Test & Measurement


Arbitrary waveform generator

12 March 2014 Test & Measurement

One of the most popular pieces of test equipment on the desks of most electronic engineers and technicians is a function generator or the more modern variant, an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG).

The difference between the two is that function generators can provide only a few standard waveforms (usually sine, square, pulse, triangle and ramp) and only up to a few megahertz. An AWG, on the other hand, is a highly flexible signal source that can generate a waveform of any shape. This includes the standard function generator waveforms, non-standard functions (sin(x)/x, exponential, cardiac, etc.), compliance test waveforms (video colour bar pattern, AM/FM radio tones, encoded communication test signals) and white or pink random noise.

Some AWGs have (optional) software that enables the creation of custom waveforms on a PC. This can be used, for example, to create a simulated signal from an electronic circuit before it even exists and feed that signal into another circuit in order to test the second circuit.

K Measure has been supplying PC-based test instruments for many years. PC-based waveform generators have the advantage of taking up very little space on the desk and offering a very intuitive user interface via the PC. However, in a lot of applications a traditional benchtop AWG or function generator is required, for instance on a test bench or assembly line where there is no PC available or if the tester must have the AWG running while their computer is off.

For this reason K Measure added the HDG1012A to its range of products. The instrument can generate waveforms up to 10 MHz and has two independent outputs (an AWG that goes up to 50 MHz is also available). It has an easy-to-use interface, a 3,5” screen and a computer interface for creating and loading custom waveforms.

The HDG1012A offers advanced functionality like random noise, frequency and amplitude sweeping and AM and FM modulation. It also offers some innovative features not found in many high-end waveform generators, like the ‘AB Add’ function. It has 32 built-in waveforms. As with all of K Measure’s products it comes with a two-week, no-questions-asked money back guarantee, a 12 month warranty and stock is available.



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