Suggestions for software to generate arbitrary (arb) waveforms?

One idea that just came to mind is to use Excel. I'd like something a little better suited for the task. ;)

I normally just write something quick in Python or use MATLAB. Judicious use of the csv, math and random libraries may well make it a quick job.

Another option is that some AWG vendors have their own software that will let you generate a function and then edit it graphically. I think R&S' HMExplorer allows that kind of editing or generation but is more tuned to generating signals for power supplies.

- Gough

Hi James,

I find Excel useless at it too : ) It can't handle large datasets.

If you want a graphical tool, then a free download of Tektronix ArbExpress will do it : )
You can tell it to generate a sine or square wave or whatever of the desired number of samples, rate, amplitude, etc, and then edit with a pen toolbar icon on-screen, e.g. insert a glitch, even a single sample width.

(Example screenshot, the green boxes show the things to click on):

It saves in .CSV format (the first few lines contain Tek info but that can be deleted in any text editor).
Although it could be edited in Excel, I find Excel will hang for a long time if the CSV file is very large.

However, like Gough, I'd probably pick Matlab, since it is designed for such tasks, i.e. matrix or sequence array manipulations.

There is free GNU Octave, which is very similar. Or Python as mentioned, since that too is designed for (or at least is perfect for) dataset work.

Keysight's InfiniiVision X-Series scopes have training waveforms built-into the scope. There is a list of the included student training signals here:

https://www.keysight.com/us/en/assets/7018-02756/data-sheets/5990-6690.pdf

Darn, I was going to suggest Excel.  It fits the CSV goal.

Actually, I have used Excel to generate complex sequences, like multiple phase signals.  I also have used Excel to test digital filter algorithms and other algorithms for signals processing.

An other suite that I have used in the past was mathworks.  The ability to generate data sets through mathematical expressions is very powerful. With this product is was possible to write entire logic simulations of systems and then drive them with complex data sets.

Good luck!

Excel even has an FFT hidden somewhere in its big fat belly.

Perfect Shabaz. I should have thought to check Tek's tool. I assumed it would just do their binary format.

Turns out, the R&S RTM3000 can import the CSV file directly from the tool (he he.) And it looks like for this case, it'll do what I want with minimal fuss.

Thank you!

My MATLAB / Octave is way too rusty to do something quick. But I should spend some time tinkering with a Python script.

Lots of good suggestions already. Here is yet another Spice

Then you can export the data as a tab delimited file (at least in LTSpice) could always find and replace tab to comma if needed.

Success! Cross vendor fun!

Here's what I setup in Tek's software.

And now here is what I see on my RTM Scope.

Sample (Normal) Mode rarely shows the glitch even though it should appear every other cycle.

Yet, Peak Detect Sees it on every acquisition. (Though, it does flip back and forth between the cycles.

Not really a practical example, but it's what I needed to demonstrate what "peak detect" can help find.

Thanks All! I'll use some of these other suggestions for other AWG needs in the (hopefully) near future.