HP 8530A User Manual
HP 8530A Microwave Receiver
User's Guide
ABCDE
No
art
P
HP
.A.
.S
U
Printed
in
Edition
08530-90016
.
ebruary
F
3
1994
Notice
This document contains proprietary information which is protected by copyright. All rights are
reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another
language without prior written consent of Hewlett-Packard Company.
NOTE: Figure A-1 and Figure A-3 may be photocopied for use by the operator of the HP 8530A.
These gures may not be reproduced in other documents.
Hewlett-Packard Company
Santa Rosa Systems Division
1400 Fountaingrove Parkway
Santa Rosa, CA 95403, U.S.A.
c
Copyright 1991,
1992,
1993,
1994
Hewlett-P
ackard
Co
.
Printing History
New editions of this manual will incorporate all material updated since the previous editions.
The manual printing date and part number indicate its current edition. The printing date
changes when a new edition is printed. (Minor corrections and updates which are incorporated
at reprint do not cause the date to change.) The manual part number changes when extensive
technical changes are incorporated.
Edition Date
Edition 1 October 1991
Edition 2 May 1992
Edition 3 October 1993
Manual Applicability
This manual applies directly to HP 8530A Receivers having an HP 85102R IF detector with
serial
number
prex
3238A
or
higher
running
,
rmware
revision
A.01.60
W
Safety
Safety
Programming
arning
W
Caution
,
warranty
,
Regulatory
arranty
and
,
Manual
Before
grounded
socket
Any
outside
can
Before this instrument is switched on,
has been adapted to the voltage of the ac power source.
Failure to set the ac power input to the correct voltage could cause damage to
the
,
regulatory
.
instrument
this
through
outlet
interruption
the instrument,
result in
instrument
personal injury
information
the
provided
of
the
when
Information
supplied
is
make
,
is switched
protective conductor
with protective
the protective
or disconnection
power
ac
on
(grounding) conductor
.
make sure its primary power circuitry
cable
8530A
HP
the
in
it
sure
the
of
earth contact.
of the
plugged
is
protective earth
in.
has
ac
power
Operating
properly
been
cable
inside
,
and
to
or
terminal
a
iii
Instrument Overview
For more information on instrument controls, refer to \Front Panel Overview" in Chapter 1 and
\Front and Rear Panel" (Chapter 3) in the
HP 8530A Operating and Programming Manual
.
Instrument
results
pressing
by
0-1.
and
485
5
key.
pressing
information
4
5
through
0
4
5
(giga or nano),
G/n
and
495
4
PRIOR
4
ENTRY
Figure
Display
1.
display
The
display
2. Softkeys
Many functions are controlled by softkeys. The title of each softkey is displayed on the display.
Entry
3.
The entry
Enter numeric values using
Terminate values with appropriate units
or milli),
Increase or decrease values using the
Correct errors using the
up
Go
Turn
shows
softkeys
Block
block allows you to:
4
x1
one
the
OFF
measurement
.
5
(basic units),
softkey
of
level
active
4
BACKSPACE
menus by
function
the keypad
Overview
messages.
4
5,4
MENU
.
5
+/-
5
.
5
9
keys, or using the rotary knob.
OFF
It also
.
4
5
M/u
shows the
(mega or micro),
names of
4
5
(kilo
k/m
iv
4. Status Display
This diagnostic/status display has the characters R L T S 8 4 2 1 in it. This display shows the
HP-IB Remote (R), Listen (L), or Talk (T) status, or shows if a service request \SRQ" has been
asserted (S). The numbers are self-test indicators.
5. Disc Drive
The disc drive accepts 3.5 inch DOS or Hewlett-Packard LIF format disks. Either 720 kB or
1.44 MB DOS disks can be used. The HP 8530A can show disc contents, format in DOS or LIF
format, delete les, or undelete the last le deleted (undelete works on LIF format discs only).
6. TEST Button
Causes self tests to be performed on the receiver.
7. AC power switch
This switch applies AC power to the Display section (turn this ON after the power switch on
10).
item
see
the
bottom
box,
Channel
8.
two
The
Menus
4
5
CAL
4
DOMAIN
4
DISPLAY
4
MARKER
switch
data
controls
parallel
features
displayed
9.
Contains
10. AC power switch
This
Select
the
channels
independently
separately
several
selects
5
5
selects how many dierent measurements to display on the screen at once.
5
allows you to use the marker features of the instrument.
make
processing
major
three
Angle
applies
of
or
,
functions
dierent
power
C
A
pathways
they
,
measurement,
same
.
other
the
be
can
types
Frequency
to the
channel
Each
channel.
overlaid
measurement
of
Time
or
,
bottom
and
allows
nal
The
the
on
Domain
section.
split
then
you
results
graticule
same
calibration.
operation.
to
the
apply
from
raw
dierent
each
.
data
channel
results into
instrument
be
can
two
v
11. Instrument State
Contains several functions:
4
5
LOCAL
connected to the System Interconnect. (The System Interconnect is the HP 8530A's
\personal" HP-IB bus. Any devices connected to it (printers, plotters, RF or LO sources) are
controlled exclusively by the HP 8530A.
4
SAVE
registers (for later recall).
allows you to specify the HP-IB addresses of the receiver and \slave" instrument
5
and
4
RECALL
5
allow you to save current measurement settings to one of eight save/recall
4
USER PRESET
time you turn power ON or press
12. Stimulus Block
The stimulus block controls most of the functions associated with the basic measurement setup.
Stimulus controls include:
Measurement start/stop or center/span values for angle, frequency,ortime.
ower
P
Sweep
Number
Domain).
Frequency
Trigger
85370A
HP
arameter Block
P
13.
block
This
4
P
signal
very
to
signals
ARAM
are
accurate
measure
4
on
5
levels
(single
type
measurement
of
List
mode
P
selects
select
5
measured,
measurement
any
a1,
the
any setup you save in save register 8 becomes the \user preset" state. Any
RF
for
sweep
mode
(internal,
osition
which
dierent
and
the
of
b1,
a2,
LO
and
continuous
,
points
setup
external,
Encoder
8530A
HP
\ratioed"
then
results
input
four
b2
or
4
USER PRESET
sources
(in
.
or
controls
inputs
measurements
mathematically
are
Softkey
.
lines
input
.
sweeps
Frequency
HP-IB).
.
without
.)
lines
5
the settings stored in register 8 are retrieved.
ramp sweep
,
Domain),
measure
to
.
menus
ratioing. (This
the
.
\Ratio"
divided
under
sweep,
,step
increment angle
or
that
This
.
4
main keys
means
together
block's
this
feature allows
and more).
(in Angle
through
5
1
ARAM
P
and reference
test
a
method provides
4
MENU
key
5
you to
allows
check the
you
14. Auxiliary Menu
This area contains three control keys:
print
to
4
COPY
4
DISC
disc-related
4
SYSTEM
are controlled are: phase lock, IF calibration,
(used when more than one source is connected to
service menus that are used when troubleshooting the instrument.
15. Format Block
This block
log format.
vi
allows
5
allows
5
you
the
use
to
you
you
to
.
select
functions
5
contains instrument conguration functions
allows
plot
or
disc
dierent
measurement results
the
drive
to save
display
or
power leveling, and multiple-source setup
formats
.
format
,
les
load
Examples of the type of functions that
.
the HP 8530A). The system key also has
as
such
discs
Cartesian
or
polar
perform
and
,
other
linear
in
,
or
16. Response Block
This block controls the following:
Display scale
Position and value of the reference line
Automatic display scale (autoscale)
Measurement averaging
Trace smoothing
Trace \normalization" (A specic point on the measurement trace is set to 0 dB, and other
portions of the trace are displayed relative to that.)
Magnitude slope and oset control
Phase oset control
Coaxial, waveguide, or user-denable electrical delay selection
17.
4
RESTART
5
This
progress
in
key
is
used
If
.
when
you
are
you
using
are
making
the
single
swept
sweep
measurements
4
,
mode
REST
ART
.
It
5
can
aborts
start
measurement
any
new
a
sweep
that is
.
vii
Guide to this Manual
8530A
HP
the
with
the
of
Examples
in
front
of
.
HP
the
panel
the HP
8530A,
Figure
Getting
Chapter
Chapter
8530A
Chapter
Chapter 2 shows very basic antenna and RCS measurement examples.
Chapter 3. Calibration
Chapter
Chapter 4. Measurement Tutorials
This chapter gives more in-depth information on making measurements
explained
how to use
1.
quick
provides
1
features
2.
describes
3
so you can customize measurements to suit your needs
the HP 85370A P
a
.
Manual Measurement
the
0-2. Sections
cquainted
A
overview
calibration
osition Encoder
features
User's
8530A
controls
Guide
receiver
display
,
how
and
. This chapter also explains
.
panel,
rear
,
them.
use
to
eature choices are
.F
and
HP
viii
Chapter 5. Common Measurement Tasks
Chapter 5 describes specic measurement tasks such as:
Finding boresight Using Markers
Determining 3 dB beamwidth Measuring depth of a null
Displaying data relative to the peak Displaying more than one trace
Using averaging Using frequency list mode
Chapter 6. Disc Drive Operation
Explains how to use the built-in disc drive to store and retrieve data, instrument state les,and
other types of information.
Chapter 7. Printing and Plotting
Describes how to output screen \snapshots" or tabular data to printer or plotter. A wide range
of HP printers and plotters are covered in detail.
utomated
Making
Chapter
Chapter
how
receiver
point.)
Chapter
This
How
What
How
Appendix
Conguring the system for optimum dynamic range entails using the highest RF power settings
possible without overdriving the receiver. Appendix A explains how to congure your system
so optimum dynamic range is available.
Appendix
Lists
plotters, and monitors
8.
explains
8
the
use
to
automatically
to
9.
to
to
to
explains:
solve
do
solve
A,
B
chapter
compatible
ast
F
Case
In
common
when
basic
Optimizing
Compatible
,
RF
A
measure
to
how
Multiplexing.
IF
switch
of
operation
specic
hardware
LO
and
.
between
Diculty
error
problems
Dynamic
Instruments
sources,
Measurements
5,000 points
up to
IF
ast
(F
dierent
problems
messages
frequency
are
.
Range
per second
multiplexing
input
displayed
and P
converters
eripherals
similar
is
ratios
the
on
positioner
,
using F
each
at
screen.
ast
ast CW
F
to
angle
controllers
mode
CW
,but
frequency
or
printers
,
and
,
allows
the
,
Appendix C, Supplies
Lists commonly-needed supplies (plotter pens
domain option, rack-mount hardware, connector savers, and touch-up paint).
Connector
,
Appendix
Explains
D
connector
care
techniques
ccessories, After-Sale Options
,A
, discs) and after-purchase options (time
procedures
.
Care
and
, paper
cleaning
ix
Other Manuals that Come with the HP 8530A
The following manuals are supplied with the HP 8530A:
Operating and Programming Manual
The Operating and Programming manual serves two purposes:
It provides in-depth reference information on front panel features, organized around the
front panel functional blocks.
It provides tutorial information on remote programming, with many HP BASIC examples.
Keyword Dictionary
The Keyword Dictionary explains:
The function of each front panel key or display softkey, organized by key/softkey name.
What each HP-IB programming code does, including syntax and programming sequence
details.
panel
Front
alphabetical
On-Site
The
Installation
Troubleshooting
Performance
Typeface
Bold
Italics
Computer
Display
4
Front P
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNN
Soft Keys
Service
On-Site
anel Keys
key/softkey
.
order
Service
tests
Conventions
5
and
Manual
Manual
specications
and
Bold type is used for terms that are listed in the glossary.
Italic type is used for emphasis and for the titles of manuals and other
publications. It is also used when describing a computer
Computer
Display
receiver's
Front panel keys are enclosed in
Soft keys are the keys on the right-hand side of the display
function of
programming
contains:
type
is
type
display
these keys changes depending on the menu you are in.
code
used
is
used to
.
descriptions
depict
to
messages
show
coexist
HP-IB
boxes.
the
in
commands
which
are
section,
same
variable
.
displayed
the
on
.The
in
.
x
Getting Acquainted with the HP 8530A Receiver
Chapter Contents
Product Description
Receiver Performance
Measurement Features
Input/Output Features
Principles of Operation
Front Panel Overview
1
Getting
Acquainted with
the
HP
8530A
Receiver
1-1
Product Description
The HP 8530A is a high-performance receiver that has been designed specically for antenna
and radar cross section (RCS) measurements.
The HP 8530A allows you to make angle-scan and frequency-scan measurements of antennas,
or make RCS measurements using the time domain feature.
Very fast measurement speeds are possible with the HP 8530A. By using a computer controller,
the receiver can measure up to 5,000 data points per second.
The receiver has very high sensitivity and dynamic range. The HP 8530A provides a large
amount of measurement exibility, providing the features you need for many dierent types of
measurements.
The HP 8530A must be used with a frequency down converter. The following HP down
converters are supported:
HP 8511A/B frequency converter
HP 85310A distributed frequency converter
HP 85325 millimeter wave subsystems (the HP 85325A and HP 85309A, used together, make
a complete frequency converter system).
reference
and
test
MHz
the
to 20
basic
block
diagram
of
an
products down-convert
These
signals
antenna
that are
measurement
measured by
system.
microwave (or
the HP
8530A. Figure
millimeter) signals
shows
1-1
the
Getting Acquainted
1-2
with
HP
8530A
Receiver
Basic
over a
1-1.
wide
capability
Figure
Receiver Performance
The most important feature of the HP 8530A is the accuracy and speed with which it makes
measurements. The important performance features are:
Excellent sensitivity.
speed
linearity
data acquisition
Excellent
High
Sensitivity
Antenna
dynamic
.
Measurement
.
range
Block
Diagram
The foundation of good system performance
measure very small signals
noise. When used with the HP 85310A frequency
of0113 dBm from 3 to 18 GHz, and096 dBm from 18 to 26.5 GHz. Excellent sensitivity
improves the signal-to-noise ratio of your system, allowing you to measure smaller signals more
greater
with
and
quickly
,
. Excellent sensitivity
accuracy
and high speed is sensitivity|the ability to
is only possible in systems that have very low
converter, the HP 8530 can measure signals
.
Getting
Acquainted with
the
HP
8530A
Receiver
1-3
Linearity over a Wide Dynamic Range
Accuracy errors can occur when the power from the test antenna varies in signal level. For
example, assume that a test antenna has a bore-sight measurement of 0 dBi (020 dBm) and an
o-axis null of050 dBi (070 dBm). This is a dierence of 50 dB. The HP 8530A receiver has
0.03 dB of error in this case. Even with a 60 dB dierence the HP 8530A has less than 0.04 dB
of error due to linearity. This specication is called \dynamic accuracy."
Fast Measurement Speed
The HP 8530 can measure 5000 points per second. As mentioned earlier, averaging slows
measurement speed. Because of the HP 8530A's excellent performance, you will need less
averaging, and can make faster measurements, than you would when using a receiver with less
performance.
High speed measurements are performed using the \Fast CW" mode, and must be done through
computer control.
the
Getting Acquainted
1-4
with
HP
8530A
Receiver
Measurement Features
The major
Angle Domain
Allows you to make angle scan measurements at a single frequency. In Angle Domain mode,
the x-axis of the display is angular degrees.You can measure a single angle, or a range of
angles. If you DO NOT have an HP 85370A Position Encoder, use external triggering (HP-IB or
TTL) in this mode. If you use the HP 85370A Position Encoder, use internal triggering mode.
Frequency
Allows
frequencies
Domain
when
single
operational
Domain
measure antenna
to
you
Frequency
.
,
mode
measuring
frequency
x-axis
the
frequency
choose
or
,
features of the HP 8530A are listed below:
Domain
phase
must be
performance
Internal
.
be
can
Frequency
made
used
List
at
triggering
as
sweep
Domain
of the
but
,
from Ramp
Angle
Figure
magnitude and
measurements
display
external triggering
1-2.
frequency
is
Step
,
or
single
a
well.
across
modes
or
one
.
angle
commonly
is
can
ou
Y
.
more
Frequency
In
used
measure
a
Figure
1-3.
Frequency
Getting
Domain
Acquainted with
the
HP
8530A
Receiver
1-5
Time Domain
This optional feature allows you to make RCS measurements or see the time response of an
antenna (time is shown on the displays x-axis). One use of time domain is when measuring
multi-path range reections. Internal triggering is usually used in this mode.
Time domain data is mathematically calculated from Frequency Domain data. This is done
using the \chirp-Z" inverse Fourier transform. Therefore, the rst step in time domain
measurements is to make a measurement in the Frequency Domain.
Domain
Time
Figure
1-4.
Calibration
measurements
isolation
is used
example a
then
which
inputs to
5
calibration
if you
want to
network
use a2,
mathematically
Also
calibration
,
ou
Y
a1.
select
,
response
the
,
assume you
perform the
In this
could
,
4
PARAM 1
frequency
and
by
also
is
(or
accurate
reected
,
keys
4
PARAM 4
gain
antenna.
gain
crosstalk.
signal
provided.
.
output).
measurements.
signals.
signal
described
5
.") F
This
example
or
F
ou would
Y
into
below
, select a specic pair of inputs to ratio and
or example
Antenna
calibrating
reduces
\network
A
make
the
calibration
coupler
Four Measurement Inputs
The receiver has four inputs for receiving signals (a1, a2, b1 and b2). You must input a
reference signal into a1 or a2. Then, any other inputs can be used as test signal inputs.For
example
carry
for
Selectable Input Ratios
4
PARAM 1
measure.
(ratios) input b1 data by a1 data. You can redene the PARAM keys so they ratio any two
inputs you desire.You can also measure a single input without ratioing.
calibration provides
antenna
an
could
to
The
,
4
5
measure
input
PARAM 3
against
calibration
\P
your range
measurement errors
analyzer"
network
impedance
is
,
test
your
5
analyzer-type
of
you
so
required
assume you
signals.
measurement.
,
4
PARAM 2
(\PARAM" is short for \parameter
accurate
a
caused
measurements
input
very
make
the
reference
the
ARAM"
, and
5
standard
by
feature
to
want
measure
analyzer
directional
b2
or
b1,
together
ratio
divides
to
the
Getting Acquainted
1-6
with
HP
8530A
Receiver
Flexible Triggering
The HP 8530A provides three ways of triggering measurements:
Internal When in Internal trigger mode, the receiver does not require any
external or HP-IB triggering. This is useful when making frequency
measurements, or when using the HP 85370A Position Encoder.
External Triggering Allows you to trigger measurements using a TTL increment signal
produced by a positioner controller. This allows the receiver to take data
when the positioner is aligned with each measurement angle.
HP-IB Triggering Allows a computer to trigger a measurement by issuing a GET command
over the HP-IB bus.
Save/Recall Registers
The receiver has eight Save/Recall registers. Each can save current measurement settings for
instant recall at a later time. Register 8 is the \User Preset" register. Settings saved under
register 8 become active whenever you turn the receiver ON, or when you press
4
USER PRESET
5
.
erformance
Measure
Normalize
The
amplitude)
reference
be
will
Remote
HP
The
HP-IB
modes
Data
HP
The
Antenna patterns
Frequency response measurements
Time domain
Radar Cross Section (RCS) frequency and time domain measurements
HP
The
Display F
You can select logarithmic or linear
display format (Cartesian only). Y
the screen.
P
Trace
.
dB
0
to
point.
relative
Programming
8530A
All
.
operation
of
Presentation
8530A
8530A
When
the
to
can be
front panel
can
allows
ormats
function
ou
Y
peak.
and current
show measurement
you
Relative
sets
then
can
is
data
controlled
features
Features
print
to
use
saved,
remotely
are
instrument or
ou can display
to
(the
lobe
main
the
of
peak
the
magnitude
trace
view
markers
printed,
supported.
results right
plot measurement
or
magnitude display formats (Cartesian or polar), or phase
to
output
or
computer
query
can
status
display
on its
results
one,two, or four parameters simultaneously on
from
plotted,
any
ou
Y
system
to
that
the
.
.
.
Main
the
of
eak
P
the
Lobe
point
data
values
computer
communicate
can
analyzer
can
It
of
relative
magnitude
,
determine
to
display:
highest
to this
values
using
current
Multiple Measurements Can be Shown Simultaneously
The HP 8530A allows you to view up to four parameters at once, in split or overlay
presentation.
measurement
Alternatively
channels
,
(more
you
on
display
can
channels
one
explained
is
parameter from
later).
Getting
Acquainted with
each
of
independent
the
HP
the
8530A
Receiver
1-7
Trace Memory and Trace Math
The trace memory feature is similar to the storage feature in a storage oscilloscope.You can
store the current data trace to memory, then compare it to subsequent measurement traces.
Trace math features allow you to perform vector addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division. These operations are performed using the current data trace and the memory trace.
Each parameter has independent trace memory/math operation. In addition, trace math in
Channel 1 is independent from trace math in Channel 2.
Markers Display Precise Values for Any Point on display Traces
Five measurement markers give detailed information about any point on the measurement
trace. Delta markers allow you to show the dierence in amplitude, phase, angle,ortime
between any two points on the screen.
External Video Monitor
The HP 8530A can display results on an external multisync monitor. Refer to Appendix B for
details.
Optional Network Analysis
Option
This
frequency
accuracy
011
allows
adds
you
or
in
high-performance
measure
to
optional
arameter
S-P
time
the
domains
network
vector
transmission
.
measurements
network
These
analysis
reection
and
advanced
.
features
properties
calibration
(HP
of
features
8510C
microwave
operation).
provide
devices
optimum
in
the
Getting Acquainted
1-8
with
HP
8530A
Receiver
Input/Output Features
The HP 8530A can control other instruments, and has many input/output capabilities using
HP-IB, System Bus, RS-232, external monitor interface, and TTL BNCs.
Printing and Plotting Features
The HP 8530A can output data to a wide range of HP-IB or RS-232 printers or plotters. Laser
printers are also supported.
Many Supported Peripherals
The HP 8530A can control RF and LO signal sources, frequency converters, and large external
display monitors. Refer to Appendix B for details.
Built In Disc Drive
The built in disc drive allows you to save measurement data, data from memory, instrument
conguration setups, save/recall registers, calibration data, or user-created graphics. Both
LIF
and
DOS
format
DOS
format
LIF
workstation
formats
disc
compatible
is
compatible
is
family
supported,
are
MS-DOS
with
Hewlett-P
with
.
and
R
based
ackard
computers
computers
,
,
such
such
as
as
IBM
the
PCs
HP
automatically
are
types
disc
both
recognized.
compatibles
and
9000 Series
300
.
Getting
Acquainted with
the
HP
8530A
Receiver
1-9
Principles of Operation
This information is provided so you can have a better understanding of how the HP 8530A
makes measurements. If desired, you can skip this section and come back to it when
convenient.
Description of the HP 8530A
A simplied block diagram of the HP 8530A receiver is shown in Figure 1-5. It is a high
performance vector receiver with four inputs, two independent digital processing channels,and
an internal microcomputer that controls measurement, digital processing, and input/output
operations. Examples of \digital processing" are features such as averaging, time domain,
calibration, and so on. A special System Bus gives the receiver complete control over the
RF source and, if required, LO source. This interface allows the receiver to make hard copy
outputs to HP-IB compatible printers or plotters. Two RS-232 ports are also supplied for
printing or plotting.
The system must contain a frequency converter, which down converts the RF measurement
frequencies to a 20 MHz IF. The HP 8530A requires this frequency for its inputs.To create
the IF frequency, the HP 8511A/B frequency converter uses a built-in local oscillator. The
est
\T
the
over
is
built-in
Set
measurement
MHz
supply
the
LO
Interconnect"
signal.
IF
LO
an
System
Bus
digitally
that
signals
Other
signal.
.
tuned
links
with
down
The
the
by
HP
the
similar
a
converters
8530A
HP
8530A. This
HP
such
,
and
external
8530A
frequency
tunes
that
as
digital tuning
the HP
oset by
is
HP 85310A,
the
LO
data is
8511A/B.
sources with
The local
20 MHz.
require another
sent
oscillator mixes
The result
HP-IB commands
is the
source
to
sent
the
20
over
the
Getting Acquainted
1-10
with
HP
8530A
Receiver
Figure
1-5.
HP
8530A
Measurement
Data
Flow
Diagram
In
choose
two
are
dierent
can
ou
Y
.
identical
features
Getting
then
digital
turned
Acquainted with
can
There
.
have
Analog:
you
sections:
main
two
has
8530
HP
The
the real (x) and imaginary (y) values of the input signals. The real,imaginary values are then
converted into digital values.
Digital: In the second main section, the microprocessor takes the digital data and performs
any desired data processing (averaging, calibration, time domain, and so on). The instrument
any format
results
disc
,
and
or
the
external
Channel
displays
then
plotter,
Channel 1
view the dierent results
time.
in
computer
ou
Y
2.
ou can show the results of both channels on the screen at the same
.Y
main section,
rst
the
analog circuitry
results
output
processing paths
ON
the
in the
the
HP
two
8530A
detects
to printer
called
,
channels
Receiver
,
and
,
1-11
Analog Signal Process Stages
During a typical Frequency Domain measurement, the test signal source is swept from a lower
to a higher frequency.
During a typical Angle Domain measurement, a single frequency can be measured while the
antenna-under-test is moved around one axis.
Initially, the HP 8530A receives up to four 20 MHz signals from the external frequency
converter. The receiver separately down converts each signal to a 100 kHz IF carrier frequency
that can be used by the detection circuitry. Because frequency conversions are phase coherent,
and the IF signal paths are carefully matched, magnitude and phase relationships between
the input signals are maintained throughout the frequency conversion and detection stages.
Automatic, fully-calibrated autoranging IF gain stages maintain the IF signal at optimum levels
for detection over a wide dynamic range.
Each measurement channel can use input a1 or a2 as the reference signal. The selected input
is also used as the phase-lock reference.
Note
Any
of
the
In hardware gating applications, the pulsed reference signal may not be suitable
for phase locking. In this case, you can use the other reference input for phase
you
a1,
input
on
press
,
is
RESPONSE
three
locking. F
the phase
a2 as
NN
N
N
N
N
REDEFINE
remaining
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
NN
NN
NN
example
or
lock
N
N
N
N
NN
NN
NN
NN
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
PARAMETERS
inputs
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
can
assume
,
reference
N
NN
NN
N
N
N
N
be
NN
NN
NN
N
N
N
PHASE
used
N
N
NN
your
.
N
N
N
N
as
pulsed
accomplish
o
T
N
NN
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
LOCK
test
reference
NN
NN
N
N
N
N
.
a2
inputs
this
.
4
MENU
can
use
5
one
input
The
these
When
Getting Acquainted
1-12
selector
are
sends
measured
with
the
the
Figure
test
input
8530A
HP
signal
selector
1-6.
and
Receiver
Phase
reference
one
sends the
Lock
Reference
signal
test/reference
other
to
synchronous
the
signals
detectors
.
.
The synchronous detectors develop the real (x) and imaginary (y) parts of the test or
reference signal by comparing the input to an internally-generated 100 kHz sine wave. This
method practically eliminates drift, osets, and circularity errors as sources of measurement
uncertainty. Each x,y pair is sequentially converted to digital values which are sent to the
main microprocessor.
Digital Data Process Stages
Digital signal processing proceeds under the control of the receiver's rmware operating system
executed by the main microprocessor.
About the Main Microprocessor
The main microprocessor is a 32-bit Motorola 68020 microprocessor running at a clock speed of
16 MHz. The rmware operating system takes advantage of multi-tasking software architecture
and several distributed processors to provide very fast data acquisition and display update
speed.
Raw Data Stages
The microprocessor accepts the digitized real and imaginary data, and corrects IF gain and
quadrature
correction
IF
the
in
automatic
by
way
any
errors
feature
the
before
is
user
any
are
stage
dierent
.
data
other
calculated
the
from
processing
periodically with
calibration
user
is done
. The
an automatic
features
,and
calibration coecients
self-calibration. This
cannot be
controlled
used
in
independent
to
sent
are
data
the
orm
F
These
.
in
1
is
of
Channel
or
channel
raw
1
.
one
holds
described
if
format.
1
features
Channel
data
you
Time
2,
If
2.
ast CW
F
If
.
array
data
X,Y
the
in
using
are
are
Domain,
and select
F
the
Similarly
.
pair
8530A
HP
the
\Other
the
mode
CW
ast
is
mode
Channel
,
special
a
in
eyword
K
CW
ast
F
Data
display
Frequency
format,
utomated
not
is
being
mode
identical
ratioed
inputs
the
Next,
Channel
Now
in
used,
averaged
Data
compressed data
Dictionary
The
Other Digital Processing Stages
Channel 1 and 2 data processing proceeds independently through subsequent data processing
steps. Dierent measurement features can be used in each channel, causing the measurement
results
Processing"
and
Domain
same device
More information on the \other"
Operation," later in this guide
1
selected
any
,
data
,
use
Channel
data
\arrays"
buer
be
to
on. F
so
in Channel 1. This allows you to make two dierent types of measurements on the
are
Channel
and
averaging
the
to
sent
is
averaged
1
is stored
are data
format called
ast CW
The F
.
contains up
processed
shown in
steps
example
or
, and display the results simultaneously
together
processing
data
2
is
CW
ast
F
data
in the
holding locations
to 100,000
and
,
Channel
buer can
shown
Figure
can
you
.
and
paths
performed
buer
stored
is
\Form
X,Y data
in dierent
1-5
select
data processing steps is provided in \Standard A
on
from
in
raw
2
A
.
1." This
data
send
and
,
Time
the
data
pairs
include
copies
.
Channel
active
the
Channel
array
data
array
format
computer
to
in
ways
Domain
.
calibration,
2
.
Getting
Acquainted with
the
HP
8530A
Receiver
1-13
Front Panel Overview
Front Panel Overview
This section describes the receiver's display and the purpose of the major control blocks. Note
that you can press any key, at any time, and in any sequence without fear of damaging the
system.
Display
Figure 1-7.
The display shows measurement results and softkey menus. It also shows you the current
measurement settings.Various types of screen messages always show up in the same areas on
the display. Figure 1-7 shows the areas in which specic types of messages appear.
8530A.
HP
the
read
you
As
Getting Acquainted
1-14
this
section
with
press
the
described keys
the
8530A
HP
Receiver
on
Front Panel Overview
Channel Selection
The receiver has two separate, identical measurement channels. The channel feature is much
like having two HP 8530 receivers setting next to one another.
Channel 1 and 2 can have dierent PARAMETER, FORMAT, or RESPONSE settings,in
addition, you can select Time Domain on one channel, and Frequency Domain on the other:
For example, you could set Channel 1 to Frequency Domain, PARAM 1. Then you could set
display
display
and
both
sets
Time
to
Channel
data. Y
data side-by-side
2
ou can
view the
Domain,
(dual channel
P
data separately
ARAM
split) or
receiver
The
2.
changing
(by
superimposed (dual
measure
will
channel),
channel
or
each
can
you
overlay).
channel
the
of
\stimulus"
Many
frequency
cannot
you
\uncoupled,"
is
whether
a
number
,
choose
specic
settings (such
points
of
dierent
choose
can
you
feature
is
as RF
and
,
settings
dierent
coupled
so
power;
are
on)
Channel
for
settings
uncoupled,
or
,
stop
start,
\coupled." If
versus
1
the
in
look
increment
a stimulus
Channel
channels
two
in
up
it
angle;
2.
the keyword
start,
feature
a stimulus
If
If you
.
,
stop
\coupled,"
is
feature
to
want
dictionary
CW
or
know
.
Getting
Acquainted with
the
HP
8530A
Receiver
1-15
Front Panel Overview
Basic Measurement Functions
Four of the main control blocks on the front panel are STIMULUS, PARAMETER, FORMAT,and
RESPONSE.
STIMULUS This
These
settings
of
into
selecting
the
described
are
block
data.
the
GET
It
.
or
F
receiver's
EXTERNAL
command.
below:
you
lets
controls how
also
example,
select
you can
EVENT
trigger
power
RF
you can
TRIGGER jack
.
levels
trigger
Alternatively
,
trigger
the
o
from the
,
desired
and
the
Record
you can
frequency
instrument
Increment
positioner
trigger
and
take
to
pulses
controller)
HP-IB
over
angle
each
(coming
using
point
by
predened
contains
ARAMETER
P
ARAMETER
P
FORMAT Format keys let you choose how the data is displayed on the screen. You
RESPONSE
Each major control block has functions that are not mentioned here
and 9 in the
Many features are described in this User's Guide
The
(b1/a1),
measurement
data
most
Antenna
any
N
N
N
N
N
SERVICE
can select logarithmic magnitude (
phase (
magnitude (
The
Functions
(Normalization
measure other
HP 8530A Operating and Programming Manual
4
ARAM
P
the
from
errors
Under
two inputs
NN
NN
N
N
N
N
N
response block
N
N
NN
NN
4
PHASE
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
under
block
the
for
reference
the
ou
Y
desire
N
4
P
range
can
.
N
N
N
N
N
SERVICE
let
(b1/a2),
5
2
mode
and
test
caused
N
N
N
a1
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
LINEAR ON POLAR
by
est.
T
you
N
NN
N
N
through
5
), polar logarithmic magnitude (
keys
the MENU
allows you to set the peak of the main lobe to 0 dBi and
parts of the trace relative to the peak.)
the
(b2/a1),
5
3
ARAM
mathematically
to
receiver
ou
Y
NN
NN
N
N
N
N
you
key
is
shows
also
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
b1
.
any
look
N
NN
softkeys
the
turn
antennas
and
,
redene
can
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
NN
NN
4
4
LOG MAG
, located under the FORMAT MENU key)
set
to
you
let
.
input
4
and
ARAM
P
Ratioed
actual
the
parameter
the
of
any
at
.
5
), linear magnitude (
4
POLAR MAG
display
scale
averaging
on
. Refer to Chapter 6, 7, 8,
for descriptions of these features
(b1/a1).
5
4
ratio
measurements
performance
input
single
5
), and polar linear
and
and
ARAM
P
The
(divide)
reduce
of
ratio
to
keys
the
using
4
LIN MAG
reference
normalization.
the
line.
4
keys
ratio
5
1
normal
the
5
),
.
the
Getting Acquainted
1-16
with
HP
8530A
Receiver
ENTRY Block
Front Panel Overview
specic
a
supply
degrees
in
K
the
entire
values
units
be
steps
eypad
and
supply
necessary
is
it
cases
some
In
digit
10
The
frequency
digits
4
k/m
entering
to
the
Changing
To change a value using the numeric keypad:
1. Select the function (start angle, frequency, or any other function that requires a value). This
function becomes the \active function."
Enter
2.
the
a
3. T
.
terminate
(kilo/milli)
5
data
keys
9
and
8
Values
new value
the
number
terminator
erminate the
.
value
the
4
and
x1
the
with
allow values
Using the
If you
key
make
, you
entry with the appropriate units
to
keypad
with
(basic
5
keypad, the
using
a
must
is
the
units:
to be
numeric
mistake
re-enter
numeric
to
used
appropriate
dBm,
,
dB
knob can
changed
Numeric
decimal,
,
press
,
the
these
.
used
.
the
4
CKSP
BA
value).
.
for
values
Use
seconds
,
to
4
+/
CE
A
.
4
G/n
make
5
0
key
5
function,
keys
The
(Giga/nano),
5
as
Hz)
,
continuous
4
.
toggle
(If you
.
+/
applicable
such
the
to
4
M/
adjustments
changes
5
0
already
have
the
of
right
(Mega/micro),
5
addition
In
.
,
sign of
the
pressed
while
or
angle
as
Getting
Acquainted with
the
HP
8530A
Receiver
1-17
Front Panel Overview
Table 1-1. Numeric Value Terminator Key Usage
Key
Name
G/n { GHz { { ns
M/
k/m milli degrees kHz { { ms
1
x1
1
4x15
Other Keys in the Entry Block
4
PRIOR MENU
4
=MARKER
4
=MARKER
and the last marker you moved (the active marker) is sitting at 11 GHz. Now assume you want
to change the start frequency to 11 GHz. All you need to do is press
marker position (11 GHz) will become the start frequency.
could
ou
Y
Another
example
example
(for
display
5
takes you to the previous softkey menu.
5
can be useful when you are using markers. The easiest way to explain what
5
does is by example. Assume you are making a frequency response measurement,
the
set
have
use
way to
assume
,
assume the
,
reference
4
=MARKER
you want
line
Angle Frequency Power Power Slope Time
{ MHz { {
degrees Hz dBm dB/Ghz s
always represents single units.
value
line
4
STOP
to another
the
to
4
V
REF
marker
ALUE
frequency
stop
5
to set
marker value
change
will
transfer the
is to
the
to the
11
to
display
0
is
value
GHz
marker
reference
dB).
13.2
of
pressing
by
the
Press
active
s
4
START54=MARKER
4
5
=MARKER
function.
the
of
value
4
5
=MARKER
.
.
5
active
5
,
As
and
5
.The
an
marker
the
4
ENTRY
function
function.
OFF
removes
5
text"
are
error
old
messages
messages
START
like
or
0
active
90
that
function
appear
text
when
from
you
screen.
the
changed
the
ctive
\A
value
of
a
the
Getting Acquainted
1-18
with
HP
8530A
Receiver
MENUS Block
Front Panel Overview
The four keys under MENUS are
CAL Softkeys under
(RCS) or limited network analyzer calibration.
DOMAIN The HP 8530 has three modes of operation, called domains. These are the
Frequency, Angle, and optional Time Domain.
DISPLAY Softkeys under
Place one, two, or four parameter measurements on the screen at once.
the data
Saves
Displays
erforms trace
P
you
you
under
shows
markers
marker
search
list
MARKER
Allows
Allows
Softkeys
marker
measurement
Simple
4
Marker
Marker
4
5,4
CAL
DOMAIN
4
5
allow you to perform an antenna, radar cross section
CAL
4
DISPLAY
memory traces
change display
to
choose video
to
4
MARKER
amplitude
trace
mode
modes
modes
5
trace to
math functions
5
Marker
.
the
on
.
.
.
5,4
DISPLAY
:
temporary storage
.
on memory
intensity or
settings for
activate
to
you
allow
phase
or
display
values
Functions
trace
are:
.
5
, and
an
for
4
MARKER
memory.
traces.
.
colors
external
up
desired
a
to
5
:
monitor
markers
ve
point
on
.
Each
.
the
Getting
Acquainted with
the
HP
8530A
Receiver
1-19
Front Panel Overview
INSTRUMENT STATE Block
The four keys in the INSTRUMENT STATE block are
The
4
5
LOCAL
If you are controlling the receiver with a computer, the front panel keys will not respond to
touch. Pressing
4
LOCAL
peripherals and other instruments.
4
5
SAVE
(\instrument states"). You can also save your current setup as the \USER PRESET" state by
saving
or
on,
state
A
stimulus
key has two uses:
4
5
LOCAL
5
also allows you to examine or change HP-IB addresses the receiver uses to control
and
4
to
it
you
if
dened
is
parameter
,
RECALL
register
press
5
allow you to save and recall up to eight dierent measurement setups
4
USER
as
,
returns control to you.
receiver
The
8.
.
PRESET
the
format,
5
condition
and
response
of
will
all
return
current
settings
4
LOCAL
state
that
to
measurement
.
5,4
SAVE
whenever
settings
5,4
RECALL
the
including
,
5
, and
4
USER PRESET
instrument
all domain,
turned
is
5
.
the
Getting Acquainted
1-20
with
HP
8530A
Receiver
Loading...