Valon 5015 User manual

Valon Technology 5015/5019 Operations Manual –Version 1.21 Page 1
5015/5019 Frequency Synthesizer Module
Operations Manual
Version 1.21
17 February 2023
Valon Technology, LLC Redwood City, CA USA

Valon Technology 5015/5019 Operations Manual –Version 1.21 Page 2
Contents
1Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Overview .........................................................................................................................................................4
1.2 Detailed Description........................................................................................................................................5
1.3 Electrical Specifications ...................................................................................................................................7
2 Connections...................................................................................................................................................10
2.1 Power Connections .......................................................................................................................................10
2.2 RF Output ......................................................................................................................................................10
2.3 External Reference Input...............................................................................................................................11
2.4 Reference Output..........................................................................................................................................11
2.5 User interface USB and TTL User Port...........................................................................................................12
2.6 Setting the Baud Rate....................................................................................................................................13
2.7 Using the Ethernet port with Telnet .............................................................................................................13
2.8 Using the Ethernet Port with the Built-in Web Server ..................................................................................15
2.9 Lock and Status LEDs -- Trouble Shooting .....................................................................................................16
3 General Information......................................................................................................................................16
3.1 Safety.............................................................................................................................................................16
3.2 RoHS (Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances) ...................................................................17
3.3 FCC Part 15 ....................................................................................................................................................17
3.4 Default Frequency Setting.............................................................................................................................17
3.5 Cleans (Sanitize) ............................................................................................................................................17
3.6 Place of Manufacture ....................................................................................................................................17
4Quick-Start Instructions..............................................................................................................................18
5 Configuration Manager (CM) graphical user interface (GUI) ...................................................................20
5.1 Configuration Manager Menu Bar ................................................................................................................20
5.2 Configuration Manager Main Page ...............................................................................................................22
5.3 Configuration Manager Sweep Page.............................................................................................................25
5.4 Configuration Manager LIST page .................................................................................................................26
5.5 Conversational Page......................................................................................................................................27
5.6 Help Page.......................................................................................................................................................27
6 Programming With a Terminal Program .......................................................................................................27
6.1 Introduction to Commands ...........................................................................................................................27
6.2 Syntax notes:.................................................................................................................................................27
6.3 Query syntax .................................................................................................................................................28
6.4 General Commands.......................................................................................................................................28
6.4.1 Baud...................................................................................................................................................28
6.4.2 STATus................................................................................................................................................28
6.4.3 LocK....................................................................................................................................................29
6.4.4 ID <n>.................................................................................................................................................29
6.4.5 Help....................................................................................................................................................29
6.4.6 RCL .....................................................................................................................................................29
6.4.7 RST .....................................................................................................................................................29

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6.4.8 SAV.....................................................................................................................................................29
6.4.9 CLEans................................................................................................................................................29
6.5 MODe ............................................................................................................................................................30
6.5.1 MODe <CW >.....................................................................................................................................30
6.5.2 MODe SWEep....................................................................................................................................30
6.5.3 MODe LIST.........................................................................................................................................30
6.6 Frequency Setting Commands (CW)..............................................................................................................30
6.6.1 Frequency <F> <U> ............................................................................................................................30
6.6.2 OFFset <F> <U> ..................................................................................................................................30
6.6.3 FrequencyStep <F> <U> .....................................................................................................................31
6.6.4 FrequencyINCrement.........................................................................................................................31
6.6.5 FrequencyDECrement........................................................................................................................31
6.7 Sweep Mode..................................................................................................................................................31
6.7.1 SWEep................................................................................................................................................31
6.7.2 STARt <F> <U>...................................................................................................................................31
6.7.3 STOP <F> <U>....................................................................................................................................31
6.7.4 STEP <F> <U> .....................................................................................................................................31
6.7.5 RATE<ms> ..........................................................................................................................................31
6.7.6 RTIME <ms> .......................................................................................................................................31
6.7.7 Run.....................................................................................................................................................32
6.7.8 Halt.....................................................................................................................................................32
6.7.9 TMODe <AUT0|MANual|EXTermal|EXTStep> ..................................................................................32
6.7.10 TRGR ..................................................................................................................................................32
6.7.11 RetraceTIME ; <ms> ...........................................................................................................................32
6.8 List Mode.......................................................................................................................................................32
6.8.1 List entry ...........................................................................................................................................33
6.8.2 List Hardware Control ........................................................................................................................33
6.9 Power Level and Amplitude Modulation.......................................................................................................33
6.9.1 PoWeR<PWR>....................................................................................................................................33
6.9.2 OEN <0|1| or OFF|ON>.....................................................................................................................33
6.9.3 PDN <0|1 or OFF|ON>.......................................................................................................................33
6.9.4 AMD<dB>...........................................................................................................................................34
6.9.5 AMF<f>...............................................................................................................................................34
6.10 Configuration Commands..............................................................................................................................34
6.10.1 REFerence; <F> <U> ...........................................................................................................................34
6.10.2 REFTrim; <0|1|2|...255> ...................................................................................................................34
6.10.3 REFerenceSource; ..............................................................................................................................35
6.10.4 SDN<LN1|LN2|LS1|LS2> ...................................................................................................................35
6.10.5 NAMe <name> ...................................................................................................................................35
6.10.6 ETH SET_IP <IP address> ..................................................................................................................35
7 User Port .......................................................................................................................................................36
7.1 User Port Pin Assignments ............................................................................................................................36
7.2 Lock Detector/Sweep Sync/ Sweep Trigger ..................................................................................................37
8 Mechanical Dimensions ................................................................................................................................38

Valon Technology 5015/5019 Operations Manual –Version 1.21 Page 4
1Introduction
This manual includes the specifications and operations of the 5015 and 5019 RF frequency
synthesizers.
1.1 Overview
The Valon Technology 5015/5019 Frequency Synthesizer Module is a versatile, PLL-synthesized,
RF signal source programmable from 10MHz to 15GHz (20GHz) with calibrated output power
control from less than -30dBm to typically over +16dBm. The synthesizer includes an internal
VCTCXO reference or can be locked to an external frequency reference. The module is fully
shielded by a machined aluminum, RF-tight, multi-cavity housing which not only provides
enhanced noise immunity to external sources but also minimizes internal signal leakage.
The 5015/5019 can be controlled using simple human-readable commands either through the
micro-USB port or the direct TTL-User port. Alternatively, the 5015/5019 can be configured
using the V5015CM.exe downloadable MS-Windows based graphical user interface. The
5015/5019 settings can all be saved to non-volatile flash memory for automatic recall on power-
up.

Valon Technology 5015/5019 Operations Manual –Version 1.21 Page 5
1.2 Detailed Description
Figure-1 above shows a simplified block diagram of the 5015/5019 system topology. The 32-bit
ARM processor controls the operation of the synthesizer as well as storing user settings in non-
volatile flash memory.
Control can be through either the micro-USB serial port, the 3.3V TTL USER port, or through the
Ethernet port using the external ETH-1 adapter.
The ARM processor is the master controller for the synthesizer. It monitors all the synthesizer
internal functions, maintains the non-volatile memory, performs tuning algorithms, and
supervises the communications interfaces. When the processor receives a command it
calculates the internal register values required for setting the main and sub-synthesizers, sets
the power control, and all other necessary hardware to complete the command. The ARM
processor can make these calculation very quickly which allows for fast sweep operation by
simply setting the start and stop frequencies.
The synthesizer topology is designed with the main goal of providing very low phase noise while
minimizing spurious output signals. The MAIN synthesizer consists of multiple VCOs in the
7.5GHz to 15GHz range. The MAIN PLL is then phase locked to a sub-synthesizer operating in
the 100MHz range. The sub-synthesizer consists of multiple VCOs that are phase locked to
Figure 1 Simplified block diagram of the 5015/5019

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either the internal 10MHz VCTCXO or an external reference in the 5MHz to 120MHz range.
Subsequent lower frequencies are created by dividing the main synthesizer output by cascaded
digital dividers. Since these dividers are digital, the output frequency will not be a sine wave
and will have high harmonic content. The 5019 version has an additional frequency doubler in
order to produce an output in the 15GHz to 20GHz range.
The output of the divider (and doubler in the 5019) is amplified by gain controlled amplifiers
which provide calibrated output power control. This gain control provides over 40dB of level
control in less than 0.1dB steps from over +13dBm to less than -30dBm.
The internal reference is a 10MHz precision analog compensated VCTCXO. The initial accuracy
is better than 2ppm and the stability over temperature and time is better than 2ppm. Typical
initial frequency error is less than 1ppm while the stability over the -30deg. C. to +70deg. C is
less than 0.5ppm. The reference select controller module allows the user to correct any
frequency error of internal reference to within about 0.01 ppm using a reference trim function.
The internal VCTCXO reference can also be electronically frequency controlled (EFC) by applying
a dc tune voltage to the external reference input. This allows the 5015/5019 to act as a precise
voltage controlled oscillator which is useful for certain system applications. For even better
stability, the user can select an external reference in the range of 5MHz to 120MHz.
The 5015/5019 uses multiple, low-noise, low dropout voltage regulators. Separate regulators
provide the necessary isolation between the main synthesizer and the sub-synthesizers which
improves close-in phase noise performance and minimizes spurious output signals due to cross-
coupling. Ultra-low noise LDOs are used to power main and sub-synthesizers PLL/VCOs while
separate low-noise LDOs regulate power for the output power amplifier. The ARM processor,
Ethernet, and USB interfaces have a separate logic level LDOs which further isolate digital
processor noise from the synthesizers. The VCTCXO and associated tuning and buffers have a
separate ultra-low noise regulator.
The synthesizer uses an efficient switching power pre-regulator so that a wide range of input
voltages can be applied. The pre-regulator provides an internal voltage with adequate
headroom to power multiple ultra low noise linear regulators. No special power supply is
required and most switching power supplies will work without degrading the noise performance
of the synthesizers. The synthesizer can accept a command that will place the synthesizer in a
low power standby mode when desired. The power input is reverse voltage protected. The
5015/5019 cannot be USB powered.
When using the synthesizer at any input voltage it will be necessary to provide some minimal
heat sinking or cooling depending upon the operating environment temperature. In most
laboratory conditions, it is only necessary to rest or attach the synthesizer to a metal or even
dense non-metallic substrate and avoid covering the module with anything that will prevent
circulating air to flow.
Raising the input voltage above the Hardware Reset Threshold for more than 10sec will reset all
of the synthesizer stored settings to the factory default values. This is similar to the software

Valon Technology 5015/5019 Operations Manual –Version 1.21 Page 7
RST command, but provides a means to "cleanse" the synthesizer user programmed setting
without having to use a host computer.
Communications can be established with the 5015/5019 using the USB port, or the Ethernet
port (with adapter). A direct 3.3V TTL serial communications port is also available on the USER
PORT for convenient machine to machine interfacing. The USER PORT is also used for the LIST
mode to allow remote switches to select preset frequencies. In SWEEP mode the USER PORT
has sweep trigger and sweep enable signals preset.
1.3 Electrical Specifications
Note: The 5015/5019 is NOT USB powered. See Valon PS6V-1 power supply kit.
DC Input
Input Voltage Range
Operational Max
Operational Min
Hardware Reset Threshold
No Damage
+15V
+5.0V
16V for >10sec. Resets the synthesizer to factory default settings.
+16V to -16V (reverse protected)
Input Power
5 Watts normal operation
500mW Standby (power down)
DC Input Connector
Hirose DF3A-2P-2DS
Mates with Hirose DF3-2S-2C plug and pre-crimped wire H2BXT-10112-R4
(red) and H2BXT-10112-B4 (black). 20” dc cable is supplied with synthesizer,
additional cables available for purchase.

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RF Synthesizer Specifications
Frequency Range
10MHz to 15GHz (5015) 10MHz to 20GHz (5019)
Frequency
Increment
1Hz for frequency less than 4294.967MHz
10 Hz for frequency greater than 4294.967MHz
20Hz for frequency greater than 15GHz (5019)
Frequency Lock Time
<400uS
Lock time is from the time the frequency command is sent, or a frequency step in sweep mode,
or input from User Port in List mode to a stable Lock Detector output.
Phase Noise
Typical phase noise (+6dB max.)
*Note that phase noise at <100Hz offset can be improved typically > 15dB with external high stability reference.
10Hz
100Hz
1kHz
10kHz
100kHz
1MHz
10MHz
dBc/Hz
0.5GHz
-75
-90
-118
-130
-132
-143
-155
1GHz
-70
-84
-114
-125
-127
-138
-150
2GHz
-61
-77
-108
-118
-122
-132
-150
3GHz
-58
-78
-105
-116
-120
-127
-148
4GHz
-54
-74
-102
-114
-117
-126
-144
6GHz
-52
-70
-98
-109
-112
-121
-142
8GHz
-50
-70
-95
-105
-108
-120
-141
10GHz
-45
-68
-94
-104
-107
-120
-140
13GHz
-40
-68
-91
-102
-106
-112
-134
15GHz
-35
-66
-90
-101
-104
-112
-133
17GHz
-30
-64
-88
-99
-102
-110
-130
20GHz
-30
-64
-88
-99
-101
-110
-130
Harmonics
The 5015 /5019 output waveform is a clipped sine wave. Odd harmonics are typically <-12dBc,
even harmonics are typically <-20dBc.
Sub Harmonics
Sub harmonics(f/2 and f/4) are typically <-50dBc for output frequencies up to 15GHz (5015)
Sub harmonics (f/2) are typically <-15dBc for output frequencies from 15GHz to 20GHz (5019)
Spurious
Non-Harmonic spurious typically <-60dBc including fraction-N spurs and boundary spurs.
The 5015/5019 also has four user selectable spur reduction modes. See section 6.10.4.
Output Return loss
10~ 100MHz
50MHz ~ 10GHz
10GHz ~ 15GHz
15GHz ~20GHz
Min.(dB)
>6
>10
>6
>8
Typical(dB)
10dB
12
8
12
RF Connectors
SMA Female

Valon Technology 5015/5019 Operations Manual –Version 1.21 Page 9
RF Output Power Range*
10MHz ~ 100MHz
100MHz ~6GHz
6GHz ~ 15GHz
15GHz~20GHz
Max Power
>+13
>+19
>+17
>+16
Typical Max Power
+14
+20
<20
<18
Min Power
<-30
<-30
<-30
<-30
dBm
RF Output Power Accuracy
1GHz~15GHz
15GHz ~ 20GHz
±0.7dBm +10dBm ~ -20dBm and ±0.9dBm > +10dBm or <-20dBm
±1.0dBm +10dBm ~ -20dBm and ±1.5dBm > +10dBm or <-20dBm
RF Output Power Resolution
<0.1dB
*revision 4 or later
AM Depth
Modulation depth adjustable from 0.0dB (CW) 20dB
AM Frequency
1Hz to 2kHz, 1Hz resolution
AM Waveform
50% duty cycle square wave
Reference Frequency
Internal Reference
Frequency
Initial Accuracy
Temperature Stability
Reference Trim Range
Reference Trim Resolution
10.000MHz
± 2ppm (23°C)
±0.5ppm -20°C to +70°C (case temp)
± 10ppm
0.01ppm
External Reference Input
Frequency Range
Input power range
50Ωnominal impedance
5MHz to 100MHz, typical max 120MHz
-10dBm min. +13dBm max.
SMA Female 50Ωnominal impedance
Note: Ext input is ac coupled to synthesizer but dc coupled to internal
VCTCXO control circuit. See section 2 for details.
Reference Output
10MHz buffered internal reference +9dBm ± 1dB
SMA Female 50Ωnominal impedance ac coupled
5MHz to 120 MHz +9dBm buffered external reference when external
reference is selected
EFC
Electronic frequency Control at
external reference input
Pulling range >±10ppm
Voltage ±3V
Input resistance 20kΩ
Frequency response 0Hz~>5kHz

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Interface
USB
Micro-B socket
FTDI virtual com port
9600, 8, N,1,N default, see selectable baud rates below
See FTDI for drivers for your computer. Note: The Configuration Manager GUI will
automatically configure the USB port and switch to 115200 baud rate.
USER PORT
3.3V TTL TXD & RXD 115200,8,N,1,N default
Lock detect
External Sweep Trigger Input: 3.3V TTL Hi-Z input
LSW-1 LIST Mode switch and cable accessory is also available.
(see section 5)
(see section 8 for connector mating information)
Selectable Baud Rates
USB, serial TTL: 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600,115200, 230400, 460800, 921600
Environmental
Operational full specifications:
No damage functional:
Humidity:
IP rating:
-0⁰C~+60⁰C (case temperature, heat sink required)
-20⁰C~+70⁰C (case temperature)
5%~95% minimal condensation allowed
50 No water protection.
2Connections
2.1 Power Connections
Power connections are made to the dc power supply using the provided Hirose 2-pin plug and
20" pig-tail cable assembly. The input voltage for full performance is 5 Volts to 15 Volts and will
require typically 5 Watts (Amps = Watts/V). When using a power supply at or near 5V, the input
current will be over 1.0A. Therefore, it is very important to keep the total power supply leads as
short as possible. The red wire is the positive input and correct polarity is required. The
5015/5019 is reverse polarity protected and no damage will occur if reverse connected to dc
power supplies of less than 15V. There is no provision for power to be supplied by USB.
2.2 RF Output
The RF Output port provides the synthesizer output signal. This signal can be programmed to be
in the range from 10MHz to 15GHz for the 5015 and up to 20GHz with the 5019. The output
level is programmable from less than -30dBm to over +13dBm in less than 0.1dB steps. The
nominal output impedance is 50 ohms.
This port is directly connected to the internal broadband microwave power amplifier and is
static sensitive. Care should be taken to only use this port as an output. Do not apply any signal
to this port. Be especially careful in connecting long, un-terminated, coaxial cables that might
contain a static charge as this can easily damage the amplifier.