Tektronix HFS9009 Stimulus System

The Tektronix HFS9009 Stimulus System is a modular signal generation platform for precise electronic device characterization. It combines data generation, pulse generation, and switch matrix functionality in a fully digital architecture, delivering picosecond-level timing resolution and flexible multi-channel output configurations. Paired with a high-speed digitizing oscilloscope, the system enables comprehensive testing with up to 36 channels per mainframe, phase-locked operation, and advanced timing alignment capabilities.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency range: 50 kHz to 630 MHz


• Frequency resolution: <0.1% of programmed value


• Frequency accuracy: ±1% of programmed value


• RMS jitter: 15 ps ±0.05% of interval


• Phase lock-in frequency range: 6 MHz to 630 MHz


• Phase lock-in amplitude range: 0.8 V to 1.0 V peak-to-peak


• Output frequency: Any 2n multiple or submultiple of phase lock-in frequency, within installed card range


• Frame sync input: Initiates burst with external frequency reference Output Edge Placement


• Channel deskew range: -60 ns to 2.0 µs


• Channel deskew resolution: 1 ps


• Delay adjust range: 0 to 20 µs


• Delay adjust resolution: 1 ps


• Delay accuracy: 1% ±50 ps


• Width adjust range: 0 to 65,536 periods


• Width adjust resolution: 1 ps Output Performance


• Level resolution: 0.01 V


• HIGH level accuracy: ±2% of level ±50 mV


• LOW level accuracy: ±2% of HIGH level ±2% of amplitude ±50 mV


• Output aberrations (200 ps after 50% point): Overshoot +15% +20 mV, undershoot -10% -20 mV


• Maximum HIGH level: +5.00 V (HFS9DG1), +5.50 V (HFS9DG2)


• Minimum LOW level: -2.50 V (HFS9DG1), -2.00 V (HFS9DG2)


• Peak-to-peak amplitude range: 10 mV to 3.00 V (HFS9DG1), 10 mV to 5.50 V (HFS9DG2)


• Output transition time: <250 ps (<1 V p-p), 800 ps to 6 ns (variable) Trigger Input


• Input impedance: 50 Ω


• Input voltage range: ±5 V maximum


• Programmable threshold range: -4.70 V to +4.70 V


• Programmable threshold resolution: 100 mV


• Programmable threshold accuracy: ±100 mV ±5% of level


• Minimum input pulse width: 1 ns


• Input rise/fall time requirement: <10 ns


• Sensitivity: <500 mV Power


• Line voltage: 90 V AC to 130 V AC RMS, or 180 V AC to 250 V AC RMS (auto-switched)

Key Features

• Fully digital architecture enables flexible pulse edge placement


• Picosecond timing resolution (1 ps) across delay and width adjustment


• Phase-locked multi-channel operation with programmable output frequency


• Channel deskew with -60 ns to 2.0 µs range supports timing synchronization


• HFS9DG1 and HFS9DG2 card options for output voltage and accuracy optimization


• Modular mainframe design scales to 36 channels


• Frame sync triggering from external sources

Typical Applications

• High-speed digital device testing and validation


• Timing characterization of integrated circuits and subsystems


• Multi-channel stimulus generation with precise phase alignment


• Edge placement and rise/fall time parameter measurement

Compatibility & Integration The HFS9009 integrates with high-speed digitizing oscilloscopes to form complete measurement systems. Phase lock-in capability supports external frequency references, enabling synchronization with external test environments. Modular card architecture accommodates both HFS9DG1 and HFS9DG2 output stages within a single mainframe.