Source Locking CW Microwave
Frequency Counters with
Selective Power Measurement
578B
Phase Matrix, Inc.
EIP 575B and 578B
CW Frequency Counters
• Source Locking
• Frequency Range of 10 MHz to 20/26.5 GHz (110 GHz optional)
• Resolution to 10 kHz • 200 msec phase-lock time
• Keyboard controlled frequency limit selection
• Power measurement accuracy to ±0.5dB typical
• -30 dBm sensitivity
• 200 Watt (+53 dBm) peak damage protection
• 200msec acquistion time
• 20 Mhz P-P FM tolerance up to a 10 MHz rate
Page 1
Phase Matrix / EIP 575B and 578B. . . .
Source Locking Microwave Frequency Counters
The Ideal Research Counters
This family of Phase Matrix/EIP microwave frequency counters provides fully
automatic source locking of virtually any electronically tunable source to the
same accuracy and long term stability as the timebase oscillator in the counter.
The ability of the 575B and the 578B to accurately set and stabilize the frequency
of a source generator often eliminates the need for an expensive, synthesized
signal generator.
The 575B measures CW, FM and AM frequencies from 10 Hz to 20 GHz, and the
578B extends that range up to 26.5 GHz. With simultaneous power measurement
capability, and options for a high stability time base, these high performance
counters are ideally suited for applications in:
• Production Line testing
• R&D Labs
• ATE
Only Phase Matrix counters offer the unique
YIG-preselected heterodyne technique.
Unsurpassed Burnout Protection
Typically found in high performance spectrum analyzers; only Phase Matrix
counters feature a YIG-preselected microwave input, which provides unparralled
burnout protection, FM tolerance and frequency selectivity. The YIG preselector
works like a tunable bandpass filter, preventing harmonics and other out-of-band
spurious signals from interfering with measurement of the desired signal. It also
protects the counter from accidental application of high level signals (up to 200
watts peak), reducing downtime and the associated high cost of repairing
damaged microwave circuitry.
Selective Frequency and Power Measurements
With a single connection, the 575B and 578B can simultaneously measure and
display the input signals frequency and power level in the microwave band,
eliminating the need for a seperate microwave power meter. Within the 25MHz
bandwidth of the YIG-preselector, only the selected signals frequency and power
level are measured. Signals to be analyzed are selected by keystroke entry of an
individual center frequency, or search a range between a low and high frquency
limit. This signal selectivity, combined with 20MHz of FM tolerance at all rates up
to 10MHz, allows the 575B and the 578B to make accurate frequency and power
level measurements even while the input signal is carrying traffic.
RF Input
950MHz to
YIG Filter
BW=25MHz
All Phase Matrix Counters feature the unique
YIG Preselected Heterodyne Down-Convertor.
POWER
(dBm)
+10
0
-30
MIXER
SRD
L.O.
IF to Count
Circuitry
-5
Frequency Extension to 110 GHz
Option 06 provides the ability to extend the frequency range of your 578B, in
bands, up to 110 GHz. Remote sensors allow you to reach out to connect to
virtually any wave guide system without the complications of the additional
plumbing necessary to bring the signal to your counter. A wide selection of
sensors provides measurement capability in the wave guide band that you are
working in now, and the flexibility to change as your application changes without
having to purchase another counter.
Page 2
FREQUENCY
MEASURED SIGNAL
The frequency selective operation of the
counters allows measurement of any individual
signal’s frquency and power in a multi-signal
environment.
Phase Matrix / EIP 575B and 578B. . . .
To FM
(Phase-Lock)
Input
Microwave Signal
Source or Sweeper
Device Under
Test
Phase Matrix
575B/578B
Counter
Coupler or
Splitter
To External Sweep
0-100 Coarse Tune
Input
RF Output
The Ultimate Reasearch Instrument
New Flexibility For GPIB-based ATE Systems
The Phase Matrix 575B/578B family of counters offers new flexibility and
efficiency in controller programming of your source. First, programming steps
can be eliminated by letting the counter directly control the sources frequency
over its entire frequency range. Second, only a single command string to the
counter is needed to set and lock the source. Third, the signal source does not
need to have GPIB capability. The counter constantly monitors and corrects
the source thereby relieving the controller of the task of checking the frequency and issuing correction commands. The ability to rapidly step and lock
the signal source also saves test time as shown by these
examples:
Frequency StepTypical Lock Time
1 MHz<200 ms
10 MHz<300 ms
1 GHz<500 ms
Automatic Broad-Band Tuning
Operation of the source and counter combination is straightforward and automatic.
Lock frequency is easily entered via the front panel keyboard or via standard GPIB
interface. The counter automatically takes it from there, locking the source at the
entered frequency.
Only three connections are required to coarse tune
and then phase-lock an electrically tunable microwave
signal source. The ability of the 575B and the 578B to
accurately set and stabilize the frequency of a source
generator often eliminates the need for an expensive,
synthesized signal generator.
Frequency Storage and Recall
For repetitive production testing, an operator can store up to nine lock frequencies
and rapidly recall them as needed. This also reduces typical lock times for steps over
10 MHz to<300ms.
Frequency Limits
Automatic amplitude discrimination enables the 575B/578B counters to automatically
select and measure the input signal with the highest level, and ignore all other
harmonics and other spurious signals that are present. "Frequency Limits" extend this
signal selection capability by allowing you to select upper and lower limits, The
counter will measure the frequency and power level of only the highest level signal
within these limits - even if there are higher level signals present at the counters
input. This gives you the ability to measure the frequency and power of a low level
signal (such as a harmonic) even when a signal of much higher level (the fundamental) is present.
Power Measurement
The 575B/578B family of microwave counters offers the optional ability to simultaneously measure both the frequency and power level through the same input. This
often eliminates the need for a separate microwave power meter. With the 25 MHz
bandwidth of the YIG tuned preselector, power measurement is made only of the
displayed signal, not of its harmonics or other signals present. Thus you can
simultaneously measure and display both frequency and power of individual signals in
a multisignal environment. Easy keystroke entry of power offsets can be used to
measure power deviation from a reference, or to compensate for losses in external
hook-ups such as cable and attenuator losses.
Frequency Range
Sensitivity
Connector
Maximum Operating Level
Damage Level
Acquisition Time
Amplitude Discrimination
Carrier remains in
band
Carrier remains in
band
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.5 GHz - 110 GHz
-25 dBm typical
Depends on remote sensor
+5 dBm
+10 dBm
<1 second typical
10 dB
Carrier remains in
band
>800MHz/sec
typical
2.5:1 typical
N/A
N/A
20 MHz P-P up to 10MHz rate
>800MHz/sec typical
2.5:1 typical
Keyboard controlled. Unit will measure
signal within ± 5 MHz
of entered frequency. Signals of equal
amplitude must be seperated by 40 MHz
Keyboard controlled. Unit will measure
largest signal within set limits. Signals
outside desired range must be seperated by
≥200 MHz (typical) from either limit.
*Above 1KHz, decreases @ 6dB/octave
down to 3.0 V rms
Page 4
SPECIFICATIONS
Power Measurement
Time Base: Standard TCXO
Frequency Range
Accuracy
Resolution
Minimum Level
Display
Offset Range
Offset Resolution
Offset Input
Measurement Time
Measurement Window
1-20 GHz (575B)
1-26.5 GHz (578B)
±1.2 dB typical (0˚ to 50˚C, input padded by 3 dB)
±0.5 dB typical (25˚C, input padded by 3 dB)
Power: ±0.1 dB
Frequency:100 kHz to 1 GHz (selectable) via GPIB
1 Hz to 1 GHz (selectable) via GPIB
Equal to counter sensitivity
Simultaneous frequency and power reading
-99.9 dB to +99.9 dB
0.1 dB
Keyboard or optional GPIB
1 Gate Time + 50ms + Freq Measurement Time
25 MHz nominal
Crystal Frequency
Stability
Output Frequency
External Time Base
GPIB (IEEE-488/1978) Programmabilty
GPIB
General
Warranty
Frequency Resolution
Display
Frequency Accuracy
Test
Sample Rate
Reset
Frequency Offset
Frequency Multiply
Computer Interface
Certifications
Operating Temperature
Power
Net Weight
Shipping Weight
Dimensions
Standard Accessories
10 MHz
Aging Rate
Short Term
Temperture
Line Variation
10 MHz square wave, 1V P-P min into 50Ω
Requires 10 MHz, 1VP-P min into 300Ω
Functions, special functions and diagnostics are programmable.
Address settable from the front panel. Compatible IEEE STD-488.
SH1, AH1, T5, L3, SR1, RL1, DC1 and DT1 implimented.
1 year Standard (Extendable to 3 years)
Selectable 0.1 Hz to 10 MHz in band 1, 1 Hz to 1 GHz in bands 2 and 3.
12-digit LED sectionalized to read GHz, MHz, kHz, Hz or GHz, MHz,
kHz, dBm.
± 1 count ± time base error.
Front panel selected service diagnostics and user information.
Varies time between measurements, from 0 sec to 10 sec.
HOLD freezes display indefinitely.
Resets display to zero and initiates new acquisition.
Displayed frequency is offset by the entered value to 1 Hz resolution.
Displayed frequency is multiplied by an entered integer from 1 to 99 and
displayed to 1 kHz resolution. OFFSET is added or subtracted to obtain
y = mx ±b result.
GPIB (IEEE 488/1978)
CE Certified for EMI/RFI to EN50011 and EN50082-1
Certified for Safety to IEC 1010-1 (1990)
0˚ to 50˚C.
100/120/140/200/220/240/VAC ±10%, 50 to 400 Hz; 60 VA typical.
~ 26 lbs. (11.8 kg).
~ 32 lbs. (14.5 kg).
3.5” H x 16.75” W x 14.0” D (89 mm H x 425 mm W x 356 mm D).
Power cord, Operating manual.
<1x10-7/month, <1x10-6/year
<1x10-9 rms for one sec. averaging time
<1x10-6, 0˚ to 50˚C
<1x10-7, ±10% line voltage
Page 5
SPECIFICATIONS
Source Locking Specifications
Lock Time (typical)
Output Drive (maximum)
Capture Range
Output Connector
Frequency Range
Resolution
Accuracy
Long Term Stability
Polarity
Bandwidth
Coarse Tune
Phase-Lock
Recall Stored Data
Coarse Tune
Phase-Lock
Coarse Tune
Phase-Lock
10 MHz-20 GHz (575B), 10 MHz-26.5 GHz (578B)
10 kHz (2.5 kHz <50 MHz)
Equal to counters timebase
Equal to counters timebase
Automatically selected
User selectable, 10 kHz, 2kHz, 500Hz, or counter automatically
selects the widest bandwidth capable of locking.
50 msec + 1 counter acquisition time period for source bandwidths
greater than 100 Hz; limited by source tuning speed below 100 Hz.
200 ms
100 ms + 1 counter acquisition period
(limited by source tuning speed.)
0 to +10V into 5K ohms min.
±10V into 5K ohms min. for source gain constant <64 MHz/V.
±75mA into 10K ohms max. for source gain constant <3.2 MHz/mA.
±0.6V into 5K ohms min. for source gain constant >64 MHz/V.
±4.5mA into 10K ohms max. for source gain constant >3.2 MHz/mA.
Entire range of selected counter band, limited by the
maximum output drive.
Source gain constant multiplied by maximum output drive.
Rear Panel BNC, female
Rear Panel BNC, female
Phase Lock Spectrum
Required Source
Characteristics
Specifications and ordering
information subject to change without notice.
Noise Floor vs. Input Frequency
The noise floor extends from the carrier to approximately the loop bandwidth. Beyond this, the noise
floor decreases 12 dB/bandwidth octave. The noise floor is the greater of: 1)
-70dBc/Hz or 2) (20log F) -65 dBc/Hz where F= Input frequency in GHz.
External SweepBandwidth5Hz minimum
Tuning Sensitivity:
Voltage Driven Input±2 MHz/V min
±1 GHz/V max
Current Driven Input±0.1 MHz/mA min
±50 MHz/mA max
Page 6
SPECIFICATIONS
OPTION 01
OPTION 02
OPTION 05
Stability
Frequency Extention Accessories
Digital to Analog Converter
Option 01 will convert any three consecutively displayed digits to an analog voltage output. A display of 000
produces 0 volts output; 999 produces 0.999 volts full scale. Output is updated after every display update.
Power Measurement
Option 02 measures power of signals applied to the Band 3 input. Power and frequency are simultaneously
displayed to 0.1 dB and 100kHz resolution, respectively. Option 02 also allows power offsets from -99.99 to +99.99 dB
(0.1 dB resolution) to be input from the keyboard or via GPIB.
High Stability Ovenized Timebase
Aging Rate
Short Term
Temperture
Line Variation
Retrace
<5x10-9 of final value 10 minutes after counter is turned on at 25˚C
Note: All remote sensors require cable kit 590 and
extended frequency Option 06
ORDERING INFORMATION
MODEL 575B
MODEL 578B
Options
Accessories
10 Hz - 20 GHz Source Locking Microwave Frequency Counter
10 Hz - 26.5 GHz Source Locking Microwave Frequency Counter
01
02
05
06
09
10
14
15
010
020
031
032
040
Digital to Analog Converter
Power Measurement
High Stability Ovenized Time Base
Frequency Extension
Rear Panel Signal Input
24” Chasis Slides
2 Year Warranty Extension (3 years total)
MIL-STD 45662 (ANSI Z540-1:94)
Transit Case
Rack Mount Kit
Extra Operating Manual (one supplied at no cost)
Maintenance and Service Manual (includes operation information)
Service Kit
Page 7
Phase Matrix, Inc
575B and 578B
Source Locking CW Microwave
Frequency Counters with
Selective Power Measurement
For More Information Contact:
Phase Matrix, Inc.
109 Bonaventura Dr.
San Jose, CA. 95134 USA
tel: 408-428-1000
fax: 408-428-1500
toll free: 877-4PhaseM
www.phasematrix.com
Specifications and ordering
information subject to change without notice.