Quasonix 3 Generation Receiver Analyzer Installation Guide

Q: Can I circulate or reproduce the document without approval?
A: No, you must obtain prior written approval from Quasonix, Inc. before circulating or reproducing any part of the document.

Q: What is the certification of the product?
A: The product is ISO 9001:2015 Certified.

Q: Where can I find the specifications for the rear panel connectors?
A: The specifications for the rear panel connectors can be found in Table 1 of the user manual.

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3rd Generation Receiver Analyzer
· *AQPSK · *AUQPSK The eight (8) built in bit error rate testers can be used to test any clock and data outputs from any receiver or demodulator. The only true limitation of testing the output of any receiver is maximum bit rate. *AQPSK and AUQPSK are generated from two orthogonal BPSK-modulated bit streams.
1.2 Nomenclature
The RA is identified by the following part number: QSX-RXAN-3R1D-A1-1111
1.3 Package Contents
The contents of the box include the following: · RA unit · USB 2.0 AB cable · Power cord · Two (2) calibrated RF output cables · Six (6) 75 ohm clock and data BNC cables · CD with control software, user manual, data sheets, etc. Note: The very latest User Manual and Data Sheet are always available on the Quasonix web site.
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2 Specifications

Signal Generator Section RF Outputs Power Level Output RF Frequency Modulation Formats Bit Rates Data Generator Functions
Coding Options

2, can be slaved
-10 dBm to 150 dBm, default range (set in 0.01 dB or finer steps)
200.0-2500.0 MHz, tunable in 1 Hz or finer steps 4400.0-5250.0 MHz, tunable in 1 Hz or finer steps
PCM/FM, SOQPSK, MHCPM, BPSK, QPSK, OQPSK, UQPSK, AQPSK*, AUQPSK*, DPM, STC
100 bps to 46 Mbps (mode dependent) settable in 1 bps or finer steps
Patterns: PN6, PN9, PN11, PN15, PN17, PN20, PN23, PN31, User (2 to 32 bits) Manual error insertion Continuous error insertion, BER 1e-9 to 0.5
LDPC encoding (per IRIG 106-22 Appendix 2-D) Reed-Solomon encoding (E=16, I=1-8, per CCSDS 131.0-B-3 Section 4) Convolutional encoding (r=1/2, K=7, per CCSDS 131.0-B-3 Section 3) Randomization (per IRIG 106-22 and CCSDS 131.0-B-3 Sections 8, 10) PCM encoding: NRZ-L/M/S, BI-L/M/S, RZ, DM-M/S, M2-M/S Basic PCM framing (sync pattern 16 to 33 bits, minor frame up to 16384 bits, major frame up to 256 minor frames, with subframe ID insertion) Data inversion

Signal Generator Functions

Multipath fading (settable synchronized or asynchronous phase relationship between RF channels) Multi-ray multipath channel emulation Amplitude modulation Calibrated additive white Gaussian noise

Clock and Data In/Out

TTL (BNC)
Supports one (1) input and one (1) selectable output (including decapsulated DQE)

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Receiver Input/Status Output Section

Clock and Data In Input Codes Status Out DQE Decapsulation Data Sync Detection
BERT

TTL (BNC) Supports up to eight (8) clock and data input pairs for bit error rate testing from receivers, demodulators, etc.
NRZ-L
TTL (HDB-15) BERT Error (CH1I, CH2I), Signal On/Off (CH1I, CH2I), Sync Detect (CH1I, CH2I, CMBI, BSSI)
Automatic payload size detection
Continuous sync time monitoring Continuous sync loss time (i.e., latency) monitoring
Elapsed time, measured bit rate, total bits Measured error rate, measured errors, measured errored seconds, measured link availability Estimated error rate, estimated errors, estimated errored seconds, estimated link availability (estimated based on DQM)

Environmental Section

Operating Temperature Non-operating Temperature Operating Humidity Altitude

0°C to +50°C 0°C to +70°C 0 to 95% (non-condensing) Up to 30,000 ft.

Physical Section

Size Weight Connectors per RF Channel

1U chassis; 19″ wide, 1.75″ tall, 14-5/16″ rack depth, 15-11/16″ overall depth 12.0 lbs.
RF Out: N female Status Out: DB-15 High Density female

Connectors per Receiver Channel (CH1, CH2, CMB, BSS)

I Clock, Q Clock, I Data, Q Data In: BNC female

Connectors per Chassis Power

TX Clock/Data In/Out: BNC female USB-B for user interface control AC power in
25 W @ 120 VAC

*AQPSK and AUQPSK are generated from two orthogonal BPSK-modulated bit streams.

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3 Installation Instructions
3.1 Mechanical
The RA’s enclosure fits in a standard 19″ rack, occupying just 1U of rack space. Mechanical layouts are provided in Figure 1 and Figure 2.
Figure 1: Mechanical Drawing Back View
Figure 2: Mechanical Drawing Top View
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3.2 Thermal
The storage temperature of the Rack Mount RA is rated for 0°C to +70°C, while the operating temperature is rated for 0°C to +50°C. It is recommended that the unit be kept in a temperature controlled environment to minimize the risk of operating (or storing) outside the ranges specified.
The RA features cooling vents on both sides of its aluminum chassis. These vents must be kept entirely unobstructed in order to allow for maximum airflow through the system. Whenever feasible, it is helpful to leave an open rack space above and below the Rack Mount RA for additional heat dissipation.
3.3 Electrical
The Rack Mount RA is available only in a dual channel configuration, with all pertinent electrical connections located on the rear panel.
3.3.1 RA Connections The electrical interface connector layout for the RA is shown in Figure 3. The TTL inputs are compatible with both 3.3 volt and 5 volt signals.

Figure 3: RA Back Panel

Table 1: Rear Panel Connector Specifications

Function

Electrical Characteristics

Channel 1, In-phase (I) Clock BERT Input

75 ohm TTL

Channel 1, In-phase (I) Data BERT Input

75 ohm TTL

Channel 1, Quadrature (Q) Clock BERT Input

75 ohm TTL

Channel 1, Quadrature (Q) Data BERT Input

75 ohm TTL

Channel 2, In-phase (I) Clock BERT Input

75 ohm TTL

Channel 2, In-phase (I) Data BERT Input

75 ohm TTL

Channel 2, Quadrature (Q) Clock BERT Input

75 ohm TTL

Channel 2, Quadrature (Q) Data BERT Input

75 ohm TTL

Combiner, In-phase (I) Clock BERT Input

75 ohm TTL

Combiner, In-phase (I) Data BERT Input

75 ohm TTL

Combiner, Quadrature (Q) Clock BERT Input

75 ohm TTL

Combiner, Quadrature (Q) Data BERT Input

75 ohm TTL

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Connector Type 75 ohm BNC 75 ohm BNC 75 ohm BNC 75 ohm BNC 75 ohm BNC 75 ohm BNC 75 ohm BNC 75 ohm BNC 75 ohm BNC 75 ohm BNC 75 ohm BNC 75 ohm BNC

3rd Generation Receiver Analyzer

Function BSS, In-phase (I) Clock BERT Input BSS, In-phase (I) Data BERT Input BSS, Quadrature (Q) Clock BERT Input BSS, Quadrature (Q) Data BERT Input Transmitter Clock In Transmitter Clock Out Transmitter Data In Transmitter Data Out Channel 1, Auxiliary Output 1 Channel 1, Auxiliary Output 2 Channel 1, Auxiliary Output 3 Channel 1, Auxiliary Output 4 Channel 2, Auxiliary Output 1 Channel 2, Auxiliary Output 2 Channel 2, Auxiliary Output 3 Channel 2, Auxiliary Output 4 Tx 1 RF Output Tx 2 RF Output USB Control Power

Electrical Characteristics 75 ohm TTL 75 ohm TTL 75 ohm TTL 75 ohm TTL 75 ohm TTL 75 ohm TTL 75 ohm TTL 75 ohm TTL 75 ohm TTL 75 ohm TTL 75 ohm TTL 75 ohm TTL 75 ohm TTL 75 ohm TTL 75 ohm TTL 75 ohm TTL 50 ohms 50 ohms 5 V Standard
90-264 V-rms AC, 47-63 Hz

Connector Type 75 ohm BNC 75 ohm BNC 75 ohm BNC 75 ohm BNC 75 ohm BNC 75 ohm BNC 75 ohm BNC 75 ohm BNC
Ch1 DB-15, Pin 6 Ch1 DB-15, Pin 11 Ch1 DB-15, Pin 12 Ch1 DB-15, Pin 13 Ch2 DB-15, Pin 6 Ch2 DB-15, Pin 11 Ch2 DB-15, Pin 12 Ch2 DB-15, Pin 13
N N USB-B EAC309X

3.3.2 Digital Status Outputs
The RA digital status outputs allow the user to monitor internal status in real time. There are two female DB-15 auxiliary connectors used for this purpose. The channel 1 connector is defined as J9, while the channel 2 connector is defined as J19, as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4: RA Back Panel, J9 and J19 Labeled
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The female DB-15 connector pins are numbered as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5: Female DB-15 Connector, Numbered
Table 2 describes the default status output signal parameters. These outputs can be configured for various output status. They can optionally be configured to drive a DAC for eight (8) analog outputs. Refer to section Status Outputs for details.

Table 2: Digital Status Output Descriptions

Signal

Function Connector Pin

Note

CH1I Error

CH 1, Aux

Output 1

6 Bit error detected. High for every bit that is in error.

CH2I Error

CH 2, Aux

J19

Output 1

6 Bit error detected. High for every bit that is in error.

CH1 RF On

CH 1, Aux

Output 2

11 High when CH1 RF enabled, low when RF disabled

CH2 RF On

CH 2, Aux

J19

11 High when CH2 RF enabled, low when RF

Output 2

disabled

CH1I Sync Detect CH 1, Aux

Output 3

12 High when CH1I synchronization detected (i.e., the user-selected sync detect data pattern is present in the receiver output data), low otherwise

CH2I Sync Detect CH 2, Aux

J19

12 High when CH2I synchronization detected (i.e.,

Output 3

the user-selected sync detect data pattern is

present in the receiver output data), low

otherwise

CMBI Sync Detect CH 1, Aux

Output 4

13 High when CMBI synchronization detected (i.e., the user-selected sync detect data pattern is present in the receiver output data), low otherwise

BSSI Sync Detect CH 2, Aux

J19

13 High when BSSI synchronization detected (i.e.,

Output 4

the user-selected sync detect data pattern is

present in the receiver output data), low

otherwise

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Figure 6: RA Installation Drawing

3rd Generation Receiver Analyzer
3.4 Connect Devices
Connections between the Receiver and the RA will vary depending on the type of receiver and the measurements desired.
1. Connect a Receiver to the RA using the appropriate TTL clock and data cables for the receiver; connect the RF cable from the RA to the Receiver RF input.
2. Connect the RA to a Windows PC using the USB connector on the back panel. 3. Connect each device to an appropriate power source.
3.5 Install RxAn GUI Software
The Quasonix 3rd Generation RA is shipped with an installer for the RxAn GUI. 1. Copy the installer software to a location on the connected PC. 2. Go to the software folder and locate the setup.exe file. 3. Double-click on the setup.exe file to start running. Do not execute RA3Install.msi directly. Setup.exe installs any needed external requirements. It is recommended that the default file locations be used. RxAn uses a support library from Microsoft for the advanced math. The installer checks to see if the system has this library installed and attempts to install it, if necessary. If your system does not have this library installed, you will be prompted to let the installer install it, as shown in Figure 7. Click on the Install button to continue.
Figure 7: RxAn Setup, Install Components
A status window shows the progress of the installation, as shown in Figure 8.
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Figure 8: RxAn Setup, Installing Components Status
These libraries have their own installers. As each runs, you will be prompted to allow the installer to make changes to your system. This may only be indicated by the secure desktop icon in the taskbar, as shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9: Secure Desktop Icon
Click on the Secure icon, then select Yes to continue. After the required library is verified as installed, the RxAn Setup Wizard displays, as shown in Figure 10.
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Figure 10: RxAn Setup Wizard Welcome Screen
4. Click on the Next button to continue the installation. The RxAn installation includes the matching firmware for the version of RxAn being installed. This is located separately in case the user has difficulty with a firmware update, this can be used, under the guidance of Quasonix, to help complete the firmware update. While the PC location of the firmware file may be changed, it is recommended that the default file locations be used, as shown in Figure 11.
5. Click on the Next button to continue.
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Figure 11: RxAn Setup Wizard, Firmware Location
RxAn communicates with the RxAn hardware through a USB interface. This interface requires drivers to be installed on the PC, if they are not already installed. To install the drivers, click on the Install Drivers? check box, as shown in Figure 12. If this is an update or reinstallation of RxAn, the user can uncheck the box.
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Figure 12: RxAn Setup Wizard, Install Drivers Selection
RxAn is a 64-bit executable and will be installed in the 64 bit application folder, shown in Figure 13.
Figure 13: RxAn Setup Wizard, Select Installation Folder
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6. Click on the Next button to continue. When Confirm Installation displays, all of the installation options are set, and the installer is ready to begin the installation, as shown in Figure 14.
Figure 14: RxAn Setup Wizard, Confirm Installation
7. Click on the Next button to start the installation. The installation may ask if it is ok to install from an unknown source. If it does, click on the Yes button.
Figure 15: RxAn Setup Wizard, Unknown Publisher Message
While RxAn is being installed, a progress window displays, as shown in Figure 16. 15 Quasonix, Inc.

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Figure 16: RxAn Setup Wizard, Installing RxAn Status
After RxAn is installed, if the user has allowed the drivers to be installed, the Device Driver Installation Wizard displays, as shown in Figure 17.
Figure 17: Device Driver Installation Wizard Welcome Screen
8. Click on the Next button to continue the driver installation. A License Agreement for the device driver displays, as shown in Figure 18. Select “I accept this agreement.” You may print or save the agreement to a file, if desired.
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Figure 18: Device Driver License Agreement Acceptance
9. Click on the Next button to continue. When the driver installation is complete, an installation status displays, as shown in Figure 19.
Figure 19: Completing the Device Driver Installation Wizard
10. Click on the Finish button to complete the driver installation. When the RxAn installation is complete, a final status displays, as shown in Figure 20.
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Figure 20: RxAn Installation Complete
After the installation is complete, a shortcut is added to the desktop. The RxAn icon is shown in Figure 21.
Figure 21: RxAn Desktop Shortcut Icon
When the installation finishes, a shortcut to RxAn is also installed in the Windows Start Menu under a Quasonix folder along with shortcuts to the RA3 Firmware and other RxAn Resource, including project files, layouts, measurements, and other documentation, as shown in Figure 22.
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Figure 22: RxAn Resource Shortcuts on Start Menu
3.6 Uninstall RxAn
RxAn can be uninstalled by using either the Windows Apps & Feature settings, or by executing the original setup.exe file. The Welcome to RxAn Setup wizard displays, as shown in Figure 23. This lets the user repair the existing installation or to remove RxAn.
1. Select Remove RxAn, then click on the Finish button.
Figure 23: RxAn Setup Wizard, Repair or Remove
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2. The installation may ask if it is ok to install from an unknown source. Click on the Yes button.
Figure 24: RxAn Setup Wizard, Unknown Publisher Message
A confirmation displays after RxAn is removed, as shown in Figure 25.
Figure 25: RxAn Setup Wizard, Installation (Removal) Complete
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3rd Generation Receiver Analyzer 3.7 Install Firmware Update
The RA hardware contains an Altera FPGA with embedded microprocessor. Each requires its own firmware to operate the RA. RxAn requires a specific version of firmware. Firmware updates are initiated from the Tools menu. For detailed information, refer to section 12, Appendix C.
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4 Theory of Operation
The RA consists of two channels of RF output and eight channels of receiver data analysis. The RxAn GUI provides access to this hardware via a USB interface connected to an FPGA. The RxAn GUI is closely mapped to the structure of the FPGA and facilitates detailed control of all available functionality. Each of the dual RF channels consists of a Digital Baseband Signal Generator in the FPGA, Digital-to-Analog (D/A) Converter, Synthesizer, I/Q Modulator, Amplifiers, and Step Attenuators. The channel frequencies can either be synchronized (coherent) or different for frequency diversity simulation or adjacent channel interference testing. Behind the scenes, the FPGA controls all RA hardware, including loading the Synthesizer frequencies, and setting the Step Attenuators for the proper output power. Calibrated output power is achieved through digital gain control in the FPGA. Drivers and receivers buffer and convert the high speed clock and data signals to the appropriate FPGA operational levels. These signals are monitored in the FPGA to measure bit rate, pattern synchronization, and both actual and estimated bit error rate (if Data Quality Encapsulation is enabled in the receiver under test).
Figure 26: RA System-Level Block Diagram
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Figure 27: Signal Synthesis Block Diagram
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Figure 28: Analyzer Section Block Diagram
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5 Hardware and Communications Set Up
5.1 RA Front-Panel
The RA front panel contains only a power switch.
Figure 29: RA Front Panel
5.2 RA Back Panel
A variety of connectors are located on the RA back panel, shown in Figure 30. Enlarged illustrations of the left and right half of the back panel are shown in Figure 31 and Figure 32. Note that channel and I/Q designations are intended to provide simple signal identification for most typical use cases, but they generally have no special meaning in RA operation. The only functional exception is for sync time measurement (refer to section 6.4.13.2). Therefore, for most testing, any receiver Clock/Data pair may be connected to any RA Clock/Data inputs.
Figure 30: RA Back Panel
An enlarged photo of the left half of the back panel is shown in Figure 31. It contains the following connectors: BERT I and Q Clock and Data Input for Channel 1, Transmitter I and Q Clock and Data In/Out, Transmitter 1 RF Output and DB-15 connector, and BERT I and Q Clock and Data Input for Channel 2.
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Figure 31: RA Back Panel, Left Side Enlarged
An enlarged photo of the right half of the back panel is shown in Figure 32. It contains the following connectors: BERT I and Q Clock and Data Input for Best Source Selection (BSS), Transmitter 2 RF Output and DB-15 connector, BERT I and Q Clock and Data Input for Diversity Combiner, USB Control port, Power Supply port.
Figure 32: RA Back Panel, Right Side Enlarged
5.3 RA Communications Connection
Be sure the RA is connected to the PC and that the RxAn software and drivers have been installed, as described in section 3.4 and section 3.5.
1. Go to the desktop shortcut or to the Windows Start menu. 2. Double-click on the RxAn.exe file.
The RA application scans available communication ports (COM), and automatically connects to the one attached to the RA. When the application opens, a box in the lower left corner of the RxAn GUI displays the COM port connected. It displays in green when successfully connected, as shown in Figure 33. The lower right side displays status information received from the connected RA, as shown in Figure 33. If there is no valid COM port connection, or no status information, use the Connection option in the Main Menu Toolbar, discussed in section 6.3.1.1, to troubleshoot the problem. If connecting to multiple RAs, run another instance of the application after successfully connecting the first unit.
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Figure 33: RA RxAn GUI, COM Port and Status Information Circled
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System Operation

6.1 RA
The Quasonix RA is composed of two primary sections: · Signal Generation · Measurement (Demodulated data analysis)
The signal generation section is used to create a broad variety of telemetry transmit RF signals and simulate conditions often found after signal propagation over the air. The measurement section is used to examine data from a receiver after demodulating the generated signals. Each section is composed of one or more instances of functional modules. There are over 30 module types, and over 100 instances of modules. Each of these modules can be connected and configured in various ways to perform a broad array of receiver performance measurements. This results in over 1000 configuration properties and measurement parameters. The RA is a powerful and flexible piece of test equipment. With that power and flexibility comes complexity. RxAn software is the RA graphical user interface used to harness and control that power to perform a wide array of receiver performance measurements. Not all of the RA’s modules, properties, and parameters are required for every measurement. In some cases, only the generated signal is needed to see if a receiver is properly configured. In other cases, only the Bit Error Rate Test module is needed to check demodulated data from an external signal source. Sometimes complex measurements of subtle performance differences between receivers is required. Having a user interface that can accommodate the most complex cases would be overwhelming for the simpler situations. The RxAn GUI is designed to be flexible and configurable, providing only what is necessary for the task at hand and hiding unnecessary features. Figure 34 shows an example of the Quasonix RxAn GUI.
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Figure 34: Example of Basic 3rd Generation RA RxAn GUI
The RxAn GUI consists of a set of panels, with each panel representing a different function within the interface. Panels may be displayed, hidden, moved, and arranged to suit the user.
6.2 RxAn Elements
The RxAn GUI is broken into three major regions: · Menu Bar · Status Bar · Main Dock
6.2.1 Menu Bar The Menu Bar, shown in Figure 35, contains a standard Windows menu interface for lesser used operations that are not directly related to the operation of the RA, such as opening/saving files, loading/saving layouts, connecting to the RA, setting software options, etc. Detailed menu descriptions are provided in section 6.3.
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Figure 35: RxAn GUI, Menu Bar
6.2.2 Status Bar The Status Bar, shown in Figure 36, contains information about the status of the RA and its connection to the RxAn software, such as the communications port in use, the serial number of the RA attached, communication status, etc. Detailed status and connection information is described in section 6.3.1.1.
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Figure 36: RxAn GUI, Status Bar
6.2.3 Main Dock The Main Dock, shown in Figure 37, contains the RA control and status Tool Panel layout. This region can be tuned for specific tasks. Tool Panels can be added, removed, positioned, and sized where it makes the most sense to the user. After a layout has been created, it can be saved and reloaded.
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Figure 37: RxAn GUI, Main Dock
The following examples describe basic layouts included with RxAn. Each has various Tool Panels displayed in different configurations optimized for different tasks. Transmit Only Layout
Figure 38: RxAn GUI, Transmit Only Layout
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Basic Layout

3rd Generation Receiver Analyzer

Figure 39: RxAn GUI, Basic Layout

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Complete Layout

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Figure 40: RxAn GUI, Complete Layout
6.2.3.1 Tool Panels The RxAn GUI uses multiple Tool Panels. Each Tool Panel encompasses the functionality of a single module in the RA. A Tool Panel may have controls to set properties, display status, or both. Tool Panels exist in one of four states:
· Closed · Floating · Docked · Auto Hide
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6.2.3.1.1 Docked A Tool Panel can be docked within the Main Dock. The user can place these Tool Panels in the Main Dock in various combinations to suit the user’s needs. In this configuration, Tool Panels automatically reflow and resize, expanding to consume the available space. The available space can be controlled by sizing the main window and by dragging Resizing Bars between Tool Panels. The following figures show three simple examples of RxAn, all with the same six Tool Panels docked in various combinations in the Main Dock.
Figure 41: RxAn GUI, Simple Docking Arrangement
Figure 42: RxAn GUI, Docking Arrangement 2
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Figure 43: RxAn GUI, Docking Arrangement 3
Because Tool Panels automatically resize, it is possible to create a layout such that Tool Panel contents are clipped, as shown in Figure 44. This can be corrected by resizing the main window or by dragging the Resizing Bars.
Figure 44: RxAn GUI, Tool Panel Contents Clipped
6.2.3.1.1.1 Docked Tool Panel Groups Tool Panels may be combined into Tool Panel Groups, as shown in Figure 45. A Tool Panel Group can be moved to a different location in the Main Dock as a single unit and will resize as a single unit when a Tool Panel Resizing Bar for the Tool Panel Group is moved, as shown in Figure 46. For more information about resizing, refer to section 6.2.3.3.3.
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Figure 45: RxAn GUI, Tool Panel Group
Figure 46: RxAn GUI, Tool Panel Group Moved and Resized
When panels are in a panel group, they are shown as tabs. A panel group can hold any panel type. The active panel displays and is indicated by a white tab, with the other grouped panel tabs in grey `behind’ the active panel, as shown in Figure 47; clicking on a tab moves that panel to the front of the panel group.
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Figure 47: Example Modulator Panels Docked as Tabbed
If panels are Floating, as described in the previous section, each panel displays independently on the desktop and may be moved (dragged) to a desired location. Floating panels may also be grouped as in the Main Dock. For example, if the same four Modulator panels are open and MOD0 and MOD1 are floating, MOD2 and MOD3 are grouped. 6.2.3.1.2 Floating A Tool Panel can be floating outside the main RxAn window. These Tool Panels can be positioned anywhere on the screen and resized independently, as shown in Figure 48 and Figure 49.
Figure 48: RxAn GUI, Floating Tool Panel Example 1
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Figure 49: RxAn GUI, Floating Tool Panel Example 2
6.2.3.1.2.1 Floating Tool Panel Groups Like Docked Tool Panel Groups, floating Tool Panels may be combined into a Floating Tool Panel Group, as shown in Figure 50, Figure 51, and Figure 52. Floating Tool Panel Groups support all of the same docking configurations as the Main Dock.
Figure 50: RxAn GUI, Floating Tool Panel Group Example 1
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Figure 51: RxAn GUI, Floating Tool Panel Group Example 2
Figure 52: RxAn GUI, Floating Tool Panel Group Example 3
6.2.3.1.3 Auto Hide Tool Panels can be set to automatically collapse to a tab against the edge of the Main Dock when not in use, as shown in Figure 53. This makes the Tool Panel easily accessible yet takes up very little room. This can result in extremely compact layouts.
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Figure 53: RxAn GUI, Auto Hide Tool Panel Example
Auto Hide Tool Panels can be docked to the left, right, top, and bottom of the Main Dock, as shown in Figure 54.
Figure 54: RxAn GUI, Multiple Auto Hide Tool Panel Examples
By clicking on, or hovering over, the tab of an Auto-Hide Tool Panel, it expands, making its contents accessible, as shown in Figure 55.
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Figure 55: RxAn GUI, Unhidden Expanded Tool Panels
6.2.3.1.4 Closed A Tool Panel that is closed is not visible on the screen, either in the Main Dock or floating. It can be opened using the View menu and selecting the desired Tool Panel. Sometimes when a Tool Panel is shown on a complex display, it is difficult to see where the Tool Panel is located. Holding a Shift key down while selecting the Tool Panel in the View menu causes the Tool Panel to be opened floating in the center of the main screen. 6.2.3.2 Tool Panel Components Each Tool Panel contains common components, as shown in Figure 56.
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Figure 56: RxAn GUI, Common Tool Panel Components
6.2.3.2.1 Title Bar The Title Bar of a Tool Panel moves a docked Tool Panel in the layout or a floating Tool Panel on the screen. 6.2.3.2.1.1 Title The Title of the Tool Panel is the name of the module the Tool Panel controls. 6.2.3.2.1.2 Drop Down Arrow The drop down Arrow icon opens the drop down menu. 6.2.3.2.1.2.1 Drop Down Menu
· The Float entry causes a Docked Tool Panel to become a floating Tool Panel. It is not available in a floating Tool Panel.
· The Dock entry causes a floating Tool Panel to become docked in the Main Dock. It is not available in a docked Tool Panel.
· The Auto Hide entry toggles a Docked Tool Panel between its normal docked state and the Auto Hide state. 6.2.3.2.1.3 Pin/Auto Hide The Pin/Auto-Hide icon toggles a Docked Tool Panel between its normal docked state and the Auto Hide state. 6.2.3.2.1.4 Minimize/Restore The Minimize/Restore icon maximizes a floating Tool Panel, or restores a maximized Tool Panel to its former state. 6.2.3.2.1.5 Close The Close icon closes the Tool Panel in both the Docked and Floating state.
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6.2.3.2.2 Unit of Measure Tooltips Units of measure are presented as tooltips in the panels. For example, when hovering over Frequency in the RF Output panel, `In MHz’ displays. Similarly, hovering over AWGN in the RF Output panel, displays `In dB Eb/N0′. Examples of tooltips in the RF Output CH1 panel are shown for Frequency, Power, and AWGN in Figure 57.
Figure 57: RA On-screen ToolTips Examples
6.2.3.2.3 Border The Tool Panel Border resizes a floating Tool Panel. Hovering over the border changes the mouse cursor to a double headed arrow. The left/right and top/bottom borders allow changing the width/height respectively, and the four corners allow changing both the width and height, as shown in Figure 58.
Figure 58: RxAn GUI, Tool Panel Border Resizing
6.2.3.3 Creating and Managing Layouts RxAn comes with three layouts of varying complexity and capability. They can be used as the basis for custom layouts.
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6.2.3.3.1 Adding a Tool Panel Tool Panels can be opened and closed by using the View menu on the Menu Toolbar, as shown in Figure 59.
Figure 59: RxAn GUI, View Menu, Add a Tool Panel
The selected Tool Panel is added to the Main Dock, as shown in Figure 60.
Figure 60: RxAn GUI, Tool Panel Added to Main Dock
The Tool Panel is generally added to the same location it was in when it was last closed. When there are many Tool Panels and Tool Panel Groups, it may be difficult to determine where the Tool Panel is located. Holding a Shift key when opening the Tool Panel will open it in a floating state, centered over the main RxAn window, as shown in Figure 61.
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Figure 61: RxAn GUI, Open Tool Panel in Floating State
6.2.3.3.2 Moving Tool Panels A Tool Panel can be moved by left clicking on, and holding, the Title Bar and dragging it to a new location. As the Tool Panel is moved, Docking Hints are displayed, as shown in Figure 62.
Figure 62: RxAn GUI, Tool Panel Docking Hints
Dragging the cursor with the Tool Panel over one of the Docking Hints displays a preview window that shows where the Tool Panel will be docked, as shown in Figure 63.
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Figure 63: RxAn GUI, Tool Panel Docking Preview
Releasing the mouse button causes the Tool Panel to dock in that location, as shown in Figure 64.
Figure 64: RxAn GUI, Tool Panel Docked
Left clicking with the mouse on the Title Bar of the docked Tool Panel and dragging it out of the Main Dock, leaves it floating, as shown in Figure 65. The drop down menu options Float and Dock perform the same function.
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Figure 65: RxAn GUI, Tool Panel Floating
The four Docking Hints at the edges of the Main Dock place Tool Panels along the entire edge of the Main Dock, as shown in Figure 66.
Figure 66: RxAn GUI, Tool Panels Docked on Entire Edge
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The Tool Panel Docking Hint, shown in Figure 67, allows docking a Tool Panel to the top, right, left, bottom, or with the Tool Panel the Docking Hint is covering.
Figure 67: RxAn GUI, Tool Panels Docking Hint
A Tool Panel can be docked to the left, top, right, bottom, (shown in Figure 68) or in a Tabbed Panel Group, as shown in Figure 69.
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Figure 68: RxAn GUI, Tool Panels Docked in Different Locations
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Figure 69: RxAn GUI, Tool Panels Docked in a Tabbed Panel Group
The order of Tool Panels in a Tool Panel Group can be rearranged by left clicking on the Tool Panel tab, then dragging it left or right, as shown in Figure 70.
Figure 70: RxAn GUI, Tool Panels Reordering a Tabbed Panel Group
A Tabbed Panel Group can also become a Floating Panel Group, as shown in Figure. Floating Panel Groups support all of the docking combinations as the Main Dock.
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Figure 71: RxAn GUI, Tool Panels Tabbed Panel Group to Floating Panel Group
6.2.3.3.3 Sizing Tool Panels Docked Tool Panels can be resized by using the Resizing Bars between the Tool Panels, as shown in Figure 72. Moving the mouse over a Resizing Bar displays the double headed arrow.
Figure 72: RxAn GUI, Sizing Tool Panels
Left clicking on the Resizing Bar displays a preview of where the Resizing Bar will have an effect, as shown in Figure 73.
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Figure 73: RxAn GUI, Resizing Bar Locations
Dragging the Resizing Bar causes all of the Tool Panels on either side to be resized, as shown in Figure 75 and Figure 75.
Figure 74: RxAn GUI, Resized Tool Panels and Adjacent Panels
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Figure 75: RxAn GUI, Resizing Bar Locations
6.2.3.3.4 Example Custom Layout Custom layouts may serve several purposes, including simplifying complex or unusual functionality, or visually mirroring signal flow to more closely match the functional block diagram. Figure 76 depicts a combination of these.
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Figure 76: Example Basic Data Flow (AQPSK) with Associated RxAn Panels
6.2.3.4 Common Tool Panel Functionality All Tool Panels have similar sets of functionality. Not all Tool Panels have the same functionality. 6.2.3.4.1 Property Control Sets Sets of property controls are surrounded by a light blue border. Sets of property status displays are surrounded by a light gray border. Both types are shown in Figure 77.
Figure 77: RxAn GUI, Property Status and Control
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6.2.3.4.2 Numeric Up/Down (NUD) Controls Most numeric property fields have Numeric Up/Down controls (NUDs). Numeric Up/Down controls have a Text Field, Up/Down Buttons, and a Step Size button, as shown in Figure 78.
Figure 78: RxAn GUI, Numeric Up/Down Controls
6.2.3.4.2.1 Text Field A value can be entered directly into a Text Field. Hovering the mouse cursor over the numeric Text Field displays a Tool Tip that shows the units of the property being modified, as shown in Figure 79.
Figure 79: RxAn GUI, Tool Panel Text Field
If a value is entered that is out of range, an error message displays while the cursor is in the Text Field of the Property Control. Moving the cursor to another Property Control leaves a red border around the Property Control to indicate the value is invalid, as shown in Figure 80. Returning the cursor to the Property Control displays the error message again.
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Figure 80: RxAn GUI, Invalid/Out of Range Displays
6.2.3.4.2.2 Step Up/Down The value in the text field can be stepped up or down by using the Up/Down buttons, the up and down keyboard arrow keys, or the mouse scroll wheel. 6.2.3.4.2.3 Step Size The Step Size button displays the Step Size Editor, as shown in Figure 81. This sets the amount the Control Property will change by when the Numeric Up/Down control is stepped. While there are no hard limits on the step value, step values that exceed the range of the Control Property being stepped are not practical.
Figure 81: RxAn GUI, Step Size Editor
The Step Size Editor will have zero or more Drop Down menus, as shown in Figure 82. These Drop Down menus set the units for the step size, or the step type.
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Figure 82: RxAn GUI, Step Size Editor Drop Down Menus
6.2.3.4.3 Changed Property Indication When a user makes a change to a property (Check Box, Enable Button, Numeric Field, etc.), that change is not immediately applied to the RA hardware. It is considered a pending change. When a property has a pending change, it has a yellow background for text fields, or a yellow border for check boxes and toggle buttons, as shown in Figure 83.
Figure 83: RxAn GUI, Changed Property Indicators
6.2.3.4.4 Pending Changes When a user makes a change to a property (check box, Enable button, numeric field, etc.), that change is not immediately applied to the RA hardware. It is considered a `pending’ change. A property has a pending change when it has a yellow background (for text fields) or a yellow border (check boxes and toggle buttons). In the upper right-hand corner of each Tool Panel is a set of three icons Revert, Apply, and Auto-Apply, as shown in Figure 84. For global pending changes control, refer to the Coordinator in section 6.4.10.
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Figure 84: RxAn GUI, Change Icons
6.2.3.4.4.1 Revert The Revert icon is enabled if there are pending changes in the Tool Panel, as shown in Figure 85. Clicking on it reverts any changes in the Tool Panel to the state of the RA hardware.
Figure 85: RxAn GUI, Revert Icon
6.2.3.4.4.2 Apply The Apply icon has a red exclamation point to indicate there are pending changes that need to be applied, as shown in Figure 86. Clicking it applies the changes in the Tool Panel to the RA hardware. The Apply icon has a green checkmark when there are no pending changes. This only applies to the pending changes in the Tool Panel and not others.
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Figure 86: RxAn GUI, Apply Icon
Circular Arrows/Apply Button Used to apply changes made in the panel where the icon resides · When the Apply button contains a green check mark, there are no pending changes to apply, as shown in Figure 87.
Figure 87: Apply Button with No Changes Pending
· When the Apply button contains a red exclamation point, as shown in Figure 88, there are pending changes. Clicking on this icon applies any pending changes in that panel only. Pending changes in other panels are not applied. If there are pending changes, a Revert button displays to the left of the Apply button, also shown in Figure 88. Clicking on the Revert button, restores the previous settings to that panel only.
Figure 88: Apply Button with Pending Changes
6.2.3.4.4.3 Auto-Apply Clicking on the Auto-Apply icon toggles the Auto-Apply state of the Tool Panel On and Off. A green arrow in the Auto-Apply icon indicates that Auto-Apply is Off. A red pause symbol indicates that AutoApply is On, as shown in Figure 89. When Auto-Apply is On, the Apply icon is disabled.
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Figure 89: RxAn GUI, Auto-Apply Icon
Gear/Auto Apply Button Toggle button; Clicking on this button puts the panel in Auto Apply mode. Clicking on it again, takes it out of Auto Apply mode. Any changes made to properties are automatically applied to the RA hardware (after a short delay).
· When a green arrow displays in the gear, as shown in Figure 90, it is not in Auto Apply mode.
Figure 90: Gear with Green Arrow–Not in Auto Apply
· When a red `pause’ symbol displays in the gear, as shown in Figure 91, Auto Apply mode is enabled.
Figure 91: Gear with Red Pause Symbol–Auto Apply Mode Enabled
· When Auto Apply mode is enabled, the Apply button is greyed out and is disabled, as shown in Figure 92.
Figure 92: Apply Button Grey and Disabled
6.2.3.4.5 Hamburger Menu Panels with a `Hamburger menu” (three lines), shown in Figure 93, display a secondary menu providing configuration settings or the ability to perform other actions, as shown in Figure 94. These settings are generally less frequently used and/or advanced properties.
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Figure 93: Hamburger Icon
Figure 94: RxAn GUI, Hamburger Icon
6.2.3.4.6 Three Panel Control Group Icon Three connected or unconnected panels indicate modules that are to be configured together; Control Groups are a construct of the RxAn software that is used to allow multiple instances of the same module type to be configured the same. Figure 95 shows unconnected boxes indicating that this panel is not grouped. Figure 96 shows connected boxes and control group number 0. This indicates the panel is in control group 0, and will be configured the same as other panels in control group 0. Control groups are discussed in detail in section 6.4.1.
Figure 95: Three Panels Icon with Unconnected Boxes Figure 96: Three Panels Icon with Connected Boxes and Control Group Number
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6.3 RxAn Detailed Menu Descriptions
The top line of the RxAn GUI window includes a Menu Bar which provides access to common functions and keyboard shortcuts to the functions. 6.3.1 Menu Bar RxAn GUI has a variety of menus available on the top of the screen: File, Edit, View, Project, Connection, Options, Tools, Window, and Help. These menus provide some common functions and keyboard shortcuts to the functions. 6.3.1.1 Connection Menu The Connection menu, shown in Figure 97, is used to refresh the status of the connected RA, scan, locate a communications port, display communication statistics, and set a monitor rate. Communication status information is also provided on the bottom left and right of the RxAn, as shown in Figure 99.
Figure 97: Main Menu Toolbar, Connection Menu
· Refresh This pulls all of the available information from the RA hardware and updates the RxAn GUI. This happens when the RxAn.exe software is started, when the COM port is connected (or reconnected), or when a manual refresh is performed. A user may want/need to do this because there is no blinking yellow communication status in the right side of the status bar at the bottom of the screen, there are unexplained pending changes, or the current displayed configuration isn’t making sense.
· Ports – Use the drop down menu to scan or select a communications port, as shown in Figure 98.
Figure 98: Connection Menu, Ports Drop Down Menu
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During the first RxAn.exe run after installation, it automatically connects to “found” RA hardware. Each time RxAn starts after that, it attempts to reconnect to RA hardware using the port used the last time the software was run. · Scan Ports Examines all of the known communication ports on the computer and populates the list;
the known ports are scanned when RxAn.exe is started or when the user performs a manual scan. The COM port name displays in bold text if an RA responds on that COM port. A user may want to rescan for ports if the RA appears to be connected to a port (COM port status on left side of the status bar at the bottom of the screen is green, as shown in Figure 99), but it doesn’t seem to be communicating with the RA (no blinking yellow communication status in the right side of the status bar at the bottom). COM Port Status Green indicates the RA has that port open. It doesn’t mean there is RA hardware on the other end of the port. If it is red, it means the RA cannot connect to the port because it is unavailable, or the user has closed the port. Clicking on the COM port status will close/open the port. When the port is opened, a refresh is performed automatically. The refresh is intended to occur when there is a possibility that the RA hardware configuration was changed outside the knowledge of the RxAn software. For example, a user can close the port, connect to the RA hardware via terminal, make configuration changes, open the port, and those changes will be reflected in the software.
Figure 99: Status Bar with COM Port and Channel Status
COM ports may have the following states: · If the port name is grey, it is unavailable (in use somewhere else). · If it is bold, it indicates RA hardware has responded to a version query indicating RA hardware is
attached to the port, as shown in Figure 98. · If it is neither, the port is available but doesn’t appear to have RA hardware attached to it. · If it is checked, it is the current port the RA is using to communicate with the RA hardware.
It is possible to have a check beside a port that is not bold because either the user selected a port that did not appear to have RA hardware attached to it, or the port did not appear to have RA hardware attached to it during the port scan. This can happen if the port is in use when the RxAN.exe is started and cannot be scanned. Clicking on a checked port will close/open the port. Communication Status The last two characters/boxes on the right end of the status bar indicate communication status, as shown in Figure 100. If the box is yellow and has a number in it, it means there are messages queued for processing. The number of messages queued is the number displayed. The left box of the pair indicates messages coming from the RA hardware and the right box indicates messages going to the RA hardware. The RA hardware communicates to the RA software autonomously, so the left box should always be blinking. If it’s not, a Connection > Refresh may restart it.
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Figure 100: Status Bar with Serial Number, Channel Status, and Communication Status
· Statistics This option is a diagnostic tool primarily used by Quasonix to access communication statistics sent between the RA hardware and the RxAn GUI. Use the drop down menu to select statistics for the RxAn or the target RA, as shown in Figure 101.
Figure 101: Connection Menu, Statistics Drop Down Menu
· RxAn Statistics the RxAn maintains, as shown in Figure 102, Connection Statistics window · Reset Buttons Reset specific statistics
· RA Statistics the targeted RA hardware maintains and can send to the RxAn for display, as shown in Figure 103, Connection Statistics – RA window · Rate Sets the rate the RA hardware reports communication statistics · Run Button Enables repetitive reporting of those statistics at the specified rate · Refresh Button Does a single poll for the statistics (when the repetitive reporting is turned off) · Reset Button Resets the accumulated statistics in the RA hardware
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Figure 102: Host Connection Statistics

Figure 103: RA Connection Statistics

· Monitor Rate Use the Connection drop down menu to select Monitor Rate, as shown in Figure 104. The Monitor Rate window, shown in Figure 105, sets the delay between reports from the RA hardware to the RxAn GUI. It defaults to 100 ms. There should be no reason to change this unless the PC that RxAn is running on cannot keep up with the incoming traffic from the RA hardware.

Figure 104: Connection, Monitor Rate…

Figure 105: Monitor Rate Selection

6.3.1.2 Project Menu
The Project Menu in the Toolbar lets the user associate multiple files, such as window layouts, measurement scripts, notes, etc., with a Project.
The Project drop down menu consists of four options: Add New, Add Existing, Add Current, and Remove, as shown in Figure 106. Other files may be associated with a project. These files can be measurements (.rms), measurement results (.rmr), notes (.txt), and window layout files (.layout), as shown in Figure 107. This is a way to associate files with a project, so the user has quick access to them.

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· Add New Creates new measurement or notes file · Add Existing Adds an existing measurement or notes file to the project for easy access · Add Current If there is a file (.rmr or .txt) currently opened in an editor, it may be added to the project. · Remove Removes an associated file from the project; the file is not deleted

Figure 106: Project, Add New Drop Down Menu

Figure 107: Add New, RxAn Measurement Selection

The Project Menu is greyed out if no project is loaded.

Figure 108: Project Greyed Out
6.3.1.2.1 Project Files Project files contain all of the RA settings in effect at the time the project file was saved, including the RxAn GUI layout. This is particularly useful for establishing a known-good repeatable configuration for measuring or to leave a “breadcrumb” during troubleshooting or analysis. Certain state information, such as what measurement was most recently loaded in the Measurement panel, is not saved. Since layouts can also be saved separately, it is easy to load a project and then to load an alternate layout if desired. There is no practical limit to the number of projects that may be saved for later use.
The provided projects contain some settings that are required for use with the provided measurement scripts. It is strongly advised that these projects, or projects derived from them, be used when running these measurements. These baseline projects should never be modified.
To access a saved project, go to File>Open Project, and select from one of the available project files, as shown in Figure 109. The specified project displays in the RxAn GUI, as shown in Figure 110.

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Figure 109: File>Open Project, Example Available Project List
A few project files are provided as possible starting points. Basic.rxan and Complete.rxan provide a single modulated signal (PCMFM at 10 Mb/s to start) and three BERTs configured for measuring a dual-channel receiver with combiner. The only difference between these projects is the layout: Basic.rxan uses Basic.layout, which provides access to all common RA functions. Complete.rxan uses Complete.layout, which adds multipath capability. For additional information about project layouts, refer to section 10, Appendix A.
Figure 110: Example Basic.rxan Settings
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6.3.1.3 Options Menu The Options menu, shown in Figure 111, currently provides one selection, Output > Carrier Suppression. Checked is On, and not checked is Off.
Figure 111: Options Output Drop Down Menu, Carrier Suppression Checked
6.3.1.3.1 Carrier Suppression Carrier leakage is an undesired sine wave embedded within the transmitted signal at the synthesized RF carrier frequency. It is caused by small imperfections in the analog RF modulation process. Its amplitude is generally around 30 dB below the modulated signal, but it is present even when the signal is turned off (in other words, set to an amplitude of 0). It acts as a form of interference and is therefore detrimental to generating an ideal modulated RF output. The RA mitigates carrier leakage by digitally modulating the desired signal with a center frequency offset by 20 MHz from the carrier frequency. The entire RF output is then counter-offset by the same amount, so the desired signal is centered at the user-selected frequency and the carrier leakage appears 20 MHz away. Using this method, the carrier leakage falls outside the band of interest for the desired signal. Note: This method is not suitable for over-the-air transmission, as the carrier leakage and other image products appear as interfering signals in channels adjacent to the desired signal. In this case, carrier suppression should be disabled (not checked).
6.3.1.4 File Menu The File menu, shown in Figure 112, provides the ability to create, open, and save RA projects. Different file types may be created, as shown in Figure 113: Measurement (.rms), Notes (.txt), Measurement results (.rmr), and the other related files may be viewed using the File > Open option, then selecting the desired file to open.

Figure 112: File Menu
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Figure 113: File > New Drop Down Menu

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6.3.1.5 Edit Menu The Edit menu, shown in Figure 114, is used to cut, copy, or paste content in all editable fields. It also includes the ability to undo an action. For example, if a user has the Channel CH0 panel open, it is possible to select text from the Frequency field, then cut, copy, or paste, using the Edit menu options or the associated shortcut keys.
Figure 114: Edit Menu
6.3.1.6 View Menu The View menu provides access to all of the configuration and status panels, as shown in Figure 115. Each of the options provides access to a quick selection menu. Figure 116 shows the Output Channel drop down menu options. In Figure 117, CH0 and CH1 are both selected, as indicated by the checkmarks. This causes the Channel CH0 and Channel CH1 configuration panels to display, as shown in Figure 118 (and described in detail later in this manual).

Figure 115: View Menu

Figure 116: View > Output Channels Drop Down Menu

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Figure 117: View > Output Channels Drop Down Menu, Channel CH0 and Channel CH1 Selected

Figure 118: Channel CH0 and Channel CH1 Configuration Screens
6.3.1.7 Tools Menu The Tools menu is shown in Figure 119. There are six Tools selections: RA Configuration, Firmware, Calibration, Properties, Logs, and API Server. An example of the RA Configuration drop down menu is shown in Figure 120.

Figure 119: Tools Menu

Figure 120: Tools > RA Configuration Drop Down Menu

· RA Configuration These options pertain to the settings stored in the RA hardware; available options are Reset, Save, and Load · Reset Loads all factory RA default parameters · Save Saves the current configuration to flash memory The RA always powers on with the last saved configuration. · Load Loads a selected configuration from flash memory
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After a Reset or Load, the RxAn GUI is automatically updated, the same as from the RA Menu Toolbar Connection > Refresh option. · Firmware The Firmware > Update option is used to update the RA 3.0 firmware. Refer to section 12, Appendix C for detailed information about this function.
Figure 121: Tools > Firmware Drop Down Menu
· Calibration Cable Compensation, Power, and Frequency
Figure 122: Tools > Calibration Drop Down Menu
· Cable Compensation Compensates for losses in the cables used to connect the RA to the receiver; this calibrates the specified output power to the end of the cable (input to the receiver) rather than the output of the RA. This can account for using different cables, the addition of splitters, couplers, etc. The cable calibration table is stored in the RA in two fashions. One is in volatile memory. This is the table that is actively used when power levels are changed. If the RA is powered off, this table is lost. The second is in non-volatile memory. This table, if present, is loaded into volatile memory at power up. Each RA channel can have its own cable calibration table. Each table can contain up to 317 entries. Each entry contains the frequency and the cable loss (or gain) at that frequency. Frequencies are any valid RA output frequency (from 200 2500 MHz and 4400 5250 MHz). The RA has a maximum output power of -10 dBm. Any negative offset (loss) effectively takes away from the maximum available. 1. When the RA Cable Compensation screen opens, it is empty, as shown in Figure 123. To load a cable compensation file, use the File drop down menu, shown in Figure 124, to select Open.
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2. Select the desired file, such as RA Cable Compensation.csv, then click on the Open button. One cable compensation file must be loaded for each channel.

Figure 123: RA Cable Compensation

Figure 124: RA Cable Compensation, File Drop Down Menu

Channel 0 Frequency and Offset values populate the RA Compensation screen, as shown in Figure 125.

Figure 125: RA Cable Compensation with CH0 Frequency and Offset Values
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· Offset Each channel has its own list of frequencies and offsets. The CH0 tab displays the cable loss offset for each listed frequency on Channel 0. The CH1 tab shows the cable loss offset for each listed frequency on Channel 1 3. From the RA drop down menu, shown in Figure 126, select Write.
Figure 126: RA Cable Compensation, RA Drop Down Menu
4. Click on the tab for Channel CH1, then repeat steps 1-3.
Read, Write, and Clear pertain to the volatile memory. · Read Reads the cable compensation table from the RA; This allows it to be saved to a .csv file. · Write Writes the cable compensation table to the RA volatile memory · Clear Clears the calibration table from RA volatile memory; This removes all cable calibration entries from non-volatile memory.
Save, Erase, and Load pertain to the non-volatile memory. · Save Saves the current cable calibration table to RA non-volatile (flash) memory · Erase Erases the cable calibration table stored in non-volatile memory; This means it will not be reloaded at power on. This does not affect the currently loaded (volatile) cable calibration table. The current cable calibration table in non-volatile must be erased before a new one can be saved. This is a safeguard step to help prevent unintentionally overwriting the stored cable calibration table. · Load Loads the cable calibration table stored in non-volatile memory into the volatile memory
If a cable calibration table has been loaded from non-volatile memory into volatile memory, either at power on or from the Load menu entry, the indicator on the lower left side of the Status Bar should display in green, as shown in Figure 127. This means cable compensation is active.
Figure 127: RA Cable Compensation Indicator
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· Frequency Disabled by default; usage under advice and supervision of Quasonix support only · Properties Tags and Changed
· Tags Usage under advice and supervision of Quasonix support only · Changed Usage under advice and supervision of Quasonix support only · Logs Two types of log files may be accessed in the folder where the RA stores the files, Application and Measurement; These would only be used if Quasonix support requested the files for troubleshooting purposes.
Figure 128: Tools, Logs Drop Down Menu
· API Server Refer to section 13, Appendix D for additional information about this function.
Figure 129: Tools > API Server Drop Down Menu
6.3.1.8 Window Menu The Window menu is shown in Figure 130. The Layout selection consists of Load, Save As, and Default. The RxAn.exe lets the user pick and choose which panels to display and their configuration at any given time. These panel groups and their current configuration settings may be saved for future use. While a layout is part of a project file, layouts can also be loaded and saved separately. The current window layout is saved as part of the project file.
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Figure 130: Window Menu > Layout Drop Down Menu
· Load Loads a selected (previously saved) RxAn GUI configuration · Save As Saves the current configuration to a user-selected file name · Default Loads the factory default layout (panels and configurations) for the RxAn GUI When a user opens a file (File > Open) either results, or a measurement, or notes, etc. The opened file displays in the Windows menu. Selecting that entry brings that editor to the front, as shown in Figure 131.
Figure 131: Window Menu > Editor Layout
6.3.1.9 Help Menu The Help menu provides access to the user manual and RxAn version information. The user manual for RxAn is installed as part of the application. The Help menu, Manual selection, shown in Figure 132 opens the folder containing the user manual in <install directory>Manual. By default, that is C:Program FilesQuasonixRxAnManual. The Help menu, About selection, also shown in Figure 132, provides information about RxAn software and RA firmware VERSIONS.
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The About screen provides the RA software version number and date along with the hardware versions and the copyright statement (Figure 133).

Figure 132: Help Menu

Figure 133: About Screen

6.4 Detailed Panel Descriptions
The RxAn GUI provides panels for Channel Mixer, Data Generator, Encoder, Indirect Path, IO (Data Input and Data Output), Modulator, Phase Generator, Phase Generator Group, Output Channels, and Summer. These panels may be accessed via the View Menu, as described in the following sections. In addition, panels may be assigned to control groups.
Analyzer functionality is presented in BERT Control, BERT Group, BERT Monitor, Data Sync, DQE, and Measurement panels beginning in section 6.4.13.
6.4.1 Control Groups
The RA hardware contains various modules that can be configured. There is, generally, a panel in the RxAn GUI that pertains to each of the different types of modules in the hardware. In many cases there are multiple instances of those types of modules. Data Generator, Encoders, Modulators, BERTs, etc. It is common, especially for BERTs, that the configuration of the separate instances of these modules should be configured the same. Rather than make the user go to the panel for each instance of a module and configure it separately, instances of modules can be linked into what is called a Control Group.
Changing the value of a property in one instance of a module in a Control Group changes the value of the property in all of the other instances of the modules in the same control group. The user can have multiple Control Groups made of different instances of the same type of module. For example, the user may want all of the instances of BERTS pertaining to I data in one Control Group, and all of the instances of BERTs pertaining to Q data in a different Control Group.
Clicking on the Three Panel icon opens a window with a Control Group drop down menu, as shown in Figure 134.

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Figure 134: Example Data Generator Control Group Drop Down Menu
If the selection in the drop down menu is None, that module instance is not part of any Control Group. Control Groups are identified by number, from 0 to the maximum number of Control Groups for that module type. There will be half the number of control groups as there are instances of that module type. For BERTs there are eight (8) BERTs, so there are four (4) Control Groups; there are 12 Phase Generators, so there are six (6) Control Groups. This is because there must be a minimum of two modules in a Control Group for that Control group to do anything useful, so the maximum possible number of groups is the number of modules divided by two. If an instance of a module is in a Control Group, the Three Panel icon shows lines between them indicating it is connected to other modules, and the Control Group ID (number) displays, as shown in

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