Combining a new series of ultrafast arbitrary waveform generators and digitisers
Combining a new series of ultrafast arbitrary waveform generators and digitisers for stimulus-response systems.
In March 2022, Spectrum Instrumentation launched the M5i series platform, the first PCIe digitisers to use the full 16 lanes (Gen 3) of the PCIe interface, leading to enormous 12.8 gigabytes per second (GByte/s) data transfer rates. The following year the M5i.xx digitiser family was expanded, with new models offering ultrafast 10 gigasamples per second (GS/s) sampling speed and 4.7GHz bandwidth.
Now, Spectrum Instrumentation has used the M5i platform to design Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWGs) that offer up to 10GS/s signal generation. The series, called the M5i.63xx was launched last October. As a consequence, it is now possible to combine AWGs and digitisers, with ultrafast speeds up to 10GS/s, to create Stimulus-Response Systems and Closed-Loop-Setups with cost efficient COTS parts and normal PCs.
NEW AWG CARD SERIES
Capable of producing waveforms with bandwidths up to 2.5GHz, the new AWGs can turn any suitable PC into a powerful signal generation instrument. Four models make up the new M5i.63xx series product line. Each one pairs exceptionally high bandwidth with matching digital to analogue converter (DAC) technology. The result is the family of AWGs offering bandwidths of 2.5 and 1.5GHz that output waveforms at rates up to 10, 5 or 3.2GS/s. All the units feature 16-bit vertical resolution, together with programmable full scale output ranges of ±1V (±500mV into 50Ohm). It is a unique combination in a PCIe instrument, with the M5i.63xx series delivering new performance benchmarks for waveform speed, precision and quality.
Built on the M5i series platform, first developed for Spectrum’s ultrafast 33xx digitiser line, the AWGs exploit proven design technology. All the products come with 2 GSamples of on-board memory (8GS optional) and high-speed data transfer using the 16 lane, Gen 3, PCIe bus. This ultrafast bus allows data to be sent to and from the cards at 10GBytes/s. When needed, data can even be streamed directly to the AWG for replay in a FIFO mode; a process that allows almost limitless waveform production.
Both the M5i series AWGs and digitisers are able to stream data directly to and from a GPU if Spectrum’s SCAPP driver package
is used.
Waveforms can be replayed in a single-shot or repeated process, while multiple waveform segments can be output using the Multiple Replay mode, optimising memory efficiency. The different replay modes can also be combined with FIFO streaming. Waveform replay can be initiated by a simple software command or via a trigger event. Trigger signals can be input on two external trigger lines.
COMBINING AWG CARDS
Individual cards offer one or two output channels. If more channels are needed, it is possible to connect multiple cards together using the company’s proprietary Star-Hub clock and trigger synchronisation module. Star-Hub allows up to eight M5i.63xx AWG cards to be connected, to create systems with up to 16 fully synchronised channels. Each channel is then driven by a common clock and shares the same trigger. Using Star-Hub synchronised M5i.63xx AWGs, the user can build synchronous systems with output rates up to 16x5GS/s or 8x10GS/s.
STIMULUS-RESPONSE SYSTEMS
For applications that require the connection of AWGs and digitisers, like stimulus-response or closed-loop test systems, M5i.63xx AWGs and M5i.33xx digitisers can be synchronised using direct clock and trigger connections. Digitisers and AWGs are available with matching speed grades of 3.2GS/s, 5GS/s and 10GS/s for easy integration. Using two of the Star-Hubs, one can combine up to eight AWGs, while the other links up to eight digitisers, setting up ultrafast MIMO systems with up to 16 Transmit and 16 Receiver channels of 5GS/s. The AWG-plus-digitiser combination is a powerful setup that can be utilised for a number of dynamic test applications. For example, to determine the frequency characteristics of wideband amplifiers or filters, or testing the response of electronic components and subassemblies under various conditions.
For more information visit www.spectrum-instrumentation.com
