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