Miteq 9400 Series User manual

Technical Notes
25T024 Local/Remote Control,
9400 Series Modulation Upconverter
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MITEQ TECHNICAL NOTE 25T024 MARCH 1996
REV C
LOCAL/REMOTE CONTROL
9400 SERIES MODULATION UPCONVERTER
______________________________________
1.1 LOCAL/REMOTE SELECTION
Local/Remote selection operates in one of two ways, depending on the type of Remote
Interface installed. The front panel “REMOTE” key selects either Local (LED Off) or Remote
mode (LED On). The mode alternates with each key press.
The “REMOTE” front panel key operates differently when the converter is configured for IEEE-
488 remote bus operation. The LED above the key still indicates Remote or Local mode (LED
On = REMOTE, Off = LOCAL), however, the function of the key is changed to “GO TO
LOCAL”. The converter cannot be set to Remote mode from the front panel “REMOTE” key.
The converter will automatically go to Remote mode when it is addressed by the IEEE-488
system controller. Pressing the key will return the converter to Local mode.
Remote mode locks out the front panel and allows control of the converter only from the
remote bus. Converter status can still be monitored locally. Any attempt to alter converter
settings, while in Remote mode, causes the error tone to sound and will be ignored. In Local
mode, the converter is controlled from the front panel. The cursor is present only in the Local
mode.
2.1 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
The front panel of the 9400 Series Modulation Upconverter is divided into the functional groups
shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Front Panel, 9400 Series Modulation Upconverter

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2.2 FREQUENCY
To set the frequency of the converter:
A. Using the ‘FUNCTION SELECT” key, locate the cursor in the frequency field.
B. With the cursor in the frequency field enter the desired frequency (in MHz)
using the numbered keys and the decimal point.
C. Press “ENT”.
2.3 ATTENUATION
To set the attenuation of the converter:
A. Using the "FUNCTION SELECT" key, locate the cursor in the attenuation
field.
B. Enter the desired attenuation (0.2 dB steps) using the numbered keys and
the decimal point.
C. Press "ENT".
D. The up and down arrow keys may also be used to step the attenuation in
0.2 dB steps.
2.4 MODULATION WAVEFORM TYPE
To set the modulation waveform type of the converter:
A. Using the "FUNCTION SELECT" key, locate the cursor in the modulation
field.
B. Use the up and down arrow keys to step through the available modulation
waveform types.
C. Press "ENT".
2.5 MODULATION RATE
To set the modulation rate of the converter:
A. Using the "FUNCTION SELECT" key, locate the cursor in the modulation
rate field.
B. Enter the desired modulation rate (in Hz) using the numbered keys.
C. Press "ENT".

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2.6 OUTPUT DEVIATION
To set the output deviation of the converter:
A. Using the "FUNCTION SELECT" key, locate the cursor in the deviation field.
B. Enter the desired output deviation (in kHz) using the numbered keys and
the decimal point.
C. Press "ENT".
2.7 CHANNEL MEMORY
The converter has thirty-two memory locations numbered 00 to 31. Each location stores a
frequency, an attenuation setting, a modulation waveform type, a modulation rate and an
output deviation.
To store a setup in memory:
A. Enter the desired frequency (in MHz) using the numbered keys and the
decimal point. Press "ENT" only to tune the converter to the displayed
frequency, otherwise, press "FUNCTION SELECT" to move the cursor into
the attenuation field.
B. Enter the desired attenuation (0.2 dB steps) using the numbered keys and
the decimal point. Press "ENT" only to set the converter to displayed
attenuation, otherwise, press "FUNCTION SELECT" to move the cursor into
the modulation waveform type field.
C. Set the modulation waveform type using the arrow keys. Press "ENT" only
to tune the converter to the displayed modulation waveform type, otherwise,
press "FUNCTION SELECT" to move the cursor into the modulation rate
field.
D. Set the modulation rate (in Hz) using the numbered keys. Press "ENT" only
to tune the converter to the displayed modulation rate, otherwise, press
"FUNCTION SELECT" to move the cursor into the output deviation field.
E. Set the output deviation (in kHz) using the numbered keys and the decimal
point. Press "ENT" only to tune the converter to the displayed output
deviation.
F. Press "STR" and enter the memory number using the numbered keys (two
digits). The cursor will be in the setup field during this key sequence.
G. Press "ENT" to set the converter to these values. If "ENT" is not pressed the
display will time-out after approximately five seconds and return to the
current converter settings.

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To recall a setup from memory:
A. Press "RCL".
B. Enter the memory number using the numbered keys (two
digits). The cursor will be in the setup field during this key sequence. The
stored values will appear in their respective fields in the display.
C. Press "ENT" to set the converter to these values. If "ENT" is not pressed the
display will time-out after approximately five seconds and return to the
current converter settings.
2.8 ALARM STATUS
If any alarms exist, at any time, the red alarm LED will light. Alarm status can be examined in
both Local and Remote modes.
To examine converter alarm status:
A. Press "ALARM".
B. The alarm status will be displayed for approximately five seconds, or as long
as the "ALARM" key is held, after which the display will return to the current
converter settings.
2.9 DC VOLTAGES
DC voltages can be examined in both Local and Remote modes.
To examine DC voltages:
A. Enable the shift functions (blue text). The "SHIFT" key enables (LED On)
and disables (LED Off) the shift functions. The mode toggles with each
"SHIFT" key press.
B. Press "VOLTAGE MONITOR" (normally "STR"). The power supply voltages
will be displayed until another key is pressed.
C. Press "VOLTAGE MONITOR" (normally "STR") again to examine the phase
voltages.
D. Press any other key to resume normal display. The shift functions will
become disabled.

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2.10 LOCAL MUTE FUNCTION
To mute the converter (if applicable):
A. Press "STR" and enter the digits "99" using the numbered keys. The word
"MUTED" will appear in place of the attenuation setting.
To unmute the converter (if applicable):
A. Press "RCL" and enter the digits "99" using the numbered keys. The
attenuation setting will reappear in place of "MUTED" in the attenuation
field provided no alarms exist.
2.11 CONTRAST ADJUST
To adjust the contrast for viewing angle:
A. Press "STR" followed by "FUNCTION SELECT".
B. Press and hold either arrow key. Pressing the up arrow darkens the display;
the down arrow lightens the display.
C. Press any other key to return the display to normal operation. The display
will time-out and resume normal operation after approximately five seconds
if no key is pressed.
2.12 SUMMARY ALARM
Asummary alarm condition exists when one or more of the component faults (Para. 3.2.2.4)
indicate a failure. For upconverters, the mute function will be activated and the word "MUTED"
will appear in place of the attenuation setting. The summary alarm, when activated, overrides
an UNMUTE command and will automatically be cleared when all components return to the
normal condition.
2.13 REMOTE COMMUNICATION FORMAT
The remote communication format can be examined in both Local and Remote modes.
To examine the remote communication format:
A. Enable the shift functions (blue text). The "SHIFT" key enables (LED On)
and disables (LED Off) the shift functions. The mode toggles with each
"SHIFT" key press.
B. Press "FORMAT" (normally "RCL"). The remote communications format will
be displayed.
C. The remote communication format will be displayed for approximately five
seconds, or long as the "FORMAT" key is held, after which the display will
time-out and resume normal operation.

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To change the remote communication format:
A. Hold down the "FORMAT" key during power-up of the converter.
B. Use the arrow keys to vary each parameter and the "ENT" to set each
parameter.
C. To resume normal operation cycle the converter power off and on.
3.1 REMOTE OPERATION
3.1.1 DEVICE ADDRESS/BAUD RATE/PARITY SELECTION
To change the remote communication format:
A. Hold down the "FORMAT" key during power-up of the converter.
B. Use the arrow keys to vary each parameter and the "ENT" to set each
parameter.
C. To resume normal operation, cycle the converter power off and on.
3.1.1.1 ADDRESS SELECTION
Use the arrow keys to scan through the valid addresses and the "ENT" key to select the
desired address.
3.1.1.2 BAUD RATE SELECTION (NOT APPLICABLE FOR IEEE-488)
Use the arrow keys to scan through the available baud rates, and the "ENT" key to select the
desired baud rate. The baud rates available are:
Baud Rates:
300
600
1200
2400
4800
9600
19200
3.1.1.3 Parity Selection (Not Applicable For IEEE-488)
Use the arrow keys to toggle between odd and even parity.

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3.2 RS422/485/232 PROTOCOL
All transmissions are multi-byte sequences beginning with a header byte, and ending with a
trailer byte and checksum byte. The transmitted bytes are all ASCII printable characters in the
range of 20H to 7AH.
Data transmission format is a 10 bit sequence consisting of 1 Start, 7 Data, 1 Parity and 1 Stop
bit. To set odd or even parity see Paragraph 3.4. All characters, including the checksum
character, are checked for parity. If any character in the message has a parity, framing or
overrun error, the entire message is ignored and no response is made by the converter.
All messages addressed to the converter are normally acknowledged with a response
message. Before sending the response message a converter configured for RS422 will check
for no activity on the communication bus for a period of at least one character time. If the bus
is active, the response message will be cancelled. This allows a controller to rapidly update a
number of devices on the communication bus without having to wait for a response. When
using this method (available only for RS422) the following restrictions apply:
- Minimum command update period is 100 msecs.
- Multiple commands may not be sent without waiting for a response from each
command.
The converter continually monitors the communications bus and will accept all commands
addressed to it even when in Local mode. When in Local mode, receipt of any commands
other than Status All or Status Faults will be ignored and the converter will respond with an
error code.
3.2.1 DATA TRANSFER
The general message format is as follows:
HEADER - DEVICE ADDRESS - COMMAND/ERROR CODE -
PARAMETERS (if required) - TRAILER - CHECKSUM
The response time from Command to acknowledge is 100 ms. maximum.
Since all bytes are ASCII printable characters, a compatible terminal may be used to control
the converter or monitor traffic on the communication bus.
3.2.1.1 HEADER BYTE
The Header byte is 7BH, ASCII character "{".
3.2.1.2 DEVICE ADDRESS BYTE
There are thirty-two possible addresses. The valid device address range is from 40H to 5FH.

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3.2.1.3 COMMAND/ERROR CODES
COMMAND CODES
ASCII
Code Character Function
46H F Frequency Set
54H T Attenuation Set
45H E Memory Store
53H S Memory Store and Set
4CH L Memory Recall
52H R Memory Recall and Set
4DH M Mute
55H U Unmute
41H A Status All
3FH ? Status Faults
43H C Combination Command
56H V Deviation Set
57H W Mod. Type Set
58H X Mod. Rate Set
ERROR CODES
ASCII
Code Character Function
61H a Command not recognized
62H b Illegal parameter or parameter out of range
63H c Unit in Local mode
64H d Busy

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3.2.1.4 PARAMETER BYTES
Parameters are numeric characters which are sent MSD first, LSD last. Non-numeric
parameters such as ",", "." or values beyond the range of the converter will be rejected and
cause the converter to respond with error code "b".
3.2.1.5 TRAILER BYTE
The Trailer byte is 7DH, ASCII character "}".
3.2.1.6 Checksum Byte
The Checksum byte is the sum modulo 95 of all message characters beginning with the
header byte up to and including the trailer byte.
The value 32 is subtracted from each character value before taking the modulo 95 sum. The
value 32 is added to the final sum to obtain the Checksum value. All
values are in decimal.
Checksum = Mod [(character value - 32), 95] + 32
3.2.2 COMMAND CODES
The following paragraphs describe each of the command codes.
3.2.2.1 FREQUENCY CODE = F
The Frequency command requires a seven or eight digit parameter which sets the frequency
of the converter in kHz. Assuming no error conditions, the converter is set to the frequency
and unmuted.
Remote Command Sequence (8 Digit): F14000500
(7 Digit): F3705000
Converter Response: F
3.2.2.2 MUTE CODE = M (IF APPLICABLE)
The Mute command requires no parameters. The output of the converter is muted until a
Frequency or Unmute command is received.
Remote Command Sequence: M
Converter Response: M

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3.2.2.3 STATUS ALL CODE = A
The Status All command requires no parameters. The converter responds in both Local and
Remote mode with the converter frequency, attenuation, remote/local status, IF selection,
mute status, modulation type, modulation rate, output deviation and component fault status.
Remote Command: A
Converter Response: AFfffffff(f)TtttLlIiMmWwXxxxxxVvvvvv?abcdefg
A: Status All indicator
F: Frequency indicator
fffffff(f): Seven or eight digit ASCII numeric character indicating frequency.
MSD transmitted first, LSD last.
T: Attenuation indicator
ttt: Attenuation in 0.2 dB steps (decimal point omitted)
L: Local/Remote indicator
l: "0" or "1" ASCII numeric character
0 = Local
1 = Remote
I: IF indicator
i: Always 0
M: Mute indicator
m: "0" or "1" ASCII numeric character
0 = Mute off
1 = Mute on
W: Modulation Waveform Type Indicator
w: "0", "1" or "2" ASCII numeric character
0 = Off
1 = Sine wave
2 = Triangular wave
X: Modulation Frequency Rate
xxxxx: Five digit ASCII numeric characters indicating frequency in Hz. MSD
transmitted first, LSD last.
V: Output Deviation
vvvvv: Deviation vvvv.v in kHz (decimal point omitted).

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?: Component Fault Status indicator
0 = No fault
1 = Fault
a through g indicate the status of the seven component fault lines.
3.2.2.4 STATUS FAULTS CODE = ?
The Status Faults command requires no parameters. The converter responds in both Local
and Remote mode with the component fault status.
Remote Command: ?
Converter Response: ?abcdefg
?: Component Fault Status indicator
a-g: "0" or "1" ASCII numeric character
0 = No fault
1 = Fault
a through g indicate the status of the seven component fault lines.
a Synthesizer Alarm
b LOA Alarm
c LOB Alarm
d Power Supply Alarm
e IF-LO Level Detect
f RF-LO Level Detect
g Modulator Alarm
3.2.2.5 ATTENUATION CODE = T
The Attenuation command requires a three digit parameter which sets the attenuation of the
converter in 0.2 dB steps. The converter attenuation is immediately set without affecting mute
status.
Remote Command Sequence: Tttt
Converter Response: T
T: Attenuation indicator
ttt: Attenuation in 0.2 dB steps (decimal point omitted)
3.2.2.6 UNMUTE CODE = U
The Unmute command requires no parameters. It will activate the converter's output unless a
fault condition exists.
Remote Command Sequence: U
Converter Response: U

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3.2.2.7 STORE CODE = E
The Store command stores the specified frequency, attenuation, IF selection, modulation
waveform type, modulation rate and output deviation stored in the selected memory location.
The actual setting of the converter is not changed.
Remote Command Sequence: EnnFfffffff(f)TtttIiWwXxxxxxVvvvvv
Converter Response: E
E: Store indicator
nn: Two digit ASCII numeric character indicating a memory location. MSD
transmitted first, LSD last.
F: Frequency indicator
fffffff(f): Seven or eight digit frequency
T: Attenuation indicator
ttt: Three digit attenuation
I: IF indicator
i: Always 0
W: Modulation Waveform Type Indicator
w: "0", "1" or "2" ASCII numeric character
0 = Off
1 = Sine wave
2 = Triangular wave
X: Modulation Frequency Rate
xxxxx: Five digit ASCII numeric characters indicating frequency in Hz. MSD
transmitted first, LSD last.
V: Output Deviation
vvvvv: Deviation vvvv.v in kHz (decimal point omitted).

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3.2.2.8 STORE AND SET CODE = S
The Store and Set command performs the same function as the Store command, and also
sets the converter to the specified frequency, attenuation, IF selection, modulation waveform
type, modulation rate and output deviation. The converter mute status is not affected.
Remote Command Sequence: SnnFfffffff(f)TtttIiWwXxxxxxVvvvvv
Converter Response: S
S: Store and Set indicator
nn: Memory location (see E command)
F: Frequency indicator
fffffff(f): Seven or eight digit frequency
T: Attenuation indicator
ttt: Three digit attenuation
I: IF indicator
i: Always 0
W: Modulation Waveform Type Indicator
w: "0", "1" or "2" ASCII numeric character
0 = Off
1 = Sine wave
2 = Triangular wave
X: Modulation Frequency Rate
xxxxx: Five digit ASCII numeric characters indicating frequency in Hz. MSD
transmitted first, LSD last.
V: Output Deviation
vvvvv: Deviation vvvv.v in kHz (decimal point omitted).

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3.2.2.9 RECALL CODE = L
The Recall command returns the frequency, attenuation, IF selection, modulation waveform
type, modulation rate and output deviation stored in the selected memory location. The actual
setting of the converter is not changed.
Remote Command Sequence: Lnn
Converter Response: LnnFfffffff(f)TtttIiWwXxxxxxVvvvvv
L: Recall indicator
nn: Two digit ASCII numeric character indicating a memory location. MSD
transmitted first, LSD last.
F: Frequency indicator
fffffff(f): Seven or eight digit frequency
T: Attenuation indicator
ttt: Three digit attenuation
I: IF indicator
i: Always 0
W: Modulation Waveform Type Indicator
w: "0", "1" or "2" ASCII numeric character
0 = Off
1 = Sine wave
2 = Triangular wave
X: Modulation Frequency Rate
xxxxx: Five digit ASCII numeric characters indicating frequency in Hz. MSD
transmitted first, LSD last.
V: Output Deviation
vvvvv: Deviation vvvv.v in kHz (decimal point omitted).

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3.2.2.10 RECALL AND SET CODE = R
The Recall and Set command performs the same function as the Recall command and also
sets the converter to the specified frequency, attenuation, IF selection, modulation waveform
type, modulation rate and output deviation. The converter mute status is not affected.
Remote Command Sequence: Rnn
Converter Response: RnnFfffffff(f)TtttIiWwXxxxxxVvvvvv
R: Recall indicator
nn: Two digit memory location (see E command)
F: Frequency indicator
fffffff(f): Seven or eight digit frequency
T: Attenuation indicator
ttt: Three digit attenuation
I: IF indicator
i: Always 0
W: Modulation Waveform Type Indicator
w: "0", "1" or "2" ASCII numeric character
0 = Off
1 = Sine wave
2 = Triangular wave
X: Modulation Frequency Rate
xxxxx: Five digit ASCII numeric characters indicating frequency in Hz. MSD
transmitted first, LSD last.
V: Output Deviation
vvvvv: Deviation vvvv.v in kHz (decimal point omitted).

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3.2.2.11 COMBINATION SET CODE = C
The Combination Set command sets the frequency, attenuation, modulation waveform type,
modulation rate and output deviation with one command. The converter mute status is not
affected.
Remote Command Sequence: CFfffffff(f)TtttWwXxxxxxVvvvvv
Converter Response: C
C: Combination Command indicator
F: Frequency indicator
fffffff(f): Seven or eight digit frequency
T: Attenuation indicator
ttt: Three digit attenuation
W: Modulation Waveform Type Indicator
w: "0", "1" or "2" ASCII numeric character
0 = Off
1 = Sine wave
2 = Triangular wave
X: Modulation Frequency Rate
xxxxx: Five digit ASCII numeric characters indicating frequency in Hz. MSD
transmitted first, LSD last.
V: Output Deviation
vvvvv: Deviation vvvv.v in kHz (decimal point omitted).
3.2.2.12 OUTPUT DEVIATION SET CODE = V
The Output Deviation Set command requires a five digit parameter which sets the output
deviation of the converter in kHz. The converter is immediately set to the requested output
deviation.
Remote Command Sequence: V27500 (2750.0 kHz)
V00500 (50.0 kHz)
Converter Response: V

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3.2.2.13 MODULATION WAVEFORM TYPE CODE = W
The Modulation Waveform Type command requires a single parameter which sets the
modulation waveform type of the converter. The converter is immediately set to the requested
waveform type.
Remote Command Sequence: Ww
Converter Response: W
W: Modulation Waveform Type Indicator
w: "0", "1" or "2" ASCII numeric character
0 = Off
1 = Sine wave
2 = Triangular wave
3.2.2.14 MODULATION FREQUENCY RATE CODE = X
The Modulation Frequency Rate command requires a five digit parameter which sets the
modulation frequency rate of the converter in Hz. The converter is immediately set to the
requested modulation frequency rate.
Remote Command Sequence: Xxxxxx
Converter Response: X
X: Modulation Frequency Rate
xxxxx: Five digit ASCII numeric characters indicating frequency in Hz. MSD
transmitted first, LSD last.
3.2.3 PROGRAMMING EXAMPLES
The converter address is 41H (ASCII Code A). The following are typical commands and
responses showing the ASCII printable characters.
A. Set the frequency to 12500.500 MHz
Controller Command Converter Response
{AF12500500}0 {AF}a
or possible error code
{Ac}~
B. Status Faults Command - response indicates the synthesizer alarm is in a fault
condition.
Controller Command Converter Response
{A?}Z {A?1000000}

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3.2.4 RS422A/485 BUS TERMINATION
A jumper selectable, 120 ohm termination resistor is connected across the DATA IN +/- and
DATA OUT +/- terminals. Installing E1 places the resistor across the DATA OUT terminals and
installing E2 places the resistor across the DATA IN terminals. They are positioned vertically
on the left edge of the board, directly behind the LCD display.
3.3 CONTACT CLOSURE CONTROL
Inputs to the rear panel interface connector (J6) are continuously scanned for momentary
closures. When a closure is detected the converter will tune to one of 16 pre-tuned frequency,
attenuation, modulation waveform type, modulation rate and output deviation settings stored in
memory locations 01 through 16. This operation requires the converter to be in Remote
operation mode.
Momentarily connecting F"nn" to COM will cause the converter to tune to the frequency,
attenuation, modulation waveform type, modulation rate and output deviation values stored in
memory location "nn".
Two form-c status contacts are also provided. The first indicates whether the converter is in
Local or Remote mode. The second acknowledges that a valid contact closure is present
while the converter is in Remote mode, or indicates that the remote interface is idle (either in
Local mode or no valid remote closure is being asserted.)
3.3.1 BCD CONTACT CLOSURE CONTROL
This interface allows the user to remotely set the converter to one of 31 stored settings. These
settings are user defined and stored in memory locations 01 through 31 while the unit is in the
Local mode. While in Remote mode, inputs to the rear panel interface connector (J6) are
continuously scanned for momentary closures. When a valid closure combination is detected
the converter will tune to one of 31 pre-tuned frequency, attenuation, modulation waveform
type, modulation rate and output deviation settings. The cable supervision line must be active
(connected to ground) in order for a closure to be recognized. Command and status logic is
active low.
The command and status bits are represented in Binary Coded Decimal format. Momentarily
connecting the appropriate weighted bits for a stored setting to COM (GND) will cause the
converter to assert the settings stored in that memory location. The status bits will indicate the
recognition of a valid command by asserting the appropriate weighted bits.
3.4 IEEE-488 CONTROL
The 9400 Series Converter performs the basic Talker and Listener functions as specified in
IEEE Standard 488. It is also capable of sending a Service Request to the IEEE-488
Controller and will respond with a status word when the Serial Poll Enable message is
received.

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3.4.1 DEVICE ADDRESS/SERVICE REQUEST ENABLE
To change the device address, hold down the "FORMAT" key during power-up of the
converter. Use the arrow keys to scroll through available addresses and the "ENT" to set the
address. Use the arrow keys to toggle Enable/Disable of the Service Request feature. To
resume normal operation cycle the converter power.
The Service Request feature is available only in converters equipped with the Status Alarm
Readout option.
3.4.2 DATA INPUT MESSAGES
The messages to and from the converter are ASCII character strings terminated with CR, LF
and EOI.
3.4.2.1 FREQUENCY SET
The Frequency Set message sets the converter to the specified frequency in kHz and also
unmutes the converter.
Ffffffff(f)
F: Frequency indicator
fffffff(f): Seven or eight digit converter frequency in kHz
3.4.2.2 MUTE
The Mute message mutes the RF output of the converter.
M
3.4.2.3 ATTENUATION SET
The Attenuation Set message sets the converter attenuation in 0.2 dB steps. The converter
mute status is not affected.
Tttt
T: Attenuation indicator
ttt: Attenuation in 0.2 dB steps