Virtual Power Meter Operators Manual Model VPM3 This is a preliminary manual. Specifications, limits, and text are subject to change without notice. The information within this manual was as complete as possible at the time of printing. Bird Electronic Corporation is not liable for errors. ©Copyright 2013 by Bird Electronic Corporation Instruction Book Part Number 920-VPM3 Rev.
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About This Manual This manual covers the operating and maintenance instructions for the following models: VPM3 Changes to this Manual We have made every effort to ensure this manual is accurate. If you discover any errors, or if you have suggestions for improving this manual, please send your comments to our Solon, Ohio factory. This manual may be periodically updated. When inquiring about updates to this manual refer to the part number and revision on the title page.
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Table of Contents About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Changes to this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Literature Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Chapter Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Chapter 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 New Sensor Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Close Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Save Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For Statistical Senors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Forward and Reflected Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Match . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Forward Peak Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 5 Statistical Power Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Statistical Power Measurement Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Complementary Cumulative Distribution Function (CCDF) . . . . . . . . . . 39 Example - 9 Channel CMA, One Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Example - LTE vs Gaussian Noise . . . . . .
Chapter 1 Introduction Power measurements verify and monitor the condition of a transmitter system. To measure transmitter power, connect an external power sensor to the PC then start the Virtual Power Meter program. Power sensors that are compatible with the VPM are the Bird 5012B, 5014, 5015, 5015-EF, 5016B, 5017B, 5018B, 5019B, 7020, and STAT power sensors. Note: ONLY sensors that have USB connections can be used with VPM3 software.
Figure 1 VPM Compatible Sensors 7020 Power Sensor (WPS) 7022 Statistical Power Sensor (STAT) Directional Power Sensor (DPS) Wide Band Power Sensor (WPS) Terminating Power Sensor (TPS) 2
Chapter 2 Set Up Installing the VPM 1. 2. Insert installation CD. Select Install Software when prompted. Note: Set-up will inspect the computer for any missing operating system prerequisites. If all are present, skip to step 6. 3. Select ‘Next ‘and the install utility begins the Prerequisites Installation process. Figure 2 Install, Prerequisites Installation 4. 5. Review the End-User License Agreement, check “I accept the terms of the License Agreement” and select “Install.
8. 9. Select the ‘Logging’ tab. Enter a folder local to the PC to store log file data. Note: This can be changed at any time in the Preferences. All active sensor sessions must be closed before Preferences Dialog can be opened. 10. Select the Advanced Tab. 11. Select the language in the drop down menu. Note: For Mandarin Chinese, the East Asian languages files must be installed. See “Language” on page 4. Note: For any non-US English language setting, select ‘Windows’.
4. 5. Click the ‘Install files for East Asian languages’ button. Follow prompts. Note: For any language change the application, must be restarted. Note: All active sensor sessions must be closed before Preferences Dialog can be opened. Clear Message Box State When this button is pressed, the Message will delete all store messages. Figure 3 Preferences, General File Locations Note: Unless changed, the default directories are located in Documents\VPM3 directory.
Advanced Chart History (points) Sets the number of points to be collected in a session. Playback History (frames) Sets the number of frames created during a session.
Connecting a Sensor Note: Refer to the individual power sensor manual for specific information regarding its sensor connections.
1. Connect a power sensor to the computers USB port with a USB cable. Note: Bird USB sensors are HID compliant devices and do not require any driver installation. The only exception is the 7022 STAT power sensor which requires an installed driver. Note: The 5014 and 5015 sensors LED will illuminate continually when properly recognized by the host PC. Note: The 5012B, 5016B, 5017B, 5018B, and 5019B sensors LED will blink when properly recognized by the host PC. 2. Launch the VPM3. 3.
Figure 7 DPS Element Orientation Connecting the Wideband Power Sensor (WPS) 1. Connect the Bird WPS to the a USB port on the PC using the sensor cable provided. 2. Connect the WPS to the RF line so that the arrow on the sensor points towards the load. Connecting the Terminating Power Sensor (TPS) CAUTION Discharge all static potentials before connecting the TPS(-EF). Electrostatic shock could damage the sensor. CAUTION When connecting the TPS or the TPS-EF, only turn the connector nut.
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Chapter 3 Average Power Mode Display Types Typical functions are selecting the type of measurement, type of element, units of measure, measurement scales, offset values, and zeroing the sensor. When a power sensor is properly connected (and detected), a status message, located at the top of the Power Meter screen, will indicate the model number of the power sensor (i.e., Bird model number). A popup with all decimals in the reading will display when a mouse icon hovers over the specific reading.
Figure 8 VPM Screen, Power Display 1 2 8 7 6 4 5 3 Item 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 12 Description Model of connected power sensor Softkey Labels Display Type Menu Label Keys Sensor Status Sensor Readings Power Meter Limit Indicators
Meter Display Provides for a more traditional, analog-style view of main power display. The selected measurement type is displayed in the analog meter as well as the preset limits for the currently selected measurement. The scale of the graph can be set to auto or full-scale. Sensor Readings Numerical readout of selected measurement type and ancillary readings is displayed under the meter display. Red indicates a questionable measurement.
Chart Display Used to display running time trace of all data collected by a sensor session or to review data saved to a log file. Note: Displaying the running time trace does not automatically save data to a file. The Logging function must be activated to save data. See “Logging” on page 30.
Show Markers Toggles markers on & off. See “Markers” on page 15. Show Grid Turns major & minor grid on/off Show Points Toggles points on each data location Best Fit Data Adjust scales to show entire range of data Set Lower/Upper Delta Marker Moves the marker to the location of the mouse pointer & automatically sets the position in time for the marker. Figure 11 Chart Display, Options Menu Options Menu Markers Click on marker & slide, also can type time in display to move markers to exact time location.
Axis Scaling Right click on Y or X axis to change scale from Auto to user-defined. Figure 13 Chart Display, Changing Scale Manual Axis Scaling Change Time axis to ‘Manual’ allows scroll keys to be activated << , >> - Moves chart to start, end of log < , > - Moves chart one span to the left or right Auto Scroll - When checked, the chart will automatically advance forward in time maintaining the same interval specified in the manual scale entry.
Menu Bar File New Sensor Session Displays sensor list and connection status dialog. Does not close the active sensor window/connection. Open Session - Displays the session open file dialog. Preset - Displays the preset open file dialog. Measurement - Displays the measurement open file dialog. Reference Measurement - Displays the measurement open file dialog. Close Session Closes the active session window. Save Session Saves the active session without displaying the session file save dialog.
Mode Note: The Mode menu is only displayed if the sensor supports more than one measurement mode. For the 7022 sensor the following is displayed. Statistical Switch to Statistical mode. See “Statistical Power Mode” on page 37 Note: The mode tab will update to reflect this. Time Domain Switch to Time Domain mode. See “Time Domain Mode” on page 33. Note: The mode tab will update to reflect this. Average Power Switch to Average Power mode. See “Average Power Mode” on page 11.
Smoothing Note: The smoothing in this menu item is available only with the 7022 and is performed in the sensor itself. It only effects the average power measurement in the forward direction and is used for very low rep rate signals (<200Hz). Selects smoothing that is performed by the sensor for average forward and reflected power. None - No smoothing is performed. Low - Uses a moving average of 8 samples. Medium - Uses a moving average of 16 samples.
Units Power - Toggles the power measurement between Watts and Decibels. Match - Allows selection of match measurement units. Note: This is dependent on the sensor attached. Start Acquisition Starts a trace for the selected session. Stop Acquisition Holds a trace until a started again. Max Hold Holds and displays the highest trace data points. Zero Performs a zero calibraion on the selected sensor. See “Zeroing a Sensor” on page 32. Log Enable Data Logging Starts monitoring the selected Measurement type.
Details When selected, it will display the details of the measurement. Fullscreen Mode Toggles the display to full screen on and off. Display Style Choose between three: Digital Analog Chart Meter Range Choose between two: Auto Full Smoothing Choose between two: Enabled Specify Number of Readings Playback Choose between six: Clear Buffer No Delay 1 sec 2 sec 4 sec 8 sec Window Cascade Sessions Organizes the sessions in a cascading, offset display.
Help User Manual Opens a html version of the user manual. About Virtual Power Meter Displays version info about the VPM and any attached sensors. About Sensor Displays model information of the selected sensor. Menu Label Keys Configure Note: Specific configuration features depend upon the power sensor being used. When the Configure menu key is pressed, the soft key functions that specify the setup information about the sensor and the measurements are enabled.
1. Press the Input Offset soft key and use the key pad to enter the amount of attenuation then press the Enter key. 2. Press the soft key to select Auto Duty Cycle. 3. Press the soft key to select Auto Range. Figure 17 VPM, Configure, WPS For Sensor 5015 and 5015-EF 1. 2. Press the Power: Watts soft key. Press the Input Offset soft key and use the key pad to enter the amount of attenuation then press the Enter key.
Figure 18 VPM, Configure, TPS For Sensor 5014 43 Peak - Refer to the 5014 owner’s manual. DPM - Refer to the 5014 owner’s manual. 1. Press the soft key to select the type of element. 2. Press the Forward Scale to enter the watt rating of the forward element. 3. Press the F/R Scale 10:1 Ratio soft key to select ON. 4. Press the Input Offset soft key and use the key pad to enter the amount of attenuation then press the Enter key.
Measurement Note: Specific measurement types depend upon the power sensor being used. Figure 20 VPM, Type, WPS Figure 21 VPM, Type, DPS Forward and Reflected Power Average power is a measure of the equivalent “heating” power of a signal, as measured with a calorimeter. It measures the total RF power in the system, and does not depend on number of carriers or modulation scheme.
Match Match measures the relation between forward and reflected average power. The health of the feedline and antenna systems can be monitored using Match, or VSWR, measurement under full power operating conditions. High VSWR is an indicator of feed line damage, overtightened cable or feed line clamps, or antenna changes/damage due to weather conditions, icing, or structural damage to the tower.
Burst average power is calculated in the 7022 automatically using the average detector and the duty cycle. Burst average power can also be calculated in the time domain mode using the average power between markers function. Burst power measurements provide accurate, stable measurements in bursting applications such as TDMA and radar. Accurately measuring the output signal strength is essential for optimizing radar coverage patterns. Actual transmitted power in a single timeslot can be deter-mined in TDMA.
CCDF measurements are most useful for pseudo-random signals, such as WCDMA, where a high CCDF means that the transmitter is being overdriven. CCDF can also detect amplitude distortion within an envelope caused by unwanted modulating signals. In TDMA systems, CCDF indicates the health of power amplifier stages and their ability to sustain rated power over an appropriate timeframe.
Figure 27 VPM, Units, TPS Figure 28 VPM, Units, DPS File Note: Save and Save As captures the most recent measurement readings. It will not store the time-chart information. To store time chart display, ensure logging is enabled. See “Logging” on page 30. Save Press this soft key to create a snapshot of the readings displayed on the screen. That snapshot is saved in the log file folder “Setup” in the Preferences under the File menu item.
Save As Same as Quick Save, only the program will request a title to save the trace under. Figure 29 VPM, File Enable Enable Logging See “Logging” on page 30. Logging Settings See “Logging” on page 30. Open Preset Applies a preset to the measurement. Logging Measurement logging is a powerful tool for monitoring and tracking system performance. Storing the readings enables the ability to graph the output over time, know the exact time of a failure, or compare systems.
Analyzing Logged Data The simplest way to view logged data is to recall in VPM3. See “Chart Display” on page 14. Note: Only log files saved as .xml can be opened and viewed in the VPM3. Files saved in comma-separated format (CSV) can be read by most common spreadsheet programs. Since logged data is stored in a text file in an .xml or comma-separated text file where each line is one data record. Fields are separated by commas format, it is also readable by most spreadsheet programs.
2. Create a graph of the forward and reflected average power as a function of time: a. Select row 1 by clicking on the row name. b. Select Delete, under the Edit tab. e. Note: The first line of header information will be deleted. Click on cell B1. While holding down the Ctrl key, select columns B (Time), H (Avg Fwd W), and J (Avg Rfl W). Select Chart, under the Insert tab. f. g. h. i. j. k. Note: The chart wizard should open. Select XY (Scatter). Select the Line subtype. Click Next.
Chapter 4 Time Domain Mode Display Figure 31 Item 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Screen Features, Time Domain Description Model of connected power sensor Lower Delta Marker Upper Delta Marker Menu Label Keys Sensor Status Modes Hard Key Menu Limit Indicators/Statistic Indicators Marker Indicators Time Domain Plot 33
Menu Bar File See “File” on page 17. Mode See “Mode” on page 18. Configure Note: This menu will change depending on the sensor being displayed. Input Offset To read the true power when using a coupler or attenuator, enter (in dB) the attenuation or coupling factor. To convert percentages to dB, use the equation: Attenuation dB = 10 Log10 Attenuation percent 100 Note: The Bird 5015-EF uses frequency-dependent correction factors to provide more accurate measurements that are entered here.
Frequency Setpoint See “Frequency Setpoint” on page 19. Duty Cycle See “Duty Cycle” on page 19. Measurement Start Acquisition Starts a trace for the selected session. Stop Acquisition Holds a trace until a started again. Enable Pulse Measurement Starts a pulse trace for the selected session. Zero See “Zeroing a Sensor” on page 32. Trigger Source Choose between three: Internal - Triggered when the signal crosses the specified trigger level.
Edge When the selected source is Internal, this selects the direction that the signal crosses the specified trigger level to cause a trigger event. Choose between two: Rising Falling Level... Note: Auto level was added that sets the trigger level automatically half way between the max and min values of the previous time domain data set. Sets a specific the trigger power level when the source is internal. Delay... Specifies the delay between the trigger event and the start of the signal acquisition.
Chapter 5 Statistical Power Mode Most modern wireless communication systems employ complex modulation and channel access methods like orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), or code division multiple access (CDMA). These methods use a combination of amplitude and phase modulation to create symbol based multichannel or multicarrier systems that result in pseudorandom or noise-like power envelopes.
Display Figure 32 Item 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 38 Screen Features, Statistical Mode Description Model of connected power sensor Lower Delta Marker Upper Delta Marker Menu Label Keys Sensor Status Modes Hard Key Menu Limit Indicators/Statistic Indicators Marker Indicators Time Domain Plot
Statistical Power Measurement Methodology Complementary Cumulative Distribution Function (CCDF) The most commonly used parameter is that of the Complementary Cumulative Distribution Function (CCDF), which provides an indication as to the probability that the measured power level is greater than a specific power value. This technique has become extremely useful with modern communications systems, where power levels appear to be noise-like, and do not follow a traditional power envelope.
Poor amplifier linearity caused by amplifier compression. This results in signal distortion and poor fidelity of transmitted waveforms. Antenna damage or degradation resulting in high transmission system reflections. Issues with transmitter modulator performance resulting in high error vector magnitude (EVM). Many of the above transmission system issues may be identified through the use of the statistical techniques mentioned above.
Menu Bar File See “File” on page 17. Mode See “Mode” on page 18. Configure Note: This menu will change depending on the sensor being displayed. Scale Specifies the maximum of the Upper Range. Run Mode There are two settings to choose from: Normal - Takes one measurement and stops. Clear Restart - Once a measurement has been completed and displayed another is started automatically.
Figure 33 Confidence Factor Measurement Start Acquisition Starts a trace for the selected session. Stop Acquisition Holds a trace until a started again. Show/Hide Reference Sets the reference display. Log See “Logging” on page 30. View See “View” on page 20. Window See “Window” on page 21. Help See “Help” on page 22.
Chapter 6 Power Sensors Accuracy The Bird power sensors are highly accurate. Accuracy is specified for each sensor type is typically given as a percent of reading or of full-scale. Example - If a sensor has a specified accuracy of 5% of reading + 1.0 uW, then for a 10 mW signal the uncertainty is ± 0.501 mW. For a 1 mW signal the measurement uncertainty is ± 0.051 mW. Sensor Uncertainty While this value is a good estimate, the sensor is actually more accurate.
The root sum square (RSS) uncertainty is the industry standard method for combining independent uncertainties. To determine the TPS's RSS uncertainty: 1. Square each uncertainty factor. 2. Add these values together. 3. Take the square root of this sum. Table 3 has two examples of uncertainty calculations. The first is a 10 mW signal at room temperature. The second is a 10 μW, 40 MHz signal at 50°C. Since this measurement is at both low frequency and high temperature, the uncertainty will be increased.
Example - If a source with a 1.50:1 VSWR with the Terminating Power Sensor was used, which has a max VSWR of 1.20:1, the mismatch uncertainty would be calculated as follows: s = 1.50 – 1 1.50 + 1 = 0.200 1 = 1.20 – 1 1.20 + 1 = 0.091 2 MU = 1 + 0.200 0.091 – 1 100 = 3.67 If a source with a 1.30:1 VSWR was used instead, the mismatch uncertainty would be: s = 1.30 – 1 1.30 + 1 = 0.130 1 = 1.20 – 1 1.20 + 1 = 0.091 2 MU = 1 + 0.130 0.
Directional Power Sensor (DPS) Measurements Description The DPS series sensors utilize elements in order to make power measurements. Each element has an arrow on it that represents the direction in which it measures power. The elements ignore power in the opposite direction with a directivity of at least 25 dB. The DPS series can make power measurements using either 43 type or APM/DPM elements, and the readings available vary, based on which elements are being used.
Terminating Power Sensor (TPS) Description The Bird Terminating Power Sensor (TPS) and 5015-EF extended frequency TPS are a diode-based power sensors that measures true average power. For best results, wait 5 minutes after applying power to the sensor before taking readings. Zeroing Sensor Over time, the sensor’s “zero value” (reading with no applied RF power) can drift, making all readings inaccurate by this value. For example, if the zero value is –0.
Wideband Power Sensor (WPS) Measurements Note: WPS Firmware V1.45 or latter is required to operate on the VPM3. Description The Bird Wideband Power Sensor (WPS) is a Thruline sensor that can measure average, peak, or burst power, VSWR, crest factor, and Complementary Cumulative Distribution Function (CCDF). Note: Firmware upgrades extending the WPS’s capabilities may be periodically released.
Statistical Power Sensor (SPS) Measurements Note: WPS Firmware V1.45 or latter is required to operate on the VPM3. Description The Bird STAT Power Sensor (SPS) is a Thruline sensor that can measure Average, Real Time, and Statistical. It is used with the Bird Virtual Power Meter Software (VPM3). Note: Firmware upgrades extending the SPS’s capabilities may be periodically released. For the latest firmware upgrade, contact Bird Customer Service at (440) 248-1200 or visit our website at http:// www.birdrf.com.
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Chapter 7 Specifications Minimum PC Requirements Operating System Microsoft Windows 2000 with service pack 4 Microsoft Windows XP and XP Professional with service pack 2 Microsoft Windows Vista with service pack 1 Microsoft Windows 7 Microsoft Internet Explorer Adobe Acrobat reader Processor 256 MB RAM & Pentium III or equivalent processor (512 MB & Pentium 4/M or higher recommended) Display 800x600, 256 color display (1280x720, 16 bit or higher resolution recommended) Memory* Windows 2000 Windows X
Appendix Error Message Invalid device or device handle Invalid parameter (generic) Invalid address offset given Operation timeout Error during I/O operation (communications) Device uninitialized Invalid instance (NULL) Invalid data/parameter length Checksum value does not match computed Invalid data (generic) Unexpected type Incomplete data structure Memory capacity not sufficient Operation out of synch Memory allocation failed CPU exception 5 : Bus Error Data Fetch CPU exception 6 : Bus Error Instruction F
CPU exception 19 : DTLB Protection Write CPU exception 20 : DTLB Modified CPU exception 21 : ITLB Miss CPU exception 22 : DTLB Miss Read CPU exception 23 : DTLB Miss Write Unspecified error or device translation error Unable to add all tasks Unable to initialize USB device hardware Failed to initialize storage media Failed to initialize FPGA programming interface Failed to initialize FPGA register interface Failed to program FPGA image into fabric Unknown command or query received internally by execution bl
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Limited Warranty All products manufactured by Seller are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year, unless otherwise specified, from date of shipment and to conform to applicable specifications, drawings, blueprints and/or samples.
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