8131A

The Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 8131A is a high-speed, 500 MHz pulse generator designed for testing high-speed digital circuits, including ECL and GaAs devices. Characterized by its extremely fast and linear transition times of under 200 ps, 10 ps timing resolution, and differential outputs delivering up to 5 Vpp into 50 Ohms, the 8131A is ideal for generating clean, precise clock and data signals.

Clock Generation Precision Timing Semiconductor Testing Signal Generation

Specifications

General

Parameter	Value
Interfaces	GPIB (HP-IB)
Display	16-character alphanumeric fluorescent display
Warm-up Time	30 minutes
Recommended Calibration Interval	1 year

Physical

Parameter	Value
Power Supply	100 / 120 / 220 / 240 V AC (+10% / -15%), 48 - 66 Hz, 190 VA max
Operating Temperature	0 to 55 °C
Dimensions (W×H×D)	426 mm × 133 mm × 511 mm
Weight	14 kg

Timing and Frequency Characteristics

Parameter	Value
Frequency Range	10 Hz to 500 MHz
Period Range	2.00 ns to 99.9 ms
Period Resolution	3 digits (10 ps minimum)
Period Accuracy	±0.5% of setting ±100 ps
Pulse Width Range	1.00 ns to 99.9 ms
Pulse Width Resolution	3 digits (10 ps minimum)
Pulse Width Accuracy	±5% of setting ±100 ps
Delay Range	0.00 ns to 99.9 ms
Delay Resolution	3 digits (10 ps minimum)
Delay Accuracy	±1% of setting ±100 ps
Double Pulse Delay Range	2.00 ns to 99.9 ms
Duty Cycle Range	10% to 90% (subject to width limits)

Output Channel Characteristics

Parameter	Value
Number of Channels	1 standard (2 channels with Option 020)
Amplitude Range (into 50 Ohm)	100 mV to 5.00 V (differential outputs)
Amplitude Resolution	3 digits (10 mV minimum)
High Level Limit Range	-1.90 V to +5.00 V
Low Level Limit Range	-2.00 V to +4.90 V
Transition Time (Rise and Fall)	< 200 ps (10% to 90%, fixed)
Overshoot and Ringing	< 10% of amplitude
Preshoot	< 5% of amplitude
Output Connector Type	SMA (female)
Complementary Output Mode	Standard (differential normal/complementary outputs)

Operating and Generation Modes

Parameter	Value
Continuous Mode	Yes
Triggered Mode	Yes
Gated Mode	Yes
Double Pulse Mode	Yes
External Width Mode	Yes

Trigger and Synchronization Specifications

Parameter	Value
External Trigger Input Frequency Range	DC to 500 MHz
External Trigger Input Impedance	50 Ohm
External Trigger Input Threshold Level	-3.00 V to +3.00 V
External Trigger Input Minimum Pulse Width	1.0 ns
Sync Output Amplitude	ECL compatible (-0.9 V to -1.7 V into 50 Ohm)
Sync Output Impedance	50 Ohm nominal

Control and Programming Interfaces

Parameter	Value
Non-volatile Memory	Store and recall up to 9 complete setups

Power and Physical Characteristics

Parameter	Value
Line Voltage Range	100 / 120 / 220 / 240 V AC (+10% / -15%)
Line Frequency Range	48 Hz to 66 Hz
Power Consumption	190 VA maximum

Environmental and Compliance

Parameter	Value
Storage Temperature Range	-40 °C to +70 °C

Jitter

Parameter	Value
Period RMS Jitter	< 10 ps + 0.005% of period
Width RMS Jitter	< 10 ps + 0.005% of width
Delay RMS Jitter	< 10 ps + 0.005% of delay

Frequency

Parameter	Value
Double Pulse Maximum Frequency	250 MHz

Performance

Parameter	Value
Channel-to-Channel Skew Compensation Range (Option 020)	± 2 ns
External Input to Output Delay	< 15 ns

Inputs & Outputs

Parameter	Value
External Input Coupling	DC
External Input Maximum Voltage	± 5 V
External Input Maximum Transition Time	< 100 ns
Sync Output Pulse Width	1.5 ns (nominal)

Environmental

Parameter	Value
Operating Humidity	95% R.H. at 40 °C
Maximum Operating Altitude	4600 m (15000 ft)
Maximum Storage Altitude	15000 m (50000 ft)

Interfaces

Parameter	Value
GPIB Interface Capabilities	SH1, AH1, T6, L4, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT1, C0

Sync Output

Parameter	Value
Sync Output Level	ECL compatible (-0.9 V to -1.7 V into 50 Ohm)

External Input

Parameter	Value
External Input Sensitivity	>= 300 mV p-p
External Input Trigger Slope	Positive or negative edge, selectable

Outputs

Parameter	Value
Output Protection	±3 V

Transition Times

Parameter	Value
Transition Time (20% to 80% levels)	< 200 ps

Memory

Parameter	Value
Store/Recall Registers	9 complete settings (plus 1 power-on state)

Options

Parameter	Value
Option 010 Rear Panel Outputs	Moves all input and output connectors to the rear panel

Compliance

Parameter	Value
Safety Standards Compliance	Designed to comply with IEC 348, UL 1244, CSA 556B
EMC/RFI Standards Compliance	Complies with VDE 0871 Level B, CISPR Class B, FCC Part 15 Class B

Technology

Silicon Bipolar

Applications

High-speed digital circuit characterization, ECL and GaAs device testing, clock and data signal generation