HP / Agilent 8130A High-Speed Pulse Generator, 300 MHz

The HP/Agilent 8130A is a fully programmable high-speed pulse generator delivering precise pulse generation up to 300 MHz with 10 ps timing resolution. It has variable pulse widths from 1.5 ns to 99.9 ms, adjustable delays from 0 to 99.9 ms, and transition times down to 1 ns, making it ideal for characterizing high-speed digital ICs and analog circuits. The instrument offers 5 V peak-to-peak output into 50 Ω with selectable offset control, coupled with flexible external triggering and gating modes for advanced test applications.

Technical Specifications

Maximum Repetition Rate: 300 MHz

Timing Resolution: 10 ps

Pulse Width Range: 1.5 ns to 99.9 ms; accuracy ±5% ±250 ps

Delay Range: 0 to 99.9 ms; accuracy ±5% ±250 ps

Variable Transition Times: 1 ns minimum (10% to 90%); ±20% linearity for 1–1.99 ns transitions

Period Range: 3.33 ns to 99.9 ms; accuracy ±5% ±100 ps

Output Amplitude: 5 V peak-to-peak into 50 Ω; 10 mV to 10 V with 20 dB attenuator

Offset Range: −4.95 V to +4.95 V into 50 Ω

Source Impedance: 50 Ω ±2.5% / 50 Ω ±12%

Level Accuracy: ±1% of programmed value ±3% of amplitude

Settling Time: 20 ns at fastest transition

Key Features

HP-IB (GPIB) programmable control

External input modes: Trigger, Gate, Burst, and External Width

Burst mode capability: 1 to 9999 pulses with 5 ns minimum period

Selectable trigger slopes: positive or negative

Trigger output levels: 2.4 V high / 0.3 V low into 50 Ω

Multiple operating modes: Manual, Auto, 1 Pulse, Trigger, Gate, Burst, and External Width

External input impedance: 50 Ω ±250; maximum ±7 V / ±10 V; DC to 300 MHz

Typical Applications High-speed pulse characterization, digital IC testing, analog circuit validation, and timing-critical measurements on contemporary semiconductor devices.

Compatibility & Integration Full HP-IB programmability enables integration into automated test systems and laboratory environments requiring precise, repeatable pulse generation.