Agilent Technologies VXI E1439 User Manual

Agilent E1439

VXI 70 MHz IF ADC

with filters and memory

User’s Guide

Agilent Technologies Part Number E1439-90005

Printed in U.S.A.

Print Date: December 2002, Third Edition

8600 Soper Hill Road, Everett, Washington 98205-1209 U.S.A.

Notices

The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice.

Agilent Technologies makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this manual, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent Technologies shall not be liable for errors contained herein or direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of the material.

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The Agilent E1439 at a Glance

The Agilent E1439 95 MSa/s Digitizer with DSP and Memory provides high precision digitizing for time and frequency domain applications along with signal conditioning, filtering, and memory. The module plugs into a single C-size slot in a VXI mainframe.

E1438/ E1439

Number of Channels 1

Type of Inputs 50 ohm

Input Bandwidth 150 MHz, 36 MHz alias protected

Sample Rate 95 Msample/s

Input Range −36 to +12 dBm

Raw ADC resolution 12 bits

VXI Bus Support VME (and Local Bus E1439D only)

VXI Device Type Register based

I/O Data Port (E1439D only) Fiber optic serial FPDP (front panel data port)

Size C-sized, single slot

What You Get With the Agilent E1439

The following items are included with your Agilent E1439:

Hardware

• Agilent E1439 ADC, C-size VXI module

• CD-ROM for Windows setup

Software

• CD-ROM for installation

A Windows setup program that installs:

• Firmware installation program

• The Agilent E1439 VXIplug&play libraries and drivers

• Soft Front Panel program for the Agilent E1439 with source files

• Web-based help for the Agilent E1439

• AGDSP function library and online help

• Example programs and source files

• Microsoft Visual C++ C-library and source files

• Microsoft Visual Basic header files

Documentation

• Agilent E1439 Installation and Service Guide

• Online documentation available after software installation:

• Agilent E1439 User’s Guide in PDF format (this document)

• Web-based help files providing operational information and programmer’s reference

• WinHelp files for the Agilent E1439 Soft Front Panel

In This Book

This book documents the Agilent E1439 module. It provides:

• hardware installation information

• software installation information

• getting started information

• operational information

• programmer’s reference

• replaceable parts

Other Documentation

Installation and Service information is provided as a printed document as well as in this PDF document.

After running the setup program the following documentation is available:

• Web-based help files are available from the Start menu.

• WinHelp for the Soft Front Panel is available from the application.

1 Installing the Agilent E1439

ToinspecttheAgilentE1439...................................2

To install the Agilent E1439....................................3

To clean fiber optic connectors .................................6

Tostorethemodule ..........................................7

Totransportthemodule.......................................7

2 Getting Started with the Agilent E1439

Getting Started and Introduction ...............................10

SystemRequirements........................................11

To install the Windows VXIplug&play drivers....................12

TousetheResourceManager .................................13

To use the program group (Windows) ...........................14

To use the VXIplug&play SoftFrontPanel(SFP)..................15

Tousetheexampleprograms..................................16

3 Using the Agilent E1439

Agilent E1439 overview......................................20

Programming the Agilent E1439 ...............................21

Themeasurementloop.......................................23

Delayandphaseintriggeredmeasurements ......................25

Magnitude trigger and magdwell time ...........................28

Frequencyandfiltering.......................................30

Usingclockandsync........................................31

Managing multiple modules...................................32

Transferringdata ...........................................42

FiberOpticInterface.........................................43

4 Agilent E1439 Programmer's Reference

Introduction ...............................................54

Functionslistedbyclass......................................55

Functionslistedbyfunctionalgroup ............................60

Functionslistedalphabetically.................................67

age1439_adc_clock . . .......................................72

age1439_adc_divider . .......................................73

Contents

age1439_attrib_get ..........................................74

age1439_cal_get ............................................75

age1439_clock_fs ...........................................76

age1439_clock_recover . . . ...................................77

age1439_clock_setup ........................................78

age1439_close .............................................86

age1439_combo_setup .......................................87

age1439_data_memsize_get...................................88

age1439_data_scale_get . . . ...................................89

age1439_data_setup .........................................90

age1439_data_xfersize .......................................96

age1439_driver_debug_level ..................................97

age1439_epoch_setup........................................98

age1439_error_message . . . ..................................102

age1439_error_query .......................................103

age1439_ext_sample_sync . ..................................104

age1439_fiber_clear ........................................106

age1439_fiber_error_clear . ..................................107

age1439_fiber_error_get . . ..................................108

age1439_fiber_LED_get . . ..................................110

age1439_fiber_rcv_signals_get ...............................111

age1439_fiber_setup........................................112

age1439_fiber_signal_get. . ..................................115

age1439_fiber_verify .......................................116

age1439_fiber_xmt_BOF . . ..................................117

age1439_fiber_xmt_signals ..................................118

age1439_fiber_xmt_signals_get...............................119

age1439_filter_setup .......................................120

age1439_filter_sync ........................................123

age1439_frequency_center_raw ...............................125

age1439_frequency_center_raw_compute .......................127

age1439_frequency_setup . ..................................128

age1439_front_panel_clock_input .............................131

age1439_init ..............................................132

age1439_input_autozero. . . ..................................134

age1439_input_offset .......................................135

age1439_input_offset_save ..................................136

age1439_input_range_auto. ..................................137

age1439_input_range_convert ................................138

age1439_input_setup .......................................141

age1439_interrupt_restore . ..................................145

age1439_interrupt_setup . . ..................................146

age1439_lbus_mode ........................................148

age1439_lbus_reset ........................................150

age1439_meas_control ......................................151

age1439_meas_init .........................................154

age1439_meas_start ........................................155

age1439_meas_status_get . ..................................156

Contents

age1439_options_get . ......................................157

age1439_product_id_get ....................................158

age1439_read .............................................159

age1439_read_raw . . . ......................................162

age1439_reference_clock ....................................165

age1439_reference_prescaler .................................166

age1439_reset .............................................167

age1439_reset_hard . . ......................................168

age1439_revision_query.....................................169

age1439_self_test ..........................................170

age1439_serial_number .....................................172

age1439_smb_clock_output ..................................173

age1439_state_recall . ......................................174

age1439_state_save . . ......................................175

age1439_status_get. . . ......................................176

age1439_sync_clock. . ......................................178

age1439_sync_direction .....................................179

age1439_sync_output . ......................................180

age1439_trigger_delay_actual_get.............................181

age1439_trigger_phase_actual_get ............................182

age1439_trigger_setup ......................................183

age1439_vcxo.............................................187

age1439_vxi_clock_output...................................188

age1439_wait .............................................189

Equivalentnumericvaluesforvariables ........................190

Commandswhichhaltactivemeasurements.....................198

Errormessages............................................199

Defaultvalues.............................................201

VXIplug&play SyntaxQuickReference ........................203

5 Module Description

FrontPanelDescription .....................................208

VXIbackplaneconnections..................................209

Blockdiagramanddescription................................211

6 Replacing Assemblies

Replaceableparts ..........................................220

Glossary.................................................227

Index ...................................................229

NeedAssistance?..........................................235

Aboutthisedition.........................................236

Contents

1 Installing the Agilent E1439

Installing the Agilent E1439

To inspect the Agilent E1439

The Agilent E1439 single channel VXI ADC Module was carefully inspected both mechanically and electrically before shipment. It should be free of marks or scratches and it should meet its published specifications upon receipt.

If the module was damaged in transit, do the following:

• Save all packing materials.

• File a claim with the carrier.

• Call your Agilent Technologies sales and service office.

Installing the Agilent E1439

To install the Agilent E1439

Caution To protect circuits from static discharge, observe anti-static techniques whenever handling

the Agilent E1439 VXI ADC Module.

1. Set up your VXI mainframe. See the installation guide for your mainframe.

2. Select a slot in the VXI mainframe for the E1439 module. The Agilent E1439D module’s local bus receives ECL-level data from the module immediately to its left and outputs ECL-level data to the module immediately to its right. Every module using the local bus is keyed to prevent two modules from fitting next to each other unless they are compatible. If you will be using the local bus, select adjacent slots immediately to the left of the data-receiving module. If the VXI bus is used, maximum data rates will be reduced but the module can be placed in any available slot.

3. Using a small screwdriver or similar tool, set the logical address configuration switch on the E1439. (See the illustration on the next page.) Each module in the system must have a unique logical address. The factory default setting is 1100 0000 (192).

Note For optimal phase noise performance in multi-module systems it is recommended that the first

channel be an Agilent E1439C or D optic transfers.

Note Multi-module systems may include multiple Agilent E1438s or Agilent E1439s but not a mixture

of the two types of modules.

As opposed to the older A or B models.

. The Agilent E1439C does not support local bus or fiber

Installing the Agilent E1439

To install the Agilent E1439

Logical Address

4. Set the mainframe’s power switch to off (0).

Caution Installing or removing the module with power on may damage components in the module.

5. Place the module’s card edges (top and bottom) into the module guides in the slot.

6. Slide the module into the mainframe until the module connects firmly with the backplane connectors. Make sure the module slides in straight and that the insertion/extraction levers are pressed parallel to the front panel.

Installing the Agilent E1439

To install the Agilent E1439

7. Attach the module’s front panel to the mainframe chassis using the module’s captive mounting screws.

VXI Mainframe

E1438/ E1439

Slotted Captive Screws

Power Switch

Installing the Agilent E1439

To clean fiber optic connectors

The Agilent E1439D has a fiber optic serial FPDP (front panel data port). Since the data transmits via light, the fiber optic connections must be clean. The following procedure describes how to clean fiber optic connectors.

Caution Do not use any type of foam swab to clean optical fiber ends. Foam swabs can leave filmy

deposits on fiber ends.

1. Apply pure isopropyl alcohol to a clean lint-free cotton swab or lens paper.

Cotton swabs can be used as long as no cotton fibers remain on the fiber end after cleaning.

2. Clean the connector while avoiding the ends of the fiber.

3. Apply isopropyl alcohol to a new clean lint-free cotton swab or lens paper.

4. Clean the fiber end with the swab or lens paper.

Do not scrub during this initial cleaning because grit can be caught in the swab and become a gouging element.

5. Immediately dry the fiber end with a clean, dry, lint-free cotton swab or lens paper.

6. Blow across the connector end face from a distance of 6 to 8 inches using filtered, dry, compressed air. Aim the compressed air at a shallow angle to the fiber end face.

Nitrogen gas or compressed dust remover can also be used.

Caution Do not shake, tip, or invert compressed air canisters because this releases particles in the

can into the air. Refer to instructions provided on the compressed air canister.

7. As soon as the connector is dry, connect or cover it for later use.

Note To order multimode LC fiber optic cables, call Stratos Lightwave at (708) 867-9600

(http://www.stratoslightwave.com) or call Fiber Instrument at (800) 500-0347 (http://www.fisfiber.com).

Installing the Agilent E1439

To store the module

Store the module in a clean, dry, and static free environment.

For other requirements, see storage and transport restriction in “Technical Specifications”.

To transport the module

• Package the module using the original factory packaging or packaging identical to the factory packaging.

• If returning the module to Agilent Technologies for service, attach a tag describing the following:

• Type of service required

• Return address

• Model number

• Full serial number

In any correspondence, refer to the module by model number and full serial number.

• Mark the container FRAGILE to ensure careful handling.

• If necessary to package the module in a container other than original packaging, observe the

following (use of other packaging is not recommended):

• Wrap the module in heavy paper or anti-static plastic.

• Protect the front panel with cardboard.

• Use a double-wall carton made of at least 200-pound test (32 ECT) material.

• Cushion the module to prevent damage. For example, several layers of plastic bubble wrap is usually sufficient.

Caution Do not use styrene pellets in any shape as packing material for the module. The pellets do

not adequately cushion the module and do not prevent the module from shifting in the carton. In addition, the pellets create static electricity that can damage electronic components.

Installing the Agilent E1439

To transport the module

2 Getting Started with the Agilent E1439

Getting Started with the Agilent E1439

Getting Started and Introduction

This section helps you get your Agilent E1439 running and making simple measurements without programming. It shows you how to install the software libraries and how to run the Soft Front Panel program. It also introduces you to the example programs. The Host Interface Library is available as a Windows Library that communicates with the hardware using VISA (Virtual Instrument Software Architecture). VISA is the input-output standard upon which all the VXIplug&play software components are based..

This section assumes you have already installed the module in the VXI mainframe as shown in the previous chapter. It also assumes that you have installed a VXI interface according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Note Be sure to read the readme file for important up-to-date software installation information.

Getting Started with the Agilent E1439

System Requirements

System Requirements (Microsoft Windows)

• A Pentium-class personal computer:

• Microsoft Windows 2000, or NT.

• One of the following interfaces:

• HP/Agilent FireWire −E8491B IEEE-1394 PC Link to VXI

• National Instruments PCI MXI-2

• Other VISA compliant VXI interface

• VISA (Virtual Instrument Software Architecture) library

• The computer must have a CD ROM drive for the installation media

System Requirements

• One of the following Web browsers:

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or greater

• Netscape Navigator 4.08 or greater

Getting Started with the Agilent E1439

To install the Windows VXIplug&play drivers

This procedure assumes that you have already installed a VISA (Virtual Instrument Software Architecture) library.

Note If you attempt to install the Windows VXIplug&play drivers without having installed a VISA

library you will receive a fatal error.

1. Insert the CD labeled: “Agilent E1439 VXI 70MHz IFADC with filters and memory”

2. Run the program: drive:\windows\setup.exe Where drive represents the drive containing the setup CD.

3. The setup program asks you to confirm or change the directory path. The default directory path is recommended.

4. A dialog box asks if you want to install startup shortcuts This creates a program group called “AGE1439” within the Vxipnp directory that includes:

• A shortcut to run the Agilent E1439 Soft Front Panel

• A shortcut for the Agilent E1439 web-based online help file

• A shortcut for the PDF version of the Agilent E1439 User’s Guide

• A shortcut for the AGDSP web-based online help file

• Several shortcuts for example programs

• A shortcut for a readme file

5. A readme file may be displayed. If so, be sure to read it and follow the instructions.

Updating firmware

Future updates will be distributed on the Web. To check your current revision run the Info Utility or check Help/About in the Soft Front Panel program.

To check for new revisions access the Agilent Technologies Web page http://www.agilent.com/ and search for "E1439".

Install the updated firmware using the firmware installation program—FirmwareInstall. This program’s default location is drive:\vxipnp\win[95|NT]\age1439\firmware.Startthe program, then use the "Select File" button to locate the firmware image you want to install. Enter the VXI address of the instrument to be updated and click the "Update" button. The installation will take one or two minutes. This program requires VISA to be installed on the host computer.

Getting Started with the Agilent E1439

To use the Resource Manager

The Resource Manager is a program from your hardware interface manufacturer. It looks at the VXI mainframe to determine what modules are installed. You need to run it every time you power up. If you get the message: "VISUCCESS_DEVICE_NPRESENT" then run the Resource Manager.

Before running the Agilent E1439 software make sure that your hardware is configured correctly and that the Resource Manager runs successfully. Before using your measurement system, you must set up all of its devices, including setting their addresses and local bus locations. No two devices can have the same address. Usually addresses 0 and 1 are taken by the Resource Manager and are not available.

For more information about the Resource Manager, see the documentation with your hardware interface.

Note Most Resource Managers will recognize the manufacturer and model number of the

Agilent E1439 but if your interface requires that you enter this information manually, use the following:

Manufacturer number: 4095 (Hex FFF)

Model number: 699 (Hex 2BB)

Getting Started with the Agilent E1439

To use the program group (Windows)

If you installed the program group using the default method during the installation procedure, you have a shortcut for a program group similar the one below. Access it through the Start button:

Programs \ Vxipnp \ age1439

This program group contains shortcuts that access the Soft Front Panel program, the User’s Guide, online help, and example programs. The following pages provide an overview of these items.

If you did not install the program group, executable files for each of the items represented by group shortcuts are available in the drive:\vxipnp directory and its subdirectories.

Getting Started with the Agilent E1439

To use the VXIplug&play Soft Front Panel (SFP)

In a Windows environment, the Soft Front Panel is the best place to start to explore the capabilities of the Agilent E1439. The Soft Front Panel is useful for checking your system to make sure that it is installed correctly and that all of its parts are working. You can also use it to make actual measurements, since it accesses most of the Agilent E1439’s functionality.

Select the shortcut in your program group to start the program. This assumes you have already installed all required hardware and drivers (including VISA) and have run the configurator and Resource Manager required by your hardware interface.

If prompted for the resource descriptor, use the default "VXI::192" unless the logical address of the Agilent E1439 has been changed from its default setting of 192. If it has been changed, type the appropriate logical address instead of 192, then press OK.

Note You can also run the Agilent E1439 Front Panel in a simulation mode without an Agilent E1439

module, a hardware interface, or VISA libraries by typing "sim" in place of the resource descriptor.

The Agilent E1439 Front Panel Help, available from the Soft Front Panel Help menu, describes the capability of the Soft Front Panel and has links to functions that control and define many of the parameters.

The source files for this program are provided for you to use as sample code.

Getting Started with the Agilent E1439

To use the example programs

Several example programs are included that perform useful tasks and can serve as a basis for your own programs. When you installed your Agilent E1439 Windows libraries and drivers using the setup program or utility, you also installed executable and source code files for several useful example programs. The programs demonstrate programming the module with "C", Microsoft Visual Basic,

The executables for these examples require an Agilent E1439 and, for Windows, VXIplug&play support; in other words, they will not run in simulation mode like the Agilent E1439 Soft Front Panel program.

Shortcuts for the executables appear in the age1439 Windows program group if you added it during setup.

In Windows environments, executable files and source code for the Microsoft Visual Basic examples are installed in the drive:\vxipnp\win[95|NT]\age1439\vb directory. The "C" examples are in the ...\age1439\msc\examples directory.

The group of programs described here may be supplemented with additional programs later, which will be described in the online help or readme file.

ACVolts_32.exe

This is the simplest practical complete program using the Agilent E1439, and it functions like an AC voltmeter. It is written in Visual Basic.

acvolts.exe

This is a console version of acvolts_32.exe, written in Microsoft Visual C++.

Benchmark_32.exe

This performance benchmark program is really more of a utility than an example, although source code is provided. It allows users to measure data transfer rates and command processing times on their system without having to write new code. The utility is written in Visual Basic.

bench.exe

This is a console version of Benchmark_32.exe, written in Microsoft Visual C++.

Getting Started with the Agilent E1439

To use the example programs

multchan_32.exe

This example shows how to synchronize two modules to achieve simultaneous sampling, filter decimation, and matched local oscillator phase. It is written in Visual Basic.

info.exe

This example shows how to retrieve option and revision information from an Agilent E1439, and it doubles as a handy utility. It is written as a console program in Microsoft Visual C++.

interrupt.exe

This example shows how to set up and trap a VXI interrupt to indicate an error condition in the Agilent E1439. It is written as a console program in Microsoft Visual C++.

Getting Started with the Agilent E1439

To use the example programs

3 Using the Agilent E1439

Using the Agilent E1439

Agilent E1439 overview

Intermodule

clock

Intermodule

sync

Ext

Clock/Ref

Ext

Trigger

Analog

XMT

RCV

100 MHZ

VCXO

Attenuators

(E1439B/D only)

Clock

Generation

Anti-alias

Filter

102.4 MHz VCXO

Sampling

ADC

Trigger

Detection

Zoom and

Decimation

Filtering

FPDP Interface

(E1439B/D only)

VXI CLOCK

VXI SYNC

Fiber Optic

FIFO

Memory

VXI Backplane

VXI bus

Interface

Local bus Interface

(not present

in the E1439C)

+ 216 hidden pages