3060_Series_User_Manual_46892_762_rev6

3060, 3061, 3065 (3060 Series) RF Combiner PXI Modules User Manual Document no. 46892/762 Issue 6 23 November 2009 PREFACE 2 About this manual This manual explains how to set up and configure an Aeroflex 3060, 3061 or 3065 RF combiner PXI module. Where necessary, it refers you to the appropriate installation documents that are supplied with the module. Please note: this manual applies only when the instrument is used with the supplied software. This manual provides information about how to configure the module as a stand-alone device. However, one of the advantages of Aeroflex 3000 Series PXI modules is their ability to form versatile test instruments, when used with other such modules and running 3000 Series application software. © Aeroflex Ltd. 2009 No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or recorded by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing by Aeroflex Ltd. (hereafter referred to throughout the document as ‘Aeroflex’). PREFACE 3 Intended audience Engineers who require to interface various PXI RF test resources with the item(s) under test. This manual is intended for first-time users, to provide familiarity with basic operation. Programming is not covered in this document but is documented fully in the help files that accompany the drivers and associated software on the CD-ROM. Driver version This PXI RF module is designed to be used with the latest software driver version supplied on the Aeroflex 3000 Series PXI Modules CD-ROM, part no. 46886/028. Operation with earlier versions of driver software may not be supported. PREFACE 4 Associated documentation The following documentation covers specific aspects of this equipment: If you want to… Refer to… Find information about soft front panels, drivers, application software, data sheets, installation, getting started and user manuals for this and other modules in the 3000 Series PXI Modules CD-ROM Part no. 46886/028 Supplied with the module Install modules into a rack, interconnect them, power up and install drivers 3000 Series PXI Modules Common Installation Guide Part no. 46892/663 On the CD-ROM and at www.aeroflex.com/ Set up a populated chassis ready for use 3000 Series PXI Modules Installation Guide for Chassis Part no. 46892/667 On the CD-ROM and at www.aeroflex.com/ Set up and use the universal PXI application for system configuration and operation PXI Studio User Guide Part no: 46892/809 On the CD-ROM and at www.aeroflex.com/ PREFACE 5 Preface The PXI concept VXI and GPIB systems meet the specific needs of instrumentation users but are often too large and expensive for mainstream applications. PC-based instrumentation may cost less but cannot meet the environmental and operational requirements of many systems. PXI (PCI Extensions for Instrumentation) is based on CompactPCI, itself based on the PCI standard. PCI was designed for desktop machines but CompactPCI was designed for industrial applications, and features a rugged Eurocard format with easy insertion and removal. PXI adds to the CompactPCI specification by defining system-level specifications for timing, synchronization, cooling, environmental testing, and software. While PXI extends CompactPCI, it also maintains complete interoperability so that you can use any CompactPCI- compliant product in a PXI system and vice versa. PXI also makes use of Windows software, VXI timing and triggering, and VXIplug&play instrument drivers to provide powerful and affordable systems. PXI Express now integrates PCI Express into PXI, providing up to 6 Gbyte/s backplane bandwidth and up to 2 Gbyte/s slot bandwidth. PXI Express maintains backwards compatibility with PXI, providing software compatibility and hardware compatibility with hybrid slots and hybrid systems. Hybrid slot compatibility PXI chassis that provide hybrid slots can accept both PXI Express modules and hybrid- compatible PXI modules. Hybrid-compatible PXI modules have a ‘missing’ section of connector (see Fig. 1), which allows them to be inserted into both hybrid slots and standard PXI-1 slots. Because of the reduced connectivity of Aeroflex hybrid-compatible PXI modules, the PXI parallel local bus LBL[0]–[12] disappears, to be replaced by the serial connection LBL[6], which is typically used to provide list addresses to a 3010 Series RF Synthesizer. PREFACE 6 Fig. 1 Standard PXI 1-slot connector (L) and hybrid-compatible PXI connector (R) This table shows which Aeroflex PXI digital RF signal generator modules fit only in a standard 1-slot, and which fit in both hybrid-compatible and standard slots: 3060 Standard PXI 1-slot 3061 Hybrid-compatible and standard PXI 1-slot 3065 Standard PXI 1-slot �����® is a registered trademark of Aeroflex International Inc. in the US PXI™ is a registered trademark of the PXI Systems Alliance Windows™, Windows XP™ and Windows NT™ are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation 7 GENERAL INFORMATION Introduction This is the user manual for the 3060, 3061 and 3065 RF combiner PXI modules, which are referred to generically in this document as ‘3060 Series’. These combiner PXI modules operate over the following frequency ranges: 3060 250 MHz to 2.7 GHz 3061 250 MHz to 2.7 GHz 3065 250 MHz to 6 GHz (usable to 70 MHz) and the following peak power level ranges: A, B, C D Σ 3060 24 dBm 24 dBm n/a 27 dBm, 3 V dc 3061 24 dBm n/a n/a 30 dBm, 40 V dc 33 dBm, m:s = 1:1 where m = <0.5 ms 3065 24 dBm 24 dBm 24 dBm 27 dBm, 3 V dc 30 dBm, m:s = 1:8 where m = <0.5 ms These high-performance RF conditioning modules feature integrated high speed RF switching and a high isolation RF power combiner/splitter in a 3U high single-slot PXI module. These modules are intended for use in RF test systems with the 3020 Series digital RF signal generator and 3030 Series RF digitizer. Together, these modules enable compact, high performance modular RF test systems to be developed. GENERAL INFORMATION 8 • Combiners provide a single output from any combination of input ports. Each port is bi- directional, allowing many system configurations. Port D (3065 only) allows for a second output or input channel, or for testing of multifunction mobile telephones that support non-cellular functions. • Combiners provide direct RF switched connection between input ports to enable automated test system calibration. • Possible combinations are: 3060 Combined output A,B,C to SUM Switched connection A to B C to B Switched and combined A to B and C to SUM C to B and A to SUM GENERAL INFORMATION 9 3061 Combined output A,B to SUM 1, 2 or 3 Switched connection A to B GENERAL INFORMATION 10 3065 Combined output A,B,C to SUM Switched connection A to B and C to D A to D and C to B Switched and combined A to B and C to SUM C to B and A to SUM C to D and A,B to SUM A to D and C,B to SUM 3060 Series combiners store their own path loss calibration data, which can be accessed via software calls to the driver. Applications 3060 Series combiners can be used in radio test applications such as transceiver testing, where the combined port Σ acts as a single port duplex connection, one or two RF sources provide TX stimulus inputs, and an RF signal analysis instrument connected to the third port measures the DUT’s TX parameters. For testing cellular phones with additional functions such as FM radio or DVB, port D (3065 only) allows a second RF source to be routed to the unit under test. The 3061 combiner allows up to three devices (or three interfaces on a single device) to be connected to the summing port, thereby reducing handling and test time. GENERAL INFORMATION 11 Software A 3060 Series combiner is supplied with a VXI PNP driver and soft front panel, and a COM object and a C interface DLL that provide similar functionality to the driver. PXI Studio, also supplied with the module, configures your PXI modules as logical instruments using an intuitive and powerful graphical interface1. PXI Studio provides comprehensive signal generator, digitizer and spectrum analyzer applications, and optional analysis plug-ins to suit specific communications systems. RF Investigator, also supplied with the module, is an application that provides combined operation of all Aeroflex 3000 Series modules from a single user interface, especially useful for acceptance testing. 1 PXI Studio does not currently support 3061. GENERAL INFORMATION 12 Deliverable items • 3060 Series RF Signal Generator PXI module • PXI Modules CD-ROM (part no. 46886/028), containing soft front panels, drivers, application software, data sheets, installation guides, safety instructions, getting started and user manuals for this and other modules in the 3000 Series • 3000 Series PXI Modules Safety Instructions: printed item, part no. 46882/882 • SMA connector cable: part no. 43139/738; 1 off for 3060/3065 only • SMA connector cable: part no. 43139/739; 2 off for 3060/3061/3065 • 50 ohm termination SMA, part no. 23448/726, 1 off for 3060/3065 only Cleaning Before commencing any cleaning, switch off the chassis and disconnect it from the supply. You can wipe the front panel of the module using a soft cloth moistened in water, taking care not to wet the connectors. Do not use aerosol or liquid solvent cleaners. Putting into storage If you put the module into storage, ensure that the following conditions are not exceeded: Temperature range: −20 to 70°C (-4 to +158°F) Humidity: 5 to 93%, non-condensing GENERAL INFORMATION 13 Specifications For the latest specifications, see the data sheet included on the CD-ROM (part no. 46886/028) or go to the Aeroflex website. All 3060 Series specifications are defined when used in conjunction with the driver software supplied with the module. Calibration and servicing The recommended calibration interval is 24 months. There are no user-serviceable parts in these modules. If any attention is needed, return the module to your Aeroflex agent. 14 INSTALLATION WARNING Initial visual inspection Refer to the 3000 Series Common Installation Guide part no. 46892/663 on the PXI Modules CD-ROM, part no. 46886/028. Handling precautions Refer to the 3000 Series Common Installation Guide part no. 46892/663 on the PXI Modules CD-ROM, part no. 46886/028. Hardware installation Installing the module into the PXI chassis Refer to the 3000 Series Common Installation Guide part no. 46892/663 and Installation Guide for Chassis part no. 46882/697 on the PXI Modules CD-ROM, part no. 46886/028. INSTALLATION 15 Connector care and maintenance How to connect and torque an SMA connector 1 First, ensure that the mating halves of the connector are correctly aligned. 2 Next, engage the threads of the nut and tighten it by hand, ensuring that the mating halves do not move relative to each other. 3 Then use a torque spanner to tighten the connector, in order to ensure consistent matching and to avoid mechanical stress. Torque settings for connectors are: 0.56 Nm test torque (development use, semi-permanent installations) 1 Nm final torque (permanent installations) Never use pliers to tighten connectors. Overtightening will cause damage! Maintenance SMA Clean connectors regularly, using a cotton bud dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Wipe within the connector cavity, then use a dry cotton bud to finish off. Check for any deposits. Do not use other cleaners, as they can cause damage to the plastic insulators within the connectors. Cap unused connectors. INSTALLATION 16 PCI Protect PCI connector pins by keeping modules in their original packing when not fitted in the rack. 17 OPERATION Front-panel connectors 1 Σ Combined output. SMA socket, 50 Ω. 2 A, B, C Individual inputs. SMA socket, 50 Ω. C B A � 3060 C5692 2 1 � PWR� PWR A/B/C PWRA/B/C PWR 27dBm MAX27dBm MAX 17dBm MAX17dBm MAX Fig. 2 3060 front panel Maximum safe powers Σ port: +27 dBm, 3 V dc continuous A, B, C ports: +24 dBm OPERATION 18 1 S1, S2, S3 Switched combined outputs. SMA socket, 50 Ω. 2 A, B Individual inputs. SMA socket, 50 Ω. C6359 2 1 S3 B A S2 S1 3061 S1, S2, S3 PWRS1, S2, S3 PWR +30dBm MAX A, B PWRA, B PWR +24dBm MAX+24dBm MAX Fig. 3 3061 front panel Maximum safe powers S1, S2, S3 ports: +30 dBm, 40 V dc continuous +33 dBm mark:space 1:1 where mark <0.5 ms A, B ports: +24 dBm OPERATION 19 1 Σ Combined output. SMA socket, 50 Ω. 2 A, B, C, D Individual inputs/outputs. SMA socket, 50 Ω. C6105 2 1 D B A C � 3065 � PWR� PWR +27dBm MAX A/B/C/D PWRA/B/C/D PWR +24dBm MAX+24dBm MAX Fig. 4 3065 front panel Maximum safe powers Σ port: +27 dBm, 3 V dc continuous +30 dBm mark:space 1:8 where mark <0.5 ms A, B, C, D ports: +24 dBm OPERATION 20 Soft front panel (af3060_sfp) The soft front panel provides a graphical interface for operating the module. It is intended for testing and diagnosing, for demonstration and training, and for basic operation of the module. It represents most of the functions available in the instrument driver. It is not however a comprehensive application suitable for measurements: for this, use the afCombiner DLL, the afcomCombiner COM object, the .net assembly (afcombinerDotNet.dll) or PXI Studio Installation The soft front panel is installed during the driver installation process (refer to the 3000 Series PXI Modules Common Installation Guide, part no. 46892/663, on the PXI Modules CD-ROM). Access the soft front panel from the Windows Start menu under Programs\Aeroflex\PXI Module Front Panels\AF3060 Soft Front Panel. Or open the af3060_sfp.exe file, which if you did not change the default location, is located with the VISA software. The soft front panel, similar to that in Fig. 5, is displayed. Detailed help information Soft front panel controls are all available as driver export functions unless noted otherwise, and are documented in the help files. This user manual provides an overview of the facilities that the module provides and summarizes its operation; however, refer to the help files for detailed descriptions of functions, together with their parameter lists and return values. OPERATION 21 Routing Path loss Boot Menu bar C6358 Fig. 5 3061 combiner soft front panel (other 3060 Series panels are similar) Menu bar File Click Exit on the menu bar to close the application. OPERATION 22 Settings Load and Save on the menu bar allow you to load and save soft front panel configurations from and to your preferred locations. If you did not change the default location when installing the software, it is the same as for the VISA software (refer to the 3000 Series PXI Modules Common Installation Guide for details), and settings are saved as .ini files. You can edit, copy and paste settings files as required; for example, you may want to save only a new routing setup without changing other parameters. Edit the saved .ini file using a text editor (for example, Notepad) to remove unwanted parameters. Ensure only that you do not delete the General (VendorID, DeviceID) and Version (Major/Minor) parameters. Save the changed file. When the settings file is next loaded, the configuration of the soft front panel changes to match the parameters remaining in the settings file. Directories on the menu bar lets you choose the locations for your front-panel configuration settings. Options There are currently no options available. Help Instrument Information on the menu bar provides the module’s PXI resource code and serial number, revision numbers for driver and PCI, its last calibration date, and associated file information and module build information. About on the menu bar provides the version and date of the soft front panel. OPERATION 23 Boot Click Boot to initialize the module and view the Boot Resource window. Resources available for initializing are shown in blue. Select the 3060 Series module you want to boot. Click OK. While you select the boot resource, the indicator is amber. Once the module has initialized, the indicator changes to green within a few seconds. If no calibration data is available, the driver returns a caution. If this happens, return the module for calibration. s/n: After the module initializes, this field displays its serial number. Res: After the module initializes, this field displays its VISA resource string. Mode This displays all the available routings between the inputs and output(s) for the combiner. The available routings differ, depending on whether the combiner is a 3060, 3061 or 3065. Double-click to select a routing mode. Remaining ports are routed as shown. All ports are bi-directional. Path Information This displays the loss, in dB, of the selected combiner path at the frequency entered in the RF Frequency (Hz) field. For example, A => B (dB) displays the dB loss between the A and B ports at the specified frequency. Loss values are temperature-compensated to maintain the accuracy of the factory calibrations. OPERATION 24 Channel, HW channel control, Get Current Channel These controls are available to 3061 combiners only; they are grayed-out for other combiners. They provide channel-by-channel hardware programming of the routing mode, with the option of enabling channel selection via the routing matrix. Channel You can allocate any routing mode to any channel number by entering a number in the Channel field, and double-clicking on the associated interconnection in the Mode field. Program as many channels as required. Stepping manually through the channels by entering different numbers changes the mode accordingly. OPERATION 25 HW channel control Tick this box to cause the 3061 to take its channel number from the list address via the routing matrix, allowing the hardware to control both list addresses and combiner switching. Route LA_SER to whichever source is providing the list addresses. The 3061 supports serial addressing only. Fig. 6 3061 routing matrix Get current channel Displays the channel currently being requested by the list mode hardware. OPERATION 26 Switching schemes Here are some examples of how you can use a 3060 Series module and other PXI components to provide efficient and economical test setups. We have written an application note (number 46891/985) that contains much useful information about using 3060 Series modules in different applications common to RF device testing: download it from the Aeroflex website. Basic configuration C6351 3030 Series RF digitizer 3020 Series RF signal generator 3020 Series RF signal generator UUTSUM� A C B CONTROL PCI BUS RF BLOCK 3060 Fig. 7 Transceiver test (3060) OPERATION 27 C6361 3030 Series RF digitizer 3020 Series RF signal generator UUT 1 UUT 2 UUT 3 � A B CONTROL PCI BUS RF BLOCK 3061 SUM 2 SUM 1 SUM 3 Fig. 8 Transceiver test (3061) OPERATION 28 C6360 3030 Series RF digitizer 3020 Series RF signal generator 3020 Series RF signal generator UUT 50 � SUM � C B A D CONTROL PCI BUS RF BLOCK 3065 Fig. 9 Transceiver test (3065) These two configurations connect one or two signal sources and a digital analyzer to the unit(s) under test (UUT) for amplifier or mixer intermodulat