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Basic Sync Cabling Setup for Multi-Instrument

Requires Option SNC

This topic describes how to make cable connections between Leader and Follower(s) in a multi-instrument setup using the Basic Sync cabling method.

This cabling method uses the rear-panel SClock and Strig connectors of the instrument.

Using Basic Sync Cabling

Front Panel Cabling

  1. On each follower, disconnect the jumper between the 19.2 GHz In and 19.2 GHz Out connectors. Repeat if there is a second 19.2 GHz jumper.

  2. On each follower, if present, disconnect the jumper between the 2.4 GHz In and 2.4 GHz Out connectors.

    Jumper removal and connection should be performed when the signal generator is powered off.

  3. Retain jumpers on the 19.2 GHz ports and 2.4 GHz ports on the Leader. The Leader must have 2.4 GHz port if any of the Followers has this port.

  4. Connect the 19.2 GHz Out port of the Leader to 19.2 GHz In port of Follower.

  5. If any of the Followers has 2.4 GHz In port, then you must connect the 2.4 GHz Out port of the Leader to 2.4 GHz In port of Follower.

For configurations containing more than one Follower instrument, the use of a splitter or an amplifier depends on the power level required at each Follower input and the resulting signal level after accounting for cable and distribution-network losses. See M9484C Connectors for the applicable connector input and output power specifications before selecting a reference-distribution method.
For optimum RF performance in a multi-instrument setup, use equal-length cables for equivalent signal paths and maintain a thermally stable operating environment.

Rear Panel Cabling

For multi-instrument systems with greater than two instruments:
The order of entries added for Followers in the software GUI must match the cabling order in which you have connected the Followers.

  1. Remove the jumper between the 100 MHz Out and SClk In ports on each Follower participating in the multi-instrument setup.

  2. Connect the SClk Out port on Leader to SClk In port on Follower <1>.

  3. If there are more than one Follower in the setup, connect the SClk Out port on Follower <1> to SClk In port on Follower <2>.

  4. Connect the STrig Out port on Leader to STrig In port on Follower <1>.

  5. If there are more than one Follower in the setup, connect the STrig Out port on Follower <1> to STrig In port on Follower <2>.

  6. Perform steps 3 and 5 so that all remaining Followers in the setup are connected to their next Follower in the setup.

Basic Sync Cabling Example

Example - Multi-instrument setup for one Follower with 19.2 GHz and 2.4 GHz ports

The Follower has a 2.4 GHz port. Therefore, a 2.4 GHz connection is set up between the Leader and Follower. If the Follower does not have a 2.4 GHz port, then this connection is not needed.