What's a "True Pulse Generator"?

Pulse generators often originate with analog designs and produce adequate rectangular waveforms.  But true pulse generators use all-digital techniques to create pulses for improved precision.

AIM-TTi's TGP3100 Series of generators are true pulse generators that can generate precision pulses from 1 mHz up to 50 MHz with pulse width and delay resolutions of 100 psec. Single and dual channel models are available, both featuring large graphic LCDs for simultaneous text and waveform information. The TGP3100 Series are true pulse generators using all-digital techniques, but they can also act as high performance noise generators and as function/arbitrary generators - making them truly universal waveform generators. 

The TGP3100 Series features independently variable rise and fall times that can be set from 5 nsec up to 800 seconds. PWM and PDM (pulse width and pulse delay modulation) are incorporated. Unlike many other pulse generators, the TGP3100 series can perform linear and logarithmic sweeps of all waveform types, as well as extensive internal/external modulation of all waveforms (e.g. AM, FM, PM, SUM, FSK and BPSK etc.), double pulse, and user-defined pulse patterns.

A high drive capability output stage can drive 20 Vpk-pk into a 50 Ohm load. The fully variable output voltage can be load-impedance compensated over a wide range with a minimum output level of 10 mVpk-pk.  Sine waves are available up to 50 MHz and fifteen other standard waveforms are provided. Arbitrary waveforms have 16-bit resolution with an 800 Msample/sec rate.

With the TGP31x2 dual versions, either output can be triggered by the other channel to set up a complex and versatile inter-channel trigger scheme without requiring external connections. A USB flash drive interface on the front panel can store results or setups, and the TGP3100 series can be externally controlled via USB and LXI compliant LAN interfaces (GPIB optional).  Waveform Manager Plus for Windows software is included at no extra charge.  TGP3121/ TGP3151 are the single-channel 25/50MHz models, and TGP3122/TGP3152 are the dual-channel 25/50MHz models. 

Made by Aim-TTi, a leading European test equipment manufacturer, the TGP3100 True Pulse Generators are available now from Saelig Company, Inc. Fairport, NY. www.saelig.com