Spectrum Instrumentation Unveils Flagship Multi-Channel GHz Digitizers

Spectrum Instrumentation has introduced the DN6.33x series, a new line of high-speed, multi-channel digitizers. Featuring up to 12 synchronized input channels and sampling rates reaching 10 GS/s, the instruments are meant to bring Spectrum's digitizerNETBOX product family to new applications in aerospace, communications, semiconductors, and scientific research.

The DN6.33x digitizer. Image used courtesy of Spectrum Instrumentation

The DN6.33x Series' Features and Architecture

Each DN6.33x unit (datasheet linked) is built around a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that delivers effective resolution performance of up to 8.8 effective number of bits (ENOB) depending on configuration. Sampling rates scale across the range, with 3.2 GS/s models offered at 1-GHz bandwidth, 6.4-GS/s units reaching 2 GHz, and 10-GS/s configurations achieving 3-GHz bandwidth. Each channel supports independently programmable input ranges from ±200 mV to ±2.5 V, and offset adjustments can be fine-tuned via software.

The DN6.33x models are also designed with on-board memory configurations ranging from 4 to 48 GiSamples to support acquisition modes such as single-shot, multiple recording, streaming, and block averaging. In sustained streaming mode, for example, the system can maintain a throughput of up to 100 MB/s over a standard Gigabit Ethernet connection.

Block diagram of the digitzerNETBOX module DN6.33x. Image used courtesy of Spectrum Instrumentation

To reduce noise and improve data fidelity, the hardware incorporates selectable analog filters and input paths. The DN6.33x offers different signal paths based on the measurement requirements. Specifically, a “buffered” input path has options for flexible impedance and termination settings. An additional “high-bandwidth” path features a fixed 50-Ω impedance and is optimized for high signal integrity for high-speed data.

Additional hardware features include a timestamp engine for precise temporal alignment of trigger events, as well as multiple programmable trigger modes, including edge, level, window, and pulsewidth. The external trigger interface supports analog or digital signals with impedance configurable to 50 Ω or 3 kΩ.

Synchronous Multi-Channel Data Acquisition

With data rates and system complexity skyrocketing, measurement systems must capture data across multiple channels with tight timing alignments. Synchronous multi-channel digitization addresses this requirement by guaranteeing that each input channel samples at exactly the same instant, as driven by a shared clock source. Without tight synchronization, small timing differences—known as channel skew—threaten to distort measurements.

A SAR-based multiplexed system for multichannel data acquisition. Image used courtesy of Texas Instruments

For engineers to maintain synchronization, they must carefully control clock distribution and analog signal paths. Clock jitter of virtually any level can be deleterious to measurement accuracy in high-frequency or wideband systems. To safeguard against these effects, digitizers use low-jitter clock circuitry and tightly matched input stages. Additional timing alignment techniques, such as calibration of ADC phases and programmable skew adjustment, help maintain channel coherence during long measurement sessions.

External timing references can also help in large-scale or distributed systems. For example, a stable 10-MHz reference clock can synchronize multiple instruments in a lab, while protocols such as GPS-based pulse-per-second (PPS) or IRIG-B can facilitate time correlation across geographically separated setups.  

Remote Digitization Now Available

The DN6.33x digitizers are available now directly from Spectrum Instrumentation or through authorized distributors. All models include SBench 6 Professional software. SDKs support integration with common scientific programming environments such as Python, MATLAB, and LabVIEW.