Fluke 96000 Series User manual

May 2014
© 2014 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
96000 Series
RF Reference Source
Operators Manual
Via Acquanera, 29 22100 Como
tel. 031.526.566 (r.a.) fax 031.507.984
[e-mail] www.calpower.it

LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Each Fluke product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under
normal use and service. The warranty period is one year and begins on the date of shipment.
Parts, product repairs, and services are warranted for 90 days. This warranty extends only to the
original buyer or end-user customer of a Fluke authorized reseller, and does not apply to fuses,
disposable batteries, or to any product which, in Fluke's opinion, has been misused, altered,
neglected, contaminated, or damaged by accident or abnormal conditions of operation or
handling. Fluke warrants that software will operate substantially in accordance with its functional
specifications for 90 days and that it has been properly recorded on non-defective media. Fluke
does not warrant that software will be error free or operate without interruption.
Fluke authorized resellers shall extend this warranty on new and unused products to end-user
customers only but have no authority to extend a greater or different warranty on behalf of Fluke.
Warranty support is available only if product is purchased through a Fluke authorized sales outlet
or Buyer has paid the applicable international price. Fluke reserves the right to invoice Buyer for
importation costs of repair/replacement parts when product purchased in one country is submitted
for repair in another country.
Fluke's warranty obligation is limited, at Fluke's option, to refund of the purchase price, free of
charge repair, or replacement of a defective product which is returned to a Fluke authorized
service center within the warranty period.
To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest Fluke authorized service center to obtain return
authorization information, then send the product to that service center, with a description of the
difficulty, postage and insurance prepaid (FOB Destination). Fluke assumes no risk for damage in
transit. Following warranty repair, the product will be returned to Buyer, transportation prepaid
(FOB Destination). If Fluke determines that failure was caused by neglect, misuse, contamination,
alteration, accident, or abnormal condition of operation or handling, including overvoltage failures
caused by use outside the product’s specified rating, or normal wear and tear of mechanical
components, Fluke will provide an estimate of repair costs and obtain authorization before
commencing the work. Following repair, the product will be returned to the Buyer transportation
prepaid and the Buyer will be billed for the repair and return transportation charges (FOB
Shipping Point).
THIS WARRANTY IS BUYER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
FLUKE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING LOSS OF DATA, ARISING FROM
ANY CAUSE OR THEORY.
Since some countries or states do not allow limitation of the term of an implied warranty, or
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, the limitations and exclusions of
this warranty may not apply to every buyer. If any provision of this Warranty is held invalid or
unenforceable by a court or other decision-maker of competent jurisdiction, such holding will not
affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.
Fluke Corporation
P.O. Box 9090
Everett, WA 98206-9090
U.S.A.
Fluke Europe B.V.
P.O. Box 1186
5602 BD Eindhoven
The Netherlands
11/99

iii
Table of Contents
Chapter Title Page
1 Introduction and Specifications......................................................... 1-1
About the Manual .............................................................................................. 1-1
Contacting Fluke................................................................................................ 1-1
Safety Information............................................................................................. 1-2
Symbols......................................................................................................... 1-2
General Safety Summary............................................................................... 1-3
Prevent Instrument Damage .......................................................................... 1-4
Instrument Description ...................................................................................... 1-6
Options and Accessories.................................................................................... 1-7
Specifications..................................................................................................... 1-10
General Specifications (96040A and 96270A).............................................. 1-10
Frequency Reference Input/Output Specifications (96040A and 96270A)... 1-11
Leveled Sine Specifications at Leveling Head Output (96040A and
96270A)......................................................................................................... 1-11
Leveled Sine Specifications at Microwave Output (96270A)....................... 1-13
Leveled Sine Specifications at Leveling Head Output (96040A and
96270A) and Microwave Output (96270A) .................................................. 1-15
Modulation Specifications at Leveling Head Output (96040A and
96270A) and Microwave Output (96270A) .................................................. 1-17
Frequency Sweep Specifications at Leveling Head Output (96040A and
96270A) and Microwave Output (96270A) .................................................. 1-20
Frequency Counter Specifications................................................................. 1-21
Power Meter Readout Specifications (96270A only).................................... 1-21
GPIB Command Emulation Mode Specifications......................................... 1-21
2 Prepare the Instrument for Operation ............................................... 2-1
Introduction........................................................................................................ 2-1
Unpack and Inspect the Instrument.................................................................... 2-1
Store and Ship the Instrument............................................................................ 2-2
Power Considerations ........................................................................................ 2-3
Replace the Power Cord................................................................................ 2-3
Power-On Sequence ...................................................................................... 2-5
Power-On Self-Test....................................................................................... 2-5
Power-On State.............................................................................................. 2-6

96000 Series
Operators Manual
iv
Leveling Head Connections (96270A and 96040A).......................................... 2-7
Microwave Output Connections (96270A)........................................................ 2-8
Power Sensor Connections (96270A)............................................................ 2-8
Install the Instrument in an Equipment Rack..................................................... 2-8
Cooling Considerations...................................................................................... 2-8
User-Initiated Self-Test...................................................................................... 2-9
Running Self-Test.......................................................................................... 2-10
Review the Results........................................................................................ 2-11
Operator Maintenance........................................................................................ 2-12
Clean the Instrument...................................................................................... 2-12
Clean the Air Filter........................................................................................ 2-12
Replace the Line-Power Fuses ...................................................................... 2-13
Firmware............................................................................................................ 2-15
Performance Test and Calibration ..................................................................... 2-15
3 Local Operation ................................................................................... 3-1
Introduction........................................................................................................ 3-1
Controls, Indicators, and Connectors................................................................. 3-2
Leveling Head I/O Connectors...................................................................... 3-5
Microwave Output Connector (96270A)....................................................... 3-5
Output Connector Status Indicators (96270A).............................................. 3-5
Sensor Connectors (96270A)......................................................................... 3-5
USB Storage Port (96270A).......................................................................... 3-6
STBY/OPER (Standby/Operate)................................................................... 3-6
Function Keys................................................................................................ 3-6
Signal Source Keys................................................................................... 3-7
MEAS (Measurements) Key..................................................................... 3-7
UNITS Key ............................................................................................... 3-7
SETUP Key............................................................................................... 3-7
SIGNAL Key (96270)............................................................................... 3-9
Display ...................................................................................................... 3-9
Data Fields ................................................................................................ 3-10
Soft Labels ................................................................................................ 3-11
Softkeys..................................................................................................... 3-11
Status Bar.................................................................................................. 3-12
Field Editor.................................................................................................... 3-12
Cursor Keys............................................................................................... 3-12
Spin Wheel................................................................................................ 3-13
Keypad........................................................................................................... 3-13
Alphanumeric Keys................................................................................... 3-13
ALPHA Key.............................................................................................. 3-13
NEXT CHAR Key .................................................................................... 3-13
BKSP Key (Backspace) ............................................................................ 3-13
SPACE Key............................................................................................... 3-13
EXP Key (Exponent)................................................................................. 3-13
ENTER Key.............................................................................................. 3-14
Screen Controls and Indicators.......................................................................... 3-14
Main RF Output Screens ............................................................................... 3-14
Edit Modes – The Vertical Softkeys.............................................................. 3-15
Expanded Settings – The Horizontal Softkeys.............................................. 3-19
Preferences Softkey................................................................................... 3-19
Offset Softkey ........................................................................................... 3-20
Toggle Offset Softkey............................................................................... 3-21
Offset (As Error) Softkey.......................................................................... 3-21
Reference Softkeys.................................................................................... 3-22

Contents (continued)
v
Reference Off Softkey............................................................................... 3-23
Frequency and Level Track Main Softkeys .............................................. 3-23
Rear-Panel Controls and Connectors................................................................. 3-24
Power Block and Switch ............................................................................... 3-25
IEEE 488 Connector...................................................................................... 3-25
Reference Frequency Output Connector ....................................................... 3-25
Reference Frequency Input Connector.......................................................... 3-25
50 MHz Frequency Counter, Modulation, Leveling and Frequency
Pull Input Connector...................................................................................... 3-26
300 MHz Frequency Counter Input Connector (96270A)............................. 3-29
Trigger I/O Connector................................................................................... 3-30
Instrument Operation......................................................................................... 3-32
Before Starting............................................................................................... 3-32
Set Global Preferences .................................................................................. 3-32
Local or Remote Operation ........................................................................... 3-33
GPIB Command Emulation........................................................................... 3-34
Select and Change the Address of a Command Emulation........................... 3-35
Connect a Leveling Head to the Instrument.................................................. 3-37
Connect a Leveling Head to a Unit Under Test............................................. 3-39
Connect the Microwave Output to a Unit Under Test (96270A) .................. 3-41
Connect a Power Sensor to the Instrument (96270A).................................... 3-43
Connect a Power Sensor to a Unit Under Test (96270A 0nly)...................... 3-44
Save/Recall and Master Reset Function........................................................ 3-45
Access the Memory Screen....................................................................... 3-45
Make a Memory Selection ........................................................................ 3-46
Rename a Selection................................................................................... 3-46
Delete a Selection...................................................................................... 3-46
Save an Instrument Setup.......................................................................... 3-47
Save Settings for a Function ..................................................................... 3-47
Recall Settings........................................................................................... 3-47
Create an RF Output Signal........................................................................... 3-48
Output Signal Routing (96270A) .................................................................. 3-49
Leveled Sine Output Signal........................................................................... 3-52
Leveled Sine Preferences.......................................................................... 3-52
Sensor Leveling and Sensor Leveling Preferences (96270A)................... 3-56
Rear Input Preferences.............................................................................. 3-58
Display Layout Preferences (96270A)...................................................... 3-59
Frequency Pull Preferences....................................................................... 3-60
Externally Leveled Sine Preferences......................................................... 3-61
Enhanced Frequency Resolution............................................................... 3-64
Reference Switching Preferences.............................................................. 3-65
Define the Leveled-Sine Output Signal .................................................... 3-66
Apply an Offset to a Leveled-Sine Output Signal..................................... 3-69
Modulated Output Signal .............................................................................. 3-70
Set Modulation Preferences ...................................................................... 3-70
Define an Amplitude-Modulated Output Signal....................................... 3-71
Apply an Offset to an Amplitude-Modulated Output Signal.................... 3-73
Create a Frequency-Modulated Output Signal.......................................... 3-76
Apply an Offset to a Frequency-Modulated Output Signal ...................... 3-80
Phase-Modulated Output Signal ............................................................... 3-80
Apply an Offset to a Phase-Modulated Output Signal.............................. 3-84
Sweep Output Signal..................................................................................... 3-84
Set the Sweep Preferences ........................................................................ 3-85
Define a Swept-Frequency Output Signal................................................. 3-87
Narrow Range Locked Sweep................................................................... 3-88

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Operators Manual
vi
50 MHz Frequency Counter (96040A).......................................................... 3-90
300 MHz Frequency Counter (96270A)........................................................ 3-92
Power Meter Readout (96270A).................................................................... 3-94
Power Meter Readout Selections................................................................... 3-95
Power Readout Units..................................................................................... 3-97
Set the Measurement Frequency.................................................................... 3-98
Set Power Sensor Preferences ....................................................................... 3-99
Power Reading Averaging and Triggering.................................................... 3-100
Relative Power Measurements ...................................................................... 3-102
Change Units for Relative Power Measurements.......................................... 3-103
Profiles (96270A).......................................................................................... 3-103
Profiles Overview...................................................................................... 3-103
Profile File Format and File Naming Requirements ................................. 3-106
Select and Apply Profiles.......................................................................... 3-107
Import Profiles .......................................................................................... 3-110
Export Profiles .......................................................................................... 3-111
Profile Self Measure (Self-Characterization)............................................ 3-113
Measurement Integrity at High Signal Levels............................................... 3-118
Measurement Integrity at Low Signal Levels................................................ 3-118
Eliminate Interference from the Ether....................................................... 3-119
Eliminate Interference from System Clocks – Common Mode and
Ether Borne ............................................................................................... 3-119
Avoid Grounding RF Common on the Instrument.................................... 3-120
Verify the Level of an Interfering Signal.................................................. 3-120
De-tune the Interfering Signal................................................................... 3-120

vii
List of Tables
Table Title Page
1-1. Symbols.................................................................................................................. 1-2
1-2. List of Options and Accessories for 96270A ......................................................... 1-8
1-3. List of Options and Accessories for 96040A ......................................................... 1-9
2-1. List of Contents...................................................................................................... 2-2
2-2. Dimensions for a Substitute Cushioned Shipping Container................................. 2-3
2-3. Power Cord for Various Regions........................................................................... 2-4
2-4. Power Input Fuse.................................................................................................... 2-14
3-1. Compatible Power Sensors..................................................................................... 3-6
3-2. Reference Frequency Output Specifications.......................................................... 3-25
3-3. Reference Frequency Input Specifications............................................................. 3-25
3-4. External Modulation Input Specification (FM and PM)........................................ 3-27
3-5. External Modulation Input Specification (AM)..................................................... 3-28
3-6. External Leveling Input Specification.................................................................... 3-28
3-7. External Frequency Pull Input Specification.......................................................... 3-28
3-8. 50 MHz Frequency Counter Input Specifications (96040A). ............................... 3-29
3-9. 300 MHz Frequency Counter Input Specifications (96270A) ............................... 3-29
3-10. Sweep Trigger Input Specification......................................................................... 3-31
3-11. Sweep Trigger Output Specification...................................................................... 3-31
3-12. Modulation Trigger Output Specifications............................................................. 3-31
3-13. Global Preferences ................................................................................................. 3-33
3-14. 96040A Leveled - Sine Preferences....................................................................... 3-53
3-15. 96270A Leveling Head Output Leveled - Sine Preferences .................................. 3-54
3-16. 96270A Microwave Output Leveled - Sine Preferences........................................ 3-55
3-17. Sensor Leveling Preferences.................................................................................. 3-57
3-18. Frequency Pull Preferences.................................................................................... 3-61
3-19. Externally Leveled Sine Preferences...................................................................... 3-63
3-20. Selection of Frequency Resolution ........................................................................ 3-64
3-21. Reference Switching Preferences........................................................................... 3-65
3-22. Leveled-Sine Fields for 960404A and 96270 Leveling Head Output.................... 3-67
3-23. 96270A Leveled-Sine Fields for Microwave Output............................................. 3-68
3-24. Modulation Preferences Fields............................................................................... 3-70
3-25. Amplitude-Modulation Fields................................................................................ 3-74
3-26. Frequency-Modulation Fields................................................................................ 3-78
3-27. Phase Modulation Fields........................................................................................ 3-82
3-28. Sweep Preferences Fields....................................................................................... 3-86

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Operators Manual
viii
3-29. Sweep-Frequency Fields........................................................................................ 3-89
3-30. 96040A Frequency Counter Readout and Fields ................................................... 3-91
3-31. 96270A Frequency Counter Readout and Fields ................................................... 3-93
3-32. Power Meter Sensor Preferences............................................................................ 3-99
3-33. Setup Profiles Screen ............................................................................................. 3-105

ix
List of Figures
Figure Title Page
1-1. 96270A RF Reference Source................................................................................ 1-7
1-2. 96040A RF Reference Source................................................................................ 1-7
2-1. First Power-On Screen........................................................................................... 2-6
2-2. First Power-On Screen (GPIB emulation mode), HP3335 Personality.................. 2-7
2-3. Select a Self-Test Sequence ................................................................................... 2-10
2-4. Summary of Self-Test Results................................................................................ 2-11
2-5. Expanded Self-Test Failure Results....................................................................... 2-11
2-6. Access the Fuse...................................................................................................... 2-14
3-1. Front-Panel Controls, Indicators, and Connectors ................................................. 3-2
3-2. Setup Screen........................................................................................................... 3-7
3-3. Calibration Screen.................................................................................................. 3-8
3-4. Signal Status Screen............................................................................................... 3-9
3-5. Leveled Sine Screen............................................................................................... 3-10
3-6. Status Bar............................................................................................................... 3-12
3-7. Control Screens for the RF Output Signal ............................................................. 3-14
3-8. Leveled Sine........................................................................................................... 3-16
3-9. Step Edit................................................................................................................. 3-17
3-10. Keypad Edit............................................................................................................ 3-18
3-11. Measurement Units ................................................................................................ 3-18
3-12. Modulation Preferences.......................................................................................... 3-19
3-13. Leveled Sine – No Offset....................................................................................... 3-20
3-14. Leveled Sine – Offset Applied............................................................................... 3-20
3-15. Leveled Sine - Toggle Offset................................................................................. 3-21
3-16. Monitoring the References..................................................................................... 3-22
3-17. Frequency and Level Tracking............................................................................... 3-23
3-18. Rear-Panel Controls and Connectors ..................................................................... 3-24
3-19. Instrument Setup Screen......................................................................................... 3-32
3-20. Leveled Sine – Remote Operation ......................................................................... 3-34
3-21. GPIB Preferences (9640A selected)....................................................................... 3-35
3-22. 3335 GPIB Preferences - GPIB Address................................................................ 3-36
3-23. 9640A GPIB Preferences Model (Entry) ............................................................... 3-36
3-24. Connect the Leveling Head.................................................................................... 3-38
3-25. Microwave Output Connections (96270A)............................................................ 3-42
3-26. Connect the Power Sensor(s) (96270A)................................................................. 3-43
3-27. Save/Recall Screen................................................................................................. 3-45

96000 Series
Operators Manual
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3-28. Control Screens for the RF Output Signal ............................................................. 3-48
3-29. Leveling Head Output (96040A and 96270A)....................................................... 3-49
3-30. Microwave Output (96270A)................................................................................. 3-50
3-31. Microwave Output and HF Leveling Kit (96270A Leveled Sine)......................... 3-51
3-32. Rear Input Preferences Screen ............................................................................... 3-58
3-33. Source/Measure Display Layout............................................................................ 3-59
3-34. Instrument Screens with Power Meter Readouts ................................................... 3-94
3-35. Power Meter Screen............................................................................................... 3-95
3-36. Signal Status Screen............................................................................................... 3-95
3-37. Source/Measure Screen.......................................................................................... 3-96
3-38. Power Readout Units Selection.............................................................................. 3-97
3-39. Power Meter Screen-Setting Frequency................................................................. 3-98
3-40. Power Meter Screen (Trigger Single Selected)...................................................... 3-101
3-41. Power Meter Screen - Relative Measurement........................................................ 3-102
3-42. Setup Profile Screen - Profile Applied................................................................... 3-107
3-43. Signal Status Screen- Selected Profile Not Applied .............................................. 3-108
3-44. Signal Status Screen- Profile Applied.................................................................... 3-109
3-45. Profile Import Screen - Memory Stick Files Shown.............................................. 3-110
3-46. Profile Import Screen - Memory Stick Directories Shown.................................... 3-111
3-47. Profile Export Screen- Memory Stick Directories Shown..................................... 3-111
3-48. Self-Characterization Connections......................................................................... 3-113
3-49. Measure Profile Screen .......................................................................................... 3-114
3-50. Measure Profile – Measurement Points Units Selection........................................ 3-115
3-51. Measure Profile Screen - Leveling Head Output Selected..................................... 3-116
3-52. Measure Profile Screen - Microwave Output Selected .......................................... 3-117
3-53. Measure Profile Screen – Measurement Complete................................................ 3-118