Valon Technology 5009 Operations Manual – Version 1.36
Page 17
Attenuator:
Sets the relative output power level in 0.5dB steps. The default value of 15 will
typically set the output power near 0dBm. Setting the attenuator to 0dB will result in the
maximum output power (~+15dBm).
RF Output:
Turns the output buffer amplifier on or off. Setting to Off will drop the output
power by ~30dB. Setting the attenuator to 31.5 and the output Off will set the synthesizer to
minimum output power level of -45dBm to -55dBm depending on frequency.
Synth Power:
Off completely disables the synthesizer and the unlocked notification will appear.
Use this Off mode when no synthesizer output is desired.
Reference Source:
Internal selects the internal 20MHz VCTCXO. External selects the external
reference frequency.
Reference Frequency:
Set to actual internal or external reference frequency. Setting this to
frequency other than the actual internal or external reference frequency will cause
unpredictable results.
Reference Trim:
Provides ±10ppm trimming range to the internal VCTCXO with 8-bit resolution.
Reference Trim is useful when it is desirable to "spot" 5009 frequency to an external frequency
when an external reference source is not available. Reference trim can also be used to provide
a fine frequency control. For example, with an output frequency of setting of 1GHz, the 8-bit
reference trim range would be ±10kHz in 78Hz steps.
Ref Doubler:
Reference Doubler multiplies the reference frequency by 2 and therefore provides
the Phase Frequency Detector with a higher sample frequency which results in a lower PLL
feedback division ratio. Normally the reference doubler should be enabled unless the reference
frequency is higher than ~25MHz.
Ref Divider:
Reference divider divides the reference input to the Phase Frequency Detector by
2. Use the Reference divider when using an external frequency that exceeds 80MHz.
PFD:
Phase Detector frequency should normally be set to 40MHz. Best phase noise
performance will be achieved at this setting. It may be desirable to set the PFD to something
other than 40MHz when using an unusual external reference frequency. For example, if an
external 70MHz reference is available the PFD should be set to 35MHz or 70MHz.
Lock:
Lock indicators are shown at the bottom of the main page. Normally, the Lock indicator
will be green if the synthesizer is functioning correctly. If the Lock indicator is red, then the
synthesizer is malfunctioning. If an unlocked condition is detected (red Lock indicator) check for
the following conditions:
1) Check that Synth Power is On.
2) Check the Reference source is set to Internal.
3) If Reference source is set to External, then check to see that external reference is connected
and available.
