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SIGNALCORE SC5510B Operating & Programming Manual

100 mhz to 20 ghz rf signal source usb, spi and rs-232 interfaces
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SC5510B/11B
100 MHz to 20 GHz RF Signal Source
USB, SPI and RS-232 Interfaces
Operating & Programming Manual
© 2020-2024 SignalCore, Inc.
support@signalcore.com
Rev 1.2.0

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Summary of Contents for SIGNALCORE SC5510B

  • Page 1 SC5510B/11B 100 MHz to 20 GHz RF Signal Source USB, SPI and RS-232 Interfaces Operating & Programming Manual © 2020-2024 SignalCore, Inc. support@signalcore.com Rev 1.2.0...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Warnings Regarding Use of SignalCore Products ................... 3 Getting Started ....................4 Unpacking ............................... 4 Verifying the Contents of your Shipment ....................4 Setting Up and Configuring the SC5510B/11B ..................5 Indicator LEDs Power and Digital IO Connector USB Connector Signal Connections Theory and Operation ..................
  • Page 3 SPI Interface USB Interface Default Startup Mode ........................... 12 Setting the SC5510B/11B: Configuration Registers ..........13 Table 5. Configuration registers...................... 13 Table 6. Register 0x01 INITIALIZE (1 Byte) ..................15 Table 7. Register 0x02 SET_SYS_ACTIVE (1 Byte) ................15 Table 8.
  • Page 4 Table 36. Register 0x01F RF2_FREQUENCY (2 Bytes) ..............22 Table 37. Register 0x47 SYNTH_SELF_CAL (1 Byte) ................ 22 Querying the SC5510B/11B: Query Registers ............ 24 Table 38. Query registers........................ 24 Table 39. Register 0x20 GET_RF_PARAMETERS (1 Byte, 6 Bytes) ..........25 Table 40.

  • Page 5: Important Information

    Please contact SignalCore if errors are suspected. In no event shall SignalCore be liable for any damages arising out of or related to this document or the information contained in it.

  • Page 6: Copyright & Trademarks

    SignalCore, Incorporated. SignalCore, Incorporated respects the intellectual property rights of others, and we ask those who use our products to do the same. Our products are protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.

  • Page 7: Recycling Information

    Laboratory Equipment include EN 61326-1:2013 and EN 55011:2009 for EMC, and EN 61010-1 for product safety. Recycling Information All products sold by SignalCore eventually reach the end of their useful life. SignalCore complies with EU Directive 2012/19/EU regarding Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Warnings Regarding Use of SignalCore Products...

  • Page 8: Getting Started

    T A R T E D Unpacking All SignalCore products ship in antistatic packaging (bags) to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD). Under certain conditions, an ESD event can instantly and permanently damage several of the components found in SignalCore products. Therefore, to avoid damage when handling any SignalCore hardware, you must take the following precautions: •...

  • Page 9: Setting Up And Configuring The Sc5510B/11B

    Figure 1 Front view of the SC5511B showing user I/O locations The SC5510B/11B is a core module-based RF signal source with all I/O connections and indicators located on the front face of the module as shown in Figure 1. Each location is discussed in further detail below.

  • Page 10: Usb Connector

    Not internally connected 3. USB Connector The SC5510B/11B uses a mini-USB Type B connector (for USB communication) and a micro-HDMI (for SPI or RS-232 communication, depending on the version ordered) to communicate with the device. The USB port uses the standard USB 2.0 protocol found on most host computers. The pinout of this connector,...

  • Page 11: Signal Connections

    4. Signal Connections All signal connections (ports) on the SC5510B/11B are SMA-type. Exercise caution when fastening cables to the signal connections. Over-tightening any connection can cause permanent damage to the device. RF OUT This port outputs the tunable RF signal from channel 1 of the source. The CHANNEL 1 connector is SMA female.

  • Page 12: Theory And Operation

    Figure 2. Block diagram of the SC5510B/11B. RF Generation The SC5510B/11B is a 100 MHz to 20 GHz low phase noise and low spur synthesizer, using a hybrid architecture comprising of phase lock, harmonic generation, and a DDS functions. Coarse tuning is accomplished by PLL and harmonic generators, while fine tuning is accomplished with the variable modulus DDS, providing exact- frequency generation.

  • Page 13: Amplitude Control

    The internal EEPROM is not directly accessible for users to store data. Modes of RF Generation The SC5510B/11B has both single fixed tone and list mode operation for channel 1. In single fixed tone mode, it operates as a normal synthesizer where the user writes the frequency (RF_FREQUENCY) register to change the frequency.

  • Page 14: Sweep Function

    500 s. The amplitude computational time alone is close to 350 s. If the sweep is over a narrow range, it is best to disable the automatic power leveling feature, allowing faster frequency sweeps. By default, whenever the SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...

  • Page 15: List Cycles

    This trigger pulse can be sent on the completion of every step frequency or on the last frequency of a sweep cycle. This trigger signal is present on pin 20 (TRIGOUT). SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 16 USB interface is common on the SC5511B, while an alternative interface option is SPI or RS232. As both the SPI and RS232 utilize the same internal communication device, and thus the same connector pins, only one option is possible. The SC5510B is a PXIe platform device SPI Interface In addition to the 4-wire SPI (CS, SDO, SDI, and SCLK) signal lines, there is also an alternative serial ready SRDY line.
  • Page 17 Frequency Word (mHz) [15:8] [23:16] Frequency Word (mHz) [23:16] LIST_STEP_FREQ 0X08 [31:24] Frequency Word (mHz) [31:24] [39:32] Frequency Word (mHz) [39:32] [47:40] Frequency Word (mHz) [47:40] [7:0] Time (500us) [7:0] LIST_DWELL_TIME 0X09 [15:8] Time (500us) [15:8] SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 18 [7:0] DAC word [7:0] REFERENCE_DAC_SETTING 0x18 [15:8] Open Open DAC word [13:8] [7:0] DAC word [7:0] ALC_DAC_VALUE 0x19 [15:8] Open Open DAC word [13:8] RESERVED 0x1A [7:0] Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 19 1 = This disables the function. May speed up tuning speed in some cases. [7:3] Unused Set all bits to 0 SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 20 It does not work for step-on-trigger mode. 1 = Hardware trigger. A high-to-low (↓) transition on the TRIGIN pin will trigger the device. It can be used for both start/stop or step-on-trigger functions. SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 21 48 Sets the stop frequency for a sweep. Stop frequency should always be greater than the start frequency. The Sweep Direction bit [1] of register 0x05 should be used to determine where the sweep should begin. SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 22 32 Sets the number of frequency points to step through in the buffer list. The number must be equal to or less than the buffer length. This number will overwrite the count determined from the LIST_BUFFER_WRITE register. SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 23 EEPROM memory. The size of the transfer is set by the list frequency points. 1 = Transfers the contents from EEPROM memory to the list buffer (in RAM). [7:1] Unused 7 Set all bits to 0. SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 24 Table 26 Register 0x15 RF_ALC_MODE (1 Byte) Type Name Width Description RF1 ALC mode 1 0 = Amplitude is corrected using ALC closed loop 1 = Amplitude is corrected opened loop. [7:1] Unused 7 Set all bits to 0 SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 25 This is useful to make output adjustment. The current ALC DAC value can be read back via register 0x25 [15:14] Unused 2 Set all bits to 0. Table 31. Register 0x01A Reserved (1 Byte) Type Name Width Description [7:0] Reserved SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 26 Table 36. Register 0x01F RF2_FREQUENCY (2 Bytes) Type Name Width Description [14:0] Frequency (MHz) 14 Frequency word in MHz; 25 to 3000 Table 37. Register 0x47 SYNTH_SELF_CAL (1 Byte) Type Name Width Description [7:0] Unused 8 Set all bits to 0. SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 27 SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 28 Buffer Address [7:0] GET_LIST_BUFFER 0x24 [15:8] Buffer Address [11:8] level Open Open Open Open GET_ALC_DAC_VALUE 0x25 [7:0] Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open GET_SERIAL_OUT_BUF 0x26 [7:0] Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 29 SERIAL_OUT_BUFFER register is required to transfer its contents and to clear the output buffer. [47] List Config: Trig Out Mode [46] List Config: Trig Out Enable SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 30 1 Select ext. freq. 0 = 10 MHz 1 = 100 MHz [11] Ext_Direct_Clk 1 Clock synthesizer directly using 100 MHz [10] PXI-10 Enable 1 PXI-10MHz exported to front panel Out Freq Select 1 Output ref. freq. 0 = 10 MHz 1 = 100 MHz SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 31 [47:0] Dwell time in 0.5 ms 48 The data is returned in unsigned bytes Table 45. Register 0x25 GET_ALC_DAC_VALUE (1 byte, 6 Bytes) Type Name Width Description [7:0] Used zeros SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 32 48 Set all bits to 0. Use of this register is only available for the SPI interface. [47:0] Request Data 48 The data clocked back are the contents requested by the 0x20 to 0x25 registers. SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 33 N T E R F A C E The SC5510B is a PXIe interface device, while the SC5511B has a full speed USB interface that works in parallel with either the SPI or RS232 interface. On the SC5511B, both interfaces are active at all times.
  • Page 34 SCIPCIOXI proprietary driver from SignalCore; this is the default driver installed during software setup installation. The SC5510B, thus, is provided with 2 sets of API, one for NIVISA and the other for SCIPCIOXI. The SC5511B uses the libusb-1.0 (libusb.info) kernel driver and its API is...
  • Page 35 C header file, sc5510b.h/sc5511b.h. These constants and types are useful not only as an include for developing applications using the SC5510B/11B API, but also for writing device drivers independent of those provided by SignalCore.
  • Page 36 “active” LED on the front panel if it is successful. Example: Code to exercise the functions that open and close the PXIe device: SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 37 (num_of_devices == 0) printf("No signal core devices found or cannot not obtain serial numbers\n"); for(i = 0; i<MAXDEVICES;i++) free(device_list[i]); free(device_list); return printf("\n There are %d SignalCore %s USB devices found. \n \n", num_of_devices, SCI_PRODUCT_NAME); i = 0; while ( i < num_of_devices) printf("...
  • Page 38 To read the status of the device: unsigned long long int frequency; status = sc5510b_reg_read(dev_handle, GET_DEVICE_STATUS, 0x00, &frequency); Function: sc5510b_set_freq Definition: STATUS sc5510b_set_freq(HANDLE dev_handle, double freq) Input: HANDLE dev_handle (handle to the opened device) double frequency (frequency in Hz) SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 39 Function: sc5510b_set_rf_mode Definition: STATUS sc5510b_set_rf_mode(HANDLE dev_handle, unsigned char rf_mode) Input: HANDLE dev_handle (handle to the opened device) unsigned char rf_mode (set RF mode of RF1) Return: error code SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 40 Description: STATUS sc5510b_ list_stop_freq sets the sweep stop frequency. Function: sc5510b_list_step_freq Definition: STATUS sc5510b_list_step_freq(HANDLE dev_handle, double freq) Input: HANDLE dev_handle (handle to the opened device) double freq (frequency in Hz) Return: error code SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 41 The list points must be smaller or equal to the points in the list buffer. Function: sc5510b_list_buffer_write Definition: STATUS sc5510b_list_buffer_write(HANDLE dev_handle, double *freq, float *level, float *dwell_time, int32_t len) Input: HANDLE dev_handle (handle to the opened device) double *freq (frequency in Hz) SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 42 STATUS sc5510b_set_level(HANDLE dev_handle, float power_level) Input: HANDLE dev_handle (handle to the opened device) float power_level (level in dBm) Return: error code Description: sc5510b_set_power_level set the power output level of RF1. Function: sc5510b_set_output Definition: STATUS sc5510b_set_output(HANDLE dev_handle, SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 43 The device channel needs about a second to stabilize. 1: The device channel is taken into standby. All power to the channel components are turned off. Conserves power consumption when not in use. Function: sc5510b_set_clock_reference Definition: STATUS sc5510b_set_clock_reference(HANDLE dev_handle, SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 44 ALC DAC to make amplitude adjustments. Function: sc5510b_set_pulse_mode Definition: STATUS sc5510b_set_pulse_mode (HANDLE dev_handle, unsigned short dac_value) Input: HANDLE dev_handle (handle to the opened device) unsigned char pxi_pulse_src SC5510B pulse source is ether front panel or backplane PXI trigger line SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 45 Input: HANDLE dev_handle (handle to the opened device) unsigned char edge (0=trigger on falling edge, 1=on rising edge) Return: error code Description: sc5510b_set_trigger_edge sets the trigger edge. Function: sc5510b_set_pulse_mode Definition: STATUS sc5510b_set_(pulse_mode)HANDLE dev_handle, SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 46 Description: sc5510b_get_rf_parameters gets the current RF parameters such as RF1 frequency, RF2 frequency, and sweep start frequency, etc. Function: sc5510b_get_temperature Definition: STATUS sc5510b_get_temperature (HANDLE dev_handle, float *temp) Input: HANDLE dev_handle (handle to the opened device) SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 47 *device_info) Input: HANDLE dev_handle (handle to the opened device) Return: error code Output: device_info_t *device_info (device information) Description: sc5510b_get_device_info obtains the device information such as serial number, hardware revision, firmware revision, and manufactured date. SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 48 *mode) Input: HANDLE dev_handle (handle to the opened device) Output: unsigned char *pxi_pulse_src SC5510B pulse source is ether front panel or backplane PXI trigger line unsigned char *mode 0/1, disable/enable Return: error code Description: sc5510b_get_pulse_mode retrives the pulse function, and selection of the pulse source for the SC5510B.
  • Page 49 SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 50 Figure 4) before data is clocked in, and must remain low for the entire register write. The clock rate may be as high as 5.0 MHz (T = 0.2 ����), however if the external SPI signals do not have sufficient integrity due trace issues, the rate should be lowered. SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 51 The SPI transfer size (in bytes) depends on the register being targeted. The MSB byte is the command register address as noted in the Setting the SC5510B/11B: Configuration Registers section. The subsequent bytes contain the data associated with the register. As data from the host is being transferred to the device via the SDI (MOSI) line, data present on its SPI output buffer is simultaneously transferred back, MSB first, via the SDO (MISO) line.
  • Page 52 0x03 valid valid valid valid valid valid Sweep Dwell Time 0x04 valid valid valid valid invalid valid Sweep Cycles 0x05 valid valid valid valid invalid valid Sweep Buffer Points 0x06 valid valid valid valid invalid SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 53 Furthermore, reading back this byte will ensure that the device is ready for the next register command. Reading from the Device via RS-232 SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...
  • Page 54 As with the configuration registers, it is important that the data byte(s) associated with the query registers are sent even if they are nulls. The returned data length is also detailed in the Querying the SC5510B/11B: Query Registers section. Returned valid data are detailed in Table 47 and Table 48. RS-232 Windows The Windos API for RS-232 control is provided only for the Windows operating system under the api\rs232\c directory of the installation path.
  • Page 55 The SC5510B/11B is factory calibrated and ships with a certificate of calibration. SignalCore strongly recommends that the SC5510B/11B be returned for factory calibration every 12 months or whenever a problem is suspected. The specific calibration interval is left to the end user and is dependent upon the accuracy required for a particular application.
  • Page 56 1. Modified functions to reflect reference clock mode changes in 08-08- hardware that runs firmware 3.0 or later. 2024 Rev 1.2.0 2. Added function of retrieve reference clock mode 3. Added function to support pulse triggering in PXI SC5510B/11B User Manual Rev 1.2.0...

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