Furaxa SYNTH300-TRIG User manual

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E-mail: [email protected] Visit us at: www.furaxa.com
SYNTH300-TRIG,
SYNTH300-TRIG-LVDSX2,
And SYNTH300-TRIG-HS
Dual 100 kHz – 300 MHz Dir ct Digital Synth siz r
Covers Boards With Firmware rev 1.00 (5/2/05)
With software for Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2K, 98, 95
Product Sp cifications and Us r Manual
v1r06 – September 13, 2010

34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIMITED WARRANTY............................................................................................................................4
MODEL DESCRIPTIONS........................................................................................................................5
MODEL: SYNTH300-TRIG....................................................................................................................................5
MODEL: SYNTH300-TRIG (option LVDSX2)........................................................................................................5
MODEL: SYNTH300-TRIG (option LVDSX2+TTL)................................................................................................5
MODEL: SYNTH300-TRIG-HS..............................................................................................................................5
SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................................................................6
Synthesizer outputs (Synth300-TRIG, Synth300-TRIG-HS)..................................................................................6
Frequency stability.................................................................................................................................................6
Phase Resolution...................................................................................................................................................6
TRIG/MODA and TRIG/MODB Input/Output..........................................................................................................7
LVDSB+ and LVDSB- Outputs...............................................................................................................................7
EXT CLK Input or 1GHz CLK Output (see Fig 3.1)................................................................................................7
General..................................................................................................................................................................7
Physical..................................................................................................................................................................8
HARDWARE ARCHITECTURE ..............................................................................................................9
Synthesizer A & B Outputs (DDS A OUT, DDS B OUT)........................................................................................9
LVDS Outputs LVDSB+, LVDSB-..........................................................................................................................9
TRIG/MODA and TRIG/MODB I/O Lines...............................................................................................................9
LED Indicators......................................................................................................................................................10
Ext Clk LED..........................................................................................................................................................10
ARM Sweep LED.................................................................................................................................................10
Synth On LED......................................................................................................................................................10
HARDWARE INSTALLATION AND SETUP.........................................................................................11
WINDOWS SOFTWARE INSTALLATION............................................................................................12
Software Package Contents................................................................................................................................12
The Example Program.........................................................................................................................................12
Software Installation for Windows 2000™ or Windows XP™..............................................................................12
Windows Vista™ or XP™....................................................................................................................................12
Continuing with the software installation in Vista, 2000 and XP..........................................................................13
RUNNING SYNTH300 PROGRAMS....................................................................................................13
USING THE SYNTH300 GUI UNDER WINDOWS ...............................................................................14
Example #1 – Two independent sinusoids...........................................................................................................15
Example #2 – Phase-locked sinusoids................................................................................................................16
Example #3 – Two fully independent swept sinusoids.........................................................................................17
Example #4 – External Modulation example........................................................................................................18
Using one synth300Trig-hs as master and other synth300TrigS as slaves.........................................................19
CUSTOM APPLICATION PROGRAMMING OF THE SYNTH300.......................................................21
Synth300 Operational Overview...........................................................................................................................21
“Update Event”.....................................................................................................................................................21
Using the CSynthAPI Object ...............................................................................................................................22
Instantiating a CSynthAPI Object.........................................................................................................................22
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CSynthAPI Object Member Functions.................................................................................................................23
LOW LEVEL SOFTWARE INTERFACE (MOST USERS NEED NOT READ).....................................27
PCI Configuration Header....................................................................................................................................27
SYNTH300 Control Register................................................................................................................................28
Unreset (write only)..............................................................................................................................................28
Output TTL_125 (write only)................................................................................................................................28
Update (write only)...............................................................................................................................................28
Synthesizer A Profile Select (write only) ..............................................................................................................29
Synthesizer B Profile Select (write only) .............................................................................................................29
External Modulation Mode (write only) ................................................................................................................29
Enable External Modulation (write only)...............................................................................................................30
Read_Synth_Select (write only)...........................................................................................................................30
Arm_Write (write only).........................................................................................................................................30
External_clk (write only).......................................................................................................................................30
Write is to Synth B, Write is to Synth A (write only)..............................................................................................30
Synthesizer IC Register Address (write only).......................................................................................................31
Sample IC Data Word (write only) ......................................................................................................................31
The AD9858.........................................................................................................................................................32
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34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
LIMITED WARRANTY
Furaxa Inc. hardware products are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of two (2) years from the date of shipment of the product. During the warranty period, Furaxa
Inc. shall, at its option, either repair or replace hardware, software or firmware products which prove to
be defective. This limited warranty does not cover wear on the top PCI
connector and damage caused by misuse or abuse by customer, and specifically excludes damage
caused by the application of excessive voltages or currents to any part of the board. Also specifically
excluded is ESD damage to the bus switches, so all users are advised to use wrist straps and other
ESD protection while inserting or removing boards in any system.
While Furaxa Inc. hardware, software and firmware products are designed to function in a reliable
manner, Furaxa Inc. does not warrant that the operation of the hardware, software or firmware
products will be uninterrupted or error free. Furaxa Inc. products are not intended to be used as critical
components in life support systems, aircraft, military systems or other systems whose failure to
perform can reasonably be expected to cause significant injury to humans. Furaxa Inc. expressly
disclaims liability for loss of profits and other consequential damages caused by the failure of any
product which would cause interruption of work or loss of profits, such as shipboard or military
attachment.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.
THE WARRANTIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE BUYER’S SOLE REMEDIES. IN NO EVENT SHALL
FURAXA INC. BE LIABLE FOR DIRECT, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES SUFFERED OR INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF, OR INABILITY TO USE
THESE PRODUCTS. THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY REMAINS IN FORCE
EVEN IF FURAXA INC. IS INFORMED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation on incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitation and exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and
you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
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MODEL DESCRIPTIONS
The SYNTH300 series of Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) boards are complete low noise precision
synthesizers on a single PCI bus card. Designed for low jitter operation in communications, industrial and
scientific applications, these boards function in PCI bus systems using supplied drivers for Windows 7™,
Vista™, XP™ or 2000™. In addition to dual synthesizers, the SYNTH300-TRIG board has two TTL inputs
which can be used to dynamically switch between up to four frequency profiles, for a variety of dynamic
waveform synthesis applications (frequency/phase modulation, triggered quadrature frequency sweeping,
etc.).
All models support a single LVDS output channel (option LVDSX2 supports two such channels), driven by
the filtered output(s) of the DDSs, and include additional firmware to allow advanced functionality such as
externally triggered frequency sweeping capability by use of the ModA and ModB TTL inputs. Some models
can accept an external system clock (nominally 1GHz) in addition to the on-board oscillator. Further
information for each model is given below.
MODEL: SYNTH300-TRIG
Model Synth300-TRIG is a Dual-channel DDS board with two independent Direct Digital
Synthesizers,each separately programmable for any frequency between 300kHz and 300MHz in
increments of approximately 0.233 Hz. Two TTL inputs (ModA and ModB) are used to select up to four
frequency/phase profiles by hardware control. A single LVDS channel is supported on the LVDSB
output connectors.
MODEL: SYNTH300-TRIG (OPTION LVDSX2)
Model Synth300-TRIG-LVDSX2 is a Dual-channel DDS board with two independent Direct Digital
Synthesizers, each separately programmable for any frequency between 300kHz and 300MHz in
increments of approximately 0.233 Hz. Instead of the two TTL inputs (ModA and ModB) supported under
the standard version, the LVDSX2 option supports a second LVDS channel (LVDSA).
MODEL: SYNTH300-TRIG (OPTION LVDSX2+TTL)
Model Synth300-TRIG-LVDSX2 is a Dual-channel DDS board with two independent Direct Digital
Synthesizers, each separately programmable for any frequency between 300kHz and 300MHz in
increments of approximately 0.233 Hz. Instead of the two TTL inputs (ModA and ModB) supported under
the standard version, the LVDSX2 option supports a second LVDS channel (LVDSA). However, the TTL
inputs can be used by alterting the default configuration as discussed in section 4. Additionally option
LVDSX2+TTL has a TTL output that runs at the same frequency as the DDS A output (default) or alternately
the 125MHz output from DDS A, controlled by a software function call. The option LVDSX2+TTL board
does not have the external clock input/output.
MODEL: SYNTH300-TRIG-HS
Model Synth300-TRIG-HS is similar to the Synth300-TRIG model, but incorporates a high stability
SAW stabilized oscillator. This a Dual-channel DDS board with two independent Direct Digital
Synthesizers, each separately programmable for any frequency between 300kHz and 300MHz in
increments of approximately 0.233 Hz. The option HS board does not support the external clock input.
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34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
SPECIFICATIONS
SYNTHESIZER OUTPUTS (SYNTH300-TRIG, SYNTH300-TRIG-HS)
Number of Output Channels: 2 independently programmable analog outputs
Analog output voltage (into 50 ohms): 446mV RMS (6dBm) +/-10% from 2-200MHz
446mV RMS +/-20% from 100kHz-300MHz
Output impedance: 50 ohms || 10pF
Output connectors: SMA connectors.
Analog Output Specifications:
Wideband SFDR (DC to Nyquist):
40MHz Fout TBD
100MHz Fout TBD
180MHz Fout TBD
Narrowband SFDR:
40MHz Fout (+- 1 MHz) TBD
40MHz Fout (+- 50 kHz) TBD
100MHz Fout (+- 1 MHz) TBD
100MHz Fout (+- 50 kHz) TBD
180MHz Fout (+- 1 MHz) TBD
180MHz Fout (+- 50 kHz) TBD
Output Phase Noise (103MHz Iout):
@ 1kHz Offset TBD
@ 10kHz Offset TBD
@ 100kHz Offset TBD
FREQUENCY STABILITY
Absolute frequency accuracy +/-0.02% of specified frequency +/-0.233Hz
PHASE RESOLUTION
Each DDS has 14-bit phase resolution, allowing fine phase adjustment of each DDS core. Further, the
Synth300-TRIG boards incorporate dedicated circuitry and firmware to synchronize the two DDS cores
at 1GHz, allowing advanced functionality such as synchronous frequency sweeping of two sinusoids
with a fixed phase relationship (e.g. quadrature).
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34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
TRIG/MODA AND TRIG/MODB INPUT/OUTPUT
The TRIG/MODA and TRIG/MODB SMA connectors can be configured as profile selection inputs
(Synth300-TRIG model), or as outputs (Synth300-TRIG-LVDSX2), depending on the jumper
configuration described in section 4 of this document.
Connectors: 2 SMA connectors.
When MODA/MODB are configured as input ports (MODA/MODB function):
Number of TTL Input lines: 2, Standard TTL (V0l < 0.8V, Vih > 2.4V)
When MODA/MODB are configured as an LVDS output port (LVDSX2 option only):
Number of LVDS Output ports: 1, Standard differential LVDS
LVDS output driver type: TI SN65LVDS100DGK
When MODB is configured as a 125 MHz or SynthA output:
Number of TTL Output lines: 1, Standard TTL (V0l < 0.8V, Vih > 2.4V)
LVDSB+ AND LVDSB- OUTPUTS
Output connectors: 2 SMA connectors.
Number of LVDS Output ports: 1, Standard differential LVDS
LVDS output driver type: TI SN65LVDS100DGK
EXT CLK INPUT OR 1GHZ CLK OUTPUT (SEE FIG 3.1)
Connectors: SMA connector.
When configured as a CLK input (External CLK mode):
Number of Input lines: 1, (0.2Vp-p < V_clk < 1.1Vp-p)
(200MHz < f_clk < 1GHz)
When configured as a CLK output (On-board 1GHz clock)
Number of Output lines: 1, (@200mVp-p)
NOTE: EXT CLK Input / 1GHz CLK Output is not available on models
Synth300-TRIG-LVDSX2+TTL and Synth300-TRIG-HS.
GENERAL
Operating Temperature Range: 0 to +55 Degrees Celsius
Storage Temperature Range: -25 to +85 Degrees Celsius
Power Requirements:
SYNTH300-TRIG: +5V +/-5% at 0.3A Maximum
+3.3V +/-5% at 1.5A Maximum
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Jumper not
installed (default)
for CLK input
Jumper
installed
for CLK output
Fig 3.1 “1GHz out” jumper

34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
PHYSICAL
SYNTH300 boards are half size 32-bit PCI bus boards, which will operate in either 64-bit or 32-bit
33MHz or 66MHz PCI slots with either 5V or 3.3V signalling environment. The figure below shows the
locations of the SMA signal output and digital I/O connectors, and LED indicators.
To avoid overheating, all SYNTH300 boards must be installed a in well-cooled workstation, PC or
server chassis.
Figure 3.2 SYNTH300-TRIG PCI Board (LVDSX2 option pictured)
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34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
HARDWARE ARCHITECTURE
SYNTH300 series boards are comprised of a digital section and an analog section. The digital section
includes a high speed programmable logic device which implements the PCI interface and embedded
firmware for controlling the DDS cores of the analog section. The analog section contains a 1GHz low-
jitter clock, and two single-chip Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) ICs. The current outputs of each
DDS are fed to a broadband RF transformer and 300MHz low-pass filter.
SYNTHESIZER A & B OUTPUTS (DDS A OUT, DDS B OUT)
The two analog synthesizer outputs are provided on SMA connectors with amplitude (nominally 200mV
RMS into 50 ohms). The frequency, phase, frequency sweep rate (if specified), and other parameters
are software programmable. A wide range of 50 ohm coaxial attenuators, such as those available from
Mini-Circuits (Brooklyn, NY) may be used in conjunction with the board.
LVDS OUTPUTS LVDSB+, LVDSB-
The two LVDSB output lines are driven by a TI SN65LVDS100DGK LVDS driver, which receives the
output generated by DDSB, after filtering.
TRIG/MODA AND TRIG/MODB I/O LINES
The MODA and MODB jacks are used as profile selection inputs, or ARM/SWEEP control inputs, in
standard operation (boards without the LVDSX2 option). If the MODB input is not required for profile
selection, it may be alternatively jumpered so as to provide a 125MHz clock output or a TTL version of
the SynthA output, as shown below.
Figure 4.1 ModA and ModB Input / Output jack jumper configuration
In boards with the LVDSX2 option, the TTL TRIG/MODA & TRIG/MODB jumpers are removed, and the
TRIG/MODA and TRIG/MODB jacks are used for the LVDSA+ and LVDSA- outputs, respectively. This
removes the ablity of these jacks to be used for external modulation capability. If the user desires to
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TRIG/MODA JACK
TRIG/MODB JACK
Remove jumper for LVDSA+ output
(option LVDSX2 only)
Remover jumper for LVDSA- output
(option LVDSX2 only)
TRIG/MODA JACK Jumper installed (default) for MODA input
TRIG/MODB JACK Jumper installed (default) for MODB input
TRIG/MODB JACK
Jumper installed for 125MHz CLK output
Or second SynthA output

34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
use either one of the TTL modulation or ARM/SWEEP inputs on an LVDSX2 device the user should:
Connect the internal push-on connector (connected to C79, in the case of boards with the HS clock
option, in which an external clock is not used) to the bottom pin (the pin closest to the PCI interface) on
the header for either MODA or MODB (JP1 or JP2), depending on which modulation input is desired
(see modulation input section). Boards with both the HS option and the LVDSX2 option are factory-
default-configured with this push-on connector connected to the TRIG/MODB jumper, thereby enabling
the “EXT CLK IN” SMA jack to control the TRIG/MODB input.
Connect the TTL modulation input to the “EXT CLK IN” SMA jack. In this case, jumper JP3 (1GHz
clock out) must NOT be installed.
If the second TTL modulation input is also required, it may be connected to the bottom pin of the other
of jumper JP1 or JP2.
Alternatively, the LVDSX2 option may be removed completely, if not needed, by completely unsoldering
IC U6, and installing the appropriate jumpers on JP1 and JP2, to allow the TRIG/MODA and
TRIG/MODB jacks to be used as TTL modulation inputs.
LED INDICATORS
There are three Red/Green LEDs on the top edge of the SYNTH300 board that are useful during
system integration for monitoring the board status. The functions of the LEDs are outlined below.
EXT CLK LED
For board models in which an external clock input is available, when the board is configured for an
external system clock (see section 9.3) the Ext Clk LED illuminates, and is used to indicate the status
of the externally supplied clock, as follows:
RED: Indicates insufficient clock frequency. Clock frequency is < 200MHz
GREEN: Indicates healthy clock frequency. Clock frequency is > 235MHz
If the clock frequency is between 200 and 235 MHz, the LED will partially light GREEN and partially
light RED, appearing as Orange or Yellow, indicating marginal clock frequency.
ARM SWEEP LED
This LED is useful when using externally controlled frequency sweeping operation, with the
set_arm_write function enalbed. Refer to the supplied example program (example.cpp) for further
information regarding this application. If external modulation is selected and the Set Arm Write (refer
to section 9.3) capability is enabled, the LED will indicate the following:
GREEN: The board is ARMED for frequency sweeping (sweep not active)
RED: The board is performing a frequency sweep (sweep active)
OFF: The board is in a post-sweep dwell (sweep not active)
Mixed (yellow): The board is in a pre-sweep dwell (sweep not active)
NOTE: ARM/Sweep operation is not available when CN4 and CN5 are used for LVDSA outputs.
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