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Agilent M9330A/M9331A Series
PXI-H Arbitrary Waveform
Generator Modules
User’s Guide
M9330-90004
Agilent Technologies
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Manual Part Number
M9330-90004
Edition
Edition, May 15, 2012
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1 Introducing the Agilent Technologies M933x Series AWG Modules
Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules 8
Front Panel Interface 8
Graphical User Interface (GUI) 10
Getting Started 11
System Requirements 11
Installation of Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules 12
Verifying System Operation 14
System Set Up 14
Waveform Playback 14
Shutting Down the System 18
Maintenance 18
2 Basic Operation
Using the Graphical User Interface 20
Generating a Single Tone Signal 20
Generating a Multi-tone Signal
Creating and Playing a Sequence 25
23
Synchronizing Two Agilent M9330A Series AWG Modules 27
Internal Clock Synchronization Using Continuous Mode 27
Using the Programmatic Interfaces 31
IVI-C Driver Functionality 31
MATLAB Interface 31
Programming examples 32
3 Theory of Operation
Theory of Operation 34
Block Diagram 34
Clock I/O 34
Waveform Playback 36
Basic Sequencing 37
Advanced Sequencing 38
Markers 43
Triggers 45
Synchronous Triggers
Signal Conditioning 47
Digital Predistortion 49
Multiple Module Synchronization 50
Multiple Module Synchronous Trigger Timing 53
46
Agilent M9330A Series AWG Modules, User’s Guide 3
4 Option 300 Dynamic Sequencing
Dynamic Sequencing 56
AUX PORT Connector 57
Signal Levels 58
Signal Descriptions 58
5 Option 330 Direct Digital Synthesis
Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) 60
Direct Digital Synthesis Using the Control Utility 61
Theory of Operation 68
6 Application Note, Predistortion
Overview 72
Waveform Scaling 75
Examples of Advanced Waveform Scaling Controls Usage 77
Reconstruction Filters 78
DDS 78
Operational Details 79
AGM933X ATTR PREDISTORTION ENABLED 79
AGM933X ATTR PREDISTORTION VALID 79
AGM933X ATTR PREDISTORTION SCALE 79
AGM933X ATTR PREDISTORTION BANDWIDTH 80
AGM933X ATTR PREDISTORTION AUTOSCALE 80
AGM933X ATTR PREDISTORTION SCALE 80
AgM933x_Predistortion GetOptimumScaleRaw 80
Performance Issues 81
7 Application Note, Waveform Download & Sequencing
Overview 84
Downloading Waveforms 84
Memory Manager 84
Waveform Playback 87
Downloading Waveforms with Predictable Results 88
Building Sequences 89
8 Application Note, Advanced Sequencing
Overview 92
Scenarios 93
Scenario Selection 93
Starting and Changing Scenarios 93
Scenario Creation
4 Agilent M9330A Series AWG Modules, User’s Guide
94
Advanced Sequences 95
Waveform Advance Mode 95
Waveform Marker Mask 96
Triggering 97
Markers 98
Marker Events 98
Sequencer Generated Event Markers 98
Gate Markers 99
Marker Routing 99
Marker Pulse Width 99
Examples 100
9 Application Note, Synchronization of Multiple AWGs
The Sequencer 102
External Clock Usage 103
Clock Distribution 104
Triggering 105
Trigger Configuration Options 106
External Trigger Synchronization 107
Matlab 108
The Control Utility (GUI) 108
Advanced Sequencing 108
10 Frequently Asked Questions
11 Troubleshooting
Software 118
Removing the Software 118
Moving the Software 118
Updating the Software 118
Contacting Agilent 119
Agilent on the Web 119
12 Characteristics
Technical Characteristics 122
Channels 122
Modulation Bandwidth 122
Resolution 122
Output Spectral Purity - (CH1 and CH2) 122
Sample Clock 123
Frequency reference
123
Agilent M9330A Series AWG Modules, User’s Guide 5
Waveform length 123
Segments 123
Sequences 123
External Triggers 124
External Markers 124
Module Synchronization 124
Analog Output 125
Analog Output Levels 125
General Characteristics 126
Power 126
Environmental 126
Safety 126
EMC 126
Weight 127
Security 127
Dimensions 127
Test Certificate
ISO compliance 127
Options 127
Declaration of Conformity 127
127
6 Agilent M9330A Series AWG Modules, User’s Guide
Introducing the Agilent Technologies M933x Series AWG Modules 1
1
Introducing the
Agilent Technologies M933x Series
AWG Modules
The M933x Series AWG modules are wideband arbitrary waveform
generators (AWGs) capable of creating high-resolution waveforms for
radar, satellite, and frequency agile communication systems.
Each channel of the M933x Series AWG modules operate at 1.25 GS/s.
• The M933x Series AWG has 15 bits of vertical reM933xsolution.
• The M9331A Series AWG module has 10 bits of vertical resolution.
Both M933x Series AWG modules are 4-slot 3U PXI modules that offer
dual differential output channels to drive both single-ended and balanced
designs. The M933x Series AWG modules include a complete software
suite to speed waveform development and system integration supporting
MATLAB, VEE, LABVIEW, and IVI-C programmatic interfaces. In addition,
the following two options are available:
• “Option 300 Dynamic Sequencing" described on page 55
• “Option 330 Direct Digital Synthesis" described on page 59
Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules 8
Front Panel Interface 8
Graphical User Interface (GUI) 10
Getting Started 11
System Requirements 11
Installation of Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules 12
Modules in a Chassis with an Embedded Controller 12
Modules in a Pre-Existing Chassis with Controller 13
Verifying System Operation 14
Shutting Down the System 18
Maintenance 18
Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules, User’s Guide 7
1 Introducing the Agilent Technologies M933x Series AWG Modules
Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules
Front Panel Interface
MARKERS
There are four SMB female marker output connectors that can be used for
triggering or system synchronization. The connectors are 3.3 V TTL/CMOS
30 ohm series terminated. The output is capable of driving a 50 ohm load.
TRIGGERS
There are four SMB female trigger input connectors that are used to
control the waveforms in the sequencer and create event-based signal
simulation. The connectors support TTL/CMOS, ECL, and PECL logic
levels.
Injector/Ejector Handle
This injector/ejector handle is used during installation and removal of
M933x Series AWG modules.
8 Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules, User’s Guide
Introducing the Agilent Technologies M933x Series AWG Modules 1
CH 1/CH 2 OUT
The CH 1 OUT and CH 2 OUT positive (+) connectors are used for
single-ended operation. Use both the positive (+) and negative (
connectors for differential operation.
Refer to “Signal Conditioning" described on page 47 for more information.
)
AUX PORT
The AUX port enables “Option 300 Dynamic Sequencing" described on
page 55.
EXT CLK IN
Use this 50 ohm SMA external clock in connector to input an external
sample clock. It will accept clock rates in the range of 100 MS/s through
1.25 GS/s. Refer to “External Clock" described on page 35 for more
information.
An error message will appear if the clock rate does not match the
hardware setting, or an external clock is not present.
INT CLK OUT
Use this 50 ohm SMA internal clock out connector to route the internal
1.25 GS/s clock to other test instruments or devices.
10 MHz REF IN
Use this 50 ohm SMA 10 MHz reference in connector to input an external
10 MHz reference.
SYNC CLK IN/SYNC CLK OUT
These connectors support synchronization of multiple modules. Refer to
“Multiple Module Synchronization" described on page 50.
Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules, User’s Guide 9
1 Introducing the Agilent Technologies M933x Series AWG Modules
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
The tab-based graphical interaction of the GUI gives instant access to
parameters for the M933x Series AWG modules, making it easy to
configure signal output. Each tab is labeled with its contents, enabling
quick access to all functions. Figure 1 displays the first level of the GUI. For
more information on the GUI, refer to the Agilent M933x Series
AWG Modules Online Help. Access this from the application Help menu or
in Windows: Start > Programs > Agilent > M933x > Soft Front Panel.
Figure 1 Graphical User Interface
10 Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules, User’s Guide
Getting Started
System Requirements
Introducing the Agilent Technologies M933x Series AWG Modules 1
Hardware
PXI compliant chassis with documentation
PXI compliant embedded controller
or
PXI interface link with related documentation
Agilent E4440A spectrum analyzer or equivalent (system verification)
Supported Operating Systems
• Windows XP, 32-bit
• Windows Vista, 32-bit, 64-bit
• Windows 7, 32-bit, 64-bit
Software Requirements
• Windows .NET Framework, Version 3.5 or greater
Redistributable Package
• IVI Compliance Package, Version 4.1 or greater, which includes the
IVI Shared Components
Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules, User’s Guide 11
1 Introducing the Agilent Technologies M933x Series AWG Modules
Installation of Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage the highly sensitive
components in M933x Series AWG modules. ESD damage is most
likely to occur as M933x Series AWG modules are being installed or
when cables are connected or disconnected. Protect the circuits
from ESD damage by wearing a grounding strap that provides a high
resistance path to ground. Alternatively, ground yourself to
discharge any static charge built-up by touching the outer shell of
any grounded instrument chassis before touching the port
connectors.
Modules in a Chassis with an Embedded Controller
Check the shipment:
• chassis
• embedded controller
• M933x Series AWG modules
• M9330A CD
• Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules, User’s Guide
This configuration is ready to use. The embedded controller, modules, and
all the software were installed prior to shipment.
At least one EMC filler panel must separate the controller from the
M933x Series AWG modules. EMC filler panels must be installed in all
open slots to ensure proper chassis airflow; this enables effective cooling.
12 Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules, User’s Guide
Introducing the Agilent Technologies M933x Series AWG Modules 1
Modules in a Pre-Existing Chassis with Controller
Check the shipment:
• M933x Series AWG modules
• M9330A CD
• Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules, User’s Guide
Install the Software:
• Insert the M9330A CD into the CD drive and follow the instructions.
• If the install application fails to come up, navigate to the CD drive and
double-click setup.bat.
Once the installation is complete, turn off the controller and make sure the
chassis is switched off. Then install the module in the chassis as shown in
the figure below.
NOTE: Please make sure that the software is properly installed before
installing the module in the chassis
Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules, User’s Guide 13
1 Introducing the Agilent Technologies M933x Series AWG Modules
Verifying System Operation
System Set Up
Embedded Controller
1 Start with the controller (PC) turned off.
2 Connect the keyboard, mouse, and monitor to the controller front panel
interface.
3 Connect the power cord to the chassis and turn the power on.
Waveform Playback
An Agilent E4440A spectrum analyzer or equivalent is required to view the
waveforms.
1 Connect a 10 MHz reference to the M933x Series AWG modules front
panel connector. If you are using a PXI chassis, use the backplane
10 MHz reference.
2 Connect the channel 1 positive (+) output to the spectrum analyzer RF
input connector.
3 Open the user interface by double-clicking the M9330A Control Utility
icon placed on the desktop during installation.
If there is no icon, go the Start > Programs > Agilent > M933x and
select Control Utility to open the user interface.
4 In the Output tab (Figure 2), configure the signal conditioning path to
include the 500 MHz reconstruction filter through CH1 OUT (toggle the
switches you want to connect) on channel 1 and channel 2. The
connection will automatically enable differential mode. Click on the
14 Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules, User’s Guide
Introducing the Agilent Technologies M933x Series AWG Modules 1
negative () node to enable single-ended mode. Notice that the Output
drops to 0.250 volts.
Figure 2 Output Tab
5 Select the Clock tab (Figure 3) and configure the internal clock to
10 MHz REF IN. If you are using a PXI chassis, leave the clock set to
the default Backplane 10 MHz.
Figure 3 Clock Tab
Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules, User’s Guide 15
1 Introducing the Agilent Technologies M933x Series AWG Modules
6 In the Quick Play section of the user interface, browse and select the
100MHz.bin waveform file for channels 1 and 2.
Figure 4 Quick Play
7 Click Play.
The spectrum analyzer cabled to channel 1 should display a spurious free
dynamic range (SFDR):
• of at least 65 dBc for the M9330A Series AWG module, as shown in
Figure 5
• of at least 50 dBc for the M9331A Series AWG module, as shown in
Figure 6
Figure 5 M9330A Series AWG Module
16 Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules, User’s Guide
Introducing the Agilent Technologies M933x Series AWG Modules 1
Figure 6 M9331A Series AWG Module
The spectrum analyzer should also display an SFDR of at least 65 dBc for
the M9330A Series AWG module and at least 50 dBc for the
M9331A Series AWG module when channel 2 positive (+) is connected to
the spectrum analyzer RF input connector.
Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules, User’s Guide 17
1 Introducing the Agilent Technologies M933x Series AWG Modules
Shutting Down the System
1 Close the M9330A Control Utility.
2 Shut down Windows (Start > Shut Down).
3 When Windows is completely shut down, power off the chassis.
Maintenance
To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the instrument and/or
system from mains before cleaning. Use a dry cloth or one slightly
dampened with water to clean the external case parts. Do not
attempt to clean internally.
18 Agilent M933x Series AWG Modules, User’s Guide
Basic Operation 2
2
Basic Operation
This chapter guides you through the basic operation of the M9330A Series
AWG modules. Prior to following these procedures, the M9330A Series
AWG modules must be installed in a PXI chassis and software must be
installed on the controller or PC. Refer to “Getting Started" described on
page 11 for complete instructions on how to complete these tasks.
Using the Graphical User Interface 20
Generating a Single Tone Signal 20
Generating a Multi-tone Signal 23
Creating and Playing a Sequence 25
Synchronizing Two Agilent M9330A Series AWG Modules 27
Using the Programmatic Interfaces 31
IVI-C Driver Functionality 31
MATLAB Interface 31
Programming examples 32
Agilent M9330A Series PXI-H AWG Modules, User’s Guide 19
2 Basic Operation
Using the Graphical User Interface
Generating a Single Tone Signal
A spectrum analyzer is required to display the waveforms.
Use the following procedure as a guide to basic single-ended waveform
playback with M9330A Series AWG modules. All waveform parameters
need to be set prior to waveform playback.
1 Connect a 10 MHz reference from the spectrum analyzer to the front
panel connector of the M9330A Series AWG modules. If you are using
a PXI chassis, use the Backplane 10 MHz reference.
2 Connect the channel 1 positive (+) output to the spectrum analyzer
RF input connector.
3 Open the user interface by double-clicking the M9330A icon placed on
the desktop during installation.
If an icon was not placed on the desktop, go to:
Start > Programs > Agilent > M933x > M933x SFP
4 Select the Output tab (Figure 7) and connect a single-ended signal
conditioning path to CH1 OUT (+) (click on the node that you want to
connect).
Figure 7 Output Tab
The connection will automatically enable differential mode. Click on
the negative (
Notice that the default gain value was 0.500 volts. Once you select
single-ended mode, the value drops to 0.250 volts. These are maximum
values for the modes indicated.
5 Select the Clock tab (Figure 5) and configure the 10 MHz REF IN. For
this example, we utilized the 10 MHz reference from the
) node to open this path and enable single-ended mode.
20 Agilent M9330A Series PXI-H AWG Modules, User’s Guide
Basic Operation 2
E4440 spectrum analyzer in step 1. If using a PXI chassis, leave the
clock set to the default Backplane 10 MHz.Clock Tab
6 In the Quick Play section of the user interface (Figure 8), browse and
select the desired single tone waveform file for Channel 1 Waveform.
The M9330A Series AWG module accepts data formatted as 16-bit
signed integers ignoring the LSB.
Figure 8 Quick Play
Different waveforms can be loaded into channel 1 and 2, but the length of
the waveforms must be the same.
Use the default setting for the play mode and predistortion.
Click Play.
Agilent M9330A Series PXI-H AWG Modules, User’s Guide 21
2 Basic Operation
Figure 9 displays a 100 MHz waveform played back on the M9330A Series
AWG module. The SFDR is greater than 70.0 dBc.
Figure 10 displays a 100 MHz waveform played back on the M9331A Series
AWG module. The SFDR is greater than 50.0 dBc.
Figure 9 M9330A Series AWG Module
Figure 10 M9331A Series AWG Module
22 Agilent M9330A Series PXI-H AWG Modules, User’s Guide
Generating a Multi-tone Signal
Follow steps 1-5 of “Generating a Single Tone Signal" described on
page 20 to configure the signal path and clock reference.
In the Quick Play section of the Control Utility, browse and select the
desired multi-tone waveform for channel 1.
Use the default setting for play mode and predistortion.
Click Play.
For this example, a waveform with five tones was used. The
intermodulation distortion produced by the five tones played back on the
M9330A Series AWG module is less than 60.0 dB, Figure 11. The
intermodulation distortion produced by the five tones played back on the
M9331A Series AWG module is less than 45.0 dB, Figure 12.
Basic Operation 2
Agilent M9330A Series PXI-H AWG Modules, User’s Guide 23
2 Basic Operation
Figure 11 M9330A Series AWG Module, 5 Tone
Figure 12 M9331A Series AWG Module, 5 Tone
24 Agilent M9330A Series PXI-H AWG Modules, User’s Guide
Creating and Playing a Sequence
Follow steps 1-5 of “Generating a Single Tone Signal" described on
page 20 to configure the signal path and clock reference.
1 Select the Sequencer tab.
2 From the Segment List select Add. This brings up a Segment
Information window.
3 Browse and select the 100 MHz waveform, then click OK.
For dual channel sequencing, add the same waveform to both channel
1 and channel 2. Currently, the software does not support independent
channel sequencing.
4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 twice, selecting the 2tone and 5_tone waveforms.
5 In the Segment List, select the 100 MHz waveform.
6 In the Sequence Definition area, select Add. This will bring up the
Enter Repetition Count window.
Basic Operation 2
7 Enter 5000 repetitions and click OK.
8 Repeat steps 5, 6, and 7 for the 2tone and 5_tone waveforms.
9 In the Sequence Definition area, select Segment ID 2 and move it
below Segment ID 3 using the down arrow.
10 Click Modify and change the count to 50000. The sequencer tab should
look like Figure 13.
Figure 13 Sequencer Tab
Agilent M9330A Series PXI-H AWG Modules, User’s Guide 25
2 Basic Operation
11 Click Download & Play. The spectrum of the sequence should be
similar to the one shown in Figure 14.
Figure 14 Playback of a Sequence
26 Agilent M9330A Series PXI-H AWG Modules, User’s Guide
Synchronizing Two Agilent M9330A Series AWG Modules
Internal Clock Synchronization Using Continuous Mode
When synchronizing two modules using the internal clock, one unit is
designated as the Master and the other unit is designated as the Slave.
The Master unit sources the sample clock and the sync clock signals.
These signals are split and fed to the synchronized modules (the Master
as well as the Slave).
The internal sample clock operates at 1.25 GHz and provides the final
retiming of the analog output from each M9330A Series AWG modules.
Any skew in the sample clock cable delays between the modules will
result in the same skew in the analog outputs.The sample clock signal is
split with a matched passive divider and the cable lengths are matched.
The resulting skew is small and repeatable.
Required Equipment
Basic Operation 2
• M9330A Series AWG modules
• PXI chassis
• Embedded controller
Cable Kit
• SMB Cable Assembly, (3 each)
• SMB Adapter Tee M-M-M (1 each)
• SMA Cable Assembly, 10 in (4 each
• Power Divider, 11636B (2 each)
Customer Furnished Cables
• SMA to BNC Cable (2 each, equal length)
Procedure Using a Software Marker
1 Start with the system turned off.
2 Connect equipment cables as shown in Figure 15.
Agilent M9330A Series PXI-H AWG Modules, User’s Guide 27
2 Basic Operation
Figure 15 Cabling for Two Module Synchronization
3 Turn the system on.
28 Agilent M9330A Series PXI-H AWG Modules, User’s Guide
Basic Operation 2
Selecting the Master Unit
1 Open an M9330A Control Utility session (double-click the M933x
SFP icon on the desktop).
2 Highlight the Master unit in the M9330A Selection window list and
click OK.
Figure 16 M9330A Selection Window
3 Select the desired signal conditioning path.
4 Select the desired waveform file.
5 Select the Clock tab.
6 From the SYNC CLK IN drop-down list, select Master.
Notice the following changes to the graphical user interface that are
automatically configured when the Master unit is assigned:
Clock Tab
• the internal clock is no longer driving the sample clock
• the sample clock and sync clock out are driven by the external clock in
signal
• the sync clock in signal communicates with the sequencer
Marker Tab
• Marker 4 is assigned to a Software marker and is grayed out
Trigger Tab
• Start trigger is assigned to Trigger 4 and is grayed out
Selecting the Slave Unit
1 Open an M9330A Control Utility session (double-click the M933x
SFP icon on the desktop).
2 Highlight the Slave unit in the M9330A Selection window list and
click OK.
3 Select the desired signal conditioning path.
4 Select the desired waveform file.
Agilent M9330A Series PXI-H AWG Modules, User’s Guide 29
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