National Instruments has expanded the digital audio test capabilities with the latest version of NI AudioMaster, a test system for analogue and digital audio validation and production test.

The combination of the AudioMaster 6.0 configuration-based software interface and high-performance, NI PCI- and PXI- based modular hardware gives users an easy-to-use, software-defined test system that delivers the performance found in only high-end audio analysers.

Users now can test devices with Sony/Phillips Digital Interconnect Format (S/PDIF) digital audio interfaces such as set-top boxes, DVD players and home theatre systems, by combining the AudioMaster 6.0 software with an NI 7813R reconfigurable I/O device and NI CB-2180 FlexSPDIF accessory.

AudioMaster 6.0 software features a comprehensive set of audio measurements using single tone, multitone, amplitude sweep, frequency sweep and step response analysis.

To help users reduce the development cost of automated audio test applications, the software directly integrates into NI TestStand test management software, making it easy for users to automate various audio tests, gather measurement results, compare the results to defined limits, generate reports and store the results in a database.

Users also can combine AudioMaster 6.0 with the NI Sound and Vibration Toolkit and NI LabView software to develop custom audio measurement steps and integrate additional instrumentation into their NI TestStand applications.

For analogue audio tests, users can pair AudioMaster 6.0 software with either PCI- or PXI-based dynamic signal acquisition (DSA) devices, including an NI 4461 with two inputs and two outputs or an NI 4462 with four inputs. The DSA devices provide 24 bits of resolution at up to 204.8 kS/s sample rates.

Additionally, AudioMaster features a calibration manager to calibrate against the nonlinearities that occur when using anechoic test chambers, artificial mouths, microphones and other audio test system interfaces. For digital audio tests, users can combine an NI 7813R reconfigurable I/O device with the NI CB-2180 to provide two S/PDIF inputs, each with a BNC for coaxial and TOSLINK for optical connections.

More information: www.ni.com/audiomaster