Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Assembly and
Operation Manual
REV 3.0 EN
2014 Ascel Electronic
Table of Contents
Safety Information.....................................................................ii
Handover of a Device Built From a Kit....................................iv
Intended Use.............................................................................iv
ESD Warning.............................................................................v
AE20401 5.8 GHz Frequency Counter / Power Meter..............1
Circuit Description.....................................................................2
Soldering....................................................................................4
Component Reference................................................................6
Assembly..................................................................................14
Adjustment of the input amplifier............................................18
Troubleshooting Checklist.......................................................20
Power Supply...........................................................................22
Case Mounting.........................................................................23
Operation..................................................................................25
Circuit Diagram.......................................................................44
Bill of Materials.......................................................................46
Component Placement Diagram..............................................49
Data Interface...........................................................................50
Specifications...........................................................................53
Warning
Please read this manual before you assemble and use this kit.
Keep it accessible for all users at all times.
Safety Information
Know and follow the applicable regulations for
electric devices in your region. In Germany,
these are especially VDE 0100, VDE
0550/0551, VDE 0700, VDE 0711 and VDE
0860. Pay attention to the following safety
advices:
Disconnect the power supply before opening the case.
ii
iii
Intended Use
(in countries where applicable)
The intended use of this device is measuring frequencies and
power within the given limits.
Other uses are not approved!
iv
ESD Warning
What is ESD?
ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) is the sudden flow
of electricity between two
Warning symbol for an
objects caused by contact
electrostatic sensitive device
or an electrical short. It
can reach very high voltages of many kV. In some cases even
over 100kV!
Causes of ESD
The main cause of ESD events is static electricity. Static
electricity is usually generated through tribocharging, like
walking on a rug, ascending from a fabric seat, removing some
types of plastic packaging or using non-ESD compliant tools.
Danger of ESD
The high voltage pulse can easily destroy electronic parts. ICs
and FETs are very sensitive to high voltage. Even a short,
single touch may destroy a part!
Circuit Description
The circuit diagram of the AE20401 can be divided into several
parts, which are described here.
The digital part is based on microcontroller IC1. IC1 controls
all functions, computes the readings, and drives the LCD. The
USB port is handled by the FT230X UART-USB Bridge (IC5).
IC8 is the 2.5V reference for the ADC (analog to digital
converter) that is used to convert the analog output of the
Power Meter Module to a digital value.
The 5V digital supply comes from the linear regulator IC4. D1
protects IC4 from reverse polarity of the input voltage.
Decoupling capacitors are placed next to all ICs. Each module
has their own power regulation and decoupling capacitors on
their own boards.
Channel A/C input circuitry: the DC offset is removed from the
signal first. Then it is impedance matched and fed to the input
amplifier. D2/D3 limit the signal in case of input overload. P1*
is used to attenuate it. A high-speed comparator (IC6) with
hysteresis is then used to compare the signal against a reference
voltage. (see chapter "Adjustment" for details).
Now a 5Vpp square wave that is the same frequency as the
input signal is available which can be processed by the digital
(logic) ICs. Along with the signal from Channel B, which is
already divided by 500 in the module, it is divided by 2 by a
high speed flip-flop (IC2), then further by 8 by a 4bit counter
(IC3).
Soldering
Please read the following pages if you are not yet experienced
in soldering. Good soldering is a matter of practice! Practice on
old boards until you feel confident before assembling the kit.
The parts are mounted on the silkscreen side of the PCB.
Except parts whose designators ends with an asterisk (like
S1*). These are mounted on the other side!
Do not inhale the fumes from the flux! Wash your hands
after soldering! Wear protective glasses!
If you use additional flux, make sure it is suitable for
electronics use! Non-suitable flux may contain acid which will
damage the traces on the PCB over time.
Try to solder fast. Heating up for too long may damage the
components and the board.
Solder wire with a diameter between 0.5-0.75mm (0.02"0.03") is most suitable for through-hole components. Lead
solder is easier to use than lead-free solder.
A clean, non-oxidized tip is essential for good soldering. Use
a wet sponge or a metal wool tip cleaner to regularly clean the
tip. The metal wool cleaners are superior to a wet sponge as
there is no temperature shock.
4
Component Reference
1 Resistors
To save PCB space, the resistors are mounted standing. To
install:
1. Bend the leads in form and put the
resistor through the corresponding
mounting holes.
2. Bend the leads aside to prevent the
resistor from falling out.
3. Solder it accurately on the back
side.
4. Cut the remaining leads above the solder joint.
The resistance value is given with colored bands on the
resistor. The code consists of four, five or six bands. With four
bands, the first two are the base value (see table below), the
third is the multiplier to the base value and the fourth is the
tolerance. Five-band code uses the first three bands for base
value. With six bands, the sixth is the temperature coefficient.
The resistor value is:
base value * multiplier [ tolerance ]
There are two possible arrangements for the bands order:
Type A
Type B
Color Codes:
Color
None
Silver
Gold
Black
Brown
Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue
Purple
Grey
White
Digit
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Multiplier
10-2
10-1
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
Tolerance in %
20
10
5
1
2
0.5
0.25
0.1
0.05
-
Capacitance Identification
A three-digit number without letters is the capacitance in pF,
calculated this way: a10 b where a are the first two digits
and b is the third digit (105 become 10*10 5 pF = 1F). Oneor two-digit numbers states the capacitance directly in pF. A
number including the letter "n" is the capacitance in nF, where
3n9 is 3.9nF.
Upper-case characters denote the tolerance according to this
table:
B
0.1pF
J
5%
C
0.25pF
K
10
D
0.5pF
F
1%
G
2%
M
20
S
+50%
-20%
Z
+ 80%
- 20%
H
2.5%
P
0%
-10%
3 Diodes
The circular band on diodes identifies the cathode (negative
terminal). The bar depicts the cathode in the symbol. The
positive terminal is called the anode.
Diodes are mounted horizontal. Try not to heat up the body of
the diode while soldering.
4 LEDs
LEDs (light-emitting diodes) must be soldered with respect to
the correct polarity as well. The cathode is identified by the
short lead and the larger electrode inside.
5 IC-Sockets / ICs
With ICs (integrated circuits), it is essential to observe correct
polarity. Most ICs will be damaged or destroyed when mounted
incorrectly. The mark on the silkscreen must match the notch
on top of the IC.
Pin numbers are counted counter-clockwise, starting from the
notch.
10
6 Transistors
Transistors must be mounted in the correct orientation. The flat
side of the transistor must match the correspondent side in the
silkscreen drawing. The leads may not cross.
7 Crystal
The polarity of the crystal is not relevant, but the bottom side
of the package is conductive. To prevent shorts, the crystal
should be mounted with a little distance to the board (see
the image on the next page).
11
8 Inductors
Inductors are soldered just like resistors. They also use similar
color-coding, usually with four bands. The first two are the
base value (see table below), the third is the multiplier to the
base value and the fourth is the tolerance. The inductor value
is:
base value * multiplier [ tolerance ]
Color Codes:
Color
None
Silver
Gold
Black
Brown
Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue
Purple
Grey
White
12
Digit
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Multiplier
10-2
10-1
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
Tolerance in %
20
10
5
1
2
0.5
-
13
Assembly
General note
It is essential to work precisely and systematically to minimize
the possibility of faults. Check every step, each component
placement and orientation, and any solder joint. Follow the
assembly order given in the manual.
Take your time - it takes longer to troubleshoot than to prevent
faults by working accurately.
The most common reason for a malfunctioning device is wrong
component placement: either the component being placed in
the wrong place or back to front. Check resistors with a
multimeter if you have difficulties reading the color bands.
A common mistake is regarding capacitor labeling, such as
n10 = 0.10 nF = 100 pF as opposed to 10 nF. Also, check if all
leads of an IC are correctly inserted into the socket. They tend
to bend during insertion.
After soldering, inspect the board for what are called cold and
dry solder joints. Cold joints occur if the soldering temperature
did not exceed the solder's liquidus temperature, or if the flux
evaporated before it was applied on the surfaces being
soldered. This is usually the result of the soldering iron being
used to heat the solder directly, rather than the parts
themselves. Dry joints occur when the cooling solder is moved.
They often occur because the joint moves when the soldering
iron is removed from the joint. When using lead solder, the
joint should be smooth, bright and shiny. The joint should be
reworked if it is not.
14
Mounting
1. Solder all of the parts without an asterisk on the side of
the board where the silkscreen is. (see the picture on the
next page). Wait to insert IC1 in the socket until you
have finished the assembly. After all the parts on this
side are soldered, please examine the board carefully
for shorts, bad solder joints and correct placement. The
LCD will cover them, so you will need to desolder it
to fix errors, which takes extra time and effort. See
the previous page for more information.
2. Solder the parts with an asterisk (the LCD, the Alps
potentiometer, the BNC and USB connectors, and the
tact switches) on the opposite side.
3. Attach the LCD:
a) Insert the header into the board.
b) Put the LCD on top of the header.
c) Fix the LCD in place with the M2.5 screws and
spacer bolts.
d) Solder the header to the board and LCD. See the
picture on next page for how it should look like
when finished.
4. Insert IC1 into the socket. The notch on the chip must
correspond with the silkscreen marking.
15
16
LCD Mounting
17
ideal adjustment
19
Troubleshooting Checklist
Check and tick off every step.
Is the polarity of the supply voltage correct?
Is the supply voltage in the range of 8-12V when the
device is turned on?
Are all resistors placed right? Check the color bands.
Are the polarities of the diodes correct? The cathode
band must match the bar on the silkscreen symbol.
Verify the polarity of the electrolytic capacitors. Keep
in mind that the marking on the capacitor can point to
the (+) or (-) lead. The actual meaning is printed inside
the marking.
Are all ICs in the right place and with correct
orientation?
Are all IC leads plugged inside the socket? They can
bend and stay outside easily.
Measure the resistance between the power supply input
terminals and between the regulated 5V rail and ground
- they must not be shorted.
20
21
Power Supply
An 8V-12V DC power supply capable of providing at least
300mA is required. The optional AC adapter, batteries or any
other supply that meets these criteria can be used.
Warning: An AC power supply may not be used!
Note: It is advisable to use a current limiting lab power supply
when switching on for the first time. Set it to 9V and 300mA,
this will help to prevent damage from potential shorts.
Please pay attention to the correct polarity of the power
connection! The polarity is printed on the silkscreen of the
PCB.
22
Case Mounting
Note: This describes the optional case available with the kit.
The case is provided with all necessary cutouts and labels.
1. Put the extension caps on the tact switches.
2. Join the front panel and the PCB and insert both in the
respective brackets. The PCB fits in the brackets behind
the front panel.
3. Install and lightly tighten the lock nut of the BNC
connector.
The lock nut of the BNC connector must be mounted in
the orientation shown below, or it will prevent the case
from closing properly.
23
Operation
Functions/Menu Structure
25
Basic Operation
General Notes
26
Power-on
After the counter is switched on, it displays the installed
modules. If an installed module is not shown, turn it off and
check if the module is installed correctly.
Channel select
Press Channel to change to the next Channel. Channel B and
PWR (Power Meter) are only available if the appropriate
module is installed.
Mode select
To change to the next function (e.g. Frequency, Period, RPM
with Channel A) or display mode (in dBm, Vrms, mW... with
the Power Meter) press Mode. With Channel C (Pulse Counter),
this starts or stops the counting (RUN/STOP mode).
27
Menu
To access the menu of each channel, press Menu/OK. Then press
Channel to switch between the menu items and Mode to change
the value of the selected menu items (some items leads to a
submenu where a number can be entered or a function
executed). The dotted line underneath the LCD shows which
button corresponds with the item/value displayed on each
position. The [] indicates that there is a submenu or function
that can be started (e.g. the calibration).
Entering numbers
In some menus, a number must be entered, e.g. Offset Value or
IMP/REV. The number is entered one digit after another, the
active digit is blinking. Press Channel to advance to the next digit
and Mode to increase the active digit by 1. "0" follows after "9".
To help enter the whole number at once, there is no overflow if "00090" is the number and the "9" the active digit, pressing
Mode results in a value of "00000". If the value can become
negative, the sign can be changed by pressing Mode.
Press Menu/OK to save the number and leave the menu.
29
Channel A
Sensitivity adjustment
Channel A (and thereby also Channel C, as it shares the same
input) has an adjustment control which allows lowering the
input's sensitivity.
This may be necessary if the input signal is noisy or is
superimposed by another signal that has a greater amplitude
than the sensitivity of the input.
The input has a hysteresis of about 10 mV, so noise lower than
this has no effect. However, increased immunity to noise
always lowers the sensitivity for small useful signals, so a
compromise has to be made here. In addition, it is required that
the adjustment of the input amplifier has been done accurately
(see the appropriate chapter for details).
In the first example on the next page, the superimposed
sawtooth wave would lead to false counts, if the sensitivity
were set to max, since its amplitude is greater than the
hysteresis.
If the sensitivity is lowered, this signal is below the threshold
and ignored, while the sine wave is measured.
The second example shows the same behavior with one signal
superimposed on another, when only the fundamental should
be measured.
30
Example 1: noise
31
Display Annunciators
Modes
The available modes are Frequency (FREQ [f ] ), Period (PER
1
[T ] ) where: T = and Revolutions Per Minute (RPM
f
f
[RPM ] ), where: RPM= 60 , Ip is the adjustable
Ip
number of pulses per revolution.
Menu Functions
Smooth [on/off] active in mode: FREQ, PER
The smooth function provides a means of "smoothing" the
display for easier reading of unstable values. When it is on, the
counter displays a moving average of the four last
measurements. A small 4 in the display indicates that Smooth is
on.
32
33
T(ime)base CAL(ibration)
Starts the calibration routine for the time base. See the
appropriate chapter on how to perform the calibration.
Note: the same routine is used for channels A and B, as they share the same
time base.
34
Channel B
The operation of Channel B is virtually identical to Channel A.
Please pay attention to the maximum input voltage!
Modes
The available modes are Frequency (FREQ [f ] ) and Period
1
(PER [T ] ) where: T = .
f
Menu Functions
Smooth [on/off] active in mode: FREQ, PER
Identical to Channel A
Offset VALUE
Identical to Channel A
Offset SCALE
Identical to Channel A
T(ime)base CAL(ibration)
Identical to Channel A
35
Display Annunciators
36
Menu Functions
RESET
Reset the counter value back to zero.
IMP/COUNT
The number of pulses that are recognized as one "count" can be
adjusted. E.g. if a moving part hits the limit switches 2x per
movement and the number of movements should be counted,
set IMP/COUNT to 2, the counter will count up every 2 pulses.
SOURCE [BUTTON/EXT]
The source of control can be selected between the
the external input.
Mode
key and
37
( )
=10
PdBm
10
V rms=
P mW50
1000
V p=V rms 2
V pp=V p2
Display Annunciators
38
Menu Functions
EXT(ernal) ATT(enuator) [on/off]
Set this to on, if an external attenuator is connected, and enter
its value in the next menu item. This value will then be added
to the measurement. A small TA indicates that this function is
on.
EXT ATT [VALUE]
The value of the external attenuator can be entered here in dB.
FREQ(uency) [1/100/200/300/400/500 MHz]
The logarithmic amplifier AD8307 which is used in this
module has a slight frequency dependence. (see the graph on
next page) A correction factor that compensates for the
frequency error can be applied to the measurement by entering
the frequency here (in 100 MHz steps).
Note: these correction factors can be adjusted by performing the full
calibration procedure for the Power Meter - see the appropriate chapter
about the calibration.
39
PWR CAL(ibration)
Starts the Power Meter calibration routine. See the appropriate
chapter on how to perform the calibration.
40
Calibration
By performing the calibration routine using precise standards,
the accuracy of the time base and the Power Meter can be
increased further. Please let the counter warm up for at least
30 min before performing the calibration!
SAVED".
Power Meter
A precise signal source is required that allows accurate
adjustment of power and frequency to calibrate the power
meter.
The calibration routine consists of two parts: the absolute
values, and the frequency correction factors used by the FREQ
menu setting.
The calibration starts by displaying "CONNECT -20dBm".
Connect a 1 MHz, -20 dBm signal and press Menu/OK. During
calibration, "CALIBRATION..." is shown. Next, "CONNECT
+10dBm" is shown, change the signal to 1 MHz, +10 dBm. If no
valid signal was recognized or the signal is outside of the max
limits for calibration, "CAL ERROR, VALUE NOT SAVED!" will be
shown, otherwise "CALIBRATION DONE VALUES SAVED". Press
Menu/OK to advance to the next part.
Now you will be required to connect a number of specific
signals: "CONNECT +10dBm x MHz". Set the required values and
press Menu/OK to advance each time. A successful calibration or
an error will be shown again after the calibration is finished.
Press Menu/OK one last time to leave the calibration routine.
42
Reset to Defaults
Most settings, such as Offset Value/Scale, IMP/REV or Ext.
Att. Value, as well as the calibration values are saved
permanently and remain available after the counter is powered
off and on again. To clear all saved values and reset to defaults,
press and hold Menu/OK while switching the counter on.
"LOADING DEFAULTS" is shown and the saved values will be
cleared.
Mode
Firmware Update
To update the firmware, hold Channel while switching the
counter on. "FIRMWARE UPDATE" is shown. Connect the
counter to a PC via USB and use the Ascel Firmware Update
Utility to update the Firmware.
43
Circuit Diagram
Part 1/2
44
Part 2/2
45
Bill of Materials
Quantity Parts(s)
Value / Description
C1
100pF Ceramic
C10
100pF Film
C8
100nF Film
C15
1nF
C5
10F Electrolytic
C13
100F Electrolytic
C2
220F Electrolytic
1K
R2
100K 2W
R3
100
R4
910K
R5
20K
R6, R10
220
10K
R9
330K
R14
10
R16
470
46
R18
47K
IC1
IC2
IC3
IC4
IC6
LT1016 Comparator
IC7
74HC153 Multiplexer
IC8
P1*
P2
Trimmer 200
D1
1N4007 Diode
T1
BF256A JFET
EXT
Cinch Connector
PWR
Power Connector
BNC*
BNC Connector
CHANNEL_B,
2x6 Pin header right angle
POWER-METER
LCD*
Tact Switch
CLK
47
IC5
C7, C17
100nF
C9, C14
47pF
R7, R13
27
C18
10F Electrolytic
USB*
Other:
- PCB
- 4 spacer bolts and 8 M2.5 screws for LCD mounting
- Modules (optional)
- Case and 3 extension caps for the tact switches (optional)
- AC adapter (optional)
Note: Parts whose designator contains an asterisk are mounted on the opposite
side of the PCB. See "Assembly" chapter for details.
48
Note: Parts whose designator contains an asterisk are mounted on the opposite side of the
PCB. See the chapter "Assembly" for details.
Note: To help locate the right elements, parts and their respective designators are highlighted
in the same color.
Scale in mm.
49
Data Interface
The AE20401 frequency counter optionally comes with an
USB interface which can be used to control all of its functions
and read out the measured values. The USB driver creates a
virtual serial (COM) port. This makes integration with external
tools and applications very easy.
System Requirements
USB Interface:
- MS Windows198/ME/2000/XP/Vista/7/8/
Server 2003/Server 2008/Server 2008 R2/
Server 2012/Server 2012 R2
x86/x64
- Mac OS X
- Linux
PC Software:
- MS Windows with .NET -Framework (at least version 4.0)
50
Software Installation
The PC software can be found in the "Software" directory.
Execute setup.exe to install the software. There is also a
portable version of the software in the "Portable Software"
directory that does not require installation.
Note: The .NET-Framework (at least version 4.0) must be installed prior to the software
installation.
Note: The USB driver is initialized on first connection. The software may not respond for a few
seconds at this time.
51
Software Screenshot
Software Operation
First, select the COM port the counter is connected to A and
click "Open". The connection will be established. The display
B shows the values in a similar manner as the counter's display.
Press one of the buttons C to change the channel. The controls
assigned to this channel D will be activated, the functions are
identical to direct control on the device. Use E to change the
decimal point. The frequency can be shown as a graph F. The
graph can be saved to a file or printed. G allows logging all
measurements and saving them as a *.csv file. A pass/fail
function is also available H. It will indicate if the set min/max
values are exceeded. I shows various statistics. J shows
information about the connected device.
52
Specifications
Channel A:
Frequency Range:
2 Hz - 80 MHz
Modes:
Pulse/Revolution (RPM):
adjustable
Functions:
Sensitivity:
1 MHz:
50 mV
50 MHz: 100 mV
Sine wave, in Vrms
Impedance:
1 M
Coupling:
AC
Attenuation:
adjustable
50 V (DC+ACpp)
Input:
BNC
Channel B:
Frequency Range:
Modes:
Frequency, Period
Functions:
Offset, Smooth
Sensitivity:
200 MHz: 50 mV
Sine wave, in Vrms
53
50
Coupling:
AC
Input:
SMA
Time Base:
Accuracy (Standard):
50 ppm
1 ppm
Calibratable:
yes
Sensitivity:
identical to Channel A
Max. Value:
4.294.967.296
Pulse/Count:
adjustable
Impedance:
1 M
Coupling:
AC
Attenuation:
adjustable
50 V (DC+ACpp)
TTL 5V
54
DC - 500 MHz
Modes:
Functions:
External Attenuator
Impedance:
50
Range:
Resolution:
0.1 dBm
Calibratable:
yes
Input:
SMA
General:
Display:
PC Interface:
USB (optional)
Supply Voltage:
8-12V DC
Power Consumption:
max. 3W
Temperature:
+5C - +40C
Relative Humidity:
55
Data Format
Format: <ECN>:<CODE>:<DATA>:;
<ECN>
DIR
V
W
X
Y
Z
1
2
3
4
5--9
0
Function
Frequency Channel A
Frequency Channel B
Counter Channel C
Power Channel PWR
Current Channel
Channel A: Mode
Channel A: Rising/Falling Edge
Channel A: Smooth Enabled?
Channel A: Offset Enabled?
Channel A: Offset Value
Channel A: Offset Scale
Channel A: Imp/Rev
Channel B: Mode
Channel B: Smooth Enabled?
Channel B: Offset Enabled?
Channel B: Offset Value
Channel B: Offset Scale
Channel C: RUN/STOP
Channel C: Source
Channel C: Imp/Count
Channel PWR: Mode
Value (DATA)
in nHz*
in uHz*
in Count
in 0.1dBm
0 = A, 1 = B, 2 = C, 3 = PWR
0 = FREQ, 1 = PER, 2 = RPM
0 = Rising, 1 = Falling
0 = FALSE, 1 = TRUE
0 = FALSE, 1 = TRUE
in Hz
in x0.001
in x1
0 = FREQ, 1 = PER
0 = FALSE, 1 = TRUE
0 = FALSE, 1 = TRUE
in Hz
in x0.001
0 = STOP, 1 = RUN
0 = INT, 1 = EXT
in x1
0 = dBm, 1 = mW, 2 = Vrms,
3 = Vpp, 4 = Vp
Channel PWR: Attenuator Enabled? 0 = FALSE, 1 = TRUE
Channel PWR: Attenuator Value
in 0.1dB
Channel PWR: Freq
0 = 1 MHz, 1 = 100 MHz, 2 = 200 MHz,
3 = 300 MHz, 4 = 400 MHz, 5 = 500 MHz
Decimal Point
0 = ',' 1 = '.'
Channel C: Reset
Modules Installed?
0 = none, 1 = CH:B, 2 = CH:S, 3 = both
Hardware Rev.
Firmware Rev.
Product ID
Reserved
Get All Settings
PCDEVICE send only; PCDEVICE receive only; PCDEVICE send and receive
*The number of valid counts depends on range
56