User’s Guide 52000 Series USB Power Sensor/Meter Taking performance to a new peak
Notices © BOONTON (A WIRELESS TELECOM GROUP COMPANY) 2006 This document contains information which is protected by copyright. Reproduction, adaptation, or translation without prior permission is prohibited, except as allowed under the copyright laws. www.boonton.com Disclaimer Warranty The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
User’s Guide Welcome Thank you for choosing the 52000 Series USB Power Sensors/Meter and welcome to the Boonton User’s Guide. This manual will guide you through the following sections: • Software installation • Hardware installation • Using the software • Getting more from your system Introduction The 52000 CW power sensors/meter are a new series of products which connect directly to a laptop or desktop computer using a standard USB port, without the need for a stand alone meter.
What you should have Before you start, please check you have the following items (Refer to Figure 1 “What you should have” on page 4): • 52000 CW power sensor (52012 or 52018) • 6 feet (1.82m) USB cable (USB2-AB-06BK) • Boonton software CD • Product warranty card • This User’s Guide CD USB Cable Warranty Card User’s Guide 52012 CW Power Sensor ESD 10MHz - 12.4GHz 10nW - 100mW (-50dBm to 20dBm) Earth ground must be connected Max pwr +23dBm avg, +30dBm peak for 1us +/- 10.0VDC Max.
Contents Introduction..............................................................................................3 Key Features..............................................................................................3 What you should have...........................................................................4 Installation Of Software Install procedure......................................................................................
Measuring GSM mobile signals....................................................... 31 Making a measurement...................................................................... 32 Measuring power greater than +20dBm (100mW)................... 33 Measuring an attenuator using relative mode........................... 34 How to use measurement limts....................................................... 35 How to use trace mode......................................................................
Safety And Specifications Safety notices....................................................................................... 60 EC declaration of conformity............................................................ 61 WEEE Directive...................................................................................... 62 Product descriptions and requirements......................................... 62 Minimum PC requirements................................................................
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1 Installation Of Software This chapter provides information about installing the Boonton power sensor/meter software. Before you start, please check your PC for software compatibility. Refer to “Minimum PC requirements” on page 63 for more information. Install procedure To install the Boonton software, follow these steps: Caution Do not connect any hardware to your PC until you have installed the Boonton software. Note If you are using Windows XP SP1, disconnect any LAN connections.
Figure 2 Start of installation software 4 Check the software matches your sensor types and then select Continue The sensor part numbers are listed on the side of the sensor. Refer to Figure 3 on page 10. Figure 3 Check sensor part number 5 Carefully read all of the License Agreement. If you accept the terms and conditions of the license agreement, enable the Accept option and then select Continue. If you have any questions about this agreement, then please contact us. Refer to Figure 4 on page 11.
Figure 4 License agreement 6 Choose the installation location, whether you want a desktop icon and a shortcut added to your start menu, then select Continue It is recommended that you use the default installation options. Refer to Figure 5 on page 11. Figure 5 Installation location 7 Select Finish when the installation has completed Refer to Figure 6 on page 12.
Figure 6 Installation completed Note At the end of the installation you are asked to connect your sensor. Refer to “USB Installation” on page 13 for more information.
2 USB Installation This chapter explains the process for installing and enabling the USB drivers for your 52000 series CW power sensor/meter. These drivers are required to enable effective measurement data Transfer. There are two USB driver installation procedures covered in this chapter – one for Windows® XP SP1 and the other for Windows® XP SP2. To identify which operating system you have on your PC, refer to “How to identify your PC operating system” on page 55.
Figure 7 Windows hardware installation wizard 3. Choose “Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)” and select Next. Refer to Figure 8 on page14.
4. Choose “Include this location in the search”. Refer to Figure 9 on page 15. Figure 9 Choose the installation location 5. Browse to the following location: C:\ProgramFiles\Boonton\Driver. If you have changed the default installation location, navigate to the Boonton installation folder. 6. Select Next. 7. (Optional) During the installation Windows may check the driver compatibility. Select Continue Anyway. The USB sensor driver is a valid driver and will not damage your system.
The USB driver that is installed is a generic USB sensor driver and it is used for a range of USB sensors. The sensor driver installed on your PC is called FTDI FT8U2XX Device. Driver installation with Windows® XP SP1 Figure 10 Continue Anyway with installation 8. The driver will now be installed. 9. Select Finish when the driver installation is complete. Windows will now confirm it has identified the USB sensor hardware.
1. Connect your sensor to the USB port of your PC. The Windows Hardware Wizard starts automatically. Refer to “How to connect your sensor” on page 21 for more information. 2. Choose “No not at this time” and select Next. Refer to Figure 7 on page 14. Figure 11 Windows hardware installation wizard 3. Choose “Install from a list or specific location(Advanced)” and select Next.
Figure 12 USB Driver location 4. Choose “Include this location in the search”. Refer to Figure 9 on page15.
5. Browse to the following location: C:\ProgramFiles\Boonton\Driver. If you have changed the default installation location, navigate to the Boonton installation folder. 6. Select Next. 7. (Optional) During the installation Windows may check the driver compatibility. Select Continue Anyway. The USB sensor driver is a valid driver and will not damage your system. Refer to Figure 10 on page 16. Figure 14 Continue Anyway with installation 8. The driver will now be installed. 9.
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3 Hardware Connections This chapter provides an overview of how to connect your 52000 CW power sensor/meter in your test environment. How to connect your sensor The section describes some typical connection configurations. Connection to your PC Connection to your PC is through a USB cable (supplied with your sensor). The 52000 series CW Power sensor/meter is USB 2.0 compatible. It is recommended that you use the USB cable supplied with your sensor.
Connection to your unit under test (UUT) The 52000 series CW power sensor/meter has a standard SMA-m connection port. The recommended torque for the SMA-m connection is 5 lbs/in (0.5 Nm). Refer to Figure 16 “Typical sensor to UUT connection” on page 22 for a diagram of the sensor connection. Your PC Test signal source USB Cable Signal cable Unit Under Test (UUT) 52012 CW Power Sensor ESD 10MHz - 12.
Connecting multiple sensors It is possible to connect and monitor multiple sensors. The number of sensors you can connect to your PC depends on your system configuration. For example, you may chose to use a USB hub interface. If this is the case, then carefully read the USB hub manufacturer’s instructions when connecting and configuring external USB devices. Refer to Figure 17 “A typical multiple sensor configuration” on page 23 for a diagram of a typical multiple sensor configuration.
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4 Using The Software This chapter describes how to use the Boonton software when making typical power measurements. It also provides a description of the user interface and key features of the software. Using the software Once you have installed the software, configured your USB drivers and connected your hardware, you are ready to make measurements using the Boonton software. If you chose the default installation, you should have an icon on your desktop for the test software.
When the software is started, measurement results are displayed right away. However you are reminded that you should zero the sensor. Zero your sensor On the right side of the user interface you are reminded that the sensor is not zeroed. For more information on zeroing your sensor, refer to “What is zeroing?” on page 56. Use the following procedure to zero your measurement sensor: Making a measurement The following procedure outlines a typical measurement procedure. Do this Comment 1.
Figure 19 Control panel 3. Choose Log Power from the measurement mode section of the control panel dialog box. Top left corner of the dialog box. Figure 20 Log power 4. Enter the desired measurement frequency.
5. Choose Use Table in the calibration factor section of the control dialog box. This uses the sensor’s internal calibration table. Refer to Figure 22 on page 28. Figure 22 Use table 6. Select Apply and Close the measurement control panel. Figure 23 Apply button 7. Enable the unit under test (UUT) providing a signal to the sensor. 8. The power measurement is displayed. For definitions of dB and dBm, refer to “What is a dB?” on page 57 and “What is a dBm?” on page 58.
1. Connect all your sensors to your PC. 2. Double-click on the desktop icon for the Boonton software. 3. To identify which sensor you are connected to, match the serial number on the display with the serial number on the sensor. Refer to Figure 24 on page 29. Figure 24 Sensor serial number identification 4. Configure your measurement software. Refer to “Making a measurement” on page 26. 5. Again, double-click on the desktop icon for the Boonton software and start another application. 6.
How to make a pulse power measurement The following procedure outlines how to set up and make a pulse power measurement. For more information on pulse power measurement refer to “Pulse measurement and setting the duty cycle” on page 56. 1. Open the application. 2. Zero your sensor. Refer to “Zero your sensor” on page 26. 3. Open the measurement control panel. Select the control panel icon or select Measurement > Control Panel. 4. Enable the duty cycle option and set the duty cycle percentage.
pulse period on time pulse power average power time on time x 100% duty cycle = pulse period average power = pulse power x 1 p.r.f. = pulse period on time pulse period Watts Figure 26 Typical RF burst Measuring GSM mobile signals GSM mobile signals are usually present for a single time-slot per frame, that is, for approximately one eighth of the time, since there are eight time slots per frame.
1 TDMA frame (4.615 ms) 8 TB 3 1 Data 57 3 2 4 5 Training 26 f 1 6 7 f 1 8 1 Data 57 TB GB 3 8.25 1 timeslot (0.577 ms) TB = Tail Bits f = Flag GB = Guard Band Figure 27 GSM TDMA structure and normal burst In some cases, when the modulation is GPRS, multiple time slots are used. The correct duty cycle can be found by multiplying 11.6% by the number of active time-slots. Making a measurement Follow this procedure: 1. Start the application. 2. zero the sensor.
Measuring power greater than +20dBm (100mW) The offset facility is useful when an attenuator or amplifier is used ahead of the sensor. For example, if a 10.00 dB attenuator could be placed before the sensor to measure powers up to +30dBm (1 Watt). Caution Do not apply more than +20dBm directly to the sensor. This level of power will damage the sensor. 1. Connect the sensor and open the application. Refer to “Making a measurement” on page 32. 2. Zero the sensor. Refer to “Zero your sensor” on page 26. 3.
Offset +30 dBm 10dB PAD 52012 CW Power Sensor ESD 10MHz - 12.4GHz 10nW - 100mW (-50dBm to 20dBm) Earth ground must be connected Max pwr +23dBm avg, +30dBm peak for 1us +/- 10.0VDC Max. 52012 Sensor Figure 28 Sensor configuration using an attenuator Measuring an attenuator using relative mode Use relative mode to measure an attenuator, similar to the type used when measuring power greater than +20dBm. The process is as follows: 1. Connect the sensor and open the application.
Figure 29 Enable relative measurement mode 6. Select the Set button. The display should be 0.000 dB. 7. Remove the attenuator and reconnect the sensor to signal generator. 8. The sensor now reads the value of the attenuator, in dB, at the measurement frequency. 9. This value may be entered in the measurement offset. How to use measurement limits The limit facility is useful for placing a guard band around a measurement.
3. Set the measurement frequency. This is set in the measurement control panel. 4. In the measurment control panel, enable the limits options. Refer to Figure 30 on page 36. Figure 30 Setting measurement limits 5. Set the Low (dB) limit to 2dBm. 6. Set the High (dB) limit to 4dBm These limit settings are shown on the status area of the user interface. If the level drops below 2dBm then a low limit warning message will appear. Refer to Figure 31 on page 37.
Figure 31 Low limits warning message If the level rise above 4dBm then a high limit warning message will appear. Refer to Figure 32 on page 37.
How to use trace mode The trace facility is useful for plotting the level being measured by the sensor over a period of time. To configure a trace, open the trace control dialog box. Select the trace icon or select Tools > Trace... The trace is configured as follows: 1. Set the number of samples. This is the number of samples to be taken for the trace. 2. Set the sample period. This is the time between the plotted points. Refer to Figure 33 on page 38. Figure 33 Trace control dialog box 3.
4. Set the plot scaling to Auto. The Y-axis is automatically scaled to suit the Min and Max values associated with the level being plotted. 5. (Optional) Disable plot scaling. The Y-axis uses the entered Min and Max values. 6. Set temperature display, enable the sensor option. The temperature is displayed with a red trace. 7. (Optional) Enable the Auto Scale option. The Y-axis is automatically scaled to suit the Min and Max temperature values.
Figure 35 Trace controls dialog box When the trace is complete, markers for making X and Y measurements can be turned on by selecting the markers icon or selecting Trace > Markers in the menu bar. Refer to Figure 36 on page 40.
Figure 36 Trace markers The displayed trace can be saved by selecting the File > Save Trace in the trace control dialog box. A trace can be recalled by selecting File > Recall Trace. The raw data used todraw the trace can be saved in a file by selecting the Save Data icon. To exit trace mode select the exit icon or select Trace > Exit. Note Do not select the window close icon at the top right of the application to exit the trace feature as this closes the whole application. Instead select the close icon .
Error and status messages The right side of the users interface displays a series of warnings and status messages. These are described as follows: Sensor not zeroed This message is displayed when the application first detects a sensor or the sensor needs to be re-zeroed. Refer to “Zero your sensor” on page 26 for more information. Refer to Figure 37 on page 42. Sensor frequency, offset and duty cycle enabled These message let you know your measurement frequency setting.
Sensor overload This warning message indicates a sensor overload. Refer to Figure 38 on page 43. Figure 38 Sensor overload warning message High limit exceeded This warning message tells you when you have exceeded the high measurement limit you have set in the measurement control panel. When you see this warning message, reduce the power being tested. Refer to Figure 39 on page 43.
Low limit exceeded This warning message tells you when you have exceeded the low measurement limit you have set in the measurement control panel. When you see this warning message, increase the power being tested.Refer to Figure 40 on page 44. Figure 40 Low limit warning Zero sensor - temperature change When the temperature of the sensor is too great for the reliable measurement to be made, the zero sensor and temperature warning message is displayed. Refer to Figure 41 on page 44.
Manually entered cal factor When you have entered a cal table, the entries are displayed on the user interface. Refer to on page 45.
5 Description of Software The following section describes the basic software features. For more information on the software and menu options, refer to the online help in the application. Description of icons The icons, along the top of the application, are used for accessing the most common tasks. The icons are used as follows: Icon Description Opens the control panel. Starts the zero sensor process. Sets the sensor frequency. Changes the display between dBm nW.
Description of menu options The following describes the menu options from the application. File Menu Save Setup Allows current setup to be saved to a simple text file. Recall Setup Allows a previous setup to be recalled. Firmware download Lets you update the firmware revision of the sensor. Exit Exits the application. Measurement Menu Control Panel The control panel is used for setting most of the user interface components and key measurement factors.
Calculators This menu option gives you access to three useful microwave calculators. These are: • VSWR Mismatch • Parameters • Power Units Converter The VSWR Mismatch calculator and the Parameter calculator have help files which describe their operation. Help Menu USB Power Sensor Help Opens the application help which provides detailed descriptions of the features being used. Help on the measurement control panel is displayed when you select the help button in the dialog box.
6 Enhanced Features This chapter outlines the advanced capabilities of the 52000 series CW power sensor/meter software.There are brief outlines and descriptions of how the software can be integrated into other test environments such as C++, Agilent VEE and National Instruments® NI. Refer to the programming reference guide for more details . An electronic version is included on your Boonton CD.
The file USB Sensor Lib.dll can reside in the same directory as your application executable file, or in a path known to your application executable file. The file USB Sensor Lib.lib must reside in a path known to the linker that will link to your application. The file USB Sensor.h contains definitions required by the USB Sensor function calls and must reside in a path known to the compiler that will compile your source code.
7 Troubleshooting This chapter explains how to fix some typical software and hardware configuration issues that you may have encountered. It also provides some technical background information that can help you better understand your test environment. How to fix “No Sensor Connected” problems When you start your Boonton software application you can get the following condition message displayed - “No Sensor Connected”, refer to Figure 43 on page 51.
No sensor is attached to your PC Check all cable connections from your PC to your sensor. A connector may have been loosened and may not be making adequate contact. This is especially important when using multiple sensor configurations. The wrong USB driver has been installed If the wrong USB driver has been installed then there will be no consistent communication between your sensor and PC. Use the following procedure to identify the installed driver .
If this is NOT the driver listed in your Device Manager, then use the following procedure to remove the installed driver and configure the correct driver: The USB cable or USB port are faulty In the event of a faulty cable or port, try the following solutions: • Replace the cable with another high standard USB cable. • Use another USB port on your PC. If you only have one port on your PC, connect another USB device to the suspected port (for example a mouse or printer) and verify device recognition.
More than one application has been started It is possible to start multiple instances of the application software. The first time the application is started it checks the available USB ports for a recognised sensor. If the application is started again, but you only have one sensor connected, then the application will report a “No Sensor Connected” error. Check your PC Taskbar for any minimised applications.
How to identify your PC operating system The procedure for installing USB drivers differs slightly depending on which version of operating system you have on your PC. Follow this procedure to identify your operating system. Do this Comment 1. On your PC, select Start. 2. Highlight and right-click on My Computer. 3. Select Properties from the pop-up menu. This opens the System Properties dialog box. 4. Select the General tab. Refer to Figure 45 on page 55.
Other useful information The following sections provide some useful information about power measurement and your USB sensor. What is zeroing? Zeroing is a measurement process that ensures that the sensor indicates as close as possible to 0 watts when no power is applied. This ensures that the sensor gives the best possible linearity. Due to the very low voltages that are measured by the analogue to digital converter in the sensor, some averaging is necessary and the process takes about eleven seconds.
The RF in the burst is also assumed to be un-modulated. If it were amplitude modulated, for example, then the measurements would be likely to vary with time as the modulation and the voltage measurement made in the power meter would not be synchronized. Constant amplitude modes of modulation like phase or frequency modulation are permissible. What is a dB? The dBm and dB are common units occurring in power measurements. ‘dB’ is short for decibel.
What is a dBm? When one of the powers is defined, again for convenience, as 1mW, then the related unit, abbreviated to ‘dBm’, is described as follows. The table below gives some powers and their equivalent dBm values: Power 1 μW 10 μW 100 μW 0.25 mW 0.5 mW 1 mW 2 mW 4 mW 10 mW 100 mW 1W 58 dBm -30.00 -20.00 -10.00 -6.02 -3.01 0 3.01 6.02 10.00 20.00 30.
8 Contact and Support This chapter provides information about Boonton. It tells you how to get in touch and what to do if you are having problems or need more information about other products. Contacting Boonton To contact Boonton please contact your local representative or use the following e-mail address: boonton@boonton.com Our Website The Boonton website provides up to date product information and news. www.boonton.
9 Safety and Specifications This chapter provides information about the 52000 Series CW power sensor/meter safety compliance and sensor specifications. Safety notices Please careful read the following information: WARNING A WARNING denotes a hazard. A WARNING that is not followed and adhered to could result in injury or loss of life. Do not proceed beyond the WARNING note until you have carefully read and understood the note. Caution A CAUTION denotes a hazard.
Boonton 52000 Series 61
WEEE Directive Boonton will undertake a “take back” policy for all sensor products no longer fit for purpose and dispose of the said products under the European WEEE directive. Please contact Boonton for more details, refer to “Contacting Boonton”on page 59. Product descriptions and requirements The 52000 series CW power sensor/meter descriptions and PC specifications are as follows: Minimum PC requirements Your minimum recommended PC specifications are: PIII Windows XP SP2 256 RAM 600 MHz USB Port (1.
52012 Frequency 10MHz to 12.4GHz Measurement range -50 to +20dBm CW Operating Temperature 0 to 50 deg C Shock 25G, 11 ms Vibration 15G, 100 to 2000Hz Linearity error 25 +/- 5 deg C +/-0.27 dB; -40dBm to +10dBm; greater than or equal to 50 MHz +/-0.49 dB; +10dBm to +20dBm; greater than or equal to 50 MHz +/-0.28 dB; -40dBm to +10dBm; less than 50 MHz +/-0.95 dB; +10dBm to +20dBm; less than 50 MHz Cal factor error 25 +/- 5 deg C +/-0.24 dB; 10 MHz to 50 MHz +/-0.19 dB; 50MHz to 4.5GHz +/-0.
52018 Frequency 10MHz to 18.5GHz Measurement range -50 to +20dBm CW Operating Temperature 0 to 50 deg C Shock 25G, 11 ms Vibration 15G, 100 to 2000Hz Linearity error +/-0.27 dB; -40dBm to +10dBm; greater than or equal to 50 MHz +/-0.49 dB; +10dBm to +20dBm; greater than or equal to 50 MHz +/-0.28 dB; -40dBm to +10dBm; less than 50 MHz +/-0.95 dB; +10dBm to +20dBm; less than 50MHz Cal factor error 25 +/- 5 deg C +/-0.24 dB; 10 MHz to 50MHz +/-0.19 dB; 50MHz to 4.5GHz +/-0.23 dB; 4.5GHz to 8.
Index A Attenuator........................................................................................................... 33 C cautions................................................................................................................ 60 compliance.......................................................................................................... 60 connecting multiple sensors ......................................................................... 23 connection torque ..............
help menu .......................................................................................................... 48 high limit ............................................................................................................ 43 high limit exceeded ......................................................................................... 43 I icons .................................................................................................................... 46 identify operating system ..
pulse measurement .................................................................................. 30, 56 R return products ................................................................................................. 62 S safety notices .................................................................................................... 60 sensor driver installation ............................................................................... 13 sensor overload . ....................................
Boonton Electronics 25 Eastmans Rd. Parsippany, NJ 07054 U.S.A Tel. +1 973 386 9696 Fax. +1 973 386 9191 boonton@boonton.com www.boonton.com © Copyright 2006 Boonton Electronics (A Wireless Telecom Group Company). All rights reserved.
