16-Bit Arbitrary Waveform Generator

685 | 2 GHz 16-Bit Arbitrary Waveform Generator

Model 685 | 2GHz 6GS/s 16-Bit Arbitrary Waveform Generator w/ Differential Output

Model 685. This arbitrary waveform generator leads the field with its combination of high resolution, speed, and practical features that make complex signal creation straightforward.

World-Leading Resolution & Speed: 16-bit vertical resolution at 6.16 GS/s sample rate, supporting signals up to 2 GHz bandwidth with clean 110 ps rise/fall times and up to 5 Vpp output (single-ended) or 3 Vpp differential.
Deep Memory & Sequencing: Up to 4 GSamples per channel, allowing long, intricate waveforms plus advanced sequencing with loops, jumps, and conditional branches for realistic pattern generation.
Differential Outputs Standard: Built-in noise immunity that’s especially valuable in low-voltage or sensitive setups, helping maintain signal quality without extra hardware.
Multi-Channel Flexibility: Available in 2, 4, or 8 analog channels; add digital options (up to 32 bits) and sync up to four units for 32 analog / 128 digital channels working together seamlessly.
Intuitive Touch-Screen & Software: Easy front-panel operation plus flexible software for building and importing custom waveforms quickly.
Upgrade Path: Field-upgradable throughout its life—add memory, RF modes, pattern generation, or storage as your needs change.

This 2 GHz arbitrary waveform generator (with strong function generator capabilities) excels in real-world applications like semiconductor device testing, radar and electronic warfare simulation, quantum computing pulses, optics/photonics experiments, aerospace/defense signal emulation, and automotive ECU validation. Whether you’re recreating pulsed RF with impairments, driving laser diodes, or testing power MOSFETs, the Model 685 delivers the fidelity and control needed for accurate, repeatable results.

Features

Number of Channels: 2, 4 or 8
Resolution: 6.16 GS/s 16 Bit Vertical
Bandwidth: 2 GHz
Offset: ± 2.5V
Amplitude: 3V_ppDifferential (5V_pp Single-Ended) into 50 Ω
Memory: 4096 Mpts Waveform per channel

Service Advantage

Automotive
Research Applications
Neuroscience
Aerospace and Defense
IoT and Industry 4.0
Semiconductors Test
Quantum Computing

Mode of Operation	Arbitrary Function Generator (AFG) Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG)
Number of Outputs	2, 4 or 8 Channels
Frequency Range	1 µHz to 2 GHz
Waveforms	Sine, Square, Ramp, Pulse, Gaussian, Lorentz, Exp Rise, Exp Decay, Haversine, Sinc, Noise, Arbitrary, DC, Double Pulse
Run Mode	Continuous, Modulation, Sweep, and Burst
Amplitude	0 to 5V_pp(into 50 Ω) *Single-ended option
Offset	-2.5V to +2.5V
Resolution	100 µV_pp or 5 digits
Jitter	< 2ps
Phase	0 to 360°
Polarity	Positive and Negative
Output Impedance	50Ω (Single Ended) or 100Ω (Differential)
Sample Rate	6.16 GS/s Fixed Clock, 16-Bit Vertical Resolution
Marker Outputs	1
Modulating Frequency	500 µHz – 61 MHz Internal 10MHz Max External
Rise and Fall Time (20% to 80%)	< 300 ps @ 1 V_pp
Digital Channel (optional)	8, 16 or 32 Bits
Update Rate	1.54 Gbps per channel
Bandwidth	2 GHz
External Reference Clock Input	5 MHz to 200 MHz, 1 Hz resolution
External Reference Clock Output	10 MHz TCXO (or optional 100 MHz OCXO)
Waveform Memory	Up to 4 Billion Points
Mechanical (W x H x D) Weight	17.7 x 6.3 x 13.4 inch [450 x 160 x 340 mm] 4.4 lbs [9.7 kg]
Power Source	100 to 240 V_AC / 45-66 Hz 120 Watts (max)
Emission and Immunity	CISPR 11, Class A, EN61000-3-2:2006, EN 61000-3-3:1995 EN 61326-1:2006, IEC 61000-4-2:2001, IEC 61000-4-3:2002, IEC 61000-4-4:2004, IEC 61000-4-5:2001, IEC 61000-4-6:2003, IEC 61000-4-11:2004
Operating Environment	Temperature: +32 ºF to +122 ºF [0 ºC to +50 ºC] Humidity: 8% to 90% RH Altitude: 10,000 ft [3048 m]
Shipping Dimensions	24x19x13″
Shipping Weight	33 lbs

Automotive

Today’s cars include many highly sophisticated Electronic Control Unit (ECU) with sensitive electronic components. The Model 685 combines 6.16 GSa/s with a 16-bit vertical resolution, making it an ideal tool for successfully addressing the new testing challenges in the automotive industry.

CAN bus, CAN-FD, LIN, Flexray, SAE J2716 SENT Protocol Emulation
EMI debugging, troubleshooting and testing
Electrical standards emulation up to 12V
Power MOSFET circuitry in automotive electronics optimization

IoT and Industry 4.0

Arbitrary waveform and function generators will help define new industrial practices for testing the compliance of smart devices. These machines can modulate RF I/Q, enabling simulated testing environments, and are capable of generating noise to test against wireless devices, allowing for emulations close to or matching compliance test standards required for industry 4.0 applications.

University and Research Institute

Research centers and Universities are key users of the Model 685 Arbitrary Waveform series. Complex waveform and/or sophisticated pulse emulation based on variable edges or multilevel can be perfectly created. The combination of fast edge generation, excellent dynamic range, and an easy-to-use user interface combine perfectly for scientists and engineers working on large experiments such as accelerators, tokamak, or synchrotrons to emulate signals without creating specifics test boards.

Emulation of Detectors
Emulation of Noise adding Signal Sources
Generation or Playback of Real-world Signals
Emulation of long PRBS (PseudoRandom Binary Sequence)
Modulating and Driving Laser Diodes

Aerospace and Defense

Electronic Warfare signals driven by Radar or Sonar systems match perfectly with these generators. Large BW Riders can be used on digital modulation systems for radio applications or other I/Q signal modulation. Pulses may be easily generated for applications such as Pulse Electron Beams, X-ray sources, Flash X-ray Radiography, Lighting Pulse simulators, and High Power Microwave modulators.

Frequency Response, Intermodulation Distortion, and Noise-Figure measurements
Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) pull-in and Hold Range characterization
Radar Base-band Signals Emulation

Semiconductor Tests

Emulation of complex signals generated with the inclusion of noise or distortions is an excellent way to provide the Compliance Components Test to help semiconductor engineers. The fast edges and pulse generation can be used to provide characterization in fast power devices.

Clock and Sensor Signals Generation
MOSFET gate drive Amplitude Signal Emulation
Power up sequences of IC using the Low Impedance feature (5 Ω output impedance)

Serial Pattern Generators

With serial data pattern generator features, the Model 685 is designed to generate a stream of binary information through the front-end BNC & SMA connectors. Serial Data Pattern Generators assist a wide range of applications stemming from Digital Logic and Semiconductors characterization, Aerospace & Defense compliance testing, Mixed Signal Systems testing, and Signal Integrity experiments.

Downloadable resources such as datasheets, firmware, software, drivers and products manuals. Alternatively, you can browse resources directly by visiting our downloads page.

Playlist

Tools for Quantum Computing Applications

40:11

42:35

Arbitrary Waveform Generators: Basics and Beyond | BNC Webinar

55:15

Webinar | The World's Fastest 16bit AWG for Quantum Computing

1:50:20

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Number of Channels:	Two Channel Four Channel Eight Channel
Memory Option:	2048 Million Points Memory [standard] 4096 Million Points Memory [-4G]
Output Options:	5Vpp Single Ended Output [-SE] 8 Ch Digital License [-8DIG] 16 Ch Digital License [-16DIG] 32 Ch Digital License [-32DIG] 6 GHz RF Mode [-RF6] Serial / Pulse Pattern Generator [-PAT] 250GB SSD [-SSD250] 500GB SSD [-SSD500] 1TB SSD [-SSD1000] GPIB / USB-TMC [-GPIB] Fast Sequence Switch [-FSS]
Accessories:	LVTTL Converter Mini SAS to SMA Cable Rackmount Kit
Model 685-2C-D-2G 2 GHz, 6 GSa/s AFG, 3Vpp Differential Output, 2048 Mpts Memory