Home

SARK-110

1. 80 APPENDIX G FREQUENCY PRESETS FILE 84 APPENDIX H SCALE PRESET ea 85 APPENDIX CUSTOM CABLE 87 Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 3 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 1O User s Manual 1 Introduction The SARK 110 Antenna Analyzer is a pocket size instrument providing fast and accurate measurement of vector impedance VSWR vector reflection coefficient return loss and R L C as series or parallel equivalent circuits Additionally the analyzer features a TDR Time Domain Reflectometer mode which is intended for fault location and length determination in coaxial cables as well as a programmable RF signal generator The SARK 110 is intended for standalone operation but also operates when connected to a personal computer in combination with SARK Plots client software for Windows further enhancing the device s capabilities Typical applications include checking and tuning antennas impedance matching component testing cable fault location measuring coaxial cable losses and cutting coaxial cables to precise electrical lengths As a signal generator it is ideal for receiver calibration sensitivity tests and signal tracing The SARK 110 features a Direct Digital Sy
2. 46 12 COMPUTER CONTROL MODE 50 13 TRANSMISSION LINE ADD SUBTRACT 52 SARK User s Manual Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 2 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 11O User s Manual 14 amp 0 55 141 LOOP 55 14 2 queo M 57 14 3 QU cvAPII M 59 14 4 TRANSMISSION LINE usi anciano pce rec cle Herc 61 15 lx zegie wg lc 64 16 PRECAUTIONS e Er ot 67 17 REGULATORY WARNING as pasos ie as auae b Dus 67 18 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS E 68 APPENDIX THEORY OF decus 69 APPENDIX FUNDAMENTAL 71 APPENDIX UPGRADING THE FIRMWARE ee ree re ee rues 73 APPENDIX D OSL CALIBRA TION ie 74 APPENDIX FREQUENCY CALIBRATION duco Gen 79 APPENDIX DETECTOR CALIBRATION
3. ARR lt 11 Vector Impedance Antenna Analyzer User s Manual Revision 1 2 6 Updated to Firmware Version 0 8 6 12 This document is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial ShareAlike 3 0 Unported License Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 Contents MSHI ROD UG vant 4 2 MAINFEATURES ne eee eee oe ee 5 3 OVERVIEW OF 5 6 4 OPERATING THE SARK 110 7 4 1 SC RELAY OUT 7 4 2 STATUS SYMBOLS MEANING ccccccececcccecececcccececuccccccecscceuenecececscaeaunececscauaeuecscaeuuaenerseeueeneneres 8 AS MEANS OF INPUT 8 44 CHANGING THE FREQUENCY ccecececececcccccccccceceneneceneneueneneneneneneneneneneneneneneneneneneneneneneneners 9 4 5 CHANGING THE 10 4 6 FREQUENCY PRESETS ccccccccccecccceccccecccceccececuececuececueececseaeceeausucaesecausecsuaeceuaeceeaeseeaesesaees 10 4 7 USING MARKERS c cccccecececcccecececccccececceaececscueueuuaese
4. 27 9 MHZ LOM 29 MHz oM 51 MHZ 4M 70 1 MHz 2M 145 MHz Full HF Full Span Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 GW e rn O e e WD WH HR 5 22 cu ded dee 22 9 29 0 2040 48 0 1 lae Fady dy UNE d SE D 2x3 oy du 2 x Oy 340 Jug E m Eug Sedis Ur Cy 105 ran Cw Cy Lez lie X Cp uoce dd 16 24 Sy 6 14 0 14 4 BOs 5 182 Bey 3S dear ENS auro op Cy Gut wg onc or las A00 320 Gy Te 0 2941 HAO Gf Ya 50 0 5220 Dy Op Nude FOZ 148 0 6 7 144 0 146 0 34005 G Gy 10 0 2040 290305 Te Wa Von EN 84 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 cc EEL Appendix H The following tables show the default scale presets lt Scale Presets Normal Min Max Scale Rs 10 1000 Log XS 500 500 Linear Rp 10 1000 Log Xp 500 500 Linear Zs 10 1000 Log Zs 100 100 Linear VSWR 1 00 25 00 Log RL 40 0 Log CL 0 20 Log Rho 0 1 0 Linear Rho 190 190 Linear Rp 0 100 Linear Q 0 20 Linear Cs 10000 10000 Linear Ls 100 100 Linear Cp 10000 10000 Linear Lp 100 100 Linear Low Min Max Scale Rs 0 250 Linear Xs 125 125 Linear Rp 0 250 Linear Xp 125 125 Linear 25 0 250 Linear Zs 100 100 Linear VSWR 1 00 10 00 Log RL 20 0 Log CL 0 10 Log Rho 0 1 0 Linear Rho 190 190 Linear Rp 0 100 Linear Q 0 20 Linear Cs 1000 1000 Linear Ls 10 10 Linear Cp 1000 1000
5. The transmission line type has to be known in advance The SARK 110 provides a comprehensive list of cable types and in addition the user can specify up to three custom cable types The selection of the cable is available in the menu Setup Cable Type see the screenshot below Fr 15 000 000 5 29 50 TL 0 000 20 50 sark_open csy BO VS5WE d 43 13 3 1 0 4 2 24 44 37 0 Bh 0 634 133 0 Cable Type Setup Belden 215 RO 6bArU Rotate Screen Belden 7915A RO 6 HOT i Calibration Belden 9116 Run Belden 237 EG 828 U Scale Belden 9251 En 8 U 0 Belden 9913 00 80 Automatic Power OFF Belden 9913F7 BG 8 U Belden 9914 080 870 YSWR Circle Belden 9258 00 8 Color Theme Belden 8213 0 110 Plot Thickness Belden 238 RG 11 U Filter Belden 261 RO 11A U Sampling Belden 9212 EG 11 U Buzzer Belden 219 Backlight Belden 240 80 58870 Units Belden 259 RGO 58A U Reset Factory Defaults About The transmission line length has to be entered into the TL Len menu option within the Main menu Use negative quantities for Subtract operations transpose to load and positive quantities for Add operations transpose to input The pop up edit dialog is activated by pressing the Select m button when the TL Len option is active see the screenshot below The value is set by using Navigator B to adjust the digit at each of the current length mul
6. 0 3643 4 12 966 594 14 633 158 Freq Setup Span 1 Rotate Screen Preset Run Markeri Automatic Power OFF Cable Type Harker VSWEB Circle EU J Color Theme Plot Thickness Filter Fil 1 2 Sampling 4 Calibration PUE Mode Backlight M Frequency Calibration Units TL Len Detector Calibration Reset Factory Defaults OSL Profile Select About The calibration procedure is as follows Enter the start frequency default is the lower frequency limit Start Freg QUT 100 000 Enter the stop frequency default is the upper frequency limit Stop Freq 23 000 000 Connect the open load TW Profile 0 Load status is indicated by the color of the Start 100 000 Stop 230 000 000 Rh indicator Green denotes load good S P status Press the appropriate button to continue or to exit Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 76 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 The calibration progress will be shown in the display bar Connect the short circuit load Load status is indicated by the color of the Rh indicator Green denotes load good status Press the appropriate button to continue or to exit The calibration progress will be shown in the display bar Connect the reference load Load status is indicated by the color of the Rh indicator Green denotes lo
7. 10 100 000 DIEM _ _ __ 1 00 1 47 2 15 3 16 4 64 6 81 10 00 CHodel Another supported presentation mode is Matching Networks In this mode the analyzer calculates automatically the L C values in four matching networks Select Disp Matching Networks for this presentation mode Fr 10 100 000 TL 0 000 20 50 d s Pi D gt VSWR 2 00 2 98 7 j10 6 2 09 246 1 Rh 0 3348 2 Q 0 11 RL 9 52dB CL 4 76dB RPwur 11 17 10 100 000 satip O O Preset 1 00 1 47 2 15 3 16 4 64 6 81 10 00 s 93 7 510 6 Rp 99 8 Ap j9259 6 CHodel 99 8 Display Two element circuit Big V3WE Matching Hetworks Ls 166 9fnH Fr 24 100 000 TL 0 000 20 50 OM YSWR 2 06 2 94 5 124 2 21 97 6 lt 14 4 Rhi 0 354 19 0 0 0 26 RL 9 22dB CL 4 61dB 11 96 Preset CHodel L 526 48uH C 131 12pF O 1 007 Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 258 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual 8 Cable Test Mode TDR _ 1 93 4 Zoom E 0 84 20 50 sark 000 tdr lt 1mp 0 0000 Step 0 7466 g 93 4m 186 9m Zoom Q o Marker1 s Marker2 10 Length indication 13 Reference impedance setting 14 Loaded data file name 15 Disk write operation in progress 16 Calibration status 17 Run Hold status Cable Test or Time Domain Reflectometer TDR mode is intended to identify potential coaxial cable faults that could disrupt signal transmissi
8. 100 kHz to 230 MHz Frequency resolution 1 Hz Frequency stability 30 ppm Sine wave output RF Connector MCX socket Output power 10 dBm 0 1mW 70 7mV rms into a 50 ohm load Sweep time Scalar Chart Smith Chart Field Mode 3 seconds Normal fast sampling 5 seconds Double slow sampling 1 5 seconds Normal low resolution Sweep time FDR 6 seconds Frequency Resolution 258 points per sweep 258 to 10000 in deep sweep mode Return loss dynamic range 0 to 60 dB VSWR dynamic range 100 1 maximum Impedance reading in open circuit 60000 1 MHz Measurement limits Z lt 100K R lt 100K X lt 100K IRho lt 0 98 C 100 nF L lt 100 mH 180 lt lt 180 Measured Complex impedance series and parallel and reflection coefficient in Parameters rectangular and polar form VSWR return loss reflection power percentage quality factor equivalent capacitance equivalent inductance Operating Modes Scalar Chart Smith Chart Single Frequency Cable Test TDR Field Multi band Signal Generator Computer Control Features Common e To Most Modes Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 Presets for amateur radio bands Adjustable reference impedance Save to disk and recall functions Three available fixed scale options and automatic scaling Presets for popular coaxial cables Add subtract transmission line Black or white color schemes Adjustable plot trace widths 64 Melchor Varela EA4F
9. Backlight Units Reset Factory Defaults About Detector Calibration OSL Profile Select To calibrate the synthesizer select Frequency Calibration from the Calibration submenu and adjust the frequency while measuring it with an accurate frequency counter or alternatively zero beat it against WWV Use Navigator B to change the frequency The frequency will change according to the current frequency multiplier that is highlighted in reverse video Use Navigator A to change the frequency multiplier position if needed When an exact 10 MHz output is obtained press the Select m button to permanently store the setting For best accuracy turn on the unit for at least 10 or 15 minutes before calibrating Press the Save Screen e button if the default setting needs to be restored To Calibrate the Synthesizer Zero beat to 160 HHz connect a frequency counter Adjust the frequency Apply the calibration Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 79 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Appendix F Detector Calibration This procedure performs alignment of the SARK 110 s internal measurement circuits This operation is done once at the factory and it is not necessary for the user to repeat it but the procedure is detailed for completeness This procedure comprises a calibration phase and an optional detector test phase to check the detector circuits For Detector calibratio
10. Setup Backlight This setup allows adjustment of the display s backlight intensity The range is from 1 to 10 where the higher value corresponds to the higher brightness Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 28 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual 13 200 000 5 5 00 TL 0 000 20 50 sark_O00 cs FSWR 2 13 2 106 34 55 2 21 106 5 lt 2 8 0 36 3 4 12 675 909 14 575 051 See 1 Setup Rotate Screen Calibration Run Automatic Power OFF Cable Type TSHR Circle Color Theme Plot Thickness Filter Sampling Backlight oa HESSE Factory Defaults Setup Units This setup allows configuration of distance units either in meters or feet 13 200 000 5 5 00 TL 0 000 20 50 zark 00 VSWB z2 13 2 106 34 55 2 21 106 5 lt 2 8 0 36 3 4 12 675 909 14 575 051 Md Setup Rotate Screen Calibration Run Hode Automatic Power OFF Cable Type TSHR Circle Color Theme Plot Thickness Filter Sampling Buzzer Backlight Reset Factory Defaults Setup Reset to Factory Defaults This setup permits resetting the analyzer to its default settings Fe 13 300 000 5 5 00 TL 0 000 20 50 sark_O00 cs QO FSWR 2 13 2 106 34 55 2 2 105 5452 8 0 36 3 4 12 675 905 14 575 051 Reset Factory Press m to confirm Automatic Power OFF Cable Type V3WE
11. Setup Rotate Screen Run Automatic Power OFF Cable Type TSHR Circle Color Theme Plot Thickness Filter Sampling Buzzer Backlight Frequency Calibration Units Detector Calibration Calibration Fr 12 200 000 5 5 00 TL 0 000 20 50 sark_O00 cs VSWB z 13 2 106 34 55 2 2 105 5452 8 Bh 0 3643 4 14 633 188 Setup Rotate Screen Preset Run Hode Automatic Power OFF Cable Type V3WE Circle OSL Profile Color Theme Plot Thickness Profile Filter Profile Sampling Profile Buzzer Profile Backlight Profile Units Profile Profile After selecting the calibration profile the profile characteristics are shown in a popup dialog 13 200 000 5p 5 00M TL 0 000 20 50 0 00 FSWR 2 13 2 106 34 55 2 21 106 5 lt 2 8 0 36 3 4 12 966 594 14 633 188 Setup Rotate Screen Run Hode Automatic Power OFF Cable Type Lircl SL Profile er Profile 0 Plot Thickness Filter Calibrated Sampling Start 100 000 eu A stop 230 000 600 Points 400 E 20 50 6 Once the calibration profile has been selected choose Setup Calibration OSL Calibration to start the OSL calibration procedure Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 75 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Fe 13 300 000 5 5 00 TL 0 000 20 50 00 FSWR 2 13 2 106 34 55 2 2 105 552 8 Bh
12. 1 30 2 61 47j8 9 121 6 1 lt 8 2 RhI 0 13433 3 ERTERIE Setup Rotate Screen Calibration Run Scale Automatic Power Off Cable Type V3WE Circle Color Theme Bight Y File Sampling ers Buzzer Backlight 20 Units Reset Factory Defaults oof o About Setup Automatic Power Off This setup permits the automatic power off delay to be selected from a set of predefined times Fr 13 550 000 5p d 1 M TL 0 000 70 50 QR 1 30 61 4 78 9 121 6 2 1 lt 8 2 RhI 0 13433 3 12 628 261 ERTERIE Setup Rotate Screen Calibration Run Scale Cable Type TSHR Circle Color Theme Plot Thickness Filter Sampling Auto Power Off BUE Backlight 5 Minutes Units 10 Minutes Reset Factory Defaults 30 Minutes About Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 23 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 1O User s Manual After power off press the Select m button to resume operation Alternatively power off and power on the device using the Power Switch Setup Cable Type The length measurements in the cable test mode and transmission line operations require the proper setting of the cable type This setup permits the selection of cable parameters from a set of predetermined values for the most popular coaxial cables Additionally the user can specify three custom cable settings see Appendix Fr 13 550 000 5p d 1 M TL 0 000 70 50 1 30 2 61 4 18 9
13. 50 QR YSWR 4 97 2 35 1 173 121 81 24 64 3 Bh 0 664 60 8 IERTERLI ERTERIE Harker 1 Fr iz 993 754 B r1 H2 1 001 133 4 97 25 81 1 AM 2 35 1 j73 1 i2 81 14 54 3 F IRBhi 0 554 50 8 Harker 1 Select Tracking Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 13 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 1O User s Manual 4 8 Changing the Vertical Axis Parameter In Scalar Chart mode the SARK 110 can display two traces from any of the available parameters for the vertical axis Use Navigator A to highlight either LeftY or RightY in the main menu There are two methods of changing the selected vertical axis parameter 1 Press the Select m button to activate the LeftY or RightY popup submenu Use Navigator to highlight the desired submenu parameter option Press the Select m button to validate the selection Press any other button to cancel the operation The screenshot below shows the available parameters for the vertical axis 1 13 486 375 5p d 1 M TL 0 000 70 50 QR YSWR 1 15 2 57 2 j2 1 21 57 34 2 1 0 07 lt 15 3 ii Use Navigator B when either the LeftY or RightY option is highlighted Options are selected sequentially 4 9 Saving and Recalling Measurements The SARK 110 has the capability to store measurements to the internal disk and recall them either to review the data later in the analyzer screen or to download the data from t
14. 55 2 21 106 5 lt 2 8 0 36 3 4 xi 12 675 909 14 575 051 Setup Span Rotate Screen Calibration Run Preset Marker Automatic Power OFF Cable Type a Circle Plot Thickness Filter File UN Sampling Buzzer Mode Backlight Units TL Len Reset Factory Defaults About Start 11 300 000 End 16 300 000Hz2 The screenshots below show graphs with plot thicknesses set to Thick and Thin Fr 12 200 000 5 5 00 TL 0 000 Z0 50 sark_O00 cs FSWR 2 13 2 106 34 55 2 2 105 5452 8 Bh 0 3643 4 Hi 12 675 909 14 575 051 Fre Pul un Preset Ma rk e rl Harker 11 300 000Hz Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 26 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Fe 13 300 000 5p 5 00M TL 0 000 20 50 sark_O00 cs FSWR 2 13 2 106 34 55 2 2 105 552 8 0 36 3 4 12 675 909 i Setup Filter This setup offers the choice of one of two noise reduction filters or none for the Scalar Chart Smith Chart Field and Multi band modes Fr 12 200 000 5p 5 00HM TL 0 000 20 50 00 VSWB z2 13 2 106 34 55 2 2 105 552 8 0 36 3 4 12 675 909 14 575 051 Fre 7 T oa Setup SP an rd Rotate Screen ni Calibration Preset
15. 93 SARK gt oe i o 0 File View Calibration Marker Settings Tools Help Polar Chart File ie 11101111111 LIA A A a Ep e s PARAR Tft IV VV VV VY Enabled J Cursor 96 meters Impulse 0 000 Step 0 565 Rho Real Rholmag Impulse Step Impulse Markers Step M1 18 meters M2 Impulse 0 290 Max 17 meters 0 290 EU 19 meters 0 565 7 Min 17 meters 0 088 Min 17 meters 0 182 Disconnected File C Users mvarela Documents SARK SARK_TDR_05151800 csv Z0 50 j0 Vf 0 87 TL None Net None The command interface specification is open for anyone wishing to develop client software Source code examples of the communication interface are available for different operating systems This information is available at the following link http www sark110 com commands interface Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 51 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual 13 Transmission Line Add Subtract The SARK 110 provides the capability of subtracting a length of transmission line transpose to load or adding a length of transmission line transpose to input Use the subtraction feature to discount the effect of the feed line so the measurements will be as if the analyzer were connected at the antenna feed point Use the addition feature for simulating the effect of a feed line
16. Current f 2447 Exit 3 Connect 1600 o0hm load Yolkage 31594 Current 32611 Exit 4 Connect 2600 o0hm load VYoltage d 24d2 Current 33931 Exit Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Press the appropiate button to repeat the test or to exit Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 83 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 lt Appendix G Frequency Presets File User s Manual Default frequency presets can be modified by the user by supplying a special text file stored on the analyzer s disk The file name must be presets txt and the format for each band entry in the file is as follows legend start freq stop freq def mul freq def mul span marker1 freq marker2 freq Where o legend string to be displayed in the preset menu max length 20 o Start freq start frequency specified in MHz o Stop freq stop frequency specified in MHz o def mul freq default multiplier for setting the frequency o def mul span default multiplier for setting the span o freq default marker 1 frequency specified in MHz o marker2 freq default marker 2 frequency specified in MHz Example GOOM 500 KHz LOOM 1 9 MHZ GOME 3 0 MHZ OOM 5 3 MHZ 40M 7 1 MHz SUME 10 1 Maz HE RFID 3 5 MHZ 20M 14 2 MHz LIM Lol MHz 15M 21 2 MHZ 12M 24 9 MHZ
17. Linear Rev 1 2 6 October 39 2015 85 High Rs Xs Rp Xp Zs Zs VSWR RL CL Rho Rho Rp Cs Ls Cp Lp Min 10 2500 10 2500 10 100 1 00 100000 1000 100000 1000 5000 2500 5000 2500 5000 100 100 00 0 30 1 0 190 100 50 100000 1000 100000 1000 User s Manual Scale Log Linear Log Linear Log Linear Log Log Log Linear Linear Linear Linear Linear Linear Linear Linear Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 cc ESE SARK NO User s Manual Default scale presets can be modified by the user by supplying special text files stored on the analyzer s disk The file names for each of the scales have to be the following Scale Normal scal def txt Scale High gt scal_hig txt e Scale Low gt scal_low txt Scale Auto gt scal_aut txt The files must contain an entry for each parameter with the following syntax min mdx dog Y N Note that logarithmic scales do not accept negative ranges Example file name def txt 10 240 0053 RS 500 500 N txs 10 1000 Rp 500 500 N Xp 10 1000 Y Zs 100 100 N lt Zs 1400 25 004 Y VSWR 40 0 N RL 0 2DN CL 0 1 0 N Rho 190 190 N lt Rho 0 100 N 0 20 N Q 10000 10000 N 100 100 N fLs 10000 10000 N Cp 100 100 N Lp Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 86 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 1
18. Run Markert Automatic Power OFF Cable Type Circle Color Theme Marker J E File 1 Sampling a Buzzer Hode Backlight Units Reset Factory Defaults About Average tmoothing The Average filter minimizes the noise but at the expense of reducing the measurement speed Four samples are taken for each measurement frequency and an average from these samples is calculated The Smoothing filter is a moving average calculation for each measurement point of the unweighted mean of the previous measurement points The measurement speed is not affected but there could be a loss of accuracy gt magnitude of the peak or valley of a rapidly changing parameter may be affected Check the results with and without the filter if there is any doubt Setup Sampling This setup permits a choice of the number of measurement samples from three options Normal fast Double slow and Normal low resolution The Normal fast option is the default setting and provides a good balance between accuracy and measurement speed The Double slow option is intended for enhanced accuracy measurements because it Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 27 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 1O User s Manual reduces measurement ripple by doubling the number of samples taken but at the expense of a slower
19. The calibration coefficients are shown at the bottom of the screen for information Completed Press the appropiate button to apply the new calibration settings or to cancel them P 2 992 HR5 53 65 1 Cancel Press appropiate button to go to optional Detector Test or to exit Detector test a Continue Exit Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 NE Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK Connect the 0 ohm load Load status is indicated by the color of the voltage and current detector indicators Green denotes a load good status Press the appropriate button to continue or to exit Connect the 50 ohm load Load status is indicated by the color of the voltage and current detector indicators Green denotes a load good status Press the appropriate button to continue or to exit Connect the 100 ohm load Load status is indicated by the color of the voltage and current detector indicators Green denotes a load good status Press the appropriate button to continue or to exit Connect the 200 ohm load Load status is indicated by the color of the voltage and current detector indicators Green denotes a load good status Press the appropriate button to continue or to exit Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 User s Manual 1 Connect 0 load Yolkage 61254 Current 114780 Exit 2 Connect 50 load 75372
20. Use the Delete file option to delete a single file on the device disk When selecting the Delete File option a popup submenu will be displayed with the list of available files Use Navigator B to highlight the desired file Press the Select m button to validate the selection Press any other button to cancel the operation Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 16 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual HM1 12 628 261 5p d 1 M TL 0 000 20 50 YSWR 12 72 Z 24 8 jllz 9 121 115 6 lt 77 6 0 85 lt 46 1 12 628 261 ERTERIE ERES Delete File Load Data File Load Bitmap File sark_O00 cs Browse Bitmaps 0l bmp 00 Delete All 000 Deep Sweep Save Delete All Use the Delete All option to delete all user files When selecting the Delete All option a confirmation dialog box is activated to prevent an accidental deletion HM1 12 628 261 5p d 1 0M TL 0 000 20 50 QR YSWR 12 72 Z 24 8 jllz 9 121 115 6 lt 77 6 RhI 0 854 46 1 8 261 ERTERIE Delete All Press m to confirm Load Data File Load Bitmap File Browse Bitmaps Delete File Deep Sweep Deep Sweep Save The deep sweep save function provides the capability of saving measurements with higher accuracy and resolution It permits a higher number of frequency points to increase the frequency resolution to be specified and uses the higher accur
21. below illustrate the responses of known discontinuities Element Impulse Response Step Response Display Open Unity reflection Unity reflection Short Unity reflection 180 Unity reflection 180 A A Resistance gt Zo Positive peak Positive level shift UI NL OK ess Resistance lt Zo Negative peak Negative level shift Inductance Positive then negative peaks Positive peak Capacitance Negative then positive peaks Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 Negative peak Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual 9 Field Mode 10 D asse G5 Fr 13 800 000 5 00 TL 0 000 20 50 sark_000 csy Freq e pan Preset 5 Maximum and minimum values 13 Calibration status 1 6 Highlighted menu option 14 Run Hold status Field Mode is equivalent to the Scalar Chart mode but with a more visible presentation aimed at operation in the field especially if combined with the White color theme Frequency and magnitude of maximum and minimum points in the trace are shown at the top of the graph This will be helpful for instance in the identification of the frequency and magnitude of the minimum VSWR point Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 42 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Use Navigator A to highlight Mode in the main menu Pres
22. calibrated Load having the same value as the reference impedance These loads are connected sequentially to the end of the test lead as instructed on the screen as described below gt the reference impedance please refer to Setup 20 in the chapter 4 12 The place where these loads are connected during the calibration is called the Reference Plane Short Load Reference SARKK no Plane The analyzer performs a series of measurements with these loads calculating error coefficients that are stored in a file that is automatically loaded each time the analyzer is run These error coefficients are used to correct the measured values The number of calibration points is fixed to 00 iN The frequency range for the calibration can be programmed by the user allowing setting a narrower frequency span for higher resolution measurements The device supports the storage of up to eight calibration profiles These profiles can be associated to different test port adapters or different frequency ranges Select Setup Calibration OSL Profile to set the active calibration profile The active profile is shown in the status line e g PO for profile O Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 74 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 1O User s Manual Fe 13 300 000 5 5 00 TL 0 000 20 50 0 00 VSWB z2 13 2 106 34 55 2 2 105 542 8 Bh 0 3643 4 12 966 594 14 633 188
23. flash disk for the storage and recall of measured parameters screenshots analyzer configuration and firmware updates This disk is accessible via USB so the measured parameters can be downloaded to a PC for analysis using the ZPLOTS spreadsheet program or the SARK Plots client software for Windows Please let us have your suggestions through the website http www sark110 com as we are highly motivated to extend this device s functionality based on community requests Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 4 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 1O User s Manual 2 Main Features Pocket size and lightweight Solid aluminum case Intuitive and easy to use Operating modes Scalar Chart Smith Chart Single Frequency Cable Test TDR Field Mode Multi band Signal Generator and Computer Control Good accuracy over a broad range of impedances Resolves the sign of the impedance Manual and automatic positioning tracking markers Internal 2MB USB disk for the storage of measurements screenshots configuration and firmware upgrade Exports data in ZPLOTS compatible format for further analysis on a PC SARK Plots client software for Windows Lifetime free firmware upgrades Open to community requested features Open source Software Development Kit SDK including a device simulator for development of user applications Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 5 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual 3 Overview of Fun
24. of the display Press the Select m button to display the popup dialog associated with Freq Then use Navigator B to change the frequency The frequency will change according to the current frequency multiplier that is highlighted in reverse video Use Navigator A to change the frequency multiplier position if needed Press the Select m button to validate the frequency selection Press any other button to cancel the operation The screenshot below is of the frequency edit dialog showing the highlighted frequency multiplier positioned over digit 5 frequency increments of 10 KHz Fr 13 550 000 5p d 1 M TL 0 000 20 50 YSWR 1 30 2 61 3 9 0 21 62 048 4 RI 0 13433 8 IERTERI ERTERIE CD Frequency 4 013 5010 000 ii Use Navigator to highlight Freq the main menu on the left side of the display Then use Navigator B to change the frequency The frequency will change according to the current frequency multiplier The frequency multiplier can be changed from the popup dialog see i above Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 9 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual gt Note the span range will be adjusted automatically if the resultant upper or lower frequency entry causes it to fall outside operational limits 4 5 Changing the Span There are two methods of editing the Span i Use Navigator A to highlight Span in the main menu on the left side of the display Press
25. screenshot below the available presets Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 10 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK nO Fr 13 550 000 4p 4 10M TL 0 000 20 50 vV5WE 1 30 2 61 2 59 0 2 61 948 3 0 13534 0 12 993 754 13 994 387 Preset Mark 1 Harker Left Y Full HF 4 7 Using Markers BOOM 500 KHz 160M 1 8 HHz 70 1 HHz 145 HHz User s Manual Gi The SARK 110 has two markers that can either be manually positioned by the user or set to operate in automatic tracking mode The markers indicate the horizontal and vertical position of the point on which they are positioned The horizontal position of a marker is shown by a dotted vertical line which extends from the top to the bottom of the measurement diagram The markers information window in blue background shows the frequency or distance in cable test mode and the two values that correspond to the plotted values at each of the markers Use Navigator A to highlight either Marker1 or Marker2 in the main menu Press the Select m button to activate the Marker popup submenu Available options are Enable for activating or deactivating the marker Select for selecting or deselecting the marker and Tracking for selecting the tracking mode see screenshot below Fr 13 550 000 p 4 10H TL n0 000 20 50 vV5 WE 1 30 61 2 19 0 2 61 948 3 0 13534 0 12 993 754 13 994 38
26. sweep speed This enhancement of the measurements is more noticeable when using automatic scales for measurement over a small range of values The Normal low resolution option is equivalent to Normal fast option but the sweep speed is faster because the number of measurement points is reduced by half Fr 12 200 000 5p 5 00M TL 0 000 20 50 00 csv VSWB z2 13 2 106 34 55 2 2 105 552 8 0 36 3 4 12 675 909 14 575 051 4 Setup Rotate Screen Calibration Run Automatic Power OFF Cable Type TSHR Circle Color Theme Plot Thickness Sampling Seren Units Double slow Reset Factory Defaults Hormal low resolution About Setup Buzzer This setup enables control of the analyzer s sounds Select Enabled to enable all the sounds Select Disable Key Click to deactivate the feedback click sound when pressing the buttons or the navigation keys Alert and error sounds will continue to be enabled Select Disable All for an all silent operation 13 200 000 5 5 00 TL 0 000 20 50 00 VSWB z2 13 2 106 34 55 2 2 105 552 8 Eh 0 3543 4 12 675 909 14 575 051 4 Setup 1 rl Rotate Screen Calibration Run Automatic Power OFF Cable Type V3WE Circle Color Theme Plot Thickness Filter Buzzer Backlight Units Disable Key Click Reset Factory Defaults Disable All About
27. 15 3 Load Data File Load Bitmap File Browse Bitmaps File Delete File Delete All Sark_OOfl csu Deep Sweep Save Load Data File To retrieve the stored data select the Load Data File submenu option A second popup submenu is displayed with a list of available files Use Navigator B to highlight the desired file Press the Select m button to validate the selection Press any other button to cancel the operation Once the file is selected the data is loaded and plotted Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 15 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual HM1 12 628 261 5p d 1 M TL 0 000 20 50 QR YSWR 12 72 Z 84 7 jllz 6 121 115 3 lt 77 6 0 85 lt 46 12 628 261 ERTERIE Freq Load Bitmap File Browse Bitmaps E Delete File Load Data File Delete Deep Sweep Save Load Bitmap File Use the Load Bitmap File option to display a captured screenshot Press the Select m button to finalize the operation HM1 12 628 261 5p d 1 M TL 0 000 20 50 YSWR 12 72 Z 24 8 jllz 9 121 115 6 lt 77 6 Rhi 0 65 46 1 12 623 261 ERTERIE Load Data File Bitmap File ipu Delete All sark 001 Deep Sweep Save Browse Bitmaps Select the option Browse Bitmaps from the File menu to review the captured screenshots Use Navigator B to select the different bitmaps Press the Select m button to finalize the operation Delete File
28. 53 RL 4 94dB CL 2 47dB 4RPwr 32 08 Freq arie 8 CModel s Audio File Mode TL Len Setup 1 VSWR bar 10 Detailed measurements 2 Series impedance complex form 11 Detailed measurements extended 3 Circuit equivalent series 12 Frequency setting series resistance and equivalent 13 Transmission Line length setting inductance or capacitance values 5 Parallel impedance complex form 14 Reference impedance setting 6 Parallel circuit equivalent 15 Calibration status Parallel resistance and equivalent 16 Run Hold status inductance or capacitance values 8 Highlighted menu option 17 USB Battery status The Single Frequency mode provides impedance measurements at single frequency All the measured fundamental parameters at the selected frequency are shown in the display In addition a VSWR graph is available for a quick visualization of this parameter As well as the two element equivalent circuit models both series and parallel circuits are displayed as schematics Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 36 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Use Navigator A to highlight Mode in the main menu Press the Select m button to activate the Mode popup submenu and use Navigator B to highlight Single Frequency submenu mode option Finally press the Select m button to enter into Single Frequency mode The analyzer performs the measurements continuously un
29. 7 Freq Span 1 Preset 1 Left Y Right Y Gi The Select option activates or deactivates the display of detailed parameters at the marker position The screenshot below shows Marker1 in the selected state Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 11 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual 1 12 993 754 Spr4 10M TL 0 000 70 50 YSWR 4 96 2 35 3 173 2 121 81 3 lt 64 3 Rh 0 664 60 7 ERTERIE ERR The automatic tracking feature makes positioning of the markers easier thus helping the user to speed up measuremenis The following tracking modes are available e Peak Min p e Peak Max P e Absolute Min m e Absolute Max M e Value Cross Any X e Value Cross Up e Value Cross Down v 1 12 993 754 Spr4 10M TL 0 000 20 50 QR 4 97 2 35 1 123 1121 81 1 lt 64 3 0 66 lt 60 8 ERTERIE fred Parameter Tracking Peak Hin Peak Max Hin Marker 1 Value BE OSE 00 Cross Up Cross Down The automatic positioning of markers is activated in the Tracking sub option Select the tracking mode from any of the modes above and then the applicable parameter to track In addition a detection value must be specified for the Cross detection modes Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 12 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual For example you could set Marker 1 to aut
30. Circle Color Theme Plot Thickness Filter Sampling Buzzer Backlight Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 29 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual The internal disk drive can be optionally formatted Press the Select m button to format the disk or any other button if only a reset to factory defaults is required It is recommended that the disk contents are backed up to a PC as most of the files will be lost during the format Only the Detector Calibration file detcalib dat and the file associated with the selected OSL Calibration profile are preserved 13 200 000 5p 5 00M TL 0 000 20 50 00 csv VSWB z2 13 2 106 34 55 2 21 106 5 lt 2 8 0 36 3 4 14 575 051 Automatic Power OFF Cable Type TSHR Circle Color Theme Plot Thickness Filter Sampling Buzzer Backlight Units 13 200 000 5 5 00 TL 0 000 20 50 sark_O00 cs FSWR 2 13 2 106 34 55 2 2 105 552 8 0 36 3 4 12 675 909 14 575 051 f Done Press m to continue Automatic Power OFF Cable Type SWEAR Circle Color Theme Plot Thickness Filter Sampling Buzzer Backlight Units Setup About The About screen displays copyright information firmware release number disk size and free space Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 30 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 1O User s Manual Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 saj Melchor Varela EA4F
31. O User s Manual Appendix I Custom Cable Settings The SARK 110 allows the user to specify three custom cable settings by supplying a special text file stored on the analyzer s disk The file name must be custcab txt and the format for each cable entry in the file is as follows legend 20 VF KO Kl K2 Where o legend string to be display in the preset menu max length 20 o Z0 characteristic impedance o velocity factor o resistance dB 100ft o K1 coefficient for conductor loss dB 100ft o K2 coefficient for dielectric loss dB 100ft Example Test cable 1 50 0 68 0 063897 0 192292 0 000051 Test cable 2 60 0 78 0 073897 0 193292 0 000061 Test cable 3 70 0 88 0 083897 0 194292 0 000071 Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 87 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015
32. RB 2011 2015 SARK 1O User s Manual Scalar Chart Mode Graphical plot of two user selected parameters in a rectangular chart e Two markers with manual or automatic positioning e Display detailed parameters for center frequency or any of the two marker positions Smith Chart Mode Plots complex reflection coefficient in Smith Chart form e wo markers with manual or automatic positioning e Display detailed parameters for center frequency or either of the two marker positions Single Frequency Display all parameters for a single frequency Mode e Graphical representation of series and parallel impedance equivalent e VSWR Audio feedback e Circuit models and automatic LC matching network calculator Cable Test Mode Maximum length about 250 m e Displays step and impulse responses Field Mode e Graphical plot of one user selected parameter in a scalar chart with enhanced legibility e Display max and min values Multi band Mode _ Display rectangular charts for four bands simultaneously Signal Generator Frequency range 1 kHz to 230 MHz Mode e Programmable output level from 73 dBm to 10 dBm into a 50 ohm load Continuous and frequency sweep modes e Linear logarithmic bi linear and bi logarithmic sweep modes Markers Tracking modes Peak Min Peak Max Absolute Min Absolute Max Value Cross Any Value Cross Up Value Cross Down Interface e Full color 3 TFT LCD 400 x 240 pixels e 4 dedicated buttons
33. RB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual 5 Scalar Chart Mode Fr 13 800 000 Sp 5 00M TL 0 000 20 50 sark_000 csv O VSWR 2 13 2 106 3 5 2 121 106 5 lt 2 8 RhI 0 3643 4 14 05M 12 85M Freq Span Preset Markeri 7 Marker Left Y Right Y 6 10 Frequency and span settings 11 Transmission Line length setting 12 Reference impedance setting 13 Loaded data file name 5 Frequency axis labeling 14 Disk write operation in progress 6 Highlighted menu option 15 Calibration status 7 Main menu 16 Run Hold status Markers information 17 USB Battery status The Scalar Chart mode provides functionality for impedance measurements of antennas transmission lines and RF circuits The analyzer performs reflection measurements within a user specified frequency range defined by the frequency and the span The two user selectable fundamental parameters are displayed as a Cartesian diagram Up to two markers can be selected to provide precise information in the plotted areas Their positions can either be user selected or automatically tracked They are also useful for indicating characteristic points in the plot Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 32 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 1O User s Manual Use Navigator A to highlight Mode in the main menu Press the Select m button to activate the Mode popup submenu and use Navigator B to highlight Scalar Chart submenu mod
34. SARK 110 provides advanced analysis features including the automatic determination of the circuit models of small loop antennas or coils capacitors and quartz crystals It is also capable of automatically determining different parameters having to do with transmission lines lt is essential that the analyzer is calibrated before each measurement for accurate results when using these functions The open short and load calibration loads have to be connected to the end of the test port extension cable being employed Please refer to Appendix D on how to carry out the steps for OSL calibration The measurement results can be saved in a file in tabular format or as a screenshot The Circuit Models function is only available in the Single Frequency Mode Select Mode Single Frequency to change to the Single Frequency mode Then select CModel in the main menu and the desired function in the pop up submenu Fr 10 100 000 TL 0 0 70 50 go gt VSMR T ZE Z 7 3 j11 5 2 13 6457 7 Rh 0 764153 5 0 1 58 RL 2 42dB 1 1 2146 ZRPwr 57 27 Freq Circuit Model Capacitor Quartz Crystal Transmission Line 14 1 Loop Antenna Coil This function determines the equivalent circuit model of small loop antennas or coils This function is specially tailored for the measurement of antennas for HF RFID applications Detailed usage of this function is described in the Application available at http www sark110 com appli
35. Setup Color Theme This setup permits a choice of two color themes Black or White 13 200 000 5 5 00 TL 0 000 20 50 sark_O00 cs FSWR 2 13 2 106 34 55 2 2 105 552 8 ERh 0 3543 4 14 575 051 Setup Rotate Screen Calibration Run Automatic Power OFF Cable Type Plot Thickness Filter Sampling Buzzer Backlight Units Reset Factory Defaults About The screenshots below shows graphs with color themes set to White and Black Fe 13 300 000 5 5 00 TL 0 000 20 50 sark_O00 cs VSWBR z2 13 2 106 34 55 2 2 1065 542 8 Bh 0 3643 4 Freq Span Preset Markeri 0 2 Markerz n File 0 2 5 Mode TL Len 0 5 ETT start 11 300 000Hz End 15 300 00 0Hz Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 25 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 cc EEE SARK User s Manual Fe 13 300 000 5p 5 00M TL 0 000 20 50 sark_O00 cs FSWR 2 13 2 106 34 55 2 21 106 5 lt 2 8 Bh 0 3643 4 xi 12 675 909 14 575 051 Freq a t Ha rk r1 Marker Start 11 300 000 Setup Plot Thickness This setup allows a choice of thickness of the diagram s traces from two options Thick and Thin This option is unavailable in the Field Mode graph where traces are always set to thick 13 200 000 5p 5 00M TL 0 000 20 50 sark_O00 cs FSWR 2 13 2 106 34
36. Z 62 148 2 Rh 0 13433 3 ETT ERTERIE Cable Type Setup Andrew Braided CHT 240 Rotate Screen Andrew Braided CHT 300 Calibration Andrew Braided CHT 400 Run Andrew Braided CHT 600 Scale Andrew Heliax LOF4 508A 0 Andrew Heliax LOF5 508A Andrew Heliax LOF6 50 Belden 215 RG 6AF U YSWR Circle Belden 7915A RGO 6fHDOT Color Theme Belden 9116 ROG 6 CAT Plot Thickness Belden 237 BG 8 U Filter Belden 9251 0 0 8 0 Sampling Belden 9913 0 0 8 0 Buzzer Belden 9913F7 00 850 Backlight Belden 9914 RG 2 U Units Belden 9258 0 64 Reset Factory Defaults About Setup VSWR Circle This setup enables the value of the constant impedance circle in the Smith Chart to be changed The circle diameter is defined by the VSWR value Fe 13 300 000 5p 5 00M TL 0 000 20 50 sark_O00 cs FSWR 2 13 2 106 34 55 2 2 105 542 8 0 36 3 4 12 675 909 14 575 051 EU m E Freq F Setup 1 Rotate Screen Calibration Run Automatic Power OFF Color Theme Plot Thickness Filter Sampling Buzzer Backlight Units Reset Factory Defaults About In the screenshot below the circle has been changed to a VSWR of 5 0 Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 24 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Fe 13 300 000 5p 5 00M TL 0 000 20 50 sark_O00 cs FSWR 2 13 2 106 34 55 2 21 106 5 lt 2 8 Bh 0 3643 4 14 575 051 gl
37. acy settings during the sweep scan this means a double sampling rate and an average of four measurements per single frequency point In addition this function enables a user programmable timeout for the automatic start of measurements to be specified This function is similar to the self timer function on cameras In order to use this function first set the frequency and span range in any of the sweep modes such as Scalar Chart and then select File Deep Sweep Save The procedure is as follows Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 17 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Enter the file name File 5ark GORl csu Enter the number of frequency points Minimum value is 258 and maximum value is 10000 Points 000 o 000 Specify an optional delay for the automatic start of the measurements self timer function 30 Seconds 1 Minute Hinutes 5 Hinutes When a Delay is specified a countdown will commence File sark GO1 csu Start 160 606 Stop 32 6600 600 Points 1 000 Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 18 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 Otherwise press the appropriate button to continue File sark GG1 csu Start 100 000 Stop 32 000 000 Points 1 060 After completing the sweep scan the analyzer will save the results of the sweep File sark O01 csu i Start 100 000 scan to the file Stop 32 000 000 Points 1 000 Notice that the scan time i
38. ad good status Press the appropriate button to continue or to exit Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 SARKO aff User s Manual Profile Start 100 606 Stop 230 000 000 Points 400 20 50 0 Profile Start 100 000 Stop 230 000 000 Points 400 20 50 0 Profile 0 Start 100 000 Stop 230 000 000 Points 400 20 50 0 Profile 0 Start 100 000 Stop 236 006 060 Points 400 20 50 0 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual The calibration progress will be shown in the display bar Profile Start 100 000 stop 230 000 000 Points 400 20 56 6 Press the appropriate button to apply the new calibration settings or to cancel them Profile 9 Start 100 000 Stop 230 000 000 Points 400 20 50 0 Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 78 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Appendix E Frequency Calibration This setup permits the frequency synthesizer to be calibrated to 1 Hz The calibration operation is available at Setup Calibration Frequency Calibration 13 200 000 5 5 00 TL 0 000 20 50 zark 00 csv FSWR 2 13 2 106 34 55 2 2 105 552 8 0 36 3 4 12 955 594 14 633 188 Freq Setup Span Rotate Screen Marker2 IR TEE TED a Right Y Plot Thickness I Filter File Calibration Mode
39. calar Chart mode but in this case the complex reflection measurements for the user specified frequency range are displayed in a Smith Chart diagram Use Navigator A to highlight Mode in the main menu Press the Select m button to activate the Mode popup submenu and use Navigator B to highlight Smith Chart submenu mode option Finally press the Select m button to enter into Smith Chart mode Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 34 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 1O User s Manual The analyzer performs measurements and updates the plot continuously if the Run Mode in the Setup menu is set to Continuous The sweep can be stopped at any time by pressing the Run Hold button If the Run Mode in the Setup menu is set to Single Shot the sweep automatically stops on completion Press the Run Hold gt button to start a new sweep The impedance measurement data and marker positions are preserved when changing to the Scalar Chart mode and vice versa For example markers can be set at the zero reactance points of the plot where the plot crosses the X axis in the Smith Chart mode and see them in Cartesian format in the Scalar Chart mode Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 35 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual 7 Single Frequency Mode 12 13 14 5 46 17 Fr 13 100 000 TL 0 000 20 50 Oh lt 9 cwWD 3 61 2 39 1 j59 7 121 71 44 56 8 Rhl 0 574 66 5 100 1
40. cation notes rfid appnote The measurement procedure is as follows Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 55 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Select the file name and press e or VSWB I00 00 2 0 0 5292 8 12 3292 8 90 0 1011 1 00 lt 1 1 SOS 0 999 99 BL 0 00dB CL 0 00dB 4RPwr 100 00 select A when the results are not to be saved in a file Circuit Model File Capacitor Quartz Crystal cmod Og txt Transmission Line Enter the desired operating frequency Frequency 013 058 000 After some seconds the results are shown on the screen A screenshot can be captured by selecting e The figure below describes the measured parameters Fop operation frequency and impedance at this frequency Fra resonance frequency and impedance at Quality Factor this frequency Ra series resistance at operating frequency Equivalent circuit representation Ca antenna capacitance La equivalent inductance at f 1 MHz The internal procedure performed by the analyzer is as follows the analyzer measures the impedance at 1 MHz and at the desired operating frequency e g 13 56 MHz Then it searches for the antenna s self resonant frequency and measures the impedance at that point The following parameters are extracted from these measurements Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 56 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Fra oelf resonant frequency of the an
41. cscueusenscseuaenecscueenecstseauaenecseaueneneces 11 4 8 CHANGING THE VERTICAL AXIS PARAMETER ccccecccceccccecccceccccececcececcecuccececeueecesaceucausecaees 14 4 9 SAVING AND RECALLING MEASUREMENTS ccccceccececcececccceccccecaccecucaucucaucececaecueesecaeaecaees 14 4 10 TAKING SCREENSHOTS Fic tt a 19 4 11 CHANGING THE OPERATING MODE cscecececcecececcccececcceccecececceaesecscecaeeaesecsceuauuensrseaeners 20 4 12 CHANGING THE SETTINGS ccccececececececcccccecaeceneneceneneneneneneaeaenenenenenenenenenenensnenensnensneners 20 5 SCALAR CHART MODE Un Gas EUR on Ee 32 6 SMIACHARI ascetic Sens 34 7 SINGLE FREQUENCY MODE 3 3 cn pep anoo t Uses ES Us e TE o es ES EE ES OnDE OE NUESs S eov ese D esES CES Des 36 CABLE TESI MODE uiia avus innu ia 39 9 MODE E 42 10 MULTI BAND 44 11 SIGNAL GENERATOR lt
42. ctions Select Save Conf Navigator A Run Hold Save Screen Navigator Test Port Mini USB Port Power Switch SARK ne 3 TFT LCD The unit has a Test Port located on its left side to connect to the device under test This receptacle accepts straight MCX plug connector types The product pack includes an MCX to SMA female connector adapter and a 20 cm SMA plug to SMA female cable adapter The USB port located on the right side facilitates connection to a personal computer for communication and internal battery charging using a compatible mini USB cable not included The unit charges the internal battery when connected to USB The internal battery charger automatically manages the charge cycle and stops the process when the battery is fully charged The complete charge cycle takes around 3 5 hours Slide the Power Switch button located on the right side to the ON position to turn the unit on An automatic power off feature can be set for power saving after a user specified period of inactivity Operation is controlled by four buttons and two navigation keys located on the top side of the unit A 3 TFT color LCD is used to display diagrams Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 6 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 1O User s Manual 4 Operating the SARK 110 This chapter provides information about the SARK 110 s basic functionality and user interface 4 1 Screen Layout The following figure shows the screen layout
43. e option Finally press the Select m button to enter Scalar Chart mode The analyzer performs measurements and updates the plot continuously if the Run Mode in the Setup menu is set to Continuous The sweep can be stopped at any time by pressing the Run Hold button If the Run Mode in the Setup menu is set to Single Shot the sweep automatically stops on completion of a single pass Press the Run Hold button to start a new sweep The results of the measurements are kept in internal memory and plotted on the display to permit user analysis The measurements can be resumed at any time by pressing the Run Hold gt button again Measurement data can be stored at any time on the internal disk by pressing the Save Screen e button and restored later for review through different options in the File menu Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 33 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual 6 Smith Chart Mode pt m 10 Q 2 Fr 13 800 000 Sp 5 00M TL 0 000 20 50 sark 000 eo 9 WSWR 2 13 2 106 3 j5 2 121 106 5 lt 2 8 Rhl 0 3643 4 s 14 05M 12 85M N Freq Span Preset Markeri 6 Marker2 10 Frequency and span settings 11 Transmission Line length setting 12 Reference impedance setting 13 Loaded data file name 14 Disk write operation in progress 15 Calibration status 16 Run Hold status The Smith Chart mode is equivalent to the S
44. e 2navigation keys PC Interface e USBMini B receptacle e USB 2 0 Full Speed Composite Device o Mass Storage Class internal disk Rev 1 2 6 October 3 d 2015 65 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 Storage Calibration Measurement Architecture Processor Power Environment Dimensions Weight Package Content SARK 1O User s Manual o HID Class Computer Control mode 2 MB internal disk FAT compatible USB Mass Storage Screenshot save and recall feature Measurement data save and recall feature Possibility of files with user definable frequency presets scale settings and three custom cable types Measurement data files compatible with SARK Plots and ZPLOTS programs Automated Open Short Load calibration with up to eight stored profiles 400 calibration points Frequency calibration Single conversion superheterodyne Two independent measurement channels for simultaneous voltage and current measurement for precise phase measurement Two synchronized 12 bit analog to digital converters 72 MHz STM32 MCU with 256kB Flash and 48kB SRAM 3 7V 1000mAh Internal Lithium Polymer battery USB for operation and charging Automatic Power Off functionality disabled 5 10 or 30minutes Autonomy 2 5 hours Charge time 3 5 hours Operating temperature 0 to 50 C 98 60 14 5 mm 120g Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 SARK 110 x 1 with built in battery MCX to SMA female connector adapter
45. e screen back Setup Calibration The calibration features are accessible through the Calibration submenu Fr 13 550 000 5p d 1 0M TL 0 000 20 50 PO QR VSWR 30 2 61 4 18 9 Z 62 148 2 13 lt 433 3 ERTERIE Automatic Power OFF Cable Type TSHR Circle Color Theme Plot Thickness Filter Sampling Buzzer Backlight Frequency Calibration Units Detector Calibration Reset Factory Defaults OSL Profile Select About Calibration Setup Calibration OSL Calibration see Appendix D Setup Calibration Frequency Calibration See Appendix E Setup Detector Calibration See Appendix F Setup Calibration OSL Profile Select See Appendix D Setup Run Mode The Run Mode setup menu option allows setting Continuous or Single Shot sweep modes Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 21 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 1O User s Manual Fr 13 550 000 5p d 10M TL 0 000 20 50 QR VSWR 30 2 61 4 18 9 121 6 1 lt 8 2 RhI 0 13433 3 12 628 261 ERTERIE Setup Rotate Screen Automatic Power OFF Cable Type TSHR Circle Color Theme Plot Thickness Filter Sampling Buzzer Backlight Mode Units Reset Factory Defaults Single Shot About In continuous mode the analyzer is constantly sweeping provided that it is not in paused state In single shot mode the sweep automatically stops on completion Press the Run Hold gt button to start a new swe
46. e the screenshot below Fr 13 550 000 5p d 1 M TL 0 000 20 50 QR VSWR I 30 2 61 5 18 8 2 62 148 2 Rh 0 13433 1 ERTERIE Smith Chart Single Frequency Cable Test Field Hode Multi band Signal Generator Computer Contral Use Navigator B to highlight the desired submenu mode option Press the Select m button to validate the selection Press any other button to cancel the operation 4 12 Changing the Settings Use Navigator A to highlight Setup in the main menu Press the Select m button to activate the Setup popup submenu see the screenshot below Fr 13 550 000 5p d 1 0M TL 0 000 20 50 QR 1 30 61 4 78 9 121 6 2 1 lt 8 2 0 1 lt 33 3 ERTERIE Calibration Run Scale 0 Automatic Power OFF Cable Type TSHR Circle Color Theme Plot Thickness Filter Sampling Buzzer Backlight Units Reset Factory Defaults About Use Navigator B to highlight the desired submenu setup option Press the Select m button to validate the selection Press any other button to cancel the operation Setup Rotate Screen The Rotate Screen setup menu option can be used to flip the screen so that the device can be used upside down Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 20 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 1O User s Manual Use Navigator B to highlight the Rotate Screen submenu setup option Press the Select m button to flip the screen Repeat the process to flip th
47. ed the appropriate update file from http www sark110 com files firmware gt Note Two versions of the zipped upgrade file are always available This is explained on the download page The downloaded file should be unzipped to produce an update file in the format SARK110 VAA APP x y z dfu Where x y z is the incremental version number 1 Connect the SARK 110 to the PC with a USB cable 2 Copy the firmware file e g SARK110 VAA APP x y z dfu to the SARK s USB disk 3 Power off the SARK 110 and power it on again while simultaneously holding down the Run Hold gt button 4 The Device Firmware Upgrade screen prompts you to install the firmware file 5 If several firmware files on the USB disc use Navigator B to select the file to load 6 The firmware upgrade will commence after pressing the Select m button 7 Once complete press the Save Conf A button which will reset the analyzer and run the upgraded firmware Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 73 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 1O User s Manual Appendix D OSL Calibration The SARK 110 provides a calibration procedure to compensate for the stray capacitance and impedance of the external test fixture e g the extension cable This should be performed every time the external test fixture is changed as well as periodically Calibration is performed by using a set of calibration plugs consisting of an Open circuit a Short circuit and a
48. ep Notice that in the stop condition the power consumption is reduced so using single shot mode helps to increase the battery autonomy Setup Scale The SARK 110 provides three pre defined scale values Normal High and Low as well as automatic scaling This setting defines the maximum and minimum values for each parameter on the Y axis see Appendix H This setup is valid for the Scalar Chart Field and Multi band modes Fr 13 550 000 5p d 1 0M TL 0 000 70 50 1 30 2 61 4 18 9 Z 62 148 2 RhI 0 13433 3 ERTERIE Setup Rotate Screen Calibration 0 Automatic Power OFF Cable Type SWEAR Circle Color Theme n 1 Plot Thickness HIN Filter ENS Sampling il Buzzer Backlight Units Reset Factory Defaults About Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 22 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Setup 20 This setup permits the reference characteristic impedance to be changed The value can be selected from a set of predetermined values or it can be user specified selecting the Custom option Fr 13 550 000 5p d 10M TL 0 000 20 50 QR 1 30 2 61 47j8 9 121 6 2 1 lt 8 2 RhI 0 13433 3 12 628 261 ERTERIE Setup Rotate Screen Calibration Run Hode Automatic Power OFF Cable Type V3WE Circle Color Theme Plot Thickness Filter Sampling Buzzer Backlight Units Reset Factory Defaults About Fr 13 550 000 5p d 10M TL 0 000 20 50 QR
49. ess the Select m button to activate the Mode popup submenu and use Navigator B to highlight Signal Generator submenu mode option Finally press the Select m button to enter into Signal Generator mode The screenshot below shows the signal generator screen in continuous frequency operation mode The screen includes the programmed frequency in Hertz and the output power level expressed both in dBm and volts Continuous Frequency can be changed as usual see chapter 4 4 For changing the output level use Navigator A to highlight Level in the main menu Use Navigator B to select the desired level or press the Select m button to activate the level selection pop up dialog There are eight selectable output levels ranging from 73 dBm to 10 dBm The Maximum output level setting produces the device s maximum output signal level that the hardware can support at the assigned frequency Note that when using this setting there is both a more noticeable amplitude roll off with frequency as well as higher distortion of the output signal Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 46 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK User s Manual Continuous exe Freq 10 100 000 dim Preset 80 67 53 40 27 13 0 Sweep 73 dBm Level 50 uU Level 73 dBm 50 uY 63 dim 160 uY 33 dim 500 43 dim 1 6 mY 33 dim 5 mV 23 dim 16 mV 30 mY File Mode Setup Con
50. ferential rere eCS AFHFE amp 11G9 z 5 ifi ua Amplifiers EA4FRB 2011 The SARK 110 comprises four main sections a signal generator used as an active source a bridge to provide signal separation two tuned receivers that downconvert and detect the signals and a microcontroller and display for calculating and reviewing the results The signal generator is provided by a single chip dual direct digital synthesizer DDS AD9958 from Analog Devices which generates a sinusoidal signal for impedance measurement and a local oscillator signal for the tuned receivers mixers One of the DDS channels operates at the specified test frequency and the other is programmed to operate just 1 kHz above it which is the value of the intermediate frequency The DDS has an internal oscillator driven by an external 24 MHz crystal and is able to multiply this clock internally by a user configurable factor of 4 to 20 so the maximum internal clock frequency is 480 MHz In general the DDS can be configured to generate a frequency of up to one third of the clock frequency but in this design due to the external reconstruction filter it is possible to achieve an output frequency of up to 230 MHz The amplitude level of the DDS channel s output is frequency dependent and it is reduced with increasing frequency following a SIN X X function The SARK 110 software compensates for this amplitude rolloff effect by using the capability of the DDS to adjust the amplitude level of
51. he USB disk to a PC for further analysis using SARK Plots or the ZPLOTS Excel application available from http www ac6la com zplots html Use Navigator A to highlight File in the main menu for data file operations Press the Select m button to activate the File popup submenu Use Navigator B to highlight the desired submenu File option Save Data File The Save Data File option enables the current measured data to be saved for further review Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 14 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual 1 13 486 375 5p d 1 M TL 0 000 70 50 YSWR 1 15 2 57 2 j2 1 21 57 34 2 1 Rh 0 074 15 3 13 49 ERTI EP Preset Left Y Right Y Load Data File il Load Bitmap File GBrowse Bilmaps Delete File TL Len Delete All Deep Sweep Save After selecting the Save File submenu option enter the file name By default the file name has the format sark xxx csv or sark for Cable Test mode where xxx is automatically assigned number To change the file name use Navigator B to change the character value and Navigator A to change the character position highlighted in inverse video Press the Select m button to validate the selection Press any other button to cancel the operation 1 13 486 375 5 4 10 TL 0 000 20 50 PO yh VSWE 1 15 Z 57 c ic 1 5 3 lt 1 IR h 0 074
52. in Scalar Chart mode It shows diagram areas that are the same for all operating modes of the SARK 110 Screen layouts that show specifics for each operating mode are provided in corresponding sections of this manual G DOAA Fr 13 800 000 p 5 00M TL 0 000 20 50 sark_000 csv 12 WR 2 13 2 106 3 5 2 21 106 5 lt 2 8 Rh 0 36 lt 3 4 14 05M 12 85M Freq Span Preset Marker Marker2 Left Y Right Y Load Data File Load Bitmap File Browse Bitmaps Mode TL Len Delete All Deep Sweep Save Setup 11 Markers information 12 Detailed measurements 13 Frequency and span settings 14 Transmission Line length setting 15 Reference impedance setting 16 Loaded data file name 17 Disk write operation in progress 19 Run Hold status 10 Currently selected submenu option Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 7 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual 4 2 Status Symbols Meaning Calibrated Calibration status 3 calibrated Measurements in progress Run Hold status Measurements on hold a Device operating from USB USB Battery status Battery charge status when operating from battery Disk Disk write operation in progress 4 3 Means of Input There are four buttons and two navigation keys on the SARK 110 Select Save Conf Navigator A Run Hold Save Navigator B SARK n10 Navigator A Navigato
53. less it is paused by pressing the Run Hold gt button The measurements can be resumed at any time by pressing the same button again This mode offers optional VSWR audio feedback When activated by the menu option Audio the analyzer produces beeps of different duration as an indication of VSWR The audio is produced only for VSWR values between 1 0 and 10 0 and the beep duration is shorter for lower values Fr 10 100 000 TL 0 000 20 50 dis Plo D VSMR Z 0U 2 98 6 10 6 121 99 lt 46 1 RhI 0 3348 z 0 0 11 RL 9 53dB CL 4 76dB X RPwr 11 15 Freq 1 File Mode 1 TL Len Audio Enabled There is an additional presentation mode where the VSWR readings are displayed with a big Setup font for easy viewing Select Disp Big VSWR to select this presentation mode or Disp Two element circuit to select the default presentation mode Fr 10 100 000 TL 0 000 20 50 5 Plo D VSMR Z 0U 2 96 7 510 6 2 99 246 1 RhI 0 3348 z 0 0 11 RL 9 52dB CL 4 76dB XRPwr 11 17 Freq 1 Preset 1 Chodel Audio File Mode TL Len Display Matching Hetworks Setup Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 WU Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 cc ESSE SARK NO User s Manual Fr 10 100 000 TL 0 000 20 50 Q VSMR z 04 2 100 4 111 0 121 101 0 lt 6 3 IRhI 0 34 8 1 0 0 11 RL 9 32dB CL 4 66dB 11 1
54. n if a load is connected at the cable far end the presence of the transmission line will be discounted The screenshots below show an example of this in operation A line of 28 2m of RG 58C U coax cable is unterminated at the far end The first screenshot shows the measurement without applying the TL compensation and the last screenshot shows the measurement once the subtract feature has been applied Fr 15 000 000 p 29 50M TL 0 000 20 50 zark open csv BO VS5WE d 43 13 3 1 0 4 2 24 4 amp 5 7 0 Rh 0 6315 133 0 F 11H 19 92 Span Preset Markert Harker m Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 53 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Fr 15 000 000 p 29 50M TL 28 22 20 50 sark_open csy BO VS5WB 13 53 2 817 8 1359 6 2 893 34 23 7 Bh 0 904 2 6 fH 1 TM Freq Span Preset Marker Belden 8262 RG S8C U 70 50 000000 ME UF 0 660000 Mode 0 129420 Len meters K1 0 403833 K2 0 008761 0028 240 Fr 15 000 000 p 29 50M TL 28 22 20 50 sark_open csy BO VS5WB 13 53 2 817 8 1359 6 2 893 34 23 7 Bh 0 904 2 6 fH 19 9 Freq Span Preset Marker Harker Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 54 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual 14 Circuit Models The
55. n the Short load is connected directly at the Test port see the figure below For the optional detector test phase the following loads are required 50 100 and 200 ohm Before performing this operation it is strongly recommended that the file containing the factory results detcalib dat is backed up to enable a restore if needed Select Setup Calibration Detector Calibration to start the detector calibration procedure 13 200 000 5 5 00 TL 0 000 20 50 0 00 VSWB z2 13 2 106 34 55 2 21 106 5 lt 2 8 0 36 3 4 12 966 594 14 633 188 Setup Rotate Screen Run Scale 0 Automatic Power OFF Cable Type TSHR Circle Color Theme Plot Thickness Filter Sampling Buzzer Backlight Frequency Calibration Units Reset Factory Defaults OSL Profile Select About Calibration Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 80 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual The calibration procedure is as follows Connect the short load 1 Connect short load Load status is indicated by the color of the voltage and current detector indicators Yoltage 56069 Green denotes a load good status Current 122109 Press the appropriate button to continue or to exit Exit The calibration progress will be shown the display bar DDS Level Adjust lt 4 gt E it The calibration is completed
56. n dB RL 20x log 10 Rho Measurement of insertion loss of a cable in dB The measurement should be performed by applying a short circuit at the cable end RL CL ABS 2 is a measure of the absolute magnitude of the ratio of the amplitude of the reflected wave to the amplitude of the incident wave 71 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 Abbreviation Parameter lt Rho Reflection Coefficient Angle S11 Angle Pwr Percentage of Reflected Power Q Quality Factor Cs Series Capacitance Ls Series Inductance Parallel Capacitance Lp Parallel Inductance Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 SARK User s Manual Description lt is a measure of the phase angle of the ratio of the amplitude of the reflected wave to the amplitude of the incident wave Ph a seo RhoR RPwr Rho x100 It is defined as the ratio of the energy stored in a component to the energy dissipated by the component Equivalent series capacitance at the measurement frequency Equivalent series inductance at the measurement frequency Equivalent parallel capacitance at the measurement frequency Equivalent parallel inductance at the measurement frequency 72 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 1O User s Manual Appendix C Upgrading the firmware The SARK 110 s firmware may be upgraded via USB as described in the following steps This procedure assumes you have download
57. nthesis DDS generator with a range of 0 1 to 230 MHz and a frequency resolution of 1 Hz The instrument has full vector measurement capability and accurately resolves the resistive capacitive and inductive components of a load The measurement reference plane is automatically adjusted via the Open Short Load calibration procedure for higher measurement accuracy Also the analyzer implements a transmission line addition or subtraction feature in order to make antenna measurements while discounting the effect of the feed line The user interface based on a color display has been designed to be intuitive and easy to use The graphical impedance displays provide a quick view of the antenna impedance characteristics on a user selected sweep range This includes the graphical plot of two user selectable parameters in a scalar chart or a complex reflection coefficient in Smith chart form To help speed up measurements two markers are available both of which are user positionable or can operate in automatic tracking mode The Multiband mode is a unique feature of the SARK 110 whereby it is able to display simultaneously the plot of an impedance parameter in four scalar charts This feature is ideal for tuning multiband antennas Also included is a single frequency measurement mode that presents a complete impedance parameter analysis at a user selectable frequency and displays diagrams of equivalent circuits The analyzer uses an internal 2MB
58. o lt select A when the results not to be saved in a file Circuit Model File Capacitor cmod Og txt Transmission Line Enter the frequency value which should be close to the expected resonant frequency of the crystal Frequency 011 Go 009 Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 59 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual After some seconds the results are shown on the screen A screenshot can be captured by selecting e The figure below describes the measured parameters Series resonant frequency Parallel resonant frequency Quality factor Rs motional series resistance Parallel capacitance Ls motional series inductance Cs motional series capacitance Equivalent circuit representation The process starts by searching for the series and parallel resonant frequencies The start scan frequency is taken from the specified frequency value The scan range is 1 MHz up and 1 MHz down from this value The resonant frequencies are identified in the singularities where the impedance changes from pure capacitive phase value close to 90 to pure inductive phase value close to 90 The resonant frequencies are then obtained from the frequency points where the measured phase value is close to zero After determining the series and parallel resonant frequencies the series resistance Rs at the series resonant frequency is measured Then the parallel capacitance Co i
59. omatically track the minimum VSWR values in the trace Marker1 Tracking Peak Min VSWR and Marker 2 to track the crossovers on the 50 ohm impedance value Marker2 Tracking Cross Any Z 50 0 You could also program the unit to detect the bandwidth by setting Marker1 Tracking Cross Down VSWR 2 0 and Marker2 Tracking Cross Up VSWR 2 0 Navigator B will be used to move to the different detection points except for the Max and Min tracking modes where logically there is only a single detection point The tracking mode for each marker is shown in the markers information window This information is displayed in red if either the data is not available or if the tracking condition cannot be resolved otherwise it is displayed in green The screenshot below shows Marker1 tracking the minimum value of VSWR and Marker 2 tracking all Z crossing at 50 ohms 1 13 486 375 5p d 1 M TL 0 000 70 50 Qe YSWR 1 15 2 57 2 j2 1 2 57 2 4 2 1 Rh 0 074 14 8 13 49 ERTI Freq SE precem Left Y Right Y File i Ei Hode Setup The Info option displays detailed information of the readings at the marker position including the difference in frequency between both markers One possible use of this feature is determining the VSWR bandwidth of an antenna 1 12 993 754 5p d 1 M TL 0 000 20
60. on Unlike native TDR test equipment the method of measurement in the SARK 110 is based on the theory of Frequency Domain Reflectometry FDR The analyzer makes swept reflection measurements over the entire frequency range and mathematically transforms the gathered data to Time Domain using an inverse Fourier transform As a result the step and impulse responses are plotted on the display providing Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 39 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual information about the location and the nature of any fault The impulse response trace green trace gives an indication of the fault location The step response trace red trace provides an indication of the nature of the fault The vertical axis of the graph displays the reflection coefficient Rho 1 for short load 0 for matched impedance load ZLoad ZO or Rho 1 for open load The horizontal axis displays the distance in meters Use Navigator A to highlight Mode in the main menu Press the Select m button to activate the Mode popup submenu and use Navigator B to highlight the Cable Test submenu mode option Finally press the Select m button to enter into Cable Test mode This measurement requires the user to select the cable s characteristic impedance and velocity factor These settings are obtained from the selected cable in the Setup Cable Type menu option As in the other modes the measurements can be
61. on line terminated with an open circuit Start 100 000 Stop ee OLnis Press the appropriate button to continue en melee 97 20 or to exit Connect the transmission line terminated with a short circuit Start 1600 6606 Stop 32 600 060 Points 258 Press the appropriate button to continue Len meters 27 20 or to exit After some seconds the results are shown on the screen Start 100 000 stop a lnts A screenshot can be captured by IPIE selecting e Note Try to keep the electrical length of the line exactly the same between the open and short termination conditions Ideally you would terminate the line with the same standard loads that were used to do the Open Short Load OSL calibration ZO is obtained by calculating the arithmetic mean of the real part of the following equation for all the frequency points Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 62 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 1O User s Manual ZO Zoc x ZSC The calculation of the Velocity Factor VF and matched loss is more convoluted and will not be explained here The relevant information is that the VF is provided at the upper frequency and the matched loss is provided at the maximum frequency and the arithmetic mean for all frequency points Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 63 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 1O User s Manual 15 Specifications General e Frequency range
62. performed continuously or in single shot mode and controlled by the Run Hold button but in this case it takes some seconds for the results to show on the display due to the time it takes to make a full frequency sweep The distance from the start of the cable to any discontinuity may be found by moving one of the markers over the discontinuity of interest The distance of the fault from the start of the cable is then shown in that marker s distance figure There is a basic zoom feature controllable from the Zoom menu option This allows zooming into one of the four quarters of the graph or the complete span via the option Extends Also available is a zoom option to extend the first octave and the first sixteenth of the graph for short cable lengths See in the screenshots below the operation of the zoom function in which the measurement of a coaxial cable line of 27 5 meters and Velocity Factor of 0 66 in open condition unterminated at the other end is shown below HM1i 73 4m Y F 0 66 20 50 sark_O00 tdr 3 Imp 0000 Step 0 7466 Ist quarter end quarter 3rd quarter 4th quarter Ist octave ist sixteenth Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 40 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 cc ESE SARK NO User s Manual Mi 18 4m Zoom 14 Imp 0 0000 Step 0 0000 13 4m 0 0000 0 0000 F 0 66 70 50 sark_O00 tdr 36 0 0000 0 7466 Markerl Markerz Setup Figures
63. r A is used to navigate within the main menu left side of the screen The active option is highlighted with a green background color Navigator B Navigator B is used for changing the value of the highlighted option in the main menu for Freq Span Marker1 Marker2 LeftY and RightY and to navigate within the popup submenus Run Hold gt The Run Hold button is used to control the operating state of the SARK 110 Working or Paused In the paused state the signal generator and measurement circuits are inactive gt Note when loading a stored data file the analyzer is automatically placed in a paused state Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 8 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Select m The button is used to activate the popup submenu associated with the highlighted option and for selecting the desired option within the popup submenu gt Note Pressing any other button will cancel a selection Save Screen e The Save Screen button is used to take a screenshot of the current screen The screenshot is stored on the internal flash disk Save Conf A The Save Conf button is used to store the complete analyzer state and settings The stored state is restored automatically after the device is powered on 44 Changing the Frequency There are two methods of editing the frequency centre frequency for sweep modes i Use Navigator A to highlight Freq in the main menu on the left side
64. requency Ra series resistance at resonant frequency Equivalent circuit representation Ca capacitance at 1 MHz La equivalent inductance at resonant frequency The internal procedure performed by the analyzer is as follows the analyzer measures the impedance at 1 MHz and at the desired operating frequency Then it searches for the self resonant frequency and measures the impedance at this point The following parameters are extracted from these measurements Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 58 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Fra Self resonant frequency of the capacitor Z Fop Z at operating frequency Z Fra Z resonance frequency Ca Equivalent capacitance at F 1 MHz Ra Equivalent resistance at the self resonant frequency The capacitor s parasitic inductance is calculated with the following equation 1 ee Cax 2X7 Fra The quality factor is calculated using the following equation 1 2X 7X Ra 14 3 Quartz Crystal This function determines the equivalent circuit model of quartz crystals Detailed usage of this function is described in the Application Note available at http www sark1 10 com application notes equivalent circuit determination of quartz crystals The measurement procedure is as follows oelect the file name and press e or VSWB I00 00 2 0 0 15304 4 12 3304 4 90 0 Bh z1 00 1 1 0 999 99 0 0096 CL 0 00dB XRPwr I00 00 a
65. rrent measurement The output of the mixers is the 1 kHz I F signal which is then amplified and filtered with a bandpass filter before digitizing Identical mixer and amplifier circuits are used for both the voltage and current sensing paths Any small differences in the gain and phase shift of these two signal paths are taken care of by the calibration process The core of the analyzer is an STM32F103 microcontroller from STMicroelectronics This microcontroller incorporates the high performance ARM Cortex M3 32 bit core operating at 72 MHz a Flash memory of 256 SRAM of 48 kB an extensive range of I O and peripherals including a USB device controller and three 12 bit ADC converters The digitizing of the 1 kHz signal is done by two independent 12 bit ADC converters contained in the STM32 MCU These two converters operate simultaneously and are synchronized so providing good accuracy for the phase measurement The two sets of digital data from the voltage and current sensors are analyzed using an optimized implementation of the discrete Fourier transform that works with a single bin This produces the amplitude and phase of the 1 kHz fundamental signal and cancels out any DC component due to offsets in the operational amplifiers The load impedance magnitude is the voltage amplitude divided by the current amplitude The phase angle of the impedance is the difference in the phase angles of the voltage and current Knowing these
66. rtz Number of points Number of steps between start and stop frequency o Points e Delay uS Step time o Delay uS Micro seconds Sweep Frequency F req Preset Function Linear Log i Repeat 1 setup Start 150 500 000 Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 vA Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual All the sweep parameters are shown on the screen as seen in the screenshot below Sweep Frequency a Freq Another useful output power level value for receiver testing is 107dBm which is 1uV into 50 ohms and equates to S1 on an S meter This power level is not available in the SARK 110 but a 34dB attenuator could be made to give 107dBm with a pi network of two 52 ohm resistors as shunt in and out and a 1 2k 52 ohm series resistor Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 49 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 12 Computer Control Mode lt User s Manual The SARK 110 can be operated from a personal computer using SARK Plots client software for Windows further enhancing the capabilities of the instrument There is no need to install a dedicated driver since the communication is implemented using the standard USB HID interface Use Navigator A to highlight Mode in the main menu Press the Select m button to activate the Mode popup submenu and use Navigator B to highlight Computer Control s
67. s measured This value is measured from a frequency that is 2 5 MHz below Fs and 2 5 MHz above Fp From these measurements the rest of the parameters are derived The value of series capacitance Cs is given by Cs 2xCor 2 1 Fs The value of the series inductance Ls is given by 1 Ls 7 5 Ax m x Fs x Cs Finally the quality factor of the crystal Q is calculated by Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 60 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual 14 4 Transmission Line This feature allows you to automatically measure different parameters having to do with transmission lines namely The line s characteristic impedance 20 The true velocity factor e The matched line loss in terms of dB over the total line length and in dB 100m The measurement procedure is as follows 10 100 000 TL 0 000 20 5 mo lt Select the file name and press e 100 00 2 0 0 15 93 i2 523 2490 0 Bhi 1 00 1 1 0 999 99 RL 0 00dB 1 0 0046 XRPwr i0D 00 Freq select A when the results are not to be saved in a file Circuit Model DELE Capacitor cmod O txt Quartz Crystal Enter the start frequency Start Freg QUE 100 000 Enter the stop frequency Stop Freg 000 000 Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 61 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Enter the transmission line length Len meters 2 Connect the transmissi
68. s much longer than usual due to the higher accuracy setting and the additional number of points Press the appropriate button to continue 4 10 Taking Screenshots User s Manual Press the Save Screen e button to capture the current screen Then enter the file name By default the file name has the format sark xxx bmp where xxx is an automatically assigned number To change the file name use Navigator B to change the character value and Navigator A to change the character position highlighted in inverse video Press the Select m button to validate the selection Press any other button to cancel the operation Fr 13 550 000 5 4 10 TL 0 000 20 50 vV5WE 1 30 2 61 4 18 9 2 62 048 2 Rh 0 134533 5 12 628 261 13 994 387 Freq Span Preset Markeri Harker Left Y Setup M Fi TL Len 4 sark 008 Select the option Load Bitmap File or Browse Bitmaps from the File menu to review the captured screenshots Also they can be reviewed on a PC because they are in Windows bitmap compatible format Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 19 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual gt Note the bitmap files use a significant amount of disk 48 or 94 per screenshot 4 11 Changing the Operating Mode Use Navigator A to highlight Mode in the main menu Press the Select m button to activate the Mode popup submenu se
69. s the Select m button to activate the Mode popup submenu and use Navigator B to highlight Field submenu mode option Finally press the Select m button to enter into Field mode Operation is similar to the scalar chart mode with some limitations such as only one trace is plotted and the markers feature is not available Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 43 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual 10 Multi band Mode 10 wy Fr 16 050 000 5 31 90 TL 0 000 20 50 Ob lt 7 SWR 47 91 2 322 7 j816 5 121 878 0 lt 68 4 IRh 0 96 lt 6 1 Freq Span 5 Preset param File Mode TL Len EB NC Setup 1 Diagrams Frequency and span settings selected band 2 5 Highlighted menu option 1 Run Hold status 6 Frequency and magnitude value for 13 USB Battery status each band Detailed measurements at centre frequency of selected band The Multiband mode is a unique feature of the SARK 110 to display the plot of an impedance parameter in four scalar charts simultaneously This feature is ideal for tuning multiband antennas Additionally it can be used to display different views of the same band as a kind of zoom feature Use Navigator A to highlight Mode in the main menu Press the Select m button to activate the Mode popup submenu and use Navigator B to highlight Multi band submenu mode option Finally press the Select m bu
70. tenna Z Fop 2 at operating frequency Z Fra Z resonant frequency Rs Equivalent resistance at F 1 MHz La Equivalent inductance at F 1 MHz Rp Equivalent resistance at the self resonant frequency The antenna capacitance is calculated with the following equation 1 Lax 2xz x Fra The series equivalent resistance of the antenna at the operating frequency Fop 13 56 MHz is calculated with the following equation 2xz x Fopx Rp Ra Rs The quality factor is calculated using the following equation 2xXxX Fopx La a Q Ra 14 2 Capacitor This function determines the equivalent circuit model of capacitors The measurement procedure is as follows Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 57 Melchor Varela 4 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Select the file name and press e or VSWB I00 00 2 0 0 15298 5 12 3298 5 90 0 1011 1 00 lt 1 1 SOS 0 999 99 BL 0 00dB CL 0 00dB 4RPwr 100 00 select A when the results are not to be saved in a file Circuit Model File 1 Quartz Crystal cmod Og txt Transmission Line Enter the operating frequency Frequency 100 000 After some seconds the results are shown on the screen A screenshot can be captured by selecting e The figure below describes the measured parameters Fop operation frequency and impedance at this frequency Fra resonance frequency and impedance at Quality Factor y this f
71. the output signal so the analyzer maintains a flat output amplitude The output of each of the DDS channels is differential and is amplified by a dual high speed current feedback amplifier working in differential input mode and with output in single ended Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 69 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 1O User s Manual mode Most DDS designs use a broadband balun transformer to convert to single end mode but because of the restricted height available in the SARK110 enclosure a silicon based solution was chosen The output of each amplifier is followed by elliptic low pass filters with a cut off frequency of 230 MHz These filters reduce the level of spurious high frequency components that appear in the output of the DDS These high frequency components consist of aliases at multiples of the internal clock frequency as well as other spurs For impedance measurement a resistive bridge is used because of its simplicity and good frequency response working down to DC In the bridge the voltage across one resistor is proportional to the voltage being applied to the circuit under test and the voltage across another resistor is proportional to the current flowing into the circuit connected to the analyzer s test port Both the magnitude and phase are measured The ratio of the two corresponds to the impedance we want to measure One of the mixers is used for the voltage measurement and the other for the cu
72. the Select m button to display the popup dialog associated with Span Then use Navigator B to change the span The span will change according to the current span frequency multiplier that is highlighted in reverse video Use Navigator A to change the span frequency multiplier position if needed Press the Select m button to validate the span selection Press any other button to cancel the operation The screenshot below is of the span edit dialog showing the span frequency multiplier positioned over digit 7 frequency increments of 1 MHz Fr 13 550 000 5p d 1 M TL 0 000 20 50 1 30 2 61 3 j9 0 121 62 0 lt 8 4 RhI 0 13433 8 ERTERIE Freq span i 000 100 000 ii Use Navigator A to highlight Span in the main menu on the left side of the display Then use Navigator B to change the span The span will change according to the current span frequency multiplier The span frequency multiplier can be changed from the popup dialog see i above 4 6 Frequency Presets The analyzer provides predetermined frequency and span settings including the amateur radio bands and other suitable settings Use Navigator A to highlight Preset in the main menu Press the Select m button to activate the Preset popup submenu Use Navigator B to highlight the desired preset Press the Select m button to validate the preset selection Press any other button to cancel the operation See in the
73. this equipment in other environments may cause interference with radio communications in which case the user is required to take whatever measures may be needed to correct this interference at their own expense Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 67 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual 18 Acknowledgments e would like to offer a special thanks to the Seeed Studio team for making this product a reality e The analyzer schematics and layout have been developed using the DesignSpark PCB tool Product information is available at www designspark com pcb e The analyzer firmware has been developed using the Lite edition of the Atollic TrueSTUDIO for STM32 Product information is available at www atollic com e FAT File System was provided by the ChaN FatFs module The STM32 firmware and USB library are provided by ST Microelectronics e Many thanks to Dan Maguire AC6LA for the great ZPLOTS MSExcel application http www ac6la com zplots htm Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 68 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Appendix A Theory of Operation The block diagram below illustrates the main functional blocks of the SARK 110 Antenna Analyzer FTL UL D T7 Mixers Amplifiers BPFs Keys Nav Y Mini USB Test Port EJ Batt STM32F103 1 8V analog RY 1 8V digital 3 3V analog 3 3V digital Li Poly 5V Dif
74. tinuous Freq 10 100 000 dBm Preset 80 67 53 40 27 134 0 Sweep Power 10 dBm Level 1 mU Level File Mode Setup The signal generator outputs continuously unless it is paused by pressing the Run Hold button In the Hold state the level graph and power level indicators change to red Signal generation can be resumed at any time by pressing the Run Hold gt button again Continuous Freq 10 100 000 dBm Preset 80 67 53 40 27 134 0 Sweep Setup In frequency sweep mode the signal frequency will sweep between two user defined frequencies To change the sweep parameters use Navigator A to highlight Sweep in the main menu and press the Select m button to validate the different sweep parameters Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 2d Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual The following parameters should be supplied Sweep o None Continuous frequency mode o Frequency Sweep frequency mode e Repeat o Continuous Continuous signal generation o Single Signal generator stops after a single sweep o Count Signal generator stops when number of sweeps reach count Count e Function o Linear Linear frequency increase or decrease o Log Logarithmic frequency increase or decrease o Start Stop Stop Start sweep Linear o Bi Log Start Stop Stop Start sweep Log e Start Frequency o Start Hertz e Stop Frequency o Stop He
75. tiplier positions shown in reverse video The length multiplier position can be changed using Navigator A The length is validated by pressing the Select m button The setting is cancelled by pressing any other button Note that the length value can be set to zero by pressing the Save Screen e button Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 52 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Fe 15 000 000 p 29 50M TL 0 000 20 50 zark open csv BO VS5WE d 43 13 3 1 0 4 2 24 44 57 0 Rh 0 6315 133 0 Belden 8262 RG S8C U 59 00000 0 660000 KO 0 129420 Len meters Ki 6 403833 5 06 008761 0000 The second method for changing the transmission length is simply by using Navigator B when the TL Len menu option is active The length value will change according the current length multiplier The length multiplier can be changed from the pop up transmission line length edit dialog Since the precise cable length is not normally Known in advance there is a procedure to get the cable length as follows As a precondition the cable must be unterminated at the far end Set the SARK 110 to Smith Chart mode and select Preset Full HF The Smith Chart will show a spiral from infinite impedance and going towards the centre When setting negative length values this spiral will be progressively unrolled and transposed to the infinite impedance point when the exact length will be set The
76. tton to enter into Multi band mode Rev 1 2 6 October 3 d 2015 44 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual Operation is similar to the scalar chart mode but with some limitations such as unavailability of markers there is only a single trace and load and save data file operations are not available The main menu Band option permits selecting the active band The selected band is highlighted in the frequency axis of the band graph Frequency and span settings are applied to the selected band The detailed measurements at the top of the screen correspond to the selected band as well Fr 16 050 000 5p 31 90M TL 0 000 20 50 QR VSWR d8 43 2 316 0 1814 3 121 873 5 lt 68 8 Rh 0 964 6 1 File Mode TL Len Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 45 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK NOe User s Manual 11 Signal Generator Mode The SARK 110 can be used as a programmable RF signal source in Signal Generator Mode It outputs a sinusoidal RF signal at a frequency programmable from 1 kHz to 230 MHz with eight user selectable amplitude levels ranging from 73 dBm to 10 dBm In addition frequency sweeps can be programmed with linear bi linear logarithmic or bi logarithmic functions This signal generator mode is ideal for receiver testing and alignment sensitivity tests RF signal tracing and troubleshooting Use Navigator A to highlight Mode in the main menu Pr
77. two parameters we can calculate the equivalent resistance and reactance of the load impedance The rest of the parameters such as VSWR reflection coefficient etc are derived from the measured impedance value Rev 1 2 6 October 3 a 2015 70 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 Appendix B Abbreviation Rs Xs Hp Xp 28 lt ZS VSWR RL CL Rho Parameter Series resistance Series reactance Parallel resistance Parallel reactance Magnitude of a series Impedance Impedance Angle Voltage Standing Wave Ratio Return Losses S11 dB Cable Losses Magnitude of a Reflection Coefficient Rho or 511 Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 SARK User s Manual Fundamental Parameters Description Resistive value of a series impedance Reactance value of a series impedance Resistive value of a parallel impedance Reactance value of a parallel impedance Represents the absolute magnitude of the ratio of the voltage difference amplitude to the current amplitude IZER x lt is a measure of the phase angle of the ratio of the amplitude of the voltage to the amplitude of the current expressed in degrees lt is a measure of how efficiently radio frequency power is transmitted from a power source through a transmission line and into a load for example from a power amplifier through a transmission line and into an antenna Return loss is the negative of the magnitude of the reflection coefficient i
78. ubmenu mode option Finally press the Select m button to enter into Computer Control mode The analyzer establishes the USB link when it is connected to a personal computer but only accepts commands from the client in Computer Control mode a SARK Plots File View Calibration Marker Settings Tools Help Scalar Polar Chart Communication Connect Disconnect Run Control Single Stop Continuous Frequency Control Center Scales M3 4 120 100 80 60 Span Start Stop Presets 0 Cursor 11 300 000 12 300 000 v Enabled Left Y VSWR Cursor 14 400 640 MHz Impedance 19 940 7 Max 16 280 403MHz 29 1 Rho 0 40 0 VSWR 25 1 V Mn 14 071 197MHz 1 5 Disconnected File C Users mvarela Documents SARK sark_000 csv Z0 50 j0 _ FH o Rev 1 2 6 October 3 2015 50 40 20 0 14 300 000 15 300 000 16 300 000 Right Y M2 13 024 731 MHz 74 55 4 Zs z Max 13 702 996MHz 119 0 Min 11 300 000MHz 8 9 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 cc TESS SARK NO User s Manual File View Calibration Marker Settings Tools Help Sealer Smith Chat TDR Communication 13 800 m Presets Cursor Enabed Cursor 13 392 932 Hz Impedance 42 36 77 60 Rho 0 37 0 53 VSWR 4 66 1 Disconnected File C Users mvarela Documents SARK sark_000 csv Points 258 20 50 j0 Vf 0 66 TL None Net None
79. x 1 SMA plug to SMA female 8 20 cm cable adapter x 1 66 Melchor Varela EA4FRB 2011 2015 SARK 1O User s Manual 16 Precautions 1 Never connect the unit to an antenna during a lightning storm Lightning strikes and static discharges can damage the unit and may kill the operator 2 Never apply an HF signal or any other external voltage to the test port of this unit Doing so may damage the unit Note that powerful active transmitters nearby may induce a high HF voltage on the antenna 3 The test port is ESD protected however static build up on an antenna may cause damage to the unit when connected As a precaution always discharge the antenna before connecting and after operation always disconnect the antenna 4 This product emits a low power HF signal during its active measurement mode When connected to an antenna system this radiation may cause interference to nearby communication systems Connect only for as long is necessary 17 Regulatory Warning This equipment is intended for use by radio amateurs in a laboratory environment only The product generates and radiates radio frequency energy and has not been tested for compliance of both EMC and R amp TTE directives which are designed to provide reasonable protection against radio frequency interference and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual may cause harmful interference to radio communications Operation of

SARK-110

Contents

Download Pdf Manuals

Related Search

Related Contents