A scalable, fast and multichannel arbitrary waveform generator

TL;DR

This paper presents a multichannel arbitrary waveform generator capable of producing synchronized waveforms on 24 channels at high speed, with precise control and stability, suitable for complex experimental setups.

Contribution

The development of a scalable, high-speed multichannel waveform generator with real-time sequencing and synchronization capabilities using FPGA technology.

Findings

24 independent channels at 25 Msps update rate

Voltage stability with drift below 10 uV/min

Precise voltage deviation within 300 uV over two hours

Abstract

This article reports on development of a multichannel arbitrary waveform generator (MAWG), which simultaneously generates arbitrary voltage waveforms on 24 independent channels with a dynamic update rate of up to 25 Msps. A real-time execution of a single waveform and/or sequence of multiple waveforms in succession, with a user programmable arbitrary sequence order is provided under the control of a stand-alone sequencer circuit implemented using an FPGA. The device is operated using an internal clock and can be synced to other devices by means of the TTL pulses. The device can be used for output voltages in the range of up to +-9 V with a drift rate below +-10 uV/min and a maximum deviation less than +-300 uVpp over a period of two hours.