Arbitrary Waveform Generator - Produktinfo.conrad.com

Systems 

Arbitrary 

Waveform Generator 

Type Sampling Frequency / 

Amplitude Resolution 

Order Number 

WG810 10MHz / 8bit 120055 

WG820 20MHz / 8bit 120056 

WG1220 20MHz / 12bit 120058 

WG1240 40MHz / 12bit 120059 

WG1440 40MHz / 14bit MR144 

WG1475 75MHz / 14bit MR147 

Instruction Manual Edition: January 2000

WGxx Arbitrary Waveform Generator Contents 

Manufacturer: 

Mair & Rohner OEG 

Rennbahnweg 55 

A-1220 VIENNA / Austria 

phone: ++43 1 2026400 

fax: ++43 1 2026400 18 

Internet: 

email: info@mrsys.at 

homepage: http://www.mrsys.at 

2

WGxx Arbitrary Waveform Generator Contents 

Contents 

Supplied Items ............................................................................... 4 

Options .......................................................................................... 4 

Key Specifications ......................................................................... 4 

First Steps ..................................................................................... 5 

Inputs and Outputs of the AWG .............................................. 5 

Connection of the Arbitrary Waveform Generator to a PC ..... 6 

Safety Hints ............................................................................ 6 

Front Panel Operation ................................................................... 8 

Frequency ............................................................................... 8 

Amplitude ............................................................................... 9 

Offset ...................................................................................... 9 

Output Attenuator ................................................................... 10 

Selectable Low-Pass Filter .................................................... 10 

Menu ...................................................................................... 11 

Morphing ......................................................................... 11 

Waveform ........................................................................ 11 

Modulation ....................................................................... 11 

Symmetry (Duty-Cycle) .................................................... 12 

Position of Sync-Signal .................................................... 12 

Mode of Sync-Signal ....................................................... 13 

Trigger Mode ................................................................... 13 

Clock Source ................................................................... 14 

Special Functions ............................................................ 15 

Measurement of External Frequency .............................. 15 

Sweep Mode ................................................................... 15 

Special Button Modes ............................................................ 16 

Setup ............................................................................... 16 

Menu Structure ............................................................................. 17 

Calibration of the Instrument ......................................................... 18 

Calibration Menu .................................................................... 18 

Calibration Menu – Overview ................................................. 21 

Software SPro (optional) ............................................................... 22 

System Requirements ............................................................ 22 

Software Installation ............................................................... 22 

User Interface – Overview ...................................................... 22 

Instrument Specifications .............................................................. 24 

3

WGxx Arbitrary Waveform Generator 

Supplied Items 

Options 

4 

• Arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) 

• Power cord (wall-mount AC power supply 12V AC for WG810 and WG820) 

• Instruction manual (this booklet) 

• Software SPro with serial link cable (PC to AWG,9-way, female-female, 

crossed pairs) 

Key Specifications 

• Generation of arbitrary wave shapes with maximum clock frequency of 

10MHz up to 75MHz (model dependent). 

• 7 arbitrary wave shapes can be loaded, each up to 32768 data points; 

wave shapes remain permanent if unit is turned off. 

• Additional analog mode (sinusoidal, triangular, pulse/square) 

• Morphing (continuous fading between two different signals) 

• 3 independent parameter storage sets (frequency, amplitude, offset, dutycycle, 

sync-position). 

• Frequency measurement of external signal up to 10MHz. 

• Operating modes: 

- periodic 

- single shot (single cycle) 

- single step 

- morphing (continuous fading between two different signals) 

- external trigger mode 

- AM/FM modulation mode 

- sweep mode 

- frequency measurement mode 

• Sweep mode (arbitrary signals only): linear 

logarithmic 

exponential 

• Outputs: 50 Ω - analog output, 

sync output (TTL) 

• Inputs: external clock input, 

AM/FM input (trigger-input for single-cycle mode) 

• Can be connected to any PC with serial interface (i.e., unrestricted 

operation also in connection with notebook computers). 

Interface isolated from signal ground! 

• Optional available programming and operating software SPro with powerful 

intuitive user interface running under MS-Windows. Allows CAD-like 

generation of arbitrary waveshapes (drawing objects: line, free-hand curve, 

mathematic functions etc.).

WGxx Arbitrary Waveform Generator First Steps 

First Steps 

This section describes the first turn-on of the arbitrary waveform generator 

(AWG), the connection to a PC, gives important operation and safety hints as 

well as a brief survey of the various features of the AWG. 

Please read instructions carefully to avoid operating failures! 

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the instrument, check for proper match of 

line and instrument / power supply voltage and proper fuse type. 

Inputs and Outputs of the AWG 

On the front panel there are located the 50Ω-analog output (OUTPUT), the 

sync output SYNC OUT, the frequency input FREQ IN to connect an external 

clock signal and the AM/FM- modulation/trigger input. 

analog (signal) output (OUTPUT): 

external frequency input (FREQ IN): 

sync output (SYNC OUT ): 

amplitude: 0....20Vpp 

(WG8xx: 0...14Vpp) 

offset: -10V....10V 

(WG8xx: -7V...7V) 

42V maximum, for external clock signal 

or as frequency measurement input. 

TTL signal level, 

rising edge / falling edge, 

positive pulse / negative pulse, 

for arbitrary mode: adjustable position 

(allows triggering on a specific point of 

programmed waveform) 

modulation input (AM/FM ): +/-10V maximum, for amplitude or 

frequency modulation of the output 

signal, trigger input 

The rear panel shows the serial interface connector (PC interface). 

A standard 9-way link cable (female-female, crossed pairs) is required for 

AWG-to-PC connection. 

5


6 

Connection of the Arbitrary Waveform Generator to a PC 

The AWG can be connected to the serial interface (COM1 to COM4) of any 

personal computer by application of the link cable included to the optional 

software package SPro. This software allows the complete remote operation of 

the AWG as well as the CAD-like design of arbitrary waveforms which can 

subsequently be loaded permanently into the AWG. 

Serial interface (RS232): Only three wires (RxD, TxD and Gnd) are used, 

connected as following (RxD, TxD crossed): 

9pol. 

Safety Hints 

PC AWG 

2 

3 

5 

RxD 

TxD 

Gnd 

RxD 

TxD 

2 

3 

5 9pol. 

The serial interface of the AWG is isolated from the AWG signal ground! 

The application of the AWG as agreed by the manufacturer covers the items 

given in the section "Key Specifications". Application of the AWG beyond 

these specifications (especially in connection with hazardous environmental 

conditions) are not permitted. 

Hazardous environmental conditions are: 

- operation in moisture or outdoor areas 

- dust, inflammable or aggressive atmosphere, vapors and solvents 

- significant mechanical vibrations 

- strong electro-magnetic field, e.g., close to electrical drives or 

transformers etc. 

- static electricity (strong electric fields and especially discharges) 

Caution 

• The instruments WG1220, WG1240, WG1440 and WG1475 are 

designed according to safety class I (third wire protective earth ground). 

Before connecting to the facility power outlet, examine extension cords 

etc. between the instrument and the facility power outlet for a continuous 

earth ground path. 

It is not permitted to operate the instrument without protective earth 

ground connection!


• In case of replacement of fuses it has to be guaranteed that the replacement 

components show the specified current/voltage rates and the 

specified interruption characteristic (standard/fast/slow). 

Any bypassing of fuses (shortage) is strictly not allowed! 

• To avoid the risk of injury by electric current it has to be guaranteed that 

any opening of the instrument in case of repair has to be performed with 

disconnected power cord exclusively by qualified service personnel. 

• In case of the possibility of a broken protective earth ground connection 

the instrument immediately has to be taken out of operation; furthermore, 

it has to be guaranteed that a inadvertent re-operation is avoided. This 

also is true for the case that the instrument shows mechanical damages 

or in case that the display remains inactive if the instrument is turned on. 

• Capacitors inside the instrument can show dangerous voltages even if 

the instrument is disconnected from the facility power outlet! 

• The instruments WG810 and WG820 are operated with a wall-outlet 

power supply unit. The arbitrary waveform generator shows a nominal 

input voltage of 12V AC (safety class II). The instrument has to be 

operated exclusively by application of the included power supply device. 

The cabinet of WG810 and WG820 (which are supplied by a wall-outlet 

power supply) is not connected to the protective earth ground. 

Isolated Signal Output 

The instruments feature isolated signal output which is of advantage for many 

applications which require testing signals not referenced to protective earth in 

order to avoid ground loops or to minimize common mode noise. 

The BNC-output terminals of the WGxxx instrument family are not connected 

to the protective earth ground (case). However, the voltage between signal 

ground (BNC terminals) and protective earth ground must not exceed 42V: 

max. voltage between BNC terminals and protective earth ground: 42V 

7

WGxx Arbitrary Waveform Generator Front Panel Operation 

Front Panel Operation 

8 

Waveform-Generator 

42V 

Frequency 

SYNC OUT 

50 OHM 

AM / FM 

+-10V max 

OUTPUT 

button 1 button 2 button 3 

50 OHM 

The instrument is designed to be operated easily and comfortable using the 

front panel elements (push-buttons, rotary knob, liquid crystal display). All 

basic operation modes and features are accessible via specific push-buttons. 

The enhanced instrument modes and parameters are accessible via LCD 

menu operation. Instrument options are also grouped to a (second) menu. 

If the Frequency push-button is single-pressed, the first line of the LCD shows 

the actual frequency. The second LCD line indicates either the mode line 

(Fig.1) or the storage line (Fig.2). Display of mode line or storage line can be 

toggled using the Frequency button. 

f = 1 , 2 3 4 k H z 

/ 1 0 m o d e * 1 0 

Fig.1: Display of frequency (mode line) 

The frequency can be changed within the whole range using the rotary knob. If 

the mode line is displayed the frequency can be increased or decreased by a 

factor of 10 using buttons 1 or 3. The button 2 (mode) allows the change of the 

display mode; there, ‘frequency’, ‘period’ or ‘sampling frequency’ (only for 

arbitrary waveforms) are available. 

f = 1 , 2 3 4 k H z 

1 k 2 5 1 0 k 0 5 0 k 0 

Fig.2: Display of frequency (memory line) 

If the memory line is displayed by the LCD, the actual frequency can be set to 

the indicated value by a short push to the corresponding button 1 to 3 

(the instrument features three non-volatile memory cells for frequency values).


Amplitude 

Offset 

The actual frequency value can be saved to a memory cell using a long push 

to buttons 1 to 3 . The corresponding button has to be pushed until a 

long beep appears. (The storage of frequency values is also possible if the 

LCD line 2 displays the mode line!) 

The stored value will be displayed in a shortened way. If, e.g., the value 

1.234kHz has been stored, the display indicates 1k23. Nevertheless, the 

storage cell contains the exact value of 1.234kHz. 

A signal beep will appear if the upper or lower frequency limit of the instrument 

is reached; in this case the frequency is set to the corresponding limit value. 

The peak-to-peak value of the actual signal will be displayed in the first line of 

the LCD if the Amplitude button is pressed. The second line of the LCD shows 

(similar to the case of frequency adjustment) three amplitude storage values 

(cf. Fig.1). 

U a = 1 0 , 2 5 V p p 

1 , 2 0 5 , 0 0 1 0 , 0 

Fig.3: Display of signal amplitude (peak-to-peak) 

Again, the actual value can be set to a memory value by a short press to 

buttons 1 to 3 ; if the buttons are pressed for a longer period the 

actual amplitude will be stored to the corresponding memory cell. 

The amplitude value is limited to the range specified in the technical data 

section. If, e.g., the signal offset value is adjusted to Voffs=2V, a output voltage 

range of Va= Vmax − 2V can be achieved. A warning beep will be provided if this 

limit is reached. 

Remark: Due to the output impedance (internal impedance) of the 

instrument (50 Ω) the voltage across the load is only 50% 

of the selected amplitude for a 50 Ω load impedance (i.e., 

the amplitude value described above specifies the 

no-load output voltage)! 

The actual offset value will be displayed in the first line of the LCD by pushing 

the Offset button. Similar to the frequency adjustment also here the second 

line acts as mode line (Fig.4) or indicates the content of the three available 

memory cells (Fig.5). 

U o f f s = - 2 , 3 5 V 

Fig.4: Display of offset (mode line) 

( ) 

U o f f s = - 2 , 3 5 V 

- 3 , 2 0 + 2 , 3 

Fig.5: Display of offset (memory line) 

9


10 

The application of the offset memory cells can be performed in the same way 

as has been already described for frequency adjustment. If the mode line is 

displayed one of the three operating modes ‘uni-polar positive’ ( ), ‘uni-polar 

negative’ ( ) or ‘bipolar’ ( ) can be selected. For the uni-polar modes 

amplitude and offset are automatically limited in that way that the output signal 

of the instrument is either exclusively positive or negative, respectively. In case 

of bipolar operation mode both output signal polarities are permitted (cf. Fig.6). 

The actual polarity mode is indicated by parentheses ( ). 

Vpp 

0V 

Output Attenuator 

Voffs 

0V 

Vpp 

0V 

Vpp 

Voffs 

Voffs 

Fig.6 : Offset modes; ‘ uni-polar positive’ (top left) 

‘ uni-polar negative’ (top right) 

‘ bipolar’ (bottom) 

If the Output button is pressed the actual attenuation value is displayed 

(Fig.7); in case 'Lowpass-Filter' is indicated, the Output button has to be 

pressed again. 

O u t p u t 

( 0 d B ) - 2 0 d B O F F 

Fig.7: Display of output attenuation 

If −20dB is selected, all indicated voltage values (amplitude, offset) are 

accordingly divided by the factor 10. 

Selectable Low-Pass Filter 

If the Output button is pressed a second time the status of the selectable lowpass 

filter is indicated (Fig.8). If (ON) is selected, a low-pass with a cut-off 

frequency of ≈10MHz (WG810: ≈500kHz) is inserted into the signal path 

(possible only for arbitrary signals). 

L o w p a s s - F i l t e r 

( O N ) O F F 

Fig.8: Low-pass filter selection


Menu 

Morphing 

Waveform 

Modulation 

A short-press of the Menu button allows the selection of a specific operating 

menu as given below. 

A long-press (≈2 sec.) to the Menu button selects the setup menu of the 

instrument (see page 13). 

This menu (Fig.9) is displayed only for Morphing wave shapes. Morphing wave 

shapes allow a cross-fading between two arbitrary wave shapes using 128 

intermediate steps. There, the calculation of the cross-fading (i.e., the 128 

intermediate wave shapes) is performed by the PC operating software. Once 

downloaded to the instrument, the intermediate wave shape 0...127 can either 

be selected manual using the rotary knob (man) or by the external signal fed 

to the AM/FM input (ext) (operating range: [−5V...+5V] ). It has to be pointed 

out, that the transition between the individual wave shapes is perfectly smooth 

and does not show any drop-outs. 

M o r p h i n g 

( m a n ) e x t a u t o 

Fig.9: Morphing menu 

Here the second line of the display can be shifted using the rotary knob (see 

Fig.10). Then the viewable wave shapes can be selected by pressing the 

buttons 1 to 3 . 

W a v e f o r M 

S i n T r i R e c ( A R b 1 ) A r b 2 A r b 3 ... 

Fig.10: Waveform menu 

The wave shapes Sinusoidal (Sin), Triangular (Tri), Square-Wave (Rec) are 

generated using analog techniques. Contrary, the (Arb1) to (Arb8) represent 

the memory cells for arbitrary signal mode of the instrument. 

Further, also the operation mode ‘DC’ can be selected using this menu. In this 

special “wave shape” mode a DC output voltage is generated by the 

instrument (within the general amplitude limits) which can be adjusted using 

the Offset button. All parameters which are meaningless for this mode (e.g., 

frequency adjustment etc.) are locked. 

This menu allows the selection of one of the two possible modulation methods 

(Fig.11). Either no modulation (OFF) or amplitude modulation (AM) or 

frequency modulation (FM) of the output signal can be selected. 

M o d u l a t i O N 

( O F F ) A M F M 

Fig.11: Modulation menu 

11


12 

The amplitude modulation is performed according to the relation: 

AM: Va,ss = VDisplay − Vmod Vmod = [−5V...+5V] 

If AM mode is selected, the amplitude of the instrument is adjusted 

automatically to 5Vss in order to guarantee the maximum operation range of 

the modulation voltage. However, this voltage can be modified using the 

amplitude adjustment. 

For FM mode the output frequency of the instrument can be modified in the 

region [0.5 fDisplay to fDisplay] according to: 

FM: fout = fDisplay ∗ (0.75 − Vmod/5V ∗ 0.25) Vmod = [−5V...+5V] 

Symmetry (Duty Cycle) 

This menu appears only in case of triangle and square wave mode. 

D u t y C y c l e 

1 5 % 5 0 % 8 5 % 

Fig.12: Symmetry menu 

The duty cycle of the output signal can be adjusted using the rotary button. 

Furthermore, again three memory values are available equal as, e.g., for 

frequency adjustment. 

wave 

shape 

Frequency duty cycle region Resolution 

triangular 1Hz ... 400kHz 

1Hz ... 200kHz (WG810) 

1% ... 99% 1% 

square 1Hz ... 399,9kHz 1% ... 99% 1% 

wave 400kHz ... 1,999MHz 

5% ... 95% 

5% 

400kHz ... 999kHz (WG810) 

20% ...80% 

5% 

1MHz . .. 2MHz (WG810) 

20% ...80% 

10% 

2MHz ... 10MHz 25% ... 75% 25% 

Position of Sync-Signal 

This menu appears only in case of arbitrary waveform mode. 

The position of the sync output signal can be adjusted within sample point 1 

and N−1 (N... number of the total sample points of the waveform) using the 

rotary knob (Fig.13, see also section ‘Mode of Sync Signal’ below). 

In addition, again three memory values are available equal as, e.g., for 

frequency adjustment. 

S y n c P o s = 1 2 3 4 

1 2 3 5 0 0 1 2 k 3 

Fig.13: Menu sync position


If the SyncPos value exceeds 9999, a simplified display format (see third 

memory cell of Fig.13) will be applied. 

Mode of Sync-Signal 

Trigger Mode 

With this menu the behavior of the sync signal can be modified. There, the 

modes ‘normal’ (rising edge?), ‘inverted’ (falling edge?) and ‘pulse’ are 

available using buttons 1 to 3 . Pressing button 3 again results in 

a reversion of the pulse polarity. 

( ) 

S y n c M o d e 

Fig.14: Menu sync modes (analog waveform generation) 

If arbitrary waveform generation mode is selected, in addition the position sync 

signal can be modified using the rotary knob. 

S y n c P o s = 1 2 3 4 

( ) 

Fig.15: Menu sync modes (for arbitrary waveform generation) 

This menu allows the selection of continuous (cont), manual (man) or external 

(ext) triggering of the instrument. 

Remark: This menu is not active for WG810 in case of sinusoidal, triangular or 

square-wave mode (i.e., analog waveform generation?). 

T r I g g e r M o d e 

( c o n t ) m a n e x t 

Fig.16: Trigger menu – channel 1 (?) 

For operating mode ‘continuous’ the arbitrary wave shape is restarted 

automatically if the last sampling instant of at full cycle is reached. 

Using trigger mode ‘manual’ (or ‘single-shot’) the instrument generates a 

single arbitrary waveform cycle if button 2 is pressed. 

For mode ‘external’ a single cycle is triggered by a TTL signal fed to the 

AM/FM input. In this case AM/FM modulation is not possible. 

Taste oder 

Drehrad 

AM/FM/Trig In 

Trigger 

cont 

man 

ext 

AM/FM bei externer Triggerung 

nicht möglich 

Fig.17: Schematic diagram of trigger sources 

Clk 

Trigger 

AM/FM 

Generator 

OUT 

Sync 

OUT 50Ω 

Sync OUT 

13


14 

Clock Source 

Remark: All waveform modes (with the exception of triangular mode operation) 

are retriggerable, i.e., a new cycle can also be started if the full cycle has not 

yet been finished. 

In case of triangular mode operation a trigger signal appearing within the cycle 

is latched internally and becomes active immediately after cycle completion. 

This menu appears only in case of arbitrary waveform mode and specifies 

the source of the sample clock, i.e., the signal which transfers the data points 

from the wave shape memory to the D/A-converter of the instrument. 

C l o c k S o u r c e 

( i n t ) s i n g l e e x t 

Fig.18: Clock source menu – channel 1 (?) 

For operating mode ‘int’ the internal NCO (numerically controlled oscillator) 

acts as clock source (see Fig.19). 

In case of mode ‘single’ clock pulses can be provided by pressing button 

2 or using the rotary knob. 

For remote operation of the instrument by a PC additionally a software timer 

can be used as clock source. 

If the clock source mode of the instrument is changed to ‘single’ the output of 

the data points starts at the actual address of the wave shape memory. 

Consequently, the output of the data points in normal (‘int’) mode can be 

paused by switching into 'single' mode and continued if ‘int’ mode is selected 

again. 

A long-press on button 2 ('single') resets the address counter of the wave 

shape memory. Afterwards the output of the wave shape starts at the curve 

cycle. 

If mode ‘ext’ is selected, the TTL ? signal fed into the FREQ IN input acts as 

sample clock source of the instrument. 

FreqIn 

Taste oder 

Drehrad 

AM/FM 

NCO 

1Hz...75MHz 

ext 

int 

single 

Clock Source 

Clk 

Trigger 

AM/FM 

Fig.19: Schematic diagram of sample clock sources 

Generator 

OUT 

Sync 

OUT 50Ω 

Sync OUT


Special Functions 

This menu allows the selection of one of the two special functions ‘Freq Count' 

(frequency measurement of an external signal) or ‘SweepMode' by pressing 

button 1 or 3 . 

F r e q S w e e p 

C o u n t M o d e 

Fig.20: Special function menu 

Measurement of External Frequency 

Sweep Mode 

The frequency of an external signal fed into the FREQ IN input of the 

instrument can be measured in the range [0.1Hz ...10MHz]. There, the 

amplitude of the input signal has to be within the interval [0.2Vpp ... 50Vpp]. 

f = 1 2 3 , 4 k H z 

. T = 8 , 1 0 3 u S 

Fig.21: Frequency measurement of external signal 

In addition, also the period of the actual measurement value is given. 

This function is only available for arbitrary waveform generation. 

The first line of the display indicates the sweep time (resolution 100ms). Within 

this time interval the individual frequency values are updated by a 20ms clock 

(i.e., for 0.1s sweep time five different discreet frequencies between start and 

stop frequency are generated). 

S w e e p : t = 5 , 3 s 

1 0 k 0 2 0 k 0 l o g 

Fig.22: Sweep mode 

The left value displayed in the second LCD line gives the starting frequency, 

the value displayed in the center of the LCD gives the stop frequency of the 

sweep cycle. By pressing button 1 (or 2 , respectively) one of the three 

memory cells of the frequency memory can be selected to define the start 

frequency (or the stop frequency, respectively) of the sweep cycle. It should be 

noted that also a sweep cycle with decreasing frequency ramp can be realized 

if start frequency > stop frequency has been chosen. 

To change the three memory values for start and stop frequency it is required 

to overwrite the memory cells of the frequency adjustment (see section 

Frequency). 

With button 3 the sweep-type can be modified. 

Here the modes linear, logarithmic or exponential are available. 

15


16 

Special Button Modes 

Setup 

Termination of 'Remote' Operation 

In case of connection loss to the PC while the instrument is in remote mode 

operation (operation via front panel is not possible in this mode), the remote 

operation can be cancelled by pressing buttons 1 and OUTPUT 

simultaneously. 

Recall of Default Values & Reset 

If the three buttons MENU , AMPLITUDE and FREQUENCY are pressed 

simultaneously all default values of the instrument (memory cells, actual 

values etc. – but not the calibration values!) are restored. 

Additionally, a new initialization cycle will be performed. 

The Setup menu will be activated by a “long press” (≈2 sec.) to the 

Menu button. 

Calibration 

S E T U P 

C a l i b r t e S o u n d 

Fig.23: Setup menu 

See section "Calibration of the Instrument", page 18. 

Sound Effects 

The following sound effects are implemented to the instrument: 

Short beep, “clicking” of rotary knob, long beep (if a value is written to a 

memory cell), long deep beep (if a parameter limit is reached). 

These signals should make the operation of the instrument more comfortable. 

However, in some cases these signals also may bother the operator, 

especially if the instrument is used intensively. Consequently, the sound 

effects can be turned-off (exception: button clicking). 

S o u n d E f f e c t s 

( O N ) O F F 

Fig.24: Sound menu


Menu Structure 

For the sake of clarity the menu structure of the instrument is given: 

Morphing 

Modulation 

DutyCycle Sin SyncPosition 

SyncMode 

Trigger 

Menu 

Menu 

Menu 

Special Functions 

Menu 

Mor_ 

Selection of 

Morphing - Trace 

Tri,Rec Arb1 ... Arb7 

Sinusoidal, Triangle, 

Square-Wave for WG810 

Menu 

Arb1..Arb7 

Sin,Tri,Rec 

Menu 

Sin,Tri,Rec 

Waveform 

Menu 

ClockSource 

Fig.25: Menu structure of the instrument – channel 1 (?) 

Menu 

Arb1..Arb7 

Menu 

17


18 

SETUP Menu 

Calibration 

Fig.26: Setup menu 

S E T U P 

Menu long press 

1 3 

Calibration of the Instrument 

Sound On/Off 

The instrument has been carefully calibrated prior to shipping. However, 

several circumstances (aging, temperature variations etc.) may cause 

differences of the parameters to their reference values. 

In order to compensate these effects the instrument may be calibrated by the 

user. Furthermore, this feature also allows the calibration of the instrument to 

external reference sources. 

Calibration Menu 

The Setup menu (which can be activated by a “long press” of button MENU ) 

gives access to the Calibration menu (item 'Calibrate'): 

L o a d D e f a u l t s ? 

Y E S E X I T N O 

Fig.27: Entry to the calibration menu 

Prior to the calibration process the instrument asks if the default calibration 

values shall be used. 

‘YES’: The calibration values for shipping state of the instrument are used 

(all values of a former user calibration will be lost!) 

‘NO’: The actual calibration values are used (essential for partial calibration)


C a l i b r a t i o n 

O f f s A m p E X I T 

Fig.28: Calibration menu 

Offs => Calibration of offset values 

Amp => Calibration of amplitude values 

C a l i b r a t e O f f s e t C a l i b . A m p l i t u d e 

m i n m a x f r e e m i n m a x f r e e 

Fig.29: Calibration menu for offset values and for amplitude values 

Using this sub menu the calibration setup points ‘min’, ‘max’ and ‘free’ can be 

selected. With items ‘min’ / ‘max’ the minimal / maximal adjustable offset and 

amplitude value can be calibrated. 

The following procedure is recommended: 

- connect a voltage meter to the output connector OUTPUT of the instrument 

- select the operating point to be calibrated ('min' or 'max' for offset or 

amplitude calibration menu) 

- adjust the value of the voltage meter to the exact value displayed by the 

instrument (e.g., +5V for calibration of the max. offset) using the rotary 

knob 

- press button 2 (ENTER) 

Now the new calibration value gets permanent. 

Use the same procedure for calibration of min. offset and for max. and min. 

amplitude. 

Furthermore, parameter ‘free’ gives an additional set-point of the calibration 

curve: 

actual value 

Fig.30: Calibration curve for offset- and amplitude calibration 

reference 

value 

19


20 

The calibration of the set-points ‘max’ and ‘min’ is performed for fixed 

reference values (+/- 10V for offset, 0.1V and 10V for amplitude calibration). 

For set-point 'free' reference value as well as actual value can be adjusted. 

With this an arbitrary set-point between ‘min’ and ‘max’ can be calibrated. A 

linear approximation is used between the calibration set-points. 

By default, the reference value for set-point ‘free’ is adjusted to 0V for offset 

calibration and 5V for amplitude calibration. 

Procedure recommended for the adjustment of set-point 'free': 

- connect a voltage meter to the output connector OUTPUT of the instrument 

- select ‘free’ using offset- or amplitude- calibration menu 

- adjust reference value using button 1 () 

- adjust the value of the voltage meter to the exact value displayed by the 

instrument (e.g., +5V for calibration of the max. offset) using the rotary 

knob 

- press button 2 (ENTER) 

Cancellation of Calibration Procedure 

If a modified calibration value should not become permanent or if the whole 

calibration process should be cancelled please leave the active calibration 

menu by pressing button MENU . 

Termination of the Calibration Procedure (using the new values) 

To use the new calibration values press EXIT within the calibration menu.


Calibration Menu (Overview) 

cal. to –10.00V 

ENTER 

from main Prog 

menu 

Calibrate Offset 

min max free 

cal. to +10.00V 

ENTER 

cal. to= 0.000V 

> 

Load Defaults? 

YES EXIT NO 

Calibration 

Offs Amp EXIT 

calib. to 0.100V 

ENTER 

Fig.31: Menu structure offset- and amplitude calibration 

menu 

to main Prog 

menu 

Calib. Amplitude 

min max free 


ENTER 

to main Prog 


> 

21

WGxx Arbitrary Waveform Generator Software SPro 

Software SPro (optional) 

The optional available software package SPro gives a very comfortable way for designing 

arbitrary waveforms and loading them into the instrument via the serial interface. The following 

overview refers to Version 2.5 (Nov. 1999). 

Please contact our Homepage www.mrsys.at for Update-Information. 

22 

System Requirements 

- IBM-compatible PC (>386 with >4MByte RAM recommended) 

- Windows 3.1 or higher 

- serial interface (RS232) for connecting the instrument 

Software Installation 

- WIN3.1: with Windows program manager use menu File and select 

command run 

- WIN95/98: use the START button and select command run 

- specify a:setup (or b:setup, if the installation disk is in floppy drive b: ) 

- now the installation program is loaded 

- all further steps are performed automatically, please follow the directives 

of the installation program. 

During installation the installation folder of SPro has to be specified 

(default value: C:\SPRO). 

SPro occupies approximately 700 kByte on our hard disk (Version 2.5). 

After successful installation the start list of W95/98 (or the program manager 

for W3.1) includes a new program group named "M&R Systems - SPro". With 

a double-click to the SPro-Icon, the software package starts. 

User Interface – Overview 

If SPro operates in View-Mode (see Fig.32) the signal traces are displayed in 

separate Windows as they will appear at the output of the instrument 

WYSIWYG). All waveform parameters (amplitude, offset, frequency and the 

position of sync-out) are immediately transferred to the instrument if the 

instrument is switched to 'Online' mode. 

For modifications of the wave shape the software has to be switched to the 

Design-Mode. This can be performed via menu item ‘Signalform-bearbeiten’, 

or by clicking to the ‘Bearbeiten ?’-Tool of the tool box. 

The Design-Mode (see Fig.33) displays the total memory region which is 

available for storing the waveform. Now the waveshapes can be designed by 

combining graphical objects (dot, line, polygon and mathematical expressions) 

similar to the application of a CAD program.

WGxx Arbitrary Waveform Generator Software SPro 

Menüzeile 

Sync Out anzeigen 

Einstellfenster für Amplitude, Offset, Frequenz Digitalausgänge anzeigen 

X, Y- Achse 

Maßstab 

Signaldatei 

speichern/öffnen 

vordefinierte 

Signalformen 

Ausgangsspannungsbegrenzung 

Umschalten in den 

Bearbeitenmodus 

Betriebsart einstellen 

HOLD- Taste 

Kurvenfenster (bis zu 4 gleichzeitig darstellbar) 

Werkzeugfenster Statuszeile Anzeige der mit der Datenpunktanzahl 

möglichen minimalen und maximalen Frequenz 

Fig.32: SPro View-Mode (Version 2.5, Nov. 1999) 

Menüzeile 

Werkzeugfenster 

Anzeige der Mauszeiger- Koordinaten, 

bzw. der Eckpunkte eines Objektes beim Verschieben 

z.B.: Funktions- Objekt 

Datenpunkte 

in Y- Richtung 

Zurückkehren zum 

Darstellungsmodus 

Statuszeile 

Datenpunkte 

in X- Richtung 

SG101 Online/Offline 

aktuelle Schnittstelle 

Anzeige der momentan 

selektierten Objekte 

"Griffe" zum Stecken und Stauchen 

des selektierten Objekts mit der Maus 

Ändern der 

Datenpunktanzahl 

Fig.33: SPro Design-Mode (Version 2.5, Nov. 1999) 

23

WGxx Arbitrary Waveform Generator Specifications 

Specifications 

24 

Signal Specifications: 

Symmetry (DutyCycle): 

Triangular: 

Square-Wave: 

Signal Depth: 

Amplitude Resolution: 

Frequency Range (Sinusoidal ) 

Sync. Output 

Level: 

Impedance: 

Rise-/Fall-Time: 

Modes: normal 

invert 

positive pulse 

negative pulse 

Frequency Specifications: 

Waveform: Sinusoidal 

Triangular 

Square Wave 

Arbitrary 

Sample Rate: 

Resolution: 

Accurracy: 

Response Time: 

Jitter ( 1 MHz): 

Display: 

Output Specifications: 

Amplitude: 

Resolution: 

Accuracy: 

Output Impedance: 


Offset: 

Resolution: 

Accuracy: 


Attenuator: 

Filter: 

Isolation: 

Modulation Characteristics: 

Type: 

Input Voltage: 

Input Impedance: 

WG810 

Standard Signals: 

Sinusoidal, Square-Wave, 

Triangular, DC, Noise 

1% ... 99% 

1% ... 99% tr/tf:

WGxx Arbitrary Waveform Generator Specifications 

Frequency Sweep internal: 

Type: 

Direction: 

Start Frequency: 

Stop Frequency: 

Sweep Time: 

Update Rate: 

Triggering: 

Type: 

Trigger Level: 

Frequency Measurement 

Characteristic: 

Range: 

Display: 

Resolution: 

Accuracy: 

Measuring Time: 

Input Voltage: 

Input Impedance: 

WG810 

Standard Signals: 

Sinusoidal, Square-Wave, 

Triangular, DC, Noise 

Arbitrary Mode 

7 arbitrary waveforms 

linear, logarithmic, exponential 

increasing frequency, decreasing frequency 

61µHz ... 2.5 MHz 

61µHz ... 2.5 MHz 

100ms to 999.9s with 100ms steps 

20ms 

Continuous continuous, 

one Shot (via button), 

external (via modulation input) 

TTL falling edge 

2Hz to 10MHz (7 decades, auto ranging) 

frequency and period simultaneously! 

4 digits in 7 decades 

< 0.1% of final value of range 

min. 100ms , max. 1.5 cycles 

2Vpp to 50Vpp 

1 kΩ 

System Characteristics: 

Frequency Memory: 3 + actual value 

Amplitude Memory: 3 + actual value 

Offset Memory: 3 + actual value 

Waveforms: 5 standard signals 7 traces w. 16384 points each 

Sync. Position Memory: 3 + actual value 

Duty Cycle Memory: 3 + actual value 

Interface RS232 / 56kBaud 

PC loading time:

Arbitrary Waveform Generator - Produktinfo.conrad.com

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?