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Racal Instruments 3162A/B User Manual

500 ms/s (single or dual channel) waveform synthesizer
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Technologiepark Bergisch Gladbach, Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse, D-51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
Unit 5, 25F., Mega Trade Center, No 1, Mei Wan Road, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, PRC
Copyright 2001 by Racal Instruments, Inc. Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved.
This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.
User Manual
3162A/B
(SINGLE OR DUAL CHANNEL)
WAVEFORM SYNTHESIZER
Publication No. 980818
RACAL INSTRUMENTS
4 Goodyear St., Irvine, CA 92618-2002
Tel: (800) RACAL-ATE, (800) 722-2528, (949) 859-8999; FAX: (949) 859-7139
480 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 6BE, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1628 604455; FAX: +44 (0) 1628 662017
Racal Systems Electronique S.A.
18 Avenue Dutartre, 78150 LeChesnay, France
Tel: +33 (1) 3923 2222; FAX: +33 (1) 3923 2225
Racal Systems Elettronica s.r.l.
Strada 2-Palazzo C4, 20090 Milanofiori Assago, Milan, Italy
Tel: +39 (0)2 5750 1796; FAX +39 (0)2 5750 1828
Racal Elektronik System GmbH.
Tel.: +49 2204 8442 00; FAX: +49 2204 8442 19
3 Powells Road, Brookvale, NSW 2100, Australia
Tel: +612 9936 7000, FAX: +612 9936 7036
Racal Electronics Pte. Ltd.
26 Ayer Rajah Crescent, 04-06/07 Ayer Rajah Industrial Estate, Singapore 0513.
Tel: +65 7792200, FAX: +65 7785400
Tel: +852 2405 5500, FAX: +852 2416 4335
http://www.racalinstruments.com
PUBLICATION DATE: May 8, 2001
500 MS/s
Racal Instruments, Inc .
Racal Instruments, Ltd.
Racal Australia Pty. Ltd.
Racal Instruments, Ltd.

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Summary of Contents for Racal Instruments 3162A/B

  • Page 1 PUBLICATION DATE: May 8, 2001 Copyright 2001 by Racal Instruments, Inc. Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.
  • Page 2 Authorization is required from Racal Instruments before you send us your product for service or calibration. Call your nearest Racal Instruments support facility. A list is located on the last page of this manual. If you are unsure where to call, contact Racal Instruments, Inc. Customer Support Department in Irvine, California, USA at 1-800-722-3262 or 1-949-859-8999 or via fax at 1-949-859-7139.
  • Page 3 FOR YOUR SAFETY Before undertaking any troubleshooting, maintenance or exploratory procedure, read carefully the WARNINGS and CAUTION notices. This equipment contains voltage hazardous to human life and safety, and is capable of inflicting personal injury. If this instrument is to be powered from the AC line (mains) through an autotransformer, ensure the common connector is connected to the neutral (earth pole) of the power supply.
  • Page 4 This page was left intentionally blank.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    User Manual 3162A/B Table of Contents Chapter 1 GETTING STARTED..........................1-1 What’s In This Chapter........................1-1 Introduction.............................1-1 Options ............................1-3 Manual Changes ..........................1-4 Safety Considerations........................1-4 Supplied Accessories ........................1-4 Specifications ..........................1-4 Functional Description.........................1-4 Input and Output Connectors......................1-4 Main Output - Channel A......................1-6 Main Output -Channel B.......................1-6 SYNC Output..........................1-6...
  • Page 6 3162A/B User Manual Filters............................1-13 Front Panel Indicators ........................ 1-14 Programming The Model 3162B...................... 1-14 Chapter 2 CONFIGURING The INSTRUMENT......................2-1 Installation Overview..........................2-1 Unpacking and Initial Inspection ......................2-1 Safety Precautions ..........................2-1 Performance Checks...........................2-2 Grounding Requirements........................2-2 Long Term Storage or Repackaging For Shipment ................2-2 Preparation For Use........................2-3...
  • Page 7 User Manual 3162A/B Assigning the Source For The SYNC Output................3-17 Selecting the SYNC Position...................... 3-17 Using the Built-In Standard Waveforms..................3-18 Selecting an Operating Mode...................... 3-20 Triggered Mode ......................... 3-21 Gated Mode..........................3-21 Burst Mode..........................3-22 Selecting the Trigger Source....................... 3-23 Using the Internal Trigger Generator ....................
  • Page 8 3162A/B User Manual Query Response Format ......................4-3 SCPI Command Terminator......................4-3 IEEE-STD-488.2 Common Commands ..................4-4 SCPI Parameter Type........................4-4 Numeric Parameters........................4-4 Discrete Parameters ........................4-4 Boolean Parameters ........................4-4 Arbitrary Block Parameters ......................4-5 SCPI Command Summary .......................4-5 Output Configuration Command Summary ..................4-10 Standard Waveform Command Summary ..................4-12 Arbitrary Waveform, Sequence, and Shared Memory Command Summary .........
  • Page 9 User Manual 3162A/B Performance Check Procedures....................5-4 Frequency Accuracy........................5-5 Amplitude Accuracy ........................5-6 DC Offset Characteristics......................5-7 Square Wave Characteristics......................5-9 Sine Characteristics ........................5-10 Sine Flatness..........................5-12 Trigger Gate & Burst Characteristics ................... 5-13 Synthesizer Agility Characteristics....................5-14 PLL Characteristics ........................5-16 Adjustments ..........................5-17 Environmental Conditions ......................
  • Page 10 3162A/B User Manual Support Offices...........................6-2...
  • Page 11 User Manual 3162A/B List of Figures Figure 1-1, Model 3162A and 3162B......................1-1 Figure 1-2, The Front Panel ........................1-5 Figure 1-3, Segment 1 – Sin (x)/x Waveform.....................1-9 Figure 1-4,Segment 2 – Sine Waveform....................1-10 Figure 1-5. Segment 3 – Pulse Waveform....................1-10 Figure 1-6.
  • Page 12 3162A/B User Manual This page was left intentionally blank. viii...

  • Page 13: Chapter 1 Getting Started

    User Manual 3162A/B Chapter 1 GETTING STARTED What’s In This This chapter contains a general description of the VXIbus Model 3162A and 3162B Waveform Generators and an overall functional description of the Chapter instrument. It lists and describes various options available for these models. It also describes the front panel connectors and indicators.
  • Page 14 3162A/B User Manual Waveform Generator. It has the same performance as the Model 3162A, except it has two separate main outputs. While sample clock, frequency, trigger and sequence modes are common to the two channels, each channel has separate controls for amplitude, offset, and waveform shape.

  • Page 15: Options

    User Manual 3162A/B represents a point on the waveform. Each word has a horizontal address that can range from 0 to 1046464, and a vertical address that can range from -2047 to +2048 (12 bits). Using a high speed clocking circuit, the digital contents of the arbitrary waveform memory are extracted and routed to the Digital to Analog Converter (DAC).

  • Page 16: Manual Changes

    3162A/B User Manual Technical corrections to this manual (if any) are noted on the pages Manual Changes themselves, with the change date shown at the bottom of the page.. The Model 3162B has been manufactured according to international safety Safety standards.

  • Page 17: Figure 1-2, The Front Panel

    User Manual 3162A/B Figure 1-2, The Front Panel Getting Started 1-5...

  • Page 18: Main Output - Channel A

    3162A/B User Manual The main output A connector outputs standard, user, sequenced, and Main Output - modulated waveforms. Output impedance is 50Ω. That is, the cable connected Channel A to this output should be terminated with 50Ω. Output amplitude accuracy is calibrated when connected to a 50Ω...

  • Page 19: Am Input - Channel B

    User Manual 3162A/B modulate the channel A main output frequency. The phase modulation function Channel A operates in conjunction with the PLL function. The AM/PM input becomes active when one of these functions is selected. The channel B AM input accepts signals that amplitude modulate the channel AM Input - Channel B B main output signal.

  • Page 20: Burst Mode

    3162A/B User Manual a trigger signal to output waveform may be programmed from 0 clocks to 8 Million clocks. System delay factor must be added to your calculation of final delay value. The burst mode is an extension of the triggered mode where the Model 3162B Burst Mode can be armed to output a pre-determined number of waveforms.

  • Page 21: Sequenced Waveforms

    User Manual 3162A/B CPU circuit and re-routed to the bus on the backplane for direct memory access by the host computer. The Model 3162B has separate arbitrary waveform memories for each channel. Each channel can be loaded with different waveforms. The only limitation is that if you divide channel A memory into smaller segments, the same divider is applied automatically to channel B.

  • Page 22: Figure 1-4,Segment 2 - Sine Waveform

    3162A/B User Manual Figure 1-4,Segment 2 – Sine Waveform Figure 1-5. Segment 3 – Pulse Waveform The following sequence was made of segment 2 repeated twice, segment 1 repeated four times, and segment 3 repeated two times. Figure 1-6. Sequenced Waveforms The table below, from WaveCAD’s Sequence Table Editor, shows how the same...

  • Page 23: Figure 1-7, Wavecad Example

    User Manual 3162A/B Figure 1-7, WaveCAD Example Getting Started 1-11...

  • Page 24: Synthesizer Agility

    3162A/B User Manual The Model 3162B is capable of frequency hopping, FSK modulation, and clock Synthesizer Agility rate switching between memory segments. Frequency hopping is controlled from three different sources: front-panel 9 pin D-sub connector, front panel trigger input, and VXIbus trigger lines. The ratio between two frequencies is an integer number from 1 to 65536.

  • Page 25: Frequency Counter

    User Manual 3162A/B frequency and centers its lock-in range on this frequency. The Model 3162B then locks automatically onto the frequency of the external signal. There is no need for manual initiation or operator intervention to lock the instrument to an external reference.

  • Page 26: Front Panel Indicators

    3162A/B User Manual There are five LED’s on the front panel. The FAIL LED (Red) illuminates at Front Panel power-up until the Model 3162B has passed self-test. If the Model 3162B self- Indicators test fails, the FAIL LED remains on.
  • Page 27 User Manual 3162A/B This page was left intentionally blank. Getting Started 1-15...

  • Page 29: Configuring The Instrument

    CONFIGURING The INSTRUMENT Installation This chapter contains information and instructions necessary to prepare the Model 3162A/B for operation. Details are provided for initial inspection, Overview grounding safety requirements, repackaging instructions for storage or shipment, logical address selection and installation information.

  • Page 30: Performance Checks

    If the instrument is to be stored for a long period of time or shipped Long Term Storage immediately, proceed as directed below. If you have any questions, contact or Repackaging For your local Racal Instruments Representative or the Racal Instruments Shipment Customer Service Department. Repack the instrument using the wrappings, packing material and accessories originally shipped with the unit.

  • Page 31: Preparation For Use

    (switch S1). Figure 2-1 shows the location of the logical address switch. The switches are marked with numbers 1 to 8. The Model 3162A/B uses binary values (2 to 2 ) to set the logical address using the active low address switch.

  • Page 32: Installation

    3162A/B User Manual Figure 2-1, Set Logical Address The instrument can be installed in any slot except slot 0 in a VXIbus Installation mainframe. When inserting the instrument into the mainframe, it should be gently rocked back and forth to seat the connectors into the backplane receptacle.
  • Page 33 User Manual 3162A/B above and below the ejectors to secure the instrument into the chassis. After installation, perform an initial checkout and operational verification. Configuring The Instrument 2-5...
  • Page 34 3162A/B User Manual This page was left intentionally blank. Configuring The Instrument 2-6...

  • Page 35: Using The Instrument

    User Manual 3162A/B Chapter 3 USING THE INSTRUMENT This chapter contains information about how to operate the Model 3162A/B. Overview Unlike bench-type instruments, the Model 3162A/B must be programmed to turn on functions, change parameters and configure various operating modes.

  • Page 36: Power On/Reset Defaults

    User Manual 3162A/B the level of protection associated with each input or output connector. Protection At Power On or as a result of a software reset, the Model 3162B defaults to the Power On/Reset conditions shown in Table 3-1. Also listed in this table are parameters that are Defaults common or separate for each channel.

  • Page 37: What To Do Now

    User Manual 3162A/B Function / Parameter Default Inter-Channel Dependency Trigger Slope: Positive Common Trigger Level: 1.6 V Common 100 µs Internal Trigger Period: Common PLL State: Common AM State: Separate Shared Memory State: Separate Shared Memory Mode: Write Separate Table 3-1, Default Conditions After Power On or After *RST (continued)

  • Page 38: Using The Apply Command

    User Manual 3162A/B | offset | + Vp-p ÷ 2 ≤ 5 /* Turn on channel A main output. */ :OUTPut ON; /* Turn on the SYNC output, if required. */ :OUTPut:SYNC ON; If the above commands are executed correctly, a square waveform will be seen on your oscilloscope at the channel A output connector.
  • Page 39 User Manual 3162A/B values: APPL:SQU 10E6,,1 Alternatively, if just the first parameters need to be changed, omit the commas. The other parameters will be set to the power-up default values: APPL:SQU 4e6,2 Queries can also be made on all parameters associated with a standard function using the APPL: <function_shape>? query.
  • Page 40 User Manual 3162A/B offset, delay, high time, rise time, and fall time parameters. The default settings for these parameters are: 1MHz, 2Vp-p, 0V, 0%, 10%, 10% and 10%. The command: APPLy:RAMP {<frequency>,<amplitude>,<offset>,<delay>, <rise_time>,<fall_time>} programs the generator to output a ramp waveform with frequency, amplitude, offset, delay, rise time, and fall time parameters.

  • Page 41: Selecting The Active Channel

    User Manual 3162A/B The query: APPLy:<function_shape>? queries parameters associated with the specified function shape, and returns a string of values depending on the parameters that are available for the selected function shape. The query: APPLy? queries parameters associated with the currently selected function shape and returns a string of values depending on the parameters available for the selected function shape.

  • Page 42: Output Configuration Commands

    User Manual 3162A/B channels may be programmed from either path. The query: INSTrument:SELect? queries the active channel and returns A or B. The output configuration commands control the output function, shape, Output Configuration frequency, amplitude, filter and state. Optional modes are omitted from these Commands commands.

  • Page 43: Selecting A Standard Function Shape

    User Manual 3162A/B Use the following command to select a standard output function: Selecting a Standard Function Shape FUNCtion:SHAPe {SINusoid | TRIangle | SQUare | PULSe | RAMP | SINC | EXPonential | GAUSsian | NOISe | DC} The selected waveform is output using the previously selected frequency, amplitude, offset, and other relevant settings.

  • Page 44: Changing The Frequency And Sample Clock

    User Manual 3162A/B Use the following command to change the frequency for standard waveforms: Changing the Frequency and FREQuency {<frequency> | MINimum | MAXimum} Sample Clock MIN selects the lowest frequency allowed for the currently active function. MAX selects the highest frequency allowed for the currently active function. The default frequency setting is 1 MHz for all parameters.

  • Page 45: Fsk Mode

    User Manual 3162A/B FREQuency:MODE? queries the frequency mode setting and returns NORM, FSK or HOP. In FSK mode, the generator outputs a pre-selected waveform with the FSK Mode frequency or sample clock setting as carrier frequency, as long as the controlling line remains false (logic zero).

  • Page 46: Hop Mode

    User Manual 3162A/B In HOP mode, the generator outputs a pre-selected waveform whose frequency HOP Mode (or sample clock setting) is determined by the HOP table and HOP control lines. The Model 3162B hops from frequency to frequency according to a pre- determined table.

  • Page 47: Selecting The Reference Oscillator

    User Manual 3162A/B FREQ:HOP:SOURce {EXTernal | TTLTrg<0-3> | ECLTrg0 | DSUB} selects the hop advance source. EXT selects the front-panel TRIG IN connector. Every valid trigger signal increments the table to the next step. TTLT<n> or ECLT0 select the corresponding VXIbus backplane trigger line.

  • Page 48: Programming The Output Amplitude And Offset

    User Manual 3162A/B queries the reference oscillator source and returns either CLK10, EXT or TCXO. Use the following command to program the peak-to-peak amplitude of the Programming the generated waveform: Output Amplitude and Offset VOLTage {<amplitude>|MINimum|MAXimum}. MIN selects the smallest possible amplitude. MAX selects the largest possible amplitude.

  • Page 49: Activating The Backplane Ecltrg And Ttltrg Lines

    User Manual 3162A/B The default output function of the generator is the sine waveform. Since the instrument uses the filter to generate this waveform, the state of the OUTP:FILT cannot be changed until another output function is selected. A setting conflict error will occur if one attempts to change the filter state before changing to another output function or mode.

  • Page 50: Enabling The Main Output

    User Manual 3162A/B The query: OUTPut:ECLTrg0? queries the ECLTrg0 state and returns "0,0" (OFF) or "0,1" (ON). TTLTRG lines zero through three can be used to transmit and receive trigger signals between the Model 3162B and other VXIbus modules. Use the following command to activate one of the four backplane TTLTRG lines: OUTPut:TTLTrg<n>...

  • Page 51: Assigning The Source For The Sync Output

    User Manual 3162A/B connector generates signals which are triggered by signals selected using the SYNC:SOUR command. In the OFF position, the SYNC connector has no output. It is connected electrically to internal circuitry at all times. Ensure that voltage is not applied to the SYNC outputs connector at any time. The default SYNC position is the 6th point from the end of the waveform.

  • Page 52: Using The Built-In Standard Waveforms

    User Manual 3162A/B OUTPut:SYNC:POSition <value> The SYNC position can be selected from point 0 to the last point of the active waveform. SYNC position has to be programmed for each segment. The default SYNC position is at the beginning of the segment or waveform.
  • Page 53 User Manual 3162A/B For the GAUSsian: F(m)=2Ae -(m-n/2) For the SINC: ⋅ π⋅ π F(m)=A sin(2 π⋅ π - t) where = Current point (I..N) = Total number of points = Number of minima The standard waveform will be available at the output connector only after the FUNC:MODE FIX command has been executed.

  • Page 54: Selecting An Operating Mode

    User Manual 3162A/B The query: PULSe:TRANsition? queries the pulse rise time setting and returns a value in percent. The command: PULSe:WIDTh <value> sets the pulse width as a percentage of the pulse period. For example, if the pulse period is 100 ms, 20% pulse width equals 20 ms. Pulse width is measured between the two turning points on the top of the pulse.

  • Page 55: Triggered Mode

    User Manual 3162A/B Figure 3-5, WaveCAD Control Panel for Trigger Mode In Triggered mode, the output remains at a DC level as long as the TRIG IN Triggered Mode signal from the front panel remains inactive. The trigger input is sensitive to either a rising edge or a falling edge.

  • Page 56: Burst Mode

    User Manual 3162A/B gate signal is de-asserted, the output completes the last cycle and resumes position at a DC level equal to the last point of the waveform. Gated mode operates on standard waveforms, arbitrary waveforms, and on sequences of waveforms. Observe the limitations of the gating signal as listed in the specification section of this manual.

  • Page 57: Selecting The Trigger Source

    User Manual 3162A/B TRIGger:BURSt? queries the state of Burst mode and returns "0" (OFF) or "1" (ON). The query: TRIGger:COUNt? queries the burst count and returns an integer. When an external source is not available, the operator has the option of using Selecting the Trigger either the built-in trigger generator or a TTLTRG<n>...

  • Page 58: Selecting The Trigger Slope

    User Manual 3162A/B The trigger slope command selects the sensitive edge of the trigger signal that Selecting the Trigger is applied to the TRIG IN connector. The Model 3162B can be made sensitive Slope to either positive or negative transitions. Use the following command to select...

  • Page 59: Generating Arbitrary Waveforms

    User Manual 3162A/B The IEEE-STD-488.2 common command *TRG has the same effect. Use either software command to trigger the Model 3162B in Trigger, Burst or Triggered Sequence Advance modes. The Model 3162B cannot generate arbitrary waveforms without first loading Generating Arbitrary them into memory.

  • Page 60: Figure 3-6, Wavecad's Arbitrary Waveform Control Panel

    User Manual 3162A/B Figure 3-6, WaveCAD’s Arbitrary Waveform Control Panel Unlike the built-in standard waveforms, arbitrary waveforms must first be loaded into the instrument's memory. Correct memory management is required for best utilization of the arbitrary memory. An explanation of how to manage the arbitrary waveform memory is given in the following paragraphs.

  • Page 61: Arbitrary Memory Management

    User Manual 3162A/B Figure 3-7, WaveCAD’s Axis Definition Panel The Model 3162B's arbitrary memory consists of a fixed length of 1,048,576 Arbitrary Memory points. 2112 points are always reserved for the built-in standard waveforms. The Management maximum size arbitrary waveform that can be loaded into memory is 1,046,464 points long.
  • Page 62 User Manual 3162A/B segment length, since it is not evenly divisible by 8. An error will occur if 1002 points are assigned to a segment. A sample rate clock divider must be assigned to each segment. The division factor must be an integer number ranging from 1 to 65536. When the segment is selected, the sample clock rate will automatically be divided by its associated dividing ratio.

  • Page 63: Loading Arbitrary Waveforms

    User Manual 3162A/B TRACe:DELete: ALL CAUTION This command will destroy waveforms that were previously loaded into memory. After using this command, waveform segments will line up from address 0 upwards. There are three ways to load waveforms into the Model 3162B: by using a Loading Arbitrary graphical user interface, i.e., WaveCAD, a LabWindows/CVI or LabVIEW driver,...

  • Page 64: Figure 3-8, Definite Length Arbitrary Block Data Format

    User Manual 3162A/B byte-high, byte-low order. The FORM:SWAP command can be used to reverse this order. When sending binary blocks to the Model 3162B, the final byte must be transmitted with the EOI bit set. Carriage Return and Line Feed will not be detected as terminators.
  • Page 65 User Manual 3162A/B binary block. 2002 is not a multiple of 8, therefore the generator will generate an error message if this segment length is used. The following program fragment shows an example of programming the 3162A or the 3162B’s channel A.
  • Page 66 User Manual 3162A/B if ((error = viRead(vi, (unsigned char *) readbuf, RI3162_READ_LEN, &cnt)) < 0) return( error ); /* try again */ if (readbuf[0] != '1') if ((error = viPrintf(vi, "*OPC?\n")) < 0) return( error ); if ((error = viRead(vi, (unsigned char *) readbuf, RI3162_READ_LEN, &cnt)) < 0) return( error );...

  • Page 67: Reversing Byte Order

    User Manual 3162A/B /* Download 24 points */ ri3162B_load_arb_data (vi, 1, data_pts, 24); The above program uses the VISA I/O library and the LABWindows/CVI driver. Binary data is sent to the Model 3162B in byte-high byte-low order. This order Reversing Byte...
  • Page 68 User Manual 3162A/B SMEMory:MODE {READ | WRITe} sets the instrument to receive (WRITE) data from or send (READ) data to the VXIbus. The query: SMEMory:MODE? queries the shared memory mode and returns “READ” or “WRITE”. The command: SMEMory:STATe {OFF | ON} places the Model 3162B in the shared memory state when ON is selected.

  • Page 69: Generating Sequenced Waveforms

    User Manual 3162A/B Generating Sequenced Waveforms Sequenced waveforms are made of a number of arbitrary waveforms, which can What Are Sequenced be linked and repeated in user-programmable order. Sequenced waveforms are Waveforms? generated from waveforms stored in a library of memory segments. Before using a sequence of waveforms, load arbitrary memory with the required waveforms.

  • Page 70: Sequence Advance Commands

    User Manual 3162A/B stop signal. If removal of a step from the sequence is required, use the following command: SEQuence:DELete <n> where <n> is the step number to be removed from the sequence. To delete all sequence steps, use the following command:...

  • Page 71: Sequence Advance Source Commands

    User Manual 3162A/B The query: SEQuence:ADVance? queries sequence advance mode and returns “AUTO”, “STEP” or “SING”. The user can program the event, causing the sequence generator to advance Sequence Advance to best match his application needs. In AUTO mode, the sequence is repeated Source Commands continuously and there is no need to specify an advance source.

  • Page 72: Front-Panel / Vxibus Phase Synchronization

    User Manual 3162A/B There is a shift of 1 between the sequence table and the D-sub connector. With no pins pulled up, the binary value sensed by the generator is “0”. The sequence table for the DSUB option ranges from 1 to 256.

  • Page 73: Pll Commands

    User Manual 3162A/B To operate the PLL, set the trigger level and trigger slope and apply your PLL Commands reference signal to the trigger input. Trigger level and trigger slope settings are extremely important, especially if your reference signal has a slow slew rate.

  • Page 74: Using The Frequency Counter

    User Manual 3162A/B queries the PLL state and returns “0” (OFF) or “1” (ON) The query: PHASe:ADJust? queries the PLL offset and returns value in degrees or points depending on the setting of PHASe:STEP. The query: PHASe:SOURce? queries the PLL reference source and returns “EXT”, “TTLT<n>” or “ECLT0”.

  • Page 75: Inter-Channel Phase Control

    User Manual 3162A/B Use the following command to control the PM input: PM {OFF | ON} ON activates the PM input and OFF is the default. The query: queries the PM input state and returns “1” (ON) or “0” (OFF).

  • Page 76: System-Related Commands

    User Manual 3162A/B System-related commands are used to place the instrument in a known state, System-Related clear the instrument to its defaults, or query the generator for system errors or Commands identification. The following is an overview of the system-related commands.
  • Page 77 User Manual 3162A/B The query: *OPT? queries the waveform memory length installed in the 3162B. The response is 1" for 1Meg memory. Using The Instrument 3-43...

  • Page 79: Scpi Command Reference

    Chapter convention rules and syntax are explained in detail. Table 4-1 lists all SCPI commands used for programming the Model 3162A/B. The command summary for each SCPI model is also included in this chapter. This chapter teaches you how to use SCPI commands to control functions, modes, waveforms and other aspects of the instrument.

  • Page 80: Command Format

    User Manual 3162A/B enclosed parameter Vertical Bar ( | ) Separate multiple parameter choices Bold Typeface Letters Designate factory default values Part of the OUTPut subsystem is shown below to illustrate the tree system: OUTPut :FILTer [:LPASs] :FREQuency {70MHz | 150MHz} [:STATe] OFF|ON OUTPut is the root keyword of the command;...

  • Page 81: The Min And Max Parameters

    User Manual 3162A/B TRIG:SOUR:ADV INT;BURS ON;INT:RATE 5e-3 is the same as sending the following three commands: TRIG:SOUR:ADV INT TRIG:BURS ON TRIG:INT:RATE 5e-3 Use the colon and semicolon to link commands from different subsystems. For example, in the following command string, an error is generated if both the colon and the semicolon are not used.

  • Page 82: Scpi Parameter Type

    User Manual 3162A/B The IEEE-STD-488.2 standard defines a set of common commands that IEEE-STD-488.2 perform functions like reset, trigger and status operations. Common commands Common Commands begin with an asterisk ( * ), are four to five characters in length, and may include one or more parameters.

  • Page 83: Arbitrary Block Parameters

    User Manual 3162A/B Arbitrary block parameters are used for loading waveforms into the generator's Arbitrary Block memory. Depending on which option is installed, the Model 3162B can accept Parameters binary blocks up to 1M bytes. The following command uses an arbitrary block parameter that is loaded as binary data: TRAC:DATA#564000<binary_block>...
  • Page 84 User Manual 3162A/B Table 4-1. VXIbus Model 3162B SCPI Commands List Summary Keyword Parameter Form (Default in Bold) SCPI 1993.0 Notes :FORMat :BORDer NORMal | SWAPped Confirmed :INSTrument Confirmed :SELect A | B Confirmed :OUTPut Confirmed [:STATe] OFF | ON...
  • Page 85 User Manual 3162A/B Table 4-1. VXIbus Model 3162B SCPI Commands List Summary (continued) Keyword Parameter Form (Default in Bold) SCPI 1993.0 Notes :HOP (1;1;256),(1;1;65535) Not confirmed :SOURce EXTernal | TTLTrg<0-3> | ECLTrg0 |DSUB Not confirmed :EXTernal? Not confirmed :ROSCillator Confirmed...
  • Page 86 User Manual 3162A/B Table 4-1. VXIbus Model 3162B SCPI Commands List Summary (continued) Keyword Parameter Form (Default in Bold) SCPI 1993.0 Notes :GAUSsian Not Confirmed :EXPonent (20;10;200) Not Confirmed :EXPonential Not Confirmed :EXPonent (-20;-100;100) Not Confirmed :NOISe Not Confirmed Not Confirmed...
  • Page 87 User Manual 3162A/B Table 4-1. VXIbus Model 3162B SCPI Commands List Summary (continued) Keyword Parameter Form (Default in Bold) SCPI 1993.0 Notes :DEFine (1;1;4096),(16;16;1046464) Confirmed Even number, 1M memory, divisible by 8 :DELete Confirmed [:NAME] (1;1;4096) Confirmed :ALL Confirmed :DIVider (1;1;4096),(1;1;65535)
  • Page 88 User Manual 3162A/B Table 4-1. VXIbus Model 3162B SCPI Commands List Summary (continued) Keyword Parameter Form (Default in Bold) SCPI 1993.0 Notes *CLS Confirmed *ESE (0;0;255) Confirmed *OPC Confirmed *RST Confirmed *SRE (0;0;255) Confirmed *TRG Confirmed *ESE? Confirmed *ESR? Confirmed...
  • Page 89 User Manual 3162A/B :FREQuency:MODE {NORMal | FSK | HOP} :FREQuency:MODE? :FREQuency {<frequency> | MINimum | MAXimum} (1e6,100e-6,250e6) :FREQuency? :FREQuency:RASTer {<frequency> | MINimum | MAXimum} (1e6,100e-3,500e6) :FREQuency:RASTer? :FREQuency:EXTernal? :FREQuency:FSK <FSK_divider> (1,1,65535) :FREQuency:FSK? :FREQuency:FSK:SOURce (EXTernal | TTLTrg<0-3> | ECLTreg0} :FREQuency:HOP <HOP_number>,<HOP_divider> (1,1,256),(1,1,65535) :FREQuency:HOP? :FREQuency:HOP:SOURce (EXTernal | TTLTrg<0-3>...
  • Page 90 User Manual 3162A/B The Standard Waveform Commands control the various parameters of the Standard standard output functions. Optional modes are omitted from these commands. Waveform Factory defaults after *RST are shown in bold typeface. Parameter low and high limits are given where applicable. The Standard Waveforms parameters Command could be used for the APPLy command.
  • Page 91 User Manual 3162A/B Arbitrary Waveform commands allow the definition of segments and their Arbitrary corresponding lengths, addition and deletion of segments, and the loading of Waveform, waveform data. Sequence commands control which segments are linked and the number of times each segment is repeated.
  • Page 92 User Manual 3162A/B The Modulation Commands controls amplitude and phase modulation Modulation parameters. Optional modes may be omitted from these commands. Factory Command defaults after *RST are shown in bold typeface. Parameter low and high limits are given where applicable.
  • Page 93 User Manual 3162A/B phase offset commands control inter-channel phase offsets. The commands are presented exactly as they should be typed in your program. Factory defaults after *RST or front panel reset are shown in bold typeface. Parameter low and high limits are given where applicable.
  • Page 94 User Manual 3162A/B Some common commands and queries are optional, but most of them are mandatory. The following is a complete listing of all common commands and queries, which are used in the Model 3162B. *CLS - Clear the Status Byte summary register and all event registers.

  • Page 95: The Scpi Status Registers

    User Manual 3162A/B *STB? - Query the Status Byte summary register. The *STB? command is similar to a serial poll but is processed like any other instrument command. The *STB? command returns the same result as a serial poll, but the "request service" bit (bit 6) is not cleared if a serial poll has occurred.

  • Page 96: The Status Byte Register (Stb)

    User Manual 3162A/B and write to an Enable Register. Querying an Enable Register will not clear it. The *CLS command does not clear Enable Registers but it does clear bits in the event registers. To enable bits in an enable register, write a decimal value that corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of the bits required to enable in the register.
  • Page 97 User Manual 3162A/B Standard Event Status Register 5 4 3 2 1 0 *ESR? & & & & & & Queue & Not Empty Standard Event & Status Register *ESE <value> 5 4 3 2 1 0 Output Queue *ESE?

  • Page 98: Reading The Status Byte Register

    User Manual 3162A/B The Status Byte summary register can be read with the *STB? common query. Reading the Status The *STB? common query causes the generator to send the contents of the Byte Register Status Byte register and the MSS (Master Summary Status) summary message as a single <NR1 Numeric Response Message>...

  • Page 99: Standard Event Status Enable Register (Ese)

    User Manual 3162A/B *CLS common command, with a power-on and when read by *ESR?. The arrangement of the various bits within the register is firm and is required by all GPIB instruments that implement the IEEE-STD-488.2. Description of the various bits is given in the following: Bit 0 - Operation Complete.

  • Page 100: Error Messages

    User Manual 3162A/B in the following. *ESE0 – No mask. Clears all bits in the register. *ESE1 – ESB on Operation Complete. *ESE2 – ESB on Request Control. *ESE4 – ESB on Query Error. *ESE8 – ESB on Device Dependent Error.
  • Page 101 User Manual 3162A/B -104,"Data type error". The parser recognized a data element different than allowed. -108,"Parameter not allowed". More parameters were received than expected for the header. -109,"Missing parameter". Too few parameters were received for the command. One or more parameters that were required for the command were omitted.

  • Page 102: Device-Specific Commands

    User Manual 3162A/B could not be used because its value is outside the valid range defined by the generator. -224,”Illegal parameter value”. A discrete parameter was received which was not a valid choice for the command. An invalid parameter choice may have been used.

  • Page 103: Maintenance And Performance Checks

    Chapter 5 MAINTENANCE AND PERFORMANCE CHECKS This chapter provides maintenance and service information, performance tests, What’s in This and the procedures necessary to adjust and troubleshoot the Model 3162A/B Chapter Waveform Generator. WARNING The procedures described in this section are for use only by qualified service personnel.

  • Page 104: Special Handling Of Static Sensitive Devices

    Once the device is installed on the PC board, the device is adequately protected and normal handling may resume. The Model 3162A/B should be cleaned as often as operating conditions Cleaning require. To clean the instrument, use the following procedure: Thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the instrument.

  • Page 105: Repair And Replacement

    Most equipment is subject to a small amount of drift when it is first turned on. Warm-up Period To ensure accuracy, turn on the power to the Model 3162A/B and allow it to warm-up for at least 30 minutes before beginning the performance test procedure.

  • Page 106: Initial Instrument Setting

    Initial Instrument required that the instrument be reset to factory default values prior to each test. Setting To reset the Model 3162A/B to factory defaults, send either of the following commands: RESet, or *RST. Recommended test equipment for troubleshooting, calibration and performance Recommended Test checking is listed below.

  • Page 107: Frequency Accuracy

    User Manual 3162A/B Accuracy Specifications: 1 ppm of reading to 200.00 MHz Frequency Accuracy Equipment: Counter Configure the Model 3162B as follows: Function: Square Frequency: 10 Hz Amplitude: Remote Commands: :RES :OUTP ON :FUNC:SHAP SQU :FREQ 10 :VOLT 1 Set the counter to frequency measurement.

  • Page 108: Amplitude Accuracy

    User Manual 3162A/B Accuracy Specifications (1 kHz): Amplitude Accuracy ±(1% of reading +25 mV), 1 V to 5 V ±(1% of reading +5 mV), 100 mV to 999.9 mV ±(1% of reading +2 mV), 10 mV to 99.99 mV Equipment: DMM, 50Ω feedthrough termination...

  • Page 109: Dc Offset Characteristics

    User Manual 3162A/B Configure Channel B using the following commands: Remote Commands: :INST:SEL B :OUTP ON :VOLT 5 Connect the B channel output to the DMM input. Terminate the output with a 50Ω feedthrough termination. Set the amplitude and verify DMM reading as follows:...
  • Page 110 User Manual 3162A/B Configure Channel B using the following commands: Remote Commands: :INST:SEL B :VOLT 10e-3 :VOLT:OFFS 2.495 :OUTP ON Connect the B channel output to the DMM input. Terminate the output with a 50Ω feedthrough termination. Set the B channel offset...

  • Page 111: Square Wave Characteristics

    User Manual 3162A/B Specified Transition Time : <2.5 ns typical (10% to 90% of amplitude) Square Wave Characteristics Specified Aberration: <5% of amplitude +10 mV Equipment: Oscilloscope, 20dB attenuator Configure the Model 3162B as follows: Function: Square wave Frequency: 10 MHz...

  • Page 112: Sine Characteristics

    User Manual 3162A/B Specified Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.5% from 10.00 Hz to Sine Characteristics 100.0 kHz, (measured with minimum 4096 horizontal points and sampling rate of 500 MS/s). Specified Harmonic Signals: -50dBc to 100 kHz -40dBc to 10 MHz -25dBc to 200 MHz Equipment: Distortion Analyzer, Spectrum Analyzer, 50Ω...
  • Page 113 User Manual 3162A/B Connect the A channel output to the distortion analyzer input. Load a 5000-point sine waveform to both A and B channels. Use TRACe# command or WaveCAD to load the waveform. Set the distortion analyzer to % distortion measurements, set the Model 3162B sample clock setting, and verify the distortion reading for both channels as below.

  • Page 114: Sine Flatness

    User Manual 3162A/B Level Flatness: ±10% to 10 MHz; ±30% to 200 MHz Sine Flatness Equipment: Oscilloscope Configure the Model 3162B as follows: Function: Sine wave Frequency: 10.00 kHz Amplitude: Remote Commands: :RES :FREQ 10e3 :VOLT 3 :OUTP ON :INST:SEL B...

  • Page 115: Trigger Gate & Burst Characteristics

    User Manual 3162A/B Triggered - Each transition at the front panel TRIG IN connector stimulates Trigger Gate & Burst the Model 3162B to generate one complete output waveform. Characteristics Gated - External signal at the TRIG IN connector enables the Model 3162B output.

  • Page 116: Synthesizer Agility Characteristics

    User Manual 3162A/B Burst Configure the Model 3162B as follows: Function: Sine wave Frequency: 1 MHz Operating Mode: Burst Remote Commands: :RES :OUTP ON :FREQ 1e6 :INIT:CONT OFF :BURST:STAT ON :TRIG:COUN 10 Set oscilloscope and verify that the Model 3162B outputs a burst of 10 complete output waveforms.
  • Page 117 User Manual 3162A/B Operation: Hop table contains 256 hop frequencies. Hop advance source may be selected from front panel, VXIbus triggers and front-panel D-sub connector. 6. Configure the Model 3162B as follows: Function: USER Sample Clock: 300 MHz Amplitude: Remote Commands:...

  • Page 118: Pll Characteristics

    User Manual 3162A/B Accuracy: ±(2880/n [points] + 20 ns/Period [ns] x 360). PLL Characteristics Equipment: Counter, Pulse/Function Generator, Feedthrough Terminator, 3 each BNC Cables, 50 “T” Connector Configure the Model 3162B as follows: Function: User Mode: Sample Clock: 500 MHz...

  • Page 119: Adjustments

    Most equipment is subject to a small amount of drift when first turned on. To Warm-up Period ensure long-term calibration accuracy, turn on the power to the Model 3162A/B and allow it to warm up for at least 30 minutes before beginning the adjustment procedure.

  • Page 120: Sample Clock Duty Cycle Adjustment

    User Manual 3162A/B If not otherwise specified, configure the instrument to factory defaults before each adjustment by sending the *RST command. Always connect the output BNC connector through a 50Ω Ω feedthrough termination. Equipment: Oscilloscope (HP 64616B), 10/1 Probe Sample Clock Duty...
  • Page 121 User Manual 3162A/B Channel B Adjustment Change the Model 3162B settings using the following remote commands: :FREQ 10 e6. :INST:SEL B :FUNC:SHAP SQU :VOLT 3 :OUTP ON Connect the B channel output through 20dB attenuator to the oscilloscope input. Set oscilloscope input impedance to 50Ω. Set the oscilloscope vertical gain and time base, and adjust C9 on engine board B for best pulse response.

  • Page 122: Amplitude Adjustment

    User Manual 3162A/B Equipment: DMM, 50 feedthrough termination Amplitude Adjustment Configure the Model 3162B as follows: Function: Sine Frequency: 1 kHz Amplitude: Remote Commands: :RES :FREQ 1e3 :VOLT 5 :OUTP ON Channel A Adjustment Connect the Model 3162B output to the DMM input through the 50Ω...

  • Page 123: Offset Adjustment

    User Manual 3162A/B Equipment: DMM, 50Ω feedthrough termination Offset Adjustment Configure the Model 3162B as follows: Function: Sine Frequency: 1 MHz Amplitude: 10 mV Offset: +4.500 V Remote Commands: :RES :FREQ 1e6 :VOLT 10e-3 :VOLT:OFFS 4.5 :OUTP ON Channel A Adjustment Connect the Model 3162B output to the DMM input through the 50Ω...

  • Page 124: Pll Adjustment

    Other equipment such as a logic analyzer, in- circuit emulator, etc., could also be helpful in a difficult situation. Upon power-up, the Model 3162A/B performs a set of tests. If the instrument Power-up Tests locks up after power on, proceed with the troubleshooting procedure given in the following paragraphs.

  • Page 125: Self-Test

    The self-test procedure is intended to verify general operation of the Model 3162A/B. It does not test for accuracy. Therefore, it should be used as a general indication that the Model 3162A/B operates correctly. The self-test procedure checks about 95% of the hardware.

  • Page 126: Power Supply Checks

    User Manual 3162A/B It is suggested that the first step in troubleshooting the Model 3162B would be Power Supply to check the power supply rails. If the various supply voltages within the Checks instrument are not within the required limits, troubleshooting the remaining circuits can be very difficult.

  • Page 127: Output Amplifier And Amplitude Control Checks

    User Manual 3162A/B RD – U37 pin 16 Negative going 400 ns width pulses WR – U37 pin 17 Negative going 400 ns width pulses Negative going 6.5 µs width pulses LDACK – U37 pin 5 Negative going 6.5 µs width pulses ASIC LCS –...

  • Page 128: Clock Synthesizer Checks

    User Manual 3162A/B Problems with the clock synthesizer circuits can be detected if the Clock Model 3162B accepts word serial commands and responds correctly Synthesizer to word serial queries, but fails to output the correct waveform Checks frequency. If there is a problem with the clock synthesizer circuit, proceed with the checkout procedure given in Table 5-3.

  • Page 129: Engine Board A/B Circuit Checkout

    User Manual 3162A/B Table 5-3 Clock Synthesizer Checks Step Test Point Expected Result P6 (Sample clock input) 256 MHz ECL level clock U87 pin 9 256 MHz ECL level clock U99pin 5 2 MHz TTL level square pulse U30 pin 7...
  • Page 130 User Manual 3162A/B Table 5-4 Engine Board Checkout – Continuous Operating Mode Checks Step Engine Board A Test Points Expected Result U12, U13, U20, U21, U28, U29, U36, U37, U44, U45, U52, U53 Pins 9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 24 78.125 KHz ECL level clock...

  • Page 131: Triggered Operation Checks

    User Manual 3162A/B If there are general problems with the shape of the output waveforms or if the Triggered Operation output waveforms appear distorted in triggered operating mode, proceed with Checks the checks given in Table 5-5. Checks in this table are performed on engine board A only.

  • Page 132: Sequence Generator Checks

    User Manual 3162A/B U1 pins 13, 14, 17 and 18 78.125 kHz, 0 to – 1 V square waveform U1 pins 38 and 39 +1 V dc U5 pin 1 -1 V dc U5 pin 7 Approximately +330 mV dc...
  • Page 133 User Manual 3162A/B Step Test Point Expected Result J4 pin 6 Positive going TTL level pulses, 312.5 kHz, pulse width 800 ns U81 pin 9 Negative going TTL level pulses, 312.5 kHz, pulse width 800 ns U63, U73 pins 5 and 6 Positive going TTL level pulses, 104.2 kHz, pulse width 3.2µs...
  • Page 134 User Manual 3162A/B This page was intentionally left blank Maintenance and Performance Checks 5-32...

  • Page 135: Chapter 6 Product Support

    1-949-859-8999 and ask for the Parts Department. When sending your instrument in for repair, complete the form in the back of this manual Use the original packing material when returning the 3162A/B to Racal Reshipment Instruments for calibration or servicing. The original shipping carton and Instructions internal packing will provide the necessary support for safe reshipment.
  • Page 136 User Manual 3162A/B Racal Instruments, Inc. Support Offices 4 Goodyear St., Irvine, CA 92618-2002 Tel: (800) RACAL-ATE, (800) 722-2528, (949) 859-8999; FAX: (949) 859-7139 Racal Instruments, Ltd. 480 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 6BE, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 1628 604455; FAX: +44 (0) 1628 662017 Racal Systems Electronique S.A.
  • Page 137 Appendix A SPECIFICATIONS VXIbus General Information Module Form Single slot VXIbus C-size module Connectors P1, P2 Protocol A16/A24/D16 Slave, Message-Based VXIbus Revision SCPI Revision 1993.0 Logical Address Settings 1 - 255, configured via DIP switches Interrupt Level Settings 1 - 7, configured dynamically (no DIP switch) Shared Memory A32, D16, 1Meg Sample Clock...
  • Page 138 FSK Modulation Operation Current segment is sampled continuously. External low level (below trigger level) programs carrier sample clock, external high level (above trigger level) programs shifted frequency. Sample clock changes coherently between frequencies. Carrier Sample Clock Range 100mHz to 300MHz FSK Source External Front panel BNC.
  • Page 139 Standard Waveforms Frequency Range Waveform dependent Source Internal synthesizer Sine Frequency Range 100µHz to 200MHz, usable to 250MHz Band Flatness 10%, to 100MHz; 30%, to 200MHz Programmable Parameters Start Phase 0 to 360° Triangle Frequency Range: 100µHz to 5MHz, usable to 50MHz Adjustable Parameters Start Phase 0 to 360°...
  • Page 140 Arbitrary Waveforms Waveform Memory 1Meg points Memory Segmentation Number of Segments 1 to 4096 Min Segment Size 16 point Vertical Resolution 12 bits (4096 points) Sinewave Total Harmonic Distortion (at 4096 vertical points and sampling rate of 500 MHz) 0.5% Harmonic Signals Below the Carrier Level (at 4096 vertical points) >50 dBc to 100KHz >40 dBc to 10 MHz...
  • Page 141 Phase Lock Phase lock Input 1) Front panel BNC. 2) VXIbus TTLTrg0-3. 3) VXIbus ECLTRG0. Input Frequency Range 100Hz to 18.75MHz (with 16 point waveform) Phase Offset Range 0 to 360° Resolution 2880/n (n = number of points in waveform) Programming In degrees and in number of points Mode...
  • Page 142 Modulation Amplitude Modulation (AM) Modulation Input Front panel BNC 1 MΩ, ±5% Impedance ±12 V Max Input Voltage Sensitivity 0 V to -2 V (2 Vp-p) produce 100% modulation 0 V to -4 V (4 Vp-p) produce 200% modulation Source External Modulation Range 0 to 200%...
  • Page 143 Inputs TRIG/FSK/PLL Input Connector Front panel BNC 10 KΩ, ±5% Impedance Threshold Range Programmable from -10 V to +10 V Threshold Resolution 50 mV Sensitivity 0.2 Vp-p ±12 V dc Max Input Voltage Min Pulse Width 20 ns Slope Positive or negative going edge External Reference Input Connector Front panel BNC...
  • Page 144 Radiated Emissions (Close Field) VXIbus B.8.6.3 (Rev 1.4, Page 85) Radiated Susceptibility VXIbus B.8.6.4 (Rev 1.4, Page 94) Conducted Emissions VXIbus B.8.7.3 (Rev 1.4, Page 94) Conducted Susceptibility VXIbus B.8.7.4 (Rev 1.4, Page 95) Certification CE marked for safety and EMC Mechanical 3162A Dimensions...

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