Agilent Technologies 33250A User manual

Agilent 33250A
80 MHz Function /
Arbitrary Waveform Generator
User’s Guide
Publication Number 33250-90002 (order as 33250-90100 manual set)
Edition2, March 2003
©CopyrightAgilentTechnologies, Inc. 2000, 2003
For Safety information, Warranties, and Regulatory information,
see the pages following the Index.

2
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 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
2Menu Operation Softkeys
3Waveform Selection Keys
4Knob
5Modulation/Sweep/Burst Menus
6State Storage Menu
7Utility Menu
8Instrument Help Topic Menu
9Output Enable/Disable Key
10 Manual Trigger Key (used for
Sweep and Burst only)
11 Cursor Keys

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 the Graph Mode, press the key.
The softkey colors correspond
to the waveform parameters.
Signal
Ground
Parameter
Name
Parameter
Value

5
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.

6
The Rear Panel at a Glance
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
2 Internal 10 MHz Reference Output Terminal
3RS-232 Interface Connector
4External Modulation Input Terminal
5
Input: External Trig/FSK/Burst Gate
Output: Trigger Output
6GPIB Interface Connector
7Chassis Ground
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).

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
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.
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.
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.

8

9
Contents
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

10
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

Contents
11
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

12
Contents

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 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

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.
❑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 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
I f you need further assistance, refer to the Agilent 33250A Service Guide
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.
Bench-top viewing positions Carrying position

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 arrow 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 arrow 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-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.

20
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Set a DC Offset Voltage
1
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 50Ωtermination). The following steps show you how to
change the offset to –1.5 mVdc.
1Pressthe“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 mVDC.
Note: Y
ou can also enter the desired value using the knob and arrow keys.
Note: To select dc volts from the front panel, press and then select
the DC On softkey. Press the Offset softkey to enter the desired voltage level.