Digitizer range gets eight new high-speed variants

The hybridNETBOX instrumentation platform combines a multi-channel arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) and a digitizer in a single portable unit.

With their capability for simultaneous signal generation and acquisition, these tools are perfect for applications involving stimulus-response or closed-loop type testing.

In total, 14 different hybridNETBOX-models are available now, with 2+2, 4+4 or 8+8 matched channels and possible speeds from 40 MS/s to 1.25 GS/s.

The new models offer a choice of two or four AWG channels combined with the same number of digitizer channels. The AWG channels can generate almost any waveshape thanks to their use of the latest, high resolution, 16-bit digital to analog converters (DAC).

Models are available with output rates of either 625 MS/s or 1.25 GS/s and signal bandwidths up to 400 MHz (600 MHz as an option).

At 625 MS/s, the channels can be programmed to output signals with amplitudes up to ±3 V into a 50 Ohm load or ± 6V into high impedance (1 MOhm).

The models running at 1.25 GS/s can output signals with an impressive ± 2.5 V into 50 Ohm and ±5 V for 1 MOhm.

For signal acquisition, the digitizer channels feature similarly outstanding performances.

Users can select from models that provide 16-bit resolution and sampling rates of 180 or 250 MS/s or 14-bit resolution and sampling rates of 400 or 500 MS/s.

Each channel is fully programmable with six adjustable input ranges, from ±200 mV to ±10 V full scale, signal offset and selectable input impedance of 50 Ohm or 1 MOhm.

Both the AWG and the digitizer showcase a flexible clocking system that allows the selection of almost any output or sampling rate setting, enabling users to generate or acquire signals at exactly the speed they require.

With their ability to create and acquire electronic signals at the same time, hybridNETBOX units are ideal for a wide variety of automated testing applications.

For example, they can reproduce and capture “echo” signals such as those found in Radar, Sonar, Lidar or Ultrasound.

The hybridNETBOX is also suited to ATE applications where components and subassemblies need to be tested in a fast and automated way.

They can quickly ascertain the functionality and tolerance of DUTs and UUTs (devices or units under test) by exercising them with numerous, easily adjusted, complex signals.

This powerful testing process can be deployed in a host of applications like bus testing, MIMO communications, circuit verification, robotics, automotive and scientific experiments.

Oliver Rovini, Technical Director at Spectrum Instrumentation, says: “Since we launched the first hybridNETBOX models in 2020, we’ve received positive feedback from engineers and scientists that require both waveform generation and signal acquisition in manual, automated or remotely controlled applications. So, it’s exciting that these new models will extend the frequency range and allow us to address even more applications. Being portable LXI instruments, they’re easy to integrate into almost any system. Just connect them to a PC or network, via the Gbit Ethernet port, and start generating, acquiring and analysing signals.”