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Audio Precision ATS-2 Getting Started

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Getting Started with Your ATS-2

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Summary of Contents for Audio Precision ATS-2

  • Page 1 ATS-2 Getting Started with Your ATS-2...
  • Page 3 Getting Started with ATS-2 An Introductory Guide to ATS-2 APIB and GPIB Configurations...
  • Page 4 Audio Precision®, System One®, System Two™, System Two Cascade™, System One + DSP™, System Two + DSP™, Dual Domain®, FASTTEST®, APWIN™, ATS™ and ATS-2™ are trademarks of Audio Precision, Inc. Windows® is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Published by: 5750 SW Arctic Drive...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    General Information ......1 ATS-2: An Overview......1 ATS-2 Capabilities.
  • Page 6 Hardware Overview......15 ATS-2 Front Panel ......15 ATS-2 Rear Panel.
  • Page 7 GPIB Connection ......61 ATS-2 GPIB Address and I/O Mode Switch ... 63 GPIB Status LEDs .
  • Page 8 Getting Started with ATS-2...

  • Page 9: Safety Information

    “CAT II” on the instrument front panel. Do NOT substitute parts or make any modifications without the written approval of Audio Precision. Doing so may create safety hazards. This product is for indoor use—pollution degree 2. Getting Started with ATS-2...

  • Page 10: Safety Symbols

    Disclaimer Audio Precision cautions against using their products in a manner not specified by the manufacturer. To do otherwise may void any warranties, damage equipment, or pose a safety risk to personnel.

  • Page 11: Chapter 1 General Information

    Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP . With the exception of the mains power switch on the rear panel, there are no knobs, dials, controls, readouts, meters or switches on the ATS-2 chassis. All of these functions are performed via the ATS software on the controlling PC.

  • Page 12: Ats-2 Capabilities

    ATS-2 can examine an AES/EBU digital interface signal and assure the integrity of digitally transmitted data. It can also measure and examine the jitter in the waveform. ATS-2 can extract a variety of statistics from a digital waveform, including the sample rate, the interface waveform voltage, the jitter amplitude, and the active and inactive data bits.

  • Page 13: Conceptual Architecture Of Ats-2

    Conceptual Architecture of ATS-2 Chapter 1: General Information Conceptual Architecture of ATS-2 The functional components implemented in ATS-2 include two audio signal generators, an audio signal analyzer, digital and analog input and output modules, and a module for external timebase synchronization.

  • Page 14: About This Manual

    About This Manual You’re reading Getting Started with ATS-2. This manual describes how to set up the ATS-2 hardware and ATS software. It also contains a quick tutorial to familiarize you with the system. It is organized as follows: §...

  • Page 15: Ap Basic User's Guide And Language Reference

    Language Reference contains a list of the AP Basic commands, each with a full description and examples of usage. AP Basic Extensions Reference for ATS-2 The AP Basic Extensions Reference for ATS-2 contains a list of OLE/ActiveX automation commands that control the specific features of the ATS-2 hardware and the ATS software.
  • Page 16 Chapter 1: General Information Other Documentation for ATS-2 Getting Started with ATS-2...

  • Page 17: Installation And Setup For Apib

    We recommend that you retain the shipping box and packing materials to protect your instrument if you need to ship it in the future. The ATS-2 APIB interface card is available for PCI and PCMCIA slots. Refer to Page 13 for detailed installation information.

  • Page 18: Getting Up And Running

    Installing the ATS software on a personal computer (PC); § Configuring ATS-2 for the local power supply; and § Installing the APIB card in the PC and connecting it to ATS-2. These tasks are described below. Installing ATS Software on a PC PC System Requirements ATS-2 needs to be connected to an IBM-compatible PC to operate.

  • Page 19: Setting Up The Ats-2 Hardware

    You MUST be sure that the ATS-2 mains power configuration is correct for the electrical mains power supplied in your area. If you are not sure, do not plug ATS-2 in to the mains power. Follow the instructions below to check or change the ATS-2 mains supply voltage selection.

  • Page 20: Checking The Mains Supply Voltage Configuration

    Chapter 2: Installation and Setup for APIB Setting Up the ATS-2 Hardware confirm that the input voltage selection and fusing arrangement in the power entry module are correct for your mains power supply. Checking the Mains Supply Voltage Configuration The voltage indicator pin protrudes through one of the four labeled holes in the module cover to indicate the selected input voltage, as shown in Figure 2.
  • Page 21 Setting Up the ATS-2 Hardware Chapter 2: Installation and Setup for APIB Figure 4. Changing the mains power supply voltage. § The voltage selector card is a small circuit board fitted with a white plastic indicator pin, installed in a housing on the right side of the Power Entry Module as shown in Figure 4.

  • Page 22: Fuse Information

    Chapter 2: Installation and Setup for APIB Setting Up the ATS-2 Hardware Once you have verified that the line voltage selection is correct, connect the power cord from a mains power outlet to the power cord connector on the instrument rear panel.

  • Page 23: Connecting Ats-2 To Your Pc

    Connecting ATS-2 to Your PC Chapter 2: Installation and Setup for APIB Connecting ATS-2 to Your PC Before connecting ATS-2 to your PC, install the ATS software. See page 8 for details. The ATS software communicates with the ATS-2 chassis through the Audio Precision Interface Bus (APIB).

  • Page 24: Using The Pcm-Win Pcmcia Interface Card

    To use the PCMCIA card, you must have a working PCMCIA interface already installed in your computer. If you do not have a PCMCIA interface, Audio Precision offers two adapters: one for an ISA slot, and one for a PCI slot. Please contact Audio Precision Technical Support for details, or visit the Audio Precision Web site.

  • Page 25: Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

    All signal generation and analysis is performed in the ATS-2 hardware, including storage of signals acquired for DSP waveform display or FFT analysis. ATS-2 Front Panel The ATS-2 front panel, shown in Figure 9, includes the digital and analog inputs and outputs and a power indicator. Digital Output Digital Input...

  • Page 26: Ats-2 Rear Panel

    The XLR balanced and the BNC unbalanced connectors (both “A” and “B” channels) are connected to the ATS-2 analyzer inputs. See Chapter 4 of the ATS-2 User’s Manual for more information about the ATS-2 inputs and outputs and the panels associated with them.
  • Page 27 § SERIAL NUMBER/OPTIONS LABEL—The Audio Precision serial number for this ATS-2 chassis, and the hardware options (if any) included in the chassis. § MONITOR JACK—This is a 3.5 mm jack suitable for driving stereo headphones or other audio monitors.
  • Page 28 Chapter 3: Hardware Overview ATS-2 Rear Panel Getting Started with ATS-2...

  • Page 29: Chapter 4 Ats-2 User Interface

    Chapter 4 ATS-2 User Interface Overview ATS-2 is controlled by the ATS software running on the controller PC via the Audio Precision Interface Bus (APIB). The hardware is configured through settings in fields on software panels, and readings (measurements) are taken from meters on other panels. It is also possible to change settings and collect readings programmatically using the AP Basic language.

  • Page 30: Starting Up The Ats Software

    Chapter 4: ATS-2 User Interface Starting up the ATS Software ‘choose Utilities > Restore’ means that you select the Utilities pull-down menu, then click on the Restore item. Starting up the ATS Software As part of the ATS installation process, an ‘ATS’ icon is placed on the desktop of your PC.

  • Page 31: Ats Panels

    ATS Panels Interaction with ATS-2 is performed through control and measurement windows called panels. These duplicate the function of physical control panels found on conventional test and measurement equipment. The panels are available through menu commands, toolbar icons, and keyboard shortcuts.

  • Page 32: Panel Settings

    Bar-Graph panels and the Volume Bar. Sliders can be operated by the mouse pointer or the arrow keys. Panel Readings Results of tests or measurements are called readings, which ATS-2 can display in several ways: § Reading fields, sometimes called meters. Reading fields come in two variations, with and without a drop-down list to select units.

  • Page 33: Ats Menus

    The Sweep menu controls operation of the sweep. The sweep is the fundamental method used to collect measurements in ATS. For more information, see Chapter 5 of this manual, and Chapter 15 of the ATS-2 User’s Manual. Getting Started with ATS-2...

  • Page 34: Compute Menu

    The Macro menu allows you to access the editing and debugging functions for AP Basic macros. AP Basic is the programming language supplied with ATS, and macros can be written to control all aspects of ATS-2 functionality. See Chapter 23 of the ATS-2 User’s Manual for details. Utilities Menu The Utilities menu allows you to initialize and configure the hardware, and manipulate the system log file.

  • Page 35: Toolbars And Buttons

    Buttons on the toolbars control ATS functions. A ToolTip describing the button’s function appears when the mouse is held over a button for a short time. See Chapter 2 of the ATS-2 User’s Manual for more information. Standard Toolbar The Standard toolbar gives you quick access to ATS file, printer and editing operations, as well as Sweep Stop/Start and Sweep Spectrum/Waveform switching.

  • Page 36: Learn Mode Toolbar

    The Learn Mode toolbar gives you the ability to turn Learn Mode on and off. Learn Mode logs your ATS operations as you perform them, building a macro for automation purposes. See Chapter 23 of the ATS-2 User’s Manual for more information on Learn Mode.

  • Page 37: Macro Files

    Using Files with ATS Chapter 4: ATS-2 User Interface Sample tests are included with ATS-2, and you can use them as starting points for your own custom tests. Macro Files A macro file is a programming script which automates program functions.

  • Page 38: Log File

    Chapter 25 of the ATS-2 User’s Manual. Downloadable Filter Files ATS-2 can make use of custom filters designed and downloaded by the user. Downloadable filters are defined in text files whose format is described in Appendix D of the ATS-2 User’s Manual.

  • Page 39: Chapter 5 Quick Guides

    Introduction The Quick Guides in this chapter provide a way to get used to the ATS user interface, and to get some immediate results from ATS-2. As you become more familiar with the system, please refer to the ATS-2 User’s Manual for further information.

  • Page 40: Analyzer Panel

    OUTPUTS “OFF” button near the center of the panel. The button will turn green, and you will hear relays click in the ATS-2 hardware. The peak meters in the analog input panel will show approximately 1.414 Vpp. The peak meters indicate the presence of signal at the analog inputs.

  • Page 41: Signal Monitor

    Signal Monitor ATS-2 has an internal mono speaker to monitor both analog and digital input signals. In addition, the signal at the speaker is available (also in mono) at the headphone jack on the back of the instrument. When a headphone plug is inserted into the jack, the internal speaker is disconnected.

  • Page 42: Units

    As an example, if the amplitude is set to 1 Vrms, the drop-down list includes conversions such as 1.414 Vp and 2.220 dBu. If you click on the line displaying the amplitude in Vp, the setting changes to 1.414 Vp. The Getting Started with ATS-2...

  • Page 43: Quick Guide To Sweeps

    Appendix A of the ATS-2 User’s Manual for more information. Quick Guide to Sweeps Most device testing with ATS-2 is performed with sweeps. In a sweep, a setting is stepped over a pre-defined range, while selected readings are gathered. The result is a table of data relating the readings to each value of the setting.

  • Page 44: Sweep Fundamentals

    ‘Level A’ reading, the level on channel A will be recorded during the sweep. This is shown in the Data 1 field as ‘Analyzer.Level A’. The Stereo Sweep checkbox near the bottom of the Sweep panel automatically ensures that readings from both channels are gathered Getting Started with ATS-2...

  • Page 45: Source Range, Steps, And Spacing

    The units of the y-axis are the same as the units in the Top and Bottom fields. If you change the units of the Top or Bottom field, the units in the other field will also change. See the Units section on page 32 for more information on units. Getting Started with ATS-2...

  • Page 46: Example Sweep: Frequency Response

    Example Sweep: Frequency Response For this example, we will measure the frequency response flatness of the ATS-2 itself. We connect the analog output to the analog input, sweep the frequency of the analog generator over the audio range, and plot the level measured by the analyzer against frequency.

  • Page 47: Example Sweep: Amplitude Linearity

    Example Sweep: Amplitude Linearity For this example, we will measure the amplitude linearity of the ATS-2. With the analog output connected to the analog input, we sweep the amplitude of the analog generator over its full range, and plot the ratio of the level measured by the analyzer to the generator output level, in dB.

  • Page 48: Quick Guide To The Fft Spectrum Analyzer

    Acquiring Data’. Once the acquisition is complete, the spectrum analyzer processes the data. This is indicated as ‘DSP Transforming Data’ on the Status bar. Once processing is complete, ATS fetches a batch of readings from the spectrum analyzer. At that point, the data is graphed. Getting Started with ATS-2...

  • Page 49: The Fft Concept

    For more information, see Appendix C of the ATS-2 User’s Manual. Setting up an FFT After a New Test, ATS defaults to the audio analyzer. To switch to the spectrum analyzer, click the down arrow next to the Instrument field at the top of the Analyzer panel.

  • Page 50: Panel Fields

    Below the peak meters is an array of fields for configuring the analyzer. Here, we will use the default settings. For more details on the settings, see Chapter 11 of the ATS-2 User’s Manual. Time vs. Frequency As mentioned, the FFT spectrum analyzer can display audio signals in the time domain and the frequency domain.

  • Page 51: Fine-Tuning The Display

    There are smaller peaks spaced at 1 kHz intervals above the fundamental. These are harmonic distortion components generated in the ATS-2 hardware. These harmonics rise out of a wideband system noise floor. To look at the audio signal in the time domain, click the Sweep Spectrum/Waveform button again.

  • Page 52: Saving And Loading Tests

    The data from the test is available and can be further processed. It can also be re-graphed automatically when the test is loaded. See Chapter 25 of the ATS-2 User’s Manual for more details. To save the current workspace, choose File > Save > Test, or click the Save Test button in the Standard toolbar.

  • Page 53: Chapter 6 Specifications

    Burst On Time 1 to number of interval cycles minus 1 Significant alias products may appear for frequency settings above 53.5 kHz. System specification including contributions from both generator and analyzer, 20 kHz NP0020.0002.002 measurement bandwidth. Getting Started with ATS-2...
  • Page 54 Analog Signal Generator Outputs Analog Output Characteristics Source Configurations Balanced (XLR), Unbalanced (XLR and BNC), or Common Mode Test (XLR) System specification with 60 Hz/7 kHz or 250 Hz/8 kHz test signal combinations and Vin ³ 200 mV. Getting Started with ATS-2...
  • Page 55 Burst signal envelope is rectangular, Shaped Burst envelope is raised cosine. Burst Interval 2 to 65536 cycles (max number of cycles may be limited at low frequencies) Burst On Time 1 to number of interval cycles minus 1 Getting Started with ATS-2...
  • Page 56 Maximum Number of Tones (Length / 2) minus 1 [8191 with Length = 16384] Dither Applies to all waveform except Monotonicity, J-Test, Walking Ones, Walking Zeros, Random Types None, Triangular, Rectangular, or Shaped Amplitude 8 to 24 bit Getting Started with ATS-2...
  • Page 57 20 Hz to 200 kHz, <0.1 Hz resolution Amplitude Range 0.05 to 0.1275 UI in 0.0005 UI steps 0.130 to 1.275 UI in 0.005 UI steps 1.30 to 12.75 UI in 0.05 UI steps Accuracy (500 Hz) ±(10% + 2 ns) Getting Started with ATS-2...
  • Page 58 ³ 1.0 Vpp (XLR) or ³ 250 mVpp (BNC); and (3) the analyzer is set for 700 Hz–100 kHz bandwidth. 1 kHz ref. Flatness derates above 5 kHz by an additional ±0.02 dB in the 22.4 V, 45 V, 90 V, and 200 V input ranges. Getting Started with ATS-2...
  • Page 59 15 kHz (6-pole elliptic, 0.1 dB ripple, 110 dB stopband) User defined (6-pole max) Both analyzer input channels must have same coupling (ac or dc) selection. Analog accuracy is valid for any input signal amplitude ratio up to ±30 dB. Getting Started with ATS-2...
  • Page 60 Acquisition Length 800 to 256 k samples in 11 steps Transform Length 256 to 32768 samples in binary steps System specification with 60 Hz/7 kHz or 250 Hz/8 kHz test signal combinations and Vin ³ 200 mV. Getting Started with ATS-2...
  • Page 61 SR / Length [2.0 Hz with SR = 65.536 kS/s and Length = 32768] Both analyzer input channels must have same coupling (ac or dc) selection. Analog accuracy is valid for any input signal amplitude ratio up to ±30 dB. Getting Started with ATS-2...
  • Page 62 ±0.0001% [±1 PPM] Input Voltage Balanced (XLR) 200 mV to 5.10 Vpp, ±(10% + 50 mV) Unbalanced (BNC) 100 mV to 1.275 Vpp, ±(10% + 12 mV) CMRR performance below 50 Hz degrades substantially with AC coupling. Getting Started with ATS-2...
  • Page 63 System specification valid only if (1) the jitter generator amplitude is turned off; (2) the digital input is ³ 1.0 Vpp (XLR) or ³ 250 mVpp (BNC); and (3) the analyzer is set for 700 Hz–100 kHz bandwidth. Getting Started with ATS-2...
  • Page 64 Channel B Sync/Ref Receive Sub-Frame Sync/Ref Receive Block Sync/Ref Receive Error General/Environmental Power Requirements 100/120/230/240 Vac (–10% +6%), 50–60 Hz, 75 VA max Temperature Range Operating +5°C to +45°C Storage –40°C to +75°C Humidity 90% RH to +40°C (non-condensing) Getting Started with ATS-2...
  • Page 65 UL Std No 3111-1, Equipment for Measurement Use; Part I: General Requirements Emission and immunity levels are influenced by the shielding performance of the connecting cables. EMC compliance was demonstrated using Audio Precision part numbers CAB-XMF and CAB-AES2. Getting Started with ATS-2...
  • Page 66 Chapter 6: Specifications Getting Started with ATS-2...

  • Page 67: Chapter 7 Gpib Configuration

    General Purpose Interface Bus or GPIB, to ATS-2. Hardware for GPIB consists of a circuit board mounted on a connector panel assembly that is fitted in the reserved space on the ATS-2 rear panel, as shown below.

  • Page 68: The Gpib Software Development Process

    You can use AP Basic and the Learn Mode button on the tool bar to develop AP Basic macros that perform the tests you wish to develop for GPIB. As you learn how ATS-2 best operates under ATS control, the tasks involved in developing equivalent code for the GPIB port will be greatly simplified.
  • Page 69 System Figure 21. Recommended GPIB software development process using ATS software. While developing tests in ATS, refer to the ATS-2 GPIB Programmer’s Reference Manual for the equivalent GPIB commands. It contains detailed information on every GPIB command for ATS-2, along with general programming information, code examples and reference material.

  • Page 70: Using Both Gpib And Apib For Software Development

    “0”). An LED will light to indicate that GPIB is selected. When the GPIB port is in control, the APIB port on ATS-2 must be disconnected from the APIB interface card in the computer. Getting Started with ATS-2...

  • Page 71: Establishing Gpib Communication

    Audio Precision APIB instruments and accessories such as the DCX-127 and the SWR-2122 family of switchers. Figure 25 illustrates how to connect these devices to the ATS-2 when the GPIB port is the control port; Figure 26 illustrates how to connect an APIB controller to this system when the GPIB port is disabled.
  • Page 72 Chapter 7: GPIB Configuration The GPIB Software Development Process Figure 25. APIB connections to ATS-2 with GPIB option in GPIB control mode. SWR-2122 Switcher and DCX-127 connected to the APIB connector of the ATS-2. The computer APIB cable is not connected.

  • Page 73: Ats-2 Gpib Address And I/O Mode Switch

    At least two-thirds of the devices on the bus must be powered up for proper system operation. ATS-2 GPIB Address and I/O Mode Switch Like all instruments on the bus, ATS-2 must be set to a unique GPIB address. An address select switch bank with six slide switches sets the GPIB address and the I/O Mode.
  • Page 74 Set the switch to 1 (up) to set the control mode to APIB. The APIB mode disables the GPIB interface (the pins are all set to the high-impedance state) and enables APIB to control the ATS-2. Getting Started with ATS-2...

  • Page 75: Gpib Status Leds

    SH1, AH1, T6, TE0, L4, LE0, SR1, GPIB RL1, PP0, DC1, DT1, C0, E2 ADDRESS Figure 28. ATS-2 GPIB Option panel: Address Switch, Status LEDs and GPIB port. GPIB Status LEDs The six GPIB Status LEDs shown in Figure 28 indicate the current status of the GPIB bus.
  • Page 76 EOI line asserted with the last byte of a message. The NL character alone without EOI is not supported. When the instrument is addressed as a talker, one PMT is supported: § EOI line asserted with the NL character (ASCII 10, the linefeed character). Getting Started with ATS-2...

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