The Serial Data Pattern Generator family also knows as SPG, is designed to generate a stream of binary information. The binary data is generated through the front end BNC or SMA connectors.
With up to 8 channels of data stream, built-in PRBS sequences, modulation features, transition shaping, and the flexibility of a powerful analog front-end, the SPG is the perfect tool for the most challenging applications, where the digital data should be modeled with analog characteristics to perform the parametric test of digital I/O.
The SPG is available as an option in the Arbitrary Waveform Generator AWG-4010 Series instruments (model AWG-4012 / AWG-4014 / AWG-4018).
Arb Rider AT-AWG-4018 – Serial Data Pattern Mode –
AWG-4010 Serial Data Pattern Generator
For Chinese version click here
Arb Rider AWG-4010 Series: AWG-4012 /AWG-4014 /AWG-4018
- 2 channels (AWG-4012), 4 channels (AWG-4014), 8 channels (AWG-4018)
- up to 32 channels synchronizing 4x AWG-4018
- 1.2 GS/s, 14 Bit Vertical Resolution.
- Maximum data rate: 300 Mbit/s.
- Maximum dynamic range up to 12Vpp (50 Ω into 50 Ω) / 20Vpp (5 Ω into 50 Ω)
- Memory per channels: 2 Mbit (2 Levels), 1 MSymbol (3/4 Levels).
- Pattern Modulation: AM, FM, PM, FSK, PSK.
- Pattern Type: Clock, Custom, PRBS.
- Pattern Features: Segment looping, glitch-free timing changes, bursts, transition shaping, transition symmetry.
- Transition time:1.5 ns to 500 s for Clock Pattern.
- Output impedance: 50 Ω / 5 Ω selectable.
- SW User Interfaces: Serial Pattern Generator for SPG mode, TrueArb for AWG mode, and Simple Rider for AFG mode.
Applications
The SPG is widely used in many applications starting from semiconductor testing, aerospace & defense to signal integrity testing.
Semiconductor Test
The Serial Data Pattern Generator represents a key tool for:
- Characterize and Test Digital Logic and Integrated Circuits
- Emulate serial protocol like I2C, SPI and High-Speed Serial Protocols
- Microprocessors and Memory Testing
- Multiple Clock Generation
- Image Sensor Testing
Signal Integrity Testing
The SPG ability to create modulated pulses allows you to perform Jitter Stress tests and Noise Immunity tests.
Jitter emulation is commonly used for video signal testing and digital display driver circuit testing.
Signal Integrity Testing
The SPG ability to create modulated pulses allows you to perform Jitter Stress tests and Noise Immunity tests.
Jitter emulation is commonly used for video signal testing and digital display driver circuit testing.
The Serial Data Pattern Generator has also the ability to program arbitrary pattern transitions.
In this way, you can simulate distorted signals that can be used in signal integrity tests and crosstalk measurements
Aerospace & Defense
The SPG is used in Radar Testing for Tower/Plane communication emulation: you can use the Serial Data Pattern Generator to create custom (coded encrypted) pulse patterns.
Moreover, Receiver and Radar designers have the need to create PRBS sequences to test the robustness of their systems: the Active Technologies SPGs have a built-in PRBS pattern creation feature that allows engineers to select not only the order of the sequence but also the bit rate, the rise and fall time and the shape of the transitions.
PAM signals emulation
Particle Image Velocimetry testing, magneto-optical disc testing, system trigger source emulation, and multi-level PAM signals emulation are only a few of all the other possible applications of the Serial Data Pattern Generator.
Extremely Easy To Use
The SPG is equipped with an extremely easy to use interface that takes full advantage of a 7″ capacitive touch-screen display: tap, swipe and pinch to zoom gestures give you the possibility to control the instrument like a mobile phone or tablet.
All the instrument settings are just one touch away.
Replace Discontinued Pulse Pattern Generators
Keysight (former Agilent) 81110A PPG can be replaced
Recently the most important T&M manufactures have discontinued a wide set of data generators, instrument extremely useful for digital logic & ICs characterization, functional and debugging testing, radar and receiver applications, signal integrity experiments.
The following types of equipment from Keysight:
- 81110A 8110A 8112A 8130A 81130A 8131A 8133A 81180B 81101A 81104A
- VXI multi-channel system like Keysight E8311
can be replaced by Active Technologies Serial Data Pattern Generators and allow you to restart your testing activities with confidence.
Arb Rider AWG-4010 Series (AWG-4012 | AWG-4014 | AWG-4018
| MODEL | SPG CHANNELS | DPG CHANNELS | SPG MAX. DATA RATE | DPG MAX. UPDATE RATE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWG-4012 | 2 | 8 (opt.) | 300 Mbit/s | 1.2 Gbps |
| AWG-4014 | 4 | 8 or 16 (opt.) | 300 Mbit/s | 1.2 Gbps |
| AWG-4018 | 8 - Up to 32 | 8, 16 or 32 (opt.) | 300 Mbit/s | 1.2 Gbps |
| AWG-4022 | NA | 8, 16 or 32 (opt.) | NA | 1.25 Gbps |
What does a pattern generator usually do?
Data Pattern Generators offer a complete and unique portfolio of instruments to address a wide range of applications starting from Digital Logic and Semiconductors characterization, Aerospace & Defense compliance testing, Mixed Signal Systems testing to Signal Integrity experiments. Active Technologies offers two different product families: Digital Pattern Generator (DPG) and Serial Data Pattern Generator (SPG).
Which pattern is produced by generator?
The DPG generator allows you to create digital stimuli synchronous with analog channels to test and debug Mixed-Signal applications: they can be used for FPGA / peripheral / ASIC emulation and stimulation, protocol level testing setup/hold verification, production test, mixed signal testing and general digital stimulus. The Serial Data Pattern Generator family is designed to generate a stream of binary information. The binary data stream is generated through the front panel BNC/SMA connectors.
With up to 8 channels of data stream, built-in PRBS sequences, modulation features, transition shaping and the flexibility of a powerful analog front end, the SPG is the perfect tool to address the most challenging application where the digital data should be modelled with analog characteristics.
How do you use a pattern generator?
The DPG generates digital stimuli for the Device Under Test using a digital connector and a digital probe (LVDS or LVDS to LVTTL). The SPG generates the data stream through the front end BNC or SMA connectors.
