Strategic Test Corp. has released two new 8-bit resolution arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) cards with up to 4 gigasamples on-board memory. The UF2-6110 has two synchronous 125 Msps output channels, while the UF2-6111 offers four channels on a single PCI card. Both cards are supplied with 64 megasamples of signal memory standard but can be increased to 4 gigasamples using a proprietary DIMM module on the card.

Article Tools

• 

The cards are suited for radar and I & Q signal generation. The multiple reply option allows a series of high-speed waveforms to be generated with automatic re-arming of the trigger by hardware to ensure a high pulse repetition frequency (PRF). The choice of two or four synchronous channels per card enables matching I & Q generation without requiring the expense of a second card.

Each channel contains a 125 Msps 8-bit DAC and three Butterworth reconstruction filters with bandwidths of 25 MHz, 5 MHz or 500 kHz. A no-filter setting can also be selected. Measured dynamic specifications include: SNR > 60.9 dB, THD < 69.1 dB and SFDR > 71.9 dB. The crosstalk between channels is < - 80 dB. The maximum output range is +/-3 V, although this can be boosted to +/-10 V using the optional 1-, 2- or 4-channel PCI amplifier card.

The cards employ a 66 MHz/32-bit PCI-X interface that can stream data continuously from the host-PC at rates up to 225 Msps. Long duration signals can be generated at lower output rates. The PCI-X connector is also compatible with the traditional 33 MHz/32-bit slots. However, the data transfer rate is reduced to approximately 100 Msps.

Drivers for Microsoft Windows XP64, XP, 2000 and Linux (2.4 and 2.6 kernels) are included with free downloads of future OS version drivers such as Windows Vista. Drivers for MATLAB, LabVIEW, VEE, DASYLab and LabWindows/CVI are available as options.

The ultrafast UF2-6100 cards are available immediately. Two channels UF2-6110 is priced at euro 3210, while 4 channels UF2-6111 is priced at euro 4800.