Holzworth Instrumentation HSX Series User manual

HSX SERIES
Multi-Channel
RF Synthesizers
User Manual 1.14
Holzworth Instrumentation Inc.
2540 Frontier Ave., Suite 200
Boulder, CO 80301 USA
www.holzworth.com
RoHS

This page intentionally left blank.

HSX Series User Manual 1.14 www.holzworth.com Page 3 of 32
1.0 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................... 4
2.0 CERTIFICATIONS and EXEMPTIONS ................................................................... 4
2.1 CE CERTIFICATION.............................................................................................4
2.2 RoHS COMPLIANCE ............................................................................................4
3.0 PRODUCT WARRANTY.......................................................................................... 4
4.0 CALIBRATION NOTICE.......................................................................................... 4
5.0 HSX SERIES CONFIGURATION GUIDE ................................................................ 5
5.1 CONFIGURATION SUMMARY .............................................................................5
5.2 HARDWARE CONFIGURATION...........................................................................6
5.2.1 NUMBER OF CHANNELS..............................................................................6
5.2.2 LOADED CHANNEL FREQUENCIES ...........................................................6
5.2.3 LOADED OPTIONS & AVAILABLE ACCESSORIES.....................................6
5.3 MECHANICAL CONFIGURATION.......................................................................7
5.4 ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS1...............................................................8
6.0 HARDWARE/SOFTWARE INSTALLATION ........................................................... 8
6.1 APPLICATION GUI OPERATION.........................................................................9
6.1.2 KEYBOARD AND MOUSE FUNCTIONS.......................................................9
6.2 USB, RS-232, AND GPIB COMMUNICATION....................................................10
6.2.1 IDENTIFY INSTRUMENT COM PORT & USB TROUBLESHOOTING ........11
6.2.2 GPIB COMMUNICATION..............................................................................12
6.3 ETHERNET COMMUNICATION .........................................................................13
6.3.1 LAN CONNECTION......................................................................................13
6.3.2 DIRECT PC CONNECTION (DHCP MODE).................................................14
6.3.3 ASSIGNING A STATIC IP ADDRESS ..........................................................14
6.4 TROUBLESHOOTING ETHERNET CONNECTIONS.........................................15
6.4.1 ETHERNET CONFIGURATION VIA USB & APPLICATION GUI .................15
6.4.2 MISCELLANEOUS ETHERNET TROUBLESHOOTING ..............................16
7.0 HARDWARE.......................................................................................................... 18
7.1 RF OUTPUT.......................................................................................................18
7.2 REFERENCE INPUT / OUTPUTS......................................................................18
7.2.1 10/100 MHz EXTERNAL REFERENCE........................................................18
7.2.3 REFERENCE OUTPUT ...............................................................................19
7.2.4 ATTENUATOR MODE.................................................................................19
7.3 HARDWARE INPUT/OUTPUT CONFIGURATION ............................................20
7.3.1 AC POWER SUPPLY ..................................................................................21
8.0 CONTACT INFORMATION.................................................................................... 21
APPENDIX A: ASCII Control of HSX Synthesizer.................................................... 22

HSX Series User Manual 1.14 www.holzworth.com Page 4 of 32
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Holzworth Instrumentation HSX Series Multi-Channel RF
Synthesizer module. The combination of Holzworth’s proprietary multi-loop synthesizer
architecture and the multi-channel integration provides the user with unique product
performance advantages which are currently only available from Holzworth Instrumentation Inc.
This User’s Manual is a quick reference guide for use with the Holzworth HSX Series Multi-
Channel RF Synthesizer products. Refer to section 5 for specific configuration details with
regards to the HSX Series hardware.
2.0 CERTIFICATIONS and EXEMPTIONS
2.1 CE CERTIFICATION
Holzworth multi-channel synthesizer products comply by test and design, with
the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the EMC Directive:
2004/108/EC, and the Electrical equipment for measurement, control and
laboratory use EMC requirements (test standard): EN 61326-1: 2006;as set forth
by the Council of the European Union.
2.2 RoHS COMPLIANCE
Holzworth multi-channel synthesizer products are in compliance with Directive 2002/95/EC of
the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 2003 on the Restriction and use of
Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS Directive).
3.0 PRODUCT WARRANTY
Holzworth HSX Series synthesizers come with a 3 year 100% product warranty covering
manufacturing defects. All product repairs and maintenance must be performed by Holzworth
Instrumentation Inc. Holzworth reserves the right to invalidate the warranty for any products
that have been tampered with or subjected to improper use. If the unit becomes damaged,
please contact Holzworth Instruments or your local representative for an RMA Number &
instructions prior to returning the unit for repair.
4.0 CALIBRATION NOTICE
Holzworth calibrates each channel for output frequency accuracy and output amplitude
accuracy. The factory calibration is valid for 2 years from the original calibration date. Holzworth
provides calibration services for applicable Holzworth products. Contact [email protected]m
with model number and serial number for a calibration service quotation. Holzworth also makes
the calibration routine and equipment list available to customers who have the capability to
perform on site calibration. Contact [e-mail] for more information.

HSX Series User Manual 1.14 www.holzworth.com Page 5 of 32
5.0 HSX SERIES CONFIGURATION GUIDE
5.1 CONFIGURATION SUMMARY
The Holzworth HSX Series multi-channel platform is designed to achieve optimal channel-to-
channel stability across all integrated channel synthiesizers via a conductively cooled, fan-less
enclosure. Specific attention is paid to phase coherency between the independely controllable
channels. Internal channels offer better than -110 dB of channel-channel isolation.
The HSX Series is a unique platform allowing the user to specify custom configurations for a
COTS product. Units are loaded with anywhere from 1 to 4 channels (up to 6GHz). The HSX
Series provides industry leading phase noise and spectral purity performance, as well as
exceptionally high output power dynamic range from +20 to -110 dBm.
Each RF output is driven by a separate, internally loaded synthesizer module. Up to 4
independently tunable synthesizers can be specified per 1U chassis allowing for the highest
integrated channel density available in its class.
Holzworth HSX Series offer the benefits of a proprietary multi-loop based synthesis architecture.
Coupling the multi-loop architecture with a centralized reference distribution subsystem enables
truly phase coherent independently settable channels.
Different from traditional PLL based synthesizers, Holzworth’s proprietary multi-loop architecture
creates precisely synthesized signals that exhibit both instantaneous and long term stability.
Temperature variations between the channels remain the only contribution to drift. The
thermally optimized, fan-less chassis was specifically developed for maintaining the lowest
possible channel-to-channel thermal gradients.
Holzworth multi-channel designs are integrated into precision applications that include ATE
systems integration, particle accelerator, timing clocks, satellite position tracking and more.

HSX Series User Manual 1.14 www.holzworth.com Page 6 of 32
5.2 HARDWARE CONFIGURATION
The HSX Series synthesizer platform is a user defined platform. The configuration is
setup at the Holzworth factory based on the configuration defined by the end user.
Three primary categories define the final configuration of a unit.
5.2.1 NUMBER OF CHANNELS
The HSX part number signifies the number of independent channels available in the
unit. The current revision of the design is revision A. A four channel unit is defined as
an HSX9004A.
No. Channels
1
2
3
4
Part Number
HSX9001A
HSX9002A
HSX9003A
HSX9004A
NOTE: Amplitude accuracy may vary when operated outside of channel operating
temperature specified in section 6.3. Internal channel temperature should be monitored
using the ":TEMP?" command (see Appendix A). External cooling is recommended to
regulate internal temperature depending on ambient operating conditions and number of
integrated channels.
5.2.2 LOADED CHANNEL FREQUENCIES
The channel frequencies are defined at the time of a product purchase order. To
identify what channel frequencies are loaded, refer to the “Loaded Options” designator
scribed into the front panel of the instrument (at the left side of the power switch).
Frequency Range
Number of Channels per Frequency Range
1x
2x
3x
4x
10MHz - 6GHz
OPT-106
OPT-206
OPT-306
OPT-406
10MHz - 12GHz
OPT-112
OPT-212
OPT-312
OPT-412
10MHz –24GHz
OPT-120
OPT-220
OPT-320
OPT-420
10MHz - 40GHz
OPT-140
OPT-240
n/a
n/a
5.2.3 LOADED OPTIONS & AVAILABLE ACCESSORIES
Additional factory loaded options are also defined in the “Loaded Options” designator on
the front panel. These options further customize the HSX Series to an application and
are loaded at the factory when the unit is initially built. Accessories are external to the
HSX platform and can be ordered separately.
TYPE
Part Number
Description
ACCESSORY
RACK-1U
19" Rack Mount Bracket Kit, 90° Rear Brackets
ACCESSORY
RACK2-1U
19" Rack Mount Bracket Kit, Straight Rear Brackets

HSX Series User Manual 1.14 www.holzworth.com Page 7 of 32
5.3 MECHANICAL CONFIGURATION
The HSX Series comes in a 1U high, rack mountable chassis. The example shown is of
a 4 channel unit (front panel configuration may vary). A universal rack mount bracket kit
is an available accessory (Part No.: RACK-1U or RACK2-1U). Mechanical dimensions
are listed in inches (and millimeters).
TOP
1.75
(45)
REAR
FRONT
17.00
(432)
15.00
(381)

HSX Series User Manual 1.14 www.holzworth.com Page 8 of 32
5.4 ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS1
Environmental specifications are based on component margins, thermal verification testing and
current draw tests. Production unit performance is not verified over temperature.
PARAMETER
MIN
TYPICAL
MAX
COMMENTS
Operating Temperature
0 C
+55 C
Temperature Monitor Range
-40 C
+85 C
Channel Operating Temperature*
+35 C
+40 C
+45 C
Amplitude accuracy valid range
AC Power Supply
100 VAC
240 VAC
50 –60Hz
Power Consumption
Chassis
Channel (per)
5 W
17 W
Warm-Up Time
10 min
20 min
20 C (ambient temp. dependent)
1Specifications are subject to change per the discretion of Holzworth Instrumentation, Inc
*NOTE: Amplitude accuracy may vary when operated outside of channel operating
temperature specified in section 6.3. Internal channel temperature should be monitored
using the ":TEMP?" command (see Appendix A). External cooling is recommended to
regulate internal temperature depending on ambient operating conditions and number of
integrated channels.
DESCRIPTION
SPECIFICATION (by design)
Operating Environment
Humidity
Altitude
Vibration
RH 20% to 80% at wet bulb temp. <29C (non-condensing)
0 to 2,000m (0 to 6,561 feet)
0.21 G-rms maximum, 5Hz to 500Hz
Storage (Non-Operating)
Temperature
Humidity
Altitude Altitude
Vibration
-10C to + 60C
RH 20% to 80% at wet bulb temp. <40C (non-condensing)
0 to 4,572m (0 to 15,000 feet)
0.5 G-rms maximum, 5Hz to 500Hz
6.0 HARDWARE/SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
This section outlines the basic installation requirements and procedures for the HSX
Series Multi-Channel Synthesizer application GUI and the hardware either via USB or
Ethernet.
First, the application GUI software must be installed. The GUI software is contained on
the thumb drive that was included with the synthesizer module. If the thumb drive was
lost another can be emailed or the software can be downloaded after contacting
Holzworth support via email at: [email protected] or by phone at
+1.303.325.3473 (option 2).

HSX Series User Manual 1.14 www.holzworth.com Page 9 of 32
6.1 APPLICATION GUI OPERATION
The Holzworth HSX Series GUI can be run on any Windows PC. There is no installation
required. Simply double click the executable file to launch the GUI. The latest version
can be downloaded by navigating to the URL below:
http://www.holzworth.com/software/Synthesizers/HSX/HSX9000.zip
NOTE: The Holzworth GUI can only be used to communicate with the instrument via
USB or Ethernet.
The Holzworth HSX Series Software can be used to change frequency, power, and
phase settings for individual channels as well as toggle each channel output on or off.
The RF output of each channel can be toggled using the circular buttons to the right of
each channel indicator. By default, the output power of all channels is set to "Off."
Click the REFERENCE button at the right of the GUI window set the instrument to utilize
an external 10MHz or 100MHz reference. By default it will use the on-board 100MHz
OCXO.
6.1.2 KEYBOARD AND MOUSE FUNCTIONS
As a virtual instrument, the PC keyboard and mouse functions are intuitively integrated
for ease of operation.
KEY
FUNCTION
Tab
used to move the Highlighted Field indicator from left to right
Left/Right Arrows
used to move the Highlighted Field both left and right
Up/Down Arrows
used to increase/decrease the value of the Highlighted Field
Number Keys
used to directly enter value into active field

HSX Series User Manual 1.14 www.holzworth.com Page 10 of 32
6.2 USB, RS-232, AND GPIB COMMUNICATION
With the HSX9000 USB and RS-232 communication are handled similarly in Windows.
USB communication requires FTDI drivers. Windows should install these drivers
automatically when the instrument is connected to the computer via USB. If the
instrument is not recognized, Windows may need to install updated USB drivers. These
are also included on the thumb drive that ships with the instrument.
Click the Devices button on the right side of the GUI, followed by the Locate Devices
button in the menu:
The software will then scan for instruments connected via USB. It will display USB
devices as shown below:
Identify the instrument by either serial # or COM port and select it. If the connection is
successful the window above 'Devices' will turn blue to indicate a USB connection,
and it will display the instrument serial number:
In order to create a custom USB software interface or application to control Holzworth
Synthesizers, the user must determine the COM port the instrument is using. The COM
port associated with the USB connection to the HSX9000 can be identified by using the
application GUI as shown above or via the Windows Device Manager.