Summary of Contents for Jackson Labs FireFox
- Page 1 FireFox Synthesizer User Manual Document: 0012008 Version: Date: 10 April, 2008...
- Page 2 FireFox Synthesizer User Manual Copyright © 2008 Jackson-Labs...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
FireFox Synthesizer User Manual Table of Contents 1 Introduction ......1 1.1 Overview ....... 1 1.2 Certification . - Page 4 1.4.16Entering SCPI Remote Control Mode ....15 1.5 FireFox Desktop Typical Specifications ....16 1.5.1 Specification Summary .
- Page 5 3.2.3 How long does the FireFox system take to warm up? ... 42 3.2.4 Why is there no power switch on the FireFox? ....42 3.3 Application/Usage FAQs .
- Page 6 3.6.2 How can spur performance be increased even further? ..50 3.6.3 Does the FireFox need calibration? ....50 3.6.4 There is a Frequency Estimate display in the menus.
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Page 7: Introduction
Introduction 1.1 Overview The FireFox synthesizer is a continuous wave (CW), a digital, and a sweeping broadband signal generator with an ultra high-accuracy built-in frequency reference. The unit can generate CW or sweep signals ranging from 0.00001Hz to 1640MHz in 0.00001Hz steps. -
Page 8: Certification
This Jackson Labs hardware product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 (one) year from date of delivery. During the warranty period Jackson Labs will, at its discretion, either repair or replace products that prove to be defective. Jackson Labs does not warrant that the operation for the software, firmware, or hardware shall be uninterrupted or error free even if the product is operated within its specifications. -
Page 9: General
1.3.2 Line Power and Grounding The FireFox Desktop unit operates on a 100V to 220V, 43Hz to 65Hz AC power input with typically less than 20W power consumption. The FireFox OEM unit operates on a 12.0V regulated DC input with typically less than 1A input current. -
Page 10: Do Not Service Or Adjust Alone
1.3.9 Operational Warning Do not operate the FireFox desktop unit without its covers in place. Life line voltages are present inside the case, and could cause bodily harm or death when the unit is operated without its covers in place. -
Page 11: Quick Start Instructions
1.4.2 Initializing the GPS Every time the FireFox unit is moved, it is recommended to enable the GPS Automatic Site Survey mode (or AutoSurvey) in order to reacquire its exact new position. The autosurvey algorithm averages a total of 10000 valid position fixes and typically takes about 2-3 hours to finish. -
Page 12: Setting Up The Gps
1.4.3 Setting up the GPS 1.4.3.1 GPS Time Offset The FireFox Signal Generator requires the user to set the political time offset to GMT time. Enter the SETUP->GPS->GPS TIME OFFSET menu and select between -12 to +12 hours of time offset to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) 1.4.3.2 Selecting Metric/US Mode... -
Page 13: Setting The Rf Amplitude
FireFox Synthesizer User Manual Use the up and down keys to change the frequency triplet. You may also press and hold the up or down keys to automatically scan through the frequency range. The speed of the scan will increase after a short time intervall. -
Page 14: Using The Cmos And Lvds Outputs
The Front Panel CMOS peak-to-peak output voltage is selectable via a switch on the back panel of the FireFox Desktop unit, and via a Jumper on the FireFox OEM PCB. The switch is visible in the upper left hand corner of Figure 1.6. -
Page 15: Setting Up The Dds
The menu item SETUP->DDS->FRACT ON/OFF determines the mode of the FireFox Signal Generator Fractional-N DDS to be used or to be disabled. This setting determines the FireFox Signal Generator resolution, and also affects the output phase noise and frequency drift. Select FRACT ON to set the DDS to 48-bit Frequency mode, or FRACT OFF to turn off the Fractional-N mode, and set the unit to 32-bit Frequency mode. -
Page 16: Power Unit
FireFox Synthesizer User Manual The unit will not generate Frequencies above the limit Frequency selected in this menu item. The limit Frequency will be stored in non-volatile memory until changed in this menu item. 1.4.8.2 Power Unit In the SETUP->OUTPUT->POWER UNIT menu the user may select either a relative power output ranging from 0% to 100% of the units’... -
Page 17: 10Monitoring The Instrument Status
1.4.10 Monitoring the Instrument Status 1.4.10.1 OCXO Status The FireFox Signal Generator allows its internal status to be monitored via the STATUS/OCXO menu item. The OCXO temperature, the OCXO EFC DAC value, the estimated 30 minute Allan Deviation, and the GPS pulse number can be monitored when accessing this menu item. -
Page 18: 3Sys Config
For this example, we will select a Local Oscillator (LO) Frequency of 1.50GHz. The LO input is simply driven by the FireFox RF output signal via a BNC jumper cable, so the FireFox is set to generate the 1.5GHz. The received RF input signal is then connected to the RF input. Mixing the 1.5GHz LO frequency with the 1.4GHz RF signal will generate a 100MHz mixing product (the... -
Page 19: 12Storing And Recalling Setups
The mixer can be disabled in the menu settings to reduce potential interference. 1.4.12 Storing and Recalling Setups The FireFox unit can store up to 10 independent setups in its internal Non Volatile memory. To store, recall, and erase setups, enter the Memory menu by pressing MEMORY->RECALL/SAVE/ERASE. -
Page 20: 2Ocxo Timing Reference Output
1.4.14.1 Factory Reset Pressing the enter button in the SETUP->GPS->FACTORY RESET menu will initiate a GPS receiver Factory Reset, and reset all of the stored settings of the FireFox Signal Generator. Please power cycle the unit after initiating this command. -
Page 21: 3Controlling The M12+ Gps Receiver Using A Pc
Follow these steps in order to be able to control the internal M12+ GPS receiver via WinOncore12: 1) Connect the RS-232 cable supplied with your FireFox Signal Generator to your PC’s COM:1 or COM:2 serial port, and to the FireFox Signal Generators’ back panel RS-232 port labeled “RS-232 GPS”... -
Page 22: Firefox Desktop Typical Specifications
1PPS timing offset to UTC, 6-Sigma <20ns Recommended antenna >18dB gain, 3.3V or 5V Phase Noise At 250MHz carrier, 0dBm RF output 1KHz Offset <-90dBc/Hz 10KHz Offset <-110dBc/Hz 100KHz Offset <-140dBc/Hz 1MHz Offset <-150dBc/Hz Table 1-2: FireFox Key Specifications (Typical) © 2006 Jackson-Labs... - Page 23 Filtered IF output bandwidth <4.5MHz to >350MHz LO input sensitivity <-10dBm RF input sensitivity <-10dBm Damage level. +14dBm RS-232 Ports GPS RS-232 Motorola WinOncore12 compatible SCPI-99 compatible System RS-232 (Firmware Rev. 3.0 and later) Table 1-2: FireFox Key Specifications (Typical) © 2006 Jackson-Labs...
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Page 24: Typical Allan Deviation Plots
Figure 1.2 was measured by an internationally recognized independent test lab using a Hydrogen Maser as a reference compared to the FireFox Signal Generator front-panel RF output set to 5.0MHz at +7dbm. Measurements were done using a TSC 5110A Time Interval Analyzer. - Page 25 GPS. The rear panel 1PPS output of the FireFox Signal Generator is driven by the Motorola M12+ GPS timing receiver. The 1PPS BNC output is only active when the unit is locked to at least one satellite.
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Page 26: Block Diagram
Figure 1.4 Rear Panel 1PPS output Stability when locked to GPS 1.5.3 Block Diagram The FireFox built-in GPSDO feeds a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) which allows Continuous-Wave (CW) frequencies from DC to 1.64GHz to be generated with 10µHz (15 digit) resolution over a 1.64GHz range. -
Page 27: Detailed Overview
FireFox Signal Generators. 1.6.1 Applications The FireFox Synthesizer has five outputs to provide signals to applications that require a low-noise, low jitter, accurate and stable frequency signal. All outputs are driven in parallel, limited to their respective frequency operating ranges as indicated by their “VALID” LED’s which are located adjacent to their respective outputs. -
Page 28: Signal Generator Outputs
* Combining two FireFox units, and running them at slightly different frequencies (frequency offsets as low as 10µHz can be achieved between two FireFox units) to test for equipment behavior and failure when two slowly drifting oscillators are driving the system. This is helpful in Telecom type applications. -
Page 29: Gps Disciplined Ocxo Reference
This receiver is housed in its own metal enclosure to improve its immunity to thermal changes and external interferences. Maintaining frequency synchronization between the internal OCXO and the average GPS UTC time signal allows the FireFox synthesizer to achieve its excellent frequency accuracy without ever requiring calibration. -
Page 30: Dds Synthesizer
1.6.5 RF Output Buffer The FireFox synthesizer has multiple digital outputs and one analog RF signal output. This RF output is factory-calibrated and leveled, and the amplitude is adjustable via the keypad. The output is a pure sine wave with low phase noise, and low spurs and harmonics. A buffer and variable-gain amplifier allow signal levels above +10dbm typ. -
Page 31: User Interface
LCD, and connectors to the FireFox OEM module allowing the unit to be used on a lab bench with easy access to all IO connections. The FireFox OEM module allows integration of the unit in space-constrained applications where control via the serial ports or fixed-frequency settings are required. - Page 32 FireFox Synthesizer User Manual Figure 1.7 FireFox OEM Module System Board Bottom © 2006 Jackson-Labs...
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Page 33: 10Generic Mixer
FireFox mixer however would use the FireFox analog RF output as the Local Oscillator (LO) driver of the FireFox mixer. The RF input of the mixer could then be connected to an external LNA buffer and band-select filter. The Intermediate Frequency (IF) output of the mixer can then be connected to IF demodulators etc. - Page 34 FireFox Synthesizer User Manual © 2006 Jackson-Labs...
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Page 35: Scpi Remote Control
The FireFox SCPI remote control is activated by setting the SCPI Mode tag located under the SETUP/COMMUNICATION menu option. The user can access this menu option by using the front-panel keypad. The FireFox Signal Generator will remain in SCPI mode until the key Menu is pressed on the keypad. -
Page 36: Serial Communication Setup
FireFox Synthesizer User Manual 2.4 Serial Communication Setup The RS-232 serial configuration used in the FireFox Signal Generator is 8-bit word-length, no parity, 1 stop-bit. A Windows Hyper-Terminal is sufficient to transfer commands into the FireFox Signal Generator (turn echo on as described in section 2.5.8.1.2... -
Page 37: Frequency Subsystem
This command is an alias of the command FIXed. 2.5.1.1.2 [SOURce]:FREQuency:MODE This command changes the FireFox mode. Only two modes are supported: Sweep or CW. The FIXed mode is an alias of the CW mode. 2.5.1.1.3 [SOURce]:FREQuency:CENTer <numeric_value>... -
Page 38: Source]:Frequency:span
The SWEEP subsystem commands allow more detailed control of the FireFox sweep functionality than the FREQUENCY subsystem commands provide. The FireFox Signal Generator can be used as an SCPI controlled or manually controlled RF sweeping signal generator with leveled output. The output signal level is highly accurate (within +/-1dBm) and the frequency update rate is in excess of 500 updates/s in Software controlled mode, and 125Mupdates/s in Hardware controlled mode. -
Page 39: 2.5.2.2 [Source]:Sweep:mode
: DIRection <UP | DOWN| UPDOWN> :COUNt <numeric value> This command controls the Frequency sweep functionality of the FireFox. The RF output power is leveled during frequency sweeping, and the output level is set by the power command described in Section 2.5.3.1... -
Page 40: Source]:Sweep:points
Upon *RST, the default TIME is set to 10 seconds. 2.5.2.6 [SOURce]:SWEep:STEP? This command can only be queried on the FireFox. This value is hard coupled to SPAN and POINts by the equation: STEP=SPAN/(POINts-1) 2.5.2.7 [SOURce]:SWEep:GENeration < ANALog | STEPped >... -
Page 41: 2.5.2.8 [Source]:Sweep:spacing
FireFox Synthesizer User Manual 2.5.2.8 [SOURce]:SWEep:SPACing <LINear | LOGarithmic> This command controls the pace of the sweep functionality. The logarithmic spacing is only available on Software-Controlled sweeping mode. Upon *RST, this value is set to LINear. 2.5.2.9 [SOURce]:SWEep:DIRection <UP | DOWN| UPDOWN>... -
Page 42: 12Hardware-Controlled Sweep Configuration Example
(390 – 10)Mhz/(3801-1) = 100 Khz and will last 1 microsecond. The sweep duration will last 3.8 ms and will be repeated a total of 10 times. 2.5.3 Power Subsystem The Power Subsystem controls the output power of the FireFox RF output BNC connector. © 2008 Jackson-Labs... -
Page 43: Source]:Power[:Level] [Immediate][:Amplitude]
2.5.5.1 OUTPut[:STATe] <ON | OFF> This command controls the RF output of the Firefox. At *RST, the output state is OFF. The output state has to be ON for CW and SWEEP to generate a signal on the RF port. -
Page 44: Measure Subsystem
This value is not affected on *RST and it is stored in the non-volatile EEPROM. Please check this setting in the menu if communication to the FireFox Signals Generator is not possible, the Baud Rate may have been set and stored at an incorrect value. -
Page 45: Miscellaneous Proprietary Commands
In order to facilitate use of the SCPI commands, the following proprietary commands have been added. 2.5.9.1 HELP? This command give a summary of all the SCPI commands available on the FireFox Signal Generator. 2.5.9.2 SOURCE? This command displays the setting of the entire source subsystem. - Page 46 FireFox Synthesizer User Manual • SOURce:POWer? © 2008 Jackson-Labs...
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Page 47: Faqs
Only standard, off-the-shelf components are used to guarantee a long life and support time of the unit. Other reasons are that Jackson Labs offers and supports these units directly from the factory, and does not have to maintain a high administrative, or advertising overhead. -
Page 48: How Long Does The Firefox System Take To Warm Up
3.3.1 What is the difference between the FireFox Desktop unit and the FireFox OEM PCB? The FireFox Desktop unit uses the same FireFox OEM board that is also sold separately. The desktop unit includes a Swiss-made enclosure, a power supply, an LCD Display, a Keypad, and external connectors for all the I/O connections available on the FireFox OEM board. -
Page 49: Can The Firefox System Keypad Be Locked
+10dbm should not be exceeded on the RF and LO inputs. 3.3.3 Can the FireFox system keypad be locked? Yes, the FireFox keypad can be locked with jumper JP11 located on the FireFox main PCB. 3.3.4 How come the Frequency Display doesn’t let me select the exact Frequency I need? You probably have turned off Fractional-N mode (see also “Resolution”... -
Page 50: How Come The Display Shows "Uncal" Below 1Hz
The DDS system resolution below 2MHz output frequencies is about 1.7764µHz. The output frequency of the FireFox can be set by the user with 10µHz resolution. This step size when combined with the DDS internal resolution of 1.7764µHz creates an average residual output error of about +-0.8882µHz. -
Page 51: What Happens To The Firefox Settings When The Power Is Turned Off
50% making them non TTL compatible; thus the warning label. The CMOS output drivers used in the FireFox provide both very low jitter and a very small 1PPS delay (in the order of a couple of nanoseconds). They can drive both AC coupled, sine-wave 50 Ohm inputs as well as digital TTL/CMOS inputs and thus provide more flexibility than traditional sine-wave outputs. -
Page 52: Can The Firefox System Be Powered By A Battery
For this example, we will select a Local Oscillator (LO) Frequency of 1.50GHz. The LO input is simply driven by the FireFox RF output signal via a BNC jumper cable, so the FireFox is set to generate the 1.5GHz. The received RF input signal is then connected to the RF input. Mixing the 1.5GHz LO frequency with the 1.4GHz RF signal will generate a 100MHz mixing product (the... -
Page 53: Gps Receiver Faqs
3) Connect the 8482A power sensor to the FireFox RF analog output through a short BNC to N type adapter. Do not use a cable to connect the sensor to the FireFox, the cable would reduce the calibration accuracy. -
Page 54: How Does The Firefox Handle Gps Hold-Over Mode
GPS satellites due to jamming or due to the low sensitivity of competitive receivers, the FireFox uses an optimized design and the best receiver available on the market to avoid any GPS receiver drop-outs in the first place. Once the receiver has established its position and is in position-hold mode, only one satellite needs to be seen by the receiver for the FireFox synthesizer to work properly. -
Page 55: What Is The T-Raim Mode In The Gps Receiver
Comparable navigational receivers have a typical accuracy of 100ns rms, whereas the receiver used in the FireFox units has a down to 10ns or better 1-Sigma timing resolution due to its optimized small bandwidth tracking filters (2ns solutions are possible when using optional sawtooth correction). -
Page 56: Performance Faqs
The FireFox system never needs frequency calibration; it is constantly being calibrated by the GPS timing signal. The FireFox RF output amplitude has been calibrated at the factory, and it is recommended that the unit is returned to Jackson Labs once a year for amplitude calibration. The user may also self-calibrate the FireFox units using an Agilent power meter;... -
Page 57: There Is A Resolution Number Displayed In The Menus. What Is This Number
The smallest fractional frequency step that can be generated in Fractional-N mode is smaller than the 10µHz step size of the FireFox system, and the value displayed in the LCD can thus be used to estimate the frequency error at any particular frequency. - Page 58 FireFox Synthesizer User Manual 10.0MHz = (4294967296 * 1GHz)/ 2^32 The advantage of integer mode is thus that this particular tuning word generates a cycle-accurate, phase-drift-free 10MHz signal without any cycle slipping, or residual. The phase angle to the internal 10MHz OCXO is fixed, and remains drift free.
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Page 59: Auto Calibration
4.2 Power Meter Setup The power meter and FireFox synthesizer have to be warmed-up for one to two hours before the auto-calibration is started. Plug in, and turn on the power meter, and plug in the FireFox synthesizer into the wall power outlet. -
Page 60: Calibrating The Power Sensor
FireFox Synthesizer User Manual E4418B specific control codes are sent to the Agilent power meter via the RS-232 serial port in SCPI format, so power meters that are not E4418B RS-232 SCPI compatible will not function with the FireFox auto calibration procedure. -
Page 61: Sensor Connection
4.2. Use a BNC to N-F adapter between the power sensor and the FireFox synthesizer. Figure 4.2 Connecting the power sensor to the FireFox RF output Figure 4.3 shows how to connect the sensor and BNC to N adapter in detail. -
Page 62: Serial Cable Connection
VSWR mismatch. 4.3.2 Serial Cable Connection The power meter is controlled by the FireFox system controller via a serial port. Use a standard RS-232 Null-Modem cable with DB-9 female connectors (a suitable RS-232 cable is shipped with the FireFox Synthesizer). Connect the FireFox System RS-232 output to the Agilent power meters’... -
Page 63: Initiating Calibration
The Calibration setup is now ready to start the actual calibration procedure. 4.4 Initiating Calibration The calibration procedure is started by the FireFox front panel keypad. Make sure the two units are connected correctly, and follow the procedure below: 1) Press the Menu button to enter the menu mode... - Page 64 FireFox Synthesizer User Manual Figure 4.5 Entering the Calibration sub-menu 3) Scroll down to the Calibration sub menu. Please note that the Calibration sub menu is on the sixth level, and thus not visible in the LCD display until you scroll above the top menu item, or below the bottom most menu item.
- Page 65 FireFox Synthesizer User Manual Figure 4.6 Starting the Calibration procedure 4) Enter the Calibration sub menu 5) Two menu items are shown (see Figure 4.6): Setup and Debug. Entering Setup will start the actual calibration procedure. Debug is used for factory testing.
- Page 66 FireFox Synthesizer User Manual Figure 4.7 LCD Display during calibration procedure 6) Enter Setup and verify that the LCD displays information similar to Figure 4.7 The auto-calibration procedure will take several hours to finish. To avoid calibration errors, do not disconnect any of the cables or touch any of the buttons on either unit during the calibration procedure.
- Page 67 Figure 4.8) Please note that the Power meter has been turned into remote mode by the FireFox (RMT is displayed in the LCD) and the unit is communicating as evidenced by the RX/TX indicators. The Power meter may sometimes also display the ERR indicator, this indicator can be disregarded.
- Page 68 ONLY AFTER THE CALIBRATION IS FINISHED AND YOU SEE THE MESSAGE IN Figure 4.9 You can verify proper operation of the FireFox RF output using the power meter as it is connected for calibration. The FireFox output power from -30dBm to +5dBm should be within +-1dBm, and are typically within +-0.2dBm after calibration when measured with the setup describe above, and if the...