Please share you're experience with BK Precision 4010A

[tautech]

(Just not sure why you raised this... it is good of you to be up front in helping users stay alert... but looking for some more insight.  Thx)

In reply to some assertions over repairability.

The Siglent that Tautech posted is also vastly superior in every conceivable way, except for the repairability issue.   

As I said, thanks to this forum we have a great resource to hunt out info to fix these things even though it's intended to be only at module level replacement like for most modern equipment.
So while we don't have schematics we have plenty of pics and threads from others that unfortunate learner errors that might damage equipment with reverse voltages that exceed output stage specification*.
While signal levels are not at high levels like mains it's very likely only output stages can be damaged like has happened in this thread:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-sdg1032x-help-needed/

1. What's the downside of turning on the OVP? 

Dunno, I'll leave some homework for you to do by looking up the Texas Instruments THS3095 datasheet.

(If there is none, I'm guessing it would be on by default.)

It's not.

2. What is an example of the most typical failure mode scenario that this is intended to prevent?

As above*.

3. How is the Siglent approach to OVP any different than say Agilent/Keysight?

Dunno, do they have it ?

[GerryR]

Here's an example of an output protection circuit from an old Krohn-Hite 1000A function generator with the explanation of how it works, that might be of interest to you.  It is out of their Operating and Service Manual for the unit.

[Electro Fan]

Roger that.  It sounds vaguely similar to an audio tube amplifier circuit in which a resistor is sacrificed in an effort to save a tube or other parts of the circuit.

I kinda sorta understand the notion of OVP (and OCP) but what I’m still trying to get my head around is what causes the need to protect a function generator against reverse voltage?  For example, typically a FG might be hooked to scope inputs - not much chance for reverse voltage there... ?  Maybe this protection is just in case the FG is powering or driving a DUT and something goes wrong?  I guess this discussion has taught me to be a tad more cautious with FGs - might be a good heads up to keep the gozindas and the gozoutas going in the right directions.

[robsims]

The shipping company in my country can not login after they have created an account on Siglent's website to purchase the SDG810. Think their website has a problem. I going  to purchase the SDG810 via them.

Anyone knows where they sell the SDG810 in the $230 (my budget)  price range?

 

[GerryR]

Roger that.  It sounds vaguely similar to an audio tube amplifier circuit in which a resistor is sacrificed in an effort to save a tube or other parts of the circuit.

I kinda sorta understand the notion of OVP (and OCP) but what I’m still trying to get my head around is what causes the need to protect a function generator against reverse voltage?  For example, typically a FG might be hooked to scope inputs - not much chance for reverse voltage there... ?  Maybe this protection is just in case the FG is powering or driving a DUT and something goes wrong?  I guess this discussion has taught me to be a tad more cautious with FGs - might be a good heads up to keep the gozindas and the gozoutas going in the right directions.

You basically hit it; if the device you are testing has a problem, or you grab the wrong point in the circuit with the FG probe, or you have the probe hooked to something in your circuit, and it pops off and falls on a high voltage trace, or the like, you don't want to fry your FG.  Most FG are even protected against a direct short across the output(s), at least for a time, to help protect the output against an inadvertent short.  A lot easier on the pocketbook that way! 

[windsmurf]

The shipping company in my country can not login after they have created an account on Siglent's website to purchase the SDG810. Think their website has a problem. I going  to purchase the SDG810 via them.

Anyone knows where they sell the SDG810 in the $230 (my budget)  price range?

169 euros ($189 USD)
https://www.siglenteu.com/waveform-generators/sdg800-series-functionarbitrary-waveform-generators/

[robsims]

Hey guys,

The shipping agency in my country  will order the Siglent SDG810 for me from this shop

http://www.saelig.com/product/sdg810.htm

So in a few weeks i'm hoping to receive the generator. So i'm satisfied, because the price is right. I thank all for talking me out of the BK Precision 4010A.

[robsims]

Well bdunham7, you succeeded in talking me out of the BK precision.  i already ordered the Siglent SDG810 from this website
http://www.saelig.com/product/sdg810.htm      Thanks

[tautech]

Well bdunham7, you succeeded in talking me out of the BK precision.  i already ordered the Siglent SDG810 from this website
http://www.saelig.com/product/sdg810.htm      Thanks

Woops, can you cancel that order or hold it until you apply the EEVblog members discount code you can get here:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/equipment-discounts-from-saelig/

[robsims]

What a pity. I can't get a discount from saelig because the shipping business here in my country will buy the FG at saelig and ship it for me. But i thank all of you. You've made me buy the best product for my money. Thanks again.

[tautech]

What a pity. I can't get a discount from saelig because the shipping business here in my country will buy the FG at saelig and ship it for me. But i thank all of you. You've made me buy the best product for my money. Thanks again.

Never mind, for a product at this price point 6% doesn't amount to a big saving however when pennies are short we know every $ counts.
When you get the SDG810 be sure to check the firmware is the current 13R6 version or some later unreleased version.

[robsims]

Many thanks tautech. The generator will cost me $280 so it's $12 less than the BK Precision 4010A. That is awesome. I already mailed Saelig to know what the firmware version is of the Siglent. If the firmware version is earlier than 13R6 can it be updated to 13R6 or a later version?

[tautech]

Many thanks tautech. The generator will cost me $280 so it's $12 less than the BK Precision 4010A. That is awesome. I already mailed Saelig to know what the firmware version is of the Siglent. If the firmware version is earlier than 13R6 can it be updated to 13R6 or a later version?

Yes of course.
13R6 is already some months old so should be the version installed in a new unit but sometimes it's a later version installed yet to be publicly released.

http://www.siglent.com/ENs/gjjrj.aspx?id=15
This ^ is where I look for latest versions and the SDG800 one is on P3.
It's a .zip file that when unpacked has the .ads file and the update instructions in a separate pdf.

[robsims]

Many thanks for you're help Tautech. As soon as i receive the unit i will let you guys know.

[robsims]

Hi Guys, i'm back. Many thanks again.  I received the Siglent SDG810 function generator today, that i bought at Saelig. There are only 2 cables included in the package. The power cable and USB cable. I have to buy a BNC cable, because there was no BNC cable in the box. Siglent doesn't ship the generator with a BNC cable. Which BNC cable do you guys recommend.

[tautech]

Hi Guys, i'm back. Many thanks again.  I received the Siglent SDG810 function generator today, that i bought at Saelig. There are only 2 cables included in the package. The power cable and USB cable. I have to buy a BNC cable, because there was no BNC cable in the box. Siglent doesn't ship the generator with a BNC cable. Which BNC cable do you guys recommend.

Correct, only the higher priced SDG2kX and 6kX AWG's come with a BNC cable.
As SDG810 is only a 10 MHz unit most any 50 Ohm BNC cable is fine for general use.

Siglent do supply a reasonable quality 1GHz rated BNC cable and my list is $12.50.
https://www.siglenteu.com/accessory/bnc-cable/

[robsims]

Thanks for the info Tautech. Also a special thanks to you. You made me buy the Siglent, and i'm glad i did. It is well made. I will look for a 50 ohm BNC cable at the local electronic store. 

[tautech]

Thanks for the info Tautech. Also a special thanks to you. You made me buy the Siglent, and i'm glad i did. It is well made. I will look for a 50 ohm BNC cable at the local electronic store.

No problem, I'm always happy to help.
Any problems just let us know.

[robsims]

Thank you Tautech