HP 81101A User manual

H
HP 81101A 50 MHz
Pulse Generator
Quick Start
Guide

Per 1.000µs Normal
OUTPUT TRG-LEVLIMITSMODE/TRG
OFF
Delay
1
0ps
Width
LeadE
TraiE
100.0ns
5.00ns
=LeadE
Offset
Amplit +0.0mV 1.00V
50Ωinto 50.0Ω
*OFF
ON
MODIFY
MORE
GRAPH
Use the KNOB to select a
mode or modify parameters
and formats
Press ENTER or a UNIT key to
confirm parameter changes
Use the CURSOR keys to move
the entry focus to a mode,
parameter format, or
parameter value
Press a SOFTKEY to access
the required entry screen Press MORE key to access
the additional screen menus:
MODE/TRG TRG-LEV MEMCARD CONFIG
Screen Selection Area
Mode / Parameter Area Modify / Enter Area
Entry Focus
Front Panel Display and Softkeys

Quick Start Guide
HP 81101A 50 MHz
Pulse Generator
HP Part No. 81101-91010
Printed in Germany September 1998
Edition 1.0, E0998

4
Notice
Notice
Copyright
1998 Hewlett-Packard GmbH
Herrenberger Str. 110–140
71034 Boeblingen
Germany
All rights reserved. Reproduction, adaptation or translation without prior
written permission is prohibited, except as allowed under the copyright
laws.
Warranty
This Hewlett-Packard product has a warranty against defects in material
and workmanship for a period of three years from date of shipment.
During the warranty period, Hewlett-Packard Company will, at its option,
either repair or replace products that prove to be defective. For warranty
service or repair, this product must be returned to a service facility
designated by Hewlett-Packard. The Buyer shall pay Hewlett-Packard’s
round-trip travel expenses. For products returned to Hewlett-Packard for
warranty service, the Buyer shall prepay shipping charges to Hewlett-
Packard and Hewlett-Packard shall pay shipping charges to return the
product to the Buyer. However, the Buyer shall pay all shipping charges,
duties and taxes for products returned to Hewlett-Packard from another
country. Hewlett-Packard warrants that its software and firmware
designated by Hewlett-Packard for use with an instrument will execute
its programming instructions when properly installed on that instrument.
Hewlett-Packard does not warrant that the operation of the instrument
software, or firmware, will be uninterrupted or error free.

5
Notice
Limitation of Warranty
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from
improper or inadequate maintenance by the Buyer, Buyer-supplied
software or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation
outside of the environmental specifications for the product, or improper
site preparation or maintenance.
No other warranty is expressed or implied. Hewlett-Packard specifically
disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose.
Exclusive Remedies
The remedies supplied are the Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies.
Hewlett-Packard shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special,
incidental, or consequential damages, whether based on contract, tort or
any other legal theory.
Assistance
Product maintenance agreements and other customer assistance
agreements are available for Hewlett-Packard products. For any
assistance, contact your nearest Hewlett-Packard Sales Office.
Certification
Hewlett-Packard Company certifies that this product met its published
specifications at the time of shipment. Hewlett-Packard further certifies
that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United States
Institute of Standards and Technology, to the extent allowed by the
Institute's calibrating facility, and to the calibration facilities of other
International Standards Organization members.

6
About this Book
About this Book
This quick start guide helps you to quickly get familiar with the features
and the user interface of the HP 81101A Pulse Generator.
Chapter 1 “Introducing the HP 81101A Pulse Generator” on page 15
gives a general overview of the HP 81101A, its features, the user
interface, and the steps required for operating the instrument.
For getting started Chapter 2 “Getting Started” on page 29 gives the
setup information for some real-world signal examples, which can easily
be used by varying only some parameter values.
Chapter 3 “Using the HP 81101A” on page 43 provides complete
information on the user interface screens.
Installation and maintenance are described in Appendix A “Installation
& Maintenance” on page 75.
For specifications and information on operating the instrument by means
of remote control, please refer to the Reference Guide, p/n 81101-91011.

7
About this Book
Conventions Used in this Book
This book uses certain conventions to indicate elements of the
HP 81101A’s user interface. The following table shows some examples:
Softkeys Press the MODE/TRG softkey to access the Mode/
Trigger screen.
Hardkeys Press the MORE key to switch to the alternative
softkey layout.
Alternate Keys Press SHIFT + 0 (ON/OFF) to switch on the output.
The alternate key label—which is selected by
pressing the SHIFT key—is given in parentheses.
Screen Quotes Move the entry focus down to PULSE-PERIOD and
turn the knob to select INTERNAL PLL.
Entry Focus The highlight field, that can be moved with the
cursor keys, to change modes, parameters, or
parameter formats.

8
Safety Information
Safety Information
Safety
This is a Safety Class 1 instrument (provided with terminal for protective
earthing). Before applying power, verify that the correct safety
precautions are taken (see the following warnings). In addition, note the
external markings on the instrument that are described under Safety
Symbols. Do not operate the instrument with its covers removed.
Replace fuse only with specified type.
Warning
Before turning on the instrument, you must connect the protective earth
terminal of the instrument to the protective earth conductor of the
(mains) power cord. The mains plug must only be inserted in a socket
outlet with a protective earth contact. Do not negate the protective
action by using an extension power cord without a protective grounding
conductor. Grounding one conductor of a two-conductor outlet is not
sufficient protection.
Service instructions are for trained service personnel. To avoid
dangerous electric shock, do not perform any service unless qualified to
do so. Do not attempt internal service or adjustment unless another
person, capable of rendering first aid and resuscitation, is present.
If you energize this instrument using an auto-transformer (for voltage
reduction), make sure that the common terminal is connected to the
earth terminal of the power source.
Whenever it is likely that the ground protection is impaired, you must
make the instrument inoperative and secure it against any unintended
operation.
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or
fumes. Operation of any electrical instrument in such an environment
constitutes a definite safety hazard.
Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification
to the instrument.

9
Safety Information
Capacitors inside the instrument may retain a charge even if the
instrument is disconnected from its source of supply.
Safety Symbols
Instruction Manual symbol: The instrument is marked with this symbol
when it is necessary for you to refer to the instruction manual in order to
protect against damage to the instrument.
Protected conductor symbol.
In the manuals:
WARNING Warnings call attention to a procedure, practice, or the like,
which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in
personal injury or loss of life. Do not proceed beyond a Warning
until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
CAUTION Cautions call attention to a procedure, practice, or the like, which, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or
destruction of part or all of the equipment. Do not proceed beyond a
Caution until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

10
Safety Information

xi
Contents
Notice ......................................................................................... 4
About this Book ......................................................................... 6
Safety Information .................................................................... 8
Chapter 1 Introducing the HP 81101A Pulse Generator
What you can do with the HP 81101A .................................... 16
The Front Panel ....................................................................... 18
Operating the HP 81101A ....................................................... 20
Switching On the Instrument .............................................................. 20
The Basic Screens ................................................................................. 21
Adjusting Parameters ........................................................................... 23
Switching the Output On and Off ....................................................... 26
Using the Special Function Keys ........................................................ 26
Help is Available ...................................................................... 27
The Rear Panel ........................................................................ 28
Chapter 2 Getting Started
Setting Up a Clock Signal ....................................................... 30
Setting Up a Pulse Signal ........................................................ 35
Setting Up a Burst Signal ....................................................... 39

xii
Contents
Chapter 3 Using the HP 81101A
The Mode/Trigger Screen ....................................................... 44
Overview ................................................................................................. 44
Continuous Pulses Mode ...................................................................... 46
Continuous Burst Mode ........................................................................ 47
Triggered Pulses Mode ......................................................................... 48
Triggered Burst Mode ........................................................................... 50
Gated Pulses Mode ................................................................................ 52
Gated Burst Mode ................................................................................. 54
External Width Mode ............................................................................ 55
The Output Screen ................................................................. 56
Timing Parameters ................................................................................ 56
Level Parameters ................................................................................... 61
The Limits Screen ................................................................... 64
The Trigger-Level Screen ....................................................... 65
Threshold and Impedance Parameters ............................................... 65
Trigger and Strobe Level Parameters ................................................. 66
The Memory Card Screen ....................................................... 67
The Configuration Screen ...................................................... 70
Warnings and Errors .............................................................. 72

xiii
Contents
Appendix A Installation & Maintenance
Initial Inspection ..................................................................... 76
Standard Deliverables .......................................................................... 77
Options and Accessories: ..................................................................... 78
Power Requirements ............................................................... 80
Power Cable ............................................................................. 82
Ventilation Requirements ....................................................... 83
Thermal Protection ............................................................................... 83
Battery ..................................................................................... 84
Battery Replacement ............................................................................ 85
Operating Environment .......................................................... 86
Cleaning Recommendation ..................................................... 87
Acoustic Noise Emission ......................................................... 88

xiv
Contents

15
11Introducing the HP 81101A
Pulse Generator
The purpose of the introduction chapter is to give a general overview of
the HP 81101A.
The main features and use models are described in “What you can do
with the HP 81101A” on page 16.
Operating the instrument via the front panel user interface is described in
“The Front Panel” on page 18 and “Operating the HP 81101A” on
page 20.
“Help is Available” on page 27 shortly introduces the HP 81101A’s on-
line help system.
Finally, “The Rear Panel” on page 28 takes a look at the back of the
HP 81101A.

16
Introducing the HP 81101A Pulse Generator
What you can do with the HP 81101A
What you can do with the HP 81101A
This section introduces the basic features and use models of the
HP 81101A Pulse Generator.
Basic Features
The HP 81101A is a single-channel pulse generator with variable
transition times. It is capable of generating all standard pulses and bursts
of pulses needed to test current logic technologies (for example, TTL,
CMOS, ECL, PECL, LVDS, GTL) and other digital designs up to 50 MHz.
The instrument features two internal oscillators:
• a synchronously triggerable internal oscillator
• an accurate, stable internal PLL
For even more accuracy, an external frequency reference can be
connected.
Any timing parameter can be varied without glitch or drop out. This
contributes to more accurate and confident characterizations of the
device under test (DUT).
Complete signal setups can be stored locally (9 internal non-volatile
registers available) or on a memory card.
Benchtop Testing
The HP 81101A features a graphic display showing all pulse parameters
at a glance. The cursor keys and the modify knob allow fast and simple
operation.
The user interface is designed to minimize the time invested in getting
familiar with the instrument. After familiarization, the instrument
supports quick setups of signals. This leaves you free to concentrate on
the measurement task and testing of the DUT.

17
Introducing the HP 81101A Pulse Generator
What you can do with the HP 81101A
Automated Testing
The HP 81101A features an HP-IB/SCPI-conform command structure for
all features. Using this programming interface, the instrument can be
easily integrated into all phases of test system development such as
planning rack integration and test program generation.
Programs designed for the HP 81101A are compatible with all other
models of the HP 81100 family.
NOTE For a command reference list, please refer to the Reference Guide, part
number 81101-91011.

18
Introducing the HP 81101A Pulse Generator
The Front Panel
The Front Panel
When used for benchtop testing, the instrument is mainly operated from
the front panel.
The front panel switch is used to switch on and off the instrument.
NOTE When the front panel switch is off, the instrument is in “standby” mode.
The instrument is disconnected from the AC line power only by
disconnecting the power cord.
The four keys below the display are the softkeys (software-controlled
keys). The current function of each softkey is indicated in the
corresponding box on the display.
Pressing the MORE key changes the softkey layout.
The other keys (special function keys, data entry keys, cursor keys)
and the rotary knob are used to select and modify parameters when
operating the instrument (see “Operating the HP 81101A” on page 20).
Special Function Keys Data Entry Keys Cursor Keys Rotary Knob
Front Panel Switch Softkeys MORE Key Inputs and Outputs

19
Introducing the HP 81101A Pulse Generator
The Front Panel
The major inputs and outputs of the instrument are available at the front
panel:
• The external input (EXT INPUT) can be used to connect an external
arming source (triggered or gated modes), or to perform pulse
recovery (external width mode). For details, please refer to “The
Mode/Trigger Screen” on page 44.
• The strobe output (STROBE OUT) provides a signal indicating the
duration of a burst.
In burst mode, the STROBE OUT signal marks the start and end of
each burst of pulses generated. The rising edge of the STROBE signal
is synchronized to the start of the first pulse period in a burst, the
falling edge is synchronized to the start of the last pulse period in the
burst. (see “The Mode/Trigger Screen” on page 44).
You can set the output levels to TTL or ECL (see “The Trigger-Level
Screen” on page 65)
• The trigger signal (TRIGGER OUT) marks the start of each pulse
period (see “The Mode/Trigger Screen” on page 44). You can set the
output levels to TTL or ECL (see “The Trigger-Level Screen” on
page 65).
• The OUTPUT provides the signal output, the indicator shows the
current state of the output (on or off).
NOTE An input connector for external frequency reference (CLOCK/REF INP.)
is available at the rear panel (see “The Rear Panel” on page 28). When
the rear panel option UN2 is ordered, all input and output connectors are
available at the rear panel.
NOTE For information on the use of the memory card slot, refer to “The
Memory Card Screen” on page 67.

20
Introducing the HP 81101A Pulse Generator
Operating the HP 81101A
Operating the HP 81101A
This section guides you through the first steps when operating the
HP 81101A via the user interface.
NOTE For information on operating the HP 81101A via remote control, please
refer to the Reference Guide, part number 81101-91011.
Switching On the Instrument
After switching on the instrument the display indicates that the
instrument selftest is running. This can take several seconds to complete.
If the selftest fails, you see a flashing E at the bottom of the screen. Press
the HELP key to see a list of the selftest error messages. Use the knob or
the cursor keys to scroll through the list if necessary.
To return to normal operation press HELP again. Note that the selftest
error messages are removed from the error queue after this.