Tabor Electronics 5251 User Manual

Download

User Manual

Model 5251

250 MS/s PXIbus

Arbitrary Waveform Generator

Publication No. 100520

Tabor Electronics Ltd.

9 Hatasia Street, Nesher, Israel 20302

TEL: (972) 4 821 3393, FAX: (972) 4 821 3388

[www.taborelec.com]

PUBLICATION DATE: May 20, 2010

REVISION: 1.0

WARRANTY STATEMENT

Products sold by Tabor Electronics are warranted to be free from defects in workmanship or materials. Tabor Electronics will, at its option, either repair or replace any hardware products, which prove to be defective during the warranty period. You are a valued customer. Our mission is to make any necessary repairs in a reliable and timely manner.

Duration of Warranty

The warranty period for this Tabor Electronics hardware is one year, except software and firmware products designed for use with Tabor Electronics Hardware is warranted not to fail to execute its programming instructions due to defect in materials or workmanship for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of delivery to the initial end user.

Return of Product

Authorization is required from Tabor Electronics before you send your product for service or calibration. Call your nearest Tabor Electronics support facility. A list is located on the last page of this manual. If you are unsure where to call, contact Tabor Electronics Customer Support Department.

Limitation of Warranty

Tabor Electronics shall be released from all obligations under this warranty in the event repairs or modifications are made by persons other than authorized Tabor Electronics service personnel or without the written consent of Tabor Electronics.

Tabor Electronics expressly disclaims any liability to its customers, dealers and representatives and to users of its product, and to any other person or persons, for special or consequential damages of any kind and from any cause whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with the manufacture, sale, handling, repair, maintenance, replacement or use of said products.

Representations and warranties made by any person including dealers and representatives of Tabor Electronics, which are inconsistent or in conflict with the terms of this warranty (including but not limited to the limitations of the liability of Tabor Electronics as set forth above), shall not be binding upon Tabor Electronics unless reduced to writing and approved by an officer of Tabor Electronics

Except as stated above, Tabor Electronics makes no warranty, express or implied (either in fact or by operation of law), statutory or otherwise; and except to the extent stated above, Tabor Electronics shall have no liability under any warranty, express or implied (either in fact or by operation of law), statutory or otherwise.

PROPRIETARY NOTICE

This document and the technical data herein disclosed, are proprietary to Tabor Electronics, and shall not, without express written permission of Tabor Electronics, be used, in whole or in part to solicit quotations from a competitive source or used for manufacture by anyone other than Tabor Electronics. The information herein has been developed at private expense, and may only be used for operation and maintenance reference purposes or for purposes of engineering evaluation and incorporation into technical specifications and other docum ents, which specify procurement of products from Tabor Electronics.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We: Tabor Electronics Ltd. 9 Hatasia Street, Tel Hanan ISRAEL 36888

declare, that the 250MS/s Single Channel Arbitrary Waveform Generator

Model 5251

meet the intent of the requirements of the Electro Magnetic Compatibility 89/336/EEC as amended by 92/31/EEC, 93/68/EEC, 92/263/EEC and 93/97/EEC and the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC amended by 93/68/EEC. Compliance was demonstrated to the following specifications as listed in the official Journal of the European Communities:

Safety:

IEC/EN 61010-1 2nd Edition: 2001+ C1, C2

EMC:

EN55022:2001 Class A Radiated and Conducted Emission IEC61000-3-2:2001(Am1) Harmonics IEC61000-3-3:2002(Am1) Flickers IEC61000-4-2:2001(Am1+Am2) ESD : Contact Discharge ±4Kv

Air Discharge ±8Kv IEC61000-4-3:2002(Am1) Radiated immunity - 3V/m (80MHz-1000MHz) IEC61000-4-4:2001 (Am2) Electrical Fast Transient and Burst ±1.0kV, 5KHz IEC61000-4-5:2001 (Am1) Surges DM ±1.0kV CM ±2.0Kv IEC61000-4-6:2003 Current injection immunity - 3Vrms IEC61000-4-8:2001 Magnetic field 1Amper IEC61000-4-11:2001 Voltage dips and variation

The tests were performed on a typical configuration.

Getting Started .................................................................................................................. 1-1

What’s In This Chapter ....................................................................................................... 1-3

Conventions Used in this Manual ................................................................ ....................... 1-3

Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 1-3

TE5251 Feature Highlights ................................................................................................. 1-4

ArbConnection Feature Highlights ...................................................................................... 1-5

Functional Description ........................................................................................................ 1-7

Supplied Accessories ......................................................................................................... 1-8

Specifications ..................................................................................................................... 1-8

Functional Description ........................................................................................................ 1-9

Front Panel Connectors .................................................................................................. 1-9

Output ......................................................................................................................... 1-9

SYNC Output .............................................................................................................. 1-9

TRIG IN ...................................................................................................................... 1-9

SCLK IN ..................................................................................................................... 1-10

REF IN ........................................................................................................................ 1-10

Run Modes ..................................................................................................................... 1-11

Continuous Mode ....................................................................................................... 1-11

Triggered Mode .......................................................................................................... 1-11

Gated Mode ................................................................................................................ 1-11

Burst Mode ................................................................................................................. 1-11

Output Type .................................................................................................................... 1-12

Standard (FIXED) Waveforms .................................................................................... 1-12

Table of Contents

Chapter Title Page

TE5251

Arbitrary (User) Waveforms ........................................................................................ 1-12

Sequenced Waveforms .............................................................................................. 1-13

Modulated Waveforms ................................................................................................ 1-14

Sweep ..................................................................................................................... 1-14

FM ........................................................................................................................... 1-15

AM ........................................................................................................................... 1-15

Frequency Hop ........................................................................................................ 1-15

FSK ......................................................................................................................... 1-15

PSK ......................................................................................................................... 1-15

ASK ......................................................................................................................... 1-16

3D ........................................................................................................................... 1-16

Pulse Waveforms........................................................................................................ 1-16

Half Cycle Waveforms ................................................................................................ 1-16

Counter/Timer ............................................................................................................. 1-16

Output State ....................................................................................................................... 1-17

Filters ................................................................................................................................. 1-17

Programming The 5251 ..................................................................................................... 1-17

Configuring the Instrument ............................................................................................. 2-1

Installation Overview .......................................................................................................... 2-3

Unpacking and Initial Inspection ...................................................................................... 2-3

Safety Precautions .......................................................................................................... 2-3

Operating ........................................................................................................................... 2-4

Environment ....................................................................................................................... 2-4

Power Requirements .......................................................................................................... 2-4

Grounding Requirements ................................................................................................... 2-4

Calibration .......................................................................................................................... 2-5

Abnormal Conditions .......................................................................................................... 2-5

Long Term Storage or Repackaging For Shipment ......................................................... 2-5

Preparation For Use ........................................................................................................ 2-6

Removing the Instrument from the Bag .............................................................................. 2-6

Installation .......................................................................................................................... 2-6

Installing Instrument Drivers ............................................................................................... 2-7

Installing Software Utilities ................................................................................................. 2-12

Installing IVI Drivers and ArbConnection ............................................................................ 2-13

User Manual

ArbConnection© ............................................................................................................. 3-1

What’s in This Chapter? ..................................................................................................... 3-3

Introduction to ArbConnection ............................................................................................ 3-3

Installing ArbConnection .................................................................................................... 3-3

Quitting ArbConnection..................................................................................................3-4

For the New and Advanced Users .................................................................................3-4

Conventions Used in This Manual .................................................................................3-4

The Opening Screen .......................................................................................................... 3-5

ArbConnection Features .................................................................................................... 3-6

The Control Panels ............................................................................................................ 3-7

The Operation Panels ....................................................................................................3-8

Main ...........................................................................................................................3-9

Standard .................................................................................................................. 3-11

Arbitrary/Sequence ................................................................................................. 3-12

Using the Memory Partition Table .......................................................................... 3-14

Using the Waveform Studio .................................................................................... 3-15

Trigger ..................................................................................................................... 3-19

The Modulation Panels ............................................................................................... 3-21

FM ........................................................................................................................... 3-21

AM ........................................................................................................................... 3-22

Sweep ..................................................................................................................... 3-23

ASK/FSK/PSK ......................................................................................................... 3-24

Frequency Hop ........................................................................................................ 3-26

The Auxiliary Panels ................................................................................................... 3-28

Counter/Timer ......................................................................................................... 3-28

Pulse Generator ...................................................................................................... 3-30

Half Cycle ................................................................................................................ 3-31

The System Panels ..................................................................................................... 3-32

General/Filters ......................................................................................................... 3-32

Calibration ............................................................................................................... 3-33

The Composers Panels .............................................................................................. 3-34

The Wave Composer .............................................................................................. 3-35

The Toolbar ................................................................................................................ 3-41

The Waveform Screen ................................................................................................ 3-42

Generating Waveforms Using the Equation Editor ........................................................... 3-43

Writing Equations ........................................................................................................ 3-45

Equation Convention .................................................................................................. 3-46

Contents (continued)

iii

TE5251

Typing Equations ........................................................................................................ 3-47

Equation Samples ....................................................................................................... 3-48

Combining Waveforms ............................................................................................... 3-52

The Pulse Composer .............................................................................................. 3-53

The FM Composer .................................................................................................. 3-71

The 3D Composer ................................................................................................... 3-75

The Command Editor ....................................................................................................... 3-80

Logging SCPI Commands ................................................................................................ 3-81

Remote Programming Reference .................................................................................... 4-1

What’s in This Chapter ..................................................................................................... 4-3

What is Required ............................................................................................................. 4-3

Introduction to SCPI ......................................................................................................... 4-3

Command Format .......................................................................................................... 4-4

Command Separator ..................................................................................................... 4-4

The MIN and MAX

Parameters ..................................................................................... 4-5

Querying Parameter Setting .......................................................................................... 4-5

Query Response Format ............................................................................................... 4-5

SCPI Command Terminator .......................................................................................... 4-5

IEEE-STD-488.2 Common Commands ......................................................................... 4-5

SCPI Parameter Type .................................................................................................... 4-6

Numeric Parameters .................................................................................................. 4-6

Discrete Parameters .................................................................................................. 4-6

Boolean Parameters .................................................................................................. 4-6

Arbitrary Block Parameters ........................................................................................ 4-6

Binary Block Parameters ........................................................................................... 4-7

SCPI Syntax and Styles ................................................................................................... 4-7

Instrument Control Commands ........................................................................................ 4-14

Standard Waveforms Control Commands ........................................................................ 4-21

Arbitrary Waveforms Control Commands ......................................................................... 4-28

Sequenced Waveforms Control Commands .................................................................... 4-34

Modulated Waveforms Control Commands ...................................................................... 4-41

FM Modulation Programming ........................................................................................ 4-45

AM modulation Programming ........................................................................................ 4-49

Sweep Modulation Programming .................................................................................. 4-51

FSK Modulation Programming ...................................................................................... 4-54

ASK Modulation Programming ...................................................................................... 4-56

Frequency Hopping Modulation Programming .............................................................. 4-57

User Manual

3D Modulation Programming ......................................................................................... 4-61

PSK Modulation Programming ...................................................................................... 4-63

Run Mode Commands ................................................................................................ ..... 4-66

Auxiliary Commands ........................................................................................................ 4-72

Digital Pulse Programming ............................................................................................ 4-73

Counter/Timer Programming ......................................................................................... 4-78

Half Cycle Programming ................................................................................................ 4-81

System Commands ....................................................................................................... 4-83

IEEE-STD-488.2 Common Commands and Queries ....................................................... 4-85

Error Messages ............................................................................................................... 4-85

Performance Checks ........................................................................................................ 5-1

What’s in This Chapter ........................................................................................................ 5-3

Performance Checks .......................................................................................................... 5-3

Environmental Conditions ................................................................................................... 5-3

Warm-up Period .................................................................................................................. 5-4

Initial Instrument Setting ...................................................................................................... 5-4

Recommended Test Equipment .......................................................................................... 5-4

Test Procedures.................................................................................................................. 5-4

Frequency Accuracy ........................................................................................................ 5-5

Frequency Accuracy, Internal Reference ......................................................................... 5-5

Frequency Accuracy, External 10MHz Reference ............................................................... 5-5

Amplitude Accuracy ............................................................................................................ 5-6

Amplitude Accuracy, DAC Output .................................................................................... 5-6

Amplitude Accuracy, DDS Output .................................................................................... 5-6

Offset Accuracy................................................................................................................... 5-7

Offset Accuracy, DAC Output .......................................................................................... 5-7

Offset Accuracy, DDS Output .......................................................................................... 5-8

Squarewave Characteristics ............................................................................................... 5-9

Squarewave Checks ....................................................................................................... 5-9

Sinewave Characteristics .................................................................................................... 5-9

Sinewave Distortion, DAC Output .................................................................................... 5-9

Sinewave Spectral Purity, DAC Output ............................................................................ 5-10

Sinewave Spectral Purity, DDS Output ............................................................................ 5-11

Sinewave Flatness, DAC Output ..................................................................................... 5-11

Sinewave Flatness, DDS Output ..................................................................................... 5-12

Trigger operation Characteristics ........................................................................................ 5-12

Trigger, Gate, and Burst Characteristics .......................................................................... 5-13

Mixed Trigger Advance Test ............................................................................................ 5-13

Contents (continued)

TE5251

Delayed Trigger Characteristics ................................ ...................................................... 5-14

Re-trigger Characteristics ................................................................................................ 5-15

Trigger Slope .................................................................................................................. 5-16

Trigger Level ................................................................................................................... 5-16

Sequence operation ............................................................................................................ 5-17

Automatic Advance ......................................................................................................... 5-17

Step Advance .................................................................................................................. 5-18

Single Advance ............................................................................................................... 5-19

SYNC Output Operation ..................................................................................................... 5-19

SYNC Qualifier - Bit ........................................................................................................ 5-20

SYNC Qualifier - LCOM .................................................................................................. 5-20

Arbitrary Waveform Memory Operation ............................................................................... 5-21

Waveform memory .......................................................................................................... 5-21

Modulated Waveforms Operation ....................................................................................... 5-21

FM - Standard Waveforms .............................................................................................. 5-21

Triggered FM - Standard Waveforms .............................................................................. 5-22

FM Burst - Standard Waveforms ..................................................................................... 5-23

Gated FM - Standard Waveforms .................................................................................... 5-24

Re-triggered FM Bursts - Standard Waveforms ............................................................... 5-25

FM - Arbitrary Waveforms ............................................................................................... 5-26

AM .................................................................................................................................. 5-26

FSK ................................................................................................................................. 5-27

PSK ................................................................................................................................. 5-28

ASK ................................................................................................................................. 5-28

Variable Dwell Time Frequency Hops ............................................................................. 5-29

Fix Dwell Time Frequency Hops ...................................................................................... 5-30

Sweep ............................................................................................................................. 5-31

Auxiliary Counter/Timer Operation ...................................................................................... 5-32

Frequency ....................................................................................................................... 5-32

Period, Period Averaged ................................................................ ................................. 5-33

Pulse Width ..................................................................................................................... 5-34

Totalize, Gated ................................................................................................................ 5-34

Totalize, Infinite ................................................................................................ ............... 5-35

Adjustments and Firmware Update ................................................................................. 6-1

What’s in This Chapter........................................................................................................ 6-3

Performance Checks .......................................................................................................... 6-3

Environmental Conditions ................................................................................................... 6-3

Warm-up Period.................................................................................................................. 6-3

Recommended Test Equipment .......................................................................................... 6-4

Adjustment Procedures....................................................................................................... 6-4

User Manual

Reference Oscillators Adjustments ....................................................................................... 6-7

(Setup 50MHz)................................................................................................................... 6-7

Setup TCXO....................................................................................................................... 6-7

Base Line Offset Adjustments............................................................................................... 6-8

Setup 1............................................................................................................................... 6-8

Setup 2............................................................................................................................... 6-8

Setup 3............................................................................................................................... 6-9

Setup 4............................................................................................................................... 6-9

Setup 5............................................................................................................................... 6-9

Setup 6............................................................................................................................. 6-10

Offset Adjustments.............................................................................................................. 6-10

Setup 7............................................................................................................................. 6-10

Setup 8............................................................................................................................. 6-11

Setup 9............................................................................................................................. 6-11

Setup 10........................................................................................................................... 6-11

Setup 11........................................................................................................................... 6-12

Setup 12........................................................................................................................... 6-12

Setup 13........................................................................................................................... 6-13

Setup 14........................................................................................................................... 6-13

Amplitude Adjustments........................................................................................................ 6-13

Setup 15........................................................................................................................... 6-14

Setup 16........................................................................................................................... 6-14

Setup 17........................................................................................................................... 6-14

Setup 18........................................................................................................................... 6-15

Setup 19........................................................................................................................... 6-15

Setup 20........................................................................................................................... 6-16

Amplitude Adjustments-Modulation..................................................................................... 6-16

Setup 21........................................................................................................................... 6-16

Setup 22........................................................................................................................... 6-17

Setup 23........................................................................................................................... 6-17

Setup 24........................................................................................................................... 6-17

Setup 25........................................................................................................................... 6-18

Setup 26........................................................................................................................... 6-18

Pulse Response Adjustments.............................................................................................. 6-19

(Setup 27)........................................................................................................................ 6-19

(Setup 28)........................................................................................................................ 6-19

Flatness Adjustments.......................................................................................................... 6-20

Setup 29........................................................................................................................... 6-20

Setup 30........................................................................................................................... 6-20

Setup 31........................................................................................................................... 6-20

Setup 32........................................................................................................................... 6-21

Setup 33........................................................................................................................... 6-21

Contents (continued)

vii

TE5251

Setup 34 ............................................................................................................................. 6-22

Setup 35 ............................................................................................................................. 6-22

Setup 36 ............................................................................................................................. 6-22

Setup 37 ............................................................................................................................. 6-23

Setup 38 ............................................................................................................................. 6-23

Setup 39 ............................................................................................................................. 6-24

Setup 40 ............................................................................................................................. 6-24

Setup 41 ............................................................................................................................. 6-24

Setup 42 ............................................................................................................................. 6-25

Setup 43 ............................................................................................................................. 6-25

Setup 44 ............................................................................................................................. 6-25

Setup 45 ............................................................................................................................. 6-26

Setup 46 ............................................................................................................................. 6-26

Setup 47 ............................................................................................................................. 6-27

Updating the 5251 Firmware ................................................................................................. 6-28

Appendices

Specifications ................................................................................................................... A-1

User Manual

viii

4 1, Model 5251 SCPI Commands List Summary ....................................................................... 4-8

4 2, Instrument Control Commands Summary ........................................................................... 4-14

4 3, Instrument Control Commands Summary ........................................................................... 4-21

4 4, Arbitrary Waveforms Commands Summary ....................................................................... 4-29

4 5, Sequence Control Commands ............................................................................................ 4-36

4 6, Modulated Waveforms Commands ..................................................................................... 4-42

4 7, Run Mode Commands ........................................................................................................ 4-67

4 8, Auxiliary Commands ........................................................................................................... 4-72

4 9, System Commands Summary ............................................................................................ 4-83

5-1, Recommended Test Equipment ........................................................................................... 5-3

5-2, Frequency Accuracy ............................................................................................................. 5-4

5-3, Frequency Accuracy Using External 10 MHz Reference ...................................................... 5-5

5-4, Amplitude Accuracy, DAC output ......................................................................................... 5-5

5-5, Amplitude Accuracy, DDS output ......................................................................................... 5-6

5-6, Offset Accuracy, DAC Output ............................................................................................... 5-7

5-7, Offset Accuracy, DAC Output - Continued ........................................................................... 5-7

5-8, Offset Accuracy, DDS Output ............................................................................................... 5-7

5-9, Square wave Characteristics - Continued ............................................................................ 5-8

5-10, Sinewave Distortion, DAC Output Tests ............................................................................. 5-9

5-11, Sinewave Spectral Purity, DAC Output Test ...................................................................... 5-9

5-12, Sine Wave Spectral Purity, DDS Output Tests ................................................................. 5-10

5-13, Sinewave Flatness, DAC Output Test .............................................................................. 5-11

List of Tables

Chapter Title Page

TE5251

5-14, Sinewave Flatness Test, DDS Output ............................................................................... 5-11

5-15, Trigger, gate, and burst Characteristics ............................................................................. 5-12

5-16, Trigger Delay Tests ........................................................................................................... 5-14

5-17, Re-Trigger Delay Tests ...................................................................................................... 5-15

5-18, Frequency Measurement Accuracy ................................................................................... 5-32

5-19, Period Measurement Accuracy.......................................................................................... 5-32

5-20, Pulse Width Measurement Accuracy ................................................................................. 5-33

6 1, Recommended calibration for Adjustments ........................................................................... 6-3

User Manual

1-1, The Model 5251 ................................................................................................................ 1-4

1-2, ArbConnection - Control Panels ....................................................................................... 1-5

1-3, ArbConnection - Wave Composer Example ...................................................................... 1-6

1-4, ArbConnection – Pulse Composer Example ..................................................................... 1-6

1-5a, Segment 1 – Sin (x)/x Waveform .................................................................................... 1-13

1-5b. Segment 2 – Sine Waveform .......................................................................................... 1-13

1-5c Segment 3 – Pulse Waveform ......................................................................................... 1-14

1- 5d. Sequenced Waveforms ................................................................................................. 1-14

2 1 – The Welcome to the Found New Hardware Wizard......................................................... 2-8

2 2 – Install Hardware Device Drivers ...................................................................................... 2-9

2 3 – Locate Driver Files .......................................................................................................... 2-9

2 4 – Copying Device Drivers .................................................................................................. 2-10

2 5 – Driver Files Search Results ............................................................................................. 2-11

2 6 – Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard ................................................................ 2-11

2 7 – Device Manager .............................................................................................................. 2-12

2 8 – Install preparation ........................................................................................................... 2-14

2 9 – First Installation Step ...................................................................................................... 2-14

2 10 – Customer Information Step ........................................................................................... 2-15

2 11 – Selecting Setup Type .................................................................................................... 2-16

2 12 – Selecting Destination .................................................................................................... 2-16

2 13 – Setup Complete ............................................................................................................ 2-17

3 1, Startup & Communication Options .................................................................................... 3-5

3 2, ArbConnection's Toolbars ................................................................................................. 3-5

3 3, the Panels Toolbar ............................................................................................................ 3-6

3 4, the Operations Panels ...................................................................................................... 3-9

3 5, the Main Panel .................................................................................................................. 3-9

List of Figures

Chapter Title Page

3 6, the Standard Waveforms Panel ........................................................................................ 3-11

3 7, the Arbitrary & Sequence Panel ........................................................................................ 3-12

3 8, the Memory Partition Table ............................................................................................... 3-14

3 9, the Waveform Studio ........................................................................................................ 3-16

3 10, the Sequence Table........................................................................................................ 3-18

3 11, the Trigger Panel ................................ ................................................................ ............ 3-20

3 12, the Modulation Panels .................................................................................................... 3-21

3 13, the FM Panel .................................................................................................................. 3-22

3 14, the AM Panel .................................................................................................................. 3-23

3 15, the Sweep Modulation Panel .......................................................................................... 3-24

3 16, the ASK/FSK/PSK Modulation Panel .............................................................................. 3-25

3 17, the Frequency Hop Panel ............................................................................................... 3-27

3 18, the Auxiliary Panels ........................................................................................................ 3-28

3 19, the Counter/Timer Panel ................................................................................................. 3-29

3 20, the Digital Pulse Generator Panel ................................................................................... 3-30

3 21, the Half Cycle Panel ....................................................................................................... 3-31

3 22, the System Panels .......................................................................................................... 3-32

3 23, the General/Filters Panel ................................................................................................ 3-33

3 24, the Calibration Panel ...................................................................................................... 3-34

3 25, the Composers Panels ................................................................................................... 3-35

3 26, the Wave Composer Opening Screen ............................................................................ 3-35

3 27, the Open Waveform Dialog Box...................................................................................... 3-37

3 28, Zooming In on Waveform Segments ............................................................................... 3-40

3 29, Generating Distorted Sine waves from the built-in Library............................................... 3-41

3 30, the Toolbar Icons ............................................................................................................ 3-42

3 31, the Waveform Screen ..................................................................................................... 3-42

3 32, the Equation Editor Dialog Box ....................................................................................... 3-43

3 33, an Equation Editor Example ........................................................................................... 3-48

3 34, Using the Equation Editor to Modulate Sine Waveforms. ................................................ 3-49

3 35, Using the Equation Editor to Add Second Harmonic Distortion. ...................................... 3-50

3 36, Using the Equation Editor to Generate Exponentially Decaying Sinewave ...................... 3-51

3 37, Using the Editor to Build Amplitude Modulated Signal with Upper and Lower Sidebands 3-52

3 38, Combining Waveforms into Equations ............................................................................ 3-53

3 39, the Pulse Composer Screen ........................................................................................... 3-54

3 40, the Pulse Editor .............................................................................................................. 3-56

3 41, the Pulse Editor Options ................................................................................................ . 3-57

3 42, the Pulse Composer Toolbar Icons ................................................................................. 3-58

3 43, Complete Pulse Train Design ......................................................................................... 3-59

3 44, Section 5 of the Pulse Train Design ................................................................................ 3-59

List of Figures (continued)

xii

TE5251

3 45, Selecting Pulse Editor Options ........................................................................................ 3-60

3 46, Using the Pulse Editor .................................................................................................... 3-62

3 47, Building Section 1 of the Pulse Example ......................................................................... 3-64

3 48, Building Section 2 of the Pulse Example ......................................................................... 3-65

3 49, Building Section 3 of the Pulse Example ......................................................................... 3-67

3 50, Building Section 4 of the Pulse Example ......................................................................... 3-68

3 51, Building Section 5 of the Pulse Example ......................................................................... 3-69

3 52, the Pulse Editor Download Summary .............................................................................. 3-70

3 53, The FM Composer opening Screen ................................................................................ 3-72

3 54, Generating Sine Modulation Using the FM Composer .................................................... 3-74

3 55, the 3D Composer Screen ................................................................................................ 3-75

3 56, the Parameters Tab ........................................................................................................ 3-76

3 57, the Expanded Parameters Options Dialog Box ............................................................... 3-77

3 58, the 3D Vertical Controls .................................................................................................. 3-78

3 59, the 3D Graphical Screens ............................................................................................... 3-79

3 60, 3D Chirp Design Example ............................................................................................... 3-80

3 61, the Command Editor ....................................................................................................... 3-81

3 62, Log File Example ............................................................................................................ 3-82

4-1, Definite Length Arbitrary Block Data Format ..................................................................... 4-30

4-2, 16-bit Initial Waveform Data Point Representation ............................................................ 4-30

4-3, 16-bit Waveform Data Point Representation ..................................................................... 4-31

4-4, Segment Address and Size Example ................................................................................ 4-33

4-5, 64-bit Sequence Table Download Format ......................................................................... 4-37

6 1, Calibration Password ................................................................ ........................................ 6-4

6 2, Calibration Panel .............................................................................................................. 6-4

6 3, TE5251.dll Properties ....................................................................................................... 6-27

6 4, Firmware Revision Screen ................................................................................................ 6-28

User Manual

xiii

List of Figures (continued)

xiv

Chapter 1

Getting Started

Title Page

What’s In This Chapter ........................................................................................................ 1-3

Conventions Used in this Manual ........................................................................................ 1-3

Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1-3

TE5251 Feature Highlights .................................................................................................. 1-4

ArbConnection Feature Highlights ....................................................................................... 1-5

Functional Description ......................................................................................................... 1-7

Supplied Accessories ........................................................................................................... 1-8

Specifications ....................................................................................................................... 1-8

Functional Description ......................................................................................................... 1-9

Front Panel Connectors ..................................................................................................... 1-9

Output ............................................................................................................................ 1-9

SYNC Output ................................................................................................................. 1-9

TRIG IN ......................................................................................................................... 1-9

SCLK IN ........................................................................................................................ 1-10

REF IN ........................................................................................................................... 1-10

Run Modes ........................................................................................................................ 1-11

Continuous Mode .......................................................................................................... 1-11

Triggered Mode ............................................................................................................. 1-11

Gated Mode ................................................................................................................... 1-11

Burst Mode .................................................................................................................... 1-11

Output Type ....................................................................................................................... 1-12

Standard (FIXED) Waveforms ....................................................................................... 1-12

Arbitrary (User) Waveforms ........................................................................................... 1-12

Sequenced Waveforms ................................................................................................. 1-13

Modulated Waveforms................................................................................................... 1-14 

Sweep ....................................................................................................................... 1-14

FM ............................................................................................................................. 1-15

AM ............................................................................................................................. 1-15

Frequency Hop .......................................................................................................... 1-15

TE5251

User Manual

FSK ............................................................................................................................1-15

PSK ............................................................................................................................1-15

ASK ............................................................................................................................1-16

3D ..............................................................................................................................1-16

Pulse Waveforms .......................................................................................................... 1-16

Half Cycle Waveforms ................................................................................................... 1-16

Counter/Timer ............................................................................................................... 1-16

Output State ..........................................................................................................................1-17

Filters ....................................................................................................................................1-17

Programming The 5251 ........................................................................................................1-17

1-2

Getting Started

What’s In This Chapter

Conventions Used in this Manual

This chapter contains general and functional description of the Model 5251 Arbitrary Waveform Generator. It also describes the front panel connectors and operational modes and provides description of all features available with the instruments.

The following conventions may appear in this manual:

NOTE

Note contains information relating to the use of this product

CAUTION

Caution contains information that should be followed to avoid personal

damage to the instrument or the equipment connected to it.

WARNING

Warning alerts you to a potential hazard. Failure to adhere to the

statement in a WARNING message could result in personal injury.

The following symbol may appear on the product:

CAUTION: Refer to Accompanying Documents

Introduction

This refers you to additional information contained in this manual. The corresponding information in the manual is similarly denoted.

Model 5251 is a single-channel PXI-based Arbitrary Waveform Generator. It is a high performance waveform generator that combines five powerful instruments in one small package: function generator, waveform generator, pulse generator, modulation generator and a counter/timer. Supplied free with the instrument is ArbConnection software, which is used for controlling the 5251 and for generating, editing and downloading waveforms from a remote computer. The following highlights the 5251 and ArbConnection features.

1-3

TE5251

User Manual

TE5251 Feature Highlights

• Single Slot PXI Module

• Generates six types of waveforms: standard, arbitrary,

sequenced, pulse, modulated and half-cycle waveforms

• 250 MS/s sample clock frequency

• 100 MHz sine and square waveforms

• 14 digits frequency setting, limited by 1 μS/s

• Extremely low phase noise

• 1 ppm clock stability

• 16-bit vertical resolution

• 2 Meg memory depth

• Ultra fast waveform downloads

• Frequency hops, sweep, FM, FSK, ASK, PSK and amplitude

modulation

• Trigger delay and period-controlled auto re-trigger

• Built-in counter/timer

1-4

Figure 1-1, the Model 5251

Getting Started

ArbConnection Feature Highlights

• Three powerful tools in one software package: Instrument control

panel, Waveform composer and FM signal composer

• Detailed virtual front panels control all 5251 functions and modes

• Wave, modulation and pulse composers for generating, editing

and downloading complex waveforms

• Automatic detection of active instruments

• Equation editor generates waveforms from equations

• SCPI command and response editor simulates ATE operation

• Translates waveform coordinates from ASCII and other formats

• Simplifies generation of complex sequences

Figure 1-2, ArbConnection - Control Panels

1-5

TE5251

User Manual

Figure 1-3, ArbConnection - Wave Composer Example

Figure 1-4, ArbConnection – Pulse Composer Example

1-6

Getting Started

Functional Description

Output Functions

Frequency

Amplitude

Detailed functional description is given following the general description of the features and functions available with the 5251.

Model 5251 is completely digital. There are no analog functions resident in its hardware circuits. Data has to be downloaded to the instrument for it to start generating waveforms. The instrument can generate a few standard functions such as sine wave, triangular wave and square wave. Each time that a standard function is required, the instrument calculates its coordinates and places them in the waveform memory. Therefore, every time a standard function is selected, minimal time is required for the controller to compute the function and load its data to the waveform memory.

Waveform frequency and sample clock are programmed with 14 digits, limited only by 1 μS/s. Frequency accuracy of the output waveform is determined by the clock reference, CLK10, which provides 1 ppm accuracy and stability over time and temperature.

The output level may be programmed from 200 mV to 20 Vp-p into open circuit, or 100 mV to 10 V into 50Ω. Offset may be applied to the output to shift the signal either positive or negative. Offset and amplitude are inter-related, so make sure you understand the offset-amplitude ranges before you apply offset to your signal.

Trigger Modes

Arbitrary Waveforms

Besides its normal continuous mode, the 5251 responds to a variety of trigger sources. The output waveform may be gated, triggered, or generate a counted burst of waveforms. A built-in retrigger generator has a programmable delay time. Once triggered, the firmware issues automatic trigger intervals. The re-trigger interval is measured from the end of the signal to the start of the next signal. Having this feature eliminates the need for external trigger sources. The re-trigger generator can be programmed from 200 ns to 20 seconds intervals with incremental resolution of 20 ns.

The Model 5251 generates arbitrary waveforms with 16 bits of vertical resolution. Any waveform it generates must first be loaded to its waveform memory. The arbitrary waveform memory is a bank of 16-bit words. Each word represents a point on the horizontal scale. Each word has a horizontal address that can range from 0 to 2,097,152 and a vertical address that can range from -16383 to +16384 (16 bits). Using a high speed clocking circuit, the digital contents of the arbitrary waveform memory is extracted and routed to the Digital to Analog Converter (DAC). The DAC converts the digital data to an analog signal, and the output amplifier completes the task by amplifying or attenuating the signal at the output connector.

1-7

TE5251

User Manual

Memory Segmentation

There is no need to use the entire memory every time an arbitrary waveform is generated. The waveform memory can be divided into smaller segments and different waveforms can be loaded into individual segment. The various segments may then be loaded into a sequence table to generate long and complex waveforms. The sequence table can link up to 10k segments, while each segment can loop up to 1 M times.

Remote Control

Frequency Agility

The instrument must be used in conjunction with a host computer. All of its functions, modes and parameters are fully programmable using SCPI commands and syntax. There are three ways to program the Model 5251, the first being low-level programming of each individual parameter, using SCPI commands. The second alternative is to use ArbConnection for high-level programming. ArbConnection is a software package supplied with the 5251 that simulates a mechanical front panel. It has all the necessary push buttons, displays and dials to operate the instrument as if you were using it on the bench. The third alternative is using application specific drivers, such IVI or LabVIEW drivers.

The 5251 must be programmed to generate waveforms. Therefore, it is recommended that the user becomes familiar with its basic features, functions and programming concepts as described in this and subsequent chapters.

The instrument generates its sample clock from a DDS circuit (direct digital synthesis). The DDS circuit enables frequency agility through the complete frequency range of the 5251. Having such an enormous range opens the door for a wide range of applications such as wide band sweep, FSK, frequency hops and frequency modulation. The 5251 can also generate AM, ASK, PSK and wireless modulation signals.

Supplied Accessories

Specifications

1-8

The instrument is supplied with a CD that includes an Instruction Manual, ArbConnection for Windows 2000/XP/NT and plug & play drivers.

Instrument specifications are listed in Appendix A. These specifications are the performance standards or limits against which the instrument is tested. Specifications apply under the following conditions: output terminated into 50 Ω after 30 minutes of warm up time, and within a temperature range of 20 °C to 30 °C. Specifications outside this range are degraded by 0.1 % per °C.

Getting Started

Functional Description

Front Panel Connectors

Output

A detailed functional description is given in the following paragraphs. The description is divided into logical groups: front panel connectors, operating modes, output type, output state and filters.

The 5251 has 3 BNC connectors on its front panel: main and SYNC outputs and trigger input. There are also 2 SMB connectors: sample clock and 10 MHz reference clock inputs. These connectors are described below.

The output connector outputs fixed (pre-defined) waveforms to 100 MHz, user (arbitrary) and sequenced waveforms with sampling clock to 250 MS/s. Output impedance is 50 Ω, that is, the cable connected to this output should be terminated with 50 Ω load. Amplitude accuracy is calibrated when connected to a 50 Ω load. The amplitude is doubled when the output impedance is above 1 MΩ.

SYNC Output

TRIG IN

The SYNC output generates a single TTL pulse for synchronizing other instruments (i.e., an oscilloscope) to the output waveform. The SYNC signal always appears at a fixed point relative to the waveform. The location of the SYNC signal along the waveform is programmable. The SYNC output is also used as marker output when the sweep, or other modulation functions are turned on.

In general, this input accepts signals that stimulate generation of output waveforms. The trigger input is inactive when the generator operates in continuous mode. When placed in trigger, gated or burst modes, the trigger input is made active and waits for the proper condition to trigger the instrument. In trigger and burst modes, the trigger input is edge sensitive, i.e., it senses transitions from high to low or from low to high to trigger the 5251. The direction of the transition is programmable. In gated mode, the trigger input is level sensitive, i.e., the generator is gated when the logic level is high and idle when the level is logic low. Trigger level for this input is programmable within the rage of -5V to +5 V.

The same input is used in FSK, ASK and PSK mode, where the output hops between two frequencies, amplitude and phases. The output generates carrier frequency, amplitude and phase when the trigger input level is false and consequently, shifted frequency, amplitude and phase when the trigger input level is true.

1-9

TE5251

User Manual

SCLK IN

REF IN

This SMB connector accepts sample clock signals from an external source. Signal range is from dc to 250 MHz and amplitude level is PECL (positive ECL level). The purpose of this input is to replace the internal clock generator either for low noise applications or for synchronization purpose. The sample clock input is active only after selecting the external sample clock source mode.

This SMB connector accepts 10 MHz. Signal level can be either TTL or 0 dBm, depending on the selection made on the jumper settings that is made on the board. The instrument is supplied with TTL input setting. Changing to 0 dBm can be done only when the card is removed from the chassis and only by qualified service engineer.

The external reference input is available for those applications requiring better accuracy and stability reference than the one provided inside the 5251. The reference input is active only after selecting the external reference source mode.

1-10

Getting Started

Functional Description

Run Modes

Continuous Mode

Triggered Mode

The 5251 can be programmed to operate in one of four run modes: continuous, triggered, gated and (counted) burst. These modes are described below.

In normal continuous mode, the selected waveform is generated continuously at the selected frequency, amplitude and offset.

In triggered mode, the 5251 circuits are armed to generate one output waveform. The trigger circuit is sensitive to transitions at the trigger input. Select between positive or negative transitions to trigger the instrument. When triggered, the generator outputs one waveform cycle and remains idle at an amplitude level equal to the voltage of the first point of the waveform. The instrument can be armed to receive triggers from the front panel connector or using a trigger soft command. The re-trigger mode require only one trigger signal, which automatically generate a series of triggers spaced by an interval that is determined by the re-trigger delay parameter.

The trigger signal, whether it comes from the front panel or from a soft command, has to pass through some electrical circuits. These circuits cause small delay known as system delay. System delay cannot be eliminated completely and must be considered when applying a trigger signal. It defines how long it will take from a valid trigger edge to the moment that the output reacts.

Gated Mode

Burst Mode

In gated mode, the 5251 circuits are armed to generate output waveforms as long as a gating signal is present. Unlike the triggered mode, the gated mode is level sensitive. When the gating signal goes low, the waveform at the output connector is first completed and the output reverts to an idle state. The idle amplitude level, after the gating signal goes low, is the last point on the waveform.

The burst mode is an extension of the triggered mode where the generator can be programmed to output a pre-determined number of waveforms. The sources to trigger a burst are the same as for the trigger mode.

1-11

TE5251

User Manual

Output Type

Standard (FIXED) Waveforms

The 5251 can output six types of waveforms: standard (Fixed), arbitrary (User), sequenced, modulated, pulse and half-cycle waveforms. Description of the various waveform types that the instrument can generate is given below.

The 5251 must pre-load its memory before it can generate waveforms. On power up, the waveform memory has no specific data. The sine waveform, being the default waveform on power on, is computed and loaded to the waveform memory as part of the reset procedure. From this moment on, every time that another waveform is selected, it is being computed and loaded to the waveform memory.

Waveforms are written from the same start address. Therefore, every time that a new waveform is selected, there is some minimal time for the processor to compute and download the data to the memory.

The 5251 can be programmed to output one of nine standard waveform shapes: sine, triangle, square, pulse/ramp, sine(x)/x pulse, gaussian pulse, rising/decaying exponential pulse, noise and dc. There are some parameters associated with each waveform, which modify the shape of the waveform to better suit your needs. For example, different start phase for the sine waveform can be programmed for each channel to create phase offsets between the two instruments.

Arbitrary (User) Waveforms

1-12

The arbitrary waveform memory is capable of storing one or more user-defined waveforms. As was discussed before, the 5251 is supplied with 2 Meg memory bank. There are up to 2 Meg points that can be allocated to one single waveform. On the other hand, there is no need to use the entire memory for only one waveform; The memory can be divided into smaller segments and loaded with different waveforms and the instrument can be programmed to output one segment at a time.

Loading data to arbitrary waveform memory can be a timeconsuming task, especially if all 2 Meg points are loaded in one shot. The 5251 utilizes a DMA (direct memory access) concept that speeds data transfer from host computer to the instrument.

Getting Started

Functional Description

Sequenced Waveforms

The sequence generator is a powerful tool that lets you link and loop segments in any way you desire. As a simple example of a sequenced waveform, look at Figures 1-5a through 1-5c. The waveforms shown in these figures were placed in memory segments 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The sequence generator takes these three waveforms links and loops them in a predefined order to generate the waveform shown in Figure 1-5d.

The sequence circuit is useful for generating long waveforms with repeated sections. The repeated waveform has to be programmed once and the repeater loops on this segment as many times as selected. When in sequenced mode, there is no loss of time between linked or looped segments.

Figure 1-5a, Segment 1 – Sin (x)/x Waveform

Figure 1-5b. Segment 2 – Sine Waveform

1-13

TE5251

User Manual

Figure 1-5c Segment 3 – Pulse Waveform

The following sequence was made of segment 2 repeated twice,

segment 1 repeated four times, and segment 3 repeated two times.

Modulated Waveforms

Using the latest DDS (direct digital synthesis) technology, the 5251 is extremely agile. Operations like sweep, FSK and FM are directly derived from the DDS circuit by controlling its input bits. The modulated waveform schemes are described below.

Sweep

The 5251 can sweep from minimum to maximum sample clock frequency boundaries. You may select to sweep up or down using linear or logarithmic increments. Sweep time is programmable from 10 μHz to 100 MHz and sweep times can be set from 1.4 μs to 40 seconds. You may use the sweep in continuous, triggered, or gated modes.

1-14

Figure 1- 5d. Sequenced Waveforms

Getting Started

Functional Description

Frequency Hop

The FM function modulates the 5251 carrier output in the frequency domain. You can modulate the output using the built-in waveforms standard waveforms, or download complex waveforms to the modulation memory. FM can be used in continuous, triggered and gated modes. The 5251 can generate two types of frequency modulation: 1) Standard and 2) Arbitrary. In standard mode, the modulating waveform is selected from a built-in library of 4 standard waveforms: sine, triangle, square and ramp. In arbitrary mode, complex modulating signals are loaded to the modulation waveform memory. There are 10,000 points allocated specifically for the arbitrary memory that is used for arbitrary frequency modulation and hence 10k unique frequency values may be used for this function.

The AM function modulates the 5251 carrier output in the amplitude domain. There are four standard modulating waveforms that can be used for the modulation scheme: sine triangle, square and ramp. AM can be used in continuous, triggered and gated modes.

The frequency hop function causes the output frequency to hop through a frequency list. The interval that the 5251 dwells on a specific frequency is programmable for each hop. The dwell time could also be set uniformly over the entire frequency list.

FSK

PSK

The frequency hop table can contain up to 1000 different frequency values of which could range from 10 Hz to 100 MHz.

FSK (frequency shift keying) function shifts the carrier frequency between two frequency settings. The trigger input is used for programming the frequency value. Trigger false state generates base frequency and trigger true state generates shifted frequency. For positive true trigger state select the positive trigger slope and for negative true trigger state select the negative trigger slope.

PSK (Phase shift keying) function shifts the phase of the carrier frequency between two phase settings 0° and 180°. The trigger input is used for programming the phase value. Trigger false state generates 0° and trigger true state generates 180°. For positive true trigger state select the positive trigger slope and for negative true trigger state select the negative trigger slope.

1-15

TE5251

User Manual

ASK

Pulse Waveforms

ASK (amplitude shift keying) function shifts the amplitude of the carrier frequency between two amplitude settings. The trigger input is used for programming the amplitude value. Trigger false state generates base amplitude and trigger true state generates shifted amplitude. For positive true trigger state select the positive trigger slope and for negative true trigger state select the negative trigger slope.

The 3D function is operated from an external utility only, such as ArbConnection. The carrier waveform can be programmed to sweep in three dimensions: frequency, amplitude and phase.

Using the arbitrary memory, one may use the 5251 as a standalone pulse generator. All pulse parameters are adjustable including period, pulse width, delay, rise and fall times as well as double pulse parameters, just as you would program parameters on a standard pulse generator. Pulse structure is limited only by the resolution of the sample clock and the number of waveform points that are required to create the pulse shape.

Half Cycle Waveforms

Counter/Timer

Just as it is on a standard pulse generator, the pulses that are generated from this function are limited to one or two pulses in a pulse train and cannot change amplitude from train to train. For applications that require complex pulse trains where multiple pulse sequences that have variable amplitude profiles for each pulse, one may use the Pulse Composer program that is available in ArbConnection.

There are three half cycle waveforms that the 5251 generates: sine, triangle and square. Frequency range is 10 mHz to 1 MHz and the delay between the half cycles is programmable from 200 ns to 20 seconds with increments of 20 ns. One may also program the start phase of the waveforms from 0.1° to 359.9°.

The 5251 can be made to operate as a stand alone counter/timer. It can measure the following functions: frequency, period, period averaged, pulse width and it also can accumulate and totalize incoming pulses. The counter/timer can measure frequencies to over 100 MHz within gate times of 100 μs to 1 s. Frequency and period averaged are measured and display 7 digits in one second of gate measurement time and with accuracy of 1 ppm.

1-16

Getting Started

Output State

Filters

Programming The 5251

The main outputs can be turned on or off. The internal circuit is disconnected from the output connector by a mechanical switch (relay). This feature is useful for connecting the main outputs to an analog bus. For safety reasons, when power is first applied to the chassis, the main output is always off.

Two filters are built into the 5251. These filters are available for use in various applications such as the creation of high frequency sine waves and removing the staircase effect from waveforms that are generated with high frequency clock rates. The filters are also used for reconstructing the standard sine waveform.

The 5251 does not have front panel control capability. Also, waveform data and sequence tables must be loaded to the 5251 from a host computer before it can be output arbitrary or sequenced waveforms. There are a number of ways to “talk” to the instrument. They all require that an appropriate software driver be installed in the host computer. The rest is a matter of practice and knowledge of the language in use. These topics are discussed in later chapters.

Low level programming of the 5251 is accomplished using SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) language. Programming aspects are covered in Chapter 4.

Supplied with the 5251 is a PC software package called ArbConnection. This software provides a user interface that allows interacting with and controlling the 5251 directly. Details on how to use ArbConnection are given in Chapter 3.

1-17

TE5251

User Manual

This page was intentionally left blank

1-18

Chapter 2

Configuring the Instrument

Title Page

Installation Overview .......................................................................................................... 2-3

Unpacking and Initial Inspection ..................................................................................... 2-3

Safety Precautions ......................................................................................................... 2-3

Operating ........................................................................................................................... 2-4

Environment ................................................................ ....................................................... 2-4

Power Requirements.......................................................................................................... 2-4

Grounding Requirements ................................................................................................... 2-4

Calibration .......................................................................................................................... 2-5

Abnormal Conditions .......................................................................................................... 2-5

Long Term Storage or Repackaging For Shipment ......................................................... 2-5

Preparation For Use ....................................................................................................... 2-6

Removing the Instrument from the Bag .............................................................................. 2-6

Installation .......................................................................................................................... 2-6

Installing Instrument Drivers ............................................................................................... 2-7

Installing Software Utilities ................................................................................................. 2-12

Installing IVI Drivers and ArbConnection ............................................................................ 2-13

TE5251

User Manual

2-2

2 E

Configuring the Instrument

Installation Overview

This chapter contains information and instructions necessary to prepare the Model 5251 for operation. Details are provided for initial inspection, grounding requirements, repackaging instructions for storage or shipment and installation information.

Unpacking and Initial Inspection

Unpacking and handling of the generator requires normal precautions and procedures applicable to handling of sensitive electronic equipment. The contents of all shipping containers should be checked for included accessories and certified against the packing slip to determine that the shipment is complete.

Safety Precautions

The following safety precautions should be observed before using this product and associated PXI chassis. Although some instruments and accessories would normally be used with nonhazardous voltages, there are situations where hazardous conditions may be present.

This product is intended for use by qualified persons who recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the safety precautions required to avoid possible injury. The following sections contain information and cautions that must be observed to keep the 5251 operating in a correct and safe condition.

CAUTION

For maximum safety, do not touch the product, test cables, or any other instrument parts while power is applied to the circuit under test. ALWAYS remove power from the entire test system before connecting cables or jumpers, installing or removing cards from the chassis. Do not touch any object that could provide a current path to the common side of the circuit under test or power line (earth) ground. Always keep your hands dry while handling the instrument.

Installation Overview

2-3

TE5251

Operating Environment

The 5251 is intended for operation within a PXI chassis chassis as a plug-in module. Ensure the PXI chassis being used to host the 5251 fully conforms to the latest PXI specifications, including 3.3V supply rail.

The 5251 is intended for indoor use and should be operated in a clean, dry environment with an ambient temperature within the range of 0 °C to 40 °C.

WARNING

The 5251 must not be operated in explosive, dusty, or wet atmospheres. Avoid installation of the module close to strong magnetic fields.

The design of the 5251 has been verified to conform to EN 610101 safety standard per the following limits:

Installation (Overvoltage) Category I (Measuring terminals) Pollution Degree 2

Installation (Overvoltage) Category I refers to signal level, which is applicable for equipment measuring terminals that are connected to source circuits in which measures are taken to limit transient voltages to an appropriately low level. Pollution Degree 2 refers to an operating environment where normally only dry non-conductive pollution occurs. Occasionally a temporary conductivity caused by condensation must be expected

Power Requirements

The 5251 operates from a PXI chassis. DC Voltages are supplied to the instrument from the PXI connector. The instrument requires a variety of DC voltages as outlined in the Specifications section (Appendix A). Ensure the PXI bus is capable of delivering required voltages and has sufficient current to drive the generator.

CAUTION

Disconnect power to the PXI Chassis before installing or removing the 5251.

Grounding Requirements

To conform to the applicable safety and EMC requirements, ensure that the 5251 instrument panel and the PXI chassis are “earth” grounded.

User Manual

2-4

2 E

Configuring the Instrument

CAUTION

The outer shells of the front panel terminals (OUTPUT, SYNC OUT, TRIG IN, SCLK IN, 10M REF IN) are

connected to the instrument’s chassis and therefore to

the safety ground.

CAUTION

Do not attempt to float the OUTPUT from ground as it may damage the 5251 and other equipment connected to the 5251 I/O connectors.

Calibration

The recommended calibration interval is two years. Calibration should be performed by qualified personnel only.

Abnormal Conditions

Operate the 5251 only as intended by the manufacturer. If you suspect the 5251 has been impaired, remove it from the PXI chassis and secure against any unintended operation. The 5251 protection is likely to be impaired if, for example, the instrument fails to perform the intended measurements or shows visible damage.

WARNING

Any use of the 5251 in a manner not specified by the manufacturer may impair the protection provided by the instrument

Long Term Storage or Repackaging For Shipment

If the instrument is to be stored for a long period of time or shipped immediately, proceed as directed below. If you have any questions, contact your local Tabor Electronics representative or the Tabor Electronics Customer Service Department.

1. Repack the instrument using the wrappings, packing material and accessories originally shipped with the unit. If the original container is not available, purchase replacement materials.

2. Be sure the carton is well sealed with strong tape or metal straps.

3. Mark the carton with the model and serial number. If it is to be

shipped, show sending and return address on two sides of the box.

Calibration

2-5

TE5251

NOTE

If the instrument is to be shipped to Tabor Electronics for calibration or repair, attach a tag to the instrument identifying the owner. Note the problem, symptoms, and service or repair desired. Record the model and serial number of the instrument. Show the returned authorization order number (RMA) as well as the date and method of shipment. ALWAYS OBTAIN A RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER FROM THE FACTORY BEFORE SHIPPING THE INSTRUMENT TO Tabor Electronics.

Preparation For Use

Preparation for use include removing the instrument from the bag, installing the 5251 inside the PXI chassis, copying instrument drivers to the computer and installing the graphical interface (ArbConnection).

Installation

Plug the 5251 into your PXI’s chassis bus. Push the card firmly until the PXI connector until the metal panel makes contact with the metal edge of the PXI chassis. Using a suitable screwdriver, tighten the retaining screw.

CAUTION

Disconnect power to the PXI Chassis before installing or removing the 5251. An attempt to insert or remove the instrument while the power is connected to the chassis will result in severe damage to the instrument and will automatically revoke your warranty.

CAUTION

Once the 5251 is installed in the chassis cover all remaining open slots to ensure proper airflow. Using the 5251 without proper airflow will result in damage to the instrument.

Removing the Instrument from the Bag

The 5251 is supplied in an antistatic bag. Check the seal on the bag to make sure the bag was not opened in a static-unsafe environment. Place the enveloped card on static free surface and hook yourself up with a grounding strap. Only then break the seal and remove the card from the envelope. Hold the card at the metal panel end. Refrain from touching the instrument with your finger at all times.

User Manual

2-6

2 E

Configuring the Instrument

Installing

Instrument Drivers

The 5251 is a Plug & Play instrument, meaning that after you install it in your PXI chassis, Windows will automatically detect its presence and will ask you to supply the appropriate drivers to operate this instrument. After you copy the drivers, Windows will add the drivers to the device manager and will assigns resources for the instrument.

The 5251 is supplied with a CD that contains the *inf file for installing the necessary drivers for operating the instrument on your computer. Follow the instructions below to install the driver to your computer.

Minimum System Requirements

Minimum host system requirements for the instrument are as follows:

1. Windows XP

2. 128 MB of RAM, 250MB or more recommended

3. 20 MB hard drive space

Windows Software

Installation

Note

The install program will automatically detect older software version and you will be provided with a choice of either removing it and installing newer versions, or keeping your old installation intact. The install program will not remove instrument drivers. In case you want to remove the instrument driver from your computer, go to the Windows Device Manager and remove the Arbitrary Waveform Generator Model 5251 under the Tabor Electronics heading.

In general, installation is very similar for different Windows variants however, you should follow the exact procedure as applicable for

you’re your computer. The following paragraphs will guide you

through device driver installation for Windows XP.

Windows XP Device Driver Installation

A device driver is necessary for the 5251 software to communicate with PXI boards. The 5251’s installation CD includes instrument drivers for supporting the required Windows platform. In Windows XP, the installation package cannot automatically assign device drivers for PXI devices and therefore leaving for the Plug & Play Manager the responsibility for detecting devices and prompting the user for the correct driver. To assign a driver to a device, Windows refers to an *.INF file. The *.INF file provides instructions for Windows as to which driver files to install and which registry entries to insert. To install a driver for your 5251, complete the following steps:

1. Power down your computer and PXI chassis.

Installing Instrument Drivers

2-7

TE5251

2. Insert the 5251 board into a free PXI slot.

3. Power on your PXI chassis

4. Power on the computer. Windows should first detect the new

hardware device with a “Found New Hardware Wizard” message

box.

5. Windows then displays the “Found New Hardware Wizard” as shown in Figure 2-1, which will search for new drivers

6. Follow the procedure as shown below.

Press Next and select one of the options in the dialog box below.

We recommend that you check the “Search for a suitable driver for

my device” option as shown in Figure 2-2.

User Manual

Figure 2-1 – The Welcome to the Found New Hardware Wizard

2-8

2 E

Configuring the Instrument

Press Next and you’ll now be prompted to select the location of

your driver files on your computer as shown in Figure 2-3. Check

the “Specify a Location” option only.

Figure 2-2 – Install Hardware Device Drivers

Figure 2-3 – Locate Driver Files

2-9

TE5251

The 5251 is supplied with an installation At this time, CD. Insert this CD into your CD-ROM drive. If you already have the instrument drivers installed somewhere on your computer, you can specify your custom location. Either type in the complete path or click on the Browse button to identify your driver location.

NOTE

After you insert the installation CD, Windows XP will automatically load the autorun program and the CD interface will show on your screen. The CD menu is not required for the driver installation so you can either leave the menu on screen and ignore it for now or click on Exit to remove the application from your desktop. The installation CD must be left in the CD-Rom drive for the continuation of the installation process.

Press Browse… and specify the subfolder W2kdrv located in the

Drivers folder on your installation CD, as shown in Figure 2-4. Press OK to acknowledge the selected path.

Windows displays the Driver Files Search Results as shown in Figure 2-5. Click Next and then Finish completing the installation process.

User Manual

Figure 2-4 – Copying Device Drivers

2-10

2 E

Configuring the Instrument

The next step is necessary to verify that the device driver was installed properly and is displayed correctly in the System Device Manger. Do the following:

1. Click on the Start button, then Settings and then Control Panel.

2. In the Control Panel dialog box, find the icon labeled System.

3. Double click on the System icon and then on the Hardware

4. On the Hardware tab click on the Device Manager button.

5. Click on Tabor Electronics. If you installed the driver properly,

your device manager should show the Arbitrary Waveform Generator Model 5251 as shown in figure 2-7.

Figure 2-5 – Driver Files Search Results

Figure 2-6 – Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard

2-11

TE5251

Click on “X” to remove the System Properties dialog box from the

screen.

Installing Software Utilities

The 5251 is supplied with a CD that contains the following programs: IVI Driver, ArbConnection, device driver and some other utilities to aid you with the operation of the instrument, including a manual in pdf format. It is recommended that you stow away the CD in a safe place after you load the drivers and the necessary utilities to control the 5251.

The IVI driver is a useful utility that provides standard communication and commands structure to control the 5251 from remote. Programming examples are also available to expedite your software development. The IVI driver comes free with the 5251 however, you’ll need the IVI engine and visa32.dll run time utilities to be able to use the IVI driver. The additional utilities can be downloaded for free from NI’s (National instrument) web site –

www.ni.com.

ArbConnection is a user friendly program that lets you control instruments functions and features from a remote computer. It also lets you generate and edit arbitrary waveforms on the screen, build sequence tables, modulating signals and much more and then download the signals to your 5251 without the hustle of writing complex programs and utilities. This is also a great tool for you to experiment simple, or complex command string to gain experience

User Manual

Figure 2-7 – Device Manager

2-12

2 E

Configuring the Instrument

before you write your own code. ArbConnection has a command editor feature that allows direct low-level programming of the 5251 using SCPI commands, just as you will be using them in your program. Installation of ArbConnection is simple and intuitive and only requires that visa32.dll runtime file be added to your Windows system folder. Download the file from NI’s (National instrument) web site – www.ni.com. Installation and operating instruction for ArbConnection are given in Chapter 4.

The Device driver is mandatory to operate the 5251. If you do not intend to use any of the IVI or ArbConnection software utilities, you must copy the dll to your development folder. If you install the IVI driver and ArbConnection, the dll is automatically installed in your Windows->System32 sub-folder.

Installing IVI Drivers and ArbConnection

ArbConnection or the IVI drier are two software utilities that one of them must be installed on your computer for you to be able to operate and control the 5251. ArbConnection has three basic function: 1) Control instrument setups, 2) Create, edit and download complex arbitrary waveforms to your instrument and 3) Create, edit and download complex (frequency) modulating waveforms.

Advanced users may want to write their own applications to control the 5251 functions and features. For this purpose, C++ libraries and DLL’s are available on the CD and can be copied to your application folder. This is done automatically when installing the IVI

driver. However, if you are first time user and can’t wait to get your

hands on some controls and waveforms, it is recommended that you install ArbConnection now. ArbConnection and waveform generation aspects are covered in other sections of this manual.

To proceed with the installation process, insert the supplied CD into your CD-ROM drive and wait for a GUI (Graphical User Interface) to pop up on your screen. If you wait for a long time and the GUI fails to load it is possible that your computer is not set up to load CD programs automatically. In this case, Invoke Run and type:

N:\Autorun.exe (where N is your CD drive letter)

To install the software click on “Install Software Utilities” and follow the install program as shown in Figure 2-8. The preparing phase will check few things such as if your computer has any previous installations installed on.

If you are an advanced user and in preparation to write your own code

and application, you’ll have to copy support libraries and some DLL’s from the installation CD. In this case, select the “Copy Developer Libraries” option and specify the folder location for your application.

The function of the libraries and other programming aspects are cover in the programming section of this manual.

Installing IVI Drivers and ArbConnection

2-13

TE5251

After finishing the “Preparing to Install” phase, the install wizard

shown in Figure 2-9 will take you to the first installation step assuming that no problems were detected.

User Manual

Figure 2-8 – Install preparation

Figure 2-9 – First Installation Step

2-14

2 E

Configuring the Instrument

Press Next and type the customer details at the “Customer

Information” Window, as shown in Figure 2-10.

After typing the customer details press Next and select the Setup Type. You can select from three options: 1) Select 5251 if you purchased and are installing the 5251, or 2) Select Custom if you are an advanced user and want to refine your installation process.

We recommend that you install using option above and complete the installation process by clicking on the Next button and then

Finish. If you select the Custom option, then you’ll have to type in

some other parameters such as new path for your destination folder and choosing which feature to install, as shown in Figures 2-11.

Figure 2-10 – Customer Information Step

2-15

TE5251

If you select the Custom option, proceed to change your Destination Folder, as shown in Figure 2-12, by pressing the Browse button, select the appropriate path, press OK and then press Next.

User Manual

Figure 2-11 – Selecting Setup Type

Figure 2-12 – Selecting Destination

2-16

2 E

Configuring the Instrument

The final step to complete the installation process, you’ll be

prompted to restart your computer. You can select to either restart your computer immediately or do it later, but remember that the software will not function properly if you do not restart your computer.

Figure 2-13 – Setup Complete

2-17

Chapter 3

ArbConnection

Title Page

What’s in This Chapter? ....................................................................................................... 3-3

Introduction to ArbConnection ............................................................................................. 3-3

Installing ArbConnection ...................................................................................................... 3-3

Quitting ArbConnection ................................................................................................. 3-4

For the New and Advanced Users ................................................................................ 3-4

Conventions Used in This Manual ................................................................................. 3-4

The Opening Screen ............................................................................................................ 3-5

ArbConnection Features ...................................................................................................... 3-6

The Control Panels .............................................................................................................. 3-7

The Operation Panels .................................................................................................... 3-8

Main ........................................................................................................................... 3-9

Standard ................................................................................................................... 3-11

Arbitrary/Sequence .................................................................................................. 3-12

Using the Memory Partition Table ........................................................................... 3-14

Using the Waveform Studio ..................................................................................... 3-15

Trigger ...................................................................................................................... 3-19

The Modulation Panels ................................................................................................ 3-21

FM ............................................................................................................................ 3-21

AM ............................................................................................................................ 3-22

Sweep ...................................................................................................................... 3-23

ASK/FSK/PSK .......................................................................................................... 3-24

Frequency Hop ........................................................................................................ 3-26

The Auxiliary Panels .................................................................................................... 3-28

Counter/Timer .......................................................................................................... 3-28

Pulse Generator ....................................................................................................... 3-30

Half Cycle ................................................................................................................. 3-31

The System Panels ..................................................................................................... 3-32

General/Filters ......................................................................................................... 3-32

Calibration ................................................................................................................ 3-33



3-1

TE5251

User Manual

The Composers Panels ............................................................................................... 3-34

The Wave Composer ............................................................................................... 3-35

The Toolbar ................................................................................................................. 3-41

The Waveform Screen ................................................................................................ 3-42

Generating Waveforms Using the Equation Editor ............................................................ 3-43

Writing Equations ........................................................................................................ 3-45

Equation Convention ................................................................................................... 3-46

Typing Equations ......................................................................................................... 3-47

Equation Samples ....................................................................................................... 3-48

Combining Waveforms ................................................................................................ 3-52

The Pulse Composer ............................................................................................... 3-53

The FM Composer ................................................................................................... 3-71

The 3D Composer ................................................................................................... 3-75

The Command Editor ......................................................................................................... 3-80

Logging SCPI Commands ................................................................................................. 3-81



3-2

ArbConnection

What’s in This Chapter?

Introduction to ArbConnection

This Chapter contains information how to install, invoke and use ArbConnection. Introduction to ArbConnection and examples how to program instrument controls and parameters and how to generate waveforms and download them to the 5251 are also given in the following sections.

In general, ArbConnection is a utility program that serves as an aid for programming the Model 5251. ArbConnection has many functions and features of which all of them share a common purpose – controlling 5251 functions from remote. As minimum, to use ArbConnection, you’ll need the following tools:

1. Computer, Pentium III or better

2. Windows 2000/XP, or higher

3. High resolution screen, at least, 1024 x 768 pixels

4. Pointing device, mouse or ball

5. Visa 2.6, or higher installation

6. Last, but not least, some basic knowledge how to operate computers and Windows-based programs.

Installing ArbConnection

ArbConnection operation is divided into three main functions: 1) Front panel control, 2) Waveform generation and editing and 3) Low level SCPI editing. These operating options are described in this chapter however, you must install ArbConnection before you can use it. The next paragraphs describe installation and first steps before going into in-depth operation.

The installation program installs ArbConnection on a logical drive of your choice. The default is drive C. It automatically creates a new directory and copies the files that are required to run the program. Before you install ArbConnection, make sure that there is at least 10 megabytes of available memory on your hard disk drive.

To install ArbConnection, insert the distribution CD in the CD drive and follow the on-screen instructions to install ArbConnection. If your computer fails to detect the CD, access the CD from My Computer and invoke the Setup command.

The install program does the complete job far you and creates a workgroup and icons to start ArbConnection.

3-3

TE5251

User Manual

Quitting ArbConnection

For the New and Advanced Users

Before you start roaming through menus and editing commands, we strongly recommend that you make yourself familiar with ArbConnection basics and concept. For now quit the program and spend some more time with this section of the manual. Point the mouse cursor to the File menu and press the left mouse button. Move the mouse cursor to the Exit command and press the left mouse button.

For the New User

Learning to use ArbConnection is easy, intuitive and quick, even if you have never used such programs before. After you have installed ArbConnection on your computer read the following paragraphs to learn how to find your way around ArbConnection’s menus.

Once you are familiar with the basics, you’ll continue to learn about features, programming, and editing commands. If you can’t find the answer to a question in this guide, call your distributor or the LeCroy customer support service near you and we’ll gladly assist you with your problems.

For the Advanced User

If you are already familiar with computer conventions and have basic knowledge of Windows programming, you may want to skip some of the following paragraphs.

Conventions Used in This Manual

This manual uses certain typographical conventions to make it easier for you to follow instructions. These conventions are described in the following:

[Enter, or ↵] Press the Enter or Return key. [Esc] Press the Escape key. [Alt-F] Press the Alt key and the key that follows, simultaneously. In

this example the key that follows is F. [Ctrl-S] Press the Control key and the letter that follows, simulta-

neously. In this example, the letter is S. The control key also appears in the menus as a target sign.

[↑] [↓] [→] [←] Press the Arrow key with the symbol pointing in the direction specified (i.e., up, down, left, or right).

<+> Press the key for the character or word enclosed in angle brackets. In this case, the Plus sign key.

3-4

ArbConnection

The Opening Screen

Invoke ArbConnection by double clicking on the icon. If you cannot find the icon on your desktop, click on Start, Programs and ArbConnection. The opening screen will show. If you installed the program correctly, your screen should look as shown in Figure 3-1.

Figure

3-1, Startup & Communication Options

The Startup & Communication Options dialog box is displayed. You can check the “Store mode and don’t show…” so next time you invoke ArbConnection, this dialog box will not be displayed. The purpose of this dialog box is to update the program in the way you intend to use it. For example, if you are using two cards in your computer but intend to use a specific device, you can click on the Specify an Address option and type in the required address so the next time you use ArbConnection, the program will automatically resume communication with the same card address as was originally detected.

If you chose to hide this dialog box, you can still access and change the options from the System command, at the top of the screen.

Make your selection and click OK. The Startup & Communication Updater dialog box will be removed from the screen. And the Main panel will now be accessible. But before we go into panel operation, let’s look at the toolbars at the left top of the screen as shown in Figures 3-2 and 3-3.

Figure 3-2, ArbConnection's Toolbars

3-5

TE5251

User Manual

The standard Windows Menu Bar is the top bar. It provides access to main system controls like saving files, and viewing or removal of screen images.

The second bar is called Link bar. It provides direct access to different instruments that are active on the active interface bus. ArbConnection can control a number of 5251 units simultaneously. If the instruments were connected to the interface while invoking ArbConnection, they will automatically be detected by the program and will be placed in the Link pull-down window. The active instrument is displayed with its associated address. If you run ArbConnection in offline mode, the Link bar will show 5251, Offline.

The Panels toolbar, as shown in Figure 3-3, provides direct access to instrument control panels. The individual control panels are explained later in this chapter. The Main, Standard, Arbitrary, Trigger and the other buttons will bring up to the screen panels that are associated with these names. The Composers button provides access to the Waveform and Pulse composers. The first time you launch ArbConnection, the opening screen will have the Main panel open. Click on other buttons and interactively get the feel how ArbConnection opens and closes control panels.

ArbConnection Features

3-6

ArbConnection’s main purpose is controlling 5251 functions and parameters. The 5251 can generate standard waveforms from a built-in library, arbitrary waveforms from user-downloaded coordinates, modulated waveforms, digital patterns and much more. The only way to access all of these features is through software utilities such as Plug & Play drivers, and soft front panels. ArbConnection is built to provide complete control over the 5251.

ArbConnection has three main screens: control panels, waveform composers and various utility control panels. The various screen images along with instructions how to access and use them are described below in detail.

Figure 3-3, the Panels Toolbar

ArbConnection

The Control Panels

The control panels look and feel just as if you would operate an instrument from its front panel. They even look like instrument front panels, so operating function and changing parameters is easy and intuitive. Let’s look at the first panel that shows at the opening screen. This panel, as shown in Figure 3-5, is called the Main Panel.

To begin with, let’s explore the panel controls to see how they feel, react and what they do. All other panels share almost the same feel, so the description of how to operate the Main Panel can serve as general guide for controlling the rest of the panels.

Looking at the panel you can identify the following controls: Push buttons, LED’s, radio buttons, Dial and Digital display. The function of each control is described below.

Push Buttons – These are used for toggling a function on and off. For example, the Output Enable button in the Output group toggles the output on and off. The first mouse click will push the button inwards and will turn on a red bar at the center of the button, indicating that the function is on. The second mouse click will turn the function off.

Radio Buttons – Are used for changing operating modes, or selecting between mode options. One of the radio buttons is always on with a red dot in its center, indicating its state condition.

LED’s – The LED’s indicate which of the parameters are displayed on the Digital Display. Red LED indicates that the parameter name next to this LED is selected. Only one LED can be ON at a time.

HINT

LED’s are turned on by clicking on the LED or the text next to it. The selected parameter is flagged by a darker LED shade.

Dial – Use the dial to modify displayed reading. To use the dial,

press and hold the mouse cursor on the dial and move the mouse in a clockwise circle to increase the number, or counterclockwise circle to decrease the displayed number. The dial modifies digits at the cursor position and will allow modification within the legal range of the displayed parameter. If you reach the end of the range, the dial will have no further effect on the display. If you do not want to use the dial, you can still change the display reading by using the [↑], or [↓] keys, or simply type the required number using the standard keyboard features.

3-7

TE5251

User Manual

NOTE

After you change the displayed readout, the 5251 will be updated with the new parameter only after you press the Execute button.

Digital Display – The display is used for displaying and reading

various 5251 parameters, just as you would use it on your instrument.

Note

Normal color of the digital reading is dark blue. If you modify the reading, the color changes to a lighter shade of blue, indicating that the 5251 has not been updated yet with the new parameter. Pressing Execute will update the instrument and will restore the color of the digital readout to dark blue, indicating that the displayed value is the same as the generator setting.

Also note that the digital readout has an autodetect mechanism for the high and low limits. You cannot exceed the limits if you are using the dial but only if you use the keypad. In case you do, the program will not let you download an illegal parameter and you’ll be requested to correct your setting.

The Operation Panels

The Operation tab provides access to a group of panels that control the basic operation of the generator. From this group you can set the output function, run mode, turn the outputs on and off and adjust the parameters for the various functions. There are four panels in this group: Main, Standard, Arbitrary/Sequence and Trigger. The Main panel is always visible because this is the panel that controls operating functions, run modes and sets the outputs on and off. The other panels can be made visible by clicking on the appropriate tab in the Operation group. The Operations Panels bar is shown in Figure 3-4 and the operation panels are described below.

3-8

ArbConnection

The Control Panels

Figure 3-4, the Operations Panels

Main

The Main Panel, as shown in Figure 3-5, is the first panel you see after invoking ArbConnection. Notice how buttons and LED’s are grouped; this is done specifically so that common parameters are placed in functional groups. The Main Panel groups allow (from left to right) adjustment of amplitude and offset, selection of waveform mode, selection of run mode and control over SYNC and Main output parameters. Controls, where applicable, are provided for each channel separately.

Figure 3-5, the Main Panel

3-9

TE5251

User Manual

If you are connected properly to a PC and ArbConnection has detected your instrument, then every time you press a button, you are getting an immediate action on the 5251. It is different if you are changing parameters on the display; Doing this, you’ll have to press the Execute button for the command to update the instrument. The functional groups in the Main Panel are explained below.

Parameters

The Parameters group has two parameters for each channel: Amplitude and Offset. To access the required parameter, click on the LED or the text next to it to display the required parameter. The value that is associated with the lit LED is displayed on the digital display. You can use the dial, keyboard, or the [↑] [↓} keys to adjust the readout to the required setting. After you modify the reading, press Execute to update the 5251 with the new reading.

Function

The Function group is used for selecting between function types. The 5251 provides four types of waveforms: Standard, Arbitrary, Sequenced and Modulated. By pressing one of these buttons output waveform will change to the selected option. The default function type is Standard. If you want to change standard waveform parameters, you can select Standard from the Panels bar.

Run Mode

The Run Mode group is used for selecting the active run mode for the instrument. You can select between continuous, triggered, gated and burst modes. There is no additional panel associated with the continuous mode, but if you press one of the other run mode options, you’ll be able to adjust the trigger parameters from the Trigger Panel.

Output Control

The Output Control group controls the state of the main outputs and the sate of the SYNC output. Click on the State buttons to toggle the outputs on and off.

From this group you also control the position of the SYNC pulse. The load impedance buttons allow you to adjust the display

amplitude reading to your actual load impedance value. The default value is 50 Ω and the output range is calculated in reference to this value. If your actual load impedance is higher than 50 Ω and you increase the load impedance value in this group, the output of the 5251 will display the correct value as is measured on your load impedance.

3-10

ArbConnection

The Control Panels

Standard

The Standard Panel, as shown in Figure 3-6, is accessible after you click on the Standard button in the Panels bar. The Standard Waveform Panel groups allow (from left to right) adjustment of waveforms and their associated parameters. The functional groups in the Standard panel are described below.

Figure 3-6, the Standard Waveforms Panel

Waveforms

The Waveforms group provides access to a library of built-in standard waveforms. The library includes: Sine, Triangle, Square, Pulse Ramp, Sinc, Exponential, Gaussian and DC waveforms. Each waveform has one or more parameters that can be adjusted for the required characteristics of the output. For example, phase start can be adjusted for the sine and triangle waveforms and dutycycle can be adjusted for the square waveform. The pulse waveform can be adjusted for rise and fall time as well as width and delay. Parameters that are associated with each waveform are automatically displayed when the waveform is selected.

Note that by clicking a button in this group, you are immediately updating the 5251 output with this waveform shape.

Parameters

The parameters group contains buttons that control the source of the 10 MHz reference and the setting of the output frequency for the standard waveforms function.

The 10 MHz Ref controls toggle between an internal and external references. The default setting is internal, which provides frequency accuracy of 1 ppm. If such accuracy is not sufficient for your application, click on the external option but make sure that a reference source is applied to the rear panel connector; otherwise, the accuracy of the output will deteriorate completely.

3-11

TE5251

User Manual

The Frequency control lets you program the output frequency of the selected waveform shape. The frequency parameter may be modified when the LED illuminates. You can use the dial, keyboard, or the [↑] [↓} keys to adjust the readout to the required setting. After you modify the reading, press Execute to update the 5251 with the new reading.

Arbitrary/Sequence

The Arbitrary & Sequence panel, as shown in Figure 3-7, is invoked by pressing the Arb/Seq button on the Panels bar. Note that if you invoke the Arbitrary & Sequence Panel from the Panels menu, the 5251 will not change its output type. On the other hand, if you select the arbitrary, or the sequenced options from the Main Panel, the 5251 will immediately change its output to the selected waveform type. The functional groups in the Arbitrary Waveforms Panel are described below.

Parameters

The Parameters group contains three parameters: Amplitude, Offset and Segment. Actually, the amplitude and offset values exhibited in this group are exactly the same as in the Main Panel, so every time you change amplitude and offset in the Parameters group, the other panels are updated automatically. The segment parameter provides access to the active segment for each channel. By selecting a segment as active, the sync pulse is attached to this specific segment number.

To access the required parameter, click on the parameter name. The LED next to the required parameter turns on. The value that is associated with the lit LED is displayed on the digital display. You can use the dial, keyboard, or the [↑] [↓} keys to adjust the readout to the required setting. After you modify the reading, press Execute to update the 5251 with the new reading.

Figure 3-7, the Arbitrary & Sequence Panel

3-12

SCLK

The SCLK (Sample Clock) group is comprised of parameters that control the sample clock frequency. The sample clock setting affects the 5251 in arbitrary mode only.

The sample clock rate is programmed in units of S/s (samples per second) and will affect the instrument only when it is programmed to output arbitrary or sequenced waveforms. The SCLK parameter has no effect on the frequency of the standard waveforms.

The two switches in the SCLK group select between internal and external sample clock inputs. The internal is the default setting. When you select the external sample clock option, make sure an appropriate signal is connected to the external sample clock connector on the rear panel.

To access the required parameter, click on the button until the LED next to the required parameter turns on. The value that is associated with the lit LED is displayed on the digital display. You can use the dial, keyboard, or the [↑] [↓} keys to adjust the readout to the required setting. After you modify the reading, press Execute to update the 5251 with the new reading.

10 MHz Ref

ArbConnection

The Control Panels

Sequence

The Sequence Advance Mode group provides control over advance modes for the sequence generator. Advance options are: Auto, Stepped, Single and Mixed. Refer to the 5251 manual to find out more when and how to use these advance modes. You should be careful while selecting modes because it is possible to cause settings conflict, for example, if you select the Single option before you modified the run mode to Triggered.

Memory Management

The memory management group provides access to the memory partition and waveform studio screens. The Waveform Partition button opens a screen as shown in Figure 3-8 and the Waveform Studio button opens a screen as shown in Figure 3-9. Information how to use these screens is given in the following paragraphs.

3-13

TE5251

User Manual

Using the Memory Partition Table

If you want to learn more about waveform memory and segment control, you should refer to section 2 of this manual. In general, the 5251 can generate arbitrary waveforms but, before it can generate waveforms, they must be downloaded to the instrument from a host computer. Waveforms are downloaded to the instrument as coordinates and are stored in the 5251 in a place designated as “waveform memory”. The waveform memory has a finite size of 2M.

Having such long memory does not necessarily mean that you have to use the entire memory every time you download a waveform. On the contrary, the 5251 allows segmentation of the memory so that up to 10,000 smaller waveforms could be stored in this memory. There are two ways to divide the waveform memory to segments:

1) Define a segment and load it with waveform data, define the next and load with data, then the third etc. or 2) Use what ArbConnection has to offer and that is to make up one long waveform that contains many smaller segments, download it to the instrument in one shot and then download a memory partition table that splits the entire waveform memory into the required segment sizes. Want to use it? Here is how it is done. Point and click on the Memory Partition. A dialog box as shown in Figure 3-8 will pop up.

Figure 3-8, the Memory Partition Table

The two main fields in the segment table are Segment number and segment size. The Seg No (segment number) is an index field that can has values only, from 1 to 10,000. The Segment Size is always associated with the segment number. You can program any segment size from 16 to 2 M.

Use the Append key to add a segment at the end of the segment list. If you highlighted a segment, the Append key turns automatically to insert Use the Insert key to insert a segment at the cursor location. The Delete key is used for deleting a segment at the cursor position.

3-14

The Clear All key will remove all segments from the table and will let you start designing your segment table from fresh.

Click on the Close to discard of the contents of the dialog box without saving your last actions and to remove the Segment Table from the screen.

ArbConnection

The Control Panels

Using the Waveform Studio

The Save key saves the current session so you can start the Memory Partition table from the same point after you close this session. The Download key updates the 5251 with the present segment table settings.

TIP

The Memory Partition table does not download waveforms. Use the memory partition table only if you merged a few waveforms to one. The partition table then divides the memory to the individual and original size of each waveform. If you download waveforms using the waveform studio, they already contain segment size and there is no need for further use of the memory partition table.

The Waveform Studio, as shown in Figure 3-9 has two parts: 1) Segment Table and 2) Sequence Table. The purpose of the waveform studio is to provide access to waveform files that are already resident in the system. These files can be delegated to various segments and later be used as individual waveforms or combined into complex sequences.

The Segment Table

Using the Segment Table you may list and download waveform files that were previously stored on the computer. The table shows the segment number and its associated file name, length and its download status. There are other means to download waveforms to memory segments such as the Wave Composer and individual function calls; The waveform studio makes it easier by combining multiple and complex commands into one simple dialog box.

To access the Segment table, click anywhere on the Segment Table area. If it was not yet, it will turn white as opposed to the Sequence Table area that turns gray. The Segment Table area is divided into three parts: the table area, the waveform shape area and control buttons. When you point and click on one of the waveforms, its shape is shown in the Waveform Shape window.

The Segment Table has four fields: The Seg field contains numbers from 1 through 2048, designating

the programmed memory segment. Note that memory segments are numbered from 1 to 2048.

3-15

TE5251

User Manual

The State field shows the current status of the memory segment. It can be Free, if no file has yet been assigned to this segment number, or Mapped, if file name has been assigned to the segment but the Download button has not been used yet to move the file to the 5251 memory, or Loaded, if the process has been completed by pressing either the Download button or the All (download all) button.

The File field is an edit field that lets you browse and select file names to be applied to a specific memory segment. To change or add file name, point and click on the File name field and either type your path or browse to the file location and let Windows find the right path.

The Length field displays the length of the selected memory segment. Memory segments size may be programmed from 16 to 2 M. Note that the length field is not accessible and shown for reference purpose only.

3-16

Figure 3-9, the Waveform Studio

TIP

Point and click on one of the segments to show its shape in the Waveform Shape window.

ArbConnection

The Control Panels

Description of the various buttons in the Segment Table is given below.

Append – adds segment number at the end of the table Insert – adds a segment above a highlighted segment line Delete – removes a highlighted segment Save – saves current table settings (Download) Selection – downloads a highlighted segment only to

the 5251 memory (Download) All – downloads the complete table to the 5251

memory Clear Mem – wipes out the entire memory and clears the table for

fresh settings Close – removes the Waveform Studio from the screen. If you have

not saved your work, the table setting will be lost.

The Sequence Table

As was explained in the above, the waveform memory can be divided into smaller segments and up to 2048 segments can be defined and used as individual arbitrary waveforms. Having a limited size of waveform memory can, for some applications, pose a limitation however, if sections of the waveform are repetitive, one may use the sequence generator to take these segments and replay them as part of the complete waveform without loosing valuable memory space and without scarifying waveform coherences, or integrity. The tool for using repetitive and multiple segments in one long waveform is called Sequence Generator. The 5251 has two separate sequence generators, one for each channel and ArbConnection has a special dialog box where sequences are designed. This tool is called – Sequence Table.

Using the Sequence table you can use waveforms that you already downloaded to the 5251 from the Segment table, link and loop in random order to create one long and complex waveform that combines the individual memory segments.

3-17

TE5251

User Manual

Figure 3-10, the Sequence Table

The Sequence Table is demonstrated in Figure 3-10. To access the Sequence table, click anywhere on the Sequence Table area. If it was not yet, it will turn white as opposed to the Segment Table area that turns gray.

There are four major elements that you should consider while programming a sequence table. They are: Link, Seg, Loops and Adv. These terms are explained below.

Link - This parameter defines an index array for the sequence generator. When generating sequences, the instrument steps though the links in descending order therefore, make sure that you enter your waveform segments in exactly the order you would like them at the output.

Seg - This parameter associates waveform segments with links. You can use different segments for different links or you can use the same segment for a number of links. There are no limitations how you associate links to segments, except you cannot program in the sequence table segments that were not defined earlier.

Loops – This parameter define how many times the segment will loop for the selected link. For example, if you program 2, the waveform will cycle twice through the same segment before transitioning to the next link.

3-18

Adv – This parameter flags the advance mode for the specific segment. This flag is active when the advance mode is Stepped. When set to 0, the sequence will advance through the list automatically until a segment that is flagged 1 is encountered. When 1 is encountered, the generator will idle on this segment until an external trigger is applied. Learn more about the sequence advance modes in Chapter 3.

Figure 3-9 shows an example of a 5-step sequence of which the first waveform is made of segment 2, which will loop 15 times; segment 4, looping 2 times; segment 1, looping 7 times; segment 2, once and segment 3, looping 4 times. The Adv bits on links 2 and 5 are set to 1 and therefore, external triggers are required for the sequencer to step through these links.

The control buttons on the left of the Sequence Table have the same functionality as for the Segment Table.

Use the Append key to add a step at the end of the sequence list. Use the Insert key to insert a step at the cursor location. The Delete key is used for deleting a step at the cursor position.

ArbConnection

The Control Panels

Trigger

Click on the Close to discard of the contents of the dialog box without saving your last actions and to remove the sequence Table from the screen but click on the Save key if you want just to save your work before you close the dialog box.

The Download key has double action, it will download the sequence table to the instrument and will save the contents of your table so the next time you open this table, it will have the same contents as you saved in your previous session.

Active Sequence

The active sequence field let you select between 10 different sequence settings. You may program each sequence separately and replay them individually as required. The output is updated with the selected sequence number as soon as the active sequence is selected.

The Trigger panel, as shown in Figure 3-11, is invoked by pressing the Trigger button on the Panels bar. Note that if you invoke the Trigger Panel from the Panels menu, the 5251 will not change its trigger mode. To modify the instrument run mode, use the Main Panel. The trigger parameters and setting in the Trigger Panel will have an effect on the 5251 only if an appropriate run mode setting has been selected. The Trigger Panel groups allow (from left to right) adjustment of Trigger Modifier and their associated Trigger Parameters. The functional groups in the Standard panel are described below.

Trigger Modifier

The Trigger modifier group provides access to delayed trigger state

3-19

TE5251

User Manual

and its delay parameter, to the Re-trigger state and its parameter and to the burst counter.

To change trigger parameters, point and click on one of these LED’s. The value that is associated with the lit LED is displayed on the digital display. You can use the dial, keyboard, or the [↑] [↓} keys to adjust the readout to the required setting. After you modify the reading, press Execute to update the 5251 with the new reading.

Trigger Parameters

Slope - The Slope group lets you select edge sensitivity for the trigger input of the 5251. If you click on Pos, the instrument will trigger on the rising edge of the trigger signal. Likewise, if you click on Neg, the instrument will trigger on the falling edge of the trigger signal.

Source - The 5251 can accept triggers from a number of sources: BUS, External or Mixed. When the Bus option is selected, only bus commands trigger the instrument. The External position is the default trigger option which enables the rear panel trigger input and the front panel manual trigger button. The Mixed position disables the rear-panel trigger input until a software command is executed, the trigger source then reverts to the rear-panel trigger input.

Manual - Use this button when an external generator is not available. Pressing the Manual button is stimulating the instrument as if an external trigger has been applied.

Trigger Level - Programs the trigger level parameter. Depending on the slope setting, the 5251 will be stimulated to output waveforms when the trigger level threshold has been crossed.

3-20

Figure 3-11, the Trigger Panel

ArbConnection

The Control Panels

The Modulation Panels

The Modulation functions were designed over five separate panels, as shown in Figures 3-13 through 3-17. The panels are invoked by pressing the Modulation header and then one of the modulation panels that appear below it (Figure 3-12). These panels provide access to the modulation functions. The modulation functions that are available on these panels are: FM, AM, Sweep, ASK/FSK/PSK and Frequency Hop.

The Modulation Group is common to all modulation panels. It contains an array of buttons that select the appropriate modulation scheme. It also provides access to the CW (Carrier Waveform) frequency setting. The CW frequency parameter is common to all of the modulation functions. The Baseline options control the level of which the carrier will reside when in idle mode (not modulated).

Figure 3-12, the Modulation Panels

The FM group contains parameters for controlling the frequency modulation function. To turn the FM function on and off, click on the FM button in the Modulation group. The various controls in the FM group are described below.

Standard FM Parameters

Allow adjustment of the parameters that are associated with the standard modulating waveform. The controllable parameters are Modulation, Deviation and the Marker Frequencies.

Mod. Wave

Defines the shape of the modulating waveform. There are two basic options: Standard waveforms and Arbitrary waveforms. If you do not need exotic waveforms, you can use one of the built-in standard wave shapes: Sine, Triangle, Square, or Ramp. These waveforms can be adjusted for their frequency and deviation range. On the

3-21

TE5251

User Manual

other hand, you can select the arbitrary modulating wave option where you can use any shape however, you must load the modulating waveform from an external application, such as the FM composer in ArbConnection. Click on the button next to the required modulating waveform shape to select it.

Arbitrary FM Parameters

Allow adjustment of the sample clock of the modulating waveform. The shape of the modulating waveform must be downloaded from an external utility such as ArbConnection and the sample clock is programmed from this location.

To change the FM parameters, point and click on the required parameter. The value that is associated with the lit LED is displayed on the digital display. You can use the dial, keyboard, or the [↑] [↓} keys to adjust the readout to the required setting. After you modify the reading, press Execute to complete the process.

The AM group contains parameters for controlling the frequency modulation function. To turn the AM function on and off, click on the FM button in the Modulation group. The various controls in the AM group are described below.

Mod Wave

There is a list of 4 waveforms that can be selected to modulate the carrier waveform (CW). These are sine, triangle, square and ramp. The frequency and amplitude of the modulating waveforms are programmable

Freq

Programs the frequency of the modulating waveform. Note that the frequency setting must be smaller than the CW frequency for the AM function to operate correctly.

3-22

Figure 3-13, the FM Panel

Depth

The Depth parameter programs the modulation depth, or index in percent of the un-modulated CW amplitude. The depth is symmetrical about the center of the CW amplitude.

ArbConnection

The Control Panels

Sweep

Figure

The Sweep group contains parameters for controlling sweep options. To turn the Sweep function on and off, click on the SWP button in Modulation group. The various parameters that control sweep features are described below.

Step

Use these keys to select sweep step from two increment options: linear, or logarithmic.

Direction

Use these keys to program sweep direction. Up select sweep from Start to Stop sample clock setting and Down selects sweep from the Stop to Start sample clock setting.

Parameters

Allow adjustment of Sweep Start, Stop and Sweep Time. You can also place a marker at a position programmed by the Mark parameter. To access the required parameter, click on the button below parameters sub-group until the LED next to the required parameter turns on. The value that is associated with the lit LED is displayed on the digital display. You can use the dial, keyboard, or the [↑] [↓} keys to adjust the readout to the required setting. After you modify the reading, press Execute to update the 5251 with the new setting.

3-14, the AM Panel

3-23

TE5251

User Manual

ASK/FSK/PSK

Figure

3-15, the Sweep Modulation Panel

The ASK/FSK/PSK panel contains parameters for controlling the ASK, FSK and the PSK functions. To select the required function, click on the appropriate button and adjust the parameters in the associated group. The various controls in the ASK/FSK/PSK groups are described below.

ASK

Control Data

The Control Data button in the ASK group provides access to the data string that controls the sequence of base amplitude and shifted amplitude. It contains a list of “0” and “1” and the output will repeatedly follow the amplitude shift keying sequence in the same order as programmed.

“0/1” Amplitude

In ASK, the carrier waveform (CW) has two amplitudes: an initial amplitude level which is set by the “0” Amplitude parameter and shifted amplitude which is set by the “1” Amplitude. The control data table has a list of “0” and “1” values that flag when the amplitude shifts from base to shifted amplitudes.

Baud

The baud parameter sets the rate of which the generator steps through the sequence of the ASK Control Data bits.

Marker Index

The marker setting programs a specific step (index) in the control data string to output a pulse at the SYNC output connector. The SYNC State button must be turned on to generate the ASK marker output.

3-24

ArbConnection

The Control Panels

Figure

3-16, the ASK/FSK/PSK Modulation Panel

FSK

Control Data

The Control Data button in the FSK group provides access to the data string that controls the sequence of base frequency and shifted frequency. It contains a list of “0” and “1” and the output will repeatedly follow the frequency shift keying sequence in the same order as programmed.

“0/1” Frequency

In FSK, the carrier waveform (CW) has two frequencies: an initial frequency level which is set by the “0” Frequency parameter and shifted frequency which is set by the “1” Frequency. The control data table has a list of “0” and “1” values that flag when the frequency shifts from base to shifted frequency.

Baud

The baud parameter sets the rate of which the generator steps through the sequence of the FSK Control Data bits.

Marker Index

PSK

Control Data

The Control Data button in the PSK group provides access to the data string that controls the sequence of base phase and shifted phase. It contains a list of “0” and “1” and the output will repeatedly follow the phase shift keying sequence in the same order as programmed.

3-25

TE5251

User Manual

“0/1” Phase

In PSK, the carrier waveform (CW) has two phase settings: an initial phase which is set by the “0” Phase parameter and shifted phase which is set by the “1” Phase. The control data table has a list of “0” and “1” values that flag when the phase shifts from base to shifted phase.

Baud

The baud parameter sets the rate of which the generator steps through the sequence of the PSK Control Data bits.

Marker Index

To access the required parameter, click on the button below parameters sub-group until the LED next to the required parameter turns on. The value that is associated with the lit LED is displayed on the digital display. You can use the dial, keyboard, or the [↑] [↓} keys to adjust the readout to the required setting. After you modify the reading, press Execute to update the 5251 with the new reading.

Frequency Hop

The Frequency Hop panel contains parameters for controlling frequency hop options. To turn the frequency hop functions on and off, click on the Freq Hop button in the Modulation group. The various parameters that control frequency hop features are described below. The output has two hop options: Fixed and Variable. In the Fixed mode, the output steps through the preassigned hop values at a constant rate, as programmed using the dwell time parameter. In the variable mode, the output dwells on each step for a period of time that is programmed in the Dwell Time field in the hop data table that is programmed for the Variable Hold option.

Hop Data

The Hop Data button in the Freq Hop group provides access to the data string that controls the sequence of frequency hops. The hop data table contains a list of frequencies and the output will step from one frequency to another in the same order as programmed in the hop data table.

Fixed Hold

The hold parameter determines how long will certain step of frequency dwells on this specific setting before it will step to the next frequency setting. By selecting the Fixed Hold, the hold time remains constant throughout the entire hop table.

3-26

ArbConnection

The Control Panels

Figure

Variable Hold

The hold parameter determines how long will certain step of frequency dwells on this specific setting before it will step to the next frequency setting. By selecting the Variable Hold, the hold time changes automatically from one step to the next, depending on the hold time value that is affixed to the hop step. The values can be programmed in the HOP Data table.

Dwell Time

The Dwell Time parameter programs the period of time that will lapse before the frequency hops to the next frequency setting. The Dwell time is associated with the Fixed Dwell option only.

Marker Index

The marker setting programs a specific step (index) in the hop data string to output a pulse at the SYNC output connector. The SYNC State button must be turned on to generate the hop marker output.

3-17, the Frequency Hop Panel

3-27

TE5251

User Manual

The Auxiliary Panels

The Auxiliary tab provides access to a group of panels that control some auxiliary and Utility functions.

There are six panels in this group: Counter/Timer, which provides access to the auxiliary Counter/Timer function; Pulse Generator, which provides access to the auxiliary digital pulse generator function; and Half Cycle, which provides access to the half cycle functions.

The Auxiliary set of panels is shown in Figure 3-18. Each of the panels is described below.

Counter/Timer

Figure 3-18, the Auxiliary Panels

The Counter/Timer panel contains controls that select the measurement function and adjusts the counter/timer parameters for measuring external signals. The counter/timer measures signals that are connected to the TRIG IN input. The various parameters that control the counter/timer features are described below.

State

The State Group has controls to turn the counter on and off. And to reset the counter and arm it for the next measurement cycle. Note that when the counter function is turned on, all other waveform generation features of the 5251 are purged.

Measurement Function

The measurement function group has control to select the measurement function for the counter/timer operation. The 5251 can measure the following function: Frequency, Period, Period Averaged, Pulse Width, and Totalize. The totalize function has two options. If Totalize Infinite function is selected the input will count every legal pulse at the counter input, for an indefinite period of time, and will display the total number of pulses until the counter has been reset. If Totalize Gated function is selected, the input will count every legal pulse at the trigger input for a period of time that is defined with the Gate Time parameter.

3-28

ArbConnection

The Control Panels

Figure 3-19, the Counter/Timer Panel

Display

The Display Group has controls to select the display mode and to select if the display shows measurement or gate time readings.

In normal mode, the counter is armed to receive signal at the trigger input. When signal is sensed, the gate to the counter opens for duration as programmed with the Gate Time parameter, processes the result, displays the reading and continues with the same process as long as the signal is available at the input.

In hold mode, the counter is armed to receive signal at the trigger input. When signal is sensed, the gate to the counter opens for duration as programmed with the Gate Time parameter processes the result, displays and holds the reading until the next Reset/Arm command.

To display and modify the gate time parameter, click on the Gate Time LED and modify the gate time per your requirements. Gate time rage is from 100 μs to 1 s. Normal counter/timer readings are displayed when the Reading LED is selected.

3-29

TE5251

User Manual

Pulse Generator

The Pulse Generator panel contains controls that select the pulse function and adjusts the pulse parameters. The pulses are generated digitally suing the arbitrary waveform memory and digital computation and therefore, there are some limitations to the minimum to maximum range that must be observed. The pulse design limitations are given in Appendix A. The various parameters that control the digital pulse generator features are described below.

Figure 3-20, the Digital Pulse Generator Panel

Pulse Mode

The Pulse Mode group has controls to turn on pulse generator functions, select of the output generates single or double pulse shape and selects the pulse polarity from one of the Normal, Complemented and Inverted options.

Polarity

The Polarity group has controls to select between Normal, Complemented and Inverted pulse shapes.

Pulse Parameters

In the pulse parameters group you adjust the complete set of parameters that builds up the pulse shape. Included are: period, rise and fall times, high time delay and high and low amplitude levels.

To display and modify parameters, click on the and next to the required parameter change and modify time per your requirements. The range of each parameter is specified in Appendix A.

3-30

ArbConnection

The Control Panels

Half Cycle

The Half Cycle panel contains controls that select the half cycle functions and adjust the half cycle parameters.

The half cycle functions are generated with variable and controllable delay between the halves. If triggered mode, one half at a time is generated as a result of a trigger signal regardless of the programmed delay value. The half cycle functions have different limitations compared to the standard functions; These are listed in Appendix A. The half cycle panel and the various parameters that control these functions are described below.

Figure 3-21, the Half Cycle Panel

Shape

The shape group has controls that select the shape of the half cycle function. You may select from sine, triangle and square shapes. If you do not modify the start phase parameter, the half cycle sines and triangles will start from phase 0° and will stop at phase 180°. The second half cycle will commence at the end of the time interval that is programmed with the delay parameter.

Parameters

The parameters group has parameters that control frequency, amplitude, offset and delay. In this group, you can also program the sine and triangle start phase and the duty cycle of the square waveform.

Note that the frequency value is a bit different than the standard frequency parameter because it describes the frequency as if the two halves were combined (which is never the case). Since two halves are always separated by certain delay, the frequency value has a meaning as if the two halves were truncated.

3-31

TE5251

User Manual

The System Panels

The System tab provides access to a group of panels that control some general system parameters and provides access to the calibration. There are two panels in this group: General/System, which provides access to some system commands, utilities and filters; and Calibration, which provides access to the calibration remote calibration utility. Note however, that access to the calibration panel is permitted to qualified service persons and requires special user name and password. Information how to access the calibration panel is given in Adjustments and Software Updates chapter.

The System set of panels are shown in Figure 3-22. Each of the panels is described below.

General/Filters

Figure 3-22, the System Panels

The General/Filters panel provides access to some general system common commands, allows read back of information that is stored in the flash and provides means of adding filters to the output path. The General/Filters panel is shown in Figure 3-23 and the various parameters that control these functions are described below.

System

The System group has three buttons that are normally associated with system control. These are:

Reset – generates soft reset to the instrument controls and dialog boxes and modifies all parameters to factory default. A list of factory defaults is given in the programming chapter of this manual.

Query Error – queries the 5251 for programming errors. This command is normally no necessary because ArbConnection makes sure that programming errors cannot be made from the panels however, while executing commands from the Command Editor, errors can be generated and the only way to monitor the errors is by using this command.

3-32

ArbConnection

The Control Panels

Figure 3-23, the General/Filters Panel

Clear Queue – clears the error queue. The error queue can buffer up to 35 errors and then generates an error queue overflow message while ignoring new errors. This command clears the error queue and allows fresh errors to be captured.

General Information

This General Information group is used for displaying or monitoring of certain parameters that are stored in the flash memory. These are: Instrument serial number and last calibration date. You can also read the installed firmware revision, in case you want to verify that you have the latest firmware revision.

Filters

The filters can be turned on and off freely as long as you are not generating the standard sine waveform. The following filter options are available:

Off – no filter is applied to the output path 25MHz – a Bessel type filter that has 25 MHz cutoff frequency. 50MHz – a Bessel type filter that has 50 MHz cutoff frequency. 60MHz – an Elliptic type filter that has 60 MHz cutoff frequency. 120MHz – an Elliptic type filter that has 120 MHz cutoff frequency.

Calibration

The Calibration panel, as shown in Figure 3-24, provides access to remote calibration procedures. To access the remote calibration panel, you will need to have a valid User Name and Password and to quality to perform such calibration, you’ll need to be trained and certified by Tabor Electronics. Information how to access the calibration panel and how to perform the calibration is given in the adjustment and firmware updates chapter. The picture below is just for reference how the calibration panel will look after you gain access to this panel.

3-33

TE5251

User Manual

Figure 3-24, the Calibration Panel

The Composers Panels

The Composers tab provides access to a group of composers that allow generation and editing of arbitrary waveforms, pulse shapes, arbitrary frequency modulation and 3D profiling. Without utilities such as the above, the operation of an arbitrary waveform generator is extremely limiting.

There are four waveform composers built into ArbConnection: Wave – for generating arbitrary waveforms. Arbitrary waveforms

can be generated from standard libraries, from an equation editor, or imported to the composer from external utilities such as MatLAB. The waveforms can be edited and stored on hard or soft disks.

Pulse – for generating complex pulse trains. Unlike a standard pulse generator, you can design and edit multiple pulse trains with linear transitions and variable amplitudes.

FM – for generating frequency modulation schemes. Unlike a standard frequency modulator, you can design and edit your own frequency modulation profiles.

3D – for generating simultaneous sweeps of amplitude, frequency and phase. This is specifically useful for generating complex chirps.

The Composers set of panels are shown in Figure 3-25. Each of the composers is described below.

3-34

ArbConnection

The Control Panels

Figure 3-25, the Composers Panels

The Wave Composer

Being an arbitrary waveform generator, the 5251 has to be loaded with waveform data before it can start generating waveforms. The waveform generation and editing utility is part of ArbConnection and is called – The Waveform Composer.

Figure 3 3-26, the Wave Composer Opening Screen

3-35

TE5251

User Manual

The Commands bar

This program gives you tools to create definitions for arbitrary waveforms. It can also convert coordinates from other products, such as, oscilloscopes and use them directly as waveform data. The program is loaded with many features and options so use the following paragraphs to learn how to create edit and download waveforms to the 5251 using the Waveform Composer.

To launch the wave composer point and click on the Wave tab in the Panels bar. Figure 3-26 shows an example of the wave composer. The Wave Composer has main sections: Commands bar, Toolbar and Waveform screen. Refer to Figure 3-26 throughout the description of these sections.

The commands bar provides access to standard Windows commands such as File and View. In addition, there are ArbConnection-specific commands such as Edit, Wave and System.

In general, clicking on one of the commands opens a dialog box with an additional list of commands. Then, clicking on an additional command, may open a dialog box, or generate an immediate action. For example, Clicking on File and then Exit will cause an immediate termination of the Wave Composer. On the other hand, clicking on Wave and then on Sine, will open a Sine Wave dialog box that lets you program and edit sine wave parameters. The various commands in the Commands bar are listed and described below.

File Commands

3-36

The File command has 4 command lines that control waveform files. Also use this command to print the active waveform, or exit the wave composer program. Description of the various commands under File is given below.

New Waveform

The New Waveform (Ctrl+N) command will remove the waveform from the screen. If you made changes to the waveform area and use the New Waveform command, you should save your work before clearing the screen. The New Waveform command is destructive to the displayed waveform.

Open Waveform…

The Open Waveform… (Ctrl+O) command will let you browse your disk for previously saved waveform files and load these waveforms to the waveform area. This command is also very useful for converting waveform files to format that is acceptable by the Wave Composer. The Open Waveform command can convert ASCII.

*CSV (comma delimited text), *PRN (space delimited text) and *.0* (LeCroy binary format). The Open dialog box in Figure 3-31 shows the various file extensions that can be opened into the Wave Composer environment. The file that is opened is automatically converted to *.wav format and can later be saved as a standard ArbConnection file.

Save Waveform

The Save Waveform (Ctrl+S) command will store your active waveform in your 5251 directory, as a binary file with an *.wav extension. If this is the first time you save your waveform, the Save Waveform As… command will be invoked automatically, letting you select name, location and format for your waveform file.

Save Waveform As…

Use the Save Waveform As… command the first time you save your waveform. It will let you select name, location and format for your waveform file.

With this command you may print the active Waveform Window. The standard printer dialog box will appear and will let you select printer setup, or print the waveform page.

ArbConnection

The Control Panels

Figure 3-27, the Open Waveform Dialog Box

Exit

The Exit command ends the current Wave Composer session and takes you back to the Panels screen. If you made changes to your waveform since it was last saved, the Wave Composer will prompt you to Save or Abandon changes these changes.

3-37

TE5251

User Manual

Edit Commands

The Edit commands are used for manipulating the waveform that is drawn on the screen. The editing commands are explained in the following paragraphs.

Autoline

The Autoline command lets you draw straight-line segments. To draw a line the left mouse button at the start point. Click again at the next point and then click on the right mouse button to terminate this operation.

Sketch

The Sketch command lets you draw free-hand segments. To draw a line using this command click and hold the left mouse button at the start point. Release the mouse button when you want to stop and then click on the right mouse button to terminate this operation.

Smooth

The Smooth command lets you smooth out rough transitions on your waveform. This is done mathematically by multiplying waveform coordinates by the non-linear portion of a cubic parabola.

The Smooth operation is done on segments of the waveform that are bound by anchors. Anchor operation is described later in this chapter. Place the anchors on the left and right of your waveform segment and select the Smooth command. The waveform will change its shape immediately to follow the mathematical pattern of a parabolic curve.

Note that small segments with fast transitions, when combined with parabolic expressions have tendencies to generate even larger transitions. Therefore, make sure you omit such sections of the waveform when you use this operation.

Filter

The Filter used with this command is moving average. This is done by recalculating each point as an average of symmetrical number of adjacent points. When you select the Filter command, a dialog box pops up, letting you program the filter spacing in number of adjacent points. You can filter the entire waveform, or you may chose to filter a segment of the waveform by placing the anchors as boundaries on the left and right of the segment.

Invert

The Invert command lets you invert the entire waveforms, or marked segments of waveforms. The waveform is inverted about the 0-point axis.

Trim Left

The trim left command lets you trim waveforms to the left of the anchor point. This command is grayed out if the left anchor was not moved from its original left position. The waveform is trimmed and the point at the left anchor point becomes the first point of the waveform.

3-38

Trim Right

The trim right command lets you trim waveforms to the right of the anchor point. This command is grayed out if the right anchor was not moved from its original right position. The waveform is trimmed and the point at the right anchor point becomes the last point of the waveform.

Unmark

The unmark command removes the anchors from the waveform screen and resets anchor positions to point 0 and the last waveform point.

Undo

The Undo command undoes the last editing operation.

ArbConnection

The Control Panels

View Commands

The View commands have commands that let you view various sections of the waveform area. The View commands include: Zoom In, Zoom Out, Hide/Show Toolbars and Channel 1 to 4 waveforms. Description of the view commands is given in the following.

Zoom In

The zoom in command operates between anchors. Anchors are marked as left and right hand triangles. The default position of the anchors is the start and the end of the waveform. To move an anchor to a new location, click and hold on the triangle and drag the anchor to left or right as required. If you move the left anchor to the right and the right anchor to the left, the area between the anchors will zoom in as you select this command.

Looking at the Waveform Map, as shown in Figure 3-28, you’ll see that the white portion is the zoomed area. Click and hold on the white area and move your cursor around and the waveform screen will be updated accordingly.

While zoomed in you can perform Autoline and sketch editing, or zoom-in further by clicking and holding the mouse at one corner and releasing the mouse button at the other corner.

Zoom Out

The zoom out restores the screen to display the complete waveform.

3-39

TE5251

User Manual

Wave Commands

Figure 3-28, Zooming In on Waveform Segments

The Wave commands let you create waveforms on the screen. The Wave command has a library of 8 waveforms: Sine, Triangle, Square, Sinc, Gaussian, Exponent, Pulse, Noise and dc. Also, from the Wave command, you can create Cardiac waveforms and pulse width modulation. Finaly, custom waveforms are created using the Equation Editor. Information how to create waveforms using the Wave commands is given below.

Creating Waveforms From the Built-in Library

You can create any waveform from the built-in library using the Wave command. Clicking on one of the Wave options will open a dialog box. An example of the Sine waveform dialog box is shown in Figure 3-29. This dialog box is representative of the rest of the waveforms, so other waveforms will not be described.

Creating Sine Waveforms

Use the following procedure to create sine waveforms from the built-in library. Click on Wave, then sine… the dialog box as shown in Figure 3-29 will appear. You can now start programming parameters that are available in this box.

Start Point – Defines the first point where the created wave will start. Note that if you change the start point the left anchor will automatically adjust itself to the selected start point. The example shows start point set at point 0.

3-40

End Point – Defines where the created waveform will end. Note that as you change the end point the right anchor will automatically adjust itself to the selected end point, 499 shown in the example.

Cycles – The Cycles parameter defines how many sine cycles will be created within the specified start and end points. The example below shows five sine cycles.

Amplitude – 16-bit of vertical define 32,768 incremental steps. The Amplitude parameter defines how many of these steps are used for generating the sine. The example is showing sine waveform with maximum peak-to-peak amplitude. Any number below the maximum will generate an attenuated sine.

Start Phase – The start phase parameter defines the angle of which the sine will start. The example shows start phase of 90°.

Power – The example shows sine cubed. Sine to the power of 1 will generate a perfect sine. Power range is from 1 through 9.

ArbConnection

The Control Panels

Figure 3-29, Generating Distorted Sine waves from the built-in Library

The Toolbar

The toolbar contains icons for editing the waveform screen, icons for saving and loading waveforms, fields for selecting an active channel and for adjusting segment length and more. The Toolbar is shown in Figure 3-30. For the individual icons, refer to the descriptions above of the Wave Composer Menus.

3-41

TE5251

User Manual

Figure 3-30, the Toolbar Icons

The Waveform Screen

Waveforms are created and edited on the waveform screen. Figure 3-35 shows an example of a waveform created using the equation editor and the anchors to limit generation of the waveform between points 100 and 900. The various elements of the waveform screen are described below.

The waveform screen has two axes – vertical and horizontal. Both axes are divided into points.

The vertical axis is labeled from -32,767 through 32,768 for a total of 65,536 point (includes point “0”). This number represents 16 bits of vertical resolution and cannot be changed because it is critical to the range of which the 5251 operates.

The horizontal axis, by default has 1000 points (from point 0 to

999). This number can be changed using the Wave Length field in the Toolbar. The maximum length depends on the option installed in your instrument. The wave composer will let you define the horizontal axis to a maximum of 2M words).

3-42

Figure 3-31, the Waveform Screen

Generating Waveforms Using the Equation Editor

ArbConnection

Notice on the left top and on the right top there are two triangles pointing to the center of the screen. These are the anchors. The anchors are used as the start and end pointers where your waveform will be created. For example, if you want to create a sine waveform between point 100 and point 500, you place the left anchor at point 100 and the right at point 500 and then generate the sine from the built-in library.

There are two ways to control anchor placements.

1) Click and hold your mouse cursor on the left anchor triangle and then drag the curtain to the left position. Do the same for the right anchor. Notice the X and Y coordinates at the top of the waveform screen and how they change to correspond to your anchor placement.

2) You can also place your anchors in a more precise manner from the waveform library by programming the start and end points for the waveform. An example of anchor placement using the sine dialog box is shown in Figure 3-29.

Finally, when you are done creating and editing your waveform, you can save your work to a directory of your choice. The name at the title will show you the name you selected for storing your waveform and its path.

Generating Waveforms Using the Equation Editor

One of the most powerful feature within ArbConnection and probably the feature that will be used most is the Equation Editor. The Equation Editor let you write equations the same way as you would do on a blank piece of paper. The equations are then translated to sequential points that form waveforms and are displayed on the waveform screen. The Equation Editor will detect and inform you on syntax errors and, with its self adjusting feature, will automatically adjust your parameters so that none of the points on your waveform will exceed the maximum scale limits.

When you invoke the Equation Editor, the dialog box, as shown in Figure 3-32 will display. Use the following paragraphs to learn how to use this dialog box and how to write your equations.

Figure 3-32, the Equation Editor Dialog Box

3-43

TE5251

User Manual

There are four sub-group parameters in the equation editor plus control buttons and equation field. These parts are described below.

Anchor

The anchors define start and end point of which the equation will be generated. By default the anchors are placed at the start and the end of the horizontal (time) scale however, the equation can be limited to a specific time scale by moving the anchor points from their default locations.

Start – defines the first point where the created wave will start. Note that if you change the start point the left anchor will automatically adjust itself to the selected start point.

End – defines where the created waveform will end. Note that as you change the end point the right anchor will automatically adjust itself to the selected end point.

Waveform Amplitude

The vertical axis of the Wave Composer represents 14-bits of vertical resolution. That means that the equation is computed, resolved and generated with 1/32,768 increments and accuracy. The Waveform Amplitude fields in the Equation Editor are used in two cases: 1) when the “amp” parameter is used in the equation or 2 if the Level Adjuster is set to Auto. Information on these two operations is given later.

Max – defines the positive peak of the vertical axis Min – defines the negative peak of the vertical axis

Cycles

The Cycles parameter defines how many waveform cycles will be created within the specified start and end anchor points.

Level Adjuster

The Level Adjuster is a convenient tool that helps you adjust the amplitude and offset without modifying your equation. The Level Adjuster mode does not interfere with your calculations and displays the waveform as computed from your equation. The only difference is that your final calculations are stretched or shrunk or offset on the vertical scale to fit the new amplitude and offset boundaries.

If you change the Max and Min setting in the Waveform Amplitude fields and press the Adjust key, your waveform will offset immediately without changing the equation. The same way, you can also change amplitude only or both amplitude and offset. If you check the Manual option, you’ll have to click on the Adjust button for the Waveform Amplitude parameters to take effect. The Adjust button name will change to Restore and back to Adjust if you click on it again. If you check the Auto option, your waveform will be created automatically with the new Amplitude setting.

3-44

Equation

The Equation group has four buttons and the equation field. You will be using the Equation field for writing your equations. Equation syntax and conventions are discussed in the following paragraphs. The Remove button clears the equation field so you can start typing a new equation. Click on the Store button to store your equation if you intend to use it again. The Browse button provides access to waveform pre-stored files in your computer for combining them in new equations. The Operands button expands the bottom of the dialog box to show the operands you can use with your equation.

While you type and store equations, they are collected in a history file and can be used again by expanding the history log from the equation field.

Control Buttons

There are four control buttons at the right corner of the dialog box. Use the Preview button to preview an image of your equation, or use the OK button to place your waveform on the waveform screen and to leave the dialog box on the screen. The Default button restores the parameters in the equation editor to their original factory default values. The Cancel button will remove the dialog box from the screen and will discard of any waveforms that you previewed with your Equation Editor.

Generating Waveforms Using the Equation Editor

ArbConnection

Writing Equations

The Equation Editor lets you process mathematical expressions and convert them into waveform coordinates. As you probably already know, waveforms are made of vertical samples. The number of samples on your waveform is determined by the wavelength parameter. For example, if you have 1024 horizontal points, your equation will be computed along 1024 points as a function of the vertical scale. Each vertical sample is computed separately and placed along the horizontal axis. The points are graphically connected to form a uniform and continuous waveform shape however, if you zoom in on a waveform line, you’ll see that the points are connected like a staircase. In reality, the 5251 generates its waveforms exactly as shown on the screen but, if the waveform has many horizontal points, the steps get smaller and harder to see without magnification.

Equations are always computed as a function of the vertical (Amplitude) axis therefore the left side of your equation will always look as Amplitude(p)=, where “p” is the equation variables in units of waveform points. You can write equations with up to 256 characters. If the equation is too long to fit in the visible field, parts to the left or right will scroll off the ends.

3-45

TE5251

User Manual

Equation Convention

The following paragraphs describe the conventions that are used for writing an equation. To avoid errors, it is extremely important that you make yourself familiar with these conventions before you plan your waveforms.

Equations are written in conventional mathematical notation. You may only enter the right part of the equation. The only limitation is that the equation must be of a single variable that is directly related to the current horizontal axis setting. Case is not important and spaces are ignored. Numbers are entered in scientific notation. All calculations are done with double-digit precision. For the trigonometric functions, all angles are expressed in radians.

A number of constants are provided: e, which is the base of the natural logarithm; pi, which is the circumference of a unit-diameter circle; per, which equals the programmed horizontal range; f, which equals 1 /per; omg, which equals 2 * pi / per, and numerals in the range of -1E^20 to 1E^20.

There are three classes of precedence: ^ (raise to power) has the highest precedence; (multiply) and / (divide) come second; + and have the lowest precedence. Parentheses may be used to change the order of precedence. The following table summarize the mathematical expressions and their respective abbreviated commands that can be used with the Equation Editor.

Equation Editor Operands

^ Raise to the power * Multiply / Divide + Add Ä Subtract ( ) Parentheses e Base of natural Logarithm pi (π) Circumference of unit-diameter circle per Horizontal wavelength in points f I/per omg (Ω) 2*π / per amp Amplitude in units of points or seconds sin(x) The sine of x(*) cos(x) The cosine of x tan(x) The tangent of x ctn(x) The cotangent of x log(x) The base IO logarithm of x In(x) The natural (base e) logarithm of x abs(x) The absolute value of x

-1E^20<>1E^20 Numerals, equation constants (* )x = argument mathematical expression

After you get familiar with the operands and conventions, you can commence with a few simple equations and see what they do to your waveform screen. Once you'll get the feel, you'll be able to

3-46

explore your own creativity to generate much more complicated and complex waveforms.

Generating Waveforms Using the Equation Editor

ArbConnection

Typing Equations

If you remember from your old high school studies, the simplest curve of Y as a function of X is defined by the equation Y=aX+b. You can use the same “technique” to generate straight lines with the Equation Editor. Assuming first that p=0, try this:

Amplitude(p)=1000

Press [Preview] and see what you get. Of course, you get an uninteresting line that runs parallel to the X-axis. Now, lets give the line some angle by typing:

Amplitude(p)=-2*p+2000

Press [Preview] and see that the line slopes down. It may still be not very interesting however, pay close attention to the convention that is used in this equation. You cannot type: Amplitude(p)=2p+1000, like you would normally do in your notebook; You must use the * (multiply) sign, otherwise you'll get a syntax error. Now we'll try to generate a simple sine waveform. Try this:

Amplitude(p)=sin(10)

Press [Preview] and… sorry, you still get nothing on the screen. The Wave Composer did not make a mistake! The sine of 10 in radians is exactly what it shows. You are unable to see the result because the line on your screen running across the 0 vertical point.

REMEMBER

The equation must be a function of a single variable and that variable must be directly related to the Horizontal axis Scale setting.

Now try this:

Amplitude(p)=sin(omg*p)

Still no good, but now press the [Adjust] button and here is your sinewave. So what's wrong? Well, if you'll give it a little amplitude it might help so, do it now exactly as follows:

Amplitude(p)=8000*sin(omg*p)

There you go. You should now see a perfect sine waveform with a period of 1000 points. This is because you have asked the Equation Editor to compute the sine along p points (“p” is the equation variable, remember?). If you want to create 10 sine waveforms, you should multiply p by 10. Try this:

Amplitude(p)=8000*sin(omg*p*10)

3-47

TE5251

User Manual

Equation Samples

So far, you have learned how to create two simple waveforms: straight lines and trigonometric functions. Let’s see if we can combine these waveforms to something more interesting. Take the straight line equation and add it to the sinewave equation:

Amplitude(p)=12000*sin(omg*p*l0)-8*p+4000

Press [Preview]. Your screen should look like Figure 3-33.

Figure 3-33, an Equation Editor Example

Now let’s try to modulate two sine waves with different periods and different start phase. Type this:

Amplitude(p)= 12000*sin(omg*p)*cos(omg*p*30)

Press [Preview]. Your screen should look like Figure 3-34.

3-48

Tabor Electronics 5251 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual