Spectrum adds four LXI-based AWG instruments
For high amplitude signal generation, Spectrum has added four models to its generatorNetBox family. They have output swings of up to 24V on up to eight channels and used 16-bit DACs. There are two speed ranges available. The DN2.657 models output waveforms at rates up to 125Msamples per second and the DN2.654 units have a 40Msample per second capability. Both speed ranges are available with either four or eight fully synchronous channels.
The generatorNetBox products use Gbit Ethernet and are portable; they weigh as little as 6.3kgs. They can be used freestanding on a test bench, rack-mounted with other equipment, or be used as mobile equipment with an optional 12 or 24V DC power supply.
For remote operation, Spectrum also offers an embedded server option, the DN2.xxx-Emb. This combines a powerful CPU, a solid state drive, memory and a remote software development access method. The user can run their own software while being connected via LAN for remote access as part of a larger system.
Each channel has its own 16-bit DAC and output stage. Channels share a common clock and trigger for full synchronisation and the output stages incorporate four switchable filter paths to help optimise signal quality. The flexible output stages combine with the high-resolution DACs to ensure the generation of signals with very low distortion, wide dynamic range and an exceptional signal-to-noise ratio, says Spectrum. All the models have the ability to output waveforms with amplitude swings of up to ±12V into a 1MOhm load or ±6V into 50Ohm.
They also include large on-board memories of up to two 512Msamples that can be used in a number of operating modes, such as single-shot, loop, FIFO, gated and sequence replay modes, allowing the generation of long and complex waveforms. In FIFO mode the instruments can stream data continuously over the Gbit Ethernet port from PC memory to the AWG memory. Signals can be generated while new waveform data is being loaded to the on-board memory.
Multi-purpose, front-panel I/O connectors provide access to additional synchronous digital (marker) outputs, asynchronous digital I/O, the trigger output, the run and arm status and different clocks.
Instruments come with Spectrums SBench 6 Professional software as standard. The user can control all the modes and settings via a simple easy-to-use interface. The software supports multi-channel operation and has features for waveform display, signal generation, data analysis and documentation. Basic signals can be created using the software’s EasyGenerator function that produces waveforms like sine waves, triangles or rectangles with programmable frequency, amplitude and phase. More complex signals can be created using mathematical equations or by importing data from other programs or devices (such as digitizers or oscilloscopes) in Binary, ASCII, or Wave formats.
The generatorNETBOX units are fully programmable and drivers are provided, free of charge, to support the most popular programming languages (such as C++, VB.NET, C#, J#, Delphi, Java or Python code) as well as third party software tools like LabVIEW and MATLAB.
All Spectrum arbitrary wave generators (AWGs) carry an industry-leading, five-year warranty.
