Arbitrary waveforms may be defined with 12-bit vertical resolution and from eight to 1,048,576 (1M) horizontal points
The TGA12101 arbitrary/function generator from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) has been redesigned to incorporate one million words of high-speed waveform memory giving it the longest memory of any instrument in its class.
Unlimited non-volatile waveform storage is provided using removable Compact Flash memory cards.
The unit operates as a true variable-clock arbitrary generator.
Variable-clock architecture provides much greater capabilities than the DDS arbitrary system used on many generators.
Arbitrary waveforms may be defined with 12-bit vertical resolution and from eight to 1,048,576 (1M) horizontal points.
The waveform replay clock is variable between 0.1Hz and 100MHz, or can be driven from an external source.
Waveforms may be strung together to form a sequence of up to 1024 steps.
Each waveform may have a user-defined repeat count from 1 to 32768.
This allows highly complex waveforms to be created.
The TGA12101 can also operate as a DDS function generator producing high-quality sine, cosine, haversine and havercosine waveforms between 1mHz and 40MHz, with squarewaves available up to 50MHz.
Triangle, ramp and sin(x)/x waveforms are also available.
Setting resolution is ten digits or 1mHz.
The TGA12101 can generate not just pulses but complex pulse trains.
A pattern of up to ten pulses can be quickly defined with each pulse having its own amplitude, width and delay.
The whole pulse train pattern can then be replayed at a user-defined repetition rate.
Where variable-risetime pulses are required, the arbitrary facility can be used.
Modulation modes include wide-range phase-continuous sweep, AM, tone switching, and signal summing.
A built-in trigger generator provides gated and triggered burst modes.
All waveforms can be swept over their full frequency range at a variable rate.
Amplitude modulation and signal summing is available for all waveforms, and is controlled from the other channel or from an external generator.
Comprehensive waveform creation and editing features are available using the Waveform Manager Plus arbitrary waveform software supplied.
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.
Clipboard import and export provides an easy way of using waveforms captured from DSOs or digitisers.
USB, RS232 and GPIB interfaces are fitted as standard, and can be used for remote control of all of the instrument functions and for the downloading of arbitrary waveforms.
Waveforms can also be transferred between the instrument and a PC using the Compact Flash memory card, and a USB interfaced card reader is provided for this purpose.
The TGA12101 costs £1631.00 (plus VAT) in the UK.
