Analog Devices Hittite HMC-T2000 User manual

Analog Devices Welcomes
Hittite Microwave Corporation
NO CONTENT ON THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT HAS CHANGED
www.analog.com www.hittite.com

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

HMC-T2000 User’s Manual HMC119983 Rev 1
1
User’s Manual
Synthesized Signal Generator
Hittite Model: HMC-T2000
Hittite Microwave Corporation, 20 Alpha Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • E-mail: [email protected] •Internet: http://www.hittite.com
Applications Support: [email protected]

HMC-T2000 User’s Manual HMC119983 Rev 1
2
List of Contents
1Introduction............................................................................................................................................................. 2
2Package Contents.................................................................................................................................................. 3
3General Overview of instrument capabilities.......................................................................................................... 3
4Installation of Equipment and Safety...................................................................................................................... 4
5Operation and Setup .............................................................................................................................................. 5
6Maintenance......................................................................................................................................................... 23
7Programming........................................................................................................................................................ 27
8Technical Support................................................................................................................................................. 27
9Warranty............................................................................................................................................................... 27
10 Appendix............................................................................................................................................................... 27
1 Introduction
This User’s Manual describes the HMC-T2000 700MHz to 8000MHz Synthesized Signal Generator
unit (SG). Most of the pertinent information can be quickly located through the table of contents and
highlighted sections.
The following conventions and indicators are used in this user’s guide:
This indicator calls attention to critical or important information, concerning an operation or
maintenance procedure or practice, which if not strictly followed and observed, could
potentially result in serious injury to operating personnel. An example, is the proximity of high
AC line voltage.
This indicator draws attention to a situation relating to the equipment set-up, operating or
maintaining the equipment, which if not observed, could result in permanent damage to
sensitive microwave devices or other electronic compnents.
This indicator highlights a required equipment preparation, fundamental procedure, practice,
condition or statement. Other indicators in bold BLUE capital lettering emphasize important
points of information, input or output connections and signal generator specification headings.
Notice
Hittite Microwave Corporation has prepared this manual for use by Hittite personnel and
customers as a guide for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of Hittite equipment
and computer programs. The drawings, specifications, and information contained herein are the
property of Hittite Microwave Corporation, and any unauthorized use or disclosure of these
drawings, specifications, and information is prohibited; they shall not be reproduced, copied, or
used in whole or in part as the basis for manufacture or sale of the equipment or software
programs without the prior written consent of Hittite Microwave Corporation.

HMC-T2000 User’s Manual HMC119983 Rev 1
3
The following nomenclature is affixed to the signal generator front and back panels:
HITTITE MODEL NUMBER: HMC-T2000 four-digit alphanumeric, front panel.
This user’s guide should be thoroughly read in depth and reviewed again completely before
attempting to unpack, install or operate the SG unit.
2 Package Contents
The SG unit and packaging material weigh approximately 7.5 pounds. Before
unpacking, check for any physical damage to the shipping container. If any
noticeable damage is observed, immediately contact Hittite Microwave Corporation.
Carefully open the shipping container and inspect the SG unit for any visible signs of damage.
Save the shipping container to repackage the SG unit, or for submitting necessary damage
claims to the transporter. Remove the documentation packet and any other separately
supplied components before attempting to remove the SG unit from the shipping
container. It is highly recommended as a preventative measure, to exercise antistatic
safeguards when handling the SG unit.
Verify that all of the following components are included with the shipment:
Item Quantity
HMC-T2000 Signal Generator 1
AC Wall Power Supply 1
AC Power Cord 1
CD ROM (Contains User manuals and software) 1
Calibration Certificate 1
HMC-T2000 Quick Start Guide 1
Table 1: Packing List
3 General Overview of instrument capabilities
The HMC-T2000 is a single channel frequency synthesizer. The block diagram for this unit is
shown in figure 1. This unit provides one RF output channel with programmable output
frequency and output power. The output frequency range is programmable from 700MHz to
8GHz in 1 MHz increments. The synthesizer provides an internal 10 MHz reference source

HMC-T2000 User’s Manual HMC119983 Rev 1
4
which can be overridden by an external source. An AC wall type power supply is provided to
generate the required DC power for the unit. The detailed performance specifications are
listed in the datasheet on the Hittite website.
The user may control the frequency, power, and RF Standby functions from either the Front
Panel or the USB interface.The RF Standby function will apply the maximum attenuation to
the RF output.
FRONT PANEL
I/O
USBI/O
CONTROLLER
SYNTHESIZER
CONTROLLER SYNTHESIZER 700MHz – 8GHz
PLL
10MHz
REF
10MHz
TCXO
POWER
REG
USB
REF
OUT
FRONT
PANEL
REF
IN
RF
OUT
+5VDC
+15VD
C
-15VDC
Figure 1: HMC-T2000 Block Diagram
4 Installation of Equipment and Safety
The bulleted guidelines shown below must be followed for proper installation of the SG
equipment:
•The SG equipment was designed for LABORATORY USE ONLY and is not protected
against moisture.
•Utilize appropriate ESD handling procedures and precautionary measures
when installing this equipment.
•The SG unit is intended for placement on a laboratory workbench.
•During install make certain there are no obstructions that would impede air flow to the
venting of the unit on the top of the enclosure.
•Ensure that all external components and RF/microwave coaxial cables are in proper
condition.

HMC-T2000 User’s Manual HMC119983 Rev 1
5
•A grounded, three pin AC power receptacle should be used to connect power
to the AC Wall Power supply. It is recommended that the ON/OFF power switch
on the rear panel should be used to interrupt power to the unit. Interrupting power
by pulling out the AC cord may result in injury or unit damage.
•The detachable AC power cord, and the power switch on the rear panel must
be easily accessible to facilitate removal of power from the unit.
•Verify the facility AC line voltage is within specifications before applying power
to the unit, or the applied DC power source is within the specifications of the unit. See
paragraph. 5.2.6 to determine the acceptable input AC voltage, and frequency range.
•The DC power connector has GND pins which connect to the chassis. Both of
these must be connected to GND for safe operation of the unit.
5 Operation and Setup
The SG unit control features and setup are detailed in this section.
5.1 Equipment Setup and Operation
Before the SG unit can be operated, external coaxial cables, equipment and
instrumentation are required to be set-up. The instruction steps listed below must
first be completed:
1. Use appropriate ESD precautions when connecting cabling, and external equipment to
the HMC-T2000 Signal Generator.
2. Verify that the rear panel power switch is switched to the “OFF” (labeled O) position.
3. Connect DC power cable to rear panel (DIN style DC power connector).
4. Connect the AC power cable to an appropriate 3 prong AC receptacle.
5. Connect the RF output to the peripheral equipment using a type N adapter.
6. If desired, connect the USB connectors to the Host PC or equivalent.
7. If desired, connect the appropriate BNC connectors to external equipment to provide an
external 10 MHz reference.
8. If desired, connect external equipment to the 10 MHz reference output.
9. Toggle the rear panel power switch to the “ON” (labeled 1) position.
10. Allow a minimum of 30 minutes warm-up time before using the instrument.
11. Verify the unit is powered on by monitoring the front panel LCD display.
12. Using either the Front Panel Controls or the USB interface, control the operation of the
SG.

HMC-T2000 User’s Manual HMC119983 Rev 1
6
5.2 Hardware Interfaces
The front panel of the unit contains a multi-function rotary knob, an RF Standby switch, and
the connector for the RF output. See figure 2 for a view of the front panel. The rear panel of
the unit contains power On/Off switch, LCD contrast adjustment, and the connectors for the
External Reference Input, Reference Output, DC power and USB interface. See figure 3 for
a view of the rear panel.
Figure 2: Front Panel view of the HMC-T2000
Figure 3: Rear Panel view of the HMC-T2000

HMC-T2000 User’s Manual HMC119983 Rev 1
7
5.2.1 RF Output Standby
The RF output is delivered via a Type N connector located on the front panel. The RF
output may be commanded to the Standby State by either the RF Standby switch on the
front panel, or by commanding the unit via the USB interface. When in the Standby State
the output power attenuators are set for maximum attenuation. The RF output
specifications are located in the data sheet on the Hittite website. Please note that while
the SG unit is in the Stand-by state there is still a minimal level of RF power at the signal
generator RF output.
5.2.2 Front Panel rotary control knob
The large rotary knob on the front panel is used to control the synthesizer’s frequency and
power output. When the knob is depressed it will cycle through its 4 functions. The
functions consist of the following:
1. Increment/Decrement frequency with 1 MHz steps
2. Increment/Decrement frequency with 10 MHz steps
3. Increment/Decrement frequency with 100 MHz steps
4. Increment/Decrement Output Power with 0.5 dBm steps
Rotation of the knob will increment or decrement the synthesizer’s selected function.
Note: When the front panel controls have been locked out due to computer commands via
the USB, the rotary knob may be depressed for 3 to 5 seconds to re-enable front panel
controls, and disable computer controls.
5.2.3 Front Panel LCD Display
At power turn-on the LCD will display the units Serial Number, as well as the firmware
revision. Sometime thereafter the LCD will change to display its operational state. The
operational state provides the information listed in the Table below.
Function Units Comments
Frequency MHz Output Frequency
RF Output Power dBm Output Power
RF Status NA Output ON or OFF
Step Size NA x1, x10, x100
Reference Source NA INT (Internal) EXT (External)
Selected Function
Indicator NA Arrow indicates whether rotary knob controls frequency or power
Table 2: Front Panel Display

HMC-T2000 User’s Manual HMC119983 Rev 1
8
5.2.3.1 Front Panel Power Level Indicators
The HMC-T2000 includes a number of power level indicators on the Front Panel display
which can be monitored by the user to determine if the output power specified by the user
is within the instruments calibrated output range (See the data sheet). See the figures
below for descriptions and illustrations of the power level indicators.
5.2.3.2 Un-calibrated Output Power
The “ * ” character is displayed next to the power level when the output power selected
by the user is beyond the calibrated region of the instrument. See figure 4 below.
Figure 4: Un-calibrated output power indicator
5.2.3.3 Maximum Output Power
When the power level selected by the user exceeds the maximum output power that the
instrument is capable of, a “ ^ ” will be displayed adjacent to the RF Output ON/OFF
status indicator. See figure 5 below.

HMC-T2000 User’s Manual HMC119983 Rev 1
9
Figure 5: Maximum output power indicator
5.2.3.4 Minimum Output Power
When the power level selected by the user is less than the minimum output power that the
instrument is capable of, a “ _ ” (underscore) will be displayed adjacent to the RF
Output ON/OFF status indicator. See figure 6 below.
Figure 6: Minimum output power indicator
5.2.4 USB Connector
The USB connector is located on the rear panel. The USB interface is compliant with USB
1.1, and USB 2.0. The synthesizer’s USB status and programmable functions are identified
in this section of the document. For more detailed information see the Programmer’s
section of this document. The mating connector for this unit is a USB Series B plug style
connector.

HMC-T2000 User’s Manual HMC119983 Rev 1
10
Function Comments
Hittite Serial Number Read Only
Hittite Firmware Revision Read Only
Frequency Write/Read
Output Power Write/Read
RF Output Enable / Disable Write/Read
Remote / Local Write/Read
Reference Select Write/Read
Table 3: USB Functions
5.2.5 External Reference/Internal Reference
5.2.5.1 Internal Reference
The HMC-T2000 includes a single precision 10 MHz reference. The internal 10 MHz
reference connects to one of the BNC connectors on the rear panel. The performance
of this reference output is specified in the datasheet on the Hittite website.
5.2.5.2 External Reference
The internal reference can be overridden by connecting an external reference to the
BNC connector located on the rear panel. The unit automatically detects and uses the
external reference if present.
5.2.6 Power Input
The unit is powered using the supplied AC Wall Supply.
5.2.6.1 AC Power adapter
The unit will operate from a single phase AC source of 90 to 264 VAC, with a
frequency of 47/63 Hz. The internal AC to DC power supply automatically adjusts to
the connected power source. A 110 VAC, USA standard Wall type power supply and
cable is provided with this unit.
5.2.6.2 Power On/Off
Power is turned On/Off with the switch located on the rear panel of the enclosure.

HMC-T2000 User’s Manual HMC119983 Rev 1
11
5.3 Environmental Requirements
The unit is designed to be operated in an environment meeting the following requirements:
Environment Condition Value
General Usage Indoors
Temperature 0 to 35 degrees C
Humidity 15% to 95% non-condensing
Altitude Less than 3000 meters
Table 4: Environmental Operating Conditions
5.4 Air Inlet
The unit utilizes convection cooling. Please ensure that the vent openings are not
obstructed or the unit may overheat and damage may result.
5.5 GUI Instrument control
The instrument may be controlled from a computer using the Hittite Supplied GUI
application. The features of the GUI are described in this section. A picture of the GUI is
shown in figure 7.

HMC-T2000 User’s Manual HMC119983 Rev 1
12
Figure 7: GUI application
5.5.1 Hardware Selection and Control
The application software supports multiple HMC-T2000 synthesizer’s being connected to
the computer at one time. With the supplied software GUI, only one HMC-T2000
synthesizer can be selected and controlled from the GUI application at one time. Multiple
HMC-T2000’s can be programmed by the user to be controlled simultaneously. Please
refer to section 7.0 herein. The Control Menu may be accessed by pointing to the GUI
and performing a Right Click with the mouse. The functions available from this menu are
ReMap Hardware, Open, Close, Refresh, and Disable Power Checks. The top right pull-
down menu will provide a list of connected T2000 synthesizers after the application has
been opened. Some of the features below may be accessed through the button below the
hardware pull-down menu. The function of this button changes depending on the state of
the software.
5.5.2 ReMap Hardware
If synthesizer’s are added to the computer after the application has been opened, the
ReMap Hardware function may be used to force the computer to go and check for any
new synthesizer units.

HMC-T2000 User’s Manual HMC119983 Rev 1
13
5.5.2.1 Open
The Open function is used to establish a connection to a specified synthesizer. A
synthesizer is selected with the upper right hand pull-down menu.
5.5.2.2 Close
The Close function is used to disconnect the currently selected synthesizer. A new
synthesizer may then be selected with the upper right hand pull-down menu, and the
Open function.
5.5.2.3 Refresh
Once a synthesizer has been selected with the Open command, the Refresh function
may be used to read the current status of the synthesizer. If the GUI checkbox for
Remote and Local Lockout has not been checked, the Refresh function will read the
current status of the unit as commanded via the synthesizer’s front panel.
5.5.2.4 Disable Power Checks
Within the menu this function may be selected to disable software power level
checking.
5.5.3 Synthesizer Selection Menu
This is a pull-down menu at the top right hand side of the GUI. All synthesizers which have
been detected by the software are displayed in this menu. If synthesizers are added to the
computer after the application has been started, use the ReMap Hardware function to force
the software to check for other synthesizers.
5.5.4 Remote and Local Lockout
The Remote and Local Lockout feature is enabled by a checkbox available within the GUI.
When the checkbox is selected, computer controlled operation via the USB is enabled.
Front panel control of the unit is disabled. If this checkbox is not selected, the software
application will not change any settings in the synthesizer. However in this state, if the
Refresh button is depressed, the current Frequency and Power fields will be updated with
the current settings within the synthesizer.
5.5.5 Frequency field
When the Remote and Local Lockout checkbox is selected, the Frequency of the
synthesizer may be controlled with the text-box. The desired frequency can be either typed
into the provided text-box, or either the up and down arrows on the keyboard, or the GUI
field may be used to increment or decrement the frequency by the amount indicated in the
Step box. After a new frequency has been entered, the application attempts to set the
synthesizer to the commanded frequency. If for any reason (Ex. outside the calibration
range) the unit does not go to the commanded frequency, the field will be highlighted in
yellow.

HMC-T2000 User’s Manual HMC119983 Rev 1
14
5.5.6 Power field
When the Remote and Local Lockout checkbox is selected, the Power of the synthesizer
may be controlled with the text-box. The desired power can be either typed into the
provided text-box, or either the up and down arrows on the keyboard, or the GUI field may
be used to increment or decrement the frequency by the dBm indicated in the Step box.
After a new power level has been entered, the application attempts to set the synthesizer to
the commanded frequency. If for any reason (Example: outside the calibration range) the
unit does not go to the commanded power, the field will be highlighted in yellow.
5.5.7 RF Output On
When the Remote and Local Lockout checkbox is selected, the RF Output On checkbox is
used to enable and disable the RF output of the Signal Generator.
5.5.8 Synthesizer Frequency Sweeping Controls
The GUI provides a number of controls to allow the user to perform sweeps of either
frequency or power, or both. The sweep rate, frequency, and power commands are
generated by the software application. The Remote and Local Lockout checkbox must be
selected in order for any of the sweep functions to be enabled.
5.5.8.1 Single Sweep / Start Continuous Sweep
When the Single Sweep button is pressed, a single sweep is performed with the
selected parameters. If the Start Continuous Sweep button is pressed, sweeping runs
continuously for the parameters selected. The button function changes to Stop
Continuous Sweep if a continuous sweep is being executed. Depressing the button will
stop the current sweep. At the normal completion of any sweeps, the unit will remain at
the last programmed (STOP condition) power and frequency.
5.5.8.2 Sweep Frequency for each Power OR Sweep Power for each
Frequency
Depending on which function is selected with the radio button, the software will either
sweep the frequency from the START value to the STOP value set in the GUI for each
output power level, or will sweep the power from the START value to the STOP value
for each output frequency.
5.5.8.3 Sweep Frequency / Sweep Power
The user can select to sweep Power, Frequency, or both using the checkboxes on the
GUI.
5.5.8.4 Start Frequency / Stop Frequency / Step Size
For sweep operations, the user can select the start frequency, the stop frequency, and
the step size between frequencies.

HMC-T2000 User’s Manual HMC119983 Rev 1
15
5.5.8.5 Start Power / Stop Power / Step Size
For sweep operations, the user can select the start power level, the stop power level,
and the step size between power levels. Power levels which are selected outside of the
calibrated region of operation will be highlighted in yellow.
5.5.8.6 Dwell Time
A text box is provided to enter the value of the “Dwell Time” for each step in the sweep.
Valid values for this field are 0.001 secs to 3600 secs. The value may be entered by
typing the desired value or using the up and down arrows to increment or decrement
the time duration.
5.5.9 Software Installation
When installing the software from the CD follow the directions provided by the
installation program. See below for general installation process.
Select the desired components with the checkboxes, and select the install button.
The default installation recommended.

HMC-T2000 User’s Manual HMC119983 Rev 1
16
Select Next.
This window will be displayed during the install process. This window shows status
of the install.

HMC-T2000 User’s Manual HMC119983 Rev 1
17
The software is being installed.
Select Continue Anyway.

HMC-T2000 User’s Manual HMC119983 Rev 1
18
Select Finish.
Select Next.