Furaxa SYNTH300-TRIG User manual
34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
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
r1v06 Page 2 of 31 Copyright © 2008 – 2010 Furaxa Inc.
34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
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
r1v06
Page 3 of 31
Copyright © 2008 – 2010 Furaxa Inc.
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.
r1v06 Page 4 of 31 Copyright © 2008 – 2010 Furaxa Inc.
34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
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.
r1v06
Page 5 of 31
Copyright © 2008 – 2010 Furaxa Inc.
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).
r1v06 Page 6 of 31 Copyright © 2008 – 2010 Furaxa Inc.
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
r1v06
Page 7 of 31
Copyright © 2008 – 2010 Furaxa Inc.
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)
r1v06 Page 8 of 31 Copyright © 2008 – 2010 Furaxa Inc.
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
r1v06
Page 9 of 31
Copyright © 2008 – 2010 Furaxa Inc.
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.
r1v06 Page 10 of 31 Copyright © 2008 – 2010 Furaxa Inc.
34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
SYNTH ON LED
This LED is useful to determine overall board operation/configuration, as follows:
GREEN: Board is powered but not configured
RED: Board is configured using software profile selection (EXT_MOD=FALSE)
Mixed (yellow): Board is in EXTERNAL MODULATION mode and MODA input != MODB input
OFF: Board is in EXTERNAL MODULATION mode and MODA input = MODB input
HARDWARE INSTALLATION AND SETUP
To avoid overheating, the SYNTH300 must be installed in a well-cooled workstation or server chassis,
or alternatively in an industrial chassis PC. Installation in a standard desktop PC without fans at the
front end of the card cage may cause the SYNTH300 to overheat, and resulting damage is not covered
by warranty.
1. Use the shutdown command on your system and then turn OFF the power to the system.
BEFORE REMOVING THE COMPUTER SYSTEM COVER OR REMOVING ANY BOARD, BE
SURE THAT THE POWER TO THE COMPUTER, AS WELL AS TO ALL PERIPHERAL DEVICES
IS OFF. WEAR A STATIC-DISSIPATING WRISTBAND WHICH IS GROUNDED TO THE SYSTEM
CHASSIS WHILE OPENING OR WORKING ON YOUR SYSTEM.
2. Remove any screws that attach the computer system cover and remove the cover.
3. Remove the filler bracket from the PCI bus slot into which you wish to install your SYNTH300 board.
If a mixture of 5V and 3.3V slots are available in the system, choose a 32-bit 5V slot as your first
preference. If that is not available, install it in a 32 or 64-bit 3.3V slot. For details, refer to the
hardware manual for your computer system.
4. Hold the SYNTH300 board by the top of the metal PCI bracket. Then hook the tab on the bottom
edge of the SYNTH300's metal bracket into the corresponding slot in the computer's rear panel.
Carefully push the SYNTH300 down so its PCI bus connector mates with the PCI bus connector on
the motherboard. Be sure that the SYNTH300 is seated firmly into the motherboard PCI bus
connector. Check that no other PCI boards have become unseated when the SYNTH300 was
installed, as motherboards may flex slightly when installing PCI boards.
5. Plug coaxial I/O cables for the analog outputs into the appropriate SMA connectors on the
SYNTH300's rear bracket at the rear of the system. Please refer to the diagram on page 8 of this
manual.
6. We recommend that synthesizer output channels A and B (the 1st and 2nd SMA connectors from
the bracket top) initially be connected to an oscilloscope set for 200mV/div., so you can observe the
two synthesized waveforms operation when running the example software.
7. Replace the computer system cover, installing all screws you had removed. Reconnect the power
cables to the system and peripherals.
8. Power up and reboot the system. The system will then be ready for software installation.
r1v06
Page 11 of 31
Copyright © 2008 – 2010 Furaxa Inc.
34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
WINDOWS SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
SOFTWARE PACKAGE CONTENTS
The software for the Synth300 series board includes 32-bit and 64-bit Windows devices drivers
supported for Windows XP and later operating systems, a ready-to-use GUI for simple synthesizer
applications, and a Microsoft Visual Studio project containing all the code necessary, to allow rapid
development of powerful custom applications. This software package can be downloaded from:
http://www.ultraviewcorp.com/downloads
THE EXAMPLE PROGRAM
The source code and project files for the example program are contained in the folder titled “Example
Program”. The project files are associated with Microsoft Visual Studio version 6.0. The project builds
a simple Win32 console application (example.exe) that performs basic configuration of an attached
Synth300 device and initiates single tone generation. Modification of this program can be achieved by
editing example.cpp and rebuilding the application. A discussion of this example program and the
procedure for programming a Synth300 device is included in section 9. Additional information is
contained in the C code comments.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION FOR WINDOWS 2000™ OR WINDOWS XP™
When you reboot your system for the first time with the Synth300 board properly installed, you may
see a “Found New Hardware Wizard” prompt. This Wizard will copy the driver for the device onto the
user’s hard disk and register the device with the Windows Device Manager.
WINDOWS VISTA™ OR XP™
The first step of the “Found New Hardware Wizard” prompts the user to select from one of two
methods for installing the drivers for the newly found “PCI Data Acquisition and Signal Processing
Controller”. The two options are as follows:
•Install the Software Automatically (recommended)
•Install from List or Specific Location (advanced)
Select “Install from List or Specific Location" and press “NEXT”. Point the Wizard to the appropriate
driver (win32 or win64) in the directory containing the Synth300 release files. The Wizard will prompt
the user that the driver has not passed the Windows Logo Test, and is not digitally signed. Select
“Continue Anyway” to proceed with configuration of your new hardware. Once the Wizard has finished
the configuration process the user will be prompted to select “Finish” to complete the installation.
Pressing “Finish” will complete the software installation for the Synth300 device.
r1v06 Page 12 of 31 Copyright © 2008 – 2010 Furaxa Inc.
34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
In some instances the user’s copy of Windows XP™ may be configured to never allow the installation
of unsigned drivers. In order change this configuration option follow these steps:
1. Click on “Start” on the taskbar.
2. Right Click on “My Computer”.
3. Select “Properties” from the pop-up list.
4. The “System Properties” dialog box will appear. Select the “Hardware” tab.
5. In the “Drivers” section select the “Driver Signing” button. The “Driver Signing Options” dialog box will
appear.
6. Change the default action to “Ignore” and click “OK”.
Having made this change, restart the machine and repeat the installation.
If using a 64-bit operating system then press F8 during boot-up and select "Disable Driver Signing"
each time the system is booted to allow the driver to load.
CONTINUING WITH THE SOFTWARE INSTALLATION IN VISTA, 2000 AND XP
Once the driver has been successfully installed, the GUI distributed with the Synth300 (Synth300
GUI.exe) can be executed from anywhere on the user’s hard-disk to control the configuration and
operation of the device.
RUNNING SYNTH300 PROGRAMS
The GUI provided (Synth300 GUI.exe) allows the user to specify each of the frequency and phase
profiles for each synthesizer, and select the active profile easily. Additionally, frequency sweeping
capabilities can be enabled and specified, and the board can be set for the two modes of external
modulation. This program will allow the user to access most, but not all, of the features of the
Synth300 board.
After selecting fields and entering the settings, the user simply clicks on the “Configure Board” button
to program the Synth300. It is important to remember that no changes take effect until the user
selects “Configure Board”.
If a higher level of control is desired, the user may modify the C code provided in the example program
directory (example.dsw is a MS Visual Studio project containing all files necessary to create custom
user programs). The user library is provided in simple to use function calls, and the compiled driver is
supplied. Please refer to section 9 of this document for further detail.
r1v06
Page 13 of 31
Copyright © 2008 – 2010 Furaxa Inc.
34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
USING THE SYNTH300 GUI UNDER WINDOWS
The Synth300 GUI has four sections. The upper right section controls the settings for Synthesizer A.
The lower right section controls the settings for Synthesizer B. The upper left hand window shows the
configuration that has most recently been written to the selected synthesizer board initiating the current
settings and resulting outputs. The lower left hand portion allows selection of the Synth300 board to
write to (if multiple boards are installed in the system) as well as check boxes for external clock and
external modulation choices.
For a given use, the user simply enters the desired frequencies and phases for each synthesizer, (and
frequency sweeping and/or external modulation if desired) and then clicks on “Configure Board”. It is
important to note that no change will occur until the user clicks on the “Configure Board”
button (or hits “return”).
r1v06 Page 14 of 31 Copyright © 2008 – 2010 Furaxa Inc.
34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
A few examples of common applications follow:
EXAMPLE #1 – TWO INDEPENDENT SINUSOIDS
123.000000 MHz is generated on Synth A, and 220.000001MHz on Synth B. Notice that “Profile 0” is
selected on each synthesizer by use of the bullets to the right of the frequence and phase settings.
Press “Configure Board” to accept these settings.
r1v06
Page 15 of 31
Copyright © 2008 – 2010 Furaxa Inc.
34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
EXAMPLE #2 – PHASE-LOCKED SINUSOIDS
5.000000 MHz is generated on Synth A, and 5.000000MHz on Synth B with a 90 degree phase offset.
Profile 1 was used for both synthesizers, while retaining the Profile 0 settings. Each synthesizer has
four independent frequency and phase profiles.
r1v06 Page 16 of 31 Copyright © 2008 – 2010 Furaxa Inc.
34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
EXAMPLE #3 – TWO FULLY INDEPENDENT SWEPT SINUSOIDS
Synthesize two swept sinusoids, one with increasing frequency and the other with decreasing
frequency.
•10.000000 MHz from Synth A, increasing at 1MHz/sec (Sweep Rate = 1e+006 hz/sec) for 10
seconds (Sweep Period = 10 Sec). Then repeating
•10.000000MHz from Synth B, decreasing ( Negative Sweep Checked) at 1MHz/sec (Sweep
Rate = 1e+006 hz/sec) for 5 seconds (Sweep Period = 5 Sec) Then repeating
Notice the “Enable Frequency Sweep” box is checked for each synthesizer, and the corresponding
settings configured.
r1v06
Page 17 of 31
Copyright © 2008 – 2010 Furaxa Inc.
34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
EXAMPLE #4 – EXTERNAL MODULATION EXAMPLE
Externally modulated QPSK (4-PSK Phase Shift Key) signal (IF = 80MHz) on Synthesizer A. Externally
modulated 4-FSK signal (f = 79.5, 80, 80.5, and 81MHz) on Synthesizer B. In this case the four
profiles are set for the corresponding desired frequency/phase relationships for the two synthesizers.
Notice that enabling external modulation disables the user control of the profile selection, as profile
selection is now controlled by the externally supplied TTL signals on Trigger Modulation Control A and
Trigger Modulation Control B (Refer to Figure 3.2 in Section 3 for physical location of ModA and ModB
input jacks).
If External Modulation is checked the TTL signals on Trigger Modulation Control A and Trigger
Modulation Control B (synchronized to the on-board 125 MHz clock) will control the selection of
frequency/phase profiles for each of the synthesizers (positive logic: TTL_High = logic ‘1’, TTL_Low =
logic ‘0’). The state of the “Independent Modulation” box governs the profile selection as given in
Tables 8.1 and 8.2.
Table 8.1 JOINT mode (“Independent modulation” box left unchecked)
Trigger Modulation Control A Trigger Modulation Control B Synth A Profile Synth B Profile
0 0 0 0
0 1 1 1
1 0 2 2
1 1 3 3
Table 8.2 INDEPENDENT mode (“Independent modulation” box checked)
Trigger Modulation Control A Trigger Modulation Control B Synth A Profile Synth B Profile
0 0 0 0
0 1 0 1
1 0 1 0
1 1 1 1
r1v06 Page 18 of 31 Copyright © 2008 – 2010 Furaxa Inc.
34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
USING ONE SYNTH300TRIG-HS AS MASTER AND OTHER SYNTH300TRIGS AS SLAVES
Configuring multiple
SYNTH300-TRIG
devices to run off the same external timebase can be easily
done by using an external clock to drive the clock input on each board, and by configuring each board
to use an external clock. Alternatively, a single
SYNTH300-TRIG
-HS can be used to provide this clock
to other
SYNTH300-TRIG
devices. In this setup the
SYNTH300-TRIG
-HS is software configured to use
its own internal clock while the
SYNTH300-TRIG
devices are software configured to use an external
clock (only the non-HS models allow for an external clock input). The procedure for creating this setup
follows:
1. Install JP3 (the 1 GHz out jumper) on the SYNTH300-TRIG-HS. This will allow the
SYNTH300-
TRIG
-HS to drive its 1GHz clock out the clock SMA.
2. Connect an SMA cable from the SYNTH300-TRIG-HS clock output to an external
amplifier/power splitter, creating the necessary number of clocks (of correct amplitude) for the
slave
SYNTH300-TRIG
devices.
3. Connect the external clock input from each slave SYNTH300-TRIG to power split external
clock.
4. Connect one of the DDS output channels from each SYNTH300-TRIG (including the
SYNTH300-TRIG
-HS master) to an oscilloscope.
5. Boot the system and run the Synth300 GUI.
6. View only the oscilloscope channel connected to the SYNTH300-TRIG-HS and change the
frequency on each board found by the user software until you find the device number that
corresponds to
SYNTH300-TRIG
-HS.
7. Select the device number corresponding to the SYNTH300-TRIG-HS and setup the
frequency/phase profiles for this device as desired, leaving the Ext. Clock checkbox
unchecked.
8. For each of the remaining devices found by the software, setup the frequency/phase profiles as
desired and insure that the Ext. Clock checkbox is checked.
r1v06
Page 19 of 31
Copyright © 2008 – 2010 Furaxa Inc.
34 Canyon View Drive Orinda, CA., 94563 p:925.253.2969 f:925.253.4894
CUSTOM APPLICATION PROGRAMMING OF
THE SYNTH300
Powerful custom applications (beyond the basic functions incorporated in the GUI) for the Synth300
device can be quickly programmed with source code provided on the software installation diskette.
The easiest method for creating a custom application is to modify the supplied software project,
example.dsw, which is contained in the “Example Program” folder. This project is a Microsoft Visual
Studio project and can be immediately built using Microsoft Visual C++. The main example program,
example.cpp, uses the CSynthAPI object (described below) in order to configure a Synth300 device,
resulting the executable example.exe. Modifications to this program are easily be made by calling the
API functions discussed in section 9.3.
In the event that the user wishes to use a development environment other that Microsoft Visual Studio,
the files included in the “API Object Source Code” folder should be included into their project as
explained in section 9.2.
The suggested procedure for creating a custom application is to open the example program project
(example.dsw) in Microsoft Visual Studio, examine example.cpp and build the application using the
functions discussed in section 9.3. Note that for convenience the generic code at the beginning and
end of example.cpp is identified (in comments) and need not be modified. The application specific
code is also identified and the programmer would modify this section as required.
SYNTH300 OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW
The Synth300 device uses a combination of AD9858 DDS-core implemented and firmware (CPLD-
implemented) functionality. This combination results in an augmentation of the basic DDS core
functions to enable capability such as triggered frequency hopping, frequency dwell/sweep/dwell
capability, and other advanced capability.
In programming the board, one must remember an important difference between the CPLD and DDS
core functional partition. Any CPLD-implemented function takes effect immediately upon the
corresponding write to the board. However, DDS-core implemented functions take effect only after a
qualifying “update event” as described below. This allows the user to configure a number of
parameters in the DDS cores before an “update event” occurs, to allow event-initiated behavior such
as triggered frequency/phase-hopping, dwell/sweep/dwell sinusoids, and other functionality. To
differentiate between these two types of function behavior, functions in SynthAPI.cpp that require a
subsequent “update event” begin with “Enter_” whereas functions that do not require a subsequent
“update event” start with something other than “Enter_” such as “Set_” .
“UPDATE EVENT”
As described above, the DDS cores of the Synth300 device require an “update event” in order for any
programmed changes following the most recent “update event” to take effect. Thus a programmer can
configure the DDS cores for one type of operation while the current configuration is active and running.
This is particularly important for advanced operation, such as use of the Set_Arm_Write function
described below.
r1v06 Page 20 of 31 Copyright © 2008 – 2010 Furaxa Inc.
This manual suits for next models
2
Table of contents
Other Furaxa Synthesizer manuals
