Free Running Mode -

In Free Running mode, the AWG module will output a continuous waveform without pause. All that are needed to be connected to the module to operate standalone are the power supply, the input clock at CKIP, and the outputs OUTP and OUTN. You can connect the outputs to an oscilloscope and spectrum analyzer to view the output waveforms. You can use your computer to choose the waveform or make other parameter changes in free running mode.

Free Running Mode Operation Example:

» Power up the AWG module by turning on the power supplies. Remember that you should install them in the right order as specified in the Hardware Setup page. Connect the clock source, set to 1.0 GHz frequency and 3dBm power, to CKIP on the AWG module. Soon after the module powers up, you should see the pre-stored waveform displayed in the oscilloscope with the corresponding spectrum in the analyzer. The standalone waveform can be customized upon request.


» Open the AWG application. You should have already set up the software and drivers and have connected the module to a USB port on the computer. Upon loading the AWG application, the module will stop producing the pre-stored waveform.


» Adjust the clock in the "Module Parameters" panel. For our example, we have set the clock to 1.0 GHz since our clock input is at 1.0 GHz.

Adjusting Clock


» Click on the "Configuration & Status" tab to go to that panel. Make sure that the configuration is Endless Loop.

In Loop Configuration


» Click on the "Waveform" tab to go to that panel. Click on the drop-down box and click on the "1/128 Sine (sine_div.wfa)" waveform.

Drop Down Box


» The waveform, a Sine wave at 1/128ths of the clock frequency, should load, and you should already be able to see the output in the oscilloscope and the spectrum analyzer. Right-click the mouse and select "Refresh" if necessary to refresh the waveform.

Note that DIV B is "80," which is the hexadecimal representation for decimal 128.

 


» We are going to change the waveform to a Sine wave at 1/32nds of the clock frequency.

» Change DIV B to "20", which is the hexadecimal equivalent of decimal 32.

» Now click on Download Waveform.

Download Waveform

» The outputs on the oscilloscope and analyzer will change. In the oscilloscope, you will see that the Sine wave frequency has increased by 4 times. In the spectrum analyzer, the frequency should have shifted to 4 times the previous frequency.


» If you go to the "Configuration & Status" panel and click on Update Status, the application will show that it is in the "In Loop" state. This is correct since the board only produces output waveforms in the "In Loop" state as discussed on the Internal States page.

In Loop State