DAC8718EVM: 14-16bit DAC at least 8 channel. With streaming evaluation tool support.

Hi Jonathan,

Really, none of our devices have this specific function. The DXP software and the MMB0 could generate a sinewave, but had some limited configuration settings.  In addition, DXP does not operate on most Windows 10/11 computers and we are ending that platform soon. 

What DAC performance are you trying to measure with these devices? THD? Are you designing the DAC into some kind of application or are attempting to use a DAC EVM as some kind of excitation signal for an external evaluation. Would a bench-top instrument be better?

These devices can be controlled with some external data generator to generate sinewaves or other arbitrary waveforms, but we do not have a platform that can do it automatically.

Hi Paul,

I saw issues of driver signage that seemed to be able to be overcome. There were solutions described on this site.

I plan to design this into a setup and make multiple setups. Like any system, one needs to be able to verify its performance. (I see no bench top devices that have 8 channels by the way.)  According to the documentation, the DXP software can read from a file and stream the data. Why does it have to be a sinewave?

But my basic question is, can I read from a file and drive the EVMs listed at the prescribed data rate using DXP? 

Jonathan 

Hi Jonathan,

The DXP program cannot generate arbitrary waveforms.  It supports only a subset of waveforms:

Sine, Triangle, Square, Sawtooth, DC output.  So you are limited when using DXP.  IF you are looking for a true arbitrary waveform streamer, we do not offer any tools that will operate a DAC in that configuration.

Thanks,

Paul

Looking at the manual, it indicates that one can generate arbitrary waveforms.

This is from sbau146a.pdf. I've never tried the tool, just read the manual. Is this not the correct manual?

My understanding is that this function allows for a single period of an AWG, with only a limited number of points (though I cannot find a clear answer on how limited it is).  I was trying to implement a test of it, and the feature had a few errors.  Just to be realistic, I would not rely on this method if you are trying to create an easy to use setup.  You could probably utilize a low-cost data generator for this function and have a more reliable software interface.

Thanks Paul, 

The only options seem to be pc plug in cards. There are really no low cost 8 channel setups (simultaneous out)  that meet the requirements even though 4khz is not very high. If you are aware of any such things, let me know.

My understanding is that you are not looking for a solution for a production device, but really some kind of bench instrument for testing or characterization, correct? I suppose low-cost is relative, but could you consider some kind of PXI solution from NI? Maybe the PXI-6289 or 6723?