Manual 33500 Op and SVC US

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Agilent 33500 Series

Waveform Generator

Operating and Service Guide


Agilent 33500 Series Waveform Generator
Operating and Service Guide

This document includes user, service, and programming information for the Agilent 33500 Series waveform gen-
erators. You can download the latest version of this document from www.agilent.com/find/33500help. The latest ver-
sion is also available for mobile devices at www.agilent.com/find/33500mobile.

Agilent welcomes your comments and suggestions to improve our documentation. You can give feedback on this doc-
ument at www.agilent.com/find/33500docfeedback.

Operating Information
Safety and Regulatory Information

Models and Options

Introduction to Instrument

Quick Start

Front-Panel Menu Operation

Features and Functions

Waveform Generation Tutorial

SCPI Programming Reference


Introduction to SCPI Language

Alphabetical List of SCPI Commands and Queries

Programming Examples

Command Quick Reference

Factory Reset State

SCPI Error Messages

Service and Repair Information


Service and Repair Introduction

Calibration and Adjustment


Block Diagram

Power Supplies

Troubleshooting

Self-Test Procedures

Replaceable Parts

Disassembly

IO Libraries and Instrument Drivers


The Agilent IO Libraries Suite software, including installation instructions, is on the Agilent Automation Ready CD-
ROM provided with your instrument.

For information about connecting and configuring USB, LAN, and GPIB interfaces, refer to the Agilent USB/LAN/GPIB
Interfaces Connectivity Guide on the Agilent Automation Ready CD-ROM, and at www.agilent.com/find/connectivity.

Web Interface
The instrument includes a built-in Web Interface. You can use this interface over LAN for remote instrument access
and control via a Java™-enabled Web browser, such as Microsoft® Internet Explorer.

To use the Web Interface:

1. Establish a LAN connection from your PC to the instrument.

2. Open your PC's Web browser.

3. Launch the instrument's Web Interface by entering the instrument's IP address or fully-qualified hostname in the
browser address field.

4. Follow the instructions in the Web Interface's on-line help.

Example Programs
There are several example programs on the product page Web site (www.agilent.com/find/33500). These are appli-
cation-focused programs that demonstrate different programming environments. This document also includes pro-
gramming examples to help get you started.

2 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Contacting Agilent Technologies

You can contact Agilent Technologies for warranty, service, or technical support.

In the United States: (800) 829-4444

In Europe: 31 20 547 2111

In Japan: 0120-421-345

Use www.agilent.com/find/assist for information on contacting Agilent worldwide, or contact your Agilent Technologies
representative.

Trademarks
Microsoft is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Windows, Windows NT, MS Windows, and Windows Vista are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Cor-
poration in the United States and/or other countries.

© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2012

Revised August, 2012

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 3


Safety and Regulatory Information

Safety and Regulatory Information

Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2012

No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means (including electronic storage and retrieval or
translation into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Agilent Technologies, Inc. as
governed by United States and international copyright laws.

Manual Information

33500-90901

First Edition, May 2012


Second Edition, August 2012

Agilent Technologies, Inc.


900 S. Taft Ave.
Loveland, CO 80537 USA

Trademark Acknowledgments

Microsoft is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Windows, Windows NT, MS Windows, and Windows Vista are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Cor-
poration in the United States and/or other countries.

Software and Documentation Updates and Licenses

Agilent releases software updates to fix defects and incorporate product enhancements. For the latest software and doc-
umentation, see www.agilent.com/find/33500help. The latest version is also available for mobile devices at www.ag-
ilent.com/find/33500mobile.

A portion of the software in this product is licensed under terms of the General Public License Version 2 ("GPLv2"). The
text of the license and source code can be found at www.agilent.com/find/GPLV2.

This product uses Microsoft Windows CE. Agilent highly recommends that all Windows-based computers connected to
Windows CE instruments use current anti-virus software. For more information, see www.agilent.com/find/33500.

Warranty

The material contained in this document is provided "as is," and is subject to being changed, without notice, in future
editions. Further, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Agilent disclaims all warranties, either express
or implied, with regard to this manual and any information contained herein, including but not limited to the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent shall not be liable for errors or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this document or of any information
contained herein. Should Agilent and the user have a separate written agreement with warranty terms covering the
material in this document that conflict with these terms, the warranty terms in the separate agreement shall control.

4 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Safety and Regulatory Information

Technology Licenses

The hardware and/or software described in this document are furnished under a license and may be used or copied only
in accordance with the terms of such license.

Restricted Rights Legend

If software is for use in the performance of a U.S. Government prime contract or subcontract, Software is delivered and
licensed as "Commercial computer software" as defined in DFAR 252.227-7014 (June 1995), or as a "commercial
item" as defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as "Restricted computer software" as defined in FAR 52.227-19 (June 1987) or any
equivalent agency regulation or contract clause. Use, duplication or disclosure of Software is subject to Agilent Tech-
nologies’ standard commercial license terms, and non-DOD Departments and Agencies of the U.S. Government will
receive no greater than Restricted Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-19(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S. Government users
will receive no greater than Limited Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-14 (June 1987) or DFAR 252.227-7015 (b)(2)
(November 1995), as applicable in any technical data.

Safety Notices

A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not cor-
rectly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not proceed beyond
a CAUTION notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not cor-
rectly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury or death. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING notice until
the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

Safety Symbols

Alternating current

Frame or chassis terminal

Standby supply. Unit is not completely disconnected from AC mains when switch is
off.

Risk of electric shock

Refer to accompanying documents

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 5


Safety and Regulatory Information

Earth ground terminal

The CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community.

The ETL mark is a registered trademark of Intertek.

The C-tick mark is a registered trademark of the Spectrum Management Agency of


Australia. This signifies compliance with the Australian EMC Framework regulations
under the terms of the Radio Communications Act of 1992.

Contains one or more of the 6 hazardous substances above the maximum con-
centration value (MCV), 40 Year EPUP.

1SM1-A This text indicates that the instrument is an Industrial Scientific and Medical Group 1
Class A product (CISPER 11, Clause 4).
ICES/NMB- This text indicates product compliance with the Canadian Interference- Causing
001 Equipment Standard (ICES-001).

Additional Safety Notices


The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation of this instrument. Failure to
comply with these precautions or with specific warnings or instructions elsewhere in this manual violates safety stand-
ards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes no liability of the cus-
tomer’s failure to comply with the requirements.

General

Do not use this product in any manner not specified by the manufacturer. The protective features of this product may
be impaired if it is used in a manner not specified in the operation instructions.

Before Applying Power

Verify that all safety precautions are taken. Make all connections to the unit before applying power.

Ground the Instrument

This product is provided with protective earth terminals. To minimize shock hazard, the instrument must be connected
to the AC power mains through a grounded power cable, with the ground wire firmly connected to an electrical ground
(safety ground) at the power outlet. Any interruption of the protective (grounding) conductor or disconnection of the
protective earth terminal will cause a potential shock hazard that could result in personal injury.

l Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.

l Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.

6 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Safety and Regulatory Information

l Only qualified, service-trained personnel who are aware of the hazards involved should remove instrument covers.
Always disconnect the power cable and any external circuits before removing the instrument cover.

Do Not Modify the Instrument

Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification to the product. Return the product to an Agi-
lent Sales and Service Office for service and repair to ensure that safety features are maintained.

In Case of Damage

Instruments that appear damaged or defective should be made inoperative and secured against unintended operation
until they can be repaired by qualified service personnel.

Unless otherwise noted in the specifications, this instrument or system is intended for indoor use in an installation cat-
egory II, pollution degree 2 environment per IEC 61010-1 and 664 respectively. It is designed to operate at a max-
imum relative humidity of 20% to 80% at 40 °C or less (non-condensing). This instrument or system is designed to
operate at altitudes up to 2000 meters, and at temperatures between 0 and 55 °C.

Technical Support

If you have questions about your shipment, or if you need information about warranty, service, or technical support,
contact Agilent Technologies.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 7


Models and Options

Models and Options


This section describes the models and options in the 33500 Series of instruments. For information on loading licenses
for options via the front panel, see License Installation. For information on loading licenses via SCPI, see the SYS-
Tem:LICense commands.

Instrument Models

Model Description Options

33521A 30 MHz 002 - 16MSa Arb Memory


One channel 004 - GPIB Interface
Arbitrary waveforms OCXO - High-stability OCXO Timebase
NISPOM Security
1 MSa Memory per channel

33522A 30 MHz 002 - 16MSa Arb Memory


Two channels 004 - GPIB Interface
Arbitrary waveforms OCXO - High-stability OCXO Timebase
NISPOM Security
1 MSa memory per channel

33509B 20 MHz OCX - Add High-stability OCXO Timebase


One channel SEC - Enable NISPOM & File Security
No arbitrary waveforms

33510B 20 MHz OCX - Add High-stability OCXO Timebase


Two channels SEC - Enable NISPOM & File Security
No arbitrary waveforms

33511B 20 MHz MEM - 16MSa Memory


One channel OCX - Add High-stability OCXO Timebase
Arbitrary waveforms SEC - Enable NISPOM & File Security

33512B 20 MHz MEM - 16MSa Memory


Two channels OCX - Add High-stability OCXO Timebase
Arbitrary waveforms SEC - Enable NISPOM & File Security
IQP - Add IQ Baseband signal player

33519B 30 MHz OCX - Add High-stability OCXO Timebase


One channel SEC - Enable NISPOM & File Security
No arbitrary waveforms

33520B 30 MHz OCX - Add High-stability OCXO Timebase


Two channels SEC - Enable NISPOM & File Security
No arbitrary waveforms

33521B 30 MHz MEM - 16MSa Memory


One channel OCX - Add High-stability OCXO Timebase
Arbitrary waveforms SEC - Enable NISPOM & File Security

8 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Models and Options

Model Description Options

33522B 30 MHz MEM - 16MSa Memory


Two channels OCX - Add High-stability OCXO Timebase
Arbitrary waveforms SEC - Enable NISPOM & File Security
IQP - Add IQ Baseband signal player

One- and two-channel upgrades

Model Description

335BW1U Increase bandwidth to 30 MHz for one-channel models

335BW2U Increase bandwidth to 30 MHz for two-channel models

335ARB1U Add arbitrary waveforms to one-channel models

335ARB2U Add arbitrary waveforms to two-channel models

335MEM1U 16 MSa memory for one-channel models

335MEM2U 16 MSa memory for two-channel models

33500U-OCX Add high-stability OCXO timebase

335SECU Add NISPOM and File security

335IQPU Add IQ Baseband signal player

33522B-DST Enable all software options for demonstration

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 9


Contacting Agilent Technologies

Contacting Agilent Technologies

You can contact Agilent Technologies for warranty, service, or technical support.

In the United States: (800) 829-4444

In Europe: 31 20 547 2111

In Japan: 0120-421-345

Use www.agilent.com/find/assist for information on contacting Agilent worldwide, or contact your Agilent Technologies
representative.

10 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Operating Information

Operating Information
Introduction to Instrument

Quick Start

Front-Panel Menu Reference

Features and Functions

Waveform Generation Tutorial

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 11


Introduction to Instrument

Introduction to Instrument
The Agilent Technologies 33500 Series is a series of synthesized waveform generators with built-in arbitrary waveform
and pulse capabilities.

Instrument at a Glance

Front Panel at a Glance

Front-Panel Display at a Glance

Front-Panel Number Entry

Rear Panel at a Glance

Contacting Agilent

Instrument at a Glance
The instrument's combination of bench-top and system features makes it a versatile solution now and in the future.

Convenient bench-top features

l 16 standard waveforms

l Built-in 16-bit arbitrary waveform capability

l Precise pulse waveform capabilities with adjustable edge time

l LCD display with numeric and graphical views

l Easy-to-use knob and numeric keypad

l Instrument state storage with user-defined names

l Portable, ruggedized case with non-skid feet

Flexible system features

l Downloadable 1M-point or optional 16M-point arbitrary waveform memory.

l USB, GPIB, and LAN remote interfaces (GPIB optional on models 33521A and 33522A)

l LXI Class C Compliant

l SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) compatibility

12 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Introduction to Instrument

Front Panel at a Glance

Item Description

1 USB Port

2 On/Off Switch

3 Display

4 Menu Softkeys

5 Fixed Function Buttons


(column of seven keys)

6 Manual Trigger Button

7 Sync Connector

8 Numeric Keypad

9 Channel 1 and Channel 2


(depending on model)

10 Knob and cursor arrows

Press and hold any front-panel key or softkey to get context-sensitive help.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 13


Introduction to Instrument

Front-Panel Display at a Glance

Item Description

1 Channel 1 information

2 Channel 2 information (depends on model)

3 Waveform parameters

4 Waveform display

5 Sweep or burst parameters

6 Softkey labels

Front-Panel Number Entry


You can enter numbers from the front panel in two ways:

l Use the knob and cursor keys to modify the number. Rotate the knob to change a digit (clockwise increases). The
arrows below the knob move the cursor.

14 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Introduction to Instrument

l Use the keypad to enter numbers and the softkeys to select units. The +/- key changes the number's sign.

Rear Panel at a Glance

Item Description

1 External 10 MHz Reference Input

2 Internal 10 MHz Reference Output

3 GPIB Connector

4 Chassis Ground

5 Instrument Cable Lock

6 AC Power

7 External Modulation Input

8 Input: External Trig/Gate/FSK/Burst

9 USB Interface Connector

10 Local Area Network (LAN) Connector

For protection from electrical shock, the power cord ground must not be defeated. If only a two-con-
tact electrical outlet is available, connect the instrument’s chassis ground screw (see above) to a
good earth ground.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 15


Quick Start

Quick Start
This section describes basic procedures to help you get started quickly with the instrument.

l Prepare Instrument for Use

l Adjust the Carrying Handle

l Set Output Frequency

l Set Output Amplitude

l Set DC Offset Voltage

l Set High-Level and Low-Level Values

l Output a DC Voltage

l Set Duty Cycle of a Square Wave

l Configure a Pulse Waveform

l Select a Stored Arbitrary Waveform

l Use Built-in Help System

l Rack Mount the Instrument

Prepare Instrument for Use


1. Verify that you received the following items. If anything is missing, please contact your nearest Agilent sales office or
Agilent authorized reseller.

l Power cord (for country of destination)


l Certificate of Calibration
l Agilent 33500 Series Product Reference CD (product software, programming examples, and manuals)
l Agilent Automation-Ready CD (Agilent IO Libraries Suite)
l USB 2.0 cable

Note: All product documentation is on the Agilent 33500 Series Product Reference CD. The doc-
umentation is also available at www.agilent.com/find/33500help. The latest version is also available for
mobile devices at www.agilent.com/find/33500mobile.

2. Connect the power cord and LAN, GPIB, or USB cable as desired. Turn the instrument on by pressing the power switch
in the lower left corner of front panel. The instrument runs a power-on self test and then displays a message about how
to obtain help, along with the current IP address. It also displays the GPIB address if the GPIB option is installed and ena-
bled.

The instrument's default function is a 1 kHz, 100 mVpp sine wave (into a 50 Ω termination). At power-on, the channel
output connectors are disabled. To enable output on a channel connector, press the key above the channel connector
and then press the Output Off / On softkey.

If the instrument does not turn on, verify that the power cord is firmly connected (power-line voltage is automatically
sensed at power-on). Also make sure that the instrument is connected to an energized power source. If the LED below
the power switch is off, there is no AC power connected. If the LED is amber, the instrument is in standby mode with
AC power connected, and if it is green, the instrument is on.
Power Switch:

16 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Quick Start

If the power-on self test fails, the display shows ERR in the upper right corner. It also prominently displays "Check for
error messages in the error queue."

See SCPI Error Messages for information on error codes. See Service and Repair - Introduction for instructions on
returning the instrument for service.

To turn off the instrument, hold the power switch down for about 500 ms. This prevents you from turning the instru-
ment off by accidentally brushing the power switch.

Adjust the Carrying Handle


Grasp the sides of the handle, pull outward, and rotate the handle.

Set Output Frequency


The default frequency is 1 kHz. You can change the frequency, and you can specify frequency in units of period instead
of Hz.

To change frequency with the knob:

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 17


Quick Start

To change frequency with the numeric keypad:

Finish by selecting frequency units:

To change the units to period instead of frequency:

Set Output Amplitude


The instrument's default function is a 1 kHz, 100 mVpp sine wave (into a 50 Ω termination).

The following steps change the amplitude to 50 mVpp.

1. Press [Units] > Amp/Offs or High/Low to make sure that you are in Amp/Offs.

The displayed amplitude is either the power-on value or the amplitude previously selected. When you change func-
tions, the same amplitude is used if the present value is valid for the new function. To choose whether you want to
specify voltage as amplitude and offset or high and low values, press [Units] and then the second softkey. In this
case, we will highlight Amp/Offs.

18 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Quick Start

2. Enter the magnitude of the desired amplitude.


Press [Parameters] > Amplitude. Using the numeric keypad, enter the number 50.

3. Select the desired units.

Press the softkey that corresponds to the desired units. When you select the units, the instrument outputs the
waveform with the displayed amplitude (if the output is enabled). For this example, press mVpp.

You can also enter the desired value using the knob and arrows. If you do so, you do not need to use a units soft-
key. You can easily convert the displayed amplitude from one unit to another. Simply press [Units] > Ampl As
and select the desired units.

Set DC Offset Voltage


At power-on, the DC offset is 0 V. The following steps change the offset to –1.5 VDC.

1. Press [Parameters] > Offset.

The displayed offset voltage is either the power-on value or the offset previously selected. When you change func-
tions, the same offset is used if the present value is valid for the new function.

2. Enter the desired offset.


In this, case we will use the numeric keypad to enter –1.5.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 19


Quick Start

3. Select the desired units.


Press the softkey for the desired units. When you select the units, the instrument outputs the waveform with the
displayed offset (if the output is enabled). For this example, press V. The voltage will be set as shown below.

You can also enter the desired value using the knob and arrows.

Set High-Level and Low-Level Values


You can specify a signal by setting its amplitude and DC offset, described above. You can also specify the signal as high
(maximum) and low (minimum) values. This is typically convenient for digital applications. In the following example,
we will set the high level to 1.0 V and the low level to 0.0 V.

1. Press [Units] > Ampl/Offs to toggle to High/Low as shown below.

2. Set the "High Level" value.


Press the [Parameters] > High Level. Using the numeric keypad or knob and arrows, select a value of 1.0 V. (If

20 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Quick Start

you are using the keypad, you will need to select the V unit softkey to enter the value.)

3. Press the Low Level softkey and set the value.


Again, use the numeric keypad or the knob to enter a value of 0.0 V.

These settings (high-level = 1.0 V and low-level = 0.0 V) are equivalent to setting an amplitude of 1.0 Vpp and an off-
set of 500 mV.

Output a DC Voltage
You can output a constant DC voltage, from -5 V to +5 V into 50 Ω, or -10 V to +10 V into a high impedance load.

1. Press [Waveforms] > More > DC.


The Offset value becomes selected.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 21


Quick Start

2. Enter the desired voltage offset.


Enter 1.0 with the numeric keypad or knob, and press the V softkey if you used the keypad.

Set Duty Cycle of a Square Wave


The power-on default for square wave duty cycle is 50%. The duty cycle is limited by the minimum pulse width spec-
ification of 16 ns. The following procedure changes the duty cycle to 75%.

1. Select the square wave function.


Press [Waveforms] > Square.

2. Press the Duty Cycle softkey.


The displayed duty cycle is either the power-on value or the percentage previously selected. The duty cycle rep-
resents the amount of time per cycle that the square wave is at a high level.

3. Enter the desired duty cycle.


Using the numeric keypad or the knob and arrows, select a duty cycle value of 75. If you are using the numeric key-
pad, press Percent to finish the entry. The instrument adjusts the duty cycle immediately and outputs a square
wave with the specified value (if the output is enabled).

Configure a Pulse Waveform


You can configure the instrument to output a pulse waveform with variable pulse width and edge time. The following
steps configure a 500 ms periodic pulse waveform with a pulse width of 10 ms and edge times of 50 ns.

22 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Quick Start

1. Select the pulse function.


Press [Waveforms] > Pulse to select the pulse function.

2. Set the pulse period.


Press the [Units] key and then press Frequency/Period to choose Period. Then press [Parameters] >
Period. Set the period to 500 ms.

3. Set the pulse width.


Press [Parameters] > Pulse Width. Then set the pulse width to 10 ms. The pulse width represents the time
from the 50% threshold of the rising edge to the 50% threshold of the next falling edge.

4. Set the edge time for both edges.


Press the Edge Time softkey and then set the edge time for both the leading and trailing edges to 50 ns. The edge
time represents the time from the 10% threshold to the 90% threshold of each edge.

Select a Stored Arbitrary Waveform


There are nine built-in arbitrary waveforms stored in non-volatile memory. They are Cardiac, D-Lorentz, Exponential
Fall, Exponential Rise, Gaussian, Haversine, Lorentz, Negative Ramp, and Sinc.

This procedure selects the built-in "exponential fall" waveform from the front panel. For information on creating a cus-
tom arbitrary waveform, refer to Set Up Arbitrary Waveform.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 23


Quick Start

1. Press [Waveforms] > Arb > Arbs.

2. Choose Select Arb and use the knob to select Exp_Fall. Press Select.

Use Built-in Help System


The built-in help system provides context-sensitive help on any front-panel key or menu softkey. A list of help topics is
also available to assist you with several front-panel operations.

View the help information for a function key

Press and hold any softkey or button, such as [Waveforms. If the message contains more information than will fit on
the display, press the down arrow softkey or use the knob to view the remaining information.

Press Done to exit Help.

View the list of help topics.

Press [System] > Help to view the list of available help topics. To scroll through the list, press the up and down arrow
softkeys or use the knob. Select the topic Get HELP on any key and then press Select.

24 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Quick Start

Press Done to exit Help.

View the help information for displayed messages.

Whenever a limit is exceeded or any other invalid configuration is found, the instrument displays a message. The built-
in help system provides additional information on the most recent message. Press [System] > Help. Then select the
topic View the last message displayed, and press Select.

Press Done to exit Help.

Local Language Help

All messages, context-sensitive help, and help topics are available in English, Chinese, French, Ger-
man, Japanese, Korean, and Russian. The menu softkey labels and status line messages are not
translated. To select the local language, press [System] > System Setup > User Settings
> Help Lang. Then select the desired language.

Rack Mount the Instrument


You can mount the instrument in a standard 19-inch rack cabinet using one of two optional kits, each of which includes
instructions and mounting hardware. Any Agilent System II instrument of the same size can be rack-mounted beside
the instrument.

Remove the carrying handle, and the front and rear rubber bumpers, before rack-mounting the
instrument.

To remove the handle, rotate it to vertical and pull the ends outward.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 25


Quick Start

To remove the rubber bumper, stretch a corner and then slide it off.

Front Rear (bottom view)

To rack mount a single instrument, order adapter kit 5063-9240.

To rack mount two instruments side-by-side, order lock-link kit 5061- 8769 and flange kit 5063-9212.
Be sure to use the support rails in the rack cabinet.

To prevent overheating, do not block airflow to or from the instrument. Allow enough clearance at
the rear, sides, and bottom of the instrument to permit adequate internal air flow.

26 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Front-Panel Menu Operation Introduction

Front-Panel Menu Operation Introduction


This section introduces front-panel keys and menus. See Features and Functions for additional information.

l Front-Panel Menu Reference

l Select Output Termination

l Reset Instrument

l Output a Modulated Waveform

l Output FSK Waveform

l Output PWM Waveform

l Output Frequency Sweep

l Output Burst Waveform

l Trigger Sweep or Burst

l Store Instrument State

l LAN Configuration Procedure

l Set Up Arbitrary Waveform

Select Output Termination


The instrument has a fixed series output impedance of 50 Ω to the front-panel channel connectors. If the actual load
impedance differs from the value specified, the displayed amplitude and offset levels will be incorrect. The load imped-
ance setting is simply a convenience to ensure that the displayed voltage matches the expected load.

1. Press a channel output key to open the channel configuration screen. Note that the current output termination
values (both 50 Ω in this case) appear on the tabs at the top of the screen.

2. Specify the output termination.

3. Press Output Load.

4. Select the desired output termination.

5. Use the knob or numeric keypad to select the desired load impedance or press Set to 50 Ω or Set to High Z.

Reset Instrument
To reset the instrument to its factory default state, press [System] > Store/Recall > Set to Defaults.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 27


Front-Panel Menu Operation Introduction

Output a Modulated Waveform


A modulated waveform consists of a carrier waveform and a modulating waveform. In AM (amplitude modulation), the
carrier amplitude is varied by the modulating waveform. For this example, you will output an AM waveform with 80%
modulation depth. The carrier will be a 5 kHz sine wave and the modulating waveform will be a 200 Hz sine wave.

1. Select the function, frequency, and carrier amplitude.

Press the [Waveforms] > Sine. Press the Frequency, Amplitude, and Offset softkeys to configure the carrier
waveform. For this example, select a 5 kHz sine wave with an amplitude of 5 Vpp, with 0 V offset.

Note that you may specify amplitude in Vpp, Vrms or dBm.

2. Select AM.
Press Modulate and then select "AM" using the Type softkey. Then press Modulate to turn modulation on.
Notice that the Modulate button is illuminated, and the status message "AM Modulated by Sine" appears at the
top left of the display.

3. Set the modulation depth.


Press the AM Depth softkey and then set the value to 80% using the numeric keypad or the knob and arrows.

4. Select the modulating waveform shape.


Press Shape to select the modulating waveform's shape. For this example, select a sine wave.

5. Press More > AM Freq. Set the value to 200 Hz using the numeric keypad or the knob and arrows. Press Hz to fin-
ish entering the number if you are using the numeric keypad.

Output an FSK Waveform


You can configure the instrument to "shift" its output frequency between two preset values using FSK modulation. The
rate at which the output shifts between the two frequencies (called the "carrier frequency" and the "hop frequency") is
determined by the internal rate generator or the signal level on the rear-panel Ext Trig connector. For this example,
you will set the "carrier" frequency to 3 kHz and the "hop" frequency to 500 Hz, with an FSK rate of 100 Hz.

28 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Front-Panel Menu Operation Introduction

1. Select the function, frequency, and carrier amplitude.

Press the [Waveforms] > Sine. Press the Frequency, Amplitude, and Offset softkeys to configure the carrier
waveform. For this example, select a 5 kHz sine wave with an amplitude of 5 Vpp, with 0 V offset.

2. Select FSK.
Press Modulate and then select FSK using the Type softkey. Then press Modulate to turn modulation on. Notice
the status message "FSK Modulated" at the top left of the display.

3. Set the "hop" frequency.


Press the Hop Freq softkey and then set the value to 500 Hz using the numeric keypad or the knob and arrows. If
you use the numeric keypad, be sure to finish the entry by pressing Hz.

4. Set the FSK "shift" rate.


Press the FSK Rate softkey and then set the value to 100 Hz using the numeric keypad or the knob and arrows.

At this point, the instrument outputs an FSK waveform.

Output PWM Waveform


You can configure the instrument to output a pulse width modulated (PWM) waveform. PWM is only available for the
Pulse waveform, and the pulse width varies according to the modulating signal. The amount by which the pulse width
varies is called the width deviation, and it can be specified as a percentage of the waveform period (that is, duty cycle)
or in units of time. For example, if you specify a pulse with 20% duty cycle and then enable PWM with a 5% deviation,
the duty cycle varies from 15% to 25% under control of the modulating signal.

To change from pulse width to pulse duty cycle, press [Units].

For this example, you will specify a pulse width and pulse width deviation for a 1 kHz pulse waveform with a 5Hz sine
wave modulating waveform.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 29


Front-Panel Menu Operation Introduction

1. Select the carrier waveform parameters.


Press [Waveforms] > Pulse. Use the Frequency, Amplitude, Offset, Pulse Width and Edge Times soft-
keys to configure the carrier waveform. For this example, select a 1 kHz pulse waveform with an amplitude of 1
Vpp, zero offset, a pulse width of 100 µs, and an edge time of 50 ns (both leading and trailing).

2. Select PWM.
Press Modulate > Type > PWM. Then press the first softkey (Modulate) to turn modulation on. Notice the
status message "PWM Modulated by Sine" in the upper-left corner of the display.

3. Set the width deviation.


Press the Width Dev softkey and set the value to 20 µs using the numeric keypad or the knob and arrows.

4. Set the modulating frequency.


Press the PWM Freq softkey and then set the value to 5 Hz using the numeric keypad or the knob and arrows.

5. Select the modulating waveform shape.


Press Shape to select the modulating waveform's shape. For this example, select a sine wave.

To view the actual PWM waveform, you would need to output it to an oscilloscope. If you do this, you will see how the
pulse width varies, in this case, from 80 to 120 µs. At a modulation frequency of 5 Hz, the deviation is quite visible.

30 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Front-Panel Menu Operation Introduction

Output Frequency Sweep


In the frequency sweep mode, the instrument moves from the start frequency to the stop frequency at a sweep rate,
which you specify. You can sweep up or down in frequency, and with either linear or logarithmic spacing, or using a list
of frequencies. For this example, you will output a swept sine wave from 50 Hz to 5 kHz.

1. Select the function and amplitude for the sweep.


For sweeps, you can select sine, square, ramp, pulse, triangle, or PRBS waveforms (arbitrary waveforms, noise,
and DC are not allowed). For this example, select a sine wave with an amplitude of 5 Vpp.

2. Select the sweep mode.


Press [Sweep] and verify that the linear sweep mode is currently selected on the second softkey. Press the
Sweep softkey to turn sweep on. Notice the Linear Sweep status message at the top of the tab for the current
channel. The button is also illuminated.

3. Set the start frequency.


Press Start Freq and then set the value to 50 Hz using the numeric keypad or the knob and arrows.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 31


Front-Panel Menu Operation Introduction

4. Set the stop frequency.


Press Stop Freq and set the value to 5 kHz using the numeric keypad or the knob and arrows.

At this point, the instrument outputs a continuous sweep from 50 Hz to 5 kHz if output is enabled.

You can also set the sweep frequency boundaries of the sweep using a center frequency and frequency span. These
parameters are similar to the start frequency and stop frequency (above) and they provide added flexibility. To achieve
the same results, set the center frequency to 2.525 kHz and the frequency span to 4.950 kHz.

To generate a frequency sweep, press [Trigger] twice. The first press puts the trigger in manual mode, and the second
one sends a trigger. For more information, see Trigger Sweep or Burst.

Output Burst Waveform


You can configure the instrument to output a waveform with for a specified number of cycles, called a burst. You can
control the amount of time that elapses between bursts with the internal timer or the signal level on the rear-panel Ext
Trig connector. For this example, you will output a three-cycle sine wave with a 20 ms burst period.

1. Select the function and amplitude for the burst.


For burst waveforms, you can select sine, square, ramp, pulse, arbitrary waveforms, triangle, or PRBS. Noise is
allowed only in the "gated" burst mode and DC is not allowed. For this example, select a sine wave with an ampli-
tude of 5 Vpp.

32 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Front-Panel Menu Operation Introduction

2. Select the burst mode.


Press [Burst] > Burst Off/On. Notice that a status message N Cycle Burst, Trig Imm is shown in the tab of
the current channel.

3. Set the burst count.


Press # of Cycles and set the count to "3" using the numeric keypad or knob. Press Enter to finish data entry if
you are using the numeric keypad.

4. Set the burst period.


Press Burst Period and set the period to 20 ms using the numeric keypad or the knob and arrows. The burst
period sets the time from the start of one burst to the start of the next burst. At this point, the instrument outputs
a continuous three-cycle burst at 20 ms intervals.

You can generate a single burst (with the specified count) by pressing the [Trigger] key. For more information, see
Trigger Sweep or Burst.

You can also use the external gate signal to create gated bursts, where a burst is produced while a gate signal is present
on the input.

Trigger Sweep or Burst


You can issue four different types of triggers from the front panel for sweeps and bursts:

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 33


Front-Panel Menu Operation Introduction

l Immediate or "automatic" (default): instrument outputs continuously when sweep or burst mode is selected.

l External: triggering controlled by rear panel Ext Trig connector.

l Manual: initiates one sweep or burst each time you press [Trigger]. Continue pressing [Trigger] to re-trigger
instrument.

l Timer: issues one or more triggers a fixed time amount apart.

If sweep or burst is on, pressing [Trigger] displays the trigger menu. An illuminated [Trigger] key (solid or blinking)
indicates that one or both channels are in awaiting a manual trigger. Solid illumination occurs when trigger menu is
selected, and flashing illumination occurs when trigger menu is not selected. The [Trigger] key is disabled when instru-
ment is in remote.

Pressing [Trigger] when it is solidly illuminated causes a manual trigger. Pressing [Trigger] when it is flashing selects
the trigger menu; a second press causes a manual trigger.

Store Instrument State


You can store instrument states in any number of state files, (extension .sta). You can do this for backup purposes, or
you can save your state to a USB drive and load it on another instrument to have instruments with matching con-
figurations. A stored state contains the selected function, frequency, amplitude, DC offset, duty cycle, symmetry, and
any modulation parameters in use. The instrument does not store volatile arbitrary waveforms.

1. Select the desired storage location.

2. Specify the name for the selected location.

To add characters, press the right-cursor key until the cursor is to the right of the existing name and then turn the
knob. To delete a character, rotate the knob until you get to the blank character before the capital A. To delete all
characters from the cursor position to the end of the line, press [+/-]. You can enter numbers directly from the
numeric keypad.

3. Store the instrument state.

34 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Front-Panel Menu Operation Introduction

To restore (retrieve) a stored state:

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 35


Front-Panel Menu Reference

Front-Panel Menu Reference


Overview of the front-panel menus. The remainder of this chapter contains examples of using the front-panel menus.

Selects waveform

l Sine

l Square

l Ramp

l Pulse

l Arbitrary

l Triangle

l Noise

l PRBS

l DC

Configures waveform-specific parameters

l Period/Frequency

l Amplitude or High and Low Voltage

l Offset

l Phase

l Duty Cycle

l Symmetry

l Pulse Width

l Edge Time

l Arbitrary Waveform

l Bandwidth

36 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Front-Panel Menu Reference

l PRBS Data

l Bit Rate

Specifies unit and parameter preferences

l Frequency or Period

l Voltage as Amplitude/Offset or High/Low

l Voltage units

l Pulse Width or Duty Cycle

l Frequency sweep as Center/Span or Start/Stop

Configures modulation parameters

l Modulation on or off

l Modulation type: AM, FM, PM, PWM, BPSK, FSK, or Sum

l Modulation source

l Modulation parameters

Configures frequency sweep parameters

l Sweep on or off

l Linear, logarithmic or frequency list

l Sweep time

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 37


Front-Panel Menu Reference

l Start/stop frequencies or center/span frequencies

l Dwell, hold, and return times

Configures burst parameters

l Burst on or off

l Burst mode: triggered (N Cycle) or externally-gated

l Cycles per burst (1 to 100,000,000 or infinite)

l Starting phase angle of burst (-360° to +360°)

l Burst period

Stores and recalls instrument states

l Store instrument states in non-volatile memory.

l Assign custom names to storage locations.

l Recall stored instrument states.

l Delete stored instrument states.

l Restore all instrument settings to their factory default values.

l Select the instrument’s power-on configuration (last power-down or factory default).

38 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Front-Panel Menu Reference

Configures instrument I/O interfaces

l Turn LAN on and off

l Configure LAN (IP address and network configuration)

l Reset the LAN.

l Specify USB settings

l Select GPIB address

Configures instrument parameters

l Calibrate instrument

l Perform self-test

l Configure reference oscillator

l Clear instrument memory (NISPOM secure)

Configures system-related parameters

l Set screen layout

l Select local language for front-panel messages and help text

l Select how periods and commas are used in numbers on display

l Turn display on and off

l Enable or disable error beeper

l Enable or disable screen saver

l Adjust display brightness

l Install licensed features

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 39


Front-Panel Menu Reference

l Set date and time

l Manage files and folders (copy, rename, delete, and so on)

l Capture screen shots.

Shows list of Help topics

l View last message displayed.

l View remote command error queue.

l Get help on any key.

l Learn how to obtain technical support.

l View "about" data - serial number, IP address, firmware version, and so on.

Enables and configures channels

l Turn channel on and off.

l Specify which channel is the focus of the menus.

l Select output termination (1 Ω to 10 kΩ, or Infinite).

l Enable / disable amplitude autoranging.

l Select waveform polarity (normal or inverted).

l Specify voltage limits.

l Specify whether output is normal or gated.

l Configure dual channel operation.

40 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Front-Panel Menu Reference

Configures trigger settings

l Perform a manual trigger, when illuminated.

l Specify the trigger source for sweep, burst or arbitrary waveform advance.

l Specify the trigger count and delay.

l Specify the slope (rising or falling edge) for an external trigger source.

l Specify the slope (rising or falling edge) of the trigger output signal.

l Enable / disable the signal output from the "Sync" connector.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 41


LAN Configuration Procedure

LAN Configuration Procedure


There are several parameters that you might need to set to establish network communication using the LAN interface.
Primarily, you will need to establish an IP address. You might need to contact your network administrator for help in
establishing communication with the LAN interface.

1. Select the "I/O" menu.


Press [System] > I/O Config.

2. Select the LAN Settings menu.


Press the LAN Settings softkey.

You can select Modify Settings to change the LAN settings, or you can turn LAN Services on and off or restore
the LAN settings to default values.

3. Press Modify Settings.

To access most items on this screen, use the first softkey to switch from DHCP to Manual. With DHCP on, an IP
address will automatically be set by DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) when you connect the instru-
ment to the network, provided the DHCP server is found and is able to do so. DHCP also automatically deals with
the subnet mask and gateway address, if required. This is typically the easiest way to establish LAN com-
munication for your instrument. All you need to do is leave DHCP on. Contact your LAN administrator for details.

4. Establish an "IP Setup."


If you are not using DHCP (if the first softkey is set to Manual), you must establish an IP setup, including an IP
address, and possibly a subnet mask and gateway address. The IP Address and Subnet Mask buttons are on the
main screen, and you press More to configure the Gateway.

42 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


LAN Configuration Procedure

Contact your network administrator for the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway to use. All IP addresses take the
dot-notation form "nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn" where "nnn" in each case is a byte value in the range 0 through 255. You
can enter a new IP address using the numeric keypad (not the knob). Just type in the numbers and the period
delimiters using the keypad. Use the left cursor key as a backspace key. Do not enter leading zeros.

5. Configure the "DNS Setup" (optional)


DNS (Domain Name Service) is an Internet service that translates domain names into IP addresses. Ask your net-
work administrator whether DNS is in use, and if it is, for the host name, domain name, and DNS server address to
use.

a. Set the "hostname." Press Host Name and enter the hostname. A hostname is the host portion of the
domain name, which is translated into an IP address. The hostname is entered as a string using the knob and
cursor keys to select and change characters. The hostname may include letters, numbers, and dashes ("-").
You can use the keypad for the numeric characters only.

b. Set the "DNS Server" addresses. From the LAN configuration screen, press More to go to the second of three
sets of softkeys.

Enter the Primary DNS and Second DNS. See your network administrator for details.

More about IP Addresses and Dot Notation


Dot-notation addresses ("nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn" where "nnn" is a byte value from 0 to 255) must be expressed with care,
as most PC web software interprets byte values with leading zeros as octal (base 8) numbers. For example,
"192.168.020.011" is actually equivalent to decimal "192.168.16.9" because ".020" is interpreted as "16" expressed
in octal, and ".011" as "9". To avoid confusion, use only decimal values from 0 to 255, with no leading zeros.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 43


Set Up Arbitrary Waveform

Set Up Arbitrary Waveform


The instrument includes an embedded waveform editor that allows you to create and edit arbitrary waveforms. You can
create these waveforms by editing voltage values directly or by using an combination of up to 12 different kinds of
standard waveforms.

The following tutorial creates and edits a basic waveform.

Insert Built-in Waveforms


1. Start the embedded waveform editor by pressing [Waveforms] > Arb > Arbs. Press Edit New, accept the
default file name, and then Start Editor. You now have a 0 VDC waveform of exactly 8 points.

2. Press Insert Built-in > Choose Wave. Use the knob or the arrows below the knob to select D-Lorentz and
press OK. Use the keypad and the V softkey that appears when you start typing on the keypad to set the Ampli-
tude to 2 V, and then press OK. The waveform now has 108 points, as the D-Lorentz waveform of 100 points was
inserted in front of the initial 8 points.

3. Suppose that you want to undo the change that you just made. Press [System] > Undo. You are now back to
the original 8 point, 0 V waveform.

44 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Set Up Arbitrary Waveform

4. To put the D-Lorentz waveform back, press Redo. Then press Done to exit.

5. Now we will insert a sine wave. Begin by pressing Choose Wave. Make sure Sine (the default) is highlighted, and
press OK. For help in understanding the various parameters on the screen, press Parameter Help. Then press
Done to exit the help screen.

6. Using the numeric keypad and the up and down arrow softkeys, set the Amplitude to 3.5 V, the Cycles to 4, and
the Points to 200. Leave all other settings at their default values and press OK.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 45


Set Up Arbitrary Waveform

7. Notice that the first softkey, Select Point # is highlighted. Put the marker on the 270th waveform point by using
the numeric keypad to enter the number 270 and pressing Enter.

8. Press Choose Wave, select Square, and then press OK. Set the Amplitude to 3 V, the Offset to -2 V, the Cycles
to 8, and the Points to 100. Press OK. Notice that the 8 square wave cycles have been inserted, beginning at the
marker. Press Done.

Edit Waveform Characteristics


1. Press Edit Params and then set the Sampling Rate to 100 Sa/s. Press Cycle Period and notice that it has been
set to 4.08 seconds. This is because you have 408 sample points in the waveform, and the sample rate is 100
Sa/s.

46 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Set Up Arbitrary Waveform

2. Change the Cycle Period to 2.04 seconds and then press Sampling Rate. It will now be set to 200 Sa/s in order
to play the 408 point waveform in 2.04 seconds.

3. Press Done to exit the parameter editing screen. Press Edit Points and notice that the Point # softkey is high-
lighted. Enter the number 160 and press Enter to move the marker.

4. Press Voltage and change the voltage of the selected point to 4.2 V. Press Point # and change the point marker
to 150 to move the marker off the point. When you press Enter to finish entering point 150, you will see the 4.2 V
anomaly in the wave that you just created at point 160.

Zoom and Pan


1. To see the point in detail, press [System] > Pan/Zoom Control. Notice that the first softkey is set to Hor-
izontal, meaning that the zooming that we are about to do will be along the horizontal (time) axis. Change the
Zoom to 500%, and the sine wave anomaly will be more obvious.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 47


Set Up Arbitrary Waveform

2. Now set the first softkey to Vertical to zoom vertically. Set the Zoom to 500%. Notice that we have zoomed in on
the voltage axis, but we are too low to see the 4.2 V anomaly in the sine wave.

3. Press Pan and set the Pan to 3 V in order to move higher on the waveform. The 4.2 V point is now clearly visible.

4. To see the entire waveform again, press Show All. Then press Done and Done again to return to the Edit
Points screen.

48 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Set Up Arbitrary Waveform

Insert, Remove, Copy and Paste Points


1. Press Insert Point 15 times and watch the display carefully. You will see 15 new waveform points at the same
voltage level.

2. Change the Point # to 220 and press Remove Point 20 times, watching the display carefully as you do so in
order to see the points being removed from the waveform.

3. You can also edit points by using a table of voltages. Press Advanced Edit > Edit Via Table. Set Point # to 200,
and then set the Voltage for point 200 to 3 V. Use the knob to move between rows and set the Voltage for points
205 and 210 to 3 V. Press Done.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 49


Set Up Arbitrary Waveform

4. Notice the three 3 V spikes that you just made in the waveform at points 200, 205, and 210.

5. Press Cut/Copy Paste, and set Marker 1 to 150. Then press the first softkey and change the Marker to Marker
2. Set Marker 2 to 300. The range defined by the markers is now highlighted in black.

6. Press Copy, then Paste, and then At Start. Notice that section you copied is now duplicated at the beginning of
the waveform.

7. Now press Paste > At End. The same section of the waveform now also appears at the very end.

50 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Set Up Arbitrary Waveform

8. Now press Paste and change the Point # to 500. Then press OK, and the same portion of the waveform will be
pasted in at point 500. Press Done to leave the Cut/Copy Paste menu.

Perform Math
The embedded waveform editor allows you to perform mathematical operations on the waveform. First you set
markers to define the range of the waveform that you want to modify. You can then add, subtract or multiply that por-
tion of the waveform by another waveform, or you can transform the waveform in ways that do not involve other wave-
forms.

1. Press Perform Math. Set Marker 1 to 400 and Marker 2 to 500.

2. Press Add, then select Haversine and OK. Set the Amplitude to 3 V, the Offset to 0 V, and press OK. Notice that
the highlighted section now rises in the middle as a result of the Haversine addition.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 51


Set Up Arbitrary Waveform

3. Now press Multiply and select the Sine wave (press OK). Set the Cycles to 2 and press OK.

4. Now set Marker 1 to 200 and Marker 2 to 600.

5. Press Advanced Math > Mirror > OK.

6. Continue learning about the interface by trying other Advanced Math features, such as Invert, Absolute, Scale,
and so on. Press Operation Help for more information.

52 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Features and Functions

Features and Functions


This section contains details on instrument features, including front panel and remote interface operation. You may
want to read Front-Panel Menu Reference first. See SCPI Programming Reference for details on SCPI commands and
queries. This section covers:

Output Configuration

Pulse Waveforms

Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM)

Phase Modulation (PM)

Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK) Modulation

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

Sum Modulation

Frequency Sweep

Burst Mode

Triggering

Dual Channel Operations

System-Related Operations

Remote Interface Configuration

External Timebase Reference

Embedded Waveform Editor

Throughout this document, "default" states and values are identified. These are the power-on default states provided
you have not enabled the power-down recall mode (see Instrument State Storage).

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 53


Output Configuration

Output Configuration
This section describes output channel configuration. Many commands associated with output configuration start with
SOURce1: or SOURce2: to indicate a certain channel. If omitted, the default is channel 1. For example, VOLT 2.5 sets
the output on channel 1 to 2.5 V, and SOUR2:VOLT 2.5 does the same for channel 2.

The instrument's display includes a "tab" for each channel that summarizes various aspects of each channel's output
configuration:

On a two-channel instrument, the tab for channel 1 will be yellow, and the tab for channel 2 will be green.

Output Function
The instrument includes eight standard waveforms: sine, square, ramp, pulse, triangle, noise, PRBS (pseudo-random
binary sequence), and DC. There are also nine built-in arbitrary waveforms, and you can create custom waveforms
with the embedded waveform editor.

The table below shows which functions are allowed (•) with modulation, sweep, and burst. Selecting a function that is
not allowed with a modulation or mode disables the modulation or mode.

Carrier AM FM PM FSK BPSK PWM Sum Burst Sweep

Sine and Square • • • • • • • •

Pulse • • • • • • • • •

Triangle and Ramp • • • • • • • •

Gaussian Noise • • •a

PRBS • • • • •

Arbitrary Waveform • • •b •b • • •

Sequence • •

(a) Gated burst only

(b) Applies to sample clock, not whole waveform

l Frequency Limitations: Changing functions may change the frequency to meet the new function's frequency lim-
its.

l Amplitude Limitations: When the output units are Vrms or dBm, changing functions may lower the amplitude to
the maximum for the new function due to variation in waveform shapes. For example, a 5 Vrms square wave (into
50 Ω) changed to a sine will decrease to 3.536 Vrms (sine’s upper limit).

l Amplitude and offset cannot combine to exceed the instrument’s capability. The one you set last may be changed
to stay within limits.

l You may protect a device under test (DUT) by specifying upper and lower output voltage limits.

l Front Panel:

54 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Output Configuration

To select another waveform:

l For example, to specify a DC signal:

To produce the DC output:

l SCPI: FUNCtion {SIN|SQU|RAMP|PULSe|NOIS|DC|PRBS|ARB}

The APPLy command configures a waveform with one command.

Output Frequency
As shown below, the output frequency range depends on the function (default frequency 1 kHz for all functions).

Function Minimum Frequency Maximum Frequency

Sine 1 µHz 30 MHz

Square 1 µHz 30 MHz

Ramp/Tri. 1 µHz 200 kHz

Pulse 1 µHz 30 MHz

PRBS 1 µbps 50 Mbps

Arbitrary 1 µSa/s 250 MSa/s

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 55


Output Configuration

l Frequency Limitations: Changing functions may change the frequency to meet the new function's frequency lim-
its.

l Burst Limitation: For internally-triggered bursts, the minimum frequency is 126 µHz.

l Duty Cycle Limitations: For Square and Pulse, Duty Cycle is limited by the 16-ns minimum pulse width spec-
ification. For example, at 1 kHz, Duty Cycle may be set as low as 0.01%, because that would result in a pulse width
of 100 ns. At 1 MHz, the minimum Duty Cycle is 1.6%, and at 10 MHz it is 16%. Changing to a frequency that can-
not produce the current duty cycle will adjust the duty cycle to meet the minimum pulse width specification.

l Front Panel:

l You can also toggle to the setting to Period.

l SCPI: [SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency {<frequency>|MIN|MAX}

The APPLy command configures a waveform with one command.

Output Amplitude
The default amplitude is 100 mVpp (into 50 Ω) for all functions.

l Offset Voltage Limitations: The relationship between amplitude and offset is shown below. Vmax is ±5 V for a 50 Ω
load or ±10 V for a high-impedance load).

Vpp < 2(Vmax – |Voffset|)

l Limits Due to Output Termination: If the amplitude is 10 Vpp and you change the output termination setting from
50 Ω to "high impedance" (OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD INF), the displayed amplitude doubles to 20 Vpp. Changing from
"high impedance" to 50 Ω halves the displayed amplitude. The output termination setting does not affect the
actual output voltage; it only changes the values displayed and queried from the remote interface. Actual output
voltage depends on the connected load.

l Limits Due to Units Selection:Amplitude limits are sometimes determined by the output units selected. This may
occur when the units are Vrms or dBm due to the differences in various functions' crest factors. For example, if
you change a 5 Vrms square wave (into 50 Ω) to a sine wave, the instrument will adjust the amplitude to 3.536
Vrms (the upper limit for sine in Vrms). The remote interface will also generate a "Settings conflict" error.

l You can set the output amplitude in Vpp, Vrms, or dBm. You cannot specify output amplitude in dBm if output ter-
mination is set to high impedance. See Output Units for details.

l Arbitrary Waveform Limitations: For arbitrary waveforms, amplitude is limited if the waveform data points do not
span the full range of the output DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter). For example, the built-in "Sinc" waveform
does not use the full range of values, so its maximum amplitude is limited to 6.087 Vpp (into 50 Ω).

l Changing amplitude may briefly disrupt output at certain voltages due to output attenuator switching. The ampli-
tude is controlled, however, so the output voltage will never exceed the current setting while switching ranges. To
prevent this disruption, disable voltage autoranging using VOLTage:RANGe:AUTO OFF. The APPLy command auto-
matically enables autoranging.

56 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Output Configuration

l Setting the high and low levels also sets the waveform amplitude and offset. For example, if you set the high level
to +2 V and the low level to -3 V, the resulting amplitude is 5 Vpp, with a -500 mV offset.

l A DC signal's output level is controlled by the offset voltage (DC Offset Voltage). The DC level may be between ±5 V
into a 50 Ω load or ±10 V with a high-impedance load.

l Front Panel:

To use a high level and low level instead:

l SCPI:
VOLTage {<amplitude>|MINimum|MAXimum}

VOLTage:HIGH {<voltage>|MINimum|MAXimum}

VOLTage:LOW {<voltage>|MINimum|MAXimum}

The APPLy command configures a waveform with one command.

DC Offset Voltage
The default offset is 0 V for all functions.

l Limits Due to Amplitude: The relationship between offset voltage and output amplitude is shown below. The peak
output voltage (DC plus AC) cannot exceed the instrument output rating (±5 V into 50 Ω load, or ±10 V into an
open circuit).

l The relationship between offset voltage and output amplitude is shown below. Vmax is the maximum peak voltage
for the selected output termination (5 V for a 50 Ω load or 10 V for a high-impedance load).

|Voffset| < Vmax - Vpp/2

If the specified offset voltage is not valid, the instrument will adjust it to the maximum DC voltage allowed with the
specified amplitude. From the remote interface, a "Data out of range" error will also be generated.

l Limits Due to Output Termination: The offset range depends on the output termination setting. For example, if
you set offset to 100 mVDC and then change output termination from 50 Ω to "high impedance," the offset volt-
age displayed on the front panel doubles to 200 mVDC (no error is generated). If you change from "high imped-
ance" to 50 Ω, the displayed offset voltage will be halved. See OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD for details. Changing the output
termination setting does not change the voltage present at the output terminals of the instrument. This only
changes the displayed values on the front panel and the values queried from the remote interface. The voltage

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 57


Output Configuration

present at the instrument's output depends on the load connected to the instrument. See OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD for
details.

l Arbitrary Waveform Limitations: For arbitrary waveforms, amplitude is limited if the waveform data points do not
span the full range of the output DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter). For example, the built-in "Sinc" waveform
does not use the full range of values, so its maximum amplitude is limited to 6.087 Vpp (into 50 Ω).

l Setting the high and low levels also sets the waveform amplitude and offset. For example, if you set the high level
to +2 V and the low level to -3 V, the resulting amplitude is 5 Vpp, with a -500 mV offset.

l To output a DC voltage level, select the DC voltage function (FUNCtion DC) and then set the offset voltage (VOLT-
age:OFFSet). Valid values are between ±5 VDC into 50 Ω or ±10 VDC into an open circuit. While the instrument is
in DC mode, setting amplitude has no effect.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI:
[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:OFFSet {<offset>|MIN|MAX}

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:HIGH {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:LOW {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}

The APPLy command configures a waveform with one command.

Output Units
Applies to output amplitude only.

l Output units: Vpp (default), Vrms, or dBm.

l Setting is volatile.

l Units selection applies to front panel and remote interface operations. For example, if you select "VRMS" remotely,
the units are displayed as "VRMS" on front panel.

l Amplitude units cannot be dBm if output termination set to high impedance. Calculating dBm requires finite load
impedance. In this case, units are converted to Vpp.

l You can convert between units. For example, to convert 2 Vpp to Vrms equivalent:

The converted value is 707.1 mVrms for a sine wave.

58 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Output Configuration

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: VOLTage:UNIT {VPP|VRMS|DBM}

Output Termination
The instrument has a fixed series output impedance of 50 Ω to the front-panel channel connectors. If the actual load
impedance differs from the value specified, the displayed amplitude and offset levels will be incorrect. The load imped-
ance setting is simply a convenience to ensure that the displayed voltage matches the expected load.

l Output termination: 1 Ω to 10 kΩ, or infinite. The default is 50 Ω. The tab at the top of each channel indicates the
value of this setting.

l If you specify a 50 Ω termination but actually terminate into an open circuit, the output will be twice the value
specified. For example, if you set the DC offset to 100 mVDC (and specify a 50 Ω load) but terminate into an open
circuit, the actual offset will be 200 mVDC.

l Changing output termination setting, adjusts displayed output amplitude and offset (no error is generated). If the
amplitude is 10 Vpp and you change the output termination setting from 50 Ω to "high impedance" (OUTPut
[1|2]:LOAD INF), the displayed amplitude doubles to 20 Vpp. Changing from "high impedance" to 50 Ω halves the
displayed amplitude. The output termination setting does not affect the actual output voltage; it only changes the
values displayed and queried from the remote interface. Actual output voltage depends on the connected load.

l Units are converted to Vpp if output termination is high impedance.

l You cannot change output termination with voltage limits enabled, because instrument cannot know which ter-
mination setting the limits apply to. Instead, disable voltage limits, set the new termination value, adjust voltage
limits, and re-enable voltage limits.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD {<ohms>|INFinity|MIN|MAX}

Duty Cycle (Square Waves)


A square wave’s duty cycle is the fraction of time per cycle that the waveform is at a high level (assuming the waveform
is not inverted). (See Pulse Waveforms for pulse duty cycle details.)

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 59


Output Configuration

20% Duty Cycle 80% Duty Cycle

l Duty Cycle:0.01% to 99.99% at low frequencies; range reduced at higher frequency. Stored in volatile memory;
default 50%.

l This setting is remembered when you change to another function. A 50% duty cycle is always used for a mod-
ulating square waveform; the duty cycle setting applies only to a square wave carrier.

l Front Panel:

If you use the keypad, press Percent to finish:

l SCPI: FUNCtion:SQUare:DCYCle {<percent>|MIN|MAX}

The APPLy command sets the duty cycle to 50%.

Symmetry (Ramp Waves)


Applies to ramp waves only. Symmetry represents the fraction of each cycle that the ramp wave is rising (assuming
waveform is not inverted).

0% Symmetry 100% Symmetry

l The symmetry (default 100%) is stored in volatile memory; and is remembered when you change to and from
other waveforms.

l When ramp is the modulating waveform for AM, FM, PM, or PWM, the symmetry setting does not apply.

60 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Output Configuration

l Front Panel:

Then choose one of the following options. The Symmetry option allows you to use the knob or keypad to specify a
value.

If you use the keypad, press Percent to finish:

l SCPI: FUNCtion:RAMP:SYMMetry {<percent>|MIN|MAX}

The APPLy command sets the symmetry to 100%.

Voltage Autoranging
Autoranging is enabled by default and the instrument selects optimal attenuator settings. With autoranging disabled,
the instrument uses the current attenuator settings and does not switch attenuator relays.

l You can disable autoranging to eliminate momentary disruptions caused by attenuator switching while changing
amplitude. However:

l The amplitude and offset accuracy and resolution (and waveform fidelity) may be adversely affected when reduc-
ing the amplitude below a range change that would occur with autoranging on.

l You may not achieve minimum amplitude with autoranging on.

l Some instrument specifications do not apply with autoranging off.

l Front Panel:

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 61


Output Configuration

or

l SCPI: VOLTage:RANGe:AUTO {OFF|ON|ONCE}

The APPLy command always enables autoranging.

Output Control
By default, channel output is disabled at power on to protect other equipment. To enable a channel's output, see below.
When channel output is enabled, the corresponding channel button is lit.

l If an external circuit applies excessive voltage to a channel output connector, the instrument generates an error
message and disables the output. To re-enable output, remove the overload and turn the channel on again.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: OUTPut[1|2] {OFF|ON}

The APPLy command always enables the channel output connector.

Waveform Polarity
In normal mode (default), the waveform goes positive at the beginning of the cycle. Inverted mode does the opposite.

l As shown below, the waveform is inverted relative to the offset voltage. The offset voltage remains unchanged
when the waveform is inverted.

No Offset Voltage With Offset Voltage

l The Sync signal associated with an inverted waveform is not inverted.

62 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Output Configuration

l Front Panel:

or

l SCPI: OUTPut[1|2]:POLarity {NORMal|INVerted}

Sync Output Signal


A sync output is provided on the front-panel Sync connector. All of the standard output functions (except DC and
noise) have an associated Sync signal. For applications where you may not want to output the Sync signal, you can
disable the Sync connector. The Sync signal may be derived from either output channel in a two-channel instrument.

General Behavior

l By default, the Sync signal is derived from channel 1 and is routed to the Sync connector (enabled).

l When the Sync signal is disabled, the output level on the Sync connector is at a logic "low."

l The polarity of the Sync signal is specified by OUTPut:SYNC:POLarity {INVerted|NORMal}.

l Inverting a waveform (see Waveform Polarity), does not invert the associated Sync signal .

l For sine, pulse, ramp, square, and triangle waves, the Sync signal is a square wave that is "high" in the first half of
the cycle and "low" in the last half. The Sync signal’s voltages are TTL-compatible when its load impedance
exceeds 1 kΩ.

l For arbitrary waveforms, the Sync signal rises at the beginning of the waveform and falls at the middle of the arbi-
trary waveform. You can override this default behavior by using MARKer:POINt to specify the point within the arbi-
trary waveform at which the Sync signal transitions to "low."

Modulation

l For internally-modulated AM, FM, PM, and PWM, the Sync signal is normally referenced to the modulating wave-
form (not the carrier) and is a square waveform with a 50% duty cycle. The Sync signal is a TTL "high" during the
first half of the modulating waveform. You can set up the Sync signal to follow the carrier waveform by using the
command OUTPut:SYNC:MODE {CARRier|NORMal|MARKer} when modulating with internal modulation.

l For externally-modulated AM, FM, PM, and PWM, the Sync signal is referenced to the carrier waveform (not the
modulating waveform) and is a square waveform with a 50% duty cycle.

l You can override normal sync behavior to force Sync to always follow the carrier waveform (OUTPut
[1|2]:SYNC:MODE CARRier).

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 63


Output Configuration

l For FSK, the Sync signal is referenced to the "hop" frequency. The Sync signal is a TTL "high" on the transition to
the "hop" frequency.

Sweep

l The setting of the marker used with the sweep mode overrides the Sync signal setting. Therefore, when the
marker and sweep mode are both enabled, the Sync signal setting is ignored.

l For frequency sweeps with Marker Off, the Sync signal is always a square waveform with a 50% duty cycle. (miss-
ing or bad snippet) The Sync signal is synchronized with the sweep, but is not equal to the sweep time because its
timing includes the re-arm time.

l For frequency sweeps with Marker On, the Sync signal is a TTL "high" at the beginning of the sweep and a "low" at
the marker frequency. You can change this with OUTPut[1|2]:SYNC:MODE MARKER.

Burst

l For a triggered burst, the Sync signal is a TTL "high" when the burst begins. The Sync signal is a TTL "low" at the
end of the specified number of cycles (may not be the zero-crossing point if the waveform has an associated start
phase). For an infinite count burst, the Sync signal is the same as for a continuous waveform.

l For an externally-gated burst, the Sync signal follows the external gate signal. However, the signal will not go
"low" until the end of the last cycle (may not be a zero-crossing if the waveform has an associated start phase).

Configuring Sync Output


l Front Panel:
To toggle Sync off and on:

To configure Sync:

l SCPI:
OUTPut:SYNC {OFF|ON}

OUTPUT[1|2]:SYNC:MODE {CARRier|NORMal|MARKer}

OUTPUT[1|2]:SYNC:POLARITY {NORMAL|INVerted}

OUTPUT:SYNC:SOURCE {CH1|CH2}

64 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Pulse Waveforms

Pulse Waveforms
As shown below, a pulse or square wave consists of a period, a pulse width, a rising edge, and a falling edge.

Period
l Period: reciprocal of maximum frequency to 1,000,000 s. The default is 1 ms.

l The instrument adjusts the pulse width and edge time as needed to accommodate the specified period.

l Front Panel:

Select Pulse waveform:

Select period instead of frequency:

Set the period:

l SCPI: [SOURce[1|2]:]FUNC:PULS:PER {<seconds>|MIN|MAX}

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 65


Pulse Waveforms

Pulse Width
Pulse width is the time from the 50% threshold of a pulse's rising edge to the 50% threshold of the next falling edge.

l Pulse width: 16 ns to 1,000,000 s (see restrictions below). The default pulse width is 100 μs.

l The specified pulse width must also be less than the difference between the period and the minimum pulse width.

l The instrument will adjust the pulse width to accommodate the specified period.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: FUNCtion:PULSe:WIDTh {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}

Pulse Duty Cycle


The pulse duty cycle is defined as follows:

Duty Cycle = 100(Pulse Width)/Period

Pulse width is the time from the 50% threshold of a pulse's rising edge to the 50% threshold of the next falling edge.

l Pulse duty cycle: 0.01% to 99.99% (see restrictions below). The default is 10%.

l The pulse duty cycle must conform to the following restrictions determined by the minimum pulse width (Wmin).
The instrument will adjust the pulse duty cycle to accommodate the specified period.

Duty Cycle > 100(16 ns) / Period

and

Duty Cycle < 100(1 – (16 ns / Period))

l To achieve edges > 8.4 ns (the minimum edge time), the pulse width must be at least 20 ns. The longer the
edges, the greater the minimum pulse width. Longer edges will therefore restrict duty cycle more than shorter
edges.

l Front Panel:

Select pulse function:

Toggle to Duty Cycle:

66 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Pulse Waveforms

Enter the Duty Cycle:

l SCPI: FUNCtion:PULSe:DCYCle {<percent>|MIN|MAX}

Edge Times
The edge times set the transition times for the leading and trailing edges of the pulse, either independently or together.
The edge time represents the time between the 10% and 90% thresholds.

l Edge time: 8.4 ns to 1 μs (default 10 ns).

l The specified edge time must fit within the specified pulse width as shown above. The instrument will adjust the
edge time to accommodate the specified pulse width.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI:
FUNC:PULS:TRAN:LEAD {<seconds>|MIN|MAX}

FUNC:PULS:TRAN:TRA {<seconds>|MIN|MAX}

FUNC:PULS:TRAN[:BOTH] {<seconds>|MIN|MAX}

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 67


Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM)

Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM)


A modulated waveform consists of a carrier waveform and a modulating waveform. In AM, the carrier amplitude is var-
ied by the voltage level of the modulating waveform. In FM, the carrier frequency is varied by the voltage level of the
modulating waveform. The instrument accepts an internal or external modulation source. On a two-channel instru-
ment, one channel can modulate the other.

Select AM or FM before setting up any other modulation parameter. For more information on modulation, see Mod-
ulation.

To Select AM or FM
l The instrument allows only one modulation mode to be enabled on a channel. When you enable AM or FM, all other
modulations are off. On two-channel models, the two channels’ modulations are independent from one another,
and the instrument can add modulated waveforms from two channels. See PHASe:SYNChronize and COM-
Bine:FEED for details.

l The instrument will not allow AM or FM to be enabled with sweep or burst. Enabling AM or FM, turns off sweep and
burst.

l To avoid multiple waveform changes, enable modulation after configuring the other modulation parameters.

l Front Panel:

or

Then turn modulation on:

The waveform is output using the present carrier and modulating waveform settings..

l SCPI:
AM:STATe {OFF|ON}
FM:STATE (OFF|ON)

68 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM)

Carrier Waveform Shape


l AM or FM carrier shape: Sine (default), Square, Ramp, Pulse, Triangle, Noise, PRBS, or Arbitrary waveform. You can-
not use DC as the carrier waveform.

l For FM, the carrier frequency must always be greater than or equal to the frequency deviation. Attempting to set a
deviation greater than the carrier frequency will cause the instrument to set the deviation equal to the carrier
frequency.

l The carrier frequency plus the deviation cannot exceed the selected function's maximum frequency plus 100 kHz.
If you attempt to set the deviation to an invalid value, the instrument adjusts it to the maximum value allowed
with the present carrier frequency. The remote interface also generates a "Data out of range" error.

l Front Panel:

Then select a waveform shape.

l SCPI:
FUNCtion {SINusoid|SQU|PULS|RAMP|TRI|ARB|NOISe|PRBS}

The APPLy command configures a waveform with one command.

Carrier Frequency
The maximum carrier frequency varies by function, as shown below. The default is 1 kHz for all functions. Arbitrary
waveform "frequency" is also set using the FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SRATe command.

Function Minimum Frequency Maximum Frequency

Sine 1 µHz 30 MHz

Square 1 µHz 30 MHz

Ramp 1 µHz 200 kHz

Pulse 1 µHz 30 MHz

PRBS 1 mBPS 50 mPBS

Noise BW 1 mHz 30 MHz

Arbitrary 1 µSa/s 250 MSa/s

l Front Panel:

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 69


Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM)

l SCPI: [SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency {<frequency>|MIN|MAX}

The APPLy command configures a waveform with one command.

Modulating Waveform Shape


The instrument accepts an internal or external AM or FM modulation source. On a two-channel instrument you can
modulate one channel with the other.

You cannot modulate noise with noise, PRBS with PRBS, or an arbitrary waveform with an arbitrary
waveform.

l The modulating waveform shape (internal source) may be:

l Sine wave

l Square with 50% duty cycle

l UpRamp with 100% symmetry

l Triangle with 50% symmetry

l DnRamp with 0% symmetry

l Noise - white gaussian noise

l PRBS - Pseudo Random Bit Sequence (polynomial PN7)

l Arb - Arbitrary waveform

l Front Panel:

or

Then choose the modulating shape:

l SCPI:
AM:INTernal:FUNCtion{SIN|SQU|RAMP|NRAM|TRI|NOIS|PRBS|ARB}

70 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM)

FM:INTernal:FUNCtion {SIN|SQU|RAMP|NRAM|TRI|NOIS|PRBS|ARB}

Modulating Waveform Frequency


The instrument accepts an internal or external modulation source.

l Modulating frequency (internal source): varies by signal type, from 1 µHz to 30 MHz.

l Modulating frequency (external source): 0 to 100 kHz

l Front Panel:

or

Then enter the AM or FM frequency with the knob and keypad:

l SCPI:
[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:INTernal:FREQ {<freq>|MIN|MAX}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:INTernal:FREQ {<freq>|MIN|MAX}

Modulation Depth (AM)


The modulation depth is a percentage that represents the amplitude variation. At 0% depth, the amplitude is one-half
of the carrier’s amplitude setting. At 100% depth, the amplitude varies according to the modulating waveform, from
0% to 100% of the carrier’s amplitude.

l Modulation depth: 0% to 120%. The default is 100%.

l Even at greater than 100% depth, the instrument will not exceed ±5 V peak on the output (into a 50 Ω load). To
achieve modulation depth greater than 100%, output carrier amplitude may be reduced.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 71


Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM)

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: AM:DEPTh {<depth_in_percent>|MIN|MAX}

Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier AM


The instrument supports two forms of amplitude modulation, "Normal" and Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier
(DSSC). In DSSC, the carrier is not present unless the modulating signal has an amplitude greater than zero.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: [SOURce[1|2]]:AM:DSSC {ON|OFF}.

Frequency Deviation (FM)


The frequency deviation setting represents the peak variation in frequency of the modulated waveform from the carrier
frequency.

When the carrier is PRBS, frequency deviation causes a change in the bit rate equal to one-half of the set frequency.
For example, a 10 kHz deviation is equivalent to a 5 KBPS change in bit rate.

l Frequency deviation: 1 µHz to (carrier frequency)/2, default 100 Hz.

l For FM, the carrier frequency must always be greater than or equal to the frequency deviation. Attempting to set a
deviation greater than the carrier frequency will cause the instrument to set the deviation equal to the carrier
frequency.

l The carrier frequency plus the deviation cannot exceed the selected function's maximum frequency plus 100 kHz.
If you attempt to set the deviation to an invalid value, the instrument adjusts it to the maximum value allowed
with the present carrier frequency. The remote interface also generates a "Data out of range" error.

l Front-Panel

l SCPI: FM:DEViation {<peak_deviation_in_Hz>|MIN|MAX}

72 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM)

Modulating Source
The instrument accepts an internal or external modulation source. On a two-channel instrument you can modulate
one channel with the other.

l Modulating source: Internal (default), Other Channel, or External. The External modulation source may be up to
100 kHz.

l With the External source, an external waveform modulates the carrier waveform. The modulation depth (AM) or
frequency deviation (FM) is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the rear-panel Modulation In connector. The
external modulation input has -3 dB bandwidth of 100 kHz.

l AM example: with modulation depth 100%, when the modulating signal is at +5 V, the output will be at the max-
imum amplitude. When the modulating signal at -5 V, the output will be at minimum amplitude.

l FM example: with deviation of 10 kHz, then a +5 V signal level corresponds to a 10 kHz increase in frequency.
Lower external signal levels produce less deviation and negative signal levels reduce the frequency below the car-
rier frequency.

l Front-Panel
After enabling AM or FM, select the modulating source as shown:

l SCPI:
AM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}

FM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 73


Phase Modulation (PM)

Phase Modulation (PM)


A modulated waveform consists of a carrier waveform and a modulating waveform. PM is very similar to FM, but in PM
the phase of the modulated waveform is varied by the instantaneous voltage of the modulating waveform.

For more information on the fundamentals of Phase Modulation, see Tutorial - Modulation.

To Select Phase Modulation


l Only one modulation mode may be enabled at a time. Enabling PM disables the previous modulation mode.

l Enabling PM turns off sweep and burst.

l Front Panel:

The waveform is output using the present carrier and modulating waveform settings.

l To avoid multiple waveform changes, enable modulation after configuring the other modulation parameters.

l SCPI:PM:STATe {OFF|ON}

Carrier Waveform Shape


l PM carrier shape: Sine (default), Square, Ramp, Triangle, Pulse, PRBS, or Arbitrary. You cannot use Noise or DC as
the carrier waveform.

l Front Panel:

Then select any waveform except Noise or DC.

l SCPI: FUNCtion {SIN|SQUare|TRIangle|RAMP|PULSe|PRBS|ARB}

l The APPLy command configures a waveform with one command.

l When the carrier is an arbitrary waveform, modulation affects the sample "clock" instead of the full cycle defined
by the arbitrary waveform sample set. Because of this, applying pulse modulation to arbitrary waveforms is lim-
ited.

Carrier Frequency
The maximum carrier frequency varies by function, as shown below. The default is 1 kHz for all functions. Carrier
frequency must be greater than 20 times the peak modulation frequency.

74 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Phase Modulation (PM)

Function Minimum Frequency Maximum Frequency

Sine 1 µHz 30 MHz

Square 1 µHz 30 MHz

Ramp/Tri. 1 µHz 200 kHz

Pulse 1 µHz 30 MHz

PRBS 1 mBPS 50 mPBS

Arbitrary 1 µSa/s 250 MSa/s

l Front Panel:

or or any other Frequency key.

After selecting the Frequency key:

l SCPI: [SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency {<frequency>|MIN|MAX}

l The APPLy command configures a waveform with one command.

Modulating Waveform Shape


The instrument accepts an internal or external modulation source.

l The modulating waveform shape (internal source) may be:

l Sine wave

l Square with 50% duty cycle

l UpRamp with 100% symmetry

l Triangle with 50% symmetry

l DnRamp with 0% symmetry

l Noise - white gaussian noise

l PRBS - Pseudo Random Bit Sequence (polynomial PN7)

l Arbitrary waveform

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 75


Phase Modulation (PM)

l You can use noise as the modulating waveshape, but you cannot use noise or DC as the carrier waveform.

l Front-Panel:

l SCPI: PM:INTernal:FUNCtion {SIN|SQU|RAMP|NRAMp| TRI|NOIS|PRBS|ARB}

Modulating Waveform Frequency


The instrument accepts an internal or external modulation source. The external modulation input has a -3dB band-
width of 100 kHz.

l Modulating frequency (internal): 1 µHz to 30 MHz, default 10 Hz.

l Front Panel:

Then set the modulating waveform frequency:

l SCPI: [SOURce[1|2]:]PM:INT:FREQ {<freq>|MIN|MAX}

Phase Deviation
The phase deviation setting represents the peak variation in phase of the modulated waveform from the carrier wave-
form. The phase deviation can be set from 0 to 360 degrees (default 180).

l Front Panel:

Then set the phase deviation:

76 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Phase Modulation (PM)

l SCPI: PM:DEViation {<deviation_in_degrees>|MIN|MAX}

When the carrier is an arbitrary waveform, the deviation applies to the sample clock. Therefore, the effect on the full
arbitrary waveform is much less than that seen with standard waveforms. The extent of the reduction depends on the
number of points in the arbitrary waveform.

Modulating Source
The instrument accepts an internal or external modulation source.

l Modulating source: Internal (default), Other Channel, or External. The External modulation source may be up to
100 kHz.

l With the External source, the carrier waveform is modulated with an external waveform. The ±5 V signal level
present on the rear-panel Modulation In connector controls the phase deviation. For example, if the deviation is
set to 180 degrees, a +5 V signal corresponds to a 180 degree phase shift. Lower levels produce less deviation.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI:PM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal}

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 77


Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK) Modulation

Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK) Modulation


You can configure the instrument to "shift" its output frequency between two preset values using FSK modulation. The
rate at which the output shifts between the two frequencies (called the "carrier frequency" and the "hop frequency") is
determined by the internal rate generator or the signal level on the rear-panel Ext Trig connector.

See Front Panel Menu Operation - Output an FSK Waveform for details on FSK using the front panel.

To Select FSK Modulation


FSKey:STATe {OFF|ON}

l Only one modulation mode may be enabled at a time. Enabling FSK turns off the previous modulation mode.

l You cannot enable FSK when sweep or burst is enabled. Enabling FSK turns off sweep and burst.

l To avoid multiple waveform changes, enable modulation after configuring the other modulation parameters.

FSK Carrier Frequency


[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency {<frequency>|MIN|MAX}

The maximum carrier frequency varies by function, as shown below. The default is 1 kHz for all functions.

Function Minimum Carrier Frequency Maximum Carrier Frequency

Sine 1 µHz 30 MHz

Square 1 µHz 30 MHz

Ramp/Tri. 1 µHz 200 kHz

Pulse 1 µHz 30 MHz

l When the External source is selected, the output frequency is determined by the signal level on the rear-panel Ext
Trig connector. When a logic low is present, the carrier frequency is output. With a logic high, the hop frequency is
output.

FSK "Hop" Frequency


[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:FREQuency {<freq>|MIN|MAX}

The maximum alternate ("hop") frequency depends on the function. The default is 100 Hz for all functions. The inter-
nal modulating waveform is a 50% duty cycle square wave.

Function Minimum Hop Frequency Maximum Hop Frequency

Sine 1 µHz 30 MHz

Square 1 µHz 30 MHz

Ramp/Tri. 1 µHz 200 kHz

Pulse 1 µHz 30 MHz

78 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK) Modulation

l When the External source is selected, the output frequency is determined by the signal level on the rear-panel Ext
Trig connector. When a logic low is present, the carrier frequency is output. With a logic high, the hop frequency is
output.

FSK Rate
FSKey:INTernal:RATE {<rate_in_Hz>|MIN|MAX}

The FSK rate is the rate at which the output frequency "shifts" between the carrier frequency and the hop frequency
using the internal FSK source.

l FSK rate (internal source): 125 µHz to 1 MHz, default 10 Hz.

l The FSK rate is ignored when the external FSK source is selected.

FSK Source
FSKey:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal}

May be Internal (default) or External.

l When the Internal source is selected, the rate at which the output frequency "shifts" between the carrier
frequency and hop frequency is determined by the FSK rate.

l When the External source is selected, the output frequency is determined by the signal level on the rear-panel Ext
Trig connector. When a logic low is present, the carrier frequency is output. With a logic high, the hop frequency is
output.

l The connector used for externally-controlled FSK waveforms (Ext Trig) is not the same connector that is used for
externally-modulated AM, FM, PM, and PWM waveforms (Modulation In). When used for FSK, the Ext Trig con-
nector does not have adjustable edge polarity.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 79


Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)


This section discusses PWM, which stands for pulse-width modulation. PWM is only available for the Pulse waveform,
and the pulse width varies according to the modulating signal. The amount by which the pulse width varies is called the
width deviation, and it can be specified as a percentage of the waveform period (that is, duty cycle) or in units of time.
For example, if you specify a pulse with 20% duty cycle and then enable PWM with a 5% deviation, the duty cycle
varies from 15% to 25% under control of the modulating signal.

The instrument accepts an internal or external modulation source.

To Select PWM
l You cannot enable PWM when sweep or burst is enabled.

l To avoid multiple waveform changes, enable modulation after configuring the other modulation parameters.

l Front Panel:

The waveform is output using the present carrier and modulating waveform settings.

l SCPI: PWM:STATe {OFF|ON}

Modulating Waveform Shape


The instrument accepts an internal or external modulation source.

l The modulating waveform shape (internal source) may be:

l Sine wave

l Square with 50% duty cycle

l UpRamp with 100% symmetry

80 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

l Triangle with 50% symmetry

l DnRamp with 0% symmetry

l Noise - white gaussian noise

l PRBS - Pseudo Random Bit Sequence (polynomial PN7)

l Arbitrary waveform

l You can use noise as the modulating waveshape, but you cannot use noise, arbitrary waveforms, or DC as the car-
rier.

l Front-Panel:

l SCPI: PWM:INTernal:FUNCtion {SIN|SQUare|RAMP|NRAMp| TRIangle|NOISe|PRBS|ARB}

Modulating Waveform Frequency


The instrument accepts an internal or external modulation source. The external modulation input has a -3dB band-
width of 100 kHz.

l Modulating frequency (internal source): 1 µHz to 30 MHz. The default is 10 Hz.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI:[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:INT:FREQ {<freq>|MIN|MAX}

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 81


Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

Width or Duty Cycle Deviation


The PWM deviation setting is the peak variation in width of the modulated pulse waveform. You can set it in units of
time or duty cycle.

l Front-Panel:

To set deviation in terms of duty cycle:

l SCPI: PWM:DEViation {<width or duty_cycle>|MIN|MAX}

l The sum of the pulse width and deviation must satisfy the formula:

Pulse Width + Deviation < Period – 16 ns

l If necessary, the instrument will adjust the deviation to accommodate the specified period.

Modulating Source
The instrument accepts an internal or external modulation source.

l Modulating source: Internal (default), Other Channel, or External. The External modulation source may be up to
100 kHz.

l If you select the External modulating source, the deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the rear-panel
Modulation In connector. For example, if you have set the deviation to 1 µs, then a +5 V signal corresponds to a
1 µs increase in width. Lower signal levels produce less deviation.

82 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: PWM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal}

Pulse Waveform
l Pulse is the only waveform shape supported for PWM.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: FUNCtion PULSe

The APPLy command configures a waveform with one command.

Pulse Period
The range for the pulse period is from the reciprocal of the instrument's maximum frequency up to 1,000,000 s
(default 100 µs).

l Front-Panel:

l SCPI: FUNCtion:PULSe:PERiod {<seconds>|MIN|MAX}

Note that the waveform period limits the maximum deviation.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 83


Sum Modulation

Sum Modulation
Sum modulation adds a modulating signal to any carrier waveform; it is typically used to add gaussian noise to a carrier.
The modulating signal is added to the carrier as a percentage of carrier waveform amplitude.

Enable Sum
l To avoid multiple waveform changes, enable Sum after configuring other modulation parameters.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: SUM:STATe {OFF|ON}

Modulating Waveform Shape


The instrument accepts an internal or external modulation source. On a two-channel instrument you can modulate
one channel with the other.

l The modulating waveform shape (internal source) may be:

l Sine wave

l Square with 50% duty cycle

l UpRamp with 100% symmetry

l Triangle with 50% symmetry

l DnRamp with 0% symmetry

l Noise

l PRBS with PN7 sequence

l Arbitrary waveform

84 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Sum Modulation

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: SUM:INTernal:FUNCtion {SIN|SQU|RAMP|NRAM|TRI|NOIS|PRBS|ARB)

Modulating Waveform Frequency


The instrument accepts an internal or external modulation source. On a two-channel instrument you can modulate
one channel with the other.

l Modulating frequency (internal source): 1 µHz to 30 MHz, default 100 Hz.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: [SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:INTernal:FREQuency {<frequency>|MIN|MAX}

Sum Amplitude
The Sum Amplitude represents the amplitude of the signal added to the carrier (in percent of carrier amplitude).

l Amplitude setting: 0 to 100% of carrier amplitude, 0.01% resolution.

l Sum Amplitude remains a constant fraction of carrier amplitude and tracks carrier amplitude changes.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: SUM:AMPLitude {<amplitude>|MIN|MAX}

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 85


Sum Modulation

Modulating Source
The instrument accepts an internal or external modulation source. On a two-channel instrument you can modulate
one channel with the other.

l Modulating source: Internal (default), Other Channel, or External. The External modulation source may be up to
100 kHz.

l With the external source, the carrier waveform is summed by the ±5 V signal level on the rear-panel Modulation
In connector. For example, if you have set the sum amplitude to 10%, then when the modulating signal is at +5
V, the output will be at the maximum amplitude (110% of carrier amplitude). When the modulating signal is at -5
V, the output will be at the minimum amplitude (90% of carrier amplitude).

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: SUM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}

86 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Frequency Sweep

Frequency Sweep
In frequency sweep mode, the instrument moves from the start frequency to the stop frequency at a specified sweep
rate. You can sweep up or down in frequency, with either linear or logarithmic spacing. You can also configure the
instrument to output one sweep from start frequency to stop frequency by applying an external or manual trigger. The
instrument can sweep sine, square, pulse, ramp, triangle, or arbitrary waveforms (PRBS, noise and DC are not
allowed).

You can specify a hold time, during which the sweep remains at the stop frequency, and a return time, during which
the frequency changes linearly from the stop frequency to the start frequency.

For more information, see Frequency Sweep.

To Select Sweep
The instrument will not allow sweep or list mode to be enabled at the same time that burst or any modulation mode is
enabled. When you enable sweep, the burst or modulation mode is turned off.

l To avoid multiple waveform changes, enable the sweep mode after configuring the other parameters.

l Front Panel:

Output a sweep using the present amplitude, offset, and frequency:

l SCPI:
FREQuency:MODE SWEEP

SWEep:STATe {OFF|ON}

Start Frequency and Stop Frequency


The start frequency and stop frequency set the sweep’s upper and lower frequency bounds. The sweep begins at the
start frequency, sweeps to the stop frequency, and then resets back to the start frequency.

l Start and Stop frequencies: 1 µHz to 30 MHz (limited to 200 kHz for ramps). The sweep is phase continuous over
the full frequency range. The default start frequency is 100 Hz. The default stop frequency is 1 kHz.

l To sweep up in frequency, set the start frequency less than the stop frequency. To sweep down in frequency, set
the opposite relationship.

l Sync setting Normal: Sync pulse is high throughout the sweep.

l Sync setting Carrier: Sync pulse has a 50% duty cycle for every waveform cycle.

l Sync setting Marker: Sync pulse goes high at the beginning and goes low at the marker frequency.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 87


Frequency Sweep

l Front Panel:

l SCPI:
[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:STARt {<freq>|MIN|MAX}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:STOP {<freq>|MIN|MAX}

Center Frequency and Frequency Span


You can also set the sweep frequency boundaries of the sweep using a center frequency and frequency span. These
parameters are similar to the start frequency and stop frequency (above) and they provide added flexibility.

l Center frequency: 1 µHz to 30 MHz (limited to 200 kHz for ramps). The default is 550 Hz.

l Frequency span: -30 µHz to 30 MHz (limited to 200 kHz for ramps). The default is 900 Hz.

l To sweep up in frequency, set a positive frequency span; to sweep down, set a negative frequency span.

l For sweeps with Marker Off, the Sync signal is a square waveform with a 50% duty cycle. (missing or bad snippet)
The frequency of the Sync waveform is equal to the specified sweep time. The signal is output from the front-
panel Sync connector.

l For frequency sweeps with Marker On, the Sync signal is a TTL "high" at the beginning of the sweep and a "low" at
the marker frequency. You can change this with OUTPut[1|2]:SYNC:MODE MARKER.

l Front Panel:

88 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Frequency Sweep

l SCPI:
[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:CENTer {<freq>|MIN|MAX}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:SPAN {<freq>|MIN|MAX}

Sweep Mode
You can sweep with linear or logarithmic spacing, or with a list of sweep frequencies. For a linear sweep, the instrument
varies the output frequency linearly during the sweep. A logarithmic sweep, varies the output frequency log-
arithmically.

The selected mode does not affect the sweep return (from stop to start, if one is set). The sweep return is always linear.

l Front-Panel:

l SCPI: [SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:SPACing {LINear|LOGarithmic}

Sweep Time
Sweep time specifies the number of seconds required to sweep from the start frequency to the stop frequency. The
instrument calculates the number of points in the sweep based on the sweep time.

l Sweep time: 1 ms to 250,000 seconds, default 1 s. For a linear sweep in immediate trigger mode, the maximum
total sweep time (including hold time and return time) is 8,000 s. The maximum total sweep time for linear
sweeps using other trigger modes is 250,000 s, and the maximum total sweep time for logarithmic sweeps is 500
s.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 89


Frequency Sweep

l Front-Panel:

l SCPI: [SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:TIME {<seconds>|MIN|MAX}

Hold Time
Hold time specifies time (in seconds) to remain at the stop frequency, and return time specifies the number of seconds
to return from the stop frequency to the start frequency.

l Hold time and return time: 0 to 3600 seconds (default 0).

l Front-Panel:

l SCPI:
SWEep:HTIMe {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}

SWEep:RTIMe {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}

90 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Frequency Sweep

Marker Frequency
If desired, you can set the frequency at which the signal on the front-panel Sync connector goes to a logic low during
the sweep. The Sync signal always goes from low to high at the beginning of the sweep.

l Marker frequency: 1 µHz to 30 MHz (limited to 200 kHz for ramp). The default is 500 Hz.

l When the sweep mode is enabled, the marker frequency must be between the specified start frequency and stop
frequency. If you attempt to set the marker frequency to a frequency not in this range, the instrument will set the
marker frequency equal to the start frequency or stop frequency (whichever is closer).

l The Sync enable setting is overridden by enabling the marker used with the sweep mode. Therefore, when the
marker is enabled (with sweep mode also enabled), the Sync setting is ignored.

l You cannot configure the marker frequency with the front panel menus unless the Sync source is the sweeping
channel.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: [SOURce[1|2]:]MARKer:FREQuency {<freq>|MIN|MAX}

Sweep Trigger Source


In sweep mode, the instrument outputs a single sweep when a trigger signal is received. After one sweep from the
start frequency to the stop frequency, the instrument waits for the next trigger while outputting the start frequency.

l Sweep trigger source: Internal (default), External, Time, or Manual.

l With the Internal (immediate) source, the instrument outputs a continuous sweep at a rate determined by the
total of the hold time, sweep time and return time. The sweep time for this source is limited to 8000 seconds.

l With the External source, the instrument accepts a hardware trigger on the rear-panel Ext Trig connector and ini-
tiates one sweep each time Ext Trig receives a TTL pulse with the specified polarity.

l The trigger period must be greater than or equal to the specified sweep time.

l With the Manual source, the instrument outputs one sweep each time the front-panel [Trigger] key is pressed.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 91


Frequency Sweep

l Front-Panel:

l To specify the slope of the trigger signal edge:

l SCPI:
TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce {IMM|EXT|TIMer|BUS}

TRIGger[1|2]:SLOPe {POSitive|NEGative}

See Triggering for more information.

Trigger Out Signal


A "trigger out" signal is provided on the rear-panel Ext Trig connector (used with burst and sweep only). When ena-
bled, a TTL-compatible pulse with either a rising edge (default) or falling edge is output from this connector at the begin-
ning of the sweep or burst.

l When the Internal (immediate) trigger source is selected, the instrument outputs a square waveform with a 50%
duty cycle from the Ext Trig connector at the beginning of the sweep or burst. The frequency of the waveform cor-
responds to the specified burst period or total sweep time.

l When the External trigger source is selected, the instrument disables the "trigger out" signal. The Ext Trig con-
nector cannot be used for sweep or burst and trigger out at the same time (an externally-triggered waveform uses
the same connector to trigger the sweep or burst).

l When Manual trigger source is selected, the instrument outputs a pulse (>1 μs pulse width) from the Ext Trig con-
nector at the beginning of each sweep or burst.

l To specify whether the instrument triggers on the rising or falling edge of the Ext Trig connector, press [Trigger]
> Trig Out Setup. Then select the desired edge by pressing Trig Out.

l SCPI:
OUTPut:TRIGger:SLOPe {POSitive|NEGative}

OUTPut:TRIGger {OFF|ON}

Frequency List
In frequency list mode, the instrument "steps" through a list of frequencies, dwelling on each frequency for a specified
period. You may also control progress through the list with triggering.

92 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Frequency Sweep

l The instrument will not allow sweep or list mode to be enabled at the same time that burst or any modulation
mode is enabled. When you enable sweep, the burst or modulation mode is turned off.

l To avoid multiple waveform changes, enable list mode after configuring its parameters.

l Front Panel: Enable list before setting any other list parameter. Press [Sweep] > Type > List.

l SCPI:
FREQuency:MODE LIST

LIST:FREQuency <number>, <number>, …

Progress through list is controlled by the trigger system. If trigger source is internal or immediate, the dwell time set-
ting (LIST:DWELl) determines time spent at each frequency. For any other trigger source, dwell time is determined by
trigger event spacing.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 93


Burst Mode

Burst Mode
The instrument can output a waveform for a specified number of cycles, called a burst. Burst is allowed with sine,
square, triangle, ramp, pulse, PRBS, or arbitrary waveforms (noise allowed only in gated burst mode; DC is not
allowed).

For details, see Tutorial - Burst.

To Select Burst
Burst cannot be enabled when sweep or modulation is enabled. Enabling burst turns off sweep and modulation.

l To avoid multiple waveform changes, enable burst mode after configuring other parameters.

l Front-Panel:

l SCPI: [SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:STATe {OFF|ON}

Burst Mode
Burst has two modes, described below. Selected mode controls allowable trigger source, and which other burst param-
eters apply.

l Triggered Burst Mode (default): The instrument outputs a waveform for specified number of cycles (burst
count) each time trigger is received. After outputting specified number of cycles, instrument stops and waits for
next trigger. The instrument can use an internal trigger to initiate burst, or you can provide external trigger by
pressing the front-panel [Trigger] key, applying trigger signal to rear-panel Ext Trig connector, or sending soft-
ware trigger command from remote interface.

l External Gated Burst Mode: Output waveform is on or off, based on level of external signal applied to rear-panel
Ext Trig connector. When the gate signal is true, the instrument outputs a continuous waveform. When the gate
signal goes false, the current waveform cycle is completed and the instrument stops while remaining at the volt-
age level corresponding to the starting burst phase of the selected waveform. The noise waveform output stops
immediately when the gate signal goes false.

Parameter Burst Mode Burst Count Burst Period Burst Phase Trigger
(BURS:MODE) (BURS:NCYC) (BURS:INT:PER) (BURS:PHAS) Source
(TRIG:SOUR)

Triggered Burst TRIGgered Available Available Available IMMediate


Mode:

Internal Trigger

Triggered Burst TRIGgered Available Not Used Available EXTernal, BUS


Mode:

External Trigger

94 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Burst Mode

Parameter Burst Mode Burst Count Burst Period Burst Phase Trigger
(BURS:MODE) (BURS:NCYC) (BURS:INT:PER) (BURS:PHAS) Source
(TRIG:SOUR)

Gated Burst Mode: GATed Not Used Not Used Available Not Used

External Trigger

Timer Burst Mode: TRIGgered Available Not Used Available TIMer

Internal Trigger

l In gated mode, burst count, burst period, and trigger source are ignored (used for triggered burst only). Manual
triggers ignored; no error generated.

l In gated mode, you can specify polarity of signal on rear-panel Ext Trig connector ([SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:GATE:-
POLarity {NORMal|INVerted}). Default is NORMal (true-high).

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: [SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:MODE {TRIGgered|GATed}

Waveform Frequency
You can specify the signal frequency during the burst in triggered and external gated modes. In the triggered mode, the
number of cycles specified by the burst count is output at the waveform frequency. In the external gated mode, the
waveform frequency is output when the external gate signal is true.

This differs from the "burst period," which specifies interval between bursts (triggered mode only).

l Waveform frequency: 1 µHz to 30 MHz (limited to 200 kHz for ramps). The default value is 1 kHz. (For an inter-
nally triggered burst waveform, the minimum frequency is 126 µHz.)

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: [SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency {<frequency>|MIN|MAX}

The APPLy command configures a waveform with one command.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 95


Burst Mode

Burst Count
Number of cycles (1 to 100,000,000 or infinite) to be output per burst. Used in the triggered burst mode only (internal
or external source).

l With Internal trigger source, specified number of cycles are output continuously at a rate determined by burst
period. The burst period is the time between the starts of consecutive bursts. Also, the burst count must be less
than the product of burst period and waveform frequency:

Burst Period > (Burst Count)/(Waveform Frequency) + 1µsec

l The instrument will increase burst period to its maximum value to accommodate specified burst count (but wave-
form frequency will not be changed).

l In gated burst mode, burst count is ignored. However, if you change the burst count from the remote interface
while in the gated mode, the instrument remembers the new count and will use it when the triggered mode is
selected.

l Front Panel:

or

l SCPI: [SOURce[1|2]:]BURS:NCYC {<#_cycles>|INF|MIN|MAX}

Burst Period
Burst period is the time from the start of one burst to the start of next burst (1 µs to 8000 s, default 10 ms). Used in
internal triggered burst mode only. Burst period differs from "waveform frequency," which specifies the frequency of
the bursted signal.

l Burst period is used only when Immediate triggering is enabled. The burst period is ignored when manual or exter-
nal triggering is enabled (or when the gated burst mode is selected).

l You cannot specify a burst period that is too short for the instrument to output with the specified burst count and
frequency. If the burst period is too short, the instrument will increase it as needed to continuously re-trigger the
burst.

96 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Burst Mode

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: [SOUR[1|2]:]BURS:INT:PERiod {<seconds>|MIN|MAX}

Start Phase
Start phase of the burst, from -360 to +360 degrees (default 0).

l Specify the start phase units with UNIT:ANGLe.

l Always displayed in degrees on front panel (never radians). If set in radians from remote interface, instrument con-
verts value to degrees on front panel.

l For sine, square, and ramp, 0 degrees is the point at which the waveform crosses 0 V (or DC offset) in a positive-
going direction. For arbitrary waveforms, 0 degrees is the first waveform point. Start phase has no effect on noise.

l Start phase also used in gated burst mode. When the gate signal goes false, the current waveform cycle finishes,
and output remains at the voltage level of the starting burst phase.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: [SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:PHASe {<angle>|MIN|MAX}

Burst Trigger Source


In triggered burst mode:

l The instrument outputs a waveform of the specified number of cycles (burst count) when a trigger received. After
the specified number of cycles have been output, the instrument stops and waits for next trigger.

l IMMediate (internal): the instrument outputs continuously when burst mode is enabled. The rate at which the
burst is generated is determined by BURSt:INTernal:PERiod.

l EXTernal: the instrument accepts a hardware trigger at the rear-panel Ext Trig connector. The instrument out-
puts one burst of the specified number of cycles each time Ext Trig receives a TTL pulse with the proper polarity
(TRIGger[1|2]:SLOPe). External trigger signals during a burst are ignored.

l BUS (software): the instrument initiates one burst each time a bus trigger (*TRG) is received. The front-panel
[Trigger] key is illuminated when the instrument is waiting for a bus trigger.

l EXTernal or BUS: burst count and burst phase remain in effect, but burst period is ignored.

l TIMer: trigger events are spaced by a timer, with the first trigger as soon as INIT occurs.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 97


Burst Mode

l Front Panel:

l To specify whether the instrument triggers on a rising or falling edge of the signal at the Ext Trig connector, select
the external trigger source before choosing Trigger Setup.

l SCPI:
TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce {IMM|EXT|TIMer|BUS}

TRIGger[1|2]:SLOPe {POSitive|NEGative}

See Triggering for more information.

Trigger Out Signal


A "trigger out" signal is provided on the rear-panel Ext Trig connector (used with burst and sweep only). When ena-
bled, a TTL-compatible pulse with either a rising edge (default) or falling edge is output from this connector at the begin-
ning of the sweep or burst.

l When the Internal (immediate) trigger source is selected, the instrument outputs a square waveform with a 50%
duty cycle from the Ext Trig connector at the beginning of the sweep or burst. The frequency of the waveform cor-
responds to the specified burst period or total sweep time.

l When the External trigger source is selected, the instrument disables the "trigger out" signal. The Ext Trig con-
nector cannot be used for sweep or burst and trigger out at the same time (an externally-triggered waveform uses
the same connector to trigger the sweep or burst).

l When Manual trigger source is selected, the instrument outputs a pulse (>1 μs pulse width) from the Ext Trig con-
nector at the beginning of each sweep or burst.

l Front-Panel

alt="Burst Off softkey"

98 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Burst Mode

Then use this softkey to choose the desired edge direction:

l SCPI:
OUTPut:TRIGger:SLOPe {POSitive|NEGative}

OUTPut:TRIGger {OFF|ON}

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 99


Triggering

Triggering
This section describes the instrument's triggering system.

Trigger Overview
This triggering information applies to sweep and burst only. You can issue triggers for sweeps or bursts using internal
triggering, external triggering, timer triggering, or manual triggering.

l Internal or "automatic" (default): instrument outputs continuously when sweep or burst mode is selected.

l External: uses rear-panel Ext Trig connector to control sweep or burst. The instrument initiates one sweep or out-
puts one burst each time Ext Trig receives a TTL pulse. You can select whether instrument triggers on rising or fall-
ing edge.

l Manual: triggering initiates one sweep or outputs one burst each time you press [Trigger] on the front panel.

l When you sweep a list, trigger moves the waveform to the next frequency in the list.

l The [Trigger] key is disabled when in remote and when a function other than burst or sweep is currently
selected.

Trigger Sources
This triggering information applies to sweep and burst only. You must specify the source from which the instrument
accepts a trigger.

l Sweep and Burst trigger source: Immediate (default), External, Manual or Timer.

l The instrument will accept a manual trigger, a hardware trigger from the rear-panel Ext Trig connector, or con-
tinuously output sweeps or bursts using an internal trigger. You can also trigger bursts based on a timer. At power-
on, immediate trigger is selected.

l Trigger source setting is volatile; set to internal trigger (front panel) or immediate (remote interface) by power
cycle or *RST.

l Front Panel:
Enable sweep or burst. Then:

l SCPI: TRIG[1|2]:SOUR {IMMediate|EXTernal|TIMer|BUS}

The APPLy command automatically sets the source to Immediate.

Immediate Triggering
Internal trigger mode (default): instrument continuously outputs sweep or burst (as specified by sweep time or burst
period).

100 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Triggering

Front-Panel:

SCPI: TRIGger:SOURce IMMediate

Manual Triggering
Manual trigger mode (front panel only): you manually trigger the instrument by pressing [Trigger]. The instrument
initiates one sweep or burst for each time you press [Trigger]. The button is lit when you are in the trigger menu and
the instrument is waiting for a manual trigger. The button blinks when the instrument is waiting for a manual trigger,
but you are not in the trigger menu. The key is disabled when the instrument is in remote.

External Triggering
In external trigger mode, the instrument accepts a hardware trigger at the rear-panel Ext Trig connector. The instru-
ment initiates one sweep or burst each time Ext Trig receives a TTL pulse with the specified edge. The external trigger
mode is like the manual trigger mode except that you apply the trigger to the Ext Trig connector.

See Trigger Input Signal, below.

Front-Panel:

To specify whether the instrument triggers on a rising or falling edge, press Trigger Setup and select the edge direc-
tion by pressing Slope.

SCPI:
TRIGger:SOURce EXTernal

TRIGger:SLOPe {POSitive|NEGative}

Software (Bus) Triggering


Available only from remote interface, this is similar to manual trigger mode from the front panel, but you trigger the
instrument with a bus trigger command. The instrument initiates one sweep or outputs one burst each time a bus
trigger command is received. The key blinks when a bus trigger command is received.

To select the bus trigger source, send TRIGger:SOURce BUS.

To trigger instrument from remote interface (GPIB, USB, or LAN) when Bus source is selected, send TRIG or *TRG
(trigger). The front-panel [Trigger] key is illuminated when the instrument is waiting for a bus trigger.

Timer Triggering
The timer trigger mode issues triggers a fixed period apart. To select the bus trigger source, send TRIGger:SOURce TIM.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 101


Triggering

Trigger Input Signal


This rear-panel connector is used in the following modes:

l Triggered Sweep Mode: Press Trigger Setup > Source Ext, or execute TRIG:SOUR EXT (sweep must be ena-
bled). When TTL edge of correct polarity is received on the Ext Trig connector, instrument outputs a single sweep.

l Externally-Modulated FSK Mode: Press Source or execute FSK:SOUR EXT (FSK must be enabled). When a logic
low level is present, carrier frequency is output. When a logic high level is present, hop frequency is output. Max-
imum external FSK rate is 100 kHz.

l Triggered Burst Mode: Press Trigger Setup > Source Ext, or execute TRIG:SOUR EXT (burst must be enabled).
The instrument outputs a waveform with specified number of cycles (burst count) each time a trigger is received
from the specified trigger source.

l External Gated Burst Mode: Press Gated softkey or execute BURS:MODE GAT with burst enabled. When external
gate signal is true, instrument outputs a continuous waveform. When external gate signal goes false, the current
waveform cycle completes and then instrument stops while remaining at voltage level corresponding to starting
burst phase. For noise, output stops as soon as the gate signal goes false.

Trigger Output Signal


l A "trigger out" signal is provided on the rear-panel Ext Trig connector (used with burst and sweep only). When
enabled, a TTL-compatible pulse with either a rising edge (default) or falling edge is output from this connector at
the beginning of the sweep or burst.

l Internal (immediate) or Timer trigger source: instrument outputs a square wave with a 50% duty cycle from the
Ext Trig connector at the beginning of the sweep or burst. Waveform period equals specified sweep time or burst
period.

l External trigger source: instrument disables "trigger out" signal. The rear-panel Ext Trig connector cannot be
used for both operations simultaneously (an externally-triggered waveform uses the same connector to trigger
sweep or burst).

l Bus (software) or manual trigger source: instrument outputs a pulse (>1 μs pulse width) from Ext Trig connector
at beginning of each sweep or burst.

l Front Panel: Enable sweep or burst. Then:

102 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Triggering

Then use this softkey to choose the desired edge direction:

l SCPI:
OUTPut:TRIGger:SLOPe {POSitive|NEGative}

OUTPut:TRIGger {OFF|ON}

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 103


Dual Channel Operations

Dual Channel Operations


This section covers most topics related to dual channel operation. It does not cover the optional IQ Player.

Entering Dual Channel Operation


You enter dual channel configuration by pressing a channel output button, then More, then Dual Channel.

Frequency Coupling
Frequency coupling allows you to couple frequencies or sample rates between channels, either by a constant ratio or off-
set between them. Press Freq Cpl to turn frequency coupling on or off, and press Freq Cpl Settings to configure
frequency coupling.

The Freq Cpl Settings softkey opens the menu shown below. The first softkey allows you to specify whether you
want to couple the frequencies with a ratio or an offset, and the second softkey allows you to specify the ratio or offset.

Amplitude Coupling
Amplitude coupling, enabled by the Ampl Cpl softkey, couples the amplitude and offset voltage between the channels
so that changing the amplitude or offset on one channel affects both channels.

Tracking
Tracking, configured by the Tracking softkey, has three modes: Off, On and Invert. When tracking is off, the two
channels operate independently. When tracking is on, they behave as one channel. The third mode, Invert, makes
the channels’ outputs inverses of each other, resulting in a differential channel using both outputs.

104 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Dual Channel Operations

Combine
The Combine feature combines two outputs into one connector. If you choose CH2 from the Channel 1 menu, they
are combined on channel 1; choosing CH1 from the Channel 2 menu combines them on channel 2.

In the image below, the top waveform is a 100 mVpp, 1 kHz sine wave on channel 1, and the bottom waveform is a
100 mVpp, 5 kHz sine wave on channel 2.

The image below shows the two outputs combined on channel 1. Note that the X-axis has been compressed (zoomed
out) to show more cycles.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 105


Dual Channel Operations

The signals being combined do not have to be of the same type; for example, this image shows the same 5 kHz channel
on channel 2 combined with a 100 mVpp square wave on channel 1.

When signals are combined, the DC Offset values are not added together. Only the DC Offset from the receiving chan-
nel is used in the combined output. The figure below shows 50 a mV DC Offset added to Channel 1. The 50 mV offset
added to Channel 2 is ignored.

You may also use Combine with bursts. For example, consider the image below, which includes a 1 kHz sine wave on
channel 1 and three-cycle bursts of a 5 kHz sine wave on channel 2.

When these signals are combined on channel 1, the result is a simple amplitude addition of the two signals, as shown
below.

106 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Dual Channel Operations

You also can combine the signals on channel 2, as shown below.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 107


IQ Player (Optional)

IQ Player (Optional)
The optional IQ Player is used to play dual arbitrary waveforms, such as IQ baseband signals.

A dual arbitrary waveform is analogous to a stereo music file. It has two channels of information that contain the same
number of samples, always start and end together, and always play at the same sample rate.

File Formats
The instrument's native .ARB and .BARB files can contain either one or two channels of data. These files are typically
created in Agilent BenchLink Waveform Builder software, and you can directly play them on the instrument.

You can also directly play files ending in .DAT, .ASC, .I, and .Q. These file formats contain one or two columns of ASCII
numbers ranging between -1.0 and 1.0, in either scientific or decimal notation. The data represents the relative
“shape” of the waveform at the current amplitude range.

Finally, you can import one- or two-column data files in .CSV or .TXT format. To import a file, press [Waveforms] >
Arb > Arbs > Import Data. This opens a menu interface that quickly guides you through the process of importing a
file.

Front Panel
Once you have a dual arbitrary waveform as the active waveform, the tab changes to a purple color, as shown below.

The waveform image is a constellation diagram, but you can change it to a time domain diagram. To do this, press [Sys-
tem] > System Setup > Screen Layout. This takes you to the following menu:

Pressing the Time softkey changes the graphic to a time domain image:

108 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


IQ Player (Optional)

Balance Adjust

If you press More from the [Parameters] menu, you will go to page 2 of the [Parameters] menu:

From this menu, you can press Balance Adjust to open a menu that will allow you specify the balance amplitude gain
and channel offsets:

IQ Arb Skew

To compensate for minor channel-channel time skew, begin by pressing either of the channel output buttons and then
pressing More to go to page 2 of the menu:

On this menu, press IQ Arb Skew to open the following menu, which allows you to compensate for up to 4 ns of
skew:

SCPI Commands
There are eight SCPI commands associated with the IQ Player:

Loading Dual Arbitrary Waveforms

DATA:ARB2

DATA:ARB2:DAC

DATA:ARB2:FORMat

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 109


IQ Player (Optional)

Adjusting Playback of Dual Arbitrary Waveforms

FUNCtion:ARB:SKEW[:STATe]

FUNCtion:ARB:SKEW

FUNCtion:ARB:BALance[:STATe]

FUNCtion:ARB:BALance:GAIN

FUNCtion:ARB:BALance:OFFSet

110 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


System-Related Operations

System-Related Operations
This section covers instrument state storage, power-down recall, error conditions, self test, and display control. Though
unrelated to waveform generation but is important for instrument operation.

Instrument State Storage


l There are two ways to store and retrieve instrument states:

l Named state files, using front panel or MMEMory:STORe:STATe and MMEMory:LOAD:STATe

l Memory locations 1 through 4, using *SAV and *RCL

l You can also use special storage location 0 with *SAV and *RCL, but location 0 is overwritten by the current instru-
ment state on power down.

l Both state storage methods remember the selected function (including arbitrary waveforms), frequency, ampli-
tude, DC offset, duty cycle, symmetry, and modulation parameters.

l If you delete an arbitrary waveform from non-volatile memory after storing the instrument state, the waveform
data is lost and the instrument uses "exponential rise" in its place.

l Stored states are not affected by *RST; a stored state remains until overwritten or specifically deleted.

l Front Panel:

To save a state:

The state file will be created with .sta extension, using the name you specified with the knob and arrows.

To recall a state:

Use the right arrow to expand a folder. To select a file, press Select.

To delete a state:

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 111


System-Related Operations

Use the knob and arrows to select .sta file, and then press Select.

l You can configure instrument to power-down state from location 0 on power up. The factory default is to recall fac-
tory default state at power-on.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: MEMory:STATe:RECall:AUTO

Error Conditions
Up to 20 command syntax or hardware errors can be stored in the instrument's interface-specific error queues. See
SCPI Error Messages for more information.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: SYSTem:ERRor?

Beeper Control
The instrument normally beeps when an error is generated from the front-panel or remote interface. You may disable
the beeper, but not the click generated by pressing a front-panel key or turning the knob.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l Front Panel

l SCPI:
SYSTem:BEEPer:STATe {OFF|ON}

112 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


System-Related Operations

SYSTem:BEEPer

Display Screen Saver


The display's backlight normally turns off and blanks the screen after 8 hours of inactivity. You may disable this screen
saver from the front panel only.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l Front Panel:

Display Brightness
You can adjust display brightness (10% to 100%) from the front panel only.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l Front Panel:

Date and Time


You can set the instrument's date and time clock.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI
SYSTem:DATE <yyyy>, <mm>, <dd>

SYSTem:TIME <hh>, <mm>, <ss>

Manage Files
You can perform file management tasks, including copying, renaming, deleting, and creating new folders.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 113


System-Related Operations

l Front-Panel

l You can copy, rename, or delete files or folders. Deleting a folder removes all of the files within the folder, so be
sure that you want to delete all of the files within the folder.

l The most important softkey is Action, which allows you to specify the operation to perform. Once you have
chosen the action to perform, press Browse to select the file to manage. Once you are completely prepared to
execute the task, press Perform.

l SCPI: (see MEMory and MMEMory subsystems).

Self-Test
l A limited power-on self-test occurs when you turn on the instrument to assure you that the instrument is oper-
ational. You can also run a more complete self-test. For details, see Self-Test Procedures.

Display Control
For security reasons, or to speed up the rate at which the instrument executes remote interface commands, you may
want to turn off the display. You can also remotely display a message or clear a message on the display.

l The display is enabled when power is cycled, after an instrument reset (*RST), or when you return to local (front
panel) operation. Press the [Local] key or execute the IEEE-488 GTL (Go To Local) command from the remote
interface to return to the local state.

l The display state is saved when you store the instrument state with *SAV recalled by *RCL.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI:
DISPlay

114 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


System-Related Operations

DISPlay:TEXT

DISPlay:TEXT:CLEar

Number Format
The instrument can display numbers on the front panel with periods or commas for the decimal point and digits sep-
arator. The default is a period decimal point with commas for digit separation (1.000,000,00 kHz).

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: (No equivalent command)

Firmware Revision Query


Send *IDN? to determine which revision of firmware is currently installed. The query returns a string of the form:

Agilent Technologies,[Model Number],[10-char Serial Number],A.aa-B.bb-C.cc-DD-EE

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: *IDN?

SCPI Language Version Query


The instrument complies with the rules and conventions of the present version of SCPI (Standard Commands for Pro-
grammable Instruments). Use SYSTem:VERSion? to determine the SCPI version with which the instrument complies.
The query returns a string in the form "YYYY.V", representing the year and version number for that year (for example,
1999.0).

License Installation
The 33500 Series has several optional features that require licenses for installation. To install a license:

1. Install the license file onto a USB drive and insert the USB drive into the instrument’s front panel.

2. Press [System] > System Setup > Install License.

3. Use the knob and arrows to select the file under External, then press Enter.

There are also several SCPI commands associated with license installation.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 115


Remote Interface Configuration

Remote Interface Configuration


The instrument supports remote interface communication over three interfaces: GPIB (optional), USB, and LAN. All
three are "live" at power up.

l GPIB Interface: Set the instrument's GPIB address connect to your PC using a GPIB cable.

l USB Interface: No configuration; simply connect instrument to PC with a USB cable.

l LAN Interface: By default, DHCP is on, which may enable communication over LAN. The acronym DHCP stands
for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, a protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses to networked devices. With
dynamic addressing, a device can have a different IP address every time it connects to the network.

Connectivity Software and Product CDs


The instrument ships with two CDs:

l Agilent Automation-Ready CD: Contains Agilent IO Libraries Suite software, which must be installed to enable
remote-interface operations. The CD auto-starts and provides information on installing the software. Also includes
Agilent Technologies USB/LAN/GPIB Connectivity Guide, which contains additional information.

l Agilent 33500 Series Product-Reference CD:Contains instrument drivers, product documentation, and pro-
gramming examples. Auto-starts and provides instructions.

GPIB Configuration
Each device on the GPIB (IEEE-488) interface must have a unique whole number address between 0 and 30. The
instrument ships with a default address of 10, and the GPIB address is displayed at power-on.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l Your computer’s GPIB interface card address must not conflict with any instrument on the interface bus.

l Front-Panel Operation: Press [System] > I/O Config > GPIB Settings. From this menu, you can set the
GPIB address and turn GPIB on or off.

l SCPI:
SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:ADDRess <address>

SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:ADDRess?

SYSTem:COMMunicate:ENABle <state>,GPIB

SYSTem:COMMunicate:ENABle? GPIB

LAN Configuration
The following sections describe the primary front-panel LAN configuration functions, including SCPI commands where
applicable. Some LAN configuration functions that can be performed only via SCPI. See LAN Configuration Introduction
for all LAN configuration commands, and see LAN Configuration Procedure for a procedure to configure the LAN via the
front panel.

Some LAN settings require you to cycle power on the instrument in order for them to be activated.
The instrument briefly displays a message when this is the case, so be sure to watch the screen
closely as you change LAN settings.

116 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Remote Interface Configuration

Resetting the LAN

You can clear the Web Interface password, turn DHCP on, and restart the LAN at any time:

l Front panel:

The message "Performing LAN Reset" is displayed while the LAN is reset.

l SCPI: (No equivalent command)

DHCP On/Off

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) can automatically assign a dynamic IP address to a LAN device. Typically
easiest way to configure instrument for LAN.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l Front Panel:

Finally, toggle the first softkey to DHCP to use DHCP to automatically assign an IP address.

l SCPI: SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DHCP <state>

To manually set an IP address, Subnet Mask, or Default Gateway, turn DHCP off, then change IP setup as described
below.

IP Address

You can enter a static IP address for the instrument as a four-byte integer expressed in dot notation. Each byte is a dec-
imal value, with no leading zeros (for example, 169.254.2.20).

l If DHCP is on, it attempts to assign an IP address to the instrument. If it fails, AutoIP attempts to assign an IP
address to the instrument.

l Contact your LAN administrator to obtain an IP address.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 117


Remote Interface Configuration

l Front Panel:

l Finally, toggle the first softkey to Manual and press IP Address to enter a new IP address. Enter the desired
address.

l SCPI: SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:IPADdress <address>

Subnet Mask

Subnetting allows the LAN administrator to subdivide a network to simplify administration and minimize network traf-
fic. The subnet mask indicates the portion of the host address used to indicate the subnet.

l Contact your LAN administrator for details.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l Front Panel:

l Finally, toggle the first softkey to Manual and press Subnet Mask to enter a new subnet mask with the numeric
keypad or knob (for example: 255.255.0.0).

l SCPI: SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:SMASk "<mask>"

Default Gateway

A gateway is a network device that connects networks. The default gateway setting is the IP address of such a device.

l You need not set a gateway address if using DHCP or AutoIP.

l Contact your LAN administrator for gateway details.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l Front Panel:

118 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Remote Interface Configuration

Finally, toggle the first softkey to Manual and press More and Gateway. Then set the appropriate gateway
address using the numeric keypad or knob.

l SCPI: SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:GATeway "<address>"

Hostname

A hostname is the host portion of the domain name, which is translated into an IP address.

l The instrument receives a unique hostname at the factory, but you may change it. The hostname must be unique
on the LAN.

l The name must start with letter; other characters can be an upper or lower case letters, numeric digits, or dashes
("-").

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l Front Panel:

Finally, press Host Name and enter the hostname with the knob and arrows. The knob changes the character;
cursor arrows move between characters.

l SCPI: SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:HOSTname "<name>"

Domain Name

A domain name is a registered Internet name that gets translated into an IP address. You cannot set it from the front
panel or SCPI.

DNS Server

DNS (Domain Name Service) is an Internet service that translates domain names into IP addresses. The DNS server
address is the IP address of a server that performs this service.

l Normally, DHCP discovers DNS address information; you only need to change this if DHCP is unused or not func-
tional. Contact your LAN administrator for DNS server details.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l Front Panel:

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 119


Remote Interface Configuration

Finally, toggle the first softkey to Manual and press More and Primary DNS or Second DNS to enter a DNS
address using the numeric keypad or knob.

l SCPI: SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DNS[1|2] "<address>"

Current Configuration (LAN)

l Select the Currently Active Settings display to view the MAC address and current LAN configuration.

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: (No equivalent command)

Display reflects only currently active settings when first displayed; does not update with changes occurring after infor-
mation displayed. For example, if DHCP assigns IP address with display open, new IP address will not appear.

If the instrument goes into remote, all LAN changes will be canceled, and the display will go to a different screen. Re-
selecting the LAN Settings page will display the new settings if a LAN restart took place.

See SYSTem Subsystem Introduction for additional LAN configuration commands.

Web Interface
The instrument includes a built-in Web Interface. You can use this interface over LAN for remote instrument access
and control via a Java™-enabled Web browser, such as Microsoft® Internet Explorer.

To use the Web Interface:

1. Establish a LAN connection from your PC to the instrument.

2. Open your PC's Web browser.

3. Launch the instrument's Web Interface by entering the instrument's IP address or fully-qualified hostname in the
browser address field.

4. Follow the instructions in the Web Interface's on-line help.

120 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Remote Interface Configuration

USB Configuration
There are no configurable USB parameters. You can retrieve the USB ID string (set by the manufacturer) by using the
Show USB Id feature:

l Front Panel:

The USB string appears on the screen. The longest string of digits within the USB ID is the instrument’s serial
number.

l SCPI: (No equivalent command)

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 121


External Timebase Reference

External Timebase Reference


The external timebase reference provides rear panel connectors (10 MHz In and 10 MHz Out) and circuitry to allow
synchronization between multiple instruments or to an external 10 MHz clock signal. You can also set the phase offset
of the output waveform from the front panel or over the remote interface.

To align the phase of two instruments, use a dual-channel oscilloscope to compare the output signals:

1. Connect the two instruments, with 10 MHz Out connected to 10 MHz In. Use the instrument with the more pre-
cise timebase as the 10 MHz reference output source.

2. Connect instrument outputs to scope channel inputs:

3. Set the same frequency on both instruments. The scope should show the signals to be in sync with regard
frequency, but not phase. (A square wave works well to show the phase difference.)

4. For two-channel instruments, phase sync the two channels to each other. This also synchronizes each channel’s
modulating waveforms to the carrier.

Front panel:

SCPI: [SOURce[1|2]:]PHASe:SYNChronize

5. Leaving the phase setting at its default (zero) on the first instrument, use Adjust Phase to adjust the phase of
the second instrument to align the output signals:

122 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


External Timebase Reference

Out of Phase Aligned

You can use Set 0 Phase to set a new zero-phase reference point with the two instruments now aligned.

l Front-Panel:

Then set the phase angle using the keypad or knob. Once they are aligned, press Set 0 Phase.

l SCPI:
[SOURce[1|2]:]PHASe {<angle>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]PHASe:REFerence

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 123


Embedded Waveform Editor

Embedded Waveform Editor


The instrument includes an embedded waveform editor for creating and editing single-channel arbitrary waveforms in
ASCII arbitrary waveforms (.ARB suffix). You can enter and edit voltage values directly or by combining up to 12 dif-
ferent kinds of standard waveforms, as described in the following sections:

Standard Waveforms

Basic Waveform Editing

Advanced Edit

Advanced Math

Utility Menu

Standard Waveforms
The embedded waveform editor includes the following 12 waveforms:

Sine y = sin(x)

Square A square wave that switches between two voltage levels

Ramp A waveform with linearly rising or falling voltage

Line Line segment

DC A DC voltage

Noise Random noise

Gaussian A gaussian bell curve

Sinc y = sin(x)/x

D-Lorentz The derivative of the Lorentz function. The Lorentz function is y = 1/(x²+1), so the
The D-Lorentz function is y = -2x/(x²+1)².

124 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Embedded Waveform Editor

Expo Fall Exponential decay: y = e-kx

Expo Rise Exponential rise: y = 1 – e-kx

Haversine y = [1 – cos(x)]/2

When you select a waveform, the instrument displays a screen that allows you to specify the waveform’s parameters,
listed below.

Amplitude The peak height above 0 V when the waveform has 0 offset, from 10 μV to 10 V
(default 1).

Offset The distance the waveform is shifted up or down relative to 0 V, from -10 to 10 V
(default 0).

The Amplitude plus the Offset must be between -10 V and 10 V.

Phase The number of degrees that the waveform is advanced (positive value) or retarded
(negative value) from 0 degrees, from -360 to 360 (default 0).

Cycles The number of complete output cycles (a positive integer) that the waveform
includes. Each cycle must have at least 8 points.

Points The number of points the waveform includes, from 8 to 1,000,000 (default 100).
You may also extend the memory up to 16,000,000 points.

Because a cycle must have at least 8 points, the number of points divided by the number of cycles must be at least
8.

Half Width A value that controls the waveform width; larger values make wider curves. An
(D-Lorentz only) integer from 1 to the total number of points in one cycle (default 10).

Fall Factor A decimal number from -99 to 99 that controls how fast the waveform falls or rises
(Expo Fall only) (default -5).

Rise Factor
(Expo Rise only)

Full Width The width of the bell curve between the points on the curve that are one-half the
(Gaussian only) curve's height, from 1 to the number of points in one cycle (default 10).

Symmetry The percentage of time (per cycle period) that the ramp rises, a decimal from 0 to
(Ramp only) 100 (default 100).

Zero Crossing The number of times the waveform crosses the horizontal axis on one side of the
waveform, from 0 to 100 (default 10).
(Sinc only)

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 125


Embedded Waveform Editor

Duty Cycle The percentage of the time (per cycle period) that the waveform voltage is high,
from 0 to 100 (default 50).
(Square only)

Start Level The voltage at the beginning or end of the line segment.

(Line only)

End Level

(Line only)

Basic Waveform Editing


When you start the embedded waveform editor (press [Waveforms] and Arb, then Arbs, Edit New, and Start
Editor), the opening screen appears. (Note that the same menu that contains the Edit New softkey also contains an
Import CSV softkey. You can use this to import ASCII files from oscilloscopes and other common instruments.)

Edit Points allows you to edit the voltage values of individual points in the waveform. You can also insert and remove
points in the waveform, and you can access the Advanced Edit features, described below. The current screen image
shows the default new arbitrary waveform of 8 points at 0 VDC.

Edit Params allows you to set the waveform’s sample rate, which is the rate (in points per second) in which the wave-
form is played. You can specify this value as a rate or as a period. If you change one, the other will recalculate based on
the number of points in the waveform. This feature also allows you to specify whether the waveform is labeled with
units of time or points along the horizontal axis.

126 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Embedded Waveform Editor

Insert Built-In allows you to insert one of 12 pre-defined waveforms into the current waveform.

Select Point # allows you to specify where the waveform is to be inserted, and the Choose Wave softkey allows you
to specify which one of the 12 waveform types is to be inserted.

Once you have used the arrow keys to select the waveform to insert and pressed OK, the instrument displays the
parameters for the waveform to be inserted. Note the up and down arrow softkeys, which you use to select a param-
eter for editing. Specify the parameters and press OK.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 127


Embedded Waveform Editor

Save allows you to save the current waveform at its current location in the instrument’s internal memory.

Exit Editor closes the waveform editor and resumes normal operation.

If you have unsaved changes, a message gives you the option of staying in the embedded waveform editor. After you
exit the editor, you will have the option to play the waveform on the waveform generator.

Advanced Edit
As described above, the Edit Points menu includes an Advanced Edit softkey. This softkey allows you to cut, copy
and paste portions of the waveform, edit waveform points in a table, and perform mathematical operations on the
waveform.

Cut/Copy/Paste allows you to define a range of the waveform between two markers and then cut or copy the wave-
form points defined by the markers. Once you have cut or copied the range, you can paste it as many times as desired
by using the Paste softkey.

128 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Embedded Waveform Editor

Paste Location allows you to paste a range at the start of the waveform, the end of the waveform, or any point within
the waveform.

Edit Via Table allows you to edit the voltage values of individual points in a table. You can use the knob to scroll
through the table, or you can use the Point # softkey to directly select any particular point. You can also insert or
remove waveform points.

Perform Math allows you to use markers to specify a range of the waveform. You can then add, subtract, or multiply
the voltage values in that range by the voltage values in another waveform.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 129


Embedded Waveform Editor

Once you have pressed Add, Subtract, or Multiply, the instrument displays a list of waveforms. Pick the waveform
and press OK.

When you press OK, the instrument displays a list of parameters that you can use to specify the waveform. In this
case, the screen below shows that you picked D-Lorentz. You can also use the From Point and To Point parameters
to specify the range of points on which to perform the mathematical operation.

Advanced Math
Advanced Math allows you to perform several different types of operations on the waveform. To open Advanced
Math from the embedded waveform editor, press Edit Points > Advanced Edit > Perform Math > Advanced
Math.

The Advanced Math menu opens with the following screen. Each of the operations shown below will be described
below, using images taken before and after each operation to demonstrate the operations’ effects.

130 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Embedded Waveform Editor

Invert reflects the waveform across the horizontal axis.

Image Before Invert

Image After Invert

Absolute multiplies all negative waveform values by -1.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 131


Embedded Waveform Editor

Image Before Absolute

/>

Image After Absolute

Mirror reverses order of the points in the range.

Image Before Mirror

/>

Image After Mirror

132 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Embedded Waveform Editor

Scale allows you to scale the waveform’s amplitude and offset. Here, the amplitude scale was set to 180% and the off-
set scale was set to 1 V.

Image Before Scale

/>

Image After Scale

Clip allows you to change voltage values outside upper and lower limits to be equal to the limits. In this example, the
waveform was clipped to stay within the -400 mV lower limit and the 700 mV upper limit.

Image Before Clip

/>

Image After Clip

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 133


Embedded Waveform Editor

Trim allows you to use markers to "crop" the waveform so that only the points defined by the marker range remain in
the waveform.

Image Before Trim

/>

Image After Trim

Utility Menu
You can access several utility features by pressing the [System] key from within the embedded waveform editor.

134 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Embedded Waveform Editor

Undo allows you to undo recent operations, subject to the amount of available memory and the size of the undo oper-
ation. Redo allows you to redo "undone" tasks, subject to the same limitations.

Pan/Zoom Control allows you to pan or zoom horizontally or vertically. You zoom using a percentage zoom factor,
and you pan by specifying a point, and or voltage.

Show All resets the scaling to display the entire waveform.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 135


Waveform Generation Tutorial

Waveform Generation Tutorial


This section describes theory of operation information for several waveform types and instrument operating modes.
The last two topics include information that may help you improve signal quality.

l Arbitrary Waveforms

l Quasi-Gaussian Noise

l PRBS

l Modulation

l Burst

l Frequency Sweep

l Attributes of AC Signals

l Signal Imperfections

l Ground Loops

Arbitrary Waveforms
Arbitrary waveforms can meet needs not met by the instrument’s standard waveforms. For example, you might need a
unique stimulus, or you might want to simulate signal imperfections such as overshoot, ringing, glitching, or noise. Arbi-
trary waveforms can be very complex, making them suitable for simulating signals in modern communications sys-
tems.

You can create arbitrary waveforms from a minimum of 8 points up to 1,000,000 points. You may also extend the
memory up to 16,000,000 points. The instrument stores these numeric data points, known as "samples," in memory
and then converts them into voltages as the waveform is generated. The frequency at which points are read is the
"sample rate," and the waveform frequency equals the sample rate divided by the number of points in the waveform.
For example, suppose a waveform has 40 points and the sample rate is 10 MHz. The frequency would be (10 MHz)/40
= 250 kHz and its period would be 4 µs.

Dual Arbitrary Waveforms

Arbitrary waveforms may be single-channel waveforms, or (with option IQP), they may be dual-channel arbitrary wave-
forms, such as IQ baseband signals. A dual arbitrary waveform is analogous to a stereo music file. It has two channels
of information that contain the same number of samples, always start and end together, and always play at the same
sample rate.

You can control the skew and balance between channels on dual arbitrary waveforms either via commands in the SCPI
FUNCtion subsystem or via the front panel.

Waveform Filters

The instrument includes two filters to smooth transitions between points as arbitrary waveforms are generated.

l Normal filter: a wide, flat frequency response, but its step response exhibits overshoot and ringing

l Step filter: a nearly ideal step response, but with more roll-off in its frequency response than the Normal filter

l Off: output changes abruptly between points, with a transition time of approximately 10 ns.

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Each filter’s cutoff frequency is a fixed fraction of the waveform’s sample rate. The Normal filter’s response is -3 dB at
27% of the sample rate and the Step filter’s response is -3 dB at 13% of the sample rate. For example, for an arbitrary
waveform at 100 MSa/s, the Normal filter’s -3 dB frequency bandwidth is 27 MHz.

Waveform Sequencing

The instrument can assemble long, complex sequences of arbitrary waveforms (segments). Switching between seg-
ments occurs seamlessly in real time. As an analogy, think of segments as songs in a music player and sequences as
play lists.

Each sequence step specifies a segment and how many times it is played. It also specifies whether the sequence waits
for a trigger before the next step and how the Sync signal is generated on a step-by-step basis.

For each segment, you can either:

l play the segment from 1 to 1,000,000 times and then advance to the next step

l play the segment once and then stop and wait for a trigger before advancing

l repeat the segment until a trigger occurs and then advance

l repeat the segment until explicitly stopped

Options for Sync signal generation include:

l assert Sync at the beginning of the segment

l negate Sync at the beginning of the segment

l maintain the current Sync state throughout the segment

l assert Sync at the beginning of the segment and negate it at a defined point within the segment

Quasi-Gaussian Noise
The Noise waveform is optimized for both quantitative and qualitative statistical properties. It does not repeat for more
than 50 years of continuous operation. Unlike a true gaussian distribution, there is zero probability of getting a voltage
beyond the instrument’s Vpp setting. The crest factor (peak voltage divided by RMS voltage) is approximately 4.6.

You can vary the Noise bandwidth from 1 mHz to the instrument's maximum bandwidth. The energy in the noise sig-
nal is concentrated in a band from DC to the selected bandwidth, so the signal has greater spectral density in the band
of interest when the bandwidth setting is lower. In audio work, for example, you might set the bandwidth to 30 kHz, to
make the audio band signal strength 30 dB higher than if the bandwidth were set to 30 MHz.

PRBS
A Pseudo-Random Bit Sequence (PRBS) has two levels (high and low), and it switches between them in a manner that
is difficult to predict without knowing the sequence generation algorithm. A PRBS is generated by a linear-feedback
shift register (LFSR), shown below.

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An LFSR is specified by the number of stages it contains and which stages ("taps") feed the exclusive-or (XOR) gates in
its feedback network. The PRBS output is taken from the last stage. With properly chosen taps, an L-stage LFSR
produces a repetitive PRBS of length 2L-1. The clocking frequency of the LFSR determines the "bit rate" of the PRBS.

The instrument allows you to set L to 7, 9, 11, 15, 20, or 23, resulting in sequences from 127 to 8,388,607 bits in
length.

Modulation

Amplitude Modulation (AM)

The instrument implements two forms of AM

l Double-sideband full-carrier (DSB-FC). DSB-FC has an ITU designation of A3E and is the type used in AM broad-
casting.

The equation for DSB-FC is

y(t)= [(1/2)+(1/2)•d•m(t)]•A •sin(ω t)


c c

where

m(t) is the modulating signal


A is the carrier amplitude
c
ω is the carrier frequency of the carrier
c
d is the "modulation depth," or fraction of the amplitude range is used by the modulation

For example, a depth setting of 80% varies the amplitude from 10% to 90% of the amplitude setting (90% - 10%
= 80%) with either an internal or a full-scale (±5 V) external modulating signal. You may set depth as high as
120%, as long as you do not exceed the instrument’s maximum output voltage of (±5 V into 50 Ω, ±10 V into
high impedance).

In the image below, the top trace represents the modulating signal, and the bottom trace represents the mod-
ulated carrier.

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l Double-sideband suppressed-carrier (DSSC). Many modern communications systems employ DSSC on each of two
carriers that have the same frequency but a 90-degree phase difference. This is called quadrature amplitude mod-
ulation (QAM).

The equation for DSSC is y(t)=d•m(t)•sin(ω t)


c

In DSB-SC, the carrier signal is inverted whenever m(t) < 0. For QAM, the second carrier signal would be cos(ω t),
c
making it 90 degrees out of phase from the first carrier.

Frequency Modulation (FM)

Frequency modulation varies a carrier signal’s frequency according to the modulating signal:

y(t)=A •sin[(ω +d•m(t) )•t]


c c

where m(t) is the modulating signal and d is the frequency deviation. FM is called narrowband if the deviation is less
than 1% of the modulating signal’s bandwidth, and wideband otherwise. You can approximate the modulated signal’s
bandwidth with the following equations.

BW ≈ 2•(Modulating Signal Bandwidth) for narrowband FM

BW ≈ 2•(Deviation+Modulating Signal Bandwidth) for wideband FM

In the image below, the top trace represents the modulating signal, and the bottom trace represents the modulated
carrier.

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Phase Modulation (PM) PM is similar to FM, but the phase of the carrier waveform is varied, rather than the frequency:

y(t)=sin[ω t+d•m(t) ]
c

where m(t) is the modulating signal and d is the phase deviation.

Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK)

FSK is similar to FM, except the carrier frequency alternates between two preset values, the carrier frequency and the
hop frequency. Sometimes the hop and carrier frequencies are called "Mark" and "Space," respectively. The rate at
which the switching between these values occurs is determined by an internal timer or the signal on the rear-panel Ext
Trig connector. Frequency changes are instantaneous and phase-continuous.

The internal modulating signal is a square wave with 50% duty cycle.

In the image below, the top trace represents the modulating signal, and the bottom trace represents the modulated
carrier.

Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK)

BPSK is similar to FSK, except it is the carrier’s phase, rather than its frequency, that switches between two values. The
rate at which the switching between these values occurs is determined by an internal timer or the signal on the rear-
panel Ext Trig connector. Phase changes are instantaneous.

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The internal modulating signal is a square wave with 50% duty cycle.

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

PWM is only available for the Pulse waveform, and the pulse width varies according to the modulating signal. The
amount by which the pulse width varies is called the width deviation, and it can be specified as a percentage of the
waveform period (that is, duty cycle) or in units of time. For example, if you specify a pulse with 20% duty cycle and
then enable PWM with a 5% deviation, the duty cycle varies from 15% to 25% under control of the modulating signal.

Additive Modulation (Sum)

The "Sum" feature adds the modulating signal to the carrier. For example, you can add controlled amounts of variable-
bandwidth noise to a signal or create two-tone signals. The instrument's internal modulation generator can produce
the same continuous waveform as the main generator, so the Sum function lets you to create many signals that would
have required two instruments before.

The Sum feature increases the amplitude of the output signal by the amplitude of the modulating signal. This might
cause the instrument to switch to a higher output-voltage range, resulting in a momentary signal loss. If this is a prob-
lem in your application, turn on the Range Hold function. If the voltage increase could damage your device under test,
apply Voltage Limits.

Burst
You can configure the instrument to output a waveform with for a specified number of cycles, called a burst. You can
use burst in one of two modes: N-Cycle Burst (also called "triggered burst") or Gated Burst.

An N-Cycle burst consists of a specific number of waveform cycles (1 to 1,000,000) and is always initiated by a trigger
event. You can also set the burst count to "Infinite" which results in a continuous waveform once the instrument is trig-
gered.

In the image below, the top trace is the sync output, and the bottom one is the main output.

Three-Cycle Burst Waveform

For bursts, the trigger source can be an external signal, an internal timer, the key, or a command from the remote
interface. The input for external trigger signals is the rear-panel Ext Trig connector. This connector accepts TTL-com-
patible levels and is referenced to chassis ground (not floating ground). When not used as an input, the Ext Trig

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connector can be configured as an output to enable the instrument to trigger other instruments at the same time that
its internal trigger occurs.

An N-Cycle burst always begins and ends at the same point in the waveform, called the start phase.

In GATed burst mode, the output waveform is on or off, based on the signal at the rear-panel Ext Trig connector.
Select this signal's polarity using BURSt:GATE:POLarity. When the gate signal is true, the instrument outputs a con-
tinuous waveform. When the gate signal goes false, the current waveform cycle is completed and the instrument stops
and remains at the voltage level corresponding to the waveform's starting burst phase. For a noise waveform, the out-
put stops immediately when the gate signal goes false.

Frequency Sweep
Frequency sweeping is similar to FM, but no modulating waveform is used. Instead, the instrument sets the output
frequency based on either a linear or logarithmic function, or a list of up to 128 user-specified frequencies. A linear
sweep changes the output frequency by a constant number of Hz per second, and a logarithmic sweep changes the
frequency by a constant number of decades per second. Logarithmic sweeps let you cover wide frequency ranges
where resolution at low frequencies could be lost with a linear sweep.

Frequency sweeps are characterized by a sweep time (during which the frequency changes smoothly from the start
frequency to the stop frequency), a hold time (during which the frequency stays at the stop frequency), and a return
time (during which the frequency returns smoothly and linearly to the start frequency). Trigger settings determine
when the next sweep begins.

Attributes of AC Signals
The most common AC signal is a sine wave. In fact, any periodic signal can be represented as the sum of different sine
waves. The magnitude of a sine wave is usually specified by its peak, peak-to-peak, or root-mean- square (RMS) value.
All of these measures assume that the waveform has zero offset voltage.

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A waveform's peak voltage is the maximum absolute value of all of its points. The peak-to-peak voltage is the difference
between the maximum and minimum. The RMS voltage equals the standard deviation of all waveform points; it also
represents the one-cycle average power in the signal, minus the power in any DC component of the signal. Crest factor
is the ratio of a signal’s peak value to its RMS value and varies according to waveshape. The table below shows several
common waveforms with their respective crest factors and RMS values.

If an average-reading voltmeter is used to measure the "DC voltage" of a waveform, the reading may not agree with
the DC Offset setting. This is because the waveform may have a non-zero average value that would be added to the DC
Offset.

You may occasionally see AC levels specified in "decibels relative to 1 milliwatt" (dBm). Since dBm represents a power
level, you need to know the signal’s RMS voltage and the load resistance in order to make the calculation.

dBm = 10 x log (P / 0.001) where P = VRMS2 / RL


10
For a sine wave into a 50 Ω load, the following table relates dBm to voltage.

dBm RMS Voltage Peak-to-Peak Voltage

+23.98 dBm 3.54 Vrms 10.00 Vpp

+13.01 dBm 1.00 Vrms 2.828 Vpp

+10.00 dBm 707 mVrms 2.000 Vpp

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dBm RMS Voltage Peak-to-Peak Voltage

+6.99 dBm 500 mVrms 1.414 Vpp

3.98 dBm 354 mVrms 1.000 Vpp

0.00 dBm 224 mVrms 632 mVpp

-6.99 dBm 100 mVrms 283 mVpp

-10.00 dBm 70.7 mVrms 200 mVpp

-16.02 dBm 35.4 mVrms 100 mVpp

-30.00 dBm 7.07 mVrms 20.0 mVpp

-36.02 dBm 3.54 mVrms 10.0 mVpp

-50.00 dBm 0.707 mVrms 2.00 mVpp

-56.02 dBm 0.354 mVrms 1.00 mVpp

For 75 Ω or 600 Ω loads, use the following conversions.

dBm (75 Ω) = dBm (50 Ω) – 1.76 dBm (600 Ω) = dBm (50 Ω) – 10.79

Signal Imperfections
For sine waves, common signal imperfections are easiest to describe and observe in the frequency domain, using a spec-
trum analyzer. Any output signal component with a frequency different from the fundamental (or "carrier") is con-
sidered to be distortion. Those imperfections can be categorized as harmonic distortion, non-harmonic spurious, or
phase noise, and they are specified in decibels relative to the carrier level, or "dBc."

Harmonic Distortion

Harmonic components occur at integer multiples of the fundamental frequency and are usually created by non-linear
components in the signal path. At low signal amplitudes, another possible source of harmonic distortion is the Sync sig-
nal, which is a square wave with many strong harmonic components that can couple into the main signal. Although
Sync is highly isolated from the instrument's main signal outputs, coupling can occur in external cabling. For best
results, use high-quality coaxial cables with double or triple shields. If Sync is not required, leave it unconnected or off.

Non-Harmonic Spurious

One source of non-harmonic spurious components (called "spurs") is the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that con-
verts the digital waveform values into voltage. Non-linearity in this DAC gives rise to harmonics that can be higher than
the Nyquist frequency and will therefore be aliased to a lower frequency. For example, the fifth harmonic of 30 MHz
(150 MHz) could create a spur at 100 MHz.

Another source of non-harmonic spurs is the coupling of unrelated signal sources (such as the embedded controller’s
clocks) into the output signal. These spurs usually have constant amplitude and are most troublesome at signal ampli-
tudes below 100 mVpp. For optimal signal purity at low amplitudes, keep the instrument’s output level relatively high
and use an external attenuator.

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Phase Noise

Phase noise results from small, instantaneous changes in the output frequency ("jitter"). On a spectrum analyzer, it
appears as a rise in the apparent noise floor near the frequency of the output signal. The phase noise specification rep-
resents the amplitudes of the noise in 1 Hz bands located 1 kHz, 10 kHz, and 100 kHz away from a 30-MHz sine wave.
Be aware that spectrum analyzers also have phase noise, so the levels you read may include analyzer phase noise.

Quantization Noise

Finite resolution in the waveform DAC causes voltage quantization errors. Assuming the errors are uniformly dis-
tributed over a range of ±0.5 least-significant bit, the equivalent noise level for standard waveforms is approximately -
95 dBc. At this level, other sources of noise in the instrument dominate. Quantization noise can be of concern, though,
in arbitrary waveforms that do not use the whole range of DAC codes (-32767 to +32767). Scale arbitrary waveforms
to use the entire range, if possible.

Ground Loops
The signal-generation portion of the instrument is isolated from chassis (earth) ground. This helps eliminate ground
loops in your system and also allows you to reference the output signal to voltages other than ground. The illustration
below shows the instrument connected to a load through a coaxial cable. Any difference in ground potentials (V )
GND
will tend to drive current IGND through the shield of the cable, thus causing a voltage drop due to the shield’s imped-
ance (Z ). This voltage (I xZ ) appears as an error in the load voltage. However, since the instrument is
SHIELD GND SHIELD
isolated, there is a high series impedance (typically >1 MΩ) in parallel with 50 nF) to oppose the flow of I and
GND
thereby minimize this effect.

At frequencies above a few kHz, a coaxial cable’s shield becomes inductive, rather than resistive, and the cable begins
to act like a transformer. When this happens, voltage drops in the shield due to I tend to be offset by equal voltages
GND

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in the center conductor, thereby reducing the effects of ground loops at higher frequencies. Coaxial cables with two or
three braided shields are much better than those with single- braided or foil shields because they have lower resistance
and therefore become transformers at lower frequencies.

To reduce errors due to ground loops, connect the instrument to the load using a high-quality coaxial cable and ground
it at the load through the cable’s shield. If possible, make sure the instrument and the load are connected to the same
electrical outlet to minimize further differences in ground potential.

Be aware that the outer shells of the Sync and Modulation In connectors are connected to those of the main output
connector(s). Cables attached to Sync and/or Modulation In are therefore potential sources of ground loops. Also be
aware that attempting to drive those connector shells to different voltages can cause high current to flow through the
instrument, possibly causing damage.

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SCPI Programming Reference

SCPI Programming Reference


This section describes the SCPI programming language for the instrument.

Introduction to SCPI Language

Alphabetical List of SCPI Commands and Queries

Programming Examples

Command Quick Reference

Factory Reset State

SCPI Error Messages

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Introduction to the SCPI Language

Introduction to the SCPI Language


SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) is an ASCII-based instrument command language
designed for test and measurement instruments. SCPI commands are based on a hierarchical structure, also known as
a tree system. In this system, associated commands are grouped together under a common node or root, thus forming
subsystems. A portion of the OUTPut subsystem is shown below to illustrate the tree system.

OUTPut:
SYNC {OFF|0|ON|1}

SYNC:
MODE {NORMal|CARRier}
POLarity {NORMal|INVerted}

OUTPut is the root keyword, SYNC is a second-level keyword, and MODE and POLarity are third-level keywords. A
colon ( : ) separates a command keyword from a lower-level keyword.

Syntax Conventions
The format used to show commands is illustrated below:

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:UNIT {VPP|VRMS|DBM}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:CENTer {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum}

The command syntax shows most commands (and some parameters) as a mixture of upper- and lower-case letters.
The upper-case letters indicate the abbreviated spelling for the command. For shorter program lines, you can send the
abbreviated form. For better program readability, you can send the long form.

For example, in the above syntax statement, VOLT and VOLTAGE are both acceptable forms. You can use upper- or
lower-case letters. Therefore, VOLTAGE, volt, and Volt are all acceptable. Other forms, such as VOL and VOLTAG, are
not valid and will generate an error.

l Braces ( { } ) enclose the parameter choices for a given command string. The braces are not sent with the com-
mand string.

l A vertical bar ( | ) separates multiple parameter choices for a given command string. For example,
{VPP|VRMS|DBM} in the above command indicates that you can specify "VPP", "VRMS", or "DBM". The bar is not
sent with the command string.

l Triangle brackets in the second example ( < > ) indicate that you must specify a value for the enclosed parameter.
For example, the above syntax statement shows the <frequency> parameter enclosed in triangle brackets. The
brackets are not sent with the command string. You must specify a value for the parameter (for example
"FREQ:CENT 1000") unless you select another option shown in the syntax (for example "FREQ:CENT MIN").

l Some syntax elements (for example nodes and parameters) are enclosed in square brackets ( [ ]). This indicates
that the element is optional and can be omitted. The brackets are not sent with the command string. If you do not
specify a value for an optional parameter, the instrument chooses a default value. In the examples above the
"SOURce[1|2]" indicates that you may refer to source channel 1 either by "SOURce", or by "SOURce1", or by
"SOUR1" or by "SOUR". In addition, since the whole SOURce node is optional (in brackets) you also may refer to
channel 1 by entirely leaving out the SOURce node. This is because Channel 1 is the default channel for the
SOURce language node. On the other hand, to refer to Channel 2, you must use either "SOURce2" or "SOUR2" in
your program lines.

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Introduction to the SCPI Language

Command Separators
A colon ( : ) is used to separate a command keyword from a lower-level keyword. You must insert a blank space to sep-
arate a parameter from a command keyword. If a command requires more than one parameter, you must separate
adjacent parameters using a comma as shown below:

APPL:SIN 455E3,1.15,0.0

In this example, the APPLy command is specifying a Sine wave at a frequency of 455 KHz, with an amplitude of 1.15
volts, and a DC offset of 0.0 volts.

A semicolon ( ; ) is used to separate commands within the same subsystem, and can also minimize typing. For exam-
ple, sending the following command string:

TRIG:SOUR EXT; COUNT 10

is the same as sending the following two commands:

TRIG:SOUR EXT
TRIG:COUNT 10

Using the MIN, MAX, and DEF Parameters


For many commands, you can substitute "MIN" or "MAX" in place of a parameter. In some cases you may also sub-
stitute "DEF". For example, consider the following command:

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy:DC [{<frequency>|DEF} [,{<amplitude>|DEF} [,{<offset>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]]]

Instead of selecting a specific value for the <offset> parameter, you can substitute MIN to set the offset to its mini-
mum value, MAX to set the offset to its maximum value. You can also specify DEF to set the default value for each
parameter: <frequency>, <amplitude>, and <offset>.

Querying Parameter Settings


You can query the current value of most parameters by adding a question mark ( ? ) to the command. For example, the
following command sets the trigger count to 10 readings:

TRIG:COUN 10

You can then query the count value by sending:

TRIG:COUN?

You can also query the minimum or maximum count allowed as follows:

TRIG:COUN? MIN
TRIG:COUN? MAX

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Introduction to the SCPI Language

SCPI Command Terminators


A command string sent to the instrument must terminate with a <new line> (<NL>) character. The IEEE-488 EOI
(End-Or-Identify) message is interpreted as a <NL> character and can be used to terminate a command string in place
of a <NL> character. A <carriage return> followed by a <NL> is also accepted. Command string termination will
always reset the current SCPI command path to the root level.

For every SCPI message that includes a query and is sent to the instrument, the instrument ter-
minates the returned response with a <NL> or line-feed character (EOI). For example, if
"DISP:TEXT?" is sent, the response is terminated with a <NL> after the string of data that is
returned. If a SCPI message includes multiple queries separated by semicolons (for example
"DISP?;DISP:TEXT?"), the returned response is again terminated by a <NL> after the response to
the last query. In either case, the program must read this <NL> in the response before another
command is sent to the instrument, or an error will occur.

IEEE-488.2 Common Commands


The IEEE-488.2 standard defines a set of common commands that perform functions such as reset, self-test, and
status operations. Common commands always begin with an asterisk ( * ), are three characters in length, and may
include one or more parameters. The command keyword is separated from the first parameter by a blank space. Use a
semicolon ( ; ) to separate multiple commands as shown below:

*RST; *CLS; *ESE 32; *OPC?

SCPI Parameter Types


The SCPI language defines several data formats to be used in program messages and response messages.

Numeric Parameters

Commands that require numeric parameters will accept all commonly used decimal representations of numbers includ-
ing optional signs, decimal points, and scientific notation. Special values for numeric parameters such as MIN, MAX, and
DEF are also accepted. You can also send engineering unit suffixes with numeric parameters (e.g., M, k, m, or u). If a
command accepts only certain specific values, the instrument will automatically round the input numeric parameters
to the accepted values. The following command requires a numeric parameter for the frequency value:

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:CENTer {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum}

Because the SCPI parser is case-insensitive, there is some confusion over the letter "M" (or "m").
For your convenience, the instrument interprets "mV" (or "MV") as millivolts, but "MHZ" (or
"mhz") as megahertz. Likewise "MΩ" (or "mΩ") is interpreted as megohms. You can use the prefix
"MA" for mega. For example, "MAV" is interpreted as megavolts.

Discrete Parameters

Discrete parameters are used to program settings that have a limited number of values (like IMMediate, EXTernal, or
BUS). They may have a short form and a long form just like command keywords. You can mix upper- and lower-case

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Introduction to the SCPI Language

letters. Query responses will always return the short form in all upper-case letters. The following command requires a
discrete parameter for the voltage units:

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:UNIT {VPP|VRMS|DBM}

Boolean Parameters

Boolean parameters represent a single binary condition that is either true or false. For a false condition, the instrument
will accept "OFF" or "0". For a true condition, the instrument will accept "ON" or "1". When you query a boolean set-
ting, the instrument will always return "0" or "1". The following command requires a boolean parameter:

DISPlay {OFF|0|ON|1}

ASCII String Parameters

String parameters can contain virtually any set of ASCII characters. A string must begin and end with matching
quotes; either with a single quote or a double quote. You can include the quote delimiter as part of the string by typing
it twice without any characters in between. The following command uses a string parameter:

DISPlay:TEXT <quoted string>

For example, the following command displays the message "WAITING..." on the instrument's front panel (the quotes
are not displayed).

DISP:TEXT "WAITING..."

You can also display the same message using single quotes.

DISP:TEXT 'WAITING...'

Using Device Clear


Device Clear is an IEEE-488 low-level bus message that you can use to return the instrument to a responsive state. Dif-
ferent programming languages and IEEE-488 interface cards provide access to this capability through their own unique
commands. The status registers, the error queue, and all configuration states are left unchanged when a Device Clear
message is received.

Device Clear performs the following actions:

l If a measurement is in progress, it is aborted.


l The instrument returns to the trigger "idle" state.
l The instrument's input and output buffers are cleared.
l The instrument is prepared to accept a new command string.

The ABORt command is the recommended method to terminate an instrument operation.

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Alphabetical List of SCPI Commands and Queries

Alphabetical List of SCPI Commands and Queries


AM Subsystem
APPLy Subsystem
BPSK Subsystem
BURSt Subsystem
CALibration Subsystem
DATA Subsystem
DISPlay Subsystem
FM Subsystem
FREQuency Subsystem
FSKey Subsystem
FUNCtion Subsystem
HCOPy Subsystem
IEEE-488.2 Common Commands
INITiate Subsystem
LIST Subsystem
LXI Subsystem
MARKer Subsystem
MEMory Subsystem
MMEMory Subsystem
OUTPut Subsystem
PHASe Subsystem
PM Subsystem
PWM Subsystem
RATE Subsystem
ROSC Subsystem
SOURce Subsystem
STATus Subsystem
SUM Subsystem
SWEep Subsystem
SYSTem Subsystem
TRIGger Subsystem
VOLTage Subsystem

Other Commands
ABORt
COMBine:FEED
FORMat:BORDer
TRACk
UNIT:ANGLe

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Internal Function Waveforms

Internal Function Waveforms


The following are the internal function waveforms.

l SINusoid: a sine wave, no phase shift.

l SQUare: a square wave, 50% duty cycle.

l RAMP: ramp, 100% symmetry.

l NRAMp: negative ramp, 0% symmetry.

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Internal Function Waveforms

l TRIangle: ramp, 50% symmetry.

l NOISe: gaussian noise; if NOISe is the internal function, it cannot also be the carrier.

l PRBS: pseudo-random binary sequence modulation; if PRBS is the internal function, it cannot also be the carrier.

l ARBitrary: arbitrary waveform; default is exponential rise; if ARB is the internal function, it cannot also be the car-
rier.

See Also
AM Subsystem

FM Subsystem

PM Subsystem

PWM Subsystem

SUM Subsystem

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ABORt

ABORt
Halts a sequence, list, sweep, or burst, even an infinite burst. Also causes trigger subsystem to return to idle state. If
INITiate:CONTinuous is ON, instrument immediately proceeds to wait-for-trigger state.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Halt the items listed above:


ABOR

l Halts any triggered action (triggered list, triggered sweep, triggered burst, triggered arbitrary waveform playback).

l ABORt has no effect when instrument is in normal or modulated modes, except for sequenced arbitrary wave-
forms, lists, bursts, and sweeps. If instrument is running a sequence, list, burst, or sweep, ABORt restarts the
stopped item with the current INIT and trigger conditions.

l When ABORt occurs in list mode, the frequency goes back to the "normal" mode frequency until the first trigger
occurs. After the first trigger, the first frequency in the list will be used.

l If ABORt executed during sweep, sweep returns to starting sweep frequency.

l ABORt always applies to both channels in a two-channel instrument.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 155


AM Subsystem

AM Subsystem
The AM subsystem allows you to add amplitude modulation (AM) to a carrier waveform.

Example
To generate an amplitude modulation (AM) waveform:

1. Configure carrier waveform: Use FUNCtion, FREQuency, VOLTage, and VOLTage:OFFSet to specify the carrier
waveform's function, frequency, amplitude, and offset.

2. Select mode of Amplitude Modulation: AM:DSSC

3. Select modulation source (internal, external, CH1, or CH2): AM:SOURce. For an external source, you can
skip steps 4 and 5 below.

4. Select modulating waveform: AM:INTernal:FUNCtion

5. Set modulating frequency: AM:INTernal:FREQuency

6. Set modulation depth: AM[:DEPTh]

7. Enable AM:AM:STATe:ON

The following code produces the oscilloscope image shown below.

FUNCtion SQU
FREQuency +1.0E+04
VOLTage +1
VOLTage:OFFset 0.0
AM:SOURce INT
AM:DSSC 0
AM:DEPTh +120
AM:INTernal:FUNCtion TRI
AM:INTernal:FREQ 5E+02
AM:STATe 1
OUTPut1 1

156 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


AM Subsystem

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM[:DEPTh] {<depth_in_percent>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]AM[:DEPTh]? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets internal modulation depth ("percent modulation") in percent.

Parameter Typical Return

0 to 120, default 100 +5.000000000000000E+01

Set the internal modulation depth to 50%:


AM:DEPT 50

Set the internal modulation depth to 120%:


AM:DEPT MAX

l Even at greater than 100% depth, the instrument will not exceed ±5 V peak on the output (into a 50 Ω load). To
achieve modulation depth greater than 100%, output carrier amplitude may be reduced.

l With AM:SOURce EXTernal, carrier waveform is modulated with an external waveform. The modulation depth is
controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the rear-panel Modulation In connector. For example, if modulation depth
(AM[:DEPTh]) is 100%, then when the modulating signal is at +5 V, the output will be at the maximum ampli-
tude. Similarly, a -5 V modulating signal produces output at minimum amplitude.

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:DSSC {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:DSSC?
Selects Amplitude Modulation mode − Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier (ON) or AM modulated carrier with side-
bands (OFF).

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0} 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Set AM to DSSC mode:


AM:DSSC ON

l The power-on default value is OFF.

l In DSSC AM, zero modulation results in zero output signal, and increasing modulation input signal raises the ampli-
tude of the sidebands in proportion to the amplitude of the modulating signal.

l DSSC AM is useful for some digital modulation modes.

l In "normal" AM, zero modulation results in a half-amplitude carrier wave signal being output. As modulation input
signal rises, the carrier is amplitude modulated between 0 and 100% amplitude.

l In DSSC, the AM[:DEPTh] setting applies, and scales the modulation signal from 0 to 120% modulation.

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:INTernal:FREQuency {<frequency >|MINimum|MAXimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:INTernal:FREQuency? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets frequency of modulating waveform. The waveform chosen as modulating source will operate at that frequency,
within waveform frequency limits.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 157


AM Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

1 μHz to the maximum allowed for the internal function. Default 100 Hz +1.000000000000000E+04

Set the modulating frequency to 10 kHz:


AM:INT:FUNC 10000

l When you select an arbitrary waveform as the modulating source, the frequency changes to the frequency of the
arbitrary waveform, which is based on the sample rate and the number of points in the arbitrary waveform.

l When using an arbitrary waveform for the modulating source, changing this parameter also changes the cached
metadata representing the aribtrary waveform's sample rate. You can also change the modulating frequency of an
arbitrary waveform with FUNCtion:ARBitrary:FREQuency, FUNCtion:ARBitrary:PERiod, and FUNC-
tion:ARBitrary:SRATe. These commands and the modulation frequency command are directly coupled in order to
keep the arbitrary waveform behaving exactly as it was last played. If you later turn modulation off and select that
same arbitrary waveform as the current function, its sample rate (and corresponding frequency based upon the
number of points) will be the same as it was when played as the modulation source.

l If the internal function is TRIangle, UpRamp, or DnRamp, the maximum frequency limited to 200 kHz. If the inter-
nal function is PRBS, the frequency refers to bit rate and is limited to 50 Mbps.

l This command should be used only with the internal modulation source (AM:SOURce INTernal).

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:INTernal:FUNCtion <function>
[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:INTernal:FUNCtion?
Selects shape of modulating waveform.

Parameter Typical Return

{SINusoid|SQUare|RAMP|NRAMp|TRIangle|NOISe|PRBS|ARB}, default SIN, SQU, RAMP, NRAM, TRI, NOIS,


SINusoid, default SINusoid. PRBS, or ARB
View internal function waveforms.

Select a sine wave as the modulating waveform.


AM:INT:FUNC SIN

l This command should be used only with the internal modulation source (AM:SOURce INTernal).

l Pulse and DC cannot be carrier waveform for AM.

158 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce?[SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce?

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal}
[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:SOURce?
Select the source of the modulating signal.

Parameter Typical Return

{INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}, default INTernal. BPSK and FSKey can- INT, EXT, CH1, or CH2
not accept CH1 or CH2

Select external modulation source:


AM:SOUR EXT (could also substitute FM, BPSK, FSK, PM, or PWM for AM)

Remarks
l If you select EXTernal, the carrier waveform is modulated with an external waveform. Specifically:

l AM:The modulation depth is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the rear-panel Modulation In connector.
For example, if modulation depth (AM[:DEPTh]) is 100%, then when the modulating signal is at +5 V, the out-
put will be at the maximum amplitude. Similarly, a -5 V modulating signal produces output at minimum ampli-
tude.

l FM:If you select the External modulating source, the deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the
rear-panel Modulation In connector.For example, if the frequency deviation is 100 kHz, then a +5 V signal
level corresponds to a 100 kHz increase in frequency.Lower external signal levels produce less deviation and
negative signal levels reduce the frequency below the carrier frequency.

l PM:With the External modulating source, deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the rear-panel
Modulation In connector. For example, if you have set the frequency deviation to 180 degrees, then a +5 V
signal level corresponds to a +180 degree phase deviation. Lower external signal levels produce less deviation,
and negative signal levels produce negative deviation.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 159


[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce?[SOURce

l Pulse as Selected Function: The pulse width or pulse duty cycle deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal
level present on the rear-panel Modulation In connector. For example, if you have set the pulse width devi-
ation to 50 μs using the PWM:DEViation command, then a +5 V signal level corresponds to a 50 μs width
increase. Lower external signal levels produce less deviation.

l With EXTernal source, the output phase (BPSK) or frequency (FSK) is determined by the signal level on the rear-
panel Ext Trig connector. When a logic low is present, the carrier phase or carrier frequency is output. When a
logic high is present, the phase shifted phase or hop frequency is output.

l The maximum external BPSK rate is 1 MHz, and the maximum FSK rate is 1 MHz.

l Note: the connector used for externally-controlled BPSK or FSK waveforms (Trig In) is not the same connector
that is used for externally-modulated AM, FM, PM, and PWM waveforms (Modulation In). When used for BPSK or
FSK, the Trig In connector does not have adjustable edge polarity and is not affected by the TRIGger[1|2]:SLOPe
command.

l With INTernal source, the rate at which output phase (BPSK) or frequency (FSKey) "shifts" between the carrier
phase or frequency and the alternate phase or frequency is determined by the BPSK rate (BPSK:INTernal:RATE) or
FSK rate (FSKey:INTernal:RATE).

l A channel may not be its own modulation source.

See Also
AM Subsystem

BPSK Subsystem

FM Subsystem

FSKey Subsystem

PM Subsystem

PWM Subsystem

160 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe?[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe?

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:STATe?
Enables or disables modulation.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default OFF 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Enable AM (could also substitute FM, BPSK, FSK, PM, or PWM):


AM:STAT ON

l To avoid multiple waveform changes, enable modulation after configuring the other modulation parameters.

l Only one modulation mode may be enabled at a time.

l The instrument will not enable modulation with sweep or burst enabled. When you enable modulation, the sweep
or burst mode is turned off.

l PWM is allowed only when pulse is the selected function.

See Also
AM Subsystem

BPSK Subsystem

FM Subsystem

FSKey Subsystem

PM Subsystem

PWM Subsystem

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 161


APPLy Subsystem

APPLy Subsystem
The APPLy subsystem allows you to configure entire waveforms with one command. The general form of an APPLy com-
mand is shown below:

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy:<function> [<frequency> [,<amplitude> [,<offset>]]]

For example,

APPLy:SIN 1e4,1,0.1

replaces the following commands:

FUNCtion SIN
FREQ 1e4
VOLT 1
VOLT:OFF 0.1
OUTP ON

Not only is APPLy shorter, it avoids settings conflicts that occur when sending commands individually. In addition,
APPLy performs the following operations:

l Sets trigger source to IMMediate (equivalent to TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce IMMediate).

l Turns off any modulation, sweep, or burst mode currently enabled and places the instrument in continuous wave-
form mode.

l Turns on the channel output (OUTPut ON) without changing output termination setting (OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD).

l Overrides the voltage autorange setting and enables autoranging (VOLTage:RANGe:AUTO).

The instrument can generate eight types of waveforms: DC voltage, gaussian noise, PRBS, pulse, ramp/triangle wave,
sine wave, square wave and arbitrary (user) waveform. Waveform-specific settings exist in the FUNCtion subsystem.

You can also query current output configuration (APPLy?).

General Remarks
Amplitude

l Changing amplitude may briefly disrupt output at certain voltages due to output attenuator switching. The ampli-
tude is controlled, however, so the output voltage will never exceed the current setting while switching ranges. To
prevent this disruption, disable voltage autoranging using VOLTage:RANGe:AUTO OFF. The APPLy command auto-
matically enables autoranging.

l Limits Due to Output Termination: The offset range depends on the output termination setting. For example, if
you set offset to 100 mVDC and then change output termination from 50 Ω to "high impedance," the offset volt-
age displayed on the front panel doubles to 200 mVDC (no error is generated). If you change from "high imped-
ance" to 50 Ω, the displayed offset voltage will be halved. See OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD for details.

l Limits Due to Unit Selection: The amplitude limits are determined by the output units selected.

l You cannot specify output amplitude in dBm if output termination is set to high impedance.The units are auto-
matically converted to Vpp.

162 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


APPLy Subsystem

Commands and Queries


APPLy?

APPLy:ARBitrary

APPLy:DC

APPLy:NOISe

APPLy:PRBS

APPLy:PULSe

APPLy:RAMP

APPLy:SINusoid

APPLy:SQUare

APPLy:TRIangle

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy?
Queries the output configuration.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) "SIN +5.000000000000000E+03,


+3.0000000000000E+00,
-2.5000000000000E+00"

Return the configuration for a 5 kHz, 3 V sine wave with a -2.5 VDC offset.
APPLY?

l The function, frequency, amplitude, and offset are returned as shown above. The amplitude, but not the offset, is
returned as specified by VOLTage:UNIT.

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy:ARBitrary [{<sample_rate>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,
{<amplitude>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,{<offset>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]]]
Outputs arbitrary waveform selected by FUNCtion: ARBitrary, using the specified sample rate, amplitude, and offset.

Parameter Typical Return

<sample_rate> from 1 µSa/s to 250 MSa/s, default 40 kSa/s (none)

<amplitude> from 1 mVpp to 10 Vpp into 50 Ω, 2 mVpp to 20 Vpp into an open circuit,
default 100 mVpp into 50 Ω

<offset> is the DC offset voltage (default 0), from ±5 VDC into 50 Ω, or from ±10 VDC
into an open circuit.

Output the arbitrary waveform selected using FUNCtion:ARBitrary:


APPLy:ARBitrary 1 KHZ, 5.0, -2.5 V

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 163


APPLy Subsystem

General

l Setting a sample rate when not in the ARB mode will not change the frequency. For example, if the current func-
tion is sine, setting sample rate has no effect until the function changes to ARB.

Options

l See FUNCtion: ARBitrary for available arbitrary waveform options. With FUNCtion:ARBitrary, you may select a
built-in arbitrary waveform or the waveform currently downloaded to volatile memory using MMEMory commands.

Offset Voltage

l The relationship between offset voltage and output amplitude is shown below. Vmax is the maximum peak voltage
for the selected output termination (5 V for a 50 Ω load or 10 V for a high-impedance load).

|Voffset| < Vmax - Vpp/2

If the specified offset voltage is not valid, the instrument will adjust it to the maximum DC voltage allowed with the
specified amplitude. From the remote interface, a "Data out of range" error will also be generated.

l Limits Due to Output Termination: The offset range depends on the output termination setting. For example, if
you set offset to 100 mVDC and then change output termination from 50 Ω to "high impedance," the offset volt-
age displayed on the front panel doubles to 200 mVDC (no error is generated). If you change from "high imped-
ance" to 50 Ω, the displayed offset voltage will be halved. See OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD for details.

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy:DC [{<frequency >|DEF} [,{<amplitude>|DEF} [,


{<offset>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]]]
Outputs a DC voltage.

Parameter Typical
Return

<frequency> not applicable to DC function. Must be specified as a placeholder; the value is remem- (none)
bered when you change to a different function.

<amplitude> not applicable to DC function. Must be specified as a placeholder; the value is remem-
bered when you change to a different function.

<offset> is the DC offset voltage (default 0), from ±5 VDC into 50 Ω, or from ±10 VDC into an open cir-
cuit.

Output a DC voltage of -2.5 V:


APPLy:DC DEF, DEF, -2.5 V

l Limits Due to Output Termination: The offset range depends on the output termination setting. For example, if
you set offset to 100 mVDC and then change output termination from 50 Ω to "high impedance," the offset volt-
age displayed on the front panel doubles to 200 mVDC (no error is generated). If you change from "high imped-
ance" to 50 Ω, the displayed offset voltage will be halved. See OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD for details.Changing the output
termination setting does not change the voltage present at the output terminals of the instrument. This only
changes the displayed values on the front panel and the values queried from the remote interface. The voltage
present at the instrument's output depends on the load connected to the instrument. See OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD for
details.

164 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


APPLy Subsystem

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy:NOISe [{<frequency>|DEF} [,{<amplitude>|MIN|MAX|DEF}


[,{<offset>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]]]
Outputs gaussian noise with the specified amplitude and DC offset.

Parameter Typical Return

<frequency> not applicable to noise function. Must be specified as a placeholder; the value is (none)
remembered when you change to a different function.

<amplitude> Desired output amplitude in Vpp, Vrms or dBm, as specified by VOLTage:UNIT.1


mVpp to 10 Vpp into 50 Ω, or twice that into an open circuit.

If specified in Vpp, the peak to peak output will actually be output very rarely, due to gaussian
nature of noise.

<offset> is the DC offset voltage (default 0), from ±5 VDC into 50 Ω, or from ±10 VDC into an
open circuit.

Output gaussian noise bounded by 3 Vpp, with -2.5 V offset:


APPL:NOIS 5 KHZ, 3.0 V, -2.5 V

Frequency

l If you specify a frequency, it has no effect on the noise output, but the value is remembered when you change to a
different function.

l For information on changing noise bandwidth, see FUNCtion:NOISe:BANDwidth.

Offset Voltage

l The relationship between offset voltage and output amplitude is shown below. Vmax is the maximum peak voltage
for the selected output termination (5 V for a 50 Ω load or 10 V for a high-impedance load).

|Voffset| < Vmax - Vpp/2

If the specified offset voltage is not valid, the instrument will adjust it to the maximum DC voltage allowed with the
specified amplitude.

From the remote interface, a "Data out of range" error will also be generated.

l Limits Due to Output Termination: The offset range depends on the output termination setting. For example, if you
set offset to 100 mVDC and then change output termination from 50 Ω to "high impedance," the offset voltage dis-
played on the front panel doubles to 200 mVDC (no error is generated). If you change from "high impedance" to 50
Ω, the displayed offset voltage will be halved. See OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD for details.

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy:PRBS [{<frequency >|DEF} [,{<amplitude>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,


{<offset>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]]]
Outputs a pseudo-random binary sequence with the specified bit rate, amplitude and DC offset.

The default waveform is a PN7 Maximum Length Shift Register generator.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 165


APPLy Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

<frequency> in bits/s, default 1000 (none)

<amplitude> Desired output amplitude in Vpp, Vrms or dBm, as specified by VOLTage:UNIT.1


mVpp to 10 Vpp into 50 Ω, or twice that into an open circuit.Default 100 mVpp into 50 Ω

<offset> is the DC offset voltage (default 0), from ±5 VDC into 50 Ω, or from ±10 VDC into an
open circuit.

Output pseudo-random bit sequence bounded by 3 Vpp, with -2.5 V offset:


APPL:PRBS 5 KHZ, 3.0 V, -2.5 V

Frequency

l PRBS is generated by a Maximum Length Sequence (MLS) generator (Linear Feedback Shift Register) which may
be configured to several standard configurations. Default is PN7 at 1000 bits/second.

l A PRBS waveform using polynomial PNx is generated by a shift register of x bits, and the output waveform begins
with x sample periods of high output. Sample period is the reciprocal of the sample rate (FUNCtion:PRBS:BRATe),
and the channel's Sync pulse indicates the waveform's start. For example, if the PRBS uses PN23 with sample
rate 500 Hz, the output begins with 46 ms of high output (23 x 2 ms).

l Unlike the APPLy:NOISe function, the APPLy:PRBS function operates with the Sync output enabled. The Sync
function indicates the beginning of the Pseudo-random function sequence.

Offset Voltage

l The relationship between offset voltage and output amplitude is shown below. Vmax is the maximum peak voltage
for the selected output termination (5 V for a 50 Ω load or 10 V for a high-impedance load).

|Voffset| < Vmax - Vpp/2

If the specified offset voltage is not valid, the instrument will adjust it to the maximum DC voltage allowed with the
specified amplitude. From the remote interface, a "Data out of range" error will also be generated.

l Limits Due to Output Termination: The offset range depends on the output termination setting. For example, if
you set offset to 100 mVDC and then change output termination from 50 Ω to "high impedance," the offset volt-
age displayed on the front panel doubles to 200 mVDC (no error is generated). If you change from "high imped-
ance" to 50 Ω, the displayed offset voltage will be halved. See OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD for details.

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy:PULSe [{<frequency >|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,


{<amplitude>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,{<offset>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]]]
Outputs a pulse wave with the specified frequency, amplitude, and DC offset. In addition, APPLy performs the following
operations:

l Preserves either the current pulse width setting (FUNCtion:PULSe:WIDTh) or the current pulse duty cycle setting
(FUNCtion:PULSe:DCYCle).

l Preserves the current transition time setting (FUNCtion:PULSe:TRANsition[:BOTH]).

l May cause instrument to override the pulse width or edge time setting to comply with the specified frequency or
period (FUNCtion:PULSe:PERiod).

166 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


APPLy Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

<frequency> in Hz, default 1 kHz (none)

<amplitude> Desired output amplitude in Vpp, Vrms or dBm, as specified by


VOLTage:UNIT.

1 mVpp to 10 Vpp into 50 Ω, or twice that into an open circuit. Default 100 mVpp into 50 Ω

<offset> is the DC offset voltage (default 0), from ±5 VDC into 50 Ω, or from ±10 VDC into
an open circuit.

Output a 5 Vpp pulse wave at 1 kHz with a -2.5 V offset:


APPL:PULS 1 KHZ, 5.0 V, -2.5 V

Frequency

l The APPLy command must be appropriate for the function. For example, APPL:PULS 300 MHz results in a "Data
out of range" error. In that case, the frequency would be set to the instrument's maximum frequency for a pulse.

Offset Voltage

l The relationship between offset voltage and output amplitude is shown below. Vmax is the maximum peak voltage
for the selected output termination (5 V for a 50 Ω load or 10 V for a high-impedance load).

|Voffset| < Vmax - Vpp/2

If the specified offset voltage is not valid, the instrument will adjust it to the maximum DC voltage allowed with the
specified amplitude. From the remote interface, a "Data out of range" error will also be generated.

l Limits Due to Output Termination: The offset range depends on the output termination setting. For example, if
you set offset to 100 mVDC and then change output termination from 50 Ω to "high impedance," the offset volt-
age displayed on the front panel doubles to 200 mVDC (no error is generated). If you change from "high imped-
ance" to 50 Ω, the displayed offset voltage will be halved. See OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD for details.

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy:RAMP [{<frequency >|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,


{<amplitude>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,{<offset>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]]]

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy:TRIangle [{<frequency >|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,


{<amplitude>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,{<offset>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]]]
Outputs a ramp wave or triangle wave with the specified frequency, amplitude, and DC offset. In addition, APPLy per-
forms the following operations:

l APPLy:RAMP overrides the current symmetry setting (FUNCtion:RAMP:SYMMetry), and sets 100% symmetry for
the ramp waveform.

l APPLy:TRIangle is simply a special case of APPLy:RAMP. It is equivalent to a ramp waveform with 50% symmetry.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 167


APPLy Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

<frequency> in Hz, default 1 kHz (none)

<amplitude> Desired output amplitude in Vpp, Vrms or dBm, as specified by VOLTage:UNIT.

1 mVpp to 10 Vpp into 50 Ω, or twice that into an open circuit. Default 100 mVpp into 50 Ω

<offset> is the DC offset voltage (default 0), from ±5 VDC into 50 Ω, or from ±10 VDC into
an open circuit.

Configure a 5 V ramp wave at 3 kHz with 0 V offset:


APPL:RAMP 3 KHZ, 5.0 V, 0

Frequency

l The APPLy command must be appropriate for the function. For example, the command APPL:RAMP 5 MHz results
in a "Data out of range" error. In that case, the frequency would be set to 200 kHz, which is the maximum for a
ramp.

Offset Voltage

l The relationship between offset voltage and output amplitude is shown below. Vmax is the maximum peak voltage
for the selected output termination (5 V for a 50 Ω load or 10 V for a high-impedance load).

|Voffset| < Vmax - Vpp/2

If the specified offset voltage is not valid, the instrument will adjust it to the maximum DC voltage allowed with the
specified amplitude. From the remote interface, a "Data out of range" error will also be generated.

l Limits Due to Output Termination: The offset range depends on the output termination setting. For example, if
you set offset to 100 mVDC and then change output termination from 50 Ω to "high impedance," the offset volt-
age displayed on the front panel doubles to 200 mVDC (no error is generated). If you change from "high imped-
ance" to 50 Ω, the displayed offset voltage will be halved. See OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD for details.

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy:SINusoid [{<frequency >|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,


{<amplitude>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,{<offset>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]]]
Outputs a sine wave with the specified frequency, amplitude, and DC offset.

Parameter Typical Return

<frequency> (none)

from 1 μHz to instrument's maximum frequency.

Default 1 kHz

<amplitude> Desired output amplitude in Vpp, Vrms or dBm, as specified by VOLTage:UNIT.

1 mVpp to 10 Vpp into 50 Ω, or twice that into an open circuit. Default 100 mVpp into 50 Ω.

<offset> is the DC offset voltage (default 0), from ±5 VDC into 50 Ω, or from ±10 VDC into
an open circuit.

168 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


APPLy Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

Output 3 Vpp sine wave at 5 kHz with -2.5 V offset.


APPL:SIN 5 KHZ, 3.0 VPP, -2.5 V

Offset Voltage

l The relationship between offset voltage and output amplitude is shown below. Vmax is the maximum peak voltage
for the selected output termination (5 V for a 50 Ω load or 10 V for a high-impedance load).

|Voffset| < Vmax - Vpp/2

If the specified offset voltage is not valid, the instrument will adjust it to the maximum DC voltage allowed with the
specified amplitude. From the remote interface, a "Data out of range" error will also be generated.

l Limits Due to Output Termination: The offset range depends on the output termination setting. For example, if
you set offset to 100 mVDC and then change output termination from 50 Ω to "high impedance," the offset volt-
age displayed on the front panel doubles to 200 mVDC (no error is generated). If you change from "high imped-
ance" to 50 Ω, the displayed offset voltage will be halved. See OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD for details.

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy:SQUare [{<frequency >|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,


{<amplitude>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,{<offset>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]]]
Outputs a square wave with the specified frequency, amplitude, and DC offset. In addition, APPLy performs the fol-
lowing operations:

l Overrides the current duty cycle setting (FUNCtion:SQUare:DCYCle), and sets a 50% duty cycle for the square
wave.

Parameter Typical Return

<frequency> (none)

from 1 μHz to instrument's maximum frequency.

Default 1 kHz.

<amplitude> Desired output amplitude in Vpp, Vrms or dBm, as specified by VOLTage:UNIT.

1 mVpp to 10 Vpp into 50 Ω, or twice that into an open circuit. Default 100 mVpp (into 50 Ω)

<offset> is the DC offset voltage (default 0), from ±5 VDC into 50 Ω, or from ±10 VDC into
an open circuit.

Output 3 V square wave at 5 kHz with -2.5 V offset:


APPL:SQU 5 KHZ, 3.0 V, -2.5 V

Frequency

l The APPLy command must be appropriate for the function. For example, APPL:SQU 40 MHz results in a "Data out
of range" error and the instrument sets the frequency to its maximum frequency for a square wave.

Offset Voltage

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 169


APPLy Subsystem

l The relationship between offset voltage and output amplitude is shown below. Vmax is the maximum peak voltage
for the selected output termination (5 V for a 50 Ω load or 10 V for a high-impedance load).

|Voffset| < Vmax - Vpp/2

If the specified offset voltage is not valid, the instrument will adjust it to the maximum DC voltage allowed with the
specified amplitude. From the remote interface, a "Data out of range" error will also be generated.

l Limits Due to Output Termination: The offset range depends on the output termination setting. For example, if
you set offset to 100 mVDC and then change output termination from 50 Ω to "high impedance," the offset volt-
age displayed on the front panel doubles to 200 mVDC (no error is generated). If you change from "high imped-
ance" to 50 Ω, the displayed offset voltage will be halved. See OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD for details.

170 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


BPSK Subsystem

BPSK Subsystem
The BPSK subsystem allows you to modulate a wave form with Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK), a digital modulation
format. In BPSK, the carrier waveform is phase shifted between two phase settings using an on/off keying. The source
may be internal, using a square wave at a specified frequency, or external, using the external trigger input.

Example
To generate a BPSK waveform:

1. Configure carrier waveform: Use FUNCtion, FREQuency, VOLTage, and VOLTage:OFFSet to specify the carrier
waveform's function, frequency, amplitude, and offset.

2. Select modulation source (internal, external, CH1, or CH2): BPSK:SOURce. For an external source, skip
steps 3 and 4 below.

3. Select BPSK phase:BPSK[:PHASe]

4. Set BPSK rate:BPSK:INTernal:RATE

5. Enable BPSK Modulation:BPSK:STATe ON

The following code produces the oscilloscope image shown below.

FUNCtion SQU
FREQuency +1.0E+04
VOLTage +1.0
VOLTage:OFFset 0.0
BPSK:SOURce INT
BPSK:INTernal:RATE +3000
BPSK:PHASe +90
BPSK:STATe 1
OUTPut1 1

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:INTernal:RATE {<modulating_frequency >|MI-


Nimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:INTernal:RATE? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the rate at which the output phase "shifts" between the carrier and offset phase.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 171


BPSK Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

1 mHZ to 1 MHz, default 10 Hz +1.000000000000000E-03

Set BPSK rate to 1 mHz:


BPSK:INT:RATE MIN

l The BPSK rate is used only when the INTernal source is selected (BPSK:SOURce INTernal) and is ignored when the
EXTernal source is selected (BPSK:SOURce EXTernal).

l The internal modulating waveform is a square wave with a 50% duty cycle.

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK[:PHASe] {<angle>|MINimum|MAXimum}[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK
[:PHASe]? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the Binary Phase Shift Keying phase shift in degrees.

Parameter Typical Return

-360 to +360 degrees, default 180 +0.000000000000000E-00

Set phase shift to 90 degrees:


BPSK:PHAS 90

172 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce?[SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce?

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal}
[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:SOURce?
Select the source of the modulating signal.

Parameter Typical Return

{INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}, default INTernal. BPSK and FSKey can- INT, EXT, CH1, or CH2
not accept CH1 or CH2

Select external modulation source:


AM:SOUR EXT (could also substitute FM, BPSK, FSK, PM, or PWM for AM)

Remarks
l If you select EXTernal, the carrier waveform is modulated with an external waveform. Specifically:

l AM:The modulation depth is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the rear-panel Modulation In connector.
For example, if modulation depth (AM[:DEPTh]) is 100%, then when the modulating signal is at +5 V, the out-
put will be at the maximum amplitude. Similarly, a -5 V modulating signal produces output at minimum ampli-
tude.

l FM:If you select the External modulating source, the deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the
rear-panel Modulation In connector.For example, if the frequency deviation is 100 kHz, then a +5 V signal
level corresponds to a 100 kHz increase in frequency.Lower external signal levels produce less deviation and
negative signal levels reduce the frequency below the carrier frequency.

l PM:With the External modulating source, deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the rear-panel
Modulation In connector. For example, if you have set the frequency deviation to 180 degrees, then a +5 V
signal level corresponds to a +180 degree phase deviation. Lower external signal levels produce less deviation,
and negative signal levels produce negative deviation.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 173


[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce?[SOURce

l Pulse as Selected Function: The pulse width or pulse duty cycle deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal
level present on the rear-panel Modulation In connector. For example, if you have set the pulse width devi-
ation to 50 μs using the PWM:DEViation command, then a +5 V signal level corresponds to a 50 μs width
increase. Lower external signal levels produce less deviation.

l With EXTernal source, the output phase (BPSK) or frequency (FSK) is determined by the signal level on the rear-
panel Ext Trig connector. When a logic low is present, the carrier phase or carrier frequency is output. When a
logic high is present, the phase shifted phase or hop frequency is output.

l The maximum external BPSK rate is 1 MHz, and the maximum FSK rate is 1 MHz.

l Note: the connector used for externally-controlled BPSK or FSK waveforms (Trig In) is not the same connector
that is used for externally-modulated AM, FM, PM, and PWM waveforms (Modulation In). When used for BPSK or
FSK, the Trig In connector does not have adjustable edge polarity and is not affected by the TRIGger[1|2]:SLOPe
command.

l With INTernal source, the rate at which output phase (BPSK) or frequency (FSKey) "shifts" between the carrier
phase or frequency and the alternate phase or frequency is determined by the BPSK rate (BPSK:INTernal:RATE) or
FSK rate (FSKey:INTernal:RATE).

l A channel may not be its own modulation source.

See Also
AM Subsystem

BPSK Subsystem

FM Subsystem

FSKey Subsystem

PM Subsystem

PWM Subsystem

174 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe?[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe?

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:STATe?
Enables or disables modulation.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default OFF 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Enable AM (could also substitute FM, BPSK, FSK, PM, or PWM):


AM:STAT ON

l To avoid multiple waveform changes, enable modulation after configuring the other modulation parameters.

l Only one modulation mode may be enabled at a time.

l The instrument will not enable modulation with sweep or burst enabled. When you enable modulation, the sweep
or burst mode is turned off.

l PWM is allowed only when pulse is the selected function.

See Also
AM Subsystem

BPSK Subsystem

FM Subsystem

FSKey Subsystem

PM Subsystem

PWM Subsystem

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 175


BURSt Subsystem

BURSt Subsystem
This section describes the BURSt subsystem.

Example
This summarizes the steps required to generate a burst.

1. Configure the burst waveform: Use APPLy or the equivalent FUNCtion, FREQuency, VOLTage, and VOLT-
age:OFFSet commands to select the waveform's function, frequency, amplitude, and offset. You can select a sine,
square, triangle, ramp, pulse, PRBS, or arbitrary waveform (noise is allowed only in the gated burst mode and DC is
not allowed). For internally-triggered bursts, the minimum frequency is 2.001 mHz. For sine and square wave-
forms, frequencies above 6 MHz are allowed only with an "infinite" burst count.

2. Select the "triggered" or "gated" burst mode: Select the triggered burst mode (called "N Cycle" on the front
panel) or external gated burst mode using BURSt:MODE. If you are using gated mode, specify true-high or true-
low logic with BURSt:GATE:POLarity.

3. Set the burst count: Set the burst count (number of cycles per burst) to any value between 1 and 100,000,000
cycles (or infinite) using the BURSt:NCYCles command. Used in the triggered burst mode only. In PRBS,
BURSt:NCYCles sets the number of bits of PRBS. Each burst starts at the sequence start.

4. Set the burst period: Set the burst period (the interval at which internally-triggered bursts are generated) to
any value from 1 μs to 8000 seconds using BURSt:INTernal:PERiod. Used only in the triggered burst mode with an
internal trigger source.

5. Set the burst starting phase: Set the starting phase of the burst from -360 to +360 degrees using
BURSt:PHASe.

6. Select the trigger source: Select the trigger source using the TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce command. Used in the trig-
gered burst mode only.

7. Enable the burst mode: After configuring the other burst parameters, enable the burst mode (BURSt:STATe
ON).

The following code produces the oscilloscope image shown below.

APPLy:SIN 1e5,3 VPP,0


BURS:MODE TRIG
BURS:NCYC 3
BURS:INT:PER 4.4e-5
BURS:PHAS 0
TRIG:SOUR IMM
BURS:STAT ON
OUTP 1

176 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


BURSt Subsystem

Burst Modes
There are two burst modes, described below. The instrument enables one burst mode at a time.

l Triggered Burst Mode (default): The instrument outputs a waveform for a number of cycles (burst count)
each time a trigger is received. After outputting the specified number of cycles, the instrument stops and waits for
the next trigger. You can configure the instrument to use an internal trigger to initiate the burst or you can pro-
vide an external trigger by pressing the front-panel [Trigger] key, by applying a trigger signal to the rear-panel
Ext Trig connector, or by sending a software trigger command from the remote interface.

l External Gated Burst Mode: The instrument output is either "on" or "off" based on the level of the external sig-
nal applied to the rear-panel Ext Trig connector. When this signal is true, the instrument outputs a continuous
waveform. When this signal goes false, the current waveform cycle is completed and then the instrument stops
while remaining at the voltage corresponding to the starting burst phase of the waveform.

The following table shows which modes are associated with which burst features.

Burst Mode Burst Count Burst Period Burst Phase Trigger Source
BURSt:MODE BURSt:NCYCles BURSt:INTernal:PERiod BURSt:PHASe TRIGger
[1|2]:SOURce

Triggered Burst TRIGgered Available Available Available IMMediate


Mode:
Internal Trigger

Triggered Burst TRIGgered Available Not Used Available EXTernal, BUS


Mode:
External Trigger

Gated Burst GATed Not Used Not Used Available Not Used
Mode:
External Trigger

The difference between gated burst and gated output is that gated burst synchronously starts and stops using full wave-
form cycles, where gated output asynchronously turns instrument output on or off with an external trigger, inde-
pendent of the waveform phase.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 177


BURSt Subsystem

[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:GATE:POLarity {NORMal|INVerted}
[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:GATE:POLarity?
Selects true-high (NORMal) or true-low (INVerted) logic levels on the rear-panel Trig In connector for an externally
gated burst.

Parameter Typical Return

{NORMal|INVerted}, default NORMal NORM or INV

Select true-low logic for an externally gated burst:


BURS:GATE:POL INV

[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:INTernal:PERiod {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:INTernal:PERiod? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the burst period for internally-triggered bursts.

Parameter Typical Return

1 µs to 8000 s, default 10 ms +1.200000000000000E+01

Sets the burst period to 12 seconds:


BURS:INT:PER 12

l The burst period is the time between the starts of consecutive bursts.

l This is used only when IMMediate triggering is enabled (TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce IMMediate). It is ignored when man-
ual or external triggering is enabled (or with gated burst mode).

l Burst period must satisfy the formula below. If the burst period is too short, the instrument will increase it as
needed to continuously re-trigger the burst.From the remote interface, a "Settings conflict" error will also be gen-
erated.

Burst Period > (Burst Count / Waveform Frequency) + 200 ns

[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:MODE {TRIGgered|GATed}
[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:MODE?
Selects the burst mode.

Parameter Typical Return

{TRIGgered|GATed}, default TRIGgered TRIG or GAT

Set gated burst mode


BURS:MODE GATED

l TRIGgered: the instrument outputs a waveform for a number of cycles (burst count) each time a trigger is
received from the trigger source (TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce).

178 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


BURSt Subsystem

l In GATed burst mode, the output waveform is on or off, based on the signal at the rear-panel Ext Trig connector.
Select this signal's polarity using BURSt:GATE:POLarity. When the gate signal is true, the instrument outputs a
continuous waveform. When the gate signal goes false, the current waveform cycle is completed and the instru-
ment stops and remains at the voltage level corresponding to the waveform's starting burst phase. For a noise
waveform, the output stops immediately when the gate signal goes false.

l GATed: burst count, burst period, and trigger source are ignored (these are used for the triggered burst mode
only). If a manual trigger is received (TRIGger[1|2] ), it is ignored and no error will be generated.

[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:NCYCles {<num_cycles>|INFinity|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:NCYCles? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the number of cycles to be output per burst (triggered burst mode only).

Parameter Typical Return

Whole number from 1 (default) to 100,000,000, limited as described below +5.000000000000000E+01

Return number of cycles per burst:


BURS:NCYC 50

l With TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce IMMediate, burst count must be less than the product of the maximum burst period
(8000 s) and the waveform frequency, as shown below.

Burst Count < (Maximum Burst Period)(Waveform Frequency)

l The increase the burst period up to its maximum value to accommodate the burst count (but the waveform
frequency will not be changed). From the remote interface, a "Settings conflict" error will also be generated.

l When gated burst mode is selected, the burst count is ignored. However, if you change the burst count while in
the gated mode, the instrument remembers the new count and used it when the triggered mode is selected.

[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:PHASe {<angle>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:PHASe? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the starting phase angle for the burst.

Parameter Typical Return

-360 to +360 degrees, or -2π to +2π radians, as specified by UNIT:ANGLe. Default 0. +6.0000000000000E+01

Set starting burst phase to 60 degrees:


UNIT:ANGLE DEG
BURS:PHAS 60

l Note that BURSt:PHASe is used instead of output phase, and when burst is enabled, the output phase is set to 0.

l For sine, square, and ramp, 0 degrees is the point at which the waveform crosses 0 V (or DC offset) in a positive-
going direction. For arbitrary waveforms, 0 degrees is the first waveform point. Start phase has no effect on noise.

l For arbitrary waveforms, BURSt:PHASe is only available if the waveform is 1,000,000 points or less.

l Start phase also used in gated burst mode. When the gate signal goes false, the current waveform cycle finishes,
and output remains at the voltage level of the starting burst phase.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 179


BURSt Subsystem

[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:STATe?
Enables or disables burst mode.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default OFF 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Enable burst mode:


BURS:STAT ON

l Output phase is set to 0 when burst is enabled.

l To avoid multiple waveform changes, enable the burst mode after configuring the other burst parameters.

l The instrument will not allow the burst mode to be enabled at the same time that sweep or any modulation mode
is enabled. When you enable burst, the sweep or modulation mode is turned off.

180 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


CALibration Subsystem

CALibration Subsystem
The CALibration subsystem is used to calibrate the instrument.

Commands and Queries


CALibration[:ALL]?

CALibration:COUNt?

CALibration:SECure:CODE <new_code>

CALibration:SECure:STATe {OFF | ON} [,<code>]

CALibration:SECure:STATe?

CALibration:SETup <step>

CALibration:SETup?

CALibration:STORe

CALibration:STRing "<string>"

CALibration:STRing?

CALibration:VALue

CALibration:VALue?

CALibration[:ALL]?
Performs a calibration using the calibration value (CALibration:VALue). The instrument must be unlocked (CAL-
ibration_SECure_STATe OFF,<code>) to calibrate.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) +0 (pass) or +1 (fail)

Calibrate using the current value:


CAL?

l CALibration:SETup should always precede the CALibration? query.

l Increments the instrument’s calibration count (CALibration:COUNt?).

l Modifies the volatile version of the calibration constants. Use CALibration:STORe to save these constants in non-
volatile memory at end of calibration.

CALibration:COUNt?
Returns the number of calibrations performed. Read and record the initial count when you receive your instrument
from the factory.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) +117

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 181


CALibration Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

Return the calibration count:


CAL:COUN?

l Because the value increments for each calibration point (each CALibration:ALL?), a complete calibration adds
many counts.

l Can display count regardless of whether instrument is secured.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

CALibration:SECure:CODE <new_code>
Sets the security code to prevent unauthorized calibrations.

Parameter Typical Return

Unquoted string up to 12 characters (none)


Must start with letter (A-Z)
May contain letters, numbers (0-9) and underscores

Set new security code:


CAL:SEC:CODE MY_CODE_272

l When shipped from the factory, the instrument is secured, with the security code set to AT33520A for the
33521A and 33522A, or AT33500 for other 33500 Series instruments.

l To change code: unsecure calibration memory with old code, then set new code.

l If you forget the security code, see Unsecure Instrument Without Security Code.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

CALibration:SECure:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0} [,<code>]


CALibration:SECure:STATe?
Unsecures or secures the instrument for calibration. To calibrate, you must unsecure the instrument with the code
(CALibration:SECure:CODE).

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default ON 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)


<code> is unquoted string up to 12 characters

Unsecure calibration:
CAL:SEC:STAT OFF,MY_CODE_272
Secure calibration:
CAL:SEC:STAT ON

l The <code> is optional to secure the instrument, but must be correct if provided.

l Front panel and remote interface calibration use same code. If you secure the instrument from one interface, use

182 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


CALibration Subsystem

the same code to unsecure it from the other interface.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

CALibration:SETup <step>
CALibration:SETup?
Configures the calibration step (default 1) to be performed. The instrument must be unlocked (CALibration_SECure_
STATe OFF,<code>) to calibrate. See Calibration Security for details.

Parameter Typical Return

Whole number, default 1 +16

Prepare for calibration step 5:


CAL:SET 5

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

CALibration:STORe
Takes calibration constants in volatile memory (CALibration:ALL?), and places them in nonvolatile memory, where
they will not be changed by power cycle or *RST. Do this at the end of calibration, to avoid losing changes.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Store calibration constants into non-volatile memory:


CAL:STOR

CALibration:STRing "<string>"
CALibration:STRing?
Stores a message of up to 40 characters in calibration memory. Common messages include last calibration date, cal-
ibration due date, or contact information for calibration department. The instrument must be unlocked (CALibration_
SECure_STATe OFF,<code>) to store this string.

Parameter Typical Return

Quoted string up to 40 characters "LAST CAL OCT 31 2011, DUE OCT 31


May contain letters, numbers, spaces, and other common char- 2012"
acters. (If no string stored, returns "")

CAL:STR "FOR CAL HELP, CALL JOE AT EXT 1234"

l May be stored only from remote interface, with instrument unsecured (CALibration:SECure:STATe OFF).

l You can read the message from the front-panel or remote interface, regardless of whether the instrument is
secured.

l Storing a calibration message overwrites the previous message.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 183


CALibration Subsystem

CALibration:VALue <value>
CALibration:VALue?
Specifies the value of the known calibration signal.

Parameter Typical Return

Numeric, default 0.0 +1.72300000E+001

Specify calibration value 0.0237:


CAL:VAL 2.37E-2

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

184 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


[SOURce[1|2]:]COMBine:FEED {CH1|CH2|NONE}[SOURce[1|2]:]COMBine:FEED?

[SOURce[1|2]:]COMBine:FEED {CH1|CH2|NONE}
[SOURce[1|2]:]COMBine:FEED?
Enables or disables the combining of both channels' outputs on a two-channel instrument into a single channel con-
nector. The "SOURce" keyword (default, SOURce1) specifies the base channel, and <source> specifies the channel to
be combined with the base channel.

Parameter Typical Return

{CH1|CH2|NONE}, default NONE CH1, CH2, or NONE

Set the COMBine:FEED source for base Channel 1 to be Channel 2:


COMB:FEED CH2

l COMBine:FEED allows digital data from both channels to be added together to create the output signal on the out-
put DAC for the base channel.

l Only one channel may operate in COMBine:FEED mode at a time

l Unlike the Modulation and SUM commands, COMBine:FEED can add two modulated signals.

l COMBine:FEED can generate quadrature modulated signals from the two channels to be added together into a sin-
gle connector.

l To use COMBine:FEED, first configure all parameters on the individual channels.

l The signals to be combined may have a fixed phase offset between the channels.

l You can use COMBine:FEED to add noise from a second channel to a modulated signal on the base channel.

l If COMBine:FEED would cause the combined output to exceed either the instrument's output rating or the pro-
grammed limits, the instrument will set COMBine:FEED to NONE and report a settings conflict error.

l Signals are combined in digital form. When two signals of significantly different amplitudes are combined, the lower
amplitude signal may have reduced resolution proportional to the ratio of the two amplitudes.

l Changing the function amplitude or sum amplitude of the master or combined channel will not change the ampli-
tude or offset of any other function or channel. If changing the function amplitude or sum amplitude of the master
or combined channel would result in exceeding either the output rating or the programmed limits, the amplitude
value will be clipped and a settings conflict error will be reported.

l Changing the channel offset of the master or combined channel will not change the amplitude or offset of any
other function or channel. If changing channel offset of the master or combined channel would result in exceeding
either the output rating or the programmed limits, the amplitude value will be clipped and the instrument will
report a settings conflict error.

l If turning limits on or adjusting programmed limits would result in a limit being lower than a signal maximum or
higher than a signal minimum, the limits will not be turned on or adjusted, and the instrument will report a set-
tings conflict error.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 185


DATA Subsystem

DATA Subsystem
The DATA subsystem manages user-defined arbitrary waveforms:

l DATA:ARBitrary2:FORMat - specifies the order for bytes in a dual arbitrary waveform file (requires optional IQ
player).

l DATA:ARBitrary[1|2] - downloads arbitrary waveform normalized values to waveform memory

l DATA:ARBitrary[1|2]:DAC - downloads arbitrary waveform DAC codes to waveform memory

l DATA:ATTRibute:AVERage? - returns arithmetic average of all data points for an arbitrary waveform or sequence

l DATA:ATTRibute:CFACtor? - returns crest factor of all data points in an arbitrary waveform or sequence

l DATA:ATTRibute:POINts? - returns number of data points for arbitrary waveform or sequence

l DATA:ATTRibute:PTPeak? - returns peak-to-peak value of all data points in an arbitrary waveform or sequence

l DATA:SEQuence - combines previously loaded arbitrary waveforms into a sequence

l DATA:VOLatile:CATalog - returns the contents of volatile waveform memory, including arbitrary waveforms and
sequences

l DATA:VOLatile:CLEar - clears volatile waveform memory

l DATA:VOLatile:FREE? - returns number of points available (free) in volatile memory

Examples
The following example uses DATA commands to set up an arbitrary waveform sequence. Note that the long
DATA:SEQuence command splits across lines for readability purposes.

Names of the form a## and ar##, such as a09 and ar27, refer to arbitrary waveforms.

# Build a Sequence from internal memory waveforms with binblock

DATA:SEQuence #42734"mybigSeq1",
a01,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,4,ar01,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,20,
a02,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,5,ar02,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,25,
a03,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,6,ar03,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,30,
a04,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,4,ar04,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,35,
a05,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,5,ar05,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,40,
a06,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,6,ar06,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,45,
a07,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,4,ar07,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,50,
a08,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,5,ar08,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,55,
a09,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,6,ar09,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,60,
a10,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,4,ar10,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,65,
a11,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,5,ar11,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,70,
a12,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,6,ar12,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,75,
a13,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,4,ar13,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,80,
a14,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,5,ar14,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,85,
a15,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,6,ar15,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,90,
a16,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,4,ar16,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,95,
a17,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,5,ar17,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,100,
a18,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,6,ar18,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,105,

186 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


DATA Subsystem

a19,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,4,ar19,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,110,
a20,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,5,ar20,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,115,
a21,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,6,ar21,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,120,
a22,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,4,ar22,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,125,
a23,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,5,ar23,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,130,
a24,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,6,ar24,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,135,
a25,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,4,ar25,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,140,
a26,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,5,ar26,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,145,
a27,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,6,ar27,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,150,
a28,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,4,ar28,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,155,
a29,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,5,ar29,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,160,
a30,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,6,ar30,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,165,
a31,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,4,ar31,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,170,
a32,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,5,ar32,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,175,
a33,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,6,ar33,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,180,
a34,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,4,ar34,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,185,
a35,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,5,ar35,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,190,
a36,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,6,ar36,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,195,
a37,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,4,ar37,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,200,
a38,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,5,ar38,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,205,
a39,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,6,ar39,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,210,
a40,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,4,ar40,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,215,
a41,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,5,ar41,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,220,
a42,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,6,ar42,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,225,
a43,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,4,ar43,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,230,
a01,0,once,highAtStartGoLow,4

FUNCtion:ARB mybigSeq1
MMEMory:STOR:DATA1 "INT:\mybigseq1.seq"
MMEMory:STOR:DATA1 "USB:\mybigseq1.seq"
DATA:VOL:CLEar
MMEMory:LOAD:DATA1 "INT:\mybigseq1.seq"
FUNCtion:ARB "INT:\mybigseq1.seq"
DATA:VOL:CAT?

The code shown below creates the following waveform.

FUNC:ARB:SRATE 10E3
FUNC:ARB:FILTER OFF
FUNC:ARB:PTPEAK 10 <--- set the volts peak to peak range
for any downloaded arbitrary waveform or sequence
DATA:ARB dc_ramp, 0.1, 0.1, 0.1, 0.1, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0
DATA:ARB dc5v, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0
DATA:ARB dc2_5v, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5
DATA:ARB dc0v, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0
DATA:SEQuence #3128"seqExample","dc_ramp",0,once,highAtStart,5,"dc5v",
2,repeat,maintain,5,"dc2_v",2,repeat,lowAtStart,5,"dc0v",

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 187


DATA Subsystem

2,repeat,maintain,5
FUNC ARB
FUNC:ARB seqExample
DATA:ATTR:POINTS? <--- result is 40, the sum of four 10-point arbs
DATA:ATTR:PTPEAK? <--- result is 0.5, only using half of 10 Vpp range
OUTPUT ON

Format for <arb_name>

Many DATA commands use the name of an arbitrary waveform. The following rules apply:

l <arb_name> must match:

l A waveform already loaded into waveform memory.

l A waveform existing in INTERNAL or USB mass memory.

l See MMEMory:LOAD:DATA[1|2], DATA:ARBitrary, or DATA:ARBitrary:DAC for valid formats for <arb_name>.

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:ARBitrary2:FORMat {ABAB|AABB}

(Applies only to instruments with the optional IQ player capability.)

Specifies whether the format for data points in DATA:ARB2 and DATA:ARB2:DAC commands is interleaved (ABAB) or
all of channel 1 followed by all of channel 2 (AABB).

You may spell out the keyword ARBitrary2, but you must abbreviate it as ARB2. You can-
not abbreviate it as ARB.

Parameter Typical Return

{AABB|ABAB} AABB or ABAB

Specify an interleaved data format for dual arbitrary waveform data:

DATA:ARB2:FORM ABAB

188 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


DATA Subsystem

l The SOURce keyword is ignored for this command.

l If you wish to have a 3 DAC count signal on channel 1 and a 4 DAC count signal on channel 2, the AABB format
would dictate that the data must be sent as 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4. The ABAB format would dic-
tate the order 3, 4, 3, 4, 3, 4, 3, 4, 3, 4, 3, 4, 3, 4, 3, 4.

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:ARBitrary[1|2] <arb_name>, {<binary_block> | <value>,


<value>, . . .}

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:ARBitrary[1|2]:DAC <arb_name>, {<binary_block> | <value>,


<value>, . . .}
Downloads integer values representing DAC codes (DATA:ARBitrary[1|2]:DAC) or floating point values (DATA:ARBitrary
[1|2]) into waveform volatile memory as either a list of comma separated values or binary block of data.

The optional [1|2] after the ARBitrary keyword indicates whether the data to be down-
loaded contains one (default) or two channels of data.

To use dual arbitrary waveform files (single files containing two channels of arbitrary
waveform data), you must have the optional IQ Player.)

Parameter Typical Return

<arb_name> An unquoted string of up to 12 characters. (none)

<binary_block> integer values from -32767 to +32767 or floating


point values from -1.0 to +1.0 in Definite Length Arbitrary Block for-
mat (details below). From 8 to 1M or 16M samples per waveform,
depending on the model and options.

Definite-length block data allows any type of device-dependent data


to be transmitted as a series of 8-bit binary data bytes. This is par-
ticularly useful for transferring large quantities of data or 8-bit
extended ASCII codes.

<value> comma separated list of integer values from -32,767 to


+32,767 or floating point values from -1.0 to +1.0. From 8 to 65,
536 points.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 189


DATA Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

Download a comma separated list of nine waveform points into waveform memory:
DATA:ARB:DAC myArb, 32767, 24576, 16384, 8192, 0, -8192, -16384, -24576, - 32767

Download nine waveform points into waveform memory as a binary block. The <PMT> specifies what terminates the
binary data. It can be a Line Feed character, or the last byte of your_binary_data can assert the End or Identify.
DATA:ARB myArb, #236<36 bytes of your_binary_data><PMT>

Download a comma separated list of nine waveform points into waveform memory:
DATA:ARB myArb, 1, .75, .50, .25, 0, -.25, -.50, -.75, -1

Download eight waveform points of a dual arbitrary waveform into waveform memory as a comma separated list of
DAC codes. There are 16 values in all, eight for each of two channels. Note that the data is interleaved (ABAB), so the
positive values are all on channel 1, and the negative values are all on channel 2:
DATA:ARB2:FORM ABAB
DATA:ARB2:DAC myArb, 30000, -10000, 29000, -9000, 27000, -7000, 24000, -4000, 27000, -7000, 29000, -
9000, 30000, -10000, 29000, -9000

Download the same examples as above, but in AABB format:


DATA:ARB2:FORM AABB
DATA:ARB2:DAC myArb, 30000, 29000, 27000, 24000, 27000, 29000, 30000, 29000, -10000, -9000, -7000,
-4000, -7000, -9000, -10000, -9000

l Each data point is either a 16-bit integer from -32,767 and +32,767 or a 32-bit floating point value from -1.0 to
+1.0. Therefore, the total number of bytes is always two times or four times the number of data points in the
waveform. For example, 16,000 bytes are required to download a waveform with 8,000 points as integers, but 32,
000 bytes are required to download the same waveform as floating point values.

l The values -32767 and +32767 or -1.0 to +1.0 correspond to the peak values of the waveform (if the offset is 0
V). For example, if you set the output amplitude to 10 Vpp, +32767 corresponds to +5 V and -32767 corresponds
to -5 V.

l Use FORMat:BORDer to select the byte order for block mode binary transfers.

l Use DATA:ARB2:FORMat to specify whether dual arbitrary waveforms are interleaved or sequential (channel 1 fol-
lowed by channel 2).

l Specifying a waveform that is already loaded generates a "Specified arb waveform already exists" error. Deleting
an existing waveform requires clearing all of the waveform memory with DATA:VOLatile:CLEar.

l Either 1 MSa or 16 MSa (depending on model and options) is the total available sample size for all waveforms
loaded per channel. A new waveform may be limited by waveforms already loaded.

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:ATTRibute:AVERage? [<arb_name>]
Returns the arithmetic mean of all data points for the specified arbitrary waveform INTERNAL or USB memory, or
loaded into waveform memory.

Parameter Typical Return

<arb_name> is any valid file name. If omitted, the default <arb_name> is the arbitrary wave- +2.45036000E-
form currently active (selected with FUNCtion:ARBitrary). 002

Return the mean of all points stored in "SINC".


DATA:ATTR:AVER?" INT:\BuiltIn\SINC.arb"

190 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


DATA Subsystem

l Querying a waveform that does not exist generates a "Specified arb waveform does not exist" error.

l <arb_name> can be a file name (put in memory by MMEMory:LOAD:DATA[1|2]) or a name generated from
DATA:ARBitrary or DATA:ARBitrary:DAC.

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:ATTRibute:CFACtor? [<arb_name>]
Returns the crest factor of all data points for the specified arbitrary waveform segment in INTERNAL or USB memory,
or loaded into waveform memory.

Parameter Typical Return

<arb_name> is any valid file name. If omitted, the default <arb_name> is the arbitrary +1.73205100E+000
waveform currently active (selected with FUNCtion:ARBitrary).

Return crest factor of all data points stored in "NEG_RAMP".


DATA:ATTR:CFAC? "INT:\BuiltIn\NEG_RAMP.arb"

l Crest factor is the ratio of the peak value to the RMS value of the waveform.

l Querying a waveform that does not exist generates a "Specified arb waveform does not exist" error.

l <arb_name> can be a file name (put in memory by MMEMory:LOAD:DATA[1|2]) or a name generated from
DATA:ARBitrary or DATA:ARBitrary:DAC.

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:ATTRibute:POINts? [<arb_name>]
Returns the number of points in the specified arbitrary waveform segment in INTERNAL or USB memory, or loaded
into waveform memory.

Parameter Typical
Return

<arb_name> is any valid file name. If omitted, the default <arb_name> is the arbitrary waveform +40
currently active (selected with FUNCtion:ARBitrary).

Returns the number of data points in "EXP_RISE":


DATA:ATTR:POIN? "INT:\BuiltIn\EXP_RISE.arb"

l <arb_name> can be a file name (put in memory by MMEMory:LOAD:DATA[1|2]) or a name generated from
DATA:ARBitrary or DATA:ARBitrary:DAC.

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:ATTRibute:PTPeak? [<arb_name>]
This query calculates the peak-to-peak value of all data points for the specified arbitrary waveform segment in INTER-
NAL or USB memory, or loaded into waveform memory.

Parameter Typical Return

Any valid file name. If omitted, the default <arb_name> is the arbitrary waveform currently +1.00000000E+00
active (selected with FUNCtion:ARBitrary).

Return the peak-to-peak value for "EXP_FALL":


DATA:ATTR:PTP? "INT:\BuiltIn\EXP_FALL.arb"

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 191


DATA Subsystem

l <arb_name> must match:

l A waveform already loaded into waveform memory.

l A waveform existing in INTERNAL or USB mass memory.

l See MMEMory:LOAD:DATA[1|2], DATA:ARBitrary, or DATA:ARBitrary:DAC for valid formats for <arb_name>.

l Arbitrary Waveform Limitations: For arbitrary waveforms, amplitude is limited if the waveform data points do not
span the full range of the output DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter). For example, the built-in "Sinc" waveform
does not use the full range of values, so its maximum amplitude is limited to 6.087 Vpp (into 50 Ω).

l <arb_name> can be a file name (put in memory by MMEMory:LOAD:DATA[1|2]) or a name generated from
DATA:ARBitrary or DATA:ARBitrary:DAC.

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:SEQuence <block_descriptor>
Defines a sequence of waveforms already loaded into waveform memory via MMEMory:LOAD:DATA[1|2] or DATA:A-
RBitrary. The MMEMory:LOAD:DATA[1|2] command can also load a sequence file that automatically loads the asso-
ciated arbitrary waveforms and includes the amplitude, offset, sample rate, and filter setup.

Parameter Typical Return

IEEE Definite Length Arbitrary Block, described below. (none)

(see example)

l Even arbitrary waveforms with millions of points may be insufficient for applications requiring special sequencing
or the repetition of waveforms dependent upon time or external events. Sequencing arbitrary waveforms allows
you to arrange and conditionally repeat waveforms. This allows you to use less memory and to achieve greater
application flexibility.

Definite-length block data allows any type of device-dependent data to be transmitted as a series of 8-bit binary data
bytes. This is particularly useful for transferring large quantities of data or 8-bit extended ASCII codes.

l <block_descriptor> is of the format #<n><n digits><sequence name>,<arb name1>,<repeat count1>,<play


control1>,<marker mode1>, <marker point1>, <arb name2>,<repeat count2>,<play control2>,<marker
mode2>, <marker point2>, and so on, where:

l <n>specifies the number of digits used to indicate the size of the block.

l <n digits> is one or more digits hat specifies the number of data bytes to come.

l <sequence name> an unquoted ASCII string which specifies the name of sequence that contains the arbitrary
waveforms specified in the following parameters.

l <arb name> a quoted string that specifies the name of the arbitrary waveform that was loaded with the
MMEM:LOAD:DATA[1|2] or DATA:ARBitrary commands.

l <repeat count> specifies the number of times to repeat the waveform. This value can range from 1 to 1E6 or
infinite. This will only be recognized in the hardware if Play Control is set to "repeat"

l <play control> is a quoted string which specifies how the arbitrary waveform is to be played in the sequence.
Valid choices are:

l "once"- play once

192 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


DATA Subsystem

l "onceWaitTrig"- play once and then wait for trigger. Triggers will not be accepted until the play of the
specified segment has completed.

l "repeat"- repeat number of times specified by repeat count

l "repeatInf"- repeat until stopped (infinite)

l "repeatTilTrig" - repeat until triggered then advance

l <marker mode> a quoted string which specifies how the marker behaves in the arbitrary waveform. Valid
choices are:

l "maintain"- maintain current marker state at start of segment

l "lowAtStart"- force marker low at start of segment

l "highAtStart"- force marker high at start of segment

l "highAtStartGoLow"- force marker high at start of segment and then low at marker position

l <marker point> a number specifying the marker location in the arbitrary waveform. This value must be
between 4 and the number of points in the arbitrary waveform minus 3.

l If you specify an arbitrary waveform that has not been loaded, a "Specified arb waveform does not exist" error is
generated.

Example of DATA:SEQuence command

The following command constructs a sequence (named mySequence) of three segments (A.arb, B.arb, and C.arb) that
were previously loaded from the USB drive using MMEMory:LOAD:DATA[1|2]. The sequence plays A once, and B five
times. It then plays C repeatedly while waiting for a trigger to advance, and finally ends with A. Each segment has the
<marker point> set to 10.

The command is shown on multiple lines for readability purposes only.

DATA:SEQ #3158"mySequence","USB:\A.arb",0,once,lowAtStart,10,"USB:\B.arb",5,repeat,highAtStart,
10,
"USB:\C.arb",0,repeatTilTrig,maintain,10,"USB:\A.arb",0,once,lowAtStart,10

Many text editors let you count the number of bytes in the block simply by highlighting the characters from the "m" in
mySequence to the "0" at the end of the line. In this example, the size is 143, which requires 3 digits to represent –
hence the #3143 header.

Using this approach requires you to pre-load all of the arbitrary waveforms and set the amplitude and offset (or high
and low levels), sample rate, and filter. See MMEM:LOAD:DATA to combine all that information into a single file rather
than creating a block transfer with multiple SCPI commands.

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:VOLatile:CATalog?
Returns the contents of volatile waveform memory, including arbitrary waveforms and sequences.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) "INT:\BUILTIN\EXP_RISE.ARB","USB:\XYZ\A.ARB",
"USB:\XYZ\B.ARB","USB:\xyz\xyz.seq"

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 193


DATA Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

Return the contents of volatile waveform memory assuming waveforms A.arb, B.arb, and C.arb were previously
loaded on channel 1 via a sequence file on USB:\xyz\xyz.seq:
DATA:VOL:CAT?

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:VOLatile:CLEar
Clears waveform memory for the specified channel and reloads the default waveform.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Clear contents of waveform memory on channel 1 and reload default waveform:


DATA:VOL:CLE

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:VOLatile:FREE?
Returns number of points available (free) in volatile memory. Each arbitrary waveform loaded into volatile memory
consumes space allocated in 128-point blocks, so a waveform of 8 to 128 points consumes one such block, a waveform
of 129 to 256 points consumes two blocks, and so on.

The standard instrument includes memory for 1 million points per channel. You may also extend the memory up to
16,000,000 points.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) +382956

Return number of bytes of free volatile memory:


DATA:VOL:FREE?

194 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


DISPlay Subsystem

DISPlay Subsystem
The DISPlay subsystem controls the instrument's display.

Example
The following program turns off the instrument's display and then shows a message that indicates people should not
touch the instrument.

DISP OFF
DISP:TEXT "Test running. Please do not touch."

Commands
The DISPlay subsystem includes the following commands.

l DISPlay - enables or disables display

l DISPlay:TEXT - displays text message on display

l DISPlay:TEXT:CLEar - clears text messages from display

DISPlay {ON|1|OFF|0}
DISPlay?
Disables or enables the front-panel display. When disabled, the front-panel display turns black, and all annunciators
are disabled. However, the screen remains on.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default ON 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Turn display off:


DISP OFF

l Disabling the display improves command execution speed from the remote interface and provides basic security.

l Sending DISPlay:TEXT <string> overrides the display state. You can display a message with the display disabled.

l The display is enabled when power is cycled, or when you return to local (front panel) operation by pressing the
front-panel [Local] key.

DISPlay:TEXT <string>
DISPlay:TEXT?
Displays a text message on the front-panel display.

Parameter Typical Return

Quoted string of up to 40 characters (any character on a standard keyboard), default "Test running. Do not
"". touch."

Show message on display:


DISP:TEXT "Test in progress..."

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 195


DISPlay Subsystem

l Sending DISPlay:TEXT <string> overrides the display state. You can display a message with the display disabled.

l While a message is displayed, information relating to the current instrument operation is not sent to the front-
panel display.

l The display text is unaffected by *RST. It is cleared at power-on.

DISPlay:TEXT:CLEar
Clears the text message from the front-panel display.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Clear message on display:


DISP:TEXT:CLE

l With DISPlay ON, DISP:TEXT:CLEar returns the display to its normal mode.

l With DISPlay OFF, DISP:TEXT:CLEar clears the message and the display remains disabled. To enable the display,
send DISPplay ON or press the front-panel [Local] key.

l The display text is unaffected by *RST. It is cleared at power-on.

196 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


FM Subsystem

FM Subsystem
This summarizes the steps required to generate a frequency modulation (FM) waveform.

1. Configure carrier waveform: Use FUNCtion, FREQuency, VOLTage, and VOLTage:OFFSet to specify the carrier
waveform's function, frequency, amplitude, and offset.

2. Select modulation source (internal, external, CH1, or CH2):FM:SOURce. For an external modulation
source, skip steps 3 and 4.

3. Select modulating waveform: FM:INTernal:FUNCtion

4. Set modulating frequency: FM:INTernal:FREQuency

5. Set peak frequency deviation: FM:DEViation

6. Enable FM:FM:STATe:ON

The following code produces the oscilloscope image shown below.

FUNCtion SQU
FREQuency +4.0E+05
VOLTage +1.0
VOLTage:OFFset 0.0
FM:SOURce INT
FM:DEViation +3.5e5
FM:INTernal:FREQuency +5e4
FM:INTernal:FUNCtion RAMP
FM:STATe 1
OUTP 1

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM[:DEViation] {<peak_deviation_in_Hz>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FM[:DEViation]? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the peak frequency deviation in Hz. This value represents the peak variation in frequency of the modulated wave-
form from the carrier frequency.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 197


FM Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

1 μHz to 15.05 (limited to 150 kHz for RAMP); default 100 Hz +1.000000000000000E+03

Set peak frequency deviation to 1 kHz:


FM:DEV 1000

Set peak frequency deviation to 1 μHz:


FM:DEV MIN

l The deviation cannot exceed the carrier frequency. If you attempt to set a deviation that exceeds the carrier
frequency (with FM enabled), the instrument will adjust the deviation to the maximum value allowed for that car-
rier frequency. From the remote interface, a "Settings conflict" error will also be generated.

l The carrier frequency plus the deviation cannot exceed the selected function's maximum frequency plus 100 kHz.
If you attempt to set the deviation to an invalid value, the instrument adjusts it to the maximum value allowed
with the present carrier frequency. The remote interface also generates a "Data out of range" error.

l If the deviation causes the carrier waveform to exceed a frequency boundary for the current duty cycle (square
waveform only), the instrument will adjust the duty cycle to the maximum value allowed with the present carrier
frequency. From the remote interface, a "Settings conflict" error will also be generated.

l If you select the External modulating source, the deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the rear-panel
Modulation In connector.For example, if the frequency deviation is 100 kHz, then a +5 V signal level cor-
responds to a 100 kHz increase in frequency.Lower external signal levels produce less deviation and negative sig-
nal levels reduce the frequency below the carrier frequency.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:INTernal:FREQuency {<frequency >|MINimum|MAXimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:INTernal:FREQuency? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the frequency of the modulating waveform. The modulating source waveform operates at that frequency, within
the frequency limits of that waveform.

Parameter Typical Return

1 μHz to the maximum allowed for the internal function. Default 10 Hz +1.000000000000000E+04

Set the modulating frequency to 10 kHz:


FM:INT:FREQ 10000

l When you select an arbitrary waveform as the modulating source, the frequency changes to the frequency of the
arbitrary waveform, which is based on the sample rate and the number of points in the arbitrary waveform.

l When using an arbitrary waveform for the modulating source, changing this parameter also changes the cached
metadata representing the aribtrary waveform's sample rate. You can also change the modulating frequency of an
arbitrary waveform with FUNCtion:ARBitrary:FREQuency, FUNCtion:ARBitrary:PERiod, and FUNC-
tion:ARBitrary:SRATe. These commands and the modulation frequency command are directly coupled in order to
keep the arbitrary waveform behaving exactly as it was last played. If you later turn modulation off and select that
same arbitrary waveform as the current function, its sample rate (and corresponding frequency based upon the
number of points) will be the same as it was when played as the modulation source.

l If the internal function is TRIangle, UpRamp, or DnRamp, the maximum frequency limited to 200 kHz. If the inter-
nal function is PRBS, the frequency refers to bit rate and is limited to 50 Mbps.

l This command should be used only with the internal modulation source (FM:SOURce INTernal).

198 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


FM Subsystem

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:INTernal:FUNCtion <function>
[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:INTernal:FUNCtion?
This command selects the shape of the modulating waveform.

Parameter Typical Return

{SINusoid|SQUare|RAMP|NRAMp|TRIangle|NOISe|PRBS|ARB}, SIN, SQU, RAMP, NRAM, TRI, NOIS, PRBS,


default SINusoid or ARB
View internal function waveforms.

Select a sine wave as the modulating waveform.


FM:INT:FUNC SIN

l This command should be used only with the internal modulation source (FM:SOURce INTernal).

l Some combinations of carrier and internal function are not allowed: PRBS carrier and PRBS internal function, ARB
carrier and ARB internal function.

l You can use noise as the modulating waveform, but you cannot use noise, pulse, or DC as the carrier.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 199


[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce?[SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce?

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal}
[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:SOURce?
Select the source of the modulating signal.

Parameter Typical Return

{INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}, default INTernal. BPSK and FSKey can- INT, EXT, CH1, or CH2
not accept CH1 or CH2

Select external modulation source:


AM:SOUR EXT (could also substitute FM, BPSK, FSK, PM, or PWM for AM)

Remarks
l If you select EXTernal, the carrier waveform is modulated with an external waveform. Specifically:

l AM:The modulation depth is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the rear-panel Modulation In connector.
For example, if modulation depth (AM[:DEPTh]) is 100%, then when the modulating signal is at +5 V, the out-
put will be at the maximum amplitude. Similarly, a -5 V modulating signal produces output at minimum ampli-
tude.

l FM:If you select the External modulating source, the deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the
rear-panel Modulation In connector.For example, if the frequency deviation is 100 kHz, then a +5 V signal
level corresponds to a 100 kHz increase in frequency.Lower external signal levels produce less deviation and
negative signal levels reduce the frequency below the carrier frequency.

l PM:With the External modulating source, deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the rear-panel
Modulation In connector. For example, if you have set the frequency deviation to 180 degrees, then a +5 V
signal level corresponds to a +180 degree phase deviation. Lower external signal levels produce less deviation,
and negative signal levels produce negative deviation.

200 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce?[SOURce

l Pulse as Selected Function: The pulse width or pulse duty cycle deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal
level present on the rear-panel Modulation In connector. For example, if you have set the pulse width devi-
ation to 50 μs using the PWM:DEViation command, then a +5 V signal level corresponds to a 50 μs width
increase. Lower external signal levels produce less deviation.

l With EXTernal source, the output phase (BPSK) or frequency (FSK) is determined by the signal level on the rear-
panel Ext Trig connector. When a logic low is present, the carrier phase or carrier frequency is output. When a
logic high is present, the phase shifted phase or hop frequency is output.

l The maximum external BPSK rate is 1 MHz, and the maximum FSK rate is 1 MHz.

l Note: the connector used for externally-controlled BPSK or FSK waveforms (Trig In) is not the same connector
that is used for externally-modulated AM, FM, PM, and PWM waveforms (Modulation In). When used for BPSK or
FSK, the Trig In connector does not have adjustable edge polarity and is not affected by the TRIGger[1|2]:SLOPe
command.

l With INTernal source, the rate at which output phase (BPSK) or frequency (FSKey) "shifts" between the carrier
phase or frequency and the alternate phase or frequency is determined by the BPSK rate (BPSK:INTernal:RATE) or
FSK rate (FSKey:INTernal:RATE).

l A channel may not be its own modulation source.

See Also
AM Subsystem

BPSK Subsystem

FM Subsystem

FSKey Subsystem

PM Subsystem

PWM Subsystem

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 201


[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe?[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe?

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:STATe?
Enables or disables modulation.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default OFF 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Enable AM (could also substitute FM, BPSK, FSK, PM, or PWM):


AM:STAT ON

l To avoid multiple waveform changes, enable modulation after configuring the other modulation parameters.

l Only one modulation mode may be enabled at a time.

l The instrument will not enable modulation with sweep or burst enabled. When you enable modulation, the sweep
or burst mode is turned off.

l PWM is allowed only when pulse is the selected function.

See Also
AM Subsystem

BPSK Subsystem

FM Subsystem

FSKey Subsystem

PM Subsystem

PWM Subsystem

202 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


FORMat:BORDer {NORMal|SWAPped}FORMat:BORDer?

FORMat:BORDer {NORMal|SWAPped}
FORMat:BORDer?
Sets the byte order used in binary data point transfers in the block mode.

Parameter Typical Return

{NORMal|SWAPped}, default NORMal NORM or SWAP

Set SWAPped order:


FORM:BORD SWAP

l NORMal: most-significant byte (MSB) of each data point is first.

l SWAPped: least-significant byte (LSB) of each data point is first. Most computers use this.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 203


204 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide
FREQuency Subsystem

FREQuency Subsystem
The FREQuency subsystem sets the instrument's output frequency. In two-channel instruments, the channels'
frequencies may be coupled in various ways.

FREQuency:COUPle[:STATe] {ON|OFF|ONCE} enables or disables coupling, or using the ONCE, one channel's is
copied to the other, but not coupled to it.

FREQuency:COUPle:MODE {OFFSet|RATio} specifies the frequency coupling mode.

FREQuency:MODE allows you to specify a frequency mode to use, including a sweep, frequency list, or fixed
frequency.

Example
The remaining FREQuency commands are used to generate a sweep, as summarized below:

1. Select the waveform shape, amplitude and offset: Use APPLy or the equivalent FUNCtion, FREQuency,
VOLTage, and VOLTage:OFFSet commands to select the function, frequency, amplitude, and offset. You can select
any non-arbitrary waveform.

2. Set frequency boundaries of the sweep:FREQuency:STARt and FREQuency:STOP, or FREQuency:CENTer


and FREQuency:SPAN.

3. Select sweep mode (linear or logarithmic): SWEep:SPACing

4. Set sweep time in seconds: SWEep:TIME

5. Select sweep trigger source: TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce

6. Set frequency at which signal on front-panel Sync connector goes low during sweep
(optional):MARKer:FREQuency

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency {<frequency >|MINimum|MAXimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the output frequency. This command is paired with FUNCtion:PULSe:PERiod; whichever one is executed last over-
rides the other.

Parameter Typical Return

1 μHz to maximum instrument frequency, except for triangle and ramp, which are +1.000000000000000E+03
limited to 200 kHz. Default 1 kHz

Set output frequency to 60 Hz:


FREQ 60

l Function Limitations: The frequency limits are function dependent, as shown in the above table. If you send a com-
mand specifying a frequency that is not in the appropriate range for the current function, an error will occur. For
example, if the current function is "ramp" and you send the command FREQ 20 MHZ, a "Data out of range" error is
generated and the frequency is set to 200 kHz, which is the maximum for a ramp waveform.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:CENTer {<frequency >|MINimum|MAXimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:CENTer? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the center frequency. Used with frequency span for a frequency sweep.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 205


FREQuency Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

1 μHz to maximum instrument frequency, except for triangle and ramp, which are +1.000000000000000E+03
limited to 200 kHz. Default default 550 Hz

Set sweep center frequency to 1 kHz:


FREQ:CENT 1000

l The following equation shows how center frequency is limited by span frequency.

Center Frequency (max) = Max. Frequency for waveform - (Span/2)

l The following equation shows how center frequency relates to start and stop frequencies.

Center Frequency = |(Stop Frequency - Start Frequency)|/2

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:COUPle[:STATe] {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:COUPle[:STATe]?
Enables/disables frequency coupling between channels in a two-channel instrument.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default OFF 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Turn on the frequency couple state:


FREQ:COUP ON

l Specifying ON starts frequency coupling as specified by FREQuency:COUPle:MODE.

l If the current offset or ratio, combined with the current frequency settings, would cause either frequency to
exceed instrument specifications, the instrument will generate an error and the exceeded frequency will clip at its
maximum or minimum value.

l If setting mode to RATIO and setting RATIO to 1.0 still exceeds the specifications of either channel (for example,
channel 1 is a 3 MHz sine and channel 2 is a ramp, which cannot go that high), an error message will be generated
and FREQuency:COUPle will be turned OFF.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:COUPle:MODE {OFFSet|RATio}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:COUPle:MODE?
Sets the type of frequency coupling between frequency coupled channels; OFFSet specifies a constant frequency offset
between channels; RATio specifies a constant ratio between the channels' frequencies.

Parameter Typical Return

{OFFSet|RATio}, default RATio with ratio 1.0 OFFS or RAT

Set frequency coupling mode to OFFSet:


FREQ:COUP:MODE OFFS

l Power-on default for frequency coupling is OFF.

l Specifying SOURce1 or SOURce2 is irrelevant; either syntax sets the same coupling mode for both channels.

206 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


FREQuency Subsystem

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:COUPle:OFFSet <frequency >


[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:COUPle:OFFSet?
Sets the offset frequency when an instrument is in frequency coupled mode OFFSet.

Parameter Typical Return

A number between plus and minus the instrument's maximum frequency (limited +7.650000000000000E+05
to ± 200 kHz for ramps and triangles); default 0.

Set frequency of channel 2 to 10.245 MHz above frequency of channel 1:


FREQ:COUP:OFFS 10.245 MHZ

Set frequency of channel 1 to 350 kHz above frequency of channel 2:


SOUR2:FREQ:COUP:OFFS 350 KHZ

Set frequency of channel 1 to 455 kHz below frequency of channel 2:


SOUR2:FREQ:COUP:OFFS -455 KHZ

l The SOURce channel (SOURce1 or SOURce2) is used as the reference channel and the OFFSet is applied to the other
channel. For example, suppose the instrument is in FREQ:COUPLE:STATE ON and in FREQ:COUPLE:MODE OFFSET
(frequency offset mode active), and channel 1 is currently operating at 1.0 MHz. The command SOURce1:FREQu-
ency:COUPle:OFFSet 500 will cause channel 1 to remain at 1.0 MHz, and channel 2 to be set to 1.5 MHz. As the
frequency of either channel is changed, the frequency of the other channel will change to maintain the 500 kHz offset.

l If the frequency coupling would cause either channel to exceed instrument frequency specifications for the
present functions, the command will result in an error, and the frequency will be set to its maximum or minimum
limit for that channel.

l Frequency coupling is not valid with arbitrary waveforms, but you can couple the sample rate of arbitrary wave-
forms.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:COUPle:RATio <ratio>
[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:COUPle:RATio?
Sets offset ratio between channel frequencies in frequency coupled mode RATio.

Parameter Typical Return

0.001 to 1000, default 1 +7.500000000000000E-01

Set frequency of channel 2 to twice the frequency of channel 1:


FREQ:COUP:RAT 2.0

Set frequency of channel 1 to 3.14 times the frequency of channel 2:


SOUR2:FREQ:COUP:RAT 3.14

l The SOURce channel (SOURce1 or SOURce2) is used as the reference channel and the RATIO is applied to the
other channel. For example, suppose the instrument is in FREQuency:COUPle ON and FREQuency:COUPle:MODE
RATio. Furthermore, suppose channel 1 is currently operating at 2 kHz, and channel 2 is at 10 kHz. The command
SOURce1:FREQuency:COUPle:RATio 2.5 will cause channel 1 to remain at 2 kHz, and Channel 2 to be set to 5 kHz.
As the frequency of either channel is changed, the frequency of the other channel will change to maintain the 2.5
ratio.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 207


FREQuency Subsystem

l If the frequency coupling would cause either channel to exceed instrument frequency specifications for the
present functions, the command will result in an error, and the frequency will be set to its maximum or minimum
limit for that channel.

l Frequency coupling is not valid with arbitrary waveforms, but you can couple the sample rate of arbitrary wave-
forms.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:MODE {CW|LIST|SWEep|FIXed}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:MODE?
Sets the type of frequency mode as a continuous wave at a fixed frequency (CW or FIXed), a frequency sweep
(SWEep), or a frequency list (LIST).

Parameter Typical Return

{CW|LIST|SWEep|FIXed}, default CW CW, LIST, SWE, or FIX

Set frequency mode to LIST:


FREQ:MODE LIST

l If the mode is set to list, use LIST:FREQuency to specify the frequency list.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:SPAN {<frequency >|MINimum|MAXimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:SPAN? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets frequency span (used in conjunction with the center frequency) for a frequency sweep.

Parameter Typical Return

± instrument's maximum frequency (± 200 kHz for ramps and triangles), default +1.000000000000000E+02
900 Hz

Set sweep frequency span to 100 kHz:


FREQ:SPAN 100 KHZ

l The following equation shows the limitation for the maximum frequency span:

Frequency Span (max) = (Max. Frequency for the chosen waveform - Center Frequency) X 2

l The following equation shows the relationship between the span and the start/stop frequencies.

Frequency Span = Stop Frequency - Start Frequency

l To sweep up in frequency, set a positive frequency span; to sweep down, set a negative frequency span.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:STARt {<frequency >|MINimum|MAXimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:STARt? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:STOP {<frequency >|MINimum|MAXimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:STOP? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the start and stop frequencies for a frequency sweep.

208 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


FREQuency Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

± instrument's maximum frequency (± 200 kHz for ramps and triangles), default +1.000000000000000E+02
100 Hz

Set sweep start and stop frequency to 100 Hz and 1 kHz, respectively:
FREQ:STAR 100
FREQ:STOP 1000

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 209


FSKey Subsystem

FSKey Subsystem
The FSKey subsystem configures a frequency-shift keying (FSK) waveform.

Example
This summarizes the steps required to generate an FSK waveform.

1. Use FUNCtion, FREQuency, VOLTage, and VOLTage:OFFSet commands to select the function, frequency, ampli-
tude, and offset of the carrier waveform.

2. Select modulation source (internal, external, CH1, or CH2):FSK:SOURce. For an external modulation
source, skip steps 3 and 4.

3. Select alternate ("hop") frequency: FSK:FREQuency

4. Set FSK rate: FSK:INTernal:RATE

5. Enable FSK Modulation: FSK:STATe ON

The following code produces the oscilloscope image shown below.

FUNCtion SQU
FREQuency +1e6
VOLTage +1.0
VOLTage:OFFset 0.0
FSKey:SOURce INT
FSKey:FREQuency +5e5
FSKey:INTernal:RATE +8e4
FSKey:STATe 1
OUTPut1 1

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:FREQuency {<frequency >|MINimum|MAXimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:FREQuency? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the FSK alternate (or "hop") frequency.

210 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


FSKey Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

1 μHz to maximum instrument frequency (200 kHz limit for ramps), default 100 Hz +1.000000000000000E-06

Set hop frequency to 10 kHz:


FSK:FREQ 10000

Set hop frequency to 1 μHz:


FSK:FREQ MIN

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:INTernal:RATE {<rate_in_Hz>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:INTernal:RATE? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the rate at which output frequency "shifts" between the carrier and hop frequency.

Parameter Typical Return

1 mHz to 1 MHz, default 100 Hz +1.000000000000000E-03

Set FSK rate to 10 kHz:


FSK:INT:RATE 10000

Set FSK rate to 1 mHz:


FSK:INT:RATE MIN

l The FSK rate is used only with the internal source (FSK:SOURce INTernal).

l The modulating waveform is a square wave with a 50% duty cycle.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 211


[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce?[SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce?

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal}
[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:SOURce?
Select the source of the modulating signal.

Parameter Typical Return

{INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}, default INTernal. BPSK and FSKey can- INT, EXT, CH1, or CH2
not accept CH1 or CH2

Select external modulation source:


AM:SOUR EXT (could also substitute FM, BPSK, FSK, PM, or PWM for AM)

Remarks
l If you select EXTernal, the carrier waveform is modulated with an external waveform. Specifically:

l AM:The modulation depth is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the rear-panel Modulation In connector.
For example, if modulation depth (AM[:DEPTh]) is 100%, then when the modulating signal is at +5 V, the out-
put will be at the maximum amplitude. Similarly, a -5 V modulating signal produces output at minimum ampli-
tude.

l FM:If you select the External modulating source, the deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the
rear-panel Modulation In connector.For example, if the frequency deviation is 100 kHz, then a +5 V signal
level corresponds to a 100 kHz increase in frequency.Lower external signal levels produce less deviation and
negative signal levels reduce the frequency below the carrier frequency.

l PM:With the External modulating source, deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the rear-panel
Modulation In connector. For example, if you have set the frequency deviation to 180 degrees, then a +5 V
signal level corresponds to a +180 degree phase deviation. Lower external signal levels produce less deviation,
and negative signal levels produce negative deviation.

212 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce?[SOURce

l Pulse as Selected Function: The pulse width or pulse duty cycle deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal
level present on the rear-panel Modulation In connector. For example, if you have set the pulse width devi-
ation to 50 μs using the PWM:DEViation command, then a +5 V signal level corresponds to a 50 μs width
increase. Lower external signal levels produce less deviation.

l With EXTernal source, the output phase (BPSK) or frequency (FSK) is determined by the signal level on the rear-
panel Ext Trig connector. When a logic low is present, the carrier phase or carrier frequency is output. When a
logic high is present, the phase shifted phase or hop frequency is output.

l The maximum external BPSK rate is 1 MHz, and the maximum FSK rate is 1 MHz.

l Note: the connector used for externally-controlled BPSK or FSK waveforms (Trig In) is not the same connector
that is used for externally-modulated AM, FM, PM, and PWM waveforms (Modulation In). When used for BPSK or
FSK, the Trig In connector does not have adjustable edge polarity and is not affected by the TRIGger[1|2]:SLOPe
command.

l With INTernal source, the rate at which output phase (BPSK) or frequency (FSKey) "shifts" between the carrier
phase or frequency and the alternate phase or frequency is determined by the BPSK rate (BPSK:INTernal:RATE) or
FSK rate (FSKey:INTernal:RATE).

l A channel may not be its own modulation source.

See Also
AM Subsystem

BPSK Subsystem

FM Subsystem

FSKey Subsystem

PM Subsystem

PWM Subsystem

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 213


[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe?[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe?

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:STATe?
Enables or disables modulation.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default OFF 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Enable AM (could also substitute FM, BPSK, FSK, PM, or PWM):


AM:STAT ON

l To avoid multiple waveform changes, enable modulation after configuring the other modulation parameters.

l Only one modulation mode may be enabled at a time.

l The instrument will not enable modulation with sweep or burst enabled. When you enable modulation, the sweep
or burst mode is turned off.

l PWM is allowed only when pulse is the selected function.

See Also
AM Subsystem

BPSK Subsystem

FM Subsystem

FSKey Subsystem

PM Subsystem

PWM Subsystem

214 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


FUNCtion Subsystem

FUNCtion Subsystem
The FUNCtion subsystem configures the instrument's output function:

l FUNCtion - output waveform

l FUNCtion:ARBitrary - arbitrary waveform (.arb/barb) or sequence (.seq) that has previously been loaded into vol-
atile memory with MMEMory:LOAD:DATA[1|2].

l FUNCtion:ARBitrary:ADVance - method for advancing to next arbitrary waveform data point.

l FUNCtion:ARBitrary:BALance - (IQ Player option only) state (on/off) for dual arbitrary waveform channel bal-
ancing

l FUNCtion:ARBitrary:BALance:GAIN - (IQ Player option only) gain balance ratio for dual arbitrary waveforms

l FUNCtion:ARBitrary:BALance:OFFSet[1|2] - (IQ Player option only) offset for individual channels of dual arbi-
trary waveforms

l FUNCtion:ARBitrary:FILTer - filter for arbitrary waveform

l FUNCtion:ARBitrary:FREQuency - frequency of arbitrary waveform


FUNCtion:ARBitrary:PERiod - period of arbitrary waveform

l FUNCtion:ARBitrary:POINts - number of points (samples) in the current arbitrary waveform

l FUNCtion:ARBitrary:PTPeak - peak-to-peak voltage for an arbitrary waveform

l FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SKEW - (IQ Player option only) state (on/off) for dual arbitrary waveform skew

l FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SKEW:TIME - (IQ Player option only) skew time in seconds

l FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SRATe - sample rate for arbitrary waveform

l FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SYNCh - restarts arbitrary waveforms at first sample simultaneously on both waveforms

l FUNCtion:NOISe:BANDwidth - bandwidth for NOISe waveform

l FUNCtion:PRBS:BRATe - bit rate for pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS)

l FUNCtion:PRBS:DATA - sequence type for PRBS

l FUNCtion:PRBS:TRANsition[:BOTH] - edge transition time for both edges of PRBS

l FUNCtion:PULSe:DCYCle - pulse duty cycle for pulse

l FUNCtion:PULSe:HOLD - whether pulse width or duty cycle is held constant as other parameters vary

l FUNCtion:PULSe:PERiod - period for a pulse

l FUNCtion:PULSe:TRANsition:LEADing
FUNCtion:PULSe:TRANsition:TRAiling
FUNCtion:PULSe:TRANsition[:BOTH]) - edge time for pulse

l FUNCtion:PULSe:WIDTh - pulse width

l FUNCtion:RAMP:SYMMetry - symmetry percentage for ramp

l FUNCtion:SQUare:DCYCle - duty cycle percentage for square

l FUNCtion:SQUare:PERiod - period for square

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 215


FUNCtion Subsystem

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion <function>
[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion?
Selects output function.

Parameter Typical Return

{SINusoid | SQUare | TRIangle | RAMP | PULSe | PRBS | NOISe | ARB | SIN, SQU, TRI, RAMP, PULS, PRBS, NOIS,
DC}, default SINusoid ARB, or DC

Set output on channel 2 to sine:


SOUR2:FUNC SIN

l The selected waveform (other than an arbitrary waveform) is output using the previously selected frequency,
amplitude, and offset voltage settings. Arbitrary waveforms are played according to the settings specified in the
arbitrary waveform file. Brand new arbitrary waveforms inherit the current arbitrary waveform settings.

l NOISe generates white gaussian noise with adjustable bandwidth and crest factor about 3.5.

l PRBS generates pseudo-random noise using Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) user selectable methods.

l ARB generates the arbitrary waveform currently selected by FUNCtion:ARBitrary.

l Function Limitations: If you change to a function whose maximum frequency is less than that of the current func-
tion, the frequency is adjusted to the maximum for the new function. For example, if you change a high frequency
sine wave to the ramp function, the instrument will adjust the output frequency to 200 kHz (the upper limit for
ramps)From the remote interface, a "Settings conflict" error will also be generated.d.

l Amplitude Limitations: If you change to a function whose maximum amplitude is less than that of the current
function, the amplitude is adjusted to the maximum for the new function. This may occur when the output units
are Vrms or dBm due to the differences in crest factor for the various output functions For example, if you change
a 5 Vrms square wave (into 50 Ω) to a sine wave, the instrument will adjust the amplitude to 3.536 Vrms (the
upper limit for sine in Vrms). The remote interface will also generate a "Settings conflict" error.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary {<filename>}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary?
Selects an arbitrary waveform (.arb/.barb) or sequence (.seq) that has previously been loaded into volatile memory for
the channel specified with MMEMory:LOAD:DATA[1|2] or DATA:ARBitrary. Several waveforms can be in volatile mem-
ory simultaneously.

Parameter Typical Return

See MMEMory:LOAD:DATA[1|2], for valid <filename> for- "INT:\MyArb103.arb"


mats.

Select an arbitrary waveform in memory on channel 2:


FUNC:ARB "INT:\MyArb103.arb"

Load an arbitrary waveform from the internal drive into volatile memory. Then select and play the waveform:
MMEM:LOAD:DATA "INT:\BUILTIN\Sinc.arb"
FUNCtion:ARBitrary "INT:\BUILTIN\Sinc.arb"
FUNCtion ARB

216 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


FUNCtion Subsystem

l The <filename> should match the filename used to load the arbitrary waveform or sequence into volatile memory
with MMEMory:LOAD:DATA[1|2], DATA:ARBitrary, DATA:ARBitrary:DAC, or DATA:SEQuence.

l When you store an arbitrary waveform segment or sequence (MMEMory:STORe:DATA[1|2]), the instrument's cur-
rent settings (voltage values, sample rate, filter type, and so on) are stored in the segment or sequence file. When
you play the file for the first time with FUNCtion:ARBitrary, these settings are loaded and override the instru-
ment's current settings. If you have manually edited a segment or sequence file such that the instrument settings
have been removed, the instrument settings will not be changed when you execute FUNCtion:ARBitrary.

l When you store an arbitrary waveform segment or sequence (MMEMory:STORe:DATA[1|2]), the instrument's cur-
rent settings (voltage values, sample rate, filter type, and so on) are stored in the segment or sequence file. When
you play the file for the first time with FUNCtion:ARBitrary, these settings are loaded and override the instru-
ment's current settings. If you have manually edited a segment or sequence file such that the instrument settings
have been removed, the instrument settings will not be changed when you execute FUNCtion:ARBitrary.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:ADVance {TRIGger|SRATe}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:ADVance?
Specifies the method for advancing to the next arbitrary waveform data point for the specified channel.

Parameter Typical Return

{TRIGger|SRATe}, default TRIG TRIG or SRAT

Set advance methord to trigger:


FUNC:ARB:ADV TRIG

l TRIGger causes instrument to advance to next data point with each trigger received and forces TRIGger
[1|2]:SOURce to EXTernal.

l SRATe causes instrument to advance to next data point at the sample rate set by FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SRATe.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:FILTer {NORMal|STEP|OFF}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:FILTer?
Specifies the filter setting for an arbitrary waveform.

Parameter Typical Return

{NORMal|STEP|OFF}, default STEP NORMal, STEP, or OFF

Set filter to NORMal:


FUNCtion:ARBitrary:FILTer NORM

l NORMal filters the data points with the filter that provides the flattest frequency response. This effectively
smoothes the signal, but sharp transitions will have pre-shoot and overshoot.

l STEP filters the data points in a way that effectively smoothes the signal while minimizing the pre-shoot and over-
shoot. However, this setting has a narrower bandwidth than the NORMal setting.

l OFF steps from point to point at the sample rate. Moves between data points are accomplished as quickly as pos-
sible with no smoothing. If the <mode> is set to OFF, the instrument uses a filter whose bandwidth limit restricts
the maximum sample rate for the arbitrary waveform to 62.5 MSa/s.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 217


FUNCtion Subsystem

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:FREQuency {<frequency >|MINimum|MAXimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:FREQuency? {MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:PERiod {<period>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:PERiod? {MINimum|MAXimum}
Sets the frequency or period for the arbitrary waveform.

Parameter Typical Return

<frequency> (Hz): Limited by the number of waveform points; default based on 40 +1.000000000000000E+03
kSa/s sample rate.

<period> (seconds): Limited by the number of waveform points; default based on +1.000000000000000E-03
40 kSa/s sample rate.

Set arbitrary waveform frequency to 1000 Hz.


FUNC:ARB:FREQ 1000

l With FUNCtion:ARBitrary:FILTer OFF, the arbitrary waveform sample rate is limited to 1/4 of the maximum sam-
ple rate.

l The <frequency> ranges from 1 µHz to (Max Sample Rate(250 MSa/s) / ( 8 points), or 31.25 MHz. Frequency is
also limited by the Filter setting. With FUNCtion:ARBitrary:FILTer OFF, the arbitrary waveform sample rate is lim-
ited to 62.5 MSa/s, or 1/4 of the 250 MSa/s rate. Therefore, frequency is also reduced to 7.8125 MHz for an eight
point waveform.

l The arbitrary waveform sample rate and frequency are not coupled to SOUR:FREQ, which applies to only non-arbi-
trary waveforms.

l The arbitrary waveform plays at a speed specified by the sample rate. When setting the frequency or period of an
arbitrary waveform, the instrument changes the sample rate based on the number of points in the waveform and
the new frequency or period setting. The new frequency or period may be altered slightly to meet the restrictions
of Sample Rate resolution and the number of points. In other words, frequency will be recalculated from the new
sample rate and number of points to ensure compatibility between the coupled parameters. This is due to math res-
olution of 15 digits in combination with a sample rate that can also be 15 digits.

l Changing the number of points in the waveform, or changing the sample rate with FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SRATe,
changes the frequency and period settings.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:POINts?
Returns the number of points in the currently selected arbitrary waveform.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) +100000

Return the number of points in the current arbitrary waveform on channel 1:


FUNC:ARB:POIN?

l The maximum number of points depends on the instrument's memory, which is based on the model and options.

218 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


FUNCtion Subsystem

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:PTPeak {<voltage>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:PTPeak? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets peak to peak voltage.

Parameter Typical Return

10 VDC into 50 Ω, 20 VDC into an open circuit; default 100 mV +4.000000000000000E+00

Set peak to peak voltage to 4 V:


FUNC:ARBitrary:PTPeak 4

l Limits Due to Amplitude: You can set the voltage levels to a positive or negative value with the restrictions shown
below. Vpp is the maximum peak-to-peak amplitude for the selected output termination (10 Vpp into 50 Ω or 20
Vpp into an open circuit).

V –V ≤ Vpp (max) and V ,V ≤ Vpp (max)/2


high low high low
l Differences between remote and front panel operation:

l Remote Interface: Setting the high or low level from the remote interface can change the high level or low
level to achieve the desired setting. In this case either a "Data out of range" or "Settings conflict" error will
occur. If the high level is set below the low level, the instrument will set the low level 1 mV less than the high
level. If the high level is set below the LOW limit or the instrument output specifications, the low level will be
set to the LOW limit or instrument output specification and the high level will be set 1 mV above the low level.
A similar set of rules applies if the low level is set incorrectly.

l Similarly, the low level can be set above the high level from the remote interface. In this case the instrument
will set the high level 1 mV larger than the low level. If the low level is set higher than the HIGH limit or the
instrument output specifications, the high level will be set to the HIGH limit or instrument output specification
and the low level will be set 1 mV below the high level.

l Front Panel: Setting the high or low level from the front panel may clip that level setting in order to achieve
the desired level setting, and a "Data out of range" error will be generated. The high level cannot be set below
the low level from the front panel.

l Note that when you set the high and low levels, you are also setting the amplitude and offset of the waveform. For
example, if you set the high level to +2 V and the low level to -3 V, the resulting amplitude is 5 Vpp, with a -500
mV offset.

l Limits Due to Output Termination: If you change the output termination setting, the displayed voltage levels will
be adjusted (and no error will be generated). For example, if you set the high level to +100 mVDC and then
change the output termination from 50 Ω to "high impedance", the amplitude displayed on the front panel will dou-
ble to +200 mVDC. If you change from "high impedance" to 50 Ω, the displayed amplitude will be halved. Chang-
ing the output termination setting does not change the voltage present at the output terminals of the instrument.
This only changes the displayed values on the front panel and the values queried from the remote interface. The
voltage present at the instrument's output depends on the load connected to the instrument. See OUTPut
[1|2]:LOAD for details.

l Limits due to VOLTage:LIMit:STATe command: If the voltage limits are enabled, the level settings are checked
against the specified limits (VOLTage:LIMit:HIGH, VOLTage:LIMit:LOW) before a change in level is executed. If a
change in output level would exceed a LIMIT setting, the level is clipped to the maximum (or minimum) value
allowed that will not exceed the LIMit setting and a "Settings conflict" error will be generated.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 219


FUNCtion Subsystem

l Limits due to Output Coupling: If two channels are coupled, limitations of setting the levels of both channels will be
checked before a change in level is executed. In this case, if a change in level would exceed a LIMIT setting, or
instrument output specifications for either channel, the level is clipped to the maximum (or minimum) allowable
value and a "Settings conflict" error will be generated.

l To invert the waveform relative to the offset voltage, use OUTPut[1|2]:POLarity.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SRATe {<sample_rate>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SRATe? {MINimum|MAXimum}
Sets the sample rate for the arbitrary waveform.

Parameter Typical Return

1 µSa/s to 250 MSa/s, default 40 kSa/s. Limited to 62.5 MSa/s if FUNC- +1.000000000000000E+04
tion:ARBitrary:FILTer is OFF.

Set sample rate to 10 kSa/s:


FUNC:ARB:SRAT 1e4

l The sample rate and frequency parameter are not coupled when playing an arbitrary waveform segment. The con-
cept of frequency does not apply for arbitrary waveform sequences.

l Setting a sample rate when not in the ARB mode will not change the frequency. For example, if the current func-
tion is sine, setting sample rate has no effect until the function changes to ARB.

l The maximum sample rate depends on the filter applied to the arbitrary waveform. See FUNC-
tion:ARBitrary:FILTer for details.

[SOURce]:FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SYNCh

Causes two independent arbitrary waveforms to synchronize to first point of each waveform (two-channel instru-
ments only).

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Load an internal haversine waveform into channel 1 and a custom arbitrary waveform from a USB drive into channel
2. Set both sample rates to 100 kSa/s and then synchronizes both channels to the first point of each waveform:

MMEM:LOAD:DATA "Int:\Builtin\HAVERSINE.arb"
FUNC:ARB "Int:\Builtin\HAVERSINE.ARB"
FUNC ARB
FUNC:ARB:SRATE 1E+05

MMEM:LOAD:DATA2 "USB:\MyFiles\TestDUT3.arb"
SOUR2:FUNC:ARB "USB:\MyFiles\TestDUT3.arb"
SOUR2:FUNC ARB
SOUR2:FUNC:ARB:SRAT 1E+05

FUNC:ARB:SYNC

220 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


FUNCtion Subsystem

l This command stops and restarts the arbitrary waveforms on both channels at whatever sample rates they happen
to be set.

l If the two arbitrary waveforms have the same number of points, they will remain synchronized over multiple repe-
titions; otherwise, they will only be synchronized at the beginning and after numbers of repetitions that happen to
be multiples of the number of points in both waveforms. For example, if you synchronize an 8-point waveform and a
10-point waveform, they will re-synchronize after 40, 80, and 120 repetitions.

l This functionality is similar to using burst mode, but it operates in continuous wave mode.

l This command also works with burst, sweep, and modulation, when trying to synchronize two arbitrary waveforms.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:NOISe:BANDwidth {<bandwidth>| MINimum | MAXimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:NOISe:BANDwidth? [{MINimum | MAXimum}]
Sets bandwidth of noise function.

Parameter Typical Return

1 mHz to instrument's maximum frequency, default 100 kHz +6.000000000000000E+03

Set bandwidth to 20 kHZ:


FUNC:NOISe:BWIDth 20000

The Noise function produces white gaussian noise with a Crest Factor of 4.6.

The noise bandwidth is continuously adjustable to place more noise energy in the frequency range from 0 Hz to the
specified noise bandwidth frequency.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PRBS:BRATe {<bit_rate> | MINimum | MAXimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PRBS:BRATe? {<bit_rate>| MINimum | MAXimum}
Sets the pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS) bit rate.

Parameter Typical Return

1 mbit/s to 50 Mbits/s, default 1000 bit/s +1.920000000000000E+04

Set bit rate to 19,200 bits per second


FUNC:PRBS:BRATe 19200

l A PRBS waveform using polynomial PNx is generated by a shift register of x bits, and the output waveform begins
with x sample periods of high output. Sample period is the reciprocal of the sample rate (FUNCtion:PRBS:BRATe),
and the channel's Sync pulse indicates the waveform's start. For example, if the PRBS uses PN23 with sample
rate 500 Hz, the output begins with 46 ms of high output (23 x 2 ms).

l The bit rate is independent of the data sequence length.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 221


FUNCtion Subsystem

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PRBS:DATA <sequence_type>
[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PRBS:DATA?
Sets the pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS) type. Setting the sequence type sets the length and feedback values
as shown below.

Parameter Typical Return

{PN7|PN9|PN11|PN15|PN20|PN23} PN7, PN9, PN11, PN15, PN20, or PN23


Value after PN corresponds to maximum shift register length in bits.
Default is PN7.

Set data format to PN23:


FUNC:PRBS:DATA PN23

l SYNC Output may be active during a PRBS function, unlike the NOISe function.

l A PRBS waveform using polynomial PNx is generated by a shift register of x bits, and the output waveform begins
with x sample periods of high output. Sample period is the reciprocal of the sample rate (FUNCtion:PRBS:BRATe),
and the channel's Sync pulse indicates the waveform's start. For example, if the PRBS uses PN23 with sample
rate 500 Hz, the output begins with 46 ms of high output (23 x 2 ms). The polynomials are shown below.

Sequence Type Polynomial Feedback Length

PN7 x7 + x6 + 1 0x02000000 7

PN9 x9 + x5 + 1 0x04000000 9

PN11 x11 + x9 + 1 0x00400000 11

PN15 x15 + x14 + 1 0x00020000 15

PN20 x20 + x17 + 1 0x00004000 20

PN23 x23 + x18 + 1 0x00002000 23

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PRBS:TRANsition[:BOTH] {<seconds>|MI-
Nimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PRBS:TRANsition[:BOTH]? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets PRBS transition edge time on both edges of a PRBS transition.

Parameter Typical Return

8.4 ns (default) to 1 μsec, limited as described below +1.000000000000000E-08

Set edge time to 10 ns for the leading and trailing edges (two methods):
FUNC:PRBS:TRAN 10 ns
FUNC:PRBS:TRAN .000000010

222 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


FUNCtion Subsystem

l The default "BOTH" keyword is optional and allows simultaneous control of the leading and trailing edges of the
PRBS waveform.

l The edge time applies to both the rising and falling edges, and represents the time between the 10% and 90%
thresholds of each edge.

l The specified edge time must fit within the specified period. The instrument will limit the edge time as needed to
accommodate the specified bit rate. From the remote interface, a "Settings conflict" error will also be generated.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:DCYCle {<percent>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:DCYCle? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets pulse duty cycle.

Parameter Typical Return

0 to 100, limited as described below; default 10 +5.000000000000000E+01

Set duty cycle to 50%:


FUNC:PULS:DCYC 50

l The FUNCtion:PULSe:DCYCle and FUNCtion:PULSe:WIDTh commands affect the same parameter. In some appli-
cations, it is natural to adjust pulse width directly (in seconds); in others, adjusting duty cycle seems more natural.
When frequency is adjusted, if pulse width was most recently adjusted as duty cycle on the front panel, then duty
cycle will be kept constant as frequency or period changes. However, if pulse width was the last setting, then pulse
width will be kept constant as frequency or period changes. See FUNCtion:PULSe:HOLD.

l The pulse duty cycle is defined as:

Duty Cycle = 100 x Pulse Width ÷ Period

Pulse width is the time from the 50% threshold of a pulse's rising edge to the 50% threshold of the next falling
edge.

l The pulse duty cycle range is 0 percent to 100 percent. However, the pulse duty cycle is limited by minimum pulse
width and edge time restrictions, which prevent you from setting exactly 0 percent or 100 percent. For example,
for a 1 kHz pulse waveform, you are typically restricted to pulse duty cycles in the range 0.002 percent to 99.998
percent, limited by the minimum pulse width of 16 ns.

l Restrictions Based on Pulse Width: The specified pulse duty cycle must conform to the following restrictions deter-
mined by the minimum pulse width (Wmin). The instrument will adjust pulse duty cycle as needed to accom-
modate the specified period. From the remote interface, a "Settings conflict" error will also be generated.

Duty Cycle ≥ (Wmin / Period) X 100

and

Duty Cycle ≤ (1 – Wmin / Period) X 100

where Wmin = 20 ns

l Restrictions Based On and Affecting Edge Time: The specified pulse duty cycle may affect the edge time. The edge
time is adjusted first, and then the duty cycle is adjusted to accommodate the specified period, conforming to the
following restriction. From the remote interface, a "Settings conflict" error will also be generated.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 223


FUNCtion Subsystem

Duty Cycle ≥ [(0.8 x Leading Edge Time) + (0.8 x Trailing Edge Time) ]/ Period x 100

and

Duty Cycle ≤ [1 – [(0.8 x Leading Edge Time) + (0.8 x Trailing Edge Time) ]/ Period] x 100

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:HOLD {WIDTh|DCYCle}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:HOLD?
Sets the pulse waveform parameter (either pulse width or duty cycle) to be held constant as other parameters are var-
ied.

Parameter Typical Return

{WIDTh|DCYCle}, default WIDTh WIDT or DCYC

Set the instrument to hold duty cycle for pulse waveforms:


FUNC:PULS:HOLD DCYC

l WIDTh: the instrument holds the pulse width setting (in seconds) constant as the period is varied. If a command
to set a duty cycle value is received, the duty cycle is converted to the equivalent pulse width. If pulse width mod-
ulation (PWM) is turned on, the pulse width and width deviation are held as the period is varied. Duty cycle devi-
ation commands are converted to width deviations.

Minimum width and edge time restrictions still apply. May cause a change in the selected edge times, pulse width,
or both.

l DCYCle: the instrument holds the pulse duty cycle setting (in percent) constant as the period is varied. If a com-
mand to set a pulse width value is received, the width is converted to the equivalent duty cycle. If pulse width mod-
ulation (PWM) is turned on, the pulse duty cycle and the duty cycle deviation are held as the period is varied. Width
deviation commands are converted to duty cycle deviation values.

Minimum width and edge time restrictions still apply. May cause a change in the selected edge times, duty cycle, or
both.

The FUNCtion:PULSe:HOLD command does not limit period settings. The pulse width or duty cycle
may be adjusted if necessary to accommodate a new period setting.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:PERiod {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:PERiod? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the period for pulse waveforms. This command is paired with the FREQuency command; the one executed last
overrides the other, as frequency and period specify the same parameter.

Parameter Typical Return

From reciprocal of instrument's maximum frequency up to 1,000,000 s. Default 1 +2.000000000000000E-


ms 07

Set the period to 500 ms:


FUNC:PULS:PER .5
or
FUNC:PULS:PER 500 ms

224 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


FUNCtion Subsystem

l The specified period must be greater than the sum of the pulse width and the edge time. The instrument will
adjust edge time and pulse width as needed to accommodate the specified period. From the remote interface, a
"Settings conflict" error will also be generated. The edge time is minimized first, and then the width (or duty cycle)
is adjusted as shown below.

Period ≥ [Pulse Width + ((Lead Edge Time + Trail Edge Time) * 0.625)]

l This command affects the period (and frequency) for all waveform functions (not just pulse). For example, if you
select a period using FUNCtion:PULSe:PERiod and then change the output function to sine wave, the specified
period will be used for the new function.

l Function Limitations: If you change to a function whose minimum period exceeds the value set by this command,
the period is adjusted to the new function's minimum pulse. For example, if you set a period of 2 µs and then
change to the ramp function, the instrument adjusts the period to 5 µs (the minimum for ramps). From the
remote interface, a "Settings conflict" error will also be generated.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:TRANsition[:BOTH] {<seconds>|MI-
Nimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:TRANsition:LEADing {<seconds>|MI-
Nimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:TRANsition:LEADing? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:TRANsition:TRAiling {<seconds>|MI-
Nimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:TRANsition:TRAiling? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the pulse edge time on the leading, trailing, or both edges of a pulse.

Parameter Typical Return

8.4 ns to 1 µs, limited as described below; default 10 ns +1.000000000000000E-08

Set leading edge time to 10 ns (two methods):


FUNC:PULS:TRAN:LEADing 10 ns
FUNC:PULS:TRAN:LEADing .000000010

l The leading edge time applies to rising edge, and represents the time from the 10% threshold to the 90% thresh-
old of the edge; the trailing edge represents the time from the 90% threshold to the 10% threshold.

l The specified edge time must fit within the specified pulse width and period. The instrument will limit the edge time
to accommodate the specified pulse width or duty cycle. From the remote interface, a "Settings conflict" error will
also be generated.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:WIDTh {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:WIDTh? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets pulse width.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 225


FUNCtion Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

16 ns to approximately 1,000,000 s, limited as described below; default 100 µs +5.000000000000000E-03

Set pulse width to 5 ms (two methods):


FUNC:PULS:WIDT 5 ms
FUNC:PULS:WIDT .005

l The FUNCtion:PULSe:DCYCle and FUNCtion:PULSe:WIDTh commands affect the same parameter. In some appli-
cations, it is natural to adjust pulse width directly (in seconds); in others, adjusting duty cycle seems more natural.
When frequency is adjusted, if pulse width was most recently adjusted as duty cycle on the front panel, then duty
cycle will be kept constant as frequency or period changes. However, if pulse width was the last setting, then pulse
width will be kept constant as frequency or period changes. See FUNCtion:PULSe:HOLD.

l Pulse width is the time from the 50% threshold of a pulse's rising edge to the 50% threshold of the next falling
edge.

l The specified pulse width must be less than the difference between the period and the minimum pulse width as
shown below. The instrument will adjust pulse edge time first and then limit pulse width as needed to accom-
modate the period.From the remote interface, a "Settings conflict" error will also be generated.

Pulse Width ≤ Period – Wmin

l The specified pulse width must also be less than the difference between the period and the edge time as shown
below. The instrument will adjust pulse edge time first and then limit pulse width as needed to accommodate the
period.From the remote interface, a "Settings conflict" error will also be generated.

Pulse Width ≤ [Period - ((Leading Edge Time + Trailing Edge Time) * 0.625)]

l The pulse width must also be greater than the total time of one edge as shown below.

Pulse Width ≥ [(Leading Edge Time + Trailing Edge Time) * 0.625]

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:RAMP:SYMMetry {<percent>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:RAMP:SYMMetry? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the symmetry percentage for ramp waves.

Parameter Typical Return

0 to 100, default 100 +5.000000000000000E+01

Set symmetry to 50%:


FUNC:RAMP:SYMM 50

l Symmetry represents the amount of time per cycle that the ramp wave is rising (assuming that the waveform
polarity is not inverted).

Symmetry 0% Symmetry 100%

226 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


FUNCtion Subsystem

l For ramp waveforms, the APPLy:RAMP command overrides the current symmetry setting and selects 100%. To
set a symmetry other than 100%, select the ramp waveform output with the FUNCtion RAMP command, then
use FUNCtion:RAMP:SYMMetry to set the symmetry.

l The symmetry setting is remembered when you change from ramp wave to another function. When you return to
the ramp wave function, the previous symmetry is used.

l When ramp is the modulating waveform for AM, FM, PM, or PWM, the symmetry setting does not apply. The instru-
ment always uses a ramp waveform with 100% symmetry.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:SQUare:DCYCle {<percent>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:SQUare:DCYCle? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets duty cycle percentage for square wave.

Parameter Typical Return

0.01 to 99.99, subject to limitation of 16 ns minimum pulse width; default 50 +5.000000000000000E+01

Set duty cycle to 30%:


FUNC:SQU:DCYC 30

Sets the duty cycle to 8%, if output frequency is 5 MHz:


FUNC:SQU:DCYC MIN

l Duty cycle represents the amount of time per cycle that the square wave is at a high level (assuming normal polar-
ity).

l For square waveforms, APPLy:SQUare replaces the current duty cycle setting with 50%. To set a duty cycle other
than 50%, select the square wave with FUNCtion SQUare, then use FUNCtion:SQUare:DCYCle.

l The duty cycle setting is remembered when you change from square wave to another function. When you return
to square wave, the previous duty cycle is used.

l Limits Due to Frequency: As frequency is increased, minimum and maximum duty cycle limits are adjusted to
maintain a minimum pulse width of 16 ns. For example, at 1 MHz the minimum duty cycle is 1.60% and max-
imum duty cycle is 98.40%. At 10 MHz, the minimum duty cycle is 16.00% and the maximum duty cycle is
84.00%.

l If you select a square waveform as the modulating waveform for AM, FM, PM, or PWM, the instrument always uses
a square wave with 50% duty cycle.

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:SQUare:PERiod {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:SQUare:PERiod? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets period for square wave.

Parameter Typical Return

33.3 ns to 1,000,000 s, default 1 ms +5.000000000000000E-01

Set period to 500 ms (two methods):


FUNC:SQUare:PER .5
FUNC:SQUare:PER 500 ms

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 227


FUNCtion Subsystem

l Function Limitations: If you change to a function whose minimum period exceeds the value set by this command,
the period is adjusted to the new function's minimum pulse. For example, if you set a period of 2 µs and then
change to the ramp function, the instrument adjusts the period to 5 µs (the minimum for ramps). From the
remote interface, a "Settings conflict" error will also be generated.From the remote interface, a "Settings conflict"
error will also be generated.

The commands shown below all require the IQ player option.

FUNCtion:ARBitrary:BALance[:STATe] <state>
FUNCtion:ARBitrary:BALance:[:STATe]?
This command requires the IQ Player option.
Enables or disables channel balancing for dual arbitrary waveforms (FUNCtion:ARBitrary:BALance:GAIN and FUNC-
tion:ARBitrary:BALance:OFFSet).

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default OFF 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Load an arbitrary waveform from the USB drive and set up the balance gain (channel 2 down by 1.02%) and balance
offsets (120 mV for channel 1 and -38 mV for channel 2):

FUNC:ARB "USB:\qam32.barb"
FUNC:ARB:BAL:GAIN 1.02
FUNC:ARB:BAL:OFFS1 0.12
FUNC:ARB:BAL:OFFS2 -0.038
FUNC:ARB:BAL ON

l This feature can be used to compensate for minor variations in the load impedances on the two channels, or for
minor differences between the two channels of information in the original dual arbitrary waveform file.

l When the <state> is on, both channels must stay on the same amplifier range.

l This setting is stored as part of the instrument state, and it is affected by *RST.

FUNCtion:ARBitrary:BALance:GAIN {<percent>|MAXimum|MINimum}
FUNCtion:ARBitrary:BALance:GAIN? {MAXimum|MINimum}
This command requires the IQ Player option.
Sets the gain balance ratio for dual arbitrary waveforms.

Parameter Typical Return

-30 to +30 +1.02000000E+000

228 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


FUNCtion Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

Load an arbitrary waveform from the USB drive and set up the balance gain (channel 2 down by 1.02%) and balance
offsets (120 mV for channel 1 and -38 mV for channel 2):

FUNC:ARB "USB:\qam32.barb"
FUNC:ARB:BAL:GAIN 1.02
FUNC:ARB:BAL:OFFS1 0.12
FUNC:ARB:BAL:OFFS2 -0.038
FUNC:ARB:BAL ON

l Both channels must stay on the same amplifier range.

l A value of 0 means that both channels use their current amplitude. A positive value means that the amplitude of
channel 2 is pushed down, while the amplitude of channel 1 remains constant, a negative value pushes channel 1
down while holding channel 2 constant. See the following table for examples.

<percent> Channel 1 Channel 2


Amplitude % Amplitude %
-20 80 100
-10 90 100
0 100 100
10 100 90
l 20 100 80

l This command is enabled by FUNCtion:ARBitrary:BALance ON.

l This setting is stored as part of the instrument state, and it is affected by *RST.

FUNCtion:ARBitrary:BALance:OFFSet[1|2] {<volts>|MAXimum|MINimum}
FUNCtion:ARBitrary:BALance:OFFSet[1|2]? {MAXimum|MINimum}
This command requires the IQ Player option.
Specifies the offset (in volts) added to the dual arbitrary waveform offset for the specified channel.

Parameter Typical Return

A floating point value, limited by the dual arbitrary wave- +1.00000000E+000


form amplitude.

Load an arbitrary waveform from the USB drive and set up the balance gain (channel 2 down by 1.02%) and balance
offsets (120 mV for channel 1 and -38 mV for channel 2):

FUNC:ARB "USB:\qam32.barb"
FUNC:ARB:BAL:GAIN 1.02
FUNC:ARB:BAL:OFFS1 0.12
FUNC:ARB:BAL:OFFS2 -0.038
FUNC:ARB:BAL ON

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 229


FUNCtion Subsystem

l Both channels must stay on the same amplifier range.

l This command is enabled by FUNCtion:ARBitrary:BALance ON.

l This setting is stored as part of the instrument state, and it is affected by *RST.

FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SKEW[:STATe] <state>
FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SKEW[:STATe]?
This command requires the IQ Player option.
Enables or disables skew time compensation (FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SKEW:TIME). This is always OFF for modulated sig-
nals, sweeps, lists, and bursts.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default OFF 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Set the skew time to compensate for channel 1 being behind channel 2 by 140 picoseconds:
FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SKEW:TIME 1.4e-10
FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SKEW ON

l Skew compensation is typically determined empirically, using an oscilloscope and then set one time. That one-time
setup will then be valid until the DUT or test equipment configuration changes.

l The value specified by this command is not stored in the instrument state. It is stored in non-volatile memory and is
not affected by *RST.

FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SKEW:TIME [{<time>|MINimum|MAXimum}]
FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SKEW:TIME? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
This command requires the IQ Player option.
Sets a small time difference between the channels to compensate for minor variations in timing at the connector out-
put plane or at the device under test (DUT). Note than FUNC:ARB:SKEW[:STATe] OFF for modulated signals, sweeps,
lists, and bursts.

Parameter Typical Return

A floating point value in the range of ±4 ns. Default 0. +1.40000000E-010

Set the skew time to compensate for channel 1 being behind channel 2 by 140 picoseconds:
FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SKEW:TIME 1.4e-10
FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SKEW ON

l Channels may exhibit slight timing variations at the output connector plane due to variations in internal circuitry
between the two channels. They may exhibit slight timing variations at the device under test (DUT) due to var-
iations in signal paths, including such things as switches and cable lengths.

230 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


FUNCtion Subsystem

l A positive value delays channel 2, and a negative value delays channel 1.

l The value specified by this command is not stored in the instrument state. It is stored in non-volatile memory and is
not affected by *RST.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 231


HCOPy Subsystem

HCOPy Subsystem
The HCOPy subsystem produces screen images ("screen shots") of the front-panel display.

Example
The following example captures and returns the front-panel display image in BMP format.

HCOP:SDUM:DATA:FORM BMP
HCOP:SDUM:DATA?

HCOPy:SDUMp:DATA?
Returns the front panel display image ("screen shot")

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (A definite-length binary block containing the image.)

Definite-length block data allows any type of device-dependent data to be transmitted as a series of
8-bit binary data bytes. This is particularly useful for transferring large quantities of data or 8-bit
extended ASCII codes.

Capture and return the display image:


HCOP:SDUM:DATA?

l The image format (PNG or BMP) is specified by HCOPy:SDUMp:DATA:FORMat.

HCOPy:SDUMp:DATA:FORMat {PNG|BMP}
HCOPy:SDUMp:DATA:FORMat?
Specifies the image format for images returned by HCOPy:SDUMp:DATA?.

Parameter Typical Return

{PNG|BMP}, default PNG PNG or BMP

Set the display image format to BMP


HCOP:SDUM:DATA:FORM BMP

232 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


IEEE-488 Common Commands

IEEE-488 Common Commands


This subsystem contains commands and queries associated with the IEEE-488 standards:

*CLS - Clear status

*ESE/*ESE? - Event status enable

*ESR? - Event status register query

*IDN? - Instrument identification

*OPC - Set operation complete bit

*OPC? - Wait for current operation to complete

*OPT? - Show installed options

*PSC/*PSC? - Power-on status clear

*RCL/*SAV - Recall/save instrument state

*RST - Reset instrument to factory defaults

*SRE/*SRE? - Service request enable (enable bits in enable register of Status Byte Register group

*STB? - Read status byte

*TRG - Trigger command

*TST? - Self-test

*WAI - Wait for all pending operations to complete

Registers
Some of the IEEE-488 commands are associated with various registers in the instrument. These registers are
described below.

Standard Event Register

The following table describes the Standard Event Register.

Bit Bit Name Decimal Definition


Number Value

0 Operation 1 All commands before and including *OPC have been executed.
Complete

1 (not used) 2 (Reserved for future use)

2 Query 4 The instrument tried to read the output buffer but it was empty. Or, a new
Error command line was received before a previous query has been read. Or, both
the input and output buffers are full.

3 Device- 8 A device-specific error, including a self-test error, calibration error or other


Specific device-specific error occurred. See Error Messages.
Error

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 233


IEEE-488 Common Commands

Bit Bit Name Decimal Definition


Number Value

4 Execution 16 An execution error occurred. Error Messages


Error

5 Command 32 A command syntax error occurred. Error Messages

6 (not used) 64 (Reserved for future use)

7 Power On 128 Power has been cycled since the last time the event register was read or
cleared.

Status Byte Register

The following table describes the Status Byte Register.

Bit Bit Name Decimal Definition


Number Value

0 (not used) 1 (Reserved for future use)

1 (not used) 2 (Reserved for future use)

2 Error Queue 4 One or more errors in the Error Queue. Use SYSTem:ERRor? to read and
delete errors.

3 Questionable 8 One or more bits are set in the Questionable Data Register (bits must be
Data Summary enabled, see STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle ).

4 Message Avail- 16 Data is available in the instrument's output buffer.


able

5 Standard 32 One or more bits are set in the Standard Event Register (bits must be ena-
Event Sum- bled, see *ESE).
mary

6 Master Sum- 64 One or more bits are set in the Status Byte Register and may generate a
mary Request for Service (RQS). Bits must be enabled using *SRE.

7 Operation Reg- 128 One or more bits are set in the Operation Status Register. Bits are ena-
ister bled using STATus:OPERation:ENABle.

*CLS
Clear Status Command. Clears the event registers in all register groups. Also clears the error queue.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Clear event register bits and error queue:


*CLS

234 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


IEEE-488 Common Commands

*ESE <enable_value>
*ESE?
Event Status Enable Command and Query. Enables bits in the enable register for the Standard Event Register group.
The selected bits are then reported to bit 5 of the Status Byte Register.

Parameter Typical
Return

Decimal sum of the bits in the register (table below), default 0. For example, to enable bit 2 (value +48
4), bit 3 (value 8), and bit 7 (value 128), the decimal sum would be 140 (4 + 8 + 128). Default 0.

Enable bit 4 (value 16) and bit 5 (value 32) in the enable register:
*ESE 48

l Use *PSC to control whether the Standard Event enable register is cleared at power on. For example, *PSC 0 pre-
serves the enable register contents through power cycles.

l *CLS does not clear enable register, does clear event register.

*ESR?
Standard Event Status Register Query. Queries the event register for the Standard Event Register group. Register is
read-only; bits not cleared when read.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) +24

Read the event register (bits 3 and 4 are set).


*ESR

l Any or all conditions can be reported to the Standard Event summary bit through the enable register. To set the
enable register mask, write a decimal value to the register using *ESE.

l Once a bit is set, it remains set until cleared by this query or *CLS.

*IDN?
Identification Query. Returns instrument’s identification string.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) Agilent Technologies,33522B,XXXXXXXXXX,0.179-1.19-8.88-52-00

Return the instrument's identification string:


*IDN?

l Identification string contains four comma separated fields:


l Manufacturer name
l Model number

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 235


IEEE-488 Common Commands

l Serial number
l Revision code

l Identification string is in the following format:

Agilent Technologies,[Model Number],[10-char Serial Number],A.aaa-B.bb-C.cc-DD-EE

A.aaa = Firmware revision


B.bb = Front panel FW revision
C.cc = Power supply controller FW revision
DD = FPGA revision
EE = PCBA revision

*OPC
Sets "Operation Complete" (bit 0) in the Standard Event register at the completion of the current operation.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Set Operation Complete bit:


*OPC

l The purpose of this command is to synchronize your application with the instrument.

l Used in triggered sweep, triggered burst, list, or arbitrary waveform sequence modes to provide a way to poll or
interrupt the computer when the *TRG or INITiate[:IMMediate] is complete.

l Other commands may be executed before Operation Complete bit is set.

l The difference between *OPC and *OPC? is that *OPC? returns "1" to the output buffer when the current oper-
ation completes.

*OPC?
Returns 1 to the output buffer after all pending commands complete.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) 1

Return 1 when all previous commands complete:


*OPC?

l The purpose of this command is to synchronize your application with the instrument.

l Other commands cannot be executed until this command completes.

l The difference between *OPC and *OPC? is that *OPC? returns "1" to the output buffer when the current oper-
ation completes.

236 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


IEEE-488 Common Commands

*OPT?
Returns a quoted string identifying any installed options.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) "0,MEM,SEC,IQP"

Returns installed options (example: standard timebase, extended memory, security, IQ player)
*OPT?

*PSC {0|1}
*PSC?
Power-On Status Clear. Enables (1) or disables (0) clearing of two specific registers at power on:

l Standard Event enable register (*ESE).

l Status Byte condition register (*SRE).

l Questionable Data Register

l Standard Operation Register

Parameter Typical Return

{0|1}, default 1 0 or 1

Disables power-on clearing of affected registers:


*PSC 0

*RCL {0|1|2|3|4}
*SAV {0|1|2|3|4}
Recalls (*RCL) or saves (*SAV) instrument state in specified non-volatile location. Previously stored state in location is
overwritten (no error is generated).

Parameter Typical Return

{0|1|2|3|4} (none)

Recall state from location 1:


*RCL 1

l The instrument has five non-volatile storage locations to store instrument states. Location 0 holds the instrument
power down state. Use locations 1, 2, 3, and 4 to store other states. You can configure the instrument to recall the
power-down state when power is restored (MEM:STAT:REC:AUTO).

l State storage "remembers" the selected function (including arbitrary waveforms), frequency, amplitude, DC off-
set, duty cycle, symmetry, as well as any modulation parameters in use. Also remembers front-panel display state
(DISP).

l When shipped from the factory, locations 1 through 4 are empty, and location 0 has power-on state.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 237


IEEE-488 Common Commands

l From the remote interface only, you can use location 0 to store a fifth instrument state (you cannot store to this
location from the front panel). However, location 0 is overwritten when power is cycled.

l You can assign a user-defined name to each of locations 0 through 4.

l States stored in memory are not affected by *RST.

l If you delete an arbitrary waveform from non-volatile memory after storing the instrument state, the waveform
data is lost and the instrument will not output the waveform when the state is recalled; it will output the built-in
"exponential rise" instead.

l The front panel uses MMEMory subsystem for state storage.

*RST
Resets instrument to factory default state, independent of MEMory:STATe:RECall:AUTO setting.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Reset the instrument:


*RST

l Does not affect stored instrument states, stored arbitrary waveforms, or I/O settings; these are stored in non-vol-
atile memory.

l Aborts a sweep or burst in progress.

*SRE <enable_value>
*SRE?
Service Request Enable. This command enables bits in the enable register for the Status Byte Register group.

Parameter Typical
Return

Decimal sum of the bits in the register (table below), default 0. For example, to enable bit 2 (value 4), bit +24
3 (value 8), and bit 7 (value 128), the decimal sum would be 140 (4 + 8 + 128). Default 0.

Enable bits 3 and 4 in the enable register:


*SRE 24

l To enable specific bits, specify the decimal value corresponding to the binary-weighted sum of the bits in the reg-
ister. The selected bits are summarized in the "Master Summary" bit (bit 6) of the Status Byte Register. If any of
the selected bits change from 0 to 1, the instrument generates a Service Request signal.

l *CLS clears the event register, but not the enable register.

l *PSC (power-on status clear) determines whether Status Byte enable register is cleared at power on. For example,
*PSC 0 preserves the contents of the enable register through power cycles.

l Status Byte enable register is not cleared by *RST.

238 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


IEEE-488 Common Commands

*STB?
Read Status Byte Query. This command queries the condition register for the Status Byte Register group.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) +40

Read condition register (with bits 3 and 5 set):


*STB?

l Similar to a Serial Poll, but processed like any other instrument command. Register is read-only; bits not cleared
when read.

l Returns same result as a Serial Poll, but "Master Summary" bit (bit 6) is not cleared by *STB?.

l Power cycle or *RST clears all bits in condition register.

l Returns a decimal value that corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of all bits set in the register. For example,
with bit 3 ( value 8) and bit 5 (value 32) set (and corresponding bits enabled), the query returns +40.

*TRG
Trigger Command. Triggers a sweep, burst, arbitrary waveform advance, or LIST advance from the remote interface if
the bus (software) trigger source is currently selected (TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce BUS).

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Send immediate trigger to initiate a burst:


BURS:STAT ON
BURS:MODE TRIG
TRIG:SOUR BUS
*TRG

*TST?
Self-Test Query. Performs a complete instrument self-test. If test fails, one or more error messages will provide addi-
tional information. Use SYSTem:ERRor? to read error queue.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) +0 (pass) or +1 (one or more tests failed)

Perform self-test:
*TST?

l A power-on self-test occurs when you turn on the instrument. This limited test assures you that the instrument is
operational.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 239


IEEE-488 Common Commands

l A complete self-test (*TST?) takes approximately 15 seconds. If all tests pass, you have high confidence that the
instrument is fully operational.

l Passing *TST displays "Self-Test Passed" on the front panel. Otherwise, it displays "Self-Test Failed" and an error
number. See Service and Repair - Introduction for instructions on contacting support or returning the instrument
for service.

*WAI
Configures the instrument to wait for all pending operations to complete before executing any additional commands
over the interface.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Wait until all pending operations complete.


*WAI

240 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Registers

Registers
The instrument uses three different type of registers to enable, flag and track instrument features.

l An enable register defines which bits in the event register will be reported to the Status Byte register group. You can
write to or read from an enable register.

l A condition register continuously monitors the state of the instrument. The bits in the condition register are
updated in real time and the bits are not latched or buffered.

l An event register latches the various events from the condition register. There is no buffering in this register; while
an event bit is set, subsequent events corresponding to that bit are ignored. This is a read-only register.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 241


INITiate Subsystem

INITiate Subsystem
The INITiate subsystem controls how the instrument moves from the "idle" state to the "wait for trigger" state. You
may do this one channel at a time, or for both channels with the "ALL" keyword.

Example
This program uses INITiate[1|2][:IMMediate] with TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce and TRIGger[1|2]:COUNt. The TRIG:SOUR
EXT command configures the channel for external triggering, and TRIG:COUNT sets the trigger count to 10. The INI-
Tiate command places the instrument in the "wait-for-trigger" state. The trigger will occur when the rear-panel Ext
Trig line is pulsed (high by default). The channel will return to idle after the trigger count of 10 has been satisfied.
Another INIT command would then be necessary to restart the acceptance of triggers from the external trigger input
line.

INIT:CONT OFF
TRIG:SOUR EXT
TRIG:COUNT 10
INIT

INITiate[1|2]:CONTinuous {ON|1|OFF|0}
INITiate[1|2]:CONTinuous?

INITiate:CONTinuous:ALL {ON|1|OFF|0}
Specifies whether the trigger system for one or both channels (ALL) always returns to the "wait-for-trigger" state (ON)
or remains in the "idle" state (OFF), ignoring triggers until INITiate:IMMediate is issued.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default ON 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Configure both channels for continuous trigger:


INIT:CONT:ALL ON

l Once the channel is triggered, it leaves the wait-for-trigger state and enters the "action-in-progress" state (for
example, burst-in-progress or sweep-in-progress). The action-in-progress state can be lengthy, and during this
state triggers are ignored (will not count against number of triggers specified by TRIGger[1|2]:COUNt).

INITiate[1|2][:IMMediate]

INITiate[:IMMediate]:ALL
Change state of triggering system for both channels (ALL) from "idle" to "wait-for-trigger" for the number of triggers
specified by TRIGger[1|2]:COUNt.

l Once the channel is triggered, it leaves the wait-for-trigger state and enters the "action-in-progress" state (for
example, burst-in-progress or sweep-in-progress). The action-in-progress state can be lengthy, and during this
state triggers are ignored (will not count against number of triggers specified by TRIGger[1|2]:COUNt).

242 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


INITiate Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Change both channels to the wait-for-trigger state:


INIT:IMM:ALL

l The trigger system is armed by INITiate[:IMMediate]. Once the trigger count is satisfied, the trigger system
returns to idle state and ignores further triggers. The triggered function will be left in whatever state is achieved
with the count of triggers. Rearming the trigger system with another INITiate[:IMMediate] allows further triggers
to apply.

l Use ABORt to return instrument to idle.

l If the specified channel has INIT:CONT set ON, INITiate[1|2]:IMMediate and INIT[:IMMediate]:ALL have no effect
on the trigger system and error -213 will be generated.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 243


LIST Subsystem

LIST Subsystem
Configures list of frequencies to be output by instrument. This permits faster frequency change to a predetermined list
of frequencies. You may advance frequencies by either an external trigger, an internal trigger, or a BUS trigger. List is
initiated by FREQuency:MODE LIST.

LIST:DWELl - sets amount of time each frequency in list is generated.

LIST:FREQuency - Specify up to 128 frequencies as a list (frequencies may also be read from or saved to a file using
MMEMory:LOAD:LIST[1|2] and MMEMory:STORe:LIST.

LIST:FREQuency:POINts? - Returns number of points in a frequency list.

For LIST programming example, see Create a List of Frequencies.

[SOURce[1|2]:]LIST:DWELl {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]LIST:DWELl? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets dwell time, the amount of time each frequency in a frequency list is generated.

Parameter Typical Return

1 µs to 1000 s, default 1 s +1.200000000000000E+01

Set dwell time for channel 1 to 12 s:


LIST:DWEL 12

l The instrument generates each frequency in a frequency list for the specified dwell time, when TRIGger
[1|2]:SOURce is IMMediate.

[SOURce[1|2]:]LIST:FREQuency <freq1>[, <freq2>, etc.]


[SOURce[1|2]:]LIST:FREQuency?
Specifies frequency values in a frequency list.

Parameter Typical Return

List of 1 to 128 frequencies, each 1 μHz to maximum instrument 2.17800000E+006,


frequency (up to 200 kHz for triangle and ramp). Default list: 100 Hz, 3.14000000E+003,
1000 Hz, and 550 Hz. 6.28318000E+006

Set channel 1 frequency list to three frequency values:


LIST:FREQ 2.718E6, 3.14E3, 6.28318E6

l Command overwrites previous list with new list.

[SOURce[1|2]:]LIST:FREQuency:POINts? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Returns number of frequencies in current frequency list.

244 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


LIST Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

{MINimum|MAXimum} +17

Return number of entries in the channel 1 frequency list:


LIST:FREQ:POIN?

l Default is list of three frequencies: 100 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 550 Hz.

l MINimum is 1, MAXimum is 128.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 245


LXI Subsystem

LXI Subsystem
The LXI subsystem supports LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation (LXI) functionality.

LXI:IDENtify[:STATE] {ON|1|OFF|0}
LXI:IDENtify[:STATE]?
Turns the LXI Identify Indicator on the display on or off.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0} 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Turn on the LXI Identify Indicator:


LXI:IDEN ON

l The LXI Identify indicator helps you identify the device associated with the LAN address.

l A *RST turns LXI Identify Indicator off.

l Pressing the LOCAL key turns off the LXI Identify Indicator.

LXI:MDNS:ENABle {ON|1|OFF|0}
LXI:MDNS:ENABle?
Disables or enables the Multicast Domain Name System (mDNS).

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default ON 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Turn mDNS ON:


LXI:MDSN:ENAB ON

l Setting is enabled after SYSTem:SECurity:IMMediate, *RST, power-on, or LAN reset.

LXI:MDNS:HNAMe[:RESolved]?
Returns the resolved (unique) mDNS hostname in the form <mDNS Hostname>-N. The N is an integer appended if
necessary to make the name unique. The desired name may be truncated, if necessary, to make room for the
appended integer.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) "A-335xxx-00107", where xxx is the last three characters of the model number, and 00107 is the
last five digits of the serial number.

Return the resolved mDNS hostname:


LXI:MDNS:HNAMe:RESolved?

246 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


LXI Subsystem

LXI:MDNS:SNAMe:DESired <name>
LXI:MDNS:SNAMe:DESired?
Sets the desired mDNS service name.

Parameter Typical Return

Quoted string of up to 63 characters, default is "Agilent 335xxx Arbitrary Waveform Generator - 99999", where
Agilent <Model_Name> Arbitrary Waveform xxx is the last three characters of the model number, and 99999
Generator - <Serial_Number>". is the last five digits of the serial number.

Set the mDNS service name to "Waveform Generator":


LXI:MDNS:SNAM:DES "Waveform Generator"

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l Setting is set to default value after SYSTem:SECurity:IMMediate.

LXI:MDNS:SNAMe[:RESolved]?
Returns the resolved (unique) mDNS service name in the form <Desired mDNS Service Name>(N). The N is an
integer appended if necessary to make the name unique. The desired name may be truncated, if necessary, to make
room for the appended integer.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) "Agilent 335xxx Arbitrary Waveform Generator - 00309", where xxx is the last three characters of
the model number, and 00309 is the last five digits of the serial number.

Return resolved mDNS service name:


LXI:MDNS:SNAMe:RESolved?

l The resolved mDNS service name will be the desired service name (LXI:MDNS:SNAMe:DESired), possibly with "(N)
" appended, where N is an integer, only if if is necessary to make the name unique.

LXI:RESet
Resets LAN settings to a known operating state, beginning with DHCP. If DHCP fails, it uses AutoIP. It also clears the
WebUI password, if set.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Reset the LAN settings:


LXI:RES

l Depending on your network, the LAN interface may take several seconds to restart after this command is sent.

l If the LAN interface or specific LAN services (VXI-11, sockets, and so on) have been disabled by SYS-
Tem:COMMunicate:ENABle, you must separately re-enable the interface or services and cycle power on the instru-
ment for the LAN to be operational.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 247


LXI Subsystem

LXI:RESTart
Restarts the LAN with the current settings as specified by the SYSTem:COMM:LAN commands.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Restart the LAN interface:


LXI:REST

l Depending on your network, the LAN interface may take several seconds to restart after this command is sent.

l If the LAN interface or specific LAN services (VXI-11, sockets, and so on) have been disabled by SYS-
Tem:COMMunicate:ENABle, you must separately re-enable the interface or services and cycle power on the instru-
ment for the LAN to be operational.

248 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


MARKer Subsystem

MARKer Subsystem
The MARKer subsystem configures the point within an arbitrary waveform, sweep, or burst at which the front-panel
Sync signal goes low.

Commands and Queries


l MARKer:CYCle - cycle of a burst at which Sync signal goes low

l MARKer:FREQuency - frequency at which Sync signal goes low

l MARKer:POINt - point in an arbitrary waveform at which Sync signal goes low

Each of these commands causes sync/marker to transition to high at start of burst, sweep, or arbitrary waveform (OUT-
Put:SYNC:POLarity may reverse this.).

[SOURce[1|2]:]MARKer:CYCLe {<cycle_num >|MINimum|MAXimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]MARKer:CYCLe? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the marker cycle number at which the front-panel Sync signal goes low in a burst mode operation. OUT-
Put:SYNC:POLarity may reverse this..

Parameter Typical Return

Whole number from 2 to number of cycles in the burst plus one (NCYCles+1), +2.000000000000000E+03
default 2

Set the marker cycle to 2000:


MARK:CYCL 2000

l This is valid only if burst is enabled and OUTP:SYNC:MODE is MARKer.

l With burst enabled, marker cycle must be less than number of cycles in burst plus one. Attempting to set the
marker cycle outside this range will set marker cycle equal to middle of burst. From the remote interface, a "Set-
tings conflict" error will also be generated.

[SOURce[1|2]:]MARKer:FREQuency {<frequency >|MINimum|MAXimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]MARKer:FREQuency? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the marker frequency at which the front-panel Sync signal goes low during a sweep. OUTPut:SYNC:POLarity may
reverse this..

Parameter Typical Return

Any frequency between start and stop frequency, default 500 Hz +2.000000000000000E+03

Set marker frequency to 2 kHz:


MARK:FREQ 2000

l This is valid only if burst is enabled and OUTP:SYNC:MODE is MARKer.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 249


MARKer Subsystem

l When sweep is enabled, marker frequency must be between start frequency and stop frequency. Attempting to
set the marker cycle outside this range will set marker frequency to start frequency or frequency (whichever is
closer). From the remote interface, a "Settings conflict" error will also be generated.

[SOURce[1|2]:]MARKer:POINt {<sample_number>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]MARKer:POINt? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the sample number at which the front-panel Sync signal goes low within the active arbitrary waveform. OUT-
Put:SYNC:POLarity may reverse this..

Parameter Typical Return

Whole number from 4 to number of samples in waveform, minus 3; default is mid- +1.000000000000000E+01
point of arbitrary waveform

Set marker point to 10th sample in waveform:


MARK:POIN 10

l Command only sets marker point in currently active arbitrary waveform (FUNCtion:ARBitrary), not in a sequence.

l Command is valid only under these conditions:

l OUTPut:SYNC:MODE set to MARK, FUNC set to ARB, FREQuency:MODE set to CW

l OUTPut:SYNC:MODE set to CARR, FUNC set to ARB, BURSt ON.

l OUTPut:SYNC:MODE set to CARR, FUNC set to ARB, FREQuency:MODE set to SWEEP

l OUTPut:SYNC:MODE set to MARK, internal modulation active, and either FUNCtion set to ARB or a modulating
waveform's internal function is set to ARB

l OUTPut:SYNC:MODE set to MARK, external modulation active, and FUNCtion set to ARB

250 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


MEMory Subsystem

MEMory Subsystem
The MEMory subsystem saves (*SAV) and recalls (*RCL) instrument states in non-volatile storage locations numbered
0 through 4.

Example

MEM:STAT:DEL 3
*SAV 3
MEM:STAT:VAL? 3
MEM:STAT:NAME 3,PATS_STATE
MEM:STAT:CAT?

Commands and Queries


l MEMory:NSTates? - return total number of state storage memory locations

l MEMory:STATe:CATalog? - list the names associated with all five state storage locations

l MEMory:STATe:DELete - delete the contents of a state storage location

l MEMory:STATe:NAME - assign a custom name to a state storage locations

l MEMory:STATe:RECall:AUTO - specify whether the power-down state is recalled from location 0 on power-on

l MEMory:STATe:VALid? - determine whether a storage location contains a valid state

MEMory:NSTates?
Returns the total number of memory locations available for state storage (always +5, including memory location 0).

Parameter Typical Return

(none) +5

Return number of state storage locations:


MEM:NST?

MEMory:STATe:CATalog?
Returns the names assigned to locations 0 through 4.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) "AUTO_RECALL","STATE_1","STATE_2","STATE_3","STATE_4"

Return location names:


MEM:STAT:CAT?

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 251


MEMory Subsystem

l Default names are "AUTO_RECALL", "STATE_1", "STATE_2", "STATE_3", and "STATE_4".

l You can name location 0, but the name is overwritten when power is cycled and a new power-down state is stored
there.

MEMory:STATe:DELete {0|1|2|3|4|}
Deletes a state storage location.

Parameter Typical Return

{0|1|2|3|4|} (none)

Delete the contents of storage location 1:


MEM:STAT:DEL 1

l Default names are "AUTO_RECALL", "STATE_1", "STATE_2", "STATE_3", and "STATE_4".

l Although you may delete the state in location 0, it will be restored to its factory default state, and state name
("AUTO_RECALL") at the next power up.

l Attempting to recall a state from an empty location generates an error.

MEMory:STATe:NAME {0|1|2|3|4} [,<name>]


MEMory:STATe:NAME? {0|1|2|3|4}
Names a storage location.

Parameter Typical Return

An unquoted string of up to 12 characters. TEST_RACK_1


The first character must be a letter (A-Z).
Others can be letters, numbers (0-9), or underscores ("_").
If name omitted, factory default name is used.

Rename location 1:
MEM:STAT:NAME 1,TEST_RACK_1

l Default names are "AUTO_RECALL", "STATE_1", "STATE_2", "STATE_3", and "STATE_4".

l You can name location 0, but the name is overwritten when power is cycled and a new power-down state is stored
there.

l May assign same name to different locations.

l Deleting a storage location's contents (MEMory:STATe:DELete) resets associated name to factory default ("AUTO_
RECALL", "STATE_1", "STATE_2", "STATE_3", or "STATE_4").

l State names are unaffected by *RST.

MEMory:STATe:RECall:AUTO {ON|1|OFF|0}
MEMory:STATe:RECall:AUTO?
Disables or enables automatic recall of instrument state in storage location "0" at power on.

252 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


MEMory Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default ON 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Disable automatic recall of power-down state:


MEM:STAT:REC:AUTO OFF

l OFF is equivalent to Factory Reset (*RST) on power-up.

MEMory:STATe:VALid? {0|1|2|3|4}
Indicates whether a valid state is currently stored in a storage location.

Parameter Typical Return

{0|1|2|3|4} 0 (no valid state stored) or 1 (valid state stored)

Return state of memory location 3:


MEM:STAT:VAL 3?

l Use this before sending *SAV to avoid accidentally overwriting a state.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 253


MMEMory Subsystem

MMEMory Subsystem
The MMEMory subsystem manages the file system in the instrument or on an external USB file system. The file system
can store and load several file formats.

The "INT:\" flash memory file system inside the instrument is always present. If a USB file storage device (sometimes
called a flash drive, thumb drive, or jump drive) is plugged into the front-panel USB port, it appears as "USB:\" to the
instrument.

Example
The following code produces the sequence shown below.

FUNC:ARB:SRATE 10E3
FUNC:ARB:FILTER OFF
FUNC:ARB:PTPEAK 10
DATA:ARB dc_ramp, 0.1, 0.1, 0.1, 0.1, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0
DATA:ARB dc5v, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0
DATA:ARB dc2_5v, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5
DATA:ARB dc0v, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0
DATA:SEQuence #3128"seqExample","dc_ramp",0,once,highAtStart,5,"dc5v",2,repeat,maintain,5,
"dc2_v",2,repeat,lowAtStart,5,"dc0v",2,repeat,maintain,5
FUNC:ARB dc_ramp
MMEM:STORE:DATA "INT:\dc_ramp.arb"
FUNC:ARB dc5v
MMEM:STORE:DATA "INT:\dc5v.arb"
FUNC:ARB dc2_5v
MMEM:STORE:DATA "INT:\dc2_5.arb"
FUNC:ARB dc0v
MMEM:STORE:DATA "INT:\dc0v.arb"
FUNC:ARB seqExample
MMEM:STORE:DATA "INT:\seqExample.seq"
DATA:VOL:CLEAR <--- erase all waveforms to show LOAD will restore all waveforms
MMEM:LOAD:DATA "INT:\seqExample.seq"
FUNC ARB
FUNC:ARB "INT:\seqExample.seq"
OUTPUT ON

The seqExample.seq file is as shown below:

File Format:1.10
Sample Rate:10000.000000
High Level:5.000000
Low Level:0.000000
Filter:"off"
Header:Arb Name, Repeat Count, Play Control,Marker Mode, Marker Point
dc_ramp.arb,1,"once","highAtStart",5
dc5v.arb,2,"repeat","maintain",5

254 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


MMEMory Subsystem

dc2_5v.arb,2,"repeat","lowAtStart",5
dc0v.arb,2,"repeat","maintain",5

Commands and Queries


The MMEMory subsystem includes the following commands and queries.

MMEMory:CATalog:ALL? - lists available and used space and files on Mass Memory device

MMEMory:CATalog:DATA:ARBitrary? - lists arbitrary waveforms and sequences on Mass Memory device

MMEMory:CATalog:STATe? - lists available and used space and state (*.sta) files present on Mass Memory device

MMEMory:CDIRectory - changes to a directory

MMEMory:COPY - copies a file on Mass Memory device

MMEMory:COPY:SEQuence - copies a sequence and its associated arbitrary waveforms on Mass Memory device

MMEMory:DELete - removes files from Mass Memory device

MMEMory:DOWNload:DATA - downloads data from the host computer to instrument's Mass Memory

MMEMory:DOWNload:FNAMe - specifies file name for downloading data from the computer to instrument's Mass Mem-
ory

MMEMory:LOAD:ALL - loads instrument state file

MMEMory:LOAD:DATA[1|2] - loads arbitrary waveform from file

MMEMory:LOAD:LIST[1|2] - loads frequency list from file

MMEMory:LOAD:STATe - loads saved instrument state from file

MMEMory:MDIRectory - makes a new directory (folder)

MMEMory:MOVE - moves a file on Mass Memory device

MMEMory:RDIRectory - removes a directory

MMEMory:STORe:ALL - saves instrument state file

MMEMory:STORe:DATA[1|2] - saves arbitrary waveform to file

MMEMory:STORe:LIST - saves active frequency list to file

MMEMory:STORe:STATe - stores instrument state to file

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 255


MMEMory Subsystem

MMEMory:UPLoad - uploads contents of a file from instrument to host computer

Folder and file formats


Many MMEMory commands refer to folders and files. These have specific structures, described below.

Format for a <folder>

l The format for <folder> is "<drive>:<path>", where <drive> can be INTernal or USB, and <path> is an absolute
folder path.

l INTernal specifies the internal flash file system.USB specifies a front panel USB storage device.

l Absolute paths begin with "\" or "/" and start at the root folder of <drive>.

l The folder name specified in <path> cannot exceed 240 characters.

l The specified folder must exist and cannot be marked hidden or system.

l If <drive>:<path> is omitted, the folder specified by MMEMory:CDIRectory is used.

l If <drive> is omitted:

l The path is treated as a relative path and appended to the folder specified by MMEMory:CDIRectory.

l Absolute paths are NOT allowed.

Format for a <file>

l The format for <file1> and <file2> is "[<drive>:<path>]<file_name>", where <drive> can be INTernal or USB,
and <path> must be an absolute folder path.

l INTernal specifies the internal flash file system.USB specifies a front panel USB storage device.

l If <drive>:<path> is omitted, the folder specified by MMEMory:CDIRectory is used.

l Absolute paths begin with "\" or "/" and start at the root folder of <drive>.

l Folder and file names cannot contain the following characters: \ / : * ? " < > |

l The combination of folder and file name cannot exceed 240 characters.

l The source file and folder and the destination folder must exist and cannot be marked hidden or system.

l If the destination file exists, it is overwritten, unless marked as hidden or system.

l If <drive> is omitted:

l The path is treated as a relative path and appended to the folder specified by MMEMory:CDIRectory.

l Absolute paths are NOT allowed.

Mass Memory (MMEMory) and State Storage


The front panel uses the MMEM subsystem, not the MEM subsystem, to save states. If you save a state with the front
panel, you can still access it with SCPI. However, a state saved into the MEM subsystem via SCPI using *SAV cannot be
retrieved from the front panel.

256 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


MMEMory Subsystem

For example, configure the instrument as desired and insert a USB drive into the front panel. Then enter the following
commands. If you do not have a USB drive change "USB:\" to "INT:\" to use the instrument's internal flash drive
instead.

MMEMory:CDIRectory "USB:\"
MMEMory:MDIRerctory "States"
MMEMory:STORe:STATE "USB:\States\State1"

To return to this state at any time:

MMEMory:LOAD:STATE "USB:\States\State1"

You can also recall a state file from the front panel by pressing [System] and then Store/Recall.

MMEMory:CATalog[:ALL]? [<folder>]
Returns a list of all files in the current mass storage directory, including internal storage and the USB drive.

Parameter Typical Return

Any valid folder name; defaults to folder selected by MMEMory:CDIRectory +1000000000,+327168572,


"command.exe,,375808",
"MySetup.sta,STAT,8192",
"MyWave.csv,ASC,11265"

List all files in the folder MyData on the front panel USB storage device:
MMEM:CAT? "USB:\MyData"

l The catalog takes the following form:

<mem_used>,<mem_free>{,"<file listing>"}

The instrument returns two numeric values and a string for each file in the folder. The first numeric value indicates
the number of bytes of storage used on the drive. The second indicates the number of bytes of storage available.
Each <file listing> is in the format "<file_name>,<file_type>,<file_size>" (the quotation marks are also
returned), where <file_name> is the name of the file including file extension, if any; <file_type> is either STAT for
STATe (.sta) files, ASC for DATA (.csv) files, FOLD for folders, or null for all other file extensions; <file_size> is the
size of the file in bytes.

l If no files exist, only <mem_used>,<mem_free> is returned.

l Because the instrument uses a small amount of space in the flash file system for internal use, the <mem_used>
value will not be zero even if no user files exist on the drive.

MMEMory:CATalog:DATA:ARBitrary? [<folder>]
Returns a list of all the arbitrary sequence (.seq) files and folders, as well as arbitrary waveform (.arb/.barb) files in a
folder.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 257


MMEMory Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

Any valid folder name; defaults to folder selected by MME- (see below)
Mory:CDIRectory

The following query lists all arbitrary waveform and sequence files at the root level in internal memory.

MMEM:CAT:DATA:ARBitrary? "INT:\"

Typical Response:
+1000000000,+327168572,"TestSequence1.seq,NA,223",
"TestSequence1.seq,Segment1.arb,1469"",
"TestSequence1.seq,Segment2.arb,2356"",
"TestSequence1.seq,Segment3.arb,4399"",
"NA,Example.arb,2215"

l The instrument returns two numeric values and a string for each .seq and .arb/.barb file in the selected folder. The
first numeric value indicates the number of bytes of storage used on the drive. The second indicates the number of
bytes of storage available. Each <file listing> is in the format "<filename>,<file_type>,<file_size>" (the quo-
tation marks are also returned), where <filename> is the name of the file including file extension, if any; <file_
type> is FOLD for folders, ARB for arb segments, or SEQUENCE for arb sequence files; <file_size> is the size of the
file in bytes.

l If no .seq, .arb, or .barb files exist, only <mem_used>,<mem_free> is returned.

l Because the instrument uses a small amount of space in the flash file system for internal use, the <mem_used>
value will not be zero even if no user files exist on the drive.

MMEMory:CATalog:STATe? [<folder>]
Lists all state files (.sta file extension) in a folder.

Parameter Typical Return

Any valid folder name; defaults to folder selected by MME- +1000000000,+327168572,"MySetup.sta,


Mory:CDIRectory STAT,8192"

List all state files in MyData folder on front panel USB drive.
MMEM:CAT:STAT? "USB:\MyData"

Format for returned catalog:

<mem_used>,<mem_free>{,"<file listing>"}

The instrument returns two numeric values and a string for each state file in the selected folder. The first numeric
value indicates the number of bytes of storage used on the drive. The second indicates the number of bytes of storage
available. Each <file listing> is in the format "<file_name>,<file_type>,<file_size>" (the quotes are also returned),
where <file_name> is the name of the file including file extension, if any; <file_type> is STAT for STATe (.sta) files;
<file_size> is the size of the file in bytes.

If no state files exist, only <mem_used>,<mem_free> is returned.

Because the instrument uses a small amount of space in the flash file system for internal use, the <mem_used>
value will not be zero even if no user files exist on the drive.

258 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


MMEMory Subsystem

MMEMory:CDIRectory <folder>
MMEMory:MDIRectory <folder>
MMEMory:RDIRectory <folder>
MMEMory:CDIRectory selects the default folder for the MMEMory subsystem commands. This folder must exist and is
used when folder or file names do not include a drive and folder name.

MMEMory:MDIRectory makes a new directory (folder) on the mass storage medium.

MMEMory:RDIRectory removes a directory (folder) on the mass storage medium.

Parameter Typical Return

Any directory name, including the mass storage unit specifier, default "INT:\"
INT:\

Make and remove a new directory named "test" on the internal mass memory system:
MMEM:MDIR "test"
MMEM:RDIR "test"

Return the default folder for MMEMory subsystem commands:


MMEM:CDIR?

l The instrument resets the default folder to the internal flash file system root directory ("INT:\") after *RST.

l You can only remove an empty folder (no files). Otherwise, the instrument generates a "Directory not empty"
error.

MMEMory:COPY <file1>,<file2>
Copies <file1> to <file2>. The file names must include any file extension..

Parameter Typical Return

Both files can be any valid file name (none)

Copy the state file MyFreqMeas.sta from the root directory to the folder "Backup" on the internal flash file system.
MMEM:COPY "INT:\MySetup.sta","INT:\Backup"

l To copy a file to a file of the same name in a different folder, you can specify just the <drive> and/or <path> for
<destination>.

MMEMory:COPY:SEQuence <source>,<destination>
Copies a sequence from <source> to <destination>. The file names must include any file extension. Use the exten-
sion .seq for text format.

Parameter Typical Return

<source> and <destination> may be any valid (none)


sequence file name.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 259


MMEMory Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

Copy the sequence file MySequence.seq and all associated segment files specified in the sequence file from internal
drive to the folder "Backup" on internal storage.
MMEM:COPY:SEQ "INT:\MySequence.seq","INT:\Backup"

l The format for <source> and <destination> is "[[<drive>:]<path>]<file_name>", where <drive> can be INTer-
nal or USB, and <path> is a file path.

l INTernal specifies the internal flash file system.USB specifies a front panel USB storage device.e.

l If <drive> is specified, <path> is interpreted as an absolute path. Absolute paths begin with "\" or "/" and
start at the root folder of <drive>.

l If <drive> is omitted, <path> is relative to the folder specified by MMEMory:CDIRectory. Relative paths must
not begin with "\" or "/".

l Folder and file names cannot contain the following characters: \ / : * ? " < > |

l The combination of folder and file name cannot exceed 240 characters.

l The source file and folder and the destination folder must exist and cannot be marked hidden or system.

l If the destination file exists, it is overwritten, unless marked as hidden or system.

l To copy a sequence file to a sequence file of the same name in a different folder, you can specify just the
<drive> and/or <path> for <destination>.

MMEMory:DELete <file>
Deletes a file. To delete a folder, use MMEMory:RDIRectory.

Parameter Typical Return

Any valid file name, including file extension. (none)

Delete the indicated file from the root directory of the internal flash file system:
MMEM:DEL "INT:\MySetup.sta"

MMEMory:DOWNload:DATA <binary_block>
Downloads data from the host computer to a file in the instrument. The filename must have been previously specified
by MMEMory:DOWNload:FNAMe.

The data in <binary_block> is written to the select file, and any data previously stored in the file is lost.

Parameter Typical Return

Any IEEE-488 definite or indefinite block (none)

Writes the word "Hello" to the file "\Myfile" on internal storage.


MMEM:DOWN:FNAM "INT:\Myfile"
MMEM:DOWN:DATA #15Hello

260 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


MMEMory Subsystem

MMEMory:DOWNload:FNAMe <filename>
Creates or opens the specified filename prior to writing data to that file with MMEMory:DOWNload:DATA.

Parameter Typical Return

Any valid file name (none)

Write the word "Hello" to the file "\Myfile" on the internal flash file system:
MMEM:DOWN:FNAM "INT:\Myfile"MMEM:DOWN:DATA #15Hello

MMEMory:LOAD:ALL <filename>

MMEMory:STORe:ALL <filename>
Loads or saves a complete instrument setup, using a named file on the mass storage.

Parameter Typical Return

Any valid file name on current mass storage directory (none)

Store instrument setup to file named "completeSetup.all" on internal storage:


MMEM:STOR:ALL "INT:\completeSetup.all"

Load a complete instrument setup from the file in internal mass memory.
MMEM:LOAD:ALL "INT:\completeSetup.all"

l These commands allow you to duplicate instrument conditions from some previous time.

l This command loads the current instrument setup (such as is used by *SAV and *RCL).

l Instrument setup files used by these commands contain much more than the state files used by *SAV and *RCL.
They also contain stored states and arbitrary waveforms, GPIB and LAN parameters, number format, beep on/off,
display options, and help language.

l If the destination file exists, it is overwritten, unless marked as hidden or system.

MMEMory:LOAD:DATA[1|2] <filename>
Loads the specified arb segment(.arb/.barb) or arb sequence (.seq) file in INTERNAL or USB memory into volatile mem-
ory for the specified channel.

Parameter Typical Return

Any valid file name, as described below. (none)

Load an arbitrary waveform segment from the internal drive into volatile memory for channel 1 and selects it for
use.
MMEM:LOAD:DATA "Int:\Builtin\HAVERSINE.arb"
FUNC:ARB "Int:\Builtin\HAVERSINE.ARB"

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MMEMory Subsystem

l If a sequence file (.seq) is specified, all the arbitrary waveforms defined in the file are loaded.

l If the waveform referenced by <filename> has already been loaded, the instrument will generate error number
+786, "Specified arb waveform already exists". Deleting an existing waveform requires clearing the waveform
non-volatile memory with DATA:VOLatile:CLEar.

MMEMory:LOAD:LIST[1|2] <filename>

MMEMory:STORe:LIST[1|2] <filename>
Loads or stores a frequency list file (.lst).

Parameter Typical Return

Any valid file name on the mass memory device (none)

Store the current frequency list to a LIST file on internal storage:


MMEM:STOR:LIST "INT:\FreqList.lst"

Load a LIST file on the internal storage mass memory system (file named FreqList.lst).
MMEM:LOAD:LIST "INT:\FreqList.lst"

l A frequency list controls frequency in FREQ:MODE LIST, rapidly changing to the next frequency in the list when a
trigger event is received.

l A frequency list file contains a comma-separated sequence of ASCII numbers, with the first number representing
the number of frequencies in the list:

3, 100.000000, 1000.000000, 550.000000

l If the destination file exists, it is overwritten, unless marked as hidden or system.

MMEMory:LOAD:STATe <filename>

MMEMory:STORe:STATe <filename>
Stores the current instrument state to a state file. The file name optionally includes the folder name and the .sta file
extension.

Parameter Typical Return

Any valid file name on the current directory (none)

Store the current instrument state to the state file MyFreqMeas.sta in the root directory of the internal flash file sys-
tem.
MMEM:STOR:STAT "INT:\MySetup"

Load the instrument state from MySetup.sta in the root directory of the internal storage.
MMEM:LOAD:STAT "INT:\MySetup.sta"

MMEMory:MOVE <file1>,<file2>
Moves and/or renames <file1> to <file2>. The file names must include the file extension.

262 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


MMEMory Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

Both files may be any valid file name (none)

Move the state file MySetup.sta from the currently selected default directory to the folder "Backup" on the internal
flash file system;
MMEM:MOVE "MySetup.sta","INT:\Backup"

Rename the arbitrary waveform arbMonday on the USB drive to the name arbTuesday.
MMEM:MOVE "USB:\arbMonday", "USB:\arbTuesday"

l To simply rename a file, specify the same folder for <file1> and <file2>.

l To move a file to a file of the same name in a different folder, you can specify just the <drive>:<path> for <file2>.

MMEMory:STORe:DATA[1|2] <filename>
Stores the specified arb segment(.arb/.barb) or arb sequence (.seq) data in the channel specified volatile memory
(default, channel 1) in INTERNAL or USB memory.

Parameter Typical Return

Any valid file name (none)

Store an arbitrary sequence loaded in volatile memory on channel 1 to the internal drive. MMEM:STOR:DATA
"INT:\Sequence1.seq"

l When you store an arbitrary waveform segment or sequence (MMEMory:STORe:DATA[1|2]), the instrument's cur-
rent settings (voltage values, sample rate, filter type, and so on) are stored in the segment or sequence file. When
you play the file for the first time with FUNCtion:ARBitrary, these settings are loaded and override the instru-
ment's current settings. If you have manually edited a segment or sequence file such that the instrument settings
have been removed, the instrument settings will not be changed when you execute FUNCtion:ARBitrary.

l If the destination file exists, it is overwritten, unless marked as hidden or system.

l If an arbitrary waveform sequence file (.seq) is specified, all the arbitrary waveform segment file names associated
with the sequence are stored in the file.

l Command will error if the specified arbitrary waveform segment or arbitrary waveform sequence is not found in vol-
atile memory.

MMEMory:UPLoad? <filename>
Uploads the contents of a file from the instrument to the host computer.

Parameter Typical Return

Any valid file name IEEE 488.2 definite-length block

The following command uploads the contents of the state file "Myfile.sta" in the root directory of the internal flash
file system to the host computer:
MMEM:UPL? "INT:\Myfile.sta"

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 263


OUTPut Subsystem

OUTPut Subsystem
The OUTPut subsystem controls the front-panel channel output and Sync connectors and the rear-panel Ext Trig con-
nector:

l OUTPut[1|2] - front-panel channel output connector state

l OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD - output termination impedance

l OUTPut[1|2]:MODE - channel output mode

l OUTPut[1|2]:POLarity - output waveform polarity

l OUTPut:SYNC - front-panel Sync connector state

l OUTPut[1|2]:SYNC:MODE - sync signal mode

l OUTPut[1|2]:SYNC:POLarity - sync waveform polarity

l OUTPut:SYNC:SOURce - channel used to drive sync signal

l OUTPut:TRIGger - rear-panel Ext Trig connector state

l OUTPut:TRIGger:SLOPe - "trigger out" polarity

l OUTPut:TRIGger:SOURce - channel for driving output trigger

OUTPut[1|2] {ON|1|OFF|0}
OUTPut[1|2]?
Enables or disables the front-panel output connector.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default OFF 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Enable output connector for channel 1:


OUTP ON

l When output is enabled, the front-panel channel output key is illuminated.

l The APPLy commands override current OUTPut setting and enable the channel output connector.

l If excessive external voltage is applied to the front-panel channel output connector, an error message appears and
output is disabled. To re-enable output, remove overload from the output connector and send OUTPut ON.

l OUTPut changes the state of the channel output connector by switching the output relay, without zeroing output
voltage. Therefore, output may glitch for about a millisecond until signal stabilizes. Minimize glitching by first mini-
mizing amplitude (VOLTage MIN) and setting offset to 0 (VOLTage:OFFSet 0) before changing output state.

OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD {<ohms>|INFinity|MINimum|MAXimum}
OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets expected output termination. Should equal the load impedance attached to the output.

264 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


OUTPut Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

1 Ω to 10 kΩ, default 50 Ω +5.000000000000000E+02

Set output impedance to 300 Ω:


OUTP:LOAD 300

Set output impedance to "high impedance":


OUTP:LOAD INF

l The specified value is used for amplitude, offset, and high/low level settings.

l The instrument has a fixed series output impedance of 50 Ω to the front-panel channel connectors. If the actual
load impedance differs from the value specified, the displayed amplitude and offset levels will be incorrect. The load
impedance setting is simply a convenience to ensure that the displayed voltage matches the expected load.

l If you change the output termination setting, the displayed output amplitude, offset, and high/low levels are
adjusted (with no error generated). If the amplitude is 10 Vpp and you change the output termination setting
from 50 Ω to "high impedance" (OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD INF), the displayed amplitude doubles to 20 Vpp. Changing
from "high impedance" to 50 Ω halves the displayed amplitude. The output termination setting does not affect the
actual output voltage; it only changes the values displayed and queried from the remote interface. Actual output
voltage depends on the connected load.

l You cannot specify output amplitude in dBm if output termination is set to high impedance.The units are auto-
matically converted to Vpp. See VOLT:UNIT for details.

l You cannot change the output termination setting with voltage limits enabled; the instrument cannot know which
output termination settings the voltage limits apply to. To change the output termination setting, disable voltage
limits, set the new termination value, adjust voltage limits, and re-enable voltage limits.

l If INF (high impedance) is selected, the query returns 9.9E+37.

OUTPut[1|2]:MODE {NORMal|GATed}
OUTPut[1|2]:MODE?
Enables (GATed) or disables (NORMal) gating of the output waveform signal on and off using the trigger input.

Parameter Typical Return

{NORMal|GATed}, default NORMal GAT or NORM

Enable gated output:


OUTP:MODE GAT

l The effect of gating is independent of waveform phase or timing of any sort. When trigger input is asserted, the out-
put signal is generated. When trigger is not asserted, the waveform continues to be generated internally, but it is
not routed to channel output connector.

l Gating does not change channel output termination (does not operate output on/off relay).

OUTPut[1|2]:POLarity {NORMal|INVerted}
OUTPut[1|2]:POLarity?
Inverts waveform relative to the offset voltage.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 265


OUTPut Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

{NORMal|INVerted}, default NORMal NORM or INV

Set output polarity to INVerted:


OUTP:POL INV

l NORMal: waveform goes in one direction at the beginning of the cycle; INVerted: waveform goes in other.

l As shown below, the waveform is inverted relative to the offset voltage. The offset voltage remains unchanged
when the waveform is inverted.

l The Sync signal associated with an inverted waveform is not inverted.

OUTPut:SYNC {ON|1|OFF|0}
OUTPut:SYNC?
Disables or enables the front-panel Sync connector.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default ON 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Disable front panel Sync connector:


OUTP:SYNC OFF

l Disabling the Sync signal reduces output distortion at lower amplitudes.

l For more details on the Sync signal for each waveform function, see Sync Output Signal.

l When Sync is disabled, the output level on the Sync connector is a logic "low."

l Inverting a waveform (OUTPut[1|2]:POLarity INV) does not invert the Sync signal.

OUTPut[1|2]:SYNC:MODE {NORMal|CARRier|MARKer}
OUTPut[1|2]:SYNC:MODE?
Specifies normal Sync behavior (NORMal), forces Sync to follow the carrier waveform (CARRier), or indicates marker
position (MARKer).

Parameter Typical Return

{NORMal|CARRier|MARKer}, default NORMal NORM, CARR, or MARK

266 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


OUTPut Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

Set output sync mode to CARRier:


OUTPut:SYNC:MODE CARR

l The following table details the command's behavior:

<mode> Sync Behavior Conditions

NORMal Sync follows envelope of burst sig- When BURSt is on.


nal.

Sync follows envelope of sweep sig- When SWEep is on.


nal.

Sync follows modulating signal. When modulating and modulation source is internal.

Sync follows FUNC signal. All other conditions

CARRier Sync follows current When BURSt or SWEep is on and FUNC is ARB.
SOURce:MARKer:POINt setting.

Sync follows FUNC signal while burst When BURSt is on and FUNC is not ARB.
is on.

Sync follows FUNC signal. All other conditions

MARKer Sync follows current When in CW mode and FUNC is ARB.


SOURce:MARKer:POINt setting.
When modulating, modulation source is internal, and FUNC is
ARB or <modulation>:INT:FUNC is ARB.

When modulating, modulation source is external, and FUNC is


ARB.

Sync follows current When BURST is on.


SOURce:MARKer:CYCLe setting.

Sync follows current When SWEEP is on.


SOURce:MARKer:FREQuency set-
ting.

Sync follows modulating signal. When modulating, modulation source is external, FUNC is not
ARB, and INT:FUNC is not ARB.

Sync follows FUNC signal. All other conditions

OUTPut[1|2]:SYNC:POLarity {NORMal|INVerted}
OUTPut[1|2]:SYNC:POLarity?
Sets the desired output polarity of the Sync output to trigger external equipment that may require falling or rising
edge triggers.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 267


OUTPut Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

{NORMal|INVerted}, default NORMal NORM or INV

Set the instrument's output sync connector to normal behavior:


OUTP:SYNC:POL NORM

l NORMal: voltage on Sync output connector is near zero, and rises when a Sync event occurs. Voltage stays high
(approximately 3.3 V into high impedance connection) until Sync signal is de-asserted, when it falls back to near
zero.

l INVerted: opposite of NORMal.

l The Sync signal may be derived from either channel in a two-channel instrument (OUTPut:SYNC:SOURce), and
from several operating modes of the Sync signal (OUTPut:SYNC:MODE).

OUTPut:SYNC:SOURce {CH1|CH2}
OUTPut:SYNC:SOURce?
Sets the source for the Sync output connector.

Parameter Typical Return

{CH1|CH2}, default CH1 CH1 or CH2

Set sync source to channel 2:


OUTP :SYNC:SOUR CH2

OUTPut:TRIGger {ON|1|OFF|0}
OUTPut:TRIGger?
Disables or enables the "trigger out" signal for sweep and burst modes.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default OFF 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Enable trigger out signal:


OUTP:TRIG ON

l When enabled, a TTL-compatible square wave with the specified edge direction (OUTPut:TRIGger:SLOPe) is output
from the rear-panel Ext Trig connector at the beginning of the burst or sweep.

l In triggered burst mode:

l With TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce IMMediate, instrument outputs square wave with 50% duty cycle from the Ext
Trig connector. The waveform period equals the burst period (BURSt:INTernal:PERiod).

l With TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce EXTernal or BURSt:MODE GAT, the instrument disables "trigger out." The rear-
panel Ext Trig connector cannot be used for both operations simultaneously (an externally-triggered wave-
form uses the same connector to trigger sweep or burst).

l With TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce BUS, the instrument outputs a pulse (>1 µs pulse width) from the Ext Trig con-
nector at the beginning of each sweep or burst.

268 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


OUTPut Subsystem

l In frequency sweep mode:

l With TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce IMMediate, the instrument outputs a square wave with a 50% duty cycle (the ris-
ing edge is the sweep trigger) from the Ext Trig connector. Waveform period equals to the sweep time
(SWEep:TIME).

l With TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce EXTernal, instrument disables the "trigger out" signal. The rear-panel Ext Trig
connector cannot be used for both operations simultaneously (an externally-triggered sweep uses the same
connector to trigger the sweep).

l With TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce BUS, the instrument outputs a pulse (>1 µs pulse width) from the Ext Trig con-
nector at the beginning of each sweep or burst.

OUTPut:TRIGger:SLOPe {POSitive|NEGative}
OUTPut:TRIGger:SLOPe?
Selects whether the instrument uses the rising edge or falling edge for the "trigger out" signal.

Parameter Typical Return

{POSitive|NEGative}, default POSitive POS or NEG

Set trigger slope to NEGative (falling edge):


OUTP:TRIG:SLOP NEG

l POSitive outputs a rising edge pulse; NEGative outputs a falling edge pulse.

l When enabled using OUTPut:TRIGger, a TTL-compatible square wave with the specified edge direction is output
from the rear-panel Trig Out connector at the beginning of a sweep or burst.

OUTPut:TRIGger:SOURce {CH1|CH2}
OUTPut:TRIGger:SOURce?
Selects the source channel used by trigger output on a two-channel instrument. The source channel determines what
output signal to generate on the trigger out connector.

Parameter Typical Return

{CH1|CH2}, default CH1 CH1 or CH2

Set output trigger source to CH2:


OUTP:TRIG:SOUR CH2

l In a two-channel instrument, either channel may be source channel for the trigger output, but channel 2 is not
valid for dual arbitrary (IQ) waveforms.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 269


PHASe Subsystem

PHASe Subsystem
The PHASe subsystem allows you to adjust the waveform phase; this is useful in channel-to-channel and channel-to-
Sync applications. This subsystem also allows you to use the 10 MHz Out and 10 MHz In rear-panel connectors to
synchronize multiple instruments.

l PHASe - sets phase offset of output waveform (not available for arbitrary waveforms or noise)

l PHASe:SYNChronize - synchronizes phase of both internal channels on a two-channel instrument.

l PHASe:REFerence - sets new zero-phase reference point without changing instrument output

l PHASe:UNLock:ERRor:STATe - specifies whether instrument generates an error upon losing phase-lock

[SOURce[1|2]:]PHASe {<angle>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PHASe? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets waveform's phase offset angle.

Parameter Typical Return

-360 to +360 degrees, or -2π to +2π radians, as specified by UNIT:ANGLe. Default 0. +1.5000000000000E+01

Set channel 1 phase offset to 15 degrees:


UNIT:ANGL DEG
PHAS 15

l Phase offset is independent of burst phase (BURSt:PHASe).

l This command does not modify channel's primary phase generator; it simply adds phase offset.

l This command also useful for modifying phase relationship between channels in a two-channel instrument and
between the channel and its sync signal.

l In a two-channel instrument, use PHASe:SYNChronize to synchronize the phases of the two internal channels.
Each channel will retain its current phase offset, but the two channels will have a common reference point so the
channel-to-channel phase difference will be known.

l When synchronizing the phase of multiple instruments (ROSC commands), the phase command allows adjust-
ment of the phase relationship between the instruments.

[SOURce[1|2]:]PHASe:REFerence
Simultaneously removes the offset set by PHASe and adjusts the primary phase generator by an amount equivalent to
the PHASe setting. This retains the phase relationship set with another instrument while realigning the sync signal
with the output.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Reset the zero-phase reference point for channel 1:


PHAS:REF

270 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


PHASe Subsystem

l The primary purpose of this command is to establish a zero-point between two connected instruments. For chan-
nel-to-channel operation on a two-channel instrument, use PHASe:SYNChronize.

l Setting a new zero-phase reference point means that the value subsequently returned by a PHASe? query com-
mand is reset to "0", but the output waveform itself does not change.

[SOURce[1|2]:]PHASe:SYNChronize
Simultaneously resets all phase generators in the instrument, including the modulation phase generators, to establish
a common, internal phase zero reference point. This command does not affect PHASe setting of either channel; it
simply establishes phase difference between channels as the sum of SOUR1:PHAS and SOUR2:PHAS instead of an arbi-
trary amount.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Reset all phase generators:


PHAS:SYNC

l SOURce1 and SOURce2 mean nothing for this command.

l This command breaks the phase relation with another instrument, because it resets the phase generators.

l In single channel instruments, this synchronizes the main channel with the internal modulation generator.

l You can synchronize the phase between the primary signal and the SUM signal by sending SOURce[1|2]:PHA-
Se:SYNChronize after setting the functions for the primary signal and the SUM signal. Otherwise, the phase
between the two signals is arbitrary.

[SOURce[1|2]:]PHASe:UNLock:ERRor:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PHASe:UNLock:ERRor:STATe?
Enables or disables the generation of an error if the phase-lock is ever lost by the instrument timebase. The instru-
ment uses one timebase for both channels.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default OFF 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Enable the generation of phase-lock errors:


PHASe:UNLock:ERRor:STATe ON

l SOURce1 and SOURce2 mean nothing for this command.

l If the phase-lock is lost and the error is enabled, a "Reference phase-locked loop is unlocked" error is generated.

l Volatile setting, lost on power cycle.

l A faulty reference signal applied to the 10 MHz In connector may generate many error messages.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 271


PM Subsystem

PM Subsystem
The PM subsystem allows you to phase modulate a waveform.

This summarizes the steps required to generate a phase modulated waveform.

1. Configure carrier waveform: Use FUNCtion, FREQuency, VOLTage, and VOLTage:OFFSet to specify the carrier
waveform's function, frequency, amplitude, and offset.

2. Select modulation source (internal, external, CH1 or CH2): PM:SOURce. For an external modulation
source, skip steps 3 and 4.

3. Set modulating waveform: PM:INTernal:FUNCtion

4. Set modulating frequency: PM:INTernal:FREQuency

5. Set phase deviation: PM:DEViation

6. Enable PM: PM:STATe:ON

The following code produces the oscilloscope image shown below.

FUNCtion SQU
FREQuency +1.0E+04
VOLTage +1.0
VOLTage:OFFset 0.0
PM:SOURce INT
PM:DEViation +90
PM:INTernal:FREQuency +2500
PM:INTernal:FUNCtion RAMP
PM:STATe 1
OUTPut1 1

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:DEViation {<deviation in degrees>|MINimum|MAXimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:DEViation? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the phase deviation in degrees. This value represents the peak variation in phase of the modulated waveform
from the carrier waveform.

272 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


PM Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

0 to 360, default 180 +9.000000000000000E+01

Set phase deviation to ± 90 degrees


PM:DEV 90

l With the External modulating source, deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the rear-panel Mod-
ulation In connector. For example, if you have set the frequency deviation to 180 degrees, then a +5 V signal
level corresponds to a +180 degree phase deviation. Lower external signal levels produce less deviation, and neg-
ative signal levels produce negative deviation.

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:INTernal:FREQuency {<frequency >|MINimum|MAXimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:INTernal:FREQuency? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the frequency of the modulating waveform. The waveform chosen as the modulating source will operate at that
frequency, within the frequency limits of that waveform.

Parameter Typical Return

1 μHz to the maximum allowed for the internal function. Default 10 Hz. +1.000000000000000E-06

Set modulating frequency to 10 kHz:


PM:INT:FREQ 10000

Set modulating frequency to 1 μHz:


PM:INT:FREQ MIN

l When you select an arbitrary waveform as the modulating source, the frequency changes to the frequency of the
arbitrary waveform, which is based on the sample rate and the number of points in the arbitrary waveform.

l When using an arbitrary waveform for the modulating source, changing this parameter also changes the cached
metadata representing the aribtrary waveform's sample rate. You can also change the modulating frequency of an
arbitrary waveform with FUNCtion:ARBitrary:FREQuency, FUNCtion:ARBitrary:PERiod, and FUNC-
tion:ARBitrary:SRATe. These commands and the modulation frequency command are directly coupled in order to
keep the arbitrary waveform behaving exactly as it was last played. If you later turn modulation off and select that
same arbitrary waveform as the current function, its sample rate (and corresponding frequency based upon the
number of points) will be the same as it was when played as the modulation source.

l If the internal function is TRIangle, UpRamp, or DnRamp, the maximum frequency limited to 200 kHz. If the inter-
nal function is PRBS, the frequency refers to bit rate and is limited to 50 Mbps.

l This command should be used only with the internal modulation source (PM:SOURce INTernal).

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:INTernal:FUNCtion <function>
[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:INTernal:FUNCtion?
Selects shape of modulating waveform.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 273


PM Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

{SINusoid|SQUare|RAMP|NRAMp|TRIangle|NOISe|PRBS|ARB}, SIN, SQU, RAMP, NRAM, TRI, NOIS, PRBS,


default SINusoid or ARB
View internal function waveforms.

Select a sine wave as the modulating waveform:


PM:INT:FUNC SIN

l This command should be used only with the internal modulation source (PM:SOURce INTernal).

l You can use noise as the modulating waveform, but you cannot use noise, pulse, or DC as the carrier.

274 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce?[SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce?

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal}
[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:SOURce?
Select the source of the modulating signal.

Parameter Typical Return

{INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}, default INTernal. BPSK and FSKey can- INT, EXT, CH1, or CH2
not accept CH1 or CH2

Select external modulation source:


AM:SOUR EXT (could also substitute FM, BPSK, FSK, PM, or PWM for AM)

Remarks
l If you select EXTernal, the carrier waveform is modulated with an external waveform. Specifically:

l AM:The modulation depth is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the rear-panel Modulation In connector.
For example, if modulation depth (AM[:DEPTh]) is 100%, then when the modulating signal is at +5 V, the out-
put will be at the maximum amplitude. Similarly, a -5 V modulating signal produces output at minimum ampli-
tude.

l FM:If you select the External modulating source, the deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the
rear-panel Modulation In connector.For example, if the frequency deviation is 100 kHz, then a +5 V signal
level corresponds to a 100 kHz increase in frequency.Lower external signal levels produce less deviation and
negative signal levels reduce the frequency below the carrier frequency.

l PM:With the External modulating source, deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the rear-panel
Modulation In connector. For example, if you have set the frequency deviation to 180 degrees, then a +5 V
signal level corresponds to a +180 degree phase deviation. Lower external signal levels produce less deviation,
and negative signal levels produce negative deviation.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 275


[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce?[SOURce

l Pulse as Selected Function: The pulse width or pulse duty cycle deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal
level present on the rear-panel Modulation In connector. For example, if you have set the pulse width devi-
ation to 50 μs using the PWM:DEViation command, then a +5 V signal level corresponds to a 50 μs width
increase. Lower external signal levels produce less deviation.

l With EXTernal source, the output phase (BPSK) or frequency (FSK) is determined by the signal level on the rear-
panel Ext Trig connector. When a logic low is present, the carrier phase or carrier frequency is output. When a
logic high is present, the phase shifted phase or hop frequency is output.

l The maximum external BPSK rate is 1 MHz, and the maximum FSK rate is 1 MHz.

l Note: the connector used for externally-controlled BPSK or FSK waveforms (Trig In) is not the same connector
that is used for externally-modulated AM, FM, PM, and PWM waveforms (Modulation In). When used for BPSK or
FSK, the Trig In connector does not have adjustable edge polarity and is not affected by the TRIGger[1|2]:SLOPe
command.

l With INTernal source, the rate at which output phase (BPSK) or frequency (FSKey) "shifts" between the carrier
phase or frequency and the alternate phase or frequency is determined by the BPSK rate (BPSK:INTernal:RATE) or
FSK rate (FSKey:INTernal:RATE).

l A channel may not be its own modulation source.

See Also
AM Subsystem

BPSK Subsystem

FM Subsystem

FSKey Subsystem

PM Subsystem

PWM Subsystem

276 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe?[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe?

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:STATe?
Enables or disables modulation.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default OFF 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Enable AM (could also substitute FM, BPSK, FSK, PM, or PWM):


AM:STAT ON

l To avoid multiple waveform changes, enable modulation after configuring the other modulation parameters.

l Only one modulation mode may be enabled at a time.

l The instrument will not enable modulation with sweep or burst enabled. When you enable modulation, the sweep
or burst mode is turned off.

l PWM is allowed only when pulse is the selected function.

See Also
AM Subsystem

BPSK Subsystem

FM Subsystem

FSKey Subsystem

PM Subsystem

PWM Subsystem

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 277


PWM Subsystem

PWM Subsystem
The PWM subsystem allows you to perform pulse width modulation (PWM) on a pulse waveform.

Example
This summarizes the steps required to generate a PWM waveform.

1. Configure carrier waveform: Use FUNCtion, FREQuency, VOLTage, and VOLTage:OFFSet to specify the carrier
waveform's function, frequency, amplitude, and offset.

2. Select modulation source (internal, external, CH1, or CH2): PWM:SOURce. For an external modulation
source, skip steps 3 and 4.

3. Select modulating waveform: PWM:INTernal:FUNCtion

4. Set modulating frequency: PWM:INTernal:FREQuency

5. Set pulse width or duty cycle deviation:PWM:DEViation or PWM:DEViation:DCYCle

6. Enable PWM: PWM:STATe:ON

The following code produces the oscilloscope image shown below.

FUNCtion PULS
FREQuency +5000.0
VOLTage +1.0
VOLTage:OFFS +0.0
PWM:DEViation +5.0E-05
PWM:DEViation:DCYCle +25.0
PWM:INTernal:FREQuency +1000.0
PWM:INTernal:FUNCtion RAMP
PWM:STATe 1
OUTPut1 1

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:DEViation {<deviation>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:DEViation? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets pulse width deviation; the ± variation in width (in seconds) from the pulse width of the carrier pulse waveform.

278 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


PWM Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

0 to 1000 (seconds); default 10 μs +1.000000000000000E+00

Set pulse width deviation to 1 s:


PWM:DEV 1

Set pulse width deviation to 0 s:


PWM:DEV MIN

l The deviation is a ± deviation, so if the pulse width is 10 ms and the deviation is 4 ms, the width can vary from 6 to
14 ms.

l The pulse width deviation cannot exceed the current pulse width, and is also limited by the minimum pulse width
(Wmin):

Width Deviation < Pulse Width – Wmin


and
Width Deviation < Period – Pulse Width – Wmin

l The pulse width deviation is limited by the current edge time setting.

Width Deviation < Pulse Width – (0.8 x Leading Edge Time) – (0.8 x Trailing Edge Time)
and
Width Deviation < Period – Pulse Width – (0.8 x Leading Edge Time) – (0.8 x Trailing Edge Time)

l If you select the External modulating source (PWM:SOURce EXTernal), the deviation is controlled by the ±5 V sig-
nal level present on the rear-panel Modulation In connector. For example, if you have set the width deviation to
10 μs, then a +5 V signal level corresponds to a 10 μs deviation. Lower external signal levels produce less devi-
ation. Negative signal levels produce negative deviation.

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:DEViation:DCYCle {<deviation_in_pct>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:DEViation:DCYCle? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets duty cycle deviation in percent of period. This is the peak variation in duty cycle from the underlying pulse wave-
form. For example, if duty cycle is 10% and duty cycle deviation is 5%, the duty cycle of the modulated waveform will
vary from 5% to 15%.

Parameter Typical Return

Duty cycle in percent of period, from 0 to 99.9; default approximately 1 percent +5.000000000000000E+00

Set pulse width deviation to 5%:


PWM:DEV:DCYC 5

l Duty cycle deviation cannot exceed pulse duty cycle.

l Duty cycle deviation also limited by minimum pulse width (Wmin):

Duty Cycle Deviation < Duty Cycle – 100 x Wmin ÷ Period

and
Duty Cycle Deviation < 100 – Duty Cycle – 100 x Wmin ÷ Period
where Wmin = 16 ns.

l Duty cycle deviation limited by edge time.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 279


PWM Subsystem

Duty Cycle Dev < Duty Cycle – (80 x Leading Edge Time) ÷ Period – (80 x Trailing Edge Time) ÷ Period
and
Duty Cycle Dev < 100 – Duty Cycle – (80 x Leading Edge Time) ÷ Period – (80 x Trailing Edge Time) ÷
Period

l With PWM:SOURce EXTernal, deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on rear-panel Modulation In con-
nector. For example, with duty cycle deviation of 5 percent, a +5 V signal level corresponds to 5% deviation, an
additional 5% of period added to the pulse duty cycle. Lower external signal levels produce less deviation, and neg-
ative signal levels reduce the duty cycle.

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:INTernal:FREQuency {<frequency >|MAXimum|MINimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:INTernal:FREQuency? [{MAXimum|MINimum}]
Selects frequency at which output pulse width shifts through its pulse width deviation. The waveform used as the mod-
ulating source will operate at that frequency, within frequency limits of that waveform.

Parameter Typical Return

1 μHz to the maximum allowed for the internal function. Default 10 Hz +1.000000000000000E+02

Set internal PWM frequency to 100 Hz:


PWM:INT:FREQ 100

l When you select an arbitrary waveform as the modulating source, the frequency changes to the frequency of the
arbitrary waveform, which is based on the sample rate and the number of points in the arbitrary waveform.

l When using an arbitrary waveform for the modulating source, changing this parameter also changes the cached
metadata representing the aribtrary waveform's sample rate. You can also change the modulating frequency of an
arbitrary waveform with FUNCtion:ARBitrary:FREQuency, FUNCtion:ARBitrary:PERiod, and FUNC-
tion:ARBitrary:SRATe. These commands and the modulation frequency command are directly coupled in order to
keep the arbitrary waveform behaving exactly as it was last played. If you later turn modulation off and select that
same arbitrary waveform as the current function, its sample rate (and corresponding frequency based upon the
number of points) will be the same as it was when played as the modulation source.

l If the internal function is TRIangle, UpRamp, or DnRamp, the maximum frequency limited to 200 kHz. If the inter-
nal function is PRBS, the frequency refers to bit rate and is limited to 50 Mbps.

l This command should be used only with the internal modulation source (PWM:SOURce INTernal).

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:INTernal:FUNCtion <function>
[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:INTernal:FUNCtion?
Selects shape of the internal modulating waveform.

Parameter Typical Return

{SINusoid|SQUare|RAMP|NRAMp|TRIangle|NOISe|PRBS|ARB}, SIN, SQU, RAMP, NRAM, TRI, NOIS, PRBS,


default SINusoid or ARB
View internal function waveforms.

Select a sine wave as the modulating waveform shape:


PWM:INT:FUNC SIN

l This command should be used only with the internal modulation source (PWM:SOURce INTernal).

280 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce?[SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce?

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal}
[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:SOURce

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:SOURce?
Select the source of the modulating signal.

Parameter Typical Return

{INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}, default INTernal. BPSK and FSKey can- INT, EXT, CH1, or CH2
not accept CH1 or CH2

Select external modulation source:


AM:SOUR EXT (could also substitute FM, BPSK, FSK, PM, or PWM for AM)

Remarks
l If you select EXTernal, the carrier waveform is modulated with an external waveform. Specifically:

l AM:The modulation depth is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the rear-panel Modulation In connector.
For example, if modulation depth (AM[:DEPTh]) is 100%, then when the modulating signal is at +5 V, the out-
put will be at the maximum amplitude. Similarly, a -5 V modulating signal produces output at minimum ampli-
tude.

l FM:If you select the External modulating source, the deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the
rear-panel Modulation In connector.For example, if the frequency deviation is 100 kHz, then a +5 V signal
level corresponds to a 100 kHz increase in frequency.Lower external signal levels produce less deviation and
negative signal levels reduce the frequency below the carrier frequency.

l PM:With the External modulating source, deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal level on the rear-panel
Modulation In connector. For example, if you have set the frequency deviation to 180 degrees, then a +5 V
signal level corresponds to a +180 degree phase deviation. Lower external signal levels produce less deviation,
and negative signal levels produce negative deviation.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 281


[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal|CH1|CH2}[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce?[SOURce

l Pulse as Selected Function: The pulse width or pulse duty cycle deviation is controlled by the ±5 V signal
level present on the rear-panel Modulation In connector. For example, if you have set the pulse width devi-
ation to 50 μs using the PWM:DEViation command, then a +5 V signal level corresponds to a 50 μs width
increase. Lower external signal levels produce less deviation.

l With EXTernal source, the output phase (BPSK) or frequency (FSK) is determined by the signal level on the rear-
panel Ext Trig connector. When a logic low is present, the carrier phase or carrier frequency is output. When a
logic high is present, the phase shifted phase or hop frequency is output.

l The maximum external BPSK rate is 1 MHz, and the maximum FSK rate is 1 MHz.

l Note: the connector used for externally-controlled BPSK or FSK waveforms (Trig In) is not the same connector
that is used for externally-modulated AM, FM, PM, and PWM waveforms (Modulation In). When used for BPSK or
FSK, the Trig In connector does not have adjustable edge polarity and is not affected by the TRIGger[1|2]:SLOPe
command.

l With INTernal source, the rate at which output phase (BPSK) or frequency (FSKey) "shifts" between the carrier
phase or frequency and the alternate phase or frequency is determined by the BPSK rate (BPSK:INTernal:RATE) or
FSK rate (FSKey:INTernal:RATE).

l A channel may not be its own modulation source.

See Also
AM Subsystem

BPSK Subsystem

FM Subsystem

FSKey Subsystem

PM Subsystem

PWM Subsystem

282 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe?[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe?

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:STATe

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:STATe?
Enables or disables modulation.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default OFF 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Enable AM (could also substitute FM, BPSK, FSK, PM, or PWM):


AM:STAT ON

l To avoid multiple waveform changes, enable modulation after configuring the other modulation parameters.

l Only one modulation mode may be enabled at a time.

l The instrument will not enable modulation with sweep or burst enabled. When you enable modulation, the sweep
or burst mode is turned off.

l PWM is allowed only when pulse is the selected function.

See Also
AM Subsystem

BPSK Subsystem

FM Subsystem

FSKey Subsystem

PM Subsystem

PWM Subsystem

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 283


RATE Subsystem

RATE Subsystem
The RATE subsystem allows you to couple the outputs' sample rates on a two-channel instrument by specifying the fol-
lowing items:

l RATE:COUPle[:STATe] - whether coupling is used

l RATE:COUPle:MODE - whether coupling is done as a ratio or an offset

l RATE:COUPle:OFFSet - offset used when the coupling is done as an offset

l RATE:COUPle:RATio - ratio used when the coupling is done as a ratio

[SOURce[1|2]:]RATE:COUPle[:STATe] {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]RATE:COUPle[:STATe]?
Enables or disables sample rate coupling between channels, or allows one-time copying of one channel's sample rate
into the other channel.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default OFF 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Turn on sample rate coupled state:


RATE:COUP ON

l The ON value starts sample rate coupling in the mode specified by RATE:COUPle:MODE.

l If the current offset or ratio, combined with the current sample rate settings, would cause either sample rate to
exceed instrument specifications, the instrument will generate an error and the exceeded sample rate will clip at
its maximum or minimum value.

l If setting mode to RATIO and setting RATIO to 1.0 still exceeds the specifications of either channel, an error mes-
sage will be generated and the RATE:COUPle[:STATe] will not be turned ON.

l Both channels must be configured for FUNCtion ARB in order to enable sample rate coupling.

[SOURce[1|2]:]RATE:COUPle:MODE {OFFSet|RATio}
[SOURce[1|2]:]RATE:COUPle:MODE?
Sets type of sample rate coupling to either a constant sample rate offset (OFFSet) or a constant ratio (RATio) between
the channels' sample rates.

Parameter Typical Return

{OFFSet|RATio}, default RATio OFFS or RAT

Set the sample rate coupling mode to OFFSet.


RATE:COUP:MODE OFFSet

l The default RATio is 1.

l The default sample rate coupling is OFF.

l The SOURce[1|2] keyword is ignored; the setting applies to both channels.

284 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


RATE Subsystem

[SOURce[1|2]:]RATE:COUPle:OFFSet <sample_rate>
[SOURce[1|2]:]RATE:COUPle:OFFSet?
Sets sample rate offset when a two-channel instrument is in sample rate coupled mode OFFSet.

Parameter Typical Return

Valid values depend on FUNCtion:ARBitrary:FILTer setting. For NORMal and STEP, +8.000000000000000E+02
the range is between ± 250 MSa/s . For OFF, the range is between ±62.5 MSa/s. In
either case, default is 0.

Set sample rate offset of channel 2 to 10.3 kSa/s higher than sample rate of channel 1.
RATE:COUPle:OFFSet 10300

Sets the sample rate offset of channel 1 to 45 kSa/s below the sample rate of channel 2.
SOUR2:RATE:COUP:OFFS -45000

l When specifying OFFSet or RATio, the SOURce channel specified in the command (SOURce1 or SOURce2) is used
as the reference channel and the offset or ratio is applied to the other channel. For example, suppose the function
generator is in RATE:COUPle[:STATe] ON and RATE:COUPle:MODE is set to OFFSet. Furthermore, suppose channel
1 is currently operating at 2 kSa/s, and channel 2 is at 10 kSa/s. The command SOURce1:RATE:-
COUPle:OFFSet 2.5 causes Channel 1 to remain at 2 Sa/s, and Channel 2 to be set to 4.5 Sa/s. As the sample
rate of either channel changes, the other channel's sample rate changes to maintain the specified coupling.

l If the sample rate coupling would cause either channel to exceed instrument sample rate specifications for the
present functions, the command will result in an error, and the sample rate will be set to its maximum or mini-
mum limit for the particular channel.

[SOURce[1|2]:]RATe:COUPle:RATio <ratio>
[SOURce[1|2]:]RATe:COUPle:RATio?
Sets offset ratio between channel sample rates when a two-channel instrument is in sample rate coupled mode RATio.

Parameter Typical Return

0.001 to 1000, default 1 +7.500000000000000E-1

Set channel 2's sample rate to twice that of channel 1.


SOUR1:RATE:COUP:RATio 2

Set channel 1's sample rate to 3.14 times that of channel 2.


SOUR2:RATE:COUPle:RAT 3.14

l When specifying OFFSet or RATio, the SOURce channel specified in the command (SOURce1 or SOURce2) is used
as the reference channel and the offset or ratio is applied to the other channel. For example, suppose the function
generator is coupled in RATio mode. Furthermore, suppose channel 1 is currently operating at 2 kSa/s, and chan-
nel 2 is at 10 kSa/s.

The command SOURce1:RATe:COUPle:RATio 2.5 causes Channel 1 to remain at 2 kSa/s, and Channel 2 to be
set to 5 kSa/s. As the sample rate of either channel changes, the other channel's sample rate changes to maintain
the specified coupling.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 285


RATE Subsystem

l If the sample rate coupling would cause either channel to exceed instrument sample rate specifications for the
present functions, the command will result in an error, and the sample rate will be set to its maximum or mini-
mum limit for the particular channel.

286 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


ROSCillator Subsystem

ROSCillator Subsystem
The ROSCillator subsystem controls use of the 10 MHz reference oscillator and external reference oscillator input. The
reference oscillator is the primary clock for all waveform synthesis. All waveforms are phase-locked to the reference
oscillator, which therefore controls output signal frequency and phase.

l ROSCillator:SOURce - selects internal or external reference oscillator source

l ROSCillator:SOURce:AUTO - disables or enables automatic selection of reference oscillator signal source

l ROSCillator:SOURce:CURRent? - returns INT or EXT to indicate current reference oscillator source

ROSC:SOURce sets ROSCillator:SOURce:AUTO to OFF, and ROSCillator:SOURce:AUTO ON overrides ROSC:SOURce. The


more recent command (of these two) takes priority.

ROSCillator:SOURce:AUTO ON uses the instrument's internal oscillator as the reference oscillator. This may be either
standard Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO) or the optional Ovenized Crystal Oscillator (OCXO).

See *OPT? for details on determining whether OCXO is installed. If an external 10 MHz reference signal is on the rear-
panel 10 MHz In connector, the instrument uses the external signal. An icon also appears at the top right corner of
the display to indicate the reference source change.

ROSCillator:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal}
ROSCillator:SOURce?
Selects the source for the reference oscillator used as the frequency/phase reference for signals generated by the
instrument.

Parameter Typical Return

{INTernal|EXTernal}, default INT INT or EXT

Use the external reference oscillator source:


ROSC:SOUR EXT

l EXTernal:instrument uses signal on the rear-panel 10 MHz In connector as reference, and generates an error if
this signal is absent or the instrument cannot lock to it. In such error cases, instrument output continues, but the
frequency will be unstable.

l INTernal: instrument uses the internal reference oscillator and ignores the signal at the 10 MHz In connector.

ROSCillator:SOURce:AUTO {ON|OFF}
ROSCillator:SOURce:AUTO?
Disables or enables automatic selection of the reference oscillator.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|OFF}, default ON ON or OFF

Select reference source automatically:


ROSC:SOUR:AUTO ON

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 287


ROSCillator Subsystem

l ON: the instrument preferentially selects a 10 MHz signal from the rear-panel 10 MHz In connector.

l OFF: the instrument selects the reference oscillator based on the ROSC:SOURce setting.

ROSCillator:SOURce:CURRent?
Indicates which reference oscillator signal is currently in use when ROSC:SOURce:AUTO is ON.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) INT (internal) or EXT (10 MHz connector on rear panel)

Determine reference signal source:


ROSC:SOUR:CURR?

l INT refers to the basic internal TCXO or the optional ovenized OCXO oscillator, whichever is installed.

288 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


SOURce Subsystem

SOURce Subsystem
The SOURce keyword is optional in many commands that set parameters for a source or output channel.

Example
The SOURce keyword and the channel number are optional in the [SOURce[1|2]:]AM[:DEPTh]? query, and if it is
omitted, the source defaults to channel 1. The following table shows how various forms of the query are interpreted.

Parameter Typical Return

AM:DEPTh? returns the modulation depth of channel 1

SOUR1:AM:DEPTh? returns the modulation depth of channel 1

SOUR2:AM:DEPTh? returns the modulation depth of channel 2 (two-channel instruments only)

Subsystems Using the Optional SOURce Keyword


Because SOURce subsystem commands are often used without the SOURce keyword, these commands are listed by
their individual subsystems, below:

AM

APPLy

BPSK

BURSt

DATA

FM

FREQuency

FSKey

FUNCtion

LIST

MARKer

PHASe

PM

PWM

ROSCillator

SUM

SWEep

VOLTage

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 289


SOURce Subsystem

Commands Using the Optional SOURce Keyword


The following commands, which are not part of any subsystem, also have the optional SOURce keyword:

COMBine:FEED

TRACk

290 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


STATus Subsystem Introduction

STATus Subsystem Introduction


The instrument's SCPI status system records various instrument conditions and states in several register groups.

In this subsystem, an event is something that occurred, even though it may not still be occurring. A condition is some-
thing that is currently present. A condition will appear in the event register, but the event register is read destructive; it
is cleared (set to 0) when read.

The STATus commandsmanipulate bits in two of the enable registers. You can:

l Enable bits in the Questionable Data enable register (STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle).

l Enable bits in the Operation enable register (STATus:OPERation:ENABle). Query: STATus:OPERation:ENABle?

l Clear all bits in the Questionable Data enable register and the Standard Operation enable register (STAT-
us:PRESet).

The STATus queries accesses information about the status bits in the Questionable Data registers, including:

l The binary-weighted sum of all bits enabled in the Questionable Data condition register ( STAT-
us:QUEStionable:CONDition?)

l The binary-weighted sum of all bits enabled in the Questionable Data event register (STATus:QUEStionable
[:EVENt]?)

l The binary-weighted sum of all bits enabled in the Questionable Data enable register (STAT-
us:QUEStionable:ENABle?).

The STATus queries also allow you to access information about the status bits in the Operation registers, including:

l The binary-weighted sum of all bits enabled in the Operation condition register (STATus:OPERation:CONDition?).

l The binary-weighted sum of all bits enabled in the Operation event register (STATus:OPERation:EVENt?).

Standard Operation Register Group


The following table describes the Standard Operation Register group.

Bit Bit Name Decimal Definition


Value

0 Calibrating 1 The instrument is performing a calibration.

1 Self-test 2 A self-test is running.

2 (Reserved) 4 (Reserved for future use)

3 Channel 1 Initiated 8 Channel is initiated and outputting the desired wave-


form. In INIT[1|2]:CONT OFF, this bit is set after receiv-
ing an INIT and not cleared until channel goes to IDLE
4 Channel 2 Initiated 16 ( trigger count satisfied and not busy.) This bit is 0 if the
channel is in INIT[1|2]:CONT ON mode.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 291


STATus Subsystem Introduction

5 Waiting for Trigger, 32 Instrument is waiting for a trigger. In INIT[1|2]:CONT


Channel 1 OFF, this bit is set after receiving an INIT and while wait-
ing for a trigger. It is cleared after receiving the trigger.
6 Waiting for Trigger, 64 This bit is 0 if the channel is in INIT[1|2]:CONT ON
Channel 2 mode.

7 (Reserved) 128 (Reserved for future use)

8 Configuration 256 This bit is always 0 in the condition register, as it


Changed Event reflects an event, not a condition.

9 (Reserved) 512 (Reserved for future use)

10 Instrument Locked 1024 If a remote interface (USB or LAN) has a lock (SYS-
Tem:LOCK:REQuest?), this bit will be set. When a
remote interface releases the lock (SYS-
Tem:LOCK:RELease), this bit will be cleared.

11 (Reserved) 2048 (Reserved for future use)

12 (Reserved) 4096 (Reserved for future use)

13 Global Error 8192 This is set if any remote interface has an error in its
error queue, and cleared otherwise.

14- (Reserved) 16,384 - (Reserved for future use)


15 32,768

Questionable Data Register Group


The following table describes the Questionable Data Register group.

Bit Bit Name Decimal Definition


Value

0 Channel 1 Volt- 1 Voltage overload on channel 1 output connector. The out-


age Overload put has been disabled.

1 Channel 2 Volt- 2 Voltage overload on channel 2 output connector. The out-


age Overload put has been disabled.

2 (Reserved) 4 (Reserved for future use)

3 (Reserved) 8 (Reserved for future use)

4 (Reserved) 16 (Reserved for future use)

5 Loop Unlocked 32 Function generator has lost phase lock. Frequency accuracy
will be affected.

6 (Reserved) 64 (Reserved for future use)

292 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


STATus Subsystem Introduction

7 (Reserved) 128 (Reserved for future use)

8 Calibration Error 256 Error occurred during calibration, calibration is unsecured,


or calibration memory has been lost

9 External Ref- 512 External timebase has been detected.


erence

10-15 (Reserved) 1024 - (Reserved for future use)


32,768

STATus:OPERation:CONDition?
Queries the condition register for the Standard Operation Register group. Register is read-only; bits not cleared when
read.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) +32

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 293


STATus Subsystem Introduction

Parameter Typical Return

Read the condition register (bit 5 is set):


STAT:OPER:COND?

l The condition register bits reflect the current condition. If a condition goes away, the corresponding bit is cleared .

l *RST clears this register, other than those bits where the condition still exists after *RST.

l The command reads the condition register and returns a decimal value equal to the binary-weighted sum of all bits
set in the register. For example, if bit 5 (decimal value = 32) and bit 9 (decimal value = 512) are set, the command
will return +544.

STATus:OPERation:ENABle <enable_value>
STATus:OPERation:ENABle?
Enables bits in the enable register for the Standard Operation Register group. The selected bits are then reported to
the Status Byte as the standard operation summary bit.

Parameter Typical Return

Sum of the bits' decimal values in the register. +256

Enable bit 8 (decimal value 256) in the enable register:


STAT:OPER:ENAB 256

l Use <enable_value> to specify which bits are reported to the Status Byte. The specified value corresponds to the
binary-weighted sum of the register bits to enable. For example, to enable bit 5 (value 32) and bit 9 (value 512),
the decimal value would be 544.

l *CLS does not clear the enable register, but does clear the event register.

STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]?
Queries the event register for the Standard Operation Register group. This is a read-only register; the bits are cleared
when you read the register.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) +32

Read event register:


STAT:OPER:EVEN?

l A set bit remains set until cleared by reading the event register or *CLS.

l *RST does not affect this register.

l Query reads the event register and returns a decimal value equal to the binary-weighted sum of all bits set in the
register. For example, if bit 5 ( value 32) and bit 9 (value 512) are set, the command returns +544.

STATus:PRESet
Clears Questionable Data enable register and Standard Operation enable register.

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STATus Subsystem Introduction

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Clear enable register bits:


STAT:PRES

STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition?
Queries the condition register for the Questionable Data Register group.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) +512

Read the condition register (bit 9 is set):


STAT:QUES:COND?

l The Questionable Data register group provides information about the instrument's quality or integrity.

l Any or all conditions can be reported to the Questionable Data summary bit through the enable register.

l Register is read-only; bits not cleared when read.

l The condition register bits reflect the current condition. If a condition goes away, the corresponding bit is cleared.

l *RST clears the condition register.

l The query reads the condition register and returns a decimal value equal to the binary-weighted sum of all bits set
in the register. For example, if bit 12 (decimal value = 4096) is set, the query returns "+4096".

STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle <enable_value>
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle?
Enables bits in the enable register for the Questionable Data Register group. The selected bits are then reported to the
Status Byte.

Parameter Typical Return

Decimal value equal to the sum of the bit decimal values in the register. +512

Enable bit 9 (value 512) in the enable register:


STAT:QUES:ENAB 512

l Use <enable_value> to specify which bits are reported to the Status Byte. The specified value corresponds to the
binary-weighted sum of the register bits to enable. For example, to enable bit 5 (value 32) and bit 9 (value 512),
the decimal value would be 544.

l Enable register cleared by:

l STATus:Questionable:ENABle 0

l STATus:PRESet

l Power cycle

l *CLS does not clear enable register but it does clear event register.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 295


STATus Subsystem Introduction

l *RST does not affect this register.

l The Query reads the enable register and returns a decimal value equal to the binary-weighted sum of all bits set in
the register.ter. For example, if bit 0 (value 1) and bit 1 ( value 2) are enabled, the query returns +3.

STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?
Queries the event register for the Questionable Data Register group. This is a read-only register; the bits are cleared
when you read the register.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) +512

Read the event register (bit 9 set):


STAT:QUES?

l Once a bit is set, it remains set until cleared by this query or *CLS.

l *RST, STATus:PRESet, and *PSC have no effect on this register.

l Query reads the event register and returns a decimal value equal to the binary-weighted sum of all bits set in the
register. For example, if bit 1 (value 2) and bit 9 ( value 512) are set, the query returns "+514".

296 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


SUM Subsystem Introduction

SUM Subsystem Introduction


The SUM subsystem adds a modulation source signal to a channel's primary signal. This allows you to generate a two-
tone signal on one channel, or to add noise to a primary signal. The SUM function uses the same secondary sources as
used by the modulation subsystems.

Only one modulation or SUM function may be active on a channel at a time, so you cannot add noise to an FM signal
using only one channel. For this operation, use COMBine:FEED, which combines both channels of a two-channel instru-
ment into one channel output connector.

When signals are SUMmed:

l Their peak amplitude may not exceed the instrument's output rating.

l No other internal or external modulation is possible on that channel.

You can synchronize the phase between the primary signal and the SUM signal by sending SOURce[1|2]:PHA-
Se:SYNChronize after setting the functions for the primary signal and the SUM signal. Otherwise, the phase between
the two signals is arbitrary.

Example
To create a SUM waveform:

1. Configure carrier waveform: Use FUNCtion, FREQuency, VOLTage, and VOLTage:OFFSet to specify the carrier
waveform's function, frequency, amplitude, and offset.

2. Select the summing source: The instrument accepts an internal or external modulation source (EXT, Channel
1, or Channel 2). Select the modulation source with SUM:SOURce. For an external modulation source, skip steps 3
and 4.

3. Configure the summing waveform: Use FUNCtion, FREQuency, VOLTage, and VOLTage:OFFSet commands to
configure the summing waveform.

4. Set the amplitude percentage to sum:SUM:AMPLitude.

5. Enable SUM Modulation: SUM:STATe:ON.

6. If using the other channel of a two-channel instrument, synchronize the channels: PHASe:SY-
NChronize.

The following code produces the oscilloscope image shown below.

SOURce1:FUNCtion RAMP
SOURce1:FREQuency +2000.0
SOURce1:VOLTage +1.0
SOURce1:VOLTage:OFFS +0.0
SOURce1:FUNCtion:RAMP:SYMMetry +50.0
SOURce2:FUNCtion SQU
SOURce2:FREQuency +4000.0
SOURce2:VOLTage +1.0
SOURce2:VOLTage:OFFS +0.0
SOURce1:SUM:AMPLitude +50.0
SOURce1:SUM:SOURce CH2
SOURce1:SUM:STATe 1
SOURce1:PHASe:SYNC

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SUM Subsystem Introduction

OUTPut1 1
OUTPut2 1

[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:AMPLitude <amplitude>
[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:AMPLitude? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets internal modulation depth (or "percent modulation") in percent.

Parameter Typical Return

Desired SUM signal amplitude in percent of carrier amplitude, from 0 to 100; +3.200000000000000E+00
default 0.1

Set the internal SUM signal amplitude to 1.0% of the signal amplitude:
SUM:AMPL 1.0
PHAS:SYNC

Set the internal sum signal amplitude on channel 2 to 0.15% of the signal amplitude:
SOUR2:SUM:AMPL 0.15

l You can synchronize the phase between the primary signal and the SUM signal by sending SOURce[1|2]:PHA-
Se:SYNChronize after setting the functions for the primary signal and the SUM signal. Otherwise, the phase
between the two signals is arbitrary.

l Summed output cannot exceed ±5 V peak output (into a 50 Ω load).

l If you select the External SUM source (SUM:SOURce EXTernal), the carrier waveform is added to the external
waveform. The summing signal is the ±5 V signal level on the rear-panel Modulation In connector. For example,
if you have the carrier amplitude of a sine wave set to 4 Vpp and set the Sum Amplitude to 20% (resulting in a
maximum sum contribution of 800 mVpp) using SUM:AMPLitude, then when the EXT signal is at +5 V, the addi-
tive signal output will be at the maximum amplitude of 4.8 Vpp. When the modulating signal is at -5 V, the additive
signal will be at the minimum amplitude of -4.8 Vpp. A modulation input of 0 V would result in a signal equal to the
carrier amplitude.

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SUM Subsystem Introduction

[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:INTernal:FREQuency {<frequency >|MINimum|MAXimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:INTernal:FREQuency? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets the frequency of the summing waveform when internal sum source is selected (SUM:SOURce:INTernal). The
modulating source waveform operates at that frequency, within the frequency limits of that waveform.

Parameter Typical Return

1 μHz to the maximum allowed for the internal function. Default +1.000000000000000E-06
100 Hz

The following command sets the summing frequency to 10 kHz on Channel 2:


SOUR2:SUM:INT:FREQ 10000

SOUR2:PHAS:SYNC The following command sets the summing frequency to 1 μHz on Channel 1:
SUM:INT:FREQ MIN
PHAS:SYNC

l You can synchronize the phase between the primary signal and the SUM signal by sending SOURce[1|2]:PHA-
Se:SYNChronize after setting the functions for the primary signal and the SUM signal. Otherwise, the phase
between the two signals is arbitrary.

l When you select an arbitrary waveform as the modulating source, the frequency changes to the frequency of the
arbitrary waveform, which is based on the sample rate and the number of points in the arbitrary waveform.

l When using an arbitrary waveform for the modulating source, changing this parameter also changes the cached
metadata representing the aribtrary waveform's sample rate. You can also change the modulating frequency of an
arbitrary waveform with FUNCtion:ARBitrary:FREQuency, FUNCtion:ARBitrary:PERiod, and FUNC-
tion:ARBitrary:SRATe. These commands and the modulation frequency command are directly coupled in order to
keep the arbitrary waveform behaving exactly as it was last played. If you later turn modulation off and select that
same arbitrary waveform as the current function, its sample rate (and corresponding frequency based upon the
number of points) will be the same as it was when played as the modulation source.

l If the internal function is TRIangle, UpRamp, or DnRamp, the maximum frequency limited to 200 kHz. If the inter-
nal function is PRBS, the frequency refers to bit rate and is limited to 50 Mbps.

[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:INTernal:FUNCtion <function>
[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:INTernal:FUNCtion?
Selects the summing waveform (the waveform added to the primary waveform).

Parameter Typical Return

{SINusoid|SQUare|RAMP|NRAMp|TRIangle|NOISe|PRBS|ARB}, SIN, SQU, RAMP, NRAM, TRI, NOIS, PRBS,


default SINusoid or ARB

Select a sine wave as the summing waveform shape for channel 2:


SOUR2:SUM:INT:FUNC SIN

l You can synchronize the phase between the primary signal and the SUM signal by sending SOURce[1|2]:PHA-
Se:SYNChronize after setting the functions for the primary signal and the SUM signal. Otherwise, the phase
between the two signals is arbitrary.

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SUM Subsystem Introduction

l This command is applicable only with internal sum source (SUM:SOURce INTernal).

l You cannot use SUM when DC is the carrier.

l An arbitrary waveform may not simultaneously be a carrier and a sum waveform.

The following table shows which carriers can be associated with which internal functions.

Modulating Signal

Carrier Sine Square Tri / Ramp Noise PRBS Arb External

Sine
• • • • • • •
Square/Pulse
• • • • • • •
Triangle/Ramp
• • • • • • •
Gaussian Noise
• • • • • •
PRBS
• • • • • •
Arbitrary
• • • • • •
Sequenced Arbitrary
• • • • • •

[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal}
[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:SOURce?
Selects source of summing signal.

Parameter Typical Return

{INTernal|EXTernal}, default INTernal INT or EXT

Set the sum source to EXTernal:


SUM:SOUR EXT

l You can synchronize the phase between the primary signal and the SUM signal by sending SOURce[1|2]:PHA-
Se:SYNChronize after setting the functions for the primary signal and the SUM signal. Otherwise, the phase
between the two signals is arbitrary.

l SUM:SOURce EXTernal: carrier waveform is summed with external waveform. The amplitude and polarity of
the sum signal is determined by the ±5 V signal level on rear-panel Modulation In connector. For example, if you
have set the SUM Amplitude to 2.0 Vpp using SUM:AMPLitude, then when EXT signal is at +5 V, the sum signal will
be at 2 Vpp. When the modulating signal is at -5 V, the sum signal will be at full amplitude and opposite polarity.

[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:STATe?
Disables or enables SUM function.

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SUM Subsystem Introduction

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default OFF 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Enable SUM
SUM:STAT ON

l You can synchronize the phase between the primary signal and the SUM signal by sending SOURce[1|2]:PHA-
Se:SYNChronize after setting the functions for the primary signal and the SUM signal. Otherwise, the phase
between the two signals is arbitrary.

l To avoid multiple waveform changes, enable SUM after you have configured the other sum parameters.

l Only one modulation mode may be enabled at a time.

l The instrument will not allow SUM to be enabled when sweep or burst is enabled. When you enable SUM, the
sweep or burst mode is turned off.

l With SUM:STATe ON, the sum amplitude plus the carrier amplitude may not exceed either the programmed limits
or the instrument's output rating. If setting SUM:STATe ON would cause either the output rating or the limits to
be exceeded, SUM:STATe will be set OFF and the instrument will report a settings conflict error.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 301


SWEep Subsystem Introduction

SWEep Subsystem Introduction


To generate a frequency sweep:

1. Select the waveform shape, amplitude and offset: Use APPLy or the equivalent FUNCtion, FREQuency,
VOLTage, and VOLTage:OFFSet commands to select the function, frequency, amplitude, and offset. You can select
a sine, square, ramp, pulse, or arbitrary waveform (noise, PRBS, and DC are not allowed).

2. Select sweep's frequency boundaries: FREQuency:STARt and FREQuency:STOP , or FREQuency:CENTer and


FREQuency:SPAN

3. Select linear or logarithmic sweep mode: SWEep:SPACing

4. Set sweep time: SWEep:TIME

5. Set sweep hold and return times: SWEep:HTIMe and SWEep:RTIMe

6. Select sweep trigger source: TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce

7. Set the marker frequency (optional):MARKer:FREQuency

8. Enable sweep: SWEep:STATe ON

The following code produces the waveform shown below.

SOURce1:FUNCtion SINE
SOURce1:FREQuency +2.0E+03
SOURce1:FREQuency:STARt +2.0E+03
SOURce1:FREQuency:STOP +6.0E+03
SOURce1:VOLTage +1.0
SOURce1:VOLTage:OFFS +0.0
SOURce1:SWEep:TIME +5.0E-03
TRIGger1:SOURce IMM
SOURce1:FREQuency:MODE SWE
OUTPut1 1

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SWEep Subsystem Introduction

[SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:HTIMe {<hold_time> | MINimum | MAXimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:HTIMe? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets number of seconds the sweep holds (pauses) at the stop frequency before returning to the start frequency.

Parameter Typical Return

0 to 3600, default 0 +3.400000000000000E+00

Set sweep hold time to 3.4 seconds:


SWE:HTIM 3.4

[SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:RTIMe {<return_time> | MINimum | MAXimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:RTIMe? [ MINimum | MAXimum ]
Sets number of seconds the sweep takes to return from stop frequency to start frequency.

Parameter Typical Return

0 to 3600, default 0 +5.600000000000000E+00

Set sweep return time to 5.6 s:


SWE:RTIM 5.6

l The return sweep is always a linear sweep, regardless of the setting of SWEep:SPACing.

[SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:SPACing {LINear|LOGarithmic}
[SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:SPACing?
Selects linear or logarithmic spacing for sweep.

Parameter Typical Return

{LINear|LOGarithmic}, default LIN LIN or LOG

Set logarithmic sweep spacing:


SWE:SPAC LIN

l LINear: output frequency varies linearly (from start frequency to stop frequency) during sweep.

l LOGarithmic: output frequency varies logarithmically (from start frequency to stop frequency) during sweep.

[SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:STATe?
Enables or disables the sweep.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default OFF 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 303


SWEep Subsystem Introduction

Parameter Typical Return

Enable sweep:
SWE:STAT ON

[SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:TIME {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:TIME? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets time (seconds) to sweep from start frequency to stop frequency.

Parameter Typical Return

1 ms to 250,000 s for linear sweep, up to 500 s for logarithmic sweep; +2.500000000000000E+01


default 1 s

Set sweep time to 25 s:


SWE:TIME 25

l The number of discrete frequency points in the sweep is calculated based on the sweep time.

304 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


SYSTem Subsystem

SYSTem Subsystem
The SYSTem subsystem manages instrument state storage, power-down recall, error conditions, self test, front-panel
display control and remote interface configuration.

The instrument uses LAN port 5024 for SCPI Telnet sessions, and port 5025 for SCPI
Socket sessions.

l SYSTem:BEEPer[:IMMediate] - issues a single beep

l SYSTem:BEEPer:STATe - disables or enables beeper

l SYSTem:COMMunicate:ENABle - disables or enables GPIB, USB, LAN interface, and remote services

l SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:ADDRess - assigns instrument's GPIB (IEEE-488) address

l SYSTem:DATE - sets system clock date

l SYSTem:ERRor? - reads and clears one error from error queue

l SYSTem:LICense:CATalog? - lists installed, licensed options

l SYSTem:LICense:DELete - deletes a license

l SYSTem:LICense:DELete:ALL - deletes all licenses

l SYSTem:LICense:DESCription? - returns description of a licensed option

l SYSTem:LICense:ERRor? - lists errors generated during license installation

l SYSTem:LICense:ERRor:COUNt? - returns number of errors generated during license installation

l SYSTem:LICense:INSTall - installs licenses from a file or folder

l SYSTem:LOCK:NAME? - returns current I/O interface

l SYSTem:LOCK:OWNer? - returns interface that has the lock

l SYSTem:LOCK:RELease - releases lock and decrements lock count by 1

l SYSTem:LOCK:REQuest? - requests lock of current interface

l SYSTem:SECurity:IMMediate - sanitizes user-accessible instrument memory

l SYSTem:TIME - sets system clock time

l SYSTem:VERSion? - returns version of SCPI used by instrument

SYSTem:BEEPer[:IMMediate]
Issues a single beep.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Issue a single beep:


SYST:BEEP

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 305


SYSTem Subsystem

l Sending a programmed beep may be useful for program development and troubleshooting.

l This command overrides the current beeper state (the SYSTem:BEEPer:STATe ). This means that you can issue a
single beep even if the beeper is turned off.

SYSTem:BEEPer:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
SYSTem:BEEPer:STATe?
Disables or enables the beeper tone heard when an error is generated from the front panel or remote interface.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default ON 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Disable beeper state:


SYST:BEEP:STAT OFF

l Turning off the beeper does not disable the front-panel key click.

l A beep is always emitted (even with beep state OFF) when SYSTem:BEEPer is sent.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

SYSTem:COMMunicate:ENABle {ON|1|OFF|0}, <interface>


SYSTem:COMMunicate:ENABle? <interface>
Disables or enables the GPIB, USB, or LAN remote interface. Also disables or enables available remote services such as
Sockets, Telnet, VXI11, and the built-in Web Interface.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default ON for all interfaces 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

{GPIB|USB|LAN|SOCKets|TELNet|VXI11|WEB}

Disable the USB interface:


SYST:COMM:ENAB OFF,USB

Returns the state of the USB interface:


SYST:COMM:ENAB? USB

When you disable or re-enable any interface or LAN service, you must cycle power to activate the
new setting.

l If you disable the LAN interface, all associated LAN services will not be started when you power on the instrument.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l SYSTem:SECurity:IMMediate enables all interfaces.

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SYSTem Subsystem

SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:ADDRess {<address>}
SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:ADDRess?
Assigns instrument's GPIB (IEEE-488) address, which is displayed at power-on. Each device on the GPIB interface
must have a unique address.

Parameter Typical Return

0 to 30, default 10 +15

Set GPIB address to 15:


SYST:COMM:GPIB:ADDR 15

l Your computer's GPIB interface card has its own address. Avoid using this address for any instrument on the GPIB
bus.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l SYSTem:SECurity:IMMediate sets GPIB address to 10.

l Must cycle power for this command to take effect.

SYSTem:DATE <yyyy >, <mm >, <dd>


SYSTem:DATE?
Sets system clock date.

Parameter Typical Return

<yyyy> 2000 to 2100 +2011,+7,+26


<mm> 1 to 12
<dd> 1 to 31

Set system date to July 26, 2011:


SYST:DAT 2011,7,26

SYSTem:ERRor?
Reads and clears one error from error queue.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) -113,"Undefined header"

Read and clear first error in error queue:


SYST:ERR?

l Up to 20 command syntax or hardware errors can be stored in the error queue.

l Error retrieval is first-in-first-out (FIFO), and errors are cleared as you read them. The instrument beeps once
each time an error is generated (unless disabled by SYSTem:BEEPer:STATe OFF).

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 307


SYSTem Subsystem

l If more than 20 errors have occurred, the last error stored in the queue (the most recent error) is replaced with -
350,"Error queue overflow". No additional errors are stored until you remove errors from the queue. If no errors
have occurred when you read the error queue, the instrument responds with +0,"No error".

l The error queue is cleared by the *CLS and when power is cycled. It is not cleared by *RST.

l Errors have the following format (the error string may contain up to 255 characters).

<error code>,<error string>

Where:

<error code> = a three-digit code, sometimes preceded by a dash

<error string> = a quoted ASCII string up to 255 characters

Licensed Options
The following commands are associated with licensed options. The licensed options are named as shown below.

Option Code Description

OCXO High-stability OCXO Timebase

MEM 16MSa Arb Memory

GPIB GPIB Interface (3352xA only)

SEC Enable NISPOM & File Security

BW30 Increase bandwidth to 30 MHz

ARB Arbitrary waveforms

IQP IQ Player (2-channel instruments only)

SYSTem:LICense:CATalog?
Returns a comma separated list of installed, licensed options.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) "SEC","IQP","MEM"

Return currently licensed options:


SYST:LIC:CAT?

l Only those installed options that require a license are returned.

SYSTem:LICense:DELete "<option_name>"
Deletes a license.

308 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


SYSTem Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

{SEC|IQP|MEM|BW30} (none)

Delete license for IQ Player:


SYST:LIC:DEL "IQP"

l Valid option names are double quoted strings representing the installed licensed options. They can be easily iden-
tified using SYSTem:LICense:CATalog?.

SYSTem:LICense:DELete:ALL
Deletes all licenses.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Delete all licenses:


SYST:LIC:DEL:ALL

SYSTem:LICense:DESCription? "<option_name>"
Returns a description of specified option, regardless of whether it is currently licensed.

Parameter Typical Return

See list of licensed options "Extended Memory Option: 16 MSa/channel waveform memory"

Return description for option 002:


SYST:LIC:DESC? "MEM"

l Option names are quoted strings representing options that may be licensed. Installed licensed items can be iden-
tified with SYSTem:LICense:CATalog?.

SYSTem:LICense:ERRor?
Returns a string of all the errors produced by SYSTem:LICense:INSTall.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) #279File: MyFile.lic<CR><LF>[Ignored - The license file is not formatted cor-


rectly.]<CR><LF>

Return the license installation error string:


SYST:LIC:ERR?

l String can be up to 2096 characters.

l Returns a definite-length block containing multi-line ASCII text, including carriage returns and line feeds.

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SYSTem Subsystem

SYSTem:LICense:ERRor:COUNt?
Returns the number of license errors generated by SYSTem:LICense:INSTall.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) +0

Return number of license errors:


SYST:LIC:ERR:COUN?

SYSTem:LICense:INSTall [{<folder> | <file>}]


SYSTem:LICense:INSTall? <option>
This command installs all licenses from a specified file or from all license files in the specified folder. They query returns
0 or 1 to indicate whether the specified license is installed.

Parameter Typical Return

<folder> may be any 0 (license not installed) or 1 (license installed)


valid folder name. Default
is root directory of a front
panel USB storage device.
<file> may be any valid
license file name
<option is one of the
licensed options

Install licenses from a file:


SYST:LIC:INSTALL "USB:\33522B_LICENSE071.lic"

l License files must have a ".lic" file extension.

l The format for <file> is "[<drive>:<path>]<file_name>", where <drive> can be INTernal or USB, and <path>
must be an absolute folder path.

l INTernal specifies the internal flash file system.USB specifies a front panel USB storage device.e.

l If <drive>:<path> is omitted, the folder specified by the MMEMory:CDIRectory command is used.

l Absolute paths begin with "\" or "/" and start at the root folder of <drive>.

l Folder and file names cannot contain the following characters: \ / : * ? " < > |

l The combination of folder and file name cannot exceed 240 characters.

l The specified folder must exist and cannot be marked hidden or system.

SYSTem:LOCK:NAME?
Returns the current I/O interface (the I/O interface in use by the querying computer).

310 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


SYSTem Subsystem

Parameter Typical Return

(none) "LAN169.254.149.35"

See Interface Locking Examples

l After using this command to determine the name of the interface that you are using, use SYSTem:LOCK:OWNer?
to determine which interface, if any, has the lock.

l Returns "USB", "VXI11", "GPIB", or "LAN <IP Address>" indicating the I/O interface being used by the querying
computer.

SYSTem:LOCK:OWNer?
Returns the I/O interface that currently has a lock.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) "LAN169.254.149.35"

See Interface Locking Examples

l When a lock is active, Bit 10 in the Standard Operation Register will be set (STATus:OPERation:CONDition?). When
the lock is released on all I/O interfaces, this bit will be cleared.

l Returns "USB", "VXI11", "GPIB", or "LAN <IP Address>" indicating the I/O interface that currently has a lock. If
no interfaces have a lock, "NONE" is returned.

SYSTem:LOCK:RELease
Decrements the lock count by 1 and may release the I/O interface from which the command is executed.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

See Interface Locking Examples

l When a lock is active, Bit 10 in the Standard Operation Register will be set (STATus:OPERation:CONDition?). When
the lock is released on all I/O interfaces, this bit will be cleared.

SYSTem:LOCK:REQuest?
Requests a lock of the current I/O interface. This allows you to lock the instrument's configuration or cooperatively
share the instrument with other computers.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) 0 (denied) or 1 (granted)

See Interface Locking Examples

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 311


SYSTem Subsystem

l Lock requests can be nested; each request increases lock count by 1. For every request, you will need a release (
SYSTem:LOCK:RELease) from the same I/O interface.

l Locks are handled at the I/O interface level (USB, LAN, etc.) and you are responsible for all coordination between
threads and/or programs on that interface.

l When a request is granted, only I/O sessions from the present interface will be allowed to change the state of the
instrument. You can only query the instrument state from other I/O interfaces.

l LAN sessions locks are automatically released when a LAN disconnect is detected.

l Granting a lock sets Bit 10 in the Standard Operation Register (STATus:OPERation:CONDition?).

SYSTem:SECurity:IMMediate
Sanitizes all user-accessible instrument memory. This command complies with requirements in chapter 8 of the
National Instrument Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM).

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Sanitize all user-accessible instrument memory:


SYST:SEC:IMM

This command is recommended for customers, such as military contractors, who must
comply with NISPOM. Excessive use of this command may cause premature failure of
the flash memory.

This command destroys all user-defined state information, user-defined arbitrary wave-
forms, and user-defined I/O settings such as the IP address.

l Typically used before removing an instrument from a secure area.

l Initializes all instrument settings to their Factory Reset (*RST) values.

SYSTem:TIME <hh>, <mm >, <ss>


SYSTem:TIME?
Sets system clock time.

Parameter Typical Return

<hh> 0 to 23 20,15,30.000
<mm> 0 to 59
<ss> 0 to 60

Set system Time to 20:15:30 (8:15:30 PM)


SYST:TIM 20,15,30

l This time is used for file timestamps in the Mass Memory (MMEMory) system.

312 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


SYSTem Subsystem

SYSTem:VERSion?
Returns version of the SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) that the instrument complies with.
Cannot be determined from front panel.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) 1994.0

Return the SCPI version:


SYST:VERS?

Interface Locking Examples


The following series of commands illustrates usage.

Initial State = unlocked, Count = 0

<FROM USB> SYST:LOCK:REQ? returns 1 (request successful)

State = locked, Count = 1

<FROM LAN> SYST:LOCK:REQ? returns 0 because USB has lock

State = locked, Count = 1

<FROM USB> SYST:LOCK:REQ? returns 1 (request successful)

State = locked, Count = 2

<FROM USB> SYST:LOCK:REL

State = locked, Count = 1

<FROM USB> SYST:LOCK:REL

State = unlocked, Count = 0

Note that for each successful lock request, a lock release is required. Two requests require two releases.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 313


LAN Configuration

LAN Configuration
Configures instrument for remote operation via the local area network (LAN).

The instrument uses LAN port 5024 for SCPI Telnet sessions, and port 5025 for SCPI
Socket sessions.

Dot Notation Details


Dot-notation addresses ("nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn" where "nnn" is a byte value from 0 to 255) must be expressed with care,
as most PC web software interprets byte values with leading zeros as octal (base 8) numbers. For example,
"192.168.020.011" is actually equivalent to decimal "192.168.16.9" because ".020" is interpreted as "16" expressed
in octal, and ".011" as "9". To avoid confusion, use only decimal values from 0 to 255, with no leading zeros.

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:CONTrol?
Reads the initial Control connection port number for Sockets communications. This connection is used to send and
receive commands and queries.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) 5000 (0 if the interface does not support sockets)

Return the Control connection port number:


SYST:COMM:LAN:CONT?

l Use the Control socket connection to send a Device Clear to the instrument or to detect pending Service Request
(SRQ) events. The Device Clear command is "DCL".

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DHCP {ON|1|OFF|0}
SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DHCP?
Disables or enables instrument's use of DHCP. The acronym DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, a
protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses to networked devices. With dynamic addressing, a device can have a dif-
ferent IP address every time it connects to the network.

ON: instrument tries to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server. If a DHCP server is found, it assigns a dynamic IP
address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway to the instrument.

OFF or DHCP unavailable: instrument uses the static IP address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway during power-
on.

If you change this setting, you must send SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:UPDate to activate the new
setting.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default ON 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Disable DHCP:
SYST:COMM:LAN:DHCP OFF
SYST:COMM:LAN:UPDate

314 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


LAN Configuration

l Most corporate LANs have a DHCP server.

l If DHCP LAN address not assigned by DHCP server, static IP is assumed after approximately two minutes.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l Enabled when the instrument is shipped from the factory or after SYSTem:SECurity:IMMediate.

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DNS[1|2] "<address>"
SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DNS[1|2]? [{CURRent|STATic}]
Assigns static IP addresses of Domain Name System (DNS) servers. A primary and a secondary server address may be
assigned. Contact your LAN administrator for details. If DHCP is available and enabled, DHCP will auto-assign the DNS
server addresses. These auto-assigned DNS server addresses take precedence over the static DNS addresses assigned
with this command.

If you change this setting, you must send SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:UPDate to acti-


vate the new setting.

Parameter Typical Return

Command: "nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn", default "0.0.0.0" "198.105.232.4"

Query: {CURRent|STATic}, default CURRent

Set a static primary DNS address:


SYST:COMM:LAN:DNS "198.105.232.4"
SYST:COMM:LAN:UPD

l CURRent: read address currently being used by the instrument.

l STATic: read static address from non-volatile memory. This address is used if DHCP is disabled or unavailable.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l Set to "0.0.0.0" by SYSTem:SECurity:IMMediate.

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DOMain?
Returns the domain name of the LAN to which the instrument is connected.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) "example.com"

Return domain name being used by instrument:


SYST:COMM:LAN:DOM?

l If Dynamic domain name System (DNS) is available on your network and your instrument uses DHCP, the domain
name is registered with the Dynamic DNS service at power-on.

l A null string ("") indicates that no domain name is assigned.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 315


LAN Configuration

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:GATeway "<address>"
SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:GATeway? [{CURRent|STATic}]
Assigns a default gateway for the instrument. The specified IP Address sets the default gateway which allows the
instrument to communicate with systems that are not on the local subnet. Thus, this is the default gateway where
packets are sent which are destined for a device not on the local subnet, as determined by the Subnet Mask setting. If
DHCP is enabled (SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DHCP ), the specified default gateway is not used. However, if the DHCP
server fails to assign a valid IP address, the currently configured default gateway will be used. Contact your LAN admin-
istrator for details.

If you change this setting, you must send SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:UPDate to activate the new
setting.

Parameter Typical Return

Command: "nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn", default "0.0.0.0" "198.105.232.1"

Query: {CURRent|STATic}, default CURRent

Set default gateway address:


SYST:COMM:LAN:GATEWAY "198.105.232.1"
SYST:COMM:LAN:UPD

l CURRent: read address currently being used by the instrument.

l STATic: read static address from non-volatile memory. This address is used if DHCP is disabled or unavailable.

l Set to "0.0.0.0" when instrument is shipped from factory or after SYSTem:SECurity:IMMediate.

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:HOSTname "<name>"
SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:HOSTname? [{CURRent | STATic}]
Assigns a hostname to the instrument. A hostname is the host portion of the domain name, which is translated into
an IP address. If Dynamic Domain Name System (DNS) is available on your network and your instrument uses DHCP,
the hostname is registered with the Dynamic DNS service at power-on. If DHCP is enabled (SYS-
Tem:COMMunicate:LAN:DHCP ), the DHCP server can change the specified hostname.

If you change this setting, you must send SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:UPDate to


activate the new setting.

Parameter Typical Return

String of up to 15 characters. "LAB1-33522A"


Must start with letter (A-Z)
May contain letters, numbers (0-9), or dashes ("-")

Define a hostname:
SYST:COMM:LAN:HOST "LAB1"
SYST:COMM:LAN:UPD

316 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


LAN Configuration

l Set to "A-33521A-nnnnn" or "A-33522A-nnnnn", where nnnnn is the last five digits of the instrument's serial
number, when the instrument is shipped from the factory or after SYSTem:SECurity:IMMediate.

l If no hostname exists, a null string ( "" ) is returned.

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:IPADdress "<address>"
SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:IPADdress? [{CURRent|STATic}]
Assigns a static Internet Protocol (IP) address for the instrument. If DHCP is enabled (SYS-
Tem:COMMunicate:LAN:DHCP), the specified static IP address is not used. Contact your LAN administrator for details.

If you change this setting, you must send SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:UPDate to


activate the new setting.

Parameter Typical Return

Command: "nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn", default "0.0.0.0" "169.254.149.35"

Query: {CURRent|STATic}, default CURRent

Set a static IP address:


SYST:COMM:LAN:IPAD "169.254.149.35"
SYST:COMM:LAN:UPD

l CURRent: read address currently being used by the instrument.

l STATic: read static address from non-volatile memory. This address is used if DHCP is disabled or unavailable.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l Set to "169.254.5.21" when the instrument is shipped from the factory or after SYSTem:SECurity:IMMediate.

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:MAC?
Reads the instrument's Media Access Control (MAC) address.

Your LAN administrator may need the MAC address to assign a static IP address for this device.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) "0030D3001041"

Return the MAC address:


SYST:COMM:LAN:MAC?

l The MAC address is also known as the link-layer address, the Ethernet (station) address, LANIC ID, or Hardware
Address. This is an unchangeable 48-bit address assigned by the manufacturer to each unique Internet device.

l The instrument's MAC address is set at the factory and cannot be changed.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 317


LAN Configuration

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:SMASk "<mask>"
SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:SMASk? [{CURRent | STATic}]
Assigns a subnet mask for the instrument. The instrument uses the subnet mask to determine whether a client IP
address is on the same local subnet. When a client IP address is on a different subnet, all packets must be sent to the
Default Gateway. Contact your LAN administrator for details.

If you change this setting, you must send SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:UPDate to activate the new
setting.

Parameter Typical Return

Command: "nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn", default "0.0.0.0" "255.255.0.0"

Query: {CURRent|STATic}, default CURRent

Set the subnet mask:


SYST:COMM:LAN:SMAS "255.255.255.0"
SYST:COMM:LAN:UPD

l If DHCP is enabled (SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DHCP ), the specified subnet mask is not used. However, if the
DHCP server fails to assign a valid IP address, the instrument uses the AutoIP subnet mask.

l A value of "0.0.0.0" or "255.255.255.255" indicates that subnetting is not being used.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l The subnet mask is set to "255.255.0.0" when the instrument is shipped from the factory or after a SYS-
Tem:SECurity:IMMediate command.

l CURRent: read address currently being used by the instrument.

l STATic: read static address from non-volatile memory. This address is used if DHCP is disabled or unavailable.

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:TELNet:PROMpt "<string>"
SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:TELNet:PROMpt?
Sets the command prompt seen when communicating with the instrument via Telnet.

Parameter Typical Return

String of up to 15 characters "Command>"

Set the command prompt:


SYST:COMM:LAN:TELN:PROM "Command>"

l A Telnet session is typically started from a host computer shell:

telnet <IP_address> <port>

For example: telnet 169.254.4.10 5024

To exit a Telnet session, press <Ctrl-D>.

318 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


LAN Configuration

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l This is set to "33521A> " (Agilent 33521A), "33522A> " (Agilent 33522A), or "33500> " (other 33500 Series
instruments) when the instrument is shipped from the factory or after SYSTem:SECurity:IMMediate.

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:TELNet:WMESsage "<string>"
SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:TELNet:WMESsage?
Sets welcome message seen when communicating with instrument via Telnet.

Parameter Typical Return

String of up to 63 characters "Welcome to the Telnet Session"

Define a welcome message:


SYST:COMM:LAN:TELN:WMES "Welcome to the Telnet Session"

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l This is set to "Welcome to Agilent's 33521A Waveform Generator" (Agilent 33521A), "Welcome to Agilent's
33522A Waveform Generator" (Agilent 33522A), or "Welcome to Agilent's 33500-Series Waveform Generator"
(other 33500 Series instruments) when the instrument is shipped from the factory or after SYS-
Tem:SECurity:IMMediate.

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:UPDate
Stores any changes made to the LAN settings into non-volatile memory and restarts the LAN driver with the updated
settings.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

(see below)

l This command must be sent after changing the settings for DHCP, DNS, gateway, hostname, IP address, subnet
mask, WINS.

l Make all changes to the LAN settings before sending this command.

Example
The following example configures the instrument to use statically assigned LAN settings.

SYST:COMM:LAN:DHCP OFF
SYST:COMM:LAN:DNS "198.105.232.4"
SYST:COMM:LAN:DNS2 "198.105.232.5"
SYST:COMM:LAN:GATEWAY "198.105.232.1"
SYST:COMM:LAN:HOST "LAB1-33522A"
SYST:COMM:LAN:IPAD "198.105.232.101"
SYST:COMM:LAN:SMAS "255.255.255.0"
SYST:COMM:LAN:WINS "198.105.232.4"

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 319


LAN Configuration

SYST:COMM:LAN:WINS "198.105.232.5"
SYST:COMM:LAN:UPD

The following example configures the instrument back to use DHCP.

SYST:COMM:LAN:DHCP ON
SYST:COMM:LAN:UPD

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:WINS[1|2] "<address>"
SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:WINS[1|2]? [{CURRent | STATic}]
Assigns the static IP addresses of the Windows Internet Name System (WINS) servers. A primary and a secondary
server address may be assigneContact your LAN administrator for details.tails. If DHCP is available and enabled, DHCP
will auto-assign the WINS server addresses. These auto-assigned WINS server addresses take precedence over the
static WINS addresses assigned with this command.

If you change this setting, you must send SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:UPDate to acti-


vate the new setting.

Parameter Typical Return

Command: "nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn", default "0.0.0.0" "198.105.232.4"

Query: {CURRent|STATic}, default CURRent

Set a static primary WINS address:


SYST:COMM:LAN:WINS "198.105.232.4"
SYST:COMM:LAN:UPD

l The assigned WINS addresses are used if DHCP is disabled or unavailable. Otherwise, the WINS server addresses
are auto-assigned by DHCP.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l Set to "0.0.0.0" (no servers) after SYSTem:SECurity:IMMediate.

l CURRent: read address currently being used by the instrument.

l STATic: read static address from non-volatile memory. This address is used if DHCP is disabled or unavailable.

320 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


[SOURce[1|2]:]TRACk {ON|OFF|INVerted}

[SOURce[1|2]:]TRACk {ON|OFF|INVerted}
Causes channels 1 and 2 of a two-channel instrument to output the same signal, or an inverted polarity signal.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|OFF|INVerted} ON, OFF, or INV

Set channel 2 to output a signal identical to that of channel 1:


TRACk ON

l Causes all settings of the named channel to be copied to the other channel with exceptions noted below. This does
include frequency list settings and any arbitrary waveforms loaded in memory.

l With the INVerted option, the tracking channel's amplitude will be inverted, forming a signal similar to a dif-
ferential output between Channel 1 and Channel 2. DC Offset is not inverted.

l When TRACk is ON, voltage limits on both channels apply. If voltage limits on either channel would prevent the
other channel's setup from being applied, the instrument will generate a settings conflict error and channel track-
ing will remain OFF.

l When TRACk is ON, changes to either channel are reflected in both channels. When TRACk is changed from ON or
INV to OFF, the channels will remain in their present setup (frequency, amplitude, and so on), but you may now
change one channel without affecting the other channel.

l Voltage limits may be adjusted in tracking mode, but cannot be set in violation of the current signal.

l Turning tracking ON sets COMBine:FEED to NONE, turns off FREQuency:COUPle, VOLTage:COUPle, and RATE:CO-
UPle.

l TRACK is not allowed if the internal modulation source for the channel being tracked is the other channel.

l The OUTPut:SYNC:SOURce is set to the channel being tracked.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 321


TRIGger Subsystem Introduction

TRIGger Subsystem Introduction


Configures triggering for sequence, list, burst, and sweep:

TRIGger[1|2] - immediate trigger

TRIGger[1|2]:COUNt - trigger count

TRIGger[1|2]:DELay - trigger delay

TRIGger[1|2]:SLOPe - slope of trigger signal at the rear-panel Ext Trig connector

TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce - source (internal, external, timer, or bus) from which instrument accepts trigger

TRIGger[1|2]:TIMer? - timer used when TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce is TIMer.

TRIGger[1|2]
Forces immediate trigger to initiate sequence, sweep, list, or burst.

Parameter Typical Return

(none) (none)

Send an immediate trigger on channel 2:


TRIG

l Can be used with IMMediate, EXTernal, or BUS trigger source (TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce). For example, you can use
TRIGger to issue an immediate trigger while waiting for an external trigger.

l Intended as an override. For general, software controlled triggering, use *TRG.

TRIGger[1|2]:COUNt <number>
TRIGger[1|2]:COUNt?
Sets trigger count.

Parameter Typical Return

1 to 1,000,000; default, 1 10000

Set channel 2 trigger count to 10000:


TRIG2:COUN 10000

l Can be used with IMMediate, EXTernal, or BUS trigger source (TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce).

l Applies only when INITiate[1|2]:CONTinuous is OFF.

TRIGger[1|2]:DELay <seconds|MINimum|MAXimum>
TRIGger[1|2]:DELay?
Sets trigger delay, (time from assertion of trigger to occurrence of triggered event).

322 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


TRIGger Subsystem Introduction

Parameter Typical Return

0 to 1000 s, in resolution of 4 ns; default 0 +1.050000000000000E-01

Set channel 1 trigger delay to 105 ms:


TRIG:DEL 105e-3

l Can be used with IMMediate, EXTernal, or BUS trigger source (TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce).

TRIGger[1|2]:SLOPe {POSitive|NEGative}
TRIGger[1|2]:SLOPe?
Specifies polarity of trigger signal on rear-panel Trig In connector for any externally-triggered mode.

Parameter Typical Return

{POSitive|NEGative}, default POS (rising edge) POS or NEG

Set trigger slope to falling edge:


TRIG:SLOP NEG

TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce {IMMediate|EXTernal|TIMer|BUS}
TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce?
Selects the trigger source for sequence, list, burst or sweep. The instrument accepts an immediate or timed internal
trigger, an external hardware trigger from the rear-panel Ext Trig connector, or a software (bus) trigger.

Parameter Typical Return

{IMMediate|EXTernal|TIMer|BUS}, default IMMediate IMM, EXT, TIM, BUS

Select external trigger source (trigger each time a low-true TTL pulse is received on the rear-panel trigger input):
TRIG:SOUR EXT

In triggered burst mode:

l The instrument outputs a waveform of the specified number of cycles (burst count) when a trigger received. After
the specified number of cycles have been output, the instrument stops and waits for next trigger.

l IMMediate (internal): the instrument outputs continuously when burst mode is enabled. The rate at which the
burst is generated is determined by BURSt:INTernal:PERiod.

l EXTernal: the instrument accepts a hardware trigger at the rear-panel Ext Trig connector. The instrument out-
puts one burst of the specified number of cycles each time Ext Trig receives a TTL pulse with the proper polarity
(TRIGger[1|2]:SLOPe). External trigger signals during a burst are ignored.

l BUS (software): the instrument initiates one burst each time a bus trigger (*TRG) is received. The front-panel
[Trigger] key is illuminated when the instrument is waiting for a bus trigger.

l EXTernal or BUS: burst count and burst phase remain in effect, but burst period is ignored.

l TIMer: trigger events are spaced by a timer, with the first trigger as soon as INIT occurs.

In frequency sweep mode:

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 323


TRIGger Subsystem Introduction

l IMMediate (internal): the instrument outputs continuously when the sweep is enabled. The period at which
the sweep is generated is the sweep time (SWEep:TIME) plus 1 ms.

l EXTERNAL: the instrument accepts a hardware trigger at the rear-panel Ext Trig connector. The instrument ini-
tiates one sweep each time Trig In receives a TTL pulse of proper edge polarity (TRIGger[1|2]:SLOPe). The trigger
period must be at least sweep time (SWEep:TIME) plus 1 ms.

l BUS (software): the instrument initiates one sweep each time a bus trigger (*TRG) is received. The front-panel
[Trigger] key is illuminated when the instrument is waiting for a bus trigger.

l APPLy sets trigger source to IMMediate.

l To ensure synchronization with BUS source, send *WAI (wait) so the instrument waits for all pending operations
to complete before executing any additional commands. For example, the following command string guarantees
that the first trigger is accepted and the operation is executed before second trigger is recognized.

TRIG:SOUR BUS;*TRG;*WAI;*TRG;*WAI

l Use *OPC? or *OPC to determine when the sweep or burst is complete. The *OPC? query returns 1 to the output
buffer when the sweep or burst is complete. The *OPC command sets the Operation Complete bit (bit 0) in the
Standard Event register when the sweep or burst is complete.

TRIGger[1|2]:TIMer {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum} TRIGger[1|2]:TIMer? {MINi-


mum|MAXimum}
Sets timer used when TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce is TIMer.

Parameter Typical Return

1 µs to 8,000 s +3.000000000000000E-01

Set trigger timer to 300 ms on channel 2:


TRIG2:TIM 0.3

l In triggered burst mode (BURSt:MODE TRIG), this command supersedes BURSt:INTernal:PERiod.

324 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


UNIT:ANGLe {DEGree|RADian|DEFault}UNIT:ANGLe?

UNIT:ANGLe {DEGree|RADian|DEFault}
UNIT:ANGLe?
Selects degrees or radians as the angle units. The selected units are used for setting the starting phase for a burst
(BURSt:PHASe), or for setting the phase offset (PHASe). The associated queries are also affected.

Parameter Typical Return

{DEGree|RADian|DEFault}, default DEGree DEG or RAD

Set angle units to radians:


UNIT:ANGL RAD

l Setting may be overridden by adding units to numeric parameter in command. For example, PHASE 90 DEG spec-
ifies 90 degrees, regardless of this setting.

l Front panel display always shows degrees, regardless of UNIT:ANGLe setting.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 325


VOLTage Subsystem Introduction

VOLTage Subsystem Introduction


The VOLTage subsystem sets parameters related to output voltage.

Example
The following is a typical procedure using the VOLTage subsystem.

1. Select the waveform shape, amplitude and offset: Use APPLy or the equivalent FUNCtion, FREQuency,
VOLTage, and VOLTage:OFFSet commands to select the function, frequency, amplitude, and offset.

2. Set units for output amplitude:VOLTage:UNIT

3. Set output amplitude:VOLTage

4. Set DC offset voltage:VOLTage:OFFSet

5. Set high and low voltage level:VOLTage:HIGH and VOLTage:LOW

6. Select output voltage limits to protect device under test (DUT):VOLTage:LIMit:HIGH, VOLT-
age:LIMit:LOW, and VOLTage:LIMit:STATe

7. Select status of auto-ranging for all output functions:VOLTage:RANGe:AUTO

8. Set voltage coupling to lock amplitude and offset of the channels together (2-channel instruments
only):VOLTageLCOUPle[:STATe]

This example demonstrates the procedure outlined above:

SOURce1:FUNCtion SQU
SOURce1:FREQuency +1.0E+06
SOURce1:VOLTage +0.5
SOURce1:VOLTage:OFFSet +0.5
SOURce1:FUNCtion:SQUare:PERiod +1.0E-06
SOURce1:FUNCtion:PULSe:PERiod +1.0E-06
SOURce1:VOLTage:LIMit:LOW +0.0
SOURce1:VOLTage:LIMit:HIGH +1.0
SOURce1:VOLTage:LIMit:STATe 1
OUTP1 ON
SOURce2:FUNCtion SIN
SOURce2:FREQuency +1.0E+06
SOURce2:VOLTage +2.0
SOURce2:VOLTage:OFFSet +0.0
SOURce2:VOLTage:LIMit:LOW -1.0
SOURce2:VOLTage:LIMit:HIGH +1.0
SOURce2:VOLTage:LIMit:STATe 1
OUTP2 ON

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage {<amplitude>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets output amplitude.

326 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


VOLTage Subsystem Introduction

Parameter Typical Return

1 mVpp to 10 Vpp into 50 Ω, default 100 mVpp +5.0000000000000E+00

Set output amplitude to 5 Vpp:


VOLT 5 Vpp

l The relationship between offset voltage and output amplitude is shown below. Vmax is the maximum peak voltage
for the selected output termination (5 V for a 50 Ω load or 10 V for a high-impedance load).

|Voffset| < Vmax - Vpp/2

If the specified offset voltage is not valid, the instrument will adjust it to the maximum DC voltage allowed with the
specified amplitude. From the remote interface, a "Data out of range" error will also be generated.

l Differences between remote and front panel operation:

l Remote Interface: Setting amplitude from the remote interface can change the offset in order to achieve the
desired amplitude. The instrument will generate either a "Data out of range" or "Settings conflict" error. If the
specified offset voltage is not valid, the instrument adjusts it to the maximum allowed with the specified ampli-
tude.

l Front Panel: Setting amplitude from the front panel will not change the offset setting. If the specified ampli-
tude is not valid, the instrument clips it to the maximum amplitude allowed with the current offset and gen-
erates a "Data out of range" error.

l Limits Due to Output Termination: If the amplitude is 10 Vpp and you change the output termination setting from
50 Ω to "high impedance" (OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD INF), the displayed amplitude doubles to 20 Vpp. Changing from
"high impedance" to 50 Ω halves the displayed amplitude. The output termination setting does not affect the
actual output voltage; it only changes the values displayed and queried from the remote interface. Actual output
voltage depends on the connected load.

l Limits due to Output Coupling:

l Differences between remote and front panel operation: If two channels are coupled, both channels' amplitude
limitations will be checked before a change in amplitude is executed. If a change in output amplitude would
exceed a LIMIT for either channel, or exceed the instrument's output specifications for either channel:

l Remote interface: The instrument will first adjust the offset, then if necessary, the amplitude of that
channel to comply with the voltage limits or specification. The instrument will generate either a "Data out
of range" or "Settings conflict" error.

l Front panel: The instrument will clip the amplitude value to the maximum value with the current offset
setting. A "Data out of range" error will be generated.

l Specifying Voltage Units: You can set the output amplitude in Vpp, Vrms, or dBm by specifying the units as part of
the VOLTage command VOLT 3.0 VRMS.

Use VOLTage:UNIT to specify output units for all subsequent commands.

You cannot specify output amplitude in dBm if output termination is set to high impedance.The units are auto-
matically converted to Vpp.

l Limits Due to Units Selection:Amplitude limits are sometimes determined by the output units selected. This may
occur when the units are Vrms or dBm due to the differences in various functions' crest factors. For example, if you
change a 5 Vrms square wave (into 50 Ω) to a sine wave, the instrument will adjust the amplitude to 3.536 Vrms
(the upper limit for sine in Vrms). The remote interface will also generate a "Settings conflict" error.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 327


VOLTage Subsystem Introduction

l Arbitrary Waveform Limitations: For arbitrary waveforms, amplitude is limited if the waveform data points do not
span the full range of the output DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter). For example, the built-in "Sinc" waveform
does not use the full range of values, so its maximum amplitude is limited to 6.087 Vpp (into 50 Ω).

l Changing amplitude may briefly disrupt output at certain voltages due to output attenuator switching. The ampli-
tude is controlled, however, so the output voltage will never exceed the current setting while switching ranges. To
prevent this disruption, disable voltage autoranging using VOLTage:RANGe:AUTO OFF. The APPLy command auto-
matically enables autoranging.

l You can also set the amplitude (with an associated offset voltage) by specifying a high level (VOLTage:HIGH) and
low level (VOLTage:LOW). For example, if you set the high level to +2 V and the low level to -3 V, the resulting
amplitude is 5 Vpp, with a -500 mV offset.

l To output a DC voltage level, select the DC voltage function (FUNCtion DC) and then set the offset voltage (VOLT-
age:OFFSet). Valid values are between ±5 VDC into 50 Ω or ±10 VDC into an open circuit. While the instrument is
in DC mode, setting amplitude has no effect.

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:COUPle[:STATe] {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:COUPle[:STATe]?
Enables or disables the maintaining of the same amplitude, offset, range, load, and units on both channels of a two-
channel instrument. The command applies to both channels; the SOURce keyword is ignored.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default OFF 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Enable voltage coupling:


VOLT:COUP ON

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:HIGH {<voltage>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:HIGH? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:LOW {<voltage>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:LOW? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Set the waveform's high and low voltage levels.

Parameter Typical Return

±5 VDC into 50 Ω, as long as HIGH is at least 1 mV greater than LOW. Defaults: +4.000000000000000E+00
HIGH +50 mV, LOW -50 mV.

Set high voltage level to 4 V:


VOLT:HIGH 4

l Limits Due to Amplitude: You can set the voltage levels to a positive or negative value with the restrictions shown
below. Vpp is the maximum peak-to-peak amplitude for the selected output termination (10 Vpp into 50 Ω or 20
Vpp into an open circuit).

V –V ≤ Vpp (max) and V ,V ≤ Vpp (max)/2


high low high low

328 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


VOLTage Subsystem Introduction

l Differences between remote and front panel operation:

l Remote Interface: Setting the high or low level from the remote interface can change the high level or low
level to achieve the desired setting. In this case either a "Data out of range" or "Settings conflict" error will
occur. If the high level is set below the low level, the instrument will set the low level 1 mV less than the high
level. If the high level is set below the LOW limit or the instrument output specifications, the low level will be
set to the LOW limit or instrument output specification and the high level will be set 1 mV above the low level.
A similar set of rules applies if the low level is set incorrectly.

l Front Panel: Setting the high or low level from the front panel may clip that level setting in order to achieve
the desired level setting, and a "Data out of range" error will be generated. The high level cannot be set below
the low level from the front panel.

l Setting the high and low levels also sets the waveform amplitude and offset. For example, if you set the high level
to +2 V and the low level to -3 V, the resulting amplitude is 5 Vpp, with a -500 mV offset.

l Limits Due to Output Termination:If the amplitude is 10 Vpp and you change the output termination setting from
50 Ω to "high impedance" (OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD INF), the displayed amplitude doubles to 20 Vpp. Changing from
"high impedance" to 50 Ω halves the displayed amplitude. The output termination setting does not affect the
actual output voltage; it only changes the values displayed and queried from the remote interface. Actual output
voltage depends on the connected load.

l Limits due to VOLTage:LIMit:STATe: If voltage limits are enabled, the level settings are checked against the spec-
ified limits (VOLTage:LIMit:HIGH, VOLTage:LIMit:LOW) before a level change is executed. If an output level
change would exceed a LIMIT setting, the level is clipped to the maximum (or minimum) value allowed that will
not exceed the LIMit setting and a "Settings conflict" error will be generated.

l Limits due to Output Coupling: If two channels are coupled, limitations are checked on both channels before a
change in level is executed. If a change in level would exceed a LIMIT setting or exceed the instrument's output
specifications for either channel, the level is clipped to the maximum (or minimum) value allowed that will not
exceed the LIMit setting and a "Settings conflict" error will be generated.

l To invert the waveform relative to the offset voltage, use OUTPut[1|2]:POLarity.

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:LIMit:HIGH {<voltage>| MAXimum|MINimum}


[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:LIMit:HIGH? {MAXimum|MINimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:LIMit:LOW {<voltage>|MAXimum|MINimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:LIMit:LOW? {MAXimum|MINimum}?
Sets the high and low limits for output voltage.

Parameter Typical Return

±5 VDC into 50 Ω, as long as HIGH is at least 1 mV greater than LOW. Defaults: +5.0000000000000E+00
HIGH +50 mV, LOW -50 mV.

Set channel 1 output high limit to 5 V:


VOLT:LIMIT:HIGH 5.0
VOLT:LIMIT:STATE ON

l For voltage limits to be in effect, VOLTage:LIMit:STATe must be ON. If this is the case, and the high limit is set
below the high value of the signal or the low limit is set above the low value of the signal, the relevant limit will be
clipped to the high or low value of the signal. The instrument will generate either a "Data out of range" or "Settings

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 329


VOLTage Subsystem Introduction

conflict" error.

l The high limit sets the highest output voltage allowed to be set, including DC Offset and peak amplitude. It is set in
reference to the current OUTPUT[1|2]:LOAD setting. If the specified LOAD impedance is not present at the instru-
ment's output, then the output limit may not represent the actual voltages at the output connector. For example,
if the output impedance is set to 50 Ω, but the actual load is high impedance, then the actual output peak voltage
may be up to twice the specified limit voltage.

l Specifying Voltage Units: You can set the output limit voltage only in volts.

l When VOLTage:COUPle[:STATe] is ON, and VOLTage:LIMit:STATe is ON, voltage limit settings on both channels
affect maximum amplitude and offset voltage settings on both channels. The most restrictive combination of high
and low limits from either channel is used.

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:LIMit:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0}
[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:LIMit:STATe?
Enables or disables output amplitude voltage limits.

Parameter Typical Return

{ON|1|OFF|0}, default OFF 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Set and enable ±2.5 V output limits on channel 1:


VOLT:LIM:HIGH 2.5
VOLT:LIM:LOW -2.5
VOLT:LIM:STAT ON

l When this is turned ON, if the present settings of amplitude and offset exceed the limits, then the limits will be dis-
abled. The instrument will generate either a "Settings conflict" error.

l When VOLTage:COUPle[:STATe] is ON, and VOLTage:LIMit:STATe is ON, voltage limit settings on both channels
affect maximum amplitude and offset voltage settings on both channels. The most restrictive combination of high
and low limits from either channel is used.

l Limits are set in reference to the current setting of OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD. If the specified LOAD impedance is not
present at the instrument's output, then the output limit may not represent the actual voltages at the output con-
nector. For example, if the output impedance is set to 50 Ω, but the actual load is high impedance, then the actual
output peak voltage may be up to twice the specified limit voltage.

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:OFFSet {<offset>|MINimum|MAXimum}
[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:OFFSet? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]
Sets DC offset voltage.

Parameter Typical Return

± 5 VDC into 50 Ω, default 0 +1.0000000000000E-01

Set offset voltage to 100 mV:


VOLT:OFFS 100 mV

l The relationship between offset voltage and output amplitude is shown below.

330 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


VOLTage Subsystem Introduction

|Voffset| < Vmax - Vpp/2

l Differences between remote and front panel operation:

l Remote Interface: Setting the offset from the remote interface can change the amplitude in order to
achieve the desired offset setting. The instrument will generate either a "Data out of range" or "Settings con-
flict" error.

l Front Panel: Setting the offset from the front panel will not change the amplitude in order to achieve the
desired offset setting. If the specified offset is not valid, the instrument will clip it to the maximum offset
allowed with the current amplitude and generate a "Data out of range" error.

l Limits Due to Output Termination: The offset range depends on the output termination setting. For example, if
you set offset to 100 mVDC and then change output termination from 50 Ω to "high impedance," the offset volt-
age displayed on the front panel doubles to 200 mVDC (no error is generated). If you change from "high imped-
ance" to 50 Ω, the displayed offset voltage will be halved. See OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD for details. Changing the output
termination setting does not change the voltage present at the output terminals of the instrument. This only
changes the displayed values on the front panel and the values queried from the remote interface. The voltage
present at the instrument's output depends on the load connected to the instrument. See OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD for
details.

l Limits due to Output Coupling: If two channels are coupled, limitations of setting offset will be checked on both
channels before a change in offset is executed. If a change in offset would exceed a LIMIT setting, or exceed the
instrument's output specifications for either channel:

l Remote Interface: First the amplitude and then if necessary, the offset of that channel will be adjusted to
comply with the voltage limits or specification. The instrument will generate either a "Data out of range" or
"Settings conflict" error.

l Front panel: The offset value is clipped to the maximum value allowed that will not exceed the LIMit setting,
and a "Data out of range" error will be generated.

l Arbitrary Waveform Limitations: For arbitrary waveforms, amplitude is limited if the waveform data points do not
span the full range of the output DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter). For example, the built-in "Sinc" waveform
does not use the full range of values, so its maximum amplitude is limited to 6.087 Vpp (into 50 Ω).

l Changing amplitude may briefly disrupt output at certain voltages due to output attenuator switching. The ampli-
tude is controlled, however, so the output voltage will never exceed the current setting while switching ranges. To
prevent this disruption, disable voltage autoranging using VOLTage:RANGe:AUTO OFF. The APPLy command auto-
matically enables autoranging.

l Setting the high and low levels also sets the waveform amplitude and offset. For example, if you set the high level
to +2 V and the low level to -3 V, the resulting amplitude is 5 Vpp, with a -500 mV offset.

l To output a DC voltage level, select the DC voltage function (FUNCtion DC) and then set the offset voltage (VOLT-
age:OFFSet). Valid values are between ±5 VDC into 50 Ω or ±10 VDC into an open circuit. While the instrument is
in DC mode, setting amplitude has no effect.

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:RANGe:AUTO {OFF|0|ON|1|ONCE}
[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:RANGe:AUTO?
Disables or enables voltage autoranging for all functions. Selecting ONCE performs an immediate autorange and then
turns autoranging OFF

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 331


VOLTage Subsystem Introduction

Parameter Typical Return

{OFF|0|ON|1|ONCE}, default ON 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Turn voltage autoranging OFF:


VOLT:RANG:AUTO 0

l In the default mode, autoranging is enabled and the instrument automatically selects the optimal settings for the
output waveform generator and attenuator.

l With autoranging disabled (OFF), the instrument uses the instrument's current gain and attenuator settings.

l The APPLy command overrides the voltage autorange setting and automatically enables autoranging (ON).

l Disabling autoranging eliminates momentary disruptions caused by attenuator switching while changing ampli-
tude. However, the amplitude and offset accuracy and resolution (and waveform fidelity) may be adversely
affected when reducing the amplitude below the expected range change.

l If a VOLTage:COUPle[:STATe] is ON, changing this setting on either channel changes it on both.

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:UNIT {VPP|VRMS|DBM}
[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:UNIT?
Selects the units for output amplitude.

Parameter Typical Return

{VPP|VRMS|DBM}, default VPP VPP, VRMS, or DBM

Set output amplitude units to Vrms:


VOLT:UNIT VRMS

l Does not affect offset voltage (VOLTage:OFFSet), high level (VOLTage:HIGH) or low level (VOLTage:LOW). They all
use units of volts.

l The instrument uses the current units selection for both front panel and remote interface operations. For exam-
ple, if you select "VRMS" from the remote interface (VOLTage:UNIT VRMS), the units are displayed as "VRMS" on
the front panel.

l Command applies to VOLTage? query results.

l Output units for amplitude cannot be set to dBm if the output termination is set to "high impedance." The units
are automatically converted to Vpp.

l Arbitrary waveform sequences do not accept units of Vrms or dBm.

l Unless you specify the units as part of either the VOLTage command or one of the APPLy commands, the VOLT-
age:UNIT command takes precedence. For example, if you select VOLTage:UNIT VRMS and do not include units
with an APPLy command, the <amplitude> in the APPLy command will be in "Vrms".

332 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Programming Examples

Programming Examples
These programming examples help you get started with common tasks.

Configure a Sine Wave

Configure a Square Wave

Configure a Ramp Wave

Configure a Pulse Wave

Create a List of Frequencies

Configure an Arbitrary Waveform

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 333


Configure a Sine Wave

Configure a Sine Wave


This section describes the configuration of a sine wave function.

Description
A sine wave has amplitude, offset, and phase relative to sync pulse. Its amplitude and offset can also be set using high
and low voltage values.

Example
The following waveform can be set up with the series of SCPI commands, where high and low can be used in place of
SOUR:VOLT and SOUR:VOLT:OFFS.

The following commands produce the sine wave shown above.

FUNCtion SIN
FREQuency +1.0E+05
VOLTage:HIGH +2.0
VOLTage:LOW +0.0
OUTPut ON
PHASe +90.0

Remarks
l Although period can be adjusted from the front panel, there is no SOUR:FUNC:SIN:PER or SOUR:PER command
that can be used in addition to SOUR:FREQ.

334 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Configure a Square Wave

Configure a Square Wave

Description
A square wave has amplitude, offset, and phase relative to sync pulse. It also has duty cycle and period. Its amplitude
and offset can also be set using high and low voltage values.

Example
The following waveform can be set up with the series of SCPI commands, where high and low can be used in place of
SOUR:VOLT and SOUR:VOLT:OFFS.

The following commands produce the square wave shown above.

FUNC SQU
FUNC:SQU:DCYC +20.0
FREQ +1.0E+04
VOLT:HIGH +4.0
VOLT:LOW +0.0
OUTP 1

Remarks
l For Square Wave, if you change SOUR:FREQ, the SOUR:FUNC:SQU:PER will change. For example, SOUR:FREQ
+2.0E+03 is equivalent to SOUR:FUNC:SQU:PER +5.0E-04.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 335


Configure a Ramp Wave

Configure a Ramp Wave

Description
A ramp wave has amplitude, offset, and phase relative to sync pulse. It also has symmetry for creating triangular and
other similar waveforms. Its amplitude and offset can also be set using high and low voltage values.

Example
The following waveform can be set up with the series of SCPI commands, where high and low can be used in place of
SOUR:VOLT and SOUR:VOLT:OFFS.

The following commands produce the ramp wave shown above.

FUNCtion RAMP
FUNCtion:RAMP:SYMMetry 25
FREQ +1.0E+03
VOLTage +2.0
VOLTage:OFFSet +1.0
OUTP 1

Remarks
l Ramp frequency is limited to 200 kHz.

l Although period can be adjusted from the instrument's front panel, there is no SOUR:FUNC:RAMP:PER or
SOUR:PER command that can be used in addition to SOUR:FREQ.

336 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Configure a Pulse Wave

Configure a Pulse Wave

Description
A pulse wave has amplitude, offset, and phase relative to sync pulse. It also adds edge slope, period, and duty cycle (or
pulse width, depending on the FUNC:PULSe:HOLD configuration). Its amplitude and offset can also be set using high
and low voltage values.

Example
The following waveform can be set up with the series of SCPI commands, where high and low can be used in place of
SOUR:VOLT and SOUR:VOLT:OFFS.

The following commands produce the pulse wave shown above.

FUNC PULS
FUNC:PULS:TRAN:LEAD 4E-8
FUNC:PULS:TRAN:TRA 1E-6
FUNC:PULS:WIDT 3E-6
FREQ 2E5
VOLT 3
OUTP ON

Remarks
l You can use FUNC:PULS:PER instead of FREQ. These commands are paired; changing one changes the other.

l Pulse can be specified by width or duty cycle, which are also coupled. Use FUNCtion:PULSe:HOLD DCYC to specify
that duty cycle is held constant value as frequency or period changes. Use FUNCtion:PULSe:HOLD WIDTh to spec-
ify that pulse width is held constant as frequency or period changes.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 337


Create a List of Frequencies

Create a List of Frequencies

Description
The LIST commands set the instruments's output frequency according to entries in a frequency list, which allows fast
changing to frequencies in a list of up to 128 frequencies. The frequencies to be used are entered using the
LIST:FREQuency command, or they may be read from a file using MMEMory:LOAD:LIST[1|2].

Examples
The following code demonstrates the LIST:FREQuency method.

FUNCtion SQU
FREQuency:MODE LIST
LIST:DWELl +5.0E-03
LIST:FREQuency +1.0E+03,+3.0E+03,+7.0E+03
VOLTage +1.0
OUTPut 1

The results of this code are shown below.

338 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Configure an arbitrary waveform

Configure an arbitrary waveform


This section describes the configuration of an arbitrary waveform.

Description
A user-created arbitrary waveform has amplitude, offset, sample rate, and filter type. These can be set when the arbi-
trary waveform file (.arb or .barb extension) is loaded into waveform memory. The beginning of a typical arbitrary
waveform is shown below; note that amplitude and offset are represented by high and low voltage values:

File Format:1.10
Checksum:0
Channel Count:1
Sample Rate:20000.000000
High Level:2.000000
Low Level:0.000000
Marker Point:50
Data Type:"short"
Filter:"off"
Data Points:100
Data:
23259
23114

The 23259 and 23114 lines after the Data: line are ASCII DAC codes representing the first two waveform data
values. If the waveform's DAC codes do not range from -32767 to + 32767, the output amplitude is asymmetric.

In firmware revisions 1.12 and before, the instrument did not update waveform metadata (sample rate, voltage
range, and filter setting) when switching from one arbitrary waveform to another. The new arbitrary waveform
adopted the metadata of the waveform already in memory. Therefore, an arbitrary waveform designed to play at one
voltage range, sample rate, and filter setting (as specified in the waveform’s metadata) was changed to another set of
metadata. After firmware revision 1.12, arbitrary waveforms load any metadata present in the arbitrary waveform file,
so that they play the way they previously played.

Built-in waveforms make few or no changes when loaded into waveform memory. They play according to the instru-
ment’s current configuration. For example, see the beginning of Haversine.arb, shown below.

Copyright: Agilent Technologies, 2010


File Format:1.0
Channel Count:1
Data Points:40
Data:
0
202
802

Because of the missing metadata, the current settings for voltage range, sample rate, and filter setup are used.

Example
The following code loads and modifies a built-in arbitrary waveform.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 339


Configure an arbitrary waveform

FUNCtion ARB
VOLTage +3
VOLTage:OFFSet +1
FUNC:ARB:SRAT 1E5
FUNCtion:ARBitrary "INT:\BUILTIN\EXP_RISE.ARB"
OUTPut 1

The waveform resulting from these commands is shown below.

340 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Agilent 33500 Series Command Quick Reference

Agilent 33500 Series Command Quick Reference


See the Syntax Conventions for SCPI.

APPLy Commands

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy?

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy: ARBitrary [{<sample_rate>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,{<amplitude>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,


{<offset>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]]]

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy:DC [{<frequency>|DEF} [,{<amplitude>|DEF} [,{<offset>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]]]

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy:NOISe [{<frequency>|DEF} [,{<amplitude>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,{<offset>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]]]

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy:PRBS [{<frequency>|DEF} [,{<amplitude>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,{<offset>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]]]

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy:PULSe [{<frequency>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,{<amplitude>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,


{<offset>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]]]

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy:RAMP [{<frequency>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,{<amplitude>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,


{<offset>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]]]

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy:SINusoid [{<frequency>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,{<amplitude>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,


{<offset>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]]]

[SOURce[1|2]:]APPLy:SQUare [{<frequency>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,{<amplitude>|MIN|MAX|DEF} [,


{<offset>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]]]

DATA Commands

DATA:ARB2:FORMat {AABB|ABAB}

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:ARBitrary[1|2] {<arb_name>}, {<binary_block> | <value>, <value>, . . .}

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:ARBitrary[1|2]:DAC {<arb_name>}, {<binary_block> | <value>, <value>, . . .}

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:ATTRibute:AVERage? [<arb_name>]

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:ATTRibute:CFACtor? [<arb_name>]

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:ATTRibute:POINts? [<arb_name>]

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:ATTRibute:PTPeak? [<arb_name>]

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:SEQuence <block_descriptor>

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:VOLatile:CATalog?

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:VOLatile:CLEar

[SOURce[1|2]:]DATA:VOLatile:FREE?

Output Configuration Commands

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion <function>

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion?

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 341


Agilent 33500 Series Command Quick Reference

FREQUENCY CONTROL

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:CENTer {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:CENTer? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:COUPle:MODE <mode>

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:COUPle:MODE?

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:COUPle:OFFSet <frequency>

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:COUPle:OFFSet?

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:COUPle:RATio <ratio>

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:COUPle:RATio?

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:COUPle[:STATe] <state>

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:COUPle[:STATe]?

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:MODE <mode>

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:MODE?

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:SPAN {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:SPAN? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:STARt {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:STARt? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:STOP {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:STOP? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

FREQUENCY LIST MODE

[SOURce[1|2]:]LIST:DWELl {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]LIST:DWELl? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]LIST:FREQuency <freq1>[,<freq2>, etc.]

[SOURce[1|2]:]LIST:FREQuency?

[SOURce[1|2]:]LIST:FREQuency:POINts? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

MMEMory:LOAD:LIST[1|2] <filename>

MMEMory:STORe:LIST <filename>

VOLTAGE

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage {<amplitude>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:COUPle[:STATe] <state>

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Agilent 33500 Series Command Quick Reference

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:COUPle[:STATe]?

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:HIGH {<voltage>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:HIGH? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:LOW {<voltage>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:LOW? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:LIMit:HIGH {<voltage>|MAXimum|MINimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:LIMit:HIGH? {MAXimum|MINimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:LIMit:LOW {<voltage>|MAXimum|MINimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:LIMit:LOW? {MAXimum|MINimum}?

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:LIMit:STATe <state>

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:LIMit:STATe?

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:OFFSet {<offset>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:OFFSet? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:RANGe:AUTO <mode>

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:RANGe:AUTO?

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:UNIT <units>

[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:UNIT?

SQUARE WAVE

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:SQUare:DCYCle {<percent>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:SQUare:DCYCle? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:SQUare:PERiod {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:SQUare:PERiod? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

RAMP

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:RAMP:SYMMetry {<percent>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:RAMP:SYMMetry? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

NOISE

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:NOISe:BANDwidth {<bandwidth>| MINimum | MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:NOISe:BANDwidth? [{MINimum | MAXimum}]

PRBS

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PRBS:BRATe {<bit_rate>|MINimum|MAXimum>}

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Agilent 33500 Series Command Quick Reference

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PRBS:BRATe? {<bit_rate>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PRBS:DATA <sequence_type>

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PRBS:DATA?

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PRBS:TRANsition[:BOTH] {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PRBS:TRANsition[:BOTH]? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

ARBITRARY WAVEFORM

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary {<filename>}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary?

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:ADVance <mode>

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:ADVance?

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:FILTer <mode>

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:FILTer?

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:FREQuency {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:FREQuency? {MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:PERiod {<period>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:PERiod? {MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:POINts?

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SRATe {<sample_rate>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SRATe? {MINimum|MAXimum}

FUNCtion:ARBitrary:BALance[:STATe] <state> (IQ Player option only)

FUNCtion:ARBitrary:BALance[:STATe]? (IQ Player option only)

FUNCtion:ARBitrary:BALance:GAIN {<percent>|MINimum|MAXimum} (IQ Player option only)

FUNCtion:ARBitrary:BALance:GAIN? [MINimum|MAXimum} (IQ Player option only)

FUNCtion:ARBitrary:BALance:OFFSet[1|2]?{volts|MINimum|MAXimum} (IQ Player option only)

FUNCtion:ARBitrary:BALance:OFFSet[1|2]? [MINimum|MAXimum] (IQ Player option only)

FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SKEW[:STATe] <state> (IQ Player option only)

FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SKEW[:STATe]? (IQ Player option only)

FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SKEW:TIME <seconds> (IQ Player option only)

FUNCtion:ARBitrary:SKEW:TIME? (IQ Player option only)

[SOURce[1|2]:]RATE:COUPle:MODE <mode>

[SOURce[1|2]:]RATE:COUPle:MODE?

[SOURce[1|2]:]RATE:COUPle:OFFSet <sample_rate>

[SOURce[1|2]:]RATE:COUPle:OFFSet?

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Agilent 33500 Series Command Quick Reference

[SOURce[1|2]:]RATe:COUPle:RATio <ratio>

[SOURce[1|2]:]RATe:COUPle:RATio?

[SOURce[1|2]:]RATE:COUPle[:STATe] <state>

[SOURce[1|2]:]RATE:COUPle[:STATe]?

OUTPUT

OUTPut[1|2] <state>

OUTPut[1|2]?

OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD {<ohms>|INFinity|MINimum|MAXimum}

OUTPut[1|2]:LOAD? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

OUTPut[1|2]:MODE <mode>

OUTPut[1|2]:MODE?

OUTPut[1|2]:POLarity <polarity>

OUTPut[1|2]:POLarity?

OUTPut:SYNC <state>

OUTPut:SYNC?

OUTPut[1|2]:SYNC:MODE <mode>

OUTPut[1|2]:SYNC:MODE?

OUTPut[1|2]:SYNC:POLarity <polarity>

OUTPut[1|2]:SYNC:POLarity?

OUTPut:SYNC:SOURce <channel>

OUTPut:SYNC:SOURce?

OUTPut:TRIGger <state>

OUTPut:TRIGger?

OUTPut:TRIGger:SLOPe <slope>

OUTPut:TRIGger:SLOPe?

OUTPut:TRIGger:SOURce <channel>

OUTPut:TRIGger:SOURce?

Pulse Configuration Commands

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:DCYCle {<percent>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:DCYCle? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:HOLD <parameter>

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:HOLD?

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Agilent 33500 Series Command Quick Reference

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:PERiod {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:PERiod? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:TRANsition[:BOTH] {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:TRANsition:LEADing {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:TRANsition:LEADing? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:TRANsition:TRAiling {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:TRANsition:TRAiling? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:WIDTh {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FUNCtion:PULSe:WIDTh? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

Modulation Commands

AM

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM[:DEPTh] {<depth_in_percent>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM[:DEPTh]? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:DSSC <mode>

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:DSSC?

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:INTernal:FREQuency {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:INTernal:FREQuency? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:INTernal:FUNCtion <function>

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:INTernal:FUNCtion?

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce <source>

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:SOURce?

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe <state>

[SOURce[1|2]:]AM:STATe?

FM

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM[:DEViation] {<peak_deviation_in_Hz>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM[:DEViation]? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:INTernal:FREQuency {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:INTernal:FREQuency? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:INTernal:FUNCtion <function>

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:INTernal:FUNCtion?

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:SOURce <source>

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:SOURce?

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Agilent 33500 Series Command Quick Reference

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:STATe <state>

[SOURce[1|2]:]FM:STATe?

BPSK Commands

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:SOURce <source>

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:SOURce?

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe <state>

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:STATe?

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:INTernal:RATE {<modulating_frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK:INTernal:RATE? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK[:PHASe] {<angle>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]BPSK[:PHASe]? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

PM

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:SOURce <source>

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:SOURce?

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:STATe <state>

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:STATe?

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:DEViation {<deviation in degrees>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:DEViation? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:INTernal:FREQuency {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]PM:INTernal:FREQuency? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

FSK

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:FREQuency {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:FREQuency? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:INTernal:RATE {<rate_in_Hz>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:INTernal:RATE? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:SOURce <source>

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:SOURce?

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:STATe <state>

[SOURce[1|2]:]FSKey:STATe?

PWM

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Agilent 33500 Series Command Quick Reference

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:DEViation {<deviation>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:DEViation? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:DEViation:DCYCle {<deviation_in_pct>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:DEViation:DCYCle? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:INTernal:FREQuency {<frequency>|MAXimum|MINimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:INTernal:FREQuency? [{MAXimum|MINimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:INTernal:FUNCtion <function>

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:INTernal:FUNCtion?

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:SOURce <source>

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:SOURce?

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:STATe <state>

[SOURce[1|2]:]PWM:STATe?

SUM

[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:AMPLitude <amplitude>

[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:AMPLitude? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:INTernal:FREQuency {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:INTernal:FREQuency? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:INTernal:FUNCtion <function>

[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:INTernal:FUNCtion?

[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:SOURce <source>

[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:SOURce?

[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:STATe <state>

[SOURce[1|2]:]SUM:STATe?

Frequency Sweep

[SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:HTIMe {<hold_time>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:HTIMe? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:RTIMe {<return_time>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:RTIMe? [ MINimum|MAXimum]

[SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:SPACing <method>

[SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:SPACing?

[SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:TIME {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]SWEep:TIME? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

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Agilent 33500 Series Command Quick Reference

Burst Mode

[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:GATE:POLarity <polarity>

[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:GATE:POLarity?

[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:INTernal:PERiod {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:INTernal:PERiod? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:MODE <method>

[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:MODE?

[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:NCYCles {<num_cycles>|INFinity|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:NCYCles? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:PHASe {<angle>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:PHASe? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:STATe <state>

[SOURce[1|2]:]BURSt:STATe?

Trigger Setup

TRIGger[1|2]

TRIGger[1|2]:COUNt <number>

TRIGger[1|2]:COUNt?

TRIGger[1|2]:DELay {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}

TRIGger[1|2]:DELay?

TRIGger[1|2]:SLOPe <slope>

TRIGger[1|2]:SLOPe?

TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce <source>

TRIGger[1|2]:SOURce?

TRIGger[1|2]:TIMer {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}

TRIGger[1|2]:TIMer? {MINimum|MAXimum}

State Storage

MEMory:NSTates?

MEMory:STATe:CATalog?

MEMory:STATe:DELete <location>

MEMory:STATe:NAME {0|1|2|3|4} [,<name>]

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 349


Agilent 33500 Series Command Quick Reference

MEMory:STATe:NAME? {0|1|2|3|4}

MEMory:STATe:RECall:AUTO <mode>

MEMory:STATe:RECall:AUTO?

MEMory:STATe:VALid? <location>

Mass Memory

MMEMory:CATalog[:ALL]? [<folder>]

MMEMory:CATalog:DATA:ARBitrary? [<folder>]

MMEMory:CATalog:STATe? [<folder>]

MMEMory:CDIRectory <folder>

MMEMory:MDIRectory <folder>

MMEMory:RDIRectory <folder>

MMEMory:COPY <file1>,<file2>

MMEMory:COPY:SEQuence <source>,<destination>

MMEMory:DELete <file>

MMEMory:DOWNload:DATA <binary_block>

MMEMory:DOWNload:FNAMe <filename>

MMEMory:LOAD:ALL <filename>

MMEMory:LOAD:DATA[1|2] <filename>

MMEMory:LOAD:LIST[1|2] <filename>

MMEMory:LOAD:STATe <filename>

MMEMory:MOVE <file1>,<file2>

MMEMory:STORe:ALL <filename>

MMEMory:STORe:DATA[1|2] <filename>

MMEMory:STORe:LIST <filename>

MMEMory:STORe:STATe <filename>

MMEMory:UPLoad? <filename>

System

DISPlay <mode>

DISPlay?

DISPlay:TEXT <string>

DISPlay:TEXT?

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Agilent 33500 Series Command Quick Reference

DISPlay:TEXT:CLEar

HCOPy:SDUMp:DATA?

HCOPy:SDUMp:DATA:FORMat <graphics_format>

HCOPy:SDUMp:DATA:FORMat?

LXI

LXI:IDENtify[:STATE] <state>

LXI:IDENtify[:STATE]?

LXI:MDNS:ENABle <state>

LXI:MDNS:ENABle?

LXI:MDNS:HNAMe:RESolved?

LXI:MDNS:SNAMe:DESired <name>

LXI:MDNS:SNAMe:DESired?

LXI:MDNS:SNAMe:RESolved?

LXI:RESet

LXI:RESTart

Remote Interface Configuration

SYSTem:BEEPer[:IMMediate]

SYSTem:BEEPer:STATe <mode>

SYSTem:BEEPer:STATe?

SYSTem:COMMunicate:ENABle <state>, <interface>

SYSTem:COMMunicate:ENABle? <interface>

SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:ADDRess {<address>}

SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:ADDRess?

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:CONTrol?

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DHCP <state>

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DHCP?

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DNS[1|2] "<address>"

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DNS[1|2]? [{CURRent | STATic}]

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DOMain?

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:GATeway "<address>"

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:GATeway? [{CURRent | STATic}]

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Agilent 33500 Series Command Quick Reference

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:HOSTname "<name>"

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:HOSTname? [{CURRent | STATic}]

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:IPADdress "<address>"

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:IPADdress? [{CURRent | STATic}]

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:MAC?

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:SMASk "<mask>"

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:SMASk? [{CURRent | STATic}]

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:TELNet:PROMpt "<string>"

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:TELNet:PROMpt?

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:TELNet:WMESsage "<string>"

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:TELNet:WMESsage?

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:UPDate

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:WINS[1|2] "<address>"

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:WINS[1|2]? [{CURRent | STATic}]

SYSTem:DATE <yyyy>, <mm>, <dd>

SYSTem:DATE?

SYSTem:ERRor?

SYSTem:LICense:CATalog?

SYSTem:LICense:DELete <option_name>

SYSTem:LICense:DELete:ALL

SYSTem:LICense:DESCription? "<option_name>"

SYSTem:LICense:ERRor?

SYSTem:LICense:ERRor:COUNt?

SYSTem:LICense:INSTall [{<folder> | <file>}]

SYSTem:LICense:INSTall? <option>

SYSTem:LOCK:NAME?

SYSTem:LOCK:OWNer?

SYSTem:LOCK:RELease

SYSTem:LOCK:REQuest?

SYSTem:SECurity:IMMediate

SYSTem:TIME <hh>, <mm>, <ss>

SYSTem:TIME?

SYSTem:VERSion?

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Agilent 33500 Series Command Quick Reference

Phase-Lock

[SOURce[1|2]:]PHASe {<angle>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]PHASe? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]PHASe:REFerence

[SOURce[1|2]:]PHASe:SYNChronize

[SOURce[1|2]:]PHASe:UNLock:ERRor:STATe <mode>

[SOURce[1|2]:]PHASe:UNLock:ERRor:STATe?

ROSCillator:SOURce <source>

ROSCillator:SOURce?

ROSCillator:SOURce:AUTO <state>

ROSCillator:SOURce:AUTO?

ROSCillator:SOURce:CURRent?

Calibration

CALibration?

CALibration:COUNt?

CALibration:SECure:CODE <new_code>

CALibration:SECure:STATe <mode>, <code>

CALibration:SECure:STATe?

CALibration:SETup <step_number>

CALibration:SETup?

CALibration:STRing "<quoted_string>"

CALibration:STRing?

CALibration:VALue <measurement>

CALibration:VALue?

IEEE-488

*CLS

*ESR?

*IDN?

*OPC

*OPC?

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Agilent 33500 Series Command Quick Reference

*OPT?

*PSC <mode>

*PSC?

*RCL <state_storage_location>

*RST

*SAV <state_storage_location>

*SRE <enable_value>

*SRE?

*STB?

*TRG

*TST?

Status

STATus:OPERation:CONDition?

STATus:OPERation:ENABle <enable_value>

STATus:OPERation:ENABle?

STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]?

STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition?

STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle <enable_value>

STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle?

Miscellaneous

ABORt

[SOURce[1|2]:]COMBine:FEED <source>

[SOURce[1|2]:]COMBine:FEED?

FORMat:BORDer <byte_order>

FORMat:BORDer?

INITiate[1|2]:CONTinuous <state>

INITiate[1|2]:CONTinuous?

INITiate:CONTinuous:ALL <state>

INITiate[1|2][:IMMediate]

INITiate:IMMediate:ALL

[SOURce[1|2]:]MARKer:CYCLe {<cycle_num>|MINimum|MAXimum}

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Agilent 33500 Series Command Quick Reference

[SOURce[1|2]:]MARKer:CYCLe? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]MARKer:FREQuency {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]MARKer:FREQuency? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]MARKer:POINt {<sample_number>|MINimum|MAXimum}

[SOURce[1|2]:]MARKer:POINt? [{MINimum|MAXimum}]

[SOURce[1|2]:]TRACk <track_mode>

UNIT:ANGLe <units> UNIT:ANGLe?

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 355


Factory Reset State

Factory Reset State


The following tables show factory default settings. Parameters marked with a bullet (•) are non-volatile, and are not
affected by power cycling or *RST. Other parameters are volatile and reset to the indicated values at power-on or after
*RST.

The power-on/reset state may differ from that shown below if you have enabled power-on state
recall mode from the [System] menu. See Instrument State Storage.

Output Channel Configuration

Function Sine Wave

Tracking Off

Frequency 1 kHz

Frequency Mode CW

Frequency Couple OFF


State

Frequency Couple Ratio


Mode

Frequency Couple 1
Ratio

Frequency Couple Off- 0


set

Amplitude 100 mVpp

Offset 0 VDC

Voltage Couple State OFF

Voltage Limit State OFF

Voltage Limit High 5V

Voltage Limit Low -5 V

Voltage Unit VPP

Voltage Range AUTO

State OFF

Load 50 Ω

Polarity Normal

356 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Factory Reset State

Mode (Normal vs. Normal


Gated)

Sync Polarity Normal

Sync Mode Normal

Output Channel Configuration

Sync State ON

Sync Source CH1

Trigger Source CH1

Trigger Slope Positive

Trigger State OFF

Noise

Bandwidth 100 kHz

PRBS

Data PN7

Bit Rate 1 kbps

Transition 8.4E-09

Pulse

Duty Cycle 10%

Period 1 ms

Leading/Trailing Edge 10 ns

Width 0.1 ms

Ramp

Symmetry 100

Square

Duty Cycle 50%

Period 1 ms

Arbitrary Waveforms

Arb Exponential Rise

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 357


Factory Reset State

Filter STEP

Sample Rate 40 kSa/sec

Advance SRATE

Marker Point Mid point of arb

Amplitude Modulation

State OFF

Modulation Source Internal

Internal Function Sine Wave

Internal Frequency 100 Hz

Depth 100%

DSSC OFF

Frequency Modulation

State OFF

Modulation Source Internal

Internal Function Sine Wave

Internal Frequency 10 Hz

Deviation 100 Hz

FSK Modulation

State OFF

Modulation Source Internal

Internal Rate 10 Hz

Frequency 100 Hz

Phase Modulation

State OFF

Modulation Source Internal

Function Sine Wave

Frequency 10 Hz

358 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Factory Reset State

Deviation 180 degrees

BPSK Modulation

State OFF

Modulation Source Internal

Internal Rate 10 Hz

Phase 180 degrees

Pulse Width Modulation

State OFF

Modulation Source Internal

Function Sine Wave

Frequency 10 Hz

Deviation 1% or 1E-5 sec, depending on how specified

SUM

State OFF

Source Internal

Function Sine Wave

Frequency 100 Hz

Sum Amplitude 0.10%

Phase Control

Phase Adjust 0 degrees

Unlock Error State OFF

Units degrees

Reference Oscillator

Source Auto ON

Source Internal

Burst

State OFF

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 359


Factory Reset State

Gate Polarity Normal

Mode Triggered

Cycles 1

Period 10 ms

Phase 0 degrees

Marker Cycle 2

Sweep

State OFF

Spacing Linear

Start Freq 100 Hz

Stop Freq 1 kHz

Center Freq 550 Hz

Span 900 Hz

Marker Freq 500 Hz

Sweep Time 1 sec

Hold Time 0 sec

Return Time 0 sec

List

Frequency 100, 1000, 550 Hz

Points 3

Dwell 1 sec

Trigger

Delay 0 sec

Slope Positive

Source Immediate

Timer 1 sec

Init Continuous ON

360 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Factory Reset State

Count 1

Channel Independent Trigger Configuration

Init Continuous All ON

Miscellaneous

Format Byte Order Normal

Combine Feed NONE

The following items do not relate to channel configuration.


Display

State ON

Text ""

Hcopy Format PNG

Remote Interface Communication

GPIB Address • 10

DHCP • Enabled

IP Address static • 169.254.5.21

Subnet Mask static • 255.255.0.0

Gateway static • 0.0.0.0

DNS primary server • 0.0.0.0

DNS secondary server 0.0.0.0


Hostname static • "A-335xxx-nnnnn" or "A-335xxx-nnnnn", where xxx is the last


three digits of the model number, and nnnnn is the last 5 digits of
the instrument's serial number

Telnet Prompt • 335xxx>, where xxx is the last three digits of the model number.

Telent Welcome Mes- Welcome to Agilent's 335xxx Waveform Generator, where xxx is
sage • the last three digits of the model number.

WINS primary server • 0.0.0.0

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 361


Factory Reset State

WINS secondary 0.0.0.0


server •

System

Beep State ON

Power Down Recall • OFF

LXI

Identify OFF

Calibration

Calibration State Secured

The instrument uses LAN port 5024 for SCPI Telnet sessions, and port
5025 for SCPI Socket sessions.

362 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


SCPI Error Messages

SCPI Error Messages


The instrument returns error messages in accord with the SCPI standard.

l Up to 20 errors can be stored in each interface-specific error queue (one each for GPIB, USB, VXI-11, and Tel-
net/Sockets.) Errors appear in the error queue of the I/O session that caused the error.

l The instrument beeps once each time a command syntax or hardware error is generated. The front-panel ERROR
annunciator turns on when one or more errors are in the error queue.

l A special global error queue holds all power-on and hardware-related errors (for example, over-temperature).

l Error retrieval is first-in-first-out (FIFO), and errors are cleared as you read them. Once you have read all interface-
specific errors, the errors in the global error queue are retrieved. When you have read all errors from the global
error queue, the ERROR annunciator turns off.

l If more than 20 errors have occurred, the last error stored in the queue (the most recent error) is replaced with -
350,"Error queue overflow". No additional errors are stored until you remove errors from the queue. If no errors
have occurred when you read the error queue, the instrument responds with +0,"No error".

l The front panel reports errors from all I/O sessions and the global error queue. To read the error queue from the
front panel, press the [System] button, then the Help softkey. Then select "View remote command error queue"
in the Help menu.

l Error conditions are also summarized in the Status Byte Register. See Status Subsystem Introduction for details

l The interface-specific error queues are cleared by power cycles and *CLS. The error queue is not cleared by *RST.

l SCPI:

SYSTem:ERRor? Read and clear one error from the queue

Errors have the following format (the error string may contain up to 255 characters):

-113,"Undefined header"

-315 Configuration memory lost; due to firmware revision change

-315 Configuration memory lost; memory corruption detected

-314 Save/recall memory lost; due to firmware revision change

-314 Save/recall memory lost; memory corruption detected

-313 Calibration memory lost

-313 Calibration memory lost; due to firmware revision change

-313 Cannot read file; due to corrupt data

-313 Cannot read file; due to file revision change

-313 Invalid number of channels for operation

-310 System error; internal software error

-310 System error; out of memory

-310 System error; software initialization failed

-292 Referenced name does not exist

-257 File name error;

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 363


SCPI Error Messages

access denied

drive name missing or not recognized

file or folder already exists

file too large

folder is default folder

folder not empty

invalid character in name

not a folder name

path is a folder name

path name missing

path too long

relative path not allowed

unknown file extension

-256 File or folder name not found

-254 Media full

-252 Missing media

-250 Mass storage error: file read/write error

-241 Hardware missing

-241 Hardware missing; Command not valid in one channel instrument.

-240 Hardware error; GPIB interface failed

-230 Data corrupt or stale

-222 Data out of range;

AM depth

amplitude

arb frequency

arb period

burst count

burst count limited by length of burst

burst period

burst period limited by length of burst

cannot combine channel with itself. Combine disabled

duty cycle

duty cycle limited by frequency

364 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


SCPI Error Messages

FM deviation

FM deviation limited by maximum frequency

FM deviation limited by minimum frequency

frequency

frequency in burst mode

high level limited by high soft limit

high level limited by low level

high level limited by low soft limit

high limit value limited by high signal level

large period limits minimum pulse width

low level limited by high level

low level limited by high soft limit

low level limited by low soft limit

low limit value limited by low signal level

marker confined to burst cycles

marker confined to sweep span

offset

period

PRBS edge time

PRBS edge time limited by bit rate

pulse duty cycle limited by period

pulse edge at maximum

pulse edge at minimum

pulse edge time

pulse edge time limited by duty cycle

pulse edge time limited by period

pulse edge time limited by width

pulse frequency

pulse period

pulse width

pulse width limited by period

PWM deviation

PWM deviation limited by pulse parameters

ramp frequency

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 365


SCPI Error Messages

ramp Symmetry

Sample rate

sample rate clipped to lower limit

sample rate clipped to upper limit

quare edge time

square edge time limited by duty cycle

square edge time limited by period

square edge time limited by width

square period

square width

sum amplitude limited by channel or combine amplitudes

sum amplitude value clipped to lower limit

sweep time

Track exceeds limits on channel 1. Tracking disabled

Track exceeds limits on channel 2. Tracking disabled

trigger count clipped to lower limit

trigger count clipped to upper limit

trigger delay

trigger delay clipped to lower limit

trigger delay clipped to upper limit

trigger delay limited by length of burst

trigger timer clipped to lower limit

trigger timer clipped to upper limit

trigger timer limited by length of burst

user frequency

USER setting only valid for channel 1

value clipped to dwell time's lower limit

value clipped to dwell time's upper limit

value clipped to lower limit

value clipped to sweep time's lower limit

value clipped to upper limit

value limited due to coupling

-222 List Data out of range; pulse frequency : Mode is changed to continuous wave

-222 List Data out of range; ramp frequency : Mode is changed to continuous wave

366 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


SCPI Error Messages

-222 List Data out of range; Sine frequency : Mode is changed to continuous wave

-222 List Data out of range; Square frequency : Mode is changed to continuous wave

-222 List Data out of range; user frequency : Mode is changed to continuous wave

-221 Setting the advance mode to trigger forced the trigger source to external.

-221 Setting the Arb Filter OFF changed the maximum sample rate value to 6.25e7.

-221 Setting the trigger source changed the arb advance mode.

-221 Settings conflict;

50V input range not compatible with 50 ohm input impedance; impedance set to 1 Mohm

AM depth forced amplitude change

AM turned off by selection of other mode or modulation

amplitude changed due to function

amplitude changed due to offset

amplitude units changed to Vpp due to high-Z load

amplitude units changed to Vpp, dBm and Vrms not applicable to arb sequences

amplitude units unchanged, dBm and Vrms not applicable to arb sequences

arb advance changed to SRATE due to mode

arb voltage reduced due to output load or limits

both edge times decreased due to period

both edge times decreased due to pulse duty cycle

both edge times decreased due to pulse width

BPSK turned off by selection of other mode or modulation

burst count reduced to fit entire burst

Burst mode has caused output phase to be set to zero degrees

burst period increased to fit entire burst

burst phase inapplicable for arbs larger than 1M. burst phase set to 0

burst turned off by selection of other mode or modulation

cannot delete state selected and enabled for automatic power-on recall

Cannot modulate ARB carrier with ARB as modulation function. Modulation turned off.

Cannot modulate ARB carrier with ARB modulation function. Function unchanged.

Cannot modulate ARB carrier with USER as modulation function. Modulation turned off.

Cannot modulate ARB carrier with USER modulation function. Function unchanged.

Cannot modulate Noise carrier with Noise as modulation function. Modulation turned off.

Cannot modulate Noise carrier with Noise modulation function. Function unchanged.

Cannot modulate PRBS carrier with PRBS as modulation function. Modulation turned off.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 367


SCPI Error Messages

Cannot modulate PRBS carrier with PRBS modulation function. Function unchanged.

Cannot modulate USER carrier with ARB as modulation function. Modulation turned off.

Cannot modulate USER carrier with ARB modulation function. Function unchanged.

Cannot modulate USER carrier with USER as modulation function. Modulation turned off.

Cannot modulate USER carrier with USER modulation function. Function unchanged.

combine amplitude exceeds limit. Combine disabled

coupling cannot be ON with this function, coupling turned off

coupling violates settings, coupling turned off

edge time decreased due to bit rate

external gating not compatible with gate output; gate output disabled

FM deviation cannot exceed carrier

FM deviation exceeds maximum frequency

FM turned off by selection of other mode or modulation

frequency changed for pulse function

frequency forced duty cycle change

frequency made compatible with burst mode

frequency reduced for ramp function

frequency reduced for user function

FSK turned off by selection of other mode or modulation

Function or modulation source cannot be USER. Tracking disabled

Function selection limited the FSK frequency.

Gated output not available for gated burst. Output mode changed to normal.

high level changed due to low level

high limit less than low limit. Limits disabled

infinite burst changed trigger source to BUS

input threshold voltage > input range; threshold clipped to range

leading edge time decreased due to period

leading edge time decreased due to pulse width

leading edge times decreased due to pulse duty cycle

limited frequency to 1MHz when sync mode carrier, burst ON, and function sine

list turned off by selection of other mode or modulation

low level changed due to high level

low reference >= high reference

marker forced into sweep span

368 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


SCPI Error Messages

marker off forced sync to normal mode

marker on forced sync to marker mode

marker point changed to fit arb length

modulation frequency made compatible with modulation shape

must stop operation to update trigger count

must stop operation to update trigger delay

not able to adjust phase in this function

not able to adjust phase in this mode

not able to burst DC, burst turned off

not able to burst this function

not able to change output load with limits enabled

not able to list arb, list turned off

not able to list DC, list turned off

not able to list noise, list turned off

not able to list PRBS, list turned off

not able to list this function

not able to modulate arb, modulation turned off

not able to modulate DC, modulation turned off

not able to modulate noise, modulation turned off

not able to modulate PRBS, modulation turned off

not able to modulate this function

not able to sweep arb, sweep turned off

not able to sweep DC, sweep turned off

not able to sweep noise, sweep turned off

not able to sweep PRBS, sweep turned off

not able to sweep this function

offset changed due to amplitude

offset changed on exit from DC function

PM turned off by selection of other mode or modulation

pulse duty cycle decreased due to period

pulse duty cycle increased due to period

pulse width decreased due to period

pulse width increased due to large period

PWM deviation decreased due to pulse parameters

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 369


SCPI Error Messages

PWM only available in pulse function

PWM turned off by selection of other mode or modulation

selected arb is missing, changing selection to default

selecting a sequence turned off modulation

sequences not supported, changing selection to default

signal exceeds high limit. Limits disabled

signal exceeds low limit. Limits disabled

sum amplitude exceeds limit or range. Sum disabled

SUM turned off by selection of other mode or modulation

Sweep + Hold + Return time larger than trigger TIMER. Trig timer increased.

Sweep + Hold + Return time max (8000s) limited time setting.

Sweep + Hold + Return time too large for IMM or TIMER trigger. Sweep turned off.

Sweep + Hold + Return time too large for IMM or TIMER trigger. Trig source unchanged.

Sweep time reduced due to log sweep setting.

sweep turned off by selection of other mode or modulation

Tracking turned off by selection of USER function or modulation source

trailing edge decreased due to leading edge

trailing edge time decreased due to period

trailing edge time decreased due to pulse width

trailing edge times decreased due to pulse duty cycle

trigger delay reduced to fit entire burst

trigger output connector used by BPSK

trigger output connector used by burst gate

trigger output connector used by FSK

trigger output connector used by trigger external

trigger output disabled

trigger output disabled by trigger external

Trigger source limited the sweep time; value clipped to upper limit

triggered burst not available for noise

turned off infinite burst to allow immediate trigger source

Use FUNC:ARB to select an ARB before selecting ARB as modulation function. Function unchanged.

Use FUNC:ARB to select an ARB before selecting ARB as modulation function. Modulation disabled.

Use FUNC:USER to select a user arb before selecting USER as modulation function. Function unchanged.

Use FUNC:USER to select a user arb before selecting USER as modulation function. Modulation disabled.

370 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


SCPI Error Messages

-213 INIT ignored

-115 Invalid parameter; Parameter not supported on one channel instrument

-114 Header suffix out of range

100 Network Error

110 LXI mDNS Error

201 Memory lost: stored state

202 Memory lost: power-on state

203 Memory lost: stored measurements

263 Not able to execute while instrument is measuring

291 Not able to recall state: it is empty

292 State file size error

293 State file corrupt

301 Cannot reset input protection; high voltage present

305 Not able to perform requested operation

514 Not allowed

514 Not allowed; Instrument locked by another I/O session

521 Communications: input buffer overflow

522 Communications: output buffer overflow

532 Not able to achieve requested resolution

540 Cannot use overload as math reference

550 Not able to execute command in local mode

560 No valid external timebase

561 High voltage present on input channel

570 DDS Processor is not responding

580 Reference phase-locked loop is unlocked

600 Internal licensing error

601 License file corrupt or empty

601 Self-test failed

602 No valid licenses found for this instrument

602 Self-test failed

603 Self-test failed

603 Some licenses could not be installed

604 License not found

604 Self-test failed

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 371


SCPI Error Messages

605 Self-test failed

606 Self-test failed

607 Self-test failed

608 Self-test failed

609 Self-test failed

610 Self-test failed

611 Self-test failed

612 Self-test failed

613 Self-test failed

615 Self-test failed

616 Self-test failed

620 Self-test failed

621 Self-test failed

625 Self-test failed

630 Self-test failed

631 Self-test failed

635 Self-test failed

640 Self-test failed

650 Self-test failed

655 Self-test failed

660 Self-test failed

701 Calibration error; security defeated by hardware jumper

702 Calibration error; calibration memory is secured

703 Calibration error; secure code provided was invalid

704 Calibration error: secure code too long

705 Calibration error; calibration aborted

706 Calibration error; provided value is out of range

707 Calibration error: computed correction factor out of range

707 Calibration error; signal input is out of range

708 Calibration error: signal measurement out of range

709 Calibration error: no calibration for this function

710 Calibration error: full scale correction out of range

710 Self-calibration failed

711 Calibration error: calibration string too long

372 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


SCPI Error Messages

711 Self-calibration failed

712 Calibration failed

712 Self-calibration failed

715 Self-calibration failed

720 Self-calibration failed

740 Calibration data lost: secure state

741 Calibration data lost: string data

742 Calibration data lost: corrections

748 Calibration memory write failure

770 Nonvolatile arb waveform memory corruption detected

781 Not enough memory to store new arb waveform; bad sectors

781 Not enough memory to store new arb waveform; use DATA:DELETE

782 Cannot overwrite a built-in arb waveform

784 Name of source arb waveform for copy must be VOLATILE

785 Specified arb waveform does not exist

786 Not able to delete a built-in arb waveform

786 Specified arb waveform already exists

787 Not able to delete the currently selected active arb waveform

787 Specified arb not loaded in waveform memory

788 Could not load specified arb; Loaded Built-in default arb

791 Firmware update error; unable to begin download

792 Firmware update error; programming operation failed

793 Firmware update error; data record invalid character

794 Firmware update error; data record length mismatch

795 Firmware update error; data record checksum mismatch

796 Firmware update error; bad checksum for download start

797 Firmware update error; bad checksum for download complete

798 Firmware update error; download in progress

799 Firmware update error; unable to complete download

800 Firmware update error; invalid programming address

810 State has not been stored

811 Method not implemented, YET!

850 Calibration error; set up is invalid

851 Calibration error; set up is out of order

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 373


SCPI Error Messages

870 Arb: Text File Format error; invalid format

871 Arb: Segment name is too long

872 Arb: File name is too long

873 Arb: Too many sequence steps

874 Arb: Too many segments defined

875 Arb: Too many sequences defined

876 Arb: Sequence already defined

877 Arb: Segment not found

878 Arb: Sequence not found

879 Arb: Segment edit too large

880 Arb: Out of memory

881 Arb: Values are out of range

882 Arb: Segment too small

883 Arb: Error in closing file

884 Arb: Seek too large

885 Arb: Arb file cannot be stored as sequence file

886 Arb: Sequence file cannot be stored as arb file

887 File name error; not a valid extension

888 Arb: Could not create built in arb directory

889 Arb: Could not copy built in arb

890 enable combine forced tracking off

891 enable coupling forced tracking off

892 enable tracking forced coupling off

893 enable tracking forced combine off

374 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Service and Repair - Introduction

Service and Repair - Introduction


This section contains basic service information for your instrument.

Types of Service Available

Cleaning

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions

Surface Mount Repair

Additional service information is found here:

Block Diagram

Power Supplies

Troubleshooting

Self-Test Procedures

Replaceable Parts

Disassembly

Types of Service Available


If your instrument fails during the warranty period, Agilent Technologies will repair or replace it under the terms of your
warranty. After your warranty expires, Agilent offers repair services at competitive prices.

Extended Service Contracts

Many Agilent products have optional service contracts that extend coverage after the standard warranty expires.

Obtaining Repair Service (Worldwide)

To obtain service for your instrument, contact your nearest Agilent Technologies Service Center. They will arrange to
have your unit repaired or replaced, and can provide warranty or repair–cost information where applicable. Ask the Agi-
lent Technologies Service Center for shipping instructions, including what components to ship. Agilent recommends
that you retain the original shipping carton for return shipments.

Repackaging for Shipment

To ship the unit to Agilent for service or repair:

l Attach a tag to the unit identifying the owner and indicating the required service or repair. Include the model
number and full serial number.

l Place the unit in its original container with appropriate packaging material.

l Secure the container with strong tape or metal bands.

l If the original shipping container is unavailable, use a container that will ensure at least 10 cm (4 in.) of com-
pressible packaging material around the entire instrument. Use static-free packaging materials.

Agilent suggests that you always insure shipments.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 375


Service and Repair - Introduction

Cleaning
Clean the outside of the instrument with a soft, lint-free, slightly damp cloth. Do not use detergent. Disassembly is not
required or recommended for cleaning.

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions


Almost all electrical components can be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD) during handling. Component damage
can occur at electrostatic discharge voltages as low as 50 V.

The following guidelines will help prevent ESD damage during service operations:

l Disassemble instruments only in a static-free work area.

l Use a conductive work area to reduce static charges.

l Use a conductive wrist strap to reduce static charge accumulation.

l Minimize handling.

l Keep replacement parts in original static-free packaging.

l Remove all plastic, foam, vinyl, paper, and other static-generating materials from the immediate work area.

l Use only anti-static solder suckers.

Surface Mount Repair


Surface mount components should only be removed using equipment designed for surface mount components. Using
conventional soldering equipment will almost always damage to the printed circuit board and will void your warranty.

376 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Introduction to Calibration

Introduction to Calibration
This chapter contains procedures for verifying the instrument's performance and adjustment (calibration).

The instrument uses closed-case electronic calibration; no internal mechanical adjustments are required. The instru-
ment calculates correction factors based on input reference values that you set and stores correction factors in non-vol-
atile memory until the next calibration adjustment is performed. This data is not changed by cycling power or *RST.

Agilent Technologies Calibration Services


Your local Agilent Technologies Service Center offers low-cost recalibration. The service center uses automated cal-
ibration systems that allow Agilent to provide calibration at competitive prices.

Calibration Table of Contents


The section includes the following sections:

Calibration Overview

l Calibration Interval

l Adjustment is Recommended

l Time Required for Calibration

l Automating Calibration Procedures

l Recommended Test Equipment

l Test Considerations

l Calibration Count

l Calibration Message

Calibration Security

Performance Verification Tests

l Self-Test

l Quick Performance Check

l Performance Verification Tests

l Amplitude and Flatness Verification Procedures

Internal Timebase Verification

AC Amplitude (high-impedance) Verification

DC Offset Voltage Verification

-8 dB Range Flatness Verification

-24 dB Range Flatness Verification

General Calibration/Adjustment Procedure

Aborting a Calibration in Progress

Sequence of Adjustments

Self-Test

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 377


Introduction to Calibration

Frequency (Internal Timebase) Adjustment

Internal ADC Adjustment

Self Calibration Adjustment

Output Impedance Adjustment

AC Amplitude (high-impedance) Adjustment

-24 dB Range Flatness Adjustment

-8 dB Range Flatness Adjustment

Adjust Channel 2 (if necessary)

l Self Calibration Adjustment (Channel 2)

l Output Impedance Adjustment (Channel 2)

l AC Amplitude (high-impedance) Adjustment (Channel 2)

l -24 dB Range Flatness Adjustment (Channel 2)

l -8 dB Range Flatness Adjustment (Channel 2)

Calibration Errors

Next Calibration Topic

378 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Calibration Overview

Calibration Overview
This section introduces the instrument's calibration features. For more detailed calibration information, see Calibration.

Calibration Interval
The instrument should be calibrated on a regular interval determined by the accuracy requirements of your application.
A 1-year interval is adequate for most applications. Accuracy specifications are warranted only if adjustment is made at
regular calibration intervals. Accuracy specifications are not warranted beyond the 1-year calibration interval. Agilent
Technologies does not recommend calibration intervals beyond 2 years for any application.

Adjustment is Recommended
Whatever calibration interval you select, Agilent Technologies recommends that complete re-adjustment should
always be performed at the calibration interval. This ensures that the instrument will remain within specifications for
the next calibration interval and provides the best long-term stability. Performance data measured using this method
can be used to extend future calibration intervals. Use the Calibration Count to verify that all adjustments have been
performed.

Time Required for Calibration


For incoming instrument verification, do performance verification tests first. Then perform adjustments and re-run the
performance verification tests. Each of these steps, if done manually, takes approximately 30 minutes per channel to
perform.

The instrument can also be automatically calibrated under computer control. With computer control you can perform
the complete calibration procedure and performance verification tests in approximately 30 minutes (one channel) or
60 minutes (two channels) once the instrument is warmed-up (see Test Considerations).

Automating Calibration Procedures


You can use programmable test equipment to automate the complete verification and adjustment procedures. You can
program each test's instrument configuration over the remote interface. Then enter read-back verification data into a
test program and compare the results to the appropriate test limit.

You can also adjust the instrument from the remote interface, which is similar to the front-panel procedure. Use a com-
puter to perform the adjustment by first selecting the required function and range on the measurement equipment.
Send the calibration value to the instrument and then initiate calibration over the remote interface.

You must unsecure the instrument before calibration.

A typical programming sequence for a single calibration setup is as follows:

1. CAL:SETup 2 (configures instrument for calibration step 2)

2. Measure the output frequency with the external frequency counter

3. CAL:VALue 9.99994321E6 (send the measured value to the instrument)

4. CAL? (initiates the calibration adjustment for setup 2)

5. Read CAL? query value to determine the failure (+1) or success (+0) of adjustment

6. CAL:SETup 3 (configures instrument for calibration step 3)

For further information on instrument programming, see Introduction to SCPI Language.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 379


Calibration Overview

Recommended Test Equipment


The test equipment recommended for the performance verification and adjustment procedures is listed below. If the
exact instrument is not available, substitute calibration standards of equivalent accuracy.

Instrument Requirements Recommended Model Use


*

Digital Mul- ACV, true rms, AC coupled accuracy: ±0.02% to 1 MHz Agilent 3458A Q,
timeter (DMM) DCV accuracy: 50 ppm resolution: 100 µV Resistance Offset- P, T
compensated accuracy: ±0.1 Ω

Precision AC 1000 Hz to 30 MHz 0.1 Vrms to 2 Vrms (–7 dBm to +20 dBm) Fluke 5790A Q,
Voltmeter accuracy: 0.02 dB resolution: 0.01 dB P, T

Frequency accuracy: 0.1 ppm Agilent 53132A Opt 012 Q,


Meter (high stability) P, T

Oscilloscope 1 GHz 4 Gs/second 50 Ω input termination Agilent MSO6104A T

Adapter BNC (m) to dual-banana (f) Agilent 11001-60001 Q,


P, T

Adapter N type (m) to BNC (m) Agilent E9623A Q,


P, T

Cable (2 Dual banana (m) to dual banana (m) Agilent 11000-60000 Q,


required) P, T

Cable RG58, BNC (m) to dual banana Agilent 11001-60001 Q,


P, T

Cable RG58, BNC (m) to BNC (m) Agilent 11170C Q,


P, T

* Q = Quick Verification P = Performance Verification T = Troubleshooting

Test Considerations
For optimal performance, all procedures should comply with the following recommendations:

l Calibration ambient temperature is stable, between 18 and 28 °C. Ideally, it should be 23 ±1 °C.

l Ambient relative humidity is less than 80%.

l One-hour warm-up period before verification or adjustment.

l Measurement cables as short as possible, consistent with the impedance requirements.

l RG-58 or equivalent 50 Ω cable.

380 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Calibration Overview

Calibration Count
You can query the instrument to determine how many calibrations have been performed. The instrument was cal-
ibrated at the factory. When you receive your instrument, be sure to read the count to determine its initial value.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l Because the value increments for each calibration point that stores a value, a complete calibration increases the
value by many counts.

l Front-Panel:

l SCPI: CAL:COUNt?

Calibration Message
You can store one message of up to 40 characters in calibration memory. For example, you can store the date when
the last calibration was performed, the date when the next calibration is due, the instrument's serial number, or con-
tact information for your calibration experts.

Unsecure the instrument to record a calibration message. You can read the message from either the front-panel or
over the remote interface, regardless of whether the instrument is secured.

l Storing a calibration message overwrites any message previously stored.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l Front-Panel:

l SCPI: CAL:STR "Cal Due: 01 August 2012"

Previous Calibration Topic Next Calibration Topic

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 381


Calibration Security

Calibration Security
This section describes the instrument's calibration security system.

Security Overview
A security code prevents accidental or unauthorized instrument adjustments.

l For models 33521A and 33522A, the security code is set to AT33520A when instrument ships from factory. For
all other models, the security code is set to AT33500.

l Once you enter a security code, that code must be used for both front-panel and remote operation. If you secure
the instrument from the front panel, you must use that same code to unsecure it from the remote interface.

l This setting is non-volatile; it will not be changed by power cycling or *RST.

l Security code rules:


Unquoted string up to 12 characters
Must start with letter (A-Z)
May contain letters, numbers (0-9) and underscores

l Front Panel:

l SCPI: CALibration_SECurity:STATe

Unsecure Instrument Without Security Code


See Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions before beginning this procedure.

1. Disconnect power cord and all input connections.

2. Disassemble the instrument (see Disassembly).

382 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Calibration Security

3. Apply a temporary short between pin 1 and pin 6 of the header on the main board, shown below.

4. Attach power and turn on instrument.

Be careful not to touch the power line connections or high voltages on the power supply module.
Power is present even if the instrument is turned off.

5. The error queue will show the message "Calibration security has been disabled."

Calibration security is unlocked, with password reset to its factory default value. Calibration count is incremented
because jumper was connected during power-up, and error message +701,"Calibration error; security
defeated by hardware jumper" is issued. Nonvolatile calibration storage is updated to reflect these operations.

6. Turn off the instrument, remove temporary short, and remove power cord.

7. Reassemble instrument.

8. Enter a new security code as described above, and record the security code in a safe location.

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Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 383


Verification

Verification
The following topics describe the verification portion of the calibration procedure:

l Performance Verification Tests

l Internal Timebase Verification

l AC Amplitude (high-impedance) Verification

l DC Offset Voltage Verification

l -8 dB Range Flatness Verification

l -24 dB Range Flatness Verification

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384 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Performance Verification Tests

Performance Verification Tests


Use the Performance Verification Tests to verify the measurement performance of the instrument. The performance
verification tests use the instrument’s specifications listed on the product datasheet.

You can perform three levels of performance verification tests:

l Self-Test A series of internal verification tests that give high confidence that the instrument is operational.

l Quick Verification A combination of the internal self-tests and selected verification tests.

l Performance Verification Tests An extensive set of tests that are recommended as an acceptance test when
you first receive the instrument or after performing adjustments.

Self-Test
A brief power-on self-test occurs automatically whenever you turn on the instrument. This limited test assures that
the instrument is operational. For details, see Self-Test Procedures.

Quick Performance Check


The quick performance check is a combination of internal self-test and an abbreviated performance test (specified by
the letter Q in the performance verification tests). This test provides a simple method to achieve high confidence in the
instrument's ability to functionally operate and meet specifications. These tests represent the absolute minimum set of
performance checks recommended following any service activity. Auditing the instrument’s performance for the quick
check points (designated by a Q) verifies performance for normal accuracy drift mechanisms. This test does not check
for abnormal component failures.

To perform the quick performance check, do the following:

1. Perform a complete self-test.

2. Perform only the performance verification tests indicated with the letter Q.

3. If the instrument fails the quick performance check, adjustment or repair is required.

Performance Verification Tests


The performance verification tests are recommended as acceptance tests when you first receive the instrument. The
acceptance test results should be compared against the specifications on the product datasheet. After acceptance, you
should repeat the performance verification tests at every calibration interval.

If the instrument fails performance verification, adjustment or repair is required.

Adjustment is recommended at every calibration interval. If adjustment is not made, you must guard band, using no
more than 80% of the specifications listed in the datasheet, as the verification limits.

Amplitude and Flatness Verification Procedures


The flatness verification procedures use a precision AC voltmeter. You may substitute Thermal Voltage Converters
(TVCs) to make measurements using appropriate operating procedures and test equipment.

Flatness measurements for the -24 dB and -8 dB attenuator ranges are measured during the verification procedure.
Other attenuator ranges are verified as a part of -24 dB and -8 dB attenuation range verification procedures. No sep-
arate verification procedure is given for these ranges.

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Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 385


Internal Timebase Verification

Internal Timebase Verification


Verifies output frequency accuracy. All output frequencies are derived from a single generated frequency.

1. Connect a frequency counter to the channel 1 output as shown below (the frequency counter input should be ter-
minated at 50 Ω).

2. Set the instrument to the output described in the table below and measure the output frequency. Be sure the
instrument output is enabled.

Use Waveform Generator Measurement

Function Amplitude Frequency Nominal Error*

Q Sine Wave 1.00 Vpp 10.000,000,0 MHz 10.000 Mhz ± 10 Hz

* With the optional high-stability OCXO timebase, the measurement error is ±1 Hz

3. Compare the measured value to the test limits shown in the table.

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386 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


AC Amplitude (high-impedance) Verification

AC Amplitude (high-impedance) Verification


Checks AC amplitude output accuracy at 1 kHz frequency using each attenuator.

1. Set the DMM to measure Vrms. Connect the DMM to the channel output as shown below.

2. Set the instrument to each output in the table below and measure the output voltage with the DMM. Be sure the
output impedance is set to High–Z and the output is enabled.

Use Waveform Generator Measurement

Output Setup Function Frequency Amplitude Nominal Error*

Q High Z** Sine 1.000 kHz 400.0 mVrms 0.400 Vrms ±0.004707 Vrms

Q High Z Sine 1.000 kHz 400.0 mVrms 0.400 Vrms ±0.004707 Vrms

Q High Z Sine 1.000 kHz 1.00 Vrms 1.00 Vrms ±0.010707 Vrms

Q High Z Sine 1.000 kHz 2.500 Vrms 2.5 Vrms ±0.025707 Vrms

Q High Z Sine 1.000 kHz 7.000 Vrms 7.0000 Vrms ±0.070707 Vrms

* Based upon 1% of setting ±1 mVpp (50 Ω); converted to Vrms for High–Z.

** Use the following sequence to set this output:

a. Set amplitude to 400.0 mVrms

b. Set DC Offset to 1.0 VDC

c. Set Auto-Range to OFF

d. Set DC Offset Voltage to 0.0 VDC

e. After the measurement, set Auto-Range ON for remaining measurements.

3. Compare the measured value to the test limits shown in the table.

4. Two-channel instruments only: connect DMM to channel 2 output and repeat steps 2 and 3.

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Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 387


DC Offset Voltage Verification

DC Offset Voltage Verification


Checks the DC Offset Voltage on two attenuator ranges:

1. Set the DMM to measure DCV. Connect the DMM to the channel output as shown below.

2. Set the instrument to each output in the table below and measure the output voltage with the DMM.

Use Waveform Generator Measurement

Output Setup Function Voltage Nominal Error*

Q High Z DC 0.0 V 0.0 VDC ±0.002 VDC

Q High Z DC 500 mV 0.500 VDC ±0.007 VDC

Q High Z DC 10.0 V 10.0 VDC ±0.102 VDC

* Based upon 1% of setting ±2 mVDC for High-Z.

3. Compare the measured value to the test limits shown in the table.

4. Two-channel instruments only: connect DMM to channel 2 output and repeat steps 2 and 3.

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388 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


-8 dB Range Flatness Verification

-8 dB Range Flatness Verification


Checks high frequency AC amplitude flatness on the -8 dB attenuator range. Also checks flatness for all other ranges
excluding the -24 dB and 0 dB attenuator ranges.

1. Connect a precision AC voltmeter to measure the output amplitude as shown below. Connect the BNC cable to
the Wide Band input of the Fluke 5790A.If you are using substitute test equipment, verify that the input imped-
ance is 50 Ω, because load accuracy directly affects measurement quality.

2. Set the precision AC Voltmeter to "Medium, Medium" Digital Filter and Filter Restart.

3. Set the instrument to each output described in the table below and measure the output amplitude with the AC
voltmeter. This will become the reference measurement. Set the output impedance to 50 Ω. Be sure the output is
enabled.

Use Waveform Generator Measurement

Output Load Function Amplitude Frequency Nominal Error

Q 50 Ω Sine 1.200 Vrms 1.000 kHz 1.2 Vrms ±0.0127 Vrms

4. Set the measured value in Step 3 to be the reference value on the AC voltmeter.

5. Set the instrument to each output described in the table below and measure the output amplitude relative to the
source as a percent with the AC voltmeter. Note that the table also lists the output in dB if you are using a power
meter to perform this test.

Use Waveform Generator Measurement

Output Function Amplitude Frequency Nominal Error Nominal Error


Load

50 Ω Sine 1.200 100.000 kHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.10


Vrms 1.15% dB

50 Ω Sine 1.200 500.000 kHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.15


Vrms 1.74% dB

50 Ω Sine 1.200 1.000 MHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.15


Vrms 1.74% dB

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 389


-8 dB Range Flatness Verification

Use Waveform Generator Measurement

Q 50 Ω Sine 1.200 2.000 MHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.15


Vrms 1.74% dB

50 Ω Sine 1.200 5.000 MHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.15


Vrms 1.74% dB

50 Ω Sine 1.200 10.00 MHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.30


Vrms 3.51% dB

50 Ω Sine 1.200 15.00 MHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.30


Vrms 3.51% dB

50 Ω Sine 1.200 20.00 MHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.30


Vrms 3.51% dB

50 Ω Sine 1.200 22.00 MHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.40


Vrms (unnecessary for 20 MHz 4.71% dB
instruments)

50 Ω Sine 1.200 27.00 MHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.40


Vrms (unnecessary for 20 MHz 4.71% dB
instruments)

50 Ω Sine 1.200 30.00 MHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.40


Vrms (unnecessary for 20 MHz 4.71% dB
instruments)

6. Compare the measured value to the test limits shown in the table.

7. Two-channel instruments only: Connect the AC voltmeter to channel 2 and repeat steps 2 through 6.

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390 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


-24 dB Range Flatness Verification

-24 dB Range Flatness Verification


Checks high frequency AC amplitude flatness on the - 24 dB attenuator range. Also checks flatness for the 0 dB atten-
uator range.

1. Connect a precision AC voltmeter to measure the output amplitude as shown below. Connect the BNC cable to the
Wide Band input of the Fluke 5790A.If you are using substitute test equipment, verify that the input impedance is
50 Ω, because load accuracy directly affects measurement quality.

2. Set the precision AC Voltmeter to "Medium, Medium" Digital Filter and Filter Restart.

3. Set the instrument to each output described in the table below and measure the output amplitude with the AC
voltmeter. This will become the reference measurement. Set the output impedance to 50 Ω. Be sure the output is
enabled.

Use Waveform Generator Measurement

Output Load Function Amplitude Frequency Nominal Error

Q 50 Ω Sine 0.190 Vrms 1.000 kHz 0.19 0Vrms ±0.0026 Vrms

4. Set the measured value in Step 3 to be the reference value on the AC voltmeter.

5. Set the instrument to each output described in the table below and measure the output amplitude relative to the
source as a percent with the AC voltmeter. Note that the table also lists the output in dB if you are using a power
meter to perform this test.

Use Waveform Generator Measurement

Output Function Amplitude Frequency Nominal Error Nominal Error


Load

50 Ω Sine 0.190 100.000 kHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.10


Vrms 1.15% dB

50 Ω Sine 0.190 500.000 kHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.15


Vrms 1.74% dB

50 Ω Sine 0.190 1.000 MHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.15


Vrms 1.74% dB

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 391


-24 dB Range Flatness Verification

Use Waveform Generator Measurement

Q 50 Ω Sine 0.190 2.000 MHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.15


Vrms 1.74% dB

50 Ω Sine 0.190 5.000 MHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.15


Vrms 1.74% dB

50 Ω Sine 0.190 10.00 MHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.30


Vrms 3.51% dB

50 Ω Sine 0.190 15.00 MHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.30


Vrms 3.51% dB

50 Ω Sine 0.190 20.00 MHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.30


Vrms 3.51% dB

50 Ω Sine 0.190 22.00 MHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.40


Vrms (unnecessary for 20 MHz 4.71% dB
instruments)

50 Ω Sine 0.190 27.00 MHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.40


Vrms (unnecessary for 20 MHz 4.71% dB
instruments)

50 Ω Sine 0.190 30.00 MHz 100% ± 0 dB ± 0.40


Vrms (unnecessary for 20 MHz 4.71% dB
instruments)

6. Compare the measured value to the test limits shown in the table.

7. Two-channel instruments only: Connect the AC voltmeter to channel 2 and repeat steps 2 through 6.

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392 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


General Calibration/Adjustment Procedure

General Calibration/Adjustment Procedure


Recommended method for a complete instrument calibration:

1. Read Test Considerations.

2. Perform the verification tests to characterize the instrument (incoming data).

3. Press [System > Instr Setup > Calibrate. If the instrument is secured from calibration, unsecure it.

4. Enter the Setup Number for the procedure being performed. The default setup number is "1" and, from the front
panel, the number will increment as the procedures are performed.

5. Select BEGIN.

6. For setups that require an input, adjust the value shown in the display to the measured value and select ENTER
VALUE.

7. The setup automatically advances to the next required value.

To cancel the adjustment procedure, select CANCEL STEP. The display will return to the setup number entry.

8. When finished, select END CAL.

9. (Optional) Set a new calibration message using the remote interface. The message (up to 40 characters) is stored
with the calibration coefficients.

10. Secure the instrument against calibration.

11. Note the new security code and calibration count in the instrument’s maintenance records.

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Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 393


Aborting a Calibration in Progress

Aborting a Calibration in Progress


Sometimes it may be necessary to abort a calibration in progress. You can abort a calibration at any time by turning off
the power or by issuing a remote interface device clear message followed by *RST.

The instrument stores calibration constants at the end of each adjustment procedure. If you lose power, or otherwise
abort an adjustment in progress, you will only need to perform the interrupted adjustment procedure again.

If power is lost when the instrument is attempting to write new calibration constants to mem-
ory, you may lose all calibration constants for the function. Typically, upon re-applying power,
the instrument will report error "-313, Calibration Memory Lost".

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394 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Sequence of Adjustments

Sequence of Adjustments
The adjustment sequence in the numbered steps minimizes the number of test equipment setups and connection
changes.

You may perform individual adjustments as necessary, but setups 1 through 7 must be performed in order, before any
other setup procedure.

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Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 395


Self-Test

Self-Test
Run self-test to ensure that the instrument is in working order before beginning any additional adjustments.

Be sure to unlock the instrument and follow the requirements listed in Test Considerations before beginning any adjust-
ments.

1. Press [System > Instr Setup > Calibrate. Enter setup number 1 and select BEGIN.

Setup

1 Performs the self-test. The Main Output is disabled during test.

2. If the instrument fails any self-test, you must repair the instrument before continuing the adjustment pro-
cedures.

A complete self-test (*TST?) takes approximately 15 seconds.

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396 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Frequency (Internal Timebase) Adjustment

Frequency (Internal Timebase) Adjustment


The instrument stores a calibration constant that sets the crystal oscillator to put out exactly 10 MHz. The instrument
should have been running continuously for 30 minutes prior to this calibration adjustment to ensure timebase sta-
bility.

1. Set the frequency counter resolution to better than 0.01 ppm and the input termination to 50 Ω (if your
frequency counter does not have a 50 Ω input termination, you must provide an external termination). Make the
connections shown below.

2. Use the frequency counter to measure the output frequency for each setup in the following table.

Nominal Signal

Setup Frequency Amplitude

2 <10 MHz ~1 Vpp Output frequency is slightly less than 10 MHz

3 >10 MHz ~1 Vpp Output frequency is slightly more than 10 MHz

4 ~10 MHz ~1 Vpp Output frequency is should be near 10 MHz

5* 10 MHz ~1 Vpp Output frequency should be 10 MHz ± 1 ppm

* Constants are stored after completing this setup.

3. Using the numerical keypad or knob, adjust the displayed frequency at each setup to match the measured
frequency. Select ENTER VALUE.

4. After performing setup 5:

a. If your calibration procedures require you to verify the adjustment just made, exit the calibration menu and
perform Internal Timebase Verification.

b. If you are making all of the adjustments and then verifying the instrument’s performance, continue with the
next procedure in this section.

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Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 397


Internal ADC Adjustment

Internal ADC Adjustment


The instrument stores calibration constants related to the gain and offset of the internal ADC. Setup 6 must always be
performed before any other amplitude adjustments are attempted. The internal ADC is then used as a source for the
calibration constants generated in self calibration (setup 7).

1. Connect the channel 1 output to the instrument's rear panel Modulation Input and DMM as shown below.

2. Set the DMM to display 5 1/2 digits and function to DCV.

3. Enter the following setup.

Nominal Signal

Setup DC level

6* ~1.0 VDC ±10% Calibrates the internal ADC.

* Constants are stored after completing this setup.

4. Use the numeric keypad or knob to enter the value measured on the DMM.

This setup requires approximately 15 seconds to complete.

5. Disconnect all cables from the instrument.

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398 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Self Calibration Adjustment

Self Calibration Adjustment


1. Enter and begin the following setup.

Setup

7* Self-calibration. The output is disabled.

* Constants are stored after completing this setup.

2. After performing setup 6 and 7:

a. If your calibration procedures require you to verify the adjustment just made, exit the calibration menu and
perform DC Offset Voltage Verification.

b. If you are making all of the adjustments and then verifying the instrument’s performance, continue with the
next procedure in this section.

This setup requires approximately 15 seconds to complete.

Previous Calibration Topic Next Calibration Topic

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 399


Output Impedance Adjustment

Output Impedance Adjustment


The instrument stores calibration constants for the channels' output impedance. These constants are generated with
and without the post-amplifier attenuator.

1. Set the DMM to measure offset-compensated, four-wire Ohms. Set the DMM to use 100 NPLC integration. Con-
nect the Ohms Source and Ohms Sense DMM inputs to the channel output as shown below.

2. Use the DMM to make a 4-wire resistance measurement at the front panel output connector for each setup in the
following table. The expected measured value is approximately 50 Ω.

Setup

8* -24 dB post-attenuator range

9* 0 dB range

* Constants are stored after completing this setup.

3. Using the numeric keypad or knob, adjust the displayed impedance at each setup to match the measured imped-
ance. Select ENTER VALUE.

4. There are no specific operational verification tests for output impedance. Continue with the next adjustment pro-
cedure in this section.

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400 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


AC Amplitude (high-impedance) Adjustment

AC Amplitude (high-impedance) Adjustment


The instrument stores a calibration constant for each high-impedance attenuator path. Each path's gain coefficient is
calculated using two measurements: one with the waveform DAC at + output and one with waveform DAC at – out-
put. The setups, therefore, must be performed in pairs.

1. Connect the DMM to the channel output as shown below.

2. Use the DMM to measure the DC voltage at the front-panel connector for each setup in the following table.

Setup Nominal Signal

DC Level

10 +0.0028 V Output of -72 dB range

11* - 0.0028 V Output of -72 dB range

12 +0.007 V Output of -64 dB range

13* -0.007 V Output of -64 dB range

14 +0.017 V Output of -56 dB range

15* -0.017 V Output of -56 dB range

16 +0.044 V Output of -48 dB range

17* -0.044 V Output of -48 dB range

18 +0.11 V Output of -40 dB range

19* -0.11 V Output of -40 dB range

20 +0.28 V Output of -32 dB range

21* -0.28 V Output of -32 dB range

22 +0.68 V Output of -24 dB range

23* -0.68 V Output of -24 dB range

24 +1.7 V Output of -16 dB range

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 401


AC Amplitude (high-impedance) Adjustment

Setup Nominal Signal

DC Level

25* -1.7 V Output of -16 dB range

26 +4.3 V Output of -8 dB range

27* -4.3 V Output of -8 dB range

28 +10.8 V Output of 0 dB range

29* -10.8 V Output of 0 dB range

30 +0.044V Output of -48 dB High DC range

31* -0.044V Output of -48 dB High DC range

32 +0.11 V Output of -40 dB High DC range

33* -0.11 V Output of -40 dB High DC range

34 +0.28 V Output of -32 dB High DC range

35* -0.28 V Output of -32 dB High DC range

36 +0.68 V Output of -24 dB High DC range

37* -0.68 V Output of -24 dB High DC range

* Constants are stored after completing this setup.

3. Using the numeric keypad or knob, adjust the displayed voltage at each setup to match the measured voltage.
Select ENTER VALUE.

4. After performing setup 37:

a. If your calibration procedures require you to verify this adjustment, exit the calibration menu and perform AC
Amplitude (high-impedance) Verification.

b. If you are making all of the adjustments and then verifying the instrument’s performance, continue with the
next procedure in this section.

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402 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


-24 dB Range Flatness Adjustment

-24 dB Range Flatness Adjustment


1. Connect a precision AC voltmeter to measure the output amplitude as shown below. Connect the BNC cable to the
Wide Band input of the Fluke 5790A.

2. Use the precision AC voltmeter to measure the output amplitude for each setup in the table below.

Setup Nominal Signal

Frequency Amplitude

38* 1 kHz 0.192 Vrms Flatness for -24 dB range

39* 100 kHz 0.192 Vrms Flatness for -24 dB range

40* 1 MHz 0.192 Vrms Flatness for -24 dB range

41* 5 MHz 0.192 Vrms Flatness for -24 dB range

42* 10 MHz 0.192 Vrms Flatness for -24 dB range

43* 20 MHz 0.192 Vrms Flatness for -24 dB range

44* 25 MHz 0.192 Vrms Flatness for -24 dB range

45* 30 MHz 0.192 Vrms Flatness for -24 dB range

* Constants are stored after completing this setup.

3. Using the numeric keypad or knob, adjust the displayed voltage at each setup to match the measured voltage.
Select ENTER VALUE.

4. After performing setup 45:

a. If your calibration procedures require you to verify the adjustment just made, exit the calibration menu and
perform -24 dB Range Flatness Verification.

b. If you are making all of the adjustments and then verifying the instrument’s performance, continue with the
next procedure in this section.

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Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 403


-8 dB Range Flatness Adjustment

-8 dB Range Flatness Adjustment


1. Connect a precision AC voltmeter to measure the output amplitude as shown below. Connect the BNC cable to the
Wide Band input of the Fluke 5790A.

2. Use the precision AC voltmeter to measure the output amplitude for each setup in the table below.

Setup Nominal Signal

Frequency Amplitude

46* 1 kHz 1.22 Vrms Flatness for -8 dB range

47* 100 kHz 1.22 Vrms Flatness for -8 dB range

48* 1 MHz 1.22 Vrms Flatness for -8 dB range

49* 5 MHz 1.22 Vrms Flatness for -8 dB range

50* 10 MHz 1.22 Vrms Flatness for -8 dB range

51* 20 MHz 1.22 Vrms Flatness for -8 dB range

52* 25 MHz 1.22 Vrms Flatness for -8 dB range

53* 30 MHz 1.22 Vrms Flatness for -8 dB range

* Constants are stored after completing this setup.

3. Using the numeric keypad or knob, adjust the displayed voltage at each setup to match the measured voltage.
Select ENTER VALUE.

4. After performing setup 53:

a. If your calibration procedures require you to verify the adjustment just made, exit the calibration menu and
perform -8 dB Range Flatness Verification.

b. If you are making all the adjustments and then verifying the instrument’s performance, verify the output spec-
ifications of the instrument with the Performance Verification Tests.

This completes the adjustment procedures for the one-channel instrument. Verification of the output specifications is
recommended.

404 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


-8 dB Range Flatness Adjustment

If you are making adjustments to a two-channel instrument, continue with the next procedure in this section.

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Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 405


Channel 2 Adjustments

Channel 2 Adjustments
The following topics describe calibration adjustments on channel 2.

l Self Calibration Adjustment (Channel 2)

l Output Impedance Adjustment (Channel 2)

l AC Amplitude (high-impedance) Adjustment (Channel 2)

l -24 dB Range Flatness Adjustment (Channel 2)

l -8 dB Range Flatness Adjustment (Channel 2)

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406 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Self Calibration Adjustment (Channel 2)

Self Calibration Adjustment (Channel 2)


1. Enter and begin the following setup.

Setup

54* Self-calibration. The output is disabled.

* Constants are stored after completing this setup.

2. After performing setup 54:

a. If your calibration procedures require you to verify the adjustment just made, exit the calibration menu and
perform DC Offset Voltage Verification. Be sure to do this for channel 2.

b. If you are making all of the adjustments and then verifying the instrument’s performance, continue with the
next procedure in this section.

This setup requires approximately 15 seconds to complete.

Previous Calibration Topic Next Calibration Topic

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 407


Output Impedance Adjustment (Channel 2)

Output Impedance Adjustment (Channel 2)


The instrument stores calibration constants for the channels' output impedance. These constants are generated with
and without the post-amplifier attenuator.

1. Set the DMM to measure offset-compensated, four-wire Ohms. Set the DMM to use 100 NPLC integration. Con-
nect the Ohms Source and Ohms Sense DMM inputs to the channel output as shown below.

2. Use the DMM to make a 4-wire resistance measurement at the front panel output connector for each setup in the
following table. The expected measured value is approximately 50 Ω.

Setup

55* -24 dB post-attenuator range

56* 0 dB range

* Constants are stored after completing this setup.

3. Using the numeric keypad or knob, adjust the displayed impedance at each setup to match the measured imped-
ance. Select ENTER VALUE.

4. There are no specific operational verification tests for output impedance. Continue with the next adjustment pro-
cedure in this section.

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408 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


AC Amplitude (high-impedance) Adjustment (Channel 2)

AC Amplitude (high-impedance) Adjustment (Channel 2)


The instrument stores a calibration constant for each high-impedance attenuator path. Each path's gain coefficient is
calculated using two measurements: one with the waveform DAC at + output and one with waveform DAC at – out-
put. The setups, therefore, must be performed in pairs.

1. Connect the DMM to the channel output as shown below.

2. Use the DMM to measure the DC voltage at the front-panel connector for each setup in the following table.

Nominal Signal

Setup DC Level

57 +0.0028 V Output of -72 dB range

58* - 0.0028 V Output of -72 dB range

59 +0.007 V Output of -64 dB range

60* -0.007 V Output of -64 dB range

61 +0.017 V Output of -56 dB range

62* -0.017 V Output of -56 dB range

63 +0.044 V Output of -48 dB range

64* -0.044 V Output of -48 dB range

65 +0.11 V Output of -40 dB range

66* -0.11 V Output of -40 dB range

67 +0.28 V Output of -32 dB range

68* -0.28 V Output of -32 dB range

69 +0.68 V Output of -24 dB range

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 409


AC Amplitude (high-impedance) Adjustment (Channel 2)

Nominal Signal

Setup DC Level

70* -0.68 V Output of -24 dB range

71 +1.7 V Output of -16 dB range

72* -1.7 V Output of -16 dB range

73 +4.3 V Output of -8 dB range

74* -4.3 V Output of -8 dB range

75 +10.8 V Output of 0 dB range

76* -10.8 V Output of 0 dB range

77 +0.044V Output of -48 dB High DC range

78* -0.044V Output of -48 dB High DC range

79 +0.11 V Output of -40 dB High DC range

80* -0.11 V Output of -40 dB High DC range

81 +0.28 V Output of -32 dB High DC range

82* -0.28 V Output of -32 dB High DC range

83 +0.68 V Output of -24 dB High DC range

84* -0.68 V Output of -24 dB High DC range

* Constants are stored after completing this setup.

3. Using the numeric keypad or knob, adjust the displayed voltage at each setup to match the measured voltage.
Select ENTER VALUE.

4. After performing setup 84:

a. If your calibration procedures require you to verify this adjustment, exit the calibration menu and perform AC
Amplitude (high-impedance) Verification.

b. If you are making all of the adjustments and then verifying the instrument’s performance, continue with the
next procedure in this section.

Previous Calibration Topic Next Calibration Topic

410 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


-24 dB Range Flatness Adjustment (Channel 2)

-24 dB Range Flatness Adjustment (Channel 2)


1. Connect a precision AC voltmeter to measure the output amplitude as shown below. Connect the BNC cable to the
Wide Band input of the Fluke 5790A.

2. Use the precision AC voltmeter to measure the output amplitude for each setup in the table below.

Setup Nominal Signal

Frequency Amplitude

85* 1 kHz 0.192 Vrms Flatness for -24 dB range

86* 100 kHz 0.192 Vrms Flatness for -24 dB range

87* 1 MHz 0.192 Vrms Flatness for -24 dB range

88* 5 MHz 0.192 Vrms Flatness for -24 dB range

89* 10 MHz 0.192 Vrms Flatness for -24 dB range

90* 20 MHz 0.192 Vrms Flatness for -24 dB range

91* 25 MHz 0.192 Vrms Flatness for -24 dB range

92* 30 MHz 0.192 Vrms Flatness for -24 dB range

* Constants are stored after completing this setup.

3. Using the numeric keypad or knob, adjust the displayed voltage at each setup to match the measured voltage.
Select ENTER VALUE.

4. After performing setup 92:

a. If your calibration procedures require you to verify the adjustment just made, exit the calibration menu and
perform -24 dB Range Flatness Verification. Be sure that you do this for Channel 2.

b. If you are making all of the adjustments and then verifying the instrument’s performance, continue with the
next procedure in this section.

Previous Calibration Topic Next Calibration Topic

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 411


-8 dB Range Flatness Adjustment (Channel 2)

-8 dB Range Flatness Adjustment (Channel 2)


This section applies to channel 2. It checks high frequency AC amplitude flatness on the -8 dB attenuator range. It also
checks flatness for all other ranges excluding the -24 dB and 0 dB attenuator ranges.

1. Connect a precision AC voltmeter to measure the output amplitude as shown below. Connect the BNC cable to the
Wide Band input of the Fluke 5790A.

2. Use the precision AC voltmeter to measure the output amplitude for each setup in the table below.

Nominal Signal

Setup Frequency Amplitude

93* 1 kHz 1.22 Vrms Flatness for -8 dB range

94* 100 kHz 1.22 Vrms Flatness for -8 dB range

95* 1 MHz 1.22 Vrms Flatness for -8 dB range

96* 5 MHz 1.22 Vrms Flatness for -8 dB range

97* 10 MHz 1.22 Vrms Flatness for -8 dB range

98* 20 MHz 1.22 Vrms Flatness for -8 dB range

99* 25 MHz 1.22 Vrms Flatness for -8 dB range

100* 30 MHz 1.22 Vrms Flatness for -8 dB range

* Constants are stored after completing this setup.

3. Using the numeric keypad or knob, adjust the displayed voltage at each setup to match the measured voltage.
Select ENTER VALUE.

4. After performing setup 100, you have now completed the recommended adjustment procedures. Verification of
the output specifications is recommended.

a. If your calibration procedures require you to verify the adjustment just made, exit the calibration menu and
perform -8 dB Range Flatness Verification.

Previous Calibration Topic Next Calibration Topic

412 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Calibration Errors

Calibration Errors
The following errors may occur during calibration. There are also system errors and self-test errors. Some error mes-
sages include a failing channel number (1 or 2), shown as n in the messages below.

701 Calibration error; security defeated by hardware jumper

If you short the calibration secure jumper (CAL ENABLE) while turning the instrument on, this error indicates the secu-
rity password has been overwritten. See Calibration Security for details.

702 Calibration error; calibration memory is secured

To perform calibration, unsecure the instrument. See Secure and Unsecure Instrument for Calibration for details.

703 Calibration error; secure code provided was invalid

Specified security code was invalid.

706 Calibration error; value out of range

Value entered was outside valid range.

707 Calibration error; signal input is out of range

Occurs during the ADC Adjustment, setup 6, if the 1 V input voltage is too high. May also occur during self-calibration
(setup 7). Run self-test to diagnose problem.

710 Self-calibration failed; Chan n, null DAC cal, invalid self cal
Self-calibration failed; Chan n, offset DAC cal with attenuator, invalid self cal
Self-calibration failed; Chan n, offset DAC cal no attenuator, invalid self cal

Error occurred while performing internal calibration of specified DAC. Self-calibration exited without changing self-cal-
ibration constants. Run self-test to diagnose problem.

711 Self-calibration failed; Chan n, null DAC cal gain too low (too high), <meas_value>
Self-calibration failed; Chan n, offset DAC cal with attenuator gain too low (too high), <meas_
value>
Self-calibration failed; Chan n, offset DAC cal no attenuator gain too low (too high), <meas_
value>

Computed gain calibration factor for specified DAC was out of limits. Self-calibration exited without changing self-cal-
ibration constants. Run self-test to diagnose problem.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 413


Calibration Errors

712 Self-calibration failed; Chan n, null DAC cal zero too low (too high), <meas_value>
Self-calibration failed; Chan n, offset DAC cal with attenuator zero too low (too high), <meas_
value>
Self-calibration failed; Chan n, offset DAC cal no attenuator zero too low (too high), <meas_
value>
Self-calibration failed; Chan n, GND measurement out of limits, <meas_value>

Computed zero calibration factor for specified DAC was out of limits. Self-calibration exited without changing self-cal-
ibration constants. Run self-test to diagnose problem.

715 Self-calibration failed; Chan n, null DAC cal, convergence error sub attenuator value dB

Internal null DAC calibration failed to converge during internal calibration. Self-calibration exited without changing self-
calibration constants. Run self-test to diagnose problem.

720 Self-calibration failed; Chan n, offset DAC cal with attenuator, convergence error
Self-calibration failed; Chan n, offset DAC cal no attenuator, convergence error

Internal offset DAC calibration failed to converge internal calibration. Self-calibration exited without changing self-cal-
ibration constants. Run self-test to diagnose problem.

850 Calibration error; set up is invalid

Invalid calibration setup number selected.

850 Calibration error; set up is out of order

Certain calibration steps require a specific beginning and ending. Do not enter into middle of a calibration sequence.

Previous Calibration Topic

414 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Block Diagram

Block Diagram
The instrument has four main assemblies:

l Processor

l Main board

l Front panel

l Main power supply

A simplified block diagram appears at the bottom of this section.

The processor is a single board computer that contains the CPU, RAM, ROM, and circuits used to drive the GPIB, LAN,
and USB ports. The built in web interface is contained in the ROM. The processor circuitry is earth referenced.

When the power switch is pressed, the processor communicates with and loads the FPGA. This communication uses
three asynchronous serial data lines and one serial clock line. These four lines are isolated.

The FPGA stores all waveforms except arbitrary waveforms. Arbitrary waveforms are loaded into SDRAM on the main
board. All control of waveforms, triggers, sync signals, output path, attenuation, and offset is provided by the FPGA.

The main waveform for each channel (only one channel is shown in the block diagram) is loaded into the waveform
DAC and clocked by the timebase. The DAC output passes through an elliptical filter before the main attenuators. There
are three attenuators available in the path, -7.96 dB, -15.91 dB, and -23.87 dB.

The signal is applied to the output amplifier. The DC offset is summed at the output amplifier. A post amplifier -23.87 dB
attenuator is available for low level signals. The table below show the attenuators that create the output signal ampli-
tude.

Output Range -7.96 dB -15.91 dB -23.87 dB -23.87 dB


DC Offset < 320 mV (post)

10 Vpp - 3.6 Vpp Out Out Out Out

4 Vpp - 1.44 Vpp In Out Out Out

1.6 Vpp - 576 mVpp Out In Out Out

640 mVpp - 230 mVpp Out Out Out In

256 mVpp - 92 mVpp In Out Out In

102.4 mVpp - 36.86 mVpp Out In Out In

40.96 mVpp - 14.75 mVpp Out Out In In

16.38 mVpp - 5.90 mVpp In Out In In

6.55 mVpp - 2.36 mVpp Out In In In

2.62 mVpp - 1.00 mVpp In In In In

Output Range -7.96 dB -15.91 dB -23.87 dB -23.87 dB


DC Offset ≥ 320 mV (post)

9.36 Vpp - 3.6 Vpp Out Out Out Out

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 415


Block Diagram

Output Range -7.96 dB -15.91 dB -23.87 dB -23.87 dB


DC Offset < 320 mV (post)

4 Vpp - 1.44 Vpp In Out Out Out

1.6 Vpp - 576 mVpp Out In Out Out

640 mVpp - 230 mVpp Out Out In Out

256 mVpp - 92 mVpp In Out In Out

102.4 mVpp - 36.86 mVpp Out In In Out

40.96 mVpp - 1.00 mVpp In In In Out

The output relay when enabled provides the waveform to the front panel BNC connector. Additionally, this relay, when
disabled, routes the signal to the Modulation ADC for internal self-test and calibration routines.

The output relay is controlled by the FPGA. Two circuits provide overvoltage and over current protection, primarily from
an external circuit. The instrument can source very low output impedances.

The Sync output signal is generated as a waveform from the FPGA to the Sync DAC.

External trigger in and out is chassis referenced at the BNC connector but is isolated before the FPGA.

Modulation in is an isolated input to the A/D converter. The FPGA applies the modulation signal to the output wave-
form.

The instrument's clock generator employs a 10-MHz crystal oscillator and a phase-locked loop to generate the 250-MHz
clocks used by the FPGA and Waveform DACs. When an external 10-MHz frequency reference is used, a digital phase-
locked loop in the FPGA keeps the crystal oscillator in sync.

416 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Block Diagram

Block Diagram

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 417


Power Supplies

Power Supplies
The line voltage is filtered and applied to the main power supply, a 15 V supply that is always on when line power is
applied. A regulator creates an earth referenced +3.3 V supply from the main supply, and this is also always active
when line power is applied.

A small microprocessor on the main board senses the power switch and enables all other supplies.

418 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting
A brief list of common failures appears below. Before troubleshooting or repairing the instrument, make sure the failure
is in the instrument rather than any external connections. Also make sure that the instrument was accurately cal-
ibrated within the last year (see Calibration Interval). The instrument’s circuits allow troubleshooting and repair with
basic test equipment.

Unit is Inoperative
Verify that:

l the AC power cord is securely connected to the instrument and plugged into a live outlet

l the front-panel Power On/Standby switch has been pushed

Unit Fails Self-Test


Ensure that all connections (front and rear) are removed when self-test is performed. During self-test, errors may be
induced by signals present on external wiring, such as long test leads that can act as antennas.

DO NOT swap the motherboard, the processor board, or the front panel board from one instru-
ment to another. These boards contain model number and serial number information that
uniquely identifies a specific unit, and boards that are mismatched to the instrument may result
in problems with its performance, licensing, serviceability, importability/exportability or war-
ranty.

Power Supplies
Verify the main power supply.

Shock Hazard. To check the power supplies, remove the instrument cover as described in Dis-
assembly.

The main power supply provides a +15 VDC (±0.3 VDC) supply to the main circuit board. All other supplies are derived
from this supply. This supply is energized at all times while the line power cord is connected.

Test the supply at the connector to the main board. Note that the supply is not referenced to the chassis when dis-
connected from the main board.

l Circuit failure can cause heavy supply loads which may pull down the supply output voltage. Disconnect the main
supply from the main board to test.

l Always check the supply is free of oscillations using an oscilloscope.

l The main power supply contains a fuse. Replacing this fuse is not recommended. Replace the entire main power
supply assembly. Note that power supply failures are often caused by other instrument failures.

The heat sinks on the main board are at different potentials. Damage may occur if any of the
heat sinks are shorted together. Use care when probing the main board.

Verify the power supplies listed in the table below and shown in the figure on page 146. Earth referenced supplies may
be tested using the chassis as ground. Isolated supplied may be tested by using one of the heat sinks shown in the fig-
ure.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 419


Troubleshooting

Supply

+3.3 V ER* +15 V Isolated +9 V Isolated +3.3 V Isolated

+5 ER -15 V Isolated -9 V Isolated +5 V Isolated

* This supply is active whenever AC power is applied to the instrument.

Self-Test Errors 605 - 609


Self-test errors 605-609 indicate that the processor board is unable to correctly program or communicate with the
waveform FPGA (U1005) on the main board. In this case, further troubleshooting is required. The problem could be due
to out of date firmware, or a failing or unseated processor board or main board. Before troubleshooting these errors,
ensure that the instrument firmware is up to date. If the errors are still being reported, continue with the following pro-
cedure.

420 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Troubleshooting

Reseat the Boards

Power off the unit, remove the cover. Reseat the processor board and the main board. Power up the unit and see if the
errors 605-609 are still reported at power-on.

Check Power Supplies

Probe the system power supplies and verify they are operating within limits. If any of the power supplies are out of
limit, diagnose the power supply. Otherwise, continue on to check SPI communications.

Check SPI Communications

If you still see errors after reseating the boards, the next step is to probe the SPI communications lines between the
processor board and the main board. First, locate LED DS1001 on the main board as shown below. Cycle power on the
unit, wait until it fully boots, and see whether the main board LED illuminates. The main board LED indicates whether
the FPGA was successfully programmed. The following sections indicate which signal lines to probe on the main board
connector (J201).

Main Board LED Lights up after Boot

This indicates that the FPGA is programmed and running. Most likely there is a communications failure from the main
board to the processor board. Probe the J201, pin 27 line with an oscilloscope, and cycle power on the unit (wait for full
boot) to see if there is activity on the line. Activity should be +3.3 V pulses (isolated). Note that activity ceases once the
instrument is booted.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 421


Troubleshooting

l If there is no activity on the line even after the LED lights up, then most likely the main board is the cause of the
failure.

l If there is activity on the line, then the processor board is the most likely cause of the failure.

Main Board LED Does not Light up after Boot

This indicates that the processor was unable to program the FPGA. Most likely there is a communications failure from
the processor board to the main board. Probe the following serial data lines at power up with an oscilloscope:

l J201, pin 23

l J201, pin 24

l J201, pin 26

l J201, pin 32

If all of the above SPI lines show activity during FPGA programming, then the main board is the most likely cause of the
failure. Otherwise, the processor board is the most likely cause.

10 MHz Out
If the power supplies are functional and self-test passes, check the 10 MHz output at the rear panel. This output is
present whenever the instrument has powered on and the processor and main board are operational. If the 10 MHz is
present, but the display is not working, suspect the front panel board or display assembly.

422 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Self-Test Procedures

Self-Test Procedures

Power-On Self-Test
Each time the instrument is powered on, a subset of self-tests are performed. These tests check that the minimum set
of logic and subsystems are functioning properly.

Full Self-Test
Passing self-test provides a high degree of confidence that instrument is operating normally. Self-test procedure sys-
tematically exercises internal oscillator, digital infrastructure, waveform memory, and analog attenuator paths. It
attempts to isolate failures to a particular assembly to facilitate service. During the test, instrument main output(s) are
disconnected internally from the BNC connectors and are connected to the internal ADC, which checks for expected sig-
nal levels throughout the instrument.

A complete self-test (*TST?) takes approximately 15 seconds. You may hear relays switching during the procedure.
When self-test completes, either "Self-test Passed" or "Self-test Failed" appears on front panel. Self-test error mes-
sages are described in detail below.

Execute self-test before any verifications or adjustments.

To Run Self-Test
Remove all input connections to instrument before self-test. Cycle power to run power-on self-test.

Remote I/O Execution

1. Connect to instrument using remote interface (LAN Configuration Procedure).

2. Send *TST? and read the result: Pass (+0) or fail (+1). Use SYSTem:ERRor? to view errors.

Front Panel Execution

1. Press [System] > Instr Setup > Self Test.

2. A progress bar will appear as self-test executes. After completion, view any failures by pressing [System] > Help
and then choosing the topic View remote command error queue.

Self-Test Error Numbers and Messages


A failure can generate multiple error messages; the first one should be considered the primary cause of failure. Some
error messages include a failing channel number (1 or 2), shown as n in the messages below.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 423


Self-Test Procedures

Error Message and Meaning Probable Cause

601 Self-test failed; real time clock settings lost RTC Battery

Real time clock's date-time settings were lost, likely due a disconnected or dis-
charged RTC battery (coin cell found on the front panel board). Error can also
occur if processor board is removed and reinserted into front-panel assembly.
This error condition is captured at power-on, and will be reported by self-test
until the problem is corrected and power is cycled.

602 Self-test failed; main CPU power supply out of range Processor Board

Processor board detected that one of its supplies was more than 10% out of the
nominal voltage range.

603 Self-test failed; main CPU error accessing boot env Processor Board

Processor wasn't able to access its boot parameters from flash, possibly due to
out of date firmware, or a problem on the processor board.

604 Self-test failed; front panel processor ping failed Front Panel Board

Processor board tried to read front panel revision code and received a 0, possibly
due to un-programmed front panel processor, unseated processor board, or
defective front panel processor.

605 Self-test failed; waveform FPGA not programmed Processor Board or Main
Board. See Trou-
Processor could not program the waveform FPGA (U1005) at boot-up. The hard-
bleshooting for addi-
ware will not work properly.
tional information on
troubleshooting errors
606 Self-test failed; waveform FPGA revision check failed
605-609.
Processor tried to read the revision register from the waveform FPGA (U1005)
and received an invalid value, possibly due to un-programmed FPGA or internal
SPI communications failure.

607 Self-test failed; waveform FPGA read back error

Processor was unable to write and read back from a test location in the waveform
FPGA (U1005), possibly due to un-programmed FPGA or internal SPI com-
munications failure.

608 Self-test failed; waveform FPGA security check failed

Waveform FPGA (U1005) failed internal security check, possibly due to FPGA fail-
ures (tests 605-608), invalid FPGA image, or malfunctioning security device
(U1007). Self-test exits on this failure.

609 Self-test failed; waveform FPGA security check failed

Waveform FPGA (U1005) failed internal security check, possibly due to FPGA fail-
ures (tests 605-608), invalid FPGA image, or malfunctioning security device
(U1007). Self-test exits on this failure.

424 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Self-Test Procedures

Error Message and Meaning Probable Cause

610 Self-test failed; main PLL not locked Main Board

Waveform FPGA (U1005) unable to lock to internal 10MHz oscillator (U903 or


U905).

611 Self-test failed; FPGA PLL not locked Main Board

Waveform FPGA (U1005) unable to lock to internal sample clock generator IC


(U906).

612 Self-test failed; Chan n, waveform memory PLL not locked Main Board

Waveform RAM for indicated channel (U1101 or U1102) was unable to lock to its
clock.

613 Self-test failed; Chan n, waveform memory not initialized Main Board

Waveform RAM for indicated channel (U1101 or U1102) failed to initialize.

615 Self-test failed; modulation ADC offset too low (too high) Main Board

Internal ADC's measurement of ACOM out of limits.

616 Self-test failed; modulation ADC reference too low (too high) Main Board

Internal ADC's measurement of its voltage reference (VRef) was out of limits.

620 Self-test failed; Chan n, waveform memory test failed on idle Main Board

Waveform memory test not started properly, probably due to error in waveform
FPGA (U1005)

621 Self-test failed; Chan n, waveform memory test failed Main Board

Waveform RAM memory test for the indicated channel (U1101 or U1102) failed;
test consists of writing and reading back the entire waveform RAM with a prede-
termined pattern.

625 Self-test failed; Chan n, waveform DAC gain[idx] too low (too high) Main Board

Waveform DAC (U1801 or U1501) not providing correct output. Gain [idx] of 1
references POS voltage test; gain [idx] of 2 references NEG voltage test.

630 Self-test failed; Chan n, sub attenuator failure 0dB Main Board

Trim DAC inside waveform DAC (U1801 or U1501) not providing correct output
at 0 dB. If this fails, test 631 will not be executed.

631 Self-test failed; Chan n, sub attenuator <-7.00 to 0.00>dB too low Main Board
(too high)

Trim DAC inside waveform DAC (U1801 or U1501) producing output outside
expected range.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 425


Self-Test Procedures

Error Message and Meaning Probable Cause

635 Self-test failed; Chan n, null DAC gain[idx] too low (too high) Main Board

Aux DAC output of waveform DAC (U1801 or U1501) or its associated analog cir-
cuitry producing output outside expected range. Gain [idx] of 1 references POS
voltage test; gain [idx] of 2 references NEG voltage test.

640 Self-test failed; Chan n, offset DAC gain[idx] too low (too high) Main Board

Offset DAC (U1702 or U2002) or its associated circuitry producing output out-
side expected range. For offset DAC, [idx] polarities are inverted: gain [idx] of 1
references NEG voltage test; gain [idx] of 2 references POS voltage test.

650 Self-test failed; Chan n, 0dB path failure expected 0dB, measured value Main Board
dB

Straight-through path (no attenuator) from waveform DAC to ADC input pro-
ducing output outside expected range. If this fails, extended attenuator test 655
is not executed.

655 Self-test failed; Chan n, -8 dB pre attenuator path too low (too high) Main Board
Self-test failed; Chan n, -16 dB pre attenuator path too low (too high)
Self-test failed; Chan n, -24 dB pre attenuator path too low (too high)
Self-test failed; Chan n, -24 dB post attenuator path too low (too high)

Specified attenuator relay malfunctioning, or associated circuitry not providing


expected attenuation.

426 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Replaceable Parts

Replaceable Parts
Always use anti-static techniques when assemblies are handled or serviced.

The following table lists the replacement assemblies for the instrument:

Part Number Description

34401-86020 Bumper Kit

34401-45021 Handle

33220-84101 Cover

1990-3263 Encoder

35220-87401 Knob

33521-80001 Keypad for one-channel models

33522-80001 Keypad for two-channel models

2090-0977 Display

1250-3569 Front Panel BNCs

33521-80002 Front Panel for 33521A

33522-80002 Front Panel for 33522A

33520-80001 Front Panel for 335xxB one-channel models

33520-80002 Front Panel for 335xxB two-channel models

33522-66502 Front Panel Board

1252-8483 USB Connector

1253-4669 LAN Connector

53200-61608 Line Filter

33250-68501 Fan

1420-0356 Battery (in Front Panel) CR2032

53200-80002 Power Supply and Cover*

* The power supply contains a 15 A, 250 V radial lead fuse. Fuse replacement is not recommended.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 427


Disassembly

Disassembly
This section describes the procedure for disassembling the instrument.

Tools Required
The following tools are required for instrument disassembly.

l T15 Torx driver (most disassembly)

l T8 Torx driver (front panel disassembly)

l Posidriv and flat bladed screw drivers

l 14 mm nut driver, hollow shaft (rear-panel BNC connectors)

l 7 mm nut driver (rear-panel GPIB connector)

Only qualified, service-trained personnel who are aware of the hazards involved should remove
instrument covers. Always disconnect the power cable and any external circuits before removing
the instrument cover. Some circuits are active and have power applied even when the power switch
is turned off.

General Disassembly Procedure


1. Turn off the power. Remove all cables from the instrument.

2. Rotate the handle upright and pull off.

3. Pull off the instrument bumpers.

428 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Disassembly

4. Loosen the two captive screws (circled in red, below) in the rear bezel and remove the rear bezel.

5. Slide off the instrument cover.

Many of the service procedures can now be performed without further disassembly. Troubleshooting and service pro-
cedures that require power be applied can be performed with the instrument in this state of disassembly.

SHOCK HAZARD. Only service-trained personnel who are aware of the hazards involved should
remove the instrument covers. Dangerous voltages may be encountered with the instrument cov-
ers removed.

Main Component Disassembly


1. Remove processor board. Turn instrument over. Remove the T-8 screw securing the processor board. Press the
tabs on the processor board connector and slide processor board toward the back of instrument to disengage the
connector. Lift processor board out.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 429


Disassembly

2. Remove front panel assembly. Remove T15 screw holding the main board. Press latch on left side of front panel
and latch in power supply cover on right side of front panel. Push sides of metal chassis toward center to disengage
studs on sides of front panel assembly. Gently pull front panel assembly straight off chassis. Note that front panel
assembly has an electrical connector to the main board. Be careful not to damaged connector.

3. Remove Main Board. Disconnect power supply connector from main board. Disconnect GPIB and Oscillator In rib-
bon cables. Disconnect fan power cable from main board. Loosen and remove nuts securing Modulation In and
Ext Trig BNC connector to rear panel. Remove screw below GPIB board securing main board to chassis. Slide main

430 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide


Disassembly

board toward front of instrument to disengage tabs on power supply cover. Lift main board out.

4. Remove Power Supply. Disconnect input power to power supply board (blue and brown wires). Disconnect green
ground connector on power supply board. Remove screw securing power supply cover to chassis. Slide power
supply assembly toward front of instrument and remove.

Always re-attach green ground wire to power supply before operating instrument.

5. The remaining assemblies can be removed from the chassis if needed.

Front Panel Disassembly


1. Pull the knob straight off. Remove six T8 screws securing front panel bracket to front panel assembly. Lift out
bracket.

Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide 431


Disassembly

2. Disconnect display ribbon cable from front panel board. Remove T8 screws securing front panel board to front panel
assembly. Lift out printed circuit board.

3. All additional front panel assemblies can now be lifted out of front panel housing.

432 Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide

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