PC-based waveform generators feature big memories

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team May 21, 2004

The UF6031 is a high-speed arbitrary waveform generator (ARB/AWG) PCI card for PCs.

The UF6031 is a high-speed arbitrary waveform generator (ARB/AWG) PCI card for PCs.

Using the latest generation of 14bit D/A convertors it is able to generate complex analogue signals at rates of 125Msample/s on both channels.

To support these high datarates, the designers have included up to 512Mbyte of onboard signal memory that allows each channel to generate signals of up to 256Msample at the highest speeds.

Three software selectable hardware filters are provided to further improve accurate signal reconstruction.

Typical applications include: enhanced/corrupted playback of recorded signals; simulation waveforms produced by Matlab, LabView, VEE, DasyLab; I/Q signal verification tasks in multi antenna systems, three-phase power simulation, generating stimulus signals for imaging display and recording, creating mixed analogue/digital signals, radar and sonar testing.

The UF6032 can be combined with one of the UltraFast digitizer cards.

Real-world signals can be recorded with the digitizer and then replayed using the UF6031 to the device under test.

The UF6031 has a 3dB bandwidth of 60MHz (no filter), signal to noise ratio of greater than 72dB and crosstalk less than -80dB.

Total harmonic distortion is better than -57dB.

The boards are supplied with external clock and trigger connectors so that the card can be synchronized with external equipment if necessary.

A feature called bank switching is provided for tests that require switching the channel output between two stored waveforms on receipt of an external signal.

As an option, the UF6031 can be fitted with four high-speed digital output channels, which are synchronized to the analogue outputs.

These may be used to send status messages to other equipment.

Alternatively, the extra I/O option adds 24 slow digital I/O lines and four 12bit D/A channels for controlling external equipment such as radar antenna position during or after high-speed signal generation.

The UltraFast UF6031 with 8Msample memory costs $5558, with 16Msample $6482, 32Msample $7553, 64Msample $8778, 128Msample $10,304 and the maximum 256Msample $12,985.

OEM prices are available on request.

All UltraFast cards are supplied with: free drivers for Windows and Linux; the SBench program that allows signals to be easily generated without programming; source code programming examples in Visual Basic, C/C++ and Delphi; two years hardware warranty and lifetime software updates including future Windows and Linux drivers.

Technical support is provided at no cost for the product lifetime.