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LeCroy PXA125 User Manual

125 ms/s arbitrary waveform generator
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User Manual

PXA125
125 MS/s
ARBITRARY WAVEFORM GENERATOR
Publication No. 010520
PUBLICATION DATE: June, 2002
REVISION: 1.1
Copyright 2002 by LeCroy. All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form
without written permission of the publisher.

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  • Page 1: User Manual

    PXA125 125 MS/s ARBITRARY WAVEFORM GENERATOR Publication No. 010520 PUBLICATION DATE: June, 2002 REVISION: 1.1 Copyright 2002 by LeCroy. All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

  • Page 2: Warranty Statement

    Authorization is required from LeCroy before you send your product for service or calibration. Call your nearest LeCroy support facility. A list is located on the last page of this manual. If you are unsure where to call, contact LeCroy Customer Support Department.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Chapter 1 - PORTRAYAL What’s in This Chapter ....................1-1 Introduction........................1-1 Conventions used in this Manual ................1-1 PXA125 Series Feature highlights .................1-2 ArbConnection Feature highlights ..................1-3 Functional Description....................1-6 Output Function .....................1-6 Frequency ......................1-6 Amplitude......................1-6 Trigger Modes .......................1-6 Arbitrary Waveforms....................1-6...
  • Page 4 Standard (Fixed) Waveforms ................1-12 Arbitrary (User) Waveforms.................1-12 Sequenced Waveforms ..................1-13 Output State ........................1-14 Filters .........................1-14 Programming the PXA125 ...................1-15 Chapter 2 - INSTALLATION Installation Overview ......................2-1 Unpacking and Initial Inspection ..................2-1 Safety Precautions ....................2-1 Operating Environment ..................2-2 Power Requirements.....................2-2...
  • Page 5 User Manual PXA125 Configuring Actual Slot Location .................2-26 Testing Communications with Your instrument ...........2-28 Chapter 3 - ArbConnection What’s in This Chapter ....................3-1 Introduction to ArbConnection..................3-1 Installing ArbConnection ..................3-1 Quitting ArbConnection ..................3-2 For the New and Advance Users................3-2 Conventions Used in This Manual.................3-2 The Opening Screen ......................3-3...
  • Page 6 User Manual PXA125 Slope ......................3-20 Source ......................3-20 Arm ......................3-21 The Modulation Panel ..................3-21 Frequency Modulation ................3-21 FSK......................3-23 Sweep......................3-23 The Utility Panel ....................3-25 Multi-Instrument Synchronization Control...........3-25 Filter ......................3-28 System Commands ..................3-28 The System and Commands Editor ..............3-28 Communication...................3-28 System Commands ..................3-29 Command Editor..................3-30...
  • Page 7 User Manual PXA125 Control Buttons ...................3-49 Writing Equations ....................3-49 Equation Conventions ..................3-49 Typing Equations....................3-51 Equation Examples....................3-52 Combining Waveforms ..................3-56 Creating FM Markers....................3-58 Chapter 4 – PROGRAMMING REFERENCE What’s in This Chapter ....................4-1 What’s Required......................4-1 The TEComm.dll Functions....................4-1 FindInstrument.......................4-2 Openinstrument .....................4-4 OpenAllInstrument....................4-6...
  • Page 8 User Manual PXA125 SCPI Syntax and Styles ..................4-24 SOURce Subsystem ....................4-30 APPLy:SINusoid{<freq>,<ampl>,<offs>,<phase>} ..........4-31 APPLy:TRIangle{<freq>,<ampl>,<offs>,<phase>} ..........4-31 APPLy:SQUare{<freq>,<ampl>,<offs>,<duty_cycle>}.........4-32 APPLy:PULSe{<freq>,<ampl>,<offs>,<delay>,<rise>,<high>,<fall>}....4-32 APPLy:RAMP{<freq>,<ampl>,<offs>,<delay>,<rise>,<fall>}.......4-33 APPLy:SINC{<freq>,<ampl>,<offs>,<N_cycles>} ..........4-33 APPLy:EXPonential{<freq>,<ampl>,<offs>,<exp>} ..........4-34 APPLy:GAUSsian{<freq>,<ampl>,<offs>,<exp>} ..........4-34 APPLy:DC{<%_ampl>}..................4-35 APPLy:USER{<seg# >,<sclk>,<ampl>,<offs>}............4-35 FM(OFF|ON|0|1}....................4-36 FM:DEViation<deviation>..................4-36 FM:FUNCtion:MODE{FIXed|USER}..............4-36 FM:FUNCtion:SHAPe(SINusoid|TRIangle|SQUare|RAMP} ........4-37 FM:FREQuency<FM_freq> .................4-37 FM:FREQuency:RASTer<FM_sclk> ..............4-37 FM:TRIGger:MODE(CONTinuous|TRIGered|GATEd} ........4-38 FM:TRIGger:SLOPe(POSitive|NEGative} ............4-38 FREQuency{<freq>|MINimum|MAXimum} ............4-38...
  • Page 9 User Manual PXA125 SWEep:SPACing{LINear|LOGarithmic}...............4-43 SWEep:TRIGger:MODE(CONTinuous|TRIGered|GATEd} .........4-43 SWEep:TRIGger:SLOPe(POSitive|NEGative} ............4-44 SWEep:MARKer<mark_sclk> ................4-44 VOLTage{<ampl>|MINimum|MAXimum} .............4-44 VOLTage:OFFSet<offs>..................4-45 SINusoid:PHASe<phase> ...................4-45 TRIangle:PHASe<phase> ...................4-45 SQUare:DCYCle<duty_cycle> ................4-46 PULSe:DELay<delay>..................4-46 PULSe:WIDTh<pulse_width>................4-46 PULSe:TRANsition<rise> ..................4-47 PULSe:TRANsition:TRAiling<fall>...............4-47 RAMP:DELay<delay>..................4-47 RAMP:TRANsition<rise> ..................4-48 RAMP:TRANsition:TRAiling<fall>................4-48 SINC:NCYCleN_cycles> ..................4-48 GAUSsian:EXPonent<exp>.................4-49 EXPonential:EXPonent<exp>................4-49 DC<%_amplitude> ....................4-49 OUTPut Subsystem......................4-50 OUTPut{OFF|ON|0|1} ..................4-50 OUTPut:FILTer{NONE|25M|50M|ALL} ..............4-50 OUTPut:SYNC{OFF|ON|0|1} ................4-51...
  • Page 10 User Manual PXA125 INSTrument:SET {0|1|2}..................4-55 Synchronizing Multiple Instruments ................4-56 TRIGger Subsystem.....................4-58 ARM{OFF|ON|0|1}....................4-58 ARM:SLOPe{POSitive|NEGative} ...............4-59 ARM:BREakpoint:POSition<position>..............4-59 INITiate:CONTinuous{OFF|ON|0|1} ..............4-59 TRIGger:BURSt{OFF|ON|0|1} ................4-60 TRIGger:COUNt<count> ..................4-60 TRIGger:GATE{OFF|ON|0|1} ................4-60 TRIGger:SLOPe{POSitive|NEGative} ..............4-61 TRIGger:SOURce:ADVance{EXTernal|INTernal|TTLTrig<N>|STAR} ....4-61 TRIGger:TIMer<interval> ..................4-62 TRIGger:IMMediate.....................4-62 *TRG ........................4-62 TRACe Subsystem.......................4-63 Arbitrary Waveforms ....................4-63 Arbitrary Memory Management..................4-64 Downloading Arbitrary Waveforms................4-64...
  • Page 11 Figure 1-5c, Segment 3 – Pulse Waveform ..............1-14 Figure 1-5d, Sequenced Waveforms................1-14 Figure 2-1, Add New Hardware Wizard................2-6 Figure 2-2, Search for PXA125 Driver................2-7 Figure 2-3, Specify PXA125 Driver Location..............2-8 Figure 2-4, Specify Subfolder for Your Instrument ............2-9 Figure 2-5, Device Driver Detected ................2-9 Figure 2-6, Copying Device Driver ................2-10...
  • Page 12 User Manual PXA125 Figure 2-12, Copying Device Drivers ................2-14 Figure 2-13, Driver Files Search Results ..............2-15 Figure 2-14, Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard ........2-15 Figure 2-15, Device Manager..................2-16 Figure 2-16, CD’s GUI....................2-18 Figure 2-17, Install preparation ..................2-19 Figure 2-18, First Installation Step ................2-20 Figure 2-19, Customer Information Step..............2-20...
  • Page 13 Figure 3-28, Using the Equation Editor to Build Amplitude Modulated Signal with .... Upper and Lower Sidebands ................3-56 Figure 3-29, Combining Waveforms Into Equations.............3-57 Figure 3-30, Generating FM markers ................3-59 Figure 4-1, SCPI Status Registers ................4-73 List of Tables Table 4-1, Model PXA125 SCPI Commands List Summary.........4-25 xiii...
  • Page 14 User Manual PXA125 This page intentionally left blank...

  • Page 15: Chapter 1 - Portrayal

    What’s In This This chapter contains general and functional description of the Model Chapter PXA125 Arbitrary Waveform Generator. It also describes the front panel connectors and operational modes and provides description of all features available with the instruments. Model PXA125 is a single-channel PXI-based Arbitrary Waveform Introduction Generator.
  • Page 16 User Manual PXA125 Feature Highlights 125 MS/s sample clock frequency Built-in standard waveforms. Up to 50 MHz sinewave output 10 digits frequency setting, limited by 1 S/s 14-bit vertical resolution 2 Meg memory depth Ultra fast waveform downloads 1 ppm clock stability...

  • Page 17: Arbconnection Feature Highlights

    Figure 1-1, PXA125 ArbConnection Three powerful tools in one software package: Instrument control panel, Waveform composer and FM signal composer Feature Detailed virtual front panels control all PXA125 functions and Highlights modes Wave composer generates, edits and downloads complex waveforms...

  • Page 18: Figure 1-2, Arbconnection - Control Panels

    User Manual PXA125 Translates waveform coordinates from ASCII and other formats Simplifies generation of complex sequences Figure 1-2, ArbConnection - Control Panels 1-4 Portrayal...

  • Page 19: Figure 1-3, Arbconnection - Wave Composer

    User Manual PXA125 Figure 1-3, ArbConnection - Wave Composer Figure 1-4, ArbConnection - FM Wave Composer Portrayal 1-5...

  • Page 20: Functional Description

    The internal trigger generator can be programmed with resolution of 7 digits. The PXA125 can be programmed to output triggers on one or more of 8 trigger lines that are connected to P2, as well as, be programmed to respond to these same trigger lines.

  • Page 21: Remote Control

    SCPI commands. The second alternative is to use ArbConnection for high-level programming. ArbConnection is a software package supplied with the PXA125 that simulates a mechanical front panel. It has all the necessary push buttons, displays and dials to operate the instrument as if you were using it on the bench.

  • Page 22: Specifications

    In trigger and burst modes, the trigger input is edge sensitive, i.e., it senses transitions from high to low or from low to high to trigger the PXA125. The direction of the transition is programmable. In gated mode, the trigger input is level sensitive,...

  • Page 23: Sine Out

    50 ) sine waveforms. This output is derived directly from the sample clock generator and is active at all times, regardless of present operating mode of the PXA125. The frequency of the sine output is programmed using the sample clock parameter. Frequency agility and modulation affect this output directly.

  • Page 24: Triggered Mode

    8 backplane trigger lines or from a backplane STAR line. As an alternative to an external source, the PXA125 has a built-in trigger generator that can be programmed through a wide range of frequencies and with 7 digits of resolution.

  • Page 25: Sweep

    FSK (frequency shift keying) function controls the sine output connector. The trigger input is used to flag the PXA125 when to output carrier frequency (trigger false) or when it should switch to the shift frequency (trigger true). You may also use the FSK function from...

  • Page 26: Standard (Fixed) Waveforms

    The PXA125 can be programmed to output one of nine standard waveform shapes: sine, triangle, square, pulse/ramp, sine(x)/x pulse, gaussian pulse, rising/decaying exponential pulse, noise and dc.

  • Page 27: Sequenced Waveforms

    User Manual PXA125 Sequenced The sequence generator is a powerful tool that lets you link and loop segments in any way you desire. As a simple example of a Waveforms sequenced waveform, look at Figures 1-5a through 1-5c. The waveforms shown in these figures were placed in memory segments 1, 2 and 3, respectively.

  • Page 28: Output State

    Filters Two filters are built into the PXA125. These filters are available for use in various applications such as the creation of high frequency sine waves and removing the staircase effect from waveforms that are generated with high frequency clock rates.

  • Page 29: Programming The Pxa125

    User Manual PXA125 The PXA125 does not have front panel control capability. Also, Programming waveform data and sequence tables must be loaded to the PXA125 The PXA125 from a host computer before it can be output arbitrary or sequenced waveforms. There are a number of ways to “talk” to the instrument.

  • Page 30: Chapter 2 - Installation

    This product is intended for use by qualified persons who recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the safety precautions required to avoid possible injury. The following sections contain information and cautions that must be observed to keep the PXA125 operating in a correct and safe condition. CAUTION...

  • Page 31: Operating Environment

    Ensure the PXI chassis being used to host the PXA Environment 125 fully conforms to the latest PXI specifications. The PXA125 is intended for indoor use and should be operated in a clean, dry environment with an ambient temperature within the range of 0 °C to 40 °C.

  • Page 32: Calibration

    WARNING Any use of the PXA125 in a manner not specified by the manufacturer may impair the protection provided by the instrument If the instrument is to be stored for a long period of time or shipped Long Term immediately, proceed as directed below.

  • Page 33: Preparation For Use

    PXA125 inside the PXI chassis, copying instrument drivers to the computer and installing the graphical interface (ArbConnection). The PXA125 is supplied in an antistatic bag. Check the seal on the Removing the bag to make sure the bag was not opened in a static-unsafe Instrument from environment.

  • Page 34: Minimum System Requirements

    The PXA125 is supplied with a CD that contains the *inf file for installing the necessary drivers for operating the instrument on your computer. Follow the instructions below to install the driver to your computer.

  • Page 35: Figure 2-1, Add New Hardware Wizard

    User Manual PXA125 1. Power down your computer and PXI chassis. 2. Insert the PXI PXA125 board into a free PXI slot. Power on your PXI chassis 4. Power on the computer. Windows should first detect the new hardware device with a “New Hardware Found” message box.

  • Page 36: Figure 2-2, Search For Pxa125 Driver

    Press Next and you’ll now be prompted to select the location of the required *.INF file on your computer as shown in Figure 2-3. The PXA125 is supplied with installation CD. Insert this CD into your CD-ROM drive and check the “Specify a location” option as shown below.

  • Page 37: Figure 2-3, Specify Pxa125 Driver Location

    User Manual PXA125 Figure 2-3– Specify PXA125 Driver Location Assuming that this is your first-time installation, press Browse find the Win9xdrv subfolder that is located in the Drivers folder on the supplied CD, as shown in Figure 2-4. Installation 2-23...

  • Page 38: Figure 2-4, Specify Subfolder For Your Instrument

    User Manual PXA125 Figure 2-4 – Specify Subfolder for Your instrument Press OK, then next; Windows will automatically detect the device driver and will show the next dialog box, as shown in Figure 2-5. Check the device description to make sure it agrees with your instrument description.

  • Page 39: Figure 2-6, Copying Device Driver

    User Manual PXA125 Press Next and observe that Window copies the files from the CD- ROM drive to your hard drive, as shown in Figure 2-6. Figure 2-6. Copying Device Driver After Windows has completed copying the device drivers, you can click on the Finish button to complete the installation process.

  • Page 40: Figure 2-8, Checking Driver Installation

    3. Double-click on the System icon and then on the Device Manager tab. Click on LeCroy. If you installed the driver properly, your device manager should show the Arbitrary Waveform Generator Model PXA125 as shown in the figure 2-8 below.

  • Page 41: Windows 2000/Xp Device Driver Installation

    User Manual PXA125 Windows 2000/XP Device A device driver is necessary for the PXA125 software to communicate to the PXI boards. Windows applications cannot communicate to PXI Driver Installation devices without a device driver installed. The PXI PXA125’s installation CD includes instrument drivers for supporting the required Windows platform.

  • Page 42: Figure 2-10, Install Hardware Device Drivers

    User Manual PXA125 Figure 2-10 – Install Hardware Device Drivers Press Next and you’ll now be prompted to select the location of your driver files on your computer as shown in Figure 2-11. Check the “Specify a Location” option only.

  • Page 43: Figure 2-12, Copying Device Drivers

    User Manual PXA125 The PXA125 is supplied with an installation At this time, CD. Insert this CD into your CD-ROM drive. If you already have the instrument drivers installed somewhere on your computer, you can specify your custom location. Either type in the complete path or click on the Browse button to identify your driver location.

  • Page 44: Figure 2-13, Driver Files Search Results

    User Manual PXA125 Windows displays the Driver Files Search Results as shown in Figure 2-13. Click Next and then Finish to complete the installation process. Figure 2-13 – Driver Files Search Results Figure 2-14 – Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard...

  • Page 45: Figure 2-15, Device Manager

    3. Double click on the System icon and then on the Hardware 4. On the Hardware tab click on the Device Manager button. Click on LeCroy. If you installed the driver properly, your device manager should show the Arbitrary Waveform Generator Model PXA125 as shown in figure 2-15.

  • Page 46: Windows Nt Device Driver Installation

    PXA125’s PXI interface chip and therefore, ArbDetector must be installed and invoked whenever you want to use the PXA125, even if you are running your own application and regardless of which Windows platform is installed on your computer.

  • Page 47: Figure 2-16, Cd's Gui

    User Manual PXA125 Windows NT users must install the ArbConnection and ArbDetector utilities as part of the basic installation process as described in the Windows NT Device Driver Installation section of this manual. The installation process of these two programs will automatically install device drivers on Windows NT systems.

  • Page 48: Figure 2-17, Install Preparation

    User Manual PXA125 If you are an advanced user and in preparation to write your own code and application, you’ll have to copy support libraries and some DLL’s from the installation CD. In this case, select the “Copy Developer Libraries” option and specify the folder location for your application.

  • Page 49: Figure 2-18, First Installation Step

    User Manual PXA125 Figure 2-18 – First Installation Step Press Next and type the customer details at the “Customer Information” Window, as shown in Figure 2-19. Figure 2-19 – Customer Information Step Installation 2-35...

  • Page 50: Figure 2-20, Selecting Setup Type

    User Manual PXA125 After typing the customer details press Next and select the Setup Type. You can select from three options: 1) Select PXA125 if you purchased and are installing the PXA125, or 2) Select Custom if you are an advanced user and want to refine your installation process.

  • Page 51: Figure 2-21, Selecting Destination

    User Manual PXA125 Figure 2-21 – Selecting Destination To select the Installed Features, as shown in Figure 2-22, select the appropriate feature by clicking on. Figure 2-22 – Selecting Features Installation 2-37...

  • Page 52: Figure 2-23, Selecting Arbdetector Icon Options

    User Manual PXA125 Just before you finish with the installation, you’ll have to decide if you want an icon added to the system tray. The system tray is located on the right lower side of the screen that has icons that are loaded there automatically every time your computer is powered up.

  • Page 53: The Arbdetector2-24

    Before you can start using the PXA125, you must make sure that the ArbDetector has been invoked. Look at your right lower end of your screen and identify the Startup bar. The ArbDetector icon looks as shown in Figure 2-25.

  • Page 54: Using The Arbdetector

    User Manual PXA125 When you click on the ArbDetector icon with your right mouse button, some options will show that will allow you to open the ArbDetector program, Reset all instruments to factory defaults, Delete al assigned slot locations and Verify users in case you want to Exit the program.

  • Page 55: Configuring Actual Slot Location

    User Manual PXA125 The ArbDetector dialog box is divided into two sections. The left side looks just like the familiar explorer program. The purpose of this explorer is to show how many devices are currently located inside your PXI system. This program will detect waveform generators only so please do not try using this program to detect other instruments.

  • Page 56: Figure 2-28, The Settings Tab

    User Manual PXA125 Figure 2-28. The Settings Tab The Slot Configuration as shown in Figure 2-28 is the end result after you assign the Chassis number and Slot parameters. To add or edit these parameters, click on the Edit button. The Edit dialog box will display as shown in Figure 2-29.

  • Page 57: Testing Communications With Your Instrument

    User Manual PXA125 instrument resides. To complete the chassis and slot assignment, click on OK. The dialog box will be removed from the screen the and Slot configuration parameters will be updated with the information you programmed just now. Notice the 10-digit number above the slot number.

  • Page 58: Figure 2-30, Communicating With Your Instrument

    User Manual PXA125 Figure 2-30. Communicating with your Instrument 2-44 Installation...

  • Page 59: Chapter 3 - Arbconnection

    ArbConnection. Introduction to ArbConnection and examples how to Chapter program instrument controls and parameters and how to generate waveforms and download them to the PXA125 are also given in the following sections. In general, ArbConnection is a utility program that serves as an aid for Introduction To programming the Model PXA125.

  • Page 60: Quitting Arbconnection

    Once you are familiar with the basics, you’ll continue to learn about features, programming, and editing commands. If you can’t find the answer to a question in this guide, call your distributor or the LeCroy customer support service near you and we’ll gladly assist you with your problems.

  • Page 61: The Opening Screen

    Since ArbConnection is used for other platforms, it is extremely important to make sure that the selected communication link for the PXA125 is PXI so the first thing to do is click on the PXI ArbConnection 3-47...
  • Page 62 User Manual PXA125 button to activate this link. Other options are GPIB, RS232 and VXI but they should be disabled for now. If you press the All Platforms button, then the program will attempt to connect every possible link, which usually takes much longer.
  • Page 63 The second bar is called Active Instrument bar. It provides direct access to different instruments that are plugged into the PXI chassis. ArbConnection can operate many PXA125’s units simultaneously. If an instrument was connected to the PXI bus while invoking ArbConnection, it will automatically be detected by the program and its link location and identification displayed in the Link field.

  • Page 64: Arbconnection Features

    ArbConnection opens and cascades panels. In general, ArbConnection has one basic purpose – controlling ArbConnection PXA125 functions and parameters. On the other hand, the PXA125 Features has three main features: 1) Generating standard waveforms, 2) Generating arbitrary waveforms and 3) Generating modulated waveforms.
  • Page 65 PXA125 will be updated with the new parameter only after you press the Execute button. Digital Display – The display is used for displaying and reading various PXA125 parameters, just as you would use it on your instrument. ArbConnection 3-51...

  • Page 66: The Main Panel

    Link field, then every time you press a button, you are getting an immediate action on the PXA125. It is different if you are changing parameters on the display; Doing this, you’ll have to press the Execute button for the command to update the instrument.

  • Page 67: Waveforms

    SYNC output. The SYNC output is enabled when the State button is ON. The SYNC Width and Position parameters will affect the PXA125 when the BIT validator is selected. In LCOM mode, the width and the position will have no affect on the SYNC output.

  • Page 68: Output

    Main Panel since the default output shape Waveforms Panel of the PXA125 is standard sine waveform. There are a number of ways to access this panel: You may click on it to bring it in front of the main Panel, you can click on the STD.

  • Page 69: 10 Mhz Ref

    Compact PCI chassis do not have P2 connectors on their backplanes. If you have a CPCI chassis and intend to use the PXA125, you have two options: 1) Apply a 10 MHz reference to the 10 MHz Ref input, or 2) Use the TCXO setting with your card.

  • Page 70: The Arbitrary & Sequence Panel

    Sequence Panel the Arbitrary or Sequenced Waveforms on the Main Panel. Note that if you invoke the Arbitrary & Sequence Panel from the Panels menu, the PXA125 will not change its output type. On the other hand, if you 3-56 ArbConnection...

  • Page 71: Parameters

    User Manual PXA125 select the arbitrary, or the sequenced options from the Main Panel, besides invoking the Arbitrary & Sequenced Panel, the PXA125 will immediately change its output type to the selected waveform type. The functional groups in the Arbitrary Waveforms Panel are described below.

  • Page 72: Sample Clock

    Note that the sample clock rate is programmed in units of S/s (samples per second) and will affect the Model PXA125 only when it is programmed to output arbitrary or sequenced waveforms. To access the required parameter, click on the button until the LED next to the required parameter turns on.

  • Page 73: Sequence Advance

    Sequence Advance The Sequence Advance group provides control over advance modes for the sequence generator. Advance options are: Auto, Stepped, Single and Mixed. Refer to the PXA125 operation instructions to find out more when and how to use these advance modes. You should be...
  • Page 74 User Manual PXA125 load it with waveform data, define the next and load with data, then the third etc. The second alternative is to use what ArbConnection has to offer and that is to make up one long waveform that contains...

  • Page 75: Using The Sequence Table

    Using the Sequence If you want to learn more about sequences and sequence control, you should refer to Chapter 4 of this manual. In general, the PXA125 can Table generate sequenced waveforms but waveforms must be loaded to the instrument from a computer before it can generate sequences.
  • Page 76 Adv – is a special code that is used in conjunction with the mixed advance mode. This bit flags the PXA125 if the selected link is continuous or stepped. Information on the Mixed sequence advance mode is given later.

  • Page 77: The Trigger Panel

    20 times. Also notice that mixed mode advance flag has been assigned to segment 4. This flag will cause the sequence to stop on segment 4 until the PXA125 will be triggered for the next sequence cycle. There are control buttons on the right of the sequence table. Use the Append key to add a step at the end of the sequence list.

  • Page 78: Slope

    Slope The Slope group lets you select edge sensitivity for the trigger input of the PXA125. If you click on Positive, the instrument will trigger on the rising edge of the trigger signal. Likewise, if you click on Negative, the instrument will trigger on the falling edge of the trigger signal.

  • Page 79: The Modulation Panel

    Panel. The modulation panel provides access and control for a number of functions: FM (frequency modulation), FSK (frequency shift keying) and Sweep. The PXA125 can perform only one of these functions at a time and ArbConnection will generate an error if you try to change the state to on for more than one modulation option.
  • Page 80 FM. Slope – The Slope sub-group let you select edge sensitivity for the trigger input of the PXA125. If you click on Positive, the instrument will trigger on the rising edge of the trigger signal. Likewise, if you click on Negative, the instrument will trigger on the falling edge of the trigger signal.
  • Page 81 [ ] [ ] keys to adjust the readout to the required setting. After you modify the reading, press Execute to update the PXA125 with the new reading. Sweep The Sweep group contains parameters for controlling sweep options.

  • Page 82: Sweep

    Slope – The Slope sub-group let you select edge sensitivity for the trigger input of the PXA125. If you click on Positive, the instrument will trigger on the rising edge of the trigger signal. Likewise, if you click on Negative, the instrument will trigger on the falling edge of the trigger signal.

  • Page 83: The Utility Panel

    If you made programming errors, you can use this panel to clear the error queue, or reset the PXA125 all together. The functional groups in the Utility are described below.
  • Page 84 User Manual PXA125 Arb Detector utility to assign chassis and slot location. Information how to access and use the Arb Detector program is given in Chapter 2 of this manual. If you attempt to configure the synchronization table before assigning actual slot location, you’ll get an error message as shown in Figure 3-12, which will advise you on the procedure to correct the situation.
  • Page 85 User Manual PXA125 Figure 3-41. The Multi-Instrument Synchronization Panel Figure 3-42. Multi-Instrument Synchronization Error Message. Activate – This button will activate synchronization between instruments as configured in the Multi-Instrument Synchronization Panel. If you pressed this button without first configuring master and slave units, the error message as shown in Figure 3-12 will be shown.

  • Page 86: Filter

    Clear Error Queue, if you made programming errors and want to remove the error list from the queue. You can also use the Manual Trigger key to trigger the PXA125 in case you do not have an external trigger stimuli connected to the TRIG IN connector.
  • Page 87 Figure 3-43. System Control and the Command Editor System Commands The System Commands group lets you use common commands and test the PXA125 for proper operation. The Time Out field sets system timeout in units of seconds. The time out is required by the GPIB link in case your instrument does not communicate properly with on the bus.

  • Page 88: The Waveform Composer

    User Manual PXA125 PXA125 from the Command field and the PXA125 will response to queries in the Response field. The command editor is very useful while developing your own application. Build your confidence or test various commands using the command editor. This way you can assure that commands or syntax that you use in your application will respond exactly the same way as it responds to the editor commands.

  • Page 89: File Commands

    User Manual PXA125 Figure 3-44. The Wave Composer Opening Screen File Commands The File command has 4 commands that control waveform files. Also use this command to print the active waveform, or exit the wave composer program. Description of the various commands under File is given below.

  • Page 90: Edit Commands

    Save Waveform (Binary) The Save Waveform command will store your active waveform in your PXA125 directory, as a binary file with an *.wav extension. If this is the first time you save your waveform, the Save Waveform As… command will be invoked automatically, letting you select name, location and format for your waveform file.
  • Page 91 User Manual PXA125 Autoline The Autoline command lets you draw straight-line segments. To draw a line using this command click the left mouse button at the start point. Click again at the next point and then click on the right mouse button to terminate this operation.

  • Page 92: View Commands

    User Manual PXA125 use for your waveform must divide by 4. If you placed your anchor in between 4-point increments then waveform length will automatically adjust to the nearest legal size. Trim Right The Trim Right command operates exactly as the Trim Left command except this command affects the portion to the right of the right anchor.

  • Page 93: Wave Commands

    User Manual PXA125 Figure 3-46. Zooming In on Waveforms Wave Commands The Wave commands let you create waveforms on the screen. The Wave command has a library of 8 waveforms: Sine, Sawtooth, Square, Sinc, Gaussian, Exponent, Pulse, and Noise. It also lets you create waveforms using the Equation Editor.
  • Page 94 User Manual PXA125 Figure 3-47. An Example of Generating Sine Waveforms From the Built-in Library. Creating Sine Waveforms Use the following procedure to create sine waveforms from the built-in library. Click on Wave, then sine… the dialog box as shown in Figure 3-17 will appear.

  • Page 95: The Toolbars

    User Manual PXA125 point 499. Cycles – The Cycles parameter defines how many sine cycles will be created within the specified start and end points. The example below shows five sine cycles. Waveform Amplitude – 14-bit of vertical define 16,384 incremental steps.
  • Page 96 User Manual PXA125 This icon will save the file you currently have on your waveform screen. The file will be saves in *.wav format that is unique to the wave composer. The Save As… icon lets you save your waveform as a file. The file will be saves in *.wav format that is unique to the wave composer.
  • Page 97 User Manual PXA125 is moving average. This is done by recalculating each point as an average of symmetrical number of adjacent points. When you select the Filter command, a dialog box pops up, letting you program the filter spacing in number of adjacent points. You can filter the entire...

  • Page 98: The Waveform Screen

    Wavelength button. Use this edit field to define the active segment you intend to program. The PXA125 lets you program up to 4096 segments, of which each could be programmed with a unique waveform length. To select a new active segment click on the edit field, use your backspace or delete keys to clear the field and type in the new number.
  • Page 99 User Manual PXA125 Figure 3-49. The Waveform Screen Notice on the left top and on the right top there are two triangles pointing to the center of the screen. These are the anchors. The anchors are used as the start and end pointers where your waveform will be created.

  • Page 100: The Fm Composer

    The FM composer is a great tool for controlling frequency agility by generating the agility curve as an arbitrary waveform. For example, if you create a sine waveform, the PXA125 will generate frequency- modulated signal that will follow the sine pattern. The resolution and accuracy of the modulated waveform is unsurpassed and can only be duplicated by mathematical simulation.

  • Page 101: File Commands

    User Manual PXA125 Figure 3-50. The FM Composer Opening Screen File Commands The File command has 4 command lines that control waveform files. Also use this command to exit the FM composer program. Description of the various commands under File is given below.

  • Page 102: Edit Commands

    Save Waveform The Save Waveform command will store your active waveform in your PXA125 directory, as a binary file with a *.wvf extension. If this is the first time you save your waveform, the Save Waveform As… command will be invoked automatically, letting you select name, location and format for your waveform file.

  • Page 103: Wave Commands

    User Manual PXA125 The Autoline command lets you draw straight-line segments. To draw a line using this command click the left mouse button at the start point. Click again at the next point and then click on the right mouse button to terminate this operation.
  • Page 104 User Manual PXA125 Exponent, Pulse, and Noise. It also lets you create waveforms using an Equation editor. Information how to create waveforms using the Wave commands is given below. Creating Waveforms From the Built-in Library You can create any waveform from the built-in library using the Wave command.

  • Page 105: Generating Waveforms Using The Equation Editor

    User Manual PXA125 range is from 1 through 9. Figure 3-52. An Example of Generating Modulating Sine From the Built-in Library. One of the most powerful feature within ArbConnection and probably Generating the feature that will be used most is the Equation Editor. The Equation...

  • Page 106: Anchor

    User Manual PXA125 use this dialog box and how to write your equations. There are three main sections in the equation editor plus control buttons. These sections are described below. Figure 3-53. The Equation Editor Dialog Box Anchor The Anchor section has two fields: Start and End Point.

  • Page 107: Equation

    However, if you zoom in on a waveform line, you’ll see that the points are connected like a staircase. In reality, the PXA125 generates its waveforms exactly as shown on the screen however, if the waveform has many horizontal points, the steps are hard to see.

  • Page 108: Typing Equations

    User Manual PXA125 are done with double-digit precision. For the trigonometric functions, all angles are expressed in radians. A number of constants are provided: e, which is the base of the natural logarithm; pi, which is the circumference of a unit-diameter circle;...
  • Page 109 User Manual PXA125 Editor. Assuming first that p=0, try this: Ampl(p)=1000 Press [Preview] and see what you get. Of course, you get an uninteresting line that runs parallel to the X-axis. Now, lets give the line some angle by typing: Ampl(p)=-2*p+2000 Press [Preview] and see that the line slopes down.

  • Page 110: Equation Examples

    User Manual PXA125 Equation Samples So far, you have learned how to create two simple waveforms: straight lines and trigonometric functions. Lets see if we can combine these waveforms to something more interesting. Take the straight line equation and add it to the sinewave equation: Ampl(p)=6000*sin(omg*p*l0)-2*p+2000 Press [Preview].
  • Page 111 User Manual PXA125 Figure 3-55. Using the Equation Editor to Modulate Sine Waveforms. In the following example, as shown in Figure 3-23, 20% second harmonic distortion has been added to a standard sinewave. The original waveform had a peak-to-peak value of 5000 points so 20% second harmonic is equivalent to 1000 points.
  • Page 112 User Manual PXA125 Figure 3-56. Using the Equation Editor to Add Second Harmonic Distortion. In Figure 3-24 we created 10 cycles of sinewave made to decay exponentially. The original expression for a standard sinewave is multiplied by the term e^(-t/250). Increasing the value of the divisor (200 in this case) will slow down the rate of decay.

  • Page 113: Sinewave

    User Manual PXA125 Figure 3-57. Using the Equation Editor to Generate Exponentially Decaying Sinewave The last example as shown in Figure 3-25 is the most complex to be discussed here. Here, 100 cycles of sinewave are amplitude modulated with 10 cycles of sine wave with a modulation depth of 20%.

  • Page 114: Combining Waveforms

    User Manual PXA125 Figure 3-58. Using the Equation Editor to Build Amplitude Modulated Signal With Upper and Lower Sidebands Combining The last but not least powerful feature allows you to combine waveforms, which you previously stored on your hard disc. You can...
  • Page 115 User Manual PXA125 select Noise. Click OK and watch your waveform screen draw noisy signal. From the File menu select Save Waveform As… and save this waveform using the name Noise.wav. Step 3 – Write and compute the original equation: Ampl(p)= Sine.wav*sin(omg*p*10)*Noise.wav/1000...

  • Page 116: Creating Fm Markers

    User Manual PXA125 Frequency markers are available at the SYNC output when the Creating FM instrument is placed in either sweep or arbitrary FM modes. Unlike the Markers normal SYNC operation where a SYNC bit is placed only once on a...
  • Page 117 User Manual PXA125 update the modulating waveform with the marker positions that you assigned in the table. If you press Close without first Store & Update, you’ll lose data entry. You can also use this button in case you want to discard of faulty data entries.
  • Page 118 User Manual PXA125 This page intentionally left blank 3-104 ArbConnection...

  • Page 119: Chapter 4 - Programming Reference

    PXA125 is given in Table 4.1. What’s Required In order for you to start programming the Model PXA125, you’ll need to have some files, libraries and header files installed in various folders of your computer. Check that you have all of these files before you start with your own application.
  • Page 120 User Manual PXA125 Programming Reference 4-2...

  • Page 121: Findinstrument

    User Manual PXA125 FindInstrument Purpose Scans PXI baskets for PXA125 units and returns the number of instruments that it found. C Syntax INSTRUMENTSTATE FindInstrument (PDWORD pItems) Resource Classes PXI, PCI Parameters Name Description pItems Returns the number of PXA125’s in the system...
  • Page 122 No PXA125’s were found in the system Description FindInstrument() scans the PCI bus for Plug & Play instruments (PXA125/1’s only) and detects how many instruments are plugged into your system. It also initiates communications and sets up file images with all of the found devices. Therefore, you must use this function in your program before you use any other functions.

  • Page 123: Openinstrument

    User Manual PXA125 OpenInstruemnt Purpose Initiates communications with one of the instruments found using the function FindInstrument() C Syntax OpenInstrument (int hInstr) Resource Classes PXI, PCI Parameters Name Description hInstr Instrument handle number. Must be out of a range of instruments that were found in the PXI baskets.
  • Page 124 User Manual PXA125 Error Codes Description PCI_ERR_OPEN_INS_FAILED Could not succeed to initiate communications with the selected instrument. Description The OpenInstrument() function can be used only after you initiate communication with your instruments using the function FindInstrument(). This function enables communication and assigns a handle to specific device number.

  • Page 125: Openallinstrument

    User Manual PXA125 OpenAllInstrument Purpose Initiates communications with all instruments found using the function FindInstrument() C Syntax OpenAllInstrument (void) Resource Classes PXI, PCI Parameters None Return Values Completion Codes Description PCI_SUCCESS Function executed without errors PCI_INS_ALREADY_OPEN Trying to establish new communication link while instrument has already been connected.
  • Page 126 User Manual PXA125 Description The OpenAllInstrument() function can be used only after you initiate communication with your instruments using the function FindInstrument(). This function enables communication and assigns handles to all of the instruments at once. In this case, you do not have to specify device numbers.

  • Page 127: Closeinstrument

    User Manual PXA125 CloseInstrument Purpose Terminates communications with one of the instruments C Syntax CloseInstrument (int hInstr) Resource Classes PXI, PCI Parameters Name Description hInstr Instrument handle number. Must be out of a range of instruments that were found in the PXI baskets.
  • Page 128 User Manual PXA125 Error Codes Description PCI_ERR_INDEX_OF_INS_NOT_EXIST Illegal index number used to identify an instrument Description Use this function if you want to remove the handle from one or more instruments. After you free the handle, you will not be able to access the instrument before you use the Openinstrument() function again.

  • Page 129: Getinstrumentattribute

    User Manual PXA125 GetInstrumentAttribute Purpose Use this function to fetch instrument identity, options, slot location, serial number etc C Syntax GetInstrumentAttribute (int hInstr, INSTRATTR* pInstrAttr) Resource Classes PXI, PCI Parameters Name Description hInstr Instrument handle number. Must be out of a range of instruments that were found in the PXI baskets.
  • Page 130 TEComm.h header file. Description of the structure is given in the following. GetInstrumentAttribute (continued) Instrument Attributes Structure - INSTRATTR m_Type Describes the model number. For example – PXA125 m_Description Provides description of the instrument – Arbitrary Waveform Generator m_BasicModel Provides in formation on maximum sample clock frequency. 125 MS/s for the PXA125.
  • Page 131 User Manual PXA125 m_Platf Provides information on the Interface platform. For example, PXI, PCI, cPCI etc. m_VirtualSlot Provides information on slot location of the instrument. The virtual slot location must be defined by the user, using the Arb Detector from the Startup menu.

  • Page 132: Getstatemessage

    User Manual PXA125 GetStateMessage Purpose Returns a string with a description of the error found C Syntax Void GetStateMessage (INSTRUMENT state, char *pMsg, int size) Resource Classes PXI, PCI Parameters Name Description state An error code. The error list is available in TEComm.h.

  • Page 133: The Te5200Drv.dll Functions

    User Manual PXA125 The TE5200drv.dll controls the complete functionality of the TE5200drv.dll instrument. You also have to use this dll to communicate with your Functions instrument. Communication with the instrument is done using SCPI commands. The SCPI commands by themselves cannot program the instrument but must be used with conjunction with the TE5200drv.dll.
  • Page 134 SCPI Commands reference. If value is larger than 0x8000000, look for problems in the communication with the PXA125. Most probable cause for such errors is not invoking the Arb Detector program after you power up your computer.
  • Page 135 The command structure and syntax is exactly the same, which will make it even easier to program the PXA125. However, do not get discouraged if you are not familiar with SCPI programming. SCPI introduction and command examples are given later in this chapter.

  • Page 136: Sendblock

    User Manual PXA125 SendBlock Purpose Use this function to send arbitrary waveform coordinates as well as FM arbitrary waveform coordinates to the instrument C Syntax INSTRUMENTSTATE SendBlock (int hInstr, WORD mode, char *pFileName, void *pWave, DWORD size) Resource Classes PXI, PCI...
  • Page 137 SCPI Commands reference. If value is larger than 0x8000000, look for problems in the communication with the PXA125. Most probable cause for such errors is not invoking the Arb Detector program after you power up your computer.
  • Page 138 User Manual PXA125 working memory. The generator has nine built-in standard waveforms shapes. There is no need to download waveform coordinates to the generator for it to be able to output one of these waveforms. However, every time you select one of the standard functions, the firmware computes the data and places the waveform coordinates in the working memory.
  • Page 139 User Manual PXA125 2. Define array FMPT fmWav[<wavelength>] 3. Fill the structure with data array of which each fmWav represents: pt – S/s value x 14.31655765 (S/s is limited by specified sample clock range) last – Ored value 0x80 for the last waveform data point...

  • Page 140: Introduction To Scpi

    User Manual PXA125 Introduction To Commands to program the instrument over the GPIB are defined by the SCPI 1993.0 standard. The SCPI standard defines a common SCPI language protocol. It goes one step further than IEEE-STD-488.2 and defines a standard set of commands to control every programmable aspect of the instrument.

  • Page 141: Command Format

    User Manual PXA125 Command Format The format used to show commands in this manual is shown below: FREQuency {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum} The command syntax shows most commands (and some parameters) as a mixture of upper and lowercase letters. The uppercase letters indicate the abbreviated spelling for the command. For shorter program lines, send the abbreviated form.

  • Page 142: The Min And Max Parameters

    User Manual PXA125 Substitute MINimum or MAXimum in place of a parameter for some The MIN and MAX commands. For example, consider the following command: Parameters FREQuency {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum} Instead of selecting a specific frequency, substitute MIN to set the frequency to its minimum value or MAX to set the frequency to its maximum value.

  • Page 143: Scpi Parameter Type

    User Manual PXA125 The SCPI language defines four different data formats to be used in SCPI Parameter Type program messages and response messages: numeric, discrete, boolean, and arbitrary block. Commands that require numeric parameters will accept all commonly Numeric Parameters used decimal representations of numbers including optional signs, decimal points, and scientific notation.
  • Page 144 User Manual PXA125 that is optional when programming the command; that is, the PXA125 will process the command to have the same effect whether the optional node is omitted by the programmer or not. Letter case in tables is used to differentiate between the accepted short form (upper case) and the long form (upper and lower case).

  • Page 145: Programming Reference

    User Manual PXA125 Table 4-1. Model PXA125 SCPI Commands List Summary Keyword Parameter Form (Default in Bold) Notes :INSTRument :COUPle [:STATe] OFF | ON :MODE MASTer | SLAVe :PHASe [:OFFSet] 4 point increments (0,0,n) where “n” is the size of the active segment...
  • Page 146 User Manual PXA125 Table 4-1. Model PXA125 SCPI Commands List Summary (continued) Keyword Parameter Form (Default in Bold) Notes :ROSCillator :SOURce INTernal | EXTernal | TCXO :VOLTage [:LEVel] [:AMPLitude] (5.000;80E-3;8.00) | MINimum | MAXimum :OFFSet (0;-3.6;+3.6) :FUNCtion :MODE FIXed | USER | SEQuence...
  • Page 147 User Manual PXA125 Table 4-1. Model PXA125 SCPI Commands List Summary (continued) Keyword Parameter Form (Default in Bold) Notes :DEViation (10e6;100e-3;100e6) :FUNCtion :MODE FIXed | USER :SHAPe SINusoid | TRIangle | SQUare | RAMP :FREQuency (1e3;1e-3;100e3) :RASTer (1e6;1e-3;10e6) [:STATe] OFF | ON...
  • Page 148 User Manual PXA125 Table 4-1. Model PXA125 SCPI Commands List Summary (continued) Keyword Parameter Form (Default in Bold) Notes :SEQuence [:DATA] <binary_block> :ADVance AUTOmatic | STEP | SINGle | MIXed :SOURce EXTernal | INTernal |TTLTrig 0-7 | STAR :DEFine (1;1;4096),(1;1;4096),(1;1;128K),(0,0,1)
  • Page 149 User Manual PXA125 Table 4-1. Model PXA125 SCPI Commands List Summary (continued) Keyword Parameter Form (Default in Bold) Notes *CLS *ESE (0;0;255) *OPC *RST *SRE (0;0;255) *TRG *ESE? Query only *ESR? Query only *IDN? Query only *OPC? Query only *OPT?

  • Page 150: Source Subsystem

    User Manual PXA125 SOURce This subsystem is used to control output functions, shape and parameters, frequency, amplitude and amplitude modulation, and filter Subsystem type. Optional nodes were omitted from these commands. Factory defaults after *RST are shown in bold typeface. Parameter low and high limits are given where applicable.

  • Page 151: Apply:sinusoid{,,,

    100,-100,+100 APPLy:SINusoid{<freq>,<ampl>,<offs>,<phase>} Purpose This command is a high-level command that programs the PXA125 to output sine waveform along with its associated parameters <freq> sets the output frequency in units of hertz <ampl> sets the output amplitude in units of volts <offs>...

  • Page 152: Apply:square{,,,

    The PXA125 will return <freq>, <ampl>,<offs>,<phase>. Default values are APPLy:SQUare{<freq>,<ampl>,<offs>,<duty_cycle>} Purpose This command is a high-level command that programs the PXA125 to output square waveform along with its associated parameters <freq> sets the output frequency in units of hertz <ampl> sets the output amplitude in units of volts <offs>...

  • Page 153: Apply:ramp{,,,,,

    Default values are APPLy:RAMP{<freq>,<ampl>,<offs>,<delay>,<rise>,<fall>} Purpose This command is a high-level command that programs the PXA125 to output ramp waveform along with its associated parameters <freq> sets the output frequency in units of hertz <ampl> sets the output amplitude in units of volts <offs>...

  • Page 154: Apply:sinc{,,,

    The PXA125 will return <freq>, <ampl>,<offs>,<delay>,<high>,<fall>. Default values are APPLy:SINC{<freq>,<ampl>,<offs>,<N_cycles>} Purpose This command is a high-level command that programs the PXA125 to output sinc waveform along with its associated parameters <freq> sets the output frequency in units of hertz <ampl> sets the output amplitude in units of volts <offs>...

  • Page 155: Apply:gaussian{,,,

    The PXA125 will return <freq>, <ampl>,<offs>,<exp>. Default values are APPLy:DC{<%_ampl>} Purpose This command is a high-level command that programs the PXA125 to output DC level along with its associated parameter <%_ampl> sets the output level as percentage of the amplitude setting...
  • Page 156 User Manual PXA125 <offs> sets the output offset in units of volts Parameter type Numeric Parameter range <seg#> 1 to 4096 <sclk> 10e-6 to 100e6 <ampl> 80e-3 to 80 <offs> -3.6 to +3.6 Programming Reference 4-38...

  • Page 157: Fm:deviation

    Parameter type Boolean Response and default The PXA125 will return 1 if the FM is on, or 0 if the FM is off. Default is 0. FM:DEViation<deviation> Purpose This command will set the deviation frequency in units of samples per second.

  • Page 158: Fm:function:shape

    Discrete FM:FUNCtion:SHAPe? Response and default The PXA125 will return SIN, TRI, SQU, or RAMP depending on its present setting. Default is SIN. FM:FREQuency<FM_freq> Purpose This command will set the modulating wave frequency. This parameter affects the PXA125 when set to op- erate in FM:FUNC:MODE FIX <FM_freq>...

  • Page 159: Fm:trigger:mode

    Parameter type Discrete FM:TRIGger:MODE? Response and default The PXA125 will return CONT, TRIG, or GATE depending on its present setting. Default is CONT. FM:TRIGger:SLOPe{POSitive|NEGative} Purpose This command will select slope sensitivity for the FM trigger input. POSitive will select rising edge...

  • Page 160: Frequency:raster{|Minimum|Maximum

    <EXTernal> selects an external source <INTernal> selects the internal source Parameter type Discrete FREQuency:RASTer:SOURce? Response and default The PXA125 will return EXT if an external source is selected, or INT if the internal source is selected. Default value is INT. Programming Reference 4-42...
  • Page 161 User Manual PXA125 Programming Reference 4-43...

  • Page 162: Fsk:frequency:raster

    FSK:FREQuency:RASTer<FM_sclk> Purpose This command will set the shift sample clock frequency. When set to operate in FSK mode, the PXA125 will hop from carrier sample clock frequency to shifted sample clock frequency. <FSK_sclk> will set the shifted sample clock frequency for the FSK mode...

  • Page 163: Function:shape{Sinusoid|Triangle|Square|Pulse|Ramp|Sinc| Exponential|Gaussian|Noise|Dc

    FSK:RAMP:TIME? Response and default The PXA125 will return the present ramp time value. The returned value will be in standard scientific format (for example: 10ms would be returned as 10E-3 – positive numbers are unsigned). Default value is 1e-3. FUNCTion:MODE{FIXed|USER|SEQuence} Purpose This command defines the type of waveform that will be available at the output connector.

  • Page 164: Roscillator:source{Internal|External|Tcxo

    Discrete ROSCillator:SOURce? Response and default The PXA125 will return INT, EXT, or TCXO depending on the present PXA125 setting. Default value is INT. SWEep:STOP<stop_sclk> Purpose This command will set the stop sample clock frequency. When set to operate in sweep mode, the PXA125 will sweep from carrier sample clock frequency to sweep stop sample clock frequency.

  • Page 165: Sweep:direction{Up|Down

    SWEep:TIME? Response and default The PXA125 will return the present sweep time value. The returned value will be in standard scientific format (for example: 10ms would be returned as 10E-3 – positive numbers are unsigned). Default value is 1e-3. SWEep:DIRection{UP|DOWN} Purpose This command will select the sweep direction up and down.

  • Page 166: Sweep:trigger:slope

    SWEep:MARKer? Response and default The PXA125 will return the present sweep sample clock frequency value. The returned value will be in standard scientific format (for example: 1KHz would be returned as 1E3 – positive numbers are unsigned). Default value is 64e6.
  • Page 167 User Manual PXA125 <MAXimum> 10 in units of volts Programming Reference 4-49...

  • Page 168: Voltage:offset

    -3.6 to +3.6 in units of volts VOLTage:OFFSet? Response and default The PXA125 will return the present offset value. The returned value will be in standard scientific format (for example: 100mV would be returned as 100E-3 – positive numbers are unsigned). Default value is 0. SINusoid:PHASe<phase>...

  • Page 169: Square:dcycle

    0 to 360 in units of degrees TRIangle:PHASe? Response and default The PXA125 will return the present start phase value. Default value is 0. SQUare:DCYCle<duty_cycle> Purpose This command programs duty cycle of the standard square waveform. This command has no affect on arbitrary waveforms.

  • Page 170: Pulse:transition

    0 to 99.9 in units of percent PULSe:TRANsition? Response and default The PXA125 will return the present rise time value. Default value is 10. PULSe:TRANsition:TRAiling<fall> Purpose This command programs pulse transition from high to low of the standard pulse waveform. This command has no affect on arbitrary waveforms.

  • Page 171: Ramp:transition

    0 to 99.9 in units of percent RAMP:TRANsition? Response and default The PXA125 will return the present rise time value. Default value is 60. RAMP:TRANsition:TRAiling<fall> Purpose This command programs ramp transition from high to low of the standard ramp waveform. This command has no affect on arbitrary waveforms.

  • Page 172: Gaussian:exponent

    4 to 100 zero crossings SINC:NCYCle? Response and default The PXA125 will return the present number of zero-crossing value. Default value is 10. GAUSsian:EXPonent<exp> Purpose This command programs the exponent for the standard gaussian pulse waveform. This command has no affect on arbitrary waveforms.

  • Page 173: Output Subsystem

    Discrete OUTPut? Response and default The PXA125 will return 1 if the output is on, or 0 if the output is off. Default value is 0. OUTPut:FILTer{NONE|25M|50M|ALL} Purpose This command will select which filter is connected to the PXA125 output. Observe the following restrictions...
  • Page 174 User Manual PXA125 1) Filter selection is not available when the instrument is set to output the standard sine waveform. In fact, the default waveform shape is sine. Therefore, filter selection will be available for use only after you select a different waveform, or change the output mode to use.

  • Page 175: Output:sync{Off|On|0|1

    Parameter type Discrete OUTPut:SYNC? Response and default The PXA125 will return 1 if the SYNC output is on, or 0 if the SYNC output is off. Default value is 0. OUTPut:SYNC:SOURce{BIT|LCOMplete} Purpose This command will select the PXA125 SYNC option.

  • Page 176: Output:sync:width

    4 points minimum. OUTPut:SYNC:POSition? Response and default The PXA125 will return the present duty cycle value. Default value is 50. Response to query version The PXA125 will return the present SYNC position value. Default value is 0.

  • Page 177: Output:star {Off|On|0|1

    OFF or 0 will set the STAR line output off, the Sync pulse removed and the line converted to high- impedance, tri-state. Parameter type Discrete OUTPut:STAR? Response and default The PXA125 will return the STAR line state: 1 if the STAR is on (output), or 0 if the STAR is off (input). Default value is 0. Programming Reference 4-59...

  • Page 178: Instrument Subsystem

    Parameter type Discrete INSTrument:COUPle? Response and default The PXA125 will return 0, or 1 depending on the present instrument couple setting. Default value is 0. INSTrument:COUPle:MODE{MASTer|SLAVe} Purpose This command will select master and slave instruments in multi-instrument synchronization mode. Note that only one instrument in a chain may be set as master.
  • Page 179 User Manual PXA125 Programming Reference 4-61...

  • Page 180: Instrument:couple:phase

    4 points. INSTrument:COUPle:PHASe? Response to query version The PXA125 will return the present phase offset value. Default value is 0. INSTrument:SET {0|1|2} Purpose This command will prepare the master and slave units for multi-instrument synchronization. The procedure how to synchronize multiple instruments is given below.

  • Page 181: Synchronizing Multiple Instruments

    User Manual PXA125 Synchronizing The capability to synchronize multiple instruments is one of the strongest features of the Model PXA125. However, since each instrument is free Multiple running and has completely independent settings and controls, one must first Instruments prepare the instruments to a level where all instruments can unite.
  • Page 182 User Manual PXA125 will not interfere with synchronization: 1. Changing output state on/off 2. Changing sync output state on/off 3. Changing sync validation bit/lcom 4. Modifying amplitude and offset 5. Modifying sample clock frequency In the following you’ll find a list of operation that will interfere with synchronization: 1.

  • Page 183: Trigger Subsystem

    OFF or 0 will set the arm mode off Parameter type Discrete ARM? Response and default The PXA125 will return 1 if the arm mode is on, or 0 if the arm mode is off. Default value is 0. Programming Reference 4-65...

  • Page 184: Arm:slope{Positive|Negative

    OFF or 0 will set the interrupted mode Parameter type Discrete INITiate:CONTinuous? Response to query version The PXA125 will return 1 if the output is continuous, or 0 if the output is interrupted. Default value is 0. Programming Reference 4-66...

  • Page 185: Trigger:burst{Off|On|0|1

    Parameter type Discrete TRIGger:BURSt? Response and default The PXA125 will return 1 if the burst is on, or 0 if the burst is off. Default value is 0. TRIGger:COUNt<count> Purpose This command will set the burst counter. <count> will set the count number...
  • Page 186 User Manual PXA125 Programming Reference 4-68...

  • Page 187: Trigger:slope{Positive|Negative

    13 left local bus signals as the star triggers. The PXI_STAR specifications are only partially implemented in the PXA125 where only 8 star lines are being addressed, all of them in parallel thus, if you plug the card in slot 2 and turn TRIG:STAR ON, the front-panel SYNC signal will be routed to 8 STAR lines simultaneously.

  • Page 188: Trigger:timer

    Parameter type Discrete TRIGger:STAR? Response and default The PXA125 will return 1 if star lines are active, or 0 if star lines are disabled. Default value is 0. TRIGger:TIMer<interval> Purpose This command will set the period for the internal trigger generator.

  • Page 189: Trace Subsystem

    Sequence commands control segments links and loops. Description of the SendBlock() command is also given. This command places PXA125 in a special data transfer mode where the generator’s message-based interface is bypassed and data is loaded directly from the data bus. Optional nodes were omitted from these commands.

  • Page 190: Arbitrary Memory Management

    3. Use the function SendBlock() to send waveform data points to the PXA125. You can use this function in two ways: 1) You can generate and save an external file with the waveform coordinates and then call this function with the path to your file, or 2) you can build the coordinates into your function, as described earlier in this chapter.

  • Page 191: Trace:define,

    1Meg or 4Meg. NOTE The PXA125 operates in interlaced mode where four memory cells generate one byte of data. Therefore, segment size can be programmed in numbers evenly divisible by four only.

  • Page 192: Trace:select

    Waveforms Sequenced waveforms are generated from waveforms stored in the PXA125 as memory segments. Therefore, before a sequence can be used, download waveform segments to the arbitrary memory using TRAC# or DMA methods. Information on how to partition the memory and how to download waveforms is given in the section entitled Downloading Arbitrary Waveforms.
  • Page 193 User Manual PXA125 Programming Reference 4-75...

  • Page 194: Sequence:advance{Automatic|Step|Single|Mixed

    In SINGle advance mode, the generator idles between steps until a valid trigger signal is sensed. This mode operates with trigger mode only. An attempt to select the SING advance mode when the PXA125 is in continuous operating mode will generate an error. After trigger, the generator outputs one waveform cycle.

  • Page 195: Sequence:define ,,<#_Repeat>,

    <STAR> will select the STAR trigger module. Select this option only if you have a STAR module in your system SEQuence:ADVance:SOURce? Response and default The PXA125 will return EXT, INT, TTLT<N>, or STAR depending on the present trigger advance source setting. Default value is EXT. SEQuence:DEFine <step_#>,<segment_#>,<#_repeat>,<mode> Purpose This command will define sequence steps and their associated advance mode.

  • Page 196: System Subsystem

    This query will return instrument identification. Response to query The PXA125 will return a string similar to this one: 0x1570, 0x500, 0000000278. The first field is the vendor ID, the second is the device ID and the last field the serial number of the instrument.

  • Page 197: Ieee-Std-488.2 Common Commands And Queries

    *OPC? query response. *OPT? - Returns the value “0” for a PXA125 with no options. Returns “1” for a Model PXA125 with 2Meg memory and returns “2” for a Model Programming Reference 4-79...

  • Page 198: The Scpi Status Registers

    *TRG - Triggers the generator from the remote interface. This command effects the generator if it is first placed in the Trigger or Burst mode of operation and the trigger source is set to "BUS". The Model PXA125 uses the Status Byte register group and the SCPI Status...

  • Page 199: The Status Byte Register (Stb)

    User Manual PXA125 The Status Byte summary register contains conditions from the other Status Byte registers. Query data waiting in the generator's output buffer is Register (STB) immediately reported through the Message Available bit (bit 4). Bits in the summary register are not latched. Clearing an event register will clear the corresponding bits in the Status Byte summary register.
  • Page 200 User Manual PXA125 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 201: Reading The Status Byte Register

    User Manual PXA125 The Status Byte summary register can be read with the *STB? Reading the Status common query. The *STB? common query causes the generator to Byte Register send the contents of the Status Byte register and the MSS (Master Summary Status) summary message as a single <NR1 Numeric...

  • Page 202: Service Request Enable Register (Sre)

    User Manual PXA125 The Service Request enable register is an 8-bit register that enables Service Request corresponding summary messages in the Status Byte Register. Thus, Enable Register the application programmer can select reasons for the generator to issue a service request by altering the contents of the Service (SRE) Request Enable Register.

  • Page 203: Standard Event Status Register (Esr)

    User Manual PXA125 The Standard Event Status Register reports status for special Standard Event applications. The 8 bits of the ESR have been defined by the IEEE- Status Register STD-488.2 as specific conditions, which can be monitored and reported back to the user upon request. The Standard Event Status (ESR) Register is destructively read with the *ESR? common query.
  • Page 204 User Manual PXA125 The Standard Event Status Enable Register allows one or more Standard Event events in the Standard Event Status Register to be reflected in the Status Enable ESB summary message bit. The Standard Event Status Enable Register is an 8-bit register that enables corresponding summary Register (ESE) messages in the Standard Event Status Register.

  • Page 205: Error Messages

    User Manual PXA125 In general, whenever the PXA125 receives an invalid SCPI Error Messages command, it automatically generates an error. Errors are stored in a special error queue and may be retrieved from this buffer one at a time. Errors are retrieved in first-in-first-out (FIFO) order. The first error returned is the first error that was stored.
  • Page 206 2. ampl/2 + |offset| is more than 4. Corrective action: Reduce offset to 0, then change amplitude-offset values to correct the problem. 3. Activating filters when the PXA125 is set to output the built-in sine waveform, or activating the built-in sine waveform when one of the PXA125 filters is turned on.
  • Page 207 User Manual PXA125 -300,”Device-specific-error”. This is the generic device-dependent error for the instrument when it cannot detect more specific errors. A device- specific error as defined in IEEE-488.2 has occurred. -311,”Memory error”. Indicates that an error was detected in the instrument’s memory.
  • Page 208 User Manual PXA125 This page intentionally left blank Programming Reference 4-90...

  • Page 209: Appendix A - Specifications

    User Manual PXA125 SPECIFICATIONS Output Channels Multiple Instrument synchronization Description Multiple instruments can be connected together and synchronized to provide multi-channel synchronization. Sample Clock Source From Master card to slave boards through the local bus Range and Resolution Same as Sample Clock but limited to 80 Ms/s Initial Skew <20 ns to the first master;...
  • Page 210 User Manual PXA125 range; 1ppm/ C below 19 C and above 29 C; 1ppm/year aging rate External 10 MHz TTL, 50% 2% duty cycle SAMPLE CLOCK MODULATION FM – Built-in Standard Waveforms Description Sample clock can be frequency modulated by internal waveforms that are resident in internal memory (fixed waveforms).
  • Page 211 User Manual PXA125 Output and Level Same as SYNC output. Position Programmable for selected sample clock frequency Waveform Download Rate 5 Meg points per second Description Current segment is sampled continuously. TTL low-level programs carrier sample clock, TTL high level programs shifted sample clock frequency. Sample clock changes co- herently between frequencies.
  • Page 212 User Manual PXA125 Advance Automatic, triggered, gated or software command Marker Output and Level Same as SYNC output. Position Programmable for selected frequency OPERATING MODES Normal Continuous waveform is generated Triggered Each input cycle generates a single output cycle. Gated...
  • Page 213 User Manual PXA125 Trigger Sources External Input Front panel BNC Level Slope Sensitivity Positive or negative, programmable Frequency 5 MHz to DC Internal Range 100 mHz to 2 MHz Resolution 7 digits Accuracy 0.01% Software SCPI command Backplane TTLTrig0 through TTLTrig7; STAR...
  • Page 214 User Manual PXA125 Memory Interleave 4 (All trace lengths must be multiples of 4) Vertical Resolution 14 bits (16,384 points) Waveform Download Rate 5 Meg points per second Sine Wave Performance Description Sine wave performance is measured using the maximum sample clock rate, at 5 Vp-p, the maximum amplitude resolution of the DAC (14-bit) and without filters.
  • Page 215 User Manual PXA125 OUTPUTS Waveform Output Connector Front panel BNC Stand-by Output Off or Normal Impedance 50 , 1% Protection Protected against temporary short to case ground Amplitude Range 80 mV to 8 Vp-p, into 50 ; Double into open circuit Resolution 3.5 digits...
  • Page 216 User Manual PXA125 Description Provides dual functionality. All functions and modes, this output generates sync pulse, which is synchronous with the output waveform. In FM and sweep modes only, this out- put generates a marker having properties similar to the sync pulse output. The SYNC pulse can be routed to the PXI backplane to one or more of the TTL Trigger lines, thus providing trigger outputs to other modules.
  • Page 217 User Manual PXA125 Flatness -3dB at 100 MHz Total Harmonic Distortion 0.3% to 100 KHz -55dBc to 1 MHz Harmonics and non-related spurious -45dBc to 10 MHz -35dBc to 100 MHz INPUTS TRIG Input Connector Front panel BNC Impedance 10 K , 5%...
  • Page 218 User Manual PXA125 -12 V - 200 mA +3.3 V - 1.4 A Dimensions Single width, 3U high Environmental Temperature (Operating) 0 to 50 Temperature (Non-Operating) -40 to 71 Humidity (non-condensing) 5 to 95% RH at or below 30 Upper limit derates to:...
  • Page 219 User Manual PXA125 This page intentionally left blank Specifications A-101...

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