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Model 500A250D 

Rev A 

1.4  INSTALLATION 

Before proceeding, thoroughly inspect the amplifier for signs of physical damage that may have been incurred 

during shipment and completely read the following installation and operating instructions, paying special 

attention to all 

CAUTION

 notes.  

1.4.1 

Location 

Select an operating location that will permit air to circulate freely around the amplifier’s cabinet.  The 

Model 500A250D utilizes air cooling and should be located where the normal flow of air into or exiting from 

the unit will not be restricted, diverted, or re-circulated through the unit itself; in particular, the flow of warm 

air exiting the rear of the amplifier should not be impeded. 
Do not position the unit next to a wall or other equipment that would restrict the flow of air into the bottom of 

the unit or out of the rear of the unit. 

1.4.2 

Main Power 

The Model 500A250D is designed to operate using AC primary power of 200–240 Volts Alternating Current 

(VAC), 50–60 Hz, single phase, 2400 watts maximum. 

 

CAUTION: 

Dangerous voltages are present in the Model 500A250D whenever the unit 

is plugged into an AC outlet.  Always disconnect the unit from the main 

power line when servicing it. 

 

1.5  RF CONNECTIONS 

1.5.1 

Amplifier Input Connector 

The Type N female RF Input connector for the amplifier can be located on the front or rear of the amplifier. A 

maximum input signal of 0dBm is recommended to achieve full rated power. The amplifier is protected to 

+13dBm input without damage or failure. 

1.5.2 

Amplifier Output Connector 

The amplifier output connector is a Type N female which can be located on the front or rear of the amplifier 

depending on ordered configuration.  See specification sheet. 

 

CAUTION: 

Placing the amplifier in the Operate mode without a load connected to the 

output connector is not recommended. 

 

 

Summary of Contents for 500A250D

Page 1: ...Operating and Service Manual 500A250D Model 10047071 Part Number Serial Number 160 School House Road Souderton PA 18964 215 723 8181 Fax 866 859 0582 www arworld us ...

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Page 3: ...ty Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement Control and Laboratory Use Part 1 General Requirements UL 61010 1 Issued 2012 05 11 Ed 3 Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement Control and Laboratory Use Part 1 General Requirements CAN CSA C22 2 61010 1 Issued 2012 05 11 Ed 3 Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement Control and Laboratory Use Part ...

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Page 5: ...en Minimalwerte der Schirmdämpfung und Filterung in den unterschiedlichen Leistungsklassen empfohlen Hochfrequenzleistung min Schirmdämpfung 100 Watt 50 dB 101 1000 Watt 60 dB 1001 10 000 Watt 70 dB Falls andere elektrische oder elektronische Geräte gleichzeitig mit dem Gerät betrieben werden kann es zu Beeinflussungen kommen Da das Gerät zur Erzeugung von Hochfrequenzenergie dient ist es daher au...

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Page 7: ... clearance on all vented sides of the equipment to permit the airflow required for proper ventilation Do not restrict airflow into the equipment by blocking any vents or air intakes Restricting airflow can result in damage to the equipment intermittent shut downs or safety hazards Keep equipment away from extremely hot or cold temperatures to ensure that it is used within the specified operating r...

Page 8: ...na assembly may be heavy requiring two persons to lift Use caution when installing or removing unit Follow all equipment setup and lifting instructions specified in this document Ensure connectors are appropriate for intended operation Connectors are specified in the user manual and product specification sheet Do not exceed the maximum RF input level stated in the specifications Refer to the user ...

Page 9: ...von 10 2 cm 4 in auf allen belüfteten Seiten des Geräts ein um eine ausreichende Luftzirkulation zu gewährleisten Beinträchtigen Sie den Luftstrom des Geräts nicht indem Sie Lüftungsöffnungen oder den Lufteinlass blockieren Wird der Luftstrom eingeschränkt kann dies zu Schäden am Gerät periodischen Abschaltungen und anderen Gefahren führen Halten Sie das Gerät von extrem heißen oder kalten Tempera...

Page 10: ...n in diesem Dokument angegebenen Anweisungen zur Anbringung Stellen Sie sicher dass alle Anschlüsse für den beabsichtigten Betrieb geeignet sind Informationen zu den Anschlüssen erhalten Sie im Benutzerhandbuch und im Produktspezifikationsblatt Überschreiten Sie nicht den in Spezifikationen angegebenen maximalen HF Eingangspegel Informationen zum geeigneten HF Pegel erhalten Sie im Benutzerhandbuc...

Page 11: ...imitez pas le flux d air allant dans l équipement en bloquant tout évent ou entrée d air La restriction du flux d air peut endommager l équipement causer des coupures intermittentes ou des dangers pour la sécurité Tenez l équipement à l écart de températures extrêmement chaudes ou froides pour veiller à ce qu il soit utilisé dans la plage de fonctionnement indiquée Lorsque vous installez des acces...

Page 12: ...z prudent lorsque vous installez ou retirez l unité Respectez toutes les instructions concernant l installation et le levage de l équipement indiquées dans ce document Assurez vous que les connecteurs sont appropriés pour l utilisation prévue Les connecteurs sont indiqués dans le manuel d utilisation et la fiche signalétique du produit Ne dépassez pas le niveau d entrée RF maximal indiqué dans les...

Page 13: ...g is voor goede ventilatie mogelijk te maken Belemmer de luchtstroom in het apparaat niet door ventilatieopeningen of luchtinlaten te blokkeren Het belemmeren van de luchtstroom kan leiden tot schade aan het apparaat onregelmatige uitvallen of veiligheidsrisico s Houd het apparaat uit de buurt van extreem hoge of lage temperaturen om ervoor te zorgen dat het apparaat binnen het gespecificeerde wer...

Page 14: ...instellen en optillen van de apparatuur die in dit document worden vermeld Zorg ervoor dat de connectoren geschikt zijn voor de beoogde werking De connectoren worden gespecificeerd in de gebruikershandleiding en in het productspecificatieblad Overschrijd het maximale RF ingangsniveau niet dat in de specificaties is vermeld Raadpleeg de gebruikershandleiding en het productspecificatieblad om de toe...

Page 15: ... 5 Menu Map 9 2 3 Local Operation 9 2 3 1 Power up Sequence 9 2 4 Remote Control Interface 10 2 4 1 GPIB IEEE 488 Communication 10 2 4 1 1 Setting the GPIB IEEE 488 Address 10 2 4 2 RS 232 Communication 10 2 4 3 Fiber Optic Serial Communication 11 2 4 4 USB Communication 12 2 4 5 Ethernet Communication 12 2 4 6 Remote Commands 13 2 4 6 1 Power On Off 14 2 4 6 2 RF On Off 14 2 4 6 3 Reset Faults 15...

Page 16: ... Coupler 27 3 2 9 A16 Detector Schematic 10045651 27 3 3 Power Supplies PS1 PS2 Ps3 27 3 4 Control System 28 3 4 1 A18 Control Fault Board Schematic 10042218 28 3 4 2 A20 Interface Board Schematic 10020073 28 3 4 3 A17 ALC 28 3 5 Sample Ports 28 4 MAINTENANCE 29 4 1 General Maintenance Information 29 4 2 Disassembly Procedure 29 4 3 Troubleshooting 30 4 3 1 General Reading Faults 30 4 3 2 The Unit...

Page 17: ...ABLES 2 1 RS 232 Port Settings 11 2 2 RS 232 DCE Port Pinout Diagram DB 9 Female 11 2 3 Fiber Optic Serial Port Settings 12 2 4 Relationship between 500A250D Controls and Remote Communication 14 2 5 States 17 2 6 Faults 19 ...

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Page 19: ...s Forward and Reflected power levels A General Purpose Interface Bus GPIB IEEE 488 2 interface for remote control of the amplifier s operating functions RS232 serial communications including both wire and fiber optic ports for remote control USB Communication port for remote control Ethernet Communication port for remote control Protection is provided by DC current limiting over temperature shut d...

Page 20: ...the unit or out of the rear of the unit 1 4 2 Main Power The Model 500A250D is designed to operate using AC primary power of 200 240 Volts Alternating Current VAC 50 60 Hz single phase 2400 watts maximum CAUTION Dangerous voltages are present in the Model 500A250D whenever the unit is plugged into an AC outlet Always disconnect the unit from the main power line when servicing it 1 5 RF CONNECTIONS...

Page 21: ...ese ports should exhibit resistive 50Ω impedance throughout the band The sample ports are normally used for interfacing with external power meters A calibration table that provides a list of external RF power meter offset values is provided The offset values completely characterize the directional coupler forward and reverse sample port circuit attenuation across the frequency band This table is p...

Page 22: ...Model 500A250D 4 Rev A ...

Page 23: ...nd amplifier designed for applications where instantaneous bandwidth high gain and linearity are re quired Available in a stylish contemporary cabinet for benchtop use or with cabinet re moved for rack mounting The Model 500A250D when used with a sweep generator will provide a minimum of 500 watts of RF power from 01 250MHz Included is a front panel gain control which permits the operator to conve...

Page 24: ...TION Minus 20 dBc maximum at 400 watts 20dBc typical at 500 watts SPURIOUS Minus 73 dBc typical PRIMARY POWER 200 240 VAC 50 60Hz 2400 watts CONNECTORS RF Input N female RF Output N female RF Sample Ports N female optional REMOTES PACKAGE IEEE 488 24 pin female RS 232 9 pin subminiature D female Fiber optic ST Conn Tx and Rx RS 232 USB 2 0 Type B Ethernet RJ 45 Safety Interlock 15 pin subminiature...

Page 25: ...Page 3 500A250D 500 watts CW 10kHz 250MHz Graphs ...

Page 26: ...Page 4 500A250D 500 watts CW 10kHz 250MHz Graphs ...

Page 27: ...Products call 215 723 8181 For an applications engineer call 800 933 8181 Direct to Service call 215 723 0275 or email service arworld us For Faxing Orders 866 859 0582 Orders Only Please info arworld us Approved for public release by AR RF Microwave Instrumentation 030719 ...

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Page 29: ...d to withstand without damage RF input power levels up to twenty 20 times its rated input of 1mW However signal levels higher than 20mW or transients with high peak voltages can damage the amplifier Also accidental connection of the Model 500A250D s output to its input either through direct connection or parasitic feedback paths will cause oscillations that may permanently damage the unit s input ...

Page 30: ...een light emitting diode LED in the switch indicates whether the 500A250D power is on or off The main power supply fans are active when power is on The LCD touch display is active as long as the main circuit breaker for the 500A250D power entry module is on 2 2 1 3 Adjust Knob The ADJUST knob is used to set the RF Gain of the amplifier The range of RF Gain is 0 to 100 percent The ADJUST knob can b...

Page 31: ...mum 2 Connect the load to the unit s RF OUTPUT connector 3 Set the REMOTE LOCAL switch to LOCAL 4 Check to see that the MAIN POWER switch on the unit s rear panel is set to the on position 5 Press the POWER switch 6 Place the unit in the Operate mode by pressing the RF ON OFF touch screen button 7 Adjust the amplifier s gain by pressing the Select button on the Main Menu then the RF Gain button in...

Page 32: ...selection screen Section 3 3 1 5 4 To get there from the Main Menu touch the User menu button followed by the I O menu button and finally the GPIB menu button Touching any of the buttons labeled 1 to 30 immediately sets the GPIB address to the corresponding value A thin black outline indicates the present GPIB address selection When the back button is pushed the address selection is stored to non ...

Page 33: ...a TIMEOUT_ERROR message followed by a Line Feed is sent out from this port The baud rate for the Fiber Optic Serial port is user selectable from the RS 232 Fiber Optic Serial Baud Rate selection screen To get there from the Main Menu touch the User menu button followed by the I O menu button and finally the Serial menu button A thin black outline indicates the present baud rate selection When the ...

Page 34: ...nated with a Line Feed character The cable required to make this connection is a USB 2 0 A B peripheral device cable The cable can be no longer than 5 meters If a longer distance is required a USB hub must be used A cable carrying the official USB logo is recommended When connected to a PC running Windows 2000 or XP a window will pop up labeled Hardware Wizard If this PC has National Instruments L...

Page 35: ...e Feed character is indicated by LF in subsequent command and query definitions All queries can be sent when the Keylock switch is in the LOCAL or REMOTE position All commands can only be sent when the Keylock switch is in the REMOTE position All spaces in command and query definitions are indicated by space If a query is recognized its associated response is echoed out the port it came in on A CO...

Page 36: ... POWER x Parameters State x OFF power off ON power on Response Format None No query for this command Example To turn the power on send the following command POWER ON LF To turn the power off send the following command POWER OFF LF 2 4 6 2 RF On Off This command controls the RF on off state of the 500A250D Syntax RF x Parameters State x OFF power off ON power on Response Format None No query for th...

Page 37: ... space INT Set to ALC Internal mode Response Format None No query for this command Example To set the ALC mode to ALC Internal mode send the following command MODE ALC INT LF 2 4 6 5 Level Adjust This command sets the RF gain detector gain ALC threshold and ALC Response Time of the amplifier Syntax LEVEL xy Parameters Parameter x GAIN RF Gain DET Detector Gain THR ALC Threshold RESP Response Time ...

Page 38: ...acter Response Format f m n LF Where f manufacturer m model designation n firmware revision Example To get the identity of the 500A250D send the following command IDN LF Response AR RF MICROWAVE INST XXXXXXXX 1 0 LF 2 4 6 7 IO Board Firmware Revision Query to get the firmware revision of the I O Board Syntax IOB Parameters None Query only always requires a character Response Format INTERFACE_BOARD...

Page 39: ...be read as a bit state of 1 or 0 Table 2 5 States BIT STATE BIT POSITION BIT DESCRIPTION 0 1 NOTES x 0 NOT USED 1 NOT USED 2 NOT USED 3 REMOTE CONTROL DISABLED ENABLED Response to Keylock Switch position y 0 POWER STATUS OFF POWER ON 1 STANDBY STATUS OFF STANDBY Also known as RF OFF 2 OPERATE STATUS OFF OPERATE Also known as RF ON 3 FAULT STATUS OFF FAULT EXISTS z 0 KEYLOCK INHIBIT OFF INHIBITED R...

Page 40: ...forward power send the following query FPOW LF Response FPOW space space space 54 LF 54 Watts of forward power 2 4 6 10 Reverse Power Query to get the reverse power Syntax RPOW Parameters None Response Format RPOW x LF Where x 0 to 99999 Values are corrected and linearized They can be up to five digits in length Leading zeros are read as spaces Units are Watts Example To find out the reverse power...

Page 41: ...None Response Format FSTA space 00xx Where xx 00 to 1A Hexadecimal Table 2 6 Faults xx Decimal Description xx Decimal Description 00 0 No Fault 0E 14 PS2 Thermal 01 1 PS3 0F 15 Amp A13 02 2 Interlock 10 16 Amp A12 03 3 PS1 12 18 Amp A10 04 4 PS2 13 19 Amp A9 05 5 Therm A13 14 20 Amp A8 06 6 Therm A12 16 22 Amp A6 08 8 Therm A10 17 23 Amp A2 09 9 Therm A9 18 24 PS3 Thermal 0A 10 Therm A8 19 25 485 ...

Page 42: ...owing query OH LF Response OH space space space space 37 LF The system has spent 37 Hours in an RF On state 2 4 6 14 Operating Hours Power On Query to get the Power On operating hours Syntax OHP Parameters None Response Format OHP x LF Where x 0 to 100000 Units are Hours Values can be up to six digits in length Leading zeros are read as spaces Example To find out the Power On operating hours send ...

Page 43: ...et the firmware rev of the ALC board assembly send the following command ALC LF Response ALC_SW_REV1 60 LF 2 4 6 16 SBB Piggyback Firmware Revision Query to get the firmware revision of the piggyback SBB assembly Syntax SBB Parameters None Query only always requires a character Response Format SBB_SW_REVx LF Where x firmware revision Example To get the firmware rev of the piggyback SBB assembly se...

Page 44: ... commands Level Adjust LEVEL GAIN LEVEL DET Not available on all models LEVEL THR Not available on all models LEVEL RESP Not available on all models Mode Select MODE MANUAL Not available on all models MODE PULSE Not available on all models MODE ALC space INT Not available on all models MODE ALC space EXT Not available on all models NOTES 1 Use the command DEFAULT FACTORY to reset all applicable se...

Page 45: ... the unit to function 2 4 7 1 Inhibit Interlock This interlock circuit inhibits RF amplification by disabling the low level A1 and Power A2 and A6 A8 A9 A10 A12 A13 amplifier stages The Inhibit Interlock is wired to the rear panel interlock connector pins 1 and 8 A closed circuit from interlock connector pin 1 to pin 8 is required for normal operation Opening the Inhibit Interlock connection will ...

Page 46: ...Model 500A250D 24 Rev A ...

Page 47: ...2 1 1 A1 Pre Amplifier Assembly Schematic 10045472 The Pre Amplifier PWB Assembly consists of a variable attenuator circuit Q1 Q4 a gain stage U4 a resistive splitter R13 R14 R16 an RF power detector U6 and associated control circuitry The overall gain of the pre amplifier assembly is approximately 6 8 dB at minimum attenuation The power detector U6 is used to sense the input RF power and it incre...

Page 48: ... Two Way Splitter The Two Way Splitter is a broadband splitter The input signal is split into two equal amplitude equal phase signals The amplitude of each signal is 3 3 5 dB below the input signal when all outputs are terminated into 50Ω loads 3 2 4 A4 A5 Three Way Splitter The Three Way Splitter is a broadband splitter The input signal is split into four equal amplitude equal phase signals The a...

Page 49: ...ts is approximately 60 dB 3 2 9 A16 Detector Schematic 10045651 The A16 Detector converts the RF signals from the bi directional coupler to a DC voltage for use in the automatic leveling sample ports and display circuitry 3 3 POWER SUPPLIES PS1 PS2 PS3 Power supply PS1 supplies a 5VDC housekeeping supply for the control system assemblies A18 Control Fault Board and A20 Interface Board PS1 also sup...

Page 50: ...embly performs the following functions Provides automatic level control of the amplifier s output when placed in ALC mode Limits RF input level to the amplifier when forward or reflected power levels exceed specified limits Drives forward and reflective indicators on the display panel 3 5 SAMPLE PORTS The signals appearing at the sample ports produce a level of approximately 10dBm at 500W Both for...

Page 51: ...due to the importance of the amplifier s alignment it is recommended that when failure is caused by breakdown of any of the components in the signal circuits the amplifier be returned to the factory for part replacement and amplifier realignment Shipping instructions are as follows To return an item contact AR Customer Service for an RMA number and shipping instructions Returns from outside the Un...

Page 52: ...re described in the sections that follow 4 3 1 General Reading Faults 4 3 2 The Unit Cannot be Operated Remotely 4 3 3 Thermal Fault 4 3 4 Interlock Fault 4 3 5 Amplifier Faults 4 3 6 Low or No Power Output DC Tests 4 3 7 Low or No Power Output RF Test 4 3 1 General Reading Faults The Model 500A250D incorporates relatively simple fault detection circuitry which makes use of the digital display pan...

Page 53: ...and 27 should be 0 1V 3 If the voltage on A18 J5 pins 20 22 23 24 26 and 27 is high check the connection to J3 6 and FL3 on the suspect module assembly 4 3 4 Interlock Fault Schematic Diagram 10044770 The Model 500A250D is equipped with an interlock connector which is located on the rear panel The interlock circuit can be used to sense the openings of doors to screen rooms test chambers and so for...

Page 54: ...e RF Gain control is it set to maximum gain 2 Check the RF input to the unit is it the correct amplitude and frequency 3 Check the RF output connection from the unit is it correctly connected to the load Is the coaxial cable okay 4 Check the following voltages on the Power Supply If any of the voltages are out of tolerance correct them before further troubleshooting PS1 P15 Pin 1 15 V 0 3 V PS1 P1...

Page 55: ...before conducting the RF tests specified in the following sections 1 The Model 500A250D s typical gain response at 20 dBm input and 0 dBm input is shown in Figure 4 1 and Figure 4 2 The actual gain may vary considerably from that shown in Figure 4 1 but should be 57dBm at 0dBm input Figure 4 1 Typical Response at 20dBm Input Figure 4 2 Typical Response at 0 dBm Input ...

Page 56: ...Model 500A250D 34 Rev A Figure 4 3 Typical A Module Response 2 The typical response for the A1 Pre Amplifier at maximum gain setting is shown in Figure 4 4 Figure 4 4 Typical A1 Pre Amplifier Response ...

Page 57: ... cover If the security label is removed and or cut the warranty of the module will be voided Vacuum tubes in the L series amplifiers traveling wave tubes in TWT amplifiers and power heads will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one 1 year Contact AR RF Microwave Instrumentation for warranty information regarding items not listed Seller s sole responsibility in fulfill...

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