Tektronix AFG31XXX Arbitrary Function Generator Instruction Manual

June 1, 2024
Tektronix

AFG31000 Version 1.6.2
Tektronix, Inc.
14150 SW Karl Braun Drive
P.O. Box 500
Beaverton, OR 97077
USA
Software Release Notes & Installation Instructions

Important information

These release notes contain important information about version 1.6.2 of the AFG31000 software.

Introduction

This document provides supplemental information regarding the behavior of the AFG31000 software. This information is grouped into six categories:

Revision history| Lists the version of the software, the document version, and the date of the software release.
---|---
New features/enhancements| Summary of each significant new feature included.
Problem fixes| Summary of each significant software/firmware bug fix
Known problems| Description of each significant known problem and ways to work around it.
Installation instructions| Detailed instructions describing how to install the software.
Appendix A – Previous versions| Contains information about previous versions of the software.

Revision history
This document is periodically updated and distributed with releases and service packs to provide the most up-to-date information. This revision history is included below.

Date Software version Document number Version
3/7/2024 V1.6.2 0771639 03
3/23/2021 V1.6.1 0771639 02
12/3/2020 V1.6.0 0771639 01
9/30/2019 V1.5.2 0771639 00
11/15/2018 V1.4.6

Version 1.6.2
New features/enhancements 

Issue number SK-1601
Models affected AFG31XXX
Enhancement Users can now use DISPlay:TOUCh[?

enable, disable, and query the touch screen functionality.
Issue number| SK-1602
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Enhancement| Amplitude values in ARB mode are now correctly applied when restoring the AFG setup from a .TFS file.
Issue number| SK-1603
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Enhancement| Users can now change Idle state settings when operating in Burst mode.
Issue number| SK-1607
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Enhancement| The default dampening factor of the exponential waveforms is now set to 0.1 to generate a more typical exponential waveform.
Issue number| SK-1719
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Enhancement| Double Pulse Test will now be provided with firmware releases for the AFG31K. Firmware upgrades will check to see if the installed version of the double pulse app is newer or older than the one packaged with the firmware. The app version bundled with the firmware will always be installed but, if it is older than the previously installed version, a downgrading warning will appear.

Problem fixes

Issue number SK-1548
Models affected AFG31XXX
Symptom Certain text strings in buttons were cut off in languages other

than English.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| SK-1549
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| When a waveform created in the Arb builder app, using the equation editor, was loaded into the sequence mode, the sample rate setting was not correctly applied.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| SK-1593
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| After boot-up, the first touch to set the AFG settings was ignored, which resulted in users needing to touch the input box 2 times.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| SK-1606
---|---
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| Double Pulse App: The width and gap values in the double pulse app table did not update the waveform in real-time until the focus was lost.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected. The waveform is now updated in real-time as the width and gap values are adjusted.

Known problems

Issue number SK-1605
Models affected AFG31XX2
Symptom When creating a sequence with both channels using SCPI

commands, channel 1 and channel 2 will not trigger at the same time.
Workaround| Enter Basic Mode and align phase as well as set CH2 phase equal to CH1 before returning to advanced mode
Issue number| SK-1675
Models affected| AFG31XX2
Symptom| When setting a burst on both channels with channel 2 set to output immediately following channel 1, i.e. CH2 trigger delay = CH1 trigger interval, and with the waveform is set to last exactly as long as the trigger interval, according to the cycle count and frequency, The AFG will miss every second burst of channel 2.
Workaround| Reduce cycle count of channel 2 or decrease channel 2’s trigger interval.
Issue number| SK-1707
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| When using a burst with square/pulse the idle state will not behave as expected at end idle state.
Issue number| SK-1708
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| When using burst mode with ramp waveform, endpoint idle state does not behave as expected.
Issue number| SK-1790
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| When using a burst with square/pulse and idle state at end point, spikes can be seen at voltage transitions.

Version 1.6.1
Problem fixes

Issue number AFG-676
Models affected AFG31XXX
Symptom Modulation issues on single-channel units.
Resolution This issue has been corrected.

Version 1.6.0
New features/enhancements 

Issue number AFG-648
Models affected AFG31XXX
Enhancement Added a new SCPI command to get the MAC address of an

AFG31XXX instrument: SYSTem:MACADDress?.

Problem fixes

Issue number AFG-471
Models affected AFG31XXX
Symptom System could crash when running Instaview and then immediately

changing the system language setting.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-474
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| Step 9 of the firmware installation section of the User’s manual is incorrect.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-484 / AR63489
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| A previously-installed feature license will disappear if the system time zone setting is changed to more than two of hours difference than originally set.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-497 / AR63922
---|---
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| When two channels are both in Pulse mode, the pulse width setting of one channel might affect the other channel when an irrelevant pulse parameter is changed.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-505
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| When using Burst mode with an external delay, the Trigger delay value does not affect the displacement of the waveform. This issue was introduced in the v1.5.2 release.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-506 / AR63853
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| Incorrect PM Output formula in the “Modulate a waveform” topic in the User’s manual.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-508 / AR64101
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| Two-channel waveforms’ phases are not aligned in modulation and sweep modes. The Align Phase button does not function correctly in these modes.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected. When pressed in continuous, modulation, and sweep modes, the Align Phase button will re-align two-channel waveforms’ phases.
Issue number| AFG-588 / AR64270
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| The displayed string length update routine was limited to filenames less than 18 characters in length.
Resolution| The filename string length has been increased to 255 characters.
Issue number| AFG-598
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| The word “Frequency” is not translated into Chinese correctly.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-624
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| SCPI command: SEQuence:ELEM[n]:WAVeform[m] does not default the m parameter to 1 when unspecified.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-630
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| The TRACE:DATA command example shown in the manual is incorrect.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-653 / AR64599
---|---
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| Not all settings are recalled when a setup is overwritten.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.

Known problems

Issue number AFG-380
Models affected AFG31XXX
Symptom The predefined equations in ArbBuilder will not compile with

the default settings.
Workaround| Change the range or the number of points for the equation to compile properly.
Issue number| AFG-663
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| When running the Refresh Relay action using the Utility front panel hard key, the display operations are not locked out, allowing other functions to run.
Workaround| It is recommended that the Refresh Relay action be run using the touch screen menus. If it is run using the Utility front panel hard key, then do not select any other options from the touch screen until the action completes.

Installation instructions

You can use the front-panel USB Type A connector to update your instrument firmware using a USB flash drive. This task is done using the front-panel touchscreen.
CAUTION. Updating your instrument firmware is a sensitive operation; it is critical that you follow the instructions below. If you do not, you may cause damage to your instrument. For example, to prevent damage to the instrument, do not remove the USB flash drive at any time while updating the firmware, and do not power off the instrument during the update process.

To update your instrument firmware:

  1. Visit tek.com and search for the Series 31000 firmware.

  2. Download the compressed .zip file to your computer.

  3.  Unzip the downloaded file and copy the .ftb file to the USB flash drive root directory.

  4.  Insert the USB in the AFG31000 Series instrument front panel.

  5. Press the Utility button.

  6.  Select Firmware > Update.

  7. Select the USB icon.
    Tektronix AFG31XXX Arbitrary Function Generator -

  8. Select the file that you are using to update your instrument.

  9. Select OK. You will see a message asking to confirm this update.

  10.  Verify that the instrument powered off and powered on to install the update.

  11.  Remove the USB drive.
    NOTE. When using InstaView, each time a cable is changed, the firmware is upgraded, or the instrument is power-cycled, the cable propagation delay must be auto-measured or manually updated to make sure InstaView works properly.

Appendix A – Previous versions
V1.5.2
New features/enhancements

Issue number AFG-131 / AR62531
Models affected AFG31XXX
Enhancement The AFG31000-RMK Rack Mount Kit is available for AFG31XXX

models. Visit tek.com for details.
Issue number| AFG-336
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Enhancement| Updated language translations for the user interface.
Issue number| AFG-373
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Enhancement| Added SYSTem:RESTart SCPI command to reboot the instrument.
Issue number| AFG-430
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Enhancement| Waveform preview images will update immediately after entering new values in Standard waveform view.
Issue number| AFG-442
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Enhancement| Display default brightness is now 100%.

Problem fixes

Issue number AFG-21 / AR-62242
Models affected AFG3125X
Symptom Cannot create DC offset waveform in ArbBuilder for the AFG3125x

in Sequence mode
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-186
Models affected| AFG3125X
Symptom| An application crash can occur when cancelling the Recall Default Setup dialog, after closing the virtual keyboard, and when editing the Point Draw Table of ArbBuilder.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-193
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| Trig out should stay disabled when transitioning to DC waveform.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-194
---|---
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| In Burst mode, the graphical green arrow would not display when starting to modify the Interval parameter.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-198
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| On-screen keyboard crashes in some situations.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-199
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| Graph refresh issue when selecting an ARB waveform for Mod Shape using the Modulation function in Basic Mode.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-264
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| You should be prompted with a warning when you try to delete a file that is not empty.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-290
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| Screen capture functionality not working.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected. Press and hold both the left and right keys in either order, then release either key.
Issue number| AFG-291 / AR62720
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| SCPI license commands not fully implemented.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected. See the AFG31000 Series Arbitrary Function Generator Programmer’s Manual , available from tek.com.
Issue number| AFG-300
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| Dual channel waveform alignment problems under the following conditions:
1. When using the manual trigger in burst mode with a positive slope setting, there is a 40 ns delay between channel 1 and channel 2.
2. When using the manual trigger in burst mode with negative slope setting, there is a one- second delay between channel 1 and channel 2.
3. If booting the unit in burst mode, the channel to channel phase alignment is incorrectly set to 2 ns.
Resolution| These issues have been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-303 / AR62139
---|---
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| When using the Japanese language setting in Basic mode, changing from a Sine waveform to another type may cause the unit to hang.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-308 / AR62443
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| This update fixes an issue setting the generated waveform using the Recall feature in Basic mode. The pulse width was not always set properly, causing unexpected results.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-310 / AR62352
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| The user will not get the expected waveform when they attempt an AM modulation with an Arb file greater than 4,096 points. The max points for AM modulation using an Arb waveform is 4,096 points.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected. The product datasheet has been updated.
Issue number| AFG-316 / AR62581
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| Undesired glitches could occur in burst mode idle state or when turning the output on and off.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-324
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| Instrument Ethernet connection using DHCP mode is unstable, repeatedly disconnecting and reconnecting, for a long time with certain network configurations.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-330
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| Grammar and typographical errors in the automatic calibration dialog.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected
Issue number| AFG-337
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| Grammar and typographical errors in the self-diagnostics dialog.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-352 / AR62937
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| In Sequence mode, the idle value of the signal is always the offset of the waveform (or example, 2.5 V of a 0 to 5 Vpp waveform), This will ultimately distort the customer’s desired waveform shape.
Resolution| Changed the default sequence mode from idle value to be 0 V if the waveform can reach 0 V. Otherwise the idle value will be the offset.
Issue number| AFG-356
---|---
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| The ArbBuilder equation editor allows equation lines up to 256 characters in length to be entered, but it is limited to 80 characters per line in the compiler.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected. The compiler now supports up to the full 256 characters per line.
Issue number| AFG-374
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| Keyboard can appear partially off-screen.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected. This fix limits keyboard positioning so that the keyboard is always displayed within the screen boundaries.
Issue number| AFG-376
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| Advanced Sequence view incorrectly allowed selection of .tfw files
Resolution| This issue has been corrected. .tfw files are not supported in the Advanced sequence view.
Issue number| AFG-391
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| Advanced Sequence menu sometimes left the New and Save buttons selected.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-411
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| Scrolling the sequence table is too sensitive.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-422
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| Running the Refresh Relay operation is too lengthy.
Resolution| The issue has been corrected. The Refresh Relay operation has been reduced to 250 cycles.
Issue number| AFG-427
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| The 123 button of the soft alpha-numeric keyboard does not work with some plugins.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.
Issue number| AFG-437
Models affected| AFG31XXX
Symptom| Selecting x on the small numeric virtual keyboard should issue a cancel request and close the dialog.
Resolution| This issue has been corrected.

Known problems

Issue number AFG-380
Models affected AFG31XXX
Symptom The predefined equations in ArbBuilder will not compile with

the default settings.
Workaround| Change the range or the number of points for the equation to compile properly.

V1.4.6

Issue number 1
Models affected AFG31151, AFG31152, AFG31251, and AFG31252
Enhancement Support the AFG31151, AFG31152, AFG31251, and AFG31252

models.
Issue number| 2
Models affected| AFG31151, AFG31152, AFG31251, and AFG31252
Enhancement| Optimized user interface.

077163903 March 2024

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