Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWGs)

What Makes an AWG Different?

An AWG is defined by its ability to reproduce real-world, non-ideal signals with extreme accuracy. Engineers use AWGs to emulate distorted, noisy, or protocol-specific signals that cannot be generated using traditional signal sources.

Key technical capabilities include:

• User-defined waveform creation (point-by-point or mathematical)

• High sampling rates (from MS/s to tens of GS/s)

• Deep waveform memory for long or complex patterns

• Multi-channel synchronization for phase-coherent outputs

• Low jitter and high vertical resolution for precision timing analysis

These features make AWGs indispensable for applications where signal integrity and timing accuracy are critical.

Common Applications of Arbitrary Waveform Generators

AWGs are widely used across industries that demand repeatable, programmable, and high-fidelity signal generation, including:

• Semiconductor testing – device characterization, jitter tolerance, eye-diagram stress testing

• High-speed digital design – SERDES, DDR, PCIe, USB, Ethernet signal emulation

• RF & microwave systems – complex modulated baseband and IF waveform generation

• Optical communications – driving modulators for PAM4, QAM, and custom optical formats

• Aerospace & defense – radar pulse simulation and electronic warfare testing

• Research & academia – waveform prototyping and algorithm validation

Key Technical Specifications to Consider

When selecting an Arbitrary Waveform Generator, engineers typically evaluate the following parameters:

• Sampling Rate – Determines maximum signal bandwidth and time resolution

• Vertical Resolution (bits) – Impacts waveform accuracy and noise floor

• Memory Depth – Controls waveform length and complexity

• Output Bandwidth – Defines usable analog frequency range

• Channel Count – Single or multi-channel, often phase-locked

• Trigger & Sync Capabilities – Critical for system-level testing

• Modulation Support – AM, FM, PM, QAM, custom digital modulation

Matching these specifications to your application is essential for achieving accurate and repeatable test results.

Used, Refurbished, and Calibrated AWGs

Many high-performance AWGs are discontinued or cost-prohibitive when purchased new. Professionally refurbished units offer a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing performance. Proper refurbishment includes:

• Functional verification across full bandwidth

• Output linearity and timing accuracy testing

• Memory and DAC integrity checks

• Firmware validation

• Optional NIST-traceable calibration

Calibrated AWGs are especially important in regulated environments such as semiconductor fabs, defense labs, and accredited research facilities, where measurement traceability is required.

Why AWGs Are Critical in Modern Test Systems

As electronic systems continue to push toward higher data rates, tighter timing margins, and complex modulation schemes, the role of Arbitrary Waveform Generators becomes increasingly important. AWGs enable engineers to stress, validate, and characterize systems under realistic operating conditions, helping uncover issues that would otherwise go undetected.

From early-stage design verification to production-level validation, AWGs remain a cornerstone instrument in advanced electronic and optical test environments.