B+K precision BK4053B User manual

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4050B Series
Function/Arbitrary Waveform
Generator
USER MANUAL

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Safety Summary
The following safety precautions apply to both operating and maintenance personnel and must
be followed during all phases of operation, service, and repair of this instrument.
Before applying power to this instrument:
•Read and understand the safety and operational information in this manual.
•Apply all the listed safety precautions.
•Verify that the voltage selector at the line power cord input is set to the correct line
voltage. Operating the instrument at an incorrect line voltage will void the warranty.
•Make all connections to the instrument before applying power.
•Do not operate the instrument in ways not specified by this manual or by B&K Precision.
Failure to comply with these precautions or with warnings elsewhere in this manual violates the
safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. B&K Precision
assumes no liability for a customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.
Category rating
The IEC 61010 standard defines safety category ratings that specify the amount of electrical
energy available and the voltage impulses that may occur on electrical conductors associated
with these category ratings. The category rating is a Roman numeral of I, II, III, or IV. This rating
is also accompanied by a maximum voltage of the circuit to be tested, which defines the voltage
impulses expected and required insulation clearances. These categories are:
Category I (CAT I): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are not intended to
be connected to the mains supply. The voltages in the environment are typically derived from a
limited-energy transformer or a battery.
Category II (CAT II): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are meant to be
connected to the mains supply at a standard wall outlet or similar sources. Example
measurement environments are portable tools and household appliances.
Category III (CAT III): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are meant to be
connected to the mains installation of a building. Examples are measurements inside a
building's circuit breaker panel or the wiring of permanently-installed motors.

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Category IV (CAT IV): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are meant to be
connected to the primary power entering a building or other outdoor wiring.
Do not use this instrument in an electrical environment with a higher category rating than what
is specified in this manual for this instrument.
You must ensure that each accessory you use with this instrument has a category rating equal
to or higher than the instrument's category rating to maintain the instrument's category rating.
Failure to do so will lower the category rating of the measuring system.
Electrical Power
This instrument is intended to be powered from a CATEGORY II mains power environment. The
mains power should be 120 V RMS or 240 V RMS. Use only the power cord supplied with the
instrument and ensure it is appropriate for your country of use.
Ground the Instrument
To minimize shock hazard, the instrument chassis and cabinet must be connected to an
electrical safety ground. This instrument is grounded through the ground conductor of the
supplied, three-conductor AC line power cable. The power cable must be plugged into an
approved three-conductor electrical outlet. The power jack and mating plug of the power cable
meet IEC safety standards.
Do not alter or defeat the ground connection. Without the safety ground connection, all
accessible conductive parts (including control knobs) may provide an electric shock. Failure to
use a properly-grounded approved outlet and the recommended three-conductor AC line
power cable may result in injury or death.

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Unless otherwise stated, a ground connection on the instrument's front or rear panel is for a
reference of potential only and is not to be used as a safety ground.
Do not operate in an explosive or flammable atmosphere
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or vapors, fumes, or finely-
divided particulates.
The instrument is designed to be used in office-type indoor environments. Do not operate the
instrument
•In the presence of noxious, corrosive, or flammable fumes, gases, vapors, chemicals, or
finely-divided particulates.
•In relative humidity conditions outside the instrument's specifications.
•In environments where there is a danger of any liquid being spilled on the instrument or
where any liquid can condense on the instrument.
•In air temperatures exceeding the specified operating temperatures.
•In atmospheric pressures outside the specified altitude limits or where the surrounding
gas is not air.
•In environments with restricted cooling air flow, even if the air temperatures are within
specifications.
•In direct sunlight.
This instrument is intended to be used in an indoor pollution degree 2 environment. The
operating temperature range is 0 °C to 40 °C and the operating humidity is ≤ 90 % relative
humidity at < 35 °C and ≤ 60 % relative humidity at 35 °C – 40 °C, with no condensation allowed.

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Measurements made by this instrument may be outside specifications if the instrument is used
in non-office-type environments. Such environments may include rapid temperature or
humidity changes, sunlight, vibration and/or mechanical shocks, acoustic noise, electrical noise,
strong electric fields, or strong magnetic fields.
Do not operate instrument if damaged
If the instrument is damaged, appears to be damaged, or if any liquid, chemical, or other
material gets on or inside the instrument, remove the instrument's power cord, remove the
instrument from service, label it as not to be operated, and return the instrument to B&K
Precision for repair. Notify B&K Precision of the nature of any contamination of the instrument.
Clean the instrument only as instructed
Do not clean the instrument, its switches, or its terminals with contact cleaners, abrasives,
lubricants, solvents, acids/bases, or other such chemicals. Clean the instrument only with a
clean dry lint-free cloth or as instructed in this manual.
Not for critical applications
This instrument is not authorized for use in contact with the human body or for use as a
component in a life-support device or system.

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Do not touch live circuits
Instrument covers must not be removed by operating personnel. Component replacement and
internal adjustments must be made by qualified service-trained maintenance personnel who
are aware of the hazards involved when the instrument's covers and shields are removed.
Under certain conditions, even with the power cord removed, dangerous voltages may exist
when the covers are removed. To avoid injuries, always disconnect the power cord from the
instrument, disconnect all other connections (for example, test leads, computer interface
cables, etc.), discharge all circuits, and verify there are no hazardous voltages present on any
conductors by measurements with a properly-operating voltage-sensing device before touching
any internal parts. Verify the voltage-sensing device is working properly before and after
making the measurements by testing with known-operating voltage sources and test for both
DC and AC voltages. Do not attempt any service or adjustment unless another person capable of
rendering first aid and resuscitation is present.
Do not insert any object into an instrument's ventilation openings or other openings.
Hazardous voltages may be present in unexpected locations in circuitry being tested when a
fault condition in the circuit exists.
Servicing
Do not substitute parts that are not approved by B&K Precision or modify this instrument.
Return the instrument to B&K Precision for service and repair to ensure that safety and
performance features are maintained.

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Cooling fans
This instrument contains one or more cooling fans. For continued safe operation of the
instrument, the air inlet and exhaust openings for these fans must not be blocked nor must
accumulated dust or other debris be allowed to reduce air flow. Maintain at least 25 mm
clearance around the sides of the instrument that contain air inlet and exhaust ports. If
mounted in a rack, position power devices in the rack above the instrument to minimize
instrument heating while rack mounted. Do not continue to operate the instrument if you
cannot verify the fan is operating (note some fans may have intermittent duty cycles). Do not
insert any object into the fan's inlet or outlet.
For continued safe use of the instrument
•Do not place heavy objects on the instrument.
•Do not obstruct cooling air flow to the instrument.
•Do not place a hot soldering iron on the instrument.
•Do not pull the instrument with the power cord, connected probe, or connected test
lead.
•Do not move the instrument when a probe is connected to a circuit being tested.

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Compliance Statements
Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European
Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)
This product is subject to Directive 2002/96/EC of the European
Parliament and the Council of the European Union on waste
electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), and in jurisdictions
adopting that Directive, is marked as being put on the market after
August 13, 2005, and should not be disposed of as unsorted
municipal waste. Please utilize your local WEEE collection facilities
in the disposition of this product and otherwise observe all
applicable requirements.

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CE Declaration of Conformity
This instrument meets the requirements of 2006/95/EC Low Voltage Directive and 2004/108/EC
Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive with the following standards.
Low Voltage Directive
oEN61010-1: 2001
EMC Directive
oEN 61000-3-2: 2006
oEN 61000-3-3: 1995+A1: 2001+A2: 2005
oEN 61000-4-2 / -3 / -4 / -5 / -6 / -11
oEN 61326-1: 2006

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Safety Symbols
Refer to the user manual for warning information
to avoid hazard or personal injury and prevent
damage to instrument.
Electric Shock hazard
Alternating current (AC)
Chassis (earth ground) symbol.
Ground terminal
On (Power). This is the In position of the power
switch when instrument is ON.
Off (Power). This is the Out position of the power
switch when instrument is OFF.
Power Switch (On/Off). This is the power switch
located in front of the instrument.
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, will result in minor or moderate
injury.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Notations
TEXT –Denotes a softkey.
TEXT –Denotes a front panel button.
[TEXT] –Denotes a physical connector in the front or rear panel.

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Table of Contents
SAFETY SUMMARY..................................................................................................................................................I
COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS............................................................................................................................................ VII
SAFETY SYMBOLS.......................................................................................................................................................... IX
NOTATIONS ................................................................................................................................................................. IX
1GENERAL INFORMATION..........................................................................................................................1
1.1 PRODUCT OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................1
1.2 PACKAGE CONTENTS.............................................................................................................................................1
1.3 FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................................................3
Front Panel Description ...................................................................................................................................3
1.4 REAR PANEL OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................................4
Rear Panel Description ....................................................................................................................................4
1.5 DISPLAY OVERVIEW ..............................................................................................................................................5
Display Description ..........................................................................................................................................5
2GETTING STARTED....................................................................................................................................6
2.1 INPUT POWER REQUIREMENTS ...............................................................................................................................6
Input Power .....................................................................................................................................................6
2.2 OUTPUT CONNECTIONS.........................................................................................................................................6
Impedance Matching.......................................................................................................................................7
2.3 PRELIMINARY CHECK.............................................................................................................................................7
Check Model and Firmware Version................................................................................................................8
Output Check...................................................................................................................................................9
3FRONT PANEL OPERATION ..................................................................................................................... 11
3.1 MENU OPTIONS.................................................................................................................................................11
3.2 SELECTING A CHANNEL ........................................................................................................................................14
3.3 CONFIGURE WAVEFORM OUTPUT .........................................................................................................................15
Configure Waveform Shape ..........................................................................................................................15
Configure Frequency......................................................................................................................................17
Configure Amplitude......................................................................................................................................18
User-Defined High and Low Level ............................................................................................................................. 19
Configure Offset ............................................................................................................................................19
Configure Phase.............................................................................................................................................20
Configure Duty Cycle: Square Waveform ......................................................................................................21
Configure Width and Duty Cycle: Pulse Waveform .......................................................................................22
Configure Rise/Fall Edge: Pulse Waveform ...................................................................................................23
Configure Delay: Pulse Waveform.................................................................................................................24
Configure Symmetry: Ramp Waveform.........................................................................................................25
Configure Standard Deviation and Mean: Noise Waveform ........................................................................26
Configure Offset: DC Waveform ....................................................................................................................27
Configure Arbitrary Waveforms ....................................................................................................................28
Generate Predefined Built-in Waveforms................................................................................................................. 28
Generate User-Defined Waveforms.......................................................................................................................... 36
Configure Harmonic Generator .....................................................................................................................38
3.4 CONFIGURE MODULATION OUTPUT.......................................................................................................................40
AM Modulation .............................................................................................................................................41

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Selecting Modulation Source .................................................................................................................................... 43
To Set Modulation Depth.......................................................................................................................................... 44
To Set Modulation Frequency................................................................................................................................... 44
DSB-AM Modulation......................................................................................................................................44
FM Modulation..............................................................................................................................................46
To Set Frequency Deviation ...................................................................................................................................... 47
PM (Phase Modulation).................................................................................................................................47
To Set Phase Deviation.............................................................................................................................................. 48
FSK Modulation .............................................................................................................................................48
To Set Key Frequency................................................................................................................................................ 49
To Set Hop Frequency............................................................................................................................................... 50
ASK Modulation.............................................................................................................................................50
PSK Modulation .............................................................................................................................................51
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)....................................................................................................................52
To Set Pulse Width/Duty Deviation........................................................................................................................... 53
3.5 CONFIGURE SWEEP OUTPUT.................................................................................................................................55
Sweep time ....................................................................................................................................................56
Sweep Frequency...........................................................................................................................................56
Sweep Trigger Source ....................................................................................................................................56
Trig out ..........................................................................................................................................................57
Sweep Type....................................................................................................................................................58
Direction ........................................................................................................................................................59
3.6 CONFIGURE BURST .............................................................................................................................................59
N-Cycle...........................................................................................................................................................60
Cycles ........................................................................................................................................................................ 61
Infinite....................................................................................................................................................................... 61
Gated.............................................................................................................................................................62
Common Settings for NCycle and Gated Burst: .............................................................................................63
Start Phase ................................................................................................................................................................ 63
Burst Period .............................................................................................................................................................. 63
Trig Delay .................................................................................................................................................................. 63
Burst Trigger Source.................................................................................................................................................. 64
4UTILITY FUNCTIONS ............................................................................................................................... 65
4.1 SYSTEM SETTINGS...............................................................................................................................................66
Numerical Format..........................................................................................................................................67
Language Setup.............................................................................................................................................68
Power On .......................................................................................................................................................68
Set to Default.................................................................................................................................................69
Key Sound (Beeper)........................................................................................................................................70
Screen Saver ..................................................................................................................................................70
System Info ....................................................................................................................................................70
Firmware Update...........................................................................................................................................71
Built-in Help...................................................................................................................................................72
4.2 TEST/CAL .........................................................................................................................................................73
ScrTest ...........................................................................................................................................................73
Key Test .........................................................................................................................................................74
LED Test .........................................................................................................................................................74
Board Test .....................................................................................................................................................75
4.3 FREQUENCY COUNTER.........................................................................................................................................75

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4.4 OUTPUT ...........................................................................................................................................................77
Load...............................................................................................................................................................78
Polarity ..........................................................................................................................................................78
EqPhase .........................................................................................................................................................79
Combining Waveforms (Wave Combine) ......................................................................................................79
4.5 CH COPY/COUPLING ..........................................................................................................................................80
Channel Copy.................................................................................................................................................80
Channel Coupling...........................................................................................................................................81
Frequency Coupling .................................................................................................................................................. 82
Amplitude Coupling .................................................................................................................................................. 82
Phase Coupling.......................................................................................................................................................... 83
Tracking.........................................................................................................................................................83
4.6 REMOTE INTERFACE............................................................................................................................................85
USB Interface.................................................................................................................................................86
GPIB Interface................................................................................................................................................86
LAN ................................................................................................................................................................88
To Set IP Address....................................................................................................................................................... 88
To Set Subnet Mask .................................................................................................................................................. 89
To Set Gateway ......................................................................................................................................................... 89
DHCP Configuration Mode........................................................................................................................................ 89
4.7 SYNC OUTPUT ...................................................................................................................................................90
Syncing Signals of Different Waveforms .......................................................................................................91
Basic Waveform and Arbitrary Waveform ................................................................................................................ 91
Modulated Waveform............................................................................................................................................... 91
4.8 REFERENCE CLOCK..............................................................................................................................................91
Sync methods for two or more instruments: .................................................................................................92
Synchronization between two instruments .............................................................................................................. 92
Synchronization among multiple instruments .......................................................................................................... 92
4.9 MODE..............................................................................................................................................................92
4.10 OVER VOLTAGE PROTECTION................................................................................................................................94
5STORE AND RECALL ................................................................................................................................95
5.1 STORAGE SYSTEM...............................................................................................................................................96
Local (C:)........................................................................................................................................................96
USB Device (0:) ..............................................................................................................................................96
Browse...........................................................................................................................................................97
5.2 FILE TYPE..........................................................................................................................................................97
5.3 SAVE THE INSTRUMENT STATE ..............................................................................................................................98
5.4 RECALL STATE FILE OR DATA FILE ........................................................................................................................100
5.5 DELETE FILE ....................................................................................................................................................100
5.6 COPY AND PASTE FILE .......................................................................................................................................100
6EXAMPLES............................................................................................................................................ 102
Example 1: Generate a Sine Waveform.......................................................................................................103
Example 2: Generate a Square Waveform ..................................................................................................104
Example 3: Generate a Ramp Waveform ....................................................................................................105
Example 4: Generate a Pulse Waveform .....................................................................................................106
Example 5: Generate a Noise ......................................................................................................................107
Example 6: Generate a DC Waveform .........................................................................................................108
Example 7: Generate a Linear Sweep Waveform ........................................................................................109

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Example 8: Generate a Burst Waveform .....................................................................................................110
Example 9: Generate an AM Modulation Waveform ..................................................................................112
Example 10: Generate an FM Modulation Waveform ................................................................................113
Example 11: Generate a PM Modulated Waveform ...................................................................................114
Example 12: Generate an FSK Modulated Waveform .................................................................................115
Example 13: Generate an ASK Modulation Waveform................................................................................116
Example 14: Generate a PSK Modulated Waveform...................................................................................117
Example 15: Generate a PWM Modulated Waveform................................................................................118
Example 16: Generate a DSB-AM Modulated Waveform............................................................................119
7TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE.................................................................................................................. 120
8SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................... 121
SERVICE INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................................... 125
LIMITED THREE-YEAR WARRANTY ..................................................................................................................... 126

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1General Information
1.1 Product Overview
BK Precision’s 4050B series are dual-channel function/arbitrary waveform generators, capable
of generating sine and square waves of up to 10 MHz, 30 MHz or 60 MHz (depending on
model). They have an informative easy-to-read color display, user-friendly controls and a
numeric keypad which allows users to easily configure waveform properties. These waveform
generators can output square waves with frequencies up to 60 MHz (depending on model) and
less than 300 ps + 0.05 ppm of period of jitter. In addition, they feature non-volatile built-in
memory to create, store, and recall arbitrary waveforms up to 16K points with a 150 MSa/s
sampling rate, and 14-bit vertical resolution. 196 predefined arbitrary waveforms are also
available for output. Having USBTMC, LAN, and GPIB (optional adapter) interfaces, these
generators allow users to easily interface with application software to create and load arbitrary
waveforms into the instrument.
Features:
•Dual-channel output with bandwidth up to 10 MHz, 30 MHz or 60 MHz
•Amplitude up to 10 Vpp into 50 ohms.
•150 MSa/s sampling rate, 14-bit vertical resolution, and 16K points waveform length
•Capable of generating low jitter pulse waveforms
•Square waves with low jitter and frequencies up to 60 MHz (depending on model)
•AM, DSB-AM, FM, PM, FSK, ASK, PSK and PWM modulation functions
•Sweep and burst functions
•Harmonic waveforms generator
•Waveform combining function
•High-precision frequency counter
•196 built-in arbitrary waveforms
•4.3” TFT-LCD display, 480 x 272 resolution
1.2 Package Contents
Please inspect the instrument mechanically and electrically upon receiving it. Unpack all items
from the shipping carton, and check for any obvious signs of physical damage that may have
occurred during transportation. Report any damage to the shipping agent immediately. Save
the original packing carton for possible future reshipment. Every instrument is shipped with the
following contents:

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•1 x 4050B series function/arbitrary waveform generator
•1 x Getting started manual (printed)
•1 x AC power cord
•1 x USB type A to Type B cable
•1 x Certificate of calibration
Verify that all items above are included in the shipping container. If anything is missing, please
contact B&K Precision.
An optional USB to GPIB adapter model AK40G is also available.

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1.3 Front Panel Overview
Front Panel Description
Power On/Off switch
Menu softkeys
Menu buttons
Channel 1 output terminal
Channel 2 output terminal
Channel 1 and 2 Output On/Off buttons
Arrow keys
Rotary dial knob
Numeric keypad
TFT LCD color display
USB host port/*USB-to-GPIB adapter interface
Accepts USB flash drive to save/recall instrument settings and waveforms.
*This port can be used for connecting the USB-to-GPIB adapter (AK40G)
accessory. It can also be used for connecting an external USB flash drive.
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1.4 Rear Panel Overview
Rear Panel Description
LAN Interface
USB interface
AC Power Input
Chassis ground
10MHz Out BNC connector
Aux In/Out BNC connector
Counter BNC Connector
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2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
6
7
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1.5 Display Overview
Display Description
Waveform display
Channel status bar
Waveform parameters display
Waveform mode and output impedance indicator
LAN status indicator
Mode phase locked/free running indicator
Menu display
Waveform parameters display
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7
8
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2Getting Started
Before connecting and powering up the instrument, please review and go through the
instructions in this chapter.
2.1 Input Power Requirements
Input Power
The supply has a universal AC input that accepts line voltage and frequency input within:
100 –240 V (+/- 10%), 50 –60 Hz (+/- 5%)
100 –127 V, 45 –440 Hz
Before connecting to an AC outlet or external power source, be sure that the power switch is in
the OFF position and verify that the AC power cord, including the extension line, is compatible
with the rated voltage/current and that there is sufficient circuit capacity for the power supply.
Once verified, connect the cable firmly.
The included AC power cord is safety certified for this instrument operating in rated
range. To change a cable or add an extension cable, be sure that it can meet the
required power ratings for this instrument. Any misuse with wrong or unsafe cables
will void the warranty.
2.2 Output Connections
The waveform generator output circuits operate as a 50 Ωvoltage source working into a 50 Ω
load. At higher frequencies, a non-terminated or improperly terminated output may cause
aberrations on the output waveform. In addition, loads with an impedance less than 50 Ωwill
reduce the waveform amplitude, while loads with an impedance greater than 50 Ωwill increase
waveform amplitude.
Excessive distortion or aberrations caused by improper termination are less noticeable at lower
frequencies, especially with sine and triangle waveforms. To ensure waveform integrity, follow
these precautions: