On August 22, Agilent Technologies Korea (CEO and President Kim Seung-yeol) announced the launch of the new 33500B series waveform generators. Eight new single-channel and dual-channel models generate waveforms up to 30 MHz and incorporate the proprietary Trueform signal generation technology. Trueform enables all ranges of signal generation functions for the most frequently required measurement parameters in electronic device design.

Additionally, the Agilent 33500B waveform generator provides accurate signal generation capabilities required by engineers while delivering the lowest jitter and distortion. With improved jitter performance, engineers can reduce timing errors in circuit design and apply cutting-edge technology more precisely. The 33500B series also provides clean, noise-free signals with total harmonic distortion (THD) less than 0.04 percent and non-harmonic spurs less than 75 dBc, enabling users to obtain more accurate results.

<Agilent 33500B Series Waveform Generator>

The 8.4-ns rise and fall time and low jitter of the Agilent 33500B series allow engineers to set trigger timing more precisely, and the 16-bit resolution provides low-voltage circuit and design test capabilities while enabling engineers to adjust output down to 1 µV.

Through the 33500B series, engineers can easily utilize software upgrades to expand instrument functionality when increased bandwidth, true point-by-point arbitrary waveforms, and deeper waveform memory are required.

Trueform Technology

Over the past 20 years, DDS (Direct Digital Synthesis) has been the technology of choice for waveform generation in function generators and affordable arbitrary waveform generators. Waveform generators based on DDS provide excellent frequency resolution, convenient user-defined waveforms, and low cost. However, DDS has inherent limitations. Engineers with demanding requirements either work around compromised performance or spend up to 10 times more for high-end, point-by-point waveform generators.

Gary Whitman, Vice President and Manager of the Systems Products Division at Agilent, stated, "Trueform technology provides a new alternative combining the best of DDS and point-by-point techniques while delivering all benefits to engineers without any limitations," and added, "Trueform technology uses proprietary digital sampling technology that delivers superior performance at the same price point that customers expect from DDS."

Unique Features of the Agilent 33500B Waveform Generator

In addition to point-by-point arbitrary waveforms, the 33500B series provides features not found in typical waveform generators.

Waveform summing and combining functions: Engineers can easily add noise to signals for margin and distortion testing using only a single channel. In dual-channel models, engineers can sum and combine up to four signals.

Adjustable bandwidth noise: Engineers can adjust the bandwidth of the built-in noise generator to control the frequency content of the signal.

Waveform sequencing: Engineers can generate waveforms of various configurations from a few common building blocks. Users can construct long and complex waveforms using minimal instrument memory.

Pseudo-random binary sequence pattern generation: Engineers can test digital serial buses by streaming standard PRBS patterns such as PN7 and PN19 without a separate pulse generator.

Baseband IQ player (optional): Wireless communication engineers can playback IQ signals without expensive signal generators. The IQ player provides the capability to adjust signals including amplitude acquisition, channel offset, and channel distortion as needed for more accurate results.