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Giga-tronics 58542 User Manual

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Giga-tronics Incorporated v 4650 Norris Canyon Road, San Ramon, CA 94583
925.328.4650/800.726.4442/925.328.4700 (Fax) v Customer Service: 800.444.2878/925.328.4702 (Fax)
Publication 21555, Rev. E, September 2002
58542 VXIbus Universal Power Meter
Operation & Maintenance Manual
www.gigatronics.com

Table of Contents

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Giga-tronics 58542 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandGiga-tronics
Model58542
CategoryMeasuring Instruments
LanguageEnglish

Summary

1 Introduction

1.1 Description

Provides a comprehensive overview of the 58542 VXI Universal Power Meter's features and capabilities.

1.2 Specifications

Details the performance specifications, including range, accuracy, and power requirements of the 58542.

1.2.1 Range

Specifies the frequency and power measurement ranges for the 58542 power meter and sensors.

1.2.2 Accuracy

Outlines the accuracy specifications for the calibrator, including settability and overall accuracy.

1.2.3 Zeroing Accuracy (Standard CW Sensors)

Details the zero set, zero drift, and noise specifications for standard CW sensors.

1.2.4 Meter Functions

Describes the meter's functions, including dB offset, relative readings, and configuration storage.

1.2.5 Measurement Speed

Explains measurement speed capabilities in normal, swift, and burst modes, including data buffering.

1.2.6 Inputs/Outputs

Details the analog output, trigger input, and voltage proportional to frequency specifications.

1.2.7 Power Requirements

Lists the power supply voltage and current requirements for the 58542.

1.2.8 General Specifications

Provides general specifications for operating and non-operating temperature ranges, dimensions, and weight.

2 Operation

2.1 Preparation for Use

Guides users on how to prepare the 58542 for operation, including setup and installation procedures.

2.2 Installation

Describes the physical installation process of the 58542 VXI module into a VXI mainframe.

2.3 Initial Setup

Details the essential initial setup steps, including logical address and bus arbitration configuration.

2.3.1 Logical Address

Explains how to set the VXI logical address for the power meter using DIP switches.

2.3.2 Data Transfer Bus Arbitration

Describes the configuration of VMEbus mastership and data transfer bus arbitration settings.

2.4 Sensor Precautions

Provides critical safety precautions and handling guidelines for power sensors.

2.5 Operation

Covers the operational aspects of the 58542, including SCPI command interface and measurement functions.

2.5.1 SCPI Command Interface

Explains the use of SCPI commands for controlling and configuring the 58542.

2.5.2 Sensor Calibration & Zeroing

Details the procedures for sensor calibration and zeroing using SCPI commands.

2.5.3 Sensor & Channel Configuration

Describes how to configure sensors and software calculation channels for measurements.

2.5.4 Measurement Triggering

Explains the different modes and configurations for triggering measurements.

2.5.5 Memory Functions

Covers SCPI commands for memory management, including VPROPF and analog outputs.

2.5.6 IEEE 488.2 Required Commands

Lists mandatory IEEE 488.2 commands implemented by the power meter for SCPI compliance.

2 Operation (Continued)

2.5.7 DIAGnostic Commands

Details diagnostic commands used for instrument maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting.

2.5.8 Calculate Subsystem Commands

Explains SCPI commands for specifying and querying power measurement channel configurations.

2.5.9 Sense Subsystem Commands

Describes SCPI commands that apply to individual sensors for measurement configuration.

2.5.10 Trigger Subsystem Commands

Covers SCPI commands for instrument measurement event triggering and special triggering configurations.

2.5.11 GPIB Command Syntax

Explains the conventions and syntax rules for using GPIB commands with the power meter.

2.5.11.1 Commands in Brackets

Explains the use of optional command parts enclosed in brackets.

2.5.11.2 Programmer Selective Parameters

Describes how configurable parameters are indicated using angle brackets.

2.5.11.3 Italics in Syntax Descriptions

Explains the use of italics in syntax descriptions for specific characters.

2.5.11.4 Query Format

Details how to form query commands by adding a question mark.

2.5.11.5 Linking Command Strings

Explains how to link multiple commands in a single string using a semicolon.

2.5.11.6 Measurement Data Output Format

Describes the format of measurement data output examples, typically in HTBasic.

2.5.12 Sensor Calibration & Zeroing

Provides detailed procedures for calibrating and zeroing power sensors.

2.5.12.1 Sensor Calibration

Explains the importance and process of sensor power sweep calibration.

2.5.12.2 Sensor Zero

Describes the procedure for performing sensor zeroing to account for system noise.

2.5.13 Reading Power Measurements

Details the commands used to retrieve measurement data from the 58542.

2.5.13.1 Special Errors

Explains how to interpret unusual numeric responses as errors.

2.5.14 Instrument Triggering

Covers SCPI commands for controlling the measurement trigger cycle.

2.5.15 Arming the Triggering Cycle

Explains how to arm the measurement acquisition at the next instrument trigger.

2.5.16 Channel Configuration

Details SCPI commands for configuring power measurement channels.

2.5.17 Cal Factor Correction

Explains how to apply frequency calibration factors for accurate measurements.

2.5.17.1 VPROPF Configuration

Describes the configuration of the voltage proportional to frequency input.

2.5.17.2 Cal Factor Error Control

Discusses error handling related to cal factor correction commands.

2.5.18 High Speed Measurements

Covers techniques for maximizing measurement speed, especially in SWIFT and BURST modes.

2.5.18.1 Operating Mode Control

Explains how to select measurement modes like NORMal, BURSt, and SWIFt.

2.5.18.2 Approximate Measuring Speeds

Provides a table of approximate measurement speeds for different modes.

2.5.18.3 Triggering Notes

Offers important notes and considerations for using EXT, BUS, and IMM triggering.

2.5.18.4 Measurement Level Notes

Provides guidance on using SWIFt mode for low power levels.

2.5.19 Peak Power Sensor Triggering

Details how to configure trigger sources, delay, and level for peak power sensors.

2.5.20 Averaging

Explains the averaging functions for improving measurement stability and accuracy.

2.5.21 Relative or Referenced Measurements

Describes how to perform measurements relative to a reference level or set value.

2.5.21.1 Error Control

Discusses error handling for relative and referenced measurement commands.

2.5.22 Offsets

Explains how to use sensor offsets to account for attenuator loss.

2.5.23 SRQ & Status Monitoring

Covers commands for managing Service Request (SRQ) and monitoring instrument status.

2.5.23.1 Event Status Register

Details the structure and use of the event status register for error reporting.

2.5.23.2 Status Byte Register

Explains the structure and function of the status byte register for service requests.

2.5.24 Min/Max Configuration & Monitoring

Describes how to configure and monitor minimum and maximum channel amplitude variations.

2.5.25 Limit Line Configuration & Monitoring

Covers commands for setting and monitoring power measurement limit values.

2.5.26 Analog Output

Explains how to configure the analog output for voltage corresponding to power levels.

2.5.27 Saving & Recalling Configurations

Details commands for saving and recalling instrument configurations.

2.5.28 Halting Operation

Describes the ABORT command to stop operations.

2.5.29 Preset Configuration

Covers commands for resetting the instrument to a known condition.

2.5.30 Identification Commands

Explains commands used to identify the power meter and attached sensors.

2.5.31 Calibrator Controls

Details commands for controlling the built-in reference oscillator.

2.5.32 Sensor EEPROM Commands

Covers commands for accessing and programming sensor EEPROM data.

2.5.33 Self-Test

Explains how to perform self-tests and interpret the results.

2.5.34 Error Messages

Lists standard SCPI error messages and their descriptions.

3 Theory of Operation

3.1 Introduction

Introduces the chapter on the electrical circuits and PC board assemblies of the power meter.

3.2 Circuit Description

Describes the main PC boards and their functions within the 58542 system.

3.2.1 VXI Power Meter System Block Diagram

Illustrates the overall system architecture, showing interactions between PC boards.

3.3 Analog PC Board (A1)

Details the components and circuitry of the Analog PC Board (A1).

4 Calibration & Testing

4.1 Introduction

Introduces the chapter on periodic calibration and testing procedures.

4.2 Equipment Required

Lists the necessary equipment for performing calibration and performance tests.

4.3 Calibration Procedures

Provides step-by-step procedures for calibrating the power meter and its components.

4.3.1 Calibrator Output Power Reference Level

Details the procedure for checking and verifying the calibrator's output power reference level.

4.3.1.1 Equipment Required

Lists equipment needed specifically for the Calibrator Output Power Reference Level check.

4.3.2 Calibrator Output Power

Describes the process for setting and correcting the calibrator's output power.

4.3.3 Calibrator Voltages

Explains how to measure and check various calibrator voltages for troubleshooting.

4.3.4 Calibrator Frequency Check

Details the procedure for verifying the calibrator's output frequency.

4.4 Performance Tests

Outlines recommended performance tests to ensure the instrument meets specifications.

4.4.1 GPIB Port Check

Describes a procedure to confirm the functionality of the GPIB port.

4.4.1.1 Equipment Required

Lists the equipment needed for the GPIB port check.

4.4.1.2 Procedure

Provides the steps for performing the GPIB port check.

4.4.2 Power Sensor Linearity

Details the procedure for testing the linearity of power sensors across their operating range.

4.4.2.1 Setup Parameters

Lists the setup parameters required before performing the Power Linearity test.

4.4.2.2 Equipment Required

Lists the equipment needed for the Power Sensor Linearity test.

4.4.2.3 Test Procedure

Provides the step-by-step procedure for testing power sensor linearity.

5 Maintenance

5.1 Introduction

Introduces maintenance practices, calibration, and troubleshooting for fault isolation.

5.2 Power Supply Voltage Checks

Guides on checking the power supply voltages on the Analog PC board for troubleshooting.

5.3 Lithium Battery

Describes the function and maintenance of the lithium battery for maintaining test setups.

5.3.1 Replacement Procedure: D

Provides a detailed procedure for replacing the lithium battery.

5.4 GPIB Test Functions

Explains GPIB test functions for checking calibrator system parts.

5.4.1 58542 Channel 2 Troubleshooting

Details troubleshooting steps for issues specific to Channel 2.

5.4.2 Diagnostic Test Commands

Lists VXI diagnostic commands for testing and adjusting the 58542.

6 Parts Lists

6.1 Introduction

Introduces the chapter containing parts lists for all assemblies.

6.2 58542 VXIbus Universal Power Meter Parts Lists

Provides detailed parts lists for the 58542 Power Meter and its main assemblies.

6.3 List of Manufacturers

Lists manufacturers cited in the parts lists with their addresses and CAGE identifiers.

7 Diagrams

7.1 Introduction

Introduces the chapter containing assembly drawings and circuit schematics.

A Program Examples

A.1 Introduction

Introduces the appendix containing examples of operating programs for the 58542.

A.2 Sensor Calibration Examples

Provides example programs for calibrating power sensors to the meter.

A.2.1 Sensor Calibration Example 1

Example program for power sweep calibration and pass/fail reporting.

A.2.2 Sensor Calibration Example 2

Example program for power sweep calibration using CAL? query and *OPC command.

A.2.3 Sensor Calibration Example 3

Example program for power sweep calibration monitoring via service requests.

A.2.4 Sensor Calibration Example 4

Example program using a return loss bridge for calibration.

A.2.5 Sensor Calibration Example 5

Example program for calibrating high power sensors.

A Program Examples (Continued)

A.3 Sensor Zeroing Examples

Provides example programs for sensor zeroing procedures.

A.3.1 Sensor Zeroing Example 1

Example program for sensor zeroing, requesting operator action.

A.3.2 Sensor Zeroing Example 2

Example program for sensor zeroing, turning source off and on.

A.3.3 Error Control Examples

Illustrates conditions that trigger various error messages during operation.

A.4 Reading Power Measurement Examples

Provides examples of programs for reading power measurements using different modes.

A.4.1 Reading Power Measurements Example 1

Example program for single channel operation using MEAS#? command.

A.4.2 Reading Power Measurements Example 2

Example program demonstrating Auto-Averaging behavior with MEAS#?.

A.4.3 Reading Power Measurements Example 3

Example program for dual channel operation using MEAS#? command.

A.4.4 Reading Power Measurements Example 4

Example program using READ#? command for single channel operation.

A.4.5 Reading Power Measurements Example 5

Example program using READ#? command for dual channel operation.

A.4.6 Reading Power Measurements Example 6

Example program demonstrating fast SWIFt Mode speed with FETCh#?.

A.4.7 Reading Power Measurements Example 7

Example program showing BUS triggering with FETCh#? in NORMal and BURSt Modes.

A.4.8 Reading Power Measurements Example 8

Example program showing fast BUS triggering in SWIFt Mode with FETCh#?.

A.4.9 Reading Power Measurements Example 9

Example program using BURSt Mode for fastest measurement rates with TRIG:DEL.

A.5 Instrument Triggering Examples

Provides examples illustrating the operation of TRIG:SOUR commands with MEAS#? and FETCh#?.

A.5.1 TRIGgering Example 1

Example showing TRIG:SOUR HOLD with MEAS#?.

A.5.2 TRIGgering Example 2

Example showing FETCh#? with TRIG:SOUR HOLD.

A.5.3 TRIGgering Example 3

Example demonstrating READ#? query requiring TRIG:SOUR IMM.

A.5.4 TRIGgering Example 4

Examples showing BUS triggering with FETCh#?.

A.5.5 TRIGgering Example 5

Example of BURSt Mode BUS triggering with FETCh?.

A.5.6 TRIGgering Example 6

Example demonstrating SWIFt Mode with EXT TTL triggering.

A.6 Channel Configuration Examples

Provides examples for configuring power measurement channels for different scenarios.

A.6.1 Single Sensor Power Measurement

Example for default sensor-to-channel assignments and reversing them.

A.6.2 Ratio Measurement

Example program for measuring the ratio of power levels between two sensors.

A.6.3 Difference Measurement

Example program for measuring the difference of power levels between two sensors.

A.7 Cal Factor Examples

Provides examples of applying frequency calibration factors.

A.7.1 Cal Factor Example 1

Example program applying correct cal factor for an 8.23 GHz measurement.

A.7.2 Cal Factor Example 2

Example program stepping through frequencies and correcting for cal factor.

A.7.3 Cal Factor Example 3

Example using VPROPF connector for cal factor correction.

A.7.4 Cal Factor Example 4

Example showing how to input specific User Calibration Factor.

A.7.5 Cal Factor Example 5

Example for applying correct cal factors to swept measurements in Burst/Swift modes.

A.8 High Speed Measurement Examples

Provides examples of maximizing measurement speed in SWIFt and BURSt modes.

A.8.1 High Speed Measurement Example 1

Example showing fastest SWIFt Mode speed with IMMediate triggering.

A.8.2 High Speed Measurement Example 2

Example showing fast SWIFt Mode speed with IMM triggering and higher loop count.

A.8.3 High Speed Measurement Example 3

Example showing fast BUS triggering in SWIFt Mode with FETCh#?.

A.8.4 High Speed Measurement Example 4

Example showing SWIFt Mode with EXT TTL triggering and buffered data.

A.8.5 High Speed Measurement Example 5

Example using BURSt Mode for fastest rates with TRIG:DEL=0.

A.8.6 High Speed Measurement Example 6

Example using EXT triggering to initiate BURSt measurement.

A.9 Relative or Referenced Measurement Examples

Provides examples for performing relative and referenced measurements.

A.9.1 Relative or Referenced Measurements Example 1

Example setting a power level reference and monitoring variation.

A.9.2 Relative or Referenced Measurements Example 2

Example finding the 1 dB compression of an amplifier.

A.10 SRQ Interrupt Examples

Provides examples of using SRQ interrupts for monitoring instrument status.

A.11 Instrument & Sensor Identification Examples

Provides examples for reading instrument and sensor identification information.

A.11.1 Instrument Identification

Example program for reading manufacturer, model, and software version.

A.11.2 Sensor Model Identification

Example program to check sensor model appropriateness for applications.

A.11.3 Sensor Serial Number Identification

Example program for tracking sensor serial numbers and checking calibration status.

B Power Sensors

B.1 Introduction

Introduces the appendix on power sensor selection, specifications, and calibration.

B.2 Power Sensor Selection

Provides guidance on selecting appropriate power sensors based on signal type and frequency.

B.2.1 Modulation Power Sensors

Lists standard CW, low VSWR CW, and 1W CW sensors with their specifications.

B.2.2 BAP Mode Limitations

Outlines the minimum input level and pulse repetition frequency for BAP mode.

B.2.3 Peak Power Sensors

Lists specifications for standard, 5W, 25W, and 50W Peak Power Sensors.

B.2.4 Directional Bridges

Details specifications for CW directional bridges used for return loss measurements.

B.3 Power Sensor Calibration

Describes the procedure for calibrating power sensors using remote control.

B.3.1 Equipment Required

Lists the equipment needed for power sensor calibration.

B.3.2 Procedure

Provides steps for calibrating power sensors via IEEE 488 interface bus.

C Options

C.1 Introduction

Introduces the appendix describing available options for the 58542.

C.2 Option 02: 256K Buffer

Describes Option 02, which adds a 256K buffer for Burst Mode readings.

About this Publication

Chapters

Lists the main chapters and their brief descriptions.

1- Introduction

Contains a brief introduction to the instrument and its performance parameters.

2 - Operation

Provides a guide to the instrument and its configuration menus.

3 - Theory of Operation

Contains a block diagram level description of the instrument and its circuits.

4 - Calibration & Testing

Contains procedures for inspection, calibration and performance testing.

5 - Maintenance

Contains procedures for maintenance and troubleshooting.

6 - Parts Lists

Contains list of components, parts and their sources.

7 - Diagrams

Contains schematics and component diagrams for circuits.

Appendices

Lists the appendices and their content.

A - Program Examples

Contains examples of programs for controlling the 58542 remotely.

B - Power Sensors

Contains specifications and technical data for power sensors.

C - Options

Contains a description of options available for the 58542.

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