Test and Measurement
Division
Operating Manual
I/Q Modulation Generator
AMIQ
1110.2003.02/03/04
valid as of firmware version 4.00
Printed in the Federal
Republic of Germany
1110.3339.12-08-
1
AMIQ
Tabbed Divider Overview
Tabbed Divider Overview
Contents
Data Sheet
Safety Instructions
Certificate of Quality
EU Certificate of Conformity
List of R&S Representatives
Contents of Manuals for I/Q Modulation Generator AMIQ
Tabbed Divider
1
Chapter 1:
Putting into Operation
2
Chapter 2:
Getting Started
3
Chapter 3:
Operation
4
Chapter 4:
Functional Description
5
Chapter 5:
Remote Control – Basics
6
Chapter 6:
Remote Control – Commands
7
Chapter 7:
Examples
8
Chapter 8:
Maintenance
9
Chapter 9:
Error Messages
10
1110.3339.12
Index
RE
E-1
AMIQ
Contents
Contents
1 Putting into Operation......................................................................................... 1.1
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1.1
Front and Rear View ........................................................................................................................ 1.2
Putting into Operation ..................................................................................................................... 1.2
Unpacking................................................................................................................................ 1.2
Setting Up ................................................................................................................................ 1.3
Rackmounting.......................................................................................................................... 1.3
Connection to AC Supply......................................................................................................... 1.4
Power Fuses............................................................................................................................ 1.4
Power Up / Switch-on Test ...................................................................................................... 1.4
Instrument Switch-off............................................................................................................... 1.6
EMC Shielding Measures ........................................................................................................ 1.6
Connection to Test Setup ............................................................................................................... 1.7
Connecting the Controller ........................................................................................................ 1.7
Software for AMIQ Control ...................................................................................................... 1.8
Signal Inputs and Outputs ....................................................................................................... 1.8
Connecting BER Test Signals ................................................................................................. 1.9
Connecting other Facilities .................................................................................................... 1.10
Installation of Options................................................................................................................... 1.11
Option AMIQ-B1, BER Test................................................................................................... 1.11
Option AMIQ-B2, Differential I/Q Outputs.............................................................................. 1.11
Option AMIQ-B3, Digital I/Q Output ............................................................................................. 1.12
Option AMIQB19, I/Q Rear-Panel Connection ...................................................................... 1.12
Option AMIQK11, IS-95 CDMA ............................................................................................. 1.12
Option AMIQK12, CDMA 2000 .............................................................................................. 1.12
Option AMIQK13, Digital Standard W-CDMA TTD Mode (3GPP) ........................................ 1.12
Option AMIQK14, Digital Standard TD-SCDMA .................................................................... 1.12
Option AMIQK15, OFDM Signal Generation ......................................................................... 1.12
Option AMIQK16, Digital Standard 802.11b Wireless LAN ................................................... 1.13
Initial Installation or Update of AMIQ Software........................................................................... 1.13
2 Getting Started..................................................................................................... 2.1
Control via Serial Interface ...................................................................................................... 2.1
Control via IEC/IEEE-Bus Interface ......................................................................................... 2.2
Control via Floppy.................................................................................................................... 2.3
Switchover between Remote-Control Interfaces ..................................................................... 2.3
3 Operation ............................................................................................................. 3.1
Control Elements ..................................................................................................................... 3.1
Indicating Elements (LEDs) ..................................................................................................... 3.1
Calculation of I/Q Modulation Signals...................................................................................... 3.2
Control via WinIQSIM.................................................................................................... 3.2
Control via Vector Signal Generator SMIQ ................................................................... 3.2
1110.3339.12
3
E-7
Contents
AMIQ
4 Functional Description........................................................................................ 4.1
Uses ................................................................................................................................................. 4.1
Stress Signals for I/Q Signals .................................................................................................. 4.1
Special Characteristics for Use of AMIQ as I/Q Modulation Source ...................................... 4.2
Basic Operating Modes................................................................................................................... 4.3
Signal Outputs ................................................................................................................................. 4.4
Marker Outputs........................................................................................................................ 4.4
Clock Output and Input.................................................................................................. 4.5
Triggering ......................................................................................................................................... 4.5
I/Q Signal Adjustments.................................................................................................................... 4.7
Adjusting the Level .................................................................................................................. 4.7
Adjusting the Offset ................................................................................................................. 4.7
Adjusting the Delay.................................................................................................................. 4.7
AMIQ – Block Diagram ............................................................................................................ 4.8
Measurement of Bit Error Rate....................................................................................................... 4.9
Connector ................................................................................................................................ 4.9
Signal Path and Waveform.................................................................................................... 4.10
Test Method........................................................................................................................... 4.11
PRBS Polynomials................................................................................................................. 4.13
Measurement Result, Accuracy, Measurement Time ........................................................... 4.13
Possible Problems with BER Measurement and Related Solutions...................................... 4.14
Further Hints and Tricks ........................................................................................................ 4.15
Installation of Option AMIQ-B1, BER Measurement.............................................................. 4.16
Avoid Reflections in the BER Measurement.......................................................................... 4.17
Application Example for Option Differential Outputs ................................................................ 4.18
AMIQ Model 03 / 04 ........................................................................................................................ 4.20
Digital I/Q Output Option AMIQ-B3 .............................................................................................. 4.21
Operation of Digital I/Q Output Option (AMIQ-B3) using WinIQSIM ..................................... 4.22
Pin Allocation of Digital I/Q Outputs....................................................................................... 4.23
Brief Specifications ................................................................................................................ 4.23
Technical Details ................................................................................................................... 4.24
IEEE 488 Commands ............................................................................................................ 4.25
External Clock ................................................................................................................................ 4.26
Brief Description .................................................................................................................... 4.26
Operation ............................................................................................................................... 4.27
IEC/IEEE-bus command........................................................................................................ 4.27
Multisegment Waveform ............................................................................................................... 4.28
Application and structure ....................................................................................................... 4.28
IEC/IEEE bus commands ...................................................................................................... 4.29
1110.3339.12
4
E-6
AMIQ
Contents
5 Remote Control - Basics..................................................................................... 5.1
Short Introduction............................................................................................................................ 5.1
Messages.......................................................................................................................................... 5.1
Interface Messages ................................................................................................................. 5.2
Device Messages (Commands and Device Responses) ........................................................ 5.2
Structure and Syntax of the Device Messages ............................................................................. 5.3
SCPI Introduction..................................................................................................................... 5.3
Structure of a Command ......................................................................................................... 5.3
Structure of a Command Line.................................................................................................. 5.5
Responses to Queries ............................................................................................................. 5.6
Parameters .............................................................................................................................. 5.6
Overview of Syntax Elements.................................................................................................. 5.8
Instrument Model and Command Processing .............................................................................. 5.9
Input Unit ................................................................................................................................. 5.9
Command Recognition .......................................................................................................... 5.10
Data Set and Instrument Hardware ....................................................................................... 5.10
Status Reporting System ....................................................................................................... 5.10
Output Unit............................................................................................................................. 5.11
Command Sequence and Command Synchronization.......................................................... 5.11
Status Reporting System .............................................................................................................. 5.12
Structure of an SCPI Status Register .................................................................................... 5.12
Overview of Status Registers ................................................................................................ 5.14
Description of the Status Registers ....................................................................................... 5.15
Status Byte (STB) and Service Request Enable Register (SRE) ................................ 5.15
IST Flag and Parallel Poll Enable Register (PPE)....................................................... 5.16
Event Status Register (ESR) and Event Status Enable Register (ESE) ..................... 5.16
STATus:OPERation Register ...................................................................................... 5.17
STATus:QUEStionable Register ................................................................................. 5.17
Application of the Status Reporting System .......................................................................... 5.18
Service Request, Making Use of the Hierarchy Structure ........................................... 5.18
Serial Poll .................................................................................................................... 5.19
Parallel Poll.................................................................................................................. 5.19
Query by Means of Commands................................................................................... 5.19
Error Queue Query...................................................................................................... 5.19
Reset Values of the Status Reporting Systems..................................................................... 5.20
Hardware Interfaces....................................................................................................................... 5.21
IEC/IEEE Bus Interface......................................................................................................... 5.21
Characteristics of the Interface.............................................................................................. 5.21
Bus Lines ............................................................................................................................... 5.21
Interface Functions ................................................................................................................ 5.22
Interface Messages ............................................................................................................... 5.23
RS-232-C Interface ......................................................................................................................... 5.24
Interface characteristics......................................................................................................... 5.24
Signal lines ............................................................................................................................ 5.24
Transmission parameters...................................................................................................... 5.25
Interface functions ................................................................................................................. 5.25
Handshake ............................................................................................................................ 5.26
1110.3339.12
5
E-7
Contents
AMIQ
6 Remote Control – Commands and Data Formats ............................................. 6.1
Notation ................................................................................................................................... 6.1
Common Commands .............................................................................................................. 6.3
BERT – Bit Error Rate Tests ................................................................................................... 6.8
CALibration – Adjustment and Calibration............................................................................. 6.13
DIAGnostic – Hardware Diagnosis ........................................................................................ 6.17
MARKer – Marker Management............................................................................................ 6.20
MEMory/MMEMory – Waveform Management ..................................................................... 6.22
OUTPut – Hardware Settings ................................................................................................ 6.35
PROGram – Program Sequence Control .............................................................................. 6.41
SOURce – Hardware Settings ............................................................................................... 6.42
STATus – Status Reporting................................................................................................... 6.47
SYSTem – Various Settings .................................................................................................. 6.50
ARM/TRIGger/ABORt – Triggering, Sequence Control......................................................... 6.54
Waveform File Format........................................................................................................... 6.57
Creating a Waveform File „Manually“.......................................................................... 6.64
Converting a Waveform File with the Application Software AMIQ-K2......................... 6.66
Example of combining waveform files:........................................................................ 6.68
List of Commands.................................................................................................................. 6.70
Remote-control commands ......................................................................................... 6.70
Tags for Determining the Waveform File Formats...................................................... 6.73
7 Examples.............................................................................................................. 7.1
Program examples for Remote Control......................................................................................... 7.1
Including IEC/IEEE-Bus Library for QuickBasic ...................................................................... 7.1
Initialization and Default Status ............................................................................................... 7.2
Initializing the Controller ................................................................................................ 7.2
Functions for Receiving and Sending Data and Commands ........................................ 7.2
Initializing the Instrument............................................................................................... 7.2
Sending Device Setting Commands........................................................................................ 7.3
Switchover to Manual Control.................................................................................................. 7.3
Executing Batch Programs ...................................................................................................... 7.4
Reading out Device Settings ................................................................................................... 7.4
Command Synchronization...................................................................................................... 7.5
Service Request ...................................................................................................................... 7.6
Selftest with Progress Indication.............................................................................................. 7.7
Waveform Descriptions................................................................................................................. 7.10
GSM Signals (GMSK)............................................................................................................ 7.10
GSM continuous, PRBS 9 data ................................................................................... 7.10
GSM Normal Burst ...................................................................................................... 7.10
GSM Normal Burst, BERT PRBS 9 data..................................................................... 7.11
EDGE Signals (8PSK) ........................................................................................................... 7.12
EDGE Normal Burst .................................................................................................... 7.12
EDGE Normal Burst, BERT PRBS 9 data................................................................... 7.12
GSM/EDGE (GMSK/8PSK) alternating Bursts............................................................ 7.13
NADC Signals........................................................................................................................ 7.14
NADC continuous, PRBS 9 data ................................................................................. 7.14
NADC Downlink Burst ................................................................................................. 7.14
NADC Downlink Burst, BERT PRBS 9 data................................................................ 7.15
1110.3339.12
6
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AMIQ
Contents
DECT Signals ........................................................................................................................ 7.16
DECT continuous, PRBS 9 data ................................................................................. 7.16
Bluetooth Signals................................................................................................................... 7.17
Bluetooth continuous, PRBS 9 data ............................................................................ 7.17
Bluetooth continuous, PRBS 15 data .......................................................................... 7.17
3GPP (FDD) W-CDMA Signals ............................................................................................. 7.18
Testmodel 1, 16 Channels .......................................................................................... 7.18
Testmodel 1, 32 Channels .......................................................................................... 7.18
Testmodel 1, 64 Channels .......................................................................................... 7.19
Testmodel 2................................................................................................................. 7.19
Testmodel 3, 16 Channels .......................................................................................... 7.20
Testmodel 3, 32 Channels .......................................................................................... 7.20
Testmodel 4................................................................................................................. 7.21
Uplink DPCH Mode, 1 DPCH (60 ksps) ...................................................................... 7.21
Uplink DPCH Mode, 1 DPCH (960 ksps) .................................................................... 7.22
Uplink DPCH Mode, 6 DPCH (960 ksps) .................................................................... 7.22
Uplink PRACH only Mode ........................................................................................... 7.23
Uplink PCPCH only Mode ........................................................................................... 7.23
IS95 CDMA Signals ............................................................................................................... 7.24
Pilot Signal................................................................................................................... 7.24
Pilot Signal (with ACPR filter) ...................................................................................... 7.24
9 Channels .................................................................................................................. 7.25
9 Channels (with ACPR filter)...................................................................................... 7.25
9 Channels, worst case Crest ..................................................................................... 7.26
9 Channels, worst case Crest (with ACPR filter)......................................................... 7.26
64 Channels ................................................................................................................ 7.27
Uplink Signal (1 Access, 1 Traffic Channel)................................................................ 7.27
Multicarrier Signals ................................................................................................................ 7.28
15 CW Carriers, maximum Crest ................................................................................ 7.28
15 CW Carriers, minimum Crest ................................................................................. 7.28
8 GSM carriers ............................................................................................................ 7.29
8 EDGE carriers .......................................................................................................... 7.29
5 NADC carriers .......................................................................................................... 7.29
Multicarrier Mixed Signals...................................................................................................... 7.30
3 WCDMA 3GPP carriers, 5 MHz spacing.................................................................. 7.30
3 WCDMA 3GPP carriers, 10 MHz spacing................................................................ 7.30
1 WCDMA 3GPP carrier + 1 EDGE carrier ................................................................. 7.31
1 CDMA IS95 carrier + 1 NADC carrier....................................................................... 7.31
8 Maintenance......................................................................................................... 8.1
Mechanical and Electrical Maintenance .................................................................................. 8.1
Storing and Packing................................................................................................................. 8.1
9 Error Messages ................................................................................................... 9.1
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................. 9.1
List of Error Messages .................................................................................................................... 9.2
SCPI Standard Messages ....................................................................................................... 9.2
No error ......................................................................................................................... 9.2
Operation complete ....................................................................................................... 9.2
Query error - error upon data request ........................................................................... 9.3
Device-specific error...................................................................................................... 9.3
Execution error .............................................................................................................. 9.4
Command error ............................................................................................................. 9.5
AMIQ-Specific Messages ........................................................................................................ 9.7
1110.3339.12
7
E-7
ContentsFigures
AMIQ
Figures
Fig. 1-1
Fig. 1-2
Fig. 1-3
Fig. 4-1
Fig. 4-2
Fig. 4-3
Fig. 4-4
Fig. 4-5
Fig. 4-6
Fig. 4-7
Fig. 4-8
Fig. 4-9
Fig. 5-1
Fig. 5-2
Fig. 5-3
Fig. 5-4
Fig. 5-5
Fig. 5-6
Fig. 5-7
AMIQ used in a test setup .................................................................................................. 1.1
AMIQ Front view................................................................................................................. 1.2
AMIQ rear view................................................................................................................... 1.3
Simplified block diagram of AMIQ ...................................................................................... 4.8
PRBS Polynomials............................................................................................................ 4.13
Avoid reflections in the BER measurement...................................................................... 4.17
Application block diagram of option AMIQ-B2.................................................................. 4.18
Pin allocation of digital I/Q outputs ................................................................................... 4.23
Technical implementation of digital I/Q outputs................................................................ 4.24
Integration of the AMIQ into a system with system clock ................................................. 4.26
Feeding a DUT with a spectrally pure external clock ....................................................... 4.26
Generation of an MWV from partial traces....................................................................... 4.29
Example for the tree structure of the SCPI command systems: The SYSTem system...... 5.4
Instrument model in the case of remote control by means of the IEC bus......................... 5.9
The status register model................................................................................................. 5.12
The Status registers ......................................................................................................... 5.14
Pin Assigment of the IEC-bus interface............................................................................ 5.21
Pin assigment of the RS-232-C interface ......................................................................... 5.24
Null-modem connection scheme ...................................................................................... 5.26
Tables
Table 4-1
Table 4-2
Table 5-1
Table 5-2
Table 5-3
Table 5-4
Table 5-5
Table5-6
Table 5-7
Table 5-8
Table 5-9
Table 5-10
Table 6-1
Table 6-2
Table 6-3
Table 6-4
Table 6-5
Table 6-6
Table 6-7
Table 6-8
Table 6-9
Table 6-10
Table 6-11
Table 6-12
Table 6-13
Table 6-14
Table 9-1
1110.3339.12
Specifications of option AMIQ-B3 .................................................................................. 4.23
IEEE 488 commands for option AMIQ-B3 ..................................................................... 4.25
Synchronization with *OPC, *OPC? and *WAI .............................................................. 5.11
Meaning of the bits used in the status byte.................................................................... 5.15
Meaning of the bits used in the event status register..................................................... 5.16
Meaning of the bits used in the STATus:OPERation register ........................................ 5.17
Meaning of the bits used in the STATus:QUEStionable register ................................... 5.17
Resetting instrument functions ...................................................................................... 5.20
Interface functions.......................................................................................................... 5.22
Universal Commands .................................................................................................... 5.23
Addressed Commands .................................................................................................. 5.23
Control strings or control characters of the RS-232-C interface .................................... 5.25
Common commands ....................................................................................................... 6.3
BERT – Bit error rate tests............................................................................................... 6.9
CALibration – Adjustment and calibration...................................................................... 6.13
DIAGnostic – Hardware diagnosis ................................................................................. 6.17
MARKer – Marker management .................................................................................... 6.20
MEMory – Waveform management............................................................................... 6.22
MMEMory – Waveform management............................................................................ 6.23
OUTPut – Hardware settings ......................................................................................... 6.35
PROGram – Program sequence.................................................................................... 6.41
SOURce – Hardware settings........................................................................................ 6.42
Status reporting.............................................................................................................. 6.47
System settings.............................................................................................................. 6.50
ARM/TRIGger /ABORt – Triggering, sequence control................................................. 6.54
List of all remote-control commands.............................................................................. 6.70
Error symptoms................................................................................................................ 9.1
8
E-7
Safety Instructions
This unit has been designed and tested in accordance with the EC Certificate of Conformity and has left the
manufacturer’s plant in a condition fully complying with safety standards.
To maintain this condition and to ensure safe operation, the user must observe all instructions and warnings
given in this operating manual.
Safety-related symbols used on equipment and documentation from R&S:
Observe
operating
instructions
Weight
indication for
units >18 kg
PE terminal
Ground
terminal
1.
The unit may be used only in the operating conditions and positions specified by the manufacturer. Unless otherwise agreed, the following
applies to R&S products:
IP degree of protection 2X, Pollution severity 2,
overvoltage category 2, altitude max. 2000 m.
The unit may be operated only from supply networks fused with max. 16 A.
2.
For measurements in circuits with voltages Vrms
> 30 V, suitable measures should be taken to
avoid any hazards.
(using, for example, appropriate measuring
equipment, fusing, current limiting, electrical
separation, insulation).
3.
If the unit is to be permanently wired, the PE
terminal of the unit must first be connected to
the PE conductor on site before any other connections are made. Installation and cabling of
the unit to be performed only by qualified technical personnel.
4.
For permanently installed units without built-in
fuses, circuit breakers or similar protective devices, the supply circuit must be fused such as
to provide suitable protection for the users and
equipment.
5.
Prior to switching on the unit, it must be ensured
that the nominal voltage set on the unit matches
the nominal voltage of the AC supply network.
If a different voltage is to be set, the power fuse
of the unit may have to be changed accordingly.
6.
Units of protection class I with disconnectible
AC supply cable and appliance connector may
be operated only from a power socket with
earthing contact and with the PE conductor connected.
095.1000 Sheet 17
Danger!
Shock hazard
Warning!
Hot surfaces
Ground
Attention!
Electrostatic
sensitive devices require
special care
7.
It is not permissible to interrupt the PE conductor intentionally, neither in the incoming cable
nor on the unit itself as this may cause the unit
to become electrically hazardous.
Any extension lines or multiple socket outlets
used must be checked for compliance with relevant safety standards at regular intervals.
8.
If the unit has no power switch for disconnection
from the AC supply, the plug of the connecting
cable is regarded as the disconnecting device.
In such cases it must be ensured that the power
plug is easily reachable and accessible at all
times (length of connecting cable approx. 2 m).
Functional or electronic switches are not suitable for providing disconnection from the AC
supply.
If units without power switches are integrated in
racks or systems, a disconnecting device must
be provided at system level.
9.
Applicable local or national safety regulations
and rules for the prevention of accidents must
be observed in all work performed.
Prior to performing any work on the unit or
opening the unit, the latter must be disconnected from the supply network.
Any adjustments, replacements of parts, maintenance or repair may be carried out only by
authorized R&S technical personnel.
Only original parts may be used for replacing
parts relevant to safety (eg power switches,
power transformers, fuses). A safety test must
be performed after each replacement of parts
relevant to safety.
(visual inspection, PE conductor test, insulationresistance, leakage-current measurement, functional test).
continued overleaf
Safety Instructions
10. Ensure that the connections with information
technology equipment comply with IEC950 /
EN60950.
11. Lithium batteries must not be exposed to high
temperatures or fire.
Keep batteries away from children.
If the battery is replaced improperly, there is
danger of explosion. Only replace the battery by
R&S type (see spare part list).
Lithium batteries are suitable for environmentally-friendly disposal or specialized recycling.
Dispose them into appropriate containers, only.
Do not short-circuit the battery.
12. Equipment returned or sent in for repair must be
packed in the original packing or in packing with
electrostatic and mechanical protection.
095.1000 Sheet 18
13. Electrostatics via the connectors may dama-
ge the equipment. For the safe handling and
operation of the equipment, appropriate measures against electrostatics should be implemented.
14. The outside of the instrument is suitably cleaned using a soft, line-free dustcloth. Never
use solvents such as thinners, acetone and
similar things, as they may damage the front
panel labeling or plastic parts.
15. Any additional safety instructions given in this
manual are also to be observed.
EC Certificate of Conformity
Certificate No.: 98034
This is to certify that:
Equipment type
Order No.
Designation
AMIQ
1110.2003.02/.03/.04
I/Q Modulation Generator
AMIQ-B2
AMIQ-B3
AMIQB19
1110.3700.02/.03
1122.2103.02
1110.3400.02
Differential I/Q Outputs
Digital I/Q Output
I/Q Rear Panel Connection
complies with the provisions of the Directive of the Council of the European Union on the
approximation of the laws of the Member States
- relating to electrical equipment for use within defined voltage limits
(73/23/EEC revised by 93/68/EEC)
- relating to electromagnetic compatibility
(89/336/EEC revised by 91/263/EEC, 92/31/EEC, 93/68/EEC)
Conformity is proven by compliance with the following standards:
EN61010-1 : 1993 + A2 : 1995
EN50081-1 : 1992
EN50082-2 : 1995
Affixing the EC conformity mark as from 1998
ROHDE & SCHWARZ GmbH & Co. KG
Mühldorfstr. 15, D-81671 München
Munich, 1999-09-17
1110.2003.02
Central Quality Management FS-QZ / Becker
CE
E-1
AMIQ
Manuals
Contents of Manuals for
I/Q Modulation Generator AMIQ
Operating Manual
The operating manual consisting of a data sheet and 10 chapters contains comprehensive information on characteristics, putting into operation, operation and remote control of AMIQ:
The data sheet
informs about guaranteed specifications and characteristics.
Chapter 1
describes the operating principle of AMIQ, control elements and connectors on
the front and rear panel as well as all procedures required for putting the instrument into operation and integration into a test system.
Chapter 2
details instrument control via the remote interfaces with the aid of program examples.
Chapter 3
presents control and display elements.
Chapter 4
describes key operating modes and special characteristics of AMIQ with reference to possible applications.
Chapter 5
describes programming of AMIQ, command processing, status reporting system
and characteristics of hardware interfaces.
Chapter 6
describes the remote-control commands defined for the instrument. At the end of
the chapter an alphabetical list of commands is given.
Chapter 7
contains program examples for a number of typical applications of AMIQ.
Chapter 8
describes preventive maintenance.
Chapter 9
gives hints on troubleshooting and contains a list of error messages.
Chapter 10
contains an index for the operating manual.
Service Manual
The service manual informs on how to check compliance with rated specifications, on instrument
function, repair, troubleshooting and fault elimination. It contains all information required for the
maintenance of AMIQ by exchanging modules.
The service manual also contains the circuit documentation for the module "IQ Analog/Digital Unit".
1110.3339.12
0.1
E-2
AMIQ
Introduction
1 Putting into Operation
Introduction
Task
AMIQ is a modulation source for complex baseband signals of state-of-the-art
telecommunication networks. Two synchronous outputs, which are matched to each
other, and a large memory together with wide analog bandwidth make AMIQ suitable
for universal use.
AMIQ has been designed to generate I and Q signals in the baseband for present and
future types of modulation. "I" stands for the in-phase component, "Q" for the
quadrature component.
Operating
principle
The data to be output by AMIQ are normally calculated by an external workstation (eg
PC). To control this calculation, Rohde & Schwarz offers two programs: WINIQSIM
and AMIQ Control, a software for R&S vector signal generator SMIQ (see Section
"Software for AMIQ Control on page 1.8"). The desired information data stream (eg a
piece of speech) is generated and a modulation mode selected. Then various
interference and distortions (so-called impairments) are superimposed to this (ideal)
baseband signal. Thus a long sequence of sample values is obtained, which are
loaded into AMIQ (via floppy, IEC/IEEE bus or RS-232 interface). The sequence in
the AMIQ memory is then output as analog I and Q signals with the aid of fast and
accurate D/A converters. The outputs are (normally) connected to the modulation
inputs of an I/Q modulator (eg SMIQ), which modulates the baseband signal onto the
desired RF (Fig. 1-1).
Transmission
error
The RF signal is transmitted via the antenna to the receiver where it is converted
back into information data. On the transmission link, errors may be caused in the
information data stream by coding, impairments and decoding. These errors can be
detected with the aid of option AMIQ-B1 (BER measurement) and evaluated.
AMIQ
I/Q MODU LATION GENER ATOR . AMIQ
ON
CONTROL
I
RUNNING
Bit error rate test (optional)
1110 .20 03. 02
Q
M A DE IN G E RM A NY
Device under test (DUT)
SMIQ
SMIQ
ï
ð
RF
Fig. 1-1
Test setup
1110.3339.12
AMIQ used in a test setup
The four additional marker outputs and a trigger input simplify integration in a test
setup. The user-selectable positions of the marker switch points permit external,
variable amplifiers (eg for power ramping) or signalling facilities to be controlled.
1.1
E-6
Front and Rear View
AMIQ
Front and Rear View
3,5''-disk drive
Power switch
I In-phase component
Q Quadrature component
Chapter 1 "Introduction"
preset in as long
as Instrument is on
.
I/Q MODULATION GENERATOR . AMIQ
ON
CONTROL
RUNNING
I
Refer to "Installation of Options"
in chapter 1 when exchanging
data and instrument software
1110.2003. 03
I
Q
Q
DIGITAL OUTPUT
M A D E IN G E R M A N Y
3 LEDs indicating the instrument status
ON
CONTROL
RUNNING
Additional outputs T and Q with option
Differential I/Q Outputs installed
Option Digital I/Q Output AMIQ-B3
AMIQ ready for operation
Remote control active
Waveform in output memory in triggered
Chapter 1
. "Power
up / Switch-onTest"
Fig. 1-2
AMIQ Front view
Putting into Operation
Caution!
The following instructions should be strictly observed, in particular when putting the
instrument into operation for the first time, to avoid damage to the instrument and
hazards to persons.
Unpacking
After unpacking the instrument, check for completeness according to the delivery note and the
accessory lists for the individual items.
Remove the two protective covers from the front and rear of
the AMIQ and carefully check the instrument for any damage.
In case of any damage you should immediately inform the
responsible transport agent and keep all packing material not
to forfeit your claims.
Remove protective covers
The original packing should also be used for any later transport or shipment of AMIQ. You should keep
at least the two protective covers for the front and rear of the instrument.
1110.3339.12
1.2
E-6
AMIQ
Putting into Operation
Power connector
with 2 fuses (F)
"Connection to AC
Supply" in chapter 1
RS-232 interface
"Connecting the
Controller" in chapter 1
Connector for servicing
and extensions
"Connecting other
Facilities" in chapter 1
100...120 / 200...240 V
50...60 Hz 150 VA
X 10
IEC/IEEE-bus interface
"Connection the Controller"
in chapter 1
625
IEEE 488
SCPI
F 1 / F 2:
IEC 127 - T 2.5 H / 250 V
AUTO POWER SELECTION
REF
REF
CLK
Reference frequency
Input / Output
Q
FILT
Q
1
MARK
2
Q filter, input
and output
Clock input/output
3
MARK
I
4
FILT
I
TRIG
BER
I filter, input
and output
BER input
"Connecting BER
Test Signals" in chapter 1
Trigger input
Air vents
4marker outputs
With option "Rear IQ outputs (AMIQ-B19)
installed, MARK 3 willl become Q and MARK 4 I.
"Signal Inputs and Outputs" in chapter 1
Fig. 1-3
AMIQ rear view
Setting Up
Permissible setup positions for AMIQ:
• Flat.
• Upright standing on its rear. In this case an angular AC supply connector should be used.
Note:
To ensure problem-free operation of the instrument the following should be observed:
• Do not obstruct air vents at the rear and sides.
• Observe the permissible ambient temperature specified in the data sheet.
• Avoid condensation. Allow instrument with condensation to dry before switching on.
Rackmounting
Adapter ZZA-211 (Order No. 1096.3260.00) allows the AMIQ to be mounted in 19" racks. Rackmounting
is described in the installation instructions of the rack adapter.
For rackmounting it is recommended to fit the option AMIQB19 (I/Q Rear-Panel Connection) (Order No.
1110.3400.02), which changes I and Q connectors from the front to the rear.
Note:
To ensure problem-free operation of the instrument the following should be observed:
• Provide for sufficient air flow in the rack.
• Make sure that there is sufficient space between air vents and rack.
1110.3339.12
1.3
E-6
Putting into Operation
AMIQ
Connection to AC Supply
Caution!
Allow instrument with condensation to dry before switching on.
Observe permissible ambient temperatures -10°C to +45°C.
Do not cover up air vents.
AMIQ may be connected to a single-phase AC supply with a rated voltage from 100 V to 240 V and
rated frequency from 50 Hz to 60 Hz.
Note:
AMIQ automatically sets itself to the local AC supply voltage. There is no need for
external switchover or exchanging fuses.
← AC supply connector
← Power fuses
Use the power cord supplied with the AMIQ for
connection to the AC supply. Since the AMIQ is
designed in line with protection class I requirements
to EN61010 it may only be connected to an earthingcontact type connector. As soon as the connection
has been established, AMIQ outputs a beep and the
ON LED lights with slightly reduced brightness. After
the start-up is completed, the ON LED is fully on.
Power Fuses
AMIQ is fully fused by two fuses IEC127-T4.0H/250 V. The fuses are accommodated in the pull-out
fuse holder below the power connector. Before replacing the fuses, disconnect the power cord from the
AMIQ. Use a screwdriver to lift the fuse holder below the power connector and pull it out. Use only fuses
of the above type.
Power Up / Switch-on Test
Ø Press switch-on key on the AMIQ front panel.
Note:
No floppy should be in the drive when AMIQ is switched on. If
this happens nonetheless, one of the actions stored on the
floppy may be executed (see sections "New installation of
AMIQ software" and "Changing the IEC/IEEE-bus address in
this chapter).
Start-up procedure
After power-up the system is started, the controller short test is performed
and the operating system DOS and the remote-control software are loaded
from the integrated hard disk. During this time the ON LED lights with
reduced intensity.
Test of controller
hardware
First the switch-on test for the integrated controller is performed. Since at
this stage the LEDs are not driven, no information can be obtained on the
device status. If a fault occurs, AMIQ outputs a sequence of beeps, the
meaning of which can be seen in the enclosed main board manual. If a fault
occurs, the switch-on procedure is normally aborted.
1110.3339.12
1.4
E-6
AMIQ
Short test of functional
hardware
Putting into Operation
The AMIQ hardware is then set to operating state and tested. Any error is
signalled by two short successive beeps provided the built-in loudspeaker
was not switched off with the IEC/IEEE-bus command :SYST:BEEP:STAT
OFF. At the end of the selftest a single beep is output. After this the
instrument is ready for operation.
Further information on error can be obtained by a repeated readout of the
error queue using IEC/IEEE-bus queries :SYST:ERR?.
Even if an error occurs, the switch-on procedure is in most cases continued
so that the error queue can be read out. The instrument may not be fully
functional however.
LEDs after the short test If an error is detected in the short test, the ON LED flashes.
With the short test completed successfully, the last active setup is
automatically loaded from the hard disk and the instrument is set to the
operating status before switch-off. The currently selected waveform is
loaded together with this complete setup. For a curve with 4.000.000
samples and with AMIQ 03, this may take up approx. 20 seconds. With
AMIQ 04 and its quadrupled memory capacity, the loading time increases to
approx. 80 s.
If no further errors occurred, the ON and the CONTROL LEDs briefly light.
Afterwards, the ON and RUN LEDs come fully on.
Error messages
If an error is detected the error message is entered in plain text into the
error queue of AMIQ and ON LED flashes. This is why after restart the
AMIQ control program in the host computer should read out the error queue
by means of the command SYST:ERR? until it is empty, i.e., until the entry
0,"No Error" is read. Depending on the error detected, AMIQ will
usually respond to commands transmitted via IEEE-bus or RS-232 interface
but may not be fully functioning. The ON LED lights steadily at full
brightness.
Note
If ON LED flash fast, it is only a hint that AMIQ does not generate any curve
at the moment. It appears whenever a curve was stored directly to the
AMIQ’s SDRAM to save time before switching off AMIQ by means of the
MEM:DATA RAM, command (e.g. with
WinIQSIM via the settings Transmission, Force internal, Destination
AMIQ-RAM). This can be suppressed by loading curves via a waveform file
using the command MMEM:LOAD RAM, 'filename.WV'; such a curve is
available immediately after switching on the instrument.
Ø If AMIQ does not start as described above, check the AC supply
connection and, if required, replace the two power fuses (see section
"Power fuses" in this chapter).
Ø A complete selftest of AMIQ’s hardware components can be started with
the common command *TST?. Furthermore, the command
DIAG:SELF:SDRAM? can be used to test the whole SDRAM of AMIQ in
detail, see Sections „Common Commands“ and „DIAGnostic – Hardware
Diagnosis“ in Chapter 6.
1110.3339.12
1.5
E-6
Putting into Operation
AMIQ
Instrument Switch-off
Ø Wait until the hard disk or the floppy disk drive are no longer accessed
Ø Remove floppy from the disk drive
Ø Press power switch on the front panel. All instrument settings are
retained.
EMC Shielding Measures
To avoid electromagnetic interference, the instrument must always be closed when in operation. Use
only appropriate, shielded signalling lines and control cables. Particularly the line connected to the clock
output should be double-shielded and terminated.
1110.3339.12
1.6
E-6
AMIQ
Connection to Test Setup
Connection to Test Setup
Connecting the Controller
AMIQ has no user interface of its own. An external controller is therefore required for operating AMIQ
which can be performed in two ways:
Connection via IEC/IEEE
bus
AMIQ is simply connected to the IEC/IEEE bus. Upon delivery the bus
address is 6. If the bus address has been changed, e.g. by a previous
control command, or if the bus address has to be changed, proceed as
described in section "Changing the IEC/IEEE-bus address" on page 1.7.
Connection via the serial
interface
AMIQ is connected to the serial interface of a PC by means of a null
modem cable. Connect the cable to the 9-contact sub-D connector of the
AMIQ labeled RS232. Use the COM1 or COM2 connector of the PC
which may be a 25-contact or 9-contact connector. Suitable adapters
may have to be used.
Serial interface
The serial interface is configured for 9600 Baud, 8 data bits, no parity.
When the WinIQSIM software is used, which is recommended by R&S,
the interface of the PC is automatically configured with the AMIQ
settings. However, the interface used has to be set in the menu first.
Pin assignment and wiring of the null modem cable are described in
section "Handshake" of chapter 5.
Changing the IEC/IEEE-bus Address
Upon delivery the instrument is set to address 6. If for any reason this address is not available, the
setting can be changed as follows:
Ø Generate a file on a PC, which contains only the following line:
:SYST:COMM:GPIB:ADDR x
with x being the desired address. Add an empty line.
Ø Copy this file under the name AUTOEXEC.IEC into the main memory of a 3.5" floppy.
Ø Insert the floppy in the AMIQ, switch AMIQ off and on again.
1110.3339.12
1.7
E-6
Connection to Test Setup
AMIQ
Software for AMIQ Control
AMIQ can only be remote-controlled. To simplify operation, Rohde & Schwarz offers two different
software programs for the control of AMIQ:
• WinIQSIM: This software permits calculation of complex I/Q signals, controls the transfer of these
signals to the AMIQ via IEEE-bus or RS-232 interface and determines how the signals are output.
• AMIQ control software menu for SMIQ: In this case AMIQ is controlled from SMIQ. Control is similar
to that of the SMIQ options but I/Q signals cannot be generated. It is possible, however, to load I/Q
signals that have been generated on an external PC.
Signal Inputs and Outputs
Analog I/Q output:
I
I
The loaded waveforms are output at two BNC connectors I and Q on
the front panel (four BNC connectors I and I, Q andQ if option
Differential Outputs (AMIQ-B2) is fitted). The output is determined by
the trigger conditions and depends on the applied trigger signals (see
section "Triggering" in chapter 4). If the trace output is not active, an
idle-channel signal is output (see section "ARM/TRIGger/ABORt Triggering, Sequence control" in chapter 6).
Q
Q
If option AMIQ-B2 is not fitted the I/Q outputs on the front panel can be
taken to the rear with option I/Q Rear-Panel Connection (AMIQB19).
This simplifies wiring particularly when the AMIQ is rack-mounted.
Note:
When the I/Q outputs are taken to the rear, marker outputs 3
and 4 (BNC connectors) are used. This means that marker
outputs 3 and 4 are no longer available.
Upon delivery and after an *RST, the I and Q outputs are
switched off. Use commands OUTPUT:I FIX and OUTPUT:Q
FIX to reactivate the channels.
Digital I/Q output:
Pin 35
Digital Output
Pin 1
Pin 68
Option AMIQ-B3, Digital I/Q Output, provides the 16 bit wide data bus for
both I and Q channels via a 68-pole SCSI socket at the front panel of the
AMIQ. See section "Option "Digital I/Q Output AMIQ-B3" below.
Pin 34
TRIG
Trigger input (TRIG):
Rear BNC connector (female). The output of the stored waveform can be started
or enabled with a TTL signal applied to this connector. Trigger condition and
polarity are user-selectable.
1
MARK
Marker outputs (MARK):
Four BNC connectors (female) at the rear. These outputs (TTL level, can be
terminated with 50 Ω) are used for the control of further instruments, e.g. an
oscilloscope or variable amplifiers (power ramping). (See "Marker outputs" in
chapter 4).
1110.3339.12
1.8
E-6
AMIQ
Connection to Test Setup
FILT
I/Q filter (input and output):
Here an external passband filter (e.g. for anti-aliasing) can be looped in for the I
and Q path instead of the internal filters. The outputs have a nominal impedance
of 50 Ω and yield a peak voltage of 0.5 V into 50 Ω when driven at full scale. The
filter attenuation in the passband range should be 0 dB.
REF
Reference clock input (REF):
Input for an external 10 MHz reference clock; Vrms = 0.1 V to 2 V, input
impedance 50 Ω.
REF
Reference clock output (REF):
Output of 10 MHz reference clock; Vrms = 0.5 V, output impedance 50 Ω.
CLK
Clock input/output (CLK):
Output with the actual clock rate; Vrms = 0.5 V, output impedance 50 Ω.
Input for external clock (TTL signal).
Caution!
Because of the high clock rates at the clock output, a
double-screened cable should be used to keep within
permissible EMI limits. The line should in all cases be
terminated with 50 Ω.
Connecting BER Test Signals
BER
1110.3339.12
AMIQ comprises a programmable facility for bit error rate (BER)
measurements. The required signals have to be applied to the AMIQ via the
BER input with TTL level. The signals to be applied depend on the test
method used and are described in the manual for option AMIQ-B1 (see
section "BER measurement" in chapter 4).
1.9
E-6
Connection to Test Setup
AMIQ
Connecting other Facilities
The connectors labeled LPT/PARALLEL, X10, X11, X12 and X13 are used
for servicing or for extensions.
Note:
1110.3339.12
In normal operation these connectors must be open.
1.10
E-6
AMIQ
Installation of Options
Installation of Options
The following options are available for AMIQ:
BER Measurement
Differential I/Q Outputs
Digital I/Q Output
Rear I/Q Outputs
IS-95 CDMA
CDMA 2000
Digital Standard W-CDMA TTD Mode (3GPP)
TD-SCDMA
OFDM Signal Generation
Option Digital Standard 802.11b Wireless LAN
AMIQ-B1
AMIQ-B2
AMIQ-B3
AMIQB19
AMIQK11
AMIQK12
AMIQK13
AMIQK14
AMIQK15
AMIQK16
1110.3500.02
1110.3700.02
1122.2103.02
1110.3400.02
1122.2003.02
1122.2503.02
1122.2603.02
1122.2703.02
1122.2803.02
1122.2903.02
AMIQ is supplied with the options already fitted. For a subsequent installation of options refer to the
fitting instructions supplied with the options or refer to chapter 4 of the Service Manual.
Software options AMIQ-B1, AMIQK11, AMIQK12, AMIQK13, AMIQK14, AMIQK15 and AMIQK16
can be activated by the customer. No extra test equipment is needed for the installation. Since
the option is activated by means of an enable code, the unit need not be opened. Proceed
according to the instructions supplied with the option.
Installation of a software option is described at the end of chapter 4 using AMIQ-B1 as an example. The
IEC/IEEE bus command to enable a software option is:SYSTem:OPTion , , see
chapter 6.
In order to fit one of the hardware options AMIQ-B2, AMIQ-B3 or AMIQB19 the casing of the
instrument must be opened. This will break the calibration seal so that the calibration is no
longer valid. Therefore, these options should be installed by an R&S service representative.
Important:
The components used in the instrument are sensitive to electrostatic charges
and should therefore be handled according to ESD regulations.
Option AMIQ-B1, BER Test
AMIQ-B1 is a software option which can be installed without opening the instrument. For the installation
proceed as described in the instructions supplied with the option.
For a description of the BER test refer to chapter 4.
Option AMIQ-B2, Differential I/Q Outputs
To fit this hardware option the instrument must be opened. Therefore, it must be retrofitted by an
authorized service representative. Control of the differential outputs of AMIQ by means of WinIQSIM is
supplied starting with version 2.10.
For an application example for option Differential Outputs refer to chapter 4.
1110.3339.12
1.11
E-6
Option AMIQ-B3, Digital I/Q Output
AMIQ
Option AMIQ-B3, Digital I/Q Output
Retrofitting the hardware option AMIQ-B3 requires the instrument to be opened. Therefore, it must be
done by an authorized service representative. The Digital I/Q Output can be controlled by WinIQSIM
version 3.10 and higher.
An application example for option Digital I/Q Output is given in chapter 4.
Option AMIQB19, I/Q Rear-Panel Connection
This option can be fitted only if option Differential Outputs (AMIQ-B2) is not installed. Retrofitting the
option requires the instrument to be opened. Therefore, this must be done by an authorized service
representative. With option AMIQB19 fitted, marker outputs 3 and 4 are no longer available as these
connectors are used as Q and I signal outputs (i.e. the I output is connected to marker output 4, the Q
output is connected to marker output 3).
Option AMIQK11, IS-95 CDMA
Software option for interpreting a waveform file generated according to IS95 by WinIQSIM, version 2.10
or higher. These CDMA signals comply with the IS-95A and J-STD-008 mobile radio standards.
Option AMIQK12, CDMA 2000
Software option for interpreting a waveform file generated in WinIQSIM vers. 3.20 according to CDMA
2000. These CDMA signals comply with the IS-2000 mobile radio standard. The 1X and the 3X modes
(multi carrier and direct spread) can be simulated at the physical layer.
Option AMIQK13, Digital Standard W-CDMA TTD Mode (3GPP)
Software option to interpret a waveform file generated in WinIQSIM as of version 3.60.
3GPP TDD (3rd Generation Partnership Project Time Division Duplex) refers to a mobile radio
transmission method defined by 3GPP (http://www.3GPP.org).
Option AMIQK14, Digital Standard TD-SCDMA
Software option to interpret a waveform file generated in WinIQSIM as of version 3.50.
TD-SCDMA (time-division synchronous CDMA) designates a mobile-radio transmission method
developed by the China Wireless Telecommunication Standard Group (CWTS, http://www.cwts.org).
This standard is similar to the 3GPP TDD proposal, but with greater emphasis placed on GSM
compatibility and with a chip rate limited to 1.28 Mcps.
Option AMIQK15, OFDM Signal Generation
Software option for interpreting a waveform file generated in WinIQOFDM with the aid of WinIQSIM
Vers. 3.40. Special emphasis is placed on the generation of signals conforming to HIPERLAN/2 or IEEE
802.11a (WinIQOFDM is a PC software that generates OFDM-modulated signals from binary data
streams, these signals are then read by WinIQSIM via the DDE interface for further processing).
1110.3339.12
1.12
E-6
AMIQ
Initial Installation or Update of AMIQ Software
Option AMIQK16, Digital Standard 802.11b Wireless LAN
Software option to interpret a waveform file generated in WinIQSIM as of version 3.80.
The 802.11b wireless LAN standard is a packet-oriented method for data transmission. The data
packets are transmitted and received on the same frequency in time division duplex (TDD), but without
a fixed timeslot raster.
Initial Installation or Update of AMIQ Software
For initial installation of the AMIQ software, a program disk (3.5") is needed. The disk is available from
your local sales engineer. It usually contains two files: AMIQxxx.DAT and README.TXT. "xxx" stands
for the firmware version number; AMIQ304.DAT means firmware version 3.04, for example.
In AMIQxxx.DAT, over 40 files required for the firmware update are packed in compressed form.
Insert the disk into the AMIQ floppy disk drive. Then switch the unit off and on again. On switch-on, the
unit automatically checks whether an update disk is inserted in the drive. If this is the case, the complete
new firmware is loaded from the disk. The download takes approx. 4 minutes and is indicated by a
green LED on the floppy disk drive. When the LED goes out, AMIQ is ready for operation.
In the event that the firmware is not loaded, a fault may be in the controller which can only be eliminated
with the aid of a graphics card (ISA or PCI bus) when the instrument is open and a keyboard is
connected (see Service Manual).
1110.3339.12
1.13
E-6
AMIQ
Getting Started
2 Getting Started
AMIQ can only be remote-controlled. For this purpose a serial interface RS-232, an IEC/IEEE-bus
interface and the disk drive are available. This chapter gives a brief introduction to instrument operation
via these interfaces. Typical applications, characteristics and operating modes of AMIQ will be described
in chapter 4.
Control via Serial Interface
AMIQ can be connected to the serial interface of a PC via the rear, 9-contact sub-D connector labeled
RS 232.
Setting example:
With the following steps, a 100 kHz sinusoidal signal is obtained at the outputs of AMIQ.
½ Connect instrument and controller by means of the null modem cable (see section "Connecting the
Controller" in chapter 1, for pin assignment of null modem cable see "Handshake" in chapter 5).
½ Set the serial interface at the controller to 9600 Baud, no parity, 8 bit, 1 stop bit.
Example:
To configure the controller interface enter the following command under DOS:
mode com: 9600, n, 8, 1
= 1 or 2 depending on connector used.
½ Create the following ASCII file at the controller:
(empty line) Sets instrument to remote control
Resets the instrument
Outputs stored trace
(empty line)
*RST;*CLS;*WAI
*RCL ’SINUS’
½ Transfer this ASCII file to the instrument via the RS-232 interface. Enter the following command at
the controller:
copy com:
A frequency of 100 kHz is now available at the outputs of the instrument, as this setting is stored under
SINUS.
Note:
Upon delivery and after an *RST the I and Q output are switched off. Use commands
OUTPUT:I FIX and OUTPUT:Q FIX to activate the outputs.
DOS commands are used for all settings via the serial interface. The use of a terminal
emulation program considerably simplifies handling of the serial interface. Since these
programs greatly differ, no instructions are given here for their use.
Simple terminal programs are for instance available on the Internet, e.g. under
http://www.leo.org/archiv/msdos/ or
ftp://garbo.uwasa.fi/pc
1110.3339.12
2.1
E-4
Getting Started
AMIQ
Changing the transmission rate:
The instrument is set in the factory to a baud rate of 9600 bps and hardware handshake via RTS and
CTS lines. The handshake procedure cannot be changed. When the baud rate is changed or if another
rate is required, the rate can be modified as follows:
½ Create a file with the name AUTOEXEC.IEC in the main directory of a 3.5" floppy. Write the following
lines into this file:
:SYST:COMM:SER:BAUD 9600
and replace 9600 by the baud rate desired (for permissible values see description of command
:SYST:COMM:SER:BAUD).
½ Switch off AMIQ, insert the file and start AMIQ.
Upon the start the created file is read and the baud-rate setting command executed.
Control via IEC/IEEE-Bus Interface
The AMIQ can be connected to the IEC/IEEE bus via the rear IEEE 488 connector (see section
"Connecting the Controller" in chapter 1).
Setting example:
With the following control steps a 100 kHz sinusoidal signal is obtained at the outputs of AMIQ.
½ Connect instrument and controller by means of an IEC/IEEE-bus cable.
Note:
The instrument is set in the factory to the IEC/IEEE-bus address 6. If this address has been
changed or is not available (e.g. because it is used by another instrument), the address can
be changed as described in section "Changing the IEC/IEEE-bus Address" in chapter 1.
½ Create and start the following program at the controller:
CALL
CALL
CALL
CALL
IBFIND("DEV1", amiq%)
IBPAD(amiq%, 6)
IBWRT(amiq%, "*RST;*CLS;*WAI")
IBWRT(amiq%, "*RCL ’SINUS’")
Opens channel to the instrument
Specifies device address at the controller
Resets instrument
Outputs trace
(stored in the instrument upon delivery)
A 100 kHz sinewave signal is now available at the outputs of AMIQ.
1110.3339.12
2.2
E-4
AMIQ
Getting Started
Control via Floppy
Purpose
In addition to the control capabilities described above, AMIQ can also be
controlled via a file in the disk drive. This control function is however not
intended for continuous operation but for executing functions (e.g. setting the
baud rate or IEC/IEEE-bus address) that are not accessible during normal
operation. (see "Control via Serial Interface").
Function
On power-up a check is made whether a floppy is in the disk drive and whether
this file contains an AUTOEXEC.IEC file. If this is the case the remote-control
commands in this file are executed one after the other. The syntax is identical
to that used on the IEC/IEEE bus or at the serial interface.
Execution of
program files
The execution of program files can be triggered any time with command
PROG:EXEC ’name’ (which has to be transferred via one of the other remotecontrol sources). The called program file is searched for first on the floppy,
then on the hard disk.
Switchover between Remote-Control Interfaces
After power up all remote-control sources (serial interface, IEC/IEEE bus) are active. When the
instrument receives a command on one of the two interfaces, the REMOTE LED is switched on and the
other interface is deactivated. To be able to use the other interface different procedures can be chosen:
• Switch the instrument off and on again
• Send command *GTL via the serial interface if the latter is active.
• Send the message IBLOC(amiq%) via the IEC/IEEE bus if the latter is active.
After the commands in a batch file have been executed, the instrument returns to the previous remote
control mode.
1110.3339.12
2.3
E-4
AMIQ
Operation
3 Operation
Control Elements
AMIQ has no manual control elements except for the power on/off key. The I and Q signal outputs, the
3.5" disk drive and 3 LEDs are available on the front panel.
AMIQ is remote-controlled (see chapter 6).
I/Q signals can be simply and flexibly generated via the WinIQSIM program. AMIQ can also be
controlled from Vector Signal Generator SMIQ (see section "Calculation of I/Q Modulation Signals"
below).
Indicating Elements (LEDs)
Three LEDs are provided on the AMIQ front panel with the following functions:
ON
Is dimmed during the short test and lights fully during normal operation. The ON-LED
flashes slowly while a data set is loaded into the AMIQ; it flashes quickly if an error
occurred during the short test on power-up. Further information on the error can be
obtained with :SYST:ERR?.
CONTROL
Lights when the host controller has switched the AMIQ to remote control. Flashes
during long data transmissions. The remote-control source can only be changed (e.g.
from IEC/IEEE bus to RS-232) when this LED is off. See also command *GTL.
RUNNING
Lights as soon as and as long as AMIQ reads data from the output memory and
outputs them at the I and Q output sockets.
1110.3339.12
3.1
E-4
Operation
AMIQ
Calculation of I/Q Modulation Signals
Control via WinIQSIM
WinIQSIM
The simplest and most flexible way to generate I/Q signals is to use the WinIQSIM
program from Rohde & Schwarz. This program can be installed on a PC. The user
interface permits convenient generation of the desired modulation waveforms and
the corresponding control of AMIQ.
IEC/IEEE bus /
RS-232
• AMIQ can be controlled from the PC with WinIQSIM in two different ways:
• Via a state-of-the-art IEEE-488 interface which can be controlled via an
®
installed WINDOWS operating system (GPIB.DLL required).
• Via the RS-232 interface. However, the data transmission rate here is lower
than with control via the IEC/IEEE bus.
Control via Vector Signal Generator SMIQ
SMIQ
If SMIQ is the RF source for vector-modulated signals, AMIQ can be controlled
from SMIQ. An additional controller is not required in this case.
Settings
All main settings of AMIQ can be made in the AMIQ CTRL menu. The individual
menu items are described in the SMIQ manual.
1110.3339.12
3.2
E-4
AMIQ
Uses
4 Functional Description
Uses
Application
AMIQ is mainly used for generating modulation signals for the I and Q inputs of a
vector-modulated RF generator. Another application is testing modules or
components with an I/Q interface. The control of I/Q interfaces is particularly
simplified by fine tuning the delay, level and offset of the I/Q outputs. With this
adjustment non-ideal characteristics of the circuits to be driven can be
compensated for.
Apart from the use as an I/Q signal source AMIQ allows all kinds of signals of
programmable waveform to be generated at the I/Q outputs and at the four digital
marker outputs of the instrument.
Design
AMIQ basically consists of a two-channel D/A converter and an output SDRAM for
4,000,000 samples (AMIQ model 03) or 16,000,000 samples (AMIQ model 04).
The D/A converter clock can be adjusted in the wide range 10 Hz to 105 MHz. The
technical data, however, are valid up to 100 MHz only. For operation at clock rates
higher than 100 MHz note the restrictions described in the data sheet.
Operation
AMIQ has no local control elements and is remote-controlled via the serial
interface or the IEC/IEEE bus. The output memory is also loaded via these
interfaces. In addition, loaded waveforms can be temporarily stored on an internal
hard disk and called up for the next output. Waveforms can also be loaded into
AMIQ via the built-in disk drive.
Stress Signals for I/Q Signals
The error vector of vector-modulated RF signals mainly depends on the characteristics of the I/Q
modulator and modulation generator. The following characteristics are essential for a small error vector:
Amplitude
imbalance
Differences in amplitude between the I and Q channels lead to an offset in the
constellation diagram and thus to a narrower eye width for the modulation. This
can be illustrated by an I/Q vector diagram:
Q
Resulting
modulation vector
Error vector
Ideal modulation vector
I
1110.3339.12
4.1
E-6
Uses
AMIQ
Phase
coincidence
Phase differences and delay differences between I and Q also yield an error
vector depending on the coding content.
DC content
DC offsets produce residual carriers in the generated RF signal.
Each of the above stress factors in amplitude or phase leads to an inaccurate display of the desired
vector component and thus to an error vector.
Special Characteristics
for Use of AMIQ as I/Q Modulation Source
Symmetrical
design
In the development of AMIQ particular care was taken to keep the error vector as
low as possible. The I and Q signal paths in the AMIQ are of identical design and
the clock signals for the D/A converters for the two channels come from the same
source. The programmed I and Q values for the D/A converter are always read
together from the memory.
Internal
alignments
The two AMIQ channels can be aligned for optimum balance with the aid of the
built-in amplitude and phase meter without any external equipment being required.
Internal fine
tuning
To compensate for possible amplitude and offset errors of the connected RF
generator, amplitude and offset of the two channels can be fine tuned.
Delay correction
Small delay errors between the channels, as may be caused for instance by not
completely identical cables between AMIQ and I/Q generator, can be
compensated for in the AMIQ in a range from -1 ns to +1 ns with a resolution of
10 ps.
External triggering The output can be started and stopped with an external trigger signal.
Marker outputs
1110.3339.12
Four user-programmable and sample-accurately set marker outputs can be used,
for instance, to drive external power ramping components.
4.2
E-6
AMIQ
Basic Operating Modes
Basic Operating Modes
AMIQ has two different clock rate modes and two amplitude modes which should be selected as
required for the desired clock rate and waveform:
Clock rate mode 1 This mode is automatically set if a clock rate below 2 MHz is selected on AMIQ.
SLOW
The advantage offered by this mode is in the variation of the stored waveform
length. In the case of AMIQ model 03, the waveform length can be varied from 24
to 4,000,000, in the case of AMIQ model 04 from 24 to 16,000,000 in steps of 1.
For clock rates between 2 MHz and 4 MHz, both the SLOW and the FAST mode
can be selected. The SLOW clock rate mode can be selected with the command
CLOCK ,SLOW
Clock rate mode 2 This mode is automatically set if a clock rate above 4 MHz is selected on AMIQ.
FAST
Please note that with this mode the waveform length can be varied only in steps
of 4, i.e. in AMIQ model 03 from 24 to 4,000,000 and in AMIQ model 04 from 24
to 16,000,000. This means that the number of samples must be divisible by 4.
For clock rates between 2 MHz and 4 MHz, both the SLOW and the FAST mode
can be selected. The FAST clock rate mode can be selected with the command
CLOCK ,FAST
Amplitude mode
Fix
This mode is characterized by a maximum performance of the output signal and
should preferably be used for generating vector-modulated signals.
In the Fix mode, the level cannot be varied after D/A conversion, the amplitude of
the output signal is determined only by the programming of the waveform D/A
converter. When fully driven, the D/A converter yields an output amplitude of 0.5 V
at the 50 Ω termination and thus corresponds to the maximum vector amplitude of
the I/Q inputs of standard RF generators.
For accurate matching to the modulation inputs of the connected RF generator,
the amplitudes of the I and Q outputs of AMIQ can be separately adjusted for fullscale operation. The zero offset of the outputs can also be optimally adapted to
the RF synthesizer by slight variations.
Amplitude mode
VAR
This mode is intended for all applications for which the I/Q inputs of the RF
generator or the module to be tested require I/Q input levels which cannot be set
with the amplitude mode Fix.
In the VAR mode the amplitude of the I/Q outputs can be set without the need to
reprogram the respective waveform in the memory. The amplitude setting range is
in this case twice as wide as in the Fix mode. In this mode also an analog
inversion of the I and Q channels is possible. Because of the wide dynamic range
for variable level tuning (20 dB), a poorer S/N ratio of the output signals may have
to be accepted in this mode.
1110.3339.12
4.3
E-6
Signal Outputs
AMIQ
Signal Outputs
Marker Outputs
Control
AMIQ is provided with four rear marker outputs, two for the I channel and two for
the Q channel (see "Rear View" in chapter 1). These outputs are controlled by the
waveform
memory with
a
16-bit
word
width
for
I
and
Q.
In this case the two least-significant bits (LSBs) in the waveform memory are set
for the I and Q channels. Bit assignment for the four marker outputs:
Marker 1
LSB (bit 0) of I channel
Marker 2
Bit 1 of I channel
Marker 3
LSB (bit 0) of Q channel
Marker 4
Bit 1 of Q channel
When a waveform is loaded the markers are automatically programmed (see also
"MARKer - Marker Management" in chapter 6).
Uses
Power ramping
Marker outputs are typically used for controlling the power ramping of I/Q
modulators to increase the switch-off dynamic range.
With power ramping the pulse modulator input of the RF generator is used to
switch off the RF signal synchronously with an I/Q symbol. Because of the delay
difference between the I/Q inputs and the pulse modulator input of the RF
generator, the marker signal in the I/Q data stream applied to the pulse modulator
input has to be shifted.
To ensure symbol-accurate power ramping, the marker outputs of AMIQ can be
shifted with the remote-control command :MARKer[:LIST] irrespective of
the programmed waveform (see "MARKer – Marker Management" in chapter 6).
The changed marker settings can then be stored together with the waveform.
Trigger generator
The marker outputs may of course also be used separately, eg to use AMIQ as a
universal trigger generator .
Connector
To obtain clear pulse shapes at the outputs, terminated lines should be connected
to the marker outputs (50 Ω). The typical pulse amplitude at the termination is 2 V.
This allows TTL inputs to be directly driven.
Change of I/Q
outputs to the
rear
Changing the I/Q outputs is possible only if option Differential Outputs (AMIQ-B2)
is not fitted.
1110.3339.12
If the I and Q inputs of AMIQ are changed to the rear for rackmounting
(AMIQB19), only the marker outputs 1 and 2 are available for markers. Marker
outputs 3 and 4 are then used as Q and I outputs.
4.4
E-6
AMIQ
Triggering
Clock Output and Input
Use of
clock output
At the AMIQ clock output, a squarewave signal is present whose frequency
corresponds to the clock rate selected on AMIQ. By means of this output, AMIQ
can be used as a clock generator for synchronization.
The frequency can be set with high resolution (typ. 32 bits) between 10 Hz and
105 MHz. The frequency of 10 Hz, too, can be set with this resolution.
Note:
Connection of
clock output
Use of
clock input
To be able to activate this output, AMIQ must not be in the STOP
state.
The clock output should be terminated with 50 Ω. For the level, the same
conditions apply as for the marker outputs. A double shielded cable has to be
used because of the steep edges and the high harmonics content of the clock
signal.
External clock input is meaningful for AMIQ models 03 and 04 when operated in
conjunction with option AMIQ-B3 (Digital I/Q Output).
It enables two operating modes:
•
Integration of AMIQ into a system with a system clock
•
Feeding a DUT (e.g. D/A converter) with a spectrally pure external clock signal
while maintaining clock/data synchronism
For detailed information on external clock input see "External Clock" section in this
chapter.
Triggering
The output of a waveform on AMIQ can be started either by remote control (see chapter 6,
"ARM/TRIGger/ABORt – Triggering, Sequence Control") or by an external trigger signal. The trigger
input is a TTL input and its edge or active level can be selected. There are the following modes:
CONTinuous
After the trigger is received, waveform output starts with the first point of the
waveform and is repeated continuously. At the end of the waveform, output is
continued immediately with the first point.
SINGle
After the trigger is received, waveform output starts with the first point of the
waveform and ends with the last point. Then the I/Q outputs go to idle state.
GATed
After the trigger is received, waveform output starts with the first point of the
waveform and is repeated continuously. After the end of the trigger event,
waveform output is stopped and the I/Q outputs go to idle state. On the next
trigger, waveform output starts with the first point of the waveform.
OFF
No triggering; no data are output. Any ongoing waveform output is stopped and
the I/Q outputs go to idle state.
1110.3339.12
4.5
E-6
Triggering
AMIQ
The following applies to all trigger modes:
• Before triggering and after the end of a trigger event, the I/Q outputs go to idle state (see chapter 6
"Waveform File Format" IDLE SIGNAL tag).
• The time between the reception of a trigger signal and the start of waveform output is as follows:
•
Clock rate mode 1 (SLOW)
•
Mode 1: 220 ns +(1 sample + 20 ns) jitter
•
Clock rate mode 2 (FAST)
•
Mode 2: 11 samples + 1 sample jitter
• The required pulse width for a reliable identification of the trigger signal is:
•
Clock rate mode 1 (SLOW)
•
min. 200 ns + 1 sample
•
Clock rate mode 2 (FAST)
•
min. 11 samples
• 1 sample is the time elapsed between two subsequent output values.
!
For detailed information on the various trigger modes and examples of application see chapter 6,
command :TRIGger:MODE OFF | GATed | SINGle | CONTinuous
1110.3339.12
4.6
E-6
AMIQ
I/Q Signal Adjustments
I/Q Signal Adjustments
In the AMIQ, level, offset and delay difference of I/Q outputs can be adjusted. The respective
commands are contained in the :CORR (command) subsystem (see "SOURce – Hardware Settings " in
chapter 6). These adjustments affect the positions marked in the block diagram below (Fig.4-1).
Adjusting the Level
In the Fix amplitude mode, the output level can be adjusted by approx. +/-10% with the aid of the
following commands. Possible external gain differences can thus be compensated for.
Command (example):
Permissible range:
:CORR:GAIN:I:FIX -0.1
:CORR:GAIN:Q:FIX 0.1
–1.0 to +1.0
• The automatic internal adjustment of the AMIQ is performed via the :CAL:AMPL? query.
• In the FIX mode, the range –1 to +1 corresponds to an offset variation of approx. ±30 mV into 50 Ω.
• In the VAR mode, the range –1 to +1 corresponds to an offset variation of approx. ±75 mV into 50 Ω.
Adjusting the Offset
The DC offset of the output levels can be fine-tuned in a range of approx. 30 mV using the following
commands. The voltage is specified in V (terminated into 50 Ω).
Command (example): :CORR:OFFS:I:FIX 0.3
:CORR:OFFS:Q:FIX -0.2
or
:CORR:OFFS:Q:VAR -0.2
Permissible range:
–1.0 to +1.0
• The automatic internal adjustment in the AMIQ is performed via the :CAL:OFFS? query.
Adjusting the Delay
For compensating slight differences in signal delay (caused eg by not completely identical cables or
amplifiers), the I and Q output signals can be shifted against each other. The shift range is approx.
±1 ns at 10 ps resolution. The entry of positive values delays the I signal as against the Q signal.
Command (example): :CORR:SKEW: -0.1
Permissible range:
1110.3339.12
–1.0 to +1.0
4.7
E-6
1110.3339.12
CLOCK
IN/OUT
4.8
Controller Input
:CORR:SKEW
:CAL:ROSC
DATA IN
D Skew Adj
A
CLK
Q-CLK
14
14
I-Ampl
fix Adj
D
A Q-Ampl
fix Adj
A
A
:CORR:OFFS:Q:VAR
D
D
A
var
Multiplier
OUTPUT
fix
Amplifier,
Attenuator
fix
:OUTP:Q
Q-Offset
var Adj
I-Data
Clock
UBias(Q)
OUTPUT Q
CONTROL
UBias(I)
OUTPUT I
AMIQ-B2 -
Q-Data
Multiplier
var
OUTPUT
Amplifier,
Attenuator
Mode
fix, var
:OUTP:I
I-Gain
var
I-Offset
var Adj
A Q-Gain
var
off, 25MHz,
2,5MHz, Extern
Filter
FILT EXT
:OUTP:Q:AMPL
:OUTP:Q:FILT
D
D
off, 25MHz,
2,5MHz, Extern
Filter
:OUTP:I:AMPL
:CORR:OFFS:I:VAR
:OUTP:I:FILT
Digital/Analog
Converter
Data
Data
Digital/Analog
Converter
A
A
I-Offset
fix Adj
Q-Offset
D
fix Adj
A
:CORR:OFFS:Q:FIX
:CORR:GAIN:Q:FIX
Q-Data
16
16
I-Data
Waveform
Memory ,Data Control
4
I-CLK
D
:CORR:GAIN:I:FIX
(Q I if AMIQ-B19)
3 4
TRIGGER
INPUT
2
10MHz A
Ref Adj
D
Synthesizer,
ClockDistribution
10 MHz REF
IN/OUT
MARKER
1
D
Option
AMIQ-B3
Option
AMIQ-B2
Clk
Clk
Q
I
Q
Q
I
I
I
Fig. 4-1
I
:CORR:OFFS:I:FIX
I/Q Signal Adjustments
AMIQ
AMIQ – Block Diagram
Simplified block diagram of AMIQ
E-6
AMIQ
Measurement of Bit Error Rate
Measurement of Bit Error Rate
Option AMIQ-B1 allows the signal decoded by the DUT to be assessed. To do so the waveform memory
is filled with a PRBS-modulated (pseudo random binary sequence) data sequence. The data are
decoded by the DUT and forwarded to the AMIQ as clock and data signals. AMIQ synchronizes to the
known PRBS sequence and counts the bit errors.
The BER measurement can also be performed separately (with data from another source).
Connector
The clock and data signals supplied by the DUT must have TTL level and are applied to the bit error rate
input, a 9-contact SUB-D connector at the instrument rear labelled BER. The pin assignment is as
follows:
SUB-D connector
Adapter cord
Part number 1110.3551.00
1,2,3,4,5
Ground
Shield
6
Bit clock input
"CLOCK"
7
Data input
“DATA”
8
DAT ENABle input
“DAT ENAB”
9
Restart
“RES”
The polarity of the clock and data signals, the PRBS polynomial and the integration time can be set with
the respective remote-control commands. The input signals are not terminated in the AMIQ but applied
to ICs type 74LVT14 via a 220 Ω resistor.
1110.3339.12
4.9
E-6
Measurement of Bit Error Rate
AMIQ
Signal Path and Waveform
Test setup
The desired signal is calculated with the aid of WinIQSIM and loaded into AMIQ. It
is applied to an RF modulator via the I/Q outputs and forwarded to the DUT
(device under test). The latter demodulates the received source bits and returns
them to AMIQ together with a transfer clock. In the AMIQ, the data bits are
checked for errors. The total of the transmitted bits and the faulty bits are counted.
The quotient of error bits/total bits is the BER.
PRBS data
To be able to detect faulty bits in a BER measurement, the algorithm used for data
generation must be known. Data are calculated with the aid of so-called pseudorandom binary sequences (PRBS). These are quasi-random bit sequences which
are repeated according to the selected polynomial.
An advantage of the PRBS data is that the bit error detector has only to know the
calculation algorithm but not the total sequence. Furthermore, the analysis can be
started anywhere in the bit stream, ie the bit-stream source and the analyzer need
not be synchronized.
To get familiar with the BER measurement and to check the BER measurement function in
a simple way, a waveform file named PRBS9_E.WV is stored in the AMIQ waveform
directory. This file contains a PRBS sequence with an error bit, which should produce an
error indication of about 0.19% in WinIQSIM. The COMMENT tag of this waveform includes
a short description allowing a fast check of the BER measurement function.
{COMMENT: This is a waveform for checking the BER measurement. The waveform is applied to
two marker outputs on the rear panel (no signal at I/Q output). To check the BER measurement,
connect the adapter cord (Order No. 1110.3551.00) to the rear BER connector and the DATA
cable to MARK1 and the CLOCK cable to MARK2. The signal at MARK1 (DATA) is a PRBS
sequence with one error bit. To check the BER measurement with WinIQSIM, select 'Remote
Control and Bert', 'Load HD File' and PRBS9_E, tick on Marker Ch.1 and Ch.2, select 'BERT' and
start the BER measurement with 'Cont'. A bit error rate of approximately 0.19% should appear.}
Transfer clock
If the DUT does not provide a transfer clock, a marker channel can be
programmed instead as a clock output.
This is explained in the operating manual for WinIQSIM, chapter "Data Editor",
and in the application manual "Software WinIQSIM for Calculating I/Q Signals for
Modulation Generator AMIQ", chapter 5 "BER measurement with WinIQSIM and
AMIQ", order no. 1027.3007.30.
1110.3339.12
4.10
E-6
AMIQ
Measurement of Bit Error Rate
Test Method
Generation of
PRBS data
PRBS data are generated with the aid of a feedback shift register. The feedback
points are determined by the calculation algorithm. An initial state selected at
random yields exactly one subsequent state. The initial state and therefore the
subsequent state occur only once in the whole data sequence.
Feedback of data
stream
If the feedback shift register is filled with a data sequence at the beginning of a
measurement and the register is then switched from "filling" to "feedback", the
register will generate a data sequence which is exactly identical to the one it
should receive from the DUT. Faulty bits can thus be identified and counted by
comparing the received data to the results obtained from the shift register.
This method has the advantage that the analysis can be separated from signal
generation (logically and with respect to time). Consequently, delays caused by the
DUT, the use of other PRBS sources and transmission over long distances with
spatially separated transmitter and receiver, do not cause any problems.
Faulty bits in
output status
If a bit error is already present in the output state (faulty bits are not detected
during “filling“), the shift register starts from an incorrect position in the whole data
string. As a result all subsequent states will be faulty. Since, statistically, every
second bit is faulty, the BER will be about 50%. In this case a new measurement is
started automatically so that the error goes unnoticed by the user.
BER
measurement
with
uninterrupted
repetition of the
random
sequence
The non-integrating BER measurement operates with random sequences which
are stored in the AMIQ memory cyclically. The length of the random sequence is
obtained from 2 to the degree of the polynomial less 1, ie PRBS9 has a length of
9
511 (2 is 512, less 1).
The analysis data
are interrupted
by other data
The BER measurement can be set with the command BERT:SETup:RESTart
INTernal and output on the CLOCK and DATA line.
The data bits carry "extraneous" data such as sync, preambles, other channels etc
in addition to the PRBS data. To identify the data to be evaluated, the BER
measurement must be provided with a validity signal (DAT ENABle input) apart
from the actual data. This DAT ENABle signal is generated either by the DUT or
provided by the AMIQ as a marker channel.
The DAT ENABle signal can be defined in the data editor when the data are
generated in the WinIQSIM. It may be necessary to match the timing of the
marker signal to the data of the DUT (see below).
The BER measurement using the AMIQ should be set to the use of a validity
signal (DAT ENABle); for this the polarity in menu AMIQ -> Remote Control
and BERT is set. The setting DAT ENABle = high signifies that data from the DUT
are counted and subjected to a BER measurement only if the DAT ENABle input is
at 1.
1110.3339.12
4.11
E-6
Measurement of Bit Error Rate
BER
measurement
with interrupted
random
sequence –
integrating BER
measurement
AMIQ
Depending on the type of data, oversampling and the finite memory length of
AMIQ, it may happen that the generated random sequence is not cyclically
repeated at the memory wrap-around but that a break occurs at this point. In an
ordinary BER measurement which relies exclusively on the CLOCK and DATA
signals, this break would cause a loss of synchronization and thus about 50% of
faulty bits.
A random sequence with a discontinuity can be handled with the integrating BER
measurement
and
is
switched
on
by
means
of
the
BERT:SETup:RESTart EXTern command. The BER measurement must be
halted in time and re-started at the beginning of the data sequence. Halt and start
is effected using a signal at the RES input (pin 9 of D-sub connector): A logic 1 at
this input resets the BER measurement, a 0 starts the measurement. It is useful to
link this input with a marker channel of the AMIQ in which a single 1 (about 2 bits
long) is coded at the beginning of the data sequence. The marker channel then
starts the BER measurement anew for each memory cycle (of the discontinuity).
If the data signals are interrupted from other data (eg preambles), the latter can
result in bit errors. The BER measurement can be interrupted for such data with
the aid of the DAT ENABle input on a different marker channel.
In the integrating BER measurement the individual measurements are added up
under the control of a signal at the RES INPUT until the predefined total number
of data or errors bits are attained or exceeded.
Complex measurement and signal sequences of this type cannot be easily
generated manually so with the use of the Windows software WinIQSIM from R&S
it is possible generate data sequences for the BER measurement. It can thus be
ensured that the DAT ENAB and RES signals are timed correctly for the data
signals and discontinuity.
See also chapter titled "Data Editor" in the WinQSIM manual as well as application
manual "Software WinIQSIM for Calculating I/Q Signals for Modulation Generator
AMIQ", chapter 5 "BER measurement with WinIQSIM and AMIQ" Order No.
1027.3007.30.
Note:
1110.3339.12
The flexible programming of the test hardware permits other BER measurement
methods to be used, eg comparison with output pattern, masking certain time and
data ranges. Contact your local R&S sales office for further information.
4.12
E-6
AMIQ
Measurement of Bit Error Rate
PRBS Polynomials
A feedback shift register is used for generating and checking the PRBS. The feedback is switched
n
depending on the polynomial used. The sequence length of a generator is 2 - 1, n being the degree of
the polynomial.
EXOR
Fig. 4-2
EXOR
EXOR
PRBS Polynomials
PN generator
n
a1
a2
a3
Output
Applicable standard
PN9
9
4
-
-
non-inverted
ITU-T Rec. O.153 Fascicle IV.4
PN11
11
2
-
-
non-inverted
ITU-T Rec. O.152 Fascicle IV.4
PN15
15
1
-
-
inverted
ITU-T Rec. O.151 Fascicle IV.4
PN16
16
5
3
2
non-inverted
--
PN20
20
3
-
-
non-inverted
ITU-T Rec. O.153 Fascicle IV.4
PN21
21
2
-
-
non-inverted
--
PN23
23
5
-
-
inverted
ITU-T Rec. O.151 Fascicle IV.4
Measurement Result, Accuracy, Measurement Time
Value range:
-2
The measured BER (ie ratio of faulty bits to total bits) is normally between 10 and
-9
10 . This means that a great number of bits may have to be checked before a
faulty bit is detected. Because of the great number of bits involved the
measurement time is usually very long.
Since 32-bit-wide counters are used for the total bits and the error bits, the
9
maximum measurement time is 4.29⋅10 bits.
Statistics
The BER measurement measures statistical bit errors, ie errors which do not
occur at regular intervals but at random. Although a single measurement
determines the exact number of errors in the measured range, a reliable BER rate
can only be obtained when a sufficient number of errors occurs in the observed
range with the result that the single BER measurement result approaches the true
error rate with high probability .
End criteria
To keep the measurement time short with low and high bit error rates, two end
criteria have been defined in AMIQ for the BER measurement.
• Criterion 1: Total number of bits
The measurement is terminated when the total of the specified bits is reached.
Due to this criterion the BER measurement is reliably stopped after the
specified number of bits even if no error or only a few errors were detected and
1110.3339.12
4.13
E-6
Measurement of Bit Error Rate
AMIQ
the measurement result is not very accurate (few bit errors).
• Criterion 2: Number of faulty bits
The measurement is terminated when the specified number of bit errors is
detected. With this criterion, the measurement is rapidly terminated when high
bit error rates occur. Since a great number of errors is counted, the
measurement is relatively accurate.
The two criteria are used together. The criterion which finally yields a valid result is
indicated by AMIQ after a result query.
Interruption of
measurement
At the end of a measurement, the restart of a new one is delayed until the first
measurement result has been queried with BERT:RES?. The resulting brief
measurement interruption is irrelevant because the subsequent measurement will
be synchronized within 24 data bits.
Possible Problems with BER Measurement and Related Solutions
Fault
Possible cause
Fault description/remedy
BER
measurement
does not
synchronize
No signals from DUT received
or the signal level is not
correct.
Ø Read the activity of the inputs used for the BER measurement on the
WinIQSIM or SMIQ display.
BER measurement using
PRBS sequences was not
activated in AMIQ.
Ø Activate the BER measurement using PRBS sequences once before
the measurement is started. This is done with command
BERT:SEL "PRBS".
This command ensures that the measurement hardware is loaded with
the correct configuration file. Then switch AMIQ off and on again to load
the configuration file to the measurement hardware.
The selected PRBS is not
correct.
Normally, the PRBS of the data is transmitted together with the waveform
file and used as a default setting. If the PRBS is changed, the BER
measurement cannot synchronize to the data (because the calculation
polynomial is not correct).
A green lamp (on the screen) next to the name (clock, data) indicates
that the respective line is active.
A wrong clock edge is used for Ø Check the bit clock signal, the data signal and the DAT ENABle
triggering violating setup or
signal, if any, on an oscilloscope.
hold times.
The fault may also be caused by reflections on the clock line, which
switch the data signal twice into the BER measurement; see section
Avoid Reflections in the BER Measurement on page 4.17.
1110.3339.12
Incorrect polarity of data signal
(or DAT ENABle signal).
In this case the PRBS cannot synchronize either. Note that an inversion
of the output signal specified for some cases by the PRBS standard is
performed automatically upon PRBS selection. Manual inversion of the
data signal is thus not required.
A bit error occurs during
synchronization (eg the
synchronization time is nine
data bits with PRBS9)
The BER measurement is started at a wrong position so that about 50%
of the subsequent data bits are identified as faulty. This "incorrect" result
is rejected by the AMIQ software and the measurement is automatically
repeated (upon the next query by WinIQSIM or SMIQ).
4.14
E-6
AMIQ
Measurement of Bit Error Rate
Fault
Possible cause
Fault description/remedy
No clock
received from
DUT
When testing RF components,
the clock recovery may no be
available. An external clock is
however required for clocking
the data during the BER
measurement
An AMIQ marker channel can be used instead of the clock from the clock
recovery circuit. To do so proceed as follows:
Ø Connect the marker channel (eg marker 1) to the clock input (pin 7) of
the BER measurement.
Ø Program a 0-1 transition in this marker channel for each data bit to be
evaluated.
This method cannot be used with modulations using a value >1 (eg
QPSK) as several bits are coded per symbol. It may be possible to select
a bit pattern in the marker channel which permits a clock edge to be
generated for each bit in the symbol. In this case a sufficiently high
oversampling value must be selected.
BERT is selected by WinIQSIM in the data editor for the generation of a
suitable marker signal. For details refer to the WinIQSIM manual.
Measured BER
too high
The data are switched with the
wrong clock edge and/or the
eye pattern of the data is not
optimally met.
BER measurement [FW1]does
not synchronize .
Ø Check the clock/data relationship by means of an oscilloscope and
set optimum timing.
Ø If the clock is derived from an AMIQ marker channel, shift the channel
by a few sampling points (see OUTPUT:MARKER:DELAY).
If data that are not cyclically repeated (ie when an interruption occurs at
the memory wrap-around), the measurement will identify about 50% of
the bits as faulty after the wrap-around.
Ø Make sure that the measurement is optimally started at the beginning
of the sequence via the signal on the REStart line (see "BER
measurement with interrupted random sequence – integrating BER
measurement" in section "Test Method" on page 4.11).
Further Hints and Tricks
Correction of • If all signals come from the DUT, the delay of the DUT will not cause any problems.
In this case the BER measurement is performed completely independent of the
DUT delay
AMIQ signal output. After the start of the measurement, the BER is automatically
synchronized to the applied data.
• If the clock, DAT ENABle or restart signals are not supplied by the DUT but
generated on the AMIQ marker outputs and the signals are used together with the
clock or data from the DUT, delays may occur which have to be corrected.
The DUT will normally require a certain time to return the data bits to AMIQ. This delay
may be less than one bit. The signal on the marker channel is directly applied from the
output socket to the input for the BER measurement and is therefore not delayed. The
signals on the marker channels (eg the clock signal) must therefore be shifted with
reference to the I/Q output data so that they are optimally time-synchronized.
This can be done in two ways:
Ø Shift the marker of a loaded trace by a specified number of samples using the
function OUTPUT:MARKER:DELAY .
Ø A pattern is used for generating the clock signals, which defines the sequence of
010 transitions in the marker channel. Modify this clock pattern to shift the active
clock edge (referred to the I/Q output).
Then:
Ø Check the timing of the BER signals on an oscilloscope.
Ø Connect the marker channel containing a clock signal to the clock input (pin 7) of
the BER IC.
1110.3339.12
4.15
E-6
Measurement of Bit Error Rate
AMIQ
Installation of Option AMIQ-B1, BER Measurement
If the instrument is ordered with option AMIQ-B1, the option comes as active and ready for operation. If
the option is subsequently ordered, proceed according to the instructions supplied with the option. If
these instructions are not available, follow the instructions given below:
Ø Connect AMIQ to a controller.
Ø Activate option AMIQ-B1 in the AMIQ. To do so send command SYST:OPT AMIQB1,xxxxxxxx to
AMIQ, xxxxxxxx being the key number.
The key number is supplied together with the option. The option needs not be reactivated after a
firmware update.
The activation command can be sent to AMIQ under Remote Control and BERT -> Test and Adjustment
-> Send Command to AMIQ in the AMIQ menu of WinIQSIM.
Ø To activate the BER measurement using PRBS sequences, activate this measurement mode with
command BERT:SEL “PRBS“.
This prepares the loading of the measurement hardware with the correct configuration file. AMIQ has to
be switched off and on again to load the configuration file to the measurement hardware when the
measurement is started. This selection command has to be sent only once. Once the configuration has
been set, it is preserved even after a firmware update.
Activation is checked when a BER measurement is called in WinIQSIM and carried out automatically if
not done before.
1110.3339.12
4.16
E-6
AMIQ
Measurement of Bit Error Rate
Avoid Reflections in the BER Measurement
RS 232
X 11
X 12
LPT /LPT
PARALLEL
X 13
X 10
100...120 / 200...240 V
50...60 Hz 150 VA
625
IEEE 488
SCPI
F 1/ F 2:
IE C 127 - T 4.0 H / 250 V
AUTO P OWER SELECTION
REF
CLK
Q
Q
FILT
1
2
MARK
3
4
MARK
I
I
FILT
TRIG
BER
Clock
With this test setup using BNC
cables, no probes are needed.
There are no reflections
if the BNC cables are directly
connected to the oscilloscope
by means of T connectors.
50 Ohm BNC cable
Data
BER test cable
REF
CL OCK
Oscilloscope
DATA
MASK
RES
RS 232
X 11
X 12
LPT /LPT
PARALLEL
X 13
100...120 / 200...240 V
50...60 Hz 150 VA
X 10
625
IEEE 488
SCPI
F 1/F 2:
IE C 127 - T 4.0 H / 250 V
AUTO P OWER SELECTION
REF
REF
CLK
Q
FILT
Q
1
MARK
2
3
MARK
4
I
FILT
I
TRIG
BER
Clock
Data
BER test cable
CLOCK
DATA
No reflection problems if
the signals are tapped off
with probes.
MASK
RES
Oscilloscope
RS 232
X 11
X 12
LPT /LPT
PARALLEL
X 13
X 10
100...120 / 200...240 V
50...60 Hz 150 VA
625
IEEE 488
SCPI
F 1/F 2:
IEC 127 - T 4.0 H / 250 V
AUTO POWER SELECTION
REF
REF
CLK
Q
FILT
Q
1
MARK
2
3
MARK
4
I
FILT
I
TRIG
BER
Clock
If the oscilloscope is connected
by means of BNC cables as
shown in this figure, the result
of the BER measurement might
be impaired because of
reflections (spurious signals)
caused by the long branch lines
to the oscilloscope.
Data
BER test cable
CLOC K
DATA
MASK
RES
50 Ohm BNC cable
Oscilloscope
CLOCK
New BER test cable are labelled
DAT ENAB instead of MASK
The BER test cable is part of the
option AMIQ-B1. It can be ordered
as a replacement part with the stock
no. 1110.3551.00. The pin assignment
is described in section "Connector" in
this chapter.
DATA
MASK
RES
Fig. 4-3
Avoid reflections in the BER measurement
1110.3339.12
4.17
E-6
Application Example for Option Differential Outputs
AMIQ
Application Example for Option Differential Outputs
(AMIQ-B2)
Option Differential Outputs (AMIQ-B2, stock no. 1110.3700.02) is a hardware option ready for operation
immediately after being fitted by an R&S service technician. Essentially, a PC board must be installed
and the front panel of AMIQ must be replaced by another one containing 4 output connectors.
Control of the differential outputs by WinIQSIM is supported starting with version 2.10 of both products.
Advantages of
differential outputs
compared to
asymmetric outputs
Manufacturers equip IQ modulator components with differential inputs mainly
to obtain improved technical data concerning port insulation, spurious
responses and harmonics.
Option AMIQ-B2, Differential Outputs, allows to feed these components
correctly with symmetric signals in order to make full use of the technical
specifications of the modulator ICs.
An operating voltage of +5 V, recently also +3,3 V, referred to ground is used.
As a consequence of this asymmetric power supply, the DC level (= operating
point of the corresponding input) must be set to the center of the operating
voltage range by means of an external electric network. The additional
expense to install the external electric network is saved by option AMIQ-B2.
This option allows to superimpose a DC voltage ranging from –2.5 V to + 2.5
V (called bias voltage in the following) upon the symmetric I or Q signal (highimpedance input).
The following application example shows the function of the option combined
with the AMIQ basic unit.
+
I
I + Corr
UBias(I)
I + Corr
+
Q
I
OUTP:I:BIAS -2.5 ... 2.5V
I + Corr
Offset Q User Correction
CORR:OFFS:Q:FIX|VAR -1 ... +1
I+Corr+UBias
+
I+Corr+UBias
+
I
Offset I User Correction
CORR:OFFS:I:FIX|VAR -1 ... +1
I
DUT
Q + Corr
Q+Corr+U Bias
+
RF carrier
Q
OUTP:Q:BIAS -2.5 ... 2.5V
Q + Corr
UBias(Q)
Q + Corr
Q+Corr+U Bias
+
I
Example
Q
AMIQ-B2
I/Q modulator
component
AMIQ
I/Q modulated RF carrier
Fig. 4-4
Application block diagram of option AMIQ-B2
1110.3339.12
4.18
E-6
AMIQ
Application Example for Option Differential Outputs
Functions of the structure shown above:
• AMIQ provides the modulation signals I and Q (asymmetric).
• Option AMIQ-B2 outputs these signals together with the inverted signals I and Q. The signals
control the modulator chip.
• To set the operating point of the modulator component (DUT) a DC voltage UBias that can be
adjusted individually for I (I) and Q (Q) is superimposed upon the modulation signals.
• To optimize the RF carrier suppression an additional correction voltage (Corr), again individually
adjustable for both channels I and Q, can be superimposed upon the initial signals. Inclusion of
option AMIQ-B2 causes the correction voltages to be set in positive direction at the non-inverting
outputs, in negative direction at the inverting outputs. This doubles the absolute value of the
correction between I and I or between Q and Q. Should it be necessary, a difference between the
best operating points for I and Q of the modulator chip can be balanced.
The bias voltage of the option represents basically a „common mode“ voltage for the four signal outputs
while the offset voltage selected via „user correction“ in the AMIQ basic unit represents a balance
setting between the inverting and the non-inverting output.
Once the operating point of the DUT is set via Ubias it can be simply preserved by selecting an output
impedance of 50 Ω for the OFF state even if the signal level is switched off. If „High Impedance“ is
selected, the bias voltage will be set to zero whenever the output is switched off.
1110.3339.12
4.19
E-6
AMIQ Model 03 / 04
AMIQ
AMIQ Model 03 / 04
AMIQ models 03 and 04 can be fitted with the option AMIQ-B3 (digital I/Q output) and supplied with an
external clock, see also "Option AMIQ-B3 (digital I/Q output)" and "External Clock" in this chapter.
AMIQ model 04 is provided with a much larger memory and can thus store traces up to 16 000 000 I/Q
values. Compared with model 03 (4 000 000 I/Q values) model 04 has four times greater memory
capacity. Apart from that there is no difference between the two models.
1110.3339.12
4.20
E-6
AMIQ
Digital I/Q Output Option AMIQ-B3
Digital I/Q Output Option AMIQ-B3
The digital I/Q output option is available for models 03 and 04 and supplies the 16-bit data bus for both
channels I and Q at a 68-pin front-panel connector on the AMIQ basic unit. Of the 16 bits the two least
significant bits (d0 and d1) are used as marker signals and the remaining 14 bits for signal generation.
This data bus also drives the two internal 14-bit main DACs. The associated bit clock is supplied in
addition.
Using version 3.10 and higher of the program WinIQSIM the digital output can be activated (ON) or
deactivated (OFF) as long as pin 66 at the connector is high (see pin allocation). If this pin is low, then
the outputs are permanently of high-impedance. This avoids latch-up effects of the following circuit in
the absence of supply voltage.
Traces calculated with versions < 3.10 of WinIQSIM had previously a width of 14 bits, ie d0 and d1 were
fixed at 0 and d2 was rounded by means of d1. Data bits d0 and d1 could be used as marker bits.
Each trace generated by WinIQSIM version 3.10 and higher has a resolution of 14 or 16 bits, depending
on the selected output resolution (see "Operation"):
• For an output resolution of 8 to 14 bits WinIQSIM generates traces with a generation resolution of
14 bits.
•
For an output resolution of 15 or 16 bits WinIQSIM generates traces with a generation resolution of
16 bits.
Example:
A 12 bit output resolution is set in WinIQSIM. WinIQSIM calculates and transfers the IQ data with a
resolution of 14 bits (so the marker signals remain accessible). In the {RESOLUTION: x,y} tag, the trace
contains the generation resolution (14 bits) as well as the output resolution (12 bits). When this trace is
loaded into the output RAM of the AMIQ, it is automatically quantized to 12 bits. Still it is possible to
increase the output resolution of the trace to a maximum of 14 bits later without calculating the trace
again.
Each trace generated by WinIQSIN version 3.10 or higher has a resolution of 14 or 16 bits. From this
version up each trace contains the new {RESOLUTION: x,y} tag with
• 'x' = generation resolution (bit width of trace generated by WinIQSIM) and
•
'y' = output resolution (bit width of trace output by AMIQ).
Traces with a generation resolution of 14 bits allow the use of markers without any restriction. However
no markers are available with traces of 16-bit generation resolution because data bits d0 and d1
represent the least significant bits of the I/Q values.
When markers are active and a trace with a generation resolution of 16 bits is loaded, the markers are
switched off and marker commands are rejected. Decreasing the output resolution with the command
OUTPut:RESolution 8...16 does not allow the use of markers since the reduction of the resolution
is achieved mathematically with a rounding logarithm by setting data bits d0 and d1 to 0 which means
that there can be no valid markers. Although loading marker list is theoretically possible after the
reduction of the output resolution to ≤ 14 bits, no use was made of this for the sake of clarity of operation
– the decisive factor for the execution of marker commands is solely the resolution of generation.
A generation resolution of 16 bits has no relevance for the I/Q outputs; in analog operation same as
before d2 ... d15 go to the 14-bit converter. The higher resolution can be fully exploited only together
with the digital I/Q option (AMIQ-B3) and permits a 12-dB higher resolution than at the analog output.
The output resolution of a trace can subsequently be modified with the IEEE 488 command
OUTPut:RESolution 8...16 and must always be ≤ the generation resolution.
The command OUTPut:RESolution 8...16 can be used independently of the digital I/Q output
option (AMIQ-B3) and can be quite useful to reduce the output resolution of the analog outputs to
observe the DUT's response.
1110.3339.12
4.21
E-6
Digital I/Q Output Option AMIQ-B3
AMIQ
Reducing the output resolution has the effect of setting unused bits to 0 and rounding the value. The
value is always output MSB-justified at the digital I/Q output and at the 14-bit D/A converter.
To synchronize the digital data output via the digital I/Q output option (AMIQ-B3) with a system clock,
AMIQ is to be driven with an external clock. To do this, the clock connector on the rear of the AMIQ
basic unit is to be set from output to input in the WinIQSIM program (see section "External Clock" on
page 4.26, "Operation").
To be able to work with a bit clock greater than 25 MHz to 30 MHz, it is recommended to plug the DUT
directly to the 68-pin connector or, if possible, to use short connecting cables to avoid interfering
reflections. In such cases, data and clock lines should be terminated with resistances of 120 Ω to 150 Ω.
Operation of Digital I/Q Output Option (AMIQ-B3) using WinIQSIM
Modulation Generator AMIQ is operated via the WinIQSIM program (versions required:
WinIQSIM = 3.10).
The analog and digital outputs can be activated independently from one another. The AMIQ can be set
in the following way:
•
•
Click the REM button in the top bar or open the menu item ”AMIQ” and ”Remote Control and
BERT...”. The AMIQ operator window now appears.
The digital I/Q output can be activated or deactivated following the selection of the ”HardwareSetting” submenu under "Digital Output".
1110.3339.12
4.22
E-6
AMIQ
Digital I/Q Output Option AMIQ-B3
Pin Allocation of Digital I/Q Outputs
Pin 35
Pin 68
Digital Output
Pin 1
Pin 34
Fig. 4-5
Pin allocation of digital I/Q outputs
The output pins of the option has the following features:
Pin 66:
the wiring of this pin (PWR_SENSE) enables
Low (<0.8 V) = outputs disabled, of high impedance
High (>2.4 V) = outputs enabled
Pin 67:
a supply voltage (+3.3 V or +5 V) is provided for an external circuit. The magnitude of
VCC depends on the wiring at Pin 68.
Pin 68:
the wiring of this pin determines the supply voltage level at pin 67.
Low (<0.8 V) = +5 V
High (>2.4 V) = +3.3 V
The high level of data, marker and clock signals adapts to the selected supply voltage level.
Further allocation of pins:
Pins 1 to 16:
data I0 to I15
Pins 17 to 32:
data Q0 to Q15
Pin 33:
bit clock
Pin 34:
inverted bit clock
Pins 35 to 65:
ground
or
disables
the
outputs:
(I0 ≡ marker 1, I1 ≡ marker 2)
(Q0 ≡ marker 3, Q1 ≡ marker 4)
Brief Specifications
Table 4-1 Specifications of option AMIQ-B3
Output
68-contact connector (mini D-sub, half pitch)
Number of channels
2 (one each for I and Q)
Resolution
8 to 16 bits (selectable), no marker output for wordwidth 15 or 16
Max. clock frequency
100 MHz (at clock frequencies greater than 40 MHz, the 20 to 25 ns AMIQ delay between
the input clock and the output data must be taken into account)
Output impedance
Approx. 30 to 50 Ω
Data output level
+3.3 or +4.0 V to +4.5 V (LVT or ABT high level)
VCC level
+3.3 V or +5 V/0.3 A (selectable)
Clock output
Normal and inverted polarity
1110.3339.12
4.23
E-6
Digital I/Q Output Option AMIQ-B3
AMIQ
Technical Details
d15
d2 d1 d0
Data bus
d15 ... d0
d15 ... d2
Marker outputs
14-bit D/A converter
Analog I/Q output
d0 ≡ marker 1, d1 ≡ marker 2
d0 ≡ marker 3, d1 ≡ marker 4
Channel I:
Channel Q:
Fig. 4-6
Digital I/Q output
Technical implementation of digital I/Q outputs
1110.3339.12
4.24
E-6
AMIQ
Digital I/Q Output Option AMIQ-B3
IEEE 488 Commands
The following IEEE 488 commands apply to option AMIQ-B3:
Table 4-2 IEEE 488 commands for option AMIQ-B3
Section (see chapter 6)
IEEE 488 commands
OUTPut – hardware settings
OUTPut:DIGital ON|OFF
OUTPut:RESolution 8 ... 16
OUTPut:MARKer ON|OFF
OUTPut:MARKer:DELay
Common commands
*IDN?
*OPT?
SYSTEM – different settings
SYSTem:OPTion?
DIAGnostic – hardware diagnosis
DIAG:ABO:ID?
Marker management
MARKer[:LIST]
Trace file format
Tag {RESOLUTION: x,y}
1110.3339.12
4.25
E-6
External Clock
AMIQ
External Clock
Brief Description
AMIQ 03 and 04 can be fed with an external clock at the rear-panel connector CLK. The AMIQ can thus
be operated synchronously by means of an external clock. Using an external clock together with option
AMIQ-B3 (digital I/Q output) enables the following operating modes, for example:
AMIQ
System clock
AMIQ B3
Integrating an AMIQ into a system with system clock
DUT
Data
D
A
Internal
AMIQ clock
Fig. 4-7
Integration of the AMIQ into a system with system clock
Advantage
clock frequencies of up to 100 MHz, clock and data synchronous with external clock
Disadvant
age
clock may become noise through coupling in AMIQ
Feeding a DUT (eg D/A converter) with a spectrally clean external clock whilst
retaining clock/data synchronization
Signal delay 20 to 25 ns
AMIQ
AMIQ B3
DUT
Data
D
A
AMIQ clock
unused
System clock
Delay equalization required from 40 MHz
System clock
Fig. 4-8
Feeding a DUT with a spectrally pure external clock
Advantage
clean clock for DUT
Disadvantage clock frequencies of only up to 40 MHz possible
clock frequencies of 40 to 100 MHz require delay equalization of the clock line to the
DUT
1110.3339.12
4.26
E-6
AMIQ
External Clock
Operation
Modulation Generator AMIQ is operated via the WinIQSIM program (versions required:
WinIQSIM = 3.01BETA, AMIQ-FW = 3.0BETA).
•
•
Click the REM button in the top bar or open menu item ”AMIQ” and ”Remote Control and BERT...”.
The AMIQ operator window now appears.
The "Clock Mode" can be selected under "Source, Trigger ..." following the selection of the
”Hardware Setting” submenu.
IEC/IEEE-bus command
For IEC/IEEE-bus command and frequency ranges see chapter 6: SCLock INTernal|EXTSlow|EXTFast.
1110.3339.12
4.27
E-6
Multisegment Waveform
AMIQ
Multisegment Waveform
Application and structure
In particular when the AMIQ is used in automatic test equipment (ATE), the components to be tested
must be operated by a wide variety of test signals. To minimize the test time, the change between the
individual test signals must be as rapid as possible. Loading the new signals from the AMIQ hard disk
should be avoided, if possible. The multisegment waveform (MWV)), which is implemented in the
AMIQ as of firmware version 4.00, meets this requirement.
Superficially, an MWV is similar to a standard waveform in the AMIQ. Its maximum length depends on
the AMIQ model (4 Msamples with AMIQ03, 16 Msamples with AMIQ04). What makes the MWV special
is the fact that it can consist of up to 30 partial traces, the segments.
Each segment can be considered an independent waveform (with its own marker assignment and clock
rate). The complete waveform is loaded into the output RAM of the AMIQ, where a segment can be
selected and output. It is possible to change between the segments (partial signals) without reloading
the output RAM by simply specifying a new segment index. A rapid change between the partial signals,
and, consequently, an acceleration of the test procedure is thus possible.
The structue of the AMIQ output RAM requires the multisegment waveforms to comply with the following
conditions :
• Maximally 30 segments.
•
The minimum length of each segment must be 128 ksamples (= 131.072 samples).
•
The segment length in samples must be a multiple of 4.
•
For a fast segment change, it is recommended that all segments be generated with the same clock
rate. The clock rate can easily be changed in each new segment.
Note:
Use the WinIQSIM operator program as of version 3.80 for easy generation of a
multisegment waveform from various partial traces.
The AMIQ ensures compliance with these conditions. The user only needs to specify which standard
waveforms in the AMIQ he or she would like to combine to form a multisegment waveform. The AMIQ
automatically meets the conditions placed on length by repeating the basic waveform of a segment.
Once a multiwaveform has been generated, it can be loaded and output like any other waveform.
1110.3339.12
4.28
E-6
AMIQ
Multisegment Waveform
Partial trace 1
MMEMory:MWV:FIRStsegment ,,
MMEMory:MWV:APPend ,,
MMEMory:LOAD RAM,
Resulting MWV in output RAM
Partial trace 2
Segment 1
Segment 2
Segment 3
Partial trace 3
Automatic
repetition
of partial trace
Output signal
ARM
TRIGger:MWVSegment 3
Fig. 4-9
Generation of an MWV from partial traces
IEC/IEEE bus commands
For a detailed description of the IEC/IEEE bus commands, refer to chapter 6.
•
Generating an MWV
MMEMory:MWV:FIRStsegment 'Source waveform
multi segment waveform file','Comment'
file
to
start','Destination
MMEMory:MWV:APPend 'Source waveform file to append','Destination multi
segment waveform file','Comment'
•
Deleting segments of a multisegment waveform
MMEMory:MWV:DELete 'Multi Segment Waveform file',.
•
Output of multisegment waveform segments
MMEMory:LOAD RAM 'Multi Segment Waveform file'
ARM und TRIG
TRIGger:MWVS
•
Restrictions during the MWV output
The following minor restrictions apply during an MWV output:
•
The GATED trigger operating mode (TRIGger:MODe GATed) is not available.
•
Marker lists (OUTPut:MARKer<1..4>:LIST '0-100:1;200-400:0') cannot be subsequently taken into
account.
•
Shifting the marker signals (OUTPut:MARKer<1..4>:DELete ) is not possible.
•
The output resolution (OUTPut:RESolution ) of the I/Q signal cannot be
subsequently modified.
•
The clock frequency (SOURce:CLOck ) cannot be subsequently modified.
These restrictions are referred to in chapter 6, in the commands concerned.
1110.3339.12
4.29
E-6
AMIQ
Short Introduction
5 Remote Control - Basics
The instrument is equipped with an IEC bus interface according to standard IEC 625.1/IEEE 488.1 and
a RS-232 interface. The connectors are located at the rear of the instrument and permit to connect a
controller for remote control. The instrument supports the SCPI version 1996.0 (Standard Commands
for Programmable Instruments). The SCPI standard is based on standard IEEE 488.2 and aims at the
standardization of device-specific commands, error handling and the status registers (see section "SCPI
Introduction").
This section assumes basic knowledge of IEC bus programming and operation of the controller. A description of the interface commands can be obtained from the relevant manuals.
The requirements of the SCPI standard placed on command syntax, error handling and configuration of
the status registers are explained in detail in the respective sections. Tables provide a fast overview of
the commands implemented in the instrument and the bit assignment in the status registers. The tables
are supplemented by a comprehensive description of every command and the status registers. Detailed
programming examples of the essential functions can be found in chapter 7, "Programming Examples".
The examples for IEC bus programming are all written in QuickBASIC.
Note: In contrast to instruments with manual control, which are designed for maximum possible operating convenience, the priority of remote control is the "predictability" of the device status. This
means that when incompatible settings are attempted, the command is ignored and the device
status remains unchanged, i.e. other settings are not automatically adapted. Therefore,
IEC/IEEE-bus control programs should always define an initial device status (e.g. with the
command *RST) and then implement the required settings.
Short Introduction
Chapter 2, "Getting Started", outlines a short introduction to remote control of the AMIQ. The chapter
also describes how the transfer parameters for RS-232 and the IEC bus can be set without using remote control commands.
Messages
The messages transferred via the data lines of the IEC bus and the serial interface (see section
"Hardware Interfaces" in this chapter) can be divided into two groups:
-
interface messages
device messages
1110.3339.12
5.1
E-5
Messages
AMIQ
Interface Messages
Interface messages are transferred on the data lines of the IEC bus, the ATN control line being active.
They are used for communication between controller and instrument and can only be sent by a computer which has the function of an IEC bus controller.
Interface commands can be further subdivided into
-
universal commands
addressed commands
Universal commands act on all devices connected to the IEC bus without previous addressing, addressed commands only act on devices previously addressed as listeners. The interface messages
relevant to the instrument are listed in section "Hardware Interfaces" in this chapter, subsection
"Interface Messages".
There are no interface message for the RS-232 interface. Only the "Device Clear" is emulated by the
BREAK-signal of the serial interface (see section "Interface functions" on page 5.25). Other interface
messages are replaced by device messages (e.g. "*GTL").
Device Messages (Commands and Device Responses)
Device messages are transferred via the data lines of the IEC bus (the "ATN" control line not being active) or via the serial interface. The ASCII code is used. The device messages are largely identical for
the two interfaces. A distinction is made according to the direction in which device messages are transferred:
– Commands
are messages the controller sends to the instrument. They operate the device
functions and request information. The commands are subdivided according to
two criteria:
1. According to the effect they have on the instrument:
Setting commands
cause instrument settings such as reset of the instrument or setting the output level to 1 Volt.
Queries
cause data to be provided for output on the IEC bus,
e.g. for identification of the device.
2. According to their definition in standard IEEE 488.2:
Common commands
are exactly defined as to their function and notation in
standard IEEE 488.2. They refer to functions such as
management of the standardized status registers, reset and selftest.
Device-spec. commands refer to functions depending on the features of the
instrument such as frequency setting. A majority of
these commands has also been standardized by the
SCPI committee (cf. section "SCPI Introduction").
– Device responses are messages the instrument sends to the controller after a query. They can
contain measurement results, instrument settings and information on the instrument status (cf. section "Responses to Queries").
Structure and syntax of the device messages are described below. The commands are listed and explained in detail in chapter 6.
1110.3339.12
5.2
E-5
AMIQ
Structure and Syntax of the Device Messages
Structure and Syntax of the Device Messages
SCPI Introduction
SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) describes a standard command set for
programming instruments, irrespective of the type of instrument or manufacturer. The goal of the SCPI
consortium is to standardize the device-specific commands to a large extent. For this purpose, a model
was developed which defines the same functions inside a device or for different devices. Command
systems were generated which are assigned to these functions. Thus it is possible to address the same
functions with identical commands. The command systems are of a hierarchical structure. Fig. 5-1 illustrates this tree structure using a section of command system SYSTem, which allows to define various
device settings. Most of the other examples concerning syntax and structure of the commands are
taken from this command system.
SCPI is based on standard IEEE 488.2, i.e. it uses the same syntactic basic elements as well as the
common commands defined in this standard. Part of the syntax of the device responses is defined with
greater restrictions than in standard IEEE 488.2 (see section "Responses to Queries").
Structure of a Command
The commands consist of a so-called header and, in most cases, one or more parameters. Header and
parameter are separated by a "white space" (ASCII code 0 to 9, 11 to 32 decimal, e.g. blank). The
headers may consist of several key words. Queries are formed by directly appending a question mark to
the header.
Note: The commands used in the following examples may not in every case be implemented in the
instrument.
Common Commands
Common (=device-independent) commands consist of a header preceded by an
asterisk "*" and eventually one or several parameters.
Examples:
*RST
*ESE 253
*ESR?
RESET, resets the instrument.
EVENT STATUS ENABLE, sets the bits of the event status enable
registers.
EVENT STATUS QUERY, queries the contents of the event status
register.
Device-specific commands
Hierarchy
1110.3339.12
Device-specific commands are of hierarchical structure (see Fig. 5-1). The different
levels are represented by combined headers. Headers of the highest level (root
level) have only one key word. This key word denotes a complete command system.
5.3
E-5
Structure and Syntax of the Device Messages
AMIQ
Example:
:SYSTem
This key word denotes the command system :SYSTem.
For commands of lower levels, the complete path has to be specified, starting on
the left with the highest level, the individual key words being separated by a colon
":".
Example:
:SYSTem:BEEPer:STATe ON
This command is located on the third level of the SYSTem system. It switches on
the beeper (acoustic signal).
SYSTem
...
COMMunicate
BEEPER
GPIB
SERial
CATalog
ADDRess
BAUD
LENGth?
Fig. 5-1
...
STATe
DELete
Example for the tree structure of the SCPI command systems:
The SYSTem system
Some key words occur on several levels within one command system. Their effect
depends on the structure of the command, i. e. on the position in the command
header they are inserted in.
Example:
:MMEMory:DATA:LENGth?
This command contains the key word LENGth? in the third command level. The
command returns the number of waveform files in the current directory.
:MMEMory:DCATalog:LENGth?
This command contains the key word LENGth? in the third command level. It returns the number of waveform directories below the virtual root directory.
Optional key
words
Some command systems permit certain key words to be optionally inserted into the
command header or omitted. These key words are marked by square brackets in
this manual. The full command length must be recognized by the instrument for
reasons of compatibility with the SCPI standard. Some commands are considerably
shortened by omitting optional key words.
Example:
:MARKer[:LIST]
This command transfers a list of markers to the AMIQ. The following command has
the same effect:
:MARK
Note:
1110.3339.12
An optional key word must not be omitted if its effect is specified
more precisely by a numeric suffix.
5.4
E-5
AMIQ
Structure and Syntax of the Device Messages
The key words feature a long form and a short form. Either the short form or the
long form can be entered, other abbreviations are not permissible.
Long and
short form
Example:
:STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle 1
:STAT:QUES:ENAB 1
Note:
The short form is marked by upper-case letters, the long form corresponds to the complete word. Upper-case and lower-case notation only serves to distinguish the two forms in the manual, the
instrument itself does not distinguish upper-case and lower-case
letters.
Parameters must be separated from the header by a "white space". If several parameters are specified in a command, they are separated by a comma ",". A few
queries permit the parameters MINimum, MAXimum and DEFault. For a description
of the types of parameter, refer to section, "Parameters".
Parameters
Example:
[:SOURce]:CLOCk frequency[,mode]
This command defines the clock rate (frequency) for reading samples from the
output memory in various modes.
Numeric suffix
If a device features several functions or features of the same kind, e.g. outputs, the
desired function can be selected by a suffix added to the command. Entries without
suffix are interpreted like entries with the suffix 1.
Example:
:OUTPut:MARKer<2> ON
This command activates marker output no. 2.
Structure of a Command Line
A command line may consist of one or several commands. It is terminated by a , a with EOI or an EOI together with the last data byte. Quick BASIC automatically produces an EOI
together with the last data byte.
Several commands in a command line must be separated by a semicolon ";". If the next command belongs to a different command system, the semicolon is followed by a colon.
Example:
CALL IECOUT("MMEM:LOAD RAM,’SINE’;:OUTP:I FIX")
This command line contains two commands. The first command belongs to the MMEMory
system and loads the SINE.WV waveform. The second command belongs to the OUTPut
system and sets the I channel to FIX (Vpp = 1 V into 50 Ω).
If the successive commands belong to the same system, having one or several levels in common, the
command line can be abbreviated. To this end, the second command after the semicolon starts with the
level that lies below the common levels (see also Fig. 5-1). The colon following the semicolon must be
omitted in this case.
Example:
CALL IECOUT("MMEM:MSIS ’C:’;:MMEM:LOAD RAM,’SINE’")
This command line, which is shown in its full length, contains two commands separated by
a semicolon and a colon. Both commands belong to the MMEMory system, i.e. they have a
level in common, so the command line can be abbreviated.
In the abbreviated form, the second command starts at the level below MMEM:, i.e. with
LOAD. The colon after the semicolon is omitted.
The abbreviated command line reads as follows:
1110.3339.12
5.5
E-5
Structure and Syntax of the Device Messages
AMIQ
CALL IECOUT("MMEM:MSIS ’C:’;LOAD RAM,’SINE’")
Each new command line must start with the complete path, however.
Example:
CALL IECOUT("MMEM:MSIS ’C:’")
CALL IECOUT("MMEM:LOAD RAM, ’SINE")
Responses to Queries
A query is defined for each setting command unless explicitly specified otherwise. It is formed by adding
a question mark to the associated setting command. According to SCPI, the responses to queries are
partly subject to stricter rules than in standard IEEE 488.2.
1. The requested parameter is transmitted without header.
Example:
Response: OFF
:OUTPut:I[:STATe]?
2. Maximum values, minimum values and all further quantities, which are requested via a special text
parameter are returned as numerical values.(not used in AMIQ)
3. Numerical values are output without a unit. Physical quantities are referred to the basic units or to the
units set using the Unit command.
Example:
Response: 1 for 1 V
:OUTPut:I:AMPlitude?
4. Boolean values are returned as 0 (for OFF) and 1 (for ON).
Example:
Response: 1
:SYSTem:BEEPer:STATe?
5. Text (character data) is returned in short form (see also section "Parameters").
Example:
OUTPut:FILTer?
Response: EXT
Parameters
Most commands require a parameter to be specified. The parameters must be separated from the
header by a "white space". Permissible parameters are numerical values, Boolean parameters, text,
character strings and block data. The type of parameter required for the respective command and the
permissible range of values are specified in the command description.
Numerical values
Numerical values can be entered in any form, i.e. with sign, decimal point and
exponent. Values exceeding the resolution of the instrument are rounded up or
down. The mantissa may comprise up to 255 characters, the exponent must lie
inside the value range -32000 to 32000. The exponent is introduced by an "E"
or "e". Entry of the exponent alone is not permissible. In the case of physical
quantities, the unit can be entered. Permissible unit prefixes are G (giga), MA
(mega), MOHM and MHZ are also permissible), K (kilo), M (milli), U (micro)
and N (nano). It the unit is missing, the basic unit is used.
Example:
1110.3339.12
:OUTPut:I:AMPlitude 0.01 V
:OUTPut:I:AMPlitude 1E-4
5.6
is equivalent to
E-5
AMIQ
Structure and Syntax of the Device Messages
Special numerical
values
The texts MINimum, MAXimum, DEFault, UP and DOWN are interpreted as
special numerical values (not used in the AMIQ).
In the case of a query, the associated numerical value is provided.
Example:
MIN/MAX
Setting command:
Query:
:SENSE2:POWer:REFerence MAXimum
:SENSE2:POWer:REFerence?
Response: 100MW
MINimum and MAXimum denote the minimum and maximum value.
DEF
DEFault denotes a preset value. This value conforms to the default setting, as
it is called by the *RST command.
UP/DOWN
UP, DOWN increases or reduces the numerical value by one step. The step
width can be specified via an allocated step command (see chapter 6, "List of
Commands") for each parameter which can be set via UP, DOWN.
INF/NINF
INFinity, Negative INFinity (NINF) represent the numerical values -9.9E37 or
9.9E37, respectively. INF and NINF are only sent as device responses.
NAN
Not a Number (NAN) represents the value 9.91E37. NAN is only sent as device
response. This value is not defined. Possible causes are division of zero by
zero, subtraction of infinite from infinite and the representation of missing values.
Boolean Parameters
Boolean parameters represent two states. The ON state (logically true) is represented by ON or a numerical value unequal to 0. The OFF state (logically
untrue) is represented by OFF or the numerical value 0. 0 or 1 is provided in a
query.
Example:
Setting command: :OUTPut:CLOCk ON
Query:
:OUTPut:CLOCk?
Response: 1
Text
Text parameters observe the syntactic rules for key words, i.e. they can be entered using a short or long form. Like any parameter, they have to be separated
from the header by a white space. In the case of a query, the short form of the
text is provided.
Example:
Strings
Strings must always be entered within quotation marks (’ or ").
Example:
1110.3339.12
Setting command: :OUTPut:FILTer EXTernal
Query:
:OUTPut:FILTer?
Response: EXT
:MMEMory:DELete "winiqsim\foobar"
:MMEMory:DELete ’winiqsim\foobar’
5.7
or
E-5
Structure and Syntax of the Device Messages
Block data
AMIQ
Block data is a transmission format which is suitable for the transmission of
large amounts of data. A command using a block data parameter has the following structure:
Example:
:HEADer:HEADer #45168xxxxxxxx
The double dagger (ASCII character #) introduces the data block. The next
number indicates how many of the following digits describe the length of the
data block. In the example the 4 following digits indicate the length to be 5168
bytes. The data bytes follow. During the transmission of these data bytes all delimiters or other control characters are ignored until all bytes are transmitted.
Overview of Syntax Elements
The following survey offers an overview of the syntax elements.
:
The colon separates the key words of a command.
In a command line the separating semicolon marks the uppermost
command level.
;
The semicolon separates two commands of a command line.
It does not alter the path.
,
The comma separates several parameters of a command.
?
The question mark forms a query.
*
The asterisk marks a common command.
"
Quotation marks introduce a string and terminate it.
#
The double dagger (ASCI character #) introduces block data.
A "white space" (ASCII-Code 0 to 9, 11 to 32 decimal, e.g. blank) separates
header and parameter.
1110.3339.12
5.8
E-5
AMIQ
Instrument Model and Command Processing
Instrument Model and Command Processing
The instrument model shown in Fig. 5-2 has been made viewed from the standpoint of the servicing of
IEC bus commands. The individual components work independently of each other and simultaneously.
They communicate by means of so-called "messages".
IEC bus
Input unit with
input buffer
Command
recognition
Data set
Status reporting
system
Instrument
hardware
IEC bus
Fig. 5-2
Output unit with
output buffer
Instrument model in the case of remote control by means of the IEC bus
Input Unit
The input unit receives commands character by character from the IEC bus and collects them in the
input buffer. The input unit sends a message to the command recognition as soon as the input buffer is
full or as soon as it receives a delimiter, , as defined in IEEE
488.2, or the interface message DCL.
If the input buffer is full, the IEC bus traffic is stopped and the data received up to then are processed.
Subsequently the IEC bus traffic is continued. If, however, the buffer is not yet full when receiving the
delimiter, the input unit can already receive the next command during command recognition and execution. The receipt of a DCL clears the input buffer and immediately initiates a message to the command
recognition.
1110.3339.12
5.9
E-5
Instrument Model and Command Processing
AMIQ
Command Recognition
The command recognition analyses the data received from the input unit. It proceeds in the order in
which it receives the data. Only a DCL is serviced with priority, a GET (Group Execute Trigger), e.g., is
only executed after the commands received before. Each recognized command is immediately transmitted to the data set but not executed immediately.
Syntactical errors in the command are recognized here and transferred to the status reporting system.
The rest of a command line after a syntax error is analyzed further as far as possible and serviced.
If the command recognition recognizes a delimiter or a DCL, it requests the data set to set the commands in the instrument hardware as well. Subsequently it is immediately prepared to process commands again. This means for the command servicing that further commands can already be serviced
while the hardware is still being set ("overlapping execution").
Data Set and Instrument Hardware
The expression "instrument hardware" denotes the part of the instrument fulfilling the actual instrument
function - signal generation, measurement etc. The controller is not included.
The data set is a detailed software reproduction of the instrument hardware.
IEC bus setting commands lead to an alteration in the data set. The data set management enters the
new values (e.g. frequency) into the data set, however, only passes them on to the hardware when requested by the command recognition. As this is always only effected at the end of a command line, the
order of the setting commands in the command line is not relevant.
The data are only checked for their compatibility among each other and with the instrument hardware
immediately before they are transmitted to the instrument hardware. If the detection is made that execution is not possible, an "execution error" is signaled to the status reporting system. All alterations of the
data set are canceled, the instrument hardware is not reset. Due to the delayed checking and hardware
setting, however, impermissible instrument states can be set for a short period of time within one command line without this leading to an error message (example: simultaneous activation of FM and PM). At
the end of the command line, however, a permissible instrument state must have been reached again.
Before passing on the data to the hardware, the settling bit in the STATus:OPERation register is set (cf.
section STATus:OPERation Register). The hardware executes the settings and resets the bit again as
soon as the new state has settled. This fact can be used to synchronize command servicing.
IEC bus queries induce the data set management to send the desired data to the output unit.
Status Reporting System
The status reporting system collects information on the instrument state and makes it available to the
output unit on request. The exact structure and function are described in section "Status Reporting
System" below.
1110.3339.12
5.10
E-5
AMIQ
Instrument Model and Command Processing
Output Unit
The output unit collects the information requested by the controller, which it receives from the data set
management. It processes it according to the SCPI rules and makes it available in the output buffer. If
the information requested is longer, it is made available "in portions" without this being recognized by the
controller.
If the instrument is addressed as a talker without the output buffer containing data or awaiting data from
the data set management, the output unit sends error message "Query UNTERMINATED" to the status
reporting system. No data are sent on the IEC bus, the controller waits until it has reached its time limit.
This behavior is specified by SCPI.
Command Sequence and Command Synchronization
What was said above makes clear that overlapping execution is possible in principle for all commands.
Equally, setting commands within one command line are not absolutely serviced in the order in which
they have been received.
In order to make sure that commands are actually carried out in a certain order, each command must
be sent in a separate command line, that is to say, with a separate IBWRT()-call.
In order to prevent an overlapping execution of commands, one of commands *OPC, *OPC? or *WAI
must be used. All three commands cause a certain action only to be carried out after the hardware has
been set and has settled. By a suitable programming, the controller can be forced to wait for the respective action to occur (cf. Table 5-1).
Table 5-1
Synchronization with *OPC, *OPC? and *WAI
Command
Action after the hardware has settled
Programming the controller
*OPC
Setting the operation-complete bit in the ESR
- Setting bit 0 in the ESE
- Setting bit 5 in the SRE
- Waiting for service request (SRQ)
*OPC?
Writing a "1" into the output buffer
Addressing the instrument as a talker
*WAI
Executing the next command
Note: The IEC bus handshake is not stopped
Sending the next command
An example for command synchronization can be found in chapter 7, "Programming Examples".
1110.3339.12
5.11
E-5
Status Reporting System
AMIQ
Status Reporting System
The status reporting system (cf.Fig. 5-4) stores all information on the present operating state of the instrument, e.g. that the instrument presently carries out an AUTORANGE and on errors which have occurred. This information is stored in the status registers and in the error queue. The status registers and
the error queue can be queried via IEC bus.
The information is of a hierarchical structure. The register status byte (STB) defined in IEEE 488.2 and
its associated mask register service request enable (SRE) form the uppermost level. The STB receives
its information from the standard event status register (ESR) which is also defined in IEEE 488.2 with
the associated mask register standard event status enable (ESE) and registers STATus:OPERation and
STATus:QUEStionable which are defined by SCPI and contain detailed information on the instrument.
The IST flag ("Individual STatus") and the parallel poll enable register (PPE) allocated to it are also part
of the status reporting system. The IST flag, like the SRQ, combines the entire instrument status in a
single bit. The PPE fulfills an analog function for the IST flag as the SRE for the service request.
The output buffer contains the messages the instrument returns to the controller. It is not part of the
status reporting system but determines the value of the MAV bit in the STB and thus is represented in
Fig. 5-4.
Structure of an SCPI Status Register
Each SCPI register consists of 5 parts which each have a width of 16 bits and have different functions
(cf. Fig. 5-3). The individual bits are independent of each other, i.e. each hardware status is assigned a
bit number which is valid for all five parts. For example, bit 3 of the STATus:OPERation register is assigned to the hardware status "wait for trigger" in all five parts. Bit 15 (the most significant bit) is set to
zero for all parts. Thus the contents of the register parts can be processed by the controller as positive
integer.
15 14 13 12
CONDition part
3 2 1 0
15 14 13 12
PTRansition part
3 2 1 0
15 14 13 12
NTRansition part
3 2 1 0
15 14 13 12
EVENt part
3 2 1 0
to higher-order register
&
&
& & & & &
& & & & & & & & &
+ Sum bit
15 14 13 12
Fig. 5-3
ENABle part
& = logical AND
+ = logical OR
of all bits
3 2 1 0
The status register model
1110.3339.12
5.12
E-5
AMIQ
Status Reporting System
CONDition part
The CONDition part is directly written into by the hardware or the sum bit of
the next lower register. Its contents reflects the current instrument status. This
register part can only be read, but not written into or cleared. Its contents is
not affected by reading.
PTRansition part
The Positive-TRansition part acts as an edge detector. When a bit of the
CONDition part is changed from 0 to 1, the associated PTR bit decides
whether the EVENt bit is set to 1.
PTR bit =1: the EVENt bit is set.
PTR bit =0: the EVENt bit is not set.
This part can be written into and read at will. Its contents is not affected by
reading.
NTRansition part
The Negative-TRansition part also acts as an edge detector. When a bit of the
CONDition part is changed from 1 to 0, the associated NTR bit decides
whether the EVENt bit is set to 1.
NTR bit =1: the EVENt bit is set.
NTR bit =0: the EVENt bit is not set.
This part can be written into and read at will. Its contents is not affected by
reading.
With these two edge register parts the user can define which state transition of
the condition part (none, 0 to 1, 1 to 0 or both) is stored in the EVENt part.
EVENt part
The EVENt part indicates whether an event has occurred since the last reading, it is the "memory" of the condition part. It only indicates events passed on
by the edge filters. It is permanently updated by the instrument. This part can
only be read by the user. Upon reading, its contents is set to zero. In colloquial
language, this part is often equated with the entire register.
ENABle part
The ENABle part determines whether the associated EVENt bit contributes to
the sum bit (cf. below). Each bit of the EVENt part is ANDed with the associated ENABle bit (symbol ’&’). The results of all logical operations of this part
are passed on to the sum bit via an OR function (symbol ’+’).
ENAB bit =0: the associated EVENt bit does not contribute to the sum bit
ENAB bit =1: if the associated EVENT bit is "1", the sum bit is set to "1" as
well.
This part can be written into and read by the user at will. Its contents is not
affected by reading.
Sum bit
As indicated above, the sum bit is obtained from the EVENt and ENABle part
for each register. The result is then entered into a bit of the CONDition part of
the higher-order register.
The instrument automatically generates the sum bit for each register. Thus an
event, e.g. a PLL that has not locked, can lead to a service request throughout
all levels of the hierarchy.
Note:
The service request enable register SRE defined in IEEE 488.2 can be taken
as ENABle part of the STB if the STB is structured according to SCPI. By
analogy, the ESE can be taken as the ENABle part of the ESR.
1110.3339.12
5.13
E-5
Status Reporting System
AMIQ
Overview of Status Registers
SRQ
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
-&-&-&-&-
STATus:OPERation register
OPER
RQS/MSS
ESB
MAV
ERRQ
STB
SRE
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
15 Alwais 0
14 Not used
13 Not used
12 Not used
11 Not used
10 Not used
9 SELFtest
8 Not used
7 Not used
6 Not used
5
Waiting for trigger
4 Not used
3 Not used
2 Not used
1 SETTling
0 CALibrating
-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-
-&-&-&-&-
-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&ESE
7 Power on
6 Not used
5 Command error
4 Execution error
3 Device dependent error
2 Query error
1 Not used
0 Operation complete
ESR
STATus:EVENt register
-&Responses
to queries
Error
messages
PPE
Message AVailable
IST flag
(response to parallel poll)
Error queue
& = logical AND
= logical OR
of all bits
Fig. 5-4
The Status registers
1110.3339.12
5.14
E-5
AMIQ
Status Reporting System
Description of the Status Registers
Status Byte (STB) and Service Request Enable Register (SRE)
The STB is already defined in IEEE 488.2. It provides a rough overview of the instrument status by collecting the pieces of information of the lower registers. It can thus be compared with the CONDition part
of an SCPI register and assumes the highest level within the SCPI hierarchy. A special feature is that bit
6 acts as the sum bit of the remaining bits of the status byte.
The STATUS BYTE is read out using the command "*STB?" or a serial poll.
The STB is linked to the SRE. The latter corresponds to the ENABle part of the SCPI registers in its
function. Each bit of the STB is assigned a bit in the SRE. Bit 6 of the SRE is ignored. If a bit is set in the
SRE and the associated bit in the STB changes from 0 to 1, a Service Request (SRQ) is generated on
the IEC bus, which triggers an interrupt in the controller if this is appropriately configured and can be
further processed there.
The SRE can be set using command "*SRE" and read using "*SRE?".
Table 5-2
Meaning of the bits used in the status byte
Bit no.
Meaning
2
Error Queue not empty
The bit is set when an entry is made in the error queue.
If this bit is enabled by the SRE, each entry of the error queue generates a Service Request. Thus an error can
be recognized and specified in greater detail by polling the error queue. The poll provides an informative error
message. This procedure is to be recommended since it considerably reduces the problems involved with IEC
bus control.
3
vacant
4
MAV-Bit (Message AVailable)
The bit is set if a message is available in the output buffer which can be read.
This bit can be used to enable data to be automatically read from the instrument to the controller (cf. chapter 7,
"Programming Examples").
5
ESB bit
Sum bit of the event status register. It is set if one of the bits in the event status register is set and enabled in
the event status enable register.
Setting of this bit indicates a serious error which can be specified in more detail by polling the event status register.
6
MSS-Bit (Master Status Summary bit)
The bit is set if the instrument triggers a service request. This is the case if one of the other bits of this register is
set together with its mask bit in the service request enable register SRE.
7
OPERation status register sum bit
The bit is set if an EVENt bit is set in the OPERation status register and the associated ENABle bit is set to 1.
A set bit indicates that the instrument is just performing an action. The type of action can be queried by polling
the OPERation status register.
1110.3339.12
5.15
E-5
Status Reporting System
AMIQ
IST Flag and Parallel Poll Enable Register (PPE)
By analogy with the SRQ, the IST flag combines the entire status information in a single bit. It can be
queried by means of a parallel poll (cf. section "Parallel Poll") or using the command "*IST?".
The parallel poll enable register (PPE) determines which bits of the STB contribute to the IST flag. The
bits of the STB are ANDed with the corresponding bits of the PPE, with bit 6 being used as well in contrast to the SRE. The IST flag results from the ORing of all results. The PPE can be set using commands "*PRE" and read using command "*PRE?".
Event Status Register (ESR) and Event Status Enable Register (ESE)
The ESR is already defined in IEEE 488.2. It can be compared with the EVENt part of an SCPI register.
The event status register can be read out using command "*ESR?".
The ESE is the associated ENABle part. It can be set using the command "*ESE" and read using the
command "*ESE?".
Table 5-3
Meaning of the bits used in the event status register
Bit No.
Meaning
0
Operation Complete
This bit is set on receipt of the command *OPC exactly when all previous commands have been executed.
1
Request Control
This bit is not used in the AMIQ.
2
Query Error
This bit is set if either the controller wants to read data from the instrument without having sent a query, or if it
does not fetch requested data and sends new instructions to the instrument instead. The cause is often a query
which is faulty and hence cannot be executed.
3
Device-dependent Error
This bit is set if a device-dependent error occurs. An error message with a number between -300 and -399 or a
positive error number, which denotes the error in greater detail, is entered into the error queue (cf. chapter 9,
"Error Messages").
4
Execution Error
This bit is set if a received command is syntactically correct but cannot be performed for other reasons. An error
message with a number between -200 and -300, which denotes the error in greater detail, is entered into the
error queue (cf. chapter 9, "Error Messages").
5
Command Error
This bit is set if a command which is undefined or syntactically incorrect is received. An error message with a
number between -100 and -200, which denotes the error in greater detail, is entered into the error queue (cf.
chapter 9, "Error Messages").
6
User Request
This bit is not used in the AMIQ.
7
Power On (supply voltage on)
This bit is set on switching on the instrument.
1110.3339.12
5.16
E-5
AMIQ
Status Reporting System
STATus:OPERation Register
In the CONDition part, this register contains information on which actions the instrument is being executing or, in the EVENt part, information on which actions the instrument has executed since the last
reading. It can be read using one of the commands "STATus:OPERation:CONDition?" or
"STATus:OPERation [:EVENt]?"..
Table 5-4
Meaning of the bits used in the STATus:OPERation register
Bit-No.
Meaning
0
CALibrating
This bit is set as long as an internal adjustment routine is executed.
1
SETTing
This bit is set as long as a new hardware status is settling after a setting command.
5
Waiting for TRIGGER
This bit is set as long as the instrument is waiting for a trigger event.
9
Selftest
This bit is set while the instrument executes the command *TST? or one of the commands DIAG:SELF:xxx?
STATus:QUEStionable Register
This register contains information on questionable instrument states. They can occur, e.g. if the instrument is operated outside its specified range. It can be queried using one of the commands ":STATus
:QUEStionable:CONDition?" or ":STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?".
Table 5-5
Bit-No.
Meaning of the bits used in the STATus:QUEStionable register
Meaning
At present, no bits of this register are used in the AMIQ.
1110.3339.12
5.17
E-5
Status Reporting System
AMIQ
Application of the Status Reporting System
In order to effectively use the status reporting system, the information contained there must be transmitted to the controller to be further processed. There are several methods which are outlined in the
following. For detailed program examples, see chapter 7, "Programming Examples".
Service Request, Making Use of the Hierarchy Structure
Under certain circumstances, the instrument can send a service request (SRQ) to the controller. Usually
this service request initiates an interrupt at the controller, to which the control program can react appropriately. As evident from Fig. 5-4, an SRQ is always initiated if one or several of bits 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 of the
status byte are set and enabled in the SRE. Each of these bits combines the information of a further
register, the error queue or the output buffer. The corresponding setting of the ENABle parts of the
status registers can achieve that arbitrary bits in an arbitrary status register initiate an SRQ. In order use
the possibilities of the service request effectively, all bits should be set to "1" in the enable registers SRE
and ESE.
Examples (cf.Fig. 5-3, section Overview of Status Registers and chapter 7, "Programming examples"):
Use command "*OPC" to generate an SRQ:
½ Set bit 0 in the ESE (Operation Complete)
½ Set bit 5 in the SRE (ESB)
After its settings have been completed, the instrument generates an SRQ.
Indication of the end of a measurement by means of an SRQ with the controller:
½ Set bit 7 in the SRE (sum bit of the STATus:OPERation register)
½ Set bit 4 (measuring) in the STATus:OPERation:ENABle.
½ Set bit 4 in the STATus:OPERation:NTRansition so as to make sure that the transition of
measuring bit 4 from 1 to 0 (end of measurement) is recorded in the EVENt part.
After a sweep has been completed, the instrument generates an SRQ.
The SRQ is the only possibility for the instrument to become active on its own. Each controller program
should set the instrument such that a service request is initiated in the case of malfunction. The program
should react appropriately to the service request. A detailed example for a service request routine can
be found in chapter 7, "Programming examples".
1110.3339.12
5.18
E-5
AMIQ
Status Reporting System
Serial Poll
In a serial poll, just as upon the command "*STB", the status byte of an instrument is queried. However,
the query is made via interface messages and is thus clearly faster. The serial-poll method has already
been defined in IEEE 488.1 and used to be the only standard possibility for different instruments to poll
the status byte. The method also works for instruments which do not adhere to SCPI or IEEE 488.2.
The quick-BASIC command for executing a serial poll is "IBRSP()". The serial poll is mainly used to
obtain a fast overview of the state of several instruments connected to the IEC bus.
Parallel Poll
In a parallel poll, up to eight instruments are simultaneously requested by the controller by means of a
single command to transmit 1 bit of information each on the data lines, i.e., to set the data line allocated
to each instrument to a logic "0" or "1". By analogy to the SRE register which determines under which
conditions an SRQ is generated, there is a parallel poll enable register (PPE) which is ANDed with the
STB bit by bit, considering bit 6 – AND as well. The results are ORed, the result is then sent (possibly
inverted) as a response to the parallel poll of the controller. The result can also be queried without parallel poll by means of the command "*IST".
The instrument first has to be set for the parallel poll using the quick-BASIC command "IBPPC()". This
command allocates a data line to the instrument and determines whether the response is to be inverted.
The parallel poll itself is executed using "IBRPP()".
The parallel-poll method is mainly used in order to quickly find out after an SRQ which instrument has
sent the service request if there are many instruments connected to the IEC bus. To this effect, SRE
and PPE must be set to the same value. A detailed example for a parallel poll can be found in chapter 7,
"Programming Examples".
Query by Means of Commands
Each part of any status register can be read by means of queries. The individual commands are listed in
the detailed description of the registers in section Overview of Status Registers. What is returned is
always a number which represents the bit pattern of the register queried. Evaluating this number is effected by the controller program.
Queries are usually used after an SRQ in order to obtain more detailed information on the cause of the
SRQ.
Error Queue Query
Each error state in the instrument leads to an entry in the error queue. The entries of the error queue
are detailed plain-text error messages which can be looked at in the ERROR menu via manual control
or queried via the IEC bus using command "SYSTem:ERRor?". Each call of "SYSTem:ERRor?" provides one entry from the error queue. If no error messages are stored there any more, the instrument
responds with 0, "No error"
The error queue should be queried after every SRQ in the controller program as the entries describe the
cause of an error more precisely than the status registers. Especially in the test phase of a controller
program the error queue should be queried regularly since faulty commands from the controller to the
instrument are recorded there as well.
1110.3339.12
5.19
E-5
Status Reporting System
AMIQ
Reset Values of the Status Reporting Systems
Table5-6 summarizes the different commands and events causing the status reporting system to be
reset. None of the commands, except *RST and SYSTem:PRESet influences the functional instrument
settings. In particular, DCL does not change the instrument settings.
Table5-6
Resetting instrument functions
Event
Switching on
supply voltage
DCL,SDC
Power-On-StatusClear
Effect
0
(Device Clear,
Selected Device
Clear)
*RST or SYSTem:PRESet
STATus:PRESet
*CLS
1
Clear STB,ESR
yes
yes
Clear SRE,ESE
yes
Clear PPE
yes
Clear EVENt parts of the
registers
yes
yes
Clear ENABle parts of all
OPERation-and QUESTionable registers,
Fill ENABle parts of all
other registers with "1".
yes
yes
Fill PTRansition parts with
„1"
Clear NTRansition parts
yes
yes
Clear error queue
yes
yes
yes
Clear output buffer
yes
yes
yes
1)
1)
1)
Clear command processing and input buffer
yes
yes
yes
1) Every command being the first in a command line, i.e. immediately following a
clears the output buffer.
1110.3339.12
5.20
E-5
AMIQ
Hardware Interfaces
Hardware Interfaces
IEC/IEEE Bus Interface
The standard instrument is equipped with an IEC/IEEE-bus connection. The IEEE 488 interface connector is located on the rear panel of the instrument. A controller for remote control can be connected
via the IEEE 488 interface using a shielded cable.
Characteristics of the Interface
é 8-bit parallel data transfer,
é bidirectional data transfer,
é three line handshake,
é high data transfer rate of max. 350 kByte/s,
é up to 15 devices can be connected,
é maximal length of the connecting cables 15 m (single connection 2 m),
é wired OR if several instruments are connected in parallel.
ATN
shield
IFC
SRQ
NRFD
NDAC
EOI
DAV
DIO3
DIO4
12
24
logic GND
Fig. 5-5
DIO2
1
13
GND(10)
GND(11)
DIO1
GND(8)
GND(9)
GND(6)
GND(7)
REN
DIO8
DIO7
DIO6
DIO5
Pin Assigment of the IEC-bus interface
Bus Lines
1. Data bus with 8 lines DIO 1 to DIO 8.
The transmission is bit-parallel and byte-serial in the ASCII/ISO code. DIO1 is the least significant
bit, DIO8 the most significant bit.
1110.3339.12
5.21
E-5
Hardware Interfaces
AMIQ
2. Control bus with 5 lines
IFC (Interface Clear),
active LOW resets the interfaces of the instruments connected to the default setting.
ATN (Attention),
active LOW signals the transmission of interface messages
inactive HIGH signals the transmission of device messages.
SRQ (Service Request),
active LOW enables the connected device to send a service request to the controller.
REN (Remote Enable),
active LOW permits switchover to remote control.
EOI (End or Identify),
has two functions in connection with ATN:
ATN=HIGH
active LOW marks the end of data transmission.
ATN=LOW
active LOW triggers a parallel poll.
3. Handshake bus with three lines
DAV (Data Valid),
active LOW signals a valid data byte on the data bus.
NRFD (Not Ready For Data),
active LOW signals that one of the connected devices is not ready for data transfer.
NDAC (Not Data Accepted),
active LOW signals that the instrument connected is accepting the data on the data bus.
Interface Functions
Instruments which can be controlled via IEC bus can be equipped with different interface functions.
Table 5-7
Interface functions
1110.3339.12
Control character
Interface function
SH1
Handshake source function (source handshake)
AH1
Handshake drain function (acceptor handshake)
L4
Listener function
T6
Talker function, ability to respond to serial poll
SR1
Service request function
PP1
Parallel poll function
RL1
Remote/Local switchover function
DC1
Reset function (Device Clear)
DT1
Trigger function (Device Trigger)
5.22
E-5
AMIQ
Hardware Interfaces
Interface Messages
Interface messages are transmitted to the instrument on the data lines, with the attention line being active (LOW). They serve to communicate between controller and instrument.
Universal Commands
Universal commands are encoded in the range 10 through 1F hex. They are effective for all instruments
connected to the bus without pervious addressing.
Table 5-8
Universal Commands
Command
QuickBASIC command
Effect on the instrument
DCL
(Device Clear)
IBCMD (controller%, CHR$(20))
Aborts processing of the commands just received
and sets the command processing software to a
defined initial state. Does not change the instrument
setting.
IFC
(Interface Clear)
IBSIC (controller%)
Resets the interfaces to the default setting.
LLO
(Local Lockout)
IBCMD (controller%, CHR$(17))
The LOC/IEC ADDR key is disabled.
SPE
(Serial Poll Enable)
IBCMD (controller%, CHR$(24))
Ready for serial poll.
SPD
(Serial Poll Disable)
IBCMD (controller%, CHR$(25))
End of serial poll.
PPU
(Parallel Poll
Unconfigure)
IBCMD (controller%, CHR$(21))
End of the parallel-poll state.
Addressed Commands
Addressed commands are encoded in the range 00 through 0F hex. They are only effective for instruments addressed as listeners.
Table 5-9
Addressed Commands
Command
QuickBASIC command
Effect on the instrument
SDC
(Selected Device
Clear)
IBCLR (device%)
Aborts processing of the commands just received
and sets the command processing software to a
defined initial state. Does not change the instrument
setting.
GET
(Group Execute
Trigger)
IBTRG (device%)
Triggers a previously active device function. The
effect of the command is the same as with that of a
pulse at the external trigger signal input.
GTL
(Go to Local)
IBLOC (device%)
Transition to the "Local" state (manual control).
PPC
(Parallel Poll
Configure)
IBPPC (device%, data%)
Configure instrument for parallel poll. The QuickBASIC command additionally executes PPE / PPD.
1110.3339.12
5.23
E-5
RS-232-C Interface
AMIQ
RS-232-C Interface
The standard instrument is equipped with an RS-232-C interface. The 9-pin connector is located on the
rear panel. A controller can be connected via this interface for remote control.
Interface characteristics
é Serial data transmission in asynchronous mode,
é Bidirectional data transmission via two separate lines,
é Transmission rate selectable from 300 to 115200 baud,
é Logic 0 signal from +3 V to +15 V,
é Logic 1 signal from -15 V to -3 V,
é An external instrument (controller) can be connected,
é Hardware handshake RTS/CTS set.
RxD
DTR
TxD
5
1
9
6
RTS
DSR CTS
Fig. 5-6
Pin assigment of the RS-232-C interface
Signal lines
RxD (Receive Data),
Input; data line for transmitting from remote station to local terminal.
TxD (Transmit Data),
Output; data line for transmitting from local terminal to remote station.
DTR (Data Terminal Ready),
Output (log. ’0’ = active); with DTR, the instrument indicates that it is ready to receive data.
GND (Ground),
Interface ground, connected to instrument ground.
DSR (Data set ready),
Input (log. ’0’ = active); DSR indicates to the instrument that the remote station is ready to receive data.
RTS (Request to send),
Output (log. ’0’ = active); with RTS, the instrument indicates that it is ready to receive data. The
RTS line controls whether the instrument is ready to receive data or not.
CTS (Clear to send),
Input (log. ’0’ = active); CTS tells the instrument that the remote station is ready to receive data.
1110.3339.12
5.24
E-5
AMIQ
RS-232-C Interface
Transmission parameters
In order to ensure error-free and correct data transmission, the parameters of the instrument and the
controller must be set identically.
Transmission rate
(baud rate)
Baud rates ranging from 1200 to 115200 can be set in the instrument: see chapter 6, :SYSTem:COMMunicate:SERial:Baud.
Data bits
Data transmission is in 8-bit ASCII code. The first bit transmitted
is the LSB (Least Significant Bit).
Start bit
Each data byte begins with a start bit. The falling edge of the start
bit indicates the beginning of the data byte.
Parity bit
No parity bit is used.
Stop bit
The transmission of a data byte is terminated by a stop bit.
Example:
Transmission of character A (41 hex) in the 8-bit ASCII code.
01
02
03
Bit 01 = Start bit
Bitduration= 1/baud rate
04
05
06
Bit 02...09 = Data bits
07
08
09
10
Bit 10 = Stop bit
Interface functions
For interface control, some control characters from the ASCII code range of 0 to 20 hex are predefined
and can be transmitted via the interface (see Table A-4).
Table 5-10
Control strings or control characters of the RS-232-C interface
Control Character
Function
Break (at least 1 character only log 0)
Reset of instrument
Waiting time until output of new command: 100 ms
0Dhex, 0Ahex
Terminator of commands ,
Switchover between local and remote
1110.3339.12
5.25
E-5
RS-232-C Interface
AMIQ
Handshake
Hardware handshake
In case of a hardware handshake, the instrument signals that it is ready for reception via line DTR and
RTS. A logic ’0’ means "ready" and a ’1’ means "not ready".
The CTS or DSR lines (see signal lines) tell the instrument whether the controller is ready for reception
or not. The transmitter of the instrument is switched on by a ’0’ and switched off by a ’1’. The RTS line
remains active as long as the serial interface is active. The DTR line controls whether the instrument is
ready for reception or not.
AMIQ
Controller / PC
1
1
DSR
RxD
RTS
TxD
CTS
DTR
6 DSR
6
2
2
3
3
TxD
8 CTS
8
4
4
9
9
GND
RxD
7 RTS
7
5
5
DSUB connector, 9 poles / female
DTR
GND
DSUB connector, 9 poles / female
Connection between instrument
and controller (Null-modem cable)
AMIQ
Controller / PC
1
14
1
DSR
RxD
RTS
TxD
CTS
DTR
15
2
RxD
3
7
16
3
RTS
4
8
17
4
CTS
5
9
GND
TxD
2
6
The connection of the instrument to a
controller is made with a so-called nullmodem cable. Here, the data, control
and signalling lines must be crossed.
The wiring diagram on the left applies
to a controller with a 9-pin or 25-pin
configuration.
18
5
DSR
6
19
7
DSUB connector, 9 poles / female
GND
20 DTR
8
21
9
22
10
23
11
24
12
25
13
DSUB connector, 25 poles / female
Fig. 5-7
Null-modem connection scheme
1110.3339.12
5.26
E-5
AMIQ
Notation
6 Remote Control – Commands and Data Formats
In the following sections, all remote control commands of the AMIQ are first listed in tables and then
described in detail, separated according to the command systems. The notation largely corresponds to
the one of the SCPI standards.
All commands can be used for control via IEC/IEEE bus, the serial interface and via the batch files on
floppies and the hard disk (see :PROGram subsystem).
In the detailed description always the shortest possible command line is given as an example for all
commands, except common commands. The value specified for each command is the value set after
an *RST. No values are required for queries and commands triggering an action (eg *CLS).
Notation
Table of commands
Command:
The command column provides an overview of the commands and their
hierarchical arrangement.
Parameters: The parameters column indicates the requested parameters together with
their specified range.
Remark:
In the remark column, all commands are indicated
− which do not have a query form,
− which have only one query form ,
− which are implemented only in conjunction with a certain option of the
instrument.
Upper/lower case
characters
Special characters |
Upper /lower case characters serve to mark the long or short form of the
keywords of a command. The shortform consists of upper case characters, the
long form comprises upper/lower case characters. Only these two forms are
permissible. The instrument itself does not distinguish between upper and
lower case characters.
A selection of keywords with identical effect exists for several commands.
These keywords are indicated in the same line, they are separated by a vertical
stroke. Only one of these keywords has to be specified in the header of the
command. The effect of the command is independent of which of the keywords
is specified.
:MMEMory
:CD | CDIRectory
first level
second level
A vertical stroke between the parameters marks alternative options in the
sense of "or". The effect of the command is different, depending on which
parameter is entered.
Example:
Selection of the parameters for the command
:TRIGger:SLOPe RISing | HIGH
1110.3339.12
6.1
E-7
Notation
AMIQ
[ ]
Key words in square brackets can be omitted when composing the header (see
78chapter 5, section "Structure of a Command" – Optional Keywords). The full
command length must be accepted by the instrument for reasons of
compatibility with the SCPI standards.
Parameters in square brackets are optional and can be omitted.
This sign marks the numeric suffix, which identifies marker outputs, for
instance.
Angle brackets mark a character data parameter that has to be specified within
quotation marks (""). For instance, *RCL may become *RCL "sine".
1110.3339.12
6.2
E-7
AMIQ
Common Commands
Common Commands
The common commands are taken from the IEEE 488.2 (IEC 625.2) standard (except for those marked
"not IEEE 488.2" which are device-specific extensions). They have the same effect on all devices. The
headers of these commands consist of an asterisk * followed by three letters. Many common
commands refer to the status reporting system which is described in detail in chapter 5, under "Status
Reporting System".
Table 6-1 Common commands
Command
Parameters
Remark
*CLS
No query
*DCL
Not IEEE 488.2
*ESE
0 to 255
*ESR?
Query only
*GTL
Not IEEE 488.2
*IDN?
Query only
*IST?
Query only
*OPC
*OPT?
Query only
*RCL
*RST
*SAV
*SRE
0 to 255
*STB?
Query only
*TRG
*TST?
Query only
*WAI
*CLS
CLEAR STATUS sets the status byte (STB), the Standard Event Register (ESR) and the
EVENt-part of the QUEStionable and the OPERation register to zero. The command does not alter
the mask and transition parts of the status registers. It clears the output buffer.
Example:
1110.3339.12
*CLS
6.3
E-7
Common Commands
AMIQ
*DCL
DEVICE CLEAR resets the remote control logic of the device to a defined default state. The
command is equivalent to the line message Device Clear but can also be used via the serial
interface. Device settings (loaded waveforms, output level, etc) are not changed.
Example:
*DCL
*ESE 0 to 255
EVENT STATUS ENABLE sets the Event Status Enable register to the value indicated. The query
*ESE? returns the contents of the event status enable register in decimal representation.
Example:
*RST value: 0
*ESE 255
*ESR?
EVENT STATUS REGISTER returns the contents of the Event Status Register in decimal
representation and then sets the register to zero.
Example:
*ESR?
*GTL
GO TO LOCAL pseudo command. The GTL line message via the IEC/IEEE bus has the same
function. After this command all remote control channels are active. The channel on which the next
command arrives will be used.
This command is mainly intended for the serial interface. The interface message "gtl" should be
used instead on the IEC/IEEE bus because, when the command *GTL is sent, the IEC/IEEE-bus
talker function of the host will not notice that the device has changed to the local mode and requires
to be newly addressed.
Example:
*GTL
*IDN?
IDENTIFICATION QUERY – The response of AMIQ is Rohde & Schwarz, AMIQ, ssssss/sss, x.yy,
where ssssss/sss is the serial number and x.yy the software version.
Example:
*IDN?
Response eg: "Rohde&Schwarz,AMIQ,123456/789,3.0"
"Rohde&Schwarz,AMIQ02,123456/789,3.0"
"Rohde&Schwarz,AMIQ03,123456/789,3.0"
"Rohde&Schwarz,AMIQ04,123456/789,3.0"
for AMIQ model 02
for AMIQ model 02 with 03 board
for AMIQ model 03
for AMIQ model 04
*IST?
INDIVIDUAL STATUS QUERY returns the contents of the IST flag in decimal form (0 or 1). The IST
flag can also be queried by means of a Parallel Poll.
Example:
1110.3339.12
*IST?
6.4
E-7
AMIQ
Common Commands
*OPC or *OPC?
OPERATION COMPLETE sets bit 0 in the Event Status Register when all preceding commands
have been executed. This bit can be used to initiate a Service Request, if bit 5 in the Status Enable
Register is set. Advantage of *OPC over *OPC?: The program can perform other tasks while
waiting for an SRQ after an "operation complete" bit has been set in the Event Status Register.
The query OPC? returns a "1" as soon as all preceding commands have been executed. Thus
the controller and the device can easily be synchronized. The "1" is insignificant however –
the procedure is so that, for example, the "ibrd" instruction (function from National
Instruments for reading data from the IEC/IEEE bus) stops program execution until a "1" is
placed in the output buffer. Sending an *OPC? query is therefore not a suitable procedure for
waiting for a "1" in a program loop. This can be done with *OPC.
Example:
*OPC?
*OPT?
OPTION IDENTIFICATION QUERY returns a list of installed options separated by commas. A zero
in the list indicates that an option is not installed. The following options are available at present:
− AMIQ-B1:
BER Measurement
− AMIQB19:
Rear I/Q Outputs
− AMIQ-B2:
Differential I/Q Outputs
− AMIQK11:
IS-95 CDMA
− AMIQ-B3:
Digital I/Q Output
− AMIQK12:
CDMA 2000 (from WinIQSIM Version 3.20)
− AMIQK13:
not assigned
− AMIQK14:
Digital Standard TD-SCDMA (from WinIQSIM Version 3.50)
− AMIQK15:
OFDM Signal Generation (from WinIQSIM Version 3.40)
− AMIQK16: Digital Standard 802.11b Wireless LAN
The query *OPT? returns the designations of all options installed in the order given above. Options
not installed are designated "0". In the example below, the zeros indicate that options AMIQB19,
AMIQK13, AMIQK14 and AMIQK16 are not installed.
Example:
*OPT? Response: AMIQB1,0,AMIQB2,AMIQK11,AMIQB3,AMIQK12,0,0,AMIQK15,0
*RCL
RECALL recalls the device status file (files with extension .CFG) from drive C: and sets
status saved with *SAV under . The extension .CFG may be omitted. It is not
specify any drive names and paths; the default drive set via MMEM:MSIS is
does not exist, an error message is generated. No distinction is made between
lower case letters for the parameter .
the device
allowed to
ignored. If
upper and
A device status can be loaded from or saved to floppy disk and thus transferred to another device.
See SYSTem:STATe:COPY , command in the SYSTEM section (p. 6.50 ff).
Example:
1110.3339.12
*RCL "sinus"
6.5
E-7
Common Commands
AMIQ
*RST
RESET sets the device to a defined default state. If the *RST command is contained in a batch file,
the file is not aborted. Some settings are not affected by *RST. This includes the IEC/IEEE-bus
address, the transmission speed of the serial interface and the status registers.
Example:
*RST
*RST default settings:
BERT:SET:CLOC RIS
BERT:SET:MCO 10000
BERT:SET:DATA NORM
BERT:SET:MERR 100
BERT:SET:MASK OFF
BERT:SET:REST INT
BERT:SET:TYPE PRBS9
MARK1:LIST '0-0:0'
MARK2:LIST '0-0:0'
MARK3:LIST '0-0:0'
MARK4:LIST '0-0:0'
MMEM:CDIR '\'
MMEM:MSIS 'C:'
MMEM:LOAD RAM NONE
OUTP:CLOC ON
OUTP:DIG OFF
OUTP:I:AMPL 0.5
OUTP:I:AMPL:BAL 0.5
OUTP:I:FILT 25MHZ
OUTP:I:STAT OFF
OUTP:MARK1:DEL 0
OUTP:MARK1:STAT OFF
OUTP:MARK2:DEL 0
OUTP:MARK2:STAT OFF
OUTP:MARK3:DEL 0
OUTP:MARK3:STAT OFF
OUTP:MARK4:DEL 0
OUTP:MARK4:STAT OFF
OUTP:OIMP R50
OUTP:Q:AMPL 0.5
OUTP:Q:AMPL:BAL 0.5
OUTP:Q:FILT 25MHZ
OUTP:Q:STAT OFF
OUTP:RES 14
OUTP:TYPE UNB
OUTP:I:BIAS 0
OUTP:Q:BIAS 0
SOUR:CLOC 3000000
SOUR:CLOC:MODE SLOW
SOUR:SCLO INTERNAL
SOUR:CORR:GAIN:I:FIX 0.0
SOUR:CORR:GAIN:Q:FIX 0.0
SOUR:CORR:OFFS:I:FIX 0.0
SOUR:CORR:OFFS:I:VAR 0.0
SOUR:CORR:OFFS:Q:FIX 0.0
SOUR:CORR:OFFS:Q:VAR 0.0
SOUR:CORR:SKEW 0.0
SOUR:ROSC:SOUR INT
SYST:BEEP:STAT ON
TRIG:MODE CONT
TRIG:SLOP POS
TRIG:SOUR BUS
IDLE SIGNAL I = 32768 = 0V
IDLE SIGNAL Q = 32768 = 0V
*SAV
SAVE saves the current device status as a device status file (files with the extension .CFG) with the
specified name in drive C:. The extension .CFG may be omitted. It is not allowed to specify any drive
names and paths; the default drive set via MMEM:MSIS is ignored. This status also
comprises the name of the waveform file currently in the output buffer. The words current and preset
are reserved and must not be used. If a device status with the specified name already exists, it is
overwritten. Names may contain up to eight alphanumeric characters; no difference is made
between upper and lower case characters. Up to 100 device states can be stored, then an error
message is output and the command is not executed. In this case, entries in the memory must be
cleared before a new *SAV command is sent. The save/recall memory is administered under
:SYSTem:STATe.
A device status can be loaded from or saved to floppy disk and thus transferred to another device.
See MMEMory:COPY command in this chapter!
Example:
*SAV "cdma"
*SRE 0 to 255
SERVICE REQUEST ENABLE sets the Service Request Enable Register to the defined value. Bit 6
(MSS mask bit) remains 0. This command determines under which conditions a service request is
triggered. Query *SRE? outputs the contents of the Service Request Enable Register in decimal
form. Bit 6 is always 0.
Example:
*RST value: 0
*SRE 191
*STB?
STATUS BYTE QUERY reads out the contents of the status byte in decimal form.
Example:
1110.3339.12
*STB?
6.6
E-7
AMIQ
Common Commands
*TRG
TRIGGER starts the data output from the output buffer. Data output in progress is stopped and
restarted.
Example:
*TRG*TST?
*TST?
TEST triggers a complete selftest of AMIQ. This includes approx. 50 internal tests and
measurements yielding the ASCII result „0“ if no error is detected. In case of an error, „1“ is returned
and a short beep sounds.
The selftest for AMIQ’s SDRAM is not included in *TST? because of its long execution time of
approx. 30 seconds for an AMIQ 03 (4.000.000 samples) and approx. 2 minutes for an AMIQ 04
(16.000.000 samples). It can be performed separately by the DIAG:SELF:SDRam? query (see
DIAGnostic – Hardware Diagnosis on page 6.17).
Before the complete selftest is started the device status is automatically saved. It is restored after
the selftest is completed. This implies that the time required for the selftest is extended by the time
needed to restore the previous device status depending on the length of the loaded curve. To keep
this time as short as possible it is recommended to load a short curve (e.g. SINE.WV) before calling
up the selftest. With SINE.WV a complete selftest takes approx. 12 seconds.
The complete selftest *TST? consists of 10 different test routines for the individual hardware
components, see "DIAGnostic:SELFtest ..."
In case of errors during the selftest, each error message is entered in plain text into the error queue.
The error queue may be read out via the SYST:ERR? command.
During the selftest bit 9 in the STATus:OPERation register is set.
Example:
*TST?
*WAI
WAIT TO CONTINUE stops the remote control channel until all previous commands are executed.
Thus controller and device can be easily synchronized. See also *OPC.
Example:
1110.3339.12
*WAI
6.7
E-7
BERT – Bit Error Rate Tests
AMIQ
BERT – Bit Error Rate Tests
AMIQ is able to carry out BER tests with a clock rate of approx. 100 Hz to 20 MHz. All pertaining
functions are controlled in this subsystem.
The BER test is performed by means of option AMIQ-B1. This option is simply installed by entering a
key code (see command SYST:OPT AMIQB1,xxxxxx). For the measurement principle and further
detailed information on the BER test refer to chapter 4.
To perform a BER test, a data signal and a corresponding clock signal is provided by the DUT. The
polarity of both signals can be arbitrarily programmed in the AMIQ (commands
:BERT:SETup:CLOCk[:POLarity], :BERT:SETup:DATA[:POLarity]).
The signal provided by the DUT should correspond to a known (and adjustable) PRBS sequence
(pseudo random bit sequence). The AMIQ compares this signal to the sequence generated by the
internal PRBS generator. The type of PRBS generator to be used must be selected with the command
:BERT:SETup:TYPE before the test is started.
The PRBS generator is then initialized with the data provided by the DUT. The AMIQ uses the first 24
bits after the beginning of the test and then activates the comparator and bit counter. All data received
and all bit errors that occurred are counted. At the end of the test the ratio between the bit errors and
the total number of data is calculated. This ratio is read out as the BER result.
Note:
If an error occurs during the first 24 bits, the internal PRBS generator will not be
synchronized in the following and therefore detect a large number of bit errors. In this
case, value no. 7 of BERT:RESult? is set to 0 indicating that the BER measurement is
not synchronized and will be automatically repeated. Possible reasons for an excessive bit
error rate are discussed in chapter 4, section "Possible Problems with BER Measurement
and Related Solutions".
The BER test is terminated if one of the following conditions is met:
• A given number of data is reached. This condition guarantees that the test is terminated after this
number of data, however, if only few errors occurred, the BER result might still be inaccurate.
• A given number of bit errors is reached. This condition gives a quick result if the bit error rate is high.
For a low bit error rate, the test takes longer but still has about the same accuracy.
If the bit error rate is extremely small or zero, the test is terminated by the total number of data and
not by the number of bit errors.
• The test is terminated by a remote control command.
Note:
None of the following commands is defined by the SCPI standard. The "Not SCPI" note in
the command table was therefore omitted.
For fast instrument setup for BER measurements see chapter 4, Signal Path and Waveform, PRBS data
1110.3339.12
6.8
E-7
AMIQ
Table 6-2
BERT – Bit Error Rate Tests
BERT – Bit error rate tests
Command
Parameter
Notes
:BERT:COPY
No query
:BERT:DELete
No query
:BERT:RESult?
Query only
:BERT:SELect
:BERT:SETup:TYPE
PRBS9 | PRBS11 | PRBS15 |
PRBS16 | PRBS20 | PRBS21 |
PRBS23
:BERT:SETup:CLOCk[:POLarity]
RISing | FALLing
:BERT:SETup:DATA[:POLarity]
NORM | INVerted
:BERT:SETup:MASK alias
:BERT:SETup:DENable
OFF | HIGH | LOW
:BERT:SETup:MCOunt
Range: 1 ... 4294967294
:BERT:SETup:MERRor
Range: 1 ... 4294967294
:BERT:SETup:RESTart
INTernal | EXTernal
:BERT:STARt
:BERT:STOP
:BERT:COPY
copies the specified BERT file from the floppy to drive C: of the AMIQ. It is not allowed to specify any
drive names and paths; the default drive set via MMEM:MSIS is ignored. The BERT file is
a file containing the configuration information for the (reprogrammable) hardware. If a file with the
same name already exists, error message –282, "Illegal program name" is generated to avoid an
inadvertent overwriting (if required, delete before with BERT:DEL). If the file does not exist on the
floppy, error message –256, "Filename not found" is generated. A query does not exist.
Example:
:BERT:COPY "NEW_BER"
Note:
This function is not needed for usual operation, it is used only for retrofitting further
BER options and for service purposes.
:BERT:DELete
clears the specified BERT file from drive C: of the AMIQ. It is not allowed to specify any drive names
and paths; the default drive set via MMEM:MSIS is ignored. If the file does not exist on the
floppy, error message –256, "Filename not found" is generated. A query does not exist.
Example:
:BERT:DEL "OLD_BER"
Note:
This function is not needed for usual operation, it is used only for retrofitting further
BER options and for service purposes.
:BERT:RESult?
transfers the result of the last BER measurement to the host. The response to the query comprises
7 numeric values separated by commas.
Example:
:BERT:RES?
Response: "10000,5,5E-4,1,1,1,1"
Value No.:
1110.3339.12
"1
,2,3
,4,5,6,7"
6.9
E-7
BERT – Bit Error Rate Tests
AMIQ
Value No. 1
Number of data bits in the current query.
Value No. 2
Number of error bits in the current query.
Value No. 3
Bit error rate; if none of the stop conditions was reached since the start of the BER measurement, this
value corresponds to the current ratio between "number of error bits" and "number of data bits". If at
least one end result was obtained during the current (and still ongoing) measurement, the value
corresponds to the last end result obtained. This keeps the BER indication more steady (over the time).
Value No. 4
1
The BER measurement was terminated, i.e., the number of data bits or error bits specified by
means of the commands "BERT:SET MCOunt " or "BERT:SET MERRor " was
reached, or the BER measurement was stopped with the command "BERT:STOP".
0:
The BER measurement is not yet terminated.
Value No. 5
1:
After the start of a BER measurement (by means of the command "BERT:STARt") an edge
was detected on the clock line.
0:
The clock line is not active
Value No. 6
1:
After the start of a BER measurement (by means of the command "BERT:STARt") a data
change was detected on the data line. This data change relates to clocked data only; without a
clock, no data changes are detected.
0:
The data line is not active.
1:
The BER measurement is synchronized, i.e., clock and data line are active and the ratio
between "number of error bits" and "number of data bits" is better than 0.1 so that the
measurement result obtained can be considered to be reasonable.
0:
The BER measurement is not synchronized. For reasons refer to chapter 4, section "Possible
Problems with BER Measurement and Related Solutions".
Value No. 7
:BERT:SELect
notes down the BERT file for programming the BERT-FPGA copied to drive C: via BERT:COPY
. It is not allowed to specify any drive names and paths; the default drive set via MMEM:MSIS
is ignored. Programming is performed only when the device is switched on the next time.
After changing the BERT file the instrument must be switched off and on again.
At present, the following BERT files exist:
NONE
Contains no BER measurement, is used for service purposes and if the option is not
installed.
PRBS
Contains BER measurement using the PRBS method. The following commands can
only be used if PRBS measurement is selected.
Example:
:BERT:SEL "PRBS"
*RST value: NONE
:BERT:SETup:...
Depending on the loaded BERT file (see :BERT:SELect) further settings can be made with the aid
of the following commands:
:BERT:SETup:TYPE PRBS9 | PRBS11 | PRBS15 | PRBS16 | PRBS20 | PRBS21 | PRBS23
Various lengths of the pseudo random number sequence can be set for the BERT file "PRBS". The
values "PRBS9" to "PRBS23" are only useful for this file. This command can be extended by other
parameter values for the other BERT files. The PRBS polynomials corresponding to the parameters
selected here are explained in chapter 4.
Example:
1110.3339.12
*RST value: PRBS9
:BERT:SET:TYPE PRBS15
6.10
E-7
AMIQ
BERT – Bit Error Rate Tests
:BERT:SETup:CLOCk[:POLarity] RISing | FALLing
determines the active edge of the externally applied clock signal. The clock signal is supplied to pin
6 of the BER-connector.
Example:
*RST value: RIS
:BERT:SET:CLOC RIS
:BERT:SETup:DATA[:POLarity] NORM | INVerted
determines the polarity of the external data signal. The data signal is supplied to pin 7 of the BERconnector.
NORM:
High level corresponds to logic 1, low level to logic 0.
INV:
Low level corresponds to logic 1, high level to logic 0.
Example:
:BERT:SET:DATA INV
*RST value: NORM
:BERT:SETup:DENable OFF|HIGH|LOW
alias
:BERT:SETup:MASK OFF|HIGH|LOW
AMIQ is provided with an input (Data Enable) which permits the BER measurement to be
temporarily disabled so that data bursts or data interrupted by other data can be processed. This
command configures this input. The data enable signal is supplied to pin 8 of the BER connector.
OFF:
A signal applied to input 8 is ignored, all data are used for BER measurement
HIGH:
While input 8 is high, the data bits supplied are counted, bit errors are detected and
counted as well. If the input is low, the measurement is interrupted.
LOW:
While input 8 is low, the data bits supplied are counted, bit errors are detected and
counted as well. If the input is high, the measurement is interrupted.
Example:
:BERT:SET:MASK HIGH
Note:
The requirements for the data enable input concerning setup and hold times are the
same as for the data input.
*RST value: OFF
:BERT:SETup:MCOunt
This command sets the total number of data bits to be measured (data masked by the command
BERT:SETup:MASK are not counted). As soon as the internal counter has reached this number (or
exceeded this number, in case of the integrating BER test), the BER measurement is terminated. If
the query "BERT:RES?" is sent to the AMIQ, the 4th value of the response indicates that the BER
measurement has been terminated. This 4th value is set to 1.
32
Possible range: 1 ... 4294967294 (2 -1)
Example:
1110.3339.12
*RST value: 10000
:BERT:SET:MCO 10000
6.11
E-7
BERT – Bit Error Rate Tests
AMIQ
:BERT:SETup:MERRor
This command sets the number of error bits to be measured. As soon as the internal bit error
counter has reached this number (or exceeded this number, in case of the integrating BER test), the
BER measurement is terminated. If the query "BERT:RES?" is sent to the AMIQ, the 4th value of
the response indicates that the BER measurement has been terminated. This 4th value is set to 1.
32
Possible range: 1 ... 4294967295 (2 -1)
Example:
*RST value: 100
:BERT:SET:MERR 10
:BERT:SETup:RESTart INTernal|EXTernal
INT: The reset signal for the BER measurement is internally generated by the program. This
setting is suitable for random sequences which cyclically fit into the memory of the AMIQ so
that an uninterrupted repetition of the sequence is guaranteed.
EXT: If the random sequence during the memory cycle cannot be continued without interruption,
the BER measurement must be stopped in time and re-started at the beginning of the data
sequence. The halt and start is effected by means of a 0-1-0 transition at the input RES (pin 9
of D-sub connector). The BER results are added up until the predefined total number of data
or error bits are attained or exceeded (integrating BER measurement).
For details on the two BER measurement methods see chapter 4, sections
"Measurement of Bit Error Rate"
"Test Method", in particular the paragraphs:
"BER measurement with uninterrupted repetition of the random sequence"
"BER measurement with interrupted random sequence- integrating BER measurement"
The restart signal for the BER test is generated internally by the program (INT) or by a 0-1-0 edge at
pin 9 (RESTART) of the BER connector (EXT).
Example:
*RST value: INT
:BERT:SET:REST EXT
Attention: If the restart signal is applied in time intervals shorter than the measurement time set,
the measurement can not be terminated because it is restarted over and over again.
Thus, no valid result can be obtained.
:BERT:STARt
This command starts a BER measurement and sets the result to NAN (not a number).
Example:
:BERT:STAR
:BERT:STOP
This command stops a running BER measurement. The command has no effect if there is no
measurement.
Example:
1110.3339.12
:BERT:STOP
6.12
E-7
AMIQ
CALibration – Adjustment and Calibration
CALibration – Adjustment and Calibration
This command set contains functions for automatic adjustment (which can be performed without any
external facilities being required) and adjustment settings. All determined or set values are stored in the
AMIQ-internal EEPROM or on the hard disk and transferred back to the hardware each time the
instrument is switched on.
All functions return 0 after a successful execution, otherwise an error code unequal 0. Each
unsuccessful calibration generates an entry in the error queue which can be queried
with:SYSTem:ERRor?.
Note:
All offset and amplitude calibrations as well as :CAL:ALL? determine separate values for
the filter settings OFF, 2.5 MHz, 25 MHz and EXT, irrespective of the value set for
:OUTP:I | Q:FILT. If an external filter is not connected, the routines cannot determine
calibration values for them. A respective warning is output in this case and a result unequal
0 is returned via remote control. The values for the other filter settings are correctly
determined and stored. To avoid a warning being output, external filters have to be
connected, in the simplest case a cable which connects the filter output to the pertaining
filter input.
While adjustment functions are executed, the I and Q outputs are switched off and various settings
changed. After the execution is terminated, the previous device status is restored. This implies that the
time required for the automatic adjustment is extended by the time needed to restore the previous
device status depending on the length of the loaded curve. To keep this time as short as possible it is
recommended to load a short curve (e.g. SINE.WV) before calling up the automatic adjustment.
Except for :CALibration:ALL? none of the commands is specified by the SCPI standards. "Not
SCPI" was therefore omitted in the command table.
*RST is not effective for this command set. Since the instrument was adjusted in the factory, default
settings cannot be specified.
Table 6-3
CALibration – Adjustment and calibration
Command
Parameter
Notes
:CALibration:ALL?
Query only
:CALibration:AMPLitude?
Query only
:CALibration:AMPLitude:VALue?
Query only
:CALibration:AMPLitude:I?
Query only
:CALibration:AMPLitude:I:VALue?
Query only
:CALibration:AMPLitude:Q?
Query only
:CALibration:AMPLitude:Q:VALue?
Query only
:CALibration:DIAGnose
0.9000 to 1.1000
:CALibration:OFFSet?
Query only
:CALibration:OFFSet:VALue?
Query only
:CALibration:OFFSet:I?
Query only
:CALibration:OFFSet:I:VALue?
Query only
:CALibration:OFFSet:Q?
Query only
:CALibration:OFFSet:Q:VALue?
Query only
:CALibration:ROSCillator
1110.3339.12
0 to 4095
6.13
E-7
CALibration – Adjustment and Calibration
AMIQ
:CALibration:ALL?
executes all automatic adjustments described below. If all of the operations are executed without an
error, 0 is returned. A value unequal 0 is returned if at least one of the operations failed.
Example:
:CAL:ALL?
:CALibration:AMPLitude?
adjusts the signal generation hardware for the operating modes :OUTP:I | Q VAR and FIX. For fullscale of the waveform D/A converter, the hardware is adjusted so that the amplitude at the I and Q
output is exactly 1 V (EMF).
Example:
:CAL:AMPL?
:CALibration:AMPLitude:VALue?
returns a list of the amplitude calibration values stored in the EEPROM in ASCII format, separated
by commas. 18 values are returned:
I_Ampl_Adj[0...3], I_Ampl_Var_p2V, I_Ampl_Var_p90mV, I_Ampl_Var_0V, I_Ampl_Var_m90mV, I_Ampl_Var_m2V,
Q_Ampl_Adj[0...3], Q_Ampl_Var_p2V, Q_Ampl_Var_p90mV, Q_Ampl_Var_0V, Q_Ampl_Var_m90mV, Q_Ampl_Var_m2V
Example:
:CAL:AMPL:VAL?
:CALibration:AMPLitude:I?
adjusts the signal generation hardware for the operating modes :OUTP:I VAR and FIX. For a fullscale of the waveform D/A converter, the hardware is adjusted so that the amplitude at the I output
is exactly 1 V (EMF).
Example:
:CAL:AMPL:I?
:CALibration:AMPLitude:I:VALue?
returns a list of the amplitude calibration values stored in the EEPROM for channel I in ASCII format,
separated by commas. 9 values are returned:
I_Ampl_Adj[0...3], I_Ampl_Var_p2V, I_Ampl_Var_p90mV, I_Ampl_Var_0V, I_Ampl_Var_m90mV, I_Ampl_Var_m2V
Example:
:CAL:AMPL:I:VAL?
:CALibration:AMPLitude:Q?
adjusts the signal generation hardware for the operating modes :OUTP:Q VAR and FIX. For a fullscale of the waveform D/A converter, the hardware is adjusted so that the amplitude at the Q output
is exactly 1 V (EMF).
Example:
:CAL:AMPL:Q?
:CALibration:AMPLitude:Q:VALue?
returns a list of the amplitude calibration values stored in the EEPROM for channel Q in ASCII
format, separated by commas. 9 values are returned:
Q_Ampl_Adj[0...3], Q_Ampl_Var_p2V, Q_Ampl_Var_p90mV, Q_Ampl_Var_0V, Q_Ampl_Var_m90mV, Q_Ampl_Var_m2V
Example:
1110.3339.12
:CAL:AMPL:Q:VAL?
6.14
E-7
AMIQ
CALibration – Adjustment and Calibration
:CALibration:DIAGnose 0.9000 to 1.1000
specifies a calibration factor for the diagnostic A/D converter with the aid of which measurement
errors of the converter can be compensated for. Each measured value is multiplied by this
calibration factor before it is output. An external DC voltmeter is required for exact determination of
this value. The procedure is described in the Service Manual.
Example:
:CAL:DIAG 1.04
:CALibration:OFFSet?
adjusts the residual DC offset and the offset setting error at the I/ Q outputs to a minimum. Separate
values are determined and stored for each filter setting value (see also the note at the beginning of
this section).
Example:
:CAL:OFFS?
:CALibration:OFFSet:VALue?
returns a list of the offset calibration values stored in the EEPROM in ASCII format, separated by
commas. 58 values are returned:
I_Offset1_Adj_FIX[0 ... 3], I_Offset1_Adj_VAR[0 ... 3], I_Offset2_Adj[0 ... 20],
Q_Offset1_Adj_FIX[0 ... 3], Q_Offset1_Adj_VAR[0 ... 3], Q_Offset2_Adj[0 ... 20]
Example:
:CAL:OFFS:VAL?
:CALibration:OFFSet:I?
adjusts the residual DC offset and the offset setting error at the I output to a minimum. Separate
values are determined and stored for each filter setting value (see also the note at the beginning of
this section).
Example:
:CAL:OFFS:I?
:CALibration:OFFSet:I:VALue?
returns a list of the offset calibration values stored in the EEPROM for channel one in ASCII format,
separated by commas. 29 values are returned:
I_Offset1_Adj_FIX[0 ... 3], I_Offset1_Adj_VAR[0 ... 3],
Example:
I_Offset2_Adj[0 ... 20]
:CAL:OFFS:I:VAL?
:CALibration:OFFSet:Q?
adjusts the residual DC offset and the offset setting error at the Q output to a minimum. Separate
values are determined and stored for each filter setting value (see also note at the beginning of this
section).
Q_Offset1_Adj_FIX[0 ... 3], Q_Offset1_Adj_VAR[0 ... 3], Q_Offset2_Adj[0 ... 20]
Example:
:CAL:OFFS:Q?
:CALibration:OFFSet:Q:VALue?
returns a list of offset calibration values stored in the EEPROM for the Q channel in ASCII format,
separated by commas. 29 values are returned.
Example:
1110.3339.12
:CAL:OFFS:Q:VAL?
6.15
E-7
CALibration – Adjustment and Calibration
AMIQ
:CALibration:ROSCillator 0 to 4095
enters the tuning voltage for the internal 10 MHz reference oscillator. With the aid of an external
frequency counter, the internal reference oscillator can thus be accurately adjusted to 10 MHz. This
value is stored in the EEPROM. The query returns the value stored in the EEPROM.
Example:
1110.3339.12
:CAL:ROSC 2102
6.16
E-7
AMIQ
DIAGnostic – Hardware Diagnosis
DIAGnostic – Hardware Diagnosis
The commands of the diagnostic system inform on the internal device status.
Table 6-4
DIAGnostic – Hardware diagnosis
Command
Parameter
Notes
:DIAGnostic:ABOard:ID?
Query only; not SCPI
:DIAGnostic:TPOint?
Query only; not SCPI
:DIAGnostic:ABOard:ID?
returns the ID of the built-in analog board.
AMIQ Board ID
d7
d6
d5 d4 d3 d2 d1 d0
Variant
Layout
1: Option AMIQ-B2 (Differential Outputs) fitted
1: Option AMIQ-B3 (Digital I/Q Output) fitted
AMIQ Board ID
if no hardware option is fitted, i.e. if bits d5
and d6 are not set
AMIQ Model,
Response string upon *IDN?
145 (0x91)
02
"Rohde&Schwarz,AMIQ,..."
137 (0x89)
02
"Rohde&Schwarz,AMIQ,..."
153 (0x99)
02
or
03
"Rohde&Schwarz,AMIQ02,..."
04
"Rohde&Schwarz,AMIQ04,..."
155 (0x9B)
Example:
"Rohde&Schwarz,AMIQ03,..."
:DIAG:ABO:ID?
:DIAGnostic:TPOint?
returns the voltage of the test point identified by (permissible values: 0 to 15). The
voltage is measured by means of the diagnostic A/D converter. To do so the desired test point is set,
the converter started and after a waiting time of 60 ms (maximum duration of a conversion
procedure) the result is returned. The test points are described in the service manual.
Example:
1110.3339.12
:DIAG:TPO7?
6.17
E-7
DIAGnostic – Hardware Diagnosis
AMIQ
:DIAGnostic:SELFtest:...?
A total of 11 selftest commands are available for testing individual components or programming a
progress bar. The syntax and function of these command is listed in the following table.
Important note:
Before any of the selftest commands for individual components (DIAG:SELF:BAS ...
SDRam) is executed it is absolutely necessary to save the current device status (*SAV
'filename') and recall it after execution (*RCL 'filename) so that correct operation of
AMIQ is guaranteed after the selftest. The device status for each of the components is not
automatically restored in order to avoid the setup loading time which might be quite long
depending on the length of the loaded curve. As in the case of a complete selftest, it is
recommended to load a short curve before executing the *SAV command. This will keep the
time for restoring the previous device state short.
Attention:
The execution time for the SDRAM test is approx. 30 seconds for AMIQ 03 (4,000,000
samples) and approx. 2 minutes for AMIQ 04 (16,000,000 samples). Please provide sufficient
timeout in the controller.
On calling up the individual selftest components all errors are entered in the error queue.
The individual selftest components yield the ASCII result „0“ if no error is detected, „1“ in case of an
error.
1110.3339.12
6.18
E-7
AMIQ
DIAGnostic – Hardware Diagnosis
IEEE-Bus Command
*TST?
Description
The complete selftest consists of the 10 individual
components described in the following:
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:BAS?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:DSYStem?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:DACReference?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:OADJust?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:OFFSet?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:REFFrequency?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:VCO?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:LEVels?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:ATTenuators?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:LPASs?
They are executed without interruption.
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:SDRam?
The selftest for the AMIQ’s SDRAM is not included in
*TST? because its execution time amounts to approx.
30 seconds for AMIQ 03 (4,000,000 samples) and approx.
2 min for AMIQ 04 (16,000,000 samples).
The selftest yields the ASCII result „0“ if no error is detected
in any of the components, „1“ in case of an error.
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:BASics?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest1?
Sequencer FPGA file
BER-FPGA file
Stock number of analog board
EEPROM data
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:DSYStem?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest2?
Zero point of the system
Reference level of diagnostic AD-converter
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:DACReference?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest3?
Reference level of all setting DACs
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:OADJust?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest4?
Offset settings
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:OFFSet?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest5?
Offsets in the signal path
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:REFFrequency?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest6?
Clock frequency sources
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:VCO?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest7?
VCO control voltage
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:LEVels?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest8?
Operating level
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:ATTenuators?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest9?
Attenuator test in the I and Q channel
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:LPASs?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest10?
Identical filters in I and Q channels
DIAGnostic:SELFtest:SDRam?
DIAGnostic:SELFtest11?
Test of SDRAM of AMIQ by means of a random binary
sequence.
Note:
Example:
The execution time for this command is
approx 30 seconds for AMIQ 03 (4,000,000
samples) and approx. 2 minutes for AMIQ 04
(16,000,000 samples). Provide sufficient
timeout in the controller.
*SAV 'TEMP'
:DIAG:SELF:ATT?
*RCL 'TEMP'
Program example:
Selftest with progress indication
in the programming language C combined with the IEEE-bus driver GPIB.COM by National
Instruments, see chapter 7!
1110.3339.12
6.19
E-7
MARKer – Marker Management
AMIQ
MARKer – Marker Management
Two binary marker outputs are available for each channel. The status of the outputs is stored in the two
least-significant bits of each waveform sample with the following assignment:
Marker output
Channel
Bit
Marker 1
I
Least-significant bit
Marker 2
I
Second bit
Marker 3
Q
Least-significant bit
Marker 4
Q
Second bit
A 1 in one of these bits generates high level at the associated marker output, 0 the corresponding low
level.
The marker outputs can be programmed in three different ways:
• When the waveform file is generated with the host computer, the respective bits of each sample are
set to the desired values.
• The markers are specified within the waveform file with the aid of the MARKER LIST tag.
• The markers are specified with the remote control command :MARK:LIST
independent of the waveform file.
In the case of a conflict between the marker values from a waveform loaded via the commands
MMEM:LOAD RAM, or MEM:DATA RAM, (and included in the data bits d0
and d1), and the marker values from a marker list loaded afterwards via the command
MARK[:LIST] , the markers from the list have the priority.
If the marker values of a marker list do not correspond (eg MARK1 '100-101:0;100-101:1'), the
last setting is valid.
When a waveform is loaded via the commands MMEM:LOAD RAM, 'filename> or MEM:DATA
RAM;, the existing marker lists are deleted (an empty marker list "0-0:0" is generated)
so that the marker bits included in the waveform can become effective.
Note:
The :MARKer subsystem is available four times (:MARKer1 to :MARKer4) for the four
marker channels. Markers 1 and 2 belong to the I channel, markers 3 and 4 to the
Q channel.
If the "Rear I/Q Outputs" option (AMIQ-B19) is installed, marker outputs 3 and 4 on the
rear are not available because they are used for the I and Q output signals, i.e. the I output
is assigned to marker output 4 and the Q output to marker output 3.!
If "Digital I/Q Output" option (AMIQ-B3) is not installed, any commands relating to these
marker outputs are ineffective, but no error message is output.
If the option is installed, marker outputs 3 and 4 are available on data lines Q0 and Q1
(see chapter 4, "Digital I/Q Output" option AMIQ-B3).
Table 6-5
MARKer – Marker management
Command
Parameter
Notes
:MARKer[:LIST]
Not SCPI
1110.3339.12
6.20
E-7
AMIQ
MARKer – Marker Management
3:MARKer[:LIST]
transfers a marker list to AMIQ. The markers are immediately stored in the RAM (an ongoing output
is interrupted and has to be restarted). The markers of the waveform currently in the RAM are
changed. The waveform file on the hard disk is not affected, but can be changed with the aid of an
update waveform file (see section "Waveform File Format" {TYPE:WV-ADD}).
Since marker lists are saved in the AMIQ's setup same as any other command, they must not be
greater than 450 character long in order not to overburden the setup files. This has the benefit that
marker lists up to this length are immediately set following the power-off/on of the AMIQ or after
loading a setup with *RCL .
Longer marker lists should be split and transferred by means of several commands. After poweroff/on of AMIQ or loading a setup only the last part of the marker list is available. This means that
longer marker lists should be transferred directly to the required trace using the
WinIQSIM software.
The query MARK? returns the marker list of the waveform currently in the RAM. The list contains
any number of entries separated by colons, which may have one of the following forms:
start-end:value or start:value
with
start:
end:
value:
start index
end index; exclusive, ie the markers of samples with this index are
not changed
0 or 1
start-end:value: Specification of marker ranges
‚value‘ applies in the range between the specified start index and end index. The
markers in ranges not specified remain unchanged.
start:value:
Specification of marker changes
‚value‘ applies in the range between the specified start index and the next
specified start index or up to the end of the waveform. The markers in all ranges
are changed.
The list may contain any number of marker changes or ranges. Start must of course be lower than
the length of the loaded waveform. Start and value are ASCII coded, not in binary form.
AMIQ has a delay line (in the form of software) for each marker channel, which can be set in the
:OUTPut subsystem.
Example:
MARK1 “0-100:1;200-400:0“
*RST value: 0-0:0 empty list
After the output has been started, high level is present at the marker 1 output during the
output of samples 0 to 100. From sample 101 to 199, the level depends on the value of the
least-significant bits of the samples (because no entries have been made for this in the
marker list). From sample 200 to 400 the output is at high level. From sample 401 till the
end of the waveform the level again depends on the values in the samples.
If a trace with a generation resolution of 16 bits is loaded (see trace file format {RESOLUTION 16,x}
in this chapter), the marker list command is ineffective. However there will be no error message
because the dependence between the generation resolution of a trace and the marker outputs is
already taken into account in WinIQSIM.
The marker lists can be called up again after loading a trace with a generation resolution of 14 bits.
Restrictions for the multisegment waveform
The :MARKer[:LIST] command is not available for the multisegment waveform
(see chapter 4). Marker lists cannot be subsequently taken into account.
If an MWV is loaded, and this command is followed by a query, the identification of an empty list is
returned.
Example: MARK1:LIST?
1110.3339.12
Response: '0-0:0'
6.21
E-7
MEMory/MMEMory – Waveform Management
AMIQ
MEMory/MMEMory – Waveform Management
AMIQ is able to store waveform files on its internal hard disk from where they are loaded in the output
buffer. The commands of the two systems allow waveform files to be transferred between controller
and AMIQ and the management (copying, shifting, renaming, clearing) of waveform files and directories
on the AMIQ hard disk.
The command for a direct transfer of waveform data from the IEC/IEEE bus to the RAM is part of the
MEMory subsystem. According to SCPI, all commands for accessing the hard disk and the floppy are
contained in the MMEMory system. Because of the similarity of the functions, the two systems are dealt
with in one section.
The MMEMory subsystem manages only waveform files. Executable batch files are managed in the
:PROGram subsystem.
Note:
Although the functions (copying, clearing, changing directory, etc) are similar to those of
DOS, SCPI keywords and parameters are often different from the familiar DOS
conventions. For reasons of SCPI compatibility, AMIQ uses SCPI forms as far as possible.
A few alternative commands (eg CD for CDIRectory, MD for MDIRectory, and RD for
RDIRectory) were introduced for the sake of compatibility with DOS conventions.
AMIQ provides a virtual file system on its hard disk with the drives C:, D:, E:, and F: (D:, E:, and F: are
logical partitions on the hard disk). The drives can be defined as default drives via the command
MMEMory:MSIS .
Note:
The AMIQ has at least the two drives C: and D: with a storage capacity of 2000 Mbyte on
drive C: and the rest on drive D:, depending on the installed disk drive. It may also have
other drives.
Which and how many drives AMIQ actually has depends on the supply of disk drives at the
time and can be found out by means of commands MMEMory:SCATalog? and
MMEMory:SCATalog:LENGth?
Each drive has only one directory level. All path names for the drives are relative to a fictitious root
directory to be addressed with \. The specified names are not the DOS file names. There are no
restrictions for file operations on the floppies.
With all data transfer commands, the data for the two channels are transferred simultaneously.
Table 6-6
MEMory – Waveform management
Command
Parameter
:MEMory:DATA
RAM,
:MEMory:NAME?
1110.3339.12
Notes
Query only; not SCPI
6.22
E-7
AMIQ
Table 6-7
MEMory/MMEMory – Waveform Management
MMEMory – Waveform management
Command
Parameter
Notes
:MMEMory:CATalog | DIRectory?
Query only
:MMEMory:CATalog:LENGth?
Query only; not SCPI
:MMEMory:CDIRectory | CD
:MMEMory:COPY
[, ]
:MMEMory:DATA
,
*
:MMEMory.DATA?
[,]
*
:MMEMory:DATA:LENGth?
[,]
*
No query
Not SCPI
:MMEMory:DCATalog | DDIRectory?
Query only; not SCPI
:MMEMory:DCATalog | DDIRectory:LENGth?
Query only; not SCPI
:MMEMory:DELete
*
:MMEMory:LOAD
RAM,
*
:MMEMory:MDIRectory | MD
:MMEMory:MSIS
:MMEMory:RDIRectory | RD
Not SCPI
Not SCPI
:MMEMory:SCATalog?
Not SCPI
:MMEMory:SCATalog:LENGth?
Not SCPI
Commands for multisegment waveforms
:MMEMory:MWV:FIRStsegment
:MMEMory:MWV:APPend
:MMEMory:MWV:DELete
,
,
*
*
No query
, *
,
*
No query
,
No query
*
Not SCPI
Not SCPI
Not SCPI
:MMEMory:LOAD
RAM,
*
* compose
Trace file names can be given in different ways for commands marked with *:
•
If only the trace file name is given in (neither drive not path), then refers
to the default drive selected with MMEM:MSIS and the default directory set with MMEM:CD
.
Example:
:MMEM:MSIS 'D:'
:MMEM:CD 'MYDIR'
:MMEM:LOAD RAM, 'MYWAV'
accesses D:\MYDIR\MYWAV.WV'.
•
If a path with a trace file name is given in , then refers to the default drive
selected with MMEM:MSIS .
Example:
:MMEM:MSIS 'D:'
:MMEM:LOAD RAM, '\MYDIR\MYWAV'
accesses D:\MYDIR\MYWAV.WV'
1110.3339.12
6.23
E-7
MEMory/MMEMory – Waveform Management
•
AMIQ
If drive and trace file name is given , then the specified drive is linked with the default
directory set by means of MMEM:CD .
Example:
:MMEM:CD 'MYDIR'
:MMEM:LOAD RAM,'D:MYWAV'
accesses D:\MYDIR\MYWAV.WV'
•
If drive, path and file name but no path is given in , then access is made irrespective of
the default drive and default path.
Example:
:MMEM:LOAD RAM, 'D:\MYDIR\MYWAV'
accesses D:\MYDIR\MYWAV.WV'
:MEMory ...
This command system contains the command for the transfer of trace data from the IEC/IEEE bus into
the RAM of AMIQ.
:MEMory:DATA RAM,
The command takes the waveform file (in binary block data format) from the IEC/IEEE bus and
directly stores it in the RAM. Note that RAM is not specified in inverted commas. Any curve in the
RAM is overwritten.
Attention: A curve loaded directly into AMIQ’s SDRAM by means of this command (e.g. using
WinIQSIM and the settings Transmission, Force internal, Destination AMIQ-RAM) is
no longer available after AMIQ is switched off and on again. The ON LED blinks.
The lowest two bits of each sample set the marker outputs (see comments in the description of the
:MARKer system) but do not influence the analog value at the I/Q outputs. A :MARKer:LISTcommand overwrites these bits.
This command clears all existing marker lists (generating empty marker lists "0-0:0") so that any
marker bits included in the waveform can become effective.
Example:
Transferring a waveform file as a binary block from the process controller to the AMIQ output RAM
via the IEC/IEEE bus:
MMEMory:DATA RAM,
#3767
767 bytes of curve form
Length in ASCII of binary data record bytes
Number of digits of subsequent length information in ASCII
# The ASCII Character # initiates binary block transfer
designates a data block structured like the contents of a waveform file,
i.e. comprising at least the {TYPE} tag and the {WAVEFORM} tag, e.g.
{TYPE: WV, 0}{WAVEFORM-403: 0,#IIQQIIQQIIQQ.......IIQQ}
1110.3339.12
6.24
E-7
AMIQ
MEMory/MMEMory – Waveform Management
:MEMory:DATA? RAM[,]
The query form of the MEMory:DATA command transmits the following of the waveform in the RAM
• the whole contents of the waveform if no tag name is given, (eg MEM:DATA?)
• the contents of the tag if a tag name is indicated (eg MEM:DATA? RAM,'COMMENT')
in the binary block format from AMIQ to the controller.
If the trace is encoded (generated with WinIQSIM) re-reading of the waveform data is refused with
error message "261, Waveform protected".
For a definition of tags see section "Waveform File" on page 6.57 ff. For handling of file names see
section "*compose " on page 6.23.
Example:
The COMMENT tag of the trace in the RAM is
{COMMENT: I = cosine, Q = sine, 100 points, 100 kHz at clock 10 MHz; Marker 1 set for 10
samples (=1µs)}
With the command
MMEMory:DATA? RAM,'COMMENT'
the content of the tag of the trace in the RAM is returned.
Reply: #293 I = cosine, Q = sine, 100 points, 100 kHz at clock 10 MHz;
Marker 1 set for 10 samples (=1µs)
:MEMory:NAME?
returns the name of the waveform file in the output buffer.
Example:
:MEM:NAME?
Response (example): "C:\DUALTONE.WV"
"RAM" if the curve was directly loaded into the RAM via MEM:DATA RAM,
:MMEMory ...
This command system contains all the commands for accessing the hard disk and diskette.
:MMEMory:CATalog | DIRectory?
returns a list of the waveform files in the default drive (MMEM:MSIS ) and default directory
(MMEM:CD ). The list is in the following format (without the line breaks):
,,
”name1,TRAC,”,
”name2,TRAC,”,
”name3,TRAC,”, …
Example:
:MMEM:MSIS 'D:'
:MMEM:CD 'MYDIR'
:MMEM:CAT?
Set default drive D:
Set default drive MYDIR
Call waveform file
If drive A: is specified with a directory or path by means of MMEM:CD , then the
drive set with MMEM:MSIS is ignored and all trace files on the diskette under the given
directory is listed.
Example:
1110.3339.12
:MMEM:CD 'A:\ADIR1'
:MMEM:CAT?
:MMEM:CD 'A:\ADIR1\ADIR2'
:MMEM:CAT?
6.25
E-7
MEMory/MMEMory – Waveform Management
AMIQ
:MMEMory:CATalog:LENGth?
returns the number of waveform files in the default drive (MMEM:MSIS ) and default
directory (MMEM:CD ). This is equal to the number of entries in the list generated by
MMEMory:CATalog?
Example:
:MMEM:CAT:LENG?
:MMEMory:CDIRectory | CD
changes the default directory. is the path relative to the waveform root directory of one of
the AMIQ drives or the path on the floppy. The command MMEMory:MSIS defines the
default directory (C:, D:, E:, or F:). A directory on one of the drives must not contain any
subdirectories (ie no backslashes). For a directory on floppy, drive and path can be specified. The
waveform root directory can be addressed with \ and used like any other waveform directory.
Note: The effect of this command slightly differs from the corresponding DOS command. The set
default directory is only used when a file name is entered without a path for a command that
contains a file name as a parameter. If a file name is entered with a path, the path parameter
refers to the virtual root directory and not to the default directory.
In response to :MMEM:CDIR? the name of the currently used directory is returned.
Example:
*RST value: "\"
:MMEM:CDIR "winiqsim"
Create the directory SUBDIR in drive D: and turn it into the default directory:
:MMEM:MSIS 'D:'
:MMEM:MDIR 'SUBDIR'
:MMEM:CDIR 'SUBDIR'
Change into a waveform directory on the floppy disk:
:MMEM:CDIR "A:" or "A:\"
:MMEM:CDIR "A:\DIR" or "A:\DIR\"
:MMEM:CDIR "A:\DIR\SUBDIR" or "A:\DIR\SUBDIR\" etc.
:MMEMory:COPY [, ]
copies waveform files (characterized by the extension *.wv) from to on the AMIQ
hard disk.
If no extension is specified, the specified file is interpreted as a waveform file. If no drive and no
directory structure are specified, the file designated by is searched on the default drive
(MMEM:MSIS ) and in the default directory (MMEM:CD ).
Examples:
:MMEM:MSIS 'D:'
Default settings for the ...
:MMEM:CD '\'
... following three commands
:MMEM:COPY 'SWAVE.WV','DWAVE.WV'
Copy file in the default drive D: and within the waveform root directory with another name
:MMEM:COPY 'SWAVE','DWAVE'
Copy file in the default drive D: and within the waveform root directory with another name
:MMEM:COPY 'SWAVE','\SUBDIR\DWAVE'
Copy file in the default drive D: from the waveform root directory to a waveform subdirectory in the default drive D:
with another name
1110.3339.12
6.26
E-7
AMIQ
MEMory/MMEMory – Waveform Management
If is not specified is copied to the default drive or to the default directory. Files on
the hard disk having the same file name are overwritten without a warning.
Example:
:MMEM:MSIS 'D:'
:MMEM:CD 'MYDIR'
:MMEM:COPY '\DIR\WAVE.WV'
Copy on the default drive D: from the trace subdirectory DIR to the default directory MYDIR of the same name
WAVE.WV
There are two ways of copying between drives:
1. Specifying drive, path and filename:
Example:
:MMEM:COPY 'C:\SUBDIR1\MY.WV','D:\SUBDIR1\MY.WV' or
:MMEM:COPY 'C:\SUBDIR1\MY.WV','D:\SUBDIR1'.
Copy drive C: to D: with specified path
:MMEM:MSIS 'D:'
:MMEM:CD 'MYDIR'
:MMEM:COPY 'A:SWAVE','DWAVE'
Copy from the root directory of the diskette to the default drive D: and the trace subdirectory MYDIR under another
name
:MMEM:MSIS 'D:'
:MMEM:CD 'MYDIR'
:MMEM:COPY 'A:\SUBDIR\SWAVE','DWAVE'
Copy from the trace subdirectory of the diskette to the default drive D: and its trace subdirectory under another name
:MMEM:COPY 'A:\SUBDIR\SWAVE','C:\SUBDIR\DWAVE'
Copy from the trace subdirectory of the diskette to a trace subdirectory on drive C: under another name
:MMEM:COPY 'C:\SWAVE.WV','A:'
Copy from the root directory of drive C: to the root directory of the diskette provided the trace was not generated by
WinIQSIM and is thus disguised.
2. Specifying drive and filenames only:
If copying should be made for example from directory MYDIR on drive C: to drive D: in a directory of
the same name (therefore the same directory for both drives) the path MYDIR can be chosen as the
default directory. The path then need not be given in ('\' not used).
Example:
MMEM:CD 'MYDIR'
MMEM:COPY 'C:MYWAV_C','D:MAWAV_D'
The copy of C:\MYDIR\MYWAV_C.WV → D:\MYDIR\MYWAV_D.WV runs analogously:
The MMEM:COPY command does not have a query form
:MMEMory:DATA ,
This command transfers a waveform as a binary block from the process controller to AMIQ via the
IEC/IEEE bus and stores it under in the selected directory on the AMIQ hard disk. Up to
500 waveform files can be stored in one directory - if this limit is exceeded, an error message is
generated and the command is not executed. The query MMEM:DATA? transfers the
waveform back to the PC if the curve was not created with WinIQSIM, and is scrambled therefore.
See section "*compose " on page 6.23 ff.
1110.3339.12
6.27
E-7
MEMory/MMEMory – Waveform Management
AMIQ
Example:
Transferring a waveform file as a binary block from the process controller to AMIQ via the IEC/IEEE
bus and storing it as a waveform file in AMIQ:
MMEMory:DATA 'MYCURVE.WV', #3767
767 bytes of curve form
Length in ASCII of binary data record bytes
Number of digits of subsequent length information in ASCII
# The ASCII Character # initiates binary block transfer
designates a data block structured like the contents of a waveform file,
i.e. comprising at least the {TYPE} tag and the {WAVEFORM} tag, e.g.
{TYPE: WV, 0}{WAVEFORM-403: 0,#IIQQIIQQIIQQ.......IIQQ}
Use the query form of the command to transfer a waveform file as a binary block from the AMIQ to
the controller via IEC/IEEE bus interface.
MMEMory:DATA? 'MYCURVE.WV'
Response: #3767<767 bytes of curve>
1110.3339.12
6.28
E-7
AMIQ
MEMory/MMEMory – Waveform Management
:MMEMory:DATA? [, ]
The query form of the MMEMory:DATA command transmits the following of the waveform file
indicated with
• the whole contents of the waveform if no tag name is given
• the contents of the tag if a tag name is indicated
in binary format from AMIQ to the controller.
If the waveform file indicated with is encoded (generated with WinIQSIM) re-reading
of waveform data is refused with error message "261, Waveform protected" .
For a definition of the tags refer to section Waveform File Format on page 6.57. The handling of file
names is explained in section "*compose " on page 6.23.
Example:
The COMMENT tag in the waveform file SINE.WV reads:
{COMMENT: I = cosine, Q = sine, 100 points, 100 kHz at clock 10 MHz; Marker 1 set for 10
samples (=1µs)}
With the command
MMEMory:DATA? 'SINE.WV','COMMENT'
the contents of the tag are returned:
Response: #293 I = cosine, Q = sine, 100 points, 100 kHz at clock 10 MHz;
Marker 1 set for 10 samples (=1µs)
:MMEMory:DATA:LENGth? [,]
This query returns the length in byte of the waveform file . This does not include the SCPI
block data header added at the beginning of the actual waveform file by the :MMEM:DATA?
query. The file length returned is thus equal to the actual file length that would be
returned, e.g., by the MS-DOS command DIR.
If the name of a tag is specified as a second parameter, the query returns the length of this tag
including the tag header and the curved brackets. If the tag doesn't exist, 0 is returned. The handling
of file names is explained in section "*compose " on page 6.23.
Example:
Length of waveform file SINE.WV:
:MMEM:DATA:LENG? "sine.wv"
Response: 767
(File length of the waveform file SINE.WV)
Length of "WAVEFORM" tag (= count of waveform data) in waveform file SINW.WV:
:MMEM:DATA:LENG? "sine.wv", "WAVEFORM"
Response: 419
(Length of tag, including curved brackets)
{WAVEFORM-403: 0,#<400 I/Q values in binary data format>}
└────────────────── 419 ───────────────────┘
Length of "COMMENT" tag in waveform file DUALTONE.WV:
:MMEM:DATA:LENG? "DUALTONE", "COMMENT"
Response: 68
(Length of tag, including curved brackets)
{COMMENT: Dual tone, 128 points, 0.9 MHz, 1.1 MHz at clock 12.8 MHz}
└─────────────────────────────── 68 ────────────────────────────────┘
1110.3339.12
6.29
E-7
MEMory/MMEMory – Waveform Management
AMIQ
:MMEMory:DCATalog | DDIRectory?
returns a list of waveform file directories of the default directory (MMEM:MSIS ) separated
by commas. This includes the backslash \ as the virtual root directory of the waveform file
management.
It is not possible to generate a directory list of a floppy disk because the disk may contain a directory
tree with an arbitrary number of sub-levels. The setting MMEM:CD 'A:\' is ignored – instead, the
directory list of the drive preset via MMEM:MSIS is returned.
Example:
:MMEM:MSIS 'C:'
:MMEM:DCAT?
Response (for example):
"\","MYDIR","WINIQSIM"
:MMEMory:DCATalog | DDIRectory:LENGth?
returns the number of waveform directories of the default drive Laufwerkes (MMEM:MSIS )
below the virtual root directory. The number corresponds to the number of entries in the list
generated by MMEMory:DCATalog?.
Example:
:MMEM:DCAT:LENG?
:MMEMory:DELete
clears a file from the current directory. Drive and path can be specified. The file extension is always
.wv. The handling of file names is explained in section "*compose " on page 6.23.
Example: :MMEM:DEL "mywave.wv"
:MMEM:DEL "winiqsim\mywave.wv"
:MMEM:DEL "\winiqsim\mywave"
:MMEM:DEL "A:\mywave.wv"
:MMEM:DEL "A:\mydir\mywave"
:MMEMory:LOAD RAM,
loads a file into the RAM. The keyword RAM must always be specified.
RAM and NONE are not allowed as file names !
The handling of file names is explained in section "*compose " on page 6.23.
This command clears all existing marker lists (generates empty marker lists "0-0:0") so that all
marker bits included in the waveform that may exist can become effective.
Examples:
:MMEM:LOAD RAM, "mywave.wv"
:MMEM:LOAD RAM, "\winiqsim\mywave.wv"
:MMEM:LOAD RAM, "C:\mywave.wv"
:MMEM:LOAD RAM, "D:\mywave.wv"
:MMEM:LOAD RAM, "D:\winiqsim\mywave.wv"
Important note: The AMIQ is delivered with a library of example waveforms preinstalled on the
AMIQ hard disk. The waveform library contains of about 200 MBytes of examples
covering the fields of multi carrier CW signals (directory \CW), GSM (directory
\GSM), NADC (directory \NADC), W-CDMA (directory \WCDMA) and IS-95 CDMA
(directory \CDMA). The directory \APPL_MAN contains the example waveforms
described in the WinIQSIM Application Manual.
If the trigger system is set to continuous data output (TRIG:MODE CONT), the output signal will
appear at the I/Q outputs immediately after a curve has been loaded.
1110.3339.12
6.30
E-7
AMIQ
MEMory/MMEMory – Waveform Management
The :MMEM:LOAD? query returns the name of the file currently stored in the RAM; the response is
identical with the response to the :MEMory:NAME? query.
Query:
:MMEM:LOAD? or :MEMory:NAME?
Reply eg:
C:\winiqsim\mywave.wv or
RAM if a waveform was directly loaded into the AMIQ output RAM with the
command MEM:DATA RAM,
:MMEMory:MDIRectory | MD
generates a new directory in the default directory (MMEM:MSIS ). is the path
relative to the waveform root directory on drives C:, D:, E:, or F: or the path on the floppy. A drive
name included in (e.g. C:\MYDIR) is not allowed and will be ignored. The directory (e.g.
C:\MYDIR) is created in the default drive. A directory on one of the four default drives must not
contain any further directory levels (ie no backslashes). Only one directory level is permissible under
the waveform root directory. Up to 100 directories can be stored - above this number an error
message is generated and the command is not executed.
For a directory on floppy, the drive name A: and a path can be specified. Creating directories on the
disk corresponds largely to the function of the DOS command MD.
Example: :MMEM:MSIS 'C:'
:MMEM:MD "winiqsim" or :MMEM:MD "\winiqsim"
:MMEM:MD "winiqsim\subdir" not allowed!
Create a waveform directory on floppy disk:
:MMEM:MD "A:\MYDIR"
Observe order: Before MYSUBDIR can be created,
:MMEM:MD "A:\MYDIR\MYSUBDIR" MYDIR must be created.
:MMEMory:MSIS
MSIS = Mass Storage Identification String.
This command selects the default hard disk drive with = 'C:', 'D:', 'E:' or 'F:' ('c:', 'd:', 'e:' or 'f:'
are also permissible) and acts like the command C:, D:, E: or F: under DOS.
AMIQ offers at least drives C: and D: with a memory capacity of 2000 Mbyte in C: and the rest in D:,
depending on the built-in hard disk drive; there may be more drives installed.
The type and number of hard disk drives installed in AMIQ depends on the current delivery situation
for such drives. To check the drives installed, use commands MMEMory:SCATalog? and
MMEMory:SCATalog:LENGth?.
If neither drives nor directories are specified in the trace file command (eg MMEM:LOAD
RAM,'mywave.wv'), the trace file is searched for in the default drive and in the default directory set
with MMEM:CD . The specified directory names (eg MMEM:MD 'mydir') always
refer to the default drive.
The default drive refers to the handling command of trace files and their directories but not to the
command systems BERT, PROGram and SYStem including *SAV and *RCL. Hard-disk access is
solely for drive C: irrespective of the set default drive. The query (MMEM:MSIS?) returns the set
default drive in plain text, eg D:.
Example:
1110.3339.12
:MMEM:MSIS 'D:' or :MMEM:MSIS 'd:'
6.31
*RST value: C:
E-7
MEMory/MMEMory – Waveform Management
AMIQ
:MMEMory:RDIRectory | RD
The command deletes the specified directory on the default drive (MMEM:MSIS ). Naming
a drive in (eg C:\MYDIR) is not permitted and will be ignored. Yet directory (eg
C:\MYDIR) is used and deleted on the default drive. The default directory and root directory “\“
cannot be deleted.
The directory to be deleted for the diskette may contain the drive designation and path information
and corresponds largely to the function of the DOS command RD.
Example:
:MMEM:MSIS 'C:'
:MMEM:RD "winiqsim"
To delete a trace directory on the diskette
:MMEM:RD 'A:\ADIR1\ADIR2'
deletes only ADIR2
:MMEM:RD 'A:\ADIR1
deletes ADIR1
Note sequence: prior to being able to delete ADIR1, ADIR2 must be deleted.
:MMEMory:SCATalog?
(S of SCATalog stands for Storage and refers to the S of MSIS)
The command returns a list of drives available in AMIQ separated by commas.
Example:
:MMEM:SCAT?
Reply eg:
"C:","D:"
:MMEMory:SCATalog:LENGth?
The command returns the number of drives available in AMIQ.
Example:
:MMEM:SCAT:LENG?
Reply eg
2
1110.3339.12
6.32
E-7
AMIQ
MEMory/MMEMory – Waveform Management
:MMEMory :MWV ...
This command system contains all the commands for hard-disk access which are required for handling
the multisegment waveforms (MWV), see chapter 4, Multisegment Waveforms.
:MMEMory:MWV:FIRStsegment ,,
If this command is transmitted to the AMIQ, a new MWV is generated on the AMIQ hard disk. This
MWV consists only of the segment selected in the Source waveform file parameter. An existing
MWV of the same name will be overwritten.
Before an MWV can be generated, the partial trace with which an MWV is started must be present
on the AMIQ hard disk. If this is the case, the new MWV is started with this command.
When an MWV is generated, three parameters must be specified:
1. Source waveform file to start: The standard waveform (and, if necessary, its file path on the
AMIQ hard disk) which is to be copied as the first segment into the multisegment waveform to
be generated.
2. Destination multi segment waveform file: The multisegment waveform to be generated.
3. Comment: A comment on the entire MWV, which can later be read from the MWV, and which
facilitates file management and selection.
Example:
:MMEM:MWV:FIRS 'SEG1.WV','MYMWV.WV','COMMENT'
No query form
:MMEMory:MWV:APPend ,,
This command appends the segment selected from the Source waveform file parameter to the
MWV selected.
To be appended to an existing MWV, a partial trace must be present on the AMIQ hard disk.
When appending an MWV, three parameters must be specified:
1. Source waveform file to start: The standard waveform (and, if necessary, its file path on the
AMIQ hard disk) which is to be appended as the next segment to the current multisegment
waveform.
2. Destination multi segment waveform file: The multisegment waveform to be extended.
3. Comment: A comment on the entire MWV, which can later be read from the MWV, and which
facilitates file management and selection.
Example:
:MMEM:MWV:APP 'SEG2.WV','MYMWV.WV','COMMENT'
:MMEM:MWV:APP 'SEG3.WV','MYMWV.WV','COMMENT'
:MMEM:MWV:APP 'SEG4.WV','MYMWV.WV','COMMENT'
No query form
The most important error messages in the AMIQ error queue when generating an MWV
• Selected waveform is a multi segment waveform but has to be a standard waveform: It is not
possible to append segments which are multisegment waveforms themselves. Please select a
standard waveform to be appended.
• Selected waveform is a standard waveform but has to be a multi segment waveform: Please
select an existing (or new) MWV as destination for Append or Set first.
• Maximum number of segments (30) in destination waveform file exceeded: The maximum
number of 30 segments of an MWV in the AMIQ cannot be exceeded.
1110.3339.12
6.33
E-7
MEMory/MMEMory – Waveform Management
AMIQ
• Resulting waveform length in destination MWV exceeds maximum length: The maximum total
length of an MWV (4 Msamples or 16 Msamples, depending on the AMIQ model) is exceeded.
The new segment can no longer be appended.
For further error messages, refer to the AMIQ error queue (SYST:ERR?) in plain text.
To output partial segments of an MWV at the AMIQ output connectors, first load the MWV from the
hard disk into the AMIQ output RAM, using the same commands as for a standard waveform
(:MMEMory:LOAD RAM 'Multi Segment Waveform file'.
The signal output can then be started with ARM and TRIG or TRIGger:MWVS ,
see chapter 6, ARM/TRIGger/ABOrt – Triggering, Sequence Control.
:MMEMory:MWV:DELete ,.
If a segment of a multisegment waveform is no longer required, or if the maximum segment number
in an MWV has already been reached and a segment is to be replaced, the Delete Segment function
can be used. Generating a completely new MWV is thus not necessary. The segment which is no
longer required can simply be deleted from the trace and a new segment appended to the trace.
The segment indices of all segments behind the deleted segment are reduced by 1.
Select the MWV from the Multi Segment Waveform parameter from which a segment is to be
deleted. The index of the segment to be deleted must be specified under Segment to delete. If the
MWV consists of one segment only, and if it is deleted, the entire MWV file is removed from the
AMIQ hard disk.
Example:
:MMEM:MWV:APP 'MYMWV.WV',2
No query form
1110.3339.12
6.34
E-7
AMIQ
OUTPut – Hardware Settings
OUTPut – Hardware Settings
The commands of this system determine characteristics of the various output sockets.
Table 6-8
OUTPut – Hardware settings
Command
Parameter
Notes
:OUTPut:BIAS
-2.5 V ... 2.5 V
For option AMIQ-B2
(Differential Outputs)
Not SCPI
:OUTPut:CLOCk
ON | OFF
Not SCPI
:OUTPut:DIGital
ON | OFF
For Option AMIQ-B3
(Digital I/Q Output). This
option is available for AMIQ
model 03 and 04.
Not SCPI
:OUTPut:FILTer
OFF | 2.5 MHz | 25 MHz | EXTernal
:OUTPut:I:AMPLitude:BALanced
0 V...4 V
For option AMIQ-B2
(Differential Outputs)
Not SCPI
:OUTPut:I:AMPLitude[:UNBalanced]
0 V to 1 V
Not SCPI
:OUTPut:I:FILTer
OFF | 2.5 MHz | 25 MHz | EXTernal
Not SCPI
:OUTPut:I[:STATe]
OFF | FIXed | VARiable | INVerted
:OUTPut:Q:AMPLitude:BALanced
0 V...4V
For option AMIQ-B2
(Differential Outputs)
Not SCPI
:OUTPut:Q:AMPLitude[:UNBalanced]
0 V to 1 V
Not SCPI
:OUTPut:Q:FILTer
OFF | 2.5 MHz | 25 MHz | EXTernal
Not SCPI
:OUTPut:Q[:STATe]
OFF | FIXed | VARiable | INVerted
:OUTPut:MARKer[:STATe]
ON | OFF
:OUTPut:MARKer:DELay
:OUTPut:OIMPedance
R50 | HIGH
Not SCPI
:OUTPut:RESolution
8 ... 16
Not SCPI
:OUTPut:TYPE
BALanced | UNBalanced
BALanced only for option
AMIQ-B2 (Differential
Outputs)
:OUTPut:CLOCk ON | OFF
through-connects (ON) the sampling clock of the waveform D/A converter to the clock output or
switches it off (OFF).
Example:
*RST value: ON
:OUTP:CLOC ON
:OUTPut:DIGital ON | OFF
The command ON switches on the 16-bit wide digital I/Q outputs if pin 66 of the 68-contact SCSI
connector is at HIGH. For details see chapter 4, section "Option Digital I/Q Output AMIQ-B3". For the
ON setting to be effective, the digital I/Q output option (AMIQ-B3) must have been installed. The option
is available for models 03 and 04 of AMIQ.
Example: :OUTP:DIG ON
*RST value: OFF
1110.3339.12
6.35
E-7
OUTPut – Hardware Settings
AMIQ
:OUTPut:FILTer OFF | 2.5MHz | 25MHz | EXTernal
determines the reconstruction filters to be cut into the signal path. AMIQ comprises two internal
lowpass filters of 2.5 MHz and 25 MHz and allows an external filter to be cut in or not to use any filter
at all. The filters for the two channels can be switched separately or together in one command. The
command affects both channels, with :OUTP:I:FILT or :OUTP:Q:FILT the channels can be
separately switched and queried.
The query returns two values separated by a comma. The first value is for the I channel, the second
for the Q channel.
Example:
*RST value: OFF
:OUTP:FILT EXT
:OUTPut:I:AMPLitude[:UNBalanced] 0V to 1V
sets the output level Vp for the asymmetric outputs. It is only effective when OUTP:I VARiable or
INVerted is set. The parameter denotes the peak amplitude if the output is terminated in 50
If AMIQ is in the BALanced mode (option AMIQ-B2, Differential Outputs) this command acts as a
preset command, i.e. the level is set on switching over to the UNBalanced mode.
I|Q
Vp
Example:
*RST value: 1V
:OUTP:I:AMPL 0.45V
:OUTPut:I:FILTer OFF | 2.5MHz | 25MHz | EXTernal
determines the reconstruction filter to be cut into the signal path of the I channel. AMIQ is provided
with two internal lowpass filters with limit frequencies of 2.5 MHz and 25 MHz, allows an external
filter to be cut in or not to use any filter at all. The filters of the two channels can be switched
separately or together in one command. This command is only effective for the I channel. With
:OUTP:FILT both channels can be switched and queried.
Example:
*RST value: OFF
:OUTP:FILT:I 25MHz
:OUTPut:I[:STATe] OFF | FIXed | VARiable | INVerted
switches the I and Q outputs between fixed level (FIX, Vpp = 1 V into 50 Ohm), variable level (VAR),
inverted variable level (INV) and off (OFF). In the OFF state, the OUTP:OIMP R50 | HIGH command
determines the impedance of the outputs that are switched off. The level set for INV is identical to
the level for VAR, however, the phase of the curve is shifted by 180 deg.
Example:
*RST value: OFF
:OUTP:I VAR
:OUTPut:Q:AMPLitude[:UNBalanced] 0V to 1V
sets the output level Vp for the asymmetric outputs. It is only effective when OUTP:Q VARiable or
INVerted is set. The parameter denotes the peak amplitude if the output is terminated in 50
If AMIQ is in the BALanced mode (option AMIQ-B2, Differential Outputs) this command acts as a
preset command, i.e. the level is set on switching over to the UNBalanced mode.
Example:
1110.3339.12
*RST value: 1V
:OUTP:Q:AMPL 0.12V
6.36
E-7
AMIQ
OUTPut – Hardware Settings
:OUTPut:Q:FILTer OFF | 2.5MHz | 25MHz | EXTernal
determines which reconstruction filter is cut into the signal path of the Q channel. AMIQ is provided
with two internal lowpass filters with limit frequencies of 2.5 MHz and 25 MHz and allows an external
filter to be cut in or not to use any filter at all. The filters can be switched separately or together in
one command. This command is only effective for the Q channel. With :OUTP:FILT the channels
can be switched and queried together.
Example:
*RST value: OFF
:OUTP:Q:FILT 2.5MHz
The OUTP:FILT? query simultaneously returns the filter in the I channel and in the Q channel.
Query:
:OUTP:FILT?
Reply eg:
2.5MHZ, 25MHZ
:OUTPut:Q[:STATe] OFF | FIXed | VARiable | INVerted
switches the Q output between fixed level (FIX, Vpp = 1 V an 50 Ohm), variable level (VAR), inverted
variable level (INV) and off (OFF, high-impedance). The level set for INV is identical to the level for
VAR, however, the phase of the curve is shifted by 180 deg.
Example:
*RST value: OFF
:OUTP:Q INV
:OUTPut:MARKer[:STATe] ON | OFF
For what markers this command is active depends on the options installed in AMIQ.
If neither the "Rear I/Q Outputs" option (AMIQ-B19) nor the "Digital I/Q Output" option (AMIQ-B3) is
installed, the rear-panel marker output designated by (n = 1 to 4) is switched on or off by this
command.
In the ON position, the output is either 0 V or +5 V depending on the marker data of the loaded
waveform. In the OFF position, the output is high impedance.
If the "Rear I/Q Outputs" option (AMIQ-B19) is installed, marker outputs 3 and 4 are not available
because these connectors are used for the Q and I output signals. The command has therefore no
effect for marker outputs 3 and 4.
If both the "Rear I/Q Outputs" option (AMIQ-B19) and the "Digital I/Q Output" option (AMIQ-B3) are
installed, marker 3 is available on data line Q0 and marker 4 on data line Q1 (see chapter 4, "Digital
I/Q Output" option AMIQ-B3), but data lines Q0 and Q1 of AMIQ-B3 cannot be switched to high
impedance with this command because AMIQ-B3 does not provide for this.
If the marker outputs are already switched on and a trace with a generation resolution of 16 bits
{RESOLUTION 16,x} is loaded (see section „Waveform File Format on page 6.57 ff.), they then
become switched off. If a trace with a generation resolution of 16 bits is already loaded, the marker
outputs cannot be switched on.
In the two cases, no error message is issued because the tie-up between generation resolution and
marker outputs is already taken into account in WinIQSIM.
The marker outputs can become switched on again when a trace with a generation resolution of 14
or 12 bits is loaded. The markers cannot be switched on either following the reduction of the output
resolution with the command OUTP:RES because a rounding algorithm is employed that cannot
generate valid marker bits.
Example:
1110.3339.12
*RST value: OFF
:OUTP:MARK3 OFF
6.37
E-7
OUTPut – Hardware Settings
AMIQ
:OUTPut:MARKer:DELay
shifts all markers of marker channel (n = 1 to 4) by . If is less than 0, the
markers are shifted towards the front (ie earlier in time), otherwise towards the end. This function
has a "wrap around" which means that markers shifted out of the trace are coming in again at the
opposite end. The marker data of a waveform file on the hard disk are not changed.
If the "Rear I/Q Outputs" option (AMIQ-B19) is installed, marker outputs 3 and 4 are not available
because these connectors are used for the Q and I output signals. The command has therefore no
effect for marker outputs 3 and 4, but no error message is output.
If both the "Rear I/Q Outputs" option (AMIQ-B19) and the "Digital I/Q Output" option (AMIQ-B3) are
installed, marker 3 is available on data line Q0 and marker 4 on data line Q1 (see chapter 4, "Digital
I/Q Output" option AMIQ-B3).
If a trace with a generation resolution of 16 bits {RESOLUTION 16,x} is already loaded (see section
„Waveform File Format“ on page 6.57 ff.), this command will not be carried out. No error message is
issued because the tie-up between the generation resolution of a trace and marker commands is
already taken into account in WinIQSIM.
Example:
*RST value: 0
:OUTP:MARK2:DEL 100
Restrictions for multisegment waveform
The :OUTPut:MARKer:DELay command is not available for the multisegment
waveform (see chapter 4). A subsequent shifting of the marker signals is not possible.
If an MWV is loaded, and this command is followed by a query, the value 0 is returned.
Example: OUPT:MARK:DEL?
Response: 0
:OUTPut:OIMPedance R50 | HIGH
determines the impedance of the AMIQ outputs switched off via the OUTP:I|Q[:STATe] OFF
command. The commands is effective with and without option AMIQ-B2 (differential outputs). The
output impedance is valid for both channels. The setting R50 corresponds to OUTP:I|Q VAR and
OUTP:I|Q 0V, while the setting HIGH implies that the output connectors are disconnected by
means of a cutoff relay so that they become high-impedance connectors.
If the command is sent while the AMIQ outputs are switched on (OUTP:I|Q FIX|VAR|INV) it will
define a preset value effective as soon as the outputs are switched off via OUTP:I|Q OFF.
Example
1110.3339.12
*RST value: R50
:OUTP:OIMP R50
6.38
E-7
AMIQ
OUTPut – Hardware Settings
:OUTPut:TYPE UNBalanced | BALanced
switches over between the outputs I and Q referred to ground (UNBalanced) and the differential
outputs I and I, Q and Q (BALanced).
The setting BAL requires option AMIQ-B2 (Differential Outputs) to be fitted.
UNBalanced: The level of 0 V to 1 V defined via OUTP:I|Q:AMPL[:UNB]
is equal to the amplitude Vp of the inner conductors of the BNC sockets I and Q
referred to ground, measured at a terminating impedance of 50 Ω.
BALanced:
Example
The level of V to 4 V defined via OUTP:I|Q:AMPL:BAL
is equal to the amplitude Vpp of the inner conductors of the BNC sockets I and I, Q
and Q for a high-impedance termination.
*RST value: UNB
:OUTP:TYPE BAL
:OUTPut:I:AMPLitude:BALanced 0V to 4V
(requires option AMIQ-B2 (Differential Outputs) to be fitted)
The command sets the peak amplitude Vp between the two inner conductors of the BNC sockets I
andI for a non-loaded output. It is effective only for OUTP:I VARiable or INVerted.
I|Q
I|Q
Vp
If AMIQ is set to the UNBalanced mode, this command will define a preset level effective as soon as
the instrument is switched over to the BALanced mode.
Example
*RST value: 0.5 V
:OUTP:I:AMPL:BAL 1V
OUTPut:Q:AMPLitude:BALanced 0V to 4V
(requires option AMIQ-B2 (Differential Outputs) to be fitted)
The command defines the peak-to-peak amplitude between the inner conductors of the BNC
sockets Q and Q for a high-impedance termination. It is effective only if OUTP:Q VARiable or
INVerted is set.
If AMIQ is set to the UNBalanced mode, this command will define a preset level effective as soon as
the instrument is switched over to the BALanced mode.
Example
*RST value: 0.5 V
:OUTP:Q:AMPL:BAL 1V
:OUTPut:I:BIAS -2.5 to 2.5 V
(requires option AMIQ-B2 (Differential Outputs) to be fitted)
The command defines the DC offset (bias voltage) for the I channel and in the BALanced mode.
The specified level remains effective if the I output is switched off (OUTP:I OFF), provided that the
output impedance was set to 50 Ω by means of the command OUTP:OIMP R50.
If the output impedance was set to HIGH while the I output was switched off the output socket is cut
off by a relay so that the BIAS setting is not effective.
Example
1110.3339.12
*RST value: 0 V
:OUTP:I:BIAS -0.2V
6.39
E-7
OUTPut – Hardware Settings
AMIQ
:OUTPut:Q:BIAS -2.5 to 2.5 V
(requires option AMIQ-B2 (Differential Outputs) to be fitted)
The command defines the DC offset (bias voltage) for the Q channel and in the BALanced mode.
The specified level remains effective if the Q output is switched off (OUTP:Q OFF), provided that the
output impedance was set to 50 Ω by means of the command OUTP:OIMP R50.
If the output impedance was set to HIGH while the Q output was switched off the output socket is
cut off by a relay so that the BIAS setting is not effective.
Example
*RST value: 0 V
:OUTP:Q:BIAS -0.2V
:OUTPut:RESolution 8 to 16
Traces from version 3.10 and higher of WinIQSIM are generated with a resolution of 14 or 16 bits.
Each trace receives the tag {RESOLUTION: x,y} where 'x' = generation resolution (bit width of trace
generation in WinIQSIM) and 'y' = output resolution (bit width of trace to be output in AMIQ). The
output generation can be modified after loading the trace and must always be ≤ the generation
resolution. This command can be used independently of the option AMIQ-B3 (digital outputs). It can
prove to be useful to reduce the resolution of the analog outputs for the purpose of investigating the
response of a DUT. Reducing the output resolution has the effect of setting unused bits to 0,
rounding the value and providing MSB-justified outputs at the digital I/Q output and at the 14-bit D/A
converter.
Example:
*RST value: 14
:OUTP:RES 8
Restrictions for multisegment waveform
The :OUTPut:RESolution command is not available for the multisegment waveform (see
chapter 4). The output resolution of the I/Q signal cannot be subsequently changed.
If an MWV is loaded, and this command is followed by a query, the value set for the currently
selected segment in the MWV is returned.
Example:
1110.3339.12
Response: 14
OUPT:RES?
6.40
E-7
AMIQ
PROGram – Program Sequence Control
PROGram – Program Sequence Control
AMIQ is able to execute a sequence of IEC/IEEE-bus commands from a file. The file must contain a
valid IEC/IEEE-bus command in each line. Empty lines and comment lines (beginning with a double
cross) are ignored.
The batch files can be copied from a floppy to the internal hard disk of AMIQ from where they are
executed. Contrary to the waveform files, no directories can be specified.
In most of the commands the parameter is a file name (). Valid DOS names with up to 8
characters may be used, however without information on drive and path or extension (the extension .iec
is automatically added). A directory must not be specified.
Note:
After power up of AMIQ, the autoexec.iec batch file, if any, is automatically executed from
the floppy in the drive.
Table 6-9
PROGram – Program sequence
Command
Parameter
Notes
:PROGram:COPY
Not SCPI, no query
:PROGram:DELete
:PROGram:RUN | EXECute
:PROGram:COPY
copies the specified batch file from the floppy to drive C: of the AMIQ. It is not allowed to specify any
drive names, paths, and file extensions; the default drive set via mit MMEM:MSIS is
ignored. If a file with the same name already exists, the error message -288
is output.
Example:
:PROG:COPY "myprog"
:PROGram:DELete
searches first the floppy, then drive C: for the specified batch file and clears the file. It is not allowed
to specify any drive names, paths, and file extensions; the default drive set via mit MMEM:MSIS
is ignored.
Example:
:PROG:DEL "myprog"
:PROGram:RUN | EXECute
executes the batch file specified with . is first searched for on the floppy and then
on the hard disk. It is not allowed to specify any drive names, paths, and file extensions; the default
drive set via mit MMEM:MSIS is ignored.
:EXECute and :RUN have the same function.
Example:
1110.3339.12
:PROG:RUN "myprog"
6.41
E-7
SOURce – Hardware Settings
AMIQ
SOURce – Hardware Settings
The commands of this system modify the output signals.
The CORRection subsystem within the [:SOURce] system is a supplement to :CALibration.
The commands serve for a fine adjustment of level offset and gain for :OUTP:MODE FIX (the settings
are not effective for OUTP:MODE VAR and INV) and of the delay difference between the I and Q
channels. This adjustment can be used to compensate for inaccuracies of external instruments and
therefore for an overall system adjustment (see section "IQ Signal Adjustments" in chapter 4).
Note:
The keyword SOURce is optional in all subsequent commands and can be omitted as
shown in the examples for the individual commands.
Table 6-10
SOURce – Hardware settings
Command
Parameter
Notes
[:SOURce]:CLOCk
[, mode]
Not SCPI
[:SOURce]:SCLock
EXTSlow | EXTFast | INTernal
nicht SCPI
[:SOURce]:CORRection:GAIN:I:FIXed
-1.0 ... 1.0
[:SOURce]:CORRection:GAIN:Q:FIXed
-1.0 ... 1.0
[:SOURce]:CORRection:OFFSet:I:FIXed
-1.0 ... 1.0
[:SOURce]:CORRection:OFFSet:I:VARiable
-1.0 ... 1.0
[:SOURce]:CORRection:OFFSet:Q:FIXed
-1.0 ... 1.0
[:SOURce]:CORRection:OFFSet:Q:VARiable
-1.0 ... 1.0
[:SOURce]:CORRection:SKEW
-1.0 ... 1.0
[:SOURce]:ROSCillator:SOURce
INTernal | EXTernal
Not SCPI
[:SOURce]:CLOCk [, mode]
This command defines the clock frequency at which samples are read from the output buffer and
applied to the output sockets via the D/A converters. Valid frequency values are from 10 Hz to
105 MHz. Valid mode values are SLOW and FAST. For frequencies below 2 MHz and above 4 MHz,
the mode definition is ignored and can therefore be omitted.
For clock frequencies between 2 MHz and 4 MHz, the user can switch AMIQ to the desired clock
frequency mode.
Clock frequency mode SLOW
This mode is automatically set if a clock frequency below 2 MHz is selected.
The advantage offered by this mode is in the small stepwidth for varying the stored waveform
length. In the case of AMIQ model 03 the waveform length can be varied from 24 to 4,000,000,
in the case of AMIQ model 04 from 24 to 16,000,000 in steps of 1.
For clock frequencies between 2 MHz and 4 MHz, both the SLOW and the FAST mode can be
selected. The SLOW mode can be set with the command
CLOCK ,SLOW
Clock frequency mode FAST
This mode is automatically set if a clock frequency above 4 MHz is selected.
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AMIQ
SOURce – Hardware Settings
Please note that with this mode the waveform length can be varied only in steps of 4, i.e. in
AMIQ model 03 from 24 to 4,000,000 and in AMIQ model 04 from 24 to 16,000,000. This
means that the number of samples must be divisible by 4.
For clock frequencies between 2 MHz and 4 MHz, both the SLOW and the FAST mode can be
selected. The FAST mode can be set with the command
CLOCK ,FAST
If waveforms are loaded that do not match the selected clock frequency mode in terms of minimum
number of samples or steps, corresponding error messages are placed in the error queue.
If no mode is specified for a clock frequency between 2 MHz and 4 MHz, the previous mode is
maintained.
This command causes switchover of the CLK connector on the rear panel so that it operates as an
output, i.e. switchover is made from the external clock input mode (selected with SCLock EXTSlow
| EXTFast) to internal clock. The command has the same effect as the command SCLock
INTernal. In this way, control programs for older AMIQ models can also be run on AMIQ models
03 and 04, if these models are set to SCLock EXTSlow | EXTFast.
*RST value: 3MHz, SLOW
Example:
:CLOC 2.5MHZ, SLOW
Note:
Operation in the 'frequency' range above 100 MHz requires a reduced ambient
temperature. Proper functioning of the instrument is guaranteed up to 100 MHz.
Restrictions for multisegment waveform
The[:SOURce]:CLOCk frequency[, mode] command is not available for the multisegment
waveform (see chapter 4). The clock frequency of an MWV cannot be subsequently changed.
If an MWV is loaded, and this command is followed by a query, the value set for the currently
selected segment in the MWV is returned.
Example: CLOCk?
Response: 100000
[:SOURce]:SCLock INTernal | EXTSlow | EXTFast l
The command SCLock EXTSlow | EXTFast switches the rear-panel BNC connector CLK as an input
for an external clock. External clocking for the AMIQ models 03 and 04 is useful in conjunction with
option AMIQ-B3 (digital I/Q output) and enables two operating modes:
1, integration of AMIQ in a system with system clock.
2, feeding the DUT (eg D/A converter) with a spectrally pure external clock while retaining the
clock/data synchronization.
For details on external clocking, see chapter 4, section "External Clock". The command SCLock
INTernal switches back to the internal clock (also the command CLOCk frequency[, mode]),
and the rear-panel BNC connector CLK becomes a clock output (default setting).
AMIQ always starts with the internal clock setting SCLock INT. This setting is also effective
after loading a setup.
This is necessary because it is not always the case that the external clock is present on the powerup of AMIQ. The external clock mode must therefore be switched on first.
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SOURce – Hardware Settings
AMIQ
The trigger command *TRG starts the data output at the clock mode set with SCLock INTernal |
EXTSlow | EXTFast (see also chapter 4, Basic Modes of AMIQ):
SCLock INTernal: Clock mode SLOW or FAST using the frequency set with CLOck xxxMHz.
SCLock EXTSlow:
Clock mode SLOW (suitable for clocks ≤ 4 MHz).
Clocks > 4 MHz can cause impairment of the trace. The external clock
frequency is not monitored.
SCLock EXTFast:
Clock mode FAST (suitable for clocks ≥ 2 MHz).
External clock frequency monitor: if the external clock frequency falls below
2 MHz, the SDRAM will be halted, warning 1270 "Waveform output
stopped; external clock too low!" is saved in the error queue and
the RUNNING LED goes off. Status bit 8 (SOURCE) of the operation
register reflects the status of the RUNNING LED.
• RUNNING LED off (trace output stopped)
• RUNNING LED on (trace being output)
status bit 8 = 0,
status bit 8 = 1
The output of a trace is started again with TRIGger. It is not necessary to
load the trace again!
If the external clock frequency is changed while a trace is being output, the
clock frequency must be valid and stable 10 ms at the latest. Otherwise the
trace output is stopped.
Example:
*RST value: INT
:SCL EXTF
[:SOURce]:CORRection:GAIN:I:FIXed
determines the gain factor for the I channel. It is only effective with :OUTP:I[:STATe] FIX set.
is specified without a unit. The permissible value range is -1.0 to 1.0, with 0.0 corresponding
to a gain of 1.0. Simple conversion of setting values into gain factors is only possible for 0.0.
Example:
*RST value: 0.0
CORR:GAIN:I -0.1
[:SOURce]:CORRection:GAIN:Q:FIXed
determines the gain factor for the Q channel. It is only effective when :OUTP:Q[:STATe] FIX is
set. is specified without a unit. The permissible value range is -1.0 to 1.0, with 0.0
corresponding to a gain of 1.0. Simple conversion of setting values into gain factors is only possible
for 0.0.
Example:
*RST value: 0.0
CORR:GAIN:Q:FIX -0.1
[:SOURce]:CORRection:OFFSet:I:FIXed
determines the offset for the I channel when the output mode FIXed (command
OUTPut:I[:STATe] FIXed)is selected. is specified without a unit. The permissible value
range is -1.0 to 1.0, with 0.0 corresponding to the minimum offset. Limit values of the valid range are
–30 mV and 30 mV (into 50 Ohm) with a step width of 30 µV.
Example:
1110.3339.12
CORR:OFFS:I:FIX
*RST value: 0.0
–0.1
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AMIQ
SOURce – Hardware Settings
[:SOURce]:CORRection:OFFSet:I:VARiable
determines the offset for the I channel when output mode VARiable (command
OUTPut:I[:STATe] VARiable) or INVerted is selected. is specified without a unit. The
permissible value range is –1.0 to 1.0, with 0.0 corresponding to the minimum offset. The limits of
the valid range depend on the setting of the mechanical attenuator set. When the level is changed
that switches the attenuator, the offset of the output signals is changed as well. The following
assignment applies:
Attenuator
Voltage (into 50 Ω) for setting -1
Voltage (into 50 Ω) for setting 1
0 dB
–70 mV
70 mV
20 dB
–7.0 mV
7.0 mV
40 dB
–0.70 mV
0.70 mV
The attenuator is set with command OUTPut:I:AMPLitude; it cannot be set or queried separately.
Example:
CORR:OFFS:I:VAR
*RST value: 0.0
-0.1
[:SOURce]:CORRection:OFFSet:Q:FIXed
determines the offset for the Q channel when the output mode FIXed (command
OUTPut:Q[:STATe] FIXed). is specified without a unit. The applicable value range is –
1.0 to 1.0, with 0.0 corresponding to the minimum offset. The key values of the range are –30 mV
and 30 mV (into 50 Ohm) with a step width of 30 µV.
Example:
CORR:OFFS:Q:FIX
*RST value: 0.0
–0.1
[:SOURce]:CORRection:OFFSet:Q:VARiable
determines the offset for the Q channel when the output mode VARiable (command
OUTPut:Q[:STATe] VARiable) or INVerted is selected. is specified without a unit. The
applicable value range is –1.0 to 1.0, with 0.0 corresponding to the minimum offset. The assignment
of limit values for the valid range depends on the position of the mechanical attenuator set. When
the level is changed that switches the mechanical attenuator, the offset of the output signal is
changed as well. The following assignment applies:
Attenuator
Voltage (into 50 Ω) for setting - 1
Voltage (into 50 Ω) for setting 1
0 dB
–70 mV
70 mV
20 dB
–7.0 mV
7.0 mV
40 dB
–0.70 mV
0.70 mV
The attenuator is set with command OUTPut:Q:AMPLitude; it cannot be set or queried separately.
Example:
CORR:OFFS:Q:VAR
*RST value: 0.0
-0.1
[:SOURce]:CORRection:SKEW
determines the delay between I and Q channel. Positive values delay the I channel compared to the
Q channel. is specified without a unit. The applicable value range is -1.0 to 1.0, with 0.0
corresponding to the minimum delay. The limits of the valid range are approx. –1 ns to 1 ns.
Example:
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*RST value: 0.0
CORR:SKEW -0.5
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SOURce – Hardware Settings
AMIQ
[:SOURce]:ROSCillator:SOURce INTernal | EXTernal
switches the 10 MHz reference oscillator to internal or external 10 MHz synchronization. At the
reference output always the signal generated by the internal reference oscillator is present.
Example:
1110.3339.12
*RST value: INT
:ROSC:SOUR EXT
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AMIQ
STATus – Status Reporting
STATus – Status Reporting
This path permits readout of information on operating states and errors occurred in the instrument. It
can also be determined which status bits are set under which conditions (so that a Service Request is
triggered, for instance). The meaning of the two registers and their individual bits and the elements of
the register (CONDition, EVENt, ENABle, PTRansition, NTRansition) are described in the section
"Status Reporting System" in chapter 5.
Note:
Resetting the instrument (*RST) does not clear these registers. For this reason no *RST
values are specified. The registers can be reset with :STATus:PRESet.
Table 6-11
Status reporting
Command
Parameter
Notes
:STATus:OPERation:[EVENt]?
Query only
:STATus:OPERation:CONDition?
Query only
:STATus:OPERation:ENABle
0 to 32767
:STATus:OPERation:PTRansition
0 to 32767
:STATus:OPERation:NTRansition
0 to 32767
:STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?
Query only
:STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition?
Query only
:STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle
0 to 32767
:STATus:QUEStionable:PTRansition
0 to 32767
:STATus:QUEStionable:NTRansition
0 to 32767
:STATus:PRESet
:STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]?
queries the EVENt register of the STATus:OPERation register. Reading clears this register.
Example:
:STAT:OPER?
:STATus:OPERation:CONDition?
queries the CONDition register of the STATus:OPERation register. Since this register directly
reflects the hardware, it is not cleared by reading.
Example:
:STAT:OPER:COND?
:STATus:OPERation:ENABle 0 to 32767
enters a figure which is interpreted as a bit pattern in the ENABle register of the STATus:OPERation
register. Setting a bit causes the event to be taken over into the sum bit in the status byte. The mostsignificant bit is not used.
Example:
1110.3339.12
:STAT:OPER:ENAB 32767
6.47
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STATus – Status Reporting
AMIQ
:STATus:OPERation:PTRansition 0 to 32767
enters a number which is interpreted as a bit pattern in the PTRansition register of the
STATus:OPERation register. Setting a bit causes a transition from 0 to 1 in the CONDition register
(ie the occurrence of the corresponding event in the hardware) to be transferred into the EVENt
register. The most-significant bit is not used.
Example:
:STAT:OPER:PTR 32767
:STATus:OPERation:NTRansition 0 to 32767
enters a number which is interpreted as a bit pattern in the NTRansition register of the
STATus:OPERation register. Setting a bit causes a transition from 1 to 0 in the CONDition register
(ie the disappearance of the corresponding event in the hardware) to be transferred into the EVENt
register. The most-significant bit is not used.
Example:
:STAT:OPER:NTR 0
:STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?
queries the EVENt register of the STATus:QUEStionable register. Reading clears this register.
Example:
:STAT:QUES?
:STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition?
queries the CONDition register of the STATus:QUEStionable register. Since this register directly
reflects the corresponding hardware it is not cleared by reading.
Example:
:STAT:QUES:COND?
:STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle 0 to 32767
enters a number which is interpreted as a bit pattern in the ENABle register of the
STATus:QUEStionable register. Setting a bit causes the event to be transferred into the sum bit in
the status byte.
Example:
:STAT:QUES:ENAB?
:STATus:QUEStionable:PTRansition 0 to 32767
enters a number which is interpreted as a bit pattern in the PTRansition section of the
STATus:QUEStionable register. Setting a bit causes a transition from 0 to 1 in the CONDition
register (ie the occurrence of the corresponding event in the hardware) to be transferred to the
EVENt register. The most-significant bit is not used.
Example:
:STAT:QUES:PTR 32767
:STATus:QUEStionable:NTRansition 0 to 32767
enters a number which is interpreted as a bit pattern in the NTRansition register of the
STATus:QUEStionable register. Setting a bit causes a transition from 1 to 0 in the CONDition
register (ie the disappearance of the corresponding event in the hardware) to be transferred to the
EVENt register. The most-significant bit is not used.
Example:
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:STAT:QUES:NTR 0
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AMIQ
STATus – Status Reporting
:STATus:PRESet
sets the edge detectors (PTRansition and NTRansition) and the ENABle registers of the two status
registers OPERational and QUESTionable to defined values:
PTRansition is set to 32767 (0x7FFF), ie all hardware events are detected and transferred to the
EVENt register.
NTRansition is set to 0, ie the disappearance of a hardware event does not cause any change in the
EVENt register.
The ENABle registers are also set to 0, events are not transferred into the status byte (*STB?).
Example:
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:STAT:PRES
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SYSTem – Various Settings
AMIQ
SYSTem – Various Settings
The commands of this chapter are configuration commands which do not directly affect signal
generation.
Table 6-12
System settings
Command
Parameter
Notes
:SYSTem:BEEPer
:SYSTem:BEEPer:STATe
ON | OFF
:SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:ADDRess
1 to 30
:SYSTem:COMMunicate:GTL
:SYSTem:COMMunicate:SERial:BAUD
Not SCPI
1200 | 2400 | 4800 | 9600 | 19200
| 38400 | 57600 | 115200
:SYSTem:ERRor?
Query only
:SYSTem:LANGuage
FAST | SLOW
:SYSTem:OPTion
.