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Front Panel Display and Softkeys Mode / Parameter Area Modify / Enter Area Use the KNOB to select a Use the CURSOR keys to move mode or modify parameters the entry focus to a mode, Entry Focus and formats parameter format, or Press ENTER or a UNIT key to parameter value confirm parameter changes...
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Quick Start Guide Agilent 81101A 50 MHz Pulse Generator Part No. 81101-91020 Printed in Germany March 2000 Edition 1.1, E0300...
Notice The material contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Agilent Technologies makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent...
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Notice Agilent Technologies warrants that its software and firmware designated by Agilent Technologies for use with an instrument will execute its programming instructions when properly installed on that instrument. Agilent Technologies does not warrant that the operation of the instrument software, or firmware, will be uninterrupted or error free.
Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies Inc. assumes no liability for the customer's failure to comply with these requirements. General This product is a Safety Class 1 instrument (provided with a protective earth terminal).
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Safety Summary Ground the Instrument To minimize shock hazard, the instrument chassis and cover must be connected to an electrical protective earth ground. 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.
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Safety Summary Safety Symbols Caution (refer to accompanying documents) Protective earth (ground) terminal In the manuals: The WARNING sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a WA RN I NG procedure, practice, or the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury.
Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator. Chapter 1 Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator on page gives a general overview of the Agilent 81101A, its features, the user interface, and the steps required for operating the instrument.
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About this Book Conventions Used in this Book This book uses certain conventions to indicate elements of the Agilent 81101As user interface. The following table shows some examples: Softkeys Press the MODE/TRG softkey to access the Mode/ Trigger screen. Hardkeys Press the MORE key to switch to the alternative softkey layout.
About this Book ................. 9 Chapter 1 Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator What you can do with the Agilent 81101A ......16 The Front Panel ............... 18 Operating the Agilent 81101A ..........20 Switching On the Instrument .............. 20 The Basic Screens .................
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Agilent 81101A. The main features and use models are described in What you can do with the Agilent 81101A on page Operating the instrument via the front panel user interface is described in The Front Panel on page 18 Operating the Agilent 81101A...
This section introduces the basic features and use models of the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator. Basic Features The Agilent 81101A is a single-channel pulse generator with variable transition times. It is capable of generating all standard pulses and bursts of pulses needed to test current logic technologies (for example, TTL, CMOS, ECL, PECL, LVDS, GTL) and other digital designs up to 50 MHz.
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Programs designed for the Agilent 81101A are compatible with all other models of the Agilent 81100 family. For a command reference list, please refer to the Reference Guide, part N O T E number 81101-91021.
Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator The Front Panel The Front Panel When used for benchtop testing, the instrument is mainly operated from the front panel. Data Entry Keys Cursor Keys Rotary Knob Special Function Keys Front Panel Softkeys MORE Key...
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Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator The Front Panel The major inputs and outputs of the instrument are available at the front panel: The external input (EXT INPUT) can be used to connect an external arming source (triggered or gated modes), or to perform pulse recovery (external width mode).
This section guides you through the first steps when operating the Agilent 81101A via the user interface. For information on operating the Agilent 81101A via remote control, N O T E please refer to the Reference Guide, part number 81101-91021.
Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator Operating the Agilent 81101A The Basic Screens The major parameters for pulse generation can be set up in only two screens. The Mode/Trigger screen allows you to set the fundamental operating and trigger modes with respect to the signal required.
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Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator Operating the Agilent 81101A The Output screen allows you to specify timing and level parameters for the signal to be generated. Per 1.000µ µ µ µ s Normal MODIFY Delay Offset +0.0mV *OFF Width 100.0ns...
Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator Operating the Agilent 81101A Adjusting Parameters Adjusting parameters within a screen, requires two steps: selecting the parameter adjusting its value Some parameters allow different formats of their values. For example, the pulse width can be displayed and entered as an absolute value, as duty cycle (percentage of the period), or as the delay of the trailing edge.
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Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator Operating the Agilent 81101A 3 Turn the knob to select D YCLE When changing the The selected setting is indicated by an *. parameter format, the instrument 4 Move the cursor to the right to select the duty cycle value.
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Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator Operating the Agilent 81101A Advanced Procedures The following features can be used to make operation more comfortable. Selecting parameters Most keys of the front panel have an additional function. The SHIFT SHIFT key provides fast access to the additional functions of the data entry keys and the special function keys.
Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator Operating the Agilent 81101A Switching the Output On and Off When you switch the instrument on, the output is switched off to protect the device under test. The LED indicator next to the output connector indicates the output state.
Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator Help is Available Help is Available Whenever you are in doubt or the instrument signals warnings or errors, press the HELP key. If there are no warnings or errors pending, pressing the HELP key...
Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator The Rear Panel The Rear Panel The rear panel always provides two connectors: The input connector for external frequency reference (CLOCK/REF INP.). This input can be used if a higher frequency accuracy is required, or if you need frequency locking.
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2Getting Started The intention of this chapter is to give the necessary steps to set up generic signals for first-time users of the Agilent 81101A. This chapter provides examples for the following types of signals: “Setting Up a Clock Signal” on page 30 ...
Getting Started Setting Up a Clock Signal Setting Up a Clock Signal Task Set up a continuous clock signal with 25 MHz frequency with PLL accuracy, a duty cycle of 50 %, 6 ns transition times, a high level of 2.5 V and low level of 0 V.
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Getting Started Setting Up a Clock Signal To set the timing parameters as required: 1 Press the OUTPUT softkey to enter the Output screen. 2 Press SHIFT + 0 (ON/OFF). This turns on the Output and activates the internal error check to detect parameter conflicts.
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Getting Started Setting Up a Clock Signal LeadEdge1 6.00 MODE/TRG OUTPUT LIMITS TRG-LEV You can modify the parameter displayed in the Modify/Enter area, and immediately check how your changes affect the signal. Use the cursor keys to switch to another parameter. 9 Press SHIFT + MORE (GRAPH) to return to the textual screen.
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Getting Started Setting Up a Clock Signal Here is the signal as displayed on an Agilent 54810A Infinium oscilloscope. Use the generator’s TRIGGER OUT to trigger the scope.
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Getting Started Setting Up a Clock Signal Programming If you want to include this clock signal in your GP-IB program, use the Example following command lines. The comment lines starting with a # are not required. # Reset the instrument to start from a defined, default status. *RST # Switch off the automatic display update to increase programming # speed.
Getting Started Setting Up a Pulse Signal Setting Up a Pulse Signal Task Set up a continuous pulse signal with 50 ns period, a pulse width of 30 ns, a leading edge of 6 ns, a trailing edge of 10 ns, an amplitude of 3.3 V and an offset of 1.65 V (high level 3.3 V, low level 0.0 V).
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Getting Started Setting Up a Pulse Signal To set the timing parameters as required: 1 Press the OUTPUT softkey to enter the Output screen. 2 Switch on the output. 3 Enter a period of 50 A warning is shown, which you may ignore, because the parameter conflict will be solved in the next steps.
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Getting Started Setting Up a Pulse Signal Here is the figure as displayed on the Agilent 54810A Infinium oscilloscope. Use the generator’s TRIGGER OUT to trigger the scope.
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Getting Started Setting Up a Pulse Signal Programming If you want to include this pulse signal in your GP-IB program, use the Example following command lines. The comment lines starting with a # are not required. # Reset the instrument to start from a defined, default status. *RST # Switch off the automatic display update to increase programming # speed.
Getting Started Setting Up a Burst Signal Setting Up a Burst Signal Set up a burst signal with a burst repetition of 2 µs. Each burst consists of Task two double-pulses at a period of 500 ns. The pulse width is 100 ns, the delay between the two pulses of a double-pulse is 200 ns.
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Getting Started Setting Up a Burst Signal TRIGGERED BURSTS OF MODIFY 2-Double-Pulses at Out1 2.000 Pulse-Period: internal Osc Per 2.000 µ µ µ µ s µ µ µ µ s Trg'd by: PLL -> MODE/TRG OUTPUT LIMITS TRG-LEV To set the timing parameters as required: 1 Press the OUTPUT softkey to enter the Output menu.
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Getting Started Setting Up a Burst Signal The following figure shows the signals as displayed on the Agilent 54810A Infinium Oscilloscope if you connect OUTPUT to channel 1, STROBE OUT to channel 2, and use the generator’s TRIGGER OUT to trigger the scope.
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Getting Started Setting Up a Burst Signal Programming If you want to include this burst signal in your GP-IB program use the example following command lines. The comment lines starting with a # are not required. # Reset the instrument to start from a defined, default status. *RST # Switch off the automatic display update to increase programming # speed.
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Warnings and Errors on page 72 provides details on the instruments warning and error messaging system. For general information on using the Agilent 81101A and information on N O T E the instruments hardkeys, please refer to Chapter 1 Introducing the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator...
Using the Agilent 81101A The Mode/Trigger Screen The Mode/Trigger Screen This section describes the Mode/Trigger screen, starting with an overview of the available parameter combinations, followed by detailed descriptions of each combination. Overview To access the Mode/Trigger screen, press the MODE/TRG softkey.
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Using the Agilent 81101A The Mode/Trigger Screen Furthermore, you can specify the pulse and trigger sources. The following table provides a list of possible parameter combinations. The rows refer to the numbers in the figure. Trigger Mode Continuous Triggered Gated Ext.
Using the Agilent 81101A The Mode/Trigger Screen Continuous Pulses Mode The following figure shows typical timings for trigger mode CONTINUOUS and pulse mode PULSES. Period Period Source int Osc, int PLL or Ext Clock OUTPUT Single Pulse OUTPUT Double Pulse TRIGGER OUT ...
Using the Agilent 81101A The Mode/Trigger Screen Continuous Burst Mode The following figure shows typical timings for trigger mode CONTINUOUS and pulse mode BURST. Burst of 3 Period Period Source int Osc, int PLL or Ext Clock OUTPUT Single Pulse...
Using the Agilent 81101A The Mode/Trigger Screen Triggered Pulses Mode The following figure shows typical timings for trigger mode TRIGGERED and pulse mode PULSES. The pulses are triggered by the rising edge of the arming source. Trg'd by: Arming Source...
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Using the Agilent 81101A The Mode/Trigger Screen In contrast to the previous figure, this figure shows a timing diagram where the pulses are triggered by both rising and falling edges of the arming source. Trg'd by: Arming Source (Trg'd by:)
Using the Agilent 81101A The Mode/Trigger Screen Triggered Burst Mode The following figures show typical timings for trigger mode TRIGGERED and pulse mode BURST. The bursts are triggered by the rising edge of the arming source. For the first example, the synchronously triggerable internal oscillator is used to source the period.
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Using the Agilent 81101A The Mode/Trigger Screen TRIGGER OUT marks each pulse period. STROBE OUT rises at the start of the first pulse period in a burst and falls at the start of the last pulse period. For the second example, either the internal PLL or an external CLK-IN are used to source the periodboth cannot be triggered synchronously.
Using the Agilent 81101A The Mode/Trigger Screen Gated Pulses Mode The following figures show typical timings for trigger mode GATED and pulse mode PULSES. For the first example, the synchronously triggerable internal oscillator is used to source the period. Gated by:...
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Using the Agilent 81101A The Mode/Trigger Screen For the second example, either the internal PLL or an external CLK-IN are used to source the periodboth cannot be triggered synchronously. Gated by: PLL/CLK-IN NOT Synchronous to EXT INPUT DELAY = n * Period, 1 < n ≤...
Using the Agilent 81101A The Mode/Trigger Screen Gated Burst Mode The following figures show typical timings for trigger mode GATED and pulse mode BURST. For the first example, the synchronously triggerable internal oscillator is used to source the period. Gated by:...
Using the Agilent 81101A The Mode/Trigger Screen For the second example, either the internal PLL or an external CLK-IN are used to source the periodboth cannot be triggered synchronously. Gated by: PLL/CLK-IN NOT Synchronous to EXT INPUT DELAY = n * Period, 1 < n ≤...
The individual timing parameters are described in more detail in the following. All parameters can be entered in different formats. With the Agilent 81101A you can vary timing parameters without the risk N O T E of glitches or drop outs, which could cause measurement errors. This applies to continuous mode with timing values <...
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Using the Agilent 81101A The Output Screen When you press SHIFT + MORE (GRAPH) while one of the timing parameters is selected, you will see a graphical representation of the timing parameters. The currently selected parameter is displayed in the Modify/ Enter area and is indicated by dashed or bold lines in the graphical display.
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Using the Agilent 81101A The Output Screen M The external signal is continuously measured until the instrument receives a command via GP-IB. To invoke continuous measurements again, you have to bring the instrument in local operating mode by pressing SHIFT (LOCAL) and start continuous measurement again.
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Using the Agilent 81101A The Output Screen Pulse Width Parameter Set the width of the output pulse. There are three width formats available: W (select W IDTH IDTH The absolute pulse width measured from the start of the leading edge to the start of the trailing edge.
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Using the Agilent 81101A The Output Screen The leading and trailing edges are independently programmable within N O T E certain ranges only, see Transition Times in the Reference Guide. You cannot have the width format set to D and the leading/trailing-...
Using the Agilent 81101A The Output Screen Level Parameters You can use the right part of the Output screen to view and control the pulse level parameters and to enable or disable the outputs. Per 1.000µ µ µ µ s Normal...
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Using the Agilent 81101A The Output Screen Note that in graphics mode you can only adjust the values of each N O T E parameter, not the parameter format. If you want to change the format of a parameter, for example O...
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Using the Agilent 81101A The Output Screen O Select offset and amplitude format for the pulse levels. Offset is measured from 0V to the middle of the pulse amplitude. Pulse amplitude is the difference between the high and low levels of the pulse.
Using the Agilent 81101A The Limits Screen The Limits Screen Use the Limits screen to set up voltage and current limits for the pulse level parameters to prevent accidental damage of the device under test. To access the Limit screen, press the LIMIT softkey.
Using the Agilent 81101A The Trigger-Level Screen The Trigger-Level Screen Use the Trigger-Level screen to set the triggering threshold and input impedance for the EXT INPUT connector, set the triggering threshold and input impedance for the CLOCK/REF INP. connector, ...
Using the Agilent 81101A The Trigger-Level Screen S Set the input threshold to +2.5 V. You can adjust the threshold by moving the entry focus to the value. S Set the input threshold to 1.3 V. You can adjust the threshold by moving the entry focus to the value.
Using the Agilent 81101A The Memory Card Screen The Memory Card Screen Use the Memory Card screen to store instrument settings to the memory card, recall instrument settings from the memory card, delete files from the memory card, ...
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Using the Agilent 81101A The Memory Card Screen Filename Parameter Move the entry focus to the F parameter to select a file from the ILENAME current directory. Use the knob to scroll through the filenames listed in the Modify/Enter area.
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Using the Agilent 81101A The Memory Card Screen Press ENTER once to start editing the filename for the setting in the Modify/Enter area. The currently selected filename is used as default. If you do not modify the filename, the existing file will be overwritten CA UT IO N when you press ENTER.
The Configuration Screen The Configuration Screen Use the Configuration screen to set the GP-IB address of the Agilent 81101A, perform a selftest, select the frequency reference source and the frequency for the PLL. To access the Configuration screen, press the CONFIG softkey. If the CONFIG softkey is not displayed, press MORE.
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Using the Agilent 81101A The Configuration Screen PLL Reference Set the frequency reference source for the PLL: I NTERNAL The internal 5 MHz reference. CLK-IN An external reference signal at the CLOCK/REF INP. connector. You can set the expected frequency of the external reference to 5 MHz or...
Using the Agilent 81101A Warnings and Errors Warnings and Errors The Agilent 81101A has two levels of error reporting called warnings and errors. Checking for errors and warnings is always enabled, unless you switch it off via the GP-IB using the :SYSTem:CHECk command.
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Using the Agilent 81101A Warnings and Errors You can press SHIFT + HELP (AUTOSET) to carry out an autoset. The N O T E instrument resets all parameters, based on the current period setting, to remove all warning and error conditions.
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Using the Agilent 81101A Warnings and Errors 8 Increase the pulse width further to approximately 980 ns and press HELP to see the current warnings: IDTH TOO CLOSE TO PERIOD RAILING EDGE MAY CUT NEXT PULSE 9 Press HELP again to return to the W parameter.
Initial Inspection Initial Inspection Inspect the shipping container for damage. If the container or cushioning material is damaged, keep it until the contents of the shipment have been checked for completeness and the instrument has been verified both mechanically and electrically. To avoid hazardous electric shock, do not perform electrical tests WA RN I NG when there are signs of shipping damage to any part of the...
Initial Inspection Standard Deliverables The Agilent 81101A shipping container contains the following standard deliverables: 1. The Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator. 2. The English Quick Start Guide and a Reference Guide. 3. A power cord. 1. Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator 2. This Quick Start Guide and the Reference Guide 3.
Initial Inspection Options and Accessories: Options Rear Panel Connectors Option UN2 All inputs and outputs are at the rear panel 1 MB SRAM Memory Card Option UFJ (Agilent part number 0950-3380) The following figure shows the instruments rear panel with Option UN2 installed.
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Initial Inspection Quick Start Guide Language Options French Guide Option ABF (Agilent part number 81101-91220) Japanese Guide Option ABJ (Agilent part number 81101-91520) Taiwan Chinese Guide Option AB0 (Agilent part number 81101-91620) Korean Guide Option AB1 (Agilent part number 81101-91720) Chinese Guide Option AB2 (Agilent part number 81101-91820)
Power Requirements Power Requirements CA UT IO N Before applying AC line power to the instrument, ensure that the correct line fuse is installed in the fuse holder and the correct power cable is fitted. N O T E When the front panel switch is off, the instrument is in “standby” mode. The instrument is disconnected from the AC line power only by disconnecting the power cord.
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Power Requirements Replacing the Fuse 1 Remove the power cord. 2 Unscrew the fuse cap at the rear of the instrument beside the power- inlet socket. Fuse Holder and Fuse Cap 3 Replace the fuse with the equivalent part: Agilent Line Voltage Fuse Type Part Number...
Power Cable Power Cable In accordance with international safety standards, this instrument is equipped with a three-wire power cable. The figure below shows the part numbers of the power cables available. When connected to an appropriate AC power receptacle, this cable grounds the instrument cabinet.
Ventilation Requirements Ventilation Requirements The instrument is fitted with three cooling fans. Make sure that there is adequate clearance of 80 mm at the rear and 25 mm at the top and bottom to ensure adequate air flow. If the air flow is restricted, the internal operating temperature will be higher, reducing the instrument's reliability or causing the instrument's thermal-protection circuits to automatically switch off the instrument.
Battery Battery This instrument contains a lithium battery. Typical life time of the battery is about 5 years. N O T E Recycle or dispose used batteries according to local regulations. Or contact your Agilent representative for information on battery recycling. The battery is replaceable.
Battery Battery Replacement N O T E Disconnect the power cord from AC line voltage to avoid electrical shock. 1 Remove the bumper which is fitted to the front panel. 2 Remove the strips on the left and right side of the front panel. 3 Remove the front panel which is secured with two screws at each side.
Operating Environment Operating Environment –40 °C to +70 °C Storage Temperature 0 °C to 55 °C Operating Temperature 95% R.H. (at 40 °C) Humidity Altitude Up to 2000m Installation Category II Pollution Degree 2 The instrument is not designed for outdoor use. Do not expose WA RN I NG the instrument to rain or other excessive moisture.
Cleaning Recommendation Cleaning Recommendation To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the instrument from WA RN I NG mains before cleaning. Use a dry cloth or one slightly dampened with water to clean external case parts. Do not attempt to clean internally.
Acoustic Noise Emission Acoustic Noise Emission Acoustic Noise Emission For ambient temperatures up to 30°C, under normal operation and at the typical operator position: LpA = 52 dBA Measured in accordance with ISO 7779 / EN 27779. Geräuschemissionswerte Bei einer Umgebungstemperatur bis 30°C LpA = 52 dBA am Arbeitsplatz, normaler Betrieb.
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Index Inspection 76 Power Cable 82 Installation 76 Power Consumption 80 Power Cord 77 Power Requirements 80 Knob 18 Power Source 80 Product Features 16 Pulse Capabilities 16 Language Options 79 Pulse Delay Parameter 58 Leading Edge Parameter 59 Pulse Period Level Parameters 61 parameter 57 Limits...
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Front Panel Controls DATA ENTRY CURSOR/ DIGIT MODIFY nano RECALL PERIOD DELAY WIDTH micro STORE Mega AUTOSET LEAD TRAIL HIGH milli HELP kilo ON | OFF SHIFT ENTER LOCAL C U R S O R DATA ENTRY / Keys QUICK ACCESS Keys Special K N O B...