The Arbitrary/Function Generator Basic Features & Functions
Capturing Your Signal: 1 3 2 Signal Parameters 3 Run Modes Following are the common signal parameters that you must define for To generate your signal as defined by your selected signal type and signal Easy as 1, 2, 3 your waveform: parameters, simply choose Continuous mode. Or, you can choose to 1. Choose your signal type modulate your signal. Common modulation types are: 2. Define your signal parameters Waveform Characteristics Signal Modulation 3. Select the Run mode Amplitude A measure of the voltage “strength” of a waveform. Amplitude is constantly Amplitude Modulation (AM) AFG3000 Series Arbitrary/ changing in an AC signal. A type of analog modulation in which amplitude variations embed lower-frequency information into Frequency a carrier signal of higher frequency. Function Generator The number of times a full waveform cycle repeats in one second, With 12 standard waveforms, arbitrary waveform measured in Hertz [Hz]. Frequency equals 1 divided by period or capability, and signal impairment options, the AFG3000 wavelength. Frequency Modulation (FM) Series supports a wide range of application needs with A type of analog modulation in which frequency Phase one instrument. variations embed lower-frequency information Time placement of a cycle relative to a reference waveform or point in time. into a carrier signal of higher frequency. 10 MHz to 240 MHz models
One or two channels Phase Amplitude Sample rates up to 2 GS/s Phase Modulation (PM) 2 A type of analog modulation in which phase Amplitudes up to 20 Vpk-pk variations embed lower-frequency information into a carrier signal of higher frequency.
1 Basic Signal Types Function generators typically offer a range of signal types. Here are the most common: Signal Shift Keying
Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) Basic Waveforms Arbitrary Waveforms A type of digital modulation in which the digital modulating signal causes the carrier to switch Sine Wave When you need a unique waveform, an arbitrary waveform generator allows you between two amplitudes. A curved wave shape defined by to define your waveform. Performance terms and considerations for choosing a Wavelength = 1 / Frequency the mathematical sine function. generator are: Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) Arbitrary Waveform A type of digital modulation in which the carrier Square Wave A waveform defined by the user rather than by the intrinsic nature of the Pulse Characteristics switches between two frequencies. A wave shape consisting of signal generator. repeating square pulses. Rise Time Sample Rate Amount of time required for a pulse edge to transition from low to high level. Phase Shift Keying (PSK) The maximum clock or sample rate at which the signal source can operate. Sawtooth Wave A type of digital modulation in which the carrier Fall Time A waveform that ramps up slowly, Memory Depth switches between two phase settings. Amount of time required for a pulse edge to transition from high to low level. then falls off quickly. The number of data points used to record a waveform, which determines the maximum amount of waveform data (equivalent to time). Pulse Width Triangle Wave Amount of time the pulse takes to go from low to high and back to low Bandwidth A waveform with symmetrical rise again, measured at 50% of full voltage. Swept Waveforms The frequency range of the signal source; usually defined as the frequency at and fall times. which a sinusoidal signal is attenuated by 3 dB. Amplitude Sweep Period A waveform that increases Vertical (Amplitude) Resolution Pulse Wave Pulse Width in amplitude over some A waveform with a fast rising edge, The smallest voltage increment that can be programmed in a signal source; period of time. a period of time at a constant the binary word width, in bits, of the instrument’s digital to analog converter, amplitude, and a fast falling edge. which defines amplitude accuracy and distortion of the waveform. 50% Amplitude Frequency Sweep A waveform that increases 10% 90% 90% 10% in frequency over some period of time. Rise Fall To find which Arbitrary/Function Generator is right for you, visit us at: www.tektronix.com/afg3000 Time Time
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