transfer of defined arbitrary waveform to the function generator niFGEN 5401

[ulla]

Hi Marian!

Thanks for your immediate answer!
I've tried it and it seems to work, BUT: how can I transfer the defined data to the function generator? I thought, the "define-box" would deliver some data, which the "generator-box" can use, but there is no output and the function generator still complains with the same error message. What is the right order of this cute little "boxes" (icons)?

And second question: defining an arbitrary waveform as standard waveform signifies that there is only the possiblity of using ONE arbitrary waveform? Or can I define several waveforms as standard waveforms?

Thanks a lot
Ulla

[GDEV]

Hi Ulla,

I have some trouble understanding your question. What do you mean with "box"?
After downloading your custom waveform you need to use niFgen_ConfigureStandardWaveform (niFgen Configure Standard Waveform.vi in LabVIEW) and set waveform to 'User' - instead of for example sine - before initiating generation.

You are right, at any given time the NI-5401 can only have one custom waveform defined/downloaded.

National Instruments also sells the NI-5411 with has all the capabilities of the NI-5401 plus the ability of true arbitrary waveform generation. The NI-5411 has also the ability to hold multiple arbitrary waveform at a time. The maximum number of sample you can store on this module is 2,000,000/8,000,000 depending on selected memory option.

Sincere
ly,

Marian Koop
Software Engineer
National Instruments

[JerryAL]

Hi Ulla

I wanted to add a little more information to Marian�s answer. More to point to examples on the web.

For a LabVIEW example of downloading User Defined periodic waveforms, go to the link: (sorry it is long)

http://sine.ni.com/apps/we/niepd_web_display.display_epd4?p_guid=B53A24EA9791426CE034080020E74861&p_node=DZ52290&p_source=external

Alternatively, you can go to this link for NI Developer Zone:

http://www.ni.com/devzone/libraries/default.htm

Then select the �Measurement Hardware� link, then �Waveform Generation Tasks� under the Signal Sources heading. Then �Function Waveforms� and finally, the �Generating a User Defined Waveform with the NI 54xx� link for the example.

As for the NI 5401 generating User Defined waveforms, it is actually m
ore descriptive to say User Defined Periodic Waveforms. As Marian mentioned, if you need true AWG functionality, the NI 5411 is the device.

The NI 5401 will generate your waveform with Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) technology, which most function generators use today. This means that not every sample of your waveform will be generated as you downloaded it.

A simple demonstration example will show how it works if you are interested, Direct Digital Synthesis Concept Example at:

http://sine.ni.com/apps/we/niepd_web_display.display_epd4?p_guid=B45EACE3F03556A4E034080020E74861&p_node=DZ52285&p_source=external

Jerry

[scotto]

I'm also trying to use the 8_bit_dds.vi    file that Jerry left a link:

http://sine.ni.com/apps/we/niepd_web_display.display_epd4?p_guid=B45EACE3F03556A4E034080020E74861&p_...

I get the message " VI version is too early to convert to Labview 2009"

Is it possible to convert this  8_bi_dds.vi  to a newer version that labview 2009 can read?