Tabor Electronics Lucid Series User manual

L
Lucid Series RF Analog
Signal Generator
Desktop Model
User Manual
Rev. 1.3
Distribution in the UK & Ireland
Lambda Photometrics Limited
Lambda House Batford Mill
Harpenden Herts AL5 5BZ
United Kingdom
E: [email protected]
W: www.lambdaphoto.co.uk
T: [phone]
F: [phone]

Lucid Series RF Signal Generator
Desktop User Manual
Rev. 1.3
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WARRANTY STATEMENT
Products sold by Tabor Electronics Ltd. are warranted to be free from defects in workmanship or
materials. Tabor Electronics Ltd. will, at its option, either repair or replace any hardware products which
prove to be defective during the warranty period. You are a valued customer. Our mission is to make
any necessary repairs in a reliable and timely manner.
Duration of Warranty
The warranty period for this Tabor Electronics Ltd. hardware is one year, except software and firmware
products designed for use with Tabor Electronics Ltd. Hardware is warranted not to fail to execute its
programming instructions due to defect in materials or workmanship for a period of ninety (90) days from
the date of delivery to the initial end user.
Return of Product
Authorization is required from Tabor Electronics before you send us your product for service or
calibration. Call your nearest Tabor Electronics support facility. A list is located on the last page of this
manual. If you are unsure where to call, contact Tabor Electronics Ltd. Tel Hanan, Israel at 972-4-821-
3393 or via fax at 972-4-821-3388. We can be reached at: [e-mail]
Limitation of Warranty
Tabor Electronics Ltd. shall be released from all obligations under this warranty in the event repairs or
modifications are made by persons other than authorized Tabor Electronics service personnel or without
the written consent of Tabor Electronics.
Tabor Electronics Ltd. expressly disclaims any liability to its customers, dealers and representatives and
to users of its product, and to any other person or persons, for special or consequential damages of any
kind and from any cause whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with the manufacture, sale,
handling, repair, maintenance, replacement or use of said products.
Representations and warranties made by any person including dealers and representatives of Tabor
Electronics Ltd., which are inconsistent or in conflict with the terms of this warranty (including but not
limited to the limitations of the liability of Tabor Electronics Ltd. as set forth above), shall not be binding
upon Tabor Electronics Ltd. unless reduced to writing and approved by an officer of Tabor Electronics
Ltd.
This document may contain flaws, omissions or typesetting errors. No warranty is granted nor liability
assumed in relation thereto. The information contained herein is periodically updated and changes will
be incorporated into subsequent editions. If you have encountered an error, please notify us at
[e-mail]. All specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
Except as stated above, Tabor Electronics Ltd. makes no warranty, express or implied (either in fact or
by operation of law), statutory or otherwise; and except to the extent stated above, Tabor Electronics
Ltd. shall have no liability under any warranty, express or implied (either in fact or by operation of law),
statutory or otherwise.
PROPRIETARY NOTICE
This document and the technical data herein disclosed, are proprietary to Tabor Electronics, and shall not, without
express written permission of Tabor Electronics, be used, in whole or in part to solicit quotations from a competitive
source or used for manufacture by anyone other than Tabor Electronics. 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 Tabor Electronics.

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T
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................................ 3
LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................................................... 4
LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................................................. 5
DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY ....................................................................................................................... 9
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS ...................................................................................................................... 10
1GENERAL................................................................................................................................................. 13
1.1 SCOPE.................................................................................................................................................... 13
1.2 SOFTWARE SUPPORT ................................................................................................................................ 14
1.3 DOCUMENT CONVENTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 14
1.4 SAFETY................................................................................................................................................... 14
1.5 MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................................................ 16
1.5.1 Preventive Maintenance ........................................................................................................ 16
1.5.2 Long Term Storage or Repackaging For Shipment ................................................................. 16
2INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 17
2.1 UNPACKING ............................................................................................................................................ 17
2.2 FRONT PANEL CONNECTOR ........................................................................................................................ 18
2.3 REAR PANEL CONNECTORS......................................................................................................................... 18
3SPI PROGRAMMING ............................................................................................................................... 19
3.1 SPI PROGRAMMING EXAMPLE.................................................................................................................... 19
3.2 CW MODE COMMANDS ........................................................................................................................... 19
3.2.1 RF Output ............................................................................................................................... 19
3.2.2 Frequency ............................................................................................................................... 20
3.2.3 Power...................................................................................................................................... 20
3.2.4 Phase ...................................................................................................................................... 22
3.3 RUN MODE COMMANDS........................................................................................................................... 23
3.3.1 Run Mode ............................................................................................................................... 23
3.3.2 Trigger Source......................................................................................................................... 23
3.3.3 Trigger Edge............................................................................................................................ 24
3.3.4 Trigger Advance...................................................................................................................... 24
3.3.5 Trigger Count .......................................................................................................................... 25
3.3.6 Trigger Delay........................................................................................................................... 26
3.3.7 Trigger Timer .......................................................................................................................... 26
3.3.8 Trigger..................................................................................................................................... 27
3.4 MODULATIONS MODE COMMANDS ............................................................................................................ 28
3.4.1 Amplitude Modulation ........................................................................................................... 28
3.4.2 Amplitude Modulation Source ............................................................................................... 28
3.4.3 Amplitude Modulation Frequency ......................................................................................... 29
3.4.4 Amplitude Modulation Depth ................................................................................................ 29
3.4.5 Frequency Modulation ........................................................................................................... 30
3.4.6 Frequency Modulation Source ............................................................................................... 30
3.4.7 Frequency Modulation Frequency ......................................................................................... 31
3.4.8 Frequency Modulation Deviation........................................................................................... 32
3.4.9 Phase Modulation................................................................................................................... 32
3.4.10 Phase Modulation Frequency ............................................................................................ 33
3.4.11 Phase modulation Deviation .............................................................................................. 33
3.4.12 Pulse Modulation ............................................................................................................... 34
3.4.13 Pulse Modulation Source ................................................................................................... 35

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3.4.14 Pulse Modulation Frequency ............................................................................................. 35
3.4.15 Pulse Modulation Width .................................................................................................... 36
3.4.16 Pulse Pattern ...................................................................................................................... 37
3.4.17 Pulse Pattern Repetitions................................................................................................... 37
3.4.18 Pulse Pattern On Time........................................................................................................ 38
3.4.19 Pulse Pattern Off Time ....................................................................................................... 39
3.5 SWEEP MODE COMMANDS........................................................................................................................ 40
3.5.1 Frequency Sweep ................................................................................................................... 40
3.5.2 Frequency Sweep Start........................................................................................................... 40
3.5.3 Frequency Sweep Stop ........................................................................................................... 41
3.5.4 Frequency Sweep Steps.......................................................................................................... 41
3.5.5 Frequency Sweep Step Time .................................................................................................. 42
3.5.6 Frequency Sweep Direction.................................................................................................... 43
3.5.7 Power Sweep .......................................................................................................................... 43
3.5.8 Power Sweep Start ................................................................................................................. 44
3.5.9 Power Sweep Stop.................................................................................................................. 44
3.5.10 Power Sweep Steps ............................................................................................................ 45
3.5.11 Power Sweep Step Time..................................................................................................... 46
3.5.12 Power Sweep Direction ...................................................................................................... 46
3.6 LIST MODE COMMANDS............................................................................................................................ 48
3.6.1 List .......................................................................................................................................... 48
3.6.2 List Enable............................................................................................................................... 49
3.6.3 Delete List............................................................................................................................... 50
3.7 SYSTEM COMMANDS ................................................................................................................................ 51
3.7.1 Save Setup .............................................................................................................................. 51
3.7.2 Erase Setup ............................................................................................................................. 51
3.7.3 Recall Setup ............................................................................................................................ 51
3.7.4 Powerup ................................................................................................................................. 51
3.7.5 Reset....................................................................................................................................... 52
3.7.6 System Information ................................................................................................................ 52
3.7.7 Temperature........................................................................................................................... 53
3.7.8 Firmware ................................................................................................................................ 54
4TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................................................... 55
4.1 MANUALLY INSTALLING INSTRUMENT DRIVERS .............................................................................................. 55
4.1.1 USB Device Driver Manual Installation (Windows 10)............................................................ 55
4.1.2 USB Device Driver Manual Installation (Windows 7).............................................................. 61
5LUCID DESKTOP SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................ 65
5.1 FREQUENCY ............................................................................................................................................ 65
5.2 AMPLITUDE............................................................................................................................................. 65
5.3 PHASE NOISE AND HARMONICS .................................................................................................................. 66
5.4 MODULATION ......................................................................................................................................... 66
5.5 INPUTS................................................................................................................................................... 68
5.6 OUTPUTS................................................................................................................................................ 68
5.7 GENERAL................................................................................................................................................ 69
6APPENDIX A. SPI INTERFACE ................................................................................................................... 70
L
List of Figures
Figure 1.1 LS1291D – 12GHz RF Analog Signal Generator Desktop Module ................................. 13
Figure 2.1 Package and Contents of Lucid Desktop Model ....................................................... 17

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Figure 2.2 Front Panel ..................................................................................................... 18
Figure 2.3 Rear Panel ...................................................................................................... 18
Figure 6.1 SPI Connector Pin Numbering ............................................................................. 70
Figure 6.2 SPI Connector Pad Description ............................................................................ 70
L
List of Tables
Table 1.1 Ordering Information ......................................................................................... 13
Table 3.1 Set RF Output ................................................................................................... 19
Table 3.2 Query RF Output ............................................................................................... 20
Table 3.3 Set Frequency................................................................................................... 20
Table 3.4 Query Frequency............................................................................................... 20
Table 3.5 Set Output Power.............................................................................................. 21
Table 3.6 Query Output Power.......................................................................................... 21
Table 3.7 Set Phase......................................................................................................... 22
Table 3.8 Query Phase..................................................................................................... 22
Table 3.9 Set Run Mode................................................................................................... 23
Table 3.10 Query Run Mode ............................................................................................. 23
Table 3.11 Set Trigger Source............................................................................................ 23
Table 3.12 Query Trigger Source........................................................................................ 24
Table 3.13 Set Trigger Edge .............................................................................................. 24
Table 3.14 Query Trigger Edge .......................................................................................... 24
Table 3.15 Set Trigger Advance ......................................................................................... 25
Table 3.16 Query Trigger Advance...................................................................................... 25
Table 3.17 Set Number of Triggers ..................................................................................... 25
Table 3.18 Query Number of Triggers ................................................................................. 26
Table 3.19 Set Trigger Delay ............................................................................................. 26
Table 3.20 Query Trigger Delay ......................................................................................... 26
Table 3.21 Set Trigger Timer ............................................................................................. 26
Table 3.22 Query Trigger Timer ......................................................................................... 27
Table 3.23 Set Trigger Function ......................................................................................... 27
Table 3.24 Set AM Modulation.......................................................................................... 28
Table 3.25 Query AM Modulation State .............................................................................. 28
Table 3.26 Set Amplitude Modulation Source....................................................................... 28

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Table 3.27 Query Amplitude Modulation Source ................................................................... 29
Table 3.28 Set Modulation Frequency................................................................................. 29
Table 3.29 Query Modulation Frequency............................................................................. 29
Table 3.30 Set AM Depth ................................................................................................. 29
Table 3.31 Query AM Depth ............................................................................................. 30
Table 3.32 Set FM Modulation .......................................................................................... 30
Table 3.33 Query FM Modulation State............................................................................... 30
Table 3.34 Set FM Modulation Source ................................................................................ 31
Table 3.35 Query FM Modulation Source............................................................................. 31
Table 3.36 Set Modulation Frequency................................................................................. 31
Table 3.37 Query Modulation Frequency............................................................................. 32
Table 3.38 Set FM Deviation ............................................................................................. 32
Table 3.39 Query FM Deviation ......................................................................................... 32
Table 3.40 Set Phase Modulation....................................................................................... 32
Table 3.41 Query Phase Modulation................................................................................... 33
Table 3.42 Set Phase Modulation Frequency ........................................................................ 33
Table 3.43 Query Phase Modulation Frequency .................................................................... 33
Table 3.44 Set Phase Modulation Deviation ......................................................................... 34
Table 3.45 Query Phase Modulation Deviation ..................................................................... 34
Table 3.46 Set Pulse Modulation........................................................................................ 34
Table 3.47 Query Pulse Modulation Status........................................................................... 34
Table 3.48 Set Pulse Modulation Source.............................................................................. 35
Table 3.49 Query Pulse Modulation Source.......................................................................... 35
Table 3.50 Set Pulse Modulation Frequency......................................................................... 35
Table 3.51 Query Pulse Modulation Frequency ..................................................................... 36
Table 3.52 Set Pulse Modulation Width............................................................................... 36
Table 3.53 Query Pulse Modulation Width........................................................................... 37
Table 3.54 Set Pattern Modulation..................................................................................... 37
Table 3.55 Query Pattern Modulation Status........................................................................ 37
Table 3.56 Set Number of Repetitions for Pattern Step........................................................... 38
Table 3.57 Query Number of Repetitions for Pattern Step....................................................... 38
Table 3.58 Set Pulse On Time/ Set Pattern Step to Edit........................................................... 38
Table 3.59 Query Pulse On Time ........................................................................................ 39
Table 3.60 Set Pulse Off Time............................................................................................ 39

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Table 3.61 Query Pulse Off Time........................................................................................ 39
Table 3.62 Set Frequency Sweep ....................................................................................... 40
Table 3.63 Query Frequency Sweep ................................................................................... 40
Table 3.64 Set Sweep Start Frequency ................................................................................ 40
Table 3.65 Query Sweep Start Frequency ............................................................................ 41
Table 3.66 Set Sweep Stop Frequency................................................................................. 41
Table 3.67 Query Sweep Stop Frequency............................................................................. 41
Table 3.68 Set Number of Steps......................................................................................... 41
Table 3.69 Query Number of Steps..................................................................................... 42
Table 3.70 Set Frequency Sweep Step Time ......................................................................... 42
Table 3.71 Query Frequency Sweep Step Time ..................................................................... 42
Table 3.72 Set Sweep Direction ......................................................................................... 43
Table 3.73 Query Sweep Direction ..................................................................................... 43
Table 3.74 Set Power Sweep............................................................................................. 43
Table 3.75 Query Power Sweep......................................................................................... 44
Table 3.76 Set Sweep Start Power...................................................................................... 44
Table 3.77 Query Sweep Start Power.................................................................................. 44
Table 3.78 Set Sweep Stop Power ...................................................................................... 45
Table 3.79 Query Sweep Stop Power .................................................................................. 45
Table 3.80 Set Power Sweep Steps..................................................................................... 45
Table 3.81 Query Power Sweep Steps................................................................................. 46
Table 3.82 Set Power Sweep Step Time............................................................................... 46
Table 3.83 Query Power Sweep Time.................................................................................. 46
Table 3.84 Set Power Sweep Direction................................................................................ 47
Table 3.85 Query Power Sweep Direction............................................................................ 47
Table 3.86 Set List of Frequencies and Power to Generate ...................................................... 48
Table 3.87 Query List of Frequencies and Power to Generate .................................................. 49
Table 3.88 Set List Function .............................................................................................. 49
Table 3.89 Query List Function .......................................................................................... 49
Table 3.90 Delete List Function.......................................................................................... 50
Table 3.91 Set Save Setup ................................................................................................ 51
Table 3.92 Set Erase Setup ............................................................................................... 51
Table 3.93 Set Recall Setup............................................................................................... 51
Table 3.94 Set Power-Up Setup File.................................................................................... 52

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Table 3.95 Query Power-Up Setup File................................................................................ 52
Table 3.96 Reset ............................................................................................................ 52
Table 3.97 Query System Information................................................................................. 53
Table 3.98 Query Temperature ......................................................................................... 54
Table 3.99 Query Firmware .............................................................................................. 54
Table 5.1 Frequency Specification...................................................................................... 65
Table 5.2 Amplitude Specification...................................................................................... 65
Table 5.3 Phase Noise and Harmonics Specification ............................................................... 66
Table 5.4 Modulation Specification .................................................................................... 66
Table 5.5 Inputs Specification ........................................................................................... 68
Table 5.6 Outputs Specification ......................................................................................... 68
Table 5.7 General Specification ......................................................................................... 69
Table 6.1 SPI Connector Pin Description .............................................................................. 70

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D
Document Revision History
Table Document Revision History
Revision
Date
Description
Author
1.3
04-May-2021
xRelease supporting Lucid SW Ver. 1.8.15, FPGA Ver.
18111215 for HW Ver. D, 221220 for HW Ver. E and
Ver. 221220 for HW Ver. F, and SPI & SCPI
Commands List Summary Rev. 1.17.
x1.2 Software Support, page 14 – New.
xRemoved sections
“Lucid Software Requirements”,
“Installation, “PC Control Software”,
‘Troubleshooting”, and “FPGA Firmware Update”
that are included in th
e new “Lucid Control Panel
User Manual”.
xRemoved section SCPI Programming that is
included in the new “Lucid Programming Manual”.
xTable 3.3 Set Frequency, page 20 – Changed Min
Value from 100 kHz to 9 kHz.
xTable 3.64 Set Sweep Start Frequency, page 40 –
Changed Min Value from 100 kHz to 9 kHz.
xTable 3.66 Set Sweep Stop Frequency, page 41 –
Changed Min Value from 100 kHz to 9 kHz.
xTable 3.5 Set Output Power, page 21 – Changed
Min Value and Max Value from “-90 to +15” to “-
100 dBm to +20dBm”.
xTable 3.76 Set Sweep Start Power, page 44 –
Changed Min Value and Max Value from “-90 to
+15” to “-100 dBm to +20dBm”.
xTable 3.9 Set Run Mode, page 23 –
Changed values,
and added Gate (set and query).
xTable 3.11 Set Trigger Source, page 23 –
New value
SPI (set and query).
xTable 3.21 Set Trigger Timer, page 26 – Changed
Min Value from 100 µs to 1 µs.
xTable 3.99 Query Firmware, page 54 – Changed
Query Code from CB to EC.
xTable 5.4 Modulation Specification, page 66 –
Changed Sweep Dwell Time from “10 μs to 1,000 s”
to “100 μs to 1,000 s”.
Jakob Apelblat
1.2
6-Aug-2020
xMinor typos.
x5 Lucid Desktop Specifications, page 65 – Updated.
Jakob Apelblat

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Revision
Date
Description
Author
1.1
23-Jun-2020
xSupporting Lucid. 1.2.x SW version.
xUpdated formatting, corrected typos, etc.
xFigure 2.3 Rear Panel, page 18 – New photo.
xFigure 2.2 Front Panel, page 18 – New photo.
x2.3 Rear Panel Connectors, page 18 – EXT IO
removed, SYNC OUT changed to SYNC IN.
xFigure 3.4 CW & Modulation Tab, page 28– The
status bar has a thermometer.
x3 SPI Programming, page 19 –
Updated according
to SPI & SCPI Commands List Summary Rev. 1.14
x4 SPI Programming, page 46 –
Updated according
to SPI & SCPI Commands List Summary Rev. 1.14
x4.1.2 USB Device Driver Manual Installation
(Windows 7), page 61 – Updated step 10.
Jakob Apelblat
1.0
26-Feb-2020
xFirst edition supporting Lucid 1.1.0 SW version.
Jonathan Netzer
A
Acronyms & Abbreviations
Table Acronyms & Abbreviations
Acronym
Description
µs or us
Microseconds
ADC
Analog to Digital Converter
AM
Amplitude Modulation
ASIC
Application-Specific Integrated Circuit
ATE
Automatic Test Equipment
AWG
Arbitrary Waveform Generators
AWT
Arbitrary Waveform Transceiver
BNC
Bayonet Neill–Concelm (coax connector)
BW
Bandwidth
CW
Carrier Wave
DAC
Digital to Analog Converter
dBc
dB/carrier. The power ratio of a signal to a carrier signal, expressed in decibels
dBm
Decibel-Milliwatts. E.g., 0 dBm equals 1.0 mW.
DDC
Digital Down-Converter
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
DSO
Digital Storage Oscilloscope
DUC
Digital Up-Converter

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Acronym
Description
ENoB
Effective Number of Bits
ESD
Electrostatic Discharge
EVM
Error Vector Magnitude
FPGA
Field-Programmable Gate Arrays
GHz
Gigahertz
GPIB
General Purpose Interface Bus
GS/s
Giga Samples per Second
GUI
Graphical User Interface
HP
Horizontal Pitch (PXIe module horizontal width, 1 HP = 5.08mm)
Hz
Hertz
IF
Intermediate Frequency
I/O
Input / Output
IP
Internet Protocol
IQ
In-phase Quadrature
IVI
Interchangeable Virtual Instrument
JSON
JavaScript Object Notation
kHz
Kilohertz
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display
LO
Local Oscillator
MAC
Media Access Control (address)
MDR
Mini D Ribbon (connector)
MHz
Megahertz
ms
Milliseconds
NCO
Numerically Controlled Oscillator
ns
Nanoseconds
PC
Personal Computer
PCAP
Projected Capacitive Touch Panel
PCB
Printed Circuit Board
PCI
Peripheral Component Interconnect
PXI
PCI eXtension for Instrumentation
PXIe
PCI Express eXtension for Instrumentation
QC
Quantum Computing
Qubits
Quantum bits

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Acronym
Description
R&D
Research & Development
RF
Radio Frequency
RT-DSO
Real-Time Digital Oscilloscope
s
Seconds
SA
Spectrum Analyzer
SCPI
Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments
SFDR
Spurious Free Dynamic Range
SFP
Software Front Panel
SMA
Subminiature version A connector
SMP
Subminiature Push-on connector
SPI
Serial Peripheral Interface
SRAM
Static Random-Access Memory
TFT
Thin Film Transistor
T&M
Test and Measurement
TPS
Test Program Sets
UART
Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter
USB
Universal Serial Bus
VCP
Virtual COM Port
Vdc
Volts, Direct Current
V p-p
Volts, Peak-to-Peak
VSA
Vector Signal Analyzer
VSG
Vector Signal Generator
WDS
Wave Design Studio

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1
1
General
1.1 Scope
The scope of this manual is to describe the setup and operating procedures of the Lucid Series RF
Analog Signal Generator. This covers the following models listed in the ordering information.
Table 1.1 Ordering Information
Model
Description
LS3081D
3 GHz RF Analog Signal Generator Desktop Module
LS6081D
6 GHz RF Analog Signal Generator Desktop Module
LS1291D
12 GHz RF Analog Signal Generator Desktop Module
Options
PLS
Pulse Modulation
PAT
Pattern Modulation
LP
Low Power to -90 dBm
FS
Fast Switching 100 µs
EMU
Emulator for Keysight, R&S, Anapico & Holzworth
Figure 1.1 LS1291D – 12GHz RF Analog Signal Generator Desktop Module

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1.2 Software Support
The Lucid Control Panel is a software package that comes on a CD supplied with the device. It
enables full control and programming of your Tabor Electronics Lucid series RF analog signal
generators via a user-friendly graphical user interface. The TE Update Tool is a utility for updating
the Lucid device FPGA. The Lucid Programming Manual lists and describes the set of SCPI-
compatible (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) remote commands used to
operate the Lucid devices.
The programs and the user manuals can be downloaded from the Tabor Electronics website at
http://www.taborelec.com/downloads.
1.3 Document Conventions
Caution!
xA Caution indicates instructions, which, if not followed, may result in damage to the
equipment or to the loss of data.
Note
xA Note provides additional information to help obtain optimal equipment
performance.
Idea
xAn Idea provides an alternate procedure to obtain the same results.
1.4 Safety
To avoid Electrical Shock, fire or personal injury:
xUse only the proper power cord specified for this manual and certified for the country of use.
xThis product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the power cord. To avoid
electrical shock, the grounding conductor must be connected to the ground. Before connecting
to the power input or output, ensure that the product is properly grounded.
xDo not operate this product with removed covers or panels.
Convention
Description
Example
Bold Writing
Indicates an item/message in the
User Interface.
Click the On button.
<Angled and Bolded
Brackets>
Indicates a physical key on the
keyboard.
Press <Ctrl>+<B>.

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xObserve all the ratings and markings on the product. Search this manual for further rating
information, before connecting to it. Do not apply potential that is higher than the maximum
rating.
xDo not operate in dark or wet conditions.
xDo not operate in an explosive environment. Keep product clean and dry.

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1.5 Maintenance
1.5.1 Preventive Maintenance
There are no hardware adjustments within Lucid Generators. Tabor Electronics Ltd., recommends
that the Lucid Generator is calibrated every 12 months or whenever a problem is suspected. The
specific calibration interval depends upon the accuracy required. No periodic preventive
maintenance is required.
1.5.2 Long Term Storage or Repackaging For Shipment
If the instrument is to be stored for a long period of time or shipped immediately, proceed as
directed below. If you have any questions, contact your local Tabor Electronics representative or
the Tabor Electronics Customer Service Department.
1. Repack the instrument using the wrappings, packing material and accessories originally shipped
with the unit. If the original container is not available, purchase replacement materials.
2. Be sure the carton is well sealed with strong tape or metal straps.
3. Mark the carton with the model and serial number. If it is to be shipped, show sending and
return address on two sides of the box.
If the instrument is to be shipped for service or repair, the following information must be
included with the shipment:
Name and address of the owner.
Record the model and serial number of the instrument, options, and firmware version.
Note the problem and symptoms – detailed information will help in verifying the problem
What was the instrument setup?
Did the unit work; then fail?
What other equipment was connected to the generator when the problem occurred?
xThe name and telephone number of someone familiar with the problem who can be contacted
by Tabor Electronics if any further information is required.
xShow the returned authorization order number (RMA) as well as the date and method of
shipment.
Note
Always obtain a return authorization number from the factory before shipping the
instrument to Tabor Electronics.

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2
2
Introduction
The Lucid series desktop models feature 3, 6 and 12 GHz single channel generator versions, all
sharing the very same industry leading highlighted features, in a compact, small footprint module.
Featuring extremely fast switching speed, superior signal integrity and purity, all the necessary
modulated signals for analog communication systems, with built in SPI and micro-USB interface.
The Lucid Series is designed to meet today’s most demanding requirements that is needed from
the R&D benches to the production lines.
2.1 Unpacking
Check that the packaging is undamaged. If packaging is damaged, notify the carrier immediately.
The Lucid desktop model instrument is supplied with:
x12V power supply
xPower cord with a plug according to customer country standard
xUSB to Micro USB cable for connecting a control PC to the instrument
xCD with Lucid software, user manual and instrument drivers
Caution!
The Lucid Series RF Signal Generator ships in an antistatic package to prevent damage
from electrostatic discharge (ESD). When storing the unit, use the antistatic case.
Figure 2.1 Package and Contents of Lucid Desktop Model

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2.2 Front Panel Connector
Figure 2.2 Front Panel
xRF OUT - SMA type connector for RF signal output
2.3 Rear Panel Connectors
Figure 2.3 Rear Panel
xPULSE/TRIG IN - an MMCX type connector for external pulse modulation or for external trigger
xAM IN – MMCX type connector for external amplitude modulation
xFM IN – MMCX type connector for external frequency modulation
xSYNC IN – MMCX type connector for Tabor Electronics factory use only
xMicro-USB – USB Interface for remote connection to PC
xSPI connector – SPI interface for remote connection to PC
x10/100MHz IN – SMA type connector for external 10 MHz or 100 MHz signal.
x10 MHz OUT – SMA type connector for 10MHz signal output
x100 MHz OUT – SMA type connector for 100MHz signal output
xPower – 12V Power supply connector
Note
For a detailed description of the SPI connector please refer to 6 Appendix A. SPI
Interface, page 70.
Note
The Lucid generator will automatically revert to external reference when a signal is
detected at its input.

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3
3
SPI Programming
Use the following instructions to control the device from your own PC application using the
device’s SPI interface.
Notes
xThe set and query code values are in hexadecimal notation.
xRefer to the Lucid Programming Manual for a description of the SCPI software
interface.
3.1 SPI Programming Example
The following example explains how to set the basic frequency of the generator to
1000.123456789 MHz, see Table 3.3 Set Frequency, page 20 for a description of the command.
1. The command is 7 bytes long, so start with 0x00 00 00 00 00 00 00 using hexadecimal notation.
2. The set code is 0x01, so the command value becomes 0x01 00 00 00 00 00 00.
3. Set the frequency to 1000.123456789 MHz, which is E8DC00DD15, so the command value
becomes 0x01 00 E8 DC 00 DD 15.
4. Write the value 0x01 00 E8 DC 00 DD 15 to the SPI bus.
Idea
xUse the MS Windows’ Calculator in Programmer view to convert from decimal to
hexadecimal values.
3.2 CW Mode Commands
3.2.1 RF Output
Sets the RF output On or Off.
Table 3.1 Set RF Output
Description
Command
Length
(Bytes)
Header
Parameters
Bytes
Bits
Set
Code
Bytes
Bits
Value
Set RF
Output
2
1
15:8
04
1
7:0
0 – Off, default
1
– On
Default: .....................Off

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Table 3.2 Query RF Output
Description
Query
Length
(Bytes)
Command
Response
Header
Don’t Care
Response
Length
(Bytes)
Bytes
Bits
Value
Bytes
Bits
Query
Code
Bytes
Bits
Query RF
Output
2
1
15:8
84
1
7:0
1
1
7:1
Don’t Care
0
0 – Off,
default
1
– On
3.2.2 Frequency
Sets the basic frequency of the generator.
Table 3.3 Set Frequency
Description
Command
Length
(Bytes)
Header
Parameters
Bytes
Bits
Set
Code
Bytes
Bits
Value
Set
Frequency
7
1
55:48
01
6
47:0
Units of 1 mHz
Resolution: ................1 mHz
Min Value:.................9 kHz
Max Value: ...............12 GHz
Default: .....................1 GHz
Table 3.4 Query Frequency
Description
Command
Length
(Bytes)
Command
Response
Header
Don’t Care
Response
Length
(Bytes)
Bytes
Bits
Value
Bytes
Bits
Query
Code
Bytes
Bits
Query
Frequency
7
1
55:48
81
6
47:0
7
1
55:48
Don’t Care
6
47:0
Units of
1 mHz
3.2.3 Power
Sets the power (intensity) of the generator’s output signal (in dBm).