Figure 5 Three-port device flow diagram.

Spectrum Instrumentation has introduced new digitizers with a maximum of 12 channels, offering up to 5 Gigasamples per second (GSPS) sampling speed, or up to six channels at 10 GSPS. The new DN6.33x digitizers are part of Spectrum Instrumentation’s Netbox series, a user-friendly instrument line that requires only an Ethernet cable to be controlled from any PC, laptop or network. A comprehensive software package and several hardware features make them compatible with automated testing applications, capturing signals on multiple synchronized inputs. With 15 new variants, Spectrum now offers a total of 94 different digitizer Netboxes, ranging from 5 MSPS to 10 GSPS acquisition speed.

Each channel of a DN6.33x digitizer is equipped with a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that samples at up to 3.2, 6.4 or 10 GSPS, with an analog bandwidth of 1, 2 and 3 GHz, respectively. Customers can choose from a selection of models offering 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 synchronous channels, with up to six channels available in the 10 GSPS configurations. This flexibility lets users tailor the system to fit specific test setups, without needing to pay for excess channels or bandwidth. If only one or two of these fast channels are required, Spectrum offers the smaller DN2.33x Netbox series.

Spectrum designed the DN6.33x series to meet the needs of research and industrial users seeking a reliable and easy-to-integrate solution. These instruments include everything required to capture, store and analyze high speed electronic signals. Users can connect the digitizer directly to a PC, laptop or company network using a standard Ethernet or LXI connection.

Each input channel on the DN6.33x series features its own ADC and independently programmable front-end electronics. This design maximizes dynamic range and measurement accuracy. Users can set input ranges in four steps from ±200 mV up to ±2.5 V with additional support for signal offset and calibration. Since all ADCs operate synchronously, users benefit from timing alignment across all channels, which is critical for phase-sensitive applications such as array measurements and modulation analysis. The internal system clock provides precision, with an accuracy better than ±1 part per million (ppm). The digitizers are equipped with Giga-samples of on-board memory, allowing long or complex signal captures to be stored at high resolution. For all models, every two channels are provided with 2 Gigasamples of memory as standard, with an optional upgrade to 8 Gigasamples. At the maximum speed of 10 GSPS and full memory size, users can capture signals up to 800 microsecond in duration in a single acquisition. Each data point in the waveform is spaced just 100 picoseconds apart.

To support efficient data capture and analysis, the DN6.33x series offers a suite of advanced acquisition and triggering modes. Features such as transient recording, multiple recording and optional block averaging help users capture key signal events and store them with precision timing. These tools are useful when analyzing rare or unpredictable signal behaviors, where memory efficiency and timing accuracy directly impact test success.

Software support is another key attribute of the DN6.33x platform. Every unit includes SBench 6 Professional, Spectrum’s software tool for acquisition, display, processing, analysis and documentation. For developers building custom applications, full programming support is provided through a software development kit that is compatible with a wide range of programming environments, including C++, Python, MATLAB and LabVIEW.

The system’s accessible front-panel connectors allow for integration into automated test equipment. The connectors allow for straightforward connection of external clock and trigger sources and support various digital I/O functionalities. Users can implement asynchronous and synchronous digital inputs, output status flags and other control signals. An optional high speed digital pulse generator is also available. For users planning permanent setups, mounting kits are available for standard 19 in. racks, helping ensure a clean and stable installation.

Thanks to their performance and flexible configuration, DN6.33x digitizers are suited for a wide range of applications in communications, aerospace, defense, scientific research, photo-voltaic analysis and semiconductor testing. For users working on MIMO communications, phased-array radar or time-correlated measurements, the system’s channel synchronization is a significant advantage.

Figure 1 Analysis of a modulated 1 GHz carrier quadrature.

In a practical example, one of the digitizers in the series, the DN6.335, was used to analyze an 8PSK-modulated 1 GHz carrier signal, as shown in Figure 1. In Figure 1, the upper left trace is the acquired 8PSK signal, with horizontal zooms of that trace displayed to the right. The lower left trace shows the spectrum of the signal with expanded views to the right. With the digitizer sampling at 10 GSPS, a 20 microsecond portion of the waveform was captured. Using the SBench 6 software, users could examine the waveform, observe the frequency spectrum including the modulation envelope and see the third harmonic of the carrier at 3 GHz, attenuated by approximately 36 dB relative to the primary peak. With built-in cursor and zoom tools, SBench 6 allows detailed inspection of timing, spectral features, sidebands and filter effects without needing to export the data.

In addition to their technical strengths, the DN6.33x series digitizers are built for longevity and user confidence. Every unit carries a five year warranty, with free lifetime access to software and firmware updates. Spectrum Instrumentation also provides direct support from all hardware and software engineers. For users investing in long-term test platforms, the 15 to 20 years of committed service and parts availability offer peace of mind.

Spectrum Instrumentation GmbH
Grosshansdorf, Germany
www.spectrum-instrumentation.com