Agilent Technologies Agilent 33500 Series User manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent 33500 Series 
30 MHz Function /
Arbitrary Waveform
Generator
Service Guide

Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2010
No part of this manual may be repro-
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Manual Part Number
33520-90010
First Edition, June 2010
Second Edition, September 2010
Printed in Malaysia
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Safety Notices
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard.
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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
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violates safety standards of design,
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instrument. Agilent Technologies
assumes no liability of the customer’s
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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-
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grounded power cable, with the ground
wire firmly connected to an electrical
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outlet. Any interruption of the protec-
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will cause a potential shock hazard that
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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
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4444
In Europe: 31 20 547 2111
In Japan: 0120-421-345
Or go to
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for information on contacting
Agilent in your country of specific
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Representative.
Safety Symbols
Alternating current
Frame or chassis
terminal
Standby supply. Unit is not
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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
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Agilent 33500 Series
30 MHz Function /
Arbitrary Waveform Generator
Service Guide
Publication Number 33520-90010 (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
• 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.

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.

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
Specifications Chapter 1 lists the waveform generator’s specifications.
Quick Start Chapter 2 prepares the waveform generator for use and
helps you get familiar with a few of its front-panel features.
Front-Panel Menu Operation Chapter 3 introduces you to the front-
panel menu and describes some of the waveform generator’s menu
features.
Calibration and Adjustment Chapter 4 provides calibration,
verification, and adjustment procedures for the waveform generator.
Block Diagram Chapter 5 describes how the waveform generator
works at a block level.
Service and Repair Chapter 6 provides guidelines for returning your
waveform generator to Agilent Technologies for servicing,
troubleshooting procedures and replaceable parts lists for servicing it
yourself, and disassembly procedures.
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
Chapter 1 Agilent 33500 Series
30 MHz Function /
Arbitrary Waveform Generator 5
Agilent 33500 Series at a Glance 6
The Front Panel at a Glance 7
The Front-Panel Display at a Glance 8
Front-Panel Number Entry 9
The Rear Panel at a Glance 10
In This Book 11
Chapter 2 Specifications 17
Chapter 3 Quick Start 25
Quick Start 26
To Prepare the Waveform Generator for Use 27
To Adjust the Carrying Handle 29
To Set the Output Frequency 30
To Set the Output Amplitude 32
To Set a DC Offset Voltage 35
To Set the High-Level and Low-Level Values 37
To Output a DC Voltage 39
To Set the Duty Cycle of a Square Wave 40
To Configure a Pulse Waveform 42
To Select a Stored Arbitrary Waveform 44
To Use the Built-In Help System 45
To Rack Mount the Waveform Generator 48
Chapter 4 Front-Panel Menu Operation 51
Front-Panel Menu Operation 52
Front-Panel Menu Reference 53
To Select the Output Termination 57
To Reset the Waveform Generator 58
To Output a Modulated Waveform 59
To Output an FSK Waveform 61
To Output a PWM Waveform 63
To Output a Frequency Sweep 66
To Output a Burst Waveform 69
To Trigger a Sweep or Burst 72
To Store the Instrument State 73
To Configure the Remote Interface 75
To Secure and Unsecure the Instrument for Calibration 83

14
Contents
Chapter 5 Calibration and Adjustment 85
Calibration and Adjustment 86
Agilent Technologies Calibration Services 87
Calibration Interval 87
Adjustment is Recommended 87
Time Required for Calibration 88
Automating Calibration Procedures 89
Recommended Test Equipment 90
Test Considerations 91
Performance Verification Tests 92
Internal Timebase Verification 96
AC Amplitude (high-impedance) Verification 97
DC Offset Voltage Verification 98
-8 dB Range Flatness Verification 99
-24 dB Range Flatness Verification 101
Calibration Security 103
Calibration Message 106
Calibration Count 106
General Calibration/Adjustment Procedure 107
Aborting a Calibration in Progress 108
Sequence of Adjustments 108
Self-Test 109
Frequency (Internal Timebase) Adjustment 110
Internal ADC Adjustment 111
Self Calibration Adjustment. 112
Output Impedance Adjustment 113
AC Amplitude (high-impedance) Adjustment 114
-24 dB Range Flatness Adjustment 116
-8 dB Range Flatness Adjustment 118
Self Calibration Adjustment (Channel 2) 120
Output Impedance Adjustment (Channel 2) 121
AC Amplitude (high-impedance) Adjustment (Channel 2) 122
-24 dB Range Flatness Adjustment (Channel 2) 124
-8 dB Range Flatness Adjustment (Channel 2) 126
Calibration Errors 128
Chapter 6 Block Diagram 131
Block Diagram 132
Block Diagram 133
Power Supplies 137

15
4
Contents
Chapter 7 Service and Repair 139
Service and Repair 140
Operating Checklist 140
Types of Service Available 141
Repackaging for Shipment 142
Cleaning 142
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions 143
Surface Mount Repair 143
Troubleshooting 144
Self-Test Procedures 150
Replaceable Parts 156
Disassembly 157

16
Contents

1
1
Specifications

18
Chapter 1 Specifications
Agilent 33500 Series Function / Arbitrary Waveform Generator
4
1
The characteristics and specifications shown below
are a subset of the full specifications for the 33500
Series waveform generators. For the complete set
of the latest specifications, see the Web page at
www.agilent.com/find/33521A
www.agilent.com/find/33522A
INSTRUMENT CHARACTERISTICS
MODELS AND OPTIONS
33521A 1-Channel
33522A 2-Channel
Option 002 Increases Arbitrary Waveform
memory from 1 MSa/channel to
16 MSa/channel
Option 010 High-stability frequency reference
Option 400 GPIB interface
WAVEFORMS
Standard Sine, Square, Ramp, Pulse,
Triangle, Gaussian Noise, PRBS
(Pseudorandom Binary
Sequence), DC
Built-In
Arbitrary
Cardiac, Exponential Fall,
Exponential Rise, Gaussian
Pulse, Haversine, Lorentz,
Negative Ramp, Sinc
User-Defined
Arbitrary
Up to 1 MSa (16 MSa with Option
002) with multi-segment
sequencing
MODULATION TYPES & OPERATING MODES
Operating
Modes
Continuous, Modulate, Frequency
Sweep, Burst, Output Gate
Modulation
Types
AM, FM, PM, FSK, BPSK, PWM,
Sum (Carrier + Modulation)
100 kHz offset: -125 dBc/Hz -135 dBc/Hz
WAVEFORM CHARACTERISTICS
SINE
Frequency
Range
1 Hz to 30 MHz, 1 Hz resolution
SQUARE and PULSE
Frequency
Range
1 Hz to 30 MHz, 1 Hz resolution
Rise and Fall
Times (nom)
Square: 8.4 ns, fixed
Pulse: 8.4 ns to 1 s,
independently variable, 100 ps or
3-digit resolution
RAMP and TRIANGLE
Frequency
Range
1 Hz to 200 kHz, 1 Hz
resolution
Ramp
Symmetry
0.0% to 100.0%, 0.1% resolution
(0% is negative ramp, 100% is
positive ramp, 50% is triangle)
GAUSSIAN NOISE
Bandwidth (typ) 1 mHz to 30 MHz, variable
Crest Factor
(nom)
4.6
Repetition
period
> 50 years
PSEUDORANDOM BINARY SEQUENCE (PRBS)
Bit Rate 1 mbps to 50 Mbps, 1-mbps
resolution
Sequence
Length 2m-1, m=7, 9, 11, 15, 20, 23
WAVEFORM SEQUENCING
Operation
Individual arbitrary waveforms (segments) can be
combined into user-defined lists (sequences) to
form longer, more complex waveforms.
Each sequence step specifies whether to repeat
the associated segment a certain number of times,
to repeat it indefinitely, to repeat it until a Trigger
event occurs, or to stop and wait for a Trigger
event.
Additionally, the behavior of the Sync output can
be specified in each step.
To improve throughput, up to 32 sequences
totaling of up to 1024 segments can be pre-loaded
into volatile memory.
Segment
Length
8 Sa to 1 MSa (16 MSa with
Option 002) in increments of 1
Sequence
Length
1 to 512 steps
Segment
Repeat Count
1 to 1,000,000 or Infinite

19
Chapter 1 Specifications
Agilent 33500 Series Function / Arbitrary Waveform Generator
4
1
OUTPUT CHARACTERISTICS
ISOLATION
Outputs
Connector shells for Ch 1, Ch2 , Sync, and Mod In
are connected together but isolated from the
instrument's chassis. Maximum allowable voltage
on isolated connector shells is ±42 Vpk.
SIGNAL OUTPUT
Output
Impedance
(nom)
50 Ω
On, Off,
Inverted
User-selectable for each channel
Voltage Limit User-definable VMAX and VMIN
safety limits
Overload
Protection
Output turns off automatically
when an overload is applied.
Instrument will tolerate a short
circuit to ground indefinitely.
FREQUENCY ACCURACY
STANDARD (spec)
1 Year
23°C ± 5 °C
±1 ppm of setting ± 15 pHz
1 Year
0°C to 55°C
±2 ppm of setting ± 15 pHz
OPTION 010 (spec)
1 Year
0°C to 55°C
±0.1 ppm of setting ± 15 pHz

20
Chapter 1 Specifications
Agilent 33500 Series Function / Arbitrary Waveform Generator
1
MODULATION TYPES AND OPERATING MODES
CARRIER AM FM PM FSK BPSK PWM Sum Burst Sweep
SINE and SQUARE ••••• •••
PULSE •••••••••
TRIANGLEandRAMP ••••• •••
GAUSSIAN NOISE • • •(a)
PRBS ••• ••
SINGLE ARB ••(b) •(b) • •
SEQUENCED ARB • •
(a) Gated burst only
(b) Applies to sample clock, not whole waveform
MODULATING SIGNAL
CARRIER Sine Square Triangle/
Ramp
Gaussian
Noise
PRBS ARB External
SINE •••••••
SQUARE and PULSE •••••••
TRIANGLEandRAMP•••••••
GAUSSIAN NOISE ••• •••
PRBS •••• ••
ARB ••••• •