HP 81200 User manual

Revision 2.1
HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform
User Guide

2HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1
Important Notice
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without the prior written consent of Hewlett-Packard
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© Copyright 1999 by:
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The information in this manual is subject to change without
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particular purpose.
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Brand or product names are trademarks or registered
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Author: Jörg Bürkle, t3 medien GmbH

Contents
HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1
Contents
What’s New in This Release? 9
Major Changes from Rev. 2. to 2.1 11
Frontends E4838A and E4837A 11
Enhanced Frontend Support 12
External Clock Multiplier 12
Quick Frequency Overview and Change 13
Introduction to the System 15
System Capabilities 17
Verify and Characterize Digital Devices 17
Key Features 18
System Components 19
Mainframes and Controllers 19
Modules 21
Frontends 22
Trigger Pod 22
Identification of Hardware Resources 23
Open VXI Configurations 24
Summary of Hardware-Related Terms 25
Operating Principles 26
Virtual Instruments/Systems 26
Hardware and Setup Models 27
Software Structure 28
Summary of Setup-Related Terms 30
Timing Principles 31
Choice of Clock Sources 31
FMR and Blocklength Granularity 31
Clock Setup Example 32
Testing up to 1.3 Gbit/s with Two 66 Mbit/s Outputs 33
Synchronization of Signals 34
Trigger-Controlled Start and Stop 34
Summary of Timing-Related Terms 36
Data Generation Principles 37
Emulate Real Pattern and Waveform Conditions 37
Data Sequences 38
Data Blocks 38
Data Segments 38

Contents
4HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1
Segment Properties 39
Loops 40
Hardware Dependencies 41
Summary of Data-Related Terms 42
Data Analysis Principles 43
Functional Tests 43
Error Analysis and Marginal Tests 44
Display of Test Results 44
Summary of Analysis-Related Terms 44
Event Handling Principles 45
Usage of Events 45
What is an Event? 46
Actions Upon an Event 47
Summary of Event-Related Terms 47
Test Development Overview 49
Procedure for Setting Up the Test 51
Procedure for Running the Test 53
Procedure for Viewing Test Results 54
Procedure for Saving the Test Setting 55
Structure of the User Interface 57
How to Start the System 59
How to Set the Kind of Display 59
How to Set the Resolution of a CRT Display 61
How to Start the HP 812 Software 62
Overview of the Windows 66
Overview of Test Setup Windows 66
Overview of Test Result Windows 67
Operating the User Interface 68
How to Use the Mouse or Touchpad 68
How to Navigate With the Keyboard 68
How to Change Units and/or Vernier Steps 69
Items of the Main Menu 70
File Menu 70
Edit Menu 74
Tools Menu 77
View Menu 77
Go Menu 79

Contents
HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1 5
Control Menu 80
System Menu 81
Window Menu 81
Help Menu 82
Setting Global System Parameters 83
How to Start the Parameter Editor for Global Parameters 85
How to Set the Clock Characteristics 87
How to Choose the Clock Source 87
How to Set the System Clock Parameters 88
How to Set the Characteristics of the External Input 90
How to Set the Characteristics of the Trigger Output 92
Connecting the DUT 93
How to Start the Connection Editor 95
Contents of the Connection Editor Window 95
How to Create a Port 97
How to Change the Characteristics of a Port 99
How to Delete a Port 99
How to Rename a Port 99
How to Add a Terminal to a Port 99
How to Change the Characteristics of a Terminal 101
How to Delete a Terminal 101
How to Rename a Terminal 101
How to Move a Terminal 101
How to Connect a Terminal 102
How to Disconnect a Terminal 103
Setting Up Ports and Channels 105
How to Start the Parameter Editor for Ports/Channels 107
How to Start the Parameter Editor for Setting Port Parameters 107
How to Start the Parameter Editor for Setting Channel Parameters 108
How to Set Up a Port or Channel for Generated Signals 110
How to Set Generator Timing Parameters 110
How to Set Additional Generator Parameters 112
How to Add Channels in Analog Mode 115
How to View and Change All Frequency Settings 117
How to Set Up a Port Or Channel for Signals To Be Analyzed120
How to Set Analyzer Timing Parameters 120

Contents
6HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1
How to Set Additional Analyzer Parameters 121
How to Combine Generator Channels 124
How to Start the Channel Configuration Editor 124
How to Use the Channel Configuration Editor 125
Choosing the Kind of Measurement 127
How to Access the Measurement Configuration Window 129
How to Set the Measurement Configuration 130
Capture Data 130
Error Rate Measurement 130
Compare and Acquire Around Error 131
Compare and Capture 131
Creating the Stream of Generated and Expected Data 133
How to Start the Sequence Editor 135
Contents of the Sequence Editor Window 135
How to Add, Move or Delete Blocks 137
How to Change Block Characteristics 138
How to Replace a Current Segment 140
How to Replace a Current Segment by a New Segment 140
How to Replace a Current Segment by a Stored Segment 140
How to Insert a Different Pseudo Segment 142
How to Create and Change Loops 143
How to Create a Loop 143
How to Change a Loop 144
How to Specify Events and Reactions to Events 146
Before You Start Using Events 146
How to Define Events 149
How to Specify the Reactions To Events 151
Creating and Editing Segments 155
How to Create a New Segment 157
How to Start Creating a New Segment 157
How to Create a Memory Segment 158
How to Create a PRBS/PRWS Segment 165
How to Save a New or Changed Segment 166
How to Edit a Stored Segment 167
How to Select a Segment 167
How to Edit a Memory Segment 168

Contents
HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1 7
How to Edit a PRBS/PRWS Segment 168
Using the Data/Sequence Editor 171
How to Start the Data/Sequence Editor 173
Contents of the Data/Sequence Editor Window 173
How to Change the Data/Sequence Display 175
How to Change the Width of the Columns 175
How to Change the Height of a Block 175
How to Change the Format of Displayed Addresses 176
How to Change the Labels of Displayed Traces 177
How to Change the Sequence or Edit Segments 178
How to Change the Sequence Characteristics 178
How to Replace a Segment 179
How to Edit the Contents of a Segment 179
Running the Test 181
How to Download the Test Sequence 183
How to View BER Test Results 184
How to Start/Stop the Test 185
Viewing Generated and Captured Data 187
How to View Captured Test Results 189
How to Start the Error State Display 189
How to Operate the Error State Display 189
How to Transfer Captured Data Into a Segment 190
How to View Waveforms 193
How to Start the Waveform Viewer 193
Description of the Waveform Viewer Display 194
How to Operate the Waveform Viewer 195
Using Auxiliary Functions 199
How to Compensate for Internal and External Delays 201
How to Start the Deskew Editor 202
How to Adjust the Instrument Connectors 202
How to Compensate for Cable Delays 203
How to Compensate for Cable and DUT Board Delays 205
How to Export/Import Settings or Segments 207
Export/Import of a Setting 207
Export/Import of Segments 209

Contents
8HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1
How to Execute Firmware Commands 211
How to Start the Command Line Editor 211
How to Use the Command Line Editor 212
How Do I ... ? 215
How Can I Generate a Clock Signal With an E4841A Module? 217
How Can I Generate a Clock Signal of up to 1.3 GHz? 219
How Do I Use Events? 222
How Do I Select Between Two Different Tests? 222
How Do I Set a Trigger on Error? 223
How Do I Wait for Synchronization of the DUT? 224
How Can I Communicate With a Test System? 225
How Can I Execute Different Tests Embedded in One Sequence? 226
How Can I Change all Traces of a Port to Don’t Care? 227
How Do I Set Up a Multiplexer BER Test? 230
How Can I Create and Capture a Double-Speed PRWS? 233

HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1 9
What’s New in This
Release?

What s New in This Release?
10 HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1
This chapter gives an overview of the most important changes and
enhancements of the HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform. It starts
with revision 2.1, which builds up on revision 2.0.
The information is organized as follows:
“Major Changes from Rev. 2.0 to 2.1” on page 11

Major Changes from Rev. 2. to 2.1 What s New in This Release?
HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1 11
Major Changes from Rev. 2.0 to 2.1
On from revision 2.1, two new frontends are available for the HP 81200
Data Generator/Analyzer Platform.
Firmware commands have been added and the user interface has been
enhanced to support the capabilities of these frontends.
In addition, some new features have been implemented.
“Frontends E4838A and E4837A”
“Enhanced Frontend Support” on page 12
“External Clock Multiplier” on page 12
“Quick Frequency Overview and Change” on page 13
Frontends E4838A and E4837A
The main purpose of these frontends is to address the upcoming LVDS
technology. LVDS stands for Low Voltage Differential Signals.
LVDS = Low Voltage Differential
Signals
There are two industry standards that define LVDS. The more common is
the general electrical layer standard defined by TIA, ANSI/TIA/EIA-644.
LVDS connections have the following characteristics:
New Generator and Analyzer
Frontends
The new frontends are:
•E4838A, a differential output, low voltage amplitude/offset and variable
slopes generator, also called the “RAPID” (high data RAte PIn Driver)
frontend.
•E4837A, a differential input high sensitivity analyzer.
For details please refer to the HP 81200 Technical Specifications.
Table 1 LVDS Specifications
LVDS, GP LVDS, LP
Diff ampl = VOH – VOL 0.25 to 0.4 V 0.15 to 0.25V
VCM = (VOH + VOL) / 2 1.2 ± 75 mV
Typical termination Differential 100 τ
Sensitivity 100 mV
Termination 100 τ, diff
Common mode range 0 to 2.4 V

What s New in This Release? Major Changes from Rev. 2. to 2.1
12 HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1
Enhanced Frontend Support
The E4838A and E4837A frontends provide new capabilities. These
capabilities are supported by the Parameter Editor for ports, terminals,
and channels using these frontends.
New E4838A Setup Parameters
The additional setup parameters for the E4838A generator frontend
include:
•Rise/fall time
•Signal termination
•Analog channel addition
New E4837A Setup Parameters
The additional setup parameters for the E4837A analyzer frontend include:
•Data interpretation
•Signal termination
•Signal voltage range
External Clock Multiplier
There are applications where parts of the DUT are running at different
frequencies (for example serial-to-parallel converters, parallel-to-serial
converters, multiplexers, and so on).
Such applications require a system with two central clock modules (two
clockgroups), one running as a slave to the other. However, if the different
frequencies were not binary rated (such as 1:7, 1:10, etc), one had to spend
an additional data channel for generating the second frequency.
On from revision 2.1, the external clock multiplier is available. That means,
the clock applied to the EXTERNAL input of the central clock module can
be multiplied by any factor between 1 and 256.
The only restriction is that the external clock frequency must be higher
than 1.3 MHz (330 MHz divided by 256).

Major Changes from Rev. 2. to 2.1 What s New in This Release?
HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1 1
Quick Frequency Overview and Change
The interdependencies between the chosen frequency multiplier factor,
available memory depth, and segment resolution are hardware-related.
Different ports can have different frequency multiplier settings. For a data
port, the setting applies to all the terminals belonging to the port. This is in
contrast to a pulse port where each terminal can have an individual setting.
Overview and quick access to all the frequency multiplier settings for a
given device are provided by the new Frequency Overview window.

What s New in This Release? Major Changes from Rev. 2. to 2.1
14 HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1

HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1 15
Introduction to the
System

Introduction to the System
16 HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1
This chapter makes you familiar with the HP 81200 Data
Generator/Analyzer Platform, its components, operating principles, and
terms.
The information is organized as follows:
“System Capabilities” on page 17
“System Components” on page 19
“Operating Principles” on page 26
“Timing Principles” on page 31
“Data Generation Principles” on page 37
“Data Analysis Principles” on page 43
“Event Handling Principles” on page 45

System Capabilities Introduction to the System
HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1 17
System Capabilities
The HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform is a multi-purpose digital
stimulus/response system.
The system can be operated from the graphical user interface or controlled
via LAN or HP-IB, for example in an automated test rack. It can also
control other HP-IB instruments. It has a programming interface to
HP VEE or C/C++.
See:
“Verify and Characterize Digital Devices”
“Key Features” on page 18
Verify and Characterize Digital Devices
The device under test (DUT) and its application setup are modeled in
software.
In the graphical user interface a raw DUT scheme is shown in the
Connection Editor window. In this window it is possible to define groups
of signals for the DUT—these groups of signals are called “ports”. The DUT
template offers two types of ports:
•Data ports are used for data signals such as stimulus data and response
data.
•Pulse ports are used for pure parametric signals such as clock signals.
All signal parameters can be set up conveniently for a group of pins (a
port) as well individually for single DUT pins (terminals).
The system has data generating and analyzing frontends.
Cable delays and signal skew in the test setup can be compensated by
using the deskew feature.

Introduction to the System System Capabilities
18 HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1
Key Features
Just a summary:
•Stimulus as required, real-time error analysis and margin test.
•1 Kbit/s up to 660 Mbit/s.
•Up to 1 Mbit memory per channel.
•Up to 120 or even 240 generator/analyzer channels, depending on speed
and characteristics of the frontends. Small mainframe up to 10 or 20
channels.
•2 ps timing resolution.
•Logical addition of two or four generator channels (XOR).
•Pattern formats NRZ, DNRZ, RZ, R1.
•PRBS (up to 215–1).
•Sequencing with up to five loop levels (nested loops).
•Variable delay, width, transition times, voltage levels—individually
adjustable for each channel.
•Semi-automatic signal delay compensation.
•Event recognition and reactions upon events.
•Tabular and graphical result presentation.
•Modular hardware structure.
For details please refer to the HP 81200 Technical Specifications.

System Components Introduction to the System
HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1 19
System Components
The HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform is available in several
configurations.
Standard configurations comprise:
“Mainframes and Controllers”
“Modules” on page 21
“Frontends” on page 22
“Trigger Pod” on page 22
Also supported are
“Open VXI Configurations” on page 24
Mainframes and Controllers
An HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform consists of a
VXI mainframe and modules built into the mainframe.
There are two mainframes available:
•The E4840A with the built-in E4801A controller and three free module
slots.
•The E4849A with the built-in E4806A controller and ten free module
slots.
The latter can be upgraded by adding up to two expander mainframes
E4848A.
The controllers are PCs that include harddisk, diskette drive, a serial and a
parallel interface, SCSI controller, HP-IB and LAN interface.
A system may have an integrated display and data entry panel (E4807A, or
Opt. 001) or a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Introduction to the System System Components
20 HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1
Figure 1 E4849A Mainframe Configuration
Figure 2 E4840A Mainframe Configuration
For details please refer to the HP 81200 Installation Guide and the
HP 81200 Configuration Guide.