ArbStudio Arbitrary Waveform Generators

19th May 2010

ES Admin

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LeCroy Corporation today announced the ArbStudio series of arbitrary waveform generators (AWG) capable of generating signals up to 125 MHz with high sample rate, long memory and high resolution as well as a variety of operating modes, modulation capabilities and a digital pattern generator. The software interface that controls the hardware is designed to simplify waveform creation with an intuitive navigation tree which allows easy access to all channels along with special views for controlling basic function generator outputs as well as pulse width modulation (PWM) capabilities. The ability to have 2 and 4 channel units in a single, compact form factor not only saves bench space but also provides a low price per channel. Additionally the 4 channel ArbStudio models have an expansion port that allows up to 8 units to be connected, providing up to 32 synchronous analog waveforms.

Four ArbStudio models are available including 2 and 4 channel versions with analog waveform capabilities plus 2 and 4 channel versions which offer a combination of analog waveform and digital pattern generation capabilities. All models have a bandwidth of 125 MHz, maximum sample rate of 1 GS/s, long memory of 2 Mpts/ch and high 16 bit resolution. These specifications result in a higher performance arbitrary waveform generator that competitive models at this price point cannot match

Powerful, Intuitive Software Interface
The ArbStudio software runs on an external PC freeing the user from the small displays and readouts found on a typical AWG. A simple function generator window is available for basic waveform creation while a unique, streamlined control panel dedicated for PWM signals is also available. The main software mode provides a start page that provides tutorials on creating a wide range of both simple and complex waveforms, as well as shortcuts to recent projects and an intuitive navigation tree to get started quickly. Once waveform creation has begun, graphical displays show the waveforms that have been created or sequenced and the views can be customized to only show the windows that are of most interest to the user.

Arbitrary, DDS or Both
Arbitrary waveform generators are typically available with one of two technologies, either True Arbitrary or Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS). Each of these modes comes with advantages and disadvantageous that force the user to think about what they need from an AWG. ArbStudio however does not have this limitation; it provides both modes and allows the user to choose which mode is needed for their waveforms. Furthermore, ArbStudio channels can be set to any mode independently of each other for the ultimate in flexibility.