External and Auxiliary Triggering

External and Auxiliary triggering are both used to synchronize the triggering of the VNA with other equipment.

Note: When an External Source is configured as an External Device, the VNA automatically controls all trigger settings. Do NOT make additional trigger settings. Learn more.

See Also

Overview

Ready Signals versus Trigger Signals

A 'Ready for Trigger' signal is different from a Trigger signal. The ready signal indicates that the instrument sending the signal is ready for measurement. The instrument receiving the ready signal would then send a trigger signal, indicating that the measurement will be, or has been, made. Usually the slower instrument sends the trigger signal.

Learn more about each type of triggering signal:

Meas (External) Trigger Dialog Box Help

See how to access the Trigger Dialog

Meas Trig IN

The trigger input  connectors are located on the VNA rear-panel.

These signals can be used when the VNA is communicating with a slow mechanical device. A material handler is very mechanical and takes a relatively long time to load and discharge parts. Here is how these signals work together to communicate:

  1. The VNA sends a 'Ready' signal when it is ready to make a measurement.

  2. The external device sends a trigger signal to the VNA when it is ready for a measurement.

  3. Additional signals are available on the VNA Handler I/O to indicate that the VNA sweep has ended, and that the handler can setup for the next measurement.

Dialog Settings

To cause the VNA to respond to Meas Trig IN, select External on the Trigger Setup tab, Source setting.

Also on the Trigger Setup tab, Scope setting, choose whether one external trigger signal will apply to ALL channels (Global) or one trigger signal per Channel. The following settings apply accordingly.

Main Trigger Input

Global / Channel Trigger Delay - After an external trigger is received, the start of the sweep is held off for this specified amount of time plus any inherent latency.

  • When Trigger Scope = Channel, the delay value is applied to the specified channel.

  • When Trigger Scope = Global, the same delay value is applied to ALL channels.

Source  The VNA accepts Trigger IN signals through the following connectors:

  • Trigger in SMB: Trig port on the port 1 of M9376A.

Polarity  

Positive Edge - After the VNA arms, it will trigger on the next positive edge.  If Accept Trigger Before Armed is set, VNA will trigger as soon as it arms if a positive edge was received since the last data was taken.

Negative Edge - After the VNA arms, it will trigger on the next negative edge. If Accept Trigger Before Armed is set, VNA will trigger as soon as it arms if a negative edge was received since the last data was taken.

      See Also

      Last Modified:

      18-May-2016

      First Release