LAPLACE INSTRUMENTS RF6000 User manual

RF6000
RF SIGNAL SYNTHESISER
and SYSTEM CONTROLLER
USER GUIDE
ISSUE 1 May 2019
LAPLACE INSTRUMENTS LTD

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INDEX
1. Specification
2. Special note
3. Introduction
4. Hardware description
4.1. Hardware interconnections
5. Software operation
5.1. Installation
5.2. Overview
5.3. Preparation
5.4. Standard Scan Mode
5.5. Single Point Mode
5.6. Custom scan mode
6. Software Reference
6.1. File
6.2. Display
6.3. Configure
7. Report Results screen controls

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1.0 SPECIFICATION
Output carrier frequency: 80MHz – 6GHz
Resolution: 0.2% of current value
Step size: 0.2% to 9% of current
value
Level (carrier signal): -60dBm to 0dBm
Indication: Bargraph indication of
level.
THD (worst case): 10%
Modulation: off,
1KHz sine, 80% AM
modulation
200Hz, 20Hz & 1Hz
pulsed. 100% level
Output connector: N type
Ext. feedback probe: Input: 0-2.5V
Calibration via PC
software.
Connector: 8 pin circular
Indication: Bargraph
Mode: Open loop (pre-scan)
or closed loop.
EUT status: Qty 4, 0- 10v input
Fault modes: Stop, pause, continue.
Connector: BNC
EUT prompt: 4 pole c/o volt free
contacts.
Modes: Pulsed, Continuous, off
Connector: 15 pin Dee type
P.A. interlock: Contact closure
enforces standby
mode.
Connector: 4 pin circular
General
Supply: 110V or 230V, auto
sensing.
50 or 60Hz
Size: 120 x 64 x 188mm
Weight: 3.5kg
Control: From supplied PC software via
USB port.
Environment: Windows XP, Win7, Win8, Win10
Main control: Start test (RUN)
Stop test (STOP)
Pause at frequency (Dwell)
Single frequency mode
Setup screen: Enables all parameters of a test
scan and EUT details to be
programmed.
Parameters: Start and end frequencies
Frequency step (% of current
value)
Field strength (3 - 20V/m)
Dwell time (1 - 99 seconds)
Modulation mode.
Single freq. Screen: Manually or automatically ramp
the field strength at one
frequency.
Custom scan: Specify field level vs frequency
Report screen: Plot all details of the test including
setup parameters, actual vs. target
settings and EUT status.
Status window: Real time indication of operating
mode, EUT status and P.A. status.
Menus
File: All standard Windows facilities, including
printer output and file Save, Open
commands. Test results and setup data can
be stored/recalled separately.
Display: Set trace colours.
Add Title.
Config: Enter EUT monitor channel details
Select feedback probe type
Enter cell characteristics,
Check USB connections
Enter file path data.
Indication: Mains power
Output signal level (bargraph)
P.A. status, EUT status, EUT prompt

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2. SPECIAL NOTE
The RF6000 is designed for use with the LaplaCell range of EMC test cells. These cells are
fitted with a field sensor to provide feedback to the field strength level control system. These
synthesisers will not work correctly unless this feedback signal is present.
If the unit is to be used without the cell connected, option –RH is available which should be
included at time of order. This adds a remote sensor interface which is connected via the RS232
port on the rear panel. This will accept feedback from Holaday, Narda, Radisense or other
standard probes that use similar protocols. In this mode the field level at the location of the probe
is controlled automatically.
2.1 Remote sensor option for anechoic chamber operation
The RF6000 can be used with a field sensors (see above) for use in anechoic chambers. This -RH
option must be specified at time of ordering. This manual will apply in all respects apart from the
following:
Sensor requirements:
The system is designed for the following sensor types….
Holaday HI-4422 or the HI-6005
Radisense RSS1004A probe and CTR1001S interface
Narda EP-600 range (or equivalents).
The sensor should be connected to the synthesiser via the appropriate fibre optic cable and serial
adaptor. This adaptor or serial cable is connected via the serial port provided on the rear panel of
the unit. The synthesiser will recognise the probe and power the adaptor automatically.
Note that the calibration data for the sensor must be correctly loaded and linked to the software
prior to use. This is normally undertaken by Laplace Instruments Ltd prior to despatch.
If the sensor is not connected, or if the sensor battery is flat, the system will not run when RUN
or PRE-SCAN is initiated.
In operation, the software will work as described in the following sections. Both closed loop
(sensor used alongside the EUT) and open loop (Pre-scanned with EUT absent) modes can be
used. In addition, the sensor can be used to check and calibrate the test volume using the pre-scan
mode and by processing the resultant pre-scan data in (for example) Excel.

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3. INTRODUCTION
The RF6000 RF signal synthesiser is specifically designed to provide the signals required for
testing RFI immunity of products to international standard IEC61000-4-3.
IEC61000-4-3
IEC61000-4-3 immunity testing requires that the EUT (equipment under test) operates
satisfactorily when subject to a strong electromagnetic field.
This requires a scan at a certain fixed level (specified by the standard) of field strength. The
scan will comprise a series of ‘steps’ in frequency. Each step increase is specified as a
percentage of current frequency value.
This percentage is variable from 0.2% to 9%.
At each step, the frequency is held, the level adjusted to achieve the required field strength as
measured by a field sensor, a prescribed modulation mode is initiated and then the conditions
held for a ‘dwell’ time. The EUT should be monitored to detect faulty operation during the test.
During the dwell time, a 1KHz, AM modulation at 80% depth is applied to the signal.
In addition, a specific test is required in mobile phone bands with a pulsed modulation of 100%
depth to simulate the fields which may be experienced from mobile phones.
The synthesiser generates a signal at the required frequency, modulation and level which can be
fed to transmitting antenna or test chamber via a suitable fixed gain Power Amplifier. If used
with a compact cell, the Laplace RF1100, RF1300 and/or RF1600 amplifiers make ideally
matched companions.
Typical System
Frequency and modulation are simple set values but the level is controlled via a field strength
sensor feedback loop. (But see note in section 2).
The PC will provide the level set point in terms of sensor output (i.e. already adjusted to take
account of cell characteristics)
Two operating modes are available: real time feedback or pre-scanned level. The former takes
account of the effect of the EUT inside the cell.

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The Synthesiser also acts as an interface to the EUT with status input and ‘prompt’ outputs that
can initiate the product to perform an operating cycle at each step.
A single frequency mode is available in which the cell is effectively controlled directly by the
operator from the PC, enabling specific weaknesses in the EUT to be investigated.
System components
 Synthesiser The RF6000. Linked to PC via USB port. Generates the required signals and
controls the amplitude to produce required field strength inside cell. Also interfaces simple
EUT status signal back to PC and generates simple ‘prompt’ signal to EUT under PC control
 PC with RFSynth6 software package. This acts as the User interface and main controller for
the system.
 EUT monitoring facilities
 EUT excitation and monitoring. The RF6000 is fitted with 4 channels of 0 – 10v
inputs to monitor the EUT status.
 Video interface running in separate window. Camera and camera hardware interface
and software are supplied separately.
The interface between the EUT and the RF6000 must be produced by the user to suit the
requirements of the EUT.
Cell characteristics
The cell may be distinctly non linear in frequency characteristics. Generally each cell is
individually calibrated by the manufacturer and the resultant characteristics programmed into the
software.
Field control technique
There are two quite distinct ways in which field strength can be controlled. The synthesiser
allows use of both techniques.
To understand the background to these alternative techniques, imagine the following scenario:
The equipment to be tested (EUT) is to be used in an area close to a strong transmitter, perhaps a
TV station, and may therefore be subject to quite strong RF fields. Indeed in one location at
which the product is to be located, the field strength from the transmitter is 10V/m, as measured
with an accurate field strength probe prior to installing the product. When the product is installed
at this location, it will modify the field in this vicinity, possibly reducing the field to only 5V/m
simply due to the RF characteristics of the product.
The question is therefore raised: how should the product be tested?
Either:
1. Open loop mode (Pre-scan). Generate the 10V/m in the ‘empty’ space first, then place the
product into that space but do not attempt to control the field strength which may now
have suffered a significant change. This emulates the ‘real world’ situation as described
above, but may result in actual field strengths applied to the product significantly less
than the 10V/m nominal.
Or:
2. Closed loop mode (Standard). Control the field strength with the product in the ‘space’ to
give 10V/m. This may appear to to more ‘correct’ but could give a false impression of
the performance of the produce in actual situations.
The synthesiser and the software permit both techniques.
Technique 1 is the preferred method (according to the standard), but technique 2 is often used.

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4. Synthesiser Hardware Description
The RF6000 acts as the ‘hub’ of the immunity test system. It generates the signal that is applied
to the EUT, controls the field strength via a feedback signal from the cell, provides interfaces for
the EUT and interfaces to the controlling PC via the serial port.
The features of the front panel are:
1. 50ohm N type for signal out. This signal should be taken via a suitable RF power amplifier
to the cell or antenna. Maximum signal out is typically 0dBm.
2. Signal out level indication. This is provided so that the user can visually observe the
activity of the system. Note that this level does not represent field strength, that is largely
determined by the characteristics of the amplifier/cell or antenna. NOTE: An excursion
into the red zone does NOT indicate an overload, it simply indicates that the output is
approaching full scale.
3. Feedback signal indication. This indicates an approximation of the feedback signal level to
show the activity on this line.
4. Connection to the test cell. This includes an output to control the cell range and the input
signal from the sensor inside the cell.
5. This connects to any Laplace power amplifier (via the LETIS where fitted) and forces
‘standby’ mode when the amplifier is not required.
6. EUT prompt output. This enables the system to ‘prompt’ the EUT each time the test
begins a ‘dwell’ period. This can ensure that the EUT is fully exercised at all test
frequencies during the test. See section 4.1.1
7. System status. Indicates that the system has set frequency and stress level and has entered
‘dwell’ mode.
8. Indicates the operation of the EUT prompt signal.
9. Indicates the status of the power amplifier standby control.
10. Indicates when the system is in standby mode.

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11. USB communications activity.
12. EUT monitoring inputs, channels A through to D.
13. Mains power ON/OFF indicator.
Rear panel
Mains power switch
Mains
input.
USB port.
Connected to
the PC. .
Serial (RS232) port.
ONLY used if the ‘remote sensor’
(-RH) option has been specified.
=================================================================
CAUTION
 Ensure equipment is properly grounded to earth before use.
 Do not cover any ventilation slots.
 Use only ‘volt free’ contacts for the EUT status signal.
=================================================================

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4.1 Interconnections
4.1.1 EUT status connections
EUT monitor
These connections relate to the monitoring of the EUT whilst immunity testing is ongoing.
Immunity tests can take some time, so automatic monitoring is an advantage as it avoids the need
for continuous presence of a person during the test.
4 identical channels are provided, each with BNC input and a range of 0- 10V dc. The input
impedance is 100K. These are sampled by the RF6000 during each dwell period and results can
be plotted on the screen as a test progresses.
Each channel can be configured for pass/fail thresholds using the Configure…. EUT Settings
menu.
EUT Prompt
The prompt output from the Synthesiser is a 4 pole c/o relay. All the contacts are brought out to
a standard 15 way Dee type connector.
Connection details
Common NO NC
10 1 9
11 3 2
12 7 8
13 15 14
The relay operates according to the mode selected in the software (see section 5.4.2)
Off: Not operated
Pulsed: Closes for 1 second at the start of each Dwell period.
On: Closed during each Dwell period.
Notes:
 NO contacts are closed when EUT prompt operates
 NC contacts are opened when EUT prompt operates
 Contact rating is 20v rms or 40v dc, 300mA.
 When pulsed prompt is used, contacts close for approx 1 second.
Operation of this EUT Prompt is set in the main screen.

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4.1.2 System Connections
This diagram shows the cabling connections when using the Synthesiser with a single power
amplifier. All 4 cables shown in this diagram are included with the shipment. The optional
connections to the EUT prompt and EUT status sections are supplied with the appropriate mating
halves. Note that if the system is used with remote sensor, the control connection to cell is
redundant and not supplied.
If using the Synthesiser with both the RF1100 and RF1300 or RF1600 power amplifiers, the
three cables (c), (d) and (f) which connect to each power amplifier must be switched over at
1GHz. This requirement is achieved automatically if a LETIS is used.
a) Connect the mains power cable to each item and switch on.
b) Connect supplied USB lead from USB port on PC to rear panel connector on
Synthesiser.
c) Connect RF output lead from Synthesiser to RF input on RF1100 power amplifier
(P.A.), with the supplied BNC - BNC lead.
d) Connect RF output from RF1100 to cell RF connector (N type) using cable
provided. Note, normally ALWAYS leave this cable connected to cell. When
disconnecting the RF1100 or any other device (eg EMC analyser), always
disconnect at the end remote from the cell. (If not using a cell, connect to a
suitable antenna or other load)
e) Connect the supplied 8 way cable from the cell to the feedback connector on the
RF6000. Not required if not using a cell, but note that an alternative field sensor
must be connected via the serial port on the rear panel..
f) Connect the supplied 4 way cable from the Synthesiser to the RF1100.
g) Note that when using the LaplaCell, the 3 way connector on the RF1100 is not
used.

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4.1.3 LETIS
The LETIS (Laplace EMC Test Integration System) enables all the switching between power
amplifiers to be done automatically. If using this unit, the interconnections are as shown below.
Note that this diagram is for a complete system which includes the SA1002 or SA3000 analyser
for emissions measurement.
Further details are included with the LETIS User Guide.
4.1.4 System interconnection circuits
These are provided so that the Synthesiser can be interfaced with other third party hardware.
When using Laplace ancillaries, this section is redundant.

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PA Status
Cell Control and Feedback
Not used when the ‘remote sensor’ option is specified. The sensor is connected at the rear panel.
The RF6000 requires an analogue signal for field strength feedback. The range of the feedback
signal is 0- 3v. The standard version of the RF6000 assumes a response time of approx 10ms to
match the performance of the probe included with the LaplaCell. If an alternative probe is to be
used, ensure the response time is similar or shorter than the 10ms quoted above. If a probe with
a longer response time is to be used, contact Laplace Instruments Ltd or the distributor for
advice.
This connector provides +5v at 20mA for probe power and a connection for the cell door
interlock.
The 8 way cable supplied with the LaplaCell provides all the required interconnections.

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5. Synthesiser Software
The software programme (RFSynth6) supplied with the Synthesiser is a Windows application
which will run under 64 bit versions of Windows, Win7, Win8 and Win10 This program has
the following functions:
 Control of the Synthesiser
 Programming of the test sequence
 Display of the results of the test
 Recording of results and setups to disk, and subsequent opening of those saved files.
5.1 Installation
To install the program, insert the supplied USB memory stick and run ‘RFSynth6.msi’. This
should create a directory c:\Program Files\RFSynth6 and copy files into this directory.
5.1.1 Installation of the Synthesiser USB Device Drivers under Windows.
Connect the Synthesiser to the USB port on your computer using the supplied cable and switch
on the Synthesiser.
Windows should automatically detect that the USB device has been connected and may prompt
for a device driver. (Some versions of Windows will do this automatically, so the following
procedure would not be required).
Click Next.
Read and accept, then click ‘Next’

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This next screen allows you to select
different locations for the software.
It is recommended that the default be
accepted
Click Next
Click ’Install’. A pop-up may appear
which may request administrator rights.
In this case the Admin password will be
required.
Install is now completed.
Click ‘Finish’.
A desktop icon will appear.
Now the drivers need to be installed……

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The required USB driver is on the USB
memory stick.
Click on the ….
DeVaSys_UsbI2cIo_Drivers_x64.msi
Click ‘Next’.
Read and accept, then click ‘Next’
Click ’Install’. A pop-up may appear
which may request administrator rights.
In this case the Admin password will be
required.

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Click ‘Install’
The installation is now complete.
The hardware needs to be attached so that the driver can complete the setup before the RFSynth6
software will run properly. This only needs to be done once, thereafter the software will run
without the software, but only for file view and printout purposes.
Repeat the sequence for any other USB devices connected (eg LETIS). Windows will
automatically prompt you to load the second USB device driver.
You should load the cell calibration file (cell0nnn.csv) from the supplied USB stick onto your
PC using the main menu item, Configure…… Cell Calibration item.
To start the program, run RFSynth6.exe using the icon on the desktop.