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Racal Instruments 3153 User Manual

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Racal Instruments 3153 User Manual

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  • Page 1 Artisan Technology Group is your source for quality new and certified-used/pre-owned equipment SERVICE CENTER REPAIRS WE BUY USED EQUIPMENT • FAST SHIPPING AND DELIVERY Experienced engineers and technicians on staff Sell your excess, underutilized, and idle used equipment at our full-service, in-house repair center We also offer credit for buy-backs and trade-ins •...
  • Page 2 PUBLICATION DATE: December 7, 2001 Copyright 2001 by Racal Instruments, Inc. Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.
  • Page 3 Authorization is required from Racal Instruments before you send us your product for service or calibration. Call your nearest Racal Instruments support facility. A list is located on the last page of this manual. If you are unsure where to call, contact Racal Instruments, Inc. Customer Support Department in Irvine, California, USA at 1-800-722-3262 or 1-949-859-8999 or via fax at 1-949-859-7139.
  • Page 4 FOR YOUR SAFETY Before undertaking any troubleshooting, maintenance or exploratory procedure, read carefully the WARNINGS and CAUTION notices. This equipment contains voltage hazardous to human life and safety, and is capable of inflicting personal injury. If this instrument is to be powered from the AC line (mains) through an autotransformer, ensure the common connector is connected to the neutral (earth pole) of the power supply.
  • Page 5 This page was left intentionally blank. Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    User Manual 3153 Table of Contents Chapter 1 GETTING STARTED ........................... 1-1 What’s In This Chapter........................1-1 Introduction..........................1-2 Options ............................ 1-4 Manual Updates........................... 1-5 Safety Considerations........................1-5 Supplied Accessories........................1-5 Specifications..........................1-6 Functional Description........................1-6 Input and Output Connectors....................... 1-6 Output - Channel 1 ........................
  • Page 7 3153 User Manual Front Panel Indicators......................1-16 Programming The Model 3153....................1-16 Chapter 2 CONFIGURING The INSTRUMENT ...................... 2-1 Installation Overview........................2-1 Unpacking and Initial Inspection ...................... 2-1 Safety Precautions........................2-1 Performance Checks........................2-2 Grounding Requirements......................2-2 Long Term Storage or Repackaging For Shipment..............2-3 Preparation For Use.........................
  • Page 8 User Manual 3153 Selecting an Operating Mode....................3-16 Triggered Mode ........................3-17 Gated Mode ........................... 3-18 Burst Mode..........................3-18 Selecting the Trigger Source ....................3-19 Using the Internal Trigger Generator ..................3-20 Selecting the Trigger Slope....................3-20 Selecting the Trigger Level ....................3-20 Programming the Trigger’s Start Phase Offset...............
  • Page 9 3153 User Manual Chapter 4 SCPI COMMAND REFERENCE ......................4-1 What’s In This Chapter........................4-1 Introduction To SCPI Language ...................... 4-1 Command Format ........................4-2 Command Separator........................ 4-2 The MIN and MAX Parameters ....................4-3 Querying Parameter Setting..................... 4-3 Query Response Format......................4-3 SCPI Command Terminator......................
  • Page 10 User Manual 3153 Chapter 5 MAINTENANCE AND PERFORMANCE CHECKS ................. 5-1 What’s in This Chapter........................5-1 Disassembly Instructions ......................... 5-1 Special Handling of Static Sensitive Devices................5-2 Cleaning ............................5-2 Repair and Replacement ......................5-3 Performance Checks ........................5-3 Environmental Conditions ......................5-3 Warm-up Period........................
  • Page 11 3153 User Manual Appendix A Specifications............................A-1 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...
  • Page 12 Figure 5-3, Sine Characteristics Test Setup Diagram................. 5-8 Figure 5-4, Automatic Sequence Advance Test Setup..............5-10 Figure 5-5, Triggered and Triggered Sequence Advance Setup ............5-11 Figure 5-6, Left Side 3153 ........................ 5-16 Figure 5-7, Right Side 3153......................5-17 Figure 5-8, Amplitude Adjustment Setup................... 5-18...
  • Page 13 3153 User Manual List of Tables Table 4-1, Model 3153 SCPI Command Summary .........Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 5-1, Frequency Accuracy......................5-5 Table 5-1a, Frequency Accuracy Using External 10 MHz Reference..........5-5 Table 5-2, Amplitude Accuracy......................5-6 Table 5-3, Offset Accuracy......................... 5-6 Table 5-4, Squarewave Accuracy.

  • Page 14: Chapter 1 Getting Started

    User Manual 3153 Chapter 1 GETTING STARTED What’s In This This chapter contains a general description of the VXIbus Model 3153 Waveform Generator and an overall functional description of the Chapter instrument. It lists and describes various options available. It also describes the front panel connectors and indicators.

  • Page 15: Introduction

    The architecture of the 3153 is such that only channel 1 is allowed to be programmed as master. Channels 2 and 3 can only be slaves. There are 4 combinations of which the three channels can operate: 1) Each channel operates as an independent generator;...
  • Page 16 The Model 3153 is completely digital. There are no analog functions resident in its hardware circuits. Data has to be downloaded to the instrument for it to start generating waveforms. The instrument can generate nine different standard functions such as sine wave, square wave plus seven other functions.

  • Page 17: Options

    Soft Front Panel (SFP) for high-level programming. The SFP driver simulates a mechanical front panel with the necessary push buttons, displays and dials to operate the Model 3153 in a similar way to using a bench-top instrument. The third way to program the 3153 is by using either the LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI drivers.

  • Page 18: Manual Updates

    User Manual 3153 The 512k RAM option designates the memory size supplied with the standard Model 3153. The standard memory size is 512k (524288 words). With the standard memory size, 524288 point waveforms can be programmed on channel 1. The 2Meg, 4Meg and 8Meg RAM options designate instruments supplied with memory expansions.

  • Page 19: Specifications

    The Model 3153 has 15 SMB connectors and 1 BNC connector on its Input and Output front panel: three main outputs, two low outputs, three SYNC outputs,...

  • Page 20: Output - Channel 1

    User Manual 3153 Figure 1-2, The Front Panel The channel 1 output connector outputs fixed (standard) waveforms to Output - Channel 1 50 MHz, user (arbitrary) and sequenced waveforms with sampling clock to 100 MSa/s. Output impedance is 50Ω, therefore, for best performance, the cable connected to this output should be terminated with 50Ω.

  • Page 21: High Output -Channel 2

    3153 User Manual Ω prog Ω R The output amplitude is doubled when the output impedance is above 1 MΩ. The channel 2, high output connector outputs fixed (standard) High Output - waveforms to 25 MHz, user (arbitrary) and sequenced waveforms with Channel 2 sampling clock to 50 MSa/s.

  • Page 22: Sync 2 Output

    Model 3153. The direction of the transition is programmable. In gated mode, the trigger input is level sensitive, i.e., the Model 3153 is gated when the logic level is high and idle when the level is logic low. Trigger level for this input is programmable.

  • Page 23: Stop Input

    The stop input is sensitive to TTL level transitions. Slope sensitivity is programmable for positive or negative edge. The stop signal arms the 3153 to stop at the next breakpoint. When applied, the sample clock is removed and the output waveform stops. A consequent start signal at the start input resumes the generation of the output waveform from the last point it has stopped.

  • Page 24: Reference Clock Input

    When triggered, the generator outputs one waveform cycle and remains idle at the last point of the waveform. The Model 3153 can be armed to receive a trigger signal from a front panel connector, a VXI backplane TTLTRG<n> or ECLTRG0, or from an internal, programmable trigger generator.

  • Page 25: Burst Mode

    VXI backplane trigger lines, or from the built-in trigger generator. In gated mode, the Model 3153 circuits are armed to generate output Gated Mode waveforms as long as a gating signal is present. Unlike the triggered mode, the gated mode is level sensitive.

  • Page 26: Arbitrary (User) Waveforms

    As was discussed before, and unless ordered Waveforms differently, the Model 3153 is supplied with 512k, 2 Meg and 2 Meg memory banks with channels 1, 2 and 3, respectively. With the 8 Meg option, there are up to 8 Meg points that can be allocated to one single waveform.

  • Page 27: Figure 1- 4, Segment 1 - Sin (X)/X Waveform

    3153 User Manual Figure 1- 4, Segment 1 – Sin (x)/x Waveform Figure 1- 5,Segment 2 – Sine Waveform Figure 1- 6. Segment 3 – Pulse Waveform The following sequence was made of segment 2 repeated twice, segment 1 repeated four times, and segment 3 repeated two times.

  • Page 28: Output State

    User Manual 3153 Figure 1- 7. Sequenced Waveforms The table below from WaveCAD’s Sequence Table Editor, shows how the same sequence can be defined using WaveCAD. Figure 1- 8, WaveCAD Example The main outputs can be turned on or off. The internal circuit is Output State disconnected from the output connector by a mechanical switch (relay).

  • Page 29: Filters

    3153 User Manual Six filters are built into the Model 3153, two for each channel. These Filters filters are available for use in various applications such as the creation of high frequency sine waves and removing the staircase effect from waveforms that are generated with high frequency clock rates.

  • Page 30: Configuring The Instrument

    CONFIGURING The INSTRUMENT Installation This chapter contains information and instructions necessary to prepare the Model 3153 for operation. Details are provided for initial inspection, Overview grounding safety requirements, repackaging instructions for storage or shipment, logical address selection and installation information.

  • Page 31: Performance Checks

    BNC connector is connected to earth ground. WARNING Do not attempt to float the output(s) from ground as it may damage the Model 3153 and your equipment. Configuring The Instrument 2-2 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 32: Long Term Storage Or Repackaging For Shipment

    A switch is active when its arm is placed in the ON position. Racal Instruments ships the Model 3153 with the logical address set to Configuring The Instrument 2-3 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 33: Installation

    3153 User Manual Figure 2-1, Logical Address Set to “2” The instrument can be installed in any slot except slot 0 in a VXIbus Installation mainframe. When inserting the instrument into the mainframe, it should be gently rocked back and forth to seat the connectors into the backplane receptacle.

  • Page 34: Using The Instrument

    SCPI commands only. The following paragraphs describe the various modes of operation and give examples of how to program the Model 3153 using SCPI commands. The Model 3153 has three output channels. The parameters for each channel...

  • Page 35: Output Termination

    Always place the 50Ω termination at the far end of the cables. Input / Output The Model 3153 provides protection for internal circuitry connected to Protection input and output connectors. Refer to the specifications in Appendix A to determine the level of protection associated with each input or output connector.

  • Page 36: What To Do Now

    2 to output a triangular waveform with amplitude of 1V and offset of 0.5V. /* Reset the Model 3153 to its default state as listed in Table 3-1. */ :RESet; /* Change the output waveform to square. Note that there is no need to use the FUNC:MODE command as the default value after RESet is FIXed.

  • Page 37: Using The Apply Command

    User Manual 3153 /* Change the output waveform to triangle. */ :FUNCtion:SHAPe TRIangle; /* Turn on the channel 2 high output. */ :OUTPut ON; /* Turn on the channel 2 SYNC output, if required. */ :OUTPut:SYNC ON; If the above commands are executed correctly, a square waveform will be seen on your oscilloscope on channel 1 and a triangle waveform will be seen on channel 2.
  • Page 38 User Manual 3153 The command: APPLy:SINusoid {<frequency>,<amplitude>,<offset>,<phase>,<power>} programs the generator to output a sine waveform with frequency, amplitude, offset, start phase and power parameters. Parameters are not optional if the above APPLy command is used. Include all other parameters in the command. The default settings for these parameters are: 1MHz, 5Vpk-pk, 0V, 0 and 1.
  • Page 39 User Manual 3153 The command: APPLy:EXPonential <frequency>,<amplitude>,<offset>,<exponent>} programs the generator to output an exponential waveform with frequency, amplitude, offset, and exponent parameters. The default settings for these parameters are: 1MHz, 5Vpk-pk, 0V and -10. The command: APPLy:GAUSsian {<frequency>,<amplitude>,<offset>,<exponent>} programs the generator to output a gaussian waveform with frequency, amplitude, offset, and exponent parameters.

  • Page 40: Selecting The Active Channel

    1V. It also changes the square wave duty cycle parameter to 25%. /* Reset Model 3153 to its default condition as listed in Table 3-1. */ :RESet; /* Change the output waveform to square, frequency to 2MHz, amplitude to 1V, offset to 1V and duty cycle to 25%.

  • Page 41: Enabling The Main (High) Outputs

    User Manual 3153 Enabling the Main 3153 waveforms are generated using data points that are downloaded to a waveform memory. Using the sample clock generator, the data is (High) Outputs clocked to the digital to analog converter (DAC) which, in turn, generates the waveform shape that was downloaded to the arbitrary waveform memory.

  • Page 42: Output Configuration Commands

    User Manual 3153 Waveforms from the high and low level outputs are not available at the same time. Either the low-level outputs or the high-level outputs can be made active at a time. If turned on, the high level outputs are active first.

  • Page 43: Selecting An Output Type

    User Manual 3153 Selecting an Output There are three main types of waveforms that the model 3153 can produce: Standard (fixed), Arbitrary (user) and Sequenced waveforms. Type Standard waveforms are computed from formulas that are built into the Model 3153. The instrument can output arbitrary and sequenced waveforms only after waveform, segment, and sequence data has been downloaded into its memory.

  • Page 44: Changing The Frequency And Sample Clock

    User Manual 3153 Figure 3-2, Standard Waveform Selection Panel from WaveCAD Changing the Users should be careful not to confuse waveform frequency with sample clock frequency. The waveform frequency parameter is valid for Frequency and standard waveforms only and controls waveform frequency at the output Sample Clock connector.

  • Page 45: Selecting The External Sclk

    SCLK 1 and SCLK 2/3 inputs for replacing the internal sample clock generators. Although there are three channels, the Model 3153 has only two inputs for external sample clock signals. SCLK 1 can be used for channel 1 only and SCLK 2/3 can be used for one of channels 2 or 3 or both.

  • Page 46: Selecting The Reference Oscillator

    ROSCillator:SOURce {CLK10 | EXTernal } CLK10 is the standard reference for the Model 3153. EXT connects the front panel reference input to the main clock circuit. The frequency of the reference oscillator is always 10MHz however, since CLK10 is...

  • Page 47: Amplitude-Offset Interaction

    Interaction voltage. The 3153 has three internal amplitude ranges that are transparent to the user. However, it is necessary to understand these ranges in case a specific amplitude-offset combination is needed. The...

  • Page 48: Filter Type Cutoff Frequency

    User Manual 3153 Note The default output function of the generator is the sine waveform. The instrument uses filters to generate this waveform. Therefore, the state of the OUTP:FILT can not be changed until another output function is selected. A settings conflict error will occur if one attempts to change the filter state before changing to another output function.

  • Page 49: Selecting An Operating Mode

    Gated and Burst. The selected waveform is repeated continuously when the instrument is set to operate in Continuous mode. In this mode, the Model 3153 does not require a trigger source to stimulate output cycles. The default operating mode of the instrument is continuous.

  • Page 50: Triggered Mode

    TRIG IN signal from the front panel remains inactive. The trigger input is sensitive to either a rising edge or a falling edge. Each time a transition at the trigger input occurs, the Model 3153 generates one complete output waveform. At the end of the output cycle, the output resumes position at a DC level that is equal to the amplitude of the last point of the waveform.

  • Page 51: Gated Mode

    Gated Mode The Model 3153 can be set to operate in Gated mode only after the INIT:CONT OFF command has been received. The output remains at a DC level as long as the front-panel TRIG IN signal remains inactive. The gating signal can be programmed to be either active high or active low.

  • Page 52: Selecting The Trigger Source

    User Manual 3153 Burst mode operates with standard waveforms and arbitrary waveforms only. Note that the Model 3153 cannot operate in Sequence and Burst modes simultaneously. Observe the limitations of the trigger signal as listed in the specification section of this manual. To place the Model...

  • Page 53: Using The Internal Trigger Generator

    Selecting the Trigger The trigger slope command toggles edge sensitivity for the selected trigger input. The Model 3153 can be made sensitive to either positive Slope or negative transitions. Use the following command to select the slope for the trigger signal:...

  • Page 54: Programming The Trigger's Start Phase Offset

    The model 3153 generates waveforms from its memory. The waveforms Trigger’s Start Phase are either downloaded by the user, or computed from built-in equations. For example, if you select the sine waveform, the 3153 has to compute Offset this function and place the appropriate values in its memory. The waveform is then generated by applying the digital point values to the DAC.

  • Page 55: Using The Soft Trigger

    User Manual 3153 Using the Soft The soft trigger command allows you to write a program that can trigger the 3153 directly from within your application. To use the soft trigger Trigger command, place the instrument in TRIG:SOUR EXT mode. Soft triggers are ignored in INTernal, TTLT<n>...

  • Page 56: Selecting The Sync Position

    User Manual 3153 LCOMplete Generates a sync signal in SEQ mode only once when the selected segment appears for the first time in the sequence. The identity of the segment can be programmed using the TRAC:SEL command. The sync position along the selected waveform can be programmed using the OUTPUT:SYNC:POS command.

  • Page 57: Activating The Backplane Ecltrg And Ttltrg Lines

    User Manual 3153 Computing the sync width in FIXed mode is a bit trickier. In this mode, the 3153 computes the number of points and the sample clock from the programmed waveform frequency. Therefore, setting the required sync width in FIXed mode may take some experimenting until you find the right value.

  • Page 58: Figure 3-5, Start Stop Operation

    Start Figure 3-5, Start Stop Operation The start and stop inputs accept TTL level signals. The Model 3153 reacts to transitions – either positive or negative going. The start and stop inputs affect the instrument in all of its operating modes, i.e., continuous, triggered, sequence, etc.

  • Page 59: Using The Built-In Standard Waveforms

    User Manual 3153 Select “POS”, the default state, which causes the 3153 to start on positive going transitions. Select “NEG” to start on negative going transitions. The query: ARM:SLOP? queries the state and returns POS or NEG. 4. Use the following commands to select the slope for the stop input: ARM:SLOPe:STOP {POSitive | NEGative} Select “POS”, the default state, which causes the 3153 to stop on...
  • Page 60 User Manual 3153 Channel 1:           FREQ             ×     Channels 2/3:     ...
  • Page 61 User Manual 3153 For the negative EXPonential: For the GAUSsian: For the SINC: where = N/cyc (number of points per cycle) cyc = Number of cycles of SINC Standard waveforms are available at the output connector after the FUNC:MODE FIX command has been executed.

  • Page 62: Generating Arbitrary Waveforms

    PULSe:TRANsition:TRAiling? queries the pulse fall time setting and returns a value in percent. Generating Arbitrary The Model 3153 cannot generate arbitrary waveforms without first Waveforms loading them into memory. A description of the arbitrary waveform function and an explanation of how to load waveforms into memory are given in the following paragraphs.

  • Page 63: Figure 3-6, Wavecad's Arbitrary Waveform Control Panel

    (one at a time) from address 0 to the last address. The rate at which each sample is replayed is defined by the sample clock rate parameter. The Model 3153 provides programmable sample clock rates from 10Sa/s to 100MSa/s.

  • Page 64: Arbitrary Memory Management

    The various options are listed in Chapter 1 of this manual. If you purchased the Model 3153 with in its basic configuration, you should expect to have 512k for channel 1 and 2Meg each for channels 2 and 3.

  • Page 65: Loading Arbitrary Waveforms

    After using this command, waveform segments will line-up from address 0 upwards. Loading Arbitrary There are three ways to load waveforms into the 3153; 1) Using a graphical user interface, i.e., WaveCAD, 2) LabWindows/ CVI or Waveforms LabVIEW driver, or 3) Low-level programming.

  • Page 66: Figure 3-7, Definite Length Arbitrary Block Data Format

    The IEEE-STD-488.2 definition of Definite Length Arbitrary Block Data Format is demonstrated in Figure 3-7. 16 bits of data are sent to the Model 3153 even though only 12 bits are required to generate the waveform. The order of bytes and bits and their values are shown in Figure 3-8.

  • Page 67: Reversing Byte Order

    Reversing Byte Binary data is sent to the Model 3153 in byte-high byte-low order. This order can be reversed using the following command: Order FORMat:BORDer {NORMal | SWAPped} The default is NORM.
  • Page 68 WAVE, SEG or SEQ. The command: SMEMory: {OFF | ON} places the Model 3153 in the shared memory state when ON is selected. After this, the instrument cannot accept normal commands. Data must be sent to the generator using shared memory access. Normal command mode is resumed when the SMEMory:STATe is changed to OFF.

  • Page 69: Figure 3-9, Data Format For Shared Memory Download

    User Manual 3153 Use an I/O routine such as ViMoveAsync (from the VISA I/O library) to transfer the data. SMEM:STATE OFF HIGH BYTE LOW BYTE WAVEFORM POINT 1 WAVEFORM POINT DATA WAVEFORM POINT 2 WAVEFORM POINT DATA DATA GROUP WAVEFORM POINT 3...
  • Page 70 User Manual 3153 RI3153_MAX_SEG_NUMBER, VI_ERROR_PARAMETER2)) return( error ); max_size = ri3153_get_mem_size(vi); if (error = ri3153_int32_range (number_of_points, RI3153_MIN_SEGMENT_SIZE, max_size, VI_ERROR_PARAMETER4)) return( error ); /* select the arbitrary waveform segment */ if ((error = viPrintf(vi, "TRAC:SEL %d\n", segment_number)) < 0) return( error );...

  • Page 71: 16-Bit Shared Memory Download

    When you download waveform data using the standard shared memory Memory Download routine, the Model 3153 accepts waveform data only and the internal CPU places the various bits that control segment length, SYNC position, etc. Look at Figure 3-9 and observe that you must download 16 bits, of which only 12 determine point value while the other 4 bits are not used.
  • Page 72 Change the download mode to 16-bit using the following command: FORMat:WAVE {NORMal | USER} NORM is the default setting. USER places the Model 3153 in 16-bit memory download mode. WARNING Changing modes from NORM to USER and vice-versa is destructive to the waveform memory.
  • Page 73 User Manual 3153 The query: SMEMory? queries the shared memory state and returns "0" (OFF) or "1" (ON). Following the SMEM ON command, you can start downloading waveform data. Figure 3-10 shows an example of waveform data points. Explanation of the various words and control bits are given below.

  • Page 74: Figure 3-10, Data Format For 16-Bit Shared Memory Download

    User Manual 3153 WAVEFORM POINT 1 WAVEFORM POINT DATA BREAK POINT WAVEFORM POINT 2 WAVEFORM POINT DATA TRG. PHASE OFFSET DATA GROUP 1 WAVEFORM POINT 3 WAVEFORM POINT DATA SYNC WAVEFORM POINT 4 WAVEFORM POINT DATA STOP WAVEFORM POINT N-7...
  • Page 75 User Manual 3153 The Control Bits There are four control bits that must be loaded within a group of four words, they are: break point, trigger phase offset, SYNC and stop bits. The control bits are downloaded one at a time with each word, and always at D3.

  • Page 76: Fast Binary Segment Table Download

    1. Externally, combine your waveforms to one long waveform. Convert your ASCII data to binary format as shown in Figure 3-9 above. 2. Use the commands below to place the 3153 in the right mode to accept waveform data: SMEM:TYPE WAVE;:SMEM ON 3.

  • Page 77: Figure 3-11, Segment Table Download Format

    1. Data for each segment must have 6 bytes 2. The total number of bytes in a complete segment table must divide by 6. The Model 3153 has no control over data sent to its DMA port during data transfer. Therefore, wrong data and/or incorrect numbers of bytes will cause erroneous memory partitioning.

  • Page 78: Generating Sequenced Waveforms

    It is possible to have only one step in a sequence but the output will look like a continuous waveform. If only one step is specified and the Model 3153 is placed in Triggered mode, the output will behave as it would in Burst mode where the repeat number replaces the burst count parameter.

  • Page 79: Fast Binary Sequence Table Download

    The table also contains one bit which defines whether the selected step is in normal or triggered mode when the Model 3153 is placed in Mixed Sequence Advance. The following procedure assumes that you have already downloaded...

  • Page 80: Figure 3-12, Sequence Table Download Format

    1. The data for each step must be 6 bytes long. The number of bytes in a complete sequence table must be divisible by 6. The Model 3153 has no control over data sent to its DMA port during data transfer. Therefore, wrong data and/or an incorrect number of bytes will cause an erroneous sequence setting.

  • Page 81: Sequence Advance Commands

    In STEP advance mode, the sequence is advanced to the next waveform only when a valid trigger is received. The output of the model 3153 generates the first segment continuously until a trigger signal advances the sequence to the next segment. If repeats were specified in the sequence table, they are ignored in STEP advance mode.

  • Page 82: Sequence Advance Source Commands

    User Manual 3153 1) Generator is set to operate in continuous mode 2) MIX sequence advance mode is selected 3) Mixed mode bits are assigned for each step in the sequence table. “0” programs normal advance, “1” programs triggered advance.

  • Page 83: Synchronizing 2 Or More Channels

    INT, EXT, TTLT<n> or ECLT0. Synchronizing 2 or The Model 3153 has three independent output channels. Each channel has its own sample clock generator, trigger inputs, sequence generator More Channels and control logic. There is no synchronization between channels unless the channel synchronization is programmed.

  • Page 84: Using The Sclk Dividers

    User Manual 3153 Using the SCLK Channels 2 and 3 have Sample Clock dividers. The main usage of these dividers is in synchronized mode, when channel 1 provides the master Dividers clock and channel 2 and 3 divide this clock using their sample clock dividers.

  • Page 85: System-Related Commands

    User Manual 3153 While the initial skew between channels may be nulled only by using external cables, the Model 3153 provides a command for programming an adjustable phase offset between channels. Phase offset is adjusted in multiples of 4 waveform points so that the more points in the waveform, the better the phase offset resolution.
  • Page 86 VXIbus states, or SCPI command set. The query: *OPT? queries the waveform memory length installed in the 3153. The response is “0” for no option, “1" for 4 Meg, and “2” for 8 Meg. Using The Instrument 3-53...
  • Page 87 User Manual 3153 This page was left intentionally blank. Using The Instrument 3-54 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 88: Scpi Command Reference

    Chapter convention rules and syntax are explained in detail. Table 4-1 lists all SCPI commands used for programming the Model 3153. The command summary for each SCPI model is also included in this chapter. This chapter teaches you how to use SCPI commands to control functions, modes, waveforms and other aspects of the instrument.

  • Page 89: Command Format

    User Manual 3153 system: OUTPut :FILTer [:LPASs] {NONE |ALL} [:STATe] OFF|ON OUTPut is the root keyword of the command; FILTer and STATe are second level keywords. LPASs is third level keyword. A colon ( : ) separates a command keyword from a lower level keyword.

  • Page 90: The Min And Max Parameters

    User Manual 3153 TRIG:INT:RATE 5e-3 Use the colon and semicolon to link commands from different subsystems. For example, in the following command string, an error is generated if both the colon and the semicolon are not used. OUTP:STATE ON;:TRIG:STAT ON...

  • Page 91: Scpi Command Terminator

    User Manual 3153 A command string sent to the function generator must terminate with a SCPI Command <new line> character. The IEEE-STD-488 EOI message is a <new line> Terminator character. A <carriage return> followed by a <new line> is also accepted.

  • Page 92: Boolean Parameters

    Arbitrary Block generator's memory. Depending on which option is installed, the Model Parameters 3153 can accept binary blocks up to 1M bytes. The following command uses an arbitrary block parameter that is loaded as binary data: TRAC:DATA#564000<binary_block> Table 4-1 summarizes the complete SCPI command tree available to SCPI Command program the generator over the GPIB.
  • Page 93 User Manual 3153 Table 4-1. VXIbus Model 3153 SCPI Commands List Summary (continued) Keyword Parameter Form (Default in Bold) SCPI 1993.0 Notes [:STATe] OFF | ON Confirmed :SOURce BIT | LCOMplete | SSYNc Not confirmed :POSition Not Confirmed [:POINt] (0;0;n)
  • Page 94 User Manual 3153 Table 4-1. VXIbus Model 3153 SCPI Commands List Summary (continued) Keyword Parameter Form (Default in Bold) SCPI 1993.0 Notes :SINusoid Not Confirmed :PHASe (0;0;360) Not Confirmed :TRIangle Not Confirmed :PHASe (0;0;360) Not Confirmed :SQUare Not Confirmed :DCYCle (50;1;99)
  • Page 95 User Manual 3153 Table 4-1. VXIbus Model 3153 SCPI Commands List Summary (continued) Keyword Parameter Form (Default in Bold) SCPI 1993.0 Notes :ERRor? Confirmed :VERSion? Confirmed :TRACe Confirmed [:DATA] Confirmed :DEFine (1;1;4096),(16;106;524288) Confirmed Even number, 512 K memory, divisible by 4 :DEFine (1;1;4096),(16;16;2097152)
  • Page 96 User Manual 3153 Table 4-1. VXIbus Model 3153 SCPI Commands List Summary (continued) Keyword Parameter Form (Default in Bold) SCPI 1993.0 Notes :COUNt (1;1;1E6) Confirmed Channel 1 only :LEVel (1.6;-10.00;+10.00) Not Confirmed :SOURce Not Confirmed :ADVance EXTernal | INTernal | TTLTrg<0-3> | ECLTrg0...

  • Page 97: Instrument Programming Command Summary

    User Manual 3153 Instrument Programming commands define how SCPI commands will Instrument affect the generator. These commands define waveform data format, Programming which of the channels is the active listener and if the channels will operate separately or synchronized to a master channel. Optional nodes Command may be omitted from these commands.
  • Page 98 User Manual 3153 :FREQuency {<frequency> | MINimum | MAXimum} (1e6,10e-3,50e6) Chan 1 :FREQuency {<frequency> | MINimum | MAXimum} (1e6,10e-3,25e6) Chan 2/3 :FREQuency? :FREQuency:RASTer {<frequency> | MINimum | MAXimum} (1e6,10,100e6) Chan 1 :FREQuency:RASTer {<frequency> | MINimum | MAXimum} (1e6,10,50e6) Chans 2/3...

  • Page 99: Standard Waveform Command Summary

    User Manual 3153 The Standard Waveform Commands control the various parameters of Standard the standard output functions. Optional modes are omitted from these Waveform commands. Factory defaults after *RST are shown in bold typeface. Parameter low and high limits are given where applicable. The Standard Command Waveforms parameters could be used for the APPLy command.

  • Page 100: Arbitrary Waveform, Sequence, And Shared Memory Command Summary

    :SMEMory {OFF | ON} The Trigger commands control the trigger modes of the Model 3153. Trigger Command The Model 3153 can be placed in Triggered, Gated or Burst mode. Trigger source is selectable from an external source, internal trigger Summary generator, backplane TTLTrg 0-3, ECLTrg0, or a software trigger.

  • Page 101: System-Related Command Summary

    :ARM:BREakpoint:POSition <position> (0,0,n) The system-related commands are not related directly to waveform System-Related generation but are an important part of operating the Model 3153. Command These commands can reset or test the instrument, or query the instrument for system information.

  • Page 102: Ieee-Std-488.2 Common Commands And Queries

    *OPC? query response. *OPT? - Returns the value “0” for a Model 3153 with 512k/2Meg/2Meg of memory. Returns a “1” for a Model 3153 with 2Meg/4Meg/4Meg of memory.
  • Page 103 Trigger or Burst mode of operation and the trigger source is set to "BUS". *TST? - Implements an internal self-test and returns a value as described below. Approximately 90% of Model 3153 functionality is tested. 0 – Self test passed 1 –...

  • Page 104: The Scpi Status Registers

    User Manual 3153 The Model 3153 uses the Status Byte register group and the Standard The SCPI Status Event register group to record various instrument conditions. Figure 4-1 Registers shows the SCPI status system. An Event Register is a read-only register that reports defined conditions within the generator.
  • Page 105 User Manual 3153 This bit indicates if the device has at least one condition to request service. The MSS bit is not part of the IEEE-STD-488.1 status byte and will not be sent in response to a serial poll. However, the RQS bit, if set, will be sent in response to a serial poll.

  • Page 106: Figure 4-1 Scpi Status Registers

    User Manual 3153 Standard Event Status Register *ESR? & & & & & & & Queue & Not-Empty Standard Event Status Enable Register *ESE <value> Output Queue *ESE? read by Serial Port Service Request ESBMAV Status Byte Register Generation read by *STB? &...

  • Page 107: Reading The Status Byte Register

    User Manual 3153 The Status Byte summary register can be read with the *STB? common Reading the Status query. The *STB? common query causes the generator to send the Byte Register contents of the Status Byte register and the MSS (Master Summary Status) summary message as a single <NR1 Numeric Response...

  • Page 108: Standard Event Status Register (Esr)

    User Manual 3153 The Standard Event Status Register reports status for special Standard Event applications. The 8 bits of the ESR have been defined by the IEEE-STD- Status Register 488.2 as specific conditions, which can be monitored and reported back to the user upon request.

  • Page 109: Standard Event Status Enable Register (Ese)

    *ESE32 – ESB on Command Error. *ESE64 – ESB on User Request. *ESE128 – ESB Power on. In general, whenever the Model 3153 receives an invalid SCPI command, it Error Messages automatically generates an error. Errors are stored in a special error queue and may be retrieved from this buffer one at a time.
  • Page 110 User Manual 3153 Errors have the following format (the error string may contain up to 80 characters): -102,"Syntax error" A complete listing of the errors that can be detected by the generator is given below. -100,"Command error". When the generator cannot detect more specific errors, this is the generic syntax error used.

  • Page 111: Triggered Operating Mode

    User Manual 3153 Any of the following commands: INIT:CONT ON & SEQ:ADV:SING INIT:CONT OFF & SEQ:ADV:STEP INIT:CONT OFF & SEQ:ADV:MIX INIT:CONT OFF;:TRIG:GATE ON & SEQ:ADV STEP INIT:CONT OFF;:TRIG:GATE ON & SEQ:ADV SING INIT:CONT OFF;:TRIG:GATE ON & SEQ:ADV MIX INIT:CONT OFF;:TRIG:BURS ON...

  • Page 112: Device-Specific Commands

    (the previous data is not overwritten). The output buffer is cleared when power is shut off or after a device clear has been executed. Device-Specific The Model 3153 conforms to the 1993.0 version of the SCPI standard. Some of the commands used are not included in the 1993.0 version. Commands However, these commands are designed with the SCPI standard in mind and they follow all of the command syntax rules defined by the standard.
  • Page 113 User Manual 3153 This page was left intentionally blnak. SCPI Command Reference 4-26 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 114: Maintenance And Performance Checks

    This chapter provides maintenance and service information, What’s in This performance tests, and the procedures necessary to adjust and Chapter troubleshoot the Model 3153 Waveform Synthesizer. WARNING The procedures described in this section are for use only by qualified service personnel. Many of the steps covered...

  • Page 115: Special Handling Of Static Sensitive Devices

    Once the device is installed on the PC board, the device is adequately protected and normal handling may resume. The Model 3153 should be cleaned as often as operating conditions Cleaning require. To clean the instrument, use the following procedure: 1.

  • Page 116: Repair And Replacement

    User Manual 3153 Repair and replacement of electrical and mechanical parts must be Repair and accomplished with great care. Printed circuit boards can become Replacement warped, cracked or burnt from excessive heat or mechanical stress. The following repair techniques are suggested to avoid inadvertent destruction or degradation of parts and assemblies: 1.

  • Page 117: Warm-Up Period

    Most equipment is subject to a small amount of drift when it is first turned Warm-up Period on. To ensure accuracy, turn on the power to the Model 3153 and allow it to warm-up for at least 30 minutes before beginning the performance test procedure.

  • Page 118: Frequency Accuracy

    ±2.5kHz 25.00000MHz ±5kHz 50.00000MHz 3. Configure model 3153 to accept external 10 MHz reference. Make sure that the external reference accuracy is better than 1ppm. 4. Use the Frequency Counter to perform Frequency Accuracy tests using Table 5-1a. Table 5-1a, Frequency Accuracy Using External 10 MHz Reference.

  • Page 119: Amplitude Accuracy

    User Manual 3153 1. Configure model 3153 to output sine waveforms and a frequency of Amplitude Accuracy 1kHz. *RST;:FREQ 1e3; OUTP ON 2. Perform Amplitude Accuracy tests using Table 5-2. Table 5-2, Amplitude Accuracy. DMM Reading 3153 Amplitude Setting Command...

  • Page 120: Square Wave Characteristics

    User Manual 3153 1. Configure model 3153 to output a square waveform, amplitude of 8 V, Square Wave and frequency of 1 MHz. Run *RST and then: Characteristics VOLT 8:;FREQ 1e6;:OUTP ON 2. Use INST:SEL 2 or INST:SEL 3 before the above command string to set channels 2 and 3.

  • Page 121: Figure 5-3, Sine Characteristics Test Setup Diagram

    User Manual 3153 Table 5-5, Sinewave Characteristics. Distortion Analyzer Reading 3153 Setting Reading Limits CH 1 CH 2 CH 3 Pass Fail FREQ 10 < 0.3% FREQ 100 < 0.3% FREQ 1E3 < 0.3% FREQ 1E4 < 0.3% 2 Low...

  • Page 122: Trigger Gate & Burst Characteristics

    User Manual 3153 1. Configure all three channels to output a 1.56 MHz Sinewave, 5 Vp-p, Trigger Gate & Burst burst count of 10. Set internal trigger generator rate 1 ms. Run *RST Characteristics and then: FREQ 1.56E6;:TRIG:TIM 1E3:;TRIG:CONN 10 2.

  • Page 123: Sequence Operation

    100,000 times, sampling clock 100 MHz for channel 1 and 50 MHz for channels 2 and 3, and amplitude of 2V. Load 64-point waveforms to the first 5 segments. Place model 3153 in triggered mode. Use WaveCAD, output and sequence tabs on the instrument control panel.

  • Page 124: Figure 5-5, Triggered And Triggered Sequence Advance Setup

    User Manual 3153 Single and Single 1 1. Configure model 3153 to output as was done in the Step Advance Advance Test. Set sequence advance mode to single 1 and 3153 operating mode to trigger. Each trigger advances the sequence to the next waveform however;...

  • Page 125: Mixed Advance

    Segment 1 Mixed Advance 1. Configure model 3153 to output as was done in the Step Sequence Advance test. Set sequence advance mode to mixed. 2. Program steps 2 and 3 with the mixed mode bit = 1. Use WaveCAD to modify the sequence table and download on all three (3) channels.

  • Page 126: Sample Clock Source And Dividers

    User Manual 3153 Sample Clock Source and 1. Program all three channels as follows: Dividers Operating mode: User (arbitrary). FUNC:MODE USER Sample clock frequency: 100 MSa/s for channel 1; 50 MSa/s for channels 2/3. FREQ:RAST 100E6;:INST:SEL 2;:FREQ:RAST 50E6;:INST:SEL 3;:FREQ:RAST 50E6...

  • Page 127: Channel Synchronization And Skew

    User Manual 3153 1. Program all three channels as follows: Channel Operating mode: User (arbitrary). Synchronization and (FUNC:MODE USER) Skew Trigger mode: Triggered (INIT:CONT OFF) Trigger advance source: Internal (TRIG:SOUR:ADV INT) Internal trigger generator: 10 KHz (10 µs) (TRIG:TIM 10E-6)

  • Page 128: Adjustments

    25°C, ±5°C and at relative humidity of less than 80%. Turn on the Conditions power to the 3153 and allow it to warm up for at least 30 minutes before beginning the adjustment procedure. If the instrument has been...

  • Page 129: Required Equipment

    Model No. Manufacturer Digital Multimeter 2000 Keithley Use the following procedures to calibrate the Model 3153. The following Adjustment paragraphs show how to set up the instrument for the calibration and Procedures what are the acceptable limitations for the calibrated function.

  • Page 130: Amplitude Adjustment, Channels 1, 2 And 3

    User Manual 3153 RV501 RV502 Figure 5-7, Right Side 3153 Equipment: Amplitude Adjustment, Channels 1, 2 and 3 50Ω Feedthrough termination Dual banana to BNC connector 3153 Settings (all channels): Parameter Setting Comand(s) Output INST:SEL 1|2|3;:OUTP ON Frequency 1kHz INST:SEL 1|2|3;:FREQ 1e3 Amplitude INST:SEL 1|2|3;:VOLT 8...

  • Page 131: Offset Adjustment, Channels 1, 2, And 3

    3. Adjust RV2 (channel 1), RV4 (channel 2) and RV7 (channel 3) for a DMM reading of 0V ±10mV reading 4. Modify 3153 offset setting for all three channels to 4V 5. Modify DMM setting to DCV/20V 6. Adjust RV3 (channel 1), RV5 (channel 2) and RV6 (channel 3) for a DMM reading of 4V ±20mV reading...

  • Page 132: Chapter 6 Product Support

    For worldwide support and the office closes to your facility, refer to the Support Offices section on the following page. Use the original packing material when returning the 3153 to Racal Reshipment Instruments for calibration or servicing. The original shipping box and...
  • Page 133 User Manual 3153 Support Offices Racal Instruments, Inc. 4 Goodyear St., Irvine, CA 92618-2002 Tel: (800) 722-3262, FAX: (949) 859-7309 Racal Instruments, Ltd. 480 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 6BE, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 8706 080134; FAX: +44 (0) 1753 791290 Racal Systems Electronique S.A.
  • Page 134 User Manual 3153 Appendix A SPECIFICATIONS VXlbus General Information Module Form Single slot VXlbus C-size module Connectors P1, P2 Protocol A24/A32/D16 Slave, Message-Based VXlbus Revision SCPI Revision 1993.0 Logical Address Settings 1 - 255, configured via DIP switches Interrupt Level Settings...
  • Page 135 User Manual 3153 User (arbitrary) The waveform generator outputs the selected arbitrary waveform. Sequenced The waveform generator outputs the arbitrary waveforms specified by the sequence. Each channel has an independent sequencer. Fixed (Standard) Waveforms Description The standard waveforms are created by using the first 1024...
  • Page 136 User Manual 3153 Triangle Frequency Range 10mHz to 1MHz, usable above 1 MHz Programmable Parameters Start Phase 0 to 360° Pulse/Ramp Frequency Range 10mHz to 1MHz, usable above 1 MHz Programmable Parameters Delay 0% to 99.9% of period Rise Time 0% to 99.9% of period...
  • Page 137 User Manual 3153 Memory Interleave 4 to 1 Segment Table Download Mode 1 SCPI Commands Mode 2 High speed binary download DAC Resolution 12 bits (4096 points) Sequenced Arbitrary Waveforms Description The waveform memory can be divided into smaller segments.
  • Page 138 User Manual 3153 Sequence Table Download Mode 1 SCPI Commands Mode 2 High speed binary download Sequencer Steps From 1 to 4096 Segment Loops From 1 to 1M Min Segment Size 8 points 1 µs (Points x SCLK period ≥ 1µs)
  • Page 139 User Manual 3153 Triggered Each input cycle generates a single output cycle. Internal Trigger An internal timer repeatedly generates a single output cycle. Gated External signal enables generator. First output cycle is synchronous with the active slope of the triggering signal.
  • Page 140 User Manual 3153 Channel 1 to Channel 2 or 3 ±10ns maximum Channel 2 to Channel 3 ±5ns maximum Sample Clock Synthesizer Internal Synthesizer Channel 1 Range 10Hz to 100MHz Channel 2, 3 Range 10Hz to 50MHz Resolution 9 digits...
  • Page 141 User Manual 3153 Channels 2 and 3 High Level Output Harmonics and non-related spurious < -55dBc for carrier frequencies < 1MHz < -40dBc for carrier frequencies < 5 MHz In-band spurious and non-harmonic at 20MHz. Measured with sample clock = 50 MHz, 400-cycle sine waveforms in a 1000 point segment <...

  • Page 142: Main Output

    Offset voltage is injected at the input of the output amplifier. Therefore, reducing the output amplitude has an automatic affect on the offset voltage. The 3153 has three internal amplitude ranges that are transparent to the user. However, it is necessary to understand these ranges in case a specific amplitude-offset combination is needed.
  • Page 143 User Manual 3153 Filters 2 per Channel Channel 1 none, 25 MHz, 50 MHz 7-pole 25MHz Amplitude Response Insertion Loss <4 dB (DC-22.5MHz) Stopband Attenuation >47dB @ 55MHz 50MHz Amplitude Response Insertion Loss <4 dB (DC-45MHz) Stopband Attenuation >47dB @ 110MHz Channel 2 none, 12.5MHz, 25MHz 7-pole...
  • Page 144 User Manual 3153 Connector Front panel SMB, one output per channel Standby Output Off or Normal Impedance 50Ω, ±10% Level > 2V into 50Ω, 5V nominal into 10kΩ Protection Protected against temporary short to case ground VXIbus Backplane Channels 1-3...
  • Page 145 User Manual 3153 Inputs (Each Channel) TRIG Input Connector Front panel SMB Impedance 10kΩ, ±5% Threshold Range (Ch. 1) Programmable Threshold Threshold (Chs. 2 & 3) Max Input Voltage ±12 V dc Min Pulse Width 20ns Slope Positive or negative going edge.
  • Page 146 The start signal affects the output only after a stop signal has been received. Generating start signals while the 3153 generates waveforms has no affect on the output. The Start input operates simultaneously on all channels...
  • Page 147 User Manual 3153 Pressure (for 10°C rise) 0.5 mm H Environmental Operating temperature 0°C - 50°C Humidity (non-condensing) 11°C - 30°C 80% +5% 31°C - 40°C 75% +5% 41°C - 50°C 45% +5% Altitude Operating 10000 ft Storage 15000 ft...
  • Page 148 Artisan Technology Group is your source for quality new and certified-used/pre-owned equipment SERVICE CENTER REPAIRS WE BUY USED EQUIPMENT • FAST SHIPPING AND DELIVERY Experienced engineers and technicians on staff Sell your excess, underutilized, and idle used equipment at our full-service, in-house repair center We also offer credit for buy-backs and trade-ins •...

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