Agilent Technologies 33220A User manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent 33220A
20 MHz Waveform Generator
User's Guide
UG_ED5.book Page 1 Thursday, March 1, 2012 11:28 AM

Agilent 33220A
20 MHz Function/
Arbitrary Waveform Generator
User’s Guide
Publication Number 33220-90002 (order as 33220-90100 manual set)
Edition 4, May 2007
Copyright ©2003, 2005, 2007 Agilent Technologies, Inc.

2
Agilent 33220A at a Glance
The Agilent Technologies 33220A is a 20 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 14-bit 50 MSa/s arbitrary waveform capability
• Precise pulse waveform capabilities with adjustable edge time
• LCD 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), USB, and LAN remote interfaces are standard
• LXI Class C Compliant
• SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) compatibility
Note: Unless otherwise indicated, this manual applies to all Serial Numbers.

3
The Front Panel at a Glance
Note: To get context-sensitive help on any front-panel key or menu softkey,
press and hold down that key.
1Graph Mode/Local Key
2On/Off Switch
3Modulation/Sweep/Burst Keys
4State Storage Menu Key
5Utility Menu Key
6Help Menu Key
7Menu Operation Softkeys
8Waveform Selection Keys
9Manual Trigger Key (used for
Sweep and Burst only)
10 Output Enable/Disable Key
11 Knob
12 Cursor Keys
13 Sync Connector
14 Output Connector

4
The Front-Panel Display at a Glance
Menu Mode
Trigger Output Mode
Numeric
Readout
Information Information Status
Units
Display
Icon
Softkey Labels
Graph Mode
To enter or exit the Graph Mode, press the key.
In Graph Mode, only one parameter label
Signal
Parameter
Name Parameter
Value
Ground
is displayed for each key at one time.

5
Front-Panel Number Entry
You can enter numbers from the front-panel using one of two methods.
Use the knob and cursor keys to modify the displayed number.
1. Use the keys below the knob to move the cursor left or right.
2. Rotate the knob to change a digit (clockwise to increase).
Use the keypad to enter numbers and the softkeys to select units.
1. Key in a value as you would on a typical calculator.
2. Select a unit to enter the value.

6
The Rear Panel at a Glance
Note: The External and Internal 10 MHz Reference Terminals (1 and 2,
above) are present only if Option 001, External Timebase Reference, is
installed. Otherwise, the holes for these connectors are plugged.
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.
1 External 10 MHz Reference Input Terminal
(Option 001 only)
.
2 Internal 10 MHz Reference Output Terminal
(Option 001 only)
.
3External Modulation Input Terminal
4
Input: External Trig/FSK/Burst Gate
Output: Trigger Output
5USB Interface Connector
6LAN Interface Connector
7GPIB Interface Connector
8Chassis Ground
Use the menu to:
• Select the GPIB address (see chapter 2).
• Set the network parameters for the LAN interface (see chapter 2).
• Display the current network parameters (see chapter 2).

7
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
functiongenerator’s capabilities and operation. You willfind 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
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.

8
You can contact Agilent Technologies at one of the following telephone
numbers for warranty, service, or technical support information.
In the United States: [phone]
In Europe: 31 20 547 2111
In Japan: 0120-421-345
Or use our Web link for information on contacting Agilent worldwide.
www.agilent.com/find/assist
Or contact your Agilent Technologies Representative.

9
Contents
Contents
Chapter 1 Quick Start 13
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 High-Level and Low-Level Values 21
To Select “DC Volts” 22
To Set the Duty Cycle of a Square Wave 23
To Configure a Pulse Waveform 24
To View a Waveform Graph 25
To Output a Stored Arbitrary Waveform 26
To Use the Built-In Help System 27
To Rack Mount the Function Generator 29
Chapter 2 Front-Panel Menu Operation 31
Front-Panel Menu Reference 33
To Select the Output Termination 35
To Reset the Function Generator 35
To Output a Modulated Waveform 36
To Output an FSK Waveform 38
To Output a PWM Waveform 40
To Output a Frequency Sweep 42
To Output a Burst Waveform 44
To Trigger a Sweep or Burst 46
To Store the Instrument State 47
To Configure the Remote Interface 48
Chapter 3 Features and Functions 53
Output Configuration 55
Pulse Waveforms 70
Amplitude Modulation (AM) 74
Frequency Modulation (FM) 79
Phase Modulation (PM) 85
Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK) Modulation 89
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) 93
Frequency Sweep 99
Burst Mode 106

10
Contents
Contents
Triggering 115
Arbitrary Waveforms 120
System-Related Operations 126
Remote Interface Configuration 135
External Timebase Reference (Option 001) 144
Calibration Overview 146
Factory Default Settings 150
Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference 153
SCPI Command Summary 155
Simplified Programming Overview 168
Using the APPLy Command 170
Output Configuration Commands 179
Pulse Configuration Commands 192
Amplitude Modulation (AM) Commands 197
Frequency Modulation (FM) Commands 200
Phase Modulation (PM) Commands 204
Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK) Commands 207
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Commands 210
Frequency Sweep Commands 215
Burst Mode Commands 223
Triggering Commands 231
Arbitrary Waveform Commands 234
State Storage Commands 245
System-Related Commands 249
Interface Configuration Commands 254
Phase-Lock Commands (Option 001 Only) 258
The SCPI Status System 260
Status Reporting Commands 270
Calibration Commands 274
An Introduction to the SCPI Language 276
Using Device Clear 281

Contents
11
Contents
Chapter 5 Error Messages 283
Command Errors 285
Execution Errors 288
Device Dependent Errors 303
Query Errors 304
Instrument Errors 305
Self-Test Errors 306
Calibration Errors 308
Arbitrary Waveform Errors 309
Chapter 6 Application Programs 311
Introduction 312
Program Listings 314
Chapter 7 Tutorial 321
Direct Digital Synthesis 323
Creating Arbitrary Waveforms 326
Square Waveform Generation 328
Pulse Waveform Generation 329
Signal Imperfections 330
Output Amplitude Control 332
Ground Loops 333
Attributes of AC Signals 335
Modulation 337
Frequency Sweep 342
Burst 343

12
Contents
Chapter 8 Specifications 345
Waveforms 346
Waveform Characteristics 346
Common Characteristics 347
Modulation 347
Sweep 348
Burst 348
Trigger Characteristics 348
Programming Times 348
General 349
Product Dimensions 350
Index 351

1
1
Quick Start

14
1
Quick Start
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 High-Level and Low-Level Values, on page 21
• To Select “DC Volts”, on page 22
• To Set the Duty Cycle of a Square Wave, on page 23
• To Configure a Pulse Waveform, on page 24
• To View a Waveform Graph, on page 25
• To Output a Stored Arbitrary Waveform, on page 26
• To Use the Built-In Help System, on page 27
• To Rack Mount the Function Generator, on page 29

15
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Prepare the Function Generator for Use
4
1
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.
• Power cord (for country of destination).
• Certificate of Calibration.
•Agilent 33220A Product Reference CD (product software,
programming examples, and manuals).
•Agilent Automation-Ready CD (Agilent IO Libraries Suite).
• USB 2.0 cable.
Note: All of the 33220A product documenation is provided on the Agilent
33220A Product Reference CD that comes with the product, and is also
available on the Web at www.agilent.com/find/33220a. Printed
(hardcopy) manuals are available as an extra cost option.
2 Connect the power cord and turn on the function generator.
The instrument runs a short power-on self test, which takes a few
seconds. When the instrument is ready for use it displays a message
about how to obtain help, along with the current GPIB address and
USB identification string. The function generator powers up in the sine
wave function at 1 kHz with an amplitude of 100 mV peak-to-peak (into
a 50Ωtermination).
At power-on, the Output connector is disabled. To
enable the Output
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.
Power
Switch
If the power-on self test fails, “Self-Test Failed” is displayed along with an
error code. See the Agilent 33220A Service Guide for information on
error codes, and for
instructions on returning the function generator to
Agilent for service.

16
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Adjust the Carrying Handle
1
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.
Carrying
Position
Extended
Retracted

17
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Set the Output Frequency
4
1
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 50Ωtermination).
The following steps show you how to change the frequency to 1.2 MHz.
1Pressthe“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
.
Note: Y ou can also enter the desired value using the knob and cursor
keys.

18
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Set the Output Amplitude
1
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 50Ωtermination).
The following steps show you how to change the amplitude to 50 mVrms.
1Pressthe“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 mVRMS.
Note: Y
ou can also enter the desired value using the knob and cursor
keys.

19
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Set the Output Amplitude
4
1
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.
To change the displayed amplitude by decades, press the right-cursor
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.