Latest Update Jan 05 2009

We are currently working on a new prorgammable frequency generator, the F175.

The F175 is a 20 MHZ arbitrary waveform generator. It can produce sine, square, saw, white noise as well as any user defined waveform.  Here are the most up to date specifications:

• 20 MHZ max analog bandwidth
• 100 MHZ sampling rate
• 14 bits per sample DAC
• 266752 samples memory (256 K * 16 bit words)
• Max DC amplitude 13 Vpp
• Max AC amplitude 26 Vpp
• Output low pass filter: 35 MHZ
• Standalone operation
• Ethernet interface for connection to PC/Mac/Linux and operation via F100 software
• Runs Linux internally
• SDCard flash storage, up to 4GB
• Fully programmable either from a PC/Mac/Linux

Update Jan 5 2009

In the past month, we have been testing various user input/output devices and digital communication links that can operate in very noisy RF environments such as plasma generated fields. We have completely ruled out USB. We have also ruled out IR (infra red) remote controls.  The most reliable digital communication link we have tested is wired Ethernet. It has many advantages:

• Completely immune to RF noise from plasma tubes
• Cheap and easy to find hardware
• Can be run over long distances. (we tested a 50ft link operating next to a 300W plasma tube)
• Electrical isolation

So it looks like we will be using Ethernet patch cables to link all components of the modular F175 system (AWG module, Central microncontroller module, keypad/LCD module). Ethernet will also be the link we will use to connect the F175 to the user's computer (PC/Mac/Linux)

We expect to have production boards available in the first quarter of  2009.

Patrick Robin