There are four ways in which GW Instek function generators can generate arbitrary waveforms.

1. Edit directly on the signal generator (editing difficulty★★★)
2. Enter the amplitude in Excel and save it as a CSV file (difficulty of editing★★)
3. The DSO-Link function of the signal generator can directly capture the oscilloscope waveform (the sampling rate and memory depth of the waveform must match the signal generator specifications). (Editing difficulty★)
4. ARB PC software editing (editing difficulty★)

 More Porduct information: Signal Generators

Audio signal generators are mainly used to simulate sound signal sources. Generally, the frequency range of sound is 20Hz~20kHz, so common audio signal generators will be around 10Hz~100kHz, and mainly use sine waves. The GAG ​​audio signal generator produced by GW Instek has a set range of 10Hz~1MHz, providing a wider audio field for simulation analysis than ordinary manufacturers.

Function generators are usually used to simulate various signals, such as sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, sawtooth waves, etc., so the range they can generate is usually wider than that of audio signal generators, such as function generators produced by GW Instek can generate a maximum frequency range of 30MHz. In addition to the standard function signal, it also provides the function of arbitrary function generation (SFG-830), allowing users to choose the appropriate function generator according to their needs.

More Porduct information: Signal Generators

The signal generator has an output impedance of 50 ohms, and its design is based on the fact that the impedance of most circuits is also 50 ohms. In the case of 50 ohm matching, the DUT requires 1Vp-p, the signal generator will output 2Vp-p, the series output impedance gets a voltage drop of 1Vp-p, and the DUT also gets 1Vp-p.

If the signal generator is directly connected to an oscilloscope with an input impedance of 1M ohms through a BNC cable, the voltage divider on the oscilloscope is 1M/50+1M. Most of the amplitude will be divided into 1M ohms, so 2Vp-p will be observed.

If you have a 50 ohm, 1M ohm input impedance switchable oscilloscope, change the oscilloscope's input impedance to 50 ohms and you will see the result of 1Vp-p under impedance matching.

Note: This phenomenon occurs not only with GW Instek signal generators, but also with any signal generator and oscilloscope with mismatched impedances.

More Porduct information: Signal Generators

GRA-432 Rack Mount Kit for AFG-3000 series

Use the Null Modem connection as in the below diagram, AFG-3000 will connect with PC.

The only difference in specifications between the AFG-3051 and the AFG-3081 is that the output frequency for the AFG-3081is 80MHz, and for the AFG-3051 is 50MHz, For other specifications, they are the same.

If you want to add the analog Noise signal to signals, actually the AFG-3000 can help you to achieve that. You can easily do it through making the desired Waveform Math by PC software. For example, Sinc waveform, + Gaussian Noise signal.

The normal noise function is including on AFG-3000, if users want to use Gaussian / Rayleigh Noise, he needs to use the PC software of AFG-3000.

The default AFG-3000 amplitude is 16 bits resolution. That is, Totally there are 65535 points form -32767 ~ +32767. For example, if the set the Amplitude at 10Vpp, that is range form -5V to +5 V. If the user want to set +1V points, he can get the corresponding points through the following formula:
32767 / 5 * 1 = 6553.4, so the setting point for +1V is about 6553 or 6554 points; therefore for the -1V, you can get the value form calculating through the formula -32 767 / 5 * 1 = -6553.4. 

There are two main reasons. One is caused by the impedance. The impedance of the oscilloscope and arbitrary waveform generator mismatch, so the waveform is slightly distorted and the amplitude will enlarge about twice. The other is cause by the probe of the oscilloscope. Because the center of the probe wire Is not covered completely, some part of RF signals leak into the air and cause the signal distortion.

The AFG-3000 has released updated software update in a few days ago. If you don’t find Cycle and Infinite functions, please contact your dealer to update your device for you. In the future, the AFG-3000 also can be updated through USB flash drives.

The AFG-3000 has released updated software update in a few days ago. If you don’t find Pulse functions, please contact your dealer to update your device for you. In the future, the AFG-3000 also can be updated through USB flash drives.