Contec VNA-300M-PCI Owner's manual

PC-HELPER

Network Analyzer Bord for PCI

VNA-300M-PCI

User’s Guide

CONTEC CO.,LTD.

VNA-300M-PCI

i

Check Your Package

Thank you for purchasing the CONTEC product.

The product consists of the items listed below.

Check, with the following list, that your package is complete. If you discover damaged or missing

items, contact your retailer.

Product Configuration List

- Board [VNA-300M-PCI] …1

- First step guide …1

- CD-ROM *1 [API-PAC(W32)] …1

*1 The CD-ROM contains the driver software and User’s Guide (this guide)

Board

CD-ROM

[API-PAC(W32)]

First step guide

ii

VNA-300M-PCI

Copyright

No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form by any means without prior written

consent of CONTEC CO., LTD.

CONTEC CO., LTD. makes no commitment to update or keep current the information contained in this

document. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.

All relevant issues have been considered in the preparation of this document. Should you notice an

omission or any questionable item in this document, please feel free to notify CONTEC CO., LTD.

Regardless of the foregoing statement, CONTEC assumes no responsibility for any errors that may

appear in this document or for results obtained by the user as a result of using this product.

Trademarks

Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other brand and product names are

trademarks of their respective holder.

VNA-300M-PCI

iii

Table of Contents

Check Your Package ............................................................................................................................ i

Copyright ............................................................................................................................................ ii

Trademarks .......................................................................................................................................... ii

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................... iii

1. INTRODUCTION 1

About the Product ............................................................................................................................... 1

Features ........................................................................................................................................ 1

Support Software .......................................................................................................................... 3

Cable & Connector (Option) ........................................................................................................ 3

Customer Support................................................................................................................................ 4

Web Site ....................................................................................................................................... 4

Limited Three-Years Warranty ........................................................................................................... 4

How to Obtain Service ........................................................................................................................ 4

Liability ............................................................................................................................................... 4

Safety Precautions ............................................................................................................................... 5

Safety Information ....................................................................................................................... 5

Handling Precautions ................................................................................................................... 5

Environment ................................................................................................................................. 7

Inspection ..................................................................................................................................... 7

Storage ......................................................................................................................................... 7

Disposal ........................................................................................................................................ 7

2. SETUP 9

What is Setup?..................................................................................................................................... 9

Using the Board under Windows Using the Driver Library API-PAC(W32) .............................. 9

Step 1 Installing the Software ........................................................................................................... 10

Starting the Install Program........................................................................................................ 10

Step 2 Setting the Hardware .............................................................................................................. 12

Parts of the Board and Factory Defaults .................................................................................... 12

Setting the Board ID ................................................................................................................... 13

Mode switch (SW2) ................................................................................................................... 13

LED indicator .................................................................................................................................... 14

Plugging the Board ..................................................................................................................... 15

Step 3 Installing the Hardware .......................................................................................................... 17

Turning on the PC ...................................................................................................................... 17

When Using the API-VNA(WDM) ................................................................................................ 17

Step 4 Checking and Changing the Initialization Setup .................................................................... 18

Step 5 Checking Operations with the Front Panel Software ............................................................. 20

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VNA-300M-PCI

What is the front panel software? ............................................................................................... 20

Operating the Front Panel Software ........................................................................................... 20

Setup Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................... 22

Symptoms and Actions ............................................................................................................... 22

If your problem cannot be resolved ............................................................................................ 22

3. EXTERNAL CONNECTION 23

How to connect the connectors ......................................................................................................... 23

Connector shape ......................................................................................................................... 23

Connector Pin Assignment ......................................................................................................... 24

Connecting to the Device under Test ................................................................................................ 25

Transmission Measurement ........................................................................................................ 25

Transmission Measurement (When Using a Pi-network Jig) ..................................................... 26

Reflection Measurement ............................................................................................................. 27

Connecting the External Trigger Input Signal................................................................................... 28

Connecting the Digital I/O Signals ................................................................................................... 29

Connecting the Reference Clock Input Signal .................................................................................. 30

4. FUNCTIONS 31

Error Compensation Function ........................................................................................................... 31

Normalize ................................................................................................................................... 31

Transmission Full Calibration .................................................................................................... 31

Reflection Calibration ................................................................................................................ 32

Measurement Procedure Overview ................................................................................................... 33

1．Board Initial Settings ............................................................................................................ 34

2．Initialization ......................................................................................................................... 34

3．Measurement Condition Settings ......................................................................................... 34

4．Starting/Stopping Operation ................................................................................................. 34

5．Status/Data Acquisition ........................................................................................................ 34

6．End Processing ..................................................................................................................... 34

5. ABOUT SOFTWARE 35

CD-ROM Directory Structure ........................................................................................................... 35

About Software for Windows ............................................................................................................ 36

When using the API-VNA(WDM) .................................................................................................... 37

Accessing the Help File .............................................................................................................. 37

Using Sample Programs ............................................................................................................. 38

Uninstalling the Driver Libraries ...................................................................................................... 39

6. ABOUT HARDWARE 43

Hardware specification ...................................................................................................................... 43

VNA-300M-PCI

v

Block Diagram .................................................................................................................................. 46

Timing for Control Signal ................................................................................................................. 47

Timing for Control Signal of Measurement function ........................................................................ 47

vi

VNA-300M-PCI

1. Introduction

VNA-300M-PCI

1

1. Introduction

About the Product

This product is a vector network analyzer board that supports PCI and that can perform characteristic evaluations of

high-frequency devices.

This product can perform measurements in the 10kHz to 300MHz range, which makes it possible to use this product in

a wide range of electrical characteristic measurements such as those of crystal oscillators and ceramic resonators.

Compared to inspection system composed of a combination of a conventional bench-top type measuring instrument

and a computer that is used to collect and analyze data, this product can be embedded in the computer that is used to

collect, record, and analyze data, which miniaturizes and reduces the cost of the inspection system.

An application program designed as a measuring instrument that can immediately be used as a Windows API for

program development and as a network analyzer is included as standard.

This product also supports connections to pi-network jigs for measurements of crystal oscillators and can be used to

perform characteristic evaluations from low levels to high levels.

Features

Capable of performing characteristic evaluations in the 10kHz to 300MHz range

This product can perform measurements of electronic devices such as crystal oscillators and ceramic resonators in the

10kHz to 300MHz range.

Supports pi-network jigs

You can connect pi-network jigs, which are used in measurements such as those of crystal oscillators, to this product.

This product supports three-term calibration, which enables you to use pi-network jigs to perform measurements at

high frequencies and with high accuracy.

Miniaturizes and reduces the cost of inspection system

By using this product with a computer that is running Windows, you can miniaturize and reduce the cost of your

automatic inspection system.

Includes the front panel software, which

can immediately be used as a network

analyzer

The front panel software, which is designed

as a bench-top type measuring instrument, is

included with this product. This enables you

to immediately use the product without

writing any programs. The front panel

software has functions for diagnosing the

status of the board and device drivers and for

generating reports.

1. Introduction

2

VNA-300M-PCI

Reference clock input can be used to synchronize the product with external device.

You can apply a reference clock (10MHz) signal to the external input. By using an external reference clock, you can

improve the accuracy of the frequency and synchronize the product with other measuring instruments.

Can perform calculation processing that does not rely on the processing speed of the computer.

Calculations of measured data are performed by the CPU on the circuit board, so measurements can be performed

without relying on the processing speed of the computer.

Uses an SMA connector for the measurement terminal.

This product uses an SMA connector for its measurement terminal, which makes it easy to connect test devices.

Equipped with a trigger input terminal

You can start measurements by applying external signals to the trigger input terminal. This terminal can also be used

as a 1-bit general I/O terminal. Use the software to switch the terminal's function.

Function for saving and loading calibration data

You can save and load calibration data, which is used to compensate for errors. When you are performing

measurements with the same measurement conditions, you can load and use calibration data that has been saved in

advance.

API-PAC (W32) driver library, which supports Windows, included

A driver library in the form of Windows API functions is included to enable program development.

1. Introduction

VNA-300M-PCI

3

Support Software

You should use CONTEC support software according to your purpose and development environment.

Windows version of digitizer driver

API-VNA(WDM)

[Stored on the bundled CD-ROM driver library API-PAC(W32)]

The API-VNA(WDM) is the Windows version driver library software that provides products in the form of Win32 API

functions (DLL). Various sample programs such as Visual Basic and Visual C++, etc is provided.

Windows version of application software Front panel software

[Stored on the bundled CD-ROM driver library API-PAC(W32)]

The front panel software is an application that can be used immediately as a network analyzer. This software also has a

function for diagnosing the status of the board and drivers. Also, you can use the "Diagnosis Report" function to create

a report that includes the driver settings, the presence or absence of the board, the I/O status, and the interrupt status.

< Operating environment >

OS Windows 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Server 2003

Adaptation language Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual C#

For more details on the supported OS, applicable language and how to download the updated version, please visit the

CONTEC’s Web site (http://www.contec.com/apipac/).

Cable & Connector (Option)

< For analog I/O >

One Side BNC Medium Curly

Clip : BNC-W60 (0.6m)

BNC Cable : BNC-B100 (1m)

: BNC-B200 (2m)

: BNC-B300 (3m)

1. Introduction

4

VNA-300M-PCI

Customer Support

CONTEC provides the following support services for you to use CONTEC products more efficiently

and comfortably.

Web Site

Japanese http://www.contec.co.jp/

English http://www.contec.com/

Chinese http://www.contec.com.cn/

Latest product information

CONTEC provides up-to-date information on products.

CONTEC also provides product manuals and various technical documents in the PDF.

Free download

You can download updated driver software and differential files as well as sample programs available in

several languages.

Note! For product information

Contact your retailer if you have any technical question about a CONTEC product or need its price,

delivery time, or estimate information.

Limited Three-Years Warranty

CONTEC products are warranted by CONTEC CO., LTD. to be free from defects in material and

workmanship for up to three years from the date of purchase by the original purchaser.

Repair will be free of charge only when this device is returned freight prepaid with a copy of the

original invoice and a Return Merchandise Authorization to the distributor or the CONTEC group office,

from which it was purchased.

This warranty is not applicable for scratches or normal wear, but only for the electronic circuitry and

original products. The warranty is not applicable if the device has been tampered with or damaged

through abuse, mistreatment, neglect, or unreasonable use, or if the original invoice is not included, in

which case repairs will be considered beyond the warranty policy.

How to Obtain Service

For replacement or repair, return the device freight prepaid, with a copy of the original invoice. Please

obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization number (RMA) from the CONTEC group office where you

purchased before returning any product.

* No product will be accepted by CONTEC group without the RMA number.

Liability

The obligation of the warrantor is solely to repair or replace the product. In no event will the

warrantor be liable for any incidental or consequential damages due to such defect or consequences that

arise from inexperienced usage, misuse, or malfunction of this device.

1. Introduction

VNA-300M-PCI

5

Safety Precautions

Understand the following definitions and precautions to use the product safely.

Safety Information

This document provides safety information using the following symbols to prevent accidents resulting

in injury or death and the destruction of equipment and resources. Understand the meanings of these

labels to operate the equipment safely.

DANGER

DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will

result in death or serious injury.

WARNING

WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could

result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION

CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may

result in minor or moderate injury or in property damage.

Handling Precautions

DANGER

Do not use the product where it is exposed to flammable or corrosive gas. Doing so may result in

an explosion, fire, electric shock, or failure.

CAUTION

- There are switches and jumpers on this product that need to be set in advance.

Be sure to check these before installing this product.

- Only set the switches and jumpers on this product to the specified settings.

Otherwise, this product may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.

- Do not strike or bend this product.

Otherwise, this product may malfunction, overheat, cause a failure or breakage.

- Do not touch this product's metal plated terminals (edge connector) with your hands.

Otherwise, this product may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.

If the terminals are touched by someone's hands, clean the terminals with industrial alcohol.

- As this product contains components that are designed to operate at high temperature, please do not

touch this product when it is in use.

- Do not install this product to the expansion slot and do not plug or unplug the cables which are

connected to this product while the PC or expansion chassis is still turned on.

Otherwise, this product may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.

Be sure that the personal computer power is turned off.

- Make sure that your PC or expansion unit can supply ample power to all the products installed.

Insufficiently energized products could malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.

1. Introduction

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VNA-300M-PCI

- The specifications of this product are subject to change without notice for enhancement and quality

improvement.

Even when using the product continuously, be sure to read the manual and understand the contents.

- Do not modify the product. CONTEC will bear no responsibility for any problems, etc., resulting

from modifying this product.

- Regardless of the foregoing statements, CONTEC is not liable for any damages whatsoever

(including damages for loss of business profits) arising out of the use or inability to use this

CONTEC product or the information contained herein.

1. Introduction

VNA-300M-PCI

7

Environment

Use this product in the following environment. If used in an unauthorized environment, the product

may overheat, malfunction, or cause a failure.

Operating temperature

0 - 50C

Operating humidity

10 - 90%RH (No condensation)

Corrosive gases

None

Floating dust particles

Not to be excessive

Inspection

Inspect the product periodically as follows to use it safely.

- Check that the bus connector

of the board and its cable have

been plugged correctly.

- Check that the board has

no dust or foreign matter adhering.

- The gold-plated leads of the bus connector

have no stain or corrosion.

Storage

When storing this product, keep it in its original packing form.

(1) Put this product in the storage bag.

(2) Wrap it in the packing material, then put it in the box.

(3) Store the package at room temperature at a place free from direct sunlight, moisture, shock,

vibration, magnetism, and static electricity.

Disposal

When disposing of the product, follow the disposal procedures stipulated under the relevant laws and

municipal ordinances.

1. Introduction

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VNA-300M-PCI

2. Setup

VNA-300M-PCI

9

2.

Setup

This chapter explains how to set up the board.

What is Setup?

Setup means a series of steps to take before the product can be used.

Different steps are required for software and hardware.

The setup procedure varies with the OS and applications used.

Using the Board under Windows

Using the Driver Library API-PAC(W32)

This section describes the setup procedure to be performed before you can start developing application

programs for the board using the bundled CD-ROM “Driver Library API-PAC(W32) ”.

Taking the following steps sets up the software and hardware. You can use the front panel software

later to check whether the software and hardware function normally.

Step 1 Installing the Software

Step 2 Setting the Hardware

Step 3 Installing the Hardware

Step 4 Checking and Changing the Initialization Setup

Step 5 Checking Operations with the front panel software

If Setup fails to be performed normally, see the “Setup Troubleshooting” section at the end of this

chapter.

2. Setup

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VNA-300M-PCI

Step 1 Installing the Software

This section describes how to install the API function libraries.

Before installing the hardware on your PC, install the Driver libraries from the bundled

API-PAC(W32) CD-ROM.

The following description assumes the operating system as Windows XP. Although some user

interfaces are different depending on the OS used, the basic procedure is the same.

Starting the Install Program

(1)

Load the CD-ROM [API-PAC(W32)] on your PC.

(2)

The API-PAC(W32) Installer window appears automatically.

If the panel does not appear, run (CD-ROM drive letter):\AUTORUN.exe.

(3)

Click on the [Install Development or Execution Environment] button.

CAUTION

Before installing the software in Windows 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Server 2003 log in as a user with

administrator privileges.

Select API-VNA(WDM)

(1)

The following dialog box appears to select “Driver to install” and “Install option”, “Usage of

driver library”.

2. Setup

VNA-300M-PCI

11

(2)

Select the "Vector Network Analyzer Driver".

(3)

Click on the [Install] button.

Run the installation

(1)

Complete the installation by following the instructions on the screen.

(2)

The Readme file appears when the installation is complete.

You have now finished installing the software.

2. Setup

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VNA-300M-PCI

Step 2 Setting the Hardware

This section describes how to set this product and plug it on your PC.

This product has some switches to be preset.

Check the on-board switches before plugging this product into an expansion slot.

This product can be set up even with the factory defaults untouched. You can change board settings

later.

Parts of the Board and Factory Defaults

Figure 2.1. shows the names of major parts on the board.

Note that the switches and jumpers setting shown below is the factory default.

OUT

IN

TRG

Interface Connector

　(EXT R EF, OUT, IN, TRG)

E XT REF

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

9

A

B

C

D

E

F

8

Setting the Board

ID Switch

BOARD ID

SW1

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

9

A

B

C

D

E

F

8

LED I ndicator

STATUS

(Red)

RUN

(Green)

Mode Switch

SW2

ON

OFF

1 2

Figure 2.1. Part Names

2. Setup

VNA-300M-PCI

13

Setting the Board ID

If you install two or more boards on one personal computer, assign a different ID value to each of the

boards to distinguish them.

The board IDs can be set from 0 - Fh to identify up to sixteen boards.

If only one board is used, the original factory setting (Board ID = 0) should be used.

Setting Procedure

To set the board ID, use the rotary switch on the board. Turn the SW1 knob to set the board ID as

shown below.

BOARD ID

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

9

A

B

C

D

E

F

8

SW1

Factory setting :

(Board ID = 0)

Figure 2.2. Board ID Settings (SW1)

Mode switch (SW2)

Select loader mode or normal mode.

ON

OFF

1 2

Figure 2.3. Mode switch

Table 2.1. Mode switch

DIP switch

Details

1 (Reserved)

2 (MODE)

OFF

Use this setting during normal operation.

OFF

ON

The product will start in loader mode. Use this mode when

performing maintenance such as when the firmware no longer starts

normally.

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Contec VNA-300M-PCI Owner's manual

Contec VNA-300M-PCI Owner's manual

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