The Tektronix AFG3251 is a single-channel arbitrary waveform generator delivering 240 MHz bandwidth and 2 GS/s sampling rate for precise waveform generation across electronic test, design validation, sensor simulation, and functional testing. The instrument generates 12 standard waveforms—sine, square, ramp, triangle, Sin(x)/x, exponential rise/decay, Gaussian, Lorentz, haversine, DC, and noise—plus arbitrary waveforms up to 128K points. A 5.6-inch color display provides real-time waveform parameter visibility, while independent control of pulse leading and trailing edges enables custom pulse shaping.
Technical Specifications
Waveform Generation
• Standard waveforms: 12 types (sine, square, ramp, triangle, Sin(x)/x, exponential rise and decay, Gaussian, Lorentz, haversine, DC, noise)
• Arbitrary waveforms: Up to 128K points
• Vertical resolution: 14-bit
• Sine bandwidth: 240 MHz
• Sample rate: 2 GS/s (250 MS/s for >16k to 128k arbitrary waveforms)
Frequency Control
• Sine frequency: Up to 240 MHz
• Pulse frequency: Up to 120 MHz
• Other waveforms: Up to 2.4 MHz
• Frequency resolution: 1 µHz or 12 digits
• Internal reference stability: ±1 ppm (0 °C to 50 °C)
• Internal reference aging: ±1 ppm per year
Output Characteristics
• Amplitude: 1 mVP-P to 10 VP-P into 50 Ω loads
• High-frequency output (>200 MHz): 50 mVp-p to 4 Vp-p
• Output impedance: 50 Ω
Modulation & Control
• Modulation types: AM, FM, PM, FSK, PWM, sweep, burst
• Internal modulation frequency: 2 mHz to 50.00 kHz
• Sweep modes: Linear, logarithmic; 10 ms to 100 s
• Burst modes: Triggered, gated (1 to 1,000,000 cycles or infinite)
• Trigger sources: Internal (1.000 ms to 500.0 s), external, remote interface
Inputs and Outputs
• External Add input: DC to 10 MHz, -1 V to +1 V, 50 Ω
• Modulation input: DC to 25 kHz, ±1 V, 10 kΩ
• Burst trigger input: TTL, 10 kΩ
• 10 MHz reference input: -100 mVp-p to 5 Vp-p, 1 kΩ
• Trigger output: TTL, 50 Ω
• 10 MHz reference output: 1.2 Vp-p, 50 Ω
– Key Features
• Large 5.6-inch color display for parameter visualization
• Independent pulse edge timing control
• 14-bit vertical resolution for waveform fidelity
• Dual-rate sampling: 2 GS/s standard, 250 MS/s for extended memory
– Typical Applications
Electronic design validation, sensor simulation protocols, functional circuit testing, educational laboratory work, and custom signal development.
– Compatibility & Integration
ArbExpress™ software streamlines arbitrary waveform creation and direct import from Tektronix oscilloscopes.
