OPHIR RF Manual

Appendix A
This Document contains proprietary and confidential information of Ophir RF Inc.
March 28, 2023 Rev: H
1
Technical Description
And
Operating Instructions
For the
Front Panel Controller
With IEEE-488, RS-232, or RS-422 Interface.
Ophir RF
Rev. H

Appendix A
This Document contains proprietary and confidential information of Ophir RF Inc.
March 28, 2023 Rev: H
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1FRONT PANEL CONTROLLER....................................................................................... 4
1.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................4
1.2 CONTROLS AND DISPLAY.................................................................................................................................4
1.3 RUN MODE ......................................................................................................................................................4
1.4 USER INTERFACE .............................................................................................................................................4
1.5 DISPLAY...........................................................................................................................................................5
1.6 FAULTS............................................................................................................................................................7
1.7 RUN MODE STATUS DISPLAYS.........................................................................................................................7
1.8 USER CONFIGURATION OPTIONS....................................................................................................................10
1.8.1 Example: Setting the VSWR Monitor...................................................................................................11
2GPIB, RS-232 AND RS-422 COMMAND SUMMARY.................................................. 12
2.1 SERIAL COMMUNICATION PARAMETERS........................................................................................................13
2.2 GPIB PARAMETERS .......................................................................................................................................13
2.2.1 Message Terminator............................................................................................................................13
2.2.2 Commands...........................................................................................................................................13
2.2.3 Status Reporting ..................................................................................................................................14
3CALIBRATION.................................................................................................................. 16
3.1 SYSTEM CALIBRATION AND CONFIGURATION MENU.....................................................................................17
3.1.1 Forward Power....................................................................................................................................17
3.1.2 Reverse Power.....................................................................................................................................17
3.1.3 Gain/VVA Levels..................................................................................................................................18
3.1.4 Monitor Options ..................................................................................................................................18
4INTERFACE PIN ASSIGNMENTS................................................................................. 20
4.1 CONNECTOR:GPIB (IEEE-488) CONNECTOR................................................................................................20
4.2 CONNECTOR:RS-232 SERIAL I/O..................................................................................................................21

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Front Panel Display and Controls .................................................................................................................4
Figure 2. GPIB Status Reporting Structure ................................................................................................................15
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Run-Mode Controls and Display Descriptions................................................................................................5
Table 2. General Notes on Operation ...........................................................................................................................6
Table 3. Run Mode Status Displays .............................................................................................................................8
Table 4. User Configuration Mode and Status Displays.............................................................................................10
Table 5. Amplifier Control Commands......................................................................................................................12
Table 6. GPIB Commands..........................................................................................................................................13
Table 7. Calibration Mode Displays...........................................................................................................................16

Appendix A
This Document contains proprietary and confidential information of Ophir RF Inc.
March 28, 2023 Rev: H
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1FRONT PANEL CONTROLLER
1.1 Introduction
The front panel display operates in three distinct modes. The first mode is called the Run
Mode. This is the normal operation mode, where the amplifier is controlled either by the
front panel or via the GPIB/IEEE-488, the RS-232 or RS-442 interfaces. The second
mode is User Configuration. In this mode, the end user can configure the system to more
closely support their needs. The final mode is the System Calibration mode. This mode
that is designed to be used only by an authorized technician. Within the System
Calibration mode, all aspects of the amplifier configuration and calibration can be
adjusted.
1.2 Controls and Display
The layout of the controls and display on the front panel is depicted in Figure 1. A
description of each of the controls and the display is contained in Table 1. General
comments on the operation of the controller are contained in Table 2.
1.3 Run Mode
When the unit first powers up, a self-test operation is conducted. If any portion of the
system is un-calibrated, or an error reading the calibration data or settings is encountered,
an appropriate message will appear on the display, and the unit will not power up. If the
unit passes self-test, it will place itself in the power up mode specified by the user in the
User Configuration, or if no mode has been specified, in STANDBY with 0% Gain
(Voltage Variable Amplifier, or VVA) amplification.
1.4 User Interface
There are six buttons used to control the amplifier. The first two buttons are the UP and
DOWN buttons, which are used to set values used by the amplifier. The values that can
be changed include the amplifier output level (either specified in Gain % or dBm), and
the VSWR alarm point. The next button is the GAIN button. If pressed, this button places
the unit into the VVA mode. It also changes the display so that the VVA level can be
changed –“Set VVA: xxx.x%”. The next button is the ALC button. If pressed, this button
places the unit into the ALC mode –“Set ALC: xx.x dBm”. It also changes the display so
A
DISPLAY
F
LINE 1
LINE 2
MODE
STBY
ALC
GAIN
G



FAULT
B
C
D
E

Figure 1. Front Panel Display and Controls

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March 28, 2023 Rev: H
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that the ALC level can be changed. The next button is the STANDBY button. This button
does double-duty. If there is a fault that has not been acknowledged, the fault is
acknowledged when this button is pushed. For more information on faults and clearing
them, please see the fault section of this document. The STANDBY button also places
the unit into and removes it from standby mode. The final button is the MODE button.
When pressed, this button cycles through the system status displays. For more
information on these displays, please see the display section of this document.
1.5 Display
The display is used in conjunction with the mode button to display the current amplifier
status. Pressing the MODE button cycles through all of the status displays. See the tables
later in this document for summaries of the displays in the different operational modes.
Table 1. Run-Mode Controls and Display Descriptions
Item
Description
Comments
A
Display
Displays information on command from the microprocessor based on
queries from the front panel control switches, IEEE interface, or from
fault detection circuitry.
B
Mode Switch
Allows toggling thorough all of the following:
oGain Control (Adj. Output power)
oForward and Reflected power
oMax Power (FWD, REV)
oVSWR Cut off (Fwd - Rev in dB)
oGain (VVA) Voltage in %
oMonitors (8 inputs, If Applicable),
oIEEE-488 (GPIB) interface address
oFirmware revision
C
Standby Switch
Places the amplifier in minimum gain mode (Gain/VVA @ 0%
voltage). The standby condition is indicated via the LED on Standby
button.
D
ALC Switch
Turns ALC (Automatic Level Control) mode ON and VVA (Variable
Voltage Attenuator) control mode (also known as the GAIN mode)
OFF. The ALC mode is on when the LED on ALC button is
illuminated. This button is used in conjunction with the UP/DOWN
buttons to change the ALC setting in 0.1 dB steps.
E
Gain Switch
Turns VVA control mode ON and ALC mode OFF. ON is indicated
when the LED on GAIN button is illuminated. This button is used in
conjunction with the UP/DOWN buttons to change the Gain of the
amplifier through 0.1% steps. Note that the percentage of gain is a
relative function and is not linear.
F & G
Up and Down
Switches
Controls gain of the amplifier when in the Gain mode and the output
level when in the ALC mode. These buttons manipulate various
parameters depending on the operating mode of the amplifier.

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Table 2. General Notes on Operation
Item
Description
Comments
1
Default Power-Up
Setting
Standby ON (VVA @ 0% voltage), ALC OFF and GAIN ON.
UP/DOWN arrow keys adjust Gain of the amplifier in 0.1% steps. After
adjusting to desired power output, press Standby key once. Amplifier
will display actual power output and relative VVA voltage in
percentage. Press Standby key again and amplifier will again be in
Standby mode.
2
Fault Conditions
If fault occurs during normal operation, the information is shown on the
display and the red fault LED on the front panel illuminates. It also
reports the fault information via the IEEE-488 bus, RS-232 port and RS-
422 ports, if queried. To clear a fault, after fault condition is repaired,
push the STBY button.
oHigh Temperature –Turns OFF bias voltage, illuminates red
fault LED and sends fault status condition to IEEE-488 bus, RS-
232 port , RS-422 port, and Ethernet Port if queried. A normal
operating condition will be only restored once the fault has been
removed and Standby has been pressed (to acknowledge fault).
MESSAGE: “Temp”.
oHigh power –The amplifiers are programmed to automatically
reduce the drive level if the forward, reverse or input power
levels exceed factory-set values. Message: “Fwd Pwr”, “Rev
Pwr”, or “Input Pwr”.
oHigh VSWR –The amplifiers are programmed to reduce output
power to a factory-set maximum reverse-power level under high
load VSWR conditions. As with all other faults, the controller
will illuminate the fault LED Message: “VSWR”.
oMonitors –Occurs when DC input(s) exceeds or falls below
configured levels. If configured for amplifier shutdown, the
controller turns OFF the bias voltage and illuminates the fault
LED. A normal operating condition will be only restored once
the fault has been removed and Standby has been pressed (to
acknowledge fault). If configured for Notification Fault, the
controller will only display the fault without affecting the
current control status of the amplifier. Message: “Mon X”,
where “X” is the number of the monitor that tripped.
oUncalibrated - If EEPROM is damaged or has lost its' stored
data, front panel will indicate “Error – Calibrate” and the
controller will not be useable. Complete re-calibration will be
required Message: “Error – Calibrate”
3
Basic Operating
Instructions
1. Drive the amplifier with a nominal level indicated by the
specifications included with the specific model of amplifier.
2. Adjust the desired output level or the gain using the Set ALC or
Set VVA level function, respectively.

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This Document contains proprietary and confidential information of Ophir RF Inc.
March 28, 2023 Rev: H
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1.6 Faults
There are two levels of faults in the system. The first and more severe fault level is a
shutdown fault. Shutdown faults are VSWR faults (when the forward power minus the
reverse power is greater than the VSWR Alarm Set point), over-temperature faults, and
some voltage or current monitor faults. The second and more minor fault is a notification
fault. Notification faults can include voltage or current faults as configured via the
calibration menu.
When a temperature fault occurs, the unit will go into the protective mode, completely
shutting-down the amplifier.
When a shutdown fault occurs, the unit shutdowns immediately, and the fault LED
illuminates. The nature of the fault is shown on the display. If applicable, multiple faults
will be displayed, in-line. If more faults exist than can be displayed in 16 characters, the
up and down buttons can be used to horizontally scroll the display. To change the display
mode from the fault screen to other screens to help determine the nature of the fault, press
the MODE button to cycle through screen. When the fault condition has been removed
(i.e. the temperature has returned to a safe operating range) and the STANDBY button is
pressed, the system will restart. If the fault has not been removed, the system will not
respond to the STANDBY button.
When a notification fault occurs, the unit continues to operate as before the fault
occurred, and the fault LED illuminates. The nature of the fault is still displayed, as
described above for shutdown faults. To acknowledge the fault, press the STANDBY
button once. This places the display into normal operation. The fault LED will remain
illuminated until the fault condition goes away, but the unit will operate normally. To see
what faults are still occurring, use the MODE button to step through the displays to the
Fault Display. This will display any notification faults the system may have tripped.
1.7 Run Mode Status Displays
Table 3 explains the operation of the run-mode menus. The following general
considerations apply:
oThese display items are available following successful power-up of the amplifier.
oIf any portion of the system requires calibration, the unit will not power up, and
the front panel will display an error message and automatically go to the
calibration menu.
oMany specific aspects of the display in Run Mode are dictated by settings made in
the configuration menu.
oCycle through the front panel menu items by pressing the MODE key.

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March 28, 2023 Rev: H
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Table 3. Run Mode Status Displays
Menu Item
Options
Comments
Output Level Set
Fwd Pwr: XX.X dBm
Set VVA: XXX.X %
or
Fwd Pwr: XXX.X W
Set VVA: XXX.X %
(if amplifier is in VVA mode,
i.e. ‘GAIN’ LED is
illuminated).
Change Output Level using the 
and keys on the front panel.
Fwd Pwr: XX.X dBm
Set ALC: XX.X dBm
or
Fwd Pwr: XXXX.X W
Set ALC: XXXX.X W
(if amplifier is in ALC mode,
i.e. ‘ALC’ LED is illuminated).
Units are in dBm or Watts
depending on Startup Options
setting selected in User
Configuration Mode (see next
section).
Change Output Level using the 
and keys on the front panel.
Output Power
(Read Only in Run Mode)
Fwd Pwr: XX.X dBm
Rev Pwr: XX.X dBm
or
Fwd Pwr: XXXX.X W
Rev Pwr: XXXX.X W
Units are in dBm or Watts
depending on Startup Options
setting selected in User
Configuration Mode (see next
section).
The forward and reverse power
levels are displayed.
Input Power
(if option installed and
configured)
In Pwr: XX.X dBm
Max Pwr: XX.X dBm
Maximum Forward
and Reverse Power
Settings
Max Fwd: XX.X dBm
Max Rev: XX.X dBm
or
Max Fwd: XXXX.X W
Max Rev: XXXX.X W
These values are set at the Factory
and cannot be changed without the
Factory Jumper. These values are
set by an Ophir RF Technician for
safety purposes to protect the
amplifier. If either setting is
exceeded, a fault is generated.

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March 28, 2023 Rev: H
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Menu Item
Options
Comments
VSWR Alarm
(Read Only in Run Mode)
VSWR Alarm: XX.X dB
The VSWR Alarm Threshold
represents the difference between the
forward power and the reflected
power (in dBm). A higher value
here represents a configuration that
is more sensitive to VSWR.
Gain (VVA) Level
(Read Only in Run Mode)
Gain: XXX.X%
When the unit is in ALC mode this
value will change dynamically as the
input signal changes.
When the unit is in VVA mode this
value should mirror the value set in
the Output Level Set display.
User can change either VVA or ALC
level by using the and keys on
the panel after first pushing the
‘ALC’ or ‘GAIN’ buttons.
Monitors
(Read Only in Run Mode)
I1: X.X I2: X.X
I3: X.X I4: X.X
or
V1: X.X V2: X.X
V3: X.X V4: X.X
or
T1: X.X T2: X.X
T3: X.X T4: X.X
Any combination of T, V and I
monitors are possible.
Displays the Temperature, voltage
and/or current monitors. They are
displayed four at a time; pressing the
mode button advances to the next set
of four. After all of the monitors are
displayed, pressing the mode button
advances it to the next display. If no
monitors are configured, this mode
is skipped.
GPIB Address
(Read Only in Run Mode)
Address = XX
Where
XX = 1 to 31
Default is 5
Displays the GPIB / IEEE-488
device address of the Amplifier.
Valid address values are from 1 to
31.
This menu item will not appear if the
GPIB Interface has been disabled in
the System Calibration Options.
Version
X.YY
Where
X = Revision number, and
YY = Version number
Displays the Revision and Version
number of the Front Panel Controller
firmware.
Fault Display
Temp and/or Fwd Pwr
and/or Rev Pwr
and/or In Pwr
and/or VSWR and/or Mon x
and/or ALC Range
and/or EXT. VSWR
Displays any acknowledged
notification faults. If no minor faults
have occurred, these items will not
displayed and this menu item is
skipped.

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March 28, 2023 Rev: H
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1.8 User Configuration Options
Table 4 explains the operation of the run-mode menus. The following general
considerations apply:
oThese menu options are available to the user to select the default system settings.
oEnter the User Configuration Menu by pressing and holding down then ‘GAIN’
and ‘ALC’ buttons on the front panel simultaneously during power-up. Release
when top display line reads Configuration.
oCycle through menu items using the and keys on the front panel. Make
selection by pressing the ‘MODE’ key. Selections result in context-sensitive
prompts for sub-items.
Table 4. User Configuration Mode and Status Displays
MENU ITEM
OPTIONS
COMMENTS
GPIB Address
Address = XX
Where
XX = 1 to 31
Allows user to change the GPIB / IEEE-488 device
address of the Amplifier.
Valid address values are from 1 to 31.
This item will not appear if GPIB Interface has been
disabled in the System Calibration Options.
Startup Option:
Power display
Display dBm or
Display Watts
Sets default units used in displaying power.
Startup Option:
Standby
None
The default power-up mode for the amplifier is
Standby. This cannot be changed.
Startup Option:
Gain /ALC
Gain or ALC
ALC: X.X (in units of dBm or Watts)
or
Gain: XX% (in units of percent)
Startup Option:
ALC Response
Filtering: x
Where x = 0 - 9
Allows choosing between fast and slow response for
the Automatic Level Control (ALC) function. 0=
Minimal filtering, 9= Maximum filtering.
Startup Option:
Initial Gain
Gain: XX.X%
Where x = 00.0 to 100.0
Allows choosing between 0% attenuation to 100%
attenuation at startup. Where 0% is maximum, and
100% is minimum.
Startup Option:
Initial ALC
ALC: XX.X dBm
Where x = set by Ophir
RF, Min. and Max. value
Allows choosing between Minimum ALC value (set
by Ophir RF, depending on amplifier’s output power
level) to Maximum ALC value in dBm at startup.

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March 28, 2023 Rev: H
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Startup Option:
RS-232
On or
Off
Enables or disables the Front Panel Controller’s
onboard RS-232 serial port.
Startup Option:
*RS-422
On or
Off
Enables or disables the Front Panel Controller’s
onboard RS-422 serial port.
Startup Option:
GPIB Port
On or
Off
Enables or disable the Front Panel Controller’s
onboard GPIB port.
Startup Option:
Ethernet Port
On or
Off
Enables or disable the Front Panel Controller’s
onboard Ethernet port.
VSWR Alarm:
VSWR Alarm: X
Where
X = 0 to 20
The VSWR Alarm Threshold represents the difference
between the forward power and the reflected power
(in dBm). A higher value here represents a
configuration that is more sensitive to VSWR.
Restore Defaults
Yes/No
This allows the user to restore ALL settings and
calibration parameters to those set at the factory.
Display
Brightness
25%, 50%, 75%,
100%
Allows for setting of the brightness of the vacuum-
fluorescent display.
GPIB Termination
LF Term. On/Off
Adds an extra Line Feed (If On) to the GPIB.
Telnet Timeout
Time: X Min
Telnet idle-period timeout. X = 0 to 100 minutes,
where 0 = infinite (no timeout)
Exit
Save? (Y/N)
Exits User Configuration mode and returns the display
to Run Mode. The user is given the choice to save
options. Other than as mentioned above, choosing
“No” will result in all changes being lost, and the
previous settings will remain in EEPROM.
*= May not be displayed if Option was not purchased.
1.8.1 Example: Setting the VSWR Monitor
This item is used to select the difference between the forward and reverse power levels
(loosely defined herein as VSWR) that will result in the amplifier automatically setting
the gain to zero, then ramping back up toward the previous gain or ALC setting. If the
fault condition persists, the output power will continue to cycle until the condition is
rectified.
Procedure:
In this example, the unit is set so that the minimum VSWR level is 5 dB.
User: Select “VSWR” from the main System Configuration menu.
Unit: Top line displays: “Using the and  buttons, set the minimum value for
the VSWR alarm, and press the MODE button.” Second line displays:
“Max VSWR: 2.0 dB”
User: Use the and  buttons to change the VSWR Alarm level until it reads
“Max VSWR: 5.0 dB”, then press the MODE button.
Unit: Stores the information and returns to the main System Configuration
menu.

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March 28, 2023 Rev: H
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2GPIB, RS-232AND RS-422 COMMAND SUMMARY
Table 5 lists the commands and responses available via the GPIB (IEEE-488), RS-232
and RS-422 interfaces.
Table 5. Amplifier Control Commands
Command
Operation / Response
*IDN?
Identification query. Response is “OPHIRAMP”.
MODE?
Requests the current mode of the unit; returns one of the following values:
STANDBY, ALC
STANDBY, VVA
ONLINE, ALC
ONLINE, VVA
MODE xxx
Sets the mode of the unit; the only valid values for xxx are ALC and VVA.
STANDBY
Places the unit into STANDBY mode.
ONLINE
Removes the unit from STANDBY mode.
FWD_PWR?
Returns the forward power in the form ‘xx.x dBm’ where xx.x is a floating point
number
REV_PWR?
Returns the reverse power in the form ‘xx.x dBm’ where xx.x is a floating point
number
INPUT_PWR?
Returns the input power in the form ‘xx.x dBm’ where xx.x is a floating-point
number. If the input power detector option is not installed, the response is “Not
Available”.
ALC_LEVEL?
Returns the current ALC set point in the form ‘xx.x dBm’ where xx.x is a
floating-point number.
ALC_LEVEL xx.x
Sets the current ALC set point. Xx.x is a floating-point value, conforming to
standard IEEE nomenclature. If the value given is invalid or out of range, no
change is made.
VVA_LEVEL?
Returns the current VVA level in the form ‘xx.x %’ where xx.x is a floating-
point number.
VVA_LEVEL xx.x
Sets the current VVA level. Xx.x is a floating-point value, conforming to
standard IEEE nomenclature. If the value given is invalid, out of range, or the
unit is in ALC mode, no change is made.
ACK_FAULTS
Acknowledge all faults. Note that the faults might immediately occur again.
FAULTS?
Returns any current faults in the system. The reply will consist of a string that
contains a single space (if no faults have occurred) or one or more of the
following items, concatenated together and separated by commas:
ALC Range, EXT. VSWR (Hardware shutdown), VSWR, Open shutdown (if
the open shutdown feature was purchased), Fwd Pwr, Rev Pwr, Input Pwr (if the
input detector feature was purchased), Temp, Mon 1, 2… (depends on which
monitor settings were activated/set)
VSWR_ALARM?
Returns the current set point for the VSWR alarm in the form ‘xx.x dB’, where
xx.x is a floating-point number.
VSWR_ALARM xx.x
Sets the set point for the VSWR alarm. Xx.x is a floating-point value,
conforming to standard IEEE nomenclature. If the value given is invalid, out of
range, no change is made
MONITORS?
Returns the current levels of all current and voltage monitors in the system. The
reply will consist of a string that contains a single space (if no monitors have

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March 28, 2023 Rev: H
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been defined), or all of the monitors, concatenated together and separated by
commas.
REV?
Returns the current Revision in the form X.XX.
NAME?
Returns Name of the Amplifier (Needs to be set first for a return response).
NAME xxxxxxx
Sets the Name of the Amplifier
(Up to 31 Characters).
MODEL?
Returns the Model Number of the Amplifier
(Needs to be set first, by Ophir RF, for a return response).
SERIAL?
Returns the Serial Number of the Amplifier
(Needs to be set first, by Ophir RF, for a return response).
Note that the above commands are only available during normal operation (i.e., they are
not available when either the Configuration or Calibration menus are active).
2.1 Serial Communication Parameters
For both the RS-232 and RS-422 ports, the following settings must be used:
-Data Rate: 9600 Baud
-Data Bits: 8
-Start bits: 0
-Stop Bits: 1
-Parity: None
-Flow control/handshaking: None
2.2 GPIB Parameters
2.2.1 Message Terminator
For both incoming and outgoing messages, EOI is the used/required terminator.
2.2.2 Commands
Table 6 lists the supported GPIB commands. These GPIB-specific commands are in
addition to those listed in Table 5. For more information on the status registers, refer to
Figure 2.
Table 6. GPIB Commands
Command
Operation / Response
*IDN?
Identification query. Response is “OPHIRAMP”.
*CLS
Clears all status bits and all faults.
*ESE
Sets bits in the Event Status Enable register. Valid parameters are 0-255 (e.g.,
*ESE 255).
*ESE?
Reads the contents of the Event Status Enable register.
*ESR?
Reads the contents of the Event Status Register.
*IDN?
Identification query. Response is always OPHIRAMP. This command is also
available via the serial interfaces.

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*OPC
Operation Complete. This command is accepted, but is not processed.
*OPC?
Operation Complete query. The response is always the character “1”.
*RST
Reset Command. Clears the Event Status Register only.
*SRE
Sets bits in the Service Request Enable register. Valid parameters are 0-255 (e.g.,
*SRE 255).
*SRE?
Reads the contents of the Service Request Enable register.
*STB?
Reads the Status Byte.
*TST?
Reads self-test results. The response is always the character “1”.
*WAI
Wait to Continue. This command is accepted, but is not processed.
Note that the above commands are only available during normal operation (i.e.,
they are not available when either the Configuration or Calibration menus are
active).
2.2.3 Status Reporting
Status reporting, i.e., the setting of the Service Request (SRQ) line and status bits in the
Event Status Register and Status Byte register (STB), are handled per tailored
requirements of IEEE-488.2. The reporting structure is presented in Figure 2. This figure
shows which status bits are used and which are always a logic zero.
Important Considerations:
1. The ESE and SRE registers have default values of all zeros. If status reporting is
desired, these registers must be initialized whenever power to the amplifier is
cycled.
2. Once the SRQ is asserted, then a serial poll command will un-assert the SRQ.
However, the STB and ESR registers will not clear until an *CLS command is
received.
The recommended/expected response to a service request is as follows:
1. The GPIB controller conducts a serial poll to determine which instrument made
the request (asserted the SRQ flag). If serial polling is not used, then the controller
could read the Status Byte, via the *STB? query to determine if a specific
instrument made the request.
2. Issue the standard clear serial poll command if serial polling is used.
3. Read the Event Status Register, via the *ESR? Query to determine the reason for
the service request.
4. If the User Request bit in the ESR is set, a fault condition occurred in the
amplifier. Read the status of the amplifier’s monitors via the Monitors? query.
5. Clear the ESR and monitor status registers via the *CLS command. Note that the
*CLS clears both the GPIB registers (ESR and STB) and acknowledges faults
(i.e., has the effect of issuing the ack_faults command). If a serial poll command
was not used, the SRQ line is un-asserted via the *CLS command.

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&
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
0
0
&&
&&&&&
Logical OR
Power On User Request (Fault)
Command Error
Execution Error Query Error
0 00
&
7
7
RQS
6
MSS
X
ESB
5
MAV
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
0
0
&
&&&&&
Logical OR
0 00 00
Service
Request
Generation {
{
Standard
Even Status Register
Read by *ESR?
Standard
Even Status Enable
Set by *ESE xxx
Read by *ESR?
Service Request
Enable Register
Set by *SRE xxx
Read by *SRE?
Status Byte Register
RQS read by Serial Poll
MSS read by *STB?
Figure 2. GPIB Status Reporting Structure

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March 28, 2023 Rev: H
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3CALIBRATION
The information in the following section relates to specific technical aspects of the Front
Panel Controller and its integration into the RF Power Amplifier that is beyond the scope
of normal end-user operation. The information is provided for the purpose of
completeness of documentation and is for reference only. Refer to Table 7 during the
discussions contained in this section.
All necessary system configuration and calibration is performed at the factory
prior to shipment. Specialized skills and equipment are required to perform
System Configuration and Calibration, and Ophir RF, Inc., recommends
returning the unit to their facility for the performance of any such functions.
Table 7. Calibration Mode Displays
MENU ITEM
OPTIONS
COMMENTS
Forward Power
None
Calibrate forward power detector as
described in the section below.
Reverse Power
None
Calibrate reverse power detector as
described in the section below.
Gain (VVA)
None
Calibrate Gain adjustment as described
in the section below.
View Peak Values
Forward Power
Reverse Power
Input Power
Temperature
Monitors
Allows the maximum and minimum (if
applicable) values reached to be
viewed.
Monitors
Multiple as described in the
section below.
System Info.
None
Displays system information entered by
the factory.
Exit
Save or not save settings.

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March 28, 2023 Rev: H
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MENU ITEM
OPTIONS
COMMENTS
3.1 System Calibration and Configuration Menu
The Calibration Menu also allow for various features to be enabled or disabled on the
system. To enter the system configuration mode press and hold down both the and 
buttons while the unit is powered up. When the display reads “Calibration”, release the
two buttons. The unit now displays the main system configuration menu. Using the and
 buttons, select the option to configure, and press the ‘MODE’ button to configure that
option. A detailed explanation of all of the options is described below (and on Table 7,
page 15).
3.1.1 Forward Power
This option calibrates the dBm scale used by the display. Before this step can be
completed, the VVA levels must be calibrated. To perform the Forward Power
calibration, the amplifier must be attached to an external RF power meter via a load, with
a continuous wave input source to the amplifier. Also, the directional coupler must be
configured for forward power calibration.
Example:
Unit: Top line displays: “Using the ‘UP’ and ‘DOWN’ buttons, adjust the output power
to match the level below, and press the ‘MODE’ button.”
Second line displays: “Fwd Pwr=27.0 dBm”
User: Use the and  buttons to adjust the output power so that the power level read on
the RF power meter is 27.0 dBm. Then press the ‘MODE’ button.
Unit: Top line displays: “Using the and  buttons, adjust the output power to match
the level below, and press the ‘MODE’ button.”
Second line displays: “Fwd Pwr=28.0 dBm”
User: Use the and  buttons to adjust the output power so that the power level read on
the RF power meter is 28.0 dBm. Then press the ‘MODE’ button.
The user can back-up (e.g., go from 32.0 dBm to 31.0 dBm) by pressing the ALC button.
This process continues until all of the calibration points have been taken. After all of the
forward power levels have been calibrated, press the GAIN button, then the unit returns
to the main System Configuration menu.
3.1.2 Reverse Power
This option calibrates the dBm scale used by the display. Before this step can be
completed, the VVA levels must be calibrated. To perform the Reverse Power
calibration, the amplifier must be attached to an external RF power meter via a load, with
a continuous wave input source to the amplifier. Also, the directional coupler must be
configured for reverse power calibration.
Example:

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Unit: Top line displays: “Using the ‘UP’ and ‘DOWN’ buttons, adjust the output power
to match the level below, and press the ‘MODE’ button.”
Second line displays: “Rev Pwr=27.0 dBm”
User: Use the  and  buttons to adjust the output power so that the power level read on
the RF power meter is 27.0 dBm. Then press the ‘MODE’ button.
Unit: Top line displays: “Using the  and  buttons, adjust the output power to match
the level below, and press the ‘MODE’ button.”
Second line displays: “Rev Pwr=28.0 dBm”
User: Use the  and  buttons to adjust the output power so that the power level read on
the RF power meter is 28.0 dBm. Then press the ‘MODE’ button.
The user can back-up (e.g., go from 32.0 dBm to 31.0 dBm) by pressing the ALC button.
This process continues until all of the calibration points have been taken. After all of the
reverse power levels have been calibrated, press the GAIN button, then the unit returns to
the main System Configuration menu.
3.1.3 Gain/VVA Levels
This should be the first item configured on any system. This option configures the VVA
control voltage.
Example:
In the following example, the unit will be calibrated so that the VVA control voltage will
be 0 volts when the input is to undergo maximum attenuation, and the VVA control
voltage will be 3.75 to 5.00 volts when the input is to undergo minimum attenuation
(actual voltage varies by amplifier model).
User: Selects ‘Gain’ from the main System Configuration menu.
Unit: Top line displays: “Using the ‘UP’ and ‘DOWN’ buttons, adjust the VVA control
voltage to the level specified below, and press the ‘MODE’ button.”
Second line displays: “VVA Level: 100.0%”
User: Connect a voltmeter to Pin 3 of J3, and use the ‘UP’ and ‘DOWN’ buttons to
adjust the voltage to the specified value (typically 3.75 to 5.0 volts, depending on
amplifier model). Then press the ‘MODE’ button.
Unit: Stores the information and returns to the main System Configuration menu.
3.1.4 Monitor Options
This is a series of menus to configure all of the voltage and current monitors, as well as
cutoff points for voltage and current faults.
Example:
In this example, physical monitor 2 will be configured as a current monitor that has a
display range of 0.00 to 9.99 amps, with a shutdown fault if the monitor ever exceeds 8
amps.
User: Select ‘Monitors’ from the main System Configuration menu.

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Top line displays: “Using the and  buttons, select which monitor port you wish
to configure, then press the MODE button.”
Second line displays: “Monitor 1”.
Unit: Use the and  buttons to select the monitor to edit until the lower line of the
display reads “Monitor 2”, then press the MODE button.
Unit: Top line displays: “Using the and  buttons, select what type of monitor this
port is, then press the MODE button.”
Second line displays: “Monitor OFF”.
User: Use the and  buttons to change the monitor mode until the lower line of the
display reads “Current”, then press the MODE button.
Unit: Top line displays “Monitor Label:” and the second line displays “I2”. In this
example, I2 is the next available current monitor (i.e., I1 is already in use, and the
label I2 is not in use).
Unit: Top line displays: “Using the and  buttons, select the display format, then
press the MODE button.”
Second line displays: “Format: 123”
User: Use the and  buttons to change the display format until the lower line of the
display reads “Format: 1.23”, then press the MODE button.
Unit: Top line displays: “Using the and  buttons, select the reading that corresponds
to 0 volts on the input, and press the ‘MODE’ button.”
Second line displays: “I2: 0V –> 0.00”
User: Press the ‘MODE’ button (no adjustment is required).
Unit: Top line displays: “Using the ‘UP’ and ‘DOWN’ buttons, select the reading that
corresponds to 5 volts on the input, and press the ‘MODE’ button.”
Second line displays: “I2: 5V –> 0.00”
User: Use the and  buttons to change the upper voltage range until the lower line of
the display reads “5V –> 10.00”, then press the ‘MODE’ button.
Unit: Top line displays: “Using the and  buttons, select the fault mode, and press the
MODE button.”
Second line displays: “No Fault Check”
User: Use the and  buttons to change the monitor fault mode until the lower line of
the display reads “Shutdown Fault”, then press the MODE button.
If “No Fault Check” was selected, then the configuration of this monitor is
completed. If either “Shutdown Fault” or “Notify Fault”, then the following
choices relating to monitor limits are displayed.
Unit: Top line displays: “Using the and  buttons, select the upper fault value for the
input, and press the ‘MODE’ button.”
Second line displays: “Upper I2= 0.00”
User: Use the ‘UP’ and ‘DOWN’ buttons to change the upper fault point until the lower
line of the display reads “Upper I2= 8.00”, then press the ‘MODE’ button.
Unit: Top line displays: “Using the and  buttons, select the lower fault value for the
input, and press the MODE button.”
Second line displays: “Lower I2= 0.00”
User: Press the ‘MODE’ button (no adjustment is required).

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Configuration for Monitor 2 has been completed at this time. If the other monitors were
to be configured, they could be selected at this time. For this example, the user is going to
just exit after editing Monitor 2.
Unit: Top line displays: “Using the and  buttons to scroll through options, then press
the MODE button.”
Second line displays: “Monitors”.
User: Press MODE to configure another monitor, or edit an existing monitor or use the 
and  buttons to scroll to “Exit ”, then press the MODE button.
Unit: Top line displays “Save Changes?” and the bottom line displays “Yes= No=  ”.
User: Press , thus saving the changes.
4INTERFACE PIN ASSIGNMENTS
All connectors are dual row headers, unless otherwise noted and are numbered as
follows:
4.1 Connector: GPIB (IEEE-488) Connector
The GPIB connector is located on the rear panel of the amplifier. This should work
directly with an IDC GPIB-4882 connector. The pin assignments are:
1 - DIO1
2 - DIO5
3 - DIO2
4 - DIO6
5 - DIO3
6 - DIO7
7 - DIO4
8 - DIO8
9 - EOI
10 - REN
11 - DAV
12 - GND
13 - RFD
14 - GND
15 - DAC
16 - GND
17 - IFC
18 - GND
19 - SRQ
20 - GND
21 - ATN
22 - GND
23 - GND
24 - GND