Building an automated test system using modular signal sources and digitizers

Basic methods and practical advice concerning the use of modular arbitrary waveform generators (AWGs) and digitizers is given in this article. Emphasis is on the use of modular instruments conforming to the PXI standard, though some contrast is also made to a related standard, compactPCI. Of note is the capability of new modular AWG's to create very precise stimulus signals using 14 bit vertical resolution combined with 10 digit sample clock frequency resolution and the ability for high speed digitizers to capture signals up to 500 MHz bandwidth using 50 GS/s equivalent time sampling for repetitive test signals.