The Vektrex V3000 Automated Recorder Test System (ARTS) tests and calibrates wideband Direct (Analog) and FM tape recording systems. Self contained and completely automatic, the V3000 can fully test a recorder in minutes, producing comprehensive hardcopy performance reports. These reports detail output level, frequency response, total harmonic distortion, and signal-to-noise ratio performance measured against specifications stored in a recorder database. The V3000 also supports crossplay testing, allowing tapes recorded on one recorder to be replayed on another recorder.

The V3000 hardware features a low-distortion signal source, a wide-bandwidth true-RMS voltmeter, and a tunable wave meter. An RF switch matrix driven by a wide bandwidth 75 ohm driver completes the system, routing outgoing and inbound signals.

Expertise Used

Vektrex developed the V3000 with National Instruments LabVIEW software, commercially available GPIB instrumentation, and a mixture of custom and commercial test electronics. Vektrex custom designed the signal conditioning hardware, which included a waveform analyzer for signals up to 10 MHz, and an FPGA-based pre-processor to count recorder error events.

Automated Recorder Test System (ARTS)

In-depth Test and Analysis Capability

In addition to the V3000's exhaustive automated tests, the system features several powerful interactive "Virtual Instruments" for in-depth test and analysis. Each Virtual Instrument, developed with National Instruments LabVIEW software, is actually an interactive screen that emulates a custom test instrument. The Virtual Instruments range in complexity from simple stimulus/response to complex analysis tools like the virtual Slot Noise Instrument.

Swept Harmonic Distortion Screen

Amplitude, Noise and Harmonic Distortion Screen

Virtual Instruments

• Amplitude Noise Distortion

• 1 KHz Slot Noise

• Total Harmonic Distortion

• Frequency Response

• Swept Harmonic Distortion

Utilities

• Drive Control/Move Tape

• View/Edit Recorder Specs

• Amplitude Calibration

• Frequency Response Calibration

• Distortion Filter Calibration

Suggested Applications

• Engineering Test

• Automated Production Test

• Board Test/Repair

• Acceptance Testing

• Pre-Mission Testing

• Crossplay Verification

• Quick Problem Diagnosis

• Depot Level Repair

• Trend Analysis

• Media Verification

Supported Recorders

• Metrum M96

• Metrum M97

• Metrum 101

• Metrum 101e

• Datatape IRIG

• Datatape DTR6, DTR8, TDM

• Racal Storehorse

• Racal Storehorse DD4

• Generic IRIG

Automatic Tests

• Output Level

• Wideband Signal to Noise Ratio

• Total Harmonic Distortion

• Frequency Response

• Pass/Fail Analysis