Related Manuals for Mini-Circuits RUDAT Series
Summary of Contents for Mini-Circuits RUDAT Series
- Page 1 User Guide Programmable Attenuators AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 1 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
1.3. Warranty & RMA Returns ............................... 4 1.4. End of Life ....................................4 1.5. Definitions ....................................4 2 - About Mini-Circuits Programmable Attenuators ............5 2.1. Introduction .................................... 5 2.2. Intended Applications ................................5 2.3. Model Selection Guide ................................6 2.4. - Page 3 Table of Contents (continued) 5 - Using Mini-Circuits’ GUI ....................22 5.1. Getting Started ..................................22 5.1.1. USB Control ................................... 23 5.1.2. RS232 Control ................................23 5.1.3. Ethernet Control ................................23 5.2. Operating the Attenuator ..............................25 5.2.1. Manual Mode Functions..............................25 5.2.2.
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Page 4: General Information
In the event that a return to the factory is necessary, Mini-Circuits will provide an RMA number and full return instructions. -
Page 5: About Mini-Circuits Programmable Attenuators
2 - About Mini-Circuits Programmable Attenuators 2.1. Introduction Mini-Circuits has developed a series of programmable attenuators with powerful software support and a range of control options to suit any application: • USB - All models support the USB Human Interface Device (HID) class for plug & play operation. -
Page 6: Model Selection Guide
For setup and control instructions for the different control protocols see chapter 4. 2.4. Environmental Specifications Mini-Circuits’ programmable attenuators are intended for operation in office, laboratory, or production test environments. Do not use in any condition which exceeds the published environmental specifications. -
Page 7: Supported Software Environments
2.5. Supported Software Environments Mini-Circuits programmable attenuators have been tested in the following operating systems: 32-bit systems: Windows 7 or later. • • 64-bit systems: Windows 7 or later (GUI & API); Linux. The attenuators will work with almost any software environment that supports ActiveX or .Net, including Python, C#, LabVIEW, MatLab and more. -
Page 8: Accessories And Options
Do not allow any liquid ingress into the case or connectors. 2.9. Safety & Precautions Mini-Circuits’ programmable attenuators contain no user serviceable parts and should not be opened. Discontinue use and contact Mini-Circuits in the event of visible damage to any parts. -
Page 9: Functional Block Diagram
2.10. Functional Block Diagram Figure 2.11a functional block diagrams RUDAT(left) and RCDAT(right) Figure 2.11b functional block diagram for ZVVA(left) and RCDAT with daisy-chain(right) AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 9 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... - Page 10 Figure 2.11c functional block diagram for RCDAT-18G-xx(left) and UDAT with daisy-chain(right) AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 10 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022...
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Page 11: Software Setup
3 - Software Setup 3.1. System Requirements The minimum requirements for the installation of the Mini-Circuits programmable attenuator software package and API on the host PC are: • Microsoft Windows 7 or later (32- or 64-bit). • Intel i3 or equivalent (recommended). - Page 12 7. Click Yes to accept the license agreement. 8. Click Exit on the final window confirming that installation completed successfully. 9. In the event of any issues with installation, please contact testsolutions@minicircuits.com for support. AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 12 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022...
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Page 13: Hardware Setup
Connect the unit’s input and output RF ports to your system. Note: For RCDAT-18G-xx models, the 5V DC supply can also be applied to pin #1 of the D-sub instead of the USB connector. • AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 13 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... -
Page 14: Daisy-Chain Control
4.3. Daisy-Chain Control Some models include Mini-Circuits’ novel dynamic addressing daisy-chaining interface which allows multiple modules to be connected together into a master/slave chain, with independent control of each module through the single USB connection of the master unit (see section 2.4 for models supporting this function). -
Page 15: Setup Instructions
• For RCDAT-18G-xx verify pin 5 is not connected to any active signal as this may disrupt proper operation. See section 4.8 for details on using Trigger. AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 15 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... -
Page 16: Rs232 Control (With Power Via D-Sub)
Connect a control cable between the unit's D-sub connector and the controller, wired according to the pin-out table in the • datasheet. • Connect the unit’s input and output RF ports to your system. AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 16 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... -
Page 17: Spi Control (Rudat-13G-Xx Models)
LE setup time after last clock falling edge LESUP LE minimum pulse width LEPW Serial data set-up time before clock rising SDSUP edge Serial data hold time after clock falling edge SDHLD AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 17 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... -
Page 18: Setup Instructions
Voltage Levels Logic High (Input) RS232 Voltage Levels Logic Low (Input) Transmit Control Current Per Pin RS232 Receive Clock Frequency Connected Factory Use SPI LE SPI Clock SPI Data AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 18 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... -
Page 19: Ttl Control (Rcdat-18G-Xx Models)
C31.5 are set to LE rising edge. LE pulse width − Hold time - the controls C0.25 - C31.5 need to − remain stable after the LE rising edge Figure 4.7.1: TTL timing diagram AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 19 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... -
Page 20: Setup Instructions
Conditions Units Logic High (Input) Voltage Levels Logic Low (Input) = 0 V -400 CTRL Control Current = 3.3 V Per Pin µA CTRL = 5.0 V CTRL AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 20 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... -
Page 21: Trigger In (Rcdat-18G-Xx Models)
The “SETATT” command to set a new attenuation value is the only command supported by the trigger function. Sending any other command while the trigger is held low may lead to unexpected results. AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 21 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... -
Page 22: Using Mini-Circuits' Gui
5.1. Getting Started To start the GUI program, use the Start menu or navigate to the location the Mini-Circuits Programmable Attenuator software was installed in and run the program. Once running, the user will be required to pick one of the available control modes: RS232, USB, HTTP, Telnet, or SSH control. -
Page 23: Usb Control
To use Ethernet control with a supporting unit either enter its IP address on the startup screen (ports for HTTP/Telnet/SSH would be also required if using non-default ports) or click on the search icon next to it to find all Mini-Circuits attenuators connected to the network. - Page 24 Get/Post HTTP function in your selected application (for HTTP), or establish a Telnet connection. A full list of the possible commands and queries is available in Mini-Circuits Programming handbook, and in a text file on the downloaded software (see section 3.3), in the Ethernet directory.
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Page 25: Operating The Attenuator
When this check box is selected every change in attenuation setting will be applied Auto Apply immediately, when it is not selected user must click ‘Apply’ to execute the changes. AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 25 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... -
Page 26: Automatic Mode Functions
Start and Stop the automatic run (Sweep or Hop) at the current attenuation setting. Allow clearing the current sequence to start a new one, opening a previously saved sequence Save \ Recall or saving the current sequence. AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 26 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... -
Page 27: Log Attenuation Changes
Note: Trying to open the file while a recording is on-going will pop-up a notification alert about the last attenuations possibly not • being saved to the file. AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 27 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... -
Page 28: Configuration Settings
Shutting down and then starting up the GUI repeatedly in less than 3 minutes while “set last attenuation” is enabled may • result in attenuator resetting to max attenuation state at power up due to last attenuation state not being recorded correctly. AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 28 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... -
Page 29: Ethernet Configuration (Rcdat-Models)
DHCP server. This also applies when an attenuator with DHCP enabled is connected directly via an Ethernet cable to a PC (instead of via a network). The default static / link-local IP address for all Mini-Circuits devices with the relevant firmware is 169.254.10.10. -
Page 30: Ethernet Setting Screen
USB control or as a ‘slave’ unit in daisy chain configuration to reduce the unit’s current consumption. 5.3.6. Ethernet Setting Descriptions Figure 5.3.6: Ethernet Settings screen (showing factory default state) AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 30 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... - Page 31 Specify the port to use for HTTP communication on the network (default 80). Note port HTTP Port address does not get assigned by the server when DHCP is selected. AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 31 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022...
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Page 32: Ethernet Configuration Tool
The Ethernet configuration can also be changed via Ethernet control. To make changing the Ethernet configuration easier for users operating in a non-Windows environment or otherwise can’t use the provided GUI, Mini-Circuits created the Ethernet Configuration tool (see table 5.3.2 for firmware requirements). -
Page 33: Sweep And Hop Functions
Figure 5.4.2: Plot of signal when sweeping attenuation 0 - 40dB in 10 dB steps (scale 2ms/div) AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 33 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... -
Page 34: Attenuator Switching Time
18G-63); 109 ns switching time achieved. 90); 603 ns switching time achieved. Δx = 603.00 ns Δx = 109.091 ns Δy = 100.00 mV Δy = 110.300 mV AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 34 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... -
Page 35: Daisy-Chain Control With Dynamic Addressing
If any changes are subsequently made to the daisy-chain interconnections the Refresh button can be used to have the addresses checked and re-assign automatically to all units in the chain. AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 35 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... -
Page 36: Dynamic Addressing Functions
Table showing current attenuation setting of all connected attenuators Refreshes the addresses for the dynamic addressing daisy chain. Click on this after connecting Refresh additional units, or changing the units connected. AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 36 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... -
Page 37: Configuring Units With Dynamic Addressing
Mode 1 allows attenuation in 0-30 dB range, 1 dB steps, while mode 2 allows attenuation 0-29, 0.5 dB step. Switching between modes will reset the attenuation state to the max attenuation allowed in the mode. Figure 5.6: Attenuation modes AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 37 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... -
Page 38: Pop-Up Alerts
The programmable attenuator models can also be controlled automatically using most common lab test software and the provided DLL files, or your own custom programs. For more information on this see the Programming Guide available for download at https://www.minicircuits.com/softwaredownload/patt.html AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 38 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... -
Page 39: Firmware Update
(highlighted below). • Connect only the unit to be upgraded to the PC via USB (see section 4.1) and start Mini-Circuits’ Programmable Attenuator GUI program. After selecting USB connection, click the Firmware button on the left side of the program. - Page 40 • Navigate to the location of the upgrade file you received from Mini-Circuits’ Test Solutions and choose it. Figure 5.8.2a: Firmware - Browse Window • The selected file should be now installed on the attenuator with the process taking up to a minute.
- Page 41 If the firmware upgrade was interrupted this can result in partial installation rendering the device inoperable. Refer to section 5.9 to check if your unit supports the feature. AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 41 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022...
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Page 42: Firmware Recovery
5.9. Firmware Recovery Mini-Circuits models feature a firmware recovery option for cases where the unit’s firmware has become corrupted rendering it no longer accessible (for example, due to an interrupted firmware upgrade). Consult the table below to check if your unit supports the firmware recovery feature:... -
Page 43: Recovery Steps (Rcdat-Xg-120H & Rcdat-18G-Xx Models)
Click Load Hex File and navigate to the firmware’s (file ending with .hex) location on your PC. • Click Upgrade Firmware and wait for the program to finish. Figure 5.9.2: Left – Unit connection step; Right – Firmware upgrade step AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 43 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... -
Page 44: Revision History
Clarified connection instructions for RUDAT-13G-xxx models in RS232 or SPI control. Revision H (Jul 30, 2019): Added model RCDAT-40G-30. • • Added telnet prompt function. • Updated installation process to show new version. AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 44 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022... - Page 45 Fixed a typo in URL of Ethernet configuration tool. Revision M (Nov 10, 2022): • Updated user-guide format: Re-written and restructured sections to support format update. • Added models UDAT-67G-30 and UDAT-67G-60. AN-49-005 © 2022 Mini-Circuits Page 45 Rev. M | ECO-015752 | 10-Nov-2022...
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Page 46: Contact
This document is owned by Mini-Circuits and is protected by copyright, trademark and other intellectual property laws. The information herein is provided by Mini-Circuits as an accommodation to our customers and may be used only to promote and accompany the purchase of Mini-Circuits’ parts. This guide may not be reproduced, modified, distributed, published, stored in an electronic database, or transmitted and the information contained herein may not be exploited in any form or by any means, without prior written permission from Mini-Circuits.
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