Test & Measurement: 2-Gsample/s Analysis Boards Boast On-Board Data Processing

A reconfigurable data-processing unit (DPU) on the AC240 and AC210 high-speed analyzers significantly boost data throughput, taking pressure off the bus. The AC240 and AC210 are dual- and single-channel 6U CompactPCI analyzers that capture signals and perform real-time processing at up to 2 Gsamples/s. Each input features a bandwidth of 1 GHz and full signal conditioning, with calibrated gain and offset ranges. The DPU, a Virtex II Pro 70 FPGA, executes multiplications in less than 5 ns. It features more than 74,000 logic cells, 328 dedicated 18- by 18-bit multipliers with 36-bit results, and nearly 7 Mbits of on-chip processing memory. Optional on-board processing memory includes up to 512 Mbytes of SDRAM and 2 Mbytes of dual-port SRAM with a read/write throughput of up to 2 Gbytes/s to and from the FPGA. In addition, firmware developed in collaboration with RF Engines Limited provides complex pulse-frequency measurement and feedback control. Prices for the analyzers start at $18,990. Delivery is in four weeks ARO.