Mini-Circuits RCM-100-6 User manual

Test Solutions - User Guide
RCM-100 & RCM-200 Series
Compact Modular Test Systems
RCM-100 Series Programmable Attenuator Modules
RCM-200 Series Multi-Function Switching Systems

Important Notice
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should be used as a guideline only.
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Mini-Circuits
13 Neptune Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.minicircuits.com
Version OR (5/20/15)
© Mini-Circuits, 2015. All rights reserved.

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Contents
1. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................... 4
2. WARNINGS............................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1. Safety Precautions........................................................................................................................... 5
2.2. Additional Precautions..................................................................................................................... 5
3. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION....................................................................................................................... 6
3.1. RCM-100 Series .............................................................................................................................. 6
3.2. RCM-200 Series .............................................................................................................................. 7
3.3. RCM-200 Series (SP8T Switches) .................................................................................................. 8
4. FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION.................................................................................................................. 9
5. PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................... 10
5.1. DC Power Specifications ............................................................................................................... 10
5.2. RF Specifications........................................................................................................................... 10
6. UNPACKING ........................................................................................................................................... 11
6.1. Unpacking...................................................................................................................................... 11
6.2. Package Contents ......................................................................................................................... 11
7. SOFTWARE ............................................................................................................................................ 12
7.1. Software Overview......................................................................................................................... 12
7.2. Installing Mini-Circuits’ GUI Software ............................................................................................ 12
7.3. Connecting to the Hardware .......................................................................................................... 15
Connecting via USB ........................................................................................................... 15
Connecting via Ethernet ..................................................................................................... 16
Demo Mode ........................................................................................................................ 18
7.4. Using the GUI Controls.................................................................................................................. 19
The Main Control Window .................................................................................................. 19
Common Control Features ................................................................................................. 20
Attenuator Control Features ............................................................................................... 21
Attenuator Sequencing ....................................................................................................... 22
Switch Control Features ..................................................................................................... 25
Direct Mode ........................................................................................................................ 26
Ethernet Configuration: ...................................................................................................... 28
7.5. Updating Firmware ........................................................................................................................ 29
7.6. Programming Support ................................................................................................................... 32
8. RETURN MATERIAL AUTHORIZATION (RMA) PROCEDURE ............................................................ 33

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1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing Mini-Circuits RCM Series modular test systems to meet your needs!
The purpose of the RCM Series User’s Manual is to instruct you on basic installation and setup
of your equipment, to advise you on general precautions to be taken when installing and
handling your RCM unit, and to provide instruction on installing and using the control software
for this unit on your PC. This manual applies to:
RCM-100 Series - Multi-Channel Programmable Attenuators
RCM-200 Series - Multi-Function Switching Systems
We’re here to support you every step of the way. For technical support and assistance, please
find the following points of contact for your convenience:
Chi Man Shum
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Lee Whiting
[phone]
Email: [email protected]nicircuits.com

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2. WARNINGS
2.1. Safety Precautions
Electric Shock: To prevent risk of electrocution, only the supplied Mini-Circuits AC/DC
power adapter and mains cable should be used. Ensure that the cable and connections are in
good condition and only use with a grounded AC main supply.
2.2. Additional Precautions
Opening & Tampering: This equipment is designed to be serviced only by professional
electrical technicians. Case openings by any person other than qualified personnel authorized by
Mini-Circuits or the customer will void any and all terms of the Limited Warranty.
1

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3. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
3.1. RCM-100 Series
Mini-Circuits’ RCM-100 Series multi-channel attenuator systems are housed in a compact
aluminum case measuring 8.25” wide x 4.25” high x 8.25” deep (210 x 108 x 210 mm). The front
panel is fabricated with three windows, each measuring 2.43” wide x 3.35” high (62 x 85mm),
which can be specified with the required RF programmable attenuator components. 3
corresponding windows on the rear panel house the second connector for each programmable
attenuator channel. All RF connections are SMA female.
The rear panel of the unit includes inputs for a standard 24V DC power supply (AC mains
adapter included), USB and Ethernet connections for software control and a hardware power
switch. The identification sticker at the left edge contains the model name, serial number, and
control board number.
The modular chassis structure allows a variety of custom attenuator configurations to be built
and shipped to customers within 2 weeks or less. Each hardware window may be configured
with the user's choice of 1 or 2 programmable attenuators from the following models:
•0 to 30 dB range, 0.25 dB step size, 1 to 6000 MHz
•0 to 60 dB range, 0.25 dB step size, 1 to 6000 MHz
•0 to 90 dB range, 0.25 dB step size, 1 to 6000 MHz
•0 to 110 dB range, 0.25 dB step size, 1 to 6000 MHz
•0 to 120 dB range, 0.25 dB step size, 1 to 4000 MHz
•Additional models up to 8 GHz are also available on request
Figure 1: Front & rear panel of RCM-100-6 multi-channel programmable attenuator

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3.2. RCM-200 Series
Mini-Circuits’ RCM-200 Series multi-function switch systems are housed in the same compact
aluminum case measuring 8.25” wide x 4.25” high x 8.25” deep (210 x 108 x 210 mm). The front
panel is fabricated with three windows, each measuring 2.43” wide x 3.35” high (62 x 85mm),
which can be specified with the required RF switch components.
The rear panel of the unit includes inputs for a standard 24V DC power supply (AC mains
adapter included), USB and Ethernet connections for software control and a hardware power
switch. The identification sticker at the left edge contains the model name, serial number, and
control board number.
The modular chassis structure allows a variety of custom switch configurations to be built and
shipped to customers within 2 weeks or less. Each hardware window may be configured with
the user's choice of switch components, from:
1 or 2 mechanical SPDT switches (DC-18 GHz)
1 or 2 mechanical transfer switches (DC-18 GHz)
1 SP4T switch (DC-18 GHz)
1 SP6T switch (DC-12 GHz)
Figure 2: Front panel of RCM-200 Series multi-function switch system, configured with 1 x SP6T,
2 x SPDT, 2 x transfer switches

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3.3. RCM-200 Series (SP8T Switches)
The RCM-200 Series is also available in a configuration with either 1 or 2 SP8T switches
populated on the front panel. Since these switch components are larger than the standard RCM
Series windows, the SP8T switch models cannot be combined with other models.
The rear panel of the unit includes inputs for a standard 24V DC power supply (AC mains
adapter included), USB and Ethernet connections for software control and a hardware power
switch. The identification sticker at the left edge contains the model name, serial number, and
control board number.
Figure 3: Front panel of RCM-2SP8T-12 with 2 x SP8T switches

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4. FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
Mini-Circuits’ RCM Series compact modular test systems are designed to simplify and
accelerate the development of custom test solutions.
The equipment may be controlled via USB or Ethernet (HTTP and Telnet Protocols), allowing
setup flexibility and easy remote test management. All units come supplied with Mini-Circuits’
user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) software and DLLs for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows®
operating systems. Full programming support is provided for a wide range of programming
environments on both Windows and Linux®operating systems, supporting control through your
native test software.
Figure 2: RCM Series modular test system block diagram

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5. PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS
5.1. DC Power Specifications
Supply Voltage: 24V DC
Operating Current will vary based on the number and type of components in your system.
5.2. RF Specifications
For RF specifications of your RCM Series unit, please refer to the model data sheets for the
individual components within your system configuration.
Table 1: RF specifications for component hardware
Component
Link to Datasheet
Programmable Attenuator (0 –30 dB)
https://www.minicircuits.com/pdfs/RUDAT-6000-30.pdf
Programmable Attenuator (0 –60 dB)
https://www.minicircuits.com/pdfs/RUDAT-6000-60.pdf
Programmable Attenuator (0 –90 dB)
https://www.minicircuits.com/pdfs/RUDAT-6000-90.pdf
Programmable Attenuator (0 –110 dB)
https://www.minicircuits.com/pdfs/RUDAT-6000-110.pdf
Programmable Attenuator (0 –120 dB)
https://www.minicircuits.com/pdfs/RUDAT-4000-120.pdf
Mechanical SPDT Switch (DC-18 GHz)
https://www.minicircuits.com/pdfs/MSP2TA-18XL+.pdf
Mechanical SP4T Switch (DC-18 GHz)
https://www.minicircuits.com/pdfs/MSP4TA-18+.pdf
Mechanical SP6T Switch (DC-12 GHz)
https://www.minicircuits.com/pdfs/MSP6TA-12+.pdf
Mechanical SP8T Switch (DC-12 GHz)
https://www.minicircuits.com/pdfs/MSP8TA-12-12D+.pdf
Mechanical Transfer Switch (DC-18 GHz)
https://www.minicircuits.com/pdfs/MTS-18XL-B+.pdf