Agilent Technologies Agilent 33500 Series User manual

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Agilent Technologies
Agilent 33500 Series 
30 MHz Function /
Arbitrary Waveform
Generator
User’s Guide

Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2010
No part of this manual may be repro-
duced in any form or by any means
(including electronic storage and
retrieval or translation into a foreign
language) without prior agreement and
written consent from Agilent Technolo-
gies, Inc. as governed by United States
and international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
33520-90001
First Edition, June 2010
Second Edition, September 2010
Printed in Malaysia
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
900 S. Taft Ave.
Loveland, CO 80537 USA
Adobe, the Adobe Logo, Acrobat and
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poration in the United States and/or
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Windows and MS Windows are U.S.
registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
Software Updates/Licenses
Periodically, Agilent releases software
updates to fix known defects and incorpo-
rate product enhancements. To search for
software updates and the latest documenta-
tion for your product, go to the product page
at:
www.agilent.com/find/33521A
www.agilent.com/find/33522A
A portion of the software in this product is
licensed under terms of the General Public
License Version 2 ("GPLv2"). The text of
the license and source code can be found at:
www.agilent.com/find/GPLV2
This product utilizes Microsoft Windows
CE. Agilent highly recommends that all
Windows-based computers connected to
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anti-virus software. For more information,
go to the product page at:
www.agilent.com/find/33521A
www.agilent.com/find/33522A
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Warranty
The material contained in this
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is subject to being changed, with-
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lent disclaims all warranties,
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or consequential damages in con-
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Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software
described in this document are fur-
nished under a license and may be used
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Restricted Rights Legend
If software is for use in the perfor-
mance of a U.S. Government prime
contract or subcontract, Software is
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computer software” as defined in
DFAR 252.227-7014 (June 1995), or as
a “commercial item” as defined in FAR
2.101(a) or as “Restricted computer
software” as defined in FAR 52.227-19
(June 1987) or any equivalent agency
regulation or contract clause. Use,
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dard commercial license terms, and
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greater than Restricted Rights as
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will receive no greater than Limited
Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-14
(June 1987) or DFAR 252.227-7015
(b)(2) (November 1995), as applicable
in any technical data.

Safety Notices
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard.
It calls attention to an operating proce-
dure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in damage to the product or
loss of important data. Do not proceed
beyond a CAUTION notice until the
indicated conditions are fully under-
stood and met.
A WARNING notice denotes a haz-
ard. It calls attention to an operating
procedure, practice, or the like that,
if not correctly performed or
adhered to, could result in personal
injury or death. Do not proceed
beyond a WARNING notice until the
indicated conditions are fully under-
stood and met.
Additional Safety Notices
The following general safety precau-
tions must be observed during all
phases of operation of this instrument.
Failure to comply with these precau-
tions or with specific warnings or
instructions elsewhere in this manual
violates safety standards of design,
manufacture, and intended use of the
instrument. Agilent Technologies
assumes no liability of the customer’s
failure to comply with the require-
ments.
General
Do not use this product in any manner
not specified by the manufacturer. The
protective features of this product may
be impaired if it is used in a manner not
specified in the operation instructions.
Before Applying Power
Verify that all safety precautions are
taken. Make all connections to the unit
before applying power and select the
appropriate power line voltage on the
fuse module.
Ground the Instrument
This product is provided with protec-
tive earth terminals. To minimize shock
hazard, the instrument must be con-
nected to the ac power mains through a
grounded power cable, with the ground
wire firmly connected to an electrical
ground (safety ground) at the power
outlet. Any interruption of the protec-
tive (grounding) conductor or discon-
nection of the protective earth terminal
will cause a potential shock hazard that
could result in personal injury.
Do Not Operate in an
Explosive Atmosphere
Do not operate the instrument in the
presence of flammable gases or fumes.
Do Not Remove the
Instrument Cover
Only qualified, service-trained personal
who are aware of the hazards involved
should remove instrument covers.
Always disconnect the power cable and
any external circuits before removing
the instrument cover.
Do Not Modify the
Instrument
Do not install substitute parts or per-
form any unauthorized modification to
the product. Return the product to an
Agilent Sales and Service Office for
service and repair to ensure that safety
features are maintained.
In Case of Damage
Instruments that appear damaged or
defective should be made inoperative
and secured against unintended opera-
tion until they can be repaired by quali-
fied service personnel.
Unless otherwise noted in the specifica-
tions, this instrument or system is
intended for indoor use in an installa-
tion category II, pollution degree 2
environment per IEC 61010-1 and 664
respectively. It is designed to operate at
a maximum relative humidity of 20%
to 80% at 40 °C or less (non-condens-
ing). This instrument or system is
designed to operate at altitudes up to
2000 meters, and at temperatures
between 0 °C and 55 °C.

Technical Support
If you have questions about your
shipment, or if you need
information about warranty,
service, or technical support,
contact Agilent Technologies:
In the United States: (800) 829-
4444
In Europe: 31 20 547 2111
In Japan: 0120-421-345
Or go to
www.agilent.com/find/assist
for information on contacting
Agilent in your country of specific
location. You can also contact your
Agilent Technologies
Representative.
Safety Symbols
Alternating current
Frame or chassis
terminal
Standby supply. Unit is not
completely disconnected
from AC mains when
switch is off.
Caution, risk of electric
shock
Caution, refer to
accompanying documents
Earth ground terminal
1 S M 1 - A
The CE mark is a
registered trademark of the
European Community.
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CSA-International.
The C-tick mark is a
registered trademark of the
Spectrum Management
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signifies compliance with the
Australian EMC Framework
regulations under the terms of
the Radio Communications
Act of 1992.
This text indicates that the
instrument is an Industrial
Scientific and Medical
Group 1 Class A product
(CISPER 11, Clause 4).
ICES/
NMB
-001
This text indicates product
compliance with the
Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment
Standard (ICES-001).
Contains one or more of
the 6 hazardous substances
above the maximum
concentration value
(MCV), 40 Year EPUP.

Agilent 33500 Series
30 MHz Function /
Arbitrary Waveform Generator
User’s Guide
Publication Number 33520-90001 (order as 33520-90000 manual set)
Edition 2, September 2010
Copyright ©2010 Agilent Technologies, Inc.

6
Agilent 33500 Series at a Glance
The Agilent Technologies 33500 Series is a 30 MHz synthesized
waveform generator with built-in arbitrary waveform and pulse
capabilities. Its combination of bench-top and system features makes
this waveform generator a versatile solution for your testing
requirements now and in the future.
Convenient bench-top features
• 16 standard waveforms
• Built-in 16-bit 250 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
• Downloadable 1M-point or optional 16M-point arbitrary waveform
memories. For details, see:
www.agilent.com/find/33521U
www.agilent.com/find/33522U
• Optional GPIB (IEEE-488)
• Standard USB and LAN remote interfaces
• LXI Class C Compliant
• SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) compatibility
Note: Unless otherwise indicated, this manual applies to all Serial Numbers.

7
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.
1
34
5
6
7
8
9
10 11
12
13
14
15
{
{
16
1 USB Port
2 On/Off Switch
3 Channel 1 Summary Tab
4 Channel 2 Summary Tab
5 Waveform and Parameter Display Area
6 Menu Operation Softkeys
7 Waveforms/Parameters/Units Keys
8 Modulate/Sweep/Burst Keys
9 System Key
10 Numeric Keypad
11 Knob
12 Cursor Keys (Arrows)
13 Manual Trigger (Sweep and Burst only)
14 Sync Connector
15 Channel 1
16 Channel 2 (2-channel instrument only)
2
{

8
The Front-Panel Display at a Glance
Channel 1
Information
Waveform
Display
Softkey Labels
Waveform
Parameters
Sweep or Burst
Parameters
Channel 2
Information

9
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 using the keypad.
2. Select a unit to enter the value.
3. Use the +/- key to change the sign of the number.
4. The left arrow backspaces and clears the last digit.

10
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.
4
2
5678
1
10
3
9
1 External 10 MHz Reference Input Terminal
2 Internal 10 MHz Reference Output Terminal
3 GPIB Interface Connector (option 400)
4 Chassis Ground
5 External Modulation Input Terminal
6 Input: External Trig/Gate/FSK/Burst
7 USB Interface Connector
8 Local Area Network (LAN) Connector
9 Instrument Cable Lock
10 AC Power

11
In This Book
Quick Start Chapter 1 prepares the waveform 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 waveform generator’s menu
features.
Features and Functions Chapter 3 gives a detailed description of the
waveform generator’s capabilities and operation. You will find this
chapter useful whether you are operating the waveform generator from
the front panel or over the remote interface.
Application Programs Chapter 4 contains several remote interface
application programs to help you develop programs for your application.
Tutorial Chapter 5 discusses the fundamentals of signal generation
and modulation techniques.
Specifications Chapter 6 lists the waveform generator’s specifications.
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.

12

13
Contents
Contents
Chapter 1 Quick Start 15
To Prepare the Waveform Generator for Use 17
To Adjust the Carrying Handle 19
To Set the Output Frequency 20
To Set the Output Amplitude 22
To Set a DC Offset Voltage 25
To Set the High-Level and Low-Level Values 27
To Output a DC Voltage 20
To Set the Duty Cycle of a Square Wave 30
To Configure a Pulse Waveform 32
To Select a Stored Arbitrary Waveform 34
To Use the Built-In Help System 33
To Rack Mount the Waveform Generator 38
Chapter 2 Front-Panel Menu Operation 41
Front-Panel Menu Reference 43
To Select the Output Termination 47
To Reset the Waveform Generator 48
To Output a Modulated Waveform 49
To Output an FSK Waveform 51
To Output a PWM Waveform 53
To Output a Frequency Sweep 56
To Output a Burst Waveform 59
To Trigger a Sweep or Burst 62
To Store the Instrument State 63
To Configure the Remote Interface 65
To Set up an Arbitrary Waveform 73

14
Contents
Contents
Chapter 3 Features and Functions 89
Output Configuration 92
Pulse Waveforms 110
Amplitude Modulation (AM) 114
Frequency Modulation (FM) 119
Phase Modulation (PM) 125
Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK) Modulation 130
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) 134
Sum Modulation (Sum) 139
Frequency Sweep 143
Burst Mode 152
Triggering 161
System-Related Operations 167
Remote Interface Configuration 178
External Timebase Reference 187
Calibration Overview 190
Embedded Waveform Editor 194
Factory Default Settings 215
Chapter 4 Application Programs 217
Introduction 218
Program Listings 220
Chapter 5 Tutorial 243
Chapter 6 Specifications 261
Index 269

1
1
Quick Start

16
1
Quick Start
One of the first things you will want to do with your waveform 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 Waveform Generator for Use, on page 17
• To Adjust the Carrying Handle, on page 19
• To Set the Output Frequency, on page 20
• To Set the Output Amplitude, on page 22
• To Set a DC Offset Voltage, on page 25
• To Set the High-Level and Low-Level Values, on page 27
• To Output a DC Voltage, on page 29
• To Set the Duty Cycle of a Square Wave, on page 30
• To Configure a Pulse Waveform, on page 32
• To Select a Stored Arbitrary Waveform, on page 34
• To Use the Built-In Help System, on page 35
• To Rack Mount the Waveform Generator, on page 38

17
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Prepare the Waveform Generator for Use
4
1
To Prepare the Waveform 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 33500 Series 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 33500 Series product documentation is provided on the
Agilent 33500 Series Product Reference CD that comes with the product,
and is also available on the Web at www.agilent.com/find/33521A and
www.agilent.com/find/33522A. Printed (hardcopy) manuals are
available as an extra cost option.
2 Connect the power cord and turn on the waveform generator.
The instrument runs a power-on self test. When the instrument is ready
for use it displays a message about how to obtain help, along with the
current IP address. The instrument also displays the GPIB address if the
GPIB option is installed and GPIB is enabled. The waveform generator
powers up in the sine wave function at 1 kHz with an amplitude of 100
mV peak-to-peak (into a 50termination).
At power-on, the channel
output connectors are
disabled. To enable output on a channel connector,
press the
(33521A) or (33522A) button and then
press the Output Off / On softkey.
If the waveform 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 waveform generator is connected to an energized power source .
Then, verify that the waveform generator is turned on.
Also look at the LED below the power switch. If it is off, there is no AC
power connected. If it is amber, the instrument is in standby mode with
AC power connected, and if it is green, the instrument is on.
Power
Switch

18
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Prepare the Waveform Generator for Use
1
To turn off the instrument, you must hold the power switch down for
about 500 ms. This prevents you from accidentally turning off the
instrument by brushing against the power switch.
If the power-on self test fails, the instrument shows the ERR annunciator
in the upper right corner of the display. It also prominently displays the
following message:
Check for error messages in the error queue.
See the Agilent 33500 Series Service Guide for information on error
codes, and for
instructions on returning the waveform generator to Agilent
for service.

19
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Adjust the Carrying Handle
4
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