Racal Instruments 3162A/B, User Manual

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User Manual 3162A/B
Getting Started 1-3
represents a point on the waveform. Each word has a horizontal address that
can range from 0 to 1046464, and a vertical address that can range from -2047
to +2048 (12 bits). Using a high speed clocking circuit, the digital contents of
the arbitrary waveform memory are extracted and routed to the Digital to
Analog Converter (DAC). The DAC converts the digital data to an analog signal,
and the output amplifier completes the task by amplifying or attenuating the
signal at the output connector.
There is no need to use the complete memory bank every time an arbitrary
waveform is generated. Waveform memory can be divided into up to 4096
smaller segments, and different waveforms can be loaded into each segment.
The various segments may then be loaded into a sequence table to generate
long and complex waveforms. The sequence table can link up to 4096
segments, while each segment can loop up to 1 million times.
The Model 3162B is fully programmable using SCPI commands and syntax.
There are four ways to program the Model 3162B, the first being low-level
programming of each individual parameter with SCPI commands. The second
alternative is to use the
VXIplug&play driver’s Soft Front Panel (SFP) for high-
level programming. The SFP driver simulates a mechanical front panel with the
necessary push buttons, displays and dials to operate the Model 3162B as a
bench-top instrument. The third way to program the 3162B is by using either
the LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI driver. The fourth way to program the 3162B
is via the WaveCAD program. The Model 3162B will not operate without being
programmed. Therefore, it is recommended that the user become familiar with
its basic features, functions and programming concepts as described in this
and the following chapters.
Options
No options are offered for the generators. Compare the Model number with the
number that is printed on the instrument to verify which of the instrument you
received. Contact your nearest Racal representative if the number printed on
the case does not reflect the correct version ordered. The list of available
versions is given below:
•
407627-001 - Model 3162A, 500MS/s Waveform Generator, w/1Meg
RAM, 1PPM
•
407627-013 - Model 3162A, 500MS/s Waveform Generator, w/4Meg
RAM, 1PPM
•
407627-014 - Model 3162A, 500MS/s Waveform Generator, w/8Meg
RAM, 1PPM
•
407629-001 - Model 3162B, 500MS/s Waveform Generator, w/1Meg
RAM, 1PPM
1Meg RAM designates instruments supplied with the 1Meg memory. 1046464
point waveforms can be programmed. 4 Meg RAM designates 4193304 point
waveforms and 8 Meg RAM designates 8387608 point waveforms can be
programmed.
1ppm denotes the accuracy and stability grade of the internal 10MHz reference
clock.
Revision 4/18/00