Digital waveform generator/analyzers

Automated test engineers now can use National Instruments new 400 and 200 Mb/s digital waveform generator/analyzers to interface to low-voltage differential signalling (LVDS) devices using the PXI platform.

The new modules are ideal for military and aerospace ATE applications, such as surveillance, avionic communications, satellite and intelligence. Engineers also can use the modules to interface to communications subsystems or semiconductor devices such as A/D and D/A converters.

LVDS is rapidly gaining momentum among automated test system developers for its high data rates and low power consumption. Because LVDS is differential, it offers high noise immunity and common mode rejection. The differential nature also permits a small voltage swing while still maintaining high signal integrity.

This low-voltage swing minimizes power dissipation and also provides potential for fast data rates in the hundreds of Mb/s. Using LVDS, engineers can now transfer data at fast rates with low power and across longer distances, which is not possible with other single-ended or differential technologies.