PCIe Platform Delivers Streaming Bandwidth, HIgher Sampling Rates

The first released model based on the new platform is the UF4e-4451-x8. This comes with comes with four channels and 500MS/s synchronous sampling speed at 14-bit ADC resolution. A smaller version with two channels and 500MS/s is also available. Both versions have a signal bandwidth of 250MHz.

To optimise data storage and bus transfer, repetitive signals can be stored into separate segments using Multiple Recording mode while transferring data in parallel; a feature that is widely appreciated for RADAR applications. The compact UF4e card is also equipped with different acquisition modes like single-shot, streaming (FIFO), segmented (Multiple Recording), gated (Gated Sampling) or the combination of segmented acquisition of fast signals in parallel to slow continuous data recording (ABA mode). All trigger events can be time stamped. Timestamp clock can either be based on the internal clock circuit or an externally fed-in time reference signal.

The four (or two) input channels are completely separated and have one monolithic ADC per channel, as well as its own high precision pre-amplifier. Each amplifier can be configured separately by software. Software can select one of six input ranges (±200 mV up to ±10 V), 50 Ohm or 1 MOhm input impedance and AC or DC coupling. Furthermore a bandwidth filter can be activated which suppresses high frequency noise signals.

The UF4e cards have an extremely powerful trigger engine that can combine the two external trigger inputs with channel trigger of each channel by a logical OR or AND. The channel trigger detection can be programmed for edge, level, window or pulse width.

Synchronization with Star-Hub
Up to eight UF4e cards can run synchronously in one system. The star-hub module option distributes clock and trigger signals between the cards. The star-hub module can combine all of the trigger sources of all connected cards making it possible to use any trigger source as a starting event for the complete system. Using the star-hub a total of 32 channels with 500 MS/s and 14 bit resolution can be acquired simultaneously.

All features of the new card series are fully supported by the UltraFast SBench 6 software.

Users who want to program by themselves can use the SPCM driver for Windows and Linux, which are included in the delivery. A set of standard programming examples is provided to illustrate the boards main signal capture functions. Extensive support includes Visual C++, Borland C++, Gnu C++, Visual Basic, VB.NET, C#, J# and Delphi code.

A 2-year manufacturer warranty is standard for all UltraFast hardware products.