Minimum Hardware Questions for 0-60MHz Frequency Generator

[Abendicum]

I recently acquired LabWindows/CVI Programing for Beginners and Advanced Topics in LabWindows, with unopened, CD's in 2, local University libraries !!!

I would like to build a virtual Function Frequency Generator for 0-60MHz.

This will be used as a Digital, PC Controlled, AM Radio Frequency, W I D E band, Transmitter Control... 

1) Can this be accomplished with traditional 25 pin serial ports on my lap top ???

2) Is a DAQ PC Board REQUIRED for developing this Function Generator ???

3) What benifits are there to moving up to DAQ board and a NI GPIB-USB-B Controller, 2.0 ???

I am on a tight, budget... but will do what ever is neccessary to build this Virtual Instrument !!!

Thanks, Ab

[Brandon_V]

Abendicum,

Serial ports output Ascii characters and therefore would not be able to output any sort of frequency unless you have an instrument that understands ascii and converts to a signal. With a DAQ PC Board, you would be able to output either analog or digital output (there are many different options when you get to our DAQ boards). GPIB is a quicker interface bus but works the same as serial (you will write ascii characters) so that would have the same result. Some good places to get more information on both DAQ and GPIB are at the following websites.

http://www.ni.com/dataacquisition/

http://www.ni.com/gpib/