The Tektronix 73A-270 is a VXIbus-compatible arbitrary pulse and pattern generator delivering two independent output channels for complex waveform synthesis in test, research, and development environments. It generates TTL and bipolar analog pulse patterns with programmable sequencing up to 1600 output durations per channel, repeat counts from 1 to 63 or continuous operation, and real-time duration updates during transmission.
Technical Specifications
Output Channels & Drive
• Two independent channels with TTL (active high/low), VXIbus TTLTRG, and bipolar analog outputs
• TTL drive: 3.2 mA source, 24 mA sink
• Bipolar analog: ±17.4 V into 50 Ω minimum load
• Bipolar resolution: 100 mV (50 Ω load) / 200 mV (high impedance)
• Rise/fall time (10–90%): < 60 ns
• DC accuracy: 3% of full-scale range
Pattern Memory & Timing
• On-card memory: 3200 24-bit words (1600 words per channel)
• Sequential durations: 1 to 1600 per channel
• Programmable duration range: 1 to 999,999 times selected resolution
• Four resolution ranges: 100 ns to 99.9999 ms; 1 µs to 0.999999 s; 10 µs to 9.99999 s; 100 µs to 99.9999 s
• Internal clock: 10 MHz with four programmable resolution ranges (100 ns, 1 µs, 10 µs, 100 µs)
• External clock input: 1 kHz to 10 MHz TTL, 1.25 TTL load equivalents
Trigger & Breakpoints
• Trigger modes: Non-retriggerable and retriggerable
• Trigger sources: Software-initiated or external (front panel / VXIbus TTLTRG)
• Trigger delay: 315 ns to 0 ns ±100 ns across all resolution ranges
• Programmable breakpoints: 1 to 1600 per channel
Environmental
• Operating temperature: −10°C to +65°C
• Storage temperature: −40°C to +85°C
• Humidity: < 95% RH, non-condensing
– Key Features
• In-progress duration value updates without transmission interruption
• Dual-channel independence with shared VXIbus backplane interface
• Power-up initialization to known state (Channel A selected, 100 ns resolution, retriggerable mode, inactive outputs, bipolar outputs at 0 V DC)
– Typical Applications
TTL and analog pulse pattern generation for electronic test, protocol simulation, signal stimulus in automated test equipment, and research applications requiring complex timing sequences.
– Compatibility & Integration
Designed for VXIbus card cage integration, including Tektronix 73A-021 modules within CDS 73A IAC systems.
