Valon 5030 User manual

Valon Technology 5030 Operations Manual –Version 1.0 Page 1
5030 Frequency Synthesizer Module
Operations Manual
Version 1.0
03 October 2023
Valon Technology, LLC Redwood City, CA USA

Valon Technology 5030 Operations Manual –Version 1.0 Page 2
Contents
1Introduction....................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Overview..........................................................................................................................................5
1.2 Detailed Description ........................................................................................................................5
1.3 Electrical Specifications....................................................................................................................8
2 Connections ...................................................................................................................................10
2.1 Power Connections........................................................................................................................10
2.2 RF Output.......................................................................................................................................10
2.3 External Reference Input ...............................................................................................................10
2.4 Reference Output ..........................................................................................................................11
2.5 User interface USB and TTL User Port ...........................................................................................11
2.6 Setting the Baud Rate ....................................................................................................................12
2.7 Using the Ethernet port with Telnet..............................................................................................12
2.8 Using the Ethernet Port with the Built-in Web Server ..................................................................15
2.9 Lock and Status LEDs -- Trouble Shooting......................................................................................15
3 General Information ......................................................................................................................16
3.1 Safety .............................................................................................................................................16
3.2 RoHS (Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances) ...................................................16
3.3 FCC Part 15.....................................................................................................................................16
3.4 Default Frequency Setting .............................................................................................................16
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 .............................................................................................24
5.4 Configuration Manager LIST page..................................................................................................25
5.5 Conversational Page ......................................................................................................................26
5.6 Help Page .......................................................................................................................................26
6 Programming With a Terminal Program........................................................................................26
6.1 Introduction to Commands............................................................................................................26
6.2 Syntax notes:..................................................................................................................................26
6.3 Query syntax..................................................................................................................................27
6.4 General Commands .......................................................................................................................27
6.4.1 Baud.....................................................................................................................................27
6.4.2 STATus .................................................................................................................................27
6.4.3 LocK .....................................................................................................................................27
6.4.4 ID <n>...................................................................................................................................28

Valon Technology 5030 Operations Manual –Version 1.0 Page 3
6.4.5 Help .....................................................................................................................................28
6.4.6 RCL.......................................................................................................................................28
6.4.7 RST.......................................................................................................................................28
6.4.8 SAV.......................................................................................................................................28
6.4.9 CLEans..................................................................................................................................28
6.5 MODe.............................................................................................................................................29
6.5.1 MODe <CW > ......................................................................................................................29
6.5.2 MODe SWEep .....................................................................................................................29
6.5.3 MODe LIST ..........................................................................................................................29
6.6 Frequency Setting Commands (CW)..............................................................................................29
6.6.1 Frequency <F> <U>..............................................................................................................29
6.6.2 OFFset <F> <U>....................................................................................................................29
6.6.3 FrequencyStep <F> <U>.......................................................................................................30
6.6.4 FrequencyINCrement ..........................................................................................................30
6.6.5 FrequencyDECrement..........................................................................................................30
6.7 Sweep Mode ..................................................................................................................................30
6.7.1 SWEep..................................................................................................................................30
6.7.2 STARt <F> <U> ....................................................................................................................30
6.7.3 STOP <F> <U> .....................................................................................................................30
6.7.4 STEP <F> <U>.......................................................................................................................30
6.7.5 RATE<ms>............................................................................................................................30
6.7.6 RTIME <ms>.........................................................................................................................30
6.7.7 Run.......................................................................................................................................31
6.7.8 Halt ......................................................................................................................................31
6.7.9 TMODe <AUT0|MANual|EXTermal|EXTStep>....................................................................31
6.7.10 TRGR ....................................................................................................................................31
6.7.11 RetraceTIME ; <ms>.............................................................................................................31
6.8 List Mode .......................................................................................................................................32
6.8.1 List entry.............................................................................................................................32
6.8.2 List Hardware Control..........................................................................................................32
6.9 Power Level and Amplitude Modulation.......................................................................................32
6.9.1 PoWeR<PWR> .....................................................................................................................32
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>.............................................................................................................................33
6.9.5 AMF<f> ................................................................................................................................33
6.10 Configuration Commands..............................................................................................................33
6.10.1 REFerence; <F> <U>.............................................................................................................33
6.10.2 REFTrim; <0|1|2|...255>.....................................................................................................33
6.10.3 REFerenceSource;................................................................................................................34
6.10.4 SDN<LN1|LN2|LS1|LS2>.....................................................................................................34
6.10.5 NAMe <name>.....................................................................................................................34
6.10.6 ETH SET_IP <IP address>....................................................................................................34

Valon Technology 5030 Operations Manual –Version 1.0 Page 4
7 User Port........................................................................................................................................35
7.1 User Port Pin Assignments.............................................................................................................35
7.2 Lock Detector/Sweep Sync/ Sweep Trigger...................................................................................36
8 Mechanical Dimensions.................................................................................................................37

Valon Technology 5030 Operations Manual –Version 1.0 Page 5
Figure 1 5030 Simplified Block Diagram
1Introduction
This manual includes the specifications and operations of the 5030 RF frequency synthesizers.
1.1 Overview
The Valon Technology 5030 Frequency Synthesizer Module is a versatile, PLL-synthesized, RF
signal source programmable from 16 GHz to 34GHz with calibrated output power control from -
15dBm to over +15dBm. 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 5030 can be controlled using simple commands either through the micro-USB port or the
direct TTL-User port. Alternatively, the 5030 can be configured using the V5030CM.exe MS-
Windows based graphical user interface or the internal web server. The 5030 settings can all be
saved to non-volatile flash memory for automatic recall on power-up.
1.2 Detailed Description
Figure-1 above shows a simplified block diagram of the 5030 system topology.

Valon Technology 5030 Operations Manual –Version 1.0 Page 6
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 (uC) for the synthesizer. It monitors all the
synthesizer internal functions, maintains the non-volatile memory, performs tuning algorithms,
and supervises the communications interfaces. When uC 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 calculations very quickly which allows for fast sweep operation by simply setting the
start and stop frequencies.
The synthesizer topology is designed to provide power stabilized, low phase noise, low spurious
microwave output. The MAIN synthesizer consists of multiple VCOs in the 8GHz to 15GHz range
which are multiplied by 2 to produce the 16GHz to 30GHz output. The MAIN synthesizer 2nd
harmonic at 16GHz to 17GHz when enabled can drive the doubler to produce a quadrupled
output in the 32GHz to 34GHz range.
The output of doubler is high-pass filtered and amplified by gain controlled amplifiers. The
output of the amplifier is sampled by a directional coupler and a wideband RF detector. The
detector output is A-D converted where it becomes the input to a digital power control servo
loop maintained by the uC. The power control servo uses two DACs to control the doubler
driver VGA and the PA. This power control loop provides very stable and well calibrated RF
output power to the SMK 2.92mm RF connector.
The Main Synthesizer PLL is phase locked to a sub-synthesizer operating in the 100MHz range.
The sub-synthesizer consists of multiple VCOs that are phase locked to either the internal
10MHz VCTCXO or an external reference in the 5MHz to 120MHz range.
The internal frequency 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 user is able to correct any frequency error of internal reference to
within 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 5030 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 5030 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

Valon Technology 5030 Operations Manual –Version 1.0 Page 7
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
5030 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 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
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 5030 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.

Valon Technology 5030 Operations Manual –Version 1.0 Page 8
1.3 Electrical Specifications
Note: The 5030 is NOT USB powered. See Valon PS6V-1 power supply kit.
DC Input
Input Voltage Range
Absolute Max
Operational Max
Operational Min
Very low voltage operation
Hardware Reset Threshold
+16V to -16V (reverse protected)
+15v
+4.5V (minimum voltage at the module power connector)
+3.5V (synthesizer remains locked and serial port ok)
16.0V for >10sec resets the synthesizer to factory default settings
Input Power
8 Watts normal operation
800mW 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.
RF Synthesizer Specifications
Frequency Range
18GHz to 32GHz. Tunable 16GHz to 34GHz with reduced power and spectral
performance.
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
Offset
100Hz
1kHz
10kHz
100kHz
1MHz
10MHz
20GHz
-68
-90
-101
-104
-112
-133
dBc/Hz
30GHz
-65
-88
-99
-101
-110
-130
Harmonics
2f harmonics are typically <-20dBc, 3f and higher order harmonics are tbd.
Sub Harmonics
Sub harmonics (f/2, 3f/2 and f/4) are typically <-20dBc for 20GHz to 30GHz operation.
Spurious
Non-harmonic spurious typically <-60dBc including fraction-N spurs and boundary
spurs. See selectable spur reduction modes. See section 6.10.4.
Output Return loss
20GHz ~30GHz
Typical
6dB
RF Connectors
Reference Input /Output
RF Output
SMA Female
SMK 2.92mm Female (mates with 2.92, 3.5mm and SMA male)
Maximum Output Power
18GHz ~ 30GHz
30GHz ~ 34GHz
16GHz ~ 18GHz
Min dBm
+16
+10
+13
Typical dBm
+18
+13
+15
Max dBm
+20
+15
+16
Minimum Output Power
-15

Valon Technology 5030 Operations Manual –Version 1.0 Page 9
RF Output Power Accuracy
18GHz ~ 30GHz
16GHz ~18GHz, 30GHz to 34GHz
±1.2dB, +15dBm~-15dBm
±2.0dB, +10dBm~-15dBm
RF Output Power Resolution
0.01dB
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
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
LMS-2 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.

Valon Technology 5030 Operations Manual –Version 1.0 Page 10
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 8 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 5030 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 2.92mm RF Output port provides the synthesizer output signal. This signal can be
programmed to be in the range from 16GHz to 34GHz. The output level is programmable from
less than -15dBm to over +15dBm in 0.01dB 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.
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.