HTOOL SL6 9K-6.2GHz Signal Generator User Manual

1. Product Overview

The HTOOL SL6 is a versatile 9KHz-6.2GHz Signal Generator designed for various applications, including electronics laboratories, automotive electronics, aerospace, industrial self-service, and medical devices. It features a MAX2871 chip and a GD32F427 main controller, with a 2.8-inch (240x320) LCD screen for intuitive operation. The device supports USB virtual serial port communication, requiring driver installation for host computer control.

Key Features:

• Generates sine waves across a broad frequency range from 9KHz to 6200MHz.
• Dual-channel signal output:
  • CH1: 24MHz to 6200MHz
  • CH2: 9KHz to 6200MHz
• Adjustable output power for CH2, with eleven ranges from -25dBm to -15dBm.
• Supports both scanning and spot frequency working modes.
• USB virtual serial port communication for external control.
• Supports serial port control for scan frequency, point frequency, and other operations.
• Powered via USB.

2. Specifications

3. Setup

3.1 Package Contents

Before starting, please verify that all items are present in the package:

• 1 x SL6 Signal Source Generator
• 1 x Type-C cable
• 1 x Stylus
• 2 x SMA Male-to-Male Extension Cable
• 1 x SMA Female-to-Female Adapter
• 1 x N female (hole) to SMA male (pin) adapter
• 1 x BNC female (hole) to SMA male (pin) adapter
• 1 x SMA male (pin) to F female (hole) adapter
• 1 x SMA Male to BNC Male adapter

3.2 Device Connections

The HTOOL SL6 features several ports for connectivity and operation:

• CH1: Signal output channel 1.
• CH2: Signal output channel 2.
• Type-C: USB Type-C port for power supply and data communication with a host computer.
• OFF/ON: Power switch to turn the device on or off.

To set up the device:

1. Connect the Type-C cable to the device's Type-C port and to a USB power source (e.g., computer USB port, USB charger).
2. Use the provided SMA extension cables and adapters to connect the CH1 or CH2 output to your desired measurement equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope).
3. Ensure the device is powered on using the OFF/ON switch.

4. Operation

The HTOOL SL6 can be operated directly via its touchscreen interface or controlled by host computer software via a USB virtual serial port.

4.1 On-Device Operation

The 2.8-inch LCD screen allows direct input and control. Use the included stylus for precise interaction.

• Language Change: Select between Chinese, Russian, and English system languages.
• Power: Adjust the output power for CH2 (e.g., from -15dBm to -25dBm).
• Frequency Mode: Directly enter the desired frequency using the on-screen keypad or navigate through menus.
• Single Sweep Mode: Set start frequency, end frequency, step size, and step time for a single frequency sweep.
• Cyclic Sweep Mode: Configure parameters for continuous frequency sweeps.

To enter frequency mode, you can use a shortcut key or navigate through the on-screen buttons. For sweep modes, you must first set the start frequency, end frequency, step, and single-step time, then enable the sweep function.

4.2 Host Computer Software Control

The HTOOL SL6 supports control via dedicated host computer software. This requires installing the necessary drivers for the USB virtual serial port.

The software provides a graphical interface for controlling various parameters:

• Language Choice: Select between Chinese and English.
• Serial Port: Connect to the device by selecting the correct COM port and clicking 'Connect'.
• Model Choice: Ensure 'SL6' is selected.
• Point Frequency: Set a specific frequency in MHz and send the command.
• Sweep Frequency: Configure start frequency, end frequency, step, and step time for sweeps.
• Channel Choice: Select between CH1 and CH2.
• Amplitude Choice: Adjust the signal amplitude.
• SigSrcOnOff: Toggle the signal source on/off.
• IAP Update: For firmware updates.

4.3 SCPI Command Interface

The device supports SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) commands for advanced control via the serial port. Instructions are typically ASCII formatted strings, ending with a newline character (\n).

Instruction Format:

• Commands are separated by a colon (:).
• Uppercase letters are used for commands; lowercase letters can be omitted (e.g., FREQuency can be FREQ).
• Square brackets [] indicate optional parts (e.g., AMPL[:VALU] means VALU is optional).
• Curly braces {} indicate mutually exclusive options (e.g., {A|B|C} means choose one of A, B, or C).
• Spaces separate instructions and parameters.
• Parameters are separated by commas.
• Commands end with a carriage return and newline (\r\n).

Key SCPI Commands:

• *IDN?\r\n: Mandatory first command to enter SCPI mode.
• GENErator:STATus {ON|OFF}: Set signal source on or off.
• GENErator:STATus?: Query signal source status.
• FREQuency:LOPW [value]: Set output power (0-7).
• FREQuency:LOPW?: Query output power.
• FREQuency:SPAN [freq]: Set spectrum scan width (floating point number in MHz).
• FREQuency:SPAN?: Query spectrum sweep width.
• FREQuency:STARt [freq]: Set sweep start frequency (floating point number in MHz).
• FREQuency:STARt?: Query sweep start frequency.
• FREQuency:STOP [freq]: Set scan cutoff frequency (floating point number in MHz).
• FREQuency:STOP?: Query scan cutoff frequency.
• FREQuency:TIME [time]: Set scanning single step time (integer, unit ms).
• FREQuency:TIME?: Query scanning single-step time.
• GENErator:POINt [freq]: Set point frequency (floating point number in MHz).
• GENErator:POINt?: Query point frequency rate.
• GENErator:SINGle [start_freq],[stop_freq],[step_freq],[time]: Set single sweep parameters.
• GENErator:SINGle?: Query single sweep parameters.
• GENErator:CYCLe [start_freq],[stop_freq],[step_freq],[time]: Set cyclic sweep parameters.
• GENErator:CYCLe?: Query cyclic sweep parameters.

5. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your HTOOL SL6 Signal Generator, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the device's exterior. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents that could damage the casing or screen.
• Storage: Store the device in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity.
• Handling: Handle the device with care to prevent physical damage. Avoid dropping or subjecting it to strong impacts.
• Connector Care: Keep the SMA connectors clean and free from dust or debris. Use appropriate caps when not in use.
• Battery: The device includes a built-in battery. For optimal battery life, avoid fully discharging it frequently and store the device with a partial charge if not used for extended periods.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your HTOOL SL6, try the following basic troubleshooting steps:

• Device Not Powering On: Ensure the Type-C cable is securely connected to a working USB power source and the OFF/ON switch is in the 'ON' position. Check if the power source is providing sufficient power.
• No Signal Output: Verify that the correct output channel (CH1 or CH2) is selected and enabled. Check all cable connections between the signal generator and the receiving equipment. Ensure the frequency and amplitude settings are correctly configured.
• Host Computer Connection Issues: Make sure the USB virtual serial port drivers are correctly installed on your computer. Confirm that the correct COM port is selected in the host software. Restart both the device and the computer if necessary.
• Incorrect Frequency/Amplitude: Double-check the input values on the device screen or in the host software. Ensure you are using the correct units (e.g., MHz).
• Screen Unresponsive: Use the stylus for precise input. If the screen remains unresponsive, try restarting the device.

For more detailed troubleshooting or persistent issues, please refer to the official user manual PDF or contact customer support.

7. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, technical support, and further documentation, please refer to the official user manual PDF provided by HTOOL. The PDF manual contains comprehensive guides and additional information not covered in this summary.

You can access the official user manual (PDF) for this product here.