3020 Digital RF Signal Generator
PXI Module
Operating Manual
Document no. 46892/638
Issue 6
14 March 2007
PREFACE
About this manual
This manual applies to instruments with software issues of 2.0 and higher.
This manual explains how to set up and configure an Aeroflex 3020 digital RF signal
generator PXI module. Where necessary, it refers you to the appropriate installation
documents that are supplied with the module.
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.
Getting Started with afSigGen (supplied on the CD-ROM that accompanies each module (see
Associated documentation)) explains how to set up and configure a 3020 Series digital RF
signal generator with a 3010 Series RF synthesizer module. Using the signal generator soft
front panel and/or dll or COM object supplied, the modules form an instrument that provides
the functionality and performance of an integrated, highly-specified signal generator, but with
the adaptability to satisfy a diverse range of test or measurement requirements.
PREFACE
Intended audience
Users who need accurately-generated signals in the UHF spectrum.
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.
Structure
Chapter 1 General information
Chapter 2 Installation
Chapter 3 Operation
Chapter 4 Brief technical description
Chapter 5 Acceptance testing
© Aeroflex International Ltd. 2007
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 International Ltd.
(hereafter referred to throughout the document as ‘Aeroflex’).
iii
PREFACE
Associated documentation
The following documentation covers specific aspects of this equipment:
PXI Modules CD-ROM
3000 Series PXI
Modules Common
Installation Guide
3000 Series PXI
Modules Installation
Guide for Chassis
Getting Started with
afSigGen
PXI Analyzer
Application
PXI Studio User Guide
Part no.
46886/028
Part no.
46882/663
Part no.
46882/667
Part no.
46892/678
Part no: Setting up and using the universal PXI application
Part no:
46892/809
Compilation containing soft front panels, drivers,
application software, data sheets, getting started
and operating manuals for this and other modules
in the 3000 Series.
Detailed information on installing modules into a
chassis, external connections, powering up and
installing drivers.
Explains how to set up a populated chassis ready
for use.
Setting up and using the signal generator
application for 3010 Series and 3020 Series
modules.
that allows you to create a suite of virtual test
instruments.
Setting up and using the universal PXI application
for system configuration and operation.
iv
PREFACE
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 CompactPCIcompliant 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.
® 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
v
PREFACE
Abbreviations/acronyms
AM Amplitude Modulation
ARB Arbitrary Waveform Generator
CW Continuous Wave
DAC Digital-to-Analog Converter
dB Decibels
dBc Decibels relative to the carrier level
dBm Decibels relative to 1 mW
FM Frequency Modulation
FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array
GND Ground
ISP In-System Programming
LO Local Oscillator
LVDS Low-Voltage Differential Signaling
PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect
Pk-Pk Peak-to-Peak
PXI PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation
RF Radio Frequency
RMS Root Mean Square
SCSI Small Computer Serial Interface
SDRAM Synchronous Dynamic RAM
SFP Soft Front Panel
vi
PREFACE
SMA SubMiniature version A (connector)
SMB SubMiniature version B (connector)
TDMA Time Division Multiple Access
TRIG Trigger
UUT Unit Under Test
VCO Voltage-Controlled Oscillator
VXI VMEbus Extension for Instrumentation
vii
Chapter 1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Introduction
Welcome to the operating manual for the 3020 digital RF signal generator PXI module.
The 3020 is an RF signal generator output module that provides a frequency range of
250 MHz to 2.5 GHz and a level range of +5 dBm −120 dBm. Modulation can be digital or
vector, and the module contains an IQ baseband arbitrary waveform generator. An external
local oscillator provides an LO signal: the 3010 Series RF synthesizer is recommended, where
the two modules together form a digital RF signal generator that occupies only three slots in a
3U PXI chassis.
1-1
GENERAL INFORMATION
Applications
The 3020’s performance makes it ideal for generating complex modulated waveforms for
digital radio communications test applications. When used with other Aeroflex PXI RF
modules, complete RF test systems can be designed.
Wide frequency coverage
The 3020 produces IQ-modulated or CW signals between 250 MHz and 2.5 GHz with an IQ
bandwidth of up to 14 MHz. A low noise frequency agile LO input can be provided by the
3010 Series RF synthesizer module. The 3020 is ideal for multi-purpose applications in radio
communications, especially important when testing multi-mode cellular terminals.
Low noise and frequency-agile
When used with a 3010 Series synthesizer, the 3020 provides the low noise floor and speed
necessary to provide high-productivity RFIC testing or the stimulus to frequency-hopping
radios.
RF bursting
As well as maintaining accurate RF output levels, the 3020 can generate modulated RF bursts
to simulate TDMA signal characteristics.
Arbitrary waveform generator (ARB)
The ARB can store 32 MSamples, either as a single long waveform or any number of smaller
waveforms up to the capacity limit of the sample memory. Waveforms transfer quickly
between the PXI controller and the ARB because of the wide bandwidth of the PCI backplane.
IQ vector modulation
The 3020 provides high-quality vector modulation either from the internal ARB or from an
external source via the LVDS data connector.
1-2
GENERAL INFORMATION
Triggering
The 3020 provides versatile triggering facilities to provide flexibility when used with other
instruments. Trigger inputs can be routed directly through the LVDS front panel input or
across the PXI backplane. Triggers can generate power bursts and can be programmed into
waveforms to provide trigger outputs for other instruments.
Signal routing
A configurable routing matrix provides flexibility in how you interconnect signals on the PXI
backplane, the LVDS front-panel input and the module’s internal functions. Predefined
routing scenarios can be loaded, or new scenarios created to meet particular requirements.
Software
The 3020 is supplied with a VXI PNP driver and soft front panel for use as a self-contained
module. An instrument-level signal generator soft front panel, dll and COM object are also
supplied, which allow you to use the 3020 together with a 3010 or 3011 RF Synthesizer.
Refer to Getting Started with afSigGen (part no. 46892/678) supplied on the PXI Modules
CD-ROM part no. 46886/028.
® allows you to design your own, or system-specific, complex modulation files for
use with the 3020’s ARB.
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.
PXI Studio, also supplied with the module, configures your PXI modules as logical
instruments that will eventually run analysis plugins to suit any modulation scheme.
1-3
GENERAL INFORMATION
Deliverable items
• 3020 RF Signal Generator PXI module
• PXI Modules CD-ROM part no. 46886/028, containing soft front panels, drivers,
application software, data sheets, getting started and operating manuals for this and other
modules in the 3000 Series
• 3000 Series PXI Modules Common Installation Guide, part no. 46882/663
• 3000 Series PXI Modules Installation Guide for Chassis, part no. 46882/667
• SMA connector cable, part no. 43138/421 (2 off)
• SMA connector saver, part no. 46885/224
Cleaning
Before commencing any cleaning, switch off the rack 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
1-4
Chapter 2 INSTALLATION
WARNING
Initial visual inspection
Refer to the 3000 Series Common Installation Guide 46882/663.
Handling precautions
Refer to the 3000 Series Common Installation Guide 46882/663.
Hardware installation
Installing the module into the PXI chassis
Refer to the 3000 Series Common Installation Guide 46882/663 and Installation Guide for
Chassis 46882/667.
2-1
INSTALLATION
Coaxial connector torque settings and maintenance
Torque settings
Use a torque spanner to tighten SMA connectors together, 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.
Maintenance
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.
When joining connectors, try to minimize relative rotation between the mating parts as you
tighten the nut
Cap unused connectors.
2-2
Chapter 3 OPERATION
Front-panel connectors
1 DATA 68-way SCSI connector for LVDS
I/O.
See Appendix B for details.
1
PWR
REV
20dBm MAX
RF OUT
DATA
10 MHz
I/O
LO IN
3020
C5862
2 RF OUT
2
3 10 MHz I/O Two SMA I/O sockets in parallel.
3
4 LO IN 1.5 to 3 GHz, nominally 0 dBm.
4
RF output, −120 to +5 dBm. SMA
socket, 50 Ω.
Input
Frequency standard input for
sampling clock. 0.4 to 4 V pk-pk
into 50 Ω.
Output
Link-through from input.
SMA socket, 50 Ω.
Maximum safe power
Reverse power handling: not to
exceed +20 dBm
Fig. 3-1 3020 front panel
3-1
OPERATION
Soft front panel (af3020_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 afSigGen DLL or
afcomSigGen COM object.
Installation
The soft front panel is installed during the driver installation process (refer to the 3000 Series
PXI Modules Common Installation Guide, part no. 46882/663).
Open the AF3020_sfp.exe file: this is in the C:\VXIPNP|WinNT\af3020\ directory on a
Windows NT machine, for example. It is also accessible from the Windows Start menu under
Programs\Aeroflex\PXI Module Front Panels\AF3020 Front Panel. The soft front panel,
similar to that in Fig. 3-2, 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 (page 3-25). This operating 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.
3-2
Menu bar
OPERATION
RF settings
Sample rate
Fig. 3-2 3020 soft front panel
C6114
ARB handling
Triggering
3-3
Soft front panel controls
Menu bar
File
Click Exit to close the application.
Settings
Load and Save 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 C:\VXIPNP\WinNT\af3020\settings, and configurations 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, leaving all other settings unchanged.
Directories lets you choose the locations for your front-panel configuration settings, ARB
files and catalogs, synthesizer plugin DLLs and calibration files.
Synthesizer plugins must support a VXIPNP (VISA) RF synthesizer resource capable of
1.5 GHz to 3 GHz. Certain exported functions are also required: refer to online help for
details.
LVDS: select the Data Size (14-bit or padded to 16-bit) and Sign (unsigned/signed) to match
different data types.
3-4
MENU BAR ON SOFT FRONT PANEL
IQ Bandwidth Correction. Normally off. On Manual, provides up to 3 dB compensation to
correct for roll-off on the internal analog IQ path. The maximum correction of 3 dB provides
a nominally flat response across 14 MHz. The maximum available power from the module is
reduced by the correction figure selected.
Routing Scenarios allows you to select a predefined routing matrix connection. A tick
against the scenario’s title shows that it is selected.
If you select a scenario, and then a second, any connected or enabled outputs common to both
scenarios are overwritten by the second. Enabled outputs in the first scenario that do not
appear in the second also remain active. If the second scenario changes any outputs that were
used by the first, the first scenario is invalidated. This process extends to further scenarios.
3-5
MENU BAR ON SOFT FRONT PANEL
Routing Matrix displays a matrix that provides interconnection between input and output
signals on the PXI backplane bus, the DATA connector and the 3020’s internal circuitry, as
shown diagrammatically in Fig. 3-3. This provides great flexibility in how you route signals
between modules.
PXI Star
PXI LBL[0]–[12]
PXI Trig[0]–[7]
PXI BACKPLANE BUS
INTERNAL
FUNCTIONS
ROUTING MATRIX
ARB Trigger
ARB Marker1–4
RF Off Ext
Mod Off Ext
Freeze Ext
GND
3020 PXI MODULE
DATA
LVDS Marker 1–4
LVDS Aux[0]–[4]
LVDS Spare 0–2
Fig. 3-3 Routing matrix in 3020
3-6
C6117
MENU BAR ON SOFT FRONT PANEL
Use the routing matrix (Fig. 3-4) to interconnect signals. Output signals form the body of the
matrix. Select appropriate input signals from the drop-down menus under each down-arrow to
create the interconnections.
Check the boxes to enable the outputs. Reset sets all input signals to GND, which is the
default state.
3-7
MENU BAR ON SOFT FRONT PANEL
When operating the 3020 in default signal generator mode (routing matrix reset), all necessary
input, output and trigger signals are available on front-panel DATA or SMA connectors and
there is no need to configure the matrix. If you need to set up particular signal routings, you
can define these using the drop-down menus on the matrix and save them using the Load and
Save commands in Settings, or use Routing Scenarios to access pre-set alternative routings,
or contact Aeroflex if you need assistance in defining particular routing requirements.
Output enable
check box
Output signal
Input signal
selection
Input signal
C5971
Fig. 3-4 Routing matrix inputs and outputs
3-8
MENU BAR ON SOFT FRONT PANEL
Analog Modulation displays the screen for setting up internal AM and FM modulation
(Fig. 3-5). Analog modulation is enabled when Modulation Source is set to Internal AM or
Internal FM.
The modulation source for internal AM/FM analog modulation is a sinusoid with user-settable
frequency (modulation rate).
Fig. 3-5 Analog modulation setup screen
Analog Modulation
Modulation Depth (%) sets AM modulation depth, in %.
Modulation Rate (Hz) sets AM modulation rate, in Hz.
Deviation (Hz) sets FM deviation, in Hz.
Modulation Rate (Hz) sets FM modulation rate, in Hz.
Options
Allows you to enable or disable additional instrument options if you have the appropriate
password (available from the Aeroflex sales desk).
3-9
MENU BAR ON SOFT FRONT PANEL
Click Edit to display the options screen. Disabled options are shown grayed out. To enable
an option, enter the appropriate password. Click Enable. The enabled option is shown
highlighted in green. Click OK.
User Cal
Calibration is needed to ensure that some specifications — such as carrier leak — are met, and
are guaranteed only if a user calibration has been performed. The module calibrates at the
current frequency, or at a range of frequencies, and stores the results so that if you change
frequency and return again, the calibration still applies.
In some cases, an LO signal is required; the user calibration screen prompts for the
LO Plugin Filename. You can browse for this and boot the selected device from the User
Calibration screen.
IQ Calibration
Cal Current Frequency calibrates the IQ modulator at the current frequency.
Calibration is valid for frequencies within ±1 MHz of the current frequency. The plugin
is not used, but the LO signal must be present at the correct frequency.
Cal All Bands calibrates the IQ modulator over the entire frequency range of the
module and returns the instrument to its current state. The plugin is required.
Cal Selected Band calibrates the IQ modulator over individual bands and returns the
instrument to its current state. The plugin is required.
Store Single Point/Banded to File lets you save calibrations using the standard
Windows browser. Calibrations are saved as .ciq files.
Restore Single Point/Banded from File lets you restore .ciq calibrations using the
standard Windows browser.
Detector Zero
Zero sets the levelling detector to zero. This ensures that the module meets the level
accuracy specified in the data sheet. No LO plugin or LO signal is needed.
3-10
MENU BAR ON SOFT FRONT PANEL
Fig. 3-6 User calibration screen
Help
Instrument Information provides the module’s PXI resource code and serial number,
revision numbers for driver, FPGA and PCI, and its last calibration date.
About provides the version and date of the soft front panel.
3-11
Boot
Click Boot to initialize the module and view the Boot Resource window. Resources available
for initializing are shown in blue.
Select the 3020 you want to boot.
Boot default FPGA configuration box.
Check this. Do not change the configuration unless you are advised otherwise.
EEPROM caching box.
Check this, so that when you boot a particular module for the first time, calibration data is
read from the module and placed in the local cache that you define in the
EEPROM Cache Path. This initial boot time is of the order of 45 seconds. Then check the
EEPROM caching box at subsequent power-ups of this module to provide considerably faster
boot times. The EEPROM caching box is cleared at each power-down.
Click OK. While you select the boot resource, the indicator is amber. Once the module has
initialized, the indicator changes to green in 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.
3-12
RF settings
The controls available in this group allow you to configure up to 128 channels for frequency,
level, leveling mode, and other parameters. These parameters are stored, and are recalled as
each channel is selected. Select by clicking the up/down arrows of the RF Channel field.
RF Channel
Sets the currently active channel in a range of 0 to 127.
3-13
RF SETTINGS ON SOFT FRONT PANEL
Chan List
Click this to set up each of up to 128 channels (Fig. 3-7). You can edit, copy and paste
(page 3-4) the settings to make setup quick and easy.
Fig. 3-7 Edit all channel settings
3-14
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