Siglent SDG1025 vs HP Agilent 33120A - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: dav
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2015, 11:08:55 am
content: Hi to all,I'm looking for my first function generator.What do you suggest between a brand new Siglent SDG1025 or an used (fresh calibrated) HP / Agilent 33120A ?Thanks in advance to all.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2015, 11:36:00 am
content: The 33120A may be a nightmare to operate. I have used a similar looking HP generator at work and setting the frequency needed a lot of pushing the cursor buttons. HP fixed that on later models but IIRC those also have a LAN connection.I'd choose the SDG1025.

author: dom0
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2015, 01:08:46 pm
content: I don't know the 33120A, but I'd expect similar usage as most HP gear: Parameter, number, unit, enter.So frequency setting should go something like "Freq" -> "12345" -> "Mhz" -> "Enter". Or with the dial.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2015, 01:13:04 pm
content: You often want to sweep a bit through several frequencies using the dial. On the SDG1025 that is easy to do. On the HP generator I used it was a nightmare.

author: dom0
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2015, 01:21:42 pm
content: You mean sweeping like you would do it on an analog generator? Yeah, that's maybe not too nice. OTOH I never really saw a need for doing that with all the nice sweep options most digital generators have...

author: rf-loop
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2015, 05:20:41 pm
content: This ancient HP have 1 channel. Siglent have 2 independent channels, nearly as 2 separate generators.HP phase noise is totally terrible. < -55dBc 30kHz offset in specifications . Siglent -108dBc 10kHz offset in specifications and measured it is true.HP rise/fall times are far away from Siglent. (example Siglent Pulse and Arb 7ns and HP 40ns typical in specs)Siglent have 125MSa/s for both channels, HP have 40MSa/sHP have 12 bit DAC resolution, Siglent 14bit.Siglent triangle, arb, pulse jitter is far less than HP.HP specifications for THD <0.04%, Siglent specifications 0.2% but measured (SDG1010) around same as HP.

author: dav
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2015, 08:27:19 am
content: Thanks to all.rf-loop, I sent a PM to you.Could you reply, please?Thanks

author: jobog
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2015, 09:50:29 pm
content: I've never used the HP generator but I love my SDG1025. Really easy to use. Very intuitive controls. Don't really need an operating manual.

author: dav
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2015, 03:01:53 pm
content: Do Siglent release updated software if Windows 9 will be released? (or do it stop the support? Maybe Siglent will release the new software only in combination with a new SDG2000 series)What about the Tektronix AFG1022?It doesn't cost too much.Did anyone test or review it?

author: Noise Floor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2015, 03:05:55 pm
content: Just from looking at the release timing of these, the Siglent benefits from probably 10 year newer technology (maybe more). The 33120A is a great unit that serves me faithfully, but I don't think it could overcome that time advantage.Do you have need to create your own waveforms? Software might be the other part to consider. Go with the Siglent if that is what your budget supports and you plan to use built in functions IMO.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2015, 08:13:10 pm
content: Quote from: dav on April 11, 2015, 03:01:53 pmThe SDG1000 series is now quite mature, I'm not aware of any need for new models of AWG.The 800 and 5000 series along with 1000 series cover a wide range of need and budgets.The Easywave software works for all SDG series and the drivers can bewith the NIVisa Driver wizard to suit your OS if/when required.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2015, 01:18:14 am
content: I had one of those older 33120A and did not like it too much for several reasons:- Not so intuitively to use- No Pulse capabilitySo, I sold my 33120A a few years back.The successor, the 33220A was a huge improvement and works extremely well and with a little bit of time, you find them for about the same price as the 33120A.

author: dav
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2015, 07:55:39 am
content: Just gave a look on ebay for the 33220A; it costs about 1000 !!None tested the Tektronix AFG1022? It costs about 500+VAT (2 channels)

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2015, 09:12:10 am
content: here is a good bargain:Agilent Keysight 33509B Function Waveform Generator 1 µHz-20 MHz Trueform, NEWYou might be able to negotiate the price down a lot.This seller had it for a while now.For a good 33120A you will have to pay above Euro 500If you are lucky, you get a 33220A for around Euro 600 in good conditionI paid $ 620 once for a 33510B (real score)

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2015, 09:51:20 am
content: Quote from: dav on April 12, 2015, 07:55:39 amThe Tektronix AFG1022 looks just like any other Chinese made function generator. Better get one from Rigol or Siglent.

author: dav
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2015, 02:01:53 pm
content: Agilent Keysight 33509B Function Waveform Generator 1 µHz-20 MHz Trueform, NEWThat's too, too much! (EUR 1300 for a beginner)

author: Armxnian
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2015, 05:32:43 pm
content: I ordered a sdg1025 for $320 shipped from tequipment. It looks like the best value for money. The next step up is to go for the rigols with the big screens but they cost more than 2x the money. Ordered a sdm3055 also for $400 shipped. Siglent is on the forums so that's a plus.

author: dav
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2015, 08:09:52 pm
content: Who knows the ebay seller profit_vanity?He wrote he is Siglent official distributor via Ebay and he offers 3 years of warranty.Really?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2015, 08:16:40 pm
content: Quote from: dav on April 14, 2015, 08:09:52 pmSorry, don't know profit_vanity.3 year warranty, Really?Yes really, Siglent products have a 3 year warranty.

author: dav
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2015, 08:58:56 pm
content: Ehm... I mean is profit_vanity an official Siglent distributor?Can anyone confirm this?In that case, how does the warranty work?(in case of damage, do I have to send the item in Germany to profit_vanity warehouse? or in China to Siglent??)

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2015, 09:20:50 pm
content: Quote from: dav on April 14, 2015, 08:58:56 pmIf you don't want to risk any possible extended service delays contact the Europe branch for your local dealer:http://siglenteu.com/index.aspxThey will be and your local dealer should be authorised to do any repairs.QuoteOnly China will know..... but only if you can identify the principal or dealer/agent that trades on eBay as profit_vanity. Might be worth an email to Siglent China though.Then again they might just refer you to EU branch.