Thanks to their ability to simultaneously create and acquire electronic signals, these products are ideal for measurement systems requiring automated closed-loop or stimulus-response testing. For example, they can reproduce and capture "echo" signals such as those found in radar, sonar, lidar, or ultrasound. Their multi-channel capability allows them to test these systems even when using transmitter and receiver assemblies.
The hybridNETBOX is also well-suited for ATE applications where components and subassemblies need to be tested quickly and automatically. They can determine the functionality and tolerance of DUTs and UUTs (devices or units under test) by exercising them with numerous complex, adjustable signals. This powerful testing process can be deployed in a range of applications, including bus testing, MIMO communications, circuit verification, mechatronics, and robotics.
Oliver Rovini, Technical Director at Spectrum Instrumentation, states: "We created the hybridNETBOX series for engineers and scientists who require accurate and simultaneous waveform generation and signal acquisition in manual, automated, or remotely controlled applications. With these portable LXI instruments, we offer unique hardware and software capabilities that allow all users to tailor the instrument to their specific testing requirements and also accelerate their testing processes.".
For generating and acquiring accurate, low-noise waveforms, all units utilize the latest 16-bit digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion technology. All channels are synchronized, sharing a common clock and trigger. The AWG (Arbitrary Waveform Generator) channels can produce virtually any waveform with signal amplitudes up to ±6 V into 50 ohms, or ±12 V into high impedance. Waveform output modes include Single-Shot, Loop, FIFO Streaming, Gated Replay, and Sequence Replay. This allows for the easy creation of test routines ranging from simple to complex. Meanwhile, the digitizer channels are designed to handle a wide range of input signals. They have variable input ranges from ±200 mV to ±10 V, with fully programmable offset and selectable input impedance (50 ohms and 1 Megaohm). They are available in both single-shot and differential-shot metering modes. Like AWG channels, they support a range of operating modes, including Single-Shot, FIFO Streaming, Multiple Recording, Gated Sampling, and ABA (sample rate switching). This is combined with several flexible triggering modes (Channel, External, Software, Window, Pulse, Re-Arm, Spike, Logic, and Delay) to ensure you never miss an important event.
In addition to the digitizer and AWG channels, the front panel of each hybridNETBOX includes multiple digital I/O connectors. These facilitate the integration of the units into a test system. For example, synchronous marker outputs are available that can be used on the AWG channels to enable precise control of other devices or instruments. Similarly, the unit can be synchronized with other equipment by applying an external clock and triggers.
Because the hybridNETBOX instruments are fully compatible with LXI, they are easy to control and use. Simply connect the unit to a PC or a company network via the Gigabit Ethernet port on the rear panel. The instruments come with all the necessary tools to start generating waveforms and acquiring signals. Each hybridNETBOX includes Spectrum's own control software—SBench 6—for signal generation, acquisition, display, processing, storage, and reporting. SBench 6 allows you to create waveforms using standard functions and mathematical equations. Data can be acquired with the digitizer and then transferred to the AWG for playback. You can share data with other programs or devices, such as oscilloscopes, using the built-in import/export functions for transferring data in Binary, ASCII, or Waveform formats. Fully programmable, the hybridNETBOX comes with drivers for Windows and Linux operating systems, as well as sample programming for C++, LabVIEW, MATLAB, Visual Basic .NET, Python, and other popular programming languages.
Spectrum offers a 5-year warranty that includes free software and firmware updates for the lifetime of each unit.
