IM-377 IM-377 Model 8210A-2-5 Operation & Installation Manual SmartStep Programmable Attenuator/Switch Controller (Model 8210A-2-5) This documentation may not be reproduced in any form, for any purpose unless authorized in writing by Aeroflex / Weinschel, Inc. © Aeroflex / Weinschel, Inc. Frederick, Maryland 2003 - 2010 AeroflexRev. / Weinschel Manual 01-10 Firmware Version 1.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. GENERAL INFORMATION.................................................................................................................................................... 4 1-1. PURPOSE ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 1-2. SCOPE ..................................................................................
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 7-8. GENERAL SYNTAX STRUCTURE .............................................................................................................................................. 20 7-8.1. SYNTAX OF QUERIES ....................................................................................................................................................... 20 7-8.2. SYNTAX OF COMMANDS..........................................................................................................
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 1. GENERAL INFORMATION: 1-1 PURPOSE: This manual contains setup and operation information for the Aeroflex/Weinschel’s Model 8210A-2-5 SmartStep™ Programmable Attenuator/ Switch Controller. The manual also provides component location, reference designators, part numbers, and nomenclature to identify all the assemblies and subassemblies of the Attenuator Unit.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 1-4. UNPACKING AND INSPECTION: Upon unpacking the equipment, retain the shipping container and packing material for future shipment for recalibration. Perform the following initial inspection: a. Carefully look at the outside of the shipping container for discoloration, stains, charring, or other signs of exposure to excessive heat, moisture, or liquid chemicals.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 1-7. RELATED MANUALS: The following manuals contain information that may be used in conjunction with this manual to operate, service, or calibrate this instrument. Manual Title H4-1 and H4-2 Federal Supply Code for Manufacturers Cataloging Handbook 1-8. ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE: The equipment documented in this manual contains certain Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive (ESDS) components or parts.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 2. SPECIFICATIONS: 2.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 3. PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS: Note: All dimensions are given in mm (inches) and are maximum, unless specified.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 4. INSTALLATION: 4-1. MOUNTING: Each SmartStep Interface is supplied with four 4-40 UNC-2B mounting holes located on bottom side of the housing. Screw penetration into housing is 3/16" maximum. See paragraph 3 for mounting location. 4-2 CONFIGURING THE 8210A-2-5 HARDWARE: Figure 2 and the following steps are provided as a guideline in connecting up the Model 8210A-2-5 and its associated system components. Figure 2. Sample Interconnection Diagram a.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 5. SERIAL (RS-232, RS-232 & RS-485) OPERATION: 5-1. SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS SETTINGS: The Serial Communications options are programmed via an internal 8 position DIP switch SW1 which is located on the rear panel. The switch is shared between the two functions, with SW1-1 controlling the selection. When SW1-1 is OFF, the remaining switches are used fro other configurations.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 Figure 4. Model 8210A-2-5 Internal Switch Locations 6-2. Serial Operation. The serial interface (RS232/RS422) provides a means of remotely programming the 8210A2-5 via external computer. The 8210A-2-5 provides for user-selectable communications parameters via a DIP switch (SW1), including baud rate, data format, and handshaking method. LED indicators are provided for transmit (TX) and receive (RX) activity.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 Software handshaking uses the XON/XOFF scheme in which an ASCII DC3 (0x13) character is transmitted by the receiver to indicate that data transmission should be halted (XOFF), and an ASCII DC1 (0x11) character is transmitted to indicate that data transmission may continue (XON). Hardware handshaking utilizes the RTS and CTS lines. When the RTS output signal is asserted true, the unit is ready for data.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 5-3. RS-232 Operation: The RS-232 Serial port is a 9-pin connector that is compatible with the pin-out of the serial port on a PC. It allows the use of a null-modem style cable. The pin-out for the connector is show below. For clarity, the signal names and directions are relative to the 8210A-2-5.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 5-4. RS-422/RS485 OPERATION: The RS422/RS485 Serial mode is useful in applications requiring long cable lengths (up to5000 ft at 9600 baud), or in electrically noisy environments. All communication parameters available for the RS232 port are available under RS422 operation (baud rate, handshaking, etc). Full Duplex operation is supported. The RS422 port utilizes a 9-pin connector. The pin-out for the connector is show below.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 6. DEVICE INTERFACE BUS (DIB) OPERATION 6-1. GENERAL OPERATION: The Device Interface Bus is a serial bus that includes a physical layer based on the two-wire I2C serial bus developed by Philips, and several software layers. The software layers are based on the ACCESS.Bus protocols V2.2, and include a base protocol, and several specific device protocols, along with specific Weinschel extensions to control RF devices.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 6-2. DIB CONNECTOR. This connector (shown below) is a 14-pin 0.025" square post header @ 0.1" centers and is located on the front panel of the Model 8210A-2-5 and mates with AMP connector P/N 746285-2 or equivalent.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 7. CONFIGURING & USING THE 8210A-2-5 7-1. MANUFACTURING SELECT SWITCH SW3: NOTE: DO NOT change these switches from the default setting sunless instructed to do so by the factory. This information is provided for reference only (Figure 5 shows the location of this switch).
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 Currently, there are four protocols. These are the Base, Attn, StepAttn, and Switch protocols. They are arranged as follows: Base Protocol Attn Protocol StepAttn Protocol Switch Protocol Devices that support the Attn Protocol also include support for the Base Protocol. Such a device does not, however, include support for the StepAttn Protocol, and would not be able to execute commands supported by this protocol.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 The 8210A-2-5 currently supports up to 4 attenuator groups, each of which allow up to 32 physical or virtual attenuators. During the setup process, the user assigns a name to the group, and lists the attenuators that comprise the group, which may be stored in the8210A-2-5’s non-volatile EEPROM memory for future use. During the power-up configuration process, the 8210A-2-5 will automatically recall and assign these group associations. 7-6. THE VIRTUAL SWITCH.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 Standard Event Status Register/ Standard Event Status Enable Register Formats D7 ON D6 URQ D5 CME D4 EXE D3 DDE D2 QYE D1 RQC D0 OPC Bit Mnemonic Description 7 PON Power On: This bit indicates that the device has powered-on 6 URQ User Request: This event bit indicates that a local control is causing a User Request 5 CME Command Error: The parser has detected a syntax error in the current command.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 7-8.2 SYNTAX OF COMMANDS: A command message unit is made up of a command header, optionally followed by an argument and units, and ended by a program message terminator. If multiple commands are made on the same program line, separate the individual command messages with a semicolon. Arguments - The 8210A-2-5 supports a variety of argument types that can be used in program commands.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 7-8.3 OUTPUT DATA FORMAT. Output data from the Model 8210A-2-5 consists of a series of ASCII digits and message strings, terminated with an ASCII Line-Feed character (0AH), in response to a program message that contains one or more query commands. In the case of multiple query commands in the same program message, the data resulting from each of the individual message units will be separated by an ASCII comma (2CH) character. 7-8.4 NOTATIONAL CONVENTION.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 7-9. 488.2 COMMON COMMANDS *CLS Function: Syntax: Argument(s): Remarks: Return Value: Example(s): Clears the Status Byte and Event Status Registers. *CLS none This function is used to clear the Status Byte and the Event Status Registers. none *CLS *ESE Function: Syntax: Argument(s): Remarks: Return Value: Example(s): Sets the Event Status Enable Register. *ESE mask mask integer bitmask This function is used to set the Event Status Enable Register to the value specified by mask.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 *RST Function: Syntax: Argument(s): Remarks: Return Value: Example(s): Performs a device reset. *RST none This function is used to reset the device. none *RST *OPC Function: Syntax: Argument(s): Remarks: Operation complete service request. *OPC none This function generates the Operation Complete message (OPC) in the Standard Event Status Register when all pending device operations have finished.
Model 8210A-2-5 7-10. IM-377 Device Assignment & Configuration Commands ASSIGN? Function: Syntax: Argument(s): Assign a name to a physical device ASSIGN name model serialno name string10 device name model string8 device model serialno int16 device serial number Remarks: This function is used to assign a user-definable name to a physical device.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 REASSIGN Function: Reassign device names. Syntax: REASSIGN Argument(s): none Remarks: This function is used to reassign changes that may have been made to the device assignments with the ASSIGN, ASSIGN ATTN, and ASSIGN SWITCH commands. Unlike the RECONFIG command, it does not perform the physical device configuration process, and executes much faster.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 ADDR? Reads the Device Interface Bus address assigned to a device. This command has two forms: ADDR? devname ADDR? model id Argument(s): devname string10 assigned device name or model string8 device model id integer32 device serial number/id Remarks: This function is used to read the address assigned to the specified device during the configuration process.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 7-11. Attenuator Assignment ASSIGN ATTN Function: Syntax: Argument(s): Assign a virtual attenuator ASSIGN ATTN name devname [devname [devname [devname]]] name string10 virtual attenuator name devname string10 device name(s). see remarks. Remarks: This function is used to assign a user-definable name and configuration to a virtual attenuator.
Model 8210A-2-5 7-12. IM-377 Attenuator Control ATTN Set attenuation ATTN name atten (specific form) or ATTN atten (non-specific form) name string10 attenuator or group name atten real desired value, in dB Remarks: This function sets the attenuation of attenuator name to atten. This command may be used with both physical and virtual attenuation devices supporting the AttnProtocol. The parameter name must have been previously assigned using either the ASSIGN, ASSIGN ATTN, or GROUP command.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 RELATTN? Function: Read relative attenuation Syntax: RELATTN? name Argument(s): name string10 attenuator name Remarks: This function reads the relative attenuation of attenuator name. This command may be used with both physical and virtual attenuation devices supporting the AttnProtocol. The parameter name must have been previously assigned using either the ASSIGN or ASSIGN ATTN command.
Model 8210A-2-5 ATTN? GETCAP IM-377 Function: Reads the capability of an attenuator Syntax: ATTN? GETCAP name Argument(s): name string10 attenuator name Remarks: This function reads the capability information of attenuator name. This command may be used with both physical and virtual attenuation devices supporting the AttnProtocol. The parameter name must have been previously assigned using either the ASSIGN or ASSIGN ATTN command.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 7-13. Switch Assignment ASSIGN SWITCH Function: Syntax: Argument(s): Assign a virtual switch ASSIGN SWITCH name name string10 devname string10 mask integer16 mode integer devname mask mode virtual switch name device name output mask operational mode (0=Encoded, 1=Decoded) (may also use the string literals ENCODE or DECODE) Remarks: This function is used to assign a user-definable name and configuration to a virtual switch.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 7-14. Switch Control SWITCH Function: Syntax: Argument(s): SWITCH? Function: Read switch setting Syntax: SWITCH? name (specific form) or SWITCH? (non-specific form) Argument(s): name string10 switch name Remarks: In the specific form, this function reads the setting of switch name. This command may be used with both physical and virtual switch devices supporting the SwitchProtocol.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 7-15. Group Assignment GROUP Function: Syntax: Argument(s): GROUP? Function: reads a group assignment Syntax: GROUP? groupname Argument(s): groupname string10 group name Remarks: This function is used to read the attenuator names associated with a group assignment previously set using the GROUP command. It returns a count of the attenuators associated with groupname, and for each the attenuator name.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 7-16. Macro Commands MACRO Function: Syntax: Argument(s): Define a macro MACRO name text name string10 macro name text string macro body Remarks: This function is used to define a macro. The macro name may be any user-defined string, and may also be the same as internal commands. The macro text defines the command(s) that will be executed when the macro is invoked. Macros allow for up to 9 replaceable parameters, which are designated $1, $2, up to $9.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 7-17.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 7-18. MISC Commands REBOOT Function: Syntax: Argument(s): Remarks: Return Value: Example(s): Performs a complete system reset REBOOT none This function is used to perform a system reset, similar to a power on reset none REBOOT ECHO Function: Control serial port echoing Syntax: ECHO setting Argument(s): setting integer echo enable/disable Remarks: This function can be used to enable/disable the echoing of received characters for serial port operation.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 IDN Function: Argument(s): Assigns system model, and serial number Syntax: IDN model serialno model string10 system model serialno string10 system serial number Remarks: This function is used to set the system identification info. The assignment can be stored in non-volatile memory via the SAVE IDN command, and will be recalled during system initialization.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 7-20. Base Protocol Commands DEVICE RESET Function: Syntax: Argument(s): Remarks: Return Value: Example(s): DEVICE? PRESENCECHECK Function: Sends a PresenceCheck request to a device Syntax: DEVICE? PRESENCECHECK addr Argument(s): addr addr integer address Remarks: This function is used to send a PresenceCheck msg to the specified address. It returns a ’1’ if the specified device responds, otherwise the function returns ’0’.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 7-21. Step Attenuator Protocol Commands DEVICE ATTN Function: Syntax: Argument(s): Sets the attenuation of a device DEVICE ATTN addr atten addr integer address atten unit attenuation, scaled to 0.01 (ie INT(A*100)) Remarks: This function is used to set the attenuation of a device. The atten parameter is an integer representation of the desired attenuation, scaled by a factor of 100 (ie the protocol supports a resolution of 0.01dB).
Model 8210A-2-5 DEVICE? READ COUNTER Aeroflex / Weinschel IM-377 Function: Syntax: Argument(s): Reads the cycle counter for the specified relay cell DEVICE? READ COUNTER addr cellno addr integer address relay byte relay # (1-8) Remarks: This function is used to read the setting of the device’s relay switching counter, which records the total number of switching cycles the cell has performed since mfg.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 7-22. Switch Protocol Commands DEVICE SET Function: Syntax: Argument(s): Remarks: Return Value: Example(s): Sets the output of a device DEVICE SET addr setting addr integer address setting word output setting This function is used set the output of a device.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 9. Programming and Configuration Examples Example 1: Single Attenuator If there is only one attenuator connected to the 8210A-2-5, then the assignment of a device name is not required, and operation couldn’t be simpler. You can just send attenuation commands and queries, ignoring the device name parameter. ATTN 53 ; sets the attenuator to 53 dB ATTN? ; returns ’53.00’ Example 2: Multiple Attenuators In this example, we will use two attenuators.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 Example 3: Virtual Attenuator In this example, we will use two attenuators to create a virtual attenuator. We will use a Model 150T-70 (70dB/10dB steps) serial number 101, and a Model 150T-11 (11dB/1dB steps) serial number 102, to create a virtual attenuator with an 81dB (70+11) range, in 1dB steps. We will use the name ’AT1’ for the 150T-70, ’AT2’ for the 150T-11, and we will name the resulting virtual attenuator ’CHAN1’. a. Assign names to the two attenuators.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 Example 4: Attenuator Groups In this example, we will use four attenuators to create an attenuator group. We will use the following devices: Attenuator #1: Model 3200T-1, serial number 101 Attenuator #2: Model 3200T-1, serial number 102 Attenuator #3: Model 3200T-1, serial number 103 Attenuator #4: Model 3200T-1, serial number 104 We will use the names ’AT1’ thru ’AT4’ for these attenuators, and we will name the resulting group ’GROUP1’ a. Assign names to the four attenuators.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 Example 5: Multiple Virtual Attenuators with Groups In this example, we will use eight attenuators to create four virtual attenuators, and then assign these to two different groups. The virtual attenuators will each be comprised of a Model 3200T-1 (127dB/1dB steps) and a Model 3201T-4 (1.2dB/0.1dB steps) to create a virtual 128.2dB/0.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 Example 6: Single SPDT Switch This example shows using the Relay Output Card (Model 193-8015) to control a SPDT RF switch (failsafe type). Typically, a SPDT switch requires 1 control line to set the state of the switch, and the switch has two states: 0 (off, or NC), and 1 (on, or NO). We will use Relay Output 1 from the Relay Card to control the switch. The serial number of the Relay Output Card is serial number 110 . We will assign the name ’RLYBD’ to the Relay Card. a.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 Example 8: Multiple SP4T Switches (Virtual Switch) This example shows using the Relay Output Card (Model 193-8015) to control two SP4T RF switches (failsafe type). Typically, a SP4T switch requires 4 control lines to set the state of the switch, and the switch has 5 states: 0 ( all off), and position 1 thru position 4. The switch operates in a "one-of-N" manner, in that only one control line is used at a time.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 Example 9: Using macros to simplify programming multiple RF Switches This example shows how using macros can simplify the programming of large switching matrices. In order to simplify the example, we will only use 3 SPDT switches. Assume that the switches are arranged in a tree fashion, with the two outputs of SW1 connected to the inputs of SW2 and SW3, respectively, creating 4 output paths from switches SW2 and SW3.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 10. Maintenance: The Model 8210A-2-5 SmartStep Interface requires no scheduled or preventive maintenance other than the normal handling and cleaning procedures. If cleaning is necessary, use currents of compressed air and a lint-free tissue. Where more drastic measures are required, use tissue that is moistened (not saturated) with methanol. When such cleaning precautions are observed regularly, connectors can maintain their stability for several thousand connection cycles. 11.
Model 8210A-2-5 IM-377 13. Contacting Aeroflex / Weinschel: In the event of a malfunction, contact Aeroflex / Weinschel. An apparent malfunction of an instrument or component may be diagnosed over the phone by first contacting the Customer Service Department at Aeroflex / Weinschel. DO NOT send the instrument or component back to the factory without prior authorization.
APPENDIX A - Reserved Keywords *CLS CYCLERATE ISPRESENT? RELAY *ESE DCSTARTUP ISKEYWORD? RELAYCNT *ESE? DECODE LED RESET *ESR? DEFAULT LIST? SAVE *IDN? DELETE LOCKOUT SERIAL *OPC DEVICE (abbr DEV) MACRO SERIALNO *OPC? DRIVER MASK SET *RST ECHO MAX SETMASK *SRE EEPROM MEM SIMSW *SRE? EMC MODE STEPATTN *STB? ENAREPORT NAME STEPSIZE *TST? ENCODE OPTION SWDEBOUNCE *WAI EOS OUT SWITCH (abbr SW) ADDR ERASE OUTPORT SWSPEED APPTEST DECR POS SYSTEM ASSIGN (
APPENDIX B – 488.2 Documentation Number Required Item Implementation 1 Interface Function Subsets Implemented SH1, AH1, T6, L4, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT0, C0 2 Device behavior when the address is set outside of the 0-30 range. The 8210A address is set to 10. 3 4 5 When is a user address changed recognized? Description of settings at power-on. Message exchange options. a. Size and behavior of input buffer. b. Queries that return more than one c.
IM-377 Model 8210A-2-5 (IM-355) Revision Record REVISION DATE DESCRIPTION APPLICABLE SERIAL NUMBERS A 9/03 Initial Issue All Units B 4/04 Company Name change to Aeroflex / Weinschel.
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY This is to certify that the: SmartStep Programmable Attenuator & Controller 3200T-2 & 8210A-1/2 Manufactured by: Weinschel Corporation Conforms with the protection requirements of Council Directive 89/336/EEC and the Amending Directive 93/68/EEC, relating to Electromagnetic Compatibility, by the application of: EN50081-1: 1992 Generic Emissions Standard. (Class B Equipment) EN50082-1: 1992 Generic Immunity Standard.
