This design is intended to meet the growing demand for flexible, high-performance signal sources used in a variety of fields, including semiconductors, communications, power electronics, and academic research.
The SDG3000X exhibits exceptional high-fidelity features, including an output frequency of up to 200MHz, 16-bit vertical resolution, a maximum sample rate of 1.2GSa/s, and 40Mpts of arbitrary waveform memory per channel.
With a focus on facilitating the needs of complex and evolving test environments, the device incorporates a 7” capacitive touchscreen and intuitive interface to complement its robust performance.
In an exclusive interview with Electronic Specifier, Zhihua Huang, AWG expert at SIGLENT Technologies, emphasised that by integrating SIGLENT’s patented EasyPulse and TrueArb technologies into this series, the limitations of traditional DDS-based waveform generation are overcome.
Advanced features and capabilities
The SDG3000X waveform generator stands out with its dual-channel design (200MHz max frequency, 20 Vpp output amplitude), 1.2GSa/s sampling rate, and 16-bit vertical resolution.
Huang added: “Its core advantages include TrueArb technology, which delivers point-by-point waveform output at 10 mSa/s–600 MSa/s to preserve signal details with minimal jitter, and patented EasyPulse technology for low-jitter square/pulse waveforms with precise pulse width and edge control.”
Additional features include sequence playback (40 Mpts/channel memory), 196 built in waveforms, advanced modulation (AM/DSB-SC/FM/PM/ASK/FSK/PSK/PWM), dual-pulse output for power semiconductor testing, 120Mbps Pseudo-Random Binary Sequence (PRBS) generation, and integrated WebServer for remote control – providing a comprehensive solution for demanding signal generation needs.
Capacitive touchscreen and intuitive interface advantages
The 7” capacitive touchscreen and intuitive interface significantly enhance user experience. The home screen clearly displays active waveforms and parameters, while a streamlined function panel offers quick access to common tools.
“Parameter settings feature a waveform preview area and intuitive left-right layout (parameter name on the left, value on the right), adjustable via touch or knob,” Huang said.
This design minimises the learning curve, accelerates signal configuration, and ensures accuracy and efficiency for engineers during daily operations.
TrueArb and EasyPulse precision technologies
TrueArb processes the sampling clock to generate the equivalent sampling digital clock frequency required for point-by-point output, ensuring that table lookups are performed in an output format with a Frequency Tuning Word (FTW) = 1.
“This point-by-point output avoids arbitrary waveform distortion caused by DDS, maintaining fidelity while offering the cost-effectiveness of DDS,” Huang explained.
Traditional DDS technology suffers from jitter and coarse rise/fall control. EasyPulse technology adds adjustment for the rise and fall edges and width of the pulse.
Huang added: “EasyPulse overcomes the limitations of traditional DDS by eliminating sampling rate-related jitter in square wave/pulse output, resulting in ultra-low jitter waveforms.”
These technologies make the SDG3000X ideal for high-precision applications such as power semiconductor testing, high-speed communications verification, and precision electronics debugging, ensuring signal accuracy and integrity.
SDG3000X use cases
In high-speed/high-precision scenarios, the SDG3000X delivers exceptional signal fidelity: TrueArb’s 150ps (period-to-period rms) jitter ensures accurate switching parameter measurements in power semiconductor testing.
“Its 120Mbps PRBS output (with precise symbol rate control) effectively validates receiver Bit Error Rate (BER) in high-speed communications, and the 16-bit resolution combined with 1.2 GSa/s sampling fully captures complex waveform details,” Huang underlined.
These capabilities meet rigorous demands in high-speed data transmission, power electronics, and precision measurement applications.
Valuable features for many fields
The SDG3000X offers value across education, R&D, and industrial labs: In education, 196 built-in waveforms and an intuitive interface simplify waveform concept learning for students.
Huang added: “In R&D, sequence playback, rich modulation options, and high-precision output enable complex signal generation and validation; in industrial testing, dual-channel design, dual-pulse output, and reliability make it ideal for power device characterisation.”
Its extensive interfaces and integrated WebServer further boost lab efficiency through seamless automation integration.
Double-pulse test solution
The SDG3000X’s dual-pulse function enables up to 30 pulses with precise control over pulse width and interval, eliminating the need for external software when paired with Siglent oscilloscopes.
“Double-pulse testing is an industry-standard test method for analysing and evaluating the dynamic characteristics of power switching devices (such as MOSFETs and IGBTs),” Huang explained.
Its core purpose is to simulate the actual switching behavior of power devices in real-world circuits (such as motor drives and power converters) within a controlled and safe laboratory environment.
Huang added: “This involves applying two consecutive pulses to the device under test. The first pulse establishes a specific current in the device (steady-state conditions), while the second pulse accurately measures the dynamic parameters during the switching transition.”
The SDG3000X’s double-pulse function is a powerful and professional tool. By generating highly configurable, low-jitter multi-pulse sequences, it provides precise stimulus signals for evaluating the dynamic characteristics of power semiconductor devices.
“When used with an oscilloscope’s voltage and current probes, it can accurately evaluate the following key dynamic parameters: turn-on delay time, rise time, turn-off delay time, fall time, switching loss, reverse recovery charge, reverse recovery current, gate charge, and parasitic capacitance,” Huang underlined.
For the connection mode of double pulse test, please refer to the following figure:
A reliable platform for analysing
For reliable analysis of switching losses and conduction behaviour, the SDG3000X leverages multiple key features: EasyPulse ensures ultra-low-jitter pulse edges for precise timing control; TrueArb maintains waveform fidelity without distortion.
“The built-in dual-pulse function enables accurate switching characterisation; and the 16-bit resolution combined with 1.2 GSa/s sampling captures critical signal details,” Huang noted.
This comprehensive approach delivers highly accurate and repeatable data for power device performance evaluation.
Improving productivity and integration
Productivity and integration in multi-instrument systems are elevated through the SDG3000X’s rich connectivity: USB Host/Device, LAN/VXI-11 (with optional General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB)), and integrated WebServer enable seamless system integration.
Huang added: “Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) support allows full automation via host software, while the WebServer enables browser-based remote control. USB Host also facilitates direct U-disk waveform import/export.”
These features minimise manual intervention, maximise test efficiency, and ensure robust performance in automated and large-scale test environments.
Offering benefits to engineers and researchers
For engineers and researchers developing next-generation electronics, the SDG3000X delivers critical advantages: 16-bit resolution, 1.2 GSa/s sampling, and 150ps jitter ensure measurement accuracy.
Huang said: “TrueArb/EasyPulse guarantee high-fidelity complex waveforms and pulses; advanced modulation and PRBS support high-speed communication validation; sequence playback simplifies complex waveform generation; and the intuitive interface reduces learning curves.”
This combination accelerates R&D cycles and empowers breakthroughs in high-speed communications, power electronics, and precision measurement.
Considerations to keep in mind
The SDG3000X is engineered for industries requiring high-precision signal generation, including:
- Semiconductor R&D and testing (especially power device switching characterisation)
- Communications system development (supporting complex modulation and PRBS)
- Electronic design validation (dual-channel and sequence capabilities)
- Education (intuitive interface and built-in waveforms)
- Industrial automation testing (extensive interfaces and remote control)
It delivers critical support across these fields for R&D and validation workflows.
“In summary, the SDG3000X sets a new benchmark for waveform generation through its innovative TrueArb and EasyPulse technologies, comprehensive feature set, and user-centric design,” Huang underlined.
It delivers exceptional precision, reliability, and workflow efficiency across education, R&D, and industrial testing – making it an indispensable tool for engineers pushing the boundaries of electronic design.
“Its versatility, automation readiness, and performance excellence position it as the go-to platform for next-generation signal generation challenges,” Huang concluded.
About the author:
Diego de Azcuénaga, Contributing Writer
