Generating Multi-PhaseWaveforms

Applications for multi-phase waveforms are everywhere – in Power-related applications, I/Q modulation, Automobile applications, Components,etc.

While Siglent’s SDG2000X series arbitrary waveform function generators all have two independent outputs with adjustable phase offsets, some applications call for three or more different signals, each with a phase relationship that is locked-to but adjustable from the other waveform phases. There are two main methods to accomplish this. For this application note we will use the SDG2000X generator.

Key Features

◆ Dual-channel, 40MHz/80MHz/120MHz maximum bandwidth, 20Vpp maximum output amplitude, high fidelity output with 80dB dynamic range

◆ High-performance sampling system with 300MSa/s sampling rate (1.2Gsa/s by 4X interpolation technology)  and 16-bit vertical resolution. No detail in your waveforms will be lost

◆ Innovative TrueArb technology, based on a point-by-point architecture, supports any 8pts~8Mpts Arb waveform with a sampling rate in range of 1μSa/s~75MSa/s

◆ Innovative Easy Pulse technology, capable of generating Square with lower jitter 150ps or Pulse waveforms, brings a wide range and extremely high precision in pulse width and rise/fall times adjustment

◆ Plenty of analog and digital modulation types: AM, DSB-AM, FM, PM, FSK, ASK and PWM

◆ Sweep and Burst function

◆ High precision Frequency Counter

◆ Standard interfaces: USB Device, USB Host, LAN（VXI-11, support U Disk storage and software, upgrading GPIB port is optional

◆ 4.3” touch screen display for easier operation

METHOD1

Each SDG2000X series generator has a built-in10MHz time base output/input port on the rear panel. Because each SDG2000X has two independent front-panel waveform outputs along with the ability to separate them by a calibrated amount of phase, we can use one SDG2000X for every two phases that is needed.

If only 3 or 4 phases are required for the application, simply connect the 10 MHz output from the first SDG2000X (Unit 1) to the 10 MHz input port of the second SDG2000X (Unit 2) via a suitable coaxial cable connection as shown in Photo 1. In this photo, the top generator’s time base is connected (Unit 1) to the bottom generator’s 10 MHz reference input (Unit 2) via a coaxialcable.

The next step is to set Unit 2 so that it uses the external 10 MHz time base (from Unit 1). On the Unit 2 keyboard:

a) Press UTILITY key on the front panel.

b) Choose Page selection

c) Chose CLKSource and push key to select External

The two SDG2000X generators are now sharing the Unit 1 time base. Notice that the two outputs from Unit 1 are synchronized1 and have adjustable phases. The same is true for the two outputs from Unit 2. However, there will be a phase offset of some arbitrary value existing between Unit 1’s two outputs and Unit 2’s two outputs. This is due to the fact that the two generators are locked to the same time base but the outputs were not synchronized upon power-up2 

The two outputs on Unit 2 can now be adjusted to be in phase (using and oscilloscope or other suitable phase displaying device) to the outputs from Unit 1. Once Unit 2’ outputs are inphase with Unit 1’s outputs then make note of the phase readings for the output’s from Unit 2. These ‘offset’ values will then need to be subtracted from any subsequent phase adjustment readings.

METHOD2

In Method 2, Unit 2 will use its own internal time base so CLKSource will be set to Internal on Unit1 and Unit 2.In this method, Unit1 will trigger Unit2 (and additional units if they are used) so that a residual phase offset is not present and does not need to be subtracted out of the settings.

On the rear panel, connect the theAux In/Out connector from Unit 1 with a coaxial cable to the Aux In/out connector on the back panel of Unit 2 (Photo2).

Once the connections in both Photo 1 and Photo 2 are made the generators are ready to set up from the front panel.

Unit1:

a) Push the BURST button. Make sure the unit is in NCYCLE mode and set for 1cycle.

b) Select Page then set the ‘Tirig Out’ selection for ‘Up’ ,Source should be set for Internal

c) Repeat step a for CH2.

Unit2:

a) Push the BURST button. Make sure the unit is in NCYCLE mode and set for 1cycle.

b) Select More then set the ‘Edge’ selection for ‘Up’. Source should be set for External.

c) Repeat steps a and b for CH2.

To Synchronize the Two Generators

The Phase adjustment for the two Unit 2 outputs can be adjusted from the Starting Phase screen under Burst for each of the two channels.

This photo (Photo 3) shows 4 output sine waves generated from two separate SDG5000 generator. Channel 2 is set to a 90 deg phase, Channel 3 (Unit 2, Channel 1) is set to 180 degrees and Channel 4 (Unit 2, Channel 2) is set to 270 degrees. Notice that the phase shifts are Leading.

If CH1 and CH2 are out of phase for either unit during setup choose EqPhase from the menu in order to align the two phase 

Simple, Powerful, Intuitive New HART Communicator

HART is the standard for process instruments, with more than twice as many installed devices as its main alternative. Well over 35 million HART devices have been installed since the protocol was developed. Every instrument engineer and technician must have HART knowledge as part of their core skill set. Meriam, a Scott Fetzer Co., has just released a new HART communicator, the MFC 5150x.

 

“We developed the 5150 to make the customer’s job easier,” says John  Balogh, Meriam’s engineering  manager. “This will be the  first Class 1, Division 1, intrinsically safe device able to read the complete library of HART device descriptions (DD) directly, with no translation. That’s  over 1200 devices, and  more than  2.4  Gb  of  data  contained  directly in the communicator.”
The  device is supplied with a fast 1- GHz  processor, 256  MB  of R AM and  512  MB  of flash memory.  It  is capable of supporting up to an 8 - GB SD  card,  which  gives it  the  ability to store every existing DD  file, “and then  some,” Balogh quips. “So there is no need to manage which DDs are stored on your device, or to suddenly have to go back to the shop because the one DD you need  isn’t on the communicator you have.

We built the 5150 on HART Communication Foundation’s SDC- 625 infrastructure for reading DDs directly,”  Balogh says. “This  enables communication to  take  place  with any registered or unregistered HART device,   ensuring   that   the   HART transmitter will connect  to the 5150 regardless of brand or model. “And because the 5150 reads DD  files directly, customers don’t  have to wait for DD  files to be translated into data a communicator  can read,” Balogh says. “Typically, a translation can take any where from three months to three years, if ever. Reading a DD directly really helps the  customer  have confidence that  the  communicator will work right out of the box and for years to come with no problems.”

The  unit  has  a  4.3-inch,  wide-viewing-angle  touch- screen for what Balogh says is excellent anti-glare viewing, and can be used in darkness or in bright sunlight.The full QWERTY keyboard and intuitive international icons similar to those of a smartphone make all the functions easily navigated. No stylus is required for the touchscreen.

The 5150 has contextual help and can play video, so that instructional videos can be loaded onto the device for use in the field. There are hyper-linked  menu  paths  for  fast  navigation via a single touch, and there are teachable, device-specific shortcuts.

The   communicator is supplied with a 9400 -m Ah rechargeable  battery, which  provides for more than 10 hours of continuous  use and over 200 hours in standby mode. The device has an “instant-on” feature. The extended  battery life and  instant-on means that the 5150 is capable of getting through an entire shift without having to be recharged. When it does need recharging, it sits on the supplied cradle, which has an  integral USB connection to the customer's PC.

The  5150 is rated IP54 for ingress protection and has overmolded bumpers for impact protection.  It is not necessary to purchase an aftermarket protective boot for the 5150. The handle is only eight inches  in circumference with the  smallest point  where the operator’s hand will rest the most. It is designed to be ergonomically easy to hold and use.

Through  the  supplied  charging  cradle,  the  5150 has USB connectivity, so it can be updated over the Internet without a subscription fee. Multiple languages and TAB access to multiple panes are supported.
 

“The  MFC5150x  HART Communicator is our  latest addition to our product line of intrinsically safe communicators and calibrators,” for more details please visit www.anaum.ae

Test and Measurement is Going Wireless

Everything around us is beginning to move to wireless systems. With smartphones containing powerful software that can accommodate dozens of applications that do everything from simply keeping a calendar to the complexity of obeying verbal commands, it’s no surprise that test and measurement tools are moving in a similar direction. One of the biggest trends in 2012 and moving into 2013 is wireless testing and measuring equipment that will make on-the-job tasks much easier for technicians.

Many of these advances don’t mean simply having a handheld device. The Extech MG302 Multimeter, for example, includes a wireless USB remote receiver that can compile all the data collected from the handheld multimeter. This particular device already has the ability to take 13 different kinds of measurements, including AC and DC voltage and currents, resistance, frequency, and more. With wireless PC capability, the MG302 allows technicians to conduct an entire round of tests while all of their measurements are recorded on a remote PC in real time. This cuts down the time it takes to do routine maintenance checks, troubleshoot problems, and accurately record data.

Not only does this give technicians the ability to work more quickly and with less help, but it also improves safety. The Extech BR 250 Borescope allows for up to 10 meters of distance between the camera and the LCD display. This makes it useful for placing the camera where the measurement needs to be made without being put in an awkward position to get the measurement, and then remotely watching the video from a safe distance or Adjustments can be made and observed from afar without requiring an extra set of hands to help with measurement or holding the camera in place.

Another device that greatly improves safety for technicians is the Extech RT32 Wireless AC Circuit Identifier. The external NCV probe can be connected to hard-to-reach areas and doesn’t require any contact by the technician to obtain a reading. Once the probe is connected, AC wiring can be identified without any potential hazard.

With a number of advancements in wireless technology coming to the test and measurement industry, technicians will be safer and able to work more quickly than ever before. Anaum International Electronics is excited to start carrying more wireless test and measurement equipment in the coming months from the manufacturers you trust. Visit our store regularly for new products.

Extech BR200 vs. Extech BR250

Extech Instruments is a leader in test and measurement equipment for their award winning and comprehensive line of products that have solutions for every professional. Because they have such a wide variety of products, it can sometimes be difficult to choose between products. Some of their offerings appear very similar, but have features that may be more useful to some rather than others. Today we are looking at two Extech borescopes, the BR200 and the BR250. Borescopes are used for a variety of applications in water restoration, HVAC and refrigeration, electrical inspection, automotive, and pest control.

Model Similarities

Both the BR 200 and BR250 borescopes feature wireless, detachable LCD displays, and both are 3.5 inches (6.35 cm). This is a unique feature for most borescopes currently on the market and is great for inspecting tight spaces. The wireless displays have a range of 35 feet (10 meters) to allow for independent use of the lens and display, so you don’t have to look at the display at all times. The lens is mounted on a flexible, waterproof 39 inch (1m) goose-neck which is perfect for bending in and around tight areas such as plumbing and electrical areas that may be difficult to inspect otherwise.

Included with each model is memory card (microSD) for capturing images and video, which can later be uploaded and watched on your PC. The videos are captured in AVI format, while pictures are JPEGs. Of course, the captured videos and pictures can be viewed directly on the LCD display as well.

Another useful feature, especially for our international customers, is that these videoscopes have an interface that is available in 10 different languages, including English, Chinese, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, and Russian.

Included with both the BR200 and BR250 are 4 AA batteries, a rechargeable display battery, microSD card and adapter, USB cable, 100-240 volt AC adaptor, a stand, and a case.

Model Differences

The BR200 and BR250 share far more commonalities than differences. The main discrepancy between the two models is the lens size. On the BR200, the lens measures 2/3 inch (17mm), while on the BR250 the lens is 1/3 inch (9mm). Essentially, choosing between the two boils down to how tight a space you think you will need to fit in. The difference in camera size also doesn’t affect the video quality, so going for the BR250 won’t affect the quality of your pictures or video. The BR250 also features 4 LED lights on the camera, versus the BR200’s 2 LED lights. The brightness of the lights is adjustable on both, and the extra lights on the BR250 seem to give a slight bump in brightness on the BR250 over the BR200.

For more information and datasheets on each model, check out the BR200 and the BR250 in our store. You can also browse all of our borescopes, which include various models from Extech.