Agilent Technologies 81101A User Manual

Agilent 81101A 50 MHz Pulse Generator

Quick Start Guide

Front Panel Display and Softkeys

Mode / Parameter Area Modify / Enter Area

Use the CURSOR keys to move

the entry focus to a mode,

parameter format, or

parameter value

Entry Focus

Use the KNOB to select a

mode or modify parameters

and formats

Press ENTER or a UNIT key to

confirm parameter changes

Per 1.000µµµµs Normal

Delay1 0ps Width LeadE TraiE

100.0ns

5.00ns =LeadE

OUTPUT TRG-LEVLIMITSMODE/TRG

Press a SOFTKEY to access

the required entry screen

Screen Selection Area

OFF

Offset Amplit

+0.0mV

1.00V

50ΩΩΩΩ into 50.0ΩΩΩΩ

MODE/TRG TRG-LEV MEMCARD CONFIG

MODIFY

*OFF ON

Press MORE key to access

the additional screen menus:

GRAPH

Quick Start Guide

Agilent 81101A 50 MHz

Pulse Generator

Part No. 81101-91020

Printed in Germany March 2000

Edition 1.1, E0300

Notice



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.

Notice

The material contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Agilent Technologies makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent Technologies shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.

Warranty

This Agilent Technologies product has a warranty against defects in material and workmanship for a period of three years from date of shipment. During the warranty period, Agilent Technologies will, at its option, either repair or replace products that prove to be defective. For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a service facility designated by Agilent Technologies. The Buyer shall pay Agilent Technologies round-trip travel expenses. For products returned to Agilent Technologies for warranty service, the Buyer shall prepay shipping charges to Agilent Technologies and Agilent Technologies shall pay shipping charges to return the product to the Buyer. However, the Buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties and taxes for products returned to Agilent Technologies from another country.

Notice

Agilent Technologies warrants that its software and firmware designated by Agilent Technologies for use with an instrument will execute its programming instructions when properly installed on that instrument. Agilent Technologies does not warrant that the operation of the instrument software, or firmware, will be uninterrupted or error free.

Limitation of Warranty

The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by the Buyer, Buyer-supplied software or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside of the environmental specifications for the product, or improper site preparation or maintenance. No other warranty is expressed or implied. Agilent Technologies specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

Exclusive Remedies

The remedies supplied are the Buyer's sole and exclusive remedies. Agilent Technologies shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages, whether based on contract, tort or any other legal theory.

Certification

Agilent Technologies certifies that this product met its published specifications at the time of shipment. Agilent Technologies further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United States Institute of Standards and Technology, to the extent allowed by the Institute's calibrating facility, and to the calibration facilities of other International Standards Organization members.

Services and Support

Any adjustment, maintenance, or repair of this product must be performed by qualified personnel. Contact your customer engineer through your local Agilent Technologies Service Center. You can find a list of local service representatives on the Web at:

http://www.agilent.com/Service/English/index.html

Safety Summary

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.

General

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 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.

Before Applying Power

Verify that the product is set to match the available line voltage, the correct fuse is installed, and all safety precautions are taken. Note the instrument's external markings described under Safety Symbols on

page 8.

Safety Summary

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.

Fuses

Only fuses with the required rated current, voltage, and specified type (normal blow, time delay, etc.) should be used. Do not use repaired fuses or short-circuited fuse holders. To do so could cause a shock or fire hazard.

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 service 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.

Safety Summary

Safety Symbols

Caution (refer to accompanying documents)

Protective earth (ground) terminal

In the manuals:

WARNING

CAUTION

The WARNING sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure, practice, or the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

The CAUTION sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, or the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of part or all of the product. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

About this Book

This quick start guide helps you to quickly get familiar with the features and the user interface of the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator.

Chapter 1 Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator on page 15 gives a general overview of the Agilent 81101A, its features, the user

interface, and the steps required for operating the instrument.

For getting started Chapter 2 Getting Started on page 29 gives the setup information for some real-world signal examples, which can easily be used by varying only some parameter values.

Chapter 3 Using the Agilent 81101A on page 43 provides complete

information on the user interface screens.

Installation and maintenance are described in Appendix A Installation

& Maintenance on page 75.

For specifications and information on operating the instrument by means of remote control, please refer to the Reference Guide, p/n 81101-91021.

About this Book

Conventions Used in this Book

This book uses certain conventions to indicate elements of the Agilent 81101As user interface. The following table shows some examples:

Softkeys Press the MODE/TRG softkey to access the Mode/

Trigger screen.

Hardkeys Press the MORE key to switch to the alternative

softkey layout.

Alternate Keys Press SHIFT + 0 (ON/OFF) to switch on the output.

The alternate key labelwhich is selected by pressing the SHIFT keyis given in parentheses.

Screen Quotes Move the entry focus down to P

turn the knob to select

INTERNAL

ULSE-PERIOD

PLL.

and

Entry Focus The highlight field, that can be moved with the

cursor keys, to change modes, parameters, or parameter formats.

Contents

Notice ......................................................................................... 4

Safety Summary ......................................................................... 6

About this Book ......................................................................... 9

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator

What you can do with the Agilent 81101A ............................ 16

The Front Panel ....................................................................... 18

Operating the Agilent 81101A ................................................ 20

Switching On the Instrument .............................................................. 20

The Basic Screens ................................................................................. 21

Adjusting Parameters ........................................................................... 23

Switching the Output On and Off ....................................................... 26

Using the Special Function Keys ........................................................ 26

Help is Available ...................................................................... 27

The Rear Panel ........................................................................ 28

Getting Started

Setting Up a Clock Signal ....................................................... 30

Setting Up a Pulse Signal ........................................................ 35

Setting Up a Burst Signal ....................................................... 39

Contents

Chapter 3

Using the Agilent 81101A

The Mode/Trigger Screen ....................................................... 44

Overview ................................................................................................. 44

Continuous Pulses Mode ...................................................................... 46

Continuous Burst Mode ........................................................................ 47

Triggered Pulses Mode ......................................................................... 48

Triggered Burst Mode ........................................................................... 50

Gated Pulses Mode ................................................................................ 52

Gated Burst Mode ................................................................................. 54

External Width Mode ............................................................................ 55

The Output Screen ................................................................. 56

Timing Parameters ................................................................................ 56

Level Parameters ................................................................................... 61

The Limits Screen ................................................................... 64

The Trigger-Level Screen ....................................................... 65

Threshold and Impedance Parameters ............................................... 65

Trigger and Strobe Level Parameters ................................................. 66

Appendix A

The Memory Card Screen ....................................................... 67

The Configuration Screen ...................................................... 70

Warnings and Errors .............................................................. 72

Installation & Maintenance

Initial Inspection .................................................................... 76

Standard Deliverables ........................................................................... 77

Options and Accessories: ..................................................................... 78

xii

Contents

Power Requirements ............................................................... 80

Power Cable ............................................................................. 82

Ventilation Requirements ....................................................... 83

Thermal Protection ............................................................................... 83

Battery ..................................................................................... 84

Battery Replacement ............................................................................ 85

Operating Environment .......................................................... 86

Cleaning Recommendation ..................................................... 87

Acoustic Noise Emission ......................................................... 88

xiii

Contents

xiv

1Introducing the

Agilent 81101A Pulse

Generator

The purpose of the introduction chapter is to give a general overview of the Agilent 81101A.

The main features and use models are described in What you can do

with the Agilent 81101A on page 16.

Operating the instrument via the front panel user interface is described in

The Front Panel on page 18 and Operating the Agilent 81101A on page 20.

Help is Available on page 27 shortly introduces the Agilent 81101As

on-line help system.

Finally, The Rear Panel on page 28 takes a look at the back of the Agilent 81101A.

Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator

What you can do with the Agilent 81101A

This section introduces the basic features and use models of the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator.

Basic Features

The Agilent 81101A is a single-channel pulse generator with variable transition times. It is capable of generating all standard pulses and bursts of pulses needed to test current logic technologies (for example, TTL, CMOS, ECL, PECL, LVDS, GTL) and other digital designs up to 50 MHz.

The instrument features two internal oscillators:



a synchronously triggerable internal oscillator



an accurate, stable internal PLL

For even more accuracy, an external frequency reference can be connected.

Any timing parameter can be varied without glitch or drop out. This contributes to more accurate and confident characterizations of the device under test (DUT).

Complete signal setups can be stored locally (9 internal non-volatile registers available) or on a memory card.

Benchtop Testing

The Agilent 81101A features a graphic display showing all pulse parameters at a glance. The cursor keys and the modify knob allow fast and simple operation.

The user interface is designed to minimize the time invested in getting familiar with the instrument. After familiarization, the instrument supports quick setups of signals. This leaves you free to concentrate on the measurement task and testing of the DUT.

Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator

What you can do with the Agilent 81101A

Automated Testing

The Agilent 81101A features an GP-IB/SCPI-conform command structure for all features. Using this programming interface, the instrument can be easily integrated into all phases of test system development such as planning rack integration and test program generation.

Programs designed for the Agilent 81101A are compatible with all other models of the Agilent 81100 family.

NOTE

For a command reference list, please refer to the Reference Guide, part number 81101-91021.

Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator

The Front Panel

When used for benchtop testing, the instrument is mainly operated from the front panel.

Front Panel Switch

NOTE

Special Function Keys Data Entry Keys

Softkeys MORE Key Inputs and Outputs

front panel switch

The

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 four keys below the display are the keys). The current function of each softkey is indicated in the corresponding box on the display.

Pressing the MORE key changes the softkey layout.

The other keys ( and the operating the instrument (see Operating the Agilent 81101A on

page 20).

special function keys, data entry keys, cursor keys

rotary knob

is used to switch on and off the instrument.

are used to select and modify parameters when

Cursor Keys

softkeys

(software-controlled

Rotary Knob

)

Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator

The Front Panel

The major inputs and outputs of the instrument are available at the front panel:



The external input (EXT INPUT) can be used to connect an external arming source (triggered or gated modes), or to perform pulse recovery (external width mode). For details, please refer to The

Mode/Trigger Screen on page 44.



The strobe output (STROBE OUT) provides a signal indicating the duration of a burst.

In burst mode, the STROBE OUT signal marks the start and end of each burst of pulses generated. The rising edge of the STROBE signal is synchronized to the start of the first pulse period in a burst, the falling edge is synchronized to the start of the last pulse period in the burst. (see The Mode/Trigger Screen on page 44).

You can set the output levels to TTL or ECL (see The Trigger-Level

Screen on page 65)



The trigger signal (TRIGGER OUT) marks the start of each pulse period (see The Mode/Trigger Screen on page 44). You can set the output levels to TTL or ECL (see The Trigger-Level Screen on

page 65).

NOTE



The OUTPUT provides the signal output, the indicator shows the current state of the output (on or off).

An input connector for external frequency reference (CLOCK/REF INP.) is available at the rear panel (see The Rear Panel on page 28). When the rear panel option UN2 is ordered, all input and output connectors are available at the rear panel.

For information on the use of the memory card slot, refer to The

Memory Card Screen on page 67.

Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator

Operating the Agilent 81101A

This section guides you through the first steps when operating the Agilent 81101A via the user interface.

NOTE

For information on operating the Agilent 81101A via remote control, please refer to the Reference Guide, part number 81101-91021.

Switching On the Instrument

After switching on the instrument the display indicates that the instrument selftest is running. This can take several seconds to complete.

If the selftest fails, you see a flashing E at the bottom of the screen. Press the HELP key to see a list of the selftest error messages. Use the knob or the cursor keys to scroll through the list if necessary.

To return to normal operation press HELP again. Note that the selftest error messages are removed from the error queue after this.

Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator

Operating the Agilent 81101A

The Basic Screens

The major parameters for pulse generation can be set up in only two screens.

Mode/Trigger screen

The and trigger modes with respect to the signal required.

allows you to set the fundamental operating

Press the MODE/ TRG softkey to access this screen.

CONTINUOUS

PULSES

MODIFY

Single-Pulses at Out1

*PulseStrm Burst

Pulse-Period: internal Osc

OUTPUT TRG-LEVLIMITSMODE/TRG

In this screen, you can set up the signal to be triggered or continuous, and to be a pulse stream or a burst (several pulses followed by a pause) consisting of single or double pulses.

In the lower section you can specify the frequency source for the pulse period and the trigger source.

Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator

Operating the Agilent 81101A

Output screen

The for the signal to be generated.

allows you to specify timing and level parameters

Press the OUTPUT softkey to access this screen.

Per 1.000

Delay Width LeadE TraiE

µµµµ

s Normal

0ps

100.0ns

5.00ns =LeadE

Offset Amplit

ΩΩΩΩ

into 50.0

OFF

+0.0mV

1.00V

ΩΩΩΩ

MODIFY

*OFF ON

OUTPUT TRG-LEVLIMITSMODE/TRG

In the left part of this screen, you can set up the timing for the signal (period, pulse width, transition times, ...). The right part is for the levels (normal or inverted signal, offset and amplitude, impedance, ...).

Furthermore, you can switch on and off the output.

Pressing SHIFT + MORE (GRAPH) when the Output screen is displayed, toggles between the textual display and a graphical representation of the parameters. Depending on the current cursor position (left or right part), the timing parameters or the level parameters are visualized.

Per 1.000µµµµs Normal

Delay1 0ps Width LeadE TraiE

100.0ns

5.00ns =LeadE

Offset Amplit 50

OUTPUT TRG-LEVLIMITSMODE/TRG

OFF

+0.0mV

1.00V

ΩΩΩΩ

into 50.0

MODIFY

*OFF ON

ΩΩΩΩ

1 OFF

PERIOD

OFF

+11V

1.000

µµµµ

OUTPUT TRG-LEVLIMITSMODE/TRG

-11V OUTPUT TRG-LEVLIMITSMODE/TRG

Output 1

*OFF ON

Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator

Operating the Agilent 81101A

Adjusting Parameters

Adjusting parameters within a screen, requires two steps:



selecting the parameter



adjusting its value

Some parameters allow different formats of their values. For example, the pulse width can be displayed and entered as an absolute value, as duty cycle (percentage of the period), or as the delay of the trailing edge.

The following sections show the standard procedure for adjusting parameters, and list some features useful for the advanced user.

Standard Procedure

To experience the standard procedure for adjusting parameters, consider the following example where the duty cycle is set to 50%.

Press the OUTPUT softkey to access the Output screen.

Use the cursor keys to select the W

parameter.

IDTH

Selection Cursor Modify/Enter Area

Per 1.000

Delay

Width

LeadE TraiE

µµµµ

s Normal OFF

0ps

100.0ns

5.00ns =LeadE

Offset Amplit 50

ΩΩΩΩ

into 50.0

+0.0mV

1.00V

ΩΩΩΩ

MODIFY

*Width DutyCycle TrailDel

OUTPUT TRG-LEVLIMITSMODE/TRG

The available formats for the pulse width parameter are displayed in the Modify/Enter area.

Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator

Operating the Agilent 81101A

When changing the parameter format, the instrument automatically recalculates the value.

Turn the knob to select D The selected setting is indicated by an *.

Move the cursor to the right to select the duty cycle value.

Use the data entry keys or the knob to enter the required value: 50.

Press the ENTER key to confirm your selection.

UTYCYCLE

Per 1.000

Delay1 0.0ps DtyCyc LeadE TraiE

µµµµ

s Normal OFF

50.00%

6.00ns =LeadE

Offset Amplit 50

ΩΩΩΩ

into 50.0

+0.0mV

1.00V

MODIFY

50.00

ΩΩΩΩ

OUTPUT TRG-LEVLIMITSMODE/TRG

If you need to specify a unit for a parameter, simply press the appropriate unit key (

With this small example, you have learned the basic steps required for adjusting parameters. For a complete reference of parameters and formats available in the individual screens, refer to Chapter 3 Using the

Agilent 81101A on page 43.

NANO, MICRO/MEGA, MILLI/KILO

) instead of the ENTER key.

SHIFT

Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator

Operating the Agilent 81101A

Advanced Procedures

The following features can be used to make operation more comfortable.

 Selecting parameters

Most keys of the front panel have an additional function. The SHIFT key provides fast access to the additional functions of the data entry keys and the special function keys.

For example, it is possible to quickly access the pulse width parameter by pressing SHIFT + 6 (WIDTH). The entry focus will be positioned on the corresponding editing field.

 Changing the step size

SHIFT

NOTE

When modifying a value in the Modify/Enter area, pressing the SHIFT key followed by cursor left/right moves the cursor to a different digit in the displayed number.

Thus, you can change the step size for parameter change before you vary the value either with the up/down cursor keys or the knob.

 Overprogramming

Pressing the SHIFT key while turning the knob, it is possible to exceed specified parameter ranges to utilize the instrument to its limits.

Proper operation of the instrument outside of the specified ranges is not guaranteed. It is recommended to have the output switched on when overprogramming to have the internal error check system activated. This error check system warns you about impossible settings.

Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator

Operating the Agilent 81101A

Switching the Output On and Off

When you switch the instrument on, the output is switched off to protect the device under test. The LED indicator next to the output connector indicates the output state.

ON/OFF

MAN

RECALL

STORE

SHIFT

LOCAL

To switch the output on or off



either press SHIFT + 0 (ON/OFF),



or move the cursor to the ON/OFF parameter in the Output screen and select the appropriate value by turning the knob.

Using the Special Function Keys

The instrument provides the following special function keys:



The MAN key can be used in triggered or gated mode to manually trigger the instrument if there is no other source available (see The

Mode/Trigger Screen on page 44).



The STORE key can be used to store/recall to/from 1 to 9 individual settings in the instrument memory.

In the internal memory location 0 there is a default setting stored. Pressing SHIFT + STORE (RECALL) and selecting 0 resets the instrument to the default setting.



The SHIFT key provides fast access to additional functions. When the front panel controls are locked in remote control, pressing

the SHIFT key unlocks the front panel controls.

HELP



The HELP key provides access to the instruments on-line help or in warning or error state, access to Warning/Error Report screen.

Pressing SHIFT + HELP (AUTOSET) sets the instrument to a valid setting based on the current period setting.

Help

Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator

Help is Available

Whenever you are in doubt or the instrument signals warnings or errors, press the HELP key.

If there are no warnings or errors pending, pressing the HELP key displays information on the currently selected parameter, the parameter help. More information is available within the help system:

 Parameter Help

The help information gives a short description of the parameter or setting options and the corresponding SCPI command(s) syntax for programming the parameter or setting.

If there is more than one screen available (indicated by small arrows), use the knob or the cursor keys to scroll through the help information.

To access parameter help from other screens of the help system, press the ON FIELD softkey.

Warnings and Errors

Exit Help

 Concept Help

Pressing the CONCEPT softkey within the help system displays a short description of the instrument.

 Serial Numbers and Software Revision

Pressing the SERIAL # softkey within the help system displays information on serial numbers and software revision codes of the instrument.

If there are warnings or errors pending (indicated by a flushing W or E), pressing the HELP key displays a list of the current messages. Using the ERROR QU and WARNING softkeys, you can toggle between both lists. For more information on warnings and errors, see Warnings and Errors on

page 72.

To exit from the help system, press the HELP key again, or press the EXIT HELP softkey.

Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator

The Rear Panel

The rear panel always provides two connectors:



The input connector for external frequency reference (CLOCK/REF INP.). This input can be used if a higher frequency accuracy is required, or if you need frequency locking.



The GP-IB connector providing the interface for remote control.

The following figure shows the rear panel view with the option UN2.

GP-IB ConnectorExternal Reference

Inputs and Outputs

With option UN2 the major inputs and outputs of the instrument (as described in The Front Panel on page 18) are available at the rear panel:



external input (EXT INPUT)



strobe output (STROBE OUT)



trigger signal (TRIGGER OUT)



signal output (OUTPUT)

Fuse Holder AC Line Socket

Serial Number

2Getting Started

The intention of this chapter is to give the necessary steps to set up generic signals for first-time users of the Agilent 81101A.

This chapter provides examples for the following types of signals:



“Setting Up a Clock Signal” on page 30



“Setting Up a Pulse Signal” on page 35



“Setting Up a Burst Signal” on page 39

At the end of each example, the required set of device commands is listed to provide programming examples. For further information on the commands and a complete command reference please refer to the Reference Guide, p/n 81101-91021.

The examples are intended to be performed one after the other. Therefore, the first example provides the most detailed instructions, while the other examples are described on a higher level.

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