Tektronix CFG253 User manual

User Manual
CFG253
3 MHz Function Generator
070-8362-04

Copyright Tektronix, Inc. 1993. All rights reserved.
Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and
pending. Information in this publication supercedes that in all previously
published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.
Tektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 1000, Wilsonville, OR 97070–1000
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.

WARRANTY
Tektronix warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment. If any such product
proves defective during this warranty period, Tektronix, at its option, either will repair the
defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a replacement in
exchange for the defective product.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix of the defect
before the expiration of the warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the
performance of service. Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the
defective product to the service center designated by Tektronix, with shipping charges
prepaid. Tektronix shall pay for the return of the product to Customer if the shipment is to
a location within the country in which the Tektronix service center is located. Customer
shall be responsible for paying all shipping charges, duties, taxes, and any other charges for
products returned to any other locations.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or
improper or inadequate maintenance and care. Tektronix shall not be obligated to furnish
service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting from attempts by personnel other
than Tektronix representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair damage
resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; or c) 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.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX WITH RESPECT TO THIS
PRODUCT IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. TEKTRONIX’ RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE
DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY
PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY.
TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER TEKTRONIX OR THE VENDOR HAS
ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

CFG253 User Manual i
Table of Contents
General Safety Summary iii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Getting Started 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing the CFG253 Function Generator for Use 2. . . . . . . . .
Front Panel 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Panel 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reference 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TTL Signals 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
External Sweep 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix A: Specifications 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix B: Maintenance 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing for Shipment 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix C: Replaceable Parts 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standard Accessories 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Optional Accessories 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
ii CFG253 User Manual

CFG253 User Manual iii
General Safety Summary
Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent
damage to this product or any products connected to it.
Injury Precautions
Use Proper Power Cord
To avoid fire hazard, use only the power cord specified for this
product.
Avoid Electric Overload
To avoid electric shock or fire hazard, do not apply a voltage to a
terminal that is outside the range specified for that terminal.
Ground the Product
This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the
power cord. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must
be connected to earth ground. Before making connections to the
input or output terminals of the product, ensure that the product is
properly grounded.
Do Not Operate Without Covers
To avoid electric shock or fire hazard, do not operate this product
with covers or panels removed.
Use Proper Fuse
To avoid fire hazard, use only the fuse type and rating specified for
this product.

General Safety Summary
iv CFG253 User Manual
Do Not Operate in Wet/DampConditions
To avoid electric shock, do not operate this product in wet or damp
conditions.
Do Not Operate in Explosive Atmosphere
To avoid injury or fire hazard, do not operate this product in an
explosive atmosphere.
Use Proper Voltage Setting
Before applying power, ensure that the line selector is in the proper
position for the power source being used.
Provide Proper Ventilation
To prevent product overheating, provide proper ventilation.
Do Not Operate With SuspectedFailures
If you suspect there is damage to this product, have it inspected by
qualified service personnel.
Safety Terms and Symbols
Terms in This Manual
These terms may appear in this manual:
WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that
could result in injury or loss of life.
CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that
could result in damage to this product or other property.

General Safety Summary
CFG253 User Manual v
Terms on the Product
These terms may appear on the product:
DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you
read the marking.
WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as
you read the marking.
CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.
Symbols on the Product
The following symbols may appear on the product:
DANGER
High Voltage ProtectiveGround (Earth)Terminal ATTENTION Referto
Manual
Double
Insulated
Certifications and Compliances
CSA Certified Power Cords
CSA Certification includes the products and power cords appropriate
for use in the North America power network. All other power cords
supplied are approved for the country of use.

General Safety Summary
vi CFG253 User Manual

CFG253 User Manual 1
Getting Started
The Tektronix CFG253 Function Generator produces sine, square,
and sawtooth waves and TTL signals in a frequency range of 0.03 Hz
to 3 MHz. You can use it to test and calibrate audio and ultrasonic
equipment and servo systems. You can also directly control
amplitude and DC offset.
The function generator has a symmetry function to control the rise
and fall times of sine or sawtooth waves and the duty cycles of
square waves. It also has a sweep function that makes the output
signal traverse a range of frequencies. The sweep rate and sweep
width can be controlled internally or the sweep function can be input
from an external DC signal.
The function generator has a locking, multiposition handle that folds
under the instrument. The instrument is delivered with a power cord,
an installed fuse for 115 V operation, and this instruction manual.

Getting Started
2CFG253 User Manual
Preparing the CFG253 Function Generator for Use
Check the following items prior to operating the CFG253 Function
Generator for the first time (see Figure 1 for locations of items):
1 23
Figure 1: Line Voltage Selectors, Power Input, and Fuse Locations
CAUTION. To prevent damage to the instrument, set the line voltage
selectors to the proper voltage setting and install the correct line
voltage fuse before operating the equipment.
1. Set the line voltage selectors to the input line voltage. These
selectors connect internal wiring for various line voltages. This
product is intended to operate from a power source that does not
supply more than 250 VRMS between the supply conductors or
between either supply conductor and ground. For line voltage
ranges, refer to Appendix A: Specifications on page 9.
WARNING. To prevent electrical shock, unplug the power cord and
disconnect the signal input cable from any signal source before
checking or replacing the fuse.
2. Check that the correct line fuse is installed. The line fuse
provides protection if the equipment malfunctions or an overload
occurs. Refer to Appendix C: Replaceable Parts on page 15 for
fuse part numbers.

Getting Started
CFG253 User Manual 3
WARNING. To prevent electrical shock, connect the power cord to a
properly grounded power source. The outside (ground) of this
connector is connected through the equipment to the power source
ground. Do not remove the ground lug from the power cord for any
reason.
3. Connect the input power cord. Use only the power cords specified
for this equipment. Refer to Appendix C: Replaceable Parts on
page 15 for power cord part numbers.
Front Panel
Figure 2 shows the front panel controls, connectors, and indicators
with brief descriptions of the items listed following the figure.
15
51
714 12 11
4
3
10 8913
6
2
Figure 2: Front Panel Controls, Connectors, and Indicators
1. POWER On Light. When lighted, indicates a power on condition.
2. AMPLITUDE Control. This variable control, depending on the
position of the VOLTS OUT button, determines the level of the
signal at the MAIN output connector.

Getting Started
4CFG253 User Manual
3. DC OFFSET. Pull out this control to activate. The DC OFFSET
control sets the DC level and polarity of the signal at the MAIN
output. When the control is pressed in, the signal is centered at
zero VDC.
4. SYMMETRY Knob. This knob changes the duty cycle of a
square wave signal or the rise and fall times of sawtooth and sine
wave signals. This feature is called symmetry because it affects
the visual symmetry of the waveform along its longitudinal axis.
The knob has no effect unless the SYMMETRY button (see
item 11) is pushed in.
When the SYMMETRY knob is at the center position, the
symmetry of the waveform is unaffected. Rotating the knob
clockwise has an increasing effect on the waveform; rotating the
knob counterclockwise has the opposite effect, as shown in
Table 1.
Table 1: Effect of Symmetry Controls on Waveforms
Type Waveform SYMMETRY CCW SYMMETRY CW
Square
Triangle
Sine
5. RANGE (Hz) Buttons. These buttons determine the frequency
range of the signal at the MAIN output connector.
6. FUNCTION Buttons. The sine, square or sawtooth buttons select
the type of signal provided at the MAIN output connector.
7. FREQUENCY Control. This variable control determines the
frequency of the signal at the MAIN output connector within the
range set by the RANGE buttons.

Getting Started
CFG253 User Manual 5
8. SWEEP WIDTH. This control adjusts the sweep amplitude.
9. SWEEP RATE. This control adjusts the rate of the internal sweep
generator and the repetition rate of the burst gate.
10.SWEEP Button. Push in for internal sweep. This button activates
the sweep rate and sweep width controls. When the button is set
out, the function generator accepts signals from its external
sweep input connector on the rear panel.
11. SYMMETRY Button. Pushing this button in divides the
frequency of the output signal by ten and allows the symmetry of
the signal to be varied using the SYMMETRY knob (see item 4).
Table 1 shows effects of adjusting the symmetry on waveforms.
12.VOLTS OUT Button. Push in for AMPLITUDE control range of
0 to 2 Vp-p, open circuit, or 0 to 1 Vp-p into a 50 load. Set to
the out position for an AMPLITUDE control range of 0 to
20 Vp-p, in an open circuit, or 0 to 10 Vp-p to a 50 load.
CAUTION. To prevent equipment damage, check the grounding system
of the receiving equipment before connecting the function generator.
The outside (ground) of the MAIN and SYNC OUTPUT connectors
are connected through the equipment to the power source ground.
13.SYNC (TTL) OUTPUT. BNC output connector for TTL signals.
14.MAIN OUTPUT. BNC output connector for sine wave, square
wave and sawtooth wave signals.
15.POWER Button. Push in to turn function generator on. A second
push turns the function generator off.

Getting Started
6CFG253 User Manual
Rear Panel
Figure 3 shows the location of the VCF INPUT (external sweep)
connector on the rear panel with a brief description of the connector
following the figure.
1
Figure 3: Rear Panel Signal Connection
CAUTION. The outside (ground) of the EXTERNAL SWEEP input
connector is connected through the equipment to the power source
ground. Check the grounding system of the input equipment before
connecting the function generator.
1. VCF INPUT (External Sweep). Input BNC connector for
voltage-controlled sweep. Signals applied to this connector will
control the output frequency when the SWEEP button is set to the
out position. An input of 0 to +10 VDC sweeps the signal at the
MAIN output down two decades (100:1). The total sweep range
is also dependent on the base frequency and the desired sweep
direction.

CFG253 User Manual 7
Reference
This section describes two advanced functions of the CFG253
Function Generator: TTL signals and external sweep.
TTL Signals
To generate a TTL signal, follow these steps:
1. Connect the BNC connector from your oscilloscope to the
SYNC (TTL) OUTPUT as shown below.
Observe the results on the oscilloscope. You may want to change
the volts per division setting or other controls on the oscilloscope
to acquire a useful signal.
Test oscilloscope
CFG253
2. Change the frequency RANGE and rotate the FREQUENCY
dial to observe how the frequency of the TTL signal changes.
3. Rotate the DC OFFSET knob.
Notice that this knob has no effect on TTL signals. That is
because the DC offset of a TTL signal is standardized for
compliance with TTL logic. Signals produced from the
SYNC (TTL) OUTPUT are not affected by this knob.
4. Rotate the AMPLITUDE knob.
Notice that this knob has no effect on TTL signals. That is
because the amplitude of a TTL signal is standardized for
compliance with TTL logic. Signals from the SYNC (TTL)
OUTPUT are therefore not affected by this knob.

Reference
8CFG253 User Manual
External Sweep
To use the external sweep function, follow these steps:
1. Connect the BNC connector to the MAIN OUTPUT as shown
below.
Voltage source
CFG253
Test oscilloscope
To VCF INPUT
(on rear panel)
MAIN OUTPUT
2. Turn the FREQUENCY dial to the .3 position.
CAUTION. To avoid damage to theCFG253 Function Generator,
ensure that the maximum voltage into the rear panel VCF input is no
more than ±10 V pk.
3. Connect the external voltage signal to the VCF INPUT on the
rear panel of the instrument.
4. Push the SWEEP button out to deactivate the internal sweep
function.
When using an external sweep signal, the sweep width and sweep
rate knobs have no effect on the signal sweep. Instead, these
parameters are controlled entirely by the external signal provided
through the rear panel.

CFG253 User Manual 9
Appendix A: Specifications
Table 2 shows characteristics of the CFG253 Function Generator that
are guaranteed by warranty.
Table
2
:
Warra
nt
e
d Ch
ara
ct
eri
st
i
cs
Characteristic Measurement
Outputs Square wave, sine wave, sawtooth wave, TTL
pulse, and sweep functions for all outputs
Line Voltage Range 90 to 110, 108 to 132, 198 to 242, and 216 to 250 VAC at
50–60 Hz
Frequency ranges,
nonskewed
waveform (Freq/1)
  
   
   
   
     
     
     
     
Frequency ranges,
skewed waveform (Freq/10)   
   
   
   
    
     
     
     
Frequency multiplier Variable 0.3 to 3.0 times the selected frequency
range
Frequency/1 dial accuracy ±5% of full scale of frequency/1
Frequency/10 dial accuracy ±5% of full scale of frequency/10
Sine wave distortion <1% from 10 Hz to 100 kHz

Appendix A: Specifications
10 CFG253 User Manual
Table 2: Warranted Characteristics (Cont.)
Characteristic Measurement
Sawtooth linearity 20 Hz to 200 kHz 99%
200 kHz to 3 MHz 97%
Square response 100 ns rise/fall time maximum output into
50 Wload
Main output amplitude Two ranges:
0-20ĂVĂpeakĆtoĆpeak
100ĂmV to 20ĂVpĆp (open circuit)
50ĂmV to 10ĂVpĆp (50ĂWload)
0-2ĂV peakĆtoĆpeak
10ĂmV to 2ĂVpĆp (open circuit)
5ĂmV to 1ĂVpĆp (50ĂWload)
Impedance 50 W±10%
DC offset <–10 V to >+10V (open circuit), and
<–5 V to >+5 V (into 50 Wload)
Duty cycle
5
:1
mi
n
im
u
m
du
t
y cyc
le
c
ha
n
ge
(50% at Center:Cal position), with symmetry button (Freq
10) pushed in
Sweep rate Continuously variable from 0.5 to 50 Hz
Sweep width Variable from 1:1 to 100:1
Table 3: Physical Characteristics
Characteristic Dimension
Width 240 mm (9.46 in)
Height 64 mm (2.53 in)
Depth 230 mm (9.o in)
Weight 2.0 kg (4.4 lb)