TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) has launched two new arbitrary waveform generators which combine 1M words of memory per channel with a variable clock architecture producing speeds of up to 100MHz
The TGA12104 has four channels and the TGA12102 has two.
The variable clock architecture differs fundamentally from the direct digital synthesis (DDS) based system used in most lower-cost arbitrary generators.
It allows separate waveform segments to be linked together in a repetitive sequence to produce waveform lengths far in excess of the waveform memory length of 1,048,576 words.
The variable clock system also eliminates the waveform jitter associated with the DDS generation technique for arbitrary waveforms.
Arbitrary waveform storage is effectively unlimited using CompactFlash memory cards of up to 1Gbyte capacity.
Waveforms can be transferred to and from a PC using the digital interfaces of GPIB, RS232 and USB (all fitted as standard), or using the USB-based CF card reader supplied with the generators.
Both units incorporate an external ARB clock input which allows the arbitrary waveform to be clocked at any frequency in synchronism with an external signal.
This is not possible with DDS based ARBs.
The generators are capable of producing up to four waveforms which can be either fully independent or linked using simple or complex relationships including full inter-channel triggering, modulation, summing and phase control.
All waveforms are available as a triggered burst or as a gated signal.
Both triggered and gated modes can be operated from the other channels, from the internal trigger generator, an external source, or by a key press or remote command.
The channels can be phase-locked with user-defined phase angles, making it possible to generate multi-phase waveforms or locked waveforms of different frequencies.
For standard function generator requirements, the TGA12102 and 12104 can also operate in direct digital synthesis (DDS) mode and can generate signals within the frequency range 0.001Hz to 40MHz.
A wide range of standard waveforms are provided.
A pulse generator mode is also available in which pulse trains of up to ten pulses with differing amplitudes, widths and delays can be defined.
Both generators are supplied with Waveform Manager Plus arbitrary waveform creation software.
This is a powerful Windows-based design tool that enables the user to create waveforms from mathematical expressions, from combinations of other waveforms, freehand drawing, or using a combination of all three techniques.
