Signal/Waveform Generation Key Features:

• Multi-channel waveform generation
• Analog and/or digital signals
• Signals types: periodical or non-periodical, random, defined peaks, multi frequency signals, many other combinations
• Arbitrary waveform generation
• Adaptive signal generation, based on measured input feedbacks in real time
• All signal properties online adjustable frequency, phase, amplitude, offset, timing...
• Parallel synchronized DAC update
• Up to 120 analog channels or 480 digital channels, more via parallel ADwin systems

Generating periodical or non-periodical waveforms
Generating waveforms with signal generators is widely used in many test and automation applications to reproduce some kind of specified signal. Applications can be found in many mechanical test stands, tests for electronic components, semiconductor and board-level tests, and many more. Typical examples of thesee functions include calculating curves for closed-loop controls, analog and digital dynamic stimulation for devices under test, sensor simulation, adaptive signal generators, and signal stimulation for functions or endurance test stands.

The ADwin system's real-time capabilities make it easy to create any kind of periodical or non-periodical signal online, calculated by the ADwin system's CPU. Single-channel or multi-channel signal generators for analog and/or digital signals can be created. Frequency, phase shift, amplitude, offset, and many other signal properties can be corrected online in real time. When creating multi-frequency signals, it is possible to superimpose different signal forms. Generated signals can be time-controlled, angle-controlled based on encoder inputs, or trigger-controlled, so even complex applications are possible.

For very high speed applications, multi-channel arbitrary waveform generators with large buffes are available for analog and digital signals. A local RAM buffer on the I/O module allows storage of waveforms. There are no limitations on how this local RAM can be allocated, so it is possible to store multiple waveforms of different sizes or a single huge waveform. Each output can be linked to any waveform in the buffer, and each output can have its individual output rate. Generating the waveforms in an adaptive way is important. That means, based on responses at analog/digital input signals or counter/timer values, it is possible to switch the output characteristic within a microsecond.

The analog output modules have a parallel design, therefore, all channels can be updated synchronously, without any phase shift between the channels. Parallel updating is a great advantage, especially if these signals are correlated to each other in the application. This update technique is achieved by using one DAC per channel, with one register per DAC. That makes it possible to write first new values to the register, and start the conversion afterwards for all channels with a single command. Using a single module, four or eight channels are available. If an application needs more than eight channels, simply use more modules simultaneously to get more channels —16, 24, 32, 48—all the way up to 120. Here, too, all channels on several modules convert synchronously through one single instruction. Depending on the application, the update rates for the stimulation are in the range of X-kHz up to the MHz range.

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