General Programming Aspects

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 OFF

The SCPI standard defines a long and a short form of the commands. For fast programming speed it is recommended to use the short forms. The short forms of the commands are represented by upper case letters. For example the short form of the command to set 100 ns double pulse delay is:

:PULS:DOUB:DEL 100NS

To improve programming speed it is also allowed to skip optional subsystem command parts. Optional subsystem command parts are depicted in square brackets, e.g.: enable double pulse mode by

[SOURce]:PULSe:DOUBle[1][:STATe] ONOFF. Sufficient to use:

:PULS:DOUB ON

For the commands to set the timing and level parameters, except of period/frequency, you can explicitly specify output 1 (for compatibility reasons). If there is no output specified, the commands will set the default output 1.

So, for setting a high level of 3 Volts for output 1 the commands are:

:VOLT:HIGH 3V # sets high level of 3 V at out 1 :VOLT1:HIGH 3V # sets high level of 3 V at out 1

It is recommended to test a new setting that will be programmed on the instrument by setting it up manually.

Enable the outputs so that the instrument’s error check system is on and possible parameter conflicts are immediately displayed.

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Agilent Technologies 81101A Programming Recommendations, DISPlay OFF, SOURcePULSeDOUBle1STATe ONOFF. Sufficient to use

81101A specifications

Agilent Technologies 81101A is a high-performance pulse generator designed to meet the rigorous demands of today's electronic testing environments. This versatile instrument is crucial for engineers and researchers who require precise timing characteristics and reliability for their testing applications.

One of the standout features of the 81101A is its ability to generate fast, precise pulses with rise and fall times of less than 1 ns. This capability makes it ideal for testing high-speed digital circuits, as it can accurately simulate signal behavior in real-world conditions. The generator operates across a frequency range of DC to 1 GHz, allowing it to cater to a variety of applications, including telecommunications, semiconductor testing, and signal integrity investigations.

The 81101A is equipped with advanced modulation capabilities, including amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, and pulse-width modulation. These features enable users to create complex waveforms that can mimic real-world signals. Additionally, the generator supports dual-channel operation, allowing simultaneous pulse generation on two outputs, which is particularly useful for testing differential signaling schemes.

Another significant characteristic of the 81101A is its comprehensive range of output formats. It supports single-ended and differential outputs, which can be essential for measuring the performance of various devices under different operating conditions. The instrument also offers a wide range of output amplitudes, from a few millivolts to several volts, making it flexible enough to cater to a variety of testing requirements.

The user interface of the 81101A is intuitive, featuring a large graphical display that simplifies waveform configuration and real-time monitoring. This interface allows engineers to easily set parameters and visualize pulse characteristics, reducing the time required for setup and configuration.

In terms of connectivity, the 81101A is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing test environments. It includes standard interfaces such as GPIB, USB, and LAN, facilitating automated testing procedures and communication with other laboratory equipment.

Overall, the Agilent Technologies 81101A pulse generator is an essential tool for engineers seeking precise and versatile signal generation capabilities. With its high-frequency performance, advanced modulation options, and user-friendly features, it remains a valuable asset in electronic testing and research applications.