Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWGs) are widely used in testing and measurement environments for their ability to produce highly flexible and precise signal patterns. Spectrum Instrumentation has introduced a new operating capability aimed at improving performance in automated test setups. The newly introduced “Sequence Restart Mode” enhances how waveform sequences are managed, adding to the existing range of firmware features and software tools available with the company’s AWG portfolio. Developed in response to specific user requirements, the feature has been rolled out quickly and is being made available to all customers without additional cost.
The already existing “Sequence Mode” provides a straightforward method for generating long-duration signals by looping and linking waveform segments of varying lengths. This capability allows complex waveform chains to be connected seamlessly, creating an almost unlimited stream of test signals. With the addition of the new “Sequence Restart Mode”, Spectrum Instrumentation AWGs deliver even greater flexibility. The new mode allows an automatic and ultra-precise restart of the full sequence of looped and linked waveforms upon receiving a trigger event. The trigger-to-output time is always fixed, thus allowing automated test processes to begin anew whenever conditions require, reducing test times and improving overall measurement efficiency.
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Driven by customer demand
The new “Sequence Restart Mode” is a great example of how Spectrum Instrumentation reacts quickly to customers’ requests. The original demand for this mode came from Dr. Johannes Rahm, scientist at the PTB in Germany (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt = Metrology Institute of the Federal Republic of Germany). His team is responsible for maintaining the legal time in Germany using atomic clocks (cesium fountain clocks).
Commenting on the new Sequence Restart mode, Dr. Rahm said: “For the AWG cards from Spectrum that I use, I needed a special version of the sequence mode to generate RF frequencies. These frequencies are used to manipulate the laser frequencies employed for cooling the atoms and for fluorescence spectroscopy. Spectrum’s engineers responded quickly to my request, my tests were successful, and the new mode works exactly as I envisioned.”
These situations benefit everyone: while the customer receives a tailored solution for his needs through the Spectrum support, all other users of these instruments gain from an expanding pool of modes and functions.
Free and available immediately
The new feature is available free of charge for all Spectrum Instrumentation AWGs of the 65xx and 66xx series just through the installation of the latest drivers. Designed for computer-controlled operation, these instruments utilize a unified software toolkit that simplifies system integration and future upgrades. Software support is available for Windows and Linux, with programming examples provided for Python, MATLAB, C++, and LabVIEW, as well as a high-level Python API. All Spectrum products are supported by lifetime technical assistance, delivered directly by Spectrum Instrumentation’s engineering team, along with free software and firmware updates.
