Tektronix AWG400 Series
2 models with full specifications from Tektronix.
The Tektronix AWG400 Series consists of high-performance arbitrary waveform generators engineered for mixed-signal testing and precise waveform generation. Offering a combination of a 200 MS/s maximum sampling rate and 16-bit vertical resolution, these instruments provide the fidelity required for demanding electronic design, verification, and research projects. This guide covers the common structural capabilities of the AWG400 family and highlights the configuration differences between the two-channel AWG420 and the three-channel AWG430, assisting test engineers in choosing the appropriate hardware setup for their signal requirements.
- Maximum Sampling Rate
- 200 MS/s
- Vertical DAC Resolution
- 16-bit
- Channel Options
- 2 or 3 independent channels
- Output Impedance
- 50 Ω
Models in this series
Core Platform Performance
The AWG400 Series is designed around a 16-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) architecture, which yields a high vertical resolution of 1 part in 65,536. This capability allows for highly detailed signal reconstruction.
The sampling rate is variable across a wide range, spanning from 100 S/s up to 200 MS/s, with a 4-digit resolution. Users can configure the instruments to run in Continuous, Triggered, Gated, or Sequence modes depending on test demands. The internal frequency reference provides an accuracy of ±2 ppm within an operating temperature range of +15 °C to +30 °C, with an annual stability rating of ±1 ppm.
Comparing the AWG420 and AWG430
While sharing the core 16-bit, 200 MS/s architecture, the series separates into two distinct hardware configurations based on channel count and memory:
- Tektronix AWG420: This configuration provides 2 independent analog channels. Waveform segment length can be programmed from a minimum of 64 points up to 4 Mpoints per channel as standard, with a 1-point length granularity. This can be optionally extended to 16 Mpoints per channel using Option 01. To ensure precise alignment between the two outputs, the instrument features interchannel skew control with a range of -2.5 ns to +2.5 ns.
- Tektronix AWG430: This model is designed for applications requiring a higher channel count, offering 3 independent channels with BNC main output connectors. To facilitate synchronization with external logic and analyzers, the AWG430 adds 6 marker outputs alongside its primary analog channels.
Physical and Connectivity Characteristics
For integration into automated test environments (ATE) and lab benches, the AWG420 includes GPIB, RS-232, and 10BASE-T LAN interfaces, alongside a mini-DIN keyboard port for local navigation.
Visual feedback is provided via a built-in 10.4-inch color TFT LCD with a resolution of 640 × 480 pixels. The physical unit measures 362 mm in width, 178 mm in height, and 492 mm in depth, with a net weight of 11.2 kg. The system supports power supplies ranging from 100 to 240 V AC (47 to 63 Hz) and consumes up to 260 W.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the recommended warm-up time for the AWG400 series generators?
- The AWG420 has a specified warm-up time of 20 minutes to reach its stable operating state.
- What is the maximum waveform capacity of the AWG420?
- The standard arbitrary waveform length is 64 points to 4 Mpoints per channel. With Option 01, the capacity increases to 16 Mpoints per channel.
- What physical outputs are available on the AWG430?
- The AWG430 features 3 independent BNC main output channels with a 50 Ω output impedance, as well as 6 dedicated marker outputs.