INSTRUCTION MANUAL 9240 SERIES RF VOLTMETER REV DATE 01/20/2011 MANUAL P/N 98406900A CD P/N 98406999A Wireless Telecom Group 25 EASTMANS ROAD, PARSIPPANY, NJ 07054 Telephone: 973-386-9696 Fax: 973-386-9191 Email: boonton@boonton.com Web: www.wtcom.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter INSTRUCTION MANUAL, 9240 SERIES RF VOLTMETER Revision date 01/20/2011 © Copyright in 2005-2011, by BOONTON Electronics, a subsidiary of the Wireless Telecom Group, Inc. Parsippany, NJ, USA. All rights reserved. P/N 98406900A This manual covers instrument serial numbers: 11001 and higher.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter SAFETY SUMMARY The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation and maintenance of this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Boonton Electronics assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter SAFETY SYMBOLS This safety requirement symbol (located on the rear panel) has been adopted by the International Electro-technical Commission, Document 66 (Central Office) 3, Paragraph 5.3, which directs that an instrument be so labeled if, for the correct use of the instrument, it is necessary to refer to the instruction manual. In this case it is recommended that reference be made to the instruction manual when connecting the instrument to the proper power source.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 1. General Information.............................................................................................. 1-1 1.1 Organization.......................................................................................................... 1-1 1.2 Description............................................................................................................ 1-2 1.3 Features..........................................................................................
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5. 4.3 Overload Limits ............................................................................................... 4-1 4.4 Connection Recommendations ........................................................................ 4-2 4.5 Low Level Measurements................................................................................ 4-2 4.6 Temperature Effects......................................................................................... 4-3 4.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter CALCulate:LIMit:FAIL?................................................................................... 5-10 CALCulate:LIMit:LOWer[:POWer] ................................................................. 5-10 CALCulate:LIMit:UPPer[:POWer] ................................................................... 5-11 CALCulate:LIMit:LOWer:STATe .................................................................... 5-11 CALCulate:LIMit:UPPer:STATe ...................................
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter OUTPut:RECorder:MIN.................................................................................... 5-21 OUTPut:RECorder:SOURce ............................................................................. 5-21 5.5.10 READ Queries ........................................................................................... 5-22 READ:CW:VOLTage? ...................................................................................... 5-22 5.5.11 SENSe Subsystem................
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter INSTrument:VERSion:FIRMware? .................................................................. 5-34 INSTrument:VERSion:FPGA?.......................................................................... 5-34 5.5.15 SCPI Command Summary......................................................................... 5-35 5.5.16 9230 Emulation GPIB Commands............................................................. 5-40 6. Maintenance ..................................................
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter This page intentionally left blank.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 1. General Information This instruction manual provides general information, installation and operating instructions for the Model 9240 Series of RF Voltmeters. The 9240 Series includes single channel Model 9241 and dual channel Model 9242. The terms 9240 and Model 9240 used throughout this manual refer to both configurations unless otherwise noted. 1.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 1.2 Description The Model 9240 is a DSP (digital signal processor) based RF Voltmeter capable of measuring RF voltage levels from 200 microvolts to 300 volts (probe dependent) over a frequency range from 10 Hz to 2.5 GHz (probe dependent). The voltage levels can be displayed in V, mV, dBV or dBmV. When the measured voltage is across a known impedance (5 ohms and 2500 ohms), the calculated power can be displayed in dBm or dBW. 1.3 Features • Software.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter • Dual Independent Channels. When equipped with the optional second measurement channel, the instrument can display two CW signals simultaneously. Each channel is calibrated and all channel parameters are channel-independent. • Selectable Ranging. Any of eight measurement ranges, or autoranging, can be selected during instrument setup. The selection will be held until it is changed, or until the instrument is turned off.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter • Simple Instrument Setup and Operation. The front panel conductive rubber keypad provides access to menus which control instrument operation. The MENU key selects channel, setup and diagnostic menus. The key selects sensor related function. The key selects filter time averaging controls. Setting the filter time to zero will select the auto-filter mode. This selects an appropriate filter time without operator intervention.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 1.4 Accessories Optional 9240 accessories that can be ordered from Boonton Electronics. A Sensor Data Adapter for each channel installed along with the AC power cord is supplied with the instrument. One or more Boonton 952000 series RF Voltage Probes is required and must be ordered separately. Probes are available with accessory kits and are sold separately. Additional available accessories are summarized in Table 1-1.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Table 1-1 Accessories for the 9240 Series (continued) Selection Part Number Description 545504000 95401501A 95403001A 95403003A 95109102A 95109103A 95109104A 95109105A 95109001A 41-2A 41-2A/10 41-2A/20 41-2A/50 41-2A/100 95004701A 95004901A 95201301A 98406900A Fuse, 0.5A 250V Rack Mounting Kit Rack Mounting Kit (Brackets only) Rack Mounting Kit (Brackets with handles) Data Adapter with 10 ft (2.54 m) cable Data Adapter with 20 ft (5.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 1.6 Specifications Performance specifications for the 9240 Series are listed in Table 1-2. Table 1-2 9240 Series Performance Specifications (Specifications are subject to change without notice) VOLTAGE PROBE INPUTS Frequency Range: Voltage Range: Dynamic Range: Waveform response: Crest Factor: Input Impedance: Maximum AC Input: Maximum DC Input: 10 Hz to 1.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter INPUT RESISTANCE VS. FREQUENCY, MODEL 952001B RF PROBE INPUT CAPACITANCE VS. INPUT VOLTAGE, MODEL 952001B RF PROBE Figure 1-2.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Table 1-2 9240 Series Performance Specifications (continued) MEASUREMENT SYSTEM Voltage Probe Inputs: Measurement Technique: One or two measurement channels. 24 bit Sigma-delta A/D converter per channel. ACCURACY Basic Uncertainty: 3 mV – 10 V 1 mV – 3 mV 0.2 mV – 1mV 1% rdg + 1 count 2% rdg + 2 counts 3% rdg + 3 counts For dBv, dBmv, dBm, dBW Model 9240 Uncertainy vs.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Table 1-2 9240 Series Performance Specifications (continued) Frequency Effect: Model 952016 Low Frequency Probe with Model 952058 100:1 Divider. Frequency 1 MHz (cal freq) 1MHz - 20 MHz 50 Hz - 1 MHz 20 Hz - 50 Hz 10 Hz - 20 Hz mV 0 5% rdg 3.5% rdg 4.5% rdg 7.5% rdg dBV, dBmV, dBm, dBW 0 0.45 dB 0.31 dB 0.40 dB 0.68 dB Model 952001B Probe with Model 952006 75Ω BNC Adapter.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Table 1-2 9240 Series Performance Specifications (continued) EXTERNAL INTERFACES Outputs Front panel or optional Rear panel CAL OUT connector, 50 MHz, 100 mW max; rear panel recorder BNC connector, 9.09 kilohm impedance, 0 to 10 volts into 1 megohm (may be operated into 1 kilohm for 1V fs). PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS Case Dimensions: 8.26W x 3.48H x 13.5D inches (21.0 x 8.9 x 34.3 cm), Half-rack width, 2U height Weight: 5 lbs (2.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Table 1-2 9240 Series Performance Specifications (continued) REGULATORY CHARACTERISTICS CE Mark: Full compliance with the following European Union directives and standards: Safety: Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC IEC 61010 – 1 : 2001 (2nd Edition); EN 61010 – 1 : 2001 (2nd Edition) EMC: Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2004/108/EC IEC 61000-3-2: 2000 Limits for harmonic current emissions IEC 61000-3-3: 2002 Limitation of voltage changes, voltage fluctuations and
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 2. Installation This section contains unpacking and repacking instructions, power requirements, connection descriptions and preliminary checkout procedures. 2.1 Unpacking & Repacking The 9240 Series is shipped complete and is ready to use upon receipt. Figure 2-1 shows you the various pieces included in the packaging and the order in which they are loaded into the container. Actual details may vary from the illustration.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Table 2-1 9240 Series Packing List INSTRUMENT (See also Table 1-1) 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Line Cord Boonton Instruction Manual CD PROBE(S) (packaged separately) Voltage Probe(s) Data Adapter/Cable(s) For bench-top use, choose a clear, uncluttered area. Ensure that there is at least 2" of clearance at the exhaust vents on the side panels. Pull-down feet are located on the bottom of the instrument. Rack mounting instructions are provided with the optional rack mount kit. 2.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 2.4 Preliminary Check The following preliminary check verifies that the instrument is operational and has the correct software installed. It should be performed before the instrument is placed into service. To perform the preliminary check, proceed as follows: 1. Connect the AC (mains) power cord to a suitable AC power source; 90 to 264 volts AC, 47 to 63 Hz, with a capacity in excess of 75 W. The power supply will automatically adjust to voltages within this range. 2.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 8. Use the key to move the "<" cursor to SWITCHES and press . Press each front panel key, avoiding
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 3. Getting Started This chapter will introduce the user to the 9240 Series. The chapter will identify objects on the front and rear panels, identify display organization, list the initial configuration of the instrument after reset, and provide practice exercises for front panel operation. For additional information you should see Chapter 4 "Operation." 3.1 Organization Subsection 3.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Figure 3-1. Standard 9240 Series RF Voltmeter - Front Panel Table 3-1 Operating Controls, Indicators and Connections Reference # Front Rear Nomenclature 1 1 Channel Inputs Function One or two Channel inputs are located on the front, or optionally on the rear panel of the instrument. These are 10-pin precision connectors designed to accept only Boonton RF Voltage Probes.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Table 3-1 Operating Controls, Indicators and Connections (continued) Reference # Front Rear Nomenclature Function 3 ◄ and ► Keys In entry mode, pressing ◄advances the cursor to the left. In the measurement mode of operation pressing the ◄ key sets the Active channel to Linear measurement units (Volts, %). In entry mode, pressing ►advances the cursor to the right.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Table 3-1 Operating Controls, Indicators and Connections (continued) Reference # Front Rear Nomenclature 12 [ Key Function Often relative measurements are required especially when measuring system gains and losses. One key press of the Ref/Level key makes this easier and faster to perform. Simply connect the active channel’s probe to the input signal of the system under test.]
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Figure 3-2.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 3.3 Operation The Model 9240 can be configured for operation via the six switches on the front panel;
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter DUAL CHANNEL A A C C M M M M M M M M L ± ( B A R M M L ± ( B A R D D D D D D D U G R A P H ) D D D D D U G R A P H ) U U U P K ∆ U U U P K ∆ U U U P K ∆ SINGLE CHANNEL A C M KEY: M M M M L ± ( B A D D D D D U R G R A P H ) D "=" 0 through 9 or a decimal point L "=" M M M M U U U U A M C D ∧,∨ (alarm mode) Ω (indicating power measurement relative ZØ) "=" CH1, CH2, CH1+2
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Figure 3-5. Model 9240, Command Set Last Menu Operation. In keeping with minimum key stokes to perform a function repeatedly, the control program can remember the last menu the user was at prior to returning to the measurement display. In doing this submenu functions can be quickly selected and parameters changed getting the user back to the measurement display faster. For example, suppose the user steps through a series of voltage levels while manually changing ranges.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 3.3.1 Menu Key. The instrument's, CHANNELS, SETUP, REPORT and DIAGNOSTIC functions are accessed when the
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Table 3-2 CHANNEL MENU Functions Function Description Parameters RTN Returns the instrument to the previous menu. n/a UNITS Units used for measurement display. dBm, WATTS dBm RES Display resolution X.X, X.XX, X.XXX dBm or/ XXX, XXXX, XXXXX Watts X.XX BAR Enables the bar graph on the measurement display. ON, OFF ON MODE Sets the display mode for channel 2; only available when two channels are installed.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter R T N R E C A S A V E P O W E K E Y I E E E R S 2 3 R E C L I N I N S L L > 1 2 R U P D E F E E P O F F C H A N C H 1 E F R E Q T R C A B A U L T 2 L Figure 3-8. Setup Menu Display Table 3-3 SETUP MENU Functions Function Description Parameters RTN Returns the instrument to the previous menu. n/a RECALL Recalls one of ten user defined instrument configurations or the factory setup.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter IEEE Menu. The IEEE submenu is used to configure the Model 9240 for communications over the GPIB. An example of the menu is shown in Figure 3-9 and the description of the commands, parameters and factory defaults is given in Table 3-4. R T N A D D R E S S E M U L A T I O E O S L S T N E O S T A L K E O I S R Q M A S > N E R K 1 3 S C P I C R L F C R L F O N 0 Figure 3-9.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter RS232 Menu. The RS232 menu is used to configure the Model 9240 for serial communications over the RS-232 bus. An example of the submenu is shown in Figure 3-10 and an explanation of the commands, parameters and factory defaults is given in Table 3-5.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter REPORT Display. The REPORT menu item displays the versions of the firmware and FPGA image installed in the instrument. The SCPI specification compliance version is also displayed in this report. This display is for informational purposes only and does not support any editing of the data. The REPORT display is shown in Figure 3-11. V W A R E E R S I O N 2 0 1 0 0 7 F I R M F P G A 1 . 1 8 S C P I 1 9 9 0 1 1 Figure 3-11.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 3.3.2 Sensor Key. Pressing the key brings the instrument to the Sensor menu and facilitates viewing and editing of the voltage probe’s parameters. An access code is required to enter the editing mode (refer to Figure 3-14). A sample display of the Sensor menu is shown in Figure 3-13. The instrument is capable of using sensor calibration data from either the sensor data adapters or from any one of four internal tables.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter R T N M O D E L S E R I A D A T E U P S C A L E D O W N S C A L M I D S C A L E > L # E 5 1 0 7 5 2 9 3 9 1 0 8 2 3 0 : 5 0 0 0 0 : 0 0 0 0 0 : 0 0 0 0 1 0 Figure 3-14. Sensor Edit Data Menu Display The parameter list will show TBLn (where n = 1, 2, 3, 4) when a serial number has not been entered for the corresponding internal table.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Linearity Factors. Eight upscale, downscale and midscale linearity factors are assigned to each voltage probe. These values can be viewed or edited by moving the cursor to the UPSCALE, DOWNSCALE or MISCALE command and pressing the key. The instrument will sequence through the linearity factors by pressing the up/down arrow keys.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter T I M S E C S A M E > P C H 1 1 0 . 5 0 2 1 0 S C H 2 0 0 . 0 8 1 6 Figure 3-17. Averaging Time Display 3.3.5 Zero Key (single key press operation). Zeroing should be performed when the unit is first warmed-up, a sensor has been changed or the instrument has drifted a significant amount with respect to the signal level being measured. For large signals (measurements taken on range 4, 5, 6 or 7), this may be done once every several hours.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Press the [ key to enter a value or to use the current channel measurement for the reference level. The measurement units will automatically change to dBr for logrythmic units or % for linear units for subsequent measurements. An example of the instrument's display is shown in Figure 3-19. R E d B M O F E R > D E E N C E C H 1 + 0 0 . L O A D L 0 E V 0 E L C H 2 + 2 5 S E T . 0 0 Figure 3-19.]
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter This page intentionally left blank.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 4. Operation This section provides detailed background information on various aspects of operation of the Model 9240. It is assumed that the reader is familiar with the basic operating procedures covered in Section 3. This section covers the following topics: Voltmeter Probe calibration, Zeroing, Filtering, Noise, Dynamic range, Measurement time, Chart recorder operation and Waveform sensitivity. 4.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter The terminated Model 952009 RF Probe should not be subjected to continuous overload of more than 4 volts (DC + RMS AC) in order to avoid excessive heating of the terminating resistor. Exceeding these limits may result in permanent damage. 4.4 Connection Recommendations 1. The Model 952001B probe is equipped with a detachable tip and ground lead.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 4.6 Temperature Effects 1. The accuracy specifications for the instrument apply over a temperature range of 0° C to 50° C. Outside these limits, operation of the instrument is possible, but appreciable inaccuracies can be expected; however, no permanent change in probe characteristics will result from any reasonably high or low temperature exposure. 2.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Figure 3-4. Correction Curves for Models 952003 and 952007 Type N tee Adapters. 4.11 RF Power Measurements The Z0 function in the CHANNELS sub-menu enables the user to set a characteristic impedance to be used for power calculations. The default value is 50 ohms; however, values from 5 to 2500 ohms may be used. This value is used only in association with the dBm and dBW units.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5. Remote Operation 5.1 GPIB Configuration The 9240 GPIB interface is configured using the Menu > SETUP > IEEE menu. The primary listen/talk address (MLTA) can be set to any value from 1 to 30 inclusive. The value assigned must be unique to each GPIB device. Secondary address is not implemented. To inform the instrument that a message has been completed, the bus controller must end all messages with a terminating character and/or EOI control signal.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Additionally, the ASCII "DC2" character (hexadecimal 12/CTRL R) will cause the instrument to immediately transmit data based on the current talk mode. Continuing the above example: Terminal Sends TM0 Model 9240 Response Set the talk mode to send Floating Point Measurements. R (CTRL R/hexadecimal 12) Talk the error flag and the measurement in floating point notation. Data returned: “0,-3.00” - indicating no error and the power is -3 dBm.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter suffix is not present, the default channel is assumed. For example, SENSe or SENSe1 defines operation affecting the instrument’s “Channel 1” measurement path, while SENSe2 commands will apply to channel 2. 5.3.4 Colon Keyword Separators The colon (“:”) character is used similar to the way a slash or backslash is used in a filesystem. Prefixing a command string with a colon resets parsing at the root command level, and a colon must separate each keyword in the command.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter to zero the measurement channel.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5.4 Basic Measurement Information The easiest way to obtain a reading is by use of the MEASure command. This command initiates one complete measurement sequence which includes a default configuration. Examples are: MEAS1:POWER? To return the average power of channel 1, or MEAS1:VOLTAGE? To return the average voltage of channel 1. For finer control over the measurement, individual configuration and function commands should be used.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5.5 SCPI Command Reference This section contains a list of all SCPI remote commands accepted by the 9240 Series. The list is grouped by SCPI subsystem or IEEE488.2 function, and includes a detailed description of each command. 5.5.1 IEEE 488.2 Commands The purpose of IEEE488.2 commands is to provide management and data communication instructions for the system by defining a set of “*” commands (an asterisk followed by a three character code).
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter *ESR? Description: Return the current value of the Standard Event Status Register, then clear the register. This register has bits assigned to a number of possible events or conditions of the instrument. When the event occurs, the corresponding bit is latched. The register value is read using this command. Individual bits may be enabled or disabled for SRQ generation using the ESE mask (see *ESE command).
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter *OPT? Description: Return the status of Channel 1 and Channel 2 followed by a list of installed options. Syntax: *OPT? Returns: : f1 – Chan 1 installed?, f2 – Chan1 sensor present?, f3 – Chan 2 installed?, f4 – Chan 2 sensor present?, opt1, opt2, etc. (option list may be empty). Description: Set the instrument to a known “default” configuration. Set measurements to STOP.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter *STB? Description: Return the current value of the Status Byte register. This register has bits assigned to a number of possible events or conditions of the instrument. The register value may be read using this command, or may be used to generate a service request (SRQ) over the GPIB when certain conditions exist. Individual bits may be enabled or disabled for SRQ generation using the SRE mask (see *SRE command).
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5.5.2 CALCulate Subsystem The CALCulate group of the command subsystem is used to configure post acquisition data processing. Functions in the CALCulate subsystem are used to configure the measurement mode and control which portions of the acquired measurement data is used and how it is processed to yield a finished measurement. In addition to measurement mode, CALCulate is used to define mathematical operations, measurement units, and limit monitoring.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter CALCulate:LIMit:UPPer[:POWer] Description: Set or return the upper limit power level for the selected channel. This limit is used for level alarms. When the measured average power is above the upper limit, an up arrow ▲ will appear on the display to the left of the measured value and flag bits are set in the alarm register which may be accessed using CALCulate:LIMit:FAIL? query and CALCulate:LIMit:CLEAR commands.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter CALCulate:MATH:ARGA Description: Set or return the first argument to be used for channel math operations. Syntax: CALCulate:MATH:ARGA Argument: = { CH1, CH2 } CALCulate:MATH:ARGB Description: Set or return the second argument to be used for channel math operations. Syntax: CALCulate:MATH:ARGB Argument: = { CH1, CH2 } CALCulate:MATH:DATA? Description: Returns the channel math result.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter CALCulate:REFerence:COLLect Description: For the selected channel, make the current power the reference level for ratiometric measurements, replacing the previous reference level. Syntax: CALCulate[1|2]:REFerence:COLLect Argument: None CALCulate:REFerence:DATA Description: For the selected channel, set the power level specified by the argument as the reference level for ratiometric measurements, replacing the previous reference level.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5.5.3 CALibration Subsystem The CALibration group of commands is used to control automatic zero offset to the RF Voltage probe and the channel to which it is connected. Zero offset adjustment can be performed at any time if no RF signal is applied to the probe. The numeric suffix of the CALibration commands refers to a measurement channel, that is CALibration1 and CALibration2 refer to CH1 and CH2 input channels, respectively.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5.5.4 DISPlay Subsystem The DISPlay group of commands is used to control the selection and presentation of measurements. DISPlay:ACTive[?] Description: Set or return the active channel for talk commands. Syntax: DISPlay:ACTive Argument: = 1 to 2 DISPlay:CLEar Description: Clear all data buffers for CH1 and CH2. Clears averaging filters to empty. Does NOT clear errors.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter DISPlay:LABel:TEXTA Description: Displays a text message of up to 20 characters in the first label field when Display Label Mode is enabled. Syntax: DISPlay:LABel:TEXTA Argument: = A to Z, a to z, 0 to 9, ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ - + = { } [ ] ? / < > : . DISPlay:LABel:TEXTB Description: Displays a text message of up to 20 characters in the second label field when Display Label Mode is enabled.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5.5.5 FETCh Queries The FETCh? group of queries is used to return specific measurement data from a measurement cycle that has been INITiated and is complete or free-running. FETCh? performs the data output portion of the measurement. FETCh? does not start a new measurement, so a series of FETCh? queries may be used to return more than one set of processed measurements from a complete set of acquired data.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5.5.6 INITiate and ABORt Commands The purpose of the INITiate group of commands is to start and control the process of data acquisition once a measurement has been configured. Depending on settings, the 9240 RF Voltmeter may be commanded to begin either a single measurement (INITiate:CONTinuous OFF) which stops when complete, or enter a “free-run” mode where data acquisition occurs continuously (INITiate:CONTinuous ON).
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5.5.7 MEASure Queries The MEASure group of commands is used to acquire data using a set of high level instructions. They are structured to allow the user to trade off fine control of the measurement process for easy operability. MEASure? provides a complete capability where the voltmeter is configured, a measurement taken, and results returned in one operation. The instrument is set to a basic, predefined measurement state with little user intervention necessary or possible.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5.5.8 MEMory Subsystem The MEMory group of commands is used to save and recall instrument operating configurations. Up to ten configurations may be saved. MEMory:SNSR:CWRG? Description: Return sensor AC cal data. Syntax: MEMory:SNSR[1|2]:CWRG? Argument: None, query only. MEMory:SNSR:INFO? Description: Return the sensor ID and parameter data.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5.5.9 OUTPut Subsystem The OUTPut group of commands is used to control various outputs of the 9240. These outputs include the Recorder Output. OUTPut commands for the Recorder Output include setting the DC output to the MAXimum or MINimum level or can be forced to any level in between. Also the Recorder Output can be assigned to either channel 1 or 2. OUTPut:RECorder:FORCe Description: Command sets the output voltage to the argument.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5.5.10 READ Queries The purpose of the READ? group of queries is to initiate a measurement cycle, acquire data, and return specific measurement data. READ? performs the initiation, data acquisition, postprocessing, and data output portions of the measurement. READ? is equivalent to ABORting any operation in progress, INITiating a new measurement, then FETChing the data when it is ready. READ? generally does not return data unless acquisition is complete.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5.5.11 SENSe Subsystem The purpose of the SENSe command subsystem is to directly configure device specific settings used to make measurements, generally parameters related to the RF voltage probe and signal processing. The SENSe commands are used to configure the voltmeter for acquiring data. SENSe enables you to change measurement parameters such as filtering or averaging.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5.5.12 STATus Commands The STATus command subsystem enables you to control the SCPI defined status reporting structures. The user may examine the status or control status reporting of the voltmeter by accessing the Device, Operation and Questionable status groups. STATus:DEVice:CONDition? Description: Return the current value of the Device Condition register. The following table shows the bit assignments in the register.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter STATus:DEVice:EVENt? Description: Returns the current contents of the Device Event register then resets the register value to 0. The Device Event register contains the latched events from the Device Condition register as specified by the Device status group’s positive and negative transition filters.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter STATus:OPERation:CONDition? Description: Return the current value of the Operation Condition register. The following table shows the bit assignments in the register. These bits are updated by the instrument in real time, and can change in response to changes in the instrument’s operating condition.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter STATus:OPERation:NTRansition Description: Set or return the value of the negative transition filter bitmask for the Operation status group. Setting a bit in the negative transition filter causes a 1 to 0 (negative) transition in the corresponding bit of the Operation Condition register to cause a 1 to be written in the associated bit of the Operation Event register.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition? Description: Return the current value of the Questionable Condition register. The following table shows the bit assignments in the register. These bits are updated by the instrument in real time, and can change in response to changes in the instrument’s operating condition.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter STATus:QUEStionable:NTRansition Description: Set or return the value of the negative transition filter bit mask for the Questionable status group. Setting a bit in the negative transition filter causes a 1 to 0 (negative) transition in the corresponding bit of the Questionable Condition register to cause a 1 to be written in the associated bit of the Questionable Event register.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter STATus:QUEStionable:CALibration:ENABle Description: Sets or returns the Questionable Calibration Enable register, which contains the bit mask that defines which true conditions in the Questionable Calibration Event register will be reported in the Questionable Calibration Summary bit of the Questionable Condition register.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5.5.13 SYSTem Subsystem The SYSTem group of commands is used to control system-level functions not directly related to instrument measurement performance. SYSTem commands are used to return error codes or messages from the voltmeter error queue, control hardware features and configure communication parameters for the GPIB. SYSTem:BEEP[:ENABle] Description: Set or return the status of the audible keyboard beeper.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:TALK Description: Set or return the GPIB Talk end-of-string terminator . Syntax: SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:TALK Argument: = {LF, CR, CRLF, EOIONLY} SYSTem:COMMunicate:SERial:BAUD Description: Set or return the RS232 baud rate.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter SYSTem:ERRor[:NEXT]? Description: Returns the next queued error code number followed by a quoted ASCII text string describing the error. Note that errors are stored in a “first-in-first-out” queue, so if more than one error has occurred, repeating this command will report the errors in the sequence they happened.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5.5.14 INSTrument:VERSion Commands INSTrument:VERSion group of commands is used to query the firmware and FPGA revision codes. The firmware code follows a “YYYYMMDD” format. The FPGA revision format has a major and minor representation in the form of “MM.mm” where “MM” is the major revision number and “mm” in the minor revision number. INSTrument:VERSion:FIRMware? Description: Returns the firmware revision code.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5.5.15 SCPI Command Summary Table 5-1.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Table 5-1. SCPI COMMAND SUMMARY (continued) CALCulate:MATH:ARGB Set or return the second argument to be used for channel math operations. CALCulate:MATH:DATA? Returns the channel math result. CALCulate:MATH:OPERator Set or return the channel math operator. CALCulate:MODE Set/return remote measurement mode = NORMal, FAST, FILTered CALCulate[1|2]:REFerence:COLLect Set the current reading to be the ratiometric measurement reference level.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Table 5-1. SCPI COMMAND SUMMARY (continued) DISPlay:Label:TEXTD Displays a text message in the fourth label field. = A to Z, a to z, 0 to 9 ! @ # $ % ^ & * ()_-+={}[]?/<>:. FETCh[1|2]:CW:VOLTage? Return current average reading in voltage units FETCh:KEY? Return code of last key depressed INITiate:CONTinuous Set/return state of mode which triggers meas cycles continuously.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5-1.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Table 5-1. SCPI COMMAND SUMMARY (continued) SYSTem:COMMunicate:SERial:BAUD Set/return the RS232 baud rate. = 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200 SYSTem:COMMunicate:SERial:BITS Set/return the RS232 serial Data Bits. = 7,8 SYSTem:COMMunicate:SERial:PARity Set/return the RS232 Parity. = ODD, EVEN, NONE SYSTem:COMMunicate:SERial:SBITS Set/return the RS232 serial Stop Bits.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter 5.5.16 9230 Emulation GPIB Commands Table 5-2. 4230 EMULATION GPIB COMMANDS Code Description AM Measure A-B AR Measure A/B BD Measure B - A BR Measure B/A BN 4230A Native mode CH Channel select 1 - 2 CL Clear DB dBm select DF Display off DN Display on DR dBr select DU Display user message FA Auto filter FL Filter time select ?ID Talk instrument ID *IDN? Talk instrument ID 1 LH High limit -99.99 to 99.99 in 0.01 steps LL Low limit -99.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter Table 5-2. 4230 EMULATION GPIB COMMANDS (continued) Code Description Comments RC Recall instrument configuration 1 - 10 RE Resolution 1-3 RN Recorder normal RS Range select RT Recorder top SCPI Set remote programming language to SCPI VSI Send linearity data to instrument SM Service request (SRQ) mask VSO Get linearity data from instrument SR Set dBr reference -99.99 to 99.99 in 0.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter This page intentionally left blank.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Power Meter 6. Maintenance This section presents procedures for maintaining the 9240 Series. 6.1 Safety Although the 9240 Series has been designed in accordance with international safety standards, general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation and maintenance. Failure to comply with the precautions listed in the Safety Summary located in the front of this manual could result in serious injury or death.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Power Meter 6.5 Firmware Upgrade Instructions Requirements The Firmware Update file is a text file in S-record format. Any utility that can send a text file over the GPIB interface could be used, however, it is recommended that National Instruments VISA Interactive Controller (VIC) utility that is available with installation of their VISA (Virtual Instrument Software Architecture) product be used as this has been tried and tested.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Power Meter 7. During this time the 9240 will display "FIRMWARE DOWNLOAD". The download takes approximate 45 seconds to completely transfer. 8. When the End-Of-File is reached the message “PROGRAMMING FLASH” will be displayed on the 9240. Flash programming takes approximately 5 seconds to complete. 9. When programming is complete the instrument returns to the measurement display. 10. At this time cycle the power to the instrument to run the new firmware. 11. Note the ‘Rev.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Power Meter This page intentionally left blank.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Power Meter 7. Appendix A SCPI Error Messages 7.1 SCPI Error Messages NO.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Power Meter NO. MESSAGE DESCRIPTION -245 "Sensor Disconnected." -246 “Sensor voltage error” -248 "Keyboard error" -249 "FPGA download err" -263 “MFS Init” -264 “Flash init” -266 “Mem restore” -280 “Program error” -295 "Command not in language." -296 "Data out of range, set to limit." -297 "Command not supported.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Power Meter 8. Appendix B Warranty & Repair Repair Policy 9240 Series Instrument. If the Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter is not operating correctly and requires service, contact the Boonton Electronics Service Department for return authorization. You will be provided with an RMA number and shipping instructions. Customers outside the USA should contact the authorized Boonton distributor for your area. The entire instrument must be returned in its original packing container.
Boonton 9240 Series RF Power Meter THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUD-ING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PAR-TICULAR PURPOSE. Boonton will not be liable for any incidental damages or for any consequential damages, as defined in Section 2-715 of the Uniform Commercial Code, in connection with products covered by the foregoing warranties.
