10 MHz direct digital synthesis function generator

Test & Measurement

9 April 2003 Test & Measurement

Continuing to improve its extensive range of waveform generators, Fluke has released the new Fluke 29A Wavetek-Datron 29A function generator available through local distributor, Spescom MeasureGraph (SMG).

The 29A breaks new ground by offering a direct digital synthesis (DDS) function generator at a similar price to that of a conventional generator of comparable functionality, according to SMG. It can generate a wide variety of waveforms between 0,1 mHz and 10 MHz with a resolution of seven digits and accuracy better than 10 ppm.

DDS for accuracy and stability

DDS is a technique for generating waveforms digitally using a phase accumulator, a look-up table and a digital analog converter. The accuracy and stability of the resulting waveforms is related to that of the crystal master clock. The DDS generator not only offers exceptional accuracy and stability but also high spectral purity, low phase noise and superior frequency agility.

The 29A generates high quality sine, square and pulse waveforms over the full frequency range of 0,1 mHz to 10 MHz. Triangle waveforms, ramp waveforms and multilevel square waves can also be generated, subject to some limitations in the maximum useable frequencies. Variable symmetry/duty-cycle is available for all waveforms.

Arbitrary waveforms can be loaded via the digital interfaces and then used in a similar way to the standard waveforms. Up to five arbitrary waveforms of 1024 10-bit words can be stored in non-volatile memory. The waveform clock is 27,48 MHz maximum. This facility considerably expands the versatility of the 29A making it suitable for the generation of highly complex waveform patterns. In addition, the 29A offers numerous 'complex' waveforms pre-defined in ROM. These include commonly used waveshapes such as sine x/x, decaying sinewave and exponential rise and fall.

Other features include: standard and universal waveforms; 10 ppm frequency accuracy with seven digit resolution; multi-unit phase locking; trigger, burst, gate and sweep; amplitude modulation, frequency shift keying and frequency hop; store and recall; nine complete instrument set-ups; RS232 and IEEE-488 (GPIB) interfaces; and it is compatible with Waveform DSP2 software.

For more information contact Van Zyl Koegelenberg, Spescom MeasureGraph, 011 266 1662, [email protected]

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10 MHz direct digital synthesis function generator

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