Fluke 291 User manual

®
291, 292, 294
100 MS/s Arbitrary Waveform Generators
Users Manual
March 2006
© 2006 Fluke Corporation, All rights reserved. Printed in USA
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
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LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Each Fluke product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and
service. The warranty period is one year and begins on the date of shipment. Parts, product repairs, and
services are warranted for 90 days. This warranty extends only to the original buyer or end-user customer of
a Fluke authorized reseller, and does not apply to fuses, disposable batteries, or to any product which, in
Fluke's opinion, has been misused, altered, neglected, contaminated, or damaged by accident or abnormal
conditions of operation or handling. Fluke warrants that software will operate substantially in accordance
with its functional specifications for 90 days and that it has been properly recorded on non-defective media.
Fluke does not warrant that software will be error free or operate without interruption.
Fluke authorized resellers shall extend this warranty on new and unused products to end-user customers
only but have no authority to extend a greater or different warranty on behalf of Fluke. Warranty support is
available only if product is purchased through a Fluke authorized sales outlet or Buyer has paid the
applicable international price. Fluke reserves the right to invoice Buyer for importation costs of
repair/replacement parts when product purchased in one country is submitted for repair in another country.
Fluke's warranty obligation is limited, at Fluke's option, to refund of the purchase price, free of charge repair,
or replacement of a defective product which is returned to a Fluke authorized service center within the
warranty period.
To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest Fluke authorized service center to obtain return
authorization information, then send the product to that service center, with a description of the difficulty,
postage and insurance prepaid (FOB Destination). Fluke assumes no risk for damage in transit. Following
warranty repair, the product will be returned to Buyer, transportation prepaid (FOB Destination). If Fluke
determines that failure was caused by neglect, misuse, contamination, alteration, accident, or abnormal
condition of operation or handling, including overvoltage failures caused by use outside the product’s
specified rating, or normal wear and tear of mechanical components, Fluke will provide an estimate of repair
costs and obtain authorization before commencing the work. Following repair, the product will be returned to
the Buyer transportation prepaid and the Buyer will be billed for the repair and return transportation charges
(FOB Shipping Point).
THIS WARRANTY IS BUYER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. FLUKE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES,
INCLUDING LOSS OF DATA, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY.
Since some countries or states do not allow limitation of the term of an implied warranty, or exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, the limitations and exclusions of this warranty may not
apply to every buyer. If any provision of this Warranty is held invalid or unenforceable by a court or other
decision-maker of competent jurisdiction, such holding will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other
provision.
11/99
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Safety
This generator is a Safety Class I instrument according to IEC classification and has been
designed to meet the requirements of EN61010-1:2001 (Safety Requirements for
Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use). It is an Installation
Category II instrument intended for operation from a normal single phase supply.
This instrument has been tested in accordance with EN61010-1, CSA 22.2 No. 61010-1-
04 and UL 61010A-1 and has been supplied in a safe condition. This instruction manual
contains some information and warnings which have to be followed by the user to ensure
safe operation and to retain the instrument in a safe condition.
This instrument has been designed for indoor use in a Pollution Degree 2 environment in
the temperature range 5 °C to 40 °C, 20 % - 80 % RH (non-condensing). It may
occasionally be subjected to temperatures between +5 °C and -10 °C without degradation
of its safety. Do not operate the instrument while condensation is present.
Use of this instrument in a manner not specified by these instructions may impair the
safety protection provided. Do not operate the instrument outside its rated supply
voltages or environmental range.
Warning
To avoid the possibility of electric shock:
• This instrument must be earthed.
• Any interruption of the mains earth conductor inside or
outside the instrument will make the instrument
dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited. The
protective action must not be negated by the use of an
extension cord without a protective conductor.
• When the instrument is connected to its supply, terminals
may be live and opening the covers or removal of parts
(except those to which access can be gained by hand) is
likely to expose live parts.
• Disconnect the instrument from all voltage sources before
opening it for any adjustment, replacement, maintenance
or repair.
• Any adjustment, maintenance and repair of the opened
instrument under voltage shall be avoided as far as
possible and, if inevitable, shall be carried out only by a
skilled person who is aware of the hazard involved.
• Make sure that only fuses with the required rated current
and of the specified type are used for replacement. The use
of makeshift fuses and the short-circuiting of fuse holders
is prohibited.
Caution
If the instrument is clearly defective, has been subject to
mechanical damage, excessive moisture or chemical corrosion
the safety protection may be impaired and the apparatus should
be withdrawn from use and returned for checking and repair.
i
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Note
This instrument uses a Lithium button cell for non-volatile memory battery
back-up. Typical battery life is 5 years. In the event of replacement
becoming necessary, replace only with a cell of the correct type, a 3 V
Li/Mn0220 mm button cell type 2032. Do not mix with solid waste stream.
Do not cut open, incinerate, expose to temperatures above 60 °C or attempt
to recharge. Used batteries should be disposed of by a qualified recycler or
hazardous materials handler. Contact your authorized Fluke Service
Center for recycling information.
Caution
Do not wet the instrument when cleaning it and in particular use
only a soft dry cloth to clean the LCD window.
The following symbols are used on the instrument and in this manual:
Caution - refer to the accompanying documentation,
incorrect operation may damage the instrument.
Mains supply OFF.
Mains supply ON.
Alternating current.
Warning - hazardous voltages may be present.
Conforms to European Union directives:
EN61010-1-2001, EN61326
Verified by MET to be in conformance with relevant US
and Canadian Standards:
CSA 22.2 No. 61010-1-04, UL 61010A-1
Do not mix with solid waste stream. Dispose using a
qualified recycler or hazardous material handler.
Protective Earth (Ground)
ii
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EMC Compliance
This instrument meets the requirements of the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC.
Compliance was demonstrated by meeting the test limits of the following standards:
Emissions
EN61326 (1998) EMC product standard for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,
Control and Laboratory Use. Test limits used were:
a) Radiated: Class A
b) Conducted: Class B
c) Harmonics:
EN61000-3-2 (2000) Class A; the instrument is Class A by product category.
Immunity
EN61326 (1998) EMC product standard for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,
Control and Laboratory Use. Test methods, limits and performance achieved were:
a) EN61000-4-2 (1995)
Electrostatic Discharge: 4 kV air, 4 kV contact
Performance A.
b) EN61000-4-3 (1997)
Electromagnetic Field: 3 V/m, 80 % AM at 1 kHz
Performance A.
c) EN61000-4-11 (1994)
Voltage Interrupt: 1 cycle, 100 %
Performance A.
d) EN61000-4-4 (1995)
Fast Transient: 1 kV peak (ac line), 0.5 kV peak (signal lines
and RS232/GPIB ports) Performance A.
e) EN61000-4-5 (1995)
Surge: 0.5 kV (line to line), 1 kV (line to ground)
Performance A.
f) EN61000-4-6 (1996)
Conducted RF: 3 V, 80 % AM at 1 kHz (AC line only; signal
connections <3 m not tested) Performance A.
According to EN61326 the definitions of performance criteria are:
Performance criterion A: ‘During test normal performance within the specification
limits.’
Performance criterion B: ‘During test, temporary degradation, or loss of function or
performance which is self-recovering’.
Performance criterion C: ‘During test, temporary degradation, or loss of function or
performance which requires operator intervention or system
reset occurs.’
Cautions
To ensure continued compliance with the EMC directive the
following precautions should be observed:
a) connect the generator to other equipment using only high
quality, double-screened cables.
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iv
b) after opening the case for any reason ensure that all signal
and ground connections are remade correctly before replacing
the cover. Always ensure all case screws are correctly refitted
and tightened.
c) In the event of part replacement becoming necessary, only
use components of an identical type, see the Service Manual.
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v
Table of Contents
Chapter Title Page
Safety.................................................................................................... i
EMC Compliance .............................................................................................. iii
Emissions....................................................................................................... iii
Immunity ....................................................................................................... iii
1 Introduction and Specifications......................................................... 1-1
Introduction........................................................................................................ 1-2
Introduction........................................................................................................ 1-2
Specifications..................................................................................................... 1-4
Waveforms .................................................................................................... 1-4
Standard Waveforms................................................................................. 1-4
Arbitrary Waveforms ................................................................................ 1-5
Sequence ................................................................................................... 1-5
Output Filter.............................................................................................. 1-5
Noise ......................................................................................................... 1-5
Operating modes............................................................................................ 1-6
Triggered Burst ......................................................................................... 1-6
Gated......................................................................................................... 1-6
Sweep........................................................................................................ 1-6
Tone Switching ......................................................................................... 1-7
Trigger Generator...................................................................................... 1-7
Outputs .......................................................................................................... 1-7
Main Output.............................................................................................. 1-7
Sync Output............................................................................................... 1-8
Auxiliary sine out...................................................................................... 1-8
System clock ............................................................................................. 1-8
Inputs............................................................................................................. 1-8
Trig In ....................................................................................................... 1-8
Modulation In............................................................................................ 1-8
Sum In....................................................................................................... 1-9
Hold........................................................................................................... 1-9
Ref Clock In/Out....................................................................................... 1-9
Arb Clock In/Out....................................................................................... 1-9
Inter-Channel Operation................................................................................ 1-9
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Inter-Channel Modulation:........................................................................ 1-9
Inter-Channel Analog Summing:.............................................................. 1-10
Inter-Channel Synchronization: ................................................................ 1-10
Inter-Channel Triggering: ......................................................................... 1-10
Interfaces ....................................................................................................... 1-11
General .......................................................................................................... 1-11
2 Installation ........................................................................................... 2-1
AC Supply Voltage............................................................................................ 2-2
Fuse ............................................................................................................... 2-2
AC Supply Cable........................................................................................... 2-2
Mounting............................................................................................................ 2-2
Ventilation ......................................................................................................... 2-2
3 Connections......................................................................................... 3-1
Front panel connections..................................................................................... 3-2
MAIN OUT................................................................................................... 3-2
SYNC OUT................................................................................................... 3-2
TRIG IN ........................................................................................................ 3-3
SUM IN......................................................................................................... 3-3
MODULATION............................................................................................ 3-3
Rear Panel Connections..................................................................................... 3-3
REF CLOCK IN/OUT................................................................................... 3-3
HOLD IN....................................................................................................... 3-3
ARB CLOCK IN/OUT.................................................................................. 3-4
MAIN OUT................................................................................................... 3-4
RS232............................................................................................................ 3-4
GPIB (IEEE-488) .......................................................................................... 3-5
USB ............................................................................................................... 3-5
MEMORY CARD......................................................................................... 3-5
4 Initial Operation................................................................................... 4-1
Introduction........................................................................................................ 4-2
Initial Operation................................................................................................. 4-2
Switching On................................................................................................. 4-2
Display Contrast............................................................................................ 4-2
Keyboard ....................................................................................................... 4-2
Principles of Editing .......................................................................................... 4-3
Principles of Operation...................................................................................... 4-5
Clock Synthesis Mode................................................................................... 4-5
DDS Mode..................................................................................................... 4-6
5 Standard Waveforms .......................................................................... 5-1
Introduction........................................................................................................ 5-2
Standard Waveform Operation.......................................................................... 5-2
Setting Generator Parameters ............................................................................ 5-2
Waveform Selection...................................................................................... 5-2
Frequency...................................................................................................... 5-2
Amplitude...................................................................................................... 5-3
DC Offset ...................................................................................................... 5-4
Warning and Error Messages............................................................................. 5-5
Synchronization Output..................................................................................... 5-6
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Contents (continued)
vii
6 Sweep Operation................................................................................. 6-1
General............................................................................................................... 6-2
Principles of Sweep Operation...................................................................... 6-2
Connections for Sweep Operation................................................................. 6-2
Setting sweep parameters................................................................................... 6-2
Sweep Range................................................................................................. 6-3
Sweep Time................................................................................................... 6-3
Sweep Type................................................................................................... 6-4
Sweep Spacing............................................................................................... 6-5
Sweep Marker................................................................................................ 6-5
Sweep Hold ................................................................................................... 6-5
7 Triggered Burst and Gate................................................................... 7-1
General............................................................................................................... 7-2
Internal Trigger Generator............................................................................. 7-2
External Trigger Input................................................................................... 7-2
Adjacent Channel Trigger Output ................................................................. 7-3
Triggered Burst.................................................................................................. 7-3
Trigger Source............................................................................................... 7-4
Trigger Edge.................................................................................................. 7-4
Burst Count.................................................................................................... 7-4
Start Phase..................................................................................................... 7-5
Manual Initialization of Inter-Channel Triggering........................................ 7-5
Gated mode........................................................................................................ 7-6
Gate Source ................................................................................................... 7-6
Gate Polarity.................................................................................................. 7-6
Start Phase..................................................................................................... 7-6
Sync Out in Triggered Burst and Gated Modes................................................. 7-7
8 Tone Mode ........................................................................................... 8-1
Introduction........................................................................................................ 8-2
Tone Frequency............................................................................................. 8-2
Tone Type...................................................................................................... 8-2
Tone Switching Source.................................................................................. 8-3
DTMF Testing With Two Sources................................................................ 8-3
9 Arbitrary Waveform Generation......................................................... 9-1
Introduction........................................................................................................ 9-2
Arbitrary Waveform Terms........................................................................... 9-2
Principles of Arbitrary Waveform Creation and Modification...................... 9-2
Selecting and Outputting Arbitrary Waveforms................................................ 9-3
Creating New Waveforms............................................................................. 9-4
Create Blank Waveform............................................................................ 9-4
Create Waveform Copy............................................................................. 9-4
Modifying Arbitrary Waveforms................................................................... 9-5
Resize Waveform...................................................................................... 9-5
Rename Waveform.................................................................................... 9-6
Waveform Info.......................................................................................... 9-6
Delete Waveform...................................................................................... 9-6
Edit Waveform.......................................................................................... 9-7
Point Edit................................................................................................... 9-7
Line Edit.................................................................................................... 9-7
Wave Insert ............................................................................................... 9-8
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Block Copy ............................................................................................... 9-8
Waveform Amplitude................................................................................ 9-9
Waveform Offset....................................................................................... 9-10
Wave Invert............................................................................................... 9-10
Position Markers ....................................................................................... 9-10
Arbitrary Waveform Sequence .......................................................................... 9-11
Sequence Set-Up ........................................................................................... 9-12
Frequency and Amplitude Control with Arbitrary Waveforms......................... 9-13
Frequency...................................................................................................... 9-13
Amplitude...................................................................................................... 9-15
Sync Out Settings with Arbitrary Waveforms................................................... 9-15
Waveform Hold in Arbitrary Mode................................................................... 9-15
Output Filter Setting .......................................................................................... 9-16
10 Pulse and Pulse-trains........................................................................ 10-1
Introduction........................................................................................................ 10-2
Pulse Set-Up ...................................................................................................... 10-2
Pulse-Train Set-Up ............................................................................................ 10-4
Waveform Hold in Pulse and Pulse-Train Modes ............................................. 10-8
11 Modulation ........................................................................................... 11-1
Introduction........................................................................................................ 11-2
External VCA................................................................................................ 11-2
External SCM................................................................................................ 11-3
Internal Modulation ........................................................................................... 11-3
12 Sum....................................................................................................... 12-1
Introduction........................................................................................................ 12-2
External Sum...................................................................................................... 12-2
Internal Sum....................................................................................................... 12-3
13 Synchronizing...................................................................................... 13-1
Introduction........................................................................................................ 13-2
Inter-Channel Synchronization.......................................................................... 13-2
Synchronizing Principles............................................................................... 13-2
Master-Slave Allocation................................................................................ 13-2
Phase-Setting Between Channels .................................................................. 13-4
Other Synchronizing Considerations............................................................. 13-4
Synchronizing two generators............................................................................ 13-5
Connections for Synchronization .................................................................. 13-6
Generator Set-Ups......................................................................................... 13-6
Synchronizing................................................................................................ 13-7
14 Memory Card ....................................................................................... 14-1
Introduction........................................................................................................ 14-2
Card Sizes and Formats ..................................................................................... 14-2
Formatting.......................................................................................................... 14-3
Saving Files to a Memory Card......................................................................... 14-3
Avoiding Long Filenames............................................................................. 14-3
Storing and Recalling Set-Ups........................................................................... 14-3
Sorting Files....................................................................................................... 14-5
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Contents (continued)
ix
15 System Operations from the Utility Menu......................................... 15-1
Introduction........................................................................................................ 15-2
Channel Waveform Information........................................................................ 15-2
Warnings and Error Messages........................................................................... 15-2
Remote Interface Set-Up.................................................................................... 15-2
SYS/REF Clock In/Out and System Clock Setting ........................................... 15-2
Power On Setting............................................................................................... 15-3
System Information............................................................................................ 15-3
Calibration ......................................................................................................... 15-4
Copying Channel Set-Ups ................................................................................. 15-4
16 Calibration............................................................................................ 16-1
Introduction........................................................................................................ 16-2
Equipment Required.......................................................................................... 16-2
Calibration Procedure ........................................................................................ 16-2
Setting the Password...................................................................................... 16-2
Password Access to Calibration .................................................................... 16-3
Changing the Password ................................................................................. 16-3
Calibration Routine............................................................................................ 16-3
Remote Calibration............................................................................................ 16-6
17 Remote Operation ............................................................................... 17-1
Introduction........................................................................................................ 17-2
Address and Baud Rate Selection...................................................................... 17-2
Remote/Local Operation.................................................................................... 17-2
RS232 interface.................................................................................................. 17-3
Single Instrument RS232 Connections.......................................................... 17-3
Addressable RS232 Connections................................................................... 17-3
RS232 Character Set...................................................................................... 17-4
Addressable RS232 Interface Control Codes................................................ 17-4
Full List of Addressable RS232 Interface Control Codes............................. 17-6
USB Interface .................................................................................................... 17-6
GPIB Interface................................................................................................... 17-6
GPIB Subsets................................................................................................. 17-7
GPIB IEEE Std. 488.2 Error Handling.......................................................... 17-7
GPIB Parallel Poll ......................................................................................... 17-7
Status Reporting................................................................................................. 17-8
Standard Event Status and Standard Event Status Enable Registers............. 17-8
Status Byte Register and Service Request Enable Register........................... 17-9
Power-On Settings......................................................................................... 17-10
Remote commands............................................................................................. 17-10
RS232 Remote Command Formats............................................................... 17-10
GPIB Remote Command Formats................................................................. 17-11
Command List............................................................................................... 17-11
Channel Selection...................................................................................... 17-12
Frequency and Period................................................................................ 17-12
Amplitude and DC Offset ......................................................................... 17-12
Waveform Selection.................................................................................. 17-13
Arbitrary Waveform Create and Delete.................................................... 17-13
Arbitrary Waveform Editing..................................................................... 17-15
Waveform Sequence Control.................................................................... 17-17
Mode Commands...................................................................................... 17-18
Input/Output Control................................................................................. 17-18
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Modulation Commands............................................................................. 17-19
Synchronizing Commands ........................................................................ 17-19
Status Commands...................................................................................... 17-19
Miscellaneous Commands ........................................................................ 17-21
Remote Command Summary............................................................................. 17-22
18 Maintenance......................................................................................... 18-1
Introduction........................................................................................................ 18-2
Cleaning............................................................................................................. 18-2
Appendices
A AC Supply Voltage ..................................................................................... A-1
B Warning and Error Messages ...................................................................... B-1
C SYNC OUT Automatic Settings ................................................................. C-1
D Factory System Defaults ............................................................................. D-1
E Waveform Manager Plus............................................................................. E-1
F Block Diagrams........................................................................................... F-1
G Front and Rear Panel Drawings................................................................... G-1
List of Figures
Figure Title Page
4-1. Single-Channel Simplified Block Diagram............................................................ 4-6
4-2. Clock Synthesis Mode............................................................................................ 4-6
4-3. Direct Digital Synthesis Mode............................................................................... 4-7
8-1. Tone Waveform Types........................................................................................... 8-3
17-1. Single Instrument RS232 Connections .................................................................. 17-3
17-2. RS232 Daisy-Chained Instruments........................................................................ 17-3
17-3. RS232 Daisy-Chain Connector Wiring.................................................................. 17-4
17-4. Status Model........................................................................................................... 17-9
1-1. Mains transformer connections.............................................................................. 1-2
F-1. Block Diagram: Single Channel............................................................................. F-1
F-2. Inter-Channel Block Diagram................................................................................ F-2
G-1. Model 291 Front Panel........................................................................................... G-1
G-2. Model 292 Front Panel........................................................................................... G-2
G-3. Model 294 Front Panel........................................................................................... G-2
G-4. Model 291 Rear Panel............................................................................................ G-2
G-5. Model 294 Rear Panel............................................................................................ G-3
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1-1
Chapter 1
Introduction and Specifications
Title Page
Introduction........................................................................................................ 1-2
Specifications..................................................................................................... 1-4
Waveforms .................................................................................................... 1-4
Standard Waveforms................................................................................. 1-4
Arbitrary Waveforms ................................................................................ 1-5
Sequence ................................................................................................... 1-5
Output Filter.............................................................................................. 1-5
Noise ......................................................................................................... 1-5
Operating modes............................................................................................ 1-6
Triggered Burst ......................................................................................... 1-6
Gated......................................................................................................... 1-6
Sweep........................................................................................................ 1-6
Tone Switching ......................................................................................... 1-7
Trigger Generator...................................................................................... 1-7
Outputs .......................................................................................................... 1-7
Main Output.............................................................................................. 1-7
Sync Output............................................................................................... 1-8
Auxiliary sine out...................................................................................... 1-8
System clock ............................................................................................. 1-8
Inputs............................................................................................................. 1-8
Trig In ....................................................................................................... 1-8
Modulation In............................................................................................ 1-8
Sum In....................................................................................................... 1-9
Hold........................................................................................................... 1-9
Ref Clock In/Out....................................................................................... 1-9
Arb Clock In/Out....................................................................................... 1-9
Inter-Channel Operation................................................................................ 1-9
Inter-Channel Modulation:........................................................................ 1-9
Inter-Channel Analog Summing:.............................................................. 1-10
Inter-Channel Synchronization: ................................................................ 1-10
Inter-Channel Triggering: ......................................................................... 1-10
Interfaces ....................................................................................................... 1-11
General .......................................................................................................... 1-11
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1-2
Introduction
This range of synthesized programmable arbitrary waveform generators have the
following features:
• 1, 2 or 4 independent arb channels
• Additional DC to 50MHz fixed amplitude sine and squarewave outputs on 2- and
4-channel instruments
• Up to 100 MHz sampling frequency
• Sinewaves up to 40 MHz, squarewaves up to 50 MHz
• Output level 2.5 mV to 10 V p-p into 50 Ωwith 12 bit vertical resolution
• 1 M points horizontal resolution per channel
• Compact Flash card for non-volatile waveform memory
• Waveform linking, looping and sequencing
• Inter-channel triggering, summing, modulation and phase control
• GPIB, RS232 and USB interfaces
The instruments use a combination of direct digital synthesis and variable clock
techniques to provide high performance and extensive facilities in a compact package.
They can generate a wide variety of waveforms between 0·1 mHz and 50 MHz with high
resolution and accuracy.
Arbitrary waveforms may be defined with 12 bit vertical resolution and from 8 to
1,048,576 horizontal points. In addition a number of standard waveforms are available
including sine, square, triangle, ramp and pulse.
Arbitrary waveforms may be replayed at a user specified waveform frequency or period,
or the sample rate may be defined in terms of period or frequency. Alternatively, an
external arb clock may be used at frequencies up to 50 MHz.
Extensive waveform editing features between defined start and end points are
incorporated, including waveform insert, point edit, line draw, amplitude adjust and
invert. More comprehensive features are available using the arbitrary waveform creation
software supplied. This is a powerful Windows-based design tool that enables the user to
create waveforms from mathematical expressions, from combinations of other
waveforms, freehand, or using a combination of all three techniques. Waveforms created
in this way can be downloaded via the RS232, GPIB or USB interfaces, or they can be
transferred to the generator on a removable memory card, written to by the PC using the
USB-connected card reader/writer provided.
Up to 500 different waveforms may be stored with the length and name specified by the
user; the total size of all the waveforms stored is limited only by the size of the memory
card. Waveforms may be linked together to form a sequence of up to 1024 steps. Each
waveform may have a user defined repeat count from 1 to 32,768.
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Introduction and Specifications
Introduction 1
1-3
All waveforms can be swept over their full frequency range at a rate variable between
1 millisecond and 15 minutes. Sweep can be linear or logarithmic, single or continuous.
Single sweeps can be triggered from the front panel, the trigger input, or the digital
interfaces. A sweep marker is provided.
Amplitude modulation is available for all waveforms and is controlled from the previous
channel or from an external generator via the MODULATION input socket.
Signal summing is available for all waveforms and is controlled from the previous
channel or from an external generator via the SUM input socket.
All waveforms are available as a triggered burst, whereby each active edge of the trigger
signal will produce one burst of the carrier. The number of cycles in the burst can be set
between 1 and 1,048,575. The gated mode turns the output signal on when the gating
signal is true and off when it is false. Both triggered and gated modes can be operated
from the previous or next channel, from the internal trigger generator (0.005 Hz to
100 kHz), from an external source (dc to 1 MHz) or by a key press or remote command.
Any number of channels can be synchronized with user defined phase angle between
channels. This can be used to generate multi-phase waveforms or synchronized
waveforms of different frequencies.
The signals from the REF IN/OUT socket and the SYNC OUT socket can be used to
synchronize two instruments where more than 4 channels are required.
The generator parameters are clearly displayed on a backlit LCD with 4 rows of
20 characters. Soft-keys and sub menus are used to guide the user through even the most
complex functions.
All parameters can be entered directly from the numeric keypad. Alternatively most
parameters can be incremented or decremented using the rotary control. This system
combines quick and easy numeric data entry with quasi-analogue adjustment when
required.
The generator has RS232, GPIB and USB interfaces as standard which can be used for
remote control of all of the instrument functions or for the down-loading of arbitrary
waveforms. As well as operating in conventional RS232 mode the serial interface can
also be used in addressable mode whereby up to 32 instruments can be linked to a single
PC serial port.
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1-4
Specifications
Specifications apply at 18 to 28 ºC after 30 minutes warm-up, at maximum output into
50 Ω.
Waveforms
Standard Waveforms
Sine, square, triangle, DC, positive ramp, negative ramp, sin(x)/x, pulse, pulse train,
cosine, haversine and havercosine.
Sine, Cosine, Haversine, Havercosine
Range: 0·1 mHz to 40 MHz
Resolution: 0·1 mHz or 10 digits
Accuracy: 10 ppm for 1 year
Temperature stability: Typically <1 ppm/ºC.
Output level: 2.5 mV to 10 V p-p into 50 Ω
Harmonic distortion: <0.15 % THD to 100 kHz;
<-60 dBc to 20 kHz
<-50 dBc to 1 MHz,
<-40 dBc to 10 MHz
<-30 dBc to 40 MHz
Non-harmonic spurious: <-60 dBc to 1 MHz,
<-60 dBc +6 dB/octave 1 MHz to 40 MHz
Square
Range: 1 mHz to 50 MHz
Resolution: 1 mHz or 8 digits
Accuracy: 10 ppm for 1 year
Output level: 2.5 mV to 10V p-p into 50 Ω
Rise and fall times: <8 ns
Triangle
Range: 0.1 mHz to 500 kHz
Resolution: 0.1 mHz or 10 digits
Accuracy: 10 ppm for 1 year
Output level: 2.5 mV to 10V p-p into 50 Ω
Linearity error: <0.1 % to 30 kHz
Ramps and sin(x)/x
Range: 0.1 mHz to 500 kHz
Resolution: 0.1 mHz (10 digits)
Accuracy: 10 ppm for 1 year
Output level: 2.5 mV to 10V p-p into 50 Ω
Linearity error: <0.1 % to 30 kHz
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Introduction and Specifications
Specifications 1
1-5
Pulse and Pulse Train
Output level: 2.5 mV to 10V p-p into 50 Ω
Rise and fall times: <8 ns
Period:
range:
resolution:
accuracy:
40 ns to 100 s
8 digits
10 ppm for 1 year
Delay:
range:
resolution:
−99·99 s to +99·99 s
0·001 % of period or 10 ns, whichever is greater (8 digits)
Width:
range:
resolution:
10 ns to 99·99 s
0·001 % of period or 10 ns, whichever is greater (8 digits)
Note that the pulse width and absolute value of the delay may not exceed the pulse period
at any time.
Pulse trains of up to 10 pulses may be specified, each pulse having independently defined
width, delay and level. The baseline voltage is separately defined and the sequence
repetition rate is set by the pulse train period.
Arbitrary Waveforms
Up to 500 user defined waveforms may be stored on the removable memory card.
Waveforms can be defined by front panel editing controls, by downloading of waveform
data via RS232, GPIB or USB, or by writing directly to the removable memory card
using the USB card reader/writer connected to a PC.
Waveform memory size: 1 M points per channel.
Minimum waveform size is 8 points
Vertical resolution: 12 bits
Sample clock range:
resolution:
accuracy:
100 mHz to 100 MHz
8 digits
10 ppm for 1 year
Sequence
Up to 1024 waveforms may be linked. Each waveform can have a loop count of up to
32,768.
A sequence of waveforms can be looped up to 1,048,575 times or run continuously.
Output Filter
Selectable between 40 MHz elliptic, 20 MHz Bessel or none.
Noise Digital noise generated by a 35-bit linear feedback register clocked at 100 MHz. User’s
external filter defines bandwidth and response.
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291, 292, 294
Users Manual
1-6
Operating modes
Triggered Burst
Each active edge of the trigger signal will produce one burst of the waveform.
Carrier waveforms: All standard and arbitrary
Maximum carrier frequency: The smaller of 2.5 MHz or the maximum for the
selected waveform. 100 Msamples/s for arb or sequence.
Number of cycles: 1 to 1,048,575
Trigger repetition rate: 0.005 Hz to 100 kHz internal, dc to 1 MHz external.
Trigger signal source: Internal fromkeyboard or trigger generator.
External from TRIG IN or remote interface.
Trigger start/stop phase: ±360 °, settable with 0.1 ° resolution, subject to
waveform frequency and type.
Gated Waveform runs while the gate signal is true and stops while false.
Carrier waveforms: All standard and arbitrary.
Maximum carrier frequency: The smaller of 2.5 MHz or the maximum for the
selected waveform. 100 Msamples/s for arb or sequence.
Trigger repetition rate: 0.005 Hz to 100 kHz internal, dc to 1 MHz external.
Gate signal source: Internal from keyboard, previous channel, next channel
or trigger generator.
External from TRIG IN or remote interface.
Gate start/stop phase: ±360 °, settable with 0.1 ° resolution, subject to
waveform frequency and type.
Sweep Frequency sweep capability is provided for both standard and arbitrary waveforms.
Arbitrary waveforms are expanded or condensed to exactly 4096 points and DDS
techniques are used to perform the sweep.
Carrier waveforms: All standard and arbitrary except pulse, pulse train and
sequence.
Sweep mode: Linear or logarithmic, triggered or continuous.
Sweep direction: Up, down, up/down or down/up.
Sweep range: From 1 mHz to 40 MHz in one range. Phase continuous.
Independent setting of the start and stop frequency.
Sweep time: 1 ms to 999 s (3 digit resolution).
Marker: Variable during sweep.
Sweep trigger source: The sweep may be free run or triggered from the
following sources: manually from keyboard, externally
from TRIG IN input or remote interface.
Sweep hold: Sweep can be held and restarted by the HOLD key.
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Introduction and Specifications
Specifications 1
1-7
Multi channel sweep Any number of channels may be swept simultaneously
with independent sweep parameters for each channel.
Amplitude, Offset and Waveform can be set
independently for each channel.
Tone Switching
Capability provided for both standard and arbitrary waveforms. Arbitrary waveforms are
expanded or condensed to exactly 4096 points and DDS techniques are used to allow
instantaneous frequency switching.
Carrier waveforms: All waveforms except pulse, pulse train and sequence.
Frequency list: Up to 16 frequencies from 1 mHz to 40 MHz.
Trigger repetition rate: 0.005 Hz to 100 kHz internal; dc to 1 MHz external.
Usable repetition rate and waveform frequency depend
on the tone switching mode.
Source: Internal from keyboard, previous channel, next channel
or trigger generator.
External from TRIG IN or remote interface.
Tone switching modes:
gated The tone is output while the trigger signal is true and
stopped, at the end of the current waveform cycle, while
the trigger signal is false. The next tone is output when
the trigger signal is true again.
triggered The tone is output when the trigger signal goes true and
the next tone is output, at the end of the current
waveform cycle, when the trigger signal goes true again.
FSK The tone is output when the trigger signal goes true and
the next tone is output, immediately, when the trigger
signal goes true again.
Using two channels or two instruments with their outputs summed together it is possible
to generate DTMF (dual tone multi-frequency) test signals.
Trigger Generator
Internal source 0.005 Hz to 100 kHz square wave adjustable in 10 µs steps. 3 digit
resolution. Available for external use from any SYNC OUT socket.
Outputs
Main Output - one for each channel
Output impedance: 50 Ω
Amplitude: 5 mV to 20 V p-p open circuit (2.5 mV to 10V p-p into
50 Ω). Amplitude can be specified open circuit (hi Z) or
into an assumed load of 50 Ωor 600 Ωin V p-p, Vrms
or dBm.
Amplitude accuracy: 2 % ±1 mV at 1 kHz into 50 Ω.
Amplitude flatness: ±0.2 dB to 1 MHz; ±0.4 dB to 40 MHz
DC offset range: ±10 V.
DC offset plus signal peak limited to ±10 V from 50 Ω.
DC offset accuracy: Typically 3 % ±10 mV, unattenuated.
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Users Manual
1-8
Resolution: 3 digits or 1 mV for both amplitude and dc offset.
Sync Output - one for each channel
Multifunction output user definable or automatically selected to be any of the following:
Waveform sync (all
waveforms): A square wave with 50 % duty cycle at the main
waveform frequency, or a pulse coincident with the first
few points of an arbitrary waveform.
Position markers (arbitrary
only): Any point(s) on the waveform may have associated
marker bit(s) set high or low.
Burst done: Produces a pulse coincident with the last cycle of a burst.
Sequence sync: Produces a pulse coincident with the end of a waveform
sequence.
Trigger: Selects the current trigger signal. Useful for
synchronizing burst or gated signals.
Sweep sync: Outputs a trigger signal at the start of sweep to
synchronize an oscilloscope or recorder. Can
additionally output a sweep marker.
Phase lock out: Used to synchronize two generators. Produces a positive
edge at the 0 ° phase point.
Output signal level: Logic levels of <0.8 V and >3 V, except for sweep sync.
Sweep sync is a 3-level waveform: low at start of sweep,
high for the duration of the last frequency step at end of
sweep, with a narrow 1 V pulses at each marker point.
Auxiliary sine out
Frequency range: DC to 50 MHz, set by system clock
Output signal level: 1 V p-p into 50 Ω
System clock
Frequency range:: DC to 50 MHz, 0.1 Hz resolution
Inputs
Trig In Frequency range: DC to 1 MHz.
Signal range: Threshold level adjustable ±5 V; maximum input ±10 V
Minimum pulse width: 50 ns for trigger and gate modes; 50 µs for Sweep mode.
Polarity: Selectable as high/rising edge or low/falling edge.
Input impedance: 10 kΩ
Modulation In
Frequency range: DC to 100 kHz.
Signal range: VCA: Approximately 1 V p-p for 100 % level change at
maximum output; maximum input ±10 V.
SCM: Approximately ±1 V peak for maximum output.
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