News in Brief: Tektronix Announces New Waveform Generator …

With robust memory and an enhanced feature set, Tektronix’s new AWG models aim to bring real-world signal simulation to test and measurement.

Tektronix announced this week the launch of its AWG70000B series of arbitrary waveform generators. With two different models, the new series offers quick-change capabilities for signaling sequences to allow engineers to quickly test a wide range of signals.

The AWG7000B series. Image courtesy of Tektronics.

The new series builds on its previously released AWG5200 models, adding high-level features and capabilities designed to test more complex applications.

Simulation and real world testing.

It is possible, when performing tests and measurements, to use your computer as an arbitrary waveform generator or even to build your own function generator. But there are applications that require specialized equipment to perform more robust testing as they will experience many different rapidly changing signals in real world use cases, and must have these conditions simulated in real time.

The AWG70000B series is designed to test in these chaotic and unpredictable conditions, with the ability to move quickly through a large number of signal tests. It focuses on use cases such as wireless communications systems and electronic warfare, with the ability to expand to RF, radar, and other applications.

Mirrored memory and advanced features

To achieve simulation of real world conditions for these complex applications, Tektronix has incorporated several important features into the AWG70000B series. With the Streaming Waveform ID, designers have access to 16,383 steps of sequence through an Ethernet interface to quickly cycle through different simulations. The units can also easily change modulation types for wireless communications testing, and have an available waveform memory of 32 Gigasamples, doubling the capacity of the AWG5200.

The back of the AWG7000B series, showing the available connections. Image courtesy of tektronix.

The AWG70000B series is controlled by PC-based SourceXpress software, with which engineers can control multiple AWGs and create additional signals. The SourceXpress software also has a library of supporting plugins, providing capabilities for creating waveforms targeting more specific applications such as radar and RF.

In addition, for applications that must meet corporate or government IT security requirements, the series is compatible with Microsoft Windows 10. Other notable features include 10-bit vertical resolution, Spurious Free Dynamic Range (SFDR) up to -80dBc, and up to 50 GSmples / s.

What is your experience with arbitrary waveform generators? What do you look for in test and measurement equipment? Let us know in the comments below.