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M4x.4481-x4 14 bit high speed digitizer - SPECTRUM Instrumentation
M4x.4481-x4
14 bit high speed digitizer
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Product:

M4x.4481-x4

14 bit high speed digitizer

Description:

The M4x.44xx-x4 series digitizers deliver the highest performance in both speed and resolution. The series includes PCIe cards with either two or four synchronous channels where each channel has its own dedicated ADC. The ADC’s can sample at rates from 130 MS/s up to 500 MS/s and are available with either 14 bit or 16 bit resolution. The combination of high sampling rate and resolution makes these digitizers the top-of-the-range for applications that require high quality signal acquisition.

Facts & Features:

  • 400 MS/s on 4 channel
  • Export control free version
  • Simultaneously sampling on all channels
  • Separate ADC and amplifier per channel
  • Up to 3 synchronous digital channels with multi-purpose I/O
  • 2 GSample on-board memory as standard
  • 6 input ranges: +/-200 mV up to +/-10 V
  • Window, re-arm, OR/AND trigger
  • PXIe x4 Gen 2 Interface
  • Sustained streaming mode more than 1.7 GB/s
  • Works with all PXIe and PXI hybrid slots
  • PXIe 3U format, 2 slots wide

Product-Video:

Technical Drawing:

Application examples:

  • High Energy Physics
  • Research and Development
  • Radar
  • Spectroscopy
  • Laser Applications

ABA Mode

The ABA mode combines slow continuous data recording with fast acquisition on trigger events. The ABA mode works like a slow data logger combined with a fast digitizer. The exact position of the trigger events is stored as timestamps in an extra memory.

FIFO mode

The FIFO mode is designed for continuous data transfer between measurement board and PC memory or hard disk. The read (acquisition) transfer rate reached depends on the motherboard and can be up to 1.7 GByte/s on a PXI Express x4 Gen2 slot. The control of the data stream is done automatically by the driver on interrupt request. The complete installed on-board memory is used for buffer data, making the continuous streaming extremely reliable.

Block Average (Optional)

The Block Average Module improves the fidelity of noisy repetitive signals. Multiple repetitive acquisitions with very small dead-time are accumulated and averaged. Random noise is reduced by the averaging process improving the visibility of the repetitive signal.

Block Statistics (Optional)

The Block Statistics and Peak Detect Module implements a widely used data analysis and reduction technology in hardware. Each block is scanned for minimum and maximum peak and a summary including minimum, maximum, average, timestamps and position information is stored in memory.

Boxcar Average

The Boxcar averaging function smooths out high frequency noise to give a clear signal. It is most useful in situations where signals have been oversampled and it can be used to increase vertical resolution, lower noise and improve dynamic characteristics such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spurious free dynamic range (SFDR). It uses a mathematical signal processing function to effectively recalculate the vertical value of each acquired data point by averaging it with adjacent sample points.

Ring buffer mode

The ring buffer mode is the standard mode of all acquisition boards. Data is written in a ring memory of the board until a trigger event is detected. After the event the posttrigger values are recorded. Because of this continuously recording into a ring buffer there are also samples prior to the trigger event visible: Pretrigger = Memsize - Posttrigger.

8 Bit Mode

The digitizer allow to optionally reduce the resolution of the A/D samples from their native resolution down to 8 bit resolution, such that each sample will only occupy one byte in memory instead of the standard two bytes required. This does not only allow to store douple the amount of samples in the on-board memory, but also reduces the required bandwidth over the PCIe bus by half and also to the storage
devices, such as SSD or HDD. Using this mode much higer streaing speeds are reachable.

Digital Pulse Generator Option (Optional)

The digital pulse generator option adds three internal independent pulse generators with programmable duty cycle, output frequency, delay and number of loops. These pulse generators can be triggered by software, hardware trigger or can trigger each other allowing to form complex pulse schemes to drive external equipment or experiments. The pulse generators can be outputted on the existing multi-XIO lines or can be used to trigger the instrument internally. Time resolution of the pulse generator depends on the cards type and the selected sampling rate and can be found in the technical data section.

Channel Trigger

The data acquisition boards offer a wide variety of trigger modes. Besides the standard signal checking for level and edge as known from oscilloscopes it's also possible to define a window trigger. Trigger conditions can be combined with logical conjunctions like OR to adopt to different application scenarios.

External Trigger

All boards can be triggered using a separate external trigger signal with a two level programmable window comparator and a second separate external trigger with a single programmable level comparator. It's possible to use positive or negative edge. An internally recognized trigger event can - when activated by software - be routed to a multi purpose i/o connector to start external instruments.

Gated Sampling

The Gated Sampling option allows data recording controlled by an external gate signal. Data is only recorded if the gate signal has a programmed level. In addition a pre-area before start of the gate signal as well as a post area after end of the gate signal can be acquired. The number of gate segments is only limited by the used memory and is unlimited when using FIFO mode.

Multiple Recording

The Multiple Recording option allows the recording of several trigger events with an extremely short re-arming time. The hardware doesn't need to be restarted in between. The on-board memory is divided in several segments of the same size. Each of them is filled with data if a trigger event occurs. Pre- and posttrigger of the segments can be programmed. The number of acquired segments is only limited by the used memory and is unlimited when using FIFO mode.

Timestamp

The timestamp option writes the time positions of the trigger events in an extra memory. The timestamps are relative to the start of recording, a defined zero time, externally synchronized to a radio clock, or a GPS receiver. With this option acquisitions of systems on different locations can be set in a precise time relation.

High Precision PLL

The internal sampling clock of the card is generated using a high precision PLL. This powerful device allows to select the sampling rate with a fine step size making it possible to perfectly adopt to different measurement tasks. Most other cards on the market only allow the setup of fixed sampling rates like 100 MS/s, 50 MS/s, 25 MS/s, 10 MS/s, ... without any possibility to set the sampling rate to any value in between.

Reference Clock

The option to use a precise external reference clock (normally 10 MHz) is necessary to synchronize the board for high-quality measurements with external equipment (like a signal source). It's also possible to enhance the quality of the sampling clock in this way. The driver automatically generates the requested sampling clock from the fed in reference clock.

Selectable AC/DC Coupling

Each analog channel contains a software selectable AC/DC coupling. When using the DC coupling all frequency parts of the signal including the DC offset are acquired. Selecting the AC coupling will only acquire frequency parts of the signal that are above a defined minimum bandwidth.

On-board Calibration

The on-board calibration can be run on user request and calibrates the amplifier against a dedicated internal high precision calibration source. After this calibration data is stored permanently in an on-board EEPROM and is automatically used for further acquisitions.

Programmable Input Amplifiers

The analog inputs can be adapted to real world signals using a wide variety of settings that are individual for each channel. By using software commands the input termination can be changed between 50 Ohm and 1 MOhm and one can select an input range matching the real world signal.

Selectable Input Path

For each of the analog channels the user has the choice between two analog input paths, both offering the highest flexibility when it comes to input ranges. The Buffered path has 1 MOhm termination that allows to connect standard oscilloscope probes to the card. The HF path on the other hand provides the highest bandwidth and the best signal integrity having a fixed 50 Ohm termination.

Synchronous Sampling

All acquisition cards from Spectrum are built with a completely synchronous design. Every channel has its own independent input amplifier as well as an independent ADC allowing to program all input channel related settings individually for each channel.

Selectable Low Pass Filter

Each analog channel contains a software selectable low-pass filter to limit the input bandwidth. Reducing the analog input bandwidth results in a lower total noise and can be usefull especially with low voltage input signals.

Multi Purpose I/O

All M4i cards offer three universal multi purpose I/O lines, which can be separately programmed as either input or output. When used as outputs, these lines can be used to output card status signals like trigger-armed or to output the trigger to synchronize external equipment.

3rd Party Drivers

A lot of third-party products are supported by the Spectrum driver. Choose between LabVIEW, MATLAB, LabWindows/CVI and IVI. All drivers come with examples and detailed documentation.

Programming Examples

Programming examples for C++, Delphi, Visual Basic, C#, VB.Net, Java, Python, Julia and LabWindows/CVI are delivered with the driver. Due to the simple interface of the driver, the integration in other programming languages or special measurement software is an easy task.

Linux

All cards are delivered with full Linux support. Pre compiled kernel modules are included for the most common distributions like RedHat, Fedora, Suse, Ubuntu or Debian. The Linux support includes SMP systems, 32 bit and 64 bit systems, versatile programming examples for Gnu C++ as well as the possibility to get the driver sources for own compilation.

Remote Server (Optional)

Using the Spectrum Remote Server it is possible to access the M2p/M2i/M3i/M4i/M4x card(s) installed in one PC (server) from another PC (client) via local area network (LAN), similar to using a digitizerNETBOX. To operate it the remote server option has to be activated by a software license for any of the Spectrum cards in the remote system.

SBench6

SBench 6 is a powerful and intuitive interactive measurement software. Besides the possibility to commence the measuring task immediately, without programming, SBench 6 combines the setup of hardware, data display, oscilloscope, transient recorder, waveform generator, analyzing functions, import and export functions under one easy-to-use interface.

SCAPP - CUDA Interface (Optional)

The SDK option allows to directly transfer data between the Spectrum card and a NVIDA CUDA GPU card. The GPU card is optimized for parallel data processing. The package comes with a number of detailed examples like FFT or block average.

Windows

This standard driver is included in the card delivery and it is possible to get the newest driver version free of charge from our homepage at any time. There are no additional SDK fees for the classical text-based programming. All boards are delivered with drivers for Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and Windows 11, all 32 bit and 64 bit.

Related products
Product Channels Max. Samplerate Max. Bandwidth
M4x.4410-x4 2 130 MS/s 65 MHz
M4x.4411-x4 4 130 MS/s 65 MHz
M4x.4420-x4 2 250 MS/s 125 MHz
M4x.4421-x4 4 250 MS/s 125 MHz
M4x.4450-x4 2 500 MS/s 250 MHz
M4x.4451-x4 4 500 MS/s 250 MHz
M4x.4470-x4 2 180 MS/s 125 MHz
M4x.4471-x4 4 180 MS/s 125 MHz
M4x.4480-x4 2 400 MS/s 250 MHz
Other platforms
On different platforms Bus Max. Bus Transfer speed
DN2.448-04 Ethernet 70 MByte/s
DN2.448-08 Ethernet 70 MByte/s
DN2.828-04 Ethernet 70 MByte/s
DN6.448-12 Ethernet 70 MByte/s
DN6.448-16 Ethernet 70 MByte/s
DN6.448-20 Ethernet 70 MByte/s
DN6.448-24 Ethernet 70 MByte/s
M4i.4481-x8 PCI Express x8 3000 MByte/s

A/D External Amplifiers (Optional)

Independent external pre-amplifiers allow to acquire extremely small signals with a reasonable quality. The external amplifiers are optimized for low noise inputs. The amplifiers of the SPA series are available with different bandwidth and input impedance options. No programming is needed to operate the amplifiers.

Documents

Signal Processing

Signal Processing fro Digitizers

21.02.20221 M
AN Introduction to PXIe and PXI

Application Note: Intoduction to PXIe and PXI

21.02.2022656 K
Legacy Windows Driver Installation

Windows driver installation of driver versions < 4.0

21.02.20221 M
M4x.44xx Datasheet

Datasheet of the M4x.44xx-x4 PXIe Digitizer Series

23.09.20241 M
M4x.96xx Datasheet

Data sheet of the M4x.96xx AWG series

23.09.2024677 K
M4i.44xx Manual

Manual of M4i.44xx / M4x.44xx family

23.09.202413 M
M4 Firmware Block Average Datasheet

M4 Series Firmware Option Datasheet: Block Average

21.02.2022348 K
M4 Firmware Block Statistics Datasheet

M4 Series Firmware Option Data sheet: Block Statistics (Peak Detect)

21.02.2022293 K
SPA Datasheet

Data sheet of SPA pre-amplifier

08.12.2023580 K
IVI Driver Manual

Short Manual for IVI Driver

21.02.2022532 K
M4i LabVIEW Manual

Manual for LabVIEW drivers for M4i / M4x

08.12.20236 M
MATLAB Manual

Manual for MATLAB driver M2p/M4i/M4x/M5i/M2i/M3i/DN2/DN6

13.12.20231 M
SCAPP Manual

SCAPP Manual

08.12.2023618 K

WINDOWS DRIVER + SOFTWARE

Driver Win7/8/10/11

M2p/M4i/M4x/M5i/M2i/M3i/DN2/DN6 driver for Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 (32/64 bit)

7.0425.10.20245 M
Win32 Driver WinXP/Vista

M2i/M3i/M4i/M4x driver - last Version for Windows 32 XP / Vista

3.3021.02.20222 M
Win64 Driver WinXP/Vista

M2i/M3i/M4i/M4x driver - last Version for Windows 64 XP / Vista

3.2021.02.20223 M
c_header

C/C++ driver header and library files

7.0425.10.202444 K
Control Center (32-bit)

Spectrum Control Center (32-bit) / Windows 7, 8, 10

2.3825.10.202424 M
Control Center (64-bit)

Spectrum Control Center (64-bit) / Windows 7, 8, 10, 11

2.3825.10.202436 M
Control Center WinXP

Spectrum Control Center - last Version for Windows XP

1.7421.02.20228 M
SBench6 (32-bit)

SBench 6 (32-bit) Installer / Windows 7, 8, 10

6.5.0925.10.202436 M
SBench6 (64-bit)

SBench 6 (64-bit) Installer / Windows 7, 8, 10, 11

6.5.0925.10.202449 M
SBench6 WinXP

SBench6 - last Version for Windows XP

6.3.521.02.202241 M
Remote Server Windows

Windows Installer for Remote Server Option

10.03.202113 M
IVI Digitizer

IVI Driver for IVI Digitizer class (32 bit)

25.10.20243 M
IVI Scope

IVI Driver for IVI Scope class (32 bit)

25.10.20243 M
LabView driver

M2i/M2p/M3i/M4i/M4x/M5i/DN2/DN6 LabView driver installer

11.11.202420 M
Matlab driver

M2p/M4i/M4x/M5i/M2i/M3i/DN2/DN6 Matlab driver + examples installer

11.11.202425 M
Examples for Windows

Windows Examples (C/C++, .NET, Delphi, Java, Python, Julia ...)

7.0425.10.20242 M

LINUX DRIVER + SOFTWARE

Linux Driver Complete

M2p/M4i/M4x/M5i/M2i/M3i drivers (Kernel + Library) for Linux 32 bit and 64 bit

7.0425.10.202436 M
Linux Driver Library

Driver libraries (no Kernel) for Linux 32 bit and 64 bit

7.0425.10.20249 M
Remote Server Linux

Spectrum Remote Server Linux Installer Package

11.03.202112 K
Control Center

Spectrum Control Center

2.3825.10.202421 M
SBench6

SBench 6 Linux 32 (.rpm)

6.5.0822.04.202426 M
SBench6

SBench 6 Linux 64 (.rpm)

6.5.0917.09.202423 M
SBench6

SBench 6 Linux 32 (.deb)

6.5.0822.04.202423 M
SBench6

SBench 6 Linux 64 (.deb)

6.5.0925.10.202422 M
SBench6

SBench6 Jetson (.deb)

6.5.0919.04.202411 M
MATLAB Driver

Drivers + examples for MATLAB for Linux (DEB + RPM)

25.10.2024156 K
Examples for Linux

Linux Examples (C/C++, Python, Julia ...)

7.0425.10.2024569 K

Firmware

Firmware Update (Windows)

M2i/M2p/M3i/M4i/M4x/M5i firmware update (Windows)

17.09.202424 M
Firmware Update (Linux)

M2i/M2p/M3i/M4i/M4x/M5i firmware update (Linux)

17.09.202430 M

Case Studies

OCT Skin Cancer Scanner

OCT application for skin cancer diagnosis

21.02.2022351 K
CS Mass Spectroscopy

Case Study: Digitizer in Mass Spectroscopy

21.02.2022533 K
CS Spectrum Digitizers at DESY

Case Study: Spectrum Digitizers playing vital role at DESY

21.02.2022982 K

Product Notes

General Digitizer Introduction

General Introduction to Waveform Digitizers

21.02.2022587 K
High-Res High BW Digitizers

Advantages of High Resolution in High Bandwidth Digitizers

21.02.20222 M
Digitizer Acquisition Modes

Using modular Digitizer Acquisition Modes

21.02.20223 M
Digitizer Front-End

Proper Use of Digitizer Front-End Signal Conditioning

21.02.20223 M
Trigger and Sync

Trigger, Clock and Synchronization Details at high-speed Digitizers

21.02.20221 M
Digitizer Software Integration

Software Support for Modular Digitizers

21.02.2022724 K
SBench 6 Introduction

SBench 6 - Data Acquisition and Analysis of Digitizer Data

21.02.20221 M

Application Notes

Ultrasonic Applications

Using Digitizers in Ultrasonic Applications

21.02.2022617 K
RF Measurements

RF Measurements using a modular Digitizer

21.02.2022838 K
Signal Processing Tools

Using Signal Processing Tools to enhance Digitizer Data

21.02.20221 M
Mechanical Measurements

Mechanical Measurements Using Digitizers

21.02.20221 M
Using Probes & Sensors

Using Probes and Sensors with Modular Digitizers

21.02.2022858 K
Digitizers as Oscilloscope

Using a Digitizer as Oscilloscope

21.02.2022845 K
Solving Data Transfer Bottlenecks on Digitizers

Solving Data Transfer Bottlenecks on Digitizers

21.02.20222 M
Teaming AWG with Digitizer

Teaming an Arbitrary Waveform Generator with a Modular Digitizer

21.02.2022919 K
Common Digitizer Setup Problems

Application Note: Common Digitizer Setup Problems to avoid

21.02.20221 M
Mass Spectroscopy

Application Note Mass Spectroscopy

21.02.2022879 K
AN LIDAR Light Detection and Ranging

Application Note LIDAR - Light Detection and Ranging

21.02.2022528 K
AN Amplitude Resolution

Application Note: The Amplitude Resolution of Digitizers and how it affects Measurements

21.02.2022555 K
AN Radar Signal Acquisition

Application Note: Radar Signal Acquisition with Modular Digitizer

21.02.2022771 K
AN Dynamic Parameters and Digitizers

Application Note: Dynamic Parameters and Waveform Digitizers

21.02.2022711 K
AN Characterization of RKE devices

Application Note: Characterization of Remote Keyless Entry device

21.02.20221 M
AN008 Install Legacy Win Drivers

Application Note: Legacy Windows Driver Installation

21.02.20221 M
Aircraft Systems Testing

Testing electronic aircraft systems using modular instruments

21.02.20223 M

White Papers

Software block averaging

Using software based fast block averaging

21.02.2022649 K
Boxcar Average Function

White Paper 44xx Series Boxcar Average Function

21.02.2022797 K
Contact

On location for you. Choose your region.

Europe USA Asia
Contact Europe
Phone +49 (0)4102 6956-0
Fax +49 (0)4102 6956-66
E-Mail info@spec.de
Contact USA
Phone +1 (201) 562-1999
Fax +1 (201) 820-2691
E-Mail sales@spectrum-instrumentation.com
Contact Asia
Phone +61 402 130 414
E-Mail greg.tate@spectrum-instrumentation.com
Support

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