Phase synchronization of output signals across multiple Moku:Labs
Waveform Generator output phase sync
There are 2 output channels on Moku:Lab, however, if you would like to generate signals (with synchronized phase) in more than 2 channels, you can connect up multiple Moku:Labs to achieve this. The generated signal is synchronized by triggering the Waveform Generator with the same output signal from the Oscilloscope.
This is a step by step guide to show how to generate 4 sine wave signals of the same frequency with synchronized phase using two Moku:Labs. A third Moku:Lab is used as an Oscilloscope to measure the signal generated from the Waveform Generators.
1. Clock synchronization
First of all, the 10 MHz clocks on all three Moku:Labs need to be synchronized. Using one of the Waveform Generator Moku:Lab as the master (black unit on the top in this example), it outputs the 10 MHz reference signal to the second Moku:Lab (red unit), which then outputs to the third Moku:Lab (silver unit).
2. Waveform Generator setup
To set up the Waveform Generator instrument on two Moku:Labs, we are using the Windows App to set up the Waveform Generator, as it can control multiple Moku:Lab devices simultaneously.
Software setup:
- Define Waveform Generator Output signal properties, i.e. waveform, frequency, and amplitude.
- Set modulation to "Burst" mode, burst mode to "Start", modulation trigger to "Input 1" "10 mV".
- Enable the output on both channels and both Moku:Labs.
Hardware setup:
- Connect a signal splitter to Output 1 of the Oscilloscope Moku:Lab, connect the signal splitter to Input 1 of Waveform Generator Moku:Lab 1 and Input 1 of Waveform Generator Moku:Lab 2. (Note: we recommend using BNC cables with the same length for the trigger signal for both Moku:Labs, as cable latency may cause delayed triggering and phase difference)
- Connect Output 1 of Waveform Generator Moku:Lab 1 to Input 1 of the Oscilloscope Moku:Lab.
- Connect Output 1 of Waveform Generator Moku:Lab 2 to Input 2 of the Oscilloscope Moku:Lab
3. Oscilloscope setup
Set the Oscilloscope Output 1 to square wave with an amplitude of 2 Vpp and frequency of 10 MHz. This output signal will be the trigger for both Waveform Generators to start generating signal, hence the phase will be synchronized.
As you enable Output 1, you should be able to see the output signals from both Waveform Generator Moku:Labs and they should be synced in phase. You can switch around the four output channels and should be able to see all signals are phase synchronized.