HP 33120A User manual

The HP 33120A is a high-performance 15 MHz synthesized function
generator with built-in arbitrary waveform capability. 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 40 MSa/s arbitrary waveform capability
•Easy-to-use knob input
•Highly visible vacuum-fluorescent display
•Instrument state storage
•Portable, ruggedized case with non-skid feet
Flexible system features
•Four downloadable 16,000-point arbitrary waveform memories
•HP-IB (IEEE-488) interface and RS-232 interface are standard
•SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) compatibility
•Optional HP 34811A BenchLink/Arb Waveform Generation Software
for Microsoft®WindowsTM
HP 33120A
Function Generator /
Arbitrary Waveform Generator
Note: Unless otherwise indicated, this manual applies to all Serial Numbers.

The Front Panel at a Glance
1Function / Modulation keys
2Menu operation keys
3Waveform modify keys
4Single / Internal Trigger key
(
Burst and Sweep only)
5Recall / Store instrument state key
6 Enter Number key
7 Shift / Local key
8 Enter Number “units” keys
2

Front-Panel Number Entry
You can enter numbers from the front-panel using one of three methods.
Use the arrow keys to edit individual digits.
Use the “Enter Number” mode to enter a number with the appropriate units.
Use the knob and the arrow keys to modify the displayed number.
Increments the flashing digit.
Decrements the flashing digit.
Moves the flashing digit to the right.
Moves the flashing digit to the left.
Use “Enter” for those operations that do not
require units to be specified (AM Level,
Offset, % Duty, and Store/Recall State).
3

The Front-Panel Menu at a Glance
The menu is organized in a top-down tree structure with three levels.
B: SWP (Sweep) MENU
1: START F

2: STOP F

3: SWP TIME

4: SWP MODE
A: MODulation MENU
1: AM SHAPE

2: AM SOURCE

3: FM SHAPE

4: BURST CNT

5: BURST RATE


6: BURST PHAS

7: BURST SRC

8: FSK FREQ

9: FSK RATE

10: FSK SRC
C: EDIT MENU*
1: NEW ARB

[ 2: POINTS ]

[ 3: LINE EDIT ]

[ 4: POINT EDIT ]

[ 5: INVERT ]

[ 6: SAVEAS ]

7: DELETE
* The commands enclosed in square brackets ( [ ] ) are “hidden” until you make a selection from the
NEW ARB command to initiate a new edit session.
D: SYStem MENU
1: OUT TERM

2: POWER ON

3: ERROR

4: TEST

5: COMMA

6: REVISION
F: CALibration MENU*
1: SECURED

[ 1: UNSECURED ]

[ 2: CALIBRATE ]

3: CAL COUNT

4: MESSAGE
*The commands enclosed in square brackets ( [ ] ) are “hidden” unless the function generator
is UNSECURED for calibration.
E: Input / Output MENU
1: HPIB ADDR

2: INTERFACE

3: BAUD RATE

4: PARITY

5: LANGUAGE
4

Display Annunciators
Adrs
Rmt
Trig
AM
FM
Ext
FSK
Burst
Swp
ERROR
Offset
Shift
Num
Arb
Function generator is addressed to listen or talk over a remote interface.
Function generator is in remote mode (remote interface).
Function generator is waiting for a single trigger or external trigger (Burst, Sweep).
AM modulation is enabled.
FM modulation is enabled.
Function generator is set for an external modulation source (AM, FSK, Burst).
FSK (frequency-shift keying) modulation is enabled.
Burst modulation is enabled.
Sweep mode is enabled.
Hardware or remote interface command errors are detected.
The waveform is being output with an offset voltage.
“Shift” key has been pressed.
Press “Shift” again to turn off.
“Enter Number” mode is enabled. Press “Shift-Cancel” to disable.
Arbitrary waveform function is enabled.
Sine waveform function is enabled.
Square waveform function is enabled.
Triangle waveform function is enabled.
Ramp waveform function is enabled.
To review the display annunciators, hold down the Shift key as you
turn on the function generator.
5

1
Quick Start
1

Quick Start
One of the first things you will want to do with your function generator
is to become acquainted with its front panel. We have written the
exercises in this chapter to prepare the function generator for use and
help you get familiar with some of the front-panel operations.
The front panel has two rows of keys to select various functions and
operations. Most keys have a shifted function printed in blue above
the key. To perform a shifted function, press Shift (the Shift annun-
ciator will turn on). Then, press the key that has the desired label
above it. For example, to select the AM (amplitude modulation)
function, press Shift AM (the shifted version of the key).
If you accidentally press Shift , just press it again to turn off the
Shift annunciator.
Most keys also have a number printed in green next to the key.
To enable the number mode, press Enter Number (the Num annunciator
will turn on). Then, press the keys that have the desired numbers
printed next to them. For example, to select the number “10”,
press Enter Number 1 0 (next to the and Recall keys).
If you accidentally press Enter Number , just press Shift Cancel
to turn off the Num annunciator.
14

To prepare the function generator for use
The following steps help you verify that the function generator is
ready for use.
1 Check the list of supplied items.
Verify that you have received the following items with your function
generator. If anything is missing, contact your nearest Hewlett-Packard
Sales Office.
One power cord.
This User’s Guide.
One Service Guide.
One folded Quick Reference card.
Certificate of Calibration.
2 Connect the power cord and turn on the function generator.
The front-panel display will light up while the function generator
performs its power-on self-test. The HP-IB bus address is displayed.
Notice that the function generator powers up in the sine wave function
at 1 kHz with an amplitude of 100 mV peak-to-peak (into a 50Ω
termination).
To review the power-on display with all annunciators turned on,
hold down Shift as you turn on the function generator.
3Performacomplete self test.
The complete self-test performs a more extensive series of tests than
those performed at power-on. Hold down Shift as you press the Power
switch to turn on the function generator; hold down the key for more
than 5 seconds. The self-test will begin when you release the key.
If the self-test is successful, “PASS” is displayed on the front panel.
If the self-test is not successful, “FAIL” is displayed and the ERROR
annunciator turns on. See the Service Guide for instructions on
returning the function generator to Hewlett-Packard for service.
1
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To prepare the function generator for use
15

If the function generator does not turn on
Use the following steps to help solve problems you might experience
when turning on the function generator. If you need more help, see the
Service Guide for instructions on returning the function generator to
Hewlett-Packard for service.
1 Verify that there is ac power to the function generator.
First, verify that the function generator’s Power switch is in the
“On” position. Also, make sure that the power cord is firmly plugged into
to the power module on the rear panel. You should also make sure that
the power source you plugged the function generator into is energized.
2 Verify the power-line voltage setting.
The line voltage is set to the proper value for your country when the
function generator is shipped from the factory. Change the voltage
setting if it is not correct. The settings are: 100, 120, 220, or 240 Vac
(for 230 Vac operation, use the 220 Vac setting).
See the next page if you need to change the line-voltage setting.
3 Verify that the power-line fuse is good.
The function generator is shipped from the factory with a 500 mAT fuse
installed. This is the correct fuse for all line voltages.
See the next page if you need to change the power-line fuse.
To replace the 500 mAT fuse, order HP part number 2110-0458.
Chapter 1 Quick Start
If the function generator does not turn on
16

1Remove the power cord. Remove the
fuse-holder assembly from the rear panel.
2 Remove the line-voltage selector from
the assembly.
3 Rotate the line-voltage selector until the
correct voltage appears in the window.
4 Replace the fuse-holder assembly in
the rear panel.
Verify that the correct line voltage is selected and the power-line fuse is good.
Fuse: 500 mAT (for all line voltages)
HP Part Number: 2110-0458
100, 120, 220 (230), or 240 Vac
1
Chapter 1 Quick Start
If the function generator does not turn on
17

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
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To adjust the carrying handle
18

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.
1 Enable the frequency modify mode.
The displayed frequency is either the power-on value or the previous
frequency selected. When you change functions, the same frequency is
used if the present value is valid for the new function.
1.000,000,0 KHz
2 Enter the magnitude of the desired frequency. 1
Notice that the Num annunciator turns on and “ENTER NUM” flashes on
the display, indicating that the number mode is enabled.
1.2
To cancel the number mode, press Shift Cancel .
3 Set the units to the desired value.
The units are selected using the arrow keys on the right side of the
front panel. As soon as you select the units, the function generator
outputs the waveform with the displayed frequency. To turn off the
flashing digit, move the cursor to the left of the display using the arrow keys.
1.200,000,0 MHz
Freq
∧MHz
m Vpp
1
Enter Number
1You can also use the knob and arrow keys to enter a number.
See “Front-Panel Number Entry” on page 3 for more information.
2
.
1
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To set the output frequency
19

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.
1 Enable the amplitude modify mode.
The displayed amplitude is either the power-on value or the previous
amplitude selected. When you change functions, the same amplitude is
used if the present value is valid for the new function.
100.0 mVPP
2 Enter the magnitude of the desired amplitude. 1
Notice that the Num annunciator turns on and “ENTER NUM” flashes on
the display, indicating that the number mode is enabled.
50
To cancel the number mode, press Shift Cancel .
3 Set the units to the desired value.
The units are selected using the arrow keys on the right side of the
front panel. As soon as you select the units, the function generator
outputs the waveform with the displayed amplitude. To turn off the
flashing digit, move the cursor to the left of the display using the arrow keys.
50.00 mVRMS
Ampl
Enter Number
5
kHz
m Vrms
Shift
∨
0
1You can also use the knob and arrow keys to enter a number.
See “Front-Panel Number Entry” on page 3 for more information.
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To set the output amplitude
20

To set a dc offset voltage
At power-on, the function generator outputs a sine wave with a dc offset
voltage of 0 volts (into a 50Ωtermination). The following steps show you
how to change the offset to –1.5 mVdc.
1 Enable the offset modify mode.
The displayed offset voltage is either the power-on value or the previous
offset selected. When you change functions, the same offset is used if the
present value is valid for the new function.
+0.000 VDC
2 Enter the magnitude of the desired offset. 1
Notice that the Num annunciator turns on and “ENTER NUM” flashes
on the display, indicating that the number mode is enabled. Notice
that ± toggles the displayed value between +and –.
-1.5
To cancel the number mode, press Shift Cancel .
3 Set the units to the desired value.
At this point, the function generator outputs the waveform with the
displayed offset. Notice that the Offset annunciator turns on, indicating
that the waveform is being output with an offset. The annunciator will
turn on when the offset is any value other than 0 volts. To turn off the
flashing digit, move the cursor to the left of the display using the arrow keys.
-01.50 mVDC
Offset
5
Enter Number
±. 1
kHz
m Vrms
Shift
∨
1You can also use the knob and arrow keys to enter a number.
See “Front-Panel Number Entry” on page 3 for more information.
1
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To set a dc offset voltage
21

To set the duty cycle
Applies only to square waves. At power-on, the duty cycle for square
waves is 50%. You can adjust the duty cycle for a square waveform from
20% to 80%, in increments of 1% (for frequencies above 5 MHz, the
range is 40% to 60%). The following steps show you how to change the
duty cycle to 45%.
1 Select the square wave function.
Notice that the annunciator turns on, indicating that the
square wave function is enabled.
2 Enable the duty cycle modify mode.
The displayed duty cycle is either the power-on value or the previous
value selected.
50% DUTY
This message appears on the display for approximately 10 seconds.
Repeat this step as needed.
3 Enter the desired duty cycle. 1
Notice that the Num annunciator turns on and “ENTER NUM” flashes on
the display, indicating that the number mode is enabled.
45
To cancel the number mode, press Shift Cancel .
4 Output the waveform with the displayed duty cycle.
45% DUTY
% DutyShift
Enter Number
4 5
Enter
1You can also use the knob and arrow keys to enter a number.
See “Front-Panel Number Entry” on page 3 for more information.
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To set the duty cycle
22

To output a stored arbitrary waveform
There are five built-in arbitrary waveforms stored in non-volatile
memory for your use. You can output these waveforms directly from
non-volatile memory. The following steps show you how to output an
“exponential rise” waveform from memory.
1 Display the list of arbitrary waveforms.
The list contains the five built-in arbitrary waveforms (sinc, negative
ramp, exponential rise, exponential fall, and cardiac). The list may also
contain up to four user-defined arbitrary waveform names. The first
choice on this level is “SINC”.
SINC
This message appears on the display for approximately 10 seconds.
Repeat this step as needed.
2 Move across to the EXP_RISE choice.
1
EXP_RISE
3 Select and output the displayed arbitrary waveform.
Notice that the Arb annunciator turns on, indicating that the output is
an arbitrary waveform. The waveform is output using the present
settings for frequency, amplitude, and offset unless you change them.
The selected waveform is now assigned to the Arb key. Whenever
you press this key, the selected arbitrary waveform is output.
Arb List
>
Enter
Shift
>
1You can also use the knob to scroll left or right through the choices in the list.
See “Front-Panel Number Entry” on page 3 for more information.
1
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To output a stored arbitrary waveform
23

To output a dc voltage
In addition to generating waveforms, you can also output a dc voltage in
the range ±5 Vdc (into a 50Ωtermination). The following steps show
you how to output +155 mVdc.
1 Press the key and hold it down for more than 2 seconds.
To enter the dc voltage mode, press the Offset key or any key in the
top row of function keys and hold it down for more than 2 seconds.
The displayed voltage is either the power-on value or the previous
offset voltage selected.
DCV
+0.000 VDC
2 Enter the magnitude of the desired voltage. 1
Notice that the Num annunciator turns on and “ENTER NUM” flashes on
the display, indicating that the number mode is enabled.
155
To cancel the number mode, press Shift Cancel .
3 Set the units to the desired value.
At this point, the function generator outputs the displayed dc voltage.
Notice that the Offset annunciator turns on (all other annunciators
are off), indicating that a dc voltage is being output. The annunciator
will turn on when the offset is any value other than 0 volts.
+155.0 mVDC
Offset
Enter Number
51 5
kHz
m Vrms
Shift
∨
1You can also use the knob and arrow keys to enter a number.
See “Front-Panel Number Entry” on page 3 for more information.
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To output a dc voltage
24

To store the instrument state
You can store up to three different instrument states in non-volatile
memory. This enables you to recall the entire instrument configuration
with just a few key presses from the front panel. The following steps
show you how to store and recall a state.
1 Set up the function generator to the desired configuration.
The state storage feature “remembers” the function, frequency,
amplitude, dc offset, duty cycle, as well as any modulation parameters.
2 Turn on the state storage mode.
Three memory locations (numbered 1, 2, and 3) are available to store
instrument configurations. The instrument configuration is stored in
non-volatile memory and is remembered when power has been off.
STORE 1
This message appears on the display for approximately 10 seconds.
Repeat this step as needed.
3Store the instrument state in memory location “2”. 1
Use the up and down arrow keys to select the memory location.
STORE 2
To cancel the store operation, press Shift Store again or let the
display time-out after 10 seconds.
4 Save the instrument state.
The instrument state is now stored. To recall the stored state, turn to the
next page.
StoreShift
∧
Enter
1You can also use the knob or “enter number” mode to enter a memory location.
See “Front-Panel Number Entry” on page 3 for more information.
1
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To store the instrument state
25

To verify that the state was stored properly, you can turn the power off
before recalling the state.
5 Recall the stored instrument state.
To recall the stored state, you must use the same memory location used
previously to store the state. Use the up and down arrow keys to change
the displayed storage location.
RECALL 2
To cancel the restore operation, press Recall again.
This message appears on the display for approximately 10 seconds.
Repeat this step as needed.
6 Restore the instrument state.
The function generator should now be configured in the same state as
when you stored the setup on the previous page.
When power is turned off, the function generator automatically stores
its state in memory location “0”. You can recall the power-down state,
but you cannot store the state to location “0” from the front panel.
Use the POWER ON LAST STATE command in the SYS MENU to
automatically recall the power-down state when power is turned on.
See chapter 2 for more information on using the front-panel menus.
Recall
Enter
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To store the instrument state
26

2
Front-Panel
Menu Operation
2