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Signal Generator Fundamentals

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Overview

This tutorial recommends tips and techniques for using signal generators to build the most effective test system possible. In this tutorial, you will learn fundamental information about the underlying theory of signal generators and various methods to optimize the performance of your signal generator.

Each tutorial in this series will teach basic concepts about the architecture, features, or applications of signal generators.  Also, for greater insight into the applications that can be serviced by signal generators, please see: Signal Generator Applications Main Page .


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Fundamentals of Signal Generation Whitepaper Series

 Signal Generator Architecture: Analog Output to Advanced Features

- Types of Signal Generators
- Improving Analog Performance
- Timing and Synchronization

  
Advanced Waveform Sequencing and Triggering on Arbitrary Waveform Generators

- Basis Sequencing Modes
- Dynamic Sequencing with Script Mode
- Markers and Events

 
Introduction to High-Frequency Analog Signals

- Digital to Analog Conversion
- Sample rate Considerations
- Filtering and Interpolation

 
Interpolation and Filtering to Improve Spectral Purity

- Challenges in Generating Analog Signals
- Interpolation through Digital Filtering
- Analog Filter Considerations

 
Understanding Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS)

- Basic Architecture
- Frequency Estimation
- Phase Continuous Sweeping

 
Understanding Dynamic Hardware Specifications

- Passband Flatness
- Spurious-Free Dynamic Range (SFDR)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
- Average Noise Density
- …and many more


Using NI-TClk to Synchronize Signal Generators

- Technology Behind Multi-Instrument Synchronization
- Introduction to Baseband IQ Generation
- MIMO Signal Generation
- Semiconductor Characterization

 
Onboard Signal Processing (OSP) on National Instruments Signal Generators

- Benefits of OSP
- Performance Benchmarks
- Functional Overview of Processing Functions
- FIR Filter Types 

Choose the Right NI Signal Generator For Your Application

 

National Instruments offers four different classifications of signal generators, click on the links below to determine which product line offers the ideal feature set for your application.

Related Links

 

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This tutorial (this "tutorial") was developed by National Instruments ("NI"). Although technical support of this tutorial may be made available by National Instruments, the content in this tutorial may not be completely tested and verified, and NI does not guarantee its quality in any way or that NI will continue to support this content with each new revision of related products and drivers. THIS TUTORIAL IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND AND SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS AS MORE SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH IN NI.COM'S TERMS OF USE (http://ni.com/legal/termsofuse/unitedstates/us/).