The Keysight (formerly Agilent / HP) 8130A is a high-performance 300 MHz pulse generator designed for testing high-speed devices such as BiCMOS, ECL, and ECLips integrated circuits. Offering variable transition times down to 1 ns and a timing resolution of 10 ps, the 8130A is ideally suited for precise characterization of digital cells, rapid bandwidth assessment, and amplifier slew-rate measurements. Optional dual-channel capability enables simultaneous clock and data generation.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | GPIB (HP-IB) as standard |
Timing Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 10 Hz to 300 MHz |
| Period Range | 3.33 ns to 99.9 ms |
| Pulse Width Range | 1.50 ns to 99.9 ms |
| Active Edge Configuration | Independent transition time setting for leading or trailing edges |
Pulse Output Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Channels | 1 channel standard; expandable to 2 channels with Option 020 |
| Maximum Amplitude | 5.00 Vpp into 50 Ω |
| Minimum Amplitude | 100 mVpp into 50 Ω |
| Offset Range | -4.95 V to +4.95 V (into 50 Ω) |
| Output Voltage Window | -5.00 V to +5.00 V (sum of amplitude and offset is limited within this window into 50 Ω) |
| Minimum Transition Time | 1.0 ns (measured at 10% to 90% of pulse amplitude) |
| Overshoot and Ringing | < 5% of pulse amplitude |
| Source Impedance | 50 Ω |
| Output Coupling | DC-coupled |
| Complementary Outputs | Standard (Normal and Complement outputs available simultaneously on each channel) |
| Amplitude Limit Protection | User programmable upper and lower limits to protect sensitive devices under test |
Trigger and Operating Modes
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Modes | Continuous (NORM), Triggered (TRIG), Gated (GATE), External Burst (E.BURST) |
| Double Pulse Mode Selection | Available on Channel 1 and Channel 2 (allows generating dual pulses within a single period) |
| External Input Frequency Range | DC to 300 MHz |
| External Input Impedance | 50 Ω or 10 kΩ selectable |
| External Trigger Minimum Pulse Width | 1.5 ns |
Configuration Options
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Option 020 | Adds second output channel |
Trigger Output
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Trigger Output Transition Time | < 1 ns |
Applications
High-speed digital design, BiCMOS/ECL/ECLips cell characterization, bandwidth assessment, and amplifier slew-rate testing