This option replaces the standard 50 ohm external trigger input(s) and has a resistance of
approximately 5k ohms to ground with no pull-up resistor. Most TTL and CMOS sources can
easily drive this load. The input is also useful as a general purpose trigger input and is adaptable
to ECL logic operating at either +5 volts or –5.2 volts as well as newer low voltage saturated
logic families.
FUNCTIONAL CHANGES
With the TTL Trigger Level Option 05 installed, additional menu choices for trigger source will
appear in the Trig>Trig Source menu box. When selected the 1 EXT TTL and 2 EXT TTL
sources automatically set and fix the trigger level to +1.40 volts. The 1 EXT and 2 EXT sources
provide a variable trigger level range of -3.00 to +3.00 volts with a 5k ohm load resistance. A
minimum signal level of 400 mV peak-to-peak within the trigger level range is required for
triggering. To avoid damage DO NOT APPLY a signal level greater than !30 volts combined
DC plus peak AC.
Additional GPIB bus commands have been added to control the trigger source:
TR1EXTTL - selects the number 1 external trigger input BNC connector and forces the trigger
level to the TTL threshold +1.40 volts.
TR2EXTTL - selects the number 2 external trigger input BNC connector and forces the trigger
level to the TTL threshold +1.40 volts.
TESTING
After installation verify that the Trig>Trig Source menu box will select CH1 Int, 1 EXT, 1 EXT
TTL and the same for channel 2 if the instrument is a 2 channel configuration. If this test fails the
program version may be too old or the instrument is not licensed for this option or both.
Use an ohmmeter to measure the input resistance of the external trigger input(s). The input
impedance should be 5.00 kohms ( 4.90 – 5.10 kohms ) .
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98404701A
Using a pulse generator apply a minimum TTL pulse signal (0.8 v to 2.0 v) at 10 kHz to the 1(2)
Trigger input BNC connector and to the EXT PULSE input BNC connector on the rear panel
simultaneously. Using the Spcl>Calibrator>Pulse>Source menu set the calibrator for External
pulse modulation and verify that the 1(2) EXT TTL trigger setting will automatically trigger with
this source. Change to 1(2) EXT and adjust the trigger level over its range. Using the
Chan1(2)>Extensions>Display>Pwr and Chan1(2)>Extensions>Display>Trig menu settings
verify that triggering occurs at approximately 1.4 volts trigger level.
Return the settings to Chan1(2)>Extensions>Display>Pwr.
1. Revised 18 DEC 1999
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98404701A
BOONTON ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
4400A/4500A MANUAL ADDENDUM
OPTION 04 – DELAY by EVENTS TRIGGER QUALIFIER
(BEC PRODUCT NUMBER 99102114A)
Description
Option 04 adds an additional qualifier to the 4400A/4500A trigger system to permit trigger d ela y
by events rather than by time only, and by a combination of time delay and events delay. This
capability is useful for selecting a particular pulse in a burst of pulses.
Dly by Events is turned On or Off from the
instruments that have the necessary hardware installed. When Trig>Dly by Events is turned On,
TRIG
the
Counter.
The EvTrig Delay menu box replaces Trig Mode { Auto Norm }. Th e selected Auto or Normal
setting will remain effective when Dly by Events is active. The Auto mode supplies a trace when
the trigger condition is not met.
The EvTrig Delay time can be set f rom 1 microsecond to 65.534 milliseconds in 1 microsecond
steps and from 66 milliseconds to 65.534 seconds in 1 millisecond steps. To use this mode for
burst measurements the delay time is made longer than the burst time, but less than the burst
cycle time. This will result in stable triggering of the burst.
The Event Count menu box repl aces Holdoff. When Dly by Events is active the sweep generator
holdoff is forced to its minimum value and all holdoff functions are performed via the EvTrigDelay setting.
The Event Count is adjusted from 1 to 65,534 to select the desired trigger event within the burst.
The count is not reset at the end of the delay time. If a number lar ger than the number of events
in a single burst is chosen, counting will continue into the next burst.
ger menu selections will change to include Trig>EvTrig Delay (time) and Trig>Event
TRIG
ger menu. This menu selection appears only in
The source, level and slope qualifications of the trigger are the same for the burst and the events.
Any internal or external trigger source may be used. The Model 4400A contains a single
sampling time base, but the Events Delay time base is independent of the Trig Delay setting in
TIME
the
setting can be used to align the trigger point of the expanded delayed trace with the display
graticule.
menu. Time>Trig Delay along with the Time>Position { L M R } trigger position
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In order to provide maximum flexibility, separate Delay by Events circuits and parameters are
maintained for each trigger source group. Trig>Trig Source { CH 1 INT, 1 EXT and 1 EXT TTL
} sources comprise group 1 and { CH 2 INT, 2 EXT and 2 EXT TTL } make up group 2. Only
group 1 sources are functional in single channel configurations.
New GPIB commands control the Delay by Events trigger qualifier. The following commands
are trigger source vectored and are directed to the trigger source group ( 1 or 2 ) currently
selected. This allows the delay by events conditions to be different for the two measurement
channels or the two external trigger sources.
TREVON - select delay by events operation.
TREVOF - select standard trigger system operation.
TREVDELY - set the Events Trigger Delay in seconds. For example, to set the delay to 501
microseconds, send TREVDELY 501E-6. The range is 1E-6 to 65534E-3.
TRECOUNT - set the Event Counter to the desired event number for trigger generation. The
range is 1 to 65534.
Software
Option 04 operates only with software revision 20000127 and later. This software will detect the
presence of the optional circuits and respond by enabling the option 04 features.
To test for this condition, press the TRIG function key. The bottom menu box should be labeled
Dly by Events and contain selections ON and Off. If the bottom menu box is blank, the optional
circuitry has not been detected.
Operational Check
With Option 04 successfully detected, set TRIG>Dly by Events to Off. Note that the top five
menu boxes of function TRIG are the same as for a standard instrument but arranged in a
different order. In this mode the trigger system operates in exactly the same manner as a standard
instrument without option 04.
Now set TRIG>Dly by Events to On. Note that the two middle menu boxes change to EvTrigDelay and Event Counter. In this mode the TRIG>EvTrig Delay operates in a similar manner to
the Holdoff function in the standard configuration. It sets the minimum time between cycles of
the event counting system and is used to obtain synchronization with a pulse burst or equivalent
waveform. Once this is done, the TRIG>Event Counter is used to select by number the particular
event within the burst that triggers the horizontal sweep. The time base can then be expanded and
the Time>Trig Delay function operates on the expanded waveform as it would normally on a
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non-expanded waveform. The two delay functions are completely independent.
In this way you can synchronize and observe the nth pulse of a burst even if its time position is
highly variable.
Testing
Delay by events requires a pulse burst signal for testing. A TTL test signal consisting of a burst
of 50 or so 5 microsecond pulses repeated every 1 millisecond is recommended. Use this signal
to externally modulate the 1 GHz Calibrator. Connect a peak sensor to the Calibrator and
Channel 1. Use the following setup:
Dly by Events On
Trig Slope +
Event Counter 1
Ev Trig Delay 800 us
Trig Level -3.00 dBm
Trig Source CH1 Int
TIME
Timebase 200 us/div
Position M
Trig Delay 0.0 us
Adjust the Channel 1 controls to view the pulse burst on the display. Change the timebase to 5
us/div and observe the first pulses of the burst beginning in the center of the display. Change the
event counter to 2 and observe the second pulse, etc. Slowly advance the Event Counter and
verify that you can scan all the way across the burst, pulse by pulse, to the last pulse. Advancing
the counter beyond the last pulse displays the first pulse of the next burst, etc.
Repeat the test for Channel 2 in a two channel configuration.
Revised 2 March 2000
3
98404702A
BOONTON ELECTRONICS
A subsidiary of Noise/Com a Wireless Telecom Group Company
4400A/4500A MANUAL ADDENDUM
Applies to
Meter,
Instruction Manual Model 4500A RF Peak Power Meter /Analyzer, Model 4400A RF Peak Power
Part Number 98404700A, revised 09/97.
Effective for Control Software Revision
20010119
and later.
1. NEW FEATURES
1.1 Power vs Tim e Data Output Capability
Data Buffer Configuration.
derived from a 501-element data buffer. Each element is a measurement value for one pix el in
the display. The elements are numbered from zero through 500. The element zero lies on the leftmost vertical gridline; the element 500 lies on the right-most gridline and element 250 lies on the
center gridline.
Data Buffer Output.
or Reference 2. The data is adjusted for V ertical Offset, calibrati on factors and averagin g. If the
display Units are set to “Linear”, power will be in watts with 5 decimal digits of resolution. The
real number format is: (-d.ddddE!dd , -dd.dddE!dd or –ddd.ddE!dd where the positive sign is
omitted and the exponent is mod 3) watts. Negative power values indicate underflow of the
system “zero”. If the display units are set to “Log”, power will be in dBm (decibels relative to 1
milliwatt) with a resolution of !0.01 dB. Negative linear power values will return –70.00 dBm
excluding offsets if not clipped.
Data can be output for Channel 1, Channel 2, Channel Math, Referenc e 1
Each trace display of the 4400A/4500A Peak Power Meter is
In the Pulse mode with Log units a clip level is applied which establishes a minimum power
level based on the sensor calibration data. This level will vary depending upon the sensor type
and offsets.
For Channel 1 or 2 in the Trigger View mode the data will be returned in volts with a resolution
of !0.01 volts.
GPIB Data Buffer Output.
TKFPDISP talk mode command. This is a permanent talk mode that remains in effect until
replaced by a different permanent talk mode. TKFPDISP should be followed by an index
argument in the range 0 to 500 inclusive that specifies the number of the first element of the data
Data buffer contents can be read over the GPIB using the
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buffer to be sent. The total number of elements requested is specified by the BUFCOUNT
command. BUFCOUNT is followed by an argument in the range 1 to 501 inclusive.
After the TKFPDISP command and argument are sent, the first time the 4400A/4500A is
addressed to talk (MTA is sent), a string of comma delimited elements will be returned
beginning with the index value followed by BUFCOUNT measurement values as described
above.
Each successive time the power meter is addressed to talk the index value will be automatically
advanced by BUFCOUNT number of elements and a new string returned. If the incremented
pointers reach beyond the last element in the buffer the string is truncated and fewer than
BUFCOUNT values are returned. At least one index and one element is always returned.
The source buffer is selected using the CH1, CH2, CHM, REF1 and REF2 commands. The units
are selected using LIN or LOG. TKFPDISP does not interrupt sampling and data collection
while sending data. For this reason buffer data will not remain stable during a transfer. If this
behavior is undesirable, issue the STOP command to stop data capture when appropriate.
Front Panel Data Buffer Output.
Front panel data buffer output is controlled by the
Prgm>Trace Data> menu. An entire data buffer can be sent to a Floppy Disk file, the COM1
serial port or the LPT1 line printer. No index value is used. The delimiter separating data
elements can be selected to be a comma, LF (line-feed or NL), CR (carria ge return) or ASCII
space. This is useful if the data file is to imported directly into a spreadsheet.
Prgm>Trace Data>Select A number, nn, 0 to 99 which specifies the filename
B4500Ann.TXT. Applies only to Disk output.
Prgm>Trace Data>Source Select the data buffer: CH1, CH2, CH Math, Ref1, Ref2
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Prgm>Trace Data>Destination Select the output device: LPT1, COM1 Disk
Prgm>Trace Data>Delimiter Select the data element delimiter: comma, LF, CR, Space
Prgm>Trace Data>Send Data Press to START data transfer from buffer to device.
GPIB Control of Front Panel Output Controls.
In addition to the direct GPIB output via the
TKFPDISP and BUFCOUNT commands, the alternate device outputs can also be controlled
over the bus. The specific commands are given below.
FILENO Sets the filename B4500Ann.TXT for Disk output where nn is the argument of
FILENO. Valid range is 0 to 99.
BUFDELCO Set buffer delimiter to comma.
BUFDELLF Set buffer delimiter to linefeed (NL)
BUFDELCR Set buffer delimiter to carriage return
BUFDELSP Set buffer delimiter to space.
Note: The delimiters do not apply to data returned using TKFPDISP. They apply only to output
using DATASEND.
DATACOM1 Select COM1 serial port output.
DATADISK Select the floppy disk output with filename selected with FILENO
DATALPT1 Select the printer port LPT1 for output. Delimiter will affect printed format.
DATASOCH1 Select the Channel 1 buffer.
DATASOCH2 Select the Channel 2 buffer.
DATASOCHM Select the Channel Math buffer.
DATASORF1 Select the Reference 1 buffer.
DATASORF2 Select the Reference 2 buffer.
Note: These source selections do not apply to data returned by TKFPDISP. They apply only to
output using DATASEND.
DATASEND Action command which causes the data buffer to be sent to the selected output.
Unlike output to the GPIB data capture is interrupted during transfers to output ports and the
disk.
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1.2 Statistical Data Output Capability
The following data output capability is applicable only to the Model 4500A.
4500A Statistical Histogram GPIB Output.
The 4500A statistical histogram count array accumulated by running a CDF, 1-CDF or PDF
function is output in two arrays of 4096 values each.
1. The X-axis array consists of up to 4096 power values in watts or dBm as described
above. The bus commands LIN and LOG are used to set the units. The Channel 1
array is selected by the command SELDATTBL 6 and the Channel 2 array by
SELDATTBL 7. The array is returned by the talk mode command TK-TBLDAT n,
where n is the starting index number. The BUFCOUNT command followed by a
count argument of 1 to 4096 operates as described above for the TKFPDISP
command.
2. The Y-axis array consists of up to 4096 count values. The count value is the number
of times the power sample value has fallen within the bin located by the index
number. The power in watts or dBm for the center of each bin or index number is
given by the X-axis array above. The ratio of each bin count to the total sample count
is the probability of occurrence for that bin. The Channel 1 count array is selected b y
the command SELDATTBL 8 and the Channel 2 count array by SELDATTBL 9. The
array is returned by the talk mode command TK-TBLDAT n, where n is the starting
index number. The BUFCOUNT command followed by a count argument of 1 to
4096 operates as described above for the TKFPDISP command.
4500A Front Panel Histogram Output.
Front panel histogram output is controlled by the
Prgm>Trace Data> menu. An entire data buffer can be sent to a Floppy Disk file, the COM1
serial port or the LPT1 line printer. No index value is used. The delimiter separating data
elements can be selected to be a comma, LF (line-feed or NL), CR (carriage return) or ASCII
space. This is useful if the data file is to be imported directly into a spreadsheet.
For the Model 4500A, additional source choices will appear in the menu as follows:
Prgm>Trace Data>Source Select the data buffer: CH1, CH2, CH Math, Ref1, Ref2,Cal
Tbl 1,Cal Tbl 2,Histogram 1,Histogram2
Cal Tbl 1 and 2 are the x-axis power value arra ys and Histogram 1 and 2 are the count arra ys for
Channel 1 and 2 respectively. All other front panel controls and associated GPIB commands
operate as described above except that the SELDATTBL n, command is used instead of the dat a
source commands.
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1.3 Screen Saver
A screen saver feature has been added to increase CRT phosphor life in system applications. The
display will be dimmed after a specified time during which there is no front panel control
activity. The delay time in minutes is set in the Disp>Scrn Saver Delay menu window. The delay
can be varied from 1 to 240 minutes via the front panel keyboard, knob or increment /decr ement
buttons. To disable the feature select the increment above 240 which is “infinite” or enter 241
minutes. The CRT display will then remain bright at all times.
The display when dimmed will be restored to full brightness by any front panel key or knob
operation. The delay/infinite setting is non-volatile and will be restored after power off/on. There
are no related bus commands for this feature.
1.4 New Auto-Measure function, EdgeDly
A new auto-measure function, number 15, Edge Delay, has been added to the TEXT display.
Edge delay shows the time delay between the left edge of the display window and the first
waveform edge of either slope. This allows the display window to be used as a mask to select or
exclude portions of a waveform. Trigger delay adjusts the position of the display window with
respect to the trigger. Edge Delay should be added as item 15 in Table 4-19. It appears as a
selection in the Meas > Param Meas > Param Top {Middle and Bottom} menus. The GPIB
PARAM___ commands will accept the value 15 as an argument and allow Edge Delay to be
selected remotely.
1.5 New GPIB Commands
Additions to Table 5-3 Mode 4400A/4500A Talk Mode Bus Mnemonics.
Code Arg Function
TKATEMP --
channels. For the status flag 0 = valid, 1 = no sensor, 2 = no channel
card. The auto-cal temperatures are returned in tenths of a degree
Celsius (##.#). After returning data the instrument returns to the
previous Talk mode.
Format: status1, auto-cal temp1, status2, auto-cal temp2
Examples: send TKATEMP
read 0, 34.0, 0, 39.0 valid both channels
or read 0, 34.0, 1, -23.0 valid ch1; no sensor in ch2
or read 0, 34.0, 2, -23.0 valid ch1; no ch2 installed
Returns a status flag and the sensor auto-cal temperature for both
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TKEJD --
and the time delay in seconds between the left edge of the display
window and the first waveform edge of either slope. Trigger delay can
be used to move the window with respect to the trigger to select or
exclude portions of a long string of pulses. This command works only
with TKAMEAS active. After returning data the instrument returns to
the previous Talk mode, normally TKAMEAS.
Examples: send TKAMEAS send only once
send TKEJD “send TKEJD read” may be repeated
read 1, 1.163e-7 valid edge delay in seconds
or read 0, 0 no valid result
For the currently selected measurement channel returns a status flag
TKMMODE --
flag. For the run/stop flag 0 = STOP, 1 = RUN. For the mode
identifier 0 = Pulse, 1 = CW, 2 = CDF, 3 = 1-CDF, 4 = PDF. For the
units flag 0 = log (dBm) and 1 = linear (watts). After returning data
the instrument returns to the previous Talk mode.
Examples: send TKMMODE
read 1, 0, 0 running in pulse mode with log units
or read 0, 3, 1 stopped in 1-CDF mode with linear
units
Returns a measurement mode run/stop flag, mode identifier and units
1.6 EOI Only Talk mode Terminator
In the Util > IEEE-488 > Bus Setup > Talk Term menu a new choice,
This allows return strings to be terminated only by the EOI signal of the GPIB, simplifying setup
with controllers which use this as their default.
EOI only
, has been added.
1.7 Reference Lines in Linear Unit s mode
Reference Lines and Reference Line Tracking now work in the Linear as well as Logarithmic
units modes. Reference line level readout is always in dBm.
2. CORRECTIONS
2.1 Sensor Temperature Readings
All previous versions and revisions of Model 4400/4500/4400A and 4500A report sensor
temperature approximately 10 degrees Celsius lower than the actual internal sensor temperature.
This characteristic has been of little consequence since only delta temperature values are used.
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For future developments it is desirable to use the actual internal sensor temperature. Effective
with this revision (20010119) all sensor temperatures are the actual internal temperature.
Compatibility with previous software revisions.
The effect of this change is expected to be
minimal because delta temperature values are not affected. Some GPIB programs may use
absolute sensor temperature values and expect the old style values for correct operation. To
accommodate this situation, a new GPIB command
OLD_TEMP#
has been included in the new
revision. To use the old style temperatures, issue the GPIB command OLD-TEMP# in the
initialization part of the program. This will cause all sensor temperature values to appear as in
earlier revisions. The effect of this command is volatile and it must be re-issued after a power
off/on cycle.
2.2 Failure to resume in Statistical mode on power up (4500A only).
Some previous software revisions contain a bug that causes statistical measurements not to
resume correctly on power up. This occurs only when the instrument was powered down in one
of the statistical modes. Normal operation will resume if the menu selection or a GPIB measure
mode command is sent. This revision (20010119) corrects the error and under the above
conditions statistical measurements will resume automatically at power up.
2.3 Inability to use reque st for service (SRQ) on settled measurement in CW
mode with averaging > 1.
In all previous revisions in CW measurement mode with the SRQ mask set to 2, no service
request would be issued unless the Averaging was set to 1. This bug has been fixed in this
revision (20010119). Since CW is a continuous mode it is necessary to stop and start the
measurement in order to obtain repeated service requests with settled readings. Stopping the
continuous measurement resets the averaging system. After a restart and after the averaging time
has expired, the service request will be issued if the mask for settled measurement (2) is enabled.
The serial poll issued by the GPIB controller reads and resets the service request, but not the
settled measurement flag. To restore synchronization between the controller and the
measurement process, it is necessary to issue the STOP command. When the desired signal is
present at the power sensor input, issue the RUN command. When the selected averaging is
completed, the service request will again be made. This sequence can be repeated indefinitely.
Revised 20010126
7
98404704A
BOONTON ELECTRONICS
a Wireless Telecom Group Company
4400A/4500A MANUAL ADDENDUM
Applies to Instruction Manual Model 4500A RF Peak Power Meter /Analyzer, Model 4400A RF Peak Power
Meter, Part Number 98404700A, revised 09/97.
Effective for Control Software Revision 20020511 and later.
1.0 NEW FEATURES
1.1 Peak Sensor Temperature Compensation
When used with a peak sensor that contains a valid temperature compensation table, the
model 4400A and 4500A Peak Power Meters can provide temperature compensated
power measurements. The default mode for temperature compensation is active. The
Chan n > Calibration>Temp Comp menu box will be visible with “Sensor Tbl”
displayed. To turn off temperature compensation press the menu button and “Off” will be
displayed. The “Off” setting is volatile and not preserved through power cycles or major
mode changes. If the sensor in use does not have a temperature compensation table the
Temp Comp menu box will not appear at all.
The Spcl>Chan n Sensor report will include the message “Sensor has Temperature
Compensation Table” when appropriate. The Spcl>Servicing>Configuration report
shows TC system status if either channel has a sensor with a valid table. The format of
this message
if present is:
TC System Status 1:[err code] #### 2:[err code] ####
The error codes are:
0 No error.
145 TC # of Temps Err Table parameter error
146 TC # of Powers Err Table parameter error
147 TC Interp Err Table interpolation error
148 TC Expand Err Table expansion error
149 TC Extend Err Table extension error
150 TC Chksum Err Table read checksum error
151 TC Table Length Error
152 TC Temp Value Err A temperature value is out of range
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153 TC Temp Non-mono A temperature array is non-monotonic
154 TC Power Value Err A power value is out of range
155 TC Power Non-mono A power array is non-monotonic
156 TC Corr Value Err A correction value is out of range
Use CH1 or CH2 to specify to which channel the following temperature compensation
related GPIB commands apply:
TCON Turn on temperature compensation if available. If not, ignore.
TCOFF Turn off temperature compensation. This is a volatile setting if
compensation is available.
1.2 Sensor Auto-calibration File Retention
Sensor auto-calibration files are now saved by channel as .AC1 and .AC2 files in nonvolatile (flash) memory. This avoids the need to perform auto-cal every time a sensor is
removed and replaced by a different one, provided the sensors are known to the
channel(s) involved. When a sensor is plugged-in a search is made to find an existing
auto-cal file. If one is found, it is installed. If not, the “Needs Auto-cal” message will
appear. When auto-cal is performed the existing file is overwritten with the new result. If
no previous file exists, one is created. Sensor filenames have the form SEN#####.AC n,
where ##### is the serial number and n is the channel number.
The file directory system is expanded to display auto-calibration files in flash memory as
well as the previous files on the floppy disk. The Utility>Disk>Flash Disk path lists
sensor auto-cal files by channel. The Select File <> menu contains a sequence number
which refers to the position of the file in the list. The selected file is shown in RED and
may be deleted by pressing the menu button next to the “Delete” box. Deletion of files
must be confirmed or cancelled.
There are no GPIB operations on the file directory.
1.3 Color *.bmp File of Display
The Hardcopy section now includes a color *.bmp file of the current display that can be
saved to the floppy disk, sent to the COM1 port or the GPIB. To select this feature set the
Util>Hardcopy>Device menu to “Plotter”. Then select Util>Hardcopy>Model “.BMP”.
Choose the Plot Label, Output Port and File Select number if the output is the floppy
disk. Graph & Text is not applicable. Note that the “IEEE-488” output selection applies
to the listen only (lon) GPIB addressing mode only. For controller directed GPIB output
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see below. Press the PLOT key to send the file to the selected output. The .bmp extension
is added to the floppy disk file directory to allow viewing the filenames saved on disk.
The GPIB commands for controller directed return of the .bmp file contents are:
Send the sequence PLOTTER PLOT.BMP to select the bit-map mode.
Send TKPLOT to set the talk mode that returns the file when addressed to talk.
The GPIB commands to send the plot file contents to an output other than the GPIB are:
Send the sequence PLOTTER PLOT.BMP to select the bit-map mode.
Send PLOTSER1, PLOTCOM1, PLOTLPT1 or PLOTDISK to select the output.
{Use PLOT488 only with the front panel PLOT
key manually to send in the talk
only (ton) mode to a listen only (lon) device}.
For PLOTDISK send FILENO ## to select a filename.
Send PLOT to simulate pressing the PLOT
key to send the file to the selected
output.
1.4 External Trigger Input Calibration
A provision to zero and calibrate the external trigger inputs has been added to provide
better accuracy for voltage measurements made with the trigger inputs. The following
procedure is used to calibrate each external trigger input:
Set Time>Timebase to “5 ms/Div”
Set Trig>Trig Mode to “Auto”
Select the external trigger input in the Trig>Trig Source menu corresponding to
the selected measurement channel (CH1 to 1EXT or CH2 to 2EXT).
Set the Chan#>Extensions>Display to “Trig” (Trigger View Mode)
Set the Chan#>Vert Scale to 1.00 V/Div
Set the Spcl>Servicing>Cal Mode “On”
With Cal Mode “On” two boxes labeled Ext Trig Zero and Ext Trig Cal will appear in the Chan#>Extensions menu. Ext Trig Zero will have a bright “Start” label.
With no input to the selected external trigger input, press the menu button for Ext Trig Zero “Start”. The input will be zeroed and the Ext Trig Cal “Start” label will be bright.
With +3.00 volts applied to the selected external trigger input, press the menu button for
Ext Trig Cal “Start”. The input will be calibrated for 3 divisions of deflection at 1 V/Div.
Set the Spcl>Servicing>Cal Mode “Off”
The results of the calibration are stored in non-volatile memory with file extension .TRV.
Absent a file, default data is supplied automatically and simulates the existing software.
External trigger level calibration is not available on the GPIB.
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1.5 UNDIM Command.
A GPIB command, UNDIM, is added to reset the screen saver without touching the panel
or re-loading the color table. This is helpful in remotely controlled applications.
2.0 Changes
2.1 Instrument Setup Save/Recall change.
The instruments setup save and recall system has been modified to save a binary file
instead of an ASCII file. The binary file is smaller and more comprehensive and is
identical to the internal save/recall format. The new file has the extension .ISU. For
customers with existing .INS files the ability to read an .INS file is still present, but new
features will not be available using this method. Existing files should be converted by
reading the .INS files and saving them as .ISU. The file directory is modified to display
.ISU files. The GPIB commands are not affected.
2.2 GPIB command *OPT? change.
An installed hardware options list has been appended to the *OPT? GPIB command
format previously used. For example, a single channel instrument with Option 04
hardware installed and a sensor plugged-in returns:
1,1,0,0,4
2.3 Configuration report change.
Installed options are now identified in the Configuration Report. For example:
The Spcl>Servicing>Configuration Report for Option 04 installed reports:
Opt 04 – Trigger Delay by Events installed
2.4 Sensor Temperature Reporting change.
Sensor auto-cal temperature and current temperature readings have been moved from the
Utility>Report to the Spcl>Ch 1 Sensor>Report and Spcl>Ch 2 Sensor>Report.
4
98404706A
3.0 Corrections
1. Remove glitches that occur when in Triggered mode (as opposed to Auto) and certain
commands are executed. Also, measurement traces can now be moved and re-scaled
when Waiting for Trigger on the slow time bases.
2. Calculate the auto-measure parameter “OFF TIME”. This function has always been
enabled but there was no calculation method included.
3. Correct an overflow error in the cal table expansion that overwrites the first position
of the channel 2 table when channel 1 is expanded. This may cause the channel 2
PDF to not appear.
4. GPIB command TKBMEAS now reports the sign of Pk/Avg ratio correctly.
5. Marker math mode changes now occur immediately even in wait for trigger.
6. When both markers are in trigger view mode the marker math functions MK1-MK2,
MK2-MK1, MAX-MIN and MIN-MAX are computed as voltage difference and
appear in the middle window with voltage difference units. The PK/AVG mode is not
recognized in trigger view mode but is not an error. This correction also appears in
the parameters of GPIB commands TKMEAS, TKBMEAS and TKUNITS when
appropriate.
7. The trigger pointer is now removed when the direct set of a statistical mode occurs.
8. Restore the legacy GPIB command MKDELTA to set the marker math to power
difference in the linear units mode only. This command was deleted by mistake in the
“A” series.
9. Update the RUN/STOP message in the recall stored setup function to avoid out of
sync messages.
10. Change the linear mode reference lines to track vertical offset in “divisions” rather
than watts, which is incorrect.
Revised 20020513
5
98404706A
SAFETY SUMMARY
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation and maintenance of this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards
of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Boonton Electronics assumes no liability for the customer’s fail-
ure to comply with these requirements.
THE INSTRUMENT MUST BE GROUNDED
To minimize shock hazard the instrument chassis and cabinet must be connected to an electrical ground. The instrument is
equipped with a three conductor, three prong a.c. power cable. The power cable must either be plugged into an approved
three-contact electrical outlet or used with a three-contact to a two-contact adapter with the (green) grounding wire firmly
connected to an electrical ground in the power outlet.
DO NOT OPERATE THE INSTRUMENT IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.
KEEP AWAY FROM LIVE CIRCUITS
Operating personnel must not remove instrument covers. Component replacement and internal adjustments must be made
by qualified maintenance personnel. Do not replace components with the power cable connected. Under certain conditions
dangerous voltages may exist even though the power cable was removed, therefore; always disconnect power and discharge
circuits before touching them.
DO NOT SERVICE OR ADJUST ALONE
Do not attempt internal service or adjustment unless another person, capable or rendering first aid and resuscitation, is present.
DO NOT SUBSTITUTE PARTS OR MODIFY INSTRUMENT
Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modifications or the instrument. Return the instrument to Boonton Electronics for repair to ensure that the safety features are maintained.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
This safety requirement symbol (located on the rear panel) has been adopted by the International Electrotechnical Commission, Document 66 (Central Office) 3, Paragraph 5.3, which directs that an instrument
be so labeled if, for the correct use of the instrument, it is necessary to refer to the instruction manual. In
this case it is recommended that reference be made to the instruction manual when connecting the instrument to the proper power source. Verify that the correct fuse is installed for the power available.
The CAUTION symbol denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operation procedure, practice, or the
like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of part or
all of the equipment. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION symbol until the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
The NOTE symbol is used to mark information which should be read. This information can be very useful to the operating in dealing with the subject covered in this section.
The HINT symbol is used to identify additional comments which are outside of the normal format of the
manual, however can give the user additional information about the subject.
Contents
Illustrationsv
Tablesvii
ParagraphPage
1 General Information
1.1Organization1-1
1.2Description1-2
1.3Features1-3
1.4Accessories1-5
1.5Optional Configurations1-6
1.6Specifications1-6
2 Installation
2.1Unpacking & Repacking2-1
2.2Power Requirements2-2
2.3Connections2-2
2.4Preliminary Check2-3
3 Getting Started
3.1Organization3-1
3.2Operating Controls, Indicators and Connections3-1
3.3Monitor Display3-6
3.4Initialize3-8
3.5Calibration3-11
3.6Practice Exercises for Pulse Power M easurements3-13
3.7Practice Exercises for Statistical Power Measurements(4500A) 3-22
4 Operation
4.1Calibration4-1
CF in dB4-1
4.2Manual Operation4-3
4.3Menu Conventions4-3
4.4Data Entry Controls4-12
4.5Display Data4-13
4.6Top Level Menu4-15
4.7System Keys4-18
4.8Function Keys4-20
4.9CHAN Key and Chan # > Menu4-20
Menu Configuration4-21
Figures and Tables4-21
Calibration4-25
Channel Math4-30
Reference Traces4-32
4.10 TIME Key and Time > Menu4-34
4.11 TRIG Key and Trig > Menu4-36
4.12 MARK Key and Mark > Menu4-39
Procedure4-40
4.13 REF Key and Ref > Menu4-45
4.14 MEAS Key and Meas > Menu4-48
Contentsi
ParagraphPage
4.15 UTIL Key and Util > Menu4-54
Inst Status4-55
IEEE-488 Bus4-55
Serial Menu4-59
Serial Port 14-60
Serial Port 24-60
Disk Utilities4-61
Hardcopy4-63
Clock4-64
4.16 SPCL Key and Spcl > Menu4-66
Self-Test4-68
Configuration4-68
Cal Mode4-68
Extensions4-71
4.17 PRGM Key and Prgm > Menu4-73
4.18 DISP Key and Disp > Menu4-80
Set Colors4-84
Color Conventions4-84
4.19 Automatic Operation4-88
4.20 Advanced Procedures4-90
5 Remote Operation
5.1Setup for Remote Operation5-1
5.2Listen Mode5-2
Program Function5-2
Number Formatting5-2
Data String Format5-2
Data String Errors5-3
5.3Talk Mode5-22
5.4SRQ Operation5-27
Using “Service Request”5-27
SRQ Operation5-28
Bus Command Responses5-29
6 Application Notes
6.1Introduction to Pulse Measurements6-1
Power Measurements6-1
Diode Detection6-3
Model 4400A/4500A Features6-4
6.2Pulse Definitions6-5
Standard IEEE Pulse Definitions6-5
Automatic Measurement Terms6-6
6.3Automatic Measurements6-7
Automatic Measurement Criteria6-7
Automatic Measurement Sequence6-7
Average Power Over an Interval6-10
7.6Performance Verification7-4
Checklist7-4
Fuse Type and Rating7-4
Instrument Serial Number7-4
Control Software Version7-4
Time and Date7-4
Sensor Serial Number7-4
Calibrator Frequency Verification7-5
Calibrator Linearity Verification7-6
Calibrator 0 dBm Verification7-7
Sensor Return Loss Verification7-8
Sensor Linearity Performance Verification7-9
Sensor Frequency Calibration Factor Verification7-14
Sensor Rise Time Verification7-18
Calibrator External Pulse Verification7-20
IEEE-488 Bus Verification7-20
Serial Port 1 Verification7-21
B.3Sample PlotB-3
HP Model 7475A Plotter connectionsB-4
Fujitsu FP6-310 Plotter connectionsB-5
HP LaserJet II Printer connectionsB-6
HP ThinkJet Printer IEEE-488 connectionsB-7
HP ThinkJet Printer RS-232 connectionsB-8
C. Repair and Warranty Policies
C.1Repair PolicyC-1
Model 4400A/4500A InstrumentC-1
Boonton Peak Power SensorsC-1
Contacting BoontonC-1
C.2WarrantyC-2
Contentsiii
Paragraph Page
D. Sensor Performance Specifications
E. End User License Agreem ent
Appendix Warranty and Special Provisions E-2
ivContents
Illustrations
FigurePage
1-1Model 4500A RF Peak Power Meter Analyzer1-3
2-1Packaging Diagram2-1
2-2Power-On Display2-3
2-3Util > Inst Status Display2-4
3-1Standard Model 4500A RF Peak Power Meter Analyzer
Front Panel3-2
3-2Model 4400A/4500A Rear Panel, Shown with
Optional Rear Panel Connectors3-4
3-3Monitor Display3-6
3-4Front Panel Controls Used in Calibration Procedures3-12
3-5Chan 1 > Menu3-14
3-6Chan 1 > Extensions Menu3-15
3-7Time > Menu3-16
3-8Trig > Menu3-17
3-9Mark > Menu3-18
3-10 Split-Screen Display3-18
3-11 Waveform Display with Time Marks3-19
3-12 Using Mark > Set Vertical Center3-20
3-13 CDF Display3-24
3-14 1-CDF Display3-25
3-15 PDF Display3-25
4-1Chan 1 > Menu and Associated Submenus4-2
4-2Control Menu Structure4-4
4-3Disp > Menu and Associated Submenu4-9
4-4Spcl > Menu and Associated Text Report4-10
4-5Mark > Menu4-10
4-6 Data Entry Keypad4-12
4-7Top Level Menu4-15
4-8System Keys4-19
4-9Text Mode Display in Power Mode4-19
4-10 Typical Help Screen4-19
4-11 Function Keys4-20
4-12 Chan # > Menu4-20
4-13 Chan # > Calibration > Submenu4-25
4-14 Chan # > Extensions > Submenu4-27
4-15 Illustration of Measurement (L1) and Calibration (L2)
Paths4-29
4-16 Chan Math > Menu4-30
4-17 Generating a Difference Waveform Using Channel Math4-32
4-18 Chan Ref # > Menu4-32
4-19 Time > Menu4-34
4-20 Trig > Menu4-36
4-21 Mark > Menu4-40
4-22 Mark > Extensions > Submenu4-42
4-23 Ref > Menu4-45
4-24 Ref > Extensions > Menu4-45
Contentsv
FigurePage
4-25 Meas > Menu4-48
4-26 Util > Menu Inst Status Report4-55
4-27 Util > IEEE-488 > Submenu4-56
4-28 Util > IEE-488 > Bus Setup > Submenu4-58
4-29 Util > Serial > COM 2 Submenu4-61
4-30 Util > Clock > Submenu4-64
4-31 Spcl > Menu4-67
4-32 Spcl > Servicing > Submenu4-67
4-33 Spcl > CH # Sensor Report4-69
4-34 Spcl > Calibrator > Menu4-69
4-35 Spcl > Calibrator > Pulse Submenu4-70
4-36 4400A/4500A Calibrator Report4-72
4-37 Prgm > Menu4-73
4-38 Disp > Menu4-80
4-39 Disp > Forma t > Submenu4-81
4-40 Disp > Forma t >Trace Type > Submenu4-83
4-41 Disp > Forma t >Assign Trace > Submenu4-83
4-42 Disp > Forma t > Set Colors > Submenu4-85
4-43 Text Mode Display4-88
4-44 Text Mode Display (Stat Mode)4-89
6-1Pulsed RF Signal6-2
6-2Distorted Pulse Signal6-2
6-3Ideal Diode Response6-3
6-4IEEE Standard Pulse6-5
6-5Step Waveforms6-8
6-6Time Interpolation6-9
6-7Sampling Intervals6-11
6-8Statistical Mode Text Display (Model 4500A only)6-11
B-1Sample Output PlotB-3
This instruction manual provides you with the information you need to install,
operate and maintain the Boonton mODEL 4400A RF Peak Power Meter and
the Model 4500A RF Peak Power Meter Analyzer. Section 1 is an introduction
to the manual and the instrument.
1.1 Organization
The manual is organized into seven sections and three Appendices, as follows:
Section 1 - General Information presents summary descriptions of the
instrument and its principal features, accessories and opt ions. Also included are
specifications for the instrument and the 56000 Series sensors.
Section 2 - Installation provides instructions for unpacking the instrument,
setting it up for operation, connecting power and signal cables, and initial
power-up.
Section 3 - Getting Started describes the controls and indicators and the
initialization of operating parameters. Several practice exercises are provided to
familiarize you with essential setup and control procedures.
1
Section 4 - Operation describes the display menus and procedures for operating
the instrument locally from the front panel.
Section 5 - Remote Operation explains the command set and procedures for
operating the instrument remotely over an IEEE-488 bus.
Section 6 - Applicatio n Notes describes automatic measurement procedures and
presents an analysis of measurment accuracy. Definitions are provided for key
terms used in this manual and on the screen displays.
Section 7 - Maintenance includes procedures for installing software and
verifying fault-free operation.
Appendix A - Error Messages defines t he messages that are displayed when
errors occur.
Appendix B - Plotter Operation describes how to record the Model
4400A/4500A output on a plotter or printer.
Appendix C - Warranty and Repair Policy states the policies governing the
return and replacement of modules and instruments during and after the
warranty period.
Appendix D - Sensor Performance Specificati ons
Appendix E - End User Li cense Agreement
General Information1-1
1.2 Description
The Model 4500A RF Peak Power Meter Analyzer and the Model 4400A Peak
Power Meter are new generation RF power meters. These instruments, when
operated with 56000 series power sensors, comprise the most versatile power
measuring systems available, with capability to make over 25 different
measurements on captured signals. The instruments can measure the peak and
average power of signals in the frequency range of 30 MHz to 40 GHz with a
dynamic range of over 60 dB.
The two models provide performance which previously required multiple
instruments, and they provide that performance faster, with in creased accuracy;
while adding functionality not previously available. The speed is visible during
the screen update process, waveform response rate and the IEEE-488
performance. The Model 4400A and Model 4500A are the fastest power meters
available with the ability to talk two marker meas urements over eighty times a
second.
The Model 4400A has two measurement modes - pulse power and CW power.
The Model 4500A adds to these a third mode - statistical power. Each mode is
targeted towards a specific type of measurement.
In the pulse power mode the instrument functions as an enhanced peak power
meter. It can be configured as a single or dual channel instrument. This mode
provides the functionality of an random repetitive sampling oscilloscope for
viewing the RF envelope of signals in the frequency range of 30 MHz to 40
GHz. Its accuracy approaches that of average power meters, but with the abil ity
to capture power versus time data. With the requirement of an internal or
external trigger event it can automatically measure up to 14 characteristi cs of
the RF envelope. These are peak power, average power, pulse width, risetime,
falltime, overshoot, pulse period, pulse repetition rate, duty cycle, top
amplitude, bottom amplitude, offtime, and the delay between two RF pulses or
an RF pulse with an external trigger signal. In addition to the automatic
measurements, the instrument offers a powerful set of marker measurements
which includes the ability to make marker measurements at full accuracy,
independent of vertical scale or offset. This is possible because of t he use of
logarithmic amplifiers, and a 12 bit analog to digital converter, which provide
rangeless operation. In addition, the markers can be used to define regions of
the waveform for analysis. This analysis includes average power of a portion of
the waveform, minimum power, and maximum power.
In the CW mode the instrument’s low end performance is improved by
approximately 10 dB, which provides a signal measurement range of up to 70
dB (-50 to +20 dBm). This is accomplished by automatically limiting the input
bandwidth of the instrument and using a second, low bandwidth internal
measurement channel.
In the statistical mode the Model 4500A offers many new features. This mode
does not require a trigger event to make measurements like the pulse power
mode. The instrument continuously samples the RF signal at approximately half
a million samples per second, without discarding or losing any data. All of this
data can be processed statistically to determine peak power, average power,
minimum power, peak to average power ratio, and dynamic range, while
reporting the sampling time, total samples captured and the statistical tolerance
of the data. In addition, this data can be displayed using three different
graphical representations. These are probability density function (PDF),
cumulative distribution function (CDF), and one minus cumulative distribution
function (1-CDF). This mode is very useful in applications where the signal is
random in nature; such as digital communication and multiple carrier systems.
1-2General Information
Figure 1-1. Model 4500A RF Peak Power Meter Analyzer
1.3 Featur es
Software ProgrammableA dedicated microprocessor performs random repetitive sampling, shaping,
filtering, calibration, offset compensation, and conversion of the RF signal. The
control software is stored in EEPROM and is updated, as necessary, by loading
upgrade software from a standard DOS 3.5" diskette. Software can be loaded in
the field by inserting the diskette in the front panel disk drive and turning the
instrument on. There is no need to remove the cover or change parts.
Auto-SetupThe instrument will automatically select a verti cal scale, vertical offset,
timebase, holdoff and trigger level to display at least one pulse period at full
amplitude of the full waveform.
Menu-Driven OperationSetup and control of the instrument is menu-driven to simplify operation.
User-selected parameters appear in a menu to the right of the waveform,
together with applicable variables. Selections are arranged opposite adjacent
“softkeys” that select parameters and activate data entry control s. Required
numerical values are entered through the keypad, arrow keys or spin knob.
Help DisplaysC ontext-sensitive HELP screens are accessible at the t ouch of a key
for all function menus. The HELP information guides the user
step-by-step to assure accurate instrument setup.
General Information1-3
High-Resolution ColorWaveforms, control menus, measurement values and related text
Displayare displayed on a 7-inch diagonal, 640 x 480 pixel, VGA color CRT.
Display element colors are user-selectable to maximize clari ty.
Dual IndependentWhen equipped with the optional second measurement channel, the
Channelsinstrument can display two pulsed signals or a pulsed signal on
one channel and a trigger waveform on the other. Each channel is
calibrated and all channel parameters are channel-independent.
Balanced DiodeThe balanced diode sensor configuration provides high sensitivity and
Sensorseven-order harmonic suppression. Low VSWR minimizes mismatch
errors. Frequency Calibration factors traceable to NIST standards are st ored
in on-board EEPROMs and downloaded to the instrument. A thermistor
in each sensor tracks temperature variations.
Waveform PersistenceThe waveform display can be placed i n the infinite persistence mode.
Built-In PrecisionA 1 GHz calibrator, traceable to NIST, enhances measurement relia-
Calibratorbility. The user-selectable automatic calib ration routine calibrates
the sensor and instrument in steps over the full dynamic range.
Adjustable AveragingRandom repetitive sampling and averaging with an exponential filter
(performed on each point of the waveform) reduce noise contribution
and provide accurate, stable measurements. The number of repetitions to be averaged can be adjusted to the small est value that
achieves the desired noise suppression, thereby avoiding excessive
averaging delays.
Automatic WaveformThe instrument can measure fourteen pulse parameters related to power,
Analysistime and/or frequency. All programmed measurements are made automatically
and displayed in text mode. Measurement information is available directly,
eliminating the need for interpretation by the user.
Single-ShotThe 1 MHz sampling rate yields a 100 kHz single-shot bandwidth
Measurements(10 samples per pulse) for capturing and analyzing infrequent events.
Disk DriveThe disk drive uses a 1.44MB DOS compatible 3.5 inch diskette. The instrument
can store its setup configuration, reference waveforms, screen printouts, or
screen plots to the disk. The instrument setups are st ored as ASCII files that use
the IEEE-488 bus commands. The waveform can be recalled into a reference
channel and used for channel math or marker measurements. The print or plot
files can be read by a PC and output to a device connected to the computer.
Hard Copy OutputA permanent copy of the instrument’s screen can be spooled to a plotter
or printer. The output can be sent to the serial, parallel or IEEE-488 ports or
to disk.
Self-Test andAn automatic self-diagnostic routine can be initiated at any time to
Diagnosticsisolat e and identify a faulty module. Error reports direct the user
to the instrument module or sensor that requires replacement.
IEEE-488 Bus ControlAll instrument functions except power on/off can be controlled
remotely via the parallel IEEE-488 bus interface. Setup of interface
parameters is menu driven; front panel indicators keep the user
informed of bus activity.
1-4General Information
Stored ConfigurationsFor applications in which the same instrument configurations are used repetitively,
up to ten complete setups can be stored and recalled at the touch of a key.
1.4 Accessories
The table lists optional accessories and sensors which may be ordered from
Boonton Electronics.
Table 1-1 Accessories for the Model 4500A/Model 4400A
SelectionPart NumberDescription
Standard
568106000Line Cord
96401201AFuse Kit, Metric
54554900AFuse, USA (1.6A 250V SLO-BLO)
98404700AInstruction Manual
53304500AOperating Software (on 1.44M diskette)
95105501AType N to SMA Adaptor (for 56X26 and 56X40 sensors)
Optional
95005591BRack Mounting Bracket
95600005ASensor Cable - 5 ft.
95600010A Sensor Cable - 10 ft.
95600020ASensor Cable - 20 ft.
95600025ASensor Cable - 25 ft.
95600050ASensor Cable - 50 ft.
95005592BRack Handle Kit
95600201ATrigger Delay Calibration Adapter
95600501A4500 Driver for VEE
95600601A4500 Driver for LABVIEW
Sensor Options
56018 Sensors are no longer available, but are compatible with the Model 4400A/4500A.
Frequency (GHz) Pulse Power Range (dBm)
56218 0.03 to 18 -24 to +20
56318 0.5 to 18 -24 to +20
56326 0.5 to 26.5 -24 to +20
56340 0.5 to 40 -24 to +20
56418 0.5 to 18 -34 to +5
56518 0.5 to 18 -40 to +20
56526 0.5 to 26.5 -40 to +20
56540 0.5 to 40 -40 to +20
General Information1-5
1.5 Optional Configurations
-01Second measurement channel; the channel, trigger and calibrator
connectors are located on the front panel.
-02One measurement channel; the channel, trigger and calibrator
connectors are located on the rear panel.
-03Second measurement channel; the channel, trigger and calibrator
connectors are located on the rear panel.
1.6 Specifications
Performance specifications for the Model 4400A/4500A are listed in Table 1-2.
Performance specifications for the Model 56218 Sensor are listed in Appendix D.
Performance specifications for the Model 56218-S/1 Sensor are listed inAppendix D.
Performance specifications for the Model 56218-S/3 Sensor are listed in Appendix D.
Performance specifications for the Model 56218-S/4 Sensor are listed in Appendix D.
Performance specifications for the Model 56218-S/5 Sensor are listed in Appendix D.
Performance specifications for the Model 56318 Sensor are listed in Appendix D.
Performance specifications for the Model 56318-S/1 Sensor are listed in Appendix D.
Performance specifications for the Model 56326 Sensor are listed in Appendix D.
Performance specifications for the Model 56340 Sensor are listed in Appendix D.
Performance specifications for the Model 56340-S/1 Sensor are listed in Appendix D.
Performance specifications for the Model 56418 Sensor are listed in Appendix D.
Performance specifications for the Model 56518 Sensor are listed in Appendix D.
Performance specifications for the Model 56518-S/1 Sensor are listed in Appendix D.
Performance specifications for the Model 56526 Sensor are listed in Appendix D.
Performance specifications for the Model 56540 Sensor are listed in Appendix D.
Cable length effects are listed in Appendix D.
1-6General Information
Table 1-2 Model 4400A/4500A Performance Specifications*
ParameterSpecifica tion
Sensor Inputs
Frequency Range30 MHz to 40 GHz, selectable
Pulse Measur ement Ran ge-40 to +20 dB
CW Measurem ent Range-50 to +20 dB
1
1
Risetime (10 - 90%)See sensor specifications
Single-Shot Bandwidth100 kHz (based on 10 samples per pulse)
Pulse Repetitio n Rate25 MHz
Minimum Pulse Width30 ns
1
Vertical Scale
Pulse and Statistical Mode
Relative Offset Range
Log ±99.99 dB
Linear 0 to 99 divisions
Vertical Scale
Log0.1 to 20 dB/div in 1-2-5 sequence
Linear1 nW to 50 MW in 1-2-5 sequence
Time Base
Pulse Mode
Time Base Range10 ns to 1 s/div
Time Base Accuracy0.01%
Time Base Resolution200 ps
Vertical Scale 0.1V to 1V in 1-2-5 sequence
Relative Offset±3 volts
Internal Trigger Range-27 to +20 dBm
1
External Trigger Range±3 volts
External Trigger Input50 ohms, dc coupled
General Information1-7
Table 1-2 Model 4400A/4500A Performance Specifications (continued)
ParameterSpecification
Statistical Processing (Model 4500A only)
CDF, 1-CDF, PDF Modes
Sampling Rate500,000 samples per second
Number of Sample Bins4096
Size of Sample Bins32 bits
Bin Power Resolution<0.02 dB
Percent Resolution0.002%
Display ModesCDF, 1-CDF in log or linear scales and plots normalized to average power
PDF log or linear scales and plots normalized to average power
Automatic MeasurementsPeak max. power, average power, peak t o average ratio, minimum power,
total samples, sampling time, confidence band of measurements,
dynamic range, and tolerance.
Calibration Source
Operating ModesCW, internal or external pulse
Frequency1.024 GHz ± .01%
Level Range-40.0 to +20.0 dBm
Resolution0.1 dB
Output SWR (Refl. Coeff.)1.20, (0.091)
Accuracy (NIST traceable)
4
(-30 to +20 dBm)
Absolute±0.065 (1.5%) at 0 dB and 25
Linearity+0.03 dB per 5 dB
Internal Pulse Period100 µs, 1 ms or 10 ms
Internal Pulse Duty Cycle10% to 90% in 10% i ncrements
Internal/External Pulse Polarity+ or ConnectorType N
1
3
o
C, ±0.001 dB per oC
Power Measurement Accuracy
Measurement UncertaintyTotal measurement uncertainty (worst case) is the sum of
the calibrator uncertainty, source mismatch error, sensor
calibration factor uncertainty, sensor temperature coefficient,
sensor shaping, noise and drift.
Mismatch Uncertainty±2 x sensor refle ction coeffic ient x sour ce refl ection
Power Mode: Random repetitive sampling system which provides
pre- and post-trigger data
Maximum Sample Rate1 MHz
Memory Depth4 K
Vertical Resolution0.025%, 12 bit A/D converter
Waveform Averaging1 to 10,000 samples per data point
Waveform StorageTwo reference waveforms in internal non-volatile memory
Trigger Channel Bandwidth> 30 MHz typical
1-8General Information
Table 1-2 Model 4400A/4500A Performance Specifications (continued)
ParameterSpecification
Sensor Characteristics
Power Detection TechniqueDual diode with selectable detector bandwidth
Log AmplifierThe logarithmic amplifier in the sensor enables the
instrument to measure and analyze changes in power
exceeding 60 dB in a single display range.
Internal DataSensor calibration factors, frequency range, power range,
sensor type, serial number and other sensor dependent
information are stored in EEPROM within the peak power
sensor.
Sensor CableThe sensor cable is detachable from both the sensor and
instrument. The standard cable length is 5 feet. Other
cable lengths are 10 ft., 20 ft., 25 ft., and 50 ft.
Rear Panel Connections
External Calibrator Pulse InputProvides a means of applying an external TTL level signal
to control the pulse rate and duty cycle of the calibrator
output. (50 ohm input impedance)
IEEE-488 InterfaceComplies with IEEE-488-1978. Implements AH1, SH1, T6,
Rear Panel
Channel 1 and 2, Trigger 1 and 2, calibrator output
Physical and Environmental
GeneralManufactured to the intent of MIL-T-28800E, Type III,
Class 5, Style E
Disk Drive3.5", 1.44MB (DOS compatible)
DisplayVGA compatible 7" diagonal color CRT with 640 x 480
pixel resolution. Waveform display area resolution is
501 x 281.
Operating Temperature0 to 50
Storage Temperature-40 to 75
Humidity 95%
o
C
o
C
+ 5% maximum (non-condensing)
Altitude Operating: 10,000 Feet (3000 Meters)
Non-operating: 15,000 Feet (4600 Meters)
Power Requirements90 to 260 V AC, 47 to 440 Hz, 200 VA maximum
Dimensions17.25 inches (43.8 cm) wide, 7 inches (17.8 cm) high,
22 inches (55.9 cm) deep
Weight38 lbs. (17.2 kg.) with second channel installed
Hard Copy OutputThe screen can be output to a printer or plotter on the
RS-232, parallel, IEEE-488 devices, or to a file on disk.
HPGL Plotters: HP7475 HP7470 ATT 435
Printers: ThinkJet LaserJet II
Sensors
See Appendix D or the Boonton Electronics Sensor Data Manual for detailed specifications for Boonton Peak Power
Sensors.
General Information1-9
Table 1-2 Model 4400A/4500A Performance Specifications (continued)
ParameterSpecification
Notes
1
Sensor dependent
2
Sensitivities are decreased by a factor of two in the split-s creen mode.
3
CW mode
4
CW mode, 0 to 40o C
5
Available with optional second channel.
*Specifications subject to change without notice.
1-10General Information
Installation
This section contains unpacking and repacking instructions, power requirements,
connection descriptions and preliminary checkout procedures.
2.1 Unpacking & Repacking
The Model 4400A/4500A is shipped complete and is ready to use upon receipt.
Figure 2-1 shows you the various pieces included in the packaging and the
order in which they are loaded into the container.
Save the packing material and container to ship the instrument, if neces sary. If
the original materials (or suitable substitute) are not available, contact Boonton
Note
Electronics to purchase replacements. Store materials in a dry environment.
Refer to the Physical and Environmental Specifications in Table 1-2. for futher
information.
2
Figure 2-1. Packaging Diagram
Installation2-1
Table 2-1 Model 4400A/4500A Packing List
INSTRUMENT SENSORS (packaged separately)
Model 4400A RF Peak Power MeterSensor
-orModel 4500A RF Peak Power Meter/AnalyzerSensor
Power CordSensor Cable, 5-foot
Fuse Kit, metric
Fuse, USA (1.6A 250V SLO-BLO)
Operating Software (on 72 0k, 3.5" diskette)Type N to SMA Adapter (for 56X26 and
Instruction Manual 56X40 Sensors)
For bench-top use, choose a clear, uncluttered area. Ensure that there is at least
6" of clearance at each air vent on the top and sides of the case. Pull -down feet
are located on the bottom of the instrument. Rack mounting instructions are
provided with the (optional) rack mount kit.
2.2 Power Requirements
The Model 4400A/4500A is equipped with a switching power supply that
permits operation from a 90 to 260 volt, 47 to 440 Hz, single-phase, AC power
source. Power consumption is 200 VA maximum. For metric fuse sizes, use the
metric fuse kit supplied.
Cautions
2.3 Connecti ons
Sensor(s)
Note
Connect the power cord supplied with the instrument to the power receptacle on
the rear panel. See Figure 3-2.
Before connecting the instrument to the power source, make certain that a 1.6
ampere slo-blow fuse is installed in the fuse holder on the rear panel.
Before removing the instrument cover or any of the circuit boards, position the
power switch to off (0 = OFF; 1 = ON) and disconnect the power cord.
Connect the sensor that covers the frequency range of the measurement to the
CHANNEL 1 sensor connector on the front (Standard) or rear (Optional) panel,
as follows. Connect the sensor to the sensor cable by aligning the red mark on
each part and pressing the connectors together firmly. Connect the sensor cable
to the CHANNEL 1 Input, holding the red mark on the cable connector up. For
two-channel measurements, use the same procedures to connect the second
sensor to the CHANNEL 2 Input.
If the sensor connector is not a Type N, install the appropriate adapter (from the
accessories kit) on the calibrator output connector..
2-2Installation
Trigger
For measurements requiring external triggering, connect the external tri gger
signal to TRIGGER Input 1. For two-channel measurements requiring two
external triggers, connect the Channel 2 trigger signal to TRIGGER Input 2.
Printer / Plotter
Maintenance Terminal
IEEE-488
If a printer or plotter is to be used to record measurement data, connect the
device to the RS-232 connector 1, parallel port, or IEEE-488 port on the rear
panel, with an appropriate cable.
If a (user furnished) remote terminal is to be used for maintenance purposes,
connect the terminal to RS-232 Connector 2 on the rear panel.
If the instrument is to be operated remotely, using the IEEE-488 bus, connect
the instrument to the bus using the rear panel IEEE-488 connector and
appropriate cable.
2.4 Preliminary Check
The following preliminary check verifies 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. Connect the AC power cord to a suitable AC power source.
2. Press the upper half (marked "1") of the power switch mounted on the
3. If the ON/SBY LED on the front panel is not lit, press the ON/SBY key.
4. Aft er a self-check, the instrument will execute the application program. A
brief initialization screen should appear, which shows the instrument name,
model number, and software version. After several moments a screen similar to
Figure 2-2 should be displayed.
rear panel immediately above the power receptacle.
Figure 2-2. Power-On
Display
Installation2-3
Note
5. On th e front panel, press the UTIL function key followed by the Util >
Inst Status > REPORT menu key. A display similar to Figure 2-3
should appear.
6. Verify that the message "Channel 1 is installed with Sensor Connected"
appears. If the optional second channel is installed and a sensor is
connected to it, a similar message should appear for Channel 2.
If any of the steps above do not produce the expected action, try reinstalling the
instrument software as shown in Section 7.4 "Software Upgrade". If this does
not correct the problem, contact Boonton Electronics for technical support.
Figure 2-3. Util > Inst
Status Display
7. Veri fy that the Instrument Serial Number matches the number on the rear
panel label adjacent to the power connector assembly. See Figure 3-2.
8. Compare the Control Software Version numbers on the display to those
on the diskette; verify that they are identical.
If either an improper serial number or incorrect software version numbers
appear on the screen, contact Boonton Electronics for technical support.
2-4Installation
Note
9. Follow Steps in Sections 3.4 and 3.5 to initialize and calibrate
the instrument.
You will not be able to perform measurements with the Model 4400A/4500A
until an AutoCal procedure (see Subsection 3.5, Step 8) has been performed on
the measurement channel. However, AutoCal data is saved when power is
removed, so AutoCal need not be repeated with each power-on.
Installation2-5
Getting Started
This chapter will introduce the user to the Model 4400A/4500A. The chapter
will identify objects on the front and rear panels, indentify display organization,
list the initial configuration of the instrument after reset, demonstrate how to
calibrate the sensors, and provide practice exercises for front panel operation.
For additional information you should see Chapter 4 "Operation."
3.1 Organization
Subsection 3.2 Operating Controls, Indicators and Connections identifies the
control features and connections on the front and rear panels.
Subsection 3.3 Monitor Display describes the data fields in the standard
(graphic mode) monitor display.
Subsection3.4 Initialization explains how to turn the instrument on for the
first time, connect a sensor, set the instrument up for operation, and initialize it
to a known state. See Table 3-3. for initialized parameters and their values.
3
Subsection3.5 Calibration is critical to the proper operation of an instrument.
The Model 4400A/4500A comes with a 1 GHz level programmable calibrator.
Before making any measurement the sensor(s) must be calibrated.
Subsection 3.6 Practice Exercises for power measurements, in pulse mode.
Pulse mode operation requires an internal or external trigger event.
Subsection 3.7 Practice Exercises for statistical power measurement.
3.2 Operating Controls, Indicators a nd Connections
Figures 3-1 and 3-2 illustrate the controls, indicators and connectors on the
front and rear panels, respectively, of the standard instrument. Refer to Table
3-1 for a description of each of the illustrated items. Connectors indicated by
an asterisk (*) may be front or rear-mounted, depending on the option selected.
The function and operation of all controls, indicators and connectors are the
same on the standard and optional models.
Getting Started3-1
Figure 3-1. Standard Model 4500A RF Peak Power Meter Analyzer - Front Panel
Table 3-1 Operating Controls, Indicators and Connections
Ref. No.
FrontRear Nom enclatureFun ction
1Display screenVGA color display for the measurement and trigger
channels, screen menus, status messages, text reports
and help screens.
2Menu keysSix keys which en able the user to make a selectio n or
choose a subme nu.
3PREV keyReturns control to the next higher menu in the
hierarchy or to the previous menu displayed,
depending on whethe r the current and previou s
menu are from the same or different branches of
the menu tree.
3-2Getting Started
Table 3-1 Operating Controls, Indicators and Connections (continued)
Ref. No.
FrontRear Nom enclatureFunc tion
4System keysESC/LOCAL key. When the instrument is remote-
enabled, pressing this key returns the instrument to the
Local mode. In Local mode, this key returns control to
the Top Level Menu, exits operations in process, and
clears reports.
TEXT/GRAPH key. Sele cts eith er the standard (grap hics)
display of waveforms, menus and messages, or a
text report of automatic waveform measurement results.
HELP key. Presents a Help screen containing brief
operating instructions for all menu functions.
PLOT key. Outputs the current image on the display
screen to selected output device.
INIT key. Initializes the measurement/display selections
and parameters to a set of default values.
5FUNCTION keysCHAN key. Enables the display and adjustment of level
parameters on each channel; selects video bandwidth; initiates
automatic calibration and zeroing function.
TIME key. Selects timebase and horizontal position of
displayed waveforms.
TRIG key. Specifies source, threshold, mode and other
parameters for the trigger function.
MARK key. Positions the selected marker on the horizontal axis
and selects the top or bottom window .
REF key. Positions the selected reference lines on the vertical axis.
DISP key. Selects full or split-screen mode; controls
the appearance of the displays; and selects linear
or logarithmic level display, or persistence.
MEAS key. Enters frequency, defines the amplitudes of the
distal, mesial and proximal , and displays automatic me asurements in parameter fields.
UTIL key. Sets up the IEEE-488 bus, RS-232C serial
ports, and HPGL plotter; sets the internal clock.
Includes disk utilities.
PRGM key. Stores and recalls instrument setup data, saves reference
waveforms, and stores and recalls reference waveforms to disk.
Getting Started3-3
Table 3-1 Operating Controls, Indicators and Connections (continued)
Ref. No.
FrontRear NomenclatureFunction
6IEEE-488 busREM annunciator. Indicates that the instrument is
annunciatorsaddressed an d remote on the IEEE-4 88 bus.
LSN annunciator. Indicates the instrument is addressed
to listen on the IEEE-488 bus.
TLK annunciator. Indicates the instrument is addressed
to talk on the IEEE-488 bus.
SRQ annunciator. Indicates that the instrument is
requesting service from the bus controller.
7Inputs parameters and selections to the instrument;
duplicates the spin knob and data entry keypad;
increments/decrements in single steps or repeats
if held down.
8Diskette driveDOS com patible 3.5" (1.44MB) diskette drive for loading
the operating program and storing/recalling data.
Figure 3-2. Model 4400A/4500A - Rear Panel
Shown with Optional Rear Panel Connectors
3-4Getting Started
Table 3-1 Operating Controls, Indicators and Connections (con tinued)
Ref. No.
FrontRear NomenclatureFunction
9*9*Calibrator outputType-N output port for the calibrator signal.
10Spin knobInputs control parameters and selections to the
instrument. Input values are automatically limited to
their allowab le minimums an d maximums. Du plicates
the and data entry keypad.
11*11* Trigger inputBNC connector for Channel 1 and 2 trigger signals.
12Data entry keypadInputs parameters and selections to the instrument.
Includes keys to specify units and to clear display errors.
Duplicates the spin knob and .
13*13*Measurement channelMultipin connector for Channel 1 and (optional) Channel 2
input connectorssensors.
14Power ON/SBY switchIn SBY (Standby) mode, calibrator remains powered to
Indicator LED enhance accuracy and stability; other modules are off.
LED is off in the standby mode.
15RS-232C Connectors
#1 Output Port Interface to serial output device.
#2 Diagnostic PortReports operational and error status to an external
user-furnished maintenance terminal.
16Parallel Printer PortConnector for parallel printer.
17Fuse holderHolds two 250 Volt fuses (See Table 1-1).
18Coolin g fanCirculates air inside the instrument.
19Power cord connectorSup plies AC power to the instrument (see Subsection 2.2).
20Power switchConnects or disconnects all power to the instrument;
overrides ON/SBY switch.
21External pulse For external control of calibrator pulse characteristics
connectorand synchronization.
22IEEE-488 bus Interconnects instrument to the bus controller or output
connector device.
*May be front or rear-mounted , depending on the optio n selected.
Getting Started3-5
3.3 Monitor Di splay
This subsection includes a picture (Figure 3-3) and a table (Table 3-2) of
descriptions of the display layout of the Model 4400A/4500A. Figure 3-3.
shows the principal display mode of the instrument. The other display modes
are just text displays with a common menu structure.
See Section 4.5 for more information on the display format.
Figure 3-3. Monitor Display
Table 3-2 Monitor Display Fields
Ref. No.Field NameDescription
1HeaderDisplays the Boonton logo, date/time, sensor temperature,
or else remains blank.
2Path nameLists the higher menus in the path of the current menu.
3MenuTh e current men u.
4Error fieldIdentifies errors as they occur.
5TimebaseIndicates the timebase per division selected for the waveform display.
6Message lineDescribes ongo ing operations.
3-6Getting Started
Table 3-2 Monitor Display Fields (continue d)
Ref. No.Field NameDescription
7Priority messageDisplays status on a priority basis. Messages include
Measuring Stopped, No Sensor, AutoCal Needed, and
Temperature Drift, AutoTriggering, Waiting for Trigger, and
Capturing Data.
When multiple messages are active, the message
having the highest priority is displaye d. For example,
if no sensor was connected, only the “No Sensor”
message would be displayed; the lower priority AutoCal
and temperature messag es would be suppressed .
8Marker measurementsThe two outside fields display the absolute power levels
at Time Marks 1 and 2. (Marker 1 is on the left; Marker 2 is
on the right.) The field above the centerline may display
either the ratio of the two power levels (expressed in dB), or
the average power in the waveform segment located between
the Time Marks (in dBm).
9Vertical MarkersThere are two vertical markers per window which allows
level measurements at specific times relative to the trigger
event.
10ParametersDisplays a table of measurement status para meters for
the currently selected channel or any selected automatic
measurement.
11Active Marker IndicatorThis indicator show the marker that is active in the marker
menu and is the measurement at the marker with the triangle
located on the vertical markers in the waveform display.
12Time Base LimitsThese fields show the timebase limits. In the pulse mode the time is
relative to the trigger event.
Getting Started3-7
3.4 Initialize
Caution
The procedures presented in this section will initialize the Model 4400A/4500A
and prepare it for operation. Steps 1 through 3 should be performed every time
you turn on the instrument. Step 4 only needs to be performed when you wish
to return the instrument operation to a known state. This usually occurs after
turning the instrument on or at the beginning of a new test. If you have
completed Subsection 2.4Preliminary Check, you may skip this section and
continue to Subsection 3.6Practice Ex ercises.
STEPPROCEDURE
1.If the main power is off, press the power switch located on the rear panel.
See Figure 3-2. If the ON/SBY indicator LED on the front panel is off,
press the ON/SBY key. See Figure 3-1.
After a self-check, the instrument will execute the applicat ion program. A
brief initialization screen should appear, which shows the instrument
name, model number, and software version. After several moments the
main measurement screen will appear.
If it is necessary to change the sensor installed on the inst rument, perform Steps
2, 3 and 4.
When selecting a sensor for an exercise or a measurement, be sure you know
the power range of the sensor. Extended operation beyond the sensor’s
specified upper power limit may result in permanent change of characteristics or
burnout.
Note
2.Connect the sensor to the sensor cable by aligning the red mark on each part
and pressing the connectors together firmly.
3.Connect the sensor cable to the Channel 1 input (holding the red mark UP).
When the sensor is connected, the instrument will download the factory
installed calibration data from the sensor memory. While the download is in
process, the message “CH 1 Sensor Data Loading” will appear on the display.
If the sensor is disconnected during the download, either the “Sensor Data
Error” or “I
clear the error; reconnect the sensor.
In general, when any sensor error message occurs, disconnect and reconnect the
sensor and press CLR. If the message persists, refer the problem to Boonton
Electronics for technical support.
The INIT key does not affect parameters selected for the IEEE Bus, Serial 1,
Serial 2, display colors, or the printer/plotter configurations.
4 .Press the INIT function key to initialize the operating parameters listed in
Table 3-3. This table represents all the parameters that are affected by
initialization. This table lists the value or the option to which the
2
C Error” message will appear. When this occurs, (press CLR) to
3-8Getting Started
Table 3-3. Initialized Parameters
ParameterDefault
Graph/Text/Help Mode SelectGraph
Top Level Menu
MeasurementRun
Measurement ModePulse
Parameters Related to the Chan # > Menu App lies to:
SelectCH 1
ChannelCH1, On
CH2, CH Math
REF 1, REF 2Off
Vertical Sca le (active ma rker)
LogA ll Channels20 dB/Div
LinearAll Channels20 mW/Div
Trig displayCH 1, CH 20.5 V/Div
Vertical Center
LogA ll Channels0.00 dB
LinearAll Channels0 Divs
Trig displayCH 1, CH 20 Volts
Extensions (Menu)
DisplayCH 1, CH 2Pwr
dB OffsetCH 1, CH 20.00 dB
Cal-Factor in dBCH 1, CH20.00 dB
Power ModeCH 1, CH2Pulse
Stat ModeCH 1CDF
Video BandwidthHigh
AveragingCH 1, CH 25
ExpressionCH Math
Argument ACH 1
Operator Argument BCH 2
Parameters Related to the Disp > Menu Applies to:
ScreenFull
UnitsLog
PersistenceOff
Format (Me nu)
Grid TypeCrosshair
Trace TypeAll ChannelsLine
Assign TraceCH 1, CH Math, REF 1Bottom
CH 2, REF 2Top
Disp HeaderLogo
Set Colorsnot altered by init.
Before any measurements can be aquired with the Model 400A/4500A, a sensor
must be connected from the instrument to the built-in calibrat or, and calibrated.
The following steps will guide the operator through the calibration process. This
explanation covers a single channel configuration. If a second channel and
sensor is available, repeat the steps for channel 2.
Note
If the sensor was just connected to the instrument or the instrument was just
turned on, please wait at least 15 minutes for the instrument to warm up before
autocalibration.
STEPPROCEDURE
1.Connect a Boonton Model 56xxx Series sensor to the instrument’s
CHANNEL input using the supplied cable. The cable will have a silver
multipin connector on each end. To connect the cable, align the red dots
between the connector and sensor and insert. Once the connector clicks
into place, the cable will not pull out without sliding the barrel of the
connector away from the connection point. The other end of the cable
connects to the measurement channel (1) input connector as identified in
Figure 3-1 item 13.
2.Connect the sensor to the "N" connector for the internal cali brator as
identified by Figure 3-1 item 9. If the sensor has a "K" style connector
use the "K" to "N" adapter (95105501A) provided. The 56326, 56525,
56340 and 56540 sensors will need the adapter.
3.Press INIT key. This sets the instrument to pulse mode. However, a pulse
waveform will not appear unless the calibrator is turned on.
4.Press MEAS key.
5.Select Meas > Frequency CH1> by pressing the menu key associated with
it. The box around the menu will be highlighted. This indicates that the
frequency function is selected for number entry. Frequency is given in
hertz. To select a frequency value of 1 GHz, press the "1" key followed
by the "G" (for giga) key.
This causes the frequency correction factor for the sensor to be read from
the sensor’s internal memory and automatically be applied to the
measurement.
Although in this case the value should have already been set to 1 GHz by
the INIT key, it is good practice for learning the operation of the
instrument.
6.Press the CHAN function key.
7.Press the Chan 1 > Calibration menu key.
8.Press the Chan 1 > Calibration > AutoCal menu key to initiate the
automatic zeroing and sensor calibration routine.
The AutoCal routine will calibrate the entire dynamic range of the sensor in
approximately 1.5 minutes while reporting status via screen messages.
AutoCal will not start if there are any pending errors. Press CLR to
clear errors before initiating AutoCal. A listing of error messages
appears in Appendix A Error Messages.
Getting Started3-11
Figure 3-4. Front Panel Controls Used in Calibration Procedures
function will be assigned after initialization.
STEPPROCEDURE
9.If an error message appears after you have initiated AutoCal, verify the
following:
a.Is the sensor that is connected to the calibrator also connected to the channel
indicated in the Chan 1 > Select menu?
b.Are the sensor cable connections secure at both the sensor and instrument
input channels?
c.Were any errors pending before you initiated AutoCal?
d.Does the instrument pass its self-test (no errors reported when you pressed
ON/SBY)?
To repeat the self-test, press Spcl > Servicing > Self Test.
e. Has an improper value been entered into the CF in dB window?
(Refer to the discussion of the Chan 1 > Extensions menu later in
this section.)
f.Are any at tenuators or other devices that are connected between the sensor and
the calibrator not accounted for in the CF in dB value? (Refer to the
discussion of the Chan 1 > Extensions menu later in this section.)
This completes the Calibration exercise. When you have accomplished these
steps, the instrument’s zero level will be properly adjusted, the sensor will be
calibrated, the calibrator must be manually turned on and a pulsed waveform
display will appear. The instrument will be ready for the practice exerci ses
presented in the next subsection.
3-12Getting Started
3.6 Practice Exercise for Pulse Power Measurements
In the following exercises you will practice adjusting the display settings and
pulse train parameters to become familiar with the Model 4400A/4500A
controls. Complete instructions for each control function are present ed in
Section 4 OPERATION.
It is suggested that you review the front panel control conventions presented in
Subsection 4.3 Menu Conventions before proceeding.
Before beginning the exercise connect a sensor to the calibrator from channel 1.
In the SPCL > CALIBRATOR > menu set the level to +5 dBm, set Cal Mode to
Pulse, and turn the calibrator output "On".
MENU ITEMEXERCISE
CHAN
Chan 1 > SelectPress the Chan 1 > Select key to select a channel. Each time the button is pressed, the
Chan 1 > ChannelPress the Chan > Chan nel menu key to toggle the CH 1 display off and
Press the CHAN function key and perform the following exercises to become familiar
with the items in the Chan 1 > menu.
next available channel is selected. Pressing repeatedly will cycle through the following
channels:
CH 1, CH 2, CH Math, Ref 1, Ref 2
Observe how the menu changes as you step through the items offered in the Chan > Select window.
When CH Math is current in the Chan > Select window, those instruments equipped with
the optional Channel 2 will display the difference between the sig nals applied to Channels
1 and 2. Use the Chan (CH Math) > Expression window to set the operation of the
(CH Math) display.
Use the Chan 1 > Select function to reselect CH 1 before proceeding.
on. The waveform shou ld disappear and reap pear. (Leave it on.)
Chan 1 > Vert ScaleIf the Chan 1 > Vert Scale selection is not active, press the Chan # > Vert
Scale menu key. Use the spin kn ob or to step the v ertical sensitivity
of the display through the range from 0.1 dB/Div to 20 dB/Div. Observe
the resulting changes in the pulse height, and note that the VertScale parameter
changes at each step to match the selected sensitivity. Note also that the
display is rescaled without recapture of data, and that the markers continu e
to make full-resolution measurements on waveforms that are off the screen.
Getting Started3-13
Figure 3-5.
Chan 1 > Vert CenterPress the Chan 1 > Vert Center menu key. Use any of the data entry
controls to shift the vertical center of the display to correspond to po wer levels of -10, 0
and +10 dBm. Observe the position o f the display at each setting and n ote that the
VertCenter parameter changes to match the selected level. Note also that the display is
rescaled without recapture of data.
Chan 1 > Extensions > Press the Chan 1 > Extensions menu key to access th e Extensions submenu
(Figure 3-7).
Chan 1 > Extensions >Press the Chan 1 > Extensions > Display menu key to toggle between the
DisplayPwr and Trig functions. Selecting the Pwr function displays the waveform
that is connected to the sensor; selecting the Trig function displays the waveform
connected to the external trigger input. Because there is no external connection to the
trigger input for this exercise, the waveform display will be show a flat trace if Trig is
selected.
Chan 1 > Extensions >This selection will be highligh ted. Use any of the data entry controls to shift the waveform
dB Offset vertically on the display. (Positive offsets move the waveform up; negative offsets move
it down.)
In practice, dB Offset is used to compensate for attenuators or amplifiers inserted
between the sensor and the device under test. CF in dB is used to compensate for
Note
losses in cables, adapters, switches and other li ne equipment inserted between the
sensor and the calibrator output, or between the sensor and the device under test, but
not both.
Chan 1 >
Menu
Chan 1 > ExtensionsPress th e Chan 1 > Extensions > CF in dB menu key. Use any of the data
CF in dBentry controls to shift the waveform vertically.
3-14Getting Started
MENU ITEMEXERCISE
Chan 1 > Extensions >Press the Chan 1 > Extensions > Video BW menu key to toggle between
Video BWthe “Low” (narrowband) and “High” (wideband) sensor bandwidths. The
bandwidths and risetimes corresponding to the “Low” and “High” sensor selections are
presented in the sensor specifications, Tables 1-3, through 1-17. The “Low” position
reduces the RF noise level. The “High” position is useful for displaying pulses with fast
rise and falltimes.
Chan 1 > Extensions >Press the Chan 1 > Extensions > Averaging menu key. Use any of the
Averagingdata entry controls to select the number of samples to be averaged at
each point of the waveform to prod uce the waveform display.
TIME
Time > TimebaseThis selection will be highlighted. Use the spin knob to step the timebase
Time > PositionPress the Time > Position menu key to shift the start of the waveform
Note
Press the TIME function key and perform the following exercises to become familiar with
the items in the Time > menu (Figure 3-8):
through the range from 10 ns/Div to 1 s/Div. Observe the changes in th e
display and note that for each selection, the Time > Tr Dly reading remains
consistent with the limits set by the resolution of the display.
to the left (L) edge, middle (M) or right (R) edge of the display area.
In practice, this feature is used to observe a specific segment of the w aveform. Select
“L” to observe the waveform immediately after the trigger occurs; “R” to observe the
waveform immediatetely before; and “M” to observe segments of the waveform just
before and after the trigger.
Figure 3-6. Chan 1 > Extension s > Menu
Getting Started3-15
Figure 3-7.
MENU ITEMEXERCISE
Time > Trig DelayPress the Time > Trig Delay menu key. Use any of the data entry con trols to adjust the
time delay between the trigger and the start of the data capture display. The instrument
adjusts the limits of the Trig Delay parameter based on the timebase selection to reflect an
appropriate resolution for that timebase.
Time >
Menu
TRIG
Trig > Trig ModePress the Trig > Trig Mode menu key to toggle between Auto and Norm(al).
Trig > Trig SourcePress the Trig > Trig Source menu key to toggle between Ch 1 Int(ernal) and Ch 1 Ext(ernal).
Trig > Trig LevelUse any of the data entry controls to adjust th e trigger level, which may be set to any
Press the TRIG function key and perform the following exercises to become familiar with
the items in the Trig > menu (Figure 3-9) :
In the Norm mode, the data capture and waveform display are triggered when the internal or
external trigger pulse reaches the trigger level. In Auto mode, if no trigger pulse is present at
or above the trigger level, the measurement is triggered automatically after a prespecified
timeout period. The Au to mode is preferred for measurement of unmodulated (CW) carriers.
The latter choice is valid only if an external trigger source is connected. The Ch 2 selections
will be activated only if the optional Channel 2 is installed.
positive or negative value, up to the peak power of the trigger signal. For these exercises,
the trigger waveform is the calibrator signal, which has been set to a peak power level of
+10 dBm. Accordingly, the Trig Level control may be set to any level in the range from
-5 to +9 dBm.
3-16Getting Started
Figure 3-8.
MENU ITEMEXERCISE
Trig > HoldOffThis control cannot be used effectively when the calibrator is the source of th e test signal.
Consequently, it is not used for these exercises. See Table 4-9 for a discussion of the
HoldOff parameter.
Trig > Trig SlopePress the Trig > Trig Slope menu k ey to toggle between rising edge trigg ering and falling
edge triggering. Note that in the Status parameter field at the top of the graph mode
display the trigger slope is indicated by the sign of the trigger channel.
> Menu
Trig
MARK
Mark > WindowThis key enables you to select the time marks in the top or bottom window of a split-screen
Getting Started3-17
Press the MARK function key and perform the following exercises to become familiar
with the items in the Mark > menu (Figure 3-10):
display available with two-channel instruments (Figure 3-11). (To establish a split-scree
display, press the DISP function key; then press the Disp > Screen menu key and select
Split.)
To switch between the top and bottom windows of the split screen display, press the
MARK function key followed by the Mark > Window menu key. The active marker is
indicated by the highlighted menu b ox in the Mark > menu and by small triangles at the
top and bottom of the markers. See Figure 3-12 .
Figure 3-9.
Mark >
Menu
Figure 3-10. Split-Screen Display
3-18Getting Started
MENU ITEMEXERCISE
To return to a full screen, press the DISP function key, followed by the Disp > Screen
menu key. Select Full.
Press the MARK function key to continue the exercise.
Mark > Time Mark 1If Time Mark 1 is inactive, press the Mark > Time Mark 1 menu key to
activate it. Use the spin knob or to move Time Mark 1 to the leading edge of any
pulse in the display. Move the time mark across the pulse and observe the power reading
(in dBm) loca ted above th e left-han d side of the waveform d isplay wind ow. This r eading
refers to the peak power level at Time Mark 1 and will be displayed in the same color as
the measured waveform. Also observe that the Time Mark 1 display box shows the time
delay of the marker position relative to the trigger event. Use this feature to determine the
relative time of any point on the measured waveform.
Mark > Time Mark 2If Time Mark 2 is inactive, press the Mark > Time Mark 2 menu key to
activate it. Use the spin knob to move Time Mark 2 a few divisions away from Time
Mark 1. Observe that the active marker is designated by triangles at to p and bottom.
Note that the power reading ab ove the right-hand side of the wave form display window
corresponds to Time Mark 2. Note also that the ratio of the waveform power levels at
Time Mark 1 and Time Mark 2 (which is equivalent to the difference of the two levels
expressed in “dBm”) is displayed above the centerline of the waveform.
Figure 3-11. Waveform Display With Time Marks
Getting Started3-19
Mark > Delta TimeMove eith er time marker a nd obse rve tha t the Mark > Delta Time box
displays the difference in time between the two time marks.
Mark > Set Vrt CntrPress the Mark > Set Vrt Cntr menu key to move the display window so
that the signal level at the active marker crossing will be displayed at the center of the
screen.
For example, pr essing the Set Vrt Cntr menu key when the active marker is on a pulse
measuring +10 dBm will shift the display up or d own, so that the center of the vertical
scale correspond s to +10 dBm (see Figure 3-13a). I f you mo ve the active marker off the
pulse so that its power reading is -15 dBm, for example, pressing the Set Vrt C ntr key will
shift the display so the vertical center corresponds to -15 dBm (Figure 3-13b).
When you press the Mark > Set Vrt Cntr menu key, the Vertical Center parameter is
automatically adjusted in the applicable Chan # > menu.
Figure 3-12a
Figure 3-12b
Figure 3-12. Using Mark >Set Vertical Center
3-20Getting Started
MENU ITEMEXERCISE
MEAS
Meas > Frequency Group Th is selection toggles between BOTH and EACH. The BOTH option links both
Meas > Frequency Use any of the data entry con trols to adjust the frequency for Channel 1
Channel 1operation. This frequency selection is used to calculate the required
Meas > FrequencyThis only applies to Channel 2 operation. The operation is the same as
Channel 2discussed abov e.
Press the MEAS function key, and perform the following exercises to become
familiar with frequency entry.
Use any of the data entry controls to select the measurement frequency
(in GHz). The instrument will automatically read the frequency correction
data from the sensor and apply the correction to the measurement.
Because the sensor is connected to the calibrator output for these exercises, the
measurement frequenc y must be set to 1.0 GHz (the freque ncy of the calibrator signal)
to obtain a valid reading.
channels together with the same frequency. The EACH option allows each
channel to be set to different frequencies.
correction f actor.
Note
Hint
The Model 4400A/4500A readings are always full scale, so data is not lost when
vertical settings are changed. Thus, there is no danger of losing data related to
events that occur during adjustment of Vertical Scale, Vertical Center, dB Offset, CF in dB, or Frequency.
This concludes the Practice Pulse Power Exercis es. Press the INIT function key to
clear the practice parameter settings and the instrument will be ready to use.
For best results, read the rest of this Instruction Manual through Section 6APPLICATION NOTES before using the Model 4400A/4500A to make
operational measurements.
Getting Started3-21
3.7 Practice Exercise for Statistical Power Measurements (4500A only)
In the following exercises you will practice adjusting settings for the Model
4500A Digital Sampling Power Analyzer in the statistical power mode. In
statistical power measurements, the instrument does not require a t rigger event
to make level measurements. The signal is continuously sampled at
approximately half a million samples per second
Before beginning the exercise, turn the instrument power on and connect a
sensor to channel 1. Press the INIT key to initialize the instrument to a known
state. Then connect the sensor to the built-in calibrator. If a s ensor requires
calibration see Section 3.5 for instructions.
In the SPCL >CALIBRATOR menu set the calibrator level to +5 dBm, cal mode
to pulse and turn the output power level on.
For more information on the statistical power measure mode definitions, see
Chapter 6 - Applications.
MENU ITEM EXERCISE
Top Level
> Measure ModePress > Measure Mode to cycle through the available measurement modes. On the
Model 4500A these are:
Pulse, CW, CDF, 1-CDF, PDF
The last three modes set the 4500A for continuous data acquisition and with statistical
display formats. Select the CDF measurement mode.
> MeasurementToggle > Measurement from RUN to STOP. This will stop the instrument from measuring.
>DisplayPress > Display: CLEAR to clear all data and display. All readings will go to dashes
(invalid). Use this function any time old data needs to be cleared and new data
captured.
Now toggle the > Measure menu to RUN to start acqu iring data.
As the instrument captures data a cumulative distribution function plot will appear on the
display (Figure 3-14). This plot represents all data points captured by the instrument.
The plot shows the percentage of points that have been accumulated at or below a selected
power level.
Parameter andThere are 9 parame ter fields abo ve the wavefor m display in the graph mode. Th ese are:
Marker fields
Peak Power - The ma ximum power l evel sampled
Average Power - The calculated average power based on all samples
Peak to Average Ratio - Peak power minus the average power in dB
Total Time - This is the total time over which readings are captured
Total Points - This is the actual number of samples captured in 0.1 mega sample resolution
Tolerance - This is a measure of the statistical relevance of the data and is related to the
selected confidence band.
Ref 1, 2 and Delt a - These are the values retu rned as readi ngs from the horizonta l
reference lines. The reference lines are set in power and return a value in percent.
3-22Getting Started
MENU ITEM EXERCISE
Press the TEXT button and the screen changes to the text mode to show markers,
reference lines, and all the automatic measurements on one screen.
Press the TEXT button again to change the screen back to the graph display.
CHAN
Chan 1 > SelectPress the Chan 1 > Select key to select a channel. Each time the button is pressed, the next
Chan 1 > ChannelPress the Chan > Chan nel menu key to toggle the CH 1 display off and
Chan 1 > Vert ScaleIf the Chan 1 > Vert Scale selection is not active, press the Chan # > Vert
Press the CHAN function key and perform the following exercises to become familiar
with the items in the Chan 1 > menu.
available channel is selected. Pressing repeatedly will cycle through the following
channels:
CH 1, CH Math, Ref 1, Ref 2
Observe how the menu changes as you step through the items offered in the Chan # > Select window.
In the channel selection menu Channel 2 is n ot available in the Stat m easurem ent mod e.
Use the Chan # > Select function to reselect CH 1 before proceeding.
on. The waveform shou ld disappear and reap pear. (Leave it on.)
Scale menu key. Use the spin kn ob or to step the v ertical sensitivity
of the display through the range from 0.1 dB/Div to 20 dB/Div. Observe
the resulting changes in the CDF plot. Note also that the d isplay is rescaled without
recapture of data.
Chan 1 > Vert CenterPress the Chan 1 > Vert Center menu key. Use any of the data entry
controls to shift the vertical center of the display to correspond to po wer levels of -10, 0
and +10 dBm. Observe the position o f the display at each setting and n ote that the Center
parameter changes to match the selected level. Note also that the display is rescaled
without recapture of data.
Chan 1 > Extensions > Press the Chan 1 > Extensions menu key to access th e Extensions submenu.
Getting Started3-23
MENU ITEMEXERCISE
Chan 1 > Extensions >The selection will be highlighted as it is the default active function for the extensions
dB Offsetsubmenu. Use any of the data entry controls to shift the waveform vertically on the
display. (Positive offsets move the waveform up; negative offsets move it down.)
In practice, dB Offset is used to compensate for attenuators or amplifiers inserted
between the sensor and the device under test. CF in dB is used to compensate for
Note
Chan 1 > ExtensionsPress th e Chan 1 > Extensions > CF in dB menu key. Use any of the data
CF in dBentry controls to shift the waveform vertically.
Chan 1 > Extensions >Press the Chan 1 > Extensions > Video BW menu key to toggle between the “Low”
Video BW(narrowband) and “High” (wideband) sensor bandwidths. The bandwidths and risetimes
losses in cables, adapters, switches and other li ne equipment inserted between the
sensor and the calibrator output, or between the sensor and the device under test, but
not both.
corresponding to the “Low” and “High” sensor selections are presented in the sensor
specifications, Tables 1-3, through 1-17. The “Low” position reduces the RF noise level.
MEAS
Meas > Stat ModeThis menu selection offers three choices on how the captured data is plotted. They are
Figure 3-13.
CDF Display
Press the MEAS function key and perform the following exercises to become familiar with
selecting statistical measurement modes.
cumulative distribution function (CDF) the default mode, 1- cumula tive distribution
function (1-CDF), and probability density function (PDF).
The CDF plot presents the data in a running total by level which can be read by markers
or reference lines as the percent of total readings at or below a selected power level.
3-24Getting Started
Figure 3-14.
1-CDF Display
The 1-CDF plot presents the data as the percent of total reading at or above a selected
power level.
Figure 3-15.
PDF Display
The PDF mode plots the quantity of samples. Only the reference lines are functional and
return the percent of total readings at a specific power level.
Getting Started3-25
MENU ITEMEXERCISE
As an extra exercise, stop the measurement acquisition and use the reference lines to
record a reading at +5dBm in CDF mode. Then use the total number of samples and
calculate the total number of points that these percentages represent.
Meas > # of SamplesThis selection sets a limit for the number of samples to be acquired. This acquisition takes
place at about 500 kSa/sec for a single channel, and 250 kSa/sec for two channels
running. When the total number of points has been reached, the instrument will enter
STOP mode.
When finished, leave the Meas > Stat Mode in 1-CDF.
TIME
Time > X- AxisThis selection changes the horizontal scale to display all or only a portion of the waveform.
Time > % OffsetSelect the % Offset an d use the knob to move the expanded disp lay along the waveform.
Note
TRIG
Press the TIME function key and perform the following exercises to become familiar with
the items in the Time > menu.
Expand the X-axis using the knob until it reads 0.1% per division. This will expand the
waveform data to its maximum resolution.
With the instrument in the Chan > Extensions > Stat Mode: 1-CDF display mode, the
maximum detail around the peak power will be shown at the left edge of the display.
The instrument will not accept an invalid combination of X-A xis and % Offset. The
% Offset is automatically adjusted to a val id limit for the selected X-Axis. For
example, when the X-Axis is set to 10% per division, the horizontal axis covers the
range from 0% to 100%. On this setting the only valid % Offset is 0%. The % Offset
is automatically limi ted when the X-axis is chan ged.
This menu has no active functions in th e statistical mode. One menu displays the message
Trig > Trig Mode: Continuous as a reminder that the instrument is continuously sampling
the power envelope in the stat mode.
Press the REF function key and perform the following exercises to become familiar with
REF
Ref > Extensions > In the REF menu select the extension submenu. In this menu press the Ref CH Sel menu
Ref CH Selkey until the selection reads Channel 1. The reference lines are now available and are
3-26Getting Started
the items in the Ref > menu .
The first step in using the reference lines is to enable them and assign them to a channel.
positioned on the screen based on the vertical scale and vertical center selections for the
selected channel; in this case channel 1.
Press the PREV key to return one level up (Ref >), where the ne xt command is located.
MENU ITEMEXERCISE
Ref > Ref Line 1If Ref Line 1 is inactive, press the Ref > Ref Li ne 1 menu key to activate it. Use the spin
knob or to move Ref Line 1 to the power level where the desired measurement is to
be made. Move the Ref Lin e around the wavef orm and observe the pe rcentage of
occurence shown above the left-hand side of the waveform display in the parameter field.
In 1-CDF this reading refers to the percentage of the total readings that are at or above the
power level for the reference line and are displayed in the same color as the measured
waveform.
Ref > Ref Line 2If Ref Line 2 is inactive, press the Ref > Ref Li ne 2 menu key to activate it. Use the spin
knob to move Ref Line 2 a few divisions away from Ref Line 1. Observe that the active
reference line is designated by triangles at left and right. Note that the reading above the
right-hand side of the waveform display window corresponds to Ref Line 2. Note also
that the absolute delta of the percent of Ref Line 1 and Ref Line 2 is disp layed above the
centerline of the waveform.
This concludes the Practice Statistical Pow er Exercises. Press the INIT function
key to clear the practice parameter settings and the Model 4500A will be ready to
use.
Hint
For best results, read the rest of this Instruction Manual through Section 6
APPLICATION NOT ES before using the Model 4400A/4500A to make
operational measurements.
Getting Started3-27
Operation
4.1 Calibration
Note
4
This section presents the control menus and procedures for operating the Model
4400A/4500A in the manual mode. All the display menus that control the instrument
are illustrated and accompanied by instructions for using each menu item.
The operation section of the manual begins with instructions on h ow to calibrate the
sensors that will be used with the instrument. This calibration is required to begin
taking measures using the Digital Sampling Power Analyzer.
The Model 4400A/4500A features a built-in automatic calibration (AutoCal) process,
which calibrates both the peak power and CW measurement channels. An internal
programmable calibrator outputs discrete incremental power levels covering the
dynamic rang e of the sensor. Zeroing is adjusted f or the High and Low vid eo
bandwidths and for the CW measurement mode.
You must calibrate the instrument using the AutoCal routine whenever the Priority
Message field reads “CH # Needs AutoCal.”* At Power-On, the instrument checks its
data buffers and will not perform measurements if a valid set of calibration data is not
present.
CF in dB
Before beginning calibration a warm-up period may be required. If the instrument is
not connected to main power or the rear panel power switch is off, a 30 m inute
warm-up period will be required before the sensors can be calibrated to full accuracy.
The front panel switch is a standby switch, and the calibrator is always powered. If
the sensors are not connected or the standby switch is off, the sensors will require 15
minutes to temperature stabilize.
Before initiating AutoCal, clear any pending errors by pressing CLR. To initiate
AutoCal, press the CHAN function key, followed by the Chan # > Calibration >
AutoCal menu keys. See Figure 4-1b. During AutoC al, progress is reported on the
display status line. If necessary , you can halt AutoCal by pressing the ESC key.
If cables, adapters or other devices are in the signal path between the calibrator output
and the sensor during the AutoCal procedur e, but are not to be used in themeasurement path, you must set the Chan # > Extensions > CF in dB parameter to
assure proper instrument calibration. Do this by adding up the losses of the cables,
adapters or other devices and entering the sum in to the Chan # > Extensions >CF in dB window (Figure 4-1c) before initiating AutoCal. After AutoCal has run,
reset the CF in dB parameter to zero and remove the cables and adapters before
performing the measurement.
Calibration accuracy varies with signal power, as described in Subsection 1.6
Specifica tions. An analysis of calibration accuracy is presented in Section 6.0
Application Notes.
*The # symbol designates the numerals 1 or 2.
Operation4-1
Inset. Menu Terminology
Figure 4-1.
and Associated Submenus
Chan 1 >
Menu
Figure 4-1a.
Figure 4-1b.
Chan 1 >
Chan 1 > Calibration >
Menu
Submenu
Figure 4-1c. Chan 1 > Extensions > Submenu
4-2Operation
4.2 Manual Operation
In the manual mode, the instrument is controlled from the front panel by selecting
items from a system of screen menus. The menu structure is illustrated in Figure 4-2.
To properly input commands and data using these menus, you must be familiar with
the menu conventions descri bed in the next subsection. Subseq uent subsections
provide detailed instructions for the control keys and menus:
4.6Top Level Menu
4.7System Keys
4.8 - 4.18Function Keys and Associated Menus
4.19Automatic Operation
4.3 Menu Conventions
This section of the manual describes the menu conventions used throughout Chapter 4
"Operation" and the rest of the manu al.
The control menu conventions are summarized as follows:
1.Path description is a notation to indicate the entry location in the menu structure.
The greater than ">" symbol is used to indicate each indented level of the menu.
The first name should be one of the function keys. If the ">" symbol is the first
character then the top level menu is being referenced. The top level can be
accessed by pressing the "ESC" key. If a colon ":" symbol is part of the
description, the value that follows the colon ":" is the choice of value in that
menu.
In the top level menu of the Model 4500A, > Measure Mode offers CW, Pulse,
and three statistical measurement modes (CDF, 1-CDF and PDF). The Model
4400A does not support the statistical modes, so only CW and Pulse
measurement modes are available. The following sections of this manual will
use the symbol Pwr to indicate that a menu selection is only applicable when
the instrument is in Pulse or CW power measurement modes. The symbol Stat
will be used to indicate functions or menu selections that are only available in
one of the three statistical modes, and are not applicable on the Model 4400A.
Pwr & Stat➮ indicates that the selection is available in any measurement mode.
In a 4500A, the CHAN, MEAS, TIME, TRIG, MARK, and REF menus all have
slight differences depending upon whethe r the instrument is set to a power or a
statistical mode. The UTIL, SPCL, PRGM and DISP menus operate the same in
any mode.
2.Entries in the menu selection boxes (see Figu re 4-1 Inset) can be any of the
following types:
Actions, Toggles or Parameter Values
3.A single word or abbreviation in a selection box written in upper/lower case letters
indicates an entry or selection menu; when the word in the selection box is
written in all upper case, it indicates an Action or a secondary menu (submenu).
Examples are pr esented in Fi gures 4-1.
The Chan 1 > Calibration > Fixed Cal window in Figure 4-1b is
an example of an Action. To initiate the indicated action, s imply
press the associated menu key.
Operation4-3
%RRQWRQ 0RGHO $$
Power Mode ➭
Top Level
Menu
Measurement
Single Sweep
Display
Measure Mode
Auto-Setup
CHAN
Button
Select
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Center
Calibration
Autocal
Fixed Cal
CW Zeroing
Extensions
Display
dB Offset
CF in dB
Video BW
Averaging
CHAN
Button
Select
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Offset
Calibration
Autocal
Fixed Cal
CW Zeroing
Extensions
Display
dB Offset
CF in dB
Video BW
Averaging
LOG
CH1
LIN
CH1
CHAN
Button
Select
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Center
Calibration
Autocal
Fixed Cal
CW Zeroing
Extensions
Display
dB Offset
CF in dB
Video BW
Averaging
CHAN
Button
Select
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Offset
Calibration
Autocal
Fixed Cal
CW Zeroing
Extensions
Display
dB Offset
CF in dB
Video BW
Averaging
LOG
CH2
LIN
CH2
CHAN
Button
Select
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Center
Expression
Argument A
Operator
Argument B
CHAN
Button
Select
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Offset
Expression
Argument A
Operator
Argument B
LOG
CHM
LIN
CHM
CHAN
Button
Select
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Center
Waveform
CHAN
Button
Select
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Offset
Waveform
LOG
REF1
LIN
REF1
CHAN
Button
Select
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Center
Waveform
CHAN
Button
Select
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Offset
Waveform
LOG
REF2
LIN
REF2
TIME
Button
Timebase
Position
Trig Delay
TRIG
Button
Trig Mode
Trig Source
Trig Level
Holdoff
Trigger Slope
Figure 4-2. Control Menu Structure
4-4Operation
%RRQWRQ0 RGHO $$
Power Mode ➭
MARK
Button
Window
Time Mark 1
Delta Time
Time Mark 2
Set Vrt Cntr
Extensions
Window
Mk Group
Mk 1 CH
Mk 2 CH
Delta Marker
Mk Math
REF
Button
Window
Ref Line 1
Ref Delta
Ref Line 2
Refs to MKs
Extensions
Window
Ref CH Sel
Ref Tracking
MEAS
Button
Freq Group
Freq CH 1
Freq CH 2
Define Pulse
Distal
Mesial
Proximal
Power Mode
Param Meas
Chan Select
Param Mode
Param Col
Param Top
Param Mid
Param Bot
UTIL
Button
Inst Status
IEEE-488
Bus Setup
Address
Listen Term
Talk Term
EOI on Talk
SRQ Mask
Set SRQ
View Buffers
Mnemonics
Serial
Serial 1
Baud Rate
Stop Bits
Parity Bit
Handshake
Length
Xon Xoff
Serial 2
Baud Rate
Length
Stop Bits
Parity Bit
Handshake
Disk
Select
Extension
Page
Delete
Bytes Free
SPCL
Button
Servicing
Self Test
Configuration
Tdelay Cal
Tdelay Adj
Cal Mode
CALIBRATOR
Cal Output
Set Level
Max Power
Cal Mode
Pulse
Source
Polarity
Duty Cycle
Pulse Period
Extensions
Calibrator
Level Step
CH 1 Sensor
CH 2 Sensor
Peaking Mode
Auto Center
PRGM
Button
Instr Store
Select
Source
Destination
Instrument
Bytes Free
Instr Recall
Select
Source
Destination
Instrument
Bytes Free
Ref Save
Source
Destination
Waveform
WFM Store
Select
Source
Destination
Waveform
Bytes Free
WFM Recall
Select
Source
Destination
.WFM File
Waveform
Bytes Free
DISP
Button
Screen
Units
Persistence
Format
Grid Type
Trace Type
CH 1
CH 2
CH Math
Ref 1
Ref 2
Trace Assign
CH 1
CH 2
CH Math
Ref 1
Ref 2
Disp Header
Set Colors
Item Color
Red
Green
Blue
Init Colors
Hardcopy
Device
Model
Output Port
File Select
Plot Label
Graph & Text
Clock
Year
Month
Day of Month
Hour
Minutes
Day of Week
Figure 4-2. Control Menu Structure
Operation4-5
%RRQWRQ0 RGHO $
Stat Mode ➭
Top Level
Menu
Measurement
Display
Measure Mode
CHAN
Button
Select
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Center
Calibration
Autocal
Fixed Cal
CW Zeroing
Extensions
dB Offset
CF in dB
Video BW
CHAN
Button
Select
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Offset
Calibration
Autocal
Fixed Cal
CW Zeroing
Extensions
dB Offset
CF in dB
Video BW
LOGLOG
CH1CH2
CHAN
Button
Select
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Center
Calibration
Autocal
Fixed Cal
CW Zeroing
Extensions
dB Offset
CF in dB
Video BW
LINLIN
CH1
CHAN
Button
Select
CH2
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Offset
Calibration
Autocal
Fixed Cal
CW Zeroing
Extensions
dB Offset
CF in dB
Video BW
CHAN
Button
Select
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Center
Expression
Argument A
Operator
Argument B
CHAN
Button
Select
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Offset
Expression
Argument A
Operator
Argument B
LOG
CHM
LIN
CHM
CHAN
Button
Select
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Center
Waveform
CHAN
Button
Select
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Offset
Waveform
LOG
REF1
LIN
REF1
CHAN
Button
Select
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Center
Waveform
CHAN
Button
Select
Channel
Vert Scale
Vert Offset
Waveform
LOG
REF2
LIN
REF2
TIME
Button
X-Axis
% Offset
TRIG
Button
Continuous
Figure 4-2. Control Menu Structure
4-6Operation
%RRQWRQ 0RGHO $
Stat Mode ➭
MARK
Button
Window
Marker 1
Delta Time
Marker 2
Set Vtr Cntr
Extensions
Window
Mk Group
Mk 1 CH
Mk 2 CH
REF
Button
Window
Ref Line 1
Ref Delta
Ref Line 2
Refs to MKs
Extensions
Window
Ref CH Sel
MEAS
Button
Freq Group
Freq CH 1
Freq CH 2
Stat Mode
# of Samples
Confidence
UTIL
Button
Inst Status
IEEE-488
Bus Setup
Address
Listen Term
Talk Term
EOI on Talk
SRQ Mask
Set SRQ
View Buffers
Mnemonics
Serial
Serial 1
Baud Rate
Stop Bits
Parity Bit
Handshake
Length
Xon Xoff
Serial 2
Baud Rate
Length
Stop Bits
Parity Bit
Handshake
Disk
Select
Extension
Page
Delete
Bytes Free
SPCL
Button
Servicing
Self Test
Tdelay Cal
Tdelay Adj
Cal Mode
CALIBRATOR
Cal Output
Set Level
Max Power
Cal Mode
Pulse
Source
Polarity
Duty Cycle
Pulse Period
Extensions
Calibrator
Level Step
CH 1 Sensor
CH 2 Sensor
Auto Center
PRGM
Button
Instr Store
Select
Source
Destination
Instrument
Bytees Free
Instr Recall
Select
Source
Destination
Instrument
Bytees Free
Ref Save
Source
Destination
Waveform
WFM Store
Select
Source
Destination
Waveform
Bytees Free
WFM Recall
Select
Source
Destination
.WFM File
Waveform
Bytes Free
DISP
Button
Screen
Units
Persistence
Format
Grid Type
Trace Type
CH 1
CH 2
CH Math
Ref 1
Ref 2
Trace Assign
CH 1
CH 2
CH Math
Ref 1
Ref 2
Disp Header
Set Colors
Item Color
Red
Green
Blue
Init Colors
Hardcopy
Device
Model
Output Port
File Select
Plot Label
Graph & Text
Clock
Year
Month
Day of Month
Hour
Minutes
Day of Week
Figure 4-2. Control Menu Structure
Operation4-7
4.Two entries (one of which is highlighted) appearing side-by-side within a menu
indicate a Toggle. See, for example, the Chan 1 > Channel selection box in
Figure 4-1a. Press the associated menu key to toggle the selection between
“Off” and “On .”
5.A Parameter Value in a selection box represents the current value of that
parameter. See the Chan 1 > Vert Center selection box in Figure 4-1a. To
change a Parameter Value, highlight the selection by pressing th e associated
menu key. Normally one of the selection boxes will be highlighted
automatically each time a menu is activated. Highlighting is indicated by a
color change of the selection box.
When a parameter entry w indow is highligh ted, you may use any of the data
entry controls (spin knob , , or keypad) to adjust the parameter va lue.
Pressing the menu key of a highlighted item deactivates the item and disables data
entry.
6.Parameter Values can either be continuously variable throughout a rang e, or
restricted to a predefined set of discrete values. For discrete sets, the spin knob
and arrow keys are programmed to select only valid values in the set. For
discrete ranges, if you key in an incorrect value, the instrum ent will
automatically select the nearest correct value. If you input a value outside the
range of the parameter, the instrument will respond with the error message
“Number Entry Over ( Under) Lim it.”
7.The word “MENU” appearing in a selection box indicates that there is a submenu
of additional selections at the next lower menu level. In the menu shown in
Figure 4-3a, for exam ple, when you press the Disp > Tra ce Type menu key, y ou
will call up the Disp > Trace Type > submenu illustrated in Figure 4-3b.
8.The word “REPORT” in a selection box indicates that a text display of data related
tothe associated item is available. In the example of Figure 4-4a, pressing the
Spcl > CH 1 Sensor menu key will display the text report illustrated in Figure
4-4b.
9.Pressing the CLR data en try key (see Figure 3-1) clears errors, text reports an d any
entry in process.
10. Pressi ng a men u key asso ciated w ith th e Action entry “CENTER”, causes the
instrument to center the waveform at the active Time Mark. See the Mark > Set
Vert Cntr window in Figure 4-5.
These ten rules apply generally to all the Model 4400A/45 00A control menus. By
becoming familiar with them, you will expedite instrument operations and avoid
errors.
4-8Operation
Figure 4-3a.
Disp >
Menu
Figure 4-3b.
Operation4-9
Disp > Trace Type >
Figure 4-3.
Menu and Associated Submenu
Disp >
Submenu
Figure 4-4a.
SPCL >
Menu
Figure 4-4.
and Associated Text
Report
Spcl >
Menu
Figure 4-4b. Chan 1 Sensor Configuration Report
Figure 4-5.
4-10Operation
Mark >
Menu
Note
Help screens for each menu describe the menu items. See Subsection 4-7 System
Keys. Press the HELP key to access the help screen for the current menu. Press
ESC or press the HELP key again to return to the previous display mode.
In following subsections you will be introduced to the Top Level Menu and operating
procedures for the three primar y key groups: System, Function , and Data Entry.
Operation4-11
4.4 Data Entry Controls
The numeric keypad illustrated in Figure 4-6 is one of the three data entry controls
that enable you to enter parameters for the various control functions. The keypad is
subdivided into three areas: numerals, units of measure and controls.
The ten numerals, the minus sign and the d ecimal point are used to enter numerical
data. Six “units of measure” keys are provided for you to use to complete nu merical
entries. When entering time intervals, press the “m” after entering the numbers to
indicate milliseconds or milliseconds/division; p ress “µ” to indicate microseconds or
microseconds/division; and press “n” to indicate nanoseconds or
nanoseconds/division. Press ENT to indicate seconds or seconds/di vision. Pressing
any one of these “units” keys enters the numerical data.
When entering numbers that are not time intervals (dBm for example), press the ENT
key after keying the number. Pressing one of the units keys after entering a
non-time-related number has the same effect as pressing ENT.
The units keys labeled G, M, and k are used to enter frequencies in Gigahertz,
Megahertz, and kilohertz, respectively. They operate in a manner similar to the
time-related units keys.
You may cancel a value before it is entered by pressing the CLR key. The CLR key
is also used to clear status and error messages from the d isplay.
Two alternative controls are provided for entering selections and numeric data. These
are spin knob and the right/left arrow keys [ ]. Rotate the sp in knob clockwise
to decrease the value in the active display window; clockwise to increase it. Detents
in the knob rotation mark discrete values in th e selection range. The arrow k eys also
select discrete values: the left arrow increases the value in the selected display
window; the right arrow decreases it. Holding down an arrow key causes it to repeat.
Figure 4-6. Data Entry
Keypad
4-12Operation
4.5 Display Data
The 4400A/4500A has four display modes. These are the Graph mode, Text mode,
Report mode, and the Help mode. Whichever mode the display is in, the menu p ortion
of the display is always present and active.
The HELP mode is activated by pressing the HELP key. When in this mode the
instrument will display up to three lines of information related to the active menu. The
menus are active in the help mode. This allows the operator to move to any menu
level and make multiple instrument configuration changes without leaving the help
mode. To leave the help mode press the HELP key again or the ESC key.
The REPORT mode is active when a report is requested by a menu selection or an
IEEE-488 command. Each report is formatted to provide the specifically requested
information. The report mode is exited by pressing the ESC key or selecting another
menu option.
The TEXT mode presents a tabular display of measurement values for channels 1 and
2. In Pulse measurement mode, this table consists of all 14 automatic pulse
measurements. In all three Stat
statistics, marker and reference line values and global measurement status parameters
are shown. TEXT m ode does not displa y any va lues when the measu rement mode is
set to CW.
The GRAPH mode is the primary display mode for the instrument. After initalization
the display is in the graph mode. The graph mode includes a 501 by 281 waveform
display ar ea, head er fi eld, me nu path field , pri ority messag e field, error message field
and general message field.
➮
measurement modes (M odel 45 00A only ), power
The header field is in the top left corner. Its options include model number, time and
date, sensor temperature and no message.
The menu path is located in the upper right of the display. It shows the current menu
location in the menu indentation structure. See Figure 4-2 for menu information.
The error message is below the waveform display on the right. The default color is
red. Errors are cleared by pressing the ESC or CLR key.
The general message field is at the bottom of the display. It shows temporary
information about the status of the instrument.
Operation4-13
Priority Messages
The priority message is a field l ocated below the waveform dis play in the
graph mode. This field displays a series of m essages based on a pre-assigned
priority. If mu ltiple condit ions exist on ly the highest priority messa ge is
displayed. This approach is used since for normal operation no messages
should be displayed. If a message is disp layed, corrective action should be
taken to address the source of the problem, at which time t he messages will
be cleared. In the case where only one channel is being used, the other
channel should be turned off which will disable any error conditions
associated with that channel.
The priory is:
Measuring Stopped!! Highest
CH 1 & 2 No Sensor
CH 1 No Sensor
CH 2 No Sensor
CH 1 & 2 Need Autocal
CH 1 Needs Autocal
CH 2 Needs Autocal
CH 1 & 2 Temp Drift
CH 1 Temp Drift
CH 2 Temp Drift
Auto Triggering
Waiting for Trigger
Capturing New Data
(Blank Field) Lowest
The "No Sensor" messages indicate that the instrument cannot detect a sensor
connected on the specified channel.
The "Autocal" message indicates the need to perform a new calibration before
measurements can be taken. This is required when a different sensor is connected to
the selected channel .
The "Temperature Drift" message indicates that the sensor has drifted more than
±4°C from the original autocalibration temperature. For maximum accuracy a new
autocal should be performed on the channel. If not, a small additional error can be
introduced into the measurements.
The "Auto Triggering" message indicates that the instrument is in the auto-triggering
mode. When in this mode the instrument expects that a valid trigger event will occur
at regular intervals or the instrument will time-out and generate it’s own trigger event.
The autotrigger table ( Table 4-10) shows the typical time-out period for each
timebase. This mode is useful when the signal being measured drops below the trigger
level, the signal is a CW level or is not known. The auto-trigger will give the operator
a snap shot of the signal that the instrument is capturing. If this is an undesired effect
then switch the instrument to the trigger-normal mode in the TRIG > TRIG MODE
menu.
The "Waiting for Trigger" message indicates that there is no valid measurement data,
the instrument is in the trigger-normal mode, and waiting for the first valid trigger
event. Once any valid trigger event occurs the message will be cleared.
The "Capturing New Data" message indicates that the instrument is triggering and
capturing new measurements, but there is not enough data captured for the instrument
to complete the assigned averaging. If two channels are active the channel with the
largest averaging value is used to determine when the message is cleared.
4-14Operation
4.6 Top Level Menu
Figure 4-7. Top Level
Menu
The commands in the To Level Menu (Figure 4-7) enable you to control the
measurement modes. These funct ions a re deta iled in Tabl e 4-1. A ll co mmands affect
both measurement Cha nnels 1 and 2.
Table 4-1. Top Level Menu
Menu Item
(Type)SelectionsFunction
Measurement
(Toggle)
Single Sweep
(Action)
Pwr & Stat
Run, Stop
➮
Pwr
START
➮
Controls the capture of new data
Press the Measurement menu key to stop the capture of data by the
measurement channel(s). Press it again to restart the data capture.
Marker and Ref Line measu rements continue to be ma de whendata
capture is stopped.
Captures data for one trigger event
When data capture has been stop ped (see previous d iscussion o f the
Measurement menu key), you can press the Si ngle Sweep me nu key
to capture the data gathered from one trigger event. Pressing the key
repeatedly a dds new data for ea ch cap ture. The nu mber o f data
points captured varies with the timebase. To optimize the disp lay,
use the Disp > Trace Type menu key to select “Points .”
Operation4-15
Table 4-1. Top Level Menu
Menu Item
(Type)SelectionsFunction
(continued)
Display
(Action)
Pwr & Stat
CLEAR
➮
Clears the waveform display and the internal data buffers
Press the Display > menu key to clear the waveform display and any
data in the measurement data buffers. If the instrument is in the Run
mode, capture of new data begins immediately. If the instrument is
in the Stop mode, the measurement data buffers are cleared and the
waveform display is blanked. Data capture will resume when
Measurement > Run is initiated.
SRQ support is inclulded when measurement is ready and priority
message indicates data being captured. SRQ support is covered in
detail in the Remote Operation Section (Section 5.4). The display
clear function is used to clear the existing measurement data. This
function will clear the 02h bit which is used for measurement ready
but not the active service request. To clear the service request use the
ESC key or the IFC bus command . If the servi ce request oc curs after
the display clear command is executed the bus controller will read a
64 (40h) which will clear the SRQ but does not instruct the computer
that measurement data is ready.
When in the Pwr ➮ mode, clearing accumulated data is recommended
when the Chan # > Extensions > Averaging parameter is large. This
causes much data to be accumulated and slows the computation o f
the average signal. Pressing Display clears that data so that old
information does not influence the data display.
When in the Stat ➮ mode, the Clear key will discard old information
and begin capturing new data. This also includes resetting the total
time and the total points counters to zero.
4-16Operation
Menu Item
(Type)
Table 4-1. Top Level Menu
SelectionsFunction
(continued)
Measure Mode
(Toggle)
Pwr ➮
Pulse, CW
Stat ➮
CDF, 1-CDF, PDF
Selects the measurement mode for the entire instrument.
Pressing the measurement mode menu key toggles the instrument
between the pow er mode and th e stat mode. Th is chang e affects the
entire instrument. The measurement capture, processing , channel
selection, data displays and menu structure all change.
In the pulse mode (Pwr ➮) the instrum ent ope rates as a peak power
meter. The instrument requires a valid trigger event. Instantaneous
power measurements are taken at random intervals. Points are tracked
in time relative to the trigger event. The instrument reconstructs the
waveform from points that fall within the screen’s time window. This
window is defined by the timebase and trigger delay. All data that is
not on the screen is discarde d. Mark ers return measurem ents of
power at specific time offsets from the trigger point. All automatic
measurements are limited to the instrument’s time window.
In CW mode ( Pwr ➮) the instrument operates as a CW power meter,
measuring the average power of an unmodulated (CW) carrier. This
mode uses an internal high-gain, low-noise signal path to permit
accurate CW power measurements to be made with peak power
sensors, and typically offers about 10dB more dynamic range than
Pulse mode.
In the three stat modes (Stat ➮) the instrument operates different ly.
There is no requirement for a trigger signal. The instrument
continuously samples the RF signal and processes all of th e samples.
The data is used to determine the peak, aver age and min imum pow er
levels. In addition, the data can be organized into a cumulative
distribution function plot or a probability density function plot. See
Chapter 6, Applications for more information on the statistical
relationship of the captured da ta.
Auto-Setup
(Action)
Note
Operation4-17
Pwr ➮
START
You cannot obtain the average value of a pulse waveform by selecting the CW
measure mode. To obtain av erage po wer, use th e average po wer in th e automati c
measurement mo de or averag e the power be tween mark ers (see Tabl e 4-11).
Initiates the auto-setup process.
Auto-setup will adjust the vertical scale, vertical offset, trigger
level, timebase and trigger holdoff for channel 1 and 2. The
instrument uses the currently selected trigger source to search
for the trigger event.
The setup will display the full amplitude of the pulse with at
least one full cycle.
4.7 System Keys
The system keys are located at the top of the front panel control area. See Figure 4-8.
They control functions related to the operating mode, display mode, hard copy o utput
and configuration.
PREV
LOCAL
ESC
GRAPH
TEXT
HELP
Pressing PREV returns control to th e next higher menu in the menu structure (Figure 4-2), unless
the last menu displayed was from a different branch. In that case, pressing PREV returns to the last
menu displayed.
In the Local mode:
Pressing ESC/LOCAL halts a process, clears repo rts and displays the To p Level Menu.
In Remote mode:
Pressing ESC/LOCAL returns the instrument to the Local mode.
The LOCAL key is effective only when the analyzer is remote-enabled over the IEEE-488 bus and
the REM annunciator is illuminated. In Remote mode, all other front panel controls are deactivated,
except the LOCAL and ON/SBY key.
Pressing TEXT/GRAPH togg les the display between the g raphic mode and a text screen
summarizing results of automatic signal measurements. The text display is shown in Figure 4-9.
Pressing the HELP key enables the Help mode and displays the Help screen associated with the
current menu. See Figure 4-10. In the Help mode the instrument continues to operate and all
controls remain active. The HELP key operates as a toggle; press it to deactivate the Help mode
and return to the graphic display. You may also press the ESC key to deactivate the Help mode.
PLOT
INIT
4-18Operation
After the plotter parameters are set using the UTIL menu, pressing PLOT will direct the Model
4400A/4500A to output the current display image to a (user furnished) output device. See Appendix
B, for a description of printer/plotter features and operating instructions.
The output device is selec ted under UT IL > PLOTTER > MENU.
Press INIT to initialize the parameters in Table 3-3 to their default values. Use INIT to cancel an
undesired set of configuration parameters, or whenever you are uncertain of the instrument
configuration.
Figure 4-8. System Keys
Figure 4-9. Text Mode
Display in Powe r Mode
Figure 4-10. Typical Help
Screen
Operation4-19
4.8 Function Keys
Figure 4-11. Function Keys
The ten function keys illustrated in Figure 4-11 access the principal control menus of
the Model 4400A/4500A. Together with associated submenus, they enable you to
establish the measurement display modes and analyzer configurations; qu ery the
processor database; perform and record measurements; perform internal diagnostics;
and communicate w ith othe r devices over the IEEE-488 bus an d serial commun ication
ports.
The next ten subsections (4.9 through 4.18) discuss the ten function keys and describe
the selections in their associated menus and submenus.
4.9 CHAN Key and Chan # > Menu
The CHAN key activates the Chan # > menu and associated submenus, which enable
you to calibrate the instrument, specify its display parameters, measurement offset,
and detector bandwidth. See Figure 4-12.
Figure 4-12.
Chan # >
Menu
4-20Operation
Menu Configuration
The configuration of the Chan # > menu depends on th e item selected in the Chan #
> Select window.
Figure 4-12 presents the Chan # > menu, which is displayed when the
instrument is initialized. (Chan 1 > is the default menu.) The Chan # >
menu items enable you to control the display of the measurement
channel. Instructions for using the Chan # > menu are present ed in
Table 4-2.
Figure 4-16 illustrates a second version of the Chan > menu that appears
when “CH Math” has been selected. A submenu of the Chan Math >
menu enables you to control the display of the calculated sum or
difference of the detected Channel 1 and/or Channel 2 signals.
Instructions for the Chan Math > menu are presented i n Tables 4-5 and
4-6.
Figure 4-18 shows the Chan > Ref1 1 menu, which appears when “Ref 1”
has been selected. The Ref # waveform is a “snapshot” of either the
Channel 1 or Channel 2 waveforms, which is created and stored for
later reference. The menu items that enable you to control the display
of the reference waveform are explained in Table 4-7.
The default Chan # > menu (Figure 4-11) contains two submenus of additional
functions:
Figures and Tables
Figure 4-13 illustrates the Chan # > Calibration > submenu, which is used
to initiate the calibration and zeroing functions. Instructions for using
the Chan # > Ca libration > submenu are presented in Table 4-3.
Figure 4-14 illustrates the Chan # > Extensions > submenu, which
provides access to a number of additional setup functions. Instructions
for using the Chan # > Extensions > submenu are presented in Table
4-4.
The figures and tables which describe the Chan # > family of menus ar e summa rized
as follows.
Selects the channel or function that will be affected by the rest of the
menu selections.
You select “CH 1,” “CH 2,” “CH Math,” “Ref 1” or “Ref 2” by
pressing the Chan # > Select menu key to select the desire d channe l.
Any display parameters you set while “CH 1” is current will apply
to the signal connected to the Channel 1 input. Similarly, any
changes you make to the display parameters while “CH 2,” “Ref 1,”
“Ref 2,” or “CH Math” are current will affect the display of that
signal or function.
Turns the measurement channel off or on
Disable the measuremen t by pressi ng the Chan > Channel menu
key. Press it again to restore the display.
Disabling the measurement channel inhibits temperature monitoring
and any priority messages related to sensor disconnection, sensor
replacement, AutoCal required, and frequency downloading status.
Disabling the channel will turn off the display of the power and
trigger waveforms, but will not affect the internal or external
triggering of the channel.
Vert Scale Log
(Numeric)
Pwr & Stat
Discrete Range:
Full Screen
0.1 to 20 dB/Div
Split Screen
0.2 to 40 dB/Div
➮
Sets the vertical sensitivity of the display in log mode
Use this control to size the vertical amplitude of the
waveform display to fit the display area, or to magnify a
waveform segment of particular interest.
Press the Chan # > Vert Scale menu key to activate this window.
Then use any number entry to step the vertical sensitivity of the
display to any 1-2-5 sequence value in the sp ecified range. Larger
sensitivity values reduce the height of the display; smaller values
increase it.
4-22Operation
Table 4-2. Chan # > Menu
Menu Item
(Type)SelectionsFunction and Operation
Vert Scale LinearPwr & Stat
Discrete Range:
Full Screen
1 nW to 50 MW/Div
Split Screen
2 nW to 1 MW/Div
Vert Scale
Trig View
Vert. Center Lo g
(Numeric)
➮
Pwr
Discrete Range:
Full Screen
100 mV to 1 v/Div
Split Screen
200 mV to 2 v/Div
Pwr & Stat
Continuous Range:
-99.99 to +99.99 dB
➮
➮
Sets the vertical sensitivity of the display in linear mode
Press the Chan # > Vert Scale menu key to activate this window.
Then use any number entry to step the vertical sensitivity of the
display to any 1-2-5 sequence value in the specified range. Larger
sensitivity values reduce the height of the display; smaller values
increase it.
Linear values are always positive. The bottom of the screen is zero
power or the offset level.
Sets the vertical sensitivity of the display for trigger view
Press the Chan # > Vert Scale menu key when the channel is in the
trigger view mode to activate this window. Then use any number
entry scheme to adjust the value in a 1-2-5 sequence in the specified
range. Larger sensitivity values reduce the height of the display;
smaller values increase it.
Number entry is always truncated to the lower value. Entering
199 mV will set the vertical scale to the 100mV scale.
Sets the power level at the vertical center of the display
Use this control to shift the waveform display vertically to the
desired position in the window. Press the Chan 1 > Vert Center
menu key to activate this window. Then use the keypad to shift the
vertical center of the display to the desired power level. Increasing
the power level moves the waveform down; decreasing the power
level moves it up.
Vert Offset LinearPwr & Stat
Continuous Range
0 to 99.99 Divs:
Operation4-23
➮
Sets the power level at the bottom of the display for the selected
channel.
When the offset is zero, the bottom of the screen is zero power.
Changing the offset allows the viewing of data at larger power levels.
Markers continue to make readings on the waveform when it is off
the screen.
The exact value of the offset is related to the selected vertical scale.
If the vertical scale is 1 mW/Div then a vertical offset of 1 division is
an offset of 1 mW and a vertical offset of 99 divisions is an offset of
99 mW.
Table 4-2. Chan # > Menu (continued)
Menu Item
(Type)SelectionsFunction and Operation
Vert Offset
Trig View
Calibration
(Submenu)
Extensions
(Submenu)
➮
Pwr
Continuous Range:
-3 to +3 V
Pwr& Stat
MENU
Pwr& Stat
MENU
➮
➮
Use this control to shift the waveform display vertically to the
desired position in the window.
Press the Chan 1 > Vert Center menu key to activate this window.
Then use the keypad to shift the vertical center of the display to the
desired voltage level. Increasing the voltage level moves the
waveform down; decreasing the voltage level moves it up.
Accesses the Chan 1 > Calibration > submenu. See Table 4 -6.
Accesses the Chan 1 > Extensions > submenu. See Table 4-7.
4-24Operation
Calibration
Figure 4-13.
Chan # > Calibration >
Submenu
A discussion of the internal calibration capability is presented in Subsection 4.1
Calibration. Figure 4-15 illustrates the Chan # > Calibration > submenu and Table
4-3 provides instructions for its use.
Table 4-3. Chan # > Calibration > Submenu
Menu Item
(Type)SelectionsFunction and Ope ration
AutoCalPwr & Stat
(Action)
START
➮
Initiates the automatic calibration routine
You should initiate AutoCal:
a.Each time you chan ge sensors. Allow 15 minutes for the se nsor to
stabilize before initiating AutoCal.
b.When the “CH # needs Autocal” message appears in the Priority
Message area of the display.
c.When a temperature drift warning appears in the Priority Message area.
The Model 4400A/4500A records the ambient sensor temperature
when AutoCal is run. If the ambient sensor temperature changes
significantly, a temperature drift warning is displayed. The warning
message will clear automatically when the temperature returns to the
measured range.
The AutoCal routine takes approximately 1-1/2 minutes to zero and
calibrate both the High and Lo w video bandwidth s. While these
activities are in progress, the display reports the AutoCal status on the
Message Line. When the proc ess is finish ed, “Aut ocal Compl ete” is
displayed.
The Chan # > Calibration > Start selection will only be highlighted when an AutoCal
can be selected. AutoCal is not available if the channel is off or a sensor is n ot
connected.
Note
Fixed CalPwr & Stat
(Action)
ZeroingPwr & Sta t
(Action)STARTmeasurements
START
If the SRQ annunciator illuminates at the end of the Aut oCal proc edure, proce ed as
instructed in Subsection 5.4 SRQ Operation. If an error message appears on the
display during the Autocal procedure, refer to Appendix A Error Messages.
Pressing the ESC key will halt the Autocal process.
➮
➮
Sets the sensor 0 dBm point precisely using an external standard.
The Model 4400A/4 500A allows the op erator to perfor m a 0 dBm fixed
calibration using a customer-provided source. The Chan # >
Calibration > Fixed Cal Start selection will only be highlighted when
Fixed Cal can be activated. To activate Fixed Cal the channel mus t be
turned on, have a sensor connected, and have completed a valid
AutoCal.
The correction range of the sensor 0 dBm point by the Fixed Cal
procedure is limited to
Initiates the automatic internal zero adjustment routin e for CW
The instrument will automatically adjust its indication of the zero input
power level.
+ 1 dB.
Disable any signal source connected to the sensor before initiating the
Zeroing procedure. If the sensor is connected to the internal calibrator,
the calibrator output signal will be turned off automatcially when
Zeroing is initiated and will resume when zeroing is complete.
Initiate Zeroing by pressing the Chan # > Calibration > Zeroing menu
key. During the Zeroing process, the message line will read “Zeroing
CW Channel #.” When complete, the message line reads “Zeroing CW
Complete.” Reactivate any external signal applied to the sensor.
If the SRQ annunciator illuminates at the end of the Zeroing procedure,
Note
4-26Operation
proceed as instructed in Subsection 5.4 SRQ Operation.
Pressing the ESC k ey will halt the Zeroing process.
Figure 4-14.
Chan # > Extensions >
Submenu
Table 4-4. Chan # > Extensions > Submenu
Menu Item
(Type)SelectionsFunction and Operation
DisplayPwr
(Toggle)Pwr, Trigwaveform display
dB OffsetPwr & Stat
(Numeric)Continuous Range:
➮
➮
(-99.99 to +99.99 dB)This function is used to account for attenuator(s) or amplifier(s)
Selects either a measurement channel or a trigger input for the
Press Chan # > Extensions > Pwr to display the waveform on the
measurement channel. Press Chan # > Extensions > Trig to display the
trigger input waveform.
The trigger waveform display is useful for evaluating the trigger signal
characteristics and for making time measurements involving the trigger
and power channels. For instruments equipped with the optional second
channel, it is recommended that you connect the trigger signal to the
channel that is not measuring the RF signal. For single channel
instruments, store the trigger in a reference channel.
Inputs the value of the offset attenuator
inserted at the instrument’s input to adjust high or lo w signal levels to
the input range of the instrument.
The value for offset correction factor is always entered in dB
but is still applied to the signal in the linear mode.
The offset entered in this function will be reflected in the trigger level
value.
To display the unattenuated sign al power, press the “dB Offset” menu
key and use any of the data entry contro ls to input the
known value of the offset attenuator.
If necessary, determine the exact value of the attenuator by connecting
the sensor with the attenuator to the calibrator output and following
these steps:
1. Use Spec > Calibrator > Cal Mode to select “CW.” Se e
Subsection 4-16.
2. Set the calibrator output to +20 dBm using the Spec > Calibrator > Set Level menu key and the keypad.
3. Select Chan > Extensions > dB Offset and use the spin kn ob to
adjust the dB Offset parameter to the value (approximately 20
dB) until the power readout at the active time marker reads
20.00 dBm.
The exact value of the attenuator is indicated by the dB Offset
parameter.
CF in dBPwr & Stat
(Numeric)Continuous Range:and the measurement circuit
(-3 to +3 dB)
➮
Compensates for any differences between the Autocal circuit
To preserve me asuremen t accuracy , it is nece ssary to acco unt for
circuit losses in the AutoC al path that do not appear in the
measurement circuit path and vice versa.
The value for correction factor offset is always entered in dB
but is still applied to the signal in the linear mode.
The offset entered in this function will be reflected in the trigger
level value.
During the AutoCal process, the instrument creates a table in memory
that correlates the calibrator output power levels to the corresponding
sensor output voltage. When the sensor is connected directly to the
calibrator output during AutoCal, this table is precise. However, if the
sensor is connected to the calibrator indirectly through lossy circuit
elements (cables, adapters, switches, etc.), the loss in these elements is
a potential source of measurement inaccuracy.
However, if the same circuit losses occur in the measurement path
between the sensor and the device under test, the potential error is
cancelled. Thus, it is necessary to determine the difference in circuit
loss in the calibrator path and the measurement path. See Figure 4-15.
To compensate for path lo ss differen ces, press th e “CF in dB” me nu
key and use any of the data entry contro ls to input the circuit loss
differen ce in dB.
Menu Item
(Type )SelectionsFunction and Operatio n
Video Bandwidth Pwr & Stat
(Toggle)Low, High
Averaging
(Numeric)
➮
Pwr
Continuous Range
(1 to 10000)
➮
Selects either the narrowband or wideband detectorresponse
Press Chan # > Extensions > Video BW > Low to select a narrowband
sensor detector respon se that is use ful for displa ying noisy, low
frequency signals or to reduce carrier feed through.
Press Chan # > Extensions > Video BW > High to select a
wideband response that is useful for measuring short pulses. The actual
detector bandwidths vary with the sensor selected. Note that High
Bandwidth is not available if CW Measurement mode is selected.
Selects the number of s amples t hat are aver aged at ea ch point
Press Chan # > Extensions > Averaging to activate this
function. Use any of the data entry controls to select the
number of samples to be averaged at each point of the
waveform to produce the waveform display.
Figure 4-15. Illustration of
Measurement (L1) and
Calibration (L2) Paths
Operation4-29
Channel Math
The Channel Math function enab les you to display a plot of the sum or difference of
two waveforms. See Figure 4-17. Plotting difference waveforms is useful for
comparing t he chang e in a signal as it passes th rough a cir cuit elem ent, suc h as an
amplifier or filter. For two-channel instruments, connect the Channel 1 sensor at the
input to the device (through a coupler) and connect the Channel 2 sensor at the output.
Figure 4-16.
Chan Math >
Menu
Table 4-5. Chan Math> Menu
Menu Item
(Type )SelectionsFunction and Operatio n
SelectPwr & Stat
See Table 4-2
ChannelPwr & Stat
See Table 4-2
➮
➮
Identical to Chan # > menu. See Tabl e 4-2.
Identical to Chan # > menu. See Tabl e 4-2
Vert ScalePwr & Stat
See Table 4-2
Vert CenterPwr & Stat➮Identical to Chan # > menu. See Table 4-2
See Table 4-2
ExpressionPwr & Stat➮Accesses the Chan Math > Ex pression > sub menu.
MENU
4-30Operation
➮
Identical to Chan # > menu. See Tabl e 4-2
Use the Chan Math > Expression > submenu to generate and disp lay
the sum or difference of two wa veforms. See Table 4-6 .
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