Patent ID: 6348785
Filing Date: 2002-02-19
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
An arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) for generating an AWG output signal (VOUT) having a time varying magnitude, the AWG comprising:means (18,24) for generating a sequence of waveform data words (DATA) having multiple bits (D1-DN); and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for receiving said sequence of waveform data words and for producing said AWG output signal in response thereto, wherein said DAC comprises: a plurality of DAC units (U1-UN), each receiving a separate bit of each said waveform data word and each generating a separate first ramp signal (I1SRC-INSRC) that ramps linearly between differing first and second magnitudes in response to a change in state of said separate bit; and output stage means (38) for producing said DAC output signal in response to a combination of first ramp signals produced by said plurality of ramp generators.