DS INSTRUMENT DSI MX SERIES Integrated-LO Mixer User Manual

DS INSTRUMENT DSI MX SERIES Integrated-LO Mixer

DS Instruments’ various integrated-local-oscillator microwave mixer models are all designed to be as intuitive as possible, ether being controlled by the front panel, or from the USB/Ethernet interface. All models share a similar topology consisting of a low-noise phase-lock-loop frequency source directly connected to the LO port of a general purpose double-balanced wideband microwave mixer. Buttons and front panel modes are similar across all models.

This manual applies to the following devices:

• MX2500 (25-2500MHz RF)
• MX6000 (1.5-6.0GHz RF)
• MX6000PRO (1.5-6.0GHz RF)
• MX12000 (5-14GHz RF)
• MX20000 (10-22GHz RF)
• MX30000 (15-30GHz RF)
• MX40000PRO (2-40GHz RF)

Stand-Alone Use Quick Setup

• Connect an external 10MHz reference source to the reference MCX connector if desired. If no external source is detected, the unit will use its own internal crystal oscillator source. Searching for an external frequency only occurs at boot-up, do not connect an external reference after the unit is already powered up.
• Connect your device to a blue USB 3.0 port or 5 Volt power source using the included USB cable. A desktop, laptop computer, or smart-phone charger can work. The best source is a 12v powered USB 3.0 hub. Avoid using unpowered USB hubs or long USB cables. Many older USB ports will not be able to supply enough power.
• Note that the screen will display the model number and firmware version. The unit will beep indicating boot-up and the green power LED should light up if no errors were detected during self-tests. (A flashing red status LED indicates an error is pending.)
• RF and IF cables can be attached before or after USB power is applied.
• The unit is now ready to accept front panel changes or a data connection from the control software.
• To cycle between front control modes, hold the MODE button down until there is a beep (~0.5 seconds). The default mode is integer frequency, followed by fractional frequency, LO output on-off, and save system state.
• The LO front panel led indicates that the device is successfully locked to the reference and providing the desired LO frequency to the internal mixer.
• Some devices are equipped with an “oven” LED indicator. This is to signal to the user that the oven-controlled reference source is still cold and needs a few minutes to warm up. RF output will not be reliable while this led is active.

Control Software (GUI) Screenshot

Control Software Feature Descriptions

1. COM / Ethernet search and connect – Lists any USB COM ports or device IP addresses found
2. Connected device information box, request status messages button
3. Custom Name – Lets the user save a TAG ID, Name, or inventory number to non-volatile memory
4. Reference frequency source – Sets internal, external or auto detect for the 10MHz reference input
5. Custom Command – Type or select a custom SCPI serial command to send to the connected device
6. Save all current settings and configuration as the boot-up defaults
7. LO frequency control – set or step the current LO frequency in MHz
8. LO State – Set the mixer LO status to ON or OFF
9. LO Power Tune – Adjust the relative LO output power up (right) or down (left)

USB/Ethernet Computer Control Quick Setup

• Connect an external 10MHz reference source to the rear MCX connector if desired. If no external source is detected, the unit will use its own internal source. Reference auto-detection can be overridden in the GUI if desired.
• Connect your device to a blue USB 3.0 port using the included USB cable. The best source is a 12v powered USB 3.0 hub. Avoid using unpowered USB hubs or long USB cables. Many older USB 2.0 ports will not be able to supply enough power. For Ethernet control a smart-phone charger can be used as the USB power source.
• Windows should now install the standard virtual COM port driver. Wait for this to complete.
• Download and open the DS Instruments Signal Generator Control GUI from the website. Install any .NET framework updates from Microsoft if needed.
• Clicking the search button will find all COM ports and IP addresses that are accessible. Select a COM port or IP from the top select list and press CONNECT to try to control the device. If the select box turns green, then a connection has been established.
• The model number and firmware versions will appear in the green info box. If this box is turns red, the wrong COM port was selected or an error has occurred.
• At this point a user can enter an LO frequency and change other device settings
• The blue LO led on the front of the MX unit indicates that it is successfully locked and outputting the desired frequency to the mixer
• The physical front control buttons will be disabled when a USB or network connection is established to prevent any accidental bumping of the buttons when under computer/automated control.
• Some devices are equipped with an oven-controlled reference source that will need a few minutes to warm up. The control software will display a “Cold” warning, and RF output will not be reliable while this warning is active.

Control Software Notes

• If reference auto-detection is misbehaving with your input signal, it can be forced to external or internal using the select box and “Change Ref” button. Make sure to re-apply your desired frequency after changing the reference source.
• “Send Command” allows a user to send a raw SCPI command to the Signal Generator, in USB mode the GUI will also display any response from the device in the message bar at the bottom.
• Some devices have adjustable LO power letting the user customize the balance between conversion loss and LO leakage
• If the USB voltage box goes into the red, performance will be unpredictable or an error will be indicated by the device. Try finding a better USB power source or cable.

Hardware

• The MCX 10MHz reference input will accept sine or square wave input between -10 and +10dBm.
• Some models also feature a 100MHz reference MCX port
• Network enabled devices ship with DHCP enabled as default. There is a separate PDF app note on how to change these network settings if needed.

Notes

• 10MHz frequency reference MCX-BNC adapter example:
• A complete SCPI command list is located on the website (https://www.dsinstruments.com/downloads/)
• Tech support email can be reached at support@dsinstruments.com

• Version 4.3
• DS Instruments 2022
• www.dsinstruments.com

References

• DS Instruments Microwave Equipment – RF Signal Generators, Step Attenuators, Mixers, Switches…
• Downloads – DS Instruments Microwave Equipment

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