Synthesized Function Generators

DS360 — Ultra-low distortion function generator

DS360 Function Generator

The performance of a low-distortion analog source and the
· 10 mHz to 200 kHz frequency range precision of direct digital synthesis (DDS) is combined in
the DS360. With less than 0.001 % total harmonic distortion
· <−100 dBc distortion (to 20 kHz) (THD), 25 ppm frequency accuracy, and a broad range of
features including sweeps and bursts, the DS360 is the ideal
· Sine, square, white and pink noise source for audio frequency applications.

Ultra-Low Distortion and Noise

· 20 µVpp to 40 Vpp output range
Unlike conventional RC oscillators, the DS360 uses digital
· Linear and log frequency sweeps signal processing and a precision 20-bit D/A converter
to provide better than –100 dB distortion over the audio
· 25 ppm frequency accuracy frequency range. With its DDS architecture, the DS360 has
the features and flexibility of a contemporary synthesized
· 10 MHz reference input (opt.) function generator. Careful shielding and board layout keep
the output noise to a minimum, making the DS360 the
· Balanced and unbalanced outputs instrument of choice for audio research and development,
manufacturing, and automated testing.
· RS-232 and GPIB interfaces
Frequency Stability

Low-distortion analog sources have impressive THD

specifications, but suffer with poor frequency accuracy and
resolution. The DS360 delivers 0.0025 % frequency accuracy
over its entire frequency range. It has 6-digit frequency
resolution from 1 mHz to 200 kHz, and a steady 25 ppm
frequency stability. You can actually dial in 123,456 Hz from
the front panel and have it mean something!

Stanford Research Systems phone: (408)744-9040

www.thinkSRS.com
 DS360 Low Distortion Function Generator

Waveforms

The DS360 generates clean sine waves and square waves,

as well as a two-tone signal for IMD testing. The two-tone
signal is defined as either two sine waves, or a sine wave and
square wave. Both frequency and amplitude are independently
set for the two waves allowing standard two-tone formats
like SMPTE, DIM and CCIF to be generated. In addition to
standard waveforms, the DS360 outputs white noise, pink
noise and band-limited white noise.

Audio Outputs

All functions and parameters are easily set using the front-
panel keypad and spin knob. A wide variety of amplitude units
including Vrms, Vpp, dBV, dBm and dBrel can be selected.
Front-panel outputs including XLR, BNC and dual banana THD vs. Frequency (Hz)
jacks assure compatibility with any system. The outputs can
be configured as balanced or unbalanced, with amplitudes Residual distortion for a 1 kHz, 28 Vrms (balanced) sine
from 20.0 µVpp to 80.0 Vpp (balanced) and 10.0 µVpp to wave after passing through a non-distorting notch filter
40.0 Vpp (unbalanced). Chassis ground and output common to attenuate the fundamental.
banana jacks are also provided.

Sweeps and Bursts

Unlike single frequency analog sources, the DS360 generates

low-distortion frequency sweeps over its entire frequency
range. Linear and log sweeps are set between 10 mHz and
200 kHz with sweep times between 0.3 ms and 100 s. Sweeps
can be single-shot or repetitive, and the instrument can
sweep both up and down in frequency. The DS360 provides
outstanding amplitude flatness (0.5 % up to 20 kHz) during
frequency sweeps, and has a TTL level sweep marker output
for synchronizing external equipment.

The DS360 also creates tone bursts of sine waves and square
waves. The number of ON cycles, repetition rate, and the OFF
amplitude level can all be adjusted. Sweeps and bursts may
be triggered from the internal rate generator or an external
trigger, or they can be externally gated.

Computer Control

The DS360 is designed for benchtop use as well as automated THD + N vs. Frequency (Hz)
testing. With standard IEEE-488.2 (GPIB) and RS-232
interfaces, the DS360 is fully programmable — a feature seldom
found in low-distortion sources. All instrument functions can be
controlled or queried through the computer interfaces.

DS360 rear panel

Stanford Research Systems phone: (408)744-9040

www.thinkSRS.com
 DS360 Specifications

Waveforms Sine or Square Burst

Sine On cycles 0.5, 1 to 65534 cycles

Repetition rate 1 to 65535 cycles
Frequency range 0.01 Hz to 200.000 kHz Triggering Internal, external, single-shot,
THD (1 Vrms unbalanced, 2 Vrms balanced) externally gated
(<5 kHz) –110 dB (typ.), –106 dB (max.) Off level 0.0 % to 100.0 % (of on level)
(5 to 20 kHz) –104 dB (typ.), –98 dB (max.) Off resolution 0.1 %
(20 to 40 kHz) –100 dB (typ.), –96 dB (max.) Max. off attenuation –90 dBc (1 kHz)
(40 to 100 kHz) –90 dB (typ.), –85 dB (max.) –70 dBc (10 kHz)
(100 to 200 kHz) –76 dB (typ.), –68 dB (max.) –50 dBc (100 kHz)
THD (10 Vrms unbalanced, 20 Vrms balanced)
(<5.0 kHz) –109 dB (typ.), –105 dB (max.) White or Pink Noise Burst
(5 to 20 kHz) –103 dB (typ.), –98 dB (max.)
(20 to 40 kHz) –98 B (typ.), –93 dB (max.) On time 10 µs to 599.9 s
(40 to 100 kHz) –88 dB (typ.), –83 dB (max.) Repetition time 20 µs to 600 s
(100 to 200 kHz) –76 dB (typ.), –68 dB (max.) Triggering Internal, external, single-shot,
externally gated
Square Off level 0.0 % to 100.0 % (of on level)
Resolution 0.1 %
Frequency range 0.01 Hz to 200 kHz
Rise time 1.3 µs Sine or Square Sweep
Even harmonics <–60 dBc (to 20 kHz)
Type Linear or logarithmic
White Noise Range 0.01 Hz to 200.000 kHz
Rate 0.1 Hz to 3.1 kHz
Bandwidth DC to 200 kHz Resolution 2 digits
Flatness <1.0 dB, 1 Hz to 100 kHz Flatness ±0.1 dB (1 %)
Crest factor 11 dB
Frequency
Pink Noise
Resolution 6 digits or 10 mHz
Bandwidth 10 Hz to 200 kHz (whichever is greater)
Flatness <3.0 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz) Accuracy 25 ppm (0.0025 %) + 4 mHz
(measured using 1/3 oct. analysis) (20 °C to 40 °C)
Crest factor 12 dB
Amplitude
Bandwidth Limited Noise
Unbalanced outputs 5.0 µVpp to 14.4 Vpp (50 Ω load )
Bandwidth 100 Hz, 200 Hz, 400 Hz, 800 Hz, 5.0 µVpp to 20.0 Vpp (600 Ω load )
1.6 kHz, 3.2 kHz, 6.4 kHz, 12.8 kHz, 10.0 µVpp to 40.0 Vpp (Hi-Z load )
25.6 kHz, 51.2 kHz, 102.4 kHz Balanced outputs 10 µVpp to 28.8 Vpp (50 Ω load )
Center frequency 0 Hz to 200.0 kHz 10 µVpp to 28.8 Vpp (150 Ω load )
(200 Hz increments) 10 µVpp to 40.0 Vpp (600 Ω load )
Flatness (in band) <1.0 dB 20 µVpp to 80.0 Vpp (Hi-Z load )
Crest factor Resolution 4 digits or 1 µV, whichever is
Baseband 12 dB (0 Hz center frequency) greater (Vpp or Vrms),
Non-baseband 15 dB 0.1 dB (dBm or dBV)
Accuracy
Two-Tone Sine and Square ±0.1 dB (1 %)
Two-tone ±0.1 dB (1 %)
Type Sine-sine, sine-square White noise ±0.175 dB (2 %)
Sine frequency 0.01 Hz to 200 kHz Pink noise ±0.35 dB (4 %)
Square frequency 0.1 Hz to 5 kHz
Square resolution 2 digits
SFDR >90 dB

Stanford Research Systems phone: (408)744-9040

www.thinkSRS.com
 DS360 Specifications

Broadband Noise (1 kHz sine wave into Hi-Z load Unbalanced 50 Ω ± 3 %

at freq. > 1 kHz) 600 Ω ± 1 %
Hi-Z (25 Ω ± 1 Ω)
<12.6 mVpp <4 nV/√Hz Floating voltage ±40 VDC (max.)
12.6 mVpp to 126 mVpp <7.5 nV/√Hz
126 mVpp to 1.26 Vpp <15 nV/√Hz 10 MHz Reference Input (Opt. 03)
1.26 Vpp to 10 Vpp <100 nV/√Hz
10 Vpp to 40 Vpp <500 nV/√Hz Requirements Sine or TTL, 0.4 to 7 Vpp,
10 MHz ± 50 ppm
Offset Stability
Internal ±25 ppm
Unbalanced output 0 to ±7.4 VDC (50 Ω load ) External Same as stability of ext. reference
0 to ±10.0 VDC (600 Ω load ) Indicators External reference detected, Locked
0 to ±20.0 VDC (Hi-Z load )
Balanced output Not active Other Outputs
Resolution 3 digits
Accuracy (applies to + Output only) Sync TTL level (same frequency
(Sine, square ≤ 120 kHz, white noise & 2-tone) and phase as output)
1 % ± 25 mV (Vp + offset > 0.63 V) Burst out TTL pulse marks burst (TTL high
1 % ± 2.5 mV (0.63 V > Vp + offset > 0.063 V) for ON time)
1 % ± 250 µV (63 mV > Vp + offset > 6.3 mV) Trigger/gate in TTL pulse starts sweep or burst
1 % ± 50 µV (Vp + offset < 6.3 mV) TTL high activates gated burst
Sweep TTL pulse marks beginning of sweep
(all others)
1 % ± 300 mV (Vp + offset > 0.63 V) General
1 % ± 20 mV (0.63 V > Vp + offse > 0.063 V)
1 % ± 2 mV (63 mV > Vp + offset > 6.3 mV) Computer interfaces GPIB and RS-232. All instrument
1 % ± 200 µV (Vp + offset < 6.3 mV) functions can be controlled.
Size 17" × 3.5" × 16.25" (WHD)
Outputs Weight 17 lbs.
Power 50 W, 100/120/220/240 VAC,
Configuration Balanced and unbalanced 50/60 Hz
Connectors Floating BNCs, banana plugs and Warranty One year parts and labor on defects
XLR jack in materials and workmanship
Source impedance
Balanced 50 Ω ± 3 %
150 Ω ± 2 % Ordering Information
600 Ω ± 1 %
Hi-Z (50 Ω ± 3 %) DS360 Low-distortion function generator
Option 03 10 MHz reference input
O360RM Rack mount kit

DS360 block diagram

Stanford Research Systems phone: (408)744-9040

www.thinkSRS.com