The Function Generator software provides a simple
but powerful user interface for SpinCore
Technologies, Inc. RadioProcessor™ and
PulseBlasterDDS-I. It allows the user to change
various parameters of a waveform which are
visualized on screen and realized through the
output of the hardware. This software removes the
need to write custom code for functions which are
commonly used in industry.
-
Provides common
waveforms such as a sinusoidal, square waves,
triangle waves, and ramps.
-
Allows easy
changes of amplitude, frequency, offset, duty
cycle, and symmetry.
-
Small changes to
parameters are realized immediately on-screen
and via hardware after they are made.
-
Compatible with
most hardware devices which use SpinAPI,
although this software has only been tested
with RadioProcessor™
NOTE: All software packages offered by
SpinCore are provided as is.
Download and Installation
Please verify
that you have SpinAPI installed on your computer
prior to installing the Function Generator. SpinAPI
can be found
here.
Version
1.0.0.8 -
(02-16-2011)
Link
Program Flow
The function generator begins the process by
acquiring the parameters input by the user. Using
these parameters, the specified waveform is
generated and presented visually onto the user's
screen. In addition to this, the waveform is also
uploaded into the hardware and the signal is
output.
User Interface
The main window is the
only window which is used in the Function
Generator. It contains a variety of crucial
objects which allow the user to change parameters
and perform specific functions. The are
categorized into the following groups:
Menu Bar
The menu bar allows the user to run various
functions and change specific settings. It has the
following menu items:
- Board
- Provides
various functions specific to the board and
not particularly with the function
generator.
- Side Panel
- Allows the ability to show or hide the side
panel, in addition to allowing the user to
position the panel to either the left or right
side of the window. This gives the user
flexibility to position the side panel
wherever they prefer.
- About
- Contains information about the SpinCore
Function Generator.
Waveform Buttons
The waveform buttons are what allow the
user to output a particular waveform. There are
currently four options:
- No waveform
(Off)
- Sinusoidal
Wave
- Square Wave
- Ramp or
Triangle Wave
When these
buttons are pressed, the corresponding parameters
will appear in the side panel and the wave will
appear in the waveform display and the hardware
output.
Side Panel
The side panel is the area where the parameters
for each of the waveforms are available. It is
important to note that values can be typed into
the text boxes and will not be realized until the
user presses the return key. When using the track
bars, the text box will get updated but the
waveform will not be output to the hardware until
the track bar is released.
Waveform Display
The waveform display is where one period of
the created waveform is displayed. The
display uses hardware accelerated graphics in
order to give a crisp and realistic visual of what
will be output through the hardware.
