Teledyne T3AFG Series User manual

User Manual
T3AFG200-350-500 Series Function/Arbitrary
Waveform Generator

I
Declaration
Copyright © Teledyne Test Tools. All rights reserved. Without permission,
contents in this manual are not allowed to be copied, extracted or translated.

II
General Safety Summary
Carefully read the following safety precautions to avoid any personal injuries or
damages to the instrument and any product connected to it. To avoid potential
hazards, please use the instrument as specied.
Only qualied technical personnel should service this instrument.
Avoid re or open ame.
Use properly rated power line connections.
Use only the specied power line which has been approved by your local
regulatory agency.
Ground the Instrument.
The instrument is grounded through the protective ground conductor of the
power line. To avoid electric shock, the ground conductor must be connected to
the earth ground. Make sure the instrument is grounded correctly before
connecting its input or output terminals.
Connect the signal wire correctly.
The potential of the signal wire ground is equal to the earth, therefore do not
connect the signal wire to a high voltage. Do not touch the exposed contacts or
components.
Observe all terminal ratings.
To avoid re or electric shock, please observe all ratings and sign instructions
on the instrument. Before connecting the instrument, please read the manual
carefully to gain more information about the ratings.
Do not operate with suspected failures.
If you suspect that the product is damaged, please let only qualied service
personnel check it.
Avoid circuit or wire exposure.
Do not touch exposed contacts or components when the power is on.
Do not operate in wet/damp conditions.
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere. Keep
the surface of the instrument clean and dry.

III
Terms and Symbols
The following symbols appear on the product or in its documentation:
WARNING High Voltage. Risk of electric shock or burn.
WARNING or CAUTION Condition or practice could result in injury or
loss of life, or damage to equipment.
DOUBLE INSULATION
PROTECTIVE (EARTH) TERMINAL
This electronic product is subject to disposal and recycling regulations
that vary by country and region. Many countries prohibit the disposal of
waste electronic equipment in standard waste receptacles. For more
information about proper disposal and recycling of your Teledyne
LeCroy product, visit teledynelecroy.com/recycle.
Rated for indoor use only. Do not operate where conductive pollutants
may be present.

IV
Introduction to the T3AFG200-350-500
The manual covers the following 3 models of the T3AFG Series Function/Arbitrary
Waveform Generators: T3AFG200, T3AFG350 and T3AFG500.
The T3AFG is a series of dual-channel function/arbitrary waveform generators with
specications of up to 500MHz maximum bandwidth, 2.4GSa/s sampling rate and 16-
bit vertical resolution. The proprietary TrueArb and EasyPulse technology help to
solve the weaknesses inherent in traditional DDS generators when generating
arbitrary, square and pulse waveforms. Using these techniques the T3AFG provides
users with a variety of high delity, low jitter signals in order to meet the growing
requirements for a multitude of complex applications.
Key Features
• Dual-channel, 500MHz maximum bandwidth, 20Vpp maximum output
amplitude, output with 80dB dynamic range
• High-performance sampling system with 1.2GSa/s sampling rate and 16- bit
vertical resolution. No detail in your waveforms will be lost.
• They also include proprietary TrueArb & EasyPulse technology that help to
solve the weaknesses inherent in traditional DDS generators when
generating arbitrary, square and pulse waveforms.
• In addition, the T3AWG is a multi-function device which can generate Noise,
IQ signals and PRBS patterns. These features enable it to provide a variety of
high delity and low jitter signals, meeting the growing requirements of
complex waveform synthesis.
• A variety of analog and digital modulation types: AM, DSB-AM, FM, PM, FSK,
ASK, PSK and PWM

V
• Sweep and Burst functions.
• Harmonic waveforms generating function
• Waveforms combining function
• Channel Coupling, Copy and Tracking function
• High precision Frequency Counter
• 196 kinds of built-in arbitrary waveforms
• Standard interfaces: USB Host, USB Device (USBTMC), LAN (VXI-11,
Socket, Telnet).
• 4.3” touch screen display for easier operation

VI
Contents
General Safety Summary ..................................................................................II
Introduction of T3AFG200-350-500 ................................................................ IV
1 Quick Start ................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Handle Adjustment ........................................................................ 2
1.2 The Front/Rear Panel .................................................................... 3
1.3 To Select a Waveform....................................................................8
1.4 To Set Modulation/Sweep/Burst....................................................13
1.5 To Turn On/O Output .................................................................15
1.6 To Use Numeric Input ...................................................................15
1.7 To Use Common Function Keys ..................................................16
2 Front Panel Operations .............................................................................17
2.1.1 To Set Sine Waveform ..................................................................18
2.1.2 To Set Square Waveform..............................................................23
2.1.3 To Set Ramp Waveform................................................................26
2.1.4 To Set Pulse Waveform ...............................................................28
2.1.5 To Set Noise Waveform ................................................................32
2.1.6 To Set DC Waveform ....................................................................36
2.1.7 To Set Arbitrary Waveform ............................................. 37
2.1.8 To Set Pseudo Random Binary Sequence (PRBS) ................ 47
2.1.9 To Set Harmonic Function ...........................................................51
2.2 To Set IQ Waveform (Optional)...............................................................54
2.2.1 Front Panel IQ Control .......................................................54
2.2.2 EasyIQ Software .................................................................59
2.3 To Set Modulation Functions...................................................................70
2.3.1 AM ......................................................................................... 71
2.3.2 DSB-AM ................................................................................ 74
2.3.3 FM ......................................................................................... 75
2.3.4 PM ......................................................................................... 77
2.3.5 FSK ....................................................................................... 79
2.3.6 ASK ...................................................................................... 81
2.3.7 PSK ...................................................................................... 82
2.3.8 PWM ..................................................................................... 84

VII
2.4 To Set Sweep Function.................................................................86
2.5 To Set Burst Function ..................................................................91
2.6 To Store and Recall .....................................................................97
2.6.1 Storage System ..................................................................98
2.6.2 File Type ...........................................................................100
2.6.3 File Operation ...................................................................101
2.7 To Set Utility Function......................................................................105
2.7.1 System Settings.................................................................107
2.7.2 Test Cal..............................................................................115
2.7.3 Frequency Counter ............................................................120
2.7.4 Output ................................................................................123
2.7.5 CH Copy/Coupling .............................................................126
2.7.6 Remote Interface ...............................................................131
2.7.7 Sync Output .......................................................................136
2.7.8 Clock Source .....................................................................138
2.7.9 Phase Mode.......................................................................140
2.7.10 Overvoltage Protection.................................................... 142
2.7.11 Multi-Device Synchronisation........................................... 143
3 Examples .................................................................................................. 145
3.1 Example 1: Generate a Sine Waveform ......................................146
3.2 Example 2: Generate a Square Waveform ..................................148
3.3 Example 3: Generate a Ramp Waveform ....................................150
3.4 Example 4: Generate a Pulse Waveform..................................... 152
3.5 Example 5: Generate a Noise .....................................................154
3.6 Example 6: Generate a Pseudo Random Binary Sequence........ 155
3.7 Example 7: Generate a Linear Sweep Waveform........................157
3.8 Example 8: Generate a Burst Waveform......................................159
3.9 Example 9: Generate an AM Modulation Waveform.................... 161
3.10 Example 10: Generate a FM Modulation Waveform.................. 163
3.11 Example 11: Generate a PM Modulation Waveform.................. 165
3.12 Example 12: Generate a FSK Modulation Waveform ................167
3.13 Example 13: Generate an ASK Modulation Waveform ............. 169
3.14 Example 14: Generate a PSK Modulation Waveform................ 171
3.15 Example 15: Generate a PWM Modulation Waveform .............. 173

VIII
3.16 Example 16: Generate a DSB-AM Modulation Waveform ........175
3.17 Example 17: Generate an IQ Waveform ................................... 177
4 Troubleshooting ....................................................................................... 179
4.1 General Inspection .....................................................................179
4.2 Troubleshooting........................................................................... 180
5 Service and Support ................................................................................. 181
5.1 Maintenance summary ................................................................ 181
5.2 Contact Teledyne Test Tools ...................................................... 182
6 Appendix ................................................................................................... 183
Appendix A: Accessories................................................................... 183
Appendix B: Daily Maintenance and Cleaning ...................................184

1
1 Quick Start
This chapter covers the following topics:
• Handle Adjustment
• The Front/Rear Panel
• To Select a Waveform
• To Set Modulation/Sweep/Burst
• To Turn On/O Output
• To Use Numeric Input
• To Use Common Function Keys

2
1.1 Handle Adjustment
To adjust the handle position of T3AFG, please grip the handle by the sides and
pull it outward. Then, make the handle rotate to the desired position.
Figure 1-1 Viewing Position and Carrying Position

3
1.2 The Front/Rear Panel
This chapter will provide a brief introduction and description for the operation and
functions of the front/rear panel.
Front Panel
The T3AFG has a clear and simple front panel which includes 4.3 inch touch
screen, menu softkeys, numeric keyboard, knob, function keys, arrow keys, and
channel control area, etc.
Figure 1-2 Front Panel of T3AFG200-350-500
USB
Host
Numeric Keyboard
Knob
Power
Key
User Interface
Menu
Softkeys
Function
Keys
Channel
Control
Arrow
Keys

4
10 MHz Clock
Output
USB
Device
Rear Panel
The rear panel provides multiple interfaces, including Counter, 10MHz In/Out,
Aux In/Out, LAN, USB Device, Earth Terminal and AC Power Supply Input.
Figure 1-3 Rear Panel of T3AFG200-350-500
Aux
In/Out
10 MHz Clock Input
Earth Terminal
LAN
Interface
AC Power
Supply Input
Counter

5
Touch Screen Display
The T3AFG can only display parameters and waveform of one channel
at a time. The picture below shows the interface of Channel 1 with an AM
modulation applied to a sine wave. The information displayed may vary depending
on the function selected.
The entire screen of the T3AFG is a touch screen. You can use your nger or touch
pen to control the instrument. Most functions and selections can be chosen using the
touch screen in a similar manner to front panel keys and knob.
Figure 1-4 TouchScreenDisplay.
1. Waveform Display Area
Displays the currently selected waveform of each channel.
2. Channel Status Bar
Indicates the selected status and output conguration of the channels. Click here
twice and a shortcut menu of front panel's function keys will be shown: Mod,
Sweep, Burst, Parameter, Utility and Store/Recall.
1 2
4
3
8 7 6 5

6
3. Basic Waveform Parameters Area
Shows the current waveform‘s parameters of each channel. Press Parameter
and select the corresponding softkey to highlight the parameter to congure.
Then use number keys or knob to change the parameter value.
4. Channel Parameters Area
Displays the load and output settings of the currently selected channel.
Load ----Value of the output load, as selected by the user.
Press Utility → Output → Load, then use the softkeys, number keys or knob to
change the parameter value; or continue pressing the corresponding output
key for two second to switch between High Impedance and 50Ω.
High Impedance: display HiZ, and assumes a load impedance of 1 MΩ.
Load: display impedance value (the default is 50Ω and the range is 50Ω to
100kΩ).
Note: This setting does not actually change the instrument‘s output
impedance of 50Ω but rather is used to maintain amplitude accuracy into
dierent load values.
Output ----Channel output state.
After pressing corresponding channel output control port, the current channel
can be turned on/o.
5. LAN Status Icon
T3AFG will show dierent prompt messages based on the current network
status.
This mark indicates LAN connection is successful.
This mark indicates there is no LAN connection or LAN connection is
unsuccessful.
6. Mode Icon
T3AFG will show dierent prompt messages based on the current mode.
This mark indicates current mode is Phase-locked.

7
This mark indicates current mode is Independent.
7. Clock Source Icon
The display will show dierent prompt messages based on the current clock
source.
This mark indicates the current clock source is from the internal TCXO.
This mark indicates the current clock source is from an external clock
source.
8. Menu
Shows the menu corresponding to the displayed function. For example, Figure
1-4 Touch Screen Display shows the parameters of ‘AM modulation’. Click menu
options on the screen to select and set the corresponding parameters.
9. Modulation Parameters Area
Shows the parameters of the current modulation function. After selecting the
corresponding menu, use number keys or knob to change the parameter value.

8
1.3 To Select a Waveform
Press Waveforms to enter the menu as Figure 1-5 shows. The example below
will help familiarize with the waveform selection settings.
Figure 1-5 Waveform Selections
1. Press Waveforms key and then press Sine softkey. The T3AFG can
generate sine waveforms with frequencies from 1μHz to 500MHz. By setting
Frequency/Period, Amplitude/High level, Oset/Low level and Phase, a
sine wave signal with dierent parameters can be generated.
Figure 1-6 Sine Display Interface
2. Press Waveforms key and then press Square softkey. The generator can
generate square waveforms with frequencies from 1μHz to 120MHz and
variable duty cycle. By setting Frequency/Period, Amplitude/High level,
Oset/Low level, Phase and DutyCycle, a square waveform with dierent
parameters can be generated.

9
Figure 1-7 Square Display Interface
3. Press Waveforms key and then press Ramp softkey. The generator can
generate ramp waveforms with frequencies from 1μHz to 5MHz and variable
symmetry. By setting Frequency/Period, Amplitude/High level, Oset/Low
level, Phase and Symmetry, a ramp waveform with dierent parameters can
be generated.
Figure 1-8 Ramp Display Interface
4. Press Waveforms key and then press Pulse softkey. The generator can
generate pulse waveforms with frequencies from 1μHz to 150MHz and
variable pulse width and rise/fall times. By setting Frequency/Period,
Amplitude/High level, Oset/Low level, PulWidth/Duty, Rise/Fall and Delay,

10
a pulse waveform with dierent parameters can be generated.
Figure 1-9 Pulse Display Interface
5. Press Waveforms key and then press Noise softkey. The generator can
generate noise with bandwidth from 80MHz to 500MHz. By setting Stdev
and Mean, noise with dierent parameters can be generated.
Figure 1-10 Noise Display Interface
6. Press Waveforms key and then press Page 1/2, last press the DC softkey.
The generator can generate a DC signal with a level up to ±10V into a
HighZ load or ±5V into a 50Ω load.

11
Figure 1-11 DC Display Interface
7. Press Waveforms key and then press Page 1/2, last press the Arb softkey.
The generator can generate repeatable arbitrary waveforms with
frequencies from 1 μHz to 50 MHz in DDS mode or output every data point
with an output sample rate from 1 μSa/s to 300 MSa/s in TrueArb mode. .
By setting Frequency/Period, Amplitude/High level, Oset/Low level,
Phase and Arb Mode, an arbitrary signal with dierent parameters can be
generated.
Figure 1-12 Arbitrary Waveform Display Interface
Press Waveforms →Page 1/2→I/Q, then CH1 and CH2 output orthogonal I and Q
signals respectively and channel status bar displays “In-phase" and "Quadrature"
separately. The generator can generate I/Q signals with symbol rate