Owon AG4101 User manual

Arbitrary Waveform Generator
User Manual
AG4081
AG4101
AG4121
AG4151
WWW.OWON.COM.HK

May. 2014 edition V1.9
Copy Right in this Manual © Lilliput Company. All Rights Reserved.
The Lilliput's products are under the protection of the patent rights in America and other countries,
including ones which have already obtained the patent rights and those which are applying for. The
information in this manual will replace all that in the materials published originally.
The information in this manual was correct at the time of printing. However, OWON will continue to
improve products and reserves the rights to changes specification at any time without notice.
OWON is the registered trademark of the Lilliput Company.
Headquarter:
Fujian Lilliput Optoelectronics Technology Co.,Ltd.: The mansion of optoelectronics,
19 Heming Road, Lantian industrial zone, Zhangzhou, Fujian, China
Tel:[phone] Fax:[phone]
Web: www.owon.com.hk Mail: Business Consulting:[email protected]
Sale service: serv[email protected]
Branch:
Xiamen Lilliput Technology Co.,Ltd.: the 5th floor, B Area, Chuangxin Mansion, Software Park,
ZhenZhuWan, Huandao RD, Xiamen, Fujian, China
Tel:[phone] Fax:[phone]

General Warranty
Lilliput warrants that the product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of 3 years (1 year for accessories) from the date of purchase of the product
by the original purchaser from the Lilliput Company. This warranty only applies to the
original purchaser and is not transferable to the third party. If the product proves
defective during the warranty period, Lilliput either will repair the defective product
without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a replacement in exchange for the
defective product. Parts, modules and replacement products used by Lilliput for warranty
work may be new or reconditioned to like new performance. All replaced parts, modules
and products become the property of Lilliput.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Lilliput of the defect
before the expiration of the warranty period. Customer shall be responsible for
packaging and shipping the defective product to the service center designated by Lilliput,
and with a copy of customer proof of purchase.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or
improper or inadequate maintenance and care. Lilliput shall not be obligated to furnish
service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting from attempts by personnel
other than Lilliput representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair
damage resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; c) to
repair any damage or malfunction caused by the use of non-Lilliput supplies; or d) to
service a product that has been modified or integrated with other products when the
effect of such modification or integration increases the time or difficulty of servicing the
product.
Please contact the nearest Lilliput's Sales and Service Offices for services or a complete
copy of the warranty statement.
For better after-sales service, please visit www.owon.com.hk and register the purchased
product online.
Excepting the after-sales services provided in this summary or the applicable warranty statements,
Lilliput will not offer any guarantee for maintenance definitely declared or hinted, including but not
limited to the implied guarantee for marketability and special-purpose acceptability. Lilliput should
not take any responsibilities for any indirect, special or consequent damages.

Table of Contents
1.General Safety Requirements.....................................................................................1
2.Safety Terms and Symbols.........................................................................................2
3.General Characteristics.............................................................................................3
4.Quick Start................................................................................................................4
Front/Rear Panel and User Interface ................................................................................... 5
Front Panel ............................................................................................................................................... 5
Rear Panel ................................................................................................................................................ 6
User Interface........................................................................................................................................... 7
General Inspection.............................................................................................................. 8
Foot Stool Adjustment ........................................................................................................ 8
Power-On Check ................................................................................................................. 8
AC Power Input Setting ............................................................................................................................ 8
Power On.................................................................................................................................................. 9
5.Front Panel Operation............................................................................................ 10
To set signals .....................................................................................................................11
To Output Sine Signals............................................................................................................................ 11
To Set the Frequency/Period ...............................................................................................................................11
To Set the Amplitude ...........................................................................................................................................12
To Set the Offset ..................................................................................................................................................12
To Set the High Level............................................................................................................................................12
To Set the Low Level ............................................................................................................................................12
To Output Square Signals ....................................................................................................................... 12
To Set the Duty Cycle ...........................................................................................................................................13
To Output Ramp Signals ......................................................................................................................... 14
To Set the Symmetry............................................................................................................................................14
To Output Pulse Signals.......................................................................................................................... 15
To Set the Pulse Width / Duty Cycle ....................................................................................................................16
To Set the Edge Time ...........................................................................................................................................16
To Output Noise Signals ......................................................................................................................... 17
To Output Arbitrary Signals.................................................................................................................... 18
To Select the Built-in Waveform...........................................................................................................................18
The User-Definable Waveform.............................................................................................................................19
To Generate the Modulated Waveform ..............................................................................20
AM (Amplitude Modulation) .................................................................................................................. 20
FM (Frequency Modulation) .................................................................................................................. 22
PM (Phase Modulation).......................................................................................................................... 23
FSK (Frequency Shift Keying).................................................................................................................. 24
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) ............................................................................................................ 25
i

To Generate Sweep............................................................................................................26
To Generate Burst..............................................................................................................27
Set the N-Cycle Burst.............................................................................................................................. 28
Set the Gated Burst ................................................................................................................................ 29
To Save and Recall .............................................................................................................29
To Use USB Storage ................................................................................................................................ 29
To Edit the File Name ............................................................................................................................. 30
To Set the Utility Function..................................................................................................30
To Set Display Parameter ....................................................................................................................... 30
To Set the Bright ..................................................................................................................................................30
To Set the Separator ............................................................................................................................................30
To Set the Screen Saver........................................................................................................................................31
To Set Output Parameter ....................................................................................................................... 31
To Set the Output Load ........................................................................................................................................31
To Set the Sync Output ........................................................................................................................................32
To Set the DC Output ...........................................................................................................................................33
To Set the I/O ......................................................................................................................................... 33
To Set the Baud Rate............................................................................................................................................33
To Set the LAN .....................................................................................................................................................33
To Set the System................................................................................................................................... 34
Language Setting..................................................................................................................................................34
Power On Setting .................................................................................................................................................34
To Return to Default Setting.................................................................................................................................34
To Set the Beep ....................................................................................................................................................35
View System Information ....................................................................................................................................35
To Set the Clock Source........................................................................................................................................35
To Use Built-in Help ...........................................................................................................36
6.Communication with PC ......................................................................................... 37
Using USB Port...................................................................................................................37
Using LAN Port...................................................................................................................37
Connect directly ..................................................................................................................................... 37
Connect through a router....................................................................................................................... 39
Using COM Port .................................................................................................................40
7.SCPI....................................................................................................................... 41
8.Troubleshooting...................................................................................................... 41
9.Technical Specifications.......................................................................................... 42
10.Appendix............................................................................................................... 47
Appendix A: Enclosure .......................................................................................................47
Appendix B: General Care and Cleaning ..............................................................................47
ii

1.General Safety Requirements
1. General Safety Requirements
Before any operations, please read the following safety precautions to avoid any
possible bodily injury and prevent this product or any other products connected from
damage. In order to avoid any contingent danger, this product is only used within the
range specified.
Check AC power input setting according to the standards in your own country (see Page 8,
"AC Power Input Setting").
Only the qualified technicians can implement the maintenance.
To avoid Fire or Personal Injury:
Use Proper Power Cord. Use only the power cord supplied with the product and
certified to use in your country.
Product Grounded. This instrument is grounded through the power cord grounding
conductor. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must be grounded. The
product must be grounded properly before any connection with its input or output
terminal.
Check all Terminal Ratings. To avoid fire or shock hazard, check all ratings and
markers of this product. Refer to the user's manual for more information about
ratings before connecting to the instrument.
Do not operate without covers. Do not operate the instrument with covers or panels
removed.
Use Proper Fuse. Use only the specified type and rating fuse for this instrument.
Avoid exposed circuit. Do not touch exposed junctions and components when the
instrument is powered.
Do not operate if in any doubt. If you suspect damage occurs to the instrument,
have it inspected by qualified service personnel before further operations.
Use your instrument in a well-ventilated area. Make sure the instrument installed
with proper ventilation, refer to the user manual for more details.
Do not operate in wet conditions.
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.
Keep product surfaces clean and dry.
1

2.Safety Terms and Symbols
2. Safety Terms and Symbols
Safety Terms
Terms in this Manual. The following terms may appear in this manual:
Warning: Warning indicates the conditions or practices that could result in
injury or loss of life.
Caution: Caution indicates the conditions or practices that could result in
damage to this product or other property.
Terms on the Product. The following terms may appear on this product:
Danger: It indicates an injury or hazard may immediately happen.
Warning: It indicates an injury or hazard may be accessible potentially.
Caution: It indicates a potential damage to the instrument or other property might occur.
Safety Symbols
Symbols on the Product. The following symbol may appear on the product:
Hazardous Voltage Refer to Manual
Protective Earth Terminal Chassis Ground
Test Ground
2

3.General Characteristics
3. General Characteristics
The series are multi-function generators which combine Arbitrary Waveform Generation
and Function Generation. The product introduces Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS)
technology to provide stable, precise, pure and low distortion signal. The user-friendly
interface design and panel layout bring exceptional user experience. Embedded USB
Device, USB Host, LAN, support USB storage device. Provide more alternative solutions
for users.
Features and benefits:
3.9 inch high resolution (480×320 pixels) TFT LCD display;
Advanced DDS technology, Max.150MHz frequency output;
Max. Sample rate: 400MSa/s, Frequency resolution: 1uHz;
Vertical resolution: 14 bits, up to 1M waveform record length;
Abundant waveform output: 5 basic waveforms and 26 built-in arbitrary waveforms
output;
32 channels digital waveform (optional);
Exponential rise, Exponential fall, Sin(x)/x, Staircase, etc. 26 built-in waveforms and
user defined arbitrary waveform;
Abundant modulation functions: AM, FM, PM, FSK, PWM along with output
liner/logarithm sweep and pulse string waveform;
Standard interface: USB Device, USB Host, LAN, COM etc.
3

4.Quick Start
4. Quick Start
This chapter will deal with the following topics mainly:
Front/Rear Panel Overview
User Interface Overview
How to Implement General Inspection
How to Adjust the Foot Stools
How to Implement Power-On Check
4

4.Quick Start
Front/Rear Panel and User Interface
Front Panel
①②③④
⑥
⑰⑬
⑮⑭
⑯
⑱
⑩
⑪
⑦
⑧
⑨
⑫
⑤
Figure 4-1 Front panel overview
①
LCD
Display the user interface
②
Menu selection
buttons
Include 5 buttons: F1
～
F5, activate the corresponding menu
③
Number keys
Input parameters, include: number, point and plus/minus sign
④
Knob
Change the current highlighted number, also can be used to
select file location or switch the character of the soft keyboard
when entering file name.
⑤
Direction key
Move the cursor of the focused parameter or select the file
locations
⑥
Save
Store/recall the user-defined arbitrary waveform data or
instrument state
⑦
Utility
Set the auxiliary system function
⑧
Help
View the build-in help information
⑨
Output key
Activate or deactivate the output signal
⑩
Main output
terminal
Output main signal
⑪
Foot stool
Make the instrument to be tilted for ease of operation
5

4.Quick Start
⑫
Trigger key In Sweep and N-
Cycle Burst, if you choose Source as
"Manual", every time you press this key, the generator will be
triggered once.
⑬
Sync output
terminal
Output sync signal (see P32, "To Set the Sync Output")
⑭
Modulation
Generate the Modulated waveforms
⑮
Burst Generate burst for Sine, Square, Ramp, Pulse and Arbitrary
waveform
⑯
Sweep
Sweep Sine, Square or Ramp waveform
⑰
Waveform
selection buttons
Include: Sine, Square, Ramp, Pulse, Noise and Arbitrary
waveform. When a waveform is selected, the backlight of the
button turns on.
⑱
Power button
Turn on/off the generator
Rear Panel
①② ③ ④⑤ ⑥
⑫⑪⑩⑨⑧
⑦
Figure 4-2 Rear panel overview
①
②
20MHz reference
output
20MHz reference
input
These two connectors are used to synchronize generators.
The connector [20MHz In] accepts an external 2
0 MHz
clock signal, and the connector [2
0MHz Out] can output a
2
0 MHz clock signal generated by the crystal inside the
generator. (See P35, "To Set the Clock Source")
③
External Trigger
/FSK/Burst
This signal can be used as external signal source in Sweep,
FSK and Burst mode.
④
Modulation In
Modulation waveform input, use it as external signal
source
6

4.Quick Start
⑤
RS232 port
Through this interface, the generator can be connected to
a PC and controlled via PC software.
⑥
Power socket
AC input connector
⑦
Fuse
Use the specified fuse according to the voltage scale.
⑧
Power switch
Switch between 110V and 220V.
⑨
LAN port
Through this interface, the generator can be connected to
your local network and controlled via PC software.
⑩
USB Host port Connect as a "host device" with an external USB device,
such as connect a USB disk to the instrument.
⑪
USB Device port
Connect as a "slave device" with an external device, such
as connected to a PC and controlled via PC software.
⑫
Digital output
Connect the generator with the logic signal output module
(optional). Then, configure specific sequence digital signal
in the generator and output the signal through the digital
module.
User Interface
①
⑨
⑩
④
②
⑤
⑦
⑧
⑥
③
Figure 4-3 User interface (take Sine for instance)
①
Parameter bar 1, display parameters and edit the focused parameter
②
Load, High Z represents high resistance
③
Frequency/period, depends on the highlighted menu item on the right
④
Amplitude/high level, depends on the highlighted menu item on the right
⑤
Offset/low level, depends on the highlighted menu item on the right
⑥
Display current waveform
⑦
Parameter bar 2, display parameters and edit the focused parameter
⑧
Current signal type or mode
7

4.Quick Start
⑨
The setting menu of current signal or mode
⑩
Signal type
General Inspection
After you get a new Waveform Generator, it is recommended that you should make a
check on the instrument according to the following steps:
1. Check whether there is any damage caused by transportation.
If it is found that the packaging carton or the foamed plastic protection cushion has
suffered serious damage, do not throw it away first till the complete device and its
accessories succeed in the electrical and mechanical property tests.
2. Check the Accessories
The supplied accessories have been already described in the "Appendix A: Enclosure"
of this Manual. You can check whether there is any loss of accessories with reference
to this description. If it is found that there is any accessory lost or damaged, please
get in touch with the distributor of Lilliput responsible for this service or the Lilliput's
local offices.
3. Check the Complete Instrument
If it is found that there is damage to the appearance of the instrument, or the
instrument can not work normally, or fails in the performance test, please get in
touch with the Lilliput's distributor responsible for this business or the Lilliput's local
offices. If there is damage to the instrument caused by the transportation, please
keep the package. With the transportation department or the Lilliput's distributor
responsible for this business informed about it, a repairing or replacement of the
instrument will be arranged by the Lilliput.
Foot Stool Adjustment
Unfold the foot stools on the bottom of the generator, as ⑦in Figure 4-1.
Power-On Check
AC Power Input Setting
The series adopt 110V/220V AC power source. Users should regulate the voltage scale of
the Power Switch according to the standards in their own country (see Figure 4-2) at the
rear panel and use an appropriate fuse.
Voltage Fuse
8

4.Quick Start
110V
125 V, F4AL
220V
250 V, F2AL
To change the voltage scale of the instrument, do the following steps:
(1) Turn off the power button at the front panel and remove the power cord.
(2) Check if the fuse installed before leaving factory (250 V, F2AL) can match with the
selected voltage scale; if not, pry the cover open using a straight screwdriver (see ⑦
in Figure 4-2), change the fuse.
(3) Regulate the Power Switch to the desired voltage scale.
Power On
(1) Connect the instrument to the AC supply using the supplied power cord.
Warning:
To avoid electric shock, the instrument must be grounded properly.
(2) Press down the power button at the front panel, the screen shows the boot screen.
9

5.Front Panel Operation
5. Front Panel Operation
This chapter will deal with the following topics mainly:
How to Output Sine Signals
How to Output Square Signals
How to Output Ramp Signals
How to Output Pulse Signals
How to Output Noise Signals
How to Output Arbitrary Signals
How to Generate the Modulated Waveform
How to Generate Sweep
How to Generate Burst
How to Save and Recall
How to Set the Utility Function
How to Use Built-in Help
10

5.Front Panel Operation
To set signals
The following describes how to set and output Sine, Square, Ramp, Pulse, Noise and
Arbitrary signals.
To Output Sine Signals
Press button to call the user interface of Sine signal, the Sine waveform
parameters can be set by operating the Sine setting menu on the right.
The parameters of Sine waveform are: Frequency/Period, Amplitude/High Level,
Offset/Low Level. You can operate the menu by using the menu selection buttons on the
right.
Setting menu
of Sine signal
Amplitude
Load
Offset
Current signal
Sine waveform
Frequency
Current parameter
Parameter bar 1
Parameter bar 2
Figure 5-1: The User Interface of Sine Signal
To Set the Frequency/Period
Press F1 button, the chosen menu item is highlighted, the focused parameter is
displayed in Parameter bar 1. Press F1 button to switch between Frequency/Period.
Two methods to change the chosen parameter:
Turn the knob to change the value of cursor position in the Parameter bar. Press
/ direction key to move the cursor.
Press a number key in the front panel, an input box will pop up; keep going to input
the value. Press direction key to delete the last number. Press F1 ～F3 to
choose the unit, or press F4 to go to next page and choose other units. Press
F5 to cancel the input.
The frequency range is 1μHz～150MHz; the period range is 6.667ns～1Ms.
11

5.Front Panel Operation
Figure 5-2: Set the frequency using number keys
To Set the Amplitude
Press F2 , confirm whether the "Ampl" menu item is highlighted; if not, press F2 to
switch into "Ampl". In the Parameter bar 2, a cursor appears under the value of
amplitude. Use the knob or the number keys to set the desired value.
To Set the Offset
Press F3 , confirm whether the "Offset" menu item is highlighted; if not, press F3
to switch into "Offset". In the Parameter bar 2, a cursor appears under the value of offset.
Use the knob or the number keys to set the desired value.
To Set the High Level
Press F2 , confirm whether the "Hi_Level" menu item is highlighted; if not, press F2
to switch into "Hi_Level". In the Parameter bar 2, a cursor appears under the value of
amplitude. Use the knob or the number keys to set the desired value.
To Set the Low Level
Press F3 , confirm whether the "Lo_Level" menu item is highlighted; if not, press F3
to switch into "Lo_Level". In the Parameter bar 2, a cursor appears under the value of
offset. Use the knob or the number keys to set the desired value.
To Output Square Signals
Press button to call the user interface of Square signal, the Square waveform
parameters can be set by operating the Square setting menu on the right.
The parameters of Square waveform are: Frequency/Period, Amplitude/High Level,
Offset/Low Level, Duty. You can operate the menu by using the menu selection buttons
on the right.
To set the Frequency/Period, Amplitude/High Level, Offset/Low Level, please refer to "To
Output Sine Signals" on P11.
The frequency range is 1μHz～50MHz; the period range is 20ns～1Ms.
12

5.Front Panel Operation
Parameter bar 1
Setting menu of
Square signal
Amplitude
Load
Offset
Parameter bar 2
Current signal
Duty cycle
Frequency
Current parameter
Figure 5-3: The User Interface of Square Signal
Term Explanation
Duty Cycle:
The percentage that the High Level takes up the whole Period.
To Set the Duty Cycle
(1) Press F4 button, the "Duty" menu item is highlighted, the current value of the
Duty cycle is displayed in Parameter bar 1.
(2) Turn the knob to change the value directly;
or press the number keys to input the desired value, press F4 to choose "%".
For a frequency ≤25MHz, the Duty cycle range is 20%～80%. For a frequency greater
than 25MHz, the Duty cycle is 50%.
Parameter bar 1
Duty cycle
Input box
Current parameter
Duty cycle
Figure 5-4: Set the Duty cycle of Square signal
13

5.Front Panel Operation
To Output Ramp Signals
Press button to call the user interface of Ramp signal, the Ramp waveform
parameters can be set by operating the Ramp setting menu on the right.
The parameters of Ramp waveform are: Frequency/Period, Amplitude/High Level,
Offset/Low Level, Symmetry. You can operate the menu by using the menu selection
buttons on the right.
To set the Frequency/Period, Amplitude/High Level, Offset/Low Level, please refer to "To
Output Sine Signals" on P11.
The frequency range is 1μHz～1MHz; the period range is 1us～1Ms.
Parameter bar 1
Setting menu
of Ramp signal
Amplitude
Load
Offset
Parameter bar 2
Current signal
Symmetry
Frequency
Current parameter
Figure 5-5: The User Interface of Ramp Signal
Term Explanation
Symmetry:
The percentage that the Rising Period takes up the whole Period.
To Set the Symmetry
(1) Press F4 button, the "Symmetry" menu item is highlighted, the current value of
the symmetry is displayed in Parameter bar 1.
(2) Turn the knob to change the value directly;
or press the number keys to input the desired value, press F4 to choose "%".
The symmetry range is 0%～100%.
14

5.Front Panel Operation
Parameter bar 1
Symmetry
Input box
Current parameter
Symmetry
Figure 5-6: Set the symmetry of Ramp signal
To Output Pulse Signals
Press button to call the user interface of Pulse signal, the Pulse waveform
parameters can be set by operating the Pulse setting menu on the right.
The parameters of Pulse waveform are: Frequency/Period, Amplitude/High Level,
Offset/Low Level, Pulse Width/Duty, Edge Time. You can operate the menu by using the
menu selection buttons on the right.
To set the Frequency/Period, Amplitude/High Level, Offset/Low Level, please refer to "To
Output Sine Signals" on P11.
The frequency range is 1μHz～25MHz; the period range is 40ns～1Ms.
Parameter bar 1
Setting menu
of Pulse signal
Amplitude
Load
Offset
Parameter bar 2
Current signal
Edge time
Frequency
Current parameter
Pulse width
Figure 5-7: The User Interface of Pulse Signal
15