VXIbus 12-BIT, frequency agile waveform generator

VXIbus 12-BIT, frequency agile waveform generator

VXIbus 12-BIT, frequency agile waveform generator

Keywords Racal, Waveform

Racal Instruments has introduced another in its expanding range of the world's fastest waveform generators. Racal's 3162B is a 500MS/s I&Q (In-phase and Quadrature) waveform synthesizer allowing simulation of modulation signals for digital communications systems. Claimed to be one of the fastest 12-bit I&Q generator in the industry, the Model 3162B occupies two VXIbus slots and combines a 500MS/s output rate with frequency agility, powerful external digital and analogue modulation, a built-in 1ppm reference oscillator and 1 Megasample of waveform memory per I&Q channel. Easy to use, the 3162B includes extensive software support such as Racal's WaveCAD, a graphical waveform generation/control software package. In addition, the 3162B is supplied complete with a VXIplug&play install disk for WIN, WIN95, and WINNT frameworks, a LabVIEW driver, and third-party support from Elanix' SystemWorks.

Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) test equipment may now be used to simulate I&Q signals, needed to drive the inputs of I&Q signal generators, by using the new 3162B. Other user-defined vector modulation formats as well as DMA, QPSK and GMSK may now be easily simulated in functional test systems. Providing improved I&Q simulation over existing single channel designs, the dual 3162B minimises inter-channel jitter, guaranteeing minimal phase noise between the I&Q signals.

Allowing the simulation of highly complex signals, Racal's 3162B also supports additional analogue and digital modulation and control formats such as external AM, PM, MFSK, hopping and PLL (phase lock to external frequency standard or signal).

Offering additional flexibility, the 3162B's front panel D-sub connector allows real-time waveform control with a 31.25MHz update rate. Up to 4,096 custom waveform segments may be stored in the 3162B's 1 Megabyte per channel of waveform memory. Each I&Q segment has its own specified sample clock rate with up to 256 segments accessible by real-time control. Test setup times are reduced by using high-speed block data transfer to download waveform.

Included with the 3162B is WaveCAD version 3.2 for WIN, WIN95 and WINNT, which provides a graphical user interface for creating arbitrary waveforms, hop tables and sequences and for controlling 3162B settings. WaveCAD also has a built-in instrument control panel allowing manipulation of the 3162B's many features. In addition, a third party software package, SystemView, from Elanix, is recommended for creating waveforms used to simulate QPSK, CDMA and other I&Q based complex modulation signals. SystemView examples are provided if this option is purchased. Waveforms created using both WaveCAD and SystemView may be saved for use with the 3162B's LabWindows/CVI or LabVIEW driver.

Details from Racal sales contacts: Europe. Tel: +44 (0) 1628 604455; USA. Tel: +1 949 859 8999.