The Tektronix AFG3252 is a dual-channel arbitrary/function generator engineered for electronic test, design validation, sensor simulation, and functional testing. This instrument delivers waveform generation from 1 µHz to 240 MHz on sine outputs, with arbitrary waveform capability up to 2 GS/s sample rate and 128 K point record length. The 14-bit vertical resolution and 5.6″ color LCD display enable precise signal creation and real-time monitoring across applications spanning breadboard prototyping to production test environments.
Technical Specifications
Output & Frequency
• Dual independent channels with 50 Ω output impedance
• Sine waveforms: 1 µHz to 240 MHz
• Alternative waveforms (triangle, ramp): 1 µHz to 2.4 MHz
• Frequency setting resolution: 1 µHz or 12 digits
• Amplitude: Up to 20 Vp-p into 50 Ω loads
• Output noise: 0% to 50% of amplitude setting
Arbitrary Waveform Generation
• Sample rate: Up to 2 GS/s
• Record length: Up to 128 K points
• Vertical resolution: 14 bits
Waveform Library
• Standard waveforms: Sine, square, pulse, ramp, triangle, Sin(x)/x, exponential rise/decay, Gaussian, Lorentz, haversine, DC, noise
• Pulse parameters: 40 ns to 999.99 s width; 5-digit resolution; independently settable leading and trailing edges
Modulation & Sweep
• Modes: AM, FM, PM, FSK, PWM
• Internal modulation frequency: 2 mHz to 50.00 kHz
• Sweep types: Linear, logarithmic
• Sweep timing: 10 ms to 100 s
• Modulation input: DC to 25 kHz, ±1 V, 10 kΩ
Triggering & Gating
• Burst modes: Triggered or gated (1 to 1,000,000 cycles or infinite)
• Internal trigger rate: 1.000 ms to 500.0 s
• External trigger input: TTL, 10 kΩ
Frequency Reference
• 10 MHz reference input: –100 mVp-p to 5 Vp-p, 1 kΩ
• 10 MHz reference output: 1.2 Vp-p, 50 Ω
• Time base stability: ±1 ppm (0 °C to 50 °C)
• Time base aging: ±1 ppm per year
Physical & Operating
• Display: 5.6″ color LCD
• Power requirement: 100–240 V, 47–63 Hz or 115 V, 360–440 Hz
• Power consumption: Less than 120 W
• Weight: 4.5 kg
• Warm-up time: 20 minutes (typical)
• Self-calibration: <16 s (typical)
• Acoustic noise: <50 dBA (typical)
– Key Features
• Two independent channels for dual-signal generation and phase control
• 14-bit arbitrary waveform definition with 2 GS/s capture rate
• Five modulation types with internal and external sources
• Triggered burst and gated modes for pulse train and sequencing applications
• External channel 1 summing input (DC to 10 MHz, ±1 V)
• Frequency and trigger control via remote interface
– Typical Applications
• Component validation and functional testing
• Sensor and transducer excitation
• Signal integrity analysis and impedance characterization
• Educational laboratory demonstrations
• Design iteration and breadboard prototyping
– Compatibility & Integration
Built-in PC software support enables waveform management and instrument control. Standard 10 MHz reference input/output permits clock synchronization across multiple test instruments.
