HP / Agilent 81101A Pulse Generator, 50 MHz

The HP/Agilent 81101A is a single-channel pulse generator delivering precision signal generation across a 1 mHz to 50 MHz frequency range. It has independent control over pulse width, amplitude, delay, and transition time with timing resolution to 5 ps and frequency accuracy of 0.01%. The instrument generates output amplitudes up to 10 Vpp into 50 Ω or 20 Vpp into 1 kΩ load impedance, with selectable output impedance and level accuracy of ±(3% + 75 mV) into 50 Ω. Period range extends from 20 ns to 999.5 s, while pulse width is continuously adjustable from 1.25 ns to (period - 1.25 ns) across multiple resolution modes. Transition times range from 5 ns to 200 ms with 10/90 accuracy of ±10% ±200 ps. The graphical display and full SCPI programmability via HP-IB enable remote operation and integration into automated test systems. Glitch-free timing with repeatability typically four times better than stated accuracy ensures reliable pulse generation for circuit validation and digital signal simulation.

Technical Specifications Timing & Frequency

Frequency range: 1 mHz to 50 MHz

Frequency accuracy: 0.01%

Period range: 20 ns to 999.5 s

Timing resolution: 5 ps (best case)

Pulse width range: 1.25 ns to (period - 1.25 ns) at 5 ps resolution

Pulse width accuracy: ±5% ±250 ps (valid to 5.5 Vpp)

Transition time range (10/90): 5 ns to 200 ms

Transition time accuracy: ±10% ±200 ps

Delay accuracy: ±5% ±1 ns

Double pulse delay accuracy: ±5% ±500 ps Output Specifications

Output amplitude into 50 Ω: 100 mVpp to 10.0 Vpp

Output amplitude into 1 kΩ: 200 mVpp to 20.0 Vpp

Output impedance: Selectable 50 Ω or 1 kΩ

Level accuracy into 50 Ω: ±(3% + 75 mV)

Level accuracy into 1 kΩ: ±(3% + 150 mV)

Level window into 50 Ω: −10.0 V to +10.0 V

Level window into 1 kΩ: −20.0 V to +20.0 V

Level settling time: 30 ns typical General

Output channels: 1

Interface: SCPI programmable via HP-IB

Display: Graphical

Power: 100–240 VAC ±10%, 50–60 Hz; 300 VA max

Operating temperature: 0°C to 55°C

Dimensions: 8.9 cm height, full rack width

Key Features

Continuously variable timing parameters - period, delay, and pulse width - without glitches or dropouts

Multiple pulse width resolution modes down to 1.25 ns for fine control

Programmable transition time from 5 ns to 200 ms with asymmetric leading/trailing edge control

Load compensation for non-50 Ω impedances

Timing repeatability typically 4× better than accuracy specifications

Typical Applications

Digital circuit testing and characterization

Protocol signal simulation and validation

Device switching and edge-triggering analysis

High-speed logic and timing verification

Compatibility & Integration Full SCPI command compatibility with the 81100 family enables straightforward integration into existing test platforms and automated measurement systems.