Spectrum accelerates automatic testing processes with new AWG function

Digitizer and measurement instrument manufacturer Spectrum Instrumentation (headquartered in Großhansdorf, Germany, hereinafter "Spectrum") has announced a new AWG mode, "Sequence Restart Mode," for automated testing environments. Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWGs) are essential tools for generating almost any waveform. Spectrum, a leading provider offering over 70 high-performance AWG products across a wide range of industries, further expands its existing line-up of features, firmware options, and software tools with this function, significantly enhancing the versatility of its AWGs. This feature was developed based on direct customer requests, quickly provided as support, and is now available free of charge to all customers.

The existing "Sequence Mode" provides a simple method for looping and concatenating waveform segments of different lengths to generate long signals. This function allows seamless connection of complex waveform chains, enabling the generation of virtually unlimited test signal streams. With the newly added "Sequence Restart Mode," Spectrum's AWGs achieve even greater flexibility. This new mode allows the entire looped and concatenated waveform sequence to be automatically and highly precisely restarted upon receiving a trigger event. Since the time from trigger to output is always constant, it becomes possible to restart automated testing processes conditionally, shortening test times and improving measurement efficiency.

The new Sequence Restart Mode is available free of charge for all 66 types of 65xx and 66xx series AWGs simply by installing the latest driver.

Development based on customer needs

This Sequence Restart Mode is an excellent example of Spectrum's commitment to rapidly responding to customer demands. The request for this mode's development came from Dr. Johannes Raab, a researcher at the PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt: the German National Metrology Institute). His team is responsible for maintaining Germany's legal time using atomic clocks (cesium fountain clocks).

Regarding the new Sequence Restart Mode, Dr. Raab commented:

"For the Spectrum AWG card I use, a special version of the sequence mode was needed to generate RF frequencies. These frequencies are used for controlling laser frequencies in atomic cooling and for fluorescence spectroscopy. Spectrum's engineers quickly responded to my request, and the tests were successful. The new mode works exactly as I envisioned."

Such initiatives benefit all users. While customers receive tailored solutions through Spectrum's support, other users also benefit from the extended functions and modes.

Free and immediately available

This function is available free of charge for all Spectrum AWGs in the 65xx and 66xx series simply by installing the latest driver. These devices are designed for computer-controlled operation, and a unified software toolkit facilitates system integration and future upgrades. The software supports Windows and Linux, and sample programs for Python, MATLAB, C++, and LabVIEW are provided, along with a high-level Python API. All Spectrum products come with lifetime technical support from the design engineering team and free software and firmware updates.

About Spectrum Instrumentation

Founded in 1989 by Gisela Hassler (CEO & Founder), Spectrum utilizes modular design to produce a wide range of over 250 digitizer and waveform generator products as PC cards (PCIe and PXIe) and standalone Ethernet units (LXI). For over 35 years, Spectrum has served customers worldwide, including top-brand industry leaders and almost all leading universities. The company is headquartered near Hamburg, Germany, offering a 5-year warranty and excellent support from design engineers and local partners.