CATV Equipment Control Software
Software for Controlling Matrix ASX signal generators, AFS Filter selectors and Distortion Analyzers
The CATV Test Equipment Control Software typically operates via an IEEE 488 interface to inter-operate with Matrix’s ASX-16, thru ASX-16C/D model generators, AFS-12 Filter selector, Matrix distortion analyzers, a variety of spectrum analyzers, power meters, and frequency counters for control of RF carriers in making distortion measurements, and equipment calibration. The software may be operated in a virtual simulation mode, without any external equipment connected, for demonstration of its capabilities and for training purposes.
The software allows selected modules to be turned on or off in continuous wave (CW) or 100% modulated states, carrier levels to be adjusted to flat or tilt specifications, RF attenuators to be controlled, filters to be selected, and generator base levels and frequency trim to be re-calibrated automatically. Multiple frequency plans may be defined and loaded by means of software. The software will support multiple RF power output and multiple attenuator generator configurations. Scripts of ASX generator commands entered by the user in the user configuration file are automatically executed for the selected frequency plan when it is loaded. This allows automatic tailoring of the state of the system when the plan is selected, e.g. level and attenuator settings, carrier on/off settings in CW or modulation, or any other series of ASX generator commands. See software manual.
SPECIFICATIONS
| PC Requirements | Intel 486 or better CPU, 8MB RAM, 4 MB hard disk, 256 colors video resolution (16 bit or >= 32,768 colors recommended). |
| IEEE 488 Interfaces | Compatible with GPIB interfaces from National Instruments, Capital Equipment, Hewlett Packard (HP I/O and HP SICL), and Iotech. |
| Spectrum Analyzers | HP8560E, HP8590A, HP8591E, HP 8568B, and HP70000 series with GPIB interface. May work with other HP compatible equipment. |
| Power Meters | HP 436A, HP437B, HP438A, and Gigatronics 8540 series with GPIB interface. |
| Frequency Counters | HP5316B, HP53181A with GPIB interface. May also use HP70000 spectrum analyzer for frequency trim calibration. |
| Distortion Analyzers | Matrix AR-12, R-75, R-76 and AFS-12 Filter Selector. Capability to store results on disk files for analysis or printing. Soon to be available software for distortion measurement using spectrum analyzers. |
| Attenuation Control | Controls RF attenuators in + or - 0.5 or 1, and 5 dB steps. |
| Leveling | Flat and up to 15 dB tilt (10 dB with ASX-16, 12 dB with ASX-16B) for 160 carriers to a resolution of 0.1 dB performed automatically in 1 - 2 minutes, depending on speed of power device. Leveling data can be saved on disk to quickly establish different levels. |
| Multiple Frequency Plan Support | Software to configure and select one of multiple frequency plans from the main panel. Supports multiple output and attenuator configurations. User specified command scripts for customizing generator state. |
| Device Interface for Diagnostics | Screens to input device specific commands to any supported interfaced equipment such as: Matrix generators, distortion analyzers, spectrum analyzers and frequency counters. |
| Help Facility | Contents and context sensitive on-line help available. |
| Automatic Calibration | Automatically performs base leveling and frequency trim with the appropriate power and frequency measuring equipment. Calibration data can be stored on disk to easily restore generator calibration. |
| Option | Automated Distortion Characterization and Information System upgrade option for making Xmod, CTB, CSO, C/N, Discrete 2nd and 3rd order measurements. |
| Downloadable Software | The latest version of the software is downloadable from our web site: www.matrixtest.com\dwnlodsw.html |
