Arbitrary waveform generator and arbitrary waveform generation method

Abstract

To provide an optional waveform generation device capable of generating a waveform signal without any need for a large-capacity waveform memory even for a signal having a very long pulse pattern, such as a pseudo random signal and a NRZ-system digital signal.SOLUTION: An optional waveform generation device includes: a waveform memory 10 for storing waveform data in an optional waveform; a control section 30 for outputting waveform data stored in the waveform memory in time series at a predetermined time interval; and a waveform signal generation section 20 for converting waveform data outputted under control by the control section from digital into analog and generating a waveform signal. It further includes a data processing section 40 for successively calculating waveform data in time series on the basis of pulse pattern data when generating a pulse pattern waveform, and the control section outputs the successively calculated waveform data from the data processing section to the waveform signal generation section at a predetermined time interval, and converts the data from digital into analog in the waveform signal generation section and generates a waveform signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an arbitrary waveform generator and an arbitrary waveform generation method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the performance of a device under test has been evaluated by inputting a known test signal to the device under test and measuring the output signal from the device under test. As a device for generating a test signal, an arbitrary waveform generator capable of generating an arbitrary waveform signal has been used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional arbitrary waveform generator disclosed in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. 7, a conventional arbitrary waveform generator 100 includes a waveform memory 110 that stores waveform data 111, a waveform signal generation unit 120 including a digital-to-analog converter, and a control unit 130 that controls reading of waveform data from the waveform memory 110 of the waveform data. The arbitrary waveform generator 100 sequentially reads the waveform data 111 from the waveform memory 110 under the control of the control unit 130, and converts the digital waveform data into an analog signal by the digital-to-analog converter of the waveform signal generation unit 120, thereby outputting an arbitrary waveform signal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the arbitrary waveform generator described in Patent Document 1, since all waveform data is stored in the waveform memory in advance, when outputting a pseudo-random signal consisting of a very long data sequence such as PRBS (Pseudo Random Bit Sequence) 31, there is a problem that a waveform memory with an enormous capacity is required. Further, when outputting a digital signal in the NRZ (Non Return to Zero) format, since a plurality of bits defining the resolution of the digital-to-analog converter are required for 1 bit representing H / L (High / Low), there is a problem that a waveform memory larger than necessary is required.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an arbitrary waveform generating apparatus and an arbitrary waveform generating method capable of generating signals having a long pulse pattern such as a pseudo-random signal or a digital signal in the NRZ format without requiring a large-capacity waveform memory.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The arbitrary waveform generating apparatus of the present invention includes a waveform memory (10) for storing waveform data which is time-series data of an arbitrary waveform, a control unit (30) for performing control to output the waveform data stored in the waveform memory in time series at a predetermined time interval, and a waveform signal generation unit (20) for digitally-analog converting the waveform data output under the control of the control unit to generate a waveform signal. In the arbitrary waveform generating apparatus, when generating a pulse pattern of waveform, said it includes a data processing unit (40) for sequentially calculating the waveform data in time series based on pulse pattern data which is time-series data of the pulse pattern. The pulse pattern data consists of time-series data of pulse patterns B1, B2, ···, Bm, ···, BM (where Bm is 0 or 1), and the pulse pattern data is a pseudo-random bit sequence (PRBS) specified by the user. The control unit performs a first determination as to whether the waveform set by the user at the time of condition setting is a full-data pre-preparation type in which all data is prepared in advance. When the first determination is affirmative, the waveform data of the full-data pre-preparation type is stored in the waveform memory. When the first determination is negative, the control unit performs a second determination as to whether the waveform set by the user at the time of condition setting is a PRBS pattern. When the second determination is affirmative, the data processing unit sequentially calculates the pulse pattern data based on the generating polynomial corresponding to the PRBS specified by the user, and sequentially calculates the waveform data based on the sequentially calculated pulse pattern data, The control unit by the data processing unit outputs the sequentially calculated waveform data from the data processing unit to the waveform signal generation unit at the predetermined time interval, and causes the waveform signal generation unit to perform digital-to-analog conversion to generate a waveform signal.

[0008] As described above, in the arbitrary waveform generator of the present invention, when the data processing unit generates a pulse pattern waveform, it sequentially calculates waveform data in time series order based on pulse pattern data, which is time series data of the pulse pattern. The control unit causes the sequentially calculated waveform data to be output from the data processing unit to the waveform signal generation unit at a predetermined time interval, and the waveform signal generation unit performs digital-to-analog conversion to generate a waveform signal. With this configuration, it is not necessary to store all the data in the waveform memory in advance, and even for a waveform signal of a long pulse pattern such as a pseudo-random signal or a digital signal in the NRZ format, it can be generated without requiring a large-capacity waveform memory.

[0009] Also, in the arbitrary waveform generator of the present invention, the data processing unit may be configured to sequentially calculate the pulse pattern data based on a generating polynomial corresponding to a specified pseudo-random bit sequence, and sequentially calculate the waveform data based on the sequentially calculated pulse pattern data.

[0010] With this configuration, the arbitrary waveform generator of the present invention can generate a waveform signal of a long pulse pattern such as a pseudo-random signal without requiring a large-capacity waveform memory.

[0011] Also, in the arbitrary waveform generator of the present invention, the data processing unit may be configured to sequentially calculate the pulse pattern data based on a generating polynomial corresponding to a specified pseudo-random bit sequence, encode the sequentially calculated pulse pattern data by a specified encoding method to sequentially calculate pulse pattern encoded data, and sequentially calculate the waveform data based on the sequentially calculated pulse pattern encoded data.

[0012] With this configuration, the arbitrary waveform generator of the present invention can generate a waveform signal obtained by encoding a pseudo-random signal without requiring a large-capacity waveform memory.

[0013] Also, in the arbitrary waveform generator of the present invention, the waveform memory stores the pulse pattern data, the control unit performs control to output the pulse pattern data stored in the waveform memory to the data processing unit in time series order, and the data processing unit sequentially calculates the waveform data in time series order based on the pulse pattern data output from the waveform memory under the control of the control unit. Such a configuration may be employed.

[0014] With this configuration, the arbitrary waveform generator of the present invention can generate a signal of an arbitrary pulse pattern, such as an NRZ - type digital signal, without requiring a large - capacity waveform memory.

[0015] Also, in the arbitrary waveform generator of the present invention, the waveform memory stores the pulse pattern data, the control unit performs control to output the pulse pattern data stored in the waveform memory to the data processing unit in time series order, and the data processing unit encodes the pulse pattern data output from the waveform memory under the control of the control unit by a specified encoding method to sequentially calculate pulse pattern encoded data, and sequentially calculates the waveform data based on the sequentially calculated pulse pattern encoded data. Such a configuration may be employed.

[0016] With this configuration, the arbitrary waveform generator of the present invention can generate a waveform signal obtained by encoding pulse pattern data without requiring a large - capacity waveform memory.

[0017] Also, in the arbitrary waveform generation method of the present invention, in an arbitrary waveform generation method including a step of storing waveform data, which is time - series data of an arbitrary waveform, in a waveform memory, a control step of performing control to output the waveform data stored in the waveform memory to a digital - to - analog converter at a predetermined time interval in time series order, and a waveform signal generation step of digitally - to - analog - converting the waveform data output under the control of the control step by the digital - to - analog converter to generate a waveform signal, when generating a pulse pattern of waveform,said A data processing step of sequentially calculating the waveform data in time series based on the pulse pattern data which is the time series data of the pulse pattern further includes. The pulse pattern data consists of time-series data of pulse patterns B1, B2, ···, Bm, ···, BM (where Bm is 0 or 1), and the pulse pattern data is a pseudo-random bit sequence (PRBS) specified by the user. A first determination is made as to whether the waveform set by the user at the time of condition setting is a full-data pre-preparation type in which all data is prepared in advance. When the first determination is affirmative, the waveform data of the full-data pre-preparation type is stored in the waveform memory. When the first determination is negative, a second determination is made as to whether the waveform set by the user at the time of condition setting is a PRBS pattern. When the second determination is affirmative, in the data processing step, the pulse pattern data is sequentially calculated based on the generating polynomial corresponding to the PRBS specified by the user, and the waveform data is sequentially calculated based on the sequentially calculated pulse pattern data. By the data processing step Characterized in that control is performed to output the sequentially calculated waveform data to the digital - analog converter at the predetermined time interval, and a waveform signal is generated by digital - analog conversion

[0018] As described above, in the arbitrary waveform generation method of the present invention, when generating a pulse pattern waveform, the waveform data is sequentially calculated in time series based on the pulse pattern data which is the time series data of the pulse pattern, and control is performed to output the sequentially calculated waveform data to the digital - analog converter at the predetermined time interval, and a waveform signal is generated by digital - analog conversion. With this configuration, it is not necessary to previously store all the data in the waveform memory, and even for a waveform signal of a long pulse pattern such as a pseudo - random signal or a digital signal in NRZ format, it can be generated without requiring a large - capacity waveform memory

Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an arbitrary waveform generation device and an arbitrary waveform generation method capable of generating a signal of a long pulse pattern such as a pseudo - random signal or a digital signal in NRZ format without requiring a large - capacity waveform memory

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an arbitrary waveform generator 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the arbitrary waveform generator 1 includes a waveform memory 10, a waveform signal generation unit 20, a control unit 30, a data processing unit 40, an operation unit 50, a display unit 60, and a storage unit 70.

[0023] (Waveform Memory) The waveform memory 10 is configured to store "waveform data", which is time-series data of an arbitrary waveform. Further, when generating a waveform of a pulse pattern set by the user, the waveform memory 10 is configured to store "pulse pattern data", which is time-series data of the pulse pattern.

[0024] The waveform data consists of, for example, a data sequence f(t1), f(t2), ···, f(tN) of the values of the waveform f(t) at times t1, t2, ···, tN. In this case, the waveform memory 10 stores the waveform data f(t1), f(t2), ···, f(tN) at a predetermined address. Each data in the data sequence constituting the waveform data is sequentially read out and given to the waveform signal generation unit 20 to generate a waveform signal. That is, the waveform data is a data sequence capable of generating a desired waveform signal in the waveform signal generation unit 20.

[0025] The pulse pattern data consists of, for example, pulse patterns B1, B2, ···, Bm, ···, BM (where Bm is 0 or 1). The pulse pattern data is based on the pulse pattern set by the user and some is generated from the PRBS specified by the user. When it is based on the pulse pattern set by the user, the pulse pattern data B1, B2, ···, BM is stored in the waveform memory 10. In any case, the pulse pattern data B1, B2, ···, BM is sequentially generated or acquired, and if necessary, is subjected to the encoding process specified by the user and is sequentially converted into waveform data so as to be usable in the waveform signal generation unit 20.

[0026] (Waveform signal generation unit) The waveform signal generation unit 20 is provided with a digital - analog converter (also referred to as a D / A converter), and is configured to digitally - analog convert the waveform data output under the output control by the control unit 30 to generate a waveform signal.

[0027] (Control unit) The control unit 30 includes a data setting unit 31 and a data read - out control unit 32.

[0028] Based on the setting information (such as waveform, encoding method, PRBS, signal level, etc.) input by the user via the operation unit 50, the data setting unit 31 acquires the waveform data and pulse pattern data stored in the storage unit 70 and sets them in the waveform memory 10. Also, based on the setting information of the encoding method input by the user via the operation unit 50, the data setting unit 31 sets so that encoding is performed by the encoding method specified in the encoding processing unit 41. Further, based on the information identifying the pseudo - random signal input by the user via the operation unit 50, the data setting unit 31 sets so that the generation polynomial corresponding to the pseudo - random signal is used in the pseudo - random signal generation unit 42.

[0029] The data reading control unit 32 performs output control to output the waveform data stored in the waveform memory 10 in time series at a predetermined time interval. The output waveform data is converted into an analog waveform signal by the waveform signal generation unit 20.

[0030] Also, when generating a pulse pattern waveform and the pulse pattern data is stored in the waveform memory 10, the data reading control unit 32 performs output control to output the pulse pattern data stored in the waveform memory 10 to the data processing unit 40 in time series.

[0031] Also, when generating a pulse pattern waveform, the data reading control unit 32 causes the data processing unit 40 to output the waveform data sequentially calculated by the data processing unit 40 to the waveform signal generation unit 20 at a predetermined time interval, and the waveform signal generation unit 20 performs digital-to-analog conversion to generate a waveform signal.

[0032] The control unit 30 may be configured by a computer having a storage device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SDD (Solid State Drive), etc., and controls the operations of each part constituting the arbitrary waveform generator 1. The control by the control unit 30 can be performed by reading a control program stored in the ROM or the storage device into the RAM and executing it by the CPU.

[0033] (Data processing unit) The data processing unit 40 performs necessary data processing (encoding, signal level adjustment, etc.) based on the pulse pattern data which is the time series data of the pulse pattern, and sequentially calculates the waveform data in time series. For this reason, the data processing unit 40 includes an encoding processing unit 41 and a pseudo-random signal generation unit 42.

[0034] The pseudo-random signal generation unit 42 sequentially calculates pulse pattern data (pseudo-random bit sequence) based on a generation polynomial corresponding to a specified pseudo-random bit sequence, and sequentially calculates waveform data based on the sequentially calculated pulse pattern data.

[0035] The encoding processing unit 41 encodes the pulse pattern data output from the waveform memory 10 under the output control of the control unit 30 by a specified encoding method to sequentially calculate pulse pattern encoded data, and sequentially calculates waveform data based on the sequentially calculated pulse pattern encoded data.

[0036] The encoding processing unit 41 may sequentially calculate waveform data in time series order based on the pulse pattern data output from the waveform memory 10 under the output control of the control unit 30.

[0037] The data processing unit 40 may generate pulse pattern data (pseudo-random bit sequence) based on a generation polynomial corresponding to a specified pseudo-random bit sequence by the pseudo-random signal generation unit 42, and encode the pulse pattern data by a specified encoding method by the encoding processing unit 41 to sequentially calculate pulse pattern encoded data, and sequentially calculate waveform data based on the sequentially calculated pulse pattern encoded data.

[0038] <Generation of Pseudo-Random Signal> The pseudo-random signal generation unit 42 is composed of n serially connected shift registers, and an exclusive OR gate that feeds back the exclusive OR of the output signal of the last-stage shift register and the output signals of one or more shift registers located in the middle determined by the number of stages n of the shift register as a feedback signal to the first shift register. The period (pattern length) of the generated pseudo-random signal is 2 n - 1. For example, when the pseudo-random signal is PRBS31, the generation polynomial is 1 + X 28 + X 31 and 2 31-1 is a period of 2,147,483,647 bits.

[0039] <Encoding> The encoding method performed by the encoding processing unit 41 is, for example, the NRZ modulation method which is a method that does not return to zero between each bit, the pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) method which is a method of dividing the amplitude into 4 or more levels for each symbol, and the quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) method which is a modulation method of transmitting data by changing and adjusting the amplitudes of two independent carriers. As a transmission method for handling PAM signals, for example, the PAM4 method for transmitting PAM4 signals and the PAM8 method for transmitting PAM8 signals are known. Among these, the PAM4 method is a method of modulating and transmitting a bit string composed of logical "0" and "1" as a pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) signal obtained by encoding the amplitude of an information signal with a series of pulse signals as four voltage levels or optical power pulse signals. For example, 16QAM is a method among QAM which is a modulation method of digital signals and can send 16 values (4-bit data) at a time.

[0040] Note that the data processing unit 40 is composed of digital circuits such as FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively, depending on the processing speed, at least a part of the data processing unit 40 can also be configured by appropriately combining hardware processing by digital circuits and software processing by a predetermined program.

[0041] (Operation unit) The operation unit 50 is for receiving operation inputs by the user, and is constituted by, for example, a touch panel provided on the display unit 60. Alternatively, the operation unit 50 may be configured to include an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. Further, the operation unit 50 may be constituted by an external control device that performs remote control by means of a remote command or the like. Operation inputs to the operation unit 50 are to be detected by the control unit 30. For example, the user can set, by the operation unit 50, setting information regarding the waveform to be generated, the encoding method, the pseudo-random signal, the signal level, and the like.

[0042] (Display unit) The display unit 60 is constituted by a display device such as an LCD or a CRT, and performs display of operation targets such as buttons, soft keys, pull-down menus, text boxes, etc. for setting various conditions in waveform signal generation according to control signals output from the control unit 30.

[0043] <Arbitrary waveform generation method> Next, the arbitrary waveform generation method will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an arbitrary waveform generation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, first, the user operates the operation unit 50, for example, to set conditions such as a waveform, an encoding method, a pseudo-random signal, and a signal level (step S1). The control unit 30 determines whether the waveform set by the user is an arbitrary waveform generator type waveform (that is, a full data pre-preparation type in which all data is prepared in advance) (S2). If the determination is no (NO in step S2), the process proceeds to step S7. If the determination is yes (YES in step S2), the data setting unit 31 of the control unit 30 stores the specified waveform data in the waveform memory 10. Next, the data read control unit 32 of the control unit 30 sequentially reads the waveform data stored in the waveform memory 10 at a predetermined time interval (step S3). The waveform signal generation unit 20 converts the waveform data read from the waveform memory 10 into an analog waveform signal by digital-to-analog conversion (step S4). The control unit 30 determines whether all the waveform data has been read (S5). If the determination is no (NO in S5), the process returns to step S3 and continues. If the determination is yes (YES in S5), the process ends.

[0045] In step S7, the control unit 30 determines whether the waveform set by the user is a PRBS pattern (S7). If the determination is no (NO in step S7), the process proceeds to step S12. If the determination is yes (YES in step S7), the data processing unit 40 sequentially calculates the values of the PRBS using the generation polynomial corresponding to the specified PRBS (step S8). The data processing unit 40 sequentially encodes the sequentially calculated PRBS values and converts them into waveform data while performing sequential encoding using the specified encoding method (step S9). The waveform signal generation unit 20 converts the waveform data corresponding to the PRBS values sequentially encoded by the data processing unit 40 into an analog waveform signal by digital-to-analog conversion (step S10). The control unit 30 determines whether all the data of the PRBS pattern has ended (S11). If the determination is no (NO in S11), the process returns to step S8 and continues. If the determination is yes (YES in S11), the process ends.

[0046] In step S12, the control unit 30 determines whether the waveform set by the user is a pulse pattern (S12). If the determination is negative (NO in step S12), the process ends. If the determination is affirmative (YES in step S12), the data processing unit 40 acquires the pulse pattern data stored in the waveform memory 10 and sequentially encodes it using the specified encoding method (step S13). The waveform signal generation unit 20 converts the value of the pulse pattern sequentially encoded by the data processing unit 40 into an analog waveform signal by digital-to-analog conversion (step S14). The control unit 30 determines whether all the data of the pulse pattern has ended (S15). If the determination is negative (NO in S15), the process returns to step S13 and continues. If the determination is affirmative (YES in S15), the process ends.

[0047] Figure 2 shows an example of a screen when an arbitrary waveform is output. When "AWG Waveform" is selected in the "Test Pattern" item, a waveform file can be selected, and the waveform data included in the waveform file can be stored in the waveform memory 10, and the waveform signal can be output by the waveform signal generation unit 20. In Figure 2, "Max Amplitude" and "Offset" can be set.

[0048] Figure 3 shows an example of a screen when a waveform signal is output based on the pulse pattern data stored in the waveform memory 10. When "Pattern" is selected in the "Test Pattern" item, a pulse pattern data file can be selected, and the encoding method and amplitude level can be set. In Figure 3, PAM4 is selected as the encoding method. By editing "Symbol" and "Volt" in the encoding, "Eye Ratio" and "Eye Amplitude" in the eye diagram can also be set.

[0049] Figures 4 and 5 show examples of screens when outputting a PRBS pattern. When "PRBS" is selected in the "Test Pattern" item, the type of PRBS, the encoding method, and the amplitude level can be set. In Figure 4, QAM16 is selected as the encoding method, and in Figure 5, PAM4 is selected as the encoding method.

[0050] <Function and Effect> As described above, in the arbitrary waveform generator 1 of this embodiment, when the data processing unit 40 generates a pulse pattern waveform, the data processing unit 40 performs data processing to sequentially calculate waveform data in time series based on the pulse pattern data, which is the time series data of the pulse pattern. The control unit 30 outputs the sequentially calculated waveform data from the data processing unit 40 to the waveform signal generation unit 20 at a predetermined time interval, and the waveform signal generation unit 20 performs digital-to-analog conversion to generate a waveform signal. With this configuration, it is not necessary to store all the data in the waveform memory 10 in advance, and even for signals with long pulse patterns such as pseudo-random signals and digital signals in the NRZ format, they can be generated without the need for a large-capacity waveform memory.

[0051] Also, in the arbitrary waveform generator 1 of this embodiment, the data processing unit 40 sequentially calculates pulse pattern data (pseudo-random bit sequence) based on the generating polynomial corresponding to the specified pseudo-random bit sequence, and sequentially calculates waveform data based on the sequentially calculated pulse pattern data. Further, the data processing unit 40 may sequentially calculate pulse pattern data (pseudo-random bit sequence) based on the generating polynomial corresponding to the specified pseudo-random bit sequence, encode the sequentially calculated pulse pattern data by the specified encoding method to sequentially calculate pulse pattern encoded data, and sequentially calculate waveform data based on the sequentially calculated pulse pattern encoded data. With this configuration, the arbitrary waveform generator of the present invention can generate signals with long pulse patterns such as pseudo-random signals or signals obtained by encoding pseudo-random signals without the need for a large-capacity waveform memory.

[0052] Also, in the arbitrary waveform generator 1 of the present embodiment, the waveform memory 10 stores pulse pattern data, the control unit 10 performs output control to output the pulse pattern data stored in the waveform memory 10 in time series order, and the data processing unit 40 sequentially calculates waveform data in time series order based on the pulse pattern data output from the waveform memory 10 under the output control of the control unit 30. Further, the data processing unit 40 may sequentially calculate waveform data based on the pulse pattern encoded data sequentially calculated while encoding the pulse pattern data output from the waveform memory 10 by a specified encoding method to sequentially calculate pulse pattern encoded data. With this configuration, any pulse pattern signal such as an NRZ digital signal or a signal obtained by encoding a pulse pattern signal can be generated without requiring a large-capacity waveform memory.

Industrial Applicability

[0053] As described above, the present invention has the effect that even a long pulse pattern signal such as a pseudo-random signal or an NRZ digital signal can be generated without requiring a large-capacity waveform memory, and is useful for general arbitrary waveform generators and arbitrary waveform generation methods.

Explanation of Signs

[0054] 1 Arbitrary waveform generator 10 Waveform memory 20 Waveform signal generation unit 30 Control unit 31 Data setting unit 32 Data readout control unit 40 Data processing unit 41 Encoding processing unit 42 Pseudo-random signal generation unit 50 Operation unit 60 Display unit 70 Storage unit

Claims

1. A waveform memory (10) for storing waveform data which is time-series data of an arbitrary waveform, a control unit (30) for performing control to output the waveform data stored in the waveform memory at a predetermined time interval in time-series order, a waveform signal generation unit (20) for digitally-analog converting the waveform data output under the control of the control unit to generate a waveform signal, in an arbitrary waveform generator comprising: when generating a waveform of a pulse pattern, a data processing unit (40) for sequentially calculating the waveform data in time-series order based on pulse pattern data which is time-series data of the pulse pattern, the pulse pattern data consists of time-series data of pulse patterns B1, B2, ···, Bm, ···, BM (where Bm is 0 or 1), and the pulse pattern data is a pseudo-random bit sequence (PRBS) specified by a user, the control unit performs a first determination as to whether the waveform set by the user at the time of condition setting is a full data pre-preparation type in which all data is prepared in advance. When the first determination is affirmative, the control unit stores the waveform data of the full data pre-preparation type in the waveform memory. When the first determination is negative, the control unit performs a second determination as to whether the waveform set by the user at the time of condition setting is a PRBS pattern. When the second determination is affirmative, the data processing unit sequentially calculates the pulse pattern data based on the generating polynomial corresponding to the PRBS specified by the user, and sequentially calculates the waveform data based on the sequentially calculated pulse pattern data, the control unit causes the waveform data sequentially calculated by the data processing unit to be output from the data processing unit to the waveform signal generation unit at the predetermined time interval, and the waveform signal generation unit digitally-analog converts the data to generate a waveform signal. An arbitrary waveform generator characterized by the above.

2. A waveform memory (10) for storing waveform data which is time-series data of an arbitrary waveform, a control unit (30) for performing control to output the waveform data stored in the waveform memory at a predetermined time interval in time-series order, a waveform signal generation unit (20) for digitally-analog converting the waveform data output under the control of the control unit to generate a waveform signal, in an arbitrary waveform generator comprising: When generating the waveform of the pulse pattern, a data processing unit (40) is provided that sequentially calculates the waveform data in time series order based on the pulse pattern data, which is the time series data of the pulse pattern. The pulse pattern data consists of pulse patterns B1, B2, ···, Bm, ···, BM (where Bm is 0 or 1) that are time series data, and the pulse pattern data is a pseudo-random bit sequence (PRBS) specified by the user. The control unit performs a first determination as to whether the waveform set by the user at the time of condition setting is a full data pre-preparation type that prepares all data in advance. If the first determination is affirmative, the waveform data of the full data pre-preparation type is stored in the waveform memory. If the first determination is negative, the control unit performs a second determination as to whether the waveform set by the user at the time of condition setting is a PRBS pattern. If the second determination is affirmative, the data processing unit sequentially calculates the pulse pattern data based on the generating polynomial corresponding to the PRBS specified by the user, encodes the sequentially calculated pulse pattern data by a specified encoding method to sequentially calculate pulse pattern encoded data, and sequentially calculates the waveform data based on the sequentially calculated pulse pattern encoded data. The control unit causes the waveform data sequentially calculated by the data processing unit to be output from the data processing unit to the waveform signal generating unit at the predetermined time interval, and the waveform signal generating unit performs digital-to-analog conversion to generate a waveform signal. An arbitrary waveform generator characterized by this.

3. When the data processing unit sequentially calculates the PRBS, the arbitrary waveform generator according to claim 1 or 2 further includes a display unit (60) configured to display the type of the PRBS selectably and to display the encoding method and the amplitude level settable.

4. A step of storing waveform data, which is time series data of an arbitrary waveform, in a waveform memory. A control step of controlling to output the waveform data stored in the waveform memory to a digital-to-analog converter at a predetermined time interval in time series order. A waveform signal generation step of performing digital-to-analog conversion on the waveform data output under the control of the control step by the digital-to-analog converter to generate a waveform signal. In an arbitrary waveform generation method comprising the above steps. When generating the waveform of the pulse pattern, it further includes a data processing step of sequentially calculating the waveform data in time series order based on the pulse pattern data which is the time series data of the pulse pattern, The pulse pattern data consists of pulse patterns B1, B2, ···, Bm, ···, BM (where Bm is 0 or 1) which are time series data, and the pulse pattern data is a pseudo-random bit sequence (PRBS) specified by the user, Perform a first determination on whether the waveform set by the user during condition setting is a full data pre-preparation type that prepares all data in advance. If the first determination is affirmative, store the waveform data of the full data pre-preparation type in the waveform memory. If the first determination is negative, perform a second determination on whether the waveform set by the user during the condition setting is a PRBS pattern. If the second determination is affirmative, in the data processing step, while sequentially calculating the pulse pattern data based on the generating polynomial corresponding to the PRBS specified by the user, sequentially calculate the waveform data based on the sequentially calculated pulse pattern data, Control is performed to output the waveform data sequentially calculated by the data processing step to the digital-to-analog converter at the predetermined time interval to generate a waveform signal by digital-to-analog conversion. This is an arbitrary waveform generation method characterized by this.

5. A step of storing waveform data which is time series data of an arbitrary waveform in a waveform memory, A control step of performing control to output the waveform data stored in the waveform memory to a digital-to-analog converter at a predetermined time interval in time series order, A waveform signal generation step of digitally converting the waveform data output under the control of the control step by the digital-to-analog converter to generate a waveform signal, In an arbitrary waveform generation method comprising: When generating the waveform of the pulse pattern, it further includes a data processing step of sequentially calculating the waveform data in time series order based on the pulse pattern data which is the time series data of the pulse pattern, The pulse pattern data consists of pulse patterns B1, B2, ···, Bm, ···, BM (where Bm is 0 or 1) which are time series data, and the pulse pattern data is a pseudo-random bit sequence (PRBS) specified by the user, Perform a first determination as to whether the waveform set by the user during condition setting is of the all-data pre-preparation type that prepares all data in advance. If the first determination is affirmative, store the waveform data of the all-data pre-preparation type in the waveform memory. If the first determination is negative, perform a second determination as to whether the waveform set by the user during the condition setting is a PRBS pattern. When the second determination is affirmative, in the data processing step, sequentially calculate the pulse pattern data based on the generating polynomial corresponding to the PRBS specified by the user, and while sequentially calculating the pulse pattern encoded data by encoding the sequentially calculated pulse pattern data with the specified encoding method, sequentially calculate the waveform data based on the sequentially calculated pulse pattern encoded data. A method for generating an arbitrary waveform, characterized in that control is performed to output the waveform data sequentially calculated by the data processing step to the digital-to-analog converter at the predetermined time interval to generate a waveform signal by digital-to-analog conversion.

6. The method for generating an arbitrary waveform according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a display step of displaying the type of the PRBS on a display unit so as to be selectable when sequentially calculating the PRBS in the data processing step, and displaying the encoding method and the amplitude level on the display unit so as to be settable.

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