We recently talked with Greg Jue from Keysight who took us through a demo of an R&D test bed for emerging millimeter wave applications. Specifically, as an application example, Jue set up an example 802.11ay system. The 802.11ay spec is designed as an improvement of the 802.11ad WLAN definition that will have a frequency of […]
arbitrary waveform generators
How to use oscilloscopes with integrated test instrumentation
Many manufacturers have in recent years have introduced oscilloscopes with integrated test instrumentation. This means that the smaller and lighter oscilloscope enclosure actually houses about five additional test instruments. An example is the Tektronix MDO3000 Series which includes a digital voltmeter, arbitrary function generator, spectrum analyzer, logic analyzer, and protocol analyzer. All this integrated test […]
The difference between arbitrary function generators and arbitrary waveform generators
Signal generators are subdivided into categories that include arbitrary function generators (AFGs) and arbitrary waveform generators (AWGs). The word arbitrary denotes a user’s ability to create waveforms beyond the permanent contents of the instrument’s internal memory. Besides AFGs and AWGs, there are RF and microwave signal generators, pitch generators, digital pattern generators, and more. Typically, […]
Multi-device synchronization for lock-in amplifiers and arbitrary wave generators
A new Multi-device Synchronization function (MDS) allows multiple instruments to be connected together and controlled on one user-friendly interface. The MDS takes care of the synchronization of both the 10 MHz clock and the sampling rates of each connected instrument. Instead of using one multi-channel instrument, single instruments can be added as required and subsequently […]
Arbitrary waveform generator targets component testing, quantum research, spectroscopy apps
A new arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) called the HDAWG is a high-density multi-channel instrument featuring high channel density and low trigger latency (
Simplifying signal generation using arbitrary waveform generators
New instruments excel at constructing super-complicated waveforms that once took a lot of time to create. CHRISTOPHER SKACH, SAHAND NOORIZADEH TEKTRONIX IT’S hard to beat arbitrary waveform generators (AWG) for convenience and flexibility when it comes to generating signals for test applications. If a waveform can be defined or captured, chances are good that an […]
Switching power supply: How to test and use in applications
The two major types of power supplies, linear and switch mode (SMPS), operate according to entirely different principles and have distinguishing characteristics. Design work and maintenance on each one requires totally different mindsets. The SMPS is now widely used because of its greater efficiency, lower cost and better weight and thermal qualities. There are some […]
