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Racal Instruments 3155 User Manual

100ms/s arbitrary waveform generator
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3155
100MS/s ARBITRARY
WAVEFORM GENERATOR

User Manual

PUBLICATION NO. 980866
RACAL INSTRUMENTS
Racal Instruments, Inc.
Racal Systems Elettronica s.r.l.
4 Goodyear St., Irvine, CA 92618-2002
Strada 2-Palazzo C4, 20090 Milanofiori Assago, Milan, Italy
Tel: (800) RACAL-ATE, (800) 722-2528, (949) 859-8999;
Tel: +39 (0)2 5750 1796; FAX +39 (0)2 5750 1828
FAX: (949) 859-7139
Racal Elektronik System GmbH.
Racal Instruments, Ltd.
Technologiepark Bergisch Gladbach, Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse,
480 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 6BE, United Kingdom
D-51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
Tel: +44 (0) 1628 604455; FAX: +44 (0) 1628 662017
Tel.: +49 2204 8442 00; FAX: +49 2204 8442 19
Racal Systems Electronique S.A.
Racal Instruments, Ltd.
18 Avenue Dutartre, 78150 LeChesnay, France
Unit 5, 25F., Mega Trade Center, No 1, Mei Wan Road, Tsuen Wan,
Tel: +33 (1) 3923 2222; FAX: +33 (1) 3923 2225
Hong Kong, PRC Tel: +852 2405 5500, FAX: +852 2416 4335
http://www.racalinstruments.com
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 2002
Copyright 2002 by Racal Instruments, Inc. Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved.
This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

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Summary of Contents for Racal Instruments 3155

  • Page 1: User Manual

    PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 2002 Copyright 2002 by Racal Instruments, Inc. Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

  • Page 2: Warranty Statement

    Authorization is required from Racal Instruments before you send us your product for service or calibration. Call your nearest Racal Instruments support facility. A list is located on the last page of this manual. If you are unsure where to call, contact Racal Instruments, Inc. Customer Support Department in Irvine, California, USA at 1-800-722-3262 or 1-949-859-8999 or via fax at 1-949-859-7139.
  • Page 3 FOR YOUR SAFETY Before undertaking any troubleshooting, maintenance or exploratory procedure, read carefully the WARNINGS and CAUTION notices. This equipment contains voltage hazardous to human life and safety, and is capable of inflict- ing personal injury. If this instrument is to be powered from the AC line (mains) through an autotrans- former, ensure the common connector is connected to the neutral (earth pole) of the power supply.
  • Page 4 This page was left intentionally blank.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    User Manual 3155 Table of Contents Chapter 1 OVERVIEW............................1-1 What’s In This Chapter........................1-1 Introduction............................. 1-1 3155 Series Feature Highlights....................1-1 WaveCAD Feature Highlights ...................... 1-3 Functional Description........................1-5 Output Functions........................1-5 Frequency ..........................1-5 Amplitude..........................1-5 Trigger Modes ......................... 1-5 Arbitrary Waveforms.......................
  • Page 6 Output Type ..........................1-11 Standard (FIXED) Waveforms..................1-11 Arbitrary (User) Waveforms....................1-12 Sequenced Waveforms ....................1-12 Output State ..........................1-14 Filters............................1-14 Programming The 3155 ......................1-14 Chapter 2 INSTALLATION..........................2-1 Installation Overview ........................2-1 Unpacking and Initial Inspection....................2-1 Safety Precautions........................2-1 Power Requirements ........................
  • Page 7 User Manual 3155 The Opening Screen........................3-3 WaveCAD Features........................3-6 The Control Panels ........................3-6 The Main Panel ........................3-7 Waveforms ..........................3-8 Operating Modes........................3-9 SYNC Output........................... 3-9 TTLTrig Output........................3-9 Output............................3-9 The Standard Waveforms Panel..................3-10 Parameters ........................... 3-10 Frequency ..........................
  • Page 8 User Manual 3155 The Waveform Composer Menu Bar ................3-29 File Menu..........................3-30 Edit Menu ..........................3-31 View Menu..........................3-34 Wave Menu ........................... 3-35 System Menu ........................3-37 The WaveCAD Toolbar ..................... 3-37 The Waveform Graph......................3-40 The FM Composer........................3-41 The FM Wave Composer Menu Bar .................
  • Page 9 User Manual 3155 SCPI Parameter Type ....................... 4-15 Numeric Parameters......................4-16 Discrete Parameters ......................4-16 Boolean Parameters ......................4-16 SCPI Syntax and Styles ....................... 4-16 SOURce Subsystem ........................ 4-23 OUTPut Subsystem........................4-45 INSTrument Subsystem ......................4-48 Synchronizing Multiple Instruments ..................... 4-50 TRIGger Subsystem .........................
  • Page 10 User Manual 3155 Sine Characteristics........................5-5 Sine Flatness (Using Sine Output) ..................... 5-6 Trig, Gate and Burst Characteristics ..................5-7 Chapter 6 PRODUCT SUPPORT ........................6-1 Product Support ..........................6-1 Reshipment Instructions ........................ 6-1 Support Offices ..........................6-2...
  • Page 11 Figure 1- 6d. Sequenced Waveforms ..................... 1-13 Figure 2-1 – Add New Hardware Wizard ..................2-6 Figure 2-2 – Search for 3155 Driver ....................2-7 Figure 2-3– Specify 3155 Driver Location ..................2-7 Figure 2-4 – Specify Subfolder for Your instrument................2-8 Figure 2-5 –...
  • Page 12 Figure 3-27, Combining Waveforms Into Equations ............... 3-57 Table 4-1. Model 3155 SCPI Commands List Summary..............4-18 Table 4-1. Model 3155 SCPI Commands List Summary (continued)..........4-19 Table 4-1. Model 3155 SCPI Commands List Summary (continued)..........4-20 Table 4-1. Model 3155 SCPI Commands List Summary (continued)..........4-21 Table 4-1.

  • Page 13: Chapter 1 Overview

    It also describes the front panel connectors and operational modes. The Model 3155 has a maximum sample clock rate of 100 MS/s and maximum frequency output 50 MHz. Model 3155 is a single-channel PXI-based Arbitrary Waveform Gen- Introduction erator.

  • Page 14: Figure 1-1, 3155 Series

    User Manual 3155 Figure 1-1, 3155 Series 1-2 Overview...

  • Page 15: Wavecad Feature Highlights

    • Three powerful tools in one software package: Instrument control WaveCAD panel, Waveform composer and FM signal composer Feature • Detailed virtual front panels control all 3155 functions and modes Highlights • Ability to generate, edit and download complex waveforms • FM wave composer generates and downloads complex modulat- ing signals •...

  • Page 16: Figure 1-3, Wavecad - Wave Composer

    User Manual 3155 Figure 1-3, WaveCAD - Wave Composer Figure 1-4, WaveCAD - FM Wave Composer 1-4 Overview...

  • Page 17: Functional Description

    Trigger Modes Besides its normal continuous mode, the 3155 responds to a variety of trigger sources. The output waveform may be gated or triggered to generate a counted burst of waveforms.

  • Page 18: Memory Segmentation

    Frequency Agility The instrument generates its sample clock from a DDS circuit (direct digital synthesis). The DDS circuit enables frequency agility through the complete frequency range of the 3155. Having such an enor- mous range opens the door for a wide range of applications such as wide band sweep, FSK and frequency modulation.

  • Page 19: Options

    User Manual 3155 There is one option available for the 3155. Options Option TCXO – This options adds 1ppm TCXO reference Ordering Information Model Description Part Number 3155 14 bit, 100MS/s PXIbus AWG 407810-001 3155, 1ppm 14 bit, 100MS/s PXIbus AWG, 1ppm...

  • Page 20: Front Panel Connectors

    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 3155. The direction of the transition is programmable. In gated mode, the trigger input is level sensitive, i.e., the generator is gated on when the logic level is high and idle...

  • Page 21: Ref In

    7 backplane trigger lines or from a backplane STAR line. As an alternative to an external source, the 3155 has a built-in trigger generator that can be programmed through a wide range of frequencies and with 7 digits of resolution.

  • Page 22: Burst Mode

    The FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) function controls the sine output connector. The trigger input is used to shift the 3155 from carrier fre- quency (trigger false) to the shift frequency (trigger true). You may also use the FSK function from the main output as long as you do your own calculation of carrier and shifted frequencies, dependant on the present sample clock frequency and waveform length.

  • Page 23: Output Type

    The 3155 can be programmed to output one of nine standard wave- form shapes: sine, triangle, square, pulse/ramp, sine(x)/x pulse, gaussian pulse, rising/decaying exponential pulse, noise and DC.

  • Page 24: Arbitrary (User) Waveforms

    User Manual 3155 Arbitrary (User) The arbitrary waveform memory is capable of storing one or more user-defined waveforms. The 3155 is supplied with 1 Meg of wave- Waveforms form memory. There is no need to use the entire memory for only one waveform since the memory can be divided into smaller seg- ments.

  • Page 25: Figure 1-5B. Segment 2 - Sine Waveform

    User Manual 3155 Figure 1-5b. Segment 2 – Sine Waveform Figure 1-5c Segment 3 – Pulse Waveform The following sequence was made of segment 2 repeated twice, segment 1 repeated four times, and segment 3 repeated twice. Figure 1- 6d. Sequenced Waveforms...

  • Page 26: Output State

    For safety reasons, when power is first applied to the chassis, the main output is always off. Two filters are built into the 3155. These filters are available for use Filters 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 27: Chapter 2 Installation

    Chapter 2 INSTALLATION Installation Over- This chapter contains information and instructions necessary to pre- pare the Model 3155 for operation. Details are provided for initial in- view spection, grounding requirements, repackaging instructions for stor- age or shipment and installation information.

  • Page 28: Power Requirements

    The Model 3155 operates from within a PXI chassis. Voltages are Power Require- supplied to the instrument from the backplane. The instrument r e-...

  • Page 29: Long Term Storage Or Repackaging For Shipment

    BEFORE SHIPPING THE INSTRUMENT TO RACAL INSTRUMENTS. Preparation for use include removing the instrument from the bag, Preparation For installing the 3155 inside the PXI chassis, copying instrument drivers to the computer and installing the graphical interface (ArbConnec- tion). Installation 2-3...

  • Page 30: Removing The Instrument From The Bag

    Always leave 5 cm (2 inches) of ventilation space on all sides of the chassis. Plug the 3155 into your PXI chassis and lift the extractor to the u p- right position. Push the card firmly until the metal panel makes con- tact with the metal edge of the PXI chassis.

  • Page 31: Copying Instrument Drivers

    User Manual 3155 The 3155 is a Plug & Play instrument, meaning that after you install it Copying Instru- in your PXI chassis, Windows will automatically detect its presence ment Drivers and will ask you to supply the appropriate drivers to operate this i n - strument.

  • Page 32: Figure 2-1 - Add New Hardware Wizard

    User Manual 3155 Figure 2-1, which will search for new drivers 6. Follow the procedure as shown below. After installing the PXI 3155 successfully (see the previous sec- tion reboot your computer. ), you’ll be prompted to Figure 2-1 – Add New Hardware Wizard Press Next and select one of the options in the dialog box below.

  • Page 33: Figure 2-2 - Search For 3155 Driver

    Press Next and you’ll now be prompted to select the location of the driver files on your computer as shown in Figure 2-3. The 3155 is supplied with an installation CD. Insert this CD into your CD-ROM drive and check the CD-ROM drive option. If you already have the files installed somewhere on your computer, you can spec- ify your custom location.

  • Page 34: Figure 2-4 - Specify Subfolder For Your Instrument

    User Manual 3155 Assuming that you used the supplied CD, press Browse and specify the subfolder Win9xdrv located in the Drivers folder, as shown in Figure 2-4. Figure 2-4 – Specify Subfolder for Your instrument Press OK. Windows will automatically detect the device driver and will show the next dialog box, as shown in Figure 2-5.

  • Page 35: Figure 2-6. Copying Device Driver

    User Manual 3155 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 36: Figure 2-8. Checking Driver Installation

    3. Click on the System icon and then on the Device Manager tab. Click on Racal Instruments. If you installed the driver properly, your device manager should show the Arbitrary Waveform Gen- erator Model 3155 as shown in the figure 2-8 below. Figure 2-8. Checking Driver Installation 2-10 Installation...

  • Page 37: Windows 2000/Xp Device Driver Installation

    User Manual 3155 Windows 2000/XP Device A device driver is necessary for the 3155 software to communicate to Driver Installation the PXI boards. In Windows 2000/XP, however, the 3155 installation package cannot automatically install device drivers for PXI devices. The Windows Plug & Play Manager is responsible for detecting de- vices and prompting the user for the correct driver.

  • Page 38: Figure 2-10 - Install Hardware Device Drivers

    Press Next and you’ll now be prompted to select the location of the driver files on your computer as shown in Figure 2-11. The 3155 is supplied with an installation CD. Insert this CD into your CD-ROM drive and check the CD-ROM drives option. If you already have the files installed somewhere on your computer, you can spec- ify your own custom location.

  • Page 39: Figure 2-12 - Copying Device Drivers

    User Manual 3155 ure 2-12. Figure 2-12 – Copying Device Drivers After Windows has completed copying the device drivers, Windows displays the Driver Files Search Results as shown in Figure 2-13. Click Next and then Finish to complete the installation process.

  • Page 40: Figure 2-14 - Completing The Found New Hardware Wizard

    3. Click on the System icon and then on the Hardware 4. On the Hardware tab click on the Device Manager button. Click on Racal Instruments. If you installed the driver properly, your device manager should show the Arbitrary Waveform Gen- erator Model 3155 as shown in figure 2-15.

  • Page 41: Figure 2-15 - Device Manager

    User Manual 3155 Figure 2-15 – Device Manager Installation 2-15...

  • Page 42: Windows Nt Device Driver Installation

    User Manual 3155 Windows NT Device A device driver is necessary for the 3155 software to communicate to Driver Installation the PXI boards. In Windows NT, however, the 3155 installation pack- age cannot automatically install device drivers for PXI devices. To assign a driver to a device, Windows refers to a .INF file.

  • Page 43: Figure 2-17 - Install Preparation

    User Manual 3155 To install the software click on “Install Software Utilities” and follow the install program as shown in Figure 2-17. The preparing to install phase will check for previously installed versions and other potential install problems.. Figure 2-17 – Install preparation After finishing the “Preparing to Install”...

  • Page 44: Figure 2-19 - Customer Information Step

    User Manual 3155 Figure 2-19 – Customer Information Step 2-18 Installation...

  • Page 45: Figure 2-20 - Selecting Setup Type

    User Manual 3155 After typing the customer details press Next and select either the Typical mode or the Custom mode setup type, as shown in Figure 2- 20. Selecting typical setup mode allows the install wizard to finish the complete installation with its default parameters while selecting Custom mode allows the user to change the installation path and in- strument options, as shown in Figures 2-21 and 2-22.

  • Page 46: Figure 2-21 - Selecting Destination

    User Manual 3155 Figure 2-21 – Selecting Destination In order to change the installation features, as shown in Figure 2-22, check the desired feature by clicking in the appropriate check box. Press “Next” to finish the installation. Figure 2-22 – Selecting Features...

  • Page 47: Figure 2-23 - Selecting Features

    User Manual 3155 In order to complete the setup, you need to restart your computer. You can either restart your computer immediately or do it later, but remember that the software won’t work without restarting the com- puter. Figure 2-23 – Selecting Features...

  • Page 48: The Arbdetector

    Before you can start using the 3155, you must make sure that the ArbDetector has been invoked. Look at your lower right corner of your screen and identify the Startup bar. The ArbDetector icon looks as shown in Figure 2-24.

  • Page 49: Using The Arbdetector

    User Manual 3155 To invoke the ArbDetector program, either double-click on the icon or Using the ArbDe- open the options window as shown in Figure 2-25 and click on the tector Open ArbDetector command. Doing so, the dialog box as shown in Figure 2-26 will open.

  • Page 50: Configuring Actual Slot Location

    User Manual 3155 The ArbDetector allows you to specify the actual slot where your i n - Configuring Ac- strument resides. This is important in systems that have multiple tual Slot Loca- chassis’ and multiple arbs, regardless of weather you are using tion chassis connected in a “star”...

  • Page 51: Testing Communications With Your Instrument

    User Manual 3155 Figure 2-28. Editing Chassis Number and Slot location In the Slot Number field select the actual location of your instrument and in the Chassis Number select the actual chassis where your i n - strument resides. To complete the chassis and slot assignment, click on OK.

  • Page 52: Figure 2-29. Communicating With Your Instrument

    User Manual 3155 The Response field can also be used to query instrument settings. Try the following queries and check the response: OUTPUT? // will query output state FREQUENCY? // will query frequency setting VOLT? // will query amplitude setting The commands as you type them will be saved in a history list.

  • Page 53: Chapter 3 Wavecad

    Introduction To programming the Model 3155. WaveCAD has many functions and WaveCAD features of which all share a common purpose – controlling 3155 functions from a host computer. As a minimum, to use WaveCAD, you’ll need the following: 1. Computer or embedded controller, Pentium II or better.

  • Page 54: Installing Wavecad

    User Manual 3155 The installation program installs WaveCAD on a logical drive of your Installing Wave- choice. The default is drive C. It automatically creates a new direc- tory and copies the files that are required to run the program. Before you install WaveCAD, make sure that you have at least 5 Megabytes available on your hard disk.

  • Page 55: Conventions Used In This Manual

    User Manual 3155 Conventions Used This manual uses certain typographical conventions to make it easier for you to follow instructions. These conventions are described in the in This Manual following: [Enter, or ↵] Press the Enter or Return key. [Esc] Press the Escape key.
  • Page 56 Since WaveCAD is used for other platforms, it is important to select the communication link for the 3155 as PXI by clicking on the PXI button. If you press the All Platforms button, then the program will attempt to connect to every possible link, which usually takes much longer.
  • Page 57 The second bar is called Active Instrument bar. It provides direct access to different instruments that are plugged into the PXI chassis. WaveCAD can operate many 3155 units simultaneously. If an i n - strument is connected to the PXI bus at WaveCAD startup, it is automatically detected by the program and its link location and iden- tification displayed in the Link list box.

  • Page 58: Wavecad Features

    WaveCAD opens and cascades panels. In general, WaveCAD has one basic purpose – controlling 3155 WaveCAD Fea- functions and parameters. On the other hand, the 3155 has three tures main features: 1) Generating standard waveforms, 2) Generating ar- bitrary waveforms and 3) Generating modulated waveforms.

  • Page 59: The Main Panel

    Digital Display – The display is used for displaying and reading various 3155 parameters, just as it would on an instrument panel. The Main Panel The Main Panel, as shown in Figure 3-3, is the first panel you see after invoking WaveCAD.

  • Page 60: Waveforms

    Link field, then every time you press a button, you are getting an immediate action on the 3155. 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 61: Operating Modes

    Output The Output group is used for controlling the output state of the 3155. The button toggles the output ON and OFF. Besides the grouped buttons and parameters, there are three other buttons on the right top corner of the panel.

  • Page 62: The Standard Waveforms Panel

    The normal color of the digital reading is dark blue. If you modify the reading, the color changes to a lighter shade of blue, indicating that the 3155 has not been up- dated yet with the new parameter. Pressing Execute up-...
  • Page 63 The normal color of the digital reading is dark blue. If you modify the reading, the color changes to a lighter shade of blue, indicating that the 3155 has not been up- dated yet with the new parameter. Pressing Execute up-...

  • Page 64: Waveforms

    Arbitrary or Sequenced Waveforms on the Main Panel. Note that if you invoke the Arbitrary & Sequence Panel from the Panels menu, the 3155 will not change its output type. On the other hand, if you select the arbitrary, or the sequenced options from the Main Panel, aside from invoking the Arbitrary &...

  • Page 65: Parameters

    The normal color of the digital reading is dark blue. If you modify the reading, the color changes to a lighter shade of blue, indicating that the 3155 has not been up- dated yet with the new parameter. Pressing Execute up-...

  • Page 66: Sample Clock

    Note that the sample clock rate is pro- grammed in units of S/s (samples per second) and will affect the Model 3155 only when it is programmed to output arbitrary or se- quenced waveforms. To access the required parameter, click on the button until the LED next to the required parameter turns on.

  • Page 67: Using The Segment Table

    Using the Segment To learn more about segment control, refer to section 4 of this man- ual. The 3155 generates arbitrary waveforms, but before it can gen- Table erate anything, waveforms must be downloaded to the instrument from a host computer. The waveforms are downloaded and stored in the 3155 in “waveform memory”.
  • Page 68 User Manual 3155 Figure 3-35. The Segment Table The two main fields in the segment table are Seg and Length. The Seg (segment) is an index field, which can have values from 1 to 4096. A Length is associated with each segment number. You can...

  • Page 69: Using The Sequence Table

    User Manual 3155 Using the Sequence To learn more about sequences and sequence control, refer to sec- tion 4 of this manual. The 3155 generates sequenced waveforms, but Table waveforms must be loaded to the instrument from a computer before it can generate the sequences.
  • Page 70 Also notice that the mixed mode advance flag has been as- signed to segment 4. This flag will cause the sequence to stop on segment 4 until the 3155 is triggered for the next sequence cycle if the 3155 is in mixed sequence advance mode.

  • Page 71: The Trigger Panel

    TRIG button on the Panels bar, or by clicking on one of the Triggered, Gated, or Burst buttons on the Main Panel. Note that if you invoke the Trigger Panel from the Panels menu, the 3155 does not change its operating mode. If you select the Trigger option from the Main Panel and invoke the Trigger Panel, the 3155 immediately changes its operating mode to triggered mode.

  • Page 72: Slope

    Slope The Slope group lets you select the edge sensitivity for the trigger in- put of the 3155. If you click on Positive, the instrument triggers on the rising edge of the trigger signal. Likewise, if you click on Negative, the instrument triggers on the falling edge of the trigger signal.

  • Page 73: The Modulation Panel

    Panel” button on the Main Panel. The modulation panel provides access and control of a number of functions: FM (frequency modula- tion), FSK (frequency shift keying) and Sweep. The 3155 performs only one of these functions at a time and WaveCAD displays an error if you try to enable more than one modulation option.
  • Page 74 FM. Slope – The Slope sub-group let you select edge sensitivity for the trigger input of the 3155. If you click on Positive, the instrument trig- gers on the rising edge of the trigger signal. Likewise, if you click on Negative, the instrument triggers on the falling edge of the trigger signal.

  • Page 75: Fsk

    User Manual 3155 Figure 3-38, The Modulation Panel The FSK group contains parameters for controlling the FSK function. To turn the FSK function on and off, click on the State button in this group. There are two other sub-groups in the FSK block: Parameters, and Mode.

  • Page 76: Sweep

    The normal color of the digital reading is dark blue. If you modify the reading, the color changes to a lighter shade of blue, indicating that the 3155 has not been up- dated yet with the new parameter. Pressing Execute up-...

  • Page 77: The Utility Panel

    User Manual 3155 Slope – The Slope sub-group selects the edge sensitivity of the trig- ger input of the 3155. If you click on Positive, the instrument triggers on the rising edge of the trigger signal. Likewise, if you click on Negative, the instrument triggers on the falling edge of the trigger signal.

  • Page 78: System Commands

    You can also use the Manual Trigger button to trigger the 3155 if there is no sig- nal connected to the TRIG IN connector. Other buttons allow you to Reset Segment Table and Reset Sequence Table.

  • Page 79: The System And Command Editor

    PXI chassis through a known and well-defined communication link, such as, MXI3. Also, software and registers must be set properly for the generator to function properly. It is also possible for the 3155 to have problems communicating with your computer. The System and...

  • Page 80: System Commands

    User Manual 3155 System Commands The System Commands group lets you send common commands and test the 3155 for proper operation. The Time Out field sets sys- tem timeout in units of seconds. Note that PCI communication does not require time out setting therefore, it is blanked out for this instru- ment.

  • Page 81: The Waveform Composer

    User Manual 3155 Being an arbitrary waveform generator, the 3155 has to be loaded The Waveform with waveform data before it can start generating waveforms. A Composer waveform generation and editing utility is part of WaveCAD and is called Waveform Composer. This program gives you tools to create definitions for arbitrary waveforms.

  • Page 82: File Menu

    User Manual 3155 Figure 3-41, The Wave Composer Opening Screen The File menu has four commands which, control waveform files. File Menu Also use this command to print the active waveform, or to exit the Wave Composer program. Description of the various menu selec- tions under the File menu, one given below.

  • Page 83: Edit Menu

    Save Waveform (Binary) The Save Waveform menu selection stores the active waveform in the 3155 directory as a binary file with a *.wav extension. If this is the first time you save your waveform, the Save Waveform As… com- mand will be invoked automatically, letting you select name, location and format for your waveform file.
  • Page 84 User Manual 3155 then click on the right mouse button to terminate this operation. NOTE The Sketch mode may also be invoked using the corre- sponding toolbar icon. Smooth The Smooth function lets you smooth out rough transitions in your waveform.
  • Page 85 User Manual 3155 sponding toolbar icon. Trim Left The Trim Left function operates in conjunction with the left anchor. It is helpful if you want to “chop off “ the left section of your waveform. After use of this function, the portion to the left of the anchor will be removed from the graph and the waveform starts where the anchor was placed before the trim left operation.

  • Page 86: View Menu

    User Manual 3155 View Menu The View menu lets you view various options on the waveform graph. The View commands include: Zoom In, Zoom Out, and Hide/Show Toolbar. A description of view menu function is given be- low. Zoom In...

  • Page 87: Wave Menu

    User Manual 3155 Figure 3-43, Zooming In on Waveforms Wave Menu The Wave menu lets you create waveforms on the WaveCAD graph. 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 88 User Manual 3155 Figure 3-44, 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 Fig- ure 3-15 appears.

  • Page 89: System Menu

    User Manual 3155 discrete amplitude steps. The Amplitude parameter defines how many of these steps is use for generating the sine. The waveform amplitude is given in units of points. The waveform amplitude fields let you specify the maximum and minimum peak separately. The ex- ample shows sine waveform with maximum peak-to-peak values.
  • Page 90 User Manual 3155 clicking on this icon again, or by clicking on the right mouse button. Autoline mode 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. Then click the right mouse button to terminate Autoline mode.
  • Page 91 Use this edit field to define the active segment you intend to program. The 3155 lets you program up to 4096 segments, each of which each can be programmed with a unique waveform length. To select a new active segment click on the edit field, use the backspace or delete key to clear the field and type in the new number.

  • Page 92: The Waveform Graph

    User Manual 3155 The Waveform Waveforms are created and edited on the waveform graph. Figure 3- 17 shows an example of a waveform created using the equation Graph editor and the anchors to limit generation of the waveform between points 100 and 900. The elements of the waveform graph are de- scribed below.

  • Page 93: The Fm Composer

    The FM Composer is a great tool for controlling frequency agility by using arbitrary waveform. For example, if you create a sine wave- form, the 3155 will generate a frequency-modulated signal that fol- lows the sine pattern. The resolution and accuracy of the modulated waveform is unsurpassed and can only be duplicated by mathe- matical simulation.

  • Page 94: The Fm Wave Composer Menu Bar

    User Manual 3155 The FM Wave The FM Wave Composer menu bar provides access to standard Windows commands such as File and Edit. Composer Menu Bar In some cases, clicking on a new menu selection opens a dialog box with an additional list of choices. Then, clicking on an additional item, may open a dialog box or generate an immediate action.
  • Page 95 Save Waveform The Save Waveform function stores the active waveform in your 3155 directory as a binary file with the *.wvf extension. If saving for the first time, the Save Waveform As… command is invoked auto- matically, letting you select the name, location and format of your waveform file.

  • Page 96: Edit Menu

    User Manual 3155 The Edit menu is used for manipulating the waveform that is drawn Edit Menu on the graph. The editing menu is explained in the following para- graphs. Autoline Autoline mode lets you draw straight-line segments. To draw a line using this command click the left mouse button at the start point.

  • Page 97: Wave Menu

    User Manual 3155 Undo The Undo command undoes the last editing operation. Wave Menu The Wave menu lets you create waveforms on the screen. The Wave command has a library of 6 waveforms: Sine, Triangle, Square, Ex- ponent, Pulse, and Noise. It also lets you create waveforms using an Equation editor.

  • Page 98: Fm Settings

    Specifies the number of points on the horizontal FM axis. This number represents the number of FM data points or independent frequencies that the 3155 will step through in FM mode. Deviation Specifies the total deviation from the carrier frequency possible by an arbitrary FM waveform.
  • Page 99 User Manual 3155 Figure 3-49, An Example of Generating Modulating Sine From the Built-in Library. ArbConnection 3-47...

  • Page 100: Generating Waveforms Using The Equation Editor

    User Manual 3155 One powerful feature of WaveCAD is the Equation Editor. The Equa- Generating Wave- tion Editor lets you express mathematical equations almost as you forms Using the would on a blank piece of paper. The equations are then translated...

  • Page 101: Writing Equations

    However, if you zoom in on a waveform line, you’ll see that the points are connected like a staircase. In reality, the 3155 generates its waveforms exactly as shown on the screen however, if the waveform has many horizontal points, the steps are hard to see.

  • Page 102: Equation Conventions

    User Manual 3155 Equation The following paragraphs describe the conventions used to write an equation. To avoid errors, make yourself familiar with these conven- Conventions tions before writing equations. Equations are written in conventional mathematical notation. You may only enter the right part of the equation. The only limitation is that the equation must be of a single variable directly related to the current horizontal axis setting.

  • Page 103: Typing Equations

    User Manual 3155 log(x) The base 10 logarithm of x In(x) The natural (base e) logarithm of x abs(x) The absolute value of x -1E^20<>1E^20 Equation constants Typing Equations If you remember from your high school, the simple equation for a line is Y=aX+b.

  • Page 104: Equation Samples

    User Manual 3155 Ampl(p)=6000*sin(omg*p*10) 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 make something more interesting. Take the straight line equation and add it to the sinewave equation: Ampl(p)=6000*sin(omg*p*10)-2*p+2000 Press [Preview].
  • Page 105 User Manual 3155 Now lets try to modulate two sinewaves with different periods and start phases. Type this: Ampl(p)= 8000*sin(omg*p)*cos(omg*p*30) Press [Preview]. Your screen should look like Figure 3-23. Figure 3-52, Using the Equation Editor to Modulate Sine Waveforms. In the example as shown in Figure 3-24, 20% second harmonic dis- tortion has been added to a standard sinewave.
  • Page 106 User Manual 3155 Figure 3-53, Using the Equation Editor to Add Second Harmonic Distortion. In Figure 3-25 10 cycles of a sinewave are made to decay exponen- tially. The original expression for a standard sinewave is multiplied by the term e^(-P/250). Increasing the value of the divisor (200 in this case) slows down the rate of decay.
  • Page 107 User Manual 3155 Figure 3-54, Using the Equation Editor to Generate Exponentially Decaying Sinewave The last example as shown in Figure 3-26 is the most complex to be dis- cussed here. Here, 100 cycles of sinewave are amplitude modulated with 10 cycles of sine wave with a modulation depth of 20%. To achieve this, the upper and lower sidebands are defined separately and added to the fundamental or carrier.

  • Page 108: Combining Waveforms

    User Manual 3155 Figure 3-55, Using the Equation Editor to Build Amplitude Modulated Signal With Upper and Lower Sidebands Combining Wave- The last feature allows you to combine waveforms previously stored on your hard disk. Write mathematical expressions containing waveforms, simple forms operands and trigonometric functions similar to the example given below.
  • Page 109 User Manual 3155 Ampl(p)= Sine.wav*sin(omg*p*10)*Noise.wav/1000 If you did not make any mistakes, the waveform graph should look as shown in Figure 3-27. Figure 3-56, Combining Waveforms Into Equations ArbConnection 3-57...
  • Page 110 User Manual 3155 This page was left intentionally blank. 3-58 ArbConnection...

  • Page 111: Programming Reference

    3155 is given in Table 4.1. What’s Required In order for you to start programming the Model 3155, you’ll need to have some files, libraries and header files installed in various fold- ers of your computer. Check that you have all of these files before you start with your own application.

  • Page 112: The Ricomm.dll Functions

    No 3155’s were found in the system Description FindInstrument() scans the PCI bus for Plug & Play instruments (3155’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 113 User Manual 3155 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 114 User Manual 3155 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 115 User Manual 3155 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 116 User Manual 3155 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 117 User Manual 3155 GetInstrumentAttribute (continued) Instrument Attributes Structure - INSTRATTR m_Type Describes the model number (3155). m_Description Provides description of the instrument – Arbitrary Waveform Generator m_BasicModel Provides in formation on maximum sample clock frequency. 100 MS/s is standard for the 3155.
  • Page 118 User Manual 3155 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 RIComm.h.

  • Page 119: The 3155Drv.dll Functions

    .SCPI error list is given in the SCPI Commands reference. If the value is larger than 0x8000000, look for problems in the communication with the 3155. The most probable cause for such errors is not invoking the Arb Detector program after you power up your computer.
  • Page 120 The command structure and syntax is exactly the same, which makes it even easier to program the 3155. However, do not get discouraged if you are not familiar with SCPI pro- gramming. A SCPI introduction and command examples are given later in this chapter. If you feel that the introduction in this manual is not enough for you, you may consider purchasing the SCPI specification book from the SCPI consortium.
  • Page 121 User Manual 3155 SendBlock Purpose Use this function to send arbitrary waveform values as well as FM arbitrary waveform values to the instrument either from an external file or from an array. C Syntax INSTRUMENTSTATE SendBlock (int hInstr, WORD mode, char *pFileName, void *pWave,...
  • Page 122 SCPI Commands reference. If value is larger than 0x8000000, look for problems in the communication with the 3155. The most probable cause for such an error is not invoking the Arb Detector program after you power up your computer.

  • Page 123: Introduction To Scpi

    User Manual 3155 char last; }FMPT; 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...

  • Page 124: Command Separator

    User Manual 3155 FREQUENCY are both acceptable forms. Use upper or lowercase letters. Therefore, FREQ, FREQUENCY, freq, and Freq are all a c- ceptable. Other forms such as FRE and FREQUEN generates an er- ror. The above syntax statement shows the frequency parameter e n- closed in triangular brackets.

  • Page 125: Querying Parameter Setting

    User Manual 3155 Querying Parameter Query the current value of most parameters by adding a question mark ( ? ) to the command. For example, the following command Setting sets the output function to square: SOUR:FUNC:SHAP SQR Query the output function by executing:...

  • Page 126: Numeric Parameters

    Square brackets ( [ ] ) are used to enclose a keyword that is optional when programming the command; that is, the 3155 processes the command to have the same effect whether the o p- tional node is omitted by the programmer or not.
  • Page 127 User Manual 3155 is used to differentiate between the accepted short form (upper case) and the long form (upper and lower case). The PARAMETER FORM column indicates the number and order of parameter in a command and their legal value. Parameter types are distinguished by enclosing the type in angle brackets ( <...

  • Page 128: Table 4-1. Model 3155 Scpi Commands List Summary

    User Manual 3155 Table 4-1. Model 3155 SCPI Commands List Summary Keyword Parameter Form (Default in Bold) Notes :INSTRument :COUPle [:STATe] OFF | ON :MODE MASTer | SLAVe :PHASe [:OFFSet] (0,0,n) where “n” is the size of the active segment...

  • Page 129: Table 4-1. Model 3155 Scpi Commands List Summary (Continued)

    User Manual 3155 Table 4-1. Model 3155 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 130: Table 4-1. Model 3155 Scpi Commands List Summary (Continued)

    User Manual 3155 Table 4-1. Model 3155 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;2e6) [:STATe] OFF | ON...

  • Page 131: Table 4-1. Model 3155 Scpi Commands List Summary (Continued)

    User Manual 3155 Table 4-1. Model 3155 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;2E17),(0,0,1)

  • Page 132: Table 4-1. Model 3155 Scpi Commands List Summary (Continued)

    User Manual 3155 Table 4-1. Model 3155 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 133: Source Subsystem

    User Manual 3155 This subsystem is used to control output functions, shape and p a- SOURce Subsys- rameters, frequency, amplitude and amplitude modulation, and filter 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 134 User Manual 3155 :MARKer (?) <mark_sclk> 64e6,100e-3,100e6 :VOLTage (?) {<ampl>|MINimum|MAXimum} 5,80e-3,8 :OFFSet (?) <offs> 0,-3.6,3.6 :SINusoid :PHASe (?) <phase> 0,0,360 :TRIangle :PHASe (?) <phase> 0,0,360 :SQUare :DCYCle (?) <duty_cycle> 50,1,99 :PULSe :DELay (?) <delay> 10,0,99.9 :WIDTh (?) <pulse_width> 10,0,99.9 :TRANsition (?) <rise>...
  • Page 135 User Manual 3155 APPLy:SINusoid{<freq>,<ampl>,<offs>,<phase>} Purpose This command is a high-level command that programs the 3155 to output sine waveform along with its asso- ciated parameters • <freq> sets the output frequency in units of Hertz • <ampl> sets the output amplitude in units of Volts •...
  • Page 136 1e6,5,0,50 The 3155 returns <freq>,<ampl>,<offs>,<duty_cycle>. Default values are APPLy:PULSe{<freq>,<ampl>,<offs>,<delay>,<rise>,<high>,<fall>} Purpose This command is a high-level command that programs the 3155 to output pulse waveform along with its as- sociated parameters • <freq> sets the output frequency in units of Hertz •...
  • Page 137 User Manual 3155 APPLy:RAMP{<freq>,<ampl>,<offs>,<delay>,<rise>,<fall>} Purpose This command is a high-level command that programs the 3155 to output ramp waveform along with its as- sociated parameters • <freq> sets the output frequency in units of Hertz • <ampl> sets the output amplitude in units of Volts •...
  • Page 138 The 3155 returns <freq>, <ampl>,<offs>,<exp>. Default values are APPLy:GAUSsian{<freq>,<ampl>,<offs>,<exp>} Purpose This command is a high-level command that programs the 3155 to output an gaussian waveform along with its associated parameters • <freq> sets the output frequency in units of Hertz •...
  • Page 139 User Manual 3155 APPLy:DC{<%_ampl>} Purpose This command is a high-level command that programs the 3155 to output a DC level along with its associ- ated parameter • <%_ampl> sets the output level as percentage of the amplitude setting Parameter type...
  • Page 140 User Manual 3155 Response and default The 3155 returns 1 if the FM is on, or 0 if the FM is off. Default is 0. FM:DEViation<deviation> Purpose This command sets the deviation frequency in units of samples per second. •...
  • Page 141 User Manual 3155 FM:FUNCtion:SHAPe? Response and default The 3155 returns SIN, TRI, SQU, or RAMP depending on its present setting. Default is SIN. FM:FREQuency<FM_freq> Purpose This command sets the modulating wave frequency. This parameter affects the 3155 when set to operate in FM:FUNC:MODE FIX •...
  • Page 142 FREQuency? Response and default The 3155 returns the present frequency value. The returned value is in standard scientific format (for exam- ple: 100mHz would be returned as 100E-3 – positive numbers are unsigned). Default value is 1e6. Programming Reference 4-32...
  • Page 143 10e6. FSK:FREQuency:RASTer<FM_sclk> Purpose This command sets the shift sample clock frequency. When set to operate in FSK mode, the 3155 hops back and forth to and from the carrier sample clock frequency to the shifted sample clock frequency. • <FSK_sclk> sets the shifted sample clock frequency for the FSK mode...
  • Page 144 This command sets the time it takes for the sample clock frequency to ramp up and down from carrier to shifted frequencies and back. This parameter affects the 3155 only when the instrument is set to operate in ramped FSK mode.
  • Page 145 Parameter type Discrete FUNCtion:SHAPe? Response and default The 3155 returns SIN, TRI, SQU, PULS, RAMP, SINC, EXP, GAUS, NOIS, or DC depending on the present 3155 setting. Default value is SIN. ROSCillator:SOURce{INTernal|EXTernal|TCXO} Purpose This command selects the reference source for the sample clock generator.
  • Page 146 SWEep:TIME? Response and default The 3155 returns the present sweep time value. The returned value is in standard scientific format (for ex - ample: 10ms would be returned as 10E-3 – positive numbers are unsigned). Default value is 1e-3. SWEep:DIRection{UP|DOWN} Purpose This command sets the sweep direction to up or down.
  • Page 147 User Manual 3155 Parameter type Discrete SWEep:DIRection? Response and default The 3155 returns UP, or DOWN depending on the present 3155 setting. Default value is UP. SWEep:SPACing{LINear|LOGarithmic} Purpose This command selects the sweep spacing from linear spacing and logarithmic spacing. •...
  • Page 148 Boolean SWEep? Response and Default The 3155 returns 1 if sweep is on, or 0 if sweep is off. Default is 0. SWEep:TRIGger:SLOPe? Response and default The 3155 returns POS, or NEG depending on its present setting. Default is POS.
  • Page 149 User Manual 3155 The 3155 returns the present amplitude value. The returned value is in standard scientific format (for exam- ple: 100mV would be returned as 100E-3 – positive numbers are unsigned). Default value is 5. VOLTage:OFFSet<offs> Purpose This command programs the amplitude offset of the output waveform. The offset is calibrated when the source impedance is 50Ω.
  • Page 150 User Manual 3155 Programming Reference 4-40...
  • Page 151 User Manual 3155 TRIangle:PHASe? Response and default The 3155 returns 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 arbi- trary waveforms.
  • Page 152 0 to 99.9 in units of percent PULSe:TRANsition? Response and default The 3155 returns 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 153 0 to 99.9 in units of percent RAMP:TRANsition? Response and default The 3155 returns 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 154 User Manual 3155 SINC:NCYCle? Response and default The 3155 returns 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 155: Output Subsystem

    Discrete OUTPut? Response and default The 3155 returns 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 selects which filter is connected to the 3155 output. Observe the following restrictions when you try to use this command: 1) Filter selection is not available when the instrument is set to output the standard sine waveform.
  • Page 156 OFF or 0 sets the SYNC output off Parameter type Discrete OUTPut:SYNC? Response and default The 3155 returns 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 selects the 3155 SYNC option. •...
  • Page 157 Parameter type Discrete OUTPut:TTLTrig<N>? Response and default The 3155 returns the present designated TTLT line state: 1 if the SYNC output is on, or 0 if the SYNC output is off. Default value is 0. Programming Reference 4-47...

  • Page 158: Instrument Subsystem

    Parameter type Discrete INSTrument:COUPle? Response and default The 3155 returns 0, or 1 depending on the present instrument couple setting. Default value is 0. INSTrument:COUPle:MODE{MASTer|SLAVe} Purpose This command selects master and slave instruments in multi-instrument synchronization mode. Note that only one instrument in a chain may be set as master. All other instruments must be set as slaves.
  • Page 159 4 points. INSTrument:COUPle:PHASe? Response to query version The 3155 returns the present phase offset value. Default value is 0. INSTrument:SET {0|1|2} Purpose This command prepares the master and slave units for multi-instrument synchronization. A procedure for synchronizing multiple instruments is given below.

  • Page 160: Synchronizing Multiple Instruments

    User Manual 3155 Synchronizing The capability to synchronize multiple instruments is one of the strongest features of the Model 3155. However, since each instru- Multiple Instru- ment is free running and has completely independent settings and ments controls, one must first prepare the instruments to a level where all instruments can unite.
  • Page 161 User Manual 3155 to the sample clock frequency and start phase of the master signal. You can still program each module with some commands and retain lock position however, some operations require that you repeat the lock-in sequence as shown above. In the following you’ll find a list of operations that will not interfere with synchronization: 1.

  • Page 162: Trigger Subsystem

    OFF or 0 sets the arm mode off Parameter type Discrete ARM? Response and default The 3155 returns 1 if the arm mode is on, or 0 if the arm mode is off. Default value is 0. Programming Reference 4-52...
  • Page 163 User Manual 3155 ARM:SLOPe{POSitive|NEGative} Purpose This command sets the edge sensitivity of which the 3155 will stop in arm mode. The stop and start com- mands are applied at the rear-panel TRIG IN connector. • POSitive sets the positive edge •...
  • Page 164 User Manual 3155 TRIGger:BURSt{OFF|ON|0|1} Purpose This command places the 3155 in burst mode. This command affects the 3155 only after it is set to triggered operation with the command INIT:CONT OFF. • ON or 1 enables burst mode • OFF or 0 disables burst mode...
  • Page 165 Normally, these lines are designated as tri-state lines. The TRIG:SOUR:TTLT<N> command converts one of these lines to the 3155’s trigger input. <N> can range from 0 through 7. But only one line can be selected as an advance source.
  • Page 166 100e-3 to 5e6 in units of seconds TRIGger:TIMer? Response and default The 3155 returns the present internal trigger timer value. The returned value is in standard scientific format (for example: 10ms would be returned as 10E-3 – positive numbers are unsigned). Default value is 1e3. TRIGger:IMMediate Purpose This command triggers the 3155 output once.

  • Page 167: Trace Subsystem

    Sequence commands control segments links and loops. Description of the SendBlock() command is also given. This command places 3155 in a special data transfer mode where the generator’s message-based interface is by- passed and data is loaded directly from the data bus. Optional nodes were omitted from these commands.

  • Page 168: Arbitrary Waveforms

    Minimum segment size is 16 points. Informa- tion on how to partition the memory, define segment length and download waveform data to the 3155 is given in the following para- graphs. Programming Reference 4-58...

  • Page 169: Downloading Arbitrary Waveforms

    3. Use the function SendBlock() to send waveform data points to the 3155. You can use this function in two ways: 1) You can generate and save an external file with the waveform and then call this function with the path to your file, or 2) you can build the data into your function, as described earlier in this chapter.
  • Page 170 In this case, you can synchronize external devices exactly to the segment of interest • <segment_number> sets the active waveform segment number Parameter type Numeric (integer only) Parameter range <segment_number> 1 to 4096 TRACe:SELect? Response The 3155 returns the active segment number. Programming Reference 4-60...

  • Page 171: Sequenced Waveforms

    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 3155 is in continuous operating mode generates an error. After trigger, the generator outputs one waveform cy- cle.
  • Page 172 SEQuence:ADVance? Response and default The 3155 returns the AUTO, STEP, SING, or MIX depending on the present sequence advance mode set- ting. Default value is AUTO SEQuence:ADVance:SOURce{EXTernal|INTernal|TTLTrig<N>|STAR} Purpose This command selects the sequence advance source.
  • Page 173 The <mode> parameter is ignored if you use SING as the ad- vance mode for the sequence table. Every time you use the SEQ:DEF command while your 3155 is in sequenced operating mode, the instrument attempts to rebuild the sequence table and restart the sequence.

  • Page 174: System Subsystem

    This query returns instrument identification. Response to query The 3155 returns 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 175: Ieee-Std-488.2 Common Commands And Queries

    However, both the system bus and the controller hand- shake are in a temporary hold-off state while the controller is waiting to read the *OPC? query response. *OPT? - Returns the value “0” for a 3155 with no options. Programming Reference 4-65...

  • Page 176: The Scpi Status Registers

    *WAI – Wait for all pending operations to complete before executing any additional commands over the interface. The SCPI Status The Model 3155 uses the Status Byte register group and the Stan- dard Event register group to record various instrument conditions. Registers Figure 4-1 shows the SCPI status system.

  • Page 177: The Status Byte Register (Stb)

    User Manual 3155 The Status Byte summary register contains conditions from the other The Status Byte registers. Query data waiting in the generator's output buffer is i m - Register (STB) mediately reported through the Message Available bit (bit 4). Bits in the summary register are not latched.

  • Page 178: Output Queue

    User Manual 3155 Standard Event Status Register *ESR? & & & & & & & Queue & Not-Empty Standard Event Status Register *ESE <value> *ESE? Output Queue read by Serial Port Service Request ESBMAV Status Byte Register Generation read by *STB? &...

  • Page 179: Reading The Status Byte Register

    User Manual 3155 The Status Byte summary register can be read with the *STB? com- Reading the Status mon query. The *STB? common query causes the generator to send Byte Register the contents of the Status Byte register and the MSS (Master Sum- mary Status) summary message as a single <NR1 Numeric Re-...

  • Page 180: Standard Event Status Register (Esr)

    User Manual 3155 The Standard Event Status Register reports status for special appli- Standard Event cations. The 8 bits of the ESR have been defined by the IEEE-STD- Status Register 488.2 as specific conditions, which can be monitored and reported (ESR) back to the user upon request.

  • Page 181: Standard Event Status Enable Register (Ese)

    *ESE128 – ESB Power on. Error Messages In general, whenever the 3155 receives an invalid SCPI command, it automatically generates an error. Errors are stored in a special er- ror queue and may be retrieved from this buffer one at a time. Er- rors are retrieved in first-in-first-out (FIFO) order.
  • Page 182 User Manual 3155 80 characters): -102,"Syntax error" A complete listing of the errors that can be detected by the generator is given below. -100,"Command error". When the generator cannot detect more spe- cific errors, this is the generic syntax error used.
  • Page 183 User Manual 3155 3. Activating filters when the 3155 is set to output the built-in sine waveform, or activating the built-in sine waveform when one of the 3155 filters is turned on. Corrective action: If in sine, select another function and activate the filter(s).
  • Page 184 User Manual 3155 This page was left intentionally blank. Programming Reference 4-74...

  • Page 185: Performance Verification

    3155 User Manual Chapter 5 PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION This chapter provides performance tests for the Model 3155 What’s in This Waveform Synthesizer. Chapter CAUTION ALWAYS PERFORM DISASSEMBLY, REPAIR AND CLEANING AT A STATIC SAFE WORKSTATION. The following performance checks verify proper operation of...

  • Page 186: Warm-Up Period

    Warm-Up Period first turned on. To ensure accuracy, turn on the power to the Model 3155 and allow it to warm-up for at least 30 minutes before beginning the performance test procedure. To avoid confusion as to which initial setting is to be used for...

  • Page 187: Frequency Accuracy

    :FREQ 10 :VOLT 1 Set the counter to frequency measurement. Connect the Model 3155 output to the counter’s input. Change the frequency setting as required for the test and verify the reading on the counter display as follows: 3155 SETTING COUNTER READING 10.00000 Hz...

  • Page 188: Dc Offset Characteristics

    :VOLT 1 :VOLT:OFFS 2.5 Set the DMM to DCV measurements Connect the Model 3155 output to the DMM input. Ter- minate the output with a 50O feedthrough termination. Set the Model 3155 offset and verify the DMM reading as follows:...

  • Page 189: Squarewave Characteristics

    :FUNC:SHAP SQU :FREQ 10e6 :VOLT 5 Connect the Model 3155 output to the oscilloscope i n - put. Use the 20 dB attenuator and set the oscilloscope input impedance to 50O. Set the oscilloscope and verify that the rise and fall times are less than 10ns.

  • Page 190: Sine Flatness (Using Sine Output)

    0 dB. Connect the Model 3155 output to spectrum analyzer input through a 20dB feedthrough attenuator. Set the Model 3155 FREQ setting and verify the har- monic distortions levels as follows: FREQ SETTING HARMONICS LEVEL 1.000 MHz...

  • Page 191: Trig, Gate And Burst Characteristics

    Gated - External signal at the TRIG IN connector enables the Model 3155 output. The last cycle of the output waveform is always completed. Burst - Each transition at the front panel TRIG IN connector stimulates the Model 3155 to generate a burst of pre-selected number of cycles.
  • Page 192 :INIT:CONT OFF :BURST:STAT ON :TRIG:COUN 10 Set the oscilloscope and verify that the Model 3155 outputs a burst of 10 complete output waveforms. Remove the external pulse generator connection from the Model 3155 for the next test. Performance Verification 5-8...

  • Page 193: Product Support

    User Manual 3155 Chapter 6 PRODUCT SUPPORT Racal Instruments has a complete Service and Parts Department. Product Support If you need technical assistance or should it be necessary to re- turn your product for repair or calibration, call 1-800-722-3262, or call 949-859-8999 and ask for Customer Support.

  • Page 194: Support Offices

    User Manual 3155 Racal Instruments, Inc. Support Offices 4 Goodyear St., Irvine, CA 92618-2002 Tel: (800) RACAL-ATE, (800) 722-2528, (949) 859-8999; FAX: (949) 859-7139 Racal Instruments, Ltd. 480 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 6BE, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 1628 604455; FAX: +44 (0) 1628 662017 Racal Systems Electronique S.A.

  • Page 195: Specifications

    User Manual 3155 Appendix A 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...
  • Page 196 User Manual 3155 Modulation Frequency Range 2mHz to 100 KHz Resolution 10 digits Accuracy 0.1% Peak Frequency Deviation DC to 50 MHz Advance Automatic, triggered, gated or software command Marker Output and Level Same as SYNC output. Position Fixed at carrier frequency FM –...
  • Page 197 User Manual 3155 10 µs to 1 s, 3 digits, ±0.1% Ramp Time Range Sweep Description Sample Clock sweeps continuously from start to stop, at a rate defined by the sweep time. More complex sweep modes and types can be generated using the FM mode in conjunction with the FM composer program.
  • Page 198 User Manual 3155 STANDARD WAVEFORMS LIBRARY Waveforms Sine, Triangle, Square, Pulse, Ramp, Sinc, Gaussian Pulse, Exponential decay/Rise Pulse, Noise, DC Frequency Range Waveform dependent ARBITRARY WAVEFORMS Waveform Memory 1 Meg points Memory Segmentation Number of Segments 1 to 4096 Min Segment Size...
  • Page 199 User Manual 3155 Mixed Sequence Advance Each step of a sequence can be programmed to advance either a) automatically (Automatic Sequence Advance), or b) with a trigger (Stepped Sequence Advance). Advance Source External, Internal, or soft trigger Sequencer steps From 1 to 4096...
  • Page 200 User Manual 3155 Level >2 V into 50Ω, 4V nominal into 10KΩ Protection Protected against temporary short to case ground Position Point 0 to n, Programmable with 4-point resolution Width Programmable with 4 points resolution Sine Output Description An output that is directly derived from the sample clock generator and has an output frequency equal to the programmed sample clock frequency.
  • Page 201 User Manual 3155 GENERAL Power Requirements <10W maximum Current Consumption +5V @ 30mA, +12V @ 200mA, -12V @ 200mA, +3.3V @ 1.4A EMC Certification EN61326:1997+A1:1998 FCC Part 15, Class A Safety EN61010-1:1993+A2:1995 Dimensions PXI Single width, 3U high Weight 8oz (0.23Kg)
  • Page 202 User Manual 3155 This page was left intentionally blank. Specifications A-8...

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