HP / Agilent 3324A Synthesized Function/Sweep Generator

The HP/Agilent 3324A is a synthesized function and sweep generator delivering precise waveform synthesis across audio through RF bands. It generates sine, square, triangle, ramp, DC, and TTL clock signals with frequency resolution to 1 mHz and accuracy of ±5 ppm. The instrument excels in broadband sweep applications, supporting linear, logarithmic, and multi-interval modes with up to 100 intervals in user-defined sequences. Phase-continuous sweeping across the full frequency range ensures clean transitions for characterization and testing tasks. Sine waveforms reach 21 MHz with exceptional spectral purity at -50 dBc phase noise and -55 dBc spurious content. Amplitude control spans 1 mV to 10 V peak-to-peak into 50Ω loads, with optional high-voltage output extending to 40 V peak-to-peak into 500Ω loads to 1 MHz. The 50Ω output impedance and floating capability to 40 V support flexible test configurations. An optional high-stability frequency reference achieves 0.05 ppm/week drift after stabilization, meeting precision calibration and long-duration measurement requirements.

Technical Specifications

Frequency Range (Sine): 1 mHz to 21 MHz

Frequency Range (Square): 1 mHz to 11 MHz

Frequency Range (Triangle/Ramp): 1 mHz to 11 kHz

Frequency Resolution: 1 mHz (9-digit display)

Frequency Accuracy: ±5 ppm at 20–30°C (at calibration)

Frequency Stability: ±5 ppm/year (standard); 0.05 ppm/week (Option 001, after 72 h)

Amplitude Range: 1 mV to 10 V peak-to-peak into 50Ω; up to 40 V into 500Ω (Option 002, to 1 MHz)

Amplitude Accuracy: ±2% at 2 kHz

Amplitude Flatness: ±10% relative to programmed value

DC Offset Range: ±4× instrument standard range

Output Impedance: 50Ω ±10% (DC–10 kHz); <3Ω DC; <10Ω at 1 MHz

Output Floating: ±40 V (42 V peak AC+DC maximum)

Sine Spectral Purity: -50 dBc phase noise; -55 dBc spurious

Triangle/Ramp Linearity: 0.05% of full peak-to-peak

Ramp Retrace Time: 3 ps (90%–10%, 50Ω/500 pF load)

Square Wave Overshoot: 10% peak-to-peak (50Ω/500 pF load)

Sweep Modes: Linear (10 ms–100 s); Logarithmic (100 ms–1000 s); Multi-Interval (up to 100 intervals)

Minimum Sweep Width: 1 decade

Phase Offset: ±719.9° adjustable

Key Features

Nine-digit frequency display for precise readout and verification

Phase-continuous sweeping eliminates glitches during frequency transitions

Multi-interval sweep sequences enable complex, application-specific test profiles

TTL clock output for digital synchronization

GPIB interface with floating capability for isolated test setups

Typical Applications

Component characterization and filter response measurement

Frequency response testing of analog and mixed-signal circuits

Production testing and automated calibration workflows

Educational laboratory demonstrations and circuit validation

Compatibility & Integration GPIB programming interface. Floating outputs support isolated measurement environments.