Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431
- 5 Commonwealth Ave, Woburn MA 01801
User Manual
- 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.
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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.
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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 Product Overview 10
1.3 Architecture 11
1.4 Features 11
1.5 Contents 12
1.6 Dimensions (H x W x L) 12
2 Hardware Overview 13
2.1 Sensor Connections 13
2.2 Status LED Codes 14
2.3 Power Requirements 14
3 Getting Started 15
3.1 Installing the Power Analyzer Software 15
3.2 Connecting the RFP Series RF Power Sensor 16
3.3 Introduction to the Power Analyzer Software 16
3.3.1 Docking Windows 18
3.3.2 Main Application 19
3.3.3 Available Resources Window 19
3.3.4 The Main Toolbox 19
3.3.5 Trace View Window 20
3.3.6 Channel Control Window 22
3.3.7 Time/Trigger Settings Window 23
3.3.8 Marker Settings Window 24
3.3.9 Pulse Denitions Windows 24
3.3.10 Automatic Measurements Windows 25
3.3.11 Display Settings Windows 27
3.3.12 CCDF View Window 28
3.3.13 Statistical Measurements Window 28
4 Operation 29
4.1 Power Analyzer Software 29
4.1.1 Initializing the Software 29
4.1.2 Connecting the RFP Series Sensor 30
4.1.3 Trace View Display 31
4.1.4 Formatting Trace View Display 33
4.1.5 Main Toolbar 34
4.1.6 Time/Trigger Control Window 37
4.1.7 Channel Control Window 41
4.1.8 Automatic Measurements Display 44
4.1.9 Pulse Denition Window 45
4.1.10 Marker Settings Windows 46
4.1.11 Statistical CCDF Graph Display 48
4.1.12 Statistical Mode Control Window 49
4.1.13 Meter View 51
4.1.14 Acquisition Status Bar 53
4.1.15 Archiving Measurement Setups 53
4.2 Multichannel Operation 54
4.2.1 Multichannel Measurement 54
4.2.2 Multichannel Triggering 56
4.2.3 Multichannel Individual Sensor Tabs 58
4.3 Measurement Buer Mode(API remote programming only) 59
4.3.1 Buer Overview 59
4.3.2 Measurement Buer Mode Operation 61
4.3.3 Measurement Buer Mode User Settings 65
5 Remote Programming 67
5.1 Communication Overview 67
6 Denitions & Measurements 68
6.1 Pulse Measurements 68
6.1.1 Pulse Denitions 68
6.1.2 Standard IEEE Pulse 68
6.1.3 Automatic Pulse Measurements 70
6.1.4 Automatic Pulse Measurement Criteria 71
6.1.5 Automatic Pulse Measurement Sequence 71
6.2 Marker Measurements 74
6.2.1 Average Power Over a Time Interval 75
6.3 Automatic Statistical Measurements 76
7 Maintenance 77
7.1 Safety Recommendation 77
7.2 Cleaning 77
7.3 Inspection and Performance Verication 77
7.4 Connector Care 77
7.5 Software and Firmware Updates 79
7.5.1 Firmware Update Procedure 79
7.5.2 Power Analyzer Software Update Procedure 82
7.5.3 Checking for New Firmwarr After the Initial Installation 84
8
8 Specications 87
9 Service Information 89
10 LIMITED THREE-YEAR WARRANTY 90
General Information
The user manual provides the information needed to install, operate and maintain the RFP3000 Sensor Series.
Chapter 1 is an introduction to the manual and the instrument.
1.1 Organization
The manual is organized into seven chapters:
Chapter 1 - General Information presents a summary descriptions of the instrument and its principal features, accessories
and options. Also included are specications for the instrument.
Chapter 2 – Hardware Installation provides instructions for unpacking the instrument, setting it up for operation, connecting power and signal cables, and initial power-up.
Chapter 3 - Getting Started describes the basic operation of the RFP Series Real-Time Power Sensors and the Power
Analyzer Software.
Chapter 4 - Operation describes, in detail, the Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the Power Analyzer Software and the
RFP Series Real-Time Power Sensors.
Chapter 5 - Remote Programming explains the command set and procedures for operating the instrument remotely.
Chapter 6 – Making Measurements provides denitions for key terms used in this manual and on the GUI displays as well
as methodologies used to calculate automated pulse, marker and statistical measurements.
Chapter 7 - Maintenance includes procedures for installing software and verifying fault-free operation.
General Information 10
1.2 Product Overview
The new RF power measurement line includes 6, 18 and 40 GHz models, and is designed for measurement of wideband
modulated signals.
The RFP RF Power Sensors are the latest series of products from BK Electronics that turn your PC or laptop using a
standard USB 2.0 port into a state-of-the-art peak power analyzer without the need for any other instrument. Power
measurements from the RFP Series RF Power Sensors can be displayed on your computer or can be integrated into a
test system with a set of user-dened software functions.
The RFP3000 Power Sensors include the models RFP3006, RFP3008, RFP3018, RFP3118, RFP3040, and RFP3140.
Collectively they cover a frequency range of 50 MHz to 40 GHz. Oering broadband measurements with rise times up
to 3 ns, time resolution of 100 ps, and video bandwidths up to 195 MHz.
The RFP300 Power Sensors enable rapid pulse integrity determinations. Eective sampling rate is up to one hundred
times faster than conventional power meters so ner waveform details are visible. They perform automatic capture of
pulse power, overshoot, droop, edge delay and skew timing, and edge transition times.
The RFP3000 Real-Time Power Sensors have exceptional trigger stability of less than 100 ps trigger jitter regardless of
the trigger source which yields much greater waveform detail because a stable trigger point yields a stable waveform.
Using dedicated trigger circuitry rather than software-based triggering provides precise timestamping of relative triggerto-sample delay. This precision permits the use of random interleaved sampling (RIS) for repetitive waveforms with
resulting eective sampling rate of 10 GS/s which permits accurate, direct measurement of fast timing events without
requiring interpolation between samples.
Real Time Power Processing oers new possibilities for power integrity measurements because every pulse is analyzed
and none are discarded. Trace acquisition, averaging and envelope times are drastically reduced resulting in simultaneous
analysis of average, peak and minimum Power.
The RFP Series Real-Time Power Sensors are supported by the Power Analyzer Software, a Windows based software
package that provides control and readout of the sensors. It is an easy to use program that provides both time and
statistical domain views of power waveforms with variable peak hold and persistence views. Power measurements are
supported using automated pulse and statistical measurements, power level and timing markers. The GUI application
is easily congured with dockable or oating windows and measurement tables that can be edited to show only the
measurements of interest.
The RFP Series Power Sensor Programming Reference provides basic information on using the RFP Series Real-Time
Power Sensor Application Programming Interface (API) in an end-user application. The API consists of a Dynamic Link
Library, which is required for use of the Power Analyzer Software. The API includes a programming reference, as well
as code examples for C++, C# and Visual Basic.
The RFP Series Real-Time Power Sensors are ideal for manufacturing, design, research, and service in commercial and
military applications such as telecommunications, avionics, RADAR, and medical systems. They are the instrument of
choice for fast, accurate and highly reliable RF power measurements, equally suitable for product development, compliance
testing, and site monitoring applications.
General Information 11
1.3 Architecture
The Sensor functions as an ultra-fast, calibrated power measurement tool, which acquires and computes the instantaneous,
average and peak RF power of a wideband modulated RF signal. The internal A/D converter samples the detected RF
signal at up to 100 M samples/second, and a digital signal processor carries out the work required to form the digital
samples into a correctly scaled and calibrated trace on the display. Figure 1.1 shows a block diagram of the peak power
sensor.
Figure 1.1 Real-Time Power Sensors Block Diagram
The rst and most critical stage of a peak power sensor is the detector, which removes the RF carrier signal and outputs
the amplitude of the modulating signal. The width of the detector’s video bandwidth dictates the sensor’s ability to track
the power envelope of the RF signal. The picture on the left in Figure 1.2 below shows how a detector with insucient
bandwidth is unable to faithfully track the signal’s envelope, therefore aecting the accuracy of the power measurement.
The detector on the right has sucient video bandwidth in order to track the envelope accurately. The fast detectors
used in peak power sensors are by their nature non-linear, so shaping procedures within the digital processor must be
used in order to linearize their response. When measuring instantaneous peak power, a high sample rate is important in
order to ensure that no information is lost. The RFP Series Real-Time Power Sensors have a sample rate of 100 MHz
(RFP3000), enabling capture and analysis of power versus time waveforms at very high resolution.
Figure 1.2 Detector Envelope Tracking Response
1.4 Features
• Real-Time Power Processing™
• 16 automated pulse measurements
• Crest Factor and statistical measurements (e.g., CCDF)
• Synchronized multi-channel measurements (up to 8 channels with GUI, >8 with remote control)
• Power Analyzer: advanced measurement and analysis software
General Information 12
1.5 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 unit is shipped with the following contents:
• RFP 3000 Series Sensor
• Factory test and calibration certicate
• USB Type-A Cable (6 ft)
• External Trigger Multi-I/O Cable (SMB to BNC)
• Trigger Sync Cable (SMB to SMB) for triggering multiple sensors
• RFP Series Welcome Card containing URL to downloadable Power Analyzer Software, drivers and documentation on
BK website
Note:
Ensure the presence of all the items above. Contact the distributor or B&K Precision if anything is missing.
Save the packing material and container to return the instrument, if necessary. If the original materials (or suitable
substitute) are not available, contact the distributor to purchase replacements. Store materials in a cool, dry environment.
1.6 Dimensions (H x W x L)
The RFP 3000 Sereies Sensors dimensions are approximately:
1.7” x 1.7” x 5.7” (4.3 cm x 4.3 cm x 14.5 cm)
H x W L
Figure 1.3 Dimensions
Hardware Overview
This section contains power requirements, connection descriptions and preliminary checkout procedures.
2.1 Sensor Connections
The end panel of the RFP Series RF Power Sensor shown in Figure 2.1, has two connectors and the Status LED. The
center connector is a USB Type B receptacle used to connect the power sensor to the host computer.
The connector labelled Multi I/O is an SMB plug and can serve as a trigger input, status output, or as a trigger
synchronization interconnect when multiple power sensors are used.
Figure 2.1 USB
Connector and Status LED
Connect the power sensor to your PC through the supplied USB cable. Note that the cable should be secured to the
sensor using the captive screw on the USB plug. The power sensor is USB 2.0 compatible. It is recommended that you
use the USB cable supplied with your sensor.
Connect the power sensor to RF Source. All RFP Series Sensors models are equipped with either a precision Type-N male
RF connector or a precision, 2.92 mm male RF connector. Connect the power sensor to the RF signal to be measured.
Caution:
• Do not rotate the body of the sensor when connecting the sensor to a unit under test (UUT).
To avoid internal sensor damage, connect and disconnect the sensor by turning the metal nut only.
• Ensure that you do not apply any excessive force on the sensor once it has been connected.
• Do not apply RF power levels greater than +20 dBm to the RF input of the sensor.
Hardware Overview 14
2.2 Status LED Codes
The information labels shown in gure 2.2 on the RF Power Sensor contain information on the maximum power levels
the device can handle.
The end panel, shown in gure 2.3, includes a Status LED. The color and ash pattern indicate the sensors status as
indicated on the label on the side panel shown.
Top View
Figure 2.2 Top View
Bottom View
Figure 2.3 Bottom View
2.3 Power Requirements
The RFP3000 Sensors require 2.5 Watts at 5 Volts, this is supplied via a USB port. The power sensor MUST be
connected to a USB 2.0 port that is able to supply the full 500 mA.
Note:
Usually a USB 2.0 port is capable of supplying 500 mA current through its port. When an unpowered
USB hub is used (sometimes the hub is internal), available current may need to be shared between
connected devices.
Getting Started
This chapter will introduce the RFP Series RF Power Sensors, and will discuss basic connection and operation. For
additional information please see Chapter 4 "Operation".
3.1 Installing the Power Analyzer Software
This section describes the installation and use of the Power Analyzer Software for RFP Series RF Power Sensors. Before
you start, check your PC for software compatibility.
Note:
Do not connect the power sensor to your PC until you have installed the Power Analyzer Software.
The Power Analyzer Software requires the following minimum computer characteristics:
Processor
RAM
Operating System
Hard-Disk Free Space
Display Resolution
Interface
1.3 GHz or higher recommended
512 MB (1 GB or more recommended)
Microsoft® Windows® 10 (64-bit)
Min 1.0 GB free space to install or run
800x600 (1280x1024 or higher recommended)
USB 2.0 high speed
Procedure
To install the Power Analyzer Software, follow these steps:
1. Download the installation package from the Docs & Software tab of the product page on the BK Precision website.
2. The installation process is initiated by running “BPAInstaller.exe” with admin permissions.
• When you select install for the rst time, read the license agreement, accept it and then click on "Install" in order
to proceed with the installation process.
3. By default, the main software application will be installed in the following folder: C:\Program Files
(x86)\BKPrecision\Power Analyzer\.
– Once the installation has successfully completed, click the ”Close” button to exit the wizard.
4. Double click the Power Analyzer icon on the desktop to launch the application.
Getting Started 16
3.2 Connecting the RFP Series RF Power Sensor
After unpacking and following the software installation discussed in chapter "Hardware Overview" and section Installing
the Power Analyzer Software, a sensor device can be connected to the USB port of the PC.
When the sensor device is rst connected to the USB port, there will be a one-time driver le installation. Wait until
Windows OS installs the driver le. An automatic device detection message will appear.
Note:
Older or newer operating system may behave dierently. Contact BK Precision if you have a problem.
The Windows pop-up shown in gure 3.1 noties that the USB driver for RFP3006 Sensor has been installed.
Figure 3.1 USB Driver Installed Notication
3.3 Introduction to the Power Analyzer Software
Upon installing the software, congured the USB drivers and connected the power sensor to the PC. The Power Analyzer
Software will be ready to take measurements.
Open the Power Analyzer Software from the BK Precision group in the Windows Start Menu or by double clicking
on the desktop icon
A splash screen will welcome you to the application.
.
Figure 3.2 Power Analyzer Software Splash Screen
Getting Started 17
Under the "Available Resources Window", a pop up box will appear as below with the list of connected devices name
and hardware information. The initial view of the Power Analyzer Software is shown in gure 3.3. The display colors
may be dierent.
Figure 3.3 Available Resources
In the Available Resources window, check the “Select” box for one or more connected sensors, then click "New Virtual
Pwr Analyzer". This will launch a new Virtual Power Analyzer instance containing trace and control windows. If an RF
signal is connected to the USB sensor, the measured waveform will appear in the trace window.
A “Virtual Power Analyzer” is analogous to a benchtop RF Power Analyzer with one or more sensors connected. Time
and trigger controls are typically common to all sensors within a Virtual Power Analyzer, while channel-specic controls
are available for most other settings. This oers users the familiar, multi-channel approach common to power meters
and oscilloscopes.
When independent control of time base-related settings is desired, it is possible to open multiple Virtual Power Analyzers,
each with their own full set of controls.
Getting Started 18
3.3.1 Docking Windows
The Power Analyzer Software uses dockable windows to allow the user to arrange the various windows in the cong-
uration of their choice. You can drag a docked window by clicking its title bar. This action enables you to move the
window to a dierent docked position or undock it.
To dock tool windows
• Click the tool window to dock.
• Drag the window toward the middle of the software main window.
• A guide diamond will appear with four arrows pointing toward the four sides of the main window.
• When the tool window being dragged reaches the location to dock it, move the pointer over the corresponding portion
of the guide diamond. The designated area is shaded blue.
• To dock the window in the position indicated, release the mouse button. Note that docked windows can be overlapped.
By selecting individual tab, it is possible to resize each tool windows and can be repositioned as below picture.
• A tool window can be docked to a portion of one of the side walls of the software by dragging it to the side until you
see a secondary guide diamond. Click one of the four arrows to dock the tool window to that portion of the side wall.
The following diagram shows the guide diamonds with arrows that appear when you drag a tool window toward the
center of the BK Precision software main window. The diamond on the right edge only appears when a tool window is
being dragged towards the edge of the main application window.
Figure 3.4 Docking a Sidebar
Note:
Each of the tool windows is highlighted as a rectangular box to be positioned by dragging in any direction within the
main window. Figure 3.4 is one example, but all the tool windows can be rearranged within the main software window.
Getting Started 19
3.3.2 Main Application
The main application window is divided into several major sections and dockable windows depending on the type of
measurement selection. These windows can be arranged easily by docking and undocking within the main application
display area.
3.3.3 Available Resources Window
Sensors can be selected from the "Available Resources" window. A description for each connected resource will indicate
the hardware version, model and channel information including alias. User can select up to eight resources per Virtual
Power Analyzer. Following resource selection, click on "New Virtual Pwr Analyzer" and a new Virtual Power Analyzer
instance will open with a default conguration suitable for pulse measurements.
3.3.4 The Main Toolbox
Figure 3.5 Selecting a Sensor
Figure 3.6 Main Toolbar Controls
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431
- 5 Commonwealth Ave, Woburn MA 01801 - TestEquipmentDepot.com
Getting Started 20
3.3.5 Trace View Window
In order to display a pulse measurement, users must select the icon from the Main Toolbar.
The
settings and settings related to pulse measurement can be selected from Main Toolbar and can
be applied to the measurement.
The Trace button on the Main Toolbar is used to setup and display a pulse measurement.
Figure 3.7 Main Toolbar
A measurement window conguration suitable for pulse measurements is shown in gure 3.8. This shows a large trace
window, automatic measurements, and a tabbed control box for time and channel settings.
Figure 3.8 Main Application Window
The Power Analyzer Software allows the user to directly enter numeric values for most settings in the Channel Control
and Time/Trigger windows. For many of the controls, additional methods such as increment/decrement or preset buttons
are available.
Getting Started 21
Trace Pan and Zoom
The mouse can be used to select a zoom area to view detail in an area of interest on the displayed waveform. The
highlighted dragged rectangular area indicates the minimum area that will be shown when the zoom operation completes.
Horizontal pan or zoom adjusts the time base (within preset values) and the trigger delay to highlight an area of interest
without vertical rescaling.
Direct pan or zoom to waveform areas of interest is available by selecting any option from the lower toolbar of the trace
window. Available options for zoom/pan control are: Horizontal & Vertical, Horizontal, Pan and None with Undo and
Redo selections.
Figure 3.9 Zoom and Pan
Clicking on the Trace View display and dragging will open a zoom box, releasing the mouse button will result in the trace
being expanded to show the area contained in the zoom box
Auto Set
The button below the trace window attempts to congure level scaling, trigger level and timing for a “best t”
display based upon amplitude and timing of the applied signal. All other parameters are set back to defaults. If the Auto
Set process fails, all settings are left untouched.
Trace Data Export
Any trace window can be exported and saved or printed as a PDF or CSV document by selecting the button
from the lower toolbar of the trace window. An exported trace le can easily be imported into a spreadsheet or other
report le or documentation.
Getting Started 22
3.3.6 Channel Control Window
Select the icon and a dockable sidebar will appear on the righthand
side of the main application window by default. This allows you to change all
related settings to control one or more sensor channels. Channel control setting
is dened by several parameters as listed below.
Channel: Select one or all channels (for multi-channels) via the dropdown list.
Selecting the "All" permits simultaneous update on all measurement channels
(up to 8) for most settings.
Units: Selects dBm, Watts or Volts measurement units. Selection aects
displayed text, measurements, and trace.
Vert Scale / Center: Sets vertical amplitude scaling and centering of the
displayed waveform. These settings aect only the trace display.
Sensor Enabled: Enable or disable individual connected sensors.
Trace Avg: Sets number of acquired sweeps averaged together for displayed
trace in pulse/triggered modes. Useful for noisy signals.
Mod Filter/Filter Mode: Sets manual or automatic lter integration time
window for measurements in modulated (non-triggered) acquisition modes.
Peak Hold Mode/Decay Count: Sets peak hold duration (# of sweeps).
Tracks Trace Avg setting or may be independent.
Video BW: Selects sensor video bandwidth, high or low.
Frequency: Sets measurement frequency for the applied RF signal.
Cal & Corrections: Oset compensates reading for external gain/loss.
Zeroing and Fixed Cal: Sensor zeroing and xed calibration can be performed
by selecting each specic button.
Figure 3.10 Channel Control Menu
Getting Started 23
3.3.7 Time/Trigger Settings Window
Select the icon to customize all related settings for both time base and trigger of a pulse signal.
Time base: Acquisition time in seconds per division. The power sensors use a
xed grid of 10 divisions for the sweep extents. Settings are in a 1- 2-5
sequence. Consult series specications for time base range.
Trigger Delay: Trigger delay can be adjusted by manually entering a numerical
value into the eld or using the up-down arrow keys. Click the “0” icon to reset
the trigger delay to zero seconds (RTP5000 only).
Trigger Position: Trigger position can be changed by entering numerical values
into the “Divisions” eld, clicking the scroll arrows, dragging the slide control, or
by clicking the L/M/R (Left/Middle/Right) indicators.
Trigger Source: Several trigger modes are available for each trigger source
under "Trigger Control" section. Multiple trigger sources are available under the
drop-down list including both "Internal" and "External" selection.
Trigger Mode: Select Normal, Auto, Auto Level or Free run. Trigger Level:
Sets trigger level when trigger source is INT and trigger mode is Auto or
Normal.
Slope: Select rising or falling edge triggering.
Holdo: Sets trigger holdo time and selects between Normal or Gap holdo
mode.
Trigger Skew Adjustment: This feature allows the user to adjust the skew for
internal trigger with master trigger output, and also external and slave triggers.
Skew adjustments allow to calibrate out trigger delay between sensors so the
user can measure propagation delay of the DUT from input to output. Manual
skew adjustments can be made by entering the skew value in the numeric entry
eld. The button to the right of each skew adjustment is the Auto-Skew button
which is described in detail in section "Time/Trigger Control Window". This
feature allows automatic adjustment of the skew.
Figure 3.11 Time/Trigger Menu
Getting Started 24
3.3.8 Marker Settings Window
Programmable markers can be moved to any portion of the trace
that is visible on the screen. They can be used to mark regions of
interest for detailed power analysis. The instrument can display
power at each marker, as well as average, minimum, and maximum
power in the region between the two markers.
Click the
amplitude reference lines of a pulse signal.
Markers: Time Marker position settings will allow you to change
both marker 1 and marker 2 time positions by using either arrow
keys or entering numerical values into the eld. It will also display
the time delta value between the two markers.
Reference Lines: Also known as Horizontal Markers, can be
enabled by selecting On/O button for each individual channel.
Once enabled, users may select several options for automatic
amplitude tracking from the Tracking drop down list: O,
Markers, TopBottom, DistalMesial and DistalProximal. Two
reference lines can be set by using up/down arrow keys. Horizontal
markers are useful to determine the dierence with regard to loss.
icon to control the settings for time markers and
3.3.9 Pulse Denitions Windows
Click the icon to control the settings of the pulse
thresholds and the pulse gate.
Figure 3.12 Marker Settings Menu
Pulse Thresholds: Pulse denition setting allows user to dene
distal, mesial and proximal values for pulse thresholds. It is also
possible to change pulse unit from watts to volts.
Pulse Gate: Pulse start and end gate can be changed both
numerically and by changing up/down arrow keys.
Chapter 6 contains a detailed description of each pulse threshold
level and the pulse measurement process.
Figure 3.13 Pulse Denition Menu
Getting Started 25
3.3.10 Automatic Measurements Windows
Select the icon to display a tabulated eld with a list of parameters for RF pulse measurements including marker
measurements. Below is an example screenshot for automatic parameters displayed for a typical pulse measurement.
Note:
All eld parameters are customizable, and can be edited or deleted from the list. The whole table can be copied and
pasted into a spreadsheet in order to make any custom report le along with captured screenshots by selecting export
button as provided by the software.
Automatic Pulse Measurements Automatic Marker Measurements Multiple Pulse Analysis
Figure 3.14 Auto Measurement
Getting Started 26
Customize Field Parameters
All eld parameters under automatic measurement are
customizable, and can be edited or deleted from the list
by selecting individual parameter elds and then by using
right click button of the mouse.
Export or Copy Field Parameters
The whole automatic table or individual parameter eld can be
copied and then pasted into a simple spreadsheet or document
in order to make a custom report le along with captured
screenshots provided by the application.
To select multiple parameters right click using the mouse while
holding the Ctrl key.
Figure 3.15 Pulse Measurements Customize
Figure 3.16 Select Multiple parameters
Getting Started 27
3.3.11 Display Settings Windows
The display settings allow for customization of data and trace colors for each measurement channel, and enable or disable
trace display features such as Average, Envelope, Maximum, Minimum and Persistence. It is also possible to adjust
marker color, background, grid colors and more under "Graph Colors" section of the display settings.
To open the Display Settings Windows left click on the Graph Settings icon located in the View tab.
Figure 3.17 Graph Settings
Figure 3.18 Display Settings
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