Agilent Technologies
Trueform Series
Waveform Generator
Agilent Trueform Series Waveform Generator
Operating and Service Guide
This document includes user, service, and programming information for the Agilent Trueform Series waveform
generators. For the latest firmware and documentation, see www.agilent.com/find/trueformhelp. The latest version of
the documentation is also available for mobile devices at www.agilent.com/find/trueformmobile.
You may also scan the following QR code with your smart phone or tablet to go to the mobile documentation.
For the latest datasheet with all specifications and typical characteristics, see
Agilent welcomes your comments and suggestions to improve our documentation. You can give feedback on this
document at www.agilent.com/find/trueformdocfeedback.
Agilent BenchVue Software
The Agilent Trueform Series waveform generators work with BenchVue software, which provides easy multiinstrument control. For more information, go to www.agilent.com/find/benchvue.
Use BenchVue to:
l View and control all of your bench instruments from a single screen
l Save/recall the state of your entire bench
l Acquire data and screenshots from multiple instruments
Save time with:
l Time aligned multi-instrument export to Excel, Word, MATLAB
l Export of waveform generator data to Word
l Drag and drop waveforms between your waveform generator and oscilloscope
l Integrated library capability for downloading instrument documentation, software drivers, firmware updates,
FAQs, videos, and more
From anywhere:
l Mobile companion apps to monitor and control your bench
2Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide
Preliminary Information
Safety and Regulatory Information
Models and Options
Maximum Waveform Frequencies by Model
Operating Information
Introduction to Instrument
Quick Start
Front Panel Menu Operation
Front Panel Menu Reference
LAN Configuration Procedure
Set Up Arbitrary Waveform
Features and Functions
Waveform Generation Tutorial
SCPI Programming Reference
Introduction to SCPI Language
Internal Function Waveforms
Alphabetical List of SCPI Commands and Queries
Programming Examples
Command Quick Reference
Factory Reset State
SCPI Error Messages
Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide3
Service and Repair Information
Service and Repair Introduction
Calibration and Adjustment: 33500 Series
Calibration and Adjustment: 33600 Series
Block Diagram - 33500 Series
Block Diagram - 33600 Series
Power Supplies - 33500 Series
Power Supplies - 33600 Series
Troubleshooting - 33500 Series
Troubleshooting - 33600 Series
Self-Test Procedures
Replaceable Parts
Disassembly - 33500 Series
Disassembly - 33600 Series
Battery Replacement
Installing the Optional GPIB Interface
IO Libraries and Instrument Drivers
The Agilent IO Libraries Suite software, including installation instructions, is on the Agilent IO Libraries Suite CD
provided with your instrument.
For information about connecting and configuring USB, LAN, and GPIB interfaces, refer to the Agilent USB/LAN/GPIBInterfaces Connectivity Guide on the Agilent IO Libraries Suite CD, and at www.agilent.com/find/connectivity.
4Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide
Web Interface
The instrument includes a built-in Web Interface. You can use this interface over LAN for remote instrument access
and control via a Java™-enabled Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer.
To use the Web Interface:
1. Establish a LAN connection from your PC to the instrument.
2. Open your PC's Web browser.
3. Launch the instrument's Web Interface by entering the instrument's IP address or fully-qualified hostname in the
browser address field.
4. Follow the instructions in the Web Interface's on-line help.
Example Programs
There are several example programs on the product page Web site (www.agilent.com/find/trueform). These are
application-focused programs that demonstrate different programming environments. This document also includes
programming examples to help get you started.
Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide5
Contacting Agilent Technologies
You can contact Agilent Technologies for warranty, service, or technical support.
In the United States: (800) 829-4444
In Europe: 31 20 547 2111
In Japan: 0120-421-345
Use www.agilent.com/find/assist for information on contacting Agilent worldwide, or contact your Agilent Technologies
representative.
No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means (including electronic storage and retrieval or
translation into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Agilent Technologies, Inc. as
governed by United States and international copyright laws.
Manual Information
Part Number: 33500-90901
Manufacturer Address
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
900 S. Taft Ave.
Loveland, CO 80537 USA
Software and Documentation Updates and Licenses
Agilent releases software updates to fix defects and incorporate product enhancements. For the latest firmware and
documentation, see www.agilent.com/find/trueformhelp. The latest version of the documentation is also available for
mobile devices at www.agilent.com/find/trueformmobile.
A portion of the software in this product is licensed under terms of the General Public License Version 2 ("GPLv2"). The
text of the license and source code can be found at www.agilent.com/find/GPLV2.
This product uses Microsoft Windows CE. Agilent highly recommends that all Windows-based computers connected to
Windows CE instruments use current anti-virus software. For more information, see www.agilent.com/find/trueform.
Warranty
The material contained in this document is provided "as is," and is subject to being changed, without notice, in future
editions. Further, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Agilent disclaims all warranties, either express
or implied, with regard to this manual and any information contained herein, including but not limited to the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent shall not be liable for errors or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this document or of any information
contained herein. Should Agilent and the user have a separate written agreement with warranty terms covering the
material in this document that conflict with these terms, the warranty terms in the separate agreement shall control.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described in this document are furnished under a license and may be used or copied only
in accordance with the terms of such license.
Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide7
Safety and Regulatory Information
Restricted Rights Legend
If software is for use in the performance of a U.S. Government prime contract or subcontract, Software is delivered and
licensed as "Commercial computer software" as defined in DFAR 252.227-7014 (June 1995), or as a "commercial
item" as defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as "Restricted computer software" as defined in FAR 52.227-19 (June 1987) or any
equivalent agency regulation or contract clause. Use, duplication or disclosure of Software is subject to Agilent
Technologies’ standard commercial license terms, and non-DOD Departments and Agencies of the U.S. Government
will receive no greater than Restricted Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-19(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S. Government
users will receive no greater than Limited Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-14 (June 1987) or DFAR 252.227-7015 (b)
(2) (November 1995), as applicable in any technical data.
Safety Notices
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not proceed
beyond a CAUTION notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury or death. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING notice
until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
Safety Symbols
Alternating current
Frame or chassis terminal (functional ground)
Standby supply. Unit is not completely disconnected from AC mains when switch is
off.
Risk of electric shock
Refer to accompanying documents
Protective Earth ground terminal (safety ground)
8Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide
Safety and Regulatory Information
The CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community.
The ETL mark is a registered trademark of Intertek. Applies to 33500 Series
instruments only.
The CSA mark with the 'c' and 'us' subscript indicates the instrument is certified to
the applicable Canadian and United States of America standards respectively. Applies
to 33600 Series instruments only.
The C-tick mark is a registered trademark of the Spectrum Management Agency of
Australia. This signifies compliance with the Australian EMC Framework regulations
under the terms of the Radio Communications Act of 1992.
Contains one or more of the 6 hazardous substances above the maximum
concentration value (MCV), 40 Year EPUP.
1SM 1-AThis text indicates that the instrument is an Industrial Scientific and Medical Group 1
Class A product (CISPR 11, Clause 4).
ICES/NMB001
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme à la norme NMB-001 du Canada.
This product complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking equipment.
The affixed product label indicates that you must not discard this electrical/electronic
product in domestic household waste.
To return unwanted products, contact your local Agilent office, or see
www.agilent.com/environment/product/ for more information.
This equipment is Class A suitable for professional use and is for use in
electromagnetic environments outside of the home.
Additional Safety Notices
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation of this instrument. Failure to
comply with these precautions or with specific warnings or instructions elsewhere in this manual violates safety
standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes no liability of the
customer’s failure to comply with the requirements.
General
Do not use this product in any manner not specified by the manufacturer. The protective features of this product may
be impaired if it is used in a manner not specified in the operation instructions.
Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide9
Safety and Regulatory Information
Before Applying Power
Verify that all safety precautions are taken. Make all connections to the unit before applying power.
Ground the Instrument
This product is provided with protective earth terminals. To minimize shock hazard, the instrument must be connected
to the AC power mains through a grounded power cable, with the ground wire firmly connected to an electrical ground
(safety ground) at the power outlet. Any interruption of the protective (grounding) conductor or disconnection of the
protective earth terminal will cause a potential shock hazard that could result in personal injury.
l Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.
l Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.
l Only qualified, service-trained personnel who are aware of the hazards involved should remove instrument covers.
Always disconnect the power cable and any external circuits before removing the instrument cover.
Do Not Modify the Instrument
Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification to the product. Return the product to an
Agilent Sales and Service Office for service and repair to ensure that safety features are maintained.
In Case of Damage
Instruments that appear damaged or defective should be made inoperative and secured against unintended operation
until they can be repaired by qualified service personnel.
Unless otherwise noted in the specifications, this instrument or system is intended for indoor use in an installation
category II, pollution degree 2 environment per IEC 61010-1 and 664 respectively. It is designed to operate at a
maximum relative humidity of 5% to 80% at 40 °C or less (non-condensing). This instrument or system is designed to
operate at altitudes up to 3000 meters, and at temperatures between 0 and 55 °C.
Technical Support
If you have questions about your shipment, or if you need information about warranty, service, or technical support,
contact Agilent Technologies.
10Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide
Models and Options
Models and Options
This section describes the models and options in the Trueform Series of instruments. For information on loading
licenses for options via the front panel, see License Installation. For information on loading licenses via SCPI, see the
SYSTem:LICense commands.
Instrument Models
Instrument models with numbers of the form 335XXA or 335XXB are referred to as the 33500 Series, and instrument
models with numbers of the form 336XXA are referred to as the 33600 Series. Collectively, the 33500 Series and
33600 Series instruments comprise the Trueform Series of waveform generators. Unless specified otherwise, all
manual topics apply to all instruments in the Trueform Series.
To determine the model number of your instrument, read the label on the instrument's front panel. You can also either
execute the *IDN? query over the remote interface or press [System] >Help > About on the front panel.
The Trueform Series model numbers and option numbers are shown and described in the table below.
ModelDescriptionOptions
33521A30 MHz
One channel
Arbitrary waveforms
NISPOM Security
1 MSa Memory per channel
33522A30 MHz
Two channels
Arbitrary waveforms
NISPOM Security
1 MSa memory per channel
MEM - 64 MSa Memory per channel
OCX - Add High-stability OCXO Timebase
SEC - Enable NISPOM & File Security
IQP - Add IQ Baseband signal player
GPB - GPIB interface module – factory installed
12Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide
One- and two-channel upgrades for 33500 Series
ModelDescription
335BW1UIncrease bandwidth to 30 MHz for one-channel models
335BW2UIncrease bandwidth to 30 MHz for two-channel models
335ARB1UAdd arbitrary waveforms to one-channel models
335ARB2UAdd arbitrary waveforms to two-channel models
335MEM1U16 MSa per channel memory for one-channel models
335MEM2U16 MSa per channel memory for two-channel models
33500U-OCXAdd high-stability OCXO timebase
335SECUAdd NISPOMand File security
335IQPUAdd IQ Baseband signal player
Models and Options
33522B-DSTEnable all software options for demonstration
One- and two-channel upgrades for 33600 Series
ModelDescription
336BW1UIncrease bandwidth to 120 MHz for one-channel models
336BW2UIncrease bandwidth to 120 MHz for two-channel models
336MEM1U64 MSa per channel memory for one-channel models
336MEM2U64 MSa per channel memory for two-channel models
33600U-OCXAdd high-stability OCXO timebase
336SECUAdd NISPOMand File security
336IQPUAdd IQ Baseband signal player
33622A-DSTEnable all software options for demonstration
3446GPBUGPIB user installable interface module
Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide13
Maximum Waveform Frequencies by Model
Maximum Waveform Frequencies by Model
33500 Series, Lower Frequency Models
33509B 33510B 33511B 33512B
WaveformMaximum Frequency
Sine20 MHz
Square/Pulse20 MHz
Noise20 MHz
Ramp/Triangle200 kHz
PRBS50 Mbps
Arbitrary160 MSa/s
33500 Series, Higher Frequency Models
33521A 33522A 33519B 33520B 33521B 33522B or other 33500 Series models with option
335BW1U or 335BW2U.
WaveformMaximum Frequency
Sine30 MHz
Square/Pulse30 MHz
Noise30 MHz
Ramp/Triangle200 kHz
PRBS50 Mbps
Arbitrary250 MSa/s
14Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide
33600 Series, Lower Frequency Models
33611A 33612A
WaveformMaximum Frequency
Sine60 MHz up to 10 Vpp
80 MHz up to 8 Vpp
Square/Pulse50 MHz up to 10 Vpp
Noise60 MHz up to 10 Vpp
80 MHz up to 8 Vpp
Ramp/Triangle800 kHz
PRBS100 Mbps
Arbitrary660 MSa/s
Maximum Waveform Frequencies by Model
33600 Series, Higher Frequency Models
33621A 33622A or other 33600 Series models with option 336BW1U or 336BW2U.
WaveformMaximum Frequency
Sine60 MHz up to 10 Vpp
80 MHz up to 8 Vpp
120 MHz up to 4 Vpp
Square/Pulse50 MHz up to 10 Vpp
100 MHz up to 4 Vpp
Noise60 MHz up to 10 Vpp
80 MHz up to 8 Vpp
120 MHz up to 4 Vpp
Ramp/Triangle800 kHz
PRBS100 Mbps up to 10 Vpp
200 Mbps up to 4 Vpp
Arbitrary1 GSa/s
Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide15
Operating Information
Operating Information
Introduction to Instrument
Quick Start
Front Panel Menu Operation
Front Panel Menu Reference
LAN Configuration Procedure
Set Up Arbitrary Waveform
Features and Functions
Waveform Generation Tutorial
16Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide
Introduction to Instrument
Introduction to Instrument
The Agilent Technologies Trueform Series is a series of synthesized waveform generators with built-in arbitrary
waveform and pulse capabilities.
Instrument at a Glance
Front Panel at a Glance
Front Panel Display at a Glance
Front Panel Number Entry
Rear Panel at a Glance
Instrument at a Glance
The instrument's combination of bench-top and system features makes it a versatile solution now and in the future.
Convenient bench-top features
l 16 standard waveforms
l Built-in 16-bit (33500 Series) or 14-bit (33600 Series) arbitrary waveform capability
l Precise pulse waveform capabilities with adjustable edge time
l LCD display with numeric and graphical views
l Easy-to-use knob and numeric keypad
l Instrument state storage with user-defined names
l Portable, ruggedized case with non-skid feet
l Isolated outputs to break ground loops
Flexible system features
l Downloadable waveform memory of 1MSa (33500 Series) or 4 MSa (33600 Series). This can be upgraded to 16
MSa (33500 Series) or 64 MSa (33600 Series).
l USB, GPIB, and LAN remote interfaces (GPIB is optional on some models; see Models and Options for details.)
l LXI Class C Compliant
l SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) compatibility
Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide17
Introduction to Instrument
Front Panel at a Glance
The BNC connectors, both the shell and center pin, on the front panel of the instrument are isolated up
to ±42 Vpk from chassis. The shells of these BNC connectors are connected to each other, and internal
circuitry will attempt to keep the isolated voltage to within ±42 Vpk to chassis. Exceeding the isolation
voltage beyond ±42 Vpk from chassis may destroy the instrument and cause a hazard that could result
in personal injury or death.
ItemDescription
1USB Port
2On/Off Standby Switch
3Display
4Menu Softkeys
5Fixed Function Buttons
(column of seven keys)
6Manual Trigger Button
7Sync Connector
8Numeric Keypad
9Channel 1 and Channel 2
(depending on model)
10Knob and cursor arrows
Press and hold any front panel key or softkey to get context-sensitive help.
18Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide
Front Panel Display at a Glance
ItemDescription
1Channel 1 information
2Channel 2 information (depends on model)
Introduction to Instrument
3Waveform parameters
4Waveform display
5Sweep, modulation, or burst parameters
6Softkey labels
Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide19
Introduction to Instrument
Front Panel Number Entry
You can enter numbers from the front panel in two ways:
l Use the knob and cursor keys to modify the number. Rotate the knob to change a digit (clockwise increases). The
arrows below the knob move the cursor.
l Use the keypad to enter numbers and the softkeys to select units. The [+/-] key changes the number's sign.
20Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide
Introduction to Instrument
Rear Panel at a Glance
The rear panels on the 33500 Series and 33600 Series instruments have similar features, but their locations vary, as
shown below.
33500 Series
33600 Series
ItemDescription
1External 10 MHz Reference Input
2Internal 10 MHz Reference Output
3GPIB Connector
4Chassis Ground
Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide21
Introduction to Instrument
ItemDescription
5Instrument Cable Lock
6AC Power
7External Modulation Input
8External Trig/Gate/FSK/Burst (Input and Output)
9USB Interface Connector
10Local Area Network (LAN) Connector
The external 10 MHz reference input BNC connector, both the shell and center pin, on the rear panel of
the instrument is isolated up to ±42 Vpk from chassis. The shell of this BNC connector is isolated from
the rest of the instrument. Internal circuitry will attempt to keep the isolated voltage to within ±42
Vpk to chassis. Attempts to float this input beyond ±42 Vpk from chassis may destroy the instrument
and cause a hazard that could result in personal injury or death.
The external modulation input BNC connector, both the shell and center pin, on the rear panel of the
instrument is isolated up to ±42 Vpk from chassis. The shell of this BNC connector is connected to the
shells of the front panel BNC connectors. Internal circuitry will attempt to keep the isolated voltage to
within ±42 Vpk to chassis. Attempts to float the outputs beyond ±42 Vpk from chassis may destroy
the instrument and cause a hazard that could result in personal injury or death.
This is a Protection Class 1 equipment (chassis must be connected to a protective earth ground).
The mains plug shall only be inserted in an outlet provided with a Protective Earth Terminal.
22Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide
Quick Start
This section describes basic procedures to help you get started quickly with the instrument.
l Prepare Instrument for Use
l Adjust the Carrying Handle
l Set Output Frequency
l Set Output Amplitude
l Set DC Offset Voltage
l Set High-Level and Low-Level Values
l Output a DC Voltage
l Set Duty Cycle of a Square Wave
l Configure a Pulse Waveform
l Select a Stored Arbitrary Waveform
l Use Built-in Help System
l Rack Mount the Instrument
Quick Start
Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide23
Quick Start
Prepare Instrument for Use
Verify that you received the following items. If anything is missing, please contact your nearest Agilent sales office or
Agilent authorized reseller.
l Power cord (for country of destination)
l Certificate of Calibration
l Agilent Trueform Series Product Reference CD (product software, programming examples, and
manuals)
l Agilent IO Libraries Suite CD
l USB 2.0 cable
Note: All product documentation is on the Agilent Trueform Series Product Reference CD. For the
latest firmware and documentation, see www.agilent.com/find/trueformhelp. The latest version of
the documentation is also available for mobile devices at www.agilent.com/find/trueformmobile.
You may also scan the following QR code with your smart phone or tablet to go to the mobile
documentation.
The instrument may be used with mains power of either 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz or 100-120 V, 400 Hz. The maximum
power usage is 150 VA. Ensure that you are using the correctly rated mains cord based on the instrument’s rating and
your country's electrical codes. Connect the power cord and LAN, GPIB, or USB cable as desired. Turn the instrument
on by pressing the power switch in the lower left corner of front panel. The instrument runs a power-on self test and
then displays a message about how to obtain help, along with the current IP address. It also displays the GPIB address if
the GPIB option is installed and enabled.
PowerSwitch:
The instrument's default function is a 1 kHz, 100 mVpp sine wave (into a 50 Ω termination). At power-on, the channel
output connectors are disabled. To enable output on a channel connector, press the key above the channel connector
and then press the Output Off / On softkey.
If the instrument does not turn on, verify that the power cord is firmly connected. Also make sure that the instrument
is connected to an energized power source. If the LED below the power switch is off, there is no AC power connected. If
the LED is amber, the instrument is in standby mode with AC power connected, and if it is green, the instrument is on.
24Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide
Quick Start
If the power-on self test fails, the display shows ERR in the upper right corner. It also prominently displays "Check for
error messages in the error queue."
See SCPI Error Messages for information on error codes. See Service and Repair - Introduction for instructions on
returning the instrument for service.
To turn off the instrument, hold the power switch down for about 500 ms. This prevents you from turning the
instrument off by accidentally brushing the power switch.
Adjust the Carrying Handle
Grasp the sides of the handle, pull outward, and rotate the handle.
Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide25
Quick Start
Set Output Frequency
The default frequency is 1 kHz. You can change the frequency, and you can specify frequency in units of period instead
of Hz.
To change frequency with the knob:
To change frequency with the numeric keypad:
Finish by selecting frequency units:
To change the units to period instead of frequency:
26Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide
Set Output Amplitude
The instrument's default function is a 1 kHz, 100 mVpp sine wave (into a 50 Ω termination).
The following steps change the amplitude to 50 mVpp.
1. Press [Units] > Amp/Offs or High/Low to make sure that you are in Amp/Offs.
The displayed amplitude is either the power-on value or the amplitude previously selected. When you change
functions, the same amplitude is used if it is valid for the new function. To choose whether you want to specify
voltage as amplitude and offset or high and low values, press [Units] and then the second softkey. In this case,
we will highlight Amp/Offs.
Quick Start
2. Enter the magnitude of the desired amplitude.
Press [Parameters] > Amplitude. Using the numeric keypad, enter the number 50.
3. Select the desired units.
Press the softkey that corresponds to the desired units. When you select the units, the instrument outputs the
waveform with the displayed amplitude (if the output is enabled). For this example, press mVpp.
You can also enter the desired value using the knob and arrows. If you do so, you do not need to use a units
softkey. You can easily convert unit types. Simply press [Units] > Ampl As and select the desired units.
Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide27
Quick Start
Set DC Offset Voltage
At power-on, the DC offset is 0 V. The following steps change the offset to –1.5 VDC.
1. Press [Parameters] > Offset.
The displayed offset voltage is either the power-on value or the offset previously selected. When you change
functions, the same offset is used if the present value is valid for the new function.
2. Enter the desired offset.
In this case we will use the numeric keypad to enter –1.5.
3. Select the desired units.
Press the softkey for the desired units. When you select the units, the instrument outputs the waveform with the
displayed offset (if the output is enabled). For this example, press V. The voltage will be set as shown below.
You can also enter the desired value using the knob and arrows.
28Agilent Trueform Series Operating and Service Guide
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