OWON AG-S User Manual

 AG4081
 AG4101
 AG4121
 AG4151

Arbitrary Waveform Generator

User Manual

WWW.OWON.COM.HK

Headquarter:

Branch:

May. 2014 edition V1.9

Copy Right in this Manual © Lilliput Company. All Rights Reserved.

The Lilliput's products are under the protection of the patent rights in America and other countries,
including ones which have already obtained the patent rights and those which are applying for. The
information in this manual will replace all that in the materials published originally.

The information in this manual was correct at the time of printing. However, OWON will continue to
improve products and reserves the rights to changes specification at any time without notice.

OWON is the registered trademark of the Lilliput Company.

19 Heming Road, Lantian industrial zone, Zhangzhou, Fujian, China

Tel:[phone] Fax:[phone]

Web:

www.owon.com.hk Mail: Business Consulting: [e-mail]

Fujian Lilliput Optoelectronics Technology Co.,Ltd.: The mansion of optoelectronics,

Sale service: [e-mail]

ZhenZhuWan,

Tel:[phone] Fax:[phone]

Xiamen Lilliput Technology Co.,Ltd.: the 5th floor, B Area, Chuangxin Mansion, Software Park,

Huandao RD, Xiamen, Fujian, China

General Warranty

Lilliput warrants that the product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of 3 years (1 year for accessories) from the date of purchase of the product
by the original purchaser from the Lilliput Company. This warranty only applies to the
original purchaser and is not transferable to the third party. If the product proves
defective during the warranty period, Lilliput either will repair the defective product
without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a replacement in exchange for the
defective product. Parts, modules and replacement products used by Lilliput for warranty
work may be new or reconditioned to like new performance. All replaced parts, modules
and products become the property of Lilliput.

In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Lilliput of the defect
before the expiration of the warranty period. Customer shall be responsible for
packaging and shipping the defective product to the service center designated by Lilliput,
and with a copy of customer proof of purchase.

This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or
improper or inadequate maintenance and care. Lilliput shall not be obligated to furnish
service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting from attempts by personnel
other than Lilliput representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair
damage resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; c) to
repair any damage or malfunction caused by the use of non-Lilliput supplies; or d) to
service a product that has been modified or integrated with other products when the
effect of such modification or integration increases the time or difficulty of servicing the
product.

Please contact the nearest Lilliput's Sales and Service Offices for services or a complete
copy of the warranty statement.

For better after-sales service, please visit www.owon.com.hk and register the purchased
product online.

Excepting the after-sales services provided in this summary or the applicable warranty statements,

Lilliput will not offer any guarantee for maintenance definitely declared or hinted, including but not

limited to the implied guarantee for marketability and special-purpose acceptability. Lilliput should

not take any responsibilities for any indirect, special or consequent damages.

Table of Contents

1.General Safety Requirements ..................................................................................... 1

2.Safety Terms and Symbols ......................................................................................... 2

3.General Characteristics ............................................................................................. 3

4.Quick Start ................................................................................................................ 4

Front/Rear Panel and User Interface ................................................................................... 5

Front Panel ............................................................................................................................................... 5

Rear Panel ................................................................................................................................................ 6

User Interface ........................................................................................................................................... 7

General Inspection .............................................................................................................. 8

Foot Stool Adjustment ........................................................................................................ 8

Power-On Check ................................................................................................................. 8

AC Power Input Setting ............................................................................................................................ 8

Power On .................................................................................................................................................. 9

5.Front Panel Operation ............................................................................................ 10

To set signals ..................................................................................................................... 11

To Output Sine Signals ............................................................................................................................ 11

To Set the Frequency/Period ............................................................................................................................... 11

To Set the Amplitude ........................................................................................................................................... 12

To Set the Offset .................................................................................................................................................. 12

To Set the High Level ............................................................................................................................................ 12

To Set the Low Level ............................................................................................................................................ 12

To Output Square Signals ....................................................................................................................... 12

To Set t he Duty Cycle ........................................................................................................................................... 13

To Output Ramp Signals ......................................................................................................................... 14

To Set the Symmetry ............................................................................................................................................ 14

To Output Pulse Signals .......................................................................................................................... 15

To Set the Pulse W idth / Duty Cycle .................................................................................................................... 16

To Set the Edge Time ........................................................................................................................................... 16

To Output Noise Signals ......................................................................................................................... 17

To Output Arbitrary Signals .................................................................................................................... 18

To Select the Built-in Waveform........................................................................................................................... 18

The User-Definable Waveform ............................................................................................................................. 19

To Generate the Modulated Waveform .............................................................................. 20

AM (Amplitude Modulation) .................................................................................................................. 20

FM (Frequency Modulation) .................................................................................................................. 22

PM (Phase Modulation) .......................................................................................................................... 23

FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) .................................................................................................................. 24

PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) ............................................................................................................ 25

i

To Generate Sweep ............................................................................................................ 26

To Generate Burst .............................................................................................................. 27

Set the N-Cycle Burst .............................................................................................................................. 28

Set the Gated Burst ................................................................................................................................ 29

To Save and Recall ............................................................................................................. 29

To Use USB Storage ................................................................................................................................ 29

To Edit the File Name ............................................................................................................................. 30

To Set the Utility Function .................................................................................................. 30

To Set Display Parameter ....................................................................................................................... 30

To Set the Bright .................................................................................................................................................. 30

To Set the Separator ............................................................................................................................................ 30

To Set the Screen Saver ........................................................................................................................................ 31

To Set Output Parameter ....................................................................................................................... 31

To Set the Output Load ........................................................................................................................................ 31

To Set the Sync Output ........................................................................................................................................ 32

To Set the DC Output ........................................................................................................................................... 33

To Set the I/O ......................................................................................................................................... 33

To Set the Baud Rate ............................................................................................................................................ 33

To Set the LAN ..................................................................................................................................................... 33

To Set the System ................................................................................................................................... 34

Language Setting.................................................................................................................................................. 34

Power On Setting ................................................................................................................................................. 34

To Return to Default Setting................................................................................................................................. 34

To Set the Beep .................................................................................................................................................... 35

View System Information .................................................................................................................................... 35

To Set the Clock Source ........................................................................................................................................ 35

To Use Built-in Help ........................................................................................................... 36

6.Communication with PC ......................................................................................... 37

Using USB Port ................................................................................................................... 37

Using LAN Port ................................................................................................................... 37

Connect directly ..................................................................................................................................... 37

Connect through a router....................................................................................................................... 39

Using COM Port ................................................................................................................. 40

7.SCPI ....................................................................................................................... 41

8.Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................... 41

9.Technical Specifications .......................................................................................... 42

10.Appendix ............................................................................................................... 47

Appendix A: Enclosure ....................................................................................................... 47

Appendix B: General Care and Cleaning .............................................................................. 47

ii

1.General Safety Requirements

1. General Safety Requirements

Before any operations, please read the following safety precautions to avoid any
possible bodily injury and prevent this product or any other products connected from
damage. In order to avoid any contingent danger, this product is only used within the
range specified.

Check AC power input setting according to the standards in your own country (see Page 8,
"AC Power Input Setting").

Only the qualified technicians can implement the maintenance.

To avoid Fire or Personal Injury:

 Use Proper Power Cord. Use only the power cord supplied with the product and

certified to use in your country.

 Product Grounded. This instrument is grounded through the power cord grounding

conductor. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must be grounded. The
product must be grounded properly before any connection with its input or output
terminal.

 Check all Terminal Ratings. To avoid fire or shock hazard, check all ratings and

markers of this product. Refer to the user's manual for more information about
ratings before connecting to the instrument.

 Do not operate without covers. Do not operate the instrument with covers or panels

removed.

 Use Proper Fuse. Use only the specified type and rating fuse for this instrument.
 Avoid exposed circuit. Do not touch exposed junctions and components when the

instrument is powered.

 Do not operate if in any doubt. If you suspect damage occurs to the instrument,

have it inspected by qualified service personnel before further operations.

 Use your instrument in a well-ventilated area. Make sure the instrument installed

with proper ventilation, refer to the user manual for more details.

 Do not operate in wet conditions.
 Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.
 Keep product surfaces clean and dry.

1

2.Safety Terms and Symbols

2. Safety Terms and Symbols

Safety Terms

Terms in this Manual. The following terms may appear in this manual:

Warning: Warning indicates the conditions or practices that could result in

injury or loss of life.

Caution: Caution indicates the conditions or practices that could result in

damage to this product or other property.

Terms on the Product. The following terms may appear on this product:

Danger: It indicates an injury or hazard may immediately happen.

Warning: It indicates an injury or hazard may be accessible potentially.

Caution: It indicates a potential damage to the instrument or other property might occur.

Safety Symbols

Symbols on the Product. The following symbol may appear on the product:

Hazardous Voltage

Protective Earth Terminal

Test Ground

Refer to Manual

Chassis Ground

2

3.General Characteristics

3. General Characteristics

The series are multi-function generators which combine Arbitrary Waveform Generation
and Function Generation. The product introduces Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS)
technology to provide stable, precise, pure and low distortion signal. The user-friendly
interface design and panel layout bring exceptional user experience. Embedded USB
Device, USB Host, LAN, support USB storage device. Provide more alternative solutions
for users.

Features and benefits:

 3.9 inch high resolution (480×320 pixels) TFT LCD display;
 Advanced DDS technology, Max.150MHz frequency output;
 Max. Sample rate: 400MSa/s, Frequency resolution: 1uHz;
 Vertical resolution: 14 bits, up to 1M waveform record length;
 Abundant waveform output: 5 basic waveforms and 26 built-in arbitrary waveforms

output;

 32 channels digital waveform (optional);
 Exponential rise, Exponential fall, Sin(x)/x, Staircase, etc. 26 built-in waveforms and

user defined arbitrary waveform;

 Abundant modulation functions: AM, FM, PM, FSK, PWM along with output

liner/logarithm sweep and pulse string waveform;

 Standard interface: USB Device, USB Host, LAN, COM etc.

3

4.Quick Start

4. Quick Start

This chapter will deal with the following topics mainly:

 Front/Rear Panel Overview
 User Interface Overview
 How to Implement General Inspection
 How to Adjust the Foot Stools
 How to Implement Power-On Check

4

4.Quick Start

①

②

③

④

⑥

⑰

⑬

⑮

⑭

⑯

⑱

⑩

⑪

⑦
⑧

⑨

⑫

⑤

LCD

Display the user interface

Menu selection
buttons

Number keys

Input parameters, include: number, point and plus/minus sign

Knob

Change the current highlighted number, also can be used to
select file location or switch the character of the soft keyboard
when entering file name.

Direction key

locations

Save

Store/recall the user-defined arbitrary waveform data or
instrument state

Utility

Set the auxiliary system function

Help

View the build-in help information

Output key

Activate or deactivate the output signal

terminal

Foot stool

Make the instrument to be tilted for ease of operation

Front/Rear Panel and User Interface

Front Panel

①

②

③

④

⑤

⑥

⑦

⑧

⑨

Main output

⑩

Figure 4-1 Front panel overview

Include 5 buttons: F1～F5, activate the corresponding menu

Move the cursor of the focused parameter or select the file

Output main signal

⑪

5

Trigger key In Sweep and N-

Cycle Burst, if you choose Source as
"Manual", every time you press this key, the generator will be
triggered once.

Sync output
terminal

Modulation

Generate the Modulated waveforms

waveform

Sweep

Sweep Sine, Square or Ramp waveform

Waveform

Include: Sine, Square, Ramp, Pulse, Noise and Arbitrary

button turns on.

Power button

Turn on/off the generator

①

② ③

④

⑤ ⑥

⑫

⑪

⑩

⑨

⑧

⑦

These two connectors are used to synchronize generators.

0 MHz

0MHz Out] can output a

0 MHz clock signal generated by the crystal inside the

External Trigger
/FSK/Burst

This signal can be used as external signal source in Sweep,
FSK and Burst mode.

Modulation In

Modulation waveform input, use it as external signal
source

⑫

4.Quick Start

⑬

Output sync signal (see P32, "To Set the Sync Output")

⑭

Burst Generate burst for Sine, Square, Ramp, Pulse and Arbitrary

⑮

⑯

⑰

selection buttons

waveform. When a waveform is selected, the backlight of the

⑱

Rear Panel

Figure 4-2 Rear panel overview

20MHz reference

①

output

20MHz reference

②

input

The connector [20MHz In] accepts an external 2
clock signal, and the connector [2
2
generator. (See P35, "To Set the Clock Source")

③

④

6

4.Quick Start

Through this interface, the generator can be connected to
a PC and controlled via PC software.

Power socket

AC input connector

Fuse

Use the specified fuse according to the voltage scale.

Power switch

Switch between 110V and 220V.

LAN port

Through this interface, the generator can be connected to
your local network and controlled via PC software.

such as connect a USB disk to the instrument.

USB Device port

Connect as a "slave device" with an external device, such
as connected to a PC and controlled via PC software.

Digital output

Connect the generator with the logic signal output module
(optional). Then, configure specific sequence digital signal
in the generator and output the signal through the digital
module.

①

⑨

⑩

④

②

⑤

⑦

⑧

⑥

③

Parameter bar 1, display parameters and edit the focused parameter

②

Load, High Z represents high resistance

③

Frequency/period, depends on the highlighted menu item on the right

④

Amplitude/high level, depends on the highlighted menu item on the right

⑤

Offset/low level, depends on the highlighted menu item on the right

⑥

Display current waveform

⑦

Parameter bar 2, display parameters and edit the focused parameter

⑧

Current signal type or mode

RS232 port

⑤

⑥

⑦

⑧

⑨

USB Host port Connect as a "host device" with an external USB device,

⑩

⑪

⑫

User Interface

①

Figure 4-3 User interface (take Sine for instance)

7

4.Quick Start

⑨

The setting menu of current signal or mode

⑩

Signal type

General Inspection

After you get a new Waveform Generator, it is recommended that you should make a
check on the instrument according to the following steps:

1. Check whether there is any damage caused by transportation.

If it is found that the packaging carton or the foamed plastic protection cushion has
suffered serious damage, do not throw it away first till the complete device and its
accessories succeed in the electrical and mechanical property tests.

2. Check the Accessories

The supplied accessories have been already described in the "Appendix A: Enclosure"
of this Manual. You can check whether there is any loss of accessories with reference
to this description. If it is found that there is any accessory lost or damaged, please
get in touch with the distributor of Lilliput responsible for this service or the Lilliput's
local offices.

3. Check the Complete Instrument

If it is found that there is damage to the appearance of the instrument, or the
instrument can not work normally, or fails in the performance test, please get in
touch with the Lilliput's distributor responsible for this business or the Lilliput's local
offices. If there is damage to the instrument caused by the transportation, please
keep the package. With the transportation department or the Lilliput's distributor
responsible for this business informed about it, a repairing or replacement of the
instrument will be arranged by the Lilliput.

Foot Stool Adjustment

Unfold the foot stools on the bottom of the generator, as ⑦ in Figure 4-1.

Power-On Check

AC Power Input Setting

The series adopt 110V/220V AC power source. Users should regulate the voltage scale of
the Power Switch according to the standards in their own country (see Figure 4-2) at the
rear panel and use an appropriate fuse.

Voltage Fuse

8

4.Quick Start

110V

125 V, F4AL

220V

250 V, F2AL

To change the voltage scale of the instrument, do the following steps:

(1) Turn off the power button at the front panel and remove the power cord.
(2) Check if the fuse installed before leaving factory (250 V, F2AL) can match with the

selected voltage scale; if not, pry the cover open using a straight screwdriver (see ⑦
in Figure 4-2), change the fuse.

(3) Regulate the Power Switch to the desired voltage scale.

Power On

(1) Connect the instrument to the AC supply using the supplied power cord.

Warning:
To avoid electric shock, the instrument must be grounded properly.

(2) Press down the power button at the front panel, the screen shows the boot screen.

9

5.Front Panel Operation

5. Front Panel Operation

This chapter will deal with the following topics mainly:

 How to Output Sine Signals
 How to Output Square Signals
 How to Output Ramp Signals
 How to Output Pulse Signals
 How to Output Noise Signals
 How to Output Arbitrary Signals
 How to Generate the Modulated Waveform
 How to Generate Sweep
 How to Generate Burst
 How to Save and Recall
 How to Set the Utility Function
 How to Use Built-in Help

10

5.Front Panel Operation

Setting menu
of Sine signal

Amplitude

Load

Offset

Current signal

Sine waveform

Frequency

Current parameter

Parameter bar 1

Parameter bar 2

To set signals

The following describes how to set and output Sine, Square, Ramp, Pulse, Noise and
Arbitrary signals.

To Output Sine Signals

Press button to call the user interface of Sine signal, the Sine waveform
parameters can be set by operating the Sine setting menu on the right.

The parameters of Sine waveform are: Frequency/Period, Amplitude/High Level,
Offset/Low Level. You can operate the menu by using the menu selection buttons on the
right.

Figure 5-1: The User I nt erface of Sine Signal

To Set the Frequency/Period

Press F1 button, the chosen menu item is highlighted, the focused parameter is
displayed in Parameter bar 1. Press F1 button to switch between Frequency/Period.

Two methods to change the chosen parameter:

 Turn the knob to change the value of cursor position in the Parameter bar. Press

/ direction key to move the cursor.

 Press a number key in the front panel, an input box will pop up; keep going to input

the value. Press direction key to delete the last number. Press F1 ～ F3 to
choose the unit, or press F4 to go to next page and choose other units. Press
F5 to cancel the input.

The frequency range is 1μHz～150MHz; the period range is 6.667ns～1Ms.

11