CPU Controlled / Computer Programmable Signal Generators
Description
CPU Controlled or Computer Programmable Signal Generators are sophisticated devices designed to produce electrical signals with precise frequency, amplitude, and waveform characteristics. These generators are equipped with a central processing unit (CPU) or microcontroller that allows for programmability and control, enabling users to generate a wide range of signal types and configurations. They are often used in environments where precise signal generation is critical, such as in testing and calibration of electronic components and systems.
Working Principle
The working principle of CPU Controlled Signal Generators involves the use of a microprocessor or microcontroller to manage and control the generation of signals. These devices utilize synthesis and solid-state oscillator technologies to produce signals with high accuracy and stability. The programmability feature allows users to define signal parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and waveform shape, which can be adjusted in real-time based on the requirements of the test or application. This flexibility makes them highly useful in various testing and measurement scenarios, as they can simulate a wide range of conditions and signal types.
Applications
CPU Controlled Signal Generators are used in a variety of applications, including:
- Communication Systems Testing: They are employed to test the performance of communication systems by generating signals that mimic real-world conditions.
- Radar and Navigational Systems: These generators are used to simulate signals for testing radar and navigational equipment.
- Electronic Warfare and Surveillance: In these fields, signal generators help in testing and calibrating equipment by providing precise and controlled signal outputs.
- Component and Subsystem Testing: They are essential in the testing of electronic components and subsystems, ensuring they meet required specifications.
Advantages over other Signal Generators
One of the primary advantages of CPU Controlled Signal Generators is their programmability, which allows for greater flexibility and precision in signal generation compared to traditional signal generators. They can produce a wide range of waveforms and signal types, making them suitable for complex testing scenarios. Additionally, their ability to be controlled via a computer interface enables automation and integration into larger test systems, enhancing efficiency and reducing the potential for human error.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, CPU Controlled Signal Generators have some limitations. They can be more expensive than traditional signal generators due to their advanced features and capabilities. Additionally, their complexity may require more specialized knowledge to operate effectively, which can be a barrier for some users.
Considerations
When considering the use of CPU Controlled Signal Generators, several factors should be taken into account:
- Initial Costs: These devices can have a higher upfront cost compared to simpler signal generators, so budget considerations are important.
- Operating Expense: The cost of operation may include software updates and potential licensing fees for advanced features.
- Durability and Maintenance: Regular maintenance and calibration may be required to ensure accuracy and reliability, which can add to the overall cost of ownership.
- Accuracy: These generators offer high precision, which is crucial for applications requiring exact signal reproduction.
- Replacement and Maintenance Costs: Consideration should be given to the long-term costs associated with maintaining and potentially replacing these devices as technology evolves.
from Electro Optical Components, Inc.
SDS high voltage pulse generators are based upon the use of field-effect transistor technology. They have the remarkable feature of being inserted into lightweight and reduced obstruction cases. GIPO generators can produce pulses that can reach 5.5kV with a rise time of a few nanoseconds, generally... [See More]
- User Interface: Manual Controls; CPU Controlled; Front Panel
- Generator Type: Pulse
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable
from CIQTEK Co., Ltd
CIQTEK TDC1610 is a compact high-precision time measurement instrument with 16 acquisition channels, 8ps time resolution, and support for time tag mode, which can record the time information of the acquired signal in real time. It adopts an easy-to-operate graphical interface and provides C++,... [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled
- Generator Type: Signal
- Device Type: Other Device Type; Converter
- Form Factor: Fixed
from Vaunix Technology Corporation
The LMS-232D Lab Brick USB programmable signal generator is an affordable, hand held, lab quality signal generator. This unit offers a 100 Hz frequency step size, configurable linear frequency sweeping and 0.5 dB power control steps. The signal generator is powered and controlled by USB connection... [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled
- Generator Type: Pulse (optional feature); Sweep
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
SDRlab 122-16 External clock is based on the SDRlab 122-16 model that is modified to be used with an external clock oscillator, which is important especially for RF applications that operate at other frequencies, require better quality clock or clock synchronization. [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled; Hand-held Programmer; Web
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Noise; Pulse; Sweep; Multiple Outputs; Synchronized Multiple Outputs; Signal
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable; PCB
from Teledyne LeCroy
ArbStudio waveform generators meet the needs of today ’s engineers and technicians with uncompromised performance, a wide variety of signal types, modulation schemes and generation modes all controlled through an intuitive, easy to use software interface. Unmatched Performance. ArbStudio... [See More]
- User Interface: None; CPU Controlled
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Triangle/Bump, Arbitrary
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable
from Vaunix Technology Corporation
The LMS-271D Lab Brick USB programmable signal generator is a low-cost, hand held, lab quality signal generator. This unit offers a 100 Hz frequency step size, configurable linear frequency sweeping and 0.5 dB power control steps. The signal generator is powered and controlled by USB connection to a... [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled
- Generator Type: Pulse (optional feature); Sweep
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
SDRlab 122-16 was developed specifically for software-defined radio and more demanding RF applications. [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled; Hand-held Programmer; Web
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Noise; Pulse; Sweep; Multiple Outputs; Synchronized Multiple Outputs; Signal
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable; PCB
from Teledyne LeCroy
With 5 basic signal types, and over 40 built-in arbitrary waveforms the WaveStation is a versatile waveform generator. A variety of modulation schemes, intuitive waveform editing software and remote control capabilities, enable versatile waveform generation of waveforms up to 160 MHz. The large... [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled; Front Panel
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Pulse; Triangle/Bump, Arbitrary
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable; Fixed (optional feature)
from Vaunix Technology Corporation
The LMS-322D Lab Brick USB programmable signal generator is a low-cost, portable, lab quality signal generator. It provides a 100 Hz frequency step size, configurable linear frequency sweeping and 0.5 dB power control steps. The unit is powered and controlled by USB connection to a PC or... [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled
- Generator Type: Pulse (optional feature); Sweep
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
SIGNALlab 250-12 is most sophisticated Red Pitaya product, built for more demanding industrial applications and research, where robustness and performance matter more than cost. [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled; Hand-held Programmer; Web
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Noise; Pulse; Sweep; Multiple Outputs; Synchronized Multiple Outputs; Signal
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable; PCB
from Vaunix Technology Corporation
The LMS-402D Lab Brick USB programmable signal generator is an affordable, hand held, lab quality signal generator. This unit offers a 100 Hz frequency step size, configurable linear frequency sweeping and 0.5 dB power control steps. The signal generator is powered and controlled by USB connection... [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled
- Generator Type: Pulse (optional feature); Sweep
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
SIGNALlab 250-12 is most sophisticated Red Pitaya product, built for more demanding industrial applications and research, where robustness and performance matter more than cost. [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled; Hand-held Programmer; Web
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Noise; Pulse; Sweep; Multiple Outputs; Synchronized Multiple Outputs; Signal
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable; PCB
from Vaunix Technology Corporation
The LMS-402D Lab Brick USB programmable signal generator is an affordable, hand held, lab quality signal generator. This unit offers a 100 Hz frequency step size, configurable linear frequency sweeping and 0.5 dB power control steps. The signal generator is powered and controlled by USB connection... [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Sweep
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
STEMlab 125-14 4 Inputs is based on STEMlab 125-14 board, but instead of 2 inputs and 2 output channels offers 4 Input channels that with improved performance. [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled; Hand-held Programmer; Web
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Noise; Pulse; Sweep; Multiple Outputs; Synchronized Multiple Outputs; Signal
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable; PCB
from Vaunix Technology Corporation
The LMS-602D Lab Brick USB programmable signal generator is a low-cost, portable, lab quality signal generator. This unit offers a 100 Hz frequency step size, configurable linear frequency sweeping and 0.5 dB power control steps. The signal generator is powered and controlled by USB connection to a... [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled
- Generator Type: Pulse (optional feature); Sweep
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
STEMlab 125-14 is our most versatile and popular product, which was introduced to the market in 2013 when Red Pitaya was established. Since then it has been used in a wide variety of contexts, from hobbyists and ham radio operators to industry, research, and space applications. [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled; Hand-held Programmer; Web
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Noise; Pulse; Sweep; Multiple Outputs; Synchronized Multiple Outputs; Signal
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable; PCB
from Vaunix Technology Corporation
The LMS-203 Lab Brick USB programmable signal generator is a low-cost, hand held, lab quality signal generator. This unit offers a 100 Hz frequency step size, configurable linear frequency sweeping and 0.5 dB power control steps. The signal generator is powered and controlled by USB connection to a... [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled
- Generator Type: Pulse (optional feature); Sweep
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
STEMlab 125-14 is our most versatile and popular product, which was introduced to the market in 2013 when Red Pitaya was established. Since then it has been used in wide variety of contexts, from hobbyists and ham radio operators to industry, research and space applications. [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled; Hand-held Programmer; Web
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Noise; Pulse; Sweep; Multiple Outputs; Synchronized Multiple Outputs; Signal
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable; PCB
from Vaunix Technology Corporation
The LSG-402 Lab Brick USB programmable signal generator is a low-cost, portable, lab quality signal generator. This unit offers a 100 kHz frequency step size, configurable frequency stepping and 0.5 dB power control. The signal generator is powered and controlled by USB connection to a PC or... [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Sweep
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
STEMlab 125-14 Edu Pack is based on Red Pitaya's best-selling DAQ platform and with the chosen accessories a perfect fit for educational purposes. [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled; Hand-held Programmer; Web
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Noise; Pulse; Sweep; Multiple Outputs; Synchronized Multiple Outputs; Signal
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable; PCB
from Vaunix Technology Corporation
The LSG-602 Lab Brick USB programmable signal generator is a low-cost, energy efficient, lab quality signal generator. This unit offers a 100 kHz frequency step size, configurable frequency stepping and 0.5 dB power control. The signal generator is powered and controlled by USB connection to a PC or... [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Sweep
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
STEMlab 125-14 External clock is based on the STEMlab 125-14 model that is modified to be used with an external clock oscillator, which is important especially for RF applications that operate at other frequencies, require better quality clock or clock synchronization. With this modification, users... [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled; Hand-held Programmer; Web
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Noise; Pulse; Sweep; Multiple Outputs; Synchronized Multiple Outputs; Signal
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable; PCB
from Vaunix Technology Corporation
The LMS-802DX Lab Brick USB programmable signal generator is a low-cost, portable, lab quality signal generator. This unit offers a 100 Hz frequency step size, configurable linear frequency sweeping and selectable internal/external 10 MHz reference. The signal generator is powered and controlled by... [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled
- Generator Type: Sweep
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
Based on the STEMlab 125-14 Starter kit and it comes with individual ISO17025 certificate. [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled; Hand-held Programmer; Web
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Noise; Pulse; Sweep; Multiple Outputs; Synchronized Multiple Outputs; Signal
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable; PCB
from Vaunix Technology Corporation
The LMS-183DX Lab Brick USB programmable signal generator is a low-cost, hand held, lab quality signal generator. This unit offers a 100 Hz frequency step size, configurable linear frequency sweeping and 0.5 dB power control steps. The signal generator is powered and controlled by USB connection to... [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled
- Generator Type: Pulse (optional feature); Sweep
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
STEMlab 125-14 Low Noise Bare OEM is the ultimate solution for customization and adaptability in your electronic project. This board, which comes without the usual connectors, provides unparalleled freedom and versatility to tailor your designs according to your specific needs. [See More]
- User Interface: CPU Controlled; Hand-held Programmer; Web
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Noise; Pulse; Sweep; Multiple Outputs; Synchronized Multiple Outputs; Signal
- Device Type: Generator
- Form Factor: Portable; PCB