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WL-FlexDDS-NG: Flexible Multi-Channel Phase-Continuous 1 GS/s 400 MHz Agile RF Source

Manual Rev. 3.3 (07/2020) (2669 kB PDF)

Description

FlexDDS-NG is a multi-channel phase continuous direct digital signal synthesizer. Based on the successful design of the FlexDDS multi-channel RF source developed for the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics, FlexDDS-NG is the next generation waveform generator which deliberately targets the needs of experimental physicists.

Firmware and Drivers Date: 2020-07-03 (8329 kB ZIP)

LabView Drivers Date: 2017-05-30 (195 kB ZIP)

The FlexDDS-NG mainframe integrates a powerful dual-core 900 MHz ARM computer with 1 GByte of RAM running embedded Linux. More than 500 MBytes of instructions for the waveform generator slots can be stored inside the rack acting like a giant FIFO storage. For more demaning applications or to free up the load from lab control computers, you can run your own programs on the FlexDDS-NG's integrated computer. In contrast to the legacy FlexDDS, the FlexDDS-NG features a high speed GBit Ethernet interface (instead of USB) which eliminates all operating system driver hassle and allows to control the FlexDDS-NG from any computer anywhere -- or even to control multiple channels from different computers.

Up to 6 independent but fully synchronized RF generator slots can be inserted into the FlexDDS-NG mainframe. This enables up to 12 RF output channels when fully equiped with FlexDDS-NG-1GS RF generator slots. From a network perspective, each of the slots corresponds to its own network port, so they can be controlled both independently or simultaneously. Each slot has its own digital trigger and synchronization I/Os. In addition, the mainframe provides global trigger inputs allowing to synchronize multiple slots.

Features:

• Multi-channel Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) platform:
  Up to 12 independent but synchronized output channels when equiped with 6 FlexDDS-NG-1GS generator slots.
• Fast real-time control of all signal parameters.
  Execution of complex sequences with deterministic timing.
• Versatile signal generation: See slot descrition below.
  
• Excellent signal quality (low phase noise, spurs, harmonics).
• Integrated computer with dual-core 900 MHz ARM processor running Linux:
  More than 500 MBytes of command storage in the rack.
  Endless possibilities: You can run your own programs on it.
• GBit Ethernet interface:
  High speed real-time command streaming over the network.
  Removes length restriction of USB cables and no need for operating system drivers.
• External 10 MHz reference clock input and output.

Components:

• FlexDDS-NG-Rack: Mainframe rack which integrates the GBit Ethernet computer interface and power supply.
  The rack can hold up to 6 independent RF generator slots.
• FlexDDS-NG-1GS: Dual-channel 1 GS/s 400 MHz RF generator slot.

Features of Each FlexDDS-NG-1GS RF Generator Slot:

FlexDDS-NG-1GS: Dual-channel 1 GS/s RF generator slot.

• Direct digital synthesis (DDS) at 1 GS/s and 14 bit resolution:
  Precisely repeatable signal generation with a frequency range from 0.3 to 400 MHz (resolution 0.23 Hz).
• One DDS Command Processor (DCP) per channel with 8 ns timing resolution and separate instruction cache (4096 entries)
  Fast real-time control of all signal parameters.
  Execution of complex sequences with deterministic timing.
• Versatile signal generation:
  Phase-continuous linear frequency/amplitude sweeps with external hold and direction inputs,
  phase ramps, fast profile switching, RAM playback, separate amplitude sweep generator, delay/timing generator.
• Two independent high speed analog modulation inputs:
  Amplitude, phase, frequency or polar modulation from analog signal sources with up to 20 MHz bandwidth.
  Slope and intercept of the transfer function can be digitally set.
• Excellent signal quality (low phase noise, spurs, harmonics) with an RF output level up to +10 dBm (2 Vpp) into 50 Ohm e.g. to drive mixers directly.
  Phase noise of -100 MdBc/Hz at 3 kHz offset from a 200 MHz carrier.
• Fast output on/off functionality; no signal leakage in off state.
• Three real-time digital IOs for external triggering and other functions.
• These slots are also available as a standalone dual-channel generator: See FlexDDS-NG DUAL.

If you are unsure whether FlexDDS-NG is suitable for your application, feel free to contact us.

Examples: