High channel count sets standard for arbitrary waveform generators

Ideal for multi-channel, automated testing applications, the eight different variants achieve full remote control through a simple Ethernet connection to any PC or local area network (LAN), making them easy to integrate into almost any test system.

The units feature state-of-the-art, 16-bit digital-to-analogue converter technology and combine this with low-noise flexible outputs, allowing them to generate almost any test signal in the DC to 60MHz frequency range.

Spectrum’s new DN6.65x series of generatorNETBOX instruments are available with 24, 32, 40 or 48 fully synchronous channels, complementing the recently introduced and smaller DN2.65x products (that offer from 4 to 16 channels).

Such ahigh channel count sets a new standard for AWGs (most conventional products only offer 1, 2 or 4 channels), while also delivering a very advantageous price per channel. Furthermore, setting up, programming and controlling a single instrument is much simpler than trying to build and operate any multi-channel system that needs to employ a number of individual AWG instruments.

To handle different signal generation requirements, users can select from models that offer output rates of either 40 MS/s or 125 MS/s. Each channel has its own DAC that’s synchronously clocked using a phase locked loop (PLL) control system. The reference clock as well as a direct clock can be fed-in externally.

Four different filters are available to optimize the output signal quality and to 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 90 dB and Spurious Free Dynamic Range (SFDR) is up to 97dB.

This high dynamic performance allows users to create and replay the most precise test signals and waveforms.

A wide range of signal amplitudes can be generated with programmable output swings of up to ±6 V into high impedance or ±3 V into 50 Ohm.

In addition, the units include large on-board memories (up to 6 x 512 MSamples) 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 and Gated Replay modes.

To aid integration into automated testing systems, the AWGs come complete with front-panel, multi-purpose I/O connectors.

These give access to synchronous digital (marker) outputs, trigger output, the instruments run and arm status, the PLL reference clock or asynchronous I/O lines.

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

Users simply connect them 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 Professional is included as standard with every unit. It controls 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 Professional even allows data import and export in the most popular formats such as ASCII, binary and WAV.

The DN6.65x series of generatorNETBOX instruments are available for immediate delivery and come with Spectrum's full 5-year-warranty.