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.

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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

Valon Technology 5015/5019 Operations Manual –Version 1.21 Page 6
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

Valon Technology 5015/5019 Operations Manual –Version 1.21 Page 10
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.

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2.3 External Reference Input
The external reference input can be used to provide a more stable reference frequency for the
synthesizer. The quality of the external reference will have little effect on the synthesizer phase
noise at offsets frequencies greater than ~ 50Hz. The phase noise at offsets below 50 Hz may be
improved by 15dB or more if a low phase noise (<-85dBc/Hz @10Hz for 10MHz external
reference) external reference is used. The reference frequency should be in the range of 5MHz
to 120MHz. The optimum input level is approximately 0dBm to +10dBm (50 ohms).
The external reference input also serves as an Electronic Frequency Control (EFC) input. The EFC
can be used to adjust the synthesizer frequency ± 10ppm with an analog voltage in the
0V~±3.3V range. This is a convenient control for phase locking or frequency locking the
synthesizer to an external system when a suitable external reference frequency is not
applicable. The REFerence DAC can be used to center the EFC range using the “reft” command.
The external reference signal can be either ac or dc coupled. The external reference input on
the synthesizer is ac coupled for the RF reference signal but dc coupled for the EFC control
Figure-2. Any non-ac coupled source or load connected to the external reference input will pull
the internal reference frequency slightly.
Figure-2: Block diagram of the internal / external reference input circuit.
2.4 Reference Output
The reference output is a buffered replica of either the internal or external reference depending
on which is selected. Reference output frequency will be the same as the internal (10MHz)
reference or the external reference frequency if present and selected. The reference output is
phase coherent with internal or external reference and lags either by approximately 10ns. The
reference output impedance is nominally 50 ohms, ac coupled, with a typical level of +9dBm.

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2.5 User interface USB and TTL User Port
The simplest way to set frequencies and configure the 5015/5019 synthesizer module is to use
the USB port with the Valon Technology downloadable V5015CM.exe Configuration Manager
(GUI). The Configuration Manager is an MS Windows compatible graphic user interface. No
programming knowledge is required. The V5015CM will automatically detect a connected
5015/5019 synthesizer and configure the USB port. Multiple 5015/5019 synthesizers can be
supported simultaneously with multiple instances of the V5015CM GUI.
Alternatively, the user can also use our 5000term.exe terminal program, Figure-3, to control and
configure the synthesizer using simple text commands. 5000term.exe will support multiple
5015/5019 synthesizers. If you have more than one 5015/5019 connected, you can simply start
a new instance of 5000term which will connect to the next 5015/5019 synthesizer found.
Alternatively, you can type: 5000term -S <serial_num> where <serial_num> is the serial number
of the 5015/5019. You can find the serial number of the 5015/5019 by using the ID or STATus
command. (Note: use upper case S and the exact case for the serial number).
The Configuration Manager and 5000term.exe can be found on the Valonrf.com web site in the
5015 DOWNLOADS section.
Any other terminal emulator program should also work well, however 5000term.exe will
automatically detect the 5015/5019 and configure the virtual serial port. A list of available
commands appears in section 4.
Figure 3: The Valon 5000term.exe terminal program provides a simple command line user interface for controlling
the synthesizer. Type “help” for a list of commands.
Links to our GUI and terminal program are shown below in the Quick-Start section 4.0.
Also available is a direct 3.3V-TTL serial interface at the USER PORT. This allows the same
command set to be sent directly to the synthesizer processor from a host processor without
requiring any USB connection. This port can also be used with the optional external RS-232 to
TTL serial adapter. This 3V TTL/CMOS port is also 5V tolerant. For more information on this
port, see Section 5.

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The default baud rates are 9600 for the USB port and 115200 for the USER PORT. Either port
can be set to 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200, 230400, 460800, or 921600.
2.6 Setting the Baud Rate
The USB baud rate can be changed using the baud command as in "baud 230400" which would
change the baud rate from the default value of 9600 to 230400. However, once the baud rate
has been change it will be necessary to exit out using ^C since communication will no longer be
possible. To reestablish communication, restart the terminal program with the corresponding
baud rate. With 5000term the Starting command then in this example is: 5000term -r230400.
The baud rate commence applies only to the port that the command is issued from.
2.7 Using the Ethernet port with Telnet
The Valon Ethernet Adapter ETH-1 is required if network connectivity is desired. The ETH-1 is
available from Valon Technology as an optional accessory. You may use a standard Telnet
session for a command line terminal interface similar to using the USB port with a terminal
emulator application as shown in Figure-4. Note it may be necessary to install or turn on the
Telnet Client in your particular computer.
The default Ethernet address is typically 10.0.0.15 or 10.1.10.15. To change the IP address, set
the IP address using the USB port connection with a terminal program or the GUI. Use the
command: eth set_ip followed the desired IP address. Then be sure to use the SAVe command
in order to keep the IP address. To discover which IP addresses may be available on the local
network, type: arp -a in dos command widow.
You can make a Telnet connection using a Command-line interface. In MS Windows:
1. Click Start
2. In the Search or Run line, type cmd (for command), press Enter. A command line window will
be displayed as shown in Figure-4.
Figure 4 Click the PC's START, then type cmd to a command line
window.

Valon Technology 5015/5019 Operations Manual –Version 1.21 Page 14
3. At the prompt, type “telnet” (and Enter). A Telnet prompt will appear as shown in Figure-5.
4. At the Telenet prompt, type “o”for open and then the synthesizer IP address as shown in
Figure-6.
A successful connection will respond with synthesizer status displayed as shown in Figure-7.
Once connected, it will be necessary to the suppress (turn off) the local echo by using the
command: “ETH echo off”.
Figure 5 Telnet prompt
Figure 6
Figure 7 Use the STATus command to display the synthesizer status.

Valon Technology 5015/5019 Operations Manual –Version 1.21 Page 15
2.8 Using the Ethernet Port with the Built-in Web Server
The 5015/5019 synthesizers have a built-in web server that provides a control GUI that will run
on any computer platform that has a web browser. If the synthesizer is connected to a local
network using the ETH-1 adapter all that is necessary is to enter the synthesizer IP address into
the address bar on the browser. Figure-8 shows an example of the 5015 connected at 10.0.0.15
using the built-in web server. The web server Configuration Manager is very similar in operation
to the Valon Configuration Manager GUI that runs on an MS Windows platform. See Section 5
for operation and settings.
Figure 8: Web Server GUI

Valon Technology 5015/5019 Operations Manual –Version 1.21 Page 16
2.9 Lock and Status LEDs -- Trouble Shooting
Normal operation is indicated by both the Lock and Status LEDs being on continuously. If the
Status LED is on but the Lock LED is not then one or more of the internal sub-synthesizers is not
locked. Generally this will occur if the External Reference is selected but no valid external
reference signal is present. Check to see that Reference Select mode is set for the desired mode
and that the Reference Frequency matches the selected reference frequency. The internal
reference frequency is 10MHz.
If the Lock LED is out and the Status LED is blinking then the usual cause is incorrect input dc
power supply voltage. If the input voltage at the input to synthesizer is below 4.5V but above
3.5V, the synthesizer will revert to a low power state which disables the RF output. The
synthesizer can still maintain communication but will not provide and output signal. In this
condition Status LED will flash for 1/8th of second every two seconds.
A common problem can occur when using 5.0V power supplies. With a power supply set to
5.00V, the synthesizer will draw over 1.0Amp of current. With long power supply leads it is not
uncommon to drop 0.5V in the power supply leads. This can cause the power synthesizer to
power down due to under voltage. When the synthesizer powers down the voltage drop on the
power supply leads is decreased which allows the dc input voltage at the synthesizer to rise to a
normal 5.0V condition. This condition is usually noted by both LEDs flashing at about a 2 second
rate. Also, make sure the power supply current limit is not set too low. Usually, a current limit
setting should be higher than about 1.5Amps.
If the Lock LED is out and the Status LED is blinking about twice per second then off for two
seconds, check the power supply input voltage. If the input voltage is above 16V for longer than
10 seconds the synthesizer will power down and reset the any changed parameters to the
factory default values.
3General Information
3.1 Safety
The 5015/5019 Dual Frequency Synthesizer operates on an external, user provided, low-voltage
power supply. The user is responsible for ensuring the safety of the power source and any
components or equipment connected to it including this one. The 5015/5019 can be connected
to any number of external components and care should be taken to fully understand the safety
issues with these connections. Valon Technology is not responsible for any damage this
equipment causes to any other equipment connected to or used with it in any way.

Valon Technology 5015/5019 Operations Manual –Version 1.21 Page 17
3.2 RoHS (Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances)
The 5015/5019 module is manufactured using all RoHS compliant components and RoHS
compliant printed circuit board processing. The case is manufactured using only aluminum with
steel fasteners.
Valon Technology, LLC certifies that the 5015/5019 is RoHS compliant and conforms with the
requirements of EC directive 2002/95/EC (RoHS) by having no intentional addition of Lead (Pb),
Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Hexavalent Chromium (Cr), Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB),
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE), and any trace impurities of these substances are below
the threshold limits as specified by the RoHS directive, specifically Cr+6, Hg, Pb, PBB, PBDE do
not exceed 1000 ppm (0.1%) and Cd does not exceed 100 ppm (0.01%).
3.3 FCC Part 15
The 5015/5019 is considered an industrial component and is intended to be incorporated into
customer supplied equipment and is therefore exempt from FCC Part 15.
3.4 Default Frequency Setting
The table in section 2 shows the default settings.
3.5 Cleans (Sanitize)
The Cleans function completely erases all stored user entries including frequency settings, LIST
settings, and Sweep Start and Stop settings and restores the default frequencies. The Cleans
function can be set by selecting Cleans from the Configuration Manager drop down Synthesizer
menu tab, or in the case where no serial interface is available, the input voltage can be raised to
just above 16V until the blue LED flash rapidly for 10 seconds. After 10 seconds the blue LED
will flash four times per second for 1 second and then remain off for 1 second and then repeat.
This indicates the Cleans function was successful.
Note: Do not exceed 16V and limit 16V cleans time to less than 30 seconds.
3.6 Place of Manufacture
The Valon 5015/5019 synthesizer modules are designed, assembled, and tested in Northern
California. All components are sourced from U.S.A. vendors and distributors. Final assembly and
test is performed at Valon Technology.

Valon Technology 5015/5019 Operations Manual –Version 1.21 Page 18
4Quick-Start Instructions
The 5015/5019 Frequency Synthesizer module has been pre-programmed to 2440MHz at an
output of power of +1dBm. Apply 5Vdc ~15Vdc (requires 5W) using the supplied power cable
(red +, black -). Within 2 seconds, the two blue LED STATUS and LOCK lights should be
illuminated (see note at end). The 5015/5019 requires some heat sinking or airflow; a quick
solution is to simply place the module on a heat conduction surface.
In order to control the synthesizer you may use any terminal emulator program or the Valon
Configuration Manager GUI. The Valon V5015CM (GUI) and 5000term terminal programs are
available as a download at:
https://valontechnology.com/5015users/5015.htm.
Note: If you don't want to use the GUI and would prefer to use a terminal program to send
commands directly, see Section 6.
The download website above will also have a link to our 5000term.exe terminal emulator
program. This terminal emulator program can be as a standard terminal emulator for
controlling the 5015/5019 and is also necessary for reprogramming the 5015/5019 with any
updated firmware.
1. From the website link, click the V5015CM.exe and save the program to your desktop or any
other folder.
2. Connect the micro-USB cable to your PC and the synthesizer module. Your computer should
automatically start to detect the new USB device. If it does not you may need to install the FTDI
driver. http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm.
3. Launch the V5015CM GUI program by double-clicking the icon. At the start of the launch
process a Windows dialog box will appear that verifies that a Valon 5015/5019 synthesizer is
connected. The serial number will be displayed as shown in Figure-9. More than one
5015/5019 synthesizer may be connected. The dialog box allows the selection of the desired
synthesizer. To control another synthesizer, start another instance of the configuration
manager.

Valon Technology 5015/5019 Operations Manual –Version 1.21 Page 19
4. Once the connection to the synthesizer is established, it is recommended that you select
Synthesizer/Read Registers command before you perform any other operation. That will
update the Configuration Manager with all the initial register values that were programmed into
your synthesizer as it was shipped. Make a note of the serial number for future reference. You
may want to save these original setting by using the File/Save Config command. This will save
your synthesizer's register setting to a disk file.
5. Now you are ready to change your frequency settings using the CM. Once you are satisfied
with your settings use the Synthesizer/ Save to Flash command to store your settings in non-
volatile flash memory.
6. Your 5015/5019 is initialized to use the internal 10MHz reference. You can easily change to
an external reference by clicking the External button in the Reference Source section of the
Configuration Manager. When an external reference has been connected and selected, it may
be necessary to update the synthesizer with a File/Write Registers command.
Note: Supply Voltage and Current at 6.0V and typically 800mA. You may experience startup and
lock problems if you are using additional clip leads to connect the supplied power cable to a
power supply. The supplied leads should be connected directly to a low impedance dc power
supply.
Figure 9 The V5015CM GUI launch process dialog box showing that two synthesizers are connected.

Valon Technology 5015/5019 Operations Manual –Version 1.21 Page 20
5Configuration Manager (CM) graphical user interface (GUI)
The Configuration Manager can be used to quickly and easily set the 5015/5019 synthesizer
frequencies and mode of operation. The Configuration Manager is available as a free download
from the Valon Technology Products web site. Install the V5015CM.exe in any directory or on
the desktop.
5.1 Configuration Manager Menu Bar
The CM menu bar provides quick access to the 5015/5019's various operational modes.
File: The File drop-down menu item provides.
File/Load Config: Loads all the previously saved CM configuration parameters from a .VR0 file to
the active CM.
File/Save: Saves the all the current CM configuration parameters to a file.
File/Toggle LogFile: Creates a log5015.txt log file in the directory that the CM is in and captures
all CM commands and responses. Note that data in the log file is only available after the CM is
closed.
File/Exit: Closes the CM.