Contec VNA-300M-PCI User Manual

PC-HELPER

Network Analyzer Bord for PCI

VNA-300M-PCI

User’s Guide

CONTEC CO.,LTD.

Board

CD-ROM

[API-PAC(W32)]

First step guide

Check Your Package

Thank you for purchasing the CONTEC product.
The product consists of the items listed below.
Check, with the following list, that your package is complete. If you discover damaged or missing

items, contact your retailer.

Product Configuration List

- Board [VNA-300M-PCI] …1

- First step guide …1

- CD-ROM *1 [API-PAC(W32)] …1

*1 The CD-ROM contains the driver software and User’s Guide (this guide)

VNA-300M-PCI

i

Copyright

Copyright 2014 CONTEC CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form by any means without prior written

consent of CONTEC CO., LTD.

CONTEC CO., LTD. makes no commitment to update or keep current the information contained in this
document. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.

All relevant issues have been considered in the preparation of this document. Should you notice an
omission or any questionable item in this document, please feel free to notify CONTEC CO., LTD.

Regardless of the foregoing statement, CONTEC assumes no responsibility for any errors that may
appear in this document or for results obtained by the user as a result of using this product.

Trademarks

Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other brand and product names are
trademarks of their respective holder.

VNA-300M-PCI

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Table of Contents

Check Your Package ............................................................................................................................ i

Copyright ............................................................................................................................................ ii

Trademarks .......................................................................................................................................... ii

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................... iii

1. INTRODUCTION 1

About the Product ............................................................................................................................... 1

Features ........................................................................................................................................ 1

Support Software .......................................................................................................................... 3

Cable & Connector (Option) ........................................................................................................ 3

Customer Support................................................................................................................................ 4

Web Site ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 4

Limited Three-Years Warranty ........................................................................................................... 4

How to Obtain Service ........................................................................................................................ 4

Liability ............................................................................................................................................... 4

Safety Precautions ............................................................................................................................... 5

Safety Information ....................................................................................................................... 5

Handling Precautions ................................................................................................................... 5

Environment ................................................................................................ ................................ . 7

Inspection ..................................................................................................................................... 7

Storage ......................................................................................................................................... 7

Disposal ........................................................................................................................................ 7

2. SETUP 9

What is Setup?..................................................................................................................................... 9

Using the Board under Windows Using the Driver Library API-PAC(W32) .............................. 9

Step 1 Installing the Software ........................................................................................................... 10

Starting the Install Program........................................................................................................ 10

Step 2 Setting the Hardware .............................................................................................................. 12

Parts of the Board and Factory Defaults .................................................................................... 12

Setting the Board ID ................................................................................................................... 13

Mode switch (SW2) ................................................................................................................... 13

LED indicator .................................................................................................................................... 14

Plugging the Board ..................................................................................................................... 15

Step 3 Installing the Hardware .......................................................................................................... 17

Turning on the PC ...................................................................................................................... 17

When Using the API-VNA(WDM) ................................................................................................ 17

Step 4 Checking and Changing the Initialization Setup .................................................................... 18

Step 5 Checking Operations with the Front Panel Software ............................................................. 20

VNA-300M-PCI

iii

What is the front panel software? ............................................................................................... 20

Operating the Front Panel Software ........................................................................................... 20

Setup Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................... 22

Symptoms and Actions ............................................................................................................... 22

If your problem cannot be resolved ............................................................................................ 22

3. EXTERNAL CONNECTION 23

How to connect the connectors ......................................................................................................... 23

Connector shape ......................................................................................................................... 23

Connector Pin Assignment ......................................................................................................... 24

Connecting to the Device under Test ................................................................................................ 25

Transmission Measurement ........................................................................................................ 25

Transmission Measurement (When Using a Pi-network Jig) ..................................................... 26

Reflection Measurement ............................................................................................................. 27

Connecting the External Trigger Input Signal................................................................................... 28

Connecting the Digital I/O Signals ................................................................................................... 29

Connecting the Reference Clock Input Signal .................................................................................. 30

4. FUNCTIONS 31

Error Compensation Function ........................................................................................................... 31

Normalize ................................................................................................................................... 31

Transmission Full Calibration .................................................................................................... 31

Reflection Calibration ................................................................................................................ 32

Measurement Procedure Overview ................................................................................................... 33

1．Board Initial Settings ............................................................................................................ 34

2．Initialization ......................................................................................................................... 34

3．Measurement Condition Settings ......................................................................................... 34

4．Starting/Stopping Operation ................................................................................................. 34

5．Status/Data Acquisition ........................................................................................................ 34

6．End Processing ..................................................................................................................... 34

5. ABOUT SOFTWARE 35

CD-ROM Directory Structure ........................................................................................................... 35

About Software for Windows ............................................................................................................ 36

When using the API-VNA(WDM) .................................................................................................... 37

Accessing the Help File .............................................................................................................. 37

Using Sample Programs ............................................................................................................. 38

Uninstalling the Driver Libraries ...................................................................................................... 39

6. ABOUT HARDWARE 43

Hardware specification ...................................................................................................................... 43

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Block Diagram .................................................................................................................................. 46

Timing for Control Signal ................................................................................................................. 47

Timing for Control Signal of Measurement function ........................................................................ 47

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VNA-300M-PCI

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1. Introduction

Includes the front panel software, which
can immediately be used as a network
analyzer

The front panel software, which is designed
as a bench-top type measuring instrument, is
included with this product. This enables you
to immediately use the product without
writing any programs. The front panel
software has functions for diagnosing the
status of the board and device drivers and for
generating reports.

1. Introduction About the Product

This product is a vector network analyzer board that supports PCI and that can perform characteristic evaluations of
high-frequency devices.

This product can perform measurements in the 10kHz to 300MHz range, which makes it possible to use this product in
a wide range of electrical characteristic measurements such as those of crystal oscillators and ceramic resonators.

Compared to inspection system composed of a combination of a conventional bench-top type measuring instrument
and a computer that is used to collect and analyze data, this product can be embedded in the computer that is used to
collect, record, and analyze data, which miniaturizes and reduces the cost of the inspection system.

An application program designed as a measuring instrument that can immediately be used as a Windows API for
program development and as a network analyzer is included as standard.

This product also supports connections to pi-network jigs for measurements of crystal oscillators and can be used to
perform characteristic evaluations from low levels to high levels.

Features

Capable of performing characteristic evaluations in the 10kHz to 300MHz range

This product can perform measurements of electronic devices such as crystal oscillators and ceramic resonators in the
10kHz to 300MHz range.

Supports pi-network jigs

You can connect pi-network jigs, which are used in measurements such as those of crystal oscillators, to this product.
This product supports three-term calibration, which enables you to use pi-network jigs to perform measurements at
high frequencies and with high accuracy.

Miniaturizes and reduces the cost of inspection system

By using this product with a computer that is running Windows, you can miniaturize and reduce the cost of your
automatic inspection system.

VNA-300M-PCI

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1. Introduction

Reference clock input can be used to synchronize the product with external device.

You can apply a reference clock (10MHz) signal to the external input. By using an external reference clock, you can
improve the accuracy of the frequency and synchronize the product with other measuring instruments.

Can perform calculation processing that does not rely on the processing speed of the computer.

Calculations of measured data are performed by the CPU on the circuit board, so measurements can be performed
without relying on the processing speed of the computer.

Uses an SMA connector for the measurement terminal.

This product uses an SMA connector for its measurement terminal, which makes it easy to connect test devices.

Equipped with a trigger input terminal

You can start measurements by applying external signals to the trigger input terminal. This terminal can also be used
as a 1-bit general I/O terminal. Use the software to switch the terminal's function.

Function for saving and loading calibration data

You can save and load calibration data, which is used to compensate for errors. When you are performing
measurements with the same measurement conditions, you can load and use calibration data that has been saved in
advance.

API-PAC (W32) driver library, which supports Windows, included

A driver library in the form of Windows API functions is included to enable program development.

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1. Introduction

Support Software

You should use CONTEC support software according to your purpose and development environment.
Windows version of digitizer driver

API-VNA(WDM)

[Stored on the bundled CD-ROM driver library API-PAC(W32)]

The API-VNA(WDM) is the Windows version driver library software that provides products in the form of Win32 API
functions (DLL). Various sample programs such as Visual Basic and Visual C++, etc is provided.

Windows version of application software Front panel software

[Stored on the bundled CD-ROM driver library API-PAC(W32)]

The front panel software is an application that can be used immediately as a network analyzer. This software also has a
function for diagnosing the status of the board and drivers. Also, you can use the "Diagnosis Report" function to create
a report that includes the driver settings, the presence or absence of the board, the I/O status, and the interrupt status.

< Operating environment >
OS Windows 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Server 2003
Adaptation language Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual C#
For more details on the supported OS, applicable language and how to download the updated version, please visit the
CONTEC’s Web site (http://www.contec.com/apipac/).

Cable & Connector (Option)

< For analog I/O >
One Side BNC Medium Curly Clip : BNC-W60 (0.6m)
BNC Cable : BNC-B100 (1m)
: BNC-B200 (2m)
: BNC-B300 (3m)

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1. Introduction

Customer Support

CONTEC provides the following support services for you to use CONTEC products more efficiently
and comfortably.

Web Site

Japanese http://www.contec.co.jp/
English http://www.contec.com/
Chinese http://www.contec.com.cn/

Latest product information
CONTEC provides up-to-date information on products.
CONTEC also provides product manuals and various technical documents in the PDF.

Free download
You can download updated driver software and differential files as well as sample programs available in

several languages.

Note! For product information
Contact your retailer if you have any technical question about a CONTEC product or need its price,
delivery time, or estimate information.

Limited Three-Years Warranty

CONTEC products are warranted by CONTEC CO., LTD. to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for up to three years from the date of purchase by the original purchaser.

Repair will be free of charge only when this device is returned freight prepaid with a copy of the
original invoice and a Return Merchandise Authorization to the distributor or the CONTEC group office,
from which it was purchased.

This warranty is not applicable for scratches or normal wear, but only for the electronic circuitry and
original products. The warranty is not applicable if the device has been tampered with or damaged
through abuse, mistreatment, neglect, or unreasonable use, or if the original invoice is not included, in
which case repairs will be considered beyond the warranty policy.

How to Obtain Service

For replacement or repair, return the device freight prepaid, with a copy of the original invoice. Please
obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization number (RMA) from the CONTEC group office where you
purchased before returning any product.

* No product will be accepted by CONTEC group without the RMA number.

Liability

The obligation of the warrantor is solely to repair or replace the product. In no event will the
warrantor be liable for any incidental or consequential damages due to such defect or consequences that
arise from inexperienced usage, misuse, or malfunction of this device.

VNA-300M-PCI

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1. Introduction

DANGER

DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.

WARNING

WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION

CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury or in property damage.

DANGER

CAUTION

Safety Precautions

Understand the following definitions and precautions to use the product safely.

Safety Information

This document provides safety information using the following symbols to prevent accidents resulting
in injury or death and the destruction of equipment and resources. Understand the meanings of these
labels to operate the equipment safely.

Handling Precautions

Do not use the product where it is exposed to flammable or corrosive gas. Doing so may result in

an explosion, fire, electric shock, or failure.

- There are switches and jumpers on this product that need to be set in advance.
Be sure to check these before installing this product.

- Only set the switches and jumpers on this product to the specified settings.
Otherwise, this product may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.

- Do not strike or bend this product.
Otherwise, this product may malfunction, overheat, cause a failure or breakage.

- Do not touch this product's metal plated terminals (edge connector) with your hands.
Otherwise, this product may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
If the terminals are touched by someone's hands, clean the terminals with industrial alcohol.

- As this product contains components that are designed to operate at high temperature, please do not
touch this product when it is in use.

- Do not install this product to the expansion slot and do not plug or unplug the cables which are
connected to this product while the PC or expansion chassis is still turned on.
Otherwise, this product may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
Be sure that the personal computer power is turned off.

- Make sure that your PC or expansion unit can supply ample power to all the products installed.
Insufficiently energized products could malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.

VNA-300M-PCI

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1. Introduction

- The specifications of this product are subject to change without notice for enhancement and quality
improvement.
Even when using the product continuously, be sure to read the manual and understand the contents.

- Do not modify the product. CONTEC will bear no responsibility for any problems, etc., resulting
from modifying this product.

- Regardless of the foregoing statements, CONTEC is not liable for any damages whatsoever
(including damages for loss of business profits) arising out of the use or inability to use this
CONTEC product or the information contained herein.

VNA-300M-PCI

6

1. Introduction

- Check that the bus connector
of the board and its cable have
been plugged correctly.

- Check that the board has
no dust or foreign matter adhering.

- The gold-plated leads of the bus connector
have no stain or corrosion.

Environment

Use this product in the following environment. If used in an unauthorized environment, the product
may overheat, malfunction, or cause a failure.

Operating temperature

0 - 50C

Operating humidity

10 - 90%RH (No condensation)

Corrosive gases

None

Floating dust particles

Not to be excessive

Inspection

Inspect the product periodically as follows to use it safely.

Storage

When storing this product, keep it in its original packing form.
(1) Put this product in the storage bag.

(2) Wrap it in the packing material, then put it in the box.
(3) Store the package at room temperature at a place free from direct sunlight, moisture, shock,

vibration, magnetism, and static electricity.

Disposal

When disposing of the product, follow the disposal procedures stipulated under the relevant laws and
municipal ordinances.

VNA-300M-PCI

7

1. Introduction

VNA-300M-PCI

8

2. Setup

2. Setup

This chapter explains how to set up the board.

What is Setup?

Setup means a series of steps to take before the product can be used.
Different steps are required for software and hardware.
The setup procedure varies with the OS and applications used.

Using the Board under Windows

Using the Driver Library API-PAC(W32)

This section describes the setup procedure to be performed before you can start developing application
programs for the board using the bundled CD-ROM “Driver Library API-PAC(W32) ”.

Taking the following steps sets up the software and hardware. You can use the front panel software
later to check whether the software and hardware function normally.

Step 1 Installing the Software
Step 2 Setting the Hardware
Step 3 Installing the Hardware
Step 4 Checking and Changing the Initialization Setup
Step 5 Checking Operations with the front panel software

If Setup fails to be performed normally, see the “Setup Troubleshooting” section at the end of this
chapter.

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2. Setup

CAUTION

Step 1 Installing the Software

This section describes how to install the API function libraries.

Before installing the hardware on your PC, install the Driver libraries from the bundled
API-PAC(W32) CD-ROM.

The following description assumes the operating system as Windows XP. Although some user
interfaces are different depending on the OS used, the basic procedure is the same.

Starting the Install Program

(1)

Load the CD-ROM [API-PAC(W32)] on your PC.

(2)

The API-PAC(W32) Installer window appears automatically.

If the panel does not appear, run (CD-ROM drive letter):\AUTORUN.exe.

(3)

Click on the [Install Development or Execution Environment] button.

Before installing the software in Windows 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Server 2003 log in as a user with

administrator privileges.

Select API-VNA(WDM)
(1)

The following dialog box appears to select “Driver to install” and “Install option”, “Usage of
driver library”.

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2. Setup

(2)

Select the "Vector Network Analyzer Driver".

(3)

Click on the [Install] button.

Run the installation
(1)

Complete the installation by following the instructions on the screen.

(2)

The Readme file appears when the installation is complete.

You have now finished installing the software.

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2. Setup

OUT

IN

TRG

Interface Connector
　(EXT REF, OUT, IN, TRG)

EXT REF

0

1

2

3

4

5

69A

B

C

D

E

F

8

Setting the Board
ID Switch

BOARD ID

SW1

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

9

A

B

C

D

E

F

8

LED Indicator

STATUS

(Red)

RUN

(Green)

Mode Switch

SW2

ON

OFF

1 2

Step 2 Setting the Hardware

This section describes how to set this product and plug it on your PC.
This product has some switches to be preset.

Check the on-board switches before plugging this product into an expansion slot.
This product can be set up even with the factory defaults untouched. You can change board settings

later.

Parts of the Board and Factory Defaults

Figure 2.1. shows the names of major parts on the board.
Note that the switches and jumpers setting shown below is the factory default.

Figure 2.1. Part Names

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2. Setup

BOARD ID

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

9

A

B

C

D

E

F

8

SW1

Factory setting :
(Board ID = 0)

ON

OFF

1 2

DIP switch

Details

1 (Reserved)

2 (MODE)

OFF

OFF

Use this setting during normal operation.

OFF

ON

The product will start in loader mode. Use this mode when
performing maintenance such as when the firmware no longer starts
normally.

Setting the Board ID

If you install two or more boards on one personal computer, assign a different ID value to each of the
boards to distinguish them.
The board IDs can be set from 0 - Fh to identify up to sixteen boards.
If only one board is used, the original factory setting (Board ID = 0) should be used.

Setting Procedure
To set the board ID, use the rotary switch on the board. Turn the SW1 knob to set the board ID as

shown below.

Figure 2.2. Board ID Settings (SW1)

Mode switch (SW2)

Select loader mode or normal mode.

Figure 2.3. Mode switch

Table 2.1. Mode switch

VNA-300M-PCI

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2. Setup

LED indicator

STATUS

( Red)

RUN

( Green)

Operation mode

Mode switch
(SW2) status

Status display details

RUN

■(Green)

STATUS

■(Red)

Status

Normal
operation mode

1 and 2 both set
to OFF

Flashing

goes out

Normal operation

Continuous flashing
alternating between

indicators

Resetting

Flashes

twice

goes out

Loader mode

Continuous

flashing

Continuous

flashing

Setting to factory default
values

comes on

goes out

Error
(Hardware error) *1

goes out

goes out

comes on

comes on

Loader mode
(V-UP mode)

1 set to
OFF an d 2
set to ON

Flashes

twice

goes out

Normal operation

Continuous flashing
alternating between

indicators

Resetting

Continuous

flashing

Continuous

flashing

Setting to factory default
values / Writing the
firmware

comes on

comes on

Error
(Hardware error) *1

goes out

goes out

comes on

goes out

LED indicator

The operating status of the board is indicated by its LED indicators.

Figure 2.4. LED indicator

Table 2.2. Operation Mode and Status Display

*1: Turn the computer off, and then turn it back on again.

VNA-300M-PCI

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2. Setup

AB

5V key

3.3V key

<PCI bus slot> <PCI bus board>

5-V PCI bus slot

3.3-V PCI bus slot

A :
B :

Slit for 5-V PCI bus slot
Slit for 3.3-V PCI bus slot

CAUTION

Plugging the Board

(1) Before plugging the board, shut down the system, unplug the power code of your PC.
(2) Remove the cover from the PC so that the board can be mounted.
(3) Plug the board into an expansion slot.
(4) Attach the board bracket to the PC with a screw.
(5) Put the cover back into place.

Applicable PCI bus slots
PCI bus slots used in PCs have keys to prevent 5V and 3.3V PCI bus boards from being accidentally

plugged into wrong bus slots. This board can be plugged into both of the 5V and 3.3V PCI bus slots.

- Do not touch the board's metal plated terminals (edge connector) with your hands.
Otherwise, the board may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
If the terminals are touched by someone's hands, clean the terminals with industrial alcohol.

- Do not install or remove the board to or from the slot while the computer's power is turned on.
Otherwise, the board may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
Doing so could cause trouble. Be sure that the personal computer or the I/O expansion unit power is
turned off.

- Make sure that your PC or expansion unit can supply ample power to all the boards installed.
Insufficiently energized boards could malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.

- In the board there is a part with the possibility that the high voltage is applied to. Make sure that the
board does not approach and does not come into contact with an inside cable of personal computer or
others board.
False action of others board or personal computer will be the reason of malfunction.

VNA-300M-PCI

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2. Setup

- Power supply from the PCI bus slot at +5V and +3.3V is required.
If +5V or +3.3V is not supplied from the PCI bus slot, board is not recognized from PC (”Found New
Hardware Wizard” in the next page is not displayed.). In this case, change the expansion slot to be
attached or PC to be installed.

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2. Setup

CAUTION

VNA VNA-300M-PCI

Step 3 Installing the Hardware

For using an expansion board under Windows, you have to let the OS detect the I/O addresses and IRQ
to be used by the board. The process is referred to as installing the hardware.

Turning on the PC

Turn on the power to your PC.

- The board cannot be properly installed unless the resources (I/O addresses and interrupt level) for
the board can be allocated. Before attempting to install the board, first determine what PC
resources are free to use.

- The resources used by each board do not depend on the location of the PCI bus slot or the board
itself. If you remove two or more boards that have already been installed and then remount one of
them on the computer, it is unknown that which one of the sets of resources previously assigned to
the two boards is assigned to the remounted board. In this case, you must check the resource
settings.

When Using the API-VNA(WDM)

(1) When the "Found New Hardware Wizard" opens, select "Install the software automatically

[Recommended]" and then click the "Next" button.

* The wizard may not appear for some OS versions and instead the installation will start

automatically. In this case, proceed to the software initial setup step.

You have now finished installing the hardware.

VNA-300M-PCI

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2. Setup

* The name of the board

you have just added is
displayed.

- VNA-300M-PCI

Step 4 Checking and Changing the Initialization Setup

Check and change the device name to recognize the device on the driver library.

Checking the device name
(1) Run Device Manager. From [My Computer] - [Control Panel], select [System] and then select the

[Device Manager] tab.
(You can also open Device Manager by right clicking on My Computer and selecting Properties.)

(2) Hardware that was installed is registered under the CONTEC Devices tree. When you open the

devices tree, hardware name that was installed is displayed.
The character string of “VNA000” displayed in the right side of hardware name is the device name.
This device name will be required if programming later.

* As the device name is automatically allocated, you can use this name if you wish.

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2. Setup

Changing the device name
(1) Double click the device on the device manager to display the property page of device. Enter the

device name in the common settings tab page and then click [OK].

* Make sure that you do not use the same name for more than one device.

Setting whether a pi-network jig is present and setting the reference clock
(1) In Device Manager, double-click the device to display its property page. On the Setting tab, select

[ON] or [OFF] for PI Circuit and set the reference clock, and then click [SET].

(2) After you finish configuring the settings, click [OK].

You have now finished installing the initial setting of Software.

VNA-300M-PCI

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2. Setup

Step 5 Checking Operations with the Front Panel Software

Use the front panel software to check that the board and driver software work normally, thereby you can
confirm that they have been set up correctly.

What is the front panel software?

The front panel software is an application which can be used as a vector network analyzer, it also has the function of
diagnosing the state of the board and its driver.

Using the “Diagnosis Report” feature reports the driver settings, the presence or absence of the board,
I/O status, and interrupt status.

Operating the Front Panel Software

Starting the front panel software
Click the [Front Panel] button on the device property page to start the front panel.

For more details on the using method of front panel software, refer to the API-VNA(WDM) HELP.

VNA-300M-PCI

20

2. Setup

Diagnosis Report
(1) The diagnosis report saves detailed data, including the device settings and settings for each channel,

to a text file and displays the file for you to view.

Click [Diagnosis Report] and then specify the folder to save the diagnosis report (text file).

(2) The diagnosis report contains the following data.

- Version of OS

- Device Information (Device Name, Device description)

- File Information (file version, time stamp)

- Initialization, interrupts, current input or output state for each channel

VNA-300M-PCI

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2. Setup

Setup Troubleshooting

Symptoms and Actions

If Data cannot be Normally Input or Output

- Run the front panel software, and then make sure whether the device is registered, whether there is
init error or not.

- Are there any problems with items such as the device settings and the wiring method? Check the
I/O impedance, maximum input level, and pi-circuit setting.

If the front panel software works normally, and the application made by user does not work normally
The front panel software is made by using the functions of API-VNA(WDM). If the front panel software

works normally, the install driver and the recognition by Device Manager are finished normally. In this
case, the following points should be noticed. And review and correct your program.

- Check the return values of the API functions.

- Refer to the source code for the sample programs.

The OS won’t normally get started or detect the device.
Refer to the "Troubleshooting" section of API-VNA(WDM) HELP.

If your problem cannot be resolved

Contact your retailer.

VNA-300M-PCI

22

3. External Connection

Interface Connector
(EXT REF, OUT, IN, TRG)

OUT

IN

TRG

EXT REF

0

9

A

B

D

8

EXT REF

OUT
IN

TRG

3. External Connection

This chapter describes the interface connectors on the product and the external I/O circuits.
Check the information available here when connecting an external device.

How to connect the connectors

Connector shape

Use the interface connectors on the board to connect this product to an external device. The following
interface connectors are available: measurement connectors (OUT and IN), a reference clock input
connector (EXT REF), and a digital I/O connector (TRG).

* Please refer to chapter 1 for more information on the supported cable and a ccessories.

Figure 3.1. Interface Connector Shape

VNA-300M-PCI

23

3. External Connection

External Reference Input

OUT

IN

TRG

EXT REF

EXT REF

OUT

IN

TRG

Output

Input

Trigger / General I/O

External Reference
Input

This is the input terminal of the external refere nce clock (10MHz).
To switch between internal reference clock and external reference clock, use Device
Manager.

Output

This is the output terminal of the RF signal used for measurements. The output
impedance is 50Ω.

Input

This is the input terminal to wh ich the signal from the DUT is applied. The input
impedance is 50Ω.

Trigger / General I/O

This is the input terminal and also a general I/O terminal for the measurement start
trigger.
Use the software to change the function of the terminal.

CAUTION

Connector Pin Assignment

Signal arrangement of the connectors (EXT REF, OUT, IN, and TRG)

Figure 3.2. Signal Arrangement of the Connectors (EXT REF, OUT, IN, and TRG)

Do not short the TRG terminal to ground. Doing so may lead to malfunctions.

VNA-300M-PCI

24

3. External Connection

OUT

IN

TRG

EXT REF

DUT

IN OUT

CAUTION

Connecting to the Device under Test

Transmission Measurement

This section provides an example of connecting to a device under test (DUT) such as a passive part or
circuit that has an I/O impedance of 50Ω.

Figure 3.3. Connection to the DUT (Passive Part or Circuit)

-

If you will connect directly to the device under test (DUT), set the pi-circuit setting to OFF. Failing to do so may
prevent normal measurements from being performed. Use Device Manager to set the pi-circuit setting to ON or
OFF.

- Accurate measurements may not be possible if this product and the device under test (DUT) are affected by noise
or if there is a large distance between this product and the device under test (DUT).

- The output from the OUT terminal is uncertain immediately after the computer starts (for a few seconds after the
power turns on).

VNA-300M-PCI

25

3. External Connection

OUT

IN

TRG

EXT REF

I N OUT

DUT

Pi-network Jig

CAUTION

Transmission Measurement (When Using a Pi-network Jig)

This section provides an example of using a pi-network jig to connect to the device under test (DUT).

Figure 3.4. Connection Using a Pi-network Jig

- If you will connect directly to the device under test (DUT), set the pi-circuit setting to ON. Failing
to do so may prevent normal measurements from being performed. Use Device Manager to set the
pi-circuit setting to ON or OFF.

- Accurate measurements may not be possible if this product and the device under test (DUT) are
affected by noise or if there is a large distance between this product and the device under test
(DUT).

- An uncertain signal may be generated from the OUT terminal immediately after the computer starts
(for a few seconds after the power turns on).

VNA-300M-PCI

26

3. External Connection

OUT

IN

TRG

EXT REF

DUT

OUT

I N I N

CPL

Directinonal coupler

CAUTION

Reflection Measurement

This section provides an example of connecting to a passive part or circuit that has an I/O impedance of
50Ω.
To perform reflection measurements, a separate directional coupler is required in order to isolate the
reflected wave from the signal wire.

Figure 3.5. Connection to the DUT

- If you will perform reflection measurements, set the pi-circuit setting to OFF. Failing to do so may
prevent normal measurements from being performed. Use Device Manager to set the pi-circuit
setting to ON or OFF.

- Accurate measurements may not be possible if this product and the device under test are affected by
noise or if there is a large distance between this product and the device under test.

- The output from the OUT terminal is uncertain immediately after the computer starts (for a few
seconds after the power turns on).

VNA-300M-PCI

27

3. External Connection

Trigger

Input

BOARD

TRG

Target

3.3V

10k

Ground

50

SN74LVC245A

Shield cable

CAUTION

Connecting the External Trigger Input Signal

This section provides an example of using a BNC cable to connect the external trigger signal
(measurement start trigger).
Use a BNC cable (BNC-Bxxx; sold separately) or a similar item to connect an external device to the
BNC connector of the TRG.

The external trigger signal is a positive-logic, 3.3V, LVTTL level signal.
The TRG terminal can also be used for general I/O, but in this case, this terminal cannot be used to
receive external triggers.

Use the software to switch between external trigger input and general I/O.

Figure 3.6. Connecting the External Trigger Input

- You can use a 5V TTL or 5V CMOS signal for the input.

- When the power turns on, the TRG terminal is set as an input.

Reference
For the operation timing of trigger I/O signals, refer to "Timing for Control Signal" in "Chapter 6

About Hardware".

28

VNA-300M-PCI

3. External Connection

Input

BOARD

TRG

Target

3.3V

10k

Ground

50

SN74LVC245A

Shield cable

BOARD

3.3V

10k

50

TRG

Shield cable

SN74LVC245A

Output

Target

Ground

CAUTION

Connecting the Digital I/O Signals

This section provides an example of using a BNC cable to connect the digital I/O signals.
Use a BNC cable (BNC-Bxxx; sold separately) or a similar item to connect an external device to the
BNC connector of the TRG.

The digital I/O signals use positive-logic input. These I/O signals are 3.3V, LVTTL level signals.

Figure 3.7. Connecting the Digital Input

Figure 3.8. Connecting the Digital Output

- You can use a 5V TTL signal for the digital input.

- When the power turns on, the TRG terminal is set as an input.

VNA-300M-PCI

29

3. External Connection

BOARD

CLK

Target

Reference
CLK (IN)

Ground

Shield cable

CAUTION

Connecting the Reference Clock Input Signal

This section provides an example of using an SMA cable to connect the reference clock input signal.
Use a commercially available SMA cable to connect the external device to the clock.
The input is AC-coupled. You can apply an external reference clock with a frequency of 10MHz.
To switch between the internal reference clock and an external reference clock, use the software.

Figure 3.9. Connecting the Reference Clock Input

- When you have specified external reference clock input, perform program initializations with the
input from the external reference clock applied.

- When you have specified external reference clock input, if the applied reference clock does not
meet the input specifications, the product will automatically switch to the internal clock.

Reference
For the input specifications of the external reference clock, refer to "Reference clock input" under

"Hardware specification" in "Chapter 6 About Hardware".

VNA-300M-PCI

30

4. Functions

OUT

IN

TRG

EXT REF

Thru

OUT

IN

TRG

EXT REF

Open

Thru

Load

4. Functions

This chapter explains the function that can be achieved by hardware and driver's combinations. The
driver indicates the thing of API-VNA(WDM) as long as there is no annotation.

Error Compensation Function

This product is equipped with the following error compensation functions, which correspond to different
usage applications.

- Normalize

- Transmission full calibration

- Reflection Calibration

Normalize

Directly connect the OUT and IN terminals to compensate the frequency response.

Figure 4.1. Normalize

Transmission Full Calibration

Use a load that has a known value (Open, Thru, or Load) to compensate for errors caused by factors
such as crosstalk, errors caused by impedance non-conformance between the signal source and the
measurement terminal, and frequency response errors.

Figure 4.2. Transmission Full Calibration

VNA-300M-PCI

31

4. Functions

OUT

IN

TRG

EXT REF

Open

Short

Loa d

CPL

OUT I N

Directinoal coupler

Reflection Calibration

Use a load that has a known value (Open, Short, or Load) to compensate for errors caused by impedance
non-conformance between the signal source and the measurement terminal and frequency response
errors.

Figure 4.3. Reflection Calibration

VNA-300M-PCI

32

4. Functions

Start delay time

Resolution bandwidth (RBW)

2. Initialization

3. Measurement

condition settings

4. Starting/stopping

operation

5. Status/data

acquisition

Measurement parameters

Frequency range

Output level

Channel

Number of measured points

Sweep time

Start conditions

Stop

Start

Number of data entries stored in memory

Status

Data acquisition

Stop conditions

6. End processing

1. Board initial

settings

Reference clock selection (internal/external)
Pi-network jig usage setting (ON/OFF)

Measurement Procedure Overview

The processing steps when using this product to perform measurements are grouped as shown in the
following figure.
The measured data is stored in memory and can be acquired during measurement operations and after
measurement operations have finished.

VNA-300M-PCI

33

4. Functions

1．Board Initial Settings

To use this product, you have to initialize the board. Use Device Manager to configure the settings.

Reference Clock
Select whether to use the built-in reference clock installed on the circuit board or to use an external

reference clock connected to the EXT REF terminal.

Pi-network Jig Usage Setting
Set whether to use a pi-network jig. If you will use one of these jigs, set the pi-circuit setting to ON. If

you will not use one of these jigs, set the pi-circuit setting to OFF.

2．Initialization

To use this product, you have to initialize the device. For details, refer to the "VnaInit" VNA driver
reference in Help.

3．Measurement Condition Settings

Configure settings such as the channel to use, the measurement parameters, the frequency range, and the
sweep time.

4．Starting/Stopping Operation

Use software commands to start sampling.
After you start sampling, you can use software commands to stop sampling at any time.

5．Status/Data Acquisition

Use software commands to monitor the operating status of the device and to acquire measured data
stored in the memory. You can monitor the status and acquire data even while measurements are being
performed.

6．End Processing

To stop the operations being performed by this product, you have to perform device end processing. For
details, refer to the "VnaExit" VNA driver reference in Help.

VNA-300M-PCI

34

5. About Software

5. About Software
CD-ROM Directory Structure

\
|– Autorun.exe Installer Main Window

| Readmej.html Version information on each driver (Japanese)
| Readmeu.html Version information on each driver (English)

.
.
|–––APIPAC Each installer
| |––AioWdm
| |––CntWdm
| |––VnaWdm
| |––……

.
.
| ––INF INF file for each driver
| |––WDM
| | |––Aio
| | |––Cnt
| | |––Vna
| | |––…….

.
.
|–––LINUX LINUX driver
| ––Readme Readme file for each driver
| ––SOFTWARE Measurement software

.
.

| ––UsersGuide Hardware User's Guide (PDF files)
| ––UTILITY

VNA-300M-PCI

35

5. About Software

About Software for Windows

The bundled CD-ROM “Driver Library API-PAC(W32) ” contains the functions that provide the
following features :

- The ability to measure frequency characteristics

- The ability to perform error compensation designed to compensate for measurement errors caused
by measuring instruments or cables

- The ability to stop sampling and to monitor the usage status of buffer memory

For details, refer to the help file. The help file provides various items of information such as “Function
Reference”, “Sample Programs”, and “FAQs”. Use them for program development and
troubleshooting.

VNA-300M-PCI

36

5. About Software

When using the API-VNA(WDM)

Accessing the Help File

(1) Click on the [Start] button on the Windows taskbar.
(2) From the Start Menu, select “Programs” – “CONTEC API-PAC(W32)” – “API-VNA(WDM)” –

“API-VNA(WDM) HELP” to display help information.

VNA-300M-PCI

37

5. About Software

Using Sample Programs

Sample programs are provided for each of the basic operations. You can use these to check the
operation of the board and as a reference when writing your own programs.

To use the sample programs, specify the device name in the property page for the program.
The sample programs are stored in \Program Files\CONTEC\API-PAC(W32)\VNAWDM\Samples.

Running a Sample Program
(1) Click on the [Start] button on the Windows taskbar.
(2) From the Start Menu, select “Programs” - “CONTEC API-PAC(W32)” - “API-VNA(WDM)” -

“SAMPLE…”.

(3) A sample program is invoked.

Sample Programs - Examples

- Measure Measurement sample

- Calibration Calibration setting method sample

VNA-300M-PCI

38

5. About Software

The name of the board you have just
added is displayed.

- VNA-300M-PCI

Uninstalling the Driver Libraries

The method used to uninstall API-PAC(W32) differs depending on which OS you are using.
Follow the procedure given below.

Uninstall procedure for Windows 7 and Windows Vista

< Uninstalling the device driver >

1. Run Device Manager. From [My Computer] - [Control Panel], select [System] and then select the
[Device Manager] tab.
(You can also open Device Manager by right clicking on My Computer and selecting Properties.)

2. All of the hardware that uses the API-TOOL(WDM) driver is registered under the CONTEC
Devices tree.
Open the device tree, select the hardware to uninstall, and then right-click the hardware.
From the popup menu, select [Uninstall].

VNA-300M-PCI

39

5. About Software

3. The [Confirm Device Uninstall] dialog box is displayed. Do not select the [Delete the driver
software for this device] check box. Click [OK].

4. In [Programs and Features] of [Control Panel], select [Windows Driver Package - CONTEC (cvna)
Contec (XX/XX/XXXX X.X.X.X)], and then click [Uninstall/Change].

VNA-300M-PCI

40

5. About Software

< Uninstall the development environment >

Use[Control Panel] - [Programs and Features] to uninstall the development environment.
Select [CONTEC API-VNA(WDM) VerX.XX (development environment)] and then click [Uninstall].

Uninstall procedure for Windows XP and Windows 2003 Server

< Uninstall the device driver >
Use [My Computer] - [Control Panel] - [Add and Remove Programs] to uninstall the device driver.

Select [Windows driver package - CONTEC (cvna)] and then click [Change/Remove].

< Uninstall the development environment >
Use [My Computer] - [Control Panel] - [Add and Remove Programs] to uninstall the development

environment.
Select [CONTEC API-VNA(WDM) VerX.XX (development environment)] and then click
[Change/Remove].

VNA-300M-PCI

41

5. About Software

VNA-300M-PCI

42

6. About Hardware

Item

Specification

Measurement function

Measurement parameter

A/R

Measurement format

Logarithmic/linear amplitude; phase; real and imaginary parts of
complex parameters; Z, R, X (when measuring impedance
conversions); Y, G, B (when measuring admittance conversions)

Signal source characteristics (25°C ± 5°C)*1

Frequency characteristics

Range: 10kHz - 300MHz
Resolution: 1mHz
Accuracy: ±20ppm

Output characteristics
(when the pi-circuit is set to
ON)

Range: +18dBm - －43dBm(10kHz - 150MHz)

+10dBm - －43dBm(150MHz - 300MHz)

Resolution: 0.1dB
Accuracy: ±2.0dB(0dBm, 10MHz)

Linearity (10MHz)

＋18dBm - ＋12dBm : ±2.5dB
＋12dBm - －35dBm : ±1.5dB
－35dBm - －43dBm : ±2.5dB

Flatness (during 0dBm output)

10kHz - 1MHz : 5.0 dBp-p
1MHz - 100MHz : 5.0dBp-p
100MHz - 150MHz : 8.0dBp-p
150MHz - 300MHz : 18.0dBp-p

Output characteristics
(when the pi-circuit is set to
OFF)

Range: + 6dBm - －43dBm(10kHz - 300MHz)
Resolution: 0.1dB
Accuracy: ±2.0dB(0dBm, 10MHz)

Linearity (10MHz)

＋6dBm - －35dBm : ±1.5dB
－35dBm - －43dBm : ±2.5dB

Flatness (during 0dBm output)

10kHz - 1MHz : 5.0 dBp-p
1MHz - 100MHz : 5.0dBp-p
100MHz - 150MHz : 8.0dBp-p
150MHz - 300MHz : 18.0dBp-p

Sweep characteristics

Sweep parameter: Frequency
Range setting: Start/stop or center/span
Sweep time: Max. 0 .05ms/point (RBW 15kHz)
Measurement points: Max. 1601 (Segment)
Sweep trigger: Con tinuous, single

Output format

Output : Single
Connector : SMA(Female), 50Ω

6. About Hardware

This chapter provides hardware specifications and hardware-related supplementary information.

Hardware specification

Table 6.1. Specification (1/2)

VNA-300M-PCI

43

6. About Hardware

Item

Specification

Receiver characteristics (25°C ± 5°C)*1

Input characteristics

Number of input ports: 1 Port
Frequency range: 10kHz - 300MHz
Impedance: 50Ω nominal
Max. input level: 0dBm
Input destruction level : +24dBm, ±3VDC
Average noise level (RBW : 1kHz)

10kHz - 1MHz : －70dBm
1MHz - 100MHz : －85dBm
100MHz - 300MHz : －70dBm

Resolution bandwidth (RBW) : 10Hz - 15kHz(1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 steps)
Input connector : SMA (female), 50Ω

Amplitude characteristics

Measurement range: 0dBm - －70dBm(RBW : 1kHz)
Frequency response (with 0dBm input)

10kHz - 1MHz : 10.0dBp-p
1MHz - 100MHz : 6.0dBp-p
100MHz - 150MHz : 8.0dBp-p
150MHz - 300MHz : 16.0dBp-p

Dynamic accuracy (-20dBm reference)

0 - －10dBm : ±0.5dB
－10 - －40dBm : ±0.3dB
－40 - －50dBm : ±0.5dB
－50 - －60dBm : ±1.0dB

Phase characteristic

Measurement range: ±180°

Error compensation
functions

Normalize (amplitude and phase compensation), transmission full
calibration,

reflection calibration

Reference clock input

Input frequency

10MHz (duty cycle must be within 50 ± 5%)

Input impedance

600Ω

Input coupling

AC

Input voltage

0.2Vpk－3.3Vpk

Max. input voltage

±5V

General I/O

1-bit I/O (TTL), BNC

Digital I/O

Logic type

3.3V LVTTL

Output impedance

50Ω

I/O coupling

DC

I/O signal

Trigger input, general digital I/O

Common *2

I/O address

256 ports × 1 region

Memory address

16MB × 1, 1MB × 1 region

Power consumption

+5V[1200mA (Max.)], +3.3V[2000mA (Max.)]

Operating condition *3

0 - 50°C, 10 - 90%RH (No condensation)

Bus specification

PCI (32bit, 33MHz, Univ ersal key shapes supported *4)

Dimension (mm)

176.41(L) x 105.68(H)

Weight

200g

Table 6.1. Specification (2/2)

VNA-300M-PCI

44

6. About Hardware

176.41(L)

[mm]

105.68(H)

外形寸法の (L) は、基板の端から
スロットカバーの外側の面までの
サイズです。

The standard outside dimension
(L) is the distance
from the end of the board to the
outer surface of the
slot cover.

*1: Specification values were measured at a temperature of 25°C±5°C. At any other temperatures, the values may

exceed the specifi cation ranges listed here.

*2: This may not function depending on the specifications of the computer.

*3: When this product is in stalled in the expansion slot of a computer, ensure that the ambient temperature does not

exceed +50°C.

*4: This board requires power supply a t +5V and +3.3V from an expansion slot (it does not work on a machine with a

+3.3V power

supply alone).

Board Dimensions

VNA-300M-PCI

45

6. About Hardware

SMA

IN

SMA

OUT

SMA

EXT REF

BNC

TRG

ATT

Port A

ATT

Port R

LPF LPF

A/D

Amp

MIX MIX

Amp

RF

Oscillator

Local

Oscillator

ATT

Oscillator

(10MHz)

Timing

Controller

A/D

Amp

FPGA

CPUMemory

PCI BUS

VGA

Block Diagram

Figure 6.1 is a circuit block diagram of this product.

Figure 6.1. Block Diagram

VNA-300M-PCI

46

6. About Hardware

External Start Trigger Input

t

HRS

t

SRS

t

HFS

t

SFS

Items

Symbol

Time

Unit

Set up time of sampling start signal (Rising edge)

t

SRS

100

nsec

Hold time of sampling start signal (Rising edge)

t

HRS

100

nsec

Set up time of sampling start signal (Falling edge)

t

SFS

100

nsec

Hold time of sampling start signal (Falling edge)

t

HFS

100

nsec

CAUTION

Timing for Control Signal

Timing for Control Signal of Measurement function

Timing for control signal of measurement function is shown in figure 6.2, and table 6.2.

Figure 6.2. Timing for Sampling Start Control Signal

Table 6.2. Timing Table of External Control Signals

*1: When digital filter is being used, the delay time is added by 4µsec.

All the model values are shown at the time of Table 6.2.

VNA-300M-PCI

47

VNA-300M-PCI

User’s Guide

CONTEC CO., LTD. August 2014 Edition

3-9-31, Himesato, Nishiyodogawa-ku, Osaka 555-0025, Japan
Japanese http://www.contec.co.jp/
English http://www.contec.com/
Chinese http://www.contec.com.cn/

No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form by any means without prior written
consent of CONTEC CO., LTD. [03312014]

[08202014] Management No. NA03660
Parts No. LYRW301