Buying a Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generator - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2022, 08:13:07 am
content: Hi,I want to buy a Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generator for my own lab, this is the first time I want to buy one, Generally I want to use it for doing experiments, like testing ADC's or testing my DSP engines inside FPGA's to calculate signal attributes like amplitude and phase and frequency, Also I want to use it for doing bode plots along a scope like siglent SDS2104X Plus to test and evaluate SMPS power supplies using the tools like Biricha for STM32, so I have chosen siglent SDG2042X and I want to know if it's a good choice before I make the payment?what about hackability, I mean can it be hacked to 120MHz model?Being able to feed the arbgen to play sound files like wave or mp3 files is also very usable, But I do not see any info on SDG2042X cataloge.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2022, 08:50:43 am
content: The free EasyWaveX SW for all Siglent Arbs is a powerful utility for creation of waveform files, editing scope saved waveform files and uploading/downloading from each.It's ~20MB download but requires NIVISA Runtime as a minimum for the USB/LAN connectivity driversThe PDF Install and User Guide is what you need study from the zip install package here:https://int.siglent.com/upload_file/zip/Upper_computer/EasyWaveX%201.1.0.19_EN.zip

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2022, 09:37:39 am
content: Thanks for the feedback, is this a good wave gen to buy? Also can the software be used to play sound files too?

author: HalFoster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2022, 10:13:25 am
content: For features and affordability, Siglent is a very good option. While the UI and absolute specifications are not the best, they have been getting steadily better over the years. Customer service can be hit or miss but then,allOEMs are pretty much that way lately unless your equipment costs 100K or so.Hal

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2022, 10:17:13 am
content: QuoteWhich other models or brands do you suggest in this price range?

author: tv84
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2022, 11:48:13 am
content: Search the forum for "SDG2000X" and you'll see plenty of threads. Give them a flyby in order to get a look and feel of what people usually say about them and the pros and cons.The info included in this forum throughout the years gives the best answers to all your questions.Don't expect to have any specific person here give you, in a a day or two, the best opinion on which to support your buy.It's not wasted time to read many of these threads. This is not social networks... You'll learn things that you haven't thought about regarding AWGs and that could influence your buying decision.BTW, another usual option would be the hackable Rigol DG800/DG900 (maybe inferior but maybe better bang/buck).

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2022, 02:01:57 pm
content: QuoteThanks for the tip

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2022, 02:22:22 pm
content: Quote from: tv84 on October 31, 2022, 11:48:13 amJust a note:SDG2000X, when "liberated", goes to 120 MHz on sine and is fully calibrated from factory for full BW.Some Rigol hacking combinations will unlock BW and/or model number but partially calibrated.Make sure to know which one are which.SDG2000X has some stuff that is better than Rigol 800/900, and Rigol has some stuff SDG2000X doesn't have.Carefully compare features and choose which ones are important to you...

author: mawyatt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2022, 02:31:22 pm
content: If you envision getting involved with doing Bode Plots and such make sure to select an AWG that is compatible with your DSO.Best,

author: HalFoster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2022, 04:03:27 pm
content: Quote from: ali_asadzadeh on October 31, 2022, 10:17:13 amRigol is also well regarded in this range. I personally don't use the AWG functions so my personal gens are older HP models - 3310B, 3326A, 3335A,3336C and 8663A are in my rack at home.Hal

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2022, 04:17:05 pm
content: If loading waveforms into the generator is a requirement, I'd start by figuring out whether the generator can deal with waveform files by itself or needs external software. In case of external software it is wise to determine whether the software is actually useful. A lot of such software is pretty crappy to use and/or needs libraries that are hard to install (like the bloat called NI VISA). Personally I avoid any instrument control software that requires NI VISA to work.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2022, 07:48:35 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on October 31, 2022, 04:17:05 pmi keep runtime that came with my device only 85MB for USB connectivity only. unfortunately sometime in developer's page, they have their own agenda, NI-VISA is such a large framework but all is not lost... you can select what you need....https://forums.ni.com/t5/Instrument-Control-GPIB-Serial/VISA-runtime-download-link/td-p/3954548https://knowledge.ni.com/KnowledgeArticleDetails?id=kA03q000000YHweCAG&l=en-MYhttps://ni-visa-runtime.software.informer.com/download/(be mindful when downloading from software informer, dont click the wrong button) ymmv

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2022, 08:08:18 am
content: Guys thanks for the tips.