Giga-tronics 8650A Series User manual

Giga-tronics Incorporated ❖ 4650 Norris Canyon Road ❖San Ramon, California 94583
925.328.4650 or 800.726.4442 ❖925.328.4700 (Fax) ❖800.444.2878 (Customer Service) ❖925.328.4702 (CS Fax)
www.gigatronics.com
............................................Certified Product ISO 9001 ............................................ Certified Process
Registrar: BSI, Certification No. FM 34226 ❖Registered 04 June 1996 ❖Amended 01 March 2000
Manual Part Number:
Revision:
Print Date:
Series 8650A Universal Power Meters
Operation Manual
31470
E
April 2001
8650A

All technical data and specifications in this manual are subject to change without prior notice and do not represent a
commitment on the part of Giga-tronics Incorporated.
© 2001 Giga-tronics Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.
Printed in the USA
WARRANTY
Giga-tronics Series 8650A instruments are
warranted against defective materials and
workmanship for two years from date of shipment.
Giga-tronics will at its option repair or replace
products that are proven defective during the
warranty period. This warranty DOES NOT cover
damage resulting from improper use, nor
workmanship other than Giga-tronics service.
There is no implied warranty of fitness for a
particular purpose, nor is Giga-tronics liable for any
consequential damages. Specification and price
change privileges are reserved by Giga-tronics.
Model Numbers
The series 8650Aincludes two models: The single-channel Model 8651A and the dual-channel 8652A. Apart from
the number of sensors they support, the two models are identical. Both models are referred to in this manual by the
general term 8650A, except where it is necessary to make a distinction between the models.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Application of Council Directive(s)
Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:
EN50081-1 (1992)
EN50082-1 (1997)
EN61010-1 (1993)
EMC - Emissions
EMC - Immunity
Electrical Safety
Manufacturer’s Name
Manufacturer’s Address
Giga-tronics Incorporated
4650 Norris Canyon Road
San Ramon, California 94583
U.S.A.
89/336/EEC and 73/23/EEC
EMC Directive and Low Voltage Directive
Type of Equipment
Model Series Number
Model Numbers in Series
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above
conforms to the above Directive(s) and Standard(s)
(Place)
(Date)
(Signature)
(Full Name)
(Position)
Thomas A. Kramer
Director of Quality Assurance
Universal Power Meters
Series 8650A
San Ramon, California
June 25, 1999
Models 8651A and 8652A

Manual 31470, Rev. E, April 2001 i
Contents
About This Manual ...................................................................................................... ix
Conventions ................................................................................................................ xi
Record of Manual Changes ........................................................................................ xiii
Special Configurations ................................................................................................ xv
1
Introduction
1.1 Description....................................................................................................1-1
1.1.1 Features .......................................................................................1-1
1.1.2 Power Requirements ....................................................................1-2
1.1.3 Environmental Requirements ........................................................1-2
1.1.4 Items Furnished ............................................................................1-2
1.1.5 Items Required .............................................................................1-2
1.1.6 Tools and Test Equipment ............................................................1-2
1.1.7 Cooling .........................................................................................1-2
1.1.8 Cleaning .......................................................................................1-3
1.1.9 Receiving Inspection .....................................................................1-3
1.1.10 Preparation for Reshipment ..........................................................1-3
1.2 Installation ....................................................................................................1-4
1.2.1 Safety Precautions ........................................................................1-4
1.2.2 Line Voltage and Fuse Selection ...................................................1-5
1.2.3 Power Sensor Precautions ............................................................1-5
1.2.4 The Rear Panel .............................................................................1-6
1.3 8650A System Specifications ........................................................................1-7
2
Front Panel Operation
2.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................2-1
2.1.1 The Front Panel ............................................................................2-1
2.2 8650A Configuration .....................................................................................2-4
2.2.1 Meter Setup .................................................................................2-5
2.2.2 Display Setup .............................................................................2-14
2.2.3 Rel ..............................................................................................2-17
2.2.4 Sensor Setup ..............................................................................2-17
2.3 Measurement Guide ....................................................................................2-21
2.3.1 Using the Power Sweep Calibrator .............................................2-21
2.3.2 80701A Sensor Operation ..........................................................2-21
2.3.3 Sensor Zero and Calibration ........................................................2-22
2.3.3.1 Calibration & Zeroing for High Power Sensors with Remov-
able Attenuators ....................................................... 2-23
2.3.3.2 Low Level Performance Check................................... 2-24
2.3.4 Measuring Source Output Power ................................................2-25
2.3.5 Using the Peaking Meter ............................................................2-25
2.3.6 High Power Level Measurements ...............................................2-26
2.3.7 Modulated Measurement Modes ................................................2-26
2.3.8 Measurement Collection Modes .................................................2-29
2.3.9 Mode Restrictions .......................................................................2-31
2.3.10 When to use CW, MAP and BAP ................................................2-31
2.3.11 Multi-Tone Tests ........................................................................2-31
2.3.12 Peak Hold ...................................................................................2-32

Series 8650A Universal Power Meters
ii Manual 31470, Rev. E, April 2001
2.3.13 Crest Factor ................................................................................2-33
2.3.14 Burst Signal Measurements .......................................................2-35
2.3.15 Burst Start Exclude, Burst End Exclude ......................................2-36
2.3.16 Burst Dropout .............................................................................2-37
2.3.17 Optimizing Measurement Speed .................................................2-38
2.3.18 Peak Power Measurements ........................................................2-39
2.3.19 Measuring an Attenuator (Single Channel Method) ....................2-39
2.3.20 Improving Accuracy ....................................................................2-40
2.3.21 Performance Verification .............................................................2-41
2.3.22 Sources of Error ..........................................................................2-42
3
Remote Operation
3.1 Introduction...................................................................................................3-1
3.1.1 Sending Commands to the 8650A ................................................3-1
3.1.2 Polling ..........................................................................................3-2
3.1.3 Data Output Formats ....................................................................3-3
3.1.4 Power-On Default Conditions .......................................................3-4
3.2 SCPI Command Interface...............................................................................3-5
3.2.1 Sensor Calibration and Zero ..........................................................3-5
3.2.2 Sensor and Channel Configuration ................................................3-5
3.2.3 Measurement Triggering ..............................................................3-6
3.2.4 Memory Functions ........................................................................3-6
3.2.5 IEEE 488.2 Required Commands ..................................................3-6
3.2.6 Calculate Subsystem Commands ..................................................3-7
3.2.7 Sense Subsystem Commands ......................................................3-8
3.2.8 Trigger Subsystem Commands .....................................................3-9
3.2.9 GPIB Command Syntax ..............................................................3-10
3.2.10 Sensor Calibration and Zeroing ...................................................3-14
3.2.11 Reading Power Measurements ...................................................3-16
3.2.12 Instrument Triggering .................................................................3-18
3.2.13 Arming the Triggering Cycle .......................................................3-22
3.2.14 Channel Configuration ................................................................3-23
3.2.15 Cal Factor Correction ..................................................................3-25
3.2.16 High Speed Measurements .........................................................3-27
3.2.17 Peak Power Sensor Triggering ....................................................3-31
3.2.18 Averaging ...................................................................................3-33
3.2.19 Relative or Referenced Measurements ........................................3-34
3.2.20 Offsets ........................................................................................3-35
3.2.21 SRQ and Status Monitoring ........................................................3-36
3.2.22 Min/Max Configuration and Monitoring ......................................3-40
3.2.23 Limit Line Configuration and Monitoring .....................................3-42
3.2.24 Analog Output ............................................................................3-44
3.2.25 Saving and Recalling Configurations ...........................................3-46
3.2.26 Halting Operation .......................................................................3-46
3.2.27 Preset Configuration ...................................................................3-47
3.2.28 Identification Commands ............................................................3-49
3.2.29 Calibrator Controls ......................................................................3-50
3.2.30 Sensor EEPROM Commands ......................................................3-50
3.2.31 Self-Test .....................................................................................3-51
3.2.32 Error Messages ..........................................................................3-51
3.3 IEEE 488.2 Interface Command Codes.........................................................3-54
3.3.1 Command Syntax .......................................................................3-54
3.3.2 8650A Command Code Set ........................................................3-57
3.3.3 8540C Emulation Command Code Set ........................................3-60
3.3.4 HP436 Emulation Command Code Set ........................................3-63
3.3.5 HP437 Emulation Command Code Set ........................................3-64
3.3.6 HP438 Emulation Command Code Set ........................................3-66

Preface
Manual 31470, Rev. E, April 2001 iii
3.4 Analog Output.............................................................................................3-68
3.5 Averaging....................................................................................................3-69
3.5.1 Auto Averaging ..........................................................................3-69
3.5.2 Manual Averaging ......................................................................3-70
3.6 Cal Factors ..................................................................................................3-71
3.7 Calibration...................................................................................................3-72
3.7.1 Calibration Routine .....................................................................3-72
3.7.2 Calibrator Source ........................................................................3-73
3.7.3 Calibrator Test ............................................................................3-73
3.7.4 Channel Designation ..................................................................3-74
3.8 Crest Factor.................................................................................................3-75
3.8.1 Enabling the Crest Factor Feature ...............................................3-75
3.8.2 Reading the Crest Factor Value ...................................................3-75
3.9 Display Control............................................................................................3-76
3.10 Duty Cycle Commands ................................................................................3-77
3.10.1 Activating or Deactivating a Duty Cycle ......................................3-77
3.10.2 Specifying a Duty Cycle ..............................................................3-77
3.10.3 Reading Duty Cycle Status .........................................................3-77
3.11 Time Gating Measurement ..........................................................................3-78
3.11.1 Description .................................................................................3-78
3.11.2 Time Gating Mode ......................................................................3-79
3.12 EEPROM .....................................................................................................3-81
3.12.1 EEPROM Cal Factors ..................................................................3-81
3.12.2 Frequency ...................................................................................3-82
3.13 Instrument Identification .............................................................................3-83
3.14 Learn Modes ...............................................................................................3-84
3.14.1 Learn Mode #1 ...........................................................................3-85
3.14.2 Learn Mode #2 ...........................................................................3-86
3.15 Limits ..........................................................................................................3-87
3.15.1 Setting Limits .............................................................................3-87
3.15.2 Activating Limits .........................................................................3-87
3.15.3 Measuring with Limits ................................................................3-88
3.16 Measurement Collection Modes (Standard) .................................................3-89
3.16.1 Measurement Triggering ............................................................3-89
3.16.2 Group Execute Trigger ................................................................3-90
3.17 Measurement Collection Modes (Fast) ........................................................3-91
3.17.1 General .......................................................................................3-91
3.17.2 Data Output Formats for Fast Modes .........................................3-92
3.17.3 Fast Buffered Mode ....................................................................3-93
3.17.4 Swift Mode .................................................................................3-95
3.17.5 Fast Modulated Mode ................................................................3-97
3.18 Measurement Mode Commands .................................................................3-98
3.18.1 CW Mode ...................................................................................3-98
3.18.2 MAP Mode .................................................................................3-98
3.18.3 PAP Mode ..................................................................................3-99
3.18.4 BAP Mode ..................................................................................3-99
3.18.5 Peak Mode .................................................................................3-99
3.18.6 Measurement Mode Query .......................................................3-100

Series 8650A Universal Power Meters
iv Manual 31470, Rev. E, April 2001
3.19 Advanced Features....................................................................................3-101
3.19.1 Burst Start Exclude ...................................................................3-101
3.19.2 Burst End Exclude ....................................................................3-101
3.19.3 Burst Dropout Tolerance ...........................................................3-102
3.19.4 Min/Max Power Value ..............................................................3-102
3.19.5 Offset Commands .....................................................................3-103
3.19.6 Measured Offset Entry ..............................................................3-105
3.19.7 Peak Hold .................................................................................3-106
3.19.8 Peak Power Sensor Commands ................................................3-107
3.19.9 Preset .......................................................................................3-109
3.19.10 Relative Measurements ............................................................3-110
3.19.11 Resolution ................................................................................3-110
3.19.12 Sensor Selection .......................................................................3-111
3.19.13 Status .......................................................................................3-111
3.19.14 Setup ........................................................................................3-117
3.19.15 Store and Recall ........................................................................3-117
3.19.16 Units .........................................................................................3-118
3.19.17 VPROPF Feature .......................................................................3-118
3.19.18 Zeroing .....................................................................................3-120
3.19.19 Histograms, CDF and CCDF ......................................................3-121
3.19.20 Strip Chart ................................................................................3-122
3.19.21 Statistics ..................................................................................3-123
4
Performance Verification
4.1 Introduction...................................................................................................4-1
4.2 Equipment Required ......................................................................................4-1
4.3 Calibrator Verification Procedure....................................................................4-2
4.3.1 Calibrator Output Power Reference Level ......................................4-2
4.3.2 Calibrator Frequency Check ..........................................................4-4
4.4 Performance Verification Tests ......................................................................4-5
4.4.1 Equipment Required .....................................................................4-5
4.4.2 Instrument Plus Power Sensor Linearity .......................................4-6
4.4.3 GPIB Port Check ...........................................................................4-8
A
Typical Applications Programs
A.1 Continuous Data Reading............................................................................. A-1
A.2 Remote Calibration of a Sensor..................................................................... A-1
A.3 Speed Tests: Normal and Swift .................................................................... A-2
A.4 Swift Demo 1: FREERUN ............................................................................. A-4
A.5 Swift Demo 2: GET...................................................................................... A-5
A.6 Fast Buffered Demo: POST GET .................................................................. A-6
A.6.1 Fast Buffered Demo: POST TTL.................................................... A-7

Preface
Manual 31470, Rev. E, April 2001 v
B
Power Sensors
B.1 Introduction ................................................................................................. B-1
B.2 Power Sensor Selection................................................................................ B-1
B.2.1 Power Sensor Selection Charts ..................................................... B-2
B.2.2 Modulated Sensor Specifications .................................................. B-7
B.2.3 Directional Bridges...................................................................... B-11
C
Options
C.1 Introduction ................................................................................................. C-1
C.2 Option 01: Rack Mount Kit ........................................................................... C-1
C.3 Option 03: Rear Panel Sensor In & Calibrator Out Connectors, Model 8651A ... C-1
C.4 Option 04: Rear Panel Sensor In & Calibrator Out Connectors, Model 8652A ... C-1
C.5 Option 05: Soft Carrying Case ...................................................................... C-2
C.6 Option 07: Side-mounted Carry Handle ........................................................ C-2
C.7 Option 08: Transit Case................................................................................ C-2
C.8 Option 09: Dual Power Meter Rack Mount Kit .............................................. C-2
C.9 Option 10: Assembled Dual Power Meter Rack Mount Kit............................ C-2
C.10 Option 12: 1 GHz, 50 MHz Switchable Calibrator......................................... C-2
C.11 Option 13: Rear Panel Sensor In Connectors, Model 8651A ......................... C-2
C.12 Option 14: Rear Panel Sensor In Connectors, Model 8652A ......................... C-2
D
Menu Structure
D.1 Introduction ................................................................................................. D-1
Index
Series 8650A Universal Power Meters Index ....................................................... Index-1

Series 8650A Universal Power Meters
vi Manual 31470, Rev. E, April 2001
Illustrations
Figure1-1: AC Power Connector & Fuse Holding...................................................1-5
Figure 1-2: The 8650A Rear Panel ..........................................................................1-6
Figure 2-1: The 8652A Front Panel .........................................................................2-1
Figure 2-2: The Main Menu ....................................................................................2-4
Figure 2-3: Power Meter Configuration Display ......................................................2-6
Figure 2-4: Illustration of the Strip Chart.................................................................2-8
Figure 2-5: Illustration of External Gating................................................................2-9
Figure 2-6: Illustration of External Triggering ........................................................2-10
Figure 2-7: Illustration of Burst Edge Configuration ..............................................2-11
Figure 2-8: Illustration of the Histogram ...............................................................2-12
Figure 2-9: Illustration of the CDF Curve ...............................................................2-13
Figure 2-10: Illustration of the CCDF Curve............................................................2-13
Figure 2-11: The Configuration Display Menu.........................................................2-14
Figure 2-12: The Data Line Configuration Menu .....................................................2-15
Figure 2-13: The Sensor Setup Menu .....................................................................2-17
Figure 2-14: Setup for Sensor Calibration ...............................................................2-22
Figure 2-15: The Peaking Meter..............................................................................2-25
Figure 2-16: Burst Measurement ............................................................................2-27
Figure 2-17: Delay and Delay Offsets......................................................................2-30
Figure 2-18: Peak Hold ...........................................................................................2-32
Figure 2-19: Crest Factor ........................................................................................2-33
Figure 2-20: Burst Start Exclude & Burst End Exclude............................................2-36
Figure 2-21: Burst Dropout.....................................................................................2-37
Figure 3-1: SCPI Subsystem Model ........................................................................3-5
Figure 3-2: CALCulat Subsystem Commands .........................................................3-7
Figure 3-3: SENSe Subsystem Command Tree .......................................................3-8
Figure 3-4: TRIGger Subsystem Command Tree .....................................................3-9
Figure 3-5: TRIGger Subsystem Command Tree ...................................................3-18
Figure 3-6: The SCPI Status Structure Registers...................................................3-38
Figure 4-1: Calibrator Output Test Setup ................................................................4-2
Figure 4-2: Power Linearity Test Setup ...................................................................4-6
Figure B-1: 80401A Modulation-Related Uncertainty ............................................ B-8
Figure B-2: 80601A Modulation-Related Uncertainty ............................................ B-9
Figure B-3: 80701A Modulation-Related Uncertainty .......................................... B-10
Figure D-1: The Series 8650A Menu Tree ............................................................. D-1
Figure D-2: Peak Sensor Setup A Menu Structure ................................................. D-2
Figure D-3: Modulation Sensor B Setup Menu Structure....................................... D-3
Figure D-4: Meter Setup Menu Structure .............................................................. D-5
Figure D-5: Display Setup Menu Structure ............................................................ D-6

Preface
Manual 31470, Rev. E, April 2001 vii
Tables
Table 1-1: Measurement Rates........................................................................... 1-10
Table 3-1: Implemented IEEE Standards ............................................................... 3-1
Table 3-2: IEEE Required Command Codes........................................................... 3-6
Table 3-3: SCPI Command Syntax...................................................................... 3-11
Table 3-4: Reset and Power on Default Commands............................................ 3-47
Table 3-5: SCPI Standard Error Messages .......................................................... 3-51
Table 3-6: Device Specific Error Messages ......................................................... 3-52
Table 3-7: 8650A IEEE 488.2 Command Set....................................................... 3-57
Table 3-8: 8540C Emulation Command Set ........................................................ 3-60
Table 3-9: HP436 Emulation Command Set........................................................ 3-63
Table 3-10: HP437 Emulation Command Set........................................................ 3-64
Table 3-11: HP438 Emulation Command Set........................................................ 3-66
Table 3-12: Measurement Setting Target Default Values...................................... 3-69
Table 3-13: Numbering Averaging........................................................................ 3-70
Table 3-14: Learn Mode #1 Output Format .......................................................... 3-85
Table 3-15: Preset (Default) Conditions .............................................................. 3-109
Table 3-16: Status Byte and Service Request Mark ............................................ 3-111
Table 3-17: Error Code Returned in Position AA ................................................. 3-114
Table 3-18: Error Code Returned in Position aa .................................................. 3-115
Table 3-19: Other Codes in the Status Message................................................. 3-116
Table 4-1: Required Equipment List...................................................................... 4-1
Table B-1: Power Sensor Selection Guide ............................................................ B-2
Table B-2: Power Sensor Cal Factor Uncertainties ............................................... B-6
Table B-3: Modulated Sensor Specifications ........................................................ B-7
Table B-4: Directional Bridge Selection Guide .................................................... B-11

Series 8650A Universal Power Meters
viii Manual 31470, Rev. E, April 2001

Manual 31470, Rev. E, April 2001 ix
About This Manual
About This ManualAbout This Manual
About This Manual
This operation manual covers the operation and performance verification of the Giga-tronics Series
8650A Universal Power Meters:
Preface:
In addition to a comprehensive Contents and general information about the manual, the Preface also
contains a record of changes made to the manual since its publication, and a description of Special
Configurations. If you have ordered a user-specific manual, please refer to page xv for a description of
the special configuration.
Chapters:
1 – Introduction
This chapter contains a brief introduction to the instrument and its performance parameters.
2 – Front Panel Operation
This chapter is a guide to the instrument’s front panel keys, display and configuration menus.
3 – Remote Operation
This chapter is a guide to the instrument’s GPIB remote control interface.
4 – Performance Verification
This chapter defines the procedures to verify the performance of the 8650A Meter.
Appendices:
A - Sample Programs
This appendix provides you with examples of programs for controlling the 8650A remotely
over the GPIB.
B – Power Sensors
This appendix provides selection data, specifications, and calibration procedures for power
sensors.
C - Options
This appendix describes options available for the Series 8650A.
D – Menu Structure
This is a pictorial mapping of the various menus used in the Series 8650A. Use this appendix as
a map to locate the function you want to perform.

Series 8650A Universal Power Meters
xManual 31470, Rev. E, April 2001
Index:
A comprehensive word index of the various elements of the 8650A manual.
Changes that occur after publication of the manual, and Special Configuration data will be inserted as
loose pages in the manual binder. Please insert and/or replace the indicated pages as detailed in the
Technical Publication Change Instructions included with new and replacement pages.

Manual 31470, Rev. E, April 2001 xi
Conventions
ConventionsConventions
Conventions
The following conventions are used in this product manual. Additional conventions not included here
will be defined at the time of usage.
Warning
The WARNING statement is encased in gray and centered in the
page. This calls attention to a situation, or an operating or
maintenance procedure, or practice, which if not strictly corrected
or observed, could result in injury or death of personnel. An
example is the proximity of high voltage.
Caution
The CAUTION statement is enclosed with single lines and centered
in the page. This calls attention to a situation, or an operating or
maintenance procedure, or practice, which if not strictly corrected
or observed, could result in temporary or permanent damage to the
equipment, or loss of effectiveness.
Notes
NOTE: A NOTE Highlights or amplifies an essential operating or maintenance procedure,
practice, condition or statement.
WARNING
CAUTION
☛
☛☛
☛

Series 8650A Universal Power Meters
xii Manual 31470, Rev. E, April 2001

Manual 31470, Rev. E, April 2001 xiii
Record of Manual Changes
Record of Manual ChangesRecord of Manual Changes
Record of Manual Changes
This table is provided for your convenience to maintain a permanent record of manual change data.
Corrected replacement pages will be issued as Technical Publication Change Instructions, and will be
inserted at the front of the binder. Remove the corresponding old pages, insert the new pages, and
record the changes here.
Change
Instruction
Number
Change
Instruction
Date
Date
Entered Comments

Series 8650A Universal Power Meters
xiv Manual 31470, Rev. E, April 2001

Manual 31470, Rev. E, April 2001 xv
Special Configurations
Special ConfigurationsSpecial Configurations
Special Configurations
When the accompanying product has been configured for user-specific application(s), supplemental
pages will be inserted at the front of the manual binder. Remove the indicated page(s) and replace it
(them) with the furnished Special Configuration supplemental page(s).

Series 8650A Universal Power Meters
xvi Manual 31470, Rev. E, April 2001