Technical Specifications
Designed and built in the U.K. by:
Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd. operates a policy of continuous development and
reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice.
82100-0077
Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd.
Glebe Road, Huntingdon. Cambs. PE18 7DX England
Tel: 01480 412451 Fax: 01480 450409 Email: sales@ttinst.co.uk
Web Site: http://www.ttinst.co.uk
THURLBY THANDAR INSTRUMENTS
TG550
5MHz function generator with sweep
simultaneous display of frequency
&
amplitude
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
FREQUENCY
Frequency Range: 0.005Hz to 5MHz in 7 overlapping decade
ranges with fine adjustment by verniers.
Vernier Range: 1000:1 on each range.
FREQUENCY LOCKING
Operating Range: 0.5Hz to 5MHz with vernier setting within
10% to 100% of range maximum.
Locking Accuracy: Better than 0.01% of displayed value.
DISPLAY
LCD, 8 digits (11mm high) plus 14 annunciators
METER FUNCTIONS (generator mode)
Frequency: Auto-ranging reciprocal measurement giving
4 digit resolution for frequencies down to
1Hz; maximum resolution is 0.001Hz.
Accuracy ±1 digit 0.2Hz to 5MHz; accuracy
±1% of range full scale below 0.2Hz
Amplitude: Display shows peak-to-peak amplitude or rms
value. Display corrected for attenuator
setting. 3-digit resolution, accuracy typically
5% of range
DC Offset: 3-digit resolution; accuracy typically ±2% of
setting ±1 digit. Display corrected for
attenuator setting
OUTPUTS
MAIN - 50 Ohm
Amplitide 2mV to 20V peak-peak open circuit (1mV to
10V peak-peak into 50Ω) in four
switch-selectable ranges with 20dB vernier
control within each range
Attenuator Ranges: 0dB, -20dB, -40dB, -60dB
DC Offset Range: ±10V from 50Ω. DC offset plus signal peak
limited to ±10V (±5V into 50Ω). DC offset
plus waveform attenuated proportionally by
the attenuator.
MAIN - 600 Ohm Alternative output socket offering the same
facilities as the 50Ωsocket.
AUX OUT 0 to 5V TTL/CMOS logic levels capable of
driving 2 standard TTL loads. Frequency,
symmetry and phase as main outputs
SWEEP OUT 3V ramp from 600Ω
EXTERNAL COUNTER
Frequency Range: 5Hz to 20MHz, fully autoranging
Input Sensitivity: 50mV rms (sinewave)
Input Impedance: 1MΩ/25pF
Measurement Time: Selectable 0.5s or 5s
Resolution: 6 digits in 0.5s; 7 digits in 5s
Accuracy: ±1 digit ± timebase accuracy
Timebase Accuracy: ±10ppm initial error; ±5ppm/year ageing rate;
typically less then 0.5ppm/oC. Adjustment
point for closed-case recalibration
OPERATING MODES
Specifications apply for the top decade of each frequency range and maximum
output into 50Ωtermination.
SINE
Distortion: <0.5% on 500, 5k and 50k ranges; <1% on
5, 50 and 500k ranges; all harmonics >25dB
below fundamental on 5M range.
Amplitude Flatness: ±0.2dB to 200kHz; ±2dB to 5MHz.
TRIANGLE
Linearity: Better than 99% to 200kHz
SQUARE WAVE
Rise and Fall Times: <45ns
Mark - Space Ratio: 1:1 ± 1% to 100kHz
DC
Range: ±10V unterminated
SYMMETRY
Symmetry Range: Variable typically 1:9 to 9:1 (on top decade of
each range), frequency divided by 10.
SWEEP MODES
INTERNAL
Sweep Range: >1000:1 within each range.
Sweep Rate: Adjustable, typically 20ms to 20 secs.
Sweep Mode: Linear or logarithmic. Sweep start and stop
frequencies displayed by button press.
EXTERNAL
Input Impedance: 10kΩ
Input Sensitivity: 0 to 3V for 1000:1 sweep
Max. Input Voltage: ±10V
Sweep Linearity: Better than 1%
Max. Voltage Rate: 0.1V/us
AMPLITUDE MODULATION
Depth: Variable 0 to 100%
Frequency: 400Hz (internal). DC to 100kHz (external).
External Sensitivity: Approx. 2V peak-to-peak for 50% modulation.
GENERAL
POWER REQUIREMENTS
Input Voltage: 230V or 115V nominal 50/60Hz, by internal
adjustment; operating range ±14% of nomi-
nal. Installation Category II.
Consumption: 25VA max.
ENVIRONMENTAL & MECHANICAL
Operating Range: +5oC to +40oC, 20% to 80% RH.
Storage Range: -10oC to +65oC
Environmental: Indoor use at <2000m, Pollution degree I
Safety: Complies with EN601010-1
EMC: Complies with EN50081-1 & EN50082-1
Size: 260(W) x 88(H) x 235(D)mm (10.2 x 3.4 x
9.2"), excluding handle and feet.
Weight: 1.9kg (4.2lb) approx.
crystal controlled digital frequency locking
seven digit external frequency counter
TG550 5MHz function generator with sweep
digital frequency locking for exceptional accuracy and stability simultaneous display of frequency and level
external frequency counter with seven digit resolution
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
The display of a filter response using an
oscilloscope in XY mode and a TG550 in
swept frequency mode.
Dual digital displays for
precision & convenience
The TG550 incorporates a large dual
section digital display.
Unlike competitive products the display
provides a readout not just of frequency,
but of amplitude or offset simultaneously.
Fast and accurate frequency
measurement
Auto-ranging reciprocal measurement
gives 4-digit resolution with rapid update
rightdowntoHzlevels. Accuracyiswithin
±1 digit (±0.02% at full scale).
To maintain a fast update at sub-Hz
frequencies, the measurement mode is
changed resulting in 3-digit resolution and
reduced accuracy.
However, when compared to the normal
fixed gate-time meters used in other prod-
uctstheTG550providesbothhigheraccu-
racy and faster display update across the
whole frequency range.
RMS or peak to peak
amplitude display
Theoutputleveldisplaycanbeselectedto
show any of three values:
1. The peak to peak amplitude
2. The RMS amplitude
3. The DC offset
RMS values are calculated correctly for
each waveform shape
The decimal point and units are changed
automatically resulting in a display of the
true amplitude regardless of the attenua-
tor setting.
An display indicator warns against illegal
combinations of offset and amplitude
setting that would create clipping in the
output stage.
A state-of-the-art
instrument
The function generator is one of the most
versatile pieces of test & measurement in-
strumentation available.
It can generate a variety of precision
waveshapes over a range of frequencies
from mHz to MHz. It can provide a wide
range of controlled amplitudes from a
low-impedance source, and maintain con-
stantamplitudeasthefrequencyisvaried.
Voltage control of frequency enables a
source of swept frequency to be gener-
ated for frequency response testing. AM
and FM modulation can also be added.
The TG550 respresents the state-of-the-
artin5MHzanaloguefunctiongenerators.
●
0.005Hz to 5MHz frequency range
●
Simultaneous display of frequency & amplitude
●
Frequency locking for crystal controlled stability
●
Precision internal linear or logarithmic sweep
●
External frequency counter with 7 digit resolution
●
Very high waveform quality at all frequencies & levels
●
20V pk-pk from 50
W
or 600
W,
plus TTL/CMOS output
●
1000:1 frequency change by vernier or sweep voltage
●
lnternal or external amplitude modulation up to 100%
Frequency locking for
exceptional stability
The TG550 includes a digital frequency
locking system that gives it a level of
frequencystabilitythatcannotbematched
by conventional analogue function gen-
erators.
Oncethefrequencyhas been set, pressing
the Lock key engages a measure-and-
correct circuit which compensates for the
small thermal and mechanical drifts that in-
evitably occur in an analogue generator.
Thefrequencyiscomparedtoa crystal con-
trolled reference and is maintained to within
0.01% of the set frequency.
External counter with
seven digit resolution
TheTG550hasanexternal counter mode
whichutilisesthefullwidthofthedisplayto
provide up to seven digits of resolution.
The frequency range is from 5Hz up to
20MHz and the input sensitivity is better
than 50mV rms.
Ameasurementperiodof0.5or5seconds
can be selected. A reciprocal counting
measurement system is used which en-
sures high resolution regardless of input
frequency.
Thus, for example, mains frequency can
be measured to a resolution of better than
1mHz.
Accuracy is better than 10ppm (0.001%)
and an external adjustment point allows
for closed case re-calibration.
Exceptional waveform quality
The TG550 provides very high waveform
quality under all conditions.
That means low sinewave distortion, low
aberation triangle waves and fast-edged
square waves with low overshoot.
Unlike many competitive products good
waveform quality is maintained through-
out the frequency range and at low output
levels.
Variable symmetry for pulse
and ramp waveforms
The TG550 series provides bi-directional
variable symmetry from 1:9 to 9:1. Unlike
some products, frequency is independent
of symmetry setting.
Wide range level control
The TG550 series provides a main output
with a maximum emf of 20V pk-pk from a
50Ωor 600Ωsource.
An amplitude vernier with a range of 20dB
is combined with two switched attenua-
tors of -20dB and -40dB to provide levels
down to 2mV pk-pk unterminated.
Variable DC offset of ±10V is available via
acentredetentcontrol. Anauxiliaryoutput
provides a fixed 0V to +5V level suitable
for driving both TTL and CMOS loads.
Wide sweep range
Each range can be swept by at least
1000:1either manually, via the external in-
put,orusingthebuilt-insweepgenerator.
Advanced internal sweep
The TG550 incorporates a versatile inter-
nal sweep generator capable of providing
linear or logarithmic frequency sweeps.
Start and stop frequencies can be set with
precision using the digital display. Sweep
ranges of over 1000:1 are possible.
The sweep rate is adjustable over a wide
range with good setability between limits
of 20ms and 20s.
A sweep output socket is provided for use
withanoscilloscope or anX-Yrecorder.Un-
like many other sweep generators, the
sweep ramp is triangular which gives a su-
periordisplaywhenusinganoscilloscopeto
display swept frequencies.
Amplitude modulation for
extra versatility
TheTG550 alsoincorporatescomprehen-
sive AM facilities.
Themodulationcan be externalorinternal
(via a 400Hz internal generator) with
modulation levels fully variable between
0% and 100%.
TG550 5MHz function generator with sweep
digital frequency locking for exceptional accuracy and stability simultaneous display of frequency and level
external frequency counter with seven digit resolution
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
The display of a filter response using an
oscilloscope in XY mode and a TG550 in
swept frequency mode.
Dual digital displays for
precision & convenience
The TG550 incorporates a large dual
section digital display.
Unlike competitive products the display
provides a readout not just of frequency,
but of amplitude or offset simultaneously.
Fast and accurate frequency
measurement
Auto-ranging reciprocal measurement
gives 4-digit resolution with rapid update
rightdowntoHzlevels. Accuracyiswithin
±1 digit (±0.02% at full scale).
To maintain a fast update at sub-Hz
frequencies, the measurement mode is
changed resulting in 3-digit resolution and
reduced accuracy.
However, when compared to the normal
fixed gate-time meters used in other prod-
uctstheTG550providesbothhigheraccu-
racy and faster display update across the
whole frequency range.
RMS or peak to peak
amplitude display
Theoutputleveldisplaycanbeselectedto
show any of three values:
1. The peak to peak amplitude
2. The RMS amplitude
3. The DC offset
RMS values are calculated correctly for
each waveform shape
The decimal point and units are changed
automatically resulting in a display of the
true amplitude regardless of the attenua-
tor setting.
An display indicator warns against illegal
combinations of offset and amplitude
setting that would create clipping in the
output stage.
A state-of-the-art
instrument
The function generator is one of the most
versatile pieces of test & measurement in-
strumentation available.
It can generate a variety of precision
waveshapes over a range of frequencies
from mHz to MHz. It can provide a wide
range of controlled amplitudes from a
low-impedance source, and maintain con-
stantamplitudeasthefrequencyisvaried.
Voltage control of frequency enables a
source of swept frequency to be gener-
ated for frequency response testing. AM
and FM modulation can also be added.
The TG550 respresents the state-of-the-
artin5MHzanaloguefunctiongenerators.
●
0.005Hz to 5MHz frequency range
●
Simultaneous display of frequency & amplitude
●
Frequency locking for crystal controlled stability
●
Precision internal linear or logarithmic sweep
●
External frequency counter with 7 digit resolution
●
Very high waveform quality at all frequencies & levels
●
20V pk-pk from 50
W
or 600
W,
plus TTL/CMOS output
●
1000:1 frequency change by vernier or sweep voltage
●
lnternal or external amplitude modulation up to 100%
Frequency locking for
exceptional stability
The TG550 includes a digital frequency
locking system that gives it a level of
frequencystabilitythatcannotbematched
by conventional analogue function gen-
erators.
Oncethefrequencyhas been set, pressing
the Lock key engages a measure-and-
correct circuit which compensates for the
small thermal and mechanical drifts that in-
evitably occur in an analogue generator.
Thefrequencyiscomparedtoa crystal con-
trolled reference and is maintained to within
0.01% of the set frequency.
External counter with
seven digit resolution
TheTG550hasanexternal counter mode
whichutilisesthefullwidthofthedisplayto
provide up to seven digits of resolution.
The frequency range is from 5Hz up to
20MHz and the input sensitivity is better
than 50mV rms.
Ameasurementperiodof0.5or5seconds
can be selected. A reciprocal counting
measurement system is used which en-
sures high resolution regardless of input
frequency.
Thus, for example, mains frequency can
be measured to a resolution of better than
1mHz.
Accuracy is better than 10ppm (0.001%)
and an external adjustment point allows
for closed case re-calibration.
Exceptional waveform quality
The TG550 provides very high waveform
quality under all conditions.
That means low sinewave distortion, low
aberation triangle waves and fast-edged
square waves with low overshoot.
Unlike many competitive products good
waveform quality is maintained through-
out the frequency range and at low output
levels.
Variable symmetry for pulse
and ramp waveforms
The TG550 series provides bi-directional
variable symmetry from 1:9 to 9:1. Unlike
some products, frequency is independent
of symmetry setting.
Wide range level control
The TG550 series provides a main output
with a maximum emf of 20V pk-pk from a
50Ωor 600Ωsource.
An amplitude vernier with a range of 20dB
is combined with two switched attenua-
tors of -20dB and -40dB to provide levels
down to 2mV pk-pk unterminated.
Variable DC offset of ±10V is available via
acentredetentcontrol. Anauxiliaryoutput
provides a fixed 0V to +5V level suitable
for driving both TTL and CMOS loads.
Wide sweep range
Each range can be swept by at least
1000:1either manually, via the external in-
put,orusingthebuilt-insweepgenerator.
Advanced internal sweep
The TG550 incorporates a versatile inter-
nal sweep generator capable of providing
linear or logarithmic frequency sweeps.
Start and stop frequencies can be set with
precision using the digital display. Sweep
ranges of over 1000:1 are possible.
The sweep rate is adjustable over a wide
range with good setability between limits
of 20ms and 20s.
A sweep output socket is provided for use
withanoscilloscope or anX-Yrecorder.Un-
like many other sweep generators, the
sweep ramp is triangular which gives a su-
periordisplaywhenusinganoscilloscopeto
display swept frequencies.
Amplitude modulation for
extra versatility
TheTG550 alsoincorporatescomprehen-
sive AM facilities.
Themodulationcan be externalorinternal
(via a 400Hz internal generator) with
modulation levels fully variable between
0% and 100%.
Technical Specifications
Designed and built in the U.K. by:
Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd. operates a policy of continuous development and
reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice.
82100-0077
Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd.
Glebe Road, Huntingdon. Cambs. PE18 7DX England
Tel: 01480 412451 Fax: 01480 450409 Email: sales@ttinst.co.uk
Web Site: http://www.ttinst.co.uk
THURLBY THANDAR INSTRUMENTS
TG550
5MHz function generator with sweep
simultaneous display of frequency
&
amplitude
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
FREQUENCY
Frequency Range: 0.005Hz to 5MHz in 7 overlapping decade
ranges with fine adjustment by verniers.
Vernier Range: 1000:1 on each range.
FREQUENCY LOCKING
Operating Range: 0.5Hz to 5MHz with vernier setting within
10% to 100% of range maximum.
Locking Accuracy: Better than 0.01% of displayed value.
DISPLAY
LCD, 8 digits (11mm high) plus 14 annunciators
METER FUNCTIONS (generator mode)
Frequency: Auto-ranging reciprocal measurement giving
4 digit resolution for frequencies down to
1Hz; maximum resolution is 0.001Hz.
Accuracy ±1 digit 0.2Hz to 5MHz; accuracy
±1% of range full scale below 0.2Hz
Amplitude: Display shows peak-to-peak amplitude or rms
value. Display corrected for attenuator
setting. 3-digit resolution, accuracy typically
5% of range
DC Offset: 3-digit resolution; accuracy typically ±2% of
setting ±1 digit. Display corrected for
attenuator setting
OUTPUTS
MAIN - 50 Ohm
Amplitide 2mV to 20V peak-peak open circuit (1mV to
10V peak-peak into 50Ω) in four
switch-selectable ranges with 20dB vernier
control within each range
Attenuator Ranges: 0dB, -20dB, -40dB, -60dB
DC Offset Range: ±10V from 50Ω. DC offset plus signal peak
limited to ±10V (±5V into 50Ω). DC offset
plus waveform attenuated proportionally by
the attenuator.
MAIN - 600 Ohm Alternative output socket offering the same
facilities as the 50Ωsocket.
AUX OUT 0 to 5V TTL/CMOS logic levels capable of
driving 2 standard TTL loads. Frequency,
symmetry and phase as main outputs
SWEEP OUT 3V ramp from 600Ω
EXTERNAL COUNTER
Frequency Range: 5Hz to 20MHz, fully autoranging
Input Sensitivity: 50mV rms (sinewave)
Input Impedance: 1MΩ/25pF
Measurement Time: Selectable 0.5s or 5s
Resolution: 6 digits in 0.5s; 7 digits in 5s
Accuracy: ±1 digit ± timebase accuracy
Timebase Accuracy: ±10ppm initial error; ±5ppm/year ageing rate;
typically less then 0.5ppm/oC. Adjustment
point for closed-case recalibration
OPERATING MODES
Specifications apply for the top decade of each frequency range and maximum
output into 50Ωtermination.
SINE
Distortion: <0.5% on 500, 5k and 50k ranges; <1% on
5, 50 and 500k ranges; all harmonics >25dB
below fundamental on 5M range.
Amplitude Flatness: ±0.2dB to 200kHz; ±2dB to 5MHz.
TRIANGLE
Linearity: Better than 99% to 200kHz
SQUARE WAVE
Rise and Fall Times: <45ns
Mark - Space Ratio: 1:1 ± 1% to 100kHz
DC
Range: ±10V unterminated
SYMMETRY
Symmetry Range: Variable typically 1:9 to 9:1 (on top decade of
each range), frequency divided by 10.
SWEEP MODES
INTERNAL
Sweep Range: >1000:1 within each range.
Sweep Rate: Adjustable, typically 20ms to 20 secs.
Sweep Mode: Linear or logarithmic. Sweep start and stop
frequencies displayed by button press.
EXTERNAL
Input Impedance: 10kΩ
Input Sensitivity: 0 to 3V for 1000:1 sweep
Max. Input Voltage: ±10V
Sweep Linearity: Better than 1%
Max. Voltage Rate: 0.1V/us
AMPLITUDE MODULATION
Depth: Variable 0 to 100%
Frequency: 400Hz (internal). DC to 100kHz (external).
External Sensitivity: Approx. 2V peak-to-peak for 50% modulation.
GENERAL
POWER REQUIREMENTS
Input Voltage: 230V or 115V nominal 50/60Hz, by internal
adjustment; operating range ±14% of nomi-
nal. Installation Category II.
Consumption: 25VA max.
ENVIRONMENTAL & MECHANICAL
Operating Range: +5oC to +40oC, 20% to 80% RH.
Storage Range: -10oC to +65oC
Environmental: Indoor use at <2000m, Pollution degree I
Safety: Complies with EN601010-1
EMC: Complies with EN50081-1 & EN50082-1
Size: 260(W) x 88(H) x 235(D)mm (10.2 x 3.4 x
9.2"), excluding handle and feet.
Weight: 1.9kg (4.2lb) approx.
crystal controlled digital frequency locking
seven digit external frequency counter
