A spectrum (pl.: spectra or spectrums)[1] is a condition that is not limited to a specific set of values but can vary, without gaps, across a continuum. The word spectrum was first used scientifically in optics to describe the rainbow of colors in visible light after passing through a prism. As scientific understanding of light advanced, it came to apply to the entire electromagnetic spectrum. It thereby became a mapping of a range of magnitudes (wavelengths) to a range of qualities, which are the perceived "colors of the rainbow" and other properties which correspond to wavelengths that lie outside of the visible light spectrum.
In Latin, spectrum means "image" or "apparition", including the meaning "spectre". Spectral evidence is testimony about what was done by spectres of persons not present physically, or hearsay evidence about what ghosts or apparitions of Satan said. It was used to convict a number of persons of witchcraft at Salem, Massachusetts in the late 17th century. The word "spectrum" [Spektrum] was strictly used to designate a ghostly optical afterimage by Goethe in his Theory of Colors and Schopenhauer in On Vision and Colors.
In the physical sciences, the term spectrum was introduced first into optics by Isaac Newton in the 17th century, referring to the range of colors observed when white light was dispersed through a prism.[2][3] Soon the term referred to a plot of light intensity or power as a function of frequency or wavelength, also known as a spectral density plot.
Antibiotic spectrum of activity is a component of antibiotic classification. A broad-spectrum antibiotic is active against a wide range of bacteria,[4] whereas a narrow-spectrum antibiotic is effective against specific families of bacteria.[5] An example of a commonly used broad-spectrum antibiotic is ampicillin.[5] An example of a narrow spectrum antibiotic is Dicloxacillin, which acts on beta-lactamase-producing Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.[6]
In psychiatry, the spectrum approach uses the term spectrum to describe a range of linked conditions, sometimes also extending to include singular symptoms and traits. For example, the autism spectrum describes a range of conditions classified as neurodevelopmental disorders.
In social science, economic spectrum is used to indicate the range of social class along some indicator of wealth or income. In political science, the term political spectrum refers to a system of classifying political positions in one or more dimensions, for example in a range including right wing and left wing.
From ideas to final products, our partnership spans the full spectrum of your project. With applications expertise and medical device experience that not only enables, but enhances, each step in the process.
As a full-service laser solutions provider, we manufacture high-precision parts to exact specifications, in the most efficient and cost-effective way. We excel at turning even seemingly impossible designs into high-value products that exceed customer expectations.
We offer the full range of design, prototyping, and development services. We turn your device concept into a manufacturable design, transfer it to initial production, then manage full-scale production.
All documentation, drivers, software and firmware installers are found in our download section - grouped by the hardware your have. New driver,software and firmware versions are documentedin our change log.
A lot questions concerning installation, compatibility, updates or system setup details come up prior to the purchase decision or after receiving the products. Frequently asked questions are listed here.
Spectrum Instrumentation's arbitrary waveform generators excel with high channel densities that far surpass standard signal generators, all at a very good price/performance ratio. Our AWGs are available with output rates ranging from 40 MS/s to 1.25 GS/s and bandwidths that can exceed 500 MHz.
All of our high speed digitizers, AWGs and digital I/O products are designed for high continuous data throughput and can be used to create streaming systems with continuous, gapless recording in the GHz range. Spectrum Instrumentation's PCIe product line is the most comprehensive of its kind on the market. Products based on PXIe are also available for industrial systems with the same performance. The LXI products, based on the GBit Ethernet standard, can be connected to a company network and used remotely.
What drives us? What sets us apart? And what do you get out of it? Among other things uncompromising quality, the best support or a five-year warranty - with Spectrum you make the right decision. Want more arguments? Just click on the video!
In measurement technology, you need custom-fit solutions. Talk to us if you have questions about our product portfolio or would like an offer tailored to your needs. We are always happy to assist you!
The measurement and analysis of sound waves traveling in air, solids and liquids is important to a number of industries involved in production test, machine/engine performance and process control. Signals detected by sensors such as microphones and accelerators can reveal critical information about an objects behavior and action. Sound waves can also be used for acoustic location with active techniques employing sound generation and studying echo responses while passive methods listen for generated sounds or vibrations and then endeavor to determine the direction and location of the source. Perhaps the most famous acoustic location method is SONAR where hydrophones are be used to monitor waveforms traveling in water. However, acoustic location is also employed in other mediums and plays a key role in material science and geology.
The aerospace industry utilizes an extensive array of technologies in its constant quest to improve vehicle control, efficiency, range, payload and lifetime. Materials science, communications, aeronautics and engine/propulsion technologies are all critical fields of research and each use electronic signal testing to help determine performance. For example, in material science new products and compounds need to be characterized and qualified to understand how they will perform in different situations. To do this engineers subject the materials to numerous tests to find out their behavior under various conditions such as stress, strain, vibration and temperature. Sensors for key parameters such as strain, force, and acceleration produce electronic signals that all need to be captured and measured. Other technologies such as ultrasound, laser and radio waves may also be used to assist in observing the behavior of the material as it undergoes destructive or non-destructive testing.
Even though it is one of the oldest scientific disciplines astronomy remains at the cutting edge of technology and engineering. Once limited to the the observation of visible light, mostly in the night time sky, the 20th century saw the development of a host of new methods for exploring the cosmos. Using instrumentation sensitive to an ever expanding part of the electromagnetic spectrum scientists have been able to detect a host of previously unknown phenomena and look further into space than ever before. Radio telescopes were developed revealing the remnants of exploding stars while even higher energy instruments, like those using X-rays and gamma rays, made it possible to study the behavior of matter in extreme states, such as those found in pulsars and blazars.
Computer controlled testing has helped to drive manufacturing productivity by increasing efficiency and improving quality. Automated test equipment (ATE) plays a crucial role as it enables more vigorous testing at faster rates and in a more controlled manner than was previously possible using manual procedures. ATE can involve a single measurement made continuously at very high rates or multiple measurements made by a host of different instruments. Measurements made on a device under test (DUT) or unit under test (UUT) are typically calculated, stored and analyzed in an automated fashion by some form of computer. The process helps to remove human error and allows fault diagnosis to be performed in reproducible manner even when sophisticated measurements are involved.
For over a century automobiles have been evolving as manufacturers constantly find ways to improve vehicle handling, efficiency, safety and performance. A key driver of these developments is electronics and electronic signal testing. In recent years the increased use of microprocessors, fast communications and sensor technology has led to advancements in breaking systems, traction control, and even accident avoidance. Modern cars now use electronic ignition systems to improve their performance and efficiency and some vehicles employ electronic motors, or hybrid designs, to help reduce the reliance on traditional engine fuels. Safety remains an industry priority and manufacturers undergo an extensive array of tests and inspections throughout the production process to ensure quality remains at satisfactory levels. Robotics is extensively used in the manufacturing process helping to speed up production, reduce costs and eliminate problems associated with human error.
The mission to understand matter and the forces of nature continue to drive ever larger and more complex experiments in the scientific field of physics. Major efforts are being undertaken to explore the cosmos, determine the properties of matter and harness the forces that flow within our universe. In order to do this scientists and engineers are constructing machines and instruments that are larger, more powerful and more sensitive than ever before.
Electronic communication continues to evolve as the world community continues to demand the transfer of more information at ever increasing speeds. Analog and digital technology is used in both point-to-point and broadcast communications that are being delivered by wireless, fiber optic and cable network systems. In order to develop and maintain these systems engineers need to be able to test and qualify the signals being received and transmitted. Signal loss or attenuation needs to be reduced, noise monitored and key parameters characterized. Furthermore, as systems become ever more complicated sources of error need to be detected quickly and corrected.
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