Atec Agilent-81100 User Manual

Agilent 81110A

Agilent 81100 Family of
Pulse Pattern Generators

Data Sheet – Version 1.3

Signals for testing digital designs and
components

The Agilent 81101A, 81104A, 81110A and 81130A generate all
the standard pulses and digital patterns needed to test current
logic technologies (CMOS, TTL, LVDS, ECL, etc.).

With the optional second channel on all of the models from
80 MHz to 660 MHz, multi-level and multi-timing signals can
be obtained using the internal channel addition feature.

• Variable pulse parameters in pattern mode as well as in
pulse mode (not on the 81130A)

• Synchronously triggerable

• Simulation of reflections/distortions

• (81104A, 81110A)

• Three/four-level codes (81104A, 81110A)

Flexible Pulses or Patterns for Digital
Designs – Key Features

• Pattern mode on all models from 80 MHz to 660 MHz,
including pseudo-random binary sequence

• The outputs of dual-channel instruments can be added
(analog or EXOR, depending on model)

• User-retrofittable channels for most models

• Upward compatibility

• Individual solutions for frequencies up to 50, 80, 165, 330,
400 and 660 MHz

• 100% form/fit compatibility

Glitch-free timing changes

Timing values can now be swept without
the danger of misleading pulses or
dropouts that could cause measurement
errors. (Applies to continuous mode,
values < 100 ms, consecutive values
between 0.5 and twice the previous value
on the 81101A, 81104A, 81110A).

Reliable measurements

All models provide clean, accurate pulses
with excellent repeatability, thus contribut­ing to measurement integrity.

The Agilent 81110A features self-calibration
for more accuracy. It also offers a choice
of output modules. The Agilent 81111A
165 MHz 10 V module with variable transitions.

Along with the Agilent 81112A 330 MHz

3.8 V module, which has differential out­puts and two selectable transition times.

The Agilent 81130A offers a choice of
output modules: the Agilent 81131A
400 MHz, 3.8 V module and the Agilent
81132A 660 MHz, 2.5 V module which has
complementary outputs.

Easy-to-use

Features such as the clear graphical
display, autoset, help, store/recall, preset
TTL/ECL levels, selectable units (such as
current/voltage, width/duty-cycle), and
load compensation ensure a high level of
convenience.

Stimulate the device’s
environment

Today’s devices can require very complex
stimuli. To meet this, the Agilent 81130A
can sequence and loop its memory for
very deep patterns. RZ (return-to-zero),
NRZ (non-return-to- zero) and R1 (return­to-one) formats are available. Digital
channel addition allows the generation
of signals with two different pulse widths
and delays or of data rates up to

1.32 Gbit/s in one single channel.

Frequency range

The Agilent 81130A is designed and
recommended for an operation in the
frequency range of 170 kHz to 400/
660 MHz. However it can be operated in
the extended range down to 1 kHz.

Agilent 81100 - Family of Pulse Pattern Generators

Mainframes 81101A 81104A 81110A 81110A 81130A 81130A

Channel model 81101A 81105A 81111A 81112A 81131A 81132A

# of channels 1 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2

Frequency range 1 mHz - 50 MHz 1 mHz - 80 MHz 1 mHz - 165 MHz 1 mHz - 330 MHz 1 kHz - 400 MHz 1 kHz - 660 MHz

Variable delay range 20 ns - 999.5 s 12.5 ns - 999.5 s 6.06 ns - 999.5 s 1.515 - 999.5 2.5 ns - 1 ms 1.5 ns - 1 ms

Period RMS - jitter 0.00 s - 999.5 s 0.00 s - 999.5 s 0.00 ns - 999.5 s 0.00 ns - 999.5 s 0.00 ns to 3.00 µs 0.00 ns to 3.00 µs

Width range 10 ns to 9.995 s 6.25 ns - 9.995 s 3.03 ns - 999.5 s 1.515 ns - 999.5 s

Amplitude range 100 mV - 20.0 V

Transition time
range (10/90)

Dropout and glitch
free timing change

Source impedance 50 Ω or 1 kΩ 50 Ω or 1 kΩ 50 Ω or 1 kΩ 50 Ω 50 Ω 50 Ω

5.00 ns - 200 ms 3.00 ns - 200 ms 2.00 ns - 200 ms

Yes Yes Yes Yes No No

1

100 mV - 20.0 V

1

100 mV - 20.0 V

1

100 mV to 3.8 V 100 mV to 3.8 V 100 mV - 2.5 V

800 ps or 1.6 ns
selectable

1.25 ns -
(period-1.25 ns)

800 ps or 1.6 ns
selectable

1. Depends on selected impedance (all other values for 50 Ω source impedance into 50 Ω load).

2. 0.001% +15 ps with internal PLL as clock source.

3. Also avalable as VXI pulse pattern generators E8311A and E8312A.

750 ps ­(period - 750 ps)

500 ps typ.
fixed

2

Data Sheet 81100 Family of Pulse Pattern Generators

81101A Specifications

Timing Characteristics

Measured at 50% amplitude at fastest transitions in continuous mode and 50 Ω source impedance.

Mainframe Agilent 81101A

Frequency range 1 mHz to 50 MHz

Timing resolution 3.5 digits, 5 ps best case

Period RMS jitter

• With PLL

• With VCO

Period range

• Accuracy with PLL /VCO

Width range
Accuracy

RMS jitter

• Additional variable delay range

• Accuracy

RMS jitter

• Double pulse delay range

Accuracy ±5% ± 500 ps

Transition time range (10/90) 5 ns to 200 ms variable

Accuracy ±10% ±200 ps

Linearity 3% typ. for transitions > 100 ns

2

0.001% + 15 ps

0.01% + 15 ps

20 ns to 999.5 s
± 0.01% (±5%) (similar to RMS jitter)

10.0 ns to (period - 10.0 ns)
±5% ±250 ps

0.01% + 15 ps
0 ns to (period -20 ns)
±5% ±1 ns

0.01% + 15 ps
(width + 10.0 ns) to (period- width - 10.0 ns)

1

1. Changing of amplitude may add 0.5 ns.

2. Width accuracy specification is valid up to 5.5 Vpp amplitude. Above this amplitude, the width
will typically increase up to 300 ps.

Burst Count: 2 to 65536 (single or double
pulses).

Transition times: These can be entered
as leading/trailing edge or % of width.
Leading and trailing edges are indepen-

Delay: Delay, phase or % of period.

dent within one of the following over-

lapping segments (1:20 ratio):
Double pulse delay: Double pulse and
delay are mutually exclusive.

• 5 ns - 20 ns

• 10 ns - 200 ns
Duty cycle: Set between 0.1% and 95%
(subject to width limits. 99.9% with
overprogramming).

• 100 ns - 2 µs

• 1µs - 20 µs

• 10 µs - 200 µs

• 100 µs - 2 ms

• 1 ms - 20 ms

• 10 ms - 200 ms

Repeatability: Is typically four times better
than accuracy

Output timing fidelity: Period, delay and
width are continuously variable without
any output glitches or dropouts.

Data Sheet 81100 Family of Pulse Pattern Generators

3

Level/Pulse Performance Characteristics

Level specifications are valid after a 30 ns typical settling time.

Agilent 81101A

Amplitude 50 Ω into 50 Ω

1 kΩ into 50 Ω

Level window 50 Ω into 50 Ω

1 kΩ into 50 Ω

Accuracy 50 Ω into 50 Ω

1 kΩ into 50 Ω

Resolution 50 Ω into 50 Ω

1 kΩ into 50 Ω

Output connectors BNC single-ended

100 mVpp to 10.0 V
200 mVpp to 20.0 V

-10.0 V to +10.0 V

-20.0 V to +20.0 V

± (3% + 75 mV)
± (3% + 150 mV)

10 mV
20 mV

Load compensation: The actual load
value can be entered (for loads ≠ 50 Ω)

pp
pp

to display actual output values.

On/off: Relays connect/disconnect
output (HiZ).

1

Normal/complement: Selectable.
Limit: Programmable high and low levels

can be limited to protect the device­under-test.

Source impedance Selectable 50 Ω or 1 kΩ

Accuracy Typ. ± 1%

Max. external voltage ± 24 V

Short circuit current ± 400 mA max.

Base line noise 10 mV RMS typ.

Overshoot/preshoot/
ringing

± 5% of amplitude ± 20 mV

1. In ±19 V level window

Trigger modes

Continuous: Continuous pulses, double
pulses or bursts (single or double pulses).

Inputs and outputs

Clock input/PLL reference and external
input: One input (BNC connector at rear

panel) is used for clock input or alterna-

External triggered: Each active input

tively for the PLL.
transition (rising, falling or both) generates
a single or double pulse or burst.

PLL reference: The internal PLL is locked

to an external 5 MHz or 10 MHz reference
External gated: The active input level (high

frequency.
or low) enables pulses, double pulses or
bursts. The last single/double pulse or
burst is always completed.

External width: The pulse shape can be
recovered whilst the period and width of

Clock input: The output period is

determined by the signal at CLK input.

Ext. input: Used for trigger, gate or

external width.
an external input signal are maintained.
Levels and transitions can be set.

Level parameters: Can be entered as volt-

age or current, as high and low level, or as
Manual: Simulates an external input

offset and amplitude.
signal.

Input impedance: 50 Ω/10 kΩ
selectable.

Threshold: -10 V to +10 V.

Max. input voltage: ±15 Vpp.

Sensitivity: 300 mVpp typical.

Input transitions: < 100 ns.

Frequency: Dc to 50 MHz.

Minimum pulse width: 10 ns

Strobe output and trigger output trigger
format: One pulse per period with 50%

duty cycle typical.

External mode: 9 ns typ.

Level: TTL or ECL selectable.

Output impedance: 50 Ω typical.

Max. external voltage: -2 V/+7 V.

Transition times: 1.0 ns typical for TTL,

600 ps typical for ECL.

Internal triggered: Internal PLL replaces
an external trigger source.

4

Data Sheet 81100 Family of Pulse Pattern Generators

Typical delay times Agilent 81101A

Instrument mode From To Typ. value

External width Ext. input Strobe/trigger out

All other modes Ext. input/clk input

Strobe/trigger out

Output 1/output 2

Strobe/trigger out
Output 1/output 2
Output 1/output 2

8.5 ns

22.5 ns

12.0 ns
29 ns
17 ns