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
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
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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.
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All other trademarks cited within this guide are the property of their respective owners. Neither Mini-
Circuits nor the Mini-Circuits RCM Series Modular Test Systems are affiliated with or endorsed or
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Mini-Circuits and the Mini-Circuits logo are registered trademarks of Scientific Components Corporation.
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

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6. UNPACKING
6.1. Unpacking
The equipment ships in a single large cardboard carton measuring 7 x 13 x 13” pictured in the
figure below.
Figure 5: Shipping carton
Within the carton, the RCM unit is protected by pink foam inserts on the top and bottom, left and
right sides, and a pink anti-static bubble bag.
6.2. Package Contents
The box contains 6 items which are listed below in table 2:
Table 2: Package contents
Item Description
Quantity
RCM Series Unit
1
AC/DC-24-3W1 AC/DC 24V power adapter
1
CBL-3W-X AC power cord (7.5 ft.) with local AC mains
plug option
1
USB-CBL-AB-7+ USB cable (6.8 ft.)
1
HT-4-SMA SMA cable connector wrench
1
A: 7”
B: 13”
C: 13”
We’ve included the SMA
connector wrench as a gift
just to make your life easier.
This tool simplifies and
expedites removal and
tightening of cable
connectors in crowded port
configurations.

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7. SOFTWARE
7.1. Software Overview
Mini-Circuits RCM Series test systems are supplied with user-friendly GUI software and a
complete set of DLLs to write your own control software in 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. This section will cover the features of Mini-
Circuits’ GUI program in detail. For detailed instructions on programming, please refer to
section 8.6, which provides a link to Mini-Circuits’ complete programming manual for RCM
Series test systems.
7.2. Installing Mini-Circuits’ GUI Software
1) Save all work and close any other open applications.
2) Download the latest version of the GUI software, unzip to your PC, and run the setup
program.
Figure 3: Installing RCM GUI software
3) The Product Install prompt will appear. Click “Install Now” to begin the software
installation.
Figure 4: Product - Install prompt

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4) The software license agreement will appear. Review the agreement, select “I agree,”
and click “Continue.”
Figure 5: Software license agreement
5) Be sure all your work in other applications has been saved and closed. Click “OK” to
proceed.
Figure 6: Close other applications

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6) The destination directory prompt will appear. This allows you to specify where the GUI
software will be saved on your computer’s hard drive. At this point, it’s a good idea to
take a second and confirm the full destination address for the software. Change the
destination if you prefer, and record the full destination address for your records. Then
click the large button at the left of the window to continue.
Figure 7: Destination directory prompt
7) The program group prompt will then pop up. The Program Group prompt allows you to
select the program group under which the link for the signal generator GUI program in
the Start Menu will be created. If you change the Program Group for this software, be
sure to record that information together with your destination address for your own
reference. Click on “Continue” to proceed.
Figure 8: Program group prompt

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8) An “Installation Complete” message will appear once the software is successfully
installed. Click “OK” to close the installer.
Figure 9: Installation complete
7.3. Connecting to the Hardware
When starting up the GUI software, a window will pop up prompting you to choose how the
computer will connect to your RCM Series unit. You have the option to connect via USB,
Ethernet-TCP/IP, or to run the program in Demo Mode. Each of these options is discussed
below.
Figure 10: Connection menu
Connecting via USB
If connecting to the hardware via USB, click “USB” on the left side of the connection
menu, and the GUI main control will open.

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Connecting via Ethernet
1) Enter the device IP address into the “IP Address” field (shown above) in the connection
menu. If you don’t know the IP address, click on the button, and the following
window will pop up:
Figure 11: IP search window
►The IP search window displays the following information and controls:
IP List:
oThis field displays the IP address of the hardware when properly
connected via Ethernet.
Search Results:
oThis field displays information about the device selected including serial
number and IP parameters. You may use this field to identify the RCM
Series unit if multiple Mini-Circuits devices are connected at once.
Search:
oThis button searches the network for connected devices. You may need
to click it multiple times to refresh results before the IP address of your
hardware appears in the IP List field.
Select:
oOnce you’ve selected the IP address of your RCM Series hardware, click
the “Select” button. The IP search window will close, and the selected IP
address will now appear in the Connection window.
Cancel:
oClicking “Cancel” closes the IP search window.

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2) Once the device IP address appears in the connection menu, enter your password in the
password field (leave this blank if you haven’t set a password). Select which protocol
(HTTP or Telnet) you wish to use to communicate with the device, and click “Start” to
start open the GUI main control.
Figure 12: Control type window –Ethernet Control
7.3.2 (a). Firewall Access:
If your computer firewall is enabled, you may receive an alert message saying that
Windows Firewall has blocked some features of the program. If this occurs, choose the
networks you want to allow the GUI program to communicate with, and click “Allow
Access.”
Figure 13: Firewall Alert Message

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Demo Mode
Selecting Demo Mode allows the user to explore the GUI program features for
demonstration without actually connecting to the equipment. To explore the GUI in
demo mode, select the "RCM Series" radio button and choose one of the demo
configurations from the drop menu. Click “Start Demo” to open the GUI main control.
Figure 14: Connection menu –Demo Mode

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7.4. Using the GUI Controls
The Main Control Window
Figure 15: Example GUI main control window for RCM-100-6
Figure 16: Example GUI main control window for RCM-200 Series

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Common Control Features
Model Name:
oThis field displays the device model name.
Serial Number:
oThis field displays the 11 digit serial number of the device in use.
(fw):
oFirmware update. Clicking this button displays current firmware version and
allows firmware update when available. See section 8.5 for more information.
Back to Connect Screen:
oThis button returns to the Connection Window, so you can switch between USB,
Ethernet, and Demo mode as desired.
Run Direct Mode Program:
oThis button opens the Direct Mode Control window to enter and send specific
commands directly to the RCM hardware. See section 8.4.3 for more information
about these functions.
Show User Defined Labels:
oSelecting this checkbox expands the Main Control window, displaying a form with
6 labels. Using this form, you may name each component in the system based
on its corresponding function in your test setup. The GUI will then display the
assigned name of each component.
Figure 17: User Titles option allows you to assign a name to each component
Ethernet Config:
oOpens the Ethernet Configuration Window to manage IP settings.
The unit must be connected via USB to open Ethernet configuration control. See
section 8.4.4 for more information about these options.
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