Arbitrary/Function Generator
AFG2021 Datasheet
Features & Benefits
20 MHz sine, 10 MHz square and pulse waveforms provide coverage
for your most common applications
250 MS/s sampling rate and 14-bit vertical resolution enable the creation
of high-fidelity signals
The innovative UI reduces setup and evaluation time with direct access
to frequently used functions and parameters
The internal 4 × 128 kS memory and the USB memory expansion
capability provide substantial capacity for defining complex waveforms
USB remote control port and USB flash drive port are included. GPIB
and LAN interfaces are available as an option
Built-in Modulation, Noise Generator, Burst, and Sweep modes for
greater versatility
Built-in waveforms provide quick access to commonly used signals
Large 3.5 inch color screen displays both graphical and numeric
waveform information simultaneously
Menu and online help in 8 languages
2U height and half-rack width fits both benchtop and rack-mounted
applications
Free ArbExpress software makes waveform editing and downloading
extremely easy
Free SignalExpress software combines Tektronix bench instruments into
a low-cost solution for automatic testing
Applications
Electronic test and design
Sensor simulation
Education and training
Functional test
System integration
Datasheet
Superior Performance at an Affordable Price
Most electronic devices, circuits, and systems are designed to handle some
form of signal. These signals can be simple like an audio frequency or
clock signal or more complex like a serial data stream or the output of an
airbag sensor during a crash. With 20 MHz bandwidth, 14-bit resolution,
and 250 MS/s sample rate, the AFG2021 Arbitrary Function Generator can
create both simple and complex signals at an entry-level price. With 12
standard waveforms, modulation capability, and a built-in noise generator
you can quickly create the signal you need to thoroughly exercise your
designs.
Intuitive User Interface
The innovative ease-of-use features first seen on the AFG3000 Series
arbitrary/function generators are the building blocks for the AFG2021,
providing quick access to setup and operational features. Experienced
AFG3000 users will find it especially easy to set up the new AFG2021. A
3.5 inch color TFT screen shows relevant parameters in both graphic and
text formats, so you can have full confidence in your settings and focus on
the task at hand. The front-panel shortcut buttons and rotary knob provide
quick access to the most frequently used functions and settings.
Frequency range from 1 μHz to 20 MHz, supports a wide range of amplifier and filter
testing applications.
Excellent Frequency Agility
Traditional function generators created their output signals using analog
oscillators and signal conditioning. The Tektronix AFG2021 relies on
Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) techniques. DDS technology synthesizes
waveforms by using a single clock frequency to generate any frequency
within the instrument’s range. DDS architecture provides exceptional
frequency agility, making it possible to program fast frequency and phase
changes, which is useful for testing radio and satellite system components,
amplifiers, and filters.
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Arbitrary/Function Generator — AFG2021
ArbExpress software helps you easily duplicate real-world signals.
ArbExpress®for Real-world Waveforms with
Minimal Effort
With ArbExpress software, you can quickly create waveforms that can
be transferred to the AFG2021 to meet custom stimulus requirements.
ArbExpress supports direct connection to Tektronix oscilloscopes and AFGs
through USB, GPIB, or LAN. The software allows you to import real-world
signals captured with an oscilloscope onto a PC, then edit and download
them onto an AFG to duplicate the captured waveform. This is extremely
useful for automotive, medical, and industrial applications where recreating
sensor output is critical to analyzing the integrity of the design.
Increase Productivity with SignalExpress
Every AFG2021 ships with a free copy of the Tektronix Edition of National
Instrument’s LabVIEW SignalExpress software for basic instrument control,
data logging, and analysis. SignalExpress supports the range of Tektronix
bench instruments enabling you to connect your entire test bench. You
can then access each instrument from one intuitive software interface.
This allows you to automate complex measurements requiring multiple
instruments, log data for an extended period of time, time-correlate data
from multiple instruments, and easily capture and analyze your results, all
from your PC. Only Tektronix offers a connected test bench of intelligent
instruments to simplify and speed debug of your complex design.
Connectivity
Using the front-panel USB host port, you can save your customized
waveforms or instrument settings onto a USB memory stick. Reloading the
data is easily done by plugging the device back into the USB host port. The
USB device port and optional GPIB/LAN ports provide multiple alternatives
for connecting the AFG2021 to your PC for waveform download and remote
control.
Compact Form Factor
The 2U height and half-rack width form factor allow the AFG2021 to be
stacked on other bench instruments, such as digital multimeters, power
supplies, and frequency counters, saving valuable bench space. With the
optional RMU2U rackmount kit, GPIB interface, and full SCPI support the
AFG2021 is a perfect solution for automated test systems.
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Datasheet
Characteristics
General
Characteristic Description
Channels 1
Waveforms Sine, Square, Pulse, Ramp, Noise, DC, Sin(x)/x, Gaussian,
Lorentz, Exponential Rise, Exponential Decay, and
Haversine
Sine Wave 1μHz to 20 MHz
Sine Wave in
Burst Mode
1μHz to 10 MHz
Effective
Maximum
Frequency Out
20 MHz
Amplitude Flatness (1 Vp-p)
<5 MHz ±0.15 dB
5 MHz to 20 MHz ±0.3 dB
Harmonic Distortion (1 Vp-p)
10 Hz to 20 kHz <–70 dBc
20 kHz to 1 MHz <–60 dBc
1 MHz to 10 MHz <–50 dBc
10 MHz to
20 MHz
<–40 dBc
THD <0.2% (10 Hz to 20 kHz, 1 Vp-p)
Spurious (1 Vp-p)
10 Hz to 1 MHz <–60 dBc
1 MHz to 20 MHz <–50 dBc
Phase Noise,
Typical
20 MHz: <–110 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset, 1 Vp-p
Residual Clock
Noise
–63 dBm
Square Wave 1μHz to 10 MHz
Rise/Fall Time ≤18 ns
Jitter (RMS),
Typical
<500 ps
Ramp Wave 1 μHz to 200 kHz
Linearity ≤0.1% of peak output at 10% to 90% of amplitude range
Symmetry 0.0% to 100.0%
PulseWave 1mHzto10MHz
Pulse Width 30.00 ns to 999.99 s
Resolution 10 ps or 5 digits
Pulse Duty 0.001% to 99.999% (Limitations of pulse duty width apply)
Edge Transition
Time
18 ns to 0.625 × Pulse Period
Resolution 10 ps or 4 digits
Lead Delay
Range Continuous Mode: 0 ps to Period
Trigger/Gate Burst Mode: 0 ps to Period – [Pulse Width + 0.8
× (Leading Edge Time + Trailing Edge Time)]
Resolution 10 ps or 8 digits
Overshoot,
Typical
<5%
Jitter (RMS),
Typical
<500 ps
Characteristic Description
Other Waveforms 1μHz to 200 kHz
Noise Bandwidth
(–3 dB)
20 MHz
Noise Type White Gaussian
DC (into 50 Ω)–5Vto+5V
Arbitrary Waveforms 1mHzto10MHz
Arbitrary
Waveforms in
Burst Mode
1mHzto5MHz
Effective Analog
Bandwidth
(–3 dB)
34 MHz
Nonvolatile
Memory
4 waveforms
Memory: Sample
Rate
2 to 128k: 250 MS/s
Vertical
Resolution
14 bits
Rise/Fall Time ≤20 ns
Jitter (RMS) 4ns
Amplitude, 50 Ω
Load
10 mVp-p to 10 Vp-p
Amplitude, Open
Circuit
20 mVp-p to 20 Vp-p
Accuracy ±(1% of setting + 1 mV), (1 kHz sine waveform, 0 V offset,
>10 mVp-p amplitude)
Resolution 0.1 mVp-p,0.1mV
RMS,1mV,0.1dBm,or4digits
Units Vp-p,V
RMS,dBm(sinewaveonly)
Output
Impedance
50 Ω
Load Impedance
Setting
Selectable: 50 Ω,1Ωto 10.0 kΩ, High Z (adjusts displayed
amplitudeaccordingtoselectedloadimpedance)
Isolation <42 VPeak maximum to earth
Short-circuit
Protection
Signal outputs are robust against permanent shorts against
floating ground
External Voltage
Protection
To protect signal outputs against external voltages use fuse
adapter 013-0345-00
DC Offset Range,
50 ΩLoad
±(5 VPeak –amplitudeV
p-p/2)
DC Offset Range,
Open Circuit
±(10 VPeak –amplitudeV
p-p/2)
Accuracy ±(1% of |setting| + 5 mV + 0.5% of amplitude (Vp-p))
Resolution 1 mV
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Arbitrary/Function Generator — AFG2021
Modulation
AM, FM, PM
Characteristic Description
Carrier Waveforms All, including ARB, except Pulse, Noise, and DC
Source Internal/External
Internal Modulating
Waveform
Sine, Square, Ramp, Noise, ARB (AM: Maximum waveform
length 4,096; FM/PM: Maximum waveform length 2,048)
Internal Modulating
Frequency
2mHzto50.0
0kHz
AM Modulation
Depth
0.0% to +120.0%
Min FM Peak
Deviation
DC
Max FM Peak
Deviation
10 MHz
Frequency Shift Keying
Characteristic Description
Carrier Waveforms All, including ARB, except Pulse, Noise, and DC
Source Internal/External
Internal Modulating
Frequency
2 mHz to 1.000 MHz
Number of Keys 2
Pulse Width Modulation
Characteristic Description
Carrier Waveform Pulse
Source Internal/External
Internal Modulating
Waveform
Sine, Square, Ramp, Noise, ARB (Maximum waveform
length 2,048)
Internal Modulating
Frequency
2mH
z to 50.00 kHz
Deviation 0% to 50.0% of pulse period
Sweep
Characteristic Description
Waveforms All, including ARB, except Pulse, Noise, and DC
Type Linear, Logarithmic
Sweep Time 1 ms to 300 s
Hold/Return Time 0 ms to 300 s
Max Total Sweep
Time (Sweep + Hold
+ Return)
300 s
Resolution 1 ms or 4 digits
Total Swe ep Time
Accuracy, Typical
0.4%
Min Start/Stop
Frequency
All except ARB: 1 μHz
ARB: 1 mHz
Max Start/Stop
Frequency
Sine: 20 MHz
Square: 10 MHz
ARB: 10 MHz
Others: 200 kHz
Burst
Characteristic Description
Waveforms All, including ARB, except Noise and DC
Type Triggered, Gated (1 to 1,000,000 cycles or Infinite)
Internal Trigger Rate 1 μsto500.0s
Gate and Trigger
Sources
Internal, External, Manual Trigger, and Remote Interface
Auxiliary Input
Modulation Input
Characteristic Description
Input Range All except FSK: ±1 V full scale
FSK: 3.3 V logic level
Impedance 10 kΩ
Frequency Range DC to 25 kHz (122 kS/s sample rate)
External Triggered/Gated Burst Input
Characteristic Description
Level TTL compatible
Pulse Width 100 ns minimum
Slope Positive/Negative selectable
Trigger Delay 0.0 ns to 85.000 s
Resolution 100 ps or 5 digits
Jitter (RMS), Typical Burst: <500 ps (Trigger input to signal output)
10 MHz Reference Input
Characteristic Description
Impedance 1kΩ, AC coupled
Required Input
Voltage Swing
100 mVp-p to 5 Vp-p
Lock Range 10 MHz ±35 kHz
Auxiliary Output
Trigger Output
Characteristic Description
Level Positive TTL level pulse into 1 kΩ
Impedance 50 Ω
Jitter (RMS), Typical 500 ps
Max Frequency 4.9MHz(4.9MHzto20MHz:Afractionofthefrequencyis
output)
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Datasheet
Common Characteristics
Remote Programming (GPIB, LAN 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX,
USB 1.1, compatible with SCPI-1999.0 and IEEE 488-2
standards)
Characteristic USB LAN*1GPIB*1
Function Change 95 ms 103 ms 84 ms
Frequency Change 2ms19ms2ms
Amplitude Change 60 ms 67 ms 52 ms
Select User ARB 88 ms 120 ms 100 ms
Data Download
Time for 4k Point
ARB Waveform
Data (8 KB),
Typical
20 ms 84 ms 42 ms
*1GPIB and LAN interfaces are only available on the instrument with Option GL.
General
Characteristic Description
Frequency Setting
Resolution
1μHz or 12 digits
Phase (except DC, Noise, Pulse)
Range –360° to +360°
Resolution Sine: 0.01°
Other Waveforms: 0.1°
Internal Noise Add When activated, output signal amplitude is reduced to 50%
Level 0.0% to 50% of amplitude (Vp-p) setting
Resolution 1%
Main Output 50 Ω
Effective Frequency
Switching Speed
2 ms through remote control
Internal Frequency Reference
Stability All except ARB: ±1 ppm, 0 °C to 50 °C
ARB: ±1 ppm, ±1 μHz, 0 °C to 50 °C
Aging ±1 ppm per year
Power Source 100 V to 240 V, 50 Hz to 60 Hz or 115 V, 400 Hz
Power Consumption 60 W
Warm-up Time,
Typical
20 minutes
Power On Self
Diagnostics, Typical
<10 s
Acoustic Noise,
Typical
<50 dBA
Display 3.5 in. Color TFT LCD
User Interface and
Help Language
English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Simplified and
Traditional Chinese, Russian (User selectable)
Physical Characteristics
Benchtop Configuration
Dimension mm in.
Height 104.2 4.10
Weight 241.8 9.52
Depth 419.1 16.50
Weight kg lb.
Net 2.87 6.3
Shipping 4.72 10.4
Environmental and Safety Characteristics
Characteristic Description
Temperature
Operating 0 °C to +50 °C
Nonoperating –30 °C to +70 °C
Humidity
Operating ≤80%, +0 °C to +40 °C, noncondensing
≤60%, +40 °C to +50 °C, noncondensing
Nonoperating 5% to 90%, <+40 °C, noncondensing
5% to 80%, ≥+40 °C to ≤+60 °C, noncondensing
5% to 40%, >+60 °C to ≤+70 °C, noncondensing
Altitude
Operating Up to 3,000 m (9,842 ft.)
Nonoperating Up to 12,000 m (39,370 ft.)
EMC Compliance EU Council Directive 2004/108/EC
Safety UL61010-1; 2004
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1; 2004
EN61010-1; 2001
IEC61010-1; 2001
Ordering Information
AFG2021
Arbitrary/Function Generator.
Includes: User Manual, Power Cord, USB Cable, CD-ROM with Programmer
Manual, Service Manual, Labview and IVI Drivers, CD-ROM with ArbExpress®
Software, NIST-traceable Calibration Certificate.
Please specify power cord and local language for user manual when ordering.
Configuration Options
Option Description
Opt. GL GPIB and LAN interfaces
Language Options
Option Description
Opt. L0 English manual
Opt. L1 French manual
Opt. L2 Italian manual
Opt. L3 German manual
Opt. L4 Spanish manual
Opt. L5 Japanese manual
Opt. L6 Portuguese manual
Opt. L7 Simplified Chinese manual
Opt. L8 Traditional Chinese manual
Opt. L9 Korean manual
Opt. L10 Russian manual
Opt. L99 No manual
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Arbitrary/Function Generator — AFG2021
Power Plug Options
Option Description
Opt. A0 North America power
Opt. A1 Universal Euro power
Opt. A2 United Kingdom power
Opt. A3 Australia power
Opt. A5 Switzerland power
Opt. A6 Japan power
Opt. A10 China power
Opt. A11 India power
Opt. A12 Brazil power
Opt. A99 No power cord or AC adapter
Service Options
Option Description
Opt. C3 Calibration Service 3 Years
Opt. C5 Calibration Service 5 Years
Opt. D1 Calibration Data Report
Opt. D3 Calibration Data Report 3 Years (with Opt. C3)
Opt. D5 Calibration Data Report 5 Years (with Opt. C5)
Opt. R5 Repair Service 5 Years
Opt. R5DW Repair Service Coverage 5 Years (starts at time of customer
instrument purchase)
Recommended Accessories
Accessory Description
RMU2U Rackmount kit
013-0345-00 Fuse adapter, BNC-P to BNC-R
159-0454-00 Fuse set, 3 pcs, 0.125 A
012-0482-00 BNC cable shielded, 3 ft.
012-1256-00 BNC cable shielded, 9 ft.
012-0991-00 GPIB cable, double shielded
011-0049-02 50 ΩBNC terminator
Warranty
Three-year warranty on parts and labor.
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Datasheet Contact Tektronix:
ASEAN / Australasia (65) 6356 3900
Austria 00800 2255 4835*
Balkans, Israel, South Africa and other ISE Countries +41 52 675 3777
Belgium 00800 2255 4835*
Brazil +55(11)37597627
Canada 1 800 833 9200
Central East Europe and the Baltics +41526753777
Central Europe & Greece +41 52 675 3777
Denmark +4580881401
Finland +41526
75 3777
France 00800 2255 4835*
Germany 00800 2255 4835*
Hong Kong 400 820 5835
India 000 800 650 1835
Italy 00800 2255 4835*
Japan 81 (3) 6714 3010
Luxembourg +41526753777
Mexico, Central/South America & Caribbean 52 (55) 56 04 50 90
Middle East, Asia, and North Africa +41 52 675 3777
The Netherlands 00800 2255 4835*
Norway 800 16098
People’s Republic of China 400 820 5835
Poland +41 52 675 3777
Portugal 80 08 12370
Republic of Korea 001 800 8255 2835
Russia & CIS +7 (495) 7484900
South Africa +41526753777
Spain 00800 2255 4835*
Sweden 00800 2255 4835*
Switzerland 00800 2255 4835*
Taiwan 886 (2) 2722 9622
United Kingdom & Ireland 00800 2255 4835*
USA 1 800 833 9200
* European toll-free number. If not accessible, call: +41 52 675 3777
Updated 10 February 2011
For Further Information. Tektronix maintains a comprehensive, constantly expanding
collection of application notes, technical briefs and other resources to help engineers working
on the cutting edge of technology. Please visit www.tektronix.com
Copyright © Tektronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents,
issued and pending. Information in this publication supersedes that in all previously published material.
Specification and price change privileges reserved. TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of
Tektroni x, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks
of their respective companies.
06 Jul 2012 75W-28089-0
www.tektronix.com
