Keysight 53220A, 53230A Universal Frequency Counter/Timer User’s Guide
โฆษณา
โฆษณา
Keysight 53220A/53230A
350 MHz Universal
Frequency Counter/Timer
User’s Guide
Notices
©
Keysight Technologies 2011, 2014
No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means (including electronic storage and retrieval or translation into a for-eign language) without prior agreement and written consent from
Keysight
Technologies, as governed by United States and international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
53220-90001
Edition
Edition
3,
August 2014
Printed in Malaysia
Keysight Technologies,
1400 Fountaingrove Parkway
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Product manuals are provided with your instrument on CD-ROM and/or in printed form.
Printed manuals are an option. Manuals are also available on the web on the instrument’s product page.
Software Updates / Licenses
Periodically,
Keysight releases software updates to fix known defects and incorporate product enhancements. To search for software updates and the latest documentation for your product, go to the product page at:
www.
keysight.com/find/53220A www.
keysight.com/find/53230A
A portion of the software in this product is licensed under terms of the General Public
License Version 2 (“GPLv2”). The text of the license and source code can be found at:
www.
keysight.com/find/GPLV2
This product utilizes Microsoft Windows CE.
Keysight highly recommends that all Windows-based computers connected to
Windows CE instruments utilize current antivirus soft-ware. For more information, go to the product page at:
www.
keysight.com/find/53220A www.
keysight.com/find/53230A
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described in this document are furnished under a license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license.
Declaration of Conformity
Declarations of Conformity for this product and for other
Keysight products may be downloaded from the Web. Go to http://regulations.
prod-
ucts.keysight.com and click on “Declarations of Conformity.” You can then search by product number to find the latest version.
Warranty
The material contained in this document is provided “as is,” and is subject to being changed, without notice, in future editions. Further, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Keysight disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, with regard to this manual and any information contained herein, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Keysight shall not be liable for errors or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this document or of any information contained herein.
Should Keysight and the user have a separate written agreement with warranty terms covering the material in this document that conflict with these terms, the warranty terms in the separate agreement shall control.
Assistance
This product comes with the standard product warranty. Warranty options, extended support contacts, product maintenance agreements and customer assistance agreements are also available. Contact your nearest
Keysight
Technologies Sales and Service office for further information on
Keysight Technologies' full line of Support Programs.
Certification
Keysight Technologies certifies that this product met its published specifications at time of ship-ment from the factory.
Keysight
Technologies fur-ther certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the
United States National Institute of Standards and Technology, to the extent allowed by the
Institute's calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other International
Standards Organization members.
Exclusive Remedies
THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN
ARE THE CUSTOMER'S SOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES.
KEYSIGHT
TECHNOLOGIES SHALL NOT BE LIA-
BLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSE-
QUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER
BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR
ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.
Restricted Rights Legend
U.S. Government Restricted Rights. Software and technical data rights granted to the federal government include only those rights customarily provided to end user customers.
Keysight provides this customary commercial license in Software and technical data pursuant to FAR 12.211
(Technical Data) and 12.212 (Computer
Software) and, for the Department of
Defense, DFARS 252.227-7015 (Technical
Data - Commercial Items) and DFARS
227.7202-3 (Rights in Commercial Computer Software or Computer Software
Documentation).
Trademarks
Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
2 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (WEEE) Directive
2002/96/EC
This product complies with the WEEE Directive
(2002/96/EC) marking requirement. The affixed product label (see below) indicates that you must not discard this electrical/electronic product in domestic household waste.
Product Category: With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE directive Annex
1, this product is classified as a "Monitoring and Control instrumentation" product.
Do not dispose in domestic household waste.
To return unwanted products, contact your local
Keysight office, or see www.
keysight.com/environment/product for more information.
Lithium Battery Recycling
The 53220A/53230A counters contain a 3V
“coin cell” lithium battery.
Keysight recommends that this battery be replaced every year at the instrument’s 1-year calibration interval. Replacement procedures are provided in the 53220A/53230A Service Guide.
Option 300 provides battery operation of the
53220A/53230A using a 12 lithium battery. Performance of this battery will degrade over time as a function of the number of battery charge/discharge cycles.
Refer to local, state, or Federal regulations when disposing of, or recycling either battery.
Safety Information
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation of this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings or operating instructions in the product manuals violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument.
Keysight Technologies assumes no liability for the customer's failure to comply with these requirements.
General
Do not use this product in any manner not specified by the manufacturer. The protective features of this product may be impaired if it is used in a manner not specified in the operation instructions.
Before Applying Power
Verify that all safety precautions are taken.
Note the instrument's external markings described under "Safety Symbols".
Ground the Instrument
The
Keysight 53220A/53230A is provided with a grounding-type power plug. The instrument chassis and cover must be connected to an electrical ground to minimize shock hazard.
The ground pin must be firmly connected to an electrical ground (safety ground) terminal at the power outlet. Any interruption of the protective
(grounding) conductor or disconnection of the protective earth terminal will cause a potential shock hazard that could result in personal injury.
Fuses
The
Keysight 53220A/53230A is provided with an internal line fuse appropriate for the line voltages listed on the instrument. This fuse is not user accessible.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive
Atmosphere
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.
Do Not Operate Near
Flammable Liquids
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable liquids or near containers of such liquids.
Do Not Remove the Instrument
Cover
Only qualified, service-trained personnel who are aware of the hazards involved should remove instrument covers. Always disconnect the power cable and any external circuits before removing the instrument cover.
Do Not Modify the Instrument
Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification to the product.
Return the product to a
Keysight Sales and
Ser-vice Office for service and repair to ensure that safety features are maintained.
In Case of Damage
Instruments that appear damaged or defective should be made inoperative and secured against unintended operation until they can be repaired by qualified service personnel.
Cleaning the Instrument
Clean the outside of the instrument with a soft, lint-free, slightly-dampened cloth. Do not use detergents or chemical solvents.
Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not proceed beyond a CAU-
TION notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 3
WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury or death. Do not proceed beyond a
WARNING notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
Safety Symbols
Chassis Ground
Refer to manual for additional safety information.
WARNING
The BNC shells of the input terminals are connected to the instrument chassis. Verify signal polarity before making any connections to the input terminals.
Protection Limits
The
Keysight 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal Counter provides protection circuitry to prevent damage to the instrument and to protect against the danger of electric shock, provided the Protection Limits are not exceeded and the instrument is properly grounded. To ensure safe operation of the instrument, do not exceed the
Protection Limits defined on the front panel:
!
Channel / Setup
CAT I
Standby Power. Unit is not completely disconnected from AC mains when power switch is in standby position.
IEC Measurement Category
I. Do NOT connect inputs to
AC mains or to circuits derived from AC mains.
1 Watt Max into 50W
WARNING
During battery operation, the maximum measured signal supplied by the user is + 42V.
100 - 240V, 50-60 Hz
100 - 127V, 440 Hz
90 VA Max
Instrument ventilation is through the sides and rear. Do not obstruct the ventilation holes in any of these locations.
Battery Operation
When operating the 53220A or 53230A under battery power (Option 300), failure to observe the following warnings may result in damage to the instrument, electric shock, and serious personal injury:
WARNING
Connect the instrument chassis to earth ground during battery operation to minimize shock hazard. Any interruption or disconnection of the protective earth terminal will cause a potential shock hazard that could result in personal injury.
WARNING
Under battery power, the instrument chassis may float to the potential of the measured signal supplied by the user.
WARNING
Do not connect the input channels of the 53220A/53230A to AC line-voltage mains or to circuits derived from AC mains. The instrument must be used in
CAT I (isolated from mains) applications only. Do not use in other IEC
Measurement Category (CAT II, CAT III, or CAT IV) applications. Failure to observe these precautions may result in electric shock and serious personal injury.
WARNING
Product Options 201/202 add parallel
Channel 1 and Channel 2 inputs to the rear panel of the instrument. Signals on the center conductor of either panel’s channel BNCs are also present on the corresponding center conductor of the BNC on the opposite panel.
Installing the Instrument
The
Keysight 53220A/53230A operates in the following line-voltage ranges:
4 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Contents
1 Preparation for Use 11
Front and Rear Panel Overview 13
Front Panel 13
Rear Panel 14
Display 15
About the Instrument 15
Materials Included 15
Operating and Storage Environments 17
Electrical Requirements 18
Applying Power 18
Power-On LED Status 19
Standby Power 19
Battery Operation 20
Battery Care 22
Using Built-In Help 23
Utility Functions 23
Display Configuration 23
User Interaction 27
Reference Settings 28
How the User’s Guide is Organized 32
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 5
Contents
6
2 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration 35
Software Requirements 36
Using the Counter Web-Enabled Interface 37
Connecting the Counter and Viewing its Home Page 37
Web Interface Overview 39
Installing the
Keysight IO Libraries 41
Installing Instrument Drivers 43
Adding Instruments to the PC Interface 43
Configuring the LAN Interface 44
Configuring the USB Interface 49
Configuring the GPIB Interface 52
Using Interactive IO 55
Firmware and Driver Updates 56
Disabling Calibration Security 56
SCPI Language Emulation Mode 57
Downloading and Installing the Update Utility 57
Downloading the Firmware Update 58
Installing the Firmware Update 58
Downloading IVI-COM Driver Updates 61
3
53220A/53230A Measurements 63
Counter Measurement Summary 64
Reference Oscillator Configuration 66
Reference Oscillator Source 66
Standby Power to the Reference Oscillator (Option 010) 70
Setting the Measurement Mode 71
Setting the Measurement Time Out 74
SCPI Syntax Conventions 75
The MEASure and CONFigure Commands 77
Using MEASure 79
53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Contents
Using CONFigure 79
Frequency and Period Measurements 81
Frequency 81
Frequency Ratio 83
Period 85
Time Stamp 87
Time Interval Measurements 90
Time Interval 90
Rise Time and Fall Time 94
Pulse Width 97
Duty Cycle 100
Phase 103
Single-Period 105
Totalizing Measurements 107
Gated 107
Continuous 110
Burst Pulse Measurements 112
Carrier Frequency 113
Pulse PRI and PRF 114
Positive and Negative Widths 117
4 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning 119
Channel Characteristics 120
Signal Conditioning Path 120
Input Impedance 122
Input Range 124
Input Coupling 126
Bandwidth Limiting (Low-Pass) Filter 127
Threshold Level and Sensitivity 129
Burst Measurement Detector Threshold 136
Noise Rejection (Hysteresis) 137
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 7
Contents
8
Threshold Slope 139
Measuring Input Signal Levels and Signal Strength 140
5 Triggering and Gating 143
Settings Summary 144
Trigger and Gate Time Line 145
Trigger and Gate Cycle 145
System Trigger 148
Wait-For-Trigger and Triggered States 154
Measurement Gate 156
Gate Set Up 156
Frequency Measurements 158
Totalizing 165
Time Interval Measurements 170
Enabling Gate Signals on the ‘Gate In/Out’ BNC 172
Burst Carrier Frequency Measurements 173
Advanced Gate Control - Gate Start 177
Advanced Gate Control - Gate Stop Hold Off and Gate Stop 182
Automatic Gate Extension 189
6 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging 191
Math Functions 192
Enabling the CALCulate1 Subsystem 193
Smoothing Data 194
Scaling Functions 195
Statistics 203
Limit Checking 208
Histograms 211
Viewing Histograms 212
Histogram Configuration 213
53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Contents
Trend Charts 224
Viewing Trend Charts 225
Data Logging 230
Graphics Functions and Reading Memory 236
7 Formats and Data Flow 237
Reading Formats and Data Flow 238
Specifying a Format 239
Setting the Block Transfer Byte Order 239
Data Flow 240
Counter File System 247
Creating Folders and Files in Flash Memory and on the USB Drive 249
User-Defined Power-On States 258
Managing Folders and Files 261
8 Instrument Status 267
Keysight 53220A/53230A Status System 269
Questionable Data Register Group 269
Standard Operation Register Group 270
Standard Event Register 272
Status Byte Register 273
A 53220A/53230A Error Messages 275
Index 289
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 9
Contents
10 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Keysight 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal
Counter/Timer
User’s Guide
1
Preparation for Use
Operating and Storage Environments
How the User’s Guide is Organized
Welcome. This user’s guide contains configuration and operating information for the
Keysight 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal Counter/Timer.
The 53220A/53230A is a 2U, 1/2-module width LXI Class C instrument. The 2U,
1/2-module width references refer to the 53220A/53230A’s physical size relative to standard EIA rack cabinet dimensions. LXI, an acronym for LAN eXtensions for
Instrumentation, is an instrumentation standard for devices that use the Ethernet (LAN) as their primary remote communications interface.
1
Preparation for Use
G
H
53230A
350 MHz 20 ps
Universal Frequency Counter / Timer
A
Measure
Auto
Scale
1
4
Freq
Period
7
Time
Interval
.
Totalize
Gate
B
View
Digits
2
5
Graph
Math
8
Data
Log
0
1
Trigger
C
System
3
Preset
6
Utility
9
Help
Shift
+/-
!
2
Channel / Setup
Back
Local
E
1 Watt Max into 50W
3
D
*
F
12
B
A
Ext Ref In Gate In/Out
Opt 106/115
Opt 010 UOCXO
Opt 300 Battery
Opt 150 sw
(53230A Only)
GP-IB
N10149
Int Ref Out Trig In
C
USB
D
LAN
Line
100-240V, 50-60 Hz
100-127V, 400 Hz
90VA Max Intertek
ISM 1-A
Figure 1-1. The 53220A/53230A Universal Frequency Counter/Timer.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Preparation for Use
1
Front and Rear Panel Overview
Figure 1-1 shows the front and rear panels of the
Keysight 53230A 350 MHz Universal
Frequency Counter/Timer. The 53220A and the 53230A are dimensionally identical and available with the same product options - with the exception of Pulse Measurement
Firmware Option 150 available with the 53230A only.
Front Panel
The shaded areas of the front panel represent keys that perform similar functions. These areas are briefly described below.
A.
Measure Keys - display soft key menus from which the measurement function is selected. Auto Scale senses the input signal (greater than 100 Hz) on input channel 1, 2, or 3 and automatically sets the range and input threshold required to make the selected measurement. Counter measurements are covered in
Chapter 3.
B.
View Keys - select how measurement data is displayed on the front panel. Display configuration is covered later in this chapter. Graphics, math, and data logging are covered in
Chapter 6.
C.
System Keys - provide instrument-wide configuration which includes setting the counter preset state and access to utility functions and to the counter’s built-in help system. For measurement configuration involving numeric entry, Shift changes the key definitions to the numbers at the lower left of the keys.
D.
Channel Keys - select the input channel and displays the soft key menu used to configure the input signal path. Note that Figure 1-1 includes Channel 3 Option 106 /
115. Signal path configuration is covered in
Chapter 4.
E.
Gate and Trigger Keys - select the gating and triggering soft key menus used to control the measurement. Gating and triggering are covered in
Chapter 5.
F.
Soft Keys - are the menus from which the counter is configured. The menus and soft keys themselves are defined by the “functional” keys described above.
G.
Power/Standby Button - switches the instrument between ‘on’ and ‘off’, or between
‘on’ and ‘standby’.
Standby power (when enabled) is provided by the line voltage or Battery Option 300 and is used to maintain the temperature of the oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) -
Option 010. See “Applying Power”
in this chapter for more information.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 13
1
Preparation for Use
H.
USB ‘Host’ Port - available for transferring measurement data and instrument configurations between the counter and a USB storage device. The front panel port is for information transfer only. The rear panel USB port is used for instrument (I/O) control.
Data flow is covered in
Chapter 7.
Rear Panel
The 53230A rear panel shown in Figure 1-1 includes product Option 201 (parallel rear panel inputs) and GPIB interface. The rear panel terminals are briefly described below.
A.
Parallel Rear Panel Inputs - product Options 201 and 202 add parallel inputs on the rear panel. Note that these ARE NOT separate inputs. Signals on the center conductor of either panel’s channel BNCs are ALSO present on the opposite panel’s center conductor.
Signal path configuration is covered in
Chapter 4.
B.
Ext Ref In - is the connector for providing an external reference oscillator signal.
Valid external refererence oscillator (time base) frequencies are 1, 5, and 10 MHz.
Int Ref Out - is the connector for accessing the counter’s internal 10 MHz reference oscillator. The oscillator signal is a 0.5 Vrms (into 50
Ω) sine wave.
Reference oscillator usage and configuration are covered in
Chapter 3.
C.
Gate In/Out - is an input for external gate signals, and an output for routing the counter’s internal gate to other devices. Additional information on this connector is covered in the section “Enabling Gate Signals on the ‘Gate in/Out’ BNC” in
Chapter 5.
Trig In - is the connector for supplying an external trigger signal to the counter.
Triggering is covered in
Chapter 5.
D.
USB and LAN - are the standard input/output (I/O) ports. Configuration of these ports and the GPIB interface is covered in
Chapter 2.
Display
The layout of the 53220A/53230A display is shown in Figure 1-2.
14 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Preparation for Use
1
Input Settings
: measurement start edge
10% : trigger threshold
AC : input coupling (ac or dc)
1MW : input Impedance (1MW, 50W)
5V : input Range (5V, 50V, 500V)
Probe : probe enabled
BW : bandwidth filter enabled
Channel Configuration
Channel and Function
Main Measurement
Ch. 1 Ch. 2
Gate
Status Indicators
RMT: remote (LAN, USB, GPIB) operation
ExtRef: external frequency reference
ExtRef : invalid external reference
ExtTrig: external trigger source
Battery status:
charge level
black – user disabled
red – software disabled
Main Measurement Display
Secondary Measurements
Data Entry Area
Soft Keys
Softkey Navigation
Figure 1-2. The 53220A/53230A Display.
About the Instrument
This section lists the accessories shipped with the 53220A/53230A and contains information on its specified operating and storage environments and electrical requirements.
Materials Included
The following accessories are shipped standard with the 53220A/53230A counter:
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 15
1
Preparation for Use
NOTE
1 Power cord
2 USB cable
3 Keysight I/O Libraries Suite CD-ROM
4 Keysight 53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD-ROM
Additionally, your instrument may have shipped with one or more of the following options installed.
Table 1-1. 53220A/53230A Product Options.
53220A
53230A
Opt. 010: Ultra High-Stability OCXO Timebase
Opt. 106: 6 GHz Microwave Input (Ch. 3)
Opt. 115: 15 GHz Microwave Input (Ch. 3)
Opt. 201: Add parallel Channel 1 and Channel 2 inputs on rear panel
Opt. 202: Install Option 106/115 on front panel
Opt. 203: Install Option 106/115 on rear panel
Opt. 300: Internal Lithium Ion Smart Battery and Charger
Opt. 010: Ultra High-Stability OCXO Timebase
Opt. 106: 6 GHz Microwave Input (Ch. 3)
Opt. 115: 15 GHz Microwave Input (Ch. 3)
Opt. 150: Pulse Microwave Measurements (53230A only)
Opt. 201: Add parallel Channel 1 and Channel 2 inputs on rear panel
Opt. 202: Install Option 106/115 on front panel
Opt. 203: Install Option 106/115 on rear panel
Opt. 300: Internal Lithium Ion Smart Battery and Charger
Each of the product options listed in Table 1-1 is available after the original purchase of the instrument. Refer to the 53210A/53220A/53230A Service Guide (p/n 53220-90010) for installation instructions for each of these options.
No Manuals?
There are three printed manuals available with the 53220A/53230A:
•
Keysight 53220A/53230A Quick Start Tutorial (p/n 53220-90005)
•
Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide (p/n 53220-90001)
•
Keysight 53210A/53220A/53230A Service Guide (p/n 53220-90010)
16 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Preparation for Use
1
53220A/53230A Option 0B0 (delete printed manuals) is the default product documentation option. If Option 0B0 was ordered, only the Quick Start Tutorial and
53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD-ROM are shipped with the instrument.
All manuals are available on the CD. To obtain printed manuals from
Keysight, contact your
Keysight representative.
The 53220A and 53230A
Except where noted, the information contained in this user’s guide applies to both the
53220A and 53230A.
Operating and Storage Environments
When
operating the 53220A/53230A counter, note the following environmental specifications:
Environment: EN61010, Pollution Degree 2; Indoor Locations
Temperature: 0
°
C to +55
°
C
Humidity: 5% to 80% RH (non-condensing)
Altitude: up to 3000 meters, or 10,000 feet
When
storing the 53220A/53230A counter, note the following storage specification:
Temperature: -30
°
C to +70
°
C
Use care when moving the counter from cold to warm conditions as condensation may develop. Ensure that any condensation has evaporated and that the counter has thermally stabilized before turning on the instrument.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 17
1
Preparation for Use
Electrical Requirements
The electrical (power) requirements of the 53220A/53230A are summarized below.
Power Supply: CAT I (do not connect to AC mains)
100 to 240V @ 50/60 Hz (-5% to +10%)
100 to 120V @ 400 Hz (+ 10%)
Power Consumption: 90 VA max when power is on or battery option is charging. 6 VA max during power off or standby
Line voltage and frequency are sensed at power on and no input power adjustments (e.g. fuse changes, line voltage selection) are required.
NOTE
For additional information, refer to the Safety Information pages at the beginning of this guide. For a complete list of 53220A/53230A product specifications, refer to the data sheet included on the 53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD (p/n
53220-13601), or on the Web at: www.
keysight.com/find/53220A www.
keysight.com/find/53230A
Applying Power
Connect the power cord and press the “on/standby” button on the front panel ( ).
During the power-on sequence the counter performs an auto-calibration and self-test which includes:
• power supply verification
• FPGA test
• front panel verification
• measurement board verification
• channel 3 test (if present)
• Option 300 battery test (300 if present)
18 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Preparation for Use
1
NOTE
If the 53220A/53230A does not turn on when the on/standby button is pressed, verify AC power is available to the instrument and that the power cord is securely connected. If the instrument still does not turn on, the cooling fan is not audible, or if the front panel display is off when power is applied, return the unit to
Keysight for repair.
Power-On LED Status
The led located under the on/standby button is an indication of the on/off/standby condition of the instrument. The different conditions are summarized in the table below.
The ‘off’ status is determined by the presence of OXCO Option 010.
Table 1-2. Power-On LED Status and Color.
Power Source
AC Line
Opt. 300 Battery
(enabled)
Opt. 300 Battery
(disabled)
Instrument
‘On’
green green off
OCXO w/
Standby enabled
amber
Instrument ’Off’
OCXO w/
Standby disabled
off amber
(blinking) off off off
No
OCXO
off off off
Standby Power
The power modes of the 53220A/53230A counter are ‘on’ ‘off’, and ‘standby’. In standby mode with the instrument connected to line voltage, standby power is supplied to maintain the temperature within the ultra high-stability oven controlled crystal oscillator (Option 010).
Battery Option 300 itself supplies standby power for the OCXO when the
53220A/53230A is not connected to line voltage.
Refer to “Standby Power to the Reference Oscillator” in
Chapter 3 for information on enabling/disabling standby power.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 19
1
Preparation for Use
Cycling Power and Counter Accuracy
With standby power enabled, repeated power cycling (line or battery) does not affect the standard or ultra-high stability OCXO.
Battery Operation
WARNING
During battery operation, the maximum measured signal supplied by the user is +
42V.
Also, connect the instrument chassis to earth ground during battery operation to minimize shock hazard. Any interruption or disconnection of the protective earth terminal will cause a potential shock hazard that could result in personal injury.
Under battery power, the instrument chassis may float to the potential of the measured signal supplied by the user.
20
With Battery Option 300 installed and
enabled, the 53220A/53230A counter can be operated using battery power for up to three hours.
Removing AC power when the battery is enabled switches the counter to battery power automatically with no interruption of operation. Similarly, there is no interruption in the transition back to line power,
provided line power is connected before the battery is
disabled.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Preparation for Use
1
Enabling and Disabling the Battery
When using the instrument with the Battery Option 300 for the first time after purchase, or if the instrument has not been used for an extended period, the battery
must be
charged before use. With line power connected and the instrument either on or off, allow
four hours for the battery to reach full charge.
Battery Option 300 is
disabled when the instrument is shipped from the factory. Battery control (enable/disable) is provided by the front panel keys shown on the previous page or using the command:
SYSTem:BATTery:ENABle {OFF|ON}
SYSTem:BATTery:ENABle?
(query form)
- ON enables the battery. Off disables the battery. The battery state is stored in non-volatile memory and does not change when power is cycled or following a reset
(*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PREset or Preset key).
The battery should remain enabled while the counter is using AC power. The battery should only be
disabled if the instrument is stored and unused for an extended period.
This will minimize battery drain.
Reading the Battery Level
Pressing the Battery Level soft key or sending the command:
SYSTem:BATTery:LEVel?
reads the battery charge (in percent) relative to a fully charged (100%) battery.
Battery in Use
The presence and status (enabled or disabled) of the battery is indicated by a battery icon in the upper-right corner of the display (Figure 1-2).
Remotely, the instrument can be queried as to whether it is currently using AC power or battery power with the command:
SYSTem:BATTery:STATus?
The command returns AC if the instrument is using line power, or BATT if using the internal battery.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 21
1
Preparation for Use
NOTE
The following table summarizes battery operation:
Operating Time (typ):
Standby Time (typ):
3 hours (below +35
°
C)
24 hours (below +35
°
C, OCXO powered)
Recharge Time (typ): 4 hours to 100% capacity or 2 hours to 90% capacity
Temperature Range: 0
°
C to +55
°
C (operating) - battery charges below +35
°
C
-10
°
C to +60
°
C (storage)
If battery operation is in use above the maximum specified operating temperature, the battery will shut down the instrument to preserve its use. AC power must be applied to recover from a shut down caused by this condition.
NOTE
For a complete list of battery and all 53220A/53230A product specifications, refer to the data sheet included on the 53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD
(p/n 53220-13601), or on the Web at: www.
keysight.com/find/53220A www.
keysight.com/find/53230A
Battery Care
When the battery is
enabled and the instrument is not connected to AC power, the battery discharges at
30% of full capacity per day. When the battery is disabled and AC power is not connected, the battery discharges at
10% of full capacity per month.
When storing the instrument without AC power applied, do not allow the battery to discharge below
10%. The following equation can be used to determine instrument storage time without AC power - and still enable the instrument to be fully recharged: months battery disabled * 10% + days battery enabled * 30%
= 90%
A fully discharged battery may need to be replaced if it has not been recharged for six to
18 months.
22 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Preparation for Use
1
Using Built-In Help
Instrument help is available by pressing and holding any front panel key or softkey.
Pressing the Help key enables you to select additional help topics including front panel measurement examples.
Utility Functions
Utility functions enable you to configure features of the instrument indirectly related to measurement selection and configuration. These functions include:
• display configuration - display control and numeric data formatting
• user interaction - localized language selection, audible indicators
• reference settings - time/date, measurement time out, time base, auto-leveling,
53100 series emulation, NISPOM security
Display Configuration
Measurements can be displayed in numerical or graphical form using the following keys.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 23
1
Preparation for Use
With AutoDigits On, the number of digits displayed is automatically set based on gate time, measurement mode (AUTO, CONTinuous, RECiprocal - Chapter 3), and resolution enhancement. When Off, the number of digits is set with the rotary knob or
[Shift]ed numeric keys. See “Resolution and Gate Time” in Chapter 5 for more information when AutoDigits On is set.
When Graph is selected, the data is displayed in a trend chart or histogram. Trend charts and histograms are covered in
Chapter 6.
Numeric Format
The format (radix, decimal group separator) of numeric data that appears in the main measurement display (Figure 1-2) is set using the following keys.
24 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Preparation for Use
1
The format also applies to numeric readings within trend charts, histograms, limit testing, etc.
Radix
The decimal separator (radix point) between the integer and fractional parts of the reading can be a decimal point (.) or comma (,).
Digit Group Separator
A digit group separator between every three digits on either side of the decimal separator (radix) allows easier viewing of the displayed reading. The separator can be one of the following:
None - there is no space between digits (e.g. 10.967342515 MHz)
Space - a space is inserted between every three digits (e.g. 10.967 342 515 MHz)
On - a comma (,) or decimal point (.) is inserted between every three digits depending on the decimal separator (radix) selected: decimal point radix: 10.967,342,515 MHz comma radix: 10,967.342.515 MHz
Screen Control
Screen control is available through the keys shown below.
The display screen can be turned off to increase reading throughput and its screen saver mode can be used to conserve power. Screen brightness can be adjusted for optimal viewing in different environments.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 25
1
Preparation for Use
26
Note that pressing any key with the display turned off, turns the display back on.
Screen Capture
For documentation of product testing or as a convenience in gathering data, the contents of the counter display can be captured and saved.
The keys related to this feature are shown below.
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1
The content captured is the display state at the time the [Utility] key is pressed. The file format is selectable as either bmp ( bitmap file format) or png (portable network graphics (bitmap) format). Files may be store in internal flash memory or to an external
USB device.
See Chapter 7 for information on selecting paths and creating file names.
User Interaction
The features described in this section are related to the user’s physical interaction with the instrument.
Selecting the Instrument ‘Help’ language
Programming messages, context-sensitive help, and other help topics are viewable in six languages. The selected language remains “active” until changed using the key sequence shown.
Note that menu soft key labels appear only in English.
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Preparation for Use
Beeper Setting
The counter’s Beeper is an indication of a programming error generated from the front panel or over the remote interface. Turning off the beeper disables the audio indication.
Note that the beeper setting does not apply to the tone heard when front panel keys are pressed.
Reference Settings
Reference settings are counter settings that apply to all counter measurements.
Date and Time
28
The date and time settings for the counter’s real-time clock are set using the commands:
53220A/53230A User’s Guide
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1
SYSTem:DATE <year>,<month>,<day>
SYSTem:DATE?
(query form)
SYSTem:TIME <hour>,<minute>,<second>
SYSTem:TIME?
The date and time range values are:
(query form) year: 2000-2099 month:
1-12 day:
1-31 hour: 0-23 minute: 0-59 second: 0-59.999
The real-time clock is battery-backed and retains the date and time when power is off.
There is no automatic setting of, or automatic return to the current date and time.
Measurement Time Out
The measurement time-out is the time allowed for
each measurement to complete. If a measurement
does not complete before the time out expires, 9.91E37 (not a number) is returned and the display indication is: - - - - - - -. The sequence continues with the next reading in the sample count.
Specifying a time out prevents the instrument from pausing indefinitely if for some reason a measurement is unable to complete.
The default and factory-set time out is
1 second. Refer to “Setting the Measurement
Time Out” in Chapter 3 for more information.
Time Base
53220A and 53230A measurements are based on a reference oscillator - also referred to as an internal/external clock or
time base. A valid reference oscillator signal must be present for measurements to occur.
Refer to “Reference Oscillator Configuration” in Chapter 3 for detailed information on selecting and configuring the reference oscillator source.
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Preparation for Use
Auto Level
The threshold level is the trigger (input) level at which the counter begins the measurement. Auto-level is the automatic setting of this threshold based on the positive and negative peaks of the input signal.
The minimum frequency at which auto-leveling can occur is set as shown.
Slow sets the minimum frequency for auto-leveling at 50 Hz. Fast sets the minimum frequency for auto-leveling at 10 kHz.
Refer to “Threshold Level and Sensitivity” in Chapter 4 for additional information on using auto-level.
30 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Keysight 53100 Series Counter Emulation Mode
Preparation for Use
1
The 53220A/53230A’s emulation mode enables the
Keysight 53132A SCPI command set to be used with the counter.
The emulation mode can also be enabled using the command:
SYSTem:LANGuage "<language>"
SYSTem:LANGuage?
(query form)
- language selects the SCPI command set used. Specifying 53132A enables the emulation mode. Specifying either 53220A or 53230A disables the mode.
With 53100-series compatibility mode selected, all programming is through the counter's remote interface (LAN, USB, GPIB). The counter display responds according to the remote commands received.
Pressing any front panel key while in 53100 compatibility mode returns the counter to
53200 series mode as prompted. Setting or changing to either mode requires the instrument to be restarted.
When updating the instrument firmware “53220A or
53230A mode” must be set.
Documentation of the 53132A command set
is not provided with the
(53220A/53230A) instrument. Use of the older SCPI command set is discouraged for new use, but is available for customers who require it.
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Preparation for Use
Securing the Instrument
The 53220A/53230A counter can be secured to the National Industrial Security Program
Operating Manual (NISPOM) standard as shown below.
How the User’s Guide is Organized
This user’s guide is written for the operator using the instrument from the front panel, and for the programmer controlling the counter from a remote (LAN, USB, GPIB) interface. As such, most topics include a front panel key sequence followed by the corresponding SCPI commands. For example:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32
The input impedance of the 53220A/53230A counter can be set to either 50
Ω
or 1 M
Ω using the command:
INPut[{1|2}]:IMPedance {<impedance>|MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}
INPut[{1|2}]:IMPedance? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]
(query form)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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1
The description of operation which follows typically applies to both front panel and remote usage.
For general reference, the information in this manual is organized as shown in Figure
1-3.
Signal Conditioning
Chapter 4
Triggering / Gating
Chapter 5
Measurements
Chapter 3
Math and Graphs
Chapter 6
Status Conditions
Chapter 8
Formats / Data Flow
Chapter 7
Figure 1-3. 53220A/53230A User’s Guide Organization.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 33
1
Preparation for Use
34 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Keysight 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal
Counter/Timer
User’s Guide
2
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration
Using the Counter Web-Enabled Interface
Connecting the Counter and Viewing its Home Page
Adding Instruments to the PC Interface
Configuring the GPIB Interface
Disabling Calibration Security
Downloading and Installing the Update Utility
Downloading the Firmware Update
Installing the Firmware Update
Downloading IVI-COM Driver Updates
This chapter contains information on IO libraries, drivers, and interfaces used to program the 53220A/53230A from selected development environments. The chapter includes an introduction to using the counter’s web-enabled interface and provides information on updating the instrument firmware.
2
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration
Software Requirements
The environments available to program the 53220A/53230A are dependent upon the IO libraries and drivers installed. The IO software included with the 53220A/53230A is contained on the following CD:
• Keysight Automation-Ready CD: Keysight IO Libraries Suite
The IVI-C and IVI-COM drivers for the instrument can be found on the web at: www.
keysight.com/find/53220A
or www.
keysight.com/find/53230A
Table 2-1 summarizes the environments, IO driver recommendations, and the location
(media) where specific drivers and libraries can be found.
Table 2-1. 53220A/53230A Development Environments and Drivers.
Interface
LAN
LAN, GPIB, USB
Development Environment
Web-enabled instrument interface
> SCPI Command Interface window
Keysight Connection Expert >
Interactive IO window
IO Driver Recommendations
Java
™ -enabled Web browser
(available from www.java.com
)
Keysight IO Libraries CD*
LAN, GPIB, USB Microsoft® Visual Studio®
> Visual C++
VISA -
Keysight IO Libraries CD*
IVI-C - Web
LAN, GPIB, USB Microsoft® Visual Studio®
> Visual Basic
VISA-COM -
Keysight IO Libraries*
IVI-COM -Web
LAN, GPIB, USB Microsoft® Visual Studio® .NET
> C#, C++, Visual Basic
IVI-COM - Web
LAN, GPIB, USB
Keysight VEE
LAN, GPIB, USB National Instruments LabVIEW
™
IVI-COM -Web
53220A/53230A native mode driver
IVI-C - Web
LAN, GPIB, USB National Instruments LabWindows/CVI
IVI-C - Web
* Visit www.
keysight.com
for the latest version of the
Keysight IO Libraries Suite.
36 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
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2
Using the Counter Web-Enabled Interface
NOTE
Operating the 53220A/53230A counter from its Web interface requires a Java
-enabled
Web browser
but no additional (i.e. user-installed) libraries or drivers. The Web interface provides access to the counter’s SCPI command set.
This section describes the Web pages and windows primarily used to program the 53220A/53230A. Refer to “Help with this Page” associated with each Web page for additional information on functions or pages not covered in this manual.
Connecting the Counter and Viewing its Home Page
Connect the counter
directly to the PC or to the PC through a network switch using a standard LAN cable.
Obtaining the IP Address
Turn on the counter and open the Web browser. Allow a few moments for the counter’s
IP address to be assigned (either through DHCP or AUTO IP). The IP address can be read from the counter front panel as shown.
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38
Enter the IP address in the browser’s address window. With “Advanced information ...” selected, the counter’s Web home page should appear as shown in Figure 2-1.
Browser Configuration
In some network configurations a proxy server may prevent access to the instrument (i.e.
“page cannot be displayed”) after the IP address is entered. In this situation, the proxy must be configured from the browser such that the proxy is not used for (IP) addresses within the range of those that can be assigned to the 53220A/ 53230A.
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A-53230A-00050
A-53230A-00050.local
169.254.2.30
NOTE
NOTE
Figure 2-1. The 53230A Web-Enabled Interface ‘Welcome Page’.
For ease in (Internet) browser navigation when controlling multiple instruments, open a separate browser session for each Web-enabled instrument.
Although no additional libraries or drivers are required to use the Web interface, the interface is also accessible from
Keysight Connection Expert (KCE). See “Opening the Web Interface from
Keysight Connection Expert” for more information.
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53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration
Web Interface Overview
The following information is an introduction to the counter’s Web interface.
The counter welcome page (Figure 2-1) displays IO information, can be used to identify a connected instrument, and contains menu tabs for accessing additional counter functionality.
To easily identify the counter among other instruments using its Web interface home page, clicking on:
Turn On Front Panel Identification Indicator
changes the counter display to “
LXI Web Identify” until the indicator is turned off by clicking on:
Turn Off Front Panel Identification Indicator
Programming the Counter
Selecting the ‘Remote Control’ icon (second from top) on the welcome page opens the
Interactive IO window shown in Figure 2-2. From this window, SCPI commands can be sent to the instrument.
NOTE
Web interface pages other than the ‘Welcome Page’ may be password protected. When shipped from the factory no password is set; however, an ‘Enter Password’ dialog box may appear. Click on the dialog box to continue.
If the page is password protected and the password is unknown, pressing [Utility],
(I/O Config), (LAN Reset) on the front panel clears the password.
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Figure 2-2. The Web UI SCPI Command Interface.
Any command in the counter’s SCPI command set can be sent to the instrument. Query commands which include ‘?’ in the syntax return data and can be sent by selecting Send
& Read after the command is entered. Commands which do not return data are sent using Send Command.
Changing LAN Settings and Using Password Protection
The Network Configuration Page icon provides access to the counter’s LAN settings, and enables you to set a password to prevent unauthorized access to the Web instrument interface. Select Modify Configuration to change and save settings.
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Installing the
Keysight IO Libraries
NOTE
The
Keysight IO Libraries include the VISA and VISA-COM libraries used for program-ming the 53220A/53230A in Microsoft
® development environments (Table
2-1). The VISA and VISA-COM libraries allow you to send commands from the
53220A/53230A SCPI command set to the instrument. The IO libraries also include
Keysight Connection Expert described and used later in this chapter.
The
Keysight IO Libraries (VISA and VISA-COM) must be installed prior to installing any other I/O drivers (e.g. IVI-C, IVI-COM).
NOTE
The
Keysight IO Libraries and utilities are often updated to include additional features and improve usability. The figures used in this chapter represent the latest version of the IO Libraries available at the time of printing. While you may have a different version, the process of configuring and adding instru-ments to an interface remains basically the same.
The IO Libraries are contained on the
Keysight Automation-Ready CD or may be downloaded from the Electronic Test & Measurement Software page at:
http://www.keysight.com
Before installing the IO libraries, review Table 2-2 to verify that your computer meets the specifications required for the latest version of the software.
42 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
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2
Table 2-2.
Keysight IO Libraries Suite System Requirements.
Operating System
Windows XP (SP 3 or later) Windows Vista /Windows 7
32/64-bit editions
Processor
600 MHz or higher required
800 MHz recommended
Available Memory
256 MB minimum
1 GB or greater recommended
1 GHz 32-bit (x86)
1 GHz 64-bit (x64)
1 GB minimum
Available Disk Space 1.5 GB
* 1 GB recommended for Microsoft .NET
Framework 2.0 SP2
* 65 MB for
Keysight IO Libraries Suite
Video
1.5 GB
* 1 GB recommended for Microsoft
.NET Framework 2.0 SP1
* 65 MB for
Keysight IO Libraries Suite
Super VGA (800x600) w/ 256 colors or more Support for DirectX 9 graphics w/128 MB graphics memory recommended
(Super VGA graphics is supported.)
Web Browser
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or greater Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 or greater
Note: because of the installation procedure, less memory may be required for operation than for installation.
Loading the Software
Close all applications on your computer. Insert the
Keysight Automation-Ready CD into the CD drive. Follow the instructions as prompted for a typical installation.
Accept all default directories specified if prompted.
NOTE
If the IO libraries installation does not start automatically, select
Start > Run from the
Windows
start menu and type <drive>:\autorun\auto.exe where <drive> is the designator of the CD drive.
If another vendor’s implementation of VISA (Virtual Instrument Software
Architecture) is currently installed on your computer, continue installation of the
Keysight IO Libraries by installing Keysight VISA in side-by-side mode.
More information on side-by-side operation can be found in IO Libraries Suite
Help (available after installation is complete) under “Using
Keysight’s and
Other Vendors’ Products Together.”
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After the IO libraries have been installed, close the installation wizard. If applicable, continue with instrument driver installation as described below. Otherwise, continue with the ”Adding Instruments to the PC Interface” section of this chapter.
Installing Instrument Drivers
Interchangeable Virtual Instrument (IVI) drivers (when available) are used for programming the 53220A/53230A with
Keysight VEE, with National Instruments®
LabVIEW
, or in Microsoft® development environments.
NOTE
Install the appropriate driver based on the development environment you are using
(Table 2-1).
Accept all default directories specified during installation if prompted.
Setup type “Typical” is applicable for most users.
Installing the
Keysight IO Libraries installs the Interchangeable Virtual
Instrument (IVI) Shared Components. The IVI Shared Components are required
before the IVI drivers (e.g. IVI-COM, IVI-C)can be installed.
Adding Instruments to the PC Interface
During installation of the
Keysight IO Libraries, the IO interfaces (LAN, USB, GPIB) detected on the
PC are configured. This section contains information for programmatically adding the 53220A/53230A to those interfaces using the
Keysight IO Libraries
‘Connection Expert’ utility.
Simultaneous LAN/USB/GPIB connections to the instrument are allowed.
NOTE
The figures used in this chapter represent the latest version of the IO Libraries available at the time of printing. While you may have a different version, the process of configuring and adding instruments remains basically the same.
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Remote Interface Configuration
The following sections cover front panel configuration of the LAN, USB, and GPIB interfaces. The interfaces can also be configured programmatically using the ‘Remote
Interface Configuration’ commands in the SCPI SYSTem subsystem. This subsystem, plus descriptions of all SCPI commands, is located in the ‘Programming Reference’ section of the 53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD.
Configuring the LAN Interface
With the counter connected to the LAN interface, the IP address can be read from the front panel as follows.
Once the IP address is known, start the Connection Expert utility by clicking the
‘
Keysight IO Control’ icon and selecting “Keysight Connection Expert” from the pop up menu as shown in Figure 2-3.
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46
Clicking the icon opens the pop-up menu
Figure 2-3. Starting
Keysight Connection Expert.
Locating the Instruments
Keysight Connection Expert opens with a welcome screen and window similar to that shown in Figure 2-4. The computer interfaces configured during installation are displayed in the left column (
Explorer pane), the properties of the configured interface are displayed in the right column (
Properties pane).
To search the network for the counter, highlight the LAN interface (LAN (TCPIP0)) and select “Add Instrument” located on the Connection Expert tool bar. After selecting ‘Add
Instrument’, Connection Expert performs an automatic find (Auto Find) of all instruments on the same subnet as the computer.
Select the counter from the list and then click ‘OK’. Communication paths to the instruments are verified and the instruments are added to the configured interface. Instruments added to the LAN in this manner are subsequently programmed using
VXI-11 protocol.
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53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration
2 configured interfaces
Figure 2-4.
Keysight Connection Expert Interface Window.
Using the Sockets Protocol
For higher performance, instruments added to the LAN configuration can also use the
Sockets protocol. To use this connection, select ‘Add
Address’ from the ‘Add Instruments’ menu (Figure 2-4). In this window, enter the instrument’s host name or IP address and under ‘Optional Socket Connection’, select
‘Use socket connection’ (Figure 2-5). Note that an instrument can have both VXI-11
and Sockets connections in the configuration (Figure 2-4).
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 47
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53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration
enter and select to add
Socket connection
48
Figure 2-5. Adding a Sockets Connection.
About IP Addresses and Host Names
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and Automatic IP are enabled on the
53220A/53230A when shipped from
Keysight. This allows the instrument to automati-cally obtain an address on the network. If there is a DHCP server on the network, the server will assign the address to the instrument.
If there is not a DHCP server on the network, the 53220A/53230A will automatically determine the address to use. The address will be in the range 169.254.1.1 to
169.254.255.255.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Host Names
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration
2
The 53220A/53230A has a default host name. The format of the host name is:
A-53220A-nnnnn (
Keysight 53220A)
A-53230A-nnnnn (
Keysight 53230A) where ‘nnnnn’ are the last five digits of the instrument’s serial number.
The instrument host name is reported by Connection Expert for network servers that support Dynamic Domain Name Service (DNS). For network servers that do not support
Dynamic DNS, only the IP address is reported.
Instrument Addressing
During programming, the 53220A/53230A is accessed through its address string which consists of an IP address:
TCPIP0::169.254.2.30::inst0::INSTR
TCPIP0::169.254.2.30::5025::SOCKET
(VXI-11)
(Sockets)
or host name:
TCPIP0::A-53230A-00050.
keysight.com::inst0::INSTR
Disabling the LAN Interface
The LAN interface can be disabled from the front panel by selecting I/O Config fol-
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53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration
NOTE
lowed by LAN Off and cycling power on the instrument. When disabled, the interface cannot be configured by the Connection Expert utility.
Opening the Web Interface from
Keysight Connection Expert
The LAN interface is the
only IO interface from which the counter’s Web-enabled user interface
can be accessed. To open the Web UI, highlight the configured LAN instrument (Figure 2-4) and select “Instrument Web Interface...” from the Connection Expert window.
Configuring the USB Interface
The 53220A/53230A is a high-speed USB 2.0 device. Connection to the instrument is through the Type B USB connector located on the instrument rear panel.
The first time the 53220A/53230A is connected to the PC via the USB cable, a
“hardware wizard” utility within the PC
may start and prompt you for installation software for the product. There is no installation software for the
USB interface other than the libraries on the
Keysight Automation-Ready CD that ships with the 53220A/53230A. Continue through the “wizard” application
without searching for software and using the default selections.
Adding Instruments to the USB Configuration
With the 53220A/53230A and PC connected through the USB cable, start
Keysight
Connection Expert (Figure 2-4) if it is not already open. The PC should detect the presence of the USB device. If necessary,
right-click the USB interface (USB0) and then select “Refresh This Interface”.
Connection Expert will attempt to establish a communication path to the instrument. If successful, the instrument will be added to the list of USB configured instruments (Figure 2-4). The USB address can be read from the front panel as follows.
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The USB Address String
When programming the 53220A/53230A over USB, the instrument’s USB address is included in the address string as follows:
USB0::2391::1287::0123456789::0::INSTR
To simplify addressing during programming, a VISA alias can be assigned and used in place of the complete address. To assign an alias from Connection Expert, right-click on the default alias name and then select “Change Properties”. Enter the alias and then select ‘OK’ (Figure 2-6).
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52
Figure 2-6. Setting a VISA Alias for the USB Address String.
Disabling the USB Interface
The USB interface can be disabled from the front panel by selecting I/O Config, followed by USB Settings, and then USB Off. When disabling or enabling the USB interface, you must cycle power for the change to take affect. When disabled, the interface cannot be configured by the Connection Expert utility.
Using the USB Interface with Interactive IO
The Web-enabled instrument interface
is not available from the USB interface.
An alternate programming method is to use the Connection Expert ‘Interactive IO’ utility (see “Using Interactive IO).
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Configuring the GPIB Interface
NOTE
The following information assumes a GPIB card or USB/GPIB interface is present on your computer.
Programming access to the 53220A/53230A is also available through the GPIB interface. GPIB cables can be connected to the PC in a “star” (all cables connect directly to the computer) or “linear” (instrument to instrument) configuration.
Adding Instruments to the GPIB Configuration
To add instruments to the GPIB interface, highlight GPIB0 and select “Add Instrument” on the Connection Expert tool bar (Figure 2-4). In the ‘New GPIB Instrument’ window that appears (Figure 2-7), select the counter’s GPIB address (
note: factory-set address
= 3) and select ‘OK’.
Connection Expert will attempt to establish a communication path to the instrument. If the counter is at the address specified, the instrument will be added to the list of
GPIB-configured instruments.
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54
Figure 2-7. Selecting the GPIB Address.
The counter’s GPIB address can be read from the front panel as shown below.
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The GPIB Address String
When programming the counter over GPIB, the instrument’s GPIB address is included in the address string as shown below:
GPIB0::3::INSTR
Changing the GPIB Address
To change the GPIB address, select GPIB Address and using the rotary knob or Shifted numeric keys, set the desired address. Once the address is changed, you must cycle power for the change to take affect.
If the GPIB address is changed, the new address IS NOT updated in Connection Expert interface window (Figure 2-4).
From the (Connection Expert) window, highlight the GPIB instrument and then select
‘Change Properties ...”. Within the configurable properties window (Figure 2-7), change the address to the new address setting and select ‘OK’.
Disabling the GPIB Interface
The GPIB interface can be disabled from the front panel by selecting I/O Config, followed by GPIB Settings, and then GPIB Off. When disabling or enabling the interface you must cycle power for the change to take affect. When disabled, the interface cannot be configured by the Connection Expert utility.
Using the GPIB Interface with Interactive IO
The Web-enabled instrument interface
is not available from the GPIB interface. An alternate programming method is to use the Connection Expert ‘Interactive IO’ utility
(see “Using Interactive IO).
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Using Interactive IO
The Connection Expert ‘Interactive IO’ utility provides another method (Table 2-1) of sending commands to the 53220A/53230A. Interactive IO is accessible from
any of the
PC’s IO interfaces, and allows you to send any command in the 53220A/53230A SCPI command set to the instrument. You can also choose from a menu of IEEE-488 Common commands (e.g. *IDN?, *RST, *TST?).
Interactive IO can be used to:
• troubleshoot communication problems
• issue a “device clear”
• learn the instrument's command set
Figure 2-8 shows how Interactive IO is started for a selected interface.
select Interactive IO highlight interface
56
Figure 2-8. Starting Interactive IO for a Selected Interface.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration
2
NOTE
If the Interactive IO window is used to send the self-test (*TST?) command to the 53220A/53230A, the “timeout” period may have to be increased to allow the results to be returned. This is done using the ‘Options’ tab on the Interactive
IO window. The 53220A/53230A self-test takes approximately seven seconds to complete.
Firmware and Driver Updates
Firmware and driver updates (when available) for the 53220A/53230A are available via the Web. This section contains information for locating and downloading the updates to your computer, and then installing the updates in the instrument.
Disabling Calibration Security
Before firmware updates can be installed, the counter’s calibration security feature must be disabled. This done using the command:
CALibration:SECurity:STATe {OFF|ON}, <code>
CALibration:SECurity:STATe?
(query form)
To unsecure the instrument, you must provide the security code in addition to setting the state to OFF. The security code is set to AT53220A (
Keysight 53220A) or AT53230A
(
Keysight 53230A) when the instrument is shipped from the factory. Note, however, the security code may have been changed once the counter has been in use.
After the firmware update is complete, the counter can be re-secured by setting the state to ON and providing the security code. The calibration count is
unaffected when changing the security state or by a firmware update.
The calibration count can be read with the command:
CALibration:COUNt?
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53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration
SCPI Language Emulation Mode
58
If the 53220A/53230A is sometimes used in 53132A SCPI language (emulation) mode, the instrument must be returned to its original (53220A/53230A) mode before the firmware can be updated.
Downloading and Installing the Update Utility
53220A/53230A firmware updates are installed in the instrument using the
Keysight update utility. The utility and firmware update can be found at:
www.
keysight.com/find/53220A www.
keysight.com/find/53230A
Once this page is displayed, select the ‘
Technical Support’ tab and then select ‘Drivers and Software’. Click on ‘532x0A Firmware Update’ and under ‘Documents & Downloads’ select the utility:
53210A/53220A/53230A Firmware Update Utility
When prompted, select ‘Run’ to install the utility. The default installation directory is
C:\Program Files\
Keysight\Firmware Update Utility Type 2. The utility will also be added to the ‘start’ menu under “
Keysight”.
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2
Downloading the Firmware Update
Return to the Web page and under ‘Documents & Downloads’ select:
532x0A Firmware Update Revision <revision number>
When prompted, select ‘Run’ to download (save) the file to your PC.
Note the directory location as you will need to specify the path to the firmware file when you run the update utility.
NOTE
Firmware updates are available from the LAN interface only. Note the IP address before starting the utility.
Installing the Firmware Update
After the update file is downloaded from the web site it can be installed.
1. From the installation directory or ‘start’ menu, start the utility. A window similar to that shown in Figure 2-9 should appear.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Figure 2-9. Firmware Update Utility File Selection Window.
59
2
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration
2. Press Next and using the Browse button, specify the path to the firmware file (Figure
2-10). Once specified, the instrument model number will appear in the ‘Applicable
Models’ window along with the revision and instrument description. Select Next.
60
Figure 2-10. Selecting the Update File Path.
3. Enter the counter’s IP address or host name (Figure 2-11). Select ‘Update’ to start the update process.
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53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration
2
Figure 2-11. Specifying the Address or Host Name.
NOTE
The firmware update takes a few moments to complete. The 53220A/53230A will reboot once the update is complete.
Following a firmware update,
Keysight Connection Expert (if running) may report that the 53220A/53230A configuration has changed. This is represented by a yellow triangle and an exclamation point (!) next to the updated instrument. Select the instrument name, select ‘Change Properties’, and then select either ‘Test Connection’ or ‘Identify Instrument’ to update Connection
Expert.
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Downloading IVI-COM Driver Updates
IVI-COM and LabVIEW drivers for the 53220A/53230A (when available) are provided on the Web at either:
www.
keysight.com/find/53220A www.
keysight.com/find/53230A
Once this page is displayed, select the ‘
Technical Support’ tab and then select ‘Drivers and Software’. The drivers and associated ‘readme’ files are located within this list.
62 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Keysight 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal
Counter/Timer
User’s Guide
3
53220A/53230A Measurements
Reference Oscillator Configuration
Standby Power to the Reference Oscillator (Option 010)
Setting the Measurement Time Out
The MEASure and CONFigure Commands
Frequency and Period Measurements
This chapter contains general programming information and examples of the measurements that can be made with the 53220A and 53230A counters.
3
53220A/53230A Measurements
Counter Measurement Summary
Measurement
Frequency
Frequency Ratio
Period
SPeriod
Burst Carrier Frequency
Pulse Repetition Frequency
Pulse Repetition Interval
Burst Positive width
(“on time”)
Burst Negative width
(“off time”)
The
Keysight 53220A and 53230A counter measurements are summarized in Table
3-1. The table includes the front panel keys under which specific measurements are selected via soft-keys. Also provided are the equivalent SCPI commands and channel restric-tions.
Table 3-1.
Keysight 53220A/53230A Measurement Summary
Instrument
53220A / 53230A
Channels
1,2,3
Key
Freq
Period
Freq
Period
Freq
Period
Freq
Period
Freq
Period
Freq
Period
Freq
Period
Freq
Period
Freq
Period
Command
CONFigure:FREQuency
MEASure:FREQuency?
CONFigure:FREQuency:RATio
MEASure:FREQuency:RATio?
CONFigure:PERiod
MEASure:PERiod?
CONFigure:SPERiod
MEASure:SPERiod?
CONFigure:FREQuency:BURSt
MEASure:FREQuency:BURSt?
CONFigure:FREQuency:PRF
MEASure:FREQuency:PRF?
CONFigure:FREQuency:PRI
MEASure:FREQuency:PRI?
CONFigure:PWIDth:BURSt
MEASure:PWIDth:BURSt?
CONFigure:NWIDth:BURSt
MEASure:NWIDth:BURSt?
53220A / 53230A
53220A / 53230A
1,2,3
1,2,3
53220A / 53230A
53230A
53230A
53230A
53230A
53230A
1,2
3
(Opt. 150)
3
(Opt. 150)
3
(Opt. 150)
3
(Opt. 150)
3
(Opt. 150)
64 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
53220A/53230A Measurements 3
Measurement
Time Interval
Rise TIme
Fall Time
Phase
Totalize (Timed)
Table 3-1.
Keysight 53220A/53230A Measurement Summary (Cont’d)
Negative Duty Cycle
Positive Duty Cycle
Negative Pulse Width
Positive Pulse Width
Totalize (Continuous)
Time Stamp
Minimum Input Voltage
Maximum Input Voltage
Peak-to-Peak Input Voltage
RF Signal Strength
Key
Time
Interval
Time
Interval
Time
Interval
Time
Interval
Time
Interval
Time
Interval
Time
Interval
Time
Interval
Totalize
Totalize
Freq
Period
Display
Display
Display
Display
Command
CONFigure:TINTerval
MEASure:TINTerval?
CONFigure:RTIMe
MEASure:RTIMe?
CONFigure:FTIMe
MEASure:FTIMe?
CONFigure:NDUTycycle
MEASure:NDUTycycle?
CONFigure:PDUTycycle
MEASure:PDUTycycle?
CONFigure:NWIDth
MEASure:NWIDth?
CONFigure:PWIDth
MEASure:PWIDth?
CONFigure:PHASe
MEASure:PHASe?
CONFigure:TOTalize:CONTinuous
Instrument
53220A / 53230A
53220A / 53230A
53220A / 53230A
53220A / 53230A
53220A / 53230A
53220A / 53230A
53220A / 53230A
53220A / 53230A
53220A / 53230A
Channels
1,2
1,2
1,2
1,2
1,2
1,2
1,2
1,2
1,2
CONFigure:TOTalize:TIMed
MEASure:TOTalize:TIMed?
CONFigure:ARRay:TSTamp
MEASure:ARRay:TSTamp?
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel:MINimum?
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel:MAXimum?
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel:PTPeak?
INPut3:STRength?
53220A / 53230A
53230A
53220A / 53230A
53220A / 53230A
53220A / 53230A
53220A / 53230A
1,2
1,2,3
1,2
1,2
1,2
3
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 65
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53220A/53230A Measurements
Reference Oscillator Configuration
53220A and 53230A measurements are based on a reference oscillator - also referred to as an internal/external clock or time base. A valid reference oscillator signal must be present for measurements to occur.
The following information applies to the counter’s standard temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) and Option 010 Ultra High-Stability oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) references.
Reference Oscillator Source
66
The reference oscillator (time base) is either the counter’s internal oscillator or the internal oscillator tuned to an external reference. The source commands are:
[SENSe:]ROSCillator:SOURce {INTernal|EXTernal}
[SENSe:]ROSCillator:SOURce?
(query form)
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53220A/53230A Measurements 3
[SENSe:]ROSCillator:SOURce:AUTO {OFF|ON}
[SENSe:]ROSCillator:SOURce:AUTO?
(query form)
- INTernal selects the counter’s internal 10 MHz oscillator. The signal is a
0.5 Vrms (into 50
Ω
) sine wave. The internal oscillator signal is also present on the counter’s rear panel Int Ref Out connector.
- EXTernal selects an external reference signal applied to the rear panel
Ext Ref In connector. The signal must be:
• 1 MHz , 5 MHz, or 10 MHz
• 100 mVrms to 2.5 Vrms
• sine wave and the frequency must be specified by the SENSe:ROSCillator:EXTernal:FREQuency
command.
- :AUTO ON enables automatic selection of the reference oscillator source. If a 1, 5, or
10 MHz signal is present on the counter’s Ext Ref In connector, source EXTernal is set. If a valid signal is not present
or is lost, the source automatically switches to
INTernal
.
Note that specifying an oscillator source (INTernal or EXTernal) using
[SENSe:]ROSCillator:SOURce
disables automatic selection.
- :AUTO Off disables automatic selection of the oscillator source. The source is then set by the [SENSe:]ROSCillator:SOURce command.
The reference oscillator source is set to INTernal with automatic selection enabled
(On) when the counter is shipped from the factory or following the SYS-
Tem:SECure:IMMediate
command. Settings are stored in non-volatile memory and are not changed after a reset (*RST) or instrument preset
(SYSTem:PREset or Preset key).
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53220A/53230A Measurements
Specifying the External Reference Frequency
68
When the reference oscillator source is EXTernal as set by either SENSe:ROSCillator:SOURce
or SENSe:ROSCillator:SOURce:AUTO, the lock frequency of the external signal (to which the internal oscillator is tuned)
must be indicated using the command:
[SENSe:]ROSCillator:EXTernal:FREQuency {1E6|5E6|10E6|
MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
[SENSe:]ROSCillator:EXTernal:FREQuency? [{MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}]
(query form)
The external reference frequency setting is 10 MHz when the counter is shipped from the factory or following the SYSTem:SECure:IMMediate command. The setting is stored in non-volatile memory and is not changed after a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PREset or Preset key).
External Reference Example
The following example configures the counter to tune to an external reference if present, and the expected external frequency is 10 MHz.
SENS:ROSC:SOUR:AUTO ON // tune to external ref if present
SENS:ROSC:EXT:FREQ 10E6 // signal will be 10 MHz
Detecting a Valid External Reference Signal
ExtRef will appear in the top, right corner of the display when a valid (external) reference is present. If a valid frequency is not present or was not specified, the message “No valid external timebase” is displayed. The error is also logged in the error queue.
The presence of a valid external reference can be determined programmatically with the
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53220A/53230A Measurements 3
command:
[SENSe:]ROSCillator:EXTernal:CHECk ONCE
Prior to sending the command, SENSe:ROSCillator:SOURce EXTernal and
SENSe:ROSCillator:SOURce:AUTO OFF
must be set.
The following example checks for an external reference signal applied to the Ext Ref In connector.
SENS:ROSC:SOUR EXT // set source, also disables
// automatic source selection
SENS:ROSC:EXT:CHEC ONCE // check for valid signal
SYST:ERR? // read the error queue
The error queue can be read from the front panel as follows:
The status of the external reference (time base) is also monitored by the counter’s Questionable Data register. The register can be queried with the command:
STATus:QUEStionable:EVENt?
A value of +1024 (bit 10) indicates an invalid frequency (time base) error. Reading the
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53220A/53230A Measurements
register
clears all bits in the register. See Chapter 8 for information on the counter’s status system.
Standby Power to the Reference Oscillator (Option 010)
Standby power to maintain the operating temperature of the counter’s internal OCXO reference oscillator (Option 010) is provided by the the line voltage or from Battery
Option 300. Standby power is enabled and disabled using the command:
[SENSe:]ROSCillator:INTernal:POWer:STANdby {OFF|ON}
[SENSe:]ROSCillator:INTernal:POWer:STANdby?
(query form)
- On enables standby power which maintains the temperature of the OCXO when the front panel power button is switched ‘off’ (standby). If line power is removed from the instrument and Battery Option 300 is installed
and enabled, standby power is supplied by the battery. Battery-supplied standby power is 24 hours.
-Off
disables standby power from either the line voltage or battery to the internal oscillator when the front panel power button is switched ‘off’.
With standby power Off, cycling power on the instrument also cycles power to the oscillator.
This may affect the oscillator’s calibrated accuracy, and stability may not occur until the specified warm-up time (45 minutes) is reached.
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53220A/53230A Measurements 3
Note that disabling standby power with Battery Option 300 installed and the line voltage removed will extend the time the battery remains charged.
Standby power is disabled (Off) when the counter is shipped from the factory or following the SYSTem:SECure:IMMediate command. The current setting is stored in non-volatile memory and is not changed after a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYS-
Tem:PREset
or Preset key).
Setting the Measurement Mode
There are three measurement modes available for making
frequency, frequency ratio, and
average period measurements. The measurement mode is set using the command:
[SENSe:]FREQuency:MODE {AUTO|RECiprocal|CONTinuous}
[SENSe:]FREQuency:MODE?
(query form)
AUTO
- configures the counter to make resolution-enhanced measurements when possible, or reciprocal measurements otherwise depending on input signal conditions. Channel 3 wide mode burst frequency measurements (PRF/PRI) are made using resolution-enhanced (AUTO) mode only.
RECiprocal
- configures the counter for reciprocal-only measurements. In Reciprocal mode, the period of the input signal is measured and all frequency readings are derived from (are the reciprocal of) the period measurement.
RECiprocal
mode is not available on optional channel 3.
CONTinuous
- configures the counter for continuous, resolution-enhanced, gap-free measurements. These measurements are used by the counter's Allan Deviation feature
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53220A/53230A Measurements
when estimating stability.
In CONTinuous mode a trigger count of ‘1’ is the only value allowed, and all samples
(readings) per trigger are taken within a
single (hardware) gate open/gate close sequence and computed back-to-back. There is no lag (dead time) between readings that otherwise occurs with the per-sample gate open/gate close sequence of the AUTO and RECiprocal
modes.
Figure 3-1 and the following paragraphs describe continuous, gap-free measurements with an example one second gate time.
CONFigure:FREQuency [<expected value>, <resolution>, <channel>]
TRIGger:COUNt 1
SAMPle:COUNt <count>
SENSe:FREQuency:MODE CONTinuous
SENSe:FREQuency:GATE:SOURce TIME
SENSe:FREQuency:GATE:TIME 1 gap-free
‘stop’ edge of previous reading is ‘start’ edge of next reading
Reading #1
Reading #2 gap-free
...
Reading n start
1 2 3 4 stop
5 start
1 2 3 4 stop
5 edges required for reading determined by gate time gate time (1s)
1 start
2 3 gate time (1s)
4 5 stop
...
gate time (1s) subsequent readings based on number of edges for first reading gate open gate closed
Gate In/Out BNC:
OUTput:STATe ON
OUTput:POLarity NORMal firmware controlled – will see fluctuations on the output BNC but readings are continuous (gap free)
Figure 3-1. 53230A Continuous, Gap-Free Measurement Sequence.
72 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
53220A/53230A Measurements 3
Gate Time/Edge Count
The specified (or default) gate time and the input signal frequency determine the number of edges required to produce the first reading in the sample count. All subsequent readings in the count are based on the same number of edges used for the first reading. Gate time is per reading.
Start/Stop Edge
The edge that ends the gate time of the previous reading is the same edge which starts the gate time (edge count) for the next reading. Because the same edge is used as a start/stop edge, there is no gap/lag/dead time between readings in CONTinous
mode.
Input Signal Stability
The stability of the input signal frequency during the measurement can impact the counter's observable continuous (gap-free) characteristic. As previously mentioned, all readings in the current reading count are based on the number of edges required to complete the first reading which in turn, are based on the specified or default gate time. If during measurements before the sample count is reached the input frequency changes, the counter will modulate the gate time of subsequent readings according to the frequency. The edge count per reading as originally determined remains fixed and the readings gap-free.
CONTinuous
mode is available on channels 1 and 2 and optional channel 3 of the
53230A only, and only for frequency and average-period measurements.
Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PREset or Preset key), the measurement mode is set to AUTO. CONFigure and MEASure do not change the mode.
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Setting the Measurement Time Out
74
The measurement time-out is the time allowed for
each measurement to complete. If a measurement
does not complete before the time out expires, 9.91E37 (not a number) is returned and the display indication is: - - - - - - -. The sequence continues with the next reading in the sample count.
Specifying a time out prevents the instrument from pausing indefinitely if for some reason a measurement is unable to complete.
The measurement time out is set with the command:
SYSTem:TIMeout {<time>|MINimum|MAXimum|INFinity|DEFault}
SYSTem:TIMeout? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]
(query form)
- time is the specified time out in the range of 10 ms to 2,000s with 1 ms resolution. The time out setting can affect reading throughput when multiple readings are taken during the trigger cycle. Trigger delays, gate times, and gate delays (Chapter 5) should be considered when setting an optimum time out value.
The time out setting is stored in non-volatile memory and
is not changed following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PREset or Preset key).
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53220A/53230A Measurements 3
When shipped from the factory the measurement time out is set to 1 second. Specifying a time of 9.9E+37 or sending the SYSTem:SECurity:IMMediate command disables the time out. When the time out is
disabled, the instrument will wait indefinitely for the measurement to complete.
SCPI Syntax Conventions
Programming the counters through their LAN, USB, and GPIB interface is achieved using the Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) control language.
A typical example of the SCPI language syntax is shown for the following MEASure command:
MEASure:FREQuency? [{<expected>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
[,{<resolution>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]][,<channel>]]
The programming conventions are as follows.
Command Keywords and Abbreviated Commands
Command keywords (e.g. MEASure, FREQuency?) are separated by a colon (:).
Upper case letters indicate the abbreviated spelling of the keyword or parameter. Either the abbreviated form or the entire command/parameter must be used.
Optional Keywords and Parameters
Optional (implied) keywords and parameters are indicated by square brackets
(e.g. [,<channel>]) and are not included when the command is sent. If an optional parameter is not specified, a default value is used.
Separating Commands and Parameters and Linking SCPI Commands
A space must separate the last keyword and the first parameter. Commas (,) separate multiple parameters. The ‘@’ symbol must precede
each counter channel number and parentheses must enclose each channel:
MEAS:FREQ:RAT? 5E6,(@2),(@1)
Multiple Subsystems
To send multiple SCPI commands in a single string, com-
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53220A/53230A Measurements
mands within different subsystems (root nodes) must be separated by a semicolon (;) and a colon (:). For example, the string:
INP:COUP AC;:TRIG:SOUR EXT requires a semicolon and a colon because the subsystems/root nodes (INPut and TRIGger) are not the same.
Same Subsystem
For commands that share the same subsystem, multiple commands can also be sent in a single string. The first command references the root node, and subsequent commands separated by semicolons, are referenced to the same level as the previous command. As an example, the command sequence representing the
CALCulate2
subsystem:
CALC2:TRAN:HIST:STAT ON
CALC2:TRAN:HIST:POIN 15
CALC2:TRAN:HIST:RANG:AUTO ON
CALC2:TRAN:HIST:RANGe:AUTO:COUNt 300 can be sent in a string as:
CALC2:TRAN:HIST:STAT ON;POIN 15;RANG:AUTO ON;AUTO:COUN 300
Separate Command Lines or Strings?
Sending commands in a single string rather than in separate command lines can eliminate “settings conflict” errors. When sent on separate lines, the counter checks for errors as each command (line) is parsed. When sent as a string, the entire string is parsed before error conditions are checked.
Linking IEEE 488-2 Common Commands and SCPI Commands
In a command string containing both IEEE 488.2 common commands (e.g. *RST,
*WAI
, *OPC?) and SCPI instrument commands, the common commands are separated from the SCPI commands by a semicolon (;). An example is shown in the following string:
CALC:STAT ON;AVER:STAT ON;:INIT;*WAI;:CALC:AVER:AVER?
76 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
53220A/53230A Measurements 3
The MEASure and CONFigure Commands
Each time the counter takes a measurement it does so from a configuration based on multiple parameters. The
easiest and most common starting point for setting these parameters
programmatically is using commands within the CONFigure and
MEASure
subsystems. These commands are considered “high-level” commands as multiple counter parameters are set or defaulted from a single command. “Low-level” commands are those within other subsystems (i.e. INPut, TRIGger, SENSe) that allow you to change a parameter value from that set, or defaulted to, using CONFigure or MEASure.
Executing commands from the CONFigure and MEASure subsystems is equivalent to setting parameters individually using the commands/subsystems shown in Table 3-2.
Table 3-2. Counter Configuration using CONFigure and MEASure
Parameter
Input
Measurement Mode
Trigger source
Trigger slope
Trigger delay
Trigger count
Sample count
CONFigure/MEASure Setting
range, low-pass filtering, coupling, impedance and noise rejection are unchanged from previous or their power-on settings.
Low-Level Command/Subsystem
INPut{1|2}:RANGe
INPut{1|2}:FILTer
INPut{1|2}:COUPling
INPut{1|2}:IMPedance
INPut{1|2}:NREJect
SENSe:FREQuency:MODE AUTO for frequency, frequency ratio, average period, PRF, or PRI measurements.
Unchanged for all others.
IMMediate
NEGative
0.0 seconds
1 trigger
1 sample
TRIGger:SOURce
TRIGger:SLOPe
TRIGger:DELay
TRIGger:COUNt
SAMPle:COUNt
Parameter CONFigure/MEASure Setting
Low-Level Command/Subsystem
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53220A/53230A Measurements
78
GATE Source
GATE Start Source
GATE Start Slope
GATE Start Delay
GATE Stop Source
GATE Stop Holdoff
GATE Stop Slope
External Gate Source
Burst Gate Auto
Burst Gate Delay
Burst Gate Time
Narrow Pulse Mode
Math
Graphics
Auto-level Frequency
Measurement Timeout
Reference oscillator
Reading Format
Data Storage
Instrument Status
Based on measurement function specified by the CONFigure or MEASure command.
IMMediate
NEGative
TIME
0.0 seconds
IMMediate
TIME
0.0 seconds
NEGative
Gate In/Out BNC
On (enabled)
0.0 seconds
1.0 us
Off (disabled)
Disabled, including the individual calculate functions. Other parameters are unchanged.
Unchanged
Unchanged
Unchanged from previous settings.
Unchanged from previous settings.
Unchanged from previous settings.
Unchanged from previous settings.
SENSe:FREQuency:GATE:SOURce
SENSe:TINTerval:GATE:SOURce
SENSe:TOTalize:GATE:SOURce
SENSe:GATE:STARt:SOURce
SENSe:GATE:STARt:SLOPe
SENSe:GATE:STARt:DELay:SOURce
SENSe:GATE:STARt:DELay:TIME
SENSe:GATE:STOP:SOURce
SENSe:GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:SOURce
SENSe:GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:TIME
SENSe:GATE:STOP:SLOPe
OUTPut:STATe
SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:AUTO
SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:DELay
SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:TIME
SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:NARRow
CALCulate1 subsystem
CALCulate2 subsystem
SYSTem:ALEVel:FREQuency
SYSTem:TIMeout
SENSe:ROSCillator:SOURce
SENSe:ROSCillator:SOURce:AUTO
SENSe:ROSCillator:EXTernal:FREQuency
FORMat Subsystem
DATA Subsystem
STATus Subsystem
Using MEASure
Measurements using commands from the MEASure subsystem are made as the command is executed, and are based on parameters specified within the syntax. The results are sent to the instrument’s output buffer.
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For example, the MEASure command:
MEAS:FREQ? 60.0, 1e-3, (@1) takes a single measurement with five digit (1 mHz) resolution of an expected 60 Hz signal on channel 1. All other counter parameters (input configuration, trigger sources, etc.), are set to values predefined for the given MEASure command, or remain unchanged from previously programmed values.
Because the measurement is taken immediately, changes to the counter configuration are limited to the parameters within the command.
Using CONFigure
Measurements using commands from the CONFigure subsystem allow the use of low-level commands to change counter parameters before the measurement is taken. For example, assume the following configuration is required:
• frequency measurement
• external trigger - positive slope
• trigger count = 2
• sample count (readings per trigger) = 5
• gate time = 5 ms
The MEASure:FREQuency? command cannot be used since it immediately triggers a measurement after setting the trigger source to ‘internal’, the trigger count to ‘1’, and the sample count to ‘1’. The gate time is set to 0.1 seconds.
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80
Using CONFigure and the appropriate low-level commands, the configuration can be changed before the measurement is initiated (the abbreviated form of the SCPI commands are shown):
//configure counter for frequency measurements
//change parameter values from those set by CONFigure
CONF:FREQ 1.0E6, (@2)
TRIG:SOUR EXT
TRIG:SLOP POS
TRIG:COUN 2
SAMP:COUN 5
SENS:FREQ:GATE:TIME 0.005
SENS:FREQ:GATE:SOUR TIME
INIT
Using CONFigure?
The following command:
CONFigure?
returns the measurement function configured by the last CONFigure or
MEASure?
command sent to the instrument. Sending CONFigure? after power is cycled generates a settings conflict error until CONFigure or
MEASure?
is sent.
For example:
CONF:FREQ 1.0E6, (@2)
CONF?
returns (including quotes):
"FREQ +1.00000000000000E+006,+1.00000000000000E-004,(@2)" which includes the function, expected value, (calculated) resolution, and channel. If a channel number is not specified in the CONFigure or MEASure command, no channel is included in the return string.
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Frequency and Period Measurements
NOTE
The 53220A/53230A measurements covered in this section include frequency, frequency ratio, and period.
The SCPI commands listed in these examples are provided as an introduction to how frequency measurements are made. Commands may be included even though they specify default values - but which should be considered when modifying the examples for actual use. Refer to the ‘Programmer’s Reference’ on the
Keysight 53210A/53220A/ 53230A Product Reference CD for additonal information.
Frequency
A standard frequency measurement is shown in Figure 3-2.
90 t r
10
+ width t f
- width frequency
Figure 3-2. Standard Frequency Measurement.
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The commands used to make frequency measurements are:
MEASure:FREQuency? [{<expected>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
[,{<resolution>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]][,<channel>]
CONFigure:FREQuency [{<expected>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
[,{<resolution>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]][,<channel>]
- expected
is the expected input signal frequency. resolution is the desired measurement resolution in hertz. The parameter ranges are: expected
(channels 1 and 2): 0.1 Hz - 350 MHz (default = 10 MHz) expected
(channel 3 Option 106): 100 MHz - 6.0 GHz (default = 500 MHz) expected
(channel 3 Option 115): 300 MHz - 15 GHz (default = 500 MHz) resolution
(all channels): 1.0E-15 * expected to 1.0E-5* expected
(default resolution corresponds to a 0.1s gate time)
- channel is counter channel 1, 2, or 3 specified as (@1), (@2), or (@3).
Frequency Measurement Examples
// using MEASure? - measure 20 MHz signal with 0.1 Hz
// resolution
*RST // reset to start from known state
MEAS:FREQ? 20E6, 0.1, (@1)
------------------------------------------------------
// using CONFigure - measure 20 MHz signal with
// 0.1 Hz resolution, take 10 readings
*RST // reset to start from known state
CONF:FREQ 20E6, 0.1, (@1)
SAMP:COUN 10 // take 10 readings
READ?
Notes
1. See Chapter 5 for information on triggering and number of readings per trigger (sample count).
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Frequency Ratio
A frequency ratio measurement is the measurement of two signals in which one signal generally serves as a reference (Figure 3-3). The signals can be different wave shapes and applied to any 2-channel combination on the counter.
numerator channel f
1
denominator channel f
2
Figure 3-3. Ratio of Two Input Signal Measurements.
The commands used to make frequency ratio measurements are:
MEASure:FREQuency:RATio? [{<expected>|MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault} [,{<resolution>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]]
[,<channel_pair>]
CONFigure:FREQuency:RATio [{<expected>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault} [,{<resolution>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]]
[,<channel_pair>]
- expected
is the expected ratio of the two input signals. resolution is the desired resolution of the ratio measurement. The parameter ranges are: expected
(Ch1/Ch2, Ch2/Ch1): 2.8E-10 to 3.5E+9 expected
(Ch1/Ch3, Ch2/Ch3 - Option 106): 1.6E-11 to 3.5
expected
(Ch1/Ch3, Ch2/Ch3 - Option 115): 6.6E-12 to 1.2
expected
(Ch3/Ch1, Ch3/Ch2 - Option 106): 0.28 to 6.0E10
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expected
(Ch3/Ch1, Ch3/Ch2 - Option 115): 0.85 to 15.0E10
resolution
(all channels): 1.0E-15 * expected to 1.0E-5* expected
(default resolution corresponds to a 0.1s gate time)
- channel_pair
settings are (@1),(@2)|(@2),(@1)|(@1),(@3)|
(@3),(@1)|(@2),(@3)|(@3),(@2)
. Within the pair, the first channel represents the ratio’s numerator and the second channel represents the ratio’s denominator. The default channel_pair is (@1),(@2).
Frequency Ratio Examples
// using MEASure? - ratio measurement expecting a 1:1
// ratio, set 6 digits of resolution of ratio measurement
*RST // reset to start from known state
MEAS:FREQ:RAT? 1, 1.0E-6, (@1),(@2)
-------------------------------------------------------
// using CONFigure - ratio measurement expecting a 1:1
// ratio, set 9 digits of ratio resolution
*RST // reset to start from known state
CONF:FREQ:RAT 1, 1.0E-9, (@1),(@2)
INP:LEV 1.5
// set a 1.5V threshold level (ch. 1)
INP2:LEV 1.5
// set a 1.5V threshold level (ch. 2)
READ?
Notes
1. The digits of resolution in the above ratio measurements is set by the resolution parameter (1.0E-6, 1.0E-9). In effect, the exponent corresponds to the number of digits. See “Frequency Measurements” in Chapter 5 for information on the relationship between gate time and reading resolution.
2. See Chapter 4 for additional information on counter threshold levels and on configuring the input signal path.
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Period
A standard period measurement is shown in Figure 3-4.
90 t r
10
+ width t f
- width period
Figure 3-4. Standard Period Measurement.
The commands used to make period measurements are:
MEASure:PERiod? [{<expected>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
[,{<resolution>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]][,<channel>]
CONFigure:PERiod [{<expected>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
[,{<resolution>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]][,<channel>]
- expected
is the expected input signal period. resolution is the desired measurement resolution in seconds. The parameter ranges are: expected
(channels 1 and 2): 2.8 nsec to 10 sec (default = 100 nsec) expected
(channel 3 Option 106): 160 psec to 10 nsec (default = 2 nsec) expected
(channel 3 Option 115): 66 psec to 3.33 nsec (default = 2 psec)
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resolution
(all channels): 1.0E-15 * expected to 1.0E-5* expected
(default resolution corresponds to a 0.1s gate time)
- channel is counter channel 1, 2, or 3 specified as (@1), (@2), or (@3).
Period Measurement Examples
// using MEASure? - measure the period of a 100 ns (10 MHz)
// signal with 12-digit resolution
*RST // reset to start from known state
MEAS:PER? 100E-9, 1E-12, (@1)
----------------------------------------------------------
// using CONFigure - measure the period of a 100 ns (10 MHz)
// signal with 12-digit resolution
*RST
SYST:TIM 1.0
// reset to start from known state
// 1s measurement timeout (per meas)
CONF:FREQ 100E-9, 1E-12, (@1)
SAMP:COUN 10 // take 10 readings
READ?
Notes
1. See Chapter 5 for information on triggering and number of readings per trigger (sample count).
2. See Chapter 4 for additional information on counter threshold levels and on configuring the input signal path.
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Time Stamp
Time stamp measurements record events (edges) as they occur on the counter input channels. An example of time stamp measurements between the edges of an input waveform is shown in Figure 3-5. (Time stamp measurements are available with the
53230A
only.)
scale factor = 10 scale factor = 1 event time stamp time stamp
...
time stamp scale factor = 2
Figure 3-5. Time Stamp Events on the Counter Channel.
The commands used to make time stamp measurements are:
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MEASure:ARRay:TSTamp? [(<count>) [,<channel>]]
CONFigure:ARRay:TSTamp [(<count>) [,<channel>]]
[SENSe:]TSTamp:RATE {<rate>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
[SENSe:]TSTamp:RATE? [{MINimum| MAXimum|DEFault}]
(query form)
- (count) is the number of time stamp measurements returned (readings/trigger).
Parentheses must enclose the count.
A scale factor is included with the data, so count
+1 elements are actually returned. Note that the TRIGger:COUNt is always ‘1’ for each READ? or INITiate command issued.
- channel is counter channel 1, 2, or 3 specified as (@1), (@2), or (@3).
- rate is the rate at which time stamp readings are generated. rate values are 10.0E3,
100E3, 800E3, and 1.0E6. The actual rate depends on the frequency of the input signal.
Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PREset or Preset key), the rate is set to 1.0E6.
Time Stamp Measurement Example
// configure the counter for 200 time stamp measurements
*RST // reset to start from known state
SYST:TIM 1.0 // 1s measurement timeout
CONF:ARR:TST (200), (@1)
INP:COUP DC
INP:IMP 50
// set DC coupling
// set 50 ohms impedance
INP:LEV 1
INP:SLOP POS
// set a 1V level threshold
// time stamp positive edges
SENS:TST:RATE 1E6 // 1 MHz time stamp rate
INIT // initiate and take readings
*WAI // wait for readings to complete
// transfer readings from reading memory to a file in the
// root folder on the USB storage device
MMEM:STOR:DATA RDG_STORE, "USB:\ts_data.csv"
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Notes
1. In the example, 200 time stamp readings are taken at a 1 MHz rate and stored in the counter’s reading memory. The readings are then stored on a USB drive connected to the counter’s front panel “host” port as comma-separated values (CSV), in one measurement per line ASCII format.
2. The data returned with time stamp measurements include a scale factor followed by the time stamp values (in seconds) themselves. The scale factor, which is the number of input cycles per time stamp, increases as the frequency of the input signal becomes
greater than the time stamp rate specified. Time stamp values will either be the signal period itself (scale factor = 1 for input frequencies < the time stamp rate), or the signal period multiplied by the scale factor.
For example, a 10 MHz input signal and a 1 MHz time stamp rate might have a scale factor of 11. The data for this measurement would be represented as:
1.10000000E+01
(scale factor: 11 cycles per time stamp)
1.10077637E-06
(1st time stamp = signal period x scale factor)
1.09963867E-06
(2nd time stamp = signal period x scale factor)
1.10005859E-06 .
1.09999023E-06
1.09988770E-06
1.10017578E-06
.
.
.
Dividing a time stamp value by the scale factor returns the
input signal period (e.g.
1.10077637E-06 / 11 = 1.00070579E-7
).
3. See Chapter 4 for additional information on counter threshold levels and on configuring the input signal path.
4. See Chapter 7 for information on data flow, reading memory, and on creating data files.
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Time Interval Measurements
NOTE
The 53220A/53230A time interval measurements covered in this section include one and two channel time interval, rise/fall time, pulse width, duty cycle, phase, and single period.
The SCPI commands listed in these examples are provided as an introduction to how time interval measurements are made. Commands may be included even though they specify default values - but which should be considered when modifying the examples for actual use. Refer to the ‘Programmer’s Reference’ on the
Keysight 53210A/53220A/ 53230A Product Reference CD for additonal information.
For further information on time interval measurements, see Application Note
200-3 “Fundamentals of Time Interval Measurements” also included on the
CD.
Time Interval
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A time interval measurement is the difference between two events, or edges, on different waveforms or on the same waveform. A typical two-channel time interval measurement is shown in Figure 3-6. time interval
Ch. 1
Ch. 2 two channel
Figure 3-6. 2-Channel Time Interval Measurement.
The commands used to make time interval measurements are:
MEASure:TINTerval? [<channel_pair>]
CONFigure:TINTerval [<channel(s)>]
- channel_pair are channels in the form:
(@1),(@2)|(@2),(@1)
- channel(s) can be a channel pair or single channel in the form:
(@1),(@2) | (@2),(@1) | (@1)|(@2)
The input channel(s) are (default) configured for auto-leveling at 50% with a positive slope.
When configuring time interval measurements consider the start or stop input thresholds, input slope, or gate stop hold off settings:
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INPut{1|2}:LEVel{1|2}
or INPut{1|2}:LEVel{1|2}:RELative
INPut{1|2}:SLOPe{1|2}
SENSe:GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:SOURce
Measurements taken without changing at least one of these settings could result in values of approximately 0 seconds, as the measurement starts and stops on the same edge
(slope) at approximately the same time.
2-Channel Time Interval Measurement Example
// use CONFigure to set up a 2-channel time interval
// measurement - start on ch. 1, stop on ch. 2
*RST
SYST:TIM 5.0
// reset to start from known state
// set a 5s measurement timeout
CONF:TINT (@1), (@2) // configure 2-ch measurement
INP1:LEV:AUTO ON // enable auto-level on ch. 1
INP2:LEV:AUTO ON // enable auto-level on ch. 2
INP1:LEV1:REL 10 // set ch.1 threshold level to 10%
INP2:LEV1:REL 10 // set ch.2 threshold level to 10%
INP1:SLOP POS // start meas on ch.1 rising edge
INP2:SLOP POS // stop meas on ch.2 rising edge
SENS:GATE:STOP:HOLD:SOUR TIME // hold off gate close
SENS:GATE:STOP:HOLD:TIME 200E-9 // hold off for 200 ns
SENS:GATE:STAR:SOUR IMM // start meas when gate rec’d
SENS:GATE:STOP:SOUR IMM // stop meas when holdoff done
SENS:TINT:GATE:SOUR ADV // enable gate settings
READ?
Notes
1. Auto-level is enabled on both channels to specify relative threshold levels of 10% of the peak-to-peak signal level. The measurement starts on a positive (rising) edge on channel 1, and stops on a positive edge on channel 2.
2. A gate stop hold off is specified to select the desired rising edge on channel 2 and, therefore, the interval to be measured.
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3. See Chapter 4 for information on input threshold levels and slope, and Chapter 5 for advanced gating information.
Single-Channel Time Interval Measurement
The following example shows a single channel time interval measurement on a signal with the characteristics shown in Figure 3-7.
4 Vp-p
1V
Figure 3-7. Single Channel Time Interval Measurement.
//configure a time interval measurement on ch.1. Use
//defaults as set by CONFigure except for those set as
//shown
*RST
CONF:TINT (@1)
// reset to start from known state
INP:COUP AC // set AC coupling
INP:IMP 50 // set input impedance to 50 ohm
INP:LEV1 1.0 // set start threshold to 1V
INP:LEV2 1.0 // set stop threshold to 1V
INP:SLOP1 POS // set start slope to positive (rising)
INP:SLOP2 NEG // set stop slope to negative (falling)
READ? // initiate counter and take reading
Notes
1. Input coupling and impedance are set to assure the intended start and stop trigger thresholds as the thresholds are specified as absolute values. The measurement starts on the positive (rising) edge on channel 1, and stops on the negative (falling) edge.
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Rise Time and Fall Time
94
An example of rise and fall times on an input signal are shown in Figure 3-8.
90
10 t r
+ width t f
- width frequency
Figure 3-8. Rise Time and Fall Time Measurements.
The commands used to make rise and fall time measurements are:
MEASure:RTIMe? [{<lower_ref>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
[,{<upper_ref>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]] [,<channel>]
CONFigure:RTIMe [{<lower_ref>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
[,{<upper_ref>|MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault}]] [,<channel>]
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MEASure:FTIMe? [{<lower_ref>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
[,{<upper_ref>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]] [,<channel>]
CONFigure:FTIMe [{<lower_ref>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
[,{<upper_ref>|MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault}]] [,<channel>]
- lower_ref and upper_ref specify the input signal reference level, either in terms of
percent of peak-to-peak voltage, or in absolute voltage. To specify rise or fall time percentage levels
from 10% to 90%, use a numeric value with no suffix or with the suffix PCT (e.g. 30 or 30 PCT).
To specify rise or fall time levels in absolute voltage within the ranges:
5.125V range: -5.125V to +5.125V
51.25V range: -51.25V to +51.25V
use a numeric value with the V or MV (millivolt) suffix: 100 MV or .1V (spaces allowed).
If either lower_ref or upper_ref is omitted or specified in percent, auto-leveling is enabled. If specified in absolute voltage, auto-leveling is disabled
- channel is counter channel 1 or 2 specified as (@1) or (@2).
Rise and Fall Time Measurement Examples
// using MEASure? - measure rise time using 20% and 80%
// references
*RST // reset to start from known state
MEAS:RTIM? 20, 80, (@2)
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// using CONFigure - measure rise time on the wave segment
// from -1.75V to +750 mV
*RST // reset to start from known state
CONF:RTIM -1.75 V, 750 MV, (@1)
INP:COUP DC // set AC coupling
INP:IMP 50 // set input impedance to 50 ohm
READ?
----------------------------------------------------------
// using MEASure? - measure fall time using 15% and 65%
// references
*RST // reset to start from known state
MEAS:FTIM? 15PCT, 65PCT, (@2)
----------------------------------------------------------
// using CONFigure - measure fall time on the wave segment
// from +1.25V to -1.4V
*RST // reset to start from known state
CONF:FTIM -1.4V, 1.25V, (@1)
INP:COUP DC // set DC coupling
INP:IMP 50 // set input impedance to 50 ohm
READ?
Notes
1. Lower and upper references can be specified as percentages or as absolute levels in either the CONFigure or MEASure? command. For either rise time or fall time measurements, the lower reference is specified first.
2. Absolute references are relative to the amplitude of the signal and must take into consideration the counter’s input coupling and impedance settings.
3. See Chapter 4 for information on configuring the input signal path which includes coupling and impedance.
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Pulse Width
An example of positive and negative pulse widths are shown in Figure 3-9.
90
10 t r
+ width t f
- width frequency
Figure 3-9. Positive and Negative Pulse Width Measurements.
The commands used to make positive and negative pulse width measurements are:
MEASure:PWIDth? [{<reference>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]
[,<channel>]
CONFigure:PWIDth [{<reference>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]
[,<channel>]
MEASure:NWIDth? [{<reference>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]
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[,<channel>]
CONFigure:NWIDth [{<reference>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]
[,<channel>]
-
reference specifies the threshold level where the width measurement begins. For positive width measurements, the level at which the signal passes through the threshold in the positive (rising) direction and again in the negative (falling direction) defines the positive width. Similarly, the level at which the signal passes through the threshold in the negative (falling) direction and again in the positive (rising) direction defines the negative width.
To specify a threshold level
from 10% to 90% of the peak-to-peak input voltage, use a numeric value with
no suffix or with the suffix PCT (e.g. 30 or
30 PCT).
To specify a threshold level in
absolute voltage within the ranges:
5.125V range: -5.125V to +5.125V
51.25V range: -51.25V to +51.25V
use a numeric value with the V or MV (millivolt) suffix: 100 MV or .1V (spaces allowed).
If reference is omitted or specified in percent, auto-leveling is enabled. If specified in absolute voltage, auto-leveling is disabled
- channel is counter channel 1 or 2 specified as (@1) or (@2).
Positive and Negative Pulse Width Measurement Examples
// using MEASure? - measure positive width at a 50% (0V)
// reference
*RST // reset to start from known state
MEAS:PWID? 50, (@1)
// using CONFigure - measure positive width at a 1.0V
// reference
*RST // reset to start from known state
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CONF:PWID 1.0V, (@1)
INP:COUP DC // set DC coupling
INP:IMP 50 // set input impedance to 50 ohm
READ?
---------------------------------------------------------
// using CONFigure - measure negative width at -500 mV
// reference
*RST // reset to start from known state
CONF:NWID -500 MV, (@1)
INP:COUP DC // set DC coupling
INP:IMP 50 // set input impedance to 50 ohm
READ?
Notes
1. The reference (threshold) can be specified as a percentage of the peak-to-peak amplitude or as an absolute level in either the CONFigure or MEASure? command.
2. Absolute references are relative to the amplitude of the signal and must take into consideration the counter’s input coupling and impedance settings.
3. See Chapter 4 for information on configuring the input signal path which includes coupling and impedance.
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Duty Cycle
100
Positive and negative duty cycle measurements are the ratio of the positive or negative widths to the period of the signal (Figure 3-10).
period
20%
+ duty cycle
50%
- duty cycle
80%
Figure 3-10. Positive and Negative Duty Cycle Measurements.
The commands used to make positive and negative duty cycle measurements are:
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MEASure:PDUTycycle? [{<reference>|MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}] [,<channel>]
CONFigure:PDUTycycle [{<reference>|MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}] [,<channel>]
MEASure:NDUTycycle? [{<reference>|MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}] [,<channel>]
CONFigure:NDUTycycle [{<reference>|MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}] [,<channel>]
-
reference specifies the threshold level where the duty cycle measurement begins.
For positive duty cycle measurements, the level at which the signal passes through the threshold in the positive (rising) direction and again in the negative (falling direction) defines the positive duty cycle. Similarly, the level at which the signal passes through the threshold in the negative (falling) direction and again in the positive (rising) direction defines the negative duty cycle.
To specify a threshold level
from 10% to 90% of the peak-to-peak input voltage, use a numeric value with
no suffix or with the suffix PCT (e.g. 30 or
30 PCT).
To specify a threshold level in
absolute voltage within the ranges:
5.125V range: -5.125V to +5.125V
51.25V range: -51.25V to +51.25V
use a numeric value with the V or MV (millivolt) suffix: 100 MV or .1V (spaces allowed).
If reference is omitted or specified in percent, auto-leveling is enabled. If specified in absolute voltage, auto-leveling is disabled
- channel is counter channel 1 or 2 specified as (@1) or (@2).
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102
Positive and Negative Duty Cycle Measurement Examples
// using MEASure? - measure the positive duty cycle at a
// 50% (0V) reference
*RST // reset to start from known state
MEAS:PDUT? 50, (@1)
// using CONFigure - measure the positive duty cycle at a
// -1.0V reference
*RST // reset to start from known state
CONF:PDUT -1.0V, (@1)
INP:COUP DC // set DC coupling
INP:IMP 50 // set input impedance to 50 ohm
READ?
---------------------------------------------------------
// using CONFigure - measure the negative duty cycle at a
// 50% (0V) reference
*RST // reset to start from known state
CONF:NDUT 50 PCT, (@1)
TRIG:SOUR EXT // set an external trigger source
INIT
Notes
1. The reference (threshold) can be specified as a percentage of the peak-to-peak amplitude or as an absolute level in either the CONFigure or MEASure? command.
2. Absolute references are relative to the amplitude of the signal and must take into consideration the counter’s input coupling and impedance settings.
3. The measured duty cycle is a decimal representation of the ratio. For example, a 5% duty cycle reading might appear in the counter output buffer as:
+5.105095730909666E-002
The same reading would appear in the display as: 5.1 Pct.
4. See Chapter 4 for information on configuring the input signal path and Chapter 5 for
53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Phase
information on Triggering.
53220A/53230A Measurements 3
Phase measurements indicate the phase difference or shift between signals on counter channels 1 and 2 (Figure 3-11). phase
Figure 3-11. Phase Measurement Between Two Channels.
The commands used to make phase measurements are:
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MEASure:PHASe? [<channel_pair>]
CONFigure:PHASe [<channel_pair>]
FORMat:PHASe {AUTO|POSitive|CENTered}
FORMat:PHASe?
(query form)
- channel_pair settings are (@1),(@2)and (@2),(@1). The first channel of the pair is relative to the second channel.
- AUTO automatically selects whether the phase difference will be returned as a positive value between 0
°
and 360
°
, or a positive or negative value between +180
°
.
- POSitive returns the measured phase difference as a positive value between 0
°
and
360
°
.
- CENTered returns the measured phase difference as a positive or negative value between +180
°
.
Phase Measurement Examples
// using MEASure? - measure the phase difference between
// channels 1 and 2
*RST // reset to start from known state
FORM:PHAS CENT // display result as pos or neg
MEAS:PHAS? (@1), (@2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// using CONFigure - measure the phase difference between
// channels 1 and 2, display result as a value between 0 and
// 360 degrees
*RST // reset to start from known state
CONF:PHAS (@1), (@2)
FORM:PHAS POS // display result as a positive value
READ?
104 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
53220A/53230A Measurements 3
Notes
1. If the phase format is CENTered, a typical phase measurement for signals 270
°
out of phase for example, could be -9.10799485574691E+001. If the format was
POSitive
, the phase difference measured might typically be
+2.68904450044343E+002
.
2. Phase measurements represent the signal phase of the first channel relative to the second channel
in the pair. For example, if the phase format is
CENTered
and the signal on channel 2 is delayed for a period equivalent to 90
°
, the measurement will be 90
°
for the channel pair (@1),(@2). If under the same signal conditions the channel pair were specified as (@2),(@1), the measurement would be
-90 degrees.
Single-Period
A form of time interval measurement - the single-period measurement, is based on a
sin-
gle waveform cycle. Single-period measurements provide measurement of “single-shot” or one cycle events; and allow analysis of signal characteristics (e.g. jitter) that would otherwise be averaged out with standard (averaging) period measurements.
The commands used to make single-period measurements are:
MEASure:SPERiod? [<channel>]
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3
53220A/53230A Measurements
CONFigure:SPERiod [<channel>]
- channel is counter channel 1 or 2, specified as (@1) or (@2).
Single-Period Measurement Examples
// using MEASure? - make a single-period measurement on
// channel 1
*RST // reset to start from known state
MEAS:SPER? (@1)
---------------------------------------------------------
// using CONFigure - make a single-period measurement on
// channel 1; start measurement when signal reaches 1.5V
// threshold
*RST // reset to start from known state
CONF:SPER (@1)
INP:LEV 1.5
READ?
// set 1.5V threshold level
Notes
1. For period-averaging measurements rather than single-period measurements, use the
MEASure:PERiod?
or CONFigure:PERiod commands.
2. Setting an absolute threshold level disables the counter’s auto-level function. CON-
Figure
and MEASure enable auto-leveling at 50% (0V).
3. See Chapter 4 for information on input signal conditioning, including threshold level and sensitivity.
106 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
53220A/53230A Measurements 3
Totalizing Measurements
NOTE
The 53220A/53230A measurements covered in this section include gated and continuous totalizing measurements.
The SCPI commands listed in these examples are provided as an introduction to how totalizing measurements are made. Commands may be included even though they specify default values - but which should be considered when modifying the examples for actual use. Refer to the ‘Programmer’s Reference’ on the
Keysight 53210A/53220A/ 53230A Product Reference CD for additonal information.
Gated
Gated (timed) totalizing measurements count events (edges) that occur on the channel over a specified period.
The relationship of the gate to the period input events are totalized is shown in Figure
3-12.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 107
3
53220A/53230A Measurements
Gate open Gate closed gate input gate time
(gated)
(continuous)
...
events
Figure 3-12. Gated and Continuous Totalizing.
The commands used to make gated (timed) totalizing measurements are:
MEASure:TOTalize:TIMed? [{<gate_time>|MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}] [,<channel>]
CONFigure:TOTalize:TIMed [{<gate_time>|MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}] [,<channel>]
- gate_time specifies the time input events on the counter channel are totalized. The range for gate_time is:
53220A: 100
μs to 1000s (10 μs resolution) or +9.9E+37 (INFinity)
53230A: 1
μ to 1000s (1 μs resolution) or +9.9E+37 (INFinity)
The default gate_time for both instruments is 0.100s.
- channel is counter channel 1 or 2, specified as (@1) or (@2).
108 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
53220A/53230A Measurements 3
Gated Totalize Measurement Examples
// using MEASure? - totalize inputs on channel 1 for 10 us
*RST // reset to start from known state
MEAS:TOT:TIM? 10e-6, (@1)
------------------------------------------------------
// using CONFigure - totalize inputs on channel 1 for 1s;
// use same signal as gate signal (apply to channel 2)
*RST // reset the counter to start from a known state
SYST:TIM 3
CONF:TOT:TIM (@1)
// 3s measurement timeout
INP1:LEV 0.0 // set count threshold to 0V
INP1:SLOP POS // count positive edges
INP2:LEV 0.0 // set gate threshold to 0V
SENS:GATE:STAR:SOUR EXT // use external gate signal
SENS:GATE:EXT:SOUR INP2 // gate is ext signal on ch. 2
SENS:GATE:STAR:SLOP POS // start gate on rising edge
SENS:GATE:STOP:HOLD:SOUR TIME // hold off gate close
SENS:GATE:STOP:HOLD:TIME 1.0 // hold off close for 1s
SENS:TOT:GATE:SOUR ADV // enable gate settings
INIT?
Notes
1. In the program above (using CONFigure), the input signal on channel 1 whose events (edges) are totalized is also applied to channel 2 as the gate signal.
Totalizing the positive edges begins on the same edge that opens the gate. A gate stop hold off is set to extend the gate. For totalize measurements, the holdoff starts when the gate opens. Setting a hold off of 1 second in effect, sets a 1 second gate time. If the gate stop was not held off, the gate would close after 1 event.
2. See Chapter 5 for additional information on triggering and gating.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 109
3
53220A/53230A Measurements
Continuous
110
Continuous totalizing measurements count events (edges) that occur on the input channel.
Similar to gated (timed) totalizing measurements, continuous measurements begin when the measurement gate is opened (Figure 3-12). Rather than totalizing for a specified gate time, continuous totalizing continues indefinitely until the measurement is aborted, or cleared and restarted from the front panel.
The command used to make continuous totalizing measurements is:
CONFigure:TOTalize:CONTinuous [<channel>]
- channel is counter channel 1 or 2, specified as (@1) or (@2). (There is no equivalent MEASure? command for continuous totalizing measurements.)
The command:
[SENSe:]TOTalize:DATA?
can be used during continuous totalizing or with long gate times to read the current count.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide
53220A/53230A Measurements 3
Sending the command:
ABORt
aborts the measurement.
Continuous Totalize Measurement
// set up continuous totalizing, query the count after
// 10 seconds, abort the measurement after 10 additional
// seconds
*RST // reset the counter to start from a known state
CONF:TOT:CONT (@1)
INP1:LEV 1.0 // set level threshold to 1V
INP1:SLOP NEG // totalize negative edges
INIT
(
wait 10 seconds
)
// start the measurement
SENS:TOT:DATA?
(
wait 10 seconds
)
// query count after 10 seconds
SENS:TOT:DATA?
ABOR
FETC?
// query count after 20 seconds
// stop measurement
// retrieve final count
Notes
1. Pressing Clear Count on the front panel will not clear or abort continuous measurements started from the LAN, USB, or GPIB interface. Pressing the Back/Local key, however, will clear the count when the instrument transfers from remote to local mode.
2. Continuous totalizing must be aborted (stopped) before the count can be retrieved from the output buffer using the FETCh?, DATA:LAST?, DATA:REMove?, or R? command (Chapter 7).
3. The ABORt command sent from the remote interface or changing the counter function from the front panel stops continuous totalizing.
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3
53220A/53230A Measurements
Burst Pulse Measurements
112
NOTE
Microwave (burst) pulse measurements are available on channel 3
Option 106 (6 GHz
Microwave Input) or
Option 115 (15 GHz Microwave Input) with pulse measurement
Option 150.
The pulse measurements covered in this section include: burst carrier frequency, pulse repetition interval (PRI), pulse repetition frequency (PRF), positive (on) width, and negative (off) width. Figure 3-13 identifies these measurements within a burst signal.
The SCPI commands listed in these examples are provided as an introduction to how measurements involving microwave pulses are made. Commands may be included even though they specify default values - but which should be considered when modifying the examples for actual use. Refer to the ‘Programmer’s
Reference’ on the
Keysight 53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD for additonal information.
For further information on microwave measurements, see Application Note
200-1 “Fundamentals of Microwave Frequency Counters” also included on the
CD.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide
53220A/53230A Measurements 3
- 6 dB p-p amplitude
+ width burst (on)
PRI / PRF
- width burst (off)
Carrier Frequency
burst carrier frequency
Figure 3-13. 53230A Microwave Pulse Measurements.
The commands used to measure the carrier frequency of a burst pulse are:
MEASure:FREQuency:BURSt? [<channel>]
CONFigure:FREQuency:BURSt [<channel>]
- channel is optional channel 3 specified as (@3).
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3
53220A/53230A Measurements
Carrier Frequency Measurement Examples
// measure the carrier frequency using MEASure? and its
// default settings
*RST // reset to start from known state
MEAS:FREQ:BURS? (@3)
-----------------------------------------------------
// measure the carrier frequency using CONFigure, set
// automatic gate configuration
*RST // reset to start from known state
CONF:FREQ:BURS (@3)
INP3:BURS:LEV -6 // set a detector threshold of -6 dB
SENS:FREQ:BURS:GATE:NARR OFF // narrow pulse mode off
SENS:FREQ:BURS:GATE:AUTO ON // automatic gate set up
READ?
Notes
1. See “Burst Measurement Detector Threshold” in Chapter 4 for information on setting the threshold for pulse measurements.
2. See “Burst Carrier Frequency Measurements” in Chapter 5 for information on narrow pulse mode and on automatic and manual gate control for carrier measurements.
Pulse PRI and PRF
114
The commands used to measure the pulse repetition interval (PRI) and pulse repetition frequency (PRF) (Figure 3-13) of a burst signal are:
MEASure:FREQuency:PRI? [{<expected> | MINimum | MAXimum |
53220A/53230A User’s Guide
53220A/53230A Measurements 3
DEFault} [,{<resolution> | MINimum | MAXimum | DEFault}]]
[,<channel>]
CONFigure:FREQuency:PRI [{<expected> | MINimum | MAXimum |
DEFault} [,{<resolution> | MINimum | MAXimum | DEFault}]]
[,<channel>]
- expected
is the expected interval. resolution is the desired measurement resolution in seconds. The parameter ranges are: expected:
100 ns to 1.0s (default = 0.001s) resolution:
1.0E-15 * expected to 1.0E-5 * expected
(default resolution corresponds to a 0.1s gate time)
- channel is counter channel 3 specified as (@3).
MEASure:FREQuency:PRF? [{<expected> | MINimum | MAXimum |
DEFault} [,{<resolution> | MINimum | MAXimum | DEFault}]]
[,<channel>]
CONFigure:FREQuency:PRF [{<expected> | MINimum | MAXimum |
DEFault} [,{<resolution> | MINimum | MAXimum | DEFault}]]
[,<channel>]
- expected is the expected repetition frequency. resolution is the desired measurement resolution in hertz. The parameter ranges are: expected
: 1 Hz - 10 MHz (default = 1 kHz) resolution:
1.0E-15 * expected to 1.0E-5 * expected
(default resolution corresponds to a 0.1s gate time)
- channel is counter channel 3 specified as (@3).
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3
53220A/53230A Measurements
PRI and PRF Examples
// measure an expected 1 ms pulse repetition interval with
// 6-digit (
μs) resolution
*RST // reset to start from known state
MEAS:FREQ:PRI? 1E-3, .001, (@3)
---------------------------------------------------------
// measure the pulse repetition interval using CONFigure,
// set the detector threshold to -6 dB
*RST // reset to start from known state
CONF:FREQ:PRI 1E-3, .001, (@3)
INP3:BURS:LEV -6 // set a detector threshold of -6 dB
READ?
// measure an expected 1 kHz pulse repetition frequency
// with 6-digit (mHz) resolution
*RST // reset to start from known state
MEAS:FREQ:PRF? 1E3, .001, (@3)
---------------------------------------------------------
// measure the pulse repetition frequency using CONFigure,
// set the detector threshold to -6 dB
*RST // reset to start from known state
CONF:FREQ:PRI 1E3, .001, (@3)
INP3:BURS:LEV -6 // set a detector threshold of -6 dB
READ?
Notes
1. See “Measurement Gate” in Chapter 5 for information on digits of resolution based on expected value and resolution parameter settings.
2. See “Burst Measurement Detector Threshold” in Chapter 4 for information on setting the threshold for pulse measurements.
116 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Positive and Negative Widths
53220A/53230A Measurements 3
The commands used to measure the positive (on) width and negative (off) width of a burst pulse (Figure 3-13) are:
MEASure:PWIDth:BURSt? [<channel>]
CONFigure:PWIDth:BURSt [<channel>]
MEASure:NWIDth:BURSt? [<channel>]
CONFigure:NWIDth:BURSt [<channel>]
- channel is counter channel 3 specified as (@3).
Positive Width and Negative Width Examples
// measure the positive (on) width of the burst signal
*RST // reset to start from known state
MEAS:PWID:BURS? (@3)
// measure the positive (on) width using CONFigure, set
// a -12 dB detector threshold
*RST // reset to start from known state
CONF:PWID:BURS (@3)
INP3:BURS:LEV -12 // set a detector threshold of -12 dB
READ?
--------------------------------------------------------
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3
53220A/53230A Measurements
// measure the negative (off) width of the burst signal
*RST // reset to start from known state
MEAS:NWID:BURS? (@3)
// measure the negative (off) width using CONFigure, set
// a -12 dB detector threshold
*RST
CONF:NWID:BURS (@3)
// reset to start from known state
INP3:BURS:LEV -12 // set a detector threshold of -12 dB
READ?
Notes
1. See “Burst Measurement Detector Threshold” in Chapter 4 for information on threshold settings and its relationship to positive and negative width measurements.
118 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Keysight 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal
Counter/Timer
User’s Guide
4
53220A/53230A Input Signal
Conditioning
Bandwidth Limiting (Low-Pass) Filter
Threshold Level and Sensitivity
Burst Measurement Detector Threshold
Measuring Input Signal Levels and Signal Strength
This chapter contains information on configuring the input channels relative to the characteristics of the input signal expected. Configuration includes the channel’s impedance, range/probe factor, coupling, filtering, and threshold level/sensitivity settings.
4
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning
Channel Characteristics
NOTE
There are two, plus an optional third input channel on the 53220A/53230A counter.
Product
Option 201 adds parallel (additional) rear panel access to channels 1 and 2.
Product
Options 106 and 115 add a 6 GHz or 15 GHz third channel. Option 202 places third channel Option 106 / 115 on the front panel and
Option 203 places the third channel option on the rear panel.
If parallel channel 1 and channel 2 inputs are present on the rear panel (
Option 201), all input specifications apply to the
rear terminals only, and are relative to 50
Ω input impedance. Performance of the front panel inputs in this instance is not specified. Also, when calibrating the instrument, the rear panel input terminals are used.
When programming the counters from an I/O interface, configuration is provided by commands within the SCPI INPut subsystem. Within the SCPI commands,
INPut[{1|2}]
in the syntax refers to input channels 1 and 2. As such, these commands
do not apply to third channel Option 106 or 115.
The counter channels with the exception of frequency ratio and selected time interval measurements are separate and can be configured independently. Measurements on the channels do not occur simultaneously, however. Switching between channels retains the channel configuration, but ends the current measurement. The newly selected channel is re-initiated and measurements begin when the programmed trigger conditions are met.
Signal Conditioning Path
Figure 4-1 represents the counter’s signal conditioning path.
120 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning
4
Auto
Cal
Input
Input
Protection
1MW
50W
INPut{1|2}:IMPedance
INPut{1|2}:PROTection?
INPut{1|2}:PROTection:CLEar
Range
Selection
INPut{1|2}:RANGe
INPut{1|2}:PROBe
DC Coupling
AC Coupling
INPut{1|2}:COUPling
Buffer
Selectable
100 kHz
Low-Pass Filter
INPut{1|2}:FILTer
Threshold Level and Sensitivity
INPut{1|2}:LEVel{1|2}
SYSTem :ALEVel:FREQuency
INPut{1|2}:LEVel:AUTO
INPut{1|2}:LEVel{1|2}:RELative
INPut3:BURSt:LEVel
INPut{1|2}:NREJect
INPut{1|2}:SLOPe{1|2}
trigger / gating
Figure 4-1. 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning.
Table 4-1 is a summary of power-on/reset values for the signal conditioning.
parameters.
Table 4-1. Input Channel Reset/Preset Settings Summary.
Parameter
Impedance
Range (1:1 probe)
Range (10:1) probe
Probe factor
Coupling
Low pass filter
Auto-level
Level (absolute)
Level (relative)
Pulse Envelope (channel 3)
Noise Rejection
Slope
Setting
1 M
Ω
5V
50V
1:1
AC
Off
Enabled
0.0V
50%
-6 dB
Disabled
Positive
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 121
4
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning
Input Impedance
The input impedance of the 53220A/53230A counter can be set to either 50
Ω
or 1 M
Ω using the command:
INPut[{1|2}]:IMPedance {<impedance>|MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}
INPut[{1|2}]:IMPedance? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]
(query form)
The 50 Ω and 1 M Ω impedances allow for impedance matching (termination) and bridging applications respectively.
Using Probes
If using a 1:1 or 10:1 probe, the input impedance of the counter should be set to match the compatibility (e.g. 50 Ω , 1 M Ω , high Z) of the probe. See “Setting the
Probe Factor” for more information.
Following a reset (*RST) or front panel preset (Preset), the impedance is set to 1 M Ω .
CONFigure
and MEASure do not change the input impedance setting.
Impedance Example
//period measurement of expected 10 MHz signal,
//maximum resolution, use channel 1
CONF:FREQ 0.1E6,MAX,(@1)
INP:IMP 1.0E6 //set impedance to 1 Mohm
122 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning
4
Input Protection
The maximum input voltage (including any DC offset) allowed with
50
Ω
input impedance is
±
5.125 Vp. If the input voltage exceeds
~
± 10.0 Vp, the input protection relay
opens - changing the input impedance to 1 M
Ω .. (The display and Impedance softkey will still indicate a 50 Ω setting however.)
With the relay open, the corresponding channel key flashes until the
input voltage is
removed or reduced below the damage threshold and the key is pressed. This sets the impedance back to 50
Ω.
To programmatically determine if the protection relay has been
opened, the command:
INPut[{1|2}]:PROTection?
queries the relay state (0 = relay closed, 1 = relay
open). With the input voltage
removed or reduced below the damage threshold, the protection relay is reset (closed) with the command:
INPut[{1|2}]:PROTection:CLEar setting the input impedance back to 50
Ω
.
Voltage Overload Bit
The opening of the input protection relay corresponds to the
‘Voltage Overload’ bit (bit 0) being set in the counter’s Questionable Condition and
Questionable Event registers. The bit in the Condition register is cleared by the
INPut:PROTection:CLEar
command or by changing the input impedance to 1
M Ω . The bit in the Event register is cleared by reading the register. See Chapter 8 - Status Conditions for more information.
Input Range
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 123
4
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning
The signal operating ranges (input ranges) of the 53220A/53230A counter are
± 5.0V, ±
50V,and ± 500V and are dependent on the probe factor. The range is set using the command:
INPut[{1|2}]:RANGe {<range>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
INPut[{1|2}]:RANGe? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]
(query form)
When a 1:1 probe factor is selected (see “Setting the Probe Factor), the available ranges are 5.0V and 50.0V. When a 10:1 probe factor is selected the available ranges are 50.0V and 500.0V.
CONFigure
and MEASure do not change the input range setting. Following a reset
(*RST) or a front panel preset (Preset), the range is set to 5.0V.
Using Auto Scale
For input signals greater than 100 Hz, Auto Scale detects the signal on the input channel and sets the range to 5V or 50V depending on the amplitude. Auto Scale is
not the same as an instrument preset which sets a default range of 5V.
Range Example
//period measurement of expected 10 MHz signal,
//maximum resolution, use channel 1
CONF:PER 0.1E-6,MAX,(@1)
INP:IMP 1E6 //set impedance to 1 Mohm
INP:RANG 50 //set 50V range
Setting the Probe Factor
124
For better access to test points on the device under test (DUT),
Keysight recommends its
N2870A, N2873A, and N2874A Passive Probes for use with the 53220A/ 53230A coun-ter. The 35 MHz (BW) N2870A 1:1 probe and the
500 MHz N2873A and 1.5 GHz N2874A 10:1 probes are popular accessories commonly
53220A/53230A User’s Guide
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning
4
used with
Keysight oscilloscopes.
When using probes with the counter, specifying a probe factor references and displays
threshold levels and p-p levels relative to actual levels on the DUT, rather than to the level at the channel input. The probe factor is set with the command:
INPut[{1|2}]:PROBe {<factor>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
INPut[{1|2}]:PROBe? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]
(query form)
Probe factor settings are 1 for a 1:1 probe (N2870A), and 10 for a 10:1 probe
(N2873A or N2874A). When set to 1, the counter ranges are 5V and 50V. When set to
10, the counter ranges are 50V and 500V.
Probe Input Compatibility
The input compatibility of the N2870A and N2873A probes is 1 M
Ω respectively. The compatibility of the N2874A is 50
Ω
. Each is compatible with the counter’s 20 pF input capacitance. When using a probe, the counter input impedance should be set accordingly (1M Ω , 50 Ω ).
CONFigure
and MEASure do not change the probe factor setting. Following a reset
(*RST) or an instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet or Preset key), the probe factor is set to 1.
Input Coupling
The input to the 53220A/53230A counter is either DC (direct) coupled or AC (capacitive) coupled, and is set using the the command:
INPut[{1|2}]:COUPling {AC|DC}
INPut[{1|2}]:COUPling?
(query form)
AC
coupling removes the signal’s DC content and centers the signal at 0V. The measurable frequency range (channels 1 and 2) with AC coupling is:
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 125
4
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning
• AC = 10 Hz - 350 MHz
• DC = 1 mHz - 350 MHz
DC
coupling extends the frequency range across the full bandwidth of the instrument (1 mHz - 350 MHz). CONFigure and MEASure do not change the coupling setting. Following a reset (*RST) or front panel preset (Preset), the coupling is set to
ΑC
.
When selecting AC or DC coupling, the amplitude of the input signal must also be considered. DC coupling is applicable for most measurements, especially those requiring a specific trigger level. Rather than reducing the signal amplitude by changing the counter range, AC coupling can be used to bring the signal in contact with the hysteresis window defined by the trigger level. This is represented in Figure 4-2 (also see ‘Threshold Level and Sensitivity’).
DC
1 mHz
10 Hz
AC
V
U
V
C
V
L
0V input signal with DC offset
programmed trigger level
}
}
V
U
V
V
C
L
0V
Hysteresis window trigger point reset point
DC coupling
AC coupling
Figure 4-2. Using AC Coupling to Reach Trigger Points.
Settling Time Between DC and AC Coupling
There is an inherent settling time when changing from DC to AC coupling. As a measure of this time, a signal with a 5V DC component (DC coupled) will typically center around
0V (AC coupled) in one second.
126 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning
4
Coupling Example
//period measurement of expected 10 MHz signal,
//maximum resolution, use channel 1
CONF:PER 0.1E-6,MAX,(@1)
INP:COUP AC //set AC coupling
Bandwidth Limiting (Low-Pass) Filter
For measurement applications of 100 kHz or less, a 100 kHz low-pass filter can be enabled within the signal path to eliminate noise introduced by higher-frequency components of the input signal.
The bandwidth filter is switched into the signal path using the command:
INPut[{1|2}]:FILTer[:LPASs][:STATe] {OFF|ON}
INPut[{1|2}]:FILTer[:LPASs][:STATe]?
(query form)
On
- enables the filter. OFF - disables the filter.
Figure 4-3 shows the effects on the instrument’s
measurable frequency range when the filter is enabled.
1 mHz 10 Hz
100 kHz
DC
53220A/53230A User’s Guide
AC
127
4
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning
Figure 4-3. Measureable Frequency Range with Bandwidth Filter Enabled.
From the figure:
• DC coupling = 1 mHz - 100 kHz
• AC coupling = 10 Hz - 100 kHz
CONFigure
and MEASure do not change the filter setting. Following a reset (*RST) or front panel preset (Preset), the low-pass filter is disabled (off).
Threshold Level and Sensitivity
The threshold level is the trigger (input) level at which the counter begins the signal count (i.e. measurement). This level is the center of the hysteresis band - the band which represents counter sensitivity. For a count to occur, the signal must cross the upper and lower limits of the band in opposite directions (polarities). Figure 4-4 identifies these characteristics and conditions of the input signal. The dynamic range of the input signal is indicated on the front panel.
128 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning
4
INPut{1|2}:LEVel{1|2}
SYSTem:ALEVel:FREQuency
INPut{1|2}:LEVel{1|2}:AUTO
INPut{1|2}:LEVel{1|2}:RELative
INPut3:BURSt:LEVel
INPut{1|2}:NREJect
threshold level
Hysteresis band
(p-p sensitivity)
V
U
V
C
V
L trigger point reset point positive slope
INPut{1|2}:SLOPe{1|2}
negative slope
INPut{1|2}:LEVel:MAXimum?
0
INPut{1|2}:LEVel:PTPeak?
front panel dynamic range indicator
INPut{1|2}:LEVel:MINimum?
Figure 4-4. Input Signal Threshold Level and Sensitivity.
Specifying an Absolute Threshold Level
The input threshold level can be specified as an
absolute value. An absolute level is set with the command:
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute] {<volts>|MINimum|
MAXimum|DEFault}
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]? [{MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}]
(query form)
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53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning
NOTE
Absolute threshold levels for the input ranges are:
•
5V range: ± 5.125V (2.5 mV resolution)
•
50V range: ± 51.25V (25 mV resolution
•
500V range (w/10:1 probe): ± 512.5V (250 mV resolution)
LEVel
/LEVel1 sets the absolute threshold for all measurements except rise/fall time and single-channel time interval. For rise/fall time measurements, LEVel/LEVel1 sets the
lower reference and LEVel2 sets the upper reference. For single-channel time interval, LEVel/LEVel1 sets the absolute threshold for the
start event and LEVel2 sets the threshold for the
stop event.
Setting an absolute level
disables the counter’s auto-level function.
CONFigure
and MEASure enable auto-leveling and set the threshold to 50%. A reset
(*RST) or front panel preset (Preset) also enables auto-leveling and sets the threshold to
50%.
If auto-leveling is enabled, querying the absolute level on the current measurement channel returns the corresponding threshold voltage. If the channel is not the measurement channel, 9.91E+37 (not a number) is returned. Level2 can only be queried for rise/fall time and single-channel time interval measurements. Querying Level2 during other measurement functions returns 9.91E+37 (not a number).
Using Auto-Level
130
Automatic setting of the input threshold level is based on the positive and negative peaks of the input signal. Auto-level is enabled with the command:
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}]:AUTO {OFF|ON|ONCE}
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}]:AUTO?
(query form)
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OFF
disables auto-leveling; ON enables auto-leveling. Auto-level ONCE immediately sets an auto-level and then disables auto-leveling.
When auto-level is enabled, the threshold level is specified as a percentage (%) of the peak-to-peak input voltage (see “Setting Relative Threshold Levels”).
The CONFigure and MEASure commands enable auto-leveling and set a 50% threshold level. A reset (*RST) or front panel preset (Preset) also enables auto-leveling at a
50% threshold level.
Setting Relative Threshold Levels
Relative threshold levels are percentages of the peak-to-peak input signal amplitude.
Relative thresholds are set with the command:
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}]:RELative {<percent>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}]:RELative? [{MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}]
(query form)
Threshold values are from 10% to 90% with 5% resolution.
In order to specify a rela-
tive threshold level, auto-level must be enabled.
LEVel
/LEVel1 sets the relative threshold for all measurements except rise/fall time and single-channel time interval. For rise/fall time measurements, LEVel/LEVel1 sets the
lower reference and LEVel2 sets the upper reference. For single-channel time interval, LEVel/LEVel1 sets the relative threshold for the
start event and LEVel2 sets the threshold for the
stop event.
CONFigure
and MEASure set the threshold to 50% and
enable auto-leveling. A reset
(*RST) or front panel preset (Preset) also sets the threshold to 50% and enables auto-leveling.
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53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning
Relative Threshold Example
//set a relative trigger threshold
CONF:FREQ 1E6, 0.1, (@1) // measure 1 MHz signal
INP:IMP 50
INP:RANG 5
// set impedance 50 ohms
// set range to 5V
INP:COUP AC
INP:LEV:REL 30
// set AC coupling
// threshold level at 30%
Measuring Low Frequency Signals
For all counter functions, auto-level
should not be used for frequencies
< 50 Hz. Threshold levels should be set using absolute values (see “Specifying an Absolute Threshold Level”) .
The MEASure command should not be used with frequencies less than 50 Hz as the command configures the counter (including enabling auto-level) and makes an immediate measurement.
For frequencies in this range, use the CONFigure command and turn off auto-level by specifying an absolute threshold level. For example:
//measure a 10 Hz signal
CONF:FREQ 10, (@1) // measure 10 Hz signal
INP:IMP 50
INP:RANG 5
// set impedance to 50 ohms
// set range to 5V
INP:COUP AC
INP:LEV 1
// set AC coupling
// 1V threshold, turns off auto-level
INIT // take reading
Input Coupling and Threshold Levels
Figure 4-5 shows a scale of how relative thresholds apply to the input signal. When the signal includes a DC offset, the absolute value of a relative threshold is a function of the input coupling (AC or DC).
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4
100%
(Vmax:)
0%
(Vmin:)
0V
100%
(Vmax:)
DC coupling
AC coupling
0%
(Vmin:)
Figure 4-5. Input Coupling and Relative Threshold Levels.
For example, a 3 Vpp input signal with a 2 VDC offset and DC coupling would have a
Vmax: value of 3.5V and a Vmin value of 0.5V (Vmax, Vmin, and Vpp are viewable on the front panel). With AC coupling, Vmax and Vmin would be
+ 1.5V respectively.
If a 30% relative threshold is specified for the DC-coupled signal described above, the corresponding (absolute) value is 1.4V. The same relative threshold for an AC-coupled signal has an absolute value of -0.6V.
The
absolute value of any relative threshold level can be queried using:
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]?
or computed as:
Vmin + (% threshold x Vpp) level w/DC coupling: 0.5 + (0.30 x 3) = 1.4V
level w/AC coupling: -1.5 + (0.30 x 3) = -0.6V
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53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning
System Auto-Level Range
134
Auto-leveling is available for two input frequency ranges: 50 Hz to < 10 kHz and frequencies > 10 kHz. The auto-level period is shorter for frequencies
> 10 kHz when an (auto-level) frequency range is set from the front panel or specified by the command:
SYSTem:ALEVel:FREQuency {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}
SYSTem:ALEVel:FREQuency? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]
(query form)
The frequency parameter values are:
Interface
Front Panel
SCPI
Frequencies
> 10 kHz
Fast
10.0E3
Maximum
Frequencies
50 Hz to < 10 kHz
Slow
50.0
MINimum
A frequency setting of 10 kHz decreases the auto-level period for all frequencies >
10 kHz. A frequency setting of 50 Hz provides auto-leveling for frequencies down to
50 Hz. The frequency selected should be based on the
lowest expected frequency in the measurement.
The auto-level frequency is a
system setting which applies to all counter channels, and should be noted when making two-channel measurements.
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4
The default setting is 50 Hz. The value is stored in non-volatile memory and does not change when power is cycled or following a reset (*RST) or a front panel preset (Preset). CONFigure and MEASure enable auto-level and set a relative threshold of 50%, but do not change the auto-level frequency.
System Auto-Level Range Example
CONF:FREQ 100E6, (@1) // measure 100 MHz signal
SYST:ALEV:FREQ 10.0E3
// set auto-level frequency
INP:IMP 50
INP:RANG 5
INP:COUP AC
INP:LEV:REL 65
// set impedance to 50 ohms
// set range to 5V
// set AC coupling
// set 65% relative threshold
Burst Measurement Detector Threshold
All
53230A burst measurements are relative to the pulse width. The ‘on’ portion of the pulse width is established by a -6 dB and -12 dB detector threshold. Figure 4-6 is an example of the thresholds relative to the peak amplitude of the burst signal.
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53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning
-6 dB (on)
PRI / PRF
-6 dB (off)
- 6 dB p-p amplitude
- 12 dB
136
- 12 dB (on)
- 12 dB (off)
Figure 4-6. -6 dB and /-12 dB Detector Thresholds.
The detector threshold and, therefore, the ‘on’ portion of the pulse width must be considered when making burst measurements such as positive (on) width and negative (off) width. This threshold is set with the command:
INPut3:BURSt:LEVel {<dB>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
INPut3:BURSt:LEVel? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]
(query form)
The dB levels are -6 and -12, and are nominal (i.e. non-specified) values.
CONFigure
and MEASure do not change the detector threshold setting. Following a reset (*RST) or front panel preset (Preset), the threshold is set to
-6 dB.
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4
This command and burst measurement capability are only available on the
53230A counter with
channel 3 Option 106 or 115 (6 GHz or 15 GHz microwave input) and
Pulse Microwave Measurement
Option 150.
Detector Threshold Example
//configure a positive (on) width measurement on channel 3
CONFigure:PWIDth:BURSt (@3)
INP3:BURS:LEV -12 // set -12 dB detector threshold
Noise Rejection (Hysteresis)
Threshold sensitivity (Figure 4-4) to the input signal is a function of the amount of noise rejection or hysteresis. Noise rejection (the hysteresis band) at the counter input is increased or decreased with the command:
INPut[{1|2}]:NREJection {OFF|ON}
INPut[{1|2}]:NREJection?
(query form)
ON
enables noise rejection, thus
increasing hysteresis and decreasing sensitivity by
50%. This setting should be used when noise is present in the signal environment. However, if the threshold level is close to a peak amplitude (positive or negative), a count will not occur if the signal does not cross both hysteresis levels due to the increased hysteresis band. OFF disables noise rejection which
decreases hysteresis and increases sensitivity.
CONFigure
and MEASure do not change the noise rejection setting. Following a reset
(*RST) or instrument preset (Preset), noise rejection is disabled (off).
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53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning
Noise Rejection from Bandwidth Limiting
For input signals up to 100 kHz, reducing the counter’s bandwidth from 350 MHz to 100 kHz (see “Bandwidth Limiting Filter”) also provides noise rejection. Additional noise rejection for frequencies in this range is then obtained through INPut:NREJection ON.
Time Interval Errors
Using noise rejection with time interval measurements results in time interval errors due to errors in setting the threshold level and the effects of hysteresis on the trigger and reset points (Figure 4-4). These errors are dependent on the input signal slew rate at each trigger point.
Noise Rejection Example
//period measurement of expected 10 MHz signal,
//use channel 1
CONF:PER 0.1E-6,.001,(@1)
INP:IMP 1.0E6
//set impedance to 1 Mohm
INP:RANG 50
INP:COUP AC
INP:LEV 3
INP:NREJ ON
//set range to 50
//set AC coupling
//set 3V threshold level (absolute)
//enable noise rejection
Threshold Slope
138
The slope (edge) of the input signal on which the threshold level occurs is specified with the command:
INPut[{1|2}]:SLOPe[{1|2}] {POSitive|NEGative}
INPut[{1|2}]:SLOPe{1|2}]?
(query form)
POSitive
- the trigger point occurs on the positive (rising) edge. The reset point occurs on the negative (falling) edge (Figure 4-4).
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4
NEGative
- the trigger point occurs on the negative edge, with the reset point occurring on the positive edge.
The slope setting does not apply to pulse width, duty cycle, or rise/fall time measurements (i.e. measurements with pre-defined slopes).
For single-channel time interval measurements, SLOPe/SLOPe1 sets the edge for the
start event and SLOPe2 sets the edge for the stop event.
CONFigure
and MEASure do not change the slope setting. Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (Preset), the positive (rising) slope is selected.
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53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning
Input Slope Example
//set the threshold slope
CONF:FREQ 1E6, 0.1, (@1) // measure 1 MHz signal
SYST:ALEV:FREQ 10E3 // set minimum auto-level frequency
INP:IMP 50 // set impedance to 50 ohms
INP:RANG 5
INP:COUP AC
// set range to 5V
// set AC coupling
INP:LEV:REL 70
INP:SLOP POS
// 70% threshold level
// trigger on positive slope
Measuring Input Signal Levels and Signal Strength
Minimum, maximum, and peak-to-peak levels of the input signal are indicated on the bottom of the counter’s main measurement display area and an example is included in
Figure 4-4. These characteristics of the peak-to-peak signal can also be measured with the commands:
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel:MINimum?
(minimum value of p-p signal)
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel:MAXimum?
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel:PTPeak?
(maximum value of p-p signal)
(p-p amplitude)
The minimum and maximum values include any DC levels (offsets) present with the signals. The counter’s input impedance also affects the amplitude at the input.
Channel 3 Signal Strength
140
The relative signal strength on channel 3 Option 106 or 115
(6 GHz or 15 GHz micro-
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4
wave input) is dislayed on the counter and can also be measured with the command:
INPut3:STRength?
The colors and the relative strengths returned by the command indicate the following:
Color Strength
None 0
Description
Signal strength too low. May not be able to make measurement.
For continuous wave (CW) measurements signal power must be
> -27 dBm. For pulse measurements signal power must be
> -13 dBm.
Yellow 1
Signal strength weak, but acceptable.
Green 2,3
Good signal.
Red 4
Signal may have exceeded level at which an accurate measurement can be made (> +19 dBm CW, > +13 dBm pulse). Signal levels > +27 dBm may damage the instrument.
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142 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Keysight 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal
Counter/Timer
User’s Guide
5
Triggering and Gating
Wait-For-Trigger and Triggered States
Enabling Gate Signals on the ‘Gate In/Out’ BNC
Burst Carrier Frequency Measurements
Advanced Gate Control - Gate Start
Advanced Gate Control - Gate Stop Hold Off and Gate Stop
53220A/53230A counter measurements are made by triggering the instrument and gating the input signal to select the portion or duration during which the input signal is measured.
This chapter covers the counter’s trigger and gate cycles as they relate to counter mea-surements.
5
Triggering and Gating
Settings Summary
Table 5-1 is a summary of power-on/reset settings for the trigger and gating parameters covered in this section.
Table 5-1. Trigger and Gate Settings Summary.
Parameter
Trigger
Trigger source
Trigger slope
Trigger delay
Trigger count
Sample count
Setting
Immediate
Negative
0.0s
1
1
Parameter
Gate
Gate start source
Gate external source
Gate start slope
Gate start delay source
Gate start delay events
Gate start delay time
Gate stop source
Gate stop slope
Gate stop holdoff source
Gate stop holdoff events
Gate stop holdoff time
Setting
External
External
Negative
Immediate
1
0.0s
External
Positive
Immediate
1
0.0s
Frequency
Frequency gate source
Frequence gate time
Frequency gate polarity
Frequency mode
Frequency burst gate auto
Frequency burst gate delay
Frequency burst gate narrow
Frequency burst gate time
Time Interval
Time interval gate source
Time interval gate polarity
Totalize
Totalize gate source
Totalize gate time
Totalize gate polarity
Time
0.1s
Negative
Auto
On
0.0s
Off
1 us
Immediate
Negative
Time
0.1s
Negative
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5
Trigger and Gate Time Line
Triggering and gating are part of every counter measurement. The relationship of these actions relative to the measurement are shown in the time line of Figure 5-1.
Gate Stop Enabled
Measurement
Complete
Gate Start Enabled gate opens
Input events received are ignored
Trigger Delay
Trigger
INIT:IMMediate
(Time)
Making measurement
Gate enabled
Auto Gate
Extension
Stop Holdoff
(Time, Events)
Start Gate Delay
(Time, Events)
Gate
Start
1 st
Input
Event
Gate
Stop
Gate sequence: repeated for each reading per trigger
Final Event
Figure 5-1. Triggering and Gating Time Line.
Trigger and Gate Cycle
NOTE
The elements of triggering and gating
summarized in Figure 5-1 are shown in detail in the programming cycle of Figure 5-2. The following sections contain descriptions and examples of each step in the cycle.
The SCPI commands and parameters listed throughout this chapter are provided as a guide to how the counter is operated programmatically. The commands are described in detail in the ‘Programmer’s Reference’ section of the
Keysight 53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD.
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146
System Trigger
ABORt
*RST
Idle state
TRIGger:SOURce
Trigger Source
TRIGger:SLOPe
Trigger Slope
TRIGger:DELay
Trigger Delay
TRIGger:COUNt
Trigger Count
SAMPle:COUNt
Sample Count
INITiate:IMMediate
READ?
MEASure?
Wait-for-trigger state
Yes
No triggers received
=
TRIGger:COUNt?
trigger received
Triggered state
Yes
No
# readings
=
SAMPle:COUNt?
(to gate cycle)
(repeated for each reading in sample count)
(from gate cycle)
Figure 5-2. Trigger and Gate Cycle - Triggering.
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5
shown first sequentially set last programmatically
(from Triggered State)
(to SAMPle COUNt reached?)
SENSe:FREQuency:GATE:SOURce
SENSe:TOTalize:GATE:SOURce
SENSe:TINTerval:GATE:SOURce
* not available with time interval
SENSe:GATE:STARt:SOURce
Gate Source
ADVanced
EXTernal
INPut[1]* | INPut2 *
TIME
IMMediate
Gate Start Source
IMMediate
(internal)
EXTernal
SENSe:GATE:EXTernal:SOURce External Gate Source
Gate Start (open)
SENSe:FREQuency:GATE:TIME
SENSe:TOTalize:GATE:TIME
SENSe:TINTerval:GATE:SOURce IMMediate
BNC
INPut[1] | INPut2 *
SENSe:GATE:STARt:SLOPe
Gate Slope
Gate Stop (closed)
SENSe:GATE:STARt:DELay:SOURce
Gate Delay
IMMediate
(delay disabled)
SENSe:GATE:STARt:DELay:EVENts
(input channel)
SENSe:GATE:STARt:DELay:TIME
(for all EXTernal Sources)
Gate Start (open)
SENSe:GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:SOURce
Gate Stop Hold Off
SENSe:GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:EVENts
(input channel)
SENSe:GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:TIME
IMMediate
(holdoff disabled)
Gate In/Out BNC Disable
OUTPut:STATe OFF
Gate Start (open)
SENSe:FREQuency:GATE:POLarity
SENSe:TOTalize:GATE:POLarity
SENSe:TINTerval:GATE:POLarity
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]
SENSe:GATE:STOP:SOURce
Gate Stop Source
EXTernal
IMMediate
(internal)
SENSe:GATE:EXTernal:SOURce
External Gate Source
EXTernal / INPut[1]* | INPut2 *
SENSe:GATE:STOP:SLOPe
Gate Slope
Gate Stop (closed)
Gate Stop (closed)
Gate stop source does not apply to rise/fall time, duty cycle, pulse width, phase, and single-period measurements
(measurement completes on next edge of
input signal after gate is closed)
auto gate extension
(frequency and period measurements)
Figure 5-2 (cont’d). Trigger and Gate Cycle - Gating.
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Triggering and Gating
System Trigger
The counter operates in one of three states depending on the status of the system trigger:
idle, wait for trigger, and triggered.
Idle State
Counter configuration generally occurs while the instrument is in the idle state (Figure
5-3). This includes configuration of the
system trigger.
As shown, the counter is placed in the idle state by either of the following the commands:
ABORt
- aborts a measurement in progress.
*RST
- resets the counter to its factory default values.
The counter
also returns to the idle state after the total number of measurements determined by the TRIGger:COUNt and SAMPle:COUNt settings are complete (i.e. # of measurements = TRIGger:COUNt x SAMPle:COUNt).
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5
A B O R t
*R S T
Idle state
TR IG ger:S O U R ce Trigger S ource
return to idle state w hen
(# readings = TR IG ger:C O U N t x S A M P le:C O U N t)
TR IG ger:S LO P e
Trigger S lope
TR IG ger:D E Lay
Trigger D elay
TR IG ger:C O U N t
Trigger C ount
S A M P le:C O U N t
S am ple C ount
Figure 5-3. System Trigger Sequence.
System Trigger Source
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Triggering and Gating
The system trigger is configured using the commands within the TRIGger and SAM-
Ple
subsystems. Figure 5-3 show the sequence in which the commands are commonly used.
The system trigger source which starts the trigger/gate cycle is set with the command:
TRIGger:SOURce
{IMMediate|EXTernal|BUS}
TRIGger:SOURce?
(query form)
- trigger source IMMediate sets a continuous trigger signal. By default, CONFigure sets the trigger source to IMMEDiate.
- trigger source
EXTernal sets the trigger source to an external trigger applied to the rear panel ‘Trig In’ BNC connector.
- trigger source BUS causes the instrument to be triggered by the *TRG command received over an IO interface.
Trigger Source Example
//configure for frequency, set system trigger parameters
CONF:FREQ 5E6,0.1,(@2)
TRIG:SOUR EXT // trigger source external
System Trigger Slope
150
When the system trigger source is set to EXTernal, the triggering slope (edge) of the signal is set with the command:
TRIGger:SLOPe {POSitive|NEGative}
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5
TRIGger:SLOPe?
(query form)
- trigger slope POSitive selects the signal’s rising edge, and trigger slope NEGative selects the signal’s falling edge. The signal is applied to the
‘Trig In’ BNC. By default, CONFigure sets the trigger slope to NEGative.
Trigger Slope Example
//configure for frequency, set system trigger parameters
CONF:FREQ 5E6,0.1,(@2)
TRIG:SOUR EXT // trigger source external
TRIG:SLOP POS // trigger slope - positive
System Trigger Delay
The delay between receipt of the internal or external system trigger signal and the start of the
first measurement (Figure 5-1) is set with the command:
TRIGger:DELay {<time>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
TRIGger:DELay? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]
(query form)
- specifies the delay in seconds. Delays between subsequent measurements (i.e. multiple readings per trigger - see SAMPle:COUNt) are set with the
SENSe:GATE:STARt:DELay
commands. CONFigure and MEASure set a defaut delay of 0.0s.
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Triggering and Gating
Trigger Delay Example
//configure for frequency, set system trigger parameters
CONF:FREQ 5E6,0.1,(@2)
TRIG:SOUR EXT // trigger source external
TRIG:SLOP POS // external trigger slope - positive
TRIG:DEL 1 // 1s delay after trigger received
System Trigger Count
The number of system triggers the counter will receive before returning to the idle state from the wait-for-trigger state is set with the command:
TRIGger:COUNt {<count>|MINimum|MAXImum|DEFault}
TRIGger:COUNt? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]
(query form)
The trigger count range is 1 to 1,000,000. CONFigure and MEASure set a default trigger count of ‘1’.
Trigger Count Example
//configure for frequency, set system trigger parameters
CONF:FREQ 5E6,0.1,(@2)
TRIG:SOUR EXT // trigger source external
TRIG:SLOP POS // external trigger slope - positive
TRIG:DEL 1
TRIG:COUN 2
// 1s delay after trigger received
// accept 2 system triggers
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5
Sample Count
The trigger count multiplied by the sample count (TRIG:COUN x SAMP:COUN) determines the number of readings taken before the counter returns to the idle state. The sample count is set with the command:
SAMPle:COUNt {<count>| MINimum|MAXImum|DEFault}
SAMPle:COUNt? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]
(query form)
The count range is 1 to 1,000,000. CONFigure and MEASure set a default sample count of ‘1’.
Reading memory can store up to 1,000,000 readings. If the product of the trigger count and the sample count is greater than 1,000,000 readings, data must be read from reading memory fast enough to prevent memory overflow. If memory does overflow, new readings will overwrite the first (oldest) readings stored. The most recent readings are always preserved. See Chapter 8 - “Status Conditions” for information on monitoring reading memory count.
Sample Count Example
//configure for frequency, set system trigger and sample
//count parameters; take 2 sets of 100 readings
CONF:FREQ 5E6,0.1,(@2)
TRIG:SOUR EXT // trigger source external
TRIG:SLOP POS // external trigger slope - positive
TRIG:DEL 1
TRIG:COUN 2
// 1s delay after trigger received
// accept 2 system triggers
SAMP:COUN 100 // take 100 rdgs for each trigger
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Triggering and Gating
NOTE
The trigger count and sample count are ignored when making continuous totalize measurements. The trigger count is also ignored when making continuous, gap-free frequency or period measurements. Only one trigger is accepted when using these functions. See the ‘Programmer’s Reference’ section of the
Keysight
53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD for more information.
Wait-For-Trigger and Triggered States
In order for the counter to
accept triggers which start the trigger and gate cycle, the counter must be
initiated. Initiating the counter places the instrument in the
wait-for-trigger state (Figure 5-4).
154
INITiate:IMMediate
READ?
MEASure?
Wait-for-trigger state
Yes
No triggers received
=
TRIGger:COUNt?
trigger received
Triggered state
Yes
No
# readings
=
SAMPle:COUNt?
(to gate cycle)
(repeated for each reading in sample count
(from gate cycle)
Figure 5-4. The Counter ‘Wait-for-trigger’ State.
The counter can be initiated using the following commands:
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5
INITiate[:IMMediate]
- places the counter in the wait-for-trigger state. In this state, trigger signals are recognized and accepted. Readings taken after the counter is initiated by INITiate[:IMMediate]
are displayed and stored in the counter’s reading memory (see
Chapter 7 “Formats and Data Flow” for more information).
Initiating Example
//configure for frequency, set system trigger parameters
CONF:FREQ 5E6,0.1,(@2)
TRIG:SOUR EXT // trigger source external
TRIG:SLOP POS // external trigger slope - positive
TRIG:DEL 1 // 1s delay after trigger received
TRIG:COUN 2 // accept 2 system triggers
SAMP:COUN 100 // take 100 readings per system trigger
INIT // initiate the counter - wait for trigger state
FETc? // retrieve measurements from reading memory
READ?
- equivalent to executing INITiate:IMMediate directly followed by FETCh?.
With READ?, readings are displayed, stored in reading memory, and instantaneously read into the output buffer
(see Chapter 7 “Formats and Data Flow” for more information).
READ? Example
//configure for frequency, set system trigger parameters
CONF:FREQ 5E6,0.1,(@2)
TRIG:SOUR EXT // trigger source external
TRIG:SLOP POS // external trigger slope - positive
TRIG:DEL 1 // 1s delay after trigger received
TRIG:COUN 2 // accept 2 system triggers
SAMP:COUN 100 // take 100 readings per system trigger
READ? //initiate the counter - fetch readings from memory
Once initiated, a valid trigger signal and a satisfied delay period (if specified) moves the
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counter to the triggered state and the beginning of the gate cycle. The counter remains in the triggered state until the sample count (readings per trigger) is reached. The counter then returns to the wait-for-trigger state until the next system trigger is received. The counter returns to the idle state once the product of the trigger count x sample count is reached.
Measurement Gate
NOTE
Control of the measurement gate allows you to select the duration of the measurement.
The gating sequence of the trigger/gate cycle begins after a system trigger signal is received, and is repeated for
each measurement specified in the sample count.
The gate sequence occurs while the counter is in the triggered state (Figure
5-2). Although shown in the figure after the counter is initiated, gate
configuration
like system trigger
configuration, occurs while counter is in the idle state.
156
NOTE
Counter measurements are based on configurations comprised of multiple parameters. The
easiest and most common starting point for setting these parameters
programmatically is using commands within the CONFigure and
MEASure subsystems (Chapter 3). These subsystem commands are considered
“high-level”, as multiple counter parameters are set or defaulted from a single command. “Low- level” commands such as the gating commands described here allow you to change selected gating parameters without altering other areas of the counter configuration.
Gate Set Up
The counter’s
gate source determines the path through the gate cycle and the related parameters that must be considered. A gate source is required for all frequency, totalizing, and time interval measurements.
Although selection of the gate source is shown at the beginning of the cycle (Figures 5-2
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and 5-5), programmatically it should occur after all other gate parameters have been set.
This prevents potential “settings conflict” errors between the SENSe subsystem commands, and is illustrated in the examples and program segments that use these commands.
(from Triggered State) shown first sequentially set last programmatically
SENSe:FREQuency:GATE:SOURce
SENSe:TOTalize:GATE:SOURce
SENSe:TINTerval:GATE:SOURce
* not available with time interval
Gate Source
ADVanced
EXTernal
INPut[1] | INPut2 *
TIME
IMMediate
(to SAMPle COUNt reached?)
Gate Start (open)
SENSe:FREQuency:GATE:TIME
SENSe:TOTalize:GATE:TIME
SENSe:TINTerval:GATE:SOURce IMMediate
Gate Stop (closed)
(for all EXTernal Sources)
Gate In/Out BNC Disable
OUTPut:STATe OFF
Gate Start (open)
SENSe:FREQuency:GATE:POLarity
SENSe:TOTalize:GATE:POLarity
SENSe:TINTerval:GATE:POLarity
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]
Gate Stop (closed)
Figure 5-5. Gate Source Sequence.
Typical counter measurements and most applications use an internal signal as the gate source to control the gate for a specified (or default) period of time.
For applications requiring synchronization with external events or requiring more precise gate control, an external gate or advanced gating is used. External gate signals are
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applied to the counter’s rear panel ‘Gate In/Out’ BNC or to the channel 1 or channel 2 input.
Frequency Measurements
158
For frequency and period measurements the command used to set/change the gate source is:
[SENSe:]FREQuency:GATE:SOURce {TIME|EXTernal|INPut[1]|
INPut2|ADVanced}
[SENSe:]FREQuency:GATE:SOURce?
(query form)
- gate source TIME is used to achieve a desired resolution in
number of digits. It uses an internal gate signal and is the default gate source. It enables the gate to remain open for a specified period while the input signal is measured. The longer the gate time, the greater the resolution.
Resolution and Gate Time
Reading resolution (in digits) is a function of the counter’s gate time, measurement mode (AUTO, CONTinuous, RECiprocal - Chapter 3), and resolution enhancement algorithm. Resolution enhancement (R
E
), which is defined in the 53220A/53230A data
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sheet, extends the resolution beyond what is achieved with the basic reciprocal measurement technique. Resolution enhancement applies to the counter’s AUTO or CONTinuous
mode with gate times > 10 msec.
Table 5-2 shows the digits of resolution achieved with the 53230A and 53220A for a given gate time. The table also includes formulas for estimating digits as a function of gate time or expected values, and gate times as a function of digits.
Table 5-2. Resolution and Gate Time.
Gate Time
(53230A)
(T ss
= 20 ps)
1 usec
10 usec
100 usec
1 msec
10 msec
100 msec
1 sec
10 sec
100 sec
1000 sec
Resolution
(Digits)
Auto/Continuous
Gate Time
(53220A)
(T ss
= 100 ps)
100 usec
Resolution
(Digits)
Auto
1 msec
10 msec
100 msec
1 sec
10 sec
100 sec
1000 sec
* Resolution Enhanced
6
7 up to 10* up to 11* up to 12* up to 13* up to 14* up to 15*
4.7
5.7
6.7
7.7
up to 10* up to 11* up to 12* up to 13* up to 14* up to 15*
Resolution
(Digits)
Reciprocal
4.7
5.7
6.7
7.7
8.7
9.7
10.7
11.7
12.7
13.7 usec
Resolution
(Digits)
Reciprocal
10
11
12
13
8
9
6
7
Calculating Digits and Gate
Time (Reciprocal Mode)
Digits as a function of gate time:
Digits = Log
10
(gate time/T ss
Digits as a function of expected value (CONFigure, MEASure)
Digits = Log
10
- Log
10
(expected value)
(resolution)
)
Gate time as a function of digits:
gate time = (10^digits) * T ss
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Setting the Gate Time
160
A measurement gate time can be specified directly with the command:
[SENSe:]FREQuency:GATE:TIME {<time>|MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}
[SENSe:]FREQuency:GATE:TIME? {MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
(query form)
CONFigure
and MEASure automatically set the gate source to TIME, and the gate time according to their optional expected value and resolution parameters. Specifying these parameters or using default values with these commands
simplifies counter programming. However, setting/changing the gate time separate from the CONFigure
/MEASure command allows you to change
only the gate time while preserving other configuration settings.
Querying the Gate Time
The gate time set by the expected value and resolution parameters can be determined after execution of the CONFigure or
MEASure
command.
For example, assume a measurement requiring 10-digit (mHz) resolution of a
5 MHz signal is required. Because digits of resolution is
approximately equal to Log
10
(expected value) - Log
10
(resolution), this measurement could be configured as:
MEAS:FREQ? 5e6, 5E-4, (@1) // expected freq, resolution
A typical measurement using this configuration might return:
+4.99998458333282E+006
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With the counter display registering:
4.999 984 583 3MHz
(11 digits - resolution enhanced)
Querying the gate time after sending this command returns:
SENS:FREQ:GATE:TIME?
+1.00000000000000E-001
(100 ms)
From Table 5-2 and assuming a 53230A counter and measurement mode Auto, this corresponds to 11 digits of resolution. To achieve a desired resolution (digits) in terms of gate time, locate the number of digits in Table 5-2 and select the corresponding gate time:
SENS:FREQ:GATE:TIME 100e-3
SENS:FREQ:GATE:SOUR TIME
// set gate time = 100 ms
// set gate source
As another example, assume a measurement requiring 6-digit resolution of a
5 ns (200 MHz) signal. Recalling that Log
10
(expected value) - Log
10
(resolution) is approximately equal to digits of resolution, the measurement can be configured as:
MEAS:PER? 5E-9, 5E-15, (@1) // per meas of 200 MHz signal
A typical measurement using this configuration might return:
+5.00010899135045E-009
With the counter display registering:
5.000 10nsec
(6 digits)
Querying the gate time after sending this command returns:
SENS:FREQ:GATE:TIME?
+1.00000000000000E-005
(10 us - no resolution enhancement)
Again using Table 5-2, if a resolution of 6-digits is required the corresponding gate time can be located and sent directly as:
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SENS:FREQ:GATE:TIME 10e-6
External Gate Sources
// set gate time = 10 us
NOTE
Gate sources EXTernal, INPut[1],
and INPut2 are external sources. EXTernal
is the counter’s rear panel ‘Gate In/Out’ BNC, and INPut[1]/ INPut2 (represented by softkeys Chan 1 and Chan 2) are the counter’s channel 1 and channel 2 inputs.
OUTput:STATe
OFF must be set when using gate source EXTernal. See
“Enabling Gate Signals on the ‘Gate In/Out BNC” for more information and for information on using gate signals to synchronize other instruments.
External Gate Signal Polarity
162
When using any external gate source the polarity of the gate signal and therefore, the duration of the gate, is set or changed with the command:
[SENSe:]FREQuency:GATE:POLarity {POSitive|NEGative}
[SENSe:]FREQuency:GATE:POLarity?
(query form)
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POSitive
starts the measurement on a positive edge on the Gate In/Out BNC or channel 1/channel 2 input, and stops the measurement on the
next negative edge. NEGative starts the measurement on a negative edge on the Gate In/Out BNC or channel 1/channel
2 input, and stops the measurement on the
next positive edge.
CONFigure
and MEASure do not change the polarity setting. Following a reset
(*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet or Preset key), the negative edge is selected.
To set the polarity of the external gate signal:
// select the gate polarity and source
CONF:PER
SENS:FREQ:GATE:POL POS // set polarity
SENS:FREQ:GATE:SOUR EXT // set source
External Gate Signal Threshold
For external sources INPut[1] and INPut2 (Chan 1 and Chan 2 softkeys), a
fixed input threshold voltage must be specified in addition to the gate signal polarity. This is done using the command:
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]{<volts>|MINimum|
MAXimum|DEFault}
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]?[{MINimum|MAXimum|
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DEFault}]
(query form)
The specified edge (polarity) of the gate signal crossing the threshold opens the gate.
The opposite edge (polarity) of the signal crossing the threshold closes the gate. (More information on the INPut subsystem can be found in Chapter 4 - “ 53220A/53230A
Input Signal Conditioning”.)
When using external sources INPut[1] and INPut2, the channel selected as the gate source cannot be the same channel on which the
measured signal is applied. That is, the gate source channel cannot be involved in the measurement.
To set the polarity and level for an external gate source:
// select the gate polarity, source, and threshold level
CONF:FREQ
SENS:FREQ:GATE:POL POS // set polarity
SENS:FREQ:GATE:SOUR INP // set source - channel 1
INP:LEV 4 // set threshold - 4V
Gate Source ADVanced
Gate source ADVanced enables extended control of the gate signal through the counter’s SENSe:GATE commands (see Advanced Gate Control later in this chapter).
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Totalizing
Setting the Gate Source
For gated counts of events (edges) on the input channels configured by:
CONFigure:TOTalize:TIMed
The command used to set or change the gate source is:
[SENSe:]TOTalize:GATE:SOURce {TIME|EXTernal|INPut[1]|
INPut2|ADVanced}
[SENSe:]TOTalize:GATE:SOURce?
(query form)
- gate source TIME enables totalizing on the input channels for a specified period.
Setting the Gate Time
The gate time is set with the command:
[SENSe:]TOTalize:GATE:TIME {<time>|MINimum|MAXimum|
INFinity|DEFault}
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[SENSe:]TOTalize:GATE:TIME? {MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
(query form)
CONFigure
and MEASure automatically set the gate source to TIME, and the gate time to the value of their gate_time parameter.
To specify a gate time and source directly for totalizing:
NOTE
// set gate time and source
SENS:TOT:GATE:TIME 10 // set gate time = 10s
SENS:TOT:GATE:SOUR TIME // set gate source
External Gate Sources
Gate sources EXTernal, INPut[1],
and INPut2 are external sources. EXTernal
is the counter’s rear panel ‘Gate In/Out’ BNC, and INPut[1]/INPut2 (represented by softkeys Chan 1 and Chan 2) are the counter’s channel 1 and channel 2 inputs.
OUTput:STATe
OFF must be set when using gate source EXTernal. See
“Enabling Gate Signals on the ‘Gate In/Out BNC” for more information and for information on using gate signals to synchronize other instruments.
External Gate Signal Polarity
166
When using the external gate sources, the polarity of the gate signal and therefore, the duration of the gate, is set or changed with the command:
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[SENSe:]TOTalize:GATE:POLarity {POSitive|NEGative}
[SENSe:]TOTalize:GATE:POLarity?
(query form)
POSitive
starts totalizing on a positive edge on the Gate In/Out BNC or channel
1/channel 2 input, and stops totalizing on the
next negative edge. NEGative starts totalizing on a negative edge on the Gate In/Out BNC or channel 1/channel 2 input, and stops totalizing on the
next positive edge.
CONFigure
and MEASure do not change the polarity setting. Following a reset
(*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet or Preset key), the negative edge is selected.
To set the polarity of the external gate signal:
// select the gate polarity and source
CONF:TOT:TIM
SENS:TOT:GATE:POL POS // set polarity
SENS:TOT:GATE:SOUR EXT // set source
External Gate Signal Threshold
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For external sources INPut[1] and INPut2 (Chan 1 and Chan 2 softkeys), a
fixed input threshold voltage must be specified in addition to the gate signal polarity. These parameters are set with the commands:
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]{<volts>|MINimum|
MAXimum|DEFault}
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]?[{MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}]
(query form)
The specified edge (polarity) of the gate signal crossing the threshold opens the gate.
The opposite edge (polarity) of the signal crossing the threshold closes the gate.
When using sources INPut[1] and INPut2, the channel selected as the gate source cannot be the same channel on which input events are totalized. That is, the gate source channel cannot be involved with the measurement.
To set the polarity and level when using an input channel as the gate source:
// select the gate polarity, source, and threshold level
CONF:TOT:TIM
SENS:TOT:GATE:POL POS // set polarity
SENS:TOT:GATE:SOUR INP1 // set source - channel 1
INP1:LEV 4 // set threshold - 4V
Gate Source ADVanced
Gate source ADVanced enables extended control of the gate signal through the counter’s SENSe:GATE commands (see Advanced Gate Control).
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Continuous Totalizing
Continuous totalizing as configured by the command:
CONFigure:TOTalize:CONTinuous sets the gate source to TIME and the gate time to INFinity. The command also sets the input threshold to 0.0V and the edge (events that are totalized) to positive. Refer to
Chapter 4 - “53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning” for information on the commands in the INPut subsystem used to change these parameters.
Reading the Current Count
During continuous or timed totalizing with long gate times, the current count can be read with the command:
[SENSe:]TOTalize:DATA?
For example:
CONF:TOT:CONT
INIT
.
SENS:TOT:DATA?
.
ABOR
// configure continuous totalizing
// start measurement
// query current count
// terminate measurements
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Time Interval Measurements
170
For time interval measurements, the command used to set/change the gate source is:
[SENSe:]TINTerval:GATE:SOURce {IMMediate|EXTernal|
ADVanced}
NOTE
[SENSe:]TINTerval:GATE:SOURce?
(query form)
- gate source IMMediate uses an internal gate signal which starts the measurement on the first event (edge/level) defined by the INPut subsystem, and ends on the next (stop) event defined. The CONFigure commands set the time interval gate source to IMMediate
.
- gate source EXTernal is the counter’s rear panel ‘Gate In/Out’ BNC. Using an external gate, the measurement begins on the first start event
after the external gate is received. The measurement ends following the stop event. The start and stop events
(edge/level) are defined by the INPut subsystem.
OUTput:STATe
OFF must be set when using gate source EXTernal. See
“Enabling Gate Signals on the ‘Gate In/Out BNC” for more information and for information on using gate signals to synchronize other instruments.
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External Gate Signal Polarity
When using an external gate source, the polarity of the gate signal is changed with the command:
[SENSe:]TINTerval:GATE:POLarity {POSitive|NEGative}
[SENSe:]TINterval:GATE:POLarity?
(query form)
POSitive
enables a time interval measurement following a positive edge on the Gate
In/Out BNC. NEGative
enables a time interval measurement following a negative edge on the Gate In/Out BNC. For either edge, the measurement
begins on the first start event after the (gate) edge.
Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet or Preset key), the negative edge (polarity) is selected.
Gate Source ADVanced
Gate source ADVanced enables extended control of the gate signal through the counter’s SENSe:GATE commands (see Advanced Gate Control later in this chapter).
The following example shows configuration of a time interval measurement beginning with high-level configuration of the counter, setting up the start and stop events, and changing the polarity and gate source.
//configure the counter for a time interval measurement
//using external gating to start the measurement
CONF:TINT (@1),(@2) // time int between ch1/ch2
INP1:LEV1 2 // set start level (event)
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INP1:SLOP1 POS
INP2:LEV1 2
// set start event polarity
// set stop level (event)
INP2:SLOP1 NEG // set stop event polarity
SENS:TINT:GATE:POL POS // set gate signal polarity
SENS:TINT:GATE:SOUR EXT // external gate source
Enabling Gate Signals on the ‘Gate In/Out’ BNC
172
For timing and synchronization with other instruments gate signals from sources Time
(internal), IMMediate (internal), and INPut[1]/INPut2
(Chan 1 and Chan 2 softkeys) can be routed to the rear panel ‘Gate In/ Out’ connector and assigned a polarity using the commands:
OUTPut[:STATe] {OFF|ON}
OUTPut[:STATe]?
(query form)
OUTPut:POLarity {NORMal | INVerted}
OUTPut:POLarity?
(query form)
ON
enables “Gate Out” - gate signals are routed to the rear panel BNC. OFF disables
“Gate Out” - the BNC is an external (“Gate In”) source. Therefore,
OUTPut:STATe OFF
must be set when the gate source is EXTernal.
NORMal
- the polarity of the gate signal output from the "Gate Out" BNC is a rising
(positive) edge. INVerted - the gate signal polarity is a falling (negative) edge.
Burst Carrier Frequency Measurements
The
53230A counter with channel 3 Option 106 or 115 (6 GHz or 15 GHz microwave input) and Pulse Microwave Measurement
Option 150 enables measurement of the burst carrier frequency. A representation of the carrier frequency is shown in Figure 5-6.
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- 6 dB p-p amplitude
‘on’ time
NOTE
burst carrier frequency
Figure 5-6. Burst Carrier Frequency (-6 dB threshold).
See “Burst Measurement Detector Threshold” in Chapter 4 for more information on burst pulse characteristics.
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Setting Narrow Pulse Mode
174
For carrier frequency measurements with ‘on durations’ (Figure 5-6) less than 10
μs, narrow pulse mode must be set using the command:
[SENSe:]FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:NARRow {OFF|ON}
[SENSe:]FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:NARRow?
(query form)
ON
- enables narrow pulse mode for ‘on durations’ less than 10 μs. Automatic gate set up
(SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:AUTO ON) is
always used when narrow mode is enabled.
OFF
- disables narrow pulse mode. For ‘on durations’ greater than 20
μs, narrow pulse mode
must be disabled.
Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet or Preset key), narrow pulse mode is disabled.
Carrier Frequency Gate Control
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Gate control for measuring the carrier frequency can occur automatically during the measurement or be controlled manually as shown in Figure 5-7.
53230A Opt. 150
SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:AUTO
(from Triggered State)
Gate Control
OFF
SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:NARRow
Narrow Pulse Mode
ON
ON
OFF
Manual Gate Control
Automatic Gate Control
SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:TIME
Burst Gate Time
SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:DELay
Burst Gate Delay
Figure 5-7. Carrier Frequency Measurement Gate Control.
The method of gate control is set with the command:
[SENSe:]FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:AUTO {OFF|ON}
[SENSe:]FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:AUTO?
(query form)
- when ON, the gate time and delay are automatically configured based on the characteristics of the pulse signal. Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYS-
Tem:PRESet
or Preset key), automatic gate control is enabled (ON).
When OFF, the gate time and delay are set manually using the commands:
[SENSe:]FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:TIME {<time>|MINimum|
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176
MAXimum|DEFault}
[SENSe:]FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:TIME? [{MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}]
(query form)
[SENSe:]FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:DELay {<delay>|MINimum|
MAXimum DEFault}
[SENSe:]FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:DELay? [{MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}]
(query form)
- time sets the gate time for measuring the pulse burst carrier frequency. For accurate results, the gate window (open/close) must be within the threshold detector’s (-6 dB, -12 dB) sensitivity range. The range for time is
1
μs to 100s with 10 ns resolution.
Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet or Preset key), the gate time is set to 1
μs.
- delay sets the gate delay at the start of the measurement. The delay starts when the input level reaches the detector threshold (-6 dB, -12 dB) set by the
INPut3:BURSt:LEVel
command. The delay range is 0s to 10s, with 10 ns resolution.
Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet or Preset key), the delay is set to 0.0s.
Carrier Frequency Configuration Example
The following example shows a typical configuration for a burst carrier frequency measurement. In the example, the gate delay and gate time are set manually. If the characteristics of the pulse are unknown, the “on time” can be measured separately to insure that the delay and time are set within the threshold detector’s sensitivity range (see Chapter 3 for more pulse measurement examples).
// measure the on time of the burst to determine
// appropriate delay and gate times
CONF:PWID:BURS (@3)
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INP3:BURS:LEV -6
READ?
.
.
// measure the burst carrier frequency
CONF:FREQ:BURS (@3)
INP3:BURS:LEV -6 // set detector threshold level
SENS:FREQ:BURS:GATE:NARR OFF // turn narrow mode off
SENS:FREQ:BURS:GATE:AUTO OFF // manually set delay/time
SENS:FREQ:BURS:GATE:DEL 5E-6 // set gate delay
SENS:FREQ:BURS:GATE:TIME 10E-6 // set gate time
READ?
Advanced Gate Control - Gate Start
Setting the gate source to ADVanced during configuration of frequency, totalizing, and time interval measurements enables
additional (start/stop) control of the measurement gate. Figure 5-8 repeats the gate start source section of the full trigger/gate cycle shown in Figure 5-2.
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shown first sequentially set last programmatically
SENSe:FREQuency:GATE:SOURce
SENSe:TOTalize:GATE:SOURce
SENSe:TINTerval:GATE:SOURce
* not available with time interval
(from Triggered State)
Gate Source
ADVanced
SENSe:GATE:STARt:SOURce
Gate Start Source
SENSe:GATE:EXTernal:SOURce
IMMediate
(internal)
EXTernal
External Gate Source
BNC
INPut[1] | INPut2 *
SENSe:GATE:STARt:SLOPe
Gate Slope
SENSe:GATE:STARt:DELay:SOURce
Gate Delay
SENSe:GATE:STARt:DELay:EVENts
(input channel)
SENSe:GATE:STARt:DELay:TIME
IMMediate
(delay disabled)
Gate Start (open)
Gate Start Source
Figure 5-8. Gate Start Sequence.
178
The specific command which sets the gate start (open) source is:
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[SENSe:]GATE:STARt:SOURce {IMMediate|EXTernal}
[SENSe:]GATE:STARt:SOURce?
(query form)
- gate source IMMediate starts (opens) the measurement gate immediately after a system trigger is received and following any programmed system trigger and gate start delay.
- gate source EXTernal sets the gate source to be specified by the command:
[SENSe:]GATE:EXTernal:SOURce {BNC|INPut[1]|INPut2}
[SENSe:]GATE:EXTernal:SOURce?
(query form)
- gate source BNC is the counter’s rear panel ‘Gate In/Out’ BNC.
NOTE
- gate source INPut[1]and INPut2 (represented by softkeys Chan 1 and
Chan 2) are the counter’s channel 1 and channel 2 inputs.
These sources are not available for time interval, pulse width, duty cycle, rise/fall time, or phase measure-
ments.
OUTput:STATe
OFF must be set when using gate source BNC. See
“Enabling Gate Signals on the ‘Gate In/Out BNC” for more information and for information on using gate signals to synchronize other instruments.
External Gate Start Signal Polarity
When using the external gate sources listed, the polarity of the start gate signal is set
(changed) with the command:
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Triggering and Gating
[SENSe:]GATE:STARt:SLOPe {POSitive|NEGative}
[SENSe:]:GATE:START:SLOPe?
(query form)
POSitive
starts (opens) the gate on a positive edge on the Gate In/Out BNC or channel 1/channel 2 input. NEGative starts the measurement on a negative edge on the
Gate In/Out BNC or channel 1/channel 2 input. The gate is stopped (closed) based on the corresponding stop gate settings.
Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet or Preset key), a negative slope is selected.
External Gate Start Signal Threshold
180
For external sources INPut[1] and INPut2 (Chan 1 and Chan 2 softkeys), a
fixed input threshold voltage must also be specified in addition to the gate signal slope. This is done using the command:
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]{<volts>|MINimum|
MAXimum|DEFault}
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]?[{MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}]
(query form)
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5
The specified edge (slope) of the gate signal crossing the threshold starts the gate. (More information on the INPut subsystem can be found in Chapter 4 - “53220A/53230A Input
Signal Conditioning”.)
When using external sources INPut[1] and INPut2, the channel selected as the gate source cannot be the same channel on which the
measured signal is applied. That is, the gate start source channel cannot be involved in the measurement.
Gate Start Configuration Example
The following example shows low-level user control of the start gate by setting multiple parameters.
//configure the counter for an externally gated frequency
//measurement. The gate start signal is applied to the rear
//panel ‘Gate In’ BNC
CONF:FREQ (@2) // frequency measurement on channel 2
TRIG:SOUR INT // use internal trigger source
SAMP:COUN 3 // set 3 readings (gate cycles)
SENS:GATE:STAR:SOUR EXT // set an external gate source
SENS:GATE:EXT:SOUR EXT // select rear panel Gate In BNC
OUTP:STAT OFF // disable BNC as an output
SENS:GATE:STAR:SLOP POS // set a pos. start gate slope
SENS:FREQ:GATE SOUR ADV // low-level gate control
Setting a Gate Start Delay
When using either an internal (immediate) or external signal to start (open) the gate, a delay from when the signal is received to when the gate is started (opened) can be specified. The delay source and its parameters are set with the commands:
[SENSe:]GATE:STARt:DELay:SOURce {IMMediate|EVENts|TIME}
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[SENSe:]GATE:STARt:DELay:SOURce?
(query form)
- delay source IMMediate disables the delay settings and no
gate delay occurs. CON-
Figure
and MEASure do not change the delay source setting. Following a reset
(*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet or Preset key), delay source IMMediate
is selected.
- delay source EVENts delays the gate start (open) until a specified number of events
(edges) as configured by the INPut subsystem occur on the
input channel . For two-channel time interval measurements, delay events are counted on the ‘start’ channel. For frequency ratio measurements, delay events are counted on the ‘denominator’ channel.
The number of events is specified with the command:
[SENSe:]GATE:STARt:DELay:EVENts {<count>|MINimum|
MAXimum|DEFault}
[SENSe:]GATE:STARt:DELay:EVENts?
(query form)
- delay source TIME delays the gate start (open) for a period set by the command:
[SENSe:]GATE:STARt:DELay:TIME {<time>|MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}
[SENSe:]GATE:STARt:DELay:TIME?
(query form)
Advanced Gate Control - Gate Stop Hold Off and Gate Stop
Advanced gate control also includes (optionally) enabling a gate stop hold off and setting the gate stop (close) parameters. Figure 5-9 repeats the gate stop hold off and gate stop sections of the full trigger/gate cycle shown in Figure 5-2.
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5
(from Gate Start (open))
* not available with time interval
SENSe:GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:SOURce
Gate Stop Hold Off
SENSe:GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:EVENts
(input channel)
SENSe:GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:TIME
IMMediate
(holdoff disabled)
SENSe:GATE:STOP:SOURce
Gate Stop Source
EXTernal
IMMediate
(internal)
SENSe:GATE:EXTernal:SOURce
External Gate Source
EXTernal /
INPut[1]* | INPut2 *
SENSe:GATE:STOP:SLOPe
Gate Slope
Gate Stop (closed)
Gate stop source does not apply to rise/fall time, duty cycle, pulse width, phase, and single-period measurements
Figure 5-9. Gate Stop Hold Off and Gate Stop Sequence.
Gate Stop Hold Off
The gate stop hold off delays the gate from stopping (closing) for a specified time or until a specified number of events (edges) have occurred on the
input channel.
For totalizing measurements or when specifying a hold off in terms of time, the hold off begins when the gate
opens. For all other measurements or when specifying a hold off for a number of input events, the hold off begins on the first event after the gate
opens
(Figure 5-1).
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Triggering and Gating
Gate Stop Hold Off Source
184
The gate stop holdoff source and its parameters are set with the commands:
[SENSe:]GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:SOURce {IMMediate|EVENts|TIME}
[SENSe:]GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:SOURce?
(query form)
- holdoff source IMMediate disables the hold off settings and no
gate holdoff occurs.
The gate closes immediately after the gate stop parameters are satisfied.
CONFigure
and MEASure do not change the hold off source setting. Following a reset
(*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet or Preset key), hold off source
IMMediate
is selected (disabled).
- hold off source EVENts holds off the gate stop (close) until a specified number of events (edges) as configured by the INPut subsystem occur on the
input channel. For two-channel time interval measurements, hold off events are counted on the ‘stop’ channel. For frequency ratio measurements, hold off events are counted on the ‘denominator’ channel.
The number of events is specified with the command:
[SENSe:]GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:EVENts {<count>|MINimum|
MAXimum|DEFault}
[SENSe:]GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:EVENts?
(query form)
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5
- holdoff source TIME holds off the gate stop (close) for a period set by the command:
[SENSe:]GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:TIME {<time>|MINimum|MAXimum|
INFinity|DEFault}
[SENSe:]GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:TIME?
(query form)
Note for frequency, frequency ratio, average period, PRF, and PRI measurements, the minimum gate stop (close) holdoff time is 100 usec for the 53220A, or 1 usec for the
53230A.
INFinity
or +9.9E+37 is accepted
only for the TOTalize measurement function.
When selected, the gate remains open until an ABORt or *RST command or a device clear is received.
Gate Stop Source
NOTE
The gate stop source determines when the measurement gate is closed
following the stop hold off.
Setting a gate stop source does not apply to rise/fall time, duty cycle, pulse width, phase, and single period measurements. These measurements complete automatically on the next appropriate edge on the input channel.
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Triggering and Gating
The specific command which sets the gate stop source is:
[SENSe:]GATE:STOP:SOURce {IMMediate|EXTernal}
[SENSe:]GATE:STOP:SOURce?
(query form)
- gate source IMMediate stops (closes) the measurement gate immediately following any gate stop hold off.
- gate source EXTernal sets the gate stop source to be specified by the command:
[SENSe:]GATE:EXTernal:SOURce {EXTernal|INPut[1]|INPut2}
[SENSe:]GATE:EXTernal:SOURce?
(query form)
- gate source EXTernal is the counter’s rear panel ‘Gate In/Out’ BNC.
NOTE
- gate source INPut[1]and INPut2 (not available with time interval measurements) are the counter’s channel 1 and channel 2 inputs (front or rear panel - Opt. 201).
OUTput:STATe
OFF must be set when using gate source EXTernal. See
“Enabling Gate Signals on the ‘Gate In/Out BNC” for more information and for information on using gate signals to synchronize other instruments.
CONFigure
and MEASure do not change the
gate stop source setting. Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet or Preset key), gate stop source
EXTernal
is selected.
External Gate Stop Signal Polarity
186
When using the external gate sources listed above, the polarity of the stop gate signal is
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5
set (changed) with the command:
[SENSe:]GATE:STOP:SLOPe {POSitive|NEGative}
[SENSe:]:GATE:STOP:SLOPe?
(query form)
POSitive
stops (closes) the gate on a positive edge on the Gate In/Out BNC or channel 1/channel 2 input. NEGative stops the measurement on a negative edge on the
Gate In/Out BNC or channel 1/channel 2 input.
CONFigure
and MEASure do not change the slope setting. Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet or Preset key), a positive slope is selected.
External Gate Stop Signal Threshold
For external sources INPut[1] and INPut2 (Chan 1 and Chan 2 softkeys), a
fixed input threshold voltage must also be specified in addition to the gate signal slope. This is done using the command:
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]{<volts>|MINimum|
MAXimum|DEFault}
INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]?[{MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}]
(query form)
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Triggering and Gating
The specified edge (slope) of the gate signal crossing the threshold stops the gate. (More information on the INPut subsystem can be found in Chapter 4 - “53220A/53230A
Input Signal Conditioning”.)
When using external sources INPut[1] and INPut2, the channel selected as the gate source cannot be the same channel on which the
measured signal is applied. That is, the gate start source channel cannot be involved in the measurement.
Gate Hold Off and Stop Configuration Example
The following example shows the sequence commonly used when configuring the stop gate hold off and stop gate using low-level commands.
//configure the counter for an externally gated time
//interval measurement. The gate start and stop signals are
//applied to the rear panel ‘Gate In’ BNC. Gate closing is
//held off for 1 second after the stop gate signal is
//received.
//
CONF:TINT (@1),(@2) // time interval meas ch1-ch2
TRIG:SOUR INT // use internal trigger source
TRIG:COUN 1
SAMP:COUN 2
// specify one trigger
// set 2 readings (gate cycles)
SENS:GATE:STAR:SOUR EXT // set an external gate source
SENS:GATE:EXT:SOUR EXT // select rear panel Gate In BNC
SENS:GATE:STAR:SLOP POS // set a pos. start gate slope
OUTP:STAT OFF // disable BNC as an output
//
// configure hold off and stop gate
//
SENS:GATE:STOP:HOLD:SOUR TIME // hold off source
SENS:GATE:STOP:HOLD:TIME 1 //hold off gate close for 1s
SENS:GATE:STOP:SOUR EXT // external stop gate source
SENS:GATE:EXT:SOUR EXT // select rear panel Gate In BNC
SENS:GATE:STOP:SLOP POS // select pos. stop gate source
SENS:TINT:GATE SOUR ADV // low-level gate control
READ? // initiate counter and take reading
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5
Automatic Gate Extension
Inherent to 53220A/53230A
frequency and period measurements is automatic gate extension in which the measurement ends one edge (event) of the
input signal after the gate is closed (stopped). Thus, the sample count
(SAMPle:COUNt) does not increment and cause a potential state change in the trigger/gate cycle (Figure 5-2) until the gate extension is complete.
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190 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Keysight 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal
Counter/Timer
User’s Guide
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53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging
Enabling the CALCulate1 Subsystem
Graphics Functions and Reading Memory
The
Keysight 53220A/53230A counter features math operations that allow you to scale readings, test limits, and statistically analyze data. Its graphics functions compute and display histograms and trend charts of
real time measurement data.
This chapter provides information on how these features are used through the SCPI
CALCulate
subsystem and with the front panel Math, Graph, and Data Log keys.
6
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging
Math Functions
The 53220A/53230A counter math functions include smoothing, null/scale, statistics, and limit checking. Figure 6-1 is a description of how the functions are enabled.
The math functions are enabled at two levels: 1) the CALCulate[1] subsystem as a whole is enabled, and 2) the individual math operation is enabled. Math operations begin once the measurements are started either by INITiate:IMMediate or READ?, or as soon as the operation is selected from the front panel (with internal triggering). Readings are processed real time and displayed, stored in reading memory, and sent to the ouput buffer (they are not post-processed from reading memory).
The number of readings processed for a given trigger cycle (Chapter 5: “Triggering and
Gating”) is determined by the trigger count (TRIGger:COUNt) and the number of readings per trigger (SAMPle:COUNt).
The default trigger count and sample count
set by each command is ‘1’. Each time the counter is initiated reading memory is cleared and a new set of math-processed data is generated. From the front panel, readings are processed continually if the trigger source remains at its default INTernal setting.
The math and graphics functions covered in this chapter are enabled individually (Figure
6-1). However, multiple operations may be enabled at the same time and performed on the same set of readings.
NOTE
The SCPI commands and parameters listed throughout this chapter are provided as a guide to how the counter is operated programmatically. The commands are described in detail in the ‘Programmer’s Reference’ section of the
Keysight 53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD.
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CALCulate1:AVERage:STATe ON
CALCulate1:AVERage
(statistics)
measurement data
CALCulate1:SMOothing:STATe ON
CALCulate1:SCALe: STATe ON
CALCulate1:SMOothing
(moving average)
CALCulate1:LIMit:STATe ON
CALCulate1:SCALe
(scaling and offset)
CALCulate1:LIMit
(limit checking)
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:STATe ON
INITiate:IMMediate reading memory
CALCulate1:STATe ON
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram
(histograms)
READ?
output buffer
readings initiated by INITiate:IMMediate are sent to reading memory.
readings initiated by READ? are sent to reading memory and to the output buffer
Figure 6-1. Enabling the Math Operations.
Enabling the CALCulate1 Subsystem
Individual math operations require the CALCculate1 subsystem
and the specific math operation to be enabled before the operation is performed. The command used to enable the CALCulate1 subsystem is:
CALCulate[1][:STATe] {OFF|ON}
CALCulate[1][:STATe]?
(query form)
ON
enables the subsystem, OFF disables the subsystem. With the
subsystem disabled, measurement data is sent directly to the output buffer and/or reading memory with no math operations performed,
regardless of any math operations enabled.
A reset (*RST), instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet), or changing the measurement
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53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging
function disables the CALCulate1 subsystem.
Smoothing Data
194
Measurements can be “smoothed” and scaled prior to performing math operations on the incoming data.
To
reduce random noise, a moving average (boxcar) filter can be inserted into the data path (Figure 6-1). To enable the filter and specify the number of readings (subset) to average, the following commands are used:
CALCulate[1]:SMOothing[:STATe] {OFF|ON}
CALCulate[1]:SMOothing[:STATe]?
(query form)
CALCulate[1]:SMOothing:RESPonse {SLOW|MEDium|FAST}
CALCulate[1]:SMOothing:RESPonse?
(query form)
ON
enables the moving average filter - placing it in the data path. OFF disables the filter.
A reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet) disables the filter.
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The number of readings to average is specified as:
SLOW
- 100 readings: with + 100 ppm change required to reset filter
MEDium
- 50 readings: with + 300 ppm change required to reset filter
FAST
- 10 readings: with + 1000 ppm change required to reset filter
The filter is reset if the measurement function or channel is changed, if another set of readings is initiated, or if a measurement is outside the range corresponding to the number of readings specified (SLOW, MEDium, FAST).
After the filter is reset, the reading is the average of all readings up to the specified response (10, 50, 100). At that point, the reading is the moving average of the last 10, 50, or 100 measurements. Equal weighting is applied to all measurements in the average.
A reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet) sets the response to FAST.
Smoothing Example
//frequency measurement of expected 1 kHz signal - ch 1
//reduce noise on 5,000 readings
CONF:FREQ 1E3,(@1)
SAMP:COUN 5000
CALC:STAT ON
// take 5000 reading
// enable CALCulate1 subsystem
CALC:SMO:STAT ON // enable moving average filter
CALC:SMO:RESP SLOW // average 100 readings
INIT
Scaling Functions
When scaling is
enabled statistical analysis, limit checking, histograms, and trend charts use
scaled data. Figure 6-2 shows the display with scaling functions enabled.
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CALCulate1:STATe ON
CALCulate1:SCALe:UNIT:STATe ON
CALCulate1:SCALe:UNIT
196
CALCulate1:SCALe:STATe ON
CALCulate1:SCALe:FUNCtion
Figure 6-2. 53220A/53230A Display with Scaling Functions Enabled.
Enabling the Scale Functions
All 53220A/53230A scaling functions are enabled with the command:
CALCulate[1]:SCALe[:STATe] {OFF|ON}
CALCulate[1]:SCALe[:STATe]?
ON
enables scaling. OFF disables scaling.
(query form)
Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet), scaling is disabled.
Using the Scale Functions
The counter scaling functions include null, percent change (PCT), part per million
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6
change (PPM), part per billion change (PPB), and scale (Mx-B). The function is selected with the command:
CALCulate[1]:SCALe:FUNCtion {NULL|PCT|PPM|PPB|SCALe}
CALCulate[1]:SCALe:FUNCtion?
(query form)
NULL
- performs a null operation. The result is the measurement minus the reference value. (See “Scale Reference Value” for information on setting the reference).
PCT
- performs a percent change operation. The result is the difference between the measurement and the reference value, expressed in percentage.
PPM
- performs a parts per million change operation. The result is the difference between the measurement and the reference value, expressed in parts per million.
PPB
- performs a parts per billion change operation. The result is the difference between the measurement and the reference value, expressed in parts per billion.
SCALe -
performs an Mx-B operation. The result is the measurement (x) multiplied by the gain value M (CALCulate1:SCALe:GAIN command) minus the offset value
B (CALCulate1:SCALe:OFFSet). If
CALCulate1:SCALe:INVert
is enabled (On), the measurement will first be inverted (1/x), resulting in a M/x-B operation.
Scaling function results must be in the range of -1.0E+24 to -1.0E-24, 0.0, or
+1.0E-24 to 1.0E+24
. Results outside these limits will be replaced with
-9.9E+37
(negative infinity), 0, or +9.9E+37 (positive infinity).
Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet), the scaling func-
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tion is set to NULL.
Scale Reference Value
198
The NULL, PCT, PPM, and PPB scaling functions require a reference value. For PCT,
PPM
, and PPB the value cannot be ‘0’.The reference can be obtained automatically or specified directly with the commands:
CALCulate[1]:SCALe:REFerence:AUTO {OFF|ON}
CALCulate[1]:SCALe:REFerence:AUTO?
(query form)
CALCulate[1]:SCALe:REFerence {<reference>|MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}
CALCulate[1]:SCALe:REFerence? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]
(query form)
ON
- automatically selects the first measurement as the reference for all subsequent readings in the reading count (trigger count x sample count). OFF disables automatic selection and requires the reference to be specified directly.
Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet), automatic reference selection is enabled (ON).
<reference> - specifies the reference value directly. The reference is used for all readings in the reading count.
Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet), a reference value of 0.0 is set and automatic reference is enabled.
From the front panel, pressing Get New Reference takes a reference measurement on the first trigger received after the key is pressed. A reference can be entered manually by selecting Ref Value and using the knob or SHIFTed numeric keys.
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Reference Example
//determine the percentage difference of 100 frequency
//measurements to a reference value of 50000.000
CONF:FREQ 50E3,(@1)
SAMP:COUN 100
CALC:STAT ON
// take 100 readings
// enable CALCulate1 subsystem
CALC:SCAL:STAT ON // enable scaling
CALC:SCAL:FUNC PCT // select scale function (PCT)
CALC:SCAL:REF 50.000E3 // set reference value
INIT
Scale Gain and Offset
The function CALCulate[1]:SCALe:FUNCtion SCALe performs an
Mx-B operation on each reading where
M is the gain value, x is the reading, and B is the offset.
The gain value used in the equation is set with the command:
CALCulate[1]:SCALe:GAIN {<gain>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
CALCulate[1]:SCALe:GAIN? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]
(query form)
gain
values can range from:
-1.0E+15
to -1.0E-15, 0.0, +1.0E-15 to +1.0E+15
The default gain is 1.0 and is the value set following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet).
The offset value (
B) is set with the command:
CALCulate[1]:SCALe:OFFSet {<offset>|MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}
CALCulate[1]:SCALe:OFFSet? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]
(query form)
offset
values can range from
-1.0E+15
to -1.0E-15, 0.0, +1.0E-15 to +1.0E+15
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The default offset is 0.0 and is the value set following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet).
Inverting the Reading (1/x)
Each reading as it is taken can be inverted
prior to its use in the Mx-B equation which thus becomes
M/x-B. Inversion is enabled with the command:
CALCulate[1]:SCALe:INVert {OFF|ON}
CALCulate[1]:SCALe:INVert?
(query form)
NOTE
ON
- inverts the reading.
OFF
disables reading inversion.
Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet) reading inversion is disabled.
When Invert x is enabled (On) the front panel reading units (Hz, sec) are turned off. See “Assigning Reading Units” if displayed units are required.
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Assigning Reading Units
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging
6
For ease in identifying readings from the front panel, a user-defined “units string” can be assigned to any scale function. The user string replaces the instrument-assigned measurement units (Hz, pct, ppm, ...). The unit prefix
(
μ, m, k, M) remains.
The units string is displayed on the counter and defined using the commands:
CALCulate[1]:SCALe:UNIT:STATe {OFF|ON}
CALCulate[1]:SCALe:UNIT:STATe?
(query form)
CALCulate[1]:SCALe:UNIT "<units>"
CALCulate[1]:SCALe:UNIT?
(query form)
ON
- displays user-defined units on the front panel. OFF - turns off the user-defined units.
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53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging units
are one to four characters. Double quotes enclosing the string are included in the command. The assigned units appear in the
counter display only.
Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet) user-defined units are disabled.
From the front panel, units are entered by pressing the User Units softkey, enabling the units (On), and using the rotary knob and arrows to enter and select the character position.
Scaling Example
The following example is a typical sequence of scaling commands from the SCPI CAL-
Culate[1]
subsystem.
//Scale 500 readings (M/x-B) and assign reading units
CONF:FREQ (@1) // frequency measurement
SAMP:COUN 500 // 500 readings/trigger
SENS:FREQ:GATE:TIME .010 // set minimum gate time
CALC:STAT ON // enable CALCulate1 subsystem
CALC:SCAL:STAT ON
CALC:SCAL:FUNC SCAL
// enable scaling operation
// set scaling function = Mx-B
CALC:SCAL:INV ON
CALC:SCAL:GAIN 100
// invert readings (M/x-B)
// set gain (M)
CALC:SCAL:OFFS 0 // set offset (B)
CALC:SCAL:UNIT:STAT ON // enable user-defined units
CALC:SCAL:UNIT "sec"
INIT
// assign units to readings
// initiate readings
For an input frequency of 1 MHz, the counter should display readings of approximately
+100.00... usec
.
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Statistics
Statistical calculations are performed continually on readings as they are taken, or until the total reading count (TRIGger:COUNt x SAMPle:COUNt) is reached. The commands used to generate statistical data are covered in this section.
As mentioned, multiple operations can be enabled at the same time. Figure 6-3 is an example with statistics and limit checking enabled.
CALCulate1:AVERage:STATe ON
CALCulate1:STATe ON
CALCulate1:AVERage CLEar
Figure 6-3. Counter Display with Limit Testing and Statistics Enabled.
Enabling Statistics
Before statistical calculations are performed they must be enabled using the command:
CALCulate[1]:AVERage:STATe {OFF|ON}
CALCulate[1]:AVERage[:STATe]?
(query form)
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53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging
ON
- enables statistical calculations on the readings as they occur. Statistical data includes: mean, standard deviation, Allan deviation, maximum value, minimum value, and average peak-to-peak value.
OFF
- disables statistics computation.
Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet), statistical computations are disabled.
Reading Count
Statistical calculations start when Math and the Statistics function are enabled. The number of readings on which a given set of statistics are based is shown as the Count value
(Figure 6-3). The count can also be queried with the command:
CALCulate[1]:AVERage:COUNt:CURRent?
The count can be read at any time after the measurements have been initiated (i.e. INI-
Tiate:IMMediate
, READ?, MEASure?).
Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet), the count is set to
‘1’.
Mean, Standard Deviation, Minimum Value, Maximum Value
The mean (average), standard deviation, minimum value, and maximum value for the current reading count can be determined with the command:
CALCulate[1]:AVERage:ALL?
If the readings have been scaled (see “Scaling Functions”), the statistics are based on the scaled readings.
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Example: Enabling and Computing Statistics
The following example returns the mean, standard deviation, minimum value, and maximum value for a set of 500 readings. The trigger count setting, although it defaults to
‘1’, is shown for completeness. A ‘wait’ statement is included to delay the analysis until
all readings are complete.
CONF:FREQ (@1)
TRIG:COUN 1
SAMP:COUN 500
// frequency measurement on ch 1
// trigger count is 1
// 500 readings per trigger
SENS:FREQ:GATE:TIME 10e-3 // 10 ms gate time
CALC:STAT ON // enable CALCulate1 subsystem
CALC:AVER:STAT ON
INIT
*WAI
CALC:AVER:ALL?
// enable statistics
// initiated the measurements
// wait for all rdgs to complete
// compute statistics
Typical data returned for this command is:
mean std. dev
+5.50020355962701E+006 +2.59738014535884E+006
min value max value
+1.04179550991303E+006, +9.94903904473447E+006
Average Value, Minimum Value, Maximum Value, Average Peak-to-Peak Value
Individual characteristics of a given set of readings can be determined using the following commands. Before any of the commands are used, statistics must be enabled with
CALCulate[1]:AVERage:STATe ON
.
CALCulate[1]:AVERage:AVERage?
- returns the average (mean) of all readings in the reading count.
CALCulate[1]:AVERage:MINimum?
- returns the minimum value of all readings in the current reading count.
CALCulate[1]:AVERage:MAXimum?
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- returns the maximum value of all readings in the current reading count.
CALCulate[1]:AVERage:PTPeak?
- returns the average peak-to-peak value (average maximum value - average minimum value) of all readings in the reading count.
Example: Computing Individual Statistics
The following example shows these reading parameters queried individually.
CONF:PER (@1)
TRIG:COUN 2
SAMP:COUN 100
// configure period measurement
// trigger count = 2
// 100 rdgs per trigger
SENS:FREQ:GATE:TIME 10e-3 // 10 ms gate time
CALC:STAT ON // enable CALCulate1 subsystem
CALC:AVER:STAT ON
INIT
*WAI
CALC:AVER:MIN?
// enable statistics
// initiate the measurements
// wait for all rdgs to complete
// query individual parameters
CALC:AVER:MAX?
CALC:AVER:AVER?
CALC:AVER:PTP?
Allan Deviation
Allan deviation which is used to estimate stability, is selectable from the front panel
(Figure 6-3) or can be enabled with the command:
CALCulate[1]:AVERage:ADEViation?
Allan deviation is used for
frequency measurements only, and requires continuous
(gap-free) measurements (SENSe:FREQuency:MODE CONTinuous) for highest accuracy. Continuous mode is available with the 53230A only.
Allan deviation is also available with the 53220A; however, the 53220A does not support continuous (gap free) measurements.
Example: Setting up an Allan Deviation Measurement (53230A)
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CONF:FREQ (@1)
TRIG:COUN 1
SAMP:COUN 300
SENS:FREQ:MODE CONT
// frequency measurement on ch 1
// set trigger count
// take 300 readings
// set continuous gap-free mode
SENS:FREQ:GATE:TIME 1e3 // 1 ms gate time
CALC:STAT ON // enable CALCulate1 subsystem
CALC:AVER:STAT ON
INIT
*WAI
CALC:AVER:ADEV?
// enable statistics
// initiated the measurements
// wait for all rdgs to complete
// compute Allan deviation
Standard Deviation
Standard deviation is available with both counters using the command:
CALCulate[1]:AVERage:SDEViation?
The CALCulate1 subsystem and statistics must also be enabled before the standard deviation can be determined.
Clearing/Resetting Statistics
The current set of reading statistics is clear by any of the following:
• enabling statistical functions - CALCulate[1]:AVERage[:STATe] ON
• a new measurement cycle - INITiate:IMMediate, READ?, MEASure?
• sending a new SCPI command or changing a current SCPI parameter
• a reset or instrument preset - *RST, SYSTem:PRESet
These steps also clear
all readings in reading memory. To clear statistics without clearing reading memory, the following command is used:
CALCulate[1]:AVERage:CLEar[:IMMediate]
Limit Checking
Limit checking enables counter measurements to be compared on a reading-by-reading
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basis to a lower limit and upper limit.
Limits that are exceeded are reported in the counter’s Questionable Data register (bits 11 and 12). Register definitions and are contained in Chapter 8.
When enabled, limit checking appears on the counter display as shown in Figure 6-4.
CALCulate1:STATe ON
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CALCulate1:LIMit:STATe ON
CALCulate1:LIMit:UPPer
CALCulate1:LIMit:LOWer
CALCulate1:LIMit:CLEar
Figure 6-4. 53220A/53230A Limit Checking.
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Enabling Limit Checking
Limit checking is enabled with the command:
CALCulate[1]:LIMit[:STATe] {OFF|ON}
CALCulate[1]:LIMit[:STATe]?
(query form)
ON
- enables limit checking.
OFF
disables (bypasses) limit checking. Enabling limit checking enables
both lower and upper limit boundaries.
Setting Lower and Upper Limits
Lower and upper limits are set using the commands:
CALCulate[1]:LIMit:LOWer[:DATA] {<value>}|MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}
CALCulate[1]:LIMit:LOWer[:DATA]? |MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault}
(query form)
CALCulate[1]:LIMit:UPPer[:DATA] {<value>}|MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}
CALCulate[1]:LIMit:UPPer[:DATA]? |MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault}
(query form)
The lower limit and upper limit value ranges are:
-1.0E+15
to -1.0E-15, 0.0, 1.0E-15 to 1.0E+15
The default limits and the limits set following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset
(SYSTem:PRESet) are 0.0.
When using limits, both a lower limit
and an upper limit must be specified. Any of the following steps will prevent a “settings conflict” error (e.g. lower limit greater than upper limit) due to the order in which limits are set:
• setting the upper limit first
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• setting both limits on the same line programmatically
• enabling limit testing after the limits are set
To programmatically determine if a reading (or readings) outside the limit boundaries has occurred, the command:
STATus:QUEStionable:EVENt?
is used to read the Questionable Data register. A value of +2048 (bit 11) indicates a reading below the lower limit. A value of +4096 (bit 12) indicates a reading above the upper limit. Reading the register also
clears all bits in the register (see “Clearing Limit
Conditions).
Example: Limit Checking
The following is an example of enabling and using limit checking.
CONF:FREQ (@1)
SAMP:COUN 500
CALC:STAT ON
// configure measurement
// check limit on 500 rdgs
// enable math operations
CALC:LIM:STAT ON
// enable limit checking
CALC:LIM:LOW 99.9E3;UPP 100.1E3 // set limits
INIT
*WAI
STAT:QUES:EVEN?
// initiate the measurements
// wait for readings to complete
// query questionable data register
Notice that the limits are set on the same line to prevent a settings conflict error. This
Error can also be avoided by enabling limit checking after the limits are set.
Clearing Limit Conditions
The ‘Limit’ annunciator is turned off and bits 11 and 12 (only) in the Questionable Data
Register are cleared by any of the following:
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• enabling limit checking - CALCulate[1]:LIMit[:STATe] ON
• a new measurement cycle - INITiate:IMMediate, READ?, MEASure?
• sending a new SCPI command or changing a current SCPI parameter
• a reset or instrument preset - *RST, SYSTem:PRESet
These steps also clear
all readings in reading memory. (*RST and
SYSTem:PREset
additionally reset the lower and upper limits to 0.0.)
To turn off the ‘Limit’ annunciator and clear only the limit-sensing bits (11/12 in the
Condition register)
without clearing reading memory, the following command is used:
CALCulate[1]:LIMit:CLEar[:IMMediate]
Histograms
The distribution for a given set of counter measurements (
except continuous totalize
and time stamp measurements) can be represented graphically using the 53220A/
53230A histogram feature. The following example (Figure 6-5) represents the basic format of a counter histogram.
count
LR
Bins = classes = points
UR = Histogram upper range boundary
LR = Histogram lower range boundary
UR
Rdgs < LR
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Bins
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Rdgs > UR
Figure 6-5. 53220A/53230A Histogram Structure.
Note that histograms and math functions (e.g. statistics, scaling, limits, etc.) can be used
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simultaneously with the same measurement data.
Viewing Histograms
212
At power-on or when the front panel Preset key is pressed, numeric data is displayed.
Remotely, histograms can be displayed by changing the display mode using the command:
DISPlay[:WINDow]:MODE {NUMeric|HISTogram|TCHart}
DISPlay[:WINDow]:MODE?
(query form)
The Graph key followed by the Histogram softkey enables and automatically starts histograms from the front panel. Histograms can also be turned off from the softkey menu.
Remotely, a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet) does not change the display mode.
Histograms correspond to readings in reading memory - starting at the time the histogram is
enabled and ending when the product of the trigger count (TRIGger:COUNt) and sample count (SAMPle:COUNt) is reached. If triggering is continuous (i.e. internal), the histogram continually updates from the point it was enabled.
Figure 6-6 describes the information provided in a typical histogram window.
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X Max: maximum reading across all bins
X Min: minimum reading across all bins
Bin Size: (X Max – X Min)/number of bins
Corresponds to bin with largest number of entries and expressed as:
- an exact count within the bin
(Max Count)
- the bin’s percentage of the total
reading count (Max %)
Rdgs < LR Bin
(out of range)
Function
Channel
Histogram reading count
Histogram
Window
Rdgs > UR Bin
(out of range)
Mkr 1: maximum value within bin at marker location
Mkr 2: maximum value within bin at marker location
Span: difference in maximum values between
locations
Bin: Marker location and reading count
within bin (or percent of total reading
count if ‘Show %’)
Span: number of bins between and
including marker locations
%: percentage or number of readings
within the span
Bin indices
Figure 6-6. Histogram Display Format.
position window - for marker, zoom, and pan adjustment the decimal position (i.e. 1000's, 100's, 10's, 1's) highlighted by the arrow keys sets the amount of movement (coarse – fine) for each tick of the rotary knob.
Histogram Configuration
Histograms are configured using the softkeys and commands shown in Figure 6-7.
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CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:STATe ON
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:COUNt?
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:POINts
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:AUTO
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:AUTO:COUNt
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:CLEar
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:LOWer
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:UPPer
Figure 6-7. 15-Bin (Point) Histogram.
Histogram computation is enabled with the command:
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram[:STATe] {OFF|ON}
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram[:STATe]?
(query form)
ON
- enables histogram computation.
OFF
- disables histogram computation. Following a reset (*RST), instrument preset
(SYSTem:PRESet), or front panel (Preset) histograms are disabled.
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The number of readings represented by a histogram (Figure 6-7) can be queried with the command:
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:COUNt?
Setting Up the Histogram
The counter builds a histogram based on number of bins (points), a lower range, and an upper range.
Number of Bins
The number of bins is specified with the command:
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:POINts {<value>|MINimum|
MAXimum|DEFault}
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:POINts? [{MINimum|
MAXimum|DEFault}]
(query form)
value
- specifies the number of bins (points) between the lower and upper range values. value can range from 10 to 1,000. Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset
(SYST:PRESet) the number of bins is set to 100.
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Displaying the Outer Bins
Two additional bins independent of the number specified are
always included with the histogram. The bins contain readings less than the lower range value and readings greater than the upper range value (Figures 6-5 and 6-6). A number of readings greater than expected in either bin may indicate a drift in the measured quantity.
The bins are viewed using the Outer Bins softkey, and the bin indices (Figure 6-6) account for the bins whether they are displayed or not.
Bin Representation
The softkey:
216
corresponds to the
bin with the largest number of entries and is expressed as an exact count (Count), or the bin’s percentage (
%) of the total reading count. This setting is only available from the front panel.
Lower and Upper Ranges
The lower and upper ranges of the histogram are specified directly with the commands:
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:LOWer {<value>
|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:LOWer? [{MINimum|
MAXimum|DEFault}
(query form)
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:UPPer {<value>
|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
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CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:UPPer? [{MINimum
|MAXimum|DEFault}]
(query form)
value
- directly specifies the histogram lower and upper range values. The value ranges are:
-1.0E+15
to -1.0E-15, 0.0,
1.0E-15
to 1.0E+15
The default lower and upper ranges and the ranges set following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet) are 0.0.
When setting the ranges, both a lower range
and an upper range must be specified. Any of the following steps will prevent a “settings conflict” error
(e.g. lower range greater than upper range) due to the order in which ranges are set:
• setting the upper range first
• setting both ranges on the same line programmatically
• enabling the histogram after the ranges are set
• setting the ranges automatically
Setting the Bin Ranges to Min and Max
With AutoRange Off, the Set to Min/Max softkey is another method for setting the histogram bin ranges (lower and upper). Depending on the instrument state, Set to Min/Max will set the ranges as follows:
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• When ‘Statistics’ (under the Math key) are enabled, the minimum and maximum values from the reading statistics are used.
• If readings are in progress and ‘Statistics’ are off, the instrument will select a minimum and a maximum value from (up to) the last 10,000 readings taken.
• If no previous readings are available, a minimum bin range of 0 and a maximum bin range of 1 000 000 000.0 are set.
Automatic Range Setting
Alternately, lower and upper range values can be set automatically based on a minimum value and maximum value obtained from the first ‘n’ number of readings taken.
Automatic range selection is enabled with the commands:
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:AUTO {OFF|ON}
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:AUTO?
(query form)
ON
- enables automatic selection of the histogram lower and upper range values.
OFF
- disables automatic selection.
Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet) automatic range selection is enabled.
The number of readings from which the minimum and maximum range values are selected (ON) is set with the command:
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CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:AUTO:COUNt {<value>
|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:AUTO:COUNt?
[{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}]
(query form)
value
- specifies the first ‘n’ number of readings from which lower and upper range values are obtained. 10 to 1,000 readings can be specified.
The default number and the number set following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset
(SYSTem:PRESet) is 100.
Example: Setting up a Histogram
The following example creates a 15-bin histogram of 3,000 counter measurements. The lower and upper ranges are automatically determined from the first 300 readings taken.
CONF:FREQ 50E3, (@1)
SYST:TIM .1
TRIG:SOUR BUS
// configure frequency measurement
// 100 ms measurement timeout
// set software triggers as source
TRIG:COUN 1
SAMP:COUN 3000
// trigger count = 1
// 3000 readings per trigger
SENS:FREQ:GATE:SOUR TIME // set gate source
SENS:FREQ:GATE:TIME 1E3 // set a 1 ms gate time
DISP:MODE HIST // histogram display mode
CALC2:TRAN:HIST:POIN 15 // specify 15 bins
CALC2:TRAN:HIST:RANG:AUTO ON // auto-select ranges
CALC2:TRAN:HIST:RANG:AUTO:COUN 300 // use first 300 rgs
CALC2:TRAN:HIST:STAT ON
INIT
// enable histogram
// initiate the counter
*TRG // send a software trigger
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Resetting the Histogram
The data from which the current histogram is created is cleared by any of the following:
• pressing the Reset Histogram softkey
• enabling/disabling or changing any part of the histogram
- number of bins, lower or upper range
• a new measurement cycle - INITiate:IMMediate, READ?, MEASure
• sending a new SCPI command or changing a current SCPI parameter
• an instrument reset or present - *RST, SYSTem:PRESet
These actions also clear
all readings in reading memory and in the output buffer.
To clear histogram data
without clearing the readings in reading memory, the following command is used:
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:CLEar[:IMMediate]
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Saving Readings
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The readings used to create the histogram can be saved to internal flash memory or to an external USB memory device as comma-separated values (CSV) in one measurement per line ASCII format.
Selecting Save Readings opens the Export action window from which a path and file name can be selected or created. The number of readings exported is the total number in reading memory at the time Export Readings is pressed - which may not be the total reading count (TRIGger:COUNt x SAMPle:COUNt).
Exporting readings
clears reading memory and re-starts the histogram on the next trigger received.
Zoom & Markers View
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NOTE
For marker, zoom, and pan adjustment the decimal position (i.e. 100's, 10's, 1's) highlighted by the arrow keys sets the amount of movement (coarse or fine) for each tick of the rotary knob.
222
The ‘Marker’ softkeys allow you to position markers on individual bins within the histogram, and if desired, lock the relative distance between the markers. When locked together, moving either Marker1 or Marker2 with the front panel knob or using [Shift] followed by a bin number, also moves the other marker while maintaining the distance between the two. The data corresponding to the marker positions is shown above the histogram window.
Zoom determines the number of bins displayed by increasing the resolution at the center region of the histogram. Each time the zoom is adjusted, the
X Min and X Max indices (Figure 6-6) are changed to show the current bin range.
Pan scans the histogram (left or right) once a zoom percentage has been set. By moving the Pan window, regions of interest can be brought into view; and Zoom used again to expand the region. Pan, used interchangeably with Zoom in this manner, maintains the zoom percentage.
Show All restores the histogram window to the total number of bins specified - including the outer bins, and resets the zoom and pan.
Histogram Data in Numeric Form
Data describing the histogram is available in numeric form through either of two query commands.
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:ALL?
Returns the following comma-separated sequence describing the current histogram: lower range value
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upper range value number of readings taken bin data
The bin data includes: number of measurements less than the lower range value, number of readings in each bin, number of readings greater than the upper range value
An example data string for a 15-bin histogram based on 3,000 readings of a
50 kHz input signal is:
+4.998912590059145E+004,+5.001118414176608E+004,+3000,+0,+
4,+8,+27,+71,+221,+422,+612,+695,+504,+254,+113,+41,+20,+4
,+4,+0
Notice in this sample there were no readings below the lower range value or above the upper range value.
CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:DATA?
Returns
only the bin data of the current histogram in the sequence: number of measurements less than the lower range value, number of readings in each bin, number of readings greater than the upper range value
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Trend Charts
Reading trends for a given number of counter measurements (
except continuous total-
ize) or timestamps can be represented within a 53220A/53230A trend chart, also known as a run chart.
Figure 6-8 shows the components of a typical counter trend chart.
Function
Channel
Current reading count
(memory)
Y Max: maximum reading value within display span
Y Min: minimum reading value within display span
Span: (Y Max – Y Min)
Maximum and minimum scale boundaries and reading units.
Boundaries can be auto-scaled or set manually. Auto-scaled boundaries keep all readings within the display range. reading indices
Mkr 1: reading value at Marker1 location
Mkr 2: reading value at Marker2 location
Span: difference in values between
marker locations
Trend Window
(100 points)
Reading: marker’s location in reading count
Span: number of readings between
marker locations position window - for marker, zoom, and pan adjustment the decimal position (i.e. 1000's, 100's, 10's, 1's) highlighted by the arrow keys sets the amount of movement (coarse – fine) for each tick of the rotary knob.
Figure 6-8. Trend Chart Display Format (without decimation).
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Viewing Trend Charts
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At power-on or following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (Preset), numeric data is displayed. The display can be changed to a trend chart by changing the display mode using the command:
DISPlay[:WINDow]:MODE {NUMeric|HISTogram|TCHart}
DISPlay[:WINDow]:MODE?
(query form)
The display mode (TCHart) is the
only trend chart parameter that can be set programmatically (i.e. using SCPI commands). All other trend chart parameters are set using
the
front panel.
Pressing the Graph key followed by the Trend Chart softkey starts the trend chart from the front panel.
Trend charts correspond to
all readings in reading memory for a given trigger count
(TRIGger:COUNt) and sample count (SAMPle:COUNt). If triggering is continuous
(i.e. internal), the trend chart continually updates.
Trend Chart Configuration
Figure 6-9 shows the softkey menus associated with trend chart configuration and control of the trend window.
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226
Figure 6-9. Trend Chart Configuration and Control.
Trend Chart Boundaries
The trend chart boundaries (Y Max and Y Min) can be set automatically (AutoScale On) or manually (AutoScale Off) using the menus under the Options soft key (Figure 6-9).
Auto-scaled (on) boundaries keep all readings within the trend window. Manually-set boundaries (off) can result in readings outside the window. Manual boundaries are set using the front panel knob or [Shift]ed numeric keys.
If reading limits are set using the Math function, setting YMax and YMin will scale (but not change) the limits within the YMax and YMin boundaries. YMax and YMin cannot specify a boundary smaller than the Math reading limits.
A maximum of 100 readings or decimation points can be displayed in the trend window.
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Clearing the Trend Chart
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Clearing the trend chart clears reading memory and restarts the reading count on the next trigger received.
Saving Readings
The readings represented by the trend chart can be saved to internal flash memory or to an external USB memory device as comma-separated values (CSV) in one measurement per line ASCII format.
Selecting Save Readings opens the Export action window from which a path and file name can be selected or created. The number of readings exported is the number of readings in memory (Figure 6-8) at the time Export Readings is pressed - which may not be the total reading count (TRIGger:COUNt x
SAMPle:COUNt
).
Exporting readings
clears reading memory and re-starts the trend chart on the next trigger received.
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Zoom & Markers Window
228
NOTE
For marker, zoom, and pan adjustment the decimal position (i.e. 1000's, 100's,
10's, 1's) highlighted by the arrow keys sets the amount of movement
(coarse or fine) for each tick of the rotary knob.
The ‘Marker’ softkeys allow you to position markers on individual readings or decimation points within the
trend chart, and if desired, lock the relative distance between the markers. When locked together, moving either Marker1 or Marker2 with the front panel knob or using [Shift] followed by a reading number, moves both markers while maintaining the distance between the two. The data corresponding to the marker positions is shown above the trend window.
Zoom determines the number of readings displayed by increasing the resolution at the center region of the trend chart window. Each time the zoom is adjusted, the reading indices (Figure 6-8) are changed to show the current reading range.
Pan scans the trend chart (left or right) once a zoom percentage has been set. By moving the Pan window, regions of interest can be brought into view; and Zoom used again to expand the region. Pan, used interchangeably with Zoom in this manner, maintains the zoom percentage.
With Pan, each reading or decimation point can also be viewed - up to the window maximum of 100 readings/points at a time.
Show All updates the trend window to represent the current reading count. The reading indices are 0 and the Count value, and zoom and pan are also reset.
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Reading Decimation
The trend window displays a maximum of 100 readings. When
greater than 100 readings are displayed, the readings are decimated - grouped together and represented by decimation points. The number of readings in a decimation group is the reading count/100.
Figure 6-10 is a trend chart of 100,000 readings in which the readings have been decimated.
Max: maximum reading values within groups at
decimation points selected by Marker1 (top) and
Marker2 (bottom)
Span: difference in maximum values between marker
locations
Reading: number of first reading in selected
decimation group
Span: number of decimation groups between
marker locations
Limit checking (upper and lower) enabled through Math functions (optional)
Min: minimum readings within groups at selected decimation points position window indicates decimation and relative max & min values within the group
Figure 6-10. Trend Chart Display Format (with Decimation).
There are 1,000 readings in each decimation group in Figure 6-10
(100,000 readings/100 points displayed). The number of readings in each group changes if Show All is pressed and readings continue to be taken.
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When a marker is moved to a decimation point, the number of the
first reading in the corresponding group is displayed. This number should be noted if it is necessary to view individual readings within a group.
Viewing Readings Within a Decimation Group
Decimated reading values that are grouped and represented by a single decimation point can be viewed individually using markers and the trend chart’s Pan control.
1 Select a marker and using the knob, move the marker to the decimation point with the reading level of interest. The reading number corresponding to the marker position is the
first reading in the group. This may not be the maximum or minimum value within the group.
2 Select ‘Pan’ and using the [Shift]ed numeric keys, enter the number of the first reading. The reading indices show a span of 100
readings, beginning with the first reading in the group.
3 Select Marker1 or Marker2 and using the arrow keys, highlight the rightmost (1's) place in the position window. Rotate the knob to move the marker one reading at at time. The reading value and number are shown as the marker is advanced.
For decimation groups with more than 100 readings, select ‘Pan’ and enter the next reading number after the upper reading index (Figure 6-8) to view the next 100 readings.
Data Logging
The data logging feature of the 53220A/53230A counter allows you to log and analyze up to
1,000,000 readings. Data logging is enabled and configured from the front panel
only, and is available with all counter measurements except continuous totalizing.
NOTE
Logged readings ARE NOT saved to internal flash memory or external USB memory until the logging duration is complete. If power is lost and if battery
Option 300 is not enabled or it also loses power before logging is complete, all data will be lost.
230
Figure 6-11 shows the keys and and windows associated with the data logger applica-
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tion.
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53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Figure 6-11. Starting the Counter Data Logger.
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Configuring the Data Logger
All logged readings are
saved in the counter’s internal flash memory or to an external
USB storage device
after logging is complete. The readings are viewable in trend (run) chart format while logging is in progress and when complete.
Data logging occurs for a
duration specified as a period of time or a number of readings to be logged. Once enabled, the
start of data logging can be delayed for a period of time.
Specifying a Data Log File
Logged readings saved in internal flash memory or in external USB memory are comma-separated values (CSV) in one measurement per line ASCII format. A default path and file name (Internal\DataLog) is used if one is not specified.
The drive (Internal or External) is selected using the browse feature and the file name is specified using the rotary knob and arrow keys to select or change characters.
Pressing [Done] saves the path and file name and returns to the application menu. Data logging will not start if an invalid path/file is specified.
Adding a Time Stamp to the Data Log File
A time stamp (t-Stamp) in the form: yyyymmdd_hhmmss e.g. DataLog_20100925_105535.csv
is appended (On) to the file name when data logging completes or when the
(Stop Save) soft key is pressed. The time stamp also appears on the spreadsheet tab when the data log (.csv) file is opened.
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Setting the Duration
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In terms of Time, the data logging duration is specified in hh.mm.ss format. The value is set using the rotary knob and arrow keys, or using the [Shift]ed numeric keys.
By highlighting specific digits in the time window, greater resolution (i.e. minutes and seconds) of the logging time can be specified.
The maximum data logging period is 99.00.00. The reading limit, however, is 1,000,000 readings which may occur before the time duration is reached.
In terms of Readings, data logging continues until the specified number of readings are complete. The reading count is set using the rotary knob and arrow keys, or using the
[Shift]ed numeric keys. A maximum of 1,000,000 readings can be specified.
For the Time Stamp measurement function, only
reading duration is available.
Setting a Start Delay
When required, a delay can be set between the time the Run key is pressed, and the start of data logging. The start delay is specified in hh.mm.ss format and is set using the rotary knob and arrow keys, or using the [Shift]ed numeric keys. By highlighting specific digits in the delay window, greater resolution (i.e. minutes and seconds) of the delay time can be specified.
The maximum delay setting is 99:00:00.
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Starting the Data Logger
234
Pressing the Run softkey enables data logging. Data logging begins following any specified start delay when a valid path/file exists. A default path and file name of:
Internal\DataLog is used when the data logger application is started. Select Yes to overwrite the file and begin.
Viewing Readings
A trend chart is populated as readings are logged.
After data logging completes, the readings are stored in the file specified. Pressing View Results when logging is stopped and the readings are saved, or when logging is complete, displays a trend chart of the saved readings.
Pressing View Results after logging Time Stamp measurements will display “Graphics not supported for this function”.
Figure 6-12 is an example of a trend chart as readings are logged. (Figures 6-8 and 6-10
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6
contain more information on the trend chart window.)
Function
Channel
Current Reading Count
(memory)
Trend Window
(100 points) reading indices time or number of readings remaining
Figure 6-12. Trend Chart Display During Data Logging.
When logging is complete, the Marker, Pan, and Zoom softkeys can be used review the data. Note that pressing the Graph key followed by the Trend Chart softkey does not retain the data in the display.
If greater than 100 readings are logged the readings are decimated - grouped together and represented by decimation points (see “Trend Charts” and “Reading Decimation”).
Stopping the Application
Pressing Stop Save or Stop No Save stops data logging before the duration (time or number of readings) is reached. All readings logged to that point are saved or discarded depending on the key pressed.
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Graphics Functions and Reading Memory
Figure 6-13 summarizes the effects on reading memory when statistics and histograms are reset, and when trend charts are cleared. reading memory
Reset Stats:
- clears current set of statistics (record)
- does not clear reading memory, does not abort readings
– clears count and new set of statistics re-start on next
reading after reset
(record)
..
.
..
.
(record)
..
.
(record)
(record)
(memory)
Reset Histogram:
- clears current histogram (record)
- does not clear reading memory, does not abort readings
– clears count and new histogram re-starts on next reading
after reset
Clear Readings (Trend Chart):
- clears the trend chart
- clears reading memory, does not abort readings
- clears count and re-starts on next reading after clear
Figure 6-13. Reading Memory and Resetting/Clearing Graphics.
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Keysight 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal
Counter/Timer
User’s Guide
7
Formats and Data Flow
Setting the Block Transfer Byte Order
Creating Folders and Files in Flash Memory and on the USB
The
Keysight 53220A/53230A counters allow you to specify the measurement
(reading) format and storage location - both of which affect throughput speed.
This chapter explains how data formats are set and the movement and storage of mea-surements and other information within the instrument.
7
Formats and Data Flow
Reading Formats and Data Flow
A (counter) data format is specified when a particular format (ASCII, REAL) is required. The data is converted to that format when sent to the output buffer directly, or when transferred
from reading memory.
The command used to set the data format is:
FORMat[:DATA] {ASCII|REAL}[,<length>]
FORMat[:DATA]?
(query form)
The formats (and lengths) are described in Table 7-1.
Table 7-1. Counter Data Formats
Type
ASCII
REAL
Representation
+4.57538162393720E+006 definite length or indefinite length arbitrary block format
Length
15
(digits)
64
(bits)
Format ASCII are ASCII characters. Each reading is comma-separated. The instrument always returns 15 significant digits.
Format REAL is IEEE 754 binary data (64-bit). The data may be transferred in IEEE 488.2 indefinite-length or definite-length block format. Byte order is controlled by the
FORMat:BORDer command.
Indefinite-Length Block:
# 0 < 8-bit data bytes > NL ^END
(using MEASure?, READ?, FETCh?)
Definite-Length Block:
# <non-zero digit> <block length> <8-bit data bytes>
(using R?, DATA:REMove?)
<non-zero digit> indicates the number of digits representing <block length>. <block length> indicates the number of 8-bit data bytes which follow.
238
Format ASCII is set following an instrument reset (*RST) or front panel preset (PRE-
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Set). A line feed (LF) and End-Or-Identify (EOI) follow the last reading in both formats.
Specifying a Format
Data formats can be specified during counter configuration as shown in the following segment:
CONF:FREQ 1.0E6
FORM REAL, 64
SAMP:COUN 5
INIT
FETC?
In this segment, measurements initiated by INIT are stored in reading memory. When
FETC?
(ed) from memory to the output buffer the readings are converted to REAL format.
Setting the Block Transfer Byte Order
Indefinite-length and definite-length REAL (binary) data transfers (Table 7-1) associated with the READ?, FETCh?, R?, and DATA:REMove? commands have a default byte order of NORMal in which the most-significant byte (MSB) is sent first (big-endian byte order). The command used to specify or change the byte order is:
FORMat:BORDer {NORMal | SWAPped}
FORMat:BORDer?
(query form)
With the SWAPped byte order the least-significant byte of each data point (reading) is sent first (little-endian byte order). Most PCs use the swapped
(little-endian) byte order.
Following a reset (*RST) or front panel preset (Preset), the byte order is set to NORMal.
Reading Transfer Size
Each reading read from the output buffer in ASCII format is 23 bytes. Each readings in
REAL format is eight bytes.
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Formats and Data Flow
Data Flow
The flow of measurement data within the counter is summarized in Figure 7-1.
Keysight 53220A/53230A Counter
< instrument states >
MMEMory:STORe:STATe
MMEMory:LOAD:STATe
MMEMory:STORe:DATA
MMEMory:DOWNoad:DATA
MMEMory:UPLoad?
counter flash (non-volatile) memory internal flash
(5M readings) instrument firmware battery flash state storage volatile reading memory
(1M readings) calibration constants
FETCh?
R?
DATA:REMove?
DATA:LAST?
output buffer
LAN
GPIB
USB
USB Memory Device host port direction of data flow
INITiate:IMMediate
(measurements)
READ?
DATA:POINTs:EVENt:THReshold
MMEMory:DOWNoad:DATA
MMEMory:UPLoad?
Figure 7-1. Data Flow within the 53220A/53230A Counter.
Reading locations include the
front panel, reading memory (volatile), output buffer,
internal flash memory (non-volatile), and external USB memory.
The commands which determine data flow are listed in Table 7-2 and are described in the following paragraphs.
Table 7-2. Commands Affecting Data Flow
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Command
Read?
INITiate:IMMediate
FETCh?
R?
DATA:REMove?
DATA:LAST?
MMEMORY:STORe:DATA
Locations
Accessed
Readings
Transferred
Front Panel
Reading Memory
Output Buffer
Front Panel
Reading Memory
Reading Memory
Output Buffer
Reading Memory
Output Buffer
Reading Memory
Output Buffer
Reading Memory
Output Buffer
Reading Memory
Internal Flash
External USB
All
None
All
All or specified count
Specified Count
1
All
Reading
Memory
Cleared
Allowed during
Measurement
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Front Panel Display
Counter measurements taken from the
front panel or from an IO interface appear in the display as indicated in Figure 7-1. See Chapter 1 for an overview of display features.
Reading Memory
In addition to being displayed, all counter readings are stored in the counter’s
volatile
reading memory (Figure 7-1). Memory capacity is 1,000,000 readings. Reading memory has the following attributes:
1 reading memory is cleared after a function change, during execution of the READ?,
INITiate:IMMediate
, or MEASure? command, after cycling power, or following an instrument reset (*RST) or preset (SYSTem:PRESet).
2 all readings are stored in an internal counter format - the programmed format
(FORMat subsystem) is set when readings are transferred to the output buffer.
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3 if reading memory overflows the first (oldest) readings are overwritten and the
‘Reading Mem Ovfl’ bit (14) in the Questionable Data Register is set. The most recent measurements are retained.
Output Buffer
Data is available to the PC over the LAN, USB, and GPIB interfaces once it is in the output buffer (Figure 7-1). The following section explains how readings are transferred from memory to the buffer. If during a transfer the
output buffer fills, command execution is paused until readings are removed by the PC - creating room in the buffer. No readings are lost.
Transferring Readings from Memory to the Output Buffer
The following commands transfer readings from volatile reading memory to the buffer.
READ?
- is equivalent to executing INITiate:IMMediate directly followed by
FETCh?
. With READ?, once
all readings specified by TRIGger:COUNt and SAM-
Ple:COUNt
are complete and in memory, they are instantaneously read into the
output
buffer (Figure 7-1).
If the data format is REAL (FORMat subsystem), each block of readings generated by
READ?
is preceded by an IEEE 488.2 Indefinite-Length block header (Table 7-1). As such, when sending multiple commands in a single command string, READ? should always be the last command in the string.
READ? Example
// frequency meas of 500 kHz signal with uHz resolution
CONF:FREQ 500E3, 1E-6, (@1) // configure counter
TRIG:COUN 1 // set trigger count
SAMP:COUN 10
READ?
// take 10 readings
// read readings when complete
FETCh?
- is used following INITiate:IMMediate. After
all measurements specified by TRIGger:COUNt and SAMPle:COUNt are complete, FETCh? transfers the readings from reading memory to the output buffer. Since
reading memory is
not erased by this action, readings can be “fetched” from memory multiple times. If
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7
there are no readings available or measurements in progress when a “fetch” is performed, err -230, “Data corrupt or stale” is generated.
If the data format is REAL (FORMat subsystem), each block of readings fetched by
FETCh?
is preceded by an IEEE 488.2 Indefinite-Length Block header (Table 7-1).
When sending multiple commands in a single command string, FETCh? should always be the last command in the string.
FETCh? Example
// frequency meas of 500 kHz signal with uHz resolution
CONF:FREQ 500E3, 1E-6, (@1) // configure counter
TRIG:COUN 1
SAMP:COUN 10
INIT:IMM
FETC?
// set trigger count
// take 10 readings
// initiate counter to start rdgs
// fetch rdgs from memory when complete
R? [<max_count>]
- is used following INITiate:IMMediate. Transfers all, or
up to the specified max_count number of readings to the output buffer and
erases those readings (beginning with the oldest) in reading memory.
Unlike FETCh?, R? can be used to transfer readings before the total reading count is reached (TRIGger:COUNt x SAMPle:COUNt) to prevent a memory overflow. If there are no readings available or measurements in progress when “R?” is sent, err -230,
“Data corrupt or stale” is generated.
Readings are transferred in Definite-Length Block format (Table 7-1), whether in ASCII or REAL (binary) format (FORMat subsystem). The ‘oldest’ reading is transferred first
(first in - first out).
R? Example
// frequency meas of 500 kHz signal with uHz resolution
CONF:FREQ 500E3, 1E-6, (@1) // configure counter
TRIG:COUN 2
SAMP:COUN 2500
INIT:IMM
// set trigger count
// set readings/trigger
// initiate counter to start readings
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wait 2500 seconds
R?
2500 // read and remove first 2500 readings
wait 2500 seconds
R?
// read and remove all remaining readings
DATA:REMove? <count>[,WAIT]
- is used following
INITiate:IMMediate
.
Transfers count number of readings to the output buffer and
erases the readings in reading memory. Unlike FETCh?, DATA:REMove? can be used to transfer readings before the total reading count is reached (TRIGger:COUNt x
SAMPle:COUNt)
to prevent a memory overflow. However, count is a required parameter and, therefore, count number of readings must be available before they can be removed. Including WAIT will cause the command to wait until count readings are available. This will prevent error -222, “Data Out of Range” from occurring if the specified count is not available.
If the data format is REAL (FORMat subsystem), the readings are transferred in Definite-Length Block format (Table 7-1). The ‘oldest’ reading is transferred first (first in - first out).
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DATA:REMove? Example
// frequency meas of 500 kHz signal with uHz resolution
CONF:FREQ 500E3, 1E-6, (@1) // configure counter
TRIG:COUN 2 // set trigger count
SAMP:COUN 2500 // set readings/trigger
INIT:IMM // initiate counter to start readings
DATA:REM? 2500,WAIT
// wait for-read first 2500 readings
DATA:REM? 2500,WAIT
// wait for-read last 2500 readings
DATA:LAST?
- returns the last reading taken and
includes reading units (Hz, s).
The reading is not deleted from memory and the command can be sent before the total reading count (TRIGger:COUNt x SAMPle:COUNt)is reached.
DATA:LAST? Example
//frequency meas of 500 kHz signal with uHz resolution
CONF:FREQ 500E3, 1E-6, (@1) // configure counter
TRIG:COUN 1
SAMP:COUN 100
INIT:IMM
// set trigger count
// take 100 readings )
// initiate counter to start rdgs
wait 20 seconds
DATA:LAST?
// retrieve reading (with units) 20s after start
FETC? // fetch all rdgs from memory when complete
A typical response showing a subset of the data is:
+4.999962418998650E+005
HZ
...+4.999962370997962E+005,+4.999962418998650E+005,+4.9999
62407190446E+005,+4.999962443559675E+005,...
Querying the Reading Count
The total number of readings in memory at any given time can be determined with the command:
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DATA:POINts?
The reading count can be read before the total reading count is reached (TRIGger:COUNt
x SAMPle:COUNt).
Setting a Reading Threshold in Memory
The following command allows you to set a reading threshold in the counter’s volatile memory:
DATA:POINts:EVENt:THReshold <count>
DATA:POINts:EVENt:THReshold?
(query form)
- when count number of readings have entered reading memory, bit 12 (Rdg Mem
Threshold) in the Standard Operation Register is set to ‘1’. By monitoring this bit, readings can be transferred from memory to the output buffer once a given number of measurements have occurred.
Once the threshold is reached, the number of readings in memory must drop below the threshold level in order to detect when the threshold is reached again.
Memory Threshold Example
(Note, this example is also contained on the
Keysight 53210A/53220A/53230A
Product Reference CD ROM.)
This program sets up the counter to take 1,250,000 readings. Because volatile reading memory capacity is 1,000,000 readings, readings will be over-written (memory overflow) if data is not retrieved before memory fills. To prevent memory overflow, a reading threshold is set and monitored. When the number of readings in memory reaches the threshold, all readings in memory at that time are retrieved.
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*RST;*CLS
SYST:TIM .001
// reset, start from known state
// set a 1 ms measurement timeout
CONF:FREQ 1E6, 0.1, (@1) // configure measurements
TRIG:COUN 5
SAMP:COUN 250E3
// send 5 system triggers
// take 250k readings/trigger
FORM:DATA REAL, 64 // set data format to binary
DATA:POIN:EVEN:THR 10E3
// set memory threshold to 10k
INIT // initiate readings
// loop until all readings complete
For (cnt=0;cnt<1.25E6;cnt +=10000)
Do
{spoll=STAT:OPER:COND?; sleep (100)
// serial poll condition reg
// wait 100 ms
}while !(spoll&4096) // repeat until threshold is reached
R? 10E3 // retrieve readings from memory 10k at a time
Counter File System
Measurements in volatile reading memory and counter configuration states can be stored in files within the counter’s
internal (non-volatile) flash memory, or on a external USB memory device connected to the ‘host’ port on the front panel (Figure 7-1).
Files are created within folders on the root directory, or within sub-folders relative to the root directory. The relationship of folders and files in internal flash memory and on the
USB drive is shown in Figure 7-2.
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Formats and Data Flow
Keysight 53220A/53230A Counter
USB host port counter flash (non-volatile) memory internal flash
5M readings instrument firmware battery flash state storage calibration constants volatile reading memory
1M readings
USB Storage
Device
USB:\
Path is “External”
INT:\
Path is “Internal” root directory folder
MMEMory:STORe:DATA RDG_STORE, <file>
(creates data (.csv, .dat) files) MMEMory:MDIRectory “<folder>”
(creates folders) folder sub-folder
MMEMory:STORe:STATe <file>
(creates state (.sta) files)
MMEMory:CDIRectory “<folder>”
(specifies current folder for
MMEMory Subsystem)
Figure 7-2. Folders and Files within Internal Memory and USB Storage.
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Creating Folders and Files in Flash Memory and on the USB Drive
Folders and files are created in instrument memory and on a USB drive as described in the following sections.
Creating Folders
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Formats and Data Flow
Folders and sub-folders are created using the command:
MMEMory:MDIRectory “<folder>”
- folder has the form drive:path. drive is either INT (internal flash memory) or
USB
(external memory device). path is an absolute path and folder name beginning with \ or /. INT:\ is the default drive:path.
The folder parameter cannot exceed 240 characters, and the characters \ / : * ? “ < > | cannot be contained within the folder name. To create a folder:
//create folder ‘dut_1’ with sub-folder ‘data1’ in the root
//directory of internal flash memory
MMEM:MDIR “INT:\dut_1”
MMEM:MDIR “INT:\dut_1\data1”
Note that a folder and sub-folder cannot be created within the same command.
Entering a Folder Name from the Front Panel
With the “Create new folder” window displayed as shown on the previous page, enter a folder name (or any file name) as follows:
1 Press the ‘ Browse’ soft key and use the front panel knob to highlight the counter’s internal flash memory (Internal), or if present, the USB drive connected to the front panel host port (External). Press the ‘Select’ soft key to select the drive.
2 To create a folder name, rotate the knob to select a character. The knob scrolls through A-Z (upper case), a-z (lower case), numbers 0-9, selected keyboard characters, decimal point (.), underscore (_), and space. Once the desired character is set, press the right arrow (>) key under the knob to move to the next position.
3 Repeat until the folder name is complete. Use the left arrow key (<) to backspace and change a character. Changing the character to a space erases the character. Press
‘Create Folder’ to create the folder.
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Specifying a Default Folder
Designating a folder as the default (current) folder eliminates the need to specify an absolute path each time a sub-folder or file is created or referenced. The command:
MMEMory:CDIRectory “<folder>”
MMEMory:CDIRectory?
(query form) selects folder as the
current folder used by subsequent MMEMory subsystem commands. folder is of the form drive:path (see MMEMory:DIRectory for drive:path
details).
For example, an alternate way to create folders dut_1 and data1 is:
//create folder ‘dut_1’ and select it as the current folder
//create sub-folder ‘data1’
MMEM:MDIR “INT:\dut_1”
MMEM:CDIR “INT:\dut_1”
MMEM:MDIR “data1”
When specifying a folder name the
current folder is referenced. If a current folder
(MMEM:CDIR)
has not been specified and a drive name (INT or USB) is not included, the default drive ‘INT:’ is referenced. For example:
MMEM:MDIR “dut_2” creates the folder ‘dut_2’ on the root drive INT.
Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet), the counter resets the current folder to the root directory on the internal flash file system ("INT:\") .
Creating Data Files
See “Histograms” or “Trend Charts and Data Logging” in Chapter 6 for information on storing measurement data from the front panel.
The command used to transfer data from reading memory to a file in internal flash memory or on a USB device (Figures 7-1 and 7-2) is:
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Formats and Data Flow
MMEMory:STORe:DATA RDG_STORE, “<file>”
<file>
is created during execution of the command and the file parameter format is
“[drive:path]<file_name>”. drive is either INT (internal flash memory) or
USB
(external memory device). path is an absolute path and folder name. If a folder is specified, it must have been previously created.
The combination of folder and file name cannot exceed 240 characters, and cannot contain the characters \ / : * ? “ < > |.
The format of the transferred readings is specified by the file_name extension. If
.csv
is specified, the data is stored as comma-separated values (CSV) in one measurement per line ASCII format. If .dat is specified, the data is stored as REAL values with little-endian byte order.
The following sequence of commands creates a folder on a USB memory device, takes a set of frequency measurements, and then creates a file and copies the measurements to the folder from (volatile) reading memory.
Creating a Data File Example
MMEM:MDIR “USB:\dut_1” // create folder in USB memory
MMEM:CDIR “USB:\dut_1” // specify a current folder
CONF:FREQ 100E3,(@1)
SAMP:COUN 50
// configure measurement
// set 50 measurements
INIT
*WAI
// initiate measurements
// wait for readings to complete
MMEM:STOR:DATA RDG_STORE, “data1.csv” // create file, copy
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Creating State Files
Formats and Data Flow
7
Instrument states can be stored in the instrument’s internal flash memory or on a USB memory device and recalled later to restore a specific configuration (Figure 7-2).
The commands used to store and load counter states are:
MMEMory:STORe:STATe <“file”>
MMEMory:LOAD:STATe <“file”>
<file>
is created during execution of the STORe command. The parameter format is
“[drive:path]<file_name>”. drive is either INT (internal flash memory) or
USB
(external memory device). path is an absolute path and folder name. If a folder is specified, it must have been previously created (see
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254
MMEMory:MDIRectory
).
The combination of folder and file name cannot exceed 240 characters, and cannot contain the characters \ / : * ? “ < > |. State files have a .sta extension.
State File Example
The following example shows the interaction between folders created from the front panel and state files created/stored programmatically. For this sequence, folder
SETUP_1
was created on the internal flash drive from the
front panel. It is then specified (programmatically) as the current folder and a state file is stored and recalled from that folder.
MMEM:CDIR “INT:\SETUP_1” // specify as current folder
configure instrument programmatically or from front panel
MMEM:STOR:STAT “test1.sta”
// store the configuration
recall the configuration (state) at later date (even if power is cycled)...
MMEM:LOAD:STAT ”INT:\SETUP_1\test1.sta”
// load state
Saving States from the Front Panel
With the instrument
configured as required, the state is stored from the front panel as follows:
1 Use the Utility key and soft keys indicated on the previous page to set file action
‘Store’.
2 Press the ‘ Browse’ soft key to display the ‘File System’ window. Use the front panel knob to highlight the root directory or a folder in the counter’s internal flash memory
(Internal) or on the USB drive (External). If folders are not visible, press ‘Browse’ again to view the directory structure.
Press the ‘Select’ soft key to select the directory or folder.
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3 Enter the file name. The knob scrolls through A-Z (upper case), a-z (lower case), numbers 0-9, selected keyboard characters, decimal point (.), underscore (_), and space. Once the desired character is set, press the right arrow (>) key under the knob to move to the next position.
4 Repeat until the file name is complete. Use the left arrow key (<) to backspace and change a character. Changing the character to a space erases the character.
5 Press ‘STORE STATE’ to store the state under the file name defined. A .sta extension is added to the file name.
6 States (state files) are recalled by pressing the ‘RECALL STATE’ soft key, highlighting the file name, and pressing ‘Select’. The state is recalled immediately.
Storing User Preferences
Non-volatile I/O settings and user preferences can be stored and recalled using the commands:
MMEMory:STORe:PREFerences <file>
MMEMory:LOAD:PREFerences <file>
<file>
is created during execution of the STORe command. The parameter format is
“[drive:path]<file_name>”. drive is either INT (internal flash memory) or
USB
(external memory device). path is an absolute path and folder name. If a folder is specified, it must have been previously created (see
MMEMory:MDIRectory
).
The combination of folder and file name cannot exceed 240 characters, and cannot contain the characters \ / : * ? “ < > |. Preference files have a .prf extension.
User preferences include settings such as:
• display brightness, radix, separator, and screen saver state
• Help language selected
• state recall and select settings
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256
• reference oscillator source, external reference frequency, standby setting
• auto-level minimum frequency
• battery state (enabled, disabled)
• beeper setting
• measurement time out
• 531xx SCPI compatibility language setting
When loading a preferences file that specifies a static IP address for LAN, be careful that this does not result in two instruments with the same IP address on your LAN. This could result in LAN configuration errors on both instruments.
User preferences
cannot be stored or loaded (retrieved) using the front panel.
Using *SAV and *RCL
Additional commands that can be used to save and recall instrument states are the
IEEE-488.2 common commands *SAV and *RCL. With these commands, up to five states can be saved and recalled by
location number from the counter’s internal flash memory. States saved using this method can also be specified for recall at power-on.
*SAV {0|1|2|3|4}
Saves the current instrument state in one of five {0|1|2|3|4} flash memory state locations. State location ‘0’ is a valid location; however, the instrument state at
power-down is automatically saved in location ‘0’ and will overwrite any state saved there. All parameters of the counter’s state are saved with the exception of “user-preference” parameters such as those which configure the front panel display.
An example of the command is:
*SAV 1 //save the current state in state location 1
State locations 0-4 are represented by the following file names in the root directory of internal flash memory:
STATE_0.sta
STATE_1.sta
STATE_2.sta
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7
STATE_3.sta
STATE_4.sta
Saved counter states are recalled using the command:
*RCL {0|1|2|3|4}
{0|1|2|3|4}
are the five state locations. An example of the command is:
*RCL 1 //recall the configuration from state location 1
When recalling a state using *RCL, only the
location number is specified. When recalling a numbered state location from the
front panel, the location file name is used (e.g.
STATE_1.sta
).
See “User-Defined Power-On States” for more information.
Verifying a Recalled State
Before a state is recalled, its storage location can be queried to determine if a valid state exists of if the location is empty.
MEMory:STATe:VALid? {0|1|2|3|4}
queries the specified state location. If ‘0’ is returned the location is empty. If ‘1’ is returned a valid state exists. For example:
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Formats and Data Flow
//verify a valid state is stored in location 3; 0 = no state
//saved, 1 = valid state in location 3
MEM:STAT:VAL? 3
User-Defined Power-On States
The 53220A/53230A counter can be set to power-up from one of five saved state locations or from a state file (Figure 7-2). For this to occur:
1. the state must currently be
saved
2. recall must be
enabled
3. the state location or file name must be
selected
This sequence is provided by the following commands:
//save state in instrument state locations 0-4
*SAV {0|1|2|3|4}
or
//store state in state file (.sta) - internal or USB
MMEMory:STORe:STATe <“file”>
//enable automatic recall at power-on
MEMory:STATe:RECall:AUTO {ON|OFF}
MEMory:STATe:RECall:AUTO?
(query form)
//select the state location or file recalled at power-on
MEMory:STATe:RECall:SELect {0|1|2|3|4|<file>}
MEMory:STATe:RECall:SELect?
(query form)
If automatic recall is
enabled and a state location or file name is not selected, the counter will power-on in the state it was in when last turned off
(location 0).
Following are examples of a state recalled from a numbered state location and from a state file in internal flash memory.
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7
// configure counter
*SAV 2
// save state in location 2
MEM:STAT:REC:AUTO ON
// enable state recall at power-on
MEM:STAT:REC:SEL 2
// recall state in loc. 2 at power-on
NOTE
// when power is cycled, state in location 2 is recalled and
MMEM:MDIR “INT:\SETUP_A” // create folder in INT memory
//configure counter
// store state in file
MMEM:STOR:STAT “INT:\SETUP_A\test_A.sta”
MEM:STAT:REC:AUTO ON
// enable state recall at power-on
MEM:STAT:REC:SEL “test_A.sta”
// recall file at power-on
//when power is cycled, state test_A.sta is recalled
When shipped from the factory, automatic state recall is
disabled
(MEM:STAT:REC:AUTO OFF). With state recall disabled , factory defaults
(*RST) are set at power-on.
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Specifying Power-On States from the Front Panel
260
A specific power-on state can be selected from the front panel as follows:
1 From the Store/Recall menu, select User Def using the ‘Power On’ soft key.
2 Press User Def File to view the file system. Select the desired state to be set at power-on by selecting the desired folder and file name. Remember that instrument state locations 0-4 are identified by file name (e.g. STATE_3.sta). For states saved in other files (locations), specify the appropriate file with the .sta extension.
Selecting Last using the ‘Power On’ soft key will recall the instrument state at the time the counter was last turned off (state location 0). With Factory selected, the counter will power-up in its factory-set state.
Managing Folders and Files
Folders, data files, and state files created in internal flash memory and on a USB storage device can be managed (i.e. deleted, copied, moved, cataloged) from the front panel or
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7
using additional commands within the MMEMory and MEMory subsystems.
Deleting Folders
Folders are deleted (removed) using the command:
MMEMory:RDIRectory “<folder>”
When deleting a folder from an
I/O interface, the folder must be empty (containing no sub-folders or files). The folder designated as the current folder (MMEMory:CDIRectory
) cannot be deleted. From the
front panel, un-empty folders can be deleted (as prompted) as can the (SCPI designated) current folder.
Deleting a Folder Example
The following example deletes a sub-folder (empty) followed by its root folder.
//create USB folder ‘dut_2’ and sub-folder ‘data2’
MMEM:MDIR “USB:\dut_2”
MMEM:MDIR “USB:\dut_2\data2”
//remove sub-folder ‘data2’ then remove folder ‘dut_2’
MMEM:RDIR “USB:\dut2\data2”
MMEM:RDIR “USB:\dut_2”
Deleting Files
Data and state files
located on the instrument’s internal flash drive or on a USB memory device (Figure 7-2) are deleted using the command:
MMEMory:DELete <“file”>
The file format is “[drive:path]<file_name>”. drive is either INT (internal flash memory) or USB (external memory device). If the file deleted is not in the specified current directory, path is an absolute folder path beginning with ‘\’ and starting at the root folder. The file name must include the file extension. For example:
\\ delete data file data1.csv in USB folder dut_1
MMEM:DEL “USB:\dut_1\data1.csv”
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State files saved in state locations 0 - 4 can also be deleted with the commands:
MEMory:STATe:DELete
{0|1|2|3|4}
MEMory:STATe:DELete:ALL
//delete the contents of state location 2
MEM:STAT:DEL 2
//delete the contents of all numeric state locations
MEM:STAT:DEL:ALL
Deleting Folders and Files from the Front Panel
262
Folders and Files are deleted using the front panel as follows:
1 After pressing the ‘Manage Files’ softkey, press the ‘ Action’ softkey and select
‘Delete’. (The action should be selected first.)
2 Press the ‘Browse’ softkey and use the front panel knob to highlight the drive, folder, or file, and then press ‘Select’. Press ‘Browse’ again to view (and select) the contents within a folder.
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3 When folder or file appears in within the Path: or File: window, press ‘Perform
Delete’.
Deleting State Files
Additionally, state files can be deleted as follows:
1 Press the ‘Store/Recall’ softkey to display the state menu.
2 Press ‘Delete State’ to open the File System window. All state files (.sta extension) on the root drive and within directories are listed. Use the front panel knob to highlight the desired file.
3 Press ‘Select’ to delete the file. Note, pressing ‘Select’ deletes the state file
immediately.
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Copying and Moving Files
264
Files can be copied or moved within the drive or between drives.
MMEMory:COPY <“file1”>, <“file2”>
MMEMory:MOVE <“file1”>, <“file2”>
copies or moves (source) file1 to (destination) file2. The file format is
“[drive:path]<file_name>”. drive is either INT (internal flash memory) or
USB
(external memory device). If the file copied or moved is not in the specified current folder (MMEMory:CDIRectory), path in the source and destination drives must be an absolute folder path beginning with ‘\’. File names must include the extension.
The destination
folder in the copy or move command must currently exist. The folder is
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7
not created during the copy or move.
The following examples show different locations to which files may be copied:
//copy file from folder to root of USB drive
MMEM:COPY "INT:\dut_1\state1.sta" , "USB:\"
//move file from folder to root of USB drive
MMEM:MOVE "INT:\dut_1\state1.sta" , "USB:\"
//copy file from INT folder to existing USB folder
MMEM:COPY "INT:\dut_1\state1.sta" , "USB:\duts"
//copy file from folder to existing folder - new file name
MMEM:COPY "INT:\dut_1\state1.sta" , "USB:\duts\s1.sta"
//rename file from state1.sta to state2.sta
MMEM:MOVE "INT:\dut_1\state1.sta" , "INT:\dut_1\state2.sta"
Copying Files and Folders from the Front Panel
With file action Copy selected as shown on the previous page, folders and files are copied as follows:
1 Press the ‘Browse’ softkey and use the front panel knob to highlight the source folder or file, and then press ‘Select’. (Press ‘Browse’ again to view the contents within a folder.)
2 Press ‘Copy Path’ and highlight the destination drive or folder and then press
‘Select’. Press ‘Perform Copy’ to copy the folder or file.
Folder Catalogs
A catalog of
all sub-folders and files, or separate catalogs of data (.csv and .dat) and
state (.sta) files per folder can be obtained using the following commands.
In addition to the list of files, the commands also provide the total amount of memory used and the total amount of memory available (free) on the specified drive.
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MMEMory:CATalog[:ALL]? [<“folder”>]
MMEMory:CATalog:DATA? [<“folder”>]
MMEMory:CATalog:STATe? [<“folder”>]
The folder parameter format is drive:path. drive is either INT (internal flash memory) or USB (external memory device). path is an absolute path and folder name beginning with \. If a folder is not specified, the contents of the specified current folder
(MMEMory:CDIRectory) or the contents of the drive’s root directory are returned.
The format of the data returned is:
<total memory used>, <total memory free>, <“file listing”>
“file listing”
with quotes (““) included is further separated into:
“<file name>, <file type>, <file size>”
Memory used, memory free, and file size are given in bytes. Examples of what the individual CATalog commands might return for a folder on an external USB memory device containing a sub-folder plus a .csv data file, a .dat data file, and a state file are given as follows:
MMEMory:CATalog[:ALL]?
253657088,519798784,"data1.csv,ASC,12500","state1.sta,STAT,860"," data2.dat,BIN,1600","dut_a,FOLD,0"
MMEMory:CATalog:DATA?
253657088,519798784,"data1.csv,ASC,12500","data2.dat,BIN,1600"
MMEMory:CATalog:STATe?
253657088,519798784,"state1.sta,STAT,860"
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Counter/Timer
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8
Instrument Status
Keysight 53220A/53230A Status System 269
Questionable Data Register Group
Standard Operation Register Group
This chapter covers the status registers used to monitor conditions within the
53220A/53230A counter.
8
Instrument Status
268
Figure 8-1. The 53220A/53230A Status System.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Instrument Status
8
Keysight 53220A/53230A Status System
This chapter provides an overview of the 53220A/53230A Status System. Refer to the
STATus
subsystem and the IEEE-488 commands within the Programmer’s Reference for bit definitions and additional information. The reference is located on the 53210A/
53220A/53230A Product Reference CD
(p/n 53220-13601).
Questionable Data Register Group
The counter’s Questionable Data Register Group monitors the following conditions and events within the counter:
•
input voltage overload
•
time interval, frequency, phase, totalize measurement hardware time out
•
calibration data
•
time base error
•
lower-limit exceeded
•
upper limit exceeded
•
reading memory overflow
Condition Register
The Condition Register within the Questionable Data Register Group monitors current conditions that may impact the integrity of the counter measurements. The Condition
Register is read with the command:
STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition?
Reading the register does not clear the bit(s) in the register. The bit is cleared when the condition is removed.
Event Register
The Event Register within the Questionable Data Register Group also monitors conditions that may impact the integrity of the counter measurements.
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Instrument Status
The Event Register is read with the command:
STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?
Unlike the Condition Register, the bits in the Event Register remain set following the condition that occurred. The bits are cleared by reading the register.
Enable Register
The Enable register specifies which bits in the Event register can generate a summary bit which is subsequently used to generate a service request.
Bits within the Event Register are enabled with the command:
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle <enable>
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle?
(query form)
- enable: decimal value corresponding to the binary-weighted sum of the bits in the register. For example, to enable the bit monitoring possible time base errors:
STAT:QUES:ENAB 1024
.
Standard Operation Register Group
The counter’s Standard Operation Register Group monitors operational condions within the counter. These include:
•
calibration in progress
•
battery operation
•
battery charge status
•
measurement in progress
•
waiting for trigger
•
internal reference oscillator in use
•
remote interface lock and remote interface errors
•
configuration change
•
reading memory threshold reached
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8
Condition Register
The Condition Register within the Standard Operation Register Group monitors current conditions regarding the operational state of the instrument. The Condition Register is read with the command:
STATus:OPERation:CONDition?
Reading the register does not clear the bit(s) in the register. The bit is cleared when the condition is removed.
Event Register
The Event Register within the Standard Operation Register Group also monitors the instrument state. The Event Register is read with the command:
STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]?
Unlike the Condition Register, the bits in the Event Register remain set following the state that occurred. The bits are cleared by reading the register.
Enable Register
The Standard Operation Register Group Enable Register specifies which bits in the
Event register can generate a summary bit which is subsequently used to generate a service request.
Bits within the (operational) event register are enabled with the command:
STATus:OPERation:ENABle <enable>
STATus:OPERation:ENABle?
(query form)
- enable: decimal value corresponding to the binary-weighted sum of the bits in the register. For example, to enable the bit monitoring low (critical) battery charge:
STAT:OPER:ENAB 4
.
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Instrument Status
Standard Event Register
The Standard Event Register monitors programming conditions including:
•
operation complete
•
query errors
•
device errors
•
execution errors
•
command execution errors
•
power-on state
Reading the Standard Event Register
The Standard Event Register is read with the command:
*ESR?
Reading the register does not clear the bits. The bits are cleared by sending *CLS.
Enabling the Standard Event Register
The Standard Event Enable register specifies which bits in the Standard Event Status register can generate a summary bit which is subsequently used to generate a service request.
Bits within the standard event register are enabled with the command:
*ESE <enable>
*ESE?
(query form)
- enable: decimal value corresponding to the binary-weighted sum of the bits in the register. For example, to enable the bit monitoring command syntax errors: *ESE 32.
*ESE?
returns the weighted-sum of all enabled bits.
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8
Status Byte Register
The Status Byte register contains the summary bits of the Questionable Data Register
Group, the Standard Operation Register Group, the Standard Event Register, the counter error queue, and the output buffer (Figure 8-1).
The Master Summary RQS bit (Bit 6) is set (1) when any other bit in the Status Byte register is set.
Reading the Status Byte Register
The Status Byte register is read with either of the following commands:
*STB?
SPOLL
Both commands return the decimal weighted sum of all set bits in the register. The difference between the commands is that *STB? does not clear bit 6 (RQS). The serial poll (SPOLL) does clear bit 6.
All bits in the Status Byte register (except bit 4) are cleared with the command:
*CLS
Bit 4 is cleared when data is read from the output buffer.
Service Request Enable Register
The Service Request Enable register specifies which (status group) summary bit(s) will send a service request message to the computer.
The bits are specified with the command:
*SRE <enable>
*SRE?
(query form)
- enable: decimal value corresponding to the binary-weighted sum of the bits in the register. For example, to enable the bit representing the Questionable Data Register
Group: *SRE 8.
Chapter 7 and Product Reference CD (p/n 53220-13601) contain examples using the
STATus
subsystem.
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Counter/Timer
User’s Guide
Appendix A
53220A/53230A Error Messages
Appendix A contains a description of the error messages associated with the
53220A/53230A counter.
A 53220A/53230A Error Messages
276
-104
-108
-109
-110
-111
-112
-113
-114
-100
-101
-102
-103
-120
-121
Code
Table A-1. 53220A/53230A Error Message Descriptions.
Message
Description
Command Error
Command Errors
Generic syntax error - a Command Error as has occurred.
Invalid character
Syntax error
Invalid separator
Data type error
Parameter not allowed
Missing parameter
Command header error
Header separator error
Program mnemonic too long
Undefined header
Header suffix out of range
Numeric data error
Invalid character in number
An invalid character is present in the command’s header or in a parameter.
An unrecognized (misspelled) command was received or separator between parameters is missing.
An invalid separator (e.g. something other than a comma, space, or semicolon) was received.
The wrong data type (number, character, string, expression) was used when specifying a parameter.
More parameters were received than expected for the command header.
Command requires a parameter or parameters.
An error was detected in the command header but more specific information is not available.
An invalid separator follows the command header.
A valid separator is usually a (blank) space.
The command header contains more than 12 characters.
The command header is syntactically correct, but undefined for the instrument.
A numeric suffix included as part of the command header is out of range (e.g. ‘3’ when only ‘1’ or ‘2’ is valid.
A numeric data element was detected but more specific information is not available.
A character other than a number, comma, or decimal point is embedded in the number specified.
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-141
-144
-148
-150
-151
-158
-160
-161
-130
-131
-134
-138
-140
-123
-124
-128
Exponent too large
Too many digits
Numeric data not allowed
Suffix error
Invalid suffix
Suffix too long
Suffix not allowed
Character data error
Invalid character data
Character data too long
Character data not allowed
String data error
Invalid string data
String data not allowed
Block data error
Invalid block data
The magnitude of the exponent is greater than
32,000.
The mantissa (the positive fractional part of the number) contains more than 255 digits.
A number was specified in the command header or in a parameter where numeric data is not allowed.
An error was detected in the suffix (units) of a numeric parameter, but more specific information is not available.
The parameter suffix is specified incorrectly
(e.g. 10 MZ rather than 10 MHZ).
A suffix contains more than 12 characters.
A suffix was specified for a numeric parameter when one is not allowed.
A character error was detected in the command header or in a parameter, but more specific information is not available.
Either an invalid character was received, or the character is not valid for the command header.
The character data contains more than 12 characters.
A valid character was specified when another data type (numeric, boolean) is required.
An error was encountered in the string specified, but more specific information is not available.
A required string parameter was received but is invalid.
A valid string was specified when another data type (numeric, boolean) is required.
An error was encountered in the block data, but more specific information is not available.
The number of bytes in a definite length data block does not match the number of bytes indicated by the block header.
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-168
-170
-171
-178
-203
-213
-225
-230
-240
-221
-222
-223
-224
-241
Block data not allowed
Expression error
Invalid expression
A block data element was encountered at an instance where it is not allowed by the instrument.
An error was encountered in a parameter expression, but more specific information is not available.
The expression used to calculate a parameter value is invalid.
Expression data not allowed
An expression was encountered at an instance where it is not allowed by the instrument.
Execution Errors
Command Protected
INIT ignored
Settings conflict
Data out of range
Too much data
Illegal Parameter Value
Out of memory; measurement data overrun
Data corrupt or stale
Hardware error
Hardware missing
A password-protected command or query could not be executed because the command was disabled.
INITiate:IMMediate was received while the counter is currently initiated.
The statement appended to the ‘Settings conflict’ message describes the conflict and how it was resolved.
The parameter value received was outside the range for the given command.
The block, element, or string parameter received is valid, but memory limitations prevent command execution.
An exact value from a list of choices was expected.
Internal buffers are full as data is taken at a faster rate than can be processed. Decreasing the reading rate (gate time) can prevent this error.
Attempting to retrieve data following a reset or change to the counter configuration.
Most hardware errors are detected at instrument power-on. If a hardware error occurs, cycle power again. If the error remains, contact
Keysight.
The function specified requires optional channel
3. The channel is either missing or incorrectly installed.
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-257
-257
-257
-257
-252
-254
-256
-257
-257
-257
-257
-250
-257
-257
Mass storage error: file read/write error
Missing Media
Media full
File or folder name not found
File name error; invalid character in name
File name error; path too long
File name error; not a folder name
File name error; path is a folder name
File name error; file or folder already exists
File name error; relative path not allowed
File name error; folder is default folder
File name error; path name missing
File name error; drive name missing or not recognized
File name error; access denied
An error occurred reading from, or writing to a file in internal flash memory or on a USB memory device. File space may have been exceeded or the USB device removed before the operation was complete.
Internal flash memory or the USB device was not found during a file operation.
Internal flash memory or the USB device has no memory space available to create the folder or file, or to perform the file operation.
The folder or file name specified in command does not exist.
The file or folder name contains an invalid character (\ / : * ? “ < > |).
The combination of the directory path and file name is greater than 239 characters.
The folder name specified in the memory operation is the name of an existing file.
The file name specified in the memory operation is the name of an existing folder.
The name specified when creating a file or folder already exists in internal flash memory or on the
USB device.
The “..” convention cannot be used to indicate the parent folder.
The folder presently specified as the default/current folder (MMEMory:CDIRectory) cannot be deleted.
The folder or file operation specified does not include a valid path name.
The drive name is missing or is invalid in the path specified. Valid drive names are INT (internal flash memory) and USB (external USB memory device).
The folder or file operation requested cannot be performed on a protected of system file.
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-257
-257
-310
-310
-310
-310
-313
File name error; file too large
The file uploaded to the counter is greater than
1 GByte.
File name error; folder not empty
When deleting a folder from an I/O (remote) interface, the folder must be empty - no sub-folders or files. Un-empty folders CAN be deleted from the front panel.
File name error; unknown file extension
Depending on the memory operation and file type, valid file extensions are .csv, .dat, .sta, and .prf.
Device Specific Errors
System Error; internal software error
System Error; failed to erase calibration data in PIC EEProm
System Error; failed to erase system information in PIC EEProm
System Error;
I2C Comms Failure
Calibration memory lost; memory corruption detected
At power-on, the firmware is unable to obtain information from the instrument’s non-volatile memory to complete initialization. Cycle power again. Contact
Keysight if the error remains.
For system errors related to erasing, reading, or writing calibration data, verify that the instrument has the latest firmware revision installed. Firmware updates can be located beginning at the
“Technical Support” tab at www.
keysight.com/find/53220A
or www.
keysight.com/find/53230A
. If the error condi-tion remains, contact
Keysight.
For system errors related to erasing, reading, or writing system information, verify that the instrument has the latest firmware revision installed.
Firmware updates can be located beginning at the
“Technical Support” tab at www.
keysight.com/find/53220A
or www.
keysight.com/find/53230A
. If the error condi-tion remains, contact
Keysight.
I2C related errors if they occur, will occur most often during boot up when power is cycled. If this type of error occurs cycle power again. If the error remains, contact
Keysight with a complete descrip-tion of the error message.
The instrument was unable to reference calibration data in non-volatile memory. Perform a recalibration.
280 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
53220A/53230A Error Messages
A
-410
-420
-430
-440
-313
-314
-314
-315
-315
-330
-350
+100
+110
Calibration memory lost; due to firmware revision change
Save/recall memory lost; memory corruption detected
Save/recall memory lost; due to firmware revision change
Configuration memory lost; memory corruption detected
Configuration memory lost; due to firmware revision change
Self-test failed
The instrument’s calibration data has been erased following a instrument firmware update. Recalibration of the instrument is required.
The instrument state saved by the *SAV? command in non-volatile (flash) memory has been lost.
The instrument state saved by the *SAV? command in non-volatile (flash) memory has been lost due to a firmware update.
User-preference settings such as I/O settings, the reference oscillator setting, measurement time out setting,... have been lost.
User-preference settings such as I/O settings, the reference oscillator setting, measurement time out setting,... have been lost due to a firmware update.
See the appended message for more information.
Error queue overflow
An error has occurred; however, the instrument error queue is full and the error was not recorded.
Query Errors
Query IINTERRUPTED
Query UNTERMINATED
The counter received a command before it was finished responding to a previous query.
The computer attempts to read a query response from the counter after having issued an incomplete query command.
Query DEADLOCKED
The counter’s input and output buffers are full and the instrument cannot continue.
Query UNTERMINATED after indefinite response
A query command was received in the same string after a query (e.g. *IDN?) requesting an indefinite length response.
Instrument Errors
Network Error
LXI mDNS Error
A LAN network error has occurred or there is a possible hardware failure. Run the instrument self-test to determine if a hardware failure exists.
If so, contact
Keysight.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 281
A 53220A/53230A Error Messages
282
+263
+291
+292
+293
+294
+295
+301
+302
+310
+311
+312
Not able to execute while instrument is measuring
Not able to recall state: it is empty
State file size error
State file corrupt
Preference file size error
Preference file corrupt
Input termination protection relay opened
Cannot reset input protection; high voltage present
Channel 3 pulse width too short
Channel 3 pulse width too long
Channel 3 pulse width could not be measured
A command was received while a measurement is in progress
The state storage location (0-4) specified by the
*RCL command is empty
Attempted to load a .sta (state) file that is too large.
The .sta (state) file specified does not contain vaild instrument state information.
Attempted to load a .prf (preference) file that is too large.
The .prf (preference) file specified does not contain vaild user-preference setting information.
An input signal greater than or equal to + 10Vp is present on a channel. The input impedance is set to 1 M Ω. Removing or reducing the signal below the damage level and pressing the flashing (channel) key or sending INPut:PROTection:CLEar resets the protection relay.
T he input signal present on the channel is greater than or equal to + 10Vp when a reset of the relay was attempted (key or using INPut:PROTection:CLEar).
Unable to make a carrier frequency measurement. For pulse widths < 13 us, narrow pulse mode must be set using
SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:NARRow ON.
If narrow pulse mode is set, pulse widths must be
> 200 ns.
Unable to make a carrier frequency measurement. If narrow pulse mode is set, pulse widths must be < 17 us. For pulse widths > 17 us, disable narrow pulse mode using
SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:NARRow ON.
The pulse width could not be measured due to no signal present, the power level of the signal is too low or too high, or the signal is not a pulsed signal.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide
53220A/53230A Error Messages
A
+313
+314
+315
+316
+317
+318
+319
+320
+321
+322
+514
Channel 3 burst frequency could not be measured
Channel 3 pulse ended before gate closed
Channel 3 power too high for operation
Channel 3 power too low for operation
Channel 3 power changed during measurement
Channel 3 input is not a pulsed signal
Channel 3 frequency shift detected during measurement
Input signal frequency shift caused counter overflow
Measurement timeout occurred
Measurement overflow occurred
Not allowed; Instrument locked by another I/O session
The carrier frequency could not be measured possibly due to a frequency shift of the input signal.
See additional errors accompanying this message.
The input signal may contain pulses of varying widths. If using automatic gate control
(SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:AUTO ON), turn automatic control OFF and decrease the gate time manually using
SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:TIME until a reading is obtained.
For continuous wave (CW) measurements signal power must be < +19 dBm. For pulse measurements signal power must be < +13 dBm.
For continuous wave (CW) measurements signal power must be > -27 dBm. For pulse measurements signal power must be > -13 dBm.
The measurement could not be completed due to a change (too low or too high) in input signal power.
The measurement function selected requires/ expects a pulsed signal.
The FM tolerance of the input signal frequency exceeded + 50% during the current measurement gate.
The FM tolerance of the input signal frequency exceeded + 50% during the current measurement gate.
The time allotted for an individual measurement to complete was exceeded. The default time out is
1s. The time out is set from the front panel under
‘Utility’ -> ‘Instr Setup’, or using the
SYSTem:TIMEout command:
A totalizing count (continuous or gated) exceeded the upper range of 10
15 events.
A lock (SYSTem:LOCK:REQuest?) was requested from another I/O interface.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 283
A 53220A/53230A Error Messages
+540
+541
+580
+600
+601
+602
+603
+604
+800
+810
Cannot use overload as math reference
An overload value (9.91E+37) cannot be used as a reference for the NULL, PCT, PPM, and PPB scaling functions.
Cannot use zero as math reference for PCT, PPM, or PPB scaling functions
A zero (0) value cannot be used as a reference for the PCT, PPM, and PPB scaling functions.
No valid external timebase
Internal licensing error
License file corrupt or empty
No valid licenses found for this instrument
Some licenses could not be installed
License not found
Non-volatile memory write failure
State has not been stored
An external time base frequency other than 1, 5, or 10 MHz is applied to the counter, or the external time base frequency is incorrectly specified by the SENse:ROSCillator:EXTernal:FREQuency conmmand.
An error occurred during installation of the Option
150 (Pulse Microwave Measurements) license.
The license was not installed. Contact
Keysight.
The .lic file specified for installation contains corrupted data or is empty. Recopy the Option 150 license file to the USB drive and repeat the installation process.
The Option 150 .lic (license) file could not be located among other .lic files on the USB drive.
The .lic (license) file could not be installed due to an incompatible model number or serial number, or no licenses found were applicable to the instrument.
When initiated from the instrument front panel to install the Option 150 license, no .lic file was found.
The user preferences (.prf) file is invalid and could not be stored in internal flash memory or on the
USB memory device.
The instrument state file specified by the
MMEMory:LOAD:STATe <“file”>
contains an invalid instrument state and cannot be loaded.
284 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
53220A/53230A Error Messages
A
+703
+704
+705
+706
+820
+821
+822
+701
+702
+707
Model and Serial Numbers not restored
Controller and measurement board model numbers do not match
Controller and measurement board serial numbers do not match
Following replacement of the P500 processor
(controller) board or main measurement board, the model number and/or serial number do not match or have not been re-stored. Re-store the model number and serial number as prompted from the front panel. Refer to the service guide for additional information.
Calibration Errors
Calibration error; security defeated
Calibration error; calibration memory is secured
Shorting the calibration secure jumper (CAL
ENABLE) when turning ON the instrument will cause this error to occur indicating the security password has been overwritten. See “Resetting the Security Code to a Null” in the service guide for details.
A calibration cannot be performed when calibration memory is secured. See “To Unlock The
Counter For Calibration” and “To Lock the Counter” in Chapter 2 of the service guide for more information. Use the CAL:SEC:STAT ON command to enter the security code using the remote interface.
Calibration error; secure code provided was invalid
Calibration error; secure code too long
Calibration error; calibration aborted
Calibration error; provided value out of range
Calibration error; computed correction factor out of range
The security code specified was invalid.
The security code specified is greater than 12 characters.
An in-progress calibration was aborted (stopped) by the user.
A calibration value was entered that was outside the expected range of valid inputs.
If this error occurs, cycle power and run the instrument self-test. Verify the calibration setup (instrument settings, connections) and recalibrate the counter. Contact
Keysight if there is a self-test fail-ure or the unit fails to calibrate.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 285
A 53220A/53230A Error Messages
+711
+712
+713
+714
+715
+716
+717
+720
+742
+748
+750
+901
Calibration error; calibration string too long
Calibration failed
Channel 3 calibration signal not detected
Channel 3 calibration signal power level error
The message to be stored in calibration memory is greater than 40 characters.
A hardware failure occurred. Contact
Keysight.
The calibration source signal is not connected to channel 3.
The power level of the calibration signal was outside the expected range of the specified level.
Channel 3 calibration signal frequency error
Channel 3 calibration signal is not CW
Channel 3 calibration timeout occurred
Auto-calibration failed; input signal detected
Calibration data lost: corrections
Calibration memory write failure
The frequency of the calibration signal was outside the expect range of the specified value.
The Channel 3 calibration signal must be a continuous wave (CW) and not a pulsed signal.
Calibration at the specified power level did not complete within the ~ 1.2 seconds allowed. Perform a self-test to verify operation of the Channel
3 board and re-check the parameters of the input signal.
No signal should be present on the input channel during an auto-cal.
The instrument’s calibration data was lost due to a firmware update that may have made the current calibration data invalid, or due to a hardware failure. Recalibrate the instrument.
An error occurred as calibration data was being written to the counter’s internal flash memory.
Run the self-test to verify counter operation and repeat the calibration procedure.
Calibration data not restored
Following repair, calibration data was not restored as prompted from the front panel.
Self-Test Errors
Self-Test failed: auto-calibration failure
A failure occurred during the auto-calibration portion of the self-test. Repeat the self-test. If the auto-calibration failure remains there is an issue with the instrument hardware. Contact
Keysight.
286 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
53220A/53230A Error Messages
A
+904
+905
+906
+907
+908
+909
+910
+911
+912
+903
Self-Test failed: real-time clock setting lost
Reset the instrument clock using the ‘Utility’ ->
‘System Setup’ -> ‘Date/Time’ keys, or using the
SYSTem:TIME or SYSTEM:DATE commands.
Re-run the self-test.
Self-Test failed: main CPU error accessing boot environment
Self-Test failed: failed to read FPGA revision
Self-Test failed:
FPGA revision is less than expected
Self-Test failed:
PIC communication failure
Self-Test failed: battery test failed
Self-Test failed:
GPIB test failed
Self-Test failed: channel 3 test failed
Self-Test failed: front panel revision check failed
Self-Test failed: measurement board test failed
Verify and if necessary, install the latest firmware update and re-run the self-test. If the fallure occurs with the latest firmware revision installed, contact
Keysight.
These self-tests perform a communication test to detect the presence of the battery, GPIB, and
Channel 3 options. Verify and if necessary, install the latest firmware update and re-run the self-test.
If the fallure occurs with the latest firmware revision installed, contact
Keysight.
Verify and if necessary, install the latest firmware update and re-run the self-test. If the fallure occurs with the latest firmware revision installed, contact
Keysight.
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 287
A 53220A/53230A Error Messages
288 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Index
Numerics
A
address string
addressing
IP addresses and host names 48
advanced gate control
external gate start signal polarity
external gate start signal threshold
external gate stop signal polarity
external gate stop signal threshold
advanced gating
Keysight Connection Expert
Keysight IO Libraries
Allan Deviation 206 example 207
ASCII format
frequency range 134 system auto-level 134
auto-level frequency example 135
B
battery in use 21 enabling and disabling the battery
21 reading the battery level 21
block data transfers 239 byte order 239
burst gate configuration example 176
positive and negative width 116
C
calibration security
disabling for firmware updates 56
carrier frequency measurements 112
changing counter settings after
changing the GPIB address 50, 54
channel characteristics 120 channel options 120
checking lower limits 209 checking upper limits 209
clearing histogram data 220, 227
clearing statistical values 207
CONFigure and MEASure commands 75
Connection Expert
adding instruments to USB configuration 49
continuous totalizing 169 reading the current count 169
copying files from the front panel
counter measurement summary 64
coupling and threshold levels 133
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 289
Index
D
data formats
date and time
definite-length arbitrary block 238
deleting files 261 deleting folders 261
downloading firmware updates 57
downloading the IVI-COM driver 61
E
electrical operating conditions 18 electrical requirements 18
emulation mode
disabling for firmware updates 57
enabling statistical functions 203
environment
operating and storage 17 environmental operating conditions
error messages 275 examples
burst carrier frequency measurement 114
burst pulse positive and negative widths 117
burst pulse repetition frequency
116 burst pulse repetition interval 116
DATA
frequency ratio measurements 84
rise and fall time measurements 95
setting the auto-level frequency
single-period measurements 106
two-channel time interval 88, 92
using an external reference oscillator 68
external gate signal polarity 162, 166,
external gate signal threshold 163,
external gate start signal polarity 179
external gate start signal threshold
external gate stop signal polarity 187
external gate stop signal threshold
external reference oscillator
detecting the frequency 68 external reference oscillator example
68 external reference oscillator frequency 68
F
files
firmware updates 56 disabling calibration security 56
disabling emulation mode 57 downloads 57
folder names
folders
data and configuration files 249,
290 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Index
external gate signal polarity 162
external gate signal threshold 163
frequency ratio measurements 82
front panel
front panel display modes 212, 225
front panel keys
input channel configuration 120
G
gate signal polarity
time interval measurements 171
gate signal threshold
gate start
configuration example 181 gate start delay 181
gate stop
gate stop and stop holdoff 182
gate time
burst configuration 176 burst gate example 176
time interval measurements 170
general programming information 36
GPIB
address string 54 changing the address 50, 54
H
help
help language
histogram ranges
displaying on the front panel 212,
setting minimum and maximum bin ranges 217
host name and IP address
host names and IP addresses 47
I
indefinite-length arbitrary block 238
input
measuring signal levels 140 measuring signal strength 140
pulse measurement threshold 136
threshold level and sensitivity 129
instrument addressing
IP addresses and host names 48
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 291
Index
internet browser configuration 38
IO
IO interface
IP address and host name
IP addresses and host names 47
IVI drivers
IVI-COM
L
LAN
clearing limits 210 clearing the Questionable Data register 210 example 210
Questionable Data register 208
setting lower and upper limits 209
M
managing folders and files 261
materials included with counter 15
math functions
math operations
measurement mode
auto 71 continuous 71 reciprocal 71
measurements
measuring low frequency signals, low-frequency signals. 132
memory
N
noise rejection example 138 noise rejection from bandwidth limiting 138
292
digit group separator 25 radix 25
parator 25 radix 25
O
operating and storage environments
option 300
output buffer
description 242 transferring readings to 242
overview
P
PC IO interfaces
positive and negative burst width measurements 116
pulse measurement threshold 136
pulse repetition frequency measurements 113
53220A/53230A User’s Guide
Index
pulse repetition interval measurements 113
Q
questionable condition register
Questionable Data register
questionable event register
R
reading count
transferring readings to output buffer 242
reading transfers
REAL format
reference oscillator
using an external reference 66
reference settings
reference values
resolution
and gate time 158 digits 158 resolution enhancement 158
rise and fall time measurements 93
S
saving states from the front panel 254
scale functions
securing the instrument
self-test
setting the gate time
setting up histogram data 215, 226
signal conditioning
settings summary 120 signal conditioning path 120
signal levels 140 signal strength 140
single-period measurements 104
slope
smoothing data
software installation
start gate
configuration example 181 start gate delay 181
53220A/53230A User’s Guide 293
Index
average peak-to-peak value 205 average value 205
maximum value 204 mean 204 minimum value 204 reading count 204
stop gate
storage and operating environments
synchronization with other instruments 172
syntax conventions
system auto-level range 134, 135
T
threshold
time and date
time interval
external gate signal polarity 171
time out
timeout
increasing using Interactive IO 56
totalizing
external gate signal polarity 166
external gate signal threshold 167
gating 165 setting the gate time 165
trend charts
triggering
U
USB
user preferences
user-defined power-on states 258
using instrument help 23 utility functions 23
V
W
Waste Electrical and Electronic
Web-enabled instrument interface and
Web-enabled interface
connecting to the instrument 37 getting started 37
294 53220A/53230A User’s Guide
This information is subject to change without notice.
© Keysight Technologies 2011, 2014
Edition 3, August 2014
*53220-90001*
53220-90001 www.keysight.com
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