The Keysight (formerly Agilent) 81150A is a versatile, high-precision Pulse Function Arbitrary Noise Generator. It is designed to deliver fast, accurate signals for performance verification, characterization, and worst-case scenario testing. It offers up to 120 MHz pulse generation with variable transition times, 240 MHz sine waveforms, and high-fidelity 14-bit, 2 GSa/s arbitrary waveforms with 512 kSa memory per channel. Configurable with 1 or 2 channels, it provides differential outputs, extensive modulation capabilities up to 10 MHz, and specialized noise generation featuring a selectable crest factor and a repeatable cycle of up to 26 days.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesLAN, USB, GPIB
Warm-up Time30 minutes

Physical

ParameterValue
Operating Temperature0 to +55 °C

General Output Characteristics

ParameterValue
Number of Channels1 or 2 (configuration dependent)
Output Impedance50 Ω or 5 Ω (selectable)
Channel Coupling / Tracking ModesCoupled and uncoupled
Output TypeDifferential outputs

Pulse Characteristics

ParameterValue
Pulse Frequency Range1 µHz - 120 MHz
Variable Transition Time (Rise/Fall)Supported

Function Generator (Standard Waveforms)

ParameterValue
Sine Frequency Range1 µHz - 240 MHz

Arbitrary Waveform Characteristics

ParameterValue
Maximum Sample Rate2 GSa/s
Vertical Resolution14-bit
Waveform Length / Memory Depth512 kSa per channel

Noise Generator Characteristics

ParameterValue
Noise TypesRandom noise and repeatable noise
Crest FactorSelectable
Noise Repetition TimeUp to 26 days

Modulation

ParameterValue
Supported Modulation TypesAM, FM, PW, PWM, FSK
Maximum Modulation Frequency10 MHz

Connectivity and Software

ParameterValue
Programming Language / Command SetSCPI

Waveform Characteristics

ParameterValue
Standard WaveformsSine, Square, Ramp, Pulse, Noise, DC, Arbitrary
Square Frequency Range1 μHz to 120 MHz
Ramp Frequency Range1 μHz to 5 MHz

Performance

ParameterValue
Pulse Jitter (RMS)2.5 ps (typical)

Amplitude & Output

ParameterValue
Output Amplitude (into 50 Ω)50 mVpp to 5 Vpp
Output Amplitude (into open circuit)100 mVpp to 10 Vpp
Voltage Window (into 50 Ω)± 5 V
Voltage Window (into open circuit)± 10 V
Amplitude Resolution4 digits

Trigger & Control

ParameterValue
Trigger ModesContinuous, Triggered, Gated, Burst
Trigger SourcesInternal, External, Manual, Bus

Inputs & Outputs

ParameterValue
External Trigger Input ImpedanceSelectable 50 Ω or 10 kΩ
External Reference Input Frequency10 MHz
Internal Reference Output Frequency10 MHz

Data Pattern Generation

ParameterValue
Pattern Data Rate1 bit/s to 120 Mbit/s (with Option PAT)
PRBS Lengths2^7-1, 2^10-1, 2^11-1, 2^15-1, 2^23-1, 2^31-1 (with Option PAT)

Technology

Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) / Arbitrary Waveform Generation

Applications

Device characterization, margin testing, signal emulation, serial data testing, worst-case scenario testing