Ultrafast AWGs with Ethernet control for wideband signal generation

Spectrum Instrumentation presents new AWGs with 10 GS/s output rate and 16-bit resolution.

May 2025 – Spectrum Instrumentation has introduced four new Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWGs) in its DN2.63x NETBOX series, delivering output rates up to 10 GS/s with 16-bit resolution. With easy control via Ethernet, these high-speed instruments connect directly to PCs, laptops or even the company network. Designed for automated and remote testing, they are ideal for wideband signal generation from DC to 2.5 GHz.

The compact and lightweight AWGs just use a standard Ethernet/LXI cable to connect to any PC or network. High-resolution 16-bit DAC technology delivers waveforms with excellent purity and low-noise, making these AWGs ideal for use in stimulus-response or closed-loop type testing situations. Each AWG channel features its own DAC and can be used in single-ended or differential output modes with fully programmable output ranges. In single-ended mode, waveform amplitudes go up to ±500 mV into 50Ω, in differential mode they go up to ±1 V into 100Ω. With high impedance termination, the output levels are doubled, offering up to ±2 V.

Available in single- or dual-channel configurations, the DN2.63x models include 2 GSamples (4 GB) of standard memory, expandable to 8 GSamples (16 GB). This enables long waveform playback - up to 800 ms at 10 GS/s - without interruption. Users can select between several smart trigger functions and generation modes, including single-shot, repeated, multiple replay and FIFO streaming. The FIFO mode enables new data to be uploaded to the AWG while replaying a stored waveform.

Each unit comes with Spectrum’s SBench 6 software for waveform creation, control, and analysis. Customers can define waveforms from equations, use the built-in function generator, or import data from digitizers, oscilloscopes, or simulation tools. For custom development, SDKs are included for C++, Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, and more.

Integration into automated systems is seamless with front panel connectors for external clock and trigger signals, as well as multi-purpose I/O lines serving as marker outputs, for status flags, or synchronous/asynchronous signaling. A digital pulse generator option is also available. Weighing under 7 kg and with optional rack-mount kits, these units are ideal for mobile, benchtop and rack-based setups.

These new ultrafast AWGs are the latest additions to Spectrum’s generatorNETBOX lineup, which now comprises 35 different models from 40 MS/s to 10 GS/s. All NETBOX units include a 5-year warranty, free lifetime software/firmware updates, and support directly from Spectrum’s design engineers.

Link to the product video (4 min): https://youtu.be/2DCQbx99BIo