B&K Precision Debuts 2-in-1 RF Signal and Arbitrary Waveform Generator
A single 2U chassis now houses independent carrier and baseband channels, helping to reduce bench clutter for RF and mixed-signal test setups.
B&K Precision has begun shipping the 4088 Series RF Signal/Waveform Generators, a family of benchtop instruments that integrate a dedicated RF signal generator with a full-featured arbitrary waveform/function generator in a single 2U chassis. The two channels operate independently or in tandem, allowing an engineer to drive an RF carrier and a baseband, trigger, or clock signal from one instrument rather than juggling separate boxes on a crowded bench.
Two Signal Paths, One Chassis
The RF channel spans 50 MHz to 1.5 GHz on the base Model 4088 or 3 GHz on the 4089, with amplitude adjustable from -110 dBm to +13 dBm and level accuracy within ±1 dB. Phase noise remains below -117 dBc/Hz at 1 GHz with a 10 kHz offset, and the output withstands reverse power up to 30 V DC or +25 dBm without damage. Beyond continuous-wave output, the RF generator supports AM, FM, PM, and pulse modulation, as well as linear or logarithmic sweeps for characterizing devices over a frequency band.
The AWG/function channel pairs a true point-by-point architecture with DDS generation, producing sine, square, triangle, pulse, and user-defined arbitrary waveforms up to 50 MHz (4088) or 80 MHz (4089). Sixteen-bit vertical resolution and a 250 MSa/s sample rate feed a 4 Mpts memory depth, while jitter stays under 25 ps. A built-in waveform editor lets users sketch or modify signals directly from the front panel, and the included software supports importing .txt or .csv waveform data over USB or LAN. Programmable markers, with lengths up to 4,000 points, can flag specific points in an arbitrary waveform with a separate TTL output, useful for synchronizing a second instrument or triggering downstream equipment.
Built for the Bench
A 4.3-inch IPS display shows waveform previews alongside active parameters, and dedicated on/off buttons for each channel simplify toggling between RF and AWG/function operation, or running both simultaneously. Remote control is available via SCPI commands over USBTMC-compliant USB or LAN, with a LabVIEW driver included. GPIB is available as an option on the 4089GPIB variant. NISPOM-compliant sanitization lets users wipe stored settings before an instrument leaves a secure facility, and up to 99 full instrument setups can be stored for quick recall. Multiple 4088 Series units can also be linked via their reference and marker connections to synchronize channels across instruments, a configuration useful for simulating multi-phase AC networks or coordinated multi-channel test signals.
Dedicated configuration screens for the AWG/Function and RF outputs keep waveform-shaping and carrier-sweep settings visually and functionally distinct. Image used courtesy of BK Precision
All models include a standard 3-year warranty, with the 4088 priced at $3,950 and the 3 GHz 4089 starting at $5,990.
Combining an RF signal generator with a true arbitrary waveform generator in a single 2U enclosure gives the 4088 Series a footprint and price point that could appeal to labs with limited bench space and equipment budgets. The dual-channel design suits R&D, design verification, and manufacturing test work where both a carrier signal and a synchronized baseband or trigger waveform are needed. Its ability to simulate clock signals, sensor outputs, or serial data streams alongside an RF carrier makes it well suited for mixed-signal validation, communications testing, and coursework in electronics education.
