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Seeed Technology SARK-110-ULM User Manual

Vector impedance antenna analyzer
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SARK-110-ULM
Vector Impedance Antenna Analyzer
User's Manual
Revision 1.0
Updated to Firmware Version 1.0
This document is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
© 2019, Melchor Varela – EA4FRB

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  • Page 1 SARK-110-ULM Vector Impedance Antenna Analyzer User’s Manual Revision 1.0 Updated to Firmware Version 1.0 This document is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. © 2019, Melchor Varela – EA4FRB...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    ........................5 EATURES ........................6 RECAUTIONS ..............6 ATTERY AINTENANCE AND AFETY UIDELINES ....................8 EGULATORY OMPLIANCE OPERATING THE SARK-110-ULM ..................9 .................. 10 HANGING THE PERATIONAL ....................... 10 ELECT THE UNCTION ....................11 HANGING THE REQUENCY ..................12 SING THE...
  • Page 3 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual SPECIAL FUNCTIONS ......................41 .................. 41 RANSMISSION UBTRACT ....................... 42 IRCUIT ODELS 4.2.1 Loop Antenna/Coil ....................43 4.2.2 Capacitor ........................ 45 4.2.3 Quartz Crystal ......................47 4.2.4 Transmission Line....................49 APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY OF PARAMETERS ............... 52 APPENDIX B: UPGRADING THE FIRMWARE .................

  • Page 4: Introduction

    PC for analysis using the SARK Plots client software for Windows or Android; or ZPLOTS spreadsheet program. The SARK-110-ULM can be controlled from your computer via the USB interface using SARK Plots software for Windows; or via USB or wireless short-range Bluetooth interfaces using SARK Plots software for Android.

  • Page 5: Main Features

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual 1.2 Main Features • Low cost • Solid aluminum pocket size case and lightweight • Monochrome graphics display 128 x 64 pixels • Frequency range from 0.1 to 160 MHz and up to 700 MHz with reduced performances •...

  • Page 6: Precautions

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual 1.3 Precautions 1. Never connect the unit to an antenna during a lightning storm and windy dry days. Lightning strikes and static discharges can damage the unit and may kill the operator. 2. Static build-up on an antenna may cause damage to the unit when connected. As a...
  • Page 7 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Even storing a battery in a hot environment can damage it irreversibly. When using your device in a very cold environment, you may notice a decrease in battery life, but this condition is temporary. Once the battery’s temperature returns to its normal operating range, its performance will return to normal as well.

  • Page 8: Regulatory Compliance

    15 minutes, lifting upper and lower lids, until no evidence of the fluid remains. Seek medical attention. 1.5 Regulatory Compliance SARK-110-ULM is certified for CE compliance under regulations EN61000-4-2 and EN55022. © 2019, Melchor Varela – EA4FRB Rev 1.0 June 22...

  • Page 9: Operating The Sark-110-Ulm

    Charger LED Micro USB Port The SARK-110-ULM includes nine function buttons on the front side. The device under test can be connected to the Test Port, which is a SMA receptacle located on the top side. This receptacle accepts SMA plug connector types.

  • Page 10: Changing The Operational Mode

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Upon the first start, SARK-110-ULM goes to Scalar mode automatically. Operational mode and configuration settings are preserved automatically between sessions, stored in internal memory. 2.1 Changing the Operational Mode Press the Menu [ ] button twice to get into the Operational Mode select menu -pressing the Menu button toggles between the Function and Operation mode menus.

  • Page 11: Changing The Frequency

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual The selected function is persistent, and it is shown on the left side of the screen. For instance, the screenshot below shows the selected Center function: “CENT”. The operation of Enter [ ] and up and down arrow buttons is associated to the selected function, so in this case if the Enter [ ] button is pressed the center frequency dialog will pop up, or if the up or down arrow buttons are pressed the center frequency will be changed.

  • Page 12: Using The Frequency Presets

    Press the Run/Hold [ ] button to start a new sweep. 2.6 Using the Marker The sweep modes in the SARK-110-ULM include a marker feature to display the frequency and reading value at the marker position. The marker can either be manually positioned by the user or set to operate in automatic tracking mode.
  • Page 13 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual In manual marker mode “MAN”, press the left or right arrow buttons to change the marker position. Press the Menu [ ] button and select «Marker» to get into the marker menu. Available options are: «Tracking» for selecting the tracking mode, «Info» to display detailed information and «Center»...
  • Page 14 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual The following tracking modes are available and can be set for any parameter. A detection value must be specified for the Cross-detection modes. • Disable • Peak Min (p) • Peak Max (P) • Absolute Min (m) •...
  • Page 15 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Another example, to have the marker tracking automatically the crossovers on the 50-ohm impedance, select «Marker» «Tracking» «Cross Any» «Parameter» «|Zs|», «Value» «050.00». The «Info» option displays detailed information of the readings at the marker position. © 2019, Melchor Varela – EA4FRB Rev 1.0 June 22...

  • Page 16: Changing The Parameter

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual The «Center» menu option can be used to set the center frequency at the marker frequency value. 2.7 Changing the Parameter Press the Menu [ ] button and select «Param» menu option to select the parameter to be plotted in Scalar Chart mode.

  • Page 17: Saving And Recalling Measurements

    2.8 Saving and Recalling Measurements The SARK-110-ULM has the capability to store measurements to the internal disk and recall them either to review the data later in the analyzer screen or to download the data from the USB disk to a PC for further analysis using SARK Plots or the ZPLOTS Excel application, available from http://www.ac6la.com/zplots.html.
  • Page 18 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual «Load Data» To retrieve the stored data, select the «Load Data» menu option. Select the file using the up or down arrow keys. Press the Enter [ ] button to validate the selection or the Return [ ] button to cancel.
  • Page 19 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual «Deep Sweep» The Deep Sweep save function provides the capability of saving measurements with arbitrary number of frequency points. In addition, this function enables a user programmable timeout for the automatic start of measurements to be specified. This function is similar to the self-timer function on cameras.

  • Page 20: Changing The Settings

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Specify optional delay automatic start of the measurements (self-timer function). When a Delay is specified, a countdown will commence. Otherwise, press the Enter [ ] button button to continue. After completing the sweep scan, the analyzer will save the results of the sweep scan to the file.
  • Page 21 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual «Setup - Calibration» The calibration features are accessible through the Calibration submenu: «Setup – Calibration - OSL» See Appendix D: «Setup – Calibration - Frequency» See Appendix E: «Setup – Detector» See Appendix F: «Setup – Calibration - Profile»...
  • Page 22 «Setup - Scale» The SARK-110-ULM provides three pre-defined scale values: Normal, High and Low as well as Auto (automatic scaling). This setting defines the maximum and minimum values for each parameter on the Y axis, see Appendix H:. This setup is valid for the Scalar Chart mode.
  • Page 23 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual This setup permits the Automatic Power Off delay to be selected from a set of predefined times. After power-off, press the Run/Hold [ ] button to resume operation. Alternatively, power off and power on the device using the Power Switch.
  • Page 24 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual measurement speed. The «Double/Slow» option is intended for enhanced accuracy measurements, because it reduces measurement ripple by doubling the number of samples taken, but at the expense of a slower sweep speed. This enhancement of the measurements is more noticeable when using automatic scales for measurement over a small range of values.
  • Page 25 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual «Setup – Units» This setup allows configuration of distance units either in meters or feet. «Setup – Points TDR» Changes the number of sample points for Cable Test (TDR) function. Reducing the number of points speeds up the scan speed but at the expenses of decreasing the resolution of the measurements.
  • Page 26 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual It is recommended that the disk contents are backed up to a PC as most of the files will be lost during the format. Only the Detector Calibration file (detcalib.dat) and the file associated with the selected OSL Calibration profile are preserved.

  • Page 27: Operating Modes

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual 3 Operating Modes 3.1 Scalar Chart Mode In the Scalar Chart mode, a user-selectable parameter is plotted over the user-specified frequency range. One adjustable marker can be used to display the frequency and value at the marker position.

  • Page 28: Smith Chart Mode

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual «Marker» Marker operations, see 2.6 3.2 Smith Chart Mode The Smith Chart mode displays the complex reflection coeffient over the user-specified frequency range. One adjustable marker can be used to display the frequency and value at the marker position.

  • Page 29: Single Frequency Mode

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual «TL Len» Sets the length of a transmission line, see section 4.1 «Marker» Marker operations, see 2.6 3.3 Single Frequency Mode The Single Frequency mode shows various fundamental parameters of a device under test at a single frequency. These parameters comprise SWR, return loss (RL), magnitude (|Z|) and phase (<Z) of the impedance, magnitude (|Rh) and phase (<Rh) of the reflection coefficient, resistance...

  • Page 30: Swr Mode

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual stopped after pressing any button. 3.4 SWR Mode The SWR mode displays a VSWR bar chart and the numerical value of this parameter using a big font for better legibility. The Run/Hold [ ] button controls the run status. The measurements can be stopped at any time by pressing the Run/Hold [ ] button and resuming them by pressing this button again.

  • Page 31: Multiband Mode

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual 3.5 Multiband Mode Multiband mode displays the SWR for four different frequencies at a time. This feature can be used to tune multiband antennas. For changing the frequency value, select the band using the left or right arrow buttons and then use the standard procedure for changing the frequency.

  • Page 32: Cable Test Mode (Tdr)

    Cable Test or Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) mode is intended to identify potential coaxial cable faults that could disrupt signal transmission. Unlike native TDR test equipment, the method of measurement in the SARK-110-ULM is based on the theory of Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR).
  • Page 33 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual It is possible to change the number of measurement points. Select «SETUP»«Cable Points TDR» to change the setting. Reducing the number of points speeds up the scan speed but at the expenses of decreasing the resolution of the measurements.
  • Page 34 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Element Impulse Response Step Response Display Open Unity reflection Unity reflection Short Unity reflection, -180º Unity reflection, -180º Resistance R > Z Positive peak Positive level shift Resistance R < Z Negative peak Negative level shift Inductance...

  • Page 35: Signal Generator Mode

    User’s Manual 3.7 Signal Generator Mode The SARK-110-ULM can be used as a programmable RF signal source in Signal Generator Mode. It outputs a square wave RF signal at a frequency programmable from 0.1 to 700 MHz with two user selectable amplitude levels. In addition, frequency sweeps can be programmed with linear, bi-linear, logarithmic, or bi-logarithmic functions.
  • Page 36 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Functions «Center» Sets the frequency, see section 2.3 «Preset» Sets the frequency using a preset, see section 2.4 Modulation; see paragraphs below. «Modul» «Level» Low and High Modulation – None Select this function for generating a continuous signal.
  • Page 37 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Modulation – Rx Mode This function can be used to measure the power of an external signal. © 2019, Melchor Varela – EA4FRB Rev 1.0 June 22 , 2019 - 37 -...

  • Page 38: Band Scan Mode

    User’s Manual 3.8 Band Scan Mode The SARK-110-ULM can be used as a rudimentary Spectrum Analyzer in Band Scan Mode. It can be used to scan for nearby signals that may interfere with the measurements or to measure the power of the spectrum of signals in a lab environment.

  • Page 39: Computer Control Mode

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual 3.9 Computer Control Mode The SARK-110-ULM can be operated from a computer using SARK Plots software for Windows or Android and other software from third parties, further enhancing the capabilities of the instrument. The command interface specification is open for anyone wishing to develop a client software.
  • Page 40 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual a) Enter Android Setup b) Select «Connections» and then «Bluetooth » c) Select «Scan» d) The analyzer should show up in the list of available devices as SARK110-nnnn (number is unique for each device except by chance) e) Select the device Once the device is paired, launch SARK Plots and ensure that Bluetooth interface is selected.

  • Page 41: Special Functions

    4 Special Functions 4.1 Transmission Line Add/Subtract The SARK-110-ULM provides the capability of subtracting a length of transmission line (transpose to load) or adding a length of transmission line (transpose to input). Use the subtraction feature to discount the effect of the feed line so the measurements will be as if the analyzer were connected at the antenna feed point.

  • Page 42: Circuit Models

    4.2 Circuit Models The SARK-110-ULM provides advanced analysis features, including the automatic determination of the circuit models of small loop antennas or coils, capacitors and quartz crystals. It is also capable of automatically determining different parameters having to do with transmission lines.

  • Page 43: Loop Antenna/Coil

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual end of the test port extension cable being employed. Please refer to Appendix D: on how to carry out the steps for OSL calibration. The measurement results can be saved in a file in tabular format. The Circuit Models function is only available in the Single Frequency, SWR or Multiband modes.
  • Page 44 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Enter the desired operating frequency Enter the desired scan limit After some seconds the results are shown on the screen. The figure below describes the measured parameters: Fop: operating frequency and measured impedance at this frequency Fra: resonant frequency and measured...

  • Page 45: Capacitor

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Equivalent resistance at F = 1 MHz Equivalent inductance at F = 1 MHz Equivalent resistance at the self-resonant frequency The antenna capacitance is calculated with the following equation:     The series equivalent resistance of the antenna at the operating frequency Fop = 13.56 MHz is calculated with the following equation: ...
  • Page 46 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Select the file name to store the data. Press the Return [ ] button if not needed to save the data. Enter the operating frequency After some seconds the results are shown on the screen. The figure below describes the measured parameters: The internal procedure performed by the analyzer is as follows: the analyzer measures the impedance at 1 MHz and at the desired operating frequency.

  • Page 47: Quartz Crystal

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Equivalent capacitance at F = 1 MHz Equivalent resistance at the self-resonant frequency The capacitor’s parasitic inductance is calculated with the following equation:     The quality factor is calculated using the following equation: ...
  • Page 48 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual After some seconds the results are shown on the screen. The figure below describes the measured parameters: Series resonant frequency Parallel resonant frequency Quality factor Rs: motional (series) resistance Ls: motional (series) inductance Co: parallel capacitance Cs: motional (series) capacitance...

  • Page 49: Transmission Line

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual 4.2.4 Transmission Line This feature allows you to automatically measure different parameters having to do with transmission lines, namely: • The line's characteristic impedance (Z0) • The true velocity factor • The matched line loss in terms of dB over the total line length and in dB/100m The measurement procedure is as follows: Select the file name to store the data.
  • Page 50 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Press the Enter [ ] button Connect the transmission line terminated with an open circuit. Press the Enter [ ] button Connect the transmission line terminated with a short circuit. Press the Enter [ ] button After some seconds the results are shown on the screen.
  • Page 51 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Z0 is obtained by calculating the arithmetic mean of the real part of the following equation for all the frequency points:  The calculation of the Velocity Factor (VF) and matched loss is more convoluted and will not be explained here.

  • Page 52: Appendix A: Glossary Of Parameters

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Appendix A: Glossary of Parameters Abbreviation Parameter Description Series resistance Resistive value of a series impedance Series reactance Reactance value of a series impedance Parallel resistance Resistive value of a parallel impedance Parallel reactance Reactance value of a parallel impedance...
  • Page 53 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Abbreviation Parameter Description <Rho Reflection It is a measure of the phase angle of the ratio of the Coefficient Angle amplitude of the reflected wave to the amplitude of the (S11 Angle) incident wave.   RhoI ...

  • Page 54: Appendix B: Upgrading The Firmware

    User’s Manual Appendix B: Upgrading the firmware The SARK-110-ULM’s firmware may be upgraded via USB as described in the following steps. This procedure assumes you have downloaded the appropriate update file from: http://www.sark110.com/files/sark110ulm/firmware The downloaded file has the following format: SARK110ULM_Vx.y.dfu.zip...

  • Page 55: Appendix C: Bluetooth Tool Firmware

    This tool also enables the user to experiment with the RN4871 module, offering part of the functionality available in the RN4870/71 PICtail daughter board. The SARK-110-ULM is connected to a host computer that supports USB CDC virtual COM (serial) ports. Simple ASCII commands can be set to the RN4871 module by using a terminal emulator program.
  • Page 56 To update the module firmware, perform the following steps: 1. Download the firmware update images from Microchip’s website and extract the contents. 2. Connect the SARK-110-ULM to a computer using a USB cable. 3. Install the SARK110ULM_BTOOL.dfu firmware. 4. Power-on the SARK-110-ULM and select “Programming mode”.
  • Page 57 9. Close the IsUpdate application and open TeraTerm (the proper COM port needs to be selected and the baudrate set to 115200). 10. Press the button Setup [ ] in the SARK-110-ULM and select “Normal mode”. 11. Enter Command mode by sending $$$ escape sequence.
  • Page 58 RN4870/71 PICtail™/PICtail PLUS DAUGHTER BOARD USER’S GUIDE includes usage guidance. To enable this functionality, perform the following steps: 1. Connect the SARK-110-ULM to a computer using a USB cable. 2. Install the SARK110ULM_BTOOL.dfu firmware. 3. Power-on the SARK-110-ULM and select “Normal mode”.
  • Page 59 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual References Link Description Comments SARK110ULM_BTOOL.zip – http://www.sark110.com/files/sark1 Unzip the file and install it 10ulm/firmware following the instructions Bluetooth tool firmware described in Appendix B: https://www.st.com/en/developmen STM32 Virtual COM Port Driver Install the driver according t-tools/stsw-stm32102.html manufacturer’s instructions.

  • Page 60: Appendix D: Osl Calibration

    Appendix D: OSL Calibration The SARK-110-ULM features an OSL calibration method for higher accuracy measurements. Calibration is performed by using a set of calibration plugs consisting of: an Open circuit, a Short circuit and a calibrated Load having the same value as the reference impedance. These loads are connected sequentially to the end of the test lead as instructed on the screen as described below.
  • Page 61 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual After selecting the calibration profile, the profile characteristics are shown in a popup dialog. Once the calibration profile has been selected, press the Setup [ ] button and select «Calibration» «OSL» to start the OSL calibration procedure.
  • Page 62 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Enter an optional name for the profile Display shows the calibration parameters. Press the Enter [ ] button to continue. Connect the open load. Load status is indicated by the status of the |Rh| indicator. If shown in reverse mode denotes incorrect load.
  • Page 63 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual The calibration progress will be shown in the display bar. Connect the reference load. Load status is indicated by the status of the |Rh| indicator. If shown in reverse mode denotes incorrect load. Press the Enter [ ] button to continue, or [ ] to exit.

  • Page 64: Appendix E: Frequency Calibration

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Appendix E: Frequency Calibration This setup permits the frequency synthesizer to be calibrated to generate the exact frequency. The user will adjust the frequency of the synthesizer while measuring it with an accurate frequency counter or, alternatively, zero-beat it against WWV until an exact 10 MHz output is obtained.

  • Page 65: Appendix F: Detector Calibration

    Appendix F: Detector Calibration This procedure performs alignment of the SARK-110-ULM’s internal measurement circuits. This operation is done once at the factory and it is not necessary for the user to repeat it, but the procedure is detailed for completeness.

  • Page 66: Appendix G: Frequency Presets File

    1 frequency, specified in MHz marker2_freq: default marker 2 frequency, specified in MHz ➢ Kept for compatibility with SARK-110; not used in the SARK-110-ULM Example: 600M: 500 KHz, 0.1, 0.9,...

  • Page 67: Appendix H: Scale Presets

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Appendix H: Scale Presets The following tables show the default scale presets: Normal Scale High Scale 1000 5000 -500 Linear -2500 2500 Linear 1000 5000 -500 Linear -2500 2500 Linear |Zs| 1000 |Zs| 5000 <Zs -100 Linear <Zs...
  • Page 68 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Default scale presets can be modified by the user by supplying special text files stored on the analyzer’s disk. The file names for each of the scales have to be the following: • «Scale» «Normal» → “scal_def.txt”...

  • Page 69: Appendix I: Custom Cable Settings

    Appendix I: Custom Cable Settings The SARK-110-ULM allows the user to specify three custom cable settings by supplying a special text file stored on the analyzer’s disk. The file name must be “custcab.txt” and the format for each cable entry in the file is as follows:...

  • Page 70: Appendix J: Specifications

    SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Appendix J: Specifications Feature SARK-110-ULM 2” Monochrome 128 x 64 pixels Frequency range 0.1 – 160 MHz and up to 700 MHz with reduced performances 1-Hz resolution +- 30-ppm stability Output signal shape Square Output power (measurements) ≈...
  • Page 71 SARK-110-ULM User’s Manual Impedance reading in open 120K (@1 MHz) circuit Distance resolution in TDR 5 cm (2 inches) mode Internal data memory 2 MB for storage of measurements, configuration and firmware upgrades OSL Calibration 8 Calibration profiles 400 points •...
  • Page 72 Circuit modes: loop antenna, capacitor, crystal, transmission line Dimensions 105 * 67 * 15 (mm); Weight: 110-g Package contents SARK-110-ULM x 1 with built-in battery © 2019, Melchor Varela – EA4FRB Rev 1.0 June 22 , 2019 - 72 -...

  • Page 73: Appendix K: Acknowledgments

    User’s Manual Appendix K: Acknowledgments The SARK-110-ULM has been developed in partnership with the Seeed Studio team, which has been essential to make this product a reality. Seeed manufactures, promotes and distribute the product worldwide. Many of the SARK-110 product series features are a reality thanks to the great community behind, always suggesting features and providing useful feedback.

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