“Integrated Arbitrary Waveform Generation” explores the capabilities and benefits of the 50 megahertz built-in arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) featured in the Infiniium MXR B-series oscilloscopes. This feature is essential for control testing, prototyping applications, and ensuring signal integrity in various electronic designs.
The video begins with an introduction by Courtney, who explains that the built-in AWG is ideal for creating versatile and complex real-world signal setups. Whether precise signals are needed to characterize the performance of a design or to stress a device to its limits, the AWG provides the necessary functionality. While Keysight offers standalone AWGs, the built-in AWG on the MXR-B series combines multi-instrument functionality into one device, saving both budget and bench space.
The AWG on the MXR B-series oscilloscopes includes an easy-to-use, built-in editing tool. Users can import signals from a file or directly from a channel on the oscilloscope. The editing tool allows for adjustments to the frequency, amplitude, and offset of the waveform, and users can even add Gaussian noise to the signal. These adjustments help users understand how their device under test would react to less-than-ideal input signals.
The video demonstrates how users can change the shape of their waveform by making adjustments in the editing tool or by customizing the signal in the AWG memory. This includes adding, removing, and editing data points. For further modification, users can edit their signal in Excel or use the Bench View Waveform Builder Pro tool. The video references another video by Mike for more detailed information on using the AWG editing tool.
Additionally, the built-in waveform generator adds the capability to conduct frequency response analysis. The MXR-B series uses the waveform generator to stimulate the circuit-under-test at various frequency settings and then captures the input and output signals at each frequency. The oscilloscope measures, computes, and plots gain logarithmically and phase linearly. Characterizing the frequency response of a signal is crucial for various electronic designs, including passive filters, amplifier circuits, and negative feedback networks of switch-mode power supplies.
The standard arbitrary waveform generator on the Infiniium MXR B-series oscilloscopes allows users to quickly and easily verify their design’s performance when subjected to various signals. This capability gives users confidence that their device will work properly in imperfect scenarios. The video emphasizes the importance of the AWG in ensuring signal integrity and optimizing the performance of electronic designs.
Overall, the video serves as an informative guide, offering insights into the practical applications and benefits of the built-in AWG in modern oscilloscopes. By leveraging the AWG, engineers can ensure signal integrity and optimize the performance of their designs.
