Vector Measurement Controller

Specifications

Timing latency
Hardware input response	~20 ns
Hardware output response	~10 ns
VNA read after sweep complete	~1 μs
Beam/Aux TTL interfaces - 2 ports
Data	20 data bits
Control signals	Strobe, acknowledge
Logic level	Beam interface: RS-485 equivalent Auxiliary TTL Interface: single-ended TTL compatible
Programmable timing	Range Resolution
Strobe out pulse width	1 to 65535 μs 1 μs
Data to strobe delay	0 to 65535 μs 1 μs
DC power	+/- 18 VDC
Multiplexer interfaces - 2 ports
Compatibility	ELE-MUX product family
Control signals	8 differential bits per port
Logic level	RS-485 equivalent
DC power	+/- 18 VDC
BNC interfaces - 10 ports	J01–J10 ports
Control signals	Programmable as input or output
Trigger bus interface - Provides four differential real-time signals with programmable pulse width
	Range Resolution
Frequency trigger output	1 to 65535 μs 1 μs
Measurement trigger output	1 to 65535 μs 1 μs
Network interfaces
VMC control	100/Gb Ethernet
Acquired data	100/Gb Ethernet
Service panel - Comes with tamper-resistant access capability
Console	USB 2.0
Host	USB 2.0
Internal storage	Removable SD card
AC power	100–240 VAC 50/60 Hz, 100 W max
Environmental	0–40 °C

Applications

• Automotive Antenna Test Solutions
• General Antenna Testing
• Radar Cross Section
• Radome Testing
• Satellite Antenna Testing
• Target Simulation
• Wireless

Options

Basic Receiver Control Package

Timing Control - The VMC provides timing control for third-party receivers. The timing functions enable triggering the receiver, external sources, and RF multiplexers according to user-defined patterns and delay values. Triggering of the electronic instruments can be precisely arranged relative to position trigger signals obtained from a motion controller.

RF Multiplexer Control - Fast RF switch control is a vital function for use with third-party receivers. The VMC will control solid state or electromechanical RF switches for fast electrical state changes during testing. The VMC has the same multiplexer control port configuration as the VFA, so control cables and interfaces can be easily shared or reconfigured.

Data Buffering - The VMC includes fast, deep data buffering to enable higher acquisition speeds with thirdparty receivers.

Analog AUT Package

Beam Steering Interface - The VMC provides a comprehensive digital interface allowing several options for controlling AUT states during testing. This basic control interface can be used in two different ways: an “open-loop” scheme allows a selectable fixed dwell time for AUT setup, or a “closed-loop” scheme waits for the AUT to return an acknowledgment to the VMC before continuing. The flexible AUT interface also includes up to 20 parallel bits for AUT state control in addition to the Strobe/Dwell and Strobe/Ack functions. This real-time digital AESA interface enables fully coordinated acquisition sequencing and supports measurements at full AUT rates.

Digital AUT Package

Digital AUT Data Interface - For testing digital antennas, with integrated down-conversion and digitization, the VMC provides a separate Gigabit Ethernet port for data transfer from the AUT to the test system. Data buffering may be enabled for this port when needed. AUT received data is passed to the measurement workstation, or other storage device, via the VMC allowing for fast, smooth data transfer.

Features	Basic Receiver ELE-VMC-BC	Analog AUT ELE-VMC-AA	Digital AUT ELE-VMC-DA
Signal sources - trigger/lock signals
System trigger input (position, major)
Multiplexer (RF switch) control
Receiver - measurement trigger/done
Receiver - data read and buffering/forward
Receiver-in-the-loop acquisition modes
AUT strobe/ready
Beam steering data bits
AUT-in-the-loop acquisition modes
AUT fault detection
Scan status indicators (host controlled)
AUT data import via LAN (789 protocol)
Digital antenna acquisition modes

Standard Components

• ELE-VMC Vector Measurement Controller
• User manual

Available Add-ons

• Beam steering interface
• Digital AUT data port interface