Mini-Circuits RC4DAT Series User Manual

Usb, rs232, spi & ethernet programable attenuators

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AN-49-005 Rev.: D (August 7, 2016) M156027 (R90553) File: AN-49-005(D).doc
This document and its contents are the property of Mini-Circuits
User Guide
USB, RS232, SPI & Ethernet
Programable Attenuators
RS232 & USB control,
Input Impedance: 50 Ω
Ethernet & USB control,
Input Impedance: 50 Ω

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Summarization of Contents

Chapter 1 - General Information
1.1 Scope of the User Guide
Introduces the purpose and content of the user guide.
1.2 Warranty
Provides information on product warranty and where to find details.
1.3 Definitions
Explains notes, cautions, and warnings used within the document.
1.4 General Safety Precautions
States that there are no general safety precautions for these attenuators.
1.5 Introduction
Provides an overview of Mini-Circuits programmable attenuators and their capabilities.
1.6 Service and Calibration
Details that no periodic service or calibration is required for the models.
1.7 Contact Information
Lists Mini-Circuits contact details for support and inquiries.
1.8 Technical Description
Covers the technical specifications and features of the programmable attenuators.
1.8.1 Features of Mini-Circuits Programmable Attenuators
Lists key features including wide attenuation range, frequency range, and control options.
1.8.2 Model Selection Guide
Presents a table detailing model numbers, specs, and control protocols.
1.8.3 Intended Applications
Describes the primary uses for the programmable attenuators in lab and production.
1.8.4 Supported Software Environments
Lists compatible operating systems and software for controlling the attenuators.
1.8.5 Included Accessories and Options
Details the accessories supplied with RUDAT and RCDAT models.
1.8.6 Conformity
Outlines the international standards the attenuators conform to, such as RoHS and USB 2.0.
Chapter 2 – Installation and Setup
2.1 Software Setup
Explains system requirements and the initial steps for software installation.
2.2 Installation
Provides a step-by-step guide for installing the GUI software on a computer.
2.2.4 Destination Directory Selection
Guides users on selecting the installation directory for the software.
2.2.5 Program Group Selection
Explains how to choose the Start Menu program group for the installed software.
2.3 Attenuator Physical Setup
Details the physical connection procedures for different control methods.
2.3.1 For USB Control
Instructs on connecting the attenuator via USB to a computer system.
2.3.2 For RS232 Control (RUDAT) with power via USB
Outlines the physical setup for RS232 control using USB power.
2.3.3 For RS232 Control (RUDAT) with power via D-Sub Pin#1
Describes an alternative RS232 setup using power from D-Sub Pin#1.
2.3.4 For Ethernet Control (RCDAT)
Guides on connecting the attenuator for Ethernet control.
2.3.5 For SPI Control (RUDAT-13G-90)
Explains the physical connection for SPI control of specific models.
Chapter 3 – Using the Attenuator Models
3.1 Starting the GUI Program
Details how to launch and initiate the GUI program for attenuator control.
3.1.2 RS232 Control Startup
Explains how to start the GUI in RS232 control mode and handle connection alerts.
3.1.3 USB Control Startup
Guides on initiating the GUI for USB control and responding to device alerts.
3.1.4 Multiple USB Unit Selection
Describes how to select from multiple attenuators connected via USB.
3.1.5 Ethernet Control Startup
Covers starting the GUI for Ethernet control, including IP address search.
3.1.8 Ethernet Startup Configuration
Explains entering IP address, password, and protocol for Ethernet startup.
3.1.9 Telnet or HTTP Text Commands
Mentions using text commands via browser or applications for control.
3.2 Operating the Attenuator with the GUI Program
Provides instructions on using the Graphical User Interface to control attenuators.
3.2.1 GUI Main Screen Overview
Describes the main screen of the GUI program and its components.
3.2.2 Manual Mode Functions
Details the functions available for manual attenuation control.
3.2.3 Automatic Mode Functions
Explains the various automatic modes like Sweep and Hop.
3.2.4 Multi-Channel Functions
Covers controlling models with multiple attenuator channels simultaneously.
3.2.5 Configuration Settings
Explains how to configure device settings like address and power-up state.
3.3 Changing Ethernet Settings Using the GUI Program
Guides on modifying Ethernet configuration parameters via the GUI.
3.3.1 Factory Default Ethernet Settings
Describes the default Ethernet IP and port configuration for RCDAT/RC4DAT.
3.3.2 Ethernet Settings Screen
Details the interface for viewing and changing Ethernet settings.
3.3.3 Ethernet Configuration Settings
Lists and explains the various Ethernet configuration parameters.
3.3.4 Storing Ethernet Changes
Instructs on how to save modified Ethernet settings to the attenuator.
3.4 Sweep and Hop Functions
Explains how to perform automated attenuation sweeps and hops.
3.4.1 Automated Sequence Control
Describes setting up sequential sweeps or hop sequences with dwell times.
3.4.2 PC Control Mode (Sweep & Hop Sequences)
Details the default mode where the GUI manages sequences with communication delays.
3.4.3 High Speed Mode (Sweep & Hop Sequences)
Explains high-speed mode using internal memory for faster sequences.
3.4.4 Multi-Channel Models for Sweep/Hop
Covers channel selection for sweep or hop sequences in multi-channel models.
3.4.5 Attenuator Switching Time
Discusses typical switching times and their impact on signal path.
3.5 Alerts During Operation of the Programmable Attenuator
Describes common alerts users might encounter during operation.
3.5.1 Invalid Attenuation Value Alert
Explains alerts for entering out-of-range or incorrect resolution attenuation values.
3.5.2 Device Disconnection Alert
Details alerts related to USB device disconnection or power loss.
3.5.3 Automatic Control via Software
Mentions automatic control using lab software and DLLs.
3.6 Firmware Update
Provides instructions on how to update the firmware of the attenuator.
3.6.1 Supported Models for Firmware Upgrade
Lists model P/Ns and serial number ranges that support firmware upgrades.
3.6.2 Firmware Availability and Updates
Explains that units ship with latest firmware, but updates may be available.
3.6.3 Firmware Upgrade Process
Details the steps to perform a firmware upgrade using the GUI via USB.
3.6.4 Firmware Information Window
Describes the window that displays current firmware and initiates an update.
3.6.5 Firmware Browse Window
Guides users on browsing for the firmware file to install.
3.6.6 Firmware Progress Bar
Shows the progress of the firmware update process.
3.6.7 Successful Firmware Update
Informs about the successful update and prompts for program restart.

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