The VOLTCRAFT FG-1302 and FG-1602 are dual-channel arbitrary waveform generators, designed for a variety of signal generation tasks. This programmer manual outlines the SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) language used to control and query the device, providing a comprehensive guide for remote operation and automation.
Function Description:
The core function of these devices is to generate arbitrary waveforms across two independent channels. This includes standard waveforms like sine, square, and ramp, as well as more complex arbitrary waveforms defined by the user. The generators support various modulation schemes, including Amplitude Modulation (AM), Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK), Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK), Frequency Shift Keying (FSK), 3-FSK, 4-FSK, Phase Modulation (PM), Phase Shift Keying (PSK), and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). They also feature a counter function for measuring external signals.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Output Channels: Dual-channel operation, allowing for independent or synchronized signal generation.
- Modulation Depth (AM): Settable from 0% to 100% with 1% resolution.
- Internal Modulation Frequency (AM, FM, PWM): Ranges from 2 mHz to 100.00 kHz with 1 mHz resolution.
- Modulation Rate (ASK, BPSK, FSK, PSK): Supports various rates, with internal modulation rates for ASK, BPSK, FSK, and PSK settable.
- Frequency Range:
- Fixed Frequency: Resolution of 1 µHz or 12 digits, with the range depending on the waveform type.
- Sweep Frequency: Center frequency and span are settable, with ranges dependent on the selected waveform. Start and stop frequencies are also configurable.
- Hop Frequency (FSK, 3-FSK, 4-FSK): Specific hop frequencies can be set for different FSK modulation types.
- Phase Deviation (PM, PSK):
- PM: Settable from 0 PI to +1 PI (radians) or 0 to +180 degrees (1-degree steps).
- PSK: Settable from 0 PI to +1 PI (radians) or 0 to +180 degrees (1-degree steps).
- Pulse Waveform Parameters:
- Duty Cycle: Settable, with a relationship to pulse width and period.
- Leading/Trailing Edge Time: Settable in nanoseconds, microseconds, milliseconds, or seconds.
- Pulse Width: Settable in nanoseconds, microseconds, milliseconds, or seconds.
- Burst Mode:
- Period: Settable in nanoseconds, microseconds, milliseconds, or seconds.
- Number of Cycles: Ranges from 1 to 500,000, with an option for infinite count.
- Gate Polarity: Normal or Inverted.
- Output Impedance: Settable from 1 Ω to 10 kΩ with 1 Ω resolution. Default is 50 Ω. Can be set to infinity (>10 kΩ).
- Output Amplitude: Resolution of 1 mVpp or four digits.
- Offset Level: Settable.
- Ramp Waveform Symmetry: Settable from 0.0% to 100.0%.
- Counter:
- Coupling: AC or DC.
- High-Frequency Reject (HFR): Enable/Disable.
- Trigger Sensitivity: Low, Middle, or High.
- Screen Saver Delay: Settable from 1 to 999 minutes.
- Error/Event Queue: Stores up to 64 events.
Usage Features:
The VOLTCRAFT FG-1302 and FG-1602 are designed for remote control via the SCPI language, making them suitable for automated test setups and integration into larger systems.
- Command Syntax: Commands follow a hierarchical (tree) structure, with root and sub-keywords separated by colons. Parameters are enclosed in braces {} for options or triangle brackets <> for values. A question mark (?) at the end indicates a query.
- Parameter Types: The device supports various parameter types including arbitrary blocks for data transfer, boolean (ON/OFF, 0/non-0), discrete values (MIN, MAX), and numeric types (NR1 for integers, NR2 for decimals, NR3 for floating-point, NRf for flexible decimals). String parameters are also supported.
- Command Abbreviation: Commands are case-insensitive, and abbreviations can be used as long as all capital letters in the full command are included.
- Modulation Sources: For various modulation types (AM, ASK, FSK, PM, PSK, PWM), both internal and external modulation sources can be selected, offering flexibility in signal generation.
- Burst Mode: Supports triggered and gated burst modes, with configurable trigger sources (timer, manual, external).
- Sweep Mode: Offers linear or logarithmic spacing for frequency sweeps, with settable sweep time.
- Screen Management:
- Display Brightness: Adjustable from 0 to 100.
- Screen Saver: Can be enabled/disabled, with a configurable delay time. An immediate screen saver activation command is also available.
- Hardcopy: The device can copy the screen image and save it as a BMP file to a USB memory stick.
- System Information: Users can query the instrument's identification information (manufacturer, model, serial number, firmware level) and software version.
- Language Settings: The display language can be set to various options including Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Portuguese, German, Polish, Korean, and Japanese.
Maintenance Features:
- Factory Reset: The
*RST command allows the instrument to be reset to its factory default settings, which can be useful for troubleshooting or returning to a known state.
- Error Reporting: The device includes an error/event queue that stores up to 64 events. The
SYSTem:ERRor[:NEXT]? command allows users to retrieve the oldest error code and description, aiding in diagnostics and debugging.
- Beeper Functionality: A beeper can be enabled or disabled. When enabled, it provides audible feedback for error or warning messages displayed on the screen, though it does not beep for errors caused by remote command execution. An immediate beep command is also available.
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