Keysight Technologies
30 MHz Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generators
33521A 1-Channel Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generator
33522A 2-Channel Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generator
Data Sheet
Lowest jitter and total harmonic
distortion in its class and true
point-by-point arbitrary waveforms
that are always alias-protected for
exceptional accuracy
02
You depend upon the fidelity of
generated signals to verify the
development of your designs. The
higher the fidelity of the generated
signal, the more assurance the device
under development will perform to
your exacting standards. The 33500
Series function/arbitrary waveform
generators have < 40 ps jitter for
any signal ― ten times better than
existing function/arbitrary waveform
generators. They provide 16-bit reso-
lution, which is the highest resolution
in their class. Combined with less
than .04% total harmonic distortion
and 250 MSa/s, 16-bit sampling,
optional high-stability timebase and
optional arbitrary waveform memory
expansion, you now have access to
an affordable new family of genera-
tors with unparallel signal fidelity.
Flexible signal generation
The 33521A and 33522A have the
ability to create two-tone signals for
dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF)
signal applications used in telecom-
munication device test. A feature
specific to the 33522A generator is
a flexible, dual-channel mode with
frequency and amplitude coupling,
differential channels, and combined
output channels. This functionality is
useful in applications where testing
a device, such as a pacemaker, relies
on the timing and interaction of two
distinct signals to operate properly.
Point-by-point waveforms
The 33500 Series expands your
signaling capability with true point-
by-point arbitrary waveforms that are
always alias-protected for exceptional
accuracy. The 33521A and 33522A
are first in their class to generate
30 MHz signals, including common
waveforms, arbitrary waveforms and
sophisticated modulated waveforms.
Both models leverage proprietary
technology to provide you with
unprecedented input control when
defining arbitrary waveforms. That
control equates to the ability to
define more complex point-by-point
waveforms with sequencing.
User interface
A large, color, graphical display offers
simultaneous parameter setup, signal
viewing, and editing for easy opera-
tion. The 33500 Series is fully compli-
ant with the LXI Class C specifications
and offers USB 2.0 and 10/100 Base-T
Ethernet connectivity for quick and
easy connectivity to a PC or network.
The 33500 Series also supports
remote operation using a browser to
connect to a built-in Web page. GPIB
is offered as an optional interface.
Optional 33503A BenchLink
Waveform Builder Pro
Softrware
Benchlink Waveform Builder Pro is
ideal for R&D engineers character-
izing new designs and test system
engineers validating production
units. The software is a Microsoft
Windows-based program that pro-
vides easy-to-use creation tools, such
as an equation editor, waveform math
and drawing tools, which can be used
to create custom signals. It features
a standard function library, waveform
sequencer, and filters and; as well as
windowing functions that allow you
to easily modify and further refine
your waveform. A library of built-in
signals supports fast creation of more
complex waveforms. With BenchLink
Waveform Builder Pro, you gain
access to advanced signal creation
and editing capabilities, without
requiring hours of programming. The
result is quicker, easier creation of
custom waveforms, coupled with
deeper analysis insight into your
signals. For additional information
and to download a 30-day trial
version of the software, visit:
Achieving a new level of
Everyday you’re developing new
technologies that are faster, more
efficient, smaller, greener and require
more accuracy than ever before.
Keysight Technologies, Inc. 33500
Series function/arbitrary waveform
generators offer the highest signal
fidelity and implement a new break-
through technology that provides
you with the ability to generate more
accurate arbitrary waveforms. With
10x better jitter than anything in their
class, they offer unparalleled control
of signal frequency for your most
challenging measurements.
Key features
– 30 MHz sine, square, and pulse
bandwidth cover more applications
– < 40 ps jitter and less than .04%
total harmonic distortion for more
precise signals
– 250 MSa/s, 16-bit sampling rate
for higher time-resolution arbitrary
waveforms
– True point-by-point arbitrary
waveforms with sequencing for
more accurate representation of
user-defined signals
– Dual-channel mode with indepen-
dent or coupled channels
– 1 MSa waveform memory standard,
16 MSa (optional) for more compli-
cated arbitrary waveforms
– LXI Class C compliant
– Large, color, graphical display
allows for simultaneous parameter
setup and signal viewing/editing
for intuitive operation
– Optional BenchLink Waveform
Builder Pro software for custom
user-defined waveforms
33500 Series Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generators
03
Instrument characteristics
Models & options
33521A 1-channel
33522A 2-channel
Option 002 Increases arbitrary waveform memory to 16 MSa/channel
Option 010 OCXO timebase for ultra-high stability
Option 400 GPIB interface
Waveforms
Standard Sine, square, ramp, pulse, triangle, Gaussian noise,
PRBS (Pseudorandom Binary Sequence), DC
Built-in arbitrary Cardiac, exponential fall, exponential rise, Gaussian pulse,
Haversine, Lorentz, D-Lorentz, negative ramp, sinc
Up to 1 MSa (16 MSa with Option 002) with multi-segment sequencing
Operating modes & modulation types
Operating modes Continuous, modulate, frequency sweep, burst, output gate
Modulation types AM, FM, PM, FSK, BPSK, PWM, Sum (carrier + modulation)
Waveform characteristics
Sine
Frequency range 1 µHz to 30 MHz, 1-µHz resolution
1, 2
(relative to 1 kHz)
< 100 kHz: ± 0.10 dB
100 kHz to 5 MHz: ± 0.15 dB
5 to 20 MHz: ± 0.30 dB
20 to 30 MHz: ± 0.40 dB
Harmonic distortion (typ)2, 3 < 20 kHz: < –70 dBc
20 to 100 kHz: < –65 dBc
100 kHz to 1 MHz: < –50 dBc
1 to 20 MHz: < –40 dBc
20 to 30 MHz: < –35 dBc
THD (typ) 20 Hz to 20 kHz: < 0.04%
Non-harmonic spurious (typ)2, 3 Standard: < –75 dBc, increasing +20 dB/decade above 2 MHz
Option 010: < –75 dBc, increasing +20 dB/decade above 10 MHz
(or < –100 dBm, whichever is greater, below 500 MHz)
Phase noise (SSB) (typ)
1 kHz offset:
10 kHz offset:
100 kHz offset:
Standard Option 010
–105 –110 dBc/Hz
–115 –125 dBc/Hz
–125 –135 dBc/Hz
04
Waveform characteristics,
Square & pulse
Frequency range 1 µHz to 30 MHz, 1 µHz resolution
Rise and fall times (nom)
Pulse: 8.4 ns to 1 µs, independently variable, 100-ps or 3-digit resolution
Overshoot (typ) < 2%
Duty cycle 0.01% to 99.99% 8
Pulse width 16 ns minimum, 100-ps resolution
Jitter (cycle-to-cycle, typ) < 40 ps rms
Ramp & triangle
Frequency range 1 µHz to 200 kHz, 1 µHz resolution
Ramp symmetry 0.0% to 100.0%, 0.1% resolution
(0% is negative ramp, 100% is positive ramp, 50% is Triangle)
Nonlinearity (typ) < 0.05% from 5% to 95% of the signal amplitude
Gaussian noise
Bandwidth (typ) 1 mHz to 30 MHz, variable
Crest factor (nom) 4.6
Repetition period > 50 years
Pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS)
Bit rate 1 mbps to 50 Mbps, 1 mbps resolution
Sequence length 2m-1, m=7, 9, 11, 15, 20, 23
Rise and fall times (nom) 8.4 ns to 1 µs, variable, 100-ps or 3-digit resolution
Arbitrary waveform characteristics
General
Waveform length 8 Sa to 1 MSa (16 MSa with Option 002) in increments of 1 sample
Sample rate 1 µSa/s to 250 MSa/s, 1 µSa/s resolution
Voltage resolution 16 bits
Bandwidth (–3 dB, nom) Filter Off: 40 MHz
“Normal” Filter On: 0.27 x (Sample Rate)
“Step” Filter On: 0.13 x (Sample Rate)
Rise and fall time
Settling time (typ)
Jitter (typ) Filter Off: < 40 ps rms
05
Output characteristics
Isolation
Outputs Connector shells for channel output(s), Sync, and Mod In are connected
together but isolated from the instrument’s chassis. Maximum
allowable voltage on isolated connector shells is ±42 Vpk
Signal output
Output impedance (nom)
On, off, inverted User-selectable for each channel
Voltage limit MAX and VMIN limits
Overload protection Output turns off automatically when an overload is applied
Amplitude
Range
2 mVpp to 20 Vpp into open circuit
Resolution 4 digits
Units Vpp, Vrms, or dBm, selectable
Accuracy 1, 2 (spec) ±1% of setting ±1 mVpp at 1 kHz
DC offset
Range 5
±(10 VDC - Peak AC) into open circuit
Resolution 4 digits
Units VDC
Accuracy 1, 2 (spec) ±1% of Offset setting ±0.25% of Amplitude setting ±2mV
Frequency accuracy
Standard freqeuncy reference (spec)
1 year, 23 °C ± 5 °C ±1 ppm of setting ± 15 pHz
1 year, 0 °C to 55 °C ±2 ppm of setting ± 15 pHz
High-stability frequency reference (spec): Option 010
1 year, 0 °C to 55 °C ±0.1 ppm of setting ± 15 pHz
Arbitrary waveform characteristics,
Waveform sequencing
Operation
repeat it until a Trigger event occurs, or to stop and wait for a Trigger event. Additionally, the
To improve throughput, up to 32 sequences totalling up to 1,024 segments can be pre-loaded
into volatile memory.
Segment length 8 Sa to 1 MSa (16 MSa with Option 002) in increments of 1 sample
Sequence length 1 to 512 steps
Segment repeat count 1 to 1x106
06
Modulation types and operating modes
Carrier AM FM PM FSK BPSK PWM Sum Burst Sweep
Sine and Square ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Pulse ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Triangle and Ramp ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Gaussian Noise ● ● ●a
PRBS ● ● ● ● ●
Single ARB ● ●b●b● ●
Sequenced ARB ● ●
a. Gated burst only. b. Applies to sample clock, not whole waveform.
Modulating signals
Carrier Sine Square Triangle / Ramp Noise PRBS ARB External
Sine ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Square and Pulse ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Triangle and Ramp ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Gaussian Noise ● ● ● ● ● ●
PRBS ● ● ● ● ● ●
ARB ● ● ● ● ● ●
Modulation characteristics
Amplitude modulation (AM)
Source Internal or external, or either channel with 33522A
Type Full-carrier or double-sideband suppressed-carrier
Depth 10% to 120%, 0.01% resolution
Frequency modulation (FM) 7
Source Internal or external, or either channel with 33522A
Deviation 1 µHz to 15 MHz, 1 µHz resolution
Phase modulation (PM)
Source Internal or external, or either channel with 33522A
Deviation 0° to 360°, 0.1° resolution
Frequency shift key modulation (FSK) 7
Source Internal timer or ext trig connector
Mark & space Any frequency within the carrier signal's range
Rate 0 Hz to 1 MHz
Binary phase shift key modulation (BPSK)
Source Internal timer or ext trig connector
Phase shift 0° to 360°, 0.1° resolution
Rate 0 Hz to 1 MHz
Pulse width modulation (PWM)
Source Internal or external, or either channel with 33522A
Deviation 80% to 100% of pulse width, 0.01% resolution
Additive modulation (Sum)
Source Internal or external, or either channel with 33522A
Ratio 60% to 100% of carrier amplitude, 0.01% resolution
07
Burst 9
Type Counted or gated
Count 1 to 1x108
Gated Produces complete cycles while ext trig is asserted
Start/stop phase 4 –360° to 360°, 0.1° resolution
Trigger source Internal timer or ext trig connector
Marker Adjustable to any cycle; indicated by the trailing edge of the Sync pulse
Sweep 7
Type
Operation Linear and Logarithmic sweeps are characterized by a Sweep time (during which the fre-
quency changes smoothly from Start to Stop), a Hold time (during which the frequency stays
at the Stop frequency), and a Return time (during which the frequency changes smoothly
from Stop to Start). Returns are always linear.
Direction Up (Start freq < Stop freq) or Down (Start freq > Stop freq)
Start and stop frequencies Any frequency within the waveform's range
Sweep time Linear: 1 ms to 3600 s, 1 ms resolution;
3601 s to 250,000 s, 1 s resolution
Logarithmic: 1 ms to 500 s
Hold time 0 s to 3600 s, 1 ms resolution
Return time 0 s to 3600 s, 1 ms resolution
Trigger source 10 Immediate (continuous), external, single, bus, or timer
Marker Adjustable to any frequency between Start and Stop for Linear
and Logarithmic types or any frequency in the list for List type;
indicated by the trailing edge of the sync pulse
Internal timer for FSK, BPSK, BURST, and SWEEP
Range 1 µs to 8000s, 6-digit or 4 ns resolution
2-channel characteristics (33522A only)
Operating modes Independent, coupled parameter(s), combined (Ch 1 + Ch 2),
Equal (Ch 2 = Ch 1), or differential (Ch 2 = -Ch 1)
Parameter coupling None, frequency (ratio or difference) and/or amplitude and DC offset
Relative phase 0° to 360°, 0.1° resolution
Skew (typ) < 200 ps (when performing identical operations)
Crosstalk (typ) < –85 dB
08
Sync/marker output
Connector Front-panel BNC, isolated from chassis
Functions Sync, sweep marker, burst marker, or arbitrary waveform marker
Assignment Channel 1 or channel 2
Polarity Normal or inverted
Voltage level (nom)
Output impedance (nom)
Minimum pulse width (nom) 16 ns
External trigger/gate
Connector Rear-panel BNC, chassis-referenced
Function Input or output
Assignment Channel 1, channel 2, or both (as input)
Channel 1 or channel 2 (as output)
Polarity Positive or negative slope
Voltage level (nom) 0 V to 0.4 V for low, > 2.3 V for high, 3.5 V maximum (as input)
Impedance (nom)
Minimum pulse width (nom) 16 ns
Input rate DC to 1 MHz
Minimum pulse width 100 ns (as input)
Duty cycle (nom) 50% (as output)
Trigger delay 0 s to 1000 s, 4 ns resolution; applies to all trigger events
Input latency (typ) < 135 ns with Trigger Delay set to zero
Input jitter (typ) < 2.5 ns, rms
Fanout
Modulation input
Connector Rear-panel BNC, isolated
Assignment Channel 1, Channel 2, or both
Voltage level ±5 V full-scale
Input impedance (nom)
Bandwidth (–3 dB, typ) 0 Hz to 100 kHz
Frequency reference input
Connector Rear-panel BNC, isolated from chassis and all other connectors
Reference selection Internal, external, or auto
Frequency range Standard: 10 MHz ± 20 Hz
Option 010: 10 MHz ± 1 Hz
Lock time (typ) <2 s
Voltage level 200 mVpp to 5 Vpp
Input Impedance (nom)
09
Frequency reference output
Connector Rear-panel BNC, chasis-referenced
Frequency (nom) 10 MHz
Output impedance (nom)
Level (nom)
Real-time clock/calendar
Set and read Year, month, day, hour, minute, second
Battery CR-2032 coin-type, replacable, >5-year life (typ)
Programming times (meas.)
LAN (socket) LAN (V XI-11) USB 2.0 GPIB
Change function 5 ms 6 ms 5 ms 5 ms
Change frequency 2 ms 3 ms 2 ms 3 ms
Change amplitude 20 ms 20 ms 19 ms 22 ms
Select user arb (16 k) 9 ms 11 ms 9 ms 9 ms
Arbitrary waveform download speed to volatile
(binary transfer) LAN (socket) LAN (VXI-11) USB 2.0 GPIB
4 k sample 6 ms 18 ms 8 ms 39 ms
1 M sample 1.3 s 2.6 s 13 s 9.1 s
Memory
Aribtrary waveform and instrument state memory
Volatile 1x106 samples per channel or 16x106 samples per channel (Option 002)
512 sequence steps per channel
Non-volatile
(~32 MSa of arbitrary waveform records)
Instrument state
Store / Recall
Power Off Power Off state automatically saved
Power On Factory default settings or last power off settings
USB File System
Front-panel port USB 2.0 high-speed mass storage (MSC) class device
Capability
Speed 10 MB/s (nom)
10
General characteristics
Computer interfaces
LXI- C (rev1.3) 10/100Base-T Ethernet (Sockets & VXI-11 protocol)
USB2.0 (USB-TMC488 protocol)
GPIB/IEEE-488.1, IEEE-488.2
Web user interface Remote operation and monitoring
Programming language SCPI-1999, IEEE-488.2
Keysight 33210A / 33220A compatibile
Graphical display 4.3" Color TFT WQVGA (480x272) with LED backlight
Mechanical
Size 261.1 mm W x 103.8 mm H x 303.2 mm D (with bumpers installed)
212.8 mm W x 88.3 mm H x 272.3 mm D (with bumpers removed)
2U x 1/2 rack width
Weight (nom) 3.3 kg (7.2 lbs)
Environmental
Storage temperature –40 to 70 °C
Warm-up time 1 hour
Operating environment EN61010, polution degree 2; indoor locations
Operating temperature 0 to 55 °C
Operating humidity 5% to 80% RH, non-condensing
Operating altitude Up to 3000 meters
Regulatory
Safety Complies with European Low Voltage Directive and carries the CE-marking.
Conforms to UL 61010-1, CSA C22.2 61010-1, and IEC 61010-1:2001
EMC Complies with European EMC Directive for test and measurement products.
- IEC/EN 61326-1
- CISPR Pub 11 Group 1, class A
- AS/NZS CISPR 11
- ICES/NMB-001
Complies with Australian standard and carries C-Tick mark
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme a la norme NMB-001 du Canada
Acoustic Noise (nom) SPL 35 dB(A)
Line power
Voltage 100 V - 240 V 50/60 Hz –5%, +10%
100 V - 120 V 400 Hz ±10%
Power consumption (typ) < 45 W, < 130 VA
Warranty 1 year standard, 3 years optional
11
1. Add 1/10th of the output amplitude and offset accuracy specification per °C for operation at temperatures
beyond 23°C ± 5°C.
2. Auto range ON.
3. DC Offset set to zero.
4. Limited to arbitrary waveforms that are < 1 million points; phase resolution limited by number of points in
arbitrary waveforms < 3,600 points.
5. Output noise is typically 20 dB lower when (DC + Peak AC) < 320 mV (into 50 Ω) or 640 mV
(into open circuit).
6. Subject to maximum output voltage limits.
7. All frequency changes are phase-continuous.
8. Subject to pulse width limits.
9. Counted Burst operation is not allowed for Gaussian Noise.
10. External trigger only for sweep time > 8000 sec.
The warranted performance of a calibrated instrument that has been stored
for a minimum of 2 hours within the operating temperature range of 0 - 55°C
and after a 45-minute warm up period. All specifications include measurement
uncertainty and were created in compliance with ISO-17025 methods.
Data published in this document are specifications (spec) only where specifi-
cally indicated.
Typical (typ)
The characteristic performance, which 80% or more of manufactured instru-
ments will meet. This data is not warranted, does not include measurement
uncertainty, and is valid only at room temperature (approximately 23°C).
Nominal (nom)
The mean or average characteristic performance, or the value of an attribute
that is determined by design such as a connector type, physical dimension, or
operating speed.
This data is not warranted and is measured at room temperature (approximately
23°C).
Measured (meas)
An attribute measured during development for purposes of communicating the
expected performance. This data is not warranted and is measured at room
temperature (approximately 23°C).
Accuracy
Represents the traceable accuracy of a specified parameter. Includes measure-
ment error and timebase error, and calibration source uncertainty.
Random measuremet errors are combined using the root-sum-square method
and are multiplied by M for the desired Confidence Level. Systematic errors are
added linearly and include time skew errors, trigger timing errors, and timebase
errors as appropriate for each measurement type.
For 99% Confidence use k = 2.5 in accuracy calculations.
For 95% Confidence use k = 2.0 in accuracy calculations.
For more information on Keysight
Technologies’ products, applications or
services, please contact your local Keysight
office. The complete list is available at:
www.keysight.com/find/contactus
Americas
Canada (877) 894 4414
Brazil 55 11 3351 7010
Mexico 001 800 254 2440
United States (800) 829 4444
Australia 1 800 629 485
China 800 810 0189
Hong Kong 800 938 693
India 1 800 112 929
Japan 0120 (421) 345
Korea 080 769 0800
Malaysia 1 800 888 848
Singapore 1 800 375 8100
Taiwan 0800 047 866
Other AP Countries (65) 6375 8100
Europe & Middle East
Austria 0800 001122
Belgium 0800 58580
Finland 0800 523252
France 0805 980333
Germany 0800 6270999
Ireland 1800 832700
Israel 1 809 343051
Italy 800 599100
Luxembourg +32 800 58580
Netherlands 0800 0233200
Russia 8800 5009286
Spain 0800 000154
Sweden 0200 882255
Switzerland 0800 805353
Opt. 1 (DE)
Opt. 2 (FR)
Opt. 3 (IT)
United Kingdom 0800 0260637
For other unlisted countries:
www.keysight.com/find/contactus
(BP-07-01-14)
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warranty standard on all instruments, worldwide.
Up to five years of protection and no budgetary surprises to ensure your
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12 | Keysight | 30 MHz Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generators - Data Sheet
This information is subject to change without notice.
© Keysight Technologies, 2011 - 2014
Published in USA, August 1, 2014
5990-5914EN
www.keysight.com
