Announcement: Scheduled review of Twintex TFG-3620E arbitrary waveform FG

[Kiriakos GR]

Thanks to Twintex Instrument Ltd and Miss Lily Cheung Sales manager, one TFG-3620E arbitrary waveform function generator it got shipped today for a product review to ITTSB.

Twintex Instrument Ltd informed me that they are the Original Design Manufacturer of this product.
The TFG-3620E is the latest version of their product design, which originally started to circulate at about 2011 under different hardware configurations.

Twintex suggest this model as economic version among their products line, but even so the TFG-3620E comes loaded with all hardware options of this design as standard.
Among the options is the 200MHz frequency counter plus software and cable for PC connectivity due Serial port.
Serial to USB converters are cheap and easy to find these days if you care for USB PC connectivity.

It is a true fact that some MFG3000CH revisions does not include all possible hardware options, as for example an active USB front panel port or active Serial port, even if the on board connectors were in place.

Today the competition among arbitrary waveform function generators has move in to much higher level but this change it did drive higher and the manufacturing and the retail cost.
The new TFG-3620E looks matured regarding specifications and hardware options, and also looks reasonably priced even in Europe.

Arbitrary waveform function generators are famous about their usefulness in many sections of our modern industrial electronics, electronics design, evaluation of test & measurement instruments, and naturally for educational purposes

For now I will share with you the DHL tracking receipt and every other update will follow at the proper timing.

Regarding product details and specifications of the New TFG-3620E you may visit the product page of Twintex. 
http://www.twintex.com.tw/webls-en-us/TFG3600ESeries.html


What’s next?
The arrival and many pictures of the new product. 

Features
** Max. output frequency 5MHz/10MHz/15MHz/20MHz
** 2 output channels
** 3.5-inch TFT LCD display
** Direct Digital Synthesis technology (DDS)
** Sampling rate 100Msa/s, vertical resolution 8 bit, waveform length 1024 points
** Arbitrary waveform function, 8 sets of users defined waveforms
** Output waveforms: 32 built-in waveforms and 8 sets of user defined waveforms
** 40 sets panel setting save & recall
** Min.1mV (50 Ohm) waveform output with good stability
** Modulations: FM, FSK, PSK, ASK
** Frequency sweep, burst, TTL output
** Over voltage protection, over current protection, short circuit protection, reverse voltage protection
** Standard parts: RS-232 interface, 200MHz frequency counter
** Optional parts: power amplifier

[Kiriakos GR]

Shipping status update.
This TFG-3620E passed customs clearance and moves towards to ITTSB,
Payment and acceptance it will take 2-3 days, Twintex handling those expenses due me, and we need to coordinate.

 

[Kiriakos GR]

Arrival  Friday 27 of September. 

This TFG-3620E is a very nice instrument, but the front panel USB is not available,
one transparent plastic cover is in place of the USB plug.

This USB connector works for file transfer of waveforms in CSV format between Oscilloscopes and AFG so the saved waveform by the Oscilloscope to be reproduced by the waveform generator (record & playback).

Twintex needs to update their product pictures on their web site, and to add one Note about this detail.
This will bring a better balance between actual product specifications and customer expectations.

[Kiriakos GR]

One large set of pictures by the title: Unboxing. 

This product review is scheduled few months later on (like always).
Regarding the specifications of this really nice generator, the only undocumented detail is the frequency counter ( digits resolution).

While the total resolution is up to six digits, the true resolution vary according the frequency range to even lower than that.

Below is on quick chart of frequency VS amount of displayed digits ( resolution)   

100 MHz to 200 MHz = 6D (100,000 MHz)
100 KHz - 100MHZ    = 6D
10 KHz to 99,999 Hz  =5D
1,000 Hz to 9,999 Hz = 4D (1,000 KHz)
100 Hz = 3D
10 Hz   =2D
1Hz = 1D

I would expect full resolution to all ranges. 

In the positive side of things are the built quality, the features, and the fact that is extremely easy to use.
Those pictures below shown clearly every bit of detail on the case of TFG-3620E.
And also hidden possibilities behind the rubber protecting cover about rack-able mounting, or additional side brackets (which they can assist if your own thought is to remove to top handle lever).   

Click on the first picture ( ITTSB images viewer) and use your keyboard Arrows to scroll

[Kiriakos GR]

No2

[Kiriakos GR]

No3

[Kiriakos GR]

No4

[Kiriakos GR]

Last ones. 

[giorgos]

Congratulations for your new "weapon" and i ll be waiting with interest for the review.
I hope that your lab still have enough available space for your new instruments! It is a liitle trouble, but very good trouble..

[Kiriakos GR]

Thanks mate. 

I will only say that it is possible at around Christmas, one digital electronic load with new and unseen up to date features, to arrive in ITTSB for a product review.

For this one I am saving space, I got the information before a week ago. 
 

[giorgos]

What is the difference between a arbitary and a function generator? I think that arbitary have more features and options in waveforms than a function generator. Is that right?

[Kiriakos GR]

The arbitrary generator it can similitude with one photo camera with film, in which you can take too or more pictures on the same frame of film  (double shot) and you can create one picture with two actions which was originally made in different timing.

The Function generator it is capable to modulate one constant waveform at a time.
As for example an square wave 1Vpp 1KHz.

The AFG is capable to do the same and to vary instantly the Vpp in to many steps which leads to a scalable waveform which looks like a staircase.     

The next question which popup by it self is: In which applications the arbitrary generator will shine?
The quick answer is:  Electronics design testing which requires a simulation of complex waveforms.
What that can be?
One square wave at 1KHz 1Vpp with  Duty cycle which is varying constantly.

My homework on the subject is in progress, but I am getting there.