A new low-cost DDS function generator with arbitrary waveform capability can generate double the frequency of other function generators within a similar price bracket
The TG4001, new from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments), is a low-cost DDS function generator with arbitrary waveform capability that can generate high-purity sine waves up to 40MHz and square waves up to 50MHz: double the frequency of other function generators within a similar price bracket.
In addition to sine and square waves, the new instrument can generate cosine, haversine, havercosine, pulse, triangle, ramp and sin(x)/x waveforms.
Setting resolution is 10 digits or 1mHz.
The TG4001 can generate not just pulses but complex pulse trains.
A pattern of up to ten pulses can be quickly defined with each pulse having its own amplitude, width and delay.
The whole pulse train pattern can then be replayed at a user-defined repetition rate.
As an arbitrary generator, the TG4001 can produce waveforms of up to 65,536 (64K) words at sample rates of up to 100MS/s.
Waveform Manager Plus software for Windows is supplied for the creation and editing of waveforms on a PC.
Waveforms are downloaded to the generator using RS232 or USB interfaces.
A full voltage output signal from 5mV to 20V peak-to-peak EMF from 50 ohms is available over the full frequency range of the generator.
Amplitude flatness for sinusoids is +/-0.2dB to 1MHz and +/-0.4dB to 40MHz.
Pulse rise and fall times are less than 8ns.
Modulation modes include wide-range phase-continuous sweep, AM, tone switching, and signal summing.
A built-in trigger generator provides gated and triggered burst modes.
All waveforms can be swept over their full frequency range at a variable rate.
The TG4001 includes both RS232 and USB interfaces as standard.
These give full control of every instrument function as well as providing arbitrary waveform download capability.
A GPIB (IEEE-488) interface is available as an option.
The generator is housed in a half-rack 3U case suitable for benchtop or system use.
A rack-mount kit is available.
The TG4001 costs £995 (plus VAT) in the UK.
