Spectrum Instrumentation launches their first AWG with 48 synchronous channels
Designed for engineers and scientists that need to simultaneously generate multiple electronic test signals, Spectrum Instrumentation’s latest line of Arbitrary Waveform Generators offers 24 to 48 synchronous channels in a single rack-unit with a very economic cost-per-channel. 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 60 MHz frequency range.
Spectrum’s new DN6.65x series of generatorNETBOX instruments are available with 24, 32, 40 or 48 fully synchronous channels, complimenting the recently introduced and smaller DN2.65x products (that offer from 4 to 16 channels). Such a high 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.
Outstanding waveform generation
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 -142 dBm/Hz, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is down to -74 dB, Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) is as high as 90 dB and Spurious Free Dynamic Range (SFDR) is up to 97 dB. 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 utilized 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.
