Agilent Technologies 81101A Reference Manual
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Agilent Technologies 81101A Reference Manual

Agilent Technologies 81101A Reference Manual

50 mhz pulse generator
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  • Page 1 Agilent 81101A 50 MHz Pulse Generator Reference Guide...
  • Page 2 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...
  • Page 3 Part No. 81101-91021 Printed in Germany March 2000 Edition 1.0, E0300...
  • Page 5 http://www.agilent.com/Service/English/index.html...

  • Page 9: About This Book

    This guide provides reference information primarily for programming the Agilent 81101A via remote control. gives general Chapter 1 “General Programming Aspects” on page 13 hints for programming instruments like the Agilent 81101A using SCPI commands. Chapter 2 “Programming Reference” on page 25 provides detailed information on the SCPI commands supported by the instrument.
  • Page 10 This book uses certain conventions to indicate elements of the Agilent 81101A’s user interface. The following table shows some examples: Softkeys Press the softkey to access the Mode/ Trigger screen. Hardkeys Press the key to switch to the alternative softkey layout.

  • Page 11: Table Of Contents

    Programming Recommendations ..........16 Common Command Summary ..........18 Status Model ................19 Programming Reference Agilent 81101A SCPI Command Summary ......26 Default Values, Standard Settings ......... 31 Programming the Instrument Trigger Modes ......35 SCPI Instrument Command List ..........38 Specifications Declaration of Conformity ............
  • Page 12 Agilent 81101A Specifications ..........91 General ....................91 Timing Specifications ................93 Level Specifications ................96 Clock Sources ..................97 Output Modes ..................99 Trigger Modes ..................100 Trigger and Strobe Specifications ............. 101 Human Interface .................. 103 Memory ....................103 Remote Control ...................

  • Page 13: General Programming Aspects

    1General Programming Aspects This chapter provides general information on writing GP-IB/SCPI programs for instruments like the Agilent 81101A. Detailed information on programming the Agilent 81101A can be found in Chapter 2 “Programming Reference” on page...

  • Page 14: The Gp-Ib Interface Bus

    The General Purpose Interface Bus is the interface used for communication between a controller and an external device, such as the Agilent 81130A. The GPIB conforms to IEEE standard 488-1987, ANSI standard MC 1.1, and IEC recommendation 625-1. If you are not familiar with the GPIB, please refer to the following books: •...

  • Page 15: Agilent 81101A Remote Control

    You can only set the GP-IB address from the front panel of the instrument (refer to the Quick Start Guide). The default GP-IB address is 10. The Agilent 81101A has two modes of operation: • Local The instrument is operated using the front panel keys.

  • Page 16: Programming Recommendations

    Programming Recommendations Here are some recommendations for programming the instrument: • Start programming from the default setting. The common command for setting the default setting is: *RST • Switch off the automatic update of the display to increase the programming speed. The device command for switching off the display is: :DISPlay •...
  • Page 17 When you have found the correct setting, then use this to create the program. In the program it is recommended to send the command for enabling outputs (for example, :OUTPut ON) as the last command. With this procedure it is possible to switch off the error check system (:SYSTem:CHECk OFF) to increase programming speed.

  • Page 18: Common Command Summary

    Common Command Summary This table summarizes the IEEE 488.2 common commands supported by the Agilent 81101A: Command Parameter Description *CLS – Clear the status structure *ESE <0–255> Set the Standard Event Status register mask *ESE? – Read the state of the Standard Event Status enable register *ESR? –...

  • Page 19: Status Model

    Status Model The instrument has a status reporting system conforming to IEEE 488.2 and SCPI. The above figure shows the status groups available in the instrument. Each status group is made up of component registers, as shown in the following figure.
  • Page 20 Condition Register A condition register contains the current status of the hardware and firmware. It is continuously updated and is not latched or buffered. You can only read condition registers. If there is no command to read the condition register of a particular status group, then it is simply invisible to you.
  • Page 21 Enable Register The enable register defines which bits in an event register are included in the logical OR into the summary bit. The enable register is logically ANDed with the event register and the resulting bits ORed into the summary bit. Enable registers are read/write, and are not affected by *CLS or querying.

  • Page 22: Status Byte

    Status Byte The status byte summarizes the information from all other status groups. The summary bit for the status byte actually appears in bit 6 (RQS) of the status byte. When RQS is set it generates an SRQ interrupt to the controller indicating that at least one instrument on the bus requires attention.
  • Page 23 OPERation Status Group This Status Group is not used in the instrument. Description Unused, always 0 Unused, always 0 Unused, always 0 Unused, always 0 Unused, always 0 Unused, always 0 Unused, always 0 Unused, always 0 Unused, always 0 Unused, always 0 Unused, always 0 Unused, always 0...
  • Page 24 QUEStionable Status Group QUEStionable Voltage warning Current warning Time warning Unused, always 0 Unused, always 0 Frequency warning Unused, always 0 Unused, always 0 Unused, always 0 Unused, always 0 Unused, always 0 Unused, always 0 Unused, always Unused, always 0 Unused, always 0 Always 0 The QUEStionable Status group is used to report warning conditions...
  • Page 25 2Programming Reference This chapter provides reference information on the following topics: • “Agilent 81101A SCPI Command Summary” on page 26 • “Default Values, Standard Settings” on page 31 • “Programming the Instrument Trigger Modes” on page 35 • “SCPI Instrument Command List” on page 38...

  • Page 26: Agilent 81101A Scpi Command Summary

    Agilent 81101A SCPI Command Summary Command Parameter Description page (Trigger mode and source) :ARM [:SEQuence[1] | :STARt] [:LAYer[1]] :EWIDTh [:STATe] ON|OFF|1|0 Set/read External Width mode <value> Set/read trigger frequency, when :FREQuency PLL(INT2) used as source <value> Set/read impedance at EXT INPUT :IMPedance <value>...
  • Page 27 Command Parameter Description page :OUTPut[1] [:NORMal] OFF|ON|1|0 Set/read normal output state [:STATe] :IMPedance <value> Set/read internal source impedance of [:INTernal] output :EXTernal <value> Set/read expected external load imped- ance at output :POLarity NORM|INV Set/read output polarity [:SOURce] :CURRent[1] [:LEVel] [:IMMediate] <value>...
  • Page 28 Command Parameter Description page :DOUBle[1] OFF|ON Enable/disable double pulses per pulse [:STATe] period <value> Set/read delay between double pulses :DELay TIME|PRATio Hold absolute delay|phase delay fixed :HOLD with varying frequency S|SEC|PCT Set/read delay units :UNIT WIDTh|DCYCle|TDELay Hold Width|Duty cycle|Trailing edge de- :HOLD[1] lay fixed with varying frequency <value>...
  • Page 29 Command Parameter Description page :OFFset <value> Set/read channel offset voltage <value> Set/read channel high level voltage :HIGH <value> Set/read channel low level voltage :LOW :LIMit Set/read maximum voltage limit [:HIGH] Set/read minimum voltage limit :LOW ON|OFF|1|0 Enable|Disable the voltage limits :STATe :STATus :OPERation...
  • Page 30 Command Parameter Description page [:STATe] ON|OFF Switch security on and off Block data Set/read complete instrument setting :SET Read SCPI compliance setting :VERSion? :WARNing Read number of active warnings [:COUNt]? Read active warnings as concatenated :STRing? string Read maximum possible length of con- :BUFFer? catenated string :TRIGger...

  • Page 31: Default Values, Standard Settings

    Default Values, Standard Settings Parameter *RST, Default Values :ARM : EWIDth:STATe :FREQuency 100kHz :IMPedance :LEVel +1.00V :PERiod 10.00 s :SENSe EDGE :SLOPe :SOURce IMMediate :DISPlay [:WINDow] [:STATe] :MMEMory :CATalog? not applicable :CDIRectory not applicable :COPY not applicable :DELete not applicable :INITialize not applicable :LOAD :STATe...
  • Page 32 Parameter *RST, Default Values :LOW –10.0mA :STATe :FREQ [:CW|:FIXed] 1.00MHz :AUTO not applicable :HOLD VOLT :PHASe[1][:ADJust] :PULSe: :DCYCle[1] 10.0% (derived from Width and Period) :DELay[1] :HOLD TIME :UNIT :DOUBle[1][:STATe] :DELay 250 ns :HOLD TIME :UNIT :HOLD[1] WIDTh [:SOURce]:PULSe:PERiod :AUTO not applicable :TDELay[1] 100ns :TRANsition[1|2]:HOLD...
  • Page 33 Parameter *RST, Default Values [:SOURce]:VOLTage[1] :LEVel] [IMMediate] [:AMPLitude] 1.0V :OFFSet 0.0V :HIGH 500mV :LOW –500mV :LIMIt[:High] +500V :LOW –500V :STATe :STATus: :OPERation not applicable :PRESet not applicable :QUEStionable[:EVENt]? not applicable :CONDition? not applicable :ENABle not applicable :NTRansition not applicable :PTRansition not applicable :SYSTem :CHECk [:ALL][:STATe] :ERRor?
  • Page 34 Parameter *RST, Default Values :LEVel 1.0V :SLOPe POSitive :SOURce IMMediate...

  • Page 35: Programming The Instrument Trigger Modes

    Programming the Instrument Trigger Modes The following figure shows the instrument’s arming/triggering model: :ARM:SOURce IMMediate (Internal VFO) :ARM:SENSe EDGE (Triggered) INTernal2 (Internal PLL) LEVel (Gated) EXTernal (EXT INPUT) Manual (MAN key) :TRIGger:SOURce IMMediate (Internal VFO) INTernal2 (Internal PLL) EXTernal2 (CLK IN) :TRIGger:COUNt n You program the comprehensive triggering capabilities of the instrument using the SCPI :ARM and :TRIGger subsystems.
  • Page 36 Use the :ARM subsystem to select the overall triggering mode of the instrument (CONTINUOUS, TRIGGERED, GATED, EXT WIDTH), and the :TRIGger subsystem to select the pulse period source, triggering and number of pulse periods per :ARM event (BURST or PATTERN length). Continuous Set Continuous mode by arming the instrument from its internal oscillator:...
  • Page 37 External Width Set External Width mode using the :EWIDth[:STATe] command: :ARM:EWIDth ON Switch on EXT WIDTH mode This command disables the arm-trigger system. The arm-trigger system is reenabled by switching OFF EWIDth mode. Pulses Set Pulses mode by setting the :TRIGger:COUNt to 1 so that a single triggered pulse period is generated for every arm event.

  • Page 38: Scpi Instrument Command List

    SCPI Instrument Command List The following reference sections list the instrument commands in alphabetical order. In addition to a command description, the attributes of each command are described under the following headings. Not all of these attributes are applicable to all commands. The commands are conform to the IEEE 488.2 SCPI standard.
  • Page 39 :ARM:EWID :ARM[:SEQuence[1]|STARt][:LAYer]:EWIDth[:STATe] Set & Query ON | OFF | 1 | 0 Use this command to enable the EXT WIDTH trigger mode available on . When EXT WIDTH mode is switched on, the rest of the :ARM and :TRIG system is disabled. In EXT WIDTH mode a signal applied to the EXT INPUT determines the width and period of the output signal(s) from the instrument.
  • Page 40 :ARM:IMP :ARM[:SEQuence[1]|STARt][:LAYer]:IMPedance Set & Query Numeric OHM with engineering prefixes, e.g.: MOHM is Megaohms. or 10 k Use this command to program the input impedance of the EXT INPUT connector. Note that only two settings are available. If you try to program any other value, it will be rounded to one of the specified values.
  • Page 41 :ARM:PER :ARM[:SEQuence[1]|STARt][:LAYer]:PERiod Set & Query Numeric S or SEC with engineering prefixes. 10.00 s 20 ns to 999.5 s Use this command to program the period of the PLL (INTernal2) when it is used as the :ARM:SOURce for internal triggering of pulses, bursts or patterns.
  • Page 42 :ARM:SENS :ARM[:SEQuence[1]|STARt][:LAYer]:SENSe Set & Query EDGE | LEVel EDGE Use this command to select Triggered or Gated mode by choosing whether the instrument arms on the edge(s) or level of the arming signal. When sensing edges, the instrument triggers when the arming signal crosses the selected threshold level (:ARM:LEV) in the selected direction (:ARM:SLOP).
  • Page 43 :ARM:SOUR :ARM[:SEQuence[1]|STARt][:LAYer]:SOURce Set & Query IMMediate|INTernal[1]|INTernal2|EXTernal[1]|MANual Use this command to select the triggering mode of the instrument by selecting the source of the arming signal: Triggering Source :ARM:SOURce Mode Internal Osc. Continuous IMMediate|INTernal[1] Triggered | Gated by PLL INTernal2 EXT INPUT Triggered | Gated by EXT IN EXTernal1 MAN key...
  • Page 44 :MMEM:CAT? :MMEMory:CATalog? Query ["A:"] Not applicable Use this command to get a listing of the contents of the currently selected directory on the memory card. As there is only one memory card slot, the parameter A: is optional. The information returned is: <bytes_used>,<bytes_free>[,<file_entry>] <bytes_used>...
  • Page 45 :MMEM:COPY :MMEMory:COPY Event "filename"[,"A:"],"copyname"[,"A:"] Not applicable Use this command to copy an existing file filename in the current directory to a new file copyname. If copyname is the name of a sub- directory in the current directory, a copy of the file filename is made in the sub-directory.
  • Page 46 :MMEM:LOAD:STAT :MMEMory:LOAD:STATe Event <n>,"filename"[,"A:"] Not applicable <n> = 0 to 9 (integer) Use this command to load a complete instrument setting from file filename in the current directory into memory <n> in the instrument. Memories 1 to 9 are the internal customer memories. Memory 0 holds the default setting.
  • Page 47 :OUTP[1] :OUTPut[1][:NORMal][:STATe] Set & Query ON | OFF | 1 | 0 Use this command to switch the normal OUTPUT on or off. To switch on the output: :OUTP ON :OUTP[1]:IMP :OUTPut[1]:IMPedance[:INTernal] Set & Query Numeric OHM with engineering prefixes, e.g.: MOHM is Megaohms. or 1 k Use this command to program the source impedance of the OUTPUT connector.
  • Page 48 to 1 M Use this command to set the expected load impedance of the device under test at the OUTPUT connectors. If you have a non-50 load, the output levels at the device under test will not be the levels you program or set via the front panel unless you set the expected load using this command.
  • Page 49 Amplitude = High – Low High – Low Offset = Offset Use this command to program the amplitude current of the OUTPUT signal. Note that to set the OUTPUT levels in terms of current, you first have to execute the [:SOURce]:HOLD CURRent command to enable the [:SOUR ]:CURR subsystem.
  • Page 50 Amplitude Use this command to program the offset current of the OUTPUT signal. Note that to set the OUTPUT levels in terms of current, you first have to execute the [:SOURce]:HOLD CURRent command to enable the :SOURce]:CURRent subsystem. The available current range is limited by the combination of: •...
  • Page 51 have to execute [:SOURCE]:HOLD CURRent command to enable the [:SOURCE]:CURRent subsystem. The available current range is limited by the combination of: • Specified Voltage limits • Actual OUTPUT Impedance setting :OUTPut:IMPedance • Actual Expected Load impedance setting: :OUTPut:IMPedance:EXTernal To program the high level current of the output signal: Enable CURRENT subsystem :HOLD CURR Set OUTPUT high level to 150 mA...
  • Page 52 • Specified Voltage limits • Actual OUTPUT Impedance setting :OUTPut:IMPedance • Actual Expected Load impedance setting: :OUTPUT:IMPedance:EXTernal To program the low level current of the output signal: Enable CURRENT subsystem :HOLD CURR Set OUTPUT low level to 50 mA :CURR:LOW 50 MA :CURR[1]:LIM [:SOURce]:CURRent[1]:LIMit[:HIGH] Set &...
  • Page 53 :CURR[1]:LIM:LOW [:SOURce]:CURRent[1]:LIMit:LOW Set & Query Numeric A with engineering prefixes. –10.0 mA Use this command to set/read the low level current limit. If you switch on current limiting, the low level current cannot be set below the programmed limit. The current is not limited by the OUTPUT hardware, this is a software limit.
  • Page 54 To set and activate the current limits for the output: :HOLD CURR Enable CURRENT subsystem Set OUTPUT high level current limit to 50 m :CURR:LIM 50MA :CURR:LIM:LOW –50MA Set OUTPUT low level current limit to –50m Switch on OUTPUT limits :CURR:LIM:STAT ON :FREQ [:SOURce]:FREQuency[:CW|:FIXed]...
  • Page 55 :FREQ:AUTO [:SOURce]:FREQuency[:CW|:FIXed]:AUTO Event ONCE Not applicable Use this command to measure the frequency at the CLK-IN connector. If the CLK-IN connector is the selected pulse frequency source, you can then read the measured value with :FREQ? To measure and read the frequency at the CLK-IN connector: Select ext CLK-IN as pulse trigger :TRIG:SOUR EXT :FREQ:AUTO ONCE...
  • Page 56 :PHAS[1] [:SOURce]:PHASe[1][:ADJust] Set & Query Numeric DEG or RAD. A parameter without a suffix is interpreted as RAD. Programming the pulse phase also executes [:SOURce]:PULSe:HOLD PHASe so that the pulse phase is held constant when the signal frequency is changed. Phase Period Delay =...
  • Page 57 :PULS:DCYC[1] [:SOURce]:PULSe:DCYCle[1] Set & Query Numeric Duty Cycle Width = Period 10.0% (derived from width and period) 0.001% to 99.9%, depends on width, transition & period. Use this command to program the duty cycle of the pulse signal. If you want to set an absolute pulse width use [:SOURce]:PULSe:WIDTh[1].
  • Page 58 0.00 ns to 999 s (limited by period – 20 ns) Use this command to set/read the pulse delay. Delay is the time between the start of the pulse period and the start of the leading edge of the pulse. If you want the pulse delay to remain constant when the pulse period is varied (rather than the phase delay) use [:SOURce]:PULSe:DELay[1]:HOLD TIME.
  • Page 59 :PULS:DEL[1]:UNIT [:SOURce]:PULSe:DELay[1]:UNIT Set & Query S | SEC | PCT | DEG | RAD Use this command to set/read the default units for the pulse delay parameter. The default unit of a parameter is the unit used when the parameter is programmed to a value without a unit suffix. To set the pulse delay to 50% of period: Set OUTPUT delay unit to % :PULS:DEL:UNIT PCT...
  • Page 60 :PULS:DOUB[1]:DEL [:SOURce]:PULSe:DOUBle[1]:DELay Set & Query Numeric S with engineering prefixes. You can change the default unit using [:SOURce]:PULSe:DOUBle:DELay[1]:UNIT. DblDel DblDel% = Period 10 ns to 999.5 s (width +10 ns) to (period – width – 10 ns) min. period: 20 ns Use this command to set/read the delay between the leading edges of the two pulses in double-pulse mode.
  • Page 61 :PULS:DOUB[1]:DEL:HOLD [:SOURce]:PULSe:DOUBle[1]:DELay:HOLD Set & Query TIME|PRATio TIME Use this command to set/read the coupling between the pulse period and the double-pulse delay: TIME The absolute double-pulse delay is held fixed when the pulse period is varied. PRATio The double-pulse delay as percentage of period is held fixed when the pulse period is varied.
  • Page 62 :PULS:HOLD[1] [:SOURce]:PULSe:HOLD[1] Set & Query WIDTh | DCYCle | TDELay WIDTh Use this command to set whether the pulse width, the pulse duty cycle or the pulse trailing edge delay is held constant when the pulse period is changed. To set and hold the delay and the duty cycle: Hold OUTPUT delay fixed when frequency :PULS:DEL:HOLD TIME varies...
  • Page 63 You cannot set the pulse period if you have selected the CLK-IN connector as the frequency source (:TRIG:SOUR EXT). To set the pulse period using the internal oscillator: Select internal osc. as pulse trigger :TRIG:SOUR INT Set pulse frequency to 25 ns :PULS:PER 25NS :PULS:PER:AUTO [:SOURce]:PULSe:PERiod:AUTO...
  • Page 64 To program the pulse width by means of the delay parameters: Set OUTPUT delay to 500 ns :PULS:DEL 500NS Hold OUTPUT delay constant with :PULS:DEL:HOLD TIME varying period Set OUTPUT trailing delay to 750 ns :PULS:TDEL 750NS :PULS:TRAN[1]:HOLD [:SOURce]:PULSe:TRANsition[1]:HOLD Set & Query TIME | WRATio TIME Use this command to set the coupling between transition times and the...
  • Page 65 :PULS:TRAN[1]:UNIT [:SOURce]:PULSe:TRANsition[1]:UNIT Set & Query S | SEC | PCT Use this command to set the default units for the pulse transition times. The default unit is used when the parameter is programmed to a value without a unit suffix. :PULS:TRAN[1] [:SOURce]:PULSe:TRANsition[1][:LEADing] Set &...
  • Page 66 :PULS:TRAN[1]:TRA [:SOURce]:PULSe:TRANsition[1]:TRAiling Set & Query Numeric S with engineering prefixes, or PCT 5 ns 5 ns to 200 ms By default: Trailing edge = Leading edge with :PULS:TRAN:TRA:AUTO Use :PULS:TRAN:TRA:AUTO OFF to enable independent programming of the trailing edge within a 1:20 ratio for the ranges. Use this command to set/read the transition time of the pulse trailing- edge.
  • Page 67 :PULS:TRAN[1]:TRA:AUTO :[SOURce]:PULSe:TRANsition[1]:TRAiling:AUTO Set & Query ON|OFF|ONCE Use this command to set/read the automatic coupling of the pulse trailing edge transition time to the leading edge transition time. The trailing edge transition time is automatically set to the same value as the leading edge, and is updated automatically each time the leading edge transition time changes.
  • Page 68 :PULS:WIDT[1] [:SOURce]:PULSe:WIDTh[1] Set & Query Numeric S with engineering prefixes 100 ns 10 ns to 999.5 s (max. period –10 ns) Use this command to program the width of the pulse signal. If you want to set width as duty cycle use [:SOURce]:PULSe:DCYCle[1]. If you want the pulse width to remain constant when the pulse period is varied (rather than the duty cycle) use [:SOURce]:PULSe:HOLD[1] WIDTh.
  • Page 69 To set up the external PLL reference: :ROSC:SOUR EXT Set external PLL reference (CLK-IN) Set expected PLL reference frequency to :ROSC:EXT:FREQ 10 MHZ 10 MHz :ROSC:EXT:FREQ [:SOURce]:ROSCillator:EXTernal:FREQuency Set & Query Numeric 5 MHz 5 MHz or 10 MHz Use this command to set/read the expected reference frequency for the PLL at the CLK-IN connector.
  • Page 70 :VOLT[1] [:SOURce]:VOLTage[1][:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] Set & Query Numeric V with engineering prefixes. Amplitude High = Offset + Amplitude Low = Offset – With Offset, see page 71 1.00 V 100 mVpp to 10.0 Vpp (values are valid from 50 into 50 ) Use this command to program the amplitude voltage of the output signal.
  • Page 71 :VOLT[1]:OFFSet [:SOURce]:VOLTage[1][:LEVel][:IMMediate]:OFFSet Set & Query Numeric V with engineering prefixes. High = Offset + Amplitude Low = Offset – Amplitude With Amplitude, see page 70 0.0 mV –10 V to +10 V Use this command to program the offset voltage of the OUTPUT signal. Note that to set the OUTPUT levels in terms of voltage, you first have to execute the [:SOURce]:HOLD VOLTage command to enable the [:SOURce]:VOLtage subsystem.
  • Page 72 :VOLT[1]:HIGH [:SOURce]:VOLTage[1][:LEVel][:IMMediate]:HIGH Set & Query Numeric V with engineering prefixes. Amplitude = High – Low High – Low Offset = With low level, see page 73 500 mV –9.9 V to 10.0 V (50 into 50 ) Use this command to program the high level voltage of the OUTPUT signal.
  • Page 73 :VOLT[1]:LOW [:SOURce]:VOLTage[1][:LEVel][:IMMediate]:LOW Set & Query Numeric V with engineering prefixes. Amplitude = High – Low High–Low Offset = With high level, see page 72 –500 mV –10.0 V to 9.9 V (50 into 50 ) Use this command to program the low level voltage of the OUTPUT signal.
  • Page 74 :VOLT[1]:LIM [:SOURce]:VOLTage[1]:LIMit[:HIGH] Set & Query Numeric V with engineering prefixes. +500 mV Use this command to set/read the high level voltage limit. If you switch on voltage limiting, the high level voltage cannot be set above the programmed limit. Note that the voltage is not limited by the OUTPUT hardware, this is a software limit.
  • Page 75 :VOLT[1]:LIM:STAT [:SOURce]:VOLTage[1]:LIMit:STATe Set & Query ON | OFF | 1 | 0 Use this command to switch the output limits on or off. When you switch on the output limits, you cannot program the output levels beyond the programmed limits, until you switch off the voltage limits. The limits apply whether you program high/low levels or amplitude/offset levels.
  • Page 76 :STATus:PRESet :STATus:PRESet Event Not Applicable This command • Clears all status group event registers • Clears the error queue • Presets the status group enable-, PTR-, and NTR-registers as follows: Status Group Register Preset value OPERation ENABle 0000000000000000 0111111111111111 0000000000000000 QUEStionable ENABle 0000000000000000...
  • Page 77 1. :STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]? Query Form Not Applicable *RST value This command reads the event register in the QUEStionable status Description group. 2. :STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition? Query Form *RST value Not Applicable This command reads the condition register in the QUEStionable Description status group. 3.
  • Page 78 :SYST:CHEC :SYSTem:CHECk[:ALL][:STATe] Set & Query OFF | ON Use this command to switch the instrument’s error checking on or off. Switch off the error checking if you want to improve the programming speed of the instrument, but remember that no invalid parameter or mode settings will be detected and reported.
  • Page 79 The above message is an example of a customized description. Generic descriptions are available in the SCPI 1995 Command Reference, items 21.8.4 to 21.8.11. For more detailed information in the 81110A error. Send ":SYST:WARN:STR?". Alternatively, the HELP key shows the current errors and warnings and their description on the instruments display.
  • Page 80 Key Description DATA ENTRY Cursor Up Cursor Down Cursor Left Cursor Right Softkey 1 Softkey 2 Softkey 3 Softkey 4 Modify Knob Left (counter-clockwise) Modify Knob Right (clockwise) In query form, this command reads the last key pressed. The buffer is emptied by *RST and returns the value –1 when empty.
  • Page 81 • In remote mode only the softkeys below the display and the (LOCAL) key are active. Because the instrument normally switches to remote mode when any command is received, including :SYSTem:KEY, simulating one of the other disabled keys has no effect.
  • Page 82 :SYST:SEC :SYSTem:SECurity[:STATe] Set & Query ON|OFF Do not switch on system security unless you are willing to erase the instrument settings stored in the instrument. All instrument memories, including the current setting, will be overwritten with the default settings if you •...
  • Page 83 :SYST:SET :SYSTem:SET Set & Query Block data Not applicable In query form, the command reads a block of data containing the instrument’s complete setup. The set-up information includes all parameter and mode settings, but does not include the contents of the instrument setting memories, the status group registers or the :DISPlay[:WINDow][:STATe] The data is in a binary format, not ASCII, and cannot be edited.
  • Page 84 :SYST:WARN:STR? :SYSTem:WARNing:STRing? Query Not applicable Use this command to read all the currently active warning messages. The warning messages are concatenated to form a single string with a “;” as separator between the messages. :SYST:WARN:BUFF? :SYSTem:WARNing:BUFFer? Query Not applicable Use this command to read the maximum possible number of characters that could be returned by :SYST:WARN:STR? if all warnings were active.
  • Page 85 To set up a triggered burst of 16 Single Pulses at Out1, each burst triggered by a positive edge at the EXT INPUT: Set arming from EXT INPUT :ARM:SOUR EXT1 Set arming on edges :ARM:SENS EDGE Set arming on positive edges :ARM:SLOP POS Burst length 16 :TRIG:COUN 16...
  • Page 86 CLK-IN connector. :TRIG:SOUR :TRIGger:SOURce Set & Query IMMediate | INTernal[1] | INTernal2 | EXTernal2 Use this command to select the pulse period source of the Agilent 81101A by selecting the source of the pulse period trigger signal:...
  • Page 87 Pulse period sources set by :TRIG:SOUR Pulse period source :TRIG:SOURce internal osc IMMediate INTernal[1] internal PLL INTernal2 CLK-IN EXTernal2...

  • Page 89: Specifications

    3Specifications In this chapter you will find the specifications of the Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator. At the end of this chapter, “Pulse Parameter Definitions” on page 105 provides detailed information on the definition of the pulse parameters used by the instrument.

  • Page 90: Declaration Of Conformity

    EMC Directive (89/336/EEC). During the measurements against EN55011, the I/O ports were terminated with their nominal impendance, the GP-IB connection was terminated with the cable AGILENT 10833B. When the Product is connected to other devices, the user must ensure that the connecting cables and the other devices are adequately shielded to prevent radiation.

  • Page 91: Agilent 81101A Specifications

    Agilent 81101A Specifications General Environmental Conditions Operating temperature: 0 C to +55 C Storage temperature: –40 C to +70 C Humidity: 95% r.h. up to 40 C ambient temperature Altitude: up to 2000 m Installation: Category II Pollution: Degree 2...
  • Page 92 Weight 8.5 kg Single Channel 9.2 kg Dual Channel Shipping 13.8 kg Dual Channel Recalibration period 1 year recommended Warranty 3 years standard Acoustic Noise Emission For ambient temperature up to 30 C, under normal operation and at the typical operator position: LpA = 52 dB (5.9 bel) typical {47 dB (5.3 bel) at 23 C) typical} Measured in accordance with ISO 7779/EN 27779.

  • Page 93: Timing Specifications

    Timing Specifications Period Period can also be entered as frequency. Agilent 81101A Period Range: 20 ns to 999.5 s Resolution: 3.5 digits, 5 ps best case for VFO 4 digits, 1 ps best case for PLL Accuracy: PLL: ±0.01% VFO: ±5%...
  • Page 94 Width Can be entered as absolute width, duty cycle or trailing edge delay. Width Agilent 81101A Range: 10 ns to 999.5 s (max value: period –10 ns) Accuracy: 250 ps Duty cycle: 0.1% to 95% (depends on period and width;...
  • Page 95 Double Pulse Delay Double pulse delay and delay are mutually exclusive. Double Pulse delay is the delay between the two pulses in Double Pulse mode. Double Pulse Delay Agilent 81101A Double Pulse 20 ns to 999.5 s Delay range: (width + 10 ns) to (period – width – 10 ns) Accuracy: ±5 % ±500 ps...

  • Page 96: Level Specifications

    Leading and trailing edges can be programmed independently within the following ranges (Maximum ratio 1:20): Level Specifications Level Parameters Agilent 81101A Source impedance: selectable 50 ± 1% typical or 1 k Maximum external voltage: ±24 V Short circuit current: ±400 mA...

  • Page 97: Clock Sources

    +(3% Amplitude + 150 mV) (in + 19 V level window): Resolution: 10 mV 20 mV Pulse Performance Pulse Performance Agilent 81101A Overshoot, Preshoot, Ringing: +5% of amplitude ±20 mV Settling time: 30 ns typical Baseline noise: 8 mV RMS typical Dynamic Crosstalk <...
  • Page 98 Clock / PLL Reference Input Input Specifications Agilent 81101A Input impedance: 50 or 10k selectable Threshold: –10 V to +10 V Maximum input voltage: +15 V Input transitions: <100 ns Input Frequency: dc to max 50 MHz Minimum pulse width:...

  • Page 99: Output Modes

    The output signal consists of single or double pulses, controlled by the Trigger mode. Burst Mode The output signal consists of bursts of single or double pulses, controlled by the Trigger mode. Burst Parameters Agilent 81101A Burst count: 2 to 65536 Format: single or double pulses...

  • Page 100: Trigger Modes

    Trigger Modes Continuous Generate continuous pulses, double pulses, or bursts. Externally Triggered Each active input transition (rising, falling or both) triggers a single pulse, a double pulse, or a burst. The trigger source can be selected from: • External Input •...

  • Page 101: Trigger And Strobe Specifications

    Trigger and Strobe Specifications Trigger Output Trigger Output Specifications Agilent 81101A Level: TTL or ECL selectable Output impedance: typical Trigger pulse width: typically 50% of period Triggered mode: 9 ns typically External Width mode: recovered pulse shape of external signal Maximum external voltage: –2 V ...
  • Page 102 Typical Delays typ. Mode from value External Width Ext Input Strobe/Trigger Out 8.5 ns OUTPUT 22.5 ns Trigger Gated Ext Input Strobe/Trigger Out 12.0 ns OUTPUT 29.0 ns Continuous Strobe/ OUTPUT 17.0 ns Trigger Out Ext. clock signal CLK-IN Strobe/Trigger Out 12.0 ns as pulse period OUTPUT...

  • Page 103: Human Interface

    Human Interface Overprogramming Parameter values can be entered exceeding the specified range. Warnings and Errors Warning messages indicate potentially conflicting parameters due to accuracy tolerances. Error messages indicate conflicting parameters. Help Key Displays a context-sensitive message about the selected parameter. Concept help for getting started is also available.

  • Page 104: Remote Control

    Remote Control Operates according to IEEE standard 488.2, 1987 and SCPI 1992.0. Function Code SH1, AH1, T6, L4, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT1,C0. Programming Times (all checks and display off). Command Typical execution time One parameter or mode 30 ms typ. Recall Setting 250 ms typ...

  • Page 105: Pulse Parameter Definitions

    Pulse Parameter Definitions Here you find the pulse parameter definitions of terms used in the instrument specifications. In the following figure a graphical overview of the pulse parameters is provided: 9E@JD...

  • Page 106: Time Reference Point

    Time Reference Point The time reference point is at the median of the amplitude (50% amplitude point on pulse edge): Pulse Period The time interval between the leading edge medians of consecutive output pulses: Trigger Delay Interval between trigger point of the external trigger input signal and the trigger output pulse’s leading edge median.
  • Page 107 practice, start points may shift with changes in transition time) when transition times are varied. This is more convenient for programming and the width display is easy to interpret. Pulse Delay Interval between leading edge medians of trigger output pulse and output pulse: The specified and displayed value is that obtained with the fastest leading edge.

  • Page 108: Transition Time

    Transition Time Interval between the 10% and 90% amplitude points on the leading/ trailing edge: Linearity Peak deviation of an edge from a straight line through the 10% and 90% amplitude points, expressed as percentage of pulse amplitude: 100 % Amplitude 90 % Amplitude Deviation 10 % Amplitude...
  • Page 109 Jitter Short-term instability of one edge relative to a reference edge. Usually specified as rms value, which is one standard deviation or “sigma”. If distribution is assumed Gaussian, six sigma represents 99.74% of the peak-peak jitter. The reference edge for period jitter is the previous leading edge. That for delay jitter is the leading edge of the trigger output.

  • Page 110: Settling Time

    Preshoot, Overshoot, Ringing Preshoot and overshoot are peak distortions preceding/following an edge. Ringing is the positive-peak and negative-peak distortion, excluding overshoot, on pulse top or base. For example, a combined preshoot, overshoot, and ringing specification of 5% implies: • Overshoot/undershoot < 5% •...
  • Page 111 Repeatability When an instrument operates under the same environmental conditions and with the same settings, the value of a parameter will lie within a band inside the accuracy window. Repeatability defines the width of this band.
  • Page 113 Symbols transition time 108 % of Per 57 trigger delay 106 Delay 58 Delay% 57 Acoustic Noise Emission 92 Dimensions 91 Amplitude DIR 44 current 48 DISPLAY definition 109 ON/OFF 43 voltage 70 Double Delay 60 Double Pulse command 59 Burst definition 107 length 84...
  • Page 114 Jitter Period definition 109 specification 93 Phase 56 Key-Code Reference 80 frequency 39 period 41 reference 68 Last Key Pressed 79 reference frequency 69 Leading Edge Power requirements 91 command 65 Preshoot definition 108 definition 110 Linearity Programming definition 108 BURST mode 37 List of Commands 26 CONTINUOUS mode 36...
  • Page 115 specification 93 Safety Trailing Edge symbols 8 automatic coupling 67 SCPI command 66 Command Dictionary 38 definition 108 Version 83 delay 63 Setting Transition coupling 64 load into memory ’n’ 46 Transition Filters 20 Settling Time Transition Time definition 110 command 66 Simulating Key Presses 79 definition 108...

  • Page 117: Front Panel Controls

    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...

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