Summary of NEW TEKTRONIX AFG31000 SERIES ARBITRARY FUNCTION GENERATORS
Tektronix introduces the AFG31000 series, redefining arbitrary/function generators with a 9-inch touchscreen and intuitive interface. This new design addresses usability issues in traditional AFGs by offering deep memory, patented InstaView for real-time DUT signal monitoring, and an advanced waveform sequencer. The built-in ArbBuilder tool allows direct on-device waveform creation, eliminating the need for PC transfers and significantly boosting test efficiency for complex debugging and validation tasks.
Parts used in the AFG31000 Series:
- 9-inch capacitive touchscreen
- Patented InstaView feature
- Waveform sequencer mode
- 128 Mpts waveform memory
- ArbBuilder tool
Tektronix, Inc., a leading worldwide provider of measurement solutions, announced that it has redefined the arbitrary/function generator (AFG) with the introduction of the AFG31000 series. A completely new design, the AFG31000 features many key firsts including the industry’s largest touchscreen and new user interface that will delight engineers and researchers who need to generate increasingly complex test cases for debugging, troubleshooting, characterizing and validating devices under test.
Despite their importance in electronics test and wide adoption, AFGs have lagged behind other test instrumentation in terms of usability, making do with small displays and other shortcomings that make them hard to learn and operate. Moreover, traditional AFGs lack the deep memory and programming capability needed to compose a series of test cases with complex timing – critical for optimum test efficiency. By addressing these issues, the AFG31000 represents the first of the next generation of AFGs with features and capabilities simply not available elsewhere in the market today.
Advanced Capabilities Redefine the AFG
The AFG31000 series features a 9-inch capacitive touchscreen, the largest available on an AFG, that allows users to see all related settings and parameters on a single screen within a shallow menu tree. Similar to the modern touch-enabled smart devices, users can tap or swipe to easily select, browse, locate and change settings. The intuitive user interface saves users time in both learning and operating the instrument for major gains in productivity and efficiency.
Patented InstaViewTM Feature Debuts
Traditional AFGs assume they are driving a 50 Ω impedance. However, most devices under test (DUTs) do not have a 50 Ω impedance. This mismatch results in an inconsistency between the waveform as set on the AFG and the signal at the DUT. The new patented InstaView feature on the AFG31000 series addresses this problem by monitoring and displaying the waveform at the DUT without the need for additional cables or instruments. The waveform shown on the display instantly responds to changes in frequency, amplitude, waveform shape as well as the DUT’s impedance, saving time and boosting confidence.
Programmable Waveform Sequencing
In addition to traditional AFG operation modes, the AFG31000 series offers an Advanced or waveform sequencer mode. In the Advanced mode, the instrument’s up-to 128 Mpts of waveform memory can be segmented into up to 256 entries, and users can drag and drop long waveforms, or multiple waveforms in the sequencer and define how they are output. Compared to arbitrary waveform generators, the AFG31000 series reduces instrument costs by as much as 90 percent, giving users who need long, non-repeating waveforms, or multiple waveforms with complex timing an affordable alternative.
New ArbBuilder Delivers Time Savings
Taking advantage of the large capacitive touch screen, the new ArbBuilder tool built in the AFG31000 series enables users to create and edit arbitrary waveforms directly on the instrument without needing to create the waveforms on a PC and transferring them to the instrument. ArbBuilder improves test efficiency especially for arbitrary waveforms that need to change frequently. For users who wants to replicate waveforms captured by an oscilloscope, they can save waveforms as .csv files and use ArbBuilder to load them directly into the AFG31000.
Current AFG users, who are well aware of the limitations of AFGs, see the new sequencing and ArbBuilder features of the AFG31000 series as a significant boost to productivity and efficiency.
Read more: NEW TEKTRONIX AFG31000 SERIES ARBITRARY FUNCTION GENERATORS
- What is the largest touchscreen available on an AFG?
The AFG31000 series features a 9-inch capacitive touchscreen, which is the largest available on an AFG. - How does the InstaView feature work?
It monitors and displays the waveform at the device under test without needing additional cables or instruments. - Can users create waveforms directly on the instrument?
Yes, the built-in ArbBuilder tool enables users to create and edit arbitrary waveforms directly on the instrument. - Does the AFG31000 support complex timing sequences?
Yes, it offers an Advanced mode where up to 128 Mpts of memory can be segmented into up to 256 entries. - How does the cost compare to arbitrary waveform generators?
The AFG31000 series reduces instrument costs by as much as 90 percent compared to arbitrary waveform generators. - Can users load oscilloscope captured waveforms?
Users can save waveforms as .csv files and use ArbBuilder to load them directly into the AFG31000. - Why was the AFG31000 designed with a large display?
The large display allows users to see all related settings and parameters on a single screen within a shallow menu tree. - What problem does the InstaView feature solve regarding impedance?
It solves inconsistencies between the set waveform and the signal at the device under test caused by non-50 Ω impedance mismatches.
