Column Control DTX

Comparison: 33220A/33250A to 33500B/33600A Trueform Series Waveform Generators – Migration Guide

Configuration Guides

Comparison: 33220A/33250A to 33500B/33600A

Trueform Series Waveform Generators

Introduction

The Keysight Technologies, Inc. 20-MHz 33220A and 80-MHz 33250A are function/arbitrary waveform generators that have established themselves as two of the premiere such instruments on the market today. Their replacements, Keysight’s new 33500B and 33600A Trueform Series waveform generators are designed to offer users more capability, signal fidelity, and updated interfaces. This document summarizes and compares the key advances and capabilities of the 33500B/33600A Trueform Series waveform generators to the 33220A/33250A function generators. Key differences between the instruments will also be highlighted.

Note that higher bandwidth options are available for the Trueform Series waveform generators: a 30-MHz option for the 33500B model and a 120-MHz for the 33600A model. Also, an optional second channel can be ordered with these units.

Compatibility

When looking to replace reliable instruments like the 33220A/33250A, there are a number of factors to consider; not the least of which is compatibility. A comparison of key specifications is shown in Tables 1 and 2. Some of the areas where the Trueform Series waveform generators are equivalent to the 33220A/33250A function generators are:

  • Signal type and modulation: The Trueform Series is a superset of the 33220A/33250A capability. All differences are cited in the next section.
  • Signal fidelity and resolution: The Trueform Series specifications are as accurate as or better than that of the 33220A/33250A with few exceptions. Edges are faster, they have less jitter and are generally better. See Application Note 5991-0852EN for more details on Keysight’s Trueform technology versus the older DDS-based signal generation.
  • SCPI compatibility: The programming code utilizes the same syntax and can be used on the newer 33500B and 33600A Series models. However, users must add programming to make use of the new functionality.
  • Some commands are not documented in the Trueform programming manual but are still available for backwards compatibility. For new systems, do not use the older commands
  • Commands that are in the SOUR:DATA subsystem are not documented but supported:

    – APPLY:TRIangle
    – APPLY:USER
    – SOUR:PULSE subsystem

– Mechanical size: The height and width dimensions of the Trueform Series function generators are the same as the 33220A/33250A models.

  • Accessories: Rack mount kits and probe accessories are compatible with all products.
  • Manufacturing: All Keysight waveform generators are produced to the same rigorous quality standards and manufacturing process controls.
  • Service and support: Keysight’s international team is available to help users calibrate their function generator or answer any questions about any instrument.

Differences

The few differences between the 33220A/33250A and Trueform Series generators that might affect migration are listed below. Many of these differences improve the performance of the Trueform Series generators relative to that of the 33220A/33250A function generators.

Physical differences

  • GPIB connectivity is optional on the 33600A Series.
  • RS-232 connectivity is not available on the 33500B/33600A Series.
  • The 33250A is physically deeper than the Trueform generators.
  • Connectors are in different positions.

Key differences

  • The Trueform generators use different signal generation technology than the older 33220A/33250A. The older generators use DDS-based technology, while the Trueform technology is unique to Keysight generators. Trueform offers greater waveform integrity than DDS architectures. For more information on these differences see: Trueform Waveform Generation Technology Overview, publication number 5991-0852EN.
  • Trueform generators offer two channels of waveform output and phase synchronous two channel behavior (phase sync, 90 degrees phase offset, Combine, Sum and modulation by “other” channel, etc.)
  • 33500B and 33600A generators offer Trueform arbitrary waveforms with higher signal fidelity, waveform sequencing, much larger memory and much lower jitter than DDS waveforms in 33220A/33250A.
  • Time to power up is longer in Trueform generators than in their predecessors.
  • For sinewave outputs the 33250A offers 10 Vpp up to 80 MHz, while the 33600A Series offers 10 Vpp to 60 MHz, 8 Vpp from 60 MHz to 80 MHz, and 4 Vpp up to 120 MHz.
  • For square wave outputs the 33250A offers 10 Vpp up to 80 MHz, while the 33600A Series offers 10 Vpp to 50 MHz, and 4 Vpp up to 100 MHz.
  • The 33220A, 33250A, and Trueform Series generators use different calibration procedures with different default passwords.
  • Internal amplitude range changes are different for each set of generators. Most users will not notice a difference, but those that expect a certain range of voltages before internal generator relay state changes should take notice.
  • Some specifications vary between the 33220A/33250A and Trueform Series generators. In general, the Trueform specifications equal or exceed those of the 33220A/33250A.
  • The timing of responses is different, including power on, configuration and signal output changes.
  • Save and recall instrument configurations are different

×

Please have a salesperson contact me.

*Indicates required field

Preferred method of communication? *Required Field
Preferred method of communication? Change email?
Preferred method of communication?

By clicking the button, you are providing Keysight with your personal data. See the Keysight Privacy Statement for information on how we use this data.

Thank you.

A sales representative will contact you soon.

Column Control DTX