Keysight (Agilent) 33521A Function / Arbitrary Waveform Generator, 30 MHz

The Keysight 33521A is a single-channel, 30 MHz function and arbitrary waveform generator engineered for electronic design verification, equipment testing, and educational laboratory work. It delivers high-fidelity signal generation with sub-40 ps jitter and <0.04% total harmonic distortion, enabling accurate characterization of analog circuits and RF components. The instrument generates standard waveforms—sine, square, pulse, triangle/ramp, noise, and PRBS—plus user-defined arbitrary waveforms at 16-bit resolution and 250 MSa/s sampling. Advanced modulation capabilities include AM, FM, PM, FSK, PWM, and BPSK, with support for sweep, burst, and two-tone signal generation. A large color graphical display provides real-time waveform visualization and parameter editing, while an embedded waveform editor enables rapid signal customization. Optional BenchLink Waveform Builder Pro software extends design flexibility for complex user-defined signals.

– Technical Specifications

• Bandwidth: 30 MHz sine, square, pulse
• Jitter: <40 ps
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.04%
• Sampling Rate: 250 MSa/s
• Vertical Resolution: 16-bit
• Arbitrary Waveform Memory: 1 MSa standard; 16 MSa optional
• Output Impedance: 50 Ω nominal
• Filter Bandwidth (–3 dB): 40 MHz (filter off); 0.27 × sample rate (normal); 0.13 × sample rate (step)
• Timebase: TCXO standard; OCXO optional
• Output Isolation: ±42 Vpk maximum on isolated connector shells

– Key Features

• True point-by-point arbitrary waveforms with sequencing
• Alias protection for signal accuracy
• Modulation modes: AM, FM, PM, FSK, PWM, BPSK, Sum
• Two-tone signal generation for DTMF testing
• Color graphical display with simultaneous parameter setup and waveform editing
• Embedded waveform editor

– Typical Applications

• Analog circuit design and validation
• Component and subsystem testing
• Educational signal generation
• Modulation analysis and testing
• Pulse and timing characterization

– Compatibility & Integration

• USB, LAN (LXI-C compliant)
• Optional GPIB interface
• Operating temperature: 0 °C to 55 °C
• Mass: 3.2 kg