Bandwidth and bits: new AWG design achieves both

This paper describes the architecture and application of a new modular, dual channel arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) capable of generating a 1 GHz IQ modulation bandwidth. Each channel supports a signal fidelity of over 65 dB of spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR). The key technology consists of two Agilent-developed digital-to-analog converters (DAC) operating at 1-25 gigasamples per second (GSa/s) clock frequency and 15 bits of vertical resolution. The new design supports advanced waveform sequencing and triggering for event-based pulse building. This new level of performance gives designers the ability to generate not only wide-bandwidth pulse compression radar signals, but also to add interfering radar and EW signals into the signal scenario. When combined wide-bandwidth IQ and pulse modulators, real-world signatures can be realized at microwave frequencies.