info map full screen

TGxA Series Function Generators: Technical Specifications

Key Features

  • One or two channels (identical channels)
  • Full waveform amplitude available over the full frequency range
  • 0.001mHz to 50MHz/25MHz range; 14 digits or 1µHz resolution.
  • Standard waveforms include sine, square, ramp, pulse, sin(x)/x, noise, exponential, logarithmic and PRBS.
  • True pulse generator with variable delay and variable rise/fall.
  • Arbitrary waveforms of up to 128K points at up to 125MS/s.
  • Waveform storage using USB flash drives.
  • Large graphic LCD with simultaneous text and waveform display.
  • Comprehensive internal and external digital modulations including AM, FM, PM, PWM, FSK, BSPK, Sum and PRBS.
  • 20mV to 20V pk-pk output from 50Ω ; plus multi function aux. out.
  • Storage for multiple instrument set-ups in non-volatile memory.
  • Waveform Manager Plus for Windows software included.
  • Programmable via USB and LAN (LXI) interfaces; GPIB optional.
WAVEFORMS
Sine
Frequency Range1µHz to 50MHz; ( TG251xA - 1µHz to 25MHz)
Frequency Resolution1µHz, 14 digits
Output Level10mVp-p to 10Vp-p into 50Ω
Amplitude Flatness (Relative to 1kHz) <100kHz: 0.1dB, <5MHz: 0.15dB, <20MHz: 0.3dB, <50MHz: 0.5dB
Harmonic Distortion <1 Vp-p≥ 1Vp-p
DC to 20kHz-65dBc-65dBc
20kHz to 100kHz-60dBc-60dBc
100kHz to 1MHz-45dBc-45dBc
1MHz to 25MHz-40dBc-35dBc
25MHz to 50MHz-40dBc-28dBc
Non-Harmonic Spurii<–60dBc to 1MHz, <–60dBc + 6dB/octave 1MHz to 50MHz
Phase Noise (10kHz offset)-115dBc/Hz, typical
Square
Frequency Range1µHz to 50MHz ( TG251xA - 1µHz to 25MHz )
Frequency Resolution1µHz, 14 digits
Output Level 10mVp-p to 10Vp-p into 50Ω
Rise and Fall Times<8ns ( TG251xA - <13ns )
Overshoot<5%
Variable Duty Cycle20% to 80% to 20MHz, 0.1% resolution, 40% to 60% to 25 MHz, 0.1% resolution, 50% (fixed) above 25MHz
Asymmetry (@ 50% duty) 1% of period + 5ns
Jitter (RMS) 0.5ns + 100 ppm of period
Ramp and Triangle
Frequency Range1µHz to 1MHz ( TG251xA - 1µHz to 500kHz )
Frequency Resolution1µHz, 12 digits
Output Level10mVp-p to 10Vp-p into 50Ω
Linearity Error<0.1% to 30 kHz
Variable Symmetry 0.0 % to 100.0 %, 0.1% resolution, Single key operation of 50% (Triangle)
Note the triangle and sawtooth waveforms are also available from the arbitrary waveform menu enabling repetition rates of up to 10MHz/6MHz. Waveform quality will deteriorate at higher frequencies however
Pulse
Frequency Range500 µHz to 12.5MHz ( TG251xA - 500 µHz to 6.25MHz )
Frequency Resolution1µHz , 14 digits
Output Level10mVp-p to 10Vp-p into 50Ω
Overshoot<5%
Jitter300ps + 0.01% of period
Rise/Fall TimesRise and Fall times can be independently varied or can be varied together simultaneously
Range<8ns to 40µs ( TG251xA - <13ns to 40µs )
Resolution0.1ns for rise/fall time ≤100ns; 1ns for rise/fall >100ns and ≤2µs; 10ns for rise/fall >2µs and ≤40µs )
Width Range20ns to 2000s (20ns minimum for period ≤40s) (200ns minimum for period >40s and ≤400s), (2µs minimum for period >400s)
Width Resolution10ns (for period ≤40s),100ns (for period >40s and ≤400s),1µs (for period >400s)
Delay Range 0ns to 2000s
Delay Resolution10ns (for period ≤40s),100ns (for period >40s and ≤400s),1µs (for period >400s)
PRBS Waveforms
Sequence Length7, 9, 11, 15, 20, or 23 stages (127 to 8,388,607 bit length)
Bit Rate1µbps to 50Mbps (TG251xA - 1µbps to 25Mbps)
Rise/Fall TimesRise/Fall times can be varied (rise time = fall time)
Edge Range<8ns to 40µs (<13ns to 40µs)
Arbitrary
In built arbitrary waveforms (Sinc, Exponential Rise, Logarithmic Rise, DC, Positive and Negative Ramps and Square). Additional waveforms are supplied on disc (Cardiac, Gaussian, Exponential Fall, Logarithmic Fall).
Up to 4 additional or user defined waveforms may be stored in non-volatile memory. Waveforms can be defined by downloading of waveform data via USB memory stick, remote interfaces, or editing via the instrument's front panel.
Waveform Size2 points to 131072 points (128k)
Waveform Memory SizeUp to 4 waveforms of up to 64k points, or 2 waveforms of up to 128k points, (or 2 of 64k points plus 1 of 128k points)
External Waveform Storageup to 1,000 waveforms per USB memory stick
Vertical Resolution14 bits
Frequency Range 1µHz to 10MHz ( TG251xA - 1µHz to 6MHz )
Frequency Resolution1µHz , 14 digits
Output Level10mVp-p to 10Vpp into 50Ω
Sampling rate125MS/s
Output FilterSelects between 50MHz Elliptic or 20MHz Bessel filter depending on the waveform
Arbitrary Waveform Creation and Editing
Both generators are supplied with Waveform Manager Plus. This Windows based software provides a sophisticated tool set for the creation, editing and management of arbitrary waveforms. The waveforms can be transferred to the generator either using a USB memory stick, or by the digital interfaces.
Noise
Gaussian White NoiseNoise can be added to any carrier waveform (except pulse, square and noise itself) note however that noise can be added to the square wave available in the arbitrary menu. The amount of noise added can be specified as 0% to 50% of the amplitude of the carrier waveform. Noise can also be used as modulating waveform
Bandwidth (-3dB)20MHz typical
Noise crest factor (Vp/Vrms)5.27
Output Level10mVp-p to 10Vpp into 50Ω
Internal Frequency Reference
Oscillator Ageing Rate1ppm first year
Temperature Stability<1ppm over the specified temperature range

MODULATION
AM
Carrier WaveformsSine, Square, Ramp, Arb
Modulation SourceInternal/External
Internal Modulating WaveformsSine, Square, Up Ramp, Down Ramp, Triangle, Noise, DC, Sinc, Exponential Rise, Logarithmic Rise, PRBS and User Defined Arbs
Internal Modulating Frequency1µHz to 1MHz, 1µHz resolution
Amplitude Depth0.0% to 120.0%, 0.1% resolution
FM
Carrier WaveformsSine, Square, Ramp, Arb
Modulation SourceInternal/External
Internal Modulating WaveformsSine, Square, Up Ramp, Down Ramp, Triangle, Noise, DC, Sinc, Exponential Rise, Logarithmic Rise, PRBS and User Defined Arbs
Internal Modulating Frequency1µHz to 1MHz, 1µHz resolution
Frequency DeviationDC to Fmax/2, 1µHz resolution
PM
Carrier WaveformsSine, Square, Ramp, Arb
Modulation SourceInternal/External
Internal Modulating WaveformsSine, Square, Up Ramp, Down Ramp, Triangle, Noise, DC, Sinc, Exponential Rise, Logarithmic Rise, PRBS and User Defined Arbs
Internal Modulating Frequency1µHz to 1MHz, 1µHz resolution
Phase Deviation-360.0 to +360.0 degrees, 0.1 degree resolution
PWM
Carrier WaveformsPulse
Modulation SourceInternal/External
Internal Modulating WaveformsSine, Square, Up Ramp, Down Ramp, Triangle, Noise, DC, Sinc, Exponential Rise, Logarithmic Rise, PRBS and User Defined Arbs
Internal Modulating Frequency1µHz to 20kHz, 1µHz resolution
Pulse Width Deviation0% to 100% of pulse width, resolution same as of pulse width
SUM
Carrier WaveformsSine, Ramp, Arb
Internal Modulating WaveformsSine, Square, Up Ramp, Down Ramp, Triangle, Noise, DC, Sinc, Exponential Rise, Logarithmic Rise, PRBS and User Defined Arbs
Internal Modulating Frequency1µHz to 1MHz, 1µHz resolution
Ratio0% to 100%; 0.1% resolution
FSK
Carrier WaveformsSine, Square, Ramp, Arb
SourceInternal/External (via TRIG IN)
Internal Modulation50% duty cycle square (2mHz to 100kHz)
BPSK
Carrier WaveformsSine, Square, Ramp, PRBS, Arb
SourceInternal/External (via TRIG IN)
Internal Modulation50% duty cycle square (2mHz to 100kHz)
Triggered Burst
Each active edge of the trigger signal will produce one burst of the waveform
Carrier WaveformsSine, Square, Ramp, Arb, Pulse
Maximum Carrier Frequency10MHz (finite cycles), 50MHz (infinite), subject to carrier waveform
Number of Cycles1 to 1,048,575 and infinite
Trigger Repetition Rate2mHz to 1MHz internal dc to 1MHz external
Trigger Signal SourceInternal from keyboard or trigger generator. External from TRIG IN or remote interface
Trigger Start/Stop Phase-360.0 to +360.0 degrees, 0.1 degree resolution, subject to carrier waveform
Gated
Waveform will run while the Gate signal is true and stop while false
Carrier WaveformsSine, Square, Ramp, Arb, Pulse, Noise
Maximum Carrier Frequency10 MHz, subject to carrier waveform
Trigger Repetition Rate2mHz to 1MHz internal, dc to 1MHz external
Gate Signal SourceInternal from keyboard or trigger generator. External from TRIG IN or remote interface
Gate Start/Stop Phase-360.0 to +360.0 degrees, 0.1 degree resolution, subject to carrier waveform
Sweep
Frequency sweep capability is provided for both standard and arbitrary waveforms
Carrier WaveformsAll standard and arbitrary except pulse
Sweep ModeLinear or logarithmic, triggered or continuous
Sweep DirectionUp, down, up/down or down/up
Sweep RangeFrom 1µHz to 50MHz, subject to carrier waveform. Phase continuous. Independent setting of the start and stop frequency
Sweep Time1ms to 500s (6 digit resolution)
MarkerVariable during sweep
Sweep Trigger SourceThe sweep may be free run or triggered from the following sources: Internal from keyboard or trigger generator. Externally from TRIG IN input or remote interface.
Trigger Generator
Internal source 2mHz to 1MHz square wave adjustable in 1µs steps, 9 digit resolution. Available for external use from the SYNC OUT socket

OUTPUTS
Main Output
Output Impedance50 Ω
Amplitude20mV to 20Vp-p open circuit (10mV to 10Vp-p into 50Ω). Amplitude can be specified open circuit (hi Z) or into an assumed load of 1Ω to 10kΩ in Vpk-pk, Vrms or dBm
Amplitude Accuracy2% ±1mV at 1kHz into 50Ω
DC Offset AccuracyTypically 3% ±10mV
Resolution3 digits or 1mV for both Amplitude and DC Offset
Sync Out
Multifunction output user definable or automatically selected to be any of the following
Carrier Waveform SyncSine/Ramp/Pulse - A square wave with 50% duty cycle at the waveform frequency
SquareA square wave with same duty cycle as the main output at the waveform frequency
ArbsA square wave with 50% duty cycle at the waveform frequency. The sync is a TTL high when the first point of the waveform is output
NoiseNo sync associated with noise
Modulation SyncAM/FM/PM/PWM A square wave with 50% duty cycle referenced to the internal modulation waveform when modulation source is internal, or a square wave referenced to the carrier waveform when modulation source is external. No sync is associated with noise as the modulation source
FSKA square wave referenced to the trigger rate. The sync is a TTL high when hop frequency is the output frequency and TTL low when carrier frequency is the output frequency for positive slope and vice versa for negative slope
Burst SyncA square wave that is a TTL high when the burst begins and a TTL low when burst is completed
TriggerSelects the current trigger signal. Useful for synchronizing burst or gated signals
Sweep SyncMarker Off: A square wave that is a TTL low from the midpoint of the sweep and a TTL high from the end of the sweep.
Marker On - A square wave that is a TTL low from the marker frequency and a TTL high from the end of the sweep
Output Signal LevelLogic level nominally 3V
Ref Clock Output
Buffered version of the 10MHz clock currently in use (internal or external)
Output LevelNominally 3V logic level from 50Ω

INPUTS
Trig In
Frequency RangeDC - 1MHz
Signal RangeThreshold nominally TTL level; maximum input ±10V
Minimum Pulse Width50ns
PolaritySelectable as high/rising edge or low/falling edge
Input Impedance10kΩ
External Modulation Input (for AM, FM, PM, PWM)
Voltage Range± 5V full scale
Input Impedance5kΩ typical
BandwidthDC to 20kHz
Ref Clock Input
Input for an external 10MHz reference clock
Voltage Range1Vpp – 5Vpp
Maximum Voltage+5V
Minimum Voltage-1V

TWO CHANNEL OPERATION
(TG5012A & TG2512A only) The two channels can be operated independently so as to act as entirely separate generators. Alternatively the channels can interact as follows:
Coupled Operation
Coupled FrequencyFrequencies can be coupled such that if frequency of one channel is changed the frequency of the other channel also changes either by a fixed ratio or fixed offset. A pulse waveforms can only be frequency coupled to another pulse waveform, however sine, square, ramp or Arb waveforms can be coupled to any other waveform of that group
Coupled LevelAmplitudes (and DC offsets) of the two channels can be coupled such that changing the amplitude and offset on one channel changes the amplitude and offset of both channels
Coupled On/OffCoupling can be set such that switching the output on/off on one channel switches the output on/off of both channels
Tracking Operation
When in tracking mode both channels behave as one channel. If inverse tracking is selected, both channel still behave as one channel except that the output of channel 2 is inverted
Relative Phase
Pressing the ‘align’ key phase synchronizes the two channels with the specified phase offset
Phase Range-360.0 to +360.0 degrees
Resolution0.1 degree
Skew (typical)<1ns
Cross Channel Trigger
Either channel can be triggered by the other channel to set up a complex and versatile inter channel trigger scheme.

Each channel can have its trigger output waveform set up independently. Trigger Out may be selected to be carrier waveform referenced, modulation waveform referenced, sweep referenced, burst referenced or the currently selected trigger of the channel.
Crosstalk
Channel CrosstalkTypically better than -80dB
Control and DisplayThe control of each channel is selected by the Channel Select key
The display can be assigned either completely to the selected channel, or the upper section can display the main set-up parameters or waveforms for both channels simultaneously

PHASE SYNCHRONISING TWO GENERATORS
Two generators can be synchronized together to provide outputs at the same frequency (or harmonics) and with a phase difference. The amplitude and phase of these outputs can also be modulated providing the capability to perform QAM and QPSK respectively. It is also possible to synchronize more than two generators but results are not guaranteed
Carrier WaveformsSine, Square, Ramp, Pulse, Arb
Phase Range -360.0 to +360.0 degrees
Resolution0.1 degree
Accuracy< ±5ns

INTERFACES
Full digital remote control facilities are available through LAN and USB and optional GPIB interfaces
LAN InterfaceEthernet 100/10base – T hardware connection. LXI compliant
USB InterfaceStandard USB 2.0 hardware connection. Implemented as virtual-COM port
GPIB Interface (option G)conforming with IEEE-488.2
USB Flash DriveFor waveform and setup storage/recall

GENERAL
Display TypeMonochrome Graphics Display
Pixel format256 x 112 matrix
Data EntryKeyboard selection of mode, waveform etc.; value entry direct by numeric keys or by rotary control
Stored SettingsUp to 9 complete instrument set-ups may be stored and recalled from non-volatile memory
Physical (TG2511A/TG5011A)
Size (Bench top use)97mm height; 250mm width; 270mm long
Size (Rack mounted use)86.5mm (2U) height; 213.5mm (1/2-rack) width; 244mm long
Weight2.55 kg
Physical (TG2512A/TG5012A)
Size (Bench top use)97mm height; 250mm width; 295mm long
Size (Rack mounted use)86.5mm (2U) height; 213.5mm (1/2-rack) width; 269mm long
Weight2.7 kg
Power110-240VAC ±10% 50/60Hz; 100-120VAC ±10% 400Hz; 60VA max. Installation Category II
Operating Range+5°C to 40°C, 20-80% RH
Storage Range-20°C to + 60°C
EnvironmentalIndoor use at altitudes up to 2000m, Pollution Degree 2
SafetyComplies with EN61010-1
EMCComplies with EN61326

OPTIONS
19 inch rack mountRM200A 2U rack mount suitable for one or two generators
GPIB Interface(Option TG-GPIB) - Retro-fittable GPIB (IEEE-488) interface card

ORDERING INFORMATION
Four versions of the product are available as follows:
TG2511A25MHz 1-Channel Generator
TG5011A50MHz 1-Channel Generator
TG2512A25MHz 2-Channel Generator
TG5012A50MHz 2-Channel Generator
TG-GPIB Retro-fittable GPIB interface available for any model.
RM200A Rack Mount available, 2U holds two units.

SUPPLIED ITEMS
Each product is supplied with the following:
Printed operating manual in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish with remote programming instruction in English only. PDF operating manuals on disk (including remote programming instruction) in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
IEC mains lead appropriate to the geographic market in which it is sold.
Software on disk including: Waveform Manager for Windows, IVI driver, LabView driver, CVI driver, USB driver, LXI discovery tool, TCP example program.

Specification Notes: Specifications apply for the temperature range 18°C to 280C after 30 minutes warm-up, at maximum output into 50 Ω unless otherwise stated.
Specifications are for the 50MHz models (TG5011A and TG5012A); specifications for 25MHz models (TG2511A and TG2512A), where different, are in (dark red) . For two channel models (TG5012A and TG2512A) specifications apply to each output.

Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd. operates a policy of continuous development and reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice.