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Keysight M8121A Arbitrary Waveform Generator User Guide

43

Soft Front Panel

3

 

M8121A Soft Front Panel

The 

M8121A Soft Front Panel

 and its GUI elements are illustrated in 

Figure 8

 on page 43.

Figure 8

M8121A user interface

The M8121A Soft Front Panel includes the following GUI elements:
1 Title  Bar
2 Menu Bar
3 Tabs
4 Status Indicator
5 Messages
6 Lower  Pane

Summary of Contents for M8121A

Page 1: ...User Guide Keysight M8121A Arbitrary Waveform Generator ...

Page 2: ...requirements beyond those set forth in the EULA shall apply except to the extent that those terms rights or licenses are explicitly required from all providers of commercial computer software pursuant to the FAR and the DFARS and are set forth specifically in writing elsewhere in the EULA Keysight shall be under no obligation to update revise or otherwise modify the Software With respect to any te...

Page 3: ...ipment for completeness and verified the instrument both mechanically and electrically The Performance Tests give procedures for checking the operation of the instrument If the contents are incomplete mechanical damage or defect is apparent or if an instrument does not pass the operator s checks notify the nearest Keysight Technologies Sales Service Office WARNING To avoid hazardous electrical sho...

Page 4: ...safety precautions are taken The power cable inlet of the instrument serves as a device to disconnect from the mains in case of hazard The instrument must be positioned so that the operator can easily access the power cable inlet When the instrument is rack mounted the rack must be provided with an easily accessible mains switch Line Power Requirements The Keysight M8121A operates when installed i...

Page 5: ...ollows this format R R Kst ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ Indicates that anti static precautions should be taken China Restricted Substance Product Label The EPUP environmental protection use period number in the center indicates the time period during which no hazardous or toxic substances or elements are expected to leak or deteriorate during normal use and generally reflects the expected useful life of the pro...

Page 6: ...ngress protection ISM 1 A This is a symbol of an Industrial Scientific and Medical Group 1 Class A product CISPR 11 Clause 5 ICES NMB 001 This is a marking to indicate product compliance with the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Standard ICES 001 The Keysight email address is required by EU directives applicable to our product This symbol indicates separate collection for electrical and ele...

Page 7: ...3 Feature Options 13 DAC Format Modes 14 Front Panel 17 Related Documents 19 Additional Documents 19 2 Installation and Maintenance Pre Requisites 22 Installation Process 23 Post Installation Steps 31 How to use the M8121A Instrument 32 M8121A Maintenance 33 ESD Protection 33 Power and Ventilation Requirements 35 Thermal Protection 35 Battery 35 Operating Environment 35 Fiber Optic Connector Care ...

Page 8: ...itle Bar 44 Menu Bar 44 Display Settings Dialog 46 SCPI Editor 47 Status Indicator 48 Messages 49 Status Bar 50 Working with M8121A Front Panel 51 Numeric Control Usage 51 Tooltip 52 Clock and Output Tab 53 Trigger tab 56 Marker tab 57 Data Source Tab 58 4 Markers Introduction 64 Sample Markers 64 Pause Between Multiple Marked Samples 65 Vector Markers 65 ...

Page 9: ...es 69 Amplitude Scaling 70 Doublet Mode and Digital Up Conversion 71 6 Remote Programming Remote Programming Overview 74 Common Commands 78 ABOrt Commands 81 ARM Commands 82 TRIGger Commands 86 MARKer Commands 87 INITiate Commands 91 INSTrument Commands 92 MMEMory Commands 93 OUTPut Commands 94 SOURce Commands 96 STATus Commands 108 QUEStionable Commands 110 SYSTem Commands 112 TRACe Commands 117 ...

Page 10: ...y Waveform Generator User Guide Contents CaLibrate Commands 132 ODI Commands 136 7 Characteristics Performance Specification 139 Operating Environment 139 Regulatory Information 140 Environmental Information 141 General 141 Index ...

Page 11: ...roduction M8121A Overview 12 Key Features 12 Two Output Paths for Different Applications 13 Feature Options 13 DAC Format Modes 14 Front Panel 17 Related Documents 19 Additional Documents 19 This chapter provides an overview of M8121A Arbitrary Waveform Generator ...

Page 12: ... approach Instead of a built in memory it offers a full rate Optical Data Interface ODI to supply the samples to the DAC at up to 12 GSa s which enables infinitely long scenarios to be generated with up to approx 5 GHz of modulation bandwidth Key Features The M8121A is a 12 GSa s Arbitrary Waveform Generator with the following key features 1 or 2 channel AWG module with 14 bit resolution up to 8 G...

Page 13: ...Optional DC coupled amplifier Amplitude 500 mVpp 1 0 Vpp Output voltage window 1 0 V 3 3 V Differential output Feature Options The following feature options are available for the current release of M8121A Table 2 M8121A feature options Option Functionality 001 1 channel 002 2 channel 08G 8 GSa s 12 or 14 bit 12G 12 GSa s 12 or 14 bit to 8 GSa s 12 bit 8 GSa s AMP DC amplifier DUC Digital Up Conver...

Page 14: ...ree DAC format modes are available NRZ Non Return to Zero DNRZ Double NRZ Doublet For more details on the DAC format modes refer to the section Dual Core DAC Architectures in the Fundamentals of Arbitrary Waveform Generation Reference Guide Manual Part No M8190 91050 Figure 1 DAC Format Modes NRZ DAC A sends value for whole sample period DNRZ DAC A and B send same value Doublet DAC A sends Value D...

Page 15: ...e different amplitude vs frequency responses which are shown in the following figure Figure 2 DNRZ NRZ Doublet Frequency Response NOTE This is only comparing the idealized response of the modes and ignores the roll off due to finite switching rise times output RC time constant and other losses ...

Page 16: ...Best signal performance in 1st Nyquist region NRZ For time domain applications less ripple at 2 fsample more distortions than DNRZ Doublet More output power and flatter frequency response in 2nd Nyquist region ܽ ݕܿ ݑݍ ݎ ݏ ݏ ݎ ܵ ݔ ݔ ܽ ݕܿ ݑݍ ݎ ݏ ݏ ݎ ܵ ݔ ݔ ܽ ݕܿ ݑݍ ݎ ݏ ݏ ݎ ܵ ݔ 2 ݔ 2 2 ...

Page 17: ... input For convenience a semi rigid cable that connects between LPN Clk Out and Sample Clk In is provided to allow users to programmatically switch between LPN clock and Sample Clk In without re cabling The LPN ports are only available if option LPN is installed Option LPN is SW upgradeable ODI The two Optical Data Interface ports ODI 1 2 can be used to connect to other ODI ports that provide stre...

Page 18: ... the Low Phase Noise External is selected as the Sample Clock source Low phase noise LPN is used with an externally connected high quality clock Clock to data delay control is not available when using LPN Clk In LPN is available if Option LPN is installed Option LPN is software upgradeable FPGA Config This port is reserved for future use LEDs The M8121A front panel includes the following LEDs Stat...

Page 19: ...grams Keysight M8121 Keysight M8121 Examples Provides example waveform files Go to the product web site www keysight com find M8121A and browse the manuals under Document Library tab Additional Documents Additional documentation can be found at http www keysight com find M9502A for 2 slot chassis related documentation http www keysight com find M9505A for 5 slot chassis related documentation http ...

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Page 21: ... User Guide 2 Installation and Maintenance Pre Requisites 22 Installation Process 23 Post Installation Steps 31 How to use the M8121A Instrument 32 M8121A Maintenance 33 This chapter explains the steps required to install M8121A software package ...

Page 22: ...bit Windows 7 64 bit Ensure that you have Keysight IO Libraries Suite version 18 0 or higher installed on your system The Keysight IO Libraries Suite can be found on the CD that is part of shipment content or at http www keysight com find iosuite NOTE Even if a non Keysight I O library is already installed on your PC it is still necessary to install the Keysight I O library The Keysight I O librar...

Page 23: ... the executable M8121A_Setup exe This executable file is available either on CD or Web 2 The Keysight M8121A Setup will prepare the InstallShield Wizard for the installation process The following window will appear NOTE The installer will first check and list some pre requisites Click Install to install them It is possible that your PC requests a reboot during this step Reboot your PC if requested...

Page 24: ...ide 2 Installation and Maintenance 3 Follow the on screen instructions to begin the installation process Click Next 4 We recommend you to read the document to check if your hardware configuration is supported Click Next to proceed to the license agreements ...

Page 25: ...or User Guide 25 Installation and Maintenance 2 5 Accept the terms of Keysight software end user license agreement and click Next 6 Select Yes if you want to read the post installation instructions when finished Click Next to select setup type ...

Page 26: ...bitrary Waveform Generator User Guide 2 Installation and Maintenance 7 Select a setup type either Complete or Custom Click Next 8 If you select Custom and click Next you can specify which optional features will be installed ...

Page 27: ...Keysight M8121A Arbitrary Waveform Generator User Guide 27 Installation and Maintenance 2 9 Click Next to begin installation ...

Page 28: ...28 Keysight M8121A Arbitrary Waveform Generator User Guide 2 Installation and Maintenance 10 The Setup Wizard will now install M8121A ...

Page 29: ...The Keysight M8121A will configure the new software installation The following screen will appear once the Keysight M8121A software is successfully installed on your system Click Finish to restart your system Do not connect the AXIe chassis to your system using the PCIe cable during this reboot ...

Page 30: ...30 Keysight M8121A Arbitrary Waveform Generator User Guide 2 Installation and Maintenance 12 This completes the Keysight M8121A software installation ...

Page 31: ...s in the device manager e g via Start Control Panel Device Manager or right click Computer Manage Device Manager The instrument should be visible in the device tree as Keysight Technologies Modular Devices M8121A 6 Check if the M8121A is also visible in the Keysight Connection Expert application 7 If something went wrong and the instrument is not showing in the Instruments tab in Keysight Connecti...

Page 32: ...tching on the external PC 2 Start the M8121A application Start All Programs Keysight M8121 Keysight M8121 The user interface will display the VISA resource strings for different kinds of connections there may be more than one depending on what the PC is connected to and what other AXIe modules are in the chassis Select the M8121A For more details see the section Launching the M8121A Soft Front Pan...

Page 33: ...the documentation supplied with your equipment can result in hazardous radiation exposure CAUTION All the connectors are very sensitive to electrostatic discharge ESD There are also several exposed components on the PCAs on both sides of the M8121A which can be touched accidentally while handling the unit and can risk damage to the instrument due to ESD When you connect a device or cable that is n...

Page 34: ...f ESD protection Of the two only the table mat and wrist strap combination provides adequate ESD protection when used alone To ensure user safety the static safe accessories must provide at least 1 MW of isolation from ground WARNING These techniques for a static safe work station should not be used when working on circuitry with a voltage potential greater than 500 volts ...

Page 35: ...ceeds what the instrument can tolerate the power supply is switched off The instrument will not turn on automatically if the temperature is decreasing again Fan Failure If a fan is broken or prevented from operating by a blockage the temperature will increase When the temperature exceeds what the instrument can tolerate the overheating detection switches off the instrument for safety reasons For r...

Page 36: ...onnectors like the high quality lens of an expensive camera Damage to the connectors on calibration and verification devices test ports cables and other devices can Degrade measurement accuracy and repeatability and Cause expensive damage to instruments Because fiber optic connectors are susceptible to damage that is not immediately obvious to the naked eye it is very easy to make bad measurements...

Page 37: ...e one for MPO II MTP Brand Connectors Never use metal or sharp objects to clean a connector and never scrape the connector This picture shows physical damage to the glass fiber end of the optical cable caused by either repeated connections made without removing loose particles from the fiber end or by using improper cleaning processes This damage can be severe enough to transfer the damage from th...

Page 38: ...ts You can purchase tools designed specifically for the type of fiber optic connector that you are using For the 24 fiber MPO interface purchase one for an MTP connector Fiber Optic inspection scopes are available which can give a very clean view of the fiber end and even provide some analysis capability WARNING If flammable fluids are used to clean connectors the fluid shall not be placed on the ...

Page 39: ... Guide 3 Soft Front Panel Launching the M8121A Soft Front Panel 40 M8121A Soft Front Panel 43 Working with M8121A Front Panel 51 Clock and Output Tab 53 Trigger tab 56 Marker tab 57 Data Source Tab 58 This chapter describes the M8121A Soft Front Panel ...

Page 40: ...ght M8121 Keysight M8121 from the Start menu The following Connect to Instrument dialog will appear Figure 5 M8121A connected to PC This dialog shows the addresses of the discovered M8121A modules Select a module from the list and click Connect If no M8121A module is connected to your PC you can select Simulation Mode to simulate an M8121A module ...

Page 41: ...A Arbitrary Waveform Generator User Guide 41 Soft Front Panel 3 Figure 6 M8121A connected in simulation mode Next a M8121A software startup screen will be displayed as shown in Figure 7 on page 42 New image required ...

Page 42: ...42 Keysight M8121A Arbitrary Waveform Generator User Guide 3 Soft Front Panel Figure 7 M8121A startup screen ...

Page 43: ...M8121A Soft Front Panel The M8121A Soft Front Panel and its GUI elements are illustrated in Figure 8 on page 43 Figure 8 M8121A user interface The M8121A Soft Front Panel includes the following GUI elements 1 Title Bar 2 Menu Bar 3 Tabs 4 Status Indicator 5 Messages 6 Lower Pane ...

Page 44: ...ncludes the following pull down menu File View Utilities Tools Help Each menu and its options are described in the following sections File Menu The File menu includes the following selections View Menu The View menu includes the following selections File Save Configuration Saves configuration as a text file File Save Configuration As Saves configuration as a text file Not functional in the current...

Page 45: ...efer to Display Settings Dialog on page 46 Utility Reset Resets the instrument reads the state and updates all fields Tools SCPI Editor Opens SCPI Editor that lists all SCPIs that can be used to program M8121A and also provides a platform to execute them For details see SCPI Editor on page 47 Help Contents Opens the M8121A User Guide Help Online Support Opens the instrument s product support web p...

Page 46: ...ft Front Panel Display Settings Dialog The Display Settings dialog allows you to set the display the GUI Figure 9 Display Settings dialog Using this dialog you can apply the provided setting to the interface skin color font font skin message icons and number format ...

Page 47: ... SCPI Editor Figure 10 SCPI Editor It has the following elements Command list Shows the list of default commands Output Area Allows you to enter a command Also the output of the executed command is displayed in this area Send Button Press this button once you select the command from the command list or enter a SCPI Show Error Queue Select this check box to show the errors which are generated when ...

Page 48: ...hen inactive output off or Data source internal Yellow when ODI is waiting for sync Gray when ODI is synced and there is no ODI data ODI data rate 0 during previous 1s Green when ODI is synced and ODI data is flowing rate 0 over 1s period without FIFO underflowing Red when ODI is synced and FIFO underflow detected Remains red until ODI stops being transmitted rate 0 for at least 1 sec Direct Out a...

Page 49: ...ngs and errors so that they get displayed on the Messages window For each messages warnings and errors it also shows the details i e notification type message log details and time Figure 12 Messages window It has the following controls signs and columns Messages Click this button to show hide messages Warnings Click this button to show hide warning messages Errors Click this button to show hide th...

Page 50: ...d to open the Instrument Selection Dialog Instrument status Displays the instrument status for example Reset complete after issuing a reset command Show messages warning errors Click the Error Count button to view the window to view messages warnings and errors on the Message window Save Click this button to save the selected messages warnings or errors inside the list to a specified location Copy...

Page 51: ...his place the cursor to the right of the targeted digit and use the up down arrows This is especially useful when changing a signal characteristic that is immediately implemented and observing the result in another instrument For example you can change the signal generator s frequency by increments of 10 MHz and observe the measured result in a signal analyzer Figure 14 Typing directly into the fi...

Page 52: ... 2 5 GHz The plus sign is automatically inserted if it is omitted Tooltip The tooltip is a small pop up window that concisely describes the object being pointed to such as descriptions of toolbar controls icons graphics links menu items and taskbar buttons The following example shows the tooltip providing a description of toolbar buttons Figure 15 Tooltip example 1 Here is another example where th...

Page 53: ...includes the outputs of the channel of M8121A Module Figure 17 Clock and Outputs tab This tab has the following options Clock Sample Clock Use this drop down list to select the sample clock among Internal External or Low Phase Noise LPN External The clock power to the LPN input should be removed when using the Internal clock Use the semi rigid cable to connect the LPN Clock Out to the Sample Clock...

Page 54: ...y of the used external reference clock Multi Module Role This is a read only field Depending upon the M8192A module connection it displays one of the following Normal When the M8121A module is not configured in the M8192A module Master When the M8121A module is configured as Master in the M8192A module Slave When the M8121A module is configured as Slave in the M8192A module Channel 1 Channel 2 Out...

Page 55: ...e offset of the output signal Diff Offset Sets an offset adjustment to compensate for small offset differences between the normal and complement output Coarse Delay Specifies the coarse delay portion of the variable delay Fine Delay Provides a small range of delay that may be added to the output signal on either channel The fine delay is not available when using the Low Phase Noise clock source or...

Page 56: ... Run button No trigger needed Triggered Signal generation starts after a trigger is received Force Trigger Use this button to force a trigger when waiting for front panel trigger This option is enabled only when Triggered option is selected under the Trigger Mode drop down list Trigger Threshold Sets the threshold for trigger and event input Polarity Sets the polarity for the input The following o...

Page 57: ...as the following options for Channel 1 and Channel 2 Vector Marker Amplitude Specifies the amplitude of the marker output signal Offset Specifies the offset of the marker output signal Sample Marker Amplitude Specifies the amplitude of the marker output signal Offset Specifies the offset of the marker output signal For more information on markers refer to Markers on page 63 ...

Page 58: ...his drop down list allows the selection of the data source for the waveform The available options are Internal waveform memory and Optical ODI optical streaming interface When selecting Optical the following controls are available Optical Data Source For the optical data source the following options are available for channel 1 and 2 Lane Rate Currently 14 1 Gb s is the only supported lane rate Max...

Page 59: ... be streamed from the data source in packed 12 bit samples Real 12 bit marker This can be used when the Mode on the Clock and Outputs tab is 12 bit direct The data should be streamed from the data source in 16 bit samples of which the 12 most significant bits is the sample and the 2 least significant bits are the markers Real 14 bit marker This should be used when the Mode on the Clock and Outputs...

Page 60: ...ory over ODI and to view more statistics about the ODI port including Bytes Sent and Tx Holdoffs Bytes Received Bad Bursts Received and Rx Rate Bytes s are always displayed ODI Statistics Display the ODI statistics in terms of Bytes Received Bad Bursts Received Rx Rate Bytes s Bytes Sent and Tx Holdoffs Internal Data Source For internal data source the following options are available ...

Page 61: ...ation The waveform must meet certain length rules that are dependent upon the Mode that is selected in the Clock and Outputs tab 12 bit direct multiple of 192 samples 14 bit direct multiple of 320 samples Interpolated mode multiple of 64 samples A 12 bit packed waveform may be loaded and used when doing a self test of the ODI In this case the waveform must be a multiple of 768 samples The waveform...

Page 62: ...use to control the marker The respective position of marker at X and Y axis are displayed on the top of waveform Takes the marker to the peak position Turns off the marker Sets the marker on the I data part of the waveform Sets the marker on the Q data part of the waveform Provides zoom functionality Use the mouse pointer to select the area on waveform that you want to zoom Once done you can click...

Page 63: ...ht M8121A Arbitrary Waveform Generator User Guide 4 Markers Introduction 64 Sample Markers 64 Pause Between Multiple Marked Samples 65 Vector Markers 65 This chapter describes the markers supported by M8121A ...

Page 64: ...able 3 Marker granularity The marker width of one marked sample is fixed to the marker granularity Multiple consecutive marked samples generate one output marker which is expanded to cover all marked bits The length of this marker is quantized to the marker granularity The sample marker is always aligned to the sample data This alignment varies depending on the mode Delay adjustments also change t...

Page 65: ...might be possible to get one combined marker instead two individual markers Vector Markers In addition to the high speed marker each channel provides a second marker called vector marker This vector marker can only be set in vector clock granularity The vector marker is an output of the pattern generation Delay adjustments do not change the delay of the vector marker Vector Clock Marked Samples re...

Page 66: ...aveform Generator User Guide 4 Markers The following drawing shows an example The dots represent the marked clock vectors Figure 20 Marked clock vectors Vector Clock Marked Samples relative to Vector Clock Granularity Vector Marker ...

Page 67: ... Requires option DUC Introduction 68 Direct Mode 68 Digital Up Conversion Modes 69 IQ Modulation 69 Interpolated Modes 69 Markers in Interpolated Modes 69 Amplitude Scaling 70 Doublet Mode and Digital Up Conversion 71 This chapter describes the Digital Up Conversion for the M8121A ...

Page 68: ... highlighted in blue in Figure 21 on page 68 This includes the interpolation of IQ sample pairs from a low input data rate to the sampling rate of the instrument the generation of a carrier frequency by a Numerically Controlled Oscillator NCO and the IQ modulation itself Direct Mode In direct mode the samples are sent directly to the DAC IQ modulation can be implemented by Using two channels provi...

Page 69: ...d amplitude multiplication factor Interpolated Modes The instrument provides interpolation filters that allow an interpolation by x3 x12 x24 and x48 The available signal bandwidth of each interpolation filter is 0 8 x Fs where Fs is the input I Q sample rate Fs multiplied with the interpolation factor leads to the DAC sampling rate The following table shows examples for the maximum DAC sample rate...

Page 70: ...sequence this can result in signal clipping The value can be separated into two multiplication factors Factor 2 0 is related to the interpolation filters and is dependent from the input sample sequence Factor 1 414 is related to the IQ modulators The maximum I value 1 0 and the maximum Q value 1 0 causes a resulting vector with a length of sqrt 2 1 414 So whenever the user can guarantee that the s...

Page 71: ...de and Digital Up Conversion The doublet mode is also available for the digital up conversion modes The frequency band is mirrored at the half of the sample frequency 7 2 GHz max The content of the first Nyquist band 0 3 6 GHz max is transferred to the second Nyquist band 3 6 GHz to 7 2 GHz max ...

Page 72: ......

Page 73: ...Commands 81 ARM Commands 82 TRIGger Commands 86 MARKer Commands 87 INITiate Commands 91 INSTrument Commands 92 MMEMory Commands 93 OUTPut Commands 94 SOURce Commands 96 STATus Commands 108 QUEStionable Commands 110 SYSTem Commands 112 TRACe Commands 117 MMEMory Commands 127 FORMat Subsystem 131 CaLibrate Commands 132 ODI Commands 136 ...

Page 74: ...tandard operating system socket functionality connecting to port 5025 Visa Resource string looks like TCPIP0 localhost 5025 SOCKET Command Line Arguments Before sending SCPI commands to the instrument the firmware M8121Firmware exe must be started This can be done in the Windows Start menu All Programs Keysight M8121 Keysight M8121 See Communication for details about s t i AutoID NoAutoID FallBack...

Page 75: ... socket port telnet port 1 AutoID Automatically select ports and number for the connections which are unique per instrument This is the default behavior it is not necessary to specify this argument on the command line If only one AXIe module is connected to this PC and it is an M8121A module first try to use the command line arguments s t i or their respective default values if they are not specif...

Page 76: ...nstruction s syntax definition specifies binary_block _data such as with the SYSTem SET command There are only a few instructions that use block data Instructions are composed of two main parts The header which specifies the command or query to be sent The program data which provides additional information to clarify the meaning of the instruction Instruction Header The instruction header is one o...

Page 77: ...d Vertical line indicates or For example ON OFF indicates that only ON or OFF may be selected not both Ellipsis An ellipsis trailing dots indicates that the preceding element may be repeated one or more times Square Brackets Items enclosed in square brackets are optional Program Data Program data is used to clarify the meaning of the command or query It provides necessary information such as wheth...

Page 78: ...s the error queue and cancels a OPC operation It doesn t clear the enable register ESE Enable bits in the Standard Event Status Register to be reported in the Status Byte The selected bits are summarized in the Standard Event bit bit 5 of the Status Byte Register The ESE query returns a value which corresponds to the binary weighted sum of all bits enabled decimal by the ESE command These bits are...

Page 79: ...e register The selected bits are summarized in the Master Summary bit bit 6 of the Status Byte Register If any of the selected bits change from 0 to 1 a Service Request signal is generated The SRE query returns a decimal value which corresponds to the binary weighted sum of all bits enabled by the SRE command STB Query the summary status byte condition register in this register group This command ...

Page 80: ...tings learn string You can then send the string back to the instrument to restore this state later For proper operation do not modify the returned string before sending it to the instrument Use SYST SET to send the learn string See SYSTem SET on page 115 WAI Prevents the instrument from executing any further commands until the current command has finished executing ...

Page 81: ... Remote Programming 6 ABOrt Commands ABORt 1 2 Command ABORt 1 2 Parameters None Parameter Suffix None Description This command stops signal generation on channel If channels are coupled signal generation on both channels will be stopped Examples Command ABOR1 ...

Page 82: ...e fine delay settings The unit is in seconds Examples Command ARM DEL1 2e 12 Query ARM DEL1 2e 12 Table 6 Fine Delay Settings ARM SEQuence STARt LAYer CDELay 1 2 coarse_delay MINimum MAXi mum Command ARM CDEL Long ARM SEQuence STARt LAYer CDELay 1 2 Parameters coarse_delay MINimum MAXimum Parameter Suffix None Description Set or query the coarse delay settings The unit is in seconds Examples Comma...

Page 83: ...eters OFF ON 0 1 Parameter Suffix None Description This command sets or queries the state of the Reduced Noise Floor feature 0 OFF Noise reduction disabled 1 ON Noise reduction enabled Examples Command ARM RNO1 ON Query ARM RNO1 1 Sample Frequency Coarse Delay Range Coarse Delay Resolution fSa 6 25 GSa s 0 10e 9 10e 12 2 5 GSa s fSa 6 25 GSa s 0 10e 9 20e 12 fSa 2 5 GSa s 0 10e 9 50e 12 NOTE If th...

Page 84: ...n Set or query the trigger input impedance LOW low impedance HIGH high impedance Examples Command ARM TRIG IMP HIGH Query ARM TRIG IMP ARM SEQuence STARt LAYer TRIGger LEVel Command ARM TRIGger LEVel level MINimum MAXimum Query ARM TRIGger LEVel Parameters level MINimum MAXimum Parameter Suffix None Description Set or query the trigger input threshold level level Threshold level voltage Examples C...

Page 85: ...t slope POSitive rising edge NEGative falling edge EITHer both Examples Command ARM TRIG SLOP POS Query ARM TRIG SLOP ARM SEQuence STARt LAYer TRIGger STATus 1 2 Query ARM SEQuence STARt LAYer TRIGger STATus 1 2 Description This query returns 1 after the trigger event is received either from a trigger signal received at the front panel or via the Force Trigger command TRIGger SEQuence STARt BEGin ...

Page 86: ...uide 6 Remote Programming TRIGger Commands TRIGger SEQuence STARt BEGin 1 2 IMMediate Command TRIG BEG Long TRIGger BEGin Parameters None Parameter Suffix None Description In triggered mode send the start begin event to a channel Examples Command TRIG BEG ...

Page 87: ...arameter Suffix None Description Set or query the output amplitude for sample marker Examples Command MARK SAMP VOLT AMPL 3 0e 9 Query MARK SAMP VOLT AMPL SOURce MARKer 1 2 SAMPle VOLTage LEVel IMMediate HIGH level Command MARK SAMP VOLT HIGH Long MARKer SAMPle VOLTage HIGH Parameters level Parameter Suffix None Description Set or query the output high level for sample marker Examples Command MARK...

Page 88: ...ix None Description Set or query the output low level for sample marker Examples Command MARK SAMP VOLT LOW 0 5 Query MARK SAMP VOLT LOW SOURce MARKer 1 2 SAMPle VOLTage LEVel IMMediate OFFSet level Command MARK SAMP VOLT OFFS Long MARKer SAMPle VOLTage OFFSet Parameters level Parameter Suffix None Description Set or query the output offset for sample marker Examples Command MARK SAMP VOLT OFFS 2 ...

Page 89: ... Suffix None Description Set or query the output amplitude for vector marker Examples Command MARK VECT VOLT AMPL 2 5e 9 Query MARK VECT VOLT AMPL SOURce MARKer 1 2 VECTor VOLTage LEVel IMMediate HIGH level Command MARK VECT VOLT HIGH Long MARKer VECT VOLTage HIGH Parameters level Parameter Suffix None Description Set or query the output high level for vector marker Examples Command MARK VECT VOLT...

Page 90: ...ix None Description Set or query the output low level for vector marker Examples Command MARK VECT VOLT LOW 0 5 Query MARK VECT VOLT LOW SOURce MARKer 1 2 VECTor VOLTage LEVel IMMediate OFFSet level Command MARK VECT VOLT OFFS Long MARKer VECT VOLTage OFFSet Parameters level Parameter Suffix None Description Set or query the output offset for vector marker Examples Command MARK VECT VOLT OFFS 2 5e...

Page 91: ...annels are coupled the signal generation on both the channels will start Examples Command INIT IMM1 INITiate CONTinous 1 2 STATe OFF ON 0 1 Command INIT CONT 1 2 STAT Long INITiate CONTinuous 1 2 STATe Parameters ON Continuous OFF Triggered Parameter Suffix None Description This command is used to set or query the continuous mode or to set the triggered mode 0 OFF Continuous mode is off 1 ON Conti...

Page 92: ...ommand switch coupling on off Coupled mode means both channels are synchronized If coupling is switched from on to off the values of the channel where coupling is switched on are taken The coupled values are TRAC 1 2 DWID Examples Command INST COUP STAT1 ON Query INST COUP STAT1 INSTrument SLOT NUMBer Query INSTrument SLOT NUMBer Parameters None Parameter Suffix None Description This query returns...

Page 93: ...MMEMory LOAD CSTate Command MMEMory LOAD CSTate file_name Parameters file_name Parameter Suffix None Description This command loads the saved configuration file to the instrument Examples Command MMEM LOAD CST C data txt MMEMory STORe CSTate Command MMEMory STORe CSTate file_name Parameters file_name Parameter Suffix None Description This command stores the current state of instrument to a file Ex...

Page 94: ...mples Command OUTP COMP ON Query OUTP COMP 1 OUTPut 1 2 DIOFfset Command OUTPut 1 2 DIOFfset value MINimum MAXimum Query OUTPut 1 2 DIOFfset Parameters value MINimum MAXimum Parameter Suffix None Description This command sets the differential offset The hardware can compensate for little offset differences between the normal and complement output value is the offset to the calibrated optimum DAC v...

Page 95: ...r Suffix None Description This command switch normal output on or off Examples Command OUTP NORM ON Query OUTP NORM 1 OUTPut 1 2 ROUTe SELect DAC DC Command OUTPut 1 2 ROUTe SELect DAC DC Query OUTPut 1 2 ROUTe SELect Parameters DAC DC Parameter Suffix None Description This command selects the output path DAC Direct DAC output DC Amplified differential output Examples Command OUTP ROUT DAC Query O...

Page 96: ...DNRZ Query DAC FORM DNRZ SOURce DAC DC 1 2 VOLTage LEVel IMMediate AMPLitude Command Syntax SOURce DAC DC 1 2 VOLTage LEVel IMMediate AMP Litude level Query Syntax SOURce DAC DC 1 2 VOLTage LEVel IMMediate AMP Litude Parameters level Parameter Suffix None Description This command sets or queries the amplitude for the DAC or DC output path as specified in the SCPI command The output path can also b...

Page 97: ...th can also be set using the OUTP ROUT SEL command see OUTPut 1 2 ROUTe SELect DAC DC on page 95 Examples Command DAC VOLT HIGH 3e 1 Query DAC VOLT HIGH SOURce DAC DC 1 2 VOLTage LEVel IMMediate LOW Command SOURce DAC DC 1 2 VOLTage LEVel IMMediate LOW level Query SOURce DAC DC 1 2 VOLTage LEVel IMMediate LOW Parameters level Parameter Suffix None Description This command sets or queries the low l...

Page 98: ...tion Parameters level Parameter Suffix None Description This command sets or queries the termination voltage level Examples Command DC VOLT TERM 3e 1 Query DC VOLT TERM SOURce VOLTage LEVel IMMediate OFFSet Command SOURce VOLTage LEVel IMMediate OFFSet level Query SOURce VOLTage LEVel IMMediate OFFSet Parameters level Parameter Suffix None Description This command sets or queries the output offset...

Page 99: ...quency_integral MIN MAX DEFault and SOURce CARRier 1 2 FREQuency FRACtional frequency_fractional MIN MAX DEFault frequency_integral Integral part of the carrier frequency in Hz frequency_fractional Fractional part of the carrier frequency optional defaults to 0 0 Examples Command CARR1 FREQ 1e9 0 5 This command sets the carrier frequency to 1 0000000005GHz 1GHz 0 5Hz Query CARR1 FREQ SOURce CARRie...

Page 100: ...tegral MIN MAX DEF Parameter Suffix None Description This command sets or queries the integral part of the carrier frequency used for interpolated modes frequency_integral Integral part of the carrier frequency in Hz Examples Command CARR1 FREQ INT 1e9 Query CARR1 FREQ INT SOURce CARRier 1 2 POFFset Command SOURce CARRier 1 2 POFFset phase offset MINimum MAXimum DEFaultency_integral MIN MAX DEFaul...

Page 101: ...N MAX DEFault Query SOURce CARRier 1 2 SCALe Parameters scale MIN MAX DEF Parameter Suffix None Description This command sets or queries the amplitude scale used for interpolated modes Examples Command CARR1 SCAL 0 9 This command sets the carrier amplitude scale to 0 9 Query CARR1 SCAL 0 9 SOURce FREQuency RASTer Command SOURce FREQuency RASTer frequency MINimum MAXimumency_integral MIN MAX DEF au...

Page 102: ...ery SOURce FREQuency RASTer EXTernal Parameters frequency MINimum MAXimum Parameter Suffix None Description This command sets or queries the external sample frequency The internal sample clock fSa i is derived from the sample clock provided at SCLK IN For fSa i 500 MSa s 1 GSa s the sample clock input must be twice of fSa i For fSa i 250 MSa s 500 MSa s the sample clock input must be four times fS...

Page 103: ...ble sample clock that matches the frequency set with must be supplied at SCLK IN Examples Command FREQ RAST SOUR INT Query FREQ RAST SOUR SOURce FREQuency RASTer STATus 1 2 Query SOURce FREQuency RASTer STATus 1 2 Parameters None Parameter Suffix None Description This queries the status of clock stability for each channel It reflects the Clock LED status on the soft front panel Examples Query FREQ...

Page 104: ...the source of the waveform data Examples Command FUNC1 MODE INT Query FUNC1 MODE INT SOURce ROSCillator FREQuency Command SOURce ROSCillator FREQuency frequency MINimum MAXimum Query SOURce ROSCillator FREQuency Parameters frequency MINimum MAXimum Parameter Suffix None Description This command sets or queries the expected reference clock frequency if the external reference clock source is selecte...

Page 105: ...F CLK IN AXI reference is taken from AXI backplane INTernal module internal reference Examples Command ROSC SOUR AXI Query ROSC SOUR SOURce VOLTage 1 2 LEVel IMMediate AMPLitude Command SOURce VOLTage 1 2 LEVel IMMediate AMPLitude level Query SOURce VOLTage 1 2 LEVel IMMediate AMPLitude Parameters level Parameter Suffix None Description This command sets or queries the amplitude for the currently ...

Page 106: ... DAC or DC selected with the OUTP ROUT SEL command See OUTPut 1 2 ROUTe SELect DAC DC on page 95 Examples Command VOLT HIGH 3e 1 Query VOLT HIGH SOURce VOLTage 1 2 LEVel IMMediate LOW Command SOURce VOLTage 1 2 LEVel IMMediate LOW level Query SOURce VOLTage 1 2 LEVel IMMediate LOW Parameters level Parameter Suffix None Description This command sets or queries the low level for the currently select...

Page 107: ... LEVel IMMediate OFFSet level Query SOURce VOLTage 1 2 LEVel IMMediate OFFSet Parameters level Parameter Suffix None Description This command sets or queries the offset for the currently selected output path DAC or DC selected with the OUTP ROUT SEL command See OUTPut 1 2 ROUTe SELect DAC DC on page 95 Examples Command VOLT OFFS 0 02 Query VOLT OFFS ...

Page 108: ...ected bits are then reported to the Status Byte A CLS will not clear the enable register but it does clear all bits in the event register To enable bits in the enable register you must write a decimal value which corresponds to the binary weighted sum of the bits you wish to enable in the register STATus OPERation NTRansition Sets or queries the negative transition register in the operation status...

Page 109: ...rbitrary Waveform Generator User Guide 109 Remote Programming 6 STATus PRESet Clears all status group event registers Presets the status group enables PTR and NTR registers as follows ENABle 0x0000 PTR 0xffff NTR 0x0000 ...

Page 110: ... binary weighted sum of all bits set in the register STATus QUEStionable ENABle Sets or queries the enable register in the questionable status group The selected bits are then reported to the Status Byte A CLS will not clear the enable register but it does clear all bits in the event register To enable bits in the enable register you must write a decimal value which corresponds to the binary weigh...

Page 111: ...aveform Generator User Guide 111 Remote Programming 6 true allows an event to be reported anytime the condition changes Clearing both filters disable event reporting The contents of transition filters are unchanged by CLS and RST ...

Page 112: ... used by the firmware Examples Query SYST COMM INST SYSTem COMMunicate HISLip NUMBer Query SYSTem COMMunicate HISLip NUMBer Parameters None Parameter Suffix None Description This query returns the HiSLIP number used by the firmware Examples Query SYST COMM HISL SYSTem COMMunicate SOCKet PORT Query SYSTem COMMunicate SOCKet PORT Parameters None Parameter Suffix None Description This query returns t...

Page 113: ...e control port to send control commands for example Device Clear to the instrument Examples Query SYST COMM TCP CONT SYSTem COMMunicate TELNet PORT Query SYSTem COMMunicate TELNet PORT Parameters None Parameter Suffix None Description This query returns the telnet port used by the firmware Examples Query SYST COMM TELN SYSTem ERRor COUNT Query SYSTem ERRor COUNT Parameters None Parameter Suffix No...

Page 114: ...the queue If no errors have occurred when you read the error queue the instrument responds with 0 No error The error queue is cleared by the CLS command when the power is cycled or when the firmware is re started The error queue is not cleared by a reset RST command The error messages have the following format the error string may contain up to 255 characters error number Description e g 113 Undef...

Page 115: ...eters None Parameter Suffix None Description This query lists the licenses installed Examples Query SYST LIC EXT LIST SYSTem SET Command SYSTem SET binary block data Query SYSTem SET Parameters binary block data Parameter Suffix None Description In query form the command reads a block of data containing the instrument s complete set up The set up information includes all parameter and mode setting...

Page 116: ...Remote Programming Query SYST SET SYSTem VERSion Query SYSTem VERSion Parameters None Parameter Suffix None Description This query returns a formatted numeric value corresponding to the SCPI version number for which the instrument complies Examples Query SYST VERS ...

Page 117: ... mode arbitrary waveforms are generated directly from the DAC values in the waveform data Each DAC value has a resolution of 12 bits or 14 bits In interpolated mode the waveform data consists of I Q sample pairs They are first interpolated and then sent to the internal IQ modulator The result is sent to the DAC I and Q values have a size of 15 bits each Waveform Memory Capacity DAC values and I Q ...

Page 118: ... Marker position data consists of two bits one bit for sample markers SMPM and one bit for sync markers SYNM The marker position data is stored together with the DAC values in a 16 bit signed integer The DAC values occupy the most significant bits and the marker data the least significant bits In 12 bit mode bits 2 and 3 are don t care The same data format can be used for both modes In speed mode ...

Page 119: ...and Q values have 15 bit resolution in interpolated mode I and Q values are signed Valid range is 16384 to 16383 Marker position data consists of one bit for a sample marker SMPM and one bit for a sync marker SYNM for each I Q sample pair The 24 I and Q samples are stored interlaced The marker position data is stored together with I and Q values in two 16 bit signed integers Only the sync marker b...

Page 120: ...es and marker data using TRAC 1 2 DATA 4 Signal generation starts after calling INIT IMM TRACe 1 2 COMMent Command TRACe 1 2 COMMent segment_id comment Query TRACe 1 2 COMMent Parameters segment_id comment Parameter Suffix None Description This command associates a comment to a segment The query gets the comment for a segment segment_id id of the segment must be 1 comment string of at most 256 cha...

Page 121: ... marker values in the data format described above in IEEE binary block format numeric_values waveform data samples and marker values in the data format described above in comma separated list format each element is a 16 bit integer values representing DAC samples and marker data Di in direct modes or I Q samples and marker data Ii Qi in interpolated modes Direct mode D0 D1 D2 Interpolated mode I0 ...

Page 122: ...value only applicable for interpolated modes This is the Q part of an I Q sample pair Parameter Suffix None Description Use this command to define the size of a waveform memory segment If is specified direct modes or and interpolated modes are specified all sample values in the segment are initialized If not specified memory is only allocated but not initialized The segment will be flagged write o...

Page 123: ...segment If init_value1 is specified direct modes or init_value1 and init_value2 interpolated modes are specified all sample values in the segment are initialized If not specified memory is only allocated but not initialized If the query was successful a new segment_id will be returned This query returns a segment ID of 1 every time unless the allocation fails It always removes the existing segment...

Page 124: ...nterpolated modes INTX3 INTX12 INTX24 and INTX48 are only available when the DUC option is installed Note that although this command is channelized the output mode must remain the same for both channels Changing one channel will change the other to be the same Examples Command TRAC DWID INTX3 Query TRAC DWID TRACe 1 2 DELete Command TRACe 1 2 DELete segment_id Query Parameters segment_id Parameter...

Page 125: ...llowing form bytes available bytes in use contiguous bytes available Examples Query TRAC FREE TRACe 1 2 IMPort Command TRACe 1 2 IMPort segment_id file_name BIN ALENgth FILL dac_val ue Query TRACe 1 2 IMPort Parameters segment_id file_name BIN ALENgth FILL dac_val ue Parameter Suffix None Description Use this command to import waveform data from a file segment_id Id of the segment must be 1 file_n...

Page 126: ... Description Import segment data from a file Different file formats are supported This can be used to import real waveform data as well complex I Q data Examples Command TRAC1 IQIM 1 C Program Files x86 Keysight M8121 Examples WaveformDataFiles Sin1MHzAt7p68GHz bin BIN IONLY ON ALEN TRACe 1 2 NAME Command TRACe 1 2 NAME segment_id name Query TRACe 1 2 NAME Parameters segment_id name Parameter Suff...

Page 127: ...ates the total amount of storage currently used in bytes The second parameter indicates the total amount of storage available also in bytes The file_entry is a string Each file_entry indicates the name type and size of one file in the directory list file_name file_type file_size As the Windows file system has an extension that indicates file type file_type is always empty file_size provides the si...

Page 128: ...ommand MMEM CDIR C Users Name Documents Query MMEM CDIR MMEMory COPY Command MMEMory COPY string string string string string string Parameters string string string string string string Parameter Suffix None Description This command copies an existing file to a new file or an existing directory to a new directory Two forms of parameters are allowed The first form has two parameters In this form the...

Page 129: ...xt MMEMory DATA Command MMEMory DATA file_name data Parameters file_name data Parameter Suffix None Description The command form is MMEMory DATA file_name data It loads data into the file file_name data is in 488 2 block format file_name is string data Examples Command MMEM DATA C data txt 14test MMEMory DELete Command MMEMory DELete file_name directory_name Parameters file_name Parameter Suffix N...

Page 130: ...This command moves an existing file to a new file or an existing directory to a new directory Two forms of parameters are allowed The first form has two parameters In this form the first parameter specifies the source and the second parameter specifies the destination The second form has four parameters In this form the first and third parameters specify the file names The second and fourth parame...

Page 131: ... to be removed All files and directories under the specified directory are also removed Examples Command MMEM RDIR C newdata_dir FORMat Subsystem FORMat BORDer NORMal SWAPped Command FORM BORD Long FORMat BORDer Parameters NORMal SWAPped Parameter Suffix None Description Byte ORDer Controls whether binary data is transferred in normal big endian or swapped little endian byte order Affects SOURce S...

Page 132: ...ta flow over ODI change in cables or a change in clock source CALibrate SYNC INPut LEVel Command CAL SYNC INP LEV level Query CAL SYNC INP LEV Parameters level MINimum MAXimum DEFault Parameter Suffix None Description Set or query the Sync input threshold in Volts The Sync Input is used with the M8131A digitizer to calibrate a deterministic latency from analog input to analog output Examples CALib...

Page 133: ... of each channel can be checked using CALibrate LATency STATus 1 2 Examples CAL LAT ARM CALibrate LATency VALue Command CALibrate LATency VALue value MINimum MAXimum Query CALibrate LATency VALue Parameter value MINimum MAXimum Description Use CALibrate LATency VALue to query the current value of Deterministic Latency in seconds This value is set during the Deterministic Latency ADJustment phase a...

Page 134: ...hen operating with the M8131A when using a reduced noise floor or LPN clock Otherwise the resolution is the same as the fine delay setting After setting this value the user may read the value as used by the M8121A using CALibrate LATency VALue Note that there could be a difference in 40 ns in reported minimum latency after calibration If it is desired to have a fixed latency each time the system i...

Page 135: ...2 Parameter Suffix None Description This query returns status of deterministic latency calibration for the specified channel Returns 1 if deterministic latency adjustment is currently valid and 0 if deterministic latency adjustment has either not yet been performed has failed to complete or has become invalid Examples CALibrate LATency STATus ...

Page 136: ...T N CAPability FCONtrols ODI PORT N CAPability NAME ODI PORT N CAPability RATes ODI PORT N CAPability RBMax ODI PORT N CAPability TBMax ODI PORT N CAPability TRMatch ODI PORT N CAPability VERSion ODI PORT N NAME ODI PORT N DEACtivate ODI PORT N PSTatistics BBURrsts ODI PORT N PSTatistics RBYTes ODI PORT N PSTatistics TBYTes ODI PORT N PSTatistics THOFfs ODI PORT N CSTatus ODI PORT COUNt ODI CONSum...

Page 137: ...STination ODI CONSumer RSTReam ODI CONSumer COUNt TEST ODI PORT 1 2 TRANsmitter STATe 0 OFF 1 ON TEST ODI PORT 1 2 TRANsmitter STATe 0 OFF 1 ON Command TEST ODI PORT 1 2 TRANsmitter STATe 0 OFF 1 ON Query TEST ODI PORT 1 2 TRANsmitter STATe Parameters OFF ON Parameter Suffix None Description This command turns on off the ODI test source from waveform memory This is useful for debugging the ODI int...

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Page 139: ...ion 141 General 141 Performance Specification The performance specification can be found in the Data Sheet of the M8121A at http www keysight com find M8121A Operating Environment Storage Temperature 40 C to 70 C Operating Temperature 0 C to 40 C Maximum Relative Humidity Non condensing 95 RH up to 40 C Operating Altitude Up to 2000 m Installation Category II Pollution Degree 2 ...

Page 140: ...chinery Directive Acoustic noise emission LpA 70 dB Operator position Normal operation mode per ISO 7779 To find a current Declaration of Conformity for a specific Keysight product go to http www keysight com go conformity WARNING The instrument is not designed for outdoor use Do not expose the instrument to rain or other excessive moisture Protect the instrument from humidity and temperature chan...

Page 141: ...clude but are not limited to temperature humidity shock vibration altitude and power line conditions Test Methods are aligned with IEC 60068 2 and levels are similar to MIL PRF 28800F Class 3 General Power consumption 190 W nom Safety complies with IEC EN 61010 1 EMC tested to IEC61326 Warm up time 30 min Calibration interval 2 years recommended Cooling Requirements Do NOT block vents and fan exha...

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Page 143: ...ysight IO Libraries Suit 22 M M8121A Arbitrary Waveform Generator 11 M8121A Installation 23 M8121A Maintenance 33 M8121A maintenance 33 M8121A Overview 12 M8121A Soft Front Panel 40 43 M8121A User Interface 39 Messages 49 N NRZ 16 Numeric Control Usage 51 O Operating Environment 139 Operating environment 35 Optical Data Interface 12 Optional DC coupled amplifier 13 Overheating detection 35 P PCIe ...

Page 144: ...This information is subject to change without notice Keysight Technologies 2019 Edition 3 0 November 2019 www keysight com ...

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