Arbitrary Waveform Generator Makes MEMS Waveforms

MEMS, microelectromechanical systems, require complex driving waveforms to achieve optimal performance and device lifetime. Often many of the same devices are needed for a given application. Cost considerations usually require these many devices to be operated open loop. If the driving waveform to these many devices can be optimized, both performance and lifetime for the MEMS devices can be dramatically improved. BNC’s arbitrary waveform generator, Model 645, has been an effective tool in determining what that waveform should be.

For example, MEMS switch lifetimes can be maximized by careful selection of the driving waveform. It has been shown that the number of reliable switch operations on a particular RF MEMS switch can range from 10*4 to 10*8 depending on the actuator drive voltage level. It has also been shown that tailoring of the waveform shape can also increase the switching speed by reducing contact bounce. An example of such a waveform is a pulse to activate the switch, a period of no signal and then a hold pulse at a level much lower than the activation pulse. An ARB is used to adjust the timing and amplitude of each phase of the drive signal. With an ARB one
can even adjust the shape of the driving pulses from step function to bandwidth-limited drives.

What was particularly useful was the Model 645’s ability to store complete sets of the 14-bit, 256K waveform so that one could tweak, store and compare with other waveforms. The Model 645 offers 14-bit resolution and a 125 MSa/s sampling rate, giving this MEMS application the time and amplitude control it needed. More details on the complete benchtop line of test equipment is available at www.berkeleynucleonics.com or 800-234-7858.

New Release of Labview Drivers

Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation (BNC) has released a major update to Labview drivers for our Model 1105 Universal Frequency Counter and our Model 645 Arbitrary Waveform Generator. The drivers can be download at the BNC’s website on product webpages or the National Instruments website (www.ni.com) by searching the BNC Model Numbers.

“We are excited to expand on this interface available for our customers. NI certified drivers are important for users in a wide range of applications, from generating signals for test or research to measuring scientific phenomena”, comments Mark Slattery, Application Engineer.

The Model 1105 has 12 digits of frequency resolution and 40ps of time interval resolution. The real-time DSP front-end facilitates faster measurement throughput, making the 1105 the most cost effective Universal Counter available.

The Model 645 50MHz Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generator delivers many more features and additional user modes when compared to our previous models. With new manufacturing techniques, we are able to reduce cost and provide a low end user price. New DDS+ technology embraces advancements in the semiconductor industry and leverages state-of-the-art components for both standard and complex functions. For details on either product, see www.berkeleynucleonics.com or call 800-234-7858.

About Berkeley Nucleonics
Founded in 1963, BNC is an internationally recognized pioneer in the development of precision test, measurement and nuclear instrumentation. Headquartered in San Rafael, California, BNC also provides an accredited training program and a variety of calibration and OEM instrumentation development services.

Technical Point of Contact:
Robert Corsetti
800-234-7858 x250
robert.corsetti@berkeleynucleonics.com

Berkeley Nucleonics attends CLEO 2010

During the CLEO 2010 conference, Berkeley Nucleonics demonstrated multi channel Digital Delay Generators with fast risetimes, low jitter and picosecond resolution. The company, a test and measurement manufacturer since 1963, also demonstrated the latest Arbitrary Waveform Generator released in the United States earlier this year. The Model 645 ARB / Function / Pulse Generator delivers 50MHz Pulse and Waveform options, and a 10MHz fully programmable Arbitrary function. The conference, celebrating 50 years of laser R&D, was attended by domestic and international organizations in the photonics industry. Conference Website.

Berkeley Nucleonics at the IEEE in Orlando

Another successful year for our pulse generators. The IEEE held it’s annual Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference last month. The community of engineers and physicists meet annually to discuss emerging technologies in the nuclear and medical electronics field. Berkeley Nucleonics demonstrated new neutron detectors, fast Arbitrary Waveform Generator, among new pulse generators and other flagship instruments. The next show will be at Knoxville, Tennessee for 2010 http://www.nss-mic.org/2010/. The Conference Chairs were from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The DOE is traditionally a large supporter of physics research and private industry. The exhibit hours were lengthened also this year, a move to accommodate a growing community in the field and increased attendee participation over last year.