
VFG 150 - Versatile Function Generator
- Waveforms: Sine, arbitrary
- Frequency range 1 .. 150 MHz
- Frequency switching: phase-continuous or -coherent
- USB 2.0 computer interface with streaming capability
- Unlimited length of random sequences
Based on latest Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology, TOPTICA offers with the VFG 150 not only another 150 MHz arbitrary waveform generator but a novel approach to phase-controlled, coherently driven experiments in atom, ion and condensed matter physics.
Technical Information
Technical Information
Phase-controlled frequency switching of rf signals
The VFG 150 allows to predetermine the amplitude, frequency and phase of its sinusoidal output with a dwell time down to 500 ns. This unique feature permits the user to operate the frequency generator in various switching modes. Phase continuous switching preserves the actual phase when changing from one frequency to another. In phase-coherent mode, the phase at the switching time is set such that the new rf oscillates in phase with a virtual rf of same frequency started at the beginning of the experimental sequence. Additionally, it allows for a user-defined phase offset maintaining the phase information of a given frequency all the time.
Unlike arbitrary waveform generators, which are limited by their internal memory, the VFG 150 can emit infinitely long signal trains with a very high complexity.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Frequency range | 1 - 150MHz |
| Frequency resolution | 32 bit, better than 50mHz resolution |
| Frequency stability | better than 10-4 with internal reference, external reference input accepts 10, 20 and 25MHz |
| Frequency switching modes | phase continuous and phase coherent switching |
| Frequency switching speed | |
| internal trigger | 5 ns |
| external trigger | fixed latency of less than 100 ns from trigger pulse to frequency switching |
| Maximum length of sequences | unlimited |
| Phase resolution | 16 bit, better than 0.1 mrad |
| Maximum amplitude - | -4dBm** |
| Amplitude resolution | 16 bit, usable dynamic range is limited to about 8 bit |
| Amplitude stability | 100 ppm/K |
| Noise level | better than -70 dB within 1 kHz Band of carrier |
| Dynamic range | better than 50 dB |
| Inputs | |
| Trigger | 5V CMOS, digital coupler isolated |
| Reference frequency | 5V CMOS, digital coupler isolated |
| Auxiliary inputs | 2x digital coupler isolated, for future expansion |
| Computer control | USB 2.0 (USB 1.1 compatible), self-powered device (draws no power from the computer) |
| Power | 100 to 240 VAC, 1A max., 20W max. |
| Outputs | |
| Synthesized waveform | up to -4dBm at 50Ohm, transformer isolated |
| Auxiliary digital outputs | 4x 5V TTL into 50Ohm, each separately digital coupler isolated, minimum pulse width 10 ns |
| Size | 23cm x 18cm x 9.5cm |
| Weight | 1.9 kg |
** The maximum amplitude depends on The frequency and is lower at The extremes of The frequency

Phase-continuous switching. The phase of the output signal after switching back from an intermediate frequency to the initial frequency is different from its initial phase, leading to a smooth amplitude change without discontinuities.
Phase-coherent switching. Even when switching back and forth between various frequencies the phase of each frequency is preserved. Additionally a user controlled phase offset can be added.
Gaussian pulses, chirped pulses, Blackman pulses, etc.
Options & Related Products
Options & Related Products
- DL pro: pro series ECDL with exceptional AR laser diodes
- DL 100 / pro design: Tunable, ultra-stable ECDL
- DL 100: Economic Littrow type ECDL in modified Hänsch design
- BlueMode: 405 nm laser with high coherence and high power
- TA pro: Ultra-stable tunable high-power diode laser
- DLX: Compact tunable high-power laser at 766 nm and 780 nm
- FALC 110: High-bandwidth regulator for fast locking and laser linewidth reduction
- DigiLock 110: Digital module for laser control, locking and analysis
- LCC: Stand-alone modulation source for laser linewidth broadening
Technical Drawings
Applications
Applications
Please refer to the Applications pages of our tunable diode lasers.


