USB/RS3 Variable Attenuator 5Ω.1 db step, -3 MHz The Big Deal Very fine attenuation resolution (.1 db) Glitchless transitions ( db glitch) USB and RS3 control Applications Signal level calibration Gain control feedback circuits Automated test equipment (ATE) Control systems Product Overview Software Package Case Style: QF5 Included Accessories Model No. Description Qty. MUSB-CBL-3+. ft. USB cable 1 RoHS Compliant See our web site for RoHS Compliance methodologies and qualifications Mini Circuits is a 5 Ω RF variable attenuator which combines the performance benefits of a voltage variable design with the convenience and ease-of-use of a software controlled step attenuator. This model operates from MHz to 3 GHz with fine attenuation steps of.1 db and monotonic attenuation transitions, meaning no uncontrolled 'glitches' when transitioning from one attenuation to the next. The attenuator is housed in a compact and rugged package with SMA female connectors for the bi-directional input and output RF ports, a standard 9 pin D-Sub and a USB type Mini-B for power and control. The attenuator can be controlled via USB or RS3 (via D-Sub connector). Full software support is provided and can be downloaded from our website any time at http://www.minicircuits.com/softwaredownload/patt.html. The software package includes our user-friendly GUI application for Windows and a full API with programming instructions for Windows and Linux environments, both 3-bit and -bit systems. Key Features Feature Novel hybrid design High speed attenuation sequences USB & RS3 control High linearity Advantages Combination of voltage variable PIN diodes with digital interface provides very fine attenuation steps (.1 db) and glitchless transitions between states Integrated memory / microcontroller allows custom attenuation sequences to be preprogrammed and executed at high speed, with as little as 9 µs per step Full software support provided for quick & easy control via USB & RS3, with DC power also supplied via either interface Typical IP3 of +5 dbm reduces signal distortion to minimize the impact of the device on sensitive transmitter / receiver measurements Trademarks: Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. Neither Mini-Circuits nor the Mini-Circuits ZVVA-series attenuators are affiliated with or endorsed by the owners of the above referenced trademarks Mini-Circuits and the Mini-Circuits logo are registered trademarks of Scientific Components Corporation. www.minicircuits.com P.O. Box 351, Brooklyn, NY 1135-3 (718) 93-5 sales@minicircuits.com Rev. OR M13 EDR-11/3 RAV 17711 Page 1 of 9
Electrical Specifications 1 Parameter Frequency range Conditions Min. Typ. Max. Units Frequency range 3 MHz Attenuation resolution - 3 MHz All attenuation settings.1 db - 5 MHz 3 5 Max Attenuation 5-15 MHz Relative to Insertion Loss 5 33 db 15-3 MHz 18 5-5 MHz.8. Insertion Loss 5-5 MHz @ db 3.5 5.5 db 5-3 MHz.. @.1-5 db ±.3 ±.1-5 MHz @ 5-15 db ±.7 ±.15 @ 15 - db ±.1 ±. @ - 5 db ±.1 ±.5 @.1-5 db ±.5 ±.15 Attenuation Flatness 3 5-15 MHz @ 5-15 db ±.3 ±.55 @ 15 - db ±. ±.7 db @ - 5 db ±. ±1.5 @.1-5 db ±.15 ±.5 15-3 MHz @ 5-15 db ±. ±1. @ 15 - db ±.9 ±1.7 @ - 5 db ±1. Attenuation Accuracy - 3 MHz @.1-15 db ±.7 db - 5 MHz 1.35 VSWR 5-15 MHz @ - 5 db 1.3 :1 15-3 MHz 1. Max Input Power - 3 MHz - 3 MHz +3 dbm Input IP3-3 MHz @ db setting (P IN =+5 dbm per tone, f=1mhz) +5 dbm Min Dwell Time - 3 MHz High speed mode 9 µs Attenuation Transition Time 5-3 MHz 3 µs Supply Voltage.5 5 5.5 V via USB port or D-Sub Pin#1 DC current draw 1 ma RS3 logic levels Meets RS3 standard at all voltages with RS3 communications set to 9 bps; 8 bit word; no parity; stop bit = 1. 1 Attenuator RF ports are interchangeable, however the specifications are guaranteed for the RF in and RF out as noted on the label. There might be minor changes in the performance when input and output ports are reversed. The attenuator will initially power up in Max attenuation state, after a brief delay (~.5 sec typically) the attenuator will revert to a user defined power-up state (either max attenuation or a pre-set value). 3 Attenuation atness is defined as the variation over frequency of the attenuation level. Minimum Dwell Time is the time the ZVVA will take to respond to a command to change attenuation states without communication delays. In "PC control" add communication delays (on the order of ms for USB) to get actual response time. 5 Attenuation Transition Time is specified as the time between starting to change the attenuation state and settling on the requested attenuation state. Power on sequence for RS3 control: First power on 5V supply voltage before any control signal is given. Absolute Maximum Ratings Operating Temperature C to 5 C Storage Temperature - C to 85 C Voltage input at D-Sub Pin#3-3V to +3V Voltage input at D-Sub Pin# V to +V Voltage input at D-Sub Pin#1-1V to +V V USB Max. V Total RF power for RF In & RF Out + dbm Max DC at RF ports 5V Permanent damage may occur if any of these limits are exceeded. Operating in the range between operating power limits and absolute maximum ratings for extended periods of time may result in reduced life and reliability. www.minicircuits.com P.O. Box 351, Brooklyn, NY 1135-3 (718) 93-5 sales@minicircuits.com Page of 9
Connections RF IN (SMA female) RF OUT (SMA female) USB (USB type Mini-B female) RS3* (9 Pin D-Sub female) ZVVA response to communication interrupt *9 Pin D-Sub Pin Connections PIN Number Function 1 +5 V DC 8 RS3 Transmit 3 RS3 Receive Not Connected 5 GND,7,8,9 Not connected 8 Pin#1 can be used as supply voltage pin instead of USB connection. When USB power is connected, Pin#1 may be connected to GND or supply voltage or remain disconnected. YES ZVVA will shut down. Once power is reconnected it will restart according to the conditions previously defined by user Start ZVVA in either USB or RS3 control. Communication is interrupted* Is power supply interupted? * Can be due to a software glitch in the controlling PC or a physical disconnect of the control lines NO ZVVA will maintain last state set until communication is reestablished via either control method Simplified Diagram Not Connected (9) (8) (7) () RS3 USB GND (5) NC () Receive (3) Transmit () Supply voltage (1) RF In 5Ω MICROCONTROLLER Control Control Digital Voltage Control Control Digital Control Voltage Step Voltage Attenuator Variable Attenuator RF Out 5Ω Simultaneous, bidirectional RF signal transmission with symmetrical performance www.minicircuits.com P.O. Box 351, Brooklyn, NY 1135-3 (718) 93-5 sales@minicircuits.com Page 3 of 9
Insertion Loss (db).5. 3.5 3..5 Insertion Loss vs. Frequency @ C @+5 C @+5 C 35 8 1 1 7 Attenuation relative to I.L @ C vs. vs. Frequency at at selected Atten. settings @.1 db @1 db @.5 db @5 db @7.5 db @1 db @1.5 db @15 db @17.5 db @ db @.5 db @5 db. (MHz) Insertion Loss (db) 9 75 5 3 Max Attenuation vs. Frequency @ C @+5 C @+5 C 35 8 1 1 7 Attenuation relative to I.L @ +5 C vs. vs. Frequency at at selected Atten. settings @.1 db @1 db @.5 db @5 db @7.5 db @1 db @1.5 db @15 db @17.5 db @ db @.5 db @5 db 15 IP3 (dbm) IP3 (dbm) 55 5 53 5 51 IP3 @ db Attenuation @ C @+5 C @+5 C 35 8 1 1 7 Attenuation relative to I.L @ +5 C vs. vs. Frequency at at selected Atten. settings @.1 db @1 db @.5 db @5 db @7.5 db @1 db @1.5 db @15 db @17.5 db @ db @.5 db @5 db 5 www.minicircuits.com P.O. Box 351, Brooklyn, NY 1135-3 (718) 93-5 sales@minicircuits.com Page of 9
Typical Performance Curves - - Attenuation Accuracy @@ C C vs. Frequency @ at Selected selected Atten. settings @.1 db @1 db @.5 db @5 db @7.5 db @1 db @1.5 db @15 db @17.5 db @ db @.5 db @5 db - Attenuation Accuracy @@ C C vs. vs. Atten. settings Setting @ Selected Frequencies @ MHz @3 MHz @9 MHz @ MHz @9 MHz @1 MHz @15 MHz @18 MHz @1 MHz @ MHz @7 MHz @3 MHz - 5 1 15 5 - - Attenuation Accuracy @+5 C @ +5 C vs. Frequency @ at Selected selected Atten. settings @.1 db @1 db @.5 db @5 db @7.5 db @1 db @1.5 db @15 db @17.5 db @ db @.5 db @5 db - Attenuation Accuracy @@ +5 C +5 C vs. vs. Atten. settings Setting @ Selected Frequencies @ MHz @3 MHz @9 MHz @ MHz @9 MHz @1 MHz @15 MHz @18 MHz @1 MHz @ MHz @7 MHz @3 MHz - 5 1 15 5 - - Attenuation Accuracy @@ +5 C +5 C vs. Frequency @ at Selected selected Atten. Atten. settings settings @.1 db @1 db @.5 db @5 db @7.5 db @1 db @1.5 db @15 db @17.5 db @ db @.5 db @5 db - Attenuation Accuracy @@ +5 C +5 C vs. vs. Atten. settings Setting @ Selected Frequencies @ MHz @3 MHz @9 MHz @ MHz @9 MHz @1 MHz @15 MHz @18 MHz @1 MHz @ MHz @7 MHz @3 MHz - 5 1 15 5 www.minicircuits.com P.O. Box 351, Brooklyn, NY 1135-3 (718) 93-5 sales@minicircuits.com Page 5 of 9
Typical Performance Curves VSWR (:1). 1.8 1. 1. VSWR In vs. Frequency @ Selected Atten. settings @.1 db @1 db @.5 db @5 db @7.5 db @1 db @1.5 db @15 db @17.5 db @ db @.5 db @5 db VSWR (:1). 1.8 1. 1. VSWR VSWR In In vs. vs. Atten. settings Setting @@ Selected Frequencies @ MHz @3 MHz @9 MHz @ MHz @9 MHz @1 MHz @15 MHz @18 MHz @1 MHz @ MHz @7 MHz @3 MHz 1. 1. 1. 1. 5 1 15 5 VSWR (:1). 1.8 1. 1. VSWR Out vs. Frequency @@ Selected Atten. settings @.1 db @1 db @.5 db @5 db @7.5 db @1 db @1.5 db @15 db @17.5 db @ db @.5 db @5 db VSWR (:1). 1.8 1. 1. VSWR Out vs. Atten. Setting settings @ Selected Frequencies @ MHz @3 MHz @9 MHz @ MHz @9 MHz @1 MHz @15 MHz @18 MHz @1 MHz @ MHz @7 MHz @3 MHz 1. 1. 1. 1. 5 1 15 5 Attenuation transition (Input: MHz, dbm) -.85 Attenuation transition (Input: MHz, dbm) dbm) Power Out (dbm) - -1-18 - db to 5 db setting 5 db to db setting Power Out (dbm) -.88 -.91 -.9 -.97 db to.1 db setting.1 db to db setting -3 15 3 5 75 Time (µs) Time (µs) -3. 15 3 5 75 Time (µs) Time (µs) www.minicircuits.com P.O. Box 351, Brooklyn, NY 1135-3 (718) 93-5 sales@minicircuits.com Page of 9
Outline Drawing (QF5) TOP VIEW B 9 PIN D-SUB FEMALE C BRACKET OPTION H A J1 J USB MINI-B RECEPTACLE LED INDICATOR E N P D BOTTOM VIEW X ØM L K J Q G X SMA FEMALE Instruction for mounting bracket: 1. Tool required: Phillips head screwdriver. Mount the bracket over threaded holes on the bottom side with the fasteners provided with the bracket. F X #-5 UNC-B.5 [.35] DEEP Outline Dimensions ( inch mm ) A B C D E F G H J K L M N P Q 3....8.5 1.7.7.188. 1.5..1. 3..1 7. 5.8 15. 7.1 1.7 3.18 8.58.7 5.8 1.8 5.8 3. 11. 91..5 WT. GRAMS 13 www.minicircuits.com P.O. Box 351, Brooklyn, NY 1135-3 (718) 93-5 sales@minicircuits.com Page 7 of 9
Software & Documentation Download: Mini-Circuits full software and support package including user guide, Windows GUI, DLL files, programming manual and examples can be downloaded free of charge from http://www.minicircuits.com/softwaredownload/patt.html Please contact testsolutions@minicircuits.com for support Minimum System Requirements Parameter Requirements Interface USB HID or RS3 GUI: Windows 3 & bit systems from Windows 98 up to Windows 1 System requirements (USB) API DLL Windows 3 & bit systems with ActiveX or.net support from Windows 98 up to Windows 1 USB interrupt Linux, Windows systems from Windows 98 up to Windows 1 RS3 Any computer with a serial port and RS3 support Hardware Pentium II or higher, RAM 5 MB Graphical User Interface (GUI) for Windows Key Features: Manual attenuation setting Sweep and Hop attenuation sequences directed from the PC, or entire sequence loaded into ZVVA. Attenuator address configuration and Firmware upgrade Attenuation at power up may be set to selected attenuation level or last attenuation state recorded. USB or RS3 control of ZVVA Application Programming Interface (API) Windows Support: API DLL files exposing the full switch functionality See programming manual at https://www.minicircuits.com/ softwaredownload/prog_manual--programmable_attenuator.pdf for details ActiveX COM DLL file for creation of 3-bit programs.net library DLL file for creation of 3 / -bit programs Supported by most common programming environments (refer to application note AN-9-1 for summary of tested environments) Linux Support: Full switch control in a Linux environment is achieved by way of USB interrupt commands. See programming manual at https://www.minicircuits.com/softwaredownload/prog_manual--programmable_attenuator.pdf for details www.minicircuits.com P.O. Box 351, Brooklyn, NY 1135-3 (718) 93-5 sales@minicircuits.com Page 8 of 9
Ordering Information Model Description USB Variable Attenuator Included Accessories Part No. Description MUSB-CBL-3+. ft (.8 m) USB Cable: USB type A(Male) to USB type Mini-B(Male) Optional Accessories MUSB-CBL-3+ (spare) MUSB-CBL-7+ Description. ft (.8 m) USB Cable: USB type A(Male) to USB type Mini-B(Male). ft (. m) USB Cable: USB type A(Male) to USB type Mini-B(Male) D-SUB9-MF-+ ft RS3 Cable: 9 pin D-sub(Male) to 9 pin D-sub(Female) USB-AC/DC-5 AC/DC 5V DC Power Adapter with US, EU, IL, UK, AUS, and China power plugs 9,1 PC-DAT-CD Software CD 11 BKT-391+ Bracket kit including 3.75 x. bracket, mounting screws and washers 9 Not used in USB control. USB-AC/DC-5 can be used to provide the 5V DC power when control is via RS3; units can also accept DC supply voltage at Pin#1 of the D-sub connector. 1 Power plugs for other countries are also available, if you need a power plug for a country not listed please contact testsolutions@ minicircuits.com 11 To receive the CD at no extra cost, request when placing order. CD contents can be downloaded from Mini-Circuits website at http:// www.minicircuits.com/softwaredownload/patt.html Additional Notes A. Performance and quality attributes and conditions not expressly stated in this specification document are intended to be excluded and do not form a part of this specification document. B. Electrical specifications and performance data contained in this specification document are based on Mini-Circuit s applicable established test performance criteria and measurement instructions. C. The parts covered by this specification document are subject to Mini-Circuits standard limited warranty and terms and conditions (collectively, Standard Terms ); Purchasers of this part are entitled to the rights and benefits contained therein. For a full statement of the Standard Terms and the exclusive rights and remedies thereunder, please visit Mini-Circuits website at www.minicircuits.com/mclstore/terms.jsp www.minicircuits.com P.O. Box 351, Brooklyn, NY 1135-3 (718) 93-5 sales@minicircuits.com Page 9 of 9