
FREQUENCY, FUNCTION & WAVEFORM SYNTHESIZERS
1 mHz-50 MHz Pulse/Function Generator
Model 8116A
Sine, triangle, square, haverfunctions and dc
1 mHz-50 MHz, 32 Vpp for all waveforms
Variable (10 ns min) pulse width, 6 ns transitions
Wide range of operating capability
Self-prompting operating concept
Error recognition and self test
Picture shows
8116A with
Option 001, Burst
and Logarithmic
Sweep.
The fully programmable HP 8116A features pulse as well as function generator capabilities in one small unit. A broad 1 mHz-50 MHz
band for all waveforms and a wide choice of operating and modulat-
ing modes assure high flexibility. These factors, plus good repeatabili-
ty, make the HP 8116A a sound, long-term investment.
HP's custom IC's have made it feasible to put the many HP 8116A
capabilities into such a small volume. Handling is simplified by a
unique, microprocessor-controlled, operating concept which ensures a
clear overview of the compact front panel at all times. When the mode
and waveform have been selected, illuminated labels show which pa-
rameters must be set. There's no clutter, no confusion.
Auto vernier. In normal mode, the HP 8116A's auto- vernier increments any desired parameter continuously until a stop signal is applied. This means that thresholds can be measured automatically,
without a controller.
Level or amplitude programming. The HP 8116A's output can be
programmed in terms of high and low levels or in terms of amplitude
and offset. Consequently a direct, automatic, conversion is always
feasible so that the HP 8116A can be programmed in the same terms
as the device is specified.
Safe limit. Devices can be protected by the limit feature. This prevents the output from exceeding a given magnitude.
For applications such as laser diodes or dc motors, square waves
can be programmed for constant duty cycles from 10% to 90%. For
digital test, or for simulating very low duty-cycle events, pulse width
can be programmed down to 10 ns. Square wave and Pulse modes
provide clean 6 ns edges that are ideal for many technologies. Pulse
width modulation and pulse recovery capability are available in Pulse
mode.
Sine and Triangle
10% to 90% duty cycle, programmable in 1% steps, provides ramps
and asymmetrical sine waves for testing VCO's, servos, amplifier linearity and industrial process control systems. Haverfunctions,
available in External Trigger, Gate and Burst modes, extend the applications to areas such as telephone line and vibration testing.
Modulation
All waveforms can be amplitude or frequency modulated. VCO operation allows frequency variation over two decades with an external
voltage; consequently transducer output can be conditioned for mag
tape recording, or frequency-shift keying or linear sweep can be carried out.
Option 001
10 1/2-decade log sweep. Sweep mode covers the wide 1 mHz - 50
MHz band in a single up sweep. Test setups require no more than an
X-Y recorder or scope because all necessary control signals are available. The HP 8116A sweeps can be internally triggered, if desired.
Accurate, counted bursts. A preprogrammed number of cycles of
any waveform can be generated in Burst mode. With sine, triangle
and square functions, bursts can be triggered internally as well as externally.
Hold capability. For material stress testing, low frequency functions
can be held at instantaneous levels. Hold is controlled by an external
signal.
for and
Powerful capability, small size and wide specified temperature
range make the HP 8116A a good choice for automatic test systems.
Also, the low cost means that it's now realistic to automate those routine bench jobs and leave more time for design. Comfortable software
features such as easy syntax and flexible format contribute to rapid
system design.
There's reliance in the HP 8116A's output because proper operation is always ensured by the instrument's error detector. This helps
the user to recover from an incorrect front panel or programming operation by indicating the offending parameter. Also, the built-in test
and diagnosis feature verifies correct function each time the instrument is switched on.

Specifications
Specifications apply with 50-ohm load and temperatures in the
range 0°C to 55°C.
Functions
Sine, triangle, ramp, square, pulse, haversine, havertriangle, dc.
Frequency
Range: 1 mHz to 50 MHz (3-digit resolution).
Accuracy1 (pulse mode, 50% d/c): ±3% ±0.3 mHz below 100 kHz,
Jitter (pulse mode, 50% d/c): <0.1% + 100 ps.
±5% above 100 kHz.
Stability: ±2% (1 hour), ±5% (24 hours).
Duty cycle: (sine, triangle, square, haversine, havertriangle).
Range: 10% to 90% (20% to 80% above 1 MHz), 2-digit resolution.
Accuracy1: ±0.5 digits (±3 digits above 1 MHz).
Pulse Width
Range: 10.0 ns to 999 ms (3-digit resolution).
Accuracy1: ±5% ± 2 ns.
Jitter: <0.1% (0.2% + 200 ps for width <10 µs).
Output Characteristics
(voltages double into high impedance).
Amplitude
Range: 10.0 mVpp to 16.0 Vpp (3-digit resolution).
Accuracy1: ±5% (at 1 kHz for sine and triangle).
Flatness (sine): ±3% (±5% above 1 MHz, +5 -15% above
Flatness (triangle): ±3% (±5% above 1 MHz, +5-25% above
Offset and dc Mode
Range: 0.00 to ±7.95 V (0 to ±795 mV for amplitude
< 100 mVpp).
Resolution: 3 digits.
Accuracy1:0.5% of setting ± 1% of ampl ± 40 mV (+2 mV if ampl
Distortion (sine, normal mode, 50% duty cycle).
Total harmonic distortion (10 Hz 50 kHz): <1% (-40 dB)*.
Harmonic related signals (50 kHz 1 MHz): <-34 dB,
*May increase by 3 dB below 10°C and above 45°C.
Non-linearity (triangle, ramp, 100 mHz-1 MHz): <±3%.
Pulse and Square Wave Characteristics
Transitions: <7 ns.
Pulse perturbations: <±5% ±2 mV.
Output impedance: 50 ohm ±5%.
Operating Modes
Normal, trigger*, gate*, external width
Logarithmic Up Sweep (for all waveforms).
Range: Start and stop frequencies selectable up to full range
(1 mHz-50MHz).
Sweep time: selectable in 1-2-5 sequence from 10 ms to 500
Sweep repetition: continuous sweeps (internal sweep) or external-
Counted Burst* (for all waveforms).
Burst length: 1 to 1999 cycles.
Burst repetition: internally triggered at selectable intervals from
'Selectable (-90°) start-phase for haversine, havertriangle.
Control Modes
Frequency modulation: ±5% max deviation.
Sensitivity: 1 V for 1% deviation.
Modulating frequency: dc to 20 kHz.
Amplitude Modulation
Sensitivity: ±2.5 V for 100% mod. (+2.5 V to -7.5 V for DSBSC).
Modulating frequency: dc to 1 MHz.
10
MHz).
10
MHz).
< 100 mVpp, ±20 mV in dc mode).
(1 MHz 50
seconds per decade.
ly triggered.
100 ns to 999 ms (except in Pulse mode), or ex-
ternally triggered, up to 40 MHz.
MHz):
<-23
dB*.
Pulse Width Modulation
Range: 10 ns to 1 s in 8 non-overlapping decade ranges.
Max. width ratio: 10:1.
Sensitivity: ±9 V for 1:10 ratio.
Voltage-Controlled Oscillator
Range: 2 decades in range 1 MHz-50 MHz.
Sensitivity: 0.1 V to 10 V for 2 decades.
Modulating frequency: dc to 1 kHz.
Manual: simulates external input.
1 cycle (option 001): triggers single output cycle in Trigger, Gate
Auto vernier: continuous vernier which can be remotely or manually
Limit: programmable maximum output levels to protect DUT.
Complement: selectable normal/complement output.
Disable: relay disconnects output.
External Input
Threshold: ±10 V adjustable.
Max input voltage: ±20 V.
and Ext Burst modes.
stopped.
Sensitivity: 500 mVpp.
Min pulse width: 10 ns.
Input impedance: 10 k typ.
Trigger slope: positive, negative and off.
Control Input
Max input voltage: ± 20 V.
Input impedance: 10 k typ.
Trigger Output
Output levels: 0/2.4 V typ.
Output impedance: 50 ohm typ.
X-Output (Option 001) for sweep X-Y recording (rear panel).
Output levels: 0 V (= start frequency) to 10 V max.
Slope: 1.5 V per sweep decade.
Marker Output (Option 001) for sweep (rear panel).
Output levels: TTL
Leading edge: positive at selected marker frequency.
Hold Input (Option 001), rear panel.
Input levels: TTL
Leading edge: positive transition causes HP 8116A output
(f <10 Hz) to hold at instantaneous level. Output
droop 0.01% per second.
Max input voltage: ±20 V
HP-IB Capability
All manual key operations are programmable. Talk mode provides
learn, status byte and error report capabilities.
Battery-backup RAM retains current operating state.
General
Repeatability: factor 4 better than accuracy.
Environmental
Storage temperature: -40°C to +70°C.
Operating temperature: 0°C to 55°C.
Humidity: 95% RH, 0°C to 40°C.
Power: 100/120/220/240 V rms; +5%, -10%; 48 to 440 Hz;
120 VA
max.
Weight: net, 5.9 kg (13 lb). Shipping, 8.0 kg (18 lb).
Size: 89 H x 212.3 W x 422 mm D (3.5" x 8.36" x 16.6").
Ordering Information Prices
HP 8116A Programmable Pulse/Function Generator* $3775
Opt. 001: Burst and Logarithmic Sweep add $510
Opt. 910: Extra Operating & Service Manual add $41
HP 5061-9701: Bail Handle Kit $38
HP 5061-9672: Rack Mount Kit (single HP 8116A) $51
HP 5061-9674: Rack Mount Kit (two instruments) $31
HP 5061-9694: Lock Link Kit (for use with $25
HP 5061-9674)