Signal Hound USB-TG44A Manuel utilisateur

USB-TG44A Tracking Generator

User Manual

Signal Hound USB-TG44A User Manual

2015, Signal Hound, Inc.

35707 NE 86th Ave

La Center, WA 98629 USA

Phone 360.263.5006 • Fax 360.263.5007

This information is being released into the public domain in accordance with the Export Administration

Regulations 15 CFR 734

Contents

1 Preparing For Use................................................................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 INITIAL INSPECTION ............................................................................................................................................................1

1.2 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................................................1

2 Getting Started ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2

2.1 THE USB-TG44A FRONT & REAR PANELS ......................................................................................................................2

3 Taking Measurements.........................................................................................................................................................3

3.1 MEASURING INSERTION LOSS OR GAIN.........................................................................................................................3

3.1.1 Improving Accuracy.................................................................................................................................................................. 4

3.1.2 Testing High Gain Amplifiers ..................................................................................................................................................4

3.1.3 Measuring Insertion loss > 80 dB...........................................................................................................................................4

3.2 MEASURING RETURN LOSS...............................................................................................................................................4

3.2.1 Adjusting an Antenna ............................................................................................................................................................... 5

4 Theory of Operation .............................................................................................................................................................5

5 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................................................... 5

5.1.1 General Troubleshooting Procedure......................................................................................................................................6

5.1.2 General Advice to avoid problems .........................................................................................................................................6

6 Calibration and Adjustment ................................................................................................................................................ 6

7 Specifications ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7

7.1 FREQUENCY...........................................................................................................................................................................7

7.2 AMPLITUDE ............................................................................................................................................................................7

7.3 SPECTRAL PURITY ...............................................................................................................................................................7

7.4 INPUTS AND OUTPUTS .......................................................................................................................................................7

7.5 ENVIRONMENT......................................................................................................................................................................7

7.6 CALIBRATION.........................................................................................................................................................................7

7.7 ADJUSTMENTS .....................................................................................................................................................................8

8 Revision History.................................................................................................................................................................... 8

9 Warranty and Disclaimer .....................................................................................................................................................8

9.1.1 Warranty ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

9.1.2 Warranty Service ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8

9.1.3 Limitation of Warranty.............................................................................................................................................................. 8

9.1.4 Exclusive Remedies .................................................................................................................................................................. 9

9.1.5 Certification................................................................................................................................................................................9

9.1.6 Credit Notice .............................................................................................................................................................................. 9

Preparing For Use |INITIAL INSPECTION

1Preparing For Use

Unpacking your Tracking Generator and Installing Software

The Signal Hound USB-TG44A is a USB-based 10 Hz to 4.4 GHz economy tracking generator that works

with the USB-SA series and BB60C spectrum analyzers, facilitating scalar network analyzer

measurements. The Signal Hound USB-TG44A is powered from the USB cable, eliminating the need for

a separate power supply. Measuring less than 8 inches long and weighing only ten ounces, the Signal

Hound can be used virtually anywhere!

INITIAL INSPECTION1.1

Check your package for shipping damage before opening. Your box should contain a USB cable, a CD-

ROM, an SMA M-M adapter, a 3' BNC cable, and a Signal Hound USB-TG44A.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION1.2

The USB-TG44A uses the same Spike software as your Signal Hound spectrum analyzer. No additional

software installation is required. Additionally, there is a small standalone utility for using your USB-

TG44A without a USB-SA44B or USB-SA124B.

Getting Started |THE USB-TG44A FRONT & REAR PANELS

2Getting Started

Learn about the basic functions and features of your Signal Hound Tracking Generator

The primary use for the USB-TG44A tracking generator is to form a scalar network analyzer when

paired with the USB-SA44B spectrum analyzer and the Spike software. The insertion loss of filters,

amplifiers, cables, and attenuators can be measured quickly and accurately from 10 Hz to 4.4 GHz. By

adding a directional coupler, return loss can be measured as well.

The Spike software is set up to sweep active devices, such as amplifiers, and passive devices, such as

filters and attenuators. By default, high dynamic range is selected, which typically offers 90 dB of

dynamic range (0 to -90 dB for passive devices, +20 to -70 dB for active devices, or +40 to -50 dB for

active devices with a 20 dB fixed attenuator). High dynamic range sweeps take about ½ second for a 100

point sweep (span > 100 kHz).

For crystals or other very high Q circuits, a second operating mode is available. This narrow-band mode

is selected automatically when your span is 100 kHz or less. In this mode, a 100 point sweep takes about

7 seconds, but the sweep updates at each point. See the Spike Software User Manual for more

information.

THE USB-TG44A FRONT & REAR PANELS2.1

The front panel includes a 50Ω SMA RF input. Do not apply

signal or DC to this port. It is a DC-coupled output. Applying

DC or signals in excess of +20 dBm will cause damage. A

READY / BUSY LED flashes orange each time a command from

the computer is processed.

The rear panel has three connectors:

1. 10 MHz Reference output. Used in the legacy software for some modes requiring 0 ppm

frequency error.

2. A USB type B connector. Connect to your PC using

the included USB cable.

3. TG Sync. Connect to the USB-SA44(B) Sync Out

port for all spans of greater than 100 kHz.

Taking Measurements |MEASURING INSERTION LOSS OR GAIN

3Taking Measurements

Learn how to take path loss, amplifier gain, and mixer gain/loss measurements

The Signal Hound USB-TG44A Tracking Generator (TG), combined with the USB-SA44B Spectrum

Analyzer (SA) and Spike software, is capable of making a wide range of scalar network analysis

measurements. Whether you are tuning an RF filter, sweeping an amplifier to plot gain, or verifying a

step attenuator, measurements are quick and easy with the USB-TG44A tracking generator.

MEASURING INSERTION LOSS OR GAIN3.1

The Signal Hound USB-TG44A Tracking Generator may be used to measure insertion loss or gain. To

measure insertion loss of a cable or attenuator, the following approach is recommended:

1. Plug the spectrum analyzer and tracking generator devices into the PC using the supplied USB

cables.

2. Connect the spectrum analyzer and tracking generator nose-to-nose using the SMA barrel

connector provided.

3. Connect the TG Sync to the spectrum analyzer Sync Out.

4. Launch the Spike software.

5. Set start / stop / center / span frequencies to desired sweep range

6. Set your reference level to +10 dBm. This will place the “zero” insertion loss line one division

from the top of the graticule.

7. Select Analysis Mode > Scalar Network Analyzer

8. Select your ideal sweep size. This will help the software

determine step size (the frequency step between

measurements).

9. If your device is passive (e.g. attenuator, filter, or cable), select

Passive Device. For amplifiers with gain of up to 20 dB, select

Active Device and change your reference level to +20 dBm.

10. If you wish to double the sweep speed and cut the dynamic range in half, un-check High

Range.

11. With the spectrum analyzer and tracking generator still connected nose-to-nose, wait for a

complete sweep to finish. Then click Store Thru. This will correct for the amplitude offsets

Taking Measurements |MEASURING RETURN LOSS

between the TG and SA, and give you a stable line at 0 dB insertion loss. Note: If you change any

settings after Store Thru, repeat this step.

12. (Optional) For maximum accuracy below -45 dB, insert a fixed attenuation of 20 to 30 dB, and

then click Store 20 dB Pad. The actual attenuation used can be anywhere from 20 to 30 dB,

and will be factored out automatically. This corrects for small offsets between the higher range

and lower range readings. This is only used for settings of High Range, Passive Device. If you

omit this step, accuracy below -40 dB should be treated as +/- 1 dB typical.

13. Insert the device to test and take measurements.

Improving Accuracy3.1.1

One shortcoming of the Signal Hound Spectrum Analyzer and Tracking Generator is poor VSWR / return

loss performance. However, this can be easily overcome by adding good 3 dB or 6 dB pads (fixed SMA

attenuators) to the output of the tracking generator and / or the input of the spectrum analyzer. A good

6 dB pad will improve return loss by nominally 12 dB to >20 dB, and should enable accurate

measurements relative to a 50 ohm system. These may be included when sweeping the "thru,"

effectively nulling them out. This will decrease your overall dynamic range.

Testing High Gain Amplifiers3.1.2

When measuring an amplifier that will have gain of 20 to 40 dB, the use of a 20 dB pad is required.

Simply insert the 20 dB pad before you Store Thru, and leave the pad on either the SA or TG when

connecting to the amplifier. For amplifiers with Psat>+20 dBm, the pad should go on the output of the

amplifier. If an amplifier cannot safely handle -5 dBm, place the pad on the amplifier’s input.

Measuring Insertion loss > 80 dB3.1.3

To measure more than 80-90 dB insertion loss, you will need to use Utilities > Tracking Generator

Control. Set your frequency to the desired test frequency, and set the amplitude to -10 dBm. Find the

CW signal using the USB-SA44B at about a 100 kHz span.

Decrease your span down to about 10 kHz, keeping the signal centered, then reduce your RBW to 10 Hz

or 100 Hz, depending on the dynamic range required. With a 10 Hz RBW, your noise floor will generally

show about 140 dB of insertion loss. This method is especially good for tuning notch filters where your

ultimate rejection at a specified frequency may need to be 100 dB or greater

MEASURING RETURN LOSS3.2

A directional coupler of appropriate frequency range (sold separately) may be used to make

approximate return loss measurements. Connect your tracking generator to the "OUT" port, and

connect your spectrum analyzer to the "COUPLED" port. Use the "IN" port as your S-parameter test port.

Sweep this setup as the "thru" with the test port open (reflecting 100% of power). Then connect your

device to test (e.g. antenna) to the "IN" port. Return loss or |S11| will be displayed.

Theory of Operation |MEASURING RETURN LOSS

Once again, measurement accuracy will benefit from 3 to 6 dB pads on the Signal Hound devices. This

method is not as accurate as using a precision vector network analyzer with a full two port calibration,

but with a good directional coupler, measurements from 0 to -20 dB should be accurate.

Adjusting an Antenna3.2.1

To adjust an antenna for a certain frequency, it is often sufficient to simply maximize return loss at that

frequency. This may be done in a swept or CW tracking generator mode. Mount your antenna and

ground as you normally would, then connect to the "IN" port as above. Lengthen, shorten, and tweak

impedance matching elements until the desired return loss is achieved. Be aware that you will be

radiating some RF during this process. It is your responsibility to understand and obey laws regarding

transmitting on those frequencies.

4Theory of Operation

Learn about the internal blocks that make up the Signal Hound Tracking Generator

The Signal Hound Tracking Generator is built around a 32-bit programmable modulus direct digital

Synthesizer (DDS). This allows the firmware to set precise 10 Hz steps. The DDS generates frequencies

from 10 Hz to 28 MHz directly. To produce higher frequencies this signal is multiplied by an integer from

5 to 200.

Below 28 MHz, the output has low harmonic content. However, above 28 MHz, harmonics are

generated and not filtered. Typically, harmonics as high as -10 dBc will be observed for much of the RF

spectrum. For use as a tracking generator, the presence of harmonics has very little impact on the

measurement, since the harmonics will generally be well outside the spectrum analyzer's input

bandwidth.

However, when verifying the output power level with an RF power meter, the harmonic content can add

up to 0.7 dB to the measured output.

Please note that the phase noise of the USB-TG44A is higher than the USB-SA44. However, this will have

minimal impact on readings as out-of-band energy is rejected by the spectrum analyzer.

5Troubleshooting

There is a known intermittent power-on problem with the USB-TG44A. The remedy is to simply unplug

the USB, count to 10, then plug it back in. If you repeatedly experience this power on problem, contact

Test Equipment Plus for repair or replacement.

Calibration and Adjustment |MEASURING RETURN LOSS

General Troubleshooting Procedure5.1.1

1. Unplug the USB cable from your Tracking Generator, count to 10, and plug it back in. If the LED

is green, proceed. Otherwise, try a different USB port or cable. Verify the USB-SA44(B) spectrum

analyzer is plugged in to USB as well.

2. Launch the application software. Set your spectrum analyzer to SPAN 100 KHz, CENTER FREQ

10 MHz.

3. Connect the TG RF output to the spectrum analyzer RF input.

4. Check for a 10 MHz output from the TG between -20 and -25 dBm. This is the default power on

state.

5. If no signal is present, repeat steps 1-4. If there is still no signal, contact technical support at

http://www.signalhound.com

6. Verify that the TG SYNC is connected to the SYNC out of the spectrum analyzer using a BNC

cable. Connect the TG and spectrum analyzer nose-to-nose using the SMA barrel connector.

Analyzer. In 1-2 seconds you should see a trace near 0 dB +/- 4 dB. If you do not see this and

your TG LED is red, verify your SYNC cable. If the cable is damaged, replace it. If sections of the

sweep are missing, your TG likely needs repair.

Otherwise, contact technical support at http://www.signalhound.com

General Advice to avoid problems5.1.2

Unplug your USB-TG44A from the USB port when not in use, or before shutting down your

computer.

For maximum stability, a 15 minute warmup is recommended for sensitive measurements.

6Calibration and Adjustment

Contact Test Equipment Plus for more information regarding calibration software and required

equipment.

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