WL-FlexDDS-NG

Flexible Multi-Channel Phase-Continuous 1 GS/s 400 MHz Agile Radio Frequency Source

LEAD TIME: 4 WEEKS

WL-FlexDDS-NG Manual
Date: 2021-02-22
(2669 kB)

Firmware and Drivers
Date: 2021-02-22
(8329 kB)

Firmware Update Instructions
Date: 2021-02-22
(416 kB)

LabView Drivers
Date: 2021-02-22
(195 kB)

FlexDDS-NG is a multi-channel phase continuous direct digital signal synthesizer (DDS). Based on the successful design of the FlexDDS multi-channel Radio Frequency source developed for the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics, FlexDDS-NG is the next generation waveform generator which directly addresses the needs of experimental physicists.

The FlexDDS-NG mainframe integrates a powerful dual-core 900 MHz ARM computer with 1 GByte of RAM running embedded Linux. More than 500 MBytes of instructions for the waveform generator slots can be stored inside the rack acting like a vast FIFO storage. For more demaning applications or to free up the load from lab control computers, you can run your own programs on the FlexDDS-NG's integrated computer. In contrast to the legacy FlexDDS, the FlexDDS-NG features a high speed GBit Ethernet interface (instead of USB) which eliminates all operating system driver issues. It also allows to control the FlexDDS-NG from any computer — and even to control multiple channels from different computers.

Up to 6 independent but fully synchronized Radio Frequency generator slots can be inserted into the FlexDDS-NG mainframe. This enables up to 12 RF output channels when fully equipped with FlexDDS-NG-1GS RF generator slots. From a network perspective, each slot corresponds to its own network port, so they can be controlled both independently or simultaneously. Each slot has its own digital trigger and synchronization I/Os. In addition, the mainframe provides global trigger inputs allowing to synchronize multiple slots.

Thank you very much! The DDS made a number of really cool experiments possible. Prof. David S. Hall, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Amherst College

News: Jul 3, 2020: New firmware released that implementes the per-channel "dds reset" command known from the USB interface also for the network interface. (Rack version 0.58, slot version 0.62)

Sep 1, 2019: New firmware released that adds config registers to directly route BNC inputs to the pins of the AD9910. This allows for instance to use the OSK feature (fast on/off) or quickly switch profiles

Aug 15, 2019: Wieserlabs likes to thank Andrew Rotunno from the College William and Mary who has put his MATLAB drivers for the FlexDDS-NG on Github: github.com/drewrotunno/FlexDDS.

Features

Multi-channel Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) platform:
Up to 12 independent but synchronized output channels when equipped with 6 FlexDDS-NG-1GS generator slots
Fast real-time control of all signal parameters
Execution of complex sequences with deterministic timing
Versatile signal generation: See slot description below
Excellent signal quality (low phase noise, spurs, harmonics)
Integrated computer with dual-core 900 MHz ARM processor running Linux:
More than 500 MB of command storage in the rack
Endless possibilities: You can run your own programs on it
GBit Ethernet interface:
High speed real-time command streaming over the network
Removes length restriction of USB cables and the need for operating system drivers
External 10 MHz reference clock input and output.

Typical Applications

Driving AOMs (acousto-optic modulators)
Ultra-cold atom experiments; coherent atom manipulation
Control loops that require analog modulation
BEC evaporation ramps
Replacement for VFG-150

Components:

FlexDDS-NG-Rack: Mainframe rack which integrates the GBit Ethernet computer interface and power supply. The rack can hold up to 6 independent Radio Frequency generator slots.
FlexDDS-NG-1GS: Dual-channel 1 GS/s 400 MHz Radio Frequency generator slot.

Features of Each FlexDDS-NG-1GS Radio Frequency Generator Slot:

Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) at 1 GS/s and 14 bit resolution:
Precisely repeatable signal generation with a frequency range from 0.3 to 400 MHz (resolution 0.23 Hz)
One DDS Command Processor (DCP) per channel with 8 ns timing resolution and separate instruction cache (4096 entries)
Fast real-time control of all signal parameters
Execution of complex sequences with deterministic timing
Versatile signal generation:
Phase-continuous linear frequency/amplitude sweeps with external hold and direction inputs, phase ramps, fast profile switching, RAM playback, separate amplitude sweep generator, delay/timing generator
Two independent high speed analog modulation inputs: Amplitude, phase, frequency or polar modulation from analog signal sources with up to 20 MHz bandwidth
Slope and intercept of the transfer function can be digitally set
Excellent signal quality (low phase noise, spurs, harmonics) with a Radio Frequency output level up to +10 dBm (2 Vpp) into 50 Ω e.g. to drive mixers directly;
Phase noise of -100 dBc/Hz at 3 kHz offset from a 200 MHz carrier
Fast output on/off functionality, no signal leakage in off state
Three real-time digital IOs for external triggering and other functions
These slots are also available as a standalone dual-channel generator: See FlexDDS-NG DUAL.