Thurlby Thandar Instruments TG210, TG215, TG230 User Manual [en, de, fr, it]

THURLBY THANDAR INSTRUMENTS

TG210, TG215 & TG230

FUNCTION GENERATORS

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Introduction

The TG210/TG215/TG230 are 2MHz function generators with waveforms of sine, triangle, ramp, pulse
and DC from a variable amplitude 50Ω or 600Ω output (50Ω only on TG230). A TTL/CMOS output is also
provided.

The frequency range is 0.02Hz to 2MHz selected by a seven decade range multiplier and calibrated
vernier. Both the frequency vernier and the sweep input can give 1000:1 frequency change within a
selected range.

The generator output level is 20Vpk-pk maximum from a 50/600Ω source. The level is set via a switched
attenuator plus vernier with a total range of >60dB. DC offset is vernier adjustable over a ±10V range
with centre detent for 0V. A 10:1 symmetry range permits ramp and pulse waveforms to be produced.

The TG215 and TG230 have digital readout of frequency, amplitude and offset with high resolution and
fast update across the frequency range.

The TG230 also has internal LIN/LOG sweep with sweep output. Amplitude modulation of up to 100% is
possible, using the internal 400Hz oscillator or an external source.

Table of Contents

Specification 2
Safety 4
EMC 6
Installation 7
Operation 8
Maintenance 10

Instructions en Francais

Sécurité 11
Montage 12
Utilisation 13
Maintenance 16

Bedienungsanleitung auf Deutsch

Sicherheit 17
Installation 18
Betrieb 19
Wartung 22

Istruzioni in Italiano

Sicurezza 23
Installazione 24
Funzionamento 25
Manutenzione 28

Instrucciones en Español

Seguridad 29
Instalacion 30
Funcionamiento 31
Mantenimiento 34

1

FREQUENCY

Frequency Range: .02Hz to 2MHz in 7 overlapping decade ranges with fine adjustment by a

Vernier Range: 1000:1 on each range, except 2Hz and 20Hz range (>100:1).
Vernier Accuracy: Typically ±5% of full scale for TG210; see Meter Accuracy for TG215 and

SWEEP MODES

INTERNAL (TG230 only)

Sweep Range: 1000:1 within each range, except 2Hz and 20Hz range (>100:1).
Sweep Rate: Adjustable, typically 20ms to 20 secs.
Sweep Mode: Linear or logarithmic. Sweep start and stop frequencies displayed at the

EXTERNAL

Input Impedance:
Input Sensitivity: 0 to 3V for 1000:1 sweep.
Maximum Allowable

Input Voltage:
Sweep Linearity: Better than 1%
Maximum Slew Rate

of sweep voltage:

Specification

vernier.

TG230.

press of a button.

10kΩ

±10V

0.1V/us

AMPLITUDE MODULATION (TG230 only)

Depth: Variable 0 to 100%
Frequency: 400Hz (internal). DC to 100kHz (external).
External Sensitivity: Approximately 2V peak-to-peak for 100% modulation.

METER ACCURACY (TG215/TG230 only)

Frequency: ±1 digit on all ranges; reducing to 1% of full scale at:

<2·30Hz on 20Hz range (SYM off)
<·230Hz on 2Hz range (SYM off)

and <2·30Hz on 200Hz range (SYM on)

<·230Hz on 20Hz and 2Hz ranges (SYM on)
Amplitude: Typically 5% of range; display corrected for attenuator setting.
DC Offset: Typically 2%; display corrected for attenuator setting.
Resolution: Frequency: 0·05% of range full scale.

Amplitude and DC Offset: 0·5% of range full scale

2

OPERATING MODES

(Specifications apply for the top decade of each frequency range and output 10V peak-to-peak
into 50Ω termination).

SINE

Distortion: Less than 0.5% on 200, 2k and 20k ranges; less than 1% on 2, 20 and

Amplitude Flatness: ±0.2dB to 200kHz; ±1dB to 2MHz.

TRIANGLE

Linearity: Better than 99% to 200kHz.

SQUAREWAVE

Rise and Fall Times: <100ns.
Mark-Space Ratio: 1:1 ±1% to 100kHz.

DC

Range: ±10V (unterminated)

200k ranges; all harmonics >25dB below fundamental on 2M range.

SYMMETRY

Symmetry Range: Variable typically between 1:9 and 9:1 (on top decade of each range),

OUTPUTS

50Ω

0dB Range:

-20dB Range:
DC Offset Control

Range:
600Ω (not TG230): Alternative output socket offering the same facilities as the 50Ω socket.

TTL Capable of driving CMOS and 2 standard TTL loads.
SWEEP OUT

(TG230 only)

GENERAL

POWER REQUIREMENTS

AC Input Voltage: 220V-240V AC or 110V-120VAC ±10%, 50/60Hz,

Power Consumption: 25VA max.
Operating Range: +5°C to +40°C, 20% to 80% RH.
Storage Range: -10°C to +65°C
Environmental: Indoor use at altitudes up to 2000m, Pollution Degree 2.
Size: 260(W) x 88(H) x 235(D) mm

Weight: 1.9kg (4.2lb).
Safety: Complies with EN61010-1.
EMC: Complies with EN61326.

frequency divided by 10. Display shows correct frequency.

Two switch-selectable ranges with 40dB vernier control within each
attenuator range.

0.2V to 20V peak-to-peak from 50Ω (0.1V to 10V into 50Ω).
20mV to 2V peak-to-peak (10mV to 1V into 50Ω).
±10V from 50Ω. DC offset plus signal peak limited to ±10V (±5V into 50Ω).

DC offset plus waveform attenuated proportionally in -20dB position.

6V ramp from 600Ω.

by rear panel adjustment; Installation Category II.

(10.2 x 3.4 x 9.2") excluding handle and feet.

3

Safety

This instrument is Safety Class I according to IEC classification and has been designed to meet
the requirements of EN61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,
Control and Laboratory Use). It is an Installation Category II instrument intended for operation
from a normal single phase supply.

This instrument has been tested in accordance with EN61010-1 and has been supplied in a safe
condition. This instruction manual contains some information and warnings which have to be
followed by the user to ensure safe operation and to retain the instrument in a safe condition.

This instrument has been designed for indoor use in a Pollution Degree 2 environment in the
temperature range 5°C to 40°C, 20% - 80% RH (non-condensing). It may occasionally be
subjected to temperatures between +5°C and –10°C without degradation of its safety. Do not
operate while condensation is present.

Use of this instrument in a manner not specified by these instructions may impair the safety
protection provided. Do not operate the instrument outside its rated supply voltages or
environmental range.

WARNING! 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. The protective action must not be
negated by the use of an extension cord without a protective conductor.

When the instrument is connected to its supply, terminals may be live and opening the covers or
removal of parts (except those to which access can be gained by hand) is likely to expose live
parts. The apparatus shall be disconnected from all voltage sources before it is opened for any
adjustment, replacement, maintenance or repair.

Any adjustment, maintenance and repair of the opened instrument under voltage shall be avoided
as far as possible and, if inevitable, shall be carried out only by a skilled person who is aware of
the hazard involved.

If the instrument is clearly defective, has been subject to mechanical damage, excessive moisture
or chemical corrosion the safety protection may be impaired and the apparatus should be
withdrawn from use and returned for checking and repair.

Make sure 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.

Do not wet the instrument when cleaning it.
The following symbols are used on the instrument and in this manual:-

Caution -refer to the accompanying documentation,
incorrect operation may damage the instrument.

terminal connected to chassis ground.

alternating current.

4

EC Declaration of Conformity

We Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd
Glebe Road
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire PE29 7DR
England

declare that the:

TG210, TG215 and TG230 Function Generators

meet the intent of the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC and the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC.
Compliance was demonstrated by conformance to the following specifications which have been
listed in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

EMC
Emissions: a) EN61326 (1998) Radiated, Class B

b) EN61326 (1998) Conducted, Class B
c) EN61326 (1998) Harmonics, referring to EN61000-3-2 (2000)

Immunity: EN61326 (1998) Immunity Table 1, Performance B, referring to:

a) EN61000-4-2 (1995) Electrostatic Discharge
b) EN61000-4-3 (1997) Electromagnetic Field
c) EN61000-4-11 (1994) Voltage Interrupt
d) EN61000-4-4 (1995) Fast Transient
e) EN61000-4-5 (1995) Surge
f) EN61000-4-6 (1996) Conducted RF

Safety
EN61010-1 Installation Category II, Pollution Degree 2.

CHRIS WILDING
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
1 February 2007

5

This instrument has been designed to meet the requirements of the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC.
Compliance was demonstrated by meeting the test limits of the following standards:

Emissions

EN61326 (1998) EMC product standard for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and
Laboratory Use. Test limits used were:

a) Radiated: Class B
b) Conducted: Class B
c) Harmonics: EN61000-3-2 (2000) Class A; the instrument is Class A by product category.

Immunity

EN61326 (1998) EMC product standard for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and
Laboratory Use.

Test methods, limits and performance achieved were:
a) EN61000-4-2 (1995) Electrostatic Discharge : 4kV air, 4kV contact, Performance A.
b) EN61000-4-3 (1997) Electromagnetic Field, 3V/m, 80% AM at 1kHz, Performance A.

EMC

c) EN61000-4-11 (1994) Voltage Interrupt, 1 cycle, 100%, Performance B.
d) EN61000-4-4 (1995) Fast Transient, 1kV peak (AC line), 0.5kV peak (signal lines),

e) EN61000-4-5 (1995) Surge, 0.5kV (line to line), 1kV (line to ground), Performance A.
f) EN61000-4-6 (1996) Conducted RF, 3V, 80% AM at 1kHz (AC line only; signal

According to EN61326 the definitions of performance criteria are:

Performance criterion A: ‘During test normal performance within the specification limits.’
Performance criterion B: ‘During test, temporary degradation, or loss of function or

performance which is self-recovering’.
Performance criterion C: ‘During test, temporary degradation, or loss of function or

performance which requires operator intervention or system reset occurs.’
Where Performance B is stated it is because the parameters of the output signal may deviate

beyond Specification under the test conditions, e.g. deviation from the set output amplitude during
the Voltage Interrupt test. However, the possible deviations are still small and unlikely to be a
problem in practice.

Cautions

To ensure continued compliance with the EMC directive the following precautions should be observed:

Performance B.

connections <3m not tested), Performance A.

6

a) Connect the generator to other equipment using only high quality, double-screened cables.
b) After opening the case for any reason ensure that all signal and ground connections are

remade correctly before replacing the cover.

c) In the event of part replacement becoming necessary, only use components of an identical

type, see the Service Manual.

Mains Operating Voltage

Before making connections to the AC line source ensure that the operating voltage of the instrument is
correctly set. The operating voltage is indicated by the orientation of the fuseholder. When the 230V
marking is upwards the unit is set for operation over the range 198V to 264V. When the 115V marking
is upwards the unit is set for operation over the range 99V to 132V. To change the operating voltage
range, remove the AC line plug, pull out the fuse holder, replace the fuse with one of the appropriate
rating (see below) and rotate the fuse holder before pushing it firmly back into place.

Fuse

The correct time-lag fuse must be fitted for the selected operating voltage.

For 230V operation use 125mA 250V time-lag
For 115V operation use 250mA 250V time-lag.

Make sure 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 are prohibited.

Mains Lead

When a three core mains lead with bare ends is provided this should be connected as follows:

Installation

BROWN - MAINS LIVE
BLUE - MAINS NEUTRAL
GREEN/YELLOW - EARTH

WARNING ! - THIS INSTRUMENT MUST BE EARTHED

Any interruption of the protective conductor inside or outside the instrument will make the instrument
dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited

.

7

Power

The ON/OFF switch is on the rear panel of the instrument.

Frequency Selection

Frequency range is selected by a seven position multiplier switch with fine adjustment by
calibrated vernier. Depressing the SYM button divides the indicated frequency by 10 on TG210;
on TG215/TG230 the digital display correctly shows the resultant output frequency. The
SYMMETRY control varies the duty cycle from 1:9 to 9:1 to produce sawtooth and variable pulse­width waveforms. Optimum performance of the SYMMETRY control is achieved on the top
decade of each frequency range.

TG215/TG230: with DISPLAY SELECT set to frequency the auto-ranging meter makes reciprocal
measurements down to 2·30Hz (·230Hz on the 2Hz range); the display update rate in this mode
is 130ms or 1 waveform period, whichever is the longer. Below these frequencies a fast
measurement update rate is maintained by changing the measurement method but accuracy is
reduced, see Specification. If a voltage is applied to SWEEP IN the display correctly shows the
new generator frequency.

When SYM is selected the changeover in frequency measurement happens at ·230Hz on the
20Hz and 2Hz ranges.

Operation

Function Selection

The output waveform shape is selected by depressing one of the three function buttons, to give
sine, square or triangle. With all three switches out (accomplished by half-depressing any one)
the output will be a DC level only; this is useful as it permits input threshold testing of a circuit
instead of having to connect up an external DC supply.

Main Output

The amplitude of the 50Ω MAIN output is controlled by the 2-position ATTENUATOR switch and
AMPLITUDE control. Maximum output is 20 volts peak-to-peak from 50Ω and 10 volts peak-to­peak when terminated with a 50Ω load.

The AMPLITUDE control has greater than 40dB range and used in conjunction with the
ATTENUATOR a range of 0dB to -60dB can be achieved. This provides a range of 20V peak-to­peak down to 20mV peak-to-peak, or 10V peak-to-peak down to 10mV peak-to-peak into 50Ω.

Greater attenuation can be achieved by using standard 50Ω BNC attenuators. To maintain
waveform integrity only 50Ω cable should be used and the receiving end should be terminated
with a 50Ω load. The 50Ω MAIN output will withstand a short circuit for a period of 10 minutes at
maximum output and greater periods at lower output levels. However, damage will occur if an
external voltage is connected to the output socket.

TG210/TG215: The MAIN output is also available from a 600Ω socket. The 50Ω and 600Ω
sockets are not independent and should not be used together.

TG215/TG230: with DISPLAY SELECT set to amplitude, the peak-to-peak amplitude of the MAIN
output is displayed. The display shows open circuit voltage (emf); the actual voltage at the socket
will be half the displayed value when the output is terminated with its characteristic impedance.

DC Offset

The DC OFFSET control has a range of ±10 volts from 50Ω/600Ω in all output modes; the control
has a centre detent for 0 volts. DC offset plus signal peak is limited to ±10V (±5V into the
characteristic output impedance). DC offset plus waveform is attenuated proportionally in the

-20dB position.

8

TG215/TG230: with DISPLAY SELECT set to DC offset, the offset level of the MAIN output is
displayed. The display shows open circuit voltage offset (emf); the actual voltage at the socket will
be half the displayed value when the output is terminated with its characteristic impedance.

Aux Output

The AUX output provides a fixed 0 to 5V TTL/CMOS pulse output at the same frequency,
symmetry and phase as the 50Ω MAIN output and is capable of driving 4 standard TTL loads.

Sweep Input

The generator frequency can be swept, DC programmed or modulated by a suitable control
voltage applied to the SWEEP IN socket. The instrument sums the SWEEP IN voltage with the
internal control voltage derived from the FREQUENCY vernier to determine the operating
frequency. With the DISPLAY SELECT switch in the frequency position on TG215/TG230, the
display shows the resultant frequency. A positive voltage increases the frequency; for frequency
control with positive-going DC inputs the vernier should therefore be set to the lower frequency
limit of the range to be swept. For example, a 0V to +3V signal will sweep the generator 3
decades up from range minimum, set by the vernier, to range maximum.

Similarly, a negative voltage decreases the frequency and for negative-going DC inputs the
vernier should be set to the upper frequency limit of the range to be swept. For example, a 0V to ­3V signal will sweep the generator 3 decades down from range maximum, set by the vernier, to
range minimum.

To use a sweep signal which is symmetrical about ground, the vernier should be set to give a
frequency at approximately the centre of the band to be swept.

Note: Non-linear operation may result when the sweep input voltage is excessive; that is, when
the attempted generator frequency exceeds the range limits.

Sweep Mode Operation (TG230 only)

With sweep ON, achieved by pulling the RATE control knob to the out position, the output of the
internal sweep generator is summed with the FREQUENCY vernier.

Frequency Selection

Using the FREQUENCY RANGE switches, select the lowest range within which the upper sweep
limit can be set; in this way the best setting resolution and the widest sweep range can be
realised. Select LIN or LOG as required with the STOP control knob; in is LIN and out is LOG.

Sweep Limits

To accurately set the sweep limits on the TG230 proceed as follows:
Set the STOP control to minimum (fully anticlockwise).
Pull out the RATE knob to set sweep on and select LIN or LOG with the STOP knob.
Hold in the SET START button and set the START (lowest) frequency on the display using the

FREQUENCY vernier; the START frequency must be set first. Now release the SET START
button, hold in the SET STOP button and set the STOP (highest) frequency on the display using
the STOP control; release the SET STOP button. Note that both the FREQUENCY vernier and
the STOP control have a log characteristic when LOG mode is selected.

The sweep limits can be checked at any time by depressing the SET START or SET STOP
buttons.

9

Sweep Out

The SWEEP OUT socket provides a 0V to 6V ramp from 600Ω impedance to drive the X-input of
an oscilloscope or chart recorder. Terminating this output with a resistor will reduce the output
amplitude. Terminating with 600Ω will halve the output giving 0V to 3V.

Holding in the SET STOP button holds the ramp at the maximum and can therefore be used to
set full scale on the oscilloscope or chart recorder.

Note that when the SWEEP OUT is used to drive the X-input of the oscilloscope, the oscilloscope
should be set to DC coupling and not AC coupling which will cause a double image at slow sweep
speeds.

Sweep Rate

The generator sweeps both up and down at the speed set by the RATE control, i.e. it does not
reset rapidly after the upward sweep. This has the advantage that the suitability of the selected
sweep time can be continuously monitored.

Amplitude Modulation (TG230 only)

Depressing the AM ON/OFF button selects AM. The depth of modulation can be adjusted over a
0% to 100% range using the modulation control. When AM is selected the output amplitude will
drop to 50% at 0% modulation.

With the EXT/INT button out, the modulation source is an internal 400Hz sinewave oscillator.
With the EXT/INT button in, external modulation is selected and the AM/SWEEP IN input

becomes the AM input. If a signal is now applied with no DC offset, or if it is AC coupled,
amplitude modulation of the generator output is achieved. A 2V peak-to-peak signal gives
approximately 100% modulation with the modulation control at maximum. Modulating the
generator with a squarewave gives step changes in the output amplitude which are suitable for
testing signal compressors and automatic gain controlled circuits.

Applying a DC offset of approximately -1V gives suppressed carrier modulation. The DC offset
should first be adjusted to suppress the carrier, and the modulating signal then applied.

Applying greater than -1V will invert the MAIN output with respect to the AUX output.

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 manual which may be purchased directly from
the Manufacturers or their agents overseas.

Cleaning

If the instrument requires cleaning use a cloth that is only lightly dampened with water or a mild
detergent.

Maintenance

10

WARNING! 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.