Agilent Technologies 33120A User manual

User’s Guide
Publication Number 33120-90006 (order as 33120-90104 manual set)
Edition 6, March 2002
©Copyright Agilent Technologies, Inc. 1994-2002
For Safety information, Warranties, and Regulatory information,
see the pages following the Index.
Agilent 33120A
15 MHz Function /
Arbitrary Waveform Generator
Cover Page for Web Version ONLY (User’s Guide)

The Agilent Technologies 33120A is a high-performance 15 MHz
synthesized function generator with built-in arbitrary waveform
capability. 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 40 MSa/s arbitrary waveform capability
Easy-to-use knob input
Highly visible vacuum-fluorescent display
Instrument state storage
Portable, ruggedized case with non-skid feet
Flexible system features
Four downloadable 16,000-point arbitrary waveform memories
GPIB (IEEE-488) interface and RS-232 interface are standard
SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) compatibility
Agilent IntuiLink Arb Waveform Generation Software for
Microsoft®Windows®included
Agilent 33120A
15 MHz Function /
Arbitrary Waveform Generator
Note: Unless otherwise indicated, this manual applies to all Serial Numbers.
Page 1 (User’s Guide)

The Front Panel at a Glance
1Function / Modulation keys
2Menu operation keys
3Waveform modify keys
4Single / Internal Trigger key
(Burst and Sweep only)
5Recall / Store instrument state key
6 Enter Number key
7 Shift / Local key
8 Enter Number “units” keys
2

Front-Panel Number Entry
You can enter numbers from the front-panel using one of three methods.
Use the arrow keys to edit individual digits.
Use the “Enter Number” mode to enter a number with the appropriate units.
Use the knob and the arrow keys to modify the displayed number.
Increments the flashing digit.
Decrements the flashing digit.
Moves the flashing digit to the right.
Moves the flashing digit to the left.
Use “Enter” for those operations that do not
require units to be specified (AM Level,
Offset, % Duty, and Store/Recall State).
3

The Front-Panel Menu at a Glance
The menu is organized in a top-down tree structure with three levels.
B: SWP (Sweep) MENU
1: START F Õ 2: STOP F Õ 3: SWP TIME Õ 4: SWP MODE
A: MODulation MENU
1: AM SHAPE Õ 2: AM SOURCE Õ 3: FM SHAPE Õ 4: BURST CNT Õ 5: BURST RATE Õ
Õ 6: BURST PHAS Õ 7: BURST SRC Õ 8: FSK FREQ Õ 9: FSK RATE Õ 10: FSK SRC
C: EDIT MENU*
1: NEW ARB Õ [ 2: POINTS ] Õ [ 3: LINE EDIT ] Õ [ 4: POINT EDIT ] Õ [ 5: INVERT ] Õ [ 6: SAVE AS ] Õ 7: DELETE
* The commands enclosed in square brackets ( [ ] ) are “hidden” until you make a selection from the
NEW ARB command to initiate a new edit session.
D: SYStem MENU
1: OUT TERM Õ 2: POWER ON Õ 3: ERROR Õ 4: TEST Õ 5: COMMA Õ 6: REVISION
F: CALibration MENU*
1: SECURED or [ 1: UNSECURED ] Õ [ 2: CALIBRATE ] Õ 3: CAL COUNT Õ 4: MESSAGE
*The commands enclosed in square brackets ( [ ] ) are “hidden” unless the function generator
is UNSECURED for calibration.
E: Input / Output MENU
1: HPIB ADDR Õ 2: INTERFACE Õ 3: BAUD RATE Õ 4: PARITY Õ 5: LANGUAGE
4

Display Annunciators
Adrs
Rmt
Trig
AM
FM
Ext
FSK
Burst
Swp
ERROR
Offset
Shift
Num
Arb
Function generator is addressed to listen or talk over a remote interface.
Function generator is in remote mode (remote interface).
Function generator is waiting for a single trigger or external trigger (Burst, Sweep).
AM modulation is enabled.
FM modulation is enabled.
Function generator is set for an external modulation source (AM, FSK, Burst).
FSK (frequency-shift keying) modulation is enabled.
Burst modulation is enabled.
Sweep mode is enabled.
Hardware or remote interface command errors are detected.
The waveform is being output with an offset voltage.
“Shift” key has been pressed. Press “Shift” again to turn off.
“Enter Number” mode is enabled. Press “Shift-Cancel” to disable.
Arbitrary waveform function is enabled.
Sine waveform function is enabled.
Square waveform function is enabled.
Triangle waveform function is enabled.
Ramp waveform function is enabled.
To review the display annunciators, hold down the Shift key as you
turn on the function generator.
5

The Rear Panel at a Glance
1Chassis ground
2Power-line fuse-holder assembly
3Power-line voltage setting
4AM modulation input terminal
5External Trigger / FSK / Burst modulation
input terminal
6GPIB (IEEE-488) interface connector
7 RS-232 interface connector
Use the front-panel Input / Output Menu to:
 Select the GPIB or RS-232 interface (see chapter 4).
 Set the GPIB bus address (see chapter 4).
 Set the RS-232 baud rate and parity (see chapter 4).
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 Chapter 4 contains reference
information 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.
For information on using the Phase-Lock Option for the 33120A, refer to
the User’s and Service Guide included with the Option 001.
If you have questions relating to the operation of the 33120A,
call 1-800-452-4844 in the United States, or contact your nearest
Agilent Technologies Sales Office.
If you believe your 33120A has failed, refer to “Operating Checklist”,
“Types of Service Available”, and “Repackaging for Shipment” at the
beginning of chapter 6 in the 33120A Service Guide.
7

8

Contents
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To prepare the function generator for use 15
If the function generator does not turn on 16
To adjust the carrying handle 18
To set the output frequency 19
To set the output amplitude 20
To set a dc offset voltage 21
To set the duty cycle 22
To output a stored arbitrary waveform 23
To output a dc voltage 24
To store the instrument state 25
To rack mount the function generator 27
Chapter 2 Front-Panel Menu Operation
Front-panel menu reference 31
A front-panel menu tutorial 33
To select the output termination 40
To output a modulated waveform 41
To output an FSK waveform 44
To output a burst waveform 47
To output a frequency sweep 49
To trigger a burst or sweep 51
To turn off the comma separator 52
Chapter 3 Features and Functions
Output Configuration 55
Amplitude Modulation (AM) 71
Frequency Modulation (FM) 76
Burst Modulation 81
Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK) Modulation 90
Frequency Sweep 94
Triggering 98
Arbitrary Waveforms 103
System-Related Operations 109
Remote Interface Configuration 114
Calibration Overview 118
Power-On and Reset State 123
Contents
9

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference
SCPI Command Summary 127
Simplified Programming Overview 136
Using the APPLy Command 138
Output Configuration Commands 145
AM Modulation Commands 154
FM Modulation Commands 157
Burst Modulation Commands 160
Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK) Commands 167
Frequency Sweep Commands 170
Arbitrary Waveform Commands 174
Triggering 186
System-Related Commands 188
Calibration Commands 193
RS-232 Interface Configuration 195
RS-232 Interface Commands 200
The SCPI Status Registers 201
Status Reporting Commands 209
An Introduction to the SCPI Language 211
Halting an Output in Progress 216
To set the GPIB address 217
To select the remote interface 218
To set the baud rate 219
To set the parity 220
SCPI Conformance Information 221
IEEE-488 Conformance Information 225
Chapter 5 Error Messages
Execution Errors 229
Self-Test Errors 237
Calibration Errors 238
Arbitrary Waveform Errors 240
Contents
Contents
10

Chapter 6 Application Programs
BASIC Programs 244
C Language Programs 244
QuickBASIC Language Programs 247
Using the APPLy Command 248
Using the Low-Level Commands 252
Downloading an Arbitrary Waveform over GPIB 255
Using the Status Registers 261
Downloading an Arbitrary Waveform over RS-232 267
Chapter 7 Tutorial
Direct Digital Synthesis 273
Signal Imperfections 276
Creating Arbitrary Waveforms 278
Output Amplitude Control 280
Floating Signal Generators 282
Attributes of AC Signals 283
Modulation 287
Chapter 8 Specifications
Frequency Characteristics 298
Sinewave Spectral Purity 298
Signal Characteristics 298
Output Characteristics 298
Modulation Characteristics 299
Frequency Sweep 299
System Characteristics 299
General Specifications 300
Product Dimensions 301
Index 303
Declaration of Conformity 309
Contents
Contents
11

Contents
Contents
12

1
Quick Start
1

Quick Start
One of the first things you will want to do with your function generator
is to become acquainted with its front panel. We have written the
exercises in this chapter to prepare the function generator for use and
help you get familiar with some of the front-panel operations.
The front panel has two rows of keys to select various functions and
operations. Most keys have a shifted function printed in blue above
the key. To perform a shifted function, press Shift (the Shift annun-
ciator will turn on). Then, press the key that has the desired label
above it. For example, to select the AM (amplitude modulation)
function, press Shift AM (the shifted version of the key).
If you accidentally press Shift , just press it again to turn off the
Shift annunciator.
Most keys also have a number printed in green next to the key.
To enable the number mode, press Enter Number (the Num annunciator
will turn on). Then, press the keys that have the desired numbers
printed next to them. For example, to select the number “10”,
press Enter Number 1 0 (next to the and Recall keys).
If you accidentally press Enter Number , just press Shift Cancel
to turn off the Num annunciator.
14

To prepare the function generator for use
The following steps help you verify that the function generator is
ready for use.
1 Check the list of supplied items.
Verify that you have received the following items with your function
generator. If anything is missing, contact your nearest Agilent
Technologies Sales Office.
One power cord.
One RS-232 serial cable.
This User’s Guide.
One Service Guide.
One folded Quick Reference card.
Certificate of Calibration.
Agilent IntuiLink Arb Waveform Generation Software.
2 Connect the power cord and turn on the function generator.
The front-panel display will light up while the function generator
performs its power-on self-test. The GPIB bus address is displayed.
Notice that the function generator powers up in the sine wave function
at 1 kHz with an amplitude of 100 mV peak-to-peak (into a 50W
termination).
To review the power-on display with all annunciators turned on,
hold down Shift as you turn on the function generator.
3Performacomplete self test.
The complete self-test performs a more extensive series of tests than
those performed at power-on. Hold down Shift as you press the Power
switch to turn on the function generator; hold down the key for more
than 5 seconds. The self-test will begin when you release the key.
If the self-test is successful, “PASS” is displayed on the front panel.
If the self-test is not successful, “FAIL” is displayed and the ERROR
annunciator turns on. See the Service Guide for instructions on
returning the function generator to Agilent for service.
á
1
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To prepare the function generator for use
15

If the function generator does not turn on
Use the following steps to help solve problems you might experience
when turning on the function generator. If you need more help, see the
Service Guide for instructions on returning the function generator to
Agilent for service.
1 Verify that there is ac power to the function generator.
First, verify that the function generator’s Power switch is in the
“On” position. Also, make sure that the power cord is firmly plugged into
to the power module on the rear panel. You should also make sure that
the power source you plugged the function generator into is energized.
2 Verify the power-line voltage setting.
The line voltage is set to the proper value for your country when the
function generator is shipped from the factory. Change the voltage
setting if it is not correct. The settings are: 100, 120, 220, or 240 Vac
(for 230 Vac operation, use the 220 Vac setting).
See the next page if you need to change the line-voltage setting.
3 Verify that the power-line fuse is good.
The function generator is shipped from the factory with a 500 mAT fuse
installed. This is the correct fuse for all line voltages.
See the next page if you need to change the power-line fuse.
To replace the 500 mAT fuse, order Agilent part number 2110-0458.
Chapter 1 Quick Start
If the function generator does not turn on
16

1Remove the power cord. Remove the
fuse-holder assembly from the rear panel.
2 Remove the line-voltage selector from
the assembly.
3 Rotate the line-voltage selector until the
correct voltage appears in the window.
4 Replace the fuse-holder assembly in
the rear panel.
Verify that the correct line voltage is selected and the power-line fuse is good.
Fuse: 500 mAT (for all line voltages)
Part Number: 2110-0458
100, 120, 220 (230), or 240 Vac
1
Chapter 1 Quick Start
If the function generator does not turn on
17

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
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To adjust the carrying handle
18