Colby Instruments PDL-200A-625PS Owner's manual

___________________________________
PDL-200A-625PS Programmable Delay Line
Operating and Programming Manual
1715 114th Avenue SE
Woodridge Building –Suite 112
Bellevue, WA 98004
[phone] VOICE || [phone] FAX
www.colbyinstruments.com

© 2010 Colby Instruments. PDL-200A-625PS Operating and Programming Manual.
Hardware Version 1.0 REV 1.0. Firmware Version 1.68.

© 2010 Colby Instruments. PDL-200A-625PS Operating and Programming Manual.
Hardware Version 1.0 REV 1.0. Firmware Version 1.68.
Certification and Warranty
CERTIFICATION
Colby Instruments certifies that the PDL-200A Series of Programmable Delay Line
Instruments meets all published specifications at the time the instruments are shipped
from the manufacturer. SPECIFICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
WITHOUT NOTIFICATION.
WARRANTY
The product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one
year from date of shipment. During the warranty period, Colby Instruments will at its
option, either repair or replace the product or item which proves to be defective.
Replacement products may be either new or like-new.
EXCESSIVE WEAR OF CONNECTORS, THE TROMBONE UNIT, THE
COAXIAL RELAYS, AND OTHER RELAYS CARRYING THE SIGNAL, ARE
NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. THE FOREGOING WARRANTY
SHALL NOT APPLY TO DEFECTS RESULTING FROM IMPROPER CARE
OR USE OF THE INSTRUMENT BY THE BUYER. THIS SHALL APPLY TO
ALL COMPONENTS DELIVERED TO THE BUYER.
For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to Colby Instruments. The
Buyer shall prepay all shipping charges for the shipment of item to Colby Instruments.
Colby Instruments shall pay the shipping charges to return the product to the Buyer.
However, the Buyer shall be responsible for ALL shipping charges, duties and taxes for
product returned to Colby Instruments from outside the United States of America.
BUYER MUST OBTAIN A RETURN MATERIAL AUTHORIZATION NUMBER
(RMA #) FROM COLBY INSTRUMENTS PRIOR TO THE SHIPMENT OF ANY
ITEM TO COLBY INSTRUMENTS. SHIP TO:
Colby Instruments
Attn: RMA # ________
1715 114th Avenue SE
Woodridge Building –Suite 112
Bellevue, Washington 98004
USA
No other warranty is expressed or implied. Colby Instruments specifically disclaims the
implied warranties or merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The remedies
provided herein are the Buyer's sole and exclusive remedies. Colby Instruments shall not
be liable for any direct or special, incidental or consequential damages, whether based on
contract, tort, or any other legal theory.

© 2010 Colby Instruments. PDL-200A-625PS Operating and Programming Manual.
Hardware Version 1.0 REV 1.0. Firmware Version 1.68.

© 2010 Colby Instruments.PDL-200A Operating and Programming Manual Page i
Table of Contents
Chapter 1.0
Description of the PDL-200A Programmable Delay Line Series ......................... 1
1.0.1 Introduction...............................................................................................1
1.0.2 Delay Line Structure and Design ..............................................................1
Chapter 2.0
Getting Started ................................................................................................. 3
2.0.1 Using the PDL-200A for the First Time.....................................................3
2.0.2 Self-Test After Power Up..........................................................................4
2.0.3 Self-Test without MT-100A Microterminal connected ...............................4
2.0.4 Self-Test with MT-100A Microterminal connected ....................................5
Chapter 3.0
Using the Front Panel Connections______........................................................ 7
3.0.1 Overview of the Front Panel Connections ................................................7
3.0.2 About Primary and Secondary Trombone Units .......................................7
Chapter 4.0
Setting Delay Values......................................................................................... 9
4.1.0 Working with the MT-100A Microterminal.................................................9
4.1.1 The MT-100A Microterminal at a glance.................................................10
4.1.2 Working with the MT-100A Microterminal Keypad..................................11
4.2.0 Setting Delay with the MT-100A Microterminal.......................................13
4.3.0 The MT-100A Menu Keys –SETUP........................................................14
4.3.1 The MT-100A Menu Keys –SETUP cont. ...............................................15
4.3.2 About the SETUP Menu options .......................................................15
4.3.3 SETUP Menu –Display or set GPIB Address .........................................15
4.3.4 SETUP Menu –Network Addresses ..................................................16
4.3.5 SETUP Menu –RS-232 Terminal Mode or MT-100A Mode ....................16
4.4.0 The MT-100A Menu Keys –DIAG ...........................................................17
4.4.1 About the DIAG Menu options...........................................................17
4.4.1.1 DIAG MENU –Relays ............................................................................... 18
4.4.1.2 DIAG MENU –Device Calibration........................................................... 18
4.4.1.3 DIAG MENU –Resetting the PDL-200A ................................................ 18
4.5.0 Working Remotely Through the GPIB Interface ...............................19
4.5.1 Connecting remotely over GPIB (IEEE488.2) ..................................19
4.5.2 Setting the GPIB (IEEE488.2) Address.............................................19
4.5.3 Setting the delay using GPIB (IEEE488.2) Commands ..........................21

© 2010 Colby Instruments.PDL-200A Operating and Programming Manual Page ii
4.5.4 Using National Instruments Measurement and Automation Explorer .....21
4.6.0 Communicating with the PDL-200A over Ethernet TCP/IP. ....................23
4.6.1 Default Network Addresses ........................................................................ 23
4.6.1.1 Programming over the Ethernet TCP/IP................................................ 23
4.6.2 Using HyperTerminal and Ethernet (TCP/IP) .......................................... 24
4.7.0 Setting the delay over RS-232 Serial Port and PC .................................26
4.7.1 Attaching the MT-100A Microterminal to the RS-232 port ..................... 26
4.7.2 Attaching the PC to the RS-232 port ......................................................... 26
4.7.2.1 Programming over the RS-232 connection........................................... 27
4.7.2.2 Error Checking........................................................................................... 27
4.7.3 Using HyperTerminal and RS-232 connection ........................................ 28
Chapter 5.0
Common Commands .......................................................................................31
5.1.0 Summary of Common Commands ...........................................................31
*CAL Calibration COMMAND........................................................................ 32
*CAL? Calibration Query QUERY .................................................................. 32
*IDN? Identification QUERY ........................................................................... 33
*RST Reset COMMAND ................................................................................ 33
*OPC Operation Complete COMMAND....................................................... 34
*OPC? Operation Complete Query QUERY.................................................. 34
*TST? Test Operation Query QUERY ........................................................... 35
*ESE Event Status Enable COMMAND....................................................... 36
*ESE? Event Status Enable Mask QUERY................................................... 37
*ESR? Operation Complete QUERY.............................................................. 37
*CLS Clear Status COMMAND..................................................................... 38
Chapter 6.0
System Commands .........................................................................................39
6.1.0 Summary of System Commands ............................................................39
ADDR ADDR COMMAND ............................................................................... 40
ADDR? ADDR? QUERY.................................................................................... 40
DEC DECREMENT COMMAND ................................................................. 41
DEL Delay COMMAND ................................................................................ 42
DEL? Delay QUERY ....................................................................................... 43
DTIME? Delta Elapsed Time Query QUERY................................................... 44
ERR? ERROR QUERY ................................................................................... 45
EXEC EXECUTE COMMAND........................................................................ 45
INC INCREMENT COMMAND................................................................... 46
NET NETWORK COMMAND ...................................................................... 47
NET? NETWORK ADDRESS QUERY......................................................... 48
NETM? NETWORK MAC_ID ADDRESS QUERY......................................... 49
RATE RATE COMMAND ................................................................................ 50
RATE RATE? QUERY..................................................................................... 50
STEP STEP COMMAND ................................................................................ 51

© 2010 Colby Instruments.PDL-200A Operating and Programming Manual Page iii
STEP? STEP QUERY ....................................................................................... 51
STORE STORE COMMAND............................................................................. 52
STORE? STORE? QUERY.................................................................................. 53
XDD XDD COMMAND .................................................................................. 54
XDD? XDD? QUERY....................................................................................... 55
Chapter 7.0
Instrument Backpanel ......................................................................................57

© 2010 Colby Instruments.PDL-200A Operating and Programming Manual Page iv

Chapter 1 Description of the PDL-200A Programmable Delay Line Series
© 2010 Colby Instruments. PDL-200A Operating and Programming Manual Page 1
Description of the PDL-200A
Programmable Delay Line Series_______
1.0.1 Introduction
The PDL-200A-625PS Programmable Delay Line (PDL) Instrument Series offers
a range of variable and programmable delay beginning from 0 delay (DC) to a
maximum delay limit of 625.0 picoseconds (ps) in each channel of a dual channel
configured instrument. With resolution precision to 0.50 picoseconds (ps) per
step and wideband signal frequency input from DC to 18 GHz, the PDL-200A is
the finest programmable delay line instrument available in the marketplace.
The model PDL-200A-625PS offers electrical delay through a patented
electromechanical trombone unit with movement controlled by a high precision
stepper motor. There are two trombone units side-by-side (Primary-Trombone
and Secondary-Trombone) for a dual channel configuration in a single instrument
chassis.
Each trombone unit is independently addressable via GPIB(IEEE488.2), Ethernet
TCP/IP, and RS-232 Serial interface located on the instrument back panel. The
signal path through each trombone unit is accessible at the front panel of the
instrument. Resolution is to 0.50 picoseconds per step size for each trombone
unit.
All signal input and output connections are easily accessible at the front panel and
are terminated with Female SMA (50 ohm impedance) connectors.
1.0.2 Delay Line Structure and Design
The PDL-200A Series of delay line instruments is based on an “electromechanical
trombone” or moveable delay line. A high frequency signal passing through an
expanded or contracted trombone experiences correspondingly more or less
electrical delay. The internal trombone tubes for one trombone unit consist of two
U-shaped semi-rigid coaxial lines (one above the other horizontally) and
connected in series to achieve a total delay of 625.0 picoseconds for each
trombone unit. Note: this in-series vertical connection (semi-rigid coaxial jumper
cable) is accessible at the instrument front panel.
A high torque aerospace-grade precision stepper motor with a custom precision
lead screw is used to position a sled on which one part of the trombone tubing is
attached. The PDL-200A’s precision interfaces are designed to minimize
impedance mismatches while a proprietary contact design achieves reliability
while minimizing any signal loss or noise.
1.0

Chapter 1 Description of the PDL-200A Programmable Delay Line Series
© 2010 Colby Instruments. PDL-200A Operating and Programming Manual Page 2
An embedded CPU microcontroller reads commands locally from either a
Microterminal MT-100A (numeric keypad with LCD display) or remotely from
GPIB (IEEE488.2), Ethernet TCP/IP, or RS-232 Serial Port interfaces.
Commands are processed to move the stepper motor in high-resolution step
increments to as fine as 0.50 picoseconds as measured across the in-series signal
path.

Chapter 2 Getting Started
© 2010 Colby Instruments. PDL-200A Operating and Programming Manual Page 3
Getting Started______________________
2.0.1 Using the PDL-200A for the First Time
After unpacking the instrument, carefully inspect it for any shipping damage.
Remove all standard accessories from the shipping carton.
85 to 240
VAC
FAN
IEEE488.2
MT-100A or RS-232
PRIMARY-Trombone
GPIB ADDRESS for
PRIMARY-Trombone
PRIMARY-
Trombone Ethernet
SECONDARY-
Trombone Ethernet
1. Insert AC Power Cord
2. Insert MT-100A DB-9 Cable (optional)
3. Insert GPIB Cable (optional)
4. Insert Ethernet Cable(s) (optional)
MT-100A or RS-232
SECONDARY-Trombone
PDL-200A-625PS BACKPANEL
The PDL-200A accepts AC line input voltage from 85VAC to 240VAC.
Connecting to the PDL-200A:
1. Plug in the PDL-200A to a power source by inserting the AC power
cord into the 85 to 240 VAC power entry module located on the
backpanel.
Note: Models delivered to customers in North America include a
power cord. Customers outside of North America must supply
their own power cords. The power entry module uses a standard
IEC connector.
2.0

Chapter 2 Getting Started
© 2010 Colby Instruments. PDL-200A Operating and Programming Manual Page 4
2. If you have the optional MT-100A Microterminal, connect the mated
cable to either the Primary-Trombone or the Secondary-Trombone
DB-9 MT-100A/RS-232 Port and to the MT-100A Microterminal.
3. If you have a GPIB (IEEE488.2) interface cable, connect the cable into
the IEEE488.2 connector.
4. If you have an Ethernet cable(s), connect the cable(s) into the Primary-
Trombone Ethernet Port and/or the Secondary-Trombone Ethernet
Port.
PDL-200A-625PS FRONT PANEL
5. Push the flat rocker switch on the front panel to turn on the
PDL-200A-625PS System Unit.
2.0.2 Self-Test After Power Up
Both the MT-100A Microterminal and the PDL-200A System Unit each use a
embedded microprocessor to perform all necessary tasks. After you power up the
PDL-200A System Unit, both microprocessors will initiate a self-test.
2.0.3 Self-Test without MT-100A Microterminal connected
The PDL-200A will perform a calibration self-test of the unit by slowly moving
the electromechanical trombone delay line towards its maximum setting
(maximum delay) until it reaches an infrared light barrier set at a precise position.
A full-speed test is then performed by moving the delay to 0 (relative) and then
back to maximum delay and re-checking the calibration. The delay is reset to its
zero delay (0 ps) position and the unit is ready to accept commands.
The PDL-200A-625PS is now ready to accept commands from any of the
attached interfaces (GPIB, Ethernet/TCP/IP, or RS-232).

Chapter 2 Getting Started
© 2010 Colby Instruments. PDL-200A Operating and Programming Manual Page 5
2.0.4 Self-Test with MT-100A Microterminal connected
The following sequence is displayed on the Microterminal LCD:
1.
MT-100A V1.0
COLBYINSTRUMENTS
2.
PDL-200A-625PS
..INITIALIZING..
3.
PDL-200A-625PS
COLBYINSTRUMENTS
See also Section 4.1.1 The MT-100A Microterminal at a glance.
The PDL-200A will perform calibration self-test of the unit by slowly moving the
electromechanical trombone delay line towards its maximum setting (maximum
delay) until it reaches an infrared light barrier set at a precise position. A full-
speed test is then performed by moving the delay to 0 (relative) and then back to
maximum delay and re-checking the calibration. The delay is reset to its zero
delay (0 ps) position and the unit is ready to accept commands.
The MT-100A Microterminal LCD screen will display as shown below:
For Model PDL-200A-625PS:
0.00ps |S| 0
The PDL-200A is now ready to accept commands from the Microterminal
or via any of the attached interfaces (GPIB, TCP/IP, or RS-232).

Chapter 3 Using the Front Panel Connections
© 2010 Colby Instruments. PDL-200A Operating and Programming Manual Page 7
Using the Front Panel Connections______
3.0.1 Overview of the Front Panel Connections
The dual electromechanical trombone units situated side-by-side inside the PDL-
200A instrument are connected in-series and the signal path (IN and OUT) is
terminated at the front panel with two SMA (female) connectors: SIGNAL IN and
SIGNAL OUT.
Model PDL-200A-625PS DUAL CHANNEL CONFIGURATION
0 to 625.0 PS delay from SIGNAL IN to SIGNAL OUT for EACH TROMBONE
(either Primary-Trombone or Secondary-Trombone)
3.0.2 About Primary and Secondary Trombone Units
The PDL-200A-625PS is derived from our PDL-100A Series instrument and
includes two trombone units: Primary-Trombone and Secondary-Trombone.
Each trombone unit offers 0 to 625 picoseconds of delay. The two trombones are
configured for independent dual channel operation. Each trombone is
individually addressable locally via the MT-100A Microterminal or remotely via
GPIB (IEEE488.2), Ethernet TCP/IP, or RS-232 interface.
3.0

Chapter 4 Setting Delay Values
© 2010 Colby Instruments. PDL-200A Operating and Programming Manual Page 9
Setting Delay Values_________________
There are two general methods to set delay values:
Locally via the MT-100A Microterminal (numeric keypad entry)
Remotely via the GPIB (IEEE488.2), Ethernet TCP/IP Port, or via the
Serial Port RS-232 interface.
4.1.0 Working with the MT-100A Microterminal
Make sure the PDL-200A-625PS is powered off. Connect the Microterminal to
the instrument to either the Primary-Trombone or the Secondary-Trombone.
After turning the ON/OFF switch located on the front panel of the PDL-200A
unit, you will hear a short beep indicating that both the MT-100A and the PDL-
200A units have successfully powered up.
Note: you may switch between controlling each trombone unit by simply re-
connecting the MT-100A cable. It is not necessary to power cycle the instrument
upon re-connecting to the alternate port.
The PDL-200A will then perform a self-initialization test and self-calibration.
Upon successfully completing these tests, the Microterminal unit will display:
For Model PDL-200A-625PS:
0.00ps |S| 0
The PDL-200A is now ready to accept delay settings.
4.0

Chapter 4 Setting Delay Values
© 2010 Colby Instruments. PDL-200A Operating and Programming Manual Page 10
4.1.1 The MT-100A Microterminal at a glance
1.5080ns |S|0
Numeric Key Input Area
Current Delay Setting
Device Mode:
S = Series Connected Trombone
P = Parallel Connected Trombone
C = CPDL
Error Code:
0 = No error
1 = Invalid command
2 = Invalid argument
3 = Calibration failed
4 = Delay range limit
5 = Delay not set
99 = Buffer Overflow
SETUP DIAG ns/ps CLEAR
7 8 9
4 5 6 -
=
1 2 3
. 0 ENTER
Press ENTER to set delay
+
=
SETUP Menu DIAG Menu ns/ps toggle CLEAR key
Backspace
key
Decrement
key
Increment
key
MT-100A Microterminal
Units

Chapter 4 Setting Delay Values
© 2010 Colby Instruments. PDL-200A Operating and Programming Manual Page 11
4.1.2 Working with the MT-100A Microterminal Keypad
SETUP DIAG ns/ps CLEAR
7 8 9
4 5 6 -
=
1 2 3
. 0 ENTER
+
=
MT-100A Keyboard
SETUP
SETUP Menu. The SETUP Menu offers these options:
1. Display GPIB Address and Set/Display Network address
2. Set Series Connected or Parallel Connected Mode
3. Turn OFF/ON Terminal or MT-100A mode
See Section 4.2.0 The MT-100A Menu Keys - SETUP
DIAG
DIAG Menu. The DIAG Menu offers these options:
1. Turn ON/OFF any or all relays if installed
2. Perform Calibration and self-test
3. Reset the PDL-200A
See Section 4.2.0 The MT-100A Menu Keys –DIAG
ns/ps
Toggles between display delay setting values in nanoseconds(ns)
or picoseconds(ps) units.
CLEAR
Clear the last entry and return to normal operating mode

Chapter 4 Setting Delay Values
© 2010 Colby Instruments. PDL-200A Operating and Programming Manual Page 12
0
…
9
Numeric keypad to enter desired delay or set parameters
Backspace
-
=
Decrement current delay setting by a constant step size value
(default is zero). Immediately pressing this key after entering a
value will set the step size value.
Example:
Press
-
=
01
to set a step size value of 10 ps and decrement the current delay by
10 ps.
+
=
Increment current delay setting by a constant step size value
(default is zero). Immediately pressing this key after entering a
value will set the step size value.
Example:
Press
0+
=
1
to set a step size value of 10 ps and increment the current delay by
10 ps.
ENTER
Set Delay. Press this key after entering desired delay value.