Mini-Circuits SSG-15G-RC User manual

AN-49-003 Rev.: E (September 6, 2019) M175867(R95153) File: AN49003.doc
This document and its contents are the property of Mini-Circuits
User guide
USB/Ethernet Synthesized Signal Generators
SSG-6000RC
25 to 6000 MHz: -65 to +14 dBm
Wideband, fine frequency resolution
SSG-6001RC
1 to 6000 MHz: -70 to +15 dBm
Wideband, fine frequency resolution
SSG-15G-RC
10 to 15000 MHz: -50 to +15 dBm
Ultra Wideband, very fine freq. resolution

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Important Notice
This guide is owned by Mini-Circuits and is protected by copyright, trademark and other
intellectual property laws.
The information in this guide is provided by Mini-Circuits as an accommodation to our
customers and may be used only to promote and accompany the purchase of Mini-
Circuits’Parts. This guide may not be reproduced, modified, distributed, published, stored
in an electronic database, or transmitted and the information contained herein may not be
exploited in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical recording or otherwise,
without prior written permission from Mini-Circuits.
This guide is subject to change, qualifications, variations, adjustments or modifications
without notice and may contain errors, omissions, inaccuracies, mistakes or deficiencies.
Mini-Circuits assumes no responsibility for, and will have no liability on account of, any of
the foregoing. Accordingly, this guide should be used as a guideline only.
Trademarks
Microsoft, Windows, Visual Basic, Visual C# and Visual C++ are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation. LabVIEW and CVI are registered trademarks of National
Instruments Corporation. Delphi is a registered trademark of Delphi Technologies, Inc.
MATLAB is a registered trademark of The MathWorks, Inc. Agilent VEE is a registered
trademark of Agilent Technologies, Inc. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
Mac is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Python is a registered trademark of Python
Software Foundation Corporation.
All other trademarks cited within this guide are the property of their respective owners.
Neither Mini-Circuits nor the Mini-Circuits Synthesized Signal Generators are affiliated
with or endorsed or sponsored by the owners of the above referenced trademarks.
Mini-Circuits and the Mini-Circuits logo are registered trademarks of Scientific
Components Corporation.
Mini-Circuits
13 Neptune Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11235, USA
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.minicircuits.com

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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 –General Information......................................................5-11
1.1 Scope of the User Guide .....................................................................................5
1.2 Warranty..............................................................................................................5
1.3 Definitions............................................................................................................5
1.4 General Safety Precautions.................................................................................5
1.5 Introduction ..........................................................................................................6
1.6 Service and Calibration........................................................................................6
1.7 Contact Information .............................................................................................6
1.8 Model Selection...................................................................................................7
1.8.1 Available Models in SSG series: ............................................................................. 7
1.9 Model Description...........................................................................................7-11
1.9.1 SSG Series Features .............................................................................................. 7
1.9.2 SSG-15G-RC front and rear panels......................................................................... 8
1.9.3 Intended Applications.............................................................................................. 8
1.9.4 SSG-6xxx series front and rear panels................................................................... 9
1.9.5 Conformity............................................................................................................. 10
1.9.6 Supported Software Environments........................................................................ 11
1.9.7 Included Accessories and Options ........................................................................ 11
Chapter 2 –Installation and Setup.................................................12-16
2.1 Software Setup.............................................................................................12-13
2.2 Installation.....................................................................................................14-15
2.3 SSG Series Physical Setup ...............................................................................16
Chapter 3 –Using Mini-Circuits Generator GUI Program............17-49
3.1 Starting the Generator Software in USB control ...........................................17-19
3.2 Starting the Generator Software in Ethernet control..........................................20
3.3 Main Screen..................................................................................................22-24
3.3.1 Top Row (Fig 3.3):................................................................................................. 22
3.3.2 Frequency (Fig 3.3):.............................................................................................. 22

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Table of Contents
3.3.3 Power (Fig 3.3):..................................................................................................... 22
3.3.4 Bottom Row (Fig 3.3): .......................................................................................... 23
3.3.5 Right side of screen (Fig 3.3.5):........................................................................ 23-24
3.4 Frequency Scroll Bar Step Size screen.............................................................24
3.5 Power Scroll Bar Step Size screen....................................................................25
3.6 Sweep & Hop Mode......................................................................................26-30
3.6.1 Common functions: ............................................................................................... 26
3.6.2 Power sweep:........................................................................................................ 27
3.6.3 Frequency sweep:................................................................................................. 28
3.6.4 Hop Mode: ............................................................................................................ 29
3.6.5 Save or open a prepared sweep:........................................................................... 30
3.7 Pulse Mode:..................................................................................................31-36
3.7.1 Free Run Pulse Source :....................................................................................... 32
3.7.2 Triggered Pulse Source :....................................................................................... 33
3.7.3 Square Pulse Source : .......................................................................................... 33
3.7.4 External Modulation Pulse Source :....................................................................... 34
3.7.5 Dynamic pulse mode (SSG-15G-RC only) :........................................................... 35
3.7.6 Pulse width limits :................................................................................................. 36
3.7.7 Pulse rate limit :..................................................................................................... 36
3.8 Multi Generator Control: ...............................................................................37-39
3.8.1 Top of Screen:....................................................................................................... 37
3.8.2 Bottom of screen:............................................................................................. 38-39
3.8.3 Save or Open a prepared sweep:.......................................................................... 39
3.9 Updating Generator Firmware: .....................................................................40-44
3.10 Tracking Calibration status: .............................................................................45
3.11 Power Up state configuration(For SSG-6000RC only):....................................47
3.12 Using Reference and Trigger Signals:........................................................48-49
Chapter 4 –Revision History...............................................................50

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1Chapter 1 –General Information
1.1 Scope of the User Guide
This user guide provides general introduction, installation instructions and operating information for the Mini-
Circuits Synthesized Signal Generator series and its Graphical User Interface (GUI) application
measurement software.
1.2 Warranty
See Mini-Circuits website http://www.minicircuits.com/support/ordering.html for warranty information.
1.3 Definitions
Note: A note advises on important information you may need to ensure proper operation of the equipment. This
information does not indicate risk to either the equipment or the user.
A caution advises about a condition or procedure which can cause damage to the equipment
(no danger to users).
A warning alerts to a possible risk to the user and steps to avoid it. DO NOT proceed until you
are sure you understand the warning.
1.4 General Safety Precautions
Please observe the following safety precautions at all times when using Mini-Circuits SSG
Synthesized Signal Generators.
Ensure that all instruments using mains power supply are properly grounded to prevent risk of
electrical shock.
1. Use the power cord provided with the generator.
2. Ensure the generator air vents are clear
3. Do not provide inputs to the generator exceeding the limits specified in the datasheet
CAUTION
WARNING
WARNING
CAUTION

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1.5 Introduction
Figure 1: SSG-15G-RC
1.6 Service and Calibration
The only user-performed service possible for the SSG models is external cleaning of the case and
connectors as needed. Do not use any detergents or spray cleaning solutions to clean the SSG unit. To
clean the connectors use an alcohol solution and to clean the SSG case a soft, damp cloth.
The recommended calibration cycle for Mini-Circuits SSG series Synthesized Signal Generators is once
every two years or every 4160 operating hours (See section 3.10 on automatic tracking of operation time).
Calibration service is available from Mini-Circuits, for details; see the Ordering, Pricing & Availability
Information link from individual model pages on the website.
1.7 Contact Information
Mini-Circuits inc.
13 Neptune Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Phone: [phone]
General Fax: [phone]
Sales / Customer Service Fax: [phone]
[email protected]om
For regional offices and tech support see http://www.minicircuits.com/contact/offices.html
The Mini-Circuits SSG wideband synthesized signal generator series covers the frequency
range of 1 MHz to 15,000 MHz with up to 85dB dynamic range. All models feature a 50ΩRF
out, 10 MHz reference in and out connections and LVTTL trigger in and out ports, making
them a low cost replacement for conventional RF/Microwave signal generators. The provided
user-friendly software and USB cable connect the generator to a notebook or a PC with a USB
port, providing the additional benefits of frequency and power sweeps, pulse mode output,
GUI, easy interface with most lab test software, and much more. SSG models are powered by
supplied by an included AC/DC adapter.

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1.8 Model Selection
Mini-Circuits’ generators are capable of CW, pulsed RF, and both frequency and power sweeps up,
down or bi-directionally.
The generators are supplied with Graphical User Interface (GUI) software and DLL files to allow
control through third party applications on both 32 and 64 bit operating systems.
Mini-Circuits' control software (included) can manage multiple generators simultaneously including
synchronized frequency or power sweeps.
1.8.1 Available Models in SSG series:
Parameter
SSG-15G-RC
SSG-6000RC
SSG-6001RC
Frequency Range (MHz)
10 –15000
25 –6000
1 –6000
Power Range (dBm)
-50 to +15
-65 to +14
-70 to +15
Frequency Resolution (Hz)
0.1
3
3
Power Res. (dBm)
0.5 (0.1)*
0.25
0.25
Minimum Dwell Time (ms)
20
20
20
Maximum Pulse Rate (kHz)
500
90.909
33.333
DC Power Supply (V)
6
12
12
Ethernet speed
100 Mbps
10 Mbps
10 Mbps
*Power resolution of 0.1 dB is possible, however spec is only guaranteed at 0.5 dB steps.
For detailed data sheets, performance data and graphs, outline drawings and environmental ratings click on the
individual part number or check out our website at https://www.minicircuits.com/WebStore/PortableTestEquipment.html
1.9 Model Description
1.9.1 SSG Series Features
• Synthesized Signal Generator
• Wide Dynamic range
• Wide frequency range
•RF Out port, ports for Ref In, Ref Out, Trigger In and Trigger Out
• USB HID, no driver required (Plug and Play operation)
• HTTP and Telnet control
• Frequency and power sweep and hop modes (up, down, or bi-directional)
• Synchronized multi-generator sweep mode (up, down, or bidirectional)
• Pulse modulation
• Easy installation and operation
• Internal 10 MHz reference signal (external reference also accepted).
• Compatible with 32/64-bit Windows® or Linux® operating systems, as well as LabVIEW®, Delphi®, C++, C#, Visual
Basic®, and more (see programming handbook and application note AN-49-001 for details)
• User-friendly Graphical User Interface for any Windows® 32 or 64 bit computer. Command line support for Linux®
computers.
• AC/DC Power adapter included

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Figure 1.9.2a SSG front panel
Figure 1.9.2b SSG rear panel
1.9.2 SSG-15G-RC front and rear panels
#
Name
Description
1
Front ventilation
holes
Front and rear ventilation holes must be kept clear to allow airflow
2
RF Output
SMA Female connector for RF output
3
Power LED
Static LED indicates model is on
Blinking LED indicates model power or temperature exceeds the specified
limits
4
Power Switch
On/Off Switch
5
Rear ventilation
holes
Front and rear ventilation holes must be kept clear to allow airflow
6
Reference
Output
Output for the generator's internal 10MHz reference (BNC female).
7
Reference Input
External reference input, if no signal is detected the generator will default to
internal reference (see section 3.12 for details)
8
Trigger Input
Trigger input, see model datasheets for voltage levels (SMB Jack)
9
Trigger Out
Trigger output, see model datasheets for voltage levels (SMB Jack)
10
Power supply
Power supply connection, 6V power.
9
USB socket
USB type Mini-B socket for USB control of generator
11
LAN socket
Provides Ethernet control of Generator (see section 3.2 for details)
1.9.3 Intended Applications
Mini-Circuits Synthesized Signal Generators are intended for indoor use in the following applications:
Lab and test equipment setups for both manual and automated measurement.
Production line testing
Field testing
The SSG series models can be used by anyone familiar with the basics of electronics measurements.

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Figure 1.9.4a SSG front panel
1.9.4 SSG-6xxx series front and rear panels
#
Name
Description
1
Model name and
frequency range
Label showing the model name and frequency range
2
RF Output
N-Type Female connector for RF output
3
Power LED
Static LED indicates model is on
Blinking LED indicates model power or temperature exceeds the specified
limits
4
Power Switch
On/Off Switch
5
Reference Input
External reference input, if no signal is detected the generator will default to
internal reference (see section 3.12 for details)
6
Reference
Output
Output for the generator's internal 10MHz reference (BNC female).
7
Trigger Out
Trigger output, see model datasheets for voltage levels (BNC female)
8
Trigger Input
Trigger input, see model datasheets for voltage levels (BNC female)
9
USB socket
USB type B socket for USB control of generator
10
LAN socket
Not available in SSG-4000xx models. Provides Ethernet control of
Generator (see section 3.2 for details)
11
Power supply
Power supply connection, note power supply specifications for each model.
12
Fan Cover
Fan cover and slots on the side of the generator must be kept clear to allow
airflow
Figure 1.9.4b SSG rear panel
5.
6.
9.
10
7. Trigger Out
8. Trigger In
12

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1.9.5 Conformity
Mini-Circuits Synthesized Signal Generators conform to all requirements for the following international
standards:
RoHS –The models comply with EU directive for Restriction of Hazardous Substances for 6
substances.
USB 2.0 –The models meet the specifications of the Universal Serial Bus Ver. 2.0 communication
standard as described by USB-IF.
USB HID –The models meet the requirements for Universal Serial Bus Human Interface Devices
according to USB-IF’s Device Class Definition for Human Interface Devices firmware
rev. 1.11
TCP/IP –Ethernet communication complies with the specifications of the Transmission Control
Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP) as defined in RFC 791 and RFC 793.
HTTP –SSG models support all requirements for communicating with the Hypertext Transfer
Protocol (HTTP) as defined in RFC 1945.
Telnet –SSG models support all requirements for communicating with the Telnet protocol, as
defined in RFC 854.
SSH –The SSG-15G-RC also supports the requirements for SSH protocol, as defined by RFCs
4250-4253, 4419, 5647, 5656 and 6668.
1.9.6 Supported Software Environments
Mini-Circuits SSG series synthesized signal generators have been tested in the following operating
systems:
32 bit systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP Windows 98
64 bit systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Linux
The signal generators will work with almost any software environment that supports ActiveX or .Net
including: C++, C#, CVI®, Delphi®, LabVIEW®8 or newer, MATLAB®7 or newer, Python, Agilent VEE®,
Visual Basic®, AutoIT, Visual Studio®6 or newer, and more
For more information see the Synthesized Signal Generator Programming Manual and application note
AN-49-001 on our website.