3200T Series Instruction Manual

IM-276
INSTALLATION & OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
Model 3200T, 3201T, 3250T Series
SmartStep® Programmable Attenuators
This documentation may not be reproduced in any form, for any
purpose unless authorized in writing by Aeroflex / Weinschel, Inc.
© Aeroflex / Weinschel, Inc.
Frederick, Maryland
1996 - 2007
REV. 12-07
IM-276
2
IM-276
GENERAL
This manual provides general installation instructions and wiring data to be used as an aid in
installing a Aeroflex / Weinschel 3200T, 3230T, or
3250T Series SmartStep Programmable Attenuator
into any system or application. Also included are
specifications and other technical data to help in
the installation and operation of your 3200T Series
Smartstep Programmable Attenuator.
This Series of SmartStep Programmable Step Attenuators is designed for use in
automatic test equipment and OEM systems operating in the dc to 2/3 GHz
frequency range. Each cell contains a standard TO-5 type double-pole, doublethrow relay that provides a minimum loss or attenuated path for the RF signal
which is controlled by a built-in digital interface shown in Figure 1.
Non-Volatile
Configuration
Memory
TTL/CMOS
Compatible
Digital Interface
Single-Chip
Microcontroller
+5 V
Regulator
+12 to
+15 V
Input
Relay
Drivers
EMI
Filters
Figure 1. SmartStep Driver Circuitry
3
To
Attenuator
Relays
3200T Series SmartStep® Programmable Attenuators
BUILT-IN SMARTSTEP DRIVER CIRCUITRY: These SmartStep attenuators feature an
internal microcontroller-based driver that provides a TTL-level digital interface for control of
the attenuator relays. This card simplifies operation and interfacing requirements, while at
the same time providing for greatly enhanced flexibility over past designs. User-selectable
modes of operation include both parallel and serial Smartstep bus. The parallel mode provides a simple, one-bit per relay on/off control with internal pullups for use primarily in
single attenuator applications. This mode allows the attenuator to be controlled via a variety of methods, such as a TTL-level digital output port, or mechanical toggle switches. The
Smartstep mode provides a two-wire serial bus structure and protocol for connecting a
number of devices to a single host control interface, suitable for use in larger system and
sub-system applications.
The SmartStep contains non-volatile configuration memory that is used to hold a wide variety of attenuator and driver-dependent parameters, including serial number, attenuator cell
dB values, relay configurations, and switching requirements, which are all accessible via
the Smartstep interface. This frees the system designer from such low-level details, allowing faster integration. In either operational mode, the microcontroller enters an idle
condition during periods of inactivity, turning off all on-board clocks, reducing EMI concerns, and lowering power consumption. On-board regulation for the digital circuitry allows
the SmartStep to operate from a single input supply voltage.
CELL CONFIGURATION
The table below list all the standard attenuation ranges and cell configurations for
Weinschel 3200T Series Smartstep Programmable Attenuators (Models 3200T,
3201T, 3205T, 3206T, 3250T). Note the dash number is the attenuation value of
your attenuator.
Model No.
3200T-1
3200T-1E
3200T-2
3200T-2E
3201T-1
3201T-1E
3201T-2
3201T-4
3205T-1
3205T-2
3205T-3
3205T-3E
3206T-1
3250T-63
Cell
No.
8
Range/
Step Size
(dB)
127/1
D7
32*
D6
16
D5
8
D4
4
D3
32*
D2
2
D1
1
D0
32
8
63.75/0.25
32
16
8
4
2
1
0.5
0.25
5
31/1
16
8
4
2
1
5
4
4
4
4
120/10
1.2/0.1
70/10
55/5
1.5/0.1
30*
20
0.6
20
20
0.8
30*
0.3
20
20
0.4
10
0.2
20
10
0.2
30
0.1
10
5
0.1
6
6
63/1
63/1
16
16
8
8
4
4
2
2
1
1
Data Bit-Cell Value (dB)
32
32
* Combined Cells
** Model 3209T-1 & 3209T-1E can only be operated in the serial mode with the 8210A.
4
IM-276
INSTALLATION
MOUNTING: Each Programmable Step Attenuator is supplied with four mounting holes (4-40 UNC-2B x 0.24 MIN DP) located on the bottom side of the
attenuator.
RF CABLE INSTALLATION: Care should be taken to prevent strain on the interconnecting cables, since damage here may not always be apparent. Check the
attaching RF cables and the SMA connectors for signs of cracked insulation
and/or bent or worn pins prior to connection. Tests show that connectors must be
clean for accuracy and stability. This requires an inspection and cleaning of each
connector immediately before use. When cleaning precautions are observed regularly, connectors can maintain their stability for over several thousand
connection cycles. Weinschel recommends a torque value of 7 to 10 inch pounds
when connecting any RF cable to the attenuator's RF connectors.
DEVICE INTERFACE BUS (DIB) CONNECTOR WIRING: Figure 2 shows the
connectors contact pin numbering scheme and the signal designator for signal
present at each contact pin.
Name
Pin
VIN
1
VIN
GND
2
3,4
D0/SDA
D1/SCL
7
8
Data Bit 0 (isb)/I2C SDA
Data Bit 1//I2C SCL
D2
5
Data Bit 2
D3
6
Data Bit 3
D4
11
Data Bit 4
D5
12
Data Bit 5
D6
9
Data Bit 6
dc Supply Voltage, +12 to 15 V (1)
dc Supply Voltage, +12 to 15 V (1)
dc Return
D7
10
Data Bit 7 (msb)
Mode
13
Parallel/Serial Mode Select
Select
/RST
NOTE: Pin locations same
with or without cover.
Description
1=Parallel
14
0=Serial
This pin has a 22K resistive pull-up to 5 V.
Leave unconnected for parallel mode operation.
Reset Input, low active
This pin has a 22K resistive pull-up to 5 V
Leave unconnected if not used.
Note: D0-D7 pins contain weak active pullups, capable of sourcing
approximately 150 mA.
(1) Voltage may be applied to either PIN 1 or 2 or both.
Figure 2. DIB Connector Wiring
5
3200T Series SmartStep® Programmable Attenuators
PARALLEL MODE OPERATION:
In the parallel mode of operation, the Smartstep attenuator accepts TTL-level
parallel data on the D0-D7 input data lines. Each data line controls a separate
attenuation cell, where a logic 1 input (TTL high) engages the attenuation cell, and
a logic 0 input (TTL low) bypasses the cell, providing a through path. The data
lines have a weak active pull-up to +5V, and therefore if the pin is left unconnected (or floating), will engage the attenuation cell. The on-board microcontroller
debounces the data lines and generates the proper timing and control sequence
for operation of the relays. The data line inputs are not latched, and must be driven with a constant level to keep the desired attenuation setting.
SERIAL MODE OPERATION:
In the serial mode of operation, the Smartstep attenuator communicates over a
two-wire serial bus to the Weinschel Model 8210 Smartstep Interface. The bus
uses a clock (SCL) and data (SDA) line to send and receive programming and
configuration information. The messages sent over the bus use the software
protocol as defined in the ACCESS.bus™ V2.2 specification (Base Protocol) with
Weinschel-specific extensions to support the control of step attenuators (StepAttn
Protocol). These protocols and operating instructions can be located in the Model
8210 instruction manual (IM-288). The ACCESS.bus™ messages have the
following format:
Byte#
D7
D6
D5
D4
D3
D2
D1
D0
Description
1
2
3
4
Length+4
D7
S7
P
D6
S6
L6
D5
S5
L5
D4
S4
L4
D3
S3
L3
D2
S2
L2
D1
S1
L1
0
0
L0
X7
X6
X5
X4
X3
X2
X1
X0
Destination address
Source address
Protocol flag & Msg Length
msg body- 0 to 127 bytes
Checksum
For an indepth discussion of the hardware and software operation, refer to the
ACCESS.bus™ specification.
6
IM-276
SPECIFICATIONS
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE:
50 Ω:
FREQUENCY RANGE:
dc to 1.0 GHz: 3250T
3200T-1, 3200T-2, 3201T-1, 3201T-2,
3205T-1, 3205T-2, 3205T-3, 3206T-1,
3209T-1
75 Ω:
3250T
dc to 2.0 GHz: 3200T-1, 3200T-2, 3201T-1, 3201T-2,
3205T-1, 3205T-2, 3205T-3, 3206T-1,
3209T-1
dc to 3.0 GHz: 3200T-1E, 3200T-2E, 3201T-1E,
3205T-3E, 3206T-1E, 3209T-1E
DRIVER INTERFACE:
Input Supply Voltage:
+12.0 to +15.0V
Control Signals:
TTL/CMOS compatible
Interface Modes:
parallel/ I2C serial
DC Characteristics (at 25 °C):
Digital Interface:
Parameter
VIL
Low Level input:
Specification
-0.5 min, 0.8V max
VIH
High Level input:
2.0 min, 5.25V max
IPU
Pullup Current
50 μA min, 400 μA max
Power Supply:
VIN
Supply Voltage:
+12.0 to +15.0V
IIN
25 mA
Supply current:
ICELL Supply Current:
15 mA (2 GHz Units)
(per cell, continuous) 30 mA (3 GHz Units)
POWER RATING: 1 watt average to 25°C ambient temperature, derated linearly to
0.25 watt @ 71°C. 50 watts peak (5 μsec pulse width; 1% duty cycle)
POWER COEFFICIENT:
< 0.005 dB/dB/watt
RATED SWITCH LIFE:
5 million cycles operations per cell @ 0 dBm
CYCLING RATE:
5 Hz maximum per relay
TEMPERATURE:
3200T, 3201T, 3205T:
3206T, 3209T
MONOTONICITY:
-20° to +70°C
3250T:
-40° to +70°C
3200T, 3201T, 3205T:
3206T, 3209T
dc to 3.0 GHz
3250T:
dc to 1.0 GHz
INCREMENTAL TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT:
30 and 32 dB Cells:
All other cells:
7
0.00005 dB/dB/°C
0.00002 dB/dB/°C
3200T Series SmartStep® Programmable Attenuators
CELL CONFIGURATIONS:
Model
Number
NO.
Cells
Attenuation
Range/Steps
(dB)
Cell
Increments
(dB)
3200-1
3200-1E
8
127/1
3200-2
3200-2E
8
63.75/0.25
3201-1
3201-1E
5
31/1
3201-2
5
120/10
3205-1
4
70/10
10, 20, 20, 20
3205-2
4
55/5
5, 10, 20, 20
3205-3
3205-3E
4
1.5/0.1
0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8
3206-1
3206-1E
6
63/1
1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32
3209-1
3209-1E
10
64.5/0.1
3250T-63
6
63/1
1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64*
0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32
1, 2, 4, 8, 16
10, 20, 30, 60**
0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32
1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32
*64 dB cell comprised of two 32 dB cells
*60 dB cell comprised of two 30 dB cells
MAXIMUM SWR:
Freq
Range
(GHz)
dc - 0.2
0.2 - 0.5
0.5 - 1
1-2
2-3
3200-1
3200-2
3200-1E
3200-2E
3201-1E
3205-3E
3201-X
3205-X
3206-X
3206-1E
3209-1
3209-1E
3250T-63
1.30
1.25
1.25
1.35
---
1.25
1.25
1.25
1.25
1.40
1.30
1.25
1.25
1.35
---
1.25
1.25
1.25
1.25
1.35
1.35
1.35
1.35
1.35
---
1.35
1.35
1.35
1.35
1.45
1.20
1.20
1.30
-----
INCREMENTAL ATTENUATION ACCURACY:
Frequency
Range (GHz)
dc - 0.5
0.5 - 1
1 -3
3200T, 3201T, 3205T
3206T, 3209T
3250T
+ 0.2 dB or 0.5%
+ 0.2 dB or 1.0%
+ 0.3 dB or 2.0%
+ 0.3 dB or 2.0%
+ 0.4 dB or 2.0%
---
8
IM-276
MAXIMUM INSERTION LOSS (dB):
Frequency
Range (GHz)
dc - 0.5
0.5 - 1.0
1.0 - 1.5
1.5 - 2.0
2.0-3.0
3200T-1
3200T-2
3200T-1E
3200T-2E
3201-1
3201-2
3205T-X
3201T-1E
3205T-3E
3206T-1
2.80
3.50
4.25
4.75
---
2.00
2.70
3.00
3.50
4.30
1.80
2.40
3.00
3.75
---
1.80
2.30
2.80
3.30
---
1.25
1.75
2.25
2.50
3.40
2.00
2.70
3.30
4.00
---
3206T-1E 3209T-1
1.50
2.00
2.50
2.80
3.70
3.50
4.50
5.60
6.70
---
3209T-1E
3250T-63
3.00
3.50
4.00
4.50
5.50
2.25
4.75
-------
RF INPUT CONNECTORS: Rugged female 3.5 mm which mate nondestructively with
SMA male connectors per MIL-STD-39012.
INTERFACE CONNECTOR: 14 pin .025 square post header on .1 center. Mates with Amp
connector 746285-2 or equivalent (one mating connector included with each unit).
CONSTRUCTION:
3200T, 3201T, 3205T:
3206T, 3209T
Housing:
Connectors:
Aluminum
Stainless steel body and beryllium copper
contacts.
3250T:
Housing:
Connectors:
Aluminum
Nickel plated brass and beryllium copper
contacts.
WEIGHT:
3200T-X
3201T-X
3205T-X
3206T-X
3209T-X
3250T
165
132
132
132
218
189
g
g
g
g
g
g
(8.4
(7.3
(7.3
(7.3
(9.7
(4.9
oz)
oz)
oz)
oz)
oz)
oz)
CONTACTING Aeroflex / Weinschel
In the event you're having difficulty or believe that the components are defective,
please contact Weinschel immediately. An apparent malfunction may be corrected over the phone by contacting the Customer Service Department at Weinschel.
DO NOT send the product back to the factory without prior authorization (RMA
number). When it is necessary to return an item, state the symptoms or problems,
catalog and type number of the attenuator, and date of original purchase. Also
write the company name, your name, and phone number on an index card. Then
attach the card to the attenuator to be returned.
For more information or any questions about your Programmable Step
Attenuators and/or other Weinschel products, contact the Sales Department at
Aeroflex / Weinschel.
9
3200T Series SmartStep® Programmable Attenuators
Physical Dimensions:
Model 3200T, 3201T, 3205T, & 3206T (no cover):
"D"
Model No.
3200T-X
No. Cells
8
A
101.6 (4.0)
B
31.8 (1.25)
C
88.9 (3.50)
D
95.2 (3.75)
3201T-X
5/4
76.2 (3.00)
19.1 (0.75)
63.5 (2.50)
69.8 (2.75)
3205T-X
4
72.4 (2.85)
20.3 (0.80)
46.2 (1.82)
52.6 (2.07)
3206T-X
6
81. 3+0.5
(3.20+0.02
21.46 (0.85)
68.6 (2.70)
75.18 (2.96)
NOTE:
All dimensions are given in mm (inches) and are maximum, unless otherwise specified.
10
IM-276
PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS:
Model 3200T, 3201T, 3205T, & 3206T (with cover):
Model No.
No. Cells
A
B
C
3200T-X
8
101.6 (4.0
34.8 (1.37)
95.2 (3.75)
3201T-X
5/4
76.2 (3.00)
22.1 (0.87)
69.8 (2.75)
3205T-X
4
58.9 (2.32)
22.1 (0.87)
52.6 (2.07)
Model 3209T:
NOTE:
11
All dimensions are given in mm (inches) and are maximum, unless otherwise specified.
3200T Series SmartStep® Programmable Attenuators
Model 3250T:
ACCESSORIES
Model 8210 Smartstep Interface: The Model 8210 Smartstep Interface provides a flexible, low cost solution for the operation of programmable step attenuators and other
electromechanical devices under computer control. Designed to interface to Weinschel's
new line of Smartstep Programmable Attenuators, the 8210 represents a new concept in
device control applications for bench test and subsystem designs. The 8210 provides a
high-level interface from various industry standard communications interfaces, including
IEEE-488/RS232/RS422/RS485, to the Smartstep's serial Device Interface Bus. Typical
Setup shown below:
SmartStep Programmable Attenuators
PC Controller
Device Interface Bus
IEEE-488/RS232/
RS422/RS485 Bus
8210
Smartstep
Interface
12