Aim TTi TGF4000 SERIES INSTRUCTION MANUAL
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
EN
TGF4000 SERIES
40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz & 240MHz
Dual Channel Arbitrary Funcon Generators
Overview
1.
1. CONTENTS .................................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 7
Overview ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7
3. Safety ............................................................................................................................................................. 8
Symbols ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Safety notices ................................................................................................................................................................ 9
4. Installation ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
Mounting ..................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Ventilation.................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Handle/stand ............................................................................................................................................................... 10
5. Electrical Requirements ............................................................................................................................... 11
Mains operating voltage .............................................................................................................................................. 11
Mains lead ................................................................................................................................................................... 11
6. Front Panel .................................................................................................................................................... 12
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................... 12
7. Rear Panel ..................................................................................................................................................... 14
Connections overview ................................................................................................................................................. 14
8. Getting Started .............................................................................................................................................. 16
Using this manual ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
Switching on ................................................................................................................................................................ 16
Screen layout .............................................................................................................................................................. 17
Status line details ........................................................................................................................................................ 18
Display options ............................................................................................................................................................ 19
Numeric editing ........................................................................................................................................................... 20
Editing principles ......................................................................................................................................................... 22
Information, warning and error messages ................................................................................................................... 23
1 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Overview
General soft-keys ........................................................................................................................................................ 24
Maintenance ................................................................................................................................................................ 24
Cleaning ...................................................................................................................................................................... 24
9. Continuous Carrier Waveform Operation ................................................................................................... 25
Waveform selection ..................................................................................................................................................... 25
Waveform editing ........................................................................................................................................................ 26
Square-wave duty cycle .............................................................................................................................................. 28
Ramp symmetry .......................................................................................................................................................... 29
Output ......................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Arb waves ................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Arb arbs....................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Sync output ................................................................................................................................................................. 39
10. Pulse Generator ........................................................................................................................................ 40
Pulse application ......................................................................................................................................................... 40
Pulse width .................................................................................................................................................................. 41
Edge times .................................................................................................................................................................. 42
Pulse delay.................................................................................................................................................................. 43
11. Noise Generator ........................................................................................................................................ 44
Carrier wave noise ...................................................................................................................................................... 44
Noise modulation ........................................................................................................................................................ 45
12. PRBS Generator ........................................................................................................................................ 46
Carrier wave PRBS ..................................................................................................................................................... 46
PRBS modulation ........................................................................................................................................................ 47
13. Modulation ................................................................................................................................................. 48
Modulation application ................................................................................................................................................ 48
Amplitude modulation (AM) ......................................................................................................................................... 50
Frequency modulation (FM) ........................................................................................................................................ 54
Phase modulation (PM) ............................................................................................................................................... 58
Amplitude shift keying (ASK) ....................................................................................................................................... 62
2 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Overview
Frequency shift keying (FSK) ...................................................................................................................................... 66
Binary phase shift keying (BPSK) ............................................................................................................................... 70
SUM modulation .......................................................................................................................................................... 74
Pulse width modulation (PWM) ................................................................................................................................... 78
14. Sweep ......................................................................................................................................................... 82
Sweep application ....................................................................................................................................................... 82
Sweep type ................................................................................................................................................................. 84
Sweep time ................................................................................................................................................................. 87
Sweep mode ............................................................................................................................................................... 87
15. Burst ........................................................................................................................................................... 91
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................... 91
Burst application .......................................................................................................................................................... 92
Burst type .................................................................................................................................................................... 93
Burst count .................................................................................................................................................................. 94
Burst phase ................................................................................................................................................................. 95
Burst triggering ............................................................................................................................................................ 96
16. Dual Channel Operation ........................................................................................................................... 99
Channel selection ........................................................................................................................................................ 99
Linked channels ........................................................................................................................................................ 100
Coupled operation ..................................................................................................................................................... 101
Tracking options ........................................................................................................................................................ 103
17. External Counter ....................................................................................................................................... 105
Counter menu ........................................................................................................................................................... 105
Counter source .......................................................................................................................................................... 106
Counter type .............................................................................................................................................................. 107
Measurement ............................................................................................................................................................ 107
18. Harmonic Waveforms ............................................................................................................................... 108
Selecting arb location to store harmonic waveforms ................................................................................................. 108
Editing harmonic waveforms ..................................................................................................................................... 110
3 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Overview
19. Utility Menu ................................................................................................................................................ 113
System ...................................................................................................................................................................... 113
Instrument settings .................................................................................................................................................... 118
I/O ............................................................................................................................................................................. 120
Calibration ................................................................................................................................................................. 120
Dual channel operation ............................................................................................................................................. 120
Help ........................................................................................................................................................................... 120
20. Stores Menu .............................................................................................................................................. 121
Flash drive files and folders....................................................................................................................................... 121
Using the stores menu .............................................................................................................................................. 122
Operations on set-up files ......................................................................................................................................... 124
Operations on waveform files .................................................................................................................................... 129
21. Help Operations ........................................................................................................................................ 133
Help menu ................................................................................................................................................................. 133
Help topics ................................................................................................................................................................ 134
22. Editing Arbitrary Waveforms ................................................................................................................... 135
Selecting an arbitrary waveform for editing ............................................................................................................... 135
Editing an arbitrary waveform .................................................................................................................................... 136
23. Calibration ................................................................................................................................................. 141
Equipment required ................................................................................................................................................... 141
Calibration procedure ................................................................................................................................................ 141
Password control ....................................................................................................................................................... 142
Calibration routine ..................................................................................................................................................... 144
Remote calibration .................................................................................................................................................... 146
24. Remote operation ..................................................................................................................................... 147
Overview ................................................................................................................................................................... 147
Address selection ...................................................................................................................................................... 148
Remote/ local operation ............................................................................................................................................ 149
4 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Overview
USB interface ............................................................................................................................................................ 149
Installing USB driver for the first time ........................................................................................................................ 150
LAN interface ............................................................................................................................................................ 151
LAN connection ......................................................................................................................................................... 151
GPIB interface ........................................................................................................................................................... 155
Status reporting ......................................................................................................................................................... 157
25. Remote Commands .................................................................................................................................. 160
USB/LAN remote command format ........................................................................................................................... 160
GPIB remote command formats ................................................................................................................................ 161
Command list ............................................................................................................................................................ 162
Channel selection ...................................................................................................................................................... 163
Continuous carrier wave commands ......................................................................................................................... 164
Pulse generator commands ...................................................................................................................................... 165
PRBS generator commands...................................................................................................................................... 165
Arbitrary waveform commands .................................................................................................................................. 166
Modulation commands .............................................................................................................................................. 168
Sweep commands ..................................................................................................................................................... 170
Burst commands ....................................................................................................................................................... 170
External counter commands...................................................................................................................................... 171
Clock and miscellaneous commands ........................................................................................................................ 171
Dual-channel function commands ............................................................................................................................. 171
System and status commands .................................................................................................................................. 172
Interface management commands ............................................................................................................................ 174
26. Appendix 1. ................................................................................................................................................ 176
Information, warning and error messages ................................................................................................................. 176
Error messages ......................................................................................................................................................... 176
Warning messages .................................................................................................................................................... 182
Information messages ............................................................................................................................................... 183
Other information messages ..................................................................................................................................... 184
5 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Overview
27. Appendix 2. ................................................................................................................................................ 185
Factory default settings ............................................................................................................................................. 185
28. Appendix 3. ................................................................................................................................................ 188
Waveform manager plus V4.13 ................................................................................................................................. 188
Arbitrary waveform creation and management software .................................................................................................. 188
29. Specification.............................................................................................................................................. 189
6 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Overview
2.
This manual covers all four TGF4000 dual channel generators. Where there are differences in
the specification, the limits for the TGF4042 & TGF4082 are shown in square brackets [ ] after
the TGF4162 & TGF4242 limits.
These programmable function/arbitrary generators use direct digital synthesis techniques to
provide high performance and extensive facilities in a compact instrument. They generate a
wide variety of waveforms with high resolution and accuracy.
Sine waves are produced with low distortion to 160MHz/240MHz [40MHz/80MHz]. Square
waves have fast rise and fall times at up to 100MHz [25MHz]. Linear ramp waves are produced
to 5MHz. Ramp and square waves also have variable symmetry.
The instruments generate high resolution, low jitter, variable edge time pulses to 100MHz
[25MHz] with variable period, pulse width, pulse delay, pulse edges and amplitude. Complex
custom waveforms can be generated with 16-bit [14-bit] resolution and a sampling rate of
800MSa/s [400MSa/s]. Up to four waveforms can be stored in internal memory. Waveforms
can also be generated by the supplied Waveform Manager Plus V4.13 Windows application and
downloaded to the instrument via USB, LAN or optional GPIB interfaces or via a USB flash drive.
Front panel operation is straightforward and user friendly with all major parameters shown at
all times on the large, bright, colour LCD. All major functions can be accessed with a single key
or two. The knob or numeric keypad can be used to adjust frequency, amplitude, offset, and
other parameters. Voltage values can be entered directly in Vpp or as high and low levels.
Timing parameters can be entered in Hertz (Hz) or seconds.
Internal AM, FM, PM, ASK, FSK, BPSK, SUM* and PWM modulation make it easy to modulate
waveforms without the need for a separate modulation source. Linear and logarithmic sweeps
are also built in, with sweep rates selectable from 1 µs to 500s. Burst mode operation allows
for a user-selected number of cycles at each trigger event.
LAN and USB interfaces are standard and there is full compliance to 1.5 LXI Device Specification
2016.
The instruments use a high stability temperature compensated internal oscillator and the
external frequency reference input lets you synchronize to an external 10 MHz frequency
standard for even greater accuracy.
*TGF4162 & TGF4242 only
7 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Terminal connected to chassis ground.
Mains supply OFF.
l
Mains supply ON.
Alternating current.
Symbols
3.
This instruction manual contains information and warnings which must be followed by the user
to ensure safe operation and to retain the instrument in a safe condition.
The following symbols are displayed on the instrument and throughout the manual, to ensure
the safety of the user and the instrument, all information must be read before proceeding.
Indicates a hazard that, if not avoided, could result in injury or death.
Indicates a hazard that could damage the product that may result in loss of important data or
invalidation of the warranty.
Indicates a helpful tip
Indicates an example to show further details
8 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Safety notices
This instrument is:
· A safety Class I instrument according to IEC classification and has been designed to meet
· an Installation Category II instrument intended for operation from a normal single-phase
· tested in accordance with EN61010-1 and has been supplied in a safe condition.
· designed for indoor use in a Pollution Degree 2 environment in the temperature range 5°C
Do not operate while condensation is present.
the requirements of EN61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for
Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use).
supply.
to 40°C, 20% - 80% RH (non-condensing).
Do not operate outside its rated supply voltages or environmental range.
THIS INSTRUMENT MUST BE EARTHED.
Any interruption of the mains earth connector, inside or outside, will make the instrument
dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited.
Any adjustment, maintenance and repair of the opened instrument under voltage must be
avoided.
When connected, terminals may be live and opening the covers or removal of parts (except
those that can be accessed by hand) may expose live parts.
To avoid electric shock, or damage to the instrument, never allow water to get inside the case.
If the instrument is clearly defective, has been subject to mechanical damage, excessive
moisture or chemical corrosion the safety protection may be impaired and it must be
withdrawn from use and returned for checking and repair.
Ensure that only fuses with the required rated current and of the specified type are used for
replacement. The use of makeshift fuses and the short-circuiting of fuse holders is prohibited.
This instrument uses a Lithium button cell for non-volatile memory battery back-up; typical life
is 5 years. In the event of replacement becoming necessary, replace only with a cell of the
correct type, i.e. 3V Li/Mn02 20mm button cell type 2032. Exhausted cells must be disposed of
carefully in accordance with local regulations; do not cut open, incinerate, expose to
temperatures above 60°C or attempt to recharge.
Do not wet when cleaning, use only a soft dry cloth to clean the screen.
9 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Mounting
4.
This instrument is suitable both for bench use and rack mounting.
For rack mounting the protective bezels and handle/stand can be removed such that the
instrument can be fitted beside any other standard 2U half-rack instrument in a 19” rack. A
suitable 2U 19” rack kit is available from the manufacturers or their overseas agents.
See rack mount instructions for details on how to remove the protective bezel and handle.
The generator uses a fan fitted to the rear panel. Take care not to restrict the rear air exit or
the inlet vents at the front (sides and underneath). In rack-mounted situations allow adequate
space around the instrument and/or use a fan tray for forced cooling.
The instrument is fitted with a 4-position handle/stand. Pull out both sides of the handle at the
case pivot points, to free the position locking pegs, and rotate the handle from the stowed
position to the required stand or handle position. Release the sides of the handle to lock it in
the new position.
10 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Mains operating voltage
5.
This instrument has a universal input range and will operate from a nominal 115V or 230V
mains supply without adjustment. Check that the local supply meets the AC input requirement
given in the Specification.
Connect the instrument to the AC supply using the mains lead provided.
Should a mains plug be required for a different mains outlet socket, a suitably rated and
approved mains lead set should be used which is fitted with the required wall plug and an
IEC60320 C13 connector for the instrument end.
To determine the minimum current rating of the lead-set for the intended AC supply, refer to
the power rating information on the equipment or in the Specification.
THIS INSTRUMENT MUST BE EARTHED.
Any interruption of the mains earth conductor inside or outside the instrument will make the
instrument dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited.
11 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Overview
6.
① Flash drive
This is a USB Host port for the connection of flash drive which conform to the Mass Storage
Class specification. FAT16 or FAT32 filing systems are accepted.
② Colour screen
③ Power switch
④ Soft keys
The function of these keys change as the instrument is operated. The current function is shown
on the LCD in a box above each key. An empty box means that the key currently has no
function.
⑤ Setting keys
WAVES key selects the type of waveform; select from Sine, Square, Ramp, Pulse, Noise and Arb.
PARAMS (Parameters) key allows the editing of the waveform parameters.
- Mode keys
MOD (modulation), SWEEP and BURST select the operating mode. The selected key becomes
illuminated. If all mode keys are unlit the mode will be continuous carrier wave.
- Menu keys
STORES key allows access to the built-in storage for waveforms and set-ups and to a connected
flash drive.
UTILITY key gives access to menus for a variety of functions such as sync out set−up, power−up
parameters, error message settings, frequency counter and dual channel functions.
12 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Overview
⑥ Trigger/local key
TRIGGER key is used to issue a manual trigger signal. This key is also used to return to local
from remote mode.
- Channel Keys
The channel keys select the channel that is to be edited. When Channel 1 is selected the
parameter fields text and soft-key background will be orange and the CH1 key will become
illuminated, with Channel 2 these fields will change to green and the CH2 key will become
illuminated.
⑦ Output keys
The OUTPUT keys simply switch the selected MAIN OUT on or off. There are two OUTPUT keys,
one for each channel. The key becomes illuminated when the output is on and the status tab
text will change to ‘On’.
The display and key colour scheme of channel 1 is orange and channel 2 is green for ease of
identification of the currently selected channel.
⑧ Numeric keypad
Numeric keys permit direct entry of a value for the parameter currently selected.
⑨ Rotary knob & directional keys
Used during numeric entry. The left and right keys move the edit position left or right and the
knob increments or decrements the value of the selected digit.
Press and hold down any key, including soft-keys, for two seconds to access the Help page for
that key
⑩ Main out (one for each channel)
This is the 50 output from main generator. It will provide up to 20V peak−to−peak e.m.f.
which will yield 10V peak−to−peak into a matched 50 load. To maintain waveform integrity
only 50 cable should be used and the receiving end should be terminated with a 50 load. It
can tolerate a short circuit for 60 seconds.
Do not apply an external voltage to this output.
Channel 2 can also be configured to output Channel 1 sync from its MAIN OUT 2 socket. See
‘Sync output’ for more details.
13 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Connections overview
7.
①AC power inlet
② Mod in
This is the external modulation input socket for AM, FM, PM, SUM or PWM. Full-scale input is
±2.5V, frequency DC to 5MHz.
Do not apply an external voltage exceeding ±5V.
③ Ref / count (ac) in
Input for an external 10MHz reference clock and AC coupled external frequency measurement.
Input range 100mVpp – 5Vpp.
Do not apply external voltages exceeding ±10V to this signal connection.
④ Ref out
Buffered version of the 10MHz clock currently in use (internal or external). Output level
nominally 3V logic from 50
Do not apply external voltages to this output.
14 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Connections overview
⑤ Trig / count (dc) in
This is the external input for ASK, FSK, BPSK, triggered sweep, gated burst, triggered burst and
DC coupled external frequency measurement. Threshold is typically 1.2V and input sensitivity is
100mVpp.
Do not apply external voltages exceeding + 5V or –1V to this signal connection.
⑥ LAN
The LAN interface is designed to meet LXI 1.5 LXI Device Specification 2016.
Remote control using the LAN interface is possible using the TCP/IP Socket protocol. The
instrument also contains a basic Web server which provides information on the unit and allows
it to be configured. Since it is possible to misconfigure the LAN interface, making it impossible
to communicate with the instrument over LAN, a LAN Configuration Initialise (LCI) mechanism
is provided via the user interface to reset the unit to the factory default.
Further details are given in the Remote Operation chapter. For more information on LXI
standards refer to www.lxistandard.org
⑦ USB
The USB port accepts a standard USB cable. If the USB driver has been installed from the
website, the Windows plug-and-play function should automatically recognise that the
instrument has been connected. See the support page on the website for information on
installing the driver on a PC at www.aimtti.com .
Further details are given in ‘Remote operation’.
⑧ GPIB (IEEE−488) - optional
The GPIB interface is not isolated; the GPIB signal grounds are connected to the instrument
ground.
The implemented subsets are:
· SH1 AH1 T6 TE0 L4 LE0 SR1 RL1 PP1 DC1 DT1 C0 E2
The default GPIB address is 5.
Further details are given in ‘Remote operation’
15 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Using this manual
8.
This section is a general introduction to the organisation of the instrument and is intended to
be read before using the generator for the first time.
In this manual front panel keys and sockets are shown in capitals, e.g. SWEEP, MAIN OUT; all
soft-key labels, entry fields and messages displayed on the LCD are shown in a different type font, e.g. Offset, Sine.
Connect the instrument to the AC supply using the mains lead provided.
Press the power button, at power up the generator displays a start-up message whilst
initialising the application
if an error is encountered the message
Firmware Update / Battery Fail. Initialised to factory default state.
will be displayed, see ‘Information, warning and error messages’
Loading takes a few seconds, after which the carrier waveform set-up screen is displayed.
To fully disconnect from the AC supply, unplug the mains cord from the back of the instrument
or switch off at the AC supply outlet; make sure that the means of disconnection is readily
accessible. Disconnect from the AC supply when not in use.
16 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Screen layout
Once powered up the following screen will appear showing the generator parameters set to
their default values, with the MAIN OUT output set to off. Refer to ‘Utility Operations’ for how
to change the power up settings to either those at power down or to the defaults.
Both channel tabs are displayed simultaneously, the selected channel is indicated by a specified
coloured tab for easy identification; channel 1 is orange and channel 2 is green. Any channel
specific set parameters will always be shown in the specified colour for that channel. System
settings will be neutral in white, editing is also shown in white. The default layout shows the
details of the selected channel side by side, three screen layout options are available see
‘Display options’ for further details.
Status line
The Status Line indicates the status of the instrument, see ‘Status line details’ for further
information.
Parameters boxes
Shows the waveform parameter settings for the selected channel. These always include
frequency, amplitude and offset. Additional parameters shown will depend upon the
waveform type.
Graph box
Shows a representation of the waveform which the instrument is generating on the selected
channel. The parameter currently being edited is indicated by arrows.
Edit box
Shows the value of the parameter currently being edited on the selected channel. This will be a
numeric value or a parameter string.
Soft-key labels
Change as editing proceeds.
17 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Status line details
Channel tabs
The channel fields contain two types of information, selected waveform (e.g. Sine) and signal
status (On or Off). If tracking is selected, the Channel 2 field will be replaced with Tracking
CH1, if tracking with inversion is selected the field will show InvTracking CH1. The only other
exception is when calibrating the instrument, the tab will show Calibrating CH1 or Calibrating
CH2 in the specific channel tab.
Clock status
The next field indicates the external clock status.
· If the internal clock is being used, is displayed alongside INT REF.
· If an external clock is being applied or is being used, appears alongside EXT REF.
· If an external valid clock signal is detected (but not used), INT REF is followed by
EXT DET.
· If the clock source is set to external and a valid external clock signal is not detected, the
internal clock will be used by default and displayed followed by EXT ERR.
See ‘Reference clock source’ for further details on clock source.
Remote status
When the instrument is under remote control via any interface REM will be displayed.
The LAN field in the Status Line can show multiple status indications:
· There is no LAN connection, for example no cable connected.
When the system is attempting to connect the icon will flash.
Successfully connected with remote control enabled.
Connected but remote control is disabled.
· Unsuccessful attempt to connect.
18 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Display options
Three different screen layout options are available, see ‘Utility Menu’ for details on how to
change the display format.
Layout 1: (Default) Shows both the parameters and the graph for the selected channel.
Layout 2: Shows the parameters for both channels simultaneously.
Layout 3: Shows the graphs for both channels simultaneously.
19 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Numeric editing
Any numeric parameter may be changed in one of the following ways:
· Enter a new value from the numeric key pad.
· Use the left and right cursor keys to select a digit position then use the knob to
Using the numeric key pad
Pressing a number key will erase the current parameter value in the Edit Box and replace it
with the current entry. The Soft-key Labels will also change to a list of units applicable to the
parameter being edited.
The examples below show frequency units and period (time) units respectively.
increment/decrement the value at that position.
During the numeric data entry, a decimal point and, if appropriate, a sign may be entered. The
+/- key is used to alternately change the sign between + and –. The left cursor key may be
used to erase the last digit entered. The entry may be cancelled by pressing the Cancel key
Once the entry is complete it may be terminated by pressing the soft-key below the required
units. The value will be checked and accepted as the new value for the relevant parameter.
20 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Numeric editing
Using the knob and cursor keys
The default settings for the knob is enabled
To disable the knob, press once to hear the click, the cursor will no longer be shown; the knob
is now disabled.
To enable the knob, press once, the first numeric parameter will be displayed with an inverse
edit cursor over one of the digits. The left and right cursor keys may be used to move the edit
cursor to any digit in the value. Values are always shown with enough digits to the right of the
decimal point to show the best resolution for the parameter.
Consecutive presses of the knob will switch between the function being enabled and disabled.
The right-most digit in a frequency value will be µHz. Depending on the actual value, one or
more digits to the left of the most significant digit displayed may be zero and will not be
shown. It is possible to move the edit cursor into these digit positions and the suppressed zeros
will be shown as in the example below.
With the edit cursor positioned at the required digit the knob may be rotated left or right to
decrement or increment the digit. As the value passes between 9 and 0 the digits to the left
will also change. In this way it is possible to set any legal value for the parameter.
Changes made by turning the knob are applied immediately to the parameter as long as the
value remains legal.
21 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Editing principles
The instrument parameters are edited using the keyboard in conjunction with the Soft-key
Labels and the Edit Box.
Generally, the required parameter is selected by pressing WAVES, PARAMS or MOD or soft-keys
or a combination of these to show the parameter in the Edit Box. The parameter is then edited
using the numeric keys, the soft-keys, the knob and cursor keys or a combination of these.
· Press the WAVES key to select the waves menu, followed by the square soft-key to select
the square-wave. Press the Duty soft-key to select the square-wave duty cycle parameter
which will show in the Edit Box. Now use the numeric keys and Soft-keys to change the
parameter as described in ‘Numeric editing’.
· Press the WAVES key to select the waves menu, followed by the sine soft-key to select
sinewave then press the MOD key to access modulation parameters. Press the Type soft-
key to select the modulation type parameter. Use the soft-keys to select the required type
from AM, FM, PM, ASK, FSK, SUM or BPSK. Press the Done soft-key to exit the menu.
Press the On/Off soft-key to turn on modulation.
· Press the WAVES key to select the waves menu, followed by the arb soft-key to select
arbitrary waveforms, followed by the Waves soft-key. Now select one of the built-in
waveforms from the soft-keys. The Edit Box will show the loaded waveform.
22 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Information, warning and error messages
Three classes of message are displayed on the screen in a Pop-up Box:
INFORMATION messages are shown to inform the user of actions that are being taken, for
example:
Please wait... the current settings are being saved
WARNING messages are shown when the entered setting causes some change which the user
might not necessarily expect. For example:
With square-wave selected at 1MHz and a Duty cycle of 25%, select sinewave and change the
frequency to 100MHz. Then select square-wave again and the message Square symmetry set
to default 50% will pop up.
ERROR messages are shown when an illegal setting is attempted, most generally a number
outside the range of values permitted. In this case the entry is rejected and the parameter
setting is left unchanged.
· Entering a frequency of 10MHz for a ramp waveform. The error message "Frequency /
Period invalid for Ramp. Frequency Upper limit 5.00MHz. Period lower limit
200.00ns" is shown.
· Entering a sinewave amplitude of 25Vpp. The error message "Invalid entry. Amplitude
Upper limit [VALUE]" is shown
· Entering a DC offset of 20V on a sinewave with an amplitude of 1.000 Vpp. The error
message "Invalid entry. Offset Upper limit [VALUE]" is shown.
The messages are shown on the display for approximately four seconds; however, pressing any
key will immediately remove the Pop-up Box and execute the function of the key which is
pressed. The last two messages can be viewed again by pressing the UTILITY, then Help key and
selecting the first or second entries from the Help menu, see ‘Help Operations’ for more
information.
Each warning and error message is accompanied by a beep. The beep may be enabled or
disabled in the UTILITY menu, under System. See ‘Beep state’ for more information.
23 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
General soft-keys
often appears when editing and it always perform the same function. The key is known
as BACK and will move the soft-key labels and Edit Box up one level in the hierarchy.
The soft-key indicates that there are more options to show, press this key to show them.
In this case there is one more list of options which will show when the soft-key is pressed.
One more press of the soft-key will show the first list again.
The Done key will move back to the top level in the hierarchy.
When a soft key features a triangle, successive presses will give further options.
The Manufacturers or their agents overseas will provide a repair service for any unit developing
a fault. Where owners wish to undertake their own maintenance work, this should only be
done by skilled personnel in conjunction with the service guide which may be obtained directly
from the Manufacturers or their agents overseas.
If the instrument requires cleaning, use a cloth that is only lightly dampened with water or a
mild detergent.
To avoid electric shock, or damage to the instrument, never allow water to get inside the case.
To avoid damage to the case never clean with solvents.
24 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Waveform selection
9.
Seven types of carrier waveform can be generated:
· Sine
· Square
· Ramp
· Pulse
· Noise
· PRBS
· Arbitrary
This section deals with the use of the instrument as a simple function /arbitrary generator, i.e.
generating sine, square, ramp and arbitrary waveforms continuously with no modulation.
Pressing the WAVES key followed by any of the carrier waveform soft -keys, sine, square, ramp,
pulse, noise or arb, will immediately switch to that waveform making it available at the MAIN
OUT connector if the output is on, indicated by the OUTPUT key becoming illuminated. If the
output is not on press the OUTPUT key to turn output on.
The screen below shows the effect of pressing the WAVES key followed by the ramp soft-key.
The orange channel 1 indicator tab shows that the waveform is set to ramp and the Graph Box
has changed to show the ramp waveform.
25 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Waveform editing
Frequency
Pressing the Freq soft-key while it is highlighted will change the label to Period and time units
will be used to edit the parameter.
The upper frequency limits vary for the different waveform types; see ‘Specification’ for details.
Amplitude
Press WAVES key to return to waves menu and select a sine wave. Pressing the Ampl soft-key
shows the amplitude parameter in the Edit Box and the Graph Box changes to show that
amplitude is being edited.
The amplitude can be set in terms of peak-to-peak Volts (Vpp) from the Ampl soft key, to set
high and low levels see ‘High level and low level’. The level can be set assuming that the output
is either open-circuit or terminated.
The actual generator output impedance is always 50; the displayed amplitude values for
other load values take this into account.
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Waveform editing
DC offset
Pressing the Offset soft-key shows the dc offset parameter in the Edit Box and the Graph Box
changes to show that offset is being edited.
High level and low level
The instrument allows the amplitude and offset parameters to be entered in terms of high level
and low level. Pressing either the Ampl or Offset soft-key while it is highlighted will switch the
mode from amplitude/offset to high/low level. To return to amplitude/offset mode press the
highlighted HiLvl or LoLvl soft-key.
With high/low level mode selected the edit box shows the parameter, the Parameters Box
shows High Level and Low Level in place of Amplitude and Offset and the Graph Box changes to
show the parameter which is being edited.
27 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Square-wave duty cycle
With square-wave as the selected waveform, pressing the Duty soft-key shows the duty cycle
parameter in the Edit Box and the Graph Box changes to show that duty cycle is being edited.
28 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
Ramp symmetry
With ramp as the selected waveform pressing the Symm soft-key shows the symmetry
parameter in the Edit Box. The Ramp waveform in the Graph Box will change to show a
representation of the shape when the symmetry is being edited.
To produce a triangle waveform set the symmetry to 50%.
29 TGF4000 Series Instruction Manual
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