Keithley 2910-VSG, 2910 Quick Start Manual

w w w. k e i t h l e y. c o m

A G R E A T E R M E A S U R E O F C O N F I D E N C E

2910 Vector Signal Generator

Quick Start Guide

2910-903-01 Rev. A / February 2006

Model 2910•VSG

License Agreement

NOTICE TO USERS: CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING LICENSE AGREEMENT (THE “AGREEMENT”). USE OF THE
SOFTWARE (THE "SOFTWARE") PROVIDED WITH THE 2910-VECTOR SIGNAL GENERATOR (THE “2910-VSG”)
CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT,
PROMPTLY RETURN THE SOFTWARE AND THE ACCOMPANYING ITEMS, INCLUDING ANY WRITTEN MATERIALS AND
PACKAGING, TO THE LOCATION WHERE YOU OBTAINED THEM FOR A FULL REFUND.

Grant of License

Keithley Instruments ("Keithley") grants to you, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, a non-exclusive, non-transferable
license to use the portion of the Software developed and owned by Keithley (the “Keithley Software”) on the 2910-VSG and to use the
manuals and other related materials pertaining to the Software which are necessary or desirable for the implementation, training or use of the
Software (the “Documentation”) for your own internal business use and not for the benefit of any other person or entity. You may copy the
Keithley Software into any machine-readable or printed form only for backup purposes or as necessary to use the Keithley Software or the
2910-VSG in accordance with this Agreement. The Keithley Software and Documentation and any copies or modifications thereof are
referred to herein as the “Licensed Product.”

Ownership

Keithley and certain third party suppliers (the “Owners”) own all right, title and interest in and to the Licensed Product. You acknowledge
that all right, title and interest in and to the Licensed Product will remain the exclusive property of the Owners, and you will not acquire any
rights in or to the Licensed Product except as expressly set forth in this Agreement. The Licensed Product contains material that is protected
by U.S. copyright laws, trade secret laws and international treaty provisions.

Limitations on Use

You may not make the Software available over the Internet or any similar networking technology. You may not remove any copyright,
trademark or other proprietary notices from the Licensed Product or any media relating thereto. You agree that you will not attempt to reverse
compile, reverse engineer, modify, translate, adapt or disassemble the Software, nor attempt to create the source code from the object code
for the Software, in whole or in part.

Sublicense

You may sublicense the Keithley Software, subject to the sublicensee’s acceptance of the terms and conditions of this Agreement. You may
not rent, lease or otherwise transfer the Licensed Product.

Termination

This Agreement is effective until terminated. Either party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement if the other fails to perform or
observe any provision, term, covenant, warranty or condition of this Agreement (a “Default”) provided fifteen (15) days notice of termination
(the “Notice”) is provided to the defaulting party and the defaulting party fails to cure the claimed Default within ten (10) days from the date
of receipt of the Notice. Within three (3) days from the date of any termination of this Agreement, each and every embodiment of the
Software in any form whatsoever, and all documentation, files and other materials in any form relating thereto, shall be destroyed, and
all traces of the Software shall be permanently purged from the 2910-VSG.

Export Restrictions

You may not export or re-export the Software or any copy or adaptation in violation of any applicable laws or regulations.

U.S. Government Restricted Rights

Use, duplication and disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to the restrictions as set forth in FAR §52.227-14 Alternates I, II and III
(JUN 1987), FAR §52.227-19 (JUN 1987), and/or FAR §12.211/12.212 (Commercial Technical Data/Computer Software), and DFARS

§252.227-7015 (NOV 1995) (Technical Data) and/or DFARS §227.7202 (Computer Software), as applicable.

WARRANTY

Keithley Instruments, Inc. warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 3 years
from date of shipment.

Keithley Instruments, Inc. warrants the following items for 90 days from the date of shipment: probes, cables, rechargeable
batteries, diskettes, and documentation.

During the warranty period, we will, at our option, either repair or replace any product that proves to be defective.

To exercise this warranty, write or call your local Keithley representative, or contact Keithley headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio.
You will be given prompt assistance and return instructions. Send the product, transportation prepaid, to the indicated service
facility. Repairs will be made and the product returned, transportation prepaid. Repaired or replaced products are warranted for
the balance of the original warranty period, or at least 90 days.

LIMITATION OF WARRANTY

This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from product modification without Keithley’s express written consent, or
misuse of any product or part. This warranty also does not apply to fuses, software, non-rechargeable batteries, damage from
battery leakage, or problems arising from normal wear or failure to follow instructions.

THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE. THE REMEDIES
PROVIDED HEREIN ARE BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES.

NEITHER KEITHLEY INSTRUMENTS, INC. NOR ANY OF ITS EMPLOYEES SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT,
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF ITS
INSTRUMENTS AND SOFTWARE EVEN IF KEITHLEY INSTRUMENTS, INC., HAS BEEN ADVISED IN ADVANCE
OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SUCH EXCLUDED DAMAGES SHALL INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT
LIMITED TO: COSTS OF REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION, LOSSES SUSTAINED AS THE RESULT OF INJURY TO
ANY PERSON, OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

Should you have any questions concerning this Agreement, or if you desire to contact Keithley Instruments for any reason, please call 1-800­552-1115, or write at Keithley Instruments, 28775 Aurora Rd., Solon, Ohio, USA 44139.

A G R E A T E R M E A S U R E O F C O N F I D E N C E

Corporate Headquarters • 28775 Aurora Road • Cleveland, Ohio 44139

440-248-0400 • Fax: [phone] • 1-888-KEITHLEY (534-8453) • www.keithley.com

Keithley Instruments, Inc.

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2910-VSG

Vector Signal Generator

Quick Start Guide

©2006, Keithley Instruments, Inc.

All rights reserved.

Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.

First Printing, February 2006

Document Number: 2910-903-01 Rev. A

Manual Print History

The print history shown below lists the printing dates of all Revisions and Addenda created for this manual. The Revision
Level letter increases alphabetically as the manual undergoes subsequent updates. Addenda, which are released between
Revisions, contain important change information that the user should incorporate immediately into the manual. Addenda are
numbered sequentially. When a new Revision is created, all Addenda associated with the previous Revision of the manual are
incorporated into the new Revision of the manual. Each new Revision includes a revised copy of this print history page.

All Keithley product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Keithley Instruments, Inc.
Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Revision A (Document Number 2910-903-01) ...............................................................................February 2006

Safety Precautions

______________________________________

The following safety precautions should be observed before using
this product and any associated instrumentation. Although some
instruments and accessories would normally be used with non­hazardous voltages, there are situations where hazardous
conditions may be present.

This product is intended for use by qualified personnel who
recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the safety
precautions required to avoid possible injury. Read and follow all
installation, operation, and maintenance information carefully
before using the product. Refer to the manual for complete
product specifications.

If the product is used in a manner not specified, the protection
provided by the product may be impaired.

The types of product users are:

Responsible body is the individual or group responsible for the

use and maintenance of equipment, for ensuring that the
equipment is operated within its specifications and operating
limits, and for ensuring that operators are adequately trained.

Operators use the product for its intended function. They must

be trained in electrical safety procedures and proper use of the
instrument. They must be protected from electric shock and
contact with hazardous live circuits.

Maintenance personnel perform routine procedures on the

product to keep it operating properly, for example, setting the line
voltage or replacing consumable materials. Maintenance
procedures are described in the manual. The procedures explicitly
state if the operator may perform them. Otherwise, they should be
performed only by service personnel.

Service personnel are trained to work on live circuits, and

perform safe installations and repairs of products. Only properly
trained service personnel may perform installation and service
procedures.

Keithley products are designed for use with electrical signals that
are rated Measurement Category I and Measurement Category II,
as described in the International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC) Standard IEC 60664. Most measurement, control, and data
I/O signals are Measurement Category I and must not be directly
connected to mains voltage or to voltage sources with high
transient overvoltages. Measurement Category II connections
require protection for high transient over-voltages often
associated with local AC mains connections. Assume all
measurement, control, and data I/O connections are for
connection to Category I sources unless otherwise marked or
described in the Manual.

Exercise extreme caution when a shock hazard is present. Lethal
voltage may be present on cable connector jacks or test fixtures.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) states that a
shock hazard exists when voltage levels greater than 30V RMS,

42.4V peak, or 60VDC are present. A good safety practice is to

expect that hazardous voltage is present in any unknown
circuit before measuring.

Operators of this product must be protected from electric shock at
all times. The responsible body must ensure that operators are
prevented access and/or insulated from every connection point. In
some cases, connections must be exposed to potential human
contact. Product operators in these circumstances must be trained
to protect themselves from the risk of electric shock. If the circuit

is capable of operating at or above 1000 volts, no conductive

part of the circuit may be exposed.

Do not connect switching cards directly to unlimited power
circuits. They are intended to be used with impedance-limited
sources. NEVER connect switching cards directly to AC mains.
When connecting sources to switching cards, install protective
devices to limit fault current and voltage to the card.

Before operating an instrument, make sure the line cord is
connected to a properly grounded power receptacle. Inspect the
connecting cables, test leads, and jumpers for possible wear,
cracks, or breaks before each use.

When installing equipment where access to the main power cord
is restricted (for instance, rack mounting) a separate main input
power disconnect device must be provided in close proximity to
the equipment and within easy reach of the operator.

For maximum safety, do not touch the product, test cables, or any
other instruments while power is applied to the circuit under test.
ALWAYS remove power from the entire test system and
discharge any capacitors before: connecting or disconnecting
cables or jumpers, installing or removing switching cards, or
making internal changes, such as installing or removing jumpers.

Do not touch any object that could provide a current path to the
common side of the circuit under test or power line (earth)
ground. Always make measurements with dry hands while
standing on a dry, insulated surface capable of withstanding the
voltage being measured.

The instrument and accessories must be used in accordance with
its specifications and operating instructions or the safety of the
equipment may be impaired.

Do not exceed the maximum signal levels of the instruments and
accessories, as defined in the specifications and operating

information, and as shown on the instrument or test fixture
panels, or switching card.

When fuses are used in a product, replace with same type and
rating for continued protection against fire hazard.

Chassis connections must only be used as shield connections for
measuring circuits, NOT as safety earth-ground connections.

If you are using a test fixture, keep the lid closed while power is
applied to the device under test. Safe operation requires the use of
a lid interlock.

If a screw is present, connect it to safety earth ground using
the wire recommended in the user documentation.

The
should refer to the operating instructions located in the manual.

The
measure 1000 volts or more, including the combined effect of
normal and common mode voltages. Use standard safety
precautions to avoid personal contact with these voltages.

The
frame.

The WARNING heading in a manual explains dangers that

might result in personal injury or death. Always read the

symbol on an instrument indicates that the user

symbol on an instrument shows that it can source or

symbol indicates a connection terminal to the equipment

associated information very carefully before performing the
indicated procedure.

The CAUTION heading in a manual explains hazards that could

damage the instrument. Such damage may invalidate the
warranty.

Instrumentation and accessories shall not be connected to
humans.

Before performing any maintenance, disconnect the line cord and
all test cables.

To maintain protection from electric shock and fire, replacement
components in mains circuits – including the power transformer,
test leads, and input jacks – must be purchased from Keithley
Instruments. Standard fuses with applicable national safety
approvals may be used if the rating and type are the same. Other
components that are not safety-related may be purchased from
other suppliers as long as they are equivalent to the original
component. (Note that selected parts should be purchased only
through Keithley Instruments to maintain accuracy and
functionality of the product.) If you are unsure about the
applicability of a replacement component, call a Keithley
Instruments office for information.

To clean an instrument, use a damp cloth or mild, water based
cleaner. Clean the exterior of the instrument only. Do not apply
cleaner directly to the instrument or allow liquids to enter or spill
on the instrument. Products that consist of a circuit board with no
case or chassis (e.g., data acquisition board for installation into a
computer) should never require cleaning if handled according to
instructions. If the board becomes contaminated and operation is
affected, the board should be returned to the factory for proper
cleaning/servicing.

2910-VSG Vector Signal Generator Quick Start Guide

2910-903-01 Rev. A / February 2006

Table of Contents

1 INSTALLING THE SYSTEM............................................................................................................................................ 1

Unpacking and inspecting the system ........................................................................................................................... 2

Inspection for damage.....................................................................................................................................................2

Shipment contents...........................................................................................................................................................2

Repacking for return shipment........................................................................................................................................ 2

Becoming familiar with the instrument...........................................................................................................................3

Figure 1-1. Front panel features ..................................................................................................................................... 3

Figure 1-2. Rear panel features......................................................................................................................................4

Figure 1-3. Instrument screen......................................................................................................................................... 5

Locating the instrument in the proper environment.....................................................................................................6

Installing the instrument in a rack...................................................................................................................................6

Powering the Model 2910.................................................................................................................................................. 7

Line power receptacle ..................................................................................................................................................... 7

Replacing a fuse..............................................................................................................................................................8

Connecting system components..................................................................................................................................... 9

Figure 1-4. Back panel view, Instrument connectors, and system connections...........................................................9

GPIB connections..........................................................................................................................................................10

LAN (Ethernet) connections.......................................................................................................................................... 10

USB connections ...........................................................................................................................................................10

Verifying digital modulation licenses ........................................................................................................................... 11

Purchasing modulation licenses ...................................................................................................................................11

Configuring the system for remote control or network .............................................................................................12

GPIB interface configuration ......................................................................................................................................... 12

LAN (Ethernet) interface configuration ......................................................................................................................... 13

USB configuration.......................................................................................................................................................... 17

2 GENERATING SIGNALS..............................................................................................................................................18

Setting up a basic signal with various input devices................................................................................................. 19

Set up a carrier frequency.............................................................................................................................................19

Set up the RF power level.............................................................................................................................................20

Save and recall the instrument setup ........................................................................................................................... 21

Setting up a frequency and power sweep .................................................................................................................... 21

Loading a digital modulation waveform ........................................................................................................................ 21

Getting information from Help .......................................................................................................................................22

Help from the Front panel .............................................................................................................................................22

Help from the CD-ROM .................................................................................................................................................22

2910-VSG Vector Signal Generator Quick Start Guide

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2910-VSG Vector Signal Generator Quick Start Guide

2910-903-01 Rev. A / February 2006

1

Section 1

Installing the System

____________________________________________________________________________

Section 1 Topic List

Unpacking and checking the shipment contents

Inspection for damage
Shipment contents
Repacking for return shipment

Becoming familiar with the instrument

Front panel features
Rear panel features
Instrument screen

Locating the instrument in the proper environment

Installing the instrument in a rack

Powering the Model 2910

Replacing a fuse

Connecting system components

GPIB Connections
LAN (Ethernet) Connections
USB Connections

Verifying digital modulation licenses

Purchasing modulation licenses

Configuring the system for remote control or network

GPIB Interface configuration
LAN (Ethernet) Interface configuration
USB Interface configuration