Latest Test and Measurement News

Arbitrary Function Generator with 50 MHz Frequency Range

21 February 2011 - The new TG5011G from Aim-TTi is a combined function/arbitrary/pulse generator with a frequency range covering 1 µHz to 50 MHz. The new model has a GPIB interface in addition to the USB and LAN (LXI) interfaces of the standard model.

Arbitrary waveform of up to 128k words can be generated at 14 bits vertical resolution and a sampling speed of 125 MS/s. A front-mounted USB port enables external Flash memory storage of up to 1000 waveforms. A USB memory stick also provides a quick and convenient method for transferring waveform files to and from a PC.

The TG5011G incorporates a pulse generator mode which provides wide-range pulse width and delay independent of period. Pulse period can be set between 2000 seconds and 80 ns (0.5 mHz to 12.5 MHz), and the duty cycle can be as low as one in two billion. Rise and fall times (edge speeds) are also independently variable over a wide range.

A wideband noise generator creates Gaussian white noise with a high crest factor and a bandwidth of 20 MHz. Noise can be added to any waveform or can be used as a modulating source.

The TG5011G offers high-purity sine waves with low harmonic distortion and low phase noise over the full frequency range. Square waves have a risetime of below 8 ns and low overshoot giving good wave-shape right up to 50 MHz. A TCXO timebase oscillator provides a frequency stability of 1 ppm.

The generator offers a comprehensive set of digital modulations including AM, FM, PM, PWM and FSK. The modulation source can be any standard or arbitrary waveform, or any external signal applied to the modulation input.

The TG5011G is designed and built at the company's Cambridgeshire facility, and is highly competitively priced at £975 (plus VAT).