Tektronix AWG420 Arbitrary Waveform Generator

The Tektronix AWG420 is a dual-channel arbitrary waveform generator that produces complex analog and digital signals for communications, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor characterization. It simulates mixed-signal conditions including marginal and erroneous scenarios, making it essential for design and manufacturing test engineers who need precise signal creation and real-world fault injection capabilities.

– Technical Specifications

Waveform Generation
• 2 independent channels with up to 200 MS/s sample rate
• 16-bit vertical resolution (1/65536)
• Record length up to 16 Mpoints/ch with Option 01 (standard 4 Mpoints/ch)
• Windows-based utility for custom waveform creation, editing, and import

Analog Output
• Amplitude range: -5.0 V to +5.0 V into 50 Ω
• Output voltage: 20 mV to 5.0 V into 50 Ω (2 Vp-p minimum)
• Rise/fall time: <3.0 ns (through filter), 100 ns minimum pulse width
• External clock and reference inputs (BNC rear panel)
• Independent ADD-INPUT per channel: -1 V to 1 V DC + peak AC into 50 Ω

– Key Features

• Dual-channel independent operation with tight output synchronization
• Low jitter clock (7 ps period jitter) for precision timing applications
• Flexible triggering architecture supports complex test scenarios
• Integrated noise generation for realistic signal degradation simulation
• High vertical resolution (16-bit) with fast edges (<3 ns)

– Typical Applications

• Mixed-signal circuit validation and characterization
• Communications system stress testing and margin analysis
• Aerospace and defense signal emulation
• Semiconductor device qualification with fault injection
• Manufacturing test and yield improvement

– Compatibility & Integration

External clock and reference inputs enable synchronization with test systems. ADD-INPUT capability on both channels allows real-time signal injection and combination. Windows utility streamlines waveform development and deployment workflows.