Spectrum unveils four arbitrary waveform generators

With easy control via Ethernet, these high-speed instruments connect directly to PCs, laptops or even the company network.

Designed for automated and remote testing, they are ideal for wideband signal generation from DC to 2.5 GHz.

The compact and lightweight AWGs just use a standard Ethernet cable to connect to any PC or network. High-resolution 16-bit DAC technology delivers waveforms with excellent purity and low-noise, making these AWGs ideal for use in stimulus-response or closed-loop type testing situations.

Each AWG channel features its own DAC and can be used in single-ended or differential output modes with fully programmable output ranges.

In single-ended mode, waveform amplitudes go up to ±500 mV into 50 Ω, in differential mode they go up to ±1 V into 100 Ω. With high impedance termination, the output levels are doubled, offering up to ±2 V.

Available in single- or dual-channel configurations, the DN2.63x models include 2 GSamples of standard memory, expandable to 8 GSamples. This enables long waveform playback - up to 800 ms at 10 GS/s - without interruption.

Users can select between several smart trigger functions and generation modes, including single-shot, repeated and multiple replay.

The new flagship generatorNETBOX products provide up to 10 GS/s output rate, up to 2.5 GHz bandwidth, 16-bit resolution and single-ended or differential outputs.

Each unit comes with Spectrum’s SBench 6 software for waveform creation and instrument control.

Users can define waveforms from equations, use the built-in function generator, or import data from digitizers, oscilloscopes, or simulation tools. For custom development, SDKs are included for C/C++, Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, and more.

Integration into automated systems is seamless with front panel connectors for external clock and trigger signals, as well as multi-purpose I/O lines serving as marker outputs, for status flags, or synchronous/asynchronous digital signals. A digital pulse generator option is also available. Weighing under 7 kg and with optional rack-mount kits, these units are ideal for mobile, benchtop and rack-based setups.

These new ultrafast AWGs are the latest additions to Spectrum’s generatorNETBOX lineup, which now comprises 35 different models from 40 MS/s to 10 GS/s. All NETBOX units include a 5-year warranty, free lifetime software/firmware updates, and support directly from Spectrum’s design engineers.