Fluke 5820A User manual

®
5820A
Oscilloscope Calibrator
Operators Manual
PN 802154
April 1999 Rev.3, 11/06
© 1999-2006 Fluke Corporation, All rights reserved. Printed in USA
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

LIMITED WARRANTY & LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Each Fluke product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under
normal use and service. The warranty period is one year and begins on the date of shipment.
Parts, product repairs and services are warranted for 90 days. This warranty extends only to the
original buyer or end-user customer of a Fluke authorized reseller, and does not apply to fuses,
disposable batteries or to any product which, in Fluke's opinion, has been misused, altered,
neglected or damaged by accident or abnormal conditions of operation or handling.Fluke
warrants that software will operate substantially in accordance with its functional specifications for
90 days and that it has been properly recorded on non-defective media. Fluke does not warrant
that software will be error free or operate without interruption.
Fluke authorized resellers shall extend this warranty on new and unused products to end-user
customers only but have no authority to extend a greater or different warranty on behalf of Fluke.
Warranty support is available if product is purchased through a Fluke authorized sales outlet or
Buyer has paid the applicable international price. Fluke reserves the right to invoice Buyer for
importation costs of repair/replacement parts when product purchased in one country is
submitted for repair in another country.
Fluke's warranty obligation is limited, at Fluke's option, to refund of the purchase price, free of
charge repair, or replacement of a defective product which is returned to a Fluke authorized
service center within the warranty period.
To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest Fluke authorized service center or send the
product, with a description of the difficulty, postage and insurance prepaid (FOB Destination), to
the nearest Fluke authorized service center. Fluke assumes no risk for damage in transit.
Following warranty repair, the product will be returned to Buyer, transportation prepaid (FOB
Destination). If Fluke determines that the failure was caused by misuse, alteration, accident or
abnormal condition of operation or handling, Fluke will provide an estimate of repair costs and
obtain authorization before commencing the work. Following repair, the product will be returned
to the Buyer transportation prepaid and the Buyer will be billed for the repair and return
transportation charges (FOB Shipping Point).
THIS WARRANTY IS BUYER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
FLUKE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING LOSS OF DATA, WHETHER
ARISING FROM BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, RELIANCE OR
ANY OTHER THEORY.
Since some countries or states do not allow limitation of the term of an implied warranty, or
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, the limitations and exclusions of
this warranty may not apply to every buyer. If any provision of this Warranty is held invalid or
unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such holding will not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision.
Fluke Corporation Fluke Europe B.V.
P.O. Box 9090 P.O. Box 1186
Everett, WA 98206-9090 5602 BD Eindhoven
U.S.A. The Netherlands
5/94

SAFETY TERMS IN THIS MANUAL
This instrument has been designed and tested in accordance with IEC publication
1010-1 (1992-1), Safety Requirements for Electrical Measuring, Control and Laboratory
Equipment, and ANSI/ISA-S82.01-1994, and CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 1010.1-92. This User
Manual contains information, warning, and cautions that must be followed to ensure safe
operation and to maintain the instrument in a safe condition. Use of this equipment in a
manner not specified herein may impair the protection provided by the equipment.
This instrument is designed for IEC 1010-1 Installation Category II use. It is not designed
for connection to circuits rated over 4800 VA.
WARNING statements identify conditions or practices that could result in personal injury
or loss of life.
CAUTION statements identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to
equipment.
SYMBOLS MARKED ON EQUIPMENT
WARNING Risk of electric shock. Refer to the manual (see the Index for
references).
GROUND Ground terminal to chassis (earth).
Attention Refer to the manual (see the Index for references). This
symbol indicates that information about usage of a feature is contained in
the manual.
AC POWER SOURCE
The instrument is intended to operate from an ac power source that will not apply more
than 264V ac rms between the supply conductors or between either supply conductor
and ground. A protective ground connection by way of the grounding conductor in the
power cord is required for safe operation.
USE THE PROPER FUSE
To avoid fire hazard, for fuse replacement use only the specified unit: 100 or 120 V
operation, 2 ampere/250 volt time delay; 200 or 240 V operation, 1 ampere/250 volt time
delay.
GROUNDING THE INSTRUMENT
The instrument utilizes controlled overvoltage techniques that require the instrument to
be grounded whenever normal mode or common mode ac voltages or transient voltages
may occur. The enclosure must be grounded through the grounding conductor of the
power cord, or through the rear panel ground binding post.

USE THE PROPER POWER CORD
Use only the power cord and connector appropriate for the voltage and plug
configuration in your country.
Use only a power cord that is in good condition.
Refer power cord and connector changes to qualified service personnel.
DO NOT OPERATE IN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES
To avoid explosion, do not operate the instrument in an atmosphere of explosive gas.
DO NOT REMOVE COVER DURING OPERATION
To avoid personal injury or death, do not remove the instrument cover without first
removing the power source connected to the rear panel. Do not operate the instrument
without the cover properly installed. Normal calibration is accomplished with the cover
closed. Access procedures and the warnings for such procedures are contained both in
this manual and in the Service Manual. Service procedures are for qualified service
personnel only.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPERATE IF PROTECTION MAY BE IMPAIRED
If the instrument appears damaged or operates abnormally, protection may be impaired.
Do not attempt to operate the instrument under these conditions. Refer all questions of
proper instrument operation to qualified service personnel.

i
Table of Contents
Chapter Title Page
1 Introduction and Specifications......................................................... 1-1
1-1. Introduction........................................................................................... 1-3
1-2. Operation Overview.............................................................................. 1-4
1-3. Local Operation................................................................................ 1-5
1-4. Remote Operation (RS-232)............................................................. 1-5
1-5. Remote Operation (IEEE-488) ......................................................... 1-6
1-6. Where to Go from Here ........................................................................ 1-7
1-7. Instruction Manuals .............................................................................. 1-7
1-8. 5820A Operators Manual ................................................................. 1-7
1-9. 5820A Service Manual ..................................................................... 1-8
1-10. Specifications........................................................................................ 1-8
1-11. General Specifications...................................................................... 1-10
1-12. Voltage Output Specifications.......................................................... 1-11
1-13. DC Volt Measure Specifications ...................................................... 1-11
1-14. Edge Specifications .......................................................................... 1-12
1-15. Leveled Sine Wave Specifications ( ≤ 600 MHz) ............................. 1-13
1-16. Time Marker Specifications ............................................................. 1-13
1-17. Wave Generator Specifications ........................................................ 1-14
1-18. 1 ns Pulse Generator Specifications ................................................. 1-14
1-19. Trigger Signal Specifications (Pulse Function)................................ 1-14
1-20. Trigger Signal Specifications (Time Marker Function) ................... 1-15
1-21. Trigger Signal Specifications (Edge Function) ................................ 1-15
1-22. Trigger Signal Specifications (Square Wave Voltage Function) ..... 1-15
1-23. Trigger Signal Specifications (TV) .................................................. 1-15
1-24. Tunnel Diode Drive Capability ........................................................ 1-15
1-25. Oscilloscope Input Resistance Measurement Specifications............ 1-15
1-26. Oscilloscope Input Capacitance Measurement Specifications ......... 1-15
1-27. Overload Measurement Specifications............................................. 1-15
1-28. External Reference Input Specifications .......................................... 1-16
1-29. Auxiliary Input/Output Specifications ............................................. 1-16
1-30. Current Output Specifications .......................................................... 1-16
2 Preparing for Operation ...................................................................... 2-1
2-1. Introduction........................................................................................... 2-3

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Operators Manual
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2-2. Unpacking and Inspection .................................................................... 2-3
2-3. Replacing The Fuse .............................................................................. 2-4
2-4. Selecting Line Voltage.......................................................................... 2-4
2-5. Connecting To Line Power ................................................................... 2-5
2-6. How to Contact Fluke........................................................................... 2-7
2-7. Placement and Rack Mounting ............................................................. 2-7
2-8. Cooling Considerations......................................................................... 2-8
3 Feature ................................................................................................. 3-1
3-1. Introduction........................................................................................... 3-3
3-2. Front Panel Features ............................................................................. 3-3
3-3. Rear Panel Features .............................................................................. 3-3
3-4. Setup Softkey Menu Trees.................................................................... 3-10
4 Front Panel Operation......................................................................... 4-1
4-1. Introduction........................................................................................... 4-3
4-2. Turning on the Calibrator ..................................................................... 4-3
4-3. Warming up the Calibrator ................................................................... 4-4
4-4. Using the Softkeys................................................................................ 4-4
4-5. Using the Setup Menu........................................................................... 4-4
4-6. Using the Instrument Setup Menu.................................................... 4-5
4-7. Utility Functions Menu .................................................................... 4-5
4-8. Using the Format EEPROM Menu .............................................. 4-6
4-9. Resetting the Calibrator ........................................................................ 4-7
4-10. Using the Operate and Standby Modes................................................. 4-7
4-11. Connecting the Calibrator to the UUT.................................................. 4-7
4-12. Starting the Calibrator........................................................................... 4-8
4-13. The Output Signal ............................................................................ 4-8
4-14. Editing and Error Output Settings ........................................................ 4-8
4-15. Adjusting the Output Signal ............................................................. 4-9
4-16. Keying in a Value ........................................................................ 4-9
4-17. Adjusting Values with the Rotary Knob ...................................... 4-10
4-18. Using u and a .................................................................. 4-11
4-19. Displaying the Output Error ............................................................. 4-11
4-20. Resetting the Calibrator.................................................................... 4-11
4-21. Calibrating the Voltage Amplitude on an Oscilloscope........................ 4-11
4-22. The VOLTAGE Function................................................................. 4-12
4-23. The V/DIV Menu ............................................................................. 4-13
4-24. Shortcuts for Setting the Voltage Amplitude ................................... 4-13
4-25. The TRIG (Trigger) Menu................................................................ 4-14
4-26. Oscilloscope Amplitude Calibration Procedure ............................... 4-14
4-27. Calibrating the Pulse and Frequency Response on an Oscilloscope..... 4-15
4-28. The Edge Function ........................................................................... 4-15
4-29. The TRIG (Trigger) Menu................................................................ 4-16
4-30. Oscilloscope Pulse Response Calibration Procedure ....................... 4-17
4-31. Pulse Response Calibration Using a Tunnel Diode Pulser............... 4-18
4-32. The Leveled Sine Wave Function .................................................... 4-19
4-33. Shortcuts for Setting the Frequency and Voltage............................. 4-21
4-34. The MORE OPTIONS Menu ........................................................... 4-21
4-35. Sweeping Through a Frequency Range............................................ 4-22
4-36. Oscilloscope Frequency Response Calibration Procedure ............... 4-23
4-37. Calibrating the Time Base of an Oscilloscope...................................... 4-24
4-38. The Time Marker.............................................................................. 4-25
4-39. The TRIG (Trigger) Menu................................................................ 4-26

Contents (continued)
iii
4-40. Time Base Marker Calibration Procedure for an Oscilloscope ........ 4-26
4-41. Testing the Trigger................................................................................ 4-27
4-42. Testing Video Triggers ......................................................................... 4-29
4-43. Verifying Pulse Capture........................................................................ 4-30
4-44. The TRIG (Trigger) Menu................................................................ 4-31
4-45. Measuring the DC Calibration Output of an Oscilloscope ................... 4-32
4-46. Measuring Input Impedance and Capacitance ...................................... 4-32
4-47. Input Impedance Measurement ........................................................ 4-33
4-48. Input Capacitance Measurement ...................................................... 4-33
4-49. Testing Overload Protection ................................................................. 4-34
4-50. Using Auxiliary Input (AUXIN)........................................................... 4-35
4-51. Setting the Output Channel................................................................... 4-36
4-52. Using an External Reference ................................................................ 4-36
4-53. Using the Current Output Function ...................................................... 4-36
5 Remote Operation ............................................................................... 5-1
5-1. Introduction........................................................................................... 5-4
5-2. Setting up the IEEE-488 Port for Remote Control ............................... 5-4
5-3. IEEE-488 Port Setup Procedure ....................................................... 5-7
5-4. Testing the IEEE-488 Port................................................................ 5-8
5-5. Setting up the RS-232 Host Port for Remote Control........................... 5-11
5-6. RS-232 Host Port Setup Procedure .................................................. 5-11
5-7. Testing the RS-232 Host Port........................................................... 5-13
5-8. Testing RS-232 Host Port Operation using a Terminal ............... 5-13
5-9. Testing RS-232 Host Port Operation using Visual Basic ............ 5-15
5-10. Setting up the RS-232 UUT Port for Remote Control.......................... 5-16
5-11. RS-232 UUT Port Setup Procedure.................................................. 5-16
5-12. Testing the RS-232 UUT Port via RS-232 Host Port....................... 5-17
5-13. Testing RS−232 UUT Port Operation via a Terminal.................. 5-19
5-14. Testing RS-232 UUT Port Operation using Visual Basic............ 5-20
5-15. Testing the RS-232 UUT Port via IEEE-488 Port............................ 5-21
5-16. Changing between Remote and Local Operation ................................. 5-23
5-17. Local State........................................................................................ 5-23
5-18. Local with Lockout State.................................................................. 5-23
5-19. Remote State..................................................................................... 5-23
5-20. Remote with Lockout State .............................................................. 5-23
5-21. RS-232 Interface Overview .................................................................. 5-24
5-22. IEEE-488 Interface Overview............................................................... 5-25
5-23. Using Commands.................................................................................. 5-26
5-24. Types of Commands......................................................................... 5-28
5-25. Device−Dependent Commands.................................................... 5-28
5-26. Common Commands.................................................................... 5-28
5-27. Query Commands......................................................................... 5-28
5-28. Interface Messages (IEEE-488) ................................................... 5-28
5-29. Compound Commands................................................................. 5-30
5-30. Coupled Commands ..................................................................... 5-30
5-31. Overlapped Commands................................................................ 5-31
5-32. Sequential Commands.................................................................. 5-31
5-33. Commands that Require the Calibration Switch to be Enabled ... 5-31
5-34. Commands for RS-232 Only........................................................ 5-31
5-35. Commands for IEEE-488 Only.................................................... 5-32
5-36. Command Syntax ............................................................................. 5-33
5-37. Parameter Syntax Rules ............................................................... 5-33
5-38. Extra Space or Tab Characters..................................................... 5-34

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5-39. Terminators .................................................................................. 5-35
5-40. Incoming Character Processing.................................................... 5-35
5-41. Response Message Syntax ........................................................... 5-36
5-42. Checking 5820A Status ........................................................................ 5-37
5-43. Serial Poll Status Byte (STB) ........................................................... 5-37
5-44. Service Request (SRQ) Line ........................................................ 5-39
5-45. Service Request Enable Register (SRE)....................................... 5-39
5-46. Programming the STB and SRE .................................................. 5-40
5-47. Event Status Register (ESR)............................................................. 5-40
5-48. Event Status Enable (ESE) Register ............................................ 5-40
5-49. Bit Assignments for the ESR and ESE......................................... 5-40
5-50. Programming the ESR and ESE................................................... 5-41
5-51. Instrument Status Register (ISR)...................................................... 5-42
5-52. Instrument Status Change Registers............................................. 5-42
5-53. Instrument Status Change Enable Registers................................. 5-42
5-54. Bit Assignments for the ISR, ISCR, and ISCE ............................ 5-42
5-55. Programming the ISR, ISCR, and ISCE ...................................... 5-44
5-56. Output Queue ................................................................................... 5-44
5-57. Error Queue ...................................................................................... 5-45
5-58. Remote Program Examples................................................................... 5-45
5-59. Guidelines for Programming the Calibrator ..................................... 5-45
5-60. Writing an SRQ and Error Handler .................................................. 5-46
5-61. Using *OPC?, *OPC, and *WAI ..................................................... 5-47
5-62. Taking an Impedance Measurement................................................. 5-47
5-63. Using the RS-232 UUT Port to Control an instrument .................... 5-48
5-64. Input Buffer Operation ..................................................................... 5-48
6 Remote Codes ..................................................................................... 6-1
6-1. Introduction........................................................................................... 6-3
6-2. Command Summary by Function ......................................................... 6-3
6-3. Summary of Commands and Queries ................................................... 6-8
7 Maintenance......................................................................................... 7-1
7-1. Introduction........................................................................................... 7-3
7-2. Replacing the Line Fuse ....................................................................... 7-3
7-3. Cleaning the Air Filter .......................................................................... 7-4
7-4. General Cleaning .................................................................................. 7-6
7-5. Verification Tables ............................................................................... 7-6
7-6. DC Voltage Output Verification ...................................................... 7-6
7-7. AC Voltage Amplitude Verification................................................. 7-7
7-8. AC Voltage Frequency Verification................................................. 7-8
7-9. DC Voltage Measurement Verification............................................ 7-8
7-10. Wave Generator Amplitude Verification: 1 MΩOutput Impedance 7-9
7-11. Wave Generator Amplitude Verification: 50 ΩOutput Impedance. 7-10
7-12. Wave Generator Frequency Verification: 1 MΩOutput Impedance 7-11
7-13. Leveled Sinewave Verification: Amplitude ..................................... 7-11
7-14. Leveled Sinewave Verification: Frequency ..................................... 7-11
7-15. Leveled Sinewave Verification: Harmonics..................................... 7-12
7-16. Leveled Sinewave Verification: Flatness ......................................... 7-13
7-17. Edge Verification: Amplitude .......................................................... 7-19
7-18. Edge Verification: Frequency........................................................... 7-19
7-19. Edge Verification: Duty Cycle ......................................................... 7-19
7-20. Edge Verification: Rise Time........................................................... 7-20
7-21. Tunnel Diode Pulser Verification..................................................... 7-20

Contents (continued)
v
7-22. Marker Generator Verification ......................................................... 7-20
7-23. Pulse Generator Verification: Period................................................ 7-21
7-24. Pulse Generator Verification: Pulse Width ...................................... 7-21
7-25. Input Impedance Verification: Resistance........................................ 7-21
7-26. Input Impedance Verification: Capacitance ..................................... 7-21
7-27. Current Verification.......................................................................... 7-22
8 Options................................................................................................. 8-1
8-1. Introduction........................................................................................... 8-3
8-2. 5820A-5 Option .................................................................................... 8-3
8-3. GHz Option........................................................................................... 8-3
8-4. Using the GHz Option Functions ..................................................... 8-3
8-5. Fast Edge Specifications................................................................... 8-4
8-6. Leveled Sine Wave (> 600 MHz) Specifications ............................. 8-5
8-7. Time Marker Specifications ............................................................. 8-6
8-8. GHz Option Verification Tables........................................................... 8-7
8-9. Extended Leveled Sinewave Verification: Flatness ......................... 8-7
8-10. Leveled Sinewave Verification: Harmonics..................................... 8-15
9 Accessories ......................................................................................... 9-1
9-1. Introduction........................................................................................... 9-3
9-2. Rack Mount Kit .................................................................................... 9-3
9-3. IEEE-488 Interface Cables ................................................................... 9-4
9-4. RS-232 Null-Modem Cables ................................................................ 9-4
9-5. RS-232 Modem Cables......................................................................... 9-4
Appendices
A Glossary....................................................................................................... A-1
B ASCII and IEEE-488 Bus Codes................................................................. B-1
C IEEE-488 Interface Card ............................................................................. C-1
D RS-232/IEEE-488 Cables and Connectors.................................................. D-1
E Creating a Visual Basic Test Program......................................................... E-1
F Error Message ............................................................................................. F-1
Index

5820A
Operators Manual
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vii
List of Tables
Table Title Page
2-1. Standard Equipment ............................................................................................... 2-3
2-2. Line Power Cord Types Available from Fluke ...................................................... 2-7
3-1. Front Panel Features............................................................................................... 3-4
3-2. Rear Panel Features................................................................................................ 3-9
3-3. Factory Default Settings for the SETUP Menus .................................................... 3-19
4-1. Factory Defaults for SETUP .................................................................................. 4-6
4-2. Keys That Exit Error Mode.................................................................................... 4-9
5-1. Operating State Transitions.................................................................................... 5-24
5-2. RS-232 Interface Wiring ........................................................................................ 5-24
5-3. RS-232 Emulation of IEEE-488 Messages ............................................................ 5-25
5-4. IEEE-488 Remote Message Coding....................................................................... 5-27
5-5. IEEE-488 Interface Messages (Receive)................................................................ 5-29
5-6. Interface Messages (Send) ..................................................................................... 5-30
5-7. Commands for RS-232 Only.................................................................................. 5-32
5-8. Commands for IEEE-488 Only.............................................................................. 5-32
5-9. Units Accepted in Parameters and Used in Responses .......................................... 5-33
5-10. Terminator Characters............................................................................................ 5-35
5-11. Response Data Types ............................................................................................. 5-36
5-12. Status Register Summary ....................................................................................... 5-37
6-1. Command Summary by Function .......................................................................... 6-3
6-2. SCOPE Command Parameters ............................................................................... 6-32
7-1. Replacement Fuses................................................................................................. 7-3
7-2. DC Voltage Output Verification ............................................................................ 7-6
7-3. AC Voltage Amplitude Verification ...................................................................... 7-7
7-4. AC Voltage Frequency Verification ...................................................................... 7-8
7-5. DC Voltage Measurement Verification.................................................................. 7-8
7-6. Wave Generator Amplitude Verification (into 1 MΩoutput impedance) ............. 7-9
7-7. Wave Generator Amplitude Verification (into 50 Ωimpedance) .......................... 7-10
7-8. Wave Generator Frequency Verification (into 1 MΩImpedance) ........................ 7-11
7-9. Leveled Sinewave Verification: Amplitude ........................................................... 7-11
7-10. Leveled Sinewave Verification: Frequency ........................................................... 7-11
7-11. Leveled Sinewave Verification: Harmonics........................................................... 7-12
7-12. Leveled Sinewave Verification: Flatness ............................................................... 7-13
7-13. Edge Verification: Amplitude ................................................................................ 7-19
7-14. Edge Verification: Frequency ................................................................................ 7-19

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7-15. Edge Verification: Duty Cycle............................................................................... 7-19
7-16. Edge Verification: Rise Time................................................................................. 7-20
7-17. Tunnel Diode Pulser Verification .......................................................................... 7-20
7-18. Marker Generator Verification............................................................................... 7-20
7-19. Pulse Generator Verification: Period ..................................................................... 7-21
7-20. Pulse Generator Verification: Pulse Width ............................................................ 7-21
7-21. Input Impedance Verification: Resistance ............................................................. 7-21
7-22. Input Impedance Verification: Capacitance ........................................................... 7-21
7-23. DC Current Verification......................................................................................... 7-22
7-24. AC Current Verification......................................................................................... 7-22
8-1. Fast Edge Specifications ........................................................................................ 8-4
8-2. Leveled Sine Wave Specifications (> 600 MHz)................................................... 8-5
8-3. Time Marker Specifications ................................................................................... 8-6
8-4. Leveled Sinewave Verification: Flatness ............................................................... 8-7
8-5. Leveled Sinewave Verification: Harmonics........................................................... 8-15
9-1. Options and Accessories ........................................................................................ 9-3
D-1. IEEE-488 Connection Cables................................................................................. D-1
D-2. Serial Port Connection Cables................................................................................ D-2
F-1. Error Message Format............................................................................................ F-1

ix
List of Figures
Figure Title Page
1-1. 5820A Multi-Product Calibrator ............................................................................ 1-4
1-2. RS-232 Remote Connections ................................................................................. 1-6
1-3. 5820A Calibrator Dimensional Outline ................................................................. 1-9
2-1. Accessing the Fuse and Selecting Line Voltage .................................................... 2-6
2-2. Line Power Cord Types Available from Fluke ...................................................... 2-7
3-1. Front Panel View.................................................................................................... 3-4
3-2. Rear Panel View..................................................................................................... 3-9
3-3. SETUP Softkey Menu Tree ................................................................................... 3-10
3-4. SETUP Softkey Menu Displays............................................................................. 3-11
3-4. SETUP Softkey Menu Displays............................................................................. 3-12
4-1. Oscilloscope connection: channel and External Trigger........................................ 4-7
4-2. Tunnel Diode Pulser Connections.......................................................................... 4-19
5-1. Typical IEEE-488 Remote Control Connections ................................................... 5-5
5-2. Typical RS-232 Remote Control Connections....................................................... 5-6
5-3. Testing the IEEE-488 Port ..................................................................................... 5-8
5-4. Testing the RS-232 Host Port ................................................................................ 5-13
5-5. Testing the RS-232 UUT Port via the RS-232 Host Port....................................... 5-18
5-6. Testing the RS-232 UUT Port via IEEE-488 Port ................................................. 5-21
5-7. Status Register Overview ....................................................................................... 5-38
5-8. Serial Poll Status Byte (STB) and Service Request Enable (SRE) ........................ 5-39
5-9. Event Status Register (ESR) and Event Status Enable (ESE)................................ 5-41
5-10. Bit Assignments for the ISR, ISCEs and ISCRs .................................................... 5-43
7-1. Accessing the Fuse................................................................................................. 7-4
7-2. Accessing the Air Filter.......................................................................................... 7-5
D-1. IEEE-488 Connector Pinout (connection side) ...................................................... D-1
D-2. SERIAL 1 FROM HOST Port Connector Pinout .................................................. D-2
D-3. SERIAL 2 TO UUT Port Connector Pinout (connection side) .............................. D-2
D-4. Serial Port Connections (DB-9/DB-9) ................................................................... D-3
D-5. Serial Port Connections (DB-9/DB-25) ................................................................. D-4

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1-1
Chapter 1
Introduction and Specifications
Title Page
1-1. Introduction........................................................................................... 1-3
1-2. Operation Overview.............................................................................. 1-4
1-3. Local Operation................................................................................ 1-5
1-4. Remote Operation (RS-232)............................................................. 1-5
1-5. Remote Operation (IEEE-488) ......................................................... 1-6
1-6. Where to Go from Here ........................................................................ 1-7
1-7. Instruction Manuals .............................................................................. 1-7
1-8. 5820A Operators Manual ................................................................. 1-7
1-9. 5820A Service Manual..................................................................... 1-8
1-10. Specifications........................................................................................ 1-8
1-11. General Specifications...................................................................... 1-10
1-12. Voltage Output Specifications.......................................................... 1-11
1-13. DC Volt Measure Specifications ...................................................... 1-11
1-14. Edge Specifications .......................................................................... 1-12
1-15. Leveled Sine Wave Specifications ( ≤ 600 MHz) ............................. 1-13
1-16. Time Marker Specifications ............................................................. 1-13
1-17. Wave Generator Specifications ........................................................ 1-14
1-18. 1 ns Pulse Generator Specifications ................................................. 1-14
1-19. Trigger Signal Specifications (Pulse Function)................................ 1-14
1-20. Trigger Signal Specifications (Time Marker Function) ................... 1-15
1-21. Trigger Signal Specifications (Edge Function) ................................ 1-15
1-22. Trigger Signal Specifications (Square Wave Voltage Function) ..... 1-15
1-23. Trigger Signal Specifications (TV) .................................................. 1-15
1-24. Tunnel Diode Drive Capability ........................................................ 1-15
1-25. Oscilloscope Input Resistance Measurement Specifications............ 1-15
1-26. Oscilloscope Input Capacitance Measurement Specifications ......... 1-15
1-27. Overload Measurement Specifications............................................. 1-15
1-28. External Reference Input Specifications .......................................... 1-16
1-29. Auxiliary Input/Output Specifications.............................................. 1-16
1-30. Current Output Specifications .......................................................... 1-16

5820A
Operators Manual
1-2

Introduction and Specifications
Introduction 1
1-3
1-1. Introduction
The Fluke Model 5820A Oscilloscope Calibrator (Figure 1-1) is a precise instrument that
calibrates analog and digital oscilloscopes. Specifications are provided in this chapter.
XW Warning
To prevent electric shock or other possible injuries, the 5820A
Calibrator must be operated in the way specified by this manual
or other documentation provided by Fluke.
WCaution
Input voltages exceeding 30 VDC may cause damage to the
instrument. Do not apply voltages except in voltage
measurement mode.
Features of the 5820A Calibrator include the following:
•Automatic meter error calculation.
•uand akeys that change the output value to pre-determined cardinal values
for various functions.
•Programmable entry limits that prevent invalid amounts from being entered.
•Edge, Leveled Sine, Pulse, Marker, and Wave Generation modes.
•Accurate oscilloscopic input impedance measurement.
•Tunnel Diode Pulse compatibility.
•DC Volt Measure Mode.
•Current Mode generates both DC and low frequency AC current.
•1 ns to 500 ns pulse width capability with skew controlled trigger.

5820A
Operators Manual
1-4
0 •
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ENTER
FIELD
EDIT
/
+
MENU
PREV
RESETCE
MULT
x
DIV
÷
sec
VNEW
REF
Hz
M
SETUP
MODES
MORE
CHAN
dBm
n
INPUT
AUX
OPR
STBY
k
m
µ
MARKER
LEVSINE
EDGE
VOLT
20V PK MAX
100 mA MAX
POWER
I
O
5820A
OSCILLOSCOPE
CALIBRATOR • 2GHz
EXT TRIG
EXT TRIG
SOURCE/MEASURE
CHAN 1 CHAN 2
CHAN 3 CHAN 4
CHAN 5
20V PK
MAX
CHAN 1-5
AUX
INPUT
20V PK
MAX
20V PK
MAX
CAT
130V
PK
MAX
SOURCE
30V DC
MAX
MEASURE
yh001f.eps
Figure 1-1. 5820A Oscilloscope Calibrator
•External reference.
•Auxiliary input.
•5-channel output (5-channel option). The 5-channel option allows you to calibrate up
to five oscilloscope channels simultaneously without changing cables.
•Simultaneous output of a signal and a trigger signal.
•600 MHz, Leveled Sine wave output.
•Optional 600 MHz - 2.1 GHz, Leveled Sine wave output with 150 ps fast edge.
•Standard IEEE-488 (GPIB) interface, complying with ANSI/IEEE Standards
488.1-1987 and 488.2-1987.
•EIA Standard RS-232-C serial data interface for printing, displaying, or transferring
internally stored calibration constants, and for remote control of the 5820A.
•Pass-through RS-232-C serial data interface for communicating with the Unit Under
Test (UUT).
•Extensive automatic internal self testing and diagnostics of analog and digital
functions.
1-2. Operation Overview
The 5820A Calibrator may be operated at the front panel in the local mode, or remotely
using RS-232 or IEEE-488 ports. For remote operations, several software options are
available to integrate 5820A operation into a wide variety of calibration requirements.

Introduction and Specifications
Operation Overview 1
1-5
1-3. Local Operation
Typical local operations include front panel connections to the Unit Under Test (UUT),
and then manual keystroke entries at the front panel to place the calibrator in the desired
output mode. The front panel layout facilitates hand movements from left to right, and
multiply and divide keys make it easy to step up or down at the press of a single key. The
backlit liquid crystal display is easy to read from many different viewing angles and
lighting conditions, and the large, easy-to-read keys are color-coded and provide tactile
feedback when they are pressed.
1-4. Remote Operation (RS-232)
The Calibrator has two rear-panel serial data RS-232 ports: SERIAL 1 FROM HOST,
and SERIAL 2 TO UUT (Figure 1-2). Each port is dedicated to serial data
communications for operating and controlling the 5820A during calibration procedures.
For complete information on remote operations, see Chapter 5 of the 5820A Operators
Manual.
The SERIAL 1 FROM HOST serial data port connects a host terminal or personal
computer to the 5820A. You have several choices for sending commands to the 5820A:
you can enter commands from a terminal (for example, using the Terminal accessory
from Windows using a PC), you can write your own programs using BASIC, or you can
run optional Windows-based software such as 5500/CAL or MET/CAL. The 5500/CAL
software includes more than 200 example procedures covering a wide range of test tools
the 5820A can calibrate. (See Chapter 6 for a discussion of the RS-232 commands.)
The SERIAL 2 TO UUT serial data port connects a UUT to a PC or terminal via the
5820A (see Figure 1-2). This “pass-through” configuration eliminates the requirement for
two COM ports at the PC or Terminal. A set of four commands control the operation of
the SERIAL 2 TO UUT serial port. See Chapter 6 for a discussion of the UUT
commands.

5820A
Operators Manual
1-6
Unit Under Test
PC or Terminal
5820A
SERIAL 1 FROM HOST port COM port
RS-232 Remote Operation using the
SERIAL 1 FROM HOST port
PC or Terminal
SERIAL 1 FROM HOST port
COM port
SERIAL 2
TO UUT port
RS-232 Remote Operation using the
SERIAL 1 FROM HOST and
SERIAL 2 TO UUT ports
5820A
yh002f.eps
Figure 1-2. RS-232 Remote Connections
1-5. Remote Operation (IEEE-488)
The 5820A rear panel IEEE-488 port is a fully programmable parallel interface bus
meeting standard IEEE-488.1 and supplemental standard IEEE-488.2. Under the remote
control of an instrument controller, the 5820A Calibrator operates exclusively as a
“talker/listener.” You can write your own programs using the IEEE-488 command set or
run the optional Windows-based MET/CAL software. (See Chapter 6 for a discussion of
the commands available for IEEE-488 operation.)