# Giga-tronics 2540B Microwave Signal Generator (Pre-Owned)

# Giga-tronics 2540B Microwave Signal Generator (Pre-Owned)

## Key Features At A Glance

-   GPIB (IEEE-488.2), RS-232, USB 2.0, and Ethernet (LAN) hardware interfaces standard for automated test integration
-   Multiple remote language support including SCPI, GT-12000 native commands, and IEEE 488.2 common commands
-   Optional emulation modes for HP 834X, HP 8663, HP 8673, HP 8360, HP 8370, GT900, Wavetek 90X, and Systron Donner 16XX
-   Automation Xpress software with Dynamic Link Library (DLL) for Visual C++, Visual Basic, and LabVIEW integration
-   List Mode operation with single-step, single-sweep, and continuous repeat types triggered via external BNC, GPIB, or software
-   Auto Programmer feature converts GUI actions into SCPI, Visual C++, or Visual Basic code without manual command coding

The Giga-tronics 2400 and 2500 Series Microwave Signal Generator Programming Manual (Part Number 34783, Rev A) documents the remote programming and automated test capabilities for the 2400 Series (models 2408C, 2420C, 2426C, 2440C) and 2500 Series (models 2508B, 2520B, 2526B, 2540B, 2550B) microwave signal generators. This manual covers hardware interface configuration, programming language selection, the Automation Xpress software application, and the complete command reference for SCPI, GT-12000 native, IEEE 488.2 common commands, and supported instrument emulation modes.

The manual is intended for engineers and test system integrators building automated measurement systems around the 2400/2500 Series. Documented applications include configuring the signal generator for CW output, programming list-mode frequency and power sweeps, integrating the instrument into LabVIEW-based test executives, and replacing legacy signal generators in existing automated test environments through the emulation command sets. The Automation Xpress application is positioned by the manual as the primary path for automated testing, providing GUI-based instrument control alongside an API delivered as a Dynamic Link Library.

ValueTronics International stocks and tests Giga-tronics 2400 and 2500 Series Microwave Signal Generators in our 20,000 square foot secure warehouse and test facility at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois. Every {{CONDITION}} signal generator we ship is handled by our in-house technical team rather than drop-shipped through a third-party warehouse, which means buyer questions about specific options, calibration records, or accessory contents are answered against the actual unit being prepared for shipment. The Giga-tronics 2400/2500 family has a substantial installed base in defense, aerospace, and semiconductor test environments, and our in-house experience with these instruments allows us to address technical questions about programming interfaces, emulation mode behavior, and option configurations before the purchase order is issued.

## Brand Heritage

Giga-tronics Incorporated was founded in San Ramon, California and developed the 2400 and 2500 Series microwave signal generators as the successor product line to its earlier GT-12000 platform, which is why GT-12000 native command syntax is preserved as one of the selectable remote programming languages in the 2400/2500. Giga-tronics also positioned the 2400/2500 as a drop-in replacement for several legacy signal generators through its built-in emulation command sets.

## Compare Other Models in This Series

This programming manual covers two distinct Giga-tronics microwave signal generator families documented together: the 2400 Series (models 2408C, 2420C, 2426C, 2440C) and the 2500 Series (models 2508B, 2520B, 2526B, 2540B, 2550B). The manual treats both families as sharing a common remote programming interface, command set, Automation Xpress software, and LabVIEW driver library, with model-specific differences appearing primarily in upper frequency range as reflected in each model number's frequency suffix.

Because the programming interface is documented as identical across the family, test scripts written against one model in the series will operate against other models in the series within their respective frequency capabilities. The manual's FM Sensitivity/Deviation Range Table (Appendix C) is organized by frequency band rather than by model, with maximum deviation scaling proportionally from 2 kHz (narrow) / 40 kHz (wide) at 10–15.99 MHz up to 8 MHz (narrow) / 160 MHz (wide) at 32.0–40.00 GHz.

Each pre-owned model in the 2400 and 2500 Series family is its own dedicated product page at ValueTronics with condition-matched pricing. Use the comparison table below to identify the specific model that matches your frequency-range requirement, then navigate to that model's page for pricing and the current condition grade available.

The numeric suffix in each model number within the 2400 Series (2408C, 2420C, 2426C, 2440C) and 2500 Series (2508B, 2520B, 2526B, 2540B, 2550B) reflects upper frequency coverage; the per-model maximum frequency, options, and detailed specifications should be confirmed from each model's individual specification documentation rather than from the programming manual, which intentionally treats the family as a single programming target.

The remote programming surface — SCPI command set, GT-12000 native commands, IEEE 488.2 common commands, DLL functions, LabVIEW drivers, and emulation modes — is documented as common to the entire family in this manual. Differences between the 2400 Series and 2500 Series in this context are primarily revision-level (the 2400 models carry a C suffix and the 2500 models carry a B suffix) rather than command-level.

Model

Model

Series

Type

**2540B**

2540B

2500 Series

Microwave Signal Generator

2408C

2408C

2400 Series

Microwave Signal Generator

2420C

2420C

2400 Series

Microwave Signal Generator

2426C

2426C

2400 Series

Microwave Signal Generator

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

## Accessories Supplied

-   USB 2.0 Type A Male to Type B Male cable
-   Automation Xpress software CD

## Product Core & Specifications

Specification

Value

Equipment Type

Microwave Signal Generator

Remote Interfaces

GPIB (IEEE 488.2), LAN (Ethernet), RS-232, USB 2.0 (full speed)

RS-232 Baud Rate

115200

RS-232 Data Bits

8

RS-232 Parity

None

RS-232 Stop Bits

1

RS-232 Handshake

None

Supported Programming Languages

SCPI, GT-12000 Native, IEEE 488.2 Common Commands

Emulation Modes

HP 834X, HP 8663, HP 8673, HP 8360, HP 8370, GT900, Wavetek 90X (Option 55F), Systron Donner 16XX

EMC Directive

89/336/EEC

Low Voltage Directive

73/23/EEC

Electrical Safety Standard

EN61010-1 (1993)

EMC Standard

EN61326-1 (1997)

Warranty

One year from date of shipment

**Important:** Selectable remote programming languages include SCPI, GT-12000 native, IEEE 488.2 common commands, and the following emulation modes per the datasheet: HP 834X, HP 8663, HP 8673, HP 8360, HP 8370, GT900, Wavetek 90X (Option 55F), and Systron Donner 16XX. Confirm which language and any required option codes match the existing test system before integration.**Important:** This programming manual describes how to program and remotely control the 2400 and 2500 Series Microwave Signal Generators for automated testing. For information about controls, indicators, display, or other physical aspects of the instrument, refer to the Operation Manual (part number 34802 for 2400/2500, or 34737 for 2500B).**Important:** Each unit on the network must have a unique IP address when configuring the Ethernet (LAN) connection.**Important:** When using the USB connection, Automation Xpress and the USB driver must be installed on the host computer before connecting the included USB cable.**Important:** The computer must be restarted after installing the USB driver before using the USB port and cable with the instrument.

## About this used unit

-   Warranty included
-   Functional verification included
-   Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data.
-   Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm).

**Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.**

## Details

- **Price:** 0.0 USD - 700.0 USD
- **Vendor:** Giga-tronics
- **Type:** Rf Gen
- **Tags:** Gigatronics, Manufacturers, product_manual_group_1, Product_used, RF, Signal Generators

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| None | 0.00 USD | In stock |
| NIST Traceable | 560.00 USD | In stock |
| NIST Traceable with Full Data | 595.00 USD | In stock |
| ISO IEC 17025 Accredited | 700.00 USD | In stock |

## Images

- Giga-tronics 2540B Microwave Signal Generator (Pre-Owned)

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> Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/2540b-gigatronics-rf-generator-used)
> Updated: 2026-05-30
