Waveform Generators
Introduction
1
Introduction
This Getting Started Manual provides an overall description of the Model 396 Arbitrary
Waveform Generator, the Model 397 Waveform Generator, and the applicable Safety
Information. It also contains descriptions of the various options available for each Model.
The descriptions throughout this manual apply to both Models 396 and 397 unless
specifically noted in the description as 396 or 397. Otherwise the descriptions refer to
both products collectively as the Instrument.
Description
The 396 is a single-channel Arbitrary Waveform Generator, and the 397 is a dual-channel
Waveform Generator. Both are high performance waveform generators that combine
many functions and features in one small but powerful package. The ArbExplorer
software supplied with the Generator is used for controlling the Instrument and
generating, editing and downloading waveforms from a remote computer. The following
highlights the Instrument and the ArbExplorer features.
Feature Highlights
• 397 - Dual output configuration with independent waveform control
• 397 - Tight phase offset control between channels (1 point resolution)
• 14-bit vertical resolution
• Nearly 19-bit offset resolution
• 396 - 1 Meg memory depth
• 397 - 4 Meg memory depth for each channel
• Ultra fast waveform downloads using DMA
• 125 MS/s sample clock frequency
• 396 -100 MHz REAR-PANEL sinewave output
• 397 - 125 MHz REAR-PANEL sinewave output
• 1 ppm clock stability
• Extremely low phase noise carrier
• External amplitude modulation
• Frequency agility: FSK, ramped FSK, sweep, FM
• Trigger start phase control and breakpoints
• Built-in standard waveforms
• 396 - Sequence generator
• 397 – Separate sequence generators for each channel
• Multiple instrument synchronization with tight phase control
• 396 - GPIB and RS232 Interfaces
• 397 - GPIB, USB, and Ethernet Interfaces