Dataman 530 User Manual

DATAMAN 530 series

Arbitrary Waveform Generator

User’s Guide

Version 1.03

Copyright © 2004-2010 Dataman Programmers Ltd

DATAMAN 530 series AWG User’s Guide

For further information please contact us via phone or preferably e-mail at the
following address:

Address:
Dataman Programmers Ltd

Station Road
Maiden Newton
Dorset
DT2 0AE
United Kingdom

Phone:
Sales/General information: [phone]
Technical support: [phone]

Fax:
All Enquiries: [phone]

Internet:
URL: http://www.dataman.com/
e-mail: [e-mail] - technical support
[e-mail] - sales
[e-mail] - other information

- 2 -

DATAMAN 530 series AWG User’s Guide

Contents

Package contents............................................................................................................6

Warranty conditions.......................................................................................................6

Software License Agreement.........................................................................................6

Precautions.....................................................................................................................7

1. Installation..................................................................................................................8

1.1. Requirements ......................................................................................................8

1.2. Hardware installation..........................................................................................8

1.3 Software installation ............................................................................................8

2. Hardware....................................................................................................................9

2.1. Hardware description..........................................................................................9

3. Basic information.....................................................................................................11

3.1. Layout of the front and rear panel.....................................................................11

3.2. Vocabulary........................................................................................................12

4. Main window...........................................................................................................13

4.1. Controlling settings of the outputs....................................................................13

4.1.1 Setting the output voltage...........................................................................14

4.1.2. Displaying the output level........................................................................15

4.1.3. Setting the output voltage shift..................................................................15

4.1.4. Load setting................................................................................................16

4.1.5. Setting the output attenuator of “L” output................................................16

4.1.6. Switching off the outputs...........................................................................16

4.1.7. Filter cut-off frequency setting ..................................................................17

4.2. Setting frequency..............................................................................................17

4.2.1. Setting waveform (standard format) frequency.........................................17

4.2.2. Setting waveform (arbitrary format) frequency.........................................18

4.3. Triggering controls............................................................................................19

4.3.1. “Single” mode............................................................................................19

4.3.2. “Period” mode............................................................................................20

4.4. Waveform screen..............................................................................................20

4.5. Main menu........................................................................................................23

4.6. Options window................................................................................................23

5. Waveform editors.....................................................................................................25

5.1 Standard waveform editor..................................................................................25

5.2. The Math editor.................................................................................................25

5.3. Freeform editor .................................................................................................31

5.4. Import from ASCII ...........................................................................................33

6. Performance characteristics.....................................................................................35

6.1. Outputs..............................................................................................................35

6.2. Waveform generation........................................................................................35

6.3. Synchro.............................................................................................................36

6.4. Power ................................................................................................................36

6.5. Mechanical characteristics................................................................................36

- 3 -

DATAMAN 530 series AWG User’s Guide

List of figures and tables

Fig. 2.1.1. – Block diagram of the generator.................................................................9

Fig. 3.1.1. – Front panel...............................................................................................11

Fig. 3.1.2. – Back panel ...............................................................................................11

Fig. 4.1. – The main window.......................................................................................13

Fig. 4.1.1. – Outputs settings .......................................................................................14

Fig. 4.1.3.1. – The shift edit boxes...............................................................................15

Fig. 4.1.4.1. Setting the load........................................................................................16

Fig. 4.1.5.1. – Output attenuator controls....................................................................16

Fig. 4.1.6.1. – Controlling the activity of the outputs..................................................16

Fig. 4.1.7.1. – Filter setting controls............................................................................17

Fig. 4.2.1.1 – Setting frequency of “Standard” waveform...........................................17

Fig. 4.2.1.2. – Frequency edit boxes............................................................................17

Fig. 4.2.1.3. – Displayed frequency range controls.....................................................18

Fig. 4.2.2.1. – Setting frequency of “Arbitrary” waveform.........................................18

Fig. 4.2.2.2. – Frequency edit boxes............................................................................18

Fig. 4.2.2.3. – Displayed frequency range controls.....................................................19

Fig. 4.3.1. – Triggering controls..................................................................................19

Fig. 4.3.2. – Mode setting controls ..............................................................................19

Fig. 4.3.1.1. – Manual trigger event selection .............................................................19

Fig. 4.3.1.2. – External trigger event selection............................................................20

Fig. 4.3.2.1. – Period mode controls............................................................................20

Fig. 4.3.2.2. – Arm mode controls...............................................................................20

Fig. 4.4.1. – The waveform screen...............................................................................21

Fig. 4.4.2. – Waveform properties window.................................................................21

Fig. 4.4.3. – Waveform pop-up menu..........................................................................21

Fig. 4.4.4. – New waveform window...........................................................................22

Fig. 4.4.5. – List of editors...........................................................................................22

Fig. 4.4.6. – New waveform pop-up menu..................................................................22

Fig. 4.4.7. – Waveform creation editors ......................................................................23

Fig. 4.6.1. – The “Options” window............................................................................23

Fig. 5.1.1 .- The standard waveform editor screen ......................................................25

Fig. 5.2.1. – Math editor mode selection .....................................................................26

Table 5.2.2. – List of functions....................................................................................26

Fig. 5.2.3. – x range setting..........................................................................................26

Fig. 5.2.4. – Output waveform calculated with “Normalization” option on................27

Fig. 5.2.5. Defining waveform with “Normalize” option off ......................................28

Fig. 5.2.6. – Manipulating with sections......................................................................28

Fig. 5.2.7. – Parameters of the section in advanced mode...........................................28

Fig. 5.2.8. – Defining part of the waveform ................................................................29

Fig. 5.2.9. - Waveform assembled from three parts.....................................................30

Fig. 5.2.10. – Using “Y” and “Z” constants.................................................................31

Fig. 5.3.1. – The freeform editor main screen .............................................................31

Fig. 5.3.2. – Horizontal waveform position controls...................................................32

Fig. 5.3.3. – Direction of drawing................................................................................32

Fig. 5.3.4. – Curve mode controls................................................................................32

Fig. 5.3.5. – Smoothness setting..................................................................................33

Fig. 5.4.1. – Import from ASCII file............................................................................33

- 4 -

DATAMAN 530 series AWG User’s Guide

Fig. 5.4.2. – Import settings.........................................................................................34

Fig. 5.4.3. – Postprocessing settings............................................................................34

Table 6.1.1. – Outputs..................................................................................................35

Table 6.2.1. – Waveform generation ...........................................................................36

Table 6.3.1. – Synchro.................................................................................................36

Table 6.4.1. – Power....................................................................................................36

Table 6.5.1. – Mechanical characteristics....................................................................36

- 5 -

DATAMAN 530 series AWG User’s Guide

Package contents

- DATAMAN 530 series generator – 1pc

- USB cable – 1pc

- Plug in adapter – 1pc

- installation leaflet – 1pc

- CD with software and user’s guide in pdf – 1pc

Warranty conditions

Dataman Programmers Ltd guarantees reliable operation of the generator in
compliance with this documentation during a period of 24 months (2 years) from the
date of purchase.

Should a malfunction occur during the warranty period, excluding errors for which
Dataman can not be held responsible, Dataman guarantees the repair of the product or
its replacement with a new or repaired one free of charge.

Dataman shall not be responsible for malfunctions of the device caused by an
accident, incorrect usage, unauthorized interventions or similar.

When requesting the warranty service, the customer should send the device in its
original packaging to Dataman with a description of the defect or malfunction. The
customer agrees that when returning a product it would be insured against damage or
loss during transport.

Software License Agreement

This legal document is an agreement between you, the end user, and Dataman
Programmers Ltd. By installing this product on your computer, you are agreeing to
become bound by the terms of this agreement and warranty conditions.

1. GRANT OF LICENSE. Dataman Programmers Ltd as Licensor, grants you, the
Licensee, a nonexclusive right to use and display this copy of the 530 software
(hereinafter the "SOFTWARE"), device and accompanying written materials, on a
single COMPUTER at a single location and only together so long as you comply with
the terms of this License.

2. OWNERSHIP. As the LICENSEE, you own the magnetic or other physical media
on which the SOFTWARE is originally or subsequently recorded or fixed, but an
express condition of this License is that Dataman Programmers Ltd retains title and
ownership of the SOFTWARE recorded on the original disk copy(ies) and all
subsequent copies of the software, regardless of the form or media in or on which the
original and other copies may exist. This License is not a sale of the original
SOFTWARE or any copy.

3. COPY RESTRICTIONS. This SOFTWARE, device and accompanying written
materials are copyrighted. Unauthorized copying or copy attempt of the device,
including module which has been modified or included with any other system, or of

- 6 -

DATAMAN 530 series AWG User’s Guide

written materials is expressly forbidden. It is, however, allowed to pass SOFTWARE
on as the DEMO version. You may be held legally responsible for any copyright
infringement which is caused or encouraged by your failure to abide by the terms of
this License.

4. DISCLAIMER OF THE WARRANTY OF ANY KIND CONCERNING
SOFTWARE. This SOFTWARE and accompanying written materials are provided
"AS IS" without a warranty of any kind. Further, Dataman Programmers Ltd does not
warrant, guarantee or make any representations regarding the use, or the results of
use, of the SOFTWARE, device or written materials in terms of correctness, accuracy,
reliability, currentness, or otherwise. The entire risk as to the results and performance
of the software is assumed by you.

Precautions

Please observe following recommendations to avoid possible problems that might
occur while using the generator.

- read the User’s Guide

- always connect the device using a cable included in a package. If it is not possible,
always use USB 2.0 cable.

- do not connect any voltage source to the outputs.

- never connect any voltage out of -10V to +13V range to the external trigger (Si)
input (frequencies of up to 20 kHz). For frequencies higher then 20 kHz the voltage
range of –0.5 to +4V is recommended.

- never connect any voltage to the generator ground. It may result in the device, or
computer damage.

- use only the supplied wall adapter. If it is not possible, you can use any DC voltage
source in range of 10 to 18V able to supply at least 300mA. The connector’s polarity
is not important. Please be sure that no of the power supply poles are directly
connected to the ground of the device. The power supply should be fuse protected
against of overloading.

- do not open or dismantle the case, it will void any warranty. There no user
serviceable parts inside.

- 7 -

DATAMAN 530 series AWG User’s Guide

1. Installation

1.1. Requirements

Minimum configuration:

- PC PENTIUM compatible computer

- 64MB RAM

- CD-ROM

- VGA with resolution 800 x 600

- USB port 1.1

- mouse or other tracking device

- at least 20MB free space on the hard drive

- MS Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000 or XP

Recommended configuration:

- PC PENTIUM compatible computer with speed of at least 800MHz

- 256MB RAM

- CD-ROM

- VGA with resolution at least 1024x768

- USB port 2.0

- mouse or other tracking device

- at least 20MB free space on the hard drive

- MS Windows 98 SE, 2000 or XP

1.2. Hardware installation

Connect one side of the cable to the computer and the other one to the device. Proceed
with the software installation.

WARNING: Always use the cable included in the package. Using the improper
cable can cause communication problems with the computer.

1.3 Software installation

The software and the device drivers are located on the enclosed CD. Insert the CD
into the CD-ROM drive. Then follow the instructions of the setup program that should
launch automatically. If the CD autorun is not enabled in your computer’s settings,
please run file autorun.exe from the CD.

- 8 -

DATAMAN 530 series AWG User’s Guide

2. Hardware

The information contained in this chapter will help you understand features of your
device.

2.1. Hardware description

The 530 series arbitrary waveform generator connects to computer via USB 2.0. The
device accuracy is assured by the stability of the circuits and by the calibration
constants stored directly in the device.

The output waveform of can defined by a maximum of 16384 samples with 12 bits
resolution. The generator is equipped with two outputs. The output range of low level
output (L) is +– 4.5V with an output resistance of 50 Ohm. It is calibrated for up to 10
MHz. The high level output (H) offers +- 25V voltage range, with 600 Ohm
resistance. It is calibrated for up to 200kHz.

HON

H

L

SO

SI

DN/

QF(15:0)

HA PH

LA

PLL2

HD

VS(11:0)

FL(3:0)

SW

SQ

AF

DL(1:0)

DSC

CLDPLL1RF(15:0)

CX(6:0)

DAC

VA(11:0)

AK(12:0)

AS(12:0)

CNT

AC

MD(11:0)

M

WAC

RCD

WA(13:0)

clk

RCN

RA(13:0)

Fig. 2.1.1. – Block diagram of the generator

The block diagram of the generator is on the picture 2.1.1. The output amplifier LA is
connected to attenuator with settable attenuation of 0 or 20dB. The output of this
attenuator is connected to the output connector. The LA output amplifier together with
HA output amplifier are controlled by the output of the fast DA converter (DAC) via
low pass filter with settable cut-off frequency (AF). The samples of the output
waveform are stored in local storage (M) of the generator. The sample handling is
provided by (CNT, DSC, CLD, RCN, RCD, WAC) modules. They are clocked by

- 9 -

DATAMAN 530 series AWG User’s Guide

PLL controlled generators to ensure smooth tuning throughout the whole frequency
range.

The generator works in one of following operation modes:

- PERIODIC - The output waveform is generated periodically with no

possibility of external synchronization. The output synchronization pulse is
issued at the beginning of each output period through the synchronization
output (SO).

- TRIGGERED – The waveform generation is started by the input

synchronization pulse from the SI connector.

- MANUAL – The waveform generation is user-triggered through the button

click.

The device is powered mainly from the USB interface. However, when using the high
level output, it is necessary to connect the supplied wall socket adapter. The PH
module works as the high level output power supply.

- 10 -

DATAMAN 530 series AWG User’s Guide

3. Basic information

3.1. Layout of the front and rear panel

There are four connectors and two LEDs on the front panel. The BNC connectors
represent the low and high level outputs (L and H) and the input and output
synchronization signals (SI, SO). The LEDs are located on the left and the right side
of the front panel. The meaning of the left side LED is as follows:

- Green color – the high level output is powered

- Orange color – the thermal shut down condition of high level amplifier is met.

Fig. 3.1.1. – Front panel

The right side LED indicates the state of the device and its communication activity.
The different colors have following meanings:

- Red color – the device is powered, but not configured.

- Green color – the device is powered and properly configured

- Orange Color - the communication is in progress.

On the rear panel there are three connectors. The center one is the USB interface
connector, the right one is the external power adapter input and the third 10 pin
connector is an auxiliary connector reserved for future use.

Fig. 3.1.2. – Back panel

WARNING: Use only the supplied wall socket adapter. If it is not possible you
can use any DC power supply with output voltage from 10 to 18 V and at least
300mA of output current. The polarity of connector is not important. Please
assure, that no pole of power supply is connected directly to the ground of the
instrument (via measuring cable ground for example).

`

- 11 -