New Rigol 16-bit function generators DG800/900 series - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: maxwell3e10
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2018, 04:35:23 pm
content: It looks like Rigol released a new series of function generators with 16-bit vertical resolution. The models range from DG811 - 1 channel 10 MHz for $279 to DG992 - 2 channel 100 MHz for $1000.DG822 -2 channel 25 MHz with 10 MHz square wave and 125 MSa/s for $329 might be the sweet spot.I've been looking recently at high vertical resolution generators, so I am curious how the new Rigol ones would compare with SDG2042X and Keysight 33522B.

author: Kuba_eM
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 11, 2018, 04:53:10 pm
content: but the look is like a horror movie ...

author: simone.pignatti
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2018, 04:57:03 pm
content: well, launch date is tomorrow September the 12thDG800 and DG900 are entry level models not to compete with SDG2000X or 33522B.DG800 data sheethttps://www.batterfly.com/PDF/RIGOL/DG8e9/DG800_Datasheet_EN.pdfDG900 data sheethttps://www.batterfly.com/PDF/RIGOL/DG8e9/DG900_Datasheet_EN.pdf

author: maxwell3e10
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2018, 07:09:39 pm
content: Quote from: simone.pignatti on September 11, 2018, 04:57:03 pmThey all have SiFi II/True Arb/TrueForm that is supposed to improve waveform fidelity and reduce jitter.It would be interesting to compare their approaches to waveform interpolation and just the cleanliness of a sine wave on a spectrum analyzer.DG800 datasheet says 200 ps jitter or 5 ps jitter depending on the filter for arbitrary waveform. SDG2000X datasheet says 150 ps jitter, no additional filter. 33522B says 40 ps to 5 ps, depending on filter.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2018, 07:52:45 pm
content: Quote from: maxwell3e10 on September 11, 2018, 04:35:23 pmSDG1032X is 150 MSa, 14 bit and does square to 30 MHz for just a few $ more. SDG1062X goes to 60 MHz square wave.SDG2042X is 1.2 GSa, 16 bit and does square wave to 25 MHz.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2018, 08:07:14 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on September 11, 2018, 08:00:57 pmNope.Sine is only 40 MHz on that model but for those that want to hack them it can be improved to 120 MHz (SDG2122X) but still square is 25 MHz.

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2018, 08:56:02 pm
content: Booby prizeof design awards goes to... Rigol 16-bit function generator!!!!Design with every new instrument is getting worse. They shall check mental health of designers and product decision makers ASAP.

author: blackdog
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2018, 09:13:43 pm
content: Hi,For anyone who does not know yet, necessary for a good square wave representation, at least 10x more bandwidth is required than for a sinus.So if the generator has a maximum sine frequency of 40MHz then at least 400MHZ bandwidth is needed from the DAC and the amplifier steps behind this.For a really nice block reproduction I usually use 15x the bandwidth.Yes i know, live sucksDo not forget to check the max output level, at the max Frequency of the generator, and get dissapointed (almost all generators have a mutch lower output level at the higer frequency)Kind regards,Bram

author: MikeP
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2018, 09:16:28 pm
content: Total Harmonic Distortion <0.075% (10 Hz to 20 kHz)It 's about -63dB.

author: Pinkus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2018, 09:45:50 pm
content: Quote from: ogden on September 11, 2018, 08:56:02 pmBut you have to keep in mind that they designed the case so that the air can circulate, even if the device is next to or under other devices. That's why a fanless design was possible.Thats: +1Also: real power switch: +1I do not mind the look of the back of a housing a lot, as long as the front (which I am seeing all the time and I am working with) is fine.They still use different shapes of buttons, but I would be able to tolerate it here as (probably because of the lack of more buttons) the design is clear and not crowded. They could have done worse.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 11, 2018, 10:16:03 pm
content: Someone was thinking

author: Daruosha
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2018, 10:46:03 pm
content: Quote from: ogden on September 11, 2018, 08:56:02 pmAre these AWGs designed for gamers? Somebody please find the head designer and slap him as hard as possible in the face! WTF!! Look at the top of the unit in the datasheets.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2018, 11:08:31 pm
content: Quote from: Daruosha on September 11, 2018, 10:46:03 pmIt looks a bit wild, but if something else is stacked on top (it seems like it is designed to accommodate this), then you won't even see the top.Consider how often people here compare about fan noise for hobbyist instruments, it seems like they are catering directly to that audience. Of course this could be done without the wild stylings too.

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2018, 11:39:49 pm
content: Fanless is great, crazy gaming PC design doesn't match anything on my bench. I don't really think industrial equipment needs to look scifi (or have SciFi II tech) or be super edgy.... at least no RGB lights.Doesn't seem like incredible pricing, but it's about competitive and the waveform memory seems big, hopefully they have a lot of built in modes and patterns.EDIT: oh actually the 800 series looks much more like a bit of test gear. Maybe there's some LeCroy bench where the 900 fits in terms of color, at least, but the DG900 wouldn't fit next to their own brand new DS7000.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2018, 02:45:15 am
content: Wrong design for the market, but at least the buttons/labels all face the same direction (looking at you, DS7000!).

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2018, 03:18:14 am
content: How can I set my coffee cup on top of that?

author: TurboTom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2018, 05:23:11 am
content: Quote from: xrunner on September 12, 2018, 03:18:14 amHave Rigol design a coffe cup ?

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2018, 05:28:21 am
content: Good one, Tom. Maybe the gen will keep it warm for you, too — but only warm.

author: maxwell3e10
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2018, 06:10:04 am
content: So since it doesn't make any fan noise anymore, maybe searching for "noise DG822" in the future will instead reveal more results on how well the 16-bit ADC is working.

author: maukka
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 12, 2018, 06:19:25 am
content: One unlisted Youtube video on theproduct page:

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2018, 06:26:30 am
content: Reminds me of theFlying Subfrom the TV series,Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea.

author: MrW0lf
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2018, 06:37:24 am
content: Are they trying to fly under the bug radar with this new stealth design

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2018, 08:04:12 am
content: If that tiny rocker switch is a real mains switch I can't see it lasting long

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2018, 08:07:08 am
content: "seven bit 240MHz function generator".. I think they mean seven digit...

author: timgiles
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2018, 08:47:13 am
content: Kinda feel like the black 900 model should have gold plated connectors.... bit of a missed opportunity!