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Zmetrix ST Series User Manual

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ST-SERIES TDR USER GUIDE
This manual can be used with all ST-series TDR s
running ZScan V 4.8.3
Zmetrix Inc
1195 Spring Creek Pl., Suite B, Springville, UT 84663
801-489-8708 http://www.zmetrix.com
ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx
www.zmetrix.com
Page 1 of 53

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  • Page 1 ST-SERIES TDR USER GUIDE This manual can be used with all ST-series TDR s running ZScan V 4.8.3 Zmetrix Inc 1195 Spring Creek Pl., Suite B, Springville, UT 84663 801-489-8708 http://www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 1 of 53...
  • Page 2 Copyright © Copyright by Zmetrix, Inc. This manual and the hardware described in it are copyrighted, with all rights reserved. The manual may not be copied in whole or in part for any use without prior written consent of Zmetrix.
  • Page 3 During test operation, the LED above the channel in use is illuminated. The Zmetrix ZScan Software is designed for use within the Microsoft Windows environment. Windows XP through Windows 10 is assumed, running on an IBM-PC compatible computer with USB 2.0 ports. The ST- series is controlled by keyboard and mouse.

  • Page 4: Inputs And Outputs

    Controls and Connectors SMA Connectors The front panel SMA connectors should be connected to Zmetrix Micro strip probes using Zmetrix cables. CAUTION: Tighten with care. Use a torque wrench set to 5 lbf inches. It is nearly impossible to get the SMA connectors tight enough with the fingers. Connectors that are not tight combined with the stiffness of the test cables can create erratic readings.
  • Page 5 Controls and Connectors SMA Connectors The front panel SMA connectors should be connected to Zmetrix Micro strip probes using Zmetrix cables. CAUTION: Tighten with care. Use a torque wrench set to 5 lbf inches. It is nearly impossible to get the SMA connectors tight enough with the fingers. Connectors that are not tight combined with the stiffness of the test cables can create erratic readings.

  • Page 6: Anti-Static Wrist Strap

    The wrist strap can be plugged into any anti-static mat that you might be using. Also, even if not strictly necessary it is always a good habit to prepare a proper environment for the instrument. The following picture describes clearly a perfect working environment. Page 6 of 53 www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docxdocx...
  • Page 7 Please do not attempt to repair the probe, it is a consumable! Measurements made with repaired or modified probes will not be guaranteed by Zmetrix. Impedance measurements are polarity sensitive. The ground pin is the pin soldered to the copper side.

  • Page 8: Installation And Setup

    2.2 Controls and Connectors SMA Connectors The front panel SMA connectors should be connected to Zmetrix cables only. The connectors should be tightened with the supplied torque wrench. It is nearly impossible to get the SMA connectors tight enough with the fingers. Connectors that are not tight combined with the stiffness of the test cables can create erratic readings.
  • Page 9 The ST-series does not have a socket to accommodate a wrist strap. Connect the supplied wrist strap to your anti-static test surface if you employ one. Power Connect the ST-series to the A/C power line using the included cable. ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 9 of 53...
  • Page 10 Go to Windows Device Manager and locate the Zmetrix hardware (it will be under USB devices). Click on update drivers and direct the system to look for the drivers in C:/program files (x86)/Zmetrix Inc/Zscan.
  • Page 11 The cursors can also be used to measure propagation times. The cursor colors are selected in the Color Set utility. Report Preferences This table will allow you to set the look and contents of your report files. ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 11 of 53...
  • Page 12 If you will experience problems with the instrument and call Zmetrix for assistance, this is the file Zmetrix customer service wants to see. With this file we can determine the health of the system (calibration, static damage, etc.) within minutes.
  • Page 13 Every value stored in this Default Test Def window will be prompted as default value at the opening of the TEST PROGRAMMING WINDOW. ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 13 of 53...

  • Page 14: Tool Bar And Menu Bar

    Logs the current coupon data. The same thing could have been accomplished by clicking on Actions and then on Log Coupon Data. Clicking on Toggles live mode and single test Clicking on Displays The version of ZScan installed. Page 14 of 53 www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docxdocx...
  • Page 15 This window allow you to control the active windows in Zscan. With Zscan you can open multiple test windows and rearrange them as you wish. You can keep them open and use one of them without losing the test data on the others. ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 15 of 53...
  • Page 16 Utilities As described on page 10. Page 16 of 53 www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docxdocx...
  • Page 17 4.2 Datalog Pane. The DATALOG Pane will show the list of your tests with all data. Zscan offers different levels of saving data. They will be explained later on this manual. ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 17 of 53...
  • Page 18 • - testing area Ž - cursors • - end of probe line • - data summary ‘ - result of test ’ - impedance axis “ - length axis Page 18 of 53 www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docxdocx...

  • Page 19: Perform Test

    This is exactly what it implies. Depress the footswitch or left click with the cursor in the Test screen or click on Actions/Perform Test or hit Enter any of these actions will initiate a single test. ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 19 of 53...

  • Page 20: Create Report

    Generates a .PDF report using current Datalog data. Select Full or Incremental report. Set Next Serial # Allows you to set a new serial number Serial numbers are automatically sequenced. This allows the user to set the next serial number. Page 20 of 53 www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docxdocx...
  • Page 21 Automatically log the test. Auto Log w/Entry Automatically brings up the log dialog, and allows data entry. Show Cursors It shows the 2 cursors on the waveform. Selects or deselects cursors ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 21 of 53...
  • Page 22 Colors Clicking on colors allows you to change all the screen colors. Set Directories This popup allows the user to select the directories, for data logging and reports Page 22 of 53 www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docxdocx...
  • Page 23 This file is labeled tdr.csv and you should store it in a directory that is easily accessible. If you encounter problems and call Zmetrix for assistance, this the file Zmetrix customer service wants to see. With this file we can determine the health of the system (calibration, static damage, etc.) within minutes.

  • Page 24: User Manager

    Enter a User Name and a Password and click on OK. Now new Users can be set. Hardware A full chapter will be dedicated to this function later on this manual. Page 24 of 53 www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docxdocx...
  • Page 25 The instrument will operate according to the active window. Clicking on New Window adds another window. The windows can be cascaded. ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 25 of 53...
  • Page 26 Or Tiled Page 26 of 53 www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docxdocx...
  • Page 27 This is the name you want to give to your test program. Usually it should contain the info that allows you to easily recognize the test program. For instance Single 50 ohm layer 1 . ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 27 of 53...
  • Page 28 The area is represented by 2 large red rectangles. You can see them in this picture. As you can see the starting point has been set at 50 mm, while the ending at 100 mm. Page 28 of 53 www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docxdocx...

  • Page 29: Trace Window

    In order to show that you are using a different criteria, if this box is checked, the graphic will change in a red rectangle as follow : The PASS ON AVERAGE criteria is less stringent than standard criteria. ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 29 of 53...

  • Page 30: Propagation Velocity

    Because a coupon is generally made by more than one test , it is possible to create additional tests in the same way. Unlimited number of tests can be inserted in the same coupon. Page 30 of 53 www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docxdocx...
  • Page 31 By EXPORT, you can export the test as .csv file. By SELECT COLUMNS you can manage the columns you want to display in the TEST LIST pane. PASSWORD is reserved to Zmetrix. VIRTUAL RETEST will be seen later on. ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com...
  • Page 32 If you leave this line selected, you will see in the graph a blue line in the position of the end of probe. This line is very useful for the interpretation of the graph and avoid misunderstandings. Start X-Axis From Page 32 of 53 www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docxdocx...
  • Page 33 Reset Calibration By this function you will be able to bring the system back to original set ups as it left Zmetrix factory. This function is very useful as Panic Button when you did something wrong and you want to restore the factory set ups.
  • Page 34 Impedance testing is polarity sensitive, thus you must take care that the ground pin is going to the ground contact. The ground connection can be different for each of the many different Zmetrix probe models, but often the ground side of the probe has been plated with gold. If the pin configuration is not clear, contact the factory for information on the probe model you are using.
  • Page 35 And we will get our second measurement. As we can see we have totally lost the information about the first measurement. It is now the time to learn how to save our measured data. ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 35 of 53...

  • Page 36: Saving Data

    I will see the new waveform and as I did with the first, Right click on the grey area. I will got a second line with the results of the second test also labeled as current Coupon . Page 36 of 53 www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docxdocx...
  • Page 37 Coupon #1. If I test the next coupon and save as before I will create a new Current Coupon. After the test I will get this situation. ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 37 of 53...
  • Page 38 AFTER PASS = it moves to the next test only if the measurement is OK The most recommended is AFTER PASS. In the same way, the function AUTO LOG automates the logging of a coupon. Page 38 of 53 www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docxdocx...
  • Page 39 Zscan software. The end user can open this file by a Zscan copy that is free of charge and can see everything he needs. ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 39 of 53...

  • Page 40: Exporting Data

    Note that .JPG picture files can be saved as one of the Export options. Individual traces or the entire data pane set of traces can be saved as .JPG files. Page 40 of 53 www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docxdocx...
  • Page 41 What I need to do is to EDIT the relevant test definition. I simply change the Test #2 30 ohm tolerance to 1%. After saving, I Right click on the Test #2 30 ohm line and access the Virtual Retest function ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 41 of 53...
  • Page 42 After confirming with YES to proceed, all 3 coupons will be re-evaluated. In fact as you can see that the 3 30 ohm lines all FAIL now because of the much tighter tolerance. Any one of the defined tests can be changed and then re-evaluated. Page 42 of 53 www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docxdocx...
  • Page 43 TDR capability. In the case of aggressive deconvolution, Zmetrix has provided an option for aggressively finding short trace measurement values.
  • Page 44 Let s try now to measure again the same trace with the Aggressive Deconvolution activated. Page 44 of 53 www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docxdocx...
  • Page 45 Any long, slow change would be ignored in favor of sharp changes. For this reason, Aggressive deconvolution Is normally only used for improving the resolution of short traces (typically under 2.5 inches). ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 45 of 53...
  • Page 46 With the skin effect, the increase in impedance is linear and thus the waveform of the measurement instead of being flat is a slope. This is a measurement with such effect. Page 46 of 53 www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docxdocx...
  • Page 47 You can clearly see that the impedance at the end of the line is higher than the beginning due to the skin effect. To use the compensation we need to get two values : The starting point (in mm or in) The variation by length (in ohm/mm or ohm/in) ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 47 of 53...
  • Page 48 Impedance at the end = 105 ohm Delta impedance = 4 ohm Start point = 1 End point = 4,45 Delta length = 3,45 Thus our variation by length will be : $/3,45 = 1,159 ohm/inch Page 48 of 53 www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docxdocx...
  • Page 49 When we will apply it, this is what we get As you see , you will get 2 waveforms, the original plus the compensated one. The PASS/FAIL will be calculated on the compensated one. ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 49 of 53...
  • Page 50 ST-series TDR s are very precise instruments. The accuracy of the ST-series is 1% anywhere in the measurement range (20-200 ohms), and it has been calibrated by Zmetrix using 4 reference points based on international laboratory airline standards (25, 50, 75 and 100 ohm).
  • Page 51 Go to the Verify Calibration dialog, and choose the channel to be verified, by using the pull-down box in the upper left corner. Press the Verify button. You should see the measured impedance in the Measured Impedance field. The dialog will look similar to the picture below. ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 51 of 53...
  • Page 52 Thus if the difference between the MEASURED VALUE and the SUM of the 2 airlines values is within 1ohm, the system could be considered calibrated. If not, then you will to contact the factory for further examination of the instrument. Page 52 of 53 www.zmetrix.com ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docxdocx...
  • Page 53 The use of properly grounded wrist and foot straps or conductive shoes will also fall under this category, since these will bring any charge buildup on personnel to the common ground. You may find more useful information on www.easde.org. ST-series TDR Manual V 4.8.3.docx www.zmetrix.com Page 53 of 53...

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