Related Manuals for Mini-Circuits RC8DAT-8G-95
Summary of Contents for Mini-Circuits RC8DAT-8G-95
- Page 1 User Guide Multi-Channel Programmable Attenuators AN-49-011 © 2023 Mini-Circuits Page 1 Rev. D | ECO-016581 | 25-Jan-2023...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
1.2. Support Contacts ..................................4 1.3. Warranty & RMA Returns ............................... 4 1.4. End of Life ....................................4 1.5. Definitions ....................................4 2 - About Mini-Circuits Programmable Attenuators ............5 2.1. Introduction .................................... 5 2.2. Key Features .................................... 5 2.3. Intended Applications ................................5 2.4. - Page 3 Table of Contents (continued) 5 - Using Mini-Circuits’ GUI ....................15 5.1. Getting Started ..................................15 5.1.1. USB Control ................................... 16 5.1.2. Ethernet Control ................................17 5.2. Operating the Attenuator ..............................19 5.2.1. General Functions................................20 5.2.2. Manual Mode Functions..............................20 5.2.3.
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Page 4: General Information
In the event that a return to the factory is necessary, Mini-Circuits will provide an RMA number and full return instructions. -
Page 5: About Mini-Circuits Programmable Attenuators
2 - About Mini-Circuits Programmable Attenuators 2.1. Introduction Mini-Circuits has developed a series of multi-channel programmable attenuators, the RC4DAT and RC8DAT series, which can be controlled via standard USB or Ethernet-TCP/IP (Telnet, HTTP, and SSH protocols). These programmable attenuators can operate up to 8000 MHz with an attenuation resolution down to 0.05 dB, and attenuation range of up to 120 dB. -
Page 6: Model Selection Guide
* SSH support is a new addition, refer to table in section 5.8 for the serial number range which supports this feature. 2.5. Environmental Specifications Mini-Circuits’ programmable attenuators are intended for operation in office, laboratory, or production test environments. Do not use in any condition which exceeds the published environmental specifications. -
Page 7: Supported Software Environments
2.6. Supported Software Environments Mini-Circuits programmable attenuators have been tested in the following operating systems: 32-bit systems: Windows 7 or later. • • 64-bit systems: Windows 7 or later (GUI & API); Linux. Custom automation programs can be created in most modern programming environments, including Python, C#, LabVIEW, MatLab and more. -
Page 8: Accessories And Options
Do not allow any liquid ingress into the case or connectors. 2.10. Safety & Precautions Mini-Circuits’ programmable attenuators contain no user serviceable parts and should not be opened. Discontinue use and contact Mini-Circuits in the event of visible damage to any parts. -
Page 9: Functional Block Diagram
2.11. Functional Block Diagram Figure 2.11a: RC4DAT-models’ functional block diagram Figure 2.11b: RC8DAT-models’ functional block diagram AN-49-011 © 2023 Mini-Circuits Page 9 Rev. D | ECO-016581 | 25-Jan-2023... -
Page 10: Software Setup
3 - Software Setup 3.1. System Requirements The minimum requirements for the installation of the Mini-Circuits multi-channel programmable attenuator software package and API on the host PC are: • Microsoft Windows 7 or later (32- or 64-bit). • Intel i3 or equivalent (recommended). - Page 11 Click Yes to accept the license agreement. • Click Exit on the final window confirming that installation completed successfully. In the event of any issues with installation, please contact testsolutions@minicircuits.com for support. AN-49-011 © 2023 Mini-Circuits Page 11 Rev. D | ECO-016581 | 25-Jan-2023...
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Page 12: Hardware Setup
• Ensure the network indicators on the unit’s RJ45 socket light up after a few seconds. • Connect the unit’s input and output RF ports to your system. AN-49-011 © 2023 Mini-Circuits Page 12 Rev. D | ECO-016581 | 25-Jan-2023... -
Page 13: Daisy-Chain Control
4.3. Daisy-Chain Control Some models include Mini-Circuits’ novel dynamic addressing daisy-chaining interface which allows multiple modules to be connected together into a master/slave chain, with independent control of each module through the single USB connection of the master unit (see section 2.4 for models supporting this function). -
Page 14: Setup Instructions
Refresh button in the GUI (located below the connected units list). Figure 4.3.1: List of connected units on the daisy-chain section of the GUI (appearing for supporting models only) AN-49-011 © 2023 Mini-Circuits Page 14 Rev. D | ECO-016581 | 25-Jan-2023... -
Page 15: Using Mini-Circuits' Gui
Windows GUI program to set the attenuation level manually. 5.1. Getting Started To start the program, use the Start menu or navigate to the location the Mini-Circuits Programmable Attenuator software was installed in and run the program. -
Page 16: Usb Control
If multiple units are connected to the PC via USB (non- daisy-chain link), the unit selection screen will appear with a list of the connected models’ serial numbers and model names. Note: • The program can handle up to 24 units connected simultaneously. AN-49-011 © 2023 Mini-Circuits Page 16 Rev. D | ECO-016581 | 25-Jan-2023... -
Page 17: Ethernet Control
To use Ethernet control with a supporting unit either enter its IP address on the startup screen (ports for HTTP/Telnet/SSH would be also required if using non-default ports) or click on the search icon next to it to find all Mini-Circuits attenuators connected to the network. - Page 18 • Establish a Telnet connection. A full list of the possible commands and queries is available in Mini-Circuits Programming handbook, and in a text file on the downloaded software (see section 3.3), in the Ethernet directory. AN-49-011 © 2023 Mini-Circuits Page 18 Rev.
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Page 19: Operating The Attenuator
Once the control method has been selected, the main screen of the GUI program will appear. Figure 5.2a: Main screen – Hop mode Figure 5.2b: Main screen – Sweep mode AN-49-011 © 2023 Mini-Circuits Page 19 Rev. D | ECO-016581 | 25-Jan-2023... -
Page 20: General Functions
High-speed mode enables minimum dwell times in the order of micro-seconds, as such, the GUI is unable to display the fast attenuation changes to the user. Choose PC Control mode to view to attenuation during a sweep/hop sequence. AN-49-011 © 2023 Mini-Circuits Page 20... -
Page 21: Hop Mode Functions
Defines the attenuation step in (minimum according to model). Dwell time Specifies the time the selected channels will hold each attenuation state. Start / Stop Define attenuation range for a given channel. AN-49-011 © 2023 Mini-Circuits Page 21 Rev. D | ECO-016581 | 25-Jan-2023... -
Page 22: Log Attenuation
Upon checking the option, a pop-up will notify the user of the folder location the txt log file will be saved to – which will be in a sub-directory of the Mini-Circuits folder (where the program has been installed to) “…\ProgrammableAttenuator\Log”. -
Page 23: Configuration Settings
Shutting down and then starting up the GUI repeatedly in less than 3 minutes while “set last attenuation” is enabled may result in attenuator resetting to max attenuation state at power up due to last attenuation state not being recorded correctly. AN-49-011 © 2023 Mini-Circuits Page 23... -
Page 24: Ethernet Configuration
DHCP server. This also applies when an attenuator with DHCP enabled is connected directly via an Ethernet cable to a PC (instead of via a network). The default static / link-local IP address for all Mini-Circuits devices with the relevant firmware is 169.254.10.10. -
Page 25: Ethernet Settings Screen
• It is not advised to set the HTTP, Telnet, and SSH ports to use the same port. Figure 5.3.5: Ethernet Settings screen (showing factory default state) AN-49-011 © 2023 Mini-Circuits Page 25 Rev. D | ECO-016581 | 25-Jan-2023... - Page 26 Specify the port to use for HTTP communication on the network (default 80). Note that port HTTP Port address does not get assigned by the server when DHCP is selected. AN-49-011 © 2023 Mini-Circuits Page 26 Rev. D | ECO-016581 | 25-Jan-2023...
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Page 27: Ethernet Configuration Tool
5.3.6. Ethernet Configuration Tool The Ethernet configuration can also be changed via Ethernet control. To make changing the Ethernet configuration easier for users operating in a non-Windows environment or otherwise can’t use the provided GUI, Mini-Circuits created the Ethernet configuration tool. -
Page 28: Operation Modes
Figure 5.4.4: Plot of signal when sweeping attenuation 0 - 40dB in 10 dB steps (scale 2ms/div) AN-49-011 © 2023 Mini-Circuits Page 28 Rev. D | ECO-016581 | 25-Jan-2023... -
Page 29: Attenuator Switching Time
4000-120); 362 ns switching time achieved 4000-120); 200 ns switching time achieved Δx = 200.00 ns Δx = 362.00 ns Δy = 127.00 mV Δy = 22.44 mV AN-49-011 © 2023 Mini-Circuits Page 29 Rev. D | ECO-016581 | 25-Jan-2023... -
Page 30: Daisy-Chain Control With Dynamic Addressing
If any changes are subsequently made to the daisy-chain interconnections the Refresh button can be used to have the addresses checked and re-assign automatically to all units in the chain. AN-49-011 © 2023 Mini-Circuits Page 30 Rev. D | ECO-016581 | 25-Jan-2023... -
Page 31: Dynamic Addressing Functions
Table showing current attenuation setting of all connected attenuators Refreshes the addresses for the dynamic addressing daisy chain. Click on this after connecting Refresh additional units, or changing the units connected. AN-49-011 © 2023 Mini-Circuits Page 31 Rev. D | ECO-016581 | 25-Jan-2023... -
Page 32: Pop-Up Alerts
The programmable attenuator models can also be controlled automatically using most common lab test software and the provided DLL files, or your own custom programs. For more information on this see the Programming Guide available for download at https://www.minicircuits.com/softwaredownload/patt.html AN-49-011 © 2023 Mini-Circuits Page 32 Rev. D | ECO-016581 | 25-Jan-2023... -
Page 33: Firmware Update
The following firmware upgrade instructions apply to both current and legacy controller versions, but with some visual differences (as highlighted below): Connect only the unit to be upgraded to the PC via USB (see section 4.1) and start Mini-Circuits’ Programmable Attenuator •... - Page 34 • Navigate to the location of the upgrade file you received from Mini-Circuits’ Test Solutions and choose it. Figure 5.7.2b: Firmware - Browse window (Legacy – left, Current – right) Note: If the file name of the .hex file is changed it will not be recognized as a valid firmware file.
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Page 35: Firmware Recovery
5.8. Firmware Recovery Mini-Circuits models feature a firmware recovery option for cases where the unit’s firmware has become corrupted rendering it no longer accessible (for example, due to an interrupted firmware upgrade). Before starting, consult the table below to determine which recovery process to follow (legacy controller vs. current controller):... -
Page 36: Recovery Steps (Legacy Controller)
Connect the unit to the PC via USB. • • Start Mini-Circuits’ Programmable Attenuator GUI program and allow it time to attempt and establish a connection with the unit. If the connection attempt has failed, an alert would appear advising the user of a corrupt firmware. -
Page 37: Revision History
Revision B (Sep 30, 2020): • Updated “Firmware Update” section. • Separated Firmware Update and Firmware recovery to separate sections. Added photo of RC8DAT-8G-95 to front page of user guide. • Revision C (Apr 22, 2021): • Restructured and expanded Ethernet configuration chapter. -
Page 38: Contact Information
This document is owned by Mini-Circuits and is protected by copyright, trademark and other intellectual property laws. The information herein is provided by Mini-Circuits as an accommodation to our customers and may be used only to promote and accompany the purchase of Mini-Circuits’ parts. This guide may not be reproduced, modified, distributed, published, stored in an electronic database, or transmitted and the information contained herein may not be exploited in any form or by any means, without prior written permission from Mini-Circuits.
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