Tektronix AFG31000 2GS/s Arbitrary Function Generator Review, Teardown & Exp

[Hugoneus]

In this episode Shahriar reviews the new Tektronix AFG31000 Arbitrary Function Generator. The AFG31000 series with InstaView™ technology is the first high-performance AFG with built-in waveform generation applications, patented real-time wave monitoring, and a modern user interface. The instrument is capable of 2GS/s waveform generation up to 250MHz and 14-bits of vertical resolution. This review is organized as follows:

00:08 – Introductions
01:01 – Front panel, rear panel and instrument design
03:44 – Detailed teardown, analysis, architecture and components
17:30 – GUI overview and basic functions
20:25 – Broadband FM modulation experiments
23:55 – InstaView experiments with a non-linear impedance
35:38 – Equation editor, waveform builder and advance sequencing
51:21 – Concluding remarks

You can watch the video here: [52 Minutes]
youtu.be/H3Y9JNOt3hA

[Hugoneus]

If you have GUI change requests, let me know.

[rodpp]

Thanks for the great review, excellent as always.

This AFG has similar specs to the AFG3000 series, but it is a big improvement regarding the GUI, the Instaview feature and the internal memory.

[JxR]

Thank you Dr. Shahriar, I always enjoy your in depth reviews.

While I do think the AFG31000 is a cool device, I honestly would never consider it due to its physical size.  I personally would rather they went with the standard half 2U form factor, and then had all this functionality available from a nice web interface.  Desk space for me is just at too much of a premium to have an AWG the size of an oscilloscope.  Although, I'm sure there are those that would appreciate the large screen and touch interface.

Regardless, it was nice to see the unit in action. Hopefully they will improve some of the GUI aspects you pointed out.