Agilent 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal Frequency Counter/ Timer User’s Guide Agilent Technologies
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Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC This product complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking requirement. The affixed product label (see below) indicates that you must not discard this electrical/electronic product in domestic household waste. Product Category: With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE directive Annex 1, this product is classified as a "Monitoring and Control instrumentation" product. Do not dispose in domestic household waste.
Safety Notices CAU T ION A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met. WARN IN G A WARNING notice denotes a hazard.
Contents 1 Preparation for Use 11 Front and Rear Panel Overview 13 Front Panel 13 Rear Panel 14 Display 15 About the Instrument 15 Materials Included 15 Operating and Storage Environments 17 Electrical Requirements 18 Applying Power 18 Power-On LED Status 19 Standby Power 19 Battery Operation 20 Battery Care 22 Using Built-In Help 23 Utility Functions 23 Display Configuration 23 User Interaction 27 Reference Settings 28 How the User’s Guide is Organized 32 53220A/53230A User’s Guide 5
Contents 2 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration 35 Software Requirements 36 Using the Counter Web-Enabled Interface 37 Connecting the Counter and Viewing its Home Page 37 Web Interface Overview 39 Installing the Agilent IO Libraries 41 Installing Instrument Drivers 43 Adding Instruments to the PC Interface 43 Configuring the LAN Interface 44 Configuring the USB Interface 49 Configuring the GPIB Interface 52 Using Interactive IO 55 Firmware and Driver Updates 56 Disabling Calibra
Contents Using CONFigure 79 Frequency and Period Measurements 81 Frequency 81 Frequency Ratio 83 Period 85 Time Stamp 87 Time Interval Measurements 90 Time Interval 90 Rise Time and Fall Time 94 Pulse Width 97 Duty Cycle 100 Phase 103 Single-Period 105 Totalizing Measurements 107 Gated 107 Continuous 110 Burst Pulse Measurements 112 Carrier Frequency 113 Pulse PRI and PRF 114 Positive and Negative Widths 117 4 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning 119 Channel Characteristics 120 Signal Conditioning Path
Contents Threshold Slope 139 Measuring Input Signal Levels and Signal Strength 140 5 Triggering and Gating 143 Settings Summary 144 Trigger and Gate Time Line 145 Trigger and Gate Cycle 145 System Trigger 148 Wait-For-Trigger and Triggered States 154 Measurement Gate 156 Gate Set Up 156 Frequency Measurements 158 Totalizing 165 Time Interval Measurements 170 Enabling Gate Signals on the ‘Gate In/Out’ BNC 172 Burst Carrier Frequency Measurements 173 Advanced Gate Control - Gate Start 177 Advanced Gate Cont
Contents Trend Charts 224 Viewing Trend Charts 225 Data Logging 230 Graphics Functions and Reading Memory 236 7 Formats and Data Flow 237 Reading Formats and Data Flow 238 Specifying a Format 239 Setting the Block Transfer Byte Order 239 Data Flow 240 Counter File System 247 Creating Folders and Files in Flash Memory and on the USB Drive 249 User-Defined Power-On States 258 Managing Folders and Files 261 8 Instrument Status 267 Agilent 53220A/53230A Status System 269 Questionable Data Register Group 269 St
Contents 10 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Agilent 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal Counter/Timer User’s Guide 1 Preparation for Use Front and Rear Panel Overview 13 Front Panel 13 Rear Panel 14 Display 15 About the Instrument 15 Materials Included 15 Operating and Storage Environments 17 Electrical Requirements 18 Applying Power 18 Power-On LED Status 19 Standby Power 19 Battery Operation 20 Battery Care 22 Using Built-In Help 23 Utility Functions 23 Display Configuration 23 User Interaction 27 Reference Settings 28 How the User’s Guide is Organize
1 Preparation for Use Agilent 53230A 350 MHz . 20 ps Universal Frequency Counter / Timer A B C Measure View System Auto Scale Digits Freq Period H Preset 3 2 1 Graph Utility 6 5 4 Time Interval Math Help 8 7 Data Log Totalize .
Preparation for Use 1 Front and Rear Panel Overview Figure 1-1 shows the front and rear panels of the Agilent 53230A 350 MHz Universal Frequency Counter/Timer. The 53220A and the 53230A are dimensionally identical and available with the same product options - with the exception of Pulse Measurement Firmware Option 150 available with the 53230A only. Front Panel The shaded areas of the front panel represent keys that perform similar functions. These areas are briefly described below. A.
1 Preparation for Use Standby power (when enabled) is provided by the line voltage or Battery Option 300 and is used to maintain the temperature of the oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) - Option 010. See “Applying Power” in this chapter for more information. H. USB ‘Host’ Port - available for transferring measurement data and instrument configurations between the counter and a USB storage device. The front panel port is for information transfer only.
Preparation for Use 1 Display The layout of the 53220A/53230A display is shown in Figure 1-2. Status Indicators Input Settings 10% AC 1MW 5V Probe BW RMT: remote (LAN, USB, GPIB) operation ExtRef: external frequency reference : measurement start edge : trigger threshold : input coupling (ac or dc) : input Impedance (1MW, 50W) : input Range (5V, 50V, 500V) : probe enabled : bandwidth filter enabled ExtRef : invalid external reference ExtTrig: external trigger source Ch. 1 Ch.
1 Preparation for Use 1 Power cord 2 USB cable 3 Agilent I/O Libraries Suite CD-ROM 4 Agilent 53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD-ROM Additionally, your instrument may have shipped with one or more of the following options installed. Table 1-1. 53220A/53230A Product Options. 53220A 53230A N O TE Opt. 010: Ultra High-Stability OCXO Timebase Opt. 106: 6 GHz Microwave Input (Ch. 3) Opt. 115: 15 GHz Microwave Input (Ch. 3) Opt. 201: Add parallel Channel 1 and Channel 2 inputs on rear panel Opt.
Preparation for Use 1 53220A/53230A Option 0B0 (delete printed manuals) is the default product documentation option. If Option 0B0 was ordered, only the Quick Start Tutorial and 53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD-ROM are shipped with the instrument. All manuals are available on the CD. To obtain printed manuals from Agilent, contact your Agilent representative. The 53220A and 53230A Except where noted, the information contained in this user’s guide applies to both the 53220A and 53230A.
1 Preparation for Use Electrical Requirements The electrical (power) requirements of the 53220A/53230A are summarized below. Power Supply: CAT I (do not connect to AC mains) 100 to 240V @ 50/60 Hz (-5% to +10%) 100 to 120V @ 400 Hz (+ 10%) Power Consumption: 90 VA max when power is on or battery option is charging. 6 VA max during power off or standby Line voltage and frequency are sensed at power on and no input power adjustments (e.g. fuse changes, line voltage selection) are required.
Preparation for Use 1 If the 53220A/53230A does not turn on when the on/standby button is pressed, verify AC power is available to the instrument and that the power cord is securely connected. If the instrument still does not turn on, the cooling fan is not audible, or if the front panel display is off when power is applied, return the unit to Agilent for repair. N O TE Power-On LED Status The led located under the on/standby button is an indication of the on/off/standby condition of the instrument.
1 Preparation for Use Cycling Power and Counter Accuracy With standby power enabled, repeated power cycling (line or battery) does not affect the standard or ultra-high stability OCXO. Battery Operation WARN IN G During battery operation, the maximum measured signal supplied by the user is + 42V. Also, connect the instrument chassis to earth ground during battery operation to minimize shock hazard.
Preparation for Use 1 Enabling and Disabling the Battery When using the instrument with the Battery Option 300 for the first time after purchase, or if the instrument has not been used for an extended period, the battery must be charged before use. With line power connected and the instrument either on or off, allow four hours for the battery to reach full charge. Battery Option 300 is disabled when the instrument is shipped from the factory.
1 Preparation for Use The following table summarizes battery operation: Operating Time (typ): Standby Time (typ): Recharge Time (typ): Temperature Range: 3 hours (below +35 °C) 24 hours (below +35 °C, OCXO powered) 4 hours to 100% capacity or 2 hours to 90% capacity 0 °C to +55 °C (operating) - battery charges below +35 °C -10 °C to +60 °C (storage) N O TE If battery operation is in use above the maximum specified operating temperature, the battery will shut down the instrument to preserve its use.
Preparation for Use 1 Using Built-In Help Instrument help is available by pressing and holding any front panel key or softkey. Pressing the Help key enables you to select additional help topics including front panel measurement examples. Utility Functions Utility functions enable you to configure features of the instrument indirectly related to measurement selection and configuration.
1 Preparation for Use With AutoDigits On, the number of digits displayed is automatically set based on gate time, measurement mode (AUTO, CONTinuous, RECiprocal - Chapter 3), and resolution enhancement. When Off, the number of digits is set with the rotary knob or [Shift]ed numeric keys. See “Resolution and Gate Time” in Chapter 5 for more information when AutoDigits On is set. When Graph is selected, the data is displayed in a trend chart or histogram.
Preparation for Use 1 The format also applies to numeric readings within trend charts, histograms, limit testing, etc. Radix The decimal separator (radix point) between the integer and fractional parts of the reading can be a decimal point (.) or comma (,). Digit Group Separator A digit group separator between every three digits on either side of the decimal separator (radix) allows easier viewing of the displayed reading.
1 Preparation for Use Note that pressing any key with the display turned off, turns the display back on. Screen Capture For documentation of product testing or as a convenience in gathering data, the contents of the counter display can be captured and saved. The keys related to this feature are shown below.
Preparation for Use 1 The content captured is the display state at the time the [Utility] key is pressed. The file format is selectable as either bmp ( bitmap file format) or png (portable network graphics (bitmap) format). Files may be store in internal flash memory or to an external USB device. See Chapter 7 for information on selecting paths and creating file names. User Interaction The features described in this section are related to the user’s physical interaction with the instrument.
1 Preparation for Use Beeper Setting The counter’s Beeper is an indication of a programming error generated from the front panel or over the remote interface. Turning off the beeper disables the audio indication. Note that the beeper setting does not apply to the tone heard when front panel keys are pressed. Reference Settings Reference settings are counter settings that apply to all counter measurements.
Preparation for Use 1 The date and time settings for the counter’s real-time clock are set using the commands: SYSTem:DATE ,, SYSTem:DATE? (query form) SYSTem:TIME ,, SYSTem:TIME? (query form) The date and time range values are: year: 2000-2099 month: 1-12 day: 1-31 hour: 0-23 minute: 0-59 second: 0-59.999 The real-time clock is battery-backed and retains the date and time when power is off.
1 Preparation for Use Refer to “Reference Oscillator Configuration” in Chapter 3 for detailed information on selecting and configuring the reference oscillator source. Auto Level The threshold level is the trigger (input) level at which the counter begins the measurement. Auto-level is the automatic setting of this threshold based on the positive and negative peaks of the input signal. The minimum frequency at which auto-leveling can occur is set as shown.
Preparation for Use 1 Agilent 53100 Series Counter Emulation Mode The 53220A/53230A’s emulation mode enables the Agilent 53132A SCPI command set to be used with the counter. The emulation mode can also be enabled using the command: SYSTem:LANGuage "" SYSTem:LANGuage? (query form) - language selects the SCPI command set used. Specifying 53132A enables the emulation mode. Specifying either 53220A or 53230A disables the mode.
1 Preparation for Use Securing the Instrument The 53220A/53230A counter can be secured to the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) standard as shown below. How the User’s Guide is Organized This user’s guide is written for the operator using the instrument from the front panel, and for the programmer controlling the counter from a remote (LAN, USB, GPIB) interface. As such, most topics include a front panel key sequence followed by the corresponding SCPI commands.
Preparation for Use 1 The description of operation which follows typically applies to both front panel and remote usage. For general reference, the information in this manual is organized as shown in Figure 1-3. Signal Conditioning Chapter 4 Triggering / Gating Chapter 5 Measurements Chapter 3 Math and Graphs Chapter 6 Status Conditions Chapter 8 Formats / Data Flow Chapter 7 Figure 1-3. 53220A/53230A User’s Guide Organization.
1 34 Preparation for Use 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Agilent 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal Counter/Timer User’s Guide 2 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Software Requirements 36 Using the Counter Web-Enabled Interface 37 Connecting the Counter and Viewing its Home Page 37 Web Interface Overview 39 Installing the Agilent IO Libraries 41 Installing Instrument Drivers 43 Adding Instruments to the PC Interface 43 Configuring the LAN Interface 44 Configuring the USB Interface 49 Configuring the GPIB Interface 52 Using Interactive
2 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Software Requirements The environments available to program the 53220A/53230A are dependent upon the IO libraries and drivers installed. The IO software included with the 53220A/53230A is contained on the following CD: • Agilent Automation-Ready CD: Agilent IO Libraries Suite The IVI-C and IVI-COM drivers for the instrument can be found on the web at: www.agilent.com/find/53220A or www.agilent.
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration 2 Using the Counter Web-Enabled Interface Operating the 53220A/53230A counter from its Web interface requires a Java-enabled Web browser but no additional (i.e. user-installed) libraries or drivers. The Web interface provides access to the counter’s SCPI command set. This section describes the Web pages and windows primarily used to program the 53220A/53230A.
2 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Enter the IP address in the browser’s address window. With “Advanced information ...” selected, the counter’s Web home page should appear as shown in Figure 2-1. Browser Configuration In some network configurations a proxy server may prevent access to the instrument (i.e. “page cannot be displayed”) after the IP address is entered.
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration N O TE N O TE 2 For ease in (Internet) browser navigation when controlling multiple instruments, open a separate browser session for each Web-enabled instrument. Although no additional libraries or drivers are required to use the Web interface, the interface is also accessible from Agilent Connection Expert (ACE). See “Opening the Web Interface from Agilent Connection Expert” for more information.
2 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration N O TE Web interface pages other than the ‘Welcome Page’ may be password protected. When shipped from the factory no password is set; however, an ‘Enter Password’ dialog box may appear. Click on the dialog box to continue. If the page is password protected and the password is unknown, pressing [Utility], (I/O Config), (LAN Reset) on the front panel clears the password. Figure 2-2. The Web UI SCPI Command Interface.
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration 2 Changing LAN Settings and Using Password Protection The Network Configuration Page icon provides access to the counter’s LAN settings, and enables you to set a password to prevent unauthorized access to the Web instrument interface. Select Modify Configuration to change and save settings.
2 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Table 2-2. Agilent IO Libraries Suite System Requirements. Operating System Processor Available Memory Windows XP (SP 3 or later) 600 MHz or higher required 800 MHz recommended 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) 1 GHz 64-bit (x64) 256 MB minimum 1 GB or greater recommended 1 GB minimum Available Disk Space 1.5 GB * 1 GB recommended for Microsoft .NET Framework 2.
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration 2 After the IO libraries have been installed, close the installation wizard. If applicable, continue with instrument driver installation as described below. Otherwise, continue with the ”Adding Instruments to the PC Interface” section of this chapter.
2 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Remote Interface Configuration The following sections cover front panel configuration of the LAN, USB, and GPIB interfaces. The interfaces can also be configured programmatically using the ‘Remote Interface Configuration’ commands in the SCPI SYSTem subsystem. This subsystem, plus descriptions of all SCPI commands, is located in the ‘Programming Reference’ section of the 53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD.
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration 2 Clicking the icon opens the pop-up menu Figure 2-3. Starting Agilent Connection Expert. Locating the Instruments Agilent Connection Expert opens with a welcome screen and window similar to that shown in Figure 2-4. The computer interfaces configured during installation are displayed in the left column (Explorer pane), the properties of the configured interface are displayed in the right column (Properties pane).
2 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration configured interfaces Figure 2-4. Agilent Connection Expert Interface Window. Using the Sockets Protocol For higher performance, instruments added to the LAN configuration can also use the Sockets protocol. To use this connection, select ‘Add Address’ from the ‘Add Instruments’ menu (Figure 2-4).
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration 2 enter and select to add Socket connection Figure 2-5. Adding a Sockets Connection. About IP Addresses and Host Names Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and Automatic IP are enabled on the 53220A/53230A when shipped from Agilent. This allows the instrument to automatically obtain an address on the network. If there is a DHCP server on the network, the server will assign the address to the instrument.
2 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Host Names The 53220A/53230A has a default host name. The format of the host name is: A-53220A-nnnnn A-53230A-nnnnn (Agilent 53220A) (Agilent 53230A) where ‘nnnnn’ are the last five digits of the instrument’s serial number. The instrument host name is reported by Connection Expert for network servers that support Dynamic Domain Name Service (DNS). For network servers that do not support Dynamic DNS, only the IP address is reported.
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration 2 Disabling the LAN Interface The LAN interface can be disabled from the front panel by selecting I/O Config followed by LAN Off and cycling power on the instrument. When disabled, the interface cannot be configured by the Connection Expert utility. Opening the Web Interface from Agilent Connection Expert The LAN interface is the only IO interface from which the counter’s Web-enabled user interface can be accessed.
2 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration The USB Address String When programming the 53220A/53230A over USB, the instrument’s USB address is included in the address string as follows: USB0::2391::1287::0123456789::0::INSTR To simplify addressing during programming, a VISA alias can be assigned and used in place of the complete address. To assign an alias from Connection Expert, right-click on the default alias name and then select “Change Properties”.
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration 2 Figure 2-6. Setting a VISA Alias for the USB Address String. Disabling the USB Interface The USB interface can be disabled from the front panel by selecting I/O Config, followed by USB Settings, and then USB Off. When disabling or enabling the USB interface, you must cycle power for the change to take affect. When disabled, the interface cannot be configured by the Connection Expert utility.
2 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Configuring the GPIB Interface N O TE The following information assumes a GPIB card or USB/GPIB interface is present on your computer. Programming access to the 53220A/53230A is also available through the GPIB interface. GPIB cables can be connected to the PC in a “star” (all cables connect directly to the computer) or “linear” (instrument to instrument) configuration.
220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration 2 Figure 2-7. Selecting the GPIB Address. The counter’s GPIB address can be read from the front panel as shown below.
2 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration The GPIB Address String When programming the counter over GPIB, the instrument’s GPIB address is included in the address string as shown below: GPIB0::3::INSTR Changing the GPIB Address To change the GPIB address, select GPIB Address and using the rotary knob or Shifted numeric keys, set the desired address. Once the address is changed, you must cycle power for the change to take affect.
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration 2 Using Interactive IO The Connection Expert ‘Interactive IO’ utility provides another method (Table 2-1) of sending commands to the 53220A/53230A. Interactive IO is accessible from any of the PC’s IO interfaces, and allows you to send any command in the 53220A/53230A SCPI command set to the instrument. You can also choose from a menu of IEEE-488 Common commands (e.g. *IDN?, *RST, *TST?).
2 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration N O TE If the Interactive IO window is used to send the self-test (*TST?) command to the 53220A/53230A, the “timeout” period may have to be increased to allow the results to be returned. This is done using the ‘Options’ tab on the Interactive IO window. The 53220A/53230A self-test takes approximately seven seconds to complete.
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration 2 SCPI Language Emulation Mode If the 53220A/53230A is sometimes used in 53132A SCPI language (emulation) mode, the instrument must be returned to its original (53220A/53230A) mode before the firmware can be updated. Downloading and Installing the Update Utility 53220A/53230A firmware updates are installed in the instrument using the Agilent update utility. The utility and firmware update can be found at: www.agilent.com/find/53220A www.
2 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Downloading the Firmware Update Return to the Web page and under ‘Documents & Downloads’ select: 532x0A Firmware Update Revision When prompted, select ‘Run’ to download (save) the file to your PC. Note the directory location as you will need to specify the path to the firmware file when you run the update utility. N O TE Firmware updates are available from the LAN interface only.
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration 2 2. Press Next and using the Browse button, specify the path to the firmware file (Figure 2-10). Once specified, the instrument model number will appear in the ‘Applicable Models’ window along with the revision and instrument description. Select Next. Figure 2-10. Selecting the Update File Path. 3. Enter the counter’s IP address or host name (Figure 2-11). Select ‘Update’ to start the update process.
2 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Figure 2-11. Specifying the Address or Host Name. The firmware update takes a few moments to complete. The 53220A/53230A will reboot once the update is complete. N O TE 60 Following a firmware update, Agilent Connection Expert (if running) may report that the 53220A/53230A configuration has changed. This is represented by a yellow triangle and an exclamation point (!) next to the updated instrument.
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration 2 Downloading IVI-COM Driver Updates IVI-COM and LabVIEW drivers for the 53220A/53230A (when available) are provided on the Web at either: www.agilent.com/find/53220A www.agilent.com/find/53230A Once this page is displayed, select the ‘Technical Support’ tab and then select ‘Drivers and Software’. The drivers and associated ‘readme’ files are located within this list.
2 62 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Agilent 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal Counter/Timer User’s Guide 3 53220A/53230A Measurements Counter Measurement Summary 64 Reference Oscillator Configuration 66 Reference Oscillator Source 66 Standby Power to the Reference Oscillator (Option 010) 70 Setting the Measurement Mode 71 Setting the Measurement Time Out 74 SCPI Syntax Conventions 75 The MEASure and CONFigure Commands 77 Using MEASure 79 Using CONFigure 79 Frequency and Period Measurements 81 Frequency 81 Frequency Ratio 83 Period 85 Time Stam
3 53220A/53230A Measurements Counter Measurement Summary The Agilent 53220A and 53230A counter measurements are summarized in Table 3-1. The table includes the front panel keys under which specific measurements are selected via soft-keys. Also provided are the equivalent SCPI commands and channel restrictions. Table 3-1.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 Table 3-1.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements Reference Oscillator Configuration 53220A and 53230A measurements are based on a reference oscillator - also referred to as an internal/external clock or time base. A valid reference oscillator signal must be present for measurements to occur. The following information applies to the counter’s standard temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) and Option 010 Ultra High-Stability oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) references.
53220A/53230A Measurements [SENSe:]ROSCillator:SOURce:AUTO {OFF|ON} [SENSe:]ROSCillator:SOURce:AUTO? 3 (query form) - INTernal selects the counter’s internal 10 MHz oscillator. The signal is a 0.5 Vrms (into 50Ω) sine wave. The internal oscillator signal is also present on the counter’s rear panel Int Ref Out connector. - EXTernal selects an external reference signal applied to the rear panel Ext Ref In connector. The signal must be: • 1 MHz , 5 MHz, or 10 MHz • 100 mVrms to 2.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements Specifying the External Reference Frequency When the reference oscillator source is EXTernal as set by either SENSe:ROSCillator:SOURce or SENSe:ROSCillator:SOURce:AUTO, the lock frequency of the external signal (to which the internal oscillator is tuned) must be indicated using the command: [SENSe:]ROSCillator:EXTernal:FREQuency {1E6|5E6|10E6| MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault} [SENSe:]ROSCillator:EXTernal:FREQuency? [{MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault}] (query form) The external reference freq
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 The presence of a valid external reference can be determined programmatically with the command: [SENSe:]ROSCillator:EXTernal:CHECk ONCE Prior to sending the command, SENSe:ROSCillator:SOURce EXTernal and SENSe:ROSCillator:SOURce:AUTO OFF must be set. The following example checks for an external reference signal applied to the Ext Ref In connector.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements STATus:QUEStionable:EVENt? A value of +1024 (bit 10) indicates an invalid frequency (time base) error. Reading the register clears all bits in the register. See Chapter 8 for information on the counter’s status system. Standby Power to the Reference Oscillator (Option 010) Standby power to maintain the operating temperature of the counter’s internal OCXO reference oscillator (Option 010) is provided by the the line voltage or from Battery Option 300.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 Note that disabling standby power with Battery Option 300 installed and the line voltage removed will extend the time the battery remains charged. Standby power is disabled (Off) when the counter is shipped from the factory or following the SYSTem:SECure:IMMediate command. The current setting is stored in non-volatile memory and is not changed after a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PREset or Preset key).
3 53220A/53230A Measurements CONTinuous - configures the counter for continuous, resolution-enhanced, gap-free measurements. These measurements are used by the counter's Allan Deviation feature when estimating stability. In CONTinuous mode a trigger count of ‘1’ is the only value allowed, and all samples (readings) per trigger are taken within a single (hardware) gate open/gate close sequence and computed back-to-back.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 Gate Time/Edge Count The specified (or default) gate time and the input signal frequency determine the number of edges required to produce the first reading in the sample count. All subsequent readings in the count are based on the same number of edges used for the first reading. Gate time is per reading. Start/Stop Edge The edge that ends the gate time of the previous reading is the same edge which starts the gate time (edge count) for the next reading.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements Setting the Measurement Time Out The measurement time-out is the time allowed for each measurement to complete. If a measurement does not complete before the time out expires, 9.91E37 (not a number) is returned and the display indication is: - - - - - - -. The sequence continues with the next reading in the sample count. Specifying a time out prevents the instrument from pausing indefinitely if for some reason a measurement is unable to complete.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 When shipped from the factory the measurement time out is set to 1 second. Specifying a time of 9.9E+37 or sending the SYSTem:SECurity:IMMediate command disables the time out. When the time out is disabled, the instrument will wait indefinitely for the measurement to complete. SCPI Syntax Conventions Programming the counters through their LAN, USB, and GPIB interface is achieved using the Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) control language.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements Multiple Subsystems To send multiple SCPI commands in a single string, commands within different subsystems (root nodes) must be separated by a semicolon (;) and a colon (:). For example, the string: INP:COUP AC;:TRIG:SOUR EXT requires a semicolon and a colon because the subsystems/root nodes (INPut and TRIGger) are not the same. Same Subsystem For commands that share the same subsystem, multiple commands can also be sent in a single string.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 The MEASure and CONFigure Commands Each time the counter takes a measurement it does so from a configuration based on multiple parameters. The easiest and most common starting point for setting these parameters programmatically is using commands within the CONFigure and MEASure subsystems. These commands are considered “high-level” commands as multiple counter parameters are set or defaulted from a single command. “Low-level” commands are those within other subsystems (i.e.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements Low-Level Command/Subsystem Parameter CONFigure/MEASure Setting GATE Source Based on measurement function specified by the CONFigure or MEASure command. SENSe:FREQuency:GATE:SOURce SENSe:TINTerval:GATE:SOURce SENSe:TOTalize:GATE:SOURce GATE Start Source IMMediate SENSe:GATE:STARt:SOURce GATE Start Slope NEGative SENSe:GATE:STARt:SLOPe GATE Start Delay TIME 0.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 Using MEASure Measurements using commands from the MEASure subsystem are made as the command is executed, and are based on parameters specified within the syntax. The results are sent to the instrument’s output buffer. For example, the MEASure command: MEAS:FREQ? 60.0, 1e-3, (@1) takes a single measurement with five digit (1 mHz) resolution of an expected 60 Hz signal on channel 1. All other counter parameters (input configuration, trigger sources, etc.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements Using CONFigure and the appropriate low-level commands, the configuration can be changed before the measurement is initiated (the abbreviated form of the SCPI commands are shown): //configure counter for frequency measurements //change parameter values from those set by CONFigure CONF:FREQ 1.0E6, (@2) TRIG:SOUR EXT TRIG:SLOP POS TRIG:COUN 2 SAMP:COUN 5 SENS:FREQ:GATE:TIME 0.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 Frequency and Period Measurements The 53220A/53230A measurements covered in this section include frequency, frequency ratio, and period. The SCPI commands listed in these examples are provided as an introduction to how frequency measurements are made. Commands may be included even though they specify default values - but which should be considered when modifying the examples for actual use.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements The commands used to make frequency measurements are: MEASure:FREQuency? [{|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault} [,{|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]][,] CONFigure:FREQuency [{|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault} [,{|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]][,] - expected is the expected input signal frequency. resolution is the desired measurement resolution in hertz. The parameter ranges are: expected (channels 1 and 2): 0.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 Frequency Ratio A frequency ratio measurement is the measurement of two signals in which one signal generally serves as a reference (Figure 3-3). The signals can be different wave shapes and applied to any 2-channel combination on the counter. numerator channel f1 denominator channel f2 Figure 3-3. Ratio of Two Input Signal Measurements.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements expected (Ch3/Ch1, Ch3/Ch2 - Option 106): 0.28 to 6.0E10 expected (Ch3/Ch1, Ch3/Ch2 - Option 115): 0.85 to 15.0E10 resolution (all channels): 1.0E-15 * expected to 1.0E-5* expected (default resolution corresponds to a 0.1s gate time) - channel_pair settings are (@1),(@2)|(@2),(@1)|(@1),(@3)| (@3),(@1)|(@2),(@3)|(@3),(@2). Within the pair, the first channel represents the ratio’s numerator and the second channel represents the ratio’s denominator.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 Period A standard period measurement is shown in Figure 3-4. 90 tr 10 tf + width - width period Figure 3-4. Standard Period Measurement. The commands used to make period measurements are: MEASure:PERiod? [{|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault} [,{|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]][,] CONFigure:PERiod [{|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault} [,{|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]][,] - expected is the expected input signal period.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements resolution (all channels): 1.0E-15 * expected to 1.0E-5* expected (default resolution corresponds to a 0.1s gate time) - channel is counter channel 1, 2, or 3 specified as (@1), (@2), or (@3).
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 Time Stamp Time stamp measurements record events (edges) as they occur on the counter input channels. An example of time stamp measurements between the edges of an input waveform is shown in Figure 3-5. (Time stamp measurements are available with the 53230A only.) scale factor = 10 scale factor = 1 event time stamp ... time stamp time stamp scale factor = 2 Figure 3-5. Time Stamp Events on the Counter Channel.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements The commands used to make time stamp measurements are: MEASure:ARRay:TSTamp? [() [,]] CONFigure:ARRay:TSTamp [() [,]] [SENSe:]TSTamp:RATE {|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault} [SENSe:]TSTamp:RATE? [{MINimum| MAXimum|DEFault}] (query form) - (count) is the number of time stamp measurements returned (readings/trigger). Parentheses must enclose the count. A scale factor is included with the data, so count+1 elements are actually returned.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 Notes 1. In the example, 200 time stamp readings are taken at a 1 MHz rate and stored in the counter’s reading memory. The readings are then stored on a USB drive connected to the counter’s front panel “host” port as comma-separated values (CSV), in one measurement per line ASCII format. 2. The data returned with time stamp measurements include a scale factor followed by the time stamp values (in seconds) themselves.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements Time Interval Measurements The 53220A/53230A time interval measurements covered in this section include one and two channel time interval, rise/fall time, pulse width, duty cycle, phase, and single period. N O TE The SCPI commands listed in these examples are provided as an introduction to how time interval measurements are made. Commands may be included even though they specify default values - but which should be considered when modifying the examples for actual use.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 A time interval measurement is the difference between two events, or edges, on different waveforms or on the same waveform. A typical two-channel time interval measurement is shown in Figure 3-6. tim e interval C h. 1 Ch. 2 two channel Figure 3-6. 2-Channel Time Interval Measurement.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements INPut{1|2}:LEVel{1|2} or INPut{1|2}:LEVel{1|2}:RELative INPut{1|2}:SLOPe{1|2} SENSe:GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:SOURce Measurements taken without changing at least one of these settings could result in values of approximately 0 seconds, as the measurement starts and stops on the same edge (slope) at approximately the same time. 2-Channel Time Interval Measurement Example // use CONFigure to set up a 2-channel time interval // measurement - start on ch. 1, stop on ch.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 3. See Chapter 4 for information on input threshold levels and slope, and Chapter 5 for advanced gating information. Single-Channel Time Interval Measurement The following example shows a single channel time interval measurement on a signal with the characteristics shown in Figure 3-7. 1V 4 Vp-p Figure 3-7. Single Channel Time Interval Measurement. //configure a time interval measurement on ch.1.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements Rise Time and Fall Time An example of rise and fall times on an input signal are shown in Figure 3-8. 90 tr 10 + width tf - width frequency Figure 3-8. Rise Time and Fall Time Measurements.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 MEASure:FTIMe? [{|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault} [,{|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]] [,] CONFigure:FTIMe [{|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault} [,{|MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault}]] [,] - lower_ref and upper_ref specify the input signal reference level, either in terms of percent of peak-to-peak voltage, or in absolute voltage.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements // using CONFigure - measure rise time on the wave segment // from -1.75V to +750 mV *RST // reset to start from known state CONF:RTIM -1.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 Pulse Width An example of positive and negative pulse widths are shown in Figure 3-9. 90 tr 10 tf + width - width frequency Figure 3-9. Positive and Negative Pulse Width Measurements.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements MEASure:NWIDth? [{|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}] [,] CONFigure:NWIDth [{|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}] [,] - reference specifies the threshold level where the width measurement begins. For positive width measurements, the level at which the signal passes through the threshold in the positive (rising) direction and again in the negative (falling direction) defines the positive width.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 // using CONFigure - measure positive width at a 1.0V // reference *RST // reset to start from known state CONF:PWID 1.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements Duty Cycle Positive and negative duty cycle measurements are the ratio of the positive or negative widths to the period of the signal (Figure 3-10). period 20% + duty cycle 50% - duty cycle 80% Figure 3-10. Positive and Negative Duty Cycle Measurements.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 MEASure:PDUTycycle? [{|MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault}] [,] CONFigure:PDUTycycle [{|MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault}] [,] MEASure:NDUTycycle? [{|MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault}] [,] CONFigure:NDUTycycle [{|MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault}] [,] - reference specifies the threshold level where the duty cycle measurement begins.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements Positive and Negative Duty Cycle Measurement Examples // using MEASure? - measure the positive duty cycle at a // 50% (0V) reference *RST // reset to start from known state MEAS:PDUT? 50, (@1) // using CONFigure - measure the positive duty cycle at a // -1.0V reference *RST // reset to start from known state CONF:PDUT -1.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 4. See Chapter 4 for information on configuring the input signal path and Chapter 5 for information on Triggering. Phase Phase measurements indicate the phase difference or shift between signals on counter channels 1 and 2 (Figure 3-11). phase Figure 3-11. Phase Measurement Between Two Channels.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements The commands used to make phase measurements are: MEASure:PHASe? [] CONFigure:PHASe [] FORMat:PHASe {AUTO|POSitive|CENTered} FORMat:PHASe? (query form) - channel_pair settings are (@1),(@2)and (@2),(@1). The first channel of the pair is relative to the second channel. - AUTO automatically selects whether the phase difference will be returned as a positive value between 0° and 360°, or a positive or negative value between +180°.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 Notes 1. If the phase format is CENTered, a typical phase measurement for signals 270° out of phase for example, could be -9.10799485574691E+001. If the format was POSitive, the phase difference measured might typically be +2.68904450044343E+002. 2. Phase measurements represent the signal phase of the first channel relative to the second channel in the pair.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements MEASure:SPERiod? [] CONFigure:SPERiod [] - channel is counter channel 1 or 2, specified as (@1) or (@2). Single-Period Measurement Examples // using MEASure? - make a single-period measurement on // channel 1 *RST // reset to start from known state MEAS:SPER? (@1) --------------------------------------------------------// using CONFigure - make a single-period measurement on // channel 1; start measurement when signal reaches 1.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 Totalizing Measurements The 53220A/53230A measurements covered in this section include gated and continuous totalizing measurements. The SCPI commands listed in these examples are provided as an introduction to how totalizing measurements are made. Commands may be included even though they specify default values - but which should be considered when modifying the examples for actual use.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements Gate open Gate closed gate time (gated) gate (continuous) input ... events Figure 3-12. Gated and Continuous Totalizing. The commands used to make gated (timed) totalizing measurements are: MEASure:TOTalize:TIMed? [{|MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault}] [,] CONFigure:TOTalize:TIMed [{|MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault}] [,] - gate_time specifies the time input events on the counter channel are totalized.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 Gated Totalize Measurement Examples // using MEASure? - totalize inputs on channel 1 for 10 us *RST // reset to start from known state MEAS:TOT:TIM? 10e-6, (@1) -----------------------------------------------------// using CONFigure - totalize inputs on channel 1 for 1s; // use same signal as gate signal (apply to channel 2) *RST // reset the counter to start from a known state SYST:TIM 3 // 3s measurement timeout CONF:TOT:TIM (@1) INP1:LEV 0.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements Continuous Continuous totalizing measurements count events (edges) that occur on the input channel. Similar to gated (timed) totalizing measurements, continuous measurements begin when the measurement gate is opened (Figure 3-12). Rather than totalizing for a specified gate time, continuous totalizing continues indefinitely until the measurement is aborted, or cleared and restarted from the front panel.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 Sending the command: ABORt aborts the measurement. Continuous Totalize Measurement // set up continuous totalizing, query the count after // 10 seconds, abort the measurement after 10 additional // seconds *RST // reset the counter to start from a known state CONF:TOT:CONT (@1) INP1:LEV 1.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements Burst Pulse Measurements Microwave (burst) pulse measurements are available on channel 3 Option 106 (6 GHz Microwave Input) or Option 115 (15 GHz Microwave Input) with pulse measurement Option 150. The pulse measurements covered in this section include: burst carrier frequency, pulse repetition interval (PRI), pulse repetition frequency (PRF), positive (on) width, and negative (off) width. Figure 3-13 identifies these measurements within a burst signal.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 PRI / PRF + width burst (on) - width burst (off) - 6 dB p-p amplitude burst carrier frequency Figure 3-13. 53230A Microwave Pulse Measurements. Carrier Frequency The commands used to measure the carrier frequency of a burst pulse are: MEASure:FREQuency:BURSt? [] CONFigure:FREQuency:BURSt [] - channel is optional channel 3 specified as (@3).
3 53220A/53230A Measurements Carrier Frequency Measurement Examples // measure the carrier frequency using MEASure? and its // default settings *RST // reset to start from known state MEAS:FREQ:BURS? (@3) ----------------------------------------------------// measure the carrier frequency using CONFigure, set // automatic gate configuration *RST // reset to start from known state CONF:FREQ:BURS (@3) INP3:BURS:LEV -6 // set a detector threshold of -6 dB SENS:FREQ:BURS:GATE:NARR OFF // narrow pulse mode off
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 MEASure:FREQuency:PRI? [{ | MINimum | MAXimum | DEFault} [,{ | MINimum | MAXimum | DEFault}]] [,] CONFigure:FREQuency:PRI [{ | MINimum | MAXimum | DEFault} [,{ | MINimum | MAXimum | DEFault}]] [,] - expected is the expected interval. resolution is the desired measurement resolution in seconds. The parameter ranges are: expected: 100 ns to 1.0s (default = 0.001s) resolution: 1.0E-15 * expected to 1.
3 53220A/53230A Measurements PRI and PRF Examples // measure an expected 1 ms pulse repetition interval with // 6-digit (µs) resolution *RST // reset to start from known state MEAS:FREQ:PRI? 1E-3, .001, (@3) --------------------------------------------------------// measure the pulse repetition interval using CONFigure, // set the detector threshold to -6 dB *RST // reset to start from known state CONF:FREQ:PRI 1E-3, .
53220A/53230A Measurements 3 Positive and Negative Widths The commands used to measure the positive (on) width and negative (off) width of a burst pulse (Figure 3-13) are: MEASure:PWIDth:BURSt? [] CONFigure:PWIDth:BURSt [] MEASure:NWIDth:BURSt? [] CONFigure:NWIDth:BURSt [] - channel is counter channel 3 specified as (@3).
3 53220A/53230A Measurements // measure the negative (off) width of the burst signal *RST // reset to start from known state MEAS:NWID:BURS? (@3) // measure the negative (off) width using CONFigure, set // a -12 dB detector threshold *RST // reset to start from known state CONF:NWID:BURS (@3) INP3:BURS:LEV -12 // set a detector threshold of -12 dB READ? Notes 1.
Agilent 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal Counter/Timer User’s Guide 4 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Channel Characteristics 120 Signal Conditioning Path 120 Input Impedance 122 Input Range 124 Input Coupling 126 Bandwidth Limiting (Low-Pass) Filter 127 Threshold Level and Sensitivity 129 Burst Measurement Detector Threshold 136 Noise Rejection (Hysteresis) 137 Threshold Slope 139 Measuring Input Signal Levels and Signal Strength 140 This chapter contains information on configuring the input chann
4 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Channel Characteristics There are two, plus an optional third input channel on the 53220A/53230A counter. Product Option 201 adds parallel (additional) rear panel access to channels 1 and 2. Product Options 106 and 115 add a 6 GHz or 15 GHz third channel. Option 202 places third channel Option 106 / 115 on the front panel and Option 203 places the third channel option on the rear panel.
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Auto C al 4 D C C oupling Input Protection Buffer 1M W Input AC C oup ling 50W Selectable 100 kH z Low -Pass Filte r IN Pu t{1|2}:C OU P ling IN Pu t{1|2}:IM P e dan ce IN Pu t{1|2}:PR O T ection ? IN Pu t{1|2}:PR O T ection :CL Ea r R ange Se lection IN P ut{1|2 }:F IL Te r IN P ut{1|2}:R A NG e IN Pu t{1 |2}:PR O B e Threshold Level and Sen sitivity trigge r / gating IN P ut{1|2}:L EV el{1|2} SY S Tem :A L EV el:FR E Qu en cy IN P ut{1|2}:L EV el:A UT
4 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Input Impedance The input impedance of the 53220A/53230A counter can be set to either 50Ω or 1 M Ω using the command: INPut[{1|2}]:IMPedance {|MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault} INPut[{1|2}]:IMPedance? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}] (query form) The 50Ω and 1 MΩ impedances allow for impedance matching (termination) and bridging applications respectively.
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning 4 Input Protection The maximum input voltage (including any DC offset) allowed with 50Ω input impedance is ± 5.125 Vp. If the input voltage exceeds ~ ± 10.0 Vp, the input protection relay opens - changing the input impedance to 1 MΩ.. (The display and Impedance softkey will still indicate a 50Ω setting however.) With the relay open, the corresponding channel key flashes until the input voltage is removed or reduced below the damage threshold and the key is pressed.
4 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Input Range The signal operating ranges (input ranges) of the 53220A/53230A counter are ± 5.0V, ± 50V,and ± 500V and are dependent on the probe factor. The range is set using the command: INPut[{1|2}]:RANGe {|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault} INPut[{1|2}]:RANGe? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}](query form) When a 1:1 probe factor is selected (see “Setting the Probe Factor), the available ranges are 5.0V and 50.0V.
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning 4 Setting the Probe Factor For better access to test points on the device under test (DUT), Agilent recommends its N2870A, N2873A, and N2874A Passive Probes for use with the 53220A/ 53230A counter. The 35 MHz (BW) N2870A 1:1 probe and the 500 MHz N2873A and 1.5 GHz N2874A 10:1 probes are popular accessories commonly used with Agilent oscilloscopes.
4 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Input Coupling The input to the 53220A/53230A counter is either DC (direct) coupled or AC (capacitive) coupled, and is set using the the command: INPut[{1|2}]:COUPling {AC|DC} INPut[{1|2}]:COUPling? (query form) AC coupling removes the signal’s DC content and centers the signal at 0V.
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning 4 input signal with DC offset programmed trigger level } } VU VC VL 0V trigger point reset point VU VC VL 0V Hysteresis window DC coupling AC coupling Figure 4-2. Using AC Coupling to Reach Trigger Points. Settling Time Between DC and AC Coupling There is an inherent settling time when changing from DC to AC coupling. As a measure of this time, a signal with a 5V DC component (DC coupled) will typically center around 0V (AC coupled) in one second.
4 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning be enabled within the signal path to eliminate noise introduced by higher-frequency components of the input signal. The bandwidth filter is switched into the signal path using the command: INPut[{1|2}]:FILTer[:LPASs][:STATe] {OFF|ON} INPut[{1|2}]:FILTer[:LPASs][:STATe]? (query form) On - enables the filter. OFF - disables the filter. Figure 4-3 shows the effects on the instrument’s measurable frequency range when the filter is enabled.
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning 4 Threshold Level and Sensitivity The threshold level is the trigger (input) level at which the counter begins the signal count (i.e. measurement). This level is the center of the hysteresis band - the band which represents counter sensitivity. For a count to occur, the signal must cross the upper and lower limits of the band in opposite directions (polarities). Figure 4-4 identifies these characteristics and conditions of the input signal.
4 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Specifying an Absolute Threshold Level The input threshold level can be specified as an absolute value. An absolute level is set with the command: INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute] {|MINimum| MAXimum|DEFault} INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]? [{MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault}] (query form) Absolute threshold levels for the input ranges are: • 5V range: ± 5.125V (2.5 mV resolution) • 50V range: ± 51.25V (25 mV resolution • 500V range (w/10:1 probe): ± 512.
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning N O TE 4 If auto-leveling is enabled, querying the absolute level on the current measurement channel returns the corresponding threshold voltage. If the channel is not the measurement channel, 9.91E+37 (not a number) is returned. Level2 can only be queried for rise/fall time and single-channel time interval measurements. Querying Level2 during other measurement functions returns 9.91E+37 (not a number).
4 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}]:RELative {|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault} INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}]:RELative? [{MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault}] (query form) Threshold values are from 10% to 90% with 5% resolution. In order to specify a relative threshold level, auto-level must be enabled. LEVel/LEVel1 sets the relative threshold for all measurements except rise/fall time and single-channel time interval.
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning 4 For frequencies in this range, use the CONFigure command and turn off auto-level by specifying an absolute threshold level.
4 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning If a 30% relative threshold is specified for the DC-coupled signal described above, the corresponding (absolute) value is 1.4V. The same relative threshold for an AC-coupled signal has an absolute value of -0.6V. The absolute value of any relative threshold level can be queried using: INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]? or computed as: Vmin + (% threshold x Vpp) level w/DC coupling: 0.5 + (0.30 x 3) = 1.4V level w/AC coupling: -1.5 + (0.30 x 3) = -0.
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning 4 The frequency parameter values are: Interface Frequencies > 10 kHz Frequencies 50 Hz to < 10 kHz Fast Slow 10.0E3 Maximum 50.0 MINimum Front Panel SCPI A frequency setting of 10 kHz decreases the auto-level period for all frequencies > 10 kHz. A frequency setting of 50 Hz provides auto-leveling for frequencies down to 50 Hz. The frequency selected should be based on the lowest expected frequency in the measurement.
4 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Burst Measurement Detector Threshold All 53230A burst measurements are relative to the pulse width. The ‘on’ portion of the pulse width is established by a -6 dB and -12 dB detector threshold. Figure 4-6 is an example of the thresholds relative to the peak amplitude of the burst signal. PRI / PRF -6 dB (on) -6 dB (off) - 6 dB - 12 dB p-p amplitude - 12 dB (on) - 12 dB (off) Figure 4-6. -6 dB and /-12 dB Detector Thresholds.
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning 4 The detector threshold and, therefore, the ‘on’ portion of the pulse width must be considered when making burst measurements such as positive (on) width and negative (off) width. This threshold is set with the command: INPut3:BURSt:LEVel {|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault} INPut3:BURSt:LEVel? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}] (query form) The dB levels are -6 and -12, and are nominal (i.e. non-specified) values.
4 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Threshold sensitivity (Figure 4-4) to the input signal is a function of the amount of noise rejection or hysteresis. Noise rejection (the hysteresis band) at the counter input is increased or decreased with the command: INPut[{1|2}]:NREJection {OFF|ON} INPut[{1|2}]:NREJection? (query form) ON enables noise rejection, thus increasing hysteresis and decreasing sensitivity by 50%. This setting should be used when noise is present in the signal environment.
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning 4 Threshold Slope The slope (edge) of the input signal on which the threshold level occurs is specified with the command: INPut[{1|2}]:SLOPe[{1|2}] {POSitive|NEGative} INPut[{1|2}]:SLOPe{1|2}]? (query form) POSitive - the trigger point occurs on the positive (rising) edge. The reset point occurs on the negative (falling) edge (Figure 4-4). NEGative - the trigger point occurs on the negative edge, with the reset point occurring on the positive edge.
4 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Input Slope Example //set the threshold slope CONF:FREQ 1E6, 0.
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning 4 The relative signal strength on channel 3 Option 106 or 115 (6 GHz or 15 GHz microwave input) is dislayed on the counter and can also be measured with the command: INPut3:STRength? The colors and the relative strengths returned by the command indicate the following: Color Strength Description None 0 Signal strength too low. May not be able to make measurement. For continuous wave (CW) measurements signal power must be > -27 dBm.
4 142 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Agilent 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal Counter/Timer User’s Guide 5 Triggering and Gating Settings Summary 144 Trigger and Gate Time Line 145 Trigger and Gate Cycle 145 System Trigger 148 Wait-For-Trigger and Triggered States 154 Measurement Gate 156 Gate Set Up 156 Frequency Measurements 158 Totalizing 165 Time Interval Measurements 170 Enabling Gate Signals on the ‘Gate In/Out’ BNC 172 Burst Carrier Frequency Measurements 173 Advanced Gate Control - Gate Start 177 Advanced Gate Control - Gate Stop Hold
5 Triggering and Gating Settings Summary Table 5-1 is a summary of power-on/reset settings for the trigger and gating parameters covered in this section. Table 5-1. Trigger and Gate Settings Summary.
Triggering and Gating 5 Trigger and Gate Time Line Triggering and gating are part of every counter measurement. The relationship of these actions relative to the measurement are shown in the time line of Figure 5-1.
5 Triggering and Gating System Trigger ABORt *RST Idle state TRIGger:SOURce Trigger Source TRIGger:SLOPe Trigger Slope TRIGger:DELay Trigger Delay TRIGger:COUNt Trigger Count SAMPle:COUNt INITiate:IMMediate READ? MEASure? Sample Count Yes Wait-for-trigger state No triggers received = TRIGger:COUNt? trigger received Yes Triggered state No # readings = SAMPle:COUNt? (to gate cycle) (repeated for each reading in sample count) (from gate cycle) Figure 5-2.
Triggering and Gating (to SAMPle COUNt reached?) (from Triggered State) shown first sequentially set last programmatically SENSe:FREQuency:GATE:SOURce SENSe:TOTalize:GATE:SOURce SENSe:TINTerval:GATE:SOURce 5 TIME Gate Source IMMediate EXTernal INPut[1]* | INPut2 * * not available with time interval Gate Start (open) ADVanced Gate Start Source SENSe:GATE:STARt:SOURce IMMediate (internal) EXTernal SENSe:GATE:EXTernal:SOURce SENSe:FREQuency:GATE:TIME SENSe:TOTalize:GATE:TIME SENSe:TINTerval:GATE
5 Triggering and Gating System Trigger The counter operates in one of three states depending on the status of the system trigger: idle, wait for trigger, and triggered. Idle State Counter configuration generally occurs while the instrument is in the idle state (Figure 5-3). This includes configuration of the system trigger. As shown, the counter is placed in the idle state by either of the following the commands: ABORt - aborts a measurement in progress.
Triggering and Gating A BO R t *R ST 5 Id le sta te retu rn to idle sta te w hen (# rea ding s = T R IG g er:C O U N t x SA M P le :C O U N t) T R IG ger:S O U R c e T rig ge r S o u rce T R IG g er:S LO Pe T rigg e r S lop e T R IG ger:D EL ay T rigg e r D e lay T R IG ger:C O U N t T rig g e r C o un t S AM Ple:C O U N t S a m ple C o u n t Figure 5-3. System Trigger Sequence.
5 Triggering and Gating The system trigger is configured using the commands within the TRIGger and SAMPle subsystems. Figure 5-3 show the sequence in which the commands are commonly used. The system trigger source which starts the trigger/gate cycle is set with the command: TRIGger:SOURce {IMMediate|EXTernal|BUS} TRIGger:SOURce? (query form) - trigger source IMMediate sets a continuous trigger signal. By default, CONFigure sets the trigger source to IMMEDiate.
Triggering and Gating TRIGger:SLOPe {POSitive|NEGative} TRIGger:SLOPe? 5 (query form) - trigger slope POSitive selects the signal’s rising edge, and trigger slope NEGative selects the signal’s falling edge. The signal is applied to the ‘Trig In’ BNC. By default, CONFigure sets the trigger slope to NEGative. Trigger Slope Example //configure for frequency, set system trigger parameters CONF:FREQ 5E6,0.
5 Triggering and Gating Trigger Delay Example //configure for frequency, set system trigger parameters CONF:FREQ 5E6,0.
Triggering and Gating 5 Sample Count The trigger count multiplied by the sample count (TRIG:COUN x SAMP:COUN) determines the number of readings taken before the counter returns to the idle state. The sample count is set with the command: SAMPle:COUNt {| MINimum|MAXImum|DEFault} SAMPle:COUNt? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}] (query form) The count range is 1 to 1,000,000. CONFigure and MEASure set a default sample count of ‘1’. Reading memory can store up to 1,000,000 readings.
5 Triggering and Gating The trigger count and sample count are ignored when making continuous totalize measurements. The trigger count is also ignored when making continuous, gap-free frequency or period measurements. Only one trigger is accepted when using these functions. See the ‘Programmer’s Reference’ section of the Agilent 53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD for more information.
Triggering and Gating 5 INITiate[:IMMediate] - places the counter in the wait-for-trigger state. In this state, trigger signals are recognized and accepted. Readings taken after the counter is initiated by INITiate[:IMMediate] are displayed and stored in the counter’s reading memory (see Chapter 7 “Formats and Data Flow” for more information). Initiating Example //configure for frequency, set system trigger parameters CONF:FREQ 5E6,0.
5 Triggering and Gating moves the counter to the triggered state and the beginning of the gate cycle. The counter remains in the triggered state until the sample count (readings per trigger) is reached. The counter then returns to the wait-for-trigger state until the next system trigger is received. The counter returns to the idle state once the product of the trigger count x sample count is reached. Measurement Gate Control of the measurement gate allows you to select the duration of the measurement.
Triggering and Gating 5 (Figures 5-2 and 5-5), programmatically it should occur after all other gate parameters have been set. This prevents potential “settings conflict” errors between the SENSe subsystem commands, and is illustrated in the examples and program segments that use these commands.
5 Triggering and Gating nal gate signals are applied to the counter’s rear panel ‘Gate In/Out’ BNC or to the channel 1 or channel 2 input. Frequency Measurements For frequency and period measurements the command used to set/change the gate source is: [SENSe:]FREQuency:GATE:SOURce {TIME|EXTernal|INPut[1]| INPut2|ADVanced} [SENSe:]FREQuency:GATE:SOURce? (query form) - gate source TIME is used to achieve a desired resolution in number of digits.
Triggering and Gating 5 53220A/53230A data sheet, extends the resolution beyond what is achieved with the basic reciprocal measurement technique. Resolution enhancement applies to the counter’s AUTO or CONTinuous mode with gate times > 10 msec. Table 5-2 shows the digits of resolution achieved with the 53230A and 53220A for a given gate time. The table also includes formulas for estimating digits as a function of gate time or expected values, and gate times as a function of digits. Table 5-2.
5 Triggering and Gating Setting the Gate Time A measurement gate time can be specified directly with the command: [SENSe:]FREQuency:GATE:TIME {
Triggering and Gating 5 With the counter display registering: 4.999 984 583 3MHz (11 digits - resolution enhanced) Querying the gate time after sending this command returns: SENS:FREQ:GATE:TIME? +1.00000000000000E-001 (100 ms) From Table 5-2 and assuming a 53230A counter and measurement mode Auto, this corresponds to 11 digits of resolution.
5 Triggering and Gating Again using Table 5-2, if a resolution of 6-digits is required the corresponding gate time can be located and sent directly as: SENS:FREQ:GATE:TIME 10e-6 // set gate time = 10 us External Gate Sources Gate sources EXTernal, INPut[1], and INPut2 are external sources. EXTernal is the counter’s rear panel ‘Gate In/Out’ BNC, and INPut[1]/ INPut2 (represented by softkeys Chan 1 and Chan 2) are the counter’s channel 1 and channel 2 inputs.
Triggering and Gating 5 [SENSe:]FREQuency:GATE:POLarity {POSitive|NEGative} [SENSe:]FREQuency:GATE:POLarity? (query form) POSitive starts the measurement on a positive edge on the Gate In/Out BNC or channel 1/channel 2 input, and stops the measurement on the next negative edge. NEGative starts the measurement on a negative edge on the Gate In/Out BNC or channel 1/channel 2 input, and stops the measurement on the next positive edge. CONFigure and MEASure do not change the polarity setting.
5 Triggering and Gating INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]{|MINimum| MAXimum|DEFault} INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]?[{MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault}] (query form) The specified edge (polarity) of the gate signal crossing the threshold opens the gate. The opposite edge (polarity) of the signal crossing the threshold closes the gate. (More information on the INPut subsystem can be found in Chapter 4 - “ 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning”.
Triggering and Gating 5 Totalizing Setting the Gate Source For gated counts of events (edges) on the input channels configured by: CONFigure:TOTalize:TIMed The command used to set or change the gate source is: [SENSe:]TOTalize:GATE:SOURce {TIME|EXTernal|INPut[1]| INPut2|ADVanced} [SENSe:]TOTalize:GATE:SOURce? (query form) - gate source TIME enables totalizing on the input channels for a specified period.
5 Triggering and Gating INFinity|DEFault} [SENSe:]TOTalize:GATE:TIME? {MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault} (query form) CONFigure and MEASure automatically set the gate source to TIME, and the gate time to the value of their gate_time parameter. To specify a gate time and source directly for totalizing: // set gate time and source SENS:TOT:GATE:TIME 10 // set gate time = 10s SENS:TOT:GATE:SOUR TIME // set gate source External Gate Sources Gate sources EXTernal, INPut[1], and INPut2 are external sources.
Triggering and Gating 5 fore, the duration of the gate, is set or changed with the command: [SENSe:]TOTalize:GATE:POLarity {POSitive|NEGative} [SENSe:]TOTalize:GATE:POLarity? (query form) POSitive starts totalizing on a positive edge on the Gate In/Out BNC or channel 1/channel 2 input, and stops totalizing on the next negative edge. NEGative starts totalizing on a negative edge on the Gate In/Out BNC or channel 1/channel 2 input, and stops totalizing on the next positive edge.
5 Triggering and Gating For external sources INPut[1] and INPut2 (Chan 1 and Chan 2 softkeys), a fixed input threshold voltage must be specified in addition to the gate signal polarity. These parameters are set with the commands: INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]{|MINimum| MAXimum|DEFault} INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]?[{MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault}] (query form) The specified edge (polarity) of the gate signal crossing the threshold opens the gate.
Triggering and Gating 5 Continuous Totalizing Continuous totalizing as configured by the command: CONFigure:TOTalize:CONTinuous sets the gate source to TIME and the gate time to INFinity. The command also sets the input threshold to 0.0V and the edge (events that are totalized) to positive. Refer to Chapter 4 - “53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning” for information on the commands in the INPut subsystem used to change these parameters.
5 Triggering and Gating Time Interval Measurements For time interval measurements, the command used to set/change the gate source is: [SENSe:]TINTerval:GATE:SOURce {IMMediate|EXTernal| ADVanced} [SENSe:]TINTerval:GATE:SOURce? (query form) - gate source IMMediate uses an internal gate signal which starts the measurement on the first event (edge/level) defined by the INPut subsystem, and ends on the next (stop) event defined. The CONFigure commands set the time interval gate source to IMMediate.
Triggering and Gating 5 External Gate Signal Polarity When using an external gate source, the polarity of the gate signal is changed with the command: [SENSe:]TINTerval:GATE:POLarity {POSitive|NEGative} [SENSe:]TINterval:GATE:POLarity? (query form) POSitive enables a time interval measurement following a positive edge on the Gate In/Out BNC. NEGative enables a time interval measurement following a negative edge on the Gate In/Out BNC.
5 Triggering and Gating CONF:TINT (@1),(@2) // time int between ch1/ch2 INP1:LEV1 2 // set start level (event) INP1:SLOP1 POS // set start event polarity INP2:LEV1 2 // set stop level (event) INP2:SLOP1 NEG // set stop event polarity SENS:TINT:GATE:POL POS // set gate signal polarity SENS:TINT:GATE:SOUR EXT // external gate source Enabling Gate Signals on the ‘Gate In/Out’ BNC For timing and synchronization with other instruments gate signals from sources Time (internal), IMMediate (internal), and INPut
Triggering and Gating 5 Burst Carrier Frequency Measurements The 53230A counter with channel 3 Option 106 or 115 (6 GHz or 15 GHz microwave input) and Pulse Microwave Measurement Option 150 enables measurement of the burst carrier frequency. A representation of the carrier frequency is shown in Figure 5-6. ‘on’ time - 6 dB p-p amplitude burst carrier frequency Figure 5-6. Burst Carrier Frequency (-6 dB threshold).
5 Triggering and Gating Setting Narrow Pulse Mode For carrier frequency measurements with ‘on durations’ (Figure 5-6) less than 10 µs, narrow pulse mode must be set using the command: [SENSe:]FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:NARRow {OFF|ON} [SENSe:]FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:NARRow? (query form) ON - enables narrow pulse mode for ‘on durations’ less than 10 µs. Automatic gate set up (SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:AUTO ON) is always used when narrow mode is enabled. OFF - disables narrow pulse mode.
Triggering and Gating 5 Gate control for measuring the carrier frequency can occur automatically during the measurement or be controlled manually as shown in Figure 5-7. (from Triggered State) SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:NARRow OFF 53230A Opt. 150 Narrow Pulse Mode ON SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:AUTO Gate Control ON OFF Automatic Gate Control Manual Gate Control SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:TIME SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:DELay Burst Gate Time Burst Gate Delay Figure 5-7.
5 Triggering and Gating [SENSe:]FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:TIME {
Triggering and Gating 5 // appropriate delay and gate times CONF:PWID:BURS (@3) INP3:BURS:LEV -6 READ? . .
5 Triggering and Gating (from Triggere d State) sh own first sequentially set last program matically SENSe:FR EQuency:GATE:SOU Rce SENSe:TOTalize:GATE:SOUR ce SENSe:TINTerval:GATE:SOUR ce Gate Source AD Vanced * not available with time interval SENSe:GATE:STAR t:SOU Rce IMM ediate Gate Start Source (inte rnal) EXTernal SEN Se:GATE :EXTernal:SOU Rce External Gate Source BNC IN Put[1] | INPut2 * SEN Se:GATE :STAR t:SLOPe SEN Se:GATE :STAR t:D ELay:SOU R ce Gate Slope Gate Delay SEN Se:GATE:STA
Triggering and Gating 5 [SENSe:]GATE:STARt:SOURce {IMMediate|EXTernal} [SENSe:]GATE:STARt:SOURce? (query form) - gate source IMMediate starts (opens) the measurement gate immediately after a system trigger is received and following any programmed system trigger and gate start delay.
5 Triggering and Gating [SENSe:]GATE:STARt:SLOPe {POSitive|NEGative} [SENSe:]:GATE:START:SLOPe? (query form) POSitive starts (opens) the gate on a positive edge on the Gate In/Out BNC or channel 1/channel 2 input. NEGative starts the measurement on a negative edge on the Gate In/Out BNC or channel 1/channel 2 input. The gate is stopped (closed) based on the corresponding stop gate settings. Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet or Preset key), a negative slope is selected.
Triggering and Gating 5 The specified edge (slope) of the gate signal crossing the threshold starts the gate. (More information on the INPut subsystem can be found in Chapter 4 “53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning”.) When using external sources INPut[1] and INPut2, the channel selected as the gate source cannot be the same channel on which the measured signal is applied. That is, the gate start source channel cannot be involved in the measurement.
5 Triggering and Gating [SENSe:]GATE:STARt:DELay:SOURce {IMMediate|EVENts|TIME} [SENSe:]GATE:STARt:DELay:SOURce? (query form) - delay source IMMediate disables the delay settings and no gate delay occurs. CONFigure and MEASure do not change the delay source setting. Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet or Preset key), delay source IMMediate is selected.
Triggering and Gating 5 (from Gate Start (open)) SENSe:GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:SOURce Gate Stop Hold Off SENSe:GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:EVENts (input channel) * not available with time interval IMMediate (holdoff disabled) SENSe:GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:TIME SENSe:GATE:STOP:SOURce Gate Stop Source IMMediate (internal) EXTernal SENSe:GATE:EXTernal:SOURce External Gate Source EXTernal / INPut[1]* | INPut2 * SENSe:GATE:STOP:SLOPe Gate Slope Gate Stop (closed) Gate stop source does not apply to rise/fall time, duty cy
5 Triggering and Gating Gate Stop Hold Off Source The gate stop holdoff source and its parameters are set with the commands: [SENSe:]GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:SOURce {IMMediate|EVENts|TIME} [SENSe:]GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:SOURce? (query form) - holdoff source IMMediate disables the hold off settings and no gate holdoff occurs. The gate closes immediately after the gate stop parameters are satisfied. CONFigure and MEASure do not change the hold off source setting.
Triggering and Gating 5 - holdoff source TIME holds off the gate stop (close) for a period set by the command: [SENSe:]GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:TIME {
5 Triggering and Gating The specific command which sets the gate stop source is: [SENSe:]GATE:STOP:SOURce {IMMediate|EXTernal} [SENSe:]GATE:STOP:SOURce? (query form) - gate source IMMediate stops (closes) the measurement gate immediately following any gate stop hold off.
Triggering and Gating 5 External Gate Stop Signal Polarity When using the external gate sources listed above, the polarity of the stop gate signal is set (changed) with the command: [SENSe:]GATE:STOP:SLOPe {POSitive|NEGative} [SENSe:]:GATE:STOP:SLOPe? (query form) POSitive stops (closes) the gate on a positive edge on the Gate In/Out BNC or channel 1/channel 2 input. NEGative stops the measurement on a negative edge on the Gate In/Out BNC or channel 1/channel 2 input.
5 Triggering and Gating External Gate Stop Signal Threshold For external sources INPut[1] and INPut2 (Chan 1 and Chan 2 softkeys), a fixed input threshold voltage must also be specified in addition to the gate signal slope. This is done using the command: INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]{|MINimum| MAXimum|DEFault} INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]?[{MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault}] (query form) The specified edge (slope) of the gate signal crossing the threshold stops the gate.
Triggering and Gating 5 Gate Hold Off and Stop Configuration Example The following example shows the sequence commonly used when configuring the stop gate hold off and stop gate using low-level commands. //configure the counter for an externally gated time //interval measurement. The gate start and stop signals are //applied to the rear panel ‘Gate In’ BNC. Gate closing is //held off for 1 second after the stop gate signal is //received.
5 190 Triggering and Gating 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Agilent 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal Counter/Timer User’s Guide 6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Math Functions 192 Enabling the CALCulate1 Subsystem 193 Smoothing Data 194 Scaling Functions 195 Statistics 203 Limit Checking 208 Histograms 211 Trend Charts 224 Data Logging 230 Graphics Functions and Reading Memory 236 The Agilent 53220A/53230A counter features math operations that allow you to scale readings, test limits, and statistically analyze data.
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Math Functions The 53220A/53230A counter math functions include smoothing, null/scale, statistics, and limit checking. Figure 6-1 is a description of how the functions are enabled. The math functions are enabled at two levels: 1) the CALCulate[1] subsystem as a whole is enabled, and 2) the individual math operation is enabled.
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 CALCulate1:AVERage:STATe ON CALCulate1:AVERage (statistics) CALCulate1:SCALe: STATe ON CALCulate1:LIMit:STATe ON CALCulate1:SMOothing:STATe ON INITiate:IMMediate CALCulate1:SCALe (scaling and offset) CALCulate1:SMOothing (moving average) measurement data CALCulate1:LIMit (limit checking) reading memory CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:STATe ON CALCulate1:STATe ON CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram (histograms) READ? output buffer readings initiated by I
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging A reset (*RST), instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet), or changing the measurement function disables the CALCulate1 subsystem. Smoothing Data Measurements can be “smoothed” and scaled prior to performing math operations on the incoming data. To reduce random noise, a moving average (boxcar) filter can be inserted into the data path (Figure 6-1).
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 The number of readings to average is specified as: SLOW - 100 readings: with + 100 ppm change required to reset filter MEDium - 50 readings: with + 300 ppm change required to reset filter FAST - 10 readings: with + 1000 ppm change required to reset filter The filter is reset if the measurement function or channel is changed, if another set of readings is initiated, or if a measurement is outside the range corresponding to the number of readings specified (S
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging CALCulate1:SCALe:UNIT:STATe ON CALCulate1:SCALe:UNIT CALCulate1:STATe ON CALCulate1:SCALe:STATe ON CALCulate1:SCALe:FUNCtion Figure 6-2. 53220A/53230A Display with Scaling Functions Enabled. Enabling the Scale Functions All 53220A/53230A scaling functions are enabled with the command: CALCulate[1]:SCALe[:STATe] {OFF|ON} CALCulate[1]:SCALe[:STATe]? (query form) ON enables scaling. OFF disables scaling.
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 Using the Scale Functions The counter scaling functions include null, percent change (PCT), part per million change (PPM), part per billion change (PPB), and scale (Mx-B). The function is selected with the command: CALCulate[1]:SCALe:FUNCtion {NULL|PCT|PPM|PPB|SCALe} CALCulate[1]:SCALe:FUNCtion? (query form) NULL - performs a null operation. The result is the measurement minus the reference value.
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Scaling function results must be in the range of -1.0E+24 to -1.0E-24, 0.0, or +1.0E-24 to 1.0E+24. Results outside these limits will be replaced with -9.9E+37 (negative infinity), 0, or +9.9E+37 (positive infinity). Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet), the scaling function is set to NULL. Scale Reference Value The NULL, PCT, PPM, and PPB scaling functions require a reference value. For PCT, PPM, and PPB the value cannot be ‘0’.
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet), a reference value of 0.0 is set and automatic reference is enabled. From the front panel, pressing Get New Reference takes a reference measurement on the first trigger received after the key is pressed. A reference can be entered manually by selecting Ref Value and using the knob or SHIFTed numeric keys.
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging The offset value (B) is set with the command: CALCulate[1]:SCALe:OFFSet {|MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault} CALCulate[1]:SCALe:OFFSet? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}] (query form) offset values can range from -1.0E+15 to -1.0E-15, 0.0, +1.0E-15 to +1.0E+15 The default offset is 0.0 and is the value set following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet).
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 Assigning Reading Units For ease in identifying readings from the front panel, a user-defined “units string” can be assigned to any scale function. The user string replaces the instrument-assigned measurement units (Hz, pct, ppm, ...). The unit prefix ( µ, m, k, M) remains.
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging units are one to four characters. Double quotes enclosing the string are included in the command. The assigned units appear in the counter display only. Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet) user-defined units are disabled. From the front panel, units are entered by pressing the User Units softkey, enabling the units (On), and using the rotary knob and arrows to enter and select the character position.
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 Statistics Statistical calculations are performed continually on readings as they are taken, or until the total reading count (TRIGger:COUNt x SAMPle:COUNt) is reached. The commands used to generate statistical data are covered in this section. As mentioned, multiple operations can be enabled at the same time. Figure 6-3 is an example with statistics and limit checking enabled.
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging CALCulate[1]:AVERage:STATe {OFF|ON} CALCulate[1]:AVERage[:STATe]? (query form) ON - enables statistical calculations on the readings as they occur. Statistical data includes: mean, standard deviation, Allan deviation, maximum value, minimum value, and average peak-to-peak value. OFF - disables statistics computation. Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet), statistical computations are disabled.
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 Example: Enabling and Computing Statistics The following example returns the mean, standard deviation, minimum value, and maximum value for a set of 500 readings. The trigger count setting, although it defaults to ‘1’, is shown for completeness. A ‘wait’ statement is included to delay the analysis until all readings are complete.
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging CALCulate[1]:AVERage:MAXimum? - returns the maximum value of all readings in the current reading count. CALCulate[1]:AVERage:PTPeak? - returns the average peak-to-peak value (average maximum value - average minimum value) of all readings in the reading count. Example: Computing Individual Statistics The following example shows these reading parameters queried individually.
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 not support continuous (gap free) measurements.
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Limit Checking Limit checking enables counter measurements to be compared on a reading-by-reading basis to a lower limit and upper limit. Limits that are exceeded are reported in the counter’s Questionable Data register (bits 11 and 12). Register definitions and are contained in Chapter 8. When enabled, limit checking appears on the counter display as shown in Figure 6-4.
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 Enabling Limit Checking Limit checking is enabled with the command: CALCulate[1]:LIMit[:STATe] {OFF|ON} CALCulate[1]:LIMit[:STATe]? (query form) ON - enables limit checking. OFF disables (bypasses) limit checking. Enabling limit checking enables both lower and upper limit boundaries.
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging • setting both limits on the same line programmatically • enabling limit testing after the limits are set To programmatically determine if a reading (or readings) outside the limit boundaries has occurred, the command: STATus:QUEStionable:EVENt? is used to read the Questionable Data register. A value of +2048 (bit 11) indicates a reading below the lower limit. A value of +4096 (bit 12) indicates a reading above the upper limit.
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 • enabling limit checking - CALCulate[1]:LIMit[:STATe] ON • a new measurement cycle - INITiate:IMMediate, READ?, MEASure? • sending a new SCPI command or changing a current SCPI parameter • a reset or instrument preset - *RST, SYSTem:PRESet These steps also clear all readings in reading memory. (*RST and SYSTem:PREset additionally reset the lower and upper limits to 0.0.
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Note that histograms and math functions (e.g. statistics, scaling, limits, etc.) can be used simultaneously with the same measurement data. Viewing Histograms At power-on or when the front panel Preset key is pressed, numeric data is displayed.
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 Function Channel Histogram reading count X Max: maximum reading across all bins X Min: minimum reading across all bins Bin Size: (X Max – X Min)/number of bins Corresponds to bin with largest number of entries and expressed as: Histogram Window - an exact count within the bin (Max Count) - the bin’s percentage of the total reading count (Max %) Rdgs < LR Bin (out of range) Mkr 1: maximum value within bin at marker location Mkr 2: maximum value within b
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:STATe ON CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:COUNt? CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:CLEar CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:POINts CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:AUTO CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:AUTO:COUNt CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:LOWer CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:UPPer Figure 6-7. 15-Bin (Point) Histogram.
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 The number of readings represented by a histogram (Figure 6-7) can be queried with the command: CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:COUNt? Setting Up the Histogram The counter builds a histogram based on number of bins (points), a lower range, and an upper range.
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Displaying the Outer Bins Two additional bins independent of the number specified are always included with the histogram. The bins contain readings less than the lower range value and readings greater than the upper range value (Figures 6-5 and 6-6). A number of readings greater than expected in either bin may indicate a drift in the measured quantity.
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 |MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault} CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:UPPer? [{MINimum |MAXimum|DEFault}] (query form) value - directly specifies the histogram lower and upper range values. The value ranges are: -1.0E+15 to -1.0E-15, 0.0, 1.0E-15 to 1.0E+15 The default lower and upper ranges and the ranges set following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet) are 0.0. When setting the ranges, both a lower range and an upper range must be specified.
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging • When ‘Statistics’ (under the Math key) are enabled, the minimum and maximum values from the reading statistics are used. • If readings are in progress and ‘Statistics’ are off, the instrument will select a minimum and a maximum value from (up to) the last 10,000 readings taken. • If no previous readings are available, a minimum bin range of 0 and a maximum bin range of 1 000 000 000.0 are set.
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:AUTO:COUNt { |MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault} CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:AUTO:COUNt? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}] (query form) value - specifies the first ‘n’ number of readings from which lower and upper range values are obtained. 10 to 1,000 readings can be specified. The default number and the number set following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet) is 100.
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Resetting the Histogram The data from which the current histogram is created is cleared by any of the following: • pressing the Reset Histogram softkey • enabling/disabling or changing any part of the histogram - number of bins, lower or upper range • a new measurement cycle - INITiate:IMMediate, READ?, MEASure • sending a new SCPI command or changing a current SCPI parameter • an instrument reset or present - *RST, SYSTem:PRESet These actions also clear a
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 Saving Readings The readings used to create the histogram can be saved to internal flash memory or to an external USB memory device as comma-separated values (CSV) in one measurement per line ASCII format. Selecting Save Readings opens the Export action window from which a path and file name can be selected or created.
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging N O TE For marker, zoom, and pan adjustment the decimal position (i.e. 100's, 10's, 1's) highlighted by the arrow keys sets the amount of movement (coarse or fine) for each tick of the rotary knob. The ‘Marker’ softkeys allow you to position markers on individual bins within the histogram, and if desired, lock the relative distance between the markers.
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 Returns the following comma-separated sequence describing the current histogram: lower range value upper range value number of readings taken bin data The bin data includes: number of measurements less than the lower range value, number of readings in each bin, number of readings greater than the upper range value An example data string for a 15-bin histogram based on 3,000 readings of a 50 kHz input signal is: +4.998912590059145E+004,+5.
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Trend Charts Reading trends for a given number of counter measurements (except continuous totalize) or timestamps can be represented within a 53220A/53230A trend chart, also known as a run chart. Figure 6-8 shows the components of a typical counter trend chart.
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 Viewing Trend Charts At power-on or following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (Preset), numeric data is displayed. The display can be changed to a trend chart by changing the display mode using the command: DISPlay[:WINDow]:MODE {NUMeric|HISTogram|TCHart} DISPlay[:WINDow]:MODE? (query form) The display mode (TCHart) is the only trend chart parameter that can be set programmatically (i.e. using SCPI commands).
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Figure 6-9. Trend Chart Configuration and Control. Trend Chart Boundaries The trend chart boundaries (Y Max and Y Min) can be set automatically (AutoScale On) or manually (AutoScale Off) using the menus under the Options soft key (Figure 6-9). Auto-scaled (on) boundaries keep all readings within the trend window. Manually-set boundaries (off) can result in readings outside the window.
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 Clearing the Trend Chart Clearing the trend chart clears reading memory and restarts the reading count on the next trigger received. Saving Readings The readings represented by the trend chart can be saved to internal flash memory or to an external USB memory device as comma-separated values (CSV) in one measurement per line ASCII format. Selecting Save Readings opens the Export action window from which a path and file name can be selected or created.
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Zoom & Markers Window N O TE For marker, zoom, and pan adjustment the decimal position (i.e. 1000's, 100's, 10's, 1's) highlighted by the arrow keys sets the amount of movement (coarse or fine) for each tick of the rotary knob. The ‘Marker’ softkeys allow you to position markers on individual readings or decimation points within the trend chart, and if desired, lock the relative distance between the markers.
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 Show All updates the trend window to represent the current reading count. The reading indices are 0 and the Count value, and zoom and pan are also reset. Reading Decimation The trend window displays a maximum of 100 readings. When greater than 100 readings are displayed, the readings are decimated - grouped together and represented by decimation points. The number of readings in a decimation group is the reading count/100.
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging There are 1,000 readings in each decimation group in Figure 6-10 (100,000 readings/100 points displayed). The number of readings in each group changes if Show All is pressed and readings continue to be taken. When a marker is moved to a decimation point, the number of the first reading in the corresponding group is displayed. This number should be noted if it is necessary to view individual readings within a group.
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 Logged readings ARE NOT saved to internal flash memory or external USB memory until the logging duration is complete. If power is lost and if battery Option 300 is not enabled or it also loses power before logging is complete, all data will be lost. N O TE Figure 6-11 shows the keys and and windows associated with the data logger application. Figure 6-11. Starting the Counter Data Logger.
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Configuring the Data Logger All logged readings are saved in the counter’s internal flash memory or to an external USB storage device after logging is complete. The readings are viewable in trend (run) chart format while logging is in progress and when complete. Data logging occurs for a duration specified as a period of time or a number of readings to be logged. Once enabled, the start of data logging can be delayed for a period of time.
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 Setting the Duration In terms of Time, the data logging duration is specified in hh.mm.ss format. The value is set using the rotary knob and arrow keys, or using the [Shift]ed numeric keys. By highlighting specific digits in the time window, greater resolution (i.e. minutes and seconds) of the logging time can be specified. The maximum data logging period is 99.00.00.
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging The maximum delay setting is 99:00:00. Starting the Data Logger Pressing the Run softkey enables data logging. Data logging begins following any specified start delay when a valid path/file exists. A default path and file name of: Internal\DataLog is used when the data logger application is started. Select Yes to overwrite the file and begin. Viewing Readings A trend chart is populated as readings are logged.
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 6 Pressing View Results after logging Time Stamp measurements will display “Graphics not supported for this function”. Figure 6-12 is an example of a trend chart as readings are logged. (Figures 6-8 and 6-10 contain more information on the trend chart window.) Function Channel Current Reading Count (memory) Trend Window (100 points) reading indices time or number of readings remaining Figure 6-12. Trend Chart Display During Data Logging.
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Graphics Functions and Reading Memory Figure 6-13 summarizes the effects on reading memory when statistics and histograms are reset, and when trend charts are cleared. reading memory (record) Reset Stats: - clears current set of statistics (record) - does not clear reading memory, does not abort readings – clears count and new set of statistics re-start on next reading after reset .. .
Agilent 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal Counter/Timer User’s Guide 7 Formats and Data Flow Reading Formats and Data Flow 238 Specifying a Format 239 Setting the Block Transfer Byte Order 239 Data Flow 240 Counter File System 247 Creating Folders and Files in Flash Memory and on the USB Drive 249 User-Defined Power-On States 258 Managing Folders and Files 261 The Agilent 53220A/53230A counters allow you to specify the measurement (reading) format and storage location - both of which affect throughput speed
7 Formats and Data Flow Reading Formats and Data Flow A (counter) data format is specified when a particular format (ASCII, REAL) is required. The data is converted to that format when sent to the output buffer directly, or when transferred from reading memory. The command used to set the data format is: FORMat[:DATA] {ASCII|REAL}[,] FORMat[:DATA]? (query form) The formats (and lengths) are described in Table 7-1. Table 7-1. Counter Data Formats Type Length Representation ASCII +4.
Formats and Data Flow 7 Format ASCII is set following an instrument reset (*RST) or front panel preset (PRESet). A line feed (LF) and End-Or-Identify (EOI) follow the last reading in both formats. Specifying a Format Data formats can be specified during counter configuration as shown in the following segment: CONF:FREQ 1.0E6 FORM REAL, 64 SAMP:COUN 5 INIT FETC? In this segment, measurements initiated by INIT are stored in reading memory.
7 Formats and Data Flow Reading Transfer Size Each reading read from the output buffer in ASCII format is 23 bytes. Each readings in REAL format is eight bytes. Data Flow The flow of measurement data within the counter is summarized in Figure 7-1.
Formats and Data Flow 7 Table 7-2.
7 Formats and Data Flow 2 all readings are stored in an internal counter format - the programmed format (FORMat subsystem) is set when readings are transferred to the output buffer. 3 if reading memory overflows the first (oldest) readings are overwritten and the ‘Reading Mem Ovfl’ bit (14) in the Questionable Data Register is set. The most recent measurements are retained. Output Buffer Data is available to the PC over the LAN, USB, and GPIB interfaces once it is in the output buffer (Figure 7-1).
Formats and Data Flow 7 FETCh? - is used following INITiate:IMMediate. After all measurements specified by TRIGger:COUNt and SAMPle:COUNt are complete, FETCh? transfers the readings from reading memory to the output buffer. Since reading memory is not erased by this action, readings can be “fetched” from memory multiple times. If there are no readings available or measurements in progress when a “fetch” is performed, err -230, “Data corrupt or stale” is generated.
7 Formats and Data Flow // frequency meas of 500 kHz signal with uHz resolution CONF:FREQ 500E3, 1E-6, (@1) // configure counter TRIG:COUN 2 // set trigger count SAMP:COUN 2500 // set readings/trigger INIT:IMM // initiate counter to start readings wait 2500 seconds R? 2500 // read and remove first 2500 readings wait 2500 seconds R? // read and remove all remaining readings DATA:REMove? [,WAIT] - is used following INITiate:IMMediate.
Formats and Data Flow 7 DATA:REMove? Example // frequency meas of 500 kHz signal with uHz resolution CONF:FREQ 500E3, 1E-6, (@1) // configure counter TRIG:COUN 2 // set trigger count SAMP:COUN 2500 // set readings/trigger INIT:IMM // initiate counter to start readings DATA:REM? 2500,WAIT // wait for-read first 2500 readings DATA:REM? 2500,WAIT // wait for-read last 2500 readings DATA:LAST? - returns the last reading taken and includes reading units (Hz, s).
7 Formats and Data Flow DATA:POINts? The reading count can be read before the total reading count is reached (TRIGger:COUNt x SAMPle:COUNt). Setting a Reading Threshold in Memory The following command allows you to set a reading threshold in the counter’s volatile memory: DATA:POINts:EVENt:THReshold DATA:POINts:EVENt:THReshold? (query form) - when count number of readings have entered reading memory, bit 12 (Rdg Mem Threshold) in the Standard Operation Register is set to ‘1’.
Formats and Data Flow 7 *RST;*CLS // reset, start from known state SYST:TIM .001 // set a 1 ms measurement timeout CONF:FREQ 1E6, 0.1, (@1) // configure measurements TRIG:COUN 5 // send 5 system triggers SAMP:COUN 250E3 // take 250k readings/trigger FORM:DATA REAL, 64 // set data format to binary DATA:POIN:EVEN:THR 10E3 // set memory threshold to 10k INIT // initiate readings // loop until all readings complete For (cnt=0;cnt<1.
7 Formats and Data Flow Agilent 53220A/53230A Counter counter flash (non-volatile) memory internal flash 5M readings USB host port instrument firmware battery flash calibration constants state storage volatile reading memory 1M readings USB Storage Device USB:\ INT:\ Path is “Internal” Path is “External” root directory file folder MMEMory:STORe:DATA RDG_STORE, MMEMory:MDIRectory “” (creates data (.csv, .
Formats and Data Flow 7 Creating Folders and Files in Flash Memory and on the USB Drive Folders and files are created in instrument memory and on a USB drive as described in the following sections.
7 Formats and Data Flow Folders and sub-folders are created using the command: MMEMory:MDIRectory “” - folder has the form drive:path. drive is either INT (internal flash memory) or USB (external memory device). path is an absolute path and folder name beginning with \ or /. INT:\ is the default drive:path. The folder parameter cannot exceed 240 characters, and the characters \ / : * ? “ < > | cannot be contained within the folder name.
Formats and Data Flow 7 Specifying a Default Folder Designating a folder as the default (current) folder eliminates the need to specify an absolute path each time a sub-folder or file is created or referenced. The command: MMEMory:CDIRectory “” MMEMory:CDIRectory? (query form) selects folder as the current folder used by subsequent MMEMory subsystem commands. folder is of the form drive:path (see MMEMory:DIRectory for drive:path details).
7 Formats and Data Flow The command used to transfer data from reading memory to a file in internal flash memory or on a USB device (Figures 7-1 and 7-2) is: MMEMory:STORe:DATA RDG_STORE, “” is created during execution of the command and the file parameter format is “[drive:path]”. drive is either INT (internal flash memory) or USB (external memory device). path is an absolute path and folder name. If a folder is specified, it must have been previously created.
Formats and Data Flow 7 Creating State Files Instrument states can be stored in the instrument’s internal flash memory or on a USB memory device and recalled later to restore a specific configuration (Figure 7-2). The commands used to store and load counter states are: MMEMory:STORe:STATe <“file”> MMEMory:LOAD:STATe <“file”> is created during execution of the STORe command. The parameter format is “[drive:path]”.
7 Formats and Data Flow memory) or USB (external memory device). path is an absolute path and folder name. If a folder is specified, it must have been previously created (see MMEMory:MDIRectory). The combination of folder and file name cannot exceed 240 characters, and cannot contain the characters \ / : * ? “ < > |. State files have a .sta extension.
Formats and Data Flow 7 Press the ‘Select’ soft key to select the directory or folder. 3 Enter the file name. The knob scrolls through A-Z (upper case), a-z (lower case), numbers 0-9, selected keyboard characters, decimal point (.), underscore (_), and space. Once the desired character is set, press the right arrow (>) key under the knob to move to the next position. 4 Repeat until the file name is complete. Use the left arrow key (<) to backspace and change a character.
7 Formats and Data Flow User preferences include settings such as: • display brightness, radix, separator, and screen saver state • Help language selected • state recall and select settings • reference oscillator source, external reference frequency, standby setting • auto-level minimum frequency • battery state (enabled, disabled) • beeper setting • measurement time out • 531xx SCPI compatibility language setting When loading a preferences file that specifies a static IP address for LAN, be careful that
Formats and Data Flow 7 An example of the command is: *SAV 1 //save the current state in state location 1 State locations 0-4 are represented by the following file names in the root directory of internal flash memory: STATE_0.sta STATE_1.sta STATE_2.sta STATE_3.sta STATE_4.sta Saved counter states are recalled using the command: *RCL {0|1|2|3|4} {0|1|2|3|4} are the five state locations.
7 Formats and Data Flow //verify a valid state is stored in location 3; 0 = no state //saved, 1 = valid state in location 3 MEM:STAT:VAL? 3 User-Defined Power-On States The 53220A/53230A counter can be set to power-up from one of five saved state locations or from a state file (Figure 7-2). For this to occur: 1. the state must currently be saved 2. recall must be enabled 3.
Formats and Data Flow 7 // configure counter *SAV 2 MEM:STAT:REC:AUTO ON MEM:STAT:REC:SEL 2 // save state in location 2 // enable state recall at power-on // recall state in loc. 2 at power-on // when power is cycled, state in location 2 is recalled and MMEM:MDIR “INT:\SETUP_A” // create folder in INT memory //configure counter // store state in file MMEM:STOR:STAT “INT:\SETUP_A\test_A.sta” MEM:STAT:REC:AUTO ON // enable state recall at power-on MEM:STAT:REC:SEL “test_A.
7 Formats and Data Flow Specifying Power-On States from the Front Panel A specific power-on state can be selected from the front panel as follows: 1 From the Store/Recall menu, select User Def using the ‘Power On’ soft key. 2 Press User Def File to view the file system. Select the desired state to be set at power-on by selecting the desired folder and file name. Remember that instrument state locations 0-4 are identified by file name (e.g. STATE_3.sta).
Formats and Data Flow 7 Managing Folders and Files Folders, data files, and state files created in internal flash memory and on a USB storage device can be managed (i.e. deleted, copied, moved, cataloged) from the front panel or using additional commands within the MMEMory and MEMory subsystems. Deleting Folders Folders are deleted (removed) using the command: MMEMory:RDIRectory “” When deleting a folder from an I/O interface, the folder must be empty (containing no sub-folders or files).
7 Formats and Data Flow in the specified current directory, path is an absolute folder path beginning with ‘\’ and starting at the root folder. The file name must include the file extension. For example: \\ delete data file data1.csv in USB folder dut_1 MMEM:DEL “USB:\dut_1\data1.
Formats and Data Flow 7 Folders and Files are deleted using the front panel as follows: 1 After pressing the ‘Manage Files’ softkey, press the ‘ Action’ softkey and select ‘Delete’. (The action should be selected first.) 2 Press the ‘Browse’ softkey and use the front panel knob to highlight the drive, folder, or file, and then press ‘Select’. Press ‘Browse’ again to view (and select) the contents within a folder. 3 When folder or file appears in within the Path: or File: window, press ‘Perform Delete’.
7 Formats and Data Flow Copying and Moving Files Files can be copied or moved within the drive or between drives. MMEMory:COPY <“file1”>, <“file2”> MMEMory:MOVE <“file1”>, <“file2”> copies or moves (source) file1 to (destination) file2. The file format is “[drive:path]”. drive is either INT (internal flash memory) or USB (external memory device).
Formats and Data Flow 7 The destination folder in the copy or move command must currently exist. The folder is not created during the copy or move. The following examples show different locations to which files may be copied: //copy file from folder to root of USB drive MMEM:COPY "INT:\dut_1\state1.sta" , "USB:\" //move file from folder to root of USB drive MMEM:MOVE "INT:\dut_1\state1.sta" , "USB:\" //copy file from INT folder to existing USB folder MMEM:COPY "INT:\dut_1\state1.
7 Formats and Data Flow memory used and the total amount of memory available (free) on the specified drive. MMEMory:CATalog[:ALL]? [<“folder”>] MMEMory:CATalog:DATA? [<“folder”>] MMEMory:CATalog:STATe? [<“folder”>] The folder parameter format is drive:path. drive is either INT (internal flash memory) or USB (external memory device). path is an absolute path and folder name beginning with \.
Agilent 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal Counter/Timer User’s Guide 8 Instrument Status Agilent 53220A/53230A Status System 269 Questionable Data Register Group 269 Standard Operation Register Group 270 Standard Event Register 272 Status Byte Register 273 This chapter covers the status registers used to monitor conditions within the 53220A/53230A counter.
8 Instrument Status Figure 8-1. The 53220A/53230A Status System.
Instrument Status 8 Agilent 53220A/53230A Status System This chapter provides an overview of the 53220A/53230A Status System. Refer to the STATus subsystem and the IEEE-488 commands within the Programmer’s Reference for bit definitions and additional information. The reference is located on the 53210A/ 53220A/53230A Product Reference CD (p/n 53220-13601).
8 Instrument Status The Event Register is read with the command: STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]? Unlike the Condition Register, the bits in the Event Register remain set following the condition that occurred. The bits are cleared by reading the register. Enable Register The Enable register specifies which bits in the Event register can generate a summary bit which is subsequently used to generate a service request.
Instrument Status 8 Condition Register The Condition Register within the Standard Operation Register Group monitors current conditions regarding the operational state of the instrument. The Condition Register is read with the command: STATus:OPERation:CONDition? Reading the register does not clear the bit(s) in the register. The bit is cleared when the condition is removed. Event Register The Event Register within the Standard Operation Register Group also monitors the instrument state.
8 Instrument Status Standard Event Register The Standard Event Register monitors programming conditions including: • operation complete • query errors • device errors • execution errors • command execution errors • power-on state Reading the Standard Event Register The Standard Event Register is read with the command: *ESR? Reading the register does not clear the bits. The bits are cleared by sending *CLS.
Instrument Status 8 Status Byte Register The Status Byte register contains the summary bits of the Questionable Data Register Group, the Standard Operation Register Group, the Standard Event Register, the counter error queue, and the output buffer (Figure 8-1). The Master Summary RQS bit (Bit 6) is set (1) when any other bit in the Status Byte register is set.
8 274 Instrument Status 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Agilent 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal Counter/Timer User’s Guide Appendix A 53220A/53230A Error Messages Appendix A contains a description of the error messages associated with the 53220A/53230A counter.
A 53220A/53230A Error Messages Table A-1. 53220A/53230A Error Message Descriptions. Code Description Message Command Errors 276 -100 Command Error Generic syntax error - a Command Error as has occurred. -101 Invalid character An invalid character is present in the command’s header or in a parameter. -102 Syntax error -103 Invalid separator An invalid separator (e.g. something other than a comma, space, or semicolon) was received.
53220A/53230A Error Messages -123 Exponent too large The magnitude of the exponent is greater than 32,000. -124 Too many digits The mantissa (the positive fractional part of the number) contains more than 255 digits. -128 Numeric data not allowed A number was specified in the command header or in a parameter where numeric data is not allowed. -130 Suffix error An error was detected in the suffix (units) of a numeric parameter, but more specific information is not available.
A 53220A/53230A Error Messages -168 Block data not allowed A block data element was encountered at an instance where it is not allowed by the instrument. -170 Expression error An error was encountered in a parameter expression, but more specific information is not available. -171 Invalid expression The expression used to calculate a parameter value is invalid. -178 Expression data not allowed An expression was encountered at an instance where it is not allowed by the instrument.
53220A/53230A Error Messages -250 Mass storage error: file read/write error An error occurred reading from, or writing to a file in internal flash memory or on a USB memory device. File space may have been exceeded or the USB device removed before the operation was complete. -252 Missing Media Internal flash memory or the USB device was not found during a file operation.
A 53220A/53230A Error Messages -257 File name error; file too large The file uploaded to the counter is greater than 1 GByte. -257 File name error; folder not empty When deleting a folder from an I/O (remote) interface, the folder must be empty - no sub-folders or files. Un-empty folders CAN be deleted from the front panel. -257 File name error; unknown file extension Depending on the memory operation and file type, valid file extensions are .csv, .dat, .sta, and .prf.
53220A/53230A Error Messages A The instrument’s calibration data has been erased following a instrument firmware update. Recalibration of the instrument is required. -313 Calibration memory lost; due to firmware revision change -314 Save/recall memory lost; memory corruption detected -314 Save/recall memory lost; due to firmware revision change The instrument state saved by the *SAV? command in non-volatile (flash) memory has been lost due to a firmware update.
A 53220A/53230A Error Messages +263 Not able to execute while instrument is measuring A command was received while a measurement is in progress +291 Not able to recall state: it is empty The state storage location (0-4) specified by the *RCL command is empty +292 State file size error Attempted to load a .sta (state) file that is too large. +293 State file corrupt The .sta (state) file specified does not contain vaild instrument state information.
53220A/53230A Error Messages Channel 3 burst frequency could not be measured The carrier frequency could not be measured possibly due to a frequency shift of the input signal. See additional errors accompanying this message. +314 Channel 3 pulse ended before gate closed The input signal may contain pulses of varying widths.
A 53220A/53230A Error Messages +540 Cannot use overload as math reference An overload value (9.91E+37) cannot be used as a reference for the NULL, PCT, PPM, and PPB scaling functions. +541 Cannot use zero as math reference for PCT, PPM, or PPB scaling functions A zero (0) value cannot be used as a reference for the PCT, PPM, and PPB scaling functions.
53220A/53230A Error Messages +820 Model and Serial Numbers not restored +821 Controller and measurement board model numbers do not match +822 Controller and measurement board serial numbers do not match A Following replacement of the P500 processor (controller) board or main measurement board, the model number and/or serial number do not match or have not been re-stored. Re-store the model number and serial number as prompted from the front panel.
A 53220A/53230A Error Messages The message to be stored in calibration memory is greater than 40 characters. +711 Calibration error; calibration string too long +712 Calibration failed +713 Channel 3 calibration signal not detected The calibration source signal is not connected to channel 3. +714 Channel 3 calibration signal power level error The power level of the calibration signal was outside the expected range of the specified level.
53220A/53230A Error Messages +903 Self-Test failed: real-time clock setting lost +904 Self-Test failed: main CPU error accessing boot environment +905 Self-Test failed: failed to read FPGA revision +906 Self-Test failed: FPGA revision is less than expected +907 Self-Test failed: PIC communication failure +908 Self-Test failed: battery test failed +909 Self-Test failed: GPIB test failed +910 Self-Test failed: channel 3 test failed +911 Self-Test failed: front panel revision check failed +9
A 288 53220A/53230A Error Messages 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Index Numerics 53220A/53230A programming 36 53230A burst measurements 173 A absolute threshold level 130 ac coupling 126 address string GPIB 50, 54 addressing changing the GPIB address 54 IP addresses and host names 48 advanced gate control external gate start signal polarity 179 external gate start signal threshold 180 external gate stop signal polarity 187 external gate stop signal threshold 188 gate start delay 181 gate start source 177 gate stop and holdoff 182 gate stop holdoff 183 gate stop source 18
Index D data flow 240 data formats ASCII 239 REAL 239 data scaling 195 data smoothing 194 example 195 date and time setting 28 dc coupling 126 decimation 229 definite-length arbitrary block 238 deleting files 261 deleting folders 261 development environments 36 digit group separator 25 digits of resolution 158 disabling gate out 172 disabling the battery 21 display configuration 23 display modes 212, 225 display overview 15 downloading firmware updates 57 downloading the IVI-COM driver 61 driver requiremen
Index Gate Out BNC 172 gate signal polarity frequency measurements 162 time interval measurements 171 totalizing 166 gate signal threshold frequency measurements 163 totalizing 167 gate source 156 gate start configuration example 181 gate start delay 181 gate start source 177 gate stop configuration example 189 gate stop and stop holdoff 182 gate stop holdoff 183 gate stop source 185 gate time frequency measurements 159 gating 156 burst configuration 176 burst gate example 176 frequency measurements 158 ga
Index IO software installation 41 IP address and host name obtaining 38 IP addresses and host names 47 IVI drivers installation 43 IVI-COM driver updates 56, 61 L LAN adding instruments 44 interface configuration 43 LAN cards, multiple 56 limit checking 208, 209 clearing limits 210 clearing the Questionable Data register 210 example 210 Questionable Data register 208 setting lower and upper limits 209 locating instruments 45 low-pass filter 127 M M/x-B 200 managing folders and files 261 copying files 264
Index R radix 25 range 124 range example 124 reading count query 245 statistical functions 204 reading decimation 229 reading formats 238 reading memory 241 creating data files 251 creating folders 249 creating state files 253 default folder 251 reading threshold 246 transferring readings to output buffer 242 reading the battery level 21 reading the current count 169 reading transfer size 240 reading transfers memory to output buffer 242 reading units 201 real data formats 238 REAL format reading length 24
Index system trigger 148 count 152 delay 151 sample count 153 slope 150 source 149 T threshold reading memory 246 threshold level 129 absolute 130 auto-level 131 example 132 pulse measurements 136 relative 131 with DC and AC coupling 133 threshold slope 139 time and date setting 28 time base 29 time interval errors due to hysteresis 138 external gate signal polarity 171 time interval measurements 89 duty cycle 99 gating 170 phase 102 pulse width 96 rise and fall time 93 single-channel 92 single-period 104
