What are the typical use cases for PSG/MXG Trigger Out vs. Source Settled outputs in antenna ranges. In an antenna application a list of frequencies is set up on the source and synchronized with a receiver (e.g. PNA-X).
Could you give me some background on the differences between the TRIG OUT and SOURCE SETTLED outputs on the PSG/MXG so I can better understand the differences and the appropriate use cases for each?
Are these ports used for backwards compatibility with older signal generators?
If I set up a list sweep with 100 frequencies, do I expect 100 source settled pulses for each frequency point and also 100 trigger outputs? The polarities of these outputs are reversed. What are the other differences?
Jeff
Could you give me some background on the differences between the TRIG OUT and SOURCE SETTLED outputs on the PSG/MXG so I can better understand the differences and the appropriate use cases for each?
Are these ports used for backwards compatibility with older signal generators?
If I set up a list sweep with 100 frequencies, do I expect 100 source settled pulses for each frequency point and also 100 trigger outputs? The polarities of these outputs are reversed. What are the other differences?
Jeff
First off here is the description of each from the PSG manual. The MXG shares outputs for various functions; i.e. Trigger Out and Sweep Out can also be Source Settled Out. Their use is similar so just the one description.
27. TRIGGER OUT
This female BNC connector, in step/list sweep mode, outputs a TTL signal that is high at the start of a dwell sequence or when waiting for a point trigger in manual sweep mode. The signal is low when the dwell is over or when a point trigger is received. In ramp sweep mode, the output provides 1601 equally spaced 1 us pulses (nominal) across a ramp sweep. When using LF Out, the output provides a 2 us pulse at the start of an LF sweep. The nominal impedance for this connector is less than 10 ohms.
My comments:
In sweep mode Trigger out can be used to sync other equipment to start recording/monitoring at start of sweep; i.e. trying to find a spur/signal/interference in a certain frequency range. This output was originally used to sync network analyzers/receivers/strip chart recorders/etc. to start their function when the signal generator started its list/step (digital sweep) or ramp (linear sweep) sweep. This was how we first made stimulus response measurements.
29. SOURCE SETTLED
This female BNC connector provides a 3–volt CMOS output trigger, indicating when the signal
generator has settled to a new frequency or power level. A high indicates that the source has not
settled. A low indicates that the source has settled. The nominal output impedance for this connector is less than 10 ohms.
My comments:
If you want to make sure you are making calibrated measurement at several different frequencies this Source Settled Output is the one to use. Source Settled goes low telling you the PSG/MXG frequency is now stable and the signal amplitude is now at the set level. The two outputs are very similar in how they can be used; Source Settled just lets you know the frequency or amplitude are really where you have set them to be and you can now make a calibrated measurement.
Regards -