Analog Signal Sources
 

AWGs and AFGs

AFGs (Arbitrary Function Generators) are used to produce a variety of analog output waveforms. They are similar to an AWG in that they are based on DAC technology, which provides flexibility in the different type of waveforms that can be produced.
Typical outputs are sine, triangle and square waves; few function generators also allow arbitrarily programming the output waveform, but with limitations in waveform length, bandwith and speed.
The function generator is designed to be very easy to use for simple waveforms.

An AWG is best used for more advanced waveform generation requiring higher fidelity outputs.
Key differences of an AWG as compared to a function generator include:

  • Higher sample rate
  • Better fidelity
  • Lower noise
  • Sequencer
  • Extended memory
  • Synchronization of multiple units
  • Multiple high-performance reconstruction filters
  • High-level software interfaces for waveform generation
  • Noise editing

During the design and production of electronic products, complex circuitry or subsystems need to be tested and often require additional signals from a missing or difficult-to-obtain component or sensor.
These signals can be as simple as an audio frequency or clock signal or more complex like a serial
data stream or the signal from an airbag sensor during a crash. Signal sources to generate and
simulate these signals have been around for many years, but their pace of development has been
rapid in recent times.
Historically, the task of producing diverse waveforms has been filled by separate, dedicated signal
sources, from ultra-pure audio sine-wave generators to multi-gigahertz RF signal generators. Users have often had to custom-design or modify a signal source for the specific project. The advent of digital sampling technology and digital signal processing techniques has now led to a solution that answers almost any kind of signal-generation need with just one instrument: the arbitrary generator.

Active Technologies Solution

Active Technologies developed the Fully Arbitrary Waveform Generator AT-AWG500 (500 MHz 16 Bit) to provide the high performances of a Professional "Stand Alone" product in a compact size instrument at a competitive price.

 

Typical Applications

  • General purpose AWG applications
  • High fidelity waveforms for communications and semiconductor component and system tests
  • Low Impedance Output for Programmable Supply Source useful in semiconductor test to emulate power on and power off transients.
  • Frequency Hopping
  • Pulse generation (current limitation feature, fast rise times and low pulse aberration, high voltage swing and output current)
  • AM with Adjacent Carriers,Multi-Tone Testing, FM with Dual-Tone Modulation, Adding Noise to a Carrier Signal
  • MFSK,MPSK,BPSK,QPSK (with two Waveforms and one adder)
  • Automotive: for example generate a signal from an airbag sensor during a crash
  • DDS in Clocking Applications
  • Spread Spectrum clocking
  • Jitter tolerance tests
  • PRBS generation
  • Emulate sensors
  • Multiple Instrument Synchronization
  • Sonobuoy communications