Programming Reference

Programming the Instrument Trigger Modes

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:

:ARM:SOURce IMMediate Arm from internal oscillator.

Triggered

Set Triggered mode by arming the instrument on edges from the EXT INPUT:

:ARM:SOURce EXTernal1

Arm from EXT INPUT

:ARM:SENSe EDGE

Arm on edge

:ARM:SLOPe

POSitive

Arm

on positive edge

:ARM:LEVel

1V

Set

EXT INPUT threshold

You can also arm the instrument from the PLL and set the frequency (or period) of the PLL to the required triggering rate:

 

:ARM:SOURce INTernal2

Arm

from PLL

 

:ARM:SENSe

EDGE

Arm

on edge

 

:ARM:SLOPe

POSitive

Arm

on positive edge

 

:ARM:FREQuency <value> Set

PLL frequency

NOTE

The PLL (INTernal2) cannot be used as :ARM:SOURce (triggering rate) if

 

it is already being used as :TRIGger:SOURce (pulse period source).

Gated

Set Gated mode by arming the instrument on levels from the EXT INPUT:

:ARM:SOURce EXTernal1

Arm from EXT INPUT

:ARM:SENSe

LEVel

Arm

on signal level

:ARM:SLOPe

POSitive

Arm

on positive level

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Agilent Technologies 81101A manual Continuous, Triggered, Gated

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.