As a leader in test, measurement and monitoring systems, Tektronix is at the forefront of innovation, delivering world-class products and services that empower its customers all over the globe to push the bounds of technology. The blog entries included here have been developed by various Tektronix engineers along with our extended network of partners, customers and general test enthusiasts.

The Tek Pulse: The latest and greatest engineering and science posts

Tue, 2013-03-19 10:14 — Tektronix Experts

Informative, innovative and interesting articles from our favorite blogs and websites

Remotely Controlling a Scope, Mar 7 2013 – Michael Dunn, Scope Junction -- Have you ever hooked up a scope to an external computer for control or data collection? How’d you do it? Join Michael Dunn of Scope Junction in his latest blog post as he attempts to remotely control a scope (and asks for some pointers along the way).

Aren’t More Bits Better?, Mar 6 2013, Chris Loberg, Test Voices -- Over the last couple of years, several new, high-resolution oscilloscopes have been introduced to the market that boast 12-bit digitizers. In theory, more bits are better – but is that really always the case? Chris Loberg takes a look in his latest Test Voices blog post.

The Year of the Digital Pen, Mar 8 2013, William Wong, Alt.Embedded -- William Wong of Alt.Embedded has one last prediction to make for 2013 – this year he says, will be the “Year of the Digital Pen.” Check out Wong’s latest blog post to find out why advancements like removable tips and improved hover technology will make the digital pen “mightier than the sword” in 2013.

Forget 3D, Say Hello to 4D, Mar 7 2013, Kasey Panetta, ECN -- Just as people are beginning to wrap their minds around the concept of 3D printing, leave it to MIT to boggle brains even more with the rollout of 4D printing. 4D printing is 3D with the potential for “embedded transformation.” Check out Kasey Panetta’s ECN blog to learn more about what this new development means for robotics, and why she thinks 4D printing just might be the technology responsible for the downfall of humankind.

10 C Language Tips for Hardware Engineers, Mar 5 2013, Jacob Beningo -- Although ‘C’ remains the language of choice for most hardware engineers, it doesn’t come without challenges. Over at EDN, Jacob Beningo dished out 10 tips for avoiding common C programming pitfalls, like don’t use “go-to” statements. Head over to EDN to read them all, and add your own tips in the comments section.

Measuring Gravitational Radiation, Mar 4 2013 – Ransom Stevens, Measure of Things -- Last week, Ransom Stevens discussed how orbiting neutron stars and black holes can form high intensity gravitational radiation. This week on Measure of Things, Stevens explores how gravity waves are measured using a laser interferometer gravitational-wave observatory. Say that five times fast.

Can You Engineer from Home?, Mar 1 2013, Suzanne Deffree, Voice of the Engineer -- As Yahoo! employees say goodbye to their home offices, many people have voiced polarized opinions on what type of setting they believe is most conducive to productivity. In Voice of the Engineer, Suzanne Deffree joins the discussion and asks, “Can creative people reach their full potential in an office or corporate setting?” What do you think?

Software Patents are Evil, Feb 28 2013, M. Simon, ECN Magazine -- In his latest ECN blog post, M. Simon argues that all patents (especially those for software) should be eliminated, because instead of rewarding innovation, they often stifle it. But then how would we encourage and compensate those inventive and innovative individuals, you ask? Head over to Simon’s post to find out his solution!

Cartoon: The First Oscilloscope, Mar 4 2013, Allison Wight, Scope Junction -- Ever wondered how cavemen tested their designs? Allison Wight captured it just right in her new cartoon featured on Scope Junction.

How to Build a Better Battery, Feb 21 2013, Lou Frenzel, Communiqué -- According to Lou Frenzel, the last big battery breakthrough occurred in 1991 with the development of the lithium battery by Sony. In this week’s Communiqué, Frenzel discusses the lack of battery development compared with electronics technology, and why the industry has reached an innovation plateau.

Do you have a great article, blog or idea that you’d like to see featured in our series? Please be sure to share in the comments below. Stay tuned next week for another installment of The Tek Pulse, featuring more trending articles from the engineering, technology and science worlds.

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