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User Manual 3155
1-6 Overview
Memory Segmentation
There is no need to use the entire memory every time an arbitrary
waveform is generated. The waveform memory can be divided into
smaller segments and different waveforms can be loaded into indi-
vidual segment. The various segments may then be loaded into a
sequence table to generate long and complex waveforms. The se-
quence table can link up to 4096 segments, while each segment can
loop up to 1 million times.
Remote Control
The instrument must be used in conjunction with a host computer. All
of its functions, modes and parameters are fully programmable using
SCPI commands and syntax. There are three ways to program the
Model 3155, the first being low-level programming of each individual
parameter using SCPI commands. The second alternative is to use
WaveCAD for high-level programming. WaveCAD is a software
package supplied with the 3155 that simulates a mechanical front
panel. It has all the necessary push buttons, displays and dials to
operate the instrument as if you were using it on the bench. The third
alternative is using application specific drivers, such as LabVIEW,
CVI, Visual C++, or Visual Basic.
The 3155 must be programmed to generate waveforms. Therefore, it
is recommended that the user becomes familiar with its basic fea-
tures, functions and programming concepts as described in this and
subsequent chapters.
Frequency Agility
The instrument generates its sample clock from a DDS circuit (direct
digital synthesis). The DDS circuit enables frequency agility through
the complete frequency range of the 3155. Having such an enor-
mous range opens the door for a wide range of applications such as
wide band sweep, FSK and frequency modulation. The 3155 can
generate FSK, ramped FSK and linear or logarithmic sweep. The in-
strument can also frequency modulate its carrier using one of its
built-in waveforms, or generate any user-defined modulating signal,
which can be downloaded using the FM wave composer in Wave-
CAD.
Multi-Instrument Syn-
chronization
There are applications requiring 2 or more synchronized channels.
Synchronization between completely independent, free-running in-
struments is not an easy task. Besides distribution of the sample
clock to all instruments, each instrument has to be told when to start
generating waveforms so that all waveforms start from the same
point and with the same phase. Also, triggering multiple instruments
to achieve synchronization is not enough because it will generate a
jitter of
±
1 count.
The 3155 uses backplane, daisy-chained connections to synchronize
between modules and the only limitation on the number of synchro-
nized instruments is the size of the card cage.
Summary of Contents for 3155
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