A new arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) is said to offer high signal fidelity and scalability at an affordable price point to meet demanding signal generation needs in advanced research, electronic test, and radar and electronic warfare (EW) system design and test.
The new AWG5200 series from Tektronix Inc. offers an impressive set of capabilities not previously available in the market all in one instrument, 
including a 10 GS/sec sample rate, 16-bit resolution and up to 8 channels per unit along with support for multiple-unit synchronization. It includes a flexible waveform generation plug-in suite with comprehensive coverage for a wide variety of standards and digital modulation techniques. It also lowers the cost of ownership for complex multi-signal environments starting at a list price of about $11,000 per channel for the 8 channel instrument.
At the heart of the AWG5200 series instruments are new high-performance digital-analog converters (DACs) that offer a mix of speed and resolution within a fully-integrated product package. With its powerful DAC cores, the AWG can directly generate highly detailed RF/EW signals or the complex pulse trains used in advanced research. The 16-bit vertical resolution is the best fully-integrated AWG available in the industry compared to alternatives at 14-bits resolution.
The AWG5200 provides eight independent channels with better than 10 psec channel-to-channel skew. Each of the AWG5200’s channels have independent paths out, individual amplification, separate sequencing, up-conversion, dedicated memory and can be controlled independently without cross talk or limitations on any channels performance. The only common factor is that all channels share a common clock or, if the user chooses, can input an external reference clock.
This level of independence and flexibility along with 16-bit resolution, less than 2 μsec latency and fast rise times make the AWG5200 a candidate for generating complex, real-world environments, testing phased arrays, simulating objects of interest or replacing older equipment with new COTS (commercial of the shelf) solutions.
It also allows RF designers to consolidate signal generation using direct signal generation techniques and eliminating the need for specialized – and costly – signal generation equipment. RF designers can also leverage a growing library of plugins for generating waveforms, predistort waveforms for optimal performance or automate tests using Matlab scripts. The AWG5200 is also code-compatible with previous-generation Tektronix AWGs.
Each AWG5200 can be equipped out-of-the-box with up to eight synchronized channels. For additional scalability, multiple units can be synchronized to provide unlimited channel count. By reducing the time and stress involved with scaling experiments, researchers are freed up to focus on iterating their design and thus can more quickly realize breakthroughs.
The AWG5200 is available for order now with delivery beginning in Q2, 2017. The eight-channel instrument with 2.5 GS/sec and up to 10 GS/sec performance has a starting price of $82,000 US MSRP. More info: www.tek.com/AWG5200
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