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Aim-TTI TGA1240 Series Instruction Manual

40mhz arbitrary waveform generators
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TGA1240 Series
40MHz Arbitrary Waveform Generators
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

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  • Page 1 TGA1240 Series 40MHz Arbitrary Waveform Generators INSTRUCTION MANUAL...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Overview Specifications Safety Installation Connections Front Panel Connections Rear Panel Connections General Initial Operation Principles of Operation Standard Waveform Operation Setting Generator Parameters Warnings and Error Messages SYNC Output Sweep Operation General Setting Sweep Parameters Triggered Burst and Gate General Triggered Burst Gated Mode...
  • Page 3 Modulation Introduction External Modulation Internal Modulation Inter-Channel Synchronisation Synchronising Two Generators System Operations from the Utility Menu Calibration Equipment Required Calibration Procedure Calibration Routine Remote Calibration Remote Operation Power on Settings Remote Commands Channel Selection Frequency and Period Amplitude and DC Offset Waveform Selection Arbitrary Waveform Create and Delete Arbitrary Waveform Editing...

  • Page 4: Overview

    Overview This manual describes the features and operation of 1, 2 and 4 channel arbitrary waveform generators. The physical differences between the 2 and 4−channel generators are straightforward:− the 2−channel instrument has no set−up keys or output connections for channels 3 and 4. The single−channel instrument has essentially the same keys but they are arranged quite differently to suit the ½−rack case.
  • Page 5 All waveforms can be swept over their full frequency range at a rate variable between 30 milliseconds and 15 minutes. Sweep can be linear or logarithmic, single or continuous. Single sweeps can be triggered from the front panel, the trigger input, or the digital interfaces. A sweep marker is provided.

  • Page 6: Specifications

    Specifications Specifications apply at 18−28ºC after 30 minutes warm−up, at maximum output into 50Ω WAVEFORMS Standard Waveforms Sine, square, triangle, DC, positive ramp, negative ramp, sin(x)/x, pulse, pulse train, cosine, haversine and havercosine. Sine, Cosine, Haversine, Havercosine Range: 0·1mHz to 16 MHz Resolution: 0·1mHz or 7 digits Accuracy:...
  • Page 7 Pulse and Pulse Train Output Level: 2.5mV to 10Vp−p into 50Ω Rise and Fall Times: <25ns Period: Range: 100ns to 100s Resolution: 4−digit Accuracy: ±1 digit of setting Delay: −99·99s to + 99·99s Range: Resolution: 0·002% of period or 25ns, whichever is greater Width: Range: 25ns to 99·99s...
  • Page 8 OPERATING MODES Triggered Burst Each active edge of the trigger signal will produce one burst of the waveform. Carrier Waveforms: All standard and arbitrary Maximum Carrier Frequency: The smaller of 1MHz or the maximum for the selected waveform. 40Msamples/s for ARB and Sequence. Number of Cycles: 1 to 1,048,575 Trigger Repetition Rate:...
  • Page 9 Tone Switching Capability provided for both standard and arbitrary waveforms. Arbitrary waveforms are expanded or condensed to exactly 4096 points and DDS techniques are used to allow instantaneous frequency switching. Carrier Waveforms: All waveforms except pulse, pulse train and sequence. Frequency List: Up to 16 frequencies from 1mHz to 10MHz.
  • Page 10 Sync Out - One for each channel Multifunction output user definable or automatically selected to be any of the following: Waveform Sync: A square wave with 50% duty cycle at the main waveform frequency, or (all waveforms) a pulse coincident with the first few points of an arbitrary waveform. Position Markers: Any point(s) on the waveform may have associated marker bit(s) set (Arbitrary only)
  • Page 11 Ref Clock In/Out Set to Input: Input for an external 10MHz reference clock. TTL/CMOS threshold level. Set to Output: Buffered version of the internal 10MHz clock. Output levels nominally 1V and 4V from 50Ω. Set to Phase Lock: Used together with SYNC OUT on a master and TRIG IN on a slave to synchronise (phase lock) two separate generators.
  • Page 12 Phase Resolution: DDS waveforms: 0.1 degree 0.1 degree or 360 degrees/number of points whichever is the greater Non−DDS waveforms: Phase Error: All waveforms: <±10ns The signals from the REF IN/OUT socket and the SYNC OUT socket can be used to phase lock two instruments where more than 4 channels are required.

  • Page 13: Safety

    Safety This generator is a Safety Class I instrument according to IEC classification and has been designed to meet the requirements of EN61010−1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use). It is an Installation Category II instrument intended for operation from a normal single phase supply.

  • Page 14: Installation

    Installation Mains Operating Voltage Check that the instrument operating voltage marked on the rear panel is suitable for the local supply. Should it be necessary to change the operating voltage, proceed as follows: 1) Disconnect the instrument from all voltage sources. 2) Remove the screws which retain the top cover and lift off the cover.
  • Page 15 Fuse Ensure that the correct mains fuse is fitted for the set operating voltage. The correct mains fuse types are: Single channel for 230V operation: 250 mA (T) 250V HRC for 100V or 115V operation: 500 mA (T) 250V HRC 2 &...

  • Page 16: Connections

    Connections Front Panel Connections MAIN OUT (1 per channel) This is the 50Ω output from the channel’s main generator. It will provide up to 20V peak−to−peak e.m.f. which will yield 10V peak−to−peak into a matched 50Ω load. It can tolerate a short circuit for 60 seconds.

  • Page 17: Rear Panel Connections

    SUM IN This is the input socket for external signal summing. The channel(s) with which this signal is to be summed are selected on the SUM screen. Do not apply external voltages exceeding ±10V. MODULATION IN This is the input socket for external modulation. Any number of channels may be AM or SCM modulated with this signal;...
  • Page 18 RS232 9−pin D−connector compatible with addressable RS232 use. The pin connections are shown below: Name Description − No internal Connection Transmitted data from instrument Received data to instrument − No internal connection Signal ground − No internal connection RXD2 Secondary received data TXD2 Secondary transmitted data Signal ground...

  • Page 19: General

    General Initial Operation This section is a general introduction to the organisation of the instrument and is intended to be read before using the generator for the first time. Detailed operation is covered in later sections starting with Standard Waveform Operation. In this manual front panel keys and sockets are shown in capitals, e.g.
  • Page 20 • MODULATION, SUM, TRIG IN and SYNC OUT call screens from which the parameters of those input/outputs can be set, including whether the port is on or off. SWEEP similarly calls a screen from which all the sweep parameters an be set. •...

  • Page 21: Principles Of Operation

    Some screen items are marked with a double−headed arrow (a split diamond) when selected to indicate that the item’s setting can be changed by further presses of the soft−key, by pressing either cursor key or by using the rotary control. For example, pressing FILTER brings up the screen shown below.
  • Page 22 Clock Synthesis Mode In Clock Synthesis mode the addresses are always sequential (an increment of one) and the clock rate is adjusted by the user in the range 40MHz to 0·1Hz. The frequency of the waveform is clock frequency ÷ waveform length, thus allowing short waveforms to be played out at higher repetition rates than long waveforms, e.g.

  • Page 23: Standard Waveform Operation

    Standard Waveform Operation This sections deals with the use of the instrument as a standard function generator, i.e. generating sine, square, triangle, dc, ramp, haversine, cosine, havercosine and sinx/x waveforms. All but squarewave are generated by DDS which gives 7−digit frequency precision; squarewave is generated by Clock Synthesis which results in only 4−digit frequency resolution.
  • Page 24 Squarewave, generated by Clock Synthesis has 4−digit resolution for both frequency and period entry but the hardware is still programmed in terms of frequency and the same differences may occur in switching the display from period to frequency and back to period. Turning the rotary control will increment or decrement the numeric value in steps determined by the position of the edit cursor (flashing underline);...
  • Page 25 Turning the rotary control will increment or decrement the numeric value in steps determined by the position of the edit cursor (flashing underline); the cursor is moved by the left and right arrowed cursor keys. Because DC offset can have negative values, the rotary control can take the value below zero;...

  • Page 26: Warnings And Error Messages

    Warnings and Error Messages Two classes of message are displayed on the screen when an illegal combination of parameters is attempted. WARNING messages are shown when the entered setting causes some change which the user might not necessarily expect. Examples are: Changing the amplitude from, for example, 2·5 Volts pk−pk to 25mV pk−pk brings in the step attenuator;...

  • Page 27: Sync Output

    SYNC Output SYNC OUT is a multifunction CMOS/TTL level output that can be automatically or manually set to be any of the following: • waveform sync : A square wave with 50% duty cycle at the main waveform frequency, or a pulse coincident with the first few points of an arbitrary waveform.

  • Page 28: Sweep Operation

    Sweep Operation General Principles of Sweep Operation All standard and arbitrary waveforms can be swept with the exception of pulse, pulse−train and sequence. During Sweep all waveforms are generated in DDS mode because this offers the significant advantage of phase−continuous sweeps over a very wide frequency range (up to ).

  • Page 29: Setting Sweep Parameters

    Setting Sweep Parameters Pressing the SWEEP key (or the sweep setup soft−key on the MODE screen) displays the screen. SWEEP SETUP SWEEP SETUP: ◊range… type… ◊ ◊time… spacing… ◊ ◊manual… marker… ◊ Menus for setting up the range, time (sweep rate), type (continuous, triggered, etc.) spacing (lin/log) and marker position are all accessed from this screen using the appropriate soft−key.
  • Page 30 Sweep Type Pressing the type soft−key calls the SWEEP TYPE screen. SWEEP TYPE: continuous ◊direction: up ◊sync: on done ◊ This screen is used to set the sweep mode (continuous; triggered; triggered, hold and reset; manual) and sweep direction. Successive presses of the direction soft−key select one of the following sweep directions: start frequency to stop frequency.
  • Page 31 Manual Sweep Pressing the manual… soft−key on the SWEEP SETUP screen calls the MANUAL SWEEP FREQ screen. MANUAL SWEEP FREQ: 1·630 ◊step fast wrap ◊ ♦step slow done ◊ Before manual control can be used, manual must be selected on the SWEEP TYPE screen, see above;...
  • Page 32 The marker frequency can be changed with sweep on but since the table of frequency values is rebuilt with each change this can be a slow process, especially if the rotary control is used. It is faster to switch sweep off, change the marker and switch sweep back on again. Sweep Hold The sweep can be held/restarted at any time at/from its current frequency by alternate presses of the MAN HOLD key or remote command.

  • Page 33: Triggered Burst And Gate

    Triggered Burst and Gate General Triggered Burst and Gated modes are selected from the MODE screen, called by the MODE key, as alternatives to the default continuous mode. MODE: ♦continuous ◊gated setup…◊ ◊triggered setup…◊ In Triggered Burst mode a defined number of cycles are generated following each trigger event. This mode is edge triggered.

  • Page 34: Triggered Burst

    Adjacent Channel Trigger Output On multi−channel instruments the Trigger Out signal of an adjacent channel can be used as the control signal for a Triggered Burst. The channel numbering ‘wraps round’, i.e. channels 1 and 3 are obviously adjacent to channel 2 but so are channels 2 and 4 adjacent to channel 1. The source of the Trigger Out signal is selected by the source soft−key on the TRIGGER OUT screen called by the TRIG OUT key.
  • Page 35 Trigger Edge The slope soft−key is used to select the edge ( positive or negative ) of the external trigger signal that is used to initiate a burst. The default setting of positive should be used for triggering by the Internal Trigger Generator or an adjacent channel’s Trigger Out. Note that the trigger signal from SYNC OUT, used for synchronising the display of a triggered burst on an oscilloscope for example, is always positive−going at the start of the burst.

  • Page 36: Gated Mode

    Manual Initialisation of Inter−channel Triggering If a multi−channel instrument is set up such that all channels are triggered by an adjacent one it is possible to have a stable condition where all channels are waiting for a trigger and the sequence of triggered bursts never starts.

  • Page 37: Sync Out In Triggered Burst And Gated Mode

    The phase can be set with a precision of 0.1° but the actual resolution is limited with some waveforms and at certain waveform frequencies as detailed below. To indicate when this is the case the actual phase is shown in brackets as a non−editable field below the programmed value. To achieve start phase precision all waveforms are run in Clock Synthesis mode, i.e.

  • Page 38: Tone Mode

    Tone Mode General In Tone mode the output is stepped through a user−defined list of up to 16 frequencies under the control of the signal set by the source soft−key on the TRIGGER IN setup screen. This signal can be the Internal Trigger Generator, an external trigger input, the front panel MAN TRIG key or a remote command.
  • Page 39 The following diagrams demonstrate the differences between trigger, gate and FSK tone switching for a list of 2 frequencies switched by a square wave (positive slope specified on TRIGGER IN setup). The maximum recommended tone frequencies and trigger/gate switching frequencies for the three modes are as follows: GATE: Maximum tone frequency 50kHz;...

  • Page 40: Arbitrary Waveform Generation

    Arbitrary Waveform Generation Introduction Arbitrary (Arb) waveforms are generated by sequentially addressing the RAM containing the waveform data with the arbitrary clock. The frequency of the arb waveform is determined both by the arb clock and the total number of data points in the cycle. In this instrument an arb waveform can have up to 65536 horizontal points.
  • Page 41 • Arb waveforms are created and mostly edited in the non−volatile backup memory; up to 100 waveforms can be stored subject to the memory limitation of 256k. Any of these waveforms can be called into a channel’s memory by selecting them to run as an arb or as part of an arb sequence, up to the channel’s limit of 64k points.

  • Page 42: Creating New Waveforms

    Creating New Waveforms Pressing the CREATE key calls the CREATE NEW WAVEFORM screen. CREATE NEW WAVEFORM free memory: 258972 ◊create blank… ◊create from copy… Create Blank Waveform Pressing the create blank… soft−key calls the menu: ♦create: “wv00 ” ◊size: 01024 ◊cancel create ◊...

  • Page 43: Modifying Arbitrary Waveforms

    Modifying Arbitrary Waveforms Read the Arb Waveform Creation and Modification General Principles section for a summary of the general restrictions applying to waveform modification. Pressing the MODIFY front panel key, or the create soft−key on either of the CREATE NEW WAVEFORM menus calls the MODIFY screen.
  • Page 44 The new name can be entered below the original by selecting the appropriate character position with the cursor keys and then setting the character with the rotary control which scrolls through all the alphanumeric characters in sequence. The name can be up to 8 characters long. Return to the MODIFY screen by pressing rename (which implements the new name) or cancel.
  • Page 45 Edit Waveform Pressing the edit waveform… soft−key calls the EDIT FUNCTIONS menu: EDIT FUNCTIONS: ◊point edit… ◊line draw… ◊wave insert… From this menu can be selected functions which permit the waveform to be edited point−by−point (point edit), by drawing lines between two points (line draw) or by inserting all or part of an existing waveform into the waveform being edited (wave insert).
  • Page 46 Wave Insert places waveforms between programmable start and stop points. Both standard and arbitrary waveforms can be inserted in the new waveform, with the exception of pulse, pulse−train and sequence. A section of an arbitrary waveform can be inserted, as defined by the left−hand strt (start) and stop addresses, e.g.
  • Page 47 The data values over the specified section of the waveform can be multiplied by a factor of between 0·01 and 100·0 by making entries in the AMPLITUDE field. Press the appropriate soft−key and make entries direct from the keyboard or by using the rotary control; the amplitude changes on completion of the entry.

  • Page 48: Arbitrary Waveform Sequence

    Position Markers Pressing the position markers… soft−key calls the POSITION MARKER EDIT screen: POSITION MARKER EDIT <0> ◊ adrs: 00000 ◊patterns… ◊exit clear all ◊ Position markers are output from SYNC OUT when the source (src) is set to pos’n marker on the SYNC OUTPUT SETUP screen.
  • Page 49 Sequence Set−up Pressing the sequence setup… soft−key on the SEQUENCE screen (or the setup… soft−key next to sequence on the STANDARD WAVEFORMS screen) calls the sequence set up screen: ◊seg: 2 off ◊ ♦wfm wv03 ◊step on: count ◊cnt: 00001 done ◊...

  • Page 50: Frequency And Amplitude Control With Arbitrary Waveforms

    Frequency and Amplitude Control with Arbitrary Waveforms Frequency and Amplitude control work in essentially the same way as for standard waveforms with the following minor differences. Frequency Pressing the FREQuency key with an arbitrary waveform selected calls the ARBITRARY screen: FREQUENCY ARBITRARY FREQUENCY 40·00...

  • Page 51: Waveform Hold In Arbitrary Mode

    Waveform Hold in Arbitrary Mode Arbitrary waveforms can be paused and restarted on any channel by using the front panel MAN HOLD key or a signal applied to the rear panel HOLD IN socket. On multi−channel instruments the channels which are to be held by the MAN HOLD key or HOLD IN socket must first be enabled using the ARB HOLD INPUT screen, accessed by pressing the HOLD key.

  • Page 52: Pulse And Pulse-Trains

    Pulse and Pulse-trains Pulse and pulse−trains are both selected and set−up from independent menus on the STANDARD WAVEFORMS screen called by pressing the STD key. Pulse and pulse−trains have similar timing set−ups and considerations but pulses are only unipolar, with a maximum amplitude of 10Vpp, whereas pulse−trains can be bipolar, with a maximum peak−to−peak of 20Vpp.

  • Page 53: Pulse-Train Setup

    For periods above 1·25ms the maximum number of points in the waveform (50,000) becomes the factor determining pulse width and delay resolution. For example, with the period set to 100ms, the smallest pulse width and delay increment is 2µs (100ms÷ 50,000). This may appear to cause significant “errors”...
  • Page 54 Pressing calls the pulse train period screen: next Enter pulse train period: 100·0us ◊done next◊ The period can be set, with 4−digit resolution, from 100.00ns to 100s by direct keyboard entries or by using the rotary control. Pressing next calls the baseline voltage screen, the last of the general setup screens: Enter the baseline voltage: +0·000 V...

  • Page 55: Waveform Hold In Pulse And Pulse-Train Modes

    Pressing next calls the pulse delay screen for the first pulse: ◊Pulse 1 delay ♦program +0·000 ns (actual +0·000 ns) ◊done next◊ The pulse delay is entered in the same way as pulse width and, again, the actual delay is shown below the program delay for the same reasons.
  • Page 56 Each channel is selected in turn using the channel SETUP keys and set using the mode soft−key; the mode changes between disabled and enabled with alternate key presses. Pressing the front panel MAN HOLD key stops the waveform at the current level on all enabled channels;...

  • Page 57: Modulation

    Modulation Introduction Both internal and external modulation can be selected. External modulation can be applied to any or all channels. Internal modulation uses the previous channel as the modulation source, e.g. channel 2 can be used to modulate channel 3; internal modulation is not available on channel 1 or on a single channel instrument.

  • Page 58: Internal Modulation

    where the “range” breakpoints are because the use of DC Offset, for example, changes these points. Within each “range” the maximum output setting of the channel at which clipping is avoided is reduced from range maximum to half this value as modulation is increased by 0% to 100%; 100% modulation will be achieved at this mid−range setting with an external VCA signal of approximately 1Vpp.

  • Page 59: Sum

    Introduction Both internal and external Sum can be selected; summing can be used to add ‘noise’ to a waveform, for example, or to add two signals for DTMF (Dual Tone Multiple Frequency) testing. External Sum can be applied to any or all channels. Internal sum uses the previous channel as the modulation source, e.g.
  • Page 60 To facilitate the setting of appropriate Sum and amplitude levels the output amplitude of the selected channel can also be changed from the SUM set−up screen. Press the CHx soft−key and adjust the amplitude with direct keyboard entries or by using the rotary knob. External Sum cannot be used with internal modulation.

  • Page 61: Inter-Channel Synchronisation

    Inter-Channel Synchronisation Two or more channels can be synchronised together and precise phase differences can be set between the channels. Two generators can also be synchronised (see Synchronising Two Generators chapter) giving a maximum of 8 channels that can be operated in synchronisation. Restrictions apply to certain waveform and frequency combinations;...
  • Page 62 At any time, pressing the view soft−key gives a graphical view of the master−slave set−up, see below for an example. CH→ 1 2 3 4 - - - Υ indep Υ- - - master - ΥΥ- exit◊ slave Channel locking is turned on or off with the status soft−key. Any illegal setting combinations will result in an error message when an attempt is made to turn status on.
  • Page 63 The table below summarises the phase control and frequency range for different waveforms. Waveform Max Wfm Freq Phase Control Range & Resolution Sine, cosine, haversine, havercosine 10MHz ± 360°, 0.1° Square 16MHz ± 0° only Triangle 100kHz ± 360°, 0.1° Ramp 100kHz ±...

  • Page 64: Synchronising Two Generators

    Synchronising Two Generators Two generators can be synchronised together following the procedure outlined below. It is possible to link more than two generators in this way but results are not guaranteed. Synchronising Principles Frequency locking is achieved by using the clock output from the ‘master’ generator to drive the clock inputs of a slave.
  • Page 65 mode: indep ◊phase: +000.0° (actual: +000.0°) ◊status: off view◊ The phase of the slave generator is set by adjusting the phase of the master channel on the slave generator’s Inter−channel set−up screen exactly as described in the Phase−setting between Channels section of the inter−channel Synchronisation chapter. The phase(s) of slave channel(s) on the slave generator are set up with respect to the master in the way described in that same section.

  • Page 66: System Operations From The Utility Menu

    System Operations from the Utility Menu Pressing the UTILITY key calls a list of menus which give access to various system operations including storing/recalling set−ups from non−volatile memory, error messages, power on settings and calibration. Storing and Recalling Set-ups Complete waveform set−ups can be stored to or recalled from non−volatile RAM using the menus called by the store and recall soft−keys.
  • Page 67 Remote Interface Setup Pressing calls the REMOTE SETUP screen which permits RS232/GPIB choice remote… and selection of address and Baud rate. Full details are given in the Remote Operation section. Reference Clock In/Out Setting The function of the rear panel REF CLOCK IN/OUT socket is set on the REF. CLOCK I/O screen, called by pressing the soft−key.
  • Page 68 Power On Setting Pressing the power on… soft−key calls the POWER ON SETTING screen: POWER ON SETTING ◊default values ◊restore last setup recall store no. 1 The setting loaded can be selected with the appropriate soft−key to be default values (the default setting), restore last setup (i.e.

  • Page 69: Calibration

    Calibration All parameters can be calibrated without opening the case, i.e. the generator offers ‘closed−box’ calibration. All adjustments are made digitally with calibration constants stored in EEPROM. The calibration routine requires only a DVM and a frequency counter and takes no more than a few minutes.

  • Page 70: Calibration Routine

    When the correct password has been entered from the keyboard the display changes to the opening screen of the calibration routine and calibration can proceed as described in the Calibration Routine section. If an incorrect password is entered the message INCORRECT PASSWORD! is shown for two seconds before the display reverts to the UTILITY menu.

  • Page 71: Remote Calibration

    CAL 24 CH2. 40dB attenuator Adjust for 0·1V ± ·1mV. CAL 25 CH2. 10dB attenuator Adjust for 2·236V AC ± 10mV. CAL 26 CH2. Sum offset. Adjust for 0V ± 5mV. CAL 27 Adjust for 5V ± 5mV. CH2. SCM level at full−scale. CAL 28 Adjust for 10V ±...
  • Page 72 CALIBRATION <cpd> [,nrf] The calibration control command. <cpd> can be one of three sub−commands:− START Enter calibration mode; this command must be issued before any other calibration commands will be recognised. SAVE Finish calibration, save the new values and exit calibration mode. ABORT Finish calibration, do not save the new values and exit calibration mode.

  • Page 73: Remote Operation

    Remote Operation The instrument can be remotely controlled via its RS232 or GPIB interfaces. When using RS232 it can either be the only instrument connected to the controller or it can be part of an addressable RS232 system which permits up to 32 instruments to be addressed from one RS232 port. Some of the following sections are general and apply to all 3 modes (single instrument RS232, addressable RS232 and GPIB);...
  • Page 74 RS232 Interface RS232 Interface Connector The 9−way D−type serial interface connector is located on the instrument rear panel. The pin connections are as shown below: Name Description − No internal connection Transmitted data from instrument Received data to instrument − No internal connection Signal ground −...
  • Page 75 All instruments on the interface must be set to the same baud rate and all must be powered on, otherwise instruments further down the daisy chain will not receive any data or commands. The other parameters are fixed as follows: Start Bits: 1 Parity: None Data Bits: 8...
  • Page 76 Because of the asynchronous nature of the interface it is necessary for the controller to be informed that an instrument has accepted the listen address sequence and is ready to receive commands. The controller will therefore wait for Acknowledge code, 06H, before sending any commands, The addressed instrument will provide this Acknowledge.
  • Page 77 GPIB Interface The 24−way GPIB connector is located on the instrument rear panel. The pin connections are as specified in IEEE Std. 488.1−1987 and the instrument complies with IEEE Std. 488.1−1987 and IEEE Std. 488.2−1987. GPIB Subsets This instrument contains the following IEEE 488.1 subsets: Source Handshake Acceptor Handshake Talker...
  • Page 78 bit 7 = don't care bit 6 = bit 5 = Parallel poll enable bit 4 = bit 3 = Sense sense of the response bit; 0 = low, 1 = high bit 2 = bit 1 = bit position of the response bit 0 = Example.
  • Page 79 Status Byte Register and Service Request Enable Register These two registers are implemented as required by the IEEE std. 488.2. Any bits set in the Status Byte Register which correspond to bits set in the Service Request Enable Register will cause the RQS/MSS bit to be set in the Status Byte Register, thus generating a Service Request on the bus.

  • Page 80: Power On Settings

    Power on Settings The following instrument status values are set at power on: Status Byte Register Service Request Enable Register  Standard Event Status Register = 128 (pon bit set) Standard Event Status Enable Register  Execution Error Register Query Error Register Parallel Poll Enable Register ...

  • Page 81: Remote Commands

    Remote Commands RS232 Remote Command Formats Serial input to the instrument is buffered in a 256 byte input queue which is filled, under interrupt, in a manner transparent to all other instrument operations. The instrument will send XOFF when approximately 200 characters are in the queue. XON will be sent when approximately 100 free spaces become available in the queue after XOFF was sent.

  • Page 82: Channel Selection

    Each query produces a specific which is listed along with the command in <RESPONSE MESSAGE> the remote commands list. is ignored except in command identifiers. e.g. '*C LS' is not equivalent to '*CLS'. <WHITE SPACE> is defined as character codes 00H to 20H inclusive with the exception of the NL <WHITE SPACE>...

  • Page 83: Amplitude And Dc Offset

    Amplitude and DC Offset AMPL <nrf> Set the amplitude to <nrf> in the units as specified by the AMPUNIT command. AMPUNIT <cpd> Set the amplitude units to <VPP>, <VRMS> or <DBM>. ZLOAD <cpd> Set the output load, which the generator is to assume for amplitude and dc offset entries, to <50>...

  • Page 84: Arbitrary Waveform Editing

    ARBDEFCSV Define a new or existing arbitrary waveform with name <cpd> <cpd>,<nrf>,<csv ascii data> and length <nrf> and load with the data in <csv ascii data>. If the arbitrary waveform does not exist it will be created. If it does exist the length will be checked against that specified and a warning will be issued if they are different.
  • Page 85 ARBDATA Load data to an existing arbitrary waveform. <cpd> must be the <cpd>,<bin data block> name of an existing arbitrary waveform. The data consists of two bytes per point with no characters between bytes or points. The point data is sent high byte first. The data block has a header which consists of the # character followed by several ascii coded numeric characters.

  • Page 86: Waveform Sequence Control

    ARBINVERT <cpd>,<nrf1>,<nrf2> Invert arbitrary waveform <cpd> between start address <nrf1> and stop address <nrf2>. ARBLEN? <cpd> Returns the length, in points, of the arbitrary waveform <cpd>. If the waveform does not exist the return value will be 0. POSNMKRCLR <cpd> Clear all position markers from arbitrary waveform <cpd>.

  • Page 87: Input/Output Control

    Input/Output control OUTPUT <cpd> Set the main output <ON>, <OFF>, <NORMAL> or <INVERT>. SYNCOUT <cpd> Set the sync output <ON>, <OFF>, <AUTO>, <WFMSYNC>, <POSNMKR>, <BSTDONE>, <SEQSYNC>, <TRIGGER>, <SWPTRG> or <PHASLOC>. TRIGOUT <cpd> Set the trig output to <AUTO>, <WFMEND>, <POSNMKR>, <SEQSYNC>...

  • Page 88: Status Commands

    Status Commands ∗ Clear status. Clears the Standard Event Status Register, Query Error Register and Execution Error Register. This indirectly clears the Status Byte Register. ∗ Set the Standard Event Status Enable Register to the value of ESE <nrf> <nrf>. ∗...

  • Page 89: Miscellaneous Commands

    Miscellaneous Commands ∗ Returns the complete set up of the instrument as a hexadecimal LRN? character data block. To re−install the set up the block should be returned to the instrument exactly as it is received. The syntax of the response is LRN <Character data><rmt>. The settings in the instrument are not affected by execution of the ∗LRN? command.

  • Page 90: Remote Command Summary

    Remote Command Summary ∗ Clear status. ∗ Set the Standard Event Status Enable Register to the value of ESE <nrf> <nrf>. ∗ Returns the value in the Standard Event Status Enable Register in ESE? <nr1> numeric format. ∗ Returns the value in the Standard Event Status Register in <nr1> ESR? numeric format.
  • Page 91 ARBDATA? <cpd> Returns the data from an existing arbitrary waveform. ARBDATACSV Load data to an existing arbitrary waveform. <cpd>,<csv ascii data> ARBDATACSV? <cpd> Returns the data from an existing arbitrary waveform. ARBDEF Define a new or existing arbitrary waveform with name <cpd> and <cpd>,<nrf>,<bin data block>...
  • Page 92 LOCAL Returns the instrument to local operation and unlocks the keyboard. Will not function if LLO is in force. ∗ LRN <character data> Install data for a previous LRN? command. MOD <cpd> Set the modulation source to <OFF>, <EXT> or <PREV>. MODE <cpd>...
  • Page 93 SWPSTARTFRQ <nrf> Set the sweep start frequency to <nrf> Hz. SWPSTOPFRQ <nrf> Set the sweep stop frequency to <nrf> Hz. SWPSYNC <cpd> Set the sweep sync <ON> or <OFF>. SWPTIME <nrf> Set the sweep time to <nrf> sec. SWPTYPE <cpd> Set ten sweep type to <CONT>, <TRIG>, <THLDRST>...

  • Page 94: Maintenance

    Maintenance The Manufacturers or their agents overseas will provide a repair service for any unit developing a fault. Where owners wish to undertake their own maintenance work, this should only be done by skilled personnel in conjunction with the service manual which may be purchased directly from the Manufacturers or their agents overseas.

  • Page 95: Appendix 1. Warning And Error Messages

    Appendix 1. Warning and Error Messages Warning messages are given when a setting may not give the expected result, e.g. DC Offset attenuated by the output attenuator when a small amplitude is set; the setting is, however, implemented. Error messages are given when an illegal setting is attempted; the previous setting is retained. The last two warning/error messages can be reviewed by selecting LAST ERROR from the UTILITY screen, the latest is reported first.
  • Page 96 Wave amplitude error must be in the range 0 <= n <= 100 Block dest error: must be in the range 0 <= n <= wfm len−4 Sequence count value exceeds the maximum of 32768 Sequence count value cannot be less than 1 Trigger generator maximum period is 200s Trigger generator minimum period is 10us Burst count value exceeds the maximum of 1048575...
  • Page 97 Remote Warnings Length is different to that in the ARBDEF(CSV) command Remote Errors Waveform limit value out of range Illegal store number requested Byte value outside the range 0 to 255 Specified arb name does not exist Command illegal in sweep or tone mode Cannot set waveform frequency or period for a sequence Cannot set sample frequency or period for std waveforms dBm output units assume a 50 Ohm termination...

  • Page 98: Appendix 2. Sync Out Automatic Settings

    Appendix 2. SYNC OUT Automatic Settings The following automatic source (src) settings are made when auto mode is selected on the SYNC OUTPUT SETUP screen. Waveform Position Burst Sequence Sweep Phase MODE WAVEFORM Sync Marker Done Sync Trigger Trigger Lock Standard ...

  • Page 99: Appendix 3. Factory System Defaults

    Appendix 3. Factory System Defaults The factory system defaults are listed in full below. They can be recalled by pressing RECALL or by the remote command ∗RST. All channels will be receive the followed by set defaults same setup. All channels default to the same settings. Main Parameters Std.

  • Page 100: Appendix 4 : Waveform Manager Plus Arbitrary Waveform Creation And Management Software

    Appendix 4 : Waveform Manager Plus Arbitrary Waveform Creation and Management Software The Thurlby Thandar Waveform Manager Plus program allows construction, editing, exchange, translation and storage of many types of waveform data. It is compatible with many popular DSOs and all TTi waveform generation products. Waveforms may be generated by equation entry, freehand drawing, combining existing waveforms or any combinations of these methods.

  • Page 101: Block Diagrams

    Block Diagrams...

  • Page 102: Front Panel Diagrams

    Front Panel Diagrams...
  • Page 103 Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd. Glebe Road • Huntingdon • Cambridgeshire • PE29 7DR • England (United Kingdom) Telephone: +44 (0)1480 412451 • Fax: +44 (0)1480 450409 International web site: www.aimtti.com • UK web site: www.aimtti.co.uk Email: info@aimtti.com   Aim Instruments and Thurlby Thandar Instruments...

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