Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG): Difference between revisions

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= How the AWG works =
= How the AWG works =
The AWG is driven by a 100MHz clock, reading out a memory containing *up to* 2048 samples.
The AWG is driven by a 100MHz clock, reading out a memory containing ''up to'' 2048 samples.


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Revision as of 09:12, 2 March 2015

The SmartScope has an Arbitrary waveform generator, capable of generating signals between the [0V, 3.3V] voltage range at a sample rate of 100MS/s.

AWG pin location

The signal generated by the AWG is presented on the 3rd-left pin on the bottom row of the AUX connector, as shown in the following image:
AWGoutput.png
Please keep in mind that you always should bridge 2 wires between 2 separate devices. In this case:

  • The AWG output signal
  • The ground, so both devices have the same reference voltage. (0V means the same on both devices)

In the image above, you can see the AWG pin is surrounded by 2 ground pins, either of which you can use to connect to the other device.

How the AWG works

The AWG is driven by a 100MHz clock, reading out a memory containing up to 2048 samples.

Parameter Range Description
Samples 1-2048 The number of samples used
SampleStretch 0-255 The number of cycles to repeat each sample
BeginData Field to indicate that from here on the sample data follows

Configuring the AWG using pre-defined waves

Configuring the AWG using csv files

IMPORTANT: The app expects the CSV file to use a semicolon (;) as a field separator and a comma (,) as decimal symbol. Download one of the samples below to make sure your CSV works.

NOTE: This only works with a SmartScope connected. Otherwise, the side menu won't contain an AWG item If you haven't used dropbox with the SmartScope

  1. Tap sidemenu > AWG > Upload from dropbox
  2. The app will tell you it doesn't have permission to dropbox and ask for it by sending you off to the dropbox website
  3. Grant access and return to the app
  4. The app now creates the AWG folder and will inform you that this new folder is empty.


  1. Generate a CSV file using the AWG excel worksheet. A sample CSV can be found for a sine and block wave.
  2. Drop your CSV file in the AWG folder (<dropbox>/Apps/LabNation SmartScope/AWG) using a file manager
  3. In the app, tap sidemenu > AWG > Upload from dropbox
  4. You should now be able to choose the CSV file