Onsite GAO Research for Electrical Testing

Working with its sister companies,  GAO Tek Inc., GAO RFID Inc., and partners, GAO Research Inc. has developed a range of solutions, including cloud systems, on-premises systems, cloud software, on-premises software, and hardware devices for electrical testing.

Together, in addition cloud and on-premises systems, we have developed incorporates a variety of electrical testing devices such as clamp meters, DC ground fault locators, battery chargers for industrial batteries, LCR meters, logic analyzers, mixed oscilloscopes, ohmmeters, other electrical testers, transmission line testers, digital oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, function generators, and wireless power transfer device.

Cloud Systems

Cloud systems, also known as cloud computing, refer to the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics—over the Internet. These services are typically offered by third-party providers on a pay-as-you-go basis, eliminating the need for organizations to invest in and manage physical infrastructure.

Characteristics of Cloud Systems

• Scalability: Cloud systems offer unparalleled scalability, allowing users to scale resources up or down based on demand. This elasticity ensures optimal performance and cost-efficiency.
• Accessibility: Users can access cloud systems from anywhere with an internet connection, enabling remote collaboration and flexibility in work environments.
• Cost-effectiveness: Cloud systems often operate on a subscription or pay-per-use model, reducing upfront costs and providing predictable pricing structures.
• Reliability: Leading cloud service providers boast high availability and redundancy, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous operations.
• Security: While security concerns initially deterred some organizations from adopting cloud systems, modern cloud providers offer robust security measures, including encryption, access controls, and compliance certifications.

Applications in Electrical Testing

In electrical testing, cloud systems offer several advantages. For instance, they enable real-time data analysis and remote monitoring of electrical systems. Engineers can deploy testing applications in the cloud, leveraging its computational power to perform complex calculations and simulations. Moreover, cloud-based platforms facilitate collaboration among geographically dispersed teams, streamlining the testing process and accelerating innovation.

On-Premises Systems

On-premises systems, in contrast to cloud systems, involve the deployment of hardware and software within an organization’s physical premises. With on-premises systems, organizations have direct control over their infrastructure, including servers, networking equipment, and applications.

Characteristics of On-Premises Systems

• Control: On-premises systems afford organizations full control over their computing environment, allowing them to customize configurations and security policies to meet specific requirements.
• Data Sovereignty: Organizations retain ownership and jurisdiction over their data, mitigating concerns related to data privacy and regulatory compliance.
• Performance: On-premises systems may offer superior performance and latency compared to cloud systems, especially for latency-sensitive applications or large-scale data processing tasks.
• Dependency on Infrastructure: On-premises systems require substantial upfront investment in hardware, software, and IT personnel for maintenance and support.

Applications in Electrical Testing

On-premises systems have long been the cornerstone of electrical testing, particularly in industries where data sensitivity and regulatory compliance are paramount. Many organizations prefer to maintain control over their testing infrastructure to ensure data security and compliance with industry standards. On-premises testing solutions are often tailored to the specific needs of the organization, offering high levels of customization and integration with existing systems.

Cloud Software

Cloud software, also referred to as Software as a Service (SaaS), encompasses applications hosted and delivered over the Internet by cloud service providers. Users access cloud software via web browsers or APIs, eliminating the need for local installation and maintenance.

Characteristics of Cloud Software

• Accessibility: Cloud software can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, providing users with ubiquitous access to applications and data.
• Automatic Updates: Cloud software providers handle software updates and maintenance, ensuring that users always have access to the latest features and security patches.
• Subscription-Based Pricing: Cloud software typically operates on a subscription model, with users paying recurring fees based on usage or the number of users.
• Scalability: Cloud software scales dynamically to accommodate fluctuating user demands, eliminating the need for organizations to provision and manage infrastructure resources.

Applications in Electrical Testing

In electrical testing, cloud software offers diverse applications, ranging from data analytics platforms to test management tools. Engineers can leverage cloud-based software for test planning, execution, and analysis, streamlining the entire testing lifecycle. Moreover, cloud software facilitates collaboration among cross-functional teams, enabling seamless knowledge sharing and version control.

On-Premises Software

On-premises software, also known as traditional or legacy software, is installed and operated from a local server or computing device within an organization’s premises. Unlike cloud software, on-premises software requires manual installation, configuration, and maintenance by the organization’s IT staff.

Characteristics of On-Premises Software

• Control: Organizations have full control over the deployment, configuration, and customization of on-premises software, allowing them to tailor solutions to their specific needs.
• Data Security: On-premises software offers enhanced data security and privacy, as sensitive information remains within the organization’s network perimeter.
• Upfront Costs: On-premises software typically entails significant upfront costs for software licenses, hardware infrastructure, and IT personnel.
• Limited Scalability: Scaling on-premises software can be challenging, requiring additional hardware procurement and infrastructure upgrades to accommodate growth.

Applications in Electrical Testing

Many organizations within the electrical testing industry rely on on-premises software for critical testing applications. These solutions are often highly specialized, catering to niche requirements and industry standards. On-premises testing software offers granular control over test configurations, data storage, and integration with legacy systems, making it indispensable for organizations with stringent compliance requirements or legacy infrastructure.

Hardware Devices for Electrical Testing

Hardware devices for electrical testing encompass a wide range of equipment used to measure, analyze, and diagnose electrical systems and components. These devices vary in complexity, functionality, and form factor, catering to diverse testing requirements across industries.

Types of Hardware Devices

• Clamp Meters: These devices measure current flow in electrical conductors by clamping around the conductor without requiring direct contact. They are commonly used for non-invasive current measurements in electrical systems.
• DC Ground Fault Locators: DC ground fault locators detect and pinpoint ground faults in direct current (DC) systems. They help identify faulty connections or insulation breakdowns, ensuring safety and reliability in electrical installations.
• Battery Chargers for Industrial Batteries: Designed specifically for industrial applications, these battery chargers replenish the energy of industrial batteries, ensuring uninterrupted power supply for critical systems and equipment.
• LCR Meters: LCR meters measure inductance (L), capacitance (C), and resistance (R) of electronic components. They are essential tools for testing and characterizing passive electronic components such as capacitors, inductors, and resistors.
• Logic Analyzers: Logic analyzers capture and analyze digital signals in electronic circuits, allowing engineers to debug and troubleshoot digital systems by examining timing relationships and signal integrity.
• Mixed Oscilloscope: A mixed oscilloscope combines the functionalities of a traditional oscilloscope with additional capabilities, such as digital logic analysis or serial data decoding, providing a comprehensive solution for analyzing analog and digital signals.
• Ohmmeters: Ohmmeters measure electrical resistance in circuits or components. They help verify the integrity of electrical connections, identify faulty components, and troubleshoot circuit problems.
• Other Electrical Testers: This category encompasses various electrical testing devices, including voltage testers, continuity testers, insulation testers, and phase rotation testers, designed for specific testing requirements in electrical installations and maintenance.
• Transmission Line Testers: Transmission line testers assess the condition and performance of communication or power transmission lines by measuring parameters such as impedance, attenuation, and reflection characteristics.
• Digital Oscilloscopes: Digital oscilloscopes capture and display electronic waveforms digitally, offering features such as signal analysis, waveform storage, and advanced triggering capabilities for precise measurement and analysis of electrical signals.
• Spectrum Analyzers: Spectrum analyzers examine the frequency spectrum of electrical signals, enabling engineers to analyze signal characteristics such as frequency distribution, amplitude, and harmonic content, crucial for RF and audio frequency applications.
• Function Generators: Function generators produce various electrical waveforms, including sine, square, triangle, and pulse waves, with adjustable frequency and amplitude. They are used for testing, calibration, and design of electronic circuits.
• Wireless Power Transfer Device: These devices enable wireless charging of electronic devices by transferring power wirelessly from a transmitter to a receiver. They are used in applications such as mobile devices, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics for convenient and cable-free charging.

Integration with Software Systems

Hardware devices for electrical testing often integrate with software systems, enabling data acquisition, analysis, and reporting. Modern testing equipment may feature built-in connectivity options such as USB, Ethernet, or wireless interfaces, allowing seamless integration with cloud or on-premises software platforms. By digitizing test data and automating analysis workflows, integrated hardware and software solutions enhance productivity, accuracy, and traceability in electrical testing processes.

Below are some of GAO’s partners or customers in the U.S. and Canada:

Emerson Electric Co., Schneider Electric SE, ABB Ltd., Siemens AG, Fluke Corporation, Keysight Technologies, National Instruments Corporation, Anritsu Corporation, Tektronix, Inc., Yokogawa Electric Corporation, Agilent Technologies, Inc., HIOKI E.E. Corporation, Megger Group Limited, Omicron Electronics GmbH, Amprobe Test Tools, Vitrek Corporation, Sonel S.A., TDK Corporation, T&R Test Equipment Ltd., Baur GmbH, Elgar Corporation, Chauvin Arnoux Group, Kikusui Electronics Corporation, Haefely Test AG, Chroma ATE Inc., Cirris Systems Corporation, AstroNova, Inc., Dolink Technologies Inc., HV Technologies, Inc., Powermetrix Inc., Hipotronics Inc., Seaward Group, Luminor Environmental Inc., Manta Test Systems Inc., Technix High Voltage Ltd., Tinsley Precision Instruments, RTDS Technologies Inc., Sediver USA, Maxivolt Corporation, Programma Electric Inc., Qualitrol Company LLC, Slaughter Company, Inc., Vanguard Instruments Company, Multi-Amp Corporation, Chroma Systems Solutions, Inc., Electric Power Systems International, Inc., Foster Transformer Company, Haomai Electric Power Automation Co., Ltd., Electro Rent Corporation, EMC Partner AG, Helmut Fischer GmbH Institut für Elektronik und Messtechnik, Uniflair Inc., Yamabishi Electric Co., Ltd., AMETEK, Inc., ELENOS S.r.l., Martec Ltd., NMC-Wollard, Inc., ON Semiconductor, Morgan Schaffer, Blockwise Engineering LLC, SEFELEC, Silicon Laboratories Inc., Thermon, Inc., Shenzhen Meiruike Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., RHK Technology Inc., Hipotronics, Calnetix Technologies LLC, Edgetech Instruments Inc., Tettex Instruments GmbH, Cohu, Inc., JFE Engineering Corporation, Nortech Engineering Inc., Heinzinger Electronic GmbH, Electro-Matic Products, Inc., Interconnect Systems Inc., Applied Kilovolts Ltd., Kyoritsu Electric Corporation, EMC Test Design, LLC, MetricTest, Elspec Ltd., HIGHVOLT Prüftechnik Dresden GmbH, Raytech GmbH, TestEquity LLC, Acton Technologies Inc., Pacific Power Source, Inc., Centa Transmissions Aust Pty Ltd., Hubbell Incorporated, Eaton Corporation, Panduit Corporation, Legrand, Hubbell Power Systems, Inc., Southwire Company, LLC, Rockwell Automation, Inc., Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc., IDEAL Industries, Inc., and Square D by Schneider Electric.