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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.
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.
| 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 |
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.
Model No
B&K
Condition
New
Manufacturer
Gpib
30+ Years in Business
Secure Payments
Sell Test Equipments
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30+ Years in Business
Secure Payments
Sell Test Equipments
Knowledgeable Staff
On-site Lab
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