Technical Specifications continued
Designed and built in the U.K. by:
82100-1030
Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd.
Glebe Road, Huntingdon. Cambs. PE29 7DX England
Tel: 01480 412451 Fax: 01480 450409
Web: www.tti-test.com Email: sales@ttinst.co.uk
THURLBY THANDAR INSTRUMENTS
TGA1240 Series
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Multi-channel Universal Waveform Generators
Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd. operates a policy
of continuous development and reserves the right to
alter specifications without prior notice.
One, two or four independent or inter-linked channels
40MS/s, 12-bit, 64K words per channel
Technical Specifications
Specifications apply at 18-28
o
C after 30 minutes
warm-up, at maximum output into 50
W
ARBITRARY WAVEFORMS
Arbitrary
Maximum waveform size is 65,536 points, mini-
mumwaveformsizeis4points. Upto100userde-
fined waveforms may be stored in the 256K point
nonvolatile RAM. Waveforms can be defined by
front panel editing controls or by downloading of
waveform data via RS232 or GPIB.
Waveform Memory: 64k points per channel.
Vertical Resolution: 12 bits
Sample Clock: 100mHz to 40MHz
Resolution: 4 digits
Accuracy: ± 1 digit of setting
Sequence
Up to 16 waveforms may be linked. Each wave-
form can have a loop count of up to 32,768. A
sequence of waveforms can be looped up to
1,048,575 times or run continuously.
Output Filter
Selectable between 16MHz Elliptic, 10MHz Ellip-
tic, 10MHz Bessel or None.
STANDARD WAVEFORMS
Sine,square,triangle, DC,positiveramp, negative
ramp, sin(x)/x, pulse, pulse train, cosine,
haversine and havercosine.
All Waveforms
Accuracy: 10 ppm for 1 year
Temp. Stability: Typically <1 ppm/ºC.
Output Level: 2.5mV to 10Vpp into 50Ω
Sine, Cosine, Haversine, Havercosine
Range: 0·1mHz to 16 MHz
Resolution: 0·1mHz or 7 digits
Harmonic Distortion: <0.1% THD to 100kHz;
<–65dBc to 20kHz,
<–50dBc to 1MHz,
<-35dBc to 10MHz
<-30dBc to 16MHz
Nonharmonic Spurii: <–65dBc to 1MHz,
<–65dBc + 6dB/octave
1MHz to 16MHz
Square
Range: 1mHz to 16MHz
Resolution: 1mHz (4 digits)
Accuracy: ± 1 digit of setting
Rise/Fall Times: <25ns
Pulse and Pulse Train
Rise/Fall Times: <25ns
Period Range: 100ns to 100s
Period Resolution: 4digit
Accuracy: ±1 digit of setting
Delay Range: -99·99s to + 99·99s
Delay Resolution: 0·002% of period or 25ns,
whichever is greater
Width Range: 25ns to 99·99s
Width Resolution: 0·002% of period or 25ns,
whichever is greater
Notethat thepulse widthand absolutevalue ofthe
delaymaynotexceedthepulseperiodatanytime.
Pulse trains of up to 10 pulses may be specified,
each pulse having independently defined width,
delayandlevel.Thebaselinevoltageisseparately
defined and the sequence repetition rate is set by
the pulse train period.
Triangle
Range: 0.1mHz to 100kHz
Resolution: 0.1mHz or 7 digits
Linearity Error: <0.1% to 30 kHz
Ramps and Sin(x)/x
Range: 0.1mHz to 100kHz
Resolution: 0.1mHz (7 digits)
Linearity Error: <0.1% to 30 kHz
OPERATING MODES
Continuous
Waveform runs continuously.
Triggered Burst
Each active edge of the trigger signal will produce
one burst of the waveform.
Carrier Waveforms: All standard and arbitrary
Max. Carrier Frequency:
40Msamples/s for ARB and Sequence. 1MHz
or the maximum for the selected waveform.
Number of Cycles: 1 to 1,048,575
Trigger Repetition: 0.005Hz to 100kHz internal
dc to 1MHz external.
Trigger Signal Source:
Internal from keyboard, previous channel, next
channel or trigger generator. External from
TRIG IN or remote interface.
Trigger Start/Stop Phase:
± 360osettable with 0.1oresolution, subject to
waveform frequency and type.
Gated
Waveformwillrun while the Gatesignalis true and
stop while false.
Carrier Waveforms: All standard and arbitrary.
Max. Carrier Frequency:
40Msamples/s for ARB and Sequence. 1MHz
or the maximum for the selected waveform.
Number of Cycles: 1 to 1,048,575
Trigger Repetition: 0.005Hz to 100kHz internal
dc to 1MHz external.
Gate Signal Source:
Internal from keyboard, previous channel, next
channel or trigger generator. External from
TRIG IN or remote interface.
Gate Start/Stop Phase:
± 360osettable with 0.1oresolution, subject to
waveform frequency and type.
Sweep
Frequency sweep capability is provided for both
standardandarbitrarywaveforms. Arbitrary wave-
forms are expanded or condensed to exactly 4096
points and DDS techniques are used to perform
the sweep.
Carrier Waveforms: All standard and arbitrary
except pulse, pulse train and sequence.
Sweep Mode:
Linear or logarithmic, triggered or continuous.
Sweep Direction:
Up, down, up/down or down/up.
Sweep Range:
From 1mHz to 16 MHz in one range. Phase
continuous. Independent setting of the start and
stop frequency.
Sweep Time: 30ms to 999s .
Marker: Variable during sweep.
Sweep Trigger Source:
The sweep may be free run or triggered from
the following sources: Manually from keyboard.
Externally from TRIG IN input or remote inter-
face.
Sweep Hold: Sweep can be held and
restarted by the HOLD key.
Multi Channel Sweep
Any number of channels may be swept simulta-
neously but the sweep parameters will be the
same for all channels. Amplitude, Offset and
Waveform can be set independently for each
channel.
Tone Switching
Capability provided for both standard and arbitrary
waveforms. Arbitrary waveforms are expanded or
condensed to exactly 4096 points and DDS tech-
niques are used to allow instantaneous frequency
switching.
Carrier Waveforms:
All except pulse, pulse train and sequence.
Frequency List:
Up to 16 frequencies from 1mHz to 10MHz.
Trigger Repetition Rate:
0.005Hz to 100kHz internal. dc to 1MHz exter-
nal. Usable repetition rate and waveform fre-
quency depend on the tone switching mode.
Source:
Internal from keyboard, previous channel, next
channel or trigger generator. External from
TRIG IN or remote interface.
Tone Switching Modes:
Gated: The tone is output while the trigger sig-
nal is true and stopped, at the end of the current
waveform cycle, while the trigger signal is false.
The next tone is output when the trigger signal
is true again.
Triggered: The tone is output when the trigger
signal goes true and the next tone is output, at
the end of the current waveform cycle, when the
trigger signal goes true again.
FSK: The tone is output when the trigger signal
goes true and the next tone is output, immedi-
ately, when the trigger signal goes true again.
Using 2 channels with their outputs summed to-
gether it is possible to generate DTMF test sig-
nals.
Trigger Generator
Internal source 0.005 Hz to 100kHz square wave
adjustable in 10us steps. 3 digit resolution. Avail-
ableforexternalusefromanySYNCOUTsocket.
OUTPUTS
Main Output - One for each channel
Output Impedance: 50Ω
Amplitude:
5mV to 20Vpp open circuit (2.5mV to 10Vpp
into 50Ω). Amplitude can be specified open cir-
cuit (hi Z) or into an assumed load of 50Ωor
600Ωin Vpkpk, Vrms or dBm.
Amplitude Accuracy: 2% ±1mV at 1kHz into 50Ω.
Amplitude Flatness: ±0.2dB to 200 kHz; ±1dB to
10 MHz; ±2.5dB to 16MHz.
DC Offset Range: ±10V from 50Ω. Offset plus
signal peak limited to ±10V.
DC Offset Accuracy: Typically 3% ±10mV,
unattenuated.
Resolution: 3 digits or 1mV for both
Amplitude and DC Offset.
Sync Out - One for each channel
Multifunction output user definable or automati-
cally selected to be any of the following:
Waveform Sync (all waveforms):
A square wave with 50% duty cycle at the main
waveform frequency, or a pulse coincident with
the first few points of an arbitrary waveform.
Position Markers (Arbitrary only):
Any point(s) on the waveform may have associ-
ated marker bit(s) set high or low.
Burst Done:
Produces a pulse coincident with the last cycle
of a burst.
Sequence Sync:
Produces a pulse coincident with the end of a
waveform sequence.
Trigger:
Selects the current trigger signal. Useful for syn-
chronizing burst or gated signals.
Sweep Sync:
Outputs a pulse at the start of sweep to synchro-
nize an oscilloscope or recorder.
Phase Lock Out:
Used to phase lock two generators. Produces a
positive edge at the 0° phase point.
Output Signal Level:
TTL/CMOS logic levels from typically 50Ω.
Cursor/Marker Out
Adjustable output pulse for use as a marker in
sweep mode or as a cursor in arbitrary waveform
editingmode.CanbeusedtomodulatetheZaxisof
anoscilloscope orbedisplayedonasecond‘scope
channel.
Output Signal Level:
Adjustable from nominally 2V to 14V, normal or
inverted; adjustable width as a cursor.
Output Impedance: 600Ωtypical
INPUTS
Trig In
Frequency Range: DC to 1MHz.
Signal Range: Threshold nominally TTL
level; maximum input ±10V.
Min. Pulse Width: 50ns, for Trigger/Gate;
50us for Sweep mode.
Polarity: Selectable as high/rising
edge or low/falling edge.
Input Impedance: 10kΩ
Modulation In
Frequency Range: DC to 100kHz.
VCA Signal Range: Approximately 1V pkpk for
100% level change at maximum output.
SCM Signal Range: Approximately ± 1Vpk for
maximum output.
Input Impedance: Typically 1 kΩ.
Sum In
Frequency Range: DC to 8MHz.
Signal Range: Approximately 2 Vpk-pk
input for 20Vpk-pk output.
Input Impedance: Typically 1kΩ.
Hold
Holds an arbitrary waveform at its current position.
A TTL low level or switch closure causes the wave-
form to stop at the current position and wait until a
TTL high level or switch opening which allows the
waveform to continue. The front panel MAN HOLD
key or remote command may also be used to con-
trol the Hold function. While held the front panel
MAN TRIG key or remote command may be used
to return the waveform to the start. The Hold input
may be enabled independently for each channel.
Input Impedance: 10kΩ
Ref Clock In/Out
Set to Input: Input for an external 10MHz
reference clock. TTL/CMOS threshold level.
Set to Output: Buffered version of the
internal 10MHz clock. Output levels nominally
1V and 4V from 50Ω.
Set to Phase Lock: Used together with SYNC
OUT on a master and TRIG IN on a slave to syn-
chronise (phase lock) two separate generators.
INTER-CHANNEL OPERATION
Inter-channel Modulation:
The waveform from any channel may be used to
Amplitude Modulate (AM) or Suppressed Carrier
Modulate (SCM) the next channel. Alternatively
anynumberofchannelsmaybeModulated(AMor
SCM) with the signal at the MODULATION input
socket.
Carrier frequency: Entire range for selected
waveform.
Carrier waveforms: All standard and arbitrary
waveforms.
Modulation Types:
AM: Double sideband
with carrier.
SCM: Double sideband
suppressed carrier.
Modulation source:
Internal from the previous channel. External
from Modulation input socket. The external
modulation signal may be applied to any num-
ber of channels simultaneously.
Frequency Range: DC to >100 kHz.
Internal AM Depth: 0% to 105%.
Internal AM Resolution: 1%.
Carrier Suppression (SCM): > 40dB.
External Modulation Signal Range:
VCA: Approximately 1V pk-pk for 100% level
change at maximum output.
SCM: Approximately ± 1Vpk for max. output.
Inter-channel Analogue Summing:
WaveformSummingsumsthewaveformfromany
channel into the next channel.
Alternatively any number of channels may be
summed with the signal at the SUM input socket.
Carrier frequency:
Entire range for selected waveform.
Carrier waveforms:
All standard and arbitrary waveforms.
Sum source:
Internal from the previous channel. External
from SUM IN socket.
Frequency Range: DC to >8MHz.
Ext. Signal Range:
Approx. 5Vpk-pk input for 20Vpk-pk output.
Inter-channel Phase locking:
Two or more channels may be phase locked to-
gether. Each locked channel may be assigned a
phase angle relative to the other locked channels.
Arbitrary waveforms and waveform sequences
may be phase locked but certain constraints apply
to waveform lengths and clock frequency ratios.
With one channel assigned as the Master and
other channels as Slaves a frequency change on
the master will be repeated on each slave thus al-
lowing multiphase waveforms at the same fre-
quency to be easily generated. DDS waveforms
are those with 7 digits of frequency setting resolu-
tion, while Non-DDS waveforms have 4 digits.
Phase Resolution:
DDS waveforms: 0.1 degree
Non-DDS waveforms: 0.1 degree or 360 de-
grees/number of points whichever is the greater
Phase Error: <±10ns all waveforms.
The signals from the REF IN/OUT socket and the
SYNC OUT socket can be used to phase lock
two instruments where more than 4 channels are
required.
Inter-channel Triggering:
Any channel can be triggered by the previous or
next channel.
The previous/next connections can be used to
’daisy chain’ a trigger signal from a ‘start’ channel,
through a number of channels in the ‘chain’ to an
‘end’ channel. Each channel receives the trigger
out signal from the previous (or next) channel, and
drives its selected trigger out to the next (or previ-
ous) channel. The ‘end’ channel trigger out can be
setuptodrivethe‘start’channel,closingtheloop.
In this way, complex and versatile interchannel
trigger schemes may be set up. Each channel
can have its trigger out and its output waveform
set up independently. Trigger out may be se-
lected from Waveform End, Position Markers,
Sequence Sync or Burst Done.
Using the scheme above it is possible to create a
sequence of up to 64 waveform segments, each
channel producing up to 16 segments and all
channels being summed to produce the complete
waveform at the output of channel 4.
INTERFACES
Full remote control facilities are available through
the RS232 or GPIB interfaces.
RS232: Variable Baud rate, 9600
Baud maximum.
IEEE488: Conforms with IEEE488.1
and IEEE488.2
GENERAL
Software Included:
Windowsbased software for waveform cre-
ation, editing and management is supplied. For
further details see separate data sheet.
Display:
20 character x 4 row alphanumeric LCD.
Data Entry:
Keyboard selection of mode, waveform etc.;
value entry direct by numeric keys or by rotary
control.
Stored Settings:
Up to 9 complete instrument setups may be
stored and recalled from battery-backed mem-
ory. Up to 100 arbitrary waveforms can also be
stored independent of the instrument settings.
Size:
130mm (3U) height; 335mm long; width
350mm (TGA1242/1244), 212mm (TGA1241).
Weight:
7.2 kg. (16 lb), TGA1242/1244;
4.1kg (9lb) TGA1241.
Power:
230V, 115V or 100V nominal 50/60Hz, adjust-
able internally; operating range ±14% of nomi-
nal; 100VA max. for 4 channels, 75VA max. for
2 channel, 40VA max. for 1 channel. Installa-
tion Category II.
Operating Range: +5°C to 40°C, 20-80% RH.
Storage Range: -20°C to + 60°C.
Environmental: Indoor use at altitudes to
2000m, Pollution Degree 2.
Options: 19 inch rack mounting kit.
Safety: Complies with EN61010-1.
EMC: Complies with EN50081-1
and EN50082-1.
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
●
1, 2 or 4 waveform channels, independent or linked.
●
40MS/s 12-bit arbitrary waveform capability.
●
65,536 point waveform memory per channel.
●
Complex waveform sequencing and looping capability.
●
Waveform creation/editing tools built-in; sophisticated
external Windows based software included.
●
Inter-channel triggering, summing and phase control.
●
Multiple generators can be easily phase locked.
Generators designed
for changing technology
The expansion of electronics within every
engineering discipline is requiring today’s
engineers to generate ever more diverse
and complex signals.
The TGA1240 series of universal wave-
form generators has been designed to
meet that challenge.
Powerfularbitrary,functionand pulsegen-
eratorcapabilities arecombined withcom-
prehensive modulation modes and up to
four independent channels.
Single or multiple
channels
The TGA1240 series comprises three
models:
TGA1244 - Four channel waveform gen-
erator in 3U rack size case.
TGA1242-Twochannelwaveformgener-
ator in 3U rack size case.
TGA1241-Single channelwaveformgen-
erator in 3U half rack size case.
Each channel can be operated fully inde-
pendently, or multiple channels can be
linked using simple or complex relation-
ships.
Synthesised function
generator capabilities
Each channel can operate as a full DDS
function generator. High quality sine, co-
sine, haversine, havercosine and square
waves are available between 1mHz and
16MHz. Setting resolution is 7 digits or
1mHz.
Triangle, ramp and sine(x)/x waveforms are
available from 0.1mHz up to 100kHz.
Versatile pulse
generator capabilities
Eachchannelcangeneratenotjustpulses
but complex pulse trains.
A pattern of up to 10 pulses can be quickly
definedwitheachpulsehavingitsownam-
plitude, width and delay. The whole pulse
trainpatterncanthenbereplayedatauser
defined repetition rate.
Where variable
rise time pulses
are required,
the full arbitrary
function can be
used.
●
16MHz function generator capabilities using DDS.
●
Multiple ‘standard’ waveforms including sine, square,
triangle, haversine, ramp, pulse and sin(x)/x.
●
Pulse train pattern generation for up to 10 pulses.
●
Wide range sweep, AM, tone switching, signal summing.
●
Tone switching facilitates precision DTMF generation.
●
Built-in trigger generator, gated & triggered burst modes.
●
Fully interfaceable via RS-232 and GPIB (IEEE-488.2).
TGA1240 series universal waveform generators 40MS/s, 64K word, 12-bit arbitrary generators Comprehensive waveform modulation facilities
Arbitrary capability unmatched at this price
The TGA1240 series are highly sophisti-
cated 12-bit arbitrary generators capable
of recreating virtually any waveform.
True variable clock architecture is used
with clock speeds between 0.1Hz and
40MHz. Thisarchitecture avoidsthe clock
jitter associated with DDS arbitrary gener-
ators and permits waveform linking, loop-
ing and sequencing.
Waveforms may be defined with up to
4096 vertical points and from 4 to 65,536
horizontal points. Arbitrary waveforms
may be replayed at a specified waveform
frequency, period or sample rate.
multi-channel triggering, summing and phase control PC based waveform creation and editing
Up to 100 user-defined waveforms can be
storedwithintheinstrument’s256K ofnon-
volatile memory.
Linked-sequence operation
Up to sixteen arbitrary waveforms may be
linked in a sequence. Each waveform can
have a loop count of up to 32,768 and the
whole sequence can be run continuously
or repeated more than a million times.
For multi-channel models, waveforms on
different channels can be ‘daisy chained’
and looped.
By summing the
channel outputs,
up to 64 seg-
ments can be
used to create
highly complex
waveforms.
Easy waveform editing
Waveformcreationandeditingfeaturesare
incorporated within the instrument. These
include waveform insert, point edit, line
draw, amplitude adjust and invert.
Wide range sweep
All waveforms can be swept over their full
frequencyrangeataratevariablebetween
30 milliseconds and 15 minutes.
Sweep can be linear or logarithmic, single
or continuous. Single sweeps can be trig-
gered from the front panel, the trigger in-
put, or the digital interfaces.
Multiple channels can be swept simulta-
neously.
Amplitude modulation
Amplitude Modulation and Suppressed
Carrier Modulation are available for all
waveforms.
Any channel can be used to modulate an-
other channel.
Alternatively all
channels can
be modulated
simultaneously
via the modula-
tion input.
Built-in trigger generator
All waveforms are available as a triggered
burst whereby each trigger edge will pro-
duce one burst of the carrier. Start and
stop phase is fully variable.
Both Triggered and Gated modes can be
operated from the internal trigger genera-
tor, from an adjacent channel, an external
sourceorakeypressorremotecommand.
Thetrigger generator signal isavailable as
a separate output if required.
Tone switching
TheTGA1240seriescanprovidetriggered
switching between up to 16 frequencies of
standard or arbitrary waveforms.
Tone switching modes can be gated, trig-
gered or FSK using any trigger source.
By summing
two channels
together it is
possible to gen-
erate precise
DTMF test sig-
nals.
Eachgeneratorissupplied
complete with sophisti-
cated Windows based
software for the creation,
editing and management
of waveforms.
Thispowerfulsoftwarecan
be used to create arbitrary
waveforms from scratch
using drawing tools, equa-
tions or both together.
Real-world waveforms im-
ported from DSOs or other
sources can be modified
and combined with other
waveforms using editing
functions.
A library of ‘standard’ waveforms is in-
cluded which can be used as ‘elements’
when creating or modifying waveforms.
ApowerfulEquation Editorprovides anar-
ray of mathematical functions including
logarithmic and geometric operands.
Waveform creation and editing can make
use of drawing tools in combination with
equations, insertion and manipulation.
Multiple waveforms can be further com-
bined using mathematical operators to
create new waveforms.
Import from DSOs and
other instruments
TheWindowssoftware incorporatesdirect
support for uploading waveforms from
Tektronix digital oscilloscopes.
A driver for LabWindows CVI from Na-
tional Instruments is available which en-
ables imports from other equipment to be
achieved within the LabWindows environ-
ment.
Start and End points and data values can
be defined using the keypad or the rotary
control.
A wide range of standard waveforms is
available for insertion within an arbitrary
waveform. These include sine, triangle,
rampandsquare. Sectionsofexistingarbi-
trary waveforms can also be inserted.
For more sophisticated waveform editing,
Windows based software is provided (see
the next page for more detail).
Waveforms created on a PC can be down-
loaded to the instrument via the RS232 or
GPIB interfaces.
Multi-channel operation
(TGA1242 and 1244)
Multi-channel phase
locking
Any number of channels can be phase
lockedwithoffsets definedtoaresolutionof
0.1o(or 360o/waveform points for arbitrary
waveforms).
For applications
requiring more
than four chan-
nels, multiple
generators can
bephaselocked.
N.B.
The TGA1241 also has the facility for
phase locking to another generator.
Multi-channel Summing
Waveform Summing sums the waveform
from any channel into the next channel.
Alternativelyany
number of chan-
nels can be
summedwithan
external signal.
This permits
complex modu-
lations to be
created such as
noise superimposition.
Inter-channel triggering
and modulation
Because any channel can be triggered by
thepreviousornextchannel,waveformson
different channels can be ‘daisy chained’
and looped. By summing the channel out-
puts, up to 64 segments can be used (32
segments for TGA1242).
A channel can be used to AM modulate or
SCM modulate another channel.
Digital Modulation
Inter-channel
modulation and
summing allows
thesimulation of
various telecom
digital modula-
tion systems.
arbitrary, function and pulse, up to four channels
Arbitrary waveform
summed with noise
IQ Modulation signals
(Quadrature Amplitude Modulation)
Simple waveform sequence
Generated on a PC using the equation editor to
add 10% of 3rd harmonic, 5% of 5th harmonic,
and 2.5% of 7th harmonic.
Sinewave with
defined harmonic
distortion contain-
ing odd harmonics
only.
Simple tone switching
Fully programmable
via RS-232 or GPIB
TheTGA1240series incorporatesbothan
RS-232 interface and a GPIB (IEEE-488)
interface as standard.
These can be used for loading arbitrary
waveforms and for remote control of all in-
strument functions.
Fast and easy to use
All of the main information is clearly dis-
played on a backlit 80 character LCD.
Eight“soft”keysprovidefastdataediting.
On the 1242 and 1244, a Copy Channel
key enables similar setups to be created
across multiple channels with ease.
All parameters can be entered directly
from the numeric keypad. Alternatively
most parameters can be incremented or
decremented using the rotary control.
Generating more voltage
For applications requiring more than 20V
pk-pk emf, an external wideband amplifier
isavailable. TheWA301canprovideupto
30V pk-pk from 50Ω.
PSU stimulus
waveforms for test-
ing of automotive
components.
Windows based waveform editing
Amplitude modulation
Burst waveform
triggered from
pulse sequence on
adjacent channel.
Simulated cardiac
waveform and con-
trol pulses.
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
●
1, 2 or 4 waveform channels, independent or linked.
●
40MS/s 12-bit arbitrary waveform capability.
●
65,536 point waveform memory per channel.
●
Complex waveform sequencing and looping capability.
●
Waveform creation/editing tools built-in; sophisticated
external Windows based software included.
●
Inter-channel triggering, summing and phase control.
●
Multiple generators can be easily phase locked.
Generators designed
for changing technology
The expansion of electronics within every
engineering discipline is requiring today’s
engineers to generate ever more diverse
and complex signals.
The TGA1240 series of universal wave-
form generators has been designed to
meet that challenge.
Powerfularbitrary,functionand pulsegen-
eratorcapabilities arecombined withcom-
prehensive modulation modes and up to
four independent channels.
Single or multiple
channels
The TGA1240 series comprises three
models:
TGA1244 - Four channel waveform gen-
erator in 3U rack size case.
TGA1242-Twochannelwaveformgener-
ator in 3U rack size case.
TGA1241-Single channelwaveformgen-
erator in 3U half rack size case.
Each channel can be operated fully inde-
pendently, or multiple channels can be
linked using simple or complex relation-
ships.
Synthesised function
generator capabilities
Each channel can operate as a full DDS
function generator. High quality sine, co-
sine, haversine, havercosine and square
waves are available between 1mHz and
16MHz. Setting resolution is 7 digits or
1mHz.
Triangle, ramp and sine(x)/x waveforms are
available from 0.1mHz up to 100kHz.
Versatile pulse
generator capabilities
Eachchannelcangeneratenotjustpulses
but complex pulse trains.
A pattern of up to 10 pulses can be quickly
definedwitheachpulsehavingitsownam-
plitude, width and delay. The whole pulse
trainpatterncanthenbereplayedatauser
defined repetition rate.
Where variable
rise time pulses
are required,
the full arbitrary
function can be
used.
●
16MHz function generator capabilities using DDS.
●
Multiple ‘standard’ waveforms including sine, square,
triangle, haversine, ramp, pulse and sin(x)/x.
●
Pulse train pattern generation for up to 10 pulses.
●
Wide range sweep, AM, tone switching, signal summing.
●
Tone switching facilitates precision DTMF generation.
●
Built-in trigger generator, gated & triggered burst modes.
●
Fully interfaceable via RS-232 and GPIB (IEEE-488.2).
TGA1240 series universal waveform generators 40MS/s, 64K word, 12-bit arbitrary generators Comprehensive waveform modulation facilities
Arbitrary capability unmatched at this price
The TGA1240 series are highly sophisti-
cated 12-bit arbitrary generators capable
of recreating virtually any waveform.
True variable clock architecture is used
with clock speeds between 0.1Hz and
40MHz. Thisarchitecture avoidsthe clock
jitter associated with DDS arbitrary gener-
ators and permits waveform linking, loop-
ing and sequencing.
Waveforms may be defined with up to
4096 vertical points and from 4 to 65,536
horizontal points. Arbitrary waveforms
may be replayed at a specified waveform
frequency, period or sample rate.
multi-channel triggering, summing and phase control PC based waveform creation and editing
Up to 100 user-defined waveforms can be
storedwithintheinstrument’s256K ofnon-
volatile memory.
Linked-sequence operation
Up to sixteen arbitrary waveforms may be
linked in a sequence. Each waveform can
have a loop count of up to 32,768 and the
whole sequence can be run continuously
or repeated more than a million times.
For multi-channel models, waveforms on
different channels can be ‘daisy chained’
and looped.
By summing the
channel outputs,
up to 64 seg-
ments can be
used to create
highly complex
waveforms.
Easy waveform editing
Waveformcreationandeditingfeaturesare
incorporated within the instrument. These
include waveform insert, point edit, line
draw, amplitude adjust and invert.
Wide range sweep
All waveforms can be swept over their full
frequencyrangeataratevariablebetween
30 milliseconds and 15 minutes.
Sweep can be linear or logarithmic, single
or continuous. Single sweeps can be trig-
gered from the front panel, the trigger in-
put, or the digital interfaces.
Multiple channels can be swept simulta-
neously.
Amplitude modulation
Amplitude Modulation and Suppressed
Carrier Modulation are available for all
waveforms.
Any channel can be used to modulate an-
other channel.
Alternatively all
channels can
be modulated
simultaneously
via the modula-
tion input.
Built-in trigger generator
All waveforms are available as a triggered
burst whereby each trigger edge will pro-
duce one burst of the carrier. Start and
stop phase is fully variable.
Both Triggered and Gated modes can be
operated from the internal trigger genera-
tor, from an adjacent channel, an external
sourceorakeypressorremotecommand.
Thetrigger generator signal isavailable as
a separate output if required.
Tone switching
TheTGA1240seriescanprovidetriggered
switching between up to 16 frequencies of
standard or arbitrary waveforms.
Tone switching modes can be gated, trig-
gered or FSK using any trigger source.
By summing
two channels
together it is
possible to gen-
erate precise
DTMF test sig-
nals.
Eachgeneratorissupplied
complete with sophisti-
cated Windows based
software for the creation,
editing and management
of waveforms.
Thispowerfulsoftwarecan
be used to create arbitrary
waveforms from scratch
using drawing tools, equa-
tions or both together.
Real-world waveforms im-
ported from DSOs or other
sources can be modified
and combined with other
waveforms using editing
functions.
A library of ‘standard’ waveforms is in-
cluded which can be used as ‘elements’
when creating or modifying waveforms.
ApowerfulEquation Editorprovides anar-
ray of mathematical functions including
logarithmic and geometric operands.
Waveform creation and editing can make
use of drawing tools in combination with
equations, insertion and manipulation.
Multiple waveforms can be further com-
bined using mathematical operators to
create new waveforms.
Import from DSOs and
other instruments
TheWindowssoftware incorporatesdirect
support for uploading waveforms from
Tektronix digital oscilloscopes.
A driver for LabWindows CVI from Na-
tional Instruments is available which en-
ables imports from other equipment to be
achieved within the LabWindows environ-
ment.
Start and End points and data values can
be defined using the keypad or the rotary
control.
A wide range of standard waveforms is
available for insertion within an arbitrary
waveform. These include sine, triangle,
rampandsquare. Sectionsofexistingarbi-
trary waveforms can also be inserted.
For more sophisticated waveform editing,
Windows based software is provided (see
the next page for more detail).
Waveforms created on a PC can be down-
loaded to the instrument via the RS232 or
GPIB interfaces.
Multi-channel operation
(TGA1242 and 1244)
Multi-channel phase
locking
Any number of channels can be phase
lockedwithoffsets definedtoaresolutionof
0.1o(or 360o/waveform points for arbitrary
waveforms).
For applications
requiring more
than four chan-
nels, multiple
generators can
bephaselocked.
N.B.
The TGA1241 also has the facility for
phase locking to another generator.
Multi-channel Summing
Waveform Summing sums the waveform
from any channel into the next channel.
Alternativelyany
number of chan-
nels can be
summedwithan
external signal.
This permits
complex modu-
lations to be
created such as
noise superimposition.
Inter-channel triggering
and modulation
Because any channel can be triggered by
thepreviousornextchannel,waveformson
different channels can be ‘daisy chained’
and looped. By summing the channel out-
puts, up to 64 segments can be used (32
segments for TGA1242).
A channel can be used to AM modulate or
SCM modulate another channel.
Digital Modulation
Inter-channel
modulation and
summing allows
thesimulation of
various telecom
digital modula-
tion systems.
arbitrary, function and pulse, up to four channels
Arbitrary waveform
summed with noise
IQ Modulation signals
(Quadrature Amplitude Modulation)
Simple waveform sequence
Generated on a PC using the equation editor to
add 10% of 3rd harmonic, 5% of 5th harmonic,
and 2.5% of 7th harmonic.
Sinewave with
defined harmonic
distortion contain-
ing odd harmonics
only.
Simple tone switching
Fully programmable
via RS-232 or GPIB
TheTGA1240series incorporatesbothan
RS-232 interface and a GPIB (IEEE-488)
interface as standard.
These can be used for loading arbitrary
waveforms and for remote control of all in-
strument functions.
Fast and easy to use
All of the main information is clearly dis-
played on a backlit 80 character LCD.
Eight“soft”keysprovidefastdataediting.
On the 1242 and 1244, a Copy Channel
key enables similar setups to be created
across multiple channels with ease.
All parameters can be entered directly
from the numeric keypad. Alternatively
most parameters can be incremented or
decremented using the rotary control.
Generating more voltage
For applications requiring more than 20V
pk-pk emf, an external wideband amplifier
isavailable. TheWA301canprovideupto
30V pk-pk from 50Ω.
PSU stimulus
waveforms for test-
ing of automotive
components.
Windows based waveform editing
Amplitude modulation
Burst waveform
triggered from
pulse sequence on
adjacent channel.
Simulated cardiac
waveform and con-
trol pulses.
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
●
1, 2 or 4 waveform channels, independent or linked.
●
40MS/s 12-bit arbitrary waveform capability.
●
65,536 point waveform memory per channel.
●
Complex waveform sequencing and looping capability.
●
Waveform creation/editing tools built-in; sophisticated
external Windows based software included.
●
Inter-channel triggering, summing and phase control.
●
Multiple generators can be easily phase locked.
Generators designed
for changing technology
The expansion of electronics within every
engineering discipline is requiring today’s
engineers to generate ever more diverse
and complex signals.
The TGA1240 series of universal wave-
form generators has been designed to
meet that challenge.
Powerfularbitrary,functionand pulsegen-
eratorcapabilities arecombined withcom-
prehensive modulation modes and up to
four independent channels.
Single or multiple
channels
The TGA1240 series comprises three
models:
TGA1244 - Four channel waveform gen-
erator in 3U rack size case.
TGA1242-Twochannelwaveformgener-
ator in 3U rack size case.
TGA1241-Single channelwaveformgen-
erator in 3U half rack size case.
Each channel can be operated fully inde-
pendently, or multiple channels can be
linked using simple or complex relation-
ships.
Synthesised function
generator capabilities
Each channel can operate as a full DDS
function generator. High quality sine, co-
sine, haversine, havercosine and square
waves are available between 1mHz and
16MHz. Setting resolution is 7 digits or
1mHz.
Triangle, ramp and sine(x)/x waveforms are
available from 0.1mHz up to 100kHz.
Versatile pulse
generator capabilities
Eachchannelcangeneratenotjustpulses
but complex pulse trains.
A pattern of up to 10 pulses can be quickly
definedwitheachpulsehavingitsownam-
plitude, width and delay. The whole pulse
trainpatterncanthenbereplayedatauser
defined repetition rate.
Where variable
rise time pulses
are required,
the full arbitrary
function can be
used.
●
16MHz function generator capabilities using DDS.
●
Multiple ‘standard’ waveforms including sine, square,
triangle, haversine, ramp, pulse and sin(x)/x.
●
Pulse train pattern generation for up to 10 pulses.
●
Wide range sweep, AM, tone switching, signal summing.
●
Tone switching facilitates precision DTMF generation.
●
Built-in trigger generator, gated & triggered burst modes.
●
Fully interfaceable via RS-232 and GPIB (IEEE-488.2).
TGA1240 series universal waveform generators 40MS/s, 64K word, 12-bit arbitrary generators Comprehensive waveform modulation facilities
Arbitrary capability unmatched at this price
The TGA1240 series are highly sophisti-
cated 12-bit arbitrary generators capable
of recreating virtually any waveform.
True variable clock architecture is used
with clock speeds between 0.1Hz and
40MHz. Thisarchitecture avoidsthe clock
jitter associated with DDS arbitrary gener-
ators and permits waveform linking, loop-
ing and sequencing.
Waveforms may be defined with up to
4096 vertical points and from 4 to 65,536
horizontal points. Arbitrary waveforms
may be replayed at a specified waveform
frequency, period or sample rate.
multi-channel triggering, summing and phase control PC based waveform creation and editing
Up to 100 user-defined waveforms can be
storedwithintheinstrument’s256K ofnon-
volatile memory.
Linked-sequence operation
Up to sixteen arbitrary waveforms may be
linked in a sequence. Each waveform can
have a loop count of up to 32,768 and the
whole sequence can be run continuously
or repeated more than a million times.
For multi-channel models, waveforms on
different channels can be ‘daisy chained’
and looped.
By summing the
channel outputs,
up to 64 seg-
ments can be
used to create
highly complex
waveforms.
Easy waveform editing
Waveformcreationandeditingfeaturesare
incorporated within the instrument. These
include waveform insert, point edit, line
draw, amplitude adjust and invert.
Wide range sweep
All waveforms can be swept over their full
frequencyrangeataratevariablebetween
30 milliseconds and 15 minutes.
Sweep can be linear or logarithmic, single
or continuous. Single sweeps can be trig-
gered from the front panel, the trigger in-
put, or the digital interfaces.
Multiple channels can be swept simulta-
neously.
Amplitude modulation
Amplitude Modulation and Suppressed
Carrier Modulation are available for all
waveforms.
Any channel can be used to modulate an-
other channel.
Alternatively all
channels can
be modulated
simultaneously
via the modula-
tion input.
Built-in trigger generator
All waveforms are available as a triggered
burst whereby each trigger edge will pro-
duce one burst of the carrier. Start and
stop phase is fully variable.
Both Triggered and Gated modes can be
operated from the internal trigger genera-
tor, from an adjacent channel, an external
sourceorakeypressorremotecommand.
Thetrigger generator signal isavailable as
a separate output if required.
Tone switching
TheTGA1240seriescanprovidetriggered
switching between up to 16 frequencies of
standard or arbitrary waveforms.
Tone switching modes can be gated, trig-
gered or FSK using any trigger source.
By summing
two channels
together it is
possible to gen-
erate precise
DTMF test sig-
nals.
Eachgeneratorissupplied
complete with sophisti-
cated Windows based
software for the creation,
editing and management
of waveforms.
Thispowerfulsoftwarecan
be used to create arbitrary
waveforms from scratch
using drawing tools, equa-
tions or both together.
Real-world waveforms im-
ported from DSOs or other
sources can be modified
and combined with other
waveforms using editing
functions.
A library of ‘standard’ waveforms is in-
cluded which can be used as ‘elements’
when creating or modifying waveforms.
ApowerfulEquation Editorprovides anar-
ray of mathematical functions including
logarithmic and geometric operands.
Waveform creation and editing can make
use of drawing tools in combination with
equations, insertion and manipulation.
Multiple waveforms can be further com-
bined using mathematical operators to
create new waveforms.
Import from DSOs and
other instruments
TheWindowssoftware incorporatesdirect
support for uploading waveforms from
Tektronix digital oscilloscopes.
A driver for LabWindows CVI from Na-
tional Instruments is available which en-
ables imports from other equipment to be
achieved within the LabWindows environ-
ment.
Start and End points and data values can
be defined using the keypad or the rotary
control.
A wide range of standard waveforms is
available for insertion within an arbitrary
waveform. These include sine, triangle,
rampandsquare. Sectionsofexistingarbi-
trary waveforms can also be inserted.
For more sophisticated waveform editing,
Windows based software is provided (see
the next page for more detail).
Waveforms created on a PC can be down-
loaded to the instrument via the RS232 or
GPIB interfaces.
Multi-channel operation
(TGA1242 and 1244)
Multi-channel phase
locking
Any number of channels can be phase
lockedwithoffsets definedtoaresolutionof
0.1o(or 360o/waveform points for arbitrary
waveforms).
For applications
requiring more
than four chan-
nels, multiple
generators can
bephaselocked.
N.B.
The TGA1241 also has the facility for
phase locking to another generator.
Multi-channel Summing
Waveform Summing sums the waveform
from any channel into the next channel.
Alternativelyany
number of chan-
nels can be
summedwithan
external signal.
This permits
complex modu-
lations to be
created such as
noise superimposition.
Inter-channel triggering
and modulation
Because any channel can be triggered by
thepreviousornextchannel,waveformson
different channels can be ‘daisy chained’
and looped. By summing the channel out-
puts, up to 64 segments can be used (32
segments for TGA1242).
A channel can be used to AM modulate or
SCM modulate another channel.
Digital Modulation
Inter-channel
modulation and
summing allows
thesimulation of
various telecom
digital modula-
tion systems.
arbitrary, function and pulse, up to four channels
Arbitrary waveform
summed with noise
IQ Modulation signals
(Quadrature Amplitude Modulation)
Simple waveform sequence
Generated on a PC using the equation editor to
add 10% of 3rd harmonic, 5% of 5th harmonic,
and 2.5% of 7th harmonic.
Sinewave with
defined harmonic
distortion contain-
ing odd harmonics
only.
Simple tone switching
Fully programmable
via RS-232 or GPIB
TheTGA1240series incorporatesbothan
RS-232 interface and a GPIB (IEEE-488)
interface as standard.
These can be used for loading arbitrary
waveforms and for remote control of all in-
strument functions.
Fast and easy to use
All of the main information is clearly dis-
played on a backlit 80 character LCD.
Eight“soft”keysprovidefastdataediting.
On the 1242 and 1244, a Copy Channel
key enables similar setups to be created
across multiple channels with ease.
All parameters can be entered directly
from the numeric keypad. Alternatively
most parameters can be incremented or
decremented using the rotary control.
Generating more voltage
For applications requiring more than 20V
pk-pk emf, an external wideband amplifier
isavailable. TheWA301canprovideupto
30V pk-pk from 50Ω.
PSU stimulus
waveforms for test-
ing of automotive
components.
Windows based waveform editing
Amplitude modulation
Burst waveform
triggered from
pulse sequence on
adjacent channel.
Simulated cardiac
waveform and con-
trol pulses.
Technical Specifications continued
Designed and built in the U.K. by:
82100-1030
Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd.
Glebe Road, Huntingdon. Cambs. PE29 7DX England
Tel: 01480 412451 Fax: 01480 450409
Web: www.tti-test.com Email: sales@ttinst.co.uk
THURLBY THANDAR INSTRUMENTS
TGA1240 Series
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Multi-channel Universal Waveform Generators
Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd. operates a policy
of continuous development and reserves the right to
alter specifications without prior notice.
One, two or four independent or inter-linked channels
40MS/s, 12-bit, 64K words per channel
Technical Specifications
Specifications apply at 18-28
o
C after 30 minutes
warm-up, at maximum output into 50
W
ARBITRARY WAVEFORMS
Arbitrary
Maximum waveform size is 65,536 points, mini-
mumwaveformsizeis4points. Upto100userde-
fined waveforms may be stored in the 256K point
nonvolatile RAM. Waveforms can be defined by
front panel editing controls or by downloading of
waveform data via RS232 or GPIB.
Waveform Memory: 64k points per channel.
Vertical Resolution: 12 bits
Sample Clock: 100mHz to 40MHz
Resolution: 4 digits
Accuracy: ± 1 digit of setting
Sequence
Up to 16 waveforms may be linked. Each wave-
form can have a loop count of up to 32,768. A
sequence of waveforms can be looped up to
1,048,575 times or run continuously.
Output Filter
Selectable between 16MHz Elliptic, 10MHz Ellip-
tic, 10MHz Bessel or None.
STANDARD WAVEFORMS
Sine,square,triangle, DC,positiveramp, negative
ramp, sin(x)/x, pulse, pulse train, cosine,
haversine and havercosine.
All Waveforms
Accuracy: 10 ppm for 1 year
Temp. Stability: Typically <1 ppm/ºC.
Output Level: 2.5mV to 10Vpp into 50Ω
Sine, Cosine, Haversine, Havercosine
Range: 0·1mHz to 16 MHz
Resolution: 0·1mHz or 7 digits
Harmonic Distortion: <0.1% THD to 100kHz;
<–65dBc to 20kHz,
<–50dBc to 1MHz,
<-35dBc to 10MHz
<-30dBc to 16MHz
Nonharmonic Spurii: <–65dBc to 1MHz,
<–65dBc + 6dB/octave
1MHz to 16MHz
Square
Range: 1mHz to 16MHz
Resolution: 1mHz (4 digits)
Accuracy: ± 1 digit of setting
Rise/Fall Times: <25ns
Pulse and Pulse Train
Rise/Fall Times: <25ns
Period Range: 100ns to 100s
Period Resolution: 4digit
Accuracy: ±1 digit of setting
Delay Range: -99·99s to + 99·99s
Delay Resolution: 0·002% of period or 25ns,
whichever is greater
Width Range: 25ns to 99·99s
Width Resolution: 0·002% of period or 25ns,
whichever is greater
Notethat thepulse widthand absolutevalue ofthe
delaymaynotexceedthepulseperiodatanytime.
Pulse trains of up to 10 pulses may be specified,
each pulse having independently defined width,
delayandlevel.Thebaselinevoltageisseparately
defined and the sequence repetition rate is set by
the pulse train period.
Triangle
Range: 0.1mHz to 100kHz
Resolution: 0.1mHz or 7 digits
Linearity Error: <0.1% to 30 kHz
Ramps and Sin(x)/x
Range: 0.1mHz to 100kHz
Resolution: 0.1mHz (7 digits)
Linearity Error: <0.1% to 30 kHz
OPERATING MODES
Continuous
Waveform runs continuously.
Triggered Burst
Each active edge of the trigger signal will produce
one burst of the waveform.
Carrier Waveforms: All standard and arbitrary
Max. Carrier Frequency:
40Msamples/s for ARB and Sequence. 1MHz
or the maximum for the selected waveform.
Number of Cycles: 1 to 1,048,575
Trigger Repetition: 0.005Hz to 100kHz internal
dc to 1MHz external.
Trigger Signal Source:
Internal from keyboard, previous channel, next
channel or trigger generator. External from
TRIG IN or remote interface.
Trigger Start/Stop Phase:
± 360osettable with 0.1oresolution, subject to
waveform frequency and type.
Gated
Waveformwillrun while the Gatesignalis true and
stop while false.
Carrier Waveforms: All standard and arbitrary.
Max. Carrier Frequency:
40Msamples/s for ARB and Sequence. 1MHz
or the maximum for the selected waveform.
Number of Cycles: 1 to 1,048,575
Trigger Repetition: 0.005Hz to 100kHz internal
dc to 1MHz external.
Gate Signal Source:
Internal from keyboard, previous channel, next
channel or trigger generator. External from
TRIG IN or remote interface.
Gate Start/Stop Phase:
± 360osettable with 0.1oresolution, subject to
waveform frequency and type.
Sweep
Frequency sweep capability is provided for both
standardandarbitrarywaveforms. Arbitrary wave-
forms are expanded or condensed to exactly 4096
points and DDS techniques are used to perform
the sweep.
Carrier Waveforms: All standard and arbitrary
except pulse, pulse train and sequence.
Sweep Mode:
Linear or logarithmic, triggered or continuous.
Sweep Direction:
Up, down, up/down or down/up.
Sweep Range:
From 1mHz to 16 MHz in one range. Phase
continuous. Independent setting of the start and
stop frequency.
Sweep Time: 30ms to 999s .
Marker: Variable during sweep.
Sweep Trigger Source:
The sweep may be free run or triggered from
the following sources: Manually from keyboard.
Externally from TRIG IN input or remote inter-
face.
Sweep Hold: Sweep can be held and
restarted by the HOLD key.
Multi Channel Sweep
Any number of channels may be swept simulta-
neously but the sweep parameters will be the
same for all channels. Amplitude, Offset and
Waveform can be set independently for each
channel.
Tone Switching
Capability provided for both standard and arbitrary
waveforms. Arbitrary waveforms are expanded or
condensed to exactly 4096 points and DDS tech-
niques are used to allow instantaneous frequency
switching.
Carrier Waveforms:
All except pulse, pulse train and sequence.
Frequency List:
Up to 16 frequencies from 1mHz to 10MHz.
Trigger Repetition Rate:
0.005Hz to 100kHz internal. dc to 1MHz exter-
nal. Usable repetition rate and waveform fre-
quency depend on the tone switching mode.
Source:
Internal from keyboard, previous channel, next
channel or trigger generator. External from
TRIG IN or remote interface.
Tone Switching Modes:
Gated: The tone is output while the trigger sig-
nal is true and stopped, at the end of the current
waveform cycle, while the trigger signal is false.
The next tone is output when the trigger signal
is true again.
Triggered: The tone is output when the trigger
signal goes true and the next tone is output, at
the end of the current waveform cycle, when the
trigger signal goes true again.
FSK: The tone is output when the trigger signal
goes true and the next tone is output, immedi-
ately, when the trigger signal goes true again.
Using 2 channels with their outputs summed to-
gether it is possible to generate DTMF test sig-
nals.
Trigger Generator
Internal source 0.005 Hz to 100kHz square wave
adjustable in 10us steps. 3 digit resolution. Avail-
ableforexternalusefromanySYNCOUTsocket.
OUTPUTS
Main Output - One for each channel
Output Impedance: 50Ω
Amplitude:
5mV to 20Vpp open circuit (2.5mV to 10Vpp
into 50Ω). Amplitude can be specified open cir-
cuit (hi Z) or into an assumed load of 50Ωor
600Ωin Vpkpk, Vrms or dBm.
Amplitude Accuracy: 2% ±1mV at 1kHz into 50Ω.
Amplitude Flatness: ±0.2dB to 200 kHz; ±1dB to
10 MHz; ±2.5dB to 16MHz.
DC Offset Range: ±10V from 50Ω. Offset plus
signal peak limited to ±10V.
DC Offset Accuracy: Typically 3% ±10mV,
unattenuated.
Resolution: 3 digits or 1mV for both
Amplitude and DC Offset.
Sync Out - One for each channel
Multifunction output user definable or automati-
cally selected to be any of the following:
Waveform Sync (all waveforms):
A square wave with 50% duty cycle at the main
waveform frequency, or a pulse coincident with
the first few points of an arbitrary waveform.
Position Markers (Arbitrary only):
Any point(s) on the waveform may have associ-
ated marker bit(s) set high or low.
Burst Done:
Produces a pulse coincident with the last cycle
of a burst.
Sequence Sync:
Produces a pulse coincident with the end of a
waveform sequence.
Trigger:
Selects the current trigger signal. Useful for syn-
chronizing burst or gated signals.
Sweep Sync:
Outputs a pulse at the start of sweep to synchro-
nize an oscilloscope or recorder.
Phase Lock Out:
Used to phase lock two generators. Produces a
positive edge at the 0° phase point.
Output Signal Level:
TTL/CMOS logic levels from typically 50Ω.
Cursor/Marker Out
Adjustable output pulse for use as a marker in
sweep mode or as a cursor in arbitrary waveform
editingmode.CanbeusedtomodulatetheZaxisof
anoscilloscope orbedisplayedonasecond‘scope
channel.
Output Signal Level:
Adjustable from nominally 2V to 14V, normal or
inverted; adjustable width as a cursor.
Output Impedance: 600Ωtypical
INPUTS
Trig In
Frequency Range: DC to 1MHz.
Signal Range: Threshold nominally TTL
level; maximum input ±10V.
Min. Pulse Width: 50ns, for Trigger/Gate;
50us for Sweep mode.
Polarity: Selectable as high/rising
edge or low/falling edge.
Input Impedance: 10kΩ
Modulation In
Frequency Range: DC to 100kHz.
VCA Signal Range: Approximately 1V pkpk for
100% level change at maximum output.
SCM Signal Range: Approximately ± 1Vpk for
maximum output.
Input Impedance: Typically 1 kΩ.
Sum In
Frequency Range: DC to 8MHz.
Signal Range: Approximately 2 Vpk-pk
input for 20Vpk-pk output.
Input Impedance: Typically 1kΩ.
Hold
Holds an arbitrary waveform at its current position.
A TTL low level or switch closure causes the wave-
form to stop at the current position and wait until a
TTL high level or switch opening which allows the
waveform to continue. The front panel MAN HOLD
key or remote command may also be used to con-
trol the Hold function. While held the front panel
MAN TRIG key or remote command may be used
to return the waveform to the start. The Hold input
may be enabled independently for each channel.
Input Impedance: 10kΩ
Ref Clock In/Out
Set to Input: Input for an external 10MHz
reference clock. TTL/CMOS threshold level.
Set to Output: Buffered version of the
internal 10MHz clock. Output levels nominally
1V and 4V from 50Ω.
Set to Phase Lock: Used together with SYNC
OUT on a master and TRIG IN on a slave to syn-
chronise (phase lock) two separate generators.
INTER-CHANNEL OPERATION
Inter-channel Modulation:
The waveform from any channel may be used to
Amplitude Modulate (AM) or Suppressed Carrier
Modulate (SCM) the next channel. Alternatively
anynumberofchannelsmaybeModulated(AMor
SCM) with the signal at the MODULATION input
socket.
Carrier frequency: Entire range for selected
waveform.
Carrier waveforms: All standard and arbitrary
waveforms.
Modulation Types:
AM: Double sideband
with carrier.
SCM: Double sideband
suppressed carrier.
Modulation source:
Internal from the previous channel. External
from Modulation input socket. The external
modulation signal may be applied to any num-
ber of channels simultaneously.
Frequency Range: DC to >100 kHz.
Internal AM Depth: 0% to 105%.
Internal AM Resolution: 1%.
Carrier Suppression (SCM): > 40dB.
External Modulation Signal Range:
VCA: Approximately 1V pk-pk for 100% level
change at maximum output.
SCM: Approximately ± 1Vpk for max. output.
Inter-channel Analogue Summing:
WaveformSummingsumsthewaveformfromany
channel into the next channel.
Alternatively any number of channels may be
summed with the signal at the SUM input socket.
Carrier frequency:
Entire range for selected waveform.
Carrier waveforms:
All standard and arbitrary waveforms.
Sum source:
Internal from the previous channel. External
from SUM IN socket.
Frequency Range: DC to >8MHz.
Ext. Signal Range:
Approx. 5Vpk-pk input for 20Vpk-pk output.
Inter-channel Phase locking:
Two or more channels may be phase locked to-
gether. Each locked channel may be assigned a
phase angle relative to the other locked channels.
Arbitrary waveforms and waveform sequences
may be phase locked but certain constraints apply
to waveform lengths and clock frequency ratios.
With one channel assigned as the Master and
other channels as Slaves a frequency change on
the master will be repeated on each slave thus al-
lowing multiphase waveforms at the same fre-
quency to be easily generated. DDS waveforms
are those with 7 digits of frequency setting resolu-
tion, while Non-DDS waveforms have 4 digits.
Phase Resolution:
DDS waveforms: 0.1 degree
Non-DDS waveforms: 0.1 degree or 360 de-
grees/number of points whichever is the greater
Phase Error: <±10ns all waveforms.
The signals from the REF IN/OUT socket and the
SYNC OUT socket can be used to phase lock
two instruments where more than 4 channels are
required.
Inter-channel Triggering:
Any channel can be triggered by the previous or
next channel.
The previous/next connections can be used to
’daisy chain’ a trigger signal from a ‘start’ channel,
through a number of channels in the ‘chain’ to an
‘end’ channel. Each channel receives the trigger
out signal from the previous (or next) channel, and
drives its selected trigger out to the next (or previ-
ous) channel. The ‘end’ channel trigger out can be
setuptodrivethe‘start’channel,closingtheloop.
In this way, complex and versatile interchannel
trigger schemes may be set up. Each channel
can have its trigger out and its output waveform
set up independently. Trigger out may be se-
lected from Waveform End, Position Markers,
Sequence Sync or Burst Done.
Using the scheme above it is possible to create a
sequence of up to 64 waveform segments, each
channel producing up to 16 segments and all
channels being summed to produce the complete
waveform at the output of channel 4.
INTERFACES
Full remote control facilities are available through
the RS232 or GPIB interfaces.
RS232: Variable Baud rate, 9600
Baud maximum.
IEEE488: Conforms with IEEE488.1
and IEEE488.2
GENERAL
Software Included:
Windowsbased software for waveform cre-
ation, editing and management is supplied. For
further details see separate data sheet.
Display:
20 character x 4 row alphanumeric LCD.
Data Entry:
Keyboard selection of mode, waveform etc.;
value entry direct by numeric keys or by rotary
control.
Stored Settings:
Up to 9 complete instrument setups may be
stored and recalled from battery-backed mem-
ory. Up to 100 arbitrary waveforms can also be
stored independent of the instrument settings.
Size:
130mm (3U) height; 335mm long; width
350mm (TGA1242/1244), 212mm (TGA1241).
Weight:
7.2 kg. (16 lb), TGA1242/1244;
4.1kg (9lb) TGA1241.
Power:
230V, 115V or 100V nominal 50/60Hz, adjust-
able internally; operating range ±14% of nomi-
nal; 100VA max. for 4 channels, 75VA max. for
2 channel, 40VA max. for 1 channel. Installa-
tion Category II.
Operating Range: +5°C to 40°C, 20-80% RH.
Storage Range: -20°C to + 60°C.
Environmental: Indoor use at altitudes to
2000m, Pollution Degree 2.
Options: 19 inch rack mounting kit.
Safety: Complies with EN61010-1.
EMC: Complies with EN50081-1
and EN50082-1.
Technical Specifications continued
Designed and built in the U.K. by:
82100-1030
Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd.
Glebe Road, Huntingdon. Cambs. PE29 7DX England
Tel: 01480 412451 Fax: 01480 450409
Web: www.tti-test.com Email: sales@ttinst.co.uk
THURLBY THANDAR INSTRUMENTS
TGA1240 Series
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Multi-channel Universal Waveform Generators
Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd. operates a policy
of continuous development and reserves the right to
alter specifications without prior notice.
One, two or four independent or inter-linked channels
40MS/s, 12-bit, 64K words per channel
Technical Specifications
Specifications apply at 18-28
o
C after 30 minutes
warm-up, at maximum output into 50
W
ARBITRARY WAVEFORMS
Arbitrary
Maximum waveform size is 65,536 points, mini-
mumwaveformsizeis4points. Upto100userde-
fined waveforms may be stored in the 256K point
nonvolatile RAM. Waveforms can be defined by
front panel editing controls or by downloading of
waveform data via RS232 or GPIB.
Waveform Memory: 64k points per channel.
Vertical Resolution: 12 bits
Sample Clock: 100mHz to 40MHz
Resolution: 4 digits
Accuracy: ± 1 digit of setting
Sequence
Up to 16 waveforms may be linked. Each wave-
form can have a loop count of up to 32,768. A
sequence of waveforms can be looped up to
1,048,575 times or run continuously.
Output Filter
Selectable between 16MHz Elliptic, 10MHz Ellip-
tic, 10MHz Bessel or None.
STANDARD WAVEFORMS
Sine,square,triangle, DC,positiveramp, negative
ramp, sin(x)/x, pulse, pulse train, cosine,
haversine and havercosine.
All Waveforms
Accuracy: 10 ppm for 1 year
Temp. Stability: Typically <1 ppm/ºC.
Output Level: 2.5mV to 10Vpp into 50Ω
Sine, Cosine, Haversine, Havercosine
Range: 0·1mHz to 16 MHz
Resolution: 0·1mHz or 7 digits
Harmonic Distortion: <0.1% THD to 100kHz;
<–65dBc to 20kHz,
<–50dBc to 1MHz,
<-35dBc to 10MHz
<-30dBc to 16MHz
Nonharmonic Spurii: <–65dBc to 1MHz,
<–65dBc + 6dB/octave
1MHz to 16MHz
Square
Range: 1mHz to 16MHz
Resolution: 1mHz (4 digits)
Accuracy: ± 1 digit of setting
Rise/Fall Times: <25ns
Pulse and Pulse Train
Rise/Fall Times: <25ns
Period Range: 100ns to 100s
Period Resolution: 4digit
Accuracy: ±1 digit of setting
Delay Range: -99·99s to + 99·99s
Delay Resolution: 0·002% of period or 25ns,
whichever is greater
Width Range: 25ns to 99·99s
Width Resolution: 0·002% of period or 25ns,
whichever is greater
Notethat thepulse widthand absolutevalue ofthe
delaymaynotexceedthepulseperiodatanytime.
Pulse trains of up to 10 pulses may be specified,
each pulse having independently defined width,
delayandlevel.Thebaselinevoltageisseparately
defined and the sequence repetition rate is set by
the pulse train period.
Triangle
Range: 0.1mHz to 100kHz
Resolution: 0.1mHz or 7 digits
Linearity Error: <0.1% to 30 kHz
Ramps and Sin(x)/x
Range: 0.1mHz to 100kHz
Resolution: 0.1mHz (7 digits)
Linearity Error: <0.1% to 30 kHz
OPERATING MODES
Continuous
Waveform runs continuously.
Triggered Burst
Each active edge of the trigger signal will produce
one burst of the waveform.
Carrier Waveforms: All standard and arbitrary
Max. Carrier Frequency:
40Msamples/s for ARB and Sequence. 1MHz
or the maximum for the selected waveform.
Number of Cycles: 1 to 1,048,575
Trigger Repetition: 0.005Hz to 100kHz internal
dc to 1MHz external.
Trigger Signal Source:
Internal from keyboard, previous channel, next
channel or trigger generator. External from
TRIG IN or remote interface.
Trigger Start/Stop Phase:
± 360osettable with 0.1oresolution, subject to
waveform frequency and type.
Gated
Waveformwillrun while the Gatesignalis true and
stop while false.
Carrier Waveforms: All standard and arbitrary.
Max. Carrier Frequency:
40Msamples/s for ARB and Sequence. 1MHz
or the maximum for the selected waveform.
Number of Cycles: 1 to 1,048,575
Trigger Repetition: 0.005Hz to 100kHz internal
dc to 1MHz external.
Gate Signal Source:
Internal from keyboard, previous channel, next
channel or trigger generator. External from
TRIG IN or remote interface.
Gate Start/Stop Phase:
± 360osettable with 0.1oresolution, subject to
waveform frequency and type.
Sweep
Frequency sweep capability is provided for both
standardandarbitrarywaveforms. Arbitrary wave-
forms are expanded or condensed to exactly 4096
points and DDS techniques are used to perform
the sweep.
Carrier Waveforms: All standard and arbitrary
except pulse, pulse train and sequence.
Sweep Mode:
Linear or logarithmic, triggered or continuous.
Sweep Direction:
Up, down, up/down or down/up.
Sweep Range:
From 1mHz to 16 MHz in one range. Phase
continuous. Independent setting of the start and
stop frequency.
Sweep Time: 30ms to 999s .
Marker: Variable during sweep.
Sweep Trigger Source:
The sweep may be free run or triggered from
the following sources: Manually from keyboard.
Externally from TRIG IN input or remote inter-
face.
Sweep Hold: Sweep can be held and
restarted by the HOLD key.
Multi Channel Sweep
Any number of channels may be swept simulta-
neously but the sweep parameters will be the
same for all channels. Amplitude, Offset and
Waveform can be set independently for each
channel.
Tone Switching
Capability provided for both standard and arbitrary
waveforms. Arbitrary waveforms are expanded or
condensed to exactly 4096 points and DDS tech-
niques are used to allow instantaneous frequency
switching.
Carrier Waveforms:
All except pulse, pulse train and sequence.
Frequency List:
Up to 16 frequencies from 1mHz to 10MHz.
Trigger Repetition Rate:
0.005Hz to 100kHz internal. dc to 1MHz exter-
nal. Usable repetition rate and waveform fre-
quency depend on the tone switching mode.
Source:
Internal from keyboard, previous channel, next
channel or trigger generator. External from
TRIG IN or remote interface.
Tone Switching Modes:
Gated: The tone is output while the trigger sig-
nal is true and stopped, at the end of the current
waveform cycle, while the trigger signal is false.
The next tone is output when the trigger signal
is true again.
Triggered: The tone is output when the trigger
signal goes true and the next tone is output, at
the end of the current waveform cycle, when the
trigger signal goes true again.
FSK: The tone is output when the trigger signal
goes true and the next tone is output, immedi-
ately, when the trigger signal goes true again.
Using 2 channels with their outputs summed to-
gether it is possible to generate DTMF test sig-
nals.
Trigger Generator
Internal source 0.005 Hz to 100kHz square wave
adjustable in 10us steps. 3 digit resolution. Avail-
ableforexternalusefromanySYNCOUTsocket.
OUTPUTS
Main Output - One for each channel
Output Impedance: 50Ω
Amplitude:
5mV to 20Vpp open circuit (2.5mV to 10Vpp
into 50Ω). Amplitude can be specified open cir-
cuit (hi Z) or into an assumed load of 50Ωor
600Ωin Vpkpk, Vrms or dBm.
Amplitude Accuracy: 2% ±1mV at 1kHz into 50Ω.
Amplitude Flatness: ±0.2dB to 200 kHz; ±1dB to
10 MHz; ±2.5dB to 16MHz.
DC Offset Range: ±10V from 50Ω. Offset plus
signal peak limited to ±10V.
DC Offset Accuracy: Typically 3% ±10mV,
unattenuated.
Resolution: 3 digits or 1mV for both
Amplitude and DC Offset.
Sync Out - One for each channel
Multifunction output user definable or automati-
cally selected to be any of the following:
Waveform Sync (all waveforms):
A square wave with 50% duty cycle at the main
waveform frequency, or a pulse coincident with
the first few points of an arbitrary waveform.
Position Markers (Arbitrary only):
Any point(s) on the waveform may have associ-
ated marker bit(s) set high or low.
Burst Done:
Produces a pulse coincident with the last cycle
of a burst.
Sequence Sync:
Produces a pulse coincident with the end of a
waveform sequence.
Trigger:
Selects the current trigger signal. Useful for syn-
chronizing burst or gated signals.
Sweep Sync:
Outputs a pulse at the start of sweep to synchro-
nize an oscilloscope or recorder.
Phase Lock Out:
Used to phase lock two generators. Produces a
positive edge at the 0° phase point.
Output Signal Level:
TTL/CMOS logic levels from typically 50Ω.
Cursor/Marker Out
Adjustable output pulse for use as a marker in
sweep mode or as a cursor in arbitrary waveform
editingmode.CanbeusedtomodulatetheZaxisof
anoscilloscope orbedisplayedonasecond‘scope
channel.
Output Signal Level:
Adjustable from nominally 2V to 14V, normal or
inverted; adjustable width as a cursor.
Output Impedance: 600Ωtypical
INPUTS
Trig In
Frequency Range: DC to 1MHz.
Signal Range: Threshold nominally TTL
level; maximum input ±10V.
Min. Pulse Width: 50ns, for Trigger/Gate;
50us for Sweep mode.
Polarity: Selectable as high/rising
edge or low/falling edge.
Input Impedance: 10kΩ
Modulation In
Frequency Range: DC to 100kHz.
VCA Signal Range: Approximately 1V pkpk for
100% level change at maximum output.
SCM Signal Range: Approximately ± 1Vpk for
maximum output.
Input Impedance: Typically 1 kΩ.
Sum In
Frequency Range: DC to 8MHz.
Signal Range: Approximately 2 Vpk-pk
input for 20Vpk-pk output.
Input Impedance: Typically 1kΩ.
Hold
Holds an arbitrary waveform at its current position.
A TTL low level or switch closure causes the wave-
form to stop at the current position and wait until a
TTL high level or switch opening which allows the
waveform to continue. The front panel MAN HOLD
key or remote command may also be used to con-
trol the Hold function. While held the front panel
MAN TRIG key or remote command may be used
to return the waveform to the start. The Hold input
may be enabled independently for each channel.
Input Impedance: 10kΩ
Ref Clock In/Out
Set to Input: Input for an external 10MHz
reference clock. TTL/CMOS threshold level.
Set to Output: Buffered version of the
internal 10MHz clock. Output levels nominally
1V and 4V from 50Ω.
Set to Phase Lock: Used together with SYNC
OUT on a master and TRIG IN on a slave to syn-
chronise (phase lock) two separate generators.
INTER-CHANNEL OPERATION
Inter-channel Modulation:
The waveform from any channel may be used to
Amplitude Modulate (AM) or Suppressed Carrier
Modulate (SCM) the next channel. Alternatively
anynumberofchannelsmaybeModulated(AMor
SCM) with the signal at the MODULATION input
socket.
Carrier frequency: Entire range for selected
waveform.
Carrier waveforms: All standard and arbitrary
waveforms.
Modulation Types:
AM: Double sideband
with carrier.
SCM: Double sideband
suppressed carrier.
Modulation source:
Internal from the previous channel. External
from Modulation input socket. The external
modulation signal may be applied to any num-
ber of channels simultaneously.
Frequency Range: DC to >100 kHz.
Internal AM Depth: 0% to 105%.
Internal AM Resolution: 1%.
Carrier Suppression (SCM): > 40dB.
External Modulation Signal Range:
VCA: Approximately 1V pk-pk for 100% level
change at maximum output.
SCM: Approximately ± 1Vpk for max. output.
Inter-channel Analogue Summing:
WaveformSummingsumsthewaveformfromany
channel into the next channel.
Alternatively any number of channels may be
summed with the signal at the SUM input socket.
Carrier frequency:
Entire range for selected waveform.
Carrier waveforms:
All standard and arbitrary waveforms.
Sum source:
Internal from the previous channel. External
from SUM IN socket.
Frequency Range: DC to >8MHz.
Ext. Signal Range:
Approx. 5Vpk-pk input for 20Vpk-pk output.
Inter-channel Phase locking:
Two or more channels may be phase locked to-
gether. Each locked channel may be assigned a
phase angle relative to the other locked channels.
Arbitrary waveforms and waveform sequences
may be phase locked but certain constraints apply
to waveform lengths and clock frequency ratios.
With one channel assigned as the Master and
other channels as Slaves a frequency change on
the master will be repeated on each slave thus al-
lowing multiphase waveforms at the same fre-
quency to be easily generated. DDS waveforms
are those with 7 digits of frequency setting resolu-
tion, while Non-DDS waveforms have 4 digits.
Phase Resolution:
DDS waveforms: 0.1 degree
Non-DDS waveforms: 0.1 degree or 360 de-
grees/number of points whichever is the greater
Phase Error: <±10ns all waveforms.
The signals from the REF IN/OUT socket and the
SYNC OUT socket can be used to phase lock
two instruments where more than 4 channels are
required.
Inter-channel Triggering:
Any channel can be triggered by the previous or
next channel.
The previous/next connections can be used to
’daisy chain’ a trigger signal from a ‘start’ channel,
through a number of channels in the ‘chain’ to an
‘end’ channel. Each channel receives the trigger
out signal from the previous (or next) channel, and
drives its selected trigger out to the next (or previ-
ous) channel. The ‘end’ channel trigger out can be
setuptodrivethe‘start’channel,closingtheloop.
In this way, complex and versatile interchannel
trigger schemes may be set up. Each channel
can have its trigger out and its output waveform
set up independently. Trigger out may be se-
lected from Waveform End, Position Markers,
Sequence Sync or Burst Done.
Using the scheme above it is possible to create a
sequence of up to 64 waveform segments, each
channel producing up to 16 segments and all
channels being summed to produce the complete
waveform at the output of channel 4.
INTERFACES
Full remote control facilities are available through
the RS232 or GPIB interfaces.
RS232: Variable Baud rate, 9600
Baud maximum.
IEEE488: Conforms with IEEE488.1
and IEEE488.2
GENERAL
Software Included:
Windowsbased software for waveform cre-
ation, editing and management is supplied. For
further details see separate data sheet.
Display:
20 character x 4 row alphanumeric LCD.
Data Entry:
Keyboard selection of mode, waveform etc.;
value entry direct by numeric keys or by rotary
control.
Stored Settings:
Up to 9 complete instrument setups may be
stored and recalled from battery-backed mem-
ory. Up to 100 arbitrary waveforms can also be
stored independent of the instrument settings.
Size:
130mm (3U) height; 335mm long; width
350mm (TGA1242/1244), 212mm (TGA1241).
Weight:
7.2 kg. (16 lb), TGA1242/1244;
4.1kg (9lb) TGA1241.
Power:
230V, 115V or 100V nominal 50/60Hz, adjust-
able internally; operating range ±14% of nomi-
nal; 100VA max. for 4 channels, 75VA max. for
2 channel, 40VA max. for 1 channel. Installa-
tion Category II.
Operating Range: +5°C to 40°C, 20-80% RH.
Storage Range: -20°C to + 60°C.
Environmental: Indoor use at altitudes to
2000m, Pollution Degree 2.
Options: 19 inch rack mounting kit.
Safety: Complies with EN61010-1.
EMC: Complies with EN50081-1
and EN50082-1.
