Thank Guys for the replies!
Before going further, a clarification is necessary. Those measurement scenarios will be done separately, not at the same time. So, for example, it's an acceptable deal if one of the main outputs must be used as a counter input. Or aux in/out is shared to be either a sweep marker output or a modulation input or trigger input/output.
Sorry Tautech, but I understand these highlighted lines of the OP's requirements that he wants separate Aux/Sync/Mod inputs for each channel:
[...]
The OP may correct me if I'm wrong with my interpretation of his minimum requirements.
You're right. The only deal I can live with if there is no chance to run two sweeps at the same time with two independent sync/marker outputs. On the other hand, two separate aux inputs with modulation capability is a must.
(...)
Otherwise the Siglent SDG2000 (XYSE+-#()*^$ whatever) series is a reasonable choice besides the Rigol models you already found but expect having to deal with bugs if you kick it to the limits.
(...)
Then again, many of your measurements are done easier by using a network analyser or an oscilloscope that has FRA (frequency response analysis / Bode plotting). You won't need all the sync outputs and you'll have a better dynamic range of the measurement as well. An R&S RTB2000 series oscilloscope would be a good choice.
(...)
Years back, I spent quite a lot of time in a similar situation about DMMs (see
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/benchtop-dmm-advise-needed-(1-ua-to-10-a-2w4w-ui-dual-display-labview)/msg1823696/#msg1823696 ). Then, I nearly doubled my budget to reach the best alternative and got a
Keysight 34465A, which is worth every cent.
The reason I dropped Keithley was the untrustable firmware, which locked up at least a dozen times during a 3-day test period. That is the reason why I avoid any "garbage", or products with lots of serious compromises
(see Siglents near their specs limitations).
I highly appreciate your intention to show me a wider point of view. To meet this idea, let me clarify that: this limited budget is tightly knit to a need for an oscilloscope upgrade from the very basic (and painfully limited) Rigol MSO1074Z to a more decent model. I'll definitely make some research about this topic in the close future. For other purposes (antenna optimization) a VNA is on my wishlist (most likely a RigExpert). But it's another story for 2024 possibly.
Again, thanks for the idea and the new knowledge! (...)DG4000 may just check most of your boxes, provides a lot of connectivity and is hackable (DG4062 will do) but it's quite "mature"... (both positive and negative).
I wouldn't put too much emphasis on the low level performance. You may always add some budget BNC attenuators to the AWG's outputs in order to reduce the output signal to the required level. Same for the output signal add function: At your requested levels, a resistive combiner (maybe even DIY) may do the job quite well.
I've got or have used DG800, DG4000, SDG6000X and a few "lesser" brands or units...
Thank you very much!
DG4000 is both aged and way too big to fit my crowded bench. Possibly Rigol will discontinue it in the foreseeable future.
Low-level performance, as you mentioned, isn't a big issue. Among some other testing equipment, a switchable attenuator is in the early PCB development state. May be real at the end of this summer. :-)
Have a great Sunday!
Thanks again, 73!
Tamás