WAVETEK 395 Universal Waveform Generator

Features

Wavetek's Model 395 arbitrary waveform generator (arb) is the first of a new generation of value priced multipurpose test instruments. Based on digital technology and the capabilities of a high performance synthesized arbitrary waveform generator, Model 395 is the best all-around signal source available. You can use it as an arb, pulse generator, function generator, noise generator, sweep generator, trigger generator, or amplitude modulation source. Whatever the mix of your applications, Model 395 is the price/performance choice.

Gone are the days when you needed a different type of signal source for every design or testing task. Recent advances in digital technology coupled with Wavetek's innovative design mean that Model 395 can provide the functionality of seven instruments for the price of one.

The 100 MHz Model 395 has the power and flexibility to provide the right signals for applications ranging from in-circuit testing of semiconductors to the complex pulse patterns required in communication testing. And no other waveform generator provides such an easy and low-cost solution to performance characterization testing of all kinds of electronic devices.

Model 395 takes its place in the impressive Wavetek family of synthesized arbitrary waveform generators as the worldwide price/ performance leader among single channel arbs. There simply isn't another 100 MHz arb on the market that can match its price, especially when you consider the supporting features. User-defined (arbitrary) waveforms can be generated at clock rates from 100 mHz to 100 MHz with 12 bits of vertical resolution and up to 256 k points of horizontal memory.

A crystal stabilized reference signal and a feedback loop enable accuracies comparable to those available in expensive frequency synthesizers. A waveform sequencing feature allows up to four waveforms to be linked in a sequence for creating very long waveform periods. Advancement from one waveform to the next is conditional upon waveform repeat (loop) counts and trigger signals.

These are the kinds of high high performance specifications that make Model 395 the arb of choice for a variety of applications that require complex, nonstandard waveforms---from simulating power line disturbances such as drop out and spiked signals to providing complex signals for pressure sensors used in mechanical testing.

Specifications

Function Generator

With the introduction of the versatile and low-cost Model 395, there's no longer any reason to buy an ordinary function-only generator. The 395 generates 11 standard waveforms: square, sine, positive and negative ramps, pulse, noise, triangle, positive and negative haversines, sin(x)/x, and DC. And the performance specifications are first rate, providing square waves to 50 MHz, sine waves to 40 MHz, and triangles to 10 MHz, with synthesized accuracy and outputs up to 10 Vpp (into 50 ohms) Direct digital synthesis (DDS) enables 10-digit frequency resolution for sine waves to 20 MHz and for most other standard waveforms to 100 kHz. Waveforms can be output continuously or in triggered or gated modes that enable special applications such as brain response measurement and strain gauge data acquisition. Other capabilities give you the flexibility of the very best function generators including frequency sweeping, amplitude modulation, and summing with an external signal.


Noise Generator

The built-in noise generator is ideal for applications in which precise noise is required, such as testing electronic engine module noise susceptibility in automobiles. Extensive noise generation capabilities are provided by 5 programmable noise functions: white noise, digital noise, comb function, signal-plus-noise, and signal-plus-comb. Other programmable features include sequence length for white and digital noise, bandwidths to 10 MHz for comb and white noise, bandwidths to 50 MHz for digital noise, and noise-to-signal ratios from 1% to 99%.



Pulse Generator
Model 395 has a built-in pulse generator that offers a greater degree of control over pulse shape and amplitude than many other pulse generators. Simple pulses up to 10 MHz can be generated. You can create complex pulse trains of up to 10 pulses with individually programmable rise time, fall time, width, level, and negative or positive (in respect to the sync pulse) delay. This versatility makes Model 395 suitable in pulse applications as diverse as measuring the baseband frequency response in a microwave system, measuring the real-time impedance of biological cells, and testing propagation delay in electronic circuits.



Trigger Generator

Model 395 makes a great trigger generator for devices under test, whether you are using standard functions or user-defined waveforms. Burst count is programmable from 1 to 1,048,575 cycles. Gated mode provides continuous output of the wave-form for the duration of the gating signal. And four different trigger sources are available for maximum versatility: internal trigger generator with programmable trigger period, external signal with programmable trigger level and slope, remote trigger command, and manual trigger key.


Sweep Generator

Use Model 395 as a sweep generator for performance characterization and frequency response testing, such as testing amplifier response or rapid cycling of a mechanical servo. Wavetek's engineers have developed an algorithm that allows waveforms to be swept in one continuous range from 1 mHz to 20 MHz. Triggered and manual sweep operations also can be performed. Seven sweep modes, with linear and logarithmic sweep spacing, a TTL level sweep marker, and a ramp output give you the flexibility you need. There's even a pen lift function for use with chart recorders.


Output Modulation Source

If you do communication or audio design and test, Model 395 offers internally generated amplitude modulation and frequency modulation, as well as external amplitude modulation in two modes. Normal mode provides 0to 100% modulation; suppressed carrier mode provides +/-100% modulation.



Convenience and Versatility

Wavetek designed Model 395 with an eye toward user convenience. The user screens are tailored to the particular jobs you want to perform, such as setting up a pulse generator or a noise function. The large array of keys on the front panel means that Model 395 has a very simple menu hierarchy so that you don't get lost in a deep menu structure when you're using the instrument.

From any screen, you can access help screens that guide you in using the instrument's extensive capabilities. And you can store at least 40 instrument set-ups so you don't have to spend valuable time duplicating past effort.

Arbitrary waveforms can be created from the front panel using point edit, line draw, and waveform insert modes or remotely downloaded via the RS-232 interface or optional GPIB (an RS-232 cable is included with the 395). The GPIB option includes Direct DSO Waveform Transfer, which allows you to upload waveforms directly into Model 395 that have been captured with any of 25 different digital storage oscilloscopes from a variety of vendors. Wavetek also has available WaveForm DSP, a software tool that makes waveform creation, modification, and downloading easy over either interface.

As part of its low cost of ownership, Model 395 is extremely reliable, having a mean time between failure of 10,000 hours. And with a simple calibration procedure that can be performed entirely from the front panel without removing the instrument cover, calibration takes less than 15 minutes.

Ordering Information

WAVETEK 395 Universal Waveform Generator