Spectrum Instrumentation M2p.6533-x4 and M2p.6568-x4 AWGs

Spectrum Instrumentation has introduced two 16-bit arbitrary waveform generators (AWGs) with eight channels per card, offering opportunities for compact test systems. The M2p.6533-x4 features eight 40 MS/s channels, while the M2p.6568-x4 can be configured with eight channels of 80 MS/s or four of 125 MS/s.

All cards in the 65 series offer onboard memory of 512 MS to store and replay many high-quality, precision waveforms for fast automated testing applications that use signals in the frequency range from DC to 60 MHz. Using the PCIe-x4 platform, the AWGs provide a data transfer speed that is said to be 5–10 times higher than in other solutions, offering 700 MBps of FIFO streaming speed. This is suitable for automated testing where users need to replay lots of different test signals over many channels to recreate real-world test conditions. Applications include component testing, automotive, robotics, aerospace, medical and industrial ultrasound, LIDAR, radar and sonar.

All models in the series are half-length PCIe cards and only 168 mm in length. The 8-channel versions are equipped with an additional cooling system, making them two slots wide. The maximum output swing is ±6 V into 1 MOhm or ±3 V into 50 Ohms. The cards are shipped with Spectrum’s SBench 6 control software that allows out-of-the-box operation for card control and signal generation.

Controlling and generating signals is easy and straightforward. The cards are fully programmable and drivers are provided, free of charge, to support popular languages (such as C++, VB.NET, C#, J#, Delphi, Java or Python) as well as third-party software tools like LabVIEW and MATLAB. Alternatively, users can simply run Spectrum’s own software, SBench 6 Professional.

Once installed on a PC, the AWG cards are easy to integrate with other test and measurement devices. The signal outputs, as well as clock and trigger inputs, are provided via front-panel SMB connectors. The front panel also hosts four multifunction MMCX connectors, which can be used for different tasks such as additional digital output channels (marker channels), clock, trigger or status output as well as asynchronous I/O lines. This high level of connectivity allows the AWG cards to be easily adapted into most automated test system environments.