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AN-49-003 Rev.: E (September 6, 2019) M175867 (R95153) File: AN49003.doc
This document and its contents are the property of Mini-Circuits
3.12
Using Reference and Trigger Signals:
3.12.1
Mini-Circuits Synthesized Signal Generators
can operate either with an external
reference allowing them to be synchronized to the rest of the test setup, or with their own internal
reference to simplify the setup. Additionally, they can provide a 10 MHz reference to synchronize other
devices and provide or accept LVTTL triggers.
3.12.2
When using external
reference, an
ExtRef
notice appears in green letters below the right
hand corner of the Power Out readout (See
). This will happen automatically whenever a signal
of sufficient strength is connected to the REF IN port
If the alert flickers, or the RF output signal is excessively noisy, check the connections to the source of the
reference signal and ensure the signal strength at the generator REF IN port is greater than the minimum
signal strength noted in the datasheet for the model
Figure
External Reference mode
3.12.3
The Ref. Out signal
is a 10 MHz sinusoid (check individual model data sheet for specific
power level). Ensure the device you intend to synchronize with can accept such a signal before connecting
the reference
3.12.4
Before Using the Trigger
In or Out you need to specify in the software (GUI or user
prepared) the trigger conditions. See sections 3.6 and 3.8 for using Trigger options with sweep or hop
functions via the supplied GUI, or the
for preparing your own software to
use the Trigger function.
