Tektronix FCA3003, FCA3020, FCA3100, FCA3103, FCA3120 Quick Start Guide
...
x
FCA3000 and FCA3100 Series Timer/Counter/Analyzer
MCA3000 Series Microwave Counter/Analyzer
ZZZ
Quick Start User Manual
*P071278703*
071-2787-03
xx
FCA3000 and FCA3100 Series Timer/Counter/Analyzer
MCA3000 Series Microwave Counter/Analyzer
ZZZ
Quick Start User Manual
www.tek.com
071-2787-03
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. 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.tek.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.
[W4 – 15AUG04]
Table of Contents
Important safety information .......................................................................................................... iii
General safe
Service safety summary ......................................................................................................... v
Terms in this manual .......................................................................... . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Symbols and
Compliance Information ............................................................................................................... vi
EMC Compliance................................................................................................................. vi
Safety Co m
Environmental Considerations................................................................................................. viii
Preface................................................................................................................................. ix
Key Featur
Documentation ...................................................................................................................x
Conventions Used in This Manual......... . ......................................... . ......................................... . . x
tion.............................................................................................................................. 1
Installa
Unpacking theInstrument ....................................................................................................... 1
Operating Considerations........................................................................................................ 1
Powerin
Functional Check............................................................... . . ........................................ . . ......2
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Front P
Rear Panel . ...................................... . . .................................. . . .................................. . . ......4
Input Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Contro
Main Screen......................................................................................................................9
Application Examples................................................................................................................. 12
Resto
Basic Measurements............................................................................................................ 12
Math Measurement ............................................................................................................. 13
t Testing..................................................................................................................... 13
Limi
Two-Channel Measurements ...................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . ................. 15
Input C Measurements.. .................................................... . . ............................ . ..................... 15
e an Instrument Setup ...................................................................................................... 16
Sav
Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ 18
ty summary......................................................................................................... iii
terms on the product................................................................. . ............................ v
pliance .............................................................................................................. vii
es ..................................................................................................................... ix
g the Instrument On and Off ............................................................................................ 2
anel .................................... . . ......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... 3
ls........................................................................................................................... 6
re Default Settings ........................................................................................................ 12
Table of Content
s
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual i
Table of Content
s
ii FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual
Important safet
y information
Important saf
This manual contains information and warnings that must be followed by the user for safe operation and to keep the
product in a safe condition.
To safely perform service on this product, additional information is provided at the end of this section. (See page v,
Service safety summary.)
ety information
General safety summary
Use the product only as specified. Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to this product
or any products connected to it. Carefully read all instructions. Retain these instructions for future reference.
Comply with local and national safety codes.
For c orrect and safe operation of the product, it is essential that you follow generally accepted safety procedures in addition
to the safety precautions specified in this manual.
The product is designed to be used by trained personnel only.
Only qualified personnel who are aware of the hazards involved should remove the cover for repair, maintenance, or
adjustment.
Before use, always check the product with a known source to be sure it is operating correctly.
This product is not intended for detection of hazardous voltages.
Use personal protective equipment to prevent shock and arc blast injury where hazardous live conductors are exposed.
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.
When incorporating this equipment into a system, the safety of that system is the responsibility of the assembler of 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.
Do not use the provided power cord for other products.
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 c onnections to the input or output
terminals of the product, make sure that the product is properly grounded.
Do not disable the power cord grounding connection.
Power disconnect. The power cord disconnects the product from the power source. See instructions for the location.
Do not position the equipment so that it is difficult to access the power cord; it m ust remain accessible to the user at all
times to allow for quick disconnection if needed.
Connect and disconnect properly. Do not connect or disconnect probes or test leads while they are connected
to a voltage source.
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.
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual iii
Important safet
Do not apply a potential to any terminal, including the common terminal, that exceeds the maximum rating of that terminal.
The measuring terminals on this product are not rated for connection to mains or Category II, III, or IV circuits.
Do not operate without covers. Do not operate this product with covers or panels removed, or with the case open.
Hazardous voltage exposure is possible.
y information
Avoid expose
d circuitry.
Do not touch exposed connections and components when power is present.
Do not operate with suspected failures. If you suspect that there is damage to this product, have it inspected by
qualified service personnel.
Disable the product if it is damaged. Do not use the product if it is damaged or operates incorrectly. If in doubt about safety of
the product, turn it off and disconnect the power cord. Clearly mark the product to prevent its further operation.
Use only specified replacement parts.
Use proper fuse. Use only the fuse type and rating specified for this product.
Do not operate in wet/damp conditions. Be aware that condensation may occur if a unit is moved from a cold to a
warm environment.
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.
Keep product surfaces clean and dry.
Remove the input signals before you clean the product.
Provide proper ventilation. Refer to the installation instructions in the manual for details on installing the product
so it has proper ventilation.
Slots and openings are provided for ventilation and should never be covered or otherwise obstructed. Do not push objects
into any of the openings.
Provide a safe working environment. Always place the product in a location convenient for viewing the d isplay
and indicators.
Be sure your work area meets applicable ergonomic standards. Consult with an ergonomics professional to avoid stress
ries.
inju
iv FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual
Servicesafetysummary
The Service safety summary section contains additional information required to safely perform service on the product. Only
qualified personnel should perform service procedures. Read this Service safety summary and the General safety summary
before performing any service procedures.
To avoid electric shock. Do not touch exposed connections.
Do not service alone. Do not perform internal service or adjustments of this product unless another person capable of
rendering first aid and resuscitation is present.
Disconnect power. To avoid electric shock, switch off the product power and disconnect the power cord from the mains
power before removing any covers or p
Use care when servicing with power on. Dangerous voltages or currents may exist in this product. Disconnect
power, remove battery (if applicable), and disconnect test leads before removing protective panels, soldering, or replacing
components.
Verify safety after repair. Always recheck ground continuity and mains dielectric strength after performing a repair.
Terms in this manual
anels, or opening the case for servicing.
Important safet
y information
These terms may appear in this manual:
WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices 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 marking.
CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.
When this symbol is marked on the product, be sure to consult the manual to find out the nature of the
potential hazards and any actions which have to be taken to avoid them. (This symbol may also be used
refer the user to ratings in the manual.)
The following symbol(s) m ay appear on the product:
to
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual v
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 E lectromagnetic Compatibility. Compliance was demonstrated to the following
specifications as listed in the Official Journal of the European Communities:
EN 61326-1, EN 61326-2-1. EMC requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use.
CISPR 11; IEC 61000-4-2: IEC 61000-4-34; IEC 61000-4-4; IEC 61000-4-5; IEC 61000-4-64; IEC 61000-4-11
EN 61000-
European contact.
Tektronix UK, Ltd.
Western Peninsula
Western Road
Bracknell, RG12 1RF
1
This pro
2
Emissions that 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 s hould 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.
on of Conformity – EMC
3-2, EN 61000-3-3.
duct is intended for use in nonresidential areas only. Use in residential areas may cause electromagnetic interference.
formation
123
Australia / New Zealand Declaration of Conformity – E MC
ies with the EMC provision of the Radiocommunications Act per the following standard, in accordance with ACMA:
Compl
11
CISPR
Australia / New Zealand contact.
Baker & McKenzie
Level 27, AMP Centre
50 Bridge Street
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
vi FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual
Safety Compliance
This section lists the safety standards with which the product complies and other safety compliance information.
EU Declaration of Conformity – Low Voltage
Compliance was demonstrated to the following specification as listed in the Official Journal of the European Communities:
Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC.
EN 61010-1
Compliance Info
rmation
U.S. Natio
UL 61010-1
nally Recognized Testing Laboratory Listing
Canadian Certification
CAN/CSA
-C22.2 No. 61010-1
Additional Compliances
IEC 61010-1
Equipment type
Test and measuring equipment.
Safety class
Class 1 – grounded product.
Pollution degree rating
Pollution Degree 2 (as defined in IEC 61010-1). Rated for indoor, dry location use only.
ins overvoltage category rating
Ma
Overvoltage category II (as defined in IEC 61010-1).
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual vii
Compliance Info
rmation
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 s uch 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 materials are reused
or recycled appropriately.
This symbol indicates that this product complies with the applicable European Union requirements according
to Directives 2012/19/EU and 2006/66/EC on waste ele ctrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and
batteries. For information about recycling options, c heck the Support/Service section of the Tektronix Web
site (www.tektronix.com).
Restriction of Hazardous Substances
This product is classified as an industrial monitoring and control instrument, and is not required to comply with the substance
tions of the recast RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU until July 22, 2017.
restric
viii FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual
Preface
This manual describes the installation and basic operati ons of the FCA3000 Series, FCA3100 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 m anual supports the following instruments:
FCA3000 Series: FCA3000, FCA3003, and FCA3020
FCA3100 Series: FCA3100, FCA3103, and FCA3120
MCA3000 Series: MCA3027 and MCA3040
Key Features
Preface
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 counter 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 S eries 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
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual ix
Preface
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. Pro vides 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.
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
x FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Q uick 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, FCA3103 only) N/A
Certificate 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 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
rms
rms
)
)
)
rms
FCA3003, FCA3103: +34 dBm (12 V
FCA3020, FCA3120: +27 dBm (5 V
MCA3027, MCA3040: +18 dBm (1.78 V
at 1 M Hz
rms
rms
at 1 MHz
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 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 return 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.
2 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual
Getting Acquain
tedwithYourInstrument
Getting Acqua
Front Panel
inted w ith Your Instrument
1. P ower 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. K e ypad buttons (See page 7, Keypad Buttons.)
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 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 following 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 MCA3000 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 i nstrument 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, m athematics, 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 i nclude 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 settings 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
he measured data, starting with 0 at restart. Limits (if active) are shown as horizontal lines. (See
on t
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 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.
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 configuration menu for the
selected channel.
The Input A and Input B menus provide c hannel-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 MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual 7
Getting Acquain
Item Description
ted with Your Instrument
Use the Settings button to display the m easurement 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 Math/L imit button to display the math and limit testing confi guration 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 con figuration information (model, serial number, firmware, and con figuration).
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 m easurements. 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
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 the instrument is being remotely controlled from the GPIB bus (REM). The measurement status is present in
all display modes.
5. Limit Alarm readout (when active). Lower l imit (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 sm iling face
when the measurement is within the limits, and a frowning face w hen the measurement is outside the limits). The LIM
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.
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.
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual 9
Getting Acquain
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 op
buttons to highlight and select menu items.
Analyze Modes
The Analyze m odes (accessible by repeatedly pushing the Analyze button) apply basic statistical analysis to measurements
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.
ted with Your Instrument
en a lower-level menu. The current selection is s hown in inverse text. You can also use the Navigation
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 A larm 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 show 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 MCA3000 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 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. S e lect 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 S ettings.)
1. Push Math/Limit to open the Math and
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 MCA3000 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 exit
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.
14 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual
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