Spectrum Instrumentation has added an new mode in its Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWGs) for automated testing environments. The “Sequence Restart Mode” expands the list of functions, firmware options and software tools to make the AWGs even more versatile.
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. The new “Sequence Restart Mode”, however, delivers even greater flexibility, since it 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.
The feature has been introduced by Spectrum in direct response to customer demands:
“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,” said Dr. Johannes Rahm, scientist at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt in Germany.
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 use 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.
