Rohde&Schwarz AMIQ Operating Manual

Test and Measurement
Division

Operating Manual

I/Q Modulation Generator

AMIQ

1110.2003.02/03/04

Printed in the Federal
Republic of Germany

valid as of firmware version 4.00

1110.3339.12-08- 1

AMIQ Tabbed Divider Overview

Tabbed Divider Overview

Contents

Data Sheet

Safety Instructions
Certificate of Quality
EU Certificate of Conformity
List of R&S Representatives

Contents of Manuals for I/Q Modulation Generator AMIQ

Tabbed Divider

1 Chapter 1: Putting into Operation

2 Chapter 2: Getting Started

3 Chapter 3: Operation

4 Chapter 4: Functional Description

5 Chapter 5: Remote Control – Basics

6 Chapter 6: Remote Control – Commands

7 Chapter 7: Examples

8 Chapter 8: Maintenance

9 Chapter 9: Error Messages

10 Index

1110.3339.12 RE E-1

AMIQ Contents

Contents

1 Putting into Operation.........................................................................................1.1

Introduction......................................................................................................................................1.1

Front and Rear View........................................................................................................................ 1.2

Putting into Operation.....................................................................................................................1.2

Unpacking................................................................................................................................1.2

Setting Up................................................................................................................................1.3

Rackmounting................................................................................................................... .......1.3

Connection to AC Supply.........................................................................................................1.4

Power Fuses............................................................................................................................ 1.4

Power Up / Switch-on Test...................................................................................................... 1.4

Instrument Switch-off...............................................................................................................1.6

EMC Shielding Measures........................................................................................................1.6

Connection to Test Setup ...............................................................................................................1.7

Connecting the Controller........................................................................................................1.7

Software for AMIQ Control ...................................................................................................... 1.8

Signal Inputs and Outputs .......................................................................................................1.8

Connecting BER Test Signals ................................................................................................. 1.9

Connecting other Facilities .................................................................................................... 1.10

Installation of Options...................................................................................................................1.11

Option AMIQ-B1, BER Test...................................................................................................1.11

Option AMIQ-B2, Differential I/Q Outputs..............................................................................1.11

Option AMIQ-B3, Digital I/Q Output ............................................................................................. 1.12

Option AMIQB19, I/Q Rear-Panel Connection ...................................................................... 1.12

Option AMIQK11, IS-95 CDMA .............................................................................................1.12

Option AMIQK12, CDMA 2000..............................................................................................1.12

Option AMIQK13, Digital Standard W-CDMA TTD Mode (3GPP) ........................................ 1.12

Option AMIQK14, Digital Standard TD-SCDMA.................................................................... 1.12

Option AMIQK15, OFDM Signal Generation.........................................................................1.12

Option AMIQK16, Digital Standard 802.11b Wireless LAN...................................................1.13

Initial Installation or Update of AMIQ Software........................................................................... 1.13

2 Getting Started.....................................................................................................2.1

Control via Serial Interface ......................................................................................................2.1

Control via IEC/IEEE-Bus Interface......................................................................................... 2.2

Control via Floppy....................................................................................................................2.3

Switchover between Remote-Control Interfaces ..................................................................... 2.3

3 Operation .............................................................................................................3.1

Control Elements..................................................................................................................... 3.1

Indicating Elements (LEDs).....................................................................................................3.1

Calculation of I/Q Modulation Signals......................................................................................3.2

Control via WinIQSIM....................................................................................................3.2

Control via Vector Signal Generator SMIQ ...................................................................3.2

1110.3339.12 3 E-7

Contents AMIQ

4 Functional Description........................................................................................4.1

Uses .................................................................................................................................................4.1

Stress Signals for I/Q Signals..................................................................................................4.1

Special Characteristics for Use of AMIQ as I/Q Modulation Source ...................................... 4.2

Basic Operating Modes...................................................................................................................4.3

Signal Outputs .................................................................................................................................4.4

Marker Outputs........................................................................................................................4.4

Clock Output and Input.................................................................................................. 4.5

Triggering.........................................................................................................................................4.5

I/Q Signal Adjustments....................................................................................................................4.7

Adjusting the Level ..................................................................................................................4.7

Adjusting the Offset .................................................................................................................4.7

Adjusting the Delay..................................................................................................................4.7

AMIQ – Block Diagram............................................................................................................4.8

Measurement of Bit Error Rate.......................................................................................................4.9

Connector................................................................................................................................ 4.9

Signal Path and Waveform.................................................................................................... 4.10

Test Method...........................................................................................................................4.11

PRBS Polynomials................................................................................................................. 4.13

Measurement Result, Accuracy, Measurement Time...........................................................4.13

Possible Problems with BER Measurement and Related Solutions...................................... 4.14

Further Hints and Tricks ........................................................................................................4.15

Installation of Option AMIQ-B1, BER Measurement..............................................................4.16

Avoid Reflections in the BER Measurement..........................................................................4.17

Application Example for Option Differential Outputs ................................................................4.18

AMIQ Model 03 / 04........................................................................................................................4.20

Digital I/Q Output Option AMIQ-B3 .............................................................................................. 4.21

Operation of Digital I/Q Output Option (AMIQ-B3) using WinIQSIM..................................... 4.22

Pin Allocation of Digital I/Q Outputs....................................................................................... 4.23

Brief Specifications................................................................................................................4.23

Technical Details ................................................................................................................... 4.24

IEEE 488 Commands............................................................................................................ 4.25

External Clock................................................................................................................................4.26

Brief Description ....................................................................................................................4.26

Operation...............................................................................................................................4.27

IEC/IEEE-bus command........................................................................................................4.27

Multisegment Waveform ...............................................................................................................4.28

Application and structure.......................................................................................................4.28

IEC/IEEE bus commands...................................................................................................... 4.29

1110.3339.12 4 E-6

AMIQ Contents

5 Remote Control - Basics.....................................................................................5.1

Short Introduction............................................................................................................................5.1

Messages..........................................................................................................................................5.1

Interface Messages .................................................................................................................5.2

Device Messages (Commands and Device Responses)........................................................ 5.2

Structure and Syntax of the Device Messages............................................................................. 5.3

SCPI Introduction.....................................................................................................................5.3

Structure of a Command ......................................................................................................... 5.3

Structure of a Command Line..................................................................................................5.5

Responses to Queries............................................................................................................. 5.6

Parameters.............................................................................................................................. 5.6

Overview of Syntax Elements..................................................................................................5.8

Instrument Model and Command Processing .............................................................................. 5.9

Input Unit .................................................................................................................................5.9

Command Recognition.......................................................................................................... 5.10

Data Set and Instrument Hardware....................................................................................... 5.10

Status Reporting System.......................................................................................................5.10

Output Unit.............................................................................................................................5.11

Command Sequence and Command Synchronization..........................................................5.11

Status Reporting System.............................................................................................................. 5.12

Structure of an SCPI Status Register.................................................................................... 5.12

Overview of Status Registers ................................................................................................5.14

Description of the Status Registers ....................................................................................... 5.15

Status Byte (STB) and Service Request Enable Register (SRE)................................5.15

IST Flag and Parallel Poll Enable Register (PPE).......................................................5.16

Event Status Register (ESR) and Event Status Enable Register (ESE) ..................... 5.16

STATus:OPERation Register...................................................................................... 5.17

STATus:QUEStionable Register ................................................................................. 5.17

Application of the Status Reporting System .......................................................................... 5.18

Service Request, Making Use of the Hierarchy Structure...........................................5.18

Serial Poll ....................................................................................................................5.19

Parallel Poll..................................................................................................................5.19

Query by Means of Commands................................................................................... 5.19

Error Queue Query......................................................................................................5.19

Reset Values of the Status Reporting Systems.....................................................................5.20

Hardware Interfaces....................................................................................................................... 5.21

IEC/IEEE Bus Interface.........................................................................................................5.21

Characteristics of the Interface..............................................................................................5.21

Bus Lines...............................................................................................................................5.21

Interface Functions................................................................................................................ 5.22

Interface Messages ...............................................................................................................5.23

RS-232-C Interface......................................................................................................................... 5.24

Interface characteristics......................................................................................................... 5.24

Signal lines ............................................................................................................................5.24

Transmission parameters...................................................................................................... 5.25

Interface functions .................................................................................................................5.25

Handshake ............................................................................................................................ 5.26

1110.3339.12 5 E-7

Contents AMIQ

6 Remote Control – Commands and Data Formats.............................................6.1

Notation ...................................................................................................................................6.1

Common Commands ..............................................................................................................6.3

BERT – Bit Error Rate Tests ................................................................................................... 6.8

CALibration – Adjustment and Calibration.............................................................................6.13

DIAGnostic – Hardware Diagnosis........................................................................................6.17

MARKer – Marker Management............................................................................................6.20

MEMory/MMEMory – Waveform Management..................................................................... 6.22

OUTPut – Hardware Settings................................................................................................ 6.35

PROGram – Program Sequence Control..............................................................................6.41

SOURce – Hardware Settings...............................................................................................6.42

STATus – Status Reporting...................................................................................................6.47

SYSTem – Various Settings..................................................................................................6.50

ARM/TRIGger/ABORt – Triggering, Sequence Control.........................................................6.54

Waveform File Format...........................................................................................................6.57

Creating a Waveform File „Manually“..........................................................................6.64

Converting a Waveform File with the Application Software AMIQ-K2.........................6.66

Example of combining waveform files:........................................................................ 6.68

List of Commands..................................................................................................................6.70

Remote-control commands.........................................................................................6.70

Tags for Determining the Waveform File Formats......................................................6.73

7 Examples.............................................................................................................. 7.1

Program examples for Remote Control.........................................................................................7.1

Including IEC/IEEE-Bus Library for QuickBasic ...................................................................... 7.1

Initialization and Default Status ...............................................................................................7.2

Initializing the Controller................................................................................................7.2

Functions for Receiving and Sending Data and Commands ........................................7.2

Initializing the Instrument...............................................................................................7.2

Sending Device Setting Commands........................................................................................ 7.3

Switchover to Manual Control..................................................................................................7.3

Executing Batch Programs...................................................................................................... 7.4

Reading out Device Settings ................................................................................................... 7.4

Command Synchronization...................................................................................................... 7.5

Service Request ......................................................................................................................7.6

Selftest with Progress Indication..............................................................................................7.7

Waveform Descriptions.......................................................................................................... .......7.10

GSM Signals (GMSK)............................................................................................................7.10

GSM continuous, PRBS 9 data................................................................................... 7.10

GSM Normal Burst ......................................................................................................7.10

GSM Normal Burst, BERT PRBS 9 data.....................................................................7.11

EDGE Signals (8PSK)...........................................................................................................7.12

EDGE Normal Burst ....................................................................................................7.12

EDGE Normal Burst, BERT PRBS 9 data...................................................................7.12

GSM/EDGE (GMSK/8PSK) alternating Bursts............................................................7.13

NADC Signals........................................................................................................................7.14

NADC continuous, PRBS 9 data................................................................................. 7.14

NADC Downlink Burst .................................................................................................7.14

NADC Downlink Burst, BERT PRBS 9 data................................................................7.15

1110.3339.12 6 E-6

AMIQ Contents

DECT Signals........................................................................................................................7.16

DECT continuous, PRBS 9 data ................................................................................. 7.16

Bluetooth Signals...................................................................................................................7.17

Bluetooth continuous, PRBS 9 data............................................................................ 7.17

Bluetooth continuous, PRBS 15 data.......................................................................... 7.17

3GPP (FDD) W-CDMA Signals.............................................................................................7.18

Testmodel 1, 16 Channels .......................................................................................... 7.18

Testmodel 1, 32 Channels .......................................................................................... 7.18

Testmodel 1, 64 Channels .......................................................................................... 7.19

Testmodel 2................................................................................................................. 7.19

Testmodel 3, 16 Channels .......................................................................................... 7.20

Testmodel 3, 32 Channels .......................................................................................... 7.20

Testmodel 4................................................................................................................. 7.21

Uplink DPCH Mode, 1 DPCH (60 ksps) ......................................................................7.21

Uplink DPCH Mode, 1 DPCH (960 ksps) ....................................................................7.22

Uplink DPCH Mode, 6 DPCH (960 ksps) ....................................................................7.22

Uplink PRACH only Mode ...........................................................................................7.23

Uplink PCPCH only Mode ...........................................................................................7.23

IS95 CDMA Signals...............................................................................................................7.24

Pilot Signal...................................................................................................................7.24

Pilot Signal (with ACPR filter)...................................................................................... 7.24

9 Channels ..................................................................................................................7.25

9 Channels (with ACPR filter)......................................................................................7.25

9 Channels, worst case Crest ..................................................................................... 7.26

9 Channels, worst case Crest (with ACPR filter).........................................................7.26

64 Channels ................................................................................................................7.27

Uplink Signal (1 Access, 1 Traffic Channel)................................................................7.27

Multicarrier Signals................................................................................................................7.28

15 CW Carriers, maximum Crest................................................................................7.28

15 CW Carriers, minimum Crest.................................................................................7.28

8 GSM carriers............................................................................................................7.29

8 EDGE carriers..........................................................................................................7.29

5 NADC carriers..........................................................................................................7.29

Multicarrier Mixed Signals......................................................................................................7.30

3 WCDMA 3GPP carriers, 5 MHz spacing.................................................................. 7.30

3 WCDMA 3GPP carriers, 10 MHz spacing................................................................ 7.30

1 WCDMA 3GPP carrier + 1 EDGE carrier................................................................. 7.31

1 CDMA IS95 carrier + 1 NADC carrier....................................................................... 7.31

8 Maintenance......................................................................................................... 8.1

Mechanical and Electrical Maintenance .................................................................................. 8.1

Storing and Packing.................................................................................................................8.1

9 Error Messages ...................................................................................................9.1

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................. 9.1

List of Error Messages ....................................................................................................................9.2

SCPI Standard Messages ....................................................................................................... 9.2

No error.........................................................................................................................9.2

Operation complete....................................................................................................... 9.2

Query error - error upon data request ...........................................................................9.3

Device-specific error...................................................................................................... 9.3

Execution error.............................................................................................................. 9.4

Command error .............................................................................................................9.5

AMIQ-Specific Messages ........................................................................................................ 9.7

1110.3339.12 7 E-7

ContentsFigures AMIQ

Figures

Fig. 1-1 AMIQ used in a test setup..................................................................................................1.1

Fig. 1-2 AMIQ Front view.................................................................................................................1.2

Fig. 1-3 AMIQ rear view...................................................................................................................1.3

Fig. 4-1 Simplified block diagram of AMIQ...................................................................................... 4.8

Fig. 4-2 PRBS Polynomials............................................................................................................4.13

Fig. 4-3 Avoid reflections in the BER measurement...................................................................... 4.17

Fig. 4-4 Application block diagram of option AMIQ-B2.................................................................. 4.18

Fig. 4-5 Pin allocation of digital I/Q outputs ...................................................................................4.23

Fig. 4-6 Technical implementation of digital I/Q outputs................................................................4.24

Fig. 4-7 Integration of the AMIQ into a system with system clock.................................................4.26

Fig. 4-8 Feeding a DUT with a spectrally pure external clock ....................................................... 4.26

Fig. 4-9 Generation of an MWV from partial traces.......................................................................4.29

Fig. 5-1 Example for the tree structure of the SCPI command systems: The SYSTem system...... 5.4

Fig. 5-2 Instrument model in the case of remote control by means of the IEC bus......................... 5.9

Fig. 5-3 The status register model................................................................................................. 5.12

Fig. 5-4 The Status registers ......................................................................................................... 5.14

Fig. 5-5 Pin Assigment of the IEC-bus interface............................................................................5.21

Fig. 5-6 Pin assigment of the RS-232-C interface.........................................................................5.24

Fig. 5-7 Null-modem connection scheme......................................................................................5.26

Tables

Table 4-1 Specifications of option AMIQ-B3 ..................................................................................4.23

Table 4-2 IEEE 488 commands for option AMIQ-B3..................................................................... 4.25

Table 5-1 Synchronization with *OPC, *OPC? and *WAI ..............................................................5.11

Table 5-2 Meaning of the bits used in the status byte.................................................................... 5.15

Table 5-3 Meaning of the bits used in the event status register.....................................................5.16

Table 5-4 Meaning of the bits used in the STATus:OPERation register........................................5.17

Table 5-5 Meaning of the bits used in the STATus:QUEStionable register................................... 5.17

Table5-6 Resetting instrument functions ...................................................................................... 5.20

Table 5-7 Interface functions.......................................................................................................... 5.22

Table 5-8 Universal Commands .................................................................................................... 5.23

Table 5-9 Addressed Commands .................................................................................................. 5.23

Table 5-10 Control strings or control characters of the RS-232-C interface....................................5.25

Table 6-1 Common commands ....................................................................................................... 6.3

Table 6-2 BERT – Bit error rate tests...............................................................................................6.9

Table 6-3 CALibration – Adjustment and calibration......................................................................6.13

Table 6-4 DIAGnostic – Hardware diagnosis................................................................................. 6.17

Table 6-5 MARKer – Marker management....................................................................................6.20

Table 6-6 MEMory – Waveform management...............................................................................6.22

Table 6-7 MMEMory – Waveform management............................................................................6.23

Table 6-8 OUTPut – Hardware settings......................................................................................... 6.35

Table 6-9 PROGram – Program sequence....................................................................................6.41

Table 6-10 SOURce – Hardware settings........................................................................................6.42

Table 6-11 Status reporting.............................................................................................................. 6.47

Table 6-12 System settings.............................................................................................................. 6.50

Table 6-13 ARM/TRIGger/ABORt – Triggering, sequence control.................................................6.54

Table 6-14 List of all remote-control commands.............................................................................. 6.70

Table 9-1 Error symptoms................................................................................................................9.1

1110.3339.12 8 E-7

Before putting the product into operation for

the first time, make sure to read the following

Safety Instructions

Rohde & Schwarz makes every effort to keep the safety standard of its products up to date and to offer
its customers the highest possible degree of safety. Our products and the auxiliary equipment required
for them are designed and tested in accordance with the relevant safety standards. Compliance with
these standards is continuously monitored by our quality assurance system. This product has been
designed and tested in accordance with the EC Certificate of Conformity and has left the manufacturer’s
plant in a condition fully complying with safety standards. To maintain this condition and to ensure safe
operation, observe all instructions and warnings provided in this manual. If you have any questions
regarding these safety instructions, Rohde & Schwarz will be happy to answer them.

Furthermore, it is your responsibility to use the product in an appropriate manner. This product is
designed for use solely in industrial and laboratory environments or in the field and must not be used in
any way that may cause personal injury or property damage. You are responsible if the product is used
for an intention other than its designated purpose or in disregard of the manufacturer's instructions. The
manufacturer shall assume no responsibility for such use of the product.

The product is used for its designated purpose if it is used in accordance with its operating manual and
within its performance limits (see data sheet, documentation, the following safety instructions). Using
the products requires technical skills and knowledge of English. It is therefore essential that the
products be used exclusively by skilled and specialized staff or thoroughly trained personnel with the
required skills. If personal safety gear is required for using Rohde & Schwarz products, this will be
indicated at the appropriate place in the product documentation.

Observe
operating
instructions

Supply
voltage
ON/OFF

Weight
indication for
units >18 kg

Standby
indication

Symbols and safety labels

Danger of
electric
shock

Direct
current
(DC)

Warning!
Hot
surface

PE terminal Ground

Alternating
current (AC)

Direct/alternating
current (DC/AC)

Ground
terminal

Device fully
protected by
double/reinforced
insulation

Attention!
Electrostatic
sensitive
devices

1171.0000.42-02.00 Sheet 1

Safety Instructions

Observing the safety instructions will help prevent personal injury or damage of any kind caused by
dangerous situations. Therefore, carefully read through and adhere to the following safety instructions
before putting the product into operation. It is also absolutely essential to observe the additional safety
instructions on personal safety that appear in other parts of the documentation. In these safety
instructions, the word "product" refers to all merchandise sold and distributed by Rohde & Schwarz,
including instruments, systems and all accessories.

Tags and their meaning

DANGER

WARNING

CAUTION This tag indicates a safety hazard with a low potential of risk for the user

ATTENTION

NOTE

These tags are in accordance with the standard definition for civil applications in the European
Economic Area. Definitions that deviate from the standard definition may also exist. It is therefore
essential to make sure that the tags described here are always used only in connection with the
associated documentation and the associated product. The use of tags in connection with unassociated
products or unassociated documentation can result in misinterpretations and thus contribute to personal
injury or material damage.

This tag indicates a safety hazard with a high potential of risk for the
user that can result in death or serious injuries.

This tag indicates a safety hazard with a medium potential of risk for the
user that can result in death or serious injuries.

that can result in slight or minor injuries.

This tag indicates the possibility of incorrect use that can cause damage
to the product.

This tag indicates a situation where the user should pay special attention
to operating the product but which does not lead to damage.

Basic safety instructions

1. The product may be operated only under
the operating conditions and in the
positions specified by the manufacturer. Its
ventilation must not be obstructed during
operation. Unless otherwise specified, the
following requirements apply to
Rohde & Schwarz products:
prescribed operating position is always with
the housing floor facing down, IP protection
2X, pollution severity 2, overvoltage
category 2, use only in enclosed spaces,
max. operation altitude max. 2000 m.
Unless specified otherwise in the data
sheet, a tolerance of ±10% shall apply to
the nominal voltage and of ±5% to the
nominal frequency.

2. Applicable local or national safety
regulations and rules for the prevention of
accidents must be observed in all work
performed. The product may be opened
only by authorized, specially trained
personnel. Prior to performing any work on
the product or opening the product, the

product must be disconnected from the
supply network. Any adjustments,
replacements of parts, maintenance or
repair must be carried out only by technical
personnel authorized by Rohde & Schwarz.
Only original parts may be used for
replacing parts relevant to safety (e.g.
power switches, power transformers,
fuses). A safety test must always be
performed after parts relevant to safety
have been replaced (visual inspection, PE
conductor test, insulation resistance
measurement, leakage current
measurement, functional test).

3. As with all industrially manufactured goods,
the use of substances that induce an
allergic reaction (allergens, e.g. nickel)
such as aluminum cannot be generally
excluded. If you develop an allergic
reaction (such as a skin rash, frequent
sneezing, red eyes or respiratory
difficulties), consult a physician immediately
to determine the cause.

1171.0000.42-02.00 Sheet 2

Safety Instructions

4. If products/components are mechanically
and/or thermically processed in a manner
that goes beyond their intended use,
hazardous substances (heavy-metal dust
such as lead, beryllium, nickel) may be
released. For this reason, the product may
only be disassembled, e.g. for disposal
purposes, by specially trained personnel.
Improper disassembly may be hazardous to
your health. National waste disposal
regulations must be observed.

5. If handling the product yields hazardous
substances or fuels that must be disposed
of in a special way, e.g. coolants or engine
oils that must be replenished regularly, the
safety instructions of the manufacturer of
the hazardous substances or fuels and the
applicable regional waste disposal
regulations must be observed. Also
observe the relevant safety instructions in
the product documentation.

6. Depending on the function, certain products
such as RF radio equipment can produce
an elevated level of electromagnetic
radiation. Considering that unborn life
requires increased protection, pregnant
women should be protected by appropriate
measures. Persons with pacemakers may
also be endangered by electromagnetic
radiation. The employer is required to
assess workplaces where there is a special
risk of exposure to radiation and, if
necessary, take measures to avert the
danger.

7. Operating the products requires special
training and intense concentration. Make
certain that persons who use the products
are physically, mentally and emotionally fit
enough to handle operating the products;
otherwise injuries or material damage may
occur. It is the responsibility of the
employer to select suitable personnel for
operating the products.

8. Prior to switching on the product, it must be
ensured that the nominal voltage setting on
the product matches the nominal voltage of
the AC supply network. If a different voltage
is to be set, the power fuse of the product
may have to be changed accordingly.

9. In the case of products of safety class I with
movable power cord and connector,
operation is permitted only on sockets with
earthing contact and protective earth
connection.

10. Intentionally breaking the protective earth
connection either in the feed line or in the
product itself is not permitted. Doing so can
result in the danger of an electric shock
from the product. If extension cords or
connector strips are implemented, they
must be checked on a regular basis to
ensure that they are safe to use.

11. If the product has no power switch for
disconnection from the AC supply, the plug
of the connecting cable is regarded as the
disconnecting device. In such cases, it
must be ensured that the power plug is
easily reachable and accessible at all times
(length of connecting cable approx. 2 m).
Functional or electronic switches are not
suitable for providing disconnection from
the AC supply. If products without power
switches are integrated in racks or systems,
a disconnecting device must be provided at
the system level.

12. Never use the product if the power cable is
damaged. By taking appropriate safety
measures and carefully laying the power
cable, ensure that the cable cannot be
damaged and that no one can be hurt by
e.g. tripping over the cable or suffering an
electric shock.

13. The product may be operated only from
TN/TT supply networks fused with max.
16 A.

14. Do not insert the plug into sockets that are
dusty or dirty. Insert the plug firmly and all
the way into the socket. Otherwise this can
result in sparks, fire and/or injuries.

15. Do not overload any sockets, extension
cords or connector strips; doing so can
cause fire or electric shocks.

16. For measurements in circuits with voltages
V

> 30 V, suitable measures (e.g.

rms

appropriate measuring equipment, fusing,
current limiting, electrical separation,
insulation) should be taken to avoid any
hazards.

17. Ensure that the connections with
information technology equipment comply
with IEC 950/EN 60950.

18. Never remove the cover or part of the
housing while you are operating the
product. This will expose circuits and
components and can lead to injuries, fire or
damage to the product.

1171.0000.42-02.00 Sheet 3

Safety Instructions

19. If a product is to be permanently installed,
the connection between the PE terminal on
site and the product's PE conductor must
be made first before any other connection
is made. The product may be installed and
connected only by a skilled electrician.

20. For permanently installed equipment
without built-in fuses, circuit breakers or
similar protective devices, the supply circuit
must be fused in such a way that suitable
protection is provided for users and
products.

21. Do not insert any objects into the openings
in the housing that are not designed for this
purpose. Never pour any liquids onto or into
the housing. This can cause short circuits
inside the product and/or electric shocks,
fire or injuries.

22. Use suitable overvoltage protection to
ensure that no overvoltage (such as that
caused by a thunderstorm) can reach the
product. Otherwise the operating personnel
will be endangered by electric shocks.

23. Rohde & Schwarz products are not
protected against penetration of water,
unless otherwise specified (see also safety
instruction 1.). If this is not taken into
account, there exists the danger of electric
shock or damage to the product, which can
also lead to personal injury.

24. Never use the product under conditions in
which condensation has formed or can form
in or on the product, e.g. if the product was
moved from a cold to a warm environment.

matching Rohde & Schwarz type (see
spare parts list). Batteries and storage
batteries are hazardous waste. Dispose of
them only in specially marked containers.
Observe local regulations regarding waste
disposal. Do not short-circuit batteries or
storage batteries.

28. Please be aware that in the event of a fire,
toxic substances (gases, liquids etc.) that
may be hazardous to your health may
escape from the product.

29. Please be aware of the weight of the
product. Be careful when moving it;
otherwise you may injure your back or other
parts of your body.

30. Do not place the product on surfaces,
vehicles, cabinets or tables that for reasons
of weight or stability are unsuitable for this
purpose. Always follow the manufacturer's
installation instructions when installing the
product and fastening it to objects or
structures (e.g. walls and shelves).

31. Handles on the products are designed
exclusively for personnel to hold or carry
the product. It is therefore not permissible
to use handles for fastening the product to
or on means of transport such as cranes,
fork lifts, wagons, etc. The user is
responsible for securely fastening the
products to or on the means of transport
and for observing the safety regulations of
the manufacturer of the means of transport.
Noncompliance can result in personal injury
or material damage.

25. Do not close any slots or openings on the
product, since they are necessary for
ventilation and prevent the product from
overheating. Do not place the product on
soft surfaces such as sofas or rugs or
inside a closed housing, unless this is well
ventilated.

26. Do not place the product on heat­generating devices such as radiators or fan
heaters. The temperature of the
environment must not exceed the maximum
temperature specified in the data sheet.

27. Batteries and storage batteries must not be
exposed to high temperatures or fire. Keep
batteries and storage batteries away from
children. If batteries or storage batteries are
improperly replaced, this can cause an
explosion (warning: lithium cells). Replace
the battery or storage battery only with the

1171.0000.42-02.00 Sheet 4

32. If you use the product in a vehicle, it is the
sole responsibility of the driver to drive the
vehicle safely. Adequately secure the
product in the vehicle to prevent injuries or
other damage in the event of an accident.
Never use the product in a moving vehicle if
doing so could distract the driver of the
vehicle. The driver is always responsible for
the safety of the vehicle; the manufacturer
assumes no responsibility for accidents or
collisions.

33. If a laser product (e.g. a CD/DVD drive) is
integrated in a Rohde & Schwarz product,
do not use any other settings or functions
than those described in the documentation.
Otherwise this may be hazardous to your
health, since the laser beam can cause
irreversible damage to your eyes. Never try
to take such products apart, and never look
into the laser beam.

Por favor lea imprescindiblemente antes de
la primera puesta en funcionamiento las
siguientes informaciones de seguridad

Informaciones de seguridad

Es el principio de Rohde & Schwarz de tener a sus productos siempre al día con los estandards de
seguridad y de ofrecer a sus clientes el máximo grado de seguridad. Nuestros productos y todos los
equipos adicionales son siempre fabricados y examinados según las normas de seguridad vigentes.
Nuestra sección de gestión de la seguridad de calidad controla constantemente que sean cumplidas
estas normas. Este producto ha sido fabricado y examinado según el comprobante de conformidad
adjunto según las normas de la CE y ha salido de nuestra planta en estado impecable según los
estandards técnicos de seguridad. Para poder preservar este estado y garantizar un funcionamiento
libre de peligros, deberá el usuario atenerse a todas las informaciones, informaciones de seguridad y
notas de alerta. Rohde&Schwarz está siempre a su disposición en caso de que tengan preguntas
referentes a estas informaciones de seguridad.

Además queda en la responsabilidad del usuario utilizar el producto en la forma debida. Este producto
solamente fue elaborado para ser utilizado en la indústria y el laboratorio o para fines de campo y de
ninguna manera deberá ser utilizado de modo que alguna persona/cosa pueda ser dañada. El uso del
producto fuera de sus fines definidos o despreciando las informaciones de seguridad del fabricante
queda en la responsabilidad del usuario. El fabricante no se hace en ninguna forma responsable de
consecuencias a causa del maluso del producto.

Se parte del uso correcto del producto para los fines definidos si el producto es utilizado dentro de las
instrucciones del correspondiente manual del uso y dentro del margen de rendimiento definido (ver
hoja de datos, documentación, informaciones de seguridad que siguen). El uso de los productos hace
necesarios conocimientos profundos y el conocimiento del idioma inglés. Por eso se deberá tener en
cuenta de exclusivamente autorizar para el uso de los productos a personas péritas o debidamente
minuciosamente instruidas con los conocimientos citados. Si fuera necesaria indumentaria de
seguridad para el uso de productos de R&S, encontrará la información debida en la documentación del
producto en el capítulo correspondiente.

Símbolos y definiciones de seguridad

Ver manual
de
instrucciones
del uso

Informaciones
para
maquinaria
con uns peso
de > 18kg

Peligro de
golpe de
corriente

¡Advertencia!
Superficie
caliente

Conexión a
conductor
protector

Conexión
a tierra

Conexión
a masa
conductora

¡Cuidado!
Elementos de
construción
con peligro de
carga
electroestática

El aparato está
protegido en su
totalidad por un
aislamiento de
doble refuerzo

potencia EN
MARCHA/PARADA

Indicación
Stand-by

Corriente
continua
DC

Corriente
alterna AC

Corriente
continua/alterna
DC/AC

1171.0000.42-02.00 página 1

Informaciones de seguridad

Tener en cuenta las informaciones de seguridad sirve para tratar de evitar daños y peligros de toda
clase. Es necesario de que se lean las siguientes informaciones de seguridad concienzudamente y se
tengan en cuenta debidamente antes de la puesta en funcionamiento del producto. También deberán
ser tenidas en cuenta las informaciones para la protección de personas que encontrarán en otro
capítulo de esta documentación y que también son obligatorias de seguir. En las informaciones de
seguridad actuales hemos juntado todos los objetos vendidos por Rohde&Schwarz bajo la
denominación de „producto“, entre ellos también aparatos, instalaciones así como toda clase de
accesorios.

Palabras de señal y su significado

PELIGRO Indica un punto de peligro con gran potencial de riesgo para el

ususario.Punto de peligro que puede llevar hasta la muerte o graves
heridas.

ADVERTENCIA Indica un punto de peligro con un protencial de riesgo mediano para el

usuario. Punto de peligro que puede llevar hasta la muerte o graves
heridas .

ATENCIÓN Indica un punto de peligro con un protencial de riesgo pequeño para el

usuario. Punto de peligro que puede llevar hasta heridas leves o
pequeñas

CUIDADO Indica la posibilidad de utilizar mal el producto y a consecuencia

dañarlo.

INFORMACIÓN Indica una situación en la que deberían seguirse las instrucciones en el

uso del producto, pero que no consecuentemente deben de llevar a un
daño del mismo.

Las palabras de señal corresponden a la definición habitual para aplicaciones civiles en el ámbito de la
comunidad económica europea. Pueden existir definiciones diferentes a esta definición. Por eso se
debera tener en cuenta que las palabras de señal aquí descritas sean utilizadas siempre solamente en
combinación con la correspondiente documentación y solamente en combinación con el producto
correspondiente. La utilización de las palabras de señal en combinación con productos o
documentaciones que no les correspondan puede llevar a malinterpretaciones y tener por
consecuencia daños en personas u objetos.

Informaciones de seguridad elementales

1. El producto solamente debe ser utilizado
según lo indicado por el fabricante referente
a la situación y posición de funcionamiento
sin que se obstruya la ventilación. Si no se
convino de otra manera, es para los
productos R&S válido lo que sigue:
como posición de funcionamiento se define
principialmente la posición con el suelo de la
caja para abajo , modo de protección IP 2X,
grado de suciedad 2, categoría de
sobrecarga eléctrica 2, utilizar solamente en
estancias interiores, utilización hasta 2000 m
sobre el nivel del mar.
A menos que se especifique otra cosa en la
hoja de datos, se aplicará una tolerancia de
±10% sobre el voltaje nominal y de ±5%
sobre la frecuencia nominal.

2. En todos los trabajos deberán ser tenidas en
cuenta las normas locales de seguridad de
trabajo y de prevención de accidentes. El
producto solamente debe de ser abierto por
personal périto autorizado. Antes de efectuar
trabajos en el producto o abrirlo deberá este
ser desconectado de la corriente. El ajuste,
el cambio de partes, la manutención y la
reparación deberán ser solamente
efectuadas por electricistas autorizados por
R&S. Si se reponen partes con importancia
para los aspectos de seguridad (por ejemplo
el enchufe, los transformadores o los
fusibles), solamente podrán ser sustituidos
por partes originales. Despues de cada
recambio de partes elementales para la
seguridad deberá ser efectuado un control de

1171.0000.42-02.00 página 2

Informaciones de seguridad

seguridad (control a primera vista, control de
conductor protector, medición de resistencia
de aislamiento, medición de medición de la
corriente conductora, control de
funcionamiento).

3. Como en todo producto de fabricación
industrial no puede ser excluido en general
de que se produzcan al usarlo elementos
que puedan generar alergias, los llamados
elementos alergénicos (por ejemplo el
níquel). Si se producieran en el trato con
productos R&S reacciones alérgicas, como
por ejemplo urticaria, estornudos frecuentes,
irritación de la conjuntiva o dificultades al
respirar, se deberá consultar inmediatamente
a un médico para averigurar los motivos de
estas reacciones.

4. Si productos / elementos de construcción son
tratados fuera del funcionamiento definido de
forma mecánica o térmica, pueden generarse
elementos peligrosos (polvos de sustancia
de metales pesados como por ejemplo
plomo, berilio, níquel). La partición elemental
del producto, como por ejemplo sucede en el
tratamiento de materias residuales, debe de
ser efectuada solamente por personal
especializado para estos tratamientos. La
partición elemental efectuada
inadecuadamente puede generar daños para
la salud. Se deben tener en cuenta las
directivas nacionales referentes al
tratamiento de materias residuales.

5. En el caso de que se produjeran agentes de
peligro o combustibles en la aplicación del
producto que debieran de ser transferidos a
un tratamiento de materias residuales, como
por ejemplo agentes refrigerantes que deben
ser repuestos en periodos definidos, o
aceites para motores, deberan ser tenidas en
cuenta las prescripciones de seguridad del
fabricante de estos agentes de peligro o
combustibles y las regulaciones regionales
para el tratamiento de materias residuales.
Cuiden también de tener en cuenta en caso
dado las prescripciones de seguridad
especiales en la descripción del producto.

6. Ciertos productos, como por ejemplo las
instalaciones de radiación HF, pueden a
causa de su función natural, emitir una
radiación electromagnética aumentada. En
vista a la protección de la vida en desarrollo
deberían ser protegidas personas
embarazadas debidamente. También las
personas con un bypass pueden correr

peligro a causa de la radiación
electromagnética. El empresario está
comprometido a valorar y señalar areas de
trabajo en las que se corra un riesgo de
exposición a radiaciones aumentadas de
riesgo aumentado para evitar riesgos.

7. La utilización de los productos requiere
instrucciones especiales y una alta
concentración en el manejo. Debe de
ponerse por seguro de que las personas que
manejen los productos estén a la altura de
los requerimientos necesarios referente a
sus aptitudes físicas, psíquicas y
emocionales, ya que de otra manera no se
pueden excluir lesiones o daños de objetos.
El empresario lleva la responsabilidad de
seleccionar el personal usuario apto para el
manejo de los productos.

8. Antes de la puesta en marcha del producto
se deberá tener por seguro de que la tensión
preseleccionada en el producto equivalga a
la del la red de distribución. Si es necesario
cambiar la preselección de la tensión
también se deberán en caso dabo cambiar
los fusibles correspondientes del prodcuto.

9. Productos de la clase de seguridad I con
alimentación móvil y enchufe individual de
producto solamente deberán ser conectados
para el funcionamiento a tomas de corriente
de contacto de seguridad y con conductor
protector conectado.

10. Queda prohibida toda clase de interrupción
intencionada del conductor protector, tanto
en la toma de corriente como en el mismo
producto ya que puede tener como
consecuencia el peligro de golpe de corriente
por el producto. Si se utilizaran cables o
enchufes de extensión se deberá poner al
seguro, que es controlado su estado técnico
de seguridad.

11. Si el producto no está equipado con un
interruptor para desconectarlo de la red, se
deberá considerar el enchufe del cable de
distribución como interruptor. En estos casos
deberá asegurar de que el enchufe sea de
fácil acceso y nabejo (medida del cable de
distribución aproximadamente 2 m). Los
interruptores de función o electrónicos no
son aptos para el corte de la red eléctrica. Si
los productos sin interruptor están integrados
en construciones o instalaciones, se deberá
instalar el interruptor al nivel de la
instalación.

1171.0000.42-02.00 página 3

Informaciones de seguridad

12. No utilice nunca el producto si está dañado el
cable eléctrico. Asegure a través de las
medidas de protección y de instalación
adecuadas de que el cable de eléctrico no
pueda ser dañado o de que nadie pueda ser
dañado por él, por ejemplo al tropezar o por
un golpe de corriente.

13. Solamente está permitido el funcionamiento
en redes de distribución TN/TT aseguradas
con fusibles de como máximo 16 A.

14. Nunca conecte el enchufe en tomas de
corriente sucias o llenas de polvo. Introduzca
el enchufe por completo y fuertemente en la
toma de corriente. Si no tiene en
consideración estas indicaciones se arriesga
a que se originen chispas, fuego y/o heridas.

15. No sobrecargue las tomas de corriente, los
cables de extensión o los enchufes de
extensión ya que esto pudiera causar fuego
o golpes de corriente.

16. En las mediciones en circuitos de corriente
con una tensión de entrada de Ueff > 30 V se
deberá tomar las precauciones debidas para
impedir cualquier peligro (por ejemplo
medios de medición adecuados, seguros,
limitación de tensión, corte protector,
aislamiento etc.).

17. En caso de conexión con aparatos de la
técnica informática se deberá tener en
cuenta que estos cumplan los requisitos de
la EC950/EN60950.

18. Nunca abra la tapa o parte de ella si el
producto está en funcionamiento. Esto pone
a descubierto los cables y componentes
eléctricos y puede causar heridas, fuego o
daños en el producto.

19. Si un producto es instalado fijamente en un
lugar, se deberá primero conectar el
conductor protector fijo con el conductor
protector del aparato antes de hacer
cualquier otra conexión. La instalación y la
conexión deberán ser efecutadas por un
electricista especializado.

20. En caso de que los productos que son
instalados fijamente en un lugar sean sin
protector implementado, autointerruptor o
similares objetos de protección, deberá la
toma de corriente estar protegida de manera
que los productos o los usuarios estén
suficientemente protegidos.

21. Por favor, no introduzca ningún objeto que
no esté destinado a ello en los orificios de la
caja del aparato. No vierta nunca ninguna
clase de líquidos sobre o en la caja. Esto
puede producir corto circuitos en el producto
y/o puede causar golpes de corriente, fuego
o heridas.

22. Asegúrese con la protección adecuada de
que no pueda originarse en el producto una
sobrecarga por ejemplo a causa de una
tormenta. Si no se verá el personal que lo
utilice expuesto al peligro de un golpe de
corriente.

23. Los productos R&S no están protegidos
contra el agua si no es que exista otra
indicación, ver también punto 1. Si no se
tiene en cuenta esto se arriesga el peligro de
golpe de corriente o de daños en el producto
lo cual también puede llevar al peligro de
personas.

24. No utilice el producto bajo condiciones en las
que pueda producirse y se hayan producido
líquidos de condensación en o dentro del
producto como por ejemplo cuando se
desplaza el producto de un lugar frío a un
lugar caliente.

25. Por favor no cierre ninguna ranura u orificio
del producto, ya que estas son necesarias
para la ventilación e impiden que el producto
se caliente demasiado. No pongan el
producto encima de materiales blandos como
por ejemplo sofás o alfombras o dentro de
una caja cerrada, si esta no está
suficientemente ventilada.

26. No ponga el producto sobre aparatos que
produzcan calor, como por ejemplo
radiadores o calentadores. La temperatura
ambiental no debe superar la temperatura
máxima especificada en la hoja de datos.

1171.0000.42-02.00 página 4

Informaciones de seguridad

27. Baterías y acumuladores no deben de ser
expuestos a temperaturas altas o al fuego.
Guardar baterías y acumuladores fuera del
alcance de los niños. Si las baterías o los
acumuladores no son cambiados con la
debida atención existirá peligro de explosión
(atención celulas de Litio). Cambiar las
baterías o los acumuladores solamente por
los del tipo R&S correspondiente (ver lista de
piezas de recambio). Baterías y
acumuladores son deshechos problemáticos.
Por favor tirenlos en los recipientes
especiales para este fín. Por favor tengan en
cuenta las prescripciones nacionales de cada
país referente al tratamiento de deshechos.
Nunca sometan las baterías o acumuladores
a un corto circuito.

28. Tengan en consideración de que en caso de
un incendio pueden escaparse gases tóxicos
del producto, que pueden causar daños a la
salud.

29. Por favor tengan en cuenta que en caso de
un incendio pueden desprenderse del
producto agentes venenosos (gases, líquidos
etc.) que pueden generar daños a la salud.

30. No sitúe el producto encima de superficies,
vehículos, estantes o mesas, que por sus
características de peso o de estabilidad no
sean aptas para él. Siga siempre las
instrucciones de instalación del fabricante
cuando instale y asegure el producto en
objetos o estructuras (por ejemplo paredes y
estantes).

31. Las asas instaladas en los productos sirven
solamente de ayuda para el manejo que
solamente está previsto para personas. Por
eso no está permitido utilizar las asas para la
sujecion en o sobre medios de transporte
como por ejemplo grúas, carretillas
elevadoras de horquilla, carros etc. El
usuario es responsable de que los productos
sean sujetados de forma segura a los medios
de transporte y de que las prescripciones de
seguridad del fabricante de los medios de
transporte sean tenidas en cuenta. En caso
de que no se tengan en cuenta pueden
causarse daños en personas y objetos.

32. Si llega a utilizar el producto dentro de un
vehículo, queda en la responsabilidad
absoluta del conductor que conducir el
vehículo de manera segura. Asegure el
producto dentro del vehículo debidamente
para evitar en caso de un accidente las
lesiones u otra clase de daños. No utilice
nunca el producto dentro de un vehículo en
movimiento si esto pudiera distraer al
conductor. Siempre queda en la
responsabilidad absoluta del conductor la
seguridad del vehículo y el fabricante no
asumirá ninguna clase de responsabilidad
por accidentes o colisiones.

33. Dado el caso de que esté integrado un
producto de laser en un producto R&S (por
ejemplo CD/DVD-ROM) no utilice otras
instalaciones o funciones que las descritas
en la documentación. De otra manera pondrá
en peligro su salud, ya que el rayo laser
puede dañar irreversiblemente sus ojos.
Nunca trate de descomponer estos
productos. Nunca mire dentro del rayo laser.

1171.0000.42-02.00 página 5

Certificate No.: 98034

This is to certify that:

Equipment type Order No. Designation

AMIQ 1110.2003.02/.03/.04 I/Q Modulation Generator
AMIQ-B2 1110.3700.02/.03 Differential I/Q Outputs

AMIQ-B3 1122.2103.02 Digital I/Q Output
AMIQB19 1110.3400.02 I/Q Rear Panel Connection

EC Certificate of Conformity

complies with the provisions of the Directive of the Council of the European Union on the
approximation of the laws of the Member Stat es

- relating to electrical equipment for use within defined voltage limits
(73/23/EEC revised by 93/68/EEC)

- relating to electromag netic compatibility
(89/336/EEC revised by 91/263/EEC, 92/31/EEC, 93/68/ EEC)

Conformity is proven by compliance with the following standards:
EN61010-1 : 1993 + A2 : 1995

EN50081-1 : 1992
EN50082-2 : 1995

Affixing the EC confor m it y mark as from 1998

ROHDE & SCHWARZ GmbH & Co. KG
Mühldorfstr. 15, D-81671 München

Munich, 1999-09-17 Central Quality Management FS-QZ / Becker

1110.2003.02 CE E-1

AMIQ Manuals

Contents of Manuals for
I/Q Modulation Generator AMIQ

Operating Manual

The operating manual consis ting of a data sheet and 10 chapter s contains c omprehensive inf orma­tion on characteristics, putting into operation, operation and remote control of AMIQ:

The data sheet informs about guaranteed specifications and characteristics.
Chapter 1 describes the operating principle of AMIQ, control elements and connectors on

the front and rear panel as well as all procedures required f or putting the instru­ment into operation and integration into a test system.

Chapter 2 details instrument control via the remote interfaces with the aid of program ex-

amples.

Chapter 3 presents control and display elements.
Chapter 4 describes key operating modes and special characteristics of AMIQ with refer-

ence to possible applications.

Chapter 5 describes programm ing of AMIQ, comm and processing, status reporting system

and characteristics of hardware interfaces.

Chapter 6 describes the remote-control com m ands defined f or the instrum ent. At the end of

the chapter an alphabetical list of commands is given.

Chapter 7 contains program examples for a number of typical applications of AMIQ.
Chapter 8 describes preventive maintenance.
Chapter 9 gives hints on troubleshooting and contains a list of error messages.
Chapter 10 contains an index for the operating manual.

Service Manual

The service manual informs on how to check compliance with rated specifications, on instrument
function, repair, troubleshooting and fault elimination. It contains all information required for the
maintenance of AMIQ by exchanging modules.

The service manual also contains the circuit documentation for the module "IQ Analog/Digital Unit".

1110.3339.12 0.1 E-2

AMIQ Introduction

1 Putting into Operation

Introduction

Task

Operating
principle

Transmission
error

AMIQ is a modulation source for complex baseband signals of state-of-the-art
telecommunication network s. Two synchronous outputs, which are matched to each
other, and a large memory together with wide analog bandwidth make AMIQ suitable
for universal use.

AMIQ has been designed to generate I and Q signals in the baseband for present and
future types of modulation. "I" stands for the in-phase component, "Q" for the
quadrature component.

The data to be output by AMIQ are normally calculated by an external workstation ( eg
PC). To control this calculation, Rohde & Schwarz off ers two programs: WINIQ SIM
and AMIQ Control, a software for R&S vector signal generator SMIQ (see Section
"Software for AMIQ Control on page 1.8"). The desired inform ation data stream (eg a
piece of speech) is generated and a modulation mode selected. Then various
interference and distortions ( so-called impairments) are superimposed to this (ideal)
baseband signal. Thus a long sequence of sample values is obtained, which are
loaded into AMIQ (via floppy, IEC/IEEE bus or RS-232 interface). The sequence in
the AMIQ memory is then output as analog I and Q signals with the aid of f ast and
accurate D/A converters. The outputs are (normally) connected to the modulation
inputs of an I/Q modulator (eg SMIQ), which m odulates the baseband signal onto the
desired RF (Fig. 1-1).

The RF signal is transmitted via the antenna to the receiver where it is converted
back into information data. On the transmission link, errors may be caused in the
information data stream by coding, impair ments and decoding. These errors can be
detected with the aid of option AMIQ-B1 (BER measurement) and evaluated.

Test setup

AMIQ

Bit error rate test (optional)

CONTROLON

RUNNING

I/Q MODULATI ON GEN E RA T OR A MIQ

.

I Q

1110.2003. 02

MADE IN GERMANY

Device under test (DUT)

SMIQ

SMIQ

ï

ð

RF

Fig. 1-1 AMIQ used in a test setup

The four additional marker outputs and a trigger input simplify integration in a test
setup. The user-selectable positions of the marker switch points permit external,
variable amplifiers (eg for power ramping) or signalling facilities to be controlled.

1110.3339.12 1.1 E-6

Front and Rear View AMIQ

Front and Rear View

Power swi tch
preset in as long

as Instrument is on

I/Q MODULATI O N GENERATOR AMIQ

CONTRO LON

RUNNING

3 LEDs indicating the instrument status
ON AMIQ ready for operation

CONTROL Remote control active
RUNNING Waveform in output memory in triggered

Chapter 1

.

"Power up / Switch-onTest"

.

Additional outputs T and Q with option
Differential I/Q Outputs installed

Fig. 1-2 AMIQ Front view

I In-phase component
Q Quadrature component
Chapter 1 "I ntroduction"

.

I QI Q

3,5''-disk drive
Refer to "Installation of Options"

in chapter 1 when exchanging
data and ins trument so ftware

03

1110.2003.

DIGITAL OUTPUT

MADE IN GERMANY

Option Digital I/Q Output AMIQ-B 3

Putting into Operation

Caution!

The following instructions should be strictly observed, in particular when putting the
instrument into operation for the first time, to avoid damage to the instrument and
hazards to persons.

Unpacking

After unpacking the instrument, check for completeness according to the delivery note and the
accessory lists for the individual items.

Remove the two protective covers from the front and rear of
the AMIQ and carefully check the instrum ent for any damage.
In case of any damage you should immediately inform the
responsible transport agent and keep all pack ing material not
to forfeit your claims.

Remove protective covers

The original packing should also be used for any later transport or s hipment of AMIQ . You should keep
at least the two protective covers for the front and rear of the instrument.

1110.3339.12 1.2 E-6

AMIQ Putting into Operation

IEC/IEEE-bus interface

Power connector
with 2 fuses (F)
"Connection to AC
Supply" in cha pte r 1

RS-232 interface
"Connecting the
Controller" in chapter 1

Connector for servicing
and extensions
"Connecting other
Facilities" in chap ter 1

"Connection the Controller"
in chapter 1

100... 120 / 200...240 V

50...60 Hz 150 VA
F 1 / F 2 :

IEC 127 - T 2.5 H / 250 V
AUTO POW ER SELECTION

REF REF CLK Q Q I I TRIG BER

Reference frequency
Input / Output

Clock inpu t/output

FILT

Q filter, input
and output

1234

MARK

4marker outputs

FILTMARK

I filt e r, input
and output

Trigger input

X 10

BER input
"Connecting BER
Test Signals" in chapter 1

625

SCPI

IEEE 488

With option "Rear IQ outp ut s (AMIQ-B19)
installed, MARK 3 willl become Q and MARK 4 I.

"Signal Inputs and Outputs" in chapter 1

Fig. 1-3 AMIQ rear view

Setting Up

Permissible setup positions for AMIQ:

• Flat.

• Upright standing on its rear. In this case an angular AC supply connector should be used.

Air vents

Note: To ensure problem-free operation of the instrument the following should be observed:

•

Do not obstruct air vents at the rear and sides.

•

Observe the permissible ambient temperature specified in the data sheet.

•

Avoid condensation. Allow instrument with condensation to dry before switching on.

Rackmounting

Adapter ZZA-211 (Order No. 1096.3260.00) allows the AMIQ to be mounted in 19" racks. Rackmounting
is described in the installation instructions of the rack adapter.

For rackmounting it is recom mended to fit the option AMIQB19 (I/Q Rear -Panel Connection) (O rder No.

1110.3400.02), which changes I and Q connectors from the front to the rear.

Note: To ensure problem-free operation of the instrument the following should be observed:

•

Provide for sufficient air flow in the rack.

•

Make sure that there is sufficient space between air vents and rack.

1110.3339.12 1.3 E-6

Putting into Operation AMIQ

Connection to AC Supply

Caution!

Allow instrument with condensation to dry before switching on.
Observe permissible ambient temperatures -10°C to +45°C.
Do not cover up air vents.

AMIQ may be connected to a single-phase AC supply with a rated voltage from 100 V to 240 V and
rated frequency from 50 Hz to 60 Hz.

Note: AMIQ automatically sets itself to the local AC supply voltage. There is no need for

external switchover or exchanging fuses.

Use the power cord supplied with the AMIQ for
connection to the AC supply. Since the AMIQ is
designed in line with protection class I requirements

← AC supply connector
← Power fuses

to EN61010 it may only be connected to an earthing­contact type connector. As soon as the connection
has been established, AMIQ outputs a beep and the
ON LED lights with slightly reduced brightness. After
the start-up is completed, the ON LED is fully on.

Power Fuses

AMIQ is fully fused by two fuses IEC127-T4.0H /250 V. T he fuses are accommodated in the pull-out
fuse holder below the power connector. Before replac ing the fuses , disconnect the power cord from the
AMIQ. Use a screwdriver to lift the f use holder below the power connector and pull it out. Us e only fuses
of the above type.

Power Up / Switch-on Test

Ø Press switch-on key on the AMIQ front panel.

Note: No floppy should be in the drive when AMIQ is switched on. If

this happens nonetheless, one of the actions stored on the
floppy may be executed (see sections "New installation of
AMIQ software" and "Changing the IEC/IEEE-bus address in
this chapter).

Start-up procedure

Test of controller
hardware

After power-up the system is started, the c ontroller short test is perform ed
and the operating system DOS and the remote-c ontrol software are loaded
from the integrated hard disk. During this time the ON LED lights with
reduced intensity.

First the switch-on test for the integrated controller is perf ormed. Since at
this stage the LEDs are not driven, no inform ation can be obtained on the
device status. If a fault occurs, AMIQ outputs a sequence of beeps, the
meaning of which can be seen in the enclos ed main board manual. If a fault
occurs, the switch-on procedure is normally aborted.

1110.3339.12 1.4 E-6

AMIQ Putting into Operation

Short test of functional
hardware

LEDs after the short test

Error messages

The AMIQ hardware is then set to operating state and tes ted. Any error is
signalled by two short successive beeps provided the built-in louds peaker
was not switched off with the IEC/IEEE-bus comm and :SYST:BEEP:STAT
OFF. At the end of the selftest a single beep is output. After this the
instrument is ready for operation.

Further information on er ror can be obtained by a repeated readout of the
error queue using IEC/IEEE-bus queries :SYST:ERR?.

Even if an error occurs, the s witch-on proc edure is in most cases continued
so that the error queue can be read out. The instrum ent may not be fully
functional however.

If an error is detected in the short test, the ON LED flashes.
With the short test completed successfully, the last active setup is

automatically loaded from the hard disk and the instrument is set to the
operating status before switch-off. The currently selected waveform is
loaded together with this complete setup. For a curve with 4.000.000
samples and with AMIQ 03, this may take up approx. 20 seconds. With
AMIQ 04 and its quadrupled mem or y capacity, the loading time increases to
approx. 80 s.

If no further errors oc curred, the ON and the CONTROL LEDs briefly light.
Afterwards, the ON and RUN LEDs come fully on.

If an error is detected the error message is entered in plain text into the
error queue of AMIQ and ON LED flashes. This is why after restart the
AMIQ control program in the host c omputer should read out the error queue
by means of the comm and SYST:ERR? until it is empty, i.e., until the entry
0,"No Error" is read. Depending on the error detected, AMIQ will
usually respond to commands tr ansmitted via IEEE-bus or RS-232 interface
but may not be fully functioning. The ON LED lights steadily at full
brightness.

Note

If ON LED flash fast, it is only a hint that AMIQ does not generate any c urv e
at the moment. It appears whenever a curve was stored directly to the
AMIQ’s SDRAM to save time before switching off AMIQ by means of the
MEM:DATA RAM, <binary block data> command (e.g. with
WinIQSIM via the settings Transmission, Force internal, Destination
AMIQ-RAM). This can be suppressed by loading curves via a waveform file
using the command MMEM:LOAD RAM, 'filename.WV'; such a curve is
available immediately after switching on the instrument.

Ø If AMIQ does not start as described above, check the AC supply

connection and, if required, replace the two power fuses (see section
"Power fuses" in this chapter).

Ø A complete self test of AMIQ’s hardware com ponents can be star ted with

the common command *TST?. Furthermore, the command
DIAG:SELF:SDRAM? can be used to test the whole SDRAM of AMIQ in
detail, see Sections „Common Commands“ and „DIAGnostic – Hardware
Diagnosis“ in Chapter 6.

1110.3339.12 1.5 E-6

Putting into Operation AMIQ

Instrument Switch-off

Ø Wait until the hard disk or the floppy disk drive are no longer accessed
Ø Remove floppy from the disk drive
Ø Press power switch on the front panel. All instrument settings are

retained.

EMC Shielding Measures

To avoid electromagnetic interference, the instr ument must always be closed when in operation. Use
only appropriate, shielded signalling lines and control cables. Particularly the line connec ted to the cloc k
output should be double-shielded and terminated.

1110.3339.12 1.6 E-6

AMIQ Connection to Test Setup

Connection to Test Setup

Connecting the Controller

AMIQ has no user interface of its own. An external controller is therefore required for operating AMIQ
which can be performed in two ways:

Connection via IEC/IEEE
bus

Connection via the serial
interface

Serial interface

AMIQ is simply connected to the IEC/IEEE bus. Upon delivery the bus
address is 6. If the bus address has been changed, e.g. by a previous
control comm and, or if the bus address has to be c hanged, proceed as
described in section "Changing the IEC/IEEE-bus address" on page 1.7.

AMIQ is connected to the serial interface of a PC by means of a null
modem cable. Connect the cable to the 9-contact sub-D connector of the
AMIQ labeled RS232. Use the COM1 or COM2 connector of the PC
which may be a 25-contact or 9-contact connector. Suitable adapters
may have to be used.

The serial interface is c onfigured for 9600 Baud, 8 data bits, no parity.
When the W inIQSIM software is used, which is recom mended by R&S,
the interface of the PC is automatically configured with the AMIQ
settings. However, the interface used has to be set in the menu first.

Pin assignment and wiring of the null modem cable are described in
section "Handshake" of chapter 5.

Changing the IEC/IEEE-bus Address

Upon delivery the instrument is set to address 6. If for any reason this address is not available, the
setting can be changed as follows:

Ø Generate a file on a PC, which contains only the following line:

:SYST:COMM:GPIB:ADDR x
with x being the desired address. Add an empty line.

Ø Copy this file under the name AUTOEXEC.IEC into the main memory of a 3.5" floppy.
Ø Insert the floppy in the AMIQ, switch AMIQ off and on again.

1110.3339.12 1.7 E-6

Connection to Test Setup AMIQ

Software for AMIQ Control

AMIQ can only be remote-controlled. To simplify operation, Rohde & Schwarz offers two different
software programs for the control of AMIQ:

• W inIQSIM: This software permits calculation of complex I/Q signals, controls the trans fer of these
signals to the AMIQ via IEEE-bus or RS-232 interface and determines how the signals are output.

• AMIQ control software menu for SMIQ: In this c ase AMIQ is c ontrolled from SMIQ. Contr ol is sim ilar
to that of the SMIQ options but I/Q signals cannot be generated. It is possible, however, to load I/Q
signals that have been generated on an external PC.

Signal Inputs and Outputs

I

Q Q

Pin 35

Pin 1

Digital Output

I

Analog I/Q output:

The loaded waveforms are output at two BNC connectors I and Q on

the front panel (four BNC connectors I and I, Q andQ if option
Differential Outputs (AMIQ-B2) is fitted). The output is determined by
the trigger conditions and depends on the applied trigger signals (see
section "Triggering" in chapter 4) . If the trace output is not active, an
idle-channel signal is output (see section "ARM/TRIGger/ABORt ­Triggering, Sequence control" in chapter 6).

If option AMIQ-B2 is not fitted the I/Q outputs on the front panel can be
taken to the rear with option I/Q Rear-Panel Connection (AMIQB19).
This simplifies wiring particularly when the AMIQ is rack-mounted.

Note: When the I/Q outputs are taken to the rear, marker outputs 3

and 4 (BNC connectors) are used. This means that marker
outputs 3 and 4 are no longer available.

Upon delivery and after an *RST, the I and Q outputs are
switched off. Use commands OUTPUT:I FIX and OUTPUT:Q
FIX to reactivate the channels.

Digital I/Q output:

Pin 68

Option AMIQ-B3, Digital I/Q Output, provides the 16 bit wide data bus for
both I and Q channels via a 68-pole SCSI socket at the front panel of the
AMIQ. See section "Option "Digital I/Q Output AMIQ-B3" below.

Pin 34

TRIG

Trigger input (TRIG):

Rear BNC connector (fem ale). The output of the stored waveform can be star ted
or enabled with a TTL signal applied to this connector. Trigger condition and
polarity are user-selectable.

1

MARK

Marker outputs (MARK):

Four BNC connectors (female) at the rear. These outputs (TTL level, can be
terminated with 50 Ω) are used for the control of further instruments, e.g. an
oscilloscope or variable amplifiers (power ramping). (See "Marker outputs" in
chapter 4).

1110.3339.12 1.8 E-6

AMIQ Connection to Test Setup

REF

REF

CLK

FILT

I/Q filter (input and output):

Here an external passband filter (e.g. f or anti-aliasing) can be looped in for the I
and Q path instead of the internal filters. The outputs have a nom inal impedance
of 50 Ω and yield a peak voltage of 0.5 V into 50 Ω when driven at full scale. T he
filter attenuation in the passband range should be 0 dB.

Reference clock input (REF):

Input for an external 10 MHz reference clock; V

= 0.1 V to 2 V, input

rms

impedance 50 Ω.

Reference clock output (REF):

Output of 10 MHz reference clock; V

= 0.5 V, output impedance 50 Ω.

rms

Clock input/output (CLK):

Output with the actual clock rate; V

= 0.5 V, output impedance 50 Ω.

rms

Input for external clock (TTL signal).

Caution!

Connecting BER Test Signals

BER

AMIQ comprises a programmable facility for bit error rate (BER)
measurements . The required signals have to be applied to the AMIQ via the
BER input with TTL level. The signals to be applied depend on the test
method used and are described in the manual for option AMIQ-B1 (see
section "BER measurement" in chapter 4).

Because of the high clock rates at the clock output, a
double-screened cable should be used to keep within
permissible EMI limits. The line should in all cases be
terminated with 50

Ω

.

1110.3339.12 1.9 E-6

Connection to Test Setup AMIQ

Connecting other Facilities

The connectors labeled LPT /PARALLEL, X10, X11, X12 and X13 are used
for servicing or for extensions.

Note: In normal operation these connectors must be open.

1110.3339.12 1.10 E-6

AMIQ Installation of Options

Installation of Options

The following options are available for AMIQ:
BER Measurement AMIQ-B1 1110.3500.02
Differential I/Q Outputs AMIQ-B2 1110.3700.02
Digital I/Q Output AMIQ-B3 1122.2103.02
Rear I/Q Outputs AMIQB19 1110.3400.02
IS-95 CDMA AMIQK11 1122.2003.02
CDMA 2000 AMIQK12 1122.2503.02
Digital Standard W-CDMA TTD Mode (3GPP) AMIQK13 1122.2603.02
TD-SCDMA AMIQK14 1122.2703.02
OFDM Signal Generation AMIQK15 1122.2803.02
Option Digital Standard 802.11b Wireless LAN AMIQK16 1122.2903.02

AMIQ is supplied with the options already fitted. For a subsequent installation of options refer to the
fitting instructions supplied with the options or refer to chapter 4 of the Service Manual.

Software options AMIQ-B1, AMIQK11, AMIQK12, AMIQK13, AMIQK14, AMIQK15 and AMIQK16
can be activated by the customer. No extra test equipment is needed for t he installation. Since
the option is activated by means of an enable code, the unit need not be opened. Proceed
according to the instructions supplied with the option.

Installation of a software option is desc ribed at the end of c hapter 4 us ing AMIQ- B1 as an example. The
IEC/IEEE bus command to enable a software option is:SYSTem:OPTion <name>, <key>, see
chapter 6.

In order to fit one of the hardware options AMIQ-B2, AMIQ-B3 or AMIQB19 the casing of the
instrument must be opened. This will break the calibration seal so that the calibration is no
longer valid. Therefore, these options should be installed by an R&S service representative.

Important: The components used in the instrument are sensitive to electrostatic charges

and should therefore be handled according to ESD regulations.

Option AMIQ-B1, BER Test

AMIQ-B1 is a software option which can be installed without opening the instrum ent. For the installation
proceed as described in the instructions supplied with the option.

For a description of the BER test refer to chapter 4.

Option AMIQ-B2, Differential I/Q Outputs

To fit this hardware option the instrument must be opened. Therefore, it must be retrofitted by an
authorized service representative. Control of the diff erential outputs of AMIQ by means of W inIQSIM is
supplied starting with version 2.10.

For an application example for option Differential Outputs refer to chapter 4.

1110.3339.12 1.11 E-6

Option AMIQ-B3, Digital I/Q Output AMIQ

Option AMIQ-B3, Digital I/Q Output

Retrofitting the hardware option AMIQ-B3 requires the instr ument to be opened. Therefore, it m ust be
done by an authorized service representative. The Digital I/Q Output can be controlled by WinIQSIM
version 3.10 and higher.
An application example for option Digital I/Q Output is given in chapter 4.

Option AMIQB19, I/Q Rear-Panel Connection

This option can be fitted only if option Differential Outputs (AMIQ-B2) is not installed. Retrofitting the
option requires the instrument to be opened. Therefore, this must be done by an authorized service
representative. W ith option AMIQB19 fitted, marker outputs 3 and 4 are no longer available as these
connectors are used as Q and I signal outputs (i.e. the I output is connected to mark er output 4, the Q
output is connected to marker output 3).

Option AMIQK11, IS-95 CDMA

Software option for interpreting a waveform file generated acc ording to IS95 by W inIQSIM, version 2.10
or higher. These CDMA signals comply with the IS-95A and J-STD-008 mobile radio standards.

Option AMIQK12, CDMA 2000

Software option for interpreting a waveform file gener ated in WinIQSIM vers. 3.20 ac cording to CDMA

2000. These CDMA signals comply with the IS-2000 mobile radio standard. T he 1X and the 3X modes

(multi carrier and direct spread) can be simulated at the physical layer.

Option AMIQK13, Digital Standard W-CDMA TTD Mode (3GPP)

Software option to interpret a waveform file generated in WinIQSIM as of version 3.60.
3GPP TDD (3rd Generation Partnership Project Time Division Duplex) refers to a mobile radio

transmission method defined by 3GPP (http://www.3GPP.org).

Option AMIQK14, Digital Standard TD-SCDM A

Software option to interpret a waveform file generated in WinIQSIM as of version 3.50.
TD-SCDMA (time-division synchronous CDMA) designates a mobile-radio transmission method
developed by the China Wireless Telecommunication Standard Group (CWTS, http://www.cwts.org).
This standard is similar to the 3GPP TDD proposal, but with greater emphasis placed on GSM
compatibility and with a chip rate limited to 1.28 Mcps.

Option AMIQK15, OFDM Signal Generati on

Software option for interpreting a waveform file generated in WinIQOFDM with the aid of W inIQSIM
Vers. 3.40. Special emphasis is plac ed on the generation of signals conforming to HIPERLAN/2 or IEEE

802.11a (WinIQOFDM is a PC software that generates OFDM-modulated signals from binary data

streams, these signals are then read by WinIQSIM via the DDE interface for further processing).

1110.3339.12 1.12 E-6

AMIQ Initial Installation or Update of AMIQ Software

Option AMIQK16, Digital Standard 802.11b Wireless LAN

Software option to interpret a waveform file generated in WinIQSIM as of version 3.80.
The 802.11b wireless LAN standard is a packet-oriented method for data transmission. The data

packets are transmitted and received on the same frequenc y in time division duplex (TDD), but without
a fixed timeslot raster.

Initial Installation or Update of AMIQ Software

For initial installation of the AMIQ sof tware, a program disk (3.5") is needed. The dis k is available from
your local sales engineer. It usually contains two files: AMIQxxx.DAT and README.TXT. "xxx" stands
for the firmware version number; AMIQ304.DAT means firmware version 3.04, for example.
In AMIQxxx.DAT, over 40 files required for the firmware update are packed in compressed form.
Insert the disk into the AMIQ floppy disk drive. Then switch the unit off and on again. On switch-on, the
unit automatically checks whether an update disk is inserted in the drive. If this is the case, the c omplete
new firmware is loaded from the disk. The download takes approx. 4 minutes and is indicated by a
green LED on the floppy disk drive. When the LED goes out, AMIQ is ready for operation.

In the event that the firmware is not loaded, a fault may be in the controller which can only be eliminated
with the aid of a graphics card (ISA or PCI bus) when the instrument is open and a keyboard is
connected (see Service Manual).

1110.3339.12 1.13 E-6

AMIQ Getting Started

2 Getting Started

AMIQ can only be remote-controlled. For this purpose a serial interface RS-232, an IEC/IEEE-bus
interface and the disk drive ar e available. This c hapter gives a brief introduction to ins trum ent operation
via these interfaces. Typical applications, characteristics and operating modes of AMIQ will be described
in chapter 4.

Control via Serial Interface

AMIQ can be connected to the serial interface of a PC via the rear, 9-contact sub- D connector labeled
RS 232.

Setting example:

With the following steps, a 100 kHz sinusoidal signal is obtained at the outputs of AMIQ.
½ Connect instrum ent and controller by means of the null modem c able (see section "Connecting the

Controller" in chapter 1, for pin assignment of null modem cable see "Handshake" in chapter 5).

½ Set the serial interface at the controller to 9600 Baud, no parity, 8 bit, 1 stop bit.

Example: To configure the controller interface enter the following command under DOS:

mode com<x>: 9600, n, 8, 1 <x> = 1 or 2 depending on connector used.

½ Create the following ASCII file at the controller:

(empty line) Sets instrument to remote control

*RST;*CLS;*WAI
*RCL ’SINUS’

½ Transfer this ASCII file to the instrument via the RS-232 interface. Enter the following command at

the controller:

copy <file name> com<x>:

A frequency of 100 kHz is now available at the outputs of the instrum ent, as this setting is stor ed under
SINUS.

Note: Upon delivery and after an *RST the I and Q output are switched off. Use commands

OUTPUT:I FIX and OUTPUT:Q FIX to activate the outputs.

Resets the instrument

Outputs stored trace

(empty line)

DOS commands are used for all settings via the serial interface. The use of a terminal
emulation program considerably simplifies handling of the serial interface. Since these
programs greatly differ, no instructions are given here for their use.

Simple terminal programs are for instance available on the Internet, e.g. under

http://www.leo.org/archiv/msdos/ or
ftp://garbo.uwasa.fi/pc

1110.3339.12 2.1 E-4

Getting Started AMIQ

Changing the transmission rate:

The instrument is set in the factory to a baud rate of 9600 bps and hardware handshak e via RTS and
CTS lines. The handshak e procedure cannot be c hanged. W hen the baud rate is changed or if another
rate is required, the rate can be modified as follows:

½ Create a file with the name AUT O EXEC.IEC in the main directory of a 3.5" floppy. Write the following

lines into this file:

:SYST:COMM:SER:BAUD 9600
and replace 9600 by the baud rate desired (for permissible values see description of command

:SYST:COMM:SER:BAUD).

½ Switch off AMIQ, insert the file and start AMIQ.
Upon the start the created file is read and the baud-rate setting command executed.

Control via IEC/IEEE-Bus Interface

The AMIQ can be connected to the IEC/IEEE bus via the rear IEEE 488 connector (see section
"Connecting the Controller" in chapter 1).

Setting example:

With the following control steps a 100 kHz sinusoidal signal is obtained at the outputs of AMIQ.
½ Connect instrument and controller by means of an IEC/IEEE-bus cable.

Note: The instrument is set in the factory to the IEC/IEEE-bus address 6. If this address has been

changed or is not available (e.g. because it is used by another instrument), the address can
be changed as described in section "Changing the IEC/IEEE-bus Address" in chapter 1.

½ Create and start the following program at the controller:

CALL IBFIND("DEV1", amiq%)
CALL IBPAD(amiq%, 6)
CALL IBWRT(amiq%, "*RST;*CLS;*WAI")
CALL IBWRT(amiq%, "*RCL ’SINUS’")

A 100 kHz sinewave signal is now available at the outputs of AMIQ.

Specifies device address at the controller

Opens channel to the instrument

Resets instrument

Outputs trace

(stored in the instrument upon delivery)

1110.3339.12 2.2 E-4

AMIQ Getting Started

Control via Floppy

Purpose

Function

Execution of
program files

In addition to the control capabilities described above, AMIQ can also be
controlled via a file in the disk drive. This control function is however not
intended for continuous operation but for ex ecuting functions (e.g. setting the
baud rate or IEC/IEEE-bus address) that are not accessible during normal
operation. (see "Control via Serial Interface").

On power-up a check is made whether a floppy is in the disk drive and whether
this file contains an
commands in this file are executed one after the other. The s yntax is identical
to that used on the IEC/IEEE bus or at the serial interface.

The execution of program files can be triggered any time with command
PROG:EXEC ’name’ (which has to be transferr ed via one of the other remote­control sources). The called program file is searched for first on the floppy,
then on the hard disk.

AUTOEXEC.IEC file. If this is the case the rem ote-control

Switchover between Remote-Control Interfaces

After power up all remote-control sources (serial interface, IEC/IEEE bus) are active. When the
instrument receives a c om m and on one of the two interf aces, the REMOTE LED is switched on and the
other interface is deactivated. To be able to use the other interface different procedures can be chosen:

• Switch the instrument off and on again

• Send command *GTL via the serial interface if the latter is active.

• Send the message IBLOC(amiq%) via the IEC/IEEE bus if the latter is active.

After the comm ands in a batch file have been executed, the instr ument returns to the previous rem ote
control mode.

1110.3339.12 2.3 E-4

AMIQ Operation

3 Operation

Control Elements

AMIQ has no manual control elem ents except f or the power on/off k ey. The I and Q signal outputs , the

3.5" disk drive and 3 LEDs are available on the front panel.

AMIQ is remote-controlled (see chapter 6).
I/Q signals can be simply and flexibly generated via the WinIQSIM program. AMIQ can also be

controlled from Vector Signal Generator SMIQ (see section "Calculation of I/Q Modulation Signals"
below).

Indicating Elements (LEDs)

Three LEDs are provided on the AMIQ front panel with the following functions:

ON

CONTROL

RUNNING

Is dimmed during the short test and lights fully during norm al operation. The O N-LED
flashes slowly while a data set is loaded into the AMIQ; it flashes quick ly if an error
occurred during the short test on power-up. Further information on the er ror can be
obtained with :SYST:ERR?.

Lights when the host controller has switched the AMIQ to remote control. Flashes
during long data transmissions. T he rem ote- control s ource c an only be changed ( e.g.
from IEC/IEEE bus to RS-232) when this LED is off. See also command *GTL.

Lights as soon as and as long as AMIQ reads data from the output memory and
outputs them at the I and Q output sockets.

1110.3339.12 3.1 E-4

Operation AMIQ

Calculation of I/Q Modulation Signals

Control via WinIQSIM

WinIQSIM

IEC/IEEE bus /
RS-232

The simplest and most flex ible way to generate I/Q signals is to use the WinIQSIM
program from Rohde & Schwarz. This program c an be ins talled on a PC. T he us er
interface permits convenient gener ation of the desired m odulation waveforms and
the corresponding control of AMIQ.

• AMIQ can be controlled from the PC with WinIQSIM in two different ways:

• Via a state-of-the-art IEEE-488 interface which can be controlled via an

installed WINDOWS

• Via the RS-232 interface. However, the data transmission rate here is lower
than with control via the IEC/IEEE bus.

®

operating system (GPIB.DLL required).

Control via Vector Signal Generator SMIQ

SMIQ

Settings

If SMIQ is the RF source for vector-m odulated signals, AMIQ can be controlled
from SMIQ. An additional controller is not required in this case.

All main settings of AMIQ c an be made in the AMIQ CTRL menu. The individual
menu items are described in the SMIQ manual.

1110.3339.12 3.2 E-4

AMIQ Uses

4 Functional Description

Uses

Application

Design

Operation

AMIQ is mainly used for generating m odulation signals for the I and Q inputs of a
vector-modulated RF generator. Another application is testing modules or
components with an I/Q interface. The control of I/Q interfaces is particularly
simplified by fine tuning the delay, level and offset of the I/Q outputs. W ith this
adjustment non-ideal characteristics of the circuits to be driven can be
compensated for.

Apart from the use as an I/Q signal sourc e AMIQ allows all kinds of signals of
programmable waveform to be generated at the I/Q outputs and at the four digital
marker outputs of the instrument.

AMIQ basically consists of a two-channel D/A converter and an output SDRAM f or
4,000,000 samples (AMIQ model 03) or 16,000,000 samples (AMIQ model 04).
The D/A converter clock can be adjusted in the wide range 10 Hz to 105 MHz. The
technical data, however, are valid up to 100 MHz only. For operation at clock rates
higher than 100 MHz note the restrictions described in the data sheet.

AMIQ has no local control elements and is remote-controlled via the serial
interface or the IEC/IEEE bus. The output memory is also loaded via these
interfaces. In addition, loaded waveforms can be tempor arily stored on an internal
hard disk and called up for the next output. W aveforms can also be loaded into
AMIQ via the built-in disk drive.

Stress Signals for I/Q Signals

The error vector of vector-modulated RF signals mainly depends on the characteristics of the I/Q
modulator and modulation generator. The following characteristics are essential for a small error vector:

Amplitude
imbalance

Differences in am plitude between the I and Q channels lead to an offset in the
constellation diagram and thus to a narr ower eye width for the modulation. This
can be illustrated by an I/Q vector diagram:

Q

Resulting
modulation vector

Ideal modulation vector

Error vector

I

1110.3339.12 4.1 E-6

Uses AMIQ

Phase
coincidence

DC content

Each of the above stress factors in amplitude or phase leads to an inaccurate display of the desired
vector component and thus to an error vector.

Phase differences and delay differences between I and Q also yield an error
vector depending on the coding content.

DC offsets produce residual carriers in the generated RF signal.

Special Characteristics for Use of AMIQ as I/Q Modulation Sour ce

Symmetrical
design

Internal
alignments

In the development of AMIQ particular c are was taken to k eep the error vector as
low as possible. The I and Q signal paths in the AMIQ are of identical design and
the clock signals for the D/A converters for the two channels com e from the sam e
source. The programm ed I and Q values for the D/A converter are always read
together from the memory.

The two AMIQ channels can be aligned for optimum balance with the aid of the
built-in amplitude and phase meter without any external equipment being required.

Internal fine
tuning

Delay correction

External triggering

Marker outputs

To compensate for possible amplitude and offset errors of the connected RF
generator, amplitude and offset of the two channels can be fine tuned.

Small delay errors between the channels, as m ay be caused for instance by not
completely identical cables between AMIQ and I/Q generator, can be
compensated for in the AMIQ in a range from -1 ns to +1 ns with a resolution of
10 ps.

The output can be started and stopped with an external trigger signal.

Four user-program mable and sam ple-accurately set m arker outputs can be used,
for instance, to drive external power ramping components.

1110.3339.12 4.2 E-6

AMIQ Basic Operating Modes

Basic Operating Modes

AMIQ has two different clock rate modes and two amplitude modes which should be selected as
required for the desired clock rate and waveform:

Clock rate mode 1
SLOW

Clock rate mode 2
FAST

Amplitude mode
Fix

This mode is automatically set if a clock rate below 2 MHz is selected on AMIQ.
The advantage offered by this mode is in the variation of the stored waveform

length. In the case of AMIQ model 03, the waveform length can be varied fr om 24
to 4,000,000, in the case of AMIQ model 04 from 24 to 16,000,000 in steps of 1.

For clock rates between 2 MHz and 4 MHz, both the SLOW and the FAST mode
can be selected. The SLOW clock rate mode can be selected with the com mand

CLOCK <frequency>,SLOW

This mode is automatically set if a clock rate above 4 MHz is selected on AMIQ.
Please note that with this mode the waveform length c an be varied only in steps

of 4, i.e. in AMIQ model 03 from 24 to 4 ,000, 000 and in AMIQ model 04 from 24
to 16,000,000. This means that the number of samples must be divisible by 4.

For clock rates between 2 MHz and 4 MHz, both the SLOW and the FAST mode
can be selected. The FAST clock rate mode can be selected with the command

CLOCK <frequency>,FAST

This mode is char acterized by a maximum perform ance of the output signal and
should preferably be used for generating vector-modulated signals.

In the Fix mode, the level cannot be varied after D/A conversion, the amplitude of
the output signal is determined only by the programming of the waveform D/A
converter. When fully driven, the D/A converter yields an output amplitude of 0.5 V
at the 50
the I/Q inputs of standard RF generators.

Ω termination and thus cor responds to the m axim um vector am plitude of

Amplitude mode
VAR

For accurate matching to the modulation inputs of the connected RF generator,
the amplitudes of the I and Q outputs of AMIQ can be separ ately adjusted for full­scale operation. The zero offs et of the outputs can also be optimally adapted to
the RF synthesizer by slight variations.

This mode is intended for all applications for which the I/Q inputs of the RF
generator or the module to be tested require I/Q input levels which cannot be s et
with the amplitude mode Fix.

In the VAR mode the amplitude of the I/Q outputs can be set without the need to
reprogram the respec tive wavefor m in the memory. The amplitude setting r ange is
in this case twice as wide as in the Fix mode. In this mode also an analog
inversion of the I and Q channels is possible. Because of the wide dynamic range
for variable level tuning (20 dB), a poorer S/N ratio of the output signals may have
to be accepted in this mode.

1110.3339.12 4.3 E-6

Signal Outputs AMIQ

Signal Outputs

Marker Outputs

Control

Uses

Power ramping

AMIQ is provided with four rear marker outputs, two for the I channel and two for
the Q channel (see "Rear View" in chapter 1). These outputs are contr olled by the
waveform memory with a 16-bit word width for I and Q.
In this case the two least-significant bits (LSBs) in the waveform memory are set
for the I and Q channels. Bit assignment for the four marker outputs:

Marker 1 LSB (bit 0) of I channel
Marker 2 Bit 1 of I channel
Marker 3 LSB (bit 0) of Q channel
Marker 4 Bit 1 of Q channel

When a waveform is loaded the m ark ers are autom atically program med ( see also
"MARKer - Marker Management" in chapter 6).

Marker outputs are typically used for controlling the power ramping of I/Q
modulators to increase the switch-off dynamic range.

With power ramping the pulse modulator input of the RF generator is used to
switch off the RF signal synchronously with an I/Q symbol. Because of the delay
difference between the I/Q inputs and the pulse modulator input of the RF
generator, the marker signal in the I/Q data stream applied to the pulse m odulator
input has to be shifted.

To ensure symbol-accurate power ram ping, the marker outputs of AMIQ can be
shifted with the remote-control command :MARKer<n>[:LIST] irrespective of
the programmed waveform (see "MARKer – Marker Management" in chapter 6).
The changed marker settings can then be stored together with the waveform.

Trigger generator

Connector

Change of I/Q
outputs to the
rear

The mark er outputs may of course als o be used separately, eg to use AMIQ as a
universal trigger generator .

To obtain clear pulse shapes at the outputs, ter m inated lines should be c onnected
to the marker outputs ( 50
This allows TTL inputs to be directly driven.

Changing the I/Q outputs is possible only if option Dif ferential Outputs (AMIQ-B2)
is not fitted.

If the I and Q inputs of AMIQ are changed to the rear for rackmounting
(AMIQB19), only the marker outputs 1 and 2 are available for markers. Marker
outputs 3 and 4 are then used as Q and I outputs.

Ω). The typical pulse amplitude at the ter m ination is 2 V.

1110.3339.12 4.4 E-6

AMIQ Triggering

Clock Output and Input

Use of
clock output

Connection of
clock output

Use of
clock input

At the AMIQ clock output, a squarewave signal is present whose frequency
corresponds to the clock rate selected on AMIQ. By means of this output, AMIQ
can be used as a clock generator for synchronization.

The frequency can be set with high resolution (typ. 32 bits) between 10 Hz and
105 MHz. The frequency of 10 Hz, too, can be set with this resolution.

Note: To be able to activate this output, AMIQ must not be in the STOP

state.

The clock output should be terminated with 50
conditions apply as for the marker outputs. A double shielded cable has to be
used because of the steep edges and the high harmonics content of the clock
signal.

External clock input is meaningful f or AMIQ models 03 and 04 when operated in
conjunction with option AMIQ-B3 (Digital I/Q Output).
It enables two operating modes:

• Integration of AMIQ into a system with a system clock

• Feeding a DUT (e.g. D/A converter) with a spectrally pure external clock signal

while maintaining clock/data synchronism

For detailed information on external clock input see "External Clock" section in this
chapter.

Ω. For the level, the same

Triggering

The output of a waveform on AMIQ can be started either by remote control (see chapter 6,
"ARM/TRIGger/ABORt – Triggering, Sequence Control") or by an external trigger signal. The trigger
input is a TTL input and its edge or active level can be selected. There are the following modes:

CONTinuous

SINGle

GATed

OFF

After the trigger is received, waveform output starts with the first point of the
waveform and is repeated continuously. At the end of the waveform, output is
continued immediately with the first point.

After the trigger is received, waveform output starts with the first point of the
waveform and ends with the last point. Then the I/Q outputs go to idle state.

After the trigger is received, waveform output starts with the first point of the
waveform and is repeated continuously. After the end of the trigger event,
waveform output is stopped and the I/Q outputs go to idle state. On the next
trigger, waveform output starts wi th the first point of the waveform.

No triggering; no data are output. Any ongoing waveform output is stopped and
the I/Q outputs go to idle state.

1110.3339.12 4.5 E-6

Triggering AMIQ

The following applies to all trigger modes:

• Before triggering and after the end of a trigger event, the I/Q outputs go to idle state (see chapter 6
"Waveform File Format" IDLE SIGNAL tag).

• The time between the reception of a trigger signal and the start of waveform output is as follows:

• Clock rate mode 1 (SLOW) • Mode 1: 220 ns +(1 sample + 20 ns) jitter

• Clock rate mode 2 (FAST) • Mode 2: 11 samples + 1 sample jitter

• The required pulse width for a reliable identification of the trigger signal is:

• Clock rate mode 1 (SLOW) • min. 200 ns + 1 sample

• Clock rate mode 2 (FAST) • min. 11 samples

• 1 sample is the time elapsed between two subsequent output values.

For detailed information on the various trigger modes and examples of application see chapter 6,
command :TRIGger:MODE OFF | GATed | SINGle | CONTinuous

!

1110.3339.12 4.6 E-6

AMIQ I/Q Signal Adjustments

I/Q Signal Adjustments

In the AMIQ, level, offset and delay difference of I/Q outputs can be adjusted. The respective
commands ar e contained in the :CORR ( com m and) s ubsystem (s ee "SOURce – Hardware Settings " in
chapter 6). These adjustments affect the positions marked in the block diagram below (Fig.4-1).

Adjusting the Level

In the Fix amplitude mode, the output level can be adjusted by approx. +/-10% with the aid of the
following commands. Possible external gain differences can thus be compensated for.

Command (example): :CORR:GAIN:I:FIX -0.1

:CORR:GAIN:Q:FIX 0.1

Permissible range: –1.0 to +1.0

• The automatic internal adjustment of the AMIQ is performed via the :CAL:AMPL? query.

• In the FIX mode, the range –1 to +1 corresponds to an offset variation of approx. ±30 mV into 50 Ω.

• In the VAR mode, the range –1 to +1 corresponds to an offset variation of approx. ±75 mV into 50 Ω.

Adjusting the Offset

The DC offset of the output levels can be fine-tuned in a range of approx. 30 mV using the following
commands. The voltage is specified in V (terminated into 50 Ω).

Command (example): :CORR:OFFS:I:FIX 0.3

:CORR:OFFS:Q:FIX -0.2

or :CORR:OFFS:Q:VAR -0.2

Permissible range: –1.0 to +1.0

• The automatic internal adjustment in the AMIQ is performed via the :CAL:OFFS? query.

Adjusting the Delay

For compensating slight differences in signal delay (caused eg by not completely identical cables or
amplifiers), the I and Q output signals can be shifted against each other. The shift range is approx.
±1 ns at 10 ps resolution. The entry of positive values delays the I signal as against the Q signal.

Command (example): :CORR:SKEW: -0.1
Permissible range: –1.0 to +1.0

1110.3339.12 4.7 E-6

I/Q Signal Adjustments AMIQ

AMIQ – Block Diagram

I

I

I

I

Q

Q

I

Q

Clk

Clk

Option

AMIQ-B2

Option

AMIQ-B3

Bias(I)

U

Bias(Q)

U

OUTPUT I

AMIQ-B2 -

CONTROL

var

Multi-

plier

I-Offset

var Adj

I-Gain

var

A

D

:CORR:OFFS:I:VAR

I-Offset

fix Adj

A

D

A

D

:OUTP:I:AMPL

I-Ampl

fix Adj

A

D

:CORR:GAIN:I:FI X

OUTPUT

Amplifier,

Attenuator

fix

Filter

off, 25MHz,

Mode

fix, var

:OUTP:I

:OUTP:Q

FILT EXT

2,5MHz, Extern

:OUTP:I:FILT

:OUTP:Q:FILT

Data

Digital/Analog

Converter

14

I-CLK

14

16

I-Data

:CORR:OFFS:I:FIX

4

OUTPUT Q

var

I-Data

Multi-

OUTPUT

Amplifier,

Attenuator

plier

Clock

Q-Data

fix

Q-Offset

Q-Gain

var

A

D

var Adj

A

D

Filter

off, 25MHz,

2,5MHz, Extern

:OUTP:Q:AMPL

Q-Ampl

Data

Digital/Analog

Converter

Q-CLK

fix Ad j

A

D

:CORR:OFFS:Q:VAR

Q-Offset

fix Adj

A

D

16

Q-Data

:CORR:GAIN:Q:FIX

:CORR:OFFS:Q:FIX

4

3

(Q I if AMIQ-B19)

TRIGGER

2

INPUT

1

Waveform

Memory -

,Data Control

DATA IN

CLK

Skew Adj

:CORR:SKEW

D

CLOCK

IN/OUT

MARKER

Synthesizer,

Clock-

Distribution

A

D

Controll er Input

A

10 MHz REF

IN/OUT

:CAL:ROSC

10MHz

Ref Adj

Fig. 4-1 Simplified block diagram of AMIQ

1110.3339.12 4.8 E-6

AMIQ Measurement of Bit Error Rate

Measurement of Bit Error Rate

Option AMIQ-B1 allows the signal decoded by the DUT to be assessed. To do s o the wavefor m memory
is filled with a PRBS-modulated (pseudo r
decoded by the DUT and forwarded to the AMIQ as clock and data signals. AMIQ synchronizes to the
known PRBS sequence and counts the bit errors.

The BER measurement can also be performed separately (with data from another source).

Connector

The clock and data signals supplied by the DUT must have TTL level and are applied to the bit error rate
input, a 9-contact SUB-D connector at the instrument rear labelled BER. The pin assignment is as
follows:

andom binary sequence) data sequence. The data are

SUB-D connector Adapter cord

1,2,3,4,5 Ground Shield
6 Bit clock input "CLOCK"
7 Data input “DATA”
8 DAT ENABle input “DAT ENAB”
9 Restart “RES”

The polarity of the clock and data signals, the PRBS polynomial and the integration tim e can be s et with
the respective remote-c ontrol comm ands. The input s ignals are not term inated in the AMIQ but applied
to ICs type 74LVT14 via a 220 Ω resistor.

Part number 1110.3551.00

1110.3339.12 4.9 E-6

Measurement of Bit Error Rate AMIQ

Signal Path and Waveform

Test setup

PRBS data

The desired signal is calculated with the aid of WinIQSIM and loaded into AMIQ. It
is applied to an RF modulator via the I/Q outputs and forwarded to the DUT
(device under test). The latter demodulates the received sourc e bits and returns
them to AMIQ together with a transfer clock. In the AMIQ, the data bits are
checked for error s . T he total of the tr ans mitted bits and the faulty bits are counted.
The quotient of error bits/total bits is the BER.

To be able to detect faulty bits in a BER measurement, the algorithm used for data
generation must be known. Data are calc ulated with the aid of so-called pseudo­random binary sequences (PRBS). These are quasi-random bit sequences which
are repeated according to the selected polynomial.

An advantage of the PRBS data is that the bit error detector has only to k now the
calculation algorithm but not the total sequence. Furthermor e, the analysis can be
started anywhere in the bit stream, ie the bit-stream sourc e and the analyzer need
not be synchronized.

To get familiar with the BER measurement and to check the BER measurement function i n
a simple way, a waveform file named PRBS9_E.WV is stored in the AMIQ waveform
directory. This file contains a PRBS sequence with an error bit, which should produce an
error indication of about 0.19% in WinIQSIM . The COMM ENT tag of this w aveform i ncludes
a short description allowing a fast check of the BER measurement function.

{COMMENT: This is a waveform for checki ng the B ER m eas urem ent. The waveform i s appli ed to
two marker outputs on the rear panel (no s ignal at I/Q out put). To check the B ER meas urement,
connect the adapter cord (Order No. 1110.3551.00) to the rear BER connec tor and the DATA
cable to MARK1 and the CLOCK cable to MARK2. The signal at MARK1 (DATA) is a PRBS
sequence with one error bit. To check t he BER measurement with WinI QSIM, select 'Remote
Control and Bert', 'Load HD File' and PRBS9_E, tic k on Marker Ch. 1 and Ch.2, selec t ' BE RT' and
start the BER measurement with 'Cont'. A bit error rate of approximately 0. 19% should appear.}

Transfer clock

If the DUT does not provide a transfer clock, a marker channel can be
programmed instead as a clock output.

This is explained in the operating manual for WinIQSIM, chapter "Data Editor",
and in the application manual "Software W inIQSIM for Calculating I/Q Signals for
Modulation Generator AMIQ", chapter 5 "BER meas urement with WinIQSIM and
AMIQ", order no. 1027.3007.30.

1110.3339.12 4.10 E-6

AMIQ Measurement of Bit Error Rate

Test Method

Generation of
PRBS data

Feedback of data
stream

Faulty bits in
output status

BER
measurement
with
uninterrupted
repetition of the
random
sequence

PRBS data are generated with the aid of a feedback shift r egister. The feedback
points are determined by the calculation algorithm. An initial state selected at
random yields exactly one subsequent state. The initial state and therefore the
subsequent state occur only once in the whole data sequence.

If the feedback shif t register is filled with a data sequence at the beginning of a
measurement and the register is then switched from "filling" to "feedback", the
register will generate a data sequence which is exactly identical to the one it
should receive from the DUT. Faulty bits can thus be identified and counted by
comparing the received data to the results obtained from the shift register.

This method has the advantage that the analysis can be separated from signal
generation (logically and with respect to time). Consequently, delays caused by the
DUT, the use of other PRBS sources and transmission over long distances with
spatially separated transmitter and receiver, do not cause any problems.

If a bit error is already present in the output state (faulty bits are not detected
during “filling“), the shift register s tarts f rom an inc orrect pos ition in the whole data
string. As a result all subsequent states will be faulty. Since, statistically, every
second bit is faulty, the BER will be about 50%. In this case a new measurement is
started automatically so that the error goes unnoticed by the user.

The non-integrating BER measurement operates with random sequences which
are stored in the AMIQ memory cyclically. The length of the random sequence is
obtained from 2 to the degree of the polynomial les s 1, ie PRBS9 has a length of

9

511 (2
The BER measurement can be set with the command BERT:SETup:RESTart

INTernal and output on the CLOCK and DATA line.

is 512, less 1).

The analysis data
are interrupted
by other data

The data bits carry "extraneous" data such as sync, preambles, other channels etc
in addition to the PRBS data. To identify the data to be evaluated, the BER
measurement must be provided with a validity signal (DAT ENABle input) apart
from the actual data. T his DAT ENABle signal is generated either by the DUT or
provided by the AMIQ as a marker channel.

The DAT ENABle signal can be defined in the data editor when the data are
generated in the WinIQSIM. It may be necessary to match the timing of the
marker signal to the data of the DUT (see below).

The BER measurement using the AMIQ should be set to the use of a validity
signal (DAT ENABle); for this the polarity in menu AMIQ -> Remote Control
and BERT is set. The setting DAT ENABle = high signifies that data from the DUT
are counted and subjected to a BER measurement only if the DAT ENABle input is
at 1.

1110.3339.12 4.11 E-6

Measurement of Bit Error Rate AMIQ

BER
measurement
with interrupted
random
sequence –
integrating BER
measurement

Depending on the type of data, oversampling and the finite memory length of
AMIQ, it may happen that the generated random sequence is not cyclically
repeated at the memory wrap-around but that a break oc curs at this point. In an
ordinary BER measurement which relies exclusively on the CLOCK and DATA
signals, this break would cause a loss of synchronization and thus about 50% of
faulty bits.

A random sequence with a discontinuity can be handled with the integrating BER
measurement and is switched on by means of the
BERT:SETup:RESTart EXTern command. The BER measurement must be
halted in time and re-started at the beginning of the data sequence. Halt and s tart
is effected using a signal at the RES input (pin 9 of D-s ub connector ): A logic 1 at
this input resets the BER measurem ent, a 0 star ts the measurement. It is useful to
link this input with a mark er channel of the AMIQ in which a s ingle 1 (about 2 bits
long) is coded at the beginning of the data sequence. T he marker channel then
starts the BER measurement anew for each memory cycle (of the discontinuity).

If the data signals are interrupted from other data (eg preambles), the latter can
result in bit errors. The BER m easurement can be interrupted f or such data with
the aid of the DAT ENABle input on a different marker channel.

In the integrating BER measurement the individual measurem ents are added up
under the control of a signal at the RES INPUT until the predef ined total number
of data or errors bits are attained or exceeded.

Complex measurement and signal sequences of this type cannot be easily
generated manually so with the use of the Windows software WinIQSIM from R&S
it is possible generate data sequences for the BER measur ement. It can thus be
ensured that the DAT ENAB and RES signals are timed correctly for the data
signals and discontinuity.

Note:

See also chapter titled "Data Editor" in the WinQSIM m anual as well as applic ation
manual "Software W inIQSIM for Calculating I/Q Signals for Modulation Generator
AMIQ", chapter 5 "BER measurement with WinIQSIM and AMIQ" Order No.

1027.3007.30.

The flexible programming of the test hardware permits other BER measurement
methods to be used, eg comparison with output pattern, masking cer tain time and
data ranges. Contact your local R&S sales office for further information.

1110.3339.12 4.12 E-6

AMIQ Measurement of Bit Error Rate

2

9

PRBS Polynomials

A feedback shift register is used for generating and checking the PRBS. The feedback is switched
depending on the polynomial used. The sequence length of a generator is 2

n

- 1, n being the degree of

the polynomial.

EXOR EXOR EXOR

Fig. 4-2 PRBS Polynomials

PN generator n a1 a2 a3 Output Applicable standard

PN9
PN11
PN15
PN16
PN20
PN21
PN23

9 4 - - non-inverted ITU-T Rec. O.153 Fas cicle IV.4
11 2 - - non-inverted ITU-T Rec. O.152 Fascicle IV.4
15 1 - - inverted ITU-T Rec. O.151 Fascicle IV.4
16 5 3 2 non-inverted -­20 3 - - non-inverted ITU-T Rec. O.153 Fascicle IV.4
21 2 - - non-inverted -­23 5 - - inverted ITU-T Rec. O.151 Fascicle IV.4

Measurement Result, Accuracy, Measurement Time

Value range:

Statistics

End criteria

The measured BER (ie ratio of faulty bits to total bits) is normally between 10

-

. This means that a great num ber of bits may have to be checked befor e a

10
faulty bit is detected. Because of the great number of bits involved the
measurement time is usually very long.

Since 32-bit-wide counters are used for the total bits and the error bits, the
maximum measurement time is 4.29⋅10

9

bits.

The BER measurement measures statistical bit errors, ie errors which do not
occur at regular intervals but at random. Although a single measurement
determines the exact number of errors in the m easur ed range, a reliable BER rate
can only be obtained when a sufficient number of error s occurs in the observed
range with the result that the single BER measurement result approaches the true
error rate with high probability .

To keep the meas urement time short with low and high bit error rates, two end
criteria have been defined in AMIQ for the BER measurement.

• Criterion 1: Total number of bits
T he measurem ent is ter minated when the total of the s pecified bits is reached.

Due to this criterion the BER measurement is reliably stopped after the
specified number of bits even if no er ror or only a few errors were detec ted and

-

and

1110.3339.12 4.13 E-6

Measurement of Bit Error Rate AMIQ

the measurement result is not very accurate (few bit errors).

• Criterion 2: Number of faulty bits
The measurement is terminated when the specified number of bit errors is

detected. With this criterion, the measur ement is rapidly terminated when high
bit error rates occur. Since a great number of errors is counted, the
measurement is relatively accurate.

The two criteria are used together. T he c riter ion which f inally yields a valid result is
indicated by AMIQ after a result query.

Interruption of
measurement

At the end of a measurem ent, the restart of a new one is delayed until the first
measurement result has been queried with

BERT:RES?. The resulting brief

measurement interruption is irrelevant because the subsequent m easurement will
be synchronized within 24 data bits.

Possible Problems with BER Measurement and Related Solutions

Fault Possible cause Fault description/remedy

BER
measurement
does not
synchronize

No signals from DUT received
or the signal level is not
correct.

BER measurement using
PRBS sequences was not
activated in AMIQ.

The selected PRBS is not
correct.

A wrong clock edge is used for
triggering violating setup or
hold times.

Incorrect polarity of dat a signal
(or DAT ENABle signal).

A bit error occurs during
synchronization (eg the
synchronization time i s nine
data bits with PRBS9)

Ø Read the activity of the inputs used f or the BE R measurem ent on the

WinIQSIM or SMIQ display.

A green lamp (on the screen) next to the name (clock, data) indicates
that the respective line i s active.

Ø Activate the BER measurement using P RBS sequences onc e before

the measurement is started. This is done with command

BERT:SEL "PRBS".

This command ens ures that the measurement hardware is loaded with
the correct configuration file. Then switch AMIQ off and on again to load
the configuration file t o t he measurement hardware.

Normally, the PRBS of t he data is transmitted together with the waveform
file and used as a default setting. If the PRBS is changed, the BER
measurement cannot synchronize to the data (because the calculation
polynomial is not correct).

Ø Check the bit clock signal, the data signal and the DAT ENABle

signal, if any, on an oscilloscope.

The fault may also be caus ed by reflections on the clock line, which
switch the data signal twice int o the BER measurement; see section
Avoid Reflections i n the BER Measurement on page 4.17.

In this case the PRBS cannot synchronize either. Note that an inversion
of the output signal spec i fied for some cases by the PRBS standard i s
performed automatically upon PRBS selection. Manual inversion of the
data signal is thus not requi red.

The BER measurement i s started at a wrong position so that about 50%
of the subsequent data bits are i dentified as faulty. This "incorrect" res ul t
is rejected by the AMIQ sof tware and the measurement is automaticall y
repeated (upon the next query by WinIQSIM or SMIQ).

1110.3339.12 4.14 E-6

AMIQ Measurement of Bit Error Rate

Fault Possible cause Fault description/remedy

No clock
received from
DUT

Measured BER
too high

When testing RF components,
the clock recovery may no be
available. An external clock is
however required for clocking
the data during the BER
measurement

The data are switched with the
wrong clock edge and/or the
eye pattern of the data is not
optimally met.

BER measurement [FW1]does
not synchronize .

An AMIQ marker channel c an be used instead of the clock from the cl ock
recovery circuit. To do so proceed as follows:

Ø Connect the marker channel (eg m arker 1) t o the c loc k input (pin 7) of

the BER measurement.

Ø Program a 0-1 transition in this marker channel f or each data bi t to be

evaluated.

This method cannot be used with modulations using a value >1 (eg
QPSK) as several bits are coded per symbol. It may be possible to s el ect
a bit pattern in the mark er channel which permits a clock edge to be
generated for each bit in the symbol. In this case a sufficientl y high
oversampling value mus t be selected.

BERT is selected by WinIQSIM in the data editor for the generation of a
suitable marker signal . For details refer to the WinIQSIM manual.

Ø Check the clock/data relationship by means of an oscilloscope and

set optimum timing.

Ø If the clock is derived from an AMIQ m arker c hannel, shif t t he channel

by a few sampling points (see OUTPUT:MARKER<n>:DELAY).

If data that are not cycl i cally repeated (ie when an interruption occurs at
the memory wrap-around), the measurement will identify about 50% of
the bits as faulty after the wrap-around.

Ø Make sure that the measurement is optimal ly started at t he beginning

of the sequence via the signal on the REStart line (see "BER
measurement with interrupted random sequence – integrating BER
measurement" in section "Test Method" on page 4.11).

Further Hints and Tricks

Correction of
DUT delay

• If all signals come from the DUT , the delay of the DUT will not c ause any problem s.
In this case the BER measurement is performed completely independent of the
AMIQ signal output. After the start of the m easurement, the BER is automatically
synchronized to the applied data.

• If the clock, DAT ENABle or restart signals are not supplied by the DUT but
generated on the AMIQ marker outputs and the signals ar e used together with the
clock or data from the DUT, delays may occur which have to be corrected.

The DUT will normally require a certain tim e to retur n the data bits to AMIQ . T his delay
may be less than one bit. The signal on the marker channel is direc tly applied from the
output socket to the input for the BER m easurem ent and is therefore not delayed. The
signals on the marker channels (eg the clock signal) must therefore be shifted with
reference to the I/Q output data so that they are optimally time-synchronized.

This can be done in two ways:
Ø Shift the marker of a loaded trace by a specified number of samples using the

function OUTPUT:MARKER<n>:DELAY <samples>.

Ø A pattern is used for generating the clock signals, which defines the sequenc e of

010 transitions in the mark er channel. Modify this clock pattern to shift the active
clock edge (referred to the I/Q output).

Then:

Ø Check the timing of the BER signals on an oscilloscope.
Ø Connect the mark er channel containing a clock signal to the clock input ( pin 7) of

the BER IC.

1110.3339.12 4.15 E-6

Measurement of Bit Error Rate AMIQ

Installation of Option AMIQ-B1, BER Measurement

If the instrument is or dered with option AMIQ-B1, the option com es as ac tive and ready for operation. If
the option is subsequently ordered, proceed according to the instructions supplied with the option. If
these instructions are not available, follow the instructions given below:

Ø Connect AMIQ to a controller.
Ø Activate option AMIQ-B1 in the AMIQ. To do so s end com mand

AMIQ,

The key number is supplied together with the option. The option needs not be reactivated after a
firmware update.

The activation command can be sent to AMIQ under Remote Control and BERT -> Test and Adjustment

-> Send Command to AMIQ in the AMIQ menu of WinIQSIM.
Ø To activate the BER measur ement using PRBS sequences, activate this measurement mode with

command

This prepares the loading of the measurement hardware with the correc t configuration f ile. AMIQ has to
be switched off and on again to load the configuration file to the measurement hardware when the
measurement is started. T his selection comm and has to be sent only once. Once the configuration has
been set, it is preserved even after a firmware update.

Activation is checked when a BER m easurement is c alled in W inIQSIM and carried out automatic ally if
not done before.

xxxxxxxx being the key number.

BERT:SEL “PRBS“.

SYST:OPT AMIQB1,xxxxxxxx to

1110.3339.12 4.16 E-6

AMIQ Measurement of Bit Error Rate

Avoid Reflections in the BER Measurement

100...120 / 200...240 V

50...60 Hz 150 VA
F 1 / F 2 :
IEC 127 - T 4.0 H / 250 V
AUTO POWER SELECTION

REF REF CLK Q Q I I TRIG BER

With this test setup using BNC
cables, no probes are needed.
There are no reflections
if the BNC cables are directly
connected to the oscilloscope
by means of T connectors.

C

L

O

C

K

DATA

K

S

A

M

S

E

R

100...120 / 200...240 V

50...60 Hz 150 VA
F 1 / F 2 :
IEC 127 - T 4.0 H / 250 V
AUTO POWER SELECTION

REF REF CLK Q Q I I TRIG BER

No reflection problems if
the signals are tapped off
with probes.

RS 232 X 11 X 12 X 1 3

FILT

LPT / PARALLEL

LPT

1 2 3 4

MARK

50 Ohm BNC cable

RS 232 X 11 X 12 X 13

FILT

LPT / PARALLEL

LPT

1234

MARK

C

L

O

C

K

DATA

K

S

A

M

S

E

R

FILTMARK

Clock

FILTMARK

Clock

BER test cable

X 10

X 10

Data

BER test cable

Oscilloscope

Data

SCPI

625 IEEE 488

SCPI

625 IEEE 488

Oscilloscope

100...120 / 200...240 V

50...60 Hz 150 VA

F 1 / F 2 :
IEC 127 - T 4.0 H / 2 50 V
AUTO POWER SELECTION

REF REF CLK Q Q I I TRIG BER

RS 232 X 11 X 12 X 13

FILT

LPT / PARALLEL

LPT

1234

MARK

X 10

FILTMARK

Clock Data

instead of

BER test cable

C

L

O

C

K

DATA

K

S

A

M

S

E

R

MASK

If the oscilloscope is connected
by means of BNC cables as
shown in this figure, the result
of the BER measurement might
be impaired because of
reflections (spurious signals)
caused by the long branch lines
to the oscilloscope .

C

L

O

C

K

DATA

K

S

A

M

S

E

R

50 Ohm BNC cable

New BER test cable are labelled

DAT ENAB

Fig. 4-3 Avoid reflections in the BER measurement

SCPI

IEEE 488

625

Oscilloscope

The BER test cable is part of the
option AMIQ-B1 . It can be ordered
as a replacement part with the stock
no. 1110.3551.00 . The pin assignment
is described in section "Connector" in
this chapter.

1110.3339.12 4.17 E-6

Application Example for Option Differential Outputs AMIQ

Application Example for Option Differential Outputs
(AMIQ-B2)

Option Differential Outputs (AMIQ-B2, stock no. 1110.3700.02) is a hardware option ready for operation
immediately after being fitted by an R&S service technician. Essentially, a PC board m ust be installed
and the front panel of AMIQ must be replaced by another one containing 4 output connectors.

Control of the differential outputs by WinIQSIM is supported starting with version 2.10 of both products.

Advantages of
differential outputs
compared to
asymmetric outputs

Example

Offset I User Correction
CORR:OFFS:I:FIX|VAR -1 ... +1

+

I

Offset Q User Correction
CORR:OFFS:Q: F I X | VAR -1 ... +1

+

Q

AMIQ

Manufacturers equip IQ m odulator com ponents with differential inputs m ainly
to obtain improved technical data concerning port insulation, spurious
responses and harmonics.

Option AMIQ-B2, Differential Outputs, allows to feed these components
correctly with symmetric signals in order to make full use of the technical
specifications of the modulator ICs.

An operating voltage of +5 V, recently also +3,3 V, referred to ground is used.
As a consequence of this asymmetric power supply, the DC level (= operating

point of the corresponding input) must be set to the center of the operating
voltage range by means of an external electric network. The additional
expense to install the external electric network is saved by option AMIQ-B2.
This option allows to superimpos e a DC voltage ranging f rom –2.5 V to + 2.5
V (called bias voltage in the following) upon the symmetr ic I or Q s ignal (h igh­impedance input).

The following application example shows the function of the option com bined
with the AMIQ basic unit.

I + Corr

Q + Corr

AMIQ-B2

I + Corr

OUTP:I:BIAS -2.5 ... 2.5V

I + Corr

Q + Corr

OUTP:Q:BIAS -2.5 ... 2.5V

Q + Corr

+

U

+

+

U

+

I+Corr+U

Bias(I)

I+Corr+U

Q+Corr+U

Bias(Q)

Q+Corr+U

Bias

Bias

Bias

Bias

I

I

I

Q

I

Q

I/Q modulator

component

DUT

RF carrier

I/Q modulated RF carrier

Fig. 4-4 Application block diagram of option AMIQ-B2

1110.3339.12 4.18 E-6

AMIQ Application Example for Option Differential Outputs

Functions of the structure shown above:

• AMIQ provides the modulation signals I and Q (asymmetric).

• Option AMIQ-B2 outputs these signals together with the inverted signals I and Q. The s ignals

control the modulator chip.

• To set the operating point of the modulator component (DUT) a DC voltage U

that can be

Bias

adjusted individually for I (I) and Q (Q) is superimposed upon the modulation signals.

• To optimize the RF carrier suppression an additional correction voltage (Corr), again individually
adjustable for both channels I and Q, can be superimposed upon the initial signals. Inclusion of
option AMIQ-B2 causes the correction voltages to be set in positive direction at the non-inverting
outputs, in negative direction at the inverting outputs. This doubles the absolute value of the
correction between I and I or between Q and Q. Should it be necessary, a differenc e between the
best operating points for I and Q of the modulator chip can be balanced.

The bias voltage of the option represents basically a „com m on m ode“ voltage f or the four signal outputs
while the offset voltage selected via „user correction“ in the AMIQ basic unit represents a balance
setting between the inverting and the non-inverting output.

Once the operating point of the DUT is s et via U

it can be simply preserved by selecting an output

bias

impedance of 50 Ω for the OFF state even if the signal level is switched off. If „High Impedance“ is
selected, the bias voltage will be set to zero whenever the output is switched off.

1110.3339.12 4.19 E-6

AMIQ Model 03 / 04 AMIQ

AMIQ Model 03 / 04

AMIQ models 03 and 04 can be fitted with the option AMIQ-B3 (digital I/Q output) and supplied with an

external clock, see also "Option AMIQ-B3 (digital I/Q output)" and "External Clock" in this chapter.
AMIQ model 04 is provided with a much larger memory and can thus store traces up to 16 000 000 I/Q

values. Compared with model 03 (4 000 000 I/Q values) model 04 has four times greater memory
capacity. Apart from that there is no difference between the two models.

1110.3339.12 4.20 E-6

AMIQ Digital I/Q Output Option AMIQ-B3

Digital I/Q Output Option AMIQ-B3

The digital I/Q output option is available for models 03 and 04 and supplies the 16-bit data bus for both
channels I and Q at a 68-pin front-panel connec tor on the AMIQ bas ic unit. Of the 16 bits the two least
significant bits (d0 and d1) are used as mark er signals and the remaining 14 bits for signal generation.
This data bus also drives the two internal 14-bit main DACs. The associated bit clock is supplied in
addition.

Using version 3.10 and higher of the program WinIQSIM the digital output can be activated (ON) or
deactivated (OFF) as long as pin 66 at the connector is high (s ee pin allocation). If this pin is low, then
the outputs are permanently of high-impedanc e. This avoids latch-up effe cts of the following circuit in
the absence of supply voltage.

Traces calculated with versions < 3.10 of WinIQSIM had previously a width of 14 bits, ie d0 and d1 were
fixed at 0 and d2 was rounded by means of d1. Data bits d0 and d1 could be used as marker bits.

Each trace generated by WinIQSIM ver sion 3.10 and higher has a res olution of 14 or 16 bits , depending
on the selected output resolution (see "Operation"):

• For an output r esolution of 8 to 14 bits WinIQ SIM generates traces with a generation resolution of

14 bits.

• For an output resolution of 15 or 16 bits WinIQSIM generates traces with a generation resolution of

16 bits.

Example:
A 12 bit output resolution is set in WinIQSIM. WinIQSIM calculates and transfers the IQ data with a

resolution of 14 bits (so the m ar ker signals remain accessible). In the {RESOLUT IO N: x ,y} tag, the tr ace
contains the generation resolution (14 bits) as well as the output resolution (12 bits). When this trace is
loaded into the output RAM of the AMIQ, it is automatically quantized to 12 bits. Still it is possible to
increase the output resolution of the trace to a maximum of 14 bits later without calculating the trace
again.

Each trace generated by WinIQSIN ver sion 3.10 or higher has a resolution of 14 or 16 bits. From this
version up each trace contains the new {RESOLUTION: x,y} tag with

• 'x' = generation resolution (bit width of trace generated by WinIQSIM) and

• 'y' = output resolution (bit width of trace output by AMIQ).

Traces with a generation resolution of 14 bits allow the use of mark ers without any restriction. However
no markers are available with traces of 16-bit generation resolution because data bits d0 and d1
represent the least significant bits of the I/Q values.

When m arker s are active and a trace with a generation res olution of 16 bits is loaded, the mar kers are
switched off and mark er commands are r ejected. Decreasing the output resolution with the command
OUTPut:RESolution 8...16 does not allow the use of markers since the reduction of the r esolution
is achieved mathematically with a rounding logarithm by setting data bits d0 and d1 to 0 which m eans
that there can be no valid markers. Although loading marker list is theoretically possible after the
reduction of the output resolution to ≤ 14 bits, no use was made of this for the sake of clarity of operation
– the decisive factor for the execution of marker commands is solely the resolution of generation.

A generation resolution of 16 bits has no relevance f or the I/Q outputs; in analog operation same as
before d2 ... d15 go to the 14-bit converter. T he higher resolution can be fully exploited only together
with the digital I/Q option (AMIQ-B3) and permits a 12-dB higher resolution than at the analog output.

The output resolution of a trace can subsequently be modified with the IEEE 488 command
OUTPut:RESolution 8...16 and must always be ≤ the generation resolution.

The command OUTPut:RESolution 8...16 can be used independently of the digital I/Q output
option (AMIQ-B3) and can be quite useful to reduce the output resolution of the analog outputs to
observe the DUT's response.

1110.3339.12 4.21 E-6

Digital I/Q Output Option AMIQ-B3 AMIQ

Reducing the output resolution has the effect of setting unused bits to 0 and rounding the value. The
value is always output MSB-justified at the digital I/Q output and at the 14-bit D/A converter.

To synchronize the digital data output via the digital I/Q output option (AMIQ-B3) with a system clock,
AMIQ is to be driven with an external clock. To do this, the clock connector on the rear of the AMIQ
basic unit is to be set from output to input in the WinIQSIM program (see section "External Clock " on
page 4.26, "Operation").

To be able to work with a bit clock greater than 25 MHz to 30 MHz, it is r ecom mended to plug the DUT
directly to the 68-pin connector or, if possible, to use short connecting cables to avoid interfering
reflections. In such cases, data and clock lines should be terminated with resistances of 120 Ω to 150 Ω.

Operation of Digital I/Q Output Option (AMIQ-B3) using WinIQSIM

Modulation Generator AMIQ is operated via the WinIQSIM program (versions required:
WinIQSIM = 3.10).

The analog and digital outputs can be activated independently from one another. The AMIQ can be s et
in the following way:

• Click the REM button in the top bar or open the menu item ”AMIQ” and ”Remote Control and

BERT...”. The AMIQ operator window now appears.

• The digital I/Q output can be activated or deactivated following the selection of the ”Hardware-

Setting” submenu under "Digital Output".

1110.3339.12 4.22 E-6

AMIQ Digital I/Q Output Option AMIQ-B3

Pin Allocation of Digital I/Q Outputs

Pin 35

Pin 1

Digital Output

Pin 68

Pin 34

Fig. 4-5 Pin allocation of digital I/Q outputs
The output pins of the option has the following features:

Pin 66: the wiring of this pin (PWR_SENSE) enables or disables the outputs:

Low (<0.8 V) = outputs disabled, of high impedance
High (>2.4 V) = outputs enabled

Pin 67: a supply voltage (+3.3 V or +5 V) is provided for an external circuit. The magnitude of

V

depends on the wiring at Pin 68.

CC

Pin 68: the wiring of this pin determines the supply voltage level at pin 67.

Low (<0.8 V) = +5 V
High (>2.4 V) = +3.3 V
The high level of data, marker and clock signals adapts to the selected supply voltage level.

Further allocation of pins:

Pins 1 to 16: data I0 to I15 (I0 ≡ marker 1, I1 ≡ marker 2)
Pins 17 to 32: data Q0 to Q15 (Q0 ≡ marker 3, Q1 ≡ marker 4)
Pin 33: bit clock
Pin 34: inverted bit clock
Pins 35 to 65: ground

Brief Specifications

Table 4-1 Specifications of option AMIQ-B3

Output
Number of channels
Resolution
Max. clock frequency

Output impedance
Data output level
V

level

CC

Clock output

1110.3339.12 4.23 E-6

68-contact connector (mini D-sub, half pitch)
2 (one each for I and Q)
8 to 16 bits (selectable), no marker output for wordwidth 15 or 16
100 MHz (at clock frequencies greater than 40 MHz, the 20 to 25 ns AMIQ delay between

the input clock and the out put data must be taken into account)
Approx. 30 to 50 Ω
+3.3 or +4.0 V to +4.5 V (LVT or ABT high level)
+3.3 V or +5 V/0.3 A (selectable)
Normal and inverted polarity

Digital I/Q Output Option AMIQ-B3 AMIQ

Technical Details

Data bus

d15 ... d0
d15 ... d2

14-bit D/A converter

Analog I/Q output

d0d1d2d15

Marker outputs

Digital I/Q output

Channel I: d0 ≡ marker 1, d1 ≡ marker 2
Channel Q: d0 ≡ marker 3, d1 ≡ marker 4

Fig. 4-6 Technical implementation of digital I/Q outputs

1110.3339.12 4.24 E-6

AMIQ Digital I/Q Output Option AMIQ-B3

IEEE 488 Commands

The following IEEE 488 commands apply to option AMIQ-B3:

Table 4-2 IEEE 488 commands for option AMIQ-B3

Section (see chapter 6) IEEE 488 commands

OUTPut – hardware settings

Common commands

SYSTEM – different setti ngs
DIAGnostic – hardware diagnosis
Marker management
Trace file format Tag {RESOLUTION: x,y}

OUTPut:DIGital ON|OFF
OUTPut:RESolution 8 ... 16
OUTPut:MARKer<n> ON|OFF
OUTPut:MARKer<n>:DELay <samples>

*IDN?
*OPT?

SYSTem:OPTion?
DIAG:ABO:ID?
MARKer<n>[:LIST] <marker list>

1110.3339.12 4.25 E-6

External Clock AMIQ

Si

z

External Clock

Brief Description

AMIQ 03 and 04 can be fed with an external clock at the rear-panel connector CLK. The AMIQ can thus
be operated synchronously by means of an external clock. Using an ex ternal clock together with option
AMIQ-B3 (digital I/Q output) enables the following operating modes, for example:

Integrating an AMIQ into a system with system clock

Data

DUT

D

System clock

Fig. 4-7 Integration of the AMIQ into a system with system clock

Advantage

Disadvant
age

AMIQ

clock frequencies of up to 100 MHz, clock and data synchronous with external clock
clock may become noise through coupling in AMIQ

AMIQ B3

Internal
AMIQ clock

Feeding a DUT (eg D/A converter) with a spectrally clean external clock whilst
retaining clock/data synchronization

gnal delay 20 to 25 ns

Data

DUT

A

D

AMIQ

AMIQ B3

AMIQ clock
unused

A

System clock

System clock

Fig. 4-8 Feeding a DUT with a spectrally pure external clock

Advantage

Disadvantage

1110.3339.12 4.26 E-6

clean clock for DUT
clock frequencies of only up to 40 MHz possible

clock frequencies of 40 to 100 MHz require delay equalization of the clock line to the
DUT

Delay equalization required from 40 MH

AMIQ External Clock

Operation

Modulation Generator AMIQ is operated via the WinIQSIM program (versions required:
WinIQSIM = 3.01BETA, AMIQ-FW = 3.0BETA).

• Click the REM button in the top bar or open menu item ”AMIQ” and ”Remote Control and BERT ...”.

The AMIQ operator window now appears.

• The "Clock Mode" can be selected under "Source, Trigger ...

”Hardware Setting” submenu.

" following the selection of the

IEC/IEEE-bus command

For IEC/IEEE-bus command and frequency ranges see chapter 6: SCLock INTernal|EXTSlow|EXTFast.

1110.3339.12 4.27 E-6

Multisegment Waveform AMIQ

Multisegment Waveform

Application and structure

In particular when the AMIQ is used in automatic test equipment ( ATE), the components to be tested
must be operated by a wide variety of test signals. To minim ize the test time, the change between the
individual test signals must be as rapid as possible. Loading the new signals from the AMIQ hard dis k
should be avoided, if possible. The multisegment waveform (MWV)), which is implemented in the
AMIQ as of firmware version 4.00, meets this requirement.
Superficially, an MWV is similar to a standard waveform in the AMIQ. Its max imum length depends on
the AMIQ model (4 Msamples with AMIQ03, 16 Msamples with AMIQ04). What makes the MWV special
is the fact that it can consist of up to 30 partial traces, the segments.

Each segment can be consider ed an independent waveform (with its own m ark er ass ignm ent and clock
rate). The complete wavef orm is loaded into the output RAM of the AMIQ, where a segment can be
selected and output. It is possible to change between the segments ( partial signals) without reloading
the output RAM by simply specifying a new segment index. A rapid change between the partial signals,
and, consequently, an acceleration of the test procedure is thus possible.
The structue of the AMIQ output RAM requires the multisegment waveforms to comply with the following
conditions :

• Maximally 30 segments.

• The minimum length of each segment must be 128 ksamples (= 131.072 samples).

• The segment length in samples must be a multiple of 4.

• For a fast segment change, it is r ecomm ended that all segm ents be gener ated with the same c lock

rate. The clock rate can easily be changed in each new segment.

Note: Use the WinIQSIM operator program as of version 3.80 for easy generation of a

multisegment waveform from various partial traces.

The AMIQ ensures com pliance with these conditions. The user only needs to specif y which standard
waveforms in the AMIQ he or she would like to combine to f orm a multis egment waveform. T he AMIQ
automatically meets the conditions placed on length by repeating the basic waveform of a segment.
Once a multiwaveform has been generated, it can be loaded and output like any other waveform.

1110.3339.12 4.28 E-6

AMIQ Multisegment Waveform

g

Partial trace 1

MMEMory:MWV:FIRStsegment <Partial trace>,<MWV>,<Comment>

MMEMory:MWV:APPend <Partial trace >,<M WV>, <Comment>

MMEMory:LOAD RAM, <MWV>

Partial trace 2

Resulting MWV in output RAM

Partial trace 3

Automatic
repetition
of partial trace

Segment 1

Segment 2

ARM
TRIG

Segment 3

Output signal

er:MWVSegment 3

Fig. 4-9 Generation of an MWV from partial traces

IEC/IEEE bus commands

For a detailed description of the IEC/IEEE bus commands, refer to chapter 6.

• Generating an MWV

MMEMory:MWV:FIRStsegment 'Source waveform file to start','Destination
multi segment waveform file','Comment'

MMEMory:MWV:APPend 'Source waveform file to append','Destination multi
segment waveform file','Comment'

• Deleting segments of a multisegment waveform

MMEMory:MWV:DELete 'Multi Segment Waveform file',<Segment to delete>.

• Output of multisegment waveform segments

MMEMory:LOAD RAM 'Multi Segment Waveform file'
ARM und TRIG
TRIGger:MWVS <Segment Index>

• Restrictions during the MWV output

The following minor restrictions apply during an MWV output:

• The GATED trigger operating mode (TRIGger:MODe GATed) is not available.

• Marker lists (OUT Put:MARKer<1..4>:LIST '0-100:1;200-400:0') cannot be subsequently taken into

account.

• Shifting the marker signals (OUTPut:MARKer<1..4>:DELete <shift in samples>) is not possible.

• The output resolution (OUTPut:RESolution <resolution in bit>) of the I/Q signal cannot be

subsequently modified.

• The clock frequency (SOURce:CLOck <clockfrequenz>) cannot be subsequently modified.

These restrictions are referred to in chapter 6, in the commands concerned.

1110.3339.12 4.29 E-6

AMIQ Short Introduction

5 Remote Control - Basics

The instrument is equipped with an IEC bus inter face according to standard IEC 625.1/IEEE 488.1 and
a RS-232 interface. The connectors are located at the rear of the instrument and per mit to connect a
controller for remote control. T he instrument supports the SCPI version 1996.0 (Standard C
for Programm able Instruments) . The SCPI standard is based on standard IEEE 488.2 and aims at the
standardization of device-specific commands, error handling and the status registers ( s ee sec tion "SCPI
Introduction").

This section assum es basic knowledge of IEC bus programming and operation of the controller. A de­scription of the interface commands can be obtained from the relevant manuals.

The requirements of the SCPI standard placed on comm and syntax, error handling and conf iguration of
the status registers are explained in detail in the r espective sections. T ables provide a f ast overview of
the commands im plemented in the instrument and the bit assignment in the s tatus registers . T he tables
are supplemented by a comprehensive desc ription of every comm and and the s tatus register s. Detailed
programming ex amples of the essential f unctions can be f ound in chapter 7, "Progr amm ing Exam ples".
The examples for IEC bus programming are all written in QuickBASIC.

Note: In contr ast to instruments with manual contr ol, which are designed for maximum possible oper-

ating convenience, the priority of remote control is the "predictability" of the dev ice status. This
means that when incompatible settings are attempted, the command is ignored and the device
status remains unchanged, i.e. other settings are not automatically adapted. Therefore,
IEC/IEEE-bus control programs should always define an initial device status (e.g. with the
command *RST) and then implement the required settings.

ommands

Short Introduction

Chapter 2, "Getting Started", outlines a short introduction to rem ote control of the AMIQ. The chapter
also describes how the transfer par ameters for RS-232 and the IEC bus can be set without using re­mote control commands.

Messages

The messages transferred via the data lines of the IEC bus and the serial interface (see section
"Hardware Interfaces" in this chapter) can be divided into two groups:

- interface messages

- device messages

1110.3339.12 5.1 E-5

Messages AMIQ

Interface Messages

Interface mess ages are transferred on the data lines of the IEC bus, the ATN control line being active.
They are used for comm unication between controller and instrument and can only be sent by a com­puter which has the function of an IEC bus controller.

Interface commands can be further subdivided into

- universal commands

- addressed commands

Universal commands act on all devices connected to the IEC bus without previous addressing, ad­dressed commands only act on devices previously addressed as listeners. The interface messages
relevant to the instrument are listed in section "Hardware Interfaces" in this chapter, subsection
"Interface Messages".

There are no interface message for the RS- 232 interface. Only the "Device Clear" is emulated by the
BREAK-signal of the serial interface ( see section "Interface functions" on page 5.25). Other interface
messages are replaced by device messages (e.g. "*GTL").

Device Messages (Commands and Device Responses)

Device messages are transferr ed via the data lines of the IEC bus (the "AT N" control line not being ac­tive) or via the serial interface. The ASCII code is used. T he device messages are largely identical for
the two interfaces. A distinction is m ade accor ding to the direction in which device m ess ages are trans­ferred:

– Commands are messages the controller sends to the instrument. They operate the device

functions and request inform ation. The commands are subdivided according to
two criteria:

1. According to the effect they have on the instrument:
Setting commands cause instrument settings such as reset of the instru-

ment or setting the output level to 1 Volt.

Queries cause data to be provided for output on the IEC bus,

e.g. for identification of the device.

2. According to their definition in standard IEEE 488.2:
Common commands are exactly defined as to their function and notation in

standard IEEE 488.2. They refer to f unctions such as
management of the s tandardized status registers, re­set and selftest.

Device-spec. commands refer to functions depending on the features of the

instrument such as frequency setting. A majority of
these commands has also been standardized by the
SCPI committee (cf. section "SCPI Introduction").

– Device responses

Structure and syntax of the device mess ages are described below. The comm ands are listed and ex­plained in detail in chapter 6.

1110.3339.12 5.2 E-5

are messages the instrument sends to the controller after a query. They can
contain measurement results, instrument settings and information on the in­strument status (cf. section "Responses to Queries").

AMIQ Structure and Syntax of the Device Messages

Structure and Syntax of the Device Messages

SCPI Introduction

SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) describes a standard command set for
programming instrum ents, irrespective of the type of instrument or manuf acturer. The goal of the SCPI
consortium is to standar dize the device-specific com mands to a large extent. For this purpose, a m odel
was developed which defines the same functions inside a device or for different devices. Command
systems were generated which are assigned to these func tions. T hus it is possible to addres s the sam e
functions with identical commands. The com m and systems are of a hierarchical s tructure. F ig. 5-1 illus­trates this tree structure us ing a section of comm and system SYSTem, which allows to define various
device settings. Most of the other examples concerning syntax and structure of the commands are
taken from this command system.

SCPI is based on standard IEEE 488.2, i.e. it uses the sam e syntactic basic elements as well as the
common com m ands defined in this standard. Part of the syntax of the device responses is defined with
greater restrictions than in standard IEEE 488.2 (see section "Responses to Queries").

Structure of a Command

The comm ands c onsist of a so-c alled header and, in m ost c ases , one or m ore parameters. Header and
parameter are separated by a "white space" (ASCII code 0 to 9, 11 to 32 decimal, e.g. blank). The
headers may consist of several key words. Queries ar e f or med by directly appending a question mark to
the header.

Note: The c ommands used in the following examples may not in every case be implemented in the

instrument.

Common Commands

Common (=device-independent) commands consist of a header preceded by an
asterisk "*" and eventually one or several parameters.

Examples

*RST
*ESE 253

*ESR?

Device-specific commands
Hierarchy

Device-specific com m ands ar e of hierar chic al struc ture (s ee Fig. 5-1). T he dif fer ent
levels are represented by combined headers. Headers of the highest level (root
level) have only one key word. This key word denotes a complete com mand sys­tem.

:

RESET, resets the instrument.
EVENT STATUS ENABLE, sets the bits of the event status enable

registers.
EVENT STATUS QUERY, queries the contents of the event status

register.

1110.3339.12 5.3 E-5

Structure and Syntax of the Device Messages AMIQ

Example:

:SYSTem This key word denotes the command system :SYSTem.
For commands of lower levels, the complete path has to be specified, starting on

the left with the highest level, the individual key words being separated by a colon
":".

Example:

:SYSTem:BEEPer:STATe ON

This comm and is located on the third level of the SYSTem system. It switches on
the beeper (acoustic signal).

SYSTem

Optional key
words

...

COMMunicate

GPIB SERial

ADDRess

Fig. 5-1 Example for the tree structure of the SCPI command systems:

Some key words occur on several levels within one com mand system. T heir effect
depends on the structure of the command, i. e. on the position in the command
header they are inserted in.

Example: :MMEMory:DATA:LENGth?

This command contains the key word LENGth? in the third command level. The
command returns the number of waveform files in the current directory.

This comm and contains the key word LENGth? in the third comm and level. It re­turns the number of waveform directories below the virtual root directory.

Some comm and s ystems permit certain key words to be optionally inserted into the
command header or omitted. These key words are mark ed by square brackets in
this manual. The full command length must be recognized by the instrument for
reasons of com patibility with the SCPI standard. Some c ommands are considerably
shortened by omitting optional key words.

BAUD

The SYSTem system

:MMEMory:DCATalog:LENGth?

BEEPER STATe

CATalog

LENGth?

DELete

...

Example: :MARKer<n>[:LIST] <marker_list>

This command transfers a list of mark er s to the AMIQ. The following command has
the same effect:

:MARK<n> <marker_list>

Note: An optional key word must not be omitted if its effect is specified

more precisely by a numeric suffix.

1110.3339.12 5.4 E-5

AMIQ Structure and Syntax of the Device Messages

Long and
short form

Parameters

Numeric suffix

The key words feature a long form and a short form. Either the short form or the
long form can be entered, other abbreviations are not permissible.

Example:

Note:

Parameters m ust be separated from the header by a "white s pace". If several pa­rameters are spec ified in a command, they are separated by a com ma ",". A few
queries permit the parameters MINimum, MAXimum and DEFault. For a description
of the types of parameter, refer to section, "Parameters".

Example:

This comm and defines the clock rate (frequency) f or reading samples from the
output memory in various modes.

If a device features several f unctions or featur es of the sam e k ind, e.g. outputs, the
desired function can be selected by a suffix added to the com m and. Entries without
suffix are interpreted like entries with the suffix 1.

Example:

This command activates marker output no. 2.

:STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle 1
:STAT:QUES:ENAB 1

The short form is marked by upper-case letters, the long for m cor­responds to the complete word. Upper-case and lower -case nota­tion only serves to distinguish the two forms in the manual, the
instrument itself does not distinguish upper-case and lower-case
letters.

[:SOURce]:CLOCk frequency[,mode]

:OUTPut:MARKer<2> ON

Structure of a Command Line

A command line m ay consist of one or several comm ands. It is term inated by a <New Line>, a <New
Line> with EOI or an EOI together with the last data byte. Quick BASIC automatically produces an EOI
together with the last data byte.

Several commands in a comm and line mus t be separated by a sem icolon ";". If the nex t com mand be­longs to a different command system, the semicolon is followed by a colon.

Example: CALL IECOUT("MMEM:LOAD RAM,’SINE’;:OUTP:I FIX")

This comm and line contains two commands. The fir st command belongs to the MMEMory
system and loads the SINE.WV waveform . The second com mand belongs to the OUTPut
system and sets the I channel to FIX (V

If the successive com mands belong to the sam e system, having one or several levels in common, the
command line can be abbr eviated. T o this end, the s ec ond command after the semicolon s tarts with the
level that lies below the common levels (see also Fig. 5-1). T he colon following the sem icolon m ust be
omitted in this case.

Example: CALL IECOUT("MMEM:MSIS ’C:’;:MMEM:LOAD RAM,’SINE’")

This comm and line, which is shown in its f ull length, contains two com m ands separated by
a semicolon and a colon. Both comm ands belong to the MMEMory s ystem, i.e. they have a
level in common, so the command line can be abbreviated.
In the abbreviated form, the second command starts at the level below MMEM:, i.e. with
LOAD. The colon after the semicolon is omitted.
The abbreviated command line reads as follows:

= 1 V into 50 Ω).

pp

1110.3339.12 5.5 E-5

Structure and Syntax of the Device Messages AMIQ

CALL IECOUT("MMEM:MSIS ’C:’;LOAD RAM,’SINE’")

Each new command line must start with the complete path, however.

Example: CALL IECOUT("MMEM:MSIS ’C:’")

CALL IECOUT("MMEM:LOAD RAM, ’SINE")

Responses to Queries

A query is defined for each setting com mand unless explicitly specified otherwise. It is formed by adding
a question mark to the associated setting c ommand. According to SCPI, the res ponses to queries are
partly subject to stricter rules than in standard IEEE 488.2.

1. The requested parameter is transmitted without header.
Example: :OUTPut:I[:STATe]? Response: OFF

2. Maximum values , minimum values and all further quantities, which are requested via a special text
parameter are returned as numerical values.(not used in AMIQ)

3. Numerical values are output without a unit. Physical quantities are referred to the basic units or to the
units set using the Unit command.

Example: :OUTPut:I:AMPlitude? Response: 1 for 1 V

4. Boolean values are returned as 0 (for OFF) and 1 (for ON).

Example: :SYSTem:BEEPer:STATe? Response: 1

5. Text (character data) is returned in short form (see also section "Parameters").

Example: OUTPut:FILTer?

Response: EXT

Parameters

Most commands require a parameter to be specified. The parameters must be separated from the
header by a "white space". Permissible parameters are numerical values, Boolean parameters, text,
character strings and block data. The type of parameter required for the r espective command and the
permissible range of values are specified in the command description.

Numerical values Numerical values can be entered in any form, i.e. with sign, decimal point and

exponent. Values exceeding the resolution of the instrument are rounded up or
down. The mantissa m ay compr ise up to 255 c har acter s , the exponent must lie
inside the value range -32000 to 32000. The exponent is introduced by an "E"
or "e". Entry of the exponent alone is not permissible. In the cas e of physical
quantities, the unit can be entered. Permiss ible unit prefixes are G (giga), MA
(mega), MOHM and MHZ are also permissible), K (kilo), M (milli), U (micro)
and N (nano). It the unit is missing, the basic unit is used.

Example: :OUTPut:I:AMPlitude 0.01 V is equivalent to

:OUTPut:I:AMPlitude 1E-4

1110.3339.12 5.6 E-5

AMIQ Structure and Syntax of the Device Messages

Special numerical The texts MINimum, MAXimum, DEFault, UP and DOWN are interpreted as
values special numerical values (not used in the AMIQ).

In the case of a query, the associated numerical value is provided.

Example: Setting command: :SENSE2:POWer:REFerence MAXimum

Query: :SENSE2:POWer:REFerence?

Response: 100MW

MIN/MAX MINimum and MAXimum denote the minimum and maximum value.

DEF DEFault denotes a preset value. This value conforms to the default setting, as

it is called by the *RST command.

UP/DOWN UP, DOW N increases or reduces the numerical value by one step. The step

width can be specified via an allocated step com mand (see chapter 6, "List of
Commands") for each parameter which can be set via UP, DOWN.

INF/NINF INFinity, Negative INFinity (NINF) represent the numerical values -9.9E37 or

9.9E37, respectively. INF and NINF are only sent as device responses.

NAN Not a Number (NAN) represents the value 9.91E37. NAN is only sent as device

response. This value is not defined. Possible causes are division of zero by
zero, subtraction of infinite from infinite and the representation of missing val­ues.

Boolean Parameters Boolean param eters represent two states. T he ON state (logically true) is rep-

resented by ON or a numerical value unequal to 0. The OFF state (logically
untrue) is represented by OFF or the numerical value 0. 0 or 1 is provided in a
query.

Example: Setting command: :OUTPut:CLOCk ON

Query: :OUTPut:CLOCk?

Response: 1

Text Text parameters observe the s yntactic rules for key words, i.e. they can be en-

tered using a short or long form. Like any parameter , they have to be separated
from the header by a white space. In the case of a query, the short form of the
text is provided.

Example:

Strings Strings must always be entered within quotation marks (’ or ").

Example: :MMEMory:DELete "winiqsim\foobar"

Setting command: :OUTPut:FILTer EXTernal

Query: :OUTPut:FILTer? Response: EXT

or

:MMEMory:DELete ’winiqsim\foobar’

1110.3339.12 5.7 E-5

Structure and Syntax of the Device Messages AMIQ

Block data Block data is a transmission format which is suitable for the transmission of

large amounts of data. A command us ing a block data parameter has the fol­lowing structure:

Example: :HEADer:HEADer #45168xxxxxxxx

The double dagger (ASCII character #) introduces the data block. The next
number indicates how many of the following digits describe the length of the
data block. In the example the 4 following digits indicate the length to be 5168
bytes. The data bytes follow. During the transmission of these data bytes all de­limiters or other control characters are ignored until all bytes are transmitted.

Overview of Syntax Elements

The following survey offers an overview of the syntax elements.

The colon separates the key words of a command.

:

In a command line the separating semicolon marks the uppermost
command level.

The semicolon separates two commands of a command line.

;

It does not alter the path.
The comma separates several parameters of a command.

,

The question mark forms a query.

?

The asterisk marks a comm o n co m mand.

*

Quotation marks introduce a string and terminate it.

"

#

The double dagger (ASCI character #) introduces block data.
A "white space" (ASCII-Code 0 to 9, 11 to 32 decimal, e.g. blank) separates

header and parameter.

1110.3339.12 5.8 E-5

AMIQ Instrument Model and Command Processing

Instrument Model and Command Processing

The instrument model shown in Fig. 5-2 has been m ade viewed from the s tandpoint of the servicing of
IEC bus commands. The individual com ponents work independently of each other and simultaneous ly.
They communicate by means of so-called "messages".

IEC bus

IEC bus

Input unit with

input buffer

Command

recognition

Data set

Instrument

hardware

Output unit with

output buffer

Status reporting

system

Fig. 5-2 Instrument model in the case of remote control by means of the IEC bus

Input Unit

The input unit receives com mands character by character from the IEC bus and collects them in the
input buffer. The input unit sends a mess age to the com mand rec ognition as soon as the input buf fer is
full or as soon as it receives a delimiter, <PROGRAM MESSAGE T ERMINATOR>, as defined in IEEE

488.2, or the interface message DCL.

If the input buffer is full, the IEC bus traf fic is stopped and the data received up to then ar e processed.
Subsequently the IEC bus traffic is continued. If, however, the buff er is not yet full when receiving the
delimiter, the input unit can already receive the next command during com m and recognition and ex ecu­tion. The receipt of a DCL clears the input buf fer and imm ediately initiates a m essage to the comm and
recognition.

1110.3339.12 5.9 E-5

Instrument Model and Command Processing AMIQ

Command Recognition

The comm and recognition analyses the data received from the input unit. It proceeds in the order in
which it receives the data. Only a DCL is serviced with priority, a GET (Group Execute T rigger), e.g., is
only executed after the commands received before. Each recognized command is immediately trans­mitted to the data set but not executed immediately.

Syntactical errors in the comm and are recognized here and transferred to the status repor ting system.
The rest of a command line after a syntax error is analyzed further as far as possible and serviced.

If the command recognition rec ognizes a delimiter or a DCL, it requests the data set to set the com­mands in the instrument hardware as well. Subsequently it is imm ediately prepared to process com­mands again. This m eans for the comm and servicing that further com mands can already be servic ed
while the hardware is still being set ("overlapping execution").

Data Set and Instrument Hardware

The expression "instrument hardware" denotes the part of the inst rument fulfilling the ac tual instrument
function - signal generation, measurement etc. The controller is not included.

The data set is a detailed software reproduction of the instrument hardware.
IEC bus setting commands lead to an alteration in the data set. The data set managem ent enters the

new values (e.g. frequency) into the data set, however, only passes them on to the hardware when re­quested by the command recognition. As this is always only effected at the end of a command line, the
order of the setting commands in the command line is not relevant.

The data are only checked for their com patibility among each other and with the instrum ent hardware
immediately before they are transmitted to the instr ument hardware. If the detection is made that ex ec u­tion is not possible, an "execution error" is s ignaled to the status reporting s ystem. All alterations of the
data set are canceled, the instrument hardware is not reset. Due to the delayed checking and hardware
setting, however, impermissible instrum ent states can be set for a short per iod of time within one com ­mand line without this leading to an error message (example: simultaneous activation of FM and PM). At
the end of the command line, however, a permissible instrument state must have been reached again.

Before passing on the data to the hardware, the settling bit in the STAT us:O PERation register is set ( cf .
section STATus:O PERation Register). The hardware executes the s ettings and resets the bit again as
soon as the new state has settled. This fact can be used to synchronize command servicing.

IEC bus queries induce the data set management to send the desired data to the output unit.

Status Reporting System

The status reporting system c ollects information on the instrum ent state and makes it available to the
output unit on request. The exact structure and function are described in section "Status Reporting
System" below.

1110.3339.12 5.10 E-5

AMIQ Instrument Model and Command Processing

Output Unit

The output unit collects the inform ation requested by the controller, which it receives fr om the data set
management. It processes it according to the SCPI rules and mak es it available in the output buffer. If
the information requested is longer, it is made available "in portions" without this being recognized by the
controller.

If the instrument is address ed as a talk er without the output buff er containing data or awaiting data from
the data set management, the output unit sends error m essage "Quer y UNTERMINATED" to the status
reporting system. No data are sent on the IEC bus, the c ontroller waits until it has reac hed its tim e lim it.
This behavior is specified by SCPI.

Command Sequence and Command Synchronization

What was s aid above mak es clear that overlapping execution is possible in principle f or all com mands.
Equally, setting commands within one command line are not absolutely serviced in the order in which
they have been received.

In order to make sure that commands ar e actually carried out in a certain order, each comm and must
be sent in a separate command line, that is to say, with a separate IBWRT()-call.

In order to prevent an overlapping execution of comm ands, one of commands *OPC, *OPC? or *WAI
must be used. All three commands cause a cer tain action only to be carried out after the hardware has
been set and has settled. By a suitable programming, the controller c an be f orc ed to wait f or the r espec ­tive action to occur (cf. Table 5-1).

Table 5-1 Synchronization with *OPC, *OPC? and *WA I

Com­mand

*OPC Setting the operation-complete bit in the ESR - Setting bit 0 in the ESE

*OPC? Writing a "1" into the output buffer Address ing the instrument as a talker

*WAI Executing the next command

Action after the hardware has settled Programmi ng the controller

- Setting bit 5 in the SRE

- Waiting for service request (SRQ)

Sending the next command

Note: The IEC bus handshake is not stopped

An example for command synchronization can be found in chapter 7, "Programming Examples".

1110.3339.12 5.11 E-5

Status Reporting System AMIQ

Status Reporting System

The status reporting system (cf.Fig. 5-4) stores all information on the present operating s tate of the in­strument, e.g. that the instrum ent presently carries out an AUTORANG E and on errors which have oc­curred. This infor mation is stored in the status registers and in the err or queue. The status registers and
the error queue can be queried via IEC bus.

The information is of a hierarchic al structure. T he register status byte (STB) defined in IEEE 488.2 and
its associated mask regist er service r equest enable (SRE) for m the upper mos t level. The STB receives
its information f rom the standard event status register ( ESR) which is also defined in IEEE 488.2 with
the associated mask register standard event s tatus enable ( ESE) and r egister s ST ATus:OPERation and
STATus:QUEStionable which are defined by SCPI and contain detailed information on the instrument.

The IST flag ("Individual ST

atus") and the parallel poll enable register (PPE) alloc ated to it are also part
of the status reporting system. T he IST flag, like the SRQ, com bines the entire instrument status in a
single bit. The PPE fulfills an analog function for the IST flag as the SRE for the service request.

The output buffer contains the messages the instrum ent returns to the controller. It is not part of the
status reporting system but determines the value of the MAV bit in the STB and thus is represented in
Fig. 5-4.

Structure of an SCPI Status Register

Each SCPI register consists of 5 parts which each have a width of 16 bits and have different func tions
(cf. Fig. 5-3). The individual bits are independent of each other, i.e. each hardware status is assigned a
bit number which is valid for all f ive parts. For example, bit 3 of the STATus:OPERation register is as­signed to the hardware status "wait for trigger" in all five parts. Bit 15 (the most significant bit) is set to
zero for all parts. Thus the contents of the register parts can be process ed by the controller as positive
integer.

15 14 13 12 CONDition part 3 2 1 0

15 14 13 12 PTRansition part 3 2 1 0

15 14 13 12 NTRansition part 3 2 1 0

15 14 13 12 EVENt part 3 2 1 0

to high e r-o rder registe r

& & & & & & & & & & & & & & & &

15 14 13 12 ENABle part 3 2 1 0

Sum bit

+

& = logi cal AND

= lo g ical OR

+

of all bits

Fig. 5-3 The status register model

1110.3339.12 5.12 E-5

AMIQ Status Reporting System

CONDition part The CONDition part is directly written into by the hardware or the sum bit of

the next lower register. Its contents reflects the current ins trum ent status . T his
register part can only be read, but not written into or cleared. Its contents is
not affected by reading.

PTRansition part The Positive-TR

CONDition part is changed from 0 to 1, the associated PTR bit decides
whether the EVENt bit is set to 1.
PTR bit =1: the EVENt bit is set.
PTR bit =0: the EVENt bit is not set.
This part can be written into and read at will. Its contents is not af fected by
reading.

NTRansition part The Negative-TR

CONDition part is changed from 1 to 0, the associated NTR bit decides
whether the EVENt bit is set to 1.
NTR bit =1: the EVENt bit is set.
NTR bit =0: the EVENt bit is not set.
This part can be written into and read at will. Its contents is not af fected by
reading.

With these two edge register parts the user can define which state transition of
the condition part (none, 0 to 1, 1 to 0 or both) is stored in the EVENt part.

EVENt part The EVENt part indicates whether an event has occurred since the las t read-

ing, it is the "memory" of the condition part. It only indicates events pas sed on
by the edge filters. It is permanently updated by the instrument. This part can
only be read by the user. Upon reading, its contents is set to zero. In colloquial
language, this part is often equated with the entire register.

ENABle part The ENABle part determines whether the ass ociated EVENt bit contributes to

the sum bit (cf. below). Each bit of the EVENt part is ANDed with the associ­ated ENABle bit (symbol ’&’). The results of all logical operations of this part
are passed on to the sum bit via an OR function (symbol ’+’).
ENAB bit =0: the associated EVENt bit does not contribute to the sum bit
ENAB bit =1: if the associated EVENT bit is "1", the sum bit is set to "1" as

This part can be written into and read by the user at will. Its contents is not
affected by reading.

ansition part acts as an edge detector. When a bit of the

ansition part also acts as an edge detector. When a bit of the

well.

Sum bit As indicated above, the sum bit is obtained from the EVENt and ENABle par t

for each register. The result is then enter ed into a bit of the CONDition part of
the higher-order register.
The instrument autom atic ally generates the sum bit f or each register . T hus an
event, e.g. a PLL that has not locked, can lead to a service request throughout
all levels of the hierarchy.

Note: The service request enable register SRE defined in IEEE 488.2 can be taken

as ENABle part of the STB if the STB is structured according to SCPI. By
analogy, the ESE can be taken as the ENABle part of the ESR.

1110.3339.12 5.13 E-5

Status Reporting System AMIQ

Overview of Status Registers

7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

SRE

PPE

7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

SRQ

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

STB

OPER
RQS/MSS
ESB

MAV

ERRQ

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

STATus:OPERation register

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

-&-

ESE ESR

STATus:EVENt register

Alwais 0

15
14

Not used
Not used

13
12

Not used

11

Not used

10

Not used

9

SELFtest

8

Not used

7

Not used

Not used

6
5

Waiting for trigger

4

Not used

3

Not used

2

Not used

1

SETTling

0

CALibrating

7

Power on
Not used

6
5

Command error

4

Execution error

3

Device dependent error

2

Query error

1

Not used

0

Operation complete

Responses

to queries

Error

messages

Message AVailable

IST flag

(response to parallel poll)

& = logical AND

= logical OR
of all bits

Fig. 5-4 The Status registers

1110.3339.12 5.14 E-5

Error queue

AMIQ Status Reporting System

Description of the Status Registers

Status Byte (STB) and Service Request Enable Register (SRE)

The STB is already defined in IEEE 488.2. It provides a rough overview of the instrument status by col­lecting the pieces of inform ation of the lower registers . It can thus be com pared with the CONDition part
of an SCPI register and assumes the highest level within the SCPI hierarchy. A special feature is that bit
6 acts as the sum bit of the remaining bits of the status byte.

The STATUS BYTE is read out using the command "*STB?" or a serial poll.
The STB is linked to the SRE. The latter corresponds to the ENABle part of the SCPI regist ers in its

function. Each bit of the STB is assigned a bit in the SRE. Bit 6 of the SRE is ignored. If a bit is set in the
SRE and the associated bit in the STB changes f rom 0 to 1, a Service Request (SRQ) is generated on
the IEC bus, which triggers an interrupt in the controller if this is appropriately configured and can be
further processed there.
The SRE can be set using command "*SRE" and read using "*SRE?".

Table 5-2 Meaning of the bits used in the status byte

Bit no. Meaning

2

3 vacant

4

5

6

7

Error Queue not empty

The bit is set when an entry is m ade i n the error queue.
If this bit is enabl ed by the SRE, each entry of the error queue generates a Service Request. Thus an error can
be recognized and specified in greater detail by polling the error queue. The poll provides an informative error
message. This proc edure i s to be recommended since it considerabl y reduces the problems involved with IEC
bus control.

MAV-Bit (Message AV

The bit is set if a message is available in the output buffer which can be read.
This bit can be used to enable data to be automatically read from the instrument to the controller (cf. chapter 7,
"Programming Examples").

ESB bit

Sum bit of the event s tatus register. It is set if one of the bits in the event status register is set and enabled in
the event status enable regis ter.
Setting of this bit i ndi cates a serious error which can be specified in more det ai l by polling the event status reg­ister.

MSS-Bit (Master S

The bit is set if the i nstrument triggers a service request. This i s the case if one of the other bits of this regi ster is
set together with its m a sk bit in the service request enable register SRE.

OPERation status register sum bit

The bit is set if an EVENt bit is set in the OPERation s t at us register and the associated ENABle bit is set to 1.
A set bit indicates that t he instrument is just performing an action. The type of action can be queried by polling
the OPERation status regi ster.

ailable)

tatus Summary bit)

1110.3339.12 5.15 E-5

Status Reporting System AMIQ

IST Flag and Parallel Poll Enable Register (PPE)

By analogy with the SRQ, the IST flag combines the entire status information in a single bit. It can be
queried by means of a parallel poll (cf. section "Parallel Poll") or using the command "*IST?".

The parallel poll enable register (PPE) deter mines which bits of the STB contribute to the IST f lag. The
bits of the STB are ANDed with the corresponding bits of the PPE, with bit 6 being used as well in con­trast to the SRE. The IST f lag results from the ORing of all results. T he PPE can be set using com­mands "*PRE" and read using command "*PRE?".

Event Status Register (ESR) and Event Status Enable Register (ESE)

The ESR is already defined in IEEE 488.2. It can be compared with the EVENt part of an SCPI r egister.
The event status register can be read out using command "*ESR?".
The ESE is the associated ENABle part. It can be set using the com mand "*ESE" and read using the
command "*ESE?".

Table 5-3 Meaning of the bits used in the event status register

Bit No. Meaning

0

1

2

3

4

5

Operation Complete

This bit is set on recei pt of the command *OPC exactly when all previous commands have been executed.

Request Control

This bit is not used in the AMIQ.

Query Error

This bit is set if ei ther the controller wants to read data from the instrument without having sent a query, or if it
does not fetch requested data and sends new instructions to the instrument instead. The cause is often a query
which is faulty and hence cannot be executed.

Device-dependent Error

This bit is set if a devi ce-dependent error occurs. An error message with a number between -300 and -399 or a
positive error number, which denotes the error in greater detail, is entered into the error queue (cf. c hapt er 9,
"Error Messages").

Execution Error

This bit is set if a received command is syntactically correct but cannot be performed for other reasons. An error
message with a number between -200 and -300, which denotes the error in greater detail, is entered into the
error queue (cf. chapter 9, "Error Messages").

Command Error

This bit is set if a command which is undefined or syntactically i ncorrect is received. An error message with a
number between -100 and -200, which denotes the error in greater detai l , is entered into the error queue (cf.
chapter 9, "Error Messages").

6

7

User Request

This bit is not used in the AMIQ.

Power On (supply voltage on)

This bit is set on switc hi ng on the instrument.

1110.3339.12 5.16 E-5

AMIQ Status Reporting System

STATus:OPERation Register

In the CONDition part, this register contains information on which actions the instrum ent is being exe­cuting or, in the EVENt part, information on which actions the instrument has executed since the last
reading. It can be read using one of the commands "STATus:OPERation:CONDition?" or
"STATus:OPERation [:EVENt]?"..

Table 5-4 Meaning of the bits used in the STATus:OPERation register

Bit-No. Meaning

0

1

5

9

CALibrating

This bit is set as l ong as an internal adjustment routine is executed.

SETTing

This bit is set as l ong as a new hardware status is set tling after a setting command.

Waiting for TRIGGER

This bit is set as l ong as the instrument is waiting for a trigger event.

Selftest

This bit is set while the instrument executes the command *TST? or one of the c ommands DIAG:SELF:xxx?

STATus:QUEStionable Register

This register contains inform ation on questionable instrument s tates. They can occur, e.g. if the instru­ment is operated outside its specified range. It can be queried using one of the commands ":STATus
:QUEStionable:CONDition?" or ":STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?".

Table 5-5 Meaning of the bits used in the STATus:QUEStionable register

Bit-No. Meaning

At present, no bits of t h i s register are used in the AMIQ.

1110.3339.12 5.17 E-5

Status Reporting System AMIQ

Application of the Status Reporting System

In order to effectively use the status reporting system , the information contained there must be trans ­mitted to the controller to be further processed. T here are several methods which are outlined in the
following. For detailed program examples, see chapter 7, "Programming Examples".

Service Request, Making Use of the Hierarchy Structure

Under certain circums tanc es, the ins tr ument can send a service request (SRQ) to the controller. Usually
this service request initiates an interrupt at the c ontroller, to which the control pr ogram can reac t appro­priately. As evident from Fig. 5-4, an SRQ is always initiated if one or sever al of bits 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 of the
status byte are set and enabled in the SRE. Each of these bits com bines the information of a further
register, the error queue or the output buffer. The corresponding setting of the ENABle parts of the
status registers can achieve that ar bitrar y bits in an arbitrary status register initiate an SRQ . In order us e
the possibilities of the service request effectively, all bits should be set to "1" in the enable registers SRE
and ESE.

Examples (cf.Fig. 5-3, section Overview of Status Registers and chapter 7, "Programming examples"):
Use command "*OPC" to generate an SRQ:

½ Set bit 0 in the ESE (Operation Complete)
½ Set bit 5 in the SRE (ESB)

After its settings have been completed, the instrument generates an SRQ.

Indication of the end of a measurement by means of an SRQ with the controller:

½ Set bit 7 in the SRE (sum bit of the STATus:OPERation register)
½ Set bit 4 (measuring) in the STATus:OPERation:ENABle.
½ Set bit 4 in the STATus:OPERation:NTRansition so as to make sure that the transition of

measuring bit 4 from 1 to 0 (end of measurement) is recorded in the EVENt part.
After a sweep has been completed, the instrument generates an SRQ.

The SRQ is the only possibility for the instrument to bec ome active on its own. Eac h controller program
should set the instrument such that a service request is initiated in the case of malfunction. The program
should react appropriately to the service request. A detailed example for a service request routine can
be found in chapter 7, "Programming examples".

1110.3339.12 5.18 E-5

AMIQ Status Reporting System

Serial Poll

In a serial poll, just as upon the c ommand "*STB", the status byte of an instrument is queried. However,
the query is made via interface messages and is thus c learly faster. The serial-poll m ethod has already
been defined in IEEE 488.1 and used to be the only standard possibility for different instrum ents to poll
the status byte. The method also works for instruments which do not adhere to SCPI or IEEE 488.2.

The quick-BASIC comm and for executing a serial poll is "IBRSP()". The serial poll is mainly used to
obtain a fast overview of the state of several instruments connected to the IEC bus.

Parallel Poll

In a parallel poll, up to eight instruments are s imultaneously requested by the controller by means of a
single command to transmit 1 bit of inf orm ation eac h on the data lines, i.e., to set the data line alloc ated
to each instrument to a logic "0" or "1". By analogy to the SRE register which determines under which
conditions an SRQ is generated, there is a parallel poll enable register (PPE) which is ANDed with the
STB bit by bit, considering bit 6 – AND as well. The results are ORed, the r esult is then sent (possibly
inverted) as a response to the parallel poll of the c ontroller. The r esult can also be queried without par­allel poll by means of the command "*IST".

The instrument f irst has to be set f or the parallel poll us ing the quick -BASIC com m and "IBPPC()". This
command allocates a data line to the ins trument and determines whether the response is to be inverted.
The parallel poll itself is executed using "IBRPP()".

The parallel-poll method is mainly used in order to quickly find out after an SRQ which instrum ent has
sent the service request if there are many instrum ents connected to the IEC bus. To this effect, SRE
and PPE must be set to the same value. A detailed example for a parallel poll can be found in chapter 7,
"Programming Examples".

Query by Means of Commands

Each part of any status register can be read by means of queries. The individual com mands are listed in
the detailed description of the registers in section Overview of Status Registers. What is returned is
always a number which represents the bit pattern of the regis ter queried. Evaluating this number is ef­fected by the controller program.

Queries are usually used after an SRQ in order to obtain more detailed inform ation on the cause of the
SRQ.

Error Queue Query

Each error state in the instrum ent leads to an entry in the error queue. The entries of the error queue
are detailed plain-text error messages which can be looked at in the ERROR menu via m anual control
or queried via the IEC bus using comm and "SYSTem:ERRor?". Each call of "SYSTem:ERRor?" pro­vides one entry from the error queue. If no err or messages are stored ther e any more, the instrum ent
responds with 0, "No error"

The error queue should be queried after every SRQ in the controller program as the entr ies des c ribe the
cause of an error mor e precisely than the status registers. Especially in the test phase of a controller
program the error queue should be quer ied regularly since faulty commands from the contr oller to the
instrument are recorded there as well.

1110.3339.12 5.19 E-5

Status Reporting System AMIQ









































Reset Values of the Status Reporting Systems

Table5-6 summarizes the different commands and events causing the status reporting system to be
reset. None of the comm ands, except *RST and SYSTem:PRESet influences the f unctional instrument
settings. In particular, DCL does not change the instrument settings.

Table5-6 Resetting instrument functions

Event

Effect 0 1

Clear STB,ESR

Clear SRE,ESE

Clear PPE

Clear EVENt parts of the
registers

Clear ENABle parts of all
OPERation-and QUES­Tionable registers,
Fill ENABle parts of all
other registers with "1".

Fill PTRansition parts with
„1"
Clear NTRansition parts

Clear error queue yes yes

Switching on
supply voltage

Power-On-Status-

Clear

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

DCL,SDC

(Device Clear,

Selected Device

Clear)

*RST or SYS-

Tem:PRESet

STATus:PRESet *CLS

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

Clear output buffer yes yes yes 1) 1) 1)

Clear command proces s­ing and input buffer

1) Every command being the firs t in a command line, i.e. immediately following a <PROGRAM MESSAGE TERMINATOR>

clears the output buffer.

yes yes yes

1110.3339.12 5.20 E-5

AMIQ Hardware Interfaces

Hardware Interfaces

IEC/ IEEE Bus Interface

The standard instrum ent is equipped with an IEC/ IEEE-bus connection. T he IEEE 488 interface con­nector is located on the rear panel of the inst rument. A controller for rem ote control can be connected
via the IEEE 488 interface using a shielded cable.

Characteristics of the Interface

é 8-bit parallel data transfer,
é bidirectional data transfer,
é three line handshake,
é high data transfer rate of max. 350 kByte/s,
é up to 15 devices can be connected,
é maximal length of the connecting cables 15 m (single connection 2 m),
é wired OR if several instruments are connected in parallel.

ATN IFC NRFD EOI DIO3 DIO1

shield SRQ NDAC DAV DIO4 DIO2

12
24

logic GND GND(10) GND(8) GND(6) REN DIO7

GND(11) GND(9) GND(7) DIO8 DIO6 DIO5

1

13

Fig. 5-5 Pin Assigment of the IEC-bus interface

Bus Lines

1. Data bus with 8 lines DIO 1 to DIO 8.

The transmission is bit-parallel and byte-serial in the ASCII/ISO code. DIO1 is the least significant
bit, DIO8 the most significant bit.

1110.3339.12 5.21 E-5

Hardware Interfaces AMIQ

2. Control bus with 5 lines

IFC (Interface Clear),

active LOW resets the interfaces of the instruments connected to the default setting.

ATN (Attention),

active LOW signals the transmission of interface messages
inactive HIGH signals the transmission of device messages.

SRQ (Service Request),

active LOW enables the connected device to send a service request to the controller.

REN (Remote Enable),

active LOW permits switchover to remote control.

EOI (End or Identify),

has two functions in connection with ATN:
ATN=HIGH active LOW marks the end of data transmission.
ATN=LOW active LOW triggers a parallel poll.

3. Handshake bus with three lines

DAV (Data Valid),

active LOW signals a valid data byte on the data bus.

NRFD (Not Ready For Data),

active LOW signals that one of the connected devices is not ready for data transfer.

NDAC (Not Data Accepted),

active LOW signals that the instrument connected is accepting the data on the data bus.

Interface Functions

Instruments which can be controlled via IEC bus can be equipped with different interface functions.

Table 5-7 Interface functions

Control character Interface function

SH1 Handshake sourc e f unction (source handshake)
AH1 Handshake drain func tion (acceptor handshake)
L4 Listener function
T6 Talker function, ability to respond to serial poll
SR1 Service request function
PP1 Parallel poll function
RL1 Remote/Local switchover function
DC1 Reset function (Device Clear)
DT1 Trigger function (Device Trigger)

1110.3339.12 5.22 E-5

AMIQ Hardware Interfaces

Interface Messages

Interface messages are trans mitted to the instrum ent on the data lines, with the attention line being ac­tive (LOW). They serve to communicate between controller and instrument.

Universal Commands

Universal comm ands are enc oded in the r ange 10 through 1F hex. They are effective for all ins truments
connected to the bus without pervious addressing.

Table 5-8 Universal Commands

Command QuickBASIC command Effect on the instrument

DCL (Device Clear) I B CMD (controller%, CHR$(20)) Aborts processing of the commands just received

IFC (Interf ace Clear) IBS I C (controller%) Resets the interfac es to the default setting.

LLO (Local Lockout) IBCMD (controller%, CHR$(17)) The LOC/IEC ADDR key is disabled.

SPE (Serial Poll Enable) IBCMD (c ontroller%, CHR$(24)) Ready f or serial poll.

SPD (Serial Poll Disable) IBCMD (controller%, CHR$(25)) End of serial poll.

PPU (Parallel Poll

Unconfigure)

IBCMD (controller%, CHR$(21)) End of the parallel-poll state.

and sets the command processing software to a
defined initial state. Does not change the instrument
setting.

Addressed Commands

Addressed comm ands are encoded in the range 00 through 0F hex . They are only effective f or instru­ments addressed as listeners.

Table 5-9 Addressed Commands

Command QuickBASIC command Effect on the instrument

SDC (Selected Device

Clear)

GET (Group Execute

Trigger)

GTL (Go to Local) IBLOC (device%) Transition to the "Local" state (manual cont rol ).

PPC (Parallel Poll

Configure)

IBCLR (device%) Aborts processing of the commands just received

and sets the command processing software to a
defined initial state. Does not change the instrument
setting.

IBTRG (device%) Triggers a previously acti ve devi ce function. The

effect of the command is the same as with that of a
pulse at the external trigger signal input .

IBPPC (device%, data%) Configure instrument for parallel poll. The Quick-

BASIC command additionally executes PPE / PPD.

1110.3339.12 5.23 E-5

RS-232-C Interface AMIQ

RS-232-C Interface

The standard instrum ent is equipped with an RS-232-C interfac e. The 9-pin c onnector is located on the
rear panel. A controller can be connected via this interface for remote control.

Interface characteristics

é Serial data transmission in asynchronous mode,
é Bidirectional data transmission via two separate lines,
é Transmission rate selectable from 300 to 115200 baud,
é Logic 0 signal from +3 V to +15 V,
é Logic 1 signal from -15 V to -3 V,
é An external instrument (controller) can be connected,
é Hardware handshake RTS/CTS set.

RxD DTR

TxD

1

6

RTS

DSR CTS

Fig. 5-6 Pin assigment of the RS-232-C interface

Signal lines

RxD (Receive Data),

Input; data line for transmitting from remote station to local terminal.

TxD (Transmit Data),

Output; data line for transmitting from local terminal to remote station.

DTR (Data Terminal Ready),

Output (log. ’0’ = active); with DTR, the instrument indicates that it is ready to receive data.

GND (Ground),

Interface ground, connected to instrument ground.

DSR (Data set ready),

Input (log. ’0’ = active); DSR indicates to the instrum ent that the remote station is ready to re­ceive data.

5

9

RTS (Request to send),

Output (log. ’0’ = active); with RTS, the instrument indicates that it is ready to receive data. T he
RTS line controls whether the instrument is ready to receive data or not.

CTS (Clear to send),

Input (log. ’0’ = active); CTS tells the instrument that the remote station is ready to receive data.

1110.3339.12 5.24 E-5

AMIQ RS-232-C Interface

Transmission parameters

In order to ensure error-fr ee and correct data transmission, the parameter s of the instrument and the
controller must be set identically.

Transmission rate Baud rates ranging from 1200 to 115200 can be set in the instru-
(baud rate) ment: see chapter 6, :SYSTem:COMMunicate:SERial:Baud.

Data bits Data transmission is in 8-bit ASCII code. The first bit transmitted

is the LSB (Least Significant Bit).

Start bit Each data byte begins with a start bit. The falling edge of the start

bit indicates the beginning of the data byte.

Parity bit No parity bit is used.
Stop bit The transmission of a data byte is terminated by a stop bit.

Example:

Transmission of character A (41 hex) in the 8-bit ASCII code.

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

Bit 01 = Start bit Bit 02.. .09 = Data bits Bit 10 = Stop bit

Bitduration= 1/baud rate

Interface functions

For interface control, some control character s from the ASCII code range of 0 to 20 hex are predefined
and can be transmitted via the interface (see Table A-4).

Table 5-10 Control strings or control characters of the RS-232-C interface

Control Character Function

Break (at least 1 character only log 0) Reset of instrument

0Dhex, 0Ahex Terminator of commands <CR>, <LF>

Waiting time until output of new command: 100 ms

Switchover between local and remote

1110.3339.12 5.25 E-5

RS-232-C Interface AMIQ

Handshake

Hardware handshake

In case of a hardware handshake, the instrument s ignals that it is ready for reception via line DTR and
RTS. A logic ’0’ means "ready" and a ’1’ means "not ready".

The CTS or DSR lines (see signal lines) tell the instrum ent whether the controller is ready for reception
or not. The transmitter of the instrument is s witched on by a ’0’ and switched off by a ’1’. The RTS line
remains active as long as the serial interfac e is active. The DT R line controls whether the instrum ent is
ready for reception or not.

AMIQ Controller / PC

1

DSR
RxD
RTS
TxD
CTS
DTR

GND

DSUB connector, 9 poles / female

6

2

7

3

8

4

9

5

AMIQ Controller / PC

1

DSR
RxD
RTS
TxD
CTS
DTR

GND

DSUB connector, 9 poles / female

6

2

7

3

8

4

9

5

1

6

DSR

2

RxD

7

RTS

3

TxD

8

CTS

4

DTR

9

5

GND

DSUB connector, 9 poles / female

1

14

2

TxD

15

RxD

3

16

RTS

4

17

CTS

5

18

6

DSR

19

GND

7

20

DTR

8

21

9

22

10

23

11

24

12

25

13

Connection between instrument
and controller (Null-modem cable)

The connection of the instrum ent to a
controller is made with a so-called null­modem cable. Here, the data, control
and signalling lines must be crossed.
The wiring diagram on the left applies
to a controller with a 9-pin or 25-pin
configuration.

DSUB connector, 25 poles / female

Fig. 5-7 Null-modem connection scheme

1110.3339.12 5.26 E-5

AMIQ Notation

6 Remote Control – Commands and Data Formats

In the following sections, all remote control comm ands of the AMIQ are first listed in tables and then
described in detail, separated according to the c omm and system s. T he notation lar gely corresponds to
the one of the SCPI standards.

All commands can be used for control via IEC/IEEE bus , the serial interface and via the batch f iles on
floppies and the hard disk (see :PROGram subsystem).

In the detailed description always the shortest possible com mand line is given as an ex ample for all
commands, exc ept common com mands. T he value specified for each com mand is the value set af ter
an *RST. No values are required for queries and commands triggering an action (eg *CLS).

Notation

Table of commands

Command: The command column provides an overview of the commands and their

hierarchical arrangement.

Parameters: The parameters column indicates the requested parameters together with

their specified range.

Remark:

Upper/lower case
characters Upper/lower case characters serve to mark the long or short form of the

Special characters | A selection of keywords with identical effect exists for several commands.

In the remark column, all commands are indicated

− which do not have a query form,

− which have only one query form ,

− which are implemented only in conjunction with a certain option of the

instrument.

keywords of a command. T he shor tfor m consis ts of upper case char acters, the
long form comprises upper/lower case characters. Only these two forms are
permissible. The instrument itself does not distinguish between upper and
lower case characters.

These keywords are indicated in the sam e line, they are separated by a vertic al
stroke. Only one of these keywords has to be specified in the header of the
command. T he ef fect of the command is independent of which of the keywords
is specified.

:MMEMory first level

:CD | CDIRectory second level

A vertical stroke between the parameters marks alternative options in the
sense of "or". The effect of the command is different, depending on which
parameter is entered.

Example: Selection of the parameters for the command

:TRIGger:SLOPe RISing | HIGH

1110.3339.12 6.1 E-7