The HP/Agilent 3310B Function Generator delivers precision waveform synthesis across seven distinct output types: sine, square, triangle, positive pulse, negative pulse, positive ramp, and negative ramp. Operating from 0.0005 Hz to 5 MHz across ten decade ranges, it combines broad frequency coverage with exceptional output control—delivering up to 30 V peak-to-peak (open circuit) or 15 V peak-to-peak (into 50 Ω) on the high output, with minimum outputs below 30 mV peak-to-peak. The instrument features adjustable DC offset (±10 V open circuit, ±5 V into 50 Ω), a built-in attenuator providing >30 dB control, and external VCO capability for frequency modulation and external triggering. Pulse and ramp functions offer fixed 15% or 85% duty cycle operation.
## Technical Specifications
**Frequency Performance**
• Range: 0.0005 Hz to 5 MHz across 10 decade ranges
• Dial accuracy (0.0005 Hz–500 kHz, all functions): ±(1% of setting + 1% of full scale)
• Dial accuracy (500 kHz–5 MHz, sine/square/triangle): ±(3% of setting + 3% of full scale)
• Dial accuracy (500 kHz–5 MHz, pulse/ramps): ±(10% of setting + 1% of full scale)
• Sine response (0.0005 Hz–50 kHz): ±1%; (50 kHz–5 MHz): ±4%
• Sine distortion: >40 dB (1%) at 0.0005–10 Hz; >46 dB (0.5%) at 10 Hz–50 kHz (1 kΩ range); >40 dB (1%) at 50–500 kHz; >30 dB (3%) at 500 kHz–5 MHz
• Square wave/pulse rise-fall time: <30 ns
• Triangle and ramp linearity: 30 V peak-to-peak open circuit; >15 V peak-to-peak into 50 Ω
• Pulses >2 MHz: >24 V peak-to-peak open circuit; >12 V peak-to-peak into 50 Ω
• Minimum output: <30 mV peak-to-peak open circuit; 30 dB range (>60 dB total across both ranges)
• Output impedance: 50 Ω
• DC offset: ±10 V open circuit, ±5 V into 50 Ω
• Maximum combined AC + DC: ±15 V open circuit, ±7.5 V into 50 Ω
**External Control**
• VCO input with 50:1 frequency range on any dial setting
• FM capability within 1 to 50× range setting
## Key Features
• Seven waveform types with fixed pulse/ramp duty cycles (15% or 85%)
• Overlapping high and low output ranges for >60 dB total dynamic range
• Adjustable DC offset independent of AC amplitude
• VCO-based frequency modulation for swept and modulated signal generation
• Manual and external triggering support
## Typical Applications
• Electronic circuit characterization and transient response testing
• Audio frequency and ultrasonic signal generation
• Frequency sweep and modulation studies
• Pulse and timing validation for digital systems
• Analog filter and amplifier bench evaluation
## Compatibility & Integration
External control via VCO input enables integration with control systems and automated test setups. 50 Ω output impedance ensures standard instrument matching.
