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Forum Suggestions for software to generate arbitrary (arb) waveforms?
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  • waveform
  • arbitrary_function_generator
Related

Suggestions for software to generate arbitrary (arb) waveforms?

baldengineer
baldengineer over 3 years ago

To avoid the XY Problem, here's what I'm trying to do: I want to generate a repetitive waveform with an occasional glitch. I intend to use it as a demonstration of how oscilloscope acquisition modes, interpolation, and triggers work. So the exact characteristics are yet to be determined. A minimum example would be 10 cycles (with some pre-determined period) with 1 cycle having a glitch (not sure how "big" yet.) A maximum example would be 20 cycles with the glitch where the glitch varies in the waveform. (All depending on available sample memory.)

Off-hand, I'm not aware of any good tools that help automate generating an arbitrary waveform such as that. Ideally, I'd like a CSV export. I'd like the time/voltage as CSV to make it more compatible with various instruments. (Also seems like it'd be useful in simulations?)

Any suggestions? Or what do other people use?

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  • Gough Lui
    Gough Lui over 3 years ago +6
    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…
  • shabaz
    shabaz over 3 years ago +6
    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…
  • scottiebabe
    scottiebabe over 3 years ago +5
    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.
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  • baldengineer
    baldengineer over 3 years ago

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

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  • baldengineer
    baldengineer over 3 years ago

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

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  • genebren
    genebren over 3 years ago in reply to baldengineer

    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!

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  • wolfgangfriedrich
    wolfgangfriedrich over 3 years ago in reply to baldengineer

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

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