The Agilent 33500B Series Waveform Generator is a family of bench function and arbitrary waveform generators built around Trueform signal generation technology. The datasheet positions the series as a blend of direct digital synthesis (DDS) and point-by-point architectures, designed to give engineers the frequency resolution and custom-waveform convenience associated with DDS along with the signal fidelity and exact-replication behavior of a point-by-point generator. The family spans eight models from 20 MHz to 30 MHz bandwidth, in one- or two-channel configurations, with optional arbitrary waveform capability on the 33511B, 33512B, 33521B, and 33522B.

Per the datasheet, the 33500B Series supports continuous, modulated, frequency-swept, burst, and output-gated operating modes, and produces sine, square, ramp, pulse, triangle, Gaussian noise, PRBS, DC, and user-defined arbitrary waveforms. Modulation types include AM (with full-carrier and double-sideband suppressed-carrier modes), FM, PM, FSK, BPSK, PWM, and Sum (carrier plus modulation). The Sum capability lets a single channel combine two signals — for example, adding noise to a carrier for margin testing or producing dual-tone multifrequency signals without a second physical channel. PRBS pattern generation supports standard sequences from PN7 through PN23 at bit rates up to 50 Mbps, supporting digital serial bus stimulus without a separate pulse generator.

Brand Heritage

The 33500B Series carries direct lineage from Hewlett-Packard's instrumentation business. HP spun out its test and measurement division as Agilent Technologies in 1999, and Agilent later spun out its electronic measurement business as Keysight Technologies in 2014. Instruments originally released and documented under the Agilent brand, including this 33500B Series datasheet, are part of the same product family now sold and supported under the Keysight name.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The 33500B Series is an eight-model family organized along three axes the datasheet defines explicitly: bandwidth (20 MHz or 30 MHz), channel count (1 or 2), and arbitrary waveform capability (with or without). Every model shares the same Trueform signal generation engine, the same 16-bit vertical resolution, the same 1 mVpp to 10 Vpp amplitude range into 50 ohms, the same standard 1 MSa memory architecture on arb-equipped models, and the same LAN/USB/GPIB connectivity. The differences across the family are the bandwidth ceiling, the channel count, and whether arbitrary waveform generation and sequencing are enabled.

Across the family, the datasheet documents the same modulation suite (AM, FM, PM, FSK, BPSK, PWM, Sum), the same PRBS pattern set (PN7 through PN23), the same sweep modes (linear, logarithmic, list), and the same burst behavior. Two-channel models add channel coupling, equal and inverted operating modes, and channel-to-channel phase control. Arb-equipped models add waveform sequencing with up to 32 sequences and 1,024 segments. The OCXO high-stability timebase, additional memory, IQ player, and NISPOM security are documented as options that can be ordered with any qualifying model or added later via the upgrade SKUs listed in the datasheet's configuration guide.

Each pre-owned 33500B Series model below has its own product page with model-specific availability and condition-matched pricing. Click through to confirm the exact configuration, options installed, and shipping details for the model you need.

The bandwidth tier (20 MHz vs. 30 MHz) primarily affects the sine, square, pulse, and PRBS frequency ceiling. The datasheet specifies amplitude flatness through 30 MHz only on the 30 MHz models (33519B, 33520B, 33521B, 33522B) and notes that the 20-to-30 MHz amplitude flatness and harmonic distortion entries apply specifically to those models. Choose the 30 MHz tier when the application drives signals or sweeps above 20 MHz; choose the 20 MHz tier when the application stays within the lower band.

Arbitrary waveform capability is the second axis. The 33511B, 33512B, 33521B, and 33522B are the arb-equipped members of the family and are the only models that support the user-defined arbitrary waveforms, the built-in arbitrary library (cardiac, exponential fall and rise, Gaussian pulse, Haversine, Lorentz, D-Lorentz, negative ramp, sinc), and the waveform sequencing engine. The 2-channel arb models (33512B and 33522B) are also the only configurations that accept the optional IQ Player. The comparison table below lays out the axes side by side.

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

Product Core & Specifications

About this used unit

• Warranty included
• Functional verification included
• Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data.
• Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm).

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