tional copyright laws and international treaty provisions.
Tektronix pro
previously published material. Specifications 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 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 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 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. 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.
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA 3000 Series Quick Start User Manuali
Table of Content
s
iiFCA3000, 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 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 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 fire 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
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 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 Manualiii
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
ivFCA3000, 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
specifications as listed in the Official 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 field 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, fluctuations, and flicker
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 fields and signals as defined
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 Manualv
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 specification as listed in the O fficial 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 Certification
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.
viFCA3000, 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 office/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 defined 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 classified 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 Manualvii
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 file 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
viiiFCA3000, 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 aboutUse these documents
Installation and Operation (overviews)Quick Start User Manual. Provides general operating information.
In-Depth Operation and User Interface HelpUser Manual (on the documentation browser disc). Provides detailed
Programmer CommandsProgrammer Manual (on the documentation browser disc). Includes GPIB
Analysis and Connectivity ToolsNational 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 Manualix
Preface
xFCA3000, 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/Simplified 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
Certificate of CalibrationN/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:
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 Ω: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 Manual1
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 Ω 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 Ω input impedance.
8. Push Meas > Freq > Freq > A. The instrument should read 10 MHz.
2FCA3000, 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 Manual3
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
4FCA3000, 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 Ω termination to one end, before attaching the cable to the instrument.
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA 3000 Series Quick Start User Manual5
Getting Acquain
Controls
Power Button
ItemDescription
Measurement Buttons
Use the Measurement buttons to select and display a measurement.
ItemDescription
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 configuration.
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, filter 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 filled 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 fluctuations 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.
6FCA3000, 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.
ItemDescription
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 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 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 confirm the current selection and exit to the previous menu level.
Use the Esc button to exit to the previous menu level without confirming the current selection.
Keypad Buttons
Use the keypad buttons to select menu items and enter setting values.
ItemDescription
Numeric buttonsUse 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 configuration 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 Ω or 1 MΩ), 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 Manual7
Getting Acquain
ItemDescription
ted with Your Instrument
Use the Settings button to display the measurement settings configuration 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 configuration menus.
The Math menu provides predefined formulas and user-defined 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 figuration (mode, address),
label),
instrument self-tests, conditional pulse output signal setup (FCA3100 Series only), and
instrument configuration information (model, serial number, firmware, and configuration).
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 configuration 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
8FCA3000, 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 flashes when the measurement exceeds the limits, and continues to flashevenwhen
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 Manual9
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 figure 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.
10FCA3000, 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 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.
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 Manual11
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 Ω 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.
>
12FCA3000, 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 Manual13
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 flashing 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.
14FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual
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