800 Ms/s arbitrary function generator

The authors describe an 800-Ms/s arbitrary waveform generator using an 8-bit gallium arsenide DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and a multiplexing scheme to allow waveform memory to be stored in relatively low-speed memory. This arbitrary function generator, capable of running from very low clock rates up to 800 Ms/s, has been developed with sufficient timing and noise margins to allow repeatable unit-to-unit production and long operational life. Critical timing details that allow operation at such a high speed are presented. Methods of loading signals and noise memory are touched upon