“There Is No Substitute for Experience” DOW-KEY MICROWAVE MS, MP, CB Matrix Series MS-2U18SFRL-4/X-GPIB CAN BUS RF SWITCH MATRIX Operator’s Manual Rev 1 THE RF/MICROWAVE SWITCHING TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION COMPANY i
Copyright © Dow-Key Microwave Corporation 2010, all rights reserved. Information in this publication supersedes that in all previously published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. Dow-Key is a registered trademark of Dow-Key Microwave Corp. Document Number: 49101-259 Revision 1 4822 McGrath Street, Ventura, CA 93003 Tel: (805) 650-0260 Fax: (805) 650-1734 Visit at www.dowkey.
WARRANTY Dow-Key Microwave Corporation warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year from date of shipment. This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from product tampering or modification without DowKey’s express written consent. This warranty also does not apply to software, nonrechargeable batteries, power supplies, or problems arising from normal wear or failure to follow instructions.
Manual Revision History The revision history shown below lists all revisions and addendums created for this manual. The revision level increases numerically as the manual undergoes subsequent updates. Addendums are released between revisions and contain important change information that the user should incorporate immediately into the manual. When a new revision is created, all addendum associated with the previous revision of the manual are incorporated into the new revision of the manual.
Table of Contents 1 General Information...................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1 1.2 MS Matrices ....................................................................................................... 2 1.3 MP Matrices .......................................................................................................
.2 Condition Register ............................................................................................ 34 6.3 Event Register.................................................................................................. 34 6.4 Enable Register................................................................................................ 34 6.5 The Status Byte Register ................................................................................. 35 6.6 The Standard Event Register ........
1 General Information 1.1 Introduction The Dow-Key Microwave MS, MP, CB Switch Matrix series are electromechanical RF matrices. They come equipped with a GPIB (IEEE 488) port which allows the user to easily access the matrix remotely. Other interfaces included are an RS-232 port, an USB (used as virtual serial port) and a CAN Bus port. Any model 2 RU or higher also comes equipped with a touch screen LCD front panel display for manual (Local) operation.
General Information 1.2 MS Matrices MS-Series stands for Multiple Switches. It is a matrix where a number of independent switches are populated on the rear panel or inside the matrix enclosure. From an RF point of view the switches are not interconnected and all switch’s RF ports are available to the user on the rear panel of the matrix. Depending on the size of the switch and the quantities needed, the matrix size can grow from 1RU to 4RU (or even larger).
General Information 1.3 MP Matrices MP-Series stands for Multiplexer. It is a matrix with one input connecting to many outputs (only one at the time) or, since the RF switches are bi-directional, many inputs connected to one output (only one at the time). The switches are populated either on the rear panel or inside the matrix chassis. From an RF point of view the switches are interconnected and all input/output RF ports are available to the user on the rear panel of the matrix.
General Information 1.4 CB Matrices CB-Series stands for Crossbar. It is a matrix with several inputs connecting to several outputs. Only one input can be connected to one output at any given time. The switches are populated inside the matrix chassis and are interconnected so that any input can connect to any output and vice versa. All input/output RF ports are available to the user on the rear panel of the matrix.
General Information 1.
General Information 1.6 Safety Precaution Safety precautions should be observed before using this product and any associated instrumentation. This product is intended for use by qualified personnel who recognize the safety precautions required to avoid possible injury. 1.7 Inspection The Matrices were carefully inspected, both electrically and mechanically before shipment.
2 System Layout 2.1 Front Panel Layout 2 Note: The matrices shown below are with the LCD on the front panel and rear mounted switches. Matrices with front mounted switches have same dimensions regardless of switch location. See also Appendix A and B.
System Layout 2.2 Rear Panel Layout for 2U models Figure 2-2 shows the general layout of the rear panel of a variety of 2U models. All models have common parts which include: • Power Entry Module with built in Fuse • Chassis Ground Post • 9-Pin D-Sub Female RS232 Connector • 4-Pin XLR Female CAN Bus Connector • GPIB (IEEE 488) 25 pin Centronics Connector • USB type A Connector Other parts that are not common to all models are Coaxial RF switches and/or RF connectors.
System Layout 2.3 Rear Panel Layout for 3U models Figure 2-3 shows the general layout of the rear panel of a variety of 3U models. All models have common parts which include: • Power Entry Module with built in Fuse • Chassis Ground Post • 9-Pin D-Sub Female RS232 Connector • 4-Pin XLR Female CAN Bus Connector • GPIB (IEEE 488) 25 pin Centronics Connector • USB type A Connector Other parts that are not common to all models are Coaxial RF switches and/or RF connectors.
System Layout 3U MS series (with external switches) 3U MS series (with internal switches) or MP series or CB series 3U MS series combined with MP series or CB series GND stud Figure 2-3, Various 3U Models Rear Panel Layout 10
System Layout 2.4 Rear Panel Layout for 4U models Figure 2-4 shows the general layout of the rear panel of a variety of 4U models. All models have common parts which include: • Power Entry Module with built in Fuse • Chassis Ground Post • 9-Pin D-Sub Female RS232 Connector • 4-Pin XLR Female CAN Bus Connector • GPIB (IEEE 488) 25 pin Centronics Connector • USB type A Connector Other parts that are not common to all models are Coaxial RF switches and/or RF connectors.
System Layout 4U MS series (with external switches) 4U MS series (with internal switches) or MP series or CB series 4U MS series combined with MP series or CB series GND stud Figure 2-4, Various 4U Models Rear Panel Layout 12
System Layout 2.5 Top View Layout Figure 2-5 shows the top view layout of all models. Note: The dimension indicated on the drawing is for 3U and 4U models. For 2 U models the depth dimension is 15.
System Layout 2.6 RF configuration Refer to appendix B.
3 Connections 3.1 3.1.1 Power Connection Line Voltage The matrix operates from a line voltage in the range of 110V to 240V at a frequency of 50 or 60Hz. Line voltage selection is automatic. CAUTION: Operating the unit on an incorrect line voltage may cause damage, possibly voiding the warranty. 3.1.2 Line Power Connection Perform the following steps to connect the matrix to line power: 1. Connect the female end of the supplied power cord to the grounded AC receptacle on the rear panel. 2.
Connections Insert small bladed screwdriver to release the fuse. Figure 3-1, Power Entry Module Line Voltage Fuse Rating Manufacturer Manufacturer Part No. 110-240V 1A, slow blow, 250Vac, ¼” x 1-1/4” Bel Fuse Inc. 3SB 1-R Table 3-1, AC Line Fuse Information 3.2 Ground Connection The rear panel GND ground screw (refer figures 2-2, 2-3 and 2-4) should be connected to safety earth ground using #18 AWG or larger wire.
Connections 3.3 RS232 Connection The switch matrix may be operated over this connection (See Section 6 for a description of the commands). The RS232 connection is configured with these default settings: 9600 Baud, 8 bit data, no parity, 1 stop bit. The baud rate can be changed thru the touch screen LCD to: 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600,115200 bits/sec Figure 3-2 and Table 3-2 show the pin numbers and functions for the RS232 female connector.
Connections 3.4 CAN Bus Connection This connection allows the internal matrix controller to be easily interfaced to another Dow-Key Microwave Switch Matrix, using a one-to-one (straight through) cable. This allows a master matrix to control an extension matrix. However, the extension matrix being interfaced must not have any internal, intelligent controller; it must be a simple RF Switch Matrix extension.
Connections 3.5 GPIB Control Connection On the rear panel of the matrix is a GPIB (IEEE-488) control port which gets connected to the GPIB port of a computer (controller) using a shielded IEEE488 interface cable with metric mounting screws. Figure 3-4 shows the connector configuration and Table 3-4 shows the signal assignments. 3.5.1 GPIB Control Connector You can link devices in either a linear, star or combination configuration using a shielded 24-conductor cable.
Connections 3.5.2 Interface Signals The GPIB (IEEE-488) interface system consists of 16 signal lines and 8 ground lines. The 16 signal lines are divided into 3 groups (8 data lines, 3 handshake lines, and 5 interface management lines). See table 3-4 for the signal assignments. Table 3-4 3.5.
Connections 3.5.4 Handshake Lines The three handshake lines (NRFD, NDAC, DAV) control the transfer of message bytes among the devices and form the method for acknowledging the transfer of data. This handshaking process guarantees that the bytes on the data lines are sent and received without any transmission errors and is one of the unique features of the IEEE-488 bus. The NRFD (Not Ready for Data) handshake line is asserted by a listener to indicate it is not yet ready for the next data or control byte.
Connections The REN (Remote Enable) signal is asserted only by the System Controller. Its assertion does not place devices into remote control mode; REN only enables a device to go into remote mode when addressed to listen. When in remote mode, a device should ignore its local front panel controls. The SRQ (Service Request) line is like an interrupt: it may be asserted by any device to request the Controller to take some action.
4 Configuring the Matrix for Operation 4.1 Matrix Configuration The ‘brain’ inside Dow-Key Matrices, referred to as the “Matrix Controller”, has been designed to be as generic as possible in regards to how many switches of what positions it may control.
Configuring the Matrix 4.3 Adding and Deleting Switches The following rules apply when adding a switch to the Matrix Configuration (the desired ID to add is referred to as the “target ID”): ‐ The desired switch to ADD must be connected to the matrix before executing the ADD procedure.
Configuring the Matrix Example procedure: Before adding it to the Configuration you need to find the switch’s ID. To do this select Main Menu>System Settings>Find Switch ID and then follow the instructions in Section 5.2.3 Find Switch ID. If you find the switch you wish to add: Press the BACK key until you see the Main Menu screen. To ADD the switch, select Main Menu>System Settings>Add Switch.
5 Manual (LOCAL) Operation 5.1 The Touch Screen Interface Power On: Position the rocker switch on the rear panel of the Matrix to the ON position (Figures 22, 2-3 and 2-4) to turn on the matrix. ! Note: The booting sequence will last up to 1 minute. The LCD can appear blank during this time. The matrix will power up in LOCAL Operating Mode. LOCAL Operating Mode means that the matrix is receiving commands from the front panel (LCD/Touch Screen).
Manual (LOCAL) Operation The figure above shows the matrix LCD touch screen (sometimes referred to as the “User Interface”, or “UI”) at the main menu screen. Most buttons have a gray background, while indicators will be either green or red. All screens, with exception of the ‘Main Menu’ screen, will have a green ‘back’ button to return to the previous screen. In the above picture the matrix is indicating that there are No Errors (see green indicator) and the matrix is in LOCAL mode (see green indicator).
Manual (LOCAL) Operation 5.2 Main Menu 5.2.1 Switching Operations Switch Operations Menu Set Switch Positions View the currently set position and change the position of a switch who’s ID has been configured to the matrix. Use the arrows to change switch and position numbers. Refer to Appendix B to set RF switches in different positions. Current Positions View the currently set positions of all switches whose ID’s have been configured to the matrix. This screen can show a maximum of 30 switches at a time.
Manual (LOCAL) Operation Recall Positions Recall from non-volatile memory the state of the positions of all switch ID’s configured to the matrix, saved as 1 through 30, and set the positions of those switches. Clear Positions Cause all switches configured to the matrix to assume their default position. For most switches this is position 0 (open positions). Note that all Dow-Key switches have “open” defined, but not all switch types have an actual open position, such as a transfer switch.
Manual (LOCAL) Operation 5.2.2 Error Operations View the contents of the Error Log (see Section 7.5.1). Each entry is displayed with the oldest being first (First In First Out), showing the Error Record Number (its place in the Error Log), an associated Error Code, an associated Error Data, and a text explanation of the Error. The Error Data contains various parameters associated with certain Errors.
Manual (LOCAL) Operation 5.2.3 System Settings System Settings Menu ! Important Note: The matrix controller is designed to offer the maximum expandability and flexibility possible and therefore has features common to other Dow-Key matrix models. The here described ‘Add’, ‘Delete’ and ‘Find Switch ID’ features are some of those that, although available and fully functioning, should only be used if needed and appropriate. Switches may be added and deleted from the Matrix Configuration using these commands.
Manual (LOCAL) Operation 4. NOTE: this operation “puts the matrix’s switches to sleep” thereby rendering the matrix inoperable during the process. ENTER or CLEAR or rebooting returns the matrix to normal. Temperatures View current values of a maximum of 4 temperature sensors, and set thresholds at which an Over Temperature alarm should occur.
Manual (LOCAL) Operation 5.2.4 Ethernet Options Ethernet Menu Not applicable to GPIB (IEEE-488) models. This button is not operational. 5.2.5 LCD Options This LCD has no adjustable parameters. 5.2.6 Set RS232 Baud Rate View and select the Serial Port’s Baud rate from a set of preselected values from 1200 to 115,200 b/s (see Section 3.3). Use the arrows to change the baud rate settings. Default value is 9600b/s. 5.2.7 Set GPIB Address View and see the GPIB address from 1 to 30.
6 6.1 IEEE 488.2 Register model Introduction to IEEE 488.2 The topics discussed in sections 4.2 to 4.3 are for the most part transparent to the user during normal operation of the matrix. These sections are here mainly for informational purpose. These sections describe a minimal register model that is required to be able to perform a safe handshaking between the controller and the matrix. In the matrix a status system records various conditions and states in 2 registers.
IEEE 488.2 Register Model 6.5 The Status Byte Register The Status Byte register reports conditions from the other registers. Data in the instruments output buffer is immediately reported on the “Message Available” bit (bit 4). Clearing an event register from one of the other registers will clear the corresponding bits in the Status Byte condition register. Reading all messages from the output buffer, including any pending queries, will clear the “Message Available” bit.
IEEE 488.2 Register Model 6.6 The Standard Event Register The Standard Event Register reports different types of events that may occur in the instrument. Any or all of these conditions can be reported to the Standard Event summary bit through the enable register. To set the enable register mask, you must write a decimal value to the register using the *ESE command.
IEEE 488.2 Register Model 6.7 IEEE 488.2 Common Commands This matrix implements common commands that the IEEE-488.2 standard defines. The following contains a list of a subset of these commands. For more details refer to the related section. Table 6-3 Common Commands Mnemonic Name Section *CLS Clear Status Command 7.4.1 *ESE Standard Event Status Enable Command 7.4.2 *ESE? Standard Event Status Enable Query 7.4.3 *ESR? Standard Event Status Register Query 7.4.
7 Remote Operation 7.1 Introduction to SCPI SCPI is a command structure that is based on the IEEE-488.2 specification which Dow-key has adapted to work with GPIB, Ethernet, RS-232 and USB controls. The matrix has internal software loaded that uses SCPI command structure. SCPI is the abbreviation of Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments.
Remote Operation 7.3 Command Separators and conventions • • • • • A colon (:) is used to separate a command keyword from a lower level keyword. A blank space is used to separate a parameter from a command keyword. A comma (,) is used if a command requires more than one parameter. A semicolon (;) is used to combine multiple commands into one message string. Commands from the same subsystem are permitted to skip repeating the upper-level keyword. Eg.
Remote Operation 7.4 Common Commands The following contains the IEEE 488.2 common commands of SCPI that the GPIB controller is compatible with. The possible error codes assume that the correct syntax is used and, in case of a multiple command string the string is not too long. If these conditions are not met, any given command can generate these error codes: 3, 4, 30 7.4.1 *CLS Syntax *CLS Description This command is used to clear the event register in all register groups. 7.4.
Remote Operation 7.4.3 *ESE? Syntax *ESE? Description This query allows the user to determine the current contents of Standard Event Status enable register. The value returned corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of all bits enabled by the *ESE command. Note: This command can NOT be concatenated with other commands. It must be issued as a single command. 7.4.4 *ESR? Syntax *ESR? Description This query allows the user to determine the current contents of Event Status register.
Remote Operation 7.4.5 *IDN? Syntax *IDN? Result A string is returned which consists of the following parts: Model Model Matrix model number Possible error codes None Example “*IDN?” Result “MS-2U18SFRL-4/X-GPIB” 7.4.6 *OPC Syntax *OPC Description This command causes the device to set the Operation Complete bit in the Standard Event Register when all pending operations have been finished.
Remote Operation 7.4.7 *OPC? Syntax *OPC? Description This query returns an ASCII character “1” when all pending operations have been finished. Result ASCII character “1”. Possible error codes None Example 1 *OPC? Result “1” Example 2 :SWIT1 4; SWIT2 4; *OPC? Result “0” Timing In example 2 the matrix did not have the time to execute the command. Hence a “0” is returned. A subsequent *OPC? will return a “1” as shown in example 1.
Remote Operation 7.4.8 *RST Syntax *RST Description This command performs a device reset. This will set the instrument so that all switches are in the default state. For SPnT switches the default state is: all RF ports are open (position 0). For a transfer switch the default state is: position 1 is closed. Possible error codes 11, 12, 13 Timing Before issuing any other command after a *RST use the following considerations.
Remote Operation 7.4.10 *SRE Syntax *SRE Parameters Enable_value Value that corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of the bits you wish to enable in the register. Description Enable bits in the Status Byte enable register. To enable bits in the Status Byte enable register, you must write a decimal value that corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of the bits you wish to enable in the register. Note: This command can NOT be concatenated with other commands.
Remote Operation 7.5 System Commands The following contains the SCPI system commands that the GPIB, RS-232 and USB control is compatible with. 7.5.1 SYST:ERR? Syntax SYSTem:ERRor? Description Query the instrument’s error queue. A record of up to N errors is stored in the instrument’s error queue. Errors are retrieved in first-in first-out (FIFO) order. The first error returned is the first error that was stored. Each additional error up to N is read by N subsequent queries (one for each error).
Remote Operation Example “SYST:ERR?” Result was “1, INVALID CHARACTER”, check for more errors. Description: This error is no longer supported. The error code is maintained and reserved for legacy purposes only. “SYST:ERR?” Result was “2, OUTPUT BUFFER OVERFLOW”, check for more errors. Description: This error is no longer supported. The error code is maintained and reserved for legacy purposes only. “SYST:ERR?” Result was “3, TOO MANY COMMANDS”, check for more errors.
Remote Operation SYST:ERR?” Result was “10, SWITCH DID NOT RESPOND,x”, check for more errors. Description: Switch x did not respond to a position query. E.g. CAN bus communication failure or damaged switch. SYST:ERR?” Result was “11, SWITCH’S RESPONSE INVALID,x”, check for more errors. Description: Switch x responded but with the wrong response code. This error is related to wrong internal CAN bus communication codes. SYST:ERR?” Result was “12, SWITCH’S POSITION INCORRECT,x”, check for more errors.
Remote Operation SYST:ERR?” Result was “30, COMMAND UNRECOGNIZED”, check for more errors. Description: This error code is generated when the commanded string does not contain any valid keyword (e.g. Route, System, *IDN?, *RST, ….) at all. SYST:ERR?” Result was “36, ID IS OUT OF RANGE”, check for more errors. Description: A non existing switch ID has been commanded. Eg. Sending Route:Switch11 8. When switch 11 does not exist. SYST:ERR?” Result was “50, UNABLE TO AQUIRE IP ADDRESS”, check for more errors.
Remote Operation 7.5.2 SYST:SERIALNUMBER? Syntax SYSTem:SERIALNUMBER? Description Returns the matrix serial number.
Remote Operation 7.5.3 SYST:STATUS? Syntax SYSTem:STATUS? Description This command will return all Switch positions, Local/Remote mode, Power supply status, High temperature alarm status, Fan stall alarm and Errors list separated by a semicolon. Note 1: Power supply status, High temperature alarm status and Fan stall alarm are only returned if enabled.
Remote Operation 7.5.4 SYST:SCREENSAVER? Syntax SYSTem:SCREENSAVER? Description This command will return the screen saver time settings n (n is in minutes). Possible values for n are 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, …… Note that 1 is not a valid value. 0 = Screen saver is disabled Possible error codes 5 Factory default value 5 Power on behavior Keeps last value *RST effect None 7.5.5 SYST:SCREENSAVER x Syntax SYSTem:SCREENSAVER x Description This command will set the screen saver time settings x (x is in minutes).
Remote Operation 7.5.6 SYST:GPIBADDRESS? Syntax SYSTem:GPIBADDRESS? Description This command will return the matrix’s GPIB address. Possible values are 1 to 30 Possible error codes 5 Factory default value 9 Power on behavior Keeps last value *RST effect None 7.5.7 SYST:GPIBADDRESS x Syntax SYSTem:GPIBADDRESS x Description This command will set the GPIB address to x. Possible values for x are 1 to 30.
Remote Operation 7.6 Switch [Module] Command Set The following contains the switch [module] commands of SCPI that the GPIB / RS 232 / USB control is compatible with. 7.6.1 :SWITch[:VALue] Syntax [ROUTe]:SWITch[:VALue] Description This command is used to control the position of the switches. The switch specified by the numeric suffix is set to position .
Remote Operation 7.6.2 Setting switch x to position n x = switch [module] address. n = position to set and must be within the switches parameter. (Example: SP10T valid positions are 0 thru 10 only). Examples: • ROUTE:SWITCHx n • ROUT:SWITCHx n • ROUTE:SWITx n • ROUT:SWITx n • :SWITCHx n • :SWITx n • ROUTE:SWITCHx:VALUE n • ROUTE:SWITCHx:VAL n • :SWITx:VAL n Possible error codes 5, 10, 12, 13 Factory default value N.a.
Remote Operation 7.6.3 Requesting Switch x current position x = switch address. Examples: • ROUTE:SWITCHx? • ROUT:SWITx? • :SWITx? Result: Returns the current position of switch x. Possible error codes 10, 11, 12, 13 Timing The timing to execute a command depends on the length of the command (in case of concatenated commands). ). In case of switching commands the controller will first command each switch to set its new position, then query each switch to ensure that the positions are closed.
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GPIB, RS232 and USB Command description for standard matrices Command Syntax Response 1 *IDN? MS-2U18S-3/10-GPIB 2 *OPC? 1 or 0 3 *RST 4 5 18 ROUTE:SWITCHx y or :SWITCHx y ROUTE:SWITCHx? or :SWITCHx? SYST:SERIALNUMBER? n n 22 SYST:ERR? or SYST:ERROR? -4,SYNTAX ERROR 23 SYST:STATUS? 24 25 26 27 31 32 33 34 SYST:SCREENSAVER? SYST:SCREENSAVER x SYST:GPIBADDRESS? SYST:GPIBADDRESS x *CLS *ESE *ESE? *ESR? 35 *OPC 36 37 38 *STB? *SRE *SRE? 39 *WAI SWITx y;SWITx y;SWITx y;… ;SWITx y;LOC;P
Remote Operation Note: 1. Commands are NOT case sensitive. 2. For GPIB communication no ASCII termination is required, but the End Or Identify (EOI) line shall be asserted at the end of each command. 3. Every command and response on the serial or USB port shall have “\r\n” Carriage return (0x0D) and Line Feed (0x0A) at the end. 4. Multiple commands with same header can be given in a single command line. (See rule # 5 for an exception to this). e.g.
Appendix A Technical Specifications Model: MS-2U18SFRL-4/X-GPIB Configuration: 4 Transfer switches mounted on the front panel RF Connectors: SMA Frequency range: DC to 18 GHz Return loss (VSWR) Insertion loss Isolation RF Power: Frequency (GHz): VSWR (Ratio max): Insertion Loss (dB max): Isolation (dB min): RF Power (Watts CW max): DC ‐ 1 1‐4 4‐8 1.10 : 1 1.20 : 1 1.30 : 1 0.1 0.2 0.3 85 80 70 200 100 50 8 ‐ 12 1.40 : 1 0.
Appendix A Front View: 61
Appendix B RF Configuration Model: MS-2U18SFRL-4/X-GPIB Four independent transfer switches (Dow-Key part number: 411L-420832N-ROHS) mounted on the front panel.
