A high-performance, two-channel arbitrary waveform generator delivering 2.5 GS/s sampling, 14-bit vertical resolution, and 300 MHz bandwidth, with up to 64 Mpts of waveform memory per channel and rise and fall times under 1.1 ns. Optional 16 or 32-bit synchronized digital outputs make it a true mixed-signal source for the most demanding test environments.
Rider Series · Model 676 · Specifications preliminary, verify against published datasheet
1Overview
The Berkeley Nucleonics Model 676 offers premium signal integrity through one of the easiest touch-screen interfaces in its class. The graphical user interface, Expert Rider, lets engineers build complex arbitrary waveforms and intricate modulations in a few clicks. Working in AWG mode, designers can add noise, apply filters, and import large sets of modulated data such as RF or I/Q waveforms.
The Model 676 is an affordable waveform generation platform that helps stretch a project's specifications to the limit, offering not just analog output but digital channels as well. In Amplified mode the analog output voltage adjusts up to 5 Vpp into a 50 ohm load. With analog bandwidth reaching 1 GHz on the DAC and AC paths, edges drop to 350 ps with minimal overshoot and ringing.
The instrument samples from 100 S/s up to 2.5 GS/s with 14-bit vertical resolution, delivering outstanding signal integrity. An optional 16 or 32-bit digital output adds up to 1.25 Gb/s of data per output in LVDS format. Combined and synchronized with the analog outputs, that mixed-signal capability makes the Model 676 an ideal generator for the most demanding technical applications.
2.5 GS/sSample Rate
14-bitVertical Resolution
300 MHzBandwidth
64 MptsMemory / Channel
< 1.1 nsRise / Fall
Model 676 front panel: 7-inch capacitive touch display, dual analog channels, marker outputs, and Mini-SAS HD digital output ports.
2Key Features
Two Analog Channels
Dual independent analog outputs, configurable as single-ended, differential, or AC coupled.
2.5 GS/s, 14-bit
Best-in-class DAC technology at an affordable price for ultra-wideband signal generation.
300 MHz Bandwidth
Wideband output with fast edges and clean transitions across the operating range.
Up to 64 Mpts Memory
Deep waveform memory per channel, scalable from a standard 1 Mpts up to 64 Mpts.
Edges Under 1.1 ns
Rise and fall times below 1.1 ns track the parameters of fast power devices.
Mixed-Signal Output
Optional 16 or 32-bit LVDS digital outputs, synchronized with the analog channels.
Touch Interface
7-inch capacitive touch display with swipe gestures and a virtual numeric keypad.
Multi-Unit Sync
Synchronize up to four instruments into a single 8-channel waveform generation system.
The Model 676 gives users access to the best-in-class DAC technology at an affordable price. The 2.5 GS/s sample rate and 14-bit vertical resolution help generate ultra-wideband communication signals with 1 GHz modulation bandwidth, 2 GHz in I/Q modulation, and less than -60 dBc SFDR across each channel. The analog channels can be configured as differential, single-ended, or AC coupled, eliminating the need for baluns or hybrids in the test path.
3User Interface
The Model 676 interface is designed for touch and developed to put the capabilities of a modern waveform generator at your fingertips. All instrument controls and parameters are reached through an intuitive UI that recalls the simplicity of a tablet or smartphone. Touch features and gestures let engineers and scientists create advanced waveforms or digital patterns in a few touches.
The swipe gesture gives easy access to the output waveform parameters.
A touch-friendly virtual numeric keypad improves the experience of entering data.
Time-saving shortcuts and intuitive icons simplify instrument setup.
Simple Rider, AFG mode: carrier setup, live waveform preview, run-mode selection, and per-channel status in a touch-first layout.
4Mixed-Signal Generation & Multi-Unit Sync
The Model 676 carries optional 16 or 32-bit digital outputs, synchronized with the corresponding analog channels in two 16-bit groups. Each group can be configured as 8-bit full speed, with bit rate at half the sampling rate, or 16-bit low speed, with bit rate at one quarter of the sampling rate. Mixed-signal generation is a strong solution for digital design and validation, system synchronization, and DAC and ADC testing.
The digital output pins meet native LVDS standards. A digital cable to SMA adapter is available, and for slower applications, LVDS to LVTTL converters are offered as well.
In Advanced mode, users can define complex waveforms with up to 16,384 entries of analog waveforms and digital patterns in a sequence, in terms of loops, jumps, and conditional branches. In Multi-sequence mode, two sequences can control Channel 1 and Channel 2, and the corresponding digital channels, separately as generators. Up to four instruments can be synchronized together to build a real 8-channel waveform generation system, which is extremely useful in applications such as MIMO where many channels are needed.
Expert Rider sequencer: per-entry analog (Ch AO1 / Ch AO2) and digital (DO 0 / DO 15) waveforms across a multi-step sequence.Proprietary Mini-SAS HD to SMA cable breaks the LVDS digital outputs out to 16 SMA connectors for bench use.
5Specifications: Channels & Operating Modes
Parameter
Specification
Number of Channels
Analog
2
Digital out
16 or 32-bit (optional)
Marker out
2
Operating Mode
AFG mode
Basic Operation Mode (DDS mode)
True Arb mode
Standard waveforms: Sine, Square, Pulse, Ramp, and more (Noise, DC, Sin(x)/x, Gaussian, Lorentz, Exponential Rise, Exponential Decay, Haversine)
AFG run modes
Continuous, modulation, sweep, burst
Basic Operation (DDS) Mode
Sampling clock
2.5 GS/s, fixed
Vertical resolution
14-bit
Arbitrary waveform length
16,384 points
Advanced Operation Mode
Run modes
Continuous, sequencer, triggered, gated
Vertical resolution
14-bit
Waveform length
64 to 64 M points (1 M = 220) in multiples of 64 points for length < 320 points, multiples of 16 points for length ≥ 320 points
Memory options
Standard 1 M points; optional 16 M, 32 M, 64 M points
Infiniband 4X connector on rear panel; master to slave delay 48.6 ns typical
Reference clock input
SMA on rear panel, 50 ohm AC coupled; -5 dBm to 4 dBm sine or square; damage +8 dBm or ±15 VDC max; 10 MHz to 80 MHz variable
Reference clock output
SMA on rear panel, 50 ohm AC coupled; 10 MHz; accuracy ±1.0 x 10e-6; aging ±1.0 x 10e-6/year; 1.6 Vp-p into 50 ohm, 3.2 Vp-p into Hi-Z; jitter 11.5 ps rms typical
External sampling clock input
SMA on rear panel, 50 ohm AC coupled; 2 inputs (1 per channel); 1.25 GHz to 2.5 GHz; -5 dBm to 4 dBm; damage +8 dBm or ±15 VDC max
External modulation input
SMA on rear panel, 10 kohm; 2 inputs (1 per channel); 10 MHz bandwidth with 50 MS/s sampling; -1 V to +1 V (except FSK, PSK); FSK, PSK: 3.3 V; 14-bit vertical resolution
14Specifications: Power & Environmental
Power
Parameter
Specification
Voltage range
100-240 VAC ±10%
Frequency range
47-63 Hz
Max power consumption
120 W
Environmental
Parameter
Specification
Temperature (operating)
32 F to 122 F (0 C to +50 C)
Temperature (non-operating)
-4 F to 185 F (-20 C to +85 C)
Humidity (operating)
8% to 90% RH, max wet-bulb 29 C at or below +50 C (derates to 20.6% RH at +50 C). Non-condensing.
Humidity (non-operating)
5% to 98% RH, max wet-bulb 40 C at or below +60 C (derates to 29.8% RH at +60 C). Non-condensing.
CISPR 11 Class A, EN61000-3-2:2006, EN 61000-3-3:1995
Immunity
EN 61326-1:2006, IEC 61000-4-2:2001, -4-3:2002, -4-4:2004, -4-5:2001, -4-6:2003, -4-11:2004
Regional certifications
European Union: EN61326-1; Australia / New Zealand: CISPR 11:2003
15Specifications: System & Connectors
Parameter
Specification
Display
7-inch, 1024 x 600, capacitive touch LCD
Operating system
Windows 10
External dimensions
17.5 in x 5.3 in x 12.5 in (445 mm x 135 mm x 320 mm), 3U 19-inch rackmount
Weight
21.4 lb (9.7 kg)
Hard disk
256 GB SSD
Processor
Intel i3-4170, 3.7 GHz or better
Processor memory
8 GB
Front panel connectors
CH1 OUTPUT +/- (SMA), CH1 AC (SMA), CH2 OUTPUT +/- (SMA), CH2 AC (SMA), MARKER OUT 1 and 2 (SMA), TRG.IN (SMA), DIGITAL POD A/B/C/D [7..0], 2 USB 3.0 ports
Rear panel connectors
Ref. Clk. IN (SMA), Ext. Clk. In Ch1/Ch2 (SMA), Ext. Mod. In Ch1/Ch2 (SMA), Ref. Clk. Out (SMA), Sync. Out/In (Infiniband 4X), Pattern Jump In (DSUB-15), External monitor (DVI, VGA), 4 USB 2.0 ports, 2 USB 3.0 ports, Ethernet (10/100/1000BaseT, RJ45), Audio In/Out, 2 PS/2 ports
Model 676 rear panel: reference and external clock SMAs, Sync In/Out, monitor ports, USB, Ethernet, and the AC power inlet.
16Applications
The Model 676 serves a broad range of demanding test environments where signal integrity, fast edges, and a wide dynamic range matter.
Semiconductor Testing
Semiconductor engineers find the ability to emulate noisy or distorted waveforms useful for testing component compliance. The fast edges and pulse generation of the Model 676 track the parameters of fast power devices.
Clock and sensor signal generation
MOSFET gate-drive amplitude signal emulation
Power-up sequences of ICs using the low-impedance feature (5 ohm output impedance)
Fast edges and pulse generation make the Model 676 well suited to characterizing fast power devices and semiconductor components.
Automotive
Today's vehicles rely on sophisticated electronic control units with sensitive components. Combining 2.5 GS/s with 14-bit vertical resolution, the Model 676 is an ideal tool for the new testing challenges in automotive.
CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, FlexRay, and SENT emulation
EMI debugging, troubleshooting, and testing
Electrical standards emulation up to 20 V
Power MOSFET circuitry optimization in automotive electronics
IoT and Industry 4.0
The Model 676 can emulate complex RF I/Q modulation and test against wireless devices for Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 applications. Engineers can import waveforms to emulate devices under test, imposing distortions such as noise to verify whether devices comply with standards.
Research
Research centers and universities are key users of the Model 676, which produces complex waveforms, multilevel signals, and pulse emulation based on variable edges. The combination of fast edge generation, excellent dynamic range, and a simple user interface meets the demands of intensive experiments such as accelerators, tokamaks, and synchrotrons, all while saving on the cost of custom test boards.
Emulation of detectors
Emulation of signal sources with added noise
Generation and playback of real-world signals
Emulation of long PRBS sequences
Modulating and driving laser diodes
Aerospace and Defense
The Model 676 works well with electronic warfare signals, such as those produced by radar or sonar systems. It can be fitted into a modular system for radio or I/Q signal modulation, and it creates pulses useful in pulsed electron beams, x-ray sources, flash x-ray radiography, lightning pulse simulators, and high-power microwave modulators.
Frequency response, intermodulation distortion, and noise-figure measurements
Phase-locked loop (PLL) pull-in and hold-range characterization
Radar base-band signal emulation
Radio and I/Q signal modulation for research, communications, and defense systems.Electronic warfare and radar base-band signal emulation for aerospace and defense.
17Software & Support
The Model 676 runs the Rider software environment. Simple Rider drives the AFG and basic generation modes through a clean, touch-first layout for quick setup. Expert Rider opens the full Advanced mode, where users build sequences with loops, jumps, and conditional branches, add noise and filters, and import large modulated data sets such as RF or I/Q waveforms.
Request the full datasheet. This document summarizes the Model 676. For the complete published datasheet, ordering options, and configuration support, contact Berkeley Nucleonics.
Contact
For a quote, configuration help, or application support, reach the Berkeley Nucleonics team.
