The Tektronix FG 501A is a 2 MHz function generator module that produces sine, square, triangle, ramp, and pulse waveforms across a frequency range of 0.002 Hz to 2 MHz in eight decade steps. This plug-in module integrates into the Tektronix TM500 mainframe system and delivers up to 30 V peak-to-peak into an open circuit or 15 V peak-to-peak into 50 Ω, with independently adjustable DC offset up to ±13 V (±6.5 V into 50 Ω).
Technical Specifications
Frequency & Waveform Generation
• Frequency range: 0.002 Hz to 2 MHz (eight decade steps)
• Waveforms: Sine, square, triangle, ramp, pulse
• Sine wave distortion: ≤0.25% (audio frequencies)
• Amplitude flatness: Within 0.1 dB (audio frequencies)
• Square wave risetime/falltime: ≤25 ns
• Square wave aberrations: 20 dB attenuation
Advanced Control Features
• Symmetry control: 5% to 95% variable; reduces output frequency by ×10 when enabled
• Variable phase control: ±90° phase shift for haver-sines, sine pulses, and haver triangles
• Trigger output: Square wave ≥4 V from 50 Ω for synchronizing external equipment
• External gate input: ~2 kΩ impedance; ≥1 V signal required
• Voltage-controlled frequency (VCF) input: Sweeps output frequency ±1000:1 with 10 V external signal; slew rate ≥0.3 V/ms
Environmental
• Operating temperature: 0°C to +50°C
• Warm-up time: 20 minutes for specified accuracy; 60 minutes after high-humidity exposure
• Non-condensing environment required
– Key Features
• Eight-decade frequency coverage enables low-frequency characterization and high-speed circuit testing
• Low harmonic content and distortion specification supports precision analog circuit development
• VCF input permits frequency sweep and modulation without manual tuning
• Phase control enables phase-locked testing and signal correlation measurements
• Trigger output synchronizes multi-instrument test setups
– Typical Applications
• Component and circuit characterization across audio and RF frequency bands
• Signal injection for frequency-response analysis
• Oscilloscope and counter synchronization via trigger output
• Modulation and sweep testing via external voltage control
– Compatibility & Integration
Designed as a TM500 system plug-in module. Operates from a TM500 power module connected to sources not exceeding 250 volts RMS with protective ground connection.
