Tektronix WaveWriter (AWE) User Manual

User Manual

WaveWriter
(AWE) Arbitrary Waveform Editor

070-8401-08

This document supports software version 4.01E
and above.

First Printing: Jun. 2000

Copyright E Sony/Tektronix Corporation
Copyright © T ektronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Licensed software products are owned by Tektronix or its suppliers and

are protected by United States copyright laws and international treaty provisions.
Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the

Rights in T echnical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013, or subparagraphs (c)(1) and (2) of the
Commercial Computer Software – Restricted Rights clause at F AR 52.227-19, as applicable.

T ektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this publication supercedes
that in all previously published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.

Printed in the Japan
Sony/T ektronix Corporation, P.O.Box 5209, Tokyo Int’l, Tokyo 100–31 Japan
T ektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 1000, Wilsonville, OR 97070–1000
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of T ektronix, Inc.
MS-DOS and Microsoft are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Windows and Windows 95 are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
PC-AT is a trademark of International Business Machines, Inc.

SOFTWARE WARRANTY SUMMARY

Tektronix warrants that its software products will conform to the specifications in the documentation provided with the product,
when used properly in the specified operating environment, for a period of three (3) months. The warranty period begins on
the date of shipment, except that if the program is installed by Tektronix, the warranty period begins on the date of installation
or one month after the date of shipment, whichever is earlier. If the software product does not conform as warranted, Tektronix
will provide the remedial services as described in the documentation provided with the product.

For products offered without documentation, Tektronix warrants that the media on which the software product is furnished and
the encoding of the programs on the media will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three (3)
months from the date of shipment. If any such medium or encoding proves defective during the warranty period, Tektronix will
provide a replacement in exchange for the defective medium. Except as to the media on which the software product is
furnished, the software product is provided as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied.

Tektronix does not warrant that the functions contained in any software product will meet Customer's requirements or that the
operation of the programs will be uninterrupted or errorĆfree.

In order or obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix of the defect before the expiration of the warranty
period and, for warranted products, make suitable arrangements for such service in accordance with the instructions received
from Tektronix. If Tektronix is unable, within a reasonable time after receipt of such notice, to provide remedial service for
warranted products or, for as is" products, to provide a replacement that is free from defects in materials and workmanship,
Customer may terminate the license for the software product and return the software product and any associated materials for
credit or refund.

The above warranties shall not apply to any software product that has been modified or altered by Customer. Tektronix shall
not be obligated to furnish service under this warranty with respect to any software product a) that is used in an operating
environment other than that specified or in a manner inconsistent with the User Manual and documentation; or b) when the
software product has been integrated with other software if the result of such integration increases the time or difficulty of
analyzing or servicing the software product or the problems ascribed in the software product.

THE ABOVE WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX WITH RESPECT TO THE LISTED PRODUCTS 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 PROVIDE REMEDIAL SERVICE WHEN SPECIFIED, REPLACE DEFECTIVE MEDIA, OR REFUND CUSTOMER'S
PAYMENT, AS APPLICABLE, IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVIDED TO CUSTOMER FOR BREACH OF
EITHER 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.

NOTE: This page is only for customers in countries other than Japan. The next page is for Japanese customers.

Getting Started

Operating Basics

Table of Contents

Table of Contents i............................................

List of Figures v...............................................

Preface ix.....................................................

About this Manual ix.......................................

Overview 1Ć1...................................................

What This Program Does 1Ć1.................................

What You Get With This Program 1Ć2..........................

What You Need to Run This Software 1Ć2......................

Reference

Installation 2Ć1..................................................

Software Installation 2Ć1.....................................

Configuring GPIB 2Ć2........................................

Using WaveWriter 2Ć3...........................................

Using Windows 2Ć3..........................................

WaveWriter Concepts 2Ć3....................................

The WaveWriter Window 2Ć5..................................

Setting Characteristics 2Ć7...................................

Tutorial 2Ć9.....................................................

Lesson 1 System Fundamentals 2Ć10..........................

Lesson 2 Creating and Saving a TV Signal Waveform 2Ć21.......

Lesson 3 Working with an

AWG 2020 Arbitrary Waveform Generator 2Ć37..............

Lesson 4

Working with a TDS 500 Series Digitizing Oscilloscope 2Ć42.

Menu Map 3Ć1..................................................

WaveWriter (AWE) User Manual

File Operations 3Ć5..............................................

New 3Ć5....................................................

i

Table of Contents

Open 3Ć8...................................................

Save 3Ć12....................................................

Import 3Ć14..................................................

Export 3Ć19..................................................

Hardcopy 3Ć21...............................................

Exit 3Ć22.....................................................

About 3Ć22...................................................

Editing Waveforms 3Ć23..........................................

Undo 3Ć23....................................................

Disable Undo 3Ć24............................................

Cut Between Markers 3Ć24....................................

Copy Between Markers 3Ć24...................................

Delete Between Markers 3Ć24..................................

Insert at Start Marker 3Ć24.....................................

Replace Between Markers 3Ć25................................

Append to End of Waveform 3Ć25..............................

Flip Horizontal Between Markers 3Ć25..........................

Flip Vertical Between Markers 3Ć25............................

Horizontal Resolution 3Ć26....................................

Vertical Resolution 3Ć29.......................................

Displaying Waveforms 3Ć31.......................................

Redraw Dot 3Ć31..............................................

Redraw Vector 3Ć31...........................................

Zoom In 3Ć31.................................................

Zoom Out 3Ć32...............................................

Set Axis Ranges 3Ć32.........................................

Autoscale Current Waveform 3Ć34.............................

Show Crosshairs 3Ć38........................................

Show Multiple Waveforms 3Ć38................................

Set Colors and Line Styles 3Ć38................................

Drawing Waveforms 3Ć41........................................

Nodraw 3Ć42.................................................

Freehand 3Ć42................................................

Horizontal 3Ć43...............................................

Vertical 3Ć44..................................................

Autoline 3Ć45.................................................

Envelope Max Don't Care 3Ć46.................................

Envelope Min Don't Care 3Ć47.................................

Envelope Max 3Ć48...........................................

Envelope Min 3Ć48............................................

ii

Creating Waveforms 3Ć49.........................................

Equation 3Ć53................................................

Sine 3Ć58....................................................

Contents

Table of Contents

Triangle 3Ć60.................................................

Pulse 3Ć63...................................................

Square 3Ć66..................................................

Envelope Tolerance 3Ć70......................................

Envelope Couple 3Ć72........................................

Envelope Decouple 3Ć74......................................

Processing Waveforms 3Ć77......................................

Add Scalar, Multiply by Scalar 3Ć77............................

Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide Waveforms 3Ć78.................

Transferring Waveforms 3Ć83......................................

Configure Instruments 3Ć83...................................

Acquire 3Ć87.................................................

Send 3Ć88....................................................

Modifying and Listing Waveforms 3Ć89.............................

Change Clock Rate 3Ć89......................................

Change Amplitude/

Offset 3Ć89...............................................

Associate Waveform 3Ć90.....................................

Clear Waveform(s) 3Ć92.......................................

Rename Waveform 3Ć93.......................................

Waveform Summary 3Ć94......................................

Waveform Detail 3Ć95.........................................

Waveform List 3Ć97...........................................

Appendices

Appendix A: Error and Warning Messages AĆ1.....................

Error Messages AĆ1..........................................

Warning Messages AĆ9.......................................

Appendix B: Waveform Formats BĆ1..............................

The ADIF Format BĆ1.........................................

The CSV Format BĆ3.........................................

CSV (K3) Format BĆ5.........................................

The ISF Format BĆ5..........................................

Appendix C: Equation Library CĆ1................................

Appendix D: Sample Equations DĆ1...............................

10 V Sine Wave DĆ1..........................................

10 V Sine Wave

with Offset DĆ2...........................................

Exponentially Decaying Sine Wave DĆ3........................

Sinc Waveform DĆ4..........................................

DSXĆ2 Isolated Pulse Template DĆ5............................

WaveWriter (AWE) User Manual

iii

Table of Contents

Appendix E: AFG2020 Dialogs and Messages EĆ1.................

Appendix F: AFG310/320 Dialogs and Messages FĆ1...............

Appendix G: AWG2000 Series Dialogs and Messages GĆ1..........

Appendix H: AWG500/600 Series Dialogs and Messages HĆ1.......

Appendix I: AFG5101/5501 Dialogs and Messages IĆ1.............

Appendix J: AFG5102/AWG5102 Dialogs and Messages JĆ1........

Appendix K: AWG5105 Dialogs and Messages KĆ1.................

Appendix L: TDS Series Dialogs and Messages LĆ1................

Appendix M: 2200 Series Dialogs and Messages MĆ1...............

Appendix N: 2400 Series Dialogs and Messages NĆ1...............

Appendix O: 11000 Series Dialogs and Messages OĆ1..............

Appendix P: TVS 600 Series Dialogs and Messages PĆ1............

Appendix Q:VX4790A Dialogs and Messages QĆ1..................

Glossary

Index

Appendix R:VX4792 Dialogs and Messages RĆ1....................

iv

Contents

Getting Started

Operating Basics

List of Figures

Figure 2Ć1:ăWaveWriter Window Elements 2Ć5.......................

Figure 2Ć2:ăConfigure Instrument Dialog Box 2Ć12....................

Figure 2Ć3:ăAWG 2000 Clock Rate Dialog Box 2Ć13...................

Figure 2Ć4:ăSet Axis Ranges Dialog Box 2Ć15.........................

Figure 2Ć5:ăDifferent Clock Rate Dialog Box 2Ć16.....................

Figure 2Ć6:ăWaveform Display Area 2Ć17.............................

Figure 2Ć7:ăWaveform Summary List Box 2Ć19........................

Figure 2Ć8:ăNTCĆ7 Composite Test Signal 2Ć21.......................

Figure 2Ć9:ăSine Dialog Box 2Ć25...................................

Figure 2Ć10:ăHorizontal Blanking Pulse 2Ć26.........................

Figure 2Ć11:ăPulse Wave Dialog Box 2Ć27............................

Figure 2Ć12:ăEquation for 2T Pulse 2Ć28.............................

Figure 2Ć13:ă2T Pulse Display 2Ć29.................................

Figure 2Ć14:ăModulated Sine Squared Pulse 2Ć32.....................

Figure 2Ć15:ăSine Dialog Box 2Ć33..................................

Figure 2Ć16:ă5ĆRiser Staircase 2Ć35.................................

Figure 2Ć17:ăSAMPLE.ADF Display 2Ć39.............................

Figure 2Ć18:ăAWG2000 Send Waveform Dialog Box 2Ć40..............

Figure 2Ć19:ăAWG2000 Acquire Waveform Dialog Box 2Ć41............

Figure 2Ć20:ăTDS Series Clock Rate Dialog Box 2Ć43..................

Figure 2Ć21:ăSQUARE.ADF Display 2Ć44.............................

Figure 2Ć22:ăEnvelope Tolerance Dialog Box 2Ć45.....................

Figure 2Ć23:ăSQUARE.ADF and ENVELOPE Display 2Ć46..............

Figure 2Ć24:ăSend - TDS Scope Dialog Box 2Ć47....................

Reference

WaveWriter (AWE) User Manual

Figure 3Ć1:ăAssociate New Waveform with Instrument Dialog Box 3Ć5..

Figure 3Ć2:ăNew Dialog Box 3Ć6...................................

Figure 3Ć3:ăOpen Dialog Box 3Ć8..................................

Figure 3Ć4:ăChoose ISF Source Instrument Dialog Box 3Ć9............

Figure 3Ć5:ăAssociate Waveform with Instrument Dialog Box 3Ć10.......

v

List of Figures

Figure 3Ć6:ăSave As Dialog Box 3Ć12................................

Figure 3Ć7:ăThe Import Dialog Box 3Ć14.............................

Figure 3Ć8:ăBinary Import Option Dialog Box 3Ć16.....................

Figure 3Ć9:ăASCII Import Option Dialog Box 3Ć17.....................

Figure 3Ć10:ăThe Export Dialog Box 3Ć19............................

Figure 3Ć11:ăHardcopy Dialog Box 3Ć21.............................

Figure 3Ć12:ăAbout Dialog Box 3Ć22.................................

Figure 3Ć13:ăHorizontal Resolution Dialog Box 3Ć26...................

Figure 3Ć14:ăThree Results of a Sine Wave Transformation 3Ć27........

Figure 3Ć15:ăVertical Resolution Dialog Box 3Ć29......................

Figure 3Ć16:ăSet Axis Ranges Dialog Box 3Ć32........................

Figure 3Ć17:ăSet Markers Dialog Box 3Ć34...........................

Figure 3Ć18:ăChange Offset Dialog Box 3Ć35.........................

Figure 3Ć19:ăBefore Autoscaling 3Ć36...............................

Figure 3Ć20:ăAfter Autoscale at Zero Volts 3Ć37.......................

Figure 3Ć21:ăAfter Autoscale at Offset of -1 volt 3Ć37..................

Figure 3Ć22:ăAfter Autoscale at Middle of Wfm 3Ć38...................

Figure 3Ć23:ăColors and Styles Dialog Box 3Ć39......................

Figure 3Ć24:ăTiming Parameters 3Ć50................................

Figure 3Ć25:ăRamp vs. Sine Squared 3Ć51...........................

Figure 3Ć26:ăAssociate Waveform with Instrument Dialog Box 3Ć52......

Figure 3Ć27:ăEquation Dialog Box 3Ć53..............................

Figure 3Ć28:ăGive the Equation a Name Dialog Box 3Ć55...............

Figure 3Ć29:ăLibrary of Equations List Box 3Ć55.......................

Figure 3Ć30:ăEquation Example 3Ć57................................

Figure 3Ć31:ăSine Dialog Box 3Ć58..................................

Figure 3Ć32:ăTriangle Dialog Box 3Ć60...............................

Figure 3Ć33:ăPulse Wave Dialog Box 3Ć63............................

Figure 3Ć34:ăPulse Timing Parameters 3Ć64..........................

Figure 3Ć35:ăRamp vs. Sine2 3Ć65..................................

Figure 3Ć36:ăSquare Wave Dialog Box 3Ć66..........................

Figure 3Ć37:ăSquare Timing Parameters 3Ć68.........................

Figure 3Ć38:ăRamp vs. Sine2 3Ć69..................................

Figure 3Ć39:ăEnvelope Tolerance Dialog Box 3Ć70.....................

Figure 3Ć40:ăEnvelope Couple Dialog Box 3Ć72.......................

Figure 3Ć41:ăEnvelope Decouple Dialog Box 3Ć74.....................

Figure 3Ć42:ăAdd Scalar to Current Waveform Dialog Box 3Ć77.........

Figure 3Ć43:ăAdd Waveforms Dialog Box 3Ć79........................

Figure 3Ć44:ăAssociate Waveform with Instrument Dialog Box 3Ć81......

Figure 3Ć45:ăConfigure Instrument Dialog Box 3Ć83...................

Figure 3Ć46:ăConfigure Instrument Dialog Box when using a COM Port . .....

3Ć85

Figure 3Ć47:ăRS232 Communications Dialog Box 3Ć86................

Figure 3Ć48:ăAcquire Waveform Dialog Box 3Ć87......................

vi

Contents

Appendices

List of Figures

Figure 3Ć49:ăChange Amplitude/Offset Dialog Box 3Ć90................

Figure 3Ć50:ăAssociate Waveform with Instrument Dialog Box 3Ć91......

Figure 3Ć51:ăClear Waveform(s) Dialog Box 3Ć92......................

Figure 3Ć52:ăRename Waveform Dialog Box 3Ć93.....................

Figure 3Ć53:ăWaveforms Summary Dialog Box 3Ć94...................

Figure 3Ć54:ăWaveform Detail Dialog Box 3Ć95........................

Figure 3Ć55:ăWaveforms Menu 3Ć97.................................

Figure DĆ1:ă10 V Sine Wave DĆ1...................................

Figure DĆ2:ă10 V Sine Wave with Offset DĆ2.........................

Figure DĆ3:ăExponentially Decaying Sine Wave DĆ3..................

Figure DĆ4:ăSinc Waveform DĆ4....................................

Figure DĆ5:ăDSXĆ2 Isolated Pulse Template DĆ5......................

Figure EĆ1:ăAFG 2020 Clock Rate Dialog Box EĆ1....................

Figure EĆ2:ăAcquire AFG 2020 Dialog Box EĆ2.......................

Figure EĆ3:ăSend AFG 2020 Dialog Box EĆ4.........................

Figure FĆ1:ăAFG 300 Clock Rate Dialog Box FĆ1.....................

Figure FĆ2:ăSend AFG 300 Dialog Box FĆ2..........................

Figure GĆ1:ăAWG 2000 Clock Rate Dialog Box GĆ1...................

Figure GĆ2:ăAWG2000 Acquire Waveform Dialog Box GĆ2.............

Figure GĆ3:ăAWG 2000 Send Waveform Dialog Box GĆ4..............

Figure GĆ4:ăMarker Setup Dialog Box GĆ7...........................

Figure HĆ1:ăAWG500/600 Clock Rate Dialog Box HĆ1.................

Figure HĆ2:ăAWG500/600 Acquire Waveform Dialog Box HĆ2..........

Figure HĆ3:ăAWG500/600 Send Waveform Dialog Box HĆ4............

Figure HĆ4:ăAWG500/600 Waveform File Name Dialog Box HĆ6........

Figure HĆ5:ăMarker Setup Dialog Box HĆ7...........................

Figure IĆ1:ăAFG 5101/5501 Clock Rate Dialog Box IĆ1................

Figure IĆ2:ăAcquire AFG 5101/5501 Dialog Box IĆ2..................

Figure IĆ3:ăSend AFG 5101/5501 Dialog Box IĆ4.....................

Figure JĆ1:ăAFG 5102/5502 Clock Rate Dialog Box JĆ1...............

Figure JĆ2:ăAcquire AFG 5102/5502 Dialog Box JĆ2..................

Figure JĆ3:ăSend AFG 5102/5502 Dialog Box JĆ4....................

Figure KĆ1:ăAWG 5105 Clock Rate Dialog Box KĆ1...................

Figure KĆ2:ăAcquire AWG 5105 Dialog Box KĆ2......................

Figure KĆ3:ăSend AWG 5105 Dialog Box KĆ4........................

Figure LĆ1:ăTDS Series Clock Rate Dialog Box LĆ1...................

Figure LĆ2:ăAcquire - TDS Series Dialog Box LĆ4....................

Figure LĆ3:ăSend - TDS Series Dialog Box LĆ6......................

Figure LĆ4:ăTDS Series InstrumentĆDependent Detail Dialog Box LĆ8...

Figure MĆ1:ă2200 Series Clock Rate Dialog Box MĆ1..................

Figure MĆ2:ăAcquire 2200 Series Dialog Box MĆ3.....................

WaveWriter (AWE) User Manual

vii

List of Figures

Figure NĆ1:ă2400 Series Clock Rate Dialog Box NĆ1..................

Figure NĆ2:ăAcquire 2400 Series Dialog Box NĆ3.....................

Figure NĆ3:ăSend 2400 Series Dialog Box NĆ5.......................

Figure NĆ4:ă2400 Series InstrumentĆDependent Detail Dialog Box NĆ6..

Figure OĆ1:ă11000 Series Clock Rate Dialog Box OĆ1.................

Figure OĆ2:ăAcquire 11000 Series Dialog Box OĆ2....................

Figure OĆ3:ă11000 Send Waveform Dialog Box OĆ5..................

Figure OĆ4:ă11000 Series InstrumentĆDependent Detail Dialog Box OĆ6.

Figure PĆ1:ăTVS600 Series Clock Rate Dialog Box PĆ1................

Figure PĆ2:ăTVS600 Series Acquire Dialog Box PĆ3...................

Figure PĆ3:ăTVS600 Setup Dialog Box PĆ5..........................

Figure PĆ4:ăTVS600 Series InstrumentĆDependent Detail Dialog Box PĆ7

Figure QĆ1:ăVX4790A Clock Rate Dialog Box QĆ1....................

Figure QĆ2:ăVX4790A Acquire Waveform Dialog Box QĆ2..............

Figure QĆ3:ăVX4790A Send Dialog Box QĆ4.........................

Figure RĆ1:ăVX4792 Clock Rate Dialog Box RĆ1......................

Figure RĆ2:ăAcquire AWG 2000 Dialog Box RĆ2......................

Figure RĆ3:ăVX4792 Send Dialog Box RĆ4...........................

Figure RĆ4:ăMarker Setup Dialog Box RĆ6...........................

viii

Contents

Preface

The purpose of this manual is to explain the Sony/Tektronix software packĆ
age WaveWriter (AWE). Using WaveWriter, engineers may create, edit and
display various waveforms with ease and accuracy. They may also retrieve
and store data to and from external devices, allowing the exchange of
waveforms among different platforms.

WaveWriter is a Microsoft Windows based application, and as such, proĆ
vides a friendly user interface. The Sony/Tektronix and Tektronix instruments
currently supported by WaveWriter are described on page 1Ć4.

About this Manual

This manual contains the following sections and appendices:

H Section 1, Getting Started Ċ Provides general information about system

requirements.

H Section 2, Operating Basics Ċ Describes the installation procedures

and user interface and includes a tutorial.

H Section 3, Reference Ċ Provides menuĆspecific details in the following

subĆsections: File Operations, Creating Waveforms, Processing WaveĆ

forms, Transferring Waveforms, Modifying and Listing Waveforms.

H Section 4, Appendices Ċ Provides waveform formats and instrumentĆ

specific information, including error messages.

H Glossary Ċ Provides a list of terms, with explanations, that are specific

to WaveWriter.

H Index

WaveWriter (AWE) User Manual

ix

Preface

x

Preface

Getting Started

Overview

WaveWriter is an application program used to create waveforms for adĆ
vanced signal generating and processing instruments. Many Tektronix
instruments, such as arbitrary waveform generators and oscilloscopes with
the saveĆonĆdelta" feature, are enhanced by this program. WaveWriter
helps users configure waveforms with a minimum of effort.

What This Program
Does

With the WaveWriter package, you can create new waveforms or edit waveĆ
forms acquired from various instrument sources. WaveWriter gives you
interactive control of the waveform generating process.

WaveWriter operates within the Microsoft Windows
tions are divided among the following menus:

H File

Start a new waveform

Open and save waveforms

Print a hardcopy of the current display

Exit WaveWriter

H Edit

Modify an existing waveform

Flip waveforms horizontally and vertically

Change horizontal and vertical resolution

H Display

Set waveform and screen display characteristics

TM

environment. Its funcĆ

WaveWriter (AWE) User Manual

H Draw

Modify an existing waveform or envelope

H Create

Generate a waveform from an equation

Generate a sine, triangle, square, and pulse

Create an envelope

H SigProc (Signal Processing)

Add, subtract, multiply, divide waveforms

Perform scalar operations on waveforms

1Ć1

Overview

H Transfer

Setup and configure communication parameters

Move data from instruments to WaveWriter

Move data from WaveWriter to instruments

H Waveforms

Change amplitude, offset, and clock rate

Associate waveform with different instruments

Set additional waveform information

Display waveform information

Clear or rename waveforms

Select new current waveform

H Help

WaveWriter provides help screens to aid in using the program.

What You Get With
This Program

What You Need to
Run This Software

You should receive the following items with this product:

H One 3½ inch diskette

H The WaveWriter User manual

H A registration card that entitles you to future updates. Be sure to send it

in.

WaveWriter runs in a Microsoft Windows environment. Microsoft Windows,
Version 3.1 or later, must be installed on your system before running WaĆ
veWriter. See the Microsoft Windows User's Guide for installation instrucĆ
tions.

The Computer

The recommended Minimum configuration for your system is:

H 386 Class personal computer

H 4 MB memory (However, refer to the table in page 1Ć3, for further

memory size information)

H 40 MB hard disk

1Ć2

Getting Started

Overview

H A graphics monitor interface, preferably an EGA or VGA adapter. A CGA

adapter will run in high resolution mode but it displays in monochrome.
A monochrome graphics adapter (Hercules or compatible) will run with
Windows, but a color adapter is recommended for the sake of clearly
separating screen information.

H For use with GPIB instruments, you will need a National Instruments

GPIB interface card and interface library.

H When using NI-VXI, NI-MXI or GPIB-VXI, you will need the VISA

Library.

H Microsoft Windows, Version 3.1

The amount of memory recommended for the minimum configuration is
insufficient for waveforms longer than 64K points. You should match your
system's memory with the length of the waveforms that you intend to manipĆ
ulate according the table below.

Number of Points

64K 4MB 8MB

1M 8MB 12MB

2M 12MB 24MB

4M 24MB 32MB

Minimum Memory Recommended Memory

Optional Equipment

Adding a math coprocessor to your PC will enhance the performance of
WaveWriter. Although WaveWriter (and Windows) may be run from the
keyboard, a mouse is highly recommended.

WaveWriter (AWE) User Manual

1Ć3

Overview

Supported Instruments

Currently, the following Tektronix instruments are supported by WaveWriter,
Version 5.0:

H AFG 2020 Arbitrary Function Generator

H AFG 310/320 Series Arbitrary Function Generator

H AWG 2005/2020/2021/2040/2041 Arbitrary Waveform Generator

H AWG 510/520 Arbitrary Waveform Generator

H AWG 610 Arbitrary Waveform Generator

H AWG 5101 Arbitrary Waveform Generator

H AWG 5102 Arbitrary Waveform Generator

H AWG 5105 Arbitrary Waveform Generator

H TDS Series Oscilloscopes (see Appendix L for instruments supported)

H 2200 Series Oscilloscopes (see Appendix M for instruments supported)

H 2400 Series Oscilloscopes

H 11000 Series Oscilloscopes

H TVS 600 Series VXI Waveform Analyzer

H VX4790A VXI Arbitrary Waveform Generator

H VX4792 VXI Arbitrary Waveform Generator

NOTE

When the AFG310/320 is used, it is suggested upgrading Driver by
the attached file(063-0823-10). The file is a revised version of
WaveWriter4.01E driver. "Install_AFG_Driver.txt"(Disk 2 of 2) exĆ
plains the method of upgrading.

1Ć4

Getting Started

Operating Basics

Installation

This section explains how to install WaveWriter on your personal computer
and configure its internal option cards to allow GPIB communications.

Software Installation

WaveWriter is supplied on a 3½ inch diskette (1.44 Mbyte).

Making a Backup Copy

Magnetic diskettes are subject to physical damage and the data contained
on them is easily destroyed by inadvertent stray magnetic fields. A backup
copy is inexpensive insurance against loss of data.

Before proceeding, make a copy of each of the diskettes in the WaveWriter
package. Use the copies for installing programs and files and store the
original diskettes in a safe place.

Consult your DOS manual for instructions for using the diskcopy command.

Installing Files on a Hard Disk

Insert the WaveWriter diskette into drive A:.

NOTE

In these instructions, we are assuming that diskette drive A: is your
input device. If you are using a drive with a different designation,
substitute the correct drive letter in each of the examples.

WaveWriter (AWE) User Manual

If you are already running windows, you can select the Run item from the
'File' menu of the program manager, enter the file name 'a:\install' and click
on the OK button.

Alternatively, and more simply, you can open the File Manager window by
double clicking on the File Manager icon. Then in that window, select the
disk drive a: and execute the installation program by double clicking on the
name install.exe.

You will be prompted for any additional data changes required by the instalĆ
lation program.

2Ć1

Installation

Aborting the Installation Ċ If, at any time, you need to terminate the

installation procedure, press ESCAPE.

The diskette includes a file called README.TXT. Read that file now; it conĆ
tains various information including some instructions that may need to be
done in addition to the automatic installation procedure.

Configuring GPIB

To avoid conflicts between PC option cards when installing a GPIB card, you
need to ensure that the Direct Memory Access (DMA) and interrupt channels
are unique for each device within your PC. Consult the GPIB interface card
user's guide for correct hardware installation and setup. For example, if
another interface card uses DMA channel 1, you need to set your GPIB card
to a different DMA channel. Seldom, if ever, can two or more devices share
the same DMA channel. If you continue to have difficulty communicating
with instruments even though neither the DMA nor interrupt channels are
conflicting, try turning off both. In your GPIB.INI file, set irq = none and
DMA = none.

NOTE

To use WaveWriter with GPIB instruments, a National Instruments
GPIB interface card must be installed.

For use with VXI instruments you must have NIĆVXI, NIĆMXI or VXIĆ
GPIB hardware.

2Ć2

Operating Basics

Using WaveWriter

This section discusses basic WaveWriter concepts and provides instruction
on how to use the product.

Using Windows

WaveWriter Concepts

Microsoft Windows is a control program that provides a common interface
between the Disk Operating System (DOS), resident application programs,
and the user. If you are not an experienced Windows user, become familiar
with the interface before accessing WaveWriter.

WaveWriter creates a unique environment for each waveform it displays.
Each waveform is identified with a target instrument having a specified clock
rate, amplitude, offset, and markers position setting.

The Waveform Environment

The selected waveform is always the current waveform; all portions of the
display refer to this waveform. Additional waveforms (if any) are called
background waveforms. Background waveforms may be displayed within
the current waveform environment, subject to the current display parameĆ
ters. To avoid reflected clock rate differences when displaying background
waveforms, the XĆaxis is displayed as if the waveforms were in point mode.

If the current waveform is altered with the Waveforms menu, the display
changes to reflect the new environment.

WaveWriter (AWE) User Manual

The Target Instrument

Fundamental to WaveWriter is the concept of the target" instrument. The
target instrument is the instrument for which you are creating waveforms.
The instrument defines specific parameters and limits, such as the clock rate
and vertical display ranges. When acquiring a waveform from an instrument
other than the target instrument, or recalling one from a file, you are autoĆ
matically informed of any parameter discrepancies. You can then alter the
waveform to conform to the target instrument limits.

Each time you create a new waveform, you must identify a target instrument.
This process ensures that all waveforms are compatible with the target
instrument.

2Ć3

Using WaveWriter

Clock Rate

Each waveform has a unique clock rate and there are two methods for
altering the clock rate. First, to reassign the time/point for the waveform
without waveform expansion or compression, use the Change Clock Rate
selection in the Waveforms menu. Second, to alter the clock rate while
maintaining the timing relationship, use the Horizontal Resolution selection
in the Edit menu.

When a waveform is acquired from an instrument or read in from a file,
select either the current clock rate, the clock rate of the waveform, or masĆ
sage the data from the acquired rate to the current rate.

Offset

Some instruments represent offset as a value external to the data. WaveWritĆ
er represents offset in only one way, as part of the data. If data is acquired
from an instrument that represents offset separately, WaveWriter appends
the data for closest approximation to the instrument.

Display Amplitude and Bit range

The horizontal axis represents time displayed in either points or seconds. Its
maximum peakĆtoĆpeak display amplitude should not exceed the maximum
peakĆtoĆpeak amplitude of the target instrument. (Although the waveform
amplitude may exceed this limit.) If the data is clipped on the display, it will
be clipped when sent to a target instrument or saved to an instrumentĆspeĆ
cific file.

The vertical axis amplitude represents the full bit range of the target instruĆ
ment. That is, if the vertical axis range is set from +5 to -5 Volts and the
target instrument has 12Ćbit resolution, 5 Volts would represent level 2047
and -5 Volts would represent -2047.

Delimiting Waveforms

Markers delimit segments of the waveform. For many menu selections, you
have the option of using the entire waveform or a portion that is between
and includes the markers. The distance between the markers may never
exceed the maximum record length for the target instrument. If the Start or
Stop marker is dragged past this length, the other marker moves with it.
(See Markers later in this section for more information.)

Adjusting Amplitude

To position the waveform for the desired amplitude at the instrument, use
Autoscale Current Waveform and Set Axis Range. Note that the greater the
display amplitude (the more the waveform fills the display), the finer the
resolution at the instrument.

2Ć4

In the case of digital oscilloscopes, the waveform sent to the instrument is
identical to that displayed, up to its voltsĆperĆdivision setting.

Operating Basics

Using WaveWriter

The WaveWriter
Window

Menu Bar

Marker

Positions

The WaveWriter environment is accessed through menus operated by the
Windows interface. The WaveWriter window is discussed here, WaveWriter
menus are discussed and demonstrated in the Tutorial and Reference
sections to follow.

Waveform Display Area

The area of the screen displaying acquired, created, or modified waveforms
is the Waveform Display Area (Figure 2Ć1). When a waveform is created or
acquired, the displayable range is 0 to 1 Mbyte points, even if a longer
length is valid for an instrument. The waveform display area scrolls throughĆ
out its range.

ControlĆMenu

Box

Title Bar

Clock Rate

Minimize

Box

Marker

Flags

Waveform

Display

Area

Cursor/Crosshair

Coordinates

Title Bar

Scroll Box

Horizontal

Scroll Bar

Figure 2Ć1:ăWaveWriter Window Elements

WaveWriter (AWE) User Manual

The Title Bar lists three items separated by colons: the name WaveWriter,
the target instrument, the name of the current waveform.

2Ć5

Using WaveWriter

Menu Bar

The Menu Bar is located just below the Title Bar. It displays the available
menus. To select a menu, either point and click the mouse or press and
hold [ALT], press and release the underlined letter.

Clock Rate

The readout in the upper right corner of the window displays the clock rates
of the waveforms in the Waveform List. All waveforms in memory have the
same clock rate. Clock rates are used in frequency and equation calculaĆ
tions and are set for each target instrument as described in the Appendices.

Marker Positions

In the horizontal axis, portions of the displayed waveform may be bounded
by the Start and Stop Markers. Markers define portions of waveforms for
actions by the WaveWriter command tools.

Each marker has an attached Marker Flag at the top of the waveform display
area. The Start Marker flag is marked with the symbol uu" and the Stop
Marker flag is marked with tt".

The precise location of the markers is displayed in the upper left corner of
the window (Marker Positions). The distance between the markers never
exceeds the maximum record length of the target instrument. If the Stop
Marker is dragged past this length, it will pull the Start Marker with it. The
same applies in the other direction; the Start Marker will also pull the Stop
Marker. The Markers Positions readouts display either points or seconds, to
match the waveform display. (See Set Axis Ranges in the Display menu.)

To adjust the markers with the Mouse:

1. Click and hold the left mouse button on the marker you wish to move.

2. Drag the marker horizontally to the desired position.

3. Release the mouse button.

To adjust the markers from the Keyboard:

1. [TAB] to a Start or Stop Marker. The selected marker flashes once.

2. Press the [SPACEBAR] or [ENTER] key to activate the marker. Use the

Left and Right cursor keys to position the marker.

2Ć6

Operating Basics

Using WaveWriter

3. Press the [SPACEBAR] or [ENTER] key to set the marker.

You can also set markers to absolute coordinates with the Display ³ Set

Markers menu.

Cursor and Crosshair Coordinates

The precise location of the pointer or crossbar cursors (whichever is seĆ
lected) is displayed in the lowerĆleft corner of the window. The X readout
displays either points or seconds to match the waveform display. The Y
readout always displays Volts. If you move the mouse within the Waveform
Display Area, the Coordinates update.

Help

The menu item at the far right of the Menu Bar is the Help command. When
you select Help (with no dialog box on the screen), the index page of the
help information is displayed using Windows Help utility. The usage of the
utility is not described in this manual. Refer to the Windows User Manual.

Setting
Characteristics

You define waveform characteristics by entering or modifying parameters
within the dialog boxes associated with some menus.

Units of Measure

Wherever appropriate, units of measure are appended to an edit box at its
right side. Modifiers to those units are included as part of the data within the
edit box. For example, a value of 230 milliseconds is displayed as:

230m S

The modifiers recognized by WaveWriter are the following Systeme InternaĆ
tionale (SI) characters. Case is significant.

E = exa u = micro

P = pecta n = nano

T = tera p = pico

G = giga f = femto

M = mega a = atto

k = kilo

m = milli

WaveWriter (AWE) User Manual

2Ć7

Using WaveWriter

Noninteger numeric values are expressed in scientific or exponential notaĆ
tion. Scientific notation uses a mantissa (a decimal number) followed by an
exponent. The form for this type of number is:

-n.nnE-n

The signs can be omitted for positive values.

The earlier 230 millisecond example could also be entered as any of the
following:

0.23 S

0.23E0 S

2.3E-1 S

230,000u S

Choice of Units

Some parameters may be expressed in different units of measure. For
example, horizontal units may either be seconds or points; phase angle may
be degrees or radians. (Vertical units are always Volts.)

Use the option buttons to set units of measure. When you choose a different
unit of measure, the current edit box value converts to the new units.

2Ć8

Operating Basics