Keithley 3402-F Pulse/Pattern Generator, Dual-Channel, 165MHz

The Keithley 3402-F is a dual-channel pulse and pattern generator delivering precise signal generation from 1 mHz to 165 MHz. It generates pulses with widths from 3 ns to 1000 s and amplitudes up to ±10 V (50Ω) or ±20 V (1kΩ), with rise/fall times as fast as 2.5 ns maximum. The instrument operates in four modes

Pulse, Burst, Pattern, and External Width - enabling single-pulse generation, multi-pulse bursts, serial data pattern simulation in NRZ or RZ formats, and externally modulated outputs.

Each channel features independent pattern programming with delay accuracy of ±0.5% ± 0.5 ns and timing jitter of 0.01% + 15 ps RMS. Housed in a 2U full-rack design, the 3402-F integrates GPIB and USB control interfaces with IEEE 488.2 and SCPI compliance for straightforward system integration.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 1 mHz to 165 MHz


• Pulse Width: 3 ns to 1000 s


• Pulse Amplitude: ±10 V (50Ω source) or ±20 V (1kΩ source); ±(0.5% + 30 mV) accuracy


• Offset Accuracy: ±100 mV


• Output Resolution: 10 mV (50Ω) or 20 mV (1kΩ)


• Rise/Fall Time: 2.5 ns maximum (10 V p-p) to 200 ms; ±10% ±200 ps accuracy


• Delay: 0 to (period – 3.02 ns) with ±0.5% ± 0.5 ns accuracy


• Delay/Width Jitter: 0.01% + 15 ps RMS


• Source Impedance: 50Ω or 1kΩ selectable


• Input Impedance: 50Ω or 10kΩ


• Short Circuit Current: ±400 mA

Key Features

• Four operating modes: Pulse, Burst, Pattern, and External Width


• Independent pattern generation per channel (NRZ/RZ formats)


• Adjustable rise/fall times across eight selectable ranges from 2 ns–20 ns to 10 ms–200 ms


• Timing resolution to 20 ps with 3.5-digit delay and width precision


• Overshoot/pre-shoot/ringing limited to ±5% ±20 mV

Typical Applications

• Functional characterization of serial data interfaces


• Pulse-based circuit testing and protocol simulation


• Timing and edge-control validation in high-speed designs

Compatibility & Integration GPIB and USB interfaces with full IEEE 488.2 and SCPI command support. External connectors include BNC outputs per channel, CLK IN, EXT IN, TRIG OUT, STROBE OUT, and REF OSC IN/OUT.