The hybridNETBOX is an exciting new instrumentation platform for applications that require simultaneous signal generation and acquisition.
Six models are available offering the choice of two, four or eight pairs of matched AWG and digitizer channels, with output- and sampling-rates of 40, 80 and 125 Megasamples per second. With their ability to create and acquire electronic signals at the same time, these products are perfect for measurement systems that need to perform automated closed-loop or stimulus-response type testing. For example, they can reproduce and capture “echo” signals such as those found in Radar, Sonar, Lidar or Ultrasound. With their multi-channel capability, they can test these systems even when arrays of transmitters and receivers are used.
The hybridNETBOX is also suited to ATE applications where components and subassemblies need to be tested in a fast and automated way. They can quickly ascertain the functionality and tolerance of DUTs and UUTs (devices or units under test) by exercising them with numerous, easily adjusted, complex signals. This powerful testing process can be deployed in a host of applications like Bus testing, MIMO communications, circuit verification, mechatronics and robotics.
Oliver Rovini, Technical Director at Spectrum Instrumentation, says: “We’ve created the hybridNETBOX series for engineers and scientists that require precise, simultaneous waveform generation and signal acquisition in manual, automated or remotely controlled applications. With these portable LXI instruments, we offer unique hardware and software capabilities allowing all users to match their specific testing requirements and also speed up their testing processes.”
For accurate, low-noise waveform generation and acquisition, the units all use the latest 16-bit digital to analog, and analog to digital, converter technology. All the channels are synchronized, sharing a common clock and trigger. The AWG channels can produce almost any waveform with signal amplitudes that go up to ±6 V into 50 ohm, or ±12 V into high impedance. Waveform output modes include Single-Shot, Loop, FIFO Streaming, Gated Replay and Sequence Replay. This permits the easy creation of test routines that can go from simple to complex. Meanwhile, the digitizer channels are designed to handle a wide range of input signals. They have variable input ranges that go from ±200 mV up to ±10 V, with fully programmable offset and selectable input impedance (50 ohm and 1 Megaohm). Both single ended and differential measurement modes are available. Like the AWG channels, they support a number of operating modes including Single-Shot, FIFO Streaming, Multiple Recording, Gated Sampling, and ABA (sample rate switching). This combines with a variety of flexible trigger modes (Channel, External, Software, Window, Pulse, Re-Arm, Spike, Logic and Delay) to make sure that an important event is never missed.
In addition to the digitizer and AWG channels, the front-panel of each hybridNETBOX includes multiple digital I/O connectors. These make it easy to integrate units into a test system. For example, synchronous marker outputs are available that can be used on the AWG channels to allow precise control of other devices or instruments. Similarly, it’s possible to synchronize the unit with other equipment, by applying an external clock and triggers.
