User Manual LW120
Modulating the
Output
Utilizing DDS (direct digital synthesis) technology, the Model
LW120 is extremely frequency-agile. Changing the sample clock
frequency is as easy as changing bits at the DDS control. The DDS
has an extremely wide dynamic range with excellent linearity
throughout the complete range. The properties of the DDS are
passed on directly to the output, therefore, the frequency is
modulated within an extremely wide band, without loosing linearity.
For example, the LW120 can sweep, using linear steps, from
minimum to its maximum frequency whereas similar instruments
with VCO design can sweep through 3 decades only.
The LW120 has the following modulation options: FM, FSK,
Ramped FSK, Sweep and AM. These functions are described
below.
FM
Frequency modulation is the most common modulation scheme
used in telecommunications. In this mode, the sample clock
frequency is modulated and placed at the rear-panel sine output.
FM modulation is also available from the front panel outputs, except
the frequency must be computed from the sample clock and the
number of points that generate the output waveform. Confusing?
Yes, a bit, but some examples below will remove your confusion.
The LW120 can be modulated using two different waveform types:
1. Modulation with built-in waveforms. Using this FM mode, you
may select your modulating waveform from a library that has
four pre-defined waveforms: Sine, Triangle, Square and
Ramp. The manual refers to this mode as “Standard FM
Mode”
2. Modulation with downloaded waveforms. To use this FM
mode, you must generate coordinates for the modulating
waveform with an external application, such as ArbExplorer
,
then download this waveform to the modulating waveform
memory. This mode is referred to as “Arbitrary FM Mode” in
this manual. The arbitrary waveform for this mode is separated
from the main arbitrary memory of the LW120, is variable in
length from 10 to 20000 points and has separate sample clock
control. The sample clock for the arbitrary FM memory is
controlled with 7 digits, from 1mS/s to 2 MS/s. The equivalent
minimum and maximum frequencies are 50 nHz to 200 KHz.
While the low frequency is very useful in applications like
wander and slow drifting oscillators, the higher frequencies are
as much needed for testing fast modems, PLL circuits and for
wide-band digital modulation technology.
To generate FM you must specify four parameters:
Using The Instrument 3-21