INSTRUCTION MANUAL EN TGF4000 SERIES 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz & 240MHz Dual Channel Arbitrary Function Generators
Overview 1. 1. CONTENTS ....................................................................................................................................................1 2. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................7 Overview ................................................................................................................................................................
Overview General soft-keys ........................................................................................................................................................ 24 Maintenance................................................................................................................................................................ 24 Cleaning .................................................................................................................................................
Overview Frequency shift keying (FSK) ...................................................................................................................................... 66 Binary phase shift keying (BPSK) ............................................................................................................................... 70 SUM modulation..........................................................................................................................................................
Overview 19. Utility Menu................................................................................................................................................113 System ...................................................................................................................................................................... 113 Instrument settings ...........................................................................................................................................
Overview USB interface ............................................................................................................................................................ 149 Installing USB driver for the first time ........................................................................................................................ 150 LAN interface ....................................................................................................................................................
Overview 27. Appendix 2.................................................................................................................................................185 Factory default settings ............................................................................................................................................. 185 28. Appendix 3.................................................................................................................................................
Overview 2. This manual covers all four TGF4000 dual channel generators. Where there are differences in the specification, the limits for the TGF4042 & TGF4082 are shown in square brackets [ ] after the TGF4162 & TGF4242 limits. These programmable function/arbitrary generators use direct digital synthesis techniques to provide high performance and extensive facilities in a compact instrument. They generate a wide variety of waveforms with high resolution and accuracy.
Symbols 3. This instruction manual contains information and warnings which must be followed by the user to ensure safe operation and to retain the instrument in a safe condition. The following symbols are displayed on the instrument and throughout the manual, to ensure the safety of the user and the instrument, all information must be read before proceeding. Indicates a hazard that, if not avoided, could result in injury or death.
Safety notices This instrument is: · A safety Class I instrument according to IEC classification and has been designed to meet the requirements of EN61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use). · an Installation Category II instrument intended for operation from a normal single-phase supply. · tested in accordance with EN61010-1 and has been supplied in a safe condition.
Mounting 4. This instrument is suitable both for bench use and rack mounting. For rack mounting the protective bezels and handle/stand can be removed such that the instrument can be fitted beside any other standard 2U half-rack instrument in a 19” rack. A suitable 2U 19” rack kit is available from the manufacturers or their overseas agents. See rack mount instructions for details on how to remove the protective bezel and handle. The generator uses a fan fitted to the rear panel.
Mains operating voltage 5. This instrument has a universal input range and will operate from a nominal 115V or 230V mains supply without adjustment. Check that the local supply meets the AC input requirement given in the Specification. Connect the instrument to the AC supply using the mains lead provided.
Overview 6. ① Flash drive This is a USB Host port for the connection of flash drive which conform to the Mass Storage Class specification. FAT16 or FAT32 filing systems are accepted. ② Colour screen ③ Power switch ④ Soft keys The function of these keys change as the instrument is operated. The current function is shown on the LCD in a box above each key. An empty box means that the key currently has no function.
Overview ⑥ Trigger/local key TRIGGER key is used to issue a manual trigger signal. This key is also used to return to local from remote mode. - Channel Keys The channel keys select the channel that is to be edited. When Channel 1 is selected the parameter fields text and soft-key background will be orange and the CH1 key will become illuminated, with Channel 2 these fields will change to green and the CH2 key will become illuminated.
Connections overview 7. ①AC power inlet ② Mod in This is the external modulation input socket for AM, FM, PM, SUM or PWM. Full-scale input is ±2.5V, frequency DC to 5MHz. Do not apply an external voltage exceeding ±5V. ③ Ref / count (ac) in Input for an external 10MHz reference clock and AC coupled external frequency measurement. Input range 100mVpp – 5Vpp. Do not apply external voltages exceeding ±10V to this signal connection.
Connections overview ⑤ Trig / count (dc) in This is the external input for ASK, FSK, BPSK, triggered sweep, gated burst, triggered burst and DC coupled external frequency measurement. Threshold is typically 1.2V and input sensitivity is 100mVpp. Do not apply external voltages exceeding + 5V or –1V to this signal connection. ⑥ LAN The LAN interface is designed to meet LXI 1.5 LXI Device Specification 2016. Remote control using the LAN interface is possible using the TCP/IP Socket protocol.
Using this manual 8. This section is a general introduction to the organisation of the instrument and is intended to be read before using the generator for the first time. In this manual front panel keys and sockets are shown in capitals, e.g. SWEEP, MAIN OUT; all soft-key labels, entry fields and messages displayed on the LCD are shown in a different type font, e.g. Offset, Sine. Connect the instrument to the AC supply using the mains lead provided.
Screen layout Once powered up the following screen will appear showing the generator parameters set to their default values, with the MAIN OUT output set to off. Refer to ‘Utility Operations’ for how to change the power up settings to either those at power down or to the defaults. Both channel tabs are displayed simultaneously, the selected channel is indicated by a specified coloured tab for easy identification; channel 1 is orange and channel 2 is green.
Status line details Channel tabs The channel fields contain two types of information, selected waveform (e.g. Sine) and signal status (On or Off). If tracking is selected, the Channel 2 field will be replaced with Tracking CH1, if tracking with inversion is selected the field will show InvTracking CH1. The only other exception is when calibrating the instrument, the tab will show Calibrating CH1 or Calibrating CH2 in the specific channel tab.
Display options Three different screen layout options are available, see ‘Utility Menu’ for details on how to change the display format. Layout 1: (Default) Shows both the parameters and the graph for the selected channel. Layout 2: Shows the parameters for both channels simultaneously. Layout 3: Shows the graphs for both channels simultaneously.
Numeric editing Any numeric parameter may be changed in one of the following ways: · Enter a new value from the numeric key pad. · Use the left and right cursor keys to select a digit position then use the knob to increment/decrement the value at that position. Using the numeric key pad Pressing a number key will erase the current parameter value in the Edit Box and replace it with the current entry. The Soft-key Labels will also change to a list of units applicable to the parameter being edited.
Numeric editing Using the knob and cursor keys The default settings for the knob is enabled To disable the knob, press once to hear the click, the cursor will no longer be shown; the knob is now disabled. To enable the knob, press once, the first numeric parameter will be displayed with an inverse edit cursor over one of the digits. The left and right cursor keys may be used to move the edit cursor to any digit in the value.
Editing principles The instrument parameters are edited using the keyboard in conjunction with the Soft-key Labels and the Edit Box. Generally, the required parameter is selected by pressing WAVES, PARAMS or MOD or soft-keys or a combination of these to show the parameter in the Edit Box. The parameter is then edited using the numeric keys, the soft-keys, the knob and cursor keys or a combination of these.
Information, warning and error messages Three classes of message are displayed on the screen in a Pop-up Box: INFORMATION messages are shown to inform the user of actions that are being taken, for example: Please wait... the current settings are being saved WARNING messages are shown when the entered setting causes some change which the user might not necessarily expect. For example: With square-wave selected at 1MHz and a Duty cycle of 25%, select sinewave and change the frequency to 100MHz.
General soft-keys often appears when editing and it always perform the same function. The key is known as BACK and will move the soft-key labels and Edit Box up one level in the hierarchy. The soft-key indicates that there are more options to show, press this key to show them. In this case there is one more list of options which will show when the One more press of the soft-key will show the first list again. soft-key is pressed. The Done key will move back to the top level in the hierarchy.
Waveform selection 9. Seven types of carrier waveform can be generated: · Sine · Square · Ramp · Pulse · Noise · PRBS · Arbitrary This section deals with the use of the instrument as a simple function /arbitrary generator, i.e. generating sine, square, ramp and arbitrary waveforms continuously with no modulation.
Waveform editing Frequency Pressing the Freq soft-key while it is highlighted will change the label to Period and time units will be used to edit the parameter. The upper frequency limits vary for the different waveform types; see ‘Specification’ for details. Amplitude Press WAVES key to return to waves menu and select a sine wave. Pressing the Ampl soft-key shows the amplitude parameter in the Edit Box and the Graph Box changes to show that amplitude is being edited.
Waveform editing DC offset Pressing the Offset soft-key shows the dc offset parameter in the Edit Box and the Graph Box changes to show that offset is being edited. High level and low level The instrument allows the amplitude and offset parameters to be entered in terms of high level and low level. Pressing either the Ampl or Offset soft-key while it is highlighted will switch the mode from amplitude/offset to high/low level. To return to amplitude/offset mode press the highlighted HiLvl or LoLvl soft-key.
Square-wave duty cycle With square-wave as the selected waveform, pressing the Duty soft-key shows the duty cycle parameter in the Edit Box and the Graph Box changes to show that duty cycle is being edited.
Ramp symmetry With ramp as the selected waveform pressing the Symm soft-key shows the symmetry parameter in the Edit Box. The Ramp waveform in the Graph Box will change to show a representation of the shape when the symmetry is being edited. To produce a triangle waveform set the symmetry to 50%.
Output Pressing the Output soft-key allows access to control the output parameters. Phase In the Output menu, press the Phase soft-key to change the start phase of the waveform. The phase parameter will appear in the Edit Box. The setting may be used to determine the phase difference between the two channels or between channel 1 waveform and its carrier sync. The channels may be phase aligned by pressing the Align soft-key. The Phase parameter is also used to set Burst Phase.
Output Range Pressing the Range soft-key will alternate between Auto and Hold. The instrument, by default, is in Auto mode; it auto-ranges in 6dB attenuator steps (i.e. ‘range’ maximums of 10Vpp, 5Vpp, 2.5Vpp, etc., into 50), With range set to Auto the amplifiers and attenuators will switch automatically for optimal performance, providing best amplitude resolution, noise and accuracy. Selecting Hold mode disables auto-ranging; the attenuator setting is fixed for the unit’s maximum amplitude.
Output Load Pressing the Load soft-key will show the current load value in the Edit Box. This is the value that is assumed to be loading at the instrument MAIN OUT connector. The value is used to calculate the actual values of amplitude and dc offset. The output impedance of the instrument MAIN OUT connector is fixed at 50 Pressing the Load soft-key will alternate between High-Z and the last value entered.
Arb waves The instrument contains a total of sixteen arbitrary waveforms, Twelve fixed: · Exponential Rise (ExpRis) · Exponential Fall (ExpFal) · Logarithmic Rise (LogRis) · Logarithmic Fall (LogFal) · Sinc (Sinc) · Gaussian (Gauss) · Lorentz (Lrntz) · D- Lorentz (DLrntz) · HaverSine (HvrSin) · Cardiac (Crdiac) · DC (DC) · Triangle (Triang) · Four user defined. · There are more waveforms available on the website: www.aimtti.
Arb waves Pressing the DC soft-key followed by the Done key, produces a dc only waveform at the MAIN OUT connector. The screen shows the result of selecting an Arb waveform with DC as the selected waveform. The orange channel 1 status line shows DC in the Waveform field, the Graph Box shows a DC waveform with DC offset arrows and the Edit Box contains the DC voltage menu.
Arb arbs With arb as the selected waveform, pressing the Arbs soft-key switches to the Arb/Arbs menu. Pressing the Load soft-key opens the load sub-menu. The four soft-keys User1 through User4 allows direct access to the user-defined arbitrary waveforms in the instrument. To select an arbitrary waveform, press the appropriate soft-key. Press the Done soft-key to return to the top-level Arb menu.
Arb arbs Editing arbs Pressing the Arbs soft-key and then Edit soft-key opens the edit sub-menu. The instrument is capable of performing simple editing of stored arbitrary waveforms. For more complex editing and creation of waveforms see the Waveform Manager Plus V4.13 Windows application, available on the website: www.aimtti.com The name of the arb selected for editing is shown in the edit box. To select an arbitrary waveform for editing press the appropriate soft-key.
Arb arbs Harmonics (TGF4162 & TGF4242 only) Pressing the Arbs soft-key and then Hrmonc soft-key opens the harmonic waveform submenu. The instrument is capable of creating waveforms by the addition of sine wave harmonics. Up to 16 harmonics can be used, chosen from up to the 50th order. The amplitude and phase can be individually set for each harmonic. Harmonic waveforms can also be created or edited in the Waveform Manager Plus V4.13 Windows application supplied on the website: www.aimtti.
Arb arbs Filter (TGF4162 & TGF4242 only) Pressing the Arbs soft-key and then Filter soft-key opens the arbitrary waveform filter menu. The instrument includes two filters to smooth transitions between points as arbitrary waveforms are generated. The Step filter has a nearly ideal step response, but with more rolloff in its frequency response than the Normal filter. The Normal filter has a wide, flat frequency response, but its step response exhibits overshoot and ringing.
Sync output Channel 2 can be configured to output Channel 1 sync from its MAIN OUT 2 socket. Sync is a multi-function output which is automatically selected based on the current instrument set-up. Alternatively, user can choose Sync to always be carrier referenced, to output the currently used trigger signal or turn it off. · Carrier Sync: A square wave at the same frequency as the carrier waveform. Available for all waveforms except Noise.
Pulse application 10. The pulse generator can produce a wide range of pulses with adjustable period, width, and edge speed. It may also be set in Gated or Burst mode or modulated using PWM; for more information see ‘Modulation’ section and ‘Burst’ section. Each channel has an independent pulse generator. These may be set to any combination of period, width and modulation or burst.
Pulse width Pressing the Duty soft-key while it is highlighted changes the editable parameter to Width, the Width parameter is shown in the Edit Box in terms of time (ns, μs, ms, or s) The value represents the time from the mid-point of the rising edge to the mid-point of the falling edge, the Graph Box changes to show that width is being edited and the value is shown in the parameters box.
Edge times To amend edge times, press the More soft-key to show more options and select Edge. The edge time represents the time between the 10% and 90% points on the pulse edges. Rise time and fall time can be coupled or adjusted independently. Pressing the Mode soft-key toggles between Independent or Coupled mode. When Coupled mode is selected the Edge soft key is available, this edits both rise and fall parameters together.
Pulse delay Pressing the Delay soft-key shows the delay parameter in the Edit Box, the Graph Box changes to show that delay is being edited and the Delay setting is shown in the parameters box. The Graph box shows the delay parameter between the arrows. Delay can be specified in terms of time (ns, us, ms or s) Changing the delay causes the start of the pulse to be delayed with respect to the sync pulse available at the SYNC OUT connector.
Carrier wave noise 11. The instrument contains a wide-band Gaussian white noise generator for each channel which may be used in the following ways: · As the main output from the carrier wave generator · As a modulating waveform · Added as a percentage to the current output waveform using SUM modulation. These options are described in the following sections. In dual channel mode there are some restrictions on Noise; see Dual-Channel Operations in ‘Specification’ for details.
Noise modulation High level and low level The instrument allows the amplitude and offset parameters to be entered in terms of high level and low level. Pressing either the Ampl or Offset soft-key while it is highlighted will switch the mode from amplitude/offset to high/low level. To return to amplitude/offset mode press the highlighted HiLvl or LoLvl soft-key.
Carrier wave PRBS 12. (TGF4162 & TGF4242 only) The instrument contains a PRBS (Pseudo Random Binary Sequence) generator for each channel which may be used in the following ways: · As the main output from the carrier wave generator · As a modulating waveform These options are described in the following sections. In dual channel mode there are some restrictions on PRBS; see Dual-Channel Operations in ‘Specification’ for details.
PRBS modulation Use the BitRate soft-key to set the rate at which the PRBS generator is clocked. Use the Ampl and Offset soft-keys to set these parameters as for any other carrier wave. PRBS may be modulated or used as a modulation shape in the same way as sine or ramp, etc. See ‘Modulation’ for more information.
Modulation application 13. The instrument can apply nine types of modulation: · Amplitude Modulation (AM) · Amplitude Modulation – Suppressed Carrier (AM-SC) · Frequency Modulation (FM) · Phase Modulation (PM) · Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) · Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) · Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) · Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) · SUM (Carrier plus Modulating signal) Only one modulation type may be applied at any one time.
Modulation application Pressing the MOD key will allow access to control the modulation parameters. Pressing the On/Off soft-key will apply the currently selected modulation to the currently selected carrier waveform and the MOD key will become illuminated. The screen below shows the effect of pressing the On/Off soft-key when Sine is the selected waveform, Internal is the selected (default) source and the selected modulation type is AM.
Amplitude modulation (AM) To select amplitude modulation, press the MOD key to access the modulation menu and then press the Type soft-key to show the display below. The soft-keys present all of the available modulation types. If amplitude modulation is not already selected press the AM soft-key to access the amplitude modulation sub-menu. Carrier waveform suppression The instrument supports two types of amplitude modulation, ‘normal’ and double sideband suppressed carrier.
Amplitude modulation (AM) Modulation source To select the modulation source, press the Source soft-key, the options are Internal or External. Internal will use the waveform specified in the shape parameter and the Graph Box will show that shape as the modulating waveform. External will use the signal present at the MOD IN connector and the Freq and Shape parameters will no longer be editable. The Graph Box will always show a sinewave as the modulating waveform if the source is set to External.
Amplitude modulation (AM) Modulation depth To set the modulation depth press the Depth soft-key. The Depth parameter will appear in the Edit Box and the modulating waveform in the Graph Box will show that depth is being edited. Modulation frequency To set the modulation frequency press the Freq soft-key. The frequency parameter will appear in the Edit Box and the modulating waveform in the Graph Box will show that frequency is being edited.
Amplitude modulation (AM) Modulation shape To set the modulation shape press the Shape soft-key. The currently selected shape will appear in the Edit Box and the soft-keys will change to a list of shapes available. Select the modulation shape required by pressing the appropriate key then press the Done soft-key to return to the top-level modulation menu. All the parameters for amplitude modulation are now set.
Frequency modulation (FM) To select frequency modulation, press the MOD key to access the modulation menu and then press the Type soft-key to show the display below. The soft-keys present all of the available modulation types. If frequency modulation is not already selected press the FM soft-key followed by the Done key to return to the top-level modulation menu. Press On/Off soft-key to apply the selected modulation.
Frequency modulation (FM) Modulation source To select the modulation source, press the Source soft-key, the options are Internal or External. Internal will use the waveform specified in the shape parameter and the Graph Box will show that shape as the modulating waveform. External will use the signal present at the MOD IN connector and the Freq and Shape parameters will no longer be editable. The Graph Box will always show a sinewave as the modulating waveform if the source is set to External.
Frequency modulation (FM) Frequency deviation To set the frequency deviation press the Deviatn soft-key. The deviation parameter will appear in the Edit Box and the modulating waveform in the Graph Box will show that deviation is being edited. Modulation frequency To set the modulation frequency press the Freq soft-key. The frequency parameter will appear in the Edit Box and the modulating waveform in the Graph Box will show that frequency is being edited.
Frequency modulation (FM) Modulation shape To set the modulation shape press the Shape soft-key. The currently selected shape will appear in the Edit Box and the soft-keys will change to a list of shapes available. Select the modulation shape required by pressing the appropriate key then press the Done soft-key to return to the top-level modulation menu. All the parameters for frequency modulation are now set.
Phase modulation (PM) To select phase modulation, press the MOD key to access the modulation menu and then press the Type soft-key to show the display below. The soft-keys present all of the available modulation types. If phase modulation is not already selected press the PM soft-key followed by the Done key to return to the top-level modulation menu. Press On/Off soft-key to apply the selected modulation.
Phase modulation (PM) Modulation source To select the modulation source, press the Source soft-key, the options are Internal or External. Internal will use the waveform specified in the shape parameter and the Graph Box will show that shape as the modulating waveform. External will use the signal present at the MOD IN connector and the Freq and Shape parameters will no longer be editable. The Graph Box will always show a sinewave as the modulating waveform if the source is set to External.
Phase modulation (PM) Phase deviation To set the phase deviation press the Deviatn soft-key. The deviation parameter will appear in the Edit Box and the modulating waveform in the Graph Box will show that deviation is being edited. Modulation frequency To set the modulation frequency press the Freq soft-key. The frequency parameter will appear in the Edit Box and the modulating waveform in the Graph Box will show that frequency is being edited.
Phase modulation (PM) Modulation shape To set the modulation shape press the Shape soft-key. The currently selected shape will appear in the Edit Box and the soft-keys will change to a list of shapes available. Select the modulation shape required by pressing the appropriate key then press the Done soft-key to return to the top-level modulation menu. All the parameters for phase modulation are now set.
Amplitude shift keying (ASK) To select amplitude shift keying, press the MOD key to access the modulation menu and then press the Type soft-key to show the display below. The soft-keys present all of the available modulation types. If ASK is not already selected press the ASK soft-key followed by the Done key to return to the top-level modulation menu. Press On/Off soft-key to apply the selected modulation.
Amplitude shift keying (ASK) Modulation source To select the modulation source, press the Source soft-key, the options are Internal or External. Internal will use an internally generated trigger signal. External will use the signal present at the TRIG / COUNT (DC) IN connector and the Rate parameter will no longer be editable. The Graph Box will show a switching carrier and a squarewave as the modulating waveform irrespective of the source of the switching signal.
Amplitude shift keying (ASK) Hop amplitude Amplitude shift keying will generate the carrier amplitude while the switching signal is false and the hop amplitude while the switching signal is true. To set the hop amplitude press the HpAmpl soft-key. The hop amplitude parameter will appear in the Edit Box. Switching rate To set the switching rate press the Rate soft-key.
Amplitude shift keying (ASK) Hop polarity To set which level of the switching signal will output the hop amplitude press the HopPol softkey. The currently selected polarity will appear in the Edit Box. The options are Positive or Negative. Setting Positive will cause ASK to generate the hop amplitude while the switching signal is high and the carrier amplitude while the switching signal is low.
Frequency shift keying (FSK) To select frequency shift keying press the MOD key to access the modulation menu and then press the Type soft-key to show the display below. The soft-keys present all of the available modulation types. If frequency shift keying is not already selected press the FSK soft-key followed by the Done key to return to the top-level modulation menu. Press On/Off soft-key to apply the selected modulation.
Frequency shift keying (FSK) Modulation source To select the modulation source, press the Source soft-key, the options are Internal or External. Internal will use an internally generated trigger signal. External will use the signal present at the TRIG / COUNT (DC) IN connector and the Rate parameter will no longer be editable. The Graph Box will show a switching carrier and a squarewave as the modulating waveform irrespective of the source of the switching signal.
Frequency shift keying (FSK) Hop frequency Frequency shift keying will generate the carrier frequency while the switching signal is false and the hop frequency while the switching signal is true. To set the hop frequency press the HopFrq soft-key. The hop frequency parameter will appear in the Edit Box and the modulating waveform in the Graph Box will show that hop frequency is being edited. Switching rate To set the switching rate press the Rate soft-key.
Frequency shift keying (FSK) Hop polarity To set which level of the switching signal will output the hop frequency press the HopPol softkey. The currently selected polarity will appear in the Edit Box. The options are Positive or Negative. Setting Positive will cause FSK to generate the hop frequency while the switching signal is high and the carrier frequency while the switching signal is low.
Binary phase shift keying (BPSK) To select BPSK press the MOD key to access the modulation menu and then press the Type soft-key to show the display below. The soft-keys present all of the available modulation types. If binary phase shift keying is not already selected press the BPSK soft-key followed by the Done key to return to the top-level modulation menu. Press On/Off soft-key to apply the selected modulation.
Binary phase shift keying (BPSK) Modulation source To select the modulation source, press the Source soft-key, the options are Internal or External. Internal will use an internally generated trigger signal. External will use the signal present at the TRIG / COUNT (DC) IN connector and the Rate parameter will no longer be editable. The Graph Box will show a switching carrier and a squarewave as the modulating waveform irrespective of the source of the switching signal.
Binary phase shift keying (BPSK) Hop phase Binary phase shift keying will generate the carrier phase while the switching signal is false and the hop phase while the switching signal is true. To set the hop phase press the HopPhs softkey. The hop phase parameter will appear in the Edit Box. Switching rate To set the switching rate press the Rate soft-key. The rate parameter will appear in the Edit Box and the modulating waveform in the Graph Box will show that the switching rate is being edited.
Binary phase shift keying (BPSK) Hop polarity To set which level of the switching signal will output the hop phase press the HopPol soft-key. The currently selected polarity will appear in the Edit Box. The options are Positive or Negative. Setting Positive will cause BSPK to generate the hop phase while the switching signal is high and the carrier phase while the switching signal is low.
SUM modulation To select SUM modulation, press the MOD key to access the modulation menu and then press the Type soft-key to show the display below. The soft-keys present all of the available modulation types. If SUM modulation is not already selected press the SUM soft-key followed by the Done key to return to the top-level modulation menu. Press On/Off soft-key to apply the selected modulation.
SUM modulation Modulation source To select the modulation source, press the Source soft-key, the options are Internal or External. Internal will use the waveform specified in the shape parameter and the Graph Box will show that shape as the modulating waveform. External will use the signal present at the MOD IN connector and the Freq and Shape parameters will no longer be editable. The Graph Box will always show a sinewave as the modulating waveform if the source is set to External.
SUM modulation Modulation level To set the modulation Level press the Level soft-key. The parameter will appear in the Edit Box and the modulating waveform in the Graph Box will show that Modulation Level is being edited. Modulation frequency To set the modulation frequency press the Freq soft-key. The frequency parameter will appear in the Edit Box and the modulating waveform in the Graph Box will show that frequency is being edited.
SUM modulation Modulation shape To set the modulation shape press the Shape soft-key. The currently selected shape will appear in the Edit Box and the soft-keys will change to a list of shapes available. Select the modulation shape required by pressing the appropriate key then press the Done soft-key to return to the top-level modulation menu. All the parameters for SUM modulation are now set.
Pulse width modulation (PWM) Pulse width modulation is applicable to pulse only. Select Pulse then select PWM by pressing the MOD key to access the modulation menu and then press the Type soft-key to show the display below. The soft-keys present all of the available modulation types. PWM can only be applied to Pulse carrier waveform. If PWM is not already selected press the PWM soft-key followed by the Done key to return to the top-level modulation menu.
Pulse width modulation (PWM) Modulation source To select the modulation source, press the Source soft-key, the options are Internal or External. Internal will use the waveform specified in the shape parameter and the Graph Box will show that shape as the modulating waveform. External will use the signal present at the MOD IN connector and the Freq and Shape parameters will no longer be editable. The Graph Box will always show a sinewave as the modulating waveform if the source is set to external.
Pulse width modulation (PWM) Pulse width deviation To set the pulse width deviation press the Dev % soft-key. The deviation parameter will appear in the Edit Box and the modulating waveform in the Graph Box will show that deviation is being edited. Modulation frequency To set the modulation frequency press the Freq soft-key. The frequency parameter will appear in the Edit Box and the modulating waveform in the Graph Box will show that frequency is being edited.
Pulse width modulation (PWM) Modulation shape To set the modulation shape press the Shape soft-key. The currently selected shape will appear in the Edit Box and the soft-keys will change to a list of shapes available. Select the modulation shape required by pressing the appropriate key then press the Done soft-key to return to the top-level modulation menu. All the parameters for pulse width modulation are now set.
Sweep application 14. The sweep function allows the carrier frequency to be swept using small frequency steps from the start frequency to the stop frequency. There are over 4000 steps and this remains constant for all sweep times and frequency spans.
Sweep application To change the carrier waveform parameters, press the WAVES key, followed by the waveform required. Notice that Sweeping still shows in the Frequency field of the Parameters Box and the SWEEP key still glows, indicating that sweep is still active. It is still possible to edit amplitude and dc offset in the PARAMS menu To return to the Sweep menu to edit the sweep parameters press the SWEEP key again. To turn off sweep press the On/Off soft-key in the sweep menu.
Sweep type To see the sweep settings in the parameters box, sweep must be activated. To activate sweep. press the On/Off soft key. To set the sweep type press the Type soft-key. The currently selected type will appear in the Edit Box and soft-keys will change to a list of sweep types available. The arrows indicate up or down sweeps. With any of the Lin types selected the sweep changes the frequency at a linear rate; with log types selected the sweep spends an equal time in each frequency decade.
Sweep type Start and stop frequency Press Freq soft-key to access sweep frequency parameters. To set the start or stop frequency press the Start or Stop soft-keys. The frequency parameter will appear in the Edit Box and the sweep waveform type in the Graph Box will show that start or stop frequency is being edited.
Sweep type Centre and span The instrument also allows the start and stop frequency parameters to be entered in terms of centre and span. Pressing either the Start or Stop soft-key while it is highlighted will switch the mode from start/stop to centre/span. With centre/span mode selected the Edit Box shows the parameter, the Parameters Box shows Centre and Span in place of Start and Stop and the Graph Box changes to show the parameter which is being edited.
Sweep time To set the sweep time press the Time soft-key. The time parameter will appear in the Edit Box and the Graph Box will show that sweep time is being edited. The sweep mode specifies how the sweep will be started. This may be continuous or triggered. The trigger signal for the sweep can be internal from the trigger generator, external from the TRIG / COUNT (DC) IN connector or manual by pressing the TRIGGER key. To set the mode press the Mode soft-key.
Sweep mode Triggered sweep Pressing the Mode soft-key again will change the mode to triggered sweep. In this mode the sweep will proceed to the end and then waits for a trigger to start again. The soft-keys will change and a trigger waveform will be added to the Graph Box. The Sweep Type field in the Parameters Box will show that the sweep is now triggered. When the mode is set to triggered mode, SetTrg soft-key appears in the sweep main menu to allow access to control and set the sweep trigger parameters.
Sweep mode Press the Source key to set trigger source. The three possible trigger sources are: · Internal Trigger - using the internal trigger generator · External Trigger - using the signal at the TRIG / COUNT (DC) IN connector · Manual Trigger - from the Trigger key. Select the trigger source then press soft-key. Pressing the Period soft-key allows the period of the internal trigger generator to be set.
Sweep mode When the source is external trigger, the Period soft-key is replaced by Slope soft-key. Repeated presses of the Slope soft-key key select between Positive Slope and Negative Slope. The trigger waveform in the Graph Box changes to show the edge in use. When the source is manual trigger, there are no additional parameters to be set. Press the TRIGGER key to send a manual trigger. Press the Done soft-key to return to the top-level sweep menu. All the parameters for sweep are now set.
Overview 15. The burst function allows the carrier waveform to be triggered, produce a user specified number of cycles and then stop and wait for the next trigger. For a PRBS waveform burst the count is the PRBS bit-rate and not the PRBS cycles. This allows the generation of incomplete or multiple sequences. A new trigger always restarts the PRBS from the start. Alternatively, the number of cycles may be Infinite. In this case the trigger starts the waveform.
Burst application To select burst, press the BURST key to access the burst menu and then press the On/Off softkey to apply the currently selected burst parameters to the currently selected carrier waveform. The BURST key will become illuminated. The screen below shows the effect of enabling burst when sine is the selected waveform. The Parameters Box now shows the current burst parameters of Burst, Source, Period, and Count, and Triggered is shown in the Burst field.
Burst type To set the burst type press the Type soft-key. Pressing the Type soft-key while it is highlighted will change the type from Triggered Burst to Gated Burst and vice-versa. The currently selected type will appear in the Edit Box, the Burst field in the Parameters Box will show the type and the Graph Box will show the trigger waveform below a representation of the carrier waveform with the burst type applied.
Burst count To set the burst count press the Count soft-key. The burst count parameter will appear in the Edit Box. Only Triggered Burst has a Count soft-key. The carrier waveform in the Graph Box will show a representation of the burst as the count is edited. When a value of more than 3 cycles is selected, the graph box will show ****** to represent this. Press the Count soft-key again to change the count from a finite number to infinite count.
Burst phase Press the Count soft-key again to change the count back to finite count. To set the carrier start phase, press the WAVES key, followed by the waveform required, which will return the display to the carrier menu and then press the Output soft-key. In the Output menu, press the Phase soft-key to change the start phase of the waveform. The phase parameter will appear in the Edit Box.
Burst triggering Press the SetTrg soft-key in the burst menu to allow access to control and set the burst trigger parameters. Press the Source key to set trigger source. The three possible trigger sources are: · Internal Trigger - using the internal trigger generator · External Trigger - using the signal at the TRIG / COUNT (DC) IN connector · Manual Trigger - from the Trigger key Select the trigger source then press 96 soft-key.
Burst triggering Period can only be set for Internal Trigger. Pressing the Period soft-key allows the period of the internal trigger generator to be set. The Edit Box shows the current period and the Graph Box changes to show that the trigger period is being edited. Slope can only be set for External Trigger. When the source is external trigger, the Period soft-key is replaced by Slope soft-key.
Burst triggering Repeated presses of the Slope soft-key will select between Positive Slope and Negative Slope. The trigger waveform in the Graph Box changes to show the edge in use. When the source is manual trigger, there are no additional parameters to be set. Press the TRIGGER key to send a manual trigger. Press the Done soft-key to return to the top-level burst menu. All the parameters for burst are now set.
Channel selection 16. The instrument incorporates two separate generators in which all parameters can be set independently of each other. The two generators use the same system clock and share a single Trigger Input and Modulation Input on the rear panel. Press the CH 1 or CH 2 key to select between channels for parameter editing. The selected channel is indicated by a specified colour for easy identification.
Linked channels The two channels can be linked in a variety of ways. All of the options are available from the Dual Channel menu which is accessed by pressing the UTILITY key. The utility menu presents several further menus which allow control of instrument and system capabilities not available directly from the menus described so far. This section explains the options available by pressing the Dual Ch soft-key; the options accessed via the other soft-keys are described in the following sections.
Coupled operation When a parameter is coupled it may be changed on either channel and the other channel will also change. When coupled, the colour of the parameter that is being coupled becomes inverted in the parameters box on both channels. To enable or disable frequency coupling press the Freq soft-key. When entering frequency coupling modes, the instrument will automatically phase align the channels. The phases may become misaligned by subsequent parameter changes.
Coupled operation To enable or disable amplitude and offset coupling press the Ampl soft-key. To enable or disable output coupling press the Output soft-key. It is possible to set any combination of Frequency, Amplitude and Output coupling.
Tracking options Tracking and coupled options are mutually exclusive; coupling must be disabled before enabling tracking. Pressing the Track soft-key shows tracking menu. With Tracking Off the two channels behave independently and changes to parameters on one channel do not affect the other channel. Channel 2 can be set to exactly track Channel 1 by pressing the Equal soft-key.
Tracking options Tracking may be inverted by pressing the Inverse soft-key to produce a differential pair of signals. When either tracking option is enabled the waveforms will remain aligned at a phase of 0. To exit tracking mode, press the Off soft-key. When Tracking is On, any parameter change is applied to both channels.
Counter menu 17. The instrument offers the functionality of a counter. It can measure various parameters such as frequency, period, duty cycle, width and negative pulse width of an external input signal. The generator continues to perform normally when counter is enabled. To access counter related menus, press the UTILITY key. Press Instr soft-key and then press FrCntr soft-key to access the counter capabilities of the instrument. To enable or disable the counter, press the On/Off soft-key.
Counter source The counter can either count the signal present at the TRIG / COUNT (DC) IN socket or the signal present at the REF / COUNT (AC) IN socket at the rear panel of the instrument. To select from the two counter sources, press the Source soft-key. The TRIG / COUNT (DC) IN socket is DC coupled and has an input impedance of 10kΩ. The threshold is fixed at 1.2V to cater for 1.8V, 2.5V as well as 3.3V logic inputs. Select this input to count signals from 100mHz to >125MHz (typically 150MHz).
Counter type Press the Type key to set counter type. The options are: frequency (freq), period, duty cycle (duty), width and negative width (NegWdt). Select the counter type then press soft-key. To display the measurement value, press the Count key. The Edit Box shows the current measurement. With no input signal at the selected input, the counter displays ‘No signal’ until an adequate input signal is applied.
Selecting arb location to store harmonic waveforms 18. (TGF4162 & TGF4242 only) The instrument is capable of creating waveforms by the addition of sine wave harmonics, up to 16 harmonics can be used, chosen from up to the 50th order. The amplitude and phase can be individually set for each harmonic. Harmonic waveforms can also be created or edited in the Waveform Manager Plus V4.13 Windows application supplied on the Website: www.aimtti.
Selecting arb location to store harmonic waveforms Pressing the Hrmonc soft-key opens the harmonic waveform sub-menu. The name of the arb selected for storing the harmonic waveform is shown in the Edit Box. To select an arbitrary waveform location for storing the harmonic waveform press the appropriate soft-key.
Editing harmonic waveforms Press the Edit soft-key to show the harmonic waveform edit menu. The Edit Box shows all the parameters of the first harmonic content. Enable / disable To enable or disable the current harmonic, press the On/Off soft-key.
Editing harmonic waveforms Order To set the order of the current harmonic, press the Order soft-key. Harmonic order can be set between 1 and 50. Amplitude To set the amplitude of the current harmonic, press the Ampl soft-key. The amplitude is set as a percentage of the carrier waveform amplitude. Care should be taken when setting the amplitudes of the harmonic contents. The amplitude of the created harmonic waveform will be the phase sum of all components specified in the waveform.
Editing harmonic waveforms Phase To set the phase of the current harmonic, press the Phase soft-key. To set the parameters of the next harmonic content press the soft-key. Up to 16 harmonics can be defined, the parameters of which will show with successive presses of the soft-key. Once all harmonics are defined, press the Create soft-key to create the harmonic waveform and store it in the chosen user-defined arbitrary waveform location.
System 19. Pressing the UTILITY key presents several further menus which allow control of instrument and system capabilities not available directly from the menus described so far. Each of the soft-key selected menus is discussed in the following sections. Pressing the System soft-key gives control of some system level functions. Power on state Pressing the PwrOn soft-key will alternate between Power-On Default and Power-On Latest.
System Beep state Pressing the Beep soft-key will show the beep menu, the options are Beep and Tick, pressing either of the soft keys will alternate between On and Off for that particular type. Beep refers to the sound associated with error and warning messages, when activated the screen will read Message Beep On and pop-up messages will be accompanied by a sound. These sounds are suppressed with Message Beep Off.
System Display control Pressing the Display soft-key will show the Set Display Menu. Pressing the Bright soft-key allows the display backlight brightness to be adjusted. The three layout soft keys change the display as follows: · Layout 1 (Default) Shows both the parameters and the graph for the selected channel. · Layout 2 Shows the parameters for both channels simultaneously. · Layout 3 Shows the graphs for both channels simultaneously.
System Number format Pressing the Format soft-key will show the Format menu. This menu allows the number format used in the Edit Box to be customised. The default is comma format which is selected by pressing the Comma soft-key. In comma format, digits after the decimal point are arranged in groups of three with the groups separated by a comma. Pressing the Space soft-key will change to space format.
System Pressing the No soft-key will change to no format. In ‘no’ format, digits after the decimal point are not grouped. Press the soft-key to return to the top-level system menu. Restore factory defaults Pressing the Default soft-key allows all instrument parameters (except remote interface configuration parameters) to be restored to their factory settings as detailed in ‘Appendix 1. Press the Yes soft key to restore factory default settings or No soft key to return to the toplevel system menu.
Instrument settings Pressing the Instr soft-key opens the Utility Instrument sub-menu. Reference clock source Alternate presses of the ClkSrc soft-key change between using the Internal Clock and the External Clock. An external clock must have a frequency of 10MHz (+/-50kHz) and is applied to the rear panel socket 10MHz REF IN. 118 is displayed alongside INT REF.
Instrument settings Sync type control Pressing the Sync soft-key will show the sync type control menu. The currently selected type will appear in the Edit Box and the soft-keys will change to a list of Sync types available. The available Sync types are explained below: · Normal - Automatically sets the most relevant Sync output for the instrument set-up. · Carrier - A square wave at the same frequency and duty as the carrier waveform. Available for all waveforms except noise.
I/O Channel 2 configuration Alternate presses of the Config soft-key changes the configuration of channel 2 between a separate independent output and channel 1 sync. Manual trigger select The TRIGGER key can be set to send a manual trigger signal to just the current channel (single) or to both channels simultaneously (dual). Pressing the ManTr soft-key alternates between Manual Trigger Setup: Single and Manual Trigger Setup: Dual.
Flash drive files and folders 20. The stores menu gives access to both the instrument’s local storage of arbitrary waveforms and parameter set-ups and to the external storage of a connected USB flash drive. There are facilities for saving and recalling set-ups to and from local stores, deleting set-ups and arbitrary waveforms and copying waveforms and set-up files to and from a USB flash drive.
Using the stores menu Pressing the STORES key will show the stores menu. Pressing the Setup soft-key displays the setup sub-menu. The complete settings of the instrument can be saved to internal memory. Up to nine instrument set-ups can be stored internally as files under default or user-defined names. Set-up files can be copied to and from a USB Flash drive.
Using the stores menu There are nine local set-up stores and four local arbitrary waveform stores. The respective lists always show all of the stores even if they are empty. An empty store shows Empty instead of a size. Selections The Source soft-key selects between local and disk. When local is selected, the selection arrow is in the Local: Box. When disk is selected, the selection arrow is in the Disk: Box.
Operations on set-up files There are nine local set-up stores numbered 1 to 9. The number is shown next to the filename in the Local: Box. Initially the files will all be empty. The file names are SETUP1 to SETUP9 by default but they may be changed as they are used. There are four operations available for set-up files as shown by the soft-key labels Copy, Save, Recall and Delete. The copy operation will not be available if no flash drive is attached.
Operations on set-up files A name with a length of up to 8 characters can be used. The cursor keys < > are used to select the character and the KNOB is used to change the character. When the knob is turned clockwise the characters change in the following order: 0 to 9, @, A to Z, (space) ! # $ % & ' ( ) Characters can be deleted or spaces created using the Space soft-key. The key cancels the copy operation and returns to the set-up sub-menu.
Operations on set-up files To copy a file from disk to local: 1. Select the Local: Box by pressing the Source soft-key. 2. Select the local store to receive the file from disk using the KNOB. 3. Select the Disk Box by pressing the Source soft-key. 4. Select the file to be copied using the KNOB. 5. Press the Copy soft-key. 6. Optionally modify the name of the local store to receive the copy. This will default to the name of the file selected in step 4 above if it is not modified.
Operations on set-up files Save The save operation allows the current instrument set-up to be saved to a local set-up store. Save will function with or without an attached USB flash drive. To perform a save operation first select the set-up store for the current instrument state to be saved to using the KNOB. Pressing the Save soft-key will show a screen similar to that below. The name offered will be the same as the name in the selected set-up store when the Save soft-key was pressed.
Operations on set-up files Recall The recall operation allows the current instrument set-up to be replaced with the set-up from a local store. Recall will function with or without an attached USB flash drive. To perform a recall operation first select the set-up store containing the instrument state to recall using the KNOB. Pressing the Recall soft-key will then recall the data and load it as the current instrument setup. Delete The delete operation allows the set-up in the selected store to be deleted.
Operations on waveform files Pressing the Arbs soft-key displays the waveform sub-menu. There are four local arbitrary waveform stores numbered 1 to 4. The number is shown next to the file name in the Local: Box. Initially the files are all set to the default four-point squarewave. The file names are set as ARB1 to ARB4 by default but they may be changed as they are used. Each arbitrary waveform store can hold a waveform with a maximum of 8192 points.
Operations on waveform files The screen below shows an example after performing the above actions. Here the file in store 3 will be saved to a waveform file on disk. The name will be ARB3 unless it is changed. Copy from: shows that the source is Local. Copy to: shows that the destination is Disk. Local shows the file that will be written to Disk. Disk and the Edit Box show the name of the file that will be written, the file name can be edited using the KNOB and cursor keys.
Operations on waveform files To copy a file from disk to local: 1. Select the Local: Box by pressing the Source soft-key. 2. Select the local store to receive the file from disk using the KNOB. 3. Select the Disk: Box by pressing the Source soft-key. 4. Select the file to be copied using the KNOB. 5. Press the Copy soft-key. 6. Optionally modify the name of the file to receive the copy.
Operations on waveform files The cursor keys < > are used to select the character and the KNOB is used to change the character. When the KNOB is turned clockwise the characters change in the following order: 0 to 9, @, A to Z, (space) ! # $ % & ' ( ) Characters can be deleted or spaces created using the Space soft-key. The key cancels the copy operation and returns to the set-up sub-menu. The Execute soft-key starts the copy operation and returns to the set-up sub-menu when complete.
Help menu 21. The instrument has a comprehensive help system which allows easy access to any Help page. It is possible to get help in two ways: · Help menu. Press the UTILITY and then press Help soft-key to access a list of help topics which give general information about instrument operations. · Context sensitive help. Press and hold down any key, including soft-keys, for two seconds to access the Help page for that key. There are two types of help screen. · The Help menu.
Help topics Selecting a Help topic from the Help menu or initiating context sensitive help will show a Help topic screen similar to that shown below. Below the topic heading is the topic text. If there is more text than will fit on the screen press the soft-key to scroll the text up one line. Continue scrolling until there is no more text indicated by the soft-key label disappearing. Once the text has been scrolled the soft-key may be used to scroll the text up one line.
Selecting an arbitrary waveform for editing 22. The instrument contains some basic editing capabilities for arbitrary waveforms. The Waveform Manager Plus V4.13 Windows application may be used when more comprehensive capabilities for creation and editing are required, this can be downloaded from the website: www.aimtti.com Waveforms created in Waveform Manager Plus may be downloaded to the instrument via a remote-control interface or they may be transferred using a USB flash drive.
Editing an arbitrary waveform There are five editing options for arbitrary waveforms. Interpolation Interpolation is toggled on and off by the Interp soft-key. Although the instrument can handle arbitrary waveforms of any length, they are always played back using DDS. This requires that they must be forced to a suitable length. The instrument can play a waveform of 8192 (8k) points. If a waveform is less than or equal to 8k points it will be played back using 8k points.
Editing an arbitrary waveform Resizing a waveform A waveform may have its length changed by using the resize option. When a waveform is increased in size new points are added between existing points. The way that the values of these new points are calculated depends on the resize method setting. When a waveform is reduced in size points are simply dropped to achieve the new length. Pressing the Resize soft-key will show the resize menu in the Edit Box and the soft-keys will show the resize options. The No.
Editing an arbitrary waveform Point editing Pressing the Point soft-key shows the point edit menu in the Edit Box. The point edit menu allows individual points in the waveform to be set to any vertical level value. The Point# soft-key selects setting of the point number; pressing the Value soft-key then enables the value to be changed. The point value is changed in the actual waveform immediately after it is edited.
Editing an arbitrary waveform Line drawing Pressing the Line soft-key shows the line edit menu in the Edit Box. The Line edit menu allows a line to be drawn between any two points in the waveform. The end points of the line may be set to any vertical level value. The PointA soft-key selects setting of the first point number; pressing the ValueA soft-key then enables the value to be changed. The PointB and ValueB soft-keys are used to set the second point.
Editing an arbitrary waveform Naming a waveform Pressing the Name soft-key shows the name edit menu in the Edit Box. The soft-key labels, KNOB and cursor keys allow the name to be edited. The Space soft-key enters a space character at the cursor position. The soft-key cancels the operation and returns to the top-level edit menu.
Equipment required 23. All parameters can be calibrated without opening the case, i.e. the generator offers ‘closed−box’ calibration. All adjustments are made digitally with calibration constants stored in flash memory. The calibration routine requires only a DVM, power meter and a frequency counter and takes no more than a few minutes. Calibration should be carried out only after the generator has been operating for at least 30 minutes in normal ambient conditions.
Password control The software asks for a 4−digit password in the range 0000 to 9999 to be used to access the calibration procedure. If the password is left at the factory default no messages are shown and calibration can proceed as described in the ‘Calibration routine’ section. Factory default password for calibration is 0000. only if a non-zero password has been set will the user be prompted to enter the password.
Password control Using the password to access calibration or change the password With the password set, pressing Calib on the utility screen will now show: When the correct password has been entered from the keyboard the display changes to the opening screen of the calibration routine and calibration can proceed as described in the Calibration Routine section.
Calibration routine The calibration procedure proper is entered by pressing Cont’n on the top-level Calibration menu; pressing Done returns the display to the Utility menu. Pressing Tests calls a menu of basic hardware checks used at production test. At each calibration step the display changes to prompt the user to adjust the KNOB or cursor keys, until the reading on the specified instrument is at the value given. The cursor keys provide coarse adjustment, and the KNOB fine adjustment.
Calibration routine STEP 32 STEP 33 STEP 34 STEP 35 STEP 36 STEP 37 STEP 38 STEP 39 STEP 40 STEP 41 STEP 42 STEP 43 STEP 44 145 Adjust for same reading Adjust for 0V ± 5mV Adjust for + 10V ± 10mV Check for –10V ± 50mV Adjust for 10V ± 10mV Adjust for 5V ± 5mV Adjust for 2.5V ± 3mV Adjust for 1.25V ± 3mV Adjust for 625mV ± 3mV Adjust for 312.5mV ± 3mV Adjust for 156.25mV ± 3mV Adjust for 78.
Remote calibration Calibration of the instrument may be performed over the LAN, USB or GPIB interface. To completely automate the process, the multimeter, power meter and universal counter will also need to be remote controlled and the controller will need to run a calibration program unique to this instrument. The remote calibration commands allow a simplified version of manual calibration to be performed by issuing commands from the controller.
Overview 24. The instrument can be remotely controlled via its USB, LAN or (optional) GPIB interfaces. USB remote control operates in a similar way to an RS232 interface but via the USB connector. Software supplied with the instrument sets up the controlling computer to treat the USB connection as a virtual COM port. Application software on the computer can then access the instrument via that COM port. The LAN interface is designed to meet 1.5 LXI Device Specification 2016.
Address selection The web page access may also be disabled independently by pressing the Web soft-key. Alternate presses will produce · Enabled – WEBPAGE · Disabled – WEBPAGE The instrument address capability is strictly required only by the GPIB interface. However, use can be made of the ADDRESS? command over any of the interfaces to easily identify which instrument is being controlled by a particular COM port (for USB) or TCP socket (for LAN).
Remote/ local operation At power-on the instrument will be in the local state so the REM indicator is not displayed on the Status Line. In this state, all front panel operations are possible. When the instrument receives a command from an interface the remote state will be entered and the REM indicator will be displayed on the Status Line. In this state the front panel is locked out and remote commands only will be processed.
Installing USB driver for the first time To install the driver for the first time: · First switch the unit on · Then connect the USB port to the PC. In Windows 10, the driver is automatically installed by the operating system. The Windows plug and play functions should automatically recognise the attachment of new hardware to the USB interface and (possibly after searching the internet for some time) prompt for the location of a suitable driver.
LAN interface The LAN interface is designed to comply with the LXI standard version 1.5 LXI Device Specification 2016 and contains the interfaces and protocols described below. Since it is possible to misconfigure the LAN interface, making it impossible to communicate with the instrument over LAN, a LAN Configuration Initialise (LCI) mechanism is provided via the menus from the front panel to reset the instrument's interfaces to the factory default.
LAN connection Web server; configuration password protection The unit contains a basic web server. This provides information on the instrument and allows it to be configured. The Configure page can be password protected to deter unauthorised changes to the remote operation configuration. The default configuration page password is blank (no password). The Configure page itself explains how to set the password. The password can be up to 15 characters long; the User Name should be left blank.
LAN connection ICMP ping server The unit contains an ICMP server allowing the instrument to be ‘pinged’ via either its host name or IP address. VXI-11 discovery protocol The instrument has very limited support of VXI-11 which is sufficient for the discovery protocol and no more. The instrument implements a Sun RPC Port-mapper on TCP port 111 and UDP port 111 as defined in RPC1183. The calls supported are: NULL, GET PORT and DUMP.
LAN connection LAN error If a LAN connection is made but an error is detected (e.g. the IP address is the same as another device on the network) then the LAN field in the status line will show until the error is corrected. If a LAN error occurs; check and correct the configuration of the instrument; To reset the LAN interface press the LanRst soft-key on the UTILITY-I/O menu.
GPIB interface The GPIB interface 24-way connector is located on the instrument rear panel. The pin connections are as specified in IEEE Std. 488.1-1987 and the instruments in the range complies with IEEE Std. 488.1-1987 and IEEE Std. 488.2-1987 and contain the following IEEE 488.1 subsets. GPIB subsets This instrument contains the following IEEE 488.
GPIB interface GPIB parallel poll Complete parallel poll capabilities are offered on this instrument. The Parallel Poll Enable Register is set to specify which bits in the Status Byte Register are to be used to form the ist local message The Parallel Poll Enable Register is set by the *PRE command and read by the *PRE? command. The value in the Parallel Poll Enable Register is ANDed with the Status Byte Register; if the result is zero then the value of ist is 0 otherwise the value of ist is 1.
Status reporting A separate error and status model is maintained for each interface instance; an interface instance is defined as a potential connection. USB and GPIB are inherently single connections so represent one interface instance each. LAN, however, allows for multiple simultaneous connections and therefore represents multiple interface instances. One interface instance is allocated to the TCP socket interface and one more is allocated to the Web page interface.
Status reporting Bit 7: Not used. Bit 6: RQS/MSS. This bit, as defined by IEEE Std. 488.2, contains both the Requesting Service message and the Master Status Summary message. RQS is returned in response to a Serial Poll and MSS is returned in response to the *STB? command. Bit 5: ESB. The Event Status Bit. This bit is set if any bits set in the Standard Event Status Register correspond to bits set in the Standard Event Status Enable Register. Bit 4: MAV. The Message Available Bit.
Status reporting Power-on and remote operation default settings The following instrument status values are set at power on: · Status Byte Register = 0 · Service Request Enable Register † = 0 · Standard Event Status Register = 128 (pon bit set) · Standard Event Status Enable Register † = 0 · Execution Error Register = 0 · Query Error Register = 0 · Parallel Poll Enable Register † = 0 † Registers marked thus are specific to the GPIB section of the instrument and are of limited use via ot
USB/LAN remote command format 25. USB input to the instrument is buffered in a 256 byte input queue which is filled, under interrupt, in a manner transparent to all other instrument operations. The USB interface conforms with the USB 2.0 Full Speed. LAN input to the instrument is buffered in a 1500 byte input queue which is filled, under interrupt, in a manner transparent to all other instrument operations. The LAN interface conforms with the 1.5 LXI Device Specification 2016.
GPIB remote command formats GPIB input to the instrument is buffered in a 256 byte input queue which is filled, under interrupt, in a manner transparent to all other instrument operations. The queue contains raw (un-parsed) data which is taken, by the parser, as required. Commands (and queries) are executed in order and the parser will not start a new command until any previous command or query is complete.
Command list This section lists all commands and queries implemented in this instrument. there are no dependent parameters, coupled parameters, overlapping commands, expression program data elements or compound command program headers; each command is completely executed before the next command is started. All commands are sequential and the operation complete message is generated immediately after execution in all cases.
Channel selection Most commands act on a particular channel of the generator. The following command is used to select the required channel. Subsequent commands will change only the specified parameter on the selected channel. 163 · CHN< NR1> Set channel as the destination for subsequent commands. can be 1 or 2.
Continuous carrier wave commands 164 · WAVE Set the output waveform type to , , , , , , , , , , , , or .
Pulse generator commands 165 · PULSFREQ Set the pulse waveform frequency to Hz · PULSPER Set the pulse waveform period to sec · PULSWID Set the pulse waveform width to sec · PULSSYMM Set the pulse waveform symmetry to % · PULSEDGE Set the pulse waveform edges (positive and negative edge) to sec · PULSRISE Set the pulse waveform positive edge to sec · PULSFALL Set the pulse waveform negative edge to sec
Arbitrary waveform commands 166 · ARBDCOFFS Set the arbitrary dc waveform offset to Volts · ARBFILTER Set the arbitrary waveform filter shape to or · ARBLOAD Set the output waveform type to , , , , , , , , , , , , , , or .
Arbitrary waveform commands 167 · ARB1? Return the data from an existing arbitrary waveform location ARB1. The data consists of two bytes per point with no characters between bytes or points. The point data is sent high byte first. The data block has a header which consists of the # character followed by several ascii coded numeric characters. The first of these defines the number of ascii characters to follow and these following characters define the length of the binary data in bytes.
Modulation commands 168 · MOD Set modulation to , , , , , , , , or · MODAMSHAPE Set AM waveform shape to , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , < PRBSPN29> or < PRBSPN31> · MODFMSHAPE Set FM wavef
Modulation commands 169 · MODPWMSRC Set PWM waveform source to or · MODSUMSRC Set SUM waveform source to or · MODAMFREQ Set AM waveform frequency to Hz · MODFMFREQ Set FM waveform frequency to Hz · MODPMFREQ Set PM waveform frequency to Hz · MODPWMFREQ Set PWM waveform frequency to Hz · MODSUMFREQ Set SUM waveform frequency to Hz · MODAMDEPTH Set AM waveform depth to % · MOD
Sweep commands 170 · SWPTYPE Set the sweep type to , , or . · SWPMODE Set the sweep mode to or . · SWPTRGSRC Set the sweep trigger source to , or . · SWPTRGPER Set the sweep trigger period to Sec. · SWPTRGPOL Set the sweep trigger slope to or . · SWPBEGFREQ Set the sweep start frequency to Hz. · SWPENDFREQ Set the sweep stop frequency to Hz.
External counter commands 171 · CNTRSWT Set the external counter to or · CNTRCPLNG Set the counter source to or coupled input. · CNTRTYPE Set the counter type to , , , or . · CNTRVAL? Return the currently measured count value in format. If the count type is frequency, then the returned value is in Hz, if the count type is duty cycle, then the returned value is in %, else the returned value is in seconds.
System and status commands 172 · *CLS Clear Status. Clears the Status structure. This indirectly clears the Status Byte Register. · *ESE Set the Standard Event Status Enable Register to the value of · *ESE? Return the value in the Standard Event Status Enable Register in numeric format. The syntax of the response is · *ESR? Return the value in the Standard Event Status Register in numeric format. THE REGISTER IS THEN CLEARED. The response is .
System and status commands are completely executed before the next is started this command takes no additional action. 173 · *TST? The PSU has no self-test capability and the response is always 0 · EER? Query and CLEAR Execution Error Register. The response format is . · QER? Query and CLEAR Query Error Register. The response format is · *LRN? Return the complete setup of the instrument as a binary data block.
Interface management commands 174 · LOCAL Go to local. This does not release any active interface lock so that the lock remains with the selected interface when the next remote command is received. · ADDRESS? Return the bus address of the instrument; This is the address used by GPIB, if fitted, or may be used as a general identifier over the other interfaces. · IPADDR? Return the present IP address of the LAN interface, provided it is connected.
Interface management commands The following commands specify the parameters to be used by the LAN interface. A power cycle is required after these commands are sent before the new settings are used (or returned in response to the queries listed above). The instrument does not attempt to check the validity of the IP address or netmask in any way other than checking that each part fits in 8 bits. The rear panel LAN RESET switch will override these commands and restore the defaults as described earlier.
Information, warning and error messages 26. In the following list where [VALUE] appears a numeric value will be inserted in the message which is appropriate to the parameter currently being edited. Message numbers that are omitted are reserved and not currently used. Some numbers can produce two different messages depending on the current instrument editing mode; these are indicated by ‘or’ in the list. -1 Firmware Update / Battery Fail. Initialised to factory default state.
Error messages -19 Square duty cycle invalid. Lower limit 0.001%. -20 Frequency deviation invalid for current waveform / parameter settings. -21 Hop frequency invalid for current waveform / parameter settings. -22 Sweep frequency invalid for current waveform / parameter settings. -23 Amplitude value invalid. Upper limit +32767. -24 Amplitude value invalid. Lower limit -32767. -25 Point number invalid. Last defined point [VALUE]. -26 Point number invalid. First defined point 1.
Error messages 178 -53 SUM modulation level invalid. Lower limit 0%. -54 PWM frequency invalid. Upper limit 10MHz. -55 PWM frequency invalid. Lower limit 1uHz. -56 PWM deviation invalid. Maximum deviation limited by carrier width setting. -57 PWM deviation invalid. Lower limit 0ns. -58 Arb DC cannot be selected when modulation is enabled and vice versa. -59 FM invalid for Noise / PRBS. -60 PM invalid for Noise / PRBS. -61 FSK invalid for Noise / PRBS. -62 BPSK invalid for Noise / PRBS.
Error messages 179 -89 Output load invalid. Upper limit 10000 ohms. -90 Output load invalid. Lower limit 1 ohms. -91 Frequency coupling cannot be turned on when modulation is enabled. -92 Frequency coupling cannot be turned on when frequency sweep is enabled. -93 Frequency coupling cannot be turned on. Pulse waveform can only be coupled with Pulse waveform. -94 Frequency coupling cannot be turned on when Noise is set as main output.
Error messages 180 -123 Test FAILED at address [VALUE]. Data written [VALUE]. Data read back [VALUE]. -124 PM invalid for Pulse. -125 BPSK invalid for Pulse. -126 FM invalid for Pulse. -127 FSK invalid for Pulse. -128 Sweep invalid for Pulse. -129 Finite Burst invalid for frequencies above [VALUE]. -130 Channel 2 parameters not available when channel 2 is set to output channel 1 sync waveform. -131 Gated Burst invalid for frequencies above [VALUE].
Error messages 181 -155 Pulse delay time invalid. Lower limit 0ns. -156 Pulse fall time invalid. Limited by pulse width. -157 Pulse fall time invalid. Lower limit [VALUE]. -158 External clock invalid. Switching back to internal reference clock. Please wait.
Warning messages 182 1 DC Offset set to default 0V. 2 Frequency coupling turned off. 3 Wrong key pressed. Press keys as instructed. 4 Instrument is not calibrated. 5 Calibration values cleared. Please power-cycle the instrument. 6 USB-Flash disk waveform files limited to 1260. 7 USB-Flash disk setup files limited to 1260. 8 Please press again to overwrite. 9 File was created from 1-CHN-Model. Please press again to copy. 10 File was created from LF-Model. Please press again to copy.
Information messages 183 501 Key test successful. 502 New password stored. 503 Select a unit to enter value or press Cancel. 504 Please reduce the files on USB-Flash disk and try again. 505 Test data has been written to RAM. 506 RAM test successful. 507 Press Trigger key to send a manual trigger pulse. 508 Press Trigger key to invert the manual trigger level. Current level high or Press Trigger key to invert the manual trigger level. Current level low.
Other information messages Please wait. Please wait. The file is being read from USB-Flash disk. Please wait. The file is being written to USB-Flash disk. Please wait. The current settings are being saved. Please wait. The local setup file is being recalled. Please wait. The local setup file is being deleted. Please wait. The local waveform file is being deleted. Please wait. Writing test data to RAM. Please wait. Reading test data from RAM. Are you sure you want to delete? Press Yes to confirm.
Factory default settings 27. 185 Output Configuration Factory Setting Function Sine wave Frequency 10 kHz Amplitude / Offset 1 Vpp / 0.
Factory default settings 186 FSK Polarity Positive SUM Modulation Level 50 % BPSK Hop Phase 180 degrees BPSK Rate 1 kHz BPSK Polarity Positive ASK Hop Amplitude 500 mVpp ASK Rate 1 kHz ASK Polarity Positive PWM Width Deviation 50 % Modulation State Off Sweep Factory Setting Start / Stop Frequency 1 kHz / 10 kHz Sweep Time 500 us Sweep Type / Mode Linear Up / Continuous Sweep Trigger Source Internal Sweep Trigger Polarity Positive (Rising Edge) Sweep Trigger Period 5 ms Sw
Factory default settings 187 Subnet Mask 255.255.0.0 Default Gateway 0.0.0.0 DNS Server 0.0.0.
Waveform manager plus V4.13 28. Arbitrary waveform creation and management software The Waveform Manager program allows construction, editing, exchange, translation and storage of many types of waveform data. It is compatible with all Aim-TTi waveform generation products. Waveforms may be generated by equation entry, freehand drawing, combining existing waveforms or any combinations of these methods.
29. TGF4042 MODEL: TGF4082 TGF4162 TGF4242 Sine, Square, Ramp (Variable Symmetry), Triangle (50% Ramp symmetry), Positive Ramp (100% Ramp symmetry), Negative Ramp (0% Ramp symmetry), Pulse, Noise (Gaussian), DC, Sin(x)/x, Exponential Rise, Exponential Fall, Logarithmic Rise, Logarithmic Fall, Haversine, Cardiac, Gaussian, Lorentz, DLorentz and 4 User Defined Arbitrary Waveforms. Dozens of useful pre-built arbitrary waveforms are also supplied on the website: www.aimtti.
TGF4042 MODEL: Jitter RMS: Rise and Fall Times: Width: Duty: Delay: TGF4082 TGF4162 TGF4242 <30ps (cycle to cycle) Range: ≤ 4Vp-p 3ns to 799.999999989s (10% to 90%) 8ns to 799.999999984s (10% to 90%) Range: > 4Vp-p 5ns to 799.999999989s (10% to 90%) Resolution: 100ps Accuracy: ±500ps ±0.01% of period Rise and Fall times can be independently varied or can be varied together simultaneously. Range: ≤ 4Vp-p 5ns to 999.999999995s 20ns to 999.999999980s Range: > 4Vp-p 10ns to 999.
MODEL: TGF4042 TGF4082 TGF4162 TGF4242 AM (Amplitude Modulation) Normal & Suppressed Carrier Carrier Waveforms: Maximum Carrier Frequency: Modulation Source: Internal Modulating Waveforms: Internal Modulating Frequency: Amplitude Depth: Sine, Square, Ramp, Pulse, Noise, Arb PRBS 25MHz, subject to carrier waveform 50MHz, subject to carrier waveform.
TGF4042 MODEL: TGF4082 TGF4162 TGF4242 SUM (Additive Modulation) (TGF4162 & TGF4242 only) Carrier Waveforms: Maximum Carrier Frequency: Modulation Source: - Internal Modulating Waveforms: - Internal Modulating Frequency: Ratio: - Sine, Square, Ramp, Pulse, Noise, PRBS, Arb 50MHz, subject to carrier waveform.
TGF4042 MODEL: TGF4082 TGF4162 TGF4242 20ns to 500s or 2mHz to 50MHz square waves 40ns to 500s or 2mHz to 25MHz square waves adjustable in 10ns steps. adjustable in 10ns steps. Resolution: 10ns, 11 digits Each channel has its own trigger generator. Channel 1 trigger is available for external use from the MAIN OUT 2 socket when Channel 2 is configured to output Channel 1 sync waveform and sync source is set to trigger.
TGF4042 MODEL: TGF4082 TGF4162 TGF4242 Main Outputs Output Impedance: 50 20mVp-p to 20Vp-p open circuit, 10mVp-p to 10Vp-p into 50 20mVp-p to 20Vp-p open circuit, 10mVp-p to 10Vp-p into 50 20mVp-p to 10Vp-p open circuit, 10mVp-p to 5Vp-p into 50 ≤ 50MHz Amplitude (Sine): ≤ 80MHz 20mVp-p to 10Vp-p open circuit, 10mVp-p to 5Vp-p into 50 20mVp-p to 5Vp-p open circuit, 10mVp-p to 2.
MODEL: TGF4042 TGF4082 TGF4162 TGF4242 Ref Clock Output Buffered version of the 10MHz clock currently in use (internal or external) Output Level: Nominally 3V logic level from 50 Trigger / Count (DC) Input For ASK, FSK, BPSK, triggered sweep, gated burst, triggered burst and DC coupled external frequency measurement. Trigger Input DC – 1MHz Frequency Range: Counter Input 100mHz to >125MHz Threshold typically 1.2V; Signal Range: Sensitivity 100mVpp (≤50MHz), 250mVpp (>50MHz) Maximum input +5V / -1V.
EXCELLENCE THROUGH EXPERIENCE Aim-TTi is the trading name of Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd. (TTi), one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of test and measurement instruments. The company has wide experience in the design and manufacture of advanced test instruments and power supplies built up over more than thirty years. The company is based in the United Kingdom, and all products are built at the main facility in Huntingdon, close to the famous university city of Cambridge.
