Introduction to Digital Pattern Generators
– Digital pattern generators are electronic test equipment used to generate digital electronic stimuli.
– These stimuli are electrical waveforms that correspond to logic states (low state and high state).
– The main purpose of a digital pattern generator is to stimulate the inputs of a digital electronic device.
– The voltage levels generated are often compatible with digital electronics I/O standards such as TTL, LVTTL, LVCMOS, and LVDS.
– Digital pattern generators are also known as pulse generators or pulse pattern generators.
Types of Digital Pattern Generators
– Stand-alone units are self-contained devices that include the user interface and electronic equipment.
– Some test equipment manufacturers offer pattern generators as add-on modules for logic analyzers.
– PC-based digital pattern generators are connected to a PC through peripheral ports like PCI, USB, and Ethernet.
– Stand-alone units, add-on modules, and PC-based generators provide different options for users.
– Each type of digital pattern generator has its own advantages and use cases.
Features of Digital Pattern Generators
– The number of digital channels determines the maximum width of any pattern generated.
– The maximum rate defines the minimum time interval between two successive patterns.
– Supported voltage standards determine the compatibility of the generator with electronic devices.
– Additional features may include the ability to generate repetitive sequences or digital clock signals.
– Some digital pattern generators can use external clock inputs and offer triggering options.
Common Applications of Digital Pattern Generators
– Digital pattern generators are commonly used for testing and debugging digital electronics and embedded systems.
– They are also used for stimulating digital signal processing hardware.
– Digital pattern generators can be used to stimulate digital-to-analog converters.
– These generators play a crucial role in safety-critical technologies like automotive systems.
– They are used for internal testing and verifying output correctness in specialized electronic systems.
Special Purpose Digital Pattern Generators
– Video digital pattern generators are dedicated to generating test patterns in specific digital video formats.
– These generators are designed for formats like DVI or HDMI.
– In safety-critical technologies, pattern generators like LFSR are used to monitor and verify the correct functioning of electronic systems.
– They can be used to test components like brakes, motors, and airbags.
– Special purpose digital pattern generators cater to specific industries and applications. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_pattern_generator
This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (February 2010) |
A digital pattern generator is a piece of electronic test equipment or software used to generate digital electronic stimuli. Digital electronics stimuli are a specific kind of electrical waveform varying between two conventional voltages that correspond to two logic states ("low state" and "high state", "0" and "1"). The main purpose of a digital pattern generator is to stimulate the inputs of a digital electronic device. For that reason, the voltage levels generated by a digital pattern generator are often compatible with digital electronics I/O standards – TTL, LVTTL, LVCMOS and LVDS, for instance.
Digital pattern generators are sometimes referred to as "pulse generator" or "pulse pattern generator" which may be able to function as digital pattern generators as well. Hence, the distinction between the two types of equipment may not be clear. A digital pattern generator is a source of synchronous digital stimulus; the generated signal is interesting for testing digital electronics at the logic level - this is why they are also called "logic source". A pulse generator is of purpose to generate an electrical pulse of different shapes; they are mostly used for tests at an electrical or analog level. Another common name for such equipment is "digital logic source" or "logic source".
Digital pattern generators can produce either repetitive, or single-shot signals in which case some kind of triggering source is required (internal or external).
