PCI-311 PC Instruments Single-Channel Arbitrary Waveform Generator

The PCI-311 and PCI-312 Arbitrary Waveform Generators occupy one PC expansion slot and combine the performance of stand-alone generators with the convenience of the personal computer. Besides the features listed above, the PCI-311 and PCI-312 also provide 0.01% frequency accuracy, five selectable output filters, independent gain and offset controls, and nine built-in waveforms. The single channel PCI-311 and the dual channel PCI-312 are both capable of 10 MHz sine waves and pulses with 20 ns widths and 12 ns risetimes. The waveform memory can be divided into segments, with each segment having a different length and a different waveform. Test engineers can link segments together in any order, and each segment can be repeated up to 32768 times. This extensive memory control makes it possible to create complex waveforms such as video test patterns, simulations of disk drive data, and encoded communication signals. Waveforms can be created with BenchCom software, imported from spreadsheets or math programs, or waveforms can be transferred from one of PC Instruments scope cards. Waveforms can also be modified with a mouse using BenchCom.

BenchCom software is included with every arbitrary waveform generator and provides test engineers and systems integrators the tools necessary to integrate the PCI-311 and PCI-312 generators into their test environment. Included in the BenchCom bundle are programmer's libraries for C and C++, 16-Bit and 32-Bit DLLs for Windows applications, the BenchTop Lite graphical user interface, printer/plotter and data file translation utilities, programming support for Basic and Pascal, and support for third party applications. Contact the factory for the latest additions to the BenchCom software bundle.

Test, production, and manufacturing engineers will find that the performance and convenience of the PCI-311 and PCI-312 will be a valuable asset to their ATE systems. And researchers and component test engineers will benefit from the flexibility and extensive waveform control. When these PC-based instruments are compared to stand-alone waveform generators, the PC Instruments generators cost less, take up less bench or rack space, and do not require an IEEE-488 interface board, cable, or software.