HP 83630L, 83623L, 83650L, 83640L User Manual

Page 1

HP 8360 L-Series Swept CW Generator (Including Options 001, 004, and 008)

User’s Guide

SERIAL NUMBERS

This manual applies directly to any swept CW generator with the model and serial number prefix combination shown below. You may have to modify this manual so that it applies directly to your instrument version. Refer to the “Instrument History” chapter.

83623L/3OL/4OL/5OL

3844A and below

Pii

HEWLETT PACKARD

HP Part No. 08380-90134

Printed in USA

February 1999 Supersedes: September 1997

Page 2

Notice

Restricted Rights

Legend

The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

Hewlett-Packard makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Hewlett-Packard shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.

Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c) (1) (ii) of the Rights of Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS

252.227-7013 for DOD agencies, and subparagraphs (c) (1) and (c) (2) of the C

ommercial

Computer Software Restricted Rights

clause at FAR 52.227-19 for other agencies.

Copyright Hewlett-Packard Company 1996, 1997, 1999 All Rights Reserved. Reproduction, adaptation, or translation without prior written permission is prohibited, except as allowed under the copyright laws. 1400 Fountaingrove Parkway, Santa Rosa, CA 95403-1799, USA

Page 3

Certification

Hewlett-Packard Company certifies that this product met its

published specifications at the time of shipment from the factory.

Hewlett-Packard further certifies that its calibration measurements

are traceable to the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology, to the extent allowed by the Institute’s calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other International

Standards Organization members.

Warranty

This Hewlett-Packard instrument product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from date of shipment. During the warranty period, Hewlett-Packard Company will, at its option, either repair or replace products which prove to be defective.

For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a service facility designated by Hewlett-Packard. Buyer shall prepay shipping charges to Hewlett-Packard and Hewlett-Packard shall pay shipping charges to return the product to Buyer. However, Buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned to Hewlett-Packard from another country.

Hewlett-Packard warrants that its software and firmware designated by Hewlett-Packard for use with an instrument will execute its programming instructions when properly installed on that instrument. Hewlett-Packard does not warrant that the operation of the instrument, or software, or firmware will be uninterrupted or error-free.

LIMITATION OF WARRANTY

The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by Buyer, Buyer-supplied software or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside of the environmental specifications for the product, or improper site preparation or maintenance.

NO OTHER WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. HEWLETT-PACKARD SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES

THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. HEWLETT-PACKARD SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.

. . .

III

Page 4

Assistance

Product maintenance agreements and other customer assistance agreements are available for Hewlett-Packard products. For any assistance, contact your nearest Hewlett-Packard Sales and Service

Ofice.

Safety Notes

The following safety notes are used throughout this manual. Familiarize yourself with each of the notes and its meaning before

operating this instrument.

WARNING

Warning denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in injury or loss of life. Do not proceed beyond a warning note until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

CAUTION

Caution denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, would result in damage to or destruction of the instrument. Do not proceed beyond a caution sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

Page 5

General Safety Considerations

WARNING

No operator serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified

personnel. To prevent electrical shock, do not remove covers.

For continued protection against fire hazard replace line fuse only with same type and rating (F 5A/250V). The use of other fuses or material is prohibited.

This is a Safety Class I product (provided with a protective earthing

ground incorporated in the power cord). The mains plug shall only be inserted in a socket outlet provided with a protective earth contact. Any interruption of the protective conductor, inside or outside the instrument, is likely to make the instrument dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited.

If this instrument is used in a manner not specified by Hewlett-Packard Co., the protection provided by the instrument may be impaired. This product must be used in a normal condition (in

which all means for protection are intact) only.

Position the instrument according to the enclosure protection

provided. This instrument does not protect against the ingress of water. This instrument protects against finger access to hazardous parts within the enclosure.

Page 6

CAUTION

n Before switching on this instrument, make sure that the line

voltage selector switch is set to the voltage of the power supply and the correct fuse is installed.

n Always use the three-prong ac power cord supplied with this

instrument. Failure to ensure adequate earth grounding by not using this cord may cause instrument damage.

n Before switching on this product, make sure that the line voltage

selector switch is set to the voltage of the power supply and the correct fuse is installed. Assure the supply voltage is in the specified range.

n Ventilation Requirements: When installing the instrument in a

cabinet, the convection into and out of the instrument must not be restricted. The ambient temperature (outside the cabinet) must be less than the maximum operating temperature of the instrument by 4 “C for every 100 watts dissipated in the cabinet. If the total power dissipated in the cabinet is greater than 800 watts, then

forced convection must be used.

n This product is designed for use in Installation Category II and

Pollution Degree 2 per IEC 1010 and 664, respectively.

Note

The detachable power cord is the instrument disconnecting device. It disconnects the mains circuits from the mains supply before other parts of the instrument. The front panel switch is only a standby switch and is not a LINE switch.

Page 7

PREFACE

This manual provides user information for the HP 8360 L-Series

Swept CW Generator.

Instruments Covered

This manual applies to instruments having a serial number prefix

By This Manual

listed on the title page (behind the “Documentation Map” tab). Some changes may have to be made to this manual so that it applies directly to each instrument; refer to Chapter 5, “Instrument History”, to see what changes may apply to your instrument.

A serial number label (Figure O-l) is attached to the instrument’s rear panel. A prefix (four digits followed by a letter), and a suffix (five digits unique to each instrument), comprise the instrument serial number.

SERIAL NUMBER

I \

PREFIX

SUFFIX

-A

SER

1234A 12345

INSTALLED

OPTIONS

Figure O-l. Typical Serial Number Label

User’s Guide

Tabs divide the major chapters of this manual. The contents of each

Organization

chapter is listed in the Table of Contents.

HP 8360 L-Series Documentation

Documentation Map

For a pictorial representation of the HP 8360 L-Series documentation,

see the ‘Documentation Map” at the front of this manual.

Ordering Manuals

A manual part number is listed on the title page of this manual. You may use it to order extra copies of this manual. See

“Replaceable Parts” in HP 8360 B-Series Swept Signal Generator/

HP 8360 L-Series Swept CW Generator Service Guide for a complete

list of HP 8360 documentation and ordering numbers.

vii

Page 8

Typeface Conventions

The following conventions are used in the HP 8360 L-Series documentation:

Italics Italic type is used for emphasis, and for titles of manuals and

other publications. Computer Computer type is used for information displayed on the

instrument. For example: In this sequence, POWER LEVEL is displayed.

(Hardkeys)

Instrument keys are represented in “key cap.” You are

instructed to press a

hardkey.

Softkeys

Softkeys are located just below the display, and their

functions depend on the current display. These keys are represented

in “softkey.” You are instructed to select a softkey.

Regulatory

Information

This product has been designed and tested in accordance with IEC Publication 1010, Safety Requirements for Electronic Measuring Apparatus, and has been supplied in a safe condition. The

instruction documentation contains information and warnings

which must be followed by the user to ensure safe operation and to maintain the instrument in a safe condition.

. . .

VIII

Page 9

Manufacturer’s Declaration

Note

This is to certify that this product meets the radio frequency interference requirements of Directive FTZ 1046/1984. The German Bundespost has been notified that this equipment was put into circulation and has been granted the right to check the product type

for compliance with these requirements.

Note: If test and measurement equipment is operated with unshielded cables and/or used for measurements on open set-ups, the user must insure that under these operating conditions, the radio

frequency interference limits are met at the border of his premises.

Model HP 8360 L-Series Swept CW Generator

Note

Hiermit wird bescheinigt, dass dieses

Gerat/System

fibereinstimmung

mit den Bestimmungen von

Postverfiigung

1046/84

funkentst”rt

ist.

Der Deutschen Bundespost wurde das Inverkehrbringen dieses

Gerates/Systems

angezeight und die Berechtigung

zur Uberpriifung

der Serie auf Einhaltung der Bestimmungen

eingeraumt.

Zustzinformation fiir Mess-und Testgerate:

Werden Mess- und Testgerate mit ungeschirmten Kabeln

und/oder

in offenen Messaufbauten verwendet, so ist vom Betreiber sicherzustellen, dass die Funk-Entst”rbestimmungen unter Betriebsbedingungen an seiner Grundstiicksgrenze eingehalten werden.

Page 10

Declaration of

Conformity

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

aomrding

lSO/lEC

Guide 22 and EN 45014

hanufacturetis

Name:

Hewlett-Packard Co.

lanufactureh

Address:

declares

that the products

Microwave Instruments

Division

1400 Fountaingrove Parkway Santa Rosa, CA 95403-1799 USA

Product Name:

Synthesized Sweeper

Model Numbers:

HP 83623L, HP

8363OL,

HP 836401.

HP 83650L

Product Options:

This declaration covers all options of the above products.

:onform

to the following Product specifications:

Safety: IEC

348:1978/HD

401

S1:1981

CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 231 (Series M-89)

EMC:

CISPR 11:1990/EN 55011:1991

Group I, Class A

IEC

801-2:1984/EN

50082-1:1992

4 kV

CD, 8

IEC

801-3:1984/EN

50082-1:1992

V/m, 27-500

MHz

IEC

801-4:1988/EN

50082-I:1992 0.5 kV Sig. Lines, 1 kV Power Lines

IEC

555-2:1982

Al:1985 I

60555-2:1987

IEC

555-3:1982

Al:1990 /

60555-3:1987

+ Al:1991

Supplementary Information:

-hese

products herewith comply with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive

‘3/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and carry the CE-marking accordingly.

Voduct safety qualification testing for these products was performed prior to 1

December 1993.

Santa

Rosa, California, USA

19 Dec. 1996

Manager

European Contact: Your local Hewlett-Packard Sales and Service Office or Hewlett-Packard

GmbH.

Deparlment HQ-TRE.

Herrenbarger

Slrasse

130, D-71 034 BBblingen. Germany (FAX +497031-l 4-3143)

Page 11

Compliance with

This is to declare that this instrument is in conformance with the

German Noise Requirements

German Regulation on Noise Declaration for Machines (Laermangabe

nach

der Maschinenlaermrerordnung -3.GSGV Deutschland).

Acoustic Noise Emmission/Geraeuschemission

LpA <70 dB

Operator position Normal position per IS) 7779

LpA <70 dB

am Arbeitsplatz normaler Betrieb

nach

DIN 45635 t.19

Instrument Markings !

“ISMl-A”

The instruction documentation symbol. The product is marked with this symbol when it is necessary for the user to refer to the instructions in the documentation.

The CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community.

The CSA mark is a registered trademark of the

Canadian Standards Association.

This is a symbol of an Industrial Scientific and Medical

Group 1 Class A product.

This is an ON symbol. The symbol ON is used to mark the position of the instrument power line switch.

This is a STANDBY symbol. The STANDBY symbol is used to mark the position of the instrument power line switch.

This is an OFF symbol. The OFF symbol is used to mark the position of the instrument power line switch.

This is an AC symbol. The AC symbol is used to indicate the required nature of the line module input power.

Page 12

Table O-l. Hewlett-Packard Sales and Service Offices

UNITED STATES

Instrument Support Center

Hewlett-Packard Company (800) 403-0801

EUROPEAN FIELD OPERATIONS

Headquarters

France

Hewlett-Packard S.A. Hewlett-Packard France 150, Route du Nant-d’Avri1

1 Avenue Du Canada

1217 Meyrin a/Geneva

Zone

D’Activite

De Courtaboeuf

Switzerland

F-91947 Les Ulis

Cedex

(41 22) 780.8111

France (33 1) 69 82 60 60

Great Britain

Hewlett-Packard Ltd. Eskdale Road, Winnersh Triangle Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 5DZ England (44 734) 696622

Germany

Hewlett-Packard GmbH Hewlett-Packard Strasse 61352 Bad Homburg v.d.H Germany (49 6172) 16-O

INTERCON

FIELD OPERATIONS

Headquarters

Hewlett-Packard Company 3495 Deer Creek Road Palo Alto, California, USA 94304-1316 (415) 857-5027

China

China Hewlett-Packard Company 38

Bei

San

Huan

Xl Road Shuang Yu Shu

Hai

Dian District Beijing, China (86 1) 2566888

Taiwan

Hewlett-Packard Taiwan 8th Floor, H-P Building 337 Fu Hsing North Road Taipei, Taiwan (886 2) 712-0404

Australia

Hewlett-Packard Australia Ltd.

31-41 Joseph Street

Blackburn, Victoria 3130 (61 3) 895-2895

Japan

Hewlett-Packard Japan, Ltd

9-1

Takakura-Cho, Hachioji Tokyo 192, Japan (81 426) 60-2111

Canada

Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Ltd. 17500 South Service Road Trans-Canada Highway Kirkland, Quebec

H9J

2X8 Canada (514) 697-4232

Singapore

Hewlett-Packard Singapore (Pte.) Ltd. 150 Beach Road #29-00 Gateway West Singapore 0718 (65) 291-9088

xii

Page 13

Contents

Contents-l

1. Getting Started

What Is In This Chapter

............

How To Use This Chapter

............

Equipment Used In Examples

.........

Introducing the HP 8360 L-Series Swept CW

Generators

.................

Display Area

..................

Entry Area

..................

CW Operation and Start/Stop Frequency Sweep . .

CW Operation

................

Start/Stop Frequency Sweep

..........

Center Frequency/Span Operation

........

Power Level and Sweep Time Operation

......

Power Level Operation

............

Sweep Time Operation

............

Continuous, Single, and Manual Sweep Operation

Marker Operation

...............

Saving and Recalling an Instrument State

.....

Power Sweep and Power Slope Operation

.....

Power Sweep Operation

............

Power Slope Operation

............

Getting Started Advanced

............

Externally Leveling the Swept CW Generator ...

Leveling with Detectors/Couplers /Splitters ...

External Leveling Used With the Optional Step

Attenuator

...............

Leveling with Power Meters

..........

Leveling with MM-wave Source Modules

.....

Working with Mixers/Reverse Power Effects ....

Working with Spectrum Analyzers/Reverse Power

Effects

...................

Optimizing Swept CW Generator Performance ...

Creating and Applying the User Flatness Correction

Array

..................

Creating a User Flatness Array Automatically,

Example 1

...............

Creating a User Flatness Array, Example 2

. .

Swept mm-wave Measurement with Arbitrary

Correction Frequencies, Example 3 ....

Scalar Analysis Measurement with User Flatness

Corrections, Example 4

.........

Using Detector Calibration

..........

l-l l-2 l-2

1-3 l-4 1-5 1-6 l-6 l-6

l-8 l-10 l-10 l-10 l-12 1-14 1-16 1-18 1-18 1-19 l-21 l-23 l-23

l-26 l-27 l-28 l-30

l-32

l-33

l-34 1-36

1-39

l-43 l-47

Page 14

Using the Tracking Feature ..........

Peaking ..................

Tracking .................

ALC Bandwidth Selection ............

Using Step Sweep ...............

Creating and Using a Frequency List .......

Using the Security Features ...........

Changing the Preset Parameters .........

Getting Started Programming ..........

HP-IB General Information ...........

Interconnecting Cables ............

Instrument Addresses .............

HP-IB Instrument Nomenclature ........

Listener ..................

Talker. ..................

Controller .................

Programming the Swept CW Generator .....

HP-IB Command Statements .........

Abort ...................

Remote ..................

Local Lockout ...............

Local ...................

Clear ...................

output ..................

Enter ...................

Getting Started with SCPI ...........

Definitions of Terms ..............

Standard Notation ..............

Command Mnemonics ...........

Angle Brackets ...............

How to Use Examples .............

Command Examples ............

Response Examples .............

Essentials for Beginners .............

Program and Response Messages .......

Forgiving Listening and Precise Talking ....

Types of Commands ............

Subsystem Command Trees ..........

The Command Tree Structure ........

Paths Through the Command Tree ......

Subsystem Command Tables ..........

Reading the Command Table ........

More About Commands ...........

Query and Event Commands ........

Implied Commands ............

Optional Parameters ...........

Program Message Examples .........

Parameter Types ..............

Numeric Parameters ...........

Extended Numeric Parameters .......

Discrete Parameters ...........

l-49 l-49 1-49 l-50 1-51

l-52 l-53 l-54 l-55 l-56 1-56 1-56 1-56 l-56 l-56 l-56 l-56 l-57 l-57 l-58 l-58 l-59 l-59 l-60 1-61 1-63 l-63 l-64 l-64 l-64 1-64 l-64 l-65 l-66 l-66 l-66 l-67 l-68 l-68 l-68 1-71 1-71 l-72 l-72 l-72 l-72 l-72 l-73 l-73 l-74 l-75

Contents-2

Page 15

Boolean Parameters

...........

Reading Instrument Errors

..........

Example Programs

..............

Example Program

.............

Description

...............

Program Listing

.............

Program Comments

...........

Details of Commands and Responses

.......

In This Subsection

..............

Program Message Syntax

...........

Subsystem Command Syntax

........

Common Command Syntax

.........

Response Message Syntax

...........

SCPI Data Types

..............

Parameter Types

..............

Numeric Parameters

...........

Extended Numeric Parameters

.......

Discrete Parameters

...........

Boolean Parameters

...........

Response Data Types

............

Real Response Data

...........

Integer Response Data

..........

Discrete Response Data

..........

String Response Data

...........

Programming Typical Measurements

.......

In This Subsection

..............

Using the Example Programs

.........

Use of the Command Tables

.........

HP-IB Check, Example Program 1

.......

Program Comments

............

Local Lockout Demonstration, Example Program 2

Program Comments

............

Setting Up A Typical Sweep, Example Program 3

Program Comments

............

Queries, Example Program 4

..........

Program Comments

............

Saving and Recalling States, Example Program 5 .

Program Comments

............

Looping and Synchronization, Example Program 6

Program Comments

............

Using the

*WA1

Command, Example Program 7 .

Program Comments

............

Using the User Flatness Correction Commands,

Example Program 8

............

Programming the Status System

.........

In This Subsection

..............

General Status Register Model

.........

Condition Register

.............

Transition Filter

..............

Event Register

...............

Enable Register

..............

l-75 l-76

1-77 l-77 l-77 l-77 l-78 l-80 l-80 l-80 1-81 1-81 l-82 l-83 l-83 l-83 l-84 l-85 l-85 l-85

l-85

1-86

l-86 l-86 1-87 l-87 l-87 l-88

l-90 l-90

l-91

l-92 l-93 l-93 l-95 l-95 l-97 l-97 l-99

1-99 l-101 l-101

l-103 l-106

l-106 l-106

l-106 l-107 l-107 l-107

Contents-3

Page 16

An Example Sequence ...........

Programming the Trigger System

.........

In This Subsection ..............

Generalized Trigger Model ...........

Overview .................

Details of Trigger States ...........

Inside the Idle State ...........

Inside the Initiate State ..........

Inside Event Detection States .......

Inside the Sequence Operation State ....

Common Trigger Configurations ........

The

INIT

Configuration ...........

The TRIG Configuration ..........

Description of Triggering in the HP 8360 L-Series

Swept CW Generators ...........

Advanced Trigger Configurations .......

Trigger Keyword Definitions ..........

ABORt

..................

IMMediate

................

ODELay

.................

SOURce ..................

Related Documents

...............

The International Institute of Electrical and

Electronics Engineers. ...........

Hewlett-Packard Company ...........

l-107 l-109 l-109 l-109 l-109 l-110 l-111 l-111 1-112 l-114 l-115 1-115 1-116

l-117 1-118 1-118

l-118 1-118 1-118 1-119 l-120

l-120 l-120

2. Operating and Programming Reference

How To Use This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . .

2-1

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A-l

Adrs

Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A-l

(ALC).

....................

A-3

ALC Bandwidth Select Auto

..........

A-10

ALC Bandwidth Select High

..........

A-10

ALC Bandwidth Select Low

..........

A-11

ALC3WMenu

.................

A-11

Altrnate Regs

................

A-12

Amp1

Markers

.................

A-13

ANALYZER STATUS REGISTER

........

A-13

Arrow Keys

..................

A-16

[ASSIGN).

....................

A-17

Auto Fill

Incr

................

A-18

Auto Fill #Pts

................

A-19

Auto Fill Start

...............

A-20

Auto Fill Stop

................

A-21

Auto Track

..................

A-22

Contents-4

Page 17

BLankDisp

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B-l

(CENTER)

.....................

C-l

Center=Marker

................

c-2

Clear Fault

.................

c-2

Clear Memory

.................

c-3

Clear Point

.................

c-4

CONNECTORS ................

c-4

(CONT)

.....................

c-10

CopyList

..................

c-11

CorPair

Disable

...............

c-11

Coupling Factor

...............

c-12

(cw

.....................

c-12

CW/CF

Coupled

................

c-13

Dblr Amp Menu

................

D-l

Delete Menu

.................

D-2

Delete All

..................

D-2

Delete Current

................

D-3

Delete Undef

.................

D-3

DeltaMarker

.................

D-4

Delta Mkr Ref

................

D-5

Disp Status

.................

D-5

Doubler Amp Wode AUTO

............

D-7

Doubler

Amp

Mode Off

............

D-7

Doubler

Arap

Mode On

.............

D-8

Dwell Coupled

................

D-9

8360Adrs

..................

EnterCorr

..................

EnterFreq..

................

Enter List Dwell

..............

Enter List Freq

...............

Enter List Offset

..............

ENTRY KEYS .................

ENTRY ON/OFF)

.................

ExtDet Cal

.................

E-l E-l

E-2 E-2 E-3

E-4 E-4 E-5

E-5

Contents-5

Page 18

Fault Menu

..................

F-l

Fault Info 1

.................

F-2

Fault Info 2

.................

F-3

Fault Info 3

.................

F-4

Fltness Menu

.................

F-5

(FLTNEss ON/OF)

................ F-10

Freq Cal Menu

................

F-11

Freq Follow .................

F-11

FREQUENCY

(e)

...............

F-12

Freq

Mult

.................. F-13

Freq Offset

.................

F-14

FullUsr

Cal

.................

F-14

Global Dwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

G-l

Global Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

G-l

HP-IB Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-l

HP-IB Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

H-l

Leveling

ModeALCof f

............. L-l

Leveling

ModeNorxtal

.............

L-2

Leveling

ModeSearch

.............

L-2

Leveling

PointExtDet

............

L-3

Leveling PointIntml

............

L-3

Leveling

PointModule

............

L-4

Leveling

PointPwrMtr

............

L-5

LINE SWITCH

................

L-5

ListMenu

..................

L-6

List

Mode

TrigAuto

............

L-8

List Mode Pt

TrigBus

............

L-9

List Mode Pt

TrigExt

............

L-9

(TEL-)

.....................

L-10

Contents-6

Page 19

MI--M2

Sweep . . . .

Manual Sweep . . . .

(MARKER) . . . . . .

Marker Mi . . . . .

Marker M2 . . . . .

Marker M3 . . . . .

Marker M4 . . . . .

Marker

. . . . .

Markers All Off . . Measure Corr All . Measure Corr Current Measure Corr Undef

Meter Adss . . . . .

INIOD)

. . . . . . . .

Module Menu . . . .

Module Select AUTO Module Select Front

Module Select None Module Select Rear

more n/m . . . . . .

Mtr

Meas

Menu . . .

Peak RF Always . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pulse

On/OffScal.ar

Pwr Mtr Range . . .

.............

............

.............

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Analyzr

........

CIIL

..........

SCPI

. . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

M-l

M-l M-3 M-4

M-5 M-5 M-6 M-6 M-7 M-7 M-8 M-8

M-9 M-9

M-10 M-11 M-11 M-12 M-13 M-13 M-14

P-l P-2

P-2 P-5

P-6 P-7 P-8

P-9

P-10 P-11 P-11

P-12

P-13 P-13 P-14 P-15 P-15

P-16

Contents-7

Page 20

(RECALL)

....................

R-l

Ref Osc Menu

.................

R-l

@Eqz--

..................

R-2

ROTARY KNOB ................

R-2

LSAVE)

.....................

S-l

SaveLock

..................

s-2

Save User Preset

..............

s-2

SCPI Conformance Information

.........

s-3 SCPI COMMAND SUMMARY SCPI STATUS REGISTER

STRUbitiRi

. : : : :

s-12 S-48

Security Menu

................

s-50

Selftest

(Full)

...............

s-51

SetAtten

..................

s-51

[piEiF)

.....................

S-52

Software Rev

.................

S-52

@KJ

.....................

s-53

(START)

.....................

s-53

Start=Ml Stop=M2

..............

s-54

Start Sweep Trigger Auto

..........

s-55

Start Sweep Trigger Bus

...........

s-55

Start Sweep Trigger Ext

...........

S-56

Step Control Master

.............

S-56

Step Control Slave

.............

S-58

Step Dwell

..................

s-59

Step Points

.................

S-60

StepSize

..................

S-60

Step

Sup

................

S-61

Step

Sup

PtTrig Auto

............

S-62

Step

Sup

PtTrig Bus

.............

S-62

Step

Sup

PtTrig Ext

.............

S-63

ISTOP)

.....................

S-63

SWEEP

(MENU)

.................

S-64

Sweep Mode List

...............

S-65

Sweep Mode Ramp

...............

S-66

Sweep Mode Step

...............

S-66

Sup

Span

CalAlways

.............

S-67

Sup

Span

CalOnce

..............

S-67

(SWEEP TIME)

..................

S-68

SwpTime

Auto

.................

S-68

SYSTEM

(MENU)

.................

S-69

Contents-8

Page 21

MHz Freq Std Auto

............

MHz Freq Std Extrnl

...........

10 MHz Freq Std Intrnl

...........

10 MHz Freq Std None

............

Tracking Menu

................

TrigOut

Delay

................

Uncoupl Atten

......

Unlock Info

.......

Up/Down Power

......

Up/Dn Size CW

......

Up/Dn Size Swept

....

(USER)

..........

USER DEFINED

(FV1ENU)

. .

VsrKev

Clear

.......

UsrMenu Clear . . . . . .

. . . .

. . . . . . . . . .

. . . .

Zero Freq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

z-1

Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

z-1

2a. Error Messages

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Front Panel Error Messages in Alphabetical Order

SCPI Error Messages in Numerical Order . . . . .

Swept CW Generator Specific SCPI Error Messages

Universal SCPI Error Messages . . . . . . . .

Error Messages From -499 To -400 . . . . .

Error Messages From -399 To -300 . . . . .

Error Messages From -299 To -200 . . . . .

Error Messages From -199 to -100 . . . . . .

2b. Menu Maps

ALC Menu

..................

Frequency Menu

................

Marker Menu

.................

Modulation Menu

...............

Power Menu

..................

Service Menu

.................

Sweep Menu

..................

System Menu

.................

User Cal Menu

.................

T-l T-l T-2 T-2 T-3 T-3

U-l U-l

u-2 u-2 u-3

u-4 u-4

u-5 u-5

2a-1 2a-1 2a-5 2a-5 2a-6 2a-6 2a-6 2a-6 2a-7

2b-3 2b-5 2b-7

2b-9 2b-11 2b-13 2b-15 2b-17 2b-19

Contents-9

Page 22

2c. Specifications

Frequency ...................

Range ....................

Resolution ..................

Frequency Bands (for CW signals)

.......

Frequency Modes: ..............

CW and Manual Sweep

............

Synthesized Step Sweep

............

Synthesized List Mode

............

Ramp Sweep Mode ..............

Internal 10 MHz Time Base

..........

RF Output ..................

Output Power ................

Accuracy ( dB)4

..............

Flatness

(dB)

...............

Analog Power Sweep .............

External Leveling ...............

Source Match ................

Spectral Purity .................

Spurious Signals ...............

Single-Sideband Phase Noise (dBc/Hz)

.....

Offset from Carrier .............

Residual FM (RMS, 50 Hz to 15 kHz bandwidth) .

General ....................

Environmental ................

Warm-Up Time ...............

Power Requirements .............

Weight & Dimensions .............

Adapters Supplied ..............

Inputs & Outputs ..............

Auxiliary Output ..............

RF Output ................

External ALC Input

............

Trigger Input ...............

Trigger Output ...............

10 MHz Reference Input

...........

10 MHz Reference Output

..........

Sweep Output ...............

Stop Sweep Input/Output

..........

Z-Axis Blanking/Markers Output

.......

Volts/GHz Output .............

Source Module Interface

...........

Auxiliary Interface .............

Models ...................

Options ...................

Option 001 Add Step Attenuator

.......

Option 004 Rear Panel RF Output

......

Option 008 1 Hz Frequency Resolution

....

Option 700 MATE System Compatibility

...

Option 806 Rack Slide Kit

..........

Option 908 Rack Flange Kit

.........

2c-2 2c-2 2c-2 2c-2 2c-2 2c-2 2c-3 2c-3 2c-3 2c-3 2c-4

2c-4

2c-5 2c-5 2c-6

2c-6 2c-6 2c-7 2c-7

2c-9 2c-9 2c-9

2c-10 2c-10 2c-10 2c-10 2c-10 2c-10 2c-11 2c-11 2c-11 2c-11 2c-11 2c-11 2c-11

2c-11 2c-11 2c-11 2c-12 2c-12 2c-12 2c-12 2c-12 2c-12 2c-12 2c-12 2c-12 2c-12 2c-13 2c-13

Contents- 10

Page 23

Option 910 Extra Operating & Service Guides . Option 013 Rack Flange Kit

.........

Option W30 Two Years Additional Return-To-HP

Service

.................

3. Installation

Initial Inspection

................

Equipment Supplied

..............

Options Available

...............

Preparation for Use

...............

Power Requirements

.............

Line Voltage and Fuse Selection

........

Power Cable

.................

Language Selection

..............

How to View or Change a Language Selection from

the Front Panel

.............

How to Select a Language on a Swept CW

Generator without a Front Panel

.....

HP-IB Address Selection

...........

How to View or Change an HP-IB address from

the Front Panel

.............

How to Prevent a Front Panel Change to an HP-IB

Address

................

How to Set the HP-IB Address on a Swept CW

Generator without a Front Panel

.....

Mating Connectors

..............

10 MHz Frequency Reference Selection and Warmup

Time

..................

Operating Environment

............

Chassis Kits

..................

Rack Mount Slide Kit (Option 806)

.......

Installation Procedure

............

Rack Flange Kit for Swept CW Generators with

Handles Removed (Option 908)

.......

Installation Procedure

............

Rack Flange Kit for Swept CW Generators with

Handles Attached (Option 913)

.......

Installation Procedure

............

Storage and Shipment

..............

Environment

.................

Package the Swept CW Generator for Shipment

Converting HP 8340/41 Systems to HP 8360 L-Series

Systems

..................

Manual Operation

..............

Compatibility

...............

Front Panel Operation

...........

Instrument Preset Conditions

.......

System Connections

.............

The HP 8510 Network Analyzer

.......

The HP

8757C/E

Scalar Network Analyzer

. .

2c-13

3-l

3-2 3-2 3-3 3-3 3-3 3-4 3-6

3-6

3-6 3-7

3-8

3-8 3-8

3-8

3-9

3-10 3-10 3-11

3-13 3-14

3-15 3-16 3-17 3-17 3-18

3-19

3-20 3-20 3-20

3-20 3-21 3-21 3-22

Contents-l 1

Page 24

The HP 83550 Series Millimeter-wave Source

Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The HP 8970B Noise Figure Meter . . . . .

Remote Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Language Compatibility . . . . . . . . . .

Network Analyzer Language . . . . . . . .

Test and Measurement System Language . . Control Interface Intermediate Language . .

Converting from Network Analyzer Language to

SCPI

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Numeric Suffixes . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Status Bytes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3-22 3-22 3-23 3-23 3-23 3-23 3-23

3-23 3-24 3-24

4. Operator’s Check and Routine Maintenance

Operator’s Checks

...............

Service Information

..............

Local Operator’s Check

.............

Description

.................

Preliminary Check

..............

Main Check

.................

Routine Maintenance

..............

How to Replace the Line Fuse

.........

How to Clean the Fan Filter

..........

How to Clean the Cabinet

...........

How to Clean the Display Filter

........

4-l 4-l

4-2 4-2 4-2 4-3

4-4 4-4 4-5 4-6 4-6

5. Instrument History

Index

Contents-12

Page 25

Figures

Contents-13

O-l. Typical Serial Number Label

..........

l-l. The HP 8360 L-Series Swept CW Generator

...

l-2. Display

...................

l-3. Entry Area

.................

l-4. CW Operation and Start/Stop Frequency Sweep . l-5. Center Frequency and Span Operation

.....

l-6. Power Level and Sweep Time Operation

.....

l-7. Continuous, Single, and Manual Sweep Operation l-8. Marker Operation

..............

l-9. Saving and Recalling an Instrument State

....

l-10. Power Sweep and Power Slope Operation

....

l-11. ALC Circuit Externally Leveled

........

1-12. Typical Diode Detector Response at 25°C

....

1-13. Leveling with a Power Meter

..........

1-14. MM-wave Source Module Leveling

.......

1-15. MM-wave Source Module Leveling Using a Microwave

Amplifier

.................

1-16. Reverse Power Effects, Coupled Operation with

-8dBm Output

..............

1-17. Reverse Power Effects, Uncoupled Operation with

-8dBm Output

..............

1-18. Creating a User Flatness Array Automatically . . 1-19. Creating a User Flatness Array

.........

l-20. Creating Arbitrarily Spaced Frequency-Correction

Pairs in a Swept mm-wave Environment ...

1-21. Scalar System Configuration

..........

l-22. Automatically Characterizing and Compensating for

a Detector

................

l-23. Decision Tree for ALC Bandwidth Selection

...

l-24. SCPI Command Types

............

l-25. A Simplified Command Tree

..........

l-26. Proper Use of the Colon and Semicolon

.....

l-27. Simplified

SWEep

Command Tree

.......

l-28. Voltage Controlled Oscillator Test

.......

l-29. Simplified Program Message Syntax

.......

l-30. Simplified Subsystem Command Syntax

.....

1-31. Simplified Common Command Syntax

.....

l-32. Simplified Response Message Syntax

......

l-33. Generalized Status Register Model

.......

l-34. Typical Status Register Bit Changes

......

l-35. Generalized Trigger Model

...........

l-36. Inside the Idle State

.............

vii l-3 1-4 1-5 1-7 1-9

l-11

l-13 1-15 1-17 1-19 l-23 l-25 l-27 l-28

l-29

1-31

1-31 l-34 l-37

l-40 l-43

1-47 l-50 l-67 l-68

l-70

1-71 l-77 l-80

1-81 l-82

1-82 l-106 l-108 l-110 l-111

Page 26

l-37. Inside the Initiate State . . . . . . . . . . . .

l-38. Inside an Event Detection State . . . . . . . .

l-39.

Inside the Sequence Operation State . . . . . .

l-40.

The

INIT

Trigger Configuration . . . . . . . .

1-41.

The TRIG Trigger Configuration . . . . . . . .

l-42. HP 8360 Simplified Trigger Model . . . . . . .

A-l.

ALC System Simplified Block Diagram . . . . .

A-2.

Typical External Leveling Hookup . . . . . . .

C-l. Auxiliary Interface Connector . . . . . . . . .

c-2.

HP-IB Connector and Cable . . . . . . . . . .

c-3. Interface Signals of the Source Module Connector .

F-l.

Basic User Flatness Configuration Using an HP 437B

F-2.

F-3. F-4.

Power Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

User Flatness Correction Table as Displayed by the

Swept CW Generator . . . . . . . . . . .

The Sources of ALC Calibration Correction Data . Array Configuration when the Correction Data

Frequency Span is a Subset of the Swept CW

Generator Frequency Span . . . . . . . . .

P-l.

S-l.

How(PRIOR)Works . I

.-.

. . . . . . . . . .

Connections Required for a Two-Tone Scalar

2b-1. 2b-2. 2b-3. 2b-4. 2b-5. 2b-6. 2b-7. 2b-8. 2b-9.

3-l. 3-2. 3-3. 3-4. 3-5.

3-6.

4-l.

Network Analyzer Measurement System

...

ALC Menu

.................

Frequency Menu

.............

Marker Menu

................

Modulation Menu

..............

Power Menu

.................

Service Menu

................

Sweep Menu

.................

System Menu

................

User Cal Menu

................

AC Power Cables Available

..........

Rear Panel HP-IB Switch

...........

Removing the Side Straps and Feet

.......

Chassis Slide Kit

...............

Rack Mount Flanges for Swept CW Generators with

Handles Removed

.............

Rack Mount Flanges for Swept CW Generators with

Handles Attached

.............

Replacing the Line Fuse

............

4-2. Removing the Fan Filter . . . . . . . . . . .

l-111 1-113 1-114 l-115 l-116 1-117

A-5 A-8

C-6 c-7 c-9

F-6

F-7

F-8

P-12

s-57

2b-3

2b-5 2b-7 2b-9

2b-11 2b-13 2b-15 2b-17 2b-19

3-5

3-7 3-11 3-12

3-14

3-16

4-4

4-5

Contents-14

Page 27

Tables

l-l. Keys Under Discussion in This Section

.....

l-2.

SWEep

Command Table

...........

l-3. SCPI Data Types

..............

l-4. Sample Swept CW Generator Commands

....

C-l. Pin Description of the Auxiliary Interface

....

D-l. Mnemonics used to Indicate Status

.......

S-l. HP 8360 SCPI COMMAND SUMMARY

....

3-l. Adapter Descriptions and Part Numbers Shipped

with Each Swept CW Generator Model

...

3-2. Language HP-IB Addresses

..........

3-3. Factory-Set HP-IB Addresses

.........

3-4. Rack Mount Slide Kit Contents

........

3-5. Rack Flange Kit for Swept CW Generators with

Handles Removed Contents

.........

3-6. Rack Flange Kit for Swept CW Generators with

Handles Attached Contents

.........

3-7. Instrument Preset Conditions for the HP

8360/8340/8341

..............

3-8. Numeric Suffixes ...............

3-9. Programming Language Comparison

......

4-l. Fuse Part Numbers

..............

1-21 1-71 l-83 l-88

C-6

D-6

S-16

3-2 3-6 3-7

3-10

3-13

3-15

3-20 3-24 3-25

4-4

Contents-15

Page 28

Getting Started

What Is In This Chapter

This chapter contains information on how to use the HP 8360 L-Series Swept CW Generator. The information is separated into three sections.

Basic For the novice user unfamiliar with the

HP 8360 L-Series Swept CW Generator. This section describes the basic features of the swept CW

generator.

Note

Advanced

Programming

For the user familiar with swept CW generators,

but not necessarily familiar with how to use the

special features of the HP 8360 L-Series Swept CW Generator.

For the user wishing to program an HP 8360 L-Series Swept CW Generator. This section contains an introduction to Standard Commands

for Programmable Instruments language

(SCPI), Hewlett-Packard’s implementation of IEEE-488.2-1987, and an introduction to the Analyzer programming language.

If you are unpacking a new swept CW generator, refer to the installation suggestions provided in Chapter 3, “Installation”.

Getting Started Introduction

l-1

Page 29

How To Use This Chapter

To use this chapter effectively, refer to the tabbed section “Menu Maps”. Menu maps can be folded out to be viewed at the same time as the Getting Started information, as illustrated.

tl-

Equipment Used In

The following table lists the equipment used in the operation

Examples

examples shown in this chapter. You can substitute equipment, but be aware that you may get different results than those shown.

Equipment Used In Examples

Equipment

Recommended

Model Numbers

Power Meter

436A/437B

Power Sensor

HP 8485A

Oscilloscope mm-Wave Source Module HP 83556A

Power Amplifier

HP 8349B

Detector

HP 8474D

1-2 Getting Started Introduction

Page 30

Getting Started Basic

Introducing the

HP 8360 L-Series Swept CW Generators

The HP 8360 L-Series Swept CW Generators are high performance, broadband frequency swept CW generators.

HEWLETT PACKP

rR0

.MENU

SELECT

,,-ENTRY-

IzEJm

SYSTEM

[YM]

cEil

%I@

USER

DrnNED

@1Lalc*l

pJ(TJm@J rmrm

PRESET

Figure l-l. The HP 8360 L-Series Swept CW Generator

(PRESET) initializes the front panel settings and runs the swept CW generator through a brief self-test. In the following examples, unless stated otherwise, begin by pressing (PRESET).

Getting Started Basic l-3

Page 31

Display Area

SOFTKEYS

ACTIVE ENTRY AND

DATA DISPLAY AREA

MESSAGE LINE

SOFTKEY

LABEL AREA

Figure l-2. Display

Active Entry and Data Display Area: This area typically displays

the frequency and power information of the current instrument state. When data entry is expected, the swept CW generator uses all or part of this area to record the entries. The active entry arrow (

-->)

indicates the active entry function and its current

value.

Message Line: This line is used to display:

ALC level status. Unlock information.

Timebase

status.

RF output status.

Softkey

Label Area: This area displays the name of the softkey

directly below it.

Softkeys: These keys activate the functions indicated by the labels

directly above them.

l-4 Getting Started Basic

Page 32

Entry Area

All function values are changed via the rotary knob and/or keys of the entry area.

ENTRY

ENTRY ON

ON/OFF

LED

ARROW KEYS

ROTARY KNOB

NUMkIC

NEGAti

SIGN/

ENTRY KEYS

BACKSPACE

Figure l-3. Entry Area

The following are active only when the swept CW generator expects an input.

(ENTRY ON/OFF): This key lets you turn off or on the active entry

area. Turning off the entry area after a value is entered prevents accidental changes.

ENTRY ON LED: This LED lights when the entry area is active. Arrow Keys: The up/down arrow keys let you increase or decrease

a numeric value. The left/right arrow keys choose a significant digit indicated by an underline.

Rotary Knob: The rotary knob increases or decreases a numeric

value. The rotary knob can be used in combination with the left/right arrow keys to change the increment size.

Terminator Keys: After the numeric entry keys are used to enter a

value, these keys define the units.

Negative Sign/Backspace Key: If a data entry is in progress, this

key backspaces over the last digit entered, otherwise a negative sign is entered.

Numeric Entry Keys: These keys enter specific numbers in the

active entry area and must be followed by one of the terminator

keys before the function value changes.

Getting Started Basic

l-5

Page 33

CW Operation and Start/Stop Frequency Sweep

CW Operation

CW operation is one of the major functions of the swept CW generator, and is easy to do using front panel keys. In CW operation, the swept CW generator produces a single, low-noise, synthesized frequency. Try this example: Press

m (i-J @ (J @ @ (?J @ 0 @

@J.

Check the active entry area. It indicates:

-->

cw:

12345.678000 MHz

The data display area indicates CW operation and the frequency that you entered. The ENTRY ON LED is lit and the green SWEEP LED is off.

Try other frequencies. Experiment with the rotary knob and the arrow keys as alternate methods of data entry.

Start/Stop Frequency

The swept CW generator can sweep a frequency span as wide as

Sweep

the frequency range of the instrument, or as narrow as 0 Hz (swept

CW).

In start/stop sweep operation, the swept CW generator produces a sweep from the selected start frequency to the selected stop frequency. For example:

Press

[START) @ (J @ @ [GHz).

Press

ISTOP) 0 0 @ @ LGHz).

The data display area indicates the start frequency and the stop

frequency. The green SWEEP LED is on (periodically off when

sweep is retracing). Because this is the active function, the active

entry area indicates:

-->

STOP

FREqUENCY:

7890.000000 MHz

Any subsequent entries change the stop frequency. To change the start frequency, press

[START),

which remains the active function until

you press a different function key.

1-6 Getting Started Basic

Page 34

HEWLETT PACKARD

IMENU

SELECT

FREQUENCY

SWEEP LED

START

STOP

Figure 1-4. CW Operation and Start/Stop Frequency Sweep

CW Operation

start/stop Frequency Sweep

1. Press

[cw).

1. Press

@iZF).

2. Enter value.

3. Press terminator key.

4. Press (STOP).

5. Enter value.

6. Press terminator key.

Getting Started Basic 1-7

Page 35

Center

Center frequency/span is another way of establishing swept

- ------

Frequency/Span dperation

operation. This is just a different way of defining sweep limits. As an example of center frequency/span operation:

Press

(GHz).

Press (SPAN)

(iJ IGHz).

The swept CW generator is now sweeping from 3.5 to 4.5

GHz

(to

view these figures, press either (START) or (STOP), then

ml).

The data display area indicates the center frequency, as well as, the span. Notice that the green SWEEP LED is on.

While span is the active function, try the rotary knob and arrow keys. This symmetrical increase or decrease of the frequency span about the center frequency is one reason that center frequency/span swept operation is used instead of start/stop frequency sweep.

Another example illustrates the subtleties of center frequency/span.

Press (CENTER) @

(GHz)

Press (SPAN @

IGHz)

Notice that the center frequency changed. This is because the center frequency could not accommodate a span of 8 GHz without exceeding the lower frequency limit of the swept CW generator’s specified frequency range. If the low or high frequency range limits are exceeded, the inactive (center or span) function is reset. Experiment with the rotary knob and the arrow keys as alternate methods of data entry.

1-8 Getting Started Basic

Page 36

1 y[!&i$i--

:ARO

’

FREQUENCY

SOURCE MOWLE INTERFACE

SWEEP LED

CENTER

SPAN

Figure 1-5. Center Frequency and Span Operation

Center Frequency Operation

Span Operation

1. Press

@?TiiFj,

2. Enter value.

1. Press

m).

2. Enter value.

3. Press terminator key.

Getting Started Basic 1-9

Page 37

Power Level and Sweep Time Operation

Power Level Operation

The swept CW generator can produce leveled power for CW, swept frequency, or power sweep operation. The selected power level can range from -20

dBm

(-110

dBm

for Option 001 swept CW

generators) to -l-25

dBm.

For practice: Press [POWER LEVEL] I-) @ @

The active entry

area shows:

-->

POWER LEVEL: -20.00

dBm

If the selected power level is beyond the range of the swept CW generator, the closest possible power is shown in both the data display area and the active entry area. If the selected power level exceeds the maximum leveled power the swept CW generator is able to produce, the unleveled message UNLVLED appears on the message line. Experiment with the rotary knob and the arrow keys as alternate methods of data entry.

Sweep Time Operation

In typical applications the sweep time can vary tremendously, from milliseconds in a network analyzer system, to more than a minute in thermistor-based power meter systems.

Press (START) @

IGHz).

Press (STOP) @

(GHz).

Press

lsWEEP

(Y?J 0 @ (,,,I.

Watch the green SWEEP LED, it blinks every 2.5 seconds. The LED blinks at each retrace.

For the fastest sweep speed for which all specifications are guaranteed, the swept CW generator must be in automatic sweep time selection.

Refer to menu map 7, SWEEP. Press SWEEP

I=).

Select more

l/3.

Select

SwpTime

Auto .

Notice that the active entry area indicates:

-->

SWEEP TIME:

100.0

mSec

AUTO

When the swept CW generator is in automatic sweep time selection, the active entry area displays AUTO along with the current sweep time. Faster sweep speeds than this are possible, turn the rotary knob counter-clockwise until the display no longer changes. Notice that AUTO is no longer displayed.

l-10 Getting Started Basic

Page 38

HEWLETT PACKARO

se..Ecr’l

INSTRUMENT SrATE -

IF OUTPVT

SWEEP TIME

SWEEP LED

POWER LEVEL

Figure 1-6. Power Level and Sweep Time Operation

Power Level

Sweep Time

Operation

Press ~POWER

LEVEL].

1. Press

SWEEP TIME

Enter value.

2. Enter

value.

Press

3. Press

terminator key.

Getting Started Basic l-11

Page 39

Continuous,

and Manual Operation

Single,

Continuous sweep is the operation mode set when the swept

Sweep

CW generator is preset. It simply means that when the swept CW generator is performing a swept operation, the sweeps will continuously sweep-retrace-sweep-retrace until a different sweep mode is selected. To choose this sweep mode, press

(CONT).

To change from continuous sweep to single sweep operation, press

(SINGLE). This causes the swept CW generator to abort the sweep in

progress and switch to the single sweep mode. This initial keystroke causes the swept CW generator to switch sweep modes, but it does not initiate a single sweep. A second keystroke (press (SINGLE)) initiates a single sweep. When the swept CW generator is in single sweep operation, the amber LED above the key lights. When the swept CW generator is actually performing a sweep in single sweep mode, the green SWEEP LED lights.

The manual sweep mode lets you use the rotary knob to either sweep from the start frequency to the stop frequency or to sweep power.

Refer to menu map 7, SWEEP. Press

(PRESET).

Press SWEEP (MENU). Select Manual Sweep.

The active entry area displays:

-->

SWEPT MANUAL: XXXXXXXXX MHz

Use the rotary knob to sweep from the start to the stop frequency. The green SWEEP LED is off in manual sweep mode because the sweeps are synthesized.

1-12 Getting Started Basic

Page 40

SWEEP

LED ----

SINGLE

LED

HEWLETT PACKARD

LMENU m.ECT.,

SINGLE CONT

SWEEP MENU

Figure 1-7. Continuous, Single, and Manual Sweep Operation

Single Sweep

1. Press

@iETQ

Continuous Sweep

1. Press

ICONT).

Manual Sweep

1. Press SWEEP

IrV1ENU_).

2. Press Manual Sweep.

3. Use the rotary knob to adjust frequency.

Getting Started Basic 1-13

Page 41

Marker Operation

The swept CW generator has five frequency markers that can be used as fixed frequency “landmarks,”

or as variable frequency pointers on a CRT display. To view the marker features of the swept CW generator on a CRT, connect the swept CW generator as shown in Figure l-8.

Refer to menu map 3, MARKER. Press

[m).

Press (START) @

(GHzl.

Press

ISTOP) @ (GHz).

Press [MARKER). Select Marker Ml and enter @

LGHz).

The swept CW generator is sweeping from 3 to 7 GHz, with a 100 ms sweep speed. A frequency marker is set at 4 GHz, which causes an intensified dot to appear on the CRT. To obtain an amplitude spike at that frequency, select

Amp1

Markers . Notice that you can set the amplitude of the spike with the rotary knob or entry keys. To return to the intensified dot representation, select

Amp1

Markers (asterisk

off).

Caution

Amplitude markers increase the output power at the marker

frequency. Provide protection to devices that could be damaged.

For a second marker, select Marker M2 and enter @ 0 @

(GHz).

This process can be continued for all five markers. Note that the

marker displayed in the active entry area is “active” and can be

controlled by the rotary knob, arrow keys, and numeric entry keys. Once the Ml and M2 markers are established, the marker sweep

function,

softkey

Ml--M2 Sweep, temporarily changes the original

start/stop frequencies to those of markers Ml and M2. Select

Ml--M2 Sweep.

Notice that the swept CW generator now is

sweeping from 4 to 5.5 GHz. Use this function to focus in on a

selected portion of the frequency sweep. Select Ml--M2 Sweep again.

This turns the function off and returns the swept CW generator to its original sweep parameters. To change the start/stop frequencies for the swept CW generator, not just temporarily, use the softkey

Start=Ml Stop=M2.

As an example of the delta marker function:

Select

Marker

and enter @ 0

am.

Select

Delta Marker.

The frequency difference between marker 3 and marker 1 is displayed, and the CRT trace is intensified between the two markers. The active entry area displays:

-->

DELTA MKR (3-l) : 2700.000000 MHz

1-14 Getting Started Basic

Page 42

Marker 1 was chosen because it is selected as the delta marker reference. To change reference markers, select Delta Mkr Ref .

Select M2 as the reference. Watch the display change to indicate:

-->

DELTA MKR

(3-2)

: 1200.000000 MHz

You can choose any of the five markers as a reference, but when delta marker is on, if the reference marker has a frequency value higher than the last active marker, the difference between the frequencies is negative and is displayed as such by the swept CW generator. The CRT display continues to intensify the difference between the two markers.

When delta marker is showing in the active entry area, the ENTRY area is active. Rotate the rotary knob and watch the frequency difference change. The last active marker (in this case, marker 3) changes frequency value, not the reference marker.

OSCILLOSCOPE

Figure 1-8. Marker Operation

Marker Operation

Delta Marker

Operation

1. Press

(jiXi?K).

2. Select a marker key (Ml .

3. Enter value.

4. Press terminator key.

1. Press

($iZKKj.

2. Select a marker key (MI

~5).

3. Enter value.

4. Press terminator key.

5. Select a different marker key ( Mi M5 ).

6. Enter value.

7. Press terminator key.

8. Select Delta

Hkr

Ref.

9. Select one of the previously chosen markers.

10. Press

IPRIOR).

11. Select Delta Marker

Getting Started Basic l-15

Page 43

Saving and

The save/recall registers store and access a previously set instrument

Recalling an

state.

Instrument State

For example, set the swept CW generator to sweep from 3 to 15

GHz at a -10 dB power level, with markers 1 and 2 set at 4.5 and

11.2 GHz.

Press (START)

(?J LGHz).

Press

LSTOP) (iJ @ (GHz).

Press (POWER LEVEL)

(-) (iJ (TJ IdBo).

Press

(MARKER).

Select Marker Ml

@ 0 @ IGHz).

Select Marker M2

(iJ 0 0 @ LGHz).

To save this instrument state in register 1, press

(SAVE]

(iJ. To verify

that the swept CW generator has saved this state:

Press

[PRESET).

Press

IRECALL] 0.

Press

(MARKER).

The active entry area displays:

-->

RECALL REGISTER: 1 RECALLED

Notice the sweep end points, power level, and the asterisks next to the marker 1 and 2 key labels.

You can save instrument states in registers 1 through 8. Register 0 saves the last instrument state before power is turned off. When power is turned on, register 0 is automatically recalled.

1-16 Getting Started Basic

Page 44

HEWLETT PACK

IARC

IlMENU SELPX

SAVE

RECALL

\ /II

ENrRRy -

USER

DEWED

Figure 1-9. Saving and Recalling an Instrument State

Save

1. Set up swept CW generator as desired.

2. Press

ISAVE).

3. Press a number

through 8.

Recall

1. Press

IjZKiJ.

Press a number0through

Getting Started Basic l-17

Page 45

Power Sweep and Pow& Slope

Operation

Power Sweep Operation

The power sweep function allows the power output to be swept (positive or negative) when the swept CW generator is in the CW

frequency mode. The power output of the swept CW generator

determines the maximum leveled power sweep that can be accomplished. For this example, refer to the “Menu Map” section.

Zero and calibrate the power meter. Connect the instruments as shown in Figure l-10. Press

Icw @ IGHz).

Press (POWER LEVEL)

@ m.

Press (SWEEP

TIME) (TJ (,,,)

(SINGLE).

Set the power meter to dB[REF] mode.

The swept CW generator is ready to produce a 4 GHz CW signal

at 0

dBm

power out, with a 2 second sweep rate whenever a single sweep is executed. The power meter is ready to measure the power level relative to a starting point of 0

dBm.

Press

POWER,[jKQ

Select Power Sweep and enter 0

(dB(m))

(asterisk on).

Press (SINGLE).

Watch the relative power indication on the power meter. At the end of the sweep the power meter indicates +7 dB. The active entry area on the swept CW generator indicates:

-->

POWER SWEEP:

7.00 dB/SWP

Now enter @ @

(dB(mLj)

ower sweep is still the active entry

function). Press [SINGLE).

This time the power meter indicates less than the power sweep requested. Note that the swept CW generator is unleveled, UNLVD. This happens because the swept CW generator’s output power at the start of the sweep is 0 dB and the requested power sweep takes the swept CW generator beyond the range where it is able to produce leveled power. The range of the power sweep is dependent on the ALC range and can be offset if a step attenuator (Option 001) is present.

Select Power Sweep to turn this function off (no asterisk).

Press

(POWER LEVEL)

I-] @

On the power meter, press dB[REF] to reset the reference level.

1-18 Getting Started Basic

Page 46

Select power Sweep (asterisk on). Press

@GE).

The swept CW generator performs a power sweep beginning at

-20

dBm

and ending at +5

dBm.

The power meter indicates

+25

dB.

Power Slope Operation

This function allows for compensation of high frequency system or cable losses by linearly increasing the power output as the frequency

increases. For this example, refer to the “Menu Map” section.

Press Power Slope, the active entry area displays:

-->

RF SLOPE:X. XX

dB/GHz,

where X is a numeric value.

Power slope is now active, notice that an asterisk is next to the key label.

Use the entry keys, rotary knob, or arrow keys to enter a value for the linear slope.

Press Power Slope again to turn this feature off.

SUEPT

GENERFITOR

POUER HETER

RF OUTPUT

AGAPTER

POWER SENSOR

Figure l-10. Power Sweep and Power Slope Operation

Power Sweep

Power Slope

1. Press POWER

(jj).

1. Press POWER

(&ii@.

2. Select Power Sweep.

2. Select Power Slope.

3. Enter a value.

4. Press terminator key.

Getting Started Basic 1-19

Page 47

Advanced

Getting Started Advanced

This section of Chapter 1 describes the use of many of the unique features of the HP 8360 L-Series Swept CW Generators. The format used is similar to the one used on the previous pages. When referred to a menu map number, go to the Menu Map tab and unfold the menu map so that you can view it together with the text.

Some menus have more than one page of softkeys. Select the

m/n softkey

to view the next page of softkeys. more m/n is

not included in the keystrokes given in these procedures.

Table l-l. Keys Under Discussion in This Section

Paragraph Heading Keys

Externally Leveling the Swept CW Generator Leveling Point ExtDet

Coupling Factor POWER LEVEL Set

Atten

Leveling Point

PwrMtr

Pwr Mtr Range

Leveling Point Module Mdl Lev Menu

Working with Mixers/Reverse Power Effects

Uncoupl Atten

Leveling Mode Normal

Working with Spectrum Analyzers/

Leveling Mode ALCoff

Reverse Power Effects

Leveling Mode Search

“Optimizing Swept CW Generator Performance” Fltness Menu

Delete Menu Auto Fill Start Auto Fill Stop Auto Fill

Incr

Mtr

Meas

FLTNESS ON/OFF

Enter Freq Enter Corr Freq Follow List Menu Copy List Sweep Mode List

Ext Det Cal

Getting Started Advanced 1-21

Page 48

Advanced

Table 1-1.

Keys Under Discussion in This Section (continued)

Paragraph Heading

Keys

‘Optimizing Swept CW Generator Performance” Auto Track

:ontinued Peak RF Always

Peak RF Once

Sup

Span Cal Once

Sup

Span Cal Always

FullUsr

Cal

Jsing Step Sweep

>reating and Using a Frequency List

Jsing the Security Features

2hanging the Preset Parameters

USER DEFINED MENU ASSIGN

Step

Sup

Menu List Menu Delete Menu Enter List Freq Enter List Offset Enter List Dwell

Pt Trig Menu

Zero Freq

Save Lock Clear Memory Blank Display

Save Usr Preset Preset Mode User PRESET

For more information, each of these keys has a separate entry in Chapter 2.

1-22 Getting Started Advanced

Page 49

Externally Leveling the Swept CW Generator

In externally leveled operations, the output power from the swept CW generator is detected by an external sensor. The output of this detector is returned to the leveling circuitry, and the output power

is automatically adjusted to keep power constant at the point of

detection.

Leveling with

Figure l-11 illustrates a typical setup for external leveling. When

Detectors/Couplers

externally leveled, the power level feedback is taken from the external

/Splitters

negative detector input rather than the internal detector. This feedback voltage controls the ALC system to set the desired RF output. Refer to Figure A-l in Chapter 2 for a block diagram of the swept CW generator’s ALC circuitry.

SUEPT CU

GENERATOR

RF OUTPUT

ALC

Figure l-l 1. ALC Circuit Externally Leveled

Getting Started Advanced 1-23

Page 50

To level externally:

1. Set up the equipment as shown. For this example, the detector/coupler setup is used.

2. Refer to menu map 1.

3. Press

(ALC).

Select Leveling Point

ExtDet

Set the coupling factor. Select Coupling Factor I-) @

(dB(m)).

Note

Power splitters have a coupling factor of 0 dB.

Figure 1-12 shows the input power versus output voltage characteristics for typical HP diode detectors. From the chart, the leveled power at the diode detector input resulting from any external level voltage setting may be determined. The range of power adjustment is approximately -30

dBm

+18 dBm.

Hint

Automatically characterize and compensate for the detector used by performing a detector calibration. Refer to “Using Detector Calibration” in the “Optimizing Swept CW Generator Performance” section.

1-24 Getting Started Advanced

Page 51

100

+20 dBV

+lO

dBV

- +6

dBV

-10

dBV

-20

dBV

-30

dBV

-40

dBV

-50

dBV

-60

dBV

--66

dBV

-70

dBV

-80

dBV

-30 -20

-10

+10 +20

+30

DETECTOR INPUT POWER, dBm

Figure 1-12. Typical Diode Detector Response at 25°C

Getting Started Advanced 1-25

Page 52

External Leveling Used With the Optional Step Attenuator

Some external leveling applications require low output power from the swept CW generator. The swept CW generator automatically uncouples the attenuator from the ALC system for all external

leveling points.

Press (POWER LEVEL). Note the display. It shows:

--> ATTEN

0 dB, POWER LEVEL: 0.00

dBm

For example, leveling the output of a 30 dB gain amplifier to a

level of -10

dBm

requires the output of the swept CW generator

to be around -40

dBm

when leveled. At some frequencies this

level is beyond the range of the ALC modulator alone. If so, the

LOW UNLVLED warning message is displayed. Inserting 40 dB of attenuation results in an ALC level of 0

dBm,

which is well within the range of the ALC. At 20 GHz, 30 dB attenuation is a better choice as it results in an ALC level of -10

dBm.

This gives a margin

for AM or other functions that vary the power level.

For optimum display accuracy and minimum noise, the ALC

level should be greater than -10

dBm.

This is achieved by using attenuation equal to the tens digit of output power. Example: desired output power = -43 dBm; use:

--> ATTEN:

dB,

ALC -3

dBm

1. Press POWER

[MENU).

2. Select Set

Atten @ @ [my).

Hint

To obtain flatness corrected power, refer to “Creating and Applying the User Flatness Correction Array” in the “Optimizing Swept CW Generator Performance” section.

1-26 Getting Started Advanced

Page 53

Leveling with Power

Leveling with a power meter is similar to leveling with a diode

Meters

detector. Figure 1-13 shows the setup for power meter leveling.

SUEPT

GENERATOR

LEVELED OUTPUT

POUER SPLITTER

DlRECllONAl COUPLER

Figure 1-13. Leveling with a Power Meter

1. Set up the equipment as shown. Be sure to set the power meter to manual range mode and note the range.

2. Refer to menu map 1.

3. Press

LALC).

Select Leveling Point PwrMtr .

Select Pwr Mtr Range . Enter the range value set for the power

meter as noted in step 1.

6. Select Coupling Factor, press @

(dB(mZ).

Unlike detector leveling, power meter leveling provides calibrated

power out of the leveled RF port.

Hint

To obtain flatness corrected power, refer to “Creating and Applying the User Flatness Correction Array” in the “Optimizing Swept CW

Generator Performance” section.

Getting Started Advanced 1-27

Page 54

Leveling with MM-wave

Millimeter-wave source module leveling is similar to power meter

Source Modules

leveling. The following figures illustrate the setups for leveling with a mm-wave source module.

WEPT

Cl4

GENERIWOR

RDAPTER (IF REQUIRED)

Figure 1-14. MM-wave Source Module Leveling

High power model swept CW generators can externally level mm-wave source modules to maximum specified power without a

microwave amplifier.

l-28

Getting Started Advanced

Page 55

WEPT

GENERRTOR

tlICROUAVE AflPLIFIER

Ml-UAVE

SOURCE

LEVELED OUTPUT

Figure 1-15. MM-wave Source Module Leveling Using a Microwave Amplifier

1. Set up the equipment as shown.

2. Refer to menu map 1.

3. Select Leveling Point Module.

Select Module Menu.

Select Module Select Auto or Front or Rear, depending on

where the interface connection is made.

All of the ALC data necessary to communicate properly with the swept CW generator is exchanged via the SOURCE MODULE INTERFACE.

Hint

To obtain flatness corrected power, refer to “Creating and Applying the User Flatness Correction Array” in the “Optimizing Swept CW

Generator Performance” section.

Getting Started Advanced 1-29

Page 56

Working with

Mixers/Reverse

Power Effects

Note

Uncoupled operation applies to Option 001 swept CW generators only.

Uncoupled operation is useful when working with mixers. Figure 1-16 shows a hypothetical setup where the swept CW generator is providing a small signal to a mixer. The swept CW generator output is -8

dBm,

which in Leveling Mode Normal results in

ATTEN =

0 dB, ALC Level = -8

dBm.

The mixer is driven with an LO of

+lO dBm,

and has LO to RF isolation of 15 dB. The resulting LO

feedthrough of -5

dBm

enters the swept CW generator’s OUTPUT

port, goes through the attenuator with no loss, and arrives at the internal detector. Depending on frequency, it is possible for most of this energy to enter the detector. Since the detector responds to its

total input power regardless of frequency, this excess energy causes the leveling circuit to reduce its output. In this example the reverse power is actually larger than the ALC level, which may result in the swept CW generator output being shut off.

Figure 1-17 shows the same setup, with uncoupled operation used to produce the same -8

dBm

output. In this case,

ATTEN

= -10 dB,

ALC Level = +2

dBm.

The ALC level is 10 dB higher, and the attenuator reduces the LO feedthrough by 10 dB. Thus the detector sees a +2

dBm

desired signal versus a possible -15

dBm

undesired signal. This 17 dB difference results in a maximum 0.1 shift in the swept CW generator output level. To set the swept CW generator to the attenuator uncoupled mode as discussed in this example, do the following:

1. Press POWER (MENU).

Select Set

Atten

and press

(iJ @ IdBo).

This step does two things, it uncouples the attenuator from the rest of the ALC system, and it lets you set an attenuator value, in this case, 10 dB.

3. Press [POWER LEVEL) @

[dB(m)).

This sets the ALC level to

dBm.

For more information on the ALC or setting power level, refer to

(ALC)

or [POWER LEVEL) in Chapter 2.

l-30 Getting Started Advanced

Page 57

SwmEslfER WITH

OPnON

Do1

-0

I\1

LLVLL

I-II ILI.“T\I”I

r-n*monl

LUIY

ITVL

LO FEED-

THROUGH

5dBm

DETECTOR

MEASURES -8

dBm

ALC LmEL

+lO

dBm

Figure 1-16. Reverse Power Effects, Coupled Operation with -8dBm Output

r-~-------------------------

I I

swmiEsl2ER

WITH

OPnON

001

MEASURES +2

dBm

I I

F+j ““:o”“goR

p-f

DETECTOR MEASURES -15

dBm

REVERSE POWER

RF OUTPUT

MIXa

g-y-

LO LEVEL

+lO

dBm

-5dBm

Figure 1-17. Reverse Power Effects, Uncoupled Operation with -8dBm Output

Getting Started Advanced

1-3 1

Page 58

Working with

Reverse power is a problem with spectrum analyzers that do not

Spectrum Analyzers/Reverse Power Effects

have preselection capability. Some analyzers have as much as

+5 dBm

LO feedthrough coming out of their RF input, at some

frequencies. The effects of reverse power are less in the heterodyne

band (0.01 to 2.0 GHz) where the power amplifier provides some broadband matching. Similarly, at frequencies above 2.0 GHz, reverse power that is within 10 MHz of the swept CW generator’s frequency may be partially absorbed by the YIG filter. If the frequency difference is small enough to be within the leveling system bandwidth (typically 10 kHz CW, 200 kHz sweep or AM), the effect of reverse power is amplitude modulation of the swept CW generator’s output. The AM rate equals the difference in RF frequencies. Reverse power problems may be treated by using the unleveled mode. There are two unleveled modes, ALC off and search.

To set the swept CW generator to the ALC off mode:

Refer to menu map

2. Press

IALC).

Select Leveling Mode

ALCoff.

In this mode, the swept CW generator provides RF power with no ALC correction and therefore requires a power meter to set a particular power.

To set the swept CW generator to the search mode:

1. Press

Select Leveling Mode Search.

In this mode, the swept CW generator is in the normal ALC mode until the desired power level is reached, then the ALC is disconnected.

1-32 Getting Started Advanced

Page 59

Optimizing Swept CW Generator

Performance

Creating and Applying

The following examples demonstrate the user flatness correction

the User Flatness

feature:

Correction Array

1. Using an HP 437B power meter to automatically enter correction data for a swept 4 to 10 GHz measurement.

2. Manually entering correction data for a stepped (List Mode) measurement.

3. Making swept mm-wave measurements, automatically entering

correction data for an arbitrary list of correction frequencies.

4. Making scalar analysis measurements with automatically-entered correction data that compensates for power variations at the output of a directional bridge.

Each example illustrates how to set up correction tables for a different measurement requirement. Modify the instrument setups shown to suit your particular needs. Completed correction tables may be easily edited if more correction data is required for your measurement. Additional correction frequencies may be added by using the auto fill feature or by entering correction frequencies individually. The auto fill feature adds but does not delete correction frequencies.

There are two basic front-panel methods of creating a flatness

correction array. The first and quickest method is to use an HP 437B power meter. Refer to Figure 1-18 for the setup. The second method is just as accurate, but requires a little more interaction between the operator and the instruments. Figure 1-19 shows the setup for the

second method.

Getting Started Advanced l-33

Page 60

Creating a User Flatness Array Automatically, Example 1

In this example, a flatness array containing correction frequencies from 4 to 10 GHz at 1

GHz

intervals is created. An HP 438B power meter controlled by the swept CW generator through the interface bus

For

is used to enter the correction data into the flatness array. this example, refer to menu map 5, POWER. The equipment setup shown in Figure 1-18 assumes that if the

setup has an external leveling configuration, the steps necessary to correctly level have been followed. If you have questions about external leveling, refer to “Externally Leveling the Swept CW Generator”.

Set up Power Meter

Zero and calibrate the power meter/sensor. Enter the appropriate power sensor calibration factors into the

power meter. Enable the power meter/sensor cal factor array. For operating

information on the HP 437B power, refer to its operating and service manual.

Connect the power sensor to the point where corrected power is desired.

HP-IE

I RND OTHER I

B-B

DEVICES ,

-I--

1 FLATNESS

I CORRECTED , OUTPUT PORT

“q-p!--------A

------

POUEMEt&OR

HP 4378 POUER NE

DEVICE

UNDER

TEST

Figure l-18. Creating a User Flatness Array Automatically

TER

Note

No other devices can be connected to the HP-IB cable.

1-34 Getting Started Advanced

Page 61

Set up Swept CW Generator Parameters

On the swept CW generator, press (PRESET). FREQUENCY (START) @

LGHz),

(STOP) 0 @

(GHz).

(POWER LEVEL) @

(dB0).

Access User Flatness Correction Menu

10.

Press POWER

(MENU).

Select

Fitness

Menu.

Select Delete Menu Delete All . This step insures that the flatness array is empty.

11.

Press

(K).

Leave the delete menu and return to the previous

softkey

menu.

12.

Enter the frequency points at which the correction information will be taken. Choose either the point-by-point entry method

Enter Freq or the automatic frequency point generation Auto Fill Start. For this example, select Auto Fill Start

@[GHz).

13.

Select Auto Fill Stop 0 @

(GHz),

Auto Fill

Incr @ IGHz).

Notice that a frequency list starting at 4 and ending at 10 GHz with an increment value of 1 GHz is created.

Enter Correction Data into Array

14.

Select Mtr

Meas

Menu Measure

Gorr

All . The power meter is now under swept CW generator control and is performing the sequence of steps necessary to generate the correction information at each frequency point.

If an HP-IB error message is displayed, verify that the interface connections are correct. Check the HP-IB address of the power meter and ensure that it is the same address the swept CW generator is using (address 13 is assumed). Refer to the menu map 8, System, for the key sequence necessary to reach

softkey

Meter Adrs .

Enable User Flatness Correction

15.

When the operation is complete, (a message is displayed) the flatness correction array is ready to be applied to your setup. Disconnect the power meter/sensor and press (FLTNESS ON/OFF) (amber LED on). Thep

ower produced at the point where the power meter/sensor was disconnected is now calibrated at the frequencies and power level specified above.

Getting Started Advanced 1-35

Page 62

Creating a User Flatness Array, Example 2

This example shows how to use the swept CW generator and a power meter in manual entry mode. This example also introduces two features of the swept CW generator. The

softkey

Freq Follow

simplifies the data entry process and the

softkey

List Mode sets up

a list of arbitrary test frequencies.

The frequency follow feature automatically sets the source to a CW test frequency equivalent to the active correction frequency in the user flatness correction table. The front panel arrow keys are used to move around the correction table and enter frequency-correction pairs. Simultaneously, the swept CW generator test frequency is updated to the selected correction frequency without exiting the

correction table.

To further simplify the data entry process, the swept CW generator

allows you to enter correction data into the user flatness correction table by adjusting the front panel knob until the desired power level is displayed on the power meter. The user flatness correction algorithm automatically calculates the appropriate correction and enters it into the table. If you already have a table of correction data prepared, it can be entered directly into the correction table using the front-panel keypad of the swept CW generator.

With the list mode feature, you may enter the test frequencies into a table in any order and specify an offset (power) and/or a dwell time for each frequency. When list mode is enabled, the swept CW generator steps through the list of frequencies in the order entered.

The user flatness correction feature has the capability of copying and entering the frequency list into the correction table. Since the offset in the list mode table is not active during the user flatness correction data entry process, the value of the correction data is determined as if no offset is entered. When user flatness correction and list mode (with offsets) are enabled, the swept CW generator adjusts the output power by an amount equivalent to the sum of the correction data and offset for each test frequency. You must make sure that the resulting power level is still within the ALC range of the swept CW generator.

1-36 Getting Started Advanced

Page 63

SUEPT

GENERATOR

, AND OTHER

B-B

DEVICES ,

-1--

FlATNE!is

I CORRECTED

, OUTPUT

PORT

2iTl-LL

-----

----

I I

DEVICE

UNDER

TEST

POUER METER

-P~ER%h&OR

)

Figure 1-19. Creating a User Flatness Array

For this example, refer to menu map 5, POWER.

1. The equipment setup shown in Figure 1-19 assumes that if your setup has an external leveling configuration, the steps necessary to correctly level have been followed. If you have questions about external leveling, refer to “Externally Leveling the Swept CW Generator”.

Set up Power Meter

2. Zero and calibrate the power meter/sensor.

3. Connect the power sensor to the point where flatness corrected power is desired.

Set up Swept CW Generator Parameters

4. On the swept CW generator, press (PRESET).

5. [POWER LEVEL]

@ 0).

This sets the test port power to

dBm (PO max - Ppath loss>.

Create A Frequency List

6. On the swept CW generator, press FREQUENCY

(MENU).

Select List Menu Enter List Freq

@m.

This enters

5 GHz as the first frequency in the list array. Entering a

frequency automatically sets the offset to 0 dB and the dwell to

10 ms.

8. Enter 18, 13, 11, and 20 GHz to complete this example array.

Getting Started Advanced 1-37

Page 64

Access User Flatness Correction Menu

9. Press POWER

(E).

Select

Fitness

Menu.

10.

Select Delete Menu Delete All . This step insures that the

flatness array is empty.

11. Press

(El.

Leave the delete menu and return to the previous

soft key menu.

12. Select Copy List This step copies the frequency list into the correction table in sequential order.

13.

Select Freq Follow.

This sets the swept CW generator to CW

frequency mode to facilitate taking correction information. As

you scroll through the correction cells, the swept CW generator produces the corresponding CW frequency at 0 dBm.

14. Select Enter Corr . This

allows correction value entry.

15. Press

[FLTNESS

ON/OFF). This step enables user flatness correction.

16. For 5 GHz, set the appropriate power sensor cal factor on the power meter.

17. Use the swept CW generator rotary knob to adjust for a measurement of 0.00

dBm

on the power meter. Notice that a

correction value is entered at 5 GHz.

18. Use the up arrow key to increment to the next correction cell.

19. For 11 GHz, set the appropriate power sensor cal factor on the power meter.

20. Use the swept CW generator rotary knob to adjust for a measurement of 0.00

dBm

on the power meter.

21. Repeat this sequence of steps until all the frequency points have a correction value entered.

Activate List Mode

22. Press SWEEP

(j).

Select Sweep Mode List .

23. The flatness correction array is ready to be applied to your setup. Disconnect the power meter/sensor. The power produced at the point where the power meter/sensor was disconnected is now calibrated at the frequencies and power level specified above.

1-38 Getting Started Advanced

Page 65

Swept mm-wave Measurement with Arbitrary Correction Frequencies, Example

The focus of this example is to use user flatness correction to obtain flat power at the output of the HP 83550 series mm-wave source modules. In this case we will use non-sequential correction frequencies in a swept 26.5 to 40 GHz measurement with an HP 83554 source module.

The time it takes for a large quantity of power meter measurements can be long, therefore, we selected non-sequential correction frequencies to target specific points or sections of the measurement range that we assume are more sensitive to power variations. This greatly expedites setting up the user flatness correction table. The amount of interpolated correction points between non-sequential correction frequencies varies. This example uses the HP 437B to automatically enter correction data into the array.

Note

Turn off the swept CW generator before connecting to the source module interface (SMI) cable, or damage may result.

Getting Started Advanced 1-39

Page 66

WEPT ELI

GENERRTOR

HP 4378

POUER

METER

POUER SENSOR

SUJRCE MODULE

FF OUT

INTERFACE

DUT

IIll-URVE

SOURCE

-m

-------

SUEPT

GENERATOR

HP 4378

POWER

flEfER

NICROUAVE

RNPLIFIER

Figure l-20.

Creating Arbitrarily Spaced Frequency-Correction Pairs in a Swept mm-wave

Environment

For this example, refer to menu map 5, POWER.

1. The equipment setup shown in Figure l-20 assumes that you have followed the steps necessary to correctly level the

configuration. If you have questions about external leveling, refer

to “Externally Leveling the Swept CW Generator”.

Set up Power Meter

2. Zero and calibrate the power meter/sensor.

3. Connect the power sensor to test port.

4. Enter and store in the power meter, the power sensor’s cal factors for correction frequencies to be used.

l-40 Getting Started Advanced

Page 67

Note

U, V, and W-band power sensors are not available from

Hewlett-Packard. For these frequencies use the Anritsu ML83A Power Meter with the MP715-004 (40 to 60 GHz), the MP716A (50 to 75

GHz),

or the

MPSlB

(75 to 110 GHz) power sensors. Since

the Anritsu model ML83A Power Meter is not capable of internally

storing power sensor cal factors, you must manually correct the data entry. Refer to example 2 for information on manual entry of correction data.

Set up Swept CW Generator Parameters

5. Turn on the swept CW generator and press

(j).

The following occurs:

The source module’s frequency span is displayed on the swept CW generator. The swept CW generator’s leveling mode is automatically changed from internal to “module leveling.” The source module’s maximum specified power is set and displayed.

6. Press FREQUENCY [START) @ @ 0 @

IGHz),

(STOP) @

IGHz).

The frequency sweep is set from 26.5 to 40 GHz.

7. Press (POWER LEVEL) 0

The source module power is set to

+7 dBm

for maximum power to the device under test.

Access User Flatness Correction Menu

8. Press POWER (MENU). Select Fltness Menu.

Select Delete Menu Delete All. This step insures that the

flatness array is empty.

10. Press (PRIOR). Leave the delete menu and return to the previous soft key menu.

11. Select Enter Freq @ @ 0 @

(GHz),

to enter 26.5 GHz as the first correction frequency. Enter 31, 32.5, and 40 GHz to complete the list. Notice that the frequencies are arbitrarily spaced.

Enter Correction Data into Array

12.

Select Mtr

Meas

Menu Measure Corr All . The power meter

is now under swept CW generator control and is performing the sequence of steps necessary to generate the correction information at each frequency point.

If an HP-IB error message is displayed verify that the interface connections are correct. Check the HP-IB address of the power meter and ensure that it is the same address the swept CW

Getting Started Advanced l-41

Page 68

generator is using (address 13 is assumed). Refer to the menu map 8, System, for the key sequence necessary to reach softkey

Meter

Adrs

Enable User Flatness Correction

13. When the operation is complete, (a message is displayed) the flatness correction array is ready to be applied to your setup.

14. To save the swept CW generator parameters including the correction table in an internal register, press (SAVE)

(n = number 1 through 8).

15. Disconnect the power meter/sensor and press (FLTNESS ON/OFF) (amber LED on). Thep

ower produced at the point where the

power meter/sensor was disconnected is now calibrated at the

frequencies and power level specified above.

1-42 Getting Started Advanced

Page 69

Scalar Analysis Measurement with User Flatness Corrections, Example 4

The following example demonstrates how to set up a scalar analysis measurement (using an HP 8757 Scalar Network Analyzer) of a 2 to 20 GHz test device such as, an amplifier. User flatness correction

is used to compensate for power variations at the test port of a

directional bridge. Follow the instructions to set up the swept CW

generator, then configure the system as shown in Figure 1-21.

Note

The swept CW generator’s rear panel language and address switches must be set to 7 and 31 (all l’s), to change the language or address of the swept CW generator from the front panel. The programming language must be set to Analyzer. Refer to menu map 8, System, to find the location of softkey Programming Language Analyzer (asterisk on = active language).

RF OUT

POUER UETER

SUEPT

SCRLRR

GENERATOR NETUORK RNRLYZER

,--JIKf’“““’

-‘-‘;,--ws&GR

EST ‘PORT

Figure l-21. Scalar System Configuration

Getting Started Advanced 1-43

Page 70

Example Overview

In this example, you use an HP 437B power meter to automatically enter correction data into the array. It is necessary to turn off the HP 8757 System Interface (controlled from the front-panel of the

analyzer) so that the swept CW generator can temporarily control the power meter over HP-IB. When the correction data entry process is complete, enable user flatness correction and set the desired test port power level. Then store the correction table and swept

CW generator configuration in the same register that contains the analyzer configuration. Re-activate the HP 8757 System Interface and recall the stored register. Make sure that user flatness correction is still enabled before making the measurement.

When an HP 437B power meter is used to automatically enter the correction data, the correction calibration routine automatically turns off any active modulation, then re-activates the modulation upon the completion of the data entry process. Therefore, the scalar pulse modulation that is automatically enabled in a scalar measurement system is disabled during an HP 437B correction calibration.

Note

The user flatness correction array cannot be stored to a disk. You must make sure that the array is stored in one of the eight internal registers. Recalling a file from an HP 8757 disk will not erase the current array; therefore you may recall an array from an internal register, then recall an associated file from a disk.

For this example, refer to menu map 5, POWER.

1. The equipment setup shown in Figure 1-21 assumes that you have followed the steps necessary to correctly level the configuration. If you have questions about external leveling, refer to “Externally Leveling the Swept CW Generator”.

2. On the analyzer, press [PRESET).

CW generator to a known state.

Reset the analyzer and swept

Set up System Parameters

3. On the swept CW generator, press FREQUENCY

LSTART) @

(GHz), -0

(GHzl.

Set the swept CW generator for a

frequency sweep of 2 to 20 GHz.

4. Press [POWER LEVEL) 0

(dBm).

Where n = maximum available

power.

5. On the analyzer, set up the appropriate measurement (i.e. gain for an amplifier). Calibrate the measurement (thru and short/open calibration). Press

ISAVE) 0

to store the analyzer’s configuration and swept CW generator parameters in storage register 1.

1-44 Getting Started Advanced

Page 71

6. Turn off the HP 8757 System Interface. Use the analyzer SYSINTF ON OFF

softkey

found under the SYSTEM menu to

deactivate the system interface.

Access User Flatness Correction Menu

7. On the swept CW generator, press POWER

[MENU).

Select

Fltness Menu.

Select Delete Menu Delete All . This step insures that the

flatness array is empty.

9. Press (PRIOR). Leave the delete menu and return to the previous soft key menu.

10. Select Auto Fill Start

(?J IGHz).

Set the first frequency in

correction table to 2 GHz.

11. Auto Fill Stop @ @

[GHz).

Set the last frequency in

correction table to 20 GHz.

12. Auto Fill

Incr @ @ @

(MHz. Set the frequency increment to

every 100 MHz from 2 to 20 GHz.

Set up Power Meter

13. Zero and calibrate the power meter/sensor.

14. Connect the power sensor to test port.

15. Enter and store in the power meter, the power sensor’s cal factors for correction frequencies to be used.

Enter Correction Data into Array

16. Select Mtr

Meas

Menu Measure Corr All. The power meter

is now under swept CW generator control and is performing

the sequence of steps necessary to generate the correction

information at each frequency point.

If an HP-IB error message is displayed verify that the interface connections are correct. Check the HP-IB address of the power meter and ensure that it is the same address the swept CW generator is using (address 13 is assumed). Refer to the menu map 8, System, for the key sequence necessary to reach softkey

Meter Adrs .

Getting Started Advanced l-45

Page 72

Enable User Flatness Correction

17. When the operation is complete, (a message is displayed) the flatness correction array is ready to be applied to your setup.

18. Disconnect the power meter/sensor.

19. On the swept CW generator, press [POWER LEVEL)

0 (dBm).

Where

n = PO max - Ppath

loss

for maximum leveled power at the test

port.

20. To save the swept CW generator parameters including the correction table in an internal register, press (SAVE)

(n = number 1 through 8).

Reactivate the HP 8757 System Interface

21. Set the analyzer to SYSINTF ON, the analyzer and swept CW generator preset.

22. Press (RECALL) 0. Recall the swept CW generator parameters from storage register 1

23. On the swept CW generator, press (FLTNESS ON/OFF] (amber LED on). The power produced at the point where the power meter/sensor was disconnected is now calibrated at the

frequencies and power level specified above.

1-46 Getting Started Advanced

Page 73

Using Detector

Detector calibration is useful for characterizing and compensating for

Calibration

negative diode detectors used in external leveling. Detectors may be characterized by three operating regions as shown in Figure l-12: the square law, the linear, and the transition region. The following

steps use an HP 437B to automatically characterize the operating regions and use this information to automatically compensate for the detector being used. The equipment setup shown in Figure 1-22 assumes that the steps necessary to correctly externally level have been followed.

Refer to menu map 9, USER CAL.

HP-16

/&]

:Kz.iR

POUER

SENSOR

Figure l-22. Automatically Characterizing and Compensating for a Detector

1. Connect the power meter as shown.

2. Zero and calibrate the power meter/sensor.

3. Enter the appropriate power sensor calibration factors into the power meter.

4. Enable the power meter/sensor cal factor array. For operating information on the HP 437B power meter, refer to its operating and service manual.

5. Connect the power sensor to the output of the coupler (or splitter).

6. On the swept CW generator, set the power level and start/stop frequency information as desired.

7. Press (USER).

Select Ext

Det

Cal . The power meter is now under swept CW generator control and is performing the sequence of steps necessary to generate the compensation information.

Getting Started Advanced 1-47

Page 74

If an HP-IB error message is displayed verify that the interface

connections are correct. Check the HP-IB address of the power meter and ensure that it is the same address the swept CW generator is using (address 13 is assumed). Refer to the menu map 8, System, for the key sequence necessary to reach softkey

Meter Adrs.

9. When the operation is complete, (a message is displayed) disconnect the power meter/sensor. The swept CW generator has

stored the compensation information in its memory and is using it to calibrate the detector’s output voltage relative to power.

1-48 Getting Started Advanced

Page 75

Using the Tracking

Feature

Peaking

Peaking is the function that aligns the output filter (YTM) so that

its

passband

is centered on the RF output, in CW or manual-sweep

mode. Use peaking to obtain the maximum available power and

spectral purity, and best pulse envelopes, at any given frequency above 2.0 GHz. The YTM is inactive for the low band frequencies (10 MHz to 2.0 GHz).

To peak at the present CW frequency:

Press

(USER).

Select Tracking Menu Peak RF Once.

This causes an instantaneous execution of the peaking function. This is a one-time implementation of the peaking, where the function is turned on and then turned off.

To peak at the present CW frequency, and continue to peak at new

frequencies as they are entered:

Press

(USER).

Select Tracking Menu Peak RF Always.

If “peak always” is on (denoted by an asterisk next to the key label) for an extended period of time, the peaking function will

automatically repeak every seven minutes.

Tracking

Auto track is a more extensive version of peaking. It causes all of the YTM tracking calibration constants to be aligned and requires approximately 40 to 90 seconds to complete. Tracking is performed from 2.0 GHz to the end of the specified frequency range.

Note

If the swept CW generator does not have a step attenuator, terminate the RF OUTPUT with a good

500

impedance match such

as a 10 dB attenuator or a power sensor to prevent mistracking.

To enhance the power output and spectral purity of swept modes, and to improve tracking performance (especially in harsh environments having wide temperature variations):

Press (USER).

Select Tracking Menu Auto Track.

Getting Started Advanced 1-49

Page 76

ALC Bandwidth Selection

The ALC bandwidth defaults at factory preset to the auto selection

ALC Bandwidth Select Auto

which selects the appropriate

bandwidth [high or low) for each application. To make the bandwidth

sel&tion,

thk swept CW generator determines which

functions are activated and uses the decision tree shown in

Figure l-23.

High

Low’

Smrch?

-or-

uat

F~UNlcy?

-or-

SOP

sweep?

Low

=-b High BW

Figure l-23. Decision Tree for ALC Bandwidth Selection

l-50 Getting Started Advanced

Page 77

Using Step Sweep

1. Refer to menu map 2.

2. Press FREQUENCY [MENU).

3. Select

Step Swp Menu.

Select

Step Size.

Enter the desired increment value.

Select Step Points . Enter the number of points desired.

Determine the dwell time desired, select Step Dwell and enter

a value, or choose the dwell time determined by the ramp mode sweep time, select

Dwell Coupled.

Determine the triggering scheme, select

Step Swp Pt Trig Auto ,

Bus,or

Ext.

8. Press SWEEP (MENU_).

Select Sweep Mode Step, to activate the step frequency mode.

Getting Started Advanced 1-51

Page 78

Creating and Using a Frequency List

1. Refer to menu map 2.

2. Press FREQUENCY

(MENU).

Select List Menu.

To use the frequency points of a frequency list to create the frequency portion of the user flatness correction array:

1. Refer to menu map 5.

2. Press POWER

(=I.

Select

Fitness

Menu.

Select Copy List .

1-52 Getting Started Advanced

Page 79

Using the Security

To access the security menu:

Features

1. Refer to menu map 8.

2. Press SYSTEM

(MENU).

Select Security Menu.

Getting Started Advanced

l-53

Page 80

Changing the Preset

1. Set up the swept CW generator in the desired operation state to

Parameters

be used as the preset state.

2. Refer to menu map 8.

3. Press SYSTEM (MENU).

Select Save User Preset .

Select Preset Mode User.

Whenever the

(w]

key is pressed, the swept CW generator will

return to the operation state setup and saved in steps 1 and 4. The swept CW generator displays:

***

USERDEFINEDPRESETRECALLED ***

and also gives you the option of selecting the factory preset state by

creating a factory preset softkey.

1-54 Getting Started Advanced

Page 81

Programming

Getting Started Programming

HP-IB, the Hewlett-Packard Interface Bus, is the

instrument-to-

instrument communication system between the swept CW generator

and up to 14 other instruments. Any instrument having HP-IB capability can be interfaced to the swept CW generator, including non-HP instruments that have “GPIB,” “IEEE-488,” “ANSI

MC1.l,” or “IEC-625” capability (these are common generic terms for HP-IB; all are electrically equivalent although IEC-625 uses a unique connector). This portion of the manual specifically describes interfacing the swept CW generator to one type of instrument: a

computer.

The first part of this section provides general HP-IB information.

Later, the Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments language (SCPI)

is introduced, and example programs are given.

For information on programming in the Control Interface Intermediate Language (CIIL),

refer to a separate option 700 manual

supplement.

Modulation Commands

When programming commands relating to modulation are sent to the

HP 8360 L-Series swept CW generator, the commands are parsed but no action is taken on the command. Also, no error message is generated.

Getting Started Programming l-55

Page 82

HP-IB General Information

Interconnecting Cables

Instrument Addresses

HP-18

Instrument

Nomenclature

Programming the Swept

CW Generator

l-58 Getting Started Programming

Figure C-2 shows the swept CW generator rear-panel HP-IB connector and suitable cables, and describes the procedures and

limitations for interconnecting instruments. Cable length restrictions,

also described in Figure C-2, must be observed.

Each instrument in an HP-IB network must have a unique address,

ranging in value from 00-30 (d

ecimal).

The default address for

the swept CW generator is 19, but this can be changed using the

My Adrs softkey or rear panel switch as described in the reference

chapter (Chapter 2) under the “8360 Adrs” entry (the examples in this section use 19 as the address for the swept CW generator).

Other instruments use a variety of procedures for setting the address, as described in their operating manuals, but typically either a rear panel switch or a front panel code is used.

An HP-IB instrument is categorized as a “listener,” “talker,” or

“controller,”

depending on its current function in the network.

Listener

A listener is a device capable of receiving data or commands from other instruments. Any number of instruments in the HP-IB network can be listeners simultaneously.

Talker

A talker is a device capable of transmitting data or commands to

other instruments. To avoid confusion, an HP-IB system allows only one device at a time to be an active talker.

Controller

A controller is an instrument, typically a computer, capable of managing the various HP-IB activities. Only one device at a time can be an active controller.

The swept CW generator can be controlled entirely by a computer (although the line POWER switch must be operated manually). Several functions are possible only by computer (remote) control. Computer programming procedures for the swept CW generator

involve selecting an HP-IB command statement, then adding the

specific swept CW generator (SCPI, Analyzer, or CIIL) programming codes to that statement to achieve the desired operating conditions. The programming codes can be categorized into two groups: those that mimic front panel keystrokes; and those that are unique, and

have no front panel equivalent.

Page 83

In the programming explanations that follow, specific examples are

included that are written in a generic dialect of the BASIC language.

BASIC was selected because the majority of HP-IB computers have BASIC language capability. However, other languages can also be used.

HP-IB Command

Command statements form the nucleus of HP-IB programming;

Statements

they are understood by all instruments in the network and, when combined with the programming language codes, they provide all management and data communication instructions for the system.

An explanation of the fundamental command statements follows.

However, some computers use a slightly different terminology,

or support an extended or enhanced version of these commands.

Consider the following explanations as a starting point, but for detailed information consult the BASIC language reference manual, the I/O programming guide, and the HP-IB manual for the particular computer used.

Syntax drawings accompany each statement: All items enclosed by a circle or oval are computer specific terms that must be entered exactly as described; items enclosed in a rectangular box are names of parameters used in the statement; and the arrows indicate a path that generates a valid combination of statement elements.

The seven fundamental command statements are as follows:

Abort

Abort abruptly terminates all listener/talker activity on the interface bus, and prepares all instruments to receive a new command from the controller. Typically, this is an initialization command used to place

the bus in a known starting condition. The syntax is:

interface

select

code

where the interface select code is the computer’s HP-IB I/O port, which is typically port 7. Some BASIC examples:

ABORT7

100

V>20

THEN ABORT 7

Related statements used by some computers: ABORT10 (used by HP-80 series computers) HALT RESET

Getting Started Programming 1-57

Page 84

Remote

Remote causes an instrument to change from local control to remote control. In remote control, the front panel keys are disabled (except for the

(LOCAL)

key and the POWER switch), and the amber

REMOTE annunciator is lighted. The syntax is:

where the device selector is the address of the instrument appended to the HP-IB port number. Typically, the HP-IB port number is 7, and the default address for the swept CW generator is 19, so the device selector is 719. Some BASIC examples:

REMOTE 7

which prepares all HP-IB instruments for remote operation (although nothing appears to happen to the instruments until they are addressed to talk), or

REMOTE 719

which affects the HP-IB instrument located at address 19, or

REMOTE719, 721, 726,

715

which

effects four instruments

that

have addresses

19,

21, 26,

and

15. Related statements used by some computers: RESUME

Local Lockout

Local Lockout can be used in conjunction with REMOTE to disable

the front panel (LOCAL) key. With the (LOCAL) key disabled, only the

controller (or a hard reset by the POWER switch) can restore local control. The syntax is:

interface

select

code

A BASIC example:

REMOTE719

LOCAL LOCKOUT 7

1-58 Getting Started Programming

Page 85

Local

Local is the complement to return to local control with is:

REMOTE, causing an instrument to a fully enabled front panel. The syntax

device

selector

Some BASIC examples:

LOCAL 7

which effects all instruments in the network, or

LOCAL 719

for an addressed instrument (address 19).

Related statements used by some computers: RESUME

Clear

Clear causes all HP-IB instruments, or addressed instruments, to assume a “cleared” condition, with the definition of “cleared” being unique for each device. For the swept CW generator:

1. All pending output-parameter operations are halted.

2. The parser (the software that interprets the programming codes)

is reset, and now expects to receive the first character of a programming code.

The syntax is:

Getting Started Programming 1-59

Page 86

Some BASIC examples:

CLEAR 7

to clear all HP-IB instruments, or

CLEAR 719

to clear an addressed instrument. Related statements used by some computers: RESET CONTROL SEND

The preceding statements are primarily management commands that do not incorporate programming codes. The following two statements do incorporate programming codes, and are used for data communication.

Output is used to send function commands and data commands from the controller to the addressed instrument. The syntax is:

where USING is a secondary command that formats the output in a particular way, such as a binary or ASCII representation of numbers. The USING command is followed by “image items” that precisely define the format of the output; these image items can be a string of code characters, or a reference to a statement line in the computer program. Image items are explained in the programming codes where they are needed. Notice that this syntax is virtually identical to the syntax for the ENTER statement that follows.

l-60 Getting Started Programming

Page 87

A BASIC example:

100 OUTPUT719;

“programming codes”

The many programming codes for the swept CW generator are listed

in the “SCPI Command Summary” in Chapter 2. Related statements used by some computers: CONTROL

CONVERT IMAGE IOBUFFER TRANSFER

Enter

Enter is the complement of OUTPUT, and is used to transfer data

from the addressed instrument to the controller. The syntax is:

devicedevice

selectorselector

line

number

ENTER is always used in conjunction with OUTPUT, such as:

100

OUTPUT 719;

”

. . . programming codes . . .

‘I

110

ENTER719;

‘I

. . . response

data...

ENTER statements are commonly formatted, which requires the

secondary command USING and the appropriate image items. The most-used image items involve end-of-line (EOL) suppression, binary inputs, and literal inputs. For example:

100 ENTER719USING

"#,B";

A, B, C

suppresses the EOL sequence

(#),

and indicates that variables A, B,

and C are to be filled with binary (B) data. As another example,

100 ENTER719 USING

"t, 123A";

suppresses EOL, and indicates that string variable A$ is to be filled with 123 bytes of literal data (123A).

Getting Started Programming

l-6

Page 88

Note

Be careful when using byte-counting image specifiers. If the requested number of bytes does not match the actual number available, data might be lost, or the program might enter an endless wait state.

The suppression of the EOL sequence is frequently necessary to prevent a premature termination of the data input. When not specified, the typical EOL termination occurs when an ASCII LF (line feed) is received. However, the LF bit pattern could coincidentally occur randomly in a long string of binary data, where it might cause a false termination. Also, the bit patterns for the ASCII CR (carriage return), comma, or semicolon might cause a false termination. Suppression of the EOL causes the computer to accept all bit patterns as data, not commands, and relies on the HP-IB EOI (end or identify) line for correct end-of-data termination.

Related statements used by some computers:

CONVERT IMAGE IOBUFFER ON TIMEOUT SET TIMEOUT TRANSFER This completes the HP-IB Command Statements subsection. The

following material explains the SCPI programming codes, and shows how they are used with the OUTPUT and ENTER HP-IB command statements.

1-62 Getting Started Programming

Page 89

Getting Started with

This section of Chapter 1 describes the use of the Standard

SCPI

Commands for Programmable Instruments language (SCPI). This section explains how to use SCPI commands in general. The

instrument command summary (at the end of this chapter) lists

the specific commands available in your instrument. This section presents only the basics of SCPI. If you want to explore the topic in greater depth, see the paragraph titled, “Related Documents.”

Definitions of Terms

This section defines most terms when they are first used, you need a general understanding of the terms listed below before you continue.

controller

instrument

program message

response

message

command

query

A controller is any computer used to communicate with a SCPI instrument. A controller can be a personal computer, a minicomputer, or a plug-in card

in a card cage. Some intelligent instruments can also

function as controllers. An instrument is any device that implements SCPI.

Most instruments are electronic measurement or stimulus devices, but this is not a requirement.

Similarly, most instruments use an HP-IB interface for communication. The same concepts apply regardless of the instrument function or the type of interface used.

A program message is a combination of one or more properly formatted SCPI commands. Program messages always go from a controller to an instrument. Program messages tell the instrument how to make measurements and output signals.

A response message is a collection of data in specific SCPI formats. Response messages always go from an instrument to a controller or listening instrument. Response messages tell the controller about the

internal state of the instrument and about measured

values.

A command is an instruction in SCPI. You

combine commands to form messages that control

instruments. In general, a command consists of

mnemonics (keywords), parameters, and punctuation. A query is a special type of command. Queries

instruct the instrument to make response data available to the controller. Query mnemonics always end with a question mark.

Getting Started Programming 1-63

Page 90

Standard Notation

This section uses several forms of notation that have specific meaning.

Command Mnemonics

Many commands have both a long and a short form, and you must use either one or the other (SCPI does not accept a combination of the two). Consider the FREQuency command, for example. The short form is FREQ and the long form is FREQUENCY (this notation style is a shorthand to document both the long and short form of commands). SCPI is not case sensitive, so

fREquEnCy

is just as valid

as FREQUENCY, but FREQ and FREQUENCY are the only valid forms of

the FREQuency command.

Angle Brackets

Angle brackets indicate that the word or words enclosed represent something other than themselves. For example, <new line> represents the ASCII character with the decimal value 10. Similarly,

<-END>means

that EOI is asserted on the HP-IB interface. Words in angle brackets have much more rigidly defined meaning than words used in ordinary text. For example, this section uses the word

“message” to talk about messages generally. But the bracketed words <program message> indicate a precisely defined element of SCPI. If you need them, you can find the exact definitions of words such as <program message> in a syntax diagram.

How to Use Examples

It is important to understand that programming with SCPI actually requires knowledge of two languages. You must know the programming language of your controller (BASIC, C, Pascal)

as well as the language of your instrument (SCPI). The semantic requirements of your controller’s language determine how the SCPI commands and responses are handled in your application.

Command Examples

Command examples look like this:

:FREQuency:CW?

This example tells you to put the string : FREQuency : CW? in the output statement appropriate to your application programming language. If you encounter problems, study the details of how the output statement handles message terminators such as

<new

line>. If you are using simple OUTPUT statements in HP BASIC, this is taken care of for you. In HP BASIC, you type:

OUTPUT Source ; ” : FREQuency :

CW?”

Command examples do not show message terminators because they are used at the end of every program message. “Details of

1-64 Getting Started Programming

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Commands and Responses,”

discusses message terminators in more

detail.

Response Examples

Response examples look like this:

1.23

These are the characters you would read from an instrument after sending a query command. To actually pull them from the

instrument into the controller, use the input statement appropriate

to your application programming language. If you have problems,

study the details of how the input statement operates. In particular, investigate how the input statement handles punctuation characters such as comma and semicolon, and how it handles <new

line>

and

EOL.

To enter the previous response in HP BASIC, you type:

ENTER

Source;CW-frequency

Response examples do not show response message terminators because they are always <new line>

<-END>.

These terminators are typically automatically handled by the input statement. The paragraph titled “Details of Commands and Responses” discusses message terminators in more detail.

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Essentials for Beginners

This subsection discusses elementary concepts critical to first-time users of SCPI. Read and understand this subsection before going on to another. This subsection includes the following topics:

Program and Response Messages

These paragraphs introduce the basic types of messages sent between

instruments and controllers.

Subsystem Command Trees

Subsystem Command Tables

Reading Instrument Errors

Example Programs

These paragraphs describe the tree structure used in subsystem commands.

These paragraphs present the condensed tabular format used for documenting subsystem commands.

These paragraphs explain how to read and print an instrument’s internal error messages.

These paragraphs contain two simple measurement programs that illustrate basic SCPI programming principles.

Program and Response

To understand how your instrument and controller communicate

Messages

using SCPI, you must understand the concepts of program and response messages. Program messages are the formatted data sent from the controller to the instrument. Conversely, response messages are the formatted data sent from the instrument to the controller. Program messages contain one or more commands, and response messages contain one or more responses.

The controller may send commands at any time, but the instrument sends responses only when specifically instructed to do so. The special type of command used to instruct the instrument to send a response message is the query. All query mnemonics end with a question mark. Queries return either measured values or internal instrument settings. Any internal setting that can be programmed with SCPI can also be queried.

Forgiving Listening and Precise Talking

SCPI uses the concept of forgiving listening and precise talking outlined in IEEE 488.2. Forgiving listening means that instruments are very flexible in accepting various command and parameter formats. For example, the swept CW generator accepts either

: POWer : STATe ON or : POWer : STATe 1 to turn RF output on. Precise

talking means that the response format for a particular query is

always the same. For example, if you query the power state when it is on (using :POWer:STATe?), the response is always 1, regardless of whether you previously sent

:POWer

: STATe 1 or : POWer : STATe ON.

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Types of Commands

Commands can be separated into two groups, common commands and subsystem commands. Common commands are generally not measurement related. They are used to manage macros, status registers, synchronization, and data storage. Common commands are easy to recognize because they all begin with an asterisk, such as *IDN?,

*OPC,

and *RST. Common commands are defined

by IEEE 488.2. Subsystem commands include all measurement

functions and some general purpose functions. Subsystem commands

are distinguished by the colon used between keywords, as in

FREQuency

:CW?. Each command subsystem is a set of commands that roughly corresponds to a functional block inside the instrument. For example, the

POWer

subsystem contains commands for power generation, while the STATUS subsystem contains commands for accessing status registers.

l-l

SPCI

Common

Commands

“FIST *IDN?

Subsystem

Commands

:MEAS:VOLT?

:FREQ 1KHz

Do75b

Figure l-24.

SCPI

Command Types

The remaining paragraphs in this subsection discuss subsystem commands in more detail. Remember, some commands are

implemented in one instrument and not in another, depending on its

measurement function.

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Subsystem Command

Trees

The Command Tree Structure

Most programming tasks involve subsystem commands. SCPI uses a hierarchical structure for subsystem commands similar to the file systems on most computers. In SCPI, this command structure is called a command tree.

root

level 1

I I

rtl

level 2 EE FF GG

Figure l-25. A Simplified Command Tree

In the command tree shown in Figure l-25, the command closest to the top is the root command, or simply the root. Notice that you must follow a particular

path

to reach lower level subcommands. For

example, if you wish to access the GG command, you must follow the path

GG.

Paths Through the Command Tree

To access commands in different paths in the command tree, you must understand how an instrument interprets commands. A special part of the instrument firmware, a parser, decodes each message sent to the instrument. The parser breaks up the message into component commands using a set of rules to determine the command tree path used. The parser keeps track of the current path, the level in the command tree where it expects to find the next command you send. This is important because the same keyword may appear in different paths. The particular path you use determines how the keyword is interpreted. The following rules are used by the parser:

Power On and Reset

After power is cycled or after

*RST,

the current path is set to the

root.

n Message Terminators

A message terminator, such as a <new line> character, sets the current path to the root. Many programming languages have output statements that send message terminators automatically. The paragraph titled,

“Details of Commands and Responses,”

discusses message terminators in more detail.

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Colon

When it is between two command mnemonics, a colon moves the current path down one level in the command tree. For example, the colon in

MEAS:VOLT

specifies that VOLT is one level below

MEAS.

When the colon is the first character of a command, it specifies that the next command mnemonic is a root level command. For example, the colon in : INIT specifies that

INIT

is a root level

command.

Semicolon

A semicolon separates two commands in the same message without changing the current path.

Whitespace

White space characters, such as <tab> and

<space>,

are generally ignored. There are two important exceptions. White space inside a keyword, such as :FREQ uency, is not allowed. You must use white space to separate parameters from commands. For example, the <space> between LEVel and 6.2 in the command

POWer

: LEVel 6.2 is mandatory. White space does not affect the

current path.

Commas

If a command requires more than one parameter, you must separate adjacent parameters using a comma. Commas do not affect the current path.

Common Commands

Common commands, such as

*RST,

are not part of any subsystem. An instrument interprets them in the same way, regardless of the current path setting.

Figure l-26 shows examples of how to use the colon and semicolon to navigate efficiently through the command tree.

Getting Started Programming 1-69

Page 96

;

r-L

:&KC

vu??

:M:BB:EE;FF;GG

:AA:DD:HH;JJ

~~WfT

:AA:BB:EE;

:M:DD:JJ

Sets current path to ROOT

NO change to current path

Set current path

DOWN one level

Figure l-26. Proper Use of the Colon and Semicolon

In Figure l-26, notice how proper use of the semicolon can save typing.

Sending this message:

:AA:BB:EE; FF; GG

Is the same as sending these three messages:

:AA:BB:EE

:AA:BB:FF

:AA:BB:GG

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Subsystem Command

These paragraphs introduce a more complete, compact way of

Tables

documenting subsystems using a tabular format. The command table contains more information than just the command hierarchy shown in a graphical tree. In particular, these tables list command parameters for each command and response data formats for queries. To begin this exploration of command tables, consider a simplified SWEep subsystem for the swept CW generator in both the graphical and tabular formats.

SWEep

DWELI

GENeration

MANuaI

AUTO

POlNt

RELative

Figure l-27. Simplified SWEep Command Tree

Table 1-2. SWEep Command Table

Command

:SWEep

:DWELl

:AUTO :GENeration :MANual

:POINt

[:RELative]

Parameters

state

Parameter

Type

BooleanlONCE

Reading the Command Table

Note the three columns in the command table labeled Command,

Parameters, and Parameter Type. Commands closest to the root

level are at the top of the table. Commands in square brackets

are implied commands, which are discussed in later paragraphs. If a command requires one or more parameters in addition to the keyword, the parameter names are listed adjacent to the command.

Parameters in square brackets are optional parameters, which are discussed in later paragraphs. If the parameter is not in square brackets, it is required and you must send a valid setting for it with

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the matching command. The parameter type is listed adjacent to

each named parameter.

More About Commands Query and Event Commands. Because you can query any value that

you can set, the query form of each command is not shown explicitly in the command tables. For example, the presence of the swept CW generator : SWEep :

DWELl

command implies that a : SWEep :

DWELl?

also exists. If you see a table containing a command ending with a question mark, it is a query only command. Some commands are

ewents,

and cannot be queried. An event has no corresponding

setting if it causes something to happen inside the instrument at a particular instant. For example,

INITiate:

IMMediate causes a certain trigger sequence to initiate. Because it is an event, there is no query form of :

INITiate

IMMediate.

Implied Commands. Implied commands appear in square brackets

in the command table. If you send a subcommand immediately

preceding an implied command, but do not send the implied command, the instrument assumes you intend to use the implied command, and behaves just as if you had sent it. Note that this

means the instrument expects you to include any parameters required by the implied command. The following example illustrates equivalent ways to program the swept CW generator using explicit and implied commands.

Example swept CW generator commands with and without an

implied commands:

: SWEep :

MANual

: RELat ive 6

using explicit commands

:SWEep:MANual

6 using implied commands

Optional Parameters. Optional parameter names are enclosed in square brackets in the command table. If you do not send a value for an optional parameter, the instrument chooses a default value. The instrument’s command dictionary documents the values used for optional parameters.

Program Message Examples

The following parts of the swept CW generator SCPI command set will be used to demonstrate how to create complete SCPI program messages:

:FREQuency

[:CWl

:MULTiplier

: STATE

: POWER

[

: LEVEL]

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Example 1:

“FREQuency : CW 5 GHZ ;

MULTiplier

2”

The command is correct and will not cause errors. It is equivalent to sending:

“FREQuency : CW 5 GHZ ;: FREQuency :

MULTiplier 2”.

Example 2: “FREQuency 5 GHZ;

MULTiplier 2”

This command results in a command error. The command makes use of the default

[:CW]

node. When using a default node, there is

no change to the current path position. Since there is no command

“MULT”

at the root, an error results. A correct way to send this is:

“FREQ

5 GHZ; FREQ :MULT 2” or as in example 1.

Example 3:

“FREQuency:MULTiplier

2; MULTiplier:STATE ON;

FREQuency : CW 5

GHZ”

This command results in a command error. The FREQ:CW portion

of the command is missing a leading colon. The path level is dropped

at each colon until it is in the FREQ:MULT subsystem. So when the FREQ:CW command is sent, it causes confusion because no such

node occurs in the FREQ:MULT subsystem. By adding a leading

colon, the current path is reset to the root. The corrected command

is:

“FREQuency:MULTiplier2;

MULTiplier:STATE ON; :FREQuency:CW

GHZ”.

Example 4:

“FREQ

5 GHZ; POWER 4

DBM”

Notice that in this example the keyword short form is used. The command is correct. It utilizes the default nodes of

[:CW]

and

[:LEVEL]. Since default nodes do not affect the current path, it is

not necessary to use a leading colon before POWER.

Parameter Types

As you saw in the example command table for

SWEep,

there are

several types of parameters. The parameter type indicates what kind of values are valid instrument settings. The most commonly used parameter types are numeric, extended numeric, discrete, and

Boolean. These common types are discussed briefly in the following paragraphs. The paragraph titled “Details of Commands and

Responses” explains all parameter types in greater depth.

Numeric Parameters. Numeric parameters are used in both subsystem commands and common commands. Numeric parameters accept all commonly used decimal representations of numbers including optional signs, decimal points, and scientific notation. If an instrument accepts only specific numeric values, such as integers, it automatically rounds numeric parameters to fit its needs.

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Examples of numeric parameters:

100

no decimal point required

100.

fractional digits optional

-1.23

leading signs allowed

4.56e<space>3

space allowed after e in exponents

-7.89E-01

use either E or e in exponentials

+256

leading + allowed

digits left of decimal point optional

Examples of numeric parameters in commands:

100 OUTPUT @Source;":

FREQuency:STARt

l.OE+09"

110 OUTPUT @Source;":

LIST:FREQuency

lO.Oe+9,le+7"

Extended Numeric Parameters.

Most measurement

subsystems use extended numeric parameters to specify physical quantities. Extended numeric parameters accept all numeric parameter values and other special values as well. All extended numeric parameters accept

MAXimum

and

MINimum

as values. Other

special values, such as Up and DOWN may be available as documented in the instrument’s command summary. Some instruments also

let you to send engineering units as suffixes to extended numeric

parameters. The SCPI Command Summary lists the suffixes available, if any. Note that extended numeric parameters are not used for common commands or

STATUS subsystem commands.

Examples of extended numeric parameters:

100.

any simple numeric values

-1.23

largest valid setting

4.56e<space>3

-7.89E-01 +256

MAX MIN

valid setting nearest negative infinity

Examples of extended numeric parameters in commands:

100 OUTPUT

OSource;":FREQuency:STOP

MAX"

110 OUTPUT

QSource;":LIST:FREQuency

MAX,MIN"

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