Tektronix FCA3000, FCA3100, MCA3000 Series User manual

x
FCA3000 and FCA3100 Series Timer/Counter/Analyzer MCA3000 Series Microwave Counter/Analyzer
ZZZ
Quick Start User Manual
*P071278701*
071-2787-01
xx
FCA3000 and FCA3100 Series Timer/Counter/Analyzer MCA3000 Series Microwave Counter/Analyzer
ZZZ
Quick Start User Manual
www.tektronix.com
071-2787-01
Copyright © Tektronix. All rights reserved. Licensed software products are owned by Tektronix or its subsidiaries or suppliers, and are protected by na
tional copyright laws and international treaty provisions.
Tektronix pro previously published material. Specications and price change privileges reserved.
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
LabVIEW, National Instruments, NI, and SignalExpress are trademarks of National Instruments.
TimeView is a trademark of Pendulum Instruments AB .
ducts are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this publication supersedes that in all
Contacting Tektronix
Tektronix, Inc. 14150 SW Karl Braun Drive P.O. Box 500 Beaverton, OR 97077 USA
For product information, sales, service, and technical support:
In North America, call 1-800-833-9200. Worldwide, visit www.tektronix.com to nd 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 new or reconditioned to like new performance. All replaced parts, modules and products become the property of Tektronix.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix of the defect before the expiration of 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 resulting from a ttempts by personnel other than Tektronix representatives to install, repair or service the product; 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 modied or integrated with other products when the effect of such modication or integration increases the time or difculty 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. TEKTRONIX’ RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE SOLE AND E XCLU S IVE 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]
Table of Contents
General Safety Summary ...... . . . . . .... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . .... . . . . . ..... . . . . . .... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . .... . . . . . ... . iii
Compliance I
Preface............................................................................................................................... viii
Installation.............................................................................................................................. 1
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument.. . . . . . . ... . . . . . . .... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . .... . . . . . . .... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . .... . . . . . .3
Application Examples................................................................................................................. 12
Conn
nformation ............................................................................................................... v
EMC Compliance................................................................................................................. v
Safety Compliance ............................................................................................................... vi
Environmen
Key Features ................................................................................................................... viii
Documenta
Conventions Used in This Manual.... . . . . . . .... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . .... . . . . . ..... . . . . . .... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . ix
Unpacking
Operating Considerations........................................................................................................ 1
Powering the Instrument Onand Off............................................................................................ 2
Function
Front Panel .. . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . .... . . . . . . ..... . . . . . . .... . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . .... . . . . . . ..... . . . . . . .... . .. 3
Rear Pan
Input Connectors . . . .... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . ... . . . . . .5
Controls........................................................................................................................... 6
Main Sc
Restore Default Settings ........................................................................................................ 12
Basic M
Math Measurement ............................................................................................................. 13
Limit Testing..................................................................................................................... 13
Two-C
Input C Measurements . . . . . ..... . . . . . . .... . . . . . . .... . . . . . . .... . . . . . . .... . . . . . . ..... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . .... . . . . . 15
Save an Instrument Setup ...................................................................................................... 16
ectivity........................................................................................................................... 18
tal Considerations.................................................................................................. vii
tion ................................................................................................................... ix
the Instrument ....................................................................................................... 1
al Check................................................................................................................. 2
el ....................................................................................................................... 4
reen...................................................................................................................... 9
easurements............................................................................................................ 12
hannel Measurements .... . . . . . . .... . . . . . . .... . . . . . . .... . . . . . . ..... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . ..... . . . . . . .... . . . . . . .... . . . . 15
Table of Content
s
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA 3000 Series Quick Start User Manual i
Table of Content
s
ii FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual
General Safety S
ummary
General Safet
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 specied.
Only qualied 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 specied for this product and certied for the country of use.
Connect and disconnect properly. Do not connect or disconnect probes or test leads while they are connected
to a voltag
Ground th
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 re or shock hazard, observe all ratings and markings on the product. Consult the
product
The inpu
e source.
e product.
manual for further ratings information before making connections to the product.
ts are not rated for connection to mains or Category II, III, or IV circuits.
y Summary
This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the power cord. To avoid electric
Do not ap
Power d
must remain accessible to the user at all times.
ply a potential to any terminal, including the common terminal, that exceeds the maximum rating of that terminal.
isconnect.
The power cord disconnects the product from the power source. Do not block the power cord; it
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
qualied 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 a tmosphere.
Keep product surfaces clean and dry.
Provide proper ventilation.
per ventilation.
pro
Refer to the manual’s installation instructions for details on installing the product so it has
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA 3000 Series Quick Start User Manual iii
General Safety S
Terms in This Manual
These terms may appear in this manual:
WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practi ces that could r esult in injury or loss of life.
CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to this product or other property.
Symbols and Terms on the Product
These terms may appear on the product:
DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you read the marking.
WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as you read the m arking.
CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.
The following symbol(s) may appear on the product:
ummary
iv FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual
Compliance Info
rmation
Compliance In
This section lists the EMC (electromagnetic compliance), safety, and environmental standards with which the instrument complies.

EMC Compliance

EC Declarati
Meets intent of Directive 2004/108/EC for Electromagnetic Compatibility. Compliance was demonstrated to the following specications as listed in the Ofcial Journal of the European Communities:
EN 61326-1:2006, EN 61326-2-1:2006. EMC requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laborator
CISPR 11:2
IEC 61000
IEC 61000
IEC 61000
IEC 6100
IEC 6100
IEC 6100
on of Conformity – EMC
123
yuse.
003. Radiated and conducted emissions, Group 1, Class A
-4-2:2001. Electrostatic discharge immunity
-4-3:2002. RF electromagnetic eld immunity
-4-4:2004. Electrical fast transient/burst immunity
0-4-5:2001. Power line s urge immunity
0-4-6:2003. Conducted RF immunity
0-4-11:2004. Voltage dips and interruptions immunity
formation
4
4
5
EN 61000-3-2:2006. AC power line harmonic emissions
EN 6100
0-3-3:1995.
Voltage changes, uctuations, and icker
European contact.
Tektronix UK, Ltd. Western Peninsula Western Road Bracknell, RG12 1RF
1
This product is intended f or use in nonresidential areas only. Use in residential areas may cause electromagnetic interference.
2
Emissions which exceed the levels required by this standard may occur when this equipment is connected to a test object.
3
For compliance with the EMC standards listed here, high quality shielded interface cables should be used.
4
With a 10 MHz 0.1 Vp-p sine wave signal applied to the A or B input channels, the instrument’s frequency readout value can typically vary up to ±1 Hz beyond the inherent base variance, when the instrument is subjected to the elds and signals as dened in the IEC 61000-4-3 and IEC 61000-4-6 tests.
5
Performance Criterion C applied at the 70%/25 cycle Voltage-Dip and the 0%/250 cycle Voltage-Interruption test levels (IEC 61000-4-11).
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA 3000 Series Quick Start User Manual v
Compliance Info
rmation
Australia / New Zealand Declaration of Conformity – E MC
Complies with the EMC provision of the Radiocommunications Act per the following standard, in accordance with ACMA:
CISPR 11:2003. Radiated and Conducted Emissions, Group 1, Class A, in accordance with EN 61326-1:2006 and EN 61326-2-1:2006.
Australia / New Zealand contact.
Baker & McKenzie Level 27, AMP Centre 50 Bridge St Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
reet

Safety Compliance

EC Declaration of Conformity – Low Voltage
Compliance was demonstrated to the following specication as listed in the O fcial Journal of the European Communities: Low Volta
ge Directive 2006/95/EC.
EN 61010-
1: 2001. Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement control and laboratory use.
U.S. Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory Listing
UL 61010-1:2004, 2ndEdition. Standard for electrical measuring and test equipment.
Canadian Certication
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1:2004. Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use. Part 1.
tional Compliances
Addi
IEC 61010-1: 2001. Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use.
Equipment Type
t and measuring equipment.
Tes
Safety Class
Class 1 – grounded product.
vi FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual
Compliance Info
rmation
Pollution Degree Description
A measure of the contaminants that could occur in the environment around and within a product. Typically the internal environment inside a product is considered to be the same as the external. Products should be used only in the environment for which they are rated.
Pollution Degree 1. No pollution or only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. Products in this category are generally encapsulated, hermetically sealed, or located in clean rooms.
Pollution Degree 2. Normally only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. Occasionally a temporary conductivity that is caused by condensation must be expected. This location is a typical ofce/home environment. Temporary condensation occurs only when the product is out of service.
Pollution Degree 3. Conductive pollution, or dry, nonconductive pollution that becomes conductive due to condensation. These are sheltered locations where neither temperature nor humidity is controlled. The area is protected from direct sunshine, rain, or direct wind.
Pollution Degree 4. Pollution that generates persistent conductivity through conductive dust, rain, or snow. Typical outdoor locations.
Pollution Degree
Pollution Degree 2 (as dened in IEC 61010-1). Note: Rated for indoor use only.

Environmental Considerations

This section provides information about the environmental impact of the product.
Product End-of-Life Handling
Observe the following guidelines when recycling an instrument or component:
Equipment recycling. Production of this equipment required the extraction and use of natural resources. The equipment
may contain substances that could be harmful to the environment or human health if improperly handled at the product’s end of life. To avoid release of such substances into the environment and to reduce the use of natural resources, we encourage you to recycle this product in an appropriate system that will ensure that most of the m aterials are reused or recycled appropriately.
This symbol indicates that this product complies with the applicable European Union requirements according to Directives 2002/96/EC and 2006/66/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and batteries. For information about recycling options, check the Support/Service section of the Tektronix Web site (www.tektronix.com).
Restriction of Hazardous Substances
This product is classied as Monitoring and Control equipment, and is outside the scope of the 2002/95/EC RoHS Directive.
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA 3000 Series Quick Start User Manual vii

Preface

Preface
This manual describes the i nstallation and basic operations of the FCA3000 Series, FCA 3100 Series, and MCA3000 Series instruments. For more detailed information see the FCA3000 Series, FCA3100 Series, and MCA3000 Series User Manual (provided as a PDF le on the product CD). This manual supports the following instruments:
FCA3000 Series: FCA3000, FCA3003, and FCA3020
FCA3100 Series: FCA3100, FCA3103, and FCA3120
MCA3000 Series: MCA3027 and MCA3040

Key Features

Wide measu
Fastest mi
Industry’
High reso
Simultan
Trigger s
Voltage
Fast USB
Zero-de
Best ov
MCA300
Progra
10 MHz
Measu
Histo
rement frequency range to 40 GHz
crowave counter on the market (25 ms acquisition time)
s only frequency c ounter with a graphical display
lution down to 50 ps single shot (time), or 12 digits/s (frequency)
eous display of signal frequency and voltage parameters
ensitivity of 15 mVrms from DC to 200 MHz
resolution to 1 mV
/GPIB bus transfer speeds, up to 15k measurements per second (block mode)
ad time frequency/period measurements
en-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) time base options (1.5 E-8/year)
0 Series offers microwave CW frequency measurements and very short burst measurements down to 40 ns
mmable Pulse output from 0.5 Hz to 50 MHz (FCA3100 Series)
reference output oscillator
rement Statistics Mode
gram Mode
Plot mode
Tend
t or rear input connection options
Fron
viii FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual

Documentation

Review the following for the location of different types of information available for this product.
To read about Use these documents
Installation and Operation (overviews) Quick Start User Manual. Provides general operating information.
In-Depth Operation and User Interface Help User Manual (on the documentation browser disc). Provides detailed
Programmer Commands Programmer Manual (on the documentation browser disc). Includes GPIB
Analysis and Connectivity Tools National Instruments SignalView Express CD and the Connectivity

Conventions Used in This Manual

The following icons are used throughout this manual.
Preface
instructions for using instrument functions.
command syntax.
Installation Instructions (on the documentation browser disc).
Sequence Step
Sequential button pushes are separated with a > symbol. For example, Meas > Pulse > Width Positive > A means to push the Meas button, the Pulse menu button, the Width Positive menu button, and then the A menu button
Front pa power
nel
Connect power
USB
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA 3000 Series Quick Start User Manual ix
Preface
x FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual

Installation

Unpacking the Instrument

Unpack the instrument and check that you received all items listed as Standard Accessories. Check the Tektronix Web site (www.tektronix.com) for the most current information, recommended accessories, instrument options, and upgrades.
Standard Accessories
Accessory
FCA3000 and FCA3100 Series Timer/Counter/Analyzer, MCA3000 Series Microwave Counter/Analyzer Quick Start User Manual (English/Simplied Chinese/Japanese)
Product documentation CD-ROM
NI LabVIEW SignalExpress CD-ROM
Power cord
Type-N male to BNC adapter (FCA3003, FCA3020, FCA3103, and FCA3120 only) N/A
Certicate of Calibration N/A
Installation
Tektronix p art number
071-2787-xx
063-4288-xx
063-4253-xx
Country-specific

Operating Considerations

e verify that the area in which you will use the instrument meets the following operating requirements:
Pleas
Requirement Description
Clearance Top and bottom: 0 mm (0 in)
ePower
Lin
perature
Tem
Humidity
Altitude (maximum) 2000 m (6500 feet)
aximum input voltage without
M damage, Input A and Input B
Maximum input level without damage, Input C
and right side: 51 mm (2 in)
Left Rear: 51 mm (2 in)
100 – 240 VAC ±10%, CAT II: 50 – 400 Hz ±10%: 40 W
Operating: 0 °C to +50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F) Nonoperating: –40 °C to +71 °C (–40 °F to +160 °F)
+10°Cto+30°C(50°Fto86°F):5%to95%
0 °C to +40 °C (86 °F to 104 °F): 5% to 75%
+3
+40 °C to +50 °C (104 °F to 122 °F): 5% to 45%
50 :12V
,35V
rms
for duty factor less than 0.1%
peak
1MΩ, 1X attenuator: 350 V (DC + AC pk) to 440 Hz, falling to 12 V 1MΩ, 10X attenuator: 350 V (DC + AC pk) to 440 Hz, falling to 12 V
FCA3003, FCA3103: 12 V FCA3020, FCA3120: +27 dBm (5 V MCA3027, MCA3040: +27 dBm (5 V
(+34 dBm)
rms
rms
rms
)
)
at 1 MHz
rms
rms
at 1 MHz
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA 3000 Series Quick Start User Manual 1
Installation

Powering the Instrument On and Off

This instrument operates from a single-phase power source with the neutral conductor at or near earth ground. (See page 1, Operating Considerations.) A protective ground connection through the grounding conductor in the power cord is essential for safe operation.

Functional Check

1. Power on the instrument
2. Push User Opt > Test.
3. Push the Test Mode menu button and select All.
4. Push the Start test menu button. Verify that all tests pass.
5. Push the OK menu button to r eturn to the previous measurements display.
6. Connect a 50 cable from the 10 MHz Output connector on the rear panel to the Input A connector on the front panel.
7. Push Input A and select 50 input impedance.
8. Push Meas > Freq > Freq > A. The instrument should read 10 MHz.
2 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual
Getting Acquain
tedwithYourInstrument
Getting Acqua

Front Panel

inted with Your Instrument
1. Power button (See page 6, Power Button.)
2. Main screen (See page 9, Main Screen.)
3. Measurement buttons (See page 6, Measurement Buttons.)
4. Navigation buttons (See page 7, Navigation Buttons.)
5. Input connectors (See page 5, Input Connectors.)
6. Keypad buttons (See page 7, Keypad Buttons .)
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA 3000 Series Quick Start User Manual 3
Getting Acquain
ted with Your Instrument

Rear Panel

1. Pulse Out
2. ID label,
3. Line pow
4. USB 2.0 1
5. GPIB por
6. Option
available for MCA3000 Series instruments. (See page 5, Preventing ESD.)
7. External Arm Input connector (for external arming (synchronization) of measurements). The main inputs A and B can also be selected for measurement arming from the Settings Menu. (See page 5, Preventing ESD.)
8. External Reference Input connector (If the Measurement Reference is set to Auto in the Settings Menu, this input is autom
9. 10 MHz external reference). The measurement reference source is set in the Settings Menu. (See page 5, Preventing ESD.)
put connector (FCA3100 Series only). (See page 5, Preventing ESD.)
including model, serial, installed options, and instrument electrical ratings.
er connector.
2 Mb/s port to connect to PC.
t to connect to controller.
al input connectors (a factory-installed option that moves the front panel input connectors to the rear panel). Not
atically selected, provided a valid signal is present). (See page 5, Preventing ESD.)
Output connector. Provides a reference signal derived from the active measurement reference (internal or
4 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual

Input Connectors

1. Input A and Input B connectors, and input trigger indicators.
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 Series and FCA3100 Series) or down converter (27 GHz or 40 GHz,
MCA3000 Series) for measuring higher frequencies.
Getting Acquain
tedwithYourInstrument
NOTE. Ins
instruments only). The Gate and Trig A/B LED indicators remain on the front panel.
Prevent
CAUTION. A direct electrostatic discharge can damage the instrument input. To learn how to avoid this damage, read
the following information.
Electrostati protection, however it is possible that large discharges of static electricity directly into the signal input may damage the instrument. To avoid damage to the instrument, use the followi ng techniques to remove electrostatic charge from yourself and test cabl
truments with Option RP have the input connectors on the rear panel (FCA3000 Series and FCA3100 Series
ing ESD
c discharge (ESD) is a concern when handling any electronic equipment. The instrument is designed with ES D
es before connecting any cables to the instrument:
Discharge th disconnecting cables.
A cable that is left unconnected on a bench can develop a large static charge. Discharge the static voltage from all cables before connecting them to the instrument or device under test by momentarily grounding the center conductor of the cable, o
e static voltage from your body by wearing a grounded antistatic wrist strap while connecting and
r by connecting a 50 termination to one end, before attaching the cable to the instrument.
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA 3000 Series Quick Start User Manual 5
Getting Acquain

Controls

Power Button
Item Description
Measurement Buttons
Use the Measurement buttons to select and display a measurement.
Item Description
ted with Your Instrument
The Power button is a toggling secondary power switch. Part of the instrument is always on as soon as line power is applied, indicated by the red LED above the button. Push the Power button to power on or off the instrument.
Use the Meas button to display the instrument measurement menu along the bottom of the screen. Push 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 available menu items depend on the instrument model and conguration.
Use the Value 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. Repeate
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 display a me
Push the Auto Set button twice within two seconds to re set most instrument settings (such as measuring time, mathematics, lter and arming) to their default values. The intention is to prevent possible lockups and mi
dly push the Analyze button to cycle through the statistical display modes:
cal display: The instrument displays statistical data as numerical data. The statistical data
Numeri
readouts include Mean (running mean value of the main measurement over N samples), Max ( maximum value), Min (minimum value), P-P (peak-to-peak deviation), Adev (Allan deviation), and Std (standard
ion). (See page 10, Numerical display.)
deviat
Histogram display: The instrument displays successive main measurement results as a histogram. The
n the histogram are autoscaled based on the measured data. Limits, if active, and the running mean
bins i value X are shown as vertical dotted lines. The center of the graph is indicated by a lled triangle on the X-axis. The plot scale factor, plot center measurement value, and measurement percent complete
s are shown along the bottom of the plot. Limit se ttings affect the autoscaling to show the current
value measurements and the set limits simultaneously. (See page 11, Histogram display.)
Use the Settings > Stat > No. Of Samples menu to set the number of bins along the horizontal axis.
Trend Plot display: The instrument displays successive main measurement results as a trend plot. This mode is useful for observing periodic uctuations or possible trends. The trend plot autoscales based
e measured data, starting with 0 at restart. Limits (if active) are shown as horizontal lines. (See
on th page 11, Trend plot display.)
asurement.
sinterpretations when changing measurement function or test setup.
6 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual
Getting Acquain
tedwithYourInstrument
Navigation Buttons
Use the Navigation buttons to select menu items, increment or decrement numeric setting values, and clear numeric values.
Item Description
The Navigation 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 (as an alternative to using the keypad menu select buttons).
Numeric entry mode: Use the left-arrow button to clear the right-most digit in a settings eld. Use the up- and down-arrow buttons to increment or decrement a numeric value in a settings eld (in a 1-2-5 pattern).
Use the Enter button to accept the displayed value or menu and return to the previous menu.
When the instrument is not displaying a menu or prompting for input, use the up- and down-arrow buttons to set the LCD screen contrast.
Use the Save/Exit button to conrm the current selection and exit to the previous menu level.
Use the Esc button to exit to the previous menu level without conrming the current selection.
Keypad Buttons
Use the keypad buttons to select menu items and enter setting values.
Item Description
Numeric buttons Use buttons 1-0, ., and ± to enter numeric parameter values.
Menu select buttons
Menu access buttons
Use the top row of the keypad buttons (1-5 and the two blank buttons) to select the corresponding screen menu items.
Use the bottom row of the keypad buttons (6-0) to display the menu for that button (Input A, Input B, Settings, and so on).
Use the Input A or Input B buttons to display the input channel conguration menu for the selected channel.
The Input A and Input B menus provide channel-related settings, including trigger slope, signal coupling (AC or DC), input impedance (50 or 1 M), input attenuation (1x or 10x), trigger mode (Manual or Auto), Trigger level, and Filter (frequency cutoff).
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA 3000 Series Quick Start User Manual 7
Getting Acquain
Item Description
ted with Your Instrument
Use the Settings button to display the measurement settings conguration menu.
The Settings m (for frequency measurements), Burst (for pulse-modulated signals), Arming ( conditional measurement start/stop), Trigger Holdoff (stop trigger delay), Statistics (settings for statistical measurements Miscellaneous (such as the input signal timeout period and the auto trigger low frequency setting).
See the FCA30 instrument menus and settings.
Use the M a th/L imit button to display the m ath and limit testing conguration menus.
The Math menu provides predened formulas and user-dened constants to mathematically postproce measurement to take into account a mixer or multiplier that is part of the signal under test.
The Limits menu lets you set numerical limits and select how the instrument reports limit violation
Use the Us
The User Options menu provides instrument settings, including saving or recalling instrument setups (factory default or up to twenty user setups in nonvolatile memory, each with a unique
bus interface selection (USB or GPIB), GPIB bus con guration (mode, address),
label), instrument self-tests, conditional pulse output signal setup (FCA3100 Series only), and instrument conguration information (model, serial number, rmware, and conguration).
The User calibration process requires password access. See the FCA3000 and FCA3100 Series
Timer/Counter/Analyzers and MCA3000 Series Microwave Counter/Analyzers Technical
nce Manual for instructions on how to do an internal instrument calibration.
Refere
Use the 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 w again to resume the normal (continuous) m easurement mode.
While in the hold mode, you can push the Restart button to take single measurements. The
urement indicator in the upper right corner of the screen changes from HOLD to SING
meas when the instrument is taking a single measurement.
he Restart button to zero the measurement values and retake a measurement. This
Use t is useful when you need to initiate a new measurement after a change in the input signal, especially when using long measuring times.
ake a single measurement, push Hold/Run to put the instrument in Hold mode (the
To t measurement indicator changes from MEAS to HOLD), and then push the Restart button. The measurement indicator changes from HOLD to SING, the instrument takes the measurement,
the indicator returns to HOLD.
and
Restart does not affect any instrument settings.
enu provides measurement-related settings, including Measure Time
including number of samples), Time base Reference (internal or external), and
00 Series and MCA3000 Series User Manual for full information on these
ss the measurement result. A typical use for math processing is to convert a
s.
er Opt button to display the user options conguration menu.
Options menu also provides an instrument calibration function. This internal
Hold/Run button to control measurement acquisition. Push the button to toggle
hen the instrument is in the measurement hold mode. Push the Hold/Run button
8 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual

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 the display mode.
Measurement Value Mode
Getting Acquain
tedwithYourInstrument
Push the Val
1. The current measurement.
2. The measurement signal source.
3. The main measurement readout. The readout at the bottom of the screen 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 status (MEAS, HOLD, or SING),
and if t all display modes.
5. Limit Alarm readout (when active). Lower limit (LL) and upper limit (UL) settings are shown as vertical bars with their
associated limit value. An emoticon icon shows the relative measurement value and limit pa ss/fail state (a s m iling face when t status text at the top of the screen ashes when the measurement exceeds the limits, and continues to ashevenwhen the measurement is back within limits. Push the Restart button to reset the LIM indicator.
ue button to enable this mode and show a high-resolution numeric readout of the current measurement.
he instrument is being remotely controlled from the GPIB bus (REM). The measurement status is present in
he measurement is within the limits, and a frowning face when the m easurement is outside the limits). The LIM
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA 3000 Series Quick Start User Manual 9
Getting Acquain
Menu Mode
Pushing a menu button (Meas, Input A, Input B, Settings, Math/Limit, or User Opt) replaces the lower screen area with the menu items for that button. The following gure shows the menu items for the Meas button.
1. The Path area shows the menu path of the current menu selections.
2. The Menu area shows the available menu options. 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 buttons to highlight and select menu items.
ted with Your Instrument
Analyze Modes
The Anal to display numerical, histogram, or trend plot statistical analysis readouts.
Numerical display. The instrument takes successive measurements and displays the results as numeric statistical
readouts.
yze modes (accessible by repeatedly pushing the A nalyze button) apply basic statistical analysis to measurements
MEAN: The main measurement shows the running mean value over N samples.
N: The number of measurement samples (set in the Settings > Stat menu).
Max, Min: The maximum and minimum measurement values.
P-P: The peak-to-peak deviation.
Adev: Allan deviation.
Std: Standard deviation.
10 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual
Getting Acquain
tedwithYourInstrument
Histogram display. The instrument displays successive measurements as a histogram. The number of bins along
the horizontal
1. The upper and lower Limits Alarm levels (if active). 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 at the left or the right edge of the display.
axis are set in the Settings > Stat menu.
2. The running mean measurement value (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 s how both the current measurements
and the limit settings. The instrument continually autoscales the histogram bins based on the measured data.
).
Trend plot display. The instrument takes successive measurements and plots the values over time. This mode is useful
for observing uctuations 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.
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 MCA 3000 Series Quick Start User Manual 11
Application Exa
mples

Application Examples

Assumptions for the examples in this section unless noted otherwise; 1 MHz signal, 5 Vpp square wave source connected to the instrument using 50 cables; input signals levels and frequency are within acceptable range.

Restore Default Settings

1. Push User Opt > Save/Recall > Setup > Recall Setup > Default to recall (load)
the instrument default setup. The instrument displays the Frequency measurement by default.

Basic Measurements

Prerequisite: Reset the instrument to the default settings. (See page 12, Restore Default Settings.)
1. Push Meas to open the Measurement menu.
2. Select a measurement by using the menu softkeys below a menu item.
mple, select Period > Single > A
For exa to display the period measurement for Input A.
>
12 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual

Math Measurement

The built-in math functions let you apply postprocessing operations, such as scaling and offsetting to the measurement. One use for this is to display the deviation from a desired value. This is known as offsetting. The value X in the formulas represents the instrument measurement value.
Prerequisite: Reset the instrument to the default settings. (See page 12, Restore Default Settings.)
1. Push Math/Limit to open the Math a nd
Limits menu.
2. Select Math > Math Off > (K*X+L)/M.
3. Select L and enter –1 EE6.
Application Exa
>
mples
4. Repeatedly push Save/Exit to exit
the men measurement readout. T he instrument displays the deviation frequency from 1MHz(

Limit Testing

This example tests frequency limits, but you can set test limits for most measurements.
1. Reset the instrument to the default
ings. (See page 12, Restore Default
sett Settings.)
2. Push Math/Limit and select Limits.
u levels and return to the
in this case, 29.91 milliHertz).
>
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA 3000 Series Quick Start User Manual 13
Application Exa
3. Push Limit Behavior Off and select
4. Verify that the Limit Mode is set to
5. Select Lower Limit and enter the lower
mples
Alarm_Stop. The instrument returns to the previous m Behavior menu label to Alarm_Stop.
Range.
measureme Save/Exit to accept the value.
Repeat this step to set the Upper L imit value.
enu and changes the Limit
nt limit value. Push Enter or
6. Repeatedly push Save/Exit to ex it the menu system and return to the measurement display. Then push Restart.
The range mode limit test readout uses vertical lines to represent the lower and upper limit values, and an emoticon (smiley face) to indicate when the measurement is within or outside the limits.
Measurements that are outside the displayed limits are shown with a frowning emoticon and a ashing LIM status indicator.
Measurements that are outside the limit testscaleareshownwithanarrowatthe left or the right edge of the screen. The instrument only uses data that is inside the limits for autoscaling.
14 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual
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