Wavetek

Wavetek

Wavetek was an American test and measurement company founded in San Diego, California, that became widely known for a broad range of signal generation and precision measurement instruments. The company produced function generators, synthesized arbitrary waveform generators, precision multimeters, cellular test systems, and VXI-based instrumentation modules. Wavetek instruments were widely deployed in electronics manufacturing, telecommunications testing, and automated test environments throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.

Wavetek's signal generators were valued for their frequency accuracy and waveform quality, while their precision multimeters — including VXI-format DMM modules for automated test systems — addressed demanding measurement needs in production and R&D environments. The company later merged with Wandel & Goltermann to form Wavetek Wandel Goltermann, expanding its portfolio to include telecommunications network test equipment before being integrated into larger test and measurement groups.

Key Product Lines

• Function Generators — analog waveform generators producing sine, square, and triangle outputs for general electronics testing
• Synthesized Arbitrary Waveform Generators — programmable generators for producing complex waveforms for R&D and automated testing
• Precision Multimeters — including VXI-format DMM modules for high-accuracy automated measurement systems
• Cellular Test Systems — equipment for mobile telecommunications network and handset testing

Industries Served

Wavetek instruments served electronics R&D laboratories, aerospace & defense contractors, telecommunications equipment manufacturers, and automated test system integrators. Their VXI modules were widely adopted in military and aerospace production test environments where instrument-grade accuracy and bus-based integration were required.