Arbitrary Waveform Generator Glossary

Arbitrary Waveform Generator Glossary

Accuracy

DC amplitude and offset accuracy will be listed in mV (milli volts). Delay and trigger will be listed in ps (pico seconds). Frequency will be listed in ppm (parts per million).

Amplitude

The output peak-to-peak voltage limit of the AWG. The value is listed in Vp-p or mVp-p (volts peak-to-peak or millivolt peak-to-peak).

Amplitude Flatness

The flatness in power of the output over a specified frequency range. The value is listed in dB (decibels).

AM Modulation

A type of modulation commonly known for being used in audio radio transmission and called amplitude modulation. AM works by using the steady frequency of a carrier wave and adjusting the amplitude according to the audio signal that is transmitted.

Arbitrary Waveform Generator

The arbitrary waveform generator is the swiss army knife of signal generators. It can perform the functions of simple signal generators, pulse generators, pattern generators, and function generators. Basically, an AWG can generate any waveform that you can define in software. An AWG is also the ideal tool for creating degraded or stressed signals to verify product performance limits.

ASK Modulation

A type of digital modulation technique used to convey data over a waveform by making small modifications, or modulations, in the wave. ASK (amplitude-shift keying) is used to send digital data through a waveform by adjusting the amplitude of the wave.

Attenuation

The natural or artificial decrease in the strength of an electronic signal.

Bandwidth

The analog outputs of AWGs are limited to a specific upper end output frequency. The bandwidth of the AWG is the range of frequency outputs that it can reliably provide and is listed in GHz (giga hertz).

Bit = 0

An unconditional jump to the next step upon completion of the waveform loops.

Bit = 1

A directive to dwell on the current step and wait for an event to jump to the next step.

Bits of Resolution

Describes the number of possible output levels that an AWG’s DAC can output. For example, a 4-bit AWG can output 24 = 16 different voltage levels. The value is listed in “bits” and is an ideal value.

Channel Count

Describes how many output channels an AWG has.

Continuous Signal

A waveform that is generated continuously.

DC Offset

The magnitude of a generated waveform. Typically, this waveform magnitude is measured in Vp-p (volts peak to peak), or Vrms (volts root mean square)

Distortion

The measurement of the departure of a waveform from a perfect signal, usually used with sine waves. It is often referred to as THD (total harmonic distortion).

ENOB

The effective number of bits (ENOB) of resolution that is derived from the AWG‘s bits of resolution. ENOB tells you the number of bits of resolution once the noise and AWG imperfections are factored in. It is a lesser value than the DAC bits due to impacts of harmonics, spurious signals, and the AWG noise floor.