The Merlin MVXI1445 (E1445A) is a C-size, 1-slot VXI arbitrary waveform generator delivering flexible signal generation through deep memory architecture and advanced sequencing. It produces complex waveforms from stored segments using Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) for precise frequency control and crystal oscillator clocking that minimizes phase noise and jitter.
Technical Specifications
Waveform Generation
• Segment Memory: 256 kSa supplies the DAC with output values
• Sequence Memory: 32 k-segment capacity defines consecutive segment linking at full speed
• Segments link in any order with repeat counts from 1 to 4,096 per sequence entry
• Sequences repeat 1 to 64k times or continuously
• Direct DAC control via VXI Local Bus or faceplate connector supports long or indeterminate waveforms; Local Bus limited to 7.4 MSa/s typical with external pacing required
Frequency & Clocking
• Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) enables high-resolution frequency setting
• Crystal oscillator with divider circuits provides DAC clocking at 20 MSa/s with minimal jitter
• Frequency hopping programmable with phase-continuous transitions for multi-tone bursts
Output Voltage
• ±5.1 V in 1.25 mV steps into 50 Ω termination
• ±10.2 V in 2.5 mV steps into high impedance
Synchronization
• Programmable marker output places timing pulses at any location within segment memory
• Marker Out BNC connector synchronizes external instruments such as oscilloscopes or functional testers
– Key Features
• Message-based VXI module architecture for flexible test system integration
• Memory sequencer constructs large complex waveforms from smaller segments
• Low phase noise and minimal jitter through crystal-referenced clocking
• SCPI programming support stores up to 128 waveforms
• Programmable marker for precise instrument synchronization
– Typical Applications
Arbitrary waveform generation for analog circuit validation, multi-tone signal synthesis, frequency-hopping test sequences, and coordinated timing with other VXI instruments.
– Compatibility & Integration
VXI Local Bus message-based control. Direct DAC output via Local Bus or faceplate connector. Marker synchronization via BNC output.
