Tektronix FCA3000, FCA3003, FCA3020, FCA3100, FCA3103 User Manual
...
xx
FCA3000 and FCA3100 Series Timer/Counter/Analyzers
ZZZ
MCA3000 Series Microwave Counter/Analyzers
User Manual
*P077049301*
077-0493-01
xx
FCA3000 and FCA3100 Series Timer/Counter/Analyzers
ZZZ
MCA3000 Series Microwave Counter/Analyzers
User Manual
www.tektronix.com
077-0493-01
Copyright © Tektronix. All rights reserved. Licensed software products are owned by Tektronix or its subsidiaries
or suppliers, and are protected by national copyright laws and international treaty provisions.
Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this publication
supersedes that in all previously published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
TimeView is a trademark of Pendulum AB.
Contacting Tektronix
Tektronix, Inc.
14150 SW Karl Braun Drive
P.O . B ox 50 0
Beaverton, OR 97077
USA
For product information, sales, service, and technical support:
In North America, call 1-800-833-9200.
Worl d wide , v i sit www.tektronix.com to find contacts in your area.
Warranty
Tektronix warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three
(3) years from the date of shipment. If any such product proves defective during this warranty period, Tektronix, at
its option, either will repair the defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a replacement
in exchange for the defective product. Parts, modules and replacement products used by Tektronix for warranty
work may be n
the property of Tektronix.
ew or reconditioned to like new performance. All replaced parts, modules and products become
In order to o
the warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the performance of service. Customer shall be responsible
for packaging and shipping the defective product to the service center designated by Tektronix, with shipping
charges prepaid. Tektronix shall pay for the return of the product to Customer if the shipment is to a location within
the country in which the Tektronix service center is located. Customer shall be responsible for paying all shipping
charges, duties, taxes, and any other charges for products returned to any other locations.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or improper or inadequate
maintenance and care. Tektronix shall not be obligated to furnish service under this warranty a) to repair damage
result
b) to repair damage resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; c) to repair any damage
or malfunction caused by the use of non-Tektronix supplies; or d) to service a product that has been modified or
integrated with other products when the effect of such modification or integration increases the time or difficulty
of servicing the product.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT IN LIEU OF ANY
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
TRONIX’ RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE SOLE
TEK
AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY.
TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER TEKTRONIX OR THE VENDOR HAS
ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
[W4 – 15AUG04]
btain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix of the defect before the expiration of
ing from attempts by personnel other than Tektronix representatives to install, repair or service the product;
Table of Contents
General Safety Summary ......................................................................................... iii
Preface ............................................................................................................... v
About This Manual ... ................................ ................................ ......................... v
Features .......... .................................. ................................ ............................. v
Powerful and Versatile Functions ........................................................................... vi
No Mistakes ................................................................................................... vi
Design Innovations .......................................................................................... vii
Remote Control ............... ................................ ................................ ............... vii
Unpacking ........................................................................................................... 1
Standard Accessories.......................................................................................... 1
Identification ................................................................................................... 1
Installation ............................. ................................ ................................ ......... 1
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument ... ... . . .. . ... ... . .. . ... ... ... . ... ... ... . ... ... ... . ... ... ... . ... ... ... . 3
Front Panel ................ .................................. ................................ ................... 3
Input Connectors............................................................................................... 4
Rear Panel ... ................................ .................................. ................................ . 5
Main Screen .................................................................................................... 6
Controls...................... ................................ .................................. ................ 10
Entering Numeric Values .................................................................................... 14
Menus .......................................................................................................... 14
Input Signal Conditioning .. ... . ... ... . . .. . ... ... . ... ... . . .. . ... ... . ... ... . . .. . ... ... . ... ... ... . ... ... . . .. . ... ... . 21
Input Controls ................................................................................................. 21
How to Reduce or Ignore Noise and Interference............................... .......................... 26
Frequency Measurements....................... ................................ .................................. 31
Theory of Measurement...................................................................................... 31
Input A, B...................................................................................................... 36
Input C ........... ................................ ................................ .............................. 38
Ratio A/B, B/A, C/A, C/B ..................... ................................ .............................. 38
Burst A, B, C .................... ................................ .................................. ............ 38
Frequency Modulated Signals............................................................................... 41
AM Signals.................................................................................................... 44
Period .................. ................................ .................................. ...................... 46
Frequency...................................................................................................... 47
Time Measurements ............................................................................................... 48
Introduction.................................................................................................... 48
Time Interval .................... ................................ .................................. ............ 49
Rise/Fall Time A/B ........................................................................................... 49
Time Interval Error (TIE) (FCA3100 Series Only) ........... ................................ ............ 50
Pulse Width A/B .............................................................................................. 51
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual i
Table of Contents
Duty Factor A/B
........................ ................................ ................................ ...... 51
Time Measurement Errors ................................................................................... 52
Phase Measurements .............................................................................................. 54
Resolution ......... .................................. ................................ .......................... 55
Possible Errors .............. ................................ ................................ .................. 55
Totalize (FCA3100 Series Only).................. ................................ .......................... 59
Voltage Mea
V
V
surements ............................................................................................ 63
MAX,VMIN
RMS
,andVPP.......................................................................................... 63
........................ ................................ ................................ .................... 63
Math and Statistical Measurements.............................................................................. 65
Averaging...................................................................................................... 65
Mathematics................. .................................. ................................ ................ 65
ics ..... .................................. ................................ ................................ 66
Statist
Limit Testing........... ................................ ................................ ............................ 71
Arming.......................................... .................................. ................................ .. 73
Guidelines ..................................................................................................... 73
Start and Stop Arming.................................. ................................ ...................... 74
Arming Input Signals......................................................................................... 75
ng and Setup Time.......................................... ................................ ............ 76
Armi
Arming Examples............................................................................................. 77
Arming and Profiling ................. .................................. ................................ ...... 82
Appendix A: Default Instrument Settings . ... ... ... . ... ... ... ... . .. . ... ... ... . ... ... ... .. .. . ... ... ... .. .. . ... .. 85
Appendix B: Controlling Measurement Timing.. ... . .. . ... ... ... . ... ... ... .. .. . ... ... ... . ... ... ... .. .. . ... ... . 87
The Measurement Process ................................................................................... 87
dex
In
ii FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual
General Safety Summary
Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to
this product or any products connected to it.
To avoid potential hazards, use this product only as specified.
Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures.
While using this product, you may need to access other parts of a larger system.
Read the safety sections of the other component manuals for warnings and
cautions related to operating the system.
To Avoid Fire or Personal
Injury
Use proper power cord. Use only the power cord specified for this product and
certified for the country of use.
Connect and disconnect properly. Do not connect or disconnect probes or test
leads while they are connected to a v oltage source.
Ground the product. This product is grounded through the grounding conductor
of the power cord. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must be
connected to earth ground. Before making connections to the input or output
terminals of the product, ensure that the product is properly grounded.
Observe all terminal ratings. To avoid fire or shock hazard, observe all ratings
and markings on the product. Consult the product manual for further ratings
information before making connections to the product.
The inputs are not rated for connection to mains or Category II, III, or IV circuits.
Do not apply a potential to any terminal, including the common terminal, that
exceeds the maximum rating of that terminal.
Power disconnect. The power cord disconnects the product from the power source.
Do not block the power cord; it must remain accessible to the user at all times.
Do not operate without covers. Do not operate this product with covers or panels
removed.
Do not operate with suspected failures. If you suspect that there is damage to this
product, have it inspected by qualified service personnel.
Avoid exposed circuitry. Do not touch exposed connections and components when
power is present.
Do not operate in wet/damp conditions.
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.
Keep product surfaces clean and dry.
Provide proper ventilation. Refer to the manual’s installation instructions for
details on installing the product so it has proper ventilation.
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual iii
General Safety Summary
TermsinThisManual
Symbols and Terms on the
Product
These terms may
WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result
in injury or loss of life.
CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in
damage to this product or other property.
These terms may appear on the product:
DANGER in
the marking.
WAR NI NG
read the marking.
CAUTIO
The following symbol(s) may appear on the product:
appear in this manual:
dicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you read
indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as you
N indicates a hazard to property including the product.
iv FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual
Preface
About This Manual
This manual contains operation information for the FCA3000 and FCA3100 Series
Timer/Counter/Analyzer and the MCA3000 Series Microwave Counter/Analyzer.
To simplify the references, features that are common to all instruments are
not marked with instrument names. Features that are specific to a particular
instrument or instrument series are clearly marked.
Instrument references:
FCA3X00 meansanyFCA3000SeriesorFCA3100Seriesinstrument
FCA3000 means any FCA3000 Series instrument (FCA3000, FCA3003,
FCA3020)
FCA3100 means any FCA3100 Series instrument (FCA3100, FCA3103,
FCA3120)
MCA3000 means any MCA3000 Series instrument (MCA3027 or MCA3040)
Features
Wide measurement frequency range to 40 GHz
Fastest microwave counter on the market (25 ms acquisition time)
Industry’s only frequency counter with a graphical display
High resolution down to 50 ps single shot (time), or 12 digits/s (frequency)
Simultaneous display of signal frequency and voltage parameters
Trigger sensitivity of 15 m V
Voltage resolution to 1 mV
Fast USB/GPIB bus transfer speeds, up to 15 k measurements per second
(block mode)
Zero-dead time frequency/period measurements
Best Oven-controlled Crystal Oscillator (OCXO) time base options
(1.5E-8/year)
MCA3000 Series offers microwave CW frequency measurements and very
short burst measurements down to 40 ns
Programmable Pulse output from 0.5 Hz to 50 MHz (FCA3100 Series)
from DC to 200 MHz
rms
10 MHz reference output oscillator
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual v
Preface
Measurement St
Front or rear input connection options
Powerful and Versatile Functions
A unique performance feature in your new instrument is the comprehensive
arming poss
complex signal concerning frequency and time.
For instan
the actual arming of the instrument. Read more about Arming in Chapter 5,
Measurement Control.
In addition to the traditional measurement functions of a timer/instrument, these
instruments have a multitude of other functions such as phase, duty factor, rise/fall
time, and peak voltage. The ins t rument can perform all measurement functions on
both Input A and Input B. Most measurement functions can be armed, either using
one of the main inputs or using a separate arming channel (E).
By using the built-in mathematics and statistics functions, the instrument can
process the measurement results in the instrument, without the need for an
nal controller o r software. Math functions include inversion, scaling, and
exter
offset. Statistics functions include Max, Min and Mean, Standard deviation, and
Allan deviation, on sample sizes up to 2*10
ibilities, which allow you to characterize virtually any type of
ce, you can insert a delay between the external arming condition and
atistics, Histogram, and Trend Plot modes
9
.
No Mistakes
You will soon find that your instrument is more or less self-explanatory with an
intuitive user interface. A menu tree with few levels makes the timer/instrument
easy to operate. The large backlit graphic LCD is the center of information and
can show you several signal parameters at the same time as well a s setting status
d operator messages.
an
Statistics based on measurement samples can easily be presented as histograms or
rend plots in addition to standard numerical measurement results like max, min,
t
mean, and standard deviation.
The AUTO function triggers automatically on any input waveform. A bus-learn
mode simplifies GPIB programming. With bus-learn mode, manual instrument
settings can be transferred to the controller for later reprogramming. There is no
need to learn code and syntax for each individual instrument setting if you are
an occasional bus user.
vi FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual
Design Innovations
Preface
State of the Art Technology
Gives Durable Use
High Resolution
These counters are designed for quality and durability. The design is highly
integrated. The digital counting circuitry consists of just one custom-developed
FPGA and a 32-bit microcontroller. The high integration and low component
count reduces power consumption and results in an MTBF of 30,000 hours.
Modern surf
mechanical construction, including a metal cabinet that withstands mechanical
shocks and protects against EMI, is also a valuable feature.
The use of
excellent relative resolution of 12 digits/s for all frequencies.
The meas
base. Simultaneously with the normal “digital” counting, the instrument takes
analog measurements of the time between the start/stop trigger events and the
next following clock pulse. This is done in four identical circuits by charging
an integrating capacitor with a constant current, starting at the trigger event.
Charging is stopped at the leading edge of the first following clock pulse. The
d charge in the integrating capacitor represents the time difference between
store
the start trigger event and the leading edge of the first following clock pulse. A
similar charge integration is made for the stop trigger event.
When the “digital” part of the measurement is ready, the stored charges in the
capacitors are measured by Analog/Digital Converters.
ace-mount technology ensures high production quality. A rugged
reciprocal interpolating counting in this instrument results in an
urement is synchronized with the input cycles instead of the time
Remote Control
The instrument calculates the result after completing all measurements, that is, the
digital time measurement and the analog interpolation measurements. The result
is that the basic digital resolution of ±1 clock pulse (10 ns) is reduced to 100 ps
for the FCA3000 Series and 50 ps for the FCA3100 Series.
Since the measurement is synchronized with the input signal, the resolution for
frequency measurements is very high and independent of frequency. The counters
have 14 display digits so that the display itself does not restrict the resolution.
This instrument is programmable using two interfaces, GPIB and USB.
The GPIB interface offers full general functionality and compliance with the latest
standards in use, the IEEE 488.2 1987 for HW and the SCPI 1999 for SW. There
is also a second GPIB mode that emulates the Agilent 53131/132 command set for
easy exchange of instruments in operational ATE systems.
The USB interface is mainly intended for use with the optional TimeView™
analysis software. The communication protocol is a proprietary version of SCPI.
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual vii
Preface
Fast GPIB Bus
These counters
also feature fast bus communications. The bus transfer rate is up to 2000 triggered
measurements/s. Array mea surements to the internal memory can reach 250 k
measurements/s.
This very high measurement rate makes new measurements possible. For
example, you can perform jitter analysis on several tens of thousands of pulse
width measurements and capture them in a second.
An extensive Programmer Manual describes the available SCPI-based
programming commands.
The instrument is easy to use in GPIB environments. A built-in bus-learn mode
enables you to make all instrument settings manually and transfer them to the
controller. The response can late r be used to reprogram the instrument to the same
s. This eliminates the need for the occasional user to l earn all individual
setting
programming codes.
Comple
memory locations and can easily be recalled. Ten of the internal memory locations
can be user protected.
te (manually set) instrument settings canalsobestoredin20internal
are not only extremely powerful and versatile instruments, they
viii FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual
Unpacking
Standard Accessories
Identification
Check that the shipment is complete and that no damage has occurred during
transportation. If the contents are incomplete or damaged, file a claim with the
carrier immediately. Also notify your local Tektronix representative in case repair
or replacement is required.
See the FCA3000, FCA3100 Series Timer/Counter/Analyzer and MCA3000 Series
Microwave
accessories.
The identification label on the rear panel shows instrument model, serial number,
and configuration information. (See page 5, Rear Panel.) You can also push User
Opt > About to display instrument information.
Counter/Analyzer Quick Start User Manual for a list of standard
Installation
Suppl
y Voltage
You can connect the instrument to an AC supply with a voltage rating of
90-265 V
line voltage.
There is no user-serviceable fuse for the FCA3X00 or MCA3000 Series
instruments.
TION. If this fuse is blown, it is likely that the power supply is badly damaged.
CAU
Do not replace the fuse. Send the instrument to a Tektronix Service Center.
Removing the cover for repair, maintenance and adjustment must be done only by
qualified and trained personnel, who are fully aware of the hazards involved.
The warranty commitments are rendered void if unauthorized access to the
interior of the instrument has taken place during the given warranty period.
, 45-440 Hz. The instrument automatically adjusts itself to the input
rms
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual 1
Unpacking
ation and Cooling
Orient
Grounding
Grounding faul
it dangerous. Before connecting any unit to the power line, you must make sure
that the protective ground functions correctly. Only then can a unit be connected
to the power line and only by using a three-wire line cord. No other method of
grounding is permitted. Extension cords must always have a protective ground
conductor.
CAUTION. If
may cause a shock hazard. Allow the instrument several hours to evaporate
condensation before use. Make s ure that the instrument grounding requirements
are strictly met.
WARNING. Never interrupt the grounding cord. Any interruption of the protective
ground connection inside or outside the instrument or disconnection of the
protective ground terminal can result in a shock hazard.
You can operate the instrument in any position. Do not obstruct the air flow
through the ventilation slots on the side panels: leave 5 centimeters (2 inches) of
space on the sides and back of the instrument. The instrument also h as fold-down
or benchtop use.
legs f
ts in the line voltage supply will make any instrument connected to
a unit is moved from a cold to a warm environment, condensation
2 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
Front Panel
1. Power button (See page 10, Power Button.)
2. Main sc
3. Measurement buttons (See page 10, Measure Button.)
4. Navigation buttons (See page 11, Save/Exit Button.)
5. Input connectors (See page 4, Input Connectors.)
6. Keypad buttons (See page 12, Keypad Buttons.)
reen (See page 6, Main Screen.)
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual 3
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
Input Connect
ors
1. Input A and B inputs and trigger indicators. A blinking trigger LED shows
correct triggering.
2. Gate indicator. The GATE indicator is on when the counter is busy counting
input cycles.
3. Input C prescaler (3 GHz or 20 GHz, FCA3000 and FCA3100 Series) or
down converter (27 GHz or 40 GHz, MCA3000 Series) for measuring higher
frequencies.
NOTE. Factory Option RP moves the input connectors from the front panel to the
anel for FCA3000 Series and FCA3100 Series instruments. The Gate and
rear p
Trig A/B LED indicators remain on the front panel. Option RP is not available on
MCA3000 Series instruments.
4 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual
Rear Panel
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
1. Pulse Out
2. ID label, including model, serial, and installed options numbers.
3. Line power connector.
4. USB 2.0 12 Mb/s port to connect to PC.
5. GPIB port to connect to controller.
6. Optional rear panel input connectors. Factory Option RP moves the front
panel input connectors to the rear panel. Not available for MCA3000 Series
instruments.
7. External Arm Input connector (for external arming (synchronization) of
measurements). You can also select Input A and Input B for measurement
arming from the Settings Menu.
8. External Reference Input connector. If the Measurement Reference is set to
Auto in the Settings Menu, this input is automatically selected, provided a
valid signal is present.
9. 10 MHz Out connector. Provides a reference signal derived from the active
measurement reference (internal or external reference). The measurement
eference source is set in the Settings Menu.
r
put connector (FCA3100 Series only).
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual 5
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
Main Screen
The instrument uses a monochrome LCD to show signal sources, instrument
measurements (numerical and graphical), and menu items. What items are shown
depends on th
Measurement Value Mode
Push the Value button to display a high-resolution numeric readout of the current
measurement.
1. The current measurement.
edisplaymode.
2. The measurement signal source. If the main measurement readout is
a statistical measurement, this text also shows the type of statistical
measurement (for example, A MEAN:)
3. The main measurement readout. The readout at the bottom of the scree n
shows electrical information for the source signal. The readouts or display
changes depending on the measurement or analysis mode.
4. Measurement status. Shows the math or limit testing mode (MATH or LIM),
the measure/hold/single measu
remote GPIB control status (REM). The measurement status is present in
all display modes.
NOTE. Normally the screen shows the active measurement when the instrument
is remotely controlled. However, TimeView turns off the screen to speed up
measurements: the screen displays the message Display OFF, the measurement
status is REM (remote), and a
the Esc button to send a “Return To Local” message to the remote device and
return the instrument to local mode.
You cannot use the Esc key to return the instrument to local mode if Local Lockout
was programmed from the remote connection.
rement status (MEAS, HOLD, SING), and
ll front panel buttons except Esc are disabled. Push
5. Limit Alarm readout (when enabled). Lower limit (LL) and upper limit
(UL) settings are shown as vertical bars with their associated limit value.
An emoticon shows the relative measurement value and limit pass/fail state
(a smiling face when the measurement is within the limits, and a frowning
6 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
Menu Mode
face when the me
the top of the screen flashes when the measurement exceeds the limits, and
continues to flash even when the measurement is back within limits. Pushing
Restart resets the LIM status.
Pushing a menu button (such as Meas or any of the lower keypad buttons) replaces
the lower screen area with the menu items for that button.
1. The Menu path shows the path of the current menu selections.
2. TheMenushowstheavailablemenuoptions. Push the keypad button directly
below a menu item to select that item and/or open a lower-level menu. The
current selection is shown in inverse text. You can also use the Navigation
arrow buttons to highlight and select menu items.
asurement is outside of the limits). The LIM status text at
Analyze Modes
The Analyze modes (accessible by p
statistical analysis to display numerical, histogram, or trend statistical analysis
readouts of measurements.
Numerical display. The instrument takes successive measurements and displays
the results as numeric statistical readouts.
MEAN: The main measurement shows the running mean value over N
samples
N: The number of measurement sampl es (set in the Settings > Stat menu)
Max, Min: The maximum and minimum measurement values
P-P: Peak-to-peak deviation
ushing the Analyze button) apply basic
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual 7
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
Adev: Allan dev
Std: Standard deviation
Histogram display. The instrument displays successive measurements as a
histogram. The number of bins along the horizontal axis are set in the Settings
>Statmenu.
1. The upper and lower Limits Alarm levels (if enabled). When limit testing is
active, the instrument autoscales the graph to show both the histogram and
the limit. The instrument only uses data inside the limits for autoscaling;
measurements outside the visible graph area are shown by an arrowhead a t
ft or the right edge of the display.
the le
iation
2. The running mean measurement position (X
3. The percent of the measurement completed.
4. The graph center (marked with a dark triangle) and corresponding frequency.
5. The graph horizontal scale per division. Limits Alarm (if active) sets the scale
to show both the current measurements and the limit settings. The instrument
continually autoscales the histogram bins based on the measured data.
end plot display. The instrument t akes successive measurements and plots the
Tr
values over time. This mode is useful for observing fluctuations or measurement
deviation trends. A trend plot stops (if HOLD is activated) or restarts (if RUN
is activated) after the set number of samples is completed. The trend plot graph
continually autoscales based on the measured data, starting with zero at restart.
Limit Alarms, if active, are shown as horizontal lines.
).
8 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
1. The upper and lower frequency range of the plot display. The trend plot graph
continually autoscales based on the measured data to show the measurement
trend values.
2. The percent of the measurement completed.
3. The horizontal units per division.
4. The Limits Alarm levels (if active). When limit testing is active, the
instrument sets the graph scale to show both the measurement trend plot and
the limit values (horizontal dashed lines).
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual 9
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
Controls
Power Button
Measure Button
Push the Powe
button is a secondary power switch; power is applied to some of the instrument
as soon as line power is applied, indicated by the red LED above the button. To
completely remove power from the instrument, disconnect the power cord.
Use the Meas button to display the instrument measurement menu along
the bottom of the screen. Press a menu button directly below a menu item to
select that menu item and open a sub-menu as needed.
Typical measurements include frequency, period, time, pulse, phase, totalize
(FCA3100 Series only), and volts. The measurement menu content depends on
the instrument model and configuration.
The current selection is indicated by text inversion (and that also indicates the
cursor position). Select the measurement function you want by pushing the
corresponding menu softkey below a menu item.
r button to power on or off the instrument. The Power
Value Button
Analyze Button
You can also use the Left and Right arrow buttons to mo
other menu items. Confirm by pushing Enter.
Use the Va lue button to display the current measurement as a numerical
value. The instrument also displays supplementary measurements along the lower
part of the screen.
Use the Analyze button to display the current measurement in one of three
statistical analysis display modes. Repeatedly press the Analyze button to cycle
through the statistical display modes. (See page 7, Analyze Modes.)
ve the cursor and select
10 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual
Auto Set Button
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
Use the Auto Set button to automatically set trigger levels for the
measurement function and input signal amplitude (for relatively normal signals).
This enables you to quickly set the instrument to d isplay a measurement.
Pushing the Autoset button once does the following:
Sets automatic trigger levels
Sets attenu
Turns on the display
Sets the Auto Trig Low Freq value to one of the following:
100 Hz, if fin≥100 Hz
fin,if10<fin< 100 Hz
10 Hz, if fin≤10 Hz
Pushing
Preset. The following parameters are set in addition to the single push Autoset
functions:
Sets Meas Time to 200 ms
Switc
Sets Hold/Run to Run
Switches off Math/Limit
Switches off Analog and Digital Filters
Sets theTimebase Ref to Auto
ators to 1x
the Autoset button twice within two seconds performs a more extensive
hes off Hold-Off
Switches off Arming
even more comprehensive preset function can be performed by recalling the
An
factory default settings.
Save/Exit Button
Use the Save/Exit buttontoconfirm the current selection and exit to
the previous menu level.
Esc Button
Use the Esc button to exit to the previous menu level without confirming
the current selection.
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual 11
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
Arrow and Enter
Keypad Buttons
Buttons
The Arrow and Enter buttons provide multiple functions depending on the
instrument mode:
Menu mode: Use the left-arrow, right-arrow, and Enter buttons to display
and select menu items.
Numeric entry mode: Use the left-arrow button to clear the right-most
digit in a settings field. Use the up- and down-arrow buttons to increment or
decrement a numeric value in a settings field (in a 1-2-5 pattern).
Use the Enter button to accept the displayed value or selected menu item.
LCD screen contrast: Use the up- and down-arrow buttons to set the LCD
screen contrast when the instrument is not dis playing a menu or prompting
for input.
Use the keypad buttons to select menu items, open instrument configuration
menus, and enter parameter values.
Use the Numeric buttons (buttons 0-9, ., and ±) to enter numeric parameter values
in parameter fields.
Use the Menu Softkey buttons (buttons 1-5 and the two blank buttons on the top
row) to select the correspondingscreenmenuitems.
Use the Menu buttons (Input A through User Opt, on the bottom row of the
keypad) to display the menu for that button.
Input A, Input B. Use the Input A and Input B buttons to display and configure
the input channel settings for the selected channel. The Input A and Input B menu
provides channel-related settings, including trigger slope, signal coupling (AC
or DC), input impedance (50 Ω or 1 MΩ), input attenuation (1x or 10x), trigger
mode (Manual or Auto), Trigger level (when in Manual trigger mode), and Filter
(frequency cutoff). The Input A and B menus are identical.
12 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
To set a specific
menu item, and use the Navigation arrow buttons to increment/decrement the
value. You can also use the numeric buttons and push Enter to enter a value.
The Filter Settings menu lets you select a fixed 100 kHz analog filteroran
adjustable digital filter. The equivalent cutoff frequency is set using the value
input menu that opens if you select Digital LP Frequency from the menu.
NOTE. Always use Auto trigger level when measuri ng rise time or fall time.
Settings. Use the Settings button to display the measurement settings
configuration menu. The Settings menu provides measurement-related
settings, including Measure Time (for frequency measurements), Burst (for
pulse-m
Holdoff (stop trigger delay), Statistics (settings for statistical measurements),
Time base Reference (internal or external), and Miscellaneous (such as input
signal timeout period and auto trigger low frequency setting).
Math/Limit. Use the Math/Limit button to display the math and limit testing
config
user-defined constants to mathematically postprocess the measurement result. A
typical use for math processing is to convert a measurement to take into account a
mixer or multiplier that is part of the signal under test.
odulated signals), Arming (conditional measurement start/stop), Trigger
uration menus. The Math menu provides predefined formulas and
trigger level, select the Manual trigger mode, select the Tr i g
The Limits menu lets you set numerical limits and select how the instrument
reports limit violations.
User Opt. Use the User Opt button to display the user options configuration
nu. The User Options menu provides instrument settings, including saving or
me
recalling instrument setups (up to twenty in nonvolatile memory, each with a
unique label), bus interface selection (USB or GPIB), GPIB bus configuration
(mode, address), instrument self-tests, conditional output signal setup (FCA3100
Series only), and instrument confi guration information (model, serial number,
firmware, and configuration).
The User Options menu also provides an instrument calibration function. This
internal calibration process requires password access. See the FCA3000 and
FCA3100 Series Timer/Counter/Analyzers and MCA3000 Series Microwave
Counter/Analyzers Technical Reference Manual for instructions on how to do an
internal instrument calibration.
Hold/Run. Use the Hold/Run button to control measurement acquisition. Press
the button to toggle between run (constantly acquiring measurements) and hold
(measurement pause) modes. The measurement indicator in the upper right
corner of the screen changes from MEAS to HOLD when the instrument is in the
measurement hold mode. Push the Hold/Run button again to resume the normal
(continuous) measurement mode.
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual 13
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
To take a single
the Restart button. The measurement indicator in the upper right corner of the
screen changes from HOLD to SING when the instrument is taking a single
measurement.
Restart. Use the Restart button to clear the measurement values and retake a
measurement. This is useful when you need to initiate a new measurement after a
change in the input signal, especially when using long measuring times. When the
instrument is in the Hold mode, use this button to take single measurements.
Restart does not affect any instrument settings.
Entering Numeric Values
Sometimes you might need to enter constants and limits in a menu field. You
may also want to select a value that is not in the list of fixed values available by
pressing the Up/Down arrow buttons, or the value to enter is too far away to reach
conveniently by incrementing or decrementing the original value.
To enter numeric values, use the numeric buttons (0-9, . (decimal point), and
± (change sign).
You can also enter values using the scientific notation format. The EE (Enter
Exponent) softkey lets you toggle between entering the mantissa and the exponent.
measurement, place the instrument in Hold mode, and then press
Menus
Input A, Input B Menus
Push Save|Exit to store the new value or Esc to exit this menu without saving
the value (retains the current value).
The Input A and Input B menus provides settings for configuring each channel.
The contents of the Input A and Input B menus are identical.
Table 1: The Input A, Input B menus
Item Description
Slope Trigger on rising or falling edge of a signal.
Signal coupling AC or DC.
Input
impedance
Input signal
attenuation
Trigger Mode
1MΩ or 50 Ω.
1x or 10x.
Sets the signal trigger level mode (Auto or Man). If i n Auto trigger mode,
use the Trig menu item to set the trigger level manually as a percentage
of the amplitude. If in Man trigger mode, use the Trig menu item to enter
a trigger value.
NOTE. Always use Auto when measuring rise time or fall time.
14 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
Table 1: The Input A, Input B menus (cont.)
Item Description
Trig
Filter
Sets the signal trigger level. The value shown is the current trigger level.
Sets a fixed 100 kHz analog or an adjustable digital cutoff filter. Use the
Digital LP Frequency menu to set a specific frequency.
Settings Menu
Use the Settings menu to configure the measurement parameters.
Tabl e 2: T
Item Description
Meas Time
Burst
Arm
Trigger Hold
Off
Stat Sets statistics m easurement parameters:
he Settings menu
Sets the measurement duration. This menu is available for frequency
measurements. Longer measuring time means fewer measurements per
second and gives higher resolution.
Sets parameters related to pulse-modulated (burst) signal measurements.
The Burst settings menu is available if the selected measurement is Meas
>Freq>FreqBurst. Both the carrier frequency and the modulating
frequency (the pulse repetition frequency (PRF)) can be measured, often
without the support of an external arming signal.
Sets measurement start and stop parameters. Arming is the general
term used for the means to control the actual start and stop time of a
measurement. The normal free-running mode is inhibited and triggering
takes place when specified pretrigger conditions are detected.
The s ignal or signals used for initiating the arming can be applied to three
channels (A, B, or E), and the start channel can be different from the stop
channel. All conditions can be set by using this menu.
Sets the delay during which the stop trigger conditions are ignored after
the measurement start. A typical use is to bypass signals generated by
bouncing relay contacts.
The number of samples used for calculation of various statistical
measures.
The number of bins in the histogram view.
Enables Pacing (the delay between measurements) ON or O FF, and
sets the delay time from 2 μs – 500 s.
Timebase
Sets an Internal or an External time base reference for measurements.
A third alternative is Auto. Then the external time base is selected if a
valid signal is present at the reference input. The EXT REF indicator at
the upper right corner of the screen shows that the instrument is using
an external time base reference.
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual 15
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
Table 2: The Settings menu (cont.)
Item Description
Misc
Sets miscellaneous measurement parameters:
Interpolator Calibration enables or disables the instrument interpolator
calibration, which increases the measurement speed at the expense of
accuracy.
Smart Measure sets:
Smart Time Interval (for Time Interval measurements), which uses
time stamping to determine which measurement channel precedes
the other.
Smart Frequency (for Frequency or Period Average measurements),
which uses continuous time stamping and regression analysis to
increase the resolution for measuring times between 0.2 s and 100 s.
Timeout enables or disables the timeout function and sets the maximum
time the instrument will wait for a pending measurement to finish before
outputting a zero result. The range is 10 ms to 1000 s.
Auto Trig Low Freq sets the lower frequency limit for automatic triggering
and voltage measurements within the range 1 Hz to 100 kHz. A higher limit
means faster settling time and faster measurements.
Input C Acq (MCA3000 Series only) sets:
Acquisition mode to Auto (scan the entire specified frequency range
for valid input signals) or Manual (scan a narrow band around a
specified center frequency for valid input signals). Manual mode is
required when measuring burst signals but is also recommended for
FM signals, when the approximate frequency is known. An additional
feature of manual mode is that the measurement results are presented
much faster, as the acquisition process is skipped.
Note that signal frequencies outside the manual capture range may cause
wrong results. To draw the operator’s attention to this possibility, the
instrument shows the indicator M.ACQ in the upper right corner of the
screen.
Freq C Center value.
TIE (Time Interval Error) (FCA3100 Series only) sets the instrument to
choose the reference frequency automatically (Auto) or manually enter a
frequency (Manual). TIE measurement uses continuous time-stamping
to observe slow phase shifts (wander) in nominally stable signals during
extended periods of time.
16 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual
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