Patent ID: 6356224
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: G06J

Abstract:
An arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) for producing an AWG output signal (IOUT), the AWG comprising:a plurality of digital-to-analog converters (DACS) (20A-20D) for generating DAC output signals (IA-ID), each DAC output signal being of magnitude controlled by a waveform data field provided as input to the DAC generating it; a memory (14) for storing and reading out a sequence of waveform data words (DOUT); a programmable logic device (16) for processing said waveform data words read out of said memory to provide waveform data fields (DA-DD) as input to said DACs; a pattern generator (18) for generating timing signals (T0-T4) supplied as input to said programmable logic device, and for generating control data, wherein said programmable logic device supplies each of said waveform data fields as input to said DACs in timed response to a separate one of said timing signals; and signal processing means (22) for producing said AWG output signal in response to ones of said DAC output signals selected in response to said control data.