Single phase voltage and current Appliance Logger (16A).
SL-3V Miniature three phase, 500V voltage logger.
EC-3CT Three phase3, 300A current logger.
EC-3A Three phase, 300A, 1kA, 2kA, 3kA current logger range.
EC-6VA Three phase, 500V, 300A, 1kA, 2kA, 3kA current logger range.

Q How does it work?
A. The Electrocorder samples the voltage or current input 16 or 32 times per cycle (model dependent), it then averages each voltage cycle over the selected period (1 sec to 60 min). A cycle is 20ms for 50Hz or 16.6ms for 60Hz. Throughout each averaging period, it monitors and records the lowest & highest voltage (and/or current) cycle values and stores these along with date and time in memory. For example, on a single channel voltage logger (EC-1V-IP65):- You want to record voltage over a period of 1 week – you set the Electrocorder EC-1V to have an averaging period of 2 minutes, which actually gives 10 days of logging. The Electrocorder will sample every voltage cycle. During each 2 minute period it calculates a running total. At the end of the period the rms voltage over that preceding 2 minute period is calculated and saved. Also during the preceding 2 minute period it will have recorded the single lowest voltage cycle value and the single highest voltage value. For example, at the start of the 2 minute period the Electrocorder will start sampling every voltage cycle. It looks at each cycle value and compares each to the lowest and highest it has seen to this point during this 2 minute period, if the value is lower (90V) than the previous lowest (101V) then it will replace the value in the ‘min voltage’ location. Similarly if it is higher (230V) than the previous highest (222V), it will replace the value in the ‘max voltage’ location.

The Electrocorder will not identify the exact time of the max or min, except that it occurred during this 2 minute period, which does have a date and time! It will record and calculate the average (RMS) voltage or current over successive 2 minute periods, along with the date and time. So, for each 2 minute period, 3 values will be recorded, (1) Average Voltage (230V), the average of every cycle during the 2 minute period, (2) Minimum Voltage (209V), the lowest cycle voltage and (3) Maximum Voltage (241V), the highest cycle voltage.

Q Can it detect spikes?
A. YES, it will see events of 1 cycle (16/20ms, 60/50Hz) or longer. It will record a single minimum and a single maximum voltage cycle (16/20ms) during each averaging period. If the averaging period were set to 10 seconds, the Electrocorder would sample every cycle 32 times and at the end of each 10 second period, calculate an RMS average, also during the 10 second period it would record the lowest and highest cycle value. Domestic customers do not normally see events less than one cycle!

Q Does it measure true RMS voltage?
A. YES, it samples every voltage cycle 32 times and calculates the RMS value at the end of each averaging period. It can be set to measure to EN 50160:1994 (10 minute rolling average).

Q Does it measure and conform to recording standard EN 50160:1994?
(“Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public distribution systems”).
A. YES.

Q What Category (CAT) is the Electrocorder?
A. Model dependent, please see the relevant datasheet.

Q Can the software be run on Linux or a MAC?
A. No, only PC Windows based at present, however we are developing Electrosoft to run on these other „platforms‟.

Q Is the Electrocorder available with other memory sizes?
A. The basic models have 64 kilobytes per channel of non-volatile SEEPROM, we may be able to supply extra memory, please contact your local distributor or Acksen Ltd.

Q How accurate is the Electrocorder?
A. Within the range 90 to 260 Vac accuracy is ±1% of reading.

Q How do harmonics effect its accuracy?
A. The Electrocorder measures true RMS, so harmonics will have little effect on the measurement – this is true to a limit, for example, where there is severe harmonic distortion, the RMS measurement will become inaccurate.

Q What is the frequency response of the Electrocorder?
A. 45Hz to 65Hz. The -3dB points are at approximately 45Hz & 65Hz.

Q Can it measure neutral to earth instead of live to earth?
A. Yes.

Q Does the Electrocorder work on 60 Hz?
A. YES, it is designed for both 50 and 60Hz power frequencies.

Q How long can the Electrocorder record for?
A. This depends on the model and averaging period you choose, the maximum sample time is several months. Set to a 1 second averaging period, it will record for 2 hrs, 12 sec for 1 day and 60 min for 300 days.

Q What sampling intervals are available (EC-1V)?
A. This is model dependent, the loggers can be set to have an averaging period from 1 second to 60 minutes, approximate logging times are:-
1 second = 2 hrs recording.
12 seconds = 1 day recording.
1 minute = 5 days recording.
10 minutes = 50 days recording.
60 minutes = 300 days recording.

Q What is the battery life of the Electrocorder?
A. The internal (changeable) battery will last approximately 12 to 24 months model dependent, please see the relevant datasheet- there is a low battery warning.

Q What is the delivery time for the Electrocorder?
A. For small orders 2 – 3 weeks, for large orders (greater than 200) typically 8 – 10 weeks.

Q To which standards does the Electrocorder conform?
A. General:
IEC61010 (CAT II, 300V)
Low Voltage Directive – LVD
Measurement EN 50160 : 1994
“Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public distribution systems.”
CE marked, 3V/m:-
Emissions EN 55022 : 1994B, (EN 50081-1 : 1992)
Immunity EN 50082-1 : 1992, following the provisions of EMC Directive 89/336/EEC.
Recording EN 50160 1994.

Q Is more memory available?
A. Standard models have 64 kilobytes per channel. If you need more memory please contact Acksen.

Q When I use a USB to serial converter the logger does not download data properly?
A. Many, many USB converters do not conform to the RS-232 standard, we can supply you with one that does work properly with the Electrocorder range! It may well be that the conmverter you use does work consistently with other equipments, this of course does not mean that the converter itself works properly and conform to “Radio Standard No.232, or RS-232 for short.

Q. Sometimes when I attempt to download data, I get a message saying there is no data?
A. If the battery gets temporarily knocked out during transport, or it has „died‟, the processor can get a reset. The battery is used to keep the clock running. To extract the data you will need to use the Data Recovery option in the Tools Menu. If the battery appears good (when you connect the logger), then ignore the step which refers to replacing the batteries. When you registered Electrosoft free online, you were given a 4 or 5 digit Registration Key, this number also acts as the password.

Q How is the Electrocorder calibrated?
A. The unit is calibrated from within Electrosoft, simply choose the menu option and follow the instructions, which tell to connect it into a known regulated and calibrated voltage and current supply (clean 50 or 60Hz), then follow the instructions.

Q What is the password needed for calibration?
A. When you registered Electrosoft free online, you were given a 4 or 5 digit Registration Key, this number also acts as the password.

Q Can the Electrocorder be re-calibrated without returning to Acksen?
A. YES, this can be done by anyone (with a calibrated AC voltage supply).

Q Does the Electrocorder conform to LVD (Low Voltage Directive)?
A. YES.

Q What are the dimensions of the Electrocorder?
A. This depends on the model, please refer to the relevant datasheet.

Q Will the Electrocorder work at 110v and 60 Hz?
A. YES.

Q How accurate is the Electrocorder at 110V and 60 Hz?
A. Normally 1% of reading for voltage and around 5% for current, please refer to the relevant datasheet.

Q Is there a 3 phase version of the Electrocorder?
A. Yes, the EC364 and EC664 ranges are 3 phase.

Q The Electrocorder seems not to record dips and spikes, explain?
A. It will not see voltage spikes or dips of less than 1 cycle (20/16ms) in duration. The Electrocorder is a voltage recorder, it is designed to allow the power company to determine whether or not voltage in a customers premises is generally low or high and whether or not further investigation is needed; it will record events of one cycle duration.

Q Can the Electrocorder measure 415 or 430 Vac?
A. Yes, some models are 600V, while some are 300V, please check the relevant datasheets.

Q Can the Electrocorder measure and record 650V and 3 phase?
A. No, the present units are only CAT III, 600V, if you have special requirements, please contact Acksen.

Q Can the Electrocorder measure power factor?
A. Presently no, this may be implemented in future models, if you have special requirements, please contact Acksen.

Q Can the Electrocorder measure reactive power?
A. Presently no, this may be implemented in future models, if you have special requirements, please contact Acksen.

Q Can the Electrocorder measure and record current?
A. YES, some models do, please visit www.electrocorder.com

Q Can the Electrocorder measure and record temperature?
A. Presently no, this may be implemented in future models, if you have special requirements, please contact Acksen.

Q Can the Electrocorder measure and record humidity?
A. Presently no, this may be implemented in future models, if you have special requirements, please contact Acksen.

Q Can the Electrocorder measure and record light intensity?
A. Presently no, this may be implemented in future models, if you have special requirements, please contact us, www.electrocorder.com.

Q Can the Electrocorder measure and record sound intensity?
A. Presently no, this may be implemented in future models, if you have special requirements, please contact Acksen.

Q What size of spikes and dips can it detect?
A. It will not see voltage dips (or swells) of less than 20/16 milliseconds (1 cycle) in duration.

Q Can the Electrocorder measure frequency?
A. The present models do not, however this can be set by Acksen it involves a small hardware change. This cannot be programmed from the PC YET! In later versions of the Electrocorder, we will allow the user to program this.

Q Can Electrocorders measure harmonics?
A. Presently NO, this may be implemented in future models, if you have special requirements, please contact Acksen.

Q Why use a Plug-in Electrocorder?
A. The Electrocorder is designed to allow Power Companies to very quickly react to customer voltage complaints and establish if there is a problem – they can then use more sophisticated equipment to fully diagnose the problem.
1) Increase Customer Care and Quality of Service by reacting instantly to complaints!
2) Free-up key staff time, allowing them to concentrate on priorities!
3) Free-up high cost inventory for priority work, e.g. why use a Dranetz in domestic situations

Q Which mains plug standards are available?
A. Europe – CEE 7/16 („19mm Europlug‟) -/EU

• UK & Ireland – BS1363 (13A square pin) -/UKI

• North America – NEMA 5-15 -/NA

• Australia – AS 3112 -/ANZ

• New Zealand – NZ SS 198-1967 -/ANZ

• Waterproof – IP65 -/IP65 NEMA 12/4

• Other standards can be supplied, for example BS932 (15A round pin)

Upcoming Courses at Oklahoma State University

GROUNDING AND SHIELDING OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

How to Diagnose and Solve Electromagnetic Interference and Signal Integrity Problems

16 Hours; 1.6 CEUs
March 1-2, 2012
OSU Campus – Stillwater, OK

Course Description:
Most engineers and technicians using or designing electronic systems have not had formal training concerning grounding and shielding techniques. Learning how to solve electromagnetic interference and signal integrity problems on the job can be very expensive for the employer and frustrating for the engineer. Most of the electromagnetic and circuit principles involved are simple. However, the complexity of many systems masks the logic and simplicity of possible solutions.

This course: treats signals as currents; explains fundamental grounding, shielding, and signal routing principles; clarifies troublesome terminology; and demonstrates many techniques for identifying and fixing electrical interference problems. The principles will be described as concepts rather than theoretical equations. The emphasis on concepts will make the course useful for people with a wide range of experiences. Several interference mechanisms and shielding techniques will be demonstrated. For more information and registration, please visit: http://gs-course.okstate.edu/

REVERBERATION CHAMBER THEORY / EXPERIMENT SHORT COURSE
40 Hours; 4.0 CEUs
September 17 – 21, 2012
OSU Campus – Stillwater, OK

Course Description:
Participants will have a thorough understanding of the operation of a reverberation chamber for EMC testing. They will have developed a test plan for an immunity test with specified conditions and objectives. They will also have a permanent record of data collected and analyzed, and an extensive set of notes. For more information and registration, please visit: http://rc-course.okstate.edu/

HIGH INTENSITY RADIATED FIELDS (HIRF) COURSE

Electromagnetic Effects Compliance for Aircraft HIRF/Lightning Design, Test Methods, and Regulatory Compliance

28 Hours; 2.8 CEUs
September 25 – 28, 2012
OSU Campus – Stillwater, OK

Course Description:
This comprehensive workshop will provide an awareness of all aspects of systems and aircraft HIRF testing as a route to compliance and will include:

• Why HIRF is important
• The FAA/European requirements to demonstrate compliance – FAA/EASA Harmonized HIRF rule released in the Federal Register for comment, and will replace the interim special conditions.
• Equipment Qualification
• Aircraft certification and testing
• Pitfalls and problems
• Design issues
• An overview of lightning requirements and design

With particular emphasis on practical measurement, this workshop is particularly relevant to engineers and technicians involved in aircraft HIRF certification. For more information and registration, please visit: http://hirf-course.okstate.edu/

Neo Solar Power to Invest in BlueChip Energy’s 120 MW Sorrento Solar Farm Project

LAKE MARY, Fla., Oct 11, 2011 — BlueChip Energy, LLC (BCE) an independent solar power producer, today announced it has signed a letter of intent with Neo Solar Power, a Taiwan-based solar cell manufacturer, for an equity participation in BCE’s 120 MW Sorrento Solar Farm project.

As part of the agreement, Neo Solar Power will contribute at least 10 MW of its high efficiency solar cells for an equity stake in the project, which is currently under construction in Lake County, FL. The cells will be converted into solar panels by Advanced Solar Photonics, BCE’s manufacturing subsidiary. Neo Solar Power focuses on high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar PV cells. As of the second quarter of 2011, the company had installed capacity of 1.3 GW.

“We are delighted to be working with NSP as a partner. They are one of the largest cell producers in the world, their product is top quality and, most importantly, NSP’s executive management understands that to truly thrive in the PV industry, it is necessary to put your product to work in project generating electricity revenue,” said Yongshuang Wang, VP of Strategic Development for BCE.

The LOI between BCE and Neo Solar Power is a major milestone in the US solar power industry as it marks the introduction of a new business model for developing solar power projects, without the use of power purchase agreements (PPAs) and financed by manufacturers themselves, rather than financial institutions. BCE’s new solar power development model will be described in more detail in an upcoming series of Executive Briefings to be released by the company over the next few weeks.

The Sorrento Solar Farm is unique among announced solar power projects in the United States in that is:

– Fully permitted: Rezoning authorization issued by Lake County Zoning Board and the Lake County Board of Commissioners; Environmental Permit issued by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (permit No ERP35-0307272-001-SI);

– Ideally Located: The project is located on land owned by BCE, gently sloping from north to south (eliminating the need for grading) and adjacent to two substations owned by Progress Energy Florida and SECO; and

– Federally Licensed: The project has Qualifying Facility status (FERC Docket Number QF11-240-000) and Wholesale Generator status (FERC Docket Number EG11-58-000) certified by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The Sorrento Solar Farm is one of only a few dozen solar projects listed on PV Insider’s Map of Utility Scale Solar Projects in the US (www.pv-insider.com/optimizationusa/pdf/Map.pdf)

With the growing PV equipment supply glut — solar market research provider Solarbuzz estimates panel oversupply as high as 11 GW in 2012 (www.solarbuzz.com/our-research/recent-findings/production-cutbacks-insufficient-prevent-solar-module-inventory-buildup) technology providers are starting to move “downstream” in the solar value chain to electricity production and sales.

BCE has signed LOIs with other solar panel and cell producers to contribute their products in the first 40 MW stage of the Sorrento Solar Farm and expects to finalize supply and joint venture contracts with them before the Solar Power International trade show in Dallas, October 17-20.

About BlueChip Energy, LLC
BlueChip Energy, LLC (BCE) is a fully integrated solar PV power generator, occupying all segments of the solar power value chain — from the manufacturing of solar panels and balance of systems components by its wholly owned subsidiary Advanced Solar Photonics, to the sale of turnkey solar power plants, to the sale of solar electricity to utility, commercial and residential customers. BCE develops, finances, builds, operates, and monitors solar plants for companies and individuals, as well as for its own portfolio. BlueChip Energy’s two flagship utility scale solar projects, the Rinehart Solar Farm (10 MW) and the Sorrento Solar Farm (two phases of 40 MW and 80 MW), received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as self-certified small power production facilities, or Qualified Facilities (QFs) earlier this year, requiring the local utility to provide interconnection to them and purchase the electricity they produce. Additionally, these two solar farms have received approval to operate as Exempt Wholesale Generators (EWGs), providing the facilities with undisputed access to the power distribution network. FERC has also granted the company Market-Based Rate Authorization, allowing BCE to purchase and sell wholesale electricity and offer renewable energy products to customers.

About Advanced Solar Photonics, LLC
Advanced Solar Photonics, LLC (ASP), a wholly owned subsidiary of BlueChip Energy, is a manufacturing and research and development center for crystalline silicon solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for utility, commercial and residential applications. Based on the latest cell efficiency, light transmission, and encapsulation technologies, ASP focuses on high-efficiency, state-of-the-art solar PV modules ranging from 200 Watts to 400 Watts. ASP is the third largest producer of crystalline silicon PV panels in the United States and is one of the few producers in the US of Buy American Act compliant products suitable for government, military and municipal projects and meeting the requirements of Section 1605 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

About Neo Solar Power
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, Neo Solar Power Corporation is a leading manufacturer in producing high performance and high quality PV cells. Endeavored to make solar energy a competitive energy source, NSP is continuously optimizing production processes and exercising strict quality control in semiconductor and solar products. With core competences in quality, technology, customer service, NSP aims to become a leader in the global photovoltaic industry. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.neosolarpower.com Source: BlueChip Energy, LLC

Sorrento Solar Farm (40 MW)

The Sorrento Solar Farm is a 40 MW solar photovoltaic project on a 160-acre plot in Lake County, Florida. The project will consist of approximately 174,000 230-Watt mono-crystalline solar PV panels. BCE estimates the project will require approximately one year to complete from the commitment of funds by its financing partner.

SIGNALTEK – Experience a Technically Innovative Performance, Monitoring and Network Troubleshooting Tool

In addition to cable performance qualification, SIGNALTEK can be configured to run for several minutes or hours at a time. While stress testing critical network links, SIGNALTEK transmits hundreds of Gigabits of information across the network while looking for dropped packets. This monitoring mode allows SIGNALTEK to be used to isolate intermittent network problems that are difficult to detect. Adopting the latest generation of Gigabit Ethernet technology, IDEAL’s innovation brings the best performance to this new class of affordable testers.

• Offers service detection to verify true 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet operations
• Provides Bit Error Rate test for VoIP, data, and videoover- IP applications
• User-defined data logging and network monitoring to detect problems that may cause network outages
• Selectable test modes to qualify cabling support of Data, Voice over IP, and IP Video transmissions

SIGNALTEK – High-Performance Gigabit Ethernet Testing

SIGNALTEK is the most cost-effective Gigabit Ethernet cable performance tester in the world. It tests the link’s ability to support applications by transmitting Ethernet packets on the link and measuring performance according to the IEEE 802.3ab Gigabit Ethernet standard, the ultimate performance indicator for any network.

• Provides comprehensive cable testing for voice, data, and video applications
• Performs complete wiremap and length tests of: 1, 3, and 4 pair UTP/STP, and series 6/59 coaxial cable to TIA-568 A/B and TIA-570 standards
• Performs a full IEEE 802.3ab compliant Gigabit Ethernet packet test in about 35 seconds with 97% performance certainty
• Includes a TDR (Time Domain Reflectometer) for accurate length measurements and to aide in locating cabling faults by providing distance to short/open information
• Supplied alligator clips allow testing of speaker, alarm, thermostat, home automation devices, and nearly any other type of control wire

SIGNALTEK – a Flexible Tool to Test any IP Device

Internet Protocol (IP) is fast becoming the standard communications protocol for every type of network and home technology device. SIGNALTEK leverages its tri-speed (10/100/1000) Ethernet processor to provide performance and activity testing of any addressable IP device in the network.

• IP pinging can be used to verify the communication of many devices including IP cameras, home automation, and A/V control panels
• Offers network diagnostic tools such as link establishment, port LED blink, and ping
• Supports static and dynamic (DHCP) IP configuration
• Allows multiple target IP and web addresses for pinging several network devices and confirming operation of network switches and routers

SIGNALTEK Makes Reporting and Data Storage Easy

The SIGNALTEK reporting and data storage system is designed for installers and network technicians with ease-of-use and flexibility in mind.

• Generates easy pass/fail reports of link performance in accordance with IEEE 802.3ab standards
• Stores 20,000+ records on internal memory
• Accepts USB memory drives for unlimited storage
• Direct printing to supported USB printers

No special software required, view reports with any web browser

SignalTek Specifications

Cable Types

• Voice/phone cable – USOC/RJ11/RJ12 interface
• Data cable – (STP/UTP) RJ45 for CAT 3/5e/6/6a/7

Cabling

• Coax cable – via RJ45-to-F patch-cord, series 58, 59, 6 cabling (75 ohm)

Cable Length Measurement

• Exceeds IEEE 802.3 specifications

Battery Life: Standard AA Alkaline Batteries

• Standby – 90 days
• Cable testing – 30 hours
• Network monitoring – 4 hours

Ports/Connections

• RJ45 test interface port
• Mini-USB “A” device port
• Standard USB “B” host port
• DC power input for longterm network monitoring

Physical Dimensions

Display Handset: 20.1cm × 9.1cm × 3.8cm

Remote Handset: 17.3cm × 8.9cm × 3.8cm

Near-end Weight: 354g
Weight without batteries

Remote-end Weight: 255g
Weight without batteries

Ideal Signaltek 33-974 – SIGNALTEK provides a technically innovative method to test and document performance of voice, data, video, and VoIP applications for cabling installers and network technicians.

The FE ParaScope PON Advanced Test Set for GPON/EPON Network Construction and Maintenance

The Frederick Engineering ParaScope PON measures the power of GPON/EPON circuits and can test three wavelengths (1490nm, 1550nm and 1310nm) simultaneously. FE provides a wide range of cost-effective network management, security, and analysis products for fiber, 10/100/Gigabit, VoIP, wireless, and wide area networks. From handheld test tools for field service technicians to enterprise-wide analyzers for network managers, FE has the best solution to meet your network requirements.

ParaScope PON

• Designed for GPON/EPON Network construction and maintenance connected between OLT and ONT
• Tests three wavelengths of GPON/EPON simultaneously: 1490nm, 1550nm and 1310nm
• Tests burst mode signal of 1310nm wavelength upstream
• Supports 10 user-defined presets of pass/fail thresholds for each wavelength
• Large color LEDs indicate when one of the pass/fail thresholds is exceeded
• Uploads data to PC via USB port to Management software
• Calibrates wavelengths through Management software
• Stores up to 1000 records
• Real-time clock display
• Auto-shut off

Applications

• Telecom optical installations
• PON installations
• Fiber optics installation and maintenance
• Optical network commissioning
• Fiber transmission quality assessment

Who is Frederick Engineering?

Frederick Engineering (FE) is the leading provider of network testing products and solutions, which are used globally for installing, troubleshooting, managing, and securing networks. Founded in 1983, FE provides ideal solutions with their world-renowned ParaScope product line. Their products include PC-based, remotely-operated, and handheld test products and are routinely used for analyzing and resolving network problems.

What is PON?

A PON (passive optical network) is a point-to-multipoint fiber to the premises network architecture in which unpowered optical splitters are used to enable a single optical fiber to serve multiple premises, typically 16-128. A PON consists of an optical line terminal (OLT) at the service provider’s central office and a number of optical network units (ONUs) near end users. A PON reduces the amount of fiber and central office equipment required compared with point to point network architectures. Downstream signals are broadcast to all premises sharing multiple fibers, upstream signals are combined using a multiple access protocol, usually time division multiple access (TDMA). The OLTs “range” the ONUs in order to provide time slot assignments for upstream communication.

ParaScope PON measures the power of GPON/EPON circuits. Tests three wavelengths simultaneously: 1490nm, 1550nm and 1310nm.