Racal Instruments 1258 User manual

100 MHz SWITCHING
MATRIX
MODEL 1258
PUBLICATION NO. 980881
RACAL INSTRUMENTS
United States
(Corporate Headquarters and Service Center)
4 Goodyear Street, Irvine, CA 92618
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
5730 Northwest Parkway Suite 700, San Antonio, TX 78249
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
Europe
(European Headquarters and Service Center)
18 Avenue Dutartre, 78150 LeChesnay, France
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
29-31 Cobham Road, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7PF, United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
Via Milazzo 25, 20092 Cinisello B, Milan, Italy
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
Racal Instruments Group Limited, Technologie Park, D-51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
http://www.racalinstruments.com
[email protected]
www.racalinstruments.de
PUBLICATION DATE: February 08, 2005
Copyright 2005 by Racal Instruments, Inc. Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved.
This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING THIS RACAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCT.
For this product, or any other Racal Instruments product that incorporates software drivers, you may access
our web site to verify and/or download the latest driver versions. The web address for driver downloads is:
http://www.racalinstruments.com/downloads
If you have any questions about software driver downloads or our privacy policy, please contact us at
[email protected].
WARRANTY STATEMENT
All Racal Instruments, Inc. products are designed and manufactured to exacting standards and in full
conformance to Racal’s ISO 9001:2000 processes.
This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from any modification(s) of any product or part without Racal
Instruments express written consent, or misuse of any product or part. The warranty also does not apply to
fuses, software, non-rechargeable batteries, damage from battery leakage, or problems arising from normal
wear, such as mechanical relay life, or failure to follow instructions.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including any implied warranty of
merchantability or fitness for a particular use. The remedies provided herein are buyer’s sole and exclusive
remedies.
For the specific terms of your standard warranty, or optional extended warranty or service agreement, contact
your Racal customer service advisor. Please have the following information available to facilitate service.
1. Product serial number
2. Product model number
3. Your company and contact information
You may contact your customer service advisor by:
E-Mail: [email protected]
Telephone: [phone] (USA)
[phone] (UK)
Fax: [phone] (USA)
[phone] (UK)

RETURN of PRODUCT
Authorization is required from Racal Instruments before you send us your product for service or calibration.
Call your nearest Racal Instruments support facility. A list is located on the last page of this manual. If you are
unsure where to call, contact Racal Instruments, Inc. Customer Support Department in Irvine, California, USA
at 1-800-722-3262 or 1-949-859-8999 or via fax at 1-949-859-7139. We can be reached at:
[email protected].
PROPRIETARY NOTICE
This document and the technical data herein disclosed, are proprietary to Racal Instruments, and shall not,
without express written permission of Racal Instruments, be used, in whole or in part to solicit quotations from
a competitive source or used for manufacture by anyone other than Racal Instruments. The information
herein has been developed at private expense, and may only be used for operation and maintenance
reference purposes or for purposes of engineering evaluation and incorporation into technical specifications
and other documents which specify procurement of products from Racal Instruments.
DISCLAIMER
Buyer acknowledges and agrees that it is responsible for the operation of the goods purchased and should
ensure that they are used properly and in accordance with this handbook and any other instructions
provided by Seller. Racal Instruments products are not specifically designed, manufactured or intended to
be used as parts, assemblies or components in planning, construction, maintenance or operation of a
nuclear facility, or in life support or safety critical applications in which the failure of the Racal Instruments
product could create a situation where personal injury or death could occur. Should Buyer purchase Racal
Instruments product for such unintended application, Buyer shall indemnify and hold Racal Instruments, its
officers, employees, subsidiaries, affiliates and distributors harmless against all claims arising out of a claim
for personal injury or death associated with such unintended use.

FOR YOUR SAFETY
Before undertaking any troubleshooting, maintenance or exploratory procedure, read carefully the
WARNINGS and CAUTION notices.
This equipment contains voltage hazardous to
human life and safety, and is capable of
inflicting personal injury.
If this instrument is to be powered from the AC line (mains) through an
autotransformer, ensure the common connector is connected to the neutral (earth
pole) of the power supply.
Before operating the unit, ensure the conductor (green wire) is connected to the
ground (earth) conductor of the power outlet. Do not use a two-conductor extension
cord or a three-prong/two-prong adapter. This will defeat the protective feature of the
third conductor in the power cord.
Maintenance and calibration procedures sometimes call for operation of the unit with
power applied and protective covers removed. Read the procedures and heed
warnings to avoid “live” circuit points.
Before operating this instrument:
1. Ensure the proper fuse is in place for the power source to operate.
2. Ensure all other devices connected to or in proximity to this instrument are properly grounded or
connected to the protective third-wire earth ground.
If the instrument:
- fails to operate satisfactorily
- shows visible damage
- has been stored under unfavorable conditions
- has sustained stress
Do not operate until, performance is checked by qualified personnel.

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i
Table of Contents
Chapter 1.............................................................................................................................. 1-1
SYSTEM SPECIFICATION............................................................................................................. 1-1
General Description..................................................................................................................... 1-1
Purpose Of Equipment ............................................................................................................1-1
Features................................................................................................................................... 1-2
Key Features....................................................................................................................... 1-2
Specifications...................................................................................................................... 1-2
Mechanical............................................................................................................................... 1-6
Applicable Documents............................................................................................................. 1-6
Chapter 2.............................................................................................................................. 2-1
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS................................................................................................... 2-1
Unpacking, Inspection and Handling........................................................................................... 2-1
Reshipment Instructions.............................................................................................................. 2-2
Mounting...................................................................................................................................... 2-2
Chapter 3.............................................................................................................................. 3-1
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................ 3-1
General........................................................................................................................................ 3-1
Front Panel User Interface.......................................................................................................... 3-2
Switching System Controller ....................................................................................................... 3-2
Communication Interfaces........................................................................................................... 3-2
Switching Cards .......................................................................................................................... 3-2
Rear Panel .................................................................................................................................. 3-3
Chapter 4.............................................................................................................................. 4-1
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS....................................................................................................... 4-1
General........................................................................................................................................ 4-1
Manual Front Panel Operation....................................................................................................4-2
Displaying Routes.................................................................................................................... 4-4
Configuring the Matrix.............................................................................................................. 4-5
Configuring Remote Control Interfaces ................................................................................... 4-6

ii
Ethernet Configuration.........................................................................................................4-6
IEEE-488 (GPIB) Configuration. ..........................................................................................4-6
RS-232 Serial Configuration. ...............................................................................................4-6
Configuring Operating Modes...................................................................................................4-7
MultiConnect Mode..............................................................................................................4-7
PowerUp Configuration........................................................................................................4-7
AutoUpdate..........................................................................................................................4-7
Configuring Miscellaneous Modes............................................................................................4-8
Sound...................................................................................................................................4-8
Display Brightness ...............................................................................................................4-8
Color.....................................................................................................................................4-8
Using the Test/Diagnostic Mode...............................................................................................4-8
Test/Diagnostic Mode ..........................................................................................................4-8
Remote Operation........................................................................................................................4-9
Interface Configuration .............................................................................................................4-9
Commands and Queries...........................................................................................................4-9
Disconnect commands (OPEN).........................................................................................4-11
Connect commands (CLOSE)............................................................................................4-11
Connection queries (CLOSE?)...........................................................................................4-12
Perform connection / disconnection commands (UPDATE) ..............................................4-13
Keypad Lock and Unlock Commands (LOCK and UNLOck).............................................4-13
Configuration Commands and Queries..............................................................................4-14
Identification Query (*IDN?)...............................................................................................4-15
System Reset Command (*RST).......................................................................................4-15
Selftest Query (*TST?).......................................................................................................4-15
Error Query (*ERR? and *ERR:DESC?)............................................................................4-16
System Clear Command (*CLS?)......................................................................................4-16
System Software Update........................................................................................................4-17
Chapter 5...............................................................................................................................5-1
PRODUCT SUPPORT.....................................................................................................................5-1
Product Support ...........................................................................................................................5-1
Reshipment Instructions...............................................................................................................5-1
Support Offices ............................................................................................................................5-2

iii
Appendix A..........................................................................................................................A-1
CONNECTORS ..............................................................................................................................A-2
Appendix B..........................................................................................................................B-1
DEFINITIONS.................................................................................................................................B-1

iv
List of Figures
Figure 1-1. Model 1258 Switching Matrix........................................................................................1-1
Figure 1-2. Frequency Response ...................................................................................................1-4
Figure 1-3. Adjacent (Input) Channel Crosstalk vs. Frequency......................................................1-4
Figure 1-4. Adjacent (Output) Channel Crosstalk vs. Frequency ...................................................1-4
Figure 1-5. Adjacent (Throughput) Channel Crosstalk vs. Frequency............................................1-4
Figure 1-6. Off Isolation, Input-Output ............................................................................................1-5
Figure 1-7. 2Vp-p Source ...............................................................................................................1-5
Figure 1-8. Step Response for 2Vp-p.............................................................................................1-5
Figure 3-1. Functional Block Diagram ............................................................................................3-1
Figure 3-2. Front Panel...................................................................................................................3-2
Figure 3-3. Rear Panel (option 407900-001 shown).......................................................................3-3
Figure 3-4. Rear Panel (option 407900-014 shown) ......................................................................3-4
Figure 4-1. About Screen................................................................................................................4-2
Figure 4-2. Manual Command Structure.........................................................................................4-3
Figure 4-3. Graphical Connection Display......................................................................................4-4
Figure 4-4. List Connection Display (Input Based) .........................................................................4-4
Figure 4-5. Configure Matrix Display ..............................................................................................4-5
Figure 4-6. Example With Diagnostic Mode Enabled .....................................................................4-9
List of Table
Table I. Remote Command Summary ..........................................................................................4-10

1258 User Manual
Racal Instruments ©2005 System Specification 1-1
Chapter 1
SYSTEM SPECIFICATION
General
Description The 1258 is a solid-state switching system capable of routing DC-
100MHz signals. A high-speed embedded controller provides fast
routing of signals and ease of operation. The solid-state non-
blocking switching logic offers maximum signal isolation and low
noise. The switching system architecture allows customizable rear
panel signal connections.
Figure 1-1, Model 1258 Switching Matrix
Figure 1-1, Model 1258 Switching Matrix
Purpose Of
Equipment
This instrument provides a high-density capability for signal
routing and switching of audio, video, telemetry, ELINT/SIGNT,
IF, and other types of signals in the DC-100MHz frequency
range.

1258 User Manual
System Specification 1-2 Racal Instruments ©2005
Features
Key Features Solid State Non-Blocking Switch with full fan-out
64 Input x 16 Output, expandable to 64 input x 64
output in 16 output increments
Frequency Response: 100 MHz Bandwidth
Crosstalk Isolation: -60dB @ 5MHz (200mVp-p)
Off Isolation: -85dB @ 5MHz (2Vp-p), -110dB @
5MHz (200mVp-p)
19" Rack Mountable, 2 EIA Units High (16.5"W ×
19.5"D ×3.5"H)
Rear Mounted Connectors (variations with SMA and
multi-contact DSUBs available)
GPIB (IEEE-488.2), Ethernet (10BaseT), RS-232, or
Manual (front panel) Control
Field Upgradeable Firmware through Ethernet or RS-
232 interface
Front Panel User Interface w/full color graphical
display
Forced air cooling
Specifications
MAXIMUM RATINGS
Parameter Condition Rating Units
Operating Temperature 0 to +60 °C
Non-Operating Temperature -40 to +75 °C
Humidity non-condensing 5 to 95 %
AC Power 47-63Hz operation 250 Vac
Power Consumption 100 Watts
Channel Input Voltage no damage ±5.0 V

1258 User Manual
Racal Instruments ©2005 System Specification 1-3
AC CHARACTERISTICS
Parameter Conditions Min Limit
Typ. Max Units
Dynamic Performance
Bandwidth -3dB 200 mV p-p, RL= 50Ω120 MHz
1 V p-p, RL= 50Ω100 MHz
2 V p-p, RL= 50Ω90 MHz
Slew Rate 2 V Step, RL= 50Ω200
V/µs
Settling Time 0.1%, 2V step, RL= 50Ω100 ns
Gain Flatness 0.1 dB, 200 mV p-p, RL= 50Ω20 MHz
0.1 dB, 2 V p-p, RL= 50Ω10 MHz
0.5 dB, 200 mV p-p, RL= 50Ω60 MHz
0.5 dB, 2 V p-p, RL= 50Ω45 MHz
Crosstalk/Isolation
Crosstalk (adj. Ch Input) f = 5MHz, 200 mV p-p, RL= 50Ω-60 dB
Crosstalk (adj. Ch Output) f = 5MHz, 200 mV p-p, RL= 50Ω-75 dB
Crosstalk (adj. Ch) f = 5MHz, 200 mV p-p, RL= 50Ω-60 dB
Off Isolation, Input-Output f = 10 MHz, RL= 100Ω, one channel -90 dB
Output Characteristics
Output Offset Voltage Worst case all switch configurations ±50 mV
Output Impedance DC, enabled 50 Ω
Disabled 1 10 MΩ
Output Capacitance 18 pF
Output Leakage Current Disabled 1 µA
Output Voltage Range RL= 1KΩ±2.5 ±3 V
Output Current 20 40 mA
Short Circuit Current 65 mA
Input Characteristics
Input Impedance 50 Ω
Input Voltage Range ±2.5 ±3 V
Input Bias Current One switching card (64 in X 16 out) 2 5 µA
Four switching cards (64 in X 64 out) 8 20 µA
Switching Characteristics
Switching Transient 15 mV p-p
Switching Time Command receipt to switch update 6 ms
Break/Make Time 500 µs

1258 User Manual
System Specification 1-4 Racal Instruments ©2005
GAIN - dB
VIN = 200mVp-p
RL= 50Ω
FREQUENCY - MHz
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
-2
-4
-6
-8
-10
-12
-14 1 10 100 1000
Figure 1-2 Frequency Response
CROSSTALK - dB
FREQUENCY - MHz
VIN = 200mVp-p
RL= 50
Ω
Channels 33-48
Channels 49-64
Channels 17-32
Channels 1-16
-30
-35
-40
-45
-50
-55
-60
-65
-70
-75
-80
-85
-901 10 100 1000
Figure 1-3. Adjacent (Input) Channel
Crosstalk vs. Frequency
CROSSTALK - dB
FREQUENCY - MHz
VIN = 200mVp-p
RL= 50Ω
Channels 33-48
Channels 49-64
Channels 17-32
Channels 1-16
-40
-45
-50
-55
-60
-65
-70
-75
-80
-85
-901 10 100 1000
Figure 1-4. Adjacent (Output) Channel
Crosstalk vs. Frequency
CROSSTALK - dB
FREQUENCY - MHz
VIN = 200mVp-p
RL= 50
Ω
Channels 33-48
Channels 49-64
Channels 17-32
Channels 1-16
1 10 100 1000
-35
-45
-50
-55
-60
-65
-70
-75
-80
-85
-90
-40
-95
Figure 1-5 Adjacent (Throughput) Channel
Crosstalk vs. Frequency

1258 User Manual
Racal Instruments ©2005 System Specification 1-5
OFF ISOLATION - dB
FREQUENCY - MHz
RL= 50Ω
Vin = 2Vp-p
Vin = 200mVp-p
-55
-60
-65
-70
-75
-80
-85
-90
-95
-100
-105
-110
-115
-120
-125 1 10 100 1000
Figure 1-6 Off Isolation, Input-Output
Figure 1-7. 2Vp-p Source
Figure 1-8. Step Response for 2Vp-p

1258 User Manual
System Specification 1-6 Racal Instruments ©2005
Mechanical The 1258 is contained in a metal chassis with an outside
dimension 16.5 inches wide by 19.5 inches deep by 3.5 inches
high. The front panel is 19 inches wide by 3.5 inches high and
includes four oval holes for rack mounting and a handle at each
end. The unit fits in a standard EIA 2U rack space.
Applicable
Documents
•Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments,
Volume 1: Syntax and Style
•ANSI/IEEE Std 488.2-1992, IEEE Standard Codes,
Formats, Protocols, and Common Commands for use with
ANSI/IEEE Std 488.1-1987
•IEEE-802.3 (ANSI 8802.3), Ethernet Network Standard
•EIA RS-232-D, Interface Between Data Terminal Equipment
and Data Communication Equipment Employing Serial
Binary Data Interchange

1258 User Manual
Racal Instruments ©2005 Installation Instructions 2-1
Chapter 2
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Unpacking,
Inspection and
Handling
CAUTION
ESD sensitive devices, open the instrument at an ESD
safe work station. Read the entire User's Manual
before proceeding with the installation and
application of power.
1. Remove the instrument from its carton, preserving the factory
packaging as much as possible.
2. Inspect the instrument for any defects or damage.
Immediately notify the carrier if any damage is apparent.
3. Have a qualified person check the instrument for safety
before use.
4. If required for maintenance purposes, the top cover should
only be removed after disconnecting the electrical cord to
avoid electrical shock
5. Use only fuses rated in accordance with the label on the rear
panel of the unit. To avoid electrical shock, be sure to
disconnect the electrical cord before replacing the fuse.

1258 User Manual
Installation Instructions2-2 Racal Instruments ©2005
Reshipment
Instructions 1. Use the original packing material when returning the
instrument to Racal Instruments for servicing. The original
shipping carton and the instrument’s plastic foam will provide
the necessary support for safe reshipment.
2. If the original packing material is unavailable, wrap the in an
ESD Shielding bag and use plastic spray foam to surround
and protect the instrument.
3. Reship in either the original or a new shipping carton.
Mounting The 1258 is designed to mount in a standard 19" rack. The front
panel includes four oval holes at each end for rack mounting. Be
sure to leave space for cooling. Air enters the unit through the
filters located on the left rear side and exits through vent holes
located on the right front side.

1258 User Manual
Racal Instruments ©2005 Functional Description 3-1
Chapter 3
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
General The 1258 uses an embedded controller with operational software
to control a set of switching cards. The software receives
commands through the front panel manual keypad or the remote
interfaces. Matrix routing is controlled through a digital link to the
switching cards. A simplified functional block diagram of the
instrument is shown in Figure 3-1.
POWER
SUPPLY
SWITCHING CARD 1
SWITCHING CARD 2
SWITCHING CARD 3
SWITCHING CARD 4
16 16 16 16
16
16
16
16
ALPHA-
NUMERIC
KEYPAD
GRAPHICAL
DISPLAY
AC
POWER
SERIAL
INPUTS
OUTPUTS
GPIB 10-BASE-T RS-232
EMBEDDED
CONTROLLER
(PC104)
GPIB
(PC104)
DIGITAL
I/O
(PC104)
ETHERNET
(PC104)
Figure 3-1. Functional Block Diagram

1258 User Manual
Functional Description 3-2 Racal Instruments ©2005
Front Panel User
Interface The front panel includes a 16 key alphanumeric keypad and color
display for manual operator control. The internal processor uses
the soft smart keys A through D to allow control and status of the
instrument. The DEL key is used during manual input to erase,
backspace, or delete an input. The ENTER key is used to
complete a manual input. The keypad interfaces to the internal
processor through a keypad encoder via a serial interface.
Figure 3-2. Front Panel
Switching System
Controller This switching system controller executes the system software that
controls the switching matrix, interfaces with the front panel display
and keyboard, and provides communication control and command
parsing for the remote control interfaces. On-board non-volatile
memory saves configuration information while power is off. The
controller interfaces to a display adapter module and to the
alphanumeric keypad through an on-board serial interface. The
switching cards are controlled internally using a digital I/O.
Communication
Interfaces The GPIB, Ethernet, and RS-232 interfaces allow remote control of
the switching matrix. The RS-232 uses a serial interface provided
on the PC104 CPU module.
Switching Cards The 1258 is comprised of one to four modular switching cards.
Each card includes a complete 64 input by 16 output switching
matrix comprised of four Analog Devices AD8116 16x16 buffered
video crosspoint switches and control logic. The switching matrix is
field expandable in 16 output increments. The entire 64x64
switching matrix is a non-blocking (full fan-out) design allowing any
input to be connected to any output or multiple outputs
simultaneously without additional input loading. Note, however,
that the operating system software has an operational mode that
can assure that any given switch input is connected to at most one
output (MultiConnect disabled). With MultiConnect enabled
(default), a single input can be connected to multiple outputs. The
matrix design inherently does not allow multiple inputs to be
connected to the same output.