Lambda Lucid Series User manual

L
Lucid Series RF Analog
Signal Generator
Portable Model
User Manual
Rev. 1.1
Distribution in the UK & Ireland
Lambda Photometrics Limited
Lambda House Batford Mill
Harpenden Herts AL5 5BZ
United Kingdom
E: [email protected]
W: www.lambdaphoto.co.uk
T: [phone]
F: [phone]

Lucid Series RF Signal Generator
Portable User Manual
Rev. 1.1
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WARRANTY STATEMENT
Products sold by Tabor Electronics Ltd. are warranted to be free from defects in workmanship or materials.
Tabor Electronics Ltd. will, at its option, either repair or replace any hardware products which prove to be
defective during the warranty period. You are a valued customer. Our mission is to make any necessary
repairs in a reliable and timely manner.
Duration of Warranty
The warranty period for this Tabor Electronics Ltd. hardware is one year, except software and firmware
products designed for use with Tabor Electronics Ltd. Hardware is warranted not to fail to execute its
programming instructions due to defect in materials or workmanship for a period of ninety (90) days from
the date of delivery to the initial end user.
Return of Product
Authorization is required from Tabor Electronics before you send us your product for service or calibration.
Call your nearest Tabor Electronics support facility. A list is located on the last page of this manual. If you
are unsure where to call, contact Tabor Electronics Ltd. Tel Hanan, Israel at 972-4-821-3393 or via fax at
972-4-821-3388. We can be reached at: [e-mail]
Limitation of Warranty
Tabor Electronics Ltd. shall be released from all obligations under this warranty in the event repairs or
modifications are made by persons other than authorized Tabor Electronics service personnel or without
the written consent of Tabor Electronics.
Tabor Electronics Ltd. expressly disclaims any liability to its customers, dealers and representatives and to
users of its product, and to any other person or persons, for special or consequential damages of any kind
and from any cause whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with the manufacture, sale, handling,
repair, maintenance, replacement or use of said products.
Representations and warranties made by any person including dealers and representatives of Tabor
Electronics Ltd., which are inconsistent or in conflict with the terms of this warranty (including but not limited
to the limitations of the liability of Tabor Electronics Ltd. as set forth above), shall not be binding upon Tabor
Electronics Ltd. unless reduced to writing and approved by an officer of Tabor Electronics Ltd.
This document may contain flaws, omissions or typesetting errors. No warranty is granted nor liability
assumed in relation thereto. The information contained herein is periodically updated and changes will be
incorporated into subsequent editions. If you have encountered an error, please notify us at
[e-mail]. All specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
Except as stated above, Tabor Electronics Ltd. makes no warranty, express or implied (either in fact or by
operation of law), statutory or otherwise; and except to the extent stated above, Tabor Electronics Ltd. shall
have no liability under any warranty, express or implied (either in fact or by operation of law), statutory or
otherwise.
PROPRIETARY NOTICE
This document and the technical data herein disclosed, are proprietary to Tabor Electronics, and shall not, without
express written permission of Tabor Electronics, be used, in whole or in part to solicit quotations from a competitive
source or used for manufacture by anyone other than Tabor Electronics. The information herein has been developed
at private expense, and may only be used for operation and maintenance reference purposes or for purposes of
engineering evaluation and incorporation into technical specifications and other documents, which specify procurement
of products from Tabor Electronics.

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T
Table of Contents
Table of Contents................................................................................................................................................... 3
List of Figures......................................................................................................................................................... 4
List of Tables.......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Document Revision History.................................................................................................................................... 5
Acronyms & Abbreviations .................................................................................................................................... 6
1General .......................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.1 Scope .................................................................................................................................................9
1.2 Software Support.............................................................................................................................10
1.3 Document Conventions ...................................................................................................................10
1.4 Safety ...............................................................................................................................................10
1.5 Maintenance.................................................................................................................................... 12
1.5.1 Preventive Maintenance .........................................................................................................12
1.5.2 Long Term Storage or Repackaging For Shipment ..................................................................12
2Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 13
2.1 Unpacking ........................................................................................................................................13
2.2 Front Panel.......................................................................................................................................13
2.3 Right Side Panel ...............................................................................................................................14
2.4 Left Side Panel ................................................................................................................................. 14
3Portable GUI................................................................................................................................................. 16
3.1 CW Tab............................................................................................................................................. 16
3.2 Modulation Tab ...............................................................................................................................17
3.2.1 AM – Amplitude Modulation ..................................................................................................17
3.2.2 FM – Frequency Modulation...................................................................................................18
3.2.3 PM – Phase Modulation..........................................................................................................18
3.2.4 Pulse Definition .......................................................................................................................19
3.2.5 Pattern Sequence....................................................................................................................20
3.3 Sweep Tab........................................................................................................................................22
3.3.1 Frequency Sweep ....................................................................................................................22
3.3.2 Power Sweep ..........................................................................................................................23
3.4 List Tab.............................................................................................................................................24
3.5 Run Mode Tab..................................................................................................................................25
3.6 System Tab.......................................................................................................................................27
3.6.1 Preset ......................................................................................................................................28
3.6.2 Store........................................................................................................................................28
3.6.3 Recall....................................................................................................................................... 29
3.6.4 LAN..........................................................................................................................................29
3.6.5 Update ....................................................................................................................................30
4Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................................... 31
4.1 Manually Installing Instrument Drivers ........................................................................................... 31
4.1.1 USB Device Driver Manual Installation (Windows 10) ............................................................31
4.1.2 USB Device Driver Manual Installation (Windows 7) ..............................................................38
5Lucid Portable Specifications........................................................................................................................ 42

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5.1 Frequency ........................................................................................................................................42
5.2 Amplitude ........................................................................................................................................42
5.3 Phase Noise and Harmonics ............................................................................................................43
5.4 Modulation ......................................................................................................................................43
5.5 Inputs ...............................................................................................................................................45
5.6 Outputs ............................................................................................................................................45
5.7 General ............................................................................................................................................46
L
List of Figures
Figure 1.1 LS1291P – 12GHz One Channel RF Analog Signal Generator....................................................... 9
Figure 2.1 LS1291P Front Panel .................................................................................................................. 13
Figure 2.2 Right Side Panel TBD ..................................................................................................................14
Figure 2.3 Left Side Panel TBD .................................................................................................................... 14
Figure 3.1 CW & Modulation Tab ...............................................................................................................16
Figure 3.2 AM – Amplitude Modulation ..................................................................................................... 17
Figure 3.3 FM – Frequency Modulation...................................................................................................... 18
Figure 3.4 PM – Phase Modulation.............................................................................................................19
Figure 3.5 Pulse Definition.......................................................................................................................... 19
Figure 3.6 Pattern Sequence....................................................................................................................... 20
Figure 3.7 Frequency Sweep.......................................................................................................................22
Figure 3.8 Power Sweep .............................................................................................................................23
Figure 3.9 List .............................................................................................................................................. 24
Figure 3.10 Run Mode.................................................................................................................................25
Figure 3.11 System Tab............................................................................................................................... 27
Figure 3.12 Preset Confirmation Pop-up ....................................................................................................28
Figure 3.13 Store Settings........................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 3.14 Recall Settings ..........................................................................................................................29
Figure 3.15 System Tab LAN .......................................................................................................................29
Figure 3.16 System Update.........................................................................................................................30
List of Tables
Table 1.1 Ordering Information .................................................................................................................... 9
Table 5.1 Frequency Specification ..............................................................................................................42
Table 5.2 Amplitude Specification .............................................................................................................. 42

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Table 5.3 Phase Noise and Harmonics Specification .................................................................................. 43
Table 5.4 Modulation Specification ............................................................................................................43
Table 5.5 Inputs Specification ..................................................................................................................... 45
Table 5.6 Outputs Specification .................................................................................................................. 45
Table 5.7 General Specification ..................................................................................................................46
D
Document Revision History
Table Document Revision History
Revision
Date
Description
Author
1.1
26-Mar-21
x1.2 Software Support, page 10 – New.
xRemoved sections “Lucid Software Requirements”,
“Installation, “PC Control Software”,
‘Troubleshooting”, and “FPGA Firmware Update” that
are included in the new “Lucid Control Panel User
Manual”.
xRemoved section SCPI Prog
ramming that is included in
the new “Lucid Programming Manual”.
xTable 5.4 Modulation Specification, page 43 –
Changed
Sweep Dwell Time from “10 μs to 1,000 s” to “100 μs
to 1,000 s”.
Jakob Apelblat
1.0
6-Aug-20
xOriginal release supporting Lucid SW Rev. 1.2.0 and
SPI
& SCPI Commands List Summary Rev. 1.14.
Jakob Apelblat

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A
Acronyms & Abbreviations
Table Acronyms & Abbreviations
Acronym
Description
µs or us
Microseconds
ADC
Analog to Digital Converter
AM
Amplitude Modulation
ASIC
Application-Specific Integrated Circuit
ATE
Automatic Test Equipment
AWG
Arbitrary Waveform Generators
AWT
Arbitrary Waveform Transceiver
BNC
Bayonet Neill–Concelm (coax connector)
BW
Bandwidth
CW
Carrier Wave
DAC
Digital to Analog Converter
dBc
dB/carrier. The power ratio of a signal to a carrier signal, expressed in decibels
dBm
Decibel-Milliwatts. E.g., 0 dBm equals 1.0 mW.
DDC
Digital Down-Converter
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
DSO
Digital Storage Oscilloscope
DUC
Digital Up-Converter
ENoB
Effective Number of Bits
ESD
Electrostatic Discharge
EVM
Error Vector Magnitude
FPGA
Field-Programmable Gate Arrays
GHz
Gigahertz
GPIB
General Purpose Interface Bus
GS/s
Giga Samples per Second
GUI
Graphical User Interface
HP
Horizontal Pitch (PXIe module horizontal width, 1 HP = 5.08mm)
Hz
Hertz

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Acronym
Description
IF
Intermediate Frequency
I/O
Input / Output
IP
Internet Protocol
IQ
In-phase Quadrature
IVI
Interchangeable Virtual Instrument
JSON
JavaScript Object Notation
kHz
Kilohertz
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display
LO
Local Oscillator
MAC
Media Access Control (address)
MDR
Mini D Ribbon (connector)
MHz
Megahertz
ms
Milliseconds
NCO
Numerically Controlled Oscillator
ns
Nanoseconds
PC
Personal Computer
PCAP
Projected Capacitive Touch Panel
PCB
Printed Circuit Board
PCI
Peripheral Component Interconnect
PXI
PCI eXtension for Instrumentation
PXIe
PCI Express eXtension for Instrumentation
QC
Quantum Computing
Qubits
Quantum bits
R&D
Research & Development
RF
Radio Frequency
RT-DSO
Real-Time Digital Oscilloscope
s
Seconds
SA
Spectrum Analyzer
SCPI
Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments
SFDR
Spurious Free Dynamic Range

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Acronym
Description
SFP
Software Front Panel
SMA
Subminiature version A connector
SMP
Subminiature Push-on connector
SPI
Serial Peripheral Interface
SRAM
Static Random-Access Memory
TFT
Thin Film Transistor
T&M
Test and Measurement
TPS
Test Program Sets
UART
Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter
USB
Universal Serial Bus
VCP
Virtual COM Port
Vdc
Volts, Direct Current
V p-p
Volts, Peak-to-Peak
VSA
Vector Signal Analyzer
VSG
Vector Signal Generator
WDS
Wave Design Studio

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1
1
General
1.1
Scope
The scope of this manual is to describe the setup and operating procedures of the Lucid Series RF Analog
Signal Generator. The manual covers the following models listed in the below ordering information.
Table 1.1 Ordering Information
Model
Description
LS3081P
3 GHz Portable RF Analog Signal Generator
LS6081P
6 GHz Portable RF Analog Signal Generator
LS1291P
12 GHz Portable RF Analog Signal Generator
Options
BAT
4-cell, Replaceable Battery
PLS
Pulse Modulation
PAT
Pattern Modulation
LP
Low Power
Figure 1.1 LS1291P – 12GHz One Channel RF Analog Signal Generator

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1
1.2
Software Support
The Lucid Control Panel is a software package that comes on a CD supplied with the device. It enables
full control and programming of your Tabor Electronics Lucid series RF analog signal generators via a
user-friendly graphical user interface. The TE Update Tool is a utility for updating the Lucid device FPGA.
The Lucid Programming Manual lists and describes the set of SCPI-compatible (Standard Commands for
Programmable Instruments) remote commands used to operate the Lucid devices.
The programs and the user manuals can be downloaded from the Tabor Electronics website at
http://www.taborelec.com/downloads.
1.3
Document Conventions
Convention
Description
Example
Bold Writing
Indicates an item/message in the
User Interface.
Click the On button.
<Angled and Bolded
Brackets>
Indicates a physical key on the
keyboard.
Press <Ctrl>+<B>.
Caution!
A Caution indicates instructions, which, if not followed, may result in damage to the
equipment or to the loss of data.
Note
A Note provides additional information to help obtain optimal equipment performance.
Idea
An Idea provides an alternate procedure to obtain the same results.
1.4
Safety
To avoid Electrical Shock, fire or personal injury:
xUse only the proper power cord and certified for the country of use.
xThis product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the power cord. To avoid electrical
shock, the grounding conductor must be connected to the ground. Before connecting to the power
input or output, ensure that the product is properly grounded.
xDo not operate this product with removed covers or panels.
xObserve all the ratings and markings on the product. Search this manual for further rating
information, before connecting to it. Do not apply potential that is higher than the maximum
rating.

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xDo not operate in dark or wet conditions.
xDo not operate in an explosive environment. Keep product clean and dry.

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1
1.5
Maintenance
1.5.1
Preventive Maintenance
There are no hardware adjustments within Lucid Generators. Tabor Electronics Ltd., recommends that
the Lucid Generator is calibrated every 12 months or whenever a problem is suspected. The specific
calibration interval depends upon the accuracy required. No periodic preventive maintenance is
required.
1.5.2
Long Term Storage or Repackaging For Shipment
If the instrument is to be stored for a long period of time or shipped immediately, proceed as directed
below. If you have any questions, contact your local Tabor Electronics representative or the Tabor
Electronics Customer Service Department.
1. Repack the instrument using the wrappings, packing material and accessories originally shipped
with the unit. If the original container is not available, purchase replacement materials.
2. Be sure the carton is well sealed with strong tape or metal straps.
3. Mark the carton with the model and serial number. If it is to be shipped, show sending and return
address on two sides of the box.
If the instrument is to be shipped for service or repair, the following information must be included
with the shipment:
Name and address of the owner.
Record the model and serial number of the instrument, options, and firmware version.
Note the problem and symptoms – detailed information will help in verifying the problem
What was the instrument setup?
Did the unit work; then fail?
What other equipment was connected to the generator when the problem occurred?
xThe name and telephone number of someone familiar with the problem who can be contacted by
Tabor Electronics if any further information is required.
xShow the returned authorization order number (RMA) as well as the date and method of shipment.
Note
Always obtain a return authorization number from the factory before shipping the
instrument to Tabor Electronics.

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2
2
Introduction
The all-new Lucid Series portable platform offers a modern design capable of operating either as a
benchtop or a portable signal generator. The series feature 3, 6 and 12 GHz single channel versions, all
sharing the very same industry leading highlighted features. It provides extremely fast switching speed,
superior signal integrity and purity, all the necessary modulated signals for analog communication
systems, with built in USB interface and removable micro-SD card. The Lucid Series is designed to meet
today’s most demanding applications, whether in the lab or out in the field.
2.1
Unpacking
Check that the packaging is undamaged. If packaging is damaged, notify the carrier immediately.
The Lucid Portable model instrument is supplied with:
x12 V power supply. Universal input range 90 – 264 VAC, frequency 47 to 63 Hz.
xUSB cable for connecting a control PC to the instrument.
xCD with Lucid software, user manual and instrument drivers.
Caution!
The Lucid Series RF Signal Generator ships in an antistatic package to prevent damage from
electrostatic discharge (ESD). When storing the unit, use the antistatic case.
2.2
Front Panel
Figure 2.1 LS1291P Front Panel
x10.1” Touch LCD Display – 1280x800 TFT display PCAP(Projected Capacitive Touch Panel) touch
screen for controlling the device.

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2
2.3
Right Side Panel
Remove the right-side cover of the ruggedized case to replace the battery.
Figure 2.2 Right Side Panel TBD
xBattery – Rechargeable battery 14.4 V, Lithium Ion, 3.35 Ah
2.4
Left Side Panel
Remove the left-side cover of the ruggedized case to access the connectors.
Figure 2.3 Left Side Panel TBD
xRF OUT - A SMA type connector for RF signal output.
xPWR – Power button to turn on or off the device.
xCLK IN 10/100MHz – A SMA type connector for external 10 MHz or 100 MHz signal. This input is
normally used for synchronizing system components to a single clock reference.
xTRIG IN – A SMA type connector, for an input from an external trigger source.

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xAM IN – A SMA type connector for an input from an external amplitude modulation source.
xFM IN – A SMA type connector for an input from an external frequency modulation source.
xMicro SD CARD – Removable SD card for instrument security. It is used for storing all data about
used frequencies for PATTERN in the Modulation, the List, and System tabs.
Min capacity 4GB
Max capacity 16GB
Speed grade 10
xPWR IN – 12V DC power supply connector. Plug type
xLAN ADAPTOR – One micro-USB 2 for an USB to RJ45 LAN adapter.
xUSB DEVICE – One USB 2 Type B connector for connecting a control PC.
xUSB HOST – Two USB 2 Type A interfaces for connecting a USB device such as a memory device for
storing and recalling instrument setups, keyboard or mouse.
Note
The Lucid generator will automatically revert to external reference when a signal is
detected at its input.

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3
3
Portable GUI
3.1
CW Tab
The CW (Carrier Wave) tab becomes available on the front panel display after power-up of the
generator. From here the user can set the basic output parameters of the generator.
Figure 3.1 CW & Modulation Tab
xStatus Bar – The bar at the bottom of the screen displays a summary of the system status and is
shown in all tabs.
Frequency – The CW frequency.
Power – The power (amplitude) of the output signal (in dBm).
Phase –The phase offset of the signal (0 – 360 deg.).
Reference:
Internal – The modulation source is the generator.
External – The modulation source is an external connected source.
Mode – Shows which modulation is on (press Mode ON/Off in the respective modulation
window).
CW – Carrier wave (default)
AM,ON – Amplitude modulation
FM, ON – Frequency modulation
PM, ON – Phase modulation
PULSE ON – Pulse modulation
PATT,ON – Pattern modulation
FRSW,ON – Frequency sweep mode is selected.
PRSW,ON – Power sweep mode is selected.
LIST,ON – List mode is selected.
Run Mode:

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Continuous – The device will generate a signal when the user clicks the RF OUT On button.
Trigger – The device waits for an external trigger event.
LED –
Gray – The output RF channel is off.
Green – The output RF channel is on.
xFrequency – Sets the generator’s basic frequency in Hz. You cannot enter a frequency smaller than
the minimum frequency. Refer to 5 Lucid Portable Specifications, page 42 for valid frequency
range.
xPower – Sets the power (amplitude) of the generator’s output signal (in dBm).
The default value is 5.00 dBm.
xPhase Offset – Sets the phase offset of the signal. Phase offset range is between 0 degrees to 360
degrees.
The default value is 0 degrees.
3
3.2
Modulation Tab
The user can set the basic output parameters of the generator in the Modulation tab. The modulation
types that are available depends on the installed options.
3.2.1
AM – Amplitude Modulation
Figure 3.2 AM – Amplitude Modulation
xFrequency – Set the modulation frequency (Hz/kHz).
xDepth – Set the AM modulation in percent of the carrier wave amplitude.
xSource – The Enter key of the front panel will toggle the values.
Internal – Use the screen modulation parameters.

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External – Use an AM source connected to the generator’s MODULATION IN connector
located on the rear panel. The Generator will accept modulating signals between DC and 100
kHz within ±1 V (2 V p-p) amplitude.
xPush the Mod On/Off button on the device front panel to start the modulation and then RF On/Off
button to output the signal.
3
3.2.2
FM – Frequency Modulation
Select on the device display the Modulation tab, and then click the FM button to show the frequency
modulation parameters. You can also push the FM button on the front panel to show the screen.
Figure 3.3 FM – Frequency Modulation
xFrequency – Set the modulation Frequency (Hz).
xDeviation – Set the frequency deviation of the carrier wave in (Hz).
xSource:
Internal – Use the screen modulation parameters.
External – Use an FM source connected to the generator’s MODULATION IN connector located
on the rear panel. The Generator will accept modulating signals between ±1 V (2 V p-p)
amplitude.
xPush the Mod On/Off button on the device front panel to start the modulation and then RF On/Off
button to output the signal.
3.2.3
PM – Phase Modulation
Select on the device display the Modulation tab, and then click the PM button to show the phase
modulation parameters. You can also push the PM button on the front panel to show the screen.

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Figure 3.4 PM – Phase Modulation
xFrequency – Set the modulation Frequency (Hz).
xDeviation – Set the phase deviation degree of the modulation frequency.
xPush the Mod On/Off button on the device front panel to start the modulation and then RF On/Off
button to output the signal.
3
3.2.4
Pulse Definition
Select on the device display the Modulation tab, and then click the PULSE button to show the pulse
parameters.
Note
The PULSE button is only available if the device has the Pulse option installed.
Figure 3.5 Pulse Definition
xWidth – Set the pulse modulation width. Use the push buttons on the front panel to select units.

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xFrequency – Set the pulse frequency in Hz.
xSource:
Internal – Use the screen modulation parameters.
External – Use a pulse source connected to the generator’s MODULATION IN connector
located on the rear panel. The Generator will accept modulating signals between ±1 V (2 V p-
p) amplitude.
xPush the Mod On/Off button on the device front panel to start the modulation and then RF On/Off
button to output the signal.
3
3.2.5
Pattern Sequence
Select on the device display the Modulation tab, and then click the PATTERN button to show the pattern
sequence parameters. You can set a sequence of pulses according to the list of pulses where each step
in the list defines a pulse Time On and Time Off time and the number of Loops.
Note
The PATTERN button is only available if the device has the PAT option installed.
Figure 3.6 Pattern Sequence
Define a patter according to the steps below.
1. NEW – Click the button to create a new Pattern.
2. LOAD – Click the button to select a file to load.
3. SAVE – Click the button to save the Pattern in a JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format. You
can save to a new name (valid name is only numbers) or overwrite an old file. You can select to
store the data on the SD card.
4. DEL – Click the button to select a file to delete.
5. +STEP – Click the button to add a new step.