Spectrum Instruments introduces the 16-channel portable arbitrary waveform generator AWG

     Spectrum Instruments has announced the launch of an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) compliant with the LXI instrument standard, a boon for engineers and scientists who need to test 16 simultaneous precise electronic signals. The product is small and compact for automated testing or remote control applications. With the release of six new products, users can freely choose different configurations and performance levels. All products use industry-leading 16-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) technology with flexible, low-noise outputs that allow users to test any signal in the direct current (DC) to 60MHz frequency range. In addition, the new product provides remote control capabilities that can be connected to any host computer (PC) or local area network (LAN) over Ethernet, making it easy to integrate into any test system.

     The new DN2.65x series generatorNETBOX instruments offer 4, 8 or 16 fully synchronized channels with output rates up to 40 MS/s or 125 MS/s. The signal with a programmable output swing can produce high impedance at ±6 V or 50 Ω at ±3 V. The product is also equipped with an on-board memory of up to 2 x 512 MSamples to facilitate the production of long and complex waveforms in different operating modes. These include several modes of operation such as Single-Shot, Loop, FIFO, Gated, and Sequence Replay. In addition, signals can be generated while the new waveform data is uploaded to the onboard memory.

     To generate the perfect waveform, each channel of the AWG is timed by a phase-locked loop (PLL) control system, which can generate the waveform with an internal or external reference clock. To optimize the quality of the output signal, Spectrum instruments also offer four different filters to ensure good dynamic performance. For example, noise spectral density (NSD) is as low as 142 dBm/Hz, total harmonic distortion (THD) is as low as 74 dB, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is as high as 90 dB, and spury-free dynamic range (SFDR) is as high as 97 dB. This is an overall performance level that enables users to generate the highest quality test signals.

     The Arbitrary Waveform generator (AWG) is highly flexible and its performance is further enhanced by a multifunctional I/O connector on its front panel, giving the AWG access to synchronous digital (marked) outputs, trigger outputs, run and arm states, a phase-locked loop (PLL) reference clock, and asynchronous I/O lines. Weighing only 6.3 kg, the generatorNETBOX is easy to carry and can be used in any operating environment, including standalone use on the test bench, mounted on other equipment racks, and even mobile use (12 or 24 volts DC power supply).

     The arbitrary waveform generator is a completely standalone product equipped with all the necessary tools to generate unlimited arbitrary waveforms. Users simply connect the product to a mainframe computer (such as a laptop or workstation) or corporate network, and then launch the SBench6 professional software provided by Spectrum instruments. SBench6 Professional works with any arbitrary waveform generator, allowing the user to control all modes of operation and easily set up the hardware through a simple and convenient graphical user interface. In addition, the software also has built-in waveform generation, data analysis and archiving functions.

     This includes EasyGenerator for generating standard waveforms such as sine, rectangle, triangle, sawtooth, SINC and DC. These waveforms can be generated by equations or imported from other devices (such as digitizers and oscilloscopes) or software programs. SBench6 Professional is even capable of input and output to major data formats such as ASCII, binary, and WAV.