Teledyne Lecroy WaveStation User manual

Operator’s
Manual
WaveStation
Function/Arbitrary
Waveform Generator

WaveStation Function/
Arbitrary Waveform Generator
Operator’s Manual
March 2013

© 2013 Teledyne LeCroy, Inc. All rights reserved.
Unauthorized duplication of Teledyne LeCroy documentation materials other than for
internal sales and distribution purposes is strictly prohibited. However, clients are
encouraged to distribute and duplicate Teledyne LeCroy documentation for their own
internal educational purposes.
WaveStation and Teledyne LeCroy are registered trademarks of Teledyne LeCroy, Inc.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Other product or brand names
are trademarks or requested trademarks of their respective holders. Information in this
publication supersedes all earlier versions. Specifications are subject to change without
notice.
Warranty
NOTE: THE WARRANTY BELOW REPLACES ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS, OR
ADEQUACY FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE. TELEDYNE LECROY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE. THE
CUSTOMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION AND INSURANCE CHARGES FOR THE RETURN
OF PRODUCTS TO THE SERVICE FACILITY. TELEDYNE LECROY WILL RETURN ALL PRODUCTS UNDER
WARRANTY WITH TRANSPORT PREPAID.
The WaveStation is warranted for normal use and operation, within specifications, for a
period of three years from shipment. Teledyne LeCroy will either repair or, at our option,
replace any product returned to one of our authorized service centers within this period.
However, in order to do this we must first examine the product and find that it is defective
due to workmanship or materials and not due to misuse, neglect, accident, or abnormal
conditions or operation.
Teledyne LeCroy shall not be responsible for any defect, damage, or failure caused by any of
the following: a) attempted repairs or installations by personnel other than Teledyne LeCroy
representatives or b) improper connection to incompatible equipment, or c) for any damage
or malfunction caused by the use of non-Teledyne LeCroy supplies. Furthermore, Teledyne
LeCroy shall not be obligated to service a product that has been modified or integrated
where the modification or integration increases the task duration or difficulty of servicing
the instrument. Spare and replacement parts, and repairs, all have a 90-day warranty.
The instrument's firmware has been thoroughly tested and is presumed to be functional.
Nevertheless, it is supplied without warranty of any kind covering detailed performance.
Products not made by Teledyne LeCroy are covered solely by the warranty of the original
equipment manufacturer.
922700-00 Rev A
March 2013

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome .................................................................................................. 1
Package Contents ..................................................................................... 2
Safety Instructions.................................................................................... 3
Symbols.................................................................................................. 3
Precautions ............................................................................................ 3
Operating Environment ......................................................................... 4
Cooling................................................................................................... 4
Cleaning ................................................................................................. 5
Calibration ............................................................................................. 5
Power..................................................................................................... 5
Adjusting the Handle ............................................................................. 7
Front Panel ............................................................................................ 8
Back Panel.............................................................................................. 9
Getting Started with WaveStation .......................................................... 10
The WaveStation Interface .................................................................. 10
Navigating Interfaces, Adjusting Parameters, and Making Selections 11
Waveform Types and Default Parameters .......................................... 15
Initial Function Settings ....................................................................... 16
Combined Use of Waveform, Function, and Configuration Buttons ... 17
Digital Input Front Panel Controls ....................................................... 20
Creating Waveforms............................................................................... 20
Overview.............................................................................................. 20
Creating a Sine Wave........................................................................... 21
Creating a Square Wave ...................................................................... 26
Creating a Ramp Wave ........................................................................ 27
Creating a Pulse Wave ......................................................................... 28
Creating a Noise Wave......................................................................... 30
Creating an Arbitrary Waveform ......................................................... 30
Generating Modulated Waveforms ........................................................ 34
Overview.............................................................................................. 34
Generating an AM Modulated Waveform........................................... 35
Generating an FM Modulated Waveform ........................................... 36

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Generating an ASK Modulated Waveform ...........................................37
Generating an FSK Modulated Waveform ...........................................38
Generating a PM Modulated Waveform ..............................................39
Generating Sweep Waveforms................................................................40
Generating Burst Waveforms..................................................................43
Save/Recall .............................................................................................46
Overview ..............................................................................................46
Main Save/Recall Operations ...............................................................46
Save/Recall Menu Controls and Considerations ..................................47
Utility......................................................................................................52
Main Utility Operations ........................................................................52
Restoring the Default Settings..............................................................59
Using WaveStation Help..........................................................................61
Controlling WaveStation with USB-GPIB and/or USBTMC ......................62
About the USB-GPIB Adapter ...............................................................62
Connecting the USB-GPIB Adapter.......................................................63
Updating WaveStation Firmware ............................................................64
WaveStation PC Software .......................................................................65
Overview ..............................................................................................65
Installing Drivers and Software ............................................................66
Making the WaveStation-PC Software Connection..............................67
Modifying Waveform Files from WaveStation to PC Software ...........67
Modifying Waveform Files from PC Software to WaveStation ...........70
Reference................................................................................................74
Certifications ........................................................................................74
Contact Teledyne LeCroy......................................................................78
Index.......................................................................................................79

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Welcome
Thank you for purchasing a Teledyne LeCroy WaveStation.
The WaveStation is a function/arbitrary waveform generator that allows
you to simultaneously create and view custom waveforms. You can control
WaveStation through USB-GPIB and/or USBTMC interfaces, and even
transfer waveforms to and from your WaveStation using the WaveStation
PC Software.
This WaveStation Operator's Manual covers how to use WaveStation
models 2012 10 MHz, 2022 25 MHz, and 2052 50 MHz. The material is
organized in the following manner:
Package Contents and Safety Requirements, along with the
Hardware and I/O description.
Getting Started with WaveStation, a general overview of the
standard controls on the front panel and how they correspond with
the display.
How to create Waveform Types, Modulated Waveforms, Sweep
Waveforms, and Burst Waveforms. Additional sections explain how
to use Save/Recall, Utility, and Help sections.
How to control WaveStation with USB-GPIB (using the USB-GPIB
Adapter) and/or USBTMC.
How to use the WaveStation Software to send and receive
waveforms over a PC connection with your WaveStation.
Reference, including where to find regularly updated Specifications
and other details.
We truly hope these materials provide increased comprehension when
using Teledyne LeCroy's fine products.
Sincerely,
David C. Graef
Teledyne LeCroy
Vice President and Chief Technology Officer

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Package Contents
The standard WaveStation package includes the following:
WaveStation Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generator
Power Cord
Standard USB 2.0 Type A to Type B Cable, 1 m
USB to GPIB Converter Cable
WaveStation Operator's Manual
Performance/Calibration Certificate
Product Registration Card

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Safety Instructions
This section contains instructions that must be observed to keep the
instrument operating in a correct and safe condition. You are required to
follow generally accepted safety procedures in addition to the precautions
specified in this section. The overall safety of any system incorporating
this instrument is the responsibility of the assembler of the system.
Symbols
These symbols may appear on the instrument's front or rear panels and in
its documentation to alert you to important safety considerations.
CAUTION of damage to instrument, or WARNING of hazard to
health. Attend to the accompanying information to protect
against personal injury or damage. Do not proceed until
conditions are fully understood and met.
WARNING. Risk of electro-shock.
Measurement ground connection.
Frame or chassis connection.
Safety (protective) ground connection.
Power on/off.
Precautions
Use proper power cord. Use only the power cord shipped with this
instrument and certified for the country of use.
Maintain ground. This product is grounded through the power cord
grounding conductor. To avoid electric shock, connect only to a grounded
mating outlet.
Connect and disconnect properly. Do not connect/disconnect probes or
test leads while they are connected to a voltage source.

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Observe all terminal ratings. Do not apply a voltage to any input that
exceeds the maximum rating of that input. Refer to the markings next to
the BNC terminals for maximum allowed values.
Use only within operational environment listed. Do not use in wet or
explosive atmospheres.
Use indoors only.
Keep product surfaces clean and dry.
Do not block the cooling vents. Leave a minimum six-inch (15 cm) gap
between the instrument and the nearest object. Keep the underside clear
of papers and other objects.
Do not remove the covers or inside parts. Refer all maintenance to
qualified service personnel.
Do not operate with suspected failures. Do not use the product if any part
is damaged. Obviously incorrect measurement behaviors (such as failure to
calibrate) might indicate impairment due to hazardous live electrical
quantities. Cease operation immediately and sequester the instrument
from inadvertent use.
Operating Environment
Temperature: 0° C to 40° C
Humidity: Maximum relative humidity 80% (non-condensing) for
temperatures up to 30° C decreasing linearly to 50 % relative humidity at
40° C.
Altitude: Up to 10,000 ft (3,048 m) at or below 30° C.
Cooling
The WaveStation relies on forced air cooling with internal fans and vents.
Take care to avoid restricting the airflow to any part of the instrument.
Around the sides and rear, leave a minimum of 15 cm (6 inches) between
the instrument and the nearest object. At the bottom, the feet (up or
down) provide adequate clearance.
CAUTION. Do not block vents. Always keep the area beneath the
instrument clear of paper and other items.

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Cleaning
Clean only the exterior of the instrument using a damp, soft cloth. Do not
use harsh chemicals or abrasive elements. Under no circumstances
submerge the instrument or allow moisture to penetrate it. Avoid electric
shock by unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet before cleaning.
CAUTION. Do not attempt to clean internal parts. Refer to qualified
service personnel.
Calibration
The recommended calibration interval is one year. Calibration should be
performed by qualified personnel only.
CAUTION. It is required that all inputs be removed from the
WaveStation prior to performing a manual calibration.
Schedule an annual factory calibration as part of your regular maintenance.
Extended warranty, calibration, and upgrade plans are available for
purchase. Contact your Teledyne LeCroy sales representative or
[e-mail] to purchase a service plan.
Power
Power Consumption
50 VA (50 W) Max
Power and Ground Connections
100-240 VAC (±10%) at 50/60 Hz (±5%) or 100-120 VAC (±10%) at
400 Hz (±5%)
Automatic AC voltage selection. No manual voltage selection is required
because the instrument automatically adapts to line voltage.
The AC inlet ground is connected directly to the frame of the instrument.
For adequate protection again electric shock, connect to a mating outlet
with a safety ground contact.

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WARNING. Interrupting the protective conductor inside or outside
the instrument, or disconnecting the safety ground terminal,
creates a hazardous situation. Intentional interruption is prohibited.
Powering On/Off
The Power button controls the operational state of the instrument.
Press the button to switch the instrument AC power On or Off.
Always use the Power button to execute a proper shut down process and
preserve settings before powering down.

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Hardware and I/O
Adjusting the Handle
The construction of the handle on your WaveStation can be adjusted to
bridge the front panel and fully-support the weight of the generator during
transport.
NOTE: Adjust the handle while gently pulling outward on the two arms where they
attach to the sides of your WaveStation.
You can also move the handle into a tucked position under the generator
for different viewing positions.

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Front Panel
1. Power Button
2. USB Connector - USB 2.0 connector which is used for making USB-GPIB
or Memory Stick connections as explained in Controlling WaveStation
with USB-GPIB and/or USBTMC (on page 62) and Main Save/Recall
Operations (on page 46), respectively.
3. LCD Display
4. Display Menu Operation Buttons
5. Waveform Buttons - These buttons control the selection of Waveform
Types and Default Parameters.
6. Number Buttons
7. Function Buttons - When pressed, these buttons setup corresponding
Initial Function Settings. Specifically, the top three buttons are
Waveform Signal Conditioning buttons and apply Mod, Sweep, or Burst
functions to the waveform you've selected. Meanwhile, the lower three,
Save/Recall, Utility, and Help, are for various WaveStation tools and
configurations along with some Help information.
8. BNC Channel Outputs and Corresponding Control Buttons - The buttons
above the BNC connectors control the activation/deactivation of
corresponding channel outputs.
9. Direction Buttons
10. Adjustment Control Knob

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NOTE: It's important to understand the relationship between the Main Waveform
Type buttons, the Waveform Signal Conditioning function buttons, and the
Save/Recall, Utility, and Help function buttons. See Combined Use of Waveform,
Function, and Configuration Buttons (on page 17).
Back Panel
1. Input and Output BNC Connectors - Four BNC Connectors provide 10
MHz In, Modulation In, Synch Out, Ext Trig/Gate/Fsk/Burst Out.
2. USB Connector - USB 2.0 connector which is used for making USBRAW
or USBTMC connections as explained in WaveStation PC Software
Overview (on page 64) and Controlling WaveStation with USB-GPIB
and/or USBTMC (on page 62), respectively.
3. Ground Connector
4. AC Power Connector

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Getting Started with WaveStation
The WaveStation Interface
NOTE: The default signal is a Sine wave as each channel tab and in the upper-right
corner of the display show.
1. Channel Tabs - The channel tabs display the currently chosen Waveform
or Function type and, when selected, show their corresponding Display
and Detail dialog.
2. Display Dialog - Shows a rendered waveform or modulated waveform
display of your generated signal and some additional waveform details.
3. Detail Dialog - Shows even more data regarding specific parameters for
your selected Waveform or Function.
4. Waveform/Function Type Indicator - When using the Waveform
buttons, shows the waveform type for the corresponding waveform
channel selected. Waveform types include Sine, Square, Ramp, Pulse,
Noise, and Arb. When using the Function buttons, shows the selected
function from Modulate, Sweep, Burst, Save/Recall, Utility, and Help.
5. Operation Menu - This menu changes based on the selected Waveform
or Function chosen. Refer to more detailed corresponding coverage later
in this manual for more information.

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Navigating Interfaces, Adjusting Parameters, and
Making Selections
Specific waveform types may be used as carrier waveforms for specific
functions as explained in Initial Function Settings (on page 16).
NOTE: Default values for most modulated waveform parameters may be set using
certain options available from the Utility menu. Learn more in Main Utility
Operations (on page 52).
Subsequent sections go into more detail when using specific Waveform
and Function buttons and adjusting specific parameters - all of which vary
based on the specific waveform, function, and/or carrier waveform
selections made. This particular topic covers some common navigation,
parameter adjustments, and making selections when using the
WaveStation interfaces.
1. Typically, the first step when using interfaces is to make specific
Waveform or Function button selections on the Front Panel in order to
make specific parameter adjustments or other selections.
NOTE: If you've selected a Function button, you now choose a desired carrier
waveform type using the Display Menu Operation buttons. The waveform is
shown on the Waveform Display.
2. At this point, the Display Menu Operation buttons are used to select
applicable parameters and make adjustments as desired. The operation
menu's currently selected parameter is shown in white.

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While navigating, you'll come across the following interfaces and button
type combinations.
First/Second Press Shared Buttons - A good portion of the operation
buttons control two separate parameters. Operation buttons
controlling two parameters have additional, lighter shaded control
labels on them; press the button once to adjust the top control
parameter; twice to adjust the bottom one. Second operation button
press parameters are shown in reverse color on some interface dialogs
to provide a visual indication as to which parameter is being adjusted.
Parameter Label and Selection Display Button - Some parameters look
like they're first/second press shared buttons, but really are not.
Instead, the parameter title is shown in the top portion and the lower
portion displays the particular parameter selection as the following
Shape parameter shows.
Additional Menus - Operation menus containing more parameters
than the ones showing on the first menu have a 1/X ↓ final selection.
The additional menu(s) therefore have a 2/X ↑ first selection. Press
the adjacent operation button to navigate additional menu(s) and
parameter(s) as desired.

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3. Making the actual parameter adjustments or other selection is made a
few different ways. Most are done by selecting a specific parameter
using a corresponding operation menu button, changing the value or
selection using the Digital Input Front Panel Controls, and then pressing
the same corresponding operation menu button again to preserve the
adjustment/selection. The only variation includes where the interface
shows the adjustment/selection choices.
Inside the Operation Menu - Some adjustment/selection choices
are shown right on the Operation menu.

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On the Display Dialog - Some adjustment/selection choices are
shown right on the Display dialog.
On the Detail Dialog - Some adjustment/selection choices are
shown right on the Detail dialog.
On the Browser Display Dialog - Some interfaces are provided
using file explorer-like screens for saving and recalling a variety of
folders and file types.