National Instruments 779087-01 Arbitrary Waveform Generator

An identifying number of the PXI-5422, the National Instruments 779087-01 is an arbitrary waveform generator with 16 bits and 200 MS/s. At a frequency of up to 80 MHz, this sophisticated generator can produce user-defined, arbitrary waveforms in addition to common functions like sine, square, triangle, and ramp. For accurate waveform production, it makes use of direct digital synthesis (DDS). Wide dynamic range appropriate for multiple applications is provided by the output signals, which can vary from -6 V to +6 V.

With an SMB jack connector, the 779087-01 has a single analog output channel. Full-scale output voltage on the direct output path is between 1.000V and 0.707V peak-to-peak, while on the main output path it ranges from 12.00V peak-to-peak down to 5.64mV peak-to-peak into a 50 Ω load. High-fidelity signal production is ensured by the 16-bit resolution of the digital-to-analog converter (DAC).

For synchronization and triggering, the 779087-01 includes PFI 0 and PFI 1 ports, both equipped with bidirectional SMB jack connectors. These ports have a maximum input overload capacity of -2V to +7V and support a frequency range of DC to 200 MHz. They can also be used as start trigger inputs. The device can be used for intricate timing and synchronization requirements in advanced testing environments because of its flexibility.

The 779087-01's frequency accuracy is improved by the Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) reference clock. With a frequency range of 5 MHz to 20 MHz in 1 MHz increments, the reference clock can be obtained from either the front panel SMB connector or the PXI_CLK10 backplane connector. 200 ms is the standard lock time. Applications needing exact timing can benefit greatly from the PLL reference clock, which guarantees that the waveform generator's frequency accuracy matches that of the clock source.

Both external calibration and self-calibration techniques help in 779087-01 calibration. Software-initiated self-calibration takes around 90 seconds to complete and adjusts the DC gain and offset using an integrated 24-bit ADC and a precise voltage reference. The voltage-controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO), voltage reference, DC gain, and offset are all adjusted via external calibration, which is advised every two years and uses constants kept in nonvolatile memory. For best results, the device has to warm up for fifteen minutes.