Arbitrary function generator (COMP. CHART): SDG1020, Hant.1025, AFG-2025, DG1022 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: asilva10
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2013, 05:19:19 pm
content: I'd like to receive suggestions about the best cost-effective option for an arbitrary function generator.Rather than replying each comment (in advance, I appreciate your time in giving the feedback), I will filling a comparison chart.Can we compare SDG1020, Hantek 1025, Instek AFG-2025, Rigol DG1022, etc?We can discuss multiple options and costs, but for my personal case:* I do not care about jitter issues above 1MHz.* I need a solution which I can use the computer to draw the arbitrary function but once this data is uploaded to the FG, the computer is no more necessary.* Cost < $500So far:SDG-1005List-price: $285Technology: DDSMax. freq: 5MHzMax. output: 20VppUser-definable waveform: YesDisplay: Color LCDRequires PC to operate: NoEase of PC software operation: ?# Outputs: 2Sampling rate: 125MSa/sVertical resolution: 14bitWave length memory: 16K pointsInternally installed waveforms: 48User-defined waveform: Yes (EasyWave1.0)Internal frequency counter: Yes, up to 200MHzJitter issues beyond freq.: ?Built-in modulation functions: AM, FM, PM, FSK, ASK, PWMConnectivity: USB Device, USB Host (GPIB and LAN port are optional)SDG-1020List-price: $330Same as SDG-1005, except:Max. freq: 20MHzThanks!!

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2013, 06:20:48 pm
content: If you'd consider used gear, I quite like the Tektronix/Sony AWG2020/2021.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2013, 06:49:22 pm
content: Those have issues with leaking capacitors and the technology is late 80's / early 90's. I'd look at the generators from Siglent. Either the SDG1000 series or if the OP is willing to spend a pinch more then an SDG5082 is also affordable.

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2013, 04:40:26 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on November 10, 2013, 06:49:22 pmI agree about the caps, but I don't think the technology era is relevant; have you been displeased with yours?

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2013, 04:46:35 am
content: If you want new, I'd go for Rigol over Siglent. I haven't been too impressed with what I've seen from teardowns of Siglent equipment although I will admit I don't own any Siglent equipment myself.

author: rf-loop
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2013, 07:04:37 am
content: Quote from: jabramo on November 10, 2013, 09:53:39 pmSome notes for this old video.FW in use is 1.01.01.23.Current FW is 1.01.01.31!There is many fun things. But it can understand becouse he have not any experience with unit before start video shooting.Who in lab use test equipment as game boy.Overall nice video but many small mistakes due to lack of knowledge, experience with this unit etc.Time position 59.26 short joke about noisy sinewave was just fun.There is Rigol oscilloscope and he think noise is coming from generator. This generator sinewave noise is really lot of less what never can see with this oscilloscope. (oscilloscope front end noise is far over generator noise and also theoretical real time resolution is 8 bit and in practice around 6-7bit. If even shortly look with spectrum (ref example my phase noise mearuments - it is clear that noise is really far far down away from usual oscilloscope level - this kind of claim just come only becouse lack of enough experience.)About this 8ns time jitter in some modes. It is natural and it is exactly as specified.Small level jump when change between square / sine is due to some different filtering.Of course it can do different. If user change "on the fly" waveform, internally it can first shut off output, then do all filter etc adjustements and then turn agen output on when all internal changes are finished. But, in this case, there come break and it is some what mofre slow. Then some one rant this... coin have allways three sides.But, main reason for this comment was that please, perhaps it is better practice first study how to use equipment and some amount study how they work and after then, start video camera.UI have many small shortcuts and handling really do not need two hand.Then also becouse this video was popped up long time after its "best before" date, it have very old totally obsolete FW.If compare SDG1000 and Rigol DG1022 it is clear that SDG beats this Rigol.It can see in specifications also. 2x16k. / 4k 14bit + 14bit and 14bit + 10bit etc.Then look example risetimes (you find these real on the forum).Looks nearly like they belongs to different class.It can also understand becouse "heart" of SDG1000 series is designed for 50MHz (SDG1050).But also, Siglent need put more power for finishing User manuals, PC softwares, specs sheets, and after sales customer care. But in this Siglent is not alone.

author: asilva10
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2013, 07:22:45 pm
content: Based on what I read so far and the very good comments at the Amazon site, I opted by the SDG1010 model.It (a new one) had a cost of $237 + $18 shipping - 12 coupon = $243 final (no tax) from an USA supplier.I found many interesting deals with the other options but this one seemed to me to be the most cost-effective one. I do not see a scenario in my research that I need to go beyond 1MHz. So I saved +$100 by choosing in this way.I will give feedback of the its performance and software as soon as I receive the equipment.Thanks a lot!!