Astronics PXIe-3352 User manual

PXIe-3352
Rubidium/GPS Frequency Standard
User Manual
Publication No. 981049 Rev. B
Astronics Test Systems Inc.
4 Goodyear, Irvine, CA 92618
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
[e-mail] [e-mail]
[e-mail] http://www.astronicstestsystems.com
Copyright 2017 by Astronics Test Systems Inc. Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved.
This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING THIS
ASTRONICS TEST SYSTEMS PRODUCT
For this product, or any other Astronics Test Systems product that incorporates software drivers,
you may access our web site to verify and/or download the latest driver versions. The web address
for driver downloads is:
http://www.astronicstestsystems.com/support/downloads
If you have any questions about software driver downloads or our privacy policy, please contact
us at: [e-mail]
WARRANTY STATEMENT
All Astronics Test Systems products are designed to exacting standards and manufactured in full
compliance to our AS9100 Quality Management System processes.
This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from any modification(s) of any product or part
without Astronics Test Systems express written consent, or misuse of any product or part. The
warranty also does not apply to fuses, software, non-rechargeable batteries, damage from battery
leakage, or problems arising from normal wear, such as mechanical relay life, or failure to follow
instructions.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including any implied warranty
of merchantability or fitness for a particular use. The remedies provided herein are buyer’s sole
and exclusive remedies.
For the specific terms of your standard warranty, contact Customer Support. Please have the
following information available to facilitate service.
1. Product serial number
2. Product model number
3. Your company and contact information
You may contact Customer Support by:
E-Mail: [email protected]
Telephone: [phone] (USA)
Fax: [phone] (USA)

RETURN OF PRODUCT
Authorization is required from Astronics Test Systems before you send us your product or sub-assembly for
service or calibration. Call or contact Customer Support at 1-800-722-3262 or 1-949-859-8999 or via fax at
1-949-859-7139. We can also be reached at: [e-mail].
If the original packing material is unavailable, ship the product or sub-assembly in an ESD shielding bag and
use appropriate packing materials to surround and protect the product.
PROPRIETARY NOTICE
This document and the technical data herein disclosed, are proprietary to Astronics Test Systems, and shall
not, without express written permission of Astronics Test Systems, be used in whole or in part to solicit
quotations from a competitive source or used for manufacture by anyone other than Astronics Test Systems.
The information herein has been developed at private expense, and may only be used for operation and
maintenance reference purposes or for purposes of engineering evaluation and incorporation into technical
specifications and other documents which specify procurement of products from Astronics Test Systems.
TRADEMARKS AND SERVICE MARKS
All trademarks and service marks used in this document are the property of their respective owners.
•Racal Instruments, Talon Instruments, Trig-Tek, ActivATE, Adapt-A-Switch, N-GEN, and PAWS are
trademarks of Astronics Test Systems in the United States.
DISCLAIMER
Buyer acknowledges and agrees that it is responsible for the operation of the goods purchased and should
ensure that they are used properly and in accordance with this document and any other instructions provided
by Seller. Astronics Test Systems products are not specifically designed, manufactured or intended to be
used as parts, assemblies or components in planning, construction, maintenance or operation of a nuclear
facility, or in life support or safety critical applications in which the failure of the Astronics Test Systems
product could create a situation where personal injury or death could occur. Should Buyer purchase
Astronics Test Systems product for such unintended application, Buyer shall indemnify and hold Astronics
Test Systems, its officers, employees, subsidiaries, affiliates and distributors harmless against all claims
arising out of a claim for personal injury or death associated with such unintended use.

FOR YOUR SAFETY
Before undertaking any troubleshooting, maintenance or exploratory procedure, read carefully the
WARNINGS and CAUTION notices.
This equipment contains voltage hazardous to
human life and safety, and is capable of inflicting
personal injury.
If this instrument is to be powered from the AC line (mains) through an autotransformer,
ensure the common connector is connected to the neutral (earth pole) of the power
supply.
Before operating the unit, ensure the conductor (green wire) is connected to the ground
(earth) conductor of the power outlet. Do not use a two-conductor extension cord or a
three-prong/two-prong adapter. This will defeat the protective feature of the third
conductor in the power cord.
Maintenance and calibration procedures sometimes call for operation of the unit with
power applied and protective covers removed. Read the procedures and heed warnings
to avoid “live” circuit points.
Before operating this instrument:
1. Ensure the proper fuse is in place for the power source to operate.
2. Ensure all other devices connected to or in proximity to this instrument are properly grounded or
connected to the protective third-wire earth ground.
If the instrument:
- fails to operate satisfactorily
- shows visible damage
- has been stored under unfavorable conditions
- has sustained stress
Do not operate until performance is checked by qualified personnel.

Publication No. 981049 Rev. B PXIe-3352 User Manual
Astronics Test Systems i
Table of Contents
Chapter 1.........................................................................................................................1-1
Overview and Features...................................................................................................1-1
Functional Description....................................................................................................................1-2
Rubidium Block ..........................................................................................................................1-3
RS232 Interface .....................................................................................................................1-4
GPS Block..............................................................................................................................1-4
PXIe and Digital Interface ......................................................................................................1-4
External DC Power Supported.......................................................................................................1-5
Front Panel.....................................................................................................................................1-5
Connectors:................................................................................................................................1-5
LED Indicators............................................................................................................................1-5
Chapter 2.........................................................................................................................2-1
Specifications..................................................................................................................2-1
Output Characteristics....................................................................................................................2-1
Timebase Characteristics...............................................................................................................2-1
Interface .........................................................................................................................................2-2
Front Panel I/O and Indicators...................................................................................................2-2
Software.....................................................................................................................................2-3
Environmental ................................................................................................................................2-3
Mechanical.....................................................................................................................................2-3
Chapter 3.........................................................................................................................3-1
Getting Started................................................................................................................3-1
Unpacking and Inspection..............................................................................................................3-1
Installing the Module into a PXI Express Chassis..........................................................................3-1
Initial Power On..............................................................................................................................3-2
Software Installation.......................................................................................................................3-3
Installing the VISA driver............................................................................................................3-3
Installing the PXI device driver...................................................................................................3-3
Installing the LabVIEW instrument driver...................................................................................3-4
Installing the LabWindows/CVI instrument driver ......................................................................3-4
Chapter 4.........................................................................................................................4-1
Software Operation.........................................................................................................4-1
Using the Soft Front Panel.............................................................................................................4-1
Starting the Soft Front Panel......................................................................................................4-1
Using the LabWindows / CVI Driver...............................................................................................4-3

PXIe-3352 User Manual Publication No. 981049 Rev. B
ii Astronics Test Systems
Using the LabVIEW Driver..............................................................................................................4-4

Publication No. 981049 Rev. B PXIe-3352 User Manual
Astronics Test Systems iii
List of Figures
Figure 1-1, PXIe-3352.......................................................................................................................1-1
Figure 1-2, PXIe-3352 System Configuration Example....................................................................1-2
Figure 1-3, PXIe-3352 Functional Systems......................................................................................1-2
Figure 1-4, Rubidium Oscillator Block Diagram................................................................................1-3
Figure 3-1, Front Panel, LOCK LED.................................................................................................3-3

PXIe-3352 User Manual Publication No. 981049 Rev. B
iv Astronics Test Systems
DOCUMENT CHANGE HISTORY
Revision Date Description of Change
A 4/20/2017 Initial Astronics Test Systems release
B 5/16/2017 ECN08282. Revised to correct Ext PWR connector size. Added theory of
operation/functional description to Chapter 1.

Publication No. 981049 Rev. B PXIe-3352 User Manual
Astronics Test Systems Overview and Features 1-1
Chapter 1
Overview and Features
The PXIe-3352 (Figure 1-1) is a Rubidium/GPS module for use in PXI hybrid and
PXI Express slots in a PXI mainframe. It provides a basic accuracy of 5e-11 in free-
run mode, but, given an external GPS antenna (not included) and a view of the
sky, can be disciplined to GPS satellites for improved timing accuracy.
The PXIe-3352 can be used in a wide variety of applications where a precision
oscillator source is required. In addition, the onboard global position unit(GPS)
can be used to train and discipline the precision oscillator source.
Figure 1-1, PXIe-3352

PXIe-3352 User Manual Publication No. 981049 Rev. B
Overview and Features 1-2 Astronics Test Systems
Functional Description
PXIe-3552 contains a rubidium-based oscillator and GPS timing module. Although
calibrated before the shipping from the factory, the rubidium-based oscillator can
be disciplined and calibrated by the GPS module when needed. All controls are
via the PXIe bus in a PXIe compatible mainframe.
Figure 1-2, PXIe-3352 System Configuration Example
The PXIe-3352 card comprises three functional systems as follows:
•The Rubidium Block
•The GPS Block
•The Digital Controller
GPS
Rubidium
Block
PXIe
&
Digital
Interface
9600b
TTL Serial
Interface
9600b
RS232
1PPS External
1PPS
PXIe
&
Backplane
Power
10MHz Sine Wave
10MHz Square Wave
1PPS Out
GPS
Antenna
Input
Figure 1-3, PXIe-3352 Functional Systems

Publication No. 981049 Rev. B PXIe-3352 User Manual
Astronics Test Systems Overview and Features 1-3
Rubidium Block
The major component of the PXIe-3352 is the Rubidium block. The Rubidium
block is a multifunctional Rubidium Frequency Standard. It is one of the smallest
atomic clock standards currently available, where the accuracy and stability are
derived from a quantum energy transition that occurs in a free Rubidium atom.
The unit utilizes a unique advanced technology that allows a reduction in size
without sacrificing performance. The standard unit provides outputs of 10MHz and
1PPS.
The Rubidium is comprised of a unique DFLL (Digital Frequency Lock Loop),
where a high performance crystal oscillator is locked to the Rubidium atomic line
using an embedded microprocessor and a special patented algorithm. The
algorithm improves temperature stability and enables very fine digital frequency
control.
OCXO
(Optional)Main DDS Rubidium Resonator
Multiplier
DAC Micro
Controller Pre-Amp
Phase
Detector
1/10
7
DPLL
(Digital Phase Lock Loop)
FLL
(Frequency Lock Loop)
6.84GHz
10MHz
10MHz
Output
1PPS
External 1PPS
TX/RX
Figure 1-4, Rubidium Oscillator Block Diagram
The Physics Package ("Rubidium Resonator" in Figure 1-4) includes a lamp,
subassembly, a cavity subassembly, a "C-Field" coil, and a double magnetic
shield. The lamp is RF-discharged: a Rb87 lamp that emits a light that is directed
into the cavity subassembly. The light is filtered by a Rb85 filter cell, transmitted

PXIe-3352 User Manual Publication No. 981049 Rev. B
Overview and Features 1-4 Astronics Test Systems
through a Rb87 resonance cell, and finally detected by a photo-diode detector.
The resonance cell is located inside the microwave cavity.
A Step Recovery Diode (SRD), located in the cavity generates a nominal
frequency of 90 MHz.
When this frequency deviates from the precise Rb87 resonance frequency, the
photo-diode senses a change in the light transmitted through the resonance cell.
This change is amplified by the preamplifier and used to control the OCXO.
The atomic resonance frequency, however, is sensitive to external magnetic fields.
Therefore, a double magnetic shield is used to attenuate external fields by a factor
of about 5000. The “CField” coils set the magnetic field. Controlling the current
via this coil enables the analog frequency adjustments that were described before.
When GPS satellites are not available, the system performance reverts to that of a
stand-alone Rubidium. (This period is called the Holdover Period.)
RS232 Interface
The Rubidium block also includes electronics boards that control the unit’s
operation and RS232 interface to communicate with electronics outside of the unit.
GPS Block
The GPS block is a self-contained high performance Global Position System
receiver. It can simultaneously acquire on 66 channels and track on up to 22
channels. The main purpose of the GPS block is to provide a GPS based 1 PPS
output to train and discipline the Rubidium oscillator. This technique results in
improved long-term stability comparable to that of a Cesium-frequency standard.
The GPS block requires a 3.3 VDC lithium battery in order to retain the positioning
lock data during power down. Without a 3.3 VDC lithium battery present, the GPS
cannot function.
Control of the Rubidium oscillator is available to enable or disable outputs or to
query it for information such as serial number, operating hours, operating
temperature, event history, self-test, and other performance indicators.
PXIe and Digital Interface
The PXIe interface allows the FPGA to communicate data and commands
between the PXIe chassis and the PXIe-3352. The FPGA then translates the data
and commands via 9600 baud rate TTL serial to the GPS IC and via 9600 baud
rate RS-232 to the Rubidium block.

Publication No. 981049 Rev. B PXIe-3352 User Manual
Astronics Test Systems Overview and Features 1-5
External DC Power Supported
If the PXI mainframe is powered down, power may still be applied to the Rubidium
oscillator via a front panel external DC power input. This keeps the Rubidium
oscillator very stable over time and eliminates the effects of retrace. The GPS
receiver maintains its location information during power down, saving the time it
takes for the receiver to do a position fix, because it has an internal battery to
power its SRAM and real time clock.
Front Panel
Connectors:
Connector Connector
Type Reference
Designator Description
Sine WAVE
OUT SMA J1 Rubidium Module Sine Wave Out
SQ WAVE
OUT SMA J2 Rubidium Module Square Wave Out
1PPS IN SMA J3 External 1 PPS Input
1PPS OUT SMA J4 1 PPS Output from Rubidium Module
GPS ANT SMA J5 External GPS Antenna Input
Ext PWR
DC Jack
2.5 mm ID
5.5 mm OD
J6 External +12 VDC @1.5 A Center
Positive for Rubidium Module
LED Indicators
LED Indication
FAIL
Unit failure
ACC
PXIe access
LOCK Rubidium Module Output Frequency Locked

PXIe-3352 User Manual Publication No. 981049 Rev. B
Overview and Features 1-6 Astronics Test Systems
This page was left intentionally blank.

Publication No. 981049 Rev. B PXIe-3352 User Manual
Astronics Test Systems Specifications 2-1
Chapter 2
Specifications
Output Characteristics
Output Frequency
•10 MHz
Output Channels
•Sinewave Output Channel
•Squarewave (CMOS) Output Channel
Amplitude
•Sine Wave: 10 dBm ± 2 dBm into 50 Ω
•CMOS: 2.5 V into 10 kΩ
Phase Noise (sine output)
•10 Hz offset: -102 dBc/Hz
•100 Hz offset: -135 dBc/Hz
•1 kHz offset: -145 dBc/Hz
•10 kHz offset: -150 dBc/Hz
Spectral Purity (sine output)
•Harmonics: <-44 dBc (up to 70 MHz)
•Spurious: <-80 dBc (10 Hz-100 kHz from carrier)
Timebase Characteristics
Initial Accuracy (@ 25° C)
•5 x 10-11
Stability
•Frequency Drift: 5 x 10-11/month
•Frequency Retrace: < 5 x 10-11
•Allan Variance (1 s): 3 x 10-11
•Allan Variance (100 s): 5 x 10-12

PXIe-3352 User Manual Publication No. 981049 Rev. B
Specifications 2-2 Astronics Test Systems
Warm Up (@ 25° C)
•<4 minutes to lock
•<5 minutes to reach 5 x 10-10
Receiver Architecture
•Tracking: 22 parallel channels
•Acquisition: 66 simultaneous satellites
Operating Frequency
•L1 (1575.42 MHz), C/A code
Receiver Sensitivity (typical)
•Tracking: -161 dBm
•Cold Start: -143 dBm
Timing Accuracy (1 pps)
•± 11 ns
Acquisition Time
•Hot: <1 s, typical
•Warm: <30 s, typical
•Cold: <32 s, typical
Interface
Power Requirements
•+3.3 VDC at 1.2 A
•+12 VDC at 2.5 A
Front Panel I/O and Indicators
Outputs (SMA)
•Sine Wave: 10 MHz, 10 dBm, 50 Ω
•Square Wave: 10 MHz, 2.5 V, 10 kΩ
•1 PPS: 3.3V, pulse width <20µs
Inputs
•External Rubidium Power: 12 V @ 1.5 A
•GPS Antenna (SMA): 50 Ω
•1 PPS (SMA): 3.3V CMOS, pulse width <10 µs
Status Lights
•Red: Sysfail

Publication No. 981049 Rev. B PXIe-3352 User Manual
Astronics Test Systems Specifications 2-3
•Amber: Access
•Yellow: Rubidium locked
Software
Driver Installations
•LabWindows/CVI, 32-bit and 64-bit
•LabVIEW, 32-bit and 64-bit
Executable
•Interactive Control Soft Front Panel
Environmental
Temperature/Altitude
•Operating: 0° C to 55° C/10,000 ft
•Storage: -40° C to 75° C/15,000 ft
Relative Humidity
•5 to 95%, non–condensing <30° C
•5 to 75%, non–condensing <40° C
Mechanical
•Shock: 30 g, 11 ms, ½ sinewave
•Vibration: 0.013 in (pk-pk), 5 to 55 Hz
•Bench Handling: 4-inch drop at 45°
CE Certifications
•Emissions/Immunity: EN61326: 1997 + A1: 1998, Class A
•Safety: EN61010-1: 1993 + A2: 1995
MTBF (MIL-HDBK-217 FN2, GB GC, 25°)
•35,740 hrs
Mechanical
Weight
•1.26 lbs (0.567 kg)
Dimensions
•2 Slot Width PXI Express Module

PXIe-3352 User Manual Publication No. 981049 Rev. B
Specifications 2-4 Astronics Test Systems
This page was left intentionally blank.

Publication No. 981049 Rev. B PXIe-3352 User Manual
Astronics Test Systems Getting Started 3-1
Chapter 3
Getting Started
Unpacking and Inspection
WARNING
Use standard ESD procedures including ground straps and static-safe
work surfaces whenever handling the PXIe-3352 module.
Remove the PXIe-3352 module and inspect it for damage. If any damage is
apparent, inform the carrier immediately. Retain shipping carton and packing
material for the carrier’s inspection.
Verify that the pieces in the package you received contain the correct module
option. Notify our Customer Support department (see front pages for contact
information) if the module appears damaged in any way. Do not attempt to install a
damaged module into a PXIe chassis.
The module is shipped in an anti-static bag to prevent electrostatic damage to the
module. Do not remove the module from the anti-static bag unless it is in a static-
controlled area.
Installing the Module into a PXI Express Chassis
WARNING
The PXIe-3352 module is NOT hot-swappable. The power to the PXI
Express compatible chassis must be turned off before installing a PXIe-
3352. Plugging the module in before the power is off may result in
damage to the electronics.
Note: The PXIe-3352 can be installed into any available PXI hybrid or Type 1 PXI
Express slot as shown in the diagram below. Do not attempt to install a PXIe-
3352 into a standard PXI-1 slot.
Slots in a PXI chassis that are legal for the PXIe-3352 are identified by a slot
number inscribed within a filled circle. There can be the letter “H” for Hybrid to the
upper right of the circle as well. The slot number inscribed within an un-filled circle
indicates a standard PXI-1 slot, therefore installation into this slot should not be
attempted at risk of damaging both the PXI backplane connector and the PXIe-
3352’s fabric connector. The diagram below depicts the slot types, both legal and
illegal, along with slot-identifying glyphs that are found below each slot of any PXI
mainframe which conforms to the PXI specification.

PXIe-3352 User Manual Publication No. 981049 Rev. B
Getting Started 3-2 Astronics Test Systems
When inserting the module into the chassis, it should be gently rocked back and
forth to seat the connectors into the backplane receptacles.
Initial Power On
1. Drivers must be installed prior to hardware installation (see Software
Installation).
2. Turn off the chassis power before installing the PXIe-3352.
3. Once the module is properly installed in the chassis, connect the GPS antenna
to the GPS ANT connector. Make sure that there is open view to the sky or if
indoors, no metal obstruction is above the antenna.
4. Turn on the chassis power.
The FAIL LED will illuminate for ~0.5s and then turn off if the module passes
the internal power on self test (POST).
If the PXIe-3352 fails POST, the FAIL LED will continue to be illuminated.
Should this happen, turn the chassis power off, re-install or make certain the
PXIe-3352 is properly installed in the chassis, and turn the chassis power back
on.
5. Turn on or re-start the computer connected to the chassis.
6. If this is the first time the PXIe-3352 is turned on, wait 5 minutes or until the
yellow Lock LED is turned on.