Objectives: To become familiar with some very basic aspects of system simulation using the HP Communications Design Suite software and with the various bench top measurement instrumentation to be used throughout the course.

Related Tutorial ( Lecture 1 + possibly some in-lab explanations):

• Sinusoidal signals represented in the frequency and time domain.
• Concepts of frequency (2*Pi*f) and phase for signals.
• Overview of Vector Network Analyzer - Signal source + receiver + more.
• Oscilloscope - time domain measurements - sampling theory and bandwidth limitations.
• Spectrum Analyzer - Frequency spectrum measurements - amplitude.
• Spectrum representation of sinusoidal signals.
• Overview of HP's CDS software. - circuit analysis - freq. domain, time domain, -system analysis, layout

Equipment:

PC running CDS software + possibly data acquisition solution.

Shared signal source output - signal 1 pre-set at suitable frequency (e.g. 30MHz) within capability of Oscope BW.

VNA - used as signal source only in this lab.

Oscilloscope - used to display time domain representations of signals.

Power splitters One two way in addition to 3-way on shared generator. Misc. cables connectors adapters.

Lab Assignment:

Set-up and run system simulation using a simple schematic and test bench in CDS.

(Idea will be to have many of same components on software bench as on actual test bench.) View time and frequency domain responses of two sinusoidal signals in CDS

Set-up and perform laboratory experiment to view time and frequency domain representations of first one and then two signal sources. Learn how to adjust dispays settings to view input signals. Explore variation of frequency and amplitude level adjustments of (VNA generated) signal source and corresponding measured responses on O-scope and SA. Increase frequency to point where sinusoidal signal can no longer be viewed on oscilloscope, due to O-scope sampling and BW limitations, yet SA still displays signal.

Explore the relationship between SA resolution bandwidth and the ability to distinguish between two closely spaced signals on the SA.

Procedures and Hints:

Detailed step by step instructions will be provided on how to: access CDS through PC computer, how to set-up and run system simulation of signal sources in frequency and time domain. (Selvan/LPD, PF)

Step-by-step instructions will also be provided on how to set-up each instrument to be used in the lab for the intended experience. Only the minimum information needed to perform the lab will be outlined in procedures, however, we may want to provide all the students at the outset with an abreviated version of the instrument's user's guide copied from the operating manuals. (LPD/Mike E. )

Observations and Data Recording:

Observations and data recording we want made at various stages will be made clear in the procedures, possibly to some extent as a fill in the blank format. Observations will include readings and data values (frequency, amplitude etc.) taken from software simulations, SA, and Oscope as procedures are followed. Students will make an assessment of at what frequency the Oscope can no longer display/respond properly to a signal. They will also observe and record measurements related to the resolvability of two closely spaced signals on the spectrum analyzer as a function of resolution bandwidth setting.