Trek, Inc. (a designer and manufacturer of high-performance electrostatic instrumentation and high-voltage power amplifiers), recently introduced a High Voltage Power Amplifier (Model 40/15) which, by providing up to 80 kV peak-to-peak (±40 kV), delivers the highest level of output voltages for any amplifier in its class. The Model 40/15 HV amplifier is the first of its kind to achieve such high voltage ranges along with high performance capabilities typically available only with lower voltage units. The 40/15 offers outstanding DC stability, high speed and precise control of output voltages in the range of 0 to ±40 kV DC or peak AC with an output current range of 0 to ±15 mA DC or peak AC. It offers exceptional stability and wideband performance, with high slew rates over a wide range of AC signals, together with low-noise operation.
Research applications for the 40/15 include electrostatic deflection and dielectric studies. Other applications include research in the fields of plasma chemistry, electrostatic levitation, electrostatic coatings and partial discharge.
Like all Trek amplifiers, this High Voltage Amplifier Model 40/15 offers: DC stability, wide bandwidth, well-regulated and controlled AC output signals, and full four-quadrant, class AB, all-solid-state output stages. The four-quadrant, active output stage sinks or sources current into reactive or resistive loads throughout the output voltage range. This is essential for achieving the accurate output response and high slew rates demanded by reactive loads.
Technical parameters for the Model 40/15 include: output voltage range of 0 to ±40 kV DC or peak AC; output current range of 0 to ±15 mA DC or peak AC; DC accuracy better than 0.1% of full scale; slew rate greater than 350 V/μs; DC offset adjustment from 0 to ±40 kV; adjustable current limit or current trip; precision voltage and current monitors. The unit is CE marked.

BFi OPTiLAS, thanks to its collaboration with Trek, Inc. (a designer and manufacturer of high-performance electrostatic instrumentation and high-voltage power amplifiers), recently introduced the TREK Model 900 ESD Event Detector. This detector is a diagnostic tool for manufacturing environments that are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD), including electronic, semiconductor & medical device manufacturing and assembly. Electrostatic discharge events are important indicators of excessive charge accumulation in a given environment. Such charge accumulation (electrostatic charging) can be detrimental to ESD-sensitive manufacturing and assembly processes such as those found in the semiconductor industry. ESD can also be a concern in the manufacture of electronics and other devices, including sensitive medical electronics, microelectronics, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), hard disk drives, microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS), and in various sectors of the electronic manufacturing services (EMS) industry.

Trek's ESD Event Detector is a diagnostic tool used to identify incidents of or verify suspected areas of ESD activity within a manufacturing site. A voltage-sensitive antenna on the unit can be positioned near potential problem areas (where electrostatic discharge is suspected) to monitor ESD events. Detection is conveyed via an audible buzzer and/or a visual color-coded light display which depicts intensity.

By detecting ESD events, Model 900 serves to alert manufacturing engineers to the presence of potentially harmful (and invisible) electrostatic charging. Such identification is often the first step in managing ESD. Once alerted to its presence, action can be taken to rectify the situation and thereby improve overall efficiency, yield and productivity.

Model 900 is compact, portable and is powered by batteries. A universal power adapter can be used for continuous AC line operation. Model 900 is also CE compliant. The technical design of the unit provides a wide spatial operating range with high sensitivity.

Trek's Model 900 is designed for Charge Device Model (CDM) events which are becoming the major contributor to ESD failures, in connection with increases in the automation of manufacturing processes.

BFi OPTiLAS and Agilent Technologies have signed a franchise distribution agreement enabling BFi OPTiLAS to distribute Agilent products within The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
Under the terms of the agreement BFi OPTiLAS will bring to market Agilent’s basic test and measurement instruments portfolio.

This portfolio includes a comprehensive range of DMMs, signal generators, power supplies, data acquisition products and oscilloscopes, suitable for a wide variety of research, development and production test applications.

Highlights from the range include the exciting new MSO7000 family of combination oscilloscopes and the wide range of data acquisition products.