Aim-TTi TG1006 - 10MHz DDS Function Generator with Counter

The TG1006 is a low cost 10MHz function generator using DDS frequency generation.  The LCD display provides a digital readout of both frequency and level (peak-to-peak amplitude, rms amplitude or dc offset).  It includes wide range phase continuous sweep, AM modulation, and FSK. Ten frequencies can be stored.  An external counter mode is available which utilizes the full width of the display to provide up to seven digits of resolution.

DDS frequency generation

The TG1006 has been developed from the highly successful TG300 and TG550 series of analog function generators.  However, the TG1006 uses DDS frequency generation to provide greater accuracy and stability, and to cover a wider frequency range.

DDS (direct digital synthesis) is a technique for generating waveforms digitally using a phase accumulator, a look-up table and a DAC.  The accuracy and stability of the resulting waveforms is related to that of the crystal master clock.

When correctly engineered, the DDS generator offers not only exceptional accuracy and stability but also high spectral purity, low phase noise and excellent frequency agility.

Wide frequency and amplitude range

The TG1006 can generate waveforms between 0.001Hz and 10MHz with a resolution of six digits and a one year accuracy better than 10ppm.

Amplitude is variable between 2mV and 20V pk-pk from a source impedance of 50Ohm or 600Ohm.

Numeric or spin-wheel frequency control

Frequencies can be entered directly from the numeric keypad in units of Hz, kHz or MHz.



Alternatively any digit can be incremented or decremented using the spin wheel.

Quasi-analog frequency control

One advantage that analog function generators have over digital ones is that the frequency can be changed using an analog control.  This provides intuitive operation which is ideal for the setting up of frequency dependent parameters such as checking filter characteristics.

The TG1006 provides a similar capability via its “manual sweep” mode.  A dedicated analog control sweeps the frequency over any defined span in a similar way to an analog generator, but with the added advantage that the span can be precisely controlled and can extend to almost the full range of the generator.  

Wide range sweep

All waveforms can be swept over almost the full frequency range (0.1Hz to 10MHz) at a rate variable between 100 milliseconds and more than 15 minutes.  The sweep is fully phase continuous and can be linear or logarithmic, single or continuous.

FSK

Frequency Shift Keying provides phase coherent switching between two selected frequencies at a rate defined by the trigger source which can be the front panel key or internal timer (10kHz maximum).

Frequency list and stepping

The generator has non-volatile storage for up to 10 frequency settings.



These can be used as random storage for commonly used frequency values, or can be stepped through in sequence as may be required in a repetitive test routine.

AM

Amplitude modulation from 0 to 100% is provided using either an internal 400Hz source or an external source (DC to 20kHz).  All waveforms can be modulated.

External frequency counter

In external counter mode the full width of the display is used to provide up to seven digits of resolution.

The frequency range is from 3Hz up to more than 120MHz, and the input sensitivity is better than 50mV rms.

A reciprocal counting measurement system is used which ensures high resolution regardless of input frequency.

Suitable for bench or rack

The generator is housed in a 2U high case with built-in tilt stand.  A rack mounting kit is available.