Omicron Lab Bode 100 User manual

Bode 100
User Manual

Version: ENU1006 05 08 — Year: 2021
© OMICRON Lab, OMICRON electronics. All rights reserved.
This manual is a publication of OMICRON electronics.
All rights including translation reserved. Reproduction of any kind, e.g., photocopying, microfilming,
optical character recognition and/or storage in electronic data processing systems, requires the explicit
consent of OMICRON electronics. Reprinting, wholly or in part, is not permitted.
The product information, specifications, and technical data embodied in this manual represent the
technical status at the time of writing and are subject to change without prior notice.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. OMICRON Lab and Smart Measurement
Solutions are registered trademarks of OMICRON electronics.
2OMICRON Lab

Contents
1 About this User Manual .................................................................................................. 6
2 Safety instructions ........................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Operator qualifications ....................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Rules for use ...................................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Designated use .................................................................................................................. 8
2.4 Cleaning ............................................................................................................................. 8
3 Compliance statements and recycling .......................................................................... 9
3.1 Compliance statement ........................................................................................................ 9
3.2 Information for disposal and recycling ................................................................................ 9
4 Bode 100 and accessories ............................................................................................. 10
4.1 Delivered items ................................................................................................................... 10
4.2 Optional accessories .......................................................................................................... 11
5 Technical data ................................................................................................................... 12
5.1 Absolute maximum ratings ................................................................................................. 12
5.2 Bode 100 specifications ..................................................................................................... 13
5.3 System requirements ......................................................................................................... 14
5.4 Environmental requirements .............................................................................................. 14
5.5 Mechanical data ................................................................................................................. 14
6 Device overview ............................................................................................................... 15
6.1 Connectors ......................................................................................................................... 15
6.2 Block diagram ..................................................................................................................... 17
6.3 Functional description ........................................................................................................ 18
6.4 Hardware revisions ............................................................................................................. 18
7 Bode Analyzer Suite introduction ................................................................................... 19
7.1 Start screen ........................................................................................................................ 19
7.2 Main window ....................................................................................................................... 20
7.2.1 Measurement configuration ............................................................................................................... 22
7.2.2 Trace configuration ............................................................................................................................ 24
7.2.3 Ribbon controls .................................................................................................................................. 26
7.2.4 Status bar ........................................................................................................................................... 29
7.3 Chart context menu ............................................................................................................ 30
7.4 Options menu ..................................................................................................................... 31
8 Measurement types and applications ............................................................................ 36
8.1 Gain measurement introduction ......................................................................................... 37
8.2 Impedance measurement introduction ............................................................................... 39
8.3 Vector Network Analysis .................................................................................................... 44
8.3.1 Transmission / Reflection .................................................................................................................. 44
8.3.2 Gain / Phase ...................................................................................................................................... 50
Contents
OMICRON Lab 3

8.3.3 Reflection with external coupler ......................................................................................................... 51
8.4 Impedance analysis ........................................................................................................... 52
8.4.1 One-Port ............................................................................................................................................ 52
8.4.2 Impedance Adapter ............................................................................................................................ 61
8.4.3 Shunt-Thru ......................................................................................................................................... 66
8.4.4 Shunt-Thru with series resistance ..................................................................................................... 68
8.4.5 Series-Thru ........................................................................................................................................ 69
8.4.6 Voltage/Current .................................................................................................................................. 70
8.4.7 External Bridge .................................................................................................................................. 71
8.5 Advanced .......................................................................................................................... 72
8.5.1 SCPI server ........................................................................................................................................ 72
9 Measurement and Device settings ................................................................................. 74
9.1 Hardware setup .................................................................................................................. 74
9.2 Receiver Bandwidth ........................................................................................................... 76
9.3 Choosing the receiver attenuator ....................................................................................... 78
9.4 Signal source settings ........................................................................................................ 80
9.5 Using external probes ........................................................................................................ 83
10 Calibration / Correction ................................................................................................... 85
10.1 Internal device calibration ................................................................................................... 85
10.2 Performing a Gain Calibration ............................................................................................ 86
10.2.1 Calibrating a Transmission (S21) measurement ................................................................................ 88
10.2.2 Calibrating a Gain/Phase measurement ............................................................................................ 89
10.3 Performing an Impedance Calibration ............................................................................... 91
10.3.1 Calibrating a Reflection or One-Port Impedance measurement ........................................................ 94
10.3.2 Calibrating an External Coupler or External Bridge measurement .................................................... 96
10.3.3 Calibrating an Impedance Adapter measurement ............................................................................. 98
10.3.4 Calibrating a Shunt-Thru or Series-Thru measurement ..................................................................... 100
10.3.5 Calibrating a Voltage/Current measurement ...................................................................................... 102
10.4 Further calibration information ...........................................................................................103
10.4.1 Difference between Full-Range and User-Range calibration .............................................................103
10.4.2 Enabling and disabling a calibration .................................................................................................. 105
10.4.3 Re-performing a calibration ................................................................................................................106
10.4.4 Full-Range calibration below 10 Hz ................................................................................................... 106
10.4.5 Automatic deletion of calibration ........................................................................................................ 107
10.4.6 Saving calibration data .......................................................................................................................107
10.4.7 Exporting calibration data .................................................................................................................. 108
11 Bode Analyzer Suite software features ..........................................................................109
11.1 Exporting and saving measurement data or settings ......................................................... 109
11.1.1 Loading and saving the equipment configuration ............................................................................. 109
11.1.2 Use the clipboard functions to export data .........................................................................................109
11.1.3 Use the clipboard to import data ........................................................................................................ 111
11.1.4 Exporting measurement data to CSV or Excel files ........................................................................... 113
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11.1.5 Generating a Touchstone file ............................................................................................................. 115
11.1.6 Generate a PDF report ...................................................................................................................... 116
11.2 Using the interactive chart .................................................................................................. 117
11.2.1 Configure the diagrams ...................................................................................................................... 117
11.2.2 Zooming the measurement curve ..................................................................................................... 119
11.2.3 Optimize the axis scaling / autoscale ................................................................................................ 122
11.3 Working with cursors and the cursor table ......................................................................... 125
11.3.1 The cursor table ................................................................................................................................. 125
11.3.2 Using cursors in the chart .................................................................................................................. 126
11.3.3 Link cursors ........................................................................................................................................128
11.4 Using the memory traces ................................................................................................... 130
11.5 Working with measurement and math traces ..................................................................... 134
11.5.1 Measurement traces .......................................................................................................................... 135
11.5.2 Math traces ........................................................................................................................................ 136
11.5.3 Expression traces .............................................................................................................................. 137
11.6 Port extension .................................................................................................................... 141
11.7 Cursor calculations .............................................................................................................143
11.7.1 Non-Invasive Stability Measurement ................................................................................................. 143
11.7.2 Fres-Q Calculation ............................................................................................................................. 145
11.7.3 Stability margin calculation ................................................................................................................ 147
11.8 Averaging ........................................................................................................................... 150
11.9 Unwrapped phase .............................................................................................................. 151
11.10 Check for updates .............................................................................................................. 153
12 Automating measurements ............................................................................................. 154
13 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................... 155
Support .............................................................................................................................156
Index ................................................................................................................................... 157
Contents
OMICRON Lab 5

1 About this User Manual
This manual was written for professional specialists in electronics and electrical engineering. Its
purpose is to familiarize you with the Bode 100 vector network analyzer and its various application
fields. It contains helpful instructions on how to use Bode 100 safely, properly, and efficiently.
This Bode 100 manual provides you information on how to install the Bode Analyzer Suite and how to
use it in combination with the Bode 100 vector network analyzer.
Safety symbols used in this document
DANGER
Death or severe injury will occur if the appropriate safety instructions are not
observed.
WARNING
Death or severe injury can occur if the appropriate safety instructions are not
observed.
CAUTION
Minor or moderate injury may occur if the appropriate safety instructions are not
observed.
NOTICE
Equipment damage or loss of data possible
6OMICRON Lab

2 Safety instructions
Before operating Bode 100 and its accessories, read the following safety instructions carefully. If you
do not fully understand any safety instruction or any part thereof, contact OMICRON Lab before
proceeding. When working with Bode 100, observe all safety instructions in this document. You are
responsible for every application that makes use of an OMICRON or OMICRON Lab product. Any
miss-operation can result in damage to property or persons. Maintenance and repair of Bode 100 and
its accessories is only permitted by qualified experts either at OMICRON Lab or at certified repair
centers.
Following these instructions will help you to prevent danger, repair costs and possible down time due
to incorrect operation. Furthermore, it ensures the reliability and life-cycle of Bode 100.
Use Bode 100 in observance of all existing safety requirements from national standards for
accident prevention and environmental protection.
Reading the Bode 100 manual alone does not release you from the duty of complying with all national
and international safety regulations relevant for working with Bode 100.
2.1 Operator qualifications
• Testing with Bode 100 must only be carried out by qualified, skilled and authorized personnel.
• Personnel receiving training, instructions, directions, or education on Bode 100 must be under
constant supervision of an experienced operator while working with the equipment.
• Testing with Bode 100 must comply with the on-site safety instructions as well as additional
relevant documents.
2.2 Rules for use
•Bode 100 is exclusively intended for the application area specified in this document. The
manufacturer/distributors are not liable for damage resulting from a use other than the specified
operation. The user alone assumes all responsibility and risk.
• Use Bode 100 only when it is in a technically sound condition.
• Do not open Bode 100 or remove any of its housing components.
• The Bode 100 does not contain any serviceable parts. Do not open the Bode 100 or carry out any
modifications, extensions, or adaptations.
• Use Bode 100 in observance of all existing safety requirements from national and international
standards for accident prevention and environmental protection.
• Always keep the manual either printed or as PDF file at the site where Bode 100 is used. The
manual must be read by all people working with Bode 100. In addition to the manual and the
applicable regulations for accident prevention in the country and at the site of operation, heed the
accepted technical procedures for safe and competent work.
Safety instructions
OMICRON Lab 7

2.3 Designated use
Bode 100 and its accessories are especially designed for swept frequency measurements of
electronic circuits in laboratory and manufacturing environments.
Typical applications are:
• Measurement of the complex transfer function of amplifiers, filters and attenuators
• S-Parameter measurement in the 50 Ω domain
• Stability assessment of control loops
• Determination of resonance frequencies of piezo elements and quartz crystals
• Impedance measurement of inductors, capacitors and resistors
Disclaimer
The advisory procedures and information contained within this document have been compiled as a
guide to the safe and effective operation of Bode 100. It has been prepared in conjunction with
application engineers and the collective experience of the manufacturer. The in-service conditions for
the use of Bode 100 may vary between customers and end-users.
Consequently, this document is offered as a guide only. It shall be used in conjunction with the
customers own safety procedures, maintenance program, engineering judgment, and training
qualifications.
Using Bode 100 or its accessories in a manner not specified by the manufacturer may result in
damage to property or persons.
2.4 Cleaning
Use a cloth dampened with isopropanol alcohol to clean Bode 100 and its accessories.
8OMICRON Lab

3 Compliance statements and recycling
3.1 Compliance statement
Declaration of conformity (EU)
The equipment adheres to the guidelines of the council of the European Community for meeting the
requirements of the member states regarding the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) directive and
the RoHS directive.
Declaration of conformity (UK)
The equipment adheres to the regulations of the UK government for meeting the requirements
regarding the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Regulation and the Regulation for Restriction of
the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
FCC compliance (USA)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case
the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense. Changes or modifications not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate
the equipment.
Declaration of compliance (Canada)
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numérique de la classe
A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
The use of the delivered mains adapter is required to comply with FCC and ICES rules as
well as the EMC directive.
3.2 Information for disposal and recycling
Bode 100 and all of its accessories are not intended for household use. At the
end of its service life, do not dispose of the test set with household waste!
For customers in EU countries (incl. European Economic Area)
OMICRON test sets are subject to the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment Directive (WEEE directive). As part of our legal obligations under this
legislation, OMICRON offers to take back the test set and to ensure that it is
disposed of by an authorized recycling facility.
For customers outside the European Economic Area
Please contact the authorities in charge for the relevant environmental
regulations in your country and dispose Bode 100 and all of its accessories only
in accordance with your local legal requirements.
Compliance statements and recycling
OMICRON Lab 9

4 Bode 100 and accessories
4.1 Delivered items
Bode 100
multi functional test set Bode Analyzer Suite on DVD Wide-range AC power supply
including mains input plugs for
different national standards
Test objects
(Quartz filter and IF filter) on
PCB
USB Cable
4 pc. BNC 50 Ω cables with 500
mm length (m-m)
BNC adapters (straight, T, Short,
Load 50 Ω) Bode 100 Quick Start Guide
The delivered items may vary a bit from the look shown above. Please refer to the packing
list received with the Bode 100 for further information
10 OMICRON Lab

4.2 Optional accessories
B-WIT 100 Wideband Injection Transformer & B-LFT 100 Low-
Frequency Injection Transformer
The B-WIT 100 and B-LFT 100 are used to inject signals into
control loops. Its main application are the stability analysis of
switched mode power supplies and linear voltage regulators.
B-WIT 100 order number: OL000151
B-LFT 100 order number: OL000169
PML-111O 10:1 Passive Probe
PML-111O is a passive 10:1 probe designed for the input stage of
Bode 100. It is manufactured by PMK in Germany and fits perfectly
to the Bode 100.
Order number: OL000110
B-WIC & B-SMC Impedance test fixtures
B-WIC and B-SMC extend the impedance measurement range
of Bode 100. They enable you to easily measure THT or SMD
components such as inductors and capacitors.
B-WIC order number: OL000152
B-SMC order numer: OL000153
B-AMP 12 Amplifier
12 dB amplifier to boost the output signal of Bode 100 for
applications where more than 13 dBm are needed.
Order number: OL000168
B-LCM Common Mode Choke
A low-frequency common mode choke to reduce ground-loop
errors in e.g. Shunt-Thru measurements.
Order number: OL000175
B-RFID Measurement Adapters
The B-RFID adapters allow standard compliant measurement of
the resonance frequency and Q-factor of RFID antennas.
Order numbers: OL000170-OL000173
For more information on the above mentioned Bode 100 accessories and recommended
accessories manufactured by partner companies visit www.omicron-lab.com.
Bode 100 and accessories
OMICRON Lab 11

5 Technical data
In this section you can find the most important technical data for the Bode 100 Revision 2. Technical
data can change without notice.
You can download a detailed technical data sheet for Bode 100 from the OMICRON Lab website
www.omicron-lab.com → Bode 100 → Technical Data .
NOTICE
Risk of permanent damage of the device.
Exceeding the absolute maximum ratings might result in equipment damage.
► Do not exceed the absolute maximum ratings listed below.
5.1 Absolute maximum ratings
Table 5-1: Absolute maximum ratings
Characteristic Absolute Maximum Rating
DC Power Input
DC supply voltage +28 V
Max. DC supply reverse voltage -28 V
INPUT CH 1, INPUT CH 2 connectors (high Z input impedance selected )
Maximum DC input signal 50 V
Maximum AC input signal 1 Hz...1 MHz: 50 Vrms
1 MHz...2 MHz: 30 Vrms
2 MHz...5 MHz: 15 Vrms
5 MHz...10 MHz: 10 Vrms
10 MHz ... 50 MHz: 7 Vrms
INPUT CH 1, INPUT CH 2 connectors (50 Ω input impedance selected)
Maximum input power 1 W
Maximum input voltage 7 Vrms
OUTPUT connector
Maximum reverse power 0.5 W
Maximum reverse voltage 3.5 Vrms
12 OMICRON Lab

5.2 Bode 100 specifications
Table 5-2: Bode 100 specifications:
Characteristic Rating
OUTPUT
Voltage range -30 dBm...13 dBm
7 mVrms...1 Vrms at 50 Ω load
14 mVrms...2 Vrms at high impedance load
Frequency range 1 Hz...50 MHz
Wave form sinusoidal
Source impedance 50 Ω
Connector BNC
INPUT CH 1, INPUT CH 2
AC measurement range 100 mVrms full scale with 0 dB input attenuation
10 Vrms full scale with 40 dB input attenuation
Frequency range 1 Hz...50 MHz
Input impedance Selectable via software:
50 Ω or
1 MΩ ±2% || 40...55 pF (AC-coupled)
Connectors BNC
Input attenuators Selectable via software:
0 dB, 10 dB, 20 dB, 30 dB, 40 dB
Receiver bandwidth Selectable via software:
1 Hz, 3 Hz, 10 Hz, 30 Hz, 100 Hz, 300 Hz, 1 kHz,
3 kHz , 5 kHz
Dynamic Range > 100 dB (10 Hz receiver bandwidth)
Gain Error < 0.1 dB (calibrated)
Phase Error < 0.5° (calibrated)
PC interface
Universal serial bus USB 2.0 or higher
Connector USB type B socket
DC Power requirements
Supply voltage range +9 ... 24 V
Minimum DC supply power 10 W
Connector Coaxial power socket (2.5 mm / 5.5mm)
We strongly recommend to use the power supply delivered with Bode 100.
Technical data
OMICRON Lab 13

5.3 System requirements
Table 5-3: System requirements
Characteristic Minimum PC Configuration
Processor Intel Core-i Dual-Core (or similar)
Memory (RAM) 2 GB, 4 GB recommended
Graphics resolution Super VGA (1024x768)
higher resolution recommended
Graphics card DirectX 11 with Direct2D support
USB interface USB 2.0 or higher
Operating System Microsoft Windows 10
Software Bode 100 Revision 2 requires Bode Analyzer
Suite 3.00 or newer.
5.4 Environmental requirements
Table 5-4: Environmental requirements
Characteristic Condition Rating
Temperature Storage -35 ... +60 °C / -31...+140 °F
Operating +5 ... +40 °C / -41...+104 °F
For specification 23 °C ±5 °C / 73 °F ±18 °F
Relative humidity Storage 20 ... 90 %, non-condensing
Operating 20 ... 80 %, non-condensing
5.5 Mechanical data
Table 5-5: Mechanical data
Characteristic Rating
Dimensions (w x h x d) without connectors 26 cm x 5 cm x 26.5 cm / 10.25 " x 2 " x 10.5 "
Weight < 2 kg / 4.4 lbs
14 OMICRON Lab

6 Device overview
Bode 100 is a USB controlled vector network analyzer. The system consists of the Bode 100 hardware
and the Bode Analyzer Suite software. In the following the Bode 100 hardware is described in detail.
To learn more about the Bode Analyzer Suite, please check out 7.1 Start screen on page 19 ff.
6.1 Connectors
Bode 100 provides the following three connectors at the front panel:
• OUTPUT: signal output (BNC socket)
• CH 1: channel 1 signal input (BNC socket)
• CH 2: channel 2 signal input (BNC socket)
Figure 6-1: Bode 100 front view
WARNING
Death or severe injury can occur if hazardous voltages are connected to the
Bode 100.
Bode 100 is a SELV device (SELV = Safety Extra Low Voltage according to IEC
60950-1).
► Do not apply voltage levels >50 VDC or >25 VAC to the inputs of Bode 100.
► Be aware that no indication on Bode 100 shows that the output is active. This
could be especially critical if amplifiers are connected to Bode 100.
Device overview
OMICRON Lab 15

Bode 100 provides the following three connectors at the rear panel:
• DC power input:
input for DC voltages from 9 V to 24 V (5.5 mm coaxial plug with 2.5 mm pin)
• USB: data interface (USB type B port)
• : Ground connector for external ground connection (4 mm banana-socket)
Figure 6-2: Bode 100 rear view
NOTICE
Risk of permanent damage of the device.
Exceeding the absolute maximum ratings might result in equipment damage.
► The AC-coupled inputs represent a high impedance for DC signal. Before using passive probes,
check out 9.5 Using external probes on page 83.
16 OMICRON Lab

6.2 Block diagram
Bode 100 is a flexible device that features the following mayor building blocks:
Figure 6-3: Bode 100 block diagram
•Signal source:
The signal source of Bode 100 consists of an adjustable DDS sine-wave generator and adjustable
amplifiers. The output impedance of Bode 100 is 50 Ω. More information can be found in Signal
Source Settings on page 80
Internal reference connections allow to directly connect the source signal to the receivers.
•Channel inputs:
Each of the Bode 100 input features adjustable attenuators (see Choosing the receiver
attenuator on page 78) for best signal / noise ratio and software-switchable termination. Channel
termination can be either 50 Ω or 1 MΩ. Without 50 Ω terminations the inputs are AC coupled,
representing a very high impedance at DC.
•Down conversion & sampling:
The input signal is down-converted to an intermediate frequency and sampled by a 24bit ADC.
The sampled data is sent to the PC and evaluated by the Bode Analyzer Suite.
More details on the hardware configuration can also be found in 9.1 Hardware setup on page 74.
Device overview
OMICRON Lab 17

6.3 Functional description
The flexible hardware concept of Bode 100 allows to use it for several applications such as:
• Transmission / Reflection measurements
• Gain / Phase (transfer function) measurements
• Impedance measurements
The device operates in a wide frequency range from 1 Hz to 50 MHz. Bode 100 creates a sine-wave
at a frequency and measures two voltages. The creation of the sine wave and both voltage
measurements are synchronized such that magnitude and phase relation of the two measured
voltages can be derived.
From the magnitude and phase ratio of the two voltages, the Bode Analyzer Suite calculates
Impedance, Reflection, Admittance, Transmission or complex Gain values of the DUT (Device Under
Test).
For a complete list of all possible measurements that you can perform with Bode 100
see 8 Measurement types and applications on page 36.
6.4 Hardware revisions
Currently there are two mayor hardware revisions of Bode 100 available. Revision 1 and Revision 2.
To find out if you are using a Bode 100 R1 or a Bode 100 R2, check the identification plate on the
bottom of the device.
Below typical identification plates for a Bode 100 R1 and a Bode 100 R2 are shown.
Bode 100 R1 Bode 100 R2
If Option is Rev. 2, you are using a Bode 100 R2. If Option is empty, you are using a
Bode 100 R1.
Your identification plate might look slightly different due to different declaration logos or other
reasons.
18 OMICRON Lab

7 Bode Analyzer Suite introduction
In this section you will learn the basics of the Bode Analyzer Suite 3.25. The window structure and the
main functionality is explained.
Step-by-step examples
Get a quick introduction to the Bode Analyzer Suite and how to use Bode 100 by following
the step-by-step examples. The following examples are available in this manual:
• Perform a Transmission / Reflection measurement on the IF filter DUT,
see Transmission / Reflection measurement example on page 45.
• Perform a one-port impedance measurement on the Quartz filter DUT,
see One-Port measurement example on page 53.
• Measure impedance of an inductor using the impedance adapter,
see Impedance Adapter example on page 62.
7.1 Start screen
When starting the Bode Analyzer Suite, the Start screen is shown.
Figure 7-1: Bode Analyzer Suite Start screen.
Bode Analyzer Suite introduction
OMICRON Lab 19

The Start screen allows the following user interactions:
• Choose the device to use (1.). This field is only visible if you have a Bode 100 device connected to
your PC.
• Open a recent file or other file (2.). On your first start-up the demo-files are listed here. Check out
the examples that explain the content of the demo-files.
• Select one of the available measurement modes (3.) and start a measurement.
Hint: If you prefer to automatically start a measurement instead of entering the Start screen,
choose your default startup measurement mode by clicking on Set default startup and
choosing your preferred startup mode. You can also choose a .bode3 file to be your default
startup configuration.
7.2 Main window
After starting a measurement the Main window of the Bode Analyzer Suite is opened.
Figure 7-2: Bode Analyzer Suite Main window.
20 OMICRON Lab