Tektronix FCA3000 Series User manual

xx
FCA3000 and FCA3100 Series Timer/Counter/Analyzers
MCA3000 Series Microwave Counter/Analyzers
ZZZ
User Manual
*P077049301*
077-0493-01

FCA3000 and FCA3100 Series Timer/Counter/Analyzers
MCA3000 Series Microwave Counter/Analyzers
ZZZ
User Manual
xx
www.tektronix.com
077-0493-01

Warranty
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. Parts, modules and replacement products used by Tektronix for warranty
work may be new or reconditioned to like new performance. All replaced parts, modules and products become
the property of Tektronix.
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; c) to repair any damage
or malfunction caused by the use of non-Tektronix supplies; or d) 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 THE PRODUCT IN LIEU OF ANY
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS 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.
[W4 – 15AUG04]

Table of Contents
General Safety Summary ......................................................................................... iii
Preface............................................................................................................... v
About This Manual ............................................................................................ v
Features ......................................................................................................... v
Powerful and Versatile Functions........................................................................... vi
No Mistakes ................................................................................................... vi
Design Innovations .......................................................................................... vii
Remote Control .............................................................................................. vii
Unpacking........................................................................................................... 1
Standard Accessories.......................................................................................... 1
Identification ................................................................................................... 1
Installation...................................................................................................... 1
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument .. .......................................................... ........... 3
Front Panel ..................................................................................................... 3
Input Connectors............................................................................................... 4
Rear Panel ...................................................................................................... 5
Main Screen .................................................................................................... 6
Controls........................................................................................................ 10
Entering Numeric Values .................................................................................... 14
Menus.......................................................................................................... 14
Input Signal Conditioning ........................................................ ................................ 21
Input Controls................................................................................................. 21
How to Reduce or Ignore Noise and Interference......................................................... 26
Frequency Measurements......................................................................................... 31
Theory of Measurement...................................................................................... 31
Input A, B...................................................................................................... 36
Input C ......................................................................................................... 38
Ratio A/B, B/A, C/A, C/B ................................................................................... 38
Burst A, B, C.................................................................................................. 38
Frequency Modulated Signals............................................................................... 41
AM Signals.................................................................................................... 44
Period .......................................................................................................... 46
Frequency...................................................................................................... 47
Time Measurements............................................................................................... 48
Introduction.................................................................................................... 48
Time Interval .................................................................................................. 49
Rise/Fall Time A/B........................................................................................... 49
Time Interval Error (TIE) (FCA3100 Series Only) ....................................................... 50
Pulse Width A/B .............................................................................................. 51
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual i

Table of Contents
Duty Factor A/B .............................................................................................. 51
Time Measurement Errors ................................................................................... 52
Phase Measurements .............................................................................................. 54
Resolution ..................................................................................................... 55
Possible Errors ................................................................................................ 55
Totalize (FCA3100 Series Only)............................................................................ 59
Voltage Measurements ............................................................................................ 63
VMAX,V
MIN,andV PP .......................................................................................... 63
VRMS ............................................................................................................ 63
Math and Statistical Measurements.............................................................................. 65
Averaging...................................................................................................... 65
Mathematics................................................................................................... 65
Statistics ....................................................................................................... 66
Limit Testing....................................................................................................... 71
Arming.............................................................................................................. 73
Guidelines ..................................................................................................... 73
Start and Stop Arming........................................................................................ 74
Arming Input Signals......................................................................................... 75
Arming and Setup Time...................................................................................... 76
Arming Examples............................................................................................. 77
Arming and Profiling......................................................................................... 82
Appendix A: Default Instrument Settings ...................................................................... 85
Appendix B: Controlling Measurement Timing........................................................ ...... .. 87
The Measurement Process................................................................................... 87
Index
ii FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual

General Safety Summary
Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to
this product or any products connected to it.
To avoid potential hazards, use this product only as specified.
Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures.
While using this product, you may need to access other parts of a larger system.
Read the safety sections of the other component manuals for warnings and
cautions related to operating the system.
To Avoid Fire or Personal
Injury
Use proper power cord. Use only the power cord specified for this product and
certified for the country of use.
Connect and disconnect properly. Do not connect or disconnect probes or test
leads while they are connected to a voltage source.
Ground the product. This product is grounded through the grounding conductor
of the power cord. 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.
Observe all terminal ratings. To avoid fire or shock hazard, observe all ratings
and markings on the product. Consult the product manual for further ratings
information before making connections to the product.
The inputs are not rated for connection to mains or Category II, III, or IV circuits.
Do not apply a potential to any terminal, including the common terminal, that
exceeds the maximum rating of that terminal.
Power disconnect. The power cord disconnects the product from the power source.
Do not block the power cord; it must remain accessible to the user at all times.
Do not operate without covers. Do not operate this product with covers or panels
removed.
Do not operate with suspected failures. If you suspect that there is damage to this
product, have it inspected by qualified service personnel.
Avoid exposed circuitry. Do not touch exposed connections and components when
power is present.
Do not operate in wet/damp conditions.
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.
Keep product surfaces clean and dry.
Provide proper ventilation. Refer to the manual’s installation instructions for
details on installing the product so it has proper ventilation.
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual iii

General Safety Summary
TermsinThisManual These terms may appear in this manual:
WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result
in injury or loss of life.
CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in
damage to this product or other property.
Symbols and Terms on the
Product
These terms may appear on the product:
DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you read
the marking.
WARN I N G indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as you
read the marking.
CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.
The following symbol(s) may appear on the product:
iv FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual

Preface
About This Manual
This manual contains operation information for the FCA3000 and FCA3100 Series
Timer/Counter/Analyzer and the MCA3000 Series Microwave Counter/Analyzer.
To simplify the references, features that are common to all instruments are
not marked with instrument names. Features that are specific to a particular
instrument or instrument series are clearly marked.
Instrument references:
FCA3X00 meansanyFCA3000SeriesorFCA3100Seriesinstrument
FCA3000 means any FCA3000 Series instrument (FCA3000, FCA3003,
FCA3020)
FCA3100 means any FCA3100 Series instrument (FCA3100, FCA3103,
FCA3120)
MCA3000 means any MCA3000 Series instrument (MCA3027 or MCA3040)
Features
Wide measurement frequency range to 40 GHz
Fastest microwave counter on the market (25 ms acquisition time)
Industry’s only frequency counter with a graphical display
High resolution down to 50 ps single shot (time), or 12 digits/s (frequency)
Simultaneous display of signal frequency and voltage parameters
Trigger sensitivity of 15 mVrms from DC to 200 MHz
Voltage resolution to 1 mV
Fast USB/GPIB bus transfer speeds, up to 15 k measurements per second
(block mode)
Zero-dead time frequency/period measurements
Best Oven-controlled Crystal Oscillator (OCXO) time base options
(1.5E-8/year)
MCA3000 Series offers microwave CW frequency measurements and very
short burst measurements down to 40 ns
Programmable Pulse output from 0.5 Hz to 50 MHz (FCA3100 Series)
10 MHz reference output oscillator
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual v

Preface
Measurement Statistics, Histogram, and Trend Plot modes
Front or rear input connection options
Powerful and Versatile Functions
A unique performance feature in your new instrument is the comprehensive
arming possibilities, which allow you to characterize virtually any type of
complex signal concerning frequency and time.
For instance, you can insert a delay between the external arming condition and
the actual arming of the instrument. Read more about Arming in Chapter 5,
Measurement Control.
In addition to the traditional measurement functions of a timer/instrument, these
instruments have a multitude of other functions such as phase, duty factor, rise/fall
time, and peak voltage. The instrument can perform all measurement functions on
both Input A and Input B. Most measurement functions can be armed, either using
one of the main inputs or using a separate arming channel (E).
By using the built-in mathematics and statistics functions, the instrument can
process the measurement results in the instrument, without the need for an
external controller or software. Math functions include inversion, scaling, and
offset. Statistics functions include Max, Min and Mean, Standard deviation, and
Allan deviation, on sample sizes up to 2*109.
No Mistakes
You will soon find that your instrument is more or less self-explanatory with an
intuitive user interface. A menu tree with few levels makes the timer/instrument
easy to operate. The large backlit graphic LCD is the center of information and
can show you several signal parameters at the same time as well as setting status
and operator messages.
Statistics based on measurement samples can easily be presented as histograms or
trend plots in addition to standard numerical measurement results like max, min,
mean, and standard deviation.
The AUTO function triggers automatically on any input waveform. A bus-learn
mode simplifies GPIB programming. With bus-learn mode, manual instrument
settings can be transferred to the controller for later reprogramming. There is no
need to learn code and syntax for each individual instrument setting if you are
an occasional bus user.
vi FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual

Preface
Design Innovations
State of the Art Technology
Gives Durable Use
These counters are designed for quality and durability. The design is highly
integrated. The digital counting circuitry consists of just one custom-developed
FPGA and a 32-bit microcontroller. The high integration and low component
count reduces power consumption and results in an MTBF of 30,000 hours.
Modern surface-mount technology ensures high production quality. A rugged
mechanical construction, including a metal cabinet that withstands mechanical
shocks and protects against EMI, is also a valuable feature.
High Resolution The use of reciprocal interpolating counting in this instrument results in an
excellent relative resolution of 12 digits/s for all frequencies.
The measurement is synchronized with the input cycles instead of the time
base. Simultaneously with the normal “digital” counting, the instrument takes
analog measurements of the time between the start/stop trigger events and the
next following clock pulse. This is done in four identical circuits by charging
an integrating capacitor with a constant current, starting at the trigger event.
Charging is stopped at the leading edge of the first following clock pulse. The
stored charge in the integrating capacitor represents the time difference between
the start trigger event and the leading edge of the first following clock pulse. A
similar charge integration is made for the stop trigger event.
When the “digital” part of the measurement is ready, the stored charges in the
capacitors are measured by Analog/Digital Converters.
The instrument calculates the result after completing all measurements, that is, the
digital time measurement and the analog interpolation measurements. The result
is that the basic digital resolution of ±1 clock pulse (10 ns) is reduced to 100 ps
for the FCA3000 Series and 50 ps for the FCA3100 Series.
Since the measurement is synchronized with the input signal, the resolution for
frequency measurements is very high and independent of frequency. The counters
have 14 display digits so that the display itself does not restrict the resolution.
Remote Control
This instrument is programmable using two interfaces, GPIB and USB.
The GPIB interface offers full general functionality and compliance with the latest
standards in use, the IEEE 488.2 1987 for HW and the SCPI 1999 for SW. There
is also a second GPIB mode that emulates the Agilent 53131/132 command set for
easy exchange of instruments in operational ATE systems.
The USB interface is mainly intended for use with the optional TimeView™
analysis software. The communication protocol is a proprietary version of SCPI.
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual vii

Preface
Fast GPIB Bus These counters are not only extremely powerful and versatile instruments, they
also feature fast bus communications. The bus transfer rate is up to 2000 triggered
measurements/s. Array measurements to the internal memory can reach 250 k
measurements/s.
This very high measurement rate makes new measurements possible. For
example, you can perform jitter analysis on several tens of thousands of pulse
width measurements and capture them in a second.
An extensive Programmer Manual describes the available SCPI-based
programming commands.
The instrument is easy to use in GPIB environments. A built-in bus-learn mode
enables you to make all instrument settings manually and transfer them to the
controller. The response can later be used to reprogram the instrument to the same
settings. This eliminates the need for the occasional user to learn all individual
programming codes.
Complete (manually set) instrument settings canalsobestoredin20internal
memory locations and can easily be recalled. Ten of the internal memory locations
can be user protected.
viii FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual

Unpacking
Check that the shipment is complete and that no damage has occurred during
transportation. If the contents are incomplete or damaged, file a claim with the
carrier immediately. Also notify your local Tektronix representative in case repair
or replacement is required.
Standard Accessories
See the FCA3000, FCA3100 Series Timer/Counter/Analyzer and MCA3000 Series
Microwave Counter/Analyzer Quick Start User Manual for a list of standard
accessories.
Identification
The identification label on the rear panel shows instrument model, serial number,
and configuration information. (See page 5, Rear Panel.) You can also push User
Opt > About to display instrument information.
Installation
Supply Voltage You can connect the instrument to an AC supply with a voltage rating of
90-265 Vrms, 45-440 Hz. The instrument automatically adjusts itself to the input
line voltage.
There is no user-serviceable fuse for the FCA3X00 or MCA3000 Series
instruments.
CAUTION. If this fuse is blown, it is likely that the power supply is badly damaged.
Do not replace the fuse. Send the instrument to a Tektronix Service Center.
Removing the cover for repair, maintenance and adjustment must be done only by
qualified and trained personnel, who are fully aware of the hazards involved.
The warranty commitments are rendered void if unauthorized access to the
interior of the instrument has taken place during the given warranty period.
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual 1

Unpacking
Grounding Grounding faults in the line voltage supply will make any instrument connected to
it dangerous. Before connecting any unit to the power line, you must make sure
that the protective ground functions correctly. Only then can a unit be connected
to the power line and only by using a three-wire line cord. No other method of
grounding is permitted. Extension cords must always have a protective ground
conductor.
CAUTION. If a unit is moved from a cold to a warm environment, condensation
may cause a shock hazard. Allow the instrument several hours to evaporate
condensation before use. Make sure that the instrument grounding requirements
are strictly met.
WARNING. Never interrupt the grounding cord. Any interruption of the protective
ground connection inside or outside the instrument or disconnection of the
protective ground terminal can result in a shock hazard.
Orientation and Cooling You can operate the instrument in any position. Do not obstruct the air flow
through the ventilation slots on the side panels: leave 5 centimeters (2 inches) of
space on the sides and back of the instrument. The instrument also has fold-down
legs for benchtop use.
2 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual

Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
Front Panel
1. Power button (See page 10, Power Button.)
2. Main screen (See page 6, Main Screen.)
3. Measurement buttons (See page 10, Measure Button.)
4. Navigation buttons (See page 11, Save/Exit Button.)
5. Input connectors (See page 4, Input Connectors.)
6. Keypad buttons (See page 12, Keypad Buttons.)
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual 3

Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
Input Connectors
1. Input A and B inputs and trigger indicators. A blinking trigger LED shows
correct triggering.
2. Gate indicator. The GATE indicator is on when the counter is busy counting
input cycles.
3. Input C prescaler (3 GHz or 20 GHz, FCA3000 and FCA3100 Series) or
down converter (27 GHz or 40 GHz, MCA3000 Series) for measuring higher
frequencies.
NOTE. Factory Option RP moves the input connectors from the front panel to the
rear panel for FCA3000 Series and FCA3100 Series instruments. The Gate and
Trig A/B LED indicators remain on the front panel. Option RP is not available on
MCA3000 Series instruments.
4 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual

Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
Rear Panel
1. Pulse Output connector (FCA3100 Series only).
2. ID label, including model, serial, and installed options numbers.
3. Line power connector.
4. USB 2.0 12 Mb/s port to connect to PC.
5. GPIB port to connect to controller.
6. Optional rear panel input connectors. Factory Option RP moves the front
panel input connectors to the rear panel. Not available for MCA3000 Series
instruments.
7. External Arm Input connector (for external arming (synchronization) of
measurements). You can also select Input A and Input B for measurement
arming from the Settings Menu.
8. External Reference Input connector. If the Measurement Reference is set to
Auto in the Settings Menu, this input is automatically selected, provided a
valid signal is present.
9. 10 MHz Out connector. Provides a reference signal derived from the active
measurement reference (internal or external reference). The measurement
reference source is set in the Settings Menu.
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual 5

Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
Main Screen
The instrument uses a monochrome LCD to show signal sources, instrument
measurements (numerical and graphical), and menu items. What items are shown
depends on thedisplaymode.
Measurement Value Mode
Push the Value button to display a high-resolution numeric readout of the current
measurement.
1. The current measurement.
2. The measurement signal source. If the main measurement readout is
a statistical measurement, this text also shows the type of statistical
measurement (for example, A MEAN:)
3. The main measurement readout. The readout at the bottom of the screen
shows electrical information for the source signal. The readouts or display
changes depending on the measurement or analysis mode.
4. Measurement status. Shows the math or limit testing mode (MATH or LIM),
the measure/hold/single measurement status (MEAS, HOLD, SING), and
remote GPIB control status (REM). The measurement status is present in
all display modes.
NOTE. Normally the screen shows the active measurement when the instrument
is remotely controlled. However, TimeView turns off the screen to speed up
measurements: the screen displays the message Display OFF, the measurement
status is REM (remote), and all front panel buttons except Esc are disabled. Push
the Esc button to send a “Return To Local” message to the remote device and
return the instrument to local mode.
You cannot use the Esc key to return the instrument to local mode if Local Lockout
was programmed from the remote connection.
5. Limit Alarm readout (when enabled). Lower limit (LL) and upper limit
(UL) settings are shown as vertical bars with their associated limit value.
An emoticon shows the relative measurement value and limit pass/fail state
(a smiling face when the measurement is within the limits, and a frowning
6 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual

Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
face when the measurement is outside of the limits). The LIM status text at
the top of the screen flashes when the measurement exceeds the limits, and
continues to flash even when the measurement is back within limits. Pushing
Restart resets the LIM status.
Menu Mode Pushing a menu button (such as Meas or any of the lower keypad buttons) replaces
the lower screen area with the menu items for that button.
1. The Menu path shows the path of the current menu selections.
2. TheMenushowstheavailablemenuoptions. Push the keypad button directly
below a menu item to select that item and/or open a lower-level menu. The
current selection is shown in inverse text. You can also use the Navigation
arrow buttons to highlight and select menu items.
Analyze Modes The Analyze modes (accessible by pushing the Analyze button) apply basic
statistical analysis to display numerical, histogram, or trend statistical analysis
readouts of measurements.
Numerical display. The instrument takes successive measurements and displays
the results as numeric statistical readouts.
MEAN: The main measurement shows the running mean value over N
samples
N: The number of measurement samples (set in the Settings > Stat menu)
Max, Min: The maximum and minimum measurement values
P-P: Peak-to-peak deviation
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual 7

Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
Adev: Allan deviation
Std: Standard deviation
Histogram display. The instrument displays successive measurements as a
histogram. The number of bins along the horizontal axis are set in the Settings
>Statmenu.
1. The upper and lower Limits Alarm levels (if enabled). When limit testing is
active, the instrument autoscales the graph to show both the histogram and
the limit. The instrument only uses data inside the limits for autoscaling;
measurements outside the visible graph area are shown by an arrowhead at
the left or the right edge of the display.
2. The running mean measurement position (X).
3. The percent of the measurement completed.
4. The graph center (marked with a dark triangle) and corresponding frequency.
5. The graph horizontal scale per division. Limits Alarm (if active) sets the scale
to show both the current measurements and the limit settings. The instrument
continually autoscales the histogram bins based on the measured data.
Trend plot display. The instrument takes successive measurements and plots the
values over time. This mode is useful for observing fluctuations or measurement
deviation trends. A trend plot stops (if HOLD is activated) or restarts (if RUN
is activated) after the set number of samples is completed. The trend plot graph
continually autoscales based on the measured data, starting with zero at restart.
Limit Alarms, if active, are shown as horizontal lines.
8 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series User Manual