Portable AWG allows signal-generation for up to 16 channels

With six new instruments being released, users are offered a wide choice of configurations and performance levels.

All the units feature the latest 16 bit digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) technology and combine this with low-noise flexible outputs; allowing them to generate almost any test signal in the DC to 60MHz frequency range.

Full remote control is achieved through a simple Ethernet connection to any PC or local area network (LAN) making them easy to integrate into virtually every test system.

The DN2.65x series of generatorNETBOX instruments are available with 4, 8 or 16 fully synchronous channels and offer output rates of 40MS/s or 125MS/s.

Signals with a programmable output swing of up to ±6 V into high impedance or ±3 V into 50 Ω can be generated.

The units also include large on-board memories of up to 2 x 512MSamples that can be utilised in a number of different operating modes to allow the generation of long and complex waveforms. This includes Single-Shot, Loop, FIFO, Gated and Sequence Replay modes.

Signals can even be generated while new waveform data is being loaded to the on-board memory.

For perfect waveform generation, each channel of the AWG is clocked using a phase locked loop (PLL) control system that can be generated internally or from an external clock or reference.

Four different filters are available to optimise the output signal quality and help ensure excellent dynamic performance. For example, Noise Spectral Density (NSD) is as low as -142dBm/Hz, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is down to -74dB, Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) is as high as 90dB and Spurious Free Dynamic Range (SFDR) is up to 97dB.

The AWG's flexibility is further enhanced by front-panel multi-purpose I/O connectors that allow access to synchronous digital (marker) outputs, trigger output, run and arm status, the PLL reference clock or asynchronous I/O lines.

Weighing 6.3kg, the generatorNETBOX products are easily portable and can work almost anywhere: freestanding on a test bench, rack mounted with other equipment or even mobile (when powered by the optional 12 or 24 V DC sources).

The instruments are fully self-contained and come with all the tools necessary to generate an unlimited variety of waveforms.

They can connect to a host computer (e.g. laptop or workstation) or anywhere on the corporate network and start up Spectrum's SBench 6 Professional software. SBench 6 comes as standard with every unit.

It lets users control all the operating modes and hardware settings from a simple, easy-to-use, graphical user interface.

The software also has a host of built-in features for waveform creation, data analysis and documentation.

These include the EasyGenerator function for producing standard wave shapes such as sine, rectangular, triangle, saw-tooth, SINC and DC.

Waveforms can also be created from equations, imported from other devices (such as digitisers and oscilloscopes) or other software programs.

SBench 6-Pro even allows data import and export in the most popular formats such as ASCII, binary and WAV.

The units come with drivers, so that users can write their own control programs in almost any popular programming language.

This includes C++, Visual Basic, VB.NET, C#, J#, Delphi and Python code. Third party software support is also provided for LabVIEW, LabWindows and MATLAB.

The generatorNETBOX products are available with immediate delivery.

All units are shipped factory tested and include an industry leading five-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Technical support, including software and firmware updates, is available free of charge.