Arbitrary Waveform Generator (Arb); Introduction - R&S AFQ100A Operating Manual

R&S AFQ100A

Arbitrary Waveform Generator (ARB)

Arbitrary Waveform Generator (ARB)

Introduction

The Arbitrary Waveform Generator is an I/Q modulation source forming an integral part of the
instrument. It can be used to output any externally calculated modulation signals or internally generated
test signals. Waveform files can be loaded into the instrument via one of the computer interfaces
(USB – memory stick or Ethernet interface - network drive) or via the IEC bus.
The equipment layout includes one of the waveform memory options R&S AFQ-B10/B11.
R&S AFQ-B11 features a much larger DRAM size than R&S AFQ-B10 (see data sheet), the sample
memory sizes amount to 256 MS and 1 GS, respectively.
The instrument can process waveforms generated by WinIQSIM2 or Matlab software or generate ARB
waveforms internally. These files are created and saved in the ARB dialog. It is possible to use either
predefined or subsequently defined markers that are sent to the marker outputs in synchronicity with the
I/Q output signals. The markers have to be set in the Marker dialog and a delay can be selected by the
user.
Multi segment waveforms consisting of a combination of multiple waveforms can be defined in order to
enable rapid alternation between different waveforms with differing test signals. Such waveforms can be
used in test systems, for example. Each segment represents a completely independent waveform that
is output with its own marker. The entire multi segment waveform is loaded into memory. The segment
intended to be output at any given moment can be selected by the user. It is therefore possible to
alternate between the individual waveform segments without experiencing any delay due to the loading
operation.
If very high switchover speeds are required, the test signals can be continuously scrolled through with
the aid of an external trigger. The ARB has been produced in the form of an interpolating ARB
generator.
For modulation signals with a sample rate less than 300 MHz a resampler interpolates the sample rate
to the instument´s system rate of 300 MHz. The digital signal is resampled in realtime.
1401.3084.32 4.2 E-3