Astronics / EADS / Racal 3151A 100MS/s Waveform Generator

The Astronics/EADS/Racal 3151A is a single-slot, C-size VXIbus waveform generator delivering both standard and arbitrary waveform generation at up to 100 MS/s with 12-bit vertical resolution. This compact module operates as a versatile signal source for demanding test environments, supporting function generation, arbitrary waveform synthesis, and advanced triggering modes across VXIbus architectures.

Technical Specifications Core Performance

Sampling rate: up to 100 MS/s

Vertical resolution: 12 bits

Output frequency range: 100 Hz to 50 MHz

Arbitrary waveform buffer memory: up to 512 kB

Waveform segmentation: up to 4096 different waveforms of variable size

Segment repetition: up to 1 million iterations per segment

Output impedance: 50 Ω Triggering & Gating

VXIbus trigger lines supported

External trigger input with TTL voltage levels

Trigger delay: up to 2 M wave points

External burst mode: trigger-initiated

Internal burst mode: timer-based repetition

Gate signal input enables/disables generator output

First gated output cycle synchronous with active gate slope; final cycle completes

Trigger input impedance: 1 kΩ Interface & Form Factor

Single-slot, C-size VXI module

VXIbus 3.0 compliant, message-based

Front-panel BNC connectors: waveform output, marker output, trigger/gate input, external sample clock input

External sample clock input: TTL voltage level

Status indicators: red (fail), amber (M)

Key Features

Integrated arbitrary waveform and function generator in one module

Segment-based waveform sequencing with programmable repetition

Flexible burst triggering: both external edge-triggered and internal timer-driven modes

Gate-controlled output with synchronous start/stop capability

VXIplug&play driver support for Windows 98, NT, and 2000

WaveCAD graphical waveform creation software included

ArbConnection™ software compatibility

Typical Applications Complex signal generation for component and subsystem characterization, automated test systems requiring arbitrary waveforms, multi-burst stimulus sequences, and synchronized test stimulus in modular VXI instrumentation racks.

Compatibility & Integration VXIplug&play drivers enable integration into Windows-based test environments. The module's single-slot form factor and VXIbus 3.0 compliance support standard VXI mainframe architectures. External triggering via TTL simplifies synchronization with other test equipment and data acquisition systems.