Aligent 33120A Arb generator capabilities - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: forrestc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 03, 2015, 09:06:39 pm
content: I've recently added a couple of instruments to by bench, and it's time to weed some things which I infrequently, if ever use.One of them is a 33120A Arbitrary Function Generator. Since I have a new MDO3024 scope with AFG option enabled, I don't need this on the bench anymore since the MDO3024 will do everything I normally use an AFG for. Which brings me to the question "keep or eBay".I've spent some time reviewing the differences. I think the best comparison between the two is that the 33120A generally puts out cleaner waveforms at higher amplitudes, and the MDO3024 works at higher frequencies, is much more user friendly, and handles more predetermined waveforms. For the most part these are equivalent for my needs. HOWEVER,The big gaping whole in the capability of the MDO3024 is the fact that the 3024 does not support modulation, whereas the 33120A supports AM, FM, FSK, Burst and Sweep modulation. The sweep is potentially of interest to me, but I can also step the frequencies 3024 either manually or through software control so that isn't the end of the world. The rest, I'm really not familiar with any reason to use them outside of the obvious RF transmitter/receiver test purposes (and if I was doing that it would be far above the 15Mhz the 33120A handles). I'm guessing there are some testing procedures that these are used for which I'm not familiar with - which is why I'm asking.I guess this question is more: What test capabilities am I giving up without the modulation capabilities? Is there some troubleshooting capability I am giving up that I'm going to wish I had as soon as I sell this on ebay? And, is there something else I'm missing that someone would want the 33120A for over the built in MDO3024?

author: nfmax
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2015, 09:12:40 pm
content: The 33120A output common is not connected to mains earth, which can be important.

author: forrestc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 03, 2015, 09:31:01 pm
content: Quote from: nfmax on October 03, 2015, 09:12:40 pmOooh I missed that....+1 for keeping it.

author: JoeB83
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2015, 12:15:08 am
content: I'd vote for keeping it. I haven't used the MDO3000's built-in function generator, but when I tried it on my Agilent scope (via 30-day trial) I wasn't really impressed. It seemed awkward to use, some controls were missing, and features were missing in comparison to my function generator. (I have a 33120A as well.)+1 for keeping the 33120A.

author: forrestc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 04, 2015, 12:50:43 am
content: I guess I should clarify what I'm really curious about:Are there some interesting uses for the "modulation" function on this generator which wouldn't be immediately obvious, for testing non-radio circuits. I'm thinking things like susceptibility testing. As opposed to rf immunity.

author: georges80
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2015, 01:31:48 am
content: Does the mdo3000 series have Sweep?I have an agilent scope and rarely use its built in function generator since my 33250A has much better capabilities. I've used sweep often on various digital circuits to run various pulse rates and sweep them to verify they firmware keeps up with various corner cases - e.g. tacho inputs etc.I do prefer dedicated instruments since their capability is generally better than the all in one products. The built in features of the modern scopes can be handy when you are in the field and only have the one instrument with you.I guess only you can answer your own question, since only you know if the mdo3000 function generator covers all the cases you require.cheers,george.