Arbitrary Waveform Generators
The Tektronix arbitrary waveform generator family provides industry-leading performance with sample rates up to 50 GS/s, up to 8 channels, and intuitive software packages that simplify the creation of complex signals. The unparalleled flexibility, speed, and fidelity of the Tektronix arbitrary waveform generators make them an ideal solution for high-speed serial, optical communications, radar test, and electronic warfare.
Find the Best Waveform Generator for Your Bench
AWG5200 Arbitrary Waveform Generator
Meet the most demanding signal generation needs at an affordable price with the high-fidelity AWG5200 Arbitrary Waveform Generator. With multi-unit synchronization, you can scale up to 32 channels. The AWG5200 is ideal for advanced research, electronic test and radar, and electronic warfare system design and test.
- Output frequency: up to 4GHz
- Sample rate: 298 S/s - 5 GS/s
- Memory: 2 GS/channel
- Channels: Up to 8
- Vertical resolution: 16 bits
- ·-70 dBc spurious free dynamic range
AWG70000B Arbitrary Waveform Generator
The AWG70000B Series Arbitrary Waveform Generator makes it easy to customize, generate, and sequence an infinite variety of high-precision signals for design, testing, and operation of complex components, systems, and experiments.
- Output frequency: up to 20GHz
- Sample rate: 50 GS/s
- Memory: 2 GS/channel, 32 GS (Optional)
- Resolution: 10 bits
- -80 dBc spurious free dynamic range
Wavform Generator FAQs
What is a waveform generator used for?
A waveform generator is a classification of a signal generator used to generate electrical waveforms over a wide range of signals. Common types of waveforms outputs include sine wave, square wave, ramp or triangular wave, pulse wave, cardiac pattern wave, gaussian pulse waves, arbitrary waves. These waveforms can be injected into a test circuit and analyzed to confirm the device is operating properly.
How do you use a waveform generator?
Arbitrary waveform generators are very user-friendly and can be used to test a circuit’s design in just a few steps.
- Enable the output control.
- Choose the desired waveform type, such as wine wave, square wave or arbitrary wave.
- Connect the waveform generator to an oscilloscope to visualize and capture your signal.
- Configure the desired frequency and amplitude.
- Attach the output leads to your device under test.
What’s the difference between a function generator and a waveform generator?
A function generator has a preset list of waveforms or patterns that it can play. The operator can change the parameters of a waveform, such as how fast it’s played, the amplitude and offset, or add basic distortion or modulation.
An arbitrary waveform generator is a more complex instrument that can produce almost any waveform you can imagine. Arbitrary waveform generators are essentially sophisticated playback systems that deliver waveforms based on stored digital data that describes the constantly changing voltage levels of an AC signal. These instruments are typically used to produce custom compiled waveforms—rather than pre-set common waveforms.
What are the types of signal generators?
There are many types of signal generators, including function generators, arbitrary waveform generators, and vector signal generators. To clarify terminology used in this space and see the differences between each type of signal generator, view the chart below.
| Signal Generator | Generic category name for analog and digital electronic signal sources. |
| Function Generator | Signal generators are typically used when common waveforms like sine, wave, triangular, etc. are needed. |
| Arbitrary Function Generator | Function generators are capable of arbitrary compiled waveforms. |
| Arbitrary Waveform Generator | Arbitrary waveform generators are mostly used when custom compiled waveforms (rather than preset common waveforms) are needed. |
| RF Signal Generator | RF signal generators are used for wireless applications and typically provide normal analog modulation such as AM, FM, and PM as well. |
| (RF) Vector Signal Generator | RF vector signal generators support both analog and vector modulation on RF carriers for digital communication applications. |