Mini-Circuits RC-3SPDT-A18, USB-2SPDT-A18, USB-4SPDT-A18, RC-2SPDT-A18, RC-4SPDT-A18 User Manual

...
User Guide
USB/Ethernet RF Switch Matrices
USB-1SPDT-A18 / RC-1SPDT-A18 DC to 18 GHz Single SPDT switch
USB-2SPDT-A18 / RC-2SPDT-A18 DC to 18 GHz Two SPDT switches,
USB-3SPDT-A18 / RC-3SPDT-A18 DC to 18 GHz Three SPDT switches, Configurable as: SPDT, DPDT, 3PDT, SP3T,
USB-4SPDT-A18 / RC-4SPDT-A18 DC to 18 GHz Four SPDT switches, Configurable as: SPDT, 4PDT, SP3T, SP5T,
USB-8SPDT-A18 / RC-8SPDT-A18 DC to 18 GHz Eight SPDT switches, Configurable as: SPDT, SP3T, SP8T, 2x8, dual
USB-1SP4T-A18 / RC-1SP4T-A18 DC to 18 GHz Single SP4T switch
Transfer switch and more
AN-49-002 Rev.: A (November 25, 2014) M149081 (R88277) File: AN-49-002(A).doc
This document and its contents are the property of Mini-Circuits
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 permission 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 switch matrices 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: +1-718-934-4500 Email: sales@minicircuits.com Web: www.minicircuits.com
AN-49-001 Rev.: A (November 25, 2014) M149081 (R88277) File: AN-49-002(A).doc
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – General Information.........................................................5-8
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 description ....................................................................................... 6-8
1.8.1 Features of Mini-Circuits Switch Matrices ..................................................................6
1.8.2 Intended Applications.................................................................................................7
1.8.3 Conformity..................................................................................................................7
1.8.4 Supported Software environments.............................................................................7
1.8.5 Included Accessories and Options.............................................................................8
Chapter 2 – Installation and Setup ....................................................9-14
2.1 Software Setup ................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Installation.................................................................................................... 10-11
2.3 USB/Ethernet Switch Matrix Physical Setup ................................................ 12-14
2.4 Controlling the Mini-Circuits Switch Matrix .........................................................14
Chapter 3 – Using Mini-Circuits' Switch Matrix.............................15-33
3.1 USB interface............................................................................................... 15-17
3.2 Ethernet Interface......................................................................................... 17-20
3.3 Switch Configurations .................................................................................. 20-27
3.3.1 USB-1SPDT-A18 / RC-1SPDT-A18 ........................................................................20
3.3.2 USB-2SPDT-A18 / RC-2SPDT-A18.................................................................. 21-20
3.3.3 USB-3SPDT-A18 / RC-3SPDT-A18.................................................................. 23-22
3.3.4 USB-4SPDT-A18 / RC-4SPDT-A18.................................................................. 24-24
3.3.5 USB-8SPDT-A18 / RC-8SPDT-A18 ........................................................................26
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Table of Contents
3.3.6 USB-1SP4T-A18 / RC-1SP4T-A18 ..........................................................................27
3.3.7 Additional configurations, not shown here ...............................................................27
3.4 User Sequence ............................................................................................ 28-30
3.4.1 User sequence screen buttons and indicators ................................................... 28-29
3.4.2 User sequence graphical switch presentation.................................................... 29-30
3.5 Firmware update .......................................................................................... 31-32
3.6 Demo Mode .......................................................................................................33
Figure 1: MINI-CIRCUITS USB RF SPDT Switch
AN-49-001 Rev.: A (November 25, 2014) M149081 (R88277) File: AN-49-002(A).doc
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1 Chapter 1 – General Information
1.1 Scope of the User Guide
This user guide provides general introduction, installation instructions and operating information for Mini-Circuits USB and Ethernet control RF switch matrices.
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.
CAUTION
A caution advises about a condition or procedure which can cause damage to the equipment (no danger to users).
WARNING
A warning al until you are sure you understand the warning.
1.4 General safety precautions
WARNING
CAUTION
Ensure that all instruments using mains power supply are properly grounded to prevent risk of electrical shock.
1. Ensure th
2. Do not a
1.5 Introduction
Mini-Circuits has developed two series of RF switch matrices, the RC-xxxxx-A18 series capable of USB and Ethernet (HTTP and Telnet protocols) control and the USB-xxxxx-A18 series with just USB control. Both series have SPDT and SP4T switches, like the one shown in Figure 1. These switches operate from DC to 18 GHz; all are available in a variety of different configurations with low insertion loss (0.2 dB typ.) and high isolation (85 dB typ). All models are USB HID devices and are “plug & play,” with no driver installation needed. Ethernet control in the RC-xxxxx-A18 series allows for both dynamic (DHCP) and static IP. Using the supplied GUI software or most common lab test software you can easily set complex, timed switching sequences using multiple switches with only a single power supply and USB control line, or Ethernet. You can even synchronize other software with the switching sequence. These USB/Ethernet RF switches are light, compact and greatly simplify setting up complex switching sequences.
Using the Ethernet interface the switch matrices can be controlled from any computer with an internet connection, or even your smartphone from almost anywhere!
erts to a possible risk to the user and steps to avoid it. DO NOT
proceed
Please observe the following safety precautions at all times when using Mini-Circuits USB RF switch matrices.
e switch matrix air vents are clear
ttempt to switch signals of greater power than the switch is rated for in its
datasheet.
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1.6 Service and Calibration
The USB/Ethernet switch matrix models do not require any periodic service or calibration. The only user service possible for the switch matrix models is external cleaning of the case and connectors as needed. Do not use any detergents or spray cleaning solutions to clean the Switch Matrix. 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: 1-718-934-4500 General Fax: 1-718-332-4661 Sales / Customer Service Fax: 1-718-934-7092
sales@minicircuits.com
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 Switch Matrices
• Capable of 100 million switching cycles
• DC to 18GHz; absorptive failsafe RF switches in break-before-make configuration
• Electromechanical switching; Isolation 85 dB typ.
• High power handling, 10W SPDT, 2W SP4T
• All RF ports SMA(F)
• Easy GUI installation and operation, simplifies complex switching and timing setups
• USB HID ”plug & play” device
• For RC-xxxxx-A18 series Telnet and HTTP ”plug & play” device
®
ActiveX com object and .Net class library for use with other software: C++, C#, CVI
8 or newer, MATLAB more
• User friendly Graphical User Interface for any Windows
®
computers
Linux
• For RC-xxxxx-A18 series command line support for any computer with a network connection (HTTP &
Telnet protocols)
power adapter included
• 24V
DC
• Protected by US Patents 5,272,458; 6,414,577; 6,650,210; 7,633,361 and 7,843,289
®
7 or newer, Python, Agilent VEE®, Visual Basic®, Visual Studio® 6 or newer, and
®
32 or 64 bit computer. command line support for
, Delphi®, LabVIEW®
For specific model features, performance data and graphs, outline drawing, ordering information and environmental specifications, see our catalog at:
http://www.minicircuits.com/products/u
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sb_rfspdt_switches.shtml
1.8.2 Intended Applications
Mini-Circuits USB-xxxxx-A18 and RC-xxxxx-A18 series switch matrices are intended for indoor use in:
- Lab and test equipment setups for both manual and automated measurements
- Control systems
- Automated switching of signal paths in a complex system The models can be used by anyone familiar with the basics of electronics measurements or electronic control systems.
1.8.3 Conformity
Mini-Circuits USB-xxxxx-A18 and RC-xxxxx-A18 series switch matrices conform to all requirements for the following international standards
:
RoHS – The models comply with EU directive for Restriction of Hazardous Substances
for 6 substances.
USB 2.0 – The models meet the specifications of the Universal Serial 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.
TCP/IP – The RC-xxxxx-A18 series models’ Ethernet communication complies with the
specifications of the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP) as defined in RFC 791 and RFC 793.
HTTP – The RC-xxxxx-A18 series models’ supp
ort all requirements for communicating
with the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) as defined in RFC 1945.
Telnet – The RC-xxxxx-A18 series models’ support all requirements for communicating
with the Telnet protocol, as defined in RFC 854.
1.8.4 Supported Software environments
Mini-Circuits USB-xxxxx-A18 and RC-xxxxx-A18 series switch matrices have been tested in the following operating systems: 32 bit systems: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP Windows 98 64 bit systems: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Linux The switch matrices will work with almost any software environment that supports ActiveX or .Net including:
®
VEE
, Visual Basic®, AutoIT, Visual Studio® 6 or newer, and more
C++, C#, CVI®, Delphi®, LabVIEW® 8 or newer, MATLAB® 7 or newer, Python, Agilent
Additionally the HTTP and Telnet protocols can operate from almost any computer with a network connection. For more information see Mini-Circuits programming handbook Introduction
and Chapter 2 on
our website.
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g
1.8.5 Included Accessories and Options
Accessories
Available
Software CD
2.7 ft. USB cable
24V power adaptor
Hand Flex RF cable
6.8 ft. USB cable
11 ft. USB cable
US standard power cord EU standard power cord UK standard power cord AUS/China standard power cord IL standard power cord
Accessories
Available
Software CD
2.7 ft. USB cable
5 ft. Ethernet cable
24V power adaptor
6.8 ft. USB cable
11 ft. USB cable
US standard power cord EU standard power cord UK standard power cord AUS/China standard power cord IL standard power cord
For additional details and ordering information, click on model P/N at the top of the column.
USB-1SPDT-
A18
Included with
the model at
no extra
char
e
Available as
additional
accessories
When ordering
select one
power cord to
be included at
no extra
charge
RC-1SPDT-
A18
Included with
the model at
no extra
charge
Available as
additional
accessories,
see spec. for
details
When ordering
select one
power cord to
be included at
no extra
charge
USB-2SPDT-
A18
Included with
the model at
no extra
charge
Available as
additional
accessories
When ordering
select one
power cord to
be included at
no extra
charge
RC-2SPDT-
A18
Included with
the model at
no extra
charge
Available as
additional
accessories,
see spec. for
details
When ordering
select one
power cord to
be included at
no extra
charge
USB-3SPDT-
A18
Included with
the model at
no extra
charge
Available as
additional
accessories
When ordering
select one
power cord to
be included at
no extra
charge
RC-3SPDT-
A18
Included with
the model at no
extra charge
Available as
additional
accessories,
see spec. for
details
When ordering
select one power cord to be included at
no extra charge
USB-4SPDT-
A18
Included with
the model at
no extra
charge
Available as
additional accessories, see spec. for
details
When ordering
select one
power cord to
be included at
no extra
charge
RC-4SPDT-
A18
Included with
the model at
no extra
charge
Available as
additional accessories, see spec. for
details
When ordering
select one
power cord to
be included at
no extra
charge
USB-8SPDT-
Included with
the model at
no extra
charge
Not available as accessory
Available as
additional
accessories,
see spec. for
details
When ordering
select one power cord to be included at
no extra
charge
RC-8SPDT-
Included with
the model at
no extra
charge
Available as
additional
accessories,
see spec. for
details
When ordering
select one power cord to be included at
no extra
charge
A18
A18
USB-1SP4T-
A18
Included with
the model at
no extra
charge
Not available as accessory
Available as
additional
accessories,
see spec. for
details
When ordering
select one power cord to be included at
no extra
charge
RC-1SP4T-
A18
Included with
the model at
no extra
charge
Available as
additional
accessories,
see spec. for
details
When ordering
select one power cord to be included at
no extra
charge
AN-49-001 Rev.: A (November 25, 2014) M149081 (R88277) File: AN-49-002(A).doc
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2 Chapter 2 – Installation and Setup
System requirements for the switch matrix models are a computer (Pentium II or better) with either support for USB HID or an Ethernet connection, and a power source of 110-220V socket matching the plug of the power cord selected when ordering the switch matrix). To run the GUI program a Windows operating system for either 32 or 64 bits is also required.
2.1 Software Setup
If you have had any problems installing the software, we’re here to help.
Try following these complete step-by-step instructions. If you still experience problems, give us a call at Mini-Circuits Worldwide Technical support. It’s (718) 934-4500 or e-mail apps@minicircuits.com
tech_support.html for other regional numbers and addresses.
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 desktop or C: drive, then open the file folder you created and double-click the “Install” icon.
2.1.3 If installation from the CD does not start automatically, run
install.exe from the <CD drive> root directory.
for North America, or go to minicircuits.com/contact/worldwide_
(with
AC
Figure 2.1.3 CD file listing window
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2.2 Installation
2.2.1 The installer window should now appear. Click the “Install Now” button.
Figure 2.2.1 Installation window
2.2.2 The license agreement should now appear. To proceed, click “I Agree” and
the “Continue” button.
2.2.3 The installation program will launch. Click the “OK” button to continue.
Figure 2.2.2 License agreement
Figure 2.2.3 Installation Program window
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