50-MHz Function Generator Sets New Price/Performance milestone

The TG5011 function generatorfrom TTi is a combined function, arbitrary waveform and pulse generator with a frequency range of 1 µHz to 50 MHz. Priced at around £900, it is claimed to offer a better price/performance ratio than competitive products with bandwidths of only 20 or 25 MHz. The TG5011 produces high-purity sine waves with low harmonic distortion and low phase noise over the full frequency range. Square-wave rise time is less than 8 ns with low overshoot for good waveform shape right up to 50 MHz.

The output frequency can be set with up to 14 digit resolution and is derived from a TCXO timebase oscillator with a stability of 1 ppm. The high resolution of the direct digital synthesizer (DDS) also allows the instrument to generate very low frequencies. For example, a frequency of 1 mHz can be set with a resolution of 0.1% and a stability of 1 ppm. The TG5011 also has a pulse generator mode with the pulse width adjustable over a wide range and pulse delay independent of period. The pulse period setting range is 2000 seconds to 80 ns (0.5 mHz to 12.5 MHz), and the duty cycle can be as low as 1 in 2 billion. The rise and fall times (edge speeds) are also independently variable over a wide range.

Arbitrary waveforms of up to 128k words can be generated with 14-bit vertical resolution and a sampling rate of 125 MS/s. A front-panel USB port enables external flash memory storage of up to 1000 waveforms. This also provides a quick and convenient method for transferring waveform files to and from a PC. Commonly used complex waveforms are provided, including sin(x)/x, exponential rise and fall, logarithmic rise and fall, Gaussian, Lorentz, haversine and cardiac waveforms. The generator comes with Waveform Manager Plus for Windows to allow complex waveform files to be created on a PC.

The TG5011 provides a comprehensive set of digital modulation modes 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. A wideband noise generator produces Gaussian white noise with a high crest factor and a bandwidth of 20 MHz. Noise can be added to any waveform or used as a modulating source.