Abstract: The programmable function controller herein may be used in conjunction with a data processor and a waveform storage memory together with digital-to-analog conversion means for providing an analog waveform based on stored digital representations of the waveform in the memory. The function controller includes a plurality of registers which are initially preloaded prior to waveform generation with programmed parameter control words respecting the manner in which the waveform is to be generated. These control words are used to control logic circuitry for selecting a clock to be used by the controller for interrogating the memory to obtain the data words therefrom in a sequence representing data points on the waveform to be generated. The controller then outputs these data words to a digital-to-analog converter for providing the analog version of the waveform.

Abstract: The digital interpolator herein selectively provides linear interpolation between successive digital data words in a stream of such data words. The data words each contain a control bit together with first and second multi-bit fields with the control bit having a first or second level respectively designating whether or not interpolation is to take place through that data word. The first bit field contains differential data, representing the value between successive data words, only when the control bit is at a first level. The second bit field contains the interpolation interval to be effective when the control bit is at the second level. When no interpolation through the assigned data point is desired, the control bit is at the first level and the circuitry responds to provide an output signal having a digital value corresponding with a first data word to which there is added the differential data from the first bit field to obtain the next output signal.

Abstract: The waveform generator herein may be used to generate an analog waveform selected from a plurality of stored digital representations of waveforms. These are stored in a memory within a processor section of the system. At least one waveform generator section communicates with the processor section and receives parameter control words therefrom respecting the manner in which a waveform is to be generated. Each such generator section includes a function generator controller, a temporary waveform memory for storing a selected one of the waveforms and a digital-to-analog converter. After receiving the parameter control words from the processor section, the function generator controller operates independently of the processor section for reading the data words stored in the temporary memory and generating the selected analog waveform.