Sony Tektronix VX4792 User manual

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User Manual
VX4792
Arbitrary Waveform Generator
070-8959-05
This document applies to instruments serial
number J330101 and above.

Copyright Sony/Tektronix Corporation. 1995. All rights reserved.
Copyright Tektronix, Inc. 1994. All rights reserved. Licensed software products are owned by Tektronix or its suppliers
and are protected by United States copyright laws and international treaty provisions.
Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the
Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013, or subparagraphs (c)(1) and (2) of the
Commercial Computer Software – Restricted Rights clause at FAR 52.227-19, as applicable.
Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this publication supercedes
that in all previously published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.
Printed in Japan.
Sony/Tektronix Corporation, P.O.Box 5209, Tokyo Int’l, Tokyo 100–31 Japan
Tektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 1000, Wilsonville, OR 97070–1000
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.


Tektronix warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three (3) years
from the date of shipment. If any such product proves defective during this warranty period, Tektronix, at its option, either
will repair the defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a replacement in exchange for the
defective product.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix of the defect before the expiration of the
warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the performance of service. Customer shall be responsible for
packaging and shipping the defective product to the service center designated by Tektronix, with shipping charges prepaid.
Tektronix shall pay for the return of the product to Customer if the shipment is to a location within the country in which the
Tektronix service center is located. Customer shall be responsible for paying all shipping charges, duties, taxes, and any
other charges for products returned to any other locations.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or improper or inadequate
maintenance and care. Tektronix shall not be obligated to furnish service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting
from attempts by personnel other than Tektronix representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair
damage resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; or c) to service a product that has been
modified or integrated with other products when the effect of such modification or integration increases the time or
difficulty of servicing the product.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX WITH RESPECT TO THIS PRODUCT IN LIEU OF ANY
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
TEKTRONIX’ RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE SOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY. TEKTRONIX
AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER TEKTRONIX OR THE VENDOR HAS
ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

VX4792 User Manual i
Table of Contents
List of Figures iv. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
List of Tables vii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Safety Summary ix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preface xiii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Getting Started
Product Description 1–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Applications Support 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuration and Installation 1–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting the Logical Address 1–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing the VXIbus Mainframe 1–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VX4792 Installation 1–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VX4792 Removal 1–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Functional Check 1–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Initial Setup 1–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Functional Check Procedure 1–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Basics
Functional Overview 2–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connectors and Indicators 2–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Generating Waveforms 2–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Modes 2–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sequence Control 2–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Waveform Memory 2–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Length 2–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting Clock Source and Frequency 2–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting Amplitude and Offset 2–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting Output Filter 2–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Time Delay Due to Filters 2–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting Trigger Parameters for an External Trigger 2–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Waveform Timing 2–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
External AM Operation 2–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting Sync Signal 2–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equations 2–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostics and Calibration 2–29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument I/O 2–33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Programming Examples 2–39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preliminary Information 2–39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Control and Basic Waveform Generation 2–40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synchronous Operation 2–41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defining Equations 2–43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compiling Equations 2–44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transferring Waveforms 2–45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
ii VX4792 User Manual
Syntax and Commands
Command Syntax 3–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Command Notation 3–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Program and Response Messages 3–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Command and Query Structure 3–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Character Encoding 3–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Syntactic Delimiters 3–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
White Space 3–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special Characters 3–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arguments 3–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Header 3–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Concatenating Commands 3–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Query Responses 3–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other General Command Conventions 3–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Syntax Diagrams 3–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Command Groups 3–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commands Grouped by Function 3–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Command Quick Reference 3–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Command Summaries 3–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Command Descriptions 3–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Status and Events
Status and Event Reporting 4–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Registers 4–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Queues 4–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Processing Sequence 4–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendices
Appendix A: ASCII & GPIB Code Chart A–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix B: Messages B–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix C: Default Settings C–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix D: Sample Waveform Library D–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sine Wave Signal D–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Triangle Wave Signal D–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ramp Signal D–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Square Wave Signal D–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gaussian Pulse D–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lorentz Pulse D–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sin(x)/x Pulse D–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Squared Sine Pulse D–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rising, Falling Exponential Pulse D–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nyquist Pulse D–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Linear Frequency Sweep D–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Logarithmic Frequency Sweep D–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amplitude Modulated Signal D–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Frequency Modulated Signal D–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damped Sine Wave D–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pulse Width Modulated Signal D–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
VX4792 User Manual iii
NRZ Pseudo-Random (PRBS) Signal D–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electromagnetic Disk Signal 1 D–20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electromagnetic Disk Signal 2 D–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NTSC Directory D–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix E: Specifications E–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction E–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performance Conditions E–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix F: Performance Verification F–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Levels of Testing F–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test Interval F–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conventions F–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prerequisites F–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment Required F–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performance Check Disk Waveform Files F–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Setup F–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Mode Checks F–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
External AM Operation Checks F–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock Frequency and Amplitude Checks F–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amplitude and Offset Accuracy Checks F–28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pulse Response Check F–30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SYNC OUTPUT and MARKER OUTPUT Amplitude Checks F–33. . . . . . . . . . . . .
External Trigger Level Accuracy Check F–35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
External CLOCK INPUT Check F–37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synchronous Operation Check F–39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix G: Functions G–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Differentiation G–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Integration G–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Random (rnd) Function G–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glossary and Index

Table of Contents
iv VX4792 User Manual
List of Figures
Figure 1–1: Setting the Logical Address 1–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 1–2: Module Retainer Screws and Ejector Mechanism 1–8. . . . . .
Figure 2–1: Front Panel Connectors and Indicators 2–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–2: External Trigger Signal and
Waveform Output in Triggered Mode 2–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–3: External Gate Signal and
Waveform Output in Gated Mode 2–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–4: Waveform Output in Burst Mode 2–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–5: Sequence Output in Waveform Mode 2–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–6: Sequence Output in Autostep Mode 2–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–7: Relationship Between Sequence Memory and Waveform
Memory 2–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–8: Waveform Memory Organization 2–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–9: Triangular Wave Resolution and Number of Data Points 2–11
Figure 2–10: Waveform Points and
Sync Output in Continuous Mode 2–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–11: Clock and Waveform Points 2–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–12:Amplitude and Offset Setting 2–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–13: Representative Filter Characteristics 2–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–14: Slope and Level Controls 2–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–15: Trigger Input, Sync Output, and Waveform Timing 2–16. .
Figure 2–16: External AM Operation (Waveform Multiplication) 2–17. .
Figure 2–17: Example of Equation File Data and
Resulting Waveform 2–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–18: Trigonometric Function Waveform
Expressed with Variable x 2–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–19: Trigonometric Function Waveform
Expressed with Variable t 2–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–20: Equation Using Exp( 2–23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–21: Equation Using Log( 2–23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–22: Equation Using Ln( 2–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–23: Equation Using Sqrt( 2–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–24: Equation Using Abs( 2–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–25: Equation Using Int( 2–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–26: Equation Using Round( 2–26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–27: Equation Using Norm( 2–26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
VX4792 User Manual 
Figure 2–28: Equation Using Min( and Max( 2–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–29: Equation Using Rnd( 2–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–30: Waveform Before Calculating Differentiation 2–28. . . . . . . .
Figure 2–31: Waveform After Differentiation Using Diff( 2–28. . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–32: Waveform After Integration Using Integ( 2–29. . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–33: VXIbus Connectors P1 and P2 2–33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–1: Command and Query Structure Flowchart 3–2. . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–2: Typical Syntax Diagrams 3–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 4–1: The Standard Event Status Register (SESR) 4–1. . . . . . . . . .
Figure 4–2: The Status Byte Register (SBR) 4–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 4–3: The Device Event Status Enable Register (DESER) 4–4. . . .
Figure 4–4: The Event Status Enable Register (ESER) 4–4. . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 4–5: The Service Request Enable Register (SRER) 4–5. . . . . . . . .
Figure 4–6: Status and Event Handling Process Overview 4–7. . . . . . . . .
Figure D–1: Sine Wave Signal D–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–2: Triangle Wave Signal D–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–3: Ramp Signal D–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–4: Square Wave Signal D–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–5: Gaussian Pulse D–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–6: Lorentz Pulse D–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–7: Sin(x)/x Pulse D–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–8: Squared Sine Pulse D–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–9: Rising, Falling Exponential Pulse D–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–10: Nyquist Pulse Waveform D–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–11: Linear Frequency Sweep Signal D–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–12: Logarithmic Frequency Sweep Signal D–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–13:Amplitude Modulated Signal D–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–14: Frequency Modulated Signal D–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–15: Damped Sine Wave D–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–16: Pulse Width Modulated Signal D–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–17: NRZ Pseudo-random Signal D–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–18: Pseudo-random Signals Generated with Shift Register D–19
Figure D–19: NRZ Pseudo-random Signal D–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–20: Electromagnetic Disk Signal 1 Waveform D–20. . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–21: Electromagnetic Disk Signal 2 Waveform D–21. . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–22: NTSC Directory Signals D–23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure F–1: Setting Switches on the Resource Manager F–9. . . . . . . . . . .
Figure F–2: Basic System Configuration F–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
 VX4792 User Manual
Figure F–3: Cont Mode Initial Test Setup F–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure F–4: Triggered Mode Initial Test Setup F–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure F–5: Burst Mode Initial Test Setup F–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure F–6: Gated Mode Initial Test Setup F–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure F–7: Waveform Output Signal with Positive Gate Signal F–18. . . .
Figure F–8: Waveform Output Signal with Negative Gate Signal F–19. . .
Figure F–9: Waveform Advance Mode Initial Test Setup F–20. . . . . . . . . .
Figure F–10:Autostep Mode Initial Test Setup F–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure F–11: External AM Operation Initial Test Setup F–23. . . . . . . . . . .
Figure F–12: Clock Frequency Accuracy Initial Test Setup F–25. . . . . . . .
Figure F–13: Clock Amplitude Initial Test Setup F–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure F–14: Gain Accuracy Initial Test Setup F–29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure F–15: Pulse Response Initial Test Setup F–31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure F–16: Sync Output and
Marker Output Amplitude Initial Test Setup F–33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure F–17: External Trigger Level Accuracy Initial Test Setup F–35. . .
Figure F–18: External CLOCK INPUT Initial Test Setup F–37. . . . . . . . .
Figure F–19: Synchronous Operation Initial Test Setup F–40. . . . . . . . . . .
Figure F–20: Skew Between Modules F–42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure G–1: Equation Differentiation G–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure G–2: Equation Integration G–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
VX4792 User Manual vii
List of Tables
Table 1–1: VX4792 Arbitrary Waveform Generator
Installation Record 1–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–1: Types of Waveform Files 2–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–2:An Example Sequence File (XXX.SEQ) 2–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–3: Time Delay Caused By Filters 2–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–4: Output Signal Amplitude Relative to External
Modulation Signal 2–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–5: Components for Assembling Equations 2–20. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–6: Diagnostic and Calibration Commands 2–30. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–7: Left Slot P1 Pinout 2–34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–8: Left Slot P2 Pinout 2–35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–9: Right Slot P1 Pinout 2–36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–10: Right Slot P2 Pinout 2–37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–11: Trigger Requirements for Synchronous Output 2–41. . . . . . .
Table 3–1: BNF Symbols and Meanings 3–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–2: Decimal Numeric Notation 3–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–3: Header in Query Responses 3–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–4: Function Groups in the Command Set 3–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–5: Calibration and Diagnostic Commands 3–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–6: Memory Commands 3–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–7: Mode Commands 3–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–8: Output Commands 3–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–9: Setup Commands 3–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–10: Status and Event Commands 3–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–11: Synchronization Commands 3–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–12: Synchronization Commands 3–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–13: Waveform Commands 3–20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 4–1: SESR Bit Functions 4–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 4–2: SBR Bit Functions 4–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table B–1: Normal Condition B–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table B–2: Command Errors (CME Bit:5) B–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table B–3: Execution Errors (EXE Bit:4) B–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table B–4: Internal Errors (DDE Bit:3) B–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table B–5: System Event B–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table B–6: Warnings (EXE Bit:4) B–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
 VX4792 User Manual
Table B–7: Internal Warnings (DDE Bit:3) B–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table B–8: Device-Specific Messages B–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table C–1: Factory Initialized Settings C–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table D–1: Waveform Samples D–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table D–2: NTSC Directory D–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table E–1: Electrical Characteristics E–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table E–2: Environmental Characteristics E–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table E–3: Mechanical Characteristics E–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table F–1: Test Equipment Requirements F–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table F–2: VX4792 Performance Check Disk Waveform
File Summary F–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table F–3: VX4792 Performance Check Disk Command
File Summary F–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table F–4: VX4792 Device Characteristics Parameters F–10. . . . . . . . . . .
Table F–5: Clock Frequency Settings F–26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table F–6: Pulse Response Characteristics for 1 V Amplitude F–32. . . . .

VX4792 User Manual ix
General Safety Summary
Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to
this product or any products connected to it.
Injury Precaution
To avoid fire hazard, use only the power cord specified for the mainframe.
To avoid electric shock or fire hazard, do not apply a voltage to a terminal that is
outside the range specified for the mainframe.
This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the power cord of
the mainframe. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must be
connected to earth ground. Before making connections to the input or output
terminals of the product, ensure that the product is properly grounded.
To avoid electric shock or fire hazard, do not operate this product with covers or
panels removed.
To avoid fire hazard, use only the fuse type and rating specified for this product.
To avoid electric shock, do not operate this product in wet or damp conditions.
To avoid injury or fire hazard, do not operate this product in an explosive
atmosphere.
Product Damage Precaution
Do not operate this product from a power source that applies more than the
voltage specified.
Before applying power to the mainframe, ensure that the line selector is in the
proper position for the power source being used.
U e Proper Power Cord
Avoid Electric Overload
Ground the Product
Do Not Operate Without
Cover
U e Proper Fu e
Do Not Operate in
Wet/Damp Condition
Do Not Operate in
Explo ive Atmo phere
U e Proper Power Source
U e Proper Voltage
Setting

General Safety Summary
xVX4792 User Manual
To prevent product overheating, provide proper ventilation.
If you suspect there is damage to this product, have it inspected by qualified
service personnel.
Safety Terms and Symbols
These terms may appear in this manual:
 Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result
in injury or loss of life.
 Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in
damage to this product or other property.
These terms may appear on the product:
DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you read the
marking.
WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as you read the
marking.
CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.
The following symbols may appear on the product:

  
  " !
  

 
!
!
! 
Provide Proper Ventilation
Do Not Operate With
Suspected Failures
Terms in This Manual
Terms on the Product
Symbols on the Product

General Safety Summary
VX4792 User Manual xi
Certifications and Compliances
CSA Certification includes the products and power cords appropriate for use in
the North America power network. All other power cords supplied are approved
for the country of use.
For modules (plug-in or VXI) that are safety certified by Underwriters Laborato-
ries, UL Listing applies only when the module is installed in a UL Listed
product. CSA Certification applies only when the module is installed in a CSA
Certified product.
Consult the product specifications for IEC Installation Category, Pollution
Degree, and Safety Class.
CSA Certified Power
Cords
Safety Certification of
PlugĆin or VXI Modules
Compliances

General Safety Summary
 VX4792 User Manual

VX4792 User Manual xiii
Preface
This manual provides the information necessary to install, configure, and operate
the VX4792 Arbitrary Waveform Generator.
Manual Organization
This manual consists of the following chapters and appendices:
HGetting Started contains a basic product description and information on how
to configure and install the waveform generator.
HOperating Basics contains a functional overview, instrument I/O informa-
tion, and descriptions of basic applications.
HSyntax and Commands contains syntactic rules, a list of commands by
functional group, and full command descriptions in alphabetical order.
HStatus and Events describes the waveform generator status and event
reporting structure.
HThe Appendices contain an ASCII and GPIB code chart, a list of error
messages, descriptions of default settings, a summary of the waveform
library disk, detailed specifications, a performance verification procedure,
and information about some of the functions used to assemble equations.
HGlossary/Index contains a glossary of both instrument-specific and general
VXI terms, and a full index.
Notational Conventions
The following notational conventions apply throughout this manual:
A tilde (~) following a signal mnemonic (as in ACFAIL~) indicates that the
signal is active when in its low state.
A signal mnemonic without a tilde indicates that the signal is active when in its
high state.
Unless otherwise noted, all numbers are assumed to be decimal (base 10).
Numbers expressed in other bases appear with that base attached as a subscript.
For example, binary (01102), octal (3418), and hexadecimal (97FF16) numbers
may appear in this manual.
Active Signal States
Number Base

Preface
xiv VX4792 User Manual
Related Publications
The following documents provide valuable information on subjects related to the
VX4792 Arbitrary Waveform Generator:
HVXIbus System Specification, Version 1.3, July 14, 1989
HVMEbus Specification Manual, Revision C.1, October, 1985
HANSI/IEEE Standard 1014–1987, IEEE Standard for a Versatile Backplane
Bus: VMEbus

Getting Started