The AFG31000 series features a 9-inch capacitive touchscreen that allows users to zoom in on areas of a waveform to exceptional detail. All related settings and parameters can be viewed on a single screen via a tree menu. An intuitive user interface allows users to tap or swipe to navigate, locate, select, and edit settings, reducing the time required to learn and operate the AFG.
The AFG31000 series features the new patented InstaView™ feature, designed to eliminate impedance mismatch problems. Conventional AFGs assume they are driving a 50 Ω impedance, but few devices under test (DUTs) actually have that impedance, leading to inconsistencies between the waveform set on the AFG and the signal at the DUT. InstaView solves this problem by monitoring the DUT's waveform on the AFG, allowing waveform verification without the need for additional cables or instruments. The waveform display responds to changes in frequency, amplitude, waveform, and impedance of the DUT in real time.
Along with conventional AFG operating modes, the AFG31000 series provides an "Advanced" mode that enables programmable waveform sequencing. In "Advanced" mode, AFGs with up to 128 Mpts of waveform memory can be segmented into up to 256 entries. Users can drag and drop long waveforms, or multiple waveforms, into the sequencer and define how they are output. For engineers requiring long, non-repeating waveforms, or multiple waveforms with complex timing, the AFG31000 series offers a significantly more affordable alternative to expensive arbitrary waveform generators (AWGs).
Another new feature incorporated into the AFG31000 series is the ArbBuilder tool, which allows users to create and edit arbitrary waveforms directly on the AFG, using templates and an equation editor, instead of having to create them on a PC and transfer them. Alternatively, waveforms captured by an oscilloscope can be saved as .csv files and loaded directly into the AFG using ArbBuilder.
