GW Instek AFG-4235 35 MHz 2-Channel Arbitrary Function Generator

Key Features At A Glance

• Bandwidth from 25 MHz to 250 MHz across single-channel and dual-channel models in the series
• 1 µHz frequency resolution across the full bandwidth for precision signal definition
• Sample rates from 125 MSa/s (entry models) to 500 MSa/s (mid-range) up to 1.25 GSa/s (AFG-4225H)
• Amplitude resolution of 14 bits (AFG-4125E/4125AE/4225E) or 16 bits (AFG-4235/4260/4280/4210H/4225H)
• Arbitrary waveform memory of 10 M points per channel on most models; 16 k points on AFG-4125E/4125AE
• Built-in modulation suite: AM, DSB-AM, FM, PM, PWM, ASK, PSK, BPSK, QPSK, FSK, 3FSK, 4FSK, OSK, SUM
• Sweep, Burst, and Counter functions built in; AFG-4125AE adds a built-in power amplifier function
• USB Host/Device on all models; LAN added on AFG-4235/4260/4280/4210H/4225H with multi-touch 8" TFT

The GW Instek AFG-4000 Series is a family of arbitrary function generators spanning 25 MHz to 250 MHz of bandwidth, offered in both single-channel (AFG-4125E, AFG-4125AE) and dual-channel configurations (AFG-4225E, AFG-4235, AFG-4260, AFG-4280, AFG-4210H, AFG-4225H). Every model in the series provides 1 µHz frequency resolution across its full bandwidth, with built-in standard waveforms including sine, square, triangle, ramp, pulse, noise, harmonic, and arbitrary waves, plus a comprehensive modulation library.

The series is positioned by the datasheet for educational institutions, automotive electronics, and electronic products and parts development. The integrated modulation set — AM, DSB-AM, FM, PM, PWM, ASK, PSK, BPSK, QPSK, FSK, 3FSK, 4FSK, OSK, and SUM — combined with sweep, burst, and counter functions makes the AFG-4000 Series a flexible stimulus source for stimulus-response benches, classroom signal-generation curricula, and component-level automotive electronics test.

Brand Heritage

GW Instek is the test and measurement brand of Good Will Instrument Co., Ltd., a Taiwan-based instrument manufacturer founded in 1975 and headquartered in New Taipei City. The company has operated continuously under the GW Instek brand and has not undergone the kind of corporate-name evolution seen with brands such as HP/Agilent/Keysight.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The AFG-4000 Series is structured as a tiered arbitrary function generator family covering bandwidths from 25 MHz to 250 MHz. The datasheet defines a clear three-tier architecture: entry-level 25 MHz models (AFG-4125E, AFG-4125AE, AFG-4225E) at 125 MSa/s and 14-bit resolution; mid-range 35 MHz to 100 MHz models (AFG-4235, AFG-4260, AFG-4280, AFG-4210H) at 500 MSa/s and 16-bit resolution; and the flagship AFG-4225H at 250 MHz, 1.25 GSa/s, and 16-bit resolution.

Beyond raw bandwidth, the family is differentiated by channel count, arbitrary waveform memory depth, communication interfaces, and touch screen support. All members of the family share the same 1 µHz frequency resolution, the same 8-inch TFT display platform, and the same built-in modulation, sweep, burst, and counter functions documented in the datasheet.

Each new AFG-4000 Series model linked below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing, inventory status, and supporting documentation. Review the specific model page for the bandwidth, channel count, sample rate, memory length, and interface set that matches the application requirement.

The AFG-4000 Series progression follows three primary axes documented in the datasheet's specification table. First, sine-wave bandwidth steps from 25 MHz (AFG-4125E, AFG-4125AE, AFG-4225E) through 35 MHz (AFG-4235), 60 MHz (AFG-4260), 80 MHz (AFG-4280), 100 MHz (AFG-4210H), and up to 250 MHz (AFG-4225H). Second, sample rate scales correspondingly: 125 MSa/s on the entry tier, 500 MSa/s on the 35–100 MHz mid-range, and 1.25 GSa/s on the AFG-4225H. Third, amplitude resolution improves from 14 bits on entry models to 16 bits on every model from AFG-4235 upward.

Additional differentiators captured in the comparison table that follows include channel count (AFG-4125E and AFG-4125AE are single-channel; all other models are dual-channel), arbitrary memory length (16 k points per channel on AFG-4125E/4125AE versus 10 M points per channel on AFG-4225E through AFG-4225H), touch screen support (available on AFG-4235 and above), LAN interface availability (AFG-4235 and above), and the built-in power amplifier function unique to the AFG-4125AE. Use the table below to align bandwidth, sample rate, memory, and interface requirements to the specific AFG-4000 Series model.

Model	Channels	Max Frequency (Sine)	Sample Rate
AFG-4235	2	35 MHz	500 MSa/s
AFG-4125E	1	25 MHz	125 MSa/s
AFG-4125AE	1	25 MHz	125 MSa/s
AFG-4225E	2	25 MHz	125 MSa/s

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

Accessories Supplied

• USB Cable x 1
• Power Cord x 1
• Test Lead, BNC to Alligator Clips Cable x 2

Product Core & Specifications

Specification	AFG-4125E	AFG-4125AE	AFG-4225E	AFG-4235	AFG-4260	AFG-4280	AFG-4210H	AFG-4225H
Channels
Channels	1	1	2
Waveforms
Waveforms	Sine, Square, Triangle, Ramp, Pulse, Noise, Harmonic wave, Arbitrary wave
Arbitrary Functions
ARB Function	Built-in
Sample Rate (*1)	125 MSa/s	500 MSa/s	1.25 GSa/s
Repetition Rate (Arbitrary Wave)	15 MHz	30 MHz	30 MHz
Waveform Length	2 to 16 K points	2 to 10 M points
Amplitude Resolution	14 bits	16 bits
Minimum Rise and Fall Time	< 10 ns	< 8 ns	< 5 ns
Jitter	8 ns
Non-Volatile Memory
Non-Volatile Memory	32 MB
User-defined Output Section	From point 2 to 16,384	From point 2 to 10,240,000
User-defined Output Marker Section	From point 2 to 16,384	From point 2 to 10,240,000
Output Mode	1 to 1,000,000 cycles or infinite mode
Frequency Characteristics
Sine	25 MHz	35 MHz	60 MHz	80 MHz	100 MHz	250 MHz
Square	5 MHz	30 MHz	50 MHz
Pulse	5 MHz	15 MHz	25 MHz
Triangle, Ramp	1 MHz	3 MHz	5 MHz
Noise (-3 dB)	25 MHz BW	35 MHz BW	60 MHz BW	80 MHz BW	100 MHz BW	120 MHz BW
Harmonic Wave	12.5 MHz	17.5 MHz	30 MHz	40 MHz / 50 MHz	125 MHz
Resolution	1 μHz or 10 significant figures
Accuracy Stability	±2 ppm at 25 °C ± 5 °C	±1 ppm at 0 to 40 °C
Aging	±1 ppm, per 1 year
Tolerance	±1 ppm
Output Characteristics (*2)
Output Amplitude (Into 50 Ω)	1 mVpp to 10 Vpp, for ≤ 25 MHz; 1 mVpp to 5 Vpp, for ≤ 60 MHz; 1 mVpp to 2.3 Vpp, for ≤ 100 MHz	1 mVpp to 10 Vpp, for ≤ 40 MHz; 1 mVpp to 5 Vpp, for ≤ 80 MHz; 1 mVpp to 2.5 Vpp, for ≤ 120 MHz; 1 mVpp to 1 Vpp, for ≤ 250 MHz
Output Amplitude (Open-circuit)	2 mVpp to 20 Vpp, for ≤ 25 MHz; 2 mVpp to 10 Vpp, for ≤ 60 MHz; 2 mVpp to 5 Vpp, for ≤ 100 MHz	2 mVpp to 20 Vpp, for ≤ 40 MHz; 2 mVpp to 10 Vpp, for ≤ 80 MHz; 2 mVpp to 5 Vpp, for ≤ 120 MHz; 2 mVpp to 2 Vpp, for ≤ 250 MHz
Bandwidth Flatness	≤10 MHz: ±0.2 dB; ≤60 MHz: ±0.3 dB; ≤100 MHz: ±0.5 dB; (relative to 100 kHz Sine wave, 1 Vpp, 50 Ω)	≤10 MHz: ±0.2 dB; ≤60 MHz: ±0.3 dB; ≤100 MHz: ±0.5 dB; ≤160 MHz: ±1 dB; ≤250 MHz: ±1.5 dB; (relative to 1 kHz Sine wave, 1 Vpp, 50 Ω)
Accuracy	±(2% of setting + 1 mVpp) (1 kHz sine, 0 V offset, >10 mVpp)
Resolution	0.1 mVpp or 4 digits (The amplitude ≥ 1 Vpp is 1 mVpp)
Output Impedance	50 Ω (Typical)
Output Protection	Short circuit protection, the output will be automatically turned off when overloaded
DC Offset Range	± (10 Vpk − Amplitude Vpp / 2) (High resistance)	± (1 % of |setting| + 5 mV + amplitude Vpp * 0.5 %)
DC Offset Accuracy	± (3 % of |setting| + 5 mV + amplitude Vpp * 0.5 %)	± (1 % of |setting| + 5 mV + amplitude Vpp * 0.5 %)
DC Offset Resolution	0.1 mVpp or 4 digits (The amplitude > 1 Vpp is 1 mVpp)
Sine Wave Characteristics
Harmonic Distortion (*3)	DC to 1 MHz: <-65 dBc; 1 MHz to 10 MHz: <-60 dBc; 10 MHz to 60 MHz: <-55 dBc; 60 MHz to 100 MHz: <-50 dBc Typical (0 dBm)	DC to 1 MHz: <-65 dBc; 1 MHz to 10 MHz: <-60 dBc; 10 MHz to 120 MHz: <-50 dBc; 120 MHz to 250 MHz: <-45 dBc Typical (0 dBm)
Total Harmonic Distortion	< 0.05%, 10 Hz to 20 kHz, 1 Vpp
Non-harmonic Distortion	≤10 MHz: <-70 dBc; >10 MHz: <-70 dBc + 6 dB/sound interval; Typical (0 dBm)
Phase Noise	10 MHz: ≤-110 dBc/Hz Typical (0 dBm, 10 kHz offset)
Square Wave Characteristics
Rise/Fall Time	< 30 ns	< 8 ns	< 5 ns
Overshoot	Typical (100 kHz, 1 Vpp) < 5 %, (1 Vpp, 50 Ω)	Typical (100 kHz, 1 Vpp) < 3 %, (1 Vpp, 50 Ω)
Duty Cycle	50.00 % (fixed)
Ramp Wave Characteristics
Linearity	< 0.1 % of peak output (typical 1 kHz, 1 Vpp, symmetry 50 %)
Symmetry	0.0 % to 100.0 %
Pulse Wave Characteristics

Important: Per the datasheet, the user-available arbitrary waveform sample rate is 1 µSa/s to 75 MSa/s on AFG-4235/4260/4280/4210H/4225H, and 1 µSa/s to 30 MSa/s on AFG-4125E/4125AE/4225E. Output specifications default to a 50 Ω load with DC offset set to zero unless otherwise noted.Important: Sample rate user-available range: 1 µSa/s to 75 MSa/s (AFG-4125E/4125AE/4225E: 1 µSa/s to 30 MSa/s).Important: Unless specifically labeled, the load defaults to 50 Ω.Important: Harmonic distortion specifications are stated with DC offset set to zero.Important: Power amplifier function is available only on the AFG-4125AE model.Important: Touch screen and LAN communications interface are available only on AFG-4235/4260/4280/4210H/4225H models; AFG-4125E/4125AE/4225E provide USB interface only and do not include touch screen.Recommended pairing: connect the AFG-4000 output to the device under test using a GTL-110 BNC-to-BNC cable (approx. 1000 mm) for bench-to-DUT interconnect, or a GTL-101 BNC-to-alligator-clip lead (approx. 1100 mm) for prototype and educational setups, per the datasheet's listed optional accessories.

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.