TE5251
User Manual
1-12
Output Type
The 5251 can output six types of waveforms: standard (Fixed),
arbitrary (User), sequenced, modulated, pulse and half-cycle
waveforms. Description of the various waveform types that the
instrument can generate is given below.
Standard (FIXED)
Waveforms
The 5251 must pre-load its memory before it can generate
waveforms. On power up, the waveform memory has no specific
data. The sine waveform, being the default waveform on power on,
is computed and loaded to the waveform memory as part of the
reset procedure. From this moment on, every time that another
waveform is selected, it is being computed and loaded to the
waveform memory.
Waveforms are written from the same start address. Therefore,
every time that a new waveform is selected, there is some minimal
time for the processor to compute and download the data to the
memory.
The 5251 can be programmed to output one of nine standard
waveform shapes: sine, triangle, square, pulse/ramp, sine(x)/x
pulse, gaussian pulse, rising/decaying exponential pulse, noise and
dc. There are some parameters associated with each waveform,
which modify the shape of the waveform to better suit your needs.
For example, different start phase for the sine waveform can be
programmed for each channel to create phase offsets between the
two instruments.
Arbitrary (User)
Waveforms
The arbitrary waveform memory is capable of storing one or more
user-defined waveforms. As was discussed before, the 5251 is
supplied with 2 Meg memory bank. There are up to 2 Meg points
that can be allocated to one single waveform. On the other hand,
there is no need to use the entire memory for only one waveform;
The memory can be divided into smaller segments and loaded with
different waveforms and the instrument can be programmed to
output one segment at a time.
Loading data to arbitrary waveform memory can be a time-
consuming task, especially if all 2 Meg points are loaded in one
shot. The 5251 utilizes a DMA (direct memory access) concept that
speeds data transfer from host computer to the instrument.
Summary of Contents for 5251
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