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Chapter 3 Features and Functions
External Timebase Reference
3
External Timebase Reference
The external Timebase Reference, which provides rear panel connectors
(10 MHz In and 10 MHz Out) and circuitry to allow synchronization
between multiple Agilent 33500 Series waveform generators or to an
external 10 MHz clock signal. You can also set the phase offset of the
output waveform from the front panel or over the remote interface.
To align the phase of two Series 33500 instruments, you can use a dual-
channel oscilloscope to compare the output signals:
1. Connect two 33500 Series instruments, with 10 MHz Out connected to
10 MHz In. The instrument with the more precise timebase should be
used as the source of the 10 MHz reference out.
2. Connect the outputs of the waveform generators to the scope channel
inputs:
3. Set the same frequency on both waveform generators. The scope
should show the signals to be in sync with regard frequency, but not
phase. (A square wave works well to show the phase difference.)