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SC5508A PSG
Hardware Manual
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SIGNALCORE SC5507A, SC5508A PSG Hardware Manual

© 2019 SignalCore, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Hardware Manual
SC5507A & SC5508A PSG
DC – 6.25 GHz RF Signal Source
With Sensor
www.signalcore.com
1
General Information
Table of Contents
1 General Information ................................................................................................................................ 4
Warranty .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Copyright & Trademarks .................................................................................................................. 4
International Materials Declarations ............................................................................................... 5
CE European Union EMC & Safety Compliance Declaration ........................................................... 5
Warnings Regarding Use of SignalCore Products ............................................................................ 5
2 Physical Description ................................................................................................................................. 6
Unpacking ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Nomenclature .................................................................................................................................. 6
Setting Up and Configuring the PSG Device .................................................................................... 7
Front Interface Indicators and Connectors ..................................................................................... 7
Signal Connections ................................................................................................................... 7
Device LED Indicators .............................................................................................................. 8
Communication and Supply Connection ................................................................................. 8
Mini-USB Connection............................................................................................................... 9
Reset Button (Pin Hole) ......................................................................................................... 10
3 Theory and Operation ............................................................................................................................ 10
RF Generation ................................................................................................................................ 11
Amplitude Control ......................................................................................................................... 11
Computational Time ...................................................................................................................... 11
RF Power Sensor ............................................................................................................................ 11
Internal EEPROM............................................................................................................................ 12
Modes of RF Generation ................................................................................................................ 12
Sweep Function ..................................................................................................................... 12
List Function ........................................................................................................................... 12
Sweep Direction ..................................................................................................................... 12
Sweep Waveform .................................................................................................................. 12
Dwell Time ............................................................................................................................. 13
List Cycles ............................................................................................................................... 13
Trigger Sources ...................................................................................................................... 13
Hardware Trigger Modes ....................................................................................................... 13
Trigger Out Modes ................................................................................................................. 13
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SC5507A & SC5508A Hardware Manual
Default Startup Mode .................................................................................................................... 14
4 Hardware Registers ................................................................................................................................ 14
Configuration Registers ................................................................................................................. 14
Register 0x01 INITIALIZE (1 Byte) .......................................................................................... 16
Register 0x02 SET_SYS_ACTIVE (1 Byte)................................................................................ 16
Register 0x03 SYNTH_MODE (1 Byte) ................................................................................... 16
Register 0x04 RF_MODE (1 Byte) .......................................................................................... 17
Register 0x05 LIST_MODE_CONFIG (1 Byte) ......................................................................... 18
Register 0x06 LIST_START_FREQ (7 Bytes) ............................................................................ 19
Register 0x07 LIST_STOP_FREQ (7 Bytes) ............................................................................. 20
Register 0x08 LIST_STEP_FREQ (7 Bytes) .............................................................................. 20
Register 0x09 LIST_DWELL_TIME (7 Bytes) ........................................................................... 20
Register 0x0A LIST_CYCLE_COUNT (7 Bytes) ........................................................................ 20
Register 0x0B Reserved ......................................................................................................... 21
Register 0x0C LIST_BUFFER_POINTS (3 Bytes) ...................................................................... 21
Register 0x0D LIST_BUFFER_WRITE (7 Bytes) ....................................................................... 21
Register 0x0E LIST_BUF_MEM_TRNSFER (1 Byte) ................................................................ 22
Register 0x0F LIST_SOFT_TRIGGER (1 Byte).......................................................................... 22
Register 0x10 RF_FREQUENCY (7 Bytes) ............................................................................... 22
Register 0x11 RF_LEVEL (3 Bytes) ......................................................................................... 22
Register 0x12 RF_ENABLE (1 Byte) ........................................................................................ 23
Register 0x13 RF_PHASE (7 Bytes) ........................................................................................ 23
Register 0x14 AUTO_LEVEL_DISABLE (1 Byte) ...................................................................... 23
Register 0x15 RF_ALC_MODE (1 Byte) .................................................................................. 23
Register 0x16 RF_STANDBY (1 Byte) ..................................................................................... 24
Register 0x17 REFERENCE_MODE (1 Byte) ........................................................................... 24
Register 0x18 REFERENCE_DAC_VALUE (3 Bytes) ................................................................ 24
Register 0x1A DIRECT_ATTEN ............................................................................................... 24
Register 0x1B STORE_DEFAULT_STATE (1 Byte) ................................................................... 25
Register 0x1C SELF_SYNTH_CAL (1 Byte) .............................................................................. 25
Register 0x1D SENSOR_SETTING (3 Byte) ............................................................................. 25
Register 0x1E SENSOR_FREQUENCY (7 Byte) ........................................................................ 26
Query Registers .............................................................................................................................. 26
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General Information
Register 0x20 GET_RF_PARAMETERS (1 Byte sent, 8 Bytes received) ................................. 27
Register 0x21 GET_TEMPERATURE (1 Byte, 8 Bytes) ............................................................ 27
Register 0x22 GET_DEVICE_STATUS (1 Byte, 8 Bytes) .......................................................... 28
Register 0x23 GET_DEVICE_INFO (1 Byte, 8 Bytes) .............................................................. 30
Register 0x24 GET_LIST_BUFFER (3 Bytes, 8 Bytes).............................................................. 31
Register 0x25 FETCH_DAC_VALUE (1 Byte, 8 Bytes) ............................................................ 31
Register 0x26 SERIAL_OUT_BUFFER ..................................................................................... 31
5 Communication Interfaces .................................................................................................................... 33
Communication Data Format ........................................................................................................ 33
USB Interface ................................................................................................................................. 33
Control Transfer ..................................................................................................................... 33
Bulk Transfer .......................................................................................................................... 33
SPI Interface ................................................................................................................................... 34
Writing the SPI Bus ................................................................................................................ 35
Reading the SPI Bus ............................................................................................................... 35
RS232 Interface .............................................................................................................................. 36
Writing to the Device Via RS232............................................................................................ 36
Reading from the Device Via RS232 ...................................................................................... 37
PXI .................................................................................................................................................. 37
Setting Up the PCI to Serial Bridge ........................................................................................ 37
Writing to the Device ............................................................................................................. 38
Reading from the Device ....................................................................................................... 38
Revision Table ................................................................................................................................................ 39
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SC5507A & SC5508A Hardware Manual
1 General Information
Warranty
This product is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of shipment. SignalCore will, at its option, repair or replace equipment that proves to be defective during the warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.
Before any equipment will be accepted for warranty repair or replacement, a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from a SignalCore customer service representative and clearly marked on the outside of the return package. SignalCore will pay all shipping costs relating to warranty repair or replacement.
SignalCore strives to make the information in this document as accurate as possible. The document has been carefully reviewed for technical and typographic accuracy. If technical or typographical errors exist, SignalCore reserves the right to make changes to subsequent editions of this document without prior notice to possessors of this edition. Please contact SignalCore if errors are suspected. In no event shall SignalCore be liable for any damages arising out of or related to this document or the information contained in it.
EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN, SIGNALCORE, INCORPORATED MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CUSTOMER’S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE
ON THE PART OF SIGNALCORE, INCORPORATED SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER. SIGNALCORE, INCORPORATED WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, USE OF PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF. This limitation of the liability of SignalCore, Incorporated will apply regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or tort, including negligence. Any action against SignalCore, Incorporated must be brought within one year after the cause of action accrues. SignalCore, Incorporated shall not be liable for any delay in performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control. The warranty provided herein does not cover damages, defects, malfunctions, or
service failures caused by owner’s failure to follow SignalCore, Incorporated’s installation, operation, or maintenance instructions; owner’s modification of the product; owner’s abuse, misuse, or negligent
acts; and power failure or surges, fire, flood, accident, actions of third parties, or other events outside reasonable control.
Copyright & Trademarks
Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storing in an information retrieval system, or translating, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of SignalCore, Incorporated.
SignalCore, Incorporated respects the intellectual property rights of others, and we ask those who use our products to do the same. Copyright and other intellectual property laws protect our products. Use of SignalCore products is restricted to applications that do not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others.
5
General Information
“SignalCore”, “signalcore.com”, and the phrase “preserving signal integrity” are registered trademarks of SignalCore, Incorporated. Other product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
International Materials Declarations
SignalCore, Incorporated uses a fully RoHS compliant manufacturing process for our products. Therefore, SignalCore hereby declares that its products do not contain restricted materials as defined by European Union directive 2002/95/EC (EU RoHS) in any amounts higher than limits stated in the directive. This statement assumes reliable information and data provided by our component suppliers and may not have been independently verified through other means. For products sold into China, we
also comply with the “Administrative Measure on the Control of Pollution Caused by Electronic Information Products” (China RoHS). In the current stage of this legislation, the content of six hazardous
materials must be explicitly declared. Each of those materials, and the categorical amount present in our products, are shown below:
鉛
Lead
(Pb)
汞
Mercury
(Hg)
镉
Cadmium
(Cd)
六价铬
Hexavalent
Chromium
(Cr(VI))
多溴联苯
Polybrominated
biphenyls
(PBB)
多溴二苯醚
Polybrominated
diphenyl ethers
(PBDE)
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
A ✓ indicates that the hazardous substance contained in all of the homogeneous materials for this product is below the limit requirement in SJ/T11363-2006. An X indicates that the particular hazardous
substance contained in at least one of the homogeneous materials used for this product is above the limit requirement in SJ/T11363-2006.
CE European Union EMC & Safety Compliance Declaration
The European Conformity (CE) marking is affixed to products with input of 50 - 1,000 Vac or 75 - 1,500 Vdc and/or for products which may cause or be affected by electromagnetic disturbance. The CE marking symbolizes conformity of the product with the applicable requirements. CE compliance is a manufacturer’s self-declaration allowing products to circulate freely within the European Union (EU). SignalCore products meet the essential requirements of Directives 2004/108/EC (EMC) and 2006/95/EC (product safety) and comply with the relevant standards. Standards for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Equipment include EN 61326 and EN 55011 for EMC, and EN 61010-1 for product safety.
Warnings Regarding Use of SignalCore Products
(1)
PRODUCTS FOR SALE BY SIGNALCORE, INCORPORATED ARE NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS NOR TESTED FOR A LEVEL OF RELIABILITY SUITABLE FOR USE IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH SURGICAL IMPLANTS OR AS CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN ANY LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS WHOSE FAILURE TO PERFORM CAN REASONABLY BE EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INJURY TO A HUMAN.
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SC5507A & SC5508A Hardware Manual
(2)
IN ANY APPLICATION, INCLUDING THE ABOVE, RELIABILITY OF OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE PRODUCTS CAN BE IMPAIRED BY ADVERSE FACTORS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY, COMPUTER HARDWARE MALFUNCTIONS, COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE FITNESS, FITNESS OF COMPILERS AND DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE USED TO DEVELOP AN APPLICATION, INSTALLATION ERRORS, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS, MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING OR CONTROL DEVICES, TRANSIENT FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS (HARDWARE AND/OR SOFTWARE), UNANTICIPATED USES OR MISUSES, OR ERRORS ON THE PART OF THE USER OR APPLICATIONS DESIGNER (ADVERSE FACTORS SUCH AS THESE ARE HEREAFTER COLLECTIVELY TERMED
“SYSTEM FAILURES”). ANY APPLICATION WHERE A SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD CREATE A RISK OF HARM TO
PROPERTY OR PERSONS (INCLUDING THE RISK OF BODILY INJURY AND DEATH) SHOULD NOT BE SOLELY RELIANT UPON ANY ONE COMPONENT DUE TO THE RISK OF SYSTEM FAILURE. TO AVOID DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MUST TAKE REASONABLY PRUDENT STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINST SYSTEM FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BACK-UP OR SHUT DOWN MECHANISMS. BECAUSE EACH END-USER SYSTEM IS CUSTOMIZED AND DIFFERS FROM SIGNALCORE'S TESTING PLATFORMS, AND BECAUSE A USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MAY USE SIGNALCORE PRODUCTS IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER PRODUCTS IN A MANNER NOT EVALUATED OR CONTEMPLATED BY SIGNALCORE, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING AND VALIDATING THE SUITABILITY OF SIGNALCORE PRODUCTS WHENEVER SIGNALCORE PRODUCTS ARE INCORPORATED IN A SYSTEM OR APPLICATION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE APPROPRIATE DESIGN, PROCESS AND SAFETY LEVEL OF SUCH SYSTEM OR APPLICATION.
2 Physical Description
Unpacking
All SignalCore products ship in antistatic packaging (bags) to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD). Under certain conditions, an ESD event can instantly and permanently damage several of the components found in SignalCore products. Therefore, to avoid damage when handling any SignalCore hardware, you must take the following precautions:
1. Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by touching a grounded metal object.
2. Touch the antistatic bag to a grounded metal object before removing the hardware from
its packaging.
3. NEVER touch exposed signal pins. Due to the inherent performance degradation caused
by ESD protection circuits in the RF path, the device has minimal ESD protection against direct injection of ESD into the RF signal pins.
4. When not in use, store all SignalCore products in their original antistatic bags.
Remove the product from its packaging and inspect it for loose components or any signs of damage. Notify SignalCore immediately if the product appears damaged in any way.
Nomenclature
The name “PSG” shall be used in this document in reference to both the SC5507A and SC5508A, unless the context requires using SC5507A or Sc5508A explicitly. The SC5507A is a PXIe platform module while the SC5508A is a USB/Serial platform module.
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Physical Description
Setting Up and Configuring the PSG Device
Integration of the PSG modules requires attention to maintain effective cooling. Inadequate cooling can cause the temperature inside the RF housing to rise above the maximum for this product, leading to improper performance, reduction of product lifespan or complete product failure. SignalCore suggests providing either moderate airflow across the RF housing, or if active cooling is not an option, using thermal interface materials to bond the RF housing to a larger heatsinking surface (i.e. a system enclosure). As each system configuration into which the device is integrated is unique, detailed cooling options cannot be provided.
A cooling plan is sufficient when the SC5507A and SC5508A on-board temperature sensors indicate a rise of no more than 20°C above ambient temperature under normal operating conditions.
Front Interface Indicators and Connectors
The SC5507A is a PXIe-based RF signal source with all RF connectors located on the front face of the module. Its control I/O is via the back PXIe interface connectors. The SC5508A is a serial controlled core module, whose RF and I/O connectors are located at the front face as shown in Figure 1. Front face interfaces and indicators are explained below.
Signal Connections
All signal connections (ports) on the device are female SMA-type. Exercise caution when fastening cables to the signal connections. Over-tightening any connection can cause permanent damage to the device.
The condition of your system signal connections can significantly affect measurement accuracy and repeatability. Improperly mated connections or dirty, damaged, or worn connectors can degrade measurement performance. Clean out any loose, dry debris from connectors with clean, low­pressure air (available in spray cans from office supply stores).
If deeper cleaning is necessary, use lint-free swabs and isopropyl alcohol to gently clean inside the connector barrel and the external threads. Do not mate connectors until the alcohol has completely evaporated. Excess liquid alcohol trapped inside the connector may take several days to fully evaporate and may degrade measurement performance until fully evaporated.
Tighten all SMA connections to 5 in-lb max (56 N-cm max)
Figure 1. Front view of SC5508A
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SC5507A & SC5508A Hardware Manual
RF Out
This port outputs the tunable RF signal of the source. The connector is SMA female. The nominal output impedance is 50 Ω and is DC coupled.
Sensor In
This port is an input to the power sensor. The connector is SMA female. The nominal output impedance is 50 Ω and is AC coupled.
Ref Out
This port outputs the internal 10 MHz or 100 MHz reference clock. The connector is SMA female. This port is AC-coupled with a nominal output impedance of 50 Ω.
Ref In
This port accepts an external 10 MHz reference signal, allowing an external source to synchronize to the internal reference clock. The connector is SMA female. This port is AC-coupled with a nominal input impedance of 50 Ω.
Device LED Indicators
There are both status and active LED indicator lights for the device, and their functions are listed in Table
1 and Table 2. The active LED indicator lights are user programmable (see register map).
Table 1. Status LED Indicator
LED Color
Description
Green
The device is functioning properly in the state that it is programmed for.
Orange
Channel powered down or port is disabled
Red
Indicates that one or more local oscillators are not functioning correctly.
Off
No supply or supply error
Table 2. Active LED Indicator (User Programmable)
LED Color
Description
Green
Device is open
Red
Supply fault due to possible overvoltage
Off
Device is closed (off)
Communication and Supply Connection
Figure 2. Power and Digital IO Connector
9
Physical Description
Power and communication to the modules is provided through a rectangular connector from Samtec whose part number is TFM-115-01-L-D-RA. It also serves as the digital connector interface for RS232/SPI, trigger, and other digital signals. The pin definitions are listed in Table 3.
Pinouts are different for different SignalCore products with the same connector type. Please ensure that mating connectors and cables are wired correctly before connection.
Table 3. Interface connector pin out description
PIN #
SPI Function
RS-232 Function
24
MISO
TxD
28
-
-
27
MOSI
RxD
26
CS_B
-
25
SERIAL READY - 30
CLK
-
16
SPI MODE
BAUD SELECT
14
Device Reset_B
18
Pulse switch control
22
Used Input
21
Trigger in
20
Trigger out
19
RF1 PLL Status
17
Do not connect
2, 4, 6, 8
+Supply (+12V typ, max +16V)
1, 3, 5, 11, 15, 23, 29
GND
7, 9, 10, 12, 13
Not internally connected
Mini-USB Connection
The SC5508A uses a mini-USB Type B connector for USB communication with the device using the standard USB 2.0 protocol (full speed) found on most host computers. The pinout of this connector, viewed from the front, is shown in the following table.
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SC5507A & SC5508A Hardware Manual
Table 4. Pinout of the SC5508A USB communication connector.
PIN #
USB Function
Description
1
VBUS
Vcc (+5 Volts)
2
D-
Serial Data (neg)
3
D+
Serial Data (pos)
4
ID
Not Used 5 GND
Device Ground (also tied to connector shell)
Reset Button (Pin Hole)
Behind this pin hole is the reset button that’s only available on the SC5508A. Using a pin to lightly depress this momentary-action push button switch will cause a hard reset to the device, putting it back to its default settings. All user settings will be lost. System reset capability can also be accessed through the communication header connector.
3 Theory and Operation
The PSG is an instrument-grade, high performance synthesizer with easy to program register-level control. It functions as a standard synthesized CW source with the added capability of a sweep/list mode that makes it ideal for applications ranging from automated test systems to telecommunication equipment to scientific research labs. Being small and modular, it is the ideal solution for system integration applications that require a high performance RF source. In addition, it could be used as a general-purpose lab source. Figure 3 shows the block diagram of the device, and the following sub­sections provide details of its operation.
Figure 3. PSG block diagram
N
Fine Step
Gen
REF IN
REF OUT
RF OUT
2.9 GHz  GHz Sum Gen
Harmonic
Coarse
Step Gen
DC-
50MHz
Gen
SENSOR
IN
VCXO
10
OCXO
25 MHz to 6.25 GHz path
ALC controller
Filter Bank
ADC
0
1
ADC
RMS
ENV
DC to 50 MHz path
VVA
VVA
60 dB DSA
32 dB DSA
HF ALC DAC
LF DAC
FracN
Coarse
Step Gen
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Theory and Operation
RF Generation
The PSG is a true DC to 6 GHz low phase noise, low harmonics, and low spur synthesizer that uses a hybrid synthesizer architecture comprising of phase lock loops, harmonic generation, and DDS functions. Coarse tuning is accomplished by PLL and harmonic generators, while fine tuning is accomplished with the variable modulus DDS, providing exact frequency generation with resolution of 1 mHz. Isolation between the internal oscillators, their mixed IF products, harmonics, and inter-modulation products is accomplished by internal EMI sealed cavities, resulting in improved overall phase noise performance and reduction of spurious signal content of this compact size frequency synthesizer. Synthesized signals reference an internal 10 MHz OCXO clock, or an external 10 MHz reference.
Amplitude Control
The output level of the PSG is controlled through an automatic leveling control (ALC) circuitry. The ALC can operate in close or open loop. The advantages of the close loop over the open loop operation are that the power levels are more stable and accurate. The disadvantage of the close loop is that it increases the AM noise of the carrier sideband. Although this AM noise is typically lower than the phase noise, it may have impact on some applications. In such applications, it is best to operate the ALC in open loop. Fine amplitude adjusts can be made by changing the ALC DAC value. Additionally, the ALC can be disabled and output level can be adjusted manually using the RF attenuators. Disabling the ALC further improves the AM noise because the internal voltage-variable attenuator is turned off, removing control voltage noise to amplitude noise conversion.
Computational Time
The ALC control is accomplished by controlling the ALC DAC and the output step attenuator. The settings of these two components are dynamically calculated based on the level required and a large set of calibration values. Similarly, to change frequency would require four phase lock loops to be programmed and their settings are dynamically calculated based on a set of calibration values. Due to the calculations involved, computational time to set frequency change is typically 250 µs, and about 350 µs to compute and set up the ALC.
For faster frequency changes, especially for sweeps less than a couple of 100 MHz, it is recommended that the automatic leveling of the power be turned off. This will prevent the PSG from having to compute a fresh set of the ALC parameters at each frequency point. Typically, the un-calibrated power level does not change by more than a couple of dB over a 100 MHz range. See device register 0x14 for details on turning on and off this automatic leveling feature.
RF Power Sensor
The RF power sensor frequency response is from 10 MHz to 6 GHz. Its amplitude response is -25 dBm to 20 dBm. The sensor may be used in transfer measurement applications….
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