Model 685C 600 ps Arbitrary Waveform Generator
Standing as one of our most capable arbitrary waveform generators, the Model 685C. It combines exceptional signal fidelity with practical features that engineers and researchers rely on for demanding work.
Why Engineers Choose This Arbitrary Waveform Generator
- Sub-Nanosecond Edges: 600 ps rise/fall times with 16-bit resolution and 3 GS/s sampling—delivering clean, high-fidelity signals even at low amplitudes (1.5 Vpp single-ended, 3 Vpp differential).
- Massive Memory & Sequencing: Up to 4 GSamples of waveform memory, plus support for 16,384 analog/digital sequence steps, loops, jumps, and conditional branches to build intricate test patterns.
- Differential Outputs Built-In: Provides noise immunity and better performance in sensitive, low-voltage setups—ideal for precise control without external interference.
- Intuitive Touch-Screen Control: Easy navigation on the front panel, paired with flexible software for creating and importing custom waveforms.
- Scalable & Upgradeable: Start with 2, 4, or 8 channels; synchronize up to four units for 32 analog / 128 digital channels. Field-upgradable to keep pace with evolving needs.
This high-performance arbitrary waveform generator handles tough applications like complex pulse trains, radar pulse simulation, pulsed RF with impairments, Gaussian or multi-level pulses, double pulses for IGBT/MOSFET testing, and signals for advanced research in quantum computing or photonics. Whether you’re emulating real-world conditions or pushing the limits in R&D, the Model 685C offers the speed, flexibility, and reliability that come from decades of focused engineering.
Model 685C Device Configurator
| Number of Channels: |
Two Channel Four Channel Eight Channel |
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| Memory Option: |
2048 Million Points Memory [standard] 4096 Million Points Memory [option -4G] |
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| Output Options: |
8 Ch Dig. Lic. [-8DIG] 16 Ch Dig. Lic. [-16DIG] 32 Ch Dig. Lic. [-32DIG] Serial / Pulse Pattern Generator [-PAT] 250GB SSD [-SSD250] 500GB SSD [-SSD500] 1TB SSD [-SSD1000] GPIB / USB-TMC [-GPIB] Fast Sequence Switch [-FSS] |
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| Accessories: |
LVTTL Converter [-DTTL8] Mini SAS to SMA Cable [-LVDS-SMA8] Rackmount Kit [-RACK] |
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Model 685C-2C-D-2G
2 GHz, 6 GSa/s AFG, 3Vpp Differential Output, 2048 Mpts Memory
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Overview
Features
- Number of Channels: 2, 4 or 8
- Resolution: 3 GS/s 16 Bit Vertical
- Bandwidth: 2 GHz
- Offset: ± 2 V
- Amplitude: 3Vpp Differential (1.5Vpp Single-Ended)
- Memory: 4096 Mpts Waveform per channel
Applications
- Research Applications
- Automotive
- Aerospace and Defense
- Neuroscience
- Semiconductors Test
- IoT and Industry 4.0
- Quantum Computing
Specifications
| Mode of Operation | Arbitrary Function Generator (AFG) Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG) |
| Number of Outputs | 2, 4 or 8 Channels |
| Frequency Range | 1 µHz to 1 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 | 1.5Vpp into 50 Ω |
| Offset | -2V to +2V |
| Resolution | 100 µVpp or 5 digits |
| Jitter | < 2ps |
| Phase | 0 to 360° |
| Polarity | Positive and Negative or Both |
| Output Impedance | 50 Ω or 100 Ω |
| Sample Rate | 3 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%) | 600 ps |
| Digital Channel (optional) | 8, 16 or 32 Bits |
| Update Rate | 750 Gbps per channel |
| Bandwidth | 1.16 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 VAC / 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 automobiles contain numerous highly sophisticated Electronic Control Units (ECUs) with sensitive electronic components. The Model 685C combines 3 GSa/s with a 16-bit vertical resolution, making it an ideal tool for successfully addressing the automotive industry’s new testing challenges.
- 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 aid in the development of new industrial practices for testing smart device compliance.
University and Research Institute
The Model 685C Arbitrary Waveform series is widely used in research facilities and universities. It is possible to create complex waveforms and/or sophisticated pulse emulation based on variable edges or multilevel. The combination of fast edge generation, excellent dynamic range, and an easy-to-use user interface is ideal for scientists and engineers working on large experiments such as accelerators, tokamaks, or synchrotrons who need to emulate signals without having to create specific 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 generated by Radar or Sonar systems are perfectly compatible with these generators. Large BW Riders can be used for radio applications or other I/Q signal modulation on digital modulation systems. Pulses can be generated quickly 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
The simulation of complex signals with noise or distortions is an excellent way to provide the Compliance Components Test to assist semiconductor engineers. Fast edges and pulse generation can be used to characterize 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)
Technical Resources
Downloadable Resources
Downloadable resources such as datasheets, firmware, software, drivers and products manuals. Alternatively, you can browse resources directly by visiting our downloads page.
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