BK Precision 4050B User Manual

i

4050B Series

Function/Arbitrary Waveform
Generator

USER MANUAL

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Safety Summary

The following safety precautions apply to both operating and maintenance personnel and must
be followed during all phases of operation, service, and repair of this instrument.

Before applying power to this instrument:

 Read and understand the safety and operational information in this manual.
 Apply all the listed safety precautions.
 Verify that the voltage selector at the line power cord input is set to the correct line

voltage. Operating the instrument at an incorrect line voltage will void the warranty.

 Make all connections to the instrument before applying power.
 Do not operate the instrument in ways not specified by this manual or by B&K Precision.

Failure to comply with these precautions or with warnings elsewhere in this manual violates the
safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. B&K Precision
assumes no liability for a customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.

Category rating

The IEC 61010 standard defines safety category ratings that specify the amount of electrical
energy available and the voltage impulses that may occur on electrical conductors associated
with these category ratings. The category rating is a Roman numeral of I, II, III, or IV. This rating
is also accompanied by a maximum voltage of the circuit to be tested, which defines the voltage
impulses expected and required insulation clearances. These categories are:

Category I (CAT I): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are not intended to
be connected to the mains supply. The voltages in the environment are typically derived from a
limited-energy transformer or a battery.

Category II (CAT II): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are meant to be
connected to the mains supply at a standard wall outlet or similar sources. Example
measurement environments are portable tools and household appliances.

Category III (CAT III): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are meant to be
connected to the mains installation of a building. Examples are measurements inside a
building's circuit breaker panel or the wiring of permanently-installed motors.

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Category IV (CAT IV): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are meant to be
connected to the primary power entering a building or other outdoor wiring.

Do not use this instrument in an electrical environment with a higher category rating than what
is specified in this manual for this instrument.

You must ensure that each accessory you use with this instrument has a category rating equal
to or higher than the instrument's category rating to maintain the instrument's category rating.
Failure to do so will lower the category rating of the measuring system.

Electrical Power

This instrument is intended to be powered from a CATEGORY II mains power environment. The
mains power should be 120 V RMS or 240 V RMS. Use only the power cord supplied with the
instrument and ensure it is appropriate for your country of use.

Ground the Instrument

To minimize shock hazard, the instrument chassis and cabinet must be connected to an
electrical safety ground. This instrument is grounded through the ground conductor of the
supplied, three-conductor AC line power cable. The power cable must be plugged into an
approved three-conductor electrical outlet. The power jack and mating plug of the power cable
meet IEC safety standards.

Do not alter or defeat the ground connection. Without the safety ground connection, all
accessible conductive parts (including control knobs) may provide an electric shock. Failure to
use a properly-grounded approved outlet and the recommended three-conductor AC line
power cable may result in injury or death.

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Unless otherwise stated, a ground connection on the instrument's front or rear panel is for a
reference of potential only and is not to be used as a safety ground.

Do not operate in an explosive or flammable atmosphere

Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or vapors, fumes, or finely­divided particulates.

The instrument is designed to be used in office-type indoor environments. Do not operate the
instrument

 In the presence of noxious, corrosive, or flammable fumes, gases, vapors, chemicals, or

finely-divided particulates.

 In relative humidity conditions outside the instrument's specifications.
 In environments where there is a danger of any liquid being spilled on the instrument or

where any liquid can condense on the instrument.

 In air temperatures exceeding the specified operating temperatures.
 In atmospheric pressures outside the specified altitude limits or where the surrounding

gas is not air.

 In environments with restricted cooling air flow, even if the air temperatures are within

specifications.

 In direct sunlight.

This instrument is intended to be used in an indoor pollution degree 2 environment. The
operating temperature range is 0 °C to 40 °C and the operating humidity is ≤ 90 % relative
humidity at < 35 °C and ≤ 60 % relative humidity at 35 °C – 40 °C, with no condensation allowed.

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Measurements made by this instrument may be outside specifications if the instrument is used
in non-office-type environments. Such environments may include rapid temperature or
humidity changes, sunlight, vibration and/or mechanical shocks, acoustic noise, electrical noise,
strong electric fields, or strong magnetic fields.

Do not operate instrument if damaged

If the instrument is damaged, appears to be damaged, or if any liquid, chemical, or other
material gets on or inside the instrument, remove the instrument's power cord, remove the
instrument from service, label it as not to be operated, and return the instrument to B&K
Precision for repair. Notify B&K Precision of the nature of any contamination of the instrument.

Clean the instrument only as instructed

Do not clean the instrument, its switches, or its terminals with contact cleaners, abrasives,
lubricants, solvents, acids/bases, or other such chemicals. Clean the instrument only with a
clean dry lint-free cloth or as instructed in this manual.

Not for critical applications

This instrument is not authorized for use in contact with the human body or for use as a
component in a life-support device or system.

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Do not touch live circuits

Instrument covers must not be removed by operating personnel. Component replacement and
internal adjustments must be made by qualified service-trained maintenance personnel who
are aware of the hazards involved when the instrument's covers and shields are removed.
Under certain conditions, even with the power cord removed, dangerous voltages may exist
when the covers are removed. To avoid injuries, always disconnect the power cord from the
instrument, disconnect all other connections (for example, test leads, computer interface
cables, etc.), discharge all circuits, and verify there are no hazardous voltages present on any
conductors by measurements with a properly-operating voltage-sensing device before touching
any internal parts. Verify the voltage-sensing device is working properly before and after
making the measurements by testing with known-operating voltage sources and test for both

DC and AC voltages. Do not attempt any service or adjustment unless another person capable of

rendering first aid and resuscitation is present.

Do not insert any object into an instrument's ventilation openings or other openings.

Hazardous voltages may be present in unexpected locations in circuitry being tested when a
fault condition in the circuit exists.

Servicing

Do not substitute parts that are not approved by B&K Precision or modify this instrument.
Return the instrument to B&K Precision for service and repair to ensure that safety and
performance features are maintained.

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Cooling fans

This instrument contains one or more cooling fans. For continued safe operation of the
instrument, the air inlet and exhaust openings for these fans must not be blocked nor must
accumulated dust or other debris be allowed to reduce air flow. Maintain at least 25 mm
clearance around the sides of the instrument that contain air inlet and exhaust ports. If
mounted in a rack, position power devices in the rack above the instrument to minimize
instrument heating while rack mounted. Do not continue to operate the instrument if you
cannot verify the fan is operating (note some fans may have intermittent duty cycles). Do not
insert any object into the fan's inlet or outlet.

For continued safe use of the instrument

 Do not place heavy objects on the instrument.
 Do not obstruct cooling air flow to the instrument.
 Do not place a hot soldering iron on the instrument.
 Do not pull the instrument with the power cord, connected probe, or connected test

lead.

 Do not move the instrument when a probe is connected to a circuit being tested.

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Compliance Statements

This product is subject to Directive 2002/96/EC of the European
Parliament and the Council of the European Union on waste
electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), and in jurisdictions
adopting that Directive, is marked as being put on the market after
August 13, 2005, and should not be disposed of as unsorted
municipal waste. Please utilize your local WEEE collection facilities
in the disposition of this product and otherwise observe all
applicable requirements.

Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European

Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)

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CE Declaration of Conformity

This instrument meets the requirements of 2006/95/EC Low Voltage Directive and 2004/108/EC
Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive with the following standards.

Low Voltage Directive

o EN61010-1: 2001

EMC Directive

o EN 61000-3-2: 2006
o EN 61000-3-3: 1995+A1: 2001+A2: 2005
o EN 61000-4-2 / -3 / -4 / -5 / -6 / -11
o EN 61326-1: 2006

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Safety Symbols

Refer to the user manual for warning information
to avoid hazard or personal injury and prevent
damage to instrument.

Electric Shock hazard

Alternating current (AC)

Chassis (earth ground) symbol.

Ground terminal

On (Power). This is the In position of the power
switch when instrument is ON.

Off (Power). This is the Out position of the power
switch when instrument is OFF.

Power Switch (On/Off). This is the power switch
located in front of the instrument.

CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, will result in minor or moderate
injury.

WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

Notations

TEXT – Denotes a softkey.

TEXT – Denotes a front panel button.

[TEXT] – Denotes a physical connector in the front or rear panel.

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Table of Contents

SAFETY SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................................. I

COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS ............................................................................................................................................ VII

SAFETY SYMBOLS .......................................................................................................................................................... IX

NOTATIONS ................................................................................................................................................................. IX

1 GENERAL INFORMATION .......................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 PRODUCT OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................ 1

1.2 PACKAGE CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................. 1

1.3 FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................................... 3

Front Panel Description ................................................................................................................................... 3

1.4 REAR PANEL OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................................ 4

Rear Panel Description .................................................................................................................................... 4

1.5 DISPLAY OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................................................. 5

Display Description .......................................................................................................................................... 5

2 GETTING STARTED .................................................................................................................................... 6

2.1 INPUT POWER REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 6

Input Power ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

2.2 OUTPUT CONNECTIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 6

Impedance Matching ....................................................................................................................................... 7

2.3 PRELIMINARY CHECK ............................................................................................................................................. 7

Check Model and Firmware Version ................................................................................................................ 8

Output Check ................................................................................................................................................... 9

3 FRONT PANEL OPERATION ..................................................................................................................... 11

3.1 MENU OPTIONS ................................................................................................................................................. 11

3.2 SELECTING A CHANNEL ........................................................................................................................................ 14

3.3 CONFIGURE WAVEFORM OUTPUT ......................................................................................................................... 15

Configure Waveform Shape .......................................................................................................................... 15

Configure Frequency ...................................................................................................................................... 17

Configure Amplitude ...................................................................................................................................... 18

User-Defined High and Low Level ............................................................................................................................. 19

Configure Offset ............................................................................................................................................ 19

Configure Phase ............................................................................................................................................. 20

Configure Duty Cycle: Square Waveform ...................................................................................................... 21

Configure Width and Duty Cycle: Pulse Waveform ....................................................................................... 22

Configure Rise/Fall Edge: Pulse Waveform ................................................................................................... 23

Configure Delay: Pulse Waveform ................................................................................................................. 24

Configure Symmetry: Ramp Waveform ......................................................................................................... 25

Configure Standard Deviation and Mean: Noise Waveform ........................................................................ 26

Configure Offset: DC Waveform .................................................................................................................... 27

Configure Arbitrary Waveforms .................................................................................................................... 28

Generate Predefined Built-in Waveforms ................................................................................................................. 28

Generate User-Defined Waveforms .......................................................................................................................... 36

Configure Harmonic Generator ..................................................................................................................... 38

3.4 CONFIGURE MODULATION OUTPUT ....................................................................................................................... 40

AM Modulation ............................................................................................................................................. 41

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Selecting Modulation Source .................................................................................................................................... 43

To Set Modulation Depth .......................................................................................................................................... 44

To Set Modulation Frequency ................................................................................................................................... 44

DSB-AM Modulation ...................................................................................................................................... 44

FM Modulation .............................................................................................................................................. 46

To Set Frequency Deviation ...................................................................................................................................... 47

PM (Phase Modulation) ................................................................................................................................. 47

To Set Phase Deviation .............................................................................................................................................. 48

FSK Modulation ............................................................................................................................................. 48

To Set Key Frequency ................................................................................................................................................ 49

To Set Hop Frequency ............................................................................................................................................... 50

ASK Modulation ............................................................................................................................................. 50

PSK Modulation ............................................................................................................................................. 51

PWM (Pulse Width Modulation).................................................................................................................... 52

To Set Pulse Width/Duty Deviation ........................................................................................................................... 53

3.5 CONFIGURE SWEEP OUTPUT ................................................................................................................................. 55

Sweep time .................................................................................................................................................... 56

Sweep Frequency ........................................................................................................................................... 56

Sweep Trigger Source .................................................................................................................................... 56

Trig out .......................................................................................................................................................... 57

Sweep Type .................................................................................................................................................... 58

Direction ........................................................................................................................................................ 59

3.6 CONFIGURE BURST ............................................................................................................................................. 59

N-Cycle ........................................................................................................................................................... 60

Cycles ........................................................................................................................................................................ 61

Infinite ....................................................................................................................................................................... 61

Gated ............................................................................................................................................................. 62

Common Settings for NCycle and Gated Burst: ............................................................................................. 63

Start Phase ................................................................................................................................................................ 63

Burst Period .............................................................................................................................................................. 63

Trig Delay .................................................................................................................................................................. 63

Burst Trigger Source .................................................................................................................................................. 64

4 UTILITY FUNCTIONS ............................................................................................................................... 65

4.1 SYSTEM SETTINGS............................................................................................................................................... 66

Numerical Format.......................................................................................................................................... 67

Language Setup ............................................................................................................................................. 68

Power On ....................................................................................................................................................... 68

Set to Default ................................................................................................................................................. 69

Key Sound (Beeper)........................................................................................................................................ 70

Screen Saver .................................................................................................................................................. 70

System Info .................................................................................................................................................... 70

Firmware Update........................................................................................................................................... 71

Built-in Help ................................................................................................................................................... 72

4.2 TEST/CAL ......................................................................................................................................................... 73

ScrTest ........................................................................................................................................................... 73

Key Test ......................................................................................................................................................... 74

LED Test ......................................................................................................................................................... 74

Board Test ..................................................................................................................................................... 75

4.3 FREQUENCY COUNTER ......................................................................................................................................... 75

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4.4 OUTPUT ........................................................................................................................................................... 77

Load ............................................................................................................................................................... 78

Polarity .......................................................................................................................................................... 78

EqPhase ......................................................................................................................................................... 79

Combining Waveforms (Wave Combine) ...................................................................................................... 79

4.5 CH COPY/COUPLING .......................................................................................................................................... 80

Channel Copy ................................................................................................................................................. 80

Channel Coupling ........................................................................................................................................... 81

Frequency Coupling .................................................................................................................................................. 82

Amplitude Coupling .................................................................................................................................................. 82

Phase Coupling .......................................................................................................................................................... 83

Tracking ......................................................................................................................................................... 83

4.6 REMOTE INTERFACE ............................................................................................................................................ 85

USB Interface ................................................................................................................................................. 86

GPIB Interface ................................................................................................................................................ 86

LAN ................................................................................................................................................................ 88

To Set IP Address....................................................................................................................................................... 88

To Set Subnet Mask .................................................................................................................................................. 89

To Set Gateway ......................................................................................................................................................... 89

DHCP Configuration Mode ........................................................................................................................................ 89

4.7 SYNC OUTPUT ................................................................................................................................................... 90

Syncing Signals of Different Waveforms ....................................................................................................... 91

Basic Waveform and Arbitrary Waveform ................................................................................................................ 91

Modulated Waveform ............................................................................................................................................... 91

4.8 REFERENCE CLOCK .............................................................................................................................................. 91

Sync methods for two or more instruments: ................................................................................................. 92

Synchronization between two instruments .............................................................................................................. 92

Synchronization among multiple instruments .......................................................................................................... 92

4.9 MODE .............................................................................................................................................................. 92

4.10 OVER VOLTAGE PROTECTION ................................................................................................................................ 94

5 STORE AND RECALL ................................................................................................................................ 95

5.1 STORAGE SYSTEM ............................................................................................................................................... 96

Local (C:) ........................................................................................................................................................ 96

USB Device (0:) .............................................................................................................................................. 96

Browse ........................................................................................................................................................... 97

5.2 FILE TYPE .......................................................................................................................................................... 97

5.3 SAVE THE INSTRUMENT STATE .............................................................................................................................. 98

5.4 RECALL STATE FILE OR DATA FILE ........................................................................................................................ 100

5.5 DELETE FILE .................................................................................................................................................... 100

5.6 COPY AND PASTE FILE ....................................................................................................................................... 100

6 EXAMPLES ............................................................................................................................................ 102

Example 1: Generate a Sine Waveform ....................................................................................................... 103

Example 2: Generate a Square Waveform .................................................................................................. 104

Example 3: Generate a Ramp Waveform .................................................................................................... 105

Example 4: Generate a Pulse Waveform ..................................................................................................... 106

Example 5: Generate a Noise ...................................................................................................................... 107

Example 6: Generate a DC Waveform ......................................................................................................... 108

Example 7: Generate a Linear Sweep Waveform ........................................................................................ 109

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Example 8: Generate a Burst Waveform ..................................................................................................... 110

Example 9: Generate an AM Modulation Waveform .................................................................................. 112

Example 10: Generate an FM Modulation Waveform ................................................................................ 113

Example 11: Generate a PM Modulated Waveform ................................................................................... 114

Example 12: Generate an FSK Modulated Waveform ................................................................................. 115

Example 13: Generate an ASK Modulation Waveform ................................................................................ 116

Example 14: Generate a PSK Modulated Waveform ................................................................................... 117

Example 15: Generate a PWM Modulated Waveform ................................................................................ 118

Example 16: Generate a DSB-AM Modulated Waveform............................................................................ 119

7 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE .................................................................................................................. 120

8 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................... 121

SERVICE INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................................... 125

LIMITED THREE-YEAR WARRANTY ..................................................................................................................... 126

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1 General Information

1.1 Product Overview

BK Precision’s 4050B series are dual-channel function/arbitrary waveform generators, capable

of generating sine and square waves of up to 10 MHz, 30 MHz or 60 MHz (depending on

model). They have an informative easy-to-read color display, user-friendly controls and a

numeric keypad which allows users to easily configure waveform properties. These waveform

generators can output square waves with frequencies up to 60 MHz (depending on model) and

less than 300 ps + 0.05 ppm of period of jitter. In addition, they feature non-volatile built-in

memory to create, store, and recall arbitrary waveforms up to 16K points with a 150 MSa/s

sampling rate, and 14-bit vertical resolution. 196 predefined arbitrary waveforms are also

available for output. Having USBTMC, LAN, and GPIB (optional adapter) interfaces, these

generators allow users to easily interface with application software to create and load arbitrary

waveforms into the instrument.

Features:

 Dual-channel output with bandwidth up to 10 MHz, 30 MHz or 60 MHz
 Amplitude up to 10 Vpp into 50 ohms.
 150 MSa/s sampling rate, 14-bit vertical resolution, and 16K points waveform length
 Capable of generating low jitter pulse waveforms
 Square waves with low jitter and frequencies up to 60 MHz (depending on model)
 AM, DSB-AM, FM, PM, FSK, ASK, PSK and PWM modulation functions
 Sweep and burst functions
 Harmonic waveforms generator
 Waveform combining function
 High-precision frequency counter
 196 built-in arbitrary waveforms
 4.3” TFT-LCD display, 480 x 272 resolution

1.2 Package Contents

Please inspect the instrument mechanically and electrically upon receiving it. Unpack all items
from the shipping carton, and check for any obvious signs of physical damage that may have
occurred during transportation. Report any damage to the shipping agent immediately. Save
the original packing carton for possible future reshipment. Every instrument is shipped with the
following contents:

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 1 x 4050B series function/arbitrary waveform generator
 1 x Getting started manual (printed)
 1 x AC power cord
 1 x USB type A to Type B cable
 1 x Certificate of calibration

Verify that all items above are included in the shipping container. If anything is missing, please
contact B&K Precision.

An optional USB to GPIB adapter model AK40G is also available.

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1.3 Front Panel Overview

Power On/Off switch

Menu softkeys

Menu buttons

Channel 1 output terminal

Channel 2 output terminal

Channel 1 and 2 Output On/Off buttons

Arrow keys

Rotary dial knob

Numeric keypad

TFT LCD color display

USB host port/*USB-to-GPIB adapter interface

Accepts USB flash drive to save/recall instrument settings and waveforms.
*This port can be used for connecting the USB-to-GPIB adapter (AK40G)
accessory. It can also be used for connecting an external USB flash drive.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10

11

1

10

2 3 5

6 7 8 9 11

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Front Panel Description

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1.4 Rear Panel Overview

LAN Interface

USB interface

AC Power Input

Chassis ground

10MHz Out BNC connector

Aux In/Out BNC connector

Counter BNC Connector

1 2 3

4

5

6

7

1 2 3

4 6 7

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Rear Panel Description

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1.5 Display Overview

Waveform display

Channel status bar

Waveform parameters display

Waveform mode and output impedance indicator

LAN status indicator

Mode phase locked/free running indicator

Menu display

Waveform parameters display

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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1 7 3

2

5

4

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Display Description

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2 Getting Started

The included AC power cord is safety certified for this instrument operating in rated
range. To change a cable or add an extension cable, be sure that it can meet the
required power ratings for this instrument. Any misuse with wrong or unsafe cables
will void the warranty.

Before connecting and powering up the instrument, please review and go through the
instructions in this chapter.

2.1 Input Power Requirements

Input Power

The supply has a universal AC input that accepts line voltage and frequency input within:

100 – 240 V (+/- 10%), 50 – 60 Hz (+/- 5%)

100 – 127 V, 45 – 440 Hz

Before connecting to an AC outlet or external power source, be sure that the power switch is in
the OFF position and verify that the AC power cord, including the extension line, is compatible
with the rated voltage/current and that there is sufficient circuit capacity for the power supply.
Once verified, connect the cable firmly.

2.2 Output Connections

The waveform generator output circuits operate as a 50 Ω voltage source working into a 50 Ω
load. At higher frequencies, a non-terminated or improperly terminated output may cause
aberrations on the output waveform. In addition, loads with an impedance less than 50 Ω will
reduce the waveform amplitude, while loads with an impedance greater than 50 Ω will increase
waveform amplitude.

Excessive distortion or aberrations caused by improper termination are less noticeable at lower
frequencies, especially with sine and triangle waveforms. To ensure waveform integrity, follow
these precautions:

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1. Use good quality 50 Ω coaxial cable and connectors.

2. Make all connections tight and as short as possible.

3. Use good quality attenuators, if it is necessary to reduce waveform amplitudes applied

to sensitive circuits.

4. Use termination or impedance-matching devices to avoid reflections.

5. Ensure that attenuators and terminations have adequate power handling capabilities.

If there is a DC voltage across the output load, use a coupling capacitor in series with the load.
The time constant of the coupling capacitor and load must be long enough to maintain pulse
flatness.

Impedance Matching

If the waveform generator is driving a high impedance, such as a 1 MΩ input impedance
(paralleled by a stated capacitance) of an oscilloscope vertical input, connect the transmission
line to a 50 Ω attenuator, a 50 Ω termination and to the oscilloscope input. The attenuator
isolates the input capacitance of the device and terminates the waveform generator properly.

2.3 Preliminary Check

Complete the following steps to verify that the generator is ready for use.

1. Verify AC Input Voltage

Verify and check to make sure proper AC voltages are available to power the
instrument. The AC voltage range must meet the acceptable specification as explained
in section 2.1.

2. Connect Power

Connect AC power cord to the AC receptacle in the rear panel and press the power
switch to the ON position to turn ON the instrument. The instrument will have a boot
screen while loading, after which the main screen will be displayed.

3. Self Test

Press Utility, and select Test/Cal option. Then, select SelfTest option. The instrument
has 4 self-test options: screen test, key test, LED test, and board test.

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Figure 1 - Preliminary Self-Test

Figure 2 - Self-Test Options

Note: Refer to TEST/CAL section for more information about the Self-Test function.

Check Model and Firmware Version

The model and firmware version can be verified from within the menu system.

Press Utility, press System select and press Page 1/2 from the menu to enter the second menu
page, and select System Info option. The software/firmware version, hardware version, model,
and serial number will be displayed. Press any Menu Softkey key to exit.

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Output Check

Output

Default

Function

Sine Wave

Frequency

1 kHz

Amplitude/Offset

4 Vpp/0 Vdc

Phase

0°

Load

High Z

Modulation

Default

Carrier

1 kHz Sine wave

Modulating

100 Hz Sine wave

AM Depth

100%

FM Deviation

100 Hz

ASK Key Frequency

100 Hz

FSK Key Frequency

100 Hz

FSK Hop Frequency

1 MHz

PSK Key Frequency

10 0Hz

PM Phase Deviation

100°

PWM Width Dev

190 μs

Sweep

Default

Start/Stop Frequency

500 Hz/1.5 kHz

Sweep Time

1 s

Trig Out

Off

Mode

Linear

Direction

↑

Burst

Default

Burst Period

10 ms

Follow the steps below to do a quick check of the settings and waveform output.

1. Turn on the instrument and set the instrument to default settings. To set to default,

press Utility → System → Set To Default to set the system to the default setting. The
instrument will set both channels with the following parameters:

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Start Phase

0°

Cycles

1 Cycle

Trig Out

Off

Delay

521 ns

Trigger

Default

Source

Internal

Table 1 - Default Settings

1. Connect the BNC output of CH1 (yellow) into an oscilloscope.

2. Press the Output button on top of CH1 output BNC to turn on the output and observe a

sine wave with the parameters above.

3. Press the Parameter button.

4. Press Freq or Period option in the menu and use the rotary knob or the numeric keypad

to change frequency. Observe the changes on the oscilloscope display.

5. Press the Amplitude option in the menu and use the rotary knob or the numeric keypad

to change the amplitude. Observe the changes on the oscilloscope display.
Press the Offset option in the menu and use the rotary knob or the numeric keypad to
change the DC offset. With the oscilloscope set for DC coupling, observe the changes on
the display.
Connect the BNC output of CH2 (blue) into an oscilloscope and follow steps 3 to 6 to
check its output. Use the Ch1/Ch2 to toggle between channels.

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3 Front Panel Operation

Softkey will toggle
selection between
Frequency or Period.

Softkey will toggle
selection
between
Amplitude or
HighLevel.

Softkey will toggle
selection
between Offset or
LowLevel.

Softkey will select
Phase.

Softkey will enable
or disable the
Harmonic
Generation
Function.

Waveforms

Parameter

Function

Sine

Frequency/Period

Configures the frequency or period of the waveform.

Amplitude/HighLevel

Configures the amplitude or the high level of the
waveform.

Offset/LowLevel

Configures the DC offset or the low level of the waveform.

Phase

Configures the phase relative to the other channel.

Harmonic/Off

Turns Harmonics Generator on or off. See Harmonics
Generator section.

Square

Frequency/Period

Configures the frequency or period of the waveform.

Amplitude/HighLevel

Configures the amplitude or the high level of the
waveform.

Table 2 - Menu Options Softkeys

3.1 Menu Options

All settings and parameters can be configured from the menu system of the instrument. The
channel specific menu options are the same for both channel 1 and channel 2. Use the
Ch1/Ch2 button keys to toggle the channel selection. The selected option will be highlighted in
blue. Some settings are common for most waveforms (i.e. frequency, amplitude, offset, etc.)
and some are specific to each type of waveform (i.e. Duty cycle only available for square and
pulse waveforms). Section 3.3 provides instructions on how to configure these settings.

Many options are grouped in pairs and can be selected by toggling their corresponding menu
function keys. For example:

The menu system is organized as follows:

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Offset/LowLevel

Configures the DC offset or the low level of the waveform.

Phase

Configures the phase relative to the other channel.

DutyCycle

Configures the duty cycle of the waveform.

Ramp

Frequency/Period

Configures the frequency or period of the waveform.

Amplitude/HighLevel

Configures the amplitude or the high level of the
waveform.

Offset/LowLevel

Configures the DC offset or the low level of the waveform.

Phase

Configures the phase relative to the other channel.

Symmetry

Configures the symmetry of the waveform.

Pulse

Frequency/Period

Configures the frequency or period of the waveform.

Amplitude/HighLevel

Configures the amplitude or the high level of the
waveform.

Offset/LowLevel

Configures the DC offset or the low level of the waveform.

PulWidth/DutyCycle

Configures the pulse width or the duty cycle of the pulse.

Rise/Fall

Configures the rise or fall time of the pulse.

Delay

Configures the delay of the pulse waveform.

Noise

Stdev

Configures the standard deviation of the noise waveform.

Mean

Configures the mean value of the noise waveform.

DC

DC Offset

Configures the DC offset of the DC waveform.

Arb

Frequency/Period

Configures the frequency or period of the waveform.

Amplitude/HighLevel

Configures the amplitude or the high level of the
waveform.

Offset/LowLevel

Configures the DC offset or the low level of the waveform.

Phase

Configures the phase relative to the other channel.

Arb Type

Access selectable built-in arbitrary waveforms and user­defined arbitrary waveform stored in the generator.

Mod

Type

Configures the type of modulation. Configures parameters
for AM, FM, PM, ASK, FSK, DSB-AM, or PWM modulation.

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Source

Selects modulating source.

AM Depth

Set the modulation depth.

Shape

Configures the modulating waveform shape.

AM Freq

Set the modulating waveform frequency. Frequency range:
1 mHz to 20 kHz (internal source only).

Sweep

Sweep Time

Configures the sweep time for sweep output.

StartFreq/CenterFReq

Configures the sweep start frequency or the center
frequency.

StopFreq/FreqSpan

Configures the sweep stop frequency or the frequency
span of the sweep output.

Source

Selects the sweep source: Internal, external or manual.

Trig Out

Enable/disable trigger out.

Type

Selects between linear or logarithmic sweep operations.

Direction

Selects the sweep direction.

Burst

Ncycle/Gated

Selects burst by number of cycles or selects external gated
burst.

Cycles/Infinite

Configures number of cycles for burst or infinite burst
(external source only).

Start Phase

Configures the start phase of the burst output.

Burst Period

Configures the burst period.

Source

Selects trigger source: Internal, External, Manual.

Trig Delay

Configures the delay of each burst.

Trig Out

Configures signal triggering on rising or falling edge.

Utility

System

Access system settings.

Test/Cal

Configure synchronization output with respect to either
channel 1 or 2.

Counter

Selects built-in counter function.

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Output Setup

Set the output parameters of CH1 and CH2.

CH Copy Coupling

Set the track, channel coupling or channel copy function.

Interface

Select and set parameters of remote communication.

Clock

Choose the system clock source: internal or external.

Mode

Choose Phase-locked or independent mode.

OverVoltage Protection

Turn on/off the overvoltage protection function.

CHCopy

Copy channel settings between channels.

Table 3 - Menu System Organization

Figure 3 – Channel 1 Selected

3.2 Selecting a Channel

The 4050B series function/arbitrary waveform generators have dual channel outputs. They can
be operated independently or in sync with each other. To select between channel 1 and 2 and
view/change their parameters, press the Ch1/Ch2 key.

When Channel 1 is selected, the display will look like the following:

When Channel 2 is selected, the display will look like the following:

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Waveforms

Sine

Square

Ramp

Pulse

Noise

DC

Arbitrary

Figure 4 - Channel 2 Selected

Table 4 - Waveforms

3.3 Configure Waveform Output

Configure Waveform Shape

The instrument can generate many standard as well as arbitrary waveforms. There is a
dedicated waveform key on the front panel that will allow the user to select between different
waveform shapes to output, as listed in Table 4.

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Press Waveforms to select a waveform. Menu options relevant to the selected waveform

Sine Waveform

Square Waveform

Ramp Waveform

Pulse Waveform

Noise Waveform

DC Waveform

Arbitrary Waveform

shape will display at the bottom of the screen. The screenshots below illustrates the menu
options for each of the waveform types.

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