Tektronix Series Manual

x
FCA3000 and FCA3100 Series Timer/Counter/Analyzer
MCA3000 Series Microwave Counter/Analyzer
ZZZ
Quick Start User Manual
*P071278702*
071-2787-02

FCA3000 and FCA3100 Series Timer/Counter/Analyzer
MCA3000 Series Microwave Counter/Analyzer
ZZZ
Quick Start User Manual
xx
www.tektronix.com
071-2787-02

Copyright © Tektronix. All rights reserved. Licensed software products are owned by Tektronix or its subsidiaries or suppliers, and are
protected by national copyright laws and international treaty provisions.
Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this publication supersedes that in all
previously published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
LabVIEW, National Instruments, NI, and SignalExpress are trademarks of National Instruments.
TimeView is a trademark of Pendulum Instruments AB.
Contacting Tektronix
Tektronix, Inc.
14150 SW Karl Braun Drive
P.O. Box 500
Beaverton, OR 97077
USA
For product information, sales, service, and technical support:
In North America, call 1-800-833-9200.
Worldwide, visit www.tektronix.com to find contacts in your area.

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
Table of Contents
Important safety information .......................................................................................................... iii
General safety summary......................................................................................................... iii
Service safety summary ......................................................................................................... v
Terms in this manual............................................................................................................. v
Symbols and terms on the product.............................................................................................. v
Compliance Information............................................................................................................... vi
EMC Compliance................................................................................................................. vi
Safety Compliance.............................................................................................................. vii
Environmental Considerations................................................................................................. viii
Preface................................................................................................................................. ix
Key Features..................................................................................................................... ix
Documentation ...................................................................................................................x
Conventions Used in This Manual............................................................................................... x
Installation.............................................................................................................................. 1
Unpacking the Instrument ....................................................................................................... 1
Operating Considerations........................................................................................................ 1
Powering the Instrument On and Off............................................................................................ 2
Functional Check.................................................................................................................2
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument .. . . . ................ . . . ............... .. . . . . ............... .. . . . . ............... .. . . . .......3
Front Panel....................................................................................................................... 3
Rear Panel .......................................................................................................................4
Input Connectors.................................................................................................................5
Controls........................................................................................................................... 6
Main Screen......................................................................................................................9
Application Examples................................................................................................................. 12
Restore Default Settings........................................................................................................ 12
Basic Measurements............................................................................................................ 12
Math Measurement ............................................................................................................. 13
Limit Testing ..................................................................................................................... 13
Two-Channel Measurements................................................................................................... 15
Input C Measurements.......................................................................................................... 15
Save an Instrument Setup...................................................................................................... 16
Connectivity........................................................................................................................... 18
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual i

Table of Contents
ii FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual

Important safety information
Important safety information
This manual contains information and warnings that must be followed by the user for safe operation and to keep the
product in a safe condition.
To safely perform service on this product, additional information is provided at the end of this section. (See page v,
Service safety summary.)
General safety summary
Use the product only as specified. Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to this product
or any products connected to it. Carefully read all instructions. Retain these instructions for future reference.
Comply with local and national safety codes.
For correct and safe operation of the product, it is essential that you follow generally accepted safety procedures in addition
to the safety precautions specified in this manual.
The product is designed to be used by trained personnel only.
Only qualified personnel who are aware of the hazards involved should remove the cover for repair, maintenance, or
adjustment.
Before use, always check the product with a known source to be sure it is operating correctly.
This product is not intended for detection of hazardous voltages.
Use personal protective equipment to prevent shock and arc blast injury where hazardous live conductors are exposed.
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.
When incorporating this equipment into a system, the safety of that system is the responsibility of the assembler of 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.
Do not use the provided power cord for other products.
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, make sure that the product is properly grounded.
Do not disable the power cord grounding connection.
Power disconnect. The power cord disconnects the product from the power source. See instructions for the location.
Do not position the equipment so that it is difficult to access the power cord; it must remain accessible to the user at all
times to allow for quick disconnection if needed.
Connect and disconnect properly. Do not connect or disconnect probes or test leads while they are connected
to a voltage source.
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.
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual iii

Important safety information
Do not apply a potential to any terminal, including the common terminal, that exceeds the maximum rating of that terminal.
The measuring terminals on this product are not rated for connection to mains or Category II, III, or IV circuits.
Do not operate without covers. Do not operate this product with covers or panels removed, or with the case open.
Hazardous voltage exposure is possible.
Avoid exposed circuitry. Do not touch exposed connections and components when power is present.
Do not operate with suspected failures. If you suspect that there is damage to this product, have it inspected by
qualified service personnel.
Disable the product if it is damaged. Do not use the product if it is damaged or operates incorrectly. If in doubt about safety of
the product, turn it off and disconnect the power cord. Clearly mark the product to prevent its further operation.
Use only specified replacement parts.
Use proper fuse. Use only the fuse type and rating specified for this product.
Do not operate in wet/damp conditions. Be aware that condensation may occur if a unit is moved from a cold to a
warm environment.
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.
Keep product surfaces clean and dry. Remove the input signals before you clean the product.
Provide proper ventilation. Refer to the installation instructions in the manual for details on installing the product
so it has proper ventilation.
Slots and openings are provided for ventilation and should never be covered or otherwise obstructed. Do not push objects
into any of the openings.
Provide a safe working environment. Always place the product in a location convenient for viewing the display
and indicators.
Be sure your work area meets applicable ergonomic standards. Consult with an ergonomics professional to avoid stress
injuries.
iv FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual

Important safety information
Servicesafetysummary
The Service safety summary section contains additional information required to safely perform service on the product. Only
qualified personnel should perform service procedures. Read this Service safety summary and the General safety summary
before performing any service procedures.
To avoid electric shock. Do not touch exposed connections.
Do not service alone. Do not perform internal service or adjustments of this product unless another person capable of
rendering first aid and resuscitation is present.
Disconnect power. To avoid electric shock, switch off the product power and disconnect the power cord from the mains
power before removing any covers or panels, or opening the case for servicing.
Use care when servicing with power on. Dangerous voltages or currents may exist in this product. Disconnect
power, remove battery (if applicable), and disconnect test leads before removing protective panels, soldering, or replacing
components.
Verify safety after repair. Always recheck ground continuity and mains dielectric strength after performing a repair.
Terms in this manual
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.
WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as you read the marking.
CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.
When this symbol is marked on the product, be sure to consult the manual to find out the nature of the
potential hazards and any actions which have to be taken to avoid them. (This symbol may also be used to
refer the user to ratings in the manual.)
The following symbol(s) may appear on the product:
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual v

Compliance Information
Compliance Information
This section lists the EMC (electromagnetic compliance), safety, and environmental standards with which the instrument
complies.
EMC Compliance
EC Declaration of Conformity – EMC
Meets intent of Directive 2004/108/EC for Electromagnetic Compatibility. Compliance was demonstrated to the following
specifications as listed in the Official Journal of the European Communities:
EN 61326-1, EN 61326-2-1. EMC requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use. 123
CISPR 11; IEC 61000-4-2: IEC 61000-4-3 4; IEC 61000-4-4; IEC 61000-4-5; IEC 61000-4-6 4; IEC 61000-4-11 5
EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3.
European contact.
Tektronix UK, Ltd.
Western Peninsula
Western Road
Bracknell, RG12 1RF
1This product is intended for use in nonresidential areas only. Use in residential areas may cause electromagnetic interference.
2Emissions which exceed the levels required by this standard may occur when this equipment is connected to a test object.
3For compliance with the EMC standards listed here, high quality shielded interface cables should be used.
4With a 10 MHz 0.1 Vp-p sine wave signal applied to the A or B input channels, the instrument's frequency readout value can
typically vary up to ±1 Hz beyond the inherent base variance, when the instrument is subjected to the fields and signals as defined
in the IEC 61000-4-3 and IEC 61000-4-6 tests.
5Performance Criterion C applied at the 70%/25 cycle Voltage-Dip and the 0%/250 cycle Voltage-Interruption test levels
(IEC 61000-4-11).
Australia / New Zealand Declaration of Conformity – EMC
Complies with the EMC provision of the Radiocommunications Act per the following standard, in accordance with ACMA:
CISPR 11
Australia / New Zealand contact.
Baker & McKenzie
Level 27, AMP Centre
50 Bridge Street
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
vi FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual

Compliance Information
Safety Compliance
This section lists the safety standards with which the product complies and other safety compliance information.
EU Declaration of Conformity – Low Voltage
Compliance was demonstrated to the following specification as listed in the Official Journal of the European Communities:
Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC.
EN 61010-1
U.S. Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory Listing
UL 61010-1
Canadian Certification
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1
Additional Compliances
IEC 61010-1
Equipment type
Test and measuring equipment.
Safety class
Class 1 – grounded product.
Pollution degree rating
Pollution Degree 2 (as defined in IEC 61010-1). Rated for indoor, dry location use only.
Mains overvoltage category rating
Overvoltage category II (as defined in IEC 61010-1).
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual vii

Compliance Information
Environmental Considerations
This section provides information about the environmental impact of the product.
Product End-of-Life Handling
Observe the following guidelines when recycling an instrument or component:
Equipment recycling. Production of this equipment required the extraction and use of natural resources. The equipment
may contain substances that could be harmful to the environment or human health if improperly handled at the product’s
end of life. To avoid release of such substances into the environment and to reduce the use of natural resources, we
encourage you to recycle this product in an appropriate system that will ensure that most of the materials are reused
or recycled appropriately.
This symbol indicates that this product complies with the applicable European Union requirements according
to Directives 2012/19/EU and 2006/66/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and
batteries. For information about recycling options, check the Support/Service section of the Tektronix Web
site (www.tektronix.com).
Restriction of Hazardous Substances
This product is classified as an industrial monitoring and control instrument, and is not required to comply with the substance
restrictions of the recast RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU until July 22, 2017.
viii FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual

Preface
Preface
This manual describes the installation and basic operations of the FCA3000 Series, FCA3100 Series, and MCA3000 Series
instruments. For more detailed information see the FCA3000 Series, FCA3100 Series, and MCA3000 Series User Manual
(provided as a PDF file on the product CD). This manual supports the following instruments:
FCA3000 Series: FCA3000, FCA3003, and FCA3020
FCA3100 Series: FCA3100, FCA3103, and FCA3120
MCA3000 Series: MCA3027 and MCA3040
Key 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 15k measurements per second (block mode)
Zero-dead time frequency/period measurements
Best oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) time base options (1.5 E-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
Measurement Statistics Mode
Histogram Mode
Tend Plot mode
Front or rear input connection options
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual ix

Preface
Documentation
Review the following for the location of different types of information available for this product.
To read about Use these documents
Installation and Operation (overviews) Quick Start User Manual. Provides general operating information.
In-Depth Operation and User Interface Help User Manual (on the documentation browser disc). Provides detailed
instructions for using instrument functions.
Programmer Commands Programmer Manual (on the documentation browser disc). Includes GPIB
command syntax.
Analysis and Connectivity Tools National Instruments SignalView Express CD and the Connectivity
Installation Instructions (on the documentation browser disc).
Conventions Used in This Manual
The following icons are used throughout this manual.
Sequence
Step
Front panel
power
Connect
power
USB
Sequential button pushes are separated with a >symbol. For example, Meas > Pulse > Width Positive > A means to push
the Meas button, the Pulse menu button, the Width Positive menu button, and then the Amenu button
x FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual

Installation
Installation
Unpacking the Instrument
Unpack the instrument and check that you received all items listed as Standard Accessories. Check the Tektronix Web site
(www.tektronix.com) for the most current information, recommended accessories, instrument options, and upgrades.
Standard Accessories
Accessory
Tektronix part
number
FCA3000 and FCA3100 Series Timer/Counter/Analyzer, MCA3000 Series Microwave
Counter/Analyzer Quick Start User Manual (English/Simplified Chinese/Japanese)
071-2787-xx
Product documentation CD-ROM 063-4288-xx
NI LabVIEW SignalExpress CD-ROM 063-4253-xx
Power cord Country-specific
Type-N male to BNC adapter (FCA3003, FCA3020, FCA3103, and FCA3120 only) N/A
Certificate of Calibration N/A
Operating Considerations
Please verify that the area in which you will use the instrument meets the following operating requirements:
Requirement Description
Clearance Top and bottom: 0 mm (0 in)
Left and right side: 51 mm (2 in)
Rear: 51 mm (2 in)
LinePower 100 – 240 VAC ±10%, CAT II: 50 – 400 Hz ±10%: 40 W
Temperature Operating: 0 °C to +50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F)
Nonoperating: –40 °C to +71 °C (–40 °F to +160 °F)
Humidity +10°Cto+30°C(50°Fto86°F):5%to95%
+30 °C to +40 °C (86 °F to 104 °F): 5% to 75%
+40 °C to +50 °C (104 °F to 122 °F): 5% to 45%
Altitude (maximum) 2000 m (6500 feet)
Maximum input voltage without
damage, Input A and Input B
50 Ω:12V
rms,35V peak for duty factor less than 0.1%
1MΩ, 1X attenuator: 350 V (DC + AC pk) to 440 Hz, falling to 12 Vrms at 1 MHz
1MΩ, 10X attenuator: 350 V (DC + AC pk) to 440 Hz, falling to 12 Vrms at 1 MHz
Maximum input level without
damage, Input C
FCA3003, FCA3103: +34 dBm (12 Vrms)
FCA3020, FCA3120: +27 dBm (5 Vrms)
MCA3027, MCA3040: +18 dBm (1.78 Vrms)
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual 1

Installation
Powering the Instrument On and Off
This instrument operates from a single-phase power source with the neutral conductor at or near earth ground. (See
page 1, Operating Considerations.) A protective ground connection through the grounding conductor in the power cord is
essential for safe operation.
Functional Check
1. Power on the instrument
2. Push User Opt > Test.
3. Push the Test Mode menu button and select All.
4. Push the Start test menu button. Verify that all tests pass.
5. Push the OK menu button to return to the previous measurements display.
6. Connect a 50 Ωcable from the 10 MHz Output connector on the rear panel to the Input A connector on the front panel.
7. Push Input A and select 50 Ωinput impedance.
8. Push Meas > Freq > Freq > A. The instrument should read 10 MHz.
2 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual

Getting AcquaintedwithYourInstrument
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
Front Panel
1. Power button (See page 6, Power Button.)
2. Main screen (See page 9, Main Screen.)
3. Measurement buttons (See page 6, Measurement Buttons.)
4. Navigation buttons (See page 7, Navigation Buttons.)
5. Input connectors (See page 5, Input Connectors.)
6. Keypad buttons (See page 7, Keypad Buttons.)
FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual 3

Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument
Rear Panel
1. Pulse Output connector (FCA3100 Series only). (See page 5, Preventing ESD.)
2. ID label, including model, serial, installed options, and instrument electrical ratings.
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 input connectors (a factory-installed option that moves the front panel input connectors to the rear panel). Not
available for MCA3000 Series instruments. (See page 5, Preventing ESD.)
7. External Arm Input connector (for external arming (synchronization) of measurements). The main inputs A and B can
also be selected for measurement arming from the Settings Menu. (See page 5, Preventing ESD.)
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). (See page 5, Preventing ESD.)
9. 10 MHz Output 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. (See page 5, Preventing ESD.)
4 FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Quick Start User Manual