Picking a decent Signal (Waveform) Generator, advice please. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: bsodmike
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2020, 02:25:42 pm
content: Hi all,Please refer my last thread (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/advice-on-picking-(another)-bench-oscilloscope/) where I added a R&S RTM3004 'scope to my bench to accompany the awesome Keysight bench PSU - and both were chosen based on advice from nctnico, so thank you!! they've been fantastic to use so far.Regarding a signal generator, what would you recommend?Should I look at R&S/Keysight again, or look elsewhere? Ideally I do not want to spend big bucks on this, unless anyone has any advice as to why one would - say they are looking for a very specific reference signal generator?I plan to order a couple 50Ohm BNC cables:https://export.farnell.com/johnson-cinch-connectivity/415-0054-m1-5/rf-cable-assy-bnc-plug-plug-1/dp/2848049Do I need anything else? May be a BNC T-terminal, 50 Ohms terminator cap? BNC to wire-tweezer probes?P.S.I'm after an A-brand unit, with minimum bugs, really fast UI/UX. No issues. If it's worth it, I'm willing to pay. I just don't expect to spend as much as the R&S RTM3004 on a Signal generator though.Thanks!

author: bsodmike
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2020, 11:43:31 am
content: Thought I'd post an update. I've gone through all the various features, options, and price points and have decided to consider this unit from Keysight:https://export.farnell.com/keysight-technologies/33521b/waveform-gen-1ch-arb-30mhz-trueform/dp/21430051 Channel30 MHzLarge display, easy to use frontend.Arbitrary waveform support

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2020, 03:14:25 pm
content: Quote from: bsodmike on August 19, 2020, 11:43:31 amIt's an excellent generator.Couple thoughts: You might want to check on the delta price for 2 channels. Having a second channel (independent or coupled/tracking/combined) can be useful.There is an option for a high stability time base. As an alternative (and for probably a lot less) you might want to use a GPSDO with a 10 MHz ref signal to drive the 335XXB's external reference input. Together they can produce some amazing results.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2020, 04:30:07 pm
content: Quote from: Electro Fan on August 19, 2020, 03:14:25 pmIt needs to be for £1,928.00 !Dunno why the OP overlooks the fine SDG2042X @ $500

author: TurboTom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2020, 06:15:57 pm
content: At the price of the Keysight one can easily have an SDG6022X which excels the KS in almost every field. I guess that's the premium one has to pay for A-brand gear. No question, the KS generator is a decent piece of gear. But make sure it comes with the options required to get the job done. I second @Electro Fan: Consider well if it wouldn't make more sense to go for a two-channel version.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2020, 05:35:36 am
content: Quote from: tautech on August 19, 2020, 04:30:07 pmif he's after the Keysight sticker/label on top of the screen then thats fine..Dunno why the OP overlooks the fineUNI-T UTG962 60MHz 2CH 200MSps@ $100+btw with £1,928.00 + the R&S RTM3004's price allocation, i think i can buy many toys already. ymmv.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 21, 2020, 06:36:46 am
content: The RTM3000 with RTM-B6 already has a reasonble waveform generator built-in with ARB, sweep, and modulation functions. Also a 4-bit pattern generator.You don't state any actual requirements, so I presume you just want something independent of the scope?Otherwise, I'd suggest using that until you realise what features you are missing.