Giga-tronics 2502B User manual

Giga-tronics 2500B Series Microwave Signal Generators
Operation Manual, Part Number 34737, Rev C, June 30, 2011
Operation Manual
2500B Series Microwave Signal Generators

Giga-tronics 2500B Series Microwave Signal Generators
Page ii Operation Manual, Part Number 34737, Rev C, June 30, 2011
The information in this manual applies to 2500B Series instruments manufactured after the following date and serial
numbers:
Date:
July 1, 2011
Serial Number:
1125001
Code:
16
For information on previously manufactured instruments, refer to the manual that came with the instrument.
All technical data and specifications in this publication are subject to change without prior notice and do not represent a
commitment on the part of Giga-tronics, Incorporated.
© 2011 Giga-tronics Incorporated. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
Warranty
Giga-tronics 2500B Series instruments are warranted against defective
materials and workmanship for one year 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.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Giga-tronics, Incorporated
4650 Norris Canyon Road
San Ramon, California 94583
Telephone: [phone] (only within the United States)
925.328.4650
Fax: [phone]
On the Internet: www.gigatronics.com

Giga-tronics 2500B Series Microwave Signal Generators
Operation Manual, Part Number 34737, Rev C, June 30, 2011 Page iii
Regulatory Compliance Information
This product complies with the essential requirements of the following applicable European Directives, and
carries the CE mark accordingly.
Low Voltage Directive
73/23/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC
EMC Directive
89/336/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC
Electrical Safety
EN61010-1 (1993)
EMC –Emissions and Immunity
EN61326-1 (1997)
Manufacturer’s Name:
Manufacturer’s Address
Giga-tronics, Incorporated
4650 Norris Canyon Road
San Ramon, California 94583
U.S.A.
Type of Equipment:
Model Series Number
Microwave Signal Generator
2500B Series
Model Numbers:
2502B, 2508B, 2520B,
2526B, 2540B, 2550B
Declaration of Conformity on file. Contact Giga-tronics at the following;
Giga-tronics, Incorporated
4650 Norris Canyon Road
San Ramon, California 94583
Telephone: [phone] (only within the United States)
925.328.4650
Fax: [phone]

Giga-tronics 2500B Series Microwave Signal Generators
Page iv Operation Manual, Part Number 34737, Rev C, June 30, 2011
Record of changes to this Manual
Use the table below to maintain a permanent record of changes to this document. Replacement pages are issued as a
TPCI (Technical Publication Change Instruction), and must be inserted at the front of the manual’s binder. Remove the
corresponding old pages, insert the new pages, and record the changes here. Do the same thing with TPCI pages that are
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TPCI Issue Date
Date Entered
Comments

Giga-tronics Series 2500B Microwave Signal Generators
Operation Manual, Part Number 34737, Rev C, June 30, 2011 Page v
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1SAFETY AND MANUAL CONVENTIONS.................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Unsafe Operating Conditions........................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Safety and Manual Conventions ...................................................................................................................................1
1.3 Personal Safety Alert.....................................................................................................................................................1
1.4 Equipment Safety Alert .................................................................................................................................................1
1.5 Notes .............................................................................................................................................................................1
1.6 Graphic Symbols for Front Panel Buttons.....................................................................................................................2
CHAPTER 2INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Overview .......................................................................................................................................................................3
2.2 Giga-tronics 2500B Microwave Signal Generator Summary.........................................................................................3
2.3 Configuration Information ............................................................................................................................................4
2.3.1 Special Configurations ........................................................................................................................................... 4
2.4 Receiving and Inspection ..............................................................................................................................................5
2.5 Prepare the 2500B for Use............................................................................................................................................6
2.5.1 Cooling Considerations ..........................................................................................................................................6
2.5.2 AC Power Requirements ........................................................................................................................................6
2.5.3 Start-up the 2500B................................................................................................................................................. 7
2.5.4 Reset the 2500B to Factory-Default Values...........................................................................................................8
2.5.5 Replace the AC Line Fuse .......................................................................................................................................9
2.6 Shipping, Repair, and Calibration................................................................................................................................10
2.6.1 Shipping the 2500B ..............................................................................................................................................10
2.6.2 Repairs .................................................................................................................................................................10
2.6.3 Calibration............................................................................................................................................................10
2.7 2500B Front Panel.......................................................................................................................................................11
2.7.1 Menus ..................................................................................................................................................................14
2.7.2 Menu Structure....................................................................................................................................................16
2.7.3 Access the Menus ................................................................................................................................................17
2.7.4 Softkeys................................................................................................................................................................ 17
2.7.5 Modify Menu Parameters.................................................................................................................................... 17
2.7.6 Modify the Step Size ............................................................................................................................................18
2.8 2500B Rear Panel ........................................................................................................................................................19
CHAPTER 3CW OPERATION ............................................................................................................................................. 22
3.1 CW Menu Description .................................................................................................................................................22
3.2 Generate a CW Signal..................................................................................................................................................24
CHAPTER 4RAMP OPERATION .......................................................................................................................................... 27
4.1 Ramp Menu Description .............................................................................................................................................27
4.2 Generate a Frequency-Swept Signal...........................................................................................................................34
4.3 Generate a Power-Swept Signal..................................................................................................................................35
CHAPTER 5MODULATION OPERATION................................................................................................................................ 36
5.1 AM Menu Description .................................................................................................................................................36
5.2 Generate an Internally Modulated AM Signal ............................................................................................................40

Giga-tronics 2500B Series Microwave Signal Generators
Page vi Operation Manual, Part Number 34737, Rev C, June 30, 2011
5.3 Generate an Externally Modulated AM Signal............................................................................................................41
5.4 FM Menu Description .................................................................................................................................................44
5.5 Generate an Internally Modulated FM Signal.............................................................................................................50
5.6 Generate an Externally Modulated FM Signal ............................................................................................................52
5.7 Generate an Externally Phase Modulated Signal........................................................................................................54
5.8 Pulse Modulation (PM) Menu Description .................................................................................................................56
5.9 Generate an External Pulse-Modulated Signal ...........................................................................................................65
CHAPTER 6SPECIAL MODES ............................................................................................................................................. 67
6.1 Use Cable Correction...................................................................................................................................................68
6.2 Use External ALC .........................................................................................................................................................71
6.3 Use the External Reference Input ...............................................................................................................................74
CHAPTER 7SYSTEM MENUS ............................................................................................................................................. 75
7.1 System Menus Description .........................................................................................................................................75
7.2 Use the Ref Tune Function..........................................................................................................................................80
CHAPTER 8LANGUAGE MENUS ......................................................................................................................................... 82
8.1 Language Menu Description .......................................................................................................................................82
CHAPTER 9PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION............................................................................................................................ 86
9.1 Specifications ..............................................................................................................................................................86
9.2 Performance Verification Procedures.......................................................................................................................100
9.2.1 List of Performance Verification Procedures ..................................................................................................... 100
9.2.2 Datasheets .........................................................................................................................................................101
9.2.3 Test Equipment..................................................................................................................................................101
9.2.4 Frequency Range, Resolution, and Accuracy .....................................................................................................102
9.2.5 Spectral Purity.................................................................................................................................................... 103
9.2.6 Maximum Leveled Power ..................................................................................................................................106
9.2.7 Level Accuracy....................................................................................................................................................108
9.2.8 Step Attenuator Level Accuracy.........................................................................................................................110
9.2.9 Amplitude Modulation Accuracy .......................................................................................................................113
9.2.10 Amplitude Modulation Bandwidth ..................................................................................................................116
9.2.11 Frequency Modulation Accuracy - Low Rate ................................................................................................... 118
9.2.12 Frequency Modulation Accuracy - High Rate ..................................................................................................121
9.2.13 Pulse Modulation: Rise and Fall Time..............................................................................................................123
9.2.14 Pulse Modulation: Pulse Power Level Accuracy ..............................................................................................126
9.2.15 Pulse Modulation: Pulse On/Off Ratio.............................................................................................................128
APPENDIX AACCESSORIES AND OPTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 130
A.1 2500B Accessory & Option List .................................................................................................................................130
APPENDIX BERROR MESSAGES ....................................................................................................................................... 132
B.1 Start-up Error Messages ...........................................................................................................................................132
B.2 NV RAM Messages ....................................................................................................................................................134
B.3 Remote Error Messages............................................................................................................................................135

Giga-tronics Series 2500B Microwave Signal Generators
Operation Manual, Part Number 34737, Rev C, June 30, 2011 Page vii
List of Tables
Table 1: 2500B Serial Number Label ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Table 2: Receiving and Inspection of the 2500B.....................................................................................................................5
Table 3: 2500B AC Power and Fuse Specifications .................................................................................................................6
Table 4: Start-Up the 2500B....................................................................................................................................................7
Table 5: Reset the 2500B to Default Values............................................................................................................................8
Table 6: Replace the 2500B Line Fuse.....................................................................................................................................9
Table 7: Contacting Giga-tronics Customer Service..............................................................................................................10
Table 8: 2500B Front Panel ................................................................................................................................................... 12
Table 9: 2500B Display Description....................................................................................................................................... 14
Table 10: Modify a Menu Parameter....................................................................................................................................17
Table 11: Change the Step Size of a Parameter ....................................................................................................................18
Table 12: 2500B Rear Panel ..................................................................................................................................................20
Table 13: CW Menu...............................................................................................................................................................23
Table 14: Generate a CW Signal............................................................................................................................................ 24
Table 15: Ramp Menus .........................................................................................................................................................28
Table 16: Generate a Frequency Swept Signal .....................................................................................................................34
Table 17: Generate a Power Swept Signal ............................................................................................................................35
Table 18: AM Menus.............................................................................................................................................................37
Table 19: Generate an Internally Modulated AM Signal ...................................................................................................... 40
Table 20: Generate an Externally Modulated AM Signal...................................................................................................... 42
Table 21: FM Menus .............................................................................................................................................................45
Table 22: Generate an Internally Modulated FM Signal....................................................................................................... 50
Table 23: Generate an Externally Modulated FM Signal ......................................................................................................52
Table 24: Generate an Externally Phase Modulated Signal..................................................................................................54
Table 25: PM Menus .............................................................................................................................................................57
Table 26: Generate an Externally Pulse Modulated Signal...................................................................................................66
Table 27: Use Cable Correction.............................................................................................................................................69
Table 28: External ALC Using a Crystal (Diode) Detector...................................................................................................... 72
Table 29: External ALC Using a Power Meter .......................................................................................................................73
Table 30: Use an External Frequency Reference ..................................................................................................................74
Table 31: System Menus ....................................................................................................................................................... 76
Table 32: System Menu - Connectivity ................................................................................................................................. 77
Table 33: System Menu –Service Submenu.........................................................................................................................78
Table 34: System Menu –Ethernet Submenu .......................................................................................................................79
Table 35: Use the Ref Tune Feature......................................................................................................................................81
Table 36: Language Menus ...................................................................................................................................................83
Table 37: General Specifications........................................................................................................................................... 86
Table 38: 2500B Series Model Frequency Ranges ................................................................................................................88
Table 39: Frequency Specifications.......................................................................................................................................88
Table 40: Frequency Bands ................................................................................................................................................... 89
Table 41: Spectral Purity .......................................................................................................................................................90
Table 42: General Power Specifications................................................................................................................................91
Table 43: Maximum Leveled Output Power in dBm - Standard ...........................................................................................91

Giga-tronics 2500B Series Microwave Signal Generators
Page viii Operation Manual, Part Number 34737, Rev C, June 30, 2011
Table 44: Maximum Leveled Output Power in dBm - Option 20.......................................................................................... 92
Table 45: Minimum Leveled RF Output Power In dBm.........................................................................................................93
Table 46: RF Power level Accuracy in dB ..............................................................................................................................93
Table 48: SSB Phase Noise - Option 28A...............................................................................................................................94
Table 49: SSB Phase Noise - Option 28B ...............................................................................................................................94
Table 50: Frequency and Power Sweep................................................................................................................................94
Table 51: Amplitude Modulation..........................................................................................................................................95
Table 52: Frequency Modulation..........................................................................................................................................95
Table 53: Phase Modulation .................................................................................................................................................96
Table 54: Pulse Modulation ..................................................................................................................................................96
Table 55: List Mode............................................................................................................................................................... 97
Table 56: External ALC .......................................................................................................................................................... 97
Table 57: Internal Modulation Generator............................................................................................................................. 98
Table 58: Remote Programming ...........................................................................................................................................99
Table 59: List of Performance Verification Procedures ......................................................................................................100
Table 60: Equipment for 2500B Performance Verification.................................................................................................101
Table 61: Frequency Range, Resolution, and Accuracy ......................................................................................................102
Table 62: Datasheet 1: Frequency Range, Resolution, and Accuracy.................................................................................103
Table 63: Spectral Purity .....................................................................................................................................................104
Table 64: Datasheet 2: Spectral Purity................................................................................................................................105
Table 65: Maximum Leveled Power....................................................................................................................................106
Table 66: Datasheet 3: Maximum Leveled Power ..............................................................................................................107
Table 67: Level Accuracy.....................................................................................................................................................108
Table 68: Datasheet 4: Level Accuracy ...............................................................................................................................109
Table 69: Step Attenuator Level Accuracy .......................................................................................................................... 111
Table 70: Datasheet 5: Step Attenuator Level Accuracy Test.............................................................................................112
Table 71: Amplitude Modulation Accuracy ........................................................................................................................ 114
Table 72: Datasheet 6: Amplitude Modulation Accuracy Test ...........................................................................................115
Table 73: Amplitude Modulation Bandwidth .....................................................................................................................116
Table 74: Datasheet 7: Amplitude Modulation Bandwidth ................................................................................................117
Table 75: Frequency Modulation Accuracy - Low Rate.......................................................................................................119
Table 76: Datasheet 8: FM Accuracy - Low Rate.................................................................................................................120
Table 77: Frequency Modulation Accuracy - High Rate......................................................................................................121
Table 78: Datasheet 9: FM Accuracy - High Rate................................................................................................................ 122
Table 79: Pulse Modulation: Rise and Fall Time .................................................................................................................124
Table 80: Datasheet 10: Pulse Modulation Rise and Fall Time Test ...................................................................................125
Table 81: Pulse Modulation: Pulse Level Accuracy ............................................................................................................. 127
Table 82: Pulse Modulation: On/Off Ratio..........................................................................................................................129
Table 83: 2500B Add-on Accessories and Options .............................................................................................................130
Table 84: Start-up Error Messages......................................................................................................................................133
Table 85: 2500B Remote Error Messages ...........................................................................................................................135

Giga-tronics Series 2500B Microwave Signal Generators
Operation Manual, Part Number 34737, Rev C, June 30, 2011 Page ix
List of Figures
Figure 1: 2500B Start Up.........................................................................................................................................................7
Figure 2: 2500B Fuse Holder ................................................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 3: 2520B Front Panel..................................................................................................................................................11
Figure 4: Functional Areas of the 2500B Display ..................................................................................................................14
Figure 5: Structure of the 2500B Menus...............................................................................................................................16
Figure 6: 2500B Rear Panel ................................................................................................................................................... 19
Figure 7: CW Menu ...............................................................................................................................................................22
Figure 8: Power Offset Example............................................................................................................................................23
Figure 9: Ramp Main Menu .................................................................................................................................................. 27
Figure 10: Ramp Freq Start/Stop Sweep Menu ....................................................................................................................28
Figure 11: Ramp Freq Center/Span Sweep Menu................................................................................................................. 29
Figure 12: Ramp Power Sweep Menu................................................................................................................................... 30
Figure 13: Step Freq Sweep Menu........................................................................................................................................31
Figure 14: Intensity Marker Menu ........................................................................................................................................ 32
Figure 15: Amplitude Marker Menu ..................................................................................................................................... 33
Figure 16: AM Main Menu and Submenus ...........................................................................................................................36
Figure 17: AM External Menu ...............................................................................................................................................37
Figure 18: AM Internal Waveform ........................................................................................................................................38
Figure 19: AM - Internal Noise Menu....................................................................................................................................39
Figure 20: FM Main Menu and Submenus............................................................................................................................ 44
Figure 21: FM External Menu................................................................................................................................................ 45
Figure 22: DC FM Menu ........................................................................................................................................................ 46
Figure 23: FM Internal Menu ................................................................................................................................................ 47
Figure 24: ΦM External Menu .............................................................................................................................................. 48
Figure 25: ΦM Internal Menu ...............................................................................................................................................49
Figure 26: PM Main Menu and Submenus ...........................................................................................................................56
Figure 27: PM External Menu ...............................................................................................................................................57
Figure 28: PM Internal Continuous Menu ............................................................................................................................ 58
Figure 29: PM Internal Gated Menu .....................................................................................................................................59
Figure 30: PM Internal Triggered Menu................................................................................................................................61
Figure 31: PM Burst Mode Menu.......................................................................................................................................... 63
Figure 32: PM Burst Mode Menu 2.......................................................................................................................................64
Figure 33: Pulse Modulation Using an External Modulation Source .................................................................................... 65
Figure 34: 8650A/B Universal Power Meter; Front Panel Controls ...................................................................................... 69
Figure 35: Cable Connection Setup....................................................................................................................................... 70
Figure 36: Setup for External ALC .........................................................................................................................................71
Figure 37: System Main Menu and Submenus .....................................................................................................................75
Figure 38: System Menu .......................................................................................................................................................76
Figure 39: Connectivity Menu...............................................................................................................................................77
Figure 40: Service Menu .......................................................................................................................................................78
Figure 41: Ethernet Menu.....................................................................................................................................................79
Figure 42: Reference Tune Setup..........................................................................................................................................80

Giga-tronics 2500B Series Microwave Signal Generators
Page x Operation Manual, Part Number 34737, Rev C, June 30, 2011
Figure 43: Ref Tune Input Circuit ..........................................................................................................................................80
Figure 44: Language Menu 1.................................................................................................................................................82
Figure 45: Language Menu 2.................................................................................................................................................84
Figure 46: Language Menu 3.................................................................................................................................................85
Figure 47: 2500B Mechanical Specifications......................................................................................................................... 87
Figure 48: Setup; Frequency Range, Resolution, and Accuracy..........................................................................................102
Figure 49: Spectral Purity Test Setup..................................................................................................................................104
Figure 50: Power Specifications Test Setup ........................................................................................................................106
Figure 51: Step Attenuator Level Accuracy Test Setup.......................................................................................................110
Figure 52: Amplitude Modulation Accuracy and Bandwidth Test Setup............................................................................ 113
Figure 53: Frequency Modulation Accuracy and Deviation Bandwidth Test Setup ...........................................................118
Figure 54: Pulse Modulation Rise and Fall Time Test .........................................................................................................123
Figure 55: Pulse Modulation Level Accuracy Test Setup ....................................................................................................126
Figure 56: Pulse Modulation On/Off Ratio Test Setup .......................................................................................................128
Figure 57: Checksum Test Failure Screen ...........................................................................................................................134