®

Advanced Test Equipment Rentals

E stablished 1981 www.atecorp.com 800-404-ATEC (2832)

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MODEL 148A
2 0 MHz
AM/FM/PM GENERATOR

@ - 1981. - Wavetek

THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION PRO-

PRIETARY TO WAVETEK AND IS SOLELY FOR IN-
STRUMENT OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE. THE
INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE
DUPLICATED I N ANY MANNER WITHOUT THE
PRIOR APPROVAL IN WRITING OF WAVETEK.

SAN DIEGO .
9045 Balboa Ave., San Diego, CA 92123
P.O. Box 661, San Diego, Calif. 92112
’ Tel 7141279-2200 TWX 91w352oo7
hhuat l3eeion 6181
Instrument Retease A-3181
1.1 THE MODEL 148A External Trigger: Generator is quiescent until trig-
gered by an external signal, then generates one cycle
Wavetek Model 148A, 20 MHz AM/FM/PM Generator at the selected frequency.
is a precision source of sine, triangle, square, ramp
and pulse waveforms plus dc voltage. The waveforms External Gate: Same as external trigger, except gen-
may be controlled in symmetry as well as amplitude erator oscillates at the selected frequency for the
and dc offset. A built-in modulation generator can duration of the positive state of the external signal
modulate frequency, phase and amplitude or modula- plus the time to complete the last cycle.
tion may be by an external source.
Internal Trigger: Same as external trigger, except that
The generator may be run in continuous mode or trig- the modulation generator is internally connected to
gered for a single pulse or gated for a burst of pulses. the trigger input of the main generator.
Triggering and gating may be by the Model 148 built-in
modulation generator or by a n external source. The Internal Gate: Same as external gate, except that the
triggered and gated waveform start/stop point is modulation generator is internally connected to the
selectable from - 90’ through + 90’. Start/stop con- trigger input of the main generator.
trol plus dc offset control gives haverwave capability.

The main output of waveforms may be attenuated and 3 Modulation Modes

offset. A TTL sync pulse is available at main generator
frequencies, and the modulation generator waveforms Internal Modulation
are available at fixed amplitudes. Setting a front panel modulation switch in the INT
position routes the selected modulation function from
Frequency of both the main generator and the the modulation amplitude control to the selected mod-
modulation generator can be manually controlled at ulating circuits of the main generator.
the front panel or electrically controlled by external
voltages. Amplitude Modulation (AM): 2/ 2/ , ‘L modu-
lation functions are used in this internal modulation
mode. With modulation amplitude ccw, carrier at
1.2 SPECIFICATIONS function output is not amplitude modulated and ap-
proximately half of normal (AM OFF) amplitude.
1.2.1 Main Generator Clockwise rotation of modulation amplitude results in
increasing amplitude modulation of the carrier to at
1.2.1.1 Waveforms least 100% AM.

S e l e c t a b l e s i n e % , triangle 2/ , square % , Frequency Modulation (FM) and Sweep: M and

positive square J-L , negative square U- and dc. A m modulation functions are used to linearly
TTL sync pulse is provided on a separate output con- sweep the main generator frequency. The frequency
nector. All can be produced with variable symmetry, dial sets the lower sweep limit and the modulation
amplitude and dc offset. amplitude control determines the upper frequency
limit (not to exceed 2.0 x multiplier). A sweep set
1.2.1.2 Operational Modes mode allows precision setting of upper frequency
limit. For frequency deviation, the dial determines the
Continuous: Generator oscillates continuously at the center frequency and modulator /\I , 2/ or \
selected frequency. varies the main generator frequency above and below

l-l
center by an amount determined by the modulation peak current and may be attenuated to 60 dB in 20 dB
amplitude. steps. An additional 20 dB vernier also controls the
waveform amplitudes.
-Phase Modulation (PM): As in External Modulation.
A m p l i t u d e o f m o d u l a t o r 2/ , 2/ , \ f u n c t i o n s 1.2.1.6 Adjustable Waveform Start/Stop Point
varies phase up to 250’.
Approximately - 90’to + 90’ to 2 MHz (operative on
External Modulation sine and triangle waveforms only).
A BNC feeds an external signal to the modulating cir-
cuits when selected by a front panel modulation tog- 1.2.1.7 DC Output and DC Offset
gle switch in the EXT position.
Selectable through function output (5OQ). Controlled
Amplitude Modulation (AM): External modulating
by front panel controls to a minimum of
signals with zero dc component produce suppressed
t 14.4 Vdc( t 7.2 Vdc into 500) with signal peak plus
carrier modulation; i.e., a carrier (at main generator
offset limited to k 15 Vdc ( t 7.5 Vdc into 5OQ). DC off-
function output) amplitude of zero. The function out-
set and wave form attenuated proportionately by the
put modulated signal has an amplitude sensitivity of
60 dB output attenuator.
3 volts peak (1.5 Vp into 5OQ) per volt peak in. A car-
rier signal level at the function output can be pro-
1.2.1.8 External Modulation Input
duced at a sensitivity of 3 Vp (I .5 Vp into 500) per 1 Vp
dc component in. Modulating the dc component mod- AM: Sensitivity of 3 Vp out/Vp (1.5V into 503). Input
ulates the carrier level. Percent modulation (AM) will
impedance is >2.5 k0.
be the ratio of the peak ac to peak dc of the modulating FM: Sensitivity of 20% of frequency range/Vp. Input
signal. Input impedance is >2.5 kQ.
impedance is 5 kn.
PM : Sensitivity of IO0 phase shift/VP. Input im-
Frequency Modulation (FM) and Sweep: Sensitivity is
pedance is 1O kQ.
20% of frequency range/volt peak. Linear behavior
results only when all instantaneous frequencies call-
1.2.1.9 Symmetry
ed for fall within the frequency range (2 x multiplier
to 0.002 x multiplier). The instantaneous frequency
Symmetry of all waveform outputs is continuously ad-
called for is the multiplier and dial setting altered by
justable from 1 :1 9 to 19:1. Varying symmetry provides
the instantaneous voltage at the modulation input. In-
variable duty-cycle pulses, sawtooth ramps and non-
put impedance is 5 kQ.
symmetrical sine waves.
Phase Modulation (PM): Sensitivity is IO0 phase shift/
volt peak. Linear behavior results only when all instan- NOTE
taneous transition frequencies called for fall within
the frequency range (2 x multiplier to 0.002 x multi- When SYMMETRY control is used, in-
plier).The instantaneous frequencies called for will dicated frequency is divided by approx-
depend heavily on the modulation frequency. and ima tely IO.
waveform. Inoperative at frequency multiplier settings
below 100. Input frequencies roll off at 6 dB/octave 1.2.1.10 Sync Output (TTL)
above one half of full range frequency and above
150 kHz. Input impedance is IO kQ. TTL level pulse which will drive 10 TTL loads. Fre-
quency and time symmetry are the same as for func-
1.2.1.4, Frequency Range tion output.

0.0002 Hz to 20 MHz in IO overlapping ranges with 1.2.1.11 Trlgger and Gate

approximately 1 % vernier control.
Input Range: IV p-p to * IOV.
1.2.1.5 Function Output (500) Input Impedance: IO k0, 33 pF.
Pulse Width: 25 ns minimum.
s , 2/ and \ selectableandvariable to 30V p-p Repetition Rate: IO MHz maximum.
(15V p-p into 5Os1). n and u up to 15 Vp (7.5 Vp Adjustable triggered signal start/stop point: approxi-
into 5On). All waveforms and dc can supply 150 mA mately - 90’to +90” to 2 MHz.

1-2
1.2.1 .12 Frequency Precision 1.2.2.3 Output (6OOQ)

Dial Accuracy 2/ , 2/ and ‘L are fixed level 10V p-p balanced

- (I O/O of setting + 1 % of full range) on x 100 thru
+ about ground. M and M are fixed level 5 Vp
x 1 M ranges. from 0 to + 5V.
- (2% of setting + 2% of full range) on x .Ol thru
*+ 1.2.2.4 Frequency Modulation (FM IN)
x 10 and x 10M ranges.
Voltage control of modulator frequency with sensitivity
Time Symmetry of 20% of range per volt. Input impedance is 5 kQ.
t 0.5% on x 100 thru x IOOk ranges and from 0.2 to
1.2.2.5 Waveform Characteristics
2.0 on dial. ’
t 5% on all other ranges and from 0.02 to 2.0 on dial.
Sine Distortion
<5 %
1.2.1 .13 Amplitude Precision

Amplitude Change With Frequency Time Symmetry

Sine variation less than: ’ < O/O from 1 Hz to 10 kHz.
t 0.1 dB thru x 1 OOk ranges; 5 % from 0.1 Hz to 100 kHz.
-+ 0.5 dB on x 1 M range; 1.2.3 General
t 3 dB on x 10M range.
1.2.3.1 Stability (for amplitude, dc offset and
Step Attenuator Accuracy frequency)
+
- 0.3 dB per 20 dB step at 2 kHz. Short Term: t 0.05% for 10 minutes.
Long Term: t,O.25O/o for 24 hours.
1.2.1.14 Waveform Characteristics
1.2.3.2 Environmental
Sine Distortion
Specifications apply at 25°C t 5 ° C ambient Instrument
<0.5% on x 100 Hz to x 10 kHz. will operate from O°C to 50°C ambient temperatures.
< 1 .O% on x .01 to x 10 Hz and x 100 kHz ranges.
All harmonics 30 dB below fundamental on x I MHz 1.2.3.3 Dimensions
range.
28.6 cm (11 ?4 in.) wide; 13.3 cm (5 % in.) high; 27.3 cm
All harmonics 26 dB below fundamental on x 10 MHz
(103/4 in.) deep.
range.

Square Wave Rise/Fall Times 1.2.3.4 Weight

At FUNCTION OUT < 25 ns for 15V p-p into a 5Ost load. 5 kg (11 lb) net; 6.6 kg (14% lb) shipping.

Triangle Distortion 1.2.3.5 Power

Odd harmonics within 15% of correct value to 2 MHz.
90 to 105V,, 108 to 126V, 198 to 231V and 216 to 252V
1.2.2 Modulation Generator selectable; 48 to 400 Hz; less than 40 watts.

1.2.2.1 Waveforms NOTE

Selectable sine 2/ , triangle 2/ , square ?J , up Unless otherwise noted, ail specifications

ramp M and down ramp M . apply from 0.1 to 2.0 on frequency dial
when FUNCTION OUT is at maximum and
1.2.2.2 Frequency Range 5OQ terminated, with SYMMETRY control
at OFF. Symmetry and vernier affect fre-
s , 2/ , 21 z in three 100:1
0.1 Hz to 100 kHz quency calibration. Maximum possible
ranges. asymmetry is a function of frequency
M, Nl Sweep: 0.2 Hz to 200 kHz (2 x setting). setting.

1-3
 SECTION
OPERATION

3.1 CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS b. EXT TRIG Mode - Same as for EXT GATE
mode, except the main generator output is
The following item numbers are keyed to figure 3-1. one cycle of selected signal only.

3.1 .1 Main Generator c. CONT Mode - The output signal is continuous.

1 Frequency Dial - The frequency control of the d. INT TRIG - Same as for EXTTRIG mode, ex-
main generator. The setting on this dial cept the trigger signal is applied internally by
multiplied by the FREQ MULT 12 setting is the the modulation generator.
basic output frequency of the generator at the
FUNCTION OUT.6 and SYNC OUT 7 BNCs. e. INT GATE - Same as for EXT GATE, except
The FREQ VERNIER 12 and, in some cases, the gate signal is applied internally by the
the modulation generator also affect the main modulation generator.
generator frequency.
TRIGGER LEVEL Control - T h i s inner control
2 Mode Switch - This outer switch selects the is a continuously variable adjustment of the trig-
operating mode of the main generator as follows: ger circuitry firing point. When full ccw, a posi-
tive going pulse at approximately - 7.5V is re-
a. EXT GATE Mode - The main generator is quired for triggering (see figure 3-2). In the full
quiescent until a proper gate signal is applied cw position, a positive going pulse at approxi-
at the EXTTRIG IN BNC 13 and then outputs mately + 7.5V or more positive voltage is re-
the selected signal for the duration of the gate quired for triggering. In the GATE modes, the‘
signal, plus the time to complete the last cycle generator will run continuously when the control
generated. is cw of 12 o’clock.

MOOULATION GENERATOR

12
13

Figure 3-1 Controls and Connectors

3-1
3.1.2 Modulation Generator d. AM - The instantaneous amplitude of the out-
put signal varies with the instantaneous ampli-
14 FUNCTION Switch - This switch selects the tude of the modulation signal.
waveform output of the modulation generator.
Output is at the OUT BNC connector 16 and is e. FM - The instantaneous frequency of the out-
also available internally to the main generator. put signal varies with the instantaneous ampli-
Waveforms are sine ( /L ), triangle ( 2/ ), tude of the modulation signal.
square ( ‘% ), ramp up (M) and ramp down
(N\). A SWP SET detent holds the OUT BNC at f. PM - The instantaneous phase of the output
AMPLITUDE control 14 level; used to set upper signal varies with the instantaneous amplitude of
sweep frequency. the modulation signal.
MOD AMPLITUDE Control - This inner con- DC - The dc output can be set from + 15 Vdc
g.
trol attenuates the modulation generator signal to - 15 Vdc (+ 7.5 Vdc to - 7.5 Vdc into 5OQ).
that is internally fed to the main generator when
modulating. It has no effect during internal trig- 3.2.1 Continuous Operation
gering or gating and it has no effect on the
OUT 16 signal. When setting up the generator, it is advisable to ob-
15 FREQ/PERIOD MULT Switch - This outer switch serve the output on an oscilloscope. Connect FUNC-
(with ranges given in both frequency and period) TION OUT to the scope input using a 500 cable and a
selects the modulation generator frequency/ 5OQ load. For continuous waveform output, select a
period range. basic waveform at the desired frequency. Ensure the
modulation switches are set to OFF and the mode is
VARIABLE Control - This inner control sets set to CONT. The output amplitude can be as great as
the frequency/period within a range. 15V p.p; attenuate as desired.
16 OUT (6OOn) Connector - This BNC is the NOTE
modulation generator waveform output: sine
( % ), triangle ( 2/ ) and square ( ‘L ) fixed
For best waveform quality, use the AT-
level 1OV p-p (5V p-p into 6OOQ) waveforms TENUATIO NSWITC Hfor gross attenua-
tion; then use the AMPLITUDE control for
balanced about ground and ramp ( AA, M )
fine attenuation.
fixed level 0 to + 5 Vp waveform.
17 FM IN (5 kQ) Connector - This BNC is the input The waveform may be skewed to the left or right using
for frequency modulation of the modulation the SYMMETRY control; e.g., making a ramp ( ,/1 )
from a triangle ( /G .) waveform. /
generator. Sensitivity is 20% of frequency range
per volt in.
NOTE
32
. OPERATlON
The output frequency is divided b 10 ywhen
the SYMMETRY control is switched from
For convenience, the generator operation has
the OFF position.
been grouped in seven basic modes, from which
many variations and combinations are possible.
The dc level of the waveform may be varied with the
The following paragraphs give basic switch posi-
DC OFFSET control, but waveform clipping can occur.
tions for each mode and requirements and sug-
gestions for operation.
NOTE
The basic modes of operation are: Waveform clipping will occur (OVERLOAD
LED will light), unless waveform amplitude
a. Continuous - A continuous output signal. is decreased so that wavefor m plus offset
is less than 7.5 volts at the waveform peak.
b. Triggered - One cycle of waveform for each
trigger signal. 3.2. 2Triggered Operation

C. Gated - A “burst” of waveforms for the dura- In triggered operation, there is one cycle of output for
tion of each gate signal. each trigger signal input. For triggered operation, first

3-3
set up the generator for continuous operation (refer to 3.2.4 Manual Triggering and Gating
paragraph 3.2.1). The main generator may be trig-
gered internally by the modulation generator or trig- The TRIGGER LEVEL control can also be used for
gered by an external source. If an unmodulated manually triggering or gating the generator. For
waveform is being output, the modulation generator is manually triggering (single cycles), the generator
free. to give the desired triggering frequency and mode should be EXT TRIG with no external signal in-
should be selected as the trigger source. Use any put at the EXT TRIG IN connector. Each time TRIG-
modulation generator waveform as the trigger. Set the GER LEVEL is rotated cw through mid-position, one
modulation generator frequency for the desired trig- triggered cycle will be generated. In EXT GATE mode,
ger frequency and sync on the modulation generator the generator runs continuously as long as the TRIG-
output. GER LEVEL is CW of mid-position.

NOT E
1. Trigger frequency must be slower than 3.2.5 AM Operation
the output waveform frequency.
2. The MOD AMPLITUDE control has no In amplitude modulation, the instantaneous amplitude
effect in INT TRIG and IN T G ATE modes. of the output signal varies with the instantaneous
amplitude of the modulation signal.
Rotate the TRIGGER LEVEL control to obtain a good
trigger. If the waveform start/stop point is to be other NOT E
than zero degrees, set the TRIG START/STOP control The output waveform will be clipped(OVER-
as required. (See figure 3-3.) Haverwaves can be set LOAD LED will light) if any instantaneous
up using start/stop control and dc offset control. amplitude greater tha n t 15 volt s
( t 7.5 volts into 5OQ ) is produced.

Set up the generator as for continuous operation

(refer to paragraph 3.2.1). Switch to internal or exter-
nal amplitude modulation. If internal, note that the car-
rier (main generator waveform) mean amplitude is
decreased to half. This is to prevent clipping (over-
-90° HAVERSINES driving the output amplifier) when the carrier ampli-
tude is modulated (increased and decreased) by
s-- AA _v
another signal. Set the modulation generator fre-
quency to a lower frequency than the main generator
and sync the scope to the modulation generator output.
Set the modulator amplitude for a desired percentage
Figure 3- 3. . Waveform Start/Stop Examples of amplitude modulation (0 to greater than 1 0 0 % range)
and set the main generator ATTENUATION and
AMPLITUDE controls for a desired amplitude of
If external triggering is to be used, connect a repeti- modulated waveform. If external modulation is
tive signal with a positive going transition of greater selected, observe that the carrier (main generator
than one volt to EXT TRIG IN using a 5OQ cable. Adjust waveform) amplitude drops to zero (null). This is for
the TRIGGER LEVEL control for proper triggering. suppressed carrier mode of amplitude modulation.
Connect the modulator OUT (6OOQ) to the EXT MOD
IN with a coaxial cable. Set the main generator
ATTENUATION and AMPLITUDE controls for a desired
3.2. 3 Gated Operation amplitude of suppressed carrier waveform. For best
results when using an external modulation signal at
In gated operation there is a “burst” of waveforms EXT MOD IN, maintain as near as convenient a 5 Vp
lasting the duration of the gate pulse plus the time re- amplitude (which does not exceed 5 VP); then use the
quired to complete the last cycle of waveform started. main generator ATTENUATION and AMPLITUDE con-
Set up as for triggered operation (refer to paragraph 3.2.2) trols. An external source may also be used for regular
and select a “trigger” signal whose duty time gives AM operation, rather than suppressed carrier opera-
the desired waveform burst. tion, by supplying a dc component along with the ac

3-4
modulating signal (observing 5 Vp limit) to set the car- OUTPUT
rier level. MAIN DIAL MOD EXT FREQUENCY
SETTING AMPLlTUDE MOD IN FACTOR*

3.2.6 FM Operation 2.0-

In FM operation, the instantaneous frequency of the 1.8.

output signal varies with the instantaneous amplitude
of the modulating signal. 1.6-

NOTE 1.4- .6

The output frequency modulation will not

.8
be linear when the instantaneous
modulated frequency exceeds these range
limits.
Upper Limit: 2.0 x FREQ MULT .8-
Lower Limit: 0.001 x Upper Limit
.6-
Set up the generator as for continuous operation
(refer to paragraph 3.2.1). The frequency setting will .4- 1.6
be the center frequency from which the modulated
signal will vary. Switch to internal or external FM
.2- 1.8
modulation. If internal, set the modulation generator
frequency as desired and sync on the modulation
.002-
generator signal. Set the modulation amplitude for the
amount of modulation desired. Because the main
generator is limited in frequency range (limited to ap- *Multiply by FREQ MULT for actual output.
proximately the dial range for any given multiplier set-
ting), the main generator frequency dial and the Figure 3-4. Frequency Modulation Nomograph
modulation amplitude control. must be balanced to
stay within that range. The range is shown in figure 3-4
as the OUTPUT FREQUENCY FACTOR, which, when
multiplied by the FREQ MULT setting, gives the actual switch to SWP SET, monitor the FUNCTION OUT with
output frequency. Example 1 shows the output being a counter or oscilloscope and vary the MOD
swept over the full frequency range when the main AMPLITUDE control for exactly the upper frequency
generator frequency dial is set at midpoint (1 .O), the desired. Note that the main generatoris limited in fre-
MOD AMPLITUDE control set at midrange and the quency range (limited to approximately the dial range
modulation signal is a balanced waveform ( 2/ , 2/ for any given multiplier setting). Select either/l/l for
or \ ); that is, the modulation generator voltage sweep up orM for sweep down. Select the sweep
swings both positive and negative. If the MOD rate desired. Keep in mind them andb frequen-
AMPLITUDE control is rotated toward ccw, the cies are double the indicated frequencies on the
voltage swing decreases and the angle subtended in FREQ/PERlOD control.
the nomograph decreases. If the MOD AMPLITUDE
control is rotated toward MAX, the angle subtended Example 2 shows the output being swept from the
would overshoot the OUTPUT FREQUENCY FACTOR bottom of the range to midrange by setting the main
range, indicating that saturation is likely. dial fully cw and the VERNIER fully ccw for absolute
bottom of the range. The MOD AMPLITUDE control
3.2.7 Sweep Operation was left at midrange and the ramp (/1/1 ) waveform
used as the modulator. The ramp is a positive going
For sweep operation, set up the generator for con- only waveform. Had a balanced waveform been used,
tinuous operation (refer to paragraph 3.2.1). The fre- the angle subtended would have included the dotted
quency setting will be the lower frequency of the con- line and resulted in saturation. If an external modula-
tinuously varying (or swept) frequency. Switch tion signal is to be used, the EXT MOD IN values in the
FM/SWP to internal or external modulation as desired. nomograph indicate the signal level required for the
If internal set the modulation generator FUNCTION desired results.

3-5
3.1.2 Modulation Generator d. AM - The instantaneous amplitude of the out-
put signal varies with the instantaneous ampli-
14 FUNCTION Switch - This switch selects the tude of the modulation signal.
waveform output of the modulation generator.
Output is at the OUT BNC connector 16 and is e. FM - The instantaneous frequency of the out-
also available internally to the main generator. put signal varies with the instantaneous ampli-
Waveforms are sine ( /L ), triangle ( 2/ ), tude of the modulation signal.
square ( ‘% ), ramp up (M) and ramp down
(N\). A SWP SET detent holds the OUT BNC at f. PM - The instantaneous phase of the output
AMPLITUDE control 14 level; used to set upper signal varies with the instantaneous amplitude of
sweep frequency. the modulation signal.
MOD AMPLITUDE Control - This inner con- DC - The dc output can be set from + 15 Vdc
g.
trol attenuates the modulation generator signal to - 15 Vdc (+ 7.5 Vdc to - 7.5 Vdc into 5OQ).
that is internally fed to the main generator when
modulating. It has no effect during internal trig- 3.2.1 Continuous Operation
gering or gating and it has no effect on the
OUT 16 signal. When setting up the generator, it is advisable to ob-
15 FREQ/PERIOD MULT Switch - This outer switch serve the output on an oscilloscope. Connect FUNC-
(with ranges given in both frequency and period) TION OUT to the scope input using a 500 cable and a
selects the modulation generator frequency/ 5OQ load. For continuous waveform output, select a
period range. basic waveform at the desired frequency. Ensure the
modulation switches are set to OFF and the mode is
VARIABLE Control - This inner control sets set to CONT. The output amplitude can be as great as
the frequency/period within a range. 15V p.p; attenuate as desired.
16 OUT (6OOn) Connector - This BNC is the NOTE
modulation generator waveform output: sine
( % ), triangle ( 2/ ) and square ( ‘L ) fixed
For best waveform quality, use the AT-
level 1OV p-p (5V p-p into 6OOQ) waveforms TENUATIO NSWITC Hfor gross attenua-
tion; then use the AMPLITUDE control for
balanced about ground and ramp ( AA, M )
fine attenuation.
fixed level 0 to + 5 Vp waveform.
17 FM IN (5 kQ) Connector - This BNC is the input The waveform may be skewed to the left or right using
for frequency modulation of the modulation the SYMMETRY control; e.g., making a ramp ( ,/1 )
from a triangle ( /G .) waveform. /
generator. Sensitivity is 20% of frequency range
per volt in.
NOTE
32
. OPERATlON
The output frequency is divided b 10 ywhen
the SYMMETRY control is switched from
For convenience, the generator operation has
the OFF position.
been grouped in seven basic modes, from which
many variations and combinations are possible.
The dc level of the waveform may be varied with the
The following paragraphs give basic switch posi-
DC OFFSET control, but waveform clipping can occur.
tions for each mode and requirements and sug-
gestions for operation.
NOTE
The basic modes of operation are: Waveform clipping will occur (OVERLOAD
LED will light), unless waveform amplitude
a. Continuous - A continuous output signal. is decreased so that wavefor m plus offset
is less than 7.5 volts at the waveform peak.
b. Triggered - One cycle of waveform for each
trigger signal. 3.2. 2Triggered Operation

C. Gated - A “burst” of waveforms for the dura- In triggered operation, there is one cycle of output for
tion of each gate signal. each trigger signal input. For triggered operation, first

3-3
set up the generator for continuous operation (refer to 3.2.4 Manual Triggering and Gating
paragraph 3.2.1). The main generator may be trig-
gered internally by the modulation generator or trig- The TRIGGER LEVEL control can also be used for
gered by an external source. If an unmodulated manually triggering or gating the generator. For
waveform is being output, the modulation generator is manually triggering (single cycles), the generator
free. to give the desired triggering frequency and mode should be EXT TRIG with no external signal in-
should be selected as the trigger source. Use any put at the EXT TRIG IN connector. Each time TRIG-
modulation generator waveform as the trigger. Set the GER LEVEL is rotated cw through mid-position, one
modulation generator frequency for the desired trig- triggered cycle will be generated. In EXT GATE mode,
ger frequency and sync on the modulation generator the generator runs continuously as long as the TRIG-
output. GER LEVEL is CW of mid-position.

NOT E
1. Trigger frequency must be slower than 3.2.5 AM Operation
the output waveform frequency.
2. The MOD AMPLITUDE control has no In amplitude modulation, the instantaneous amplitude
effect in INT TRIG and IN T G ATE modes. of the output signal varies with the instantaneous
amplitude of the modulation signal.
Rotate the TRIGGER LEVEL control to obtain a good
trigger. If the waveform start/stop point is to be other NOT E
than zero degrees, set the TRIG START/STOP control The output waveform will be clipped(OVER-
as required. (See figure 3-3.) Haverwaves can be set LOAD LED will light) if any instantaneous
up using start/stop control and dc offset control. amplitude greater tha n t 15 volt s
( t 7.5 volts into 5OQ ) is produced.

Set up the generator as for continuous operation

(refer to paragraph 3.2.1). Switch to internal or exter-
nal amplitude modulation. If internal, note that the car-
rier (main generator waveform) mean amplitude is
decreased to half. This is to prevent clipping (over-
-90° HAVERSINES driving the output amplifier) when the carrier ampli-
tude is modulated (increased and decreased) by
s-- AA _v
another signal. Set the modulation generator fre-
quency to a lower frequency than the main generator
and sync the scope to the modulation generator output.
Set the modulator amplitude for a desired percentage
Figure 3- 3. . Waveform Start/Stop Examples of amplitude modulation (0 to greater than 1 0 0 % range)
and set the main generator ATTENUATION and
AMPLITUDE controls for a desired amplitude of
If external triggering is to be used, connect a repeti- modulated waveform. If external modulation is
tive signal with a positive going transition of greater selected, observe that the carrier (main generator
than one volt to EXT TRIG IN using a 5OQ cable. Adjust waveform) amplitude drops to zero (null). This is for
the TRIGGER LEVEL control for proper triggering. suppressed carrier mode of amplitude modulation.
Connect the modulator OUT (6OOQ) to the EXT MOD
IN with a coaxial cable. Set the main generator
ATTENUATION and AMPLITUDE controls for a desired
3.2. 3 Gated Operation amplitude of suppressed carrier waveform. For best
results when using an external modulation signal at
In gated operation there is a “burst” of waveforms EXT MOD IN, maintain as near as convenient a 5 Vp
lasting the duration of the gate pulse plus the time re- amplitude (which does not exceed 5 VP); then use the
quired to complete the last cycle of waveform started. main generator ATTENUATION and AMPLITUDE con-
Set up as for triggered operation (refer to paragraph 3.2.2) trols. An external source may also be used for regular
and select a “trigger” signal whose duty time gives AM operation, rather than suppressed carrier opera-
the desired waveform burst. tion, by supplying a dc component along with the ac

3-4
modulating signal (observing 5 Vp limit) to set the car- OUTPUT
rier level. MAIN DIAL MOD EXT FREQUENCY
SETTING AMPLlTUDE MOD IN FACTOR*

3.2.6 FM Operation 2.0-

In FM operation, the instantaneous frequency of the 1.8.

output signal varies with the instantaneous amplitude
of the modulating signal. 1.6-

NOTE 1.4- .6

The output frequency modulation will not

.8
be linear when the instantaneous
modulated frequency exceeds these range
limits.
Upper Limit: 2.0 x FREQ MULT .8-
Lower Limit: 0.001 x Upper Limit
.6-
Set up the generator as for continuous operation
(refer to paragraph 3.2.1). The frequency setting will .4- 1.6
be the center frequency from which the modulated
signal will vary. Switch to internal or external FM
.2- 1.8
modulation. If internal, set the modulation generator
frequency as desired and sync on the modulation
.002-
generator signal. Set the modulation amplitude for the
amount of modulation desired. Because the main
generator is limited in frequency range (limited to ap- *Multiply by FREQ MULT for actual output.
proximately the dial range for any given multiplier set-
ting), the main generator frequency dial and the Figure 3-4. Frequency Modulation Nomograph
modulation amplitude control. must be balanced to
stay within that range. The range is shown in figure 3-4
as the OUTPUT FREQUENCY FACTOR, which, when
multiplied by the FREQ MULT setting, gives the actual switch to SWP SET, monitor the FUNCTION OUT with
output frequency. Example 1 shows the output being a counter or oscilloscope and vary the MOD
swept over the full frequency range when the main AMPLITUDE control for exactly the upper frequency
generator frequency dial is set at midpoint (1 .O), the desired. Note that the main generatoris limited in fre-
MOD AMPLITUDE control set at midrange and the quency range (limited to approximately the dial range
modulation signal is a balanced waveform ( 2/ , 2/ for any given multiplier setting). Select either/l/l for
or \ ); that is, the modulation generator voltage sweep up orM for sweep down. Select the sweep
swings both positive and negative. If the MOD rate desired. Keep in mind them andb frequen-
AMPLITUDE control is rotated toward ccw, the cies are double the indicated frequencies on the
voltage swing decreases and the angle subtended in FREQ/PERlOD control.
the nomograph decreases. If the MOD AMPLITUDE
control is rotated toward MAX, the angle subtended Example 2 shows the output being swept from the
would overshoot the OUTPUT FREQUENCY FACTOR bottom of the range to midrange by setting the main
range, indicating that saturation is likely. dial fully cw and the VERNIER fully ccw for absolute
bottom of the range. The MOD AMPLITUDE control
3.2.7 Sweep Operation was left at midrange and the ramp (/1/1 ) waveform
used as the modulator. The ramp is a positive going
For sweep operation, set up the generator for con- only waveform. Had a balanced waveform been used,
tinuous operation (refer to paragraph 3.2.1). The fre- the angle subtended would have included the dotted
quency setting will be the lower frequency of the con- line and resulted in saturation. If an external modula-
tinuously varying (or swept) frequency. Switch tion signal is to be used, the EXT MOD IN values in the
FM/SWP to internal or external modulation as desired. nomograph indicate the signal level required for the
If internal set the modulation generator FUNCTION desired results.

3-5
3.2.8 PM Operation signal. When the main generator is set above a range
midpoint, the modulation signal begins to lose its ef-
In PM operation, the instantaneous phase of the out- fectiveness. The effect is that the input signal is rolling
put signal varies with the instantaneous change in off at 6 dB/octave due to form factor limitations of the
amplitude of the modulating signal. The change in input differentiator. This effect also occurs for
phase is made by changing the frequency of the modulation signal frequencies above 150 kHz.
generator until the correct phase angle change is
made. The modulation circuit differentiates the modu- Set up the generator as for continuous operation
lation signal; that is, its output is proportional to the (refer t o paragraph 3.2.1). Select a range so that the
rate of change of modulation signal amplitude. This frequency dial can be set, at midpoint or below (for
voltage is fed to the ‘main’ generator in exactly the linear operation) and switch to internal or external
same manner‘as the FM voltage is. The voltage effects phase modulation.
a change in frequency and, in the case of a step func-
NOTE
tion modulation, for example, exists only long enough
to cause the desired phase shift. Typically, less than There is no PM operation for frequency
one cycle is required to change the phase. When the multipliers of 100 or less.
phase angle is increased, the frequency increases to
achieve it. When the phase angle is decreased, the
frequency decreases to achieve it. The frequency re- If internal, set the modulation frequency as desired. (If
quired to change the phase also depends upon the other than sine waveform is selected, greater than
modulation frequency and waveform. 150 kHz modulation frequencies are possible and the
effective roll off must be considered.) Set the modula-
NOTE tion amplitude as desired. Full range is 5 Vp and
phase shift is 10° per 1 Vp.
The output phase will not be linearly modu-
lated wh en the instantaneous transition fre- NOTE
quencies required to effect the phase
change exceed these range limits. Because the initial phase reference no
longer exists when the phase shifts, phase
Upper Limit: 2.0 x FREQ MULT shift measurement will not be possible with
Lower Limit: 0.001 X Upper Limit an oscilloscope alone. To measure the
phase shift, an additional circuit such as a
Nominally, the phase of the main generator is shifted phase modulator will be necessary to
ten degrees for each volt of instantaneous modulation establish a phase angle baseline.

3-6
4.1 FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM ANALYSIS selector and by the magnitude of the currents sup-
plied to and removed from it. Since the currents are
This section describes the functions of major circuit linearly proportional to the sum of VCG inputs, so will
elements and their relationship to one another as be the output frequency. The capacitance multiplier
shown in figure 4-1, functional block diagram, and provides the bottom four frequency ranges.
figure 4-2, basic generator and timing diagram.
Paragraph 4.2 provides further descriptions relating When the variable symmetry control is rotated, it first
circuit blocks to schematics in section 7. reduces the current sink by a factor of 19, making the
negative-going triangle slope 19 times longer than
As shown in figure 4-1, the main generator VCG normal. This results in an unsymmetrical waveform
(Voltage Control of Generator frequency) summing output and a frequency division by IO. Continued rota-
amplifier receives inputs from the frequency dial, ver- tion gradually increases the current sink and reduces
nier, FM and PM switches which produce a sum cur- the current source in such a way that the period for
rent. The PM input is provided with a passive differen- the triangle to complete one cycle remains constant.
tiator which produces a voltage proportional to the This action produces continuously variable symmetry
rate of change of the instantaneous voltage of the of the output waveforms over a 1:19 to 19:1 range
modulating signal. while frequency remains constant at one-tenth of dial
and multiplier settings.
The VCG summing amplifier is an inverting amplifier
whose output voltage is used to control a complemen- The inverted square from the hysteresis switch is fed
tary current source and current sink. For symmetrical to the sync amplifier, where it is buffered and con-
output waveforms, the currents are equal and directly verted to a TTL level output, and to the square
proportional to the algebraic sum of the VCG inputs. amplifier, where (if square or pulse functions are
The diode gate, controlled by the hysteresis switch, selected) a buffered square is sent to the signal
switches either the current source or sink to the timing shaper for conditioning.
capacitor selected by the frequency multiplier con-
trol. When the current source is switched in, the The triangle buffer provides the $_ 1.25 triangle suffi-
charge on the capacitor will rise linearly producing cient drive for the signal shaper and presents a small,
the positive-going triangle slope. Likewise, the current constant load on the triangle amplifier.
sink produces the negative-going triangle slope.
I

, HYSTERESIS
The triangle amplifier is a unity gain amplifier whose
SWITCH
output is fed to the hysteresis switch and to the . *
triangle buffer. The hysteresis switch is a bistable
device operating as a window detector with limit
C A
points set to the triangle peaks. When the hysteresis
switch output is + 2V, the triangle rises to the + 1.25V -
limit, and the hysteresis switch goes to - 2V. This
switches currents at the diode gate and the negative-
going triangle slope is started. When the triangle
6
reaches the - 1.25V limit, the hysteresis switch will
switch back to positive, repeating the process. As
shown in figure 4-2, this repetitive process results in
the simultaneous generation of a square wave and a
triangle wave at the same frequency.

Figure 4-2. Basic Generator Block

The output frequency is determined by the magnitude
and Timing Diagram
of the capacitor selected by the frequency multiplier

4-l
The signal shaper contains switching elements and a While the integrating capacitor is being held from
diode array for signal conditioning the buffered charging, the start/stop diode must sink the current
triangle and square inputs into the various waveforms source, which has a magnitude variable with VCG in-
controlled by the function switch. The selected puts. Therefore, a compensation is necessary to the
waveform is the carrier (+ Y) input to the transcon- voltage level output by the trigger amplifier in order to
ductance multiplier, an integrated circuit, four- maintain a constant baseline level as VCG inputs, cur-
quadrant multiplier. rent source magnitude and forward voltage drop by
the start/stop diode are varied. The baseline compen-
The modulation (+X) input is a positive dc from the sation circuit measures the forward voltage across a
control amplifier when the AM switch is off, providing diode placed in the current source and injects an off-
a fixed gain reference for the multiplier. Output cur- setting current into the trigger amplifier to maintain an
rents from the multiplier are applied to the summing equal voltage differential between the baseline level
node of the preamplifier for conversion to an inverted and trigger amplifier output.
voltage signal.
The trigger logic determines that after a waveform
starts, it always stops at a complete cycle and at the
The preamplifier output is then attenuated by the front same phase angle at which it started. The trigger logic
panel amplitude control and fed to the output amplifier receives a trigger stimulus from the signal limiter and
summing node along with the dc offset control. The latches the trigger amplifier output positive, allowing
output amplifier is an inverting amplifier whose output the generator loop to run. When the negative peak of
is fed into step attenuator and then to the function the last cycle is reached (just one cycle in trigger
output connector. The attenuator consists of a mode), the square from the hysteresis switch latches
distributed network having 5Oa output impedance. the trigger amplifier back to its previous level. The in-
This network provides attenuation in 20 dB (1/1 0) tegrating capacitor will charge back to the trigger
steps to 60 dB. baseline where the start/stop diode once again for-
ward biases.
For continuous operation of the basic function
generator loop (bold path in figure 4-1), the trigger The generator mode switch sets the gated control line
amplifier must maintain a positive level above the to determine whether the trigger logic is to latch the
most positive charge on the integrating capacitor in generator on for one cycle of for the duration of the
order to reverse bias the start/stop diode. Thus, in trigger stimulus.
continuous mode the trigger logic senses the con-
The modulation generator board contains the power
tinuous control line from the front panel mode selec-
supplies, the modulation generator and various
tor and holds the inverting trigger amplifier input low.
switching elements to control the source and type of
modulation and triggering signals to the main
In triggered and gated modes the trigger amplifier out- generator.
puts some level below the positive peak charging
level, and the start/stop diode is forward biased to The modulation generator is an integrated circuit
sink the current source and prevent the timing source of sine, triangle and square waveforms, whose
capacitor from charging to the positive peak. This frequency is controllable by front panel multiplier
stops waveform generation and holds the triangle out- switch, variable control, and external voltage at the
put at some dc level called the trigger baseline. The FM IN input. The triangle and square are applied to a
trigger baseline is the level where a triangle, and thus ramp generator consisting of a balanced modulator
sine, waveform starts and stops when triggered or and buffer amplifier to produce ramp waveforms. A
gated. modulation waveform or a SWP SET dc level is sent to
the function buffer via the front panel function selec-
The normal trigger baseline is zero volts, analogous to tor.
0° phase of a sine or triangle waveform. The trigger
start/stop control offsets the trigger amplifier output The function buffer output is sent to the modulation
and can change the baseline for starting and stopping output (6OOQ) connector, the generator mode switch
a sine or triangle waveform from its negative peak for an internal trigger and gate stimulus, and the
(- 90°) to its positive peak (+ 90°) At the extreme amplitude buffer after being attenuated by the front
positive peak level setting though, the diode is again panel amplitude control. The amplitude buffer output
reverse biased and generator operation goes con- goes to the AM, FM and PM switches “internal” posi-
tinuous, independent of generator mode. tions. The EXT MOD IN connector provides a connec-

4-2
tion for an external signal to the switches “external” across series resistors to the supplies equal to the
positions. control voltages. The FET currents will be switched at
the diode gate into a timing capacitor to produce the
The FM and PM switches provide VCG inputs. The AM triangle waveform.
switch controls the control amplifier and thus the
transconductance multiplier. When AM is off, the con- 4.2.2 Symmetry Control
trol amplifier produces a positive dc level giving the
multiplier a fixed gain. With internal AM, the dc com- Let the source of Q2 be - 5 Vdc, the wiper of the sym-
ponent from the control amplifier is cut in half, halving metry control, - 2.5 Vdc, and the source of Q1, 0 Vdc.
the output amplitude to prevent output clipping when The output of U3 will have no current, each R/2 resis-
modulating. The selected modulation waveform rides tor will have 1 mA, and generator frequency will be at
on the dc. The ac (modulation signal) has a peak value maximum of the range. Open the symmetry switch
equal in magnitude to the dc level when the modula- and set the potentiometer to its electrical center. The
tion amplitude control is maximum, making the sum of output of U3 is still at an equipotential point, but now
modulator and carrier signals equal to the maximum the total resistance with 5 Vdc across it has changed
output capability of the output amplifier, and the differ- from R to 10R. Thus, current will drop to 100 PA and
ence equal to the zero output level, which is 1 0 0 % output frequency will drop to one-tenth of range. If the
modulation. Then, by varying the modulation signal, a potentiometer is rotated, current will flow in U3 output
variable 0 to 100% AM of the carrier (main generator) to maintain the wiper at - 2.5 Vdc. When the potentio-
signal is produced. With external AM, the dc compo- meter is ccw, the wiper is at the positive direction and
nent is switched to 0 Vdc, resulting in zero amplitude the upper R/2 will have 2.5V across it with a current
output, and bipolar signal inputs at the EXT MOD IN source of 1 mA. But the lower R/2 is in series with 9R,
connector will produce suppressed carrier (4-quadrant) which puts 2.5V across 19 x the normal resistance.
modulation. Now the current sink will have one-nineteenth the
magnitude of the current source. The output waveform
4.2 CIRCUIT ANALYSIS for this condition is shown in figure 4-3. Regardless of
where the symmetry control is rotated, frequency
4.2.1 VCG Amplifier stays the same (one-tenth of range).

Figure 4-3 is a simplified schematic of the VCG cir- 4.2.3 Range Switching
cuitry. The value of a resistor “R” is 5 kQ and supplies
are t 15 Vdc. U1 is connected as a summing For frequency ranges associated with multiplier posi-
amplifier to sum the VCG inputs. A top of range input tions of 100 and 1 K, main board schematic, sheet 1,
produces 1mA through the feedback resistor resulting the value of the current source and current sink setting
in - 5 Vdc at the output of U1 resistors R326, R38, R48 and R330 is 5 kQ, which pro-
vides integrating current sensitivity of 200 PA per volt
The negative input of U4 is held at the output level of of external FM input. With the timing capacitors of 1
U1 by controlling the current through Q2 as a feed- and 0.1 pF, plus the bulk of the top range timing capa-
back. One half the output of U1 is buffered by U3 and citor and the stray capacitance of the multiplier switch,
applied to the wiper of the variable symmetry control. the generator produces the calibrated output fre-
The negative input of U2 is held at 0 Vdc by controlling quency for these ranges. In the top range (multiplier
the current through Ql as a feedback. As long as the position of 10M), the current setting resistors are
variable symmetry control is off, the two R/2 resistors paralleled with resistors of one-ninth the value, caus-
have equal voltage across them and an equal current ing both current sources to run at ten times the usual
through them as through U1 feedback and there is no current, resulting in 2 mA per volt of external FM input.
current at the output of U3. Since an equal current When this current is used with the nominal -90 pF
exists in the entire resistor string from + to - supply, timing capacitor (fixed value plus strays), the top
the result is a positive control voltage relative to the range of frequencies result. For the next three ranges
negative supply at U6 + input and a negative control down (multiplier positions 1 M, 100K, 10K), the nominal
voltage with respect to the positive supply at U5 + in- timing capacitor is the fixed top range capacitor plus
put, each of which is proportional to the sum of the in- strays (i.e., -90 pF) plus the switched values (11 pF,
puts to U1 9 1 0 pF, 0.01 pF). These result in joint timing
capacitors of 101 pF, 1010 pF and 0.0101 ,uF. In these
Similarly, U5 and U6 establish feedback by regulating three ranges the positive and negative current
current through FETs, producing a voltage drop sources are boosted by 1 % over the next range down

4-3
 + R/9

OM

I
1
VE RNIER

R/2

R
v SYMMETRY
R

z R/2

- R/9

Figure 4-3. VCG Simplified Schematic

(multiplier 1 K) by switching 500 kS2 resistors in parallel a matched duplicate FET, Q9. Q9 has the identical
with the 5 kS2 basic current setting resistors R326, drain current as Q8 and, therefore, the same gate-to-
R38, R48 and R330 producing the output frequencies source voltage. In series with Q10 is a duplicate emit-
for these ranges. The four ranges below multiplier set- ter follower, Q13. Q13 has the identical collector cur-
ting 100 all have the same integrating current and tim- rent as Q10; therefore, it has the same emitter-to-
ing capacitor as the 100 multiplier range, but for each base voltage. Since the gate of the dummy FET, Q9, is
of these ranges, 90%, 99%, 99.9% and 99.99% of connected to the emitter of the dummy emitter
the integrating current is subtracted by the follower, Q13, the two terminals have the same
capacitance multiplier circuit. voltage. Therefore, within the tolerances of the part
parameters and some unaccounted error for base
4.2.4 Capacitance Multiplier current, the active emitter follower output voltage will
be at the value of the input gate. The remaining tran-
For the frequency ranges associated with multiplier sistor, Qll, is a second emitter follower for driving the
positions of 10 through 0.01, a capacitance multiplier dynamic lead networks at the input of the hysteresis
circuit (main board schematic, sheet I), senses the switch. In this role, it needs no dc integrity, as the out-
timing capacitor charging current and subtracts the put is not directly coupled.
appropriate amount so that the effective charging cur-
rent is a fraction of that delivered by the current 4.2.6 Hysteresis Switch
sources. This is accomplished by the connection of
the capacitance multiplier to the timing capacitor with The hysteresis switch (main board schematic, sheet 2)
one input-output terminal through a section of the fre- consists mainly of U14, a double input comparator,
quency multiplier switch. The + terminals of U7 and and Q14/Q15, an output flip-flop. Each differential pair
U8 serve as potentiometric input to these amplifiers. of U14 compares an input voltage to common. The in-
U7 has a fixed resistive feedback network, giving it a put network provides a positive bias to one and a
fixed gain. Capacitor C26 is forced to comply to the negative bias to the other; therefore, when the input
triangle voltage wave being generated, because the terminal (output of the triangle amplifier) is at t 1.25V,
R54 side is driven at the potential of the input/output the flip-flop changes state. The flip-flop selects which
terminal and the other side has the same waveform input comparator of the hysteresis switch will be ac-
with some fixed gain from U7. Since the side driven at tivated in preparation for the next change of state.
the input/output signal is a summing node, it is fed the When the timing capacitor is integrating positively,
necessary current by the feedback resistors R58, the positive biased comparator is activated. When the
R59, R60 and R61. The feedback resistors are timing capacitor voltage reaches + 1.25V, the flip-flop
selected by the frequency multiplier control, taking on changes state, the negative comparator is activated
values which give the correct amplitude to the output and the direction of integration is reversed, so that
of U8. This output with respect to common is the- when the timing capacitor signal reaches - 1.25V,
input/output waveform with a square wave super- the flip-flop switches back and the cycle starts over.
imposed; TP1 is the test point where this output can In addition to the positive and negative biases at the
be picked up for signal tracing. The input/output wave- comparator inputs, there is a dynamic lead network
form is a triangle wave so the differential across R62 on each one. These lead networks are driven by Q11,
and R63 is a square wave with the correct amplitude a separate emitter follower, from the triangle ampli-
to subtract part of the timing capacitor charging cur- fier. They provide the necessary lead to compensate
rent. Since this square wave amplitude is controlled in for the inherent delays of the hysteresis switch,
decades by the frequency multiplier control via R58, thereby keeping the higher frequency dial nonlinearity
R59, R60 and R61, the instrument frequency is divided and sine distortion to a minimum.
in decades even though the current sources and tim-
ing capacitor remain the same. 4.2.7 Diode Gate and Timing Capacitor

4.2.5 Triangle Amplifier The diode gate (current switch) and the timing
capacitor circuits are shown in the main board
The main board schematic, sheet 2, shows the triangle schematic, sheet 2. The current source and sink are
amplifier; it uses Q8, an FET source follower, to drive switched to the timing capacitor by the hysteresis
Q10, a bipolar emitter follower, for an open loop gain switch via a diode bridge arrangement called the
of one. It is a fast, very high input impedance circuit diode gate. Actually, the hysteresis switch is linked to
with output impedance low enough to drive the hyster- the bridge network by two emitter followers, Q24 and
esis switch and the triangle buffer. In series with Q8 is Q25, with independent outputs biased to be at the

4-5
same voltage. The simplified timing diagram il- diode network presenting a square wave input voltage
lustrated in figure 4-2 shows these points as one ter- to the multiplier.
minal at C. When the hysteresis switch output is
positive, CR16 is forward biased, so that the current 4.2.10 Transconductance Multiplier
sink is sourced by the drive circuit and is ineffective.
CR1 3 and CR1 5 are reverse biased, providing isolation After the main generator signal passes through the
between the drive circuit and the timing capacitor. function selector switch and the signal shaper circuit,
This leaves CR14 forward biased and free to conduct it enters a transconductance multiplier, U15 (main
the current source output to the timing capacitor. board schematic, sheet 3), where the amplitude is set
When the timing capacitor voltage rises to the hys- by dc from the control amplifier or modulated by ac
teresis switch point (+ 1.25V), the hysteresis switch from the modulation generator via the AM switch. Cur-
output switches low, forward biasing CR13 which rents in the open collectors of this IC are worked into
back biases CR14 and CR16 and allows the source to a current mirror for optimum gain and fed to the pre-
be isolated and the sink to discharge the timing capa- amplifier summing node for conversion to a voltage
citor through CR15 This state continues until the signal at TP7.
negative switch point is reached and reverts to the
previous state.
4.2.11 Preamplifier
4.2.8 Triangle Buffer
The preamplifier (main board schematic, sheet 3), like
The triangle buffer (main board schematic, sheet 2) is the output (power) amplifier, is comprised of a high
a wide band dc amplifier providing a closed loop gain frequency ac amplifier combined with a low frequency
of one in potentiometric connection. The input dif- dc amplifier. It converts the current from the multiplier
ferential stage, Q17/Ql8, is a monolithic pair. The to a voltage signal which is attenuated by the front
emitters are fed from a current sink Q19. The active panel amplitude control and amplified by the output
collector load, Q20, is a current source providing amplifier. The U17 circuit is the dc amplifier and the
greater open loop gain than a resistive load. Following remaining circuitry is the high frequency amplifier.
this is an emitter follower, Q21, a zener diode level Again, like the output amplifier, the ac amplifier is
shifter, CR1 2, and another emitter follower, Q22, for symmetrically arranged from the R240/R238 summing
t..h e output stage. The gain is set to one by the 100% node to R246 and R249 at the output stage of the
feedback to the input pair feedback side, base of Ql8. preamplifier. If the input current goes into the node,
the voltage at the summing node will rise by a certain
4.2.9 Signal Shaper amount. By capacitive coupling via C92 and C93, the
base voltage of Q40 rises closer to + 15 volts and the
The signal shaper circuit (main board schematic, base voltage of Q41 rises further away from - 15
sheet 3) is uniquely set’up for each different waveform volts. Thus, the emitter base junction of Q40 will be
by four wafers of the function selector switch. The less forward biased, thereby reducing the emitter cur-
t 15 volt power is switched off in the triangle wave rent, while the Q41 ‘emitter current increases. The
mode and there is virtually no effect on the triangle result is an increase in current in Q42 and a decrease
wave fed to the circuit. In the positive pulse mode, the in current in Q43, causing a decreased voltage output
square wave, rather than the triangle wave, is fed to in R246/R249.The feedback path through R240 to the
the circuit and the - 15 volt power is switched off. As summing node tends to cancel the rise in voltage
a result, the negative swing of the input square wave there, causing the output voltage to stabilize. T h e
is clipped off. The negative pulse is formed, when amount of negative voltage at the output required to
selected by the function switch, in a similar manner. pull the summing node back to zero is determined by
When the square or sine wave is selected, both plus the value of R240.
and minus 15 volt power is applied to the circuit. The
difference in circuit setup for sine and square is the 4.2.12 Output Amplifier
resistive load at the circuit output and the shape of the
signal fed to the input. For the sine wave mode, the The output amplifier is comprised of a low frequency
matched set of -diodes soft clip the input triangle at dc amplifier and a high frequency ac amplifier. Refer
three different levels. These signals are resistively to the simplified circuit of figure 4-4. The U19, Q37
summed to produce a sine wave voltage input to the and Q38 circuit is the dc amplifier and the remaining
multiplier. For the square wave mode, the input circuitry is the ac amplifier. The ac amplifier is sym-
square wave is symmetrically hard-clipped by the metrically arranged, top and bottom. The upper por-

4-6
tion amplifies the positive swing of the output, while which is the output voltage, will start to go negative.
the lower mirror portion amplifies the negative swing. Finally, when the output has moved far enough
Operation is class AB; that is, there is independent negative to pull point A back to zero, by pulling current
positive half and negative half amplification, with a through the feedback resistor Rfb, the collector cur-
small amount of current flow in both sides near zero rent of Q47 and Q49 will again be equal and the output
swing. The amplifier schematic has been simplified in voltage at point B will stabilize. The amount of nega-
figure 4-4 for the following discussion. Assume that tive voltage at the output required to pull point A back
both the input and the output voltages are zero, then to zero is controlled by the ratio of Rfb to Rin, and this
the voltage at point A should also be zero. Because of ratio is the closed loop gain of the output amplifier.
the symmetrical configuration of the amplifier, the The circuit containing U19, Q37, Q38 is a high gain,
current through Q47 and Q49 will be equal and the low frequency amplifier used to bias the high frequen-
output will remain at zero. If the input goes positive, cy amplifier and to increase the low frequency loop
the voltage at point A will rise by a certain amount. gain. The high frequency amplifier is isolated from low
This will cause the base voltage of Q47 to rise closer frequency signals at the input by capacitance coupl-
to + 24 volts. Thus, the emitter base junction of Q47 ing to the bases of Q47 and Q49. It then employs the
will be less forward biased, thereby reducing its emit- low frequency amplifier to bias the emitter of Q47 to
ter current. The result is that the voltage at point B obtain the required dc stability and high loop gain.

U 19/Q37/Q38 + 24 Vdc

Rin
I N P U T 0’+ _A OUTPUT

I
- 24 Vdc

Figure 4-4. Simplified Output Amplifier

4-7
Other circuit components are shown on the main clipped by forward biasing CR1; the negative portion
board schematic, sheet 3. Emitter followers Q46 and is clipped by CR2. While CR1 is on, Q1 conducts and
Q48 increase the driving power to the bases of Q47 Q3 switches off to a TTL low level. While CR2 is on, Q1
and Q49. Q51 and Q54 are a harnessed pair sharing is off and Q3 saturates to a TTL high level. R57 and
the load through R287 and R291 during the positive R58 provide hysteresis to ensure a clean square wave
signalswing. Q51 and Q54 are driven by the collector output.
of Q47. CR40 through CR43 compensate for the
emitter-base junction voltage drops of Q51, Q53, Q54 4.2.15 Trigger Logic/Trigger Amplifier
and Q55 to control idling current, reduce crossover
distortion and prevent thermal runaway. The two In continuous mode the continuous control line is low
resistor-capacitor networks, R268/C1 00 and and U13-8 (main board schematic, sheet 2) holds the
R278/C101 are emitter bypass circuits to maintain the trigger flip-flop (U12) cleared. U12-3 is low, which is
high frequency amplifier gain during the transition sent by emitter follower Q27 to a diode “AND”. A low
time prior to the dc amplifier taking effect. This im- is sensed at RI 58, the trigger amplifier inverting input.
proves the rise time, since the dc amplifier requires a The closed loop gain of the trigger amplifier is set by
few microseconds to respond and stabilize. VR2 and the ratio of R173 to R158. The trigger amplifier out-
VR3 are five volt regulators which normally run puts a + 1.5 to + 2 Vdc to reverse bias the start/stop
saturated to supply the output stage current to the col- diode CR27 above the most positive charge on the in-
lectors of the output transistors. If the output stage tegrating capacitor.
should demand an abnormal amount of current
through a shorted’transistor or output terminal, the In trigger mode, both control lines are high, and U13
current through R295 through R298 will generate five produces a narrow negative pulse, corresponding to a
volts of drop. If more current is demanded, the high to low transition of the signal limiter output, to
regulators will simply maintain the five volt drop, clear U12. In the absence of a trigger stimulus, U12 is
allowing the output collector voltages to collapse, clocked by the negative-going edge of the current
preventing excessive power dissipation in the switch square translated by Q26 to TTL levels. U12-3
amplifier components. The dc offset is fed as a cur- goes high and the trigger amplifier goes to a low level,
rent from the front panel control to the output forward biasing CR27 which sinks the VCG current
amplifier summing mode. source away from the integrating capacitor. The
charge level on the integrating capacitor is held at the
4.2.13 Sync Amplifier/Square Amplifier voltage drop across CR27 above the trigger amplifier
output. Compensation current enters the trigger
The side of the hysteresis switch (main board sche- amplifier summing node through R155 to push its out-
matic, sheet 2) not used to drive the current switch put voltage down exactly the same as the drop across
has an inverted square signal which is used to drive CR27 at a particular magnitude of integrating current.
an emitter coupled pair, Q16 and Q23. The collector The 0 Vdc trigger baseline may be modified with R4,
output of Q23 is biased to provide a TTL level output, the front panel start/stop control. Whenever a trigger
The sync out signal is connected to the front panel is received, U13 is cleared and the trigger amplifier
sync out (TTL) BNC with a coaxial cable. output goes high, allowing the integrating capacitor to
charge. At the positive triangle peak, the hysteresis
Next to the sync amplifier, a similar emitter coupled switch goes to a negative level and the negative-going
pair, Q57 and Q58, is connected to the same input triangle slope is generated. The high-to-low hysteresis
and biased to output a bipolar square wave to the transition clocks U12-3 high, but the negative portion
function switch when square or pulse functions are of the square is also fed into the diode “AND” at
selected. In other functions, emitter bias is reversed CR20 which holds the trigger amplifier output high un-
so that the square function remains confined to the til the completion of the negative-going slope of the
hysteresis switch area. triangle. When the hysteresis switch returns to
positive, the trigger amplifier returns to its low output,
4.2.14 Trigger Signal Limiter and the integrating capacitor charges until CR27 for-
ward biases again. The integrating capacitor is again
Either an external signal or the modulator function are held at the trigger baseline level.
selected by the generator mode switch (auxiliary
generator schematic) and summed through R50 and In gate mode, the gated control line is low and U13
R51 with the trigger level control. That portion of the produces a negative pulse of the same duration as the
trigger signal more positive than the trigger level is signal limiter output. Thus, U12 is held cleared, the

4-8
signal at CR24 is held low, and the trigger amplifier the start/stop diode are matched and carry equal cur-
output is held high for the trigger duration. The last rents, the trigger baseline will be stable with varying
triangle cycle started is completed through the action VCG inputs.
explained in trigger mode.

4.2.17 Modulation Generator and Ramp Generator

4.2.16 Baseline Compensation
The function generator used as a modulation source
CR2 (main board schematic, sheet 1) is in series with in the instrument is the lntersil 8038 (U2 on the auxil-
the current supplied by the VCG current source. U9-3 iary generator board schematic). It is fitted with an
is connected to CR2 anode and, since it is a voltage auxiliary current balancing circuit (U1) to extend its
follower, it will have the same potential at its pin 6. useful dynamic range. The ramp output which is not
U1 O-3 is connected to CR2 cathode and will regulate built into the chip is developed by amplitude
the current through Q7 to make the same potential at modulating the triangle function with the square func-
its pin 2; therefore, R64 will have the same voltage tion in a balanced modulator (U5). The output signals
across it as the drop across CR2. The current leaving ( 2/ , 2/ , ‘1_1 , M, M ) are selected in a
Q7 enters the trigger amplifier summing node, and function selector switch and fed to the modulation
becomes a voltage offset equal to the drop across switches where modulation type is selected. The
CR2, because R64 and the feedback resistor for the ramp signals have a fundamental frequency of two
trigger amplifier have the same value. Since CR2 and times that of the other waveforms.

4-9