Any good books on designing test equipment?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding resources and books related to the design of test equipment, specifically for low power devices that measure nanoamp currents. Participants explore various texts and approaches relevant to the design of such equipment, including considerations for noise and impedance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about books on designing low power test devices, expressing difficulty in finding relevant texts.
  • Another participant suggests "The Art of Electronics" (AoE) but questions the definition of "test equipment" and whether it pertains to low noise electronics.
  • A different participant acknowledges that AoE contains basic information on low-noise and high-impedance amplifiers but suggests it may not be comprehensive enough for practical test device design.
  • There is a question about the intended use of the equipment, with a suggestion that medical applications would require additional safety considerations.
  • The original poster clarifies that the equipment is for a college project rather than medical use and expresses frustration over the lack of definitive texts on test equipment design.
  • Another participant recommends searching for application notes from analog IC manufacturers, indicating that these could provide practical insights into low noise amplifier design.
  • One participant proposes that a simple electrometer design could meet the original poster's needs, suggesting components like an op-amp and a voltage meter.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a definitive text for test equipment design, and multiple viewpoints on resources and approaches remain. The discussion includes both suggestions for specific texts and practical design ideas, indicating a variety of perspectives on the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the availability of comprehensive resources specifically tailored to low power test equipment design. There are also unresolved questions about the specific requirements and applications of the intended devices.

seang
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Hi, I am trying to design a few low power (I ~ nanoamps, V ~ volts) test devices. I can't seem to find books on test equipment design anyplace. Anyone got a favorite text or anything?


Sean
 
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"Art of Electronics"?
I am not sure what you mean by "test equipment"? Low noise electronics?
 
The AoE has some basic info about low-noise and high-Z amps, but not much.
It does cover the basics of FET amps, bootstrapping, etc., so it's not a bad place to start, but you'll need a bit more to design practical test devices.

Is this for medical-type test equipment? If so, there are additional considerations for safety. See UL544:

http://ulstandardsinfonet.ul.com/scopes/scopes.asp?fn=0544.html

Can you say what kind of equipment you want to design? Is this for personal use, or will it be a product that you will qualify for sale to the public?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
It's not for medical use; it's somewhere between personal use and a school project (college).

I have AoE, but as you said...there's not a lot of stuff in there that's specific to my needs. Is there really not a definitive test equipment text (oscilloscopes, meters, etc.)? I almost find that hard to believe.

Again, I'm trying to design a system to detect and measure low currents (in the nanoamp range). I'd rather not accept too much outside help, so pointing me towards resources rather than telling me how to do it would be nice.

Thanks a lot.
 
seang said:
Again, I'm trying to design a system to detect and measure low currents (in the nanoamp range). I'd rather not accept too much outside help, so pointing me towards resources rather than telling me how to do it would be nice.

I googled "low noise" "high impedance" amplifier, and got some good hits. Many are application notes from the big analog IC manufacturers, which should be very practical in their treatment of the design of these circuits. Here's the hit list as a starting point:

http://www.google.com/search?source...h+impedance"+amplifier&btnG=Search&nochrome=1

I'd be interested in hearing back if you found some especially good app notes in the list.
 
seang said:
Again, I'm trying to design a system to detect and measure low currents (in the nanoamp range). I'd rather not accept too much outside help, so pointing me towards resources rather than telling me how to do it would be nice.

Thanks a lot.

I think what you might be looking for is a simple electrometer. Integrator with a good opamp, an ok cap, a voltage meter and a triggering source should do the trick.
 

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