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

The Astronics/EADS/Racal 3151A+ is a VXIbus arbitrary waveform generator that combines function generation and arbitrary waveform synthesis in a single C-size module. Operating at 100 MS/s with 12-bit vertical resolution, it delivers up to 16 V peak-to-peak into 50 Ω and supports waveform memory up to 512 k standard. The instrument generates standard waveforms - sine, square, triangle, ramp, pulse, DC, exponential and Gaussian pulse - across multiple frequency ranges, and sequences up to 4096 arbitrary waveforms using high-speed download. Built-in triggering modes include immediate, delayed (up to 2M wave points), single waveform, burst, and sequential operation. Output impedance is 50 Ω ±1%. Power consumption remains under 25 W.

Technical Specifications

Sampling Rate: 100 MS/s

Vertical Resolution: 12 bits

Waveform Memory: Up to 512 k standard

Standard Waveform Frequency Range: 100 Hz to 50 MHz; 1.5 kHz to 100 MHz

Arbitrary/Sequenced Waveforms: Up to 150 MS/s (subject to backplane limits)

Output Amplitude: 16 V peak-to-peak into 50 Ω

Output Impedance: 50 Ω ±1%

Power Consumption: < 25 W

Form Factor: Single slot, C-size VXI module

VXIbus Compliance: VXIbus 3.0

Key Features

Eight built-in waveform functions including triangle, sine, sinc, square, ramp, pulse, DC, exponential and Gaussian pulse

Sequencing capability for up to 4096 waveforms with high-speed sequence download

Flexible triggering: immediate, delayed (up to 2M wave points), single waveform, burst, or sequence modes

WaveCAD™ software for custom arbitrary waveform creation

BNC front-panel I/O connectors

Clock and reference inputs (NECL, 50 Ω ±5%; TTL or 0 dBm sine)

Typical Applications Signal distortion simulation, power line cycle dropout testing, video signal generation, component failure emulation, power supply transient testing, and modulation source development for encoding scheme troubleshooting.

Compatibility & Integration VXIplug&play drivers support Windows 98, NT, and 2000 with LabWindows/CVI and LabVIEW integration. The 3151B successor provides emulation for 3151, 3151A, and 3151A+ models.