# B&K Precision 4079C-GPIB 50 MHz Arbitrary/Function Waveform Generator with GPIB

# B&K Precision 4079C-GPIB 50 MHz Arbitrary/Function Waveform Generator with GPIB

## Key Features At A Glance

-   Dual-channel arbitrary/function waveform generation with maximum frequency of 30 MHz (4078C) or 50 MHz (4079C)
-   Up to 250 MSa/s sampling rate with true point-by-point AWG architecture for reduced jitter and distortion vs. DDS designs
-   16-bit amplitude resolution with waveform length up to 4 Mpts per channel
-   Amplitude range of 0 to 10 Vpp into 50 Ω (up to 20 Vpp into open circuit) with variable DC offset ±5 V
-   Modulation modes include AM, FM, PM, PWM, FSK, and BPSK, plus linear and logarithmic sweep
-   Low jitter: <25 ps for pulse waveforms, <40 ps rms for square and arbitrary waveforms
-   USB (USBTMC-compliant) and LAN interfaces standard; GPIB available on 4079C-GPIB model
-   Dedicated output ON/OFF buttons per channel with 4.3-inch color LCD and overload-protected outputs

The B&K Precision 4078C Series Arbitrary/Function Waveform Generators are versatile, high-performance dual-channel arbitrary waveform generators with 16-bit amplitude resolution. The series provides variable output voltages from 0 to 10 Vpp into 50 ohms, up to 20 Vpp into an open circuit, and a continuously variable DC offset to bias the output signal at a desired level. Custom arbitrary waveform generation is implemented with a true point-by-point design, offering improved signal integrity by producing significantly less jitter and distortion compared to a DDS-based architecture.

The true point-by-point AWG capabilities make these generators suitable for simulating clock signals, generating triggers, and validating serial data buses. Applications include electronic design, sensor simulation, and other applications requiring precise arbitrary waveform generation. Multi-unit and multi-channel synchronization capabilities allow simulation of real-world three-phase or multi-phase AC networks where one of the phases is degraded — useful for power system, inverter, and grid-emulation development work.

## Compare Other Models in This Series

The 4078C Series consists of three ordering configurations built on a common dual-channel arbitrary/function waveform generator platform. All three share the same 16-bit amplitude resolution, 250 MSa/s sampling rate, 4 Mpt arbitrary memory per channel, modulation suite (AM, FM, PM, PWM, FSK, BPSK), sweep capabilities, 4.3-inch color LCD, dedicated per-channel output ON/OFF controls, and standard USB and LAN remote interfaces. The differences between models are confined to maximum output frequency and the presence or absence of an integrated GPIB interface.

Within the B&K Precision arbitrary/function waveform generator catalog, the 4078C Series occupies the dual-channel point-by-point AWG tier — distinct from DDS-based function generators in that custom arbitrary waveforms are played sample-by-sample rather than reconstructed through phase-accumulator interpolation. For users developing or validating signals where waveform fidelity, sample-accurate timing, and low cycle-to-cycle jitter matter — clock generation, serial bus stimulus, sensor simulation, custom protocol waveforms — the point-by-point architecture is the defining capability of this family.

Each new 4078C, 4079C, or 4079C-GPIB linked below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing and availability. Select the model that matches the frequency range and remote-interface configuration your application requires, and the corresponding product page will reflect the current stock status and pricing for that specific configuration.

The 4078C is the 30 MHz model. Sine outputs cover 1 mHz to 30 MHz, square outputs cover 1 mHz to 30 MHz, and pulse outputs cover 1 mHz to 10 MHz. Standard remote interfaces are USB (USBTMC-compliant) and LAN. The 4078C is the right selection when the highest-frequency signals in the application are within the 30 MHz ceiling and GPIB control is not required.

The 4079C extends sine and square frequency coverage to 50 MHz while maintaining all other specifications identical to the 4078C, including the 250 MSa/s sampling rate, 16-bit amplitude resolution, 4 Mpt waveform memory, and modulation/sweep suite. The 4079C-GPIB is functionally identical to the 4079C with the addition of an integrated GPIB (IEEE-488) interface on the rear panel — relevant when integrating into an existing automated test system that uses GPIB as its primary instrument-control bus. See the comparison table that follows for the side-by-side specification view.

Model

Max Frequency

Channels

Sampling Rate

**4079C-GPIB**

50 MHz

2

250 MSa/s

4078C

30 MHz

2

250 MSa/s

4079C

50 MHz

2

250 MSa/s

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

## Accessories Supplied

-   Power cord
-   USB cable
-   Test report
-   Certificate of calibration

## Product Core & Specifications

AWG/Function Generator Specifications

Waveforms

Standard

Sine, Square, Triangle/Ramp, Pulse

Built-in Arbitrary

Sine, Triangle, Square, Noise, Ramp Up, Ramp Down, Sine(X)/X, Exponential Up, Exponential Down, Gaussian, Lorentz, Haversine

User-defined Arbitrary

4 Mpts

Operating Modes

Operating Modes

Continuous, Triggered, Burst, Gated, Phase

Triggered

Frequency of waveform cycle is limited to 10 MHz

Sine

Frequency Range (4078C)

1 mHz to 30 MHz

Frequency Range (4079C / 4079C-GPIB)

1 mHz to 50 MHz

Resolution

1 µHz

Amplitude Flatness (relative to 1 kHz, 5 Vpp output)

fOUT ≤ 5 MHz

± 0.15 dB

fOUT: 5 MHz to 20 MHz

± 0.3 dB

fOUT: 20 MHz to 30 MHz

± 0.4 dB

fOUT: 30 MHz to 50 MHz

± 1 dB

Harmonic Distortion (typical)

fOUT ≤ 20 kHz

≤ -60 dBc

fOUT ≤ 10 MHz

≤ -45 dBc

fOUT ≤ 20 MHz

≤ -40 dBc

fOUT ≤ 50 MHz

≤ -30 dBc

THD: 20 Hz to 20 kHz

< 0.04%

Spurious

fOUT ≤ 1 MHz

\-70 dBc

fOUT ≥ 2 MHz

\-70 dBc to 1 MHz, increasing +20 dB/decade above 1 MHz

Phase Noise (fout=10 MHz)

10 kHz offset

\-110 dBc

Square

Frequency Range (4078C)

1 mHz to 30 MHz

Frequency Range (4079C / 4079C-GPIB)

1 mHz to 50 MHz

Rise & Fall Time

< 5 ns (10% to 90%) at full amplitude into 50 Ω

Overshoot (typical)

< 2%

Variable Duty Cycle Range

fout ≥ 10 MHz: Set duty = 50%; fout ≥ 100 kHz: Set duty 20% to 80%; fout < 100 kHz: Set duty 5% to 95%

Duty Cycle Resolution

0.1%

Duty Cycle Accuracy

< ± 0.1% ± 5 ns

Jitter (rms)

< 40 ps rms

Ramp & Triangle

Frequency Range

1 mHz to 5 MHz

Resolution

1 µHz

Variable Duty Cycle

0%-100% to 500 kHz; 20%-80% to 2 MHz; Fixed 50% to 5 MHz

Duty Cycle Resolution

0.1%

Linearity

< 0.1% of signal amplitude from 5%-95%, up to 200 kHz

Pulse

Frequency Range

1 mHz to 10 MHz

Resolution

1 µHz

Pulse Width

20 ns minimum, 1 ns resolution, 999 s max

Variable Edge Time

< 10 ns to pulse period (depending on pulse width)

Jitter (rms)

< 25 ps

Arbitrary Waveform Characteristics

Waveform Length

2 pts to 4,194,305 pts

Sampling Rate

250 MSa/s, point execution rate adjustable from 4 ns to 100 s

Voltage Resolution

16 bits (65,536 levels)

Noise

Programmable 1% to 100% or added to arbitrary waveform

Bandwidth

50 MHz max (2-point waveform length)

Frequency Accuracy

± 10 ppm

Frequency Rate Resolution

10 ps, up to 8 digits

Rise & Fall Time

6 ns minimum

Jitter (rms)

< 40 ps (rms)

Sweep Characteristics

Sweep Shape

Linear and Logarithmic, up or down

Sweep Time

10 ms to 100 s

Sweep Trigger Mode

Internal, External, Continuous, or Burst

Modulation Characteristics

Modulation Types

AM, FM, PM, PWM, FSK, BPSK

AM Carrier

Sine, Square, or Triangle

AM Source

Internal, External

AM Depth

0% to 100%

FM Carrier

Sine, Square, or Triangle

FM Source

Internal, External

FM Deviation

1 µHz to max frequency/2

FSK Carrier

Sine, Square, or Triangle

FSK Source

Internal, External

FSK Rate

0.01 Hz to 1 MHz

PM Carrier

Sine, Square, or Triangle

PM Source

Internal, External

PM Deviation

0 to 360°, 0.1° resolution

BPSK Carrier

Sine, Square, or Triangle

BPSK Source

Internal, External

BPSK Rate

0.01 Hz to 1 MHz

Internal Modulation Waveform

Sine, Square, or Triangle

Internal Modulation Frequency

0.01 Hz to 20 kHz

Internal Modulation Resolution

4 digits

Output Characteristics

Output Impedance

50 Ω (typical)

Output Protection

Protected against short circuit or nominal accidental voltages applied to the main output connector

Output ON-OFF Feed-through

\> 80 dB at 10 MHz

Amplitude Range

2 mV to 20 Vpp into open circuit

**Important:** Output amplitude is specified as 0 to 10 Vpp into a 50 Ω load, or up to 20 Vpp into an open circuit. Confirm the load impedance setting on the instrument matches the actual termination of the device under test to ensure the displayed amplitude reflects the voltage delivered.**Important:** Amplitude accuracy specification: add 1/10 of the specification per °C for operation at temperatures < 18 °C or > 28 °C.**Important:** GPIB interface is available only on the 4079C-GPIB model; the standard 4078C and 4079C ship with USB (USBTMC-compliant) and LAN interfaces only.Recommended pairing: synchronize multiple 4078C Series units by connecting Ref Out to Ref In and Marker Out to Trig In across instruments — the configuration shown in the datasheet for multi-phase AC network simulation where one phase is degraded.

**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:** 2986.0 USD
- **Vendor:** B&K Precision
- **Type:** Arbitrary Generator
- **Tags:** product_manual_group_3

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 2986.00 USD | In stock |

## Images

- B&K Precision 4079C-GPIB 50 MHz Arbitrary/Function Waveform Generator with GPIB
- B&K Precision 4079C-GPIB 50 MHz Arbitrary/Function Waveform Generator with GPIB

---

> Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/4079c-gpib-b-k-precision-arbitrary-waveform-generator-new)
> Updated: 2026-05-30
