Keysight Technologies N8241A, N8242A User Manual
Keysight N8241A Manual
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N8241A/N8242A
Arbitrary Waveform Generators
User’s Guide
NOTICE: In August 2014, Agilent Technologies’ former Test and Measurement
business became Keysight Technologies. This document is provided as a courtesy
but is no longer kept current and thus will contain historical references to Agilent.
For more information, go to www.keysight.com.
Manufacturing Part Number: N8241-90001
Printed in USA
October 2015
© Copyright 2006-2015 Keysight Technologies, Inc.
Notices
Warranty
The material contained in this document is provided “as is,” and is subject to being
changed, without notice, in future editions. Further, to the maximum extent permitted
by applicable law, Agilent disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, with
regard to this manual and any information contained herein, including but not limited
to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Agilent shall not be liable for errors or fo r incidental or consequential damages in
connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this document or of any
information contained herein. Should Agilent and the user have a separate written
agreement with warranty terms covering the material in this document that conflict
with these terms, the warranty terms in the separate agreement shall control.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described in this document are furnished under a
license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license.
Restricted Rights Legend
If software is for use in the performance of a U.S. Government prime contract or
subcontract, Software is delivered and licensed as “Commercial computer software”
as defined in DFAR 252.227-7014 (June 1995), or as a “commercial item” as
defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as “Restricted computer software” as defined in FAR
52.227-19 (June 1987) or any equivalent agency regulation or contract clause. Use,
duplication or disclosure of Software is subject to Agilent Technologies’ standard
commercial license terms, and non-DOD Departments and Agencies of the U.S.
Government will receive no greater than Restricted Rights as defined in FAR
52.227-19(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S. Government users will receive no greater than
Limited Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-14 (June 1987) or DFAR 252.227-7015
2
(b)(2) (November 1995), as applicable in any technical data.
Safety Notices
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
Agilent Technologies 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. Agilent Technologies 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.
The following safety symbols are used throughout this manual. Familiarize yourself
with the symbols and their 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 in ju ry 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, could 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.
NOTE Note calls out special information for the user’s attention. It provides operational
information or additional instructions of which the user should be aware.
General Safety Information
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of
operation. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings
elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and
intended use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes no liability for the
customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.
3
WARNING This is a Safety Class 1 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 protected earth contact. Any interruption of the
protective conductor inside or outside of the product is likely to make the
product dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited.
CAUTION This product is designed for use in Installation Category II and Pollution Degree 2
per IEC 61010 Second Edition and 664 respectively.
WARNING If this product is not used as specified, the protection provided by the
equipment could be impaired. This product must be used in a normal condition
(in which all means for protection are intact) only.
WARNING No operator serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel. to
prevent electrical shock do not remove covers.
CAUTION The Mains wiring and connectors shall be compatible with the connector used in the
premise electrical system. Failure to ensure adequate earth grounding by not using
the correct components may cause product damage, and serious injury.
Safety Symbols
The following symbols on the instrument and in the manual indicate precautions
which must be taken to maintain safe operation of the instrument.
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 supplied
documentation.
This symbol indicates the position of the operating
switch for ‘On’ mode
4
This symbol indicates the position of the operating
switch for ‘Stand-by’ mode. Note, the instrument is
NOT isolated from the mains when the switch is in this
position.
To isolate the instrument, the mains coupler (mains
input cord) should be removed from the power supply.
This symbol indicates separate collection for electrical
and electronic equipment, mandated under EU law as of
August 13, 2005. All electric and electronic equipment
are required to be separated from normal waste for
disposal (Reference WEEE Directive, 200/96/EC).
The CE mark shows that the product complies with all
relevant European Legal Directives.
The C-Tick mark is a registered trademark of the
Australian Communications Authority. This signifies
compliance with the Australian EMC Framework
Regulations under the terms of the Radio
communications Act of 1992.
ISM 1-A This is a symbol of an Industrial, Scientific, and
Medical Group 1 Class A product.
ICES/NMB-001 This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme à la norme NMB-001 du
Canada.
The CSA mark is a registered trademark of the
Canadian Standards Association, and indicates
compliance to the standards laid out by them.
5
Trademark Acknowledgement
Microsoft is a US registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.
MATLAB is a U.S. registered trademark of The Math Works, Inc.
Updated Information
Where to Find the Latest Information
Documentation is updated periodically. For the latest information about the N8241A
Arbitrary Waveform Generator, including firmware upgrades and application
information, please visit the following Internet URL:
http://www.agilent.com/find/synthetic
Compliance
This product has been designed and tested in accordance with accepted industry
standards, and has been supplied in a safe condition. The documentation contains
information and warnings that must be followed by the user to ensure safe operation
and to maintain the product in a safe condition.
Declaration of Conformity
The Declaration of Conformity (DOC) is on file. If a copy is required, please contact
an Agilent Sales Representative or the closest Agilent Sales Office. Alternately,
contact Agilent at:
http://www.agilent.com/find/
6
7
8
Contents
1. Introducing the N8241/2A AWGs
Front Panel Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Status Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
PWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
1588 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Rear Panel Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Graphical User Interface (GUI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Supported Operating Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Required Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
N8241/2A Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Installing the Instrument. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Installing the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Connecting to the AWG over the LAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Verifying System Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
System Set Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Waveform Generation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Shutting Down the System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Cleaning the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Cleaning Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
2. Basic Operation
Using the Graphical User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Generating a Single Tone Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Generating a Multi-tone Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
9
Contents
Creating and Playing a Sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Synchronizing Two N8241/2A Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Internal Clock Synchronization Using Continuous Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Required Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Cables and Adapters required for 1.25 GHz external clock (Agilent N6030A
K10 kit):47
Procedure Using a Software Marker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Selecting the Master Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Selecting the Slave Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Initiating Synchronous Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Using Programmatic Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
IVI-C Driver Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 1
MATLAB Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
MATLAB Example 1, Creating and Playing a Waveform. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
MATLAB Example 2, Synchronizing Two N8241/2A AW Gs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
C/C++ Example Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
3. Theory of Operation
N8241/2A Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Clock I/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
10 MHz In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Internal Clock Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
External Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
SYNC Clock In/SYNC Clock Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Waveform Playback. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Waveforms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Waveform Sequencer Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Sequence Play Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Sequencer Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Waveform Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
10
Contents
Basic Sequencing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Advanced Sequencing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Scenario Pointer Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Scenario Advance Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Waveform Advancement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Scenario Jump Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Scenario Start/Jump Trigger Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Markers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Triggers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Triggers 1,2,3,4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
LXI T1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Synchronous Triggers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Signal Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Single-Ended Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Differential Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Digital Predistortion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Multiple Module Synchronization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Synchronization Using an Internal Clock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Synchronization Using an External Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
Multiple Module Synchronous Trigger Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
Cable Length and Skew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
4. Dynamic Sequencing Option 300
Dynamic Sequencing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
AUX PORT Connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
Signal Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Signal Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Data Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Data Valid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
11
Contents
Trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
5. Direct Digital Synthesis Option 330
Direct Digital Synthesis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 8
Direct Digital Synthesis Using the Control Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
Configuring the Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
Selecting the DDS Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
Configuring the Signal Conditioning Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Configuring the Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
Configuring the Sequencer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
Out of Range Input Values. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
Theory of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108
6. Troubleshooting
Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Removing the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Moving the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Updating the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Initializing the LAN Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Contacting Agilent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Returning the Instrument to Agilent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
7. Technical Characteristics
12
1 Introducing the N8241/2A AWGs
The N8241A and N8242A are wideband arbitrary waveform generators (AWGs)
capable of creating high-resolution waveforms for radar, satellite and frequency
agile communication systems. Each channel of the AWGs operates at 1.25 GSa/s.
The N8241A features 15 bits of vertical resolution and the N8242A 10 bits. Both
AWGs offer dual differential output channels to drive both single-ended and
balanced designs.
The AWGs include a complete software suite to speed waveform development and
system integration supporting MATLAB
interfaces.
Front Panel Interface 16
Rear Panel Interface 21
Graphical User Interface (GUI) 23
Getting Started 24
System Requirements 24
N8241/2A Installation 24
Verifying System Operation 29
System Set Up 29
®
, LABVIEW, and IVI-C programmatic
Waveform Generation 29
Shutting Down the System 32
Maintenance 33
15
Introducing the N8241/2A AWGs
2
3
6
7
8
10
11
12
13
5
1
4
9
Status
Indicators
Front Panel Interface
Front Panel Interface
Figure 1-1 N8241/2A Front Panel
Item Description
# Name
1 EXT CLK IN Use this 50 ohm SMA connector to input an external sample
clock. It will accept clock rates in the range of 100 MS/s
through 1.25 GS/s. Refer to “External Clock” on page 69 for
more information.
2 INT CLK OUT Use this 50 ohm SMA connector to route the internal 1.25
GS/s clock to other test instrument or devices.
3 AUX 10 MHz REF IN This auxiliary 50 ohm SMA connector can be used to input
an external 10 MHz reference.
4 SYNC CLK IN /
SYNC CLK OUT
These connectors support synchronization of multiple
modules. Refer to “Multiple Module Synchronization” on
page 87.
16 Chapter 1
Introducing the N8241/2A AWGs
Front Panel Interface
Item Description
# Name
5 CH 1/CH2 Out The CH 1 OUT and CH 2 OUT positive (+) connectors are
used for single-ended operation. Use both the positive (+)
and negative (-) connectors for differential operation. Refer
to “Signal Conditioning” on page 84 for more information.
6 AUX PORT The AUX port is reserved for future applications.
7DATA PORT The data port is reserved for future applications.
8
9 MARKERS 1/2/3/4 There are four SMB female marker output connectors that
10 Power Switch The power switch is toggled to either the ON or STANDBY
TRIGGERS 1/2/3/4
There are four SMB female trigger input connectors that are
used to control the waveforms in the sequencer and create
event-based signal simulation. The connectors support
TTL/CMOS, ECL, and PECL logic levels.
can be used for triggering or system synchronization. The
connectors are 3.3V TTL/CMOS 30 ohm series terminated.
The output is capable of driving a 50 ohm load.
position.
Chapter 1 17
Introducing the N8241/2A AWGs
Front Panel Interface
Item Description
# Name
11 Reset The “RST” button enables you to put the LAN configuration
of the instrument into a known state.
When you press this button the following settings are made
and the system reboots:
• IP Address is set to 192.168.EE.FF, where EE and FF are
the last two parts of the MAC address
(AA.BB.CC.DD.EE.FF). This is designed to prevent
multiple instruments from using the same default IP
address.
• Subnet Mask is set to 255.255.0.0
• DHCP is set to ON
• Auto IP is set to ON
• The instrument hostname is set to A-N82XXA-NNNNN,
where N82XXA is the instrument model number (such as
N8241A) and NNNNN represents the last five digits of
the instrument serial number.
12 TRIGGER IN/OUT These SMB trigger input and output connectors are used to
control the waveforms and create event-based signal
simulation. The connectors support LVTTL logic levels and
are functionally equivalent to Triggers/Markers 1-4, but have
additional latency.
13 10 MHz REF IN/OUT These SMB connectors can be used to input and output a
10 MHz reference.
18 Chapter 1
Introducing the N8241/2A AWGs
Front Panel Interface
Status Indicators
PWR
The power indicator has the following states:
State Power Status Illumination
OFF No Power None
STANDBY Standby Power Solid Amber
ON Power is on Solid Green
LAN
The LAN indicator has the following states:
State LAN Status Illumination
ON Normal Operation Solid Green
ON Device Identity:
–Needs initialization, refer to
“Initializing the LAN
Configuration” on page 93
OFF LAN Error/Fault:
–No valid or duplicate IPaddress
–Unable to renew previously
obtained DHCP lease
–Disconnected LAN cable
OFF This is the state when:
–The system is initializing
or
–A LAN reset has been initialized
Chapter 1 19
Blinking Green
Solid Red
None
Introducing the N8241/2A AWGs
Front Panel Interface
1588
The IEEE 1588 Clock Status has the following states:
State Clock Status Illumination
OFF Not synchronized None
ON Synchronized, clock is IEEE 1588
Slave
ON Synchronized, clock is IEEE 1588
Master
ON Synchronized, clock is IEEE 1588
Grand Master
OFF IEEE 1588 is in a fault state S olid Red
Solid Green
Blinking Green
(once every
second)
Blinking Green
(once every two
seconds)
20 Chapter 1
Rear Panel Interface
1
2
3
4
5
Figure 1-2 N8241A Rear Panel
Item Description
Introducing the N8241/2A AWGs
Rear Panel Interface
# Name
1LXI TRIG BUS This interface enables the instrument to detect any LXI
trigger bus events or LXI LAN-based events and can output
such events.
Inbound events control the arming and triggering of the
instrument subsystem for performi ng measu rements and
other operations. Outbound events are used to notify other
LXI devices of specific conditions.
2 AUX INTF This 9-pin serial interface connector is for factory-use only.
3 AC Power Receptacle The AC voltage is connected here. The power cord receptacle
Chapter 1 21
An LXI TRIG BUS cable and terminators will be available
from Circuit Assembly in the near future.
accepts a three-prong power cable that is shipped with the
instrument. The voltage range is 100/120/220/240 volts with
a frequency range of 50 to 60 Hz and is automatically
selected by the power supply.
Introducing the N8241/2A AWGs
Rear Panel Interface
Item Description
# Name
4LAN This local area network (LAN) interface allows
communication through a 100BaseT LAN cable.
5USB The USB port is reserved for future applications.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage the highly sensitive components in your
instrument. ESD damage is most likely to occur as the instrument is being installed
or when cables are connected or disconnected. Protect the circuits from ESD damage
by wearing a grounding strap that provides a high resistance path to ground.
Alternatively, ground yourself to discharge any static charge built-up by touching
the outer shell of any grounded instrument chassis before touching the port
connectors.
22 Chapter 1
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
The tab-based graphical interaction of the GUI gives instant access to the AWG
parameters, making it easy to configure signal output. Each tab is labeled with its
contents, enabling quick access to all functions. Figure 1-3 displays the first level of
the GUI. For more information on the GUI, refer to the N8241A Online Help.
Access this from the application Help menu, or in Windows:
Start > Programs > Agilent > N8241A > Help.
Figure 1-3 N8241A Control Utility
Introducing the N8241/2A AWGs
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Chapter 1 23
Getting Started
Introducing the N8241/2A AWGs
Getting Started
System Requirements
Hardware
• Personal computer (PC) with LAN capability
• Agilent E4440A Spectrum Analyzer or equivalent (system verification)
Supported Operating Systems
• Windows
• Windows
®
2000, Service Pack 4.0 or later
®
XP, Service Pack 2.0 or later
Required Software
• Windows.NET
®
Framework, Version 1.1 Redistributable Package, Service Pack
1 or later (included on the N8241A CD)
• IVI Compliance Package Version 2.3 or greater, which includes the IVI Shared
Components (download from www.ni.com)
• Agilent IO Libraries Suite 14.1 or greater with Patch 2 (download from
www.agilent.com)
N8241/2A Installation
Installing the Instrument
1. Plug the AWG module into the mains power supply.
NOTE Install the instrument so that the detachable power cord is readily identifiable and is
easily reached by the operator. 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. Alternatively, an externally installed switch or circuit breaker
(which is readily identifiable and is easily reached by the operator) may be used as a
disconnecting device.
2. Connect the AWG module to a LAN line.
Installing the Software
Connect a LAN line to the PC and turn the PC on.
24 Chapter 1
Introducing the N8241/2A AWGs
Getting Started
3. Download the IVI Compliance Package, which contains the IVI Engine and the
IVI Shared Components.
Go to: http://www.ni.com/
Search on ivi compliance package version 2.3.
Select IVI Compliance Package V ersion 2.3 for Windows
2000//NT/XP-HWDRIVER-Support-National
Follow the instructions for the Download Process at the bottom of the page.
4. Download the Agilent IO Libraries Suite 14.1 with Patch 2.
Go to:http://www.agilent.com/find/iolib
5. Insert the N8241A CD into the CD drive on your PC and follow the instructions.
CAUTION Before switching on this instrument, make sure the supply voltage is in the specified
range.
6. Toggle the fron t panel switch to turn on the AWG module.
Chapter 1 25
Introducing the N8241/2A AWGs
Getting Started
Connecting to the AWG over the LAN
1. Open the Agilent Connection Expert (double-click the icon).
NOTE The Agilent Connection Expert will work only if Agilent VISA is operating as the
primary VISA driver. If it is operating as the secondary driver, and anoth er VISA
such as NI VISA is the primary, you will need to add the N8241/2A using the tools
of the primary VISA. The Agilent IO Libraries will alert you to this condition.
2. From the menu bar, select Add Instrument.
3. In the Add Instrument secondary window,
select LAN (TCPIP0) > OK.
26 Chapter 1
Introducing the N8241/2A AWGs
Getting Started
4. Enter the host name of the AWG in the LAN Instrument secondary window.
5. Click OK.
Chapter 1 27
Introducing the N8241/2A AWGs
Getting Started
6. The AWG is now configured to the PC.
28 Chapter 1
Introducing the N8241/2A AWGs
Verifying System Operation
Verifying System Operation
Prior to verifying system operation, the N8241A software must be installed on the
PC and the LAN line connected to the PC and AWG module. For more information
“Installing the Software” on page 25 and “Connecting to the A WG over the
refer to
LAN” on page 26
System Set Up
1. Connect the power cord to the AWG module and turn the power on.
CAUTION Before switching on this instrument, make sure the supply voltage is in the specified
range.
Waveform Generation
NOTE An Agilent E4440A Spectrum Analyzer or equivalent is required to view the
waveforms.
.
1. Connect the channel 1 positive (+) output to the spectrum analyzer RF input
connector.
2. Open the user interface by double-clicking the N8241A Control Utility icon
placed on the desktop during installation.
3. In the Output tab, configure the signal conditioning path to include the 500MHz
reconstruction filter through CH1 OUT (toggle the switches you want to
connect) on channel 1 and CH2 OUT on channel 2. The connection will
automatically
4. Click on the negative (-) node to enable single-ended mode. Notice that the
Chapter 1 29
enable differential mode.
Introducing the N8241/2A AWGs
Verifying System Operation
Output drops to 0.250 volts.
5. Select the Clock tab and confirm that the (AutoSense) 10MHz REF IN is
configured correctly. In the Quick Play section
and select the 400MHzTone.bin waveform file found on the CD for channel 1
and 2
of the user interface, browse
6. Click Play. The spectrum analyzer cabled to channel 1 should display a spurious
free dynamic range (SFDR) of at least -65 dBc for the N8241A as shown in
Figure 1-4, and a SFDR of at least -50 dBc for the N8242A, Figure 1-5.
30 Chapter 1
Figure 1-4 N8241A Playback of a 400 MHz Tone
Introducing the N8241/2A AWGs
Verifying System Operation
Figure 1-5 N8242A Playback of a 400 MHz Tone
7. You should get the same performance when you connect chan nel 2 positive (+)
to the spectrum analyzer RF input connector.
Chapter 1 31
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