Tektronix AFG31051 - Arbitrary Function Generator (1 Channel, 50 MHz Max Frequency)

The Tektronix AFG31051 is a high-performance AFG with built-in arbitrary waveform generation, real-time waveform monitoring, and the largest touchscreen on the market. Providing advanced waveform generation and programming capabilities, waveform verification, and a modern touch-screen interface, the new AFG31051 is sure to delight and simplify the job of every researcher and engineer.

Basic and Advanced Modes

The AFG31051 is the industry’s first arbitrary function generator with full function Basic (AFG) and Advanced (Sequence) modes.

In Basic mode, the AFG31051 generates traditional functions and arbitrary waveforms. The touchscreen and front-panel controls make it simple to set up.

Basic mode lets you change frequency without the need to worry about waveform length and sample rate. This feature is useful in analog designs that characterize filter/amplifier frequency responses or in digital designs where clock rates change frequently

Key settings are visible at a glance, and are easy to adjust using touch, numeric keypad, or rotary controls

Additionally, Advanced mode uses variable sample rate technology. Every sample in a waveform is output once and only once in each cycle, synchronized to the sample rate. Since there is no skipping or repetition, all details in the waveforms are kept. This feature is very useful for applications in which signal fidelity is extremely critical, such as IQ modulation and pulse train generation.

InstaView™ technology shows the actual waveform at the DUT

Most waveform generators assume they are driving a 50 Ω impedance. However, most devices under test do not have a 50 Ω impedance. This mismatch results in an inconsistency between the waveform as set on the AFG and the signal at the DUT.

With InstaView turned off, the AFG31051 works like a traditional function generator. Due to an impedance mismatch, the AFG display shows a different waveform from the one observed at the DUT

With the patented InstaView ™ technology, the AFG31051 can display the actual waveform at the DUT, instead of just the nominal waveform as set on the AFG. The waveform displayed on the AFG instantly responds to changes in frequency, amplitude, waveform shape, and impedance changes at the DUT. InstaView helps eliminate the uncertainty and measurement risk caused by impedance mismatches, without requiring additional cables, instruments, or effort.

With InstaView turned on, the AFG31051 shows the waveform as observed at the DUT

A large touch screen and smart user interface
The large 9-inch capacitive touch screen displays all related settings and parameters on a single screen. Similar to smart devices, you can tap or swipe to easily select, browse, locate and change settings and parameters. Frequently-used functions are immediately accessible. Familiar buttons and rotary knob controls are available for more traditional navigation.

Frequently used settings are easy to access from the swipe-up menu

Built-in ArbBuilder tool makes creating and editing arbitrary waveforms easier than ever

In the past, you needed a PC with waveform editing software to create or edit your arbitrary waveforms. The waveform would then need to be downloaded to the AFG using either a USB stick or a data cable connection. The process was time-consuming, especially when waveforms required frequent changes.

ArbBuilder is a built-in application on the AFG31051 that lets you create and edit your arbitrary waveforms directly on the generator. You can create arbitrary waveforms with the Equation Editor tool or start from a library of standard templates. Thanks to the large capacitive touch screen, you can drag, pinch and zoom to get the detail you need.

You can quickly replicate real-world waveforms captured with oscilloscopes or created by third-party software by loading CSV format data files directly into ArbBuilder from a USB memory stick.

Creating an arbitrary waveform using the easy touch screen interface

An on-screen wizard guides you through the process of multiple-unit synchronization

Double Pulse user interface

Double Pulse Test

The AFG31051 includes Double Pulse Test, a downloadable plugin software application that enables double pulse applications for the power and semiconductor markets. The Double Pulse Test user interface provides touch-and-swipe or point-and-click control for generating at least two varying pulse widths. These pulses can be output to an isolated gate driver to trigger power devices such as MOSFETs or IGBTs.

Simplified multi-unit synchronization

Most applications need one or two channels of output, but some applications require more channels. For example, in order to simulate3-phase power signals, engineers often need to synchronize three 2-channel generators; one for the voltage and current on each phase. Todo this used to be time-consuming, as it required many cable connections between the AFG units, and making changes in deep branches of the menu trees on all instruments.

Key features

• Ready-to-use, ease of use, built-in applications that reduce test development time
• Generate pulses with varying pulse widths
• Pulse widths from 20 ns to 150 μs
• GUI and large touchscreen display
• Multi-triggers method: Manual, Continuous and External
• Up to 30 pulses
• Ohm or High Z output modes
• Free to download from the website
• Works on all of the AFG31000 Series models

Typical applications

• R&D engineer and test engineer of semiconductor industry (power device and power module with SiC/GaN/Si)
• Automotive industry (EV, EHV, FCV), laboratory and university of power electronics
• Power device manufacturer
• Heavy user of power device and module
• Inverter and motor drive system