5120A / 5120A-01 / 5115A
Phase Noise Test Set
Operations and Maintenance Manual
For Software Revision 276 and Above
Part Number: DOC05120A, Rev M
5120A, 5120A-01, and 5115A Phase Noise Test Set (PNTS)
Operations and Maintenance Manual
Copyright © 2007-2009 Symmetricom Corporation.
Other product and company names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
DOC05120A Rev M
Revision History:
Revision Description Date Approved
A Initial Release 12/20/2004 GAR
B Updates for new software features. 1/13/2005 GAR
C Updates for hardware and software changes 3/25/2005 GAR
D Updates for software changes 9/26/2005 MSS
E Documents 5115A. Updates for software changes. 12/19/2005 PKS
F Software changes, noise floor specs, and DOCSIS. 01/19/2006 GAR
G Frequency counter precision and spur detection. 05/16/2006 GAR
H Documents 5120A-01, noise floor, and time constant 04/16/2007 GAR
J Correct number of Telnet sessions for data port 01/18/2008 GAR
K Revise 5120A-01 specifications, printer, update photos 03/17/2008 GAR
L Add power down note, upgrade via USB, fan filter 3/24/2009 GAR
M Add phaserate command, expand description for marker on
spur power level. Correct the maximum offset for 5115A to
match data sheet. Add text about front panel button usage
during data collection in chapter 6.
09/01/2009 GAR
Contents
1: Introduction 1
1.1 Symbols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2.1 Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3 PNTS Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2: Setting Up a PNTS 7
2.1 Safety Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.2 Setting Up a PNTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.2.1 Turning On the PNTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2.2 Turning Off the PNTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3: The Screen and Basic Concepts 11
3.1 Softkey Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.1.1 Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.1.2 Manual Convention for Navigation Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2 Main Screen Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2.1 Collecting State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2.2 Input Signals’ Frequency and Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2.3 User in Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.2.4 User Specified Title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.3 Types of Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.3.1 Plots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.3.2 Tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.3.3 Configuration Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.4 Parameters, Input Components and Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.4.1 Numeric Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.4.1.1 The Number Pad Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.4.1.2 The + and - Integer Parameter Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.4.2 Mutually Exclusive Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4: Global System Settings 21
4.1 The Settings Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.1.1 Setting Date and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4.1.2 Network Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.1.2.1 Static Network Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.1.2.2 DHCP Network Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4.1.3 Printer Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.1.3.1 Printing to a USB Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.1.3.2 Printing to Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4.1.3.3 Configuring Network Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.1.4 Viewing Version Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
5120A/5115A Operations and Maintenance Manual i
4.1.5 Restoring Factory Default Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.1.6 Upgrading the software via USB flash drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
5: Configuring Data Displays 31
5.1 Configuring Phase Noise Plot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
5.1.1 Scaling the Phase Noise Plot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
5.1.2 Setting Data Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
5.1.3 Setting Up a Test Mask . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
5.1.4 Display Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
5.1.4.1 Setting the Time Constant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
5.1.5 The Spur Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
5.2 Configuring the Allan Deviation Plot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5.2.1 Scaling the Allan Deviation Plot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5.2.2 Selecting τ
5.2.3 Viewing the Allan Deviation Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
5.2.4 Setting Up Allan Deviation Test Masks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
5.3 Configuring the Phase Difference Plot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
5.3.1 Scaling the Phase Difference Plot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
5.3.2 Removing the Linear Trend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
5.3.3 Pausing or Resuming Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
5.4 Configuring the Frequency Difference Plot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
5.4.1 Scaling the Frequency Difference Plot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
5.4.2 Pausing or Resuming Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
5.5 Configuring the Frequency Counter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
5.5.1 Changing the Reference Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
5.5.1.1 Automatically Setting the Reference Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
5.5.1.2 Manually Setting the Reference Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
0
6: Collecting and Viewing Data Locally 53
6.1 Starting and Stopping Data Collection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
6.2 Printing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
6.3 Taking or Yielding Local Control.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
7: Collecting and Viewing Data Remotely 57
7.1 Accessing the PNTS Remotely and Exiting the Remote Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
7.2 The Network Command Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
7.2.1 Taking or Yielding Remote Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
7.2.2 Starting and Stopping Data Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
7.2.3 Retrieving Data from Command Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
7.2.4 Printing from the Command Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
7.2.5 Printer Configuration from the Command Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
7.2.6 Configuring Data Sets from the Command Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
7.2.6.1 Pausing and Resuming Phase and Frequency Difference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
ii Contents
7.2.6.2 Removing the Linear Trend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
7.2.6.3 Setting the Time Constant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
7.2.6.4 Setting the Allan Deviation τ
7.2.6.5 Setting Frequency Counter’s Reference Frequency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
7.2.7 Retrieving Status Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
7.2.8 Setting the User Specified Title. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
7.2.9 Showing the Software Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
7.2.10 Viewing Help for Remote Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
7.2.11 Setting Data Port Output Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
7.2.12 Other Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
7.2.13 Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
7.3 The Network Data Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
0
8: Optional Functionality 69
8.0.1 DOCSIS Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
8.0.2 Using the DOCSIS Option Locally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
8.0.3 Using the DOCSIS Option Remotely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
8.1 5120A-01 Internal Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
8.1.1 5120A-01 Internal Reference Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
8.1.1.1 Calibrating 5120A-01 Internal Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
8.1.1.2 Calibrating 5120A-01 Internal Reference Remotely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
9: Maintaining a PNTS 75
9.1 Calibrating the PNTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
9.2 Cleaning the PNTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
9.3 Cleaning the Fan Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
10:Troubleshooting 77
10.1 Troubleshooting Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
10.2 Replacing Fuses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Appendix A: Specifications 81
A.1 EC Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
A.2 Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
A.3 Environmental Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
A.4 Physical Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Appendix B: Theory of Operation 87
B.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
B.2 Theory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
B.3 Measurement Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Glossary 93
Symmetricom Customer Assistance 95
5120A/5115A Operations and Maintenance Manual iii
Index 97
iv Contents
Note
1: Introduction
FIRST READ THIS MANUAL THOROUGHLY!
This is especially true for the sections regarding Safety and Setup.
1.1 Symbols
These symbols appear throughout the manual and on the PNTS Phase Noise Test Set (PNTS).
Symbol Definition
This symbol means the following information is a note that gives you important
Note
information that may affect how you use the
Caution, refer to manual. Read all instructions in this manual before using this
product.
Caution - Risk of Electrical shock
Fuse symbol.
LAN port, network. DO NOT CONNECT TO TELECOM CONNECTIONS
THAT CARRY HAZARDOUS VOLTAGES.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.
Mains power on and off. Mains power is on when the button is in the depressed
position and off when the button is in the out position.
PNTS.
5120A/5115A Operations and Maintenance Manual 1
1.2 About This Manual
This manual describes how to set up, use, maintain, and troubleshoot a PNTS. The 5120A-01 is
equipped with two internal reference oscillators that automatically serve as the reference signal
when no external signal is connected to the Reference port. In this manual, the term “reference
signal” is inclusive of both reference signal sources.
“Chapter 1, Introduction” on page 1 explains symbols that appear in the manual and on the test set
as well as documentation conventions. The chapter also briefly describes the test set.
“Chapter 2, Setting Up a PNTS” on page 7 contains important safety information and describes
how to set up the test set for the first time.
“Chapter 3, The Screen and Basic Concepts” on page 11 describes the main components of the
graphical user interface, basic concepts related to navigating the user interface, and making
settings in general.
“Chapter 4, Global System Settings” on page 21 describes individual system settings such as
system time, network configuration and printer settings in detail.
“Chapter 5, Configuring Data Displays” on page 31 describes the various data displays for the
5120A, 5120A-01 and 5115A and how to manipulate and configure each data set.
“Chapter 6, Collecting and Viewing Data Locally” on page 53 describes how to start and stop data
collection and how to print using the front panel.
“Chapter 7, Collecting and Viewing Data Remotely” on page 57 describes how to view, print and
configure data sets using the Ethernet command port.
“Chapter 8, Optional Functionality” on page 69 describes optional functionality.
“Chapter 9, Maintaining a PNTS” on page 75 describes how to maintain the test set.
“Chapter 10, Troubleshooting” on page 77 describes how to troubleshoot using error messages.
“Appendix A, Specifications” on page 81 contains the detailed specifications for the test set.
“Appendix B, Theory of Operation” on page 87 contains the detailed information about the
algorithms and underlying theories for the test set.
2 1: Introduction
1.2.1 Conventions
This manual uses several typographical conventions to help explain how to use the test set.
Convention Definition
Bold Word s i n bold show:
Buttons and icons to click
Menu options to select
Commands to type
Non-variable information displayed in response to commands
Italics Wo rds i n italics show:
Names of windows and dialog boxes
Variable information displayed in response to commands
State information, label and button captions
5120A/5115A Operations and Maintenance Manual 3
Softkeys; press the
corresponding button to
access functions.
Test signal ports.Softkey labels; labels change
based on the current function.
Power.
Stop; use to stop
collecting data.
Print; use to print the
current screen to the
connected printer.
Start; use to start
collecting data.
Screen; automatically turns
off after one hour if no keys
are pressed. Press any
softkey to view the last
screen displayed.
1.3 PNTS Overview
The PNTS are instruments that combine sophisticated timing technologies into a single advanced
test set for the measurement of
the latest digital synthesizer, active mixer, and dual conversion techniques to capture precise,
accurate
of the digitized signal from both input paths to provide the lowest possible noise measurement.
The 5120A-01 features two built-in oscillators for applications where a reference signal is not
available or required.
The PNTS are designed for ease of use. Little configuration is required. Just connect signal sources
to the BNC (using supplied adapters) inputs and press Start.
(f) phase noise measurements. The 5120A and 5120A-01 also perform cross-correlation
(f) phase noise. The low-noise, bench-top instrument combines
The input impedance is 50 Ω, and the ideal nominal input level is near 1 V
. The test set
RMS
automatically initializes itself, measures the frequencies of the input signals, configures the signal
paths, and collects data.
All models measure phase noise, Allan deviation, frequency counter, frequency difference, and
phase difference.
An Ethernet port make remote control, measurement retrieval and printing to network printers
possible. Two USB ports on the rear panel provide connections for a printer, mouse and keyboard.
Figure 1 shows the test set’s front panel, and Figure 2 shows the test set’s rear panel.
Figure 1: Front Panel
4 1: Introduction
Power
connection
Ethernet
port
USB ports
Fuse
Cooling Fan
Filter
Figure 2: Rear Panel
All measurements are made between the Input and Reference ports. To ensure that measured
characteristics are those of the Input signal, a clean and stable signal must be supplied to the
Reference port of the PNTS. The 5120A-01 is equipped with two internal oscillators that can serve
this function, to use internal reference signal, simply do not attach a a signal to the reference port.
Consult “Appendix A, Electrical Specifications” on page 82 for internal oscillator performance
specifications.
The phase noise and phase spurs that are present on the Reference port are scaled by a factor of
20*log (Finput/Fref) when displayed. Consider the following example: A spur on a 10 MHz signal
is connected to the Input port with a clean 5 MHz connected to the Reference port. The spur
reading is -50 dBc. If the signal cables are swapped between the ports, the spur reading will be -56
dBc.
5120A/5115A Operations and Maintenance Manual 5
6 1: Introduction
Warning
2: Setting Up a PNTS
You should read the safety information below before setting up the test set. For more information,
see the following:
“2.2 Setting Up a 5120A or 5115A” on page 7
“3: The Screen and Basic Concepts” on page 11
“4.1.1 Setting Date and Time” on page 22
“4.1.2 Network Configuration” on page 23
“4.1.4 Viewing Version Information” on page 29
2.1 Safety Information
This unit is for indoor use only. It is not sealed to prevent moisture from entering the enclosure.
Do not set up or operate this equipment if you have not first received proper training.
Ensure that all cables are properly connected. The power cord must be located for easy removal.
Verify that input line voltage and current capacity from the supply circuit are within specifications
before turning on power to the test set.
Operating and maintenance personnel must receive proper training before setting up or
maintaining electrical equipment.
2.2 Setting Up a PNTS
The test set ships ready to set up on a desk, table, or other stable, flat surface.
Required for setup:
North American or European IEC power cord. One or the other will be supplied with the
instrument.
Two TNC male to BNC female adapters are supplied with the instrument.
Two customer-supplied 0.5-meter (approximately 19") coaxial cables terminated at one
end with male BNC connectors. The other end should have the appropriate connector as
determined by your application.
5120A/5115A Operations and Maintenance Manual 7
Caution
Optional components:
Customer-supplied USB A-type cables, one for each USB device.
Customer-supplied USB mouse. (recommended)
Customer-supplied USB keyboard.
Customer-supplied USB hub, if connecting more than two USB devices.
Customer-supplied USB printer from the list of compatible printers.
Customer-supplied CAT 5 LAN cable for network connection (RJ-45), if connecting to
the Ethernet port.
• If you need to connect the test set directly to your computer using the Ethernet port,
you must use a crossover cable instead of a standard LAN cable.
To set up the PNTS:
1. Carefully unpack and inspect the test set.
2. Check for physical damage.
If you observe physical damage, immediately contact Symmetricom Customer
Assistance (see page 95) and the carrier. We recommend saving the shipping
container for submitting any necessary claims to the carrier.
3. Verify that the front panel power button is turned off.
4. Plug the female end of the power cord into the male IEC-320 plug on the rear of the test
set.
5. Plug the male end of the power cord into a 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz power source.
Ensure that this power supply cord is connected to a properly grounded mains
receptacle.
6. Connect one coaxial cable from the Device Under Test (DUT) signal source to the Input
port of the test set.
7. Connect another coaxial cable between the signal reference and the Reference input port
of the test set. Skip this step if you intend to use internal reference available on the 5120A01
8. (Optional.) Connect a CAT 5 LAN cable to the Ethernet port on the rear panel of the test
set.
For information about configuring the network connection, see “4.1.2 Network
Configuration” on page 23.
9. (Optional.) Connect the USB A-type cables from a mouse, keyboard or printer to the USB
ports on the test set.
If you are connecting more than two USB devices, connect a USB hub to one port on
the test set, then connect the devices to the hub.
You can also use a USB-to-parallel adapter for a parallel-port printer.
You are now ready to turn the test set on.
8 2: Setting Up a PNTS
2.2.1 Turning On the PNTS
Once you have set up the test set, you are ready to turn it on.
To turn on the test set:
Press the Power button on the front panel.
• The logo screen displays.
• The main screen displays about 1 minute later. The main screen defaults to the phase
noise plot.
• When Ready displays in the status field (see Figure 3 on page 11 and “3.2.1 Collecting
State” on page 13) the instrument is ready for normal operation.
• If the “Self test has failed for the following item(s)…” message displays, call
Symmetricom Customer Assistance (see page 95).
Once Ready is displayed in the status field, data can be collected.
2.2.2 Turning Off the PNTS
There is a small chance that turning off the test set by removing the power cord could
cause the operating system files to be corrupted. Use the front panel button to turn off the
power, and take precautions to not turn off the power shortly after making changes to the
instrument Global System settings.
5120A/5115A Operations and Maintenance Manual 9
10 2: Setting Up a PNTS
Note
Current collecting state Frequency and power of input signals
Collection Duration
User specified title
Softkey labels
show the function
that will be
executed when the
physical button
next to them is
pressed.
Highlighting is
used to show state
information or
draw attention to
keys to aid in
navigation.
Main Mode Title User in Control
This Column holds what
are called softkey labels.
3: The Screen and Basic Concepts
The screen on the front panel of the PNTS displays data as plots or tables, status information, and
system configuration such as network settings. It defaults to the
test set is powered on.
Figure 3 depicts the default screen after the test set has been collecting data for several hours. It
names and describes the major components. These are described in section “3.2 Main Screen
Components” on page 13.
(f) phase noise data plot when the
Figure 3: Default Main Screen
When the 5120A-01 is used with internal references, the Reference field reads “Internal”, and
frequency and power are not shown.
5120A/5115A Operations and Maintenance Manual 11
The top softkey now reselects the phase noise plot. Its
original function was to configure the phase noise plot.
The second softkey now configures the Allan deviation
plot. It was just used to select the Allan deviation plot.
3.1 Softkey Interface
The column labeled “softkeys” in Figure 3 mirrors the set of buttons on the test set front panel
(Figure 1 on page 4 shows them side by side). The labels indicate the effect pressing the
corresponding button will have.
The function of a softkey changes depending on previous selections including navigation and
settings. Highlighting is used to represent state information, to invite navigation into a submenu, or
to return to a previous menu. The softkey interface can be used to configure all aspects of the test
set, except the User Specified Title. It is described in detail in the sections that follow.
A USB mouse can be used to press and release softkeys. To execute the function currently
assigned to a softkey, click on it. Some softkeys repeatedly execute their function while held
down. These keys are noted as they are described in this manual. Pressing (and holding) the mouse
button on a softkey repeatedly executes its function as well. Using the mouse to interact through
the softkey interface is also useful because it minimizes physical disturbance to the test set.
Physical disturbance can affect the accuracy of sensitive measurements.
3.1.1 Navigation
Starting with the phase noise plot as shown in Figure 3, pressing the Allan Deviation Plot button
would:
Display the Allan deviation plot.
Change the softkey’s caption to Config Allan Deviation.
Highlight the softkey to show that Allan deviation is the active mode.
Pressing the same button at this time will enter a softkey menu (center in the figure below) that
allows for scale and test mask configuration, τ
format. This softkey menu has a highlighted Return softkey to return to the previous menu.
Figure 4 shows the flow from the Allan deviation plot, to its table format, and back to the plot.
.
selection, or viewing the Allan deviation in table
0
Figure 4: Softkey Navigation
12 3: The Screen and Basic Concepts
3.1.2 Manual Convention for Navigation Instructions
This manual uses the following convention to describe the softkey-based navigation flow shown in
in Figure 4 on page 12:
To view the Allan Deviation Table:
1. From the Allan deviation plot, press Config Allan Deviation.
2. Press View Table.
3. Press Return to go the previous screens.
3.2 Main Screen Components
This section provides a description of the main screen components shown in Figure 3 on page 11.
3.2.1 Collecting State
The collecting state shows the test set’s current mode of operation. The test set is in one of three
states at any given time: Ready, Initializing or Collecting.
In Ready state you may Start collecting provided that the Input and Reference signals’
frequency and amplitude are within operating range. Note that internal references
available on the 5120A-01 are within operating range unless the test set is damaged.
The Initializing state is a transition from Ready to Collecting state. In the Initializing state,
the test set takes a small set of measurements and uses it initialize the internal spur
detection algorithm. The Initializing state lasts up to 30 seconds.
Collecting state is entered once initialization is complete and the test set has begun
collecting and presenting data. When Collecting state is reached the test set starts
displaying measurements and tracking how long it has been collecting. See the top left
corner of Figure 3 for an example of the collection duration.
You can Stop collecting from either the Initializing or the Collecting state.
Note that updates to some data sets can be paused. The normal banner of asterisks displayed next
to the collecting state will change to Paused to indicate that the test set is presenting a paused data
set. The test set continues to make measurements and will present the most recent plot or table
when updates are resumed.
All measurements and calculations made in the Collecting state can be viewed, printed and
accessed on the network port even after you Stop collecting. They are cleared when data collection
is restarted.
3.2.2 Input Signals’ Frequency and Power
These fields display the frequency and power as measured by the PNTS. As frequency and/or
power fall outside of specification or operating range the color coding of the fields changes as
well. Frequency or power values displayed in red are outside of operating range. Values displayed
in orange are out of specification but fall within operating range.
When no reference signal is attached to the 5120A-01, the Reference field reads “Internal”, color
coded in blue, as internal reference signals are within operating range unless the test set is
damaged.
5120A/5115A Operations and Maintenance Manual 13
The screen always shows the currently connected signals’ frequency and power. When a data set is
printed, the frequency and power at the time the printed data set was collected is output. If data are
collected with 5 MHz signals on both ports, and the reference is replaced with a 10 MHz signal,
the screen shows 5 and 10 MHz, while a printout correctly shows 5 MHz for both signals.
3.2.3 User in Control
The phase noise test set can be controlled in two ways:
with front panel buttons, a mouse and/or a keyboard.
via a network connection on an Ethernet network.
This makes it possible for two different users to interfere with one another. A network user could
start a long term collection, only to have another user walk up to the front panel of the test set and
press the Stop button minutes later. These users are named from the test set’s perspective. The
network user is referred to as the Remote user, and the person using the front panel is called the
Local user.
To avoid interference between Local and Remote users, certain operations and configuration
settings require that the user wishing to perform them be in control of the test set (or willing to take
control). The user who is in control of the test set is identified in the top right corner of Figure 3.
The figure shows that the Local user has initiated data collection. If a Remote user were to issue
the stop command, they would receive a warning reminding them that they are not in control of the
test set. At this point the remote user can take control from the local user. See “7.2.1 Taking or
Yielding Remote Control” on page 58 for details on taking Remote control.
When the test set is powered on neither user is in control. The first user to execute a command or
make a setting which requires control of the test set implicitly takes control. If the Local user were
to press the Start button on the front panel, they would automatically take control of the test set.
When neither user is in control the label in the top right corner of the main screen is blank.
When the user who is controlling the test set is finished, they can relinquish control to reenter the
state described in the previous paragraph. See “6.3 Taking or Yielding Local Control.” on page 55
and “7.2.1 Taking or Yielding Remote Control” on page 58 for further instructions.
3.2.4 User Specified Title
A short string shown in the bottom right corner of Figure 3 can be entered using a USB keyboard
or set on the network interface. One title may be assigned at a time. The title appears on all
printouts and can thus be used to correlate data sets, identify the owner or input signal sources. The
title can be up to 34 characters long.
The title can be set by the Local user only if a keyboard is attached to the test set.
To set the user specified title:
1. Press the ‘T’ key on the keyboard.
2. Enter a title of up to 34 characters using the keyboard in the dialog box.
3. Press the ‘Enter’ key on the keyboard, or the Apply softkey to commit the new title.
The new title appears at the bottom right of the main screen and will be output at the
bottom of all future printouts.
The user specified title can also be set using a network command connection, see “7.2.8 Setting the
User Specified Title” on page 64.
14 3: The Screen and Basic Concepts
3.3 Types of Screens
The PNTS present three types of user interface main screens:
Plots
Tables
Input Components
Occasionally it will present a dialog with informational messages, error messages or request that
you take control (as described in “3.2.3 User in Control” on page 14) when you execute certain
functions.
3.3.1 Plots
Figure 3 on page 11 and Figure 4 on page 12 are examples of plots. Four of the five main screens
are plots. Plots can be configured in various ways described in detail in later chapters dedicated to
data set configuration.
The (f) Phase Noise plot also presents data subsets such as the Spur Table and meta
information such as Integrated Phase Noise in tables accessible through its configuration
softkey and mouse menus.
The Allan deviation plot can also be viewed in terms of a table.
3.3.2 Tables
There are two types of tables. The first is a read-only table such as the Allan deviation table. The
second type is an interactive table. Both types present softkeys which scroll the table up or down
as can be seen in the example table on the right side of Figure 4 on page 12. The scroll keys have
different effects depending on the type:
Read-only tables scroll the data set one page at a time.
Interactive tables select the row following or preceding the currently selected row.
Interactive tables move the selection a row at a time because they allow you to operate on the
selection. An example of this is the
marker at the selected spur’s frequency. See “Chapter 5, The Spur Table” on page 42 for details.
To perform operations upon a row in an interactive table, use the mouse pointer to select the row,
then right-click the selected row and choose one of the menu items that are generally available.
To vertically scroll up or down a table, use the scroll bar located on the right side of the table, or, if
available, the scroll wheel located on your mouse.
(f) phase noise plot’s spur table, which lets you place a
3.3.3 Configuration Screens
The test set can be configured in various ways. Configuring aspects of its function involves setting
parameters. Input components are used to interface with and make these settings. Components for
related parameters are often grouped, as multiple parameters affect a certain function. Examples of
such groups can be found in chapter “4: Global System Settings” on page 21 and its subsections.
5120A/5115A Operations and Maintenance Manual 15
Spin Button
Click to increase value
Click to decrease value
Mouse Interface
Right-click for menu of frequently used values.
(Not all parameters provide menus.)
Using a keyboard you can
type directly into the field to
avoid using the number pad
editor.
3.4 Parameters, Input Components and Editors
This section explains the possible parameter types and cross references an example of each. The
components which represent them, and how each type can be modified using the softkey interface,
a mouse or a keyboard, are detailed in the section referenced by each type.
Parameters fall into these categories:
“3.4.1 Numeric Parameters” on page 16 such as:
• Network interface port numbers
• The frequency counter’s user-specified reference frequency
“3.4.2 Mutually Exclusive Options” on page 18 such as:
• Print job destination
• TCP/IP address assignment method
3.4.1 Numeric Parameters
Numeric parameters fall into two categories:
Those confined to the integer domain.
Those in the real number domain such as the frequency counter’s reference frequency and
test mask points’ x and y coordinates.
All numeric parameters can be set as described in “3.4.1.1 The Number Pad Editor” on page 17.
Those in the integer domain can also be set as described in “3.4.1.2 The + and - Integer Parameter
Interface” on page 18. Numeric parameters are presented using the following components which
can be directly manipulated with the mouse or keyboard as described in Figure 5.
Figure 5: Spin Buttons
When a mouse or keyboard is not available, parameters presented by spin buttons must be set
using one of the editors described in the following sections. The editors can be used if you prefer
using them over the alternative input methods.
16 3: The Screen and Basic Concepts
Number pad buttons can be clicked with the mouse.
Note the white rectangle on
the button. It indicates
“focus”. The arrow softkeys
move the focus in the
direction they indicate,
wrapping to the first button
on the axis on which they
move focus.
Use the down and right
arrow keys to move the
focus to a different button.
Press the PUSH softkey to
push the focused button.
Softkey short cut for the
back space key. This key
repeats when held down.
To commit the new
parameter value you
entered, press Apply.
Press Cancel to discard
your edits and leave the
parameter unchanged.
With a keyboard you can directly enter a value.
Clear erases entire value.
Backspace erases the last digit.
3.4.1.1 The Number Pad Editor
The number pad editor is a small window that resembles the number pad on a keyboard. The
window’s title indicates the parameter being edited (the first octet of an IP address in the figure
below).
When the number pad editor is invoked, the softkey interface changes as shown on the
right side of the figure.
If a parameter already has a value when the editor is invoked, the number pad editor is
initialized with this value. Use the Clear button to erase the value entirely.
The <- button (the backspace button) erases the last digit.
The EXP button is used to enter numbers in scientific format.
The +/- button toggles the sign of the mantissa when it is pushed before the EXP button
and toggles the sign of the exponent when pushed after the EXP button.
5120A/5115A Operations and Maintenance Manual 17
Figure 6: The Number Pad Editor
When a spin button is selected, both The Number Pad Editor and the
+ and - Integer Parameter interface can be used to modify its value.
Press the Number Pad softkey to edit
the value using the number pad editor.
Press the +/- softkey to edit by increasing and decreasing
the current value using the interface shown on the right.
Use the small softkeys to increase
and decrease the value by 1. Press
and hold the keys to continually
increase or decrease the value
Use the large softkeys to increase
or decrease the value by 5 or 10
(actual value depends on the
parameter’s range)
Press the Return softkey when
you are finished editing the
number.
3.4.1.2 The + and - Integer Parameter Interface
Numeric parameters whose values are confined to the integer domain can be changed by
incrementing and decrementing their values. They are represented by spin buttons. See “Figure 5:
Spin Buttons” on page 16 for an example. When an interactive component that represents such a
value is selected, the softkey interface offers both the number pad and the + and - interface as an
editor:
Figure 7: The + and - Integer Parameter Interface
3.4.2 Mutually Exclusive Options
Mutually exclusive options on the settings screens are presented as a horizontal row of buttons
(similar to radio button controls in other graphical user interfaces). Figure 7 has the following
mutually exclusive options:
Bit Rate: which can be one of Auto, 10 Mbps, or 100 Mbps.
Address Assignment: which can be DHCP or Static Address.
The down and right arrow softkeys in Figure 7 move the focus just as they do in the number pad
editor. See Figure 6 on page 17 for an explanation of focus. As focus is changed on mutually
exclusive options the focused option is selected. The new setting takes effect when the Apply
softkey is pressed. The following is an example of how to toggle the Address Assignment option
assuming the state in Figure 7 as a starting point.
To change the Address Assignment method:
1. Press the down arrow softkey until focus reaches the DHCP button.
Focus is indicated with a white rectangle.
2. Press the right arrow softkey.
Focus and highlight move to the Static Address button - the new setting.
18 3: The Screen and Basic Concepts
Note that the buttons representing the options can be clicked directly with a mouse. Clicking an
interactive component moves the focus - it does not have to be moved with the arrow softkeys.
5120A/5115A Operations and Maintenance Manual 19
20 3: The Screen and Basic Concepts
Use these softkeys to
edit settings in their
corresponding group,
or execute related
functions such as print
job cancellation.
Accesses a screen which
can restore all settings to
factory default values.
4: Global System Settings
The PNTS have global configuration parameters. Many of these ship with acceptable defaults but
should be checked and modified as appropriate when the unit is received. The global configuration
settings persist when the test set is powered off.
Settings are grouped according to function and accessed through the Settings screen. Setting
screens include:
System date and time and time stamp format
Network options
Printing options
4.1 The Settings Screen
The Settings screen shows most current settings and serves as a submenu to the settings groups
listed above.
To access the Settings screen:
1. Press or click the Settings and Options softkey.
See “3.1 Softkey Interface” on page 12 for basic navigation instructions.
2. Press or click the Settings softkey.
Figure 8: Settings Screen
Note that the Settings screen displays the instrument’s current IP address. Use this address to
access the command and data ports, or to retrieve print jobs that were written to files.
5120A/5115A Operations and Maintenance Manual 21
Note
4.1.1 Setting Date and Time
All printouts produced by the test set show the test set date and time the print job was initiated. The
date and time is printed in the top left corner of the page. Date and time stamps on printouts can be
used to correlate printed data sets.
To set the system date and time:
1. Press Settings and Options.
2. Press Settings to access the Settings Screen (shown in Figure 8 on page 21).
3. Press Date and Time.
4. Use the arrow softkeys to access the date/time fields you wish to modify.
5. Adjust the numeric fields as described in section “3.4.1 Numeric Parameters” on page 16.
6. Select the preferred date/time format as described in section “3.4.2 Mutually Exclusive
Options” on page 18.
The field labeled Sample shows how time stamps will be printed.
7. Press Apply to save the new date and time and/or time stamp format.
The test set does not adjust for time changes due to daylight savings time.
22 4: Global System Settings
4.1.2 Network Configuration
In order to access the test set over a network, print to a network printer, or retrieve print jobs sent
to files, network settings must be configured. Skip this section if you do not intend to use these
features.
An example of the network settings screen can be found in Figure 7, on page 18. It groups the
following parameters:
Bit Rate: The bit rate setting is used to force the instrument’s network controller to a given
bit rate. The default of Auto should suffice on almost all networks. Contact a system
administrator if you feel this setting must be changed.
Address Assignment: Toggles between address assignment via Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and a Static Address.
IP Address, Network Mask and Default Route: These fields are only enabled when the
Address Assignment is set to Static Address.
Command Port and Data Port: These fields set the port numbers at which the test set will
answer command line interface and data connections.
Bit Rate and Address Assignment are mutually exclusive options, while the octets in IP Address
and Network Mask, and the Command and Data Port are all integers. See “3.4.2 Mutually
Exclusive Options” on page 18 and “3.4.1 Numeric Parameters” on page 16 for details on how to
set them.
The PNTS ship with the default network settings shown in Tab le 1 .
Table 1: Default network settings
Setting Default value
Bit Rate Auto
Address Assignment DHCP
IP address (set by DHCP)
Netmask (set by DHCP)
Default Route (set by DHCP)
Command port (TCP) 1299
Data port (TCP) 1298
If your network has a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server and the DHCP
assignment method is selected, the IP address does not have to be configured. Once the test set is
connected to the network, it should receive an IP address from the server. The address of the test
set must be determined in order to make a network connection from another computer. It can be
found in “Figure 8: Settings Screen” on page 21 (your system’s address will vary from that shown
in the figure).
4.1.2.1 Static Network Configuration
If your network does not have a DHCP server or a static IP address is preferred, you can set an IP
address, network mask and default route. The address and mask settings are required. The default
route is not strictly necessary, but enables network communication between the test set and
devices on a subnet other than that to which it is immediately attached. The network features can
be used on the local area network, even if no default route (specified as 0.0.0.0) is configured.
5120A/5115A Operations and Maintenance Manual 23
The command and data ports can also be changed if the default port numbers conflict with other
ports on the network. They are used to remotely control the test set and access collected data.
To configure the network connection with a static IP address:
1. Obtain the following information from your network administrator:
IP Address: ______ ______ ______ ______
Subnet Mask: ______ ______ ______ ______
Default Route: ______ ______ ______ ______
2. From the front panel, press Settings and Options (see “3.1.1 Navigation” on page 12).
3. Press Settings.
4. Press Network.
5. Use the down arrow softkey to focus (denoted by highlight on the input components) the
row labeled Address Assignment.
6. Press the right arrow softkey to toggle the setting to Static Address.
The spin buttons for the IP address, network mask and default route octets become
active (they are grayed out for the DHCP method).
7. Press the down arrow softkey to move to the row labeled IP Address. Press the right arrow
softkey to access and set the individual octets as described in “3.4.1 Numeric Parameters”
on page 16.
8. Press the down arrow softkey to focus the row labeled Network Mask and repeat step 7 for
the network mask obtained in step 1.
9. Press the down arrow softkey to focus the row labeled Default Route and repeat step 7 for
the default route obtained in step 1. A default route value of 0.0.0.0 specifies that no
default route is required.
10. Press Apply to save the new settings.
The settings screen is reactivated. It reflects the new network configuration.
24 4: Global System Settings
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