Giga-tronics Series 12000A User manual

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ISO 9001
Certified Product
Certified Process
Giga-tronics Incorporated v4650 Norris Canyon Road, San Ramon, CA 94583
925.328.4650/800.726.4442/925.328.4700 (Fax)vCustomer Service: 800.444.2878/925.328.4702 (Fax)
Publication 31231, Rev. J, October 2003
Series 12000A Microwave Synthesizers
Operation Manual
www.gigatronics.com

WARRANTY
Giga-tronics Series 12000A 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.
MODEL NUMBERS
The Series 12000A has model numbers for each instrument with a specific frequency range as described in
Chapter 1. All models are referred to in this manual by the general term 12000A, except where it is necessary to
make a distinction between the models. In these cases, the specific model number(s) will be used.
All technical data and specifications in this publication are subject to change without prior notice and do not represent a change without prior
notice and do not represent a commitment on the part of Giga-tronics Incorporated.
© 2002 Giga-tronics Incorporated. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Publication 31231, Rev. J, October 2003
Contents
About this Publication .................................................................................................................................xi
Conventions ..............................................................................................................................................xiii
Configuration Data .....................................................................................................................................xv
Record of Publication Changes .................................................................................................................xvii
Special Configurations ...............................................................................................................................xix
1
Introduction
1.1 General Information ..................................................................................................................1-1
1.1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1-1
1.1.2 Features ............................................................................................................. 1-2
1.1.3 Environmental Standards ................................................................................... 1-2
1.1.4 Items Furnished ................................................................................................. 1-2
1.1.5 Items Required ................................................................................................... 1-2
1.1.6 Cooling ............................................................................................................... 1-3
1.1.7 Cleaning ............................................................................................................. 1-3
1.1.8 Receiving Inspection .......................................................................................... 1-3
1.1.9 Reshipment Preparation .................................................................................... 1-3
1.2 Installation................................................................................................................................1-4
1.3 Inputs/Outputs..........................................................................................................................1-4
1.3.1 I/O Connectors (Front Panel) ............................................................................. 1-5
1.3.2 I/O Connectors (Rear Panel) .............................................................................. 1-6
1.3.3 Computer Interface ............................................................................................ 1-8
1.3.3.1 GPIB ............................................................................................. 1-8
1.3.3.2 EIA-232......................................................................................... 1-9
1.3.4 Power ............................................................................................................... 1-10
1.3.4.1 Line Fuse .................................................................................... 1-10
1.3.4.2 Fuse Installation.......................................................................... 1-10
1.4 Specifications.........................................................................................................................1-11
1.4.1 CW Operation ...................................................................................................1-11
1.4.2 RF Output ......................................................................................................... 1-13
1.4.3 Spectral Purity.................................................................................................. 1-15
1.4.4 Step Frequency Sweep .................................................................................... 1-16
1.4.5 Step Power Sweep ........................................................................................... 1-17
1.5 Supplemental Specifications ...................................................................................................1-18
1.5.1 General Specifications ..................................................................................... 1-18
1.5.2 Weight & Dimensions ....................................................................................... 1-18
1.5.3 Option 20 (High Power) Specifications ............................................................ 1-19
1.6 Specifications (Series 12500A/12700A).................................................................................1-20
1.6.1 Ramp Frequency Sweep .................................................................................. 1-20
1.6.2 Ramp Power Sweep ........................................................................................ 1-22
1.7 Modulation Parameters & Operational Modes......................................................................... 1-23
1.7.1 Amplitude Modulation (AM) .............................................................................. 1-23
1.7.1.1 AM Envelope Parameters........................................................... 1-23

Series 12000A Microwave Synthesizers
ii Publication 31231, Rev. J, October 2003
1.7.1.2 Externally Supplied AM Envelope............................................... 1-24
1.7.1.3 Internally Generated AM Envelope............................................. 1-24
1.7.2 Scan Modulation .............................................................................................. 1-24
1.7.3 Frequency Modulation (FM) ............................................................................. 1-25
1.7.3.1 Wide Mode Envelope Parameters .............................................. 1-25
1.7.3.2 Narrow Mode Envelope Parameters........................................... 1-26
1.7.3.3 Internally Generated FM Envelope ............................................. 1-27
1.7.3.4 Externally Supplied FM Envelope............................................... 1-27
1.7.4 Phase Modulation (fM) ..................................................................................... 1-28
1.7.4.1 Wide Mode Envelope Parameter................................................ 1-28
1.7.4.2 Narrow Mode Envelope Parameters........................................... 1-28
1.7.4.3 Internally Generated PM Envelope............................................. 1-29
1.7.4.4 External Supplied FM Envelope ................................................. 1-29
1.7.5 Pulse/Square Wave Modulation (PM) .............................................................. 1-30
1.7.5.1 PM Basic Operation.................................................................... 1-30
1.7.5.2 Internally Generated PM Envelope............................................. 1-31
1.7.5.3 Externally Generated PM Envelope............................................ 1-31
1.8 Supplemental Specifications (Series 12500A/12700A)............................................................1-32
1.8.1 Option 24 (Internal Modulation Generator) Specifications ............................... 1-32
1.8.1.1 Amplitude Modulation Source..................................................... 1-32
1.8.1.2 Frequency Modulation Source.................................................... 1-33
1.8.1.3 Pulse Modulation Source............................................................ 1-33
1.8.1.4 Pulse Start Variable Delay.......................................................... 1-34
1.8.1.5 Pulse Width................................................................................. 1-34
1.8.1.6 Pulse Modes ............................................................................... 1-35
1.8.1.7 Externally Triggered PM Envelope ............................................. 1-35
1.8.1.8 PM Sync Output.......................................................................... 1-35
1.8.1.9 PM Video Output ........................................................................ 1-35
1.8.2 Option 29 (Scan Modulation) Specifications .................................................... 1-36
1.8.2.1 Envelope Parameters ................................................................. 1-36
1.8.2.2 Scan Mode.................................................................................. 1-36
1.8.2.3 Internally Generated Scan/AM Envelope.................................... 1-37
1.8.2.4 Power.......................................................................................... 1-37
2
Front Panel Operation
2.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................................2-1
2.2 Front Panel Description.............................................................................................................2-1
2.2.1 Series 12000A Front Panel Layout Descriptions ............................................... 2-3
2.3 Front Panel Applications ...........................................................................................................2-9
2.3.1 Direct Entry .......................................................................................................2-11
2.3.1.1 Numeric Keypad Entry................................................................ 2-11
2.3.1.2 Increment/Decrement ................................................................. 2-11
2.3.1.3 Individual Digit Changes ............................................................. 2-11
2.3.2 Set a CW Signal ............................................................................................... 2-12
2.3.2.1 Transfer To/From a Marker......................................................... 2-12
2.3.2.2 Change Output Phase ................................................................ 2-13
2.3.2.3 Change Resolution ..................................................................... 2-14
2.3.3 Step Frequency Sweep Configuration ............................................................. 2-15
2.3.3.1 Step Frequency Sweep Parameters........................................... 2-16
2.3.4 Add Markers to a Frequency Sweep ................................................................ 2-17
2.3.5 List Set Up ........................................................................................................ 2-19
2.3.5.1 LIST MODE Menu Navigation .................................................... 2-19
2.3.5.2 List Table .................................................................................... 2-20
2.3.5.3 Repeat Mode .............................................................................. 2-20

Preface
Publication 31231, Rev. J, October 2003 iii
2.3.5.4 Trigger Types.............................................................................. 2-20
2.3.5.5 Configuring Points ...................................................................... 2-20
2.3.5.6 Edit List ....................................................................................... 2-21
2.3.6 List Entry Speed Up ......................................................................................... 2-23
2.3.7 List Execution Speed Up .................................................................................. 2-23
2.3.7.1 Lists Precompilation.................................................................... 2-23
2.3.7.2 Multiple Precompiled Lists .......................................................... 2-23
2.3.7.3 Individual Point Execution Speed Up (Fast Option).................... 2-24
2.3.8 List Points Storage ........................................................................................... 2-25
2.3.8.1 CPU Busy Clock ......................................................................... 2-26
2.3.8.2 Keyboard Abort........................................................................... 2-26
2.3.9 Step Power Sweep Configuration .................................................................... 2-27
2.3.9.1 Step Power Sweep Parameters.................................................. 2-28
2.3.10 ALC Operation ................................................................................................. 2-29
2.3.10.1 ALC Menu without Step Attenuator ............................................ 2-29
2.3.10.2 ALC Mode................................................................................... 2-30
2.3.10.3 Sensor ........................................................................................ 2-30
2.3.10.4 Attenuator Mode ......................................................................... 2-30
2.3.10.5 High Power ................................................................................. 2-30
2.3.10.6 Power Slope ............................................................................... 2-30
2.3.10.7 Offset .......................................................................................... 2-31
2.3.10.8 Level Correction.......................................................................... 2-31
2.3.11 Ramp Frequency Sweep Configuration (Series 12700A Only) ........................ 2-32
2.3.11.1 Ramp Frequency Sweep Parameters......................................... 2-33
2.3.12 Ramp Power Sweep Configuration (Series 12700A Only) ............................... 2-34
2.3.12.1 Ramp Power Sweep Parameters (Series 12700A Only) ............ 2-35
2.3.13 External Amplitude Modulation (Series 12500A/12700A Only) ........................ 2-36
2.3.14 Internal Amplitude Modulation (Series 12500A/12700A Only) ......................... 2-37
2.3.15 External Scan Amplitude Modulation (Opt. 29) (Series 12500A/12700A Only) 2-39
2.3.16 Internal Modulation (Opt. 24) with Scan AM (Opt. 29) Selected ...................... 2-41
2.3.17 External Frequency Modulation (Series 12500A/12700A Only) ....................... 2-42
2.3.18 Internal Frequency Modulation (Series 12500A/12700A Only) ........................ 2-44
2.3.19 Phase Modulation (Series 12500A/12700A Only) ............................................ 2-46
2.3.20 External Pulse Modulation (Series 12500A/12700A Only) ............................... 2-47
2.3.21 Internal Pulse Modulation (Series 12500A/12700A Only) ................................ 2-48
2.3.22 Interface Configuration ..................................................................................... 2-50
2.3.22.1 Network Analyzer Sweep Settings (Series 12700A Only) .......... 2-51
2.3.23 System Reset ................................................................................................... 2-52
2.3.23.1 NVRAM Description.................................................................... 2-52
2.3.23.2 Boot-Up NVRAM Initialization Menus ......................................... 2-52
3
Remote Operation
3.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................................3-1
3.1.1 Languages Available .......................................................................................... 3-1
3.2 SCPI Command Codes...............................................................................................................3-2
3.2.1 SCPI Command Format ..................................................................................... 3-2
3.2.2 SCPI Mandated Commands .............................................................................. 3-4
3.2.3 SCPI SOURCe Commands ............................................................................... 3-7
3.2.3.1 AM Subsystem Commands (Series 12500A/12700A Only) ......... 3-8
3.2.3.2 FM Subsystem Commands (Series 12500A/12700A Only)........ 3-11
3.2.3.3 FREQuency Subsystem Commands .......................................... 3-13
3.2.3.4 LIST Subsystem Commands ...................................................... 3-17
3.2.3.5 MARKer Subsystem Commands ................................................ 3-22
3.2.3.6 POWer Subsystem Commands.................................................. 3-23
3.2.3.7 PULse Modulation Subsystem Commands(12500A/12700A) .... 3-25
3.2.3.8 SWEep Subsystem Commands ................................................. 3-26
3.2.3.9 SYSTem Subsystem Commands ............................................... 3-28

Series 12000A Microwave Synthesizers
iv Publication 31231, Rev. J, October 2003
3.2.3.10 TRIGger Subsystem Commands................................................ 3-28
3.2.4 SCPI Status Commands .................................................................................. 3-29
3.2.5 Sample SCPI Commands ................................................................................ 3-31
3.3 Native Command Codes ..........................................................................................................3-32
3.3.1 IEEE 488 Interface ........................................................................................... 3-33
3.3.2 Command Syntax ............................................................................................. 3-33
3.3.2.1 Function Codes........................................................................... 3-33
3.3.2.2 Address Assignment................................................................... 3-33
3.3.2.3 Command Interpretation ............................................................. 3-34
3.3.3 Native Command Code Set ............................................................................. 3-35
3.3.4 IEEE Common Commands .............................................................................. 3-41
3.3.5 Fixed Frequency/Level Commands ................................................................. 3-42
3.3.6 List Mode Commands ...................................................................................... 3-44
3.3.7 Manipulating Lists via GPIB ............................................................................. 3-49
3.3.7.1 Controlling List Execution ........................................................... 3-49
3.3.7.2 List Entry Speed Up.................................................................... 3-50
3.3.7.3 List Precompilation ..................................................................... 3-51
3.3.7.4 Multiple Precompiled Lists .......................................................... 3-52
3.3.7.5 List Points Storage...................................................................... 3-53
3.3.7.6 Precompiling Saved Lists ........................................................... 3-54
3.3.8 Step Frequency Sweep Commands ................................................................ 3-55
3.3.9 Ramp Frequency Sweep Commands (Series 12700A Only) ........................... 3-59
3.3.10 Marker Commands ........................................................................................... 3-63
3.3.11 Step Power Sweep Commands ....................................................................... 3-64
3.3.12 Ramp Power Sweep Commands (Series 12700A Only) .................................. 3-67
3.3.13 Amplitude Modulation Commands (Series 12500A/12700A Only) .................. 3-70
3.3.14 Frequency Modulation Commands (Series 12500A/12700A Only) ................. 3-73
3.3.15 Pulse Modulation Commands (Series 12500A/12700A Only) ......................... 3-75
3.3.16 Output Commands ........................................................................................... 3-77
3.3.17 ALC Commands............................................................................................... 3-81
3.3.18 Instrument Control Commands ........................................................................ 3-83
4
Performance Verification
4.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................................4-1
4.1.1 Recommended Equipment ................................................................................. 4-1
4.2 Performance Tests....................................................................................................................4-2
4.2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 4-2
4.2.2 Frequency Range, Resolution & Accuracy ........................................................ 4-3
4.2.2.1 Description.................................................................................... 4-3
4.2.2.2 Equipment Required ..................................................................... 4-3
4.2.2.3 Procedure ..................................................................................... 4-3
4.2.3 Spurious Signals Tests ....................................................................................... 4-4
4.2.3.1 Description.................................................................................... 4-4
4.2.3.2 Equipment Required ..................................................................... 4-4
4.2.3.3 Procedure ..................................................................................... 4-4
4.2.4 Single Sideband Phase Noise ............................................................................ 4-6
4.2.4.1 Description.................................................................................... 4-6
4.2.4.2 Equipment Required ..................................................................... 4-6
4.2.4.3 Procedure ..................................................................................... 4-6
4.2.5 RF Output Power Tests ...................................................................................... 4-7
4.2.5.1 Description.................................................................................... 4-7
4.2.5.2 Equipment Required ..................................................................... 4-7
4.2.5.3 Procedure (Output Power)............................................................ 4-7
4.2.5.4 Procedure (Attenuator Test: Option 26)........................................ 4-8

Preface
Publication 31231, Rev. J, October 2003 v
4.3 Calibration ................................................................................................................................4-9
4.3.1 Equipment & Documentation Required .............................................................. 4-9
4.3.1.1 All Models ..................................................................................... 4-9
4.3.1.2 Additional Requirements (Series 125XXA/127XXA Only) .......... 4-10
4.3.2 Timebase Calibration ....................................................................................... 4-10
4.3.3 Output Amplitude Calibration ........................................................................... 4-10
4.3.3.1 Power vs. Detector Voltage ........................................................ 4-10
4.3.3.2 Modulator Control vs. Applied Voltage ....................................... 4-10
4.3.3.3 Amplitude vs. Frequency Correction Factors.............................. 4-11
4.3.4 Instrument Self Adjustment During Power Up ...................................................4-11
4.3.4.1 YIG Oscillator Coarse Tuning Adjustment .................................. 4-11
4.3.4.2 Tracking Filter Linearity .............................................................. 4-11
4.3.4.3 ALC Offset .................................................................................. 4-11
4.3.5 Factory Calibrations ......................................................................................... 4-12
4.3.5.1 ALC Temperature Compensation ............................................... 4-12
4.4 Performance Tests (Series 12500A/12700A)..........................................................................4-13
4.4.1 Amplitude Modulation Test ............................................................................... 4-14
4.4.1.1 Description.................................................................................. 4-14
4.4.1.2 Equipment Required ................................................................... 4-14
4.4.1.3 Procedure (AM Depth)................................................................ 4-14
4.4.1.4 Procedure (AM Bandwidth)......................................................... 4-15
4.4.2 Frequency Modulation Test .............................................................................. 4-16
4.4.2.1 Description.................................................................................. 4-16
4.4.2.2 Equipment Required ................................................................... 4-16
4.4.2.3 Delay Discriminator Description.................................................. 4-16
4.4.2.4 Procedure ................................................................................... 4-18
4.4.3 Pulse Modulation On/Off Ratio Test ................................................................. 4-19
4.4.3.1 Description.................................................................................. 4-19
4.4.3.2 Equipment Required ................................................................... 4-19
4.4.3.3 Procedure ................................................................................... 4-19
4.4.4 Pulse Modulation Rise & Fall Time Test ........................................................... 4-20
4.4.4.1 Description.................................................................................. 4-20
4.4.4.2 Equipment Required ................................................................... 4-20
4.4.4.3 Procedure ................................................................................... 4-20
4.4.5 Pulse Modulation Overshoot & Settling Time ................................................... 4-21
4.4.5.1 Description.................................................................................. 4-21
4.4.5.2 Equipment Required ................................................................... 4-21
4.4.5.3 Procedure ................................................................................... 4-21
4.4.6 Pulse Modulation Accuracy Test ...................................................................... 4-22
4.4.6.1 Description.................................................................................. 4-22
4.4.6.2 Equipment Required ................................................................... 4-22
4.4.6.3 Procedure ................................................................................... 4-22
4.5 Calibration (Series 12500A/12700A Native) ...........................................................................4-23
4.5.1 Frequency Modulation Calibration ................................................................... 4-23
4.5.2 Amplitude Modulation Calibration .................................................................... 4-23
4.5.3 Mode Related Calibrations ............................................................................... 4-24
A
Accessories & Options
A.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................................A-1
A.2 Accessories ..............................................................................................................................A-2
A.2.1 A001: Cable Kit (SMA) ......................................................................................... A-2
A.2.2 A002: Rack Mount with Slides ............................................................................. A-2
A.2.3 A003: Rack Mount without Slides ........................................................................ A-2
A.2.4 A010: Operation Manual ...................................................................................... A-2
A.2.5 A011: Ruggedized Carrying Case........................................................................ A-2

Series 12000A Microwave Synthesizers
vi Publication 31231, Rev. J, October 2003
A.3 Options.....................................................................................................................................A-3
A.3.1 Option 20: High Power RF Out ............................................................................ A-3
A.3.2 Option 22: Rear Panel RF Output Connector ...................................................... A-3
A.3.3 Option 23: Type N RF Output Connector............................................................. A-3
A.3.4 Option 24: Internal Modulation Generator............................................................ A-3
A.3.5 Option 26: Step Attenuator (20 GHz Instruments) ............................................... A-4
A.3.6 Option 29: Scan Modulation................................................................................. A-4
Index
Series 12000A Microwave Synthesizers .............................................................................................Index-1
B
Firmware Field Upgrade
B.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................................B-1
B.2 Series 12000A Firmware Upgrade Procedure ............................................................................B-1