User manual - Laplace Instruments Ltd
Contents
1. EOF Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual SET UP ONLY file format Record Description currentfreq Current frequency startlevel Start point of V m endlevel End point of V m steplevel Step for single freq auto singledwelltime Dwell time for single freq startfreq Start freq for Standard mode endfreq End freq for Standard mode stepsize Freq step size for standard mode dwelltime Dwell time for Standard mode setpoint Target V m for Standard mode totaltime Total estimated time for test modulation Style of modulation selected promptindex Style of EUT prompt selected statusindex Style of response to EUT fail singlelevel Target level for Single freq mode pastatus PA style flag modeflag Mode style flag Spare3 Four spare lines Spare4 Spare5 Spare6 customdata frequency EOF Page 35 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual All files are saved in simple ASCII text format with the following extensions Pre scan data username psc Prescan data attenuator settings plus complete setup information Setup only username stp Complete setup information ini file RF2000 in1 Defines the startup conditions of the software These conditions are saved each time the program exits Test records username rf Complete record of results plus setup information Page 362. floppy CD ROM Iw Include this location in the search Browse C Don t search will choose the driver to install Choose this option to select the device driver fram a list Windows does not guarantee that the diver you choose will be the best match for your hardware Back Next gt Cancel Type c Program Files Laplace Instruments Ltd RfSynth or select the directory using the Browse button Found New Hardware Wizard Please wait while the wizard installs the software e Dev aSus LIsblZcla Interface Board Farce Wait while windows copies the files into its system folders Page 16 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual Hardware Installation AN The software you are installing for this hardware US DeVaSys Usbl clo Interface Board has not passed Windows Logo testing to verify its compatibility with Windows P Tell me why this testing i important Continuing your installation of this software may impair or destabilize the correct operation of your system either immediately or in the future Microsoft strongly recommends that you stop this installation now and contact the hardware vendor for software that has passed Windows Logo testing Continue Anyway STOP Installation Click Continue Anyway Found New Hardware Wizard Please wait while the wizard installs the software DeVaSus Usbl2clo Interface Board 2 LJ Setting a system restore poi
3. adjusted by clicking on the appropriate UP or DOWN buttons 6 If modulation is required select the appropriate modulation in the pull down menu The modulation will only change when one of the frequency or level buttons is clicked T The MONITOR area will show the actual achieved levels and frequency 8 The RESULTS window will show the progress of the test 9 To end the test click on the STOP button 5 3 3 Investigative test Auto increment mode This can automate the process of measuring the field strength level at which a product fails l Auto increment mode enables the EUT to be tested in a gradually increasing field strength at one frequency until 1f desired an EUT fault occurs at which point the test will terminate The REPORT screen will show the results of the test 2 To begin this mode click on AutoIncrease on the Single Frequency mode screen a Set the required frequency in the Frequency window b Set the required start and stop V m levels and the step size also in V m C Set the Dwell time at each level d If the test is to be stopped when an EUT fault is detected enable the Stop on EUT Fault mode e If modulation is required ensure that the required modulation type is selected in the modulation field oF When the parameters are all set click on the RUN button 4 If the operator needs to dwell at any one level for an extended period click on the DWELL button 5 STOP will terminate the te
4. not dwell at any of the steps Instead it keeps a record in memory of the attenuator settings needed to create the required field strength When this PRE SCAN is completed the EUT can be placed in the cell To then do a Pre Scanned RUN simply click on the RUN button By default once a PRE SCAN sweep has been done subsequent RUN operations will use the Pre scanned data to set the level rather than using the feedback to control the level Page 27 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual To exit this mode and to return to normal conventional control of the field strength switch to the Standard setup screen and click the Test Type Normal selector The REPORT RESULTS screen will show the target level as normal plus the actual field strength inside the cell as measured by the field probe This feedback 1s not used for the control but gives an indication of how the EUT is reacting to the applied field For instance if the EUT is such that it absorbs RF energy at a particular frequency this will be shown in the feedback level Page 28 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual 6 Software Reference File menu File Open P Laplace Syathesiser DF2800 File open results PENE Loads all setup parameters and results of a previously saved test Oper Results Setup Overwrites all the parameters and data currently in memory Ste esl ise File open Setup only Loads previously sav
5. spare Five spare lines spare spare spare spare currentfreq Current frequency startlevel Start point of V m endlevel End point of V m steplevel Step for single frquency auto singledwelltime Dwell time for single freq startfreq Start freq for Standard mode endfreq End freq for Standard mode stepsize Freq step for standard mode dwelltime Dwell time for Standard mode setpoint Target V m for Standrd mode totaltime Total estimated time for test modulation Style of modulation selected promptindex Style of EUT prompt selected statusindex Style of response to EUT fail singlelevel Target level for Single frequency mode pastatus PA style flag modeflag Mode style flag Spare3 Four spare lines Spare4 Spare5 Spare6 customdata customdata frequency level Page 33 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual TEST RECORD data file format Record Description Software Version Label softversion Software Version Date amp Time Label label14 caption Date and Time of test Title Label titlestring Title of test Procedure Name Label procstring Procedure name currentfreq Current frequency startlevel Start point of V m endlevel End point of V m steplevel Step for single frequency auto singledwelltime Dwell time for single freq startfreq Start freq for Standard mode endfreq End freq for Standard mode stepsize Freq step size for standard mode dwelltime Dwell time for Standard mode setpoint Tar
6. to the corresponding 5 or 8 pin socket on the cell This connection supplies power to the cell certain models only and returns the analogue field strength measurement and the cell door interlock signal Mains power ON OFF indicator Standby When illuminated indicates that the system is running with the output signal fully attenuated and is effectively in standby mode P A status Indicates that the Power amplifier has been switched into standby mode either by direct switch action on the PA or due to the opening of the cell door 10 EUT Status Indicates the condition of the EUT status signal When illuminated indicates that the EUT is OK 11 EUT prompt indication shows when the prompt signal is on Page 9 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual Rear panel Mains input CAUTION Early models were set for eityer 110V or 240V input power Check the mains voltage corresponds to the voltage label next to the mains input socket Applying 230V to a 110V unit will cause damage Later models are dual voltage 110 240V ac If the panel is marked for this range either 1 10V or 240V can be used If the mains voltage setting for the early models of the Synthesiser needs to be changed from 230V to 110V or vice versa the unit must be returned to the factory Mains switch This reveals a red indication when the switch is on Press 1 for on and 0 for off USB port Connected to the USB port on any stan
7. NC contacts are opened when EUT prompt operates e Contact rating is 20v rms or 40v dc 300mA e When pulsed prompt is used contacts close for approx 1 second Page 11 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual 4 1 2 System Connections This diagram shows the cabling connections when using the Synthesiser with a single power amplifier All 4 cables shown in this diagram are included with the shipment The optional connections to the EUT prompt and EUT status sections are supplied with the appropriate mating halves Note that if the system is used with remote sensor the control connection to cell is redundant and not supplied Cantral cannection ta cell RF Power to cell S Ke F w LEE z mr a E ry P ES a nn aan a Optional connectors for ELIT prompt and status A S S ee puce m c T cce cese ecc ra ot i mn posession SEE HUE n 7 Hbc EHE pant aeatanaesoesea avant aa mu aaa s ET i m C S SSS aaa aaa steresoeohss so cor sors e hres R RES ESE E oer oostevo essere fis BESES SEES ASS MASS e a a ns RF signal to F A Fay interlock cable If using the Synthesiser with both the RF1100 and RF1200 or RF1300 power amplifiers the three cables which connect to the power amplifier must be switched over at 1GHz a b c d e Connect supplied USB lead from USB port on PC to rear panel connector on Synthesiser Connect RF output lead from Synthesiser to RF input on RF1100 power amplifier P A with the supp
8. Probe Not used when the remote sensor option is specified The sensor is connected at the rear panel Field probe Door interlack s 2 ov 3 ON 6 C Cell range control Hi High range Lo Low range Pullup inside cell signal from cell f C Hirange selected Range acknowledge Pullups inside RF2000 8 O Lorange selected The RFx000 requires an analogue signal for field strength feedback The nominal sensitivity should be 2v feedback signal for 10V m field strength The standard version of the RFx000 assumes a response time of approx 10ms to match the performance of the probe included with the LaplaCell If an alternative probe is to be used ensure the response time is similar or shorter than the 10ms quoted above If a probe with a longer response time is to be used contact Laplace Instruments Ltd or the distributor for advice This connector provides 5v at 20mA for probe power and a connection for the cell door interlock The 8 way cable supplied with the LaplaCell provides all the required interconnections Page 14 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual 5 Synthesiser Software The software programme Rfsynth3 supplied with the Synthesiser is a Windows application which will run under Windows NT XP 2000 and Vista This program has the following functions Control of the Synthesiser Programming of the test sequence Display of the results of the test Recording of results and setups to d
9. RF1000 RF2000 RF3000 RF SIGNAL SYNTHESISER and SYSTEM CONTROLLER USER GUIDE ISSUE 4 November 2008 LAPLACE INSTRUMENTS LTD Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual Page 2 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual INDEX l Specification VA Special note 3 Introduction 4 Hardware description 4 1 Hardware interconnections S Software operation 5 1 Installation 5 2 Overview 5 3 Operating procedures 6 Software Reference T File formats Page 3 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual Page 4 Laplace Instruments Ltd 1 0 SPECIFICATION Synthesiser Manual Output carrier frequency Control From supplied PC software via RF1000 30MHz 1 0GHz USB port RF2000 30MHz 2 4GHz RF3000 30MHz 3GHz Environment Windows NT XP Vista Resolution 0 5 of current value Main control Start test RUN Stop test STOP Step size 0 2 to 5 of current Pause at frequency Dwell Level carrier signal Indication value 60dBm to 0dBm Bargraph indication of level Setup screen Single frequency mode Enables all parameters of a test scan and EUT details to be programmed Parameters Start and end frequencies THD worst case 10 Frequency step of current value Modulation off Field strength 0 10V m 1KHz sine 80 AM Dwell time 1 99 seconds modulation Modulation mode 200Hz 20Hz amp 1Hz pulsed 100 level single freq Screen Manually or autom
10. atically ramp the field strength at one Output connector BNC frequency Ext feedback probe Input 0 2 5V Custom scan Specify field level vs frequency Calibration via PC software Report screen Plot all details of the test Excitation 5V 20mA dc including setup parameters actual Connector 8 pin circular vs target settings and EUT status Mode Open loop pre Status window Real time indication of operating programmed or closed mode EUT status and P A loop Status EUT status 5V relay input Menus Fault modes Stop pause continue File All standard Windows facilities including Connector 3 pin circular printer output and file Save Open commands Test results and setup data EUT prompt 4 pole c o volt free can be stored recalled separately contacts Modes Pulsed Continuous off Mode Select operating mode and test sequence Connector 15 pin Dee type Standard IEC tests pre programmed P A interlock Contact closure Config Enter cell characteristics Probe calibration enforces standby P A characteristics mode Connector 4 pin circular Indication Mains power Output signal level bargraph General P A status EUT status EUT prompt Supply 110V or 230V auto sensing 50 or 60Hz Size 120 x 64 x 188mm Weight 3 5kg Page 5 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual 2 SPECIAL NOTE The RF1000 2000 3000 are designed for use with the LaplaCell range of EMC test cells These cells are fitted with a field sens
11. be fed to transmitting antenna or test chamber via a fixed gain Power Amplifier If used with a compact cell the Laplace RF1100 RF1200 and or RF1300 amplifiers make ideally matched companions Typical System LIB interface 4 Probe feedback 4 EUT interface signals Frequency and modulation are simple set values but the level is controlled via a field strength sensor feedback loop But see note in first section The PC will provide the level set point in terms of sensor output i e already adjusted to take account of cell characteristics Two modes are available real time feedback or pre programmed level The former takes account of the effect of the EUT inside the cell The Synthesiser also acts as an interface to the EUT with status input and prompt outputs to exercise the product at each step A single frequency mode is available in which the cell is effectively controlled directly by the operator from the PC enabling specific weaknesses in the EUT to be investigated Page 7 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual Immunity system components e Synthesiser The RFx000 Linked to PC via USB port Generates the required signals and controls the amplitude to produce required field strength inside cell Also interfaces simple EUT status signal back to PC and generates simple prompt signal to EUT under PC control e PC with RFSynth software package User interface and main control for the system e EUT mon
12. dard PC Use the cable supplied with the Synthesiser Serial RS232 port ONLY used if the remote sensor RH option has been specified CAUTION e Ensure equipment is properly grounded to earth before use e Do not cover any ventilation slots e Ensure correct mains voltage e Use only volt free contacts for the EUT status signal Page 10 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual 4 1 Interconnections 4 1 1 EUT status connections These connections relate to the monitoring of the EUT whilst immunity testing 1s ongoing Immunity tests can take some time so automatic monitoring is an advantage as it avoids the need for continuous presence of a person during the test EUT status 1 Volt tree contacts To EUT Tt T circuit i Indication of EUT status must be returned to the Synthesiser as a volt free contact circuit open representing EUT good Because every EUT is different the EUT interface circuit must be designed to suit each individual application If there are many parameters to be monitored they must be logically OR ed together to provide a contact closure if any parameter is not OK Either pin 1 or 3 may be used for the return connection EUT Prompt The prompt output from the Synthesiser is a 4 pole c o relay All the contacts are brought out to a standard 15 way Dee type connector Connection details 10 1 9 12 7 8 15 Notes e NO contacts are closed when EUT prompt operates e
13. e w i Laplace Iretranentz Lid 9 f RF OUTPUT 50ohm BNC for signal out This signal should be taken via a suitable RF power amplifier to the cell or antenna Maximum signal out is typically 3dBm at 30MHz and 6dBm at 3GHz Signal out level indication This 1s provided so that the user can visually observe the activity of the system Note that this level does not represent field strength that is largely determined by the characteristics of the amplifier cell or antenna When using the LaplaCell this indication is generally around half scale for most field strength settings but will approach full scale at certain frequencies for the highest field strengths NOTE An excursion into the red zone does NOT indicate an overload it simply indicates that the output 1s approaching full scale EUT prompt output This enables the system to prompt the EUT each time the test begins a dwell period This can ensure that the EUT is fully exercised at all test frequencies during the test See section 4 1 1 EUT status input This requires a contact closure to indicate that the EUT is OK Open circuit indicates an EUT failure The status is transmitted to the PC for indication on the RFSynth software screen and for action if so required See section 4 1 1 PA status Monitors the power amplifier normal standby status See section 4 1 4 Feedback probe input When used with the LaplaCell this is connected directly
14. ed setup parameters only File open pre scan Loads pre scan data complete with all setup parameters File Save Stores current results and setup information using the file name last used This will overwrite any previously stored information File Save as Conventional Windows function Allows file name directory and drive to be defined by the user utem fretin SPECS File Save as Results amp Setup All setup parameters and test results stored with file extension If File Save as Setup Only Setup parameters stored with file extension stp File Save as Pre Scans Pre scan data attenuator settings stored with all setup parameters with file extension psc Print options Conventional printer facilities for the creation of hard copy results Page 29 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual wi Loplece Syathesisar RFZORO Eile Print Plot m Prints the plot as shown on the RESULTS screen plus details of setup parameters Title Notes Date and time and file name if given Print y E Print Tabular Prints the results data as a tabular listing in 5 columns Result No Frequency Actual level Target level EUT status Tabular 700 00 Printer Setup Enables the printer configuration and parameters to be selected Parameters include printer type paper size orientation network options and printer mode File Title and Notes These allow
15. em creates the required frequency and then ramps up the field strength to the desired value When the correct conditions are achieved the Status indicators will change to Running and if modulation is selected the Modulation indicator will show The actual field strength achieved will be shown as a red line on the REPORT RESULTS screen This should appear close to the target blue line The EUT status 1f relevant will be indicated in the Status indication area and as a red green line below the REPORT trace Actual achieved frequency and field strength will be reported in the monitor window together with current dwell time and total elapsed time At any time during the scan the dwell time at any particular frequency can be extended indefinitely by clicking on the DWELL button on the lower edge of the screen The DWELL button will also act as a RESUME button To stop the scan click on the STOP button If the test 1s allowed to proceed until either the scan reaches the Finish frequency or the EUT causes the scan to stop EUT Status set to Halt an End of Run message will be shown and the system returned to standby mode Page 23 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual REPORT C 3O0hlHz 1 0Hz C 1 0GHz 2 4GHz 30MHBHz 2 4c buttons 30 1000M Hz or 30 2000MHz or 1000 2000MHz zr r t 4 Z sata a a E E E a Em KE uL EE E A er run e 11 v YES Targ
16. et field egere eee NEED NE strength profile blue Custom MONITOR Current 2000 000 MHZ Cell 0 0 Secs Modulation None Total 00 04 16 Frequency Elapsed Time EUT status indicator Target 0 0 oU Actual o o eri Field Strength 14 On studying the results it may be decided to study the performance of the EUT at one particular frequency perhaps one at which the product had indicated a failure This can be accomplished by using the Single Frequency mode by clicking on the SINGLE button 5 3 2 Investigative Test Single frequency mode l single frequency mode enables the user to set a frequency and modulation mode and to manually control the field strength using simple UP and DOWN buttons Frequency can also be adjusted in the same way SINGLE FREQUENCY CONTROL s e 2 00 Modulation Depth 60 Modulation fi KHz AM ES Do End Level 10 00 MHz step Size 0 50 va well Time Stop an EUT Fault F Lise Auto Increase m Frequency Auto Increase Modulation 2 Enter the desired frequency in the Frequency field or click on the UP or DOWN buttons until the frequency is reached Note that the step size is set by the Step Inc field Page 24 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual 2 Set the starting field strength Level in the Level field 4 Click on the RUN button The system will ramp up to the set level and remain a that level s The frequency and level can be
17. fier used with this system Configure FLH10 Alternative power amplifier Configure PA Other Entry of third party Power Amplifier identification Configure System Selects file delimiter used for results data This can be changed to suit any spreadsheet or other program that may be required to import the data Also sets cell serial number This is required so that the software can look up the appropriate cell calibration file This file should be included with the test cell and will have a file name of cellOnnn csv where nnn is the cell serial number This file should be installed in the same directory as the program The USB device status 1s also shown Page 31 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual Page 32 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual 7 File Formats INI file format EOF Record Description ordercolor Colour of border gridcolor Colour of grid screencolor Colour of screen eutokcolor Colour of EUT OK Bar eutfailcolor Colour of EUT Fail Bar achievecolor Colour of achieved level setpointcolor Colour of Target pgridcolor Print colour of grid psetcolor Print colour of Target pachievecolor Print colour of level achieved peutokcolor Print colour of EUT OK Bar peutfailcolor Print colour of EUT Fail ptextcolor Print colour of text comstyle Com Port used 0 for simultn bbrate Baud rate used delimitor Delimitor used in files cellname Cell identifier pscancolor Colour of prescan trace
18. get V m for Standard mode totaltime Total estimated time for test modulation Style of modulation selected promptindex Style of EUT prompt selected statusindex Style of response to EUT fail PRE SCAN DATA file format Record Description currentfreq Current frequency startlevel Start point of V m endlevel End point of V m steplevel Step for single freq auto singledwelltime Dwell time for single freq startfreq Start freq for Standard mode endfreq End freq for Standard mode stepsize Freq step size for standard mode dwelltime Dwell time for Standard mode setpoint Target V m for Standard mode totaltime Total estimated time for test modulation Style of modulation selected promptindex Style of EUT prompt selected statusindex Style of response to EUT selected singlelevel Target level for Single frequency mode pastatus PA style flag modeflag Mode style flag Spare3 Four spare lines Page 34 singlelevel Target level for Single frequency mode pastatus PA style flag modeflag Mode style flag Spare3 Four spare lines Spare4 Spare5 Spare6 customdata customdata frequency level finish Label FREQUENCY LEVEL EUT Number of lines of data depend on the number of results taken EOF Note represents delimiter as selected in System menu Spare4 Spare5 Spare6 customdata frequency 30 sets of Custom Data points customdata level frequency ek prescan setting
19. ield strength so that specific problems can be investigated In addition this mode provides secondary features a Can be used for the 900M HZ pulsed field test required by the standards for testing mobile phone immunity b Provides an automated feature for gradually increasing the field strength until an EUT fault is detected thus providing a means of checking the actual failure level of a product 3 Custom scan mode Enables a frequency vs field strength profile to be programmed In addition the Standard and Custom scan modes can be run with either the normal using probe feedback for field control technique or with the Pre Scanned technique See section 5 1 5 In the next sections the operation of the software is described in terms of the procedures which would typically be adopted for a practical application Page 20 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual 5 3 Operating Procedures 5 3 1 Initial test Standard Mode l Install configure and connect the EUT inside the test cell For the purposes of this description use of the LaplaCell will be assumed Connect the EUT status and EUT prompt interface to the Synthesiser if available see section 4 1 1 Connect system cables as shown in section 4 1 2 Switch the Synthesiser and RF1100 and or the RF1200 RF1300 ON RF2000 Details Check the Configure System menu and ensure that the correct cell model Is selected and the the correct current cell se
20. ised how should the product be tested Either 1 Open loop mode Pre scan Generate the 10V m in the empty space first then place the product into that space but do not attempt to control the field strength which may now have suffered a significant change This emulates the real world situation as described above but may result in actual field strengths applied to the product significantly less than the 10V m nominal Or 2 Closed loop mode Standard Control the field strength with the product in the space to give 10V m This may appear to to more correct but could give a false impression of the performance of the produce in actual situations The synthesiser and the software permit both techniques Technique 2 is generally used but the use of technique 1 can often lead to useful information about the characteristics of the product for instance it can show at which frequencies if any the product becomes a significant absorber of RF power In this system technique 2 is the default standard technique Page 8 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual 4 Synthesiser Hardware Description The RF1000 2000 3000 acts as the hub of the immunity test system It generates the signal that is applied to the EUT controls the field strength via a feedback signal from the cell provides interfaces for the EUT and interfaces to the controlling PC via the serial port The features of the front panel ar
21. isk and subsequent opening of those saved files 5 1 Installation To install the program insert the floppy disk or CD and run install exe This should create a directory called c Program Files Laplace Instruments Ltd Rfsynth and copy files into this directory 5 1 1 Installation of the Synthesiser USB Device Drivers under Windows Connect the Synthesiser to the USB port on your computer using the supplied cable and switch on the Synthesiser Windows should automatically detect that the USB device has been connected and prompt for a device driver Found Mew Hardware Wizard Welcome to the Found New Hardware Wizard This wizard helps you install software for DeWaSus Usbl cto Interface Board fe If your hardware came with an installation CD GEA nr floppy disk insert it now What do wou want the wizard to do C Install the software automatically Recommended Install from a list or specific location Advanced Click Next to continue Back Cancel Select the Install from a list or specific location Advanced and click Next Page 15 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual Found New Hardware Wizard Please choose your search and installation options f Search for the best driver in these locations Use the check bases below to limit ar expand the default search which includes local paths and removable media The best driver found will be installed Search removable media
22. ition the sensor can be used to check and calibrate the test volume using the pre scan mode and by processing the resultant pre scan data in for example Excel Page 6 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual 3 INTRODUCTION The RF1000 2000 RF signal synthesiser 1s specifically designed to provide the signals required for testing RFI immunity of products to international standard IEC61000 4 3 IEC61000 4 3 IEC61000 4 3 immunity testing requires that the EUT equipment under test operates satisfactorily when subject to a strong electromagnetic field This requires a scan at a certain fixed level specified by the standard of field strength The scan will comprise a series of steps in frequency Each step is specified as a percentage of current frequency value This percentage is variable from 0 2 to 5 At each step the frequency is held the level adjusted to achieve the required field strength as measured by a field sensor a prescribed modulation mode is initiated and then the conditions held for a dwell time The EUT should be monitored to detect faulty operation during the test During the dwell time a 1KHz AM modulation at 80 depth is applied to the signal In addition a specific test is required at 9OOMHz with a pulsed modulation of 100 depth to simulate the fields which may be experienced from mobile phones The synthesiser generates a signal at the required frequency modulation and level which can
23. itoring facilities e EUT excitation and monitoring The software will enable the use of standard PC plug in cards e g Keithley or National Instruments or others and standard control acquisition package such as DasyTec or Labview with DDE interchange to monitor the EUT status and or to trigger test cycles e Video interface running in separate window Camera and camera hardware interface and software are supplied separately Cell characteristics The cell may be distinctly non linear in frequency characteristics Generally each cell is individually calibrated by the manufacturer and the resultant characteristics programmed into the software Field control technique There are two quite distinct ways in which field strength can be controlled The synthesiser allows use of both techniques To understand the background to these alternative techniques imagine the following scenario The equipment to be tested EUT is to be used in an area close to a strong transmitter perhaps a TV station and may therefore be subject to quite strong RF fields Indeed in one location at which the product is to be located the field strength from the transmitter is 10V m as measured with an accurate field strength probe prior to installing the product When the product is installed at this location it will modify the field in this vicinity possibly reducing the field to only 5V m simply due to the RF characteristics of the product The question is therefore ra
24. lied BNC BNC lead Connect RF output from RF1100 to cell RF connector N type using cable provided Note normally ALWAYS leave this cable connected to cell When disconnecting the RF1100 or any other device eg EMC analyser always disconnect at the end remote from the cell If not using a cell connect to a suitable antenna or other load Connect the supplied 8 way cable from the cell to the SYNTHESISER Not required if not using a cell but note that either an alternative field sensor must be connected or the internal feedback link set internally Connect the supplied 4 way cable from the Synthesiser to the RF1100 Note that when using the LaplaCell the 3 way connector on the RF1100 is not used Page 12 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual 4 1 3 LETIS The LETIS Laplace EMC Test Integration System enables all the switching between power amplifiers to be done automatically If using this unit the interconnections are as shown below Note that this diagram is for a complete system which includes the A1002 or SA3000 analyser for emissions measurement IB SA1002 A3000 Control To Cell 4 1 4 System interconnection circuits These are provided so that the Synthesiser can be interfaced with other third party hardware When using Laplace ancillaries this section is redundant PA Status To F A standby interlock sic standby mode Page 13 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual
25. nt and backing up old files in case your system needs to be restored in the future c Back Nest ance Wait while windows copies the files into its system folders Found New Hardware Wizard Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard The wizard has finished installing the software for DeVaSye Usbl clo Interface Board Click Finish to close the wizard lt Back Eancel Click Finish Page 17 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual Repeat the sequence for any other USB devices connected eg LETIS Windows will automatically prompt you to load the second USB device driver You should now copy any calibration file cellOnnn csv from the floppy CD into the same directory c Program Files Laplace Instruments Ltd Rfsynth3 For remote sensor operation the calibration fiel is cellOHOL csv To start the program run RfSynth3 exe and or create an icon and shortcut on the desktop Page 18 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual 5 2 Overview The screen layout User tithe avd test date Main cantra results display area Main control buttons Mode select buttons The screen is divided into 8 main areas I i ii The Main Menu bar across the top in a conventional Windows application style A full description of each menu item is given later The status indicator areas running down the left hand side Synthesiser operating condition EUT status System fault indicato
26. or to provide feedback to the field strength level control system These synthesisers will not work correctly unless this feedback signal is present If the unit is to be used without the cell connected option RH is available which includes a remote sensor interface which is connected via the RS232 port on the rear panel This will accept feedback from Holaday or EMC Test Design standard probes In this mode 2 1 Remote sensor option for anechoic chamber operation The RFx000 can be used with a Holaday or EMC Test Design field sensor or equivalent for use in anechoic chambers This RH option must be specified at time of ordering This manual will apply in all respects apart from the following Sensor requirements The system is designed for the Holaday HI 4422 or the HI 6005 sensors or the EMC Test Design Smart Probe RFP 04CE probe or equivalents The sensor should be connected to the synthesiser via the appropriate fibre optic cable and serial adaptor This adaptor is connected via the serial port provided on the rear panel of the unit The synthesiser will recognise the probe and power the adaptor automatically If the sensor is not connected or if the sensor battery is flat the system will not run when RUN or PRE SCAN is inititated In operation the software will work as described in the following sections Both closed loop sensor used alongside the EUT and open loop Pre scanned with EUT absent modes can be used In add
27. rial number is entered 9 Laplace Systhasiser RP2000 RF2000 If the remote sensor option is used select HOL as the current cell number im 10 Check Comms and Synth Fault status indicators are not showing If using the cell camera and or internal lighting position these for optimum viewing and connect via DIN socket in EUT connection panel on the cell Ensure P A standby button is out not illuminated Close cell door if necessary Check all EUT related systems are working properly a EUT operation b EUT status interface check response on Synthesiser software screen when EUT fails C EUT prompt signal Use menu item Mode check EUT prompt d Cell door interlock Opening the door should cause P A fault indicator to show and P A to go into Standby mode When all 1s ready to start the test the test parameters can be entered in the Standard mode window Page 21 11 a b c d e g h Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual Sohne preise zii Type in the start and finish frequencies Note that the maximum frequency is determined by the synthesiser model Type in the required field strength Enter the required step size in For normal testing 0 5 or 1 is used However for a fast scan a larger step size can be used For very careful testing for narrow band effects smaller step sizes can be used Select EUT prompt OFF or Pulsed or ON as required Select EUT
28. rs The Main operating control buttons Controls RUN STOP and Pause Dwell The Main operating mode selection The Monitor area Displays current test parameters continuously updated as a test proceeds The main setup and results display area This area shows one of 4 different screens one for each of three operating modes plus a reporting page selected by the Operating Mode Select buttons at the lower edge of the screen The three operating modes are Standard Scan For conventional frequency scan of signal at fixed level V m Page 19 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual ii Single Point frequency Manual or semi automatic control of frequency and level for single frequency testing and investigative work iii Custom Scan Enables programming of complex scan profiles as required for example by products which are sensitive to certain frequencies eg radio receivers iv Report Results Displays a screen on which the results of a test are plotted graphically for ease of viewing and interpretation Main Operating Modes The system has 3 quite separate modes of operation Each mode can be automated so that testing can be undertaken unattended The modes are l Standard mode Conventional scans between a start and finish frequency at a fixed field strength level and programmable step size Modulation EUT prompting and EUT monitoring as required 2 Single frequency mode Manual control of frequency and f
29. s applied to the product significantly less than the 10V m nominal Or 2 Control the field strength with the product in the space to give 10V m This may appear to to more correct but could give a false impression of the performance of the produce in actual situations The Synthesiser and the software permit both techniques Technique 2 is generally used but the use of technique 1 can often lead to useful information about the characteristics of the product for instance it can show at which frequencies if any the product becomes a significant absorber of RF power In this system technique 2 is the default normal technique and this is what is applied in all the test techniques described so far Pre scan mode enables technique 1 to be implemented The SYNTHESISER system controls the field strength inside the cell by adjustment of the RF signal output to the amplifier This signal is fed via a digitally controlled variable attenuator which is in turn controlled by the software In short the software can dictate the precise level of the RF output to the cell independently if required of the feedback from the cell Pre scanning can be applied to both Standard and Custom modes When the test 1s fully defined in the Standard setup or the Custom setup screen ensure that the cell is empty and click on the PRE SCAN button not the normal RUN button The system will now perform a complete sweep as dictated by the settings but will
30. st 6 If the test runs through to completion the system will automatically return to standby mode and show a Run is Completed message 5 3 4 Custom Scan Mode In some cases it may be necessary to vary the field strength as the scan proceeds Situations where this would be an advantage is if the EUT is intentionally sensitive at certain frequencies and should be be subjected to strong fields at these points A telemetry receiver would be an example Page 25 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual of this Alternatively products which have to work in the vicinity of strong transmitters may be tested at a lower field for most frequencies maybe 3V m domestic environment but at transmitter frequencies a higher field strength would be sensible Custom scan mode enables a field strength vs frequency profile to be entered A table is provided on the CUSTOM mode screen where frequency and field values can be entered The software automatically performs straight line interpolation between consecutive points It for instance a product which is normally intended for class B environments domestic and commercial but which may be used close to 456MHz telemetry transmitters is to be tested then the table could be entered as follows Frequency Level MHz V m 80 3 Once entered the resulting profile can be checked by switching to the RESULTS screen As with the STANDARD screen the other parameters that can be set are e Dwell
31. status either OFF if not used or Halt if the test is to be stopped in the event of an EUT failure or Continue if an EUT failure is to be ignored Select dwell time at each test frequency in seconds Click on the Estimated Time field to update the calculated total time for the test 14 Hz Pulse Select the required ered 20 Hz Pulse modulation For most tests 1 D 200 Hz Pulse involving a scan the 1KHz Stirs modulation is normally used m pictis Alternatively an IEC61000 4 3 standard scan can be selected under the main menu item Mode IEC Tests This will load a pre programmed scan with the correct settings Note that Dwell time and Step are left to the user u e Ellos Industrial Page 22 13 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual Once the scan is fully programmed click on he REPORT RESULTS button to view the results of the test as the test proceeds The target field strength profile will be displayed as a blue line Click on the RUN button lower left hand edge and the test will begin NOTE If using the Lc600 or Lc300 2 cell ensure that the frequency range switch on the cell is set to Auto position The Synthesiser will automatically switch the cell range as required If the switch is set to a manual position the software will flag an error a b c d e g The system Status indicators will initially show Settling as the syst
32. the user to add a title which appears near the top of the screen and notes The notes are written to a separate window but always appear on any printout and are automatically saved to file with the Store options File Exit Exits the program Any data not Stored to disk will be lost Display Display Colours P Laplace Syethesiser RF2000 The screen colours used on the results plot may be changed to suit isplay individual preferences or to optimise display performance Colours Display Clear Clears the Results plot and resets all result information to zero Display Show Field Warning Messages These messages are shown if the field strength achieved is not within a tolerance band of the set level Page 30 er BIEBER Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual Wm PS Sa aT Configuration RF2000 Getails T Laplace Synthesizer RFZOGO RF2OU0 Mode IEC Tests Selects the parameters required for testing to the standard IEC61000 4 3 Frequency start and finish modulation and field level are loaded Options allow the domestic amp commercial levels or the Industrial levels The user must specify Dwell time frequency step EUT prompt mode and EUT monitor mode Mode Standard mode These options select the Mode Single Freq Mode operating mode with the Mode Custom Scan same effect as the mode buttons along the lower edge Configure RF Series Standard Power Ampli
33. time at each test frequency Step increment in 96 Modulation EUT prompt EUT status monitoring The estimated time window will calculate the total time for the test as each parameter is changed Pe S GITE preme Page 26 Laplace Instruments Ltd Synthesiser Manual 5 3 5 Pre Scan mode As discussed in chapter 3 there are two quite distinct ways in which field strength can be controlled The Synthesiser allows use of both techniques To understand the background to these alternative techniques imagine the following scenario The equipment to be tested EUT is to be used in an area close to a strong transmitter perhaps a TV station and may therefore be subject to quite strong RF fields Indeed in one location at which the product is to be located the field strength from the transmitter is 10V m as measured with an accurate field strength probe prior to installing the product When the product is installed at this location it will modify the field in this vicinity possibly reducing the field to only 5V m simply due to the RF characteristics of the product The question is therefore raised how should the product be tested Either 1 Generate the 10V m in the empty space first then place the product into that space but do not attempt to control the field strength which may now have suffered a significant change This emulates the real world situation as described above but may result in actual field strength
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