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Racal Instruments 3152A Manual

Manual is about: Waveform Generator PRECISION PLL SYNTHESIZER

Summary of 3152A

  • Page 1

    Precision pll synthesizer model 3152a publication no. 980867 racal instruments united states (corporate headquarters and service center) 4 goodyear street, irvine, ca 92618 tel: (800) 722-2528, (949) 859-8999; fax: (949) 859-7139 5730 northwest parkway suite 700, san antonio, tx 78249 tel: (210) 699...

  • Page 2

    Thank you for purchasing this racal instruments product for this product, or any other racal instruments product that incorporates software drivers, you may access our web site to verify and/or download the latest driver versions. The web address for driver downloads is: http://www.Racalinstruments....

  • Page 3

    Proprietary notice this document and the technical data herein disclosed, are proprietary to racal instruments, and shall not, without express written permission of racal instruments, be used, in whole or in part to solicit quotations from a competitive source or used for manufacture by anyone other...

  • Page 4: For Your Safety

    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 inflicting personal injury. If this instrument is to be powered from th...

  • Page 6

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  • Page 7

    3152a user manual i table of contents chapter 1 ........................................................................................................................1-1 getting started ...................................................................................................................

  • Page 8

    3152a user manual ii sweep waveforms ........................................................................................................1-12 output state......................................................................................................................1-12 backplane synchroni...

  • Page 9

    3152a user manual iii chapter 3 ........................................................................................................................3-1 using the instrument......................................................................................................3-1 overview ............

  • Page 10

    3152a user manual iv gated mode ......................................................................................................................3-21 burst mode .......................................................................................................................3-22 selecting ...

  • Page 11

    3152a user manual v pll commands....................................................................................................................3-48 using the frequency counter ..............................................................................................3-49 using the phase modu...

  • Page 12

    3152a user manual vi scpi and hs command summary ........................................................................................4-8 output configuration command summary ..........................................................................4-14 standard waveform command summary ............

  • Page 13

    3152a user manual vii repair and replacement........................................................................................................5-3 performance checks..............................................................................................................5-4 environmental co...

  • Page 14

    3152a user manual viii power-up tests ................................................................................................................5-20 self-test ...........................................................................................................................5-21 main bo...

  • Page 15

    3152a user manual ix swept waveforms ...................................................................................................................14 pll characteristics .................................................................................................................16 pm charac...

  • Page 16

    3152a user manual x list of figures figure 1-1, model 3152a ................................................................................................................ 1-1 figure 1-2, 3152a front panel.................................................................................................

  • Page 17

    3152a user manual xi list of tables table 3-1, default conditions after power on, reset or *rst...................................................... 3-2 table 3-2, peak to peak amplitude and offset ranges ................................................................. 3-3 table 4-1, vxibus model ...

  • Page 18

    3152a user manual xii this page was left intentionally blank..

  • Page 19: Chapter 1

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 getting started 1-1 chapter 1 getting started what’s in this chapter this chapter contains a general description of the vxibus model 3152a waveform synthesizer and an overall functional description of the instrument. It lists and describes various options a...

  • Page 20: Introduction

    3152a user manual getting started 1-2 racal instruments © 2001 introduction the model 3152a is a vxibus, single slot c-size synthesized waveform generator. It is a high performance waveform synthesizer that combines two powerful instruments in one small package; a function generator and an arbitrary...

  • Page 21: Options

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 getting started 1-3 the model 3152a waveform synthesizer is a digital instrument. Besides standard waveforms, any waveform generated must first be loaded into the arbitrary waveform memory. The arbitrary waveform memory is a bank of 8-bit words. Each word r...

  • Page 22: Safety

    3152a user manual getting started 1-4 racal instruments © 2001 407508-213 - model 3152a - 100ms/s waveform synthesizer, w/512k ram, 1ppm, tektronix vx4750 emulation the 512k ram option designates the memory size supplied with the model 3152a. The standard memory size is 512k (524288 words). With the...

  • Page 23: Specifications

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 getting started 1-5 specifications instrument specifications are listed in appendix a. These specifications are the performance standards or limits against which the instrument is tested. Specifications apply under the following conditions: output terminate...

  • Page 24: External Clock

    3152a user manual getting started 1-6 racal instruments © 2001 external clock input the external clock input is available for those applications required to run the complete system off the same clock. Normally, this input is disabled. When enabled under program control the clock at this input replac...

  • Page 25

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 getting started 1-7 figure 1-2, 3152a front panel.

  • Page 26: Pm Input

    3152a user manual getting started 1-8 racal instruments © 2001 pm input the pm input accepts signals that phase modulates the main output frequency. The phase modulation function operates in conjunction with the pll function. The pm input is active at all times. Therefore, unless you intend to use t...

  • Page 27: Output Type

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 getting started 1-9 the trigger signal, whether it comes from the front panel or from the vxibus, has to pass through circuitry. These circuits cause a small delay known as system delay. System delay cannot be eliminated completely. It is, however, minimize...

  • Page 28

    3152a user manual getting started 1-10 racal instruments © 2001 standard waveforms the model 3152a generates waveforms from a memory that has to be loaded before the waveforms can be can generated. There are 512k points of memory standard, a smaller memory, 64k version is also available as an option...

  • Page 29

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 getting started 1-11 figure 1-3, segment 1 - sin(x)/x waveform figure 1-4, segment 2 - sine waveform figure 1-5, segment 3 - pulse waveform the following sequence was made of segment 2 repeated twice, segment 1 repeated four times and segment 3 repeated twi...

  • Page 30: Output State

    3152a user manual getting started 1-12 racal instruments © 2001 figure 1-6, sequenced waveforms sweep waveforms the model 3152a’s sweep mode is a special case of sequenced mode which utilizes the sequencer and the 3152a’s 512k of waveform memory to store a sequence of sine, square or triangle wavefo...

  • Page 31: Frequency

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 getting started 1-13 when placed in this mode, the model 3152a scans the trig in connector for a valid signal. Once sensed, the model 3152a measures its frequency and centers its lock-in range around this frequency. The model 3152a then locks automatically ...

  • Page 32: Front Panel

    3152a user manual getting started 1-14 racal instruments © 2001 front panel indicators there are three leds on the front panel. The fail led (red) illuminates at power-up until the model 3152a has passed its self-test. If the model 3152a self-test fails, the fail led remains illuminated. The fail le...

  • Page 33: Chapter 2

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 configuring the instruments 2-1 chapter 2 configuring the instrument installation overview this chapter contains information and instructions necessary to prepare the model 3152a for operation. Details are provided for initial inspection, grounding safety r...

  • Page 34: Performance

    3152a user manual configuring the instruments 2-2 racal instruments © 2001 warning for maximum safety, do not touch the product, test cables, or any other instrument parts while power is applied to the circuit under test. Always remove power from the entire test system before connecting cables or ju...

  • Page 35: Long Term

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 configuring the instruments 2-3 warning do not make an attempt to float the output from ground as it may damage the model 3152a and your equipment. Long term storage or repackaging for shipment if the instrument is to be stored for a long period of time or ...

  • Page 36: Logical Address

    3152a user manual configuring the instruments 2-4 racal instruments © 2001 logical address selection the vxibus chassis resource manager identifies modules in the system by the module’s address. Vxibus logical addresses can range from 0 to 255, however, only addresses 1 to 254 are available for vxib...

  • Page 37

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 configuring the instruments 2-5 figure 2-1, set the logical address lsb msb s1 lo g ic a l a d d r e s s s e l e c t 1 0 off (logic 0) on (logic 1) side view of switch s1.

  • Page 38: Installation

    3152a user manual configuring the instruments 2-6 racal instruments © 2001 installation the instrument can be installed in any slot except slot 0 in a vxibus mainframe. When inserting the instrument into the mainframe, it should be gently rocked back and forth to seat the connectors into the backpla...

  • Page 39: Chapter 3

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-1 chapter 3 using the instrument overview this chapter contains information about how to operate the model 3152a. Unlike bench-type instruments, the model 3152a must be programmed to turn on functions, change parameters and configure ...

  • Page 40: What to Do Now

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-2 racal instruments © 2001 table 3-1, default conditions after power on, reset or *rst output state: off operating mode: continuous filter state: off filter type: 20mhz ecltrg0-1: off ttltrg0-7: off output trigger source: bit sync state: off std. Wave frequen...

  • Page 41

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-3 :function:shape square; /* change the frequency to 2 mhz.*/ :frequency 2e6; /*change the amplitude to 5 v and the offset to 2.5 v.*/ :voltage 5; :voltage: offset 2.5; there are three offset windows (±8 v, ±800 mv, ±80 mv); the windo...

  • Page 42

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-4 racal instruments © 2001 /* turn the main output on.*/ :output on; /*turn the sync output on, if required.*/ :output:sync on; if the above commands are executed correctly, a square waveform will be seen on your oscilloscope. Using the apply command the appl...

  • Page 43

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-5 the synthesizer returns a string that contains all the parameters associated with the square function similar to the following string: “1.000000e+6,2.000,0.000,50" the command: apply: sinusoid {,,, ,} programs the synthesizer to out...

  • Page 44

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-6 racal instruments © 2001 the command: apply: ramp {,,, , ,} programs the synthesizer to output a ramp waveform with frequency, amplitude, offset, delay, rise time, and fall time parameters. The default settings for these functions are: 1 mhz, 5 vp-p, 0 v, 0...

  • Page 45

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-7 the command: apply: user {,, ,} programs the synthesizer to output an arbitrary waveform. The specified segment number must be loaded with an arbitrary waveform before the synthesizer can execute this command successfully. This comm...

  • Page 46: Output

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-8 racal instruments © 2001 /* change the output waveform to square, frequency to 2 mhz, amplitude to 5 v, offset to 2.5 v and duty cycle to 25%. Note that there is no need to use the func:mode command because the default value after reset is fixed.*/ :apply:s...

  • Page 50: Activating The

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-12 racal instruments © 2001 sets the filter frequency for the currently active function. 20 mhz has a gaussian response, and the 25 mhz and the 50 mhz filters have an elliptical response. Note that the filters cannot be changed if the synthesizer is set to ou...

  • Page 53: Assigning The

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-15 assigning the source for the sync output the sync output, when enabled, can be triggered by signals coming from a number of sources. Use the following command to select the source for validating the sync output: output:sync:source ...

  • Page 54: Selecting The

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-16 racal instruments © 2001 selecting the sync position the sync output can be programmed to output the sync signal at any point along the output waveform. Use the following command to select the sync output position: output:sync:position[:point] the sync pos...

  • Page 55: Using The Built-In

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-17 using the built-in standard waveforms the standard waveform commands control the various parameters of the active standard waveform. Standard waveform commands operate in a similar fashion for each of the standard waveforms. To sim...

  • Page 56

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-18 racal instruments © 2001 for the positive exponential: where a = amplitude m = current point (i..N) n = total number of points t = time constant set by user for the negative exponential: for gaussian: for sinc: where cyc n = r (number of points per cycle) ...

  • Page 57

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-19 the selected standard waveform will be available at the output connector only after the func:mode fix command has been executed. With the func:shap puls selection, parameters for the pulse function will effect the output waveform w...

  • Page 58: Selecting An

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-20 racal instruments © 2001 the command: pulse:transition: trailing sets the pulse fall time in percent of the pulse period. For example, if the pulse period is 100 ms, 15% fall time equals 15 ms. Pulse fall time is measured between the two turning points of ...

  • Page 59: Gated Mode

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-21 off places the instrument in triggered mode. On restores continuous operation. The query: inititiate: continuous? Queries the instrument operating mode parameter and returns "0" (off) or "1" (on). Gated mode the model 3152a can be ...

  • Page 60: Burst Mode

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-22 racal instruments © 2001 burst mode burst mode is very similar to triggered mode with the exception that only one trigger signal is needed to generate a counted number of output waveforms. In burst mode, the output remains at a certain dc level as long as ...

  • Page 61: Selecting The

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-23 selecting the trigger source when an external source is not available, the operator has the option to use either the built-in trigger generator or a ttltrg signal to stimulate its output. Use the following command to select the tri...

  • Page 62: Selecting The

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-24 racal instruments © 2001 selecting the trigger slope the trigger slope command selects the sensitive edge of the trigger signal that is applied to the trig in connector. The model 3152a can be made sensitive to either positive or negative transitions. Use ...

  • Page 63: Selecting The

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-25 selecting the trigger level the trigger level command sets the threshold level at the trigger input connector. Trigger levels are adjustable from –10 v to +10 v with up to 4 digits. Trigger level resolution is always 10 mv. Use the...

  • Page 64: What Are

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-26 racal instruments © 2001 what are arbitrary waveforms? Arbitrary waveforms are generated from digital data points that are stored in memory. Each data point has vertical resolution of 12 bits (4096 points), i.E., each sample is placed on the vertical axis ...

  • Page 65: Memory

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-27 memory management commands arbitrary memory can be divided into smaller segments; up to 4096 different arbitrary waveforms can be generated with the model 3152a. The length of each segment is left totally to the user’s discretion. ...

  • Page 66: Loading Arbitrary

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-28 racal instruments © 2001 loading arbitrary waveforms there are two ways to load waveforms into the model 3152a; using a graphical user interface, i.E., wavecad, or low-level programming. When using wavecad, disregard most of this chapter as wavecad does th...

  • Page 67

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-29 when sending binary blocks to the model 3152a, the final byte must be transmitted with the eoi bit set. Carriage return and line feed will not be detected as terminators. This permits the values odhex and oahex to be used as data p...

  • Page 68

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-30 racal instruments © 2001 d15 d14 d13 d12 d11 d10 d9 d8 d7 d6 d5 d4 d3 x d1 d0 waveform point data pll bit even waveform point (floor(pos/2)*2) d15 d14 d13 d12 d11 d10 d9 d8 d7 d6 d5 d4 d3 x x x waveform point data sync bit odd waveform point (floor(pos/2)*...

  • Page 69: High Speed

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-31 high speed segment downloads in cases where large numbers of segments must be defined in 3152a memory (e.G., >50), for higher overall throughput (e.G., 5x-10x improvement) it is recommended that segm:data be used instead of a serie...

  • Page 70

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-32 racal instruments © 2001 the address field of the 5-byte segment table structure is calculated as follows: 1. The start address for segment 1 is 0x1f4. 2. Compute the start address for segment n (where n > 1) using the following equation: address(n) = addr...

  • Page 71: Reversing Byte

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-33 the number of points section of the structure is just the 3-byte binary number representing the size of the waveform. The segm:data is useful for speeding up test times when many waveform segments are required. It is best used as f...

  • Page 72: Selecting Binary

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-34 racal instruments © 2001 selecting binary download forma binary data is sent to the model in either 12-bit or 16-bit binary format. When normal 12-bit downloads are used, the 3152a calculates the start, stop and sync bits stored in memory in the same data ...

  • Page 74: 16-Bit Shared

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-36 racal instruments © 2001 the *opc? Response is set to 1 when the model 3152a has transferred memory access from the internal cpu to shared memory. This typically takes a few milliseconds but depends on the size of the memory transfer. 16-bit shared memory ...

  • Page 75

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-37 warning changing modes from norm to user and vice- versa is destructive to the waveform memory. This command has an affect on the segment table and sync and break point bits location. Other parameters, such as amplitude, offset and...

  • Page 76

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-38 racal instruments © 2001 the control bits there are four control bits that must be loaded within a group of two words, they are the pll, trigger phase offset, sync and stop bits. The control bits are located as shown in the figure. Note that the odd-even o...

  • Page 77: Sequences

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-39 sequences sequenced waveforms are a means of adding more capability to the synthesizer. The model 3152a can link 4096 segments and loop on each segment up to 10 6 times. Generating sequenced waveforms what are sequenced waveforms? ...

  • Page 78

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-40 racal instruments © 2001 figure 3-6, sine waveform loaded into segment 2 figure 3-7, pulse waveform loaded into segment 3 figure 3-8 shows a sequence of waveforms that were stored in three different memory segments. Note that segment number 2 is generated ...

  • Page 79

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-41 a sequence is made of steps. A step can stand on its own or link to another step. It is possible to have only one step in a sequence but the output will look like a continuous waveform. If only one step is specified and the model 3...

  • Page 80: High Speed

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-42 racal instruments © 2001 caution the above command will destroy sequences previously loaded into memory. High speed sequence downloads in cases where large numbers of sequence steps must be downloaded to the 3152a (e.G., >50), for higher overall throughput...

  • Page 81

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-43 the byte ordering of the segment number section is: high byte, low byte. There is an offset between the segment number above and the actual segment number. The above structure ranges from 0 to 4095. The corresponding segments are s...

  • Page 82: Triggered

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-44 racal instruments © 2001 a simple example using the sequence command is to generate a 1 step sequence with segment 1 repeated 74565 times: seq:data#15 where the 15 means: 1 specifies that one more byte will follow 5 specifies that 5 binary bytes will follo...

  • Page 83: Triggered

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-45 figure 3-10, sequenced waveforms - triggered advance mode triggered sequence advance commands placing the model 3152a in triggered sequence advance mode is done in triggered mode only. First, prepare the sequence of waveforms using...

  • Page 84

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-46 racal instruments © 2001 caution phase synchronization requires the use of the vxi ecltrg0 and ecltrg1 signals. Other vxi instruments must not drive ecltrg0/1 while phase synchronization is enabled. There are phase synchronization commands that can tightly...

  • Page 85: Front-Panel Phase

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-47 caution the phase:null command toggles between removing one count and adding one count. Therefore, if there was no error, sending this command may add a 1 count error. The query: phase:lock? Queries the phase lock mode and returns ...

  • Page 86: Pll Commands

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-48 racal instruments © 2001 pll commands in pll mode, the model 3152a can be used as a slave only. Use the following commands to program the model 3152a to lock to an external reference. Pll:lock on this command places the model 3152a in pll mode. If no valid...

  • Page 87: Using The

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-49 using the frequency counter in pll mode, the model 3152a uses an autoranging counter circuit to measure frequencies of reference signals at the trigger input. This built-in counter is made available to you as long as the signal at ...

  • Page 88: Amplitude

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-50 racal instruments © 2001 amplitude modulation commands arbitrary waveforms stored in memory segments are used as modulating envelopes in amplitude modulation mode. The modulated carrier is always a sine waveform with its frequency set in points. The first ...

  • Page 89: Using Sweep Mode

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-51 using sweep mode the key to using sweep mode efficiently is to place the 3152a into a mode other than sweep (fix, user or seq) while sending the 3152a the sweep parameters. Once the parameters are set, switch the 3152a to sweep mod...

  • Page 90

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-52 racal instruments © 2001 this command specifies the frequency that the sweep function starts with when swe:dir up is enabled and ends with when swe:dir down is enabled. [:source]:sweep:frequency:stop this command specifies the frequency that the sweep func...

  • Page 91: System-Related

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 using the instrument 3-53 system-related commands system-related commands are used to place the instrument in a known state, clear the instrument to its defaults, or to query the generator for its errors or identity. The following is an overview of the syst...

  • Page 92

    3152a user manual using the instrument 3-54 racal instruments © 2001 *rst reset the generator to its default state. The *rst and res commands have no effect on status registers, vxibus states, vxi address or scpi command set. The query: *opt? Queries the waveform memory length installed in the 3152a...

  • Page 93: Chapter 4

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 scpi and hs command reference 4-1 chapter 4 scpi and hs command reference what’s in this chapter this chapter contains reference information for programming the model 3152a. Standard commands for programmable instruments (scpi) convention rules and syntax a...

  • Page 95: Command

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 scpi and hs command reference 4-3 some parameters are enclosed in square brackets ([ ]). The brackets indicate that the parameter is optional and can be omitted. The brackets are not sent with the command string. If an optional parameter is not specified, t...

  • Page 96: Querying

    3152a user manual scpi and hs command reference 4-4 racal instruments © 2001 querying parameter setting query the current value of most parameters by adding a question mark ( ? ) to the command. For example, the following command sets the output function to square: sour:func:shap sqr query the outpu...

  • Page 97: Numeric

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 scpi and hs command reference 4-5 numeric parameters commands that require numeric parameters will accept all commonly used decimal representations of numbers including optional signs, decimal points, and scientific notation. Special values for numeric para...

  • Page 98: Alternative

    3152a user manual scpi and hs command reference 4-6 racal instruments © 2001 alternative command set (hs commands) in addition to the scpi command set, there is an alternative command set which may be invoked to increase the throughput of the 3152a by a typical factor of 2-3. Actual throughput impro...

  • Page 99: Rules For Using

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 scpi and hs command reference 4-7 rules for using hs command mode hs commands must be sent to the instrument in accordance with the following usage rules: 1. Unlike scpi command syntax, a space (or spaces) may not be placed between hs commands and their par...

  • Page 100: Scpi and Hs

    3152a user manual scpi and hs command reference 4-8 racal instruments © 2001 scpi and hs command summary table 4-1 summarizes the complete scpi command tree along with the alternative hs command set available for programming of the synthesizer. Refer to earlier sections in this manual for more compl...

  • Page 102

    3152a user manual scpi and hs command reference 4-10 racal instruments © 2001 keyword parameter format (default,min,max) scpi 1993.0 hs commands bincmd :pulse freq,ampl,offs,del,widt,lead,tr a not confirmed 0304g oat, float> :ramp freq,ampl,offs,del,lead,tra not confirmed 0305f oat> :sinc freq,ampl,...

  • Page 103

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 scpi and hs command reference 4-11 keyword parameter format (default,min,max) scpi 1993.0 hs commands bincmd :delay ( 10 ;0;99.9) confirmed 0730a :width ( 10 ;0;99.9) confirmed 0731a :transition ( 10 ;0;99.9) confirmed 0732a [:leading] ( 10 ;0;99.9) confirm...

  • Page 105

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 scpi and hs command reference 4-13 keyword parameter format (default,min,max) scpi 1993.0 hs commands bincmd :trace confirmed 10001# [:data] confirmed 10001# :define ( 1 ;1;4096),(10;10;523288) (even #) confirmed 10102 :delete ( 1 ;1;4096) confirmed 09201 [...

  • Page 106: Output

    3152a user manual scpi and hs command reference 4-14 racal instruments © 2001 keyword parameter format (default,min,max) scpi 1993.0 hs commands bincmd *ese ( 0 ;0;255) confirmed 1501a *opc confirmed 15020 *rst confirmed 14200 *trg confirmed 11000 *ese? Confirmed 1501@? *esr? Confirmed 1504@? *idn? ...

  • Page 109: Arbitrary

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 scpi and hs command reference 4-17 pulse:transition? Pulse:transition:trailing 0 99.9 10.0 pulse:transition:trailing? Ramp:delay 0 99.9 10.0 ramp:delay? Ramp:transition 0 99.9 10.0 ramp:transition? Ramp:transition:trailing 0 99.9 10.0 ramp:transition:traili...

  • Page 111: Trigger Command

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 scpi and hs command reference 4-19 trigger command summary the trigger commands control the trigger modes of the model 3152a. The model 3152a can be placed in triggered, gated or burst mode. Trigger source is selectable from an external source, internal tri...

  • Page 113: System-Related

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 scpi and hs command reference 4-21 system-related command summary the system-related commands are not related directly to waveform generation but are an important part of operating the model 3152a. These commands can reset or test the instrument, or query t...

  • Page 114

    3152a user manual scpi and hs command reference 4-22 racal instruments © 2001 *idn? - query the synthesizer’s identity. The returned data is organized into four fields, separated by commas. The synthesizer responds with its manufacturer and model number in the first two fields, and may also report i...

  • Page 115: The Scpi Status

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 scpi and hs command reference 4-23 *tst? - implements an internal self-test and returns a value as described below. Approximately 90% of the model 3152a functionality is tested. 0 - self-test passed 1 - dac, dac control, output amplifier or amplitude contro...

  • Page 116

    3152a user manual scpi and hs command reference 4-24 racal instruments © 2001 figure 4-1, scpi status registers & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 logi cal or logi cal or service request generation 7 rqs 6 mss esbmav 3 2 1 0 7 5 4 3 2 1 0 service request enable register *s...

  • Page 117: The Status Byte

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 scpi and hs command reference 4-25 the status byte register (stb) the status byte summary register contains conditions from the other registers. Query data waiting in the synthesizer's output buffer is immediately reported through the message available bit ...

  • Page 118: Clearing The

    3152a user manual scpi and hs command reference 4-26 racal instruments © 2001 clearing the status byte register the entire status byte register can be cleared by removing the reasons for service from auxiliary status registers. Sending the *cls command to the device after a scpi command terminator a...

  • Page 119: Standard Event

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 scpi and hs command reference 4-27 standard event status register (esr) the standard event status register reports status for special applications. The 8 bits of the esr have been defined by the ieee-std-488.2 as specific conditions which can be monitored a...

  • Page 120: Standard Event

    3152a user manual scpi and hs command reference 4-28 racal instruments © 2001 standard event status enable register (ese) the standard event status enable register allows one or more events in the standard event status register to be reflected in the esb summary message bit. The standard event statu...

  • Page 121

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 scpi and hs command reference 4-29 if more than 30 errors have occurred, the last error stored in the queue is replaced with -350, “too many errors". No additional errors are stored until you remove errors from the queue. If no errors have occurred when you...

  • Page 122: Device-Specific

    3152a user manual scpi and hs command reference 4-30 racal instruments © 2001 -200,"execution error". This is the generic syntax error for the instrument when it cannot detect more specific errors. Execution error as defined in ieee-488.2 has occurred. -221,"setting conflict". Two conflicting parame...

  • Page 123: Chapter 5

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 maintenance and performance checks 5-1 chapter 5 maintenance and performance checks maintenance overview this chapter provides maintenance, service information, performance tests, and the information necessary to adjust and troubleshoot the model 3152a wave...

  • Page 124: Special Handling

    3152a user manual maintenance and performance checks 5-2 racal instruments © 2001 special handling of static sensitive devices mos devices are designed to operate at very high impedance levels for low power consumption. As a result, any normal static charge that builds up on your person or clothing ...

  • Page 125: Repair and

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 maintenance and performance checks 5-3 repair and replacement repair and replacement of electrical and mechanical parts must be accomplished with great care and caution. Printed circuit boards can become warped, cracked or burnt from excessive heat or mecha...

  • Page 126: Performance

    3152a user manual maintenance and performance checks 5-4 racal instruments © 2001 performance checks the following performance checks verify proper operation of the instrument and should normally be used: as a part of the incoming inspection of the instrument specifications; as part of the troublesh...

  • Page 127: Recommended

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 maintenance and performance checks 5-5 recommended test equipment recommended test equipment for troubleshooting, calibration and performance checking is listed below. Test instruments other than those listed may be used only if their specifications equal o...

  • Page 128: Amplitude

    3152a user manual maintenance and performance checks 5-6 racal instruments © 2001 remote commands: :res :outp on :func:shap squ :freq 10 :volt 1 2. Set the counter to frequency measurement. 3. Connect the model 3152a output to the counter = s input. Change the frequency setting as required for the t...

  • Page 129: Dc Offset

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 maintenance and performance checks 5-7 remote commands: :res :outp on :func:shap sin :freq 1000 :volt 15 2. Set the dmm to acv measurements (rms). 3. Connect the model 3152a output to dmm input. Terminate the output with a 50 Ω feedthrough termination. Set ...

  • Page 130: Squarewave

    3152a user manual maintenance and performance checks 5-8 racal instruments © 2001 2. Set the dmm to dcv measurements 3. Connect the model 3152a output to the dmm input. Terminate the output with a 50 Ω feedthrough termination. Set the model 3152a offset and verify the dmm reading as follows: offs se...

  • Page 131: Sine

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 maintenance and performance checks 5-9 set the oscilloscope and verify that the rise and fall times are less than 6 ns. Verify that overshoot and ringing are less than 5% of amplitude. Sine characteristics specified total harmonic distortion: 100.0khz (with...

  • Page 133: Trig, Gate and

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 maintenance and performance checks 5-11 2. Connect the model 3152a output to the oscilloscope, set the oscilloscope input impedance to 50 Ω , and set the oscilloscope to display the sinewave within exactly 6 vertical divisions. 3. Change the model 3152a fre...

  • Page 134

    3152a user manual maintenance and performance checks 5-12 racal instruments © 2001 external pulse generator connected to the model 3152a for the next test. Gate 1. Configure the model 3152a as follows: function: sine wave frequency: 1.000 khz operating mode: gated remote commands: :res :outp on :fre...

  • Page 135: Pll

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 maintenance and performance checks 5-13 pll characteristics accuracy: 5.4 x frequency (in mhz) + resolution / 2 ± 5 ° equipment: oscilloscope, counter, pulse/function generator, feedthrough terminator, 3 bnc cables, 50 Ω tee connector 1. Configure the model...

  • Page 136

    3152a user manual maintenance and performance checks 5-14 racal instruments © 2001 3152a freq. Pulse generator setting freq. Setting counter reading 10.00 mhz 10.00 mhz 0 ° ± 77 ° 1.000 mhz 1.000 mhz 0 ° ± 12.2 ° 100.0 khz 100.0 khz 0 ° ± 5.72 ° 10.00 khz 10.00 khz 0 ° ± 5 ° 5. Change the model 3152...

  • Page 137: Adjustments

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 maintenance and performance checks 5-15 adjustments environmental conditions adjustments should be performed under laboratory conditions having an ambient temperature of 25 o c ± 5 o c and relative humidity of less than 80%. If the instrument has been outsi...

  • Page 138: Adjustment

    3152a user manual maintenance and performance checks 5-16 racal instruments © 2001 adjustment procedures all adjustments are performed with the power on. The side covers should be removed to allow access to test points and adjustments. Warning special care should be taken to prevent contact with liv...

  • Page 139: Pulse Response

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 maintenance and performance checks 5-17 pulse response adjustment equipment: oscilloscope (2465b), 20db attenuator 1. Configure the model 3152a as follows: function: square frequency: 1 mhz amplitude: 10 v remote commands: :res :outp on :func:shap squ :freq...

  • Page 140: Offset Adjustment

    3152a user manual maintenance and performance checks 5-18 racal instruments © 2001 :outp on :freq 1e3 :volt 16 2. Connect the model 3152a output to the dmm input through the 50 Ω feedthrough termination. Set the dmm to ac volt measurements and 2 v range. 3. Adjust r44 until the dmm reading is 5.657 ...

  • Page 141: Vco Adjustment

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 maintenance and performance checks 5-19 both steps. Vco adjustment equipment: dmm 1. Configure the model 3152a as follows: function: sinewave output: on remote commands: :res 2. Connect the dmm “v” input to u515 pin 1 and the dmm “common” nput to case groun...

  • Page 142: Troubleshooting

    3152a user manual maintenance and performance checks 5-20 racal instruments © 2001 :volt 2 2. Make the following connections: a. Connect function generator output to the input of the 50 Ω "t" connector. B. Connect one end of the 50 Ω "t" connector to the 3152a trig in and the other end to the counte...

  • Page 143: Self-Test

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 maintenance and performance checks 5-21 self-test an advanced feature of the model 3152a is its self-test capability. This feature helps in reducing troubleshooting time of faulty circuits to the minimum. If the instrument fails its self-test procedure, it ...

  • Page 144: Cpu and Vxi Asic

    3152a user manual maintenance and performance checks 5-22 racal instruments © 2001 circuits. A few preliminary checks could help here. First remove the model 3152a from the vxibus chassis. Turn on the vxibus chassis and verify that the supply voltages are available directly on the backplane sockets....

  • Page 145: Output Amplifier

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 maintenance and performance checks 5-23 table 5-1, cpu and vxi interface checkout procedure step test point expected result 1 cpu clock - u87 pin 19 16 mhz ttl level clock 2 vxi clock - u109 pin 159 16 mhz ttl level clock 3 ale - u85 pin 11 positive going p...

  • Page 146: Clock Synthesizer

    3152a user manual maintenance and performance checks 5-24 racal instruments © 2001 table 5-2, output amplifier and amplitude control checkout procedure step test point expected result 1 junction of r57 and r58 750 mvp-p sinewave, 1 mhz 2 junction of r18 and r19 10 vp-p sinewave, 1 mhz 3 voltage acro...

  • Page 147: Sequence

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 maintenance and performance checks 5-25 table 5-3, clock synthesizer checkout procedure step test point expected result 1 u510 pin 7 100 mhz ecl level clock 2 u16 pin 15 50 mhz ecl level clock 3 u16 pin 2 25 mhz ecl level clock 4 u505 pin 21 1.5625 mhz ttl ...

  • Page 148

    3152a user manual maintenance and performance checks 5-26 racal instruments © 2001 table 5-4, sequence generator checkout procedure step test point expected result 1 u45 pin 1, u42 pin 11 negative going pulses; 2 ns width, 100 μ s period 2 u46 pin 1, and 3 same as above 3 u42 pin 12 negative going p...

  • Page 149: Pll Checkout

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 maintenance and performance checks 5-27 table 5-5, burst generator checks step test point expected result 1 u56 through u60 pin 2 five negative going pulses; 2 ns width, 100 μ s period, repeated every 1 ms 2 u56 through u60 pin 9 positive going pulses; 200 ...

  • Page 150: Engine Board Circuit

    3152a user manual maintenance and performance checks 5-28 racal instruments © 2001 engine board circuit checkout as described in the paragraph main board circuit checkout , the model 3152a is made of two boards. If the engine board is removed from the main board, reinstall it before continuing with ...

  • Page 151

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 maintenance and performance checks 5-29 table 5-7a, engine board checkout procedure - #1 step test point expected result 1 u27 pin 2 ± 2.5 v squarewave, 1 mhz 2 u41 pins 1 to 11, pin 28 -0.8 v to -1.8 v ecl level squarewave, 1 mhz 3 u41 pin 26 ecl level neg...

  • Page 152

    3152a user manual maintenance and performance checks 5-30 racal instruments © 2001 table 5-7b, engine board checkout procedure - #2 step test point expected result 1 u13 pin 16 ttl level, 200 khz 2 u13 pins 8 ttl level positive going pulses; 10 ns width, 200 khz 3 u39 pin 13 ttl level negative going...

  • Page 153: Chapter 6

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 product support 6-1 chapter 6 product support product support racal instruments has a complete service and parts department. If you need technical assistance or should it be necessary to return your product for repair or calibration, call 1-800-722-3262. If...

  • Page 154: Support Offices

    3152a user manual product support 6-2 racal instruments © 2001 support offices racal instruments united states (corporate headquarters and service center) 4 goodyear street, irvine, ca 92618 tel: (800) 722-2528, (949) 859-8999; fax: (949) 859-7139 5730 northwest parkway suite 700, san antonio, tx 78...

  • Page 155

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 product support 6-3 repair and calibration request form to allow us to better understand your repair requests, we suggest you use the following outline when calling and include a copy with your instrument to be sent to the racal instruments repair facility....

  • Page 156

    3152a user manual product support 6-4 racal instruments © 2001 this page was left intentionally blank..

  • Page 157: Appendix A

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 3152a specifications a-1 appendix a 3152a specifications vxibus general information module form single slot vxibus c-size module connectors p1, p2 protocol a16/a24/a32/d16 slave, message-based vxibus revision 1.4 scpi revision 1993.0 optional command 3152, ...

  • Page 158: Synthesizer

    3152a user manual 3152a specifications a-2 racal instruments © 2001 synthesizer reference sources/sample clock reference sources external reference input from: vxibus clk10 optional internal reference: pcb layout provides for optional internal 10 mhz tcxo with 1 ppm accuracy sample clock external cl...

  • Page 159

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 3152a specifications a-3 modes normal continuous waveform is generated triggered each input cycle generates a single output cycle internal trigger an internal timer repeatedly generates a single output cycle gated external signal enables generator. First ou...

  • Page 160

    3152a user manual 3152a specifications a-4 racal instruments © 2001 trigger sources trigger functionality is optionally to: (1) cause one complete cycle of the selected waveform to be output. (2) gate the waveform output while the trigger signal is asserted. Software ieee-std-488.2 *trg, vxi word se...

  • Page 161: Backplane Multi-

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 3152a specifications a-5 for trigger operation when synchronized, the trigger circuit in the master module has control of the sample clock for all modules. Therefore, the master module must be triggered before any slave can output it's waveform. Backplane m...

  • Page 162

    3152a user manual 3152a specifications a-6 racal instruments © 2001 front panel indicator led’s fail red - power-up self-test failure access amber - module addressed on vxibus pll on amber - 3152a is locked to external signal output on green - output on/off front panel input/output connectors main o...

  • Page 163

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 3152a specifications a-7 power vxibus rail peak current dynamic current +24 v +12 v +5 v -5.2 v -12v -24v -2v n/a n/a maximum total module power self-test fault coverage fault coverage (%) 90% emc radiated emissions (close field) vxibus b.8.6.3, rev 1.4 rad...

  • Page 164

    3152a user manual 3152a specifications a-8 racal instruments © 2001 environmental operating temperature 0 o c - 55 o c storage temperature -40 o c - +70 o c humidity (non-condensing) 11 o c - 30 o c 95% +5% 31 o c - 40 o c 75% +5% 41 o c - 50 o c 45% +5% altitude operating 10000 ft storage 15000ft v...

  • Page 165: Output

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 3152a specifications a-9 output characteristics output via front panel output bnc terminal stand-by output normal or off impedance 50 Ω ±1% protection protected against temporary short to case ground glitch energy amplitude 20 mv to 32 vp-p, into open circu...

  • Page 166: Standard

    3152a user manual 3152a specifications a-10 racal instruments © 2001 25 mhz 7-pole elliptic 20 mhz 7-pole gaussian square wave, pulse rise/fall time 7 ns typical, 10% to 90% of amplitude aberration sync output via front panel sync out bnc terminal level ttl protection protected against temporary sho...

  • Page 167

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 3152a specifications a-11 sine frequency range 100 μ hz to 50 mhz distortion points minimum) harmonics mhz, ≤ 10 vp-p, -48 dbc ≤ 16 vp-p, -40 dbc ≤ 10 vp-p, -40 dbc ≤ 16 vp-p, -35 dbc ≤ 10 vp-p, -28 dbc ≤ 16 vp-p, -20 dbc band flatness 1%, to 1 mhz; 5% to 1...

  • Page 168

    3152a user manual 3152a specifications a-12 racal instruments © 2001 square frequency range 100 μ hz to 50 mhz adjustable parameters duty cycle 1% to 99.9% pulse/ramp frequency range 100 μ hz to 1 mhz adjustable parameters delay 0% to 99.9% of period rise time 0% to 99.9% of period high time 0% to 9...

  • Page 169: Arbitrary

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 3152a specifications a-13 exponential decaying/rising pulse frequency range 100 μ hz to 1 mhz adjustable parameters time constant -100 to 100 dc range 1% to 100% of amplitude arbitrary waveforms waveform memory 512k points memory segmentation number of segm...

  • Page 170: Sequenced

    3152a user manual 3152a specifications a-14 racal instruments © 2001 sequenced waveforms operation permits division of the memory bank into smaller segments. Segments may be linked and repeated in user- selectable fashion to generate extremely long waveforms sequencer steps from 0 to 4096 segment lo...

  • Page 171

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 3152a specifications a-15 sweep parameters waveforms sine, square or triangle sweep spacing linear or log sweep direction up or down sweep duration .01 to 1000s sweep frequency range 1mhz to 10mhz discrete sweep steps 10 to 1000 trigger modes same as for se...

  • Page 172: Pll Characteristics

    3152a user manual 3152a specifications a-16 racal instruments © 2001 pll characteristics operation automatically locks to external signal pll input characteristics same as trig in external lock frequency range standard waveforms 500 hz to 200 khz; frequency setting 500 hz to 200 khz; 500 hz to same ...

  • Page 173

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 3152a specifications a-17 arbitrary waveforms 500 hz to 100 mhz divided by number of waveform samples. See graph below. Coarse phase offset control range ±180 ° resolution std. Waveforms 0.72 ° , frequency setting from 500 hz to 200 khz; 360 ° x frequency (...

  • Page 174: Pm Characteristics

    3152a user manual 3152a specifications a-18 racal instruments © 2001 frequency counter operation made available to the user in pll mode only. Frequency reading is valid only when pll on led is lit. Range same as external lock frequency range above resolution 4 digits pm characteristics operation ext...

  • Page 175: Appendix B

    3152a user manual racal instruments © 2001 tektronix vx4750 emulation b-1 appendix b tektronix vx4750 emulation the table below cross-references the tektronix vx4750 command set with the 3152a (with tek option) emulation command set. In cases where there are limitations or restrictions on the use of...

  • Page 176

    3152a user manual tektronix vx4750 emulation b-2 racal instruments © 2001 imp specify the load impedance connected to the arb. No restrictions. Int enable vxi event generation from the module. No restrictions. Ist initiate a self-test 3152a error codes are returned. Iswp specify internal linear swee...