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N8241A Arbitrary Waveform Generator Synthetic Instrument Module

Technical Overviews

Generate Wide Bandwidth and Wide Dynamic Range Signals — Simultaneously

Each channel of the N8241A operates at either 1.25 GSa/s sample rate (Option 125) or 25 MSa/s sample rate (Option 062) and features 15 bits of vertical resolution giving de­signers the most realistic, wideband waveforms available from a commercial AWG. This LXI synthetic instrument module offers dual differential output channels to drive both single-ended and balanced designs. The AWG also supports advanced sequencing and triggering modes to create event- based signal simulations. Multiple N8241A modules can be synchronized for the generation of phase-coherent, multi-emitter scenarios. Waveform development tasks are simplified using the AWG’s numerous programmatic interfaces including complete instrument control from the MATLAB® command line. When the N8241A is combined with a wideband I/Q upconverter, modulation bandwidths of 1 GHz can be realized at microwave frequencies for authentic signal simulations for IF and RF subsystem test.

Unprecedented performance

The N8241A gives designers access to the most advanced Digital-to-Analog (DAC) technology available in a commercial AWG. Each module incorporates two high-speed DACs to create 500 MHz of signal bandwidth and ≤ –65 dBc spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) across each channel. Users have the choice of driving their designs differentially from the DAC outputs or single-ended 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 N8241A 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 scenario simulations

Multiply the effective size of on-board memory through the use of the N8241A’s ad­vanced sequencing engine. Uniquely define how waveform segments are played through looping and nesting of stored waveforms. This capability also gives users the ability to create new signals from existing waveforms by playing only subsegments of waveform memory.

System scalability

Create phase-coherent, multi-emitter simulations using the N8241A’s precision SYNC clock. A single N8241A can drive a total of eight AWG modules to synchronize their outputs on a sample-by-sample basis. Any number of 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 N8241A’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 N8241A supports interfaces for MATLAB, LabView, IVI-C, and VEE framework.

Enhanced Capabilities for the N8241

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 16 k 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.

Direct digital synthesis (Option 330)

The direct digital synthesis (DDS) software 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 4 G signals, such as multiple input, and multiple output formats (MIMO).

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