M9331A Arbitrary Waveform Generator

Introduction

The M9331A is a wideband arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) capable of creating digitally modulated waveforms for wideband communication systems.

Each channel of the M9331A operates at 1.25 GS/s and features 10 bits of vertical resolution, which is ideal for compliance testing of digital radios targeted for use with emerging communicastandards such as MB-OFDM ultra wideband, 802.11n, MIMO, and proprietary wideband formats.

– 1.25 GS/s and 10 bits of vertical resolution per channel provides wideband waveforms with exceptionally low EVM

– Dual output channels drive both single-ended and balanced designs without the need for baluns or hybrids

 – Extended memory and advanced sequencing engine allows for extended simulations of complex waveform propagation models

– Multiple module synchronization provides multi-emitter simulations suitable for MIMO applications

– Multiple programmatic interfaces enable easy integration into existing test environments

Generate Wide Bandwidth AND Low EVM Signals, Simultaneously

The M9331A is a 4 slot 3U PXI module that offers dual differential output channels to drive both singleended and balanced designs. The AWG also supports advanced sequencing and triggering modes to create event-based signal simulations.

Multiple M9331A modules can be synchronized for the generation of phase-coherent, multi-emitter scenarios. Waveform development tasks are simpliied using the AWG’s numerous programmatic interfaces including complete instrument control from the MATLAB® command line and from LabVIEW.

When the M9331A is combined with a wideband I/Q upconverter, modulation bandwidths of 1 GHz can be realized at RF frequencies for signal simulations employed in functional testing of chip sets designed for modern digital communications radios.

Extended performance

The M9331A gives designers access to Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) technology capable of generating wideband digital communications signals with ultra-low EVM.

Each module incorporates two high-speed DACs to create 500 MHz of signal bandwidth and ≤ –50 dBc SFDR across each channel. Users have the choice of driving their designs differentially from the DAC outputs or through multiple signal-conditioning paths.

Although some AWGs require users to make a trade-off between the number of output channels and differential outputs, the M9331A provides both–allowing you to drive your designs and eliminating the need for baluns or hybrids in the test path. In addition, each channel can output waveforms as an IF or as a baseband signal for I/Q upconversion.

Create long scenerio simulations

Multiply the effective size of on-board memory through the use of the M9331A’s advanced sequencing engine. Uniquely define how waveform Create long scenario simulations Multiply the effective size of on-board memory through the use of the M9331A’s advanced sequencing engine.

Uniquely define how waveform segments are played through looping and nesting of stored waveform models. This capability gives users the ability to simulate fading and other multi-path effects for extended periods of time.

 For users developing a large number of propagation models the PXI backplane substantially reduces waveform download times compared to traditional LAN and GPIB interfaces. The M9331A’s complete waveform and sequencer memories can be typically reloaded in less than 1 second.

System stability

Create phase-coherent, multiemitter simulations using the M9331A’s precision SYNC clock. A single M9331A can drive a total of eight AWG modules to synchronize their outputs on a sample-by-samplebasis. Any number modules can be synchronized with simple driver hardware. The AWG also includes multiple front-panel trigger and markers for complete system synchronization.

Ease-of-use

The M9331A’s graphical user interface guides developers through module setup and waveform file transfers. Users can quickly configure the instrument’s signal conditioning paths, marker and trigger lines, sample and reference clock sources and simple sequencing functions.

More sophisticated sequencing functions are available through the instrument’s numerous programmatic interfaces. The M9331A supports interfaces for MATLAB®, LabView, IVI-C, IVI-COM, and VEE framework.

Enhanced Capabilities for the M9330A Series!

Dynamic Sequencing (Option 300)

The dynamic sequencing software enables radar and military communications engineers to build custom signal scenarios on the fly. Engineers can dynamically access up to 16k of previously stored sequences through a 16-bit interface and replay these complex waveforms to respond to changing threat environments, or to create signals where the next waveform to be played is not known in advance.

Dynamic Synthesis (Option 330)

The direct digital synthesis (DDS) enables radar and emerging communications engineers to create basic waveforms in the AWG’s memory and then modify their behavior with profiles for amplitude modulation, phase modulation and frequency modulation.

This enables engineers to simulate testing without the time and expense of field trials, such as in-flight and in-orbit testing. This option can also be used to simulate fading profiles in receiver testing for satellite and 4G signals, such as multiple input, multiple output formats (MIMO).