Model 805-SG User Manual

Warranty and Copyright

Warranty. All Berkeley Nucleonics (BNC) instruments are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two years from the date of shipment. Berkeley Nucleonics will, at its option, repair or replace products that prove to be defective during the warranty period, provided they are returned to Berkeley Nucleonics and provided the preventative maintenance procedures are followed. Repairs necessitated by misuse of the product are not covered by this warranty. No other warranties are expressed or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Berkeley Nucleonics is not liable for consequential damages. The warranty on the internal rechargeable batteries (option B3) is one year from the date of shipment. Battery replacement is available through Berkeley Nucleonics and its distributors.

Copyright. This manual is copyright by Berkeley Nucleonics and all rights are reserved. No portion of this document may be reproduced, copied, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated in any form or by any means such as electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without written permission of Berkeley Nucleonics.

1. General Remarks

The Model 805-SG microwave signal source modules deliver instrument-grade performance, increased functionality, and efficient power consumption at a reduced size and affordable cost. The design combines low phase noise with fast switching capability, covering a wide frequency range from 8 kHz up to 20 GHz. The low spurious and harmonic content of the signal makes it suitable for many demanding applications, such as research and development or manufacturing and testing of electronic components.

The unit contains a high-stability OCXO, providing accurate, power-calibrated, phase-lockable output signals. The frequency resolution is 1 mHz and the power resolution is 0.01 dB. The unit is remotely controlled with USB, LAN, or SPI control. Because of its form factor, the unit can also be used as a drop-in replacement for the obsolete QuickSyn FSW-0010 / FSW-0020 synthesizers from NI.

1.1 Validity of this Manual

This manual is valid for the following device and its options:

• 805-SG-1. 20 GHz wideband frequency synthesizer module.
• Option FS. Fast switching.
• Option 8K. Frequency range extension to 8 kHz.
• Option PULSE. Internal / external pulse modulation.

2. Form Factor

The Model 805-SG is supplied as a compact module. Unlike the rack and portable-case members of the 800-series family, it has no front-panel display: all control is through the remote interfaces on the connector panel.

For reference, the family module form factor (805-M) is shown below; the 805-SG shares this compact, passively cooled module concept.

3. Connections and Transportation

3.1 Data Connections

The device may only be connected to a network or a computer by using a shielded LAN cable. Unless shorter lengths are prescribed, a maximum length of 3 m must not be exceeded for the LAN and the USB connection. The SPI host should be connected with short, well-shielded wiring per the connector and timing definitions in Sections 9 and 10.

3.2 Signal Connections

In general, all connections between the signal source and another device should be made as short as possible and must be well shielded. It is recommended to use a high-quality cable with low loss, especially for frequencies above 20 GHz. The RF output, reference input, reference output, and PULSE trigger are SMA connectors.

3.3 Transportation

The device must only be transported with the packaging supplied by the manufacturer. The device can be lifted up or transported in any orientation.

4. Safety Information

The following pieces of information are important to prevent personal injury, loss of life or damage to the equipment. Please read them carefully. If the device is used in a manner not specified by this manual, the protection provided by the device may be impaired.

4.1 Signal Symbol

In this manual, the following symbols are used to warn the reader about risks and dangers.

4.2 Labels on Products

The following labels are on the products. Familiarize yourself with the meaning of each of the labels before using the product.

Symbol	Meaning
	Direct Current (DC)
	Alternating Current (AC)
	Earth (Ground)
	EU label for separate collection of electrical and electronic waste.
	Caution, general danger zone. Attend the manual and/or a notice on the device.

4.3 General Safety Considerations

FCC notice

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his or her expense.

Safety / EMC. The Model 805-SG complies with applicable Safety and EMC regulations and directives. The instrument is CE marked.

5. Model 805-SG Key Specifications

The values below are drawn from the Model 805-SG datasheet, which is authoritative. Specifications describe warranted performance for 23 ±5 °C after a 30-minute warm-up, unless otherwise stated. Typical values are expected mean values, not warranted performance.

The full specification set, including SSB phase noise across all offsets, harmonics, sub-harmonics, spurious, level linearity, modulation, sweep, and trigger tables, is on the Model 805-SG datasheet.

6. Introduction

This manual provides information for remote operation of the Model 805-SG-1 using commands sent from an external controller. The 805-SG can be controlled over Ethernet or USB using SCPI commands (shared with the 800-series family), or over its native SPI interface using the SPI command set described in this document.

For SPI control, this manual covers:

• A general description of the SPI hardware interface and its communication specifications.
• A complete listing and description of the native command set used to control signal-source operation, with examples of command usage.

7. Getting Started

7.1 Unpacking the Instrument

Remove the instrument materials from the shipping containers. Save the containers for future use. Inspect the shipping container for damage. If the container is damaged, retain it until the contents of the shipment have been verified against the packing list and the instrument has been inspected for mechanical and electrical operation.

7.2 Mounting the Module

Mount the module on a flat heatsinking surface using the 18× M2.5 mounting threads on the base. Make sure the module operates under the temperature and altitude conditions specified in the datasheet.

7.3 Applying Power

Supply DC power in the range 12.0 to 30.0 VDC (24 W typical) through the DC IN connector or, redundantly, through the DC IN pins of the SPI interface connector. When both are present, the supply with the higher voltage is selected. The supplied AC mains adapter accepts 100-240 VAC and provides 24 V, 2.7 A DC out.

7.4 Connecting for Remote Control

7.4.1 Ethernet (LAN)

Connect the module to your local area network using a shielded Ethernet cable on the ETH (RJ-45) port. By default, the instrument accepts a dynamic IP from the network DHCP server. Once an IP is assigned, the instrument is ready to receive remote SCPI commands. For a direct (no-router) connection, set the computer network controller to a static IP in the ZEROCONF range (169.254.x.x, network mask 255.255.0.0).

7.4.2 USB

Connect the module to the computer using a quality USB cable on the USB (Micro B) port. If properly connected, the operating system should install a USBTMC device. Use VISA Write to send the *IDN? query and VISA Read to get the response.

7.4.3 SPI

For SPI control, connect an SPI master host to the 20-pin SPI interface connector following the signal, pin, and timing definitions in Sections 9 and 10. The controlling host is the SPI master; the signal source is the SPI slave.

7.5 Power and Status Indicators

The module reports status through front-panel LEDs (PWR, REM, RF) and, over SPI, through the LOCK and REF_LOCK hardware lines and the Get Device Status query. See Section 8.

8. Connector Panel and Indicators

The 805-SG is a headless module. In place of a front-panel display and keypad, the connector panel carries the power, data, and RF connections plus three status LEDs.

8.1 Power Connector Assembly

The power connector is a 4-pin, snap-and-lock receptacle. BNC recommends Kycon-manufactured plugs KPPX-4P from its KPPX series.

9. SPI Hardware Interface

The Model 805-SG can be accessed through the SPI interface. This interface uses a native command set to pass commands to, and read queries from, the device. The SPI hardware interface consists of a standard SPI interface plus additionally assigned lines as defined below.

9.1 SPI Interface Connector

The SPI interface connector is a 20-pin, 2.50 mm spaced double-row header. BNC recommends the HIROSE-manufactured socket DF1B-20DS-2.5RC and corresponding contacts from its DF1B series.

9.2 SPI Signals and Timing

10. SPI Native Commands

Most Berkeley Nucleonics signal-source devices support an Ethernet or USB interface that communicates through SCPI commands with the host controller. Communication over the SPI interface, however, uses a specific native command set defined in this manual.

The native command set consists of commands, parameters, and return data on a binary definition (in some cases data can be ASCII interpreted, which is separately noted). A communication is always started with a command byte sent by the host. Command-specific data follows with as many bytes as the command needs, as specified in the command sections below.

There are two types of commands:

• Control commands. Used to control the device, such as setting the RF output frequency or output power. These are a one-way communication from host to device with no return or acknowledge data. A command starts with a 1-byte command code followed by the parameter data the command needs, so the length of the sent data varies between commands.
• Query commands. Used to read data back from the device, such as the current device status or the device ID. A query must be executed twice. On the first send, the host sends the command byte (a 1-byte command code) followed by the number of bytes to read back (the data of these bytes does not matter); during this time the device prepares the requested data. On the second send, the host receives the return data. The number of read-back bytes differs between commands, so the length of the sent data varies.

10.1 Control Commands Summary

10.2 Query Commands Summary

11. Control Commands

11.1 Set Output Frequency

Command code 0x0C. Sets the RF output frequency of the device.

Command Parameters

Default Values

11.2 Set Output Power

Command code 0x03. Sets the RF output power of the device.

Command Parameters

Default Values

11.3 Blanking Mode

Command code 0x05. Enables (blanked) or disables (unblanked) RF output during frequency changes.

Command Parameters

Default Values

11.4 Select Reference Source

Command code 0x06. Selects internal or external source as the reference signal. If an external reference source is selected, the external reference frequency is set to 10 MHz per default.

Command Parameters

Default Values

11.5 Reference Output

Command code 0x08. Enables (ON) or disables (OFF) the reference output port. If enabled, the reference output frequency is set to 10 MHz per default.

Command Parameters

Default Values

11.6 RF Output

Command code 0x0F. Enables (ON) or disables (OFF) RF output.

Command Parameters

Default Values

11.7 Pulse Modulation

Command code 0x09. Enables (ON) or disables (OFF) pulse modulation, controlled by the external PULSE / TRIGGER port.

Command Parameters

Default Values

11.8 ALC Enable

Command code 0x60. Enables (ON) or disables (OFF) RF output level control.

Command Parameters

Default Values

11.9 Power Search

Command code 0x67. Initiates a power search. The command has no parameter bytes (total size 1 byte).

Note: the source manual repeats the level-control description text for this command; treat 0x67 as the power-search command per the command summary. (verify) the descriptive text in a finalized programmers manual.

11.10 SPI Disable

Command code 0x96. Disables the SPI interface of the device for a set amount of time.

Command Parameters

Note: the header table lists the parameter size as 1 byte while the command parameters table lists the Off-time as 2 bytes over bits [15:0]. The 2-byte / [15:0] off-time is consistent with the 3-byte total command size. The 1-byte header-table entry is marked (verify).

12. Query Commands

12.1 Get ID

Command code 0x01. Returns the identification data of the device, including model number, options, software version, and device number.

Command Parameters

Return Data

12.2 Get Device Status

Command code 0x02. Returns the status bits of the device, including external reference status, RF and reference lock status, RF and reference output status, and blanking status.

Command Parameters

Return Data (status byte)

12.3 Get Output Frequency

Command code 0x04. Reads the current RF output frequency of the device.

Command Parameters

Return Data

12.4 Get Output Power

Command code 0x0D. Reads the current RF output power of the device.

Command Parameters

Return Data

13. Programming Examples

All command bytes are shown in hexadecimal, most significant byte first.

13.1 Set Output Frequency to 6.791 GHz

1. Convert frequency to mHz: 6,791,000,000,000 mHz.
2. Convert frequency in mHz to 48-bit hexadecimal: 06 2D 27 24 86 00.
3. Append the command header in front of the frequency: 0C 06 2D 27 24 86 00.
4. Send command: 0C 06 2D 27 24 86 00.

13.2 Set Output Power to -10 dBm

1. Convert power to dBm/10: -100 dBm/10.
2. Convert power in dBm/10 to 16-bit hexadecimal (two's complement): FF 9C.
3. Append the command header in front of the power: 03 FF 9C.
4. Send command: 03 FF 9C.

13.3 Enable RF Output

1. Set the parameter byte to enable RF output: 01.
2. Append the command header in front of the parameter: 0F 01.
3. Send command: 0F 01.

13.4 Get Output Frequency

1. Send command: 04 00 00 00 00 00 00.
2. Send command again: 04 00 00 00 00 00 00.
3. Read return data: 00 06 2D 27 24 86 00.
4. Disregard the "Don't care" byte from the received data: 06 2D 27 24 86 00.
5. Convert data to mHz: 6,791,000,000,000 mHz.
6. Convert data to Hz: 6.791 GHz.

13.5 Get Device Status

1. Send command: 02 00.
2. Send command again: 02 00.
3. Read return data: 00 2E.
4. Disregard the "Don't care" byte from the received data: 2E.
5. Interpret the status bits:
   • Bit 0: 1 → External reference
   • Bit 1: 0 → RF locked
   • Bit 2: 0 → Reference locked
   • Bit 3: 1 → RF output enabled
   • Bit 5: 1 → Reference output enabled
   • Bit 6: 0 → Blanking off

Note: the source manual's worked example reads the status byte as "29" then interprets it as "2E". The interpreted bit pattern (external reference, RF locked, reference locked, RF output enabled, reference output enabled, blanking off) corresponds to 0x2E. The differing "29" value in the source is marked (verify).

14. Maintenance and Warranty Information

14.1 Adjustments and Calibration

To maintain optimum measurement performance, the instrument should be calibrated every 24 months. It is recommended that the instrument be returned to BNC or to an authorized calibration facility. For more information, please contact our Customer Service Department as indicated on www.berkeleynucleonics.com.

14.2 Repair

The signal source contains no user-serviceable parts. Repair or calibration of the signal source requires specialised test equipment and must be performed by BNC or its authorized repair specialists.

14.3 Warranty Information

All BNC instruments are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two years from the date of shipment. BNC will, at its option, repair or replace products that prove to be defective during the warranty period, provided they are returned to BNC and provided the preventative maintenance procedures are followed. Repairs necessitated by misuse of the product are not covered by this warranty. No other warranties are expressed or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. BNC is not liable for consequential damages. The warranty on the internal rechargeable batteries (option B3) is one year from the date of shipment. Battery replacement is available through BNC and its distributors.

14.4 Equipment Returns

For instruments requiring service, either in or out of warranty, contact your local distributor or BNC Customer Service Department at the address given below for pricing and instructions before returning your instrument.

When you call, be sure to have the following information available:

• Model number.
• Serial number.
• Description of the failure.

Note: model and serial number can be found on the device or the power plug.

You will get a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number from BNC; please put it on the outside of the package. Instruments that are eligible for in-warranty repair will be returned prepaid to the customer. For all other situations the customer is responsible for all shipping charges. An evaluation fee may be charged for processing units that are found to have no functional or performance defects.

For out-of-warranty instruments, BNC will provide an estimate for the cost of repair. Customer approval of the charges will be required before repairs can be made. For units deemed to be beyond repair, or in situations where the customer declines to authorize repair, an evaluation charge may be assessed by BNC.

15. Contact

Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation. 2955 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94901.

Phone (415) 453-9955. Email info@berkeleynucleonics.com. Web www.berkeleynucleonics.com.

Model 805-SG Microwave Signal Source User Manual. SPI control reconciled from the SPI Interface Model 805-SG-1 Programmers Manual, document version 0.1 (Print Code 20232710). Specifications reconciled from the Model 805-SG datasheet. Items not stated in the source documents are marked (verify).