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Jackson Labs FireFox User Manual

Summary of FireFox

  • Page 1

    Firefox synthesizer user manual document: 0012008 version: 004 date: 10 april, 2008.

  • Page 2

    Firefox synthesizer user manual copyright © 2008 jackson-labs.

  • Page 3: Table of Contents

    © 2006 jackson-labs i firefox synthesizer user manual table of contents 1 introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.1 overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.2 certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...

  • Page 4

    Firefox synthesizer user manual ii © 2006 jackson-labs 1.4.10.1ocxo status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 1.4.10.2gps status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 1.4.10.3sys config . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 1.4.11using the external mixer . . ....

  • Page 5

    © 2006 jackson-labs iii firefox synthesizer user manual 2.5.2.6 [source]:sweep:step? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 2.5.2.7 [source]:sweep:generation . . . . . . . 34 2.5.2.8 [source]:sweep:spacing . . . . . . . . 35 2.5.2.9 [source]:sweep:direction . . . . . . . 35 2.5.2.10[source]:sweep:...

  • Page 6

    Firefox synthesizer user manual iv © 2006 jackson-labs 3.5 gps receiver faqs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 3.5.1 why did you include a gps receiver in the firefox synthesizers? . . . . . . 47 3.5.2 how does the firefox handle gps hold-over mode? . . . . . . . . . . . 48 3.5....

  • Page 7: Introduction

    © 2006 jackson-labs 1 firefox synthesizer user manual 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 0.0...

  • Page 8: 1.2 Certification

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 2 © 2006 jackson-labs 1.2 certification jackson labs certifies that this product met its published specifications at time of shipment. 1.2.1 warranty this jackson labs hardware product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 (one) ye...

  • Page 9: 1.3 General

    © 2006 jackson-labs 3 firefox synthesizer user manual 1.3 general 1.3.1 environmental conditions this instrument is intended for indoor use. It is designed to operate at a maximum relative non-condensing humidity of 95% and at altitudes of up to 4000 meters. Refer to the specifications tables for th...

  • Page 10: 1.3.7 Do Not Exceed Ratings

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 4 © 2006 jackson-labs removed. To avoid injuries, always disconnect power, discharge circuits and remove external voltage sources before touching components. 1.3.6 do not service or adjust alone do not attempt internal service or adjustment unless another person, capa...

  • Page 11: 1.4.2 Initializing The Gps

    © 2006 jackson-labs 5 firefox synthesizer user manual 1.4 quick start instructions the following paragraphs describe the basic operational procedures to use the firefox unit. The user interface for the firefox oem board and the firefox desktop unit are essentially identical. 1.4.1 connecting the ins...

  • Page 12: 1.4.3 Setting Up The Gps

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 6 © 2006 jackson-labs after a certain time, the voltage on the battery will drop to a level at which the gps real time clock ceases to run. The gps unit will continue to hold the data in its memory for several days after this happens, but the time and date will not be...

  • Page 13

    © 2006 jackson-labs 7 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. When scanning the frequ...

  • Page 14

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 8 © 2006 jackson-labs 1.4.6 using the cmos and lvds outputs the firefox unit is unique in that it can produce both analog (sine wave) outputs, and digital outputs simultaneously. Four front panel digital outputs are available. All four outputs on the front panel are d...

  • Page 15: 1.4.7 Setting Up The Dds

    © 2006 jackson-labs 9 firefox synthesizer user manual 1.4.7 setting up the dds enter the menu setup->dds to control the internal settings of the firefox signal generator rf dds (digital direct signal generator). 1.4.7.1 setting the phase offset enter the setup->dds->phase offset menu item to control...

  • Page 16: 1.4.8.2 Power Unit

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 10 © 2006 jackson-labs 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 ...

  • Page 17: 1.4.10.1 Ocxo Status

    © 2006 jackson-labs 11 firefox synthesizer user manual – from f1 to f2 back and forth from f2 to f1 continuously sweeping until the right key is pressed. Every sweep from f1 to f2 or f2 to f1 will have a duration d. The sweep settings are accessible directly from the main menu sweep. 1.4.10 monitori...

  • Page 18: 1.4.10.3 Sys Config

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 12 © 2006 jackson-labs 1.4.10.3 sys config this menu item will show various firefox system parameters. The first item in the lcd is the firefox signal generator firmware version. Scpi commands are available with firmware version 3.0 or later. The gps type is displayed...

  • Page 19

    © 2006 jackson-labs 13 firefox synthesizer user manual typical signal levels at the mixer inputs are -20dbm to 5 dbm for the rf input, and 0dbm for the lo input. Care must be exercised to avoid driving the mixer rf and lo inputs above 10dbm. Driving the inputs above this level could damage the mixer...

  • Page 20: 1.4.14 Advanced Gps Setup

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 14 © 2006 jackson-labs 1.4.13.2 ocxo timing reference output the rear panel 10mhz time-base reference output is highly accurate, and disciplined by the gps receiver. This output is driven by a high-speed cmos driver with 3.3vpp output drive voltage. This output may ei...

  • Page 21

    © 2006 jackson-labs 15 firefox synthesizer user manual 1.4.14.3 controlling the m12+ gps receiver using a pc you may use motorola’s winoncore12 windows(tm) program to check the motorola m12+ gps timing receiver status, and to modify advanced settings of the gps receiver such as satellite mask angles...

  • Page 22: 1.5.1 Specification Summary

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 16 © 2006 jackson-labs 1.5 firefox desktop typical specifications 1.5.1 specification summary item description specification frequency range resolution accuracy measured over 30 minutes settling time dc - 1640mhz 10 micro hertz frequency sweeping start and stop freque...

  • Page 23

    © 2006 jackson-labs 17 firefox synthesizer user manual spurs typical worst case spurs 150mhz - 400mhz carrier 400mhz - 800mhz carrier 800mhz - 1640mhz carrier phase adjustment 390mhz - 775mhz 775mhz - 1640mhz 0.1 degree steps 0.2 degree steps 0.4 degree steps cmos output bnc front-panel connector dc...

  • Page 24

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 18 © 2006 jackson-labs 1.5.2 typical allan deviation plots the firefox allan deviation in 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...

  • Page 25

    © 2006 jackson-labs 19 firefox synthesizer user manual figure 1.3 shows the typical allan deviation when using the optional, ultra-high-stability double-oven ocxo. Note the significant stability improvement for time periods above 1s measurement intervals when using the double-oven ocxo option as com...

  • Page 26: 1.5.3 Block Diagram

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 20 © 2006 jackson-labs 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. With the help of its ...

  • Page 27: 1.6 Detailed Overview

    © 2006 jackson-labs 21 firefox synthesizer user manual 1.6 detailed overview the following paragraphs provide an in-depth overview of the features, applications and capabilities of the firefox signal generators. 1.6.1 applications the firefox synthesizer has five outputs to provide signals to applic...

  • Page 28

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 22 © 2006 jackson-labs the firefox synthesizer is particularly well suited for the following applications due to its high accuracy and resolution. These types of applications were previously difficult to achieve with conventional equipment: * combining two firefox uni...

  • Page 29

    © 2006 jackson-labs 23 firefox synthesizer user manual a standard positive dc-biased differential lvds output is available on two sma connectors. These signals are typically used to drive ultra high speed digital signals into fpga’s, asics, backplanes, or memories. For lvds compatible signals, two 1...

  • Page 30: 1.6.4 Dds Synthesizer

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 24 © 2006 jackson-labs 1.6.4 dds synthesizer the firefox variable output frequency is generated by a direct digital synthesizer with 48bit resolution. Figure 1.5 shows the block diagram of the firefox synthesizer, with the dds module visible on the upper part of the i...

  • Page 31: 1.6.6 User Interface

    © 2006 jackson-labs 25 firefox synthesizer user manual 1.6.6 user interface a 5-key keypad is used to control the settings of the firefox synthesizer. Status is displayed on a 20x4 character lcd display. The keypad is used to select frequency, amplitude, and menu settings that control the gps receiv...

  • Page 32

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 26 © 2006 jackson-labs figure 1.7 firefox oem module system board bottom.

  • Page 33: 1.6.10 Generic Mixer

    © 2006 jackson-labs 27 firefox synthesizer user manual 1.6.10 generic mixer the firefox synthesizer includes a generic broadband mixer that is accessible via three sma connectors (firefox oem module) or three bnc connectors (firefox desktop unit). The mixer can be disabled via the front panel keypad...

  • Page 34

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 28 © 2006 jackson-labs.

  • Page 35: Scpi Remote Control

    © 2008 jackson-labs 29 firefox synthesizer user manual scpi remote control 2.1 rs-232 scpi remote control beginning with firmware release 3.0, the firefox signal generator can be controlled remotely through a serial rs-232 connection via the built-in system rs-232 port located on the back-panel. The...

  • Page 36

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 30 © 2008 jackson-labs 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 ...

  • Page 37: 2.5.1 Frequency Subsystem

    © 2008 jackson-labs 31 firefox synthesizer user manual oper? This command is the query of the operation status register. Only bit3 (sweeping) is actually currently managed. All the other bits are set to zero. 2.5.1 frequency subsystem the firefox signal generator has two output operating modes: cont...

  • Page 38: 2.5.2 Sweep Subsystem

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 32 © 2008 jackson-labs the numeric value is interpreted as in the command cw. On *rst, the center frequency is set to 1.64ghz/2 = 820.0mhz 2.5.1.1.4 [source]:frequency:span this command sets the range for the frequency sweep. Changing this value will affect the start ...

  • Page 39: 2.5.2.2 [Source]:sweep:mode

    © 2008 jackson-labs 33 firefox synthesizer user manual : dwell : points :time :step? :generation : spacing : direction :count 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 com...

  • Page 40: 2.5.2.5 [Source]:sweep:time

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 34 © 2008 jackson-labs in hardware-controlled sweeping mode, this value must be in the range [ 8.E-9, 5.2428 e-4] with a resolution of 8ns . Upon *rst, this value is 0.001 s. 2.5.2.4 [source]:sweep:points the number of points in a stepped sweep. This parameter is not ...

  • Page 41

    © 2008 jackson-labs 35 firefox synthesizer user manual 2.5.2.8 [source]:sweep:spacing 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 th...

  • Page 42: 2.5.3 Power  Subsystem

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 36 © 2008 jackson-labs outp 1 init:imme both command formats will initiate a software-controlled sweep with logarithmic frequency update rate from 100mhz to 1ghz with an rf output amplitude of +2dbm. The total duration of the sweep will be 30 seconds. 2.5.2.12 hardwar...

  • Page 43: 2.5.4 Phase  Subsystem

    © 2008 jackson-labs 37 firefox synthesizer user manual 2.5.3.1 [source]:power[:level] [immediate][:amplitude] this command sets the actual magnitude of the output signal in sweep and cw mode. The unit is defined in dbm. On *rst, the power magnitude is set to the minimum of -40dbm. 2.5.4 phase subsys...

  • Page 44: 2.5.7 Measure Subsystem

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 38 © 2008 jackson-labs initiate:immediate this command issues a trigger event and will start the frequency sweep only if the following conditions are met: • the output is on • the frequency mode is set to sweep if the conditions are not met at the time of the trigger,...

  • Page 45: 2.5.9.1 Help?

    © 2008 jackson-labs 39 firefox synthesizer user manual 2.5.9 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 gene...

  • Page 46

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 40 © 2008 jackson-labs • source:power?.

  • Page 47: Faqs

    © 2006 jackson-labs 41 firefox synthesizer user manual faqs 3.1 overview the following pages try to answer commonly asked questions. Please refer to the online faq at www.Jackson-labs.Com for the most recent faqs. 3.2 general faqs general faqs discuss topics of general interest related to the firefo...

  • Page 48: 3.3 Application/usage Faqs

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 42 © 2006 jackson-labs 3.2.3 how long does the firefox system take to warm up? The firefox system typically warms up to within 10-8 within 15 minutes. Its specified operating parameters and gps lock are typically achieved in less than 5 hours from a cold start when re...

  • Page 49: The Exact Frequency I Need?

    © 2006 jackson-labs 43 firefox synthesizer user manual be used in any digital logic application up to 390mhz, far outperforming competitive solutions allowing it to be used in sdr, ddr, qdr memory interfaces, or as cpu master clock drivers. * 50 ohm ac-coupled spectrally pure rf sine-wave output fro...

  • Page 50: Different Location?

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 44 © 2006 jackson-labs 3.3.5 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 t...

  • Page 51: Turned Off?

    © 2006 jackson-labs 45 firefox synthesizer user manual 3.3.8 what happens to the firefox settings when the power is turned off? The firefox units have non-volatile memory that stores settings such as the frequency, amplitude, and menu options. This non-volatile memory does not require any battery ba...

  • Page 52: For?

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 46 © 2006 jackson-labs 3.4.2 can the firefox system be powered by a battery? The firefox system requires a regulated 12.0v power supply to operate properly. A power source such as a lead acid type battery will have an output voltage ranging between 11v (discharged) to...

  • Page 53: 3.5 Gps Receiver Faqs

    © 2006 jackson-labs 47 firefox synthesizer user manual 4) rs-232 db-9 null modem cable to calibrate the firefox rf output follow these steps after letting the equipment warm up for at least 30 minutes: 1) connect an agilent e4418b power meter via its rs-232 serial port to the firefox “system” rs-232...

  • Page 54: Change Any Settings?

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 48 © 2006 jackson-labs 3.5.2 how does the firefox handle gps hold-over mode? Other commercially available reference-timing receivers boast of their long hold-over circuitry performance when not being able to receive any satellites. The firefox synthesizer uses a sligh...

  • Page 55: Indicate?

    © 2006 jackson-labs 49 firefox synthesizer user manual memory, and the mode will not have to be invoked again unless the unit is turned off for longer than 2 days (typically) or the units’ antenna is moved more than 30 feet. 3.5.6 what is the t-raim mode in the gps receiver? The firefox gps receiver...

  • Page 56: 3.6 Performance Faqs

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 50 © 2006 jackson-labs as, 3d, 2d - position fixes. The unit is receiving 3d or 2d position fixes when in auto survey mode. Ten thousand readings are required to finish auto survey mode. Ok - position hold mode with locked ocxo. The unit has locked the ocxo to utc, an...

  • Page 57: What Is This Number?

    © 2006 jackson-labs 51 firefox synthesizer user manual estimate of the overall time base drift over the last 30 minutes can be established. This drift is typically less than +5x10^-11 over a thirty-minute period when locked to the gps signal. As an example, let's assume the frequency estimate displa...

  • Page 58

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 52 © 2006 jackson-labs 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 o...

  • Page 59: Auto Calibration

    © 2006 jackson-labs 53 firefox synthesizer user manual auto calibration 4.1 introduction the firefox synthesizer does not require frequency calibration, it continuously self-calibrates its internal ocxo by using the gps timing receiver. The firefox synthesizer rf output level is factory calibrated, ...

  • Page 60: 4.3 Calibration Setup

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 54 © 2006 jackson-labs 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. 4.2.3 calibrat...

  • Page 61: 4.3.1 Sensor Connection

    © 2006 jackson-labs 55 firefox synthesizer user manual 4.3.1 sensor connection connect the power sensor to the firefox rf output. See figure 4.2 . Use a bnc to n-f adapter between the power sensor and the firefox synthesizer. Figure 4.3 shows how to connect the sensor and bnc to n adapter in detail....

  • Page 62

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 56 © 2006 jackson-labs the sensor may also be connected using a short cable, but this will affect output linearity due to cable to connector vswr mismatch. 4.3.2 serial cable connection the power meter is controlled by the firefox system controller via a serial port. ...

  • Page 63: 4.4 Initiating Calibration

    © 2006 jackson-labs 57 firefox synthesizer user manual 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 proc...

  • Page 64

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 58 © 2006 jackson-labs 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. See figure 4.5 on ...

  • Page 65

    © 2006 jackson-labs 59 firefox synthesizer user manual 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. (continued) figure 4.6 starting the calibration proc...

  • Page 66

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 60 © 2006 jackson-labs 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 e...

  • Page 67

    © 2006 jackson-labs 61 firefox synthesizer user manual during calibration, the agilent power meter will display the momentary frequency and level of the output signal being measured. The frequency will vary from 2mhz to 1640mhz (see figure 4.8 ) please note that the power meter has been turned into ...

  • Page 68

    Firefox synthesizer user manual 62 © 2006 jackson-labs the unit will display a message as shown in figure 4.9 when the calibration is finished successfully. Calibration data is only stored in flash memory at the end of the calibration when this message is displayed. N.B.: to use the firefox, you mus...