Keysight 33210A User manual

Keysight 33210A
10 MHz Function/Arbitrary
Waveform Generator
User’s Guide

2
Keysight 33210A at a Glance
The Keysight Technologies 33210A is a 10 MHz synthesized
function generator with built-in arbitrary waveform and pulse
capabilities.
Itscombination 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
•Up to 10 standard waveforms
•Built-in 14-bit 50 MSa/s 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
•Four optional downloadable 8K-point arbitrary waveform
memories (Option 002)
•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.
33210A users guide.book Page 2 Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11:16 AM

3
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.
1Graph Mode/Local Key
2On/Off Switch
3Modulation/Sweep/Burst Keys
4State Storage Menu Key
5Utility Menu Key
6Help Menu Key
7Menu Operation Softkeys
8Waveform Selection Keys
9Manual Trigger Key (used for
Sweep and Burst only)
10 Output Enable/Disable Key
11 Knob
12 Cursor Keys
13 Sync Connector
14 Output Connector
33210A users guide.book Page 3 Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11:16 AM

4
The Front-Panel Display at a Glance
Menu Mode
Trigger OutputMode
Numeric
Readout
Information Information StatusUnits
Display
Icon
Softkey Labels
Graph Mode
To enter or exit the Graph Mode, press the key.
In Graph Mode, only one parameter label
Signal
Parameter
Name Parameter
Value
Ground
is displayed for each key at one time.
33210A users guide.book Page 4 Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11:16 AM

5
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 as you would on a typical calculator.
2. Select a unit to enter the value.
33210A users guide.book Page 5 Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11:16 AM

6
The Rear Panel at a Glance
Note: The External and Internal 10 MHz Reference Terminals (1 and 2,
above) are present only if Option 001, External Timebase Reference, is
installed. Otherwise, the holes for these connectors are plugged.
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.
1 External 10 MHz Reference Input Terminal
(Option 001 only).
2 Internal 10 MHz Reference Output Terminal
(Option 001 only).
3External Modulation Input Terminal
4Input:
External Trigger/Burst Gate
Output: Trigger Output
5USB Interface Connector
6LAN Interface Connector
7GPIB Interface Connector
8Chassis Ground
Use the menu to:
• Select the GPIB address (see chapter 2).
• Set the network parameters for the LAN interface (see chapter 2).
• Display the current network parameters (see chapter 2).
33210A users guide.book Page 6 Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11:16 AM

7
In This Book
Quick Start Chapter 1 prepares the function generator for use and
helps you get familiar with a few of its front-panel features.
Front-Panel Menu Operation Chapter 2 introduces you to the front-
panel menu and describes some of the function generator’s menu features.
Features and Functions Chapter 3 gives a detailed description of the
function generator’s capabilities and operation. You will find this chapter
useful whether you are operating the function generator from the front
panel or over the remote interface.
Remote Interface Reference Chapter 4 contains reference information
to help you program the function generator over the remote interface.
Error Messages Chapter 5 lists the error messages that may appear
as you are working with the function generator. Each listing contains
information to help you diagnose and solve the problem.
Application Programs Chapter 6 contains several remote interface
application programs to help you develop programs for your application.
Tutorial Chapter 7 discusses the fundamentals of signal generation
and modulation techniques.
Specifications Chapter 8 lists the function generator’s specifications.
33210A users guide.book Page 7 Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11:16 AM

8
You can contact Keysight 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 Keysight worldwide.
www.keysight.com/find/assist
OrcontactyourKeysight TechnologiesRepresentative.
33210A users guide.bookPage8 Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11:16 AM

Contents
9
Contents
Chapter 1 Quick Start 13
To Prepare the Function Generator for Use 15
To Adjust the Carrying Handle 16
To Set the Output Frequency 17
To Set the Output Amplitude 18
To Set a DC Offset Voltage 20
To Set the High-Level and Low-Level Values 21
To Select “DC Volts” 22
To Set the Duty Cycle of a Square Wave 23
To Configure a Pulse Waveform 24
To View a Waveform Graph 25
To Output a Stored Arbitrary Waveform 26
To Use the Built-In Help System 27
To Rack Mount the Function Generator 29
Chapter 2 Front-Panel Menu Operation 31
Front-Panel Menu Reference 33
To Select the Output Termination 35
To Reset the Function Generator 35
To Output a Modulated Waveform 36
To Output a PWM Waveform 38
To Output a Frequency Sweep 40
To Output a Burst Waveform 42
To Trigger a Sweep or Burst 44
To Store the Instrument State 45
To Configure the Remote Interface 46
33210A users guide.book Page 9 Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11:16 AM

10
Contents
Contents
Chapter 3 Features and Functions 51
Output Configuration 53
Pulse Waveforms 68
Amplitude Modulation (AM) 72
Frequency Modulation (FM) 77
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) 84
Frequency Sweep 90
Burst Mode 97
Triggering 106
Optional Arbitrary Waveforms (Option 002) 112
System-Related Operations 119
Remote Interface Configuration 128
External Timebase Reference (Option 001) 137
Calibration Overview 139
Factory Default Settings 143
Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference 145
SCPI Command Summary 147
Simplified Programming Overview 160
Using the APPLy Command 162
Output Configuration Commands 171
Pulse Configuration Commands 184
Amplitude Modulation (AM) Commands 189
Frequency Modulation (FM) Commands 193
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Commands 197
Frequency Sweep Commands 203
Burst Mode Commands 211
Triggering Commands 219
ArbitraryWaveformCommands(Option002) 222
State Storage Commands 233
System-Related Commands 237
Interface Configuration Commands 242
Phase-Lock Commands (Option 001 Only) 247
The SCPI Status System 249
Status Reporting Commands 259
Calibration Commands 263
An Introduction to the SCPI Language 265
Using Device Clear 270
33210A users guide.book Page 10 Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11:16 AM

Contents
11
Contents
Chapter 5 Error Messages 271
Command Errors 273
Execution Errors 276
Device Dependent Errors 291
Query Errors 292
Instrument Errors 293
Self-Test Errors 294
Calibration Errors 296
Arbitrary Waveform Errors 297
Chapter 6 Application Programs 299
Introduction 300
Program Listings 302
Chapter 7 Tutorial 309
Direct Digital Synthesis 311
Creating Arbitrary Waveforms (Option 002) 314
Square Waveform Generation 316
Pulse Waveform Generation 317
Signal Imperfections 318
Output Amplitude Control 320
Ground Loops 322
Attributes of AC Signals 323
Modulation 326
Frequency Sweep 329
Burst 331
Chapter 8 Specifications 333
33210A users guide.book Page 11 Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11:16 AM

12
Contents
Contents
33210A users guide.book Page 12 Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11:16 AM

1
1
Quick Start
33210A users guide.book Page 13 Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11:16 AM

14
1
Quick Start
One of the first things to do with your function generator is to become
acquainted with the front panel. We have written the exercises
in this
chapter to prepare the instrument for use and help you get familiar with
some of its front-panel operations. This chapter is divided into the
following sections:
•To Prepare the Function Generator for Use on page 15
•To Adjust the Carrying Handle on page 16
•To Set the Output Frequency on page 17
•To Set the Output Amplitude on page 18
•To Set aDC Offset Voltage on page 20
•To Set the High-Level and Low-Level Values on page 21
•To Select “DC Volts” on page 22
•To Set the Duty Cycle of aSquare Wave on page 23
•To Configure aPulse Waveform on page 24
•To View a Waveform Graph on page 25
•To Output aStored Arbitrary Waveform on page 26
•To Use the Built-In Help System on page 27
•To Rack Mount the Function Generator on page 29
33210A users guide.book Page 14 Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11:16 AM

15
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Prepare the Function Generator for Use
4
1
To Prepare the Function Generator for Use
1Check the list of supplied items.
Verify that you have received the following items with your instrument.
If anything is missing, please contact your nearest Keysight Sales Office.
•Power cord (for country of destination).
•Certificate of Calibration.
•Keysight 33210A Product Reference CD(product software,
programming examples, and manuals).
•Keysight Automation-Ready CD(Keysight IO Libraries Suite).
•USB 2.0 cable.
Note:All ofthe33210A productdocumentationisprovidedontheKeysight
33210AProductReferenceCD thatcomeswiththeproduct, andisalso
availableontheWebatwww.keysight.com/find/33210A.Printed
(hardcopy) manualsareavailableasanextracostoption.
2Connect the power cord and turn on the function generator.
The instrument runs a short power-on self test, which takes a few
seconds. When the instrument is ready for use it displays a message
about how to obtain help, along with the current GPIB address and USB
identification string. The function generator powers up in the sine wave
function at 1kHz with an amplitude of 100 mV peak-to-peak (into a 50Ω
termination).
Atpower-on, the Output connector is disabled. To enable the
Output
connector, press thekey
.
If the function generator does not turn on, verify that the power cord is
firmly connected to the power receptacle on the rear panel (the power-line
voltage is automatically sensed at power-on). You should also make sure
that the function generator is connected to a power source that is energized .
Then, verify that the function generator is turned on.
Power
Switch
If the power-on self test fails, “Self-Test Failed” is displayed along with an
error code. See the Keysight 33210A Service Guidefor information on
error codes, and for
instructions on returning the function generator to
Keysight for service.
33210Ausersguide.bookPage15Wednesday, July 16, 200811:16 AM

16
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Adjust the Carrying Handle
1
To Adjust the Carrying Handle
To adjust the position, grasp the handle by the sides and pull outward.
Then, rotate the handle to the desired position.
Carrying
Position
Extended
Retracted
33210A users guide.book Page 16 Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11:16 AM

17
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Set the Output Frequency
4
1
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 Press the “Freq” softkey.
The displayed frequency is either the power-on value or the frequency
previously selected. When you change functions, the same frequency is
used if the present value is valid for the new function. To set the
waveform period instead, press the Freq softkey again to toggle to the
Period softkey (the current selection is highlighted).
2 Enter the magnitude of the desired frequency.
Using the numeric keypad, enter the value “1.2”.
3 Select the desired units.
Press the softkey that corresponds to the desired units. When you select
the units, the function generator outputs a waveform with the displayed
frequency (if the output is enabled). For this example, press MHz
.
Note: Y ou can also enter the desired value using the knob and cursor
keys.
33210A users guide.book Page 17 Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11:16 AM

18
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Set the Output Amplitude
1
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 Press the “Ampl” softkey.
The displayed amplitude is either the power-on value or the amplitude
previously selected. When you change functions, the same amplitude is
used if the present value is valid for the new function. To set the amplitude
using a high level and low level, press the Ampl softkey again to toggle to
the HiLevel and LoLevel softkeys (the current selection is highlighted).
2 Enter the magnitude of the desired amplitude.
Using the numeric keypad, enter the value “50”.
3 Select the desired units.
Press the softkey that corresponds to the desired units. When you select
the units, the function generator outputs the waveform with the displayed
amplitude (if the output is enabled). For this example, press mVRMS.
Note: Y
ou can also enter the desired value using the knob and cursor
keys.
33210A users guide.book Page 18 Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11:16 AM