User’s Guide
Publication Number 33250-90001
April 2000
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176 - TestEquipmentDepot.com
© Copyright Agilent Technologies 2000
All Rights Reserved.
Agilent 33250A
80 MHz Function /
Arbitrary Waveform Generator
Agilent 33250A at a Glance
The Agilent Technologies 33250A is a high-performance 80 MHz
synthesized function generator with built-in arbitrary waveform and
pulse capabilities. Its combination of bench-top and system features
makes this function generator a versatile solution for your testing
requirements now and in the future.
Convenient bench-top features
• 10 standard waveforms
• Built-in 12-bit 200 MSa/s arbitrary waveform capability
• Precise pulse waveform capabilities with adjustable edge time
• LCD color display provides numeric and graphical views
• Easy-to-use knob and numeric keypad
• Instrument state storage with user-defined names
• Portable, ruggedized case with non-skid feet
Flexible system features
• Four downloadable 64K-point arbitrary waveform memories
• GPIB (IEEE-488) interface and RS-232 interface are standard
• SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) compatibility
Note:
Unless otherwise indicated, this manual applies to all Serial
2
Numbers.
The Front Panel at a Glance
1 Graph Mode/Local Key
2 Menu Operation Softkeys
3 Waveform Selection Keys
4 Knob
5 Modulation/Sweep/Burst Menus
6 State Storage Menu
Note: To get context-sensitive help on any front-panel key or menu softkey,
press and hold down that key.
7 Utility Menu
8 Instrument Help Topic Menu
9 Output Enable/Disable Key
10 Manual Trigger Key (
Sweep and Burst only
11
Navigation Arrow Keys
used for
)
3
The Front-Panel Display at a Glance
Menu Mode
Numeric
Readout
Mode
Information
Trigger
Information
Softkey Labels
Units
Output
Status
Graph Mode
To enter the Graph Mode, press the key.
Parameter
Name
Parameter
Valu e
Display
Icon
Signal
Ground
The softkey colors correspond
to the waveform parameters.
4
Front-Panel Number Entry
You can enter numbers from the front-panel using one of two methods.
Use the knob and arrow keys to modify the displayed number.
+
Use the numeric keypad and menu softkeys to select the units.
5
The Rear Panel at a Glance
1
External 10 MHz Reference Input Terminal
2
Internal 10 MHz Reference Output Terminal
3 RS-232 Interface Connector
4 External Modulation Input Terminal
Use the menu to:
• Select the GPIB or RS-232 interface (see chapter 2).
• Select the GPIB address (see chapter 2).
• Set the RS-232 baud rate, parity, and handshake mode (see chapter 2).
5
Input: External Trig/FSK/ Burst Gate
Output: Trigger Output
6 GPIB Interface Connector
7 Chassis Ground
WARNING For protection from electrical shock, the power cord ground must not be
defeated. If only a two-contact electrical outlet is available, connect the
instrument’s chassis ground screw (see above) to a good earth ground.
6
In This Book
Quick Start Chapter 1 prepares the function generator for use and
helps you get familiar with a few of its front-panel features.
Front-Panel Menu Operation Chapter 2 introduces you to the front-
panel menu and describes some of the function generator’s menu features.
Features and Functions Chapter 3 gives a detailed description of the
function generator’s capabilities and operation. You will find this chapter
useful whether you are operating the function generator from the front
panel or over the remote interface.
Remote Interface Reference
to help you program the function generator over the remote interface.
Error Messages Chapter 5 lists the error messages that may appear
as you are working with the function generator. Each listing contains
enough information to help you diagnose and solve the problem.
Application Programs Chapter 6 contains several remote interface
application programs to help you develop programs for your application.
Tutorial Chapter 7 discusses the fundamentals of signal generation
and modulation techniques.
Specifications Chapter 8 lists the function generator’s specifications.
If you have questions relating to the operation of the Agilent 33250A,
call 1-800-452-4844 in the United States, or contact your nearest Agilent
Technologies Office.
Chapter 4 contains reference information
If your 33250A fails within three years of purchase, Agilent will either
repair or replace it free of charge. Call 1-877-447-7278 in the United
States (and ask for “Agilent Express”) or contact your local Agilent
Technologies Office.
7
8
Contents
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Prepare the Function Generator for Use 15
To Adjust the Carrying Handle 16
To Set the Output Frequency 17
To Set the Output Amplitude 18
To Set a DC Offset Voltage 20
To Set the Duty Cycle 21
To Configure a Pulse Waveform 22
To View a Waveform Graph 23
To Output a Stored Arbitrary Waveform 24
To Use the Built-In Help System 25
To Rack Mount the Function Generator 27
Chapter 2 Front-Panel Menu Operation
Front-Panel Menu Reference 31
To Select the Output Termination 33
To Reset the Function Generator 33
To Output a Modulated Waveform 34
To Output an FSK Waveform 36
To Output a Frequency Sweep 38
To Output a Burst Waveform 40
To Trigger a Sweep or Burst 42
To Store the Instrument State 43
To Configure the Remote Interface 44
Chapter 3 Features and Functions
Output Configuration 49
Pulse Waveforms 64
Amplitude Modulation (AM) 67
Frequency Modulation (FM) 72
Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK) Modulation 78
Frequency Sweep 82
Burst Mode 89
Triggering 98
Arbitrary Waveforms 103
System-Related Operations 109
Remote Interface Configuration 118
Calibration Overview 123
Factory Default Settings 127
Contents
9
Contents
Contents
Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference
SCPI Command Summary 131
Simplified Programming Overview 142
Using the APPLy Command 144
Output Configuration Commands 153
Pulse Configuration Commands 166
Amplitude Modulation (AM) Commands 169
Frequency Modulation (FM) Commands 172
Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK) Commands 176
Frequency Sweep Commands 179
Burst Mode Commands 187
Triggering Commands 195
Arbitrary Waveform Commands 198
State Storage Commands 209
System-Related Commands 213
Interface Configuration Commands 218
RS-232 Interface Configuration 219
Phase-Lock Commands 223
The SCPI Status System 225
Status Reporting Commands 235
Calibration Commands 239
An Introduction to the SCPI Language 241
Using Device Clear 246
Chapter 5 Error Messages
Command Errors 249
Execution Errors 252
Query Errors 267
Instrument Errors 268
Self-Test Errors 269
Calibration Errors 271
Arbitrary Waveform Errors 272
Chapter 6 Application Programs
Introduction 276
Example: BASIC for Windows 278
Example: Microsoft Visual Basic for Windows 282
Example: Microsoft Visual C++ for Windows 287
10
Contents
Chapter 7 Tutorial
Direct Digital Synthesis 295
Creating Arbitrary Waveforms 298
Square Waveform Generation 300
Pulse Waveform Generation 300
Signal Imperfections 302
Output Amplitude Control 304
Ground Loops 305
Attributes of AC Signals 307
Modulation 309
Frequency Sweep 312
Burst 315
Chapter 8 Specifications
Frequency Characteristics 320
Sinewave Spectral Purity 320
Signal Characteristics 320
Output Characteristics 321
Modulation Characteristics 321
Burst 321
Sweep 321
System Characteristics 322
Trigger Characteristics 322
Clock Reference 322
Sync Output 322
General Specifications 323
Product Dimensions 324
Index 325
Contents
11
Contents
12
1
1
Quick Start
Quick Start
1
One of the first things you will want to do with your function generator is
to become acquainted with the front panel. We have written the exercises
in this chapter to prepare the instrument for use and help you get
familiar with some of its front-panel operations. This chapter is divided
into the following sections:
• To Prepare the Function Generator for Use, on page 15
• To Adjust the Carrying Handle, on page 16
• To Set the Output Frequency, on page 17
• To Set the Output Amplitude, on page 18
• To Set a DC Offset Voltage, on page 20
• To Set the Duty Cycle, on page 21
• To Configure a Pulse Waveform, on page 22
• To View a Waveform Graph, on page 23
• To Output a Stored Arbitrary Waveform, on page 24
• To Use the Built-In Help System, on page 25
• To Rack Mount the Function Generator, on page 27
14
Chapter 1 Quick Start
Power
Switch
To Prepare the Function Generator for Use
To Prepare the Function Generator for Use
1 Check the list of supplied items.
Verify that you have received the following items with your instrument.
If anything is missing, please contact your nearest Agilent Sales Office.
1
❑ One power cord.
❑ This User’s Guide.
❑ One Service Guide.
❑ One folded Quick Reference Guide.
❑ Certificate of Calibration.
❑ Connectivity software on CD-ROM.
❑ One RS-232 cable.
2 Connect the power cord and turn on the function generator.
Several power-on information messages are displayed after the function
generator performs its power-on self-test. The GPIB address is displayed.
The function generator powers up in the sine wave function at 1 kHz
with an amplitude of 100 mV peak-to-peak (into a 50Ω termination).
At power-on, the
connector, press the key
If the function generator does not turn on, verify that the power cord is
firmly connected to the power receptacle on the rear panel (the power-line
voltage is automatically sensed at power-on). You should also make sure
that the function generator is connected to a power source that is energized
Then, verify that the function generator is turned on.
Output
connector
.
is disabled. To enable the Output
4
.
I
f you need further assistance, refer to the Agilent 33250A
for instructions on returning the function generator to Agilent for service.
Service Guide
15
1
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Adjust the Carrying Handle
To Adjust the Carrying Handle
To adjust the position, grasp the handle by the sides and pull outward.
Then, rotate the handle to the desired position.
Bench-top viewing positions Carrying position
16
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Set the Output Frequency
To Set the Output Frequency
At power-on, the function generator outputs a sine wave at 1 kHz with
an amplitude of 100 mV peak-to-peak (into a 50Ω termination).
The following steps show you how to change the frequency to 1.2 MHz.
1
1Press the “Freq” softkey.
The displayed frequency is either the power-on value or the frequency
previously selected. When you change functions, the same frequency is
used if the present value is valid for the new function. To set the
waveform period instead, press the Freq softkey again to toggle to the
Period softkey (the current selection is highlighted).
2 Enter the magnitude of the desired frequency.
Using the numeric keypad, enter the value “1.2”.
3 Select the desired units.
Press the softkey that corresponds to the desired units. When you select
the units, the function generator outputs a waveform with the displayed
frequency (if the output is enabled). For this example, press MHz
.
4
Note: Y
ou can also enter the desired value using the knob and arrow keys.
17
1
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Set the Output Amplitude
To Set the Output Amplitude
At power-on, the function generator outputs a sine wave with an
amplitude of 100 mV peak-to-peak (into a 50Ω termination).
The following steps show you how to change the amplitude to 50 mVrms.
1Press the “Ampl” softkey.
The displayed amplitude is either the power-on value or the amplitude
previously selected. When you change functions, the same amplitude is
used if the present value is valid for the new function. To set the amplitude
using a high level and low level, press the Ampl softkey again to toggle to
the HiLevel and LoLevel softkeys (the current selection is highlighted).
2 Enter the magnitude of the desired amplitude.
Using the numeric keypad, enter the value “50”.
3 Select the desired units.
Press the softkey that corresponds to the desired units. When you select
the units, the function generator outputs the waveform with the displayed
amplitude (if the output is enabled). For this example, press mV
Note: Y
18
ou can also enter the desired value using the knob and arrow keys.
RMS
.
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Set the Output Amplitude
You can easily convert the displayed amplitude from one unit to another.
For example, the following steps show you how to convert the amplitude
from Vrms to Vpp.
4 Enter the numeric entry mode.
Press the key to enter the numeric entry mode.
5 Select the new units.
Press the softkey that corresponds to the desired units. The displayed
value is converted to the new units. For this example, press the Vpp
softkey to convert 50 mVrms to its equivalent in volts peak-to-peak.
1
4
To change the displayed amplitude by decades, press the right-arrow
key to move the cursor to the units on the right side of the display.
Then, rotate the knob to increase or decrease the displayed amplitude
by decades.
19
1
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Set a DC Offset Voltage
To Set a DC Offset Voltage
At power-on, the function generator outputs a sine wave with a dc offset
of 0 volts (into a 50Ω termination). The following steps show you how to
change the offset to –1.5 mVdc.
1Press the “Offset” softkey.
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 magnitude of the desired offset.
Using the numeric keypad, enter the value “–1.5”.
3 Select the desired units.
Press the softkey that corresponds to the desired units. When you select
the units, the function generator outputs the waveform with the displayed
offset (if the output is enabled). For this example, press mV
Note: Y
Note: To select dc volts from the front panel, press and then select
the DC On softkey. Press the
20
ou can also enter the desired value using the knob and arrow keys.
Offset softkey to enter the desired voltage level.
DC
.
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Set the Duty Cycle
To Set the Duty Cycle
Applies only to square waves. At power-on, the duty cycle for square
waves is 50%. You can adjust the duty cycle from 20% to 80% for output
frequencies up to 25 MHz. The following steps show you how to change
the duty cycle to 30%.
1 Select the square wave function.
Press the key and then set the desired output frequency to any
value less than 25 MHz.
2Press the “Duty Cycle” softkey.
The displayed duty cycle is either the power-on value or the percentage
previously selected. The duty cycle represents the amount of time per
cycle that the square wave is at a high level (note the icon on the right
side of the display).
1
4
3 Enter the desired duty cycle.
Using the numeric keypad or the knob, select a duty cycle value of “30”.
The function generator adjusts the duty cycle immediately and outputs a
square wave with the specified value (if the output is enabled).
21
1
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Configure a Pulse Waveform
To Configure a Pulse Waveform
You can configure the function generator to output a pulse waveform
with variable pulse width and edge time. The following steps show you
how to configure a 500 ms pulse waveform with a pulse width of 10 ms
and edge times of 50 µs.
1 Select the pulse function.
Press the key to select the pulse function and output a pulse
waveform with the default parameters.
2 Set the pulse period.
Press the Period softkey and then set the pulse period to 500 ms.
3 Set the pulse width.
Press the Pulse Width softkey and then set the pulse width to 10 ms.
The pulse width represents the time from the 50% threshold of the rising
edge to the 50% threshold of the next falling edge (note the display icon).
4 Set the edge time for both edges.
Press the Edge Time softkey and then set the edge time for both the
rising and falling edges to 50 µs. The edge time represents the time from
the 10% threshold to the 90% threshold of each edge (note the display icon
22
).
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To View a Waveform Graph
To View a Waveform Graph
In the Graph Mode, you can view a graphical representation of the
current waveform parameters. Each softkey parameter is shown in a
different color corresponding to the lines above the softkeys at the bottom
of the display. Note that the softkeys are listed in the same order as in
the normal display mode.
1 Enable the Graph Mode.
1
4
Press the key to enable the Graph Mode. The name of the parameter
currently selected is shown in the upper-left corner of the display and the
numeric value is highlighted.
2 Select the desired parameter.
To select a specific parameter, note the colored bars above the softkeys at
the bottom of the display and select the corresponding color. For example
to select amplitude, press the softkey below the magenta-colored bar.
• As in the normal display mode, you can edit numbers using either the
numeric keypad or the knob and arrow keys.
Parameters which normally toggle when you press a key a second time
•
(e.g., Freq /Period) also toggle in the Graph Mode.
• To exit the Graph Mode, press again.
,
The key also serves as a key to restore front-panel control
after remote interface operations.
23
1
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Output a Stored Arbitrary Waveform
To Output a Stored Arbitrary Waveform
There are five built-in arbitrary waveforms stored in non-volatile memory
The following steps show you how to output the built-in “exponential fall”
waveform
For information on creating a custom arbitrary waveform, refer to
“To Create and Store an Arbitrary Waveform” on page 109.
1 Select the arbitrary waveform function.
When you press the key to select the arbitrary waveform function,
a temporary message is displayed indicating which waveform is currently
selected (the default is “exponential rise”).
2 Select the active waveform.
Press the Select Wform softkey and then press the Built-In softkey to
select from the five built-in waveforms. Then press the Exp Fall softkey.
The waveform is output using the present settings for frequency,
amplitude, and offset unless you change them.
from the front panel.
.
The selected waveform is now assigned to the key. Whenever you
press this key, the selected arbitrary waveform is output. To quickly
determine which arbitrary waveform is currently selected, press .
24
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Use the Built-In Help System
To Use the Built-In Help System
The built-in help system is designed to provide context-sensitive
assistance on any front-panel key or menu softkey. A list of help topics
is also available to assist you with several front-panel operations.
1
1 View the help information for a function key.
Press and hold down the key. If the message contains
information than will fit on the display, press the ↓ softkey or turn the
knob clockwise to view the remaining information.
Press DONE to exit the help menu.
2 View the help information for a menu softkey.
Press and hold down the Freq softkey.
information than will fit on the display, press the ↓ softkey or rotate the
knob clockwise to view the remaining information.
Press DONE to exit the help menu.
If the message contains
more
more
4
25
1
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Use the Built-In Help System
3 View the list of help topics.
Press the key to view the list of available help topics. To scroll
through the list, press the ↑ or ↓ softkey or rotate the knob. Select the
third topic “Get HELP on any key” and then press SELECT.
Press DONE to exit the help menu.
4 View the help information for displayed messages.
Whenever a limit is exceeded or any other invalid configuration is found,
the function generator will display a message. For example, if you enter
a value that exceeds the frequency limit for the selected function,
a message will be displayed. The built-in help system provides additional
information on the most recent message to be displayed.
Press the key, select the first topic “
and then press SELECT.
Local Language Help: The built-in help system in available in multiple
languages. All messages, context-sensitive help, and help topics appear
in the selected language. The menu softkey labels and status line
messages are not translated.
To select the local language, press the key, press the System
softkey, and then press the Help In softkey. Select the desired language.
View the last message displayed”,
26
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Rack Mount the Function Generator
To Rack Mount the Function Generator
You can mount the Agilent 33250A in a standard 19-inch rack cabinet
using one of two optional kits available. Instructions and mounting
hardware are included with each rack-mounting kit. Any Agilent
System II instrument of the same size can be rack-mounted beside the
Agilent 33250A.
Note:
before rack-mounting the instrument.
Remove the carrying handle, and the front and rear rubber bumpers
4
1
,
To remove the handle, rotate it to vertical and pull the ends outward.
Front Rear (bottom view)
To remove the rubber bumper, stretch a corner and then slide it off.
27
1
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Rack Mount the Function Generator
To rack mount a single instrument, order adapter kit 5063-9240.
To rack mount two instruments side-by-side, order lock-link kit 5061-9694
and flange kit 5063-9212. Be sure to use the support rails in the rack cabinet.
In order to prevent overheating, do not block the flow of air into or out of
the instrument. Be sure to allow enough clearance at the rear, sides, and
bottom of the instrument to permit adequate internal air flow.
28
2
2
Front-Panel Menu Operation
2
Front-Panel Menu Operation
This chapter introduces you to the front-panel keys and menu operation.
This chapter does not give a detailed description of every front-panel key
or menu operation. It does, however, give you an overview of the front-
panel menus and many front-panel operations. See chapter 3 “Features
and Functions,” starting on page 53, for a complete discussion of the
function generator’s capabilities and operation.
• Front-Panel Menu Reference, on page 31
• To Select the Output Termination, on page 33
• To Reset the Function Generator, on page 33
• To Output a Modulated Waveform, on page 34
• To Output an FSK Waveform, on page 36
• To Output a Frequency Sweep, on page 38
• To Output a Burst Waveform, on page 40
• To Trigger a Sweep or Burst, on page 42
• To Store the Instrument State, on page 43
• To Configure the Remote Interface, on page 44
30
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