Tektronix AWG520 Arbitrary Waveform Generator Dual Channel 1GS/s

The Tektronix AWG520 is a dual-channel arbitrary waveform generator delivering 1 GS/s sample rate for precise creation of complex custom waveforms. Built-in graphical editing integrates with hardware output capabilities, enabling efficient waveform development and rapid what-if testing. The instrument generates signals from 20 mVp-p to 2 Vp-p into 50 Ω loads with 10-bit vertical resolution and supports waveforms up to 4,194,048 points.

Internal 3 GB hard disk storage accommodates extensive waveform libraries and sequence programming up to 8,000 steps. Ideal for communications, aerospace, defense, and R&D applications demanding high-fidelity signal generation.

Technical Specifications

Waveform Generation & Memory

• Sampling frequency: 50 kHz to 1.0 GHz (8-digit resolution, ±1 ppm accuracy)


• Waveform length: 256 to 4,194,048 points (multiples of four)


• Waveform memory: 4,194,048 10-bit words


• Marker memory: 4,194,048 words (4 markers × 1 bit)


• Sequence memory: Up to 8,000 steps with repeat counters from 1 to 65,536 or infinite


• Storage: 3 GB internal HDD (standard) Output per Channel


• Amplitude range: 20 mVp-p to 2 Vp-p (50 Ω load, 1 mV resolution)


• DC offset: -2 V to +2 V (50 Ω load)


• Output impedance: 50 Ω


• Amplitude accuracy: ±0.1 V ±5% of setting


• Rise/fall time (10%–90%): ≤2.5 ns (>1.0 Vp-p); ≤1.7 ns (≤1.0 Vp-p)


• Harmonics: ≤-50 dBc (DC to 400 MHz)


• Noise: ≤-53 dBc (DC to 400 MHz)


• Phase noise: ≤-90 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset Clock & Synchronization


• Internal clock accuracy: ±1 ppm; phase noise -80 dBc/Hz (10 kHz offset), -100 dBc/Hz (100 kHz offset)


• External clock input: 10 MHz to 900 MHz, 0.25 Vp-p to 1 Vp-p, 50 Ω AC coupled


• 10 MHz reference: 10 MHz ±0.1 MHz, 0.2 V to 3.0 Vp-p, 50 Ω AC coupled Trigger Input


• Impedance: 1 kΩ or 50 Ω


• Input voltage: ±10 V (1 kΩ); ±5 V (50 Ω)


• Threshold: -5.0 V to 5.0 V (0.1 V resolution, ±5% + 0.1 V accuracy)


• Minimum pulse width: 10 ns

Key Features

• Dual independent channels with synchronized or asynchronous operation


• Graphical waveform editor for rapid design and validation


• 4 marker outputs per channel for triggering and synchronization


• External clock and 10 MHz reference inputs for system integration


• Programmable trigger holdoff and delay capabilities

Typical Applications

• Communications system verification and characterization


• Aerospace and defense signal simulation


• High-speed circuit validation


• Research and development prototyping