ArbStudio, unparalleled performance in a PC hosted arbitrary waveform generator

 The all new Teledyne LeCroy ArbStudio Arbitrary and Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) waveform generator offers a unique combination of powerful features, capabilities and performance at an excellent price point, giving today's developers access to a new level of functionality usually reserved for far more costly instruments. 

• 125 MHz bandwidth on all channels simultaneously

• 1 GS/s maximum output sample rate on all channels simultaneously

• Long Memory – 2 Megapoints per channel on all channels simultaneously

• High resolution16 bit D/A converter on each channel

• 2 and 4 channel models

• 4 channel models can be combined to give a maximum of 32 synchronized analogue output channels

• Arbitrary and Direct Digital Syntheses (DDS) modes individually selectable on a per channel basis

• PWM, sweep and burst modes

• Modulation: AM, FM, PM, ASK, SK, PSK

• Optional digital pattern Generation in D suffixed models (1102D and 1104D)

• 18 digital output channels in the 1102D and 36 digital output channels in the 1104D

• 1104D models can be combined to give a maximum of 288 digital channels

• Digital output channels are retrofitable to standard ArbStudio models

• Trigger in and trigger out BNC connectors

• External clock input BNC connector

• Import of waveforms in csv, txt and trc file formats

• Low cost

• PC hosted interface via USB

• 3 easy to use and versatile interfaces

ArbStudio questions and answers:

Q1) Why develop a PC hosted arbitrary waveform generator?

A1) PC hosting offers distinct and unique capabilities such as multiple interfaces with significantly higher levels of flexibility compared to traditional waveform generators, easy waveform import / export, higher performance at a very affordable price.

 Q2) What are there 'multiple interfaces' mentioned above?

A2) There are three, the function generator interface, PWM interface, and arbitrary interface, which also supports the DDS and digital generation modes.

ArbStudio Function Generator Interface

ArbStudio PWM Interface

ArbStudio Arbitrary Waveform Interface

Q3) The first two interfaces look easy but the Arbitrary Waveform interface looks complex to use?.

A3) Not at all. The first two interfaces offer a lot of basic capability in very simple, quick and easy to use interfaces. The Arbitrary Waveform Generator interface offers the user several levels of sophistication depending upon need. Effectively the Arbitrary Waveform interface offers: A view of all of the channels at point 1 above, A list of the project waveforms and a tab to the waveform library at point 2 above, Access and control of the waveform sequencer at point 3 above, A waveform viewer at point 4 above.

There is obviously more than described here such as the waveform editor, channel controls, modulation controls, etc.

Q4) What is a waveform sequencer?

A4) A waveform sequencer is an area where a sequence of waveforms can be assembled for output. 

 Q5) How can I control the waveforms being output?

A5) The sequence of waveforms can be output as a single one off output, a continuous output, a stepped output or a burst output. The output can be controlled by the trigger on the arbitrary interface or via the trigger input BNC on the front of the ArbStudio.

 Q6) Does this mean that I can step through my output waveforms via a trigger in pulse?.

A6) Yes.

 Q7) What is trigger out used for?

A7) Trigger out is used to trigger other instruments or devices. A trigger out pulse can be output at the beginning or end of a waveform, or on a waveform marker positioned anywhere withing hte waveform..

 Q8) How do I expand the ArbStudio channel count?

A8) Multiple ArbStudio 1104 Arbitrary Waveform Generators can be linked together via a Sync cable connected to a rear panel synchronization bus. Note that the ArbStudio 1102 cannot be synchronized together with the sync cable, this is a capability of the ArbStudio 1104 and 1104D.

 Two ArbStudio 1104 AWGs linked together using the Sync cable

Q9) Is there any way to synchronise two ArbStudio 1102 Arbitrary Waveform generators.

A9) Only via the ArbStudio trigger out and trigger in BNC connectors.

The ArbStudio data sheet can be found here, and the ArbStudio / WaveStation homepage can be found here.

The ArbStudio interface software can be downloaded and used in demonstration mode from the product resources section found here, and a downloadable user guide / tutorial is attached at the end of this article.

Teledyne LeCroy has been designing test and measurement equipment for  over 45 years, leading the industry in the design, development and manufacture of high-performance oscilloscopes, waveform generators and protocol analysers. During that time we have built up an impressive portfolio of products including the industries highest performance oscilloscope range with real time bandwidths up to 65 GHz, resolutions up to 12 bits, mixed-signal models, arbitrary waveform generators up to 16 bit resolution and 125 MHz bandwidth and an impressive range of Protocol Analysers for use on today’s debugging needs.

Teledyne LeCroy prides itself on offering high-quality, innovative and affordable  test and measurement equipment. We support a direct sales force as well as well as a worldwide network of distributors who are helping to build and maintain our enviable reputation in the industry.

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