ALBUQUERQUE, NM. – ZTEC Instruments (http://www.ztecinstruments.com) released a new differential (DF) analog front end option for its ZT4400 series of 12-bit, 13-bit and 14-bit digitizers and digital oscilloscopes (specifically including the ZT4421, ZT4422, ZT4431, ZT4432, ZT4441, and the ZT4442). The DF option offers differential inputs or positive (+) and negative (-) input connectors for each channel (see example line drawings below).
Differential signaling provides a signal conditioning advantage within noisy environments or situations where both the signal and return conductors need to be isolated from ground. Example applications include:
- When a signal source resides at a different ground potential than the oscilloscope or digitizer needed to make measurements.
- When an oscilloscope is used to measure signals distributed within a noisy environment where transient noise can be picked up on single-ended coaxial cabling.
- When ground isolation is required to eliminate ground loops and power line noise.
Key specifications of the ZT4400-DF series include:
- Two or four differential input channels
- 12-bit, 13-bit and 14 bit ADCs
- Up to 1 GS/s sample rate
- Up to 256 MS deep memory
- 250 MHz analog bandwidth
- 0.2 Vpp to 200 Vpp differential input signal ranges
- 50 Ω (100 Ω differential) and & 1M Ω (2M Ω differential) switchable input impedances
- Multi-channel alignment and synchronization to less than 50 ps
- Available in PXI, PCI, VXI and LXI
Three configurations for the ZT4400 series provide alternatives for ADC resolution and maximum sample rate as shown in the following table:
| Specification | |||
| ADC resolution | 12 bits | 13 bits | 14 bits |
| Maximum sample rate | 1 GS/s | 500 MS/s | 800 MS/s |
About ZTEC Instruments
ZTEC Instruments is a leading modular instrument company whose product focus includes oscilloscopes, waveform generators, and RF Test Equipment. ZTEC Instruments’ products are unique in that they provide powerful bench-top instrument capabilities in modular instrument form factors, including PCI, Compact PCI/PXI, VXI, and LXI. For more information about ZTEC Instruments, please visit http://www.ztecinstruments.com.