New range of function generators!

Arbitrary/function generators combine intuitive operation with comprehensive sweep and modulation facilities

The new Yokogawa FG400 Series is a range of arbitrary/function generators that combine intuitive operation with comprehensive sweep and modulation facilities. The instruments allow the creation of basic, application specific and arbitrary waveforms, and feature isolated output channels which allows their use in the development of floating circuits in power electronics applications.

The range consists of two models: the single-channel FG410 and the two-channel FG420: both generating signals of up to 20 V peak-to-peak over the frequency range from 0.01 µHz to 30 MHz. Operation is via front-panel pushbuttons and a 3.5-inch LCD screen which displays alphanumeric values alongside the generated waveforms.

The instruments incorporate a number of basic waveforms as standard, including sine, DC, ramp, square and pulse. Advanced functions include sweep (frequency, phase, amplitude, DC offset and duty), modulation (FM, FSK, PM, PSK, AM, DC offset and PWM) and burst (auto, trigger, gate and triggered gate).

Up to 128 arbitrary waveforms of up to 512 kW per waveform can be generated and saved to the instrument's internal non-volatile memory, and can then be selected from a displayed list. The waveforms can be created in the FG400 or with the free editing software included. Sequences of different waveform patterns can be generated and edited by programming the appropriate parameters.

The FG400 Series can also generate arbitrary waveforms based on signals that have been acquired by measuring instruments. Troubleshooting is made easier as the instrument can then generate waveforms that are difficult to reproduce, such as noise that only occurs on site. With the free editing software, waveforms that are acquired using a Yokogawa DL850E ScopeCorder or DLM4000 mixed-signal oscilloscope, for example, can be analysed on a PC to find the abnormal waveform. This abnormal part can then be clipped, saved and generated using the FG400.

The FG400 Series also provides 25 different types of application-specific waveforms including those needed to evaluate the response characteristics of mechanical/electrical circuits and to emulate power supply circuits. As the parameters of these application-specific waveforms can be changed like those of basic waveforms, waveforms are quicker and easier to generate.

The two output channels of the FG420 can be linked. In this mode, both output signals vary when either channel is adjusted. In addition, up to six units can be linked and synchronised to provide up to 12 output channels. The phase of each channel is synchronised to the master unit and can be individually adjusted.

The FG400 Series also has an external input terminal which allows it to be used with a higher-accuracy external frequency reference such as a rubidium frequency standard.

Arbitrary/function generator usability boosted!

With two new 50 MHz models and active LCD displays, new series makes it easier than ever to generate test signals

Tektronix has announced a new, easier-to-use family of arbitrary/function generators, the AFG3000C Series, and added two new 50 MHz models to the line-up. All models in the AFG3000C Series now feature active LCD displays that allow users to more easily see waveform parameters and wave shapes.

With the addition of the 50 MHz models, Tektronix offers the broadest and most complete range of arbitrary/function generators in the industry, with bandwidths ranging from 10 MHz to 240 MHz, sample rates up to 2 GS/s, and amplitudes up to 20 Vp-p. With a large vibrant display, dedicated front panel buttons for key parameters, and dual output capabilities, the AFG3000C Series builds on the reputation for ease of use and flexibility established by the popular AFG3000B Series.

“Now with nine models, the AFG3000C Series covers a broad range of applications and budgets while best-in-class performance ensures that signals are accurately reproduced,” said Wei Gao, general manager, Value Signal Sources Product Line. “With the display upgrade users can more easily see that their settings are correct, allowing them to focus on the task at hand.”

AFG3000C models with two outputs provide the equivalent functionality of two signal generators, with the added benefit that signals can be easily synchronized across the two outputs. To facilitate arbitrary waveform creation, AFG3000C Series are shipped with ArbExpress software. With this PC software waveforms can be seamlessly imported from any Tektronix oscilloscope, or defined by standard functions, equation editors, and waveform math.

Basic analog function generator offers high waveform quality

Aim-TTi has extended their TG300 series of low cost analog function generators by adding a model with vernier-dial setting of frequency. The TG310 is the most basic generator in the range and lacks the digital display of frequency and level that is included on other models.

The generator can produce sine, square, triangle, pulse and ramp waveforms from 0.03Hz up to 3MHz. Variable bi-directional symmetry with constant frequency is provided over a ten to one range. An external sweep input allows the frequency on each range to be varied by at least 1000:1.

The TG310 provides a main output with a maximum emf of 20V pk-pk from a 50 Ohms or 600 Ohms source. An amplitude vernier with a range of 20dB is combined with two switched attenuators of -20dB and -40dB to provide levels down to 2mV pk-pk un-terminated.

Unlike some other lower cost function generators, high waveform quality is maintained down to very low levels with minimal noise and waveform aberrations.

Variable DC offset of +/-10V is available via a centre detent control. An auxiliary output provides a fixed 0V to +5V level suitable for driving both TTL and CMOS loads

Test generator simulates supply dips, drops and variations

The NSG 3040-DDV generator is a new product from Teseq which provides test waveforms for simulating Supply Dips, Drops and Variations. The new NSG 3040-DDV is the first in a series of single-function generators derived from the successful NSG 3040 family of combination generators.

Unlike the NSG 3040 system, which features a mainframe that is prepared, wired and tested for all possible test module combinations and upgrades, the NSG 3040-DDV is designed to accommodate only the module required for dips, drops and variations. This function-specific design allows the NSG 3040 to provide full performance at the lowest possible price.

In addition to full compliance testing to IEC 61000-4-11 and -29 standards, the NSG 3040-DDV offers the basic performance features of all NSG 3000 series instruments: A robust and user-friendly interface, industry-leading design and quality, comprehensive safety features, and compatibility with all existing NSG 3000 series accessories.

The NSG 3040-DDV is also available in an ERC (Exclusive Remote Control) version, which is controlled exclusively by a PC running Teseq’s WIN 3000 software.

When used with automatic accessories such as the VAR 3005 or INA 6502, the NSG 3040-DDV features manual, automatic and programmable control of EUT power ON/OFF switching. EUT power can be switched off automatically in the event of an EUT failure or overload.

Wind farm profitibility improvement

Increasing wind farm profitability by reducing gearbox maintenance costs with condition-based maintenance

As much as 25%-30% of wind farm operating and maintenance costs are associated with gearbox maintenance alone. Reducing these costs can help wind farms stay more profitable, efficient, and competitive, bringing clean energy wind farms to the forefront. GE Energy's Condition-Based Maintenance Solution, including GE Energy's Bently Nevada™ ADAPT™.wind Software, reduces gearbox maintenance costs and provides wind farms with a greater competitive edge in the energy market.

A Bently Nevada integrated condition monitoring system enables operators to understand the gearbox condition remotely. Dependable knowledge of the gearbox condition enables continued operation and revenue generation when a defect is not significant, while mitigating the risk of run to failure, an unplanned outage, or catastrophic event.

Proactive condition monitoring across the fleet also helps operators plan efficiently for and coordinate maintenance outages. Consolidating maintenance into one outage, and scheduling one crane, can save hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars per year in lost revenue, depending on the size of the wind farm.

GE Energy's patented Planetary Cumulative Impulse Detection algorithm is a set of measurements that detect and trend the passage of particulates through the planetary stage of a wind turbine gearbox. This provides greater insight into gearbox condition and helps pinpoint problem areas. GE Energy's Dynamic Energy Index (DEI) algorithm is specifically designed for variable speed machines. DEI spreads the variation over five bands of operation for more accurate spectral energy calculations and earlier fault detection.

GE Energy's Wind Turbine Condition Monitoring Solution is part of ADAPT™.wind, the standard condition monitoring solution on GE's wind turbine units that can be readily deployed on most manufacturers' ~1.5 MW-class turbines. Turbine owners can expect to see cost savings through several venues including reducing unplanned crane services and optimizing maintenance. The incredible value and benefit in implementing this solution has been acknowledged as many companies are adopting condition-based maintenance (CBM) strategies to decrease down time, reduce cost, and improve reliability. This solution already has over 700 units in the order and installation process.

Pulse and arbitrary function generator

TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) has launched a lower-cost version of the best-selling TG5011 function/arbitrary/pulse generator.

The new TG2511 has a maximum frequency of 25 MHz for sine and square waves. It offers similar facilities to the more expensive 50 MHz generator, but with proportionately lower maximum frequencies for pulse and arbitrary waveforms.

The generator comes with Waveform Manager Plus for Windows, enabling complex waveforms to be created using a PC. Commonly used waveforms that are pre-programmed into the software include sin(x)/x, exponential rise and fall, logarithmic rise and fall, Gaussian, Lorentz, haversine and cardiac waveforms.

The TG2511 offers a comprehensive set of digital modulations including AM, FM, PM, PWM and FSK. The modulation source can be any standard or arbitrary waveform, or any external signal applied to the modulation input from DC up to 20 kHz.

A wideband noise generator creates Gaussian white noise with a high crest factor and a bandwidth of 20 MHz. Noise can be added to any waveform or can be used as a modulating source.

Arbitrary waveforms of up to 128k words can be generated at 14 bits vertical resolution and a sampling speed of 125 MS/s. A front-mounted USB port enables external flash memory storage of up to 1000 waveforms.

USB and LAN interfaces are provided as standard, the latter conforming with LXI class C (Lan eXtensions for Instrumentation). A GPIB interface is available as an option. All functions of the generator can be controlled from the digital interfaces, and arbitrary waveform data can be transferred via them.

Function generator

The TG1000, new from TTi, is a 10 MHz function generator using direct digital synthesis (DDS) yet costing less than £400stg (€490).

Direct digital synthesis delivers low-distortion sine waves with improved spectral purity in comparison with analogue function generators. Frequency stability and phase noise are excellent, and absolute frequency accuracy is equal to that of the crystal based master clock.

The TG1000 can generate frequencies between 0.001 Hz and 10 MHz to six digits of resolution at amplitudes between 5 mV and 20 V peak-to-peak EMF. Source impedance is switchable between 50 and 600 ohms.

Frequencies can be set directly in mHz, Hz, kHz or MHz or as period in time units using the numeric keyboard or the spin wheel. Amplitudes can be set in mV, V or dBm.

The TG1000 is a fully digitally controlled generator in which all functions including wave shape, frequency, amplitude, offset and modulation can be controlled from the internal set-up memories. This makes it particularly suitable for repetitive test applications.

The generator incorporates fully phase-continuous sweep, linear or logarithmic, with sweep times variable between 50 ms and 1000 s. The sweep trigger source can be internal or external, and a sweep marker is provided. Other modulation modes include AM, gated, FSK and tone-switch using a table of up to 16 frequencies.

The TG1000 is housed in a 2U high casing with built-in tilt stand which, although primarily intended for benchtop use, can also be rack-mounted.

50 MHz function generator hits new price point

The new TG5011 from TTi is a combined function/arbitrary/pulse generator with a frequency range covering 1 µHz to 50 MHz. At under £900 (ca €990 this morning!) the generator achieves a new price point below that of competitors’ products offering only 20 MHz or 25 MHz bandwidth.

The generator offers high-purity sine waves with low harmonic distortion and low phase noise over the full frequency range. Square waves have a rise time of below 8 ns with low overshoot giving good wave shape right up to 50 MHz.

The frequency of these waveforms can be set with up to 14 digits and is based on a TCXO (temperature-controlled crystal oscillator) timebase with a stability of one part per million. The high resolution of the direct digital synthesis (DDS) system means that very low frequencies can be set. For example, a frequency of 1 mHz can be set with a resolution of 0.1% and a stability of one part per million.

The instrument incorporates a pulse generator mode which provides a wide range of pulse width and delay independent of period. Pulse period can be set between 2000 seconds and 80 ns (0.5 mHz to 12.5 MHz) and the duty cycle can be as low as one in two billion. Rise and fall times (edge speeds) are also independently variable over a wide range.

Arbitrary waveforms of up to 128k words can be generated at 14 bits vertical resolution and a sampling speed of 125 MS/s. A front-mounted USB port enables external flash memory storage of up to 1000 waveforms. The memory stick also provides a quick and convenient method for transferring waveform files to and from a PC.

Commonly used complex waveforms are provided including sin(x)/x, exponential rise and fall, logarithmic rise and fall, gaussian, lorentz, haversine and cardiac waveforms. The generator comes with Waveform Manager Plus for Windows, enabling complex waveforms to be created using a PC.

The TG5011 offers a comprehensive set of digital modulations including AM, FM, PM, PWM and FSK. The modulation source can be any standard or arbitrary waveform, or any external signal applied to the modulation input.

A wideband noise generator creates gaussian white noise with a high crest factor and a bandwidth of 20 MHz. Noise can be added to any waveform or can be used as a modulating source.

USB and LAN interfaces are provided as standard, the latter conforming with LXI class C (Lan eXtensions for Instrumentation). A GPIB interface is available as an option. All functions of the generator can be controlled from the digital interfaces, and arbitrary waveform data can be transferred via them.

The TG5011 is housed in a highly compact casing with protective buffers and a multi-position stand. With the buffers removed it is half-rack 2U size for rack-mounted applications. Despite its small size it incorporates a 3.6-inch (90 mm) diagonal LCD panel that provides a large amount of text and graphical information simultaneously and offers context-sensitive soft key control.