Using FPGA to Implement a N-channel Arbitrary Waveform Generator
with Various Add-on Functions
Jen-Wei Hsieh, Guo-Ruey Tsai, Min-Chum Lin
Deparfmenf ofEIecfronic Engineering, KunShan University of Technology
949, Tar-wan Rd., Yun-Kan City, 710 Taiwan, R.O.C.
nkif@ms9.url. coin.hu
Abstract
This paper is a prototype design example to
demonstrate the mothod to implement a
PCFPGA-based n-channel arbitrary waveform
generatoflA W 9 with add-on functions. Any
arbitrary waveforms described by mathematical
equations or piecouise-tinear functions from the PC
plarform can be generated by FPGADDS technique.
Wth USB interface, we can provide flerible
n-channel waveform outputs. Add-on functions can
be added by implementing specifEd control codes.
Adopting SOMHz clock frequency and 32-b phase
accumulator word length, we have a O.OIIMHz
frequency resolution.
1. Introduction
Dmct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) is the most
-
popular technique to synthesize AC signals for
instrumentation, measurement incentive, and digital
communications[l]. Generating Synthesized
waveforms by DDS technique have the following
benefits: high frequency resolution, precise frequency
control, and low complexity. Fig.1 shows the
simplified DDS block diagram [l].
clock
analog
converter
Fig. 1 Simpliiied block diagram a f t h e
direct digital synthesizer
Current FPGAs have rch on-chip S W - b l o c k
RAM and distributed RAM. Utilizing conventional
fully table-lookup algorithm for DDS, we need not
generate bath sine and cosine functions and can realize
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desired functions with smaller memory table size. We
can implement all the necessary digital logic circuits
and the look-up memory in the same FPGA chip so
that a better performance can he acheved by avoiding
interchip connections[2][3]. This paper will propose a
full FMiA-based AWG in hardware. To generate the
required analog signals, commercial d i g i t a h -
analog converters(DAC) can he arbitrarily chosen and
interfaced. Low pass filters(LPF) are required to filter
out high frequency noise.
Here, we propose a low-cost, flexible approach to a
PC-based n-channel AWG At first, we utilize
friendly PC platform to edit arbitrary waveforms
described by specfied mathematical equations or
piecewiselinear functions. Xilinx XC2S200 FPGA
c h p provides 56k-b reconfigurable block SRAh4
which can be programmable to tit ROM size needed
by arbitrary waveforms [4]. The standard USB
interface makes a plug-and-play n-channel signals
output possible. Integrating FC, USB interface, FPGA
and DACLPF, we canhuils up a n-channel AWG
2. System Architecture
The instrument includes a PC platform, USB
interface, FPGA waveform synthesizer, and DACLPF.
Fig.2 shows the instrument archtecture used in this
paper. The first part, the PC platform, is responsible
for arbitrary function waveform editing, previewing,
encoding, look-up data downloading, and the d i n g
and decoding of USB commands. The multiple
operation windows and GUI application programs are
coded by Visual Basic language.
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chPn
...
lOdun lbkW
Fig. 2 The system architecture of the n-channel
arbitrary waveform generator.
The second part, USB controlleS will handle the
message interchange between PC platform and FPGA
chip, The Cypress EZ-USB controller is utilized to
communicate PC with FPGA. It provides some DLL
files which can he called and linked by Usual Basic,
Visual C languages and/or LabVIEW programs in the
PC platform, and simplify the design for both message
interchange and transmission control of GUI windows.
Exce t the parallel interface, we also can use the SPI
P
or 1 C techniques to communicate between USB
controller and FPGA to save the pins resource of the
FPGA.
The k r d part is FPGA function waveform
synthesizer. We adopt Xilinx SpartanIl F'PGA
XC2S2OOPQ208 which affords on-cbip hue single
port block synchronous RAM. The total available
memory size is 56k-h. This part dominates nkhannels
arbitrary function waveform synthesis. The FPGA chip
is divided into main four parts: hand-shaking
controller between USB and FPGA, SRAM(h1ock
RAM), SRAM controller and remaining control logic.
The block RAM is utilized for both built-in and
downloadable look-up tables. The built-in lookup table
can be reserved for specified waveforms output
directly without PC or built-ir-self-test purpose for the
instrument itself. Togethcr with n DACs, we can
re-configure the SRAM resources into n p a t s for
n-channel analog signal outputs. In this case, we have
up to 56 channel outputs using Ik-b per charmel. On
the PC platform, you can download each channel
waveform one by one. Adopting 50MHz clock
frequency and 32-h phase accumulator word length,
we have a 0.01 164Hz frequency resolution[5].
satisfied with the waveform, he can directly download
and output the waveform. Otherwise, he can return to
the preview window and re-entq the equation again.
Most specified and commonly used waveforms, such
as AM, FM, ASK, FSK, PSK and others, can be edited
and stored into the waveform banks in advance. You
can choose anyone you like from the waveform banks,
and freely output to any desired channel. The
instrument also provide piecewise linear function
output with ten data points periodically. The number
of the data points can be increased as you wish.
Choosing FPGA with more larger on-chip SFL4M for
look-up table usage, we can flexibly expand the output
channel numbers or improve the waveform resolution
dependent of your requirement. With the
programmability in the PC platform, we can output the
waveforms to individual channel independently, or
output a mixed waveform which is a linear
combination among several other channels.
Furthermore, we can produce a s r i e s of =channel
waveforms which show some group-related functions
for special application purposes. The standard USB
interface enables an up-to 12khannels expandability
aflerre-configuring the FPGA. Fig.3 shows the typical
output results of the instrument Fig.4 shows two
clear frequency spectrums for lKHz sinusoidal
waveforms produced by k s instrument and Agilent
33120A signal generator individually. We have the
nearly same waveform quality.
Fig.3 Typical output waveforms displayed
by Agilent 54622D oscilloscope.

The final part includes %bit D A G from Analog

Device. Without any low-pass kilter, we can generate
arbitrary waveforms with wideband frequency. If we
distribute a 256-word memory depth per channel
output, a maximum 28 output channels can he
achieved.

3. System performance
After integrating all the interfacing software,
f m w a r e and hardware, the instrument can afford
typical fundamental waveforms output, such as
sinusoidal, square and triangle functions. We can edit
any mathematical equations in the edit window. The
(a) lKHz sinusoidal spectrum produced
PC platform processes the function calculation, and by Agilent 33120A.
previews it on the graphic window. If the user is

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 code can directly generate the designed FSK signal
waveform by pure FPGA.

4. Conclusion
Here we have proposed a vety lowcost AWG
composed of a PC platform, USB interface controller,
FPGA function synthesizer and external DACILPFs.
Arbitrary waveforms produced by any mathematical
equations or piece-wise linear functions can be sent to
n-channel outputs. The USBs plug-and-play feature
and reconfigurability of the FPGA chip enable the
output channel numbers flexibility. The waveform
outputs on the n channels can be mutually independent,
or functionally-related for specific grouping testing
application.

5. Reference
(b)lKHz sinusoidal spectrum produced
by this instrument.
Fig.4 Spectrum comparison between this
instrument and Agilent simal generator.
The spectrum is displayed by Agilent 5462233.
The instrument can provide more advanced
waveforms generation. Taking a custommade FSK
signal generator as an example, you can input or edit a
modulation bitstream on the PC-platform, and
download it to SRAM in FPGA chip. Processed by a
designed FSK control code, we can combine both the
bitstream channel and sine wave channel to generate
the desired FSK signal. Fig.5 shows the custommade
FSK signal generation flow.
FPGA
[I]. J. Tiemey, C.M. Rad- and B. Gold “A digital
frequency synthesizer,” IEEE Transaction on Audio and
Electroacoustics,~01.19,pp48-57, Mar., 1971.
[2]. M. Cummings, S. Hmyama, “FPOA in the sofhvare
radio,” IEEE Communications Magzine, pp 108-112, Feb.,
1999.
[3]. C. Dick, F.J. Hanis. “Configurable logjc for digital
communications: Some signal processing perspectives,”
IEEE Communications Magzine, Aug., 1999.
[4].Xilinx Inc., “The programmable logic data book,”
2002.
[SI.Jauko Vankka, Mikko Waltari, Marko Kosunen, Kari
A.I. Halonm,” A DDS with an %-Chip D/A-Convetter,”
pp.218-237,Vo1.33,No.2,Feb., 1998.

(This study was sponsored by National Science Council,

Administration Yuan,ROC with #NSC91-2215-E006-029)

FSK control

Fig9 shows the custom-made FSK signal

generation flow

The algorithm receives the data from both sine

wave and piecewice linear generators, and respectively
decides the frequency for ‘1’ and ‘0’ which can control
the accumulator phase increment generator and
construct the designed FSK signal. AM-ASK control
code can be coded to generate the designed AM-ASK
signal by the same method. Without the PC platform,
this instnunent also provide an input port to feed into
the modulation bitstream. The extemal FSK control

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