xx ZZZ FCA3000, FCA3100, & MCA3000 Series Timer/Counter/Analyzers Specifications and Performance Verification www.tektronix.
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Table of Contents General Safety Summary ......................................................................................... iv Specifications Specifications ..................................................................................................... 1-1 Performance Verification Performance Verification ........................................................................................ Test Record .......................................................................................
Table of Contents List of Figures Figure 2-1: Numerical Analysis display .....................................................................
Table of Contents List of Tables Table 1-1: Input characteristics, channels A and B ........................................................... Table 1-2: Input characteristics, Rear Panel I/O .............................................................. Table 1-3: Input characteristics, channel C (frequency and period only) .................................. Table 1-4: Timebase error characteristics......................................................................
General Safety Summary General Safety Summary Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to this product or any products connected to it. To avoid potential hazards, use this product only as specified. Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures. While using this product, you may need to access other parts of a larger system. Read the safety sections of the other component manuals for warnings and cautions related to operating the system.
General Safety Summary Terms in This Manual These terms may appear in this manual: WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result in injury or loss of life. CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to this product or other property. Symbols and Terms on the Product These terms may appear on the product: DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you read the marking.
General Safety Summary vi FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Specifications and Performance Verification
Specifications
Specifications This chapter contains the specifications for the instrument. Specifications that are marked with the 9symbol are checked in the manual. All specifications apply to all models unless noted otherwise.
Specifications Table 1-1: Input characteristics, channels A and B (cont.
Specifications Table 1-3: Input characteristics, channel C (frequency and period only) Characteristic Description High Frequency Range Product Min Frequency Max Frequency FCA3003, FCA3103 100 MHz 3 GHz FCA3020, FCA3120 250 MHz 20 GHz MCA3027 300 MHz 27 GHz MCA3040 300 MHz 40 GHz FCA3003, FCA3103, FCA3020, FCA3120 Front panel: Type N female Rear panel: SMA female MCA3027, MCA3040 Front Panel: 2.
Specifications Table 1-3: Input characteristics, channel C (frequency and period only) (cont.) Characteristic Description AM tolerance FCA3003, FCA3103 DC to 0.1 MHz modulation: up to 94% depth 0.1 MHz to 6 MHz modulation: Signal level with lowest output must meet sensitivity requirements. Signal level at highest level must not exceed maximum voltage requirements. Within these constraints >85% AM is acceptable. FCA3020, FCA3120 Signal level with lowest output must meet sensitivity requirements.
Specifications Table 1-4: Timebase error characteristics (cont.) Characteristic Description Power-on stability Deviation versus final value after 24h on time, n.a. after a warm-up time of: 30 min Total uncertainty, for operating temperature 20 °C to 26 °C, at 2σ (95%) confidence interval: 1 year after calibration 2 years after calibration 1 <7×10-6 <1.2×10-5 <1×10-7 30 min <1×10-8 10 min <5×10-9 10 min <2.4×10-7 <4.6×10-7 <0.6×10-7 <1.2×10-7 <1.8×10-8 <3.
Specifications Table 1-5: Guaranteed measurement capabilities (cont.) Characteristics Description Frequency Capable of measuring frequency on any of up to three inputs. Resolution 12 digits in 1 s measuring time (normal) Low Frequency Capability Ch A and B : 0.
Specifications Table 1-5: Guaranteed measurement capabilities (cont.) Characteristics Random Measurement Uncertainty (FCA3000, FCA3100, MCA3000, channels A and B) Description For measurement time ≥200 ms and Smart Freq = Auto or ON: NOTE. This equation is the default on FCA3100 Series.
Specifications Table 1-5: Guaranteed measurement capabilities (cont.
Specifications Table 1-5: Guaranteed measurement capabilities (cont.) Characteristics Description Time Interval Error (TIE) FCA31xx only Normalized Period Back-to-back measurements, calculated as: TIE(k) = kTREF – Ti where: Ti = individual period back-to-back TREF = Reference period value Time Interval Capable of measuring time from one event until the next. Time intervals only measurable on the A and B channels.
Specifications Table 1-5: Guaranteed measurement capabilities (cont.) Characteristics Description Positive and Negative Pulse Width Capable of measuring Pulse Width on A or B channels Range 2.3 ns to 106 s Minimum Pulse Width 2.
Specifications Table 1-5: Guaranteed measurement capabilities (cont.
Specifications Table 1-5: Guaranteed measurement capabilities (cont.
Specifications Table 1-5: Guaranteed measurement capabilities (cont.
Specifications Table 1-6: Other available readings (cont.) Description Characteristic 1 Ancillary Measurements Frequency of either input signal Phase 1 Capable of measuring Phase between the A and B channels using either as the reference Range –180° to +360° Resolution Single-cycle 0.001° up to 10 kHz, decreasing to 1° >10 MHz.
Specifications Table 1-8: Software functions (cont.) Characteristic Description Modes Start, Stop, Start and Stop Arming Input Channels A, B, or E (rear panel) Maximum Repetition Rate for Arming Signal Channel A, B: 160 MHz Channel E: 80 MHz Start Time Delay Range FCA3000 Series: 20 ns to 2 s, 10 ns resolution.
Specifications Table 1-11: Display characteristics Characteristic Description Display Type Backlit LCD Graphics screen for menu control, numerical readout, and status information Display Resolution 320 x 97 pixels Table 1-12: Mechanical Characteristics Characteristic Description Dimensions Width Height Depth 210 mm (8.27 in) 90 mm (3.54 in) 395 mm (15.55 in) Weight Net Shipping 2.7 kg (5.8 lb) 3.5 kg (7.
Performance Verification
Performance Verification This chapter contains performance verification procedures for the specifications marked with the 9 symbol. The following equipment, or a suitable equivalent, is required to complete these procedures. Table 2-1: Recommended Equipment Equipment Frequency Standard Signal source (Function generator) Microwave signal source Requirements Accuracy 5X better than the timebase being tested Output Amplitude ≥0.5 Vrms (1.
Performance Verification Table 2-1: Recommended Equipment (cont.) Equipment Adapter Requirements 2.92 mm male to N female Example Fairview Microwave SM3130 Adapter Low frequency requirement Type N male to BNC female Fairview Microwave SM3510 Adapter (Qty 2) 4 GHz 2.92 male to SMA female connector Fairview Microwave SM3285 Adapter (Qty 2) 40 GHz operation 2.92 male to 2.
Performance Verification Test Record Table 2-2: Test record Instrument Model Number: Instrument Serial Number: Instrument Timebase Option: Date of Test: Instrument performance test Certificate Number: Temperature: RH %: Technician: Minimum Measured Maximum Input Impedance Channel A 47.5 Ω 52.5 Ω Channel B 47.5 Ω 52.5 Ω 0.
Performance Verification Instrument performance test Minimum Measured Maximum 300 MHz @ 25 mVRMS 297 MHz 303 MHz 400 MHz @ 25 mVRMS 396 MHz 404 MHz Timebase Accuracy FCA3X00 Series 0.9999930000 MHz 1.0000070000 MHz Opt. MS (2.40E–7) 0.9999997600 MHz 1.0000002400 MHz Opt. HS (6.00E–8) 0.9999999400 MHz 1.0000000600 MHz Std (2.40E–7) 0.9999997600 MHz 1.0000002400 MHz Opt. HS (6.00E–8) 0.9999999400 MHz 1.0000000600 MHz Opt. US (1.80E–8) 0.9999999820 MHz 1.0000000180 MHz Std (7.
Performance Verification Instrument performance test Minimum Measured Maximum Channel C (If Installed) Input Impedance FCA3003, FCA3103, MCA3040 –5.61 dB (0.524) -1.84 dB (0.809) FCA3020, FCA3120, MCA3027 –5.09 dB (0.556) –2.19 dB (0.777) 100.0 MHz 100.0 MHz 300 MHz @ –27 dBm (~10 mVRMS) 300.0 MHz 300.0 MHz 2.5 GHz @ –21 dBm (~20 mVRMS) 2.500 GHz 2.500 GHz 3.0 GHz @ –15 dBm (~40 mVRMS) 3.000 GHz 3.000 GHz 250 MHz @ –21 dBm (~20 mVRMS) 250.0 MHz 250.
Performance Verification Front End Characteristics Worksheet The Front End Characteristics procedure requires several measurements, which are used to calculate the characteristics of the instrument. The calculations shown in this worksheet use the line references (Ref) to indicate which measured value to use in that calculation.
Instrument Calibration Procedures Instrument Calibration Procedures Run the Internals Calibration procedure before running a Performance Verification, or whenever the ambient air temperature of the instrument changes by more than 5 °C (9 °F). CAUTION. The FCA/MCA3X00 Series instrument can be damaged by trying to run calibration procedures without the correct test equipment, setup, and procedure.
Performance Verification Performance Verification This procedure tests the FCA/MCA3X00 Series instrument, to verify that it meets all of the guaranteed specifications. NOTE. Before starting the Performance Verification procedures, look at the serial number sticker on the back of the FCA/MCA3X00 Series instrument to see which timebase the instrument has; Std., Opt. MS, Opt. HS or Opt. US. Note the timebase type on the test record.
Performance Verification 3. Set the Digital Multimeter to measure resistance in an autorange mode. On a Tektronix DMM4020: a. Push the Ω button (if necessary, push again to get to 2X4Wire mode, not 4Wire mode). b. Push the RANGE button to select Auto Range (if not already selected). 4. On the Tektronix FCA/MCA3X00 Series instrument under test: a. Push Input A. b. Set the input coupling to DC. c. Set the input impedance to 50 Ω. d. Set the input attenuator to 1X. 5.
Performance Verification Equipment Setup Worksheet This procedure uses a worksheet, as several of the characteristics must be calculated. The worksheet is located directly after the Test Record.(See Table 2-3 on page 2-6.) As an alternative, there is a spreadsheet version of the Test Record, available from a link on page 2-2, which will perform these calculations for you. Procedure During this procedure you will add and remove 10X attenuators to the signal path.
Performance Verification 3. Set the Function Generator to produce a 1 V DC output. Use the following steps to set a Tektronix AFG3251: a. Push the More function button. b. Push the More Waveform side menu button. c. Push DC. d. Push the Top Menu panel button. e. Push the Amplitude/Level Menu side menu button. f. Push Offset. g. Adjust the offset voltage to 1 V. h. Push the Output ON button to turn on the signal output. (The button glows green.) 4. Set the Multimeter to measure DC volts, autoranging. 5.
Performance Verification 9. Set the Function Generator to generate a 100 Hz, 1 Vpp signal. On an AFG3251, use these steps: a. Push the Sine function button. b. Push the Frequency/Period side menu button. c. Push the Frequency side menu button. d. Use the keypad and side menu buttons to enter 100 Hz. e. Push the Top Menu panel button. f. Push the Amplitude/Level Menu side menu button. g. Push Offset. h. Use the keypad and side menu buttons to set the offset voltage to 0 mV. i.
Performance Verification 11. On the Tektronix FCA/MCA3X00 Series instrument: a. Push the Meas button and select Freq > Freq > A. b. Push the Settings button, select Meas Time, enter 20 ms, and then push the Save/Exit button to return to the main screen. c. Push Input A and make the following selections: d. Set the input coupling to DC. e. Set the input impedance to 50 Ω. f. Set the input attenuator to 1X. g. Set the Trigger mode to Man. h.
Performance Verification adjusted trigger level from the FCA/MCA3X00 Series instrument into the test record as 1X Trigger Level Uncertainty at 0 V. 15. On the Function Generator, reduce the signal output level until the Tektronix FCA/MCA3X00 Series instrument does not trigger (the Trig LED stops flashing). Then slowly increase the Function Generator output to find the minimum amplitude to cause the unit to count.
Performance Verification 23. On the Tektronix FCA/MCA3X00 Series instrument, push the Input A button and set the input attenuation to 1X. 24. Reset the Trigger value to that noted in step 14, the 1X Trigger Level Uncertainty at 0 V value. 25. Push the Save/Exit button to save the change and return to the Numerical Analysis display. 26. Repeat steps 20 and 21, entering the result in the test record as 1X Just Becomes Inaccurate. 27. Move the input cable and attenuator stack to the Channel B input. 28.
Performance Verification Equipment Setup Procedure 1. Power on the instruments. 2. Wait at least 20 minutes. (See page 2-8, Instrument Warmup Requirements.) 3. Connect the Function Generator output through a 10X Attenuator to Channel A on the Tektronix FCA/MCA3X00 Series instrument.
Performance Verification 4. Set the Function Generator to produce a 10 Hz sinewave at 150 mVRMS (424.2 mVp-p). Follow these steps to set a Tektronix AFG3251: a. Push the Sine function button. b. Push the Frequency/Period menu button. c. Push the Frequency menu button. d. Use the keypad and menu buttons to set the output frequency to 10 Hz. e. Push the Top Menu button. f. Push the Amplitude/Level menu button. g. Push the –More- side menu button. h.
Performance Verification 6. On the Function Generator, at each of the following frequencies, verify that the Tektronix FCA/MCA3X00 Series instrument is counting, and that the count is accurate. Enter the frequency in the test record. 10 Hz 10 kHz 200 MHz 7. On the Function Generator, push the Output ON button to turn off the output signal (button goes from green to unlit). 8. On the Tektronix FCA/MCA3X00 Series instrument, disconnect the cable and attenuator from Channel A and connect them to Channel B. 9.
Performance Verification Timebase Accuracy Equipment: Frequency Standard Coaxial cable, BNC male to BNC male Equipment Setup FCA3000, FCA3100, and MCA3000 Series Specifications and Performance Verification 2–19
Performance Verification Procedure 1. Power on the instruments for at least 20 minutes.(See page 2-8, Instrument Warmup Requirements.) The frequency standard should never be turned off but, if it has been, check the manufacturers instructions for its proper warm-up period. 2. Connect the Frequency Standard 10 MHz output to Input A on the Tektronix FCA/MCA3X00 Series instrument. 3. Set the Tektronix FCA/MCA3X00 Series instrument: a. Push the Meas button and select Freq > Freq > A. b.
Performance Verification Equipment Setup Procedure 1. Connect the equipment as shown. 2. Power on the instruments. Wait at least 20 minutes. 3. On the Microwave Signal Generator: a. Set the Output to OFF. b. Set the frequency to 300 MHz. c. Set the output level to at least +10 dBm, not to exceed +13 dBm (2.8 Vp-p). d. Turn the Output On.
Performance Verification 4. On the Tektronix FCA/MCA3X00 Series instrument: a. Push the Meas button and select Time > Time Interval > A to B. b. Push the Settings button, select Meas Time, enter 20 ms, and push the Save/Exit button to return to the main screen. c. Push the Input A button. d. Set the input coupling to DC. e. Set slope to Falling. f. Set the input impedance to 50 Ω. g. Set the input attenuator to 1X. h. Set the Trigger mode to Man. i. Push the Trig menu button, enter 0.
Performance Verification External Reference Clock Frequency and Sensitivity Equipment: Function Generator BNC male to BNC male 50 Ω cable (24 inches) (Qty 2) Equipment Setup Procedure 1. Connect the equipment as shown. 2. Power on the instruments. Wait at least 20 minutes. NOTE. To ensure that the external timebase is being used, the frequency is intentionally offset.
Performance Verification 3. Set the Function Generator to produce a 0.999999 MHz sine wave at 0.25 Vp-p. On an AFG3251, use these steps: a. Push the Sine function button. b. Push the Frequency/Period menu button. c. Push the Frequency menu button. d. Use the keypad and menu buttons to set the output frequency to 0.999999 MHz. e. Push the Top Menu button. f. Push the Amplitude/Level menu button. g. Push the Amplitude menu button. h. Use the keypad and menu buttons to set the output level to 0.25 Vpp. i.
Performance Verification 8. Enter measured frequency in the test report. (It should be close to 10.000010 MHz.) 9. Change the Function Generator frequency to 9.999990 MHz. 10. Enter measured frequency in the test report. (It should be close to 10.000010 MHz.) 11. Set the FCA/MCA3000 Series instrument to the factory defaults; push User Opt > SaveRecall > Setup > Recall Setup > Default. 10 MHz Out Amplitude Equipment: Oscilloscope BNC male to BNC male Cable (24 inches) Equipment Setup Procedure 1.
Performance Verification Note that this frequency measurement is not sufficient to assure accuracy of the timebase, since the oscilloscope’s timebase is less accurate than the counter. However, it provides confidence that the output is actually 10 MHz. Channel C (if installed) Input Impedance Equipment: Microwave Signal Source Power Meter with sensor Power Splitter 1m cable with 2.92 mm male and female connectors Type N male to 2.92 male adapter (FCA3X00 Series) 2.92 male to 2.
Performance Verification Procedure 1. Connect the as shown: FCA3100 Series instruments: Attach the type N to 2.92 mm adapter to the FCA3100 Series instrument. Do not connect the power splitter to it for the initial steps in the procedure. The power splitter is connected to the adapter in Step 5. MCA3000 Series instruments: Attach the 2.92 mm male to 2.92 mm male adapter to the MCA3000 Series instrument. Do not connect the power splitter to it for the initial steps in the procedure.
Performance Verification 5. Connect the power splitter to the adapter on the Tektronix FCA3100 or MCA3000 Series instrument. NOTE. If the specified adapter is not available, it is important that the splitter port attached to the Tektronix FCA3100/MCA3000 Series instrument has no adapters attached. The goal is to have the minimum possible load on that port of the splitter for the first measurement. Load capacitance should be minimized. Adapters present an unterminated stub. NOTE.
Performance Verification Equipment Setup Procedure 1. Connect the as shown. This is the same setup as the preceding step. 2. Power on the instruments. Wait at least 20 minutes. (See page 2-8, Instrument Warmup Requirements.) 3. On the Tektronix FCA/MCA3000 Series instrument, push the Meas button and select Freq > Freq > C. 4. Set the Microwave Signal Generator to output the first frequency listed below, for the Tektronix FCA/MCA3000 Series instrument being tested. 5.
Performance Verification Frequency Amplitude 300 MHz –27 dBm (~10 mVRMS) 2.5 GHz –21 dBm (~20 mVRMS) 3.
