Agilent Technologies N4963A User manual
Agilent N4963A Clock Synthesizer User Guide
http://www.manuallib.com/agilent/n4963a-clock-synthesizer-user-guide.html
The N4963A Clock Synthesizer 13.5 GHz generates six pairs of differential square-wave clock
outputs from 500 MHz to 13.5 GHz. The instrument features programmable output amplitude, DC
offset, phase offset, sub-rate trigger, and jitter injection.
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Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2012
No part of this manual may be reproduced in
any form or by any means (including electronic
storage and retrieval or translation into a
foreign language) without prior agreement and
written consent from Agilent Technologies,
Inc. as governed by United States and
international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
N4963-91021
Edition
Fifth edition, April 2014
Agilent Technologies, Deutschland GmbH
Herrenberger Str. 130
71034 Böblingen, Germany
For Assistance and Support
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Limitation of Warranty
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to
defects resulting from improper or inadequate
maintenance by Buyer, Buyer-supplied
software or interfacing, unauthorized
modification or misuse, operation outside of
the environmental specifications for the
product, or improper site preparation or
maintenance. No other warranty is expressed
or implied. Agilent Technologies specifically
disclaims the implied warranties of
Merchantability and Fitness for a Particular
Purpose.
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The material contained in this document is
provided “as is,” and is subject to being
changed, without notice, in future editions.
Further, to the maximum extent permitted by
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either express or implied, with regard to this
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Safety Notices
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls
attention to an operating procedure, practice,
or the like that, if not correctly performed or
adhered to, could result in damage to the
product or loss of important data. Do not
proceed beyond a CAUTION notice until the
indicated conditions are fully understood and
met.
A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls
attention to an operating procedure, practice,
or the like that, if not correctly performed or
adhered to, could result in personal injury or
death. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
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Safety Summary
General Safety Precautions
The following general safety precautions
must be observed during all phases of
operation 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.
Agilent Technologies Inc. assumes no
liability for the customer's failure to
comply with these requirements.
Before operation, review the instrument
and manual for safety markings and
instructions. You must follow these to
ensure safe operation and to maintain the
instrument in safe condition.
Initial Inspection
Inspect the shipping container for
damage. If there is damage to the
container or cushioning, keep them until
you have checked the contents of the
shipment for completeness and verified
the instrument both mechanically and
electrically. The Performance Tests give
procedures for checking the operation of
the instrument. If the contents are
incomplete, mechanical damage or defect
is apparent, or if an instrument does not
pass the operator’s checks, notify the
nearest Agilent Technologies
Sales/Service Office.
WARNING To avoid hazardous electrical
shock, do not perform electrical tests
when there are signs of shipping
damage to any portion of the outer
enclosure (covers, panels, etc.).
General
This product is a Safety Class 1 product
(provided with a protective earthing
ground incorporated in the power cord).
The mains plug shall only be inserted in a
socket outlet provided with a protective
earth contact. Any interruption of the
protective conductor, inside or outside of
the instrument, will make the instrument
dangerous. Intentional interruption is
prohibited.
Environment Conditions
This instrument is intended for indoor use
in an installation category II, pollution
degree 2 environment per IEC 61010
Second Edition and 664 respectively. It is
designed to operate within a temperature
range of 10 to 40 °C at a maximum
relative humidity of 80% for temperatures
up to 31 °C, decreasing linearly to 50%
relative humidity at 40 °C at an altitude of
2000 meters.
This module can be stored or shipped at
temperatures between -40°C and +70°C.
Protect the module from temperature
extremes that may cause condensation
within it.
Before Applying Power
Verify that all safety precautions are
taken. The power cable inlet of the
instrument serves as a device to
disconnect from the mains in case of
hazard. The instrument must be
positioned so that the operator can easily
access the power cable inlet. When the
instrument is rack mounted the rack must
be provided with an easily accessible
mains switch.
Ground the Instrument
Install the instrument so that the ON /
OFF switch is readily identifiable and is
easily reached by the operator. The ON /
OFF switch is the instrument
disconnecting device. It disconnects the
mains circuits from the mains supply
before other parts of the instrument. Or
the detachable power cord can be
removed from the electrical supply.
Alternately, an externally installed switch
or circuit breaker which is readily
identifiable and is easily reached by the
operator may be used as a disconnecting
device.
Do Not Operate in an
Explosive Atmosphere
Do not operate the instrument in the
presence of flammable gases or fumes.
Do Not Remove the
Instrument Cover
Operating personnel must not remove
instrument covers. Component
replacement and internal adjustments
must be made only by qualified
personnel.
Instruments that appear damaged or
defective should be made inoperative and
secured against unintended operation
until they can be repaired by qualified
service personnel.
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Symbols on Instruments
Indicates warning or caution. If you see this
symbol on a product, you must refer to the
manuals for specific Warning or Caution
information to avoid personal injury or damage
to the product.
C-Tick Conformity Mark of the Australian ACA
for EMC compliance.
The CSA mark is a registered trademark of the
CSA International. This instrument complies
with Canada: CSA 22.2 No. 61010-1 -04.
Indicates that protective earthing ground is
incorporated in the power cord.
This symbol indicates that internal circuits can
be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD),
therefore, avoid applying static discharges to
the panel input connectors.
This mark indicates compliance with the
Canadian EMC regulations.
ISM 1-A
This text denotes the instrument is an
Industrial Scientific and Medical Group 1 Class
A product.
CE Marking to state compliance within the
European Community: This product is in
conformity with the relevant European
Directives: EMC Directive 2004/108/EC and
Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC.
China RoHS regulations include requirements
related to packaging, and require compliance
to China standard GB18455-2001. This symbol
indicates compliance with the China RoHS
regulations for paper/fiberboard packaging.
Indicates the time period during which no
hazardous or toxic substance elements are
expected to leak or deteriorate during normal
use. Forty years is the expected useful life of
the product.
The Korean Certification (KC) mark is required
for products that are subject to legally
compulsory certification.
The KC mark includes the marking’s identifier
code that has up to 26 digits and follows this
format: KCC-VWX-YYY-ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.
This symbol indicates that the instrument
requires alternating current (AC) input.
This symbol indicates that the power line
switch is in the ON position.
This symbol indicates that the power line
switch is in the OFF position.
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Environmental Information
This product complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marketing
requirements. The affixed label indicates that you must not discard this
electrical/electronic product in domestic household waste.
Product category: With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE
Directive Annexure I, this product is classed as a “Monitoring and Control
instrumentation” product.
Do not dispose in domestic household waste.
To return unwanted products, contact your local Agilent office, or see
www.agilent.com/environment/product/ for more information.
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Clock Synthesizer 13.5 GHz User Guide 7
Contents
1Getting Started ....................................................................................................... 11
1.1 General............................................................................................................ 11
1.1.1 Applications..................................................................................... 11
1.1.2 Key Features.................................................................................... 11
1.1.3 Internal clock system..................................................................... 12
1.1.4 Output Amplitude ........................................................................... 12
1.1.5 Display.............................................................................................. 12
1.1.6 Interface........................................................................................... 12
1.2 Getting Started with N4963A ...................................................................... 12
1.2.1 Unpacking and Installation ........................................................... 12
1.2.2 Important Notes.............................................................................. 13
1.2.3 Performance Recommendations.................................................. 13
1.3 Connect the Hardware.................................................................................. 13
1.4 Setting Frequency and Output Levels........................................................ 14
1.5 Aligning Clock and Data............................................................................... 14
1.6 Enabling Jitter Injection ............................................................................... 15
2N4963A System Overview.................................................................................... 17
2.1 System Overview........................................................................................... 17
2.1.1 Control.............................................................................................. 17
2.1.2 Options............................................................................................. 17
2.2 Front Panel Quick Reference....................................................................... 19
2.2.1 Connectors....................................................................................... 19
2.2.2 Front Panel Controls ...................................................................... 19
2.3 Rear Panel Quick Reference........................................................................ 20
2.3.1 Connectors....................................................................................... 21
2.3.2 Label ................................................................................................. 21
2.3.3 Controls............................................................................................ 21
3System Details and Performance Specifications ............................................ 23
3.1 General............................................................................................................ 23
3.2 Safety and Regulatory................................................................................... 24
3.2.1 Declaration of Conformity............................................................. 24
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8Clock Synthesizer 13.5 GHz User Guide
3.3 Internal Clock ................................................................................................. 25
3.4 Jitter Injection................................................................................................ 27
3.4.1 Internal Jitter................................................................................... 27
3.4.2 External Jitter.................................................................................. 29
4Operation................................................................................................................ 33
4.1 General Information ...................................................................................... 33
4.1.1 Performance Recommendations.................................................. 34
4.1.2 Connector Care ............................................................................... 34
4.2 Front Panel Interface .................................................................................... 35
4.2.2 Display Panel................................................................................... 36
4.2.3 Local, Clock, Reference, and Jitter Select Controls ................. 36
4.2.4 Display Selection Controls............................................................ 38
4.2.5 Configuration Adjustment Controls............................................. 39
4.3 Rear Panel Interface ..................................................................................... 41
4.4 Power-on State.............................................................................................. 42
4.5 System Verification....................................................................................... 43
4.5.1 Frequency and Output Amplitude................................................ 43
4.5.2 DC Offset and Phase Offset.......................................................... 46
4.5.3 Internal Jitter Injection.................................................................. 48
4.5.4 External Jitter Injection................................................................. 52
4.6 Simple Functional Examples........................................................................ 54
4.6.1 Generic Test Example.................................................................... 54
4.6.3 Example Using the N4963A to Control the N4962A................. 56
5Remote GPIB Interface......................................................................................... 57
5.1 GPIB Capabilities........................................................................................... 58
5.2 GPIB Command Syntax ................................................................................ 58
5.2.1 GPIB Command Syntax ................................................................. 59
5.3 IEEE Common Commands............................................................................ 60
5.4 SCPI Mandated Commands......................................................................... 61
5.5 N4963A Device Commands ......................................................................... 61
5.6 SCPI Protocol Description............................................................................ 62
5.6.1 SCPI Example .................................................................................. 62
5.7 Command Summary...................................................................................... 63
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Clock Synthesizer 13.5 GHz User Guide 9
5.7.1 Root Subsystem.............................................................................. 63
5.7.2 :SOURce Subsystem....................................................................... 67
5.7.3 JITTer Subsystem(N4963A 101).................................................. 68
5.8 IEEE Common Capabilities........................................................................... 71
6Returning the N4963A Clock Synthesizer to Agilent Technologies .............. 77
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Getting Started
Clock Synthesizer 13.5 GHz User Guide 11
1Getting Started
1.1 General
The N4963A Clock Synthesizer 13.5 GHz generates six pairs of differential
square-wave clock outputs from 500 MHz to 13.5 GHz. The instrument features
programmable output amplitude, DC offset, phase offset, sub-rate trigger, and
jitter injection.
The N4963A feature set includes:
•Clock generation from 0.5 to 13.5 GHz
•GPIB-adjustable output parameters
•1 Hz to 100 MHz jitter injection (Option-101)
1.1.1 Applications
•General instrument-grade clock generation
•Compatible with N4962A Serial BERT and N4965A multi-channel BERT
•Combine with a BERT for
oMulti-lane PRBS eye mask testing
oMulti-channel stressed eye BER testing
oCrosstalk analysis with multiple aggressors
1.1.2 Key Features
•Low cost, high performance
•Six differential clock outputs
oTwo differential front panel outputs (jittered and reference)
oFour differential rear panel outputs (two jittered and two reference)
•GPIB programmable
•Designed for testing datacom standards
oOperates 0.5 to 13.5 GHz
oHigh-UI jitter injection (Option-101)
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Getting Started
12 Clock Synthesizer 13.5 GHz User Guide
1.1.3 Internal clock system
•Internal or external 10 MHz reference
•Synthesized 0.5 to 13.5 GHz clock
•Programmable low-rate trigger output (divide-by-8,9,10,…,510,511)
1.1.4 Output Amplitude
•Front panel, single-ended 0.6 to 2 V pp
•Rear panel, single-ended 0.2 to 0.8 V pp
•Front panel, DC offset -2 V to +2 V
1.1.5 Display
•LED indicators and display
1.1.6 Interface
•Local push-button control
•GPIB (IEEE 488.2-1992)
•Compatible with N4980A multi-instrument software user interface
1.2 Getting Started with N4963A
1.2.1 Unpacking and Installation
The N4963A clock synthesizer 13.5 GHz is shipped with all the accessories
required for the self-test mode and verification. The contents includes:
•N4963A clock Synthesizer
•6x band pass filters
•AC power converter module
•AC power cord
•CD containing the N4963A user guide and N4963A data sheet
If this product is not used as specified, the protection provided by the
equipment could be impaired. This product must be used in a normal
condition (in which all means for protection are intact) only.
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Getting Started
Clock Synthesizer 13.5 GHz User Guide 13
Before switching on this instrument, make sure the supply voltage is in the
specified range.
This instrument has auto ranging line voltage input. Be sure the supply
voltage is within the specified range.
In an ESD-safe environment, carefully remove the N4963A. Install on a flat
surface with unobstructed air flow to the back panel. Plug the AC power cord
into the power converter module and a wall socket, then plug the converter
module into the N4963A.
1.2.2 Important Notes
•Use ESD protection at all times when using the instrument
•Review min/max specifications before applying input signals
•Use only SMA-connectors on the RF ports
•Use only BNC-connectors on the 10MHz reference ports
•Use dust jackets on unused back panel connectors
•Situate the instrument away from heat sources, do not block the fan
1.2.3 Performance Recommendations
1. When using differential-mode connections, ensure the cables are
phase balanced
2. Differential connectors may be used single-ended if the unused output
is terminated in 50 Ω
3. Use high quality cables and connector savers (or adaptors)
4. Keep cable lengths short and minimize number of cable bends
5. Use a 7 to 10 in-lbs torque wrench when attaching connectors
1.3 Connect the Hardware
•Connect power cord to adaptor to N4963A; plug in the power cord.
•Connect the Jittered OUT to your instrument transmit clock input using the
filters provided. Note: Filters are provided for 6-11.5 GHz and 9-13 GHz
operation.
•Connect the Reference OUT to your instrument receive clock input using
the filters provided. Note: Filters are provided for 6-11.5 GHz and 9-13 GHz
operation.
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Getting Started
14 Clock Synthesizer 13.5 GHz User Guide
•Connect the Trig-O to the trigger input of your sampling instrument (the
default trigger output frequency is clock frequency/8).
•If using an external reference, connect the reference to the 10 MHZ IN
BNC connector.
1.4 Setting Frequency and Output Levels
•Turn on the power switch from the back panel.
•The N4963A synthesizer starts with the FREQ option selected by default
and "005.000G" showing in the display.
•Set the desired frequency using the Unit, Digit and Value buttons.
•Press the Display->Scroll
button and select AMP.Select the output
channel bank with the Chan button. Set the desired single-ended peak-to-
peak voltage using the Unit, Digit and Value buttons.
•Press the Display->Scroll
button and select DC OFFSET. Select the
output channel bank with the Chan button. Set the desired DC offset
voltage using the Digit and Value buttons.
•If using an external reference, press the Ext 10MHz button, and the
indicator will light. The internal reference is being used if the indicator is
off.
•To turn on the clock output and the trigger signal, press the Clock->On
button. The green LED will light indicating the synthesizer is transmitting.
1.5 Aligning Clock and Data
•The front panel Reference Output (channel 1) signal can be phase shifted
relative to all other output channels.
•Press the Display->Scroll
button and select DELAY. Set the phase
offset between channel 1 and all other channels using the Digit and Value
buttons.
•Center the reference clock for minimum BER or other desired state.
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Getting Started
Clock Synthesizer 13.5 GHz User Guide 15
1.7 Enabling Jitter Injection
•Using the jitter Select button, select either the internal (Int Jitter) or
external (Ext Jitter) jitter source.
•Using the internally generated jitter source (Int Jitter):
oPress the Display->Scroll
button and select JITTER FREQ.
oSet the modulation frequency with the Unit, Digit and Value
buttons.
oPress the Display->Scroll
button until the MORE indicator LED
is lit and the display shows "J xx.x ui". Adjust the amount of jitter
using the Value button.
•Using an external source for phase jittering (Ext Jitter):
oPress the Display ->Scroll
button and select JITTER FREQ.
oJITTER FREQ indicates low jitter frequency mode, "Ext Low", or
high jitter frequency mode, "Ext Hi". Toggle with the Value button.
o"Ext Low" mode should be used for modulation frequencies below
2.4 MHz. The input is digitally sampled and the amount of jitter can
be scaled by pressing the Display->Scroll
button until the
display shows "ExtUI=xx". Use the Value button to set the scaling
factor ("ExtUI=16" sets the scale of 16 UI for 1 Vpp input
amplitude).
o"Ext Hi" mode should be used for modulation frequencies above
2.4 MHz. The amount of jitter injected is directly related to the
amplitude of the applied signal, to a maximum extent of 0.6 UI.
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N4963A System Overview
Clock Synthesizer 13.5 GHz User Guide 17
2N4963A System Overview
2.1 System Overview
The Agilent Technologies N4963A clock synthesizer 13.5 GHz generates six
pairs of differential square-wave clock outputs from 500 MHz to 13.5 GHz. The
instrument features programmable output amplitude, DC offset, phase offset,
sub-rate trigger, and jitter injection.
2.1.1 Control
System configuration settings are all available from the local push-button
interface or remote GPIB (IEEE 488.2) interface. Instrument status is conveyed
on the front panel by LED indicator and the 8-digit display.
2.1.2 Options
The N4963A is available with the following build options:
•standard: 500 MHz to 13.5 GHz operation, 6 differential unjittered outputs
•Option-101: Adds jitter injection capability to 3 differential output channels
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N4963A System Overview
Clock Synthesizer 13.5 GHz User Guide 19
2.2 Front Panel Quick Reference
Figure 2. N4963A front panel
2.2.1 Connectors
Reference Outputs: OUT, OUT¯¯¯ (SMA) – differential unjittered outputs,
channel 1
Jittered Outputs: OUT, OUT¯¯¯ (SMA) – differential jittered outputs, channel 2
2.2.2 Front Panel Controls
Table 1. Front panel control and indicator details
Label
LED
indication
Button Function
Local
On
- Local control
Off
- GPIB control
Switches unit control from GPIB to front panel
control.
Clock
On
- System on
Off
- System off
Turns clock and trigger outputs on and off.
Ext 10 MHz
On- External ref
Off
- Internal ref
Toggles the 10 MHz reference clock between an
externally
-applied source and the internally-
generated
source.
Select (Jitter):
Jitter Off
Int Jit
Ext Jit
Off
- All jitter off
Int
- Internal jitter
Ext
- External jitter
Requires N4963A
-101. Toggles between injecting no
jitter, injecting jitter from the internal jitter generator,
and injecting jitter from the externally
-applied source.
Chan +/-
Selects output channel for parameter change.
Amplitude channels A1 (front reference), A2 (front
jittered), A3 (back), A4 (back). DC offset channels O1
(front reference), O2 (front jittered).
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