Mini-Circuits RUDAT-6000-110, RUDAT-6000-90, RUDAT-6000-60, RUDAT-13G-90, RUDAT-6000-30 User Manual

AN-49-005 Rev.: D (August 7, 2016) M156027 (R90553) File: AN-49-005(D).doc

This document and its contents are the property of Mini-Circuits

User Guide

RS232 & USB control,
Input Impedance: 50 Ω

USB, RS232, SPI & Ethernet

Programable Attenuators

Ethernet & USB control,

Input Impedance: 50 Ω

Important Notice

This guide is owned by Mini-Circuits and is protected by copyright, trademark
and other intellectual property laws.

The information in this guide is provided by Mini-Circuits as an accommodation
to our customers and may be used only to promote and accompany the
purchase of Mini-Circuits’ Parts. This guide may not be reproduced, modified,
distributed, published, stored in an electronic database, or transmitted and the
information contained herein may not be exploited in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical recording or otherwise, without prior written perm ission
from Mini-Circuits.

This guide is subject to change, qualifications, variations, adjustments or
modifications without notice and may contain errors, omissions, inaccuracies,
mistakes or deficiencies. Mini-Circuits assumes no responsibility for, and will
have no liability on account of, any of the foregoing. Accordingly, this guide
should be used as a guideline only.

Trademarks

Microsoft, Windows, Visual Basic, Visual C# and Visual C++ are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. LabVIEW and CVI are registered
trademarks of National Instruments Corporation. Delphi is a registered
trademark of Delphi Technologies, Inc. MATLAB is a registered trademark of
The MathWorks, Inc. Agilent VEE is a registered trademark of Agilent
Technologies, Inc. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Mac is a
registered trademark of Apple Inc. Python is a registered trademark of Python
Software Foundation Corporation.

All other trademarks cited within this guide are the property of their respective
owners. Neither Mini-Circuits nor the Mini-Circuits Programmable Att enuators
are affiliated with or endorsed or sponsored by the owners of the above
referenced trademarks.

Mini-Circuits and the Mini-Circuits logo are registered trademarks of Scientific
Components Corporation.

Mini-Circuits

13 Neptune Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11235, USA
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.minicircuits.com

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1 – General Information ................................................................... 5-9

1.1 Scope of the User Guide ................................................................................ 5

1.2 Warranty ........................................................................................................ 5

1.3 Definitions ...................................................................................................... 5

1.4 General Safety Precautions ........................................................................... 5

1.5 Introduction .................................................................................................... 5

1.6 Service and Calibration .................................................................................. 6

1.7 Contact Information........................................................................................ 6

1.8 Technical ................................................................................................... 6-9

1.8.1 Features of Mini-Circuits Programmable Attenuators .................................................. 6

1.8.2 Model Selection Guide ................................................................................................. 7

1.8.3

Intended Applications ............................................................................................... 8

1.8.4 Supported Software Environments .............................................................................. 5

1.8.5 Included Accessories and Options ............................................................................... 8

1.8.6 Conformity .................................................................................................................... 9

Chapter 2 – Installation and ...................................................................... 10-15

2.1 Software Setup .............................................................................................10

2.2 Installation ............................................................................................... 11-12

2.3 Attenuator Physical Setup ....................................................................... 13-16

2.3.1 For USB Control: ........................................................................................................ 13

2.3.2 For RS232 Control (RUDAT) ..................................................................................... 13

2.3.3 For Ethernet Control (RCDAT) ................................................................................... 15

Chapter 3 – Using the Attenuator Models ................................................. 16-30

3.1 Starting the GUI Program ....................................................................... 16-19

3.2 Operating the Attenuator with the GUI Program ..................................... 19-22

3.3 Changing Ethernet Settings Using the GUI Program .............................. 23-24

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Table of Contents

3.4 Sweep and Hop functions .............................................................................25

3.4.2 PC Control Mode (Sweep & Hop Sequences): .......................................................... 25

3.4.3 High Speed Mode (Sweep & Hop Sequences): ......................................................... 25

3.4.5 Attenuator Switching Time: ........................................................................................ 26

3.5 Alerts During Operation of the Programmable Attenuator .............................27

3.6 Firmware Update .................................................................................... 28-30

Chapter 4 – Revision History ........................................................................31

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1 Chapter 1 – General Information

1.1 Scope of the User Guide

This User Guide provides general introduction, instal lation instructions and operating
information for Mini-Circuits USB & RS232 programmable attenuators (RUDAT series) and USB
& Ethernet programmable attenuators (RCDAT and RC4DAT series)

1.2 Warranty

See Mini-Circuits website http://www.minicircuits.com/support/ordering.html for warranty
information.

1.3 Definitions

Note: A note advises on important information you may need to ensure proper operation of the equipment.

There is no risk to either the equipment or the user.

A caution advises about a condition or procedure which can cause damage to the
equipment (no danger to users).

A warning alerts to a possible risk to the user and steps to avoid it. DO NOT proceed
until you are sure you understand the warning.

1.4 General Safety Precautions

There are no general safety precautions for using Mini-Circuits programmable attenuators.

1.5 Introduction

Mini-Circuits has developed two series of programmable attenuators, as shown in Figure 1.3.
The RUDAT series, which can be controlled via standard USB or RS232 ports(some also
support SPI), and the RCDAT series, which can be controlled via standard USB or Ethernet­TCP/IP(Telnet or HTTP protocols). These programmable attenuators can operate up to 8000
MHz with an attenuation resolution 0.25 dB and up to 13,000 MHz with resolution of 0.5 dB.
Attenuation ranges from 30 to 120 dB are availa bl e. These models are plug & play devices
which require no drivers for any of the supported interfaces. With the supplied GUI software, or
most common lab test software, you can remotely set any attenuation level in range almost
instantly. The attenuators are light, comp act and can be powered from the USB bus or external
power supply, increasing system flexibility.
Using their Ethernet control the RCDAT models ca n be controlled from almost any computer, or
even a smartphone with a network connection from any where in the world.

Figure 1.3: Mini-Circuits RUDAT-6000-90

CAUTION

WARNING

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1.6 Service and Calibration

None of the programmable attenuator models req ui re any periodic service or calibration. The
only user service possible for the models is external cleaning of the case and connectors as
needed. Do not use any detergents or spray cleaning solut i ons to clean the attenuators. To
clean the connectors use an alcohol solution, and to clean the case a soft, damp cloth.

1.7 Contact Information

Mini-Circuits inc.
13 Neptune Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Phone: [phone]
General Fax: [phone]
Sales / Customer Service Fax: [phone]

[e-mail]

For regional offices and tech support see

http://www.minicircuits.com/contact/offices.html

1.8 Technical Description

1.8.1 Features of Mini-Circuits Programmable Attenuators

• Wide attenuation range (model dependent, see section 1.8.2)

• Wide frequency range (model depe ndent, see section 1.8.2)

• Fine attenuation resolution (0.25 dB or 0.5 dB)

• Multiple control options

• Easy installation and operation

• Plug & Play devices, no driver installation required

• ActiveX COM object and .Net class library for use with other software: C++, C#, CVI®, Delphi®,

LabVIEW® 8 or newer, MATLAB® 7 or newer, Python, Agilent VEE®, Visual Basic®, Visual Studio® 6 or
newer, and more (see

AN-49-001 for full details)

• User friendly Graphical User Interface for any Windows

®

32 or 64 bit computer. Command line support

for Linux

®

computers.

• Mounting bracket (optional)

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1.8.2 Model Selection Guide

Model Name

Num. of

Channels

Frequency

Range

(MHz)

Attenuation

Range

(dB)

Attenuation

Resolution

(dB)

Max Input

Power

(dBm)

Control Protocols

RUDAT-4000-120

1 1 - 4000 120 0.25 20 USB & RS232

RUDAT-6000-110

1 1 - 6000 110 0.25 20 USB & RS232

RUDAT-6000-90

1 1 - 6000 90 0.25 20 USB & RS232

RUDAT-6000-60

1 1 - 6000 60 0.25 20 USB & RS232

RUDAT-6000-30

1 1 - 6000 30 0.25 20 USB & RS232

RUDAT-13G-90

1 10 - 13000 90 0.5 23 USB, RS232 & SPI

RCDAT-4000-120

1 1 - 6000 110 0.25 20 USB, HTTP & Telnet

RCDAT-6000-110

1 1 - 6000 90 0.25 20 USB, HTTP & Telnet

RCDAT-3000-63W2

1 50 - 3000

63 1 33 USB, HTTP & Telnet

RCDAT-6000-90

1 1 - 6000 90 0.25 20 USB, HTTP & Telnet

RCDAT-6000-60

1 1 - 6000 60 0.25 20 USB, HTTP & Telnet

RCDAT-6000-30

1 1 - 6000 30 0.25 20 USB, HTTP & Telnet

RCDAT-8000-30

1 1 - 8000 30 0.25 28 USB, HTTP & Telnet

RCDAT-8000-60

1 1 - 8000 60 0.25 28 USB, HTTP & Telnet

RCDAT-8000-90

1 1 - 8000 30 0.25 28 USB, HTTP & Telnet

RC4DAT-6G-90

4 1 - 6000 90 0.25 23 USB, HTTP & Telnet

For detailed model performance, data and graphs, outline drawing, ordering information and
environmental specifications click on the model part number.

Figure 1.8.2a RUDAT & RCDAT Functional Block Diagrams

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1.8.3 Intended Applications

Mini-Circuits programmable attenuators are intended for indoor use in:

- Lab and test equipment setups for both manual an d aut om ated measurements.

- Control systems

- Production test equipment
The models can be used by anyone familiar with the basics of electronic measurements or
electronic control systems.

1.8.4 Supported Software Environments

Mini-Circuits programmable attenuators have been tested in the f ollowing operating systems:
32 bit systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP,

Windows 98 and Linux.
64 bit systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Linux
The attenuators will work with almost any softwa re environment that supports ActiveX or .Net
including: C++, C#, CVI

®

, Delphi®, LabVIEW® 8 or newer, MATLAB® 7 or newer, Python,

Agilent VEE

®

, Visual Basic®, AutoIT, Visual Studio® 6 or newer, and more (see AN-49-001 for full

details)

Additionally the HTTP and Telnet protocols can op erate from almost any computer, or even a
mobile device/smartphone with a network conne ct ion.
For more information see programming handbook on our web site.

1.8.5 Included Accessories and Options

1.8.5.1 RUDAT models are supplied with

• 2.6 ft (0.8m) USB cable (Type A to Type Mini-B)

1.8.5.2 RCDAT and RC4DAT models are supplied with the

• 2.6 ft (0.8m) USB cable (Type A to Type Mini-B)

• AC/DC power adapt er suitable for a wide selection of wall sockets

The following additional accessories are also a vail able:

• Mounting bracket

• 6.9 ft (2m) USB cable (Type A to Type Mini-B)

• 6 ft (1.8m) RS232 cable (9 Pin D-Sub Male-Female)

• AC/DC power adapt er suitable for a wide selection of wall sockets

Figure 1.8.2b

RC4DAT Functional Block Diagram

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1.8.6 Conformity

Mini-Circuits series of programmable attenuators conform to all requirements for the following
international standards

:

RoHS – The models comply with EU directi ve for Restriction of Hazardous Substances

for 6 substances.

USB 2.0 – The models meet the specifications of the Universal S erial Bus Ver. 2.0

communication standard as described by USB -IF.

USB HID – The models meet the requirements for Universal Serial Bus Human

Interface Devices according to USB-IF’s Device Class Definition for Human
Interface Devices firmware rev. 1.11

RUDAT series models also comply with:
RS232 – The RUDAT series models meet all requirements for RS232 standard.

RCDAT series models also comply with:
TCP/IP – The RCDAT series models’ Ethernet communication complies with the

specifications of the Transmission Control Prot ocol (TCP) and Internet
Protocol (IP) as defined in RFC 791 and RFC 793.

HTTP – The RCDAT series models’ support all requirem ents for communicating with

the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) as defined in RFC 1945.

Telnet – The RCDAT series models’ support all requirem ents for communicating with

the Telnet protocol, as defined in RFC 854

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2 Chapter 2 – Installation and Setup

2.1 Software Setup

System requirements for the RUDAT or RCDAT models are a computer (Pentium II or
better) with the following support depending on the c ontrol method used:

RS232 control

SPI

USB control

Ethernet control

Serial COM port

3-wire I/O control

at LVTTL

USB HID

Network connection

When using the supplied power adaptor a power sou rce of 110-220VAC (with socket
matching one of the two pin plugs provided) is also needed.

To run the GUI program a Windows operating system for either 32 or 64 bits is required
as well.

If you have had any problems installing the software, we’re here to help.

Try following these complete step-by-step instru ct ions. If you still experience problems,
give us a call at Mini-Circuits Worldwide Technical su pport . It’s [phone] or e-mail
[e-mail] for North Americ a or go to minicircuits.com/contact/worldwide_
tech_support.html for other regional numbers and addres ses.

2.1.1 First save all work in progress and close any other programs that may be running.

2.1.2 Next, insert the Mini-Circuits CD into the CD-ROM drive, or download the full CD

software from minicircuits.com. If installing from files downloaded from the web, unzip the
downloaded files to a temporary folder on your local computer, then open the file folder you
created, and double-click the “Install” icon.
Note: Saving the directory in an excessively long path may result in problems during

installation.

2.1.3 If installation from the CD does not start automatically, run

install.exe from the <CD drive> root directory.

Figure 2.1.3 CD file listing window

PC-DAT-CD (D:)

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