Tektronix AFG31052 Signal ARB/Function Generator

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About

1. RoadTest Overview

In this roadtest, we would like you to test and experiment with both the Tektronix AFG31052 Arbitrary Function Generator and the Double Pulse Test software, and report your experiences and final conclusions.

 

To provide you with more information about the AFG31052 and Double Pulse Test software, we have posted detailed information about the product, along with instructions on installing the Double Pulse Test software on the AFG31052 AFG. There is a section on tasks the sponsor has mentioned that he would like the official roadtesters to test. Additional technical information as well as links to some information videos are also provided.

 

2. Introduction to the Tektronix AFG31052

The Tektronix AFG31052 is one of the Tektronix AFG31000 Series of high-performance AFGs with built-in arbitrary waveform generation and programming capabilities, waveform verification, real-time waveform monitoring, as well as featuring a very large touchscreen. It is an ideal test instrument for applications, including research, clock and system synchronization, replication of real world signals, component/circuit characterization and validation, embedded circuit design and test, general purpose signal generation, and double pulse tests.

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AFG31052 Key Features

  • Patented InstaView™ technology enables engineers to see the actual waveform at the Device Under Test (DUT) in real time, without the need of an oscilloscope and probe, eliminating the uncertainty caused by mismatched impedance
  • A 9-inch capacitive touchscreen works like a smart phone and has short-cuts to frequently used settings
  • Built-in ArbBuilder lets you create and edit arbitrary waveforms on the instrument
  • Sequencing option adds the ability to program long, complex waveforms with up to 256 steps
  • Built-in Double Pulse Test application to generate voltage pulses with varying pulse widths onto the DUTs

 

AFG31052 Key performance Specifications

  • 2 channels
  • Output amplitude range 1 mVP-P to 10 VP-P into 50 Ω loads
  • Basic (AFG) mode:
    • 1uHz to 50 MHz sine waveforms
    • 250 MSa/s, or 1 GSa/s sample rates
    • 14-bit vertical resolution
    • Built-in waveforms include sine, square, ramp, pulse, noise, and other frequently used waveforms
    • Sweep, Burst, and Modulation modes (AM, FM, PM, FSK, and PWM)
  • Advanced (Sequence) mode (SEQ option included):
    • Continuous mode (optional Sequence, Triggered and Gated modes)
    • Up to 128 Mpts arbitrary waveform memory on each channel (MEM option included)
    • Up to 256 steps in sequence mode with loop, jump and wait events
    • Variable sampling clock 1 µSa/s to 500M GSa/s

 

3. Package Contents

  • AFG31052 AFG
  • Compliance and safety instructions
  • Power cord, USB cable, and BNC cables
  • NIST-traceable calibration certificate
  • 3-year warranty
  • Included MEM and SEQ options
  • Downloadable Double Pulse Test Software App (plug -in)

 

4. Double Pulse Test Software

The official roadtesters will also test the Double Pulse Test software, downloadable software 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.

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Double Pulse Test Software 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

 

The Double Pulse Test software offers the ability to generate voltage pulses with varying pulse widths onto devices under test (DUTs). Design and test engineers are able to perform the Double Pulse Test in less than one minute, saving them hours when compared to using a PC software or a microcontroller to perform the test with varying configurations. Typical applications include:

  • 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

 

Double Pulse Test Software Installation Instructions

Instructions for installing the Double Pulse app on the AFG31000 series AFGs are linked here.  Applicants can also read about its use here: https://www.tek.com/power-efficiency/double-pulse-testing, or in the app note that’s also attached.

 

5. Sponsor's Testing Suggestions

Here are some features our sponsor would like to roadtesters to use/review:

 

Double Pulse software

  • Measure switching parameters and evaluate dynamic behaviors (transient signals, overshoots..) on power devices such as MOSFETs and IGBTs (Si, SiC and GaN). Especially when incorporated into a switching power supply.

Instaview

  • An application note on InstaView is available in the Additional Information section below.
  • InstaView allows you to see what the AFG signal looks like at the device under test, something that a separate oscilloscope is normally required to do.

ArbBuilder

  • Create complex waveforms on the box itself, import waveforms directly from an exported oscilloscope capture

Sequence Mode

  • Run a test with multiple waveforms using sequence mode (enabled with the included SEQ option)
  • Run large waveforms up to 128M points in Advanced mode (enabled with the included MEM option)

GUI

  • Comparison to other AFGs is a plus, working comments on the UX into other reviews is fine

 

6. Additional Information

 

7. Informational Videos

  • Go to the following page to watch up to 5 informational videos:

https://www.tek.com/signal-generator/afg31000-function-generator

Important Dates

Enrollment Begin: Feb 20 2020

Enrollment Ends: Mar 22 2020

RoadTesters Selected: April 2 2020

Product Shipped: Apr 7 2020

RoadTesting Begins: Apr 14 2020

Reminder/Update Email: May 14 2020*

Submit Reviews By: June 14 2020*

 

*The element14 RoadTest Staff will send this reminder/update email.

**If a RoadTester is unable to meet the deadline, please notify the RoadTest Program Lead, , as soon as possible before the deadline.

RoadTesters

Terms and Conditions

RoadTest

Terms and Conditions

These are the terms and conditions which govern the Tektronix AFG31052 Arbitrary Function Generator with Double Pulse Test software contest. This Contest requires participants to submit an application indicating their previous experience with this type of equipment/component, information on what they would do to test the equipment or component, and the applicant’s desire to post a thorough review of their experience with images, photos, or other supplemental materials. Participants will be required to meet the Conditions for Participation.  The winners of this RoadTest will receive the item(s) listed below. RoadTest Reviews are due no later than 60 days after the receipt of the item(s). No other prizes are offered.

 

The Principal terms of the Competition:

The following words and phrases are used in these terms and conditions and have the meanings given to them below.

 

Tektronix AFG31052 Arbitrary Function Generator with Double Pulse Test software

(RoadTest or Contest)

Key dates:

Applications Close: midnight (GMT) on Mar 20 2020

Announcement of Winner (estimated): Mar 27 2020

 

Prize: Tektronix AFG31052 Arbitrary Function Generator with PulseTest software

Additional Prizes: none

Competition Site: https://www.element14.com/community/groups/roadtest?ICID=menubar_resources_roadtest

Site or element14 Community: www.element14.com/community

Judges: members of the element14 community team chosen at the Organiser’s discretion.

Judging Criteria, All of the following which will have equal weighting:

· Demonstrated competence with the technologies including links or descriptions of past projects

· Qualifications as indicated by current job role and/or schooling/vocational training;

· A thorough description of how the prize would be tested;

· Likelihood that the Applicant will blog about the prize and provide a review on element14.com;

· Originality;

· Innovation.

Organiser: Premier Farnell plc (registered in England and Wales under company number 876412) whose registered office is at Farnell House, Forge Lane, Leeds, UK

Conditions for Qualification: in addition to meeting the requirements of these terms, all persons applying to take part in the Contest (each one an Applicant) must:

· Provide a RoadTest application describing what he/she would do if awarded the Prize including similar previous projects, product experience and qualifications

Terms: these terms and conditions which govern the Competition and to which the Organiser reserves the right to make changes from time to time and the latest version of these Terms from time to time will be posted to the Site.

  1. Eligibility
  2. Applications:
  3. Selecting Winners:
  4. Liability:
  5. General:

1.1 Save as set out in these Terms, the Contest is open to any natural or legal person, firm or company or group of natural persons or unincorporated body.

1.2 All Applicants must be aged at least 18 at the time of their application.

1.3 Applicants must not enter the RoadTest if doing so or taking part may:

1.3.1 cause the Organiser and/or themselves to be in breach of any agreement (including but not limited to any contract of employment) to which they are a party or in breach of any law, regulation or rule having the force of law to which the Organiser or the Applicant may be subject or any policy of the Organiser or the Sponsor;

1.3.2 Require the Organiser to obtain any licence, authorisation or permission to deal with the Applicant; or

1.3.3 Be in breach of any policy or practice of their employer. Some employers prohibit or restrict their employees from taking part in competitions such as these or receiving prizes under them and the Organiser respects those policies and practices.

The Organiser reserves the right to disqualify any Application made in breach of these Terms and to reject any Application which it reasonably believes may be or become in breach. The Organiser reserves the right to require evidence in such form as the Organiser may reasonably require of any Applicant’s compliance with any of these Terms and to disqualify any Applicant or Participant who cannot provide such evidence reasonably promptly.

1.4 Multiple applications are not permitted.

1.5 Applications may not be submitted by an agent whether acting on behalf of an undisclosed principal or otherwise.

1.6 The Contest is NOT open to:

1.6.1 Any person or entity who is a resident or national of any country which is subject to sanctions, embargoes or national trade restrictions of the United States of America, the European Union or the United Kingdom;

1.6.2 Any employee, director, member, shareholder (as appropriate) or any of their direct families (parents, siblings, spouse, partner, children) (“Direct Families”) of the Organiser and Sponsors; or

2.1 Each Applicant must fully complete and submit a RoadTest Application by the Application Close.

2.2 By submitting a Registration Form, each Applicant:

2.2.1 Authorises the Organiser to use his or her personal data (as defined in the Data Protection Act 1998) for the purposes of running and promoting the RoadTest;

2.2.2 Authorises the Organizer to copy, reproduce and publish their application should they be accepted as a Participant;

2.2.3 Will be deemed to have read, accepted and agree to be bound by these Terms. Applicants are advised to print and keep safe these Terms;

2.2.4 Authorises the Organiser to copy, reproduce and use the Application and/or Review for the purposes of the RoadTest and as otherwise contemplated by these Terms. The Organiser will not be responsible for any inaccuracy, error or omission contained in any reproduction or use of the Project Blogs.

2.2.5 Licenses the Organiser to use the intellectual property in the Project (IP) for the purposes of this Contest. As between the Applicant and the Organiser the IP remains owned by the Applicant.

2.2.6 Grants the Organiser the right to use his or her likeness, photographs, logos, trademarks, audio or video recordings without restriction for the purposes of Contest or the promotion of it or the Site;

2.2.7 Agrees to participate positively in all publicity surrounding the Contest;

2.2.8 Agrees to be responsible for all expenses and costs incurred by him or her in preparing for, entering and participating in the Contest (save for any expenses expressly agreed by the Organiser to be borne by it in these Terms);

2.2.9 Confirms that he or she owns all IP used in his or her application or Project or Blogs and indemnifies the Organiser from any claim by a third party that use of any material provided by an Applicant to the Organiser infringes the intellectual property rights of any third party;

2.2.10 Agrees not to act in any way or fail to act in any way or be associated with any cause or group which would have a negative impact on the reputation of the Organiser and/or the RoadTest.

2.3 All applications submitted to this RoadTest must meet the following criteria:

2.3.1 Applicants must be the author, creator and owner of the proposed review idea. Applicants must not submit someone else’s idea;

2.3.2 The proposed application must be reasonably achievable by the within the time constraints of the Contest;

2.3.3 Applications must not include or propose any of the following, the inclusion of which shall render any proposed application ineligible:

(a) Applications which relate to socially taboo topics, such as illicit drug use or sexual gratification;

(b) Applications that are or could reasonably be considered to be illegal, immoral, discriminatory or offensive as determined by the Organiser;

(c) Applications in relation to them which if accepted would infringe or breach any of the policies or terms of access or use of the Site.

2.4 No Application may contain any of the hazardous substances identified by Article 4 of Directive 2002/95/EC of the European Parliament on the Restrictions on the Use of Substances in Electronic and Electrical Equipment ("the Directive") or the use of such hazardous substances in the in any such Project must not exceed the maximum concentration values set out in the Directive.

3.1 Winners will be selected by the Organiser on the basis of the quality of his or her application and its adherence to these Terms.

3.2 The total number of Winners selected will be at least the minimum number set out above but the actual number is at the sole discretion of the Organizer and/or the Sponsor, if applicable.

3.3 The Organiser will use all reasonable efforts to announce the Winners via an update to the RoadTest page by the date listed above.

3.4 Winners agree to take part in all publicity which the Organiser or the Sponsor wishes to use to promote the RoadTest, the Products featured or other Contests with which the Organiser may be connected from time to time.

3.5 Details of the Winners may also be published in the media.

3.6 Winners are responsible for all applicable taxes, duties or other charges payable in relation to any prize.

3.7

4.1 The Organiser hereby excludes all and any Liability arising out of the Contest or the acceptance, use, quality, condition, suitability or performance of any Prize, even where that Liability may arise from the Organiser’s negligence.

4.2 Nothing in these Terms will affect any Liability of the Organiser for death or personal injury arising from its negligence, for breach of Part II of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 (in the event that any entrant is entitled to claim rights under the Consumer Protection Act 1987) or for any matter in relation to which it would be illegal for the Organiser to exclude or to attempt to exclude its Liability.

4.3 Subject to 4.2, neither the Organiser, any parent company nor any subsidiary of the Organiser or such parent company or any of their directors, officers and employees (together referred to in these terms and the ‘Associates’) makes any guarantee, warranty or representation of any kind, express or implied, with respect to this Competition or the Prizes potentially available under it. Neither the Organiser nor any of its Associates shall be responsible for any Liability that may arise out of or in connection with person’s participation in this Competition, the claiming, redemption or value of any prizes under it, the use or enjoyment of such prizes or any events or circumstances arising out of or in connection with any of them. Any implied warranties of condition, merchantability or suitability or fitness for purpose of any of them are hereby expressly excluded. Wherever used in these Terms, ‘Liability’ shall mean any and all costs, expenses, claims, damages, actions, proceedings, demands, losses and other liabilities (including legal fees and costs on a full indemnity basis) arising directly or indirectly out of or in connection with the matter concerned.

5.1 The RoadTest is organised and sponsored by the Organiser. The Organiser reserves the right to delegate all or any of its powers, rights and obligations arising in relation to the RoadTest to any Associate and certain such rights and powers are assumed by the Organiser on behalf of itself and each Associate. Reference to “Organiser” shall be deemed to include reference to each Associate.

5.2 The RoadTest may be terminated at any time if there are, in the sole opinion of the Organiser, an insufficient number of entries, or if the Applications are not of an appropriate standard for a competition of this nature. The Organiser has the right to cancel or suspend the RoadTest at any time due to circumstances outside its reasonable control.

5.3 The Organiser shall have the sole discretion to disqualify (without correspondence or right of appeal) any Applicant it considers to be adversely affecting the process or the operation of the RoadTest or to be in breach of these Terms or to be acting in a disruptive manner or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other Applicant or Participant.

5.4 The Organiser has the right to amend or add to these Terms from time to time. Revised Terms and Conditions will be posted on the Contest Site and it is a condition of entry to the RoadTest that Applicants agree to comply with these Terms and, if appropriate, such Terms as amended from time to time.

5.5 Headings are for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation or construction of these Terms and Conditions.

5.6 These Terms and the operation of the Contest shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English Law and any claim or matter arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

U.S. Tax ResponsibilityFor U.S. taxpayers, an official roadtester will be required to complete a W-9 form prior to element14 shipping you the unit. Taxpayers from other countries need to follow the tax code in their resident countries. (See 3.6 of Terms and Conditions).
RoadTest Reviews
Comment List
Anonymous
  • To all roadtesters.....

     

    To start, everyone who has submitted an application will be included in the package I have sent to the sponsor for review. All 36 applications.

     

    Now, part of my job as Roadtest Program Manager is to assist the sponsor in selecting applicants. I likely spend a lot more time with each application, reading them more than once, than the sponsor probably has time for. I felt that with even only 36 applications there were quite a few superior applications that demonstrated the appropriate level of knowledge and detailed testing procedures. The best ones include something on instaview and double pulse--two things the sponsor had spoken to me about when we discussed the roadtest. That was good to see.

     

    So, I have selected 3 people as official roadtesters, along with 5 alternates. I sually select only 1 alternate, but these 5 applications are so good, I want the supplier to know I felt they should be seriously considered. I would be happy with any of these 8 applicants as roadtesters. I am also including in the package to the sponsor all the other applicants. Sometimes the sponsor decides to select a different applicant, which is fine. But my choices I feel are the best of the best.

     

    Thanks.

     

    Randall Scasny

    RoadTest Program Manager

  • To all roadtesters....

     

    I read through all the applications the first time.

     

    All the questions in all the applications were answered. This doesn't happen all the time So, I'm impressed. I had been somewhat concerned about the number of questions I ask. They all provide me important information to make recommendations to the supplier for the official roadtesters.

     

    I'll go through the applications again, closely looking at each applicant's background and testing procedure and then forward the results to the supplier.

     

    I wanted to end by saying I realize there have been some delays in the selection process. My apologies for the inconvenience. Covid19 has forced some changes in our work location and shipping processes. I feel we are back on track and will get this done as soon as we can.

     

    Sincerely,

     

    Randall Scasny

    Roadtest Program Manager

  • looks like a few will have a good time testing and working with this bit of kit.  It's a few times too slow for most of my applications however.

  • This is a cool instrument that may bring me additional waveform generation features compared to the built-in AFB that I currently use part of my MDO3104 scope.  One question came in my mind for a specific medical application: can the double pulse test feature and software work with arbitrary waveforms or only with predefined "standard" waveforms (pulses)?  Does anyone know this?  If not can I have access to a user source code to expand it to arbitrary waveforms?

    Thanks,

    Cosmin

  • The Pac man waveform generator from the 1980's uses two 16 bytes by 4 bit RAMs!

    Simple but effective!

  • Very good point.

    Not all applications require reams of memory and a lot can be done with small memory resources.

    I was able to get the job done with the 128 k point memory, but it took some extra thinking to figure out ways to make complex wave-shapes fit in smaller footprints.

  • The amount of memory is Arbitrary! image

     

    For those with a lot simpler requirements the Digilent Discovery Analog may fulfill your test waveform needs.

  • Wow!  I love the e14 Road Test program.

     

    The AFG31XXX brings a heap of significant upgrades to the older AFG31XX generators.

    For years I relied on the ARB capabilities in the older AFG3102 to get me through several complex R&D projects.  I used it to reproduce complex multi-channel sensor signals from a prototype particle analyzer and to generate a series of carefully modified fault simulation waveforms to verify the operation of a test jig for a conducted energy weapon.

     

    The biggest limitation I found with the older AFG31XX generators was the minuscule ARB memory of 128 k points.  The new AFG310XX generators solve that problem brilliantly with standard 16 Mpts/s ARB memory, expandable to 256 Mpts/s.  Plus a touch screen interface and the very cool InstaView technology. 

     

    Just have to apply to test this new model.

  • What...!,.   First an MDO from Tektronix and now an Arb. Function Generator, certainly it will be the best Roadtest, before Keysight's upcoming Wave.... @Giveaway20

    Overall the product design is quite cool and hope for the same for it's functionality.

  • Looks like a powerful way to add some "controlled corruption" to an otherwise good signal for testing purposes and then then be able to check the product under development can cope with that noise/detriment. The software looks very user friendly as well with that graphical representation of what you've entered; normally such confirmation requires connecting a oscilloscope up to check what you set everything to is correct and you aren't three orders of magnitude off, or free running etc.