Spectrum DN2.59x series digitizerNETBOX digitiser range

Spectrum Instrumentation has announced standalone versions of its ultrahigh-precision PCIe digitiser card. The DN2.59x digitizerNETBOX series has 16-bit ADC technology to deliver 256 times more resolution than 8-bit technology. The range includes models that offer four, eight and 16 channels and a choice of sampling rates up to 125 MS/s on each channel. This provides a wide range of configurations, making it suitable for demanding applications such as automated testing, communications, science and ultrasound.

Conventional test instruments such as digital oscilloscopes use 8-bit ADCs with 256 levels of resolution. In contrast, Spectrum’s units all use 16-bit ADCs that provide more than 65,000 levels. This delivers good dynamic range and dynamic performance so that users can make precise measurements. The products are easily integrated with any PC or even the company network, as they come complete with software to capture, store and analyse signals virtually straight out of the box.

Controlling and accessing the data collected by the device is done by simply connecting it with Gigabit Ethernet to a host computer or anywhere on the corporate network. The platform is fully LXI compliant and offers an IVI compatible interface for the IVI Scope and Digitizer classes. Users can write their own control program using languages including C++, VB.NET, C#, J#, Delphi, Java and Python code. Alternatively, they can simply run Spectrum’s own software, SBench 6 Professional.

The series provides software-selectable, single-ended and differential input modes. Each channel has its own ADC and an independent amplifier. The amplifiers have selectable input impedance (50Ω and 1 MΩ) and calibrated gain with ranges from ±200 mV to ±10 V full scale. Variable gain allows input signals to be scaled so that they cover the full dynamic range of the ADC. All the channels are synchronously clocked so that phase error is minimised and interchannel measurements can be made with precision. Large onboard memories make it possible to acquire and store long and complex waveforms.

The units include an array of smart triggering capabilities and acquisition modes. Triggering on problem signals like glitches, spikes or bursts, or even when specific patterns occur, allows the recorded waveforms to be stored in a memory-efficient manner. Transient capture, multiple (burst) recording, gated sampling, ABA sampling and data streaming (FIFO) modes are all supported.