BK Precision BK Precision RFM3004-GPIB Manual
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431
- 5 Commonwealth Ave, Woburn MA 01801
User Manual
RFM3000 Series
RF Power Meter
- TestEquipmentDepot.com
Safety Summary
The following safety precautions apply to both operating and maintenance personnel and must be followed during all
phases of operation, service, and repair of this instrument.
Before applying power to this instrument:
• Read and understand the safety and operational information in this manual.
• Apply all the listed safety precautions.
• Verify that the voltage selector at the line power cord input is set to the correct line voltage. Operating the instrument
at an incorrect line voltage will void the warranty.
• Make all connections to the instrument before applying power.
• Do not operate the instrument in ways not specied by this manual or by B&K Precision.
Failure to comply with these precautions or with warnings elsewhere in this manual violates the safety standards of design,
manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. B&K Precision assumes no liability for a customer’s failure to comply
with these requirements.
2
Category rating
The IEC 61010 standard denes safety category ratings that specify the amount of electrical energy available and the
voltage impulses that may occur on electrical conductors associated with these category ratings. The category rating is
a Roman numeral of I, II, III, or IV. This rating is also accompanied by a maximum voltage of the circuit to be tested,
which denes the voltage impulses expected and required insulation clearances. These categories are:
Category I (CAT I): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are not intended to be connected to the
mains supply. The voltages in the environment are typically derived from a limited-energy transformer or a battery.
Category II (CAT II): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are meant to be connected to the mains
supply at a standard wall outlet or similar sources. Example measurement environments are portable
tools and household appliances.
Category III (CAT III): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are meant to be connected to the mains
installation of a building. Examples are measurements inside a building’s circuit breaker panel
or the wiring of permanently-installed motors.
Category IV (CAT IV): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are meant to be connected to the primary
power entering a building or other outdoor wiring.
Do not use this instrument in an electrical environment with a higher category rating than what is specied in this manual
for this instrument.
You must ensure that each accessory you use with this instrument has a category rating equal to or higher than the
instrument’s category rating to maintain the instrument’s category rating. Failure to do so will lower the category rating
of the measuring system.
Electrical Power
This instrument is intended to be powered from a CATEGORY II mains power environment. The mains power should be
115 V RMS or 230 V RMS. Use only the power cord supplied with the instrument and ensure it is appropriate for your
country of use.
Ground the Instrument
To minimize shock hazard, the instrument chassis and cabinet must be connected to an electrical safety ground. This
instrument is grounded through the ground conductor of the supplied, three-conductor AC line power cable. The power
cable must be plugged into an approved three-conductor electrical outlet. The power jack and mating plug of the power
cable meet IEC safety standards.
Do not alter or defeat the ground connection. Without the safety ground connection, all accessible conductive parts
(including control knobs) may provide an electric shock. Failure to use a properly-grounded approved outlet and the
recommended three-conductor AC line power cable may result in injury or death.
3
Unless otherwise stated, a ground connection on the instrument’s front or rear panel is for a reference of potential only
and is not to be used as a safety ground. Do not operate in an explosive or ammable atmosphere.
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of ammable gases or vapors, fumes, or nely-divided particulates.
The instrument is designed to be used in oce-type indoor environments. Do not operate the instrument
• In the presence of noxious, corrosive, or ammable fumes, gases, vapors, chemicals, or nely-divided particulates.
• In relative humidity conditions outside the instrument’s specications.
• In environments where there is a danger of any liquid being spilled on the instrument or where any liquid can condense
on the instrument.
• In air temperatures exceeding the specied operating temperatures.
• In atmospheric pressures outside the specied altitude limits or where the surrounding gas is not air.
• In environments with restricted cooling air ow, even if the air temperatures are within specications.
• In direct sunlight.
This instrument is intended to be used in an indoor pollution degree 2 environment. The operating temperature range is
0∘C to 40∘C and 20% to 80% relative humidity, with no condensation allowed. Measurements made by this instrument
may be outside specications if the instrument is used in non-oce-type environments. Such environments may include
rapid temperature or humidity changes, sunlight, vibration and/or mechanical shocks, acoustic noise, electrical noise,
strong electric elds, or strong magnetic elds.
Do not operate instrument if damaged
If the instrument is damaged, appears to be damaged, or if any liquid, chemical, or other material gets on or inside the
instrument, remove the instrument’s power cord, remove the instrument from service, label it as not to be operated,
and return the instrument to B&K Precision for repair. Notify B&K Precision of the nature of any contamination of the
instrument.
Clean the instrument only as instructed
Do not clean the instrument, its switches, or its terminals with contact cleaners, abrasives, lubricants, solvents, acids/bases,
or other such chemicals. Clean the instrument only with a clean dry lint-free cloth or as instructed in this manual. Not
for critical applications
This instrument is not authorized for use in contact with the human body or for use as a component in a life-support
device or system.
4
Do not touch live circuits
Instrument covers must not be removed by operating personnel. Component replacement and internal adjustments must
be made by qualied service-trained maintenance personnel who are aware of the hazards involved when the instrument’s
covers and shields are removed. Under certain conditions, even with the power cord removed, dangerous voltages may
exist when the covers are removed. To avoid injuries, always disconnect the power cord from the instrument, disconnect
all other connections (for example, test leads, computer interface cables, etc.), discharge all circuits, and verify there
are no hazardous voltages present on any conductors by measurements with a properly-operating voltage-sensing device
before touching any internal parts. Verify the voltage-sensing device is working properly before and after making the
measurements by testing with known-operating voltage sources and test for both DC and AC voltages. Do not attempt
any service or adjustment unless another person capable of rendering rst aid and resuscitation is present.
Do not insert any object into an instrument’s ventilation openings or other openings.
Hazardous voltages may be present in unexpected locations in circuitry being tested when a fault condition in the circuit
exists.
Fuse replacement must be done by qualied service-trained maintenance personnel who are aware of the instrument’s fuse
requirements and safe replacement procedures. Disconnect the instrument from the power line before replacing fuses.
Replace fuses only with new fuses of the fuse types, voltage ratings, and current ratings specied in this manual or on
the back of the instrument. Failure to do so may damage the instrument, lead to a safety hazard, or cause a re. Failure
to use the specied fuses will void the warranty.
Servicing
Do not substitute parts that are not approved by B&K Precision or modify this instrument. Return the instrument to
B&K Precision for service and repair to ensure that safety and performance features are maintained.
For continued safe use of the instrument
• Do not place heavy objects on the instrument.
• Do not obstruct cooling air ow to the instrument.
• Do not place a hot soldering iron on the instrument.
• Do not pull the instrument with the power cord, connected probe, or connected test lead.
• Do not move the instrument when a probe is connected to a circuit being tested.
Compliance Statements
Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and other European
countries with separate collection systems)
This product is subject to Directive 2002/96/EC of the European Parliament
and the Council of the European Union on waste electrical and electronic equipment
(WEEE), and in jurisdictions adopting that Directive, is marked as being put on the
market after August 13, 2005, and should not be disposed of as unsorted municipal
waste. Please utilize your local WEEE collection facilities in the disposition of this
product and otherwise observe all applicable requirements.
5
Safety Symbols
Symbol Description
indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury
indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in minor or moderate injury
Refer to the text near the symbol.
Electric Shock hazard
Alternating current (AC)
Chassis ground
Earth ground
This is the In position of the power switch when instrument is ON.
This is the Out position of the power switch when instrument is OFF.
is used to address practices not related to physical injury.
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Contents
1 General Information 9
1.1 Organization 9
1.2 Description 10
1.3 Features 10
1.4 Front Panel 11
1.5 Rear Panel 13
1.6 Touch Screen Display 14
2 Installation 17
2.1 Contents 17
2.2 Input Power & Fuse Requirements 17
2.3 Connections 18
2.4 Preliminary Check 18
3 Getting Started 20
3.1 Initialization 20
3.2 Taking Measurements 22
3.2.1 Continuous Mode 22
3.2.2 Pulse Mode 23
3.2.3 Statistical Mode 24
4 Operation 26
4.1 Control Menus 26
4.2 Parameter Date Entry and Selection 26
4.2.1 Numerical Data Entry & Drop Down Menus 26
4.3 Menu Reference 27
4.3.1 Main Menu 27
4.3.2 Measure > 28
4.3.3 Display > 29
4.3.4 Stat. Mode > 29
4.3.5 Channel > 30
4.3.6 Channel Settings 31
4.3.7 Time > 34
4.3.8 Trigger > 34
4.3.9 Pulse Def. > 36
4.3.10 CH# Pulse Def 36
4.3.11 Favorites > 38
4.3.12 System > 38
5 Application Notes 42
5.1 Introduction to Pulse Measurements 42
5.1.1 Measurement Fundamentals 42
5.1.2 Diode Detection 44
5.1.3 Pulse Denitions 46
5.1.4 Standard IEEE Pulse 46
5.1.5 Automatic Measurements 47
5.1.6 Automatic Measurement Criteria 47
5.1.7 Automatic Measurement Terms 48
5.1.8 Automatic Measurement Sequence 49
5.1.9 Average Power Over an Interval 52
5.1.10 Statistical Mode Automatic Measurements 53
5.2 Measurement Accuracy 54
6 Maintenance 55
6.1 Safety 55
6.2 Cleaning 55
6.3 Inspection 55
6.4 Lithium Battery 56
6.5 Software Upgrade 56
7 Service Information 57
8 LIMITED THREE-YEAR WARRANTY 58
8
General Information
This instruction manual provides you with the information you need to install, operate, and maintain the RFM3000 RF
Power Meter. Section 1 is an introduction to the manual and the instrument.
1.1 Organization
The manual is organized into ve sections and two Appendices, as follows:
Section 1
General Information presents summary descriptions of the instrument and its principal features, acces-
sories, and options.
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
Installation provides instructions for unpacking the instrument, setting it up for operation, connecting
power and signal cables, and initial power-up.
Getting Started describes the controls and indicators and the initialization of operating parameters.
Several practice exercises are provided to familiarize yourself with essential setup and control procedures.
Operation describes the display menus and procedures for operating the instrument locally from the
front panel.
Application Notes provides supplementary information about RFM3000 and sensor operation, advanced features, pulse measurement information, and measurement accuracy.
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431
General Information 10
- 5 Commonwealth Ave, Woburn MA 01801 - TestEquipmentDepot.com
1.2 Description
The RFM3000 provides design engineers and technicians the utility of traditional benchtop instruments, the exibility
and performance of modern USB RF power sensors, and the simplicity of a multi-touch display built with advanced
technology.
As a benchtop meter, the RFM3000 provides a standalone solution for capturing, displaying, and analyzing peak and
average RF power in both the time and statistical domains through an intuitive, touch screen display.
The RFM3000 RF Power Meter utilizes up to four RFP Series Sensors with industry-leading performance and capabilities
either independently or for synchronized multi-channel measurements of CW, modulated, and pulsed signals.
Providing the ultimate exibility, the RFM3000 sensors can be disconnected and independently used as standalone
instruments.
1.3 Features
• Compatible with B&K Precision’s RFP3000 Series USB RF Power Sensors
• Capture/display/analyze peak and average power
• Independent or synchronous multi-channel measurements (up to 4 channels)
• Trigger synchronization
• Supports SCPI-1999.0
• Sensor verication test source
• Display 16 common power measurements
• Ethernet:10/100/1000 BaseT; HiSLIP
• HDMI output for mirror display
• Sensors can be used as standalone instruments
General Information 11
1.4 Front Panel
Refer to table 1.1 for a description of each of the illustrated items. The function and operation of all controls, indicators,
and connectors are the same on the standard and optional models.
Figure 1.1 Front Panel
General Information 12
Item Description
Four sensor inputs are located on the front and rear panels of the instrument. These are stan-
1 USB Host
2 Sync Ports
3 RF Output
dard USB 2.0 Type A receptacles designed to accept only RFP3000 Series Sensors or standard
USB keyboards, mice, and ash drives.
Four sensor trigger inputs are located on the front and rear panels of the instrument. These
are standard SMB receptacles designed to accept only BK Precision power sensor trigger cables.
Do not attempt to connect anything other than RFP3000
sensors and trigger cables!
The output of the built-in 50 MHz programmable test source is available from a Type-N
connector located on the front, or optionally on the rear panel of the instrument. This test
source is used to verify basic performance of sensors used with the RFM3000.
4 Display Screen
5
6
7
8
Color touch screen display for the measurement and trigger channels, screen menus, status
messages, text reports, and help screens.
Favorites key. (This function is not fully implemented at this time). Enables the user to setup
a customized menu to allow grouping frequently used menu items into one convenient menu.
Store image key saves a screen image of the meter to local storage. The images can be
copied to an external USB storage device.
Used to assist navigating between items on the display and in the menus. Unless the user is
in digit editing numeric entry mode.
Used for incrementing or decrementing numeric parameters, or scrolling through multi-line or
multi-page displays.
Selects an on-screen item or menu and completes a numeric or picklist entry
Toggles the instrument between “on” (fully powered) and “standby” (o, except for certain
low-power internal circuits) modes. Entering standby mode will perform a save of the current
instrument state before shutdown. Pressing and holding the On/Standby key for several seconds will force standby mode if the instrument has become non-responsive. In this case, no
context save is performed
Table 1.1 Front Panel
General Information 13
1.5 Rear Panel
Refer to table 1.2 for a description of each of the illustrated items. The function and operation of all controls, indicators,
and connectors are the same on the standard and optional models.
Figure 1.2 Rear Panel
General Information 14
Item Description
Four sensor inputs are located on the front and rear panels of the instrument. These are stan-
1 USB Host
2 Sync Ports
3 RF Output
4 Trig In
dard USB 2.0 Type A receptacles designed to accept only RFP3000 Series Sensors or standard
USB keyboards, mice, and ash drives.
Four sensor trigger inputs are located on the front and rear panels of the instrument. These
are standard SMB receptacles designed to accept only BK Precision power sensor trigger cables.
Do not attempt to connect anything other than RFP3000
sensors and trigger cables!
The output of the built-in 50 MHz programmable test source is available from a Type-N
connector located on the front, or optionally on the rear panel of the instrument. This test
source is used to verify basic performance of sensors used with the RFM3000.
BNC input for connecting an external trigger signal to the power meter. Voltage range is±5
volts, but the input impedance is 1 Megohm to allow use of common 10x oscilloscope probe
for a±50 volt input range.
5 Multi-I/O
6 LAN Ethernet
7 HDMI
8 AC Line Input
9 HDMI Cooling air intake.
10 GPIB
BNC input/output for exible use. May serve as a status or alarm output, signal level monitor, or settable voltage source
LAN connector for remote control and rmware updates. Allows DHCP or xed (IP / Subnet) setting mode. LAN parameters can be congured through the menu.
HDMI receptacle for connecting an external monitor to mirror front panel display. The image
resolution will be 800 x 480 and will be stretched to t the external full display size.
A multi-function power input module is used to house the AC line input, main power switch,
and safety fuse. The module accepts a standard AC line cord, included with the power meter.
The power switch is used to shut o main instrument power. The safety fuse may also be accessed once the line cord is removed. The instrument’s power supply accepts 90 to 264 VAC,
so no line voltage selection switch is necessary.
24-pin GPIB (IEEE-488) connector for connecting the power meter to the remote control
General Purpose Instrument Bus. GPIB parameters can be congured through the menu.
Replace fuse only with specied type and rating:
1.0A-T (time delay type), 250 VAC.
Table 1.2 Rear Panel
1.6 Touch Screen Display
The RFM3000 can be controlled through the touch screen display and by use of the front panel buttons. Table 1.3
describes the dierent areas of the display layout of the RFM3000. Figure 1.3 shows the Graph Display mode of the
instrument using the Pulse Measure mode with a menu exposed. Figure 1.4 shows the same measure mode with the
General Information 15
menus hidden. The Text Display mode of the instrument provides a table view of measured parameters. Parameters
depend on the Measure mode selected. See Section Menu Referencefor more information on the display format.
Figure 1.3 Display
Figure 1.4 Display Hidden Menu
General Information 16
Item Description
Indicates the measurement acquisition status of the unit. In Pulse mode, the sample rate and
1 Status Bar
number of sweeps per second are also shown. In Statistical mode, it indicates the gating setting in use, run time, and number of points.
Displays a table of measurements for each channel that is enabled on the meter. In Pulse and
2 Parameters
Continuous mode, measurements indicated are for power levels at each marker and the average power between the markers. For Statistical mode, the measurements are Average power,
Maximum power, and Peak-to-Average Ratio or Crest Factor.
This area indicates which channels are ON and their individual scale and vertical center.
3 Channel Status
The base RFM3000 model only permits two sensors to be
active at any one time. With the RFM300-4CH
option, four sensors can be active at any one time.
4 Main Display
5 Menu Bar
This area will show a plot when in Graph Display mode or a table of parameters when in Text
Display mode for the measurement mode selected.
Select to show and to hide the on-screen menus.
6 Menu Parth Used to navigate the menu structure. Shows the menu that will be displayed when selected.
7
Current
Menu/Home
8 Horizontal Scale
9 Measure Mode
Displays the name of the current menu and provides a home shortcut to the top-level Main
menu. When in the Main or top level menu, this eld is not available.
For Pulse and Continuous mode, indicates the time per division for the waveform display. In
Statistical mode, the horizontal scale for the CCDF graph is in dBr (dB relative).
Indicates and allows selection of the current Measurement mode. Modes available are Continuous, Pulse, and Statistical.
10 Display Mode
Indicates and allows selection of the current Display mode in use. Modes available are Graph
and Text.
The Graph Display mode for Continuous Measure mode
will be a at trace. It is best to use Text Display mode
for continuous signal measurements.
Table 1.3 Display
Installation
This section contains unpacking and repacking instructions, power requirements, connection descriptions, and preliminary
checkout procedures.
2.1 Contents
Please inspect the instrument mechanically and electrically upon receiving it. Unpack all items from the shipping carton,
and check for any obvious signs of physical damage that may have occurred during transportation. Report any damage
to the shipping agent immediately. Save the original packing carton for possible future reshipment. Every power supply
is shipped with the following contents:
• RFM3000 RF Power Meter
• Line Cord
• Information Card (describes where to download the latest manual, software, utilities)
2.2 Input Power & Fuse Requirements
The RFM3000 is equipped with a switching power supply that provides automatic operation from a line voltage input
within: The supply has a universal AC input that accepts line voltage input within:
Voltage: 100 - 240 VAC (+/- 10 %)
Frequency: 43 to 63 Hz
Input Power: 70 VA MAX.
Before connecting the instrument to the power source, make certain that a 1.0-ampere
time delay fuse (type T) is installed in the fuse holder on the rear panel.
Before removing the instrument cover for any reason, position the input module power
switch to o (0 = OFF; 1 = ON) and disconnect the power cord.
Connect the power cord supplied with the instrument to the power receptacle on the rear panel. See gure ??
The included AC power cord is safety certied for this instrument operating in rated range. To change a cable or add
an extension cable, be sure that it can meet the required power ratings for this instrument. Any misuse with wrong
or unsafe cables will void the warranty.
Installation 18
2.3 Connections
Sensor(s)
Note:
Trigger
Note:
The Sync cable must be connected to the Sync port corresponding to the USB port for the sensor Channel in use.
Compatible sensors can be connected to any of the USB ports on the front or rear panel. The base
RFM3000 model only permits two sensors to be active at any one time. With the RFM3000-4CH
model, four sensors can be active at any one time. Sensors become active when plugged into a USB
port or immediately if already plugged in when the RFM3000 powers up.
The base RFM3000 model only permits two sensors to be active at any one time.
With the RFM3000-4CH option, four sensors can be active at any one time.
Most triggered applications can use the RF signal applied to the sensors for triggering. For measurements requiring external triggering, connect the external trigger signal to the Trig In BNC connector
on the rear panel and connect a Sync cable from the Sync connector on the meter to the Multi I/O
port on the sensor.
Remote
If the instrument is to be operated remotely using the GPIB (IEEE-488) bus, connect the instrument
to the bus using the rear panel GPIB connector and appropriate cable. For Ethernet control, connect
to the rear panel LAN connector. In most cases, it will be necessary to congure the interface using
the System > I/O > Cong menu.
2.4 Preliminary Check
The preliminary check veries that the instrument is operational and has the correct software installed. It should be
performed before the instrument is placed into service.
To perform the preliminary check, proceed as follows:
1. Press the lower half (marked "O") of the power switch in the center of the power module on the rear panel.
2. Connect the AC (mains) power cord to a suitable AC power source; 90 to 264 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz.
– The power supply will automatically adjust to voltages within this range.
3. Press the upper half (marked "—") of the power switch in the center of the power module on the rear panel, it will
enter standby mode.
4. Press the ON/STBY key on the front panel to turn the instrument on. The cooling fan and display backlight should
turn on.
5. A bootup screen should appear that shows the boot status. After a self-check, the instrument will execute the
application program. There will be some temporary dialogs indicating application initialization and channel updating.
After several moments, a screen similar to gure 2.1 should be displayed.
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