Agilent Technologies 5988-7401 User Manual [EN]

Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator

User’s Guide

S1

Important Notice

© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2005

Manual Part Number

5988-7401EN

Revision

January 2005

Printed in Germany

Agilent Technologies
Herrenberger Straße 130
D-71034 Böblingen
Germany

Authors: t3 medien GmbH

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.

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

CAUTION

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.

WARNING

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.

2 Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005

Contents

Safety Requirements 7

Contents

Safety Summary 7

Environmental Conditions 7
Before Applying Power 8
Ground the Instrument 8
Do not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere 8
Do not Remove the Instrument Cover 8

Initial Inspection 9
Power Requirements 10
Performance Requirements 10
Ventilation Requirements 10
Cleaning Recommendation 11
Declaration of Conformity 12

Introduction to the Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator 13

Benefits and Key Features 14
Front Panel Overview 15

Input and Outputs 16

Rear Panel Overview 18

Operating the Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator 19

Navigation through the Pages 20
How to Navigate through the Parameters at one Page 21
How to Select a Parameter from a Selection List 21
How to Change a Number Field 23

Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005 3

Contents

Setting Up Generic and Advanced Signals 27

Setting Up a Clock Signal 28

Using the Graphical User Interface 29
Using the Remote Programming Interfaces 35

Setting Up a Pulse Signal 36

Using the Graphical User Interface 36
Using the Remote Programming Interfaces 39

Setting Up a Data Pattern 40

Using the Graphical User Interface 40
Using the Remote Programming Interfaces 45

Setting Up a Burst Signal 46

Using the Graphical User Interface 46
Using the Remote Programming Interfaces 51

Setting Up a Repetitive Burst Signal 52

Using the Graphical User Interface 52
Using the Remote Programming Interfaces 57

Setting Up Signals for a Stressed Eye Diagram
Measurement

Connecting the Instruments 59
Setting Up the 81134A by Using the Graphical User Interface 60
Setting Up the 33250A Waveform Generator 63
Viewing the Eye Diagram on the 86100 DCA 63
Play with the Settings 64

58

Using the Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator 65

Pages of the User Interface 66
Combining Parameters for Signal Generation 68

Instrument Modes 68
Pattern Modes 70
Signal Modes 71
Variable Crossover 72
Clock Sources 73
Start Mode 75
Trigger Out 75

4 Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005

Contents

Timing of Generated Signals

Clock 77
Pulses 78
Data Pattern 79
PRBS 80
Started Burst 81
Repetitive Burst 82

76

Jitter Modulation 83
Saving and Recalling Settings 83

Updating the Firmware 85

Troubleshooting 87

Index 89

Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005 5

Contents

6 Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005

Safety Requirements

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 elsewhere in this manual
violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of
the instrument.

Agilent Technologies Inc. assumes no liability for the customer's
failure to comply with these requirements.

Before operation, review the instrument and manual for safety
markings and instructions. You must follow these to ensure safe
operation and to maintain the instrument in safe condition.

Safety Summary

This product is a Safety Class 1 instrument (provided with a protective
earth terminal). The protective features of this product may be
impaired if it is used in a manner not specified in the operation
instructions.

All Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) used in this product are Class 1
LEDs as per IEC 60825-1.

Environmental Conditions

This instrument is intended for indoor use in an installation category
II, pollution degree 2 environment. It is designed to operate within an
operating temperature range of 0 – 55 °C (32 – 130 °F) at a maximum
relative humidity of 95% and at altitudes of up to 2000 meters.

Refer to the specifications tables for the ac mains voltage
requirements and ambient operating temperature range.

Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005 7

Safety Requirements Safety Summary

Before Applying Power

Verify that all safety precautions are taken.

The power cable inlet of the instrument is used to disconnect the
instrument from the mains in case of hazard. The instrument must be
positioned so that the operator can easily access the power cable inlet.

When the instrument is mounted in a rack, the rack must be provided
with an easily accessible mains switch.

Ground the Instrument

To minimize shock hazard, the instrument chassis and cover must be
connected to an electrical protective earth ground. 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.

Do not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere

Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or
fumes.

Do not Remove the Instrument Cover

Operating personnel must not remove instrument covers. Component
replacement and internal adjustments must be made only by qualified
personnel.

Instruments that appear damaged or defective should be made
inoperative and secured against unintended operation until they can
be repaired by qualified service personnel.

8 Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005

Initial Inspection Safety Requirements

Initial Inspection

Inspect the shipping container for damage. If the container or
cushioning material is damaged, keep it until the contents of the
shipment have been checked for completeness and the instrument has
been verified both mechanically and electrically.

WARNING To avoid hazardous electric shock, do not perform electrical tests

when there are signs of shipping damage to any part of the
instrument's outer covers or panels.

Check if the Agilent 81133A or 81134A shipping container contains
the following standard deliverables:

• The Agilent 81133A or 81134A Pulse Generator

• The Getting Started Brochure and the Product CD

• The Agilent IO Libraries Suite on CD with Quick Start Sheet, which
shows how to connect the instrument to a PC running the Agilent IO
Libraries Suite

•A power cable

•A USB cable

If the contents are incomplete, if there is mechanical damage, or if the
instrument does not work within its specifications, notify the nearest
Agilent office. The Agilent office will arrange for repair or replacement
without awaiting settlement.

Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005 9

Safety Requirements Power Requirements

Power Requirements

NOTE When the front panel switch is off, the instrument is in “standby”

mode. The instrument is disconnected from the AC line power only by
disconnecting the power cord.

The instrument can operate from any single-phase AC power source
supplying 100 – 240 V in the frequency range from 47 – 63 Hz. The
maximum power consumption is 200 VA with all options installed.
When the instrument is switched on the power supply adapts
automatically to the applied AC power (Auto Selection) and monitors
the AC power range during operation.

Performance Requirements

For best performance of data transfer and for EMC compliance use an
Agilent 82357-61601 Mini-USB cable only.

Ventilation Requirements

Make sure that there is adequate clearance of 50 mm (2 in) at the top
and right side to ensure adequate air flow. If the air flow is restricted,
the internal operating temperature will be higher, reducing the
instrument's reliability.

NOTE Do not cover the ventilation holes.

10 Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005

Cleaning Recommendation Safety Requirements

Cleaning Recommendation

Use a dry cloth or one slightly dampened with water to clean external
case parts. Do not attempt to clean internally.

WARNING To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the instrument from mains

before cleaning.

Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005 11

Safety Requirements Declaration of Conformity

Declaration of Conformity

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and CEN/CENELEC EN 45014

Manufacturer s Name:

Manufacturer s Address:

Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH

Boeblingen Verifications Solutions (BVS)

Herrenberger Str. 130

D-71034 Boeblingen

Declares, that the product

Product Name: 3.35 GHz Pulse Generator

Model Numbers: 81133A

81134A

Single Channel Pulse Generator

Dual Channel Pulse Generator

Product Options: This declaration covers all options of the above products.

Conforms with the following European Directives:

The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC

(including 93/68/EEC) and carries the CE Marking accordingly.

Conforms with the following product standards:

EMC

Safety

Standard

IEC 61326-1:1997+A1:1998 / EN 61326-1:1997+A1:1998

CISPR 11:1997 / EN 55011:1998 Group 1 Class A

IEC 61000-4-2:1995 / EN 61000-4-2:1995 4 kV CD, 8 kV AD

IEC 61000-4-3:1995 / EN 61000-4-3:1995+A1:1998 3 V/m, 80-1000 MHz

IEC 61000-4-4:1995 / EN 61000-4-4:1995 0.5 kV signal lines, 1 kV power lines

IEC 61000-4-5:1995 / EN 61000-4-5:1995 0.5 kV line-line, 1 kV line-ground

IEC 61000-4-6:1996 / EN 61000-4-6:1996 3 V, 0.15-80 MHz

IEC 61000-4-8:1993 / EN 61000-4-8:1993 30 A/m

IEC 61000-4-11:1994 / EN 61000-4-11:1994 1 cycle/100%

Canada: ICES-001:1998

Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS 2064.1

IEC 61010-1:2001 /EN 61010-1:2001

Canada: CSA C22.2 No. 1010.1:1992

USA: UL 3111-1:1994

Limit

Supplemental Information:

The products were tested in a typical configuration with Agilent Technologies test systems.

2002-August-01

Date

Authorized EU-representative: Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH, Herrenberger Strasse 130, D-71034 Boeblingen, Germany

Revision: A Issue Date: 2002-August-01

For further information, please contact your local Agilent Technologies sales office, agent or distributor.

Hans-Martin Fischer

Name

Product Regulations Engineer

Title

12 Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005

Introduction to the Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator

The Agilent 81133A and 81134A Pulse/Pattern Generators are high­end, easy-to-use tools for generating pulses, patterns and data at
speeds up to 3.35 GHz. They are ideal instruments for testing logic
devices (for example, ECL, LVDS, LVPECL) and other digital devices
with clock rates from 15 MHz to 3.35 GHz.

You can use the Pulse Generators for applications where timing and
performance are critical and full control over signal jitter is required.
The instruments are ideal data and pattern sources for eye diagram
measurements.

Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005 13

Introduction to the Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator Benefits and Key Features

Benefits and Key Features

Your adv anta ges ar e:

• Fast rise times, low jitter and full parameter flexibility

When timing is critical, the 81133A/81134A’s fast rise times, the low
jitter and full parameter flexibility make it an ideal pulse, clock and
data source.

•PRBS from 2

You can evaluate the performance of a device in eye diagram
measurements with PRBS from 2

• Full signal manipulation

You can add jitter to clock or data signals with the Delay Control
Input and deform the eye with the Variable Crossover feature.

5

-1 … 231-1

5

-1 … 231-1.

• Predefined levels

You can use the predefined levels to easily set up channels for
commonly used logic families. These are: ECL, LVPECL, LVDS.

• Data can be 8 kB of pattern memory

You can create large data patterns with 8 kB of pattern memory.

Key Features Overview

The key features are:

Frequency Range 15 MHz – 3.35 GHz
Clock Jitter < 2 ps RMS
Voltage Amplitude 50 mV … 2.00 V
PRBS 2
Transition Times 20% - 80%

(10% - 90%)
Delay Modulation Range (Jitter) ± 250 ps, ± 25 ps selectable
Data 8 kBit memory, RZ, NRZ,

Delay Range -5 ns … 230 ns
Frequency Divider 1, 2, 4, ... 128

5

-1 … 231-1

< 50 ps
(< 80 ps)

Burst Capability

Frequency Divider The freqency of the output signals must always be > 15 MHz. This

limits the available range for the frequency divider (for example, for a
32 MHz signal, for the frequency divider, 2 (= 16 MHz) is available, but
not 4 (= 8 MHz)).

14 Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005

Front Panel Overview Introduction to the Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator

Front Panel Overview

The following figure shows the main elements of the front panel.

Interface

Softkeys Inputs and outputsGraphical User

Tab Keys to navigate
between the pages

The front panel has the following elements:

• Graphical User Interface
The graphical user interface is used for monitoring (and changing)

the instrument’s settings

Numeric
Keys

Navigation knob

•Softkeys
The softkeys provide context-sensitive functions (functionality

changes according to requirements)

•Numeric keys
Used to set parameter values.

•Tab keys
Used to scroll through the pages of the graphical user interface.

• Navigation knob
Used to navigate through and to change parameter values in an easy

way, and also for navigating through the online help.
For more information, see “Operating the Agilent 81133A/81134A

Pulse Generator” on page 19.

•Inputs and Outputs
The instrument provides global and channel-specific inputs and

outputs as described in the following section.

Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005 15

Introduction to the Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator Front Panel Overview

Input and Outputs

Global Inputs
and Outputs

Channel Inputs
and Outputs

The Agilent 81133A/81134A pulse generator provides the following
inputs and outputs:

Channel Specific Inputs and Outputs For each channel:

•One Delay Control Input to apply an external signal for jitter
modulation.

For more information, see “Jitter Modulation” on page 83.

• One normal and one inverted Output for the generated signal

Global Inputs and Outputs For the instrument:

•Clock Input
The clock input is used to apply an external clock signal or a

reference signal for the internal PLL if a higher frequency accuracy
than 50ppm is required.

This input can be AC or DC terminated. If it is DC is terminated, the
termination voltage can be set.

For more information, see “Clock Sources” on page 73.

•Start Input
The start input is used to start the instrument on an external signal.
For more information, see “Start Mode” on page 75.

• Trigger Output
The trigger output can be used to trigger another instrument.
For more information, see “Trigger Out” on page 75.

16 Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005

Front Panel Overview Introduction to the Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator

LEDs The front panel of the 81133A/81134A pulse generator contains the

following LEDs:

LED Description

Unlock When this LED is lit, the frequency entered for the external clock

does not match the actual input from the external clock. In this
state, the internal PLL is not locked and the instrument's outputs
may not be within specification.

You have to either reenter the frequency of the external clock, or ex­ecute the Measure function. See “Clock Sources” on page 73 for
details.

Active When lit, indicates that the instrument is either in external or direct

external clock mode. A valid external clock signal has to be applied
to the clock input.

If not lit, the internal clock source is used.

Armed Indicates that the instrument is waiting for a signal at the Start In-

put.

When the specified signal arrives, the instrument starts generating
signals.

Port LEDs Indicate the status of the port. When the LED is lit, the port is

active.

Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005 17

Introduction to the Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator Rear Panel Overview

Rear Panel Overview

At the rear panel, you can find the connectors for the remote
programming interfaces GPIB, USB and LAN, and the power
connector.

GPIB LAN

USB

18 Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005

Operating the Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator

The instrument provides several navigation buttons that make it easy
to scroll through the different pages of the graphical user interface
and to change parameter values.

Scrolling through the Pages

To scroll through the different pages, use the instrument's tab keys
(located below the navigation knob).

See “Navigation through the Pages” on page 20.

Changing Parameter Values

To change parameter values, use the navigation knob.

The following sections shows:

• “How to Navigate through the Parameters at one Page” on page 21

• “How to Select a Parameter from a Selection List” on page 21

• “How to Change a Number Field” on page 23

Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005 19

Operating the Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator Navigation through the Pages

Navigation through the Pages

The key tabs at the lower left corner of the display allows you to scroll
through the different pages (Main, Channel, Data, Aux, and Config) of
the graphical user interface.

Channel Page

Main Page

Config Page

Aux Page

Data Page

20 Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005

How to Navigate through the Parameters at one Page Operating the Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator

How to Navigate through the Parameters at one Page

The navigation knob makes it easy to move through and set the
parameters:

♦ Rotate the navigation knob to move from one parameter to the next.

How to Select a Parameter from a Selection List

To select a parameter from a selection list:

1 Move the selection to the corresponding list by rotating the

navigation knob.

Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005 21

Operating the Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator How to Select a Parameter from a Selection List

2 Press the navigation knob to open the selection list.

Press

Press

PressPress

3 Rotate the navigation knob to scroll through the list.

Press

Press

PressPress

4 Select an item by pressing the navigation knob (like clicking with

the mouse).

22 Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005

How to Change a Number Field Operating the Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator

How to Change a Number Field

You have three possibilities for changing a number field:

• By entering new values with the keypad

• By using the navigation knob to modify the values for fine-tuning

• By changing single digits

Entering New Values

To enter a new value:

1 Focus at the number field by rotating the navigation knob to the

desired position.

2 Enter the value using the keypad.

You can tell if the value in a field is active by the color of the field:

– Yellow: Value is active (affects output).

– Orange: Value is inactive.

Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005 23

Operating the Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator How to Change a Number Field

3 Modify the unit:

– By pressing the respective softkey function (in this case, you can

immediately see the changes at the output).

Softkey functions
to select the unit

Press

Press

PressPress

Press

Press

PressPress

– OR –

By rotating the navigation knob.
In this case, you have to press Enter or the navigation knob to see

the changes at the output.

Modify Values (Fine-Tuning)

To modify the value by using the navigation knob:

1 Focus at the number field by rotating the navigation knob to the

desired position.

2 Press Enter or the navigation knob once to set the focus.

24 Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005

How to Change a Number Field Operating the Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator

3 Press and rotate the navigation knob to set the least significant digit

to change.

Press

Press

PressPress

NOTE This method is useful for fine-tuning. It also changes the values in real-

time, so that you can immediately see the changes at the output.

4 Rotate the navigation knob to change the value.

5 Press the navigation knob once when you are done.

Changing Single Digits

NOTE This procedure can also be used to change the unit of the parameter.

1 Focus at the number field by rotating the navigation knob to the

desired position.

2 Press and rotate the navigation knob to select the digit (number or

unit).

Press

Press

PressPress

NOTE You can also press the arrows next to navigation knob.

3 Release the navigation knob.

Now when you rotate it, the number (or the unit) changes.

4 Press the navigation knob to set the number (or the unit).

Press

Press

PressPress

You can now see the changes at the output.

Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005 25

Operating the Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator How to Change a Number Field

26 Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005

Setting Up Generic and Advanced Signals

The intention of this chapter is to give the necessary steps to set up
generic and advanced signals for first-time users of the Agilent
81133A/81134A Pulse Generator.

Examples are given for the following types of signals:

• “Setting Up a Clock Signal” on page 28

• “Setting Up a Pulse Signal” on page 36

• “Setting Up a Data Pattern” on page 40

• “Setting Up a Burst Signal” on page 46

• “Setting Up a Repetitive Burst Signal” on page 52

• “Setting Up Signals for a Stressed Eye Diagram Measurement” on

page 58

All these signals can be set up either by using the user interface, or by
sending SCPI commands. In the following examples, both are
described.

It is intended that you work through the example in the order in which
they appear. The first example therefore provides the most detailed
instructions, while the other examples are described in less detail.

NOTE For all examples, the Agilent 81134A Pulse Generator (with two

channels) is used.

Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005 27

Setting Up Generic and Advanced Signals Setting Up a Clock Signal

Setting Up a Clock Signal

Ta s k Set up two clock signals with 100 MHz and 200 MHz frequencies, a

duty cycle of 50%, a high level of 1.0 V and a low level of 0 V.

Duty Cycle = 50%

1.0 V

0.0 V

f = 200 MHz

1.0 V

0.0 V

f = 100 MHz

Use Cases Generating clock signals can be used for:

•Boards evaluation

•Microprocessors

•A/D Converters

• PCI/PCI-X validation

• Digital ASIC design for high-speed HDD

Duty Cycle = 50%

28 Agilent 81133A/81134A Pulse Generator User’s Guide, January 2005