Revision 2

May 31, 2012

Decimator D3
User’s Manual

130825

Prepared by Junior Designer M. Gale

Approved by Senior Digital Design Engineer D. Warkentin

Approved by Project Manger T. Braun

18 Innovation Blvd., P.O. Box 1464

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan CANADA S7K 3P7
Tel: (306) 931-3425 Fax: (306) 933-1486
http://www.sedsystems.ca
Proprietary Notice
________________________________________

The information contained herein is proprietary to SED Systems, and

may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to others except as

specifically permitted in writing by SED. The recipient of this

information, by its retention and use, agrees to protect the same and

the information contained herein from loss, theft, and compromise.

Contents i

Contents

Page

1.0 Operations Guide ............................................................................................................ 1-1

1.1 Overview .................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 System Description .................................................................................................... 1-1

1.2.1 Equipment List / System Contents........................................................... 1-1

1.2.2 Functional Description ............................................................................. 1-1

1.3 Computer Requirements ............................................................................................ 1-3

1.3.1 Host Computer Requirements .................................................................. 1-3

1.3.2 Client Computer Requirements................................................................ 1-3

2.0 Reference Section ........................................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 General ....................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 User Interface Connection Details ............................................................................. 2-1

2.3 Configuring the Decimator For Use .......................................................................... 2-1

2.3.1 Decimator Configuration ......................................................................... 2-1

2.3.1.1 Accessing the WCM ............................................................ 2-1

2.3.1.2 Modifying the Network Configuration ................................ 2-3

2.3.1.3 Utilizing the Serial to Network Proxy.................................. 2-4

2.3.1.4 Restoring the Factory Defaults ............................................ 2-6

2.3.1.5 Switch Port Calibration Files ............................................... 2-6

2.3.2 Decimator Licence Files .......................................................................... 2-7

2.4 API Socket Interface .................................................................................................. 2-8

2.5 Java Applet Software ................................................................................................. 2-8

2.5.1 Main Screen ............................................................................................. 2-9

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Contents (Cont'd)

Page

2.5.2 Control Buttons and Menu ..................................................................... 2-10

2.5.2.1 Advanced Measurement Settings ....................................... 2-18

2.5.3 Cross Polarity Mode .............................................................................. 2-18

2.5.4 Carrier Monitor ...................................................................................... 2-19

2.5.4.1 New Measurement ............................................................. 2-19

2.5.4.2 Carrier Monitor Toolbar .................................................... 2-20

2.5.4.3 Carrier Monitor Notifications ............................................ 2-22

2.5.4.4 From the Command Line ................................................... 2-22

2.5.5 Query String ........................................................................................... 2-23

2.5.6 Time Domain Mode (Future) ................................................................. 2-25

2.6 SNMP Interface ....................................................................................................... 2-25

2.6.1 Input Signal Considerations ................................................................... 2-27

2.6.2 10 MHz Reference Considerations ........................................................ 2-27

2.7 Updating the Firmware ............................................................................................ 2-27

2.8 General Specifications ............................................................................................. 2-29

2.9 Warranty / Repair Contact Information ................................................................... 2-30

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Figures

Page

1-1 Decimator D3 ................................................................................................................... 1-2

1-2 Connection Plate .............................................................................................................. 1-2
2-1 Serial Port Connection Pins ............................................................................................. 2-5
2-2 Decimator Main Applet ................................................................................................... 2-8
2-3 Decimator GUI Main Screen ........................................................................................... 2-9
2-4 Decimator GUI Control Buttons .................................................................................... 2-10
2-5 Carrier Monitor .............................................................................................................. 2-21

Tables

Page

2-1 Decimator GUI Button and Menu Descriptions ............................................................ 2-10

2-2 FFT Window Type Figures of Merit ............................................................................. 2-18

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1.0 Operations Guide

1.1 Overview

This section describes how the Decimator works and how to use the Decimator. It includes a
description of all common activities for which the Decimator is designed. Section 1.0 contains the
basics and Section 2.0 provides a reference section for some of the details.

1.2 System Description

1.2.1 Equipment List / System Contents

The Decimator D3 product consists of the following:

● The Decimator D3
● The Decimator D3 CD containing:
○ Decimator D3 User’s Manual (document 130825)
○ The API Socket Interface Specification (document 125497)
○ Programming Examples for the API Socket Interface
○ Contact details for SED Customer Service

Refer to Section 2.3 for installation instructions for the Decimator.

1.2.2 Functional Description

Refer to Figure 1-1 for a picture of the Decimator. Refer to Figure 1-2 for a picture of the Decimator
connection plate. The Decimator installs in to a desktop computer’s PCI Express x1 (PCIe) slot.
Note that it does not work in a PCI slot. Alternately, it can be installed in any enclosure, mounted on
standoffs and powered from +12 and +5 VDC. The Decimator contains software that will load a Java
applet on your PC when referenced from a browser such as Internet Explorer, Chrome, or Firefox.
The applet allows the user to make Spectrum Mode or Time Domain measurements (future) and to
determine Decimator status.

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Figure 1-1 Decimator D3

RF Input

10 MHz Ref

Health Monitor LED

Factory Default and Reset
Switches
Trigger Inputs

Ethernet

Figure 1-2 Connection Plate

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1.3 Computer Requirements

A distinction is made between the host computer and the client computer. The host computer
contains the Decimator. The client computer is the one that is accessing the Decimator over the
network. The host computer and the client computer can be the same computer if desired.

1.3.1 Host Computer Requirements

The following minimum capabilities are recommended for the host computer:
● One PCI Express x1 (PCIe) slot
● A power supply with room for 25 Watts of steady state load

1.3.2 Client Computer Requirements

The following minimum capabilities are recommended for the client computer:
● 2.33 GHz Processor (or better)
● 4 GB of RAM (or better)
● An operating system that supports a web browser and Java VM as listed below
● A web browser such as Internet Explorer, Chrome, or Firefox
● Java JDK 1.6 release 10 or newer for Decimator software versions 3.0.0 and up
● An Ethernet connection available for the Decimator to connect to the computer

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2.0 Reference Section

2.1 General

This section is a complete reference of all the capabilities of the Decimator. In some cases all the
relevant information was provided in Section 1. In this case the corresponding section here will
refer back to Section 1.

2.2 User Interface Connection Details

No security restrictions are incorporated into the Decimator’s Java Applet or API Socket Interface.
Refer to Section 2.3.1.1 for details on the Web Configuration Manager security. The Decimator
Java Applet and API Socket Interface are designed to allow up to 5 remote connections
simultaneously. However, multiple connections will impact the speed at which the Decimator can
make measurements, as measurement requests on all connections are handled on a first come first
serve basis.

2.3 Configuring the Decimator For Use

The only thing that must be known to access the Decimator is the IP address. Refer to Section
2.3.1.2 for details on setting the IP address.

The Decimator can be set up as dedicated or shared access. With dedicated access, an Ethernet cable
is connected directly between the client computer and the Decimator. In this configuration only the
client computer can access the Decimator. With shared access, an Ethernet cable is connected
between the Decimator and a hub or switch. In this configuration any computer on the network can
access the Decimator. Any hub or switch is compatible with the Decimator but 10BaseT products
will slow down the measurement speed.

No software, other than the Java runtime, needs to be installed on the host computer or the client
computer in order to use the Decimator from a browser - the Java Applet will automatically be
downloaded by the web browser. Direct access to the API Socket Interface requires user written
API software.

2.3.1 Decimator Configuration

The Decimator uses a Web Configuration Manager (WCM) to modify the network configuration,
calibration files, port names, and licence.

2.3.1.1 Accessing the WCM

The Decimator network configuration factory defaults are:

● IP Address = 192.168.10.1
● Net Mask = 255.255.255.0
● Gateway = 192.168.10.1

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To access the WCM, enter <decimator IP address>/cgi-bin/wcm.cgi into a web browser’s address
bar. For example, to access the Decimator on the default IP address, use the following

http://192.168.10.1/cgi-bin/wcm.cgi

This will display the following web page. To log in, select an access level and enter the password.
The default password for access level admin is ‘admin’ (without the quotes). The password is case
sensitive.

The client computer, whether using the Java Applet, API Socket Interface, or WCM, must have the
appropriate network routes to access the 192.168.10.xxx subnet. If a ping or inspection of the
routing table determines that no connectivity exists, then a route needs to be configured. To
configure connectivity for a Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7 computer, enter the route from a command
window. For example, if the client computer has an IP address of 192.168.123.100, enter the
following command

route add 192.168.10.0 mask 255.255.255.0 192.168.123.100

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2.3.1.2 Modifying the Network Configuration

To change the Decimator’s network configuration, log in to the Web Configuration Manager as
described in Section 2.3.1.1 and navigate to the Network tab. The follow page will be displayed

Enter the new network information and click Save Changes. The following page will be displayed

Click Reboot Now to reboot the Decimator and begin using the new settings.

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2.3.1.3 Utilizing the Serial to Network Proxy

The Decimator has an on board serial port (RS232) configured with the ser2net utility. The ser2net
utility allows access to the Decimator’s serial port via an Ethernet socket port (TCP). To configure
ser2net, log in to the WCM as described in Section 2.3.1.1 and navigate to the Network tab. The
ser2net Utility Configuration, shown below, can be found by scrolling to the bottom of the network
tab.

Default ser2net settings:

State - Off
Baud Rate – 9600 bits/sec
Parity: None (Not Configurable)
Data Bits: 8 bits (Not Configurable)
Stop Bit(s): 1bit (Not Configurable)

Available Configuration Options:

1. State - The following options can be set under state:

a. off : Disables ser2net

b. raw: The data is transferred bi-directionally between the serial port and the TCP port
as-is

c. rawlp: The data is transferred only from the TCP port to the serial port as-is

d. telnet: The data is transferred between the serial port and the TCP port using telnet
protocol

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2. Baud Rate - Number of bits per second used by the serial port. Available options are: 4800,
9600, 19200, 38400, 57600 and 115200

The Decimator serial port uses 3.3V TTL signals NOT RS232 levels. The physical location of the
serial port on the card and the pin layout are shown in Figure 2-1.

Figure 2-1 Serial Port Connection Pins

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2.3.1.4 Restoring the Factory Defaults

The factory default switch can be used to restore the Decimator’s network configuration and API
Socket Interface port to the defaults. Any calibration or licence files installed will remain
unchanged. The procedure to restore the factory default settings on the Decimator is as follows:

1. Locate the factory defaults (D) switch on the Connection Plate. Depress the switch and hold

2. Locate the reset switch (R) on the Connection Plate. Depress the switch and release

3. Continue to hold the factory defaults switch until the health monitor LED is green. This can
take up to 120 seconds

4. The factory defaults are now restored

2.3.1.5 Switch Port Calibration Files

The Calibration tab, shown below, is used to install or modify a switch port calibration. An example
switch port calibration file is included on the CD. After a switch port calibration file is installed or
modified, the Decimator will have to be reset for the changes to take effect.

The switch port calibration file must include the line:

#Port = XX

Where XX is the port for which the calibration is intended (ie. XX = 1 for port 1, XX = 7 for port 7,
XX = 12 for port 12, etc). For a Decimator with no switch port licence, only port 1 is valid. Be sure
to upload the proper calibration file to the proper port or the Decimator may return undesired results.
Note that the Decimator will use linear interpolation to determine the desired offset between
calibration points.

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2.3.2 Decimator Licence Files

The ‘Licence’ tab of the Decimator WCM, shown below, can be used to modify the available
features of the Decimator. To begin the licence file upgrade, first click the ‘Browse’ button and
select the SED provided licence file. Then click the ‘Upload’ button to transfer the file to the
Decimator.

Once the new licence file has been uploaded the following page will be displayed. Click the ‘Reboot
and Apply’ button for the new licence file changes to take effect.

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2.4 API Socket Interface

The Application Program Interface (API) is a socket interface used to configure and initiate
measurements, retrieve measurement data, and monitor status. The default port for the API Socket
Interface is 9784, but this can be configured through the WCM Network tab. The required
information for programmatic access is described in a separate document named “Decimator API
Specification (125497_revX).pdf” provided on the CD.

2.5 Java Applet Software

In addition to the API Socket Interface, there is a built-in graphical user interface (GUI) that can be
displayed using any web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Chrome, or Firefox. The GUI is quite
intuitive to use and allows interactive use of the Decimator for any general purpose investigation that
a traditional digital or analog spectrum analyzer can be used for.

Refer to Figure 2-2 for a picture of the main applet for the Decimator. The applet window is divided
into two areas: the screen, on the left side main area, and the control buttons, on the right side
column.

Figure 2-2 Decimator Main Applet

For the spectrum mode, the basic operations made by the Decimator are to collect the samples
required for the selection made, perform a windowed FFT (see Section 2.5.2.1), and present the
spectrum data to the operator. Similar to traditional spectrum analyzers, the speed of the
measurement is a function of the RBW and the span.

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2.5.1 Main Screen

The main screen consists of four areas, as shown in Figure 2-3.

The Plot Area, to the center, consisting of the grid and plot of the signal. Marker values show up at
the top of the plot area.

The North Settings Bar, along the top, consisting of the connection LED, RBW, Span, # Averages,
Start Frequency, Center Frequency, and Stop Frequency.

The West Settings Bar, along the left, consisting of the Reference Level, Reference Select, Scale per
Division, and minimum displayed power level.

And finally, the South Mouse Indicator Bar, along the bottom, consisting of the mouse cursor
positions frequency and amplitude.

The Screen Area will automatically update the values of the various parameters in real time as the
signal changes or the user changes parameters.

Figure 2-3 Decimator GUI Main Screen

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2.5.2 Control Buttons and Menu

The Control Buttons reside along the right side

of the applet in two columns. The right most
column of buttons consists of the major
functions and the column of buttons to the left
of it are the context-sensitive buttons as
dictated by the present major function that is
selected.

Clicking on one of the major function buttons

will change the context sensitive buttons to the
available editable options. Clicking on one of
the context sensitive buttons will either apply
that option or bring up a separate dialog box
that can be edited to a value or chosen from a
drop down list.

The options available for each context

sensitive function can be multiple levels deep.
The menu options and their specific
functionality are outlined in the table below.

Figure 2-4 Decimator GUI Control Buttons

Table 2-1 describes in detail each button and data field of the Decimator’s GUI. Use of the GUI is
described further in the Help file under the System button.

Table 2-1 Decimator GUI Button and Menu Descriptions

Button Menu Item Description
Preset N/A Sets the Decimator back to the default measurement settings and clears
any stored traces, states and markers.
Frequency Center Frequency Edit the center frequency. Displays the desired and actual center
frequency values. Clicking on the menu item displays the Center
Frequency Edit dialog. Values that are too low or too high are
automatically adjusted to the limit.
Start Frequency Edit the start frequency. Displays the desired and actual start frequency
values. Clicking on the menu item displays the Start Frequency Edit
dialog. Values that are too low or too high are automatically adjusted to
the limit.
Stop Frequency Edit the stop frequency. Displays the desired and actual stop frequency
values. Clicking on the menu item displays the Stop Frequency Edit
dialog. Values that are too low or too high are automatically adjusted to
the limit.

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Table 2-1 Decimator GUI Button and Menu Descriptions

Button Menu Item Description
Span Span Edit the span. Displays the desired and actual span. Clicking on the menu
item displays the Span Frequency Edit dialog. Values that are too low or
too high are automatically adjusted to the limit
Full Span Sets the span to 2995 MHz
Min Span Sets the span to 16 kHz
Amplitude Auto Y axis Edit whether the Reference Level and Scale/Div are adjusted
automatically to show the entire active trace.
Values:
• True
• False
Reference Level Edit the Reference Level. This value will be automatically set if Auto Y
axis is set to true.
Scale/Div Edit the scale per vertical division. This value will be automatically set if
Auto Y-axis is set to true.
Auto Atten. When enabled, the attenuation level is automatically set to the appropriate
value, depending on the power level of the incoming signal.
Manual Atten. Allows the input attenuation to be set manually.
RBW RBW Edit the resolution bandwidth. Clicking on the menu item displays the
RBW Edit dialog. Values that are too low or too high are automatically
adjusted to the limit.
RBW Mode Auto or Manual. When set to Auto, the RBW will be calculated as a ratio
of the span based on Ratio. When set to manual, the user can manually
edit the RBW. Available on software version 3.0.2 and up
Ratio The ratio between span and RBW. Available on software version 3.0.2
and up
Average Average Edit the number of averages.
Detector Edit the detector used.
Values:
• Normal
• Peak
Hold Edit the hold mode.
Values:
• Normal (none)
• Max Hold
• Min Hold
Measure Capture Mode Edit the capture mode.
Values:
• Continuous
• Single
• Stopped
Restart Restarts the measurement if in Continuous Capture Mode. This is handy
if Max Hold is on in Continuous Mode.

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Table 2-1 Decimator GUI Button and Menu Descriptions

Button Menu Item Description
FFT Window Edit the Fast Fourier Transform window type. Further information
regarding the effects of the window type can be found in Section 2.5.2.1
Values:
• Rectangular
• Flattop
• Blackman-Harris (default)
• Hamming
• Hanning
Optimization Edit the Optimization. Further information regarding Optimization type
can be found in Section 2.5.2.1
Values:
• Spurious
• Speed
System Reference Select Edit the Reference Select.
Values:
• External
• Internal
• Auto (External if an external reference is supplied, Internal if not)
CrossPol Mode Edit the CrossPol Mode. Span must be less than 52 MHz. Users should
ensure proper values set for the Switch Port and CrossPol Switch Port
settings.

Values:

• True
• False
Switch Port Edit the Switch Port. 0 indicates that CrossPol mode cannot be enabled.
If a switch port licence is installed the value will be from 1 to 8. If no
switch port licence is installed the value is 0.
CrossPol Switch Port Edit the CrossPol Switch Port. 0 indicates that CrossPol mode cannot be
enabled. If a switch port licence is installed the value will be from 1 to 8.
If no switch port licence is installed the value is 0.
Color Scheme Edit the color scheme of the background and grid lines
Values
• Normal (Black and green)
• Print (White and black)
Connection Timeout Time in seconds to wait before the software tries to connect to the
Decimator after communication was interrupted
Reset Perform a software reset on the card.
Status Display the status of the Decimator in a display dialog
Error Log Display the list of errors that have occurred since the GUI started
Help Display the Decimator UI help in the default browser.

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Table 2-1 Decimator GUI Button and Menu Descriptions

Button Menu Item Description
State State 1 to State 10 Store or restore the state of Decimator from storage of one of 10 states.
When the state is captured, a gear marker icon is shown on the menu
item. Hovering over the menu item when a state is captured, displays the
state in a tool tip.
Clear – Clears the state
Capture – Stores the current state
Apply – Applies the stored state to the current state
View – View the stored state in a display dialog.
Trace Active Selects the active trace. Allows the following parameters to be edited:
Visible Sets whether or not the active trace is visible.
Values:
• Show
• Hide
Color Edit the color of the active trace. Displays a color edit
dialog.
Thickness Edit the thickness of the active trace in pixels.
Values:
• 1
• 2 (default)
• 3
• 4
• 5
Export to CSV Export the trace points to a CSV file. Displays a File
‘Save As’ dialog.
Back Navigate back to the Trace menu.
CrossPol Selects the active trace. Allows the following parameters to be edited:
Visible Sets whether or not the active trace is visible.
Values:
• Show
• Hide
Thickness Edit the thickness of the active trace in pixels.
Values:
• 1
• 2 (default)
• 3
• 4
• 5
Export to CSV Export the trace points to a CSV file. Displays a File
‘Save As’ dialog.
Back Navigate back to the Trace menu.
Trace 1 to Trace 4 Edit the memory based traces. The trace color is shown in the menu item.
Capture Copy the active trace to the stored trace. Displays a
graph icon on the menu item and on the Trace menu
item one level above when captured.

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Table 2-1 Decimator GUI Button and Menu Descriptions

Button Menu Item Description
Clear Clear the trace from memory.
Visible Sets whether or not the active trace is visible.
Values:
• Show
• Hide
Color Edit the color of the stored trace. Displays a color edit
dialog.
Thickness Edit the thickness of the active trace in pixels.
Values:
• 1
• 2 (default)
• 3
• 4
• 5
Freq. Edit the frequency rendering mode.
Rendering Values:
• Overlay – Display the trace exactly as it was
shown when captured, disregarding the
current frequency settings. This is a
WYSIWYG of the trace when it was captured.
• Absolute – Displays the trace at its captured
frequency. It may be off screen.
• Shifted – Displays the trace centered in the
screen, but scales it in frequency according to
the new span.
Ampl. Edit the amplitude rendering mode.
Rendering Values:
• To Scale – Displays the trace amplitude to
scale
• Overlay – Dislpays the trace amplitude as it
was captured disregarding the reference
level. It may be off screen.
Export to CSV Export the trace points to a CSV file. Displays a File
‘Save As’ dialog
Details Displays the settings at the time the trace was
captured.
Back Navigate back to the trace menu list
Markers Marker 1 to Marker 5 Edit the markers that can be applied to traces. The markers are added to
the active trace and then can be moved to memory based traces. The
trace color is shown in the menu item. Note that markers can only be
dragged using the mouse on memory based traces that have the Freq.
Rendering set to Absolute.

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Table 2-1 Decimator GUI Button and Menu Descriptions

Button Menu Item Description
Style Set the style of the marker. When Normal or Delta, a
paper clip graphic is shown.
Values:
• Off – Turns off the marker
• Normal – a single marker
• Delta – a pair of markers
Shape Edit the shape of the marker.
Values:
• Plus
• X
• Diamond
• Up Facing Triangle
• Down Facing Triangle
• Right Facing Triangle
• Left Facing Triangle
• Circle
• Do Not Enter
• Circle Plus
Color Edit the color of the marker. Displays a color edit
dialog.
Trace Edit what trace the marker is attached to.
Values:
• Current (Active)
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
Frequency Enabled when the marker is turned on, this displays
the Frequency Edit dialog to adjust the marker
frequency.
Function Enabled when the marker is turned on, this displays
the functions that can be performed on the marker
frequency.
Values:
• Peak Search
• Marker to Center Frequency
• Marker to Reference Level
• Next Right Peak
• Next Left Peak
• Next Lower Peak
Freq. Adjust Enabled when the marker is turned on, this displays a
previous and next button. The buttons will move the
marker one point to the left or right.

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Table 2-1 Decimator GUI Button and Menu Descriptions

Button Menu Item Description
Reference Enabled when the Style is Delta, this displays the
Frequency Frequency Edit dialog to adjust the reference
frequency marker.
Reference Enabled when the Style is Delta, this displays the
Function functions that can be performed on the reference
frequency marker.
Values:
• Peak Search
• Marker to Center Frequency
• Marker to Reference Level
• Next Right Peak
• Next Left Peak
• Next Lower Peak
Ref. Freq. Enabled when the Style is Delta, this displays a
Adjust previous and next button. The buttons will move the
reference frequency marker one point to the left or
right.
Report Export to CSV Export the active trace and any captured memory based traces to a CSV
file. Displays a File Save as Dialog.
Export to HTML Export the screen, traces, markers and states to an HTML file report.
Displays a File Save as Dialog to specify a target directory. The
Decimator UI optionally displays the report HTML file in the default
browser when done.
Save/Open Save Screen to PNG Save the screen to a PNG file. Displays a File Save as Dialog.
Save Project Save the current settings, memory based traces, markers attached to
memory based traces, and states to a project xml file. Displays the File
Save as Dialog.
Open Project Opens a saved project from file and loads the data into the Decimator UI.
The current settings, memory based traces, markers attached to memory
based traces, and states are loaded from the project xml file.
Carrier New Measurement Create a new measurement using the current state of the Decimator.
Monitor Provide a name and specify which analyses to run.
Measurement Delay The measurement delay in seconds. This is the time to wait between
successive measurements.
Log Directory The output log directory for traces and analysis files. If blank, logging will
not occur. Log files will be in a subdirectory off this root log directory in a
format root_log_dir/yyyy_mm_dd/measurement_name/
Within that directory there will be a
• BandPower.csv (if Band Power analysis is configured)
• PresenceOfACarrier.csv (if Presence of a Carrier Analysis is
configured)
• trace subdirectory containing a trace file per trace with an
hh_mm_ss_uuu.csv format

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Table 2-1 Decimator GUI Button and Menu Descriptions

Button Menu Item Description
Email An edit window to specify:
• Master Switch – enables email
• Mail Server
o Name
o Port
• From
o Email
o Name
• Recipients
o Email
o Name
o Style
 Simple Text – text only
 Rich HTML – text and screen shot
• Test button – Select a recipient and click the test button to send
a test email.
• Note: Ensure nothing is blocking port 25, such as virus software.
You will need to remove or disable that port blocking for email to
work.
SNMP An edit window to specify:
• Master Switch – enables SNMP
• Trap Destinations
o IP Address
o Port
o Community
• Test button – Select a trap destination and click the test button to
send a test trap. Default values used.
• Show MIB button – Extract the MIB file from the application and
prompt the user to save the file to local disk. This MIB file can be
loaded directly into an NMS.
Band Power Displays sub menus for the default Band Power analysis. This analysis
measures the Nominal Power in the span.
Nominal Power Edit the default Nominal Power in dBm.
Tolerance Power Edit the default Tolerance Power in dBm.
Presence of a Carrier Displays sub menu for the default Presence of a Carrier analysis. This
measures the maximum delta power in the span.
Delta Power Edit the default Delta Power in dB.

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2.5.2.1 Advanced Measurement Settings

Pressing the Measure button allows access to some advanced settings, not typically changed for most
measurements, but available if desired. These settings allow the user to select the FFT Window type
and Optimization.

A selection of FFT window types have been made available to provide the user with expanded
analysis capability. The available window types and their respective characteristics are shown in
Table 2-2.

Table 2-2 FFT Window Type Figures of Merit

Highest Side Lobe Equivalent Noise
FFT Window 3.0 dB BW (bins) Scallop Loss (dB)
Level (dB) BW (bins)
1
Rectangular -13.0 1.00 0.89 3.92
2, 3
Flattop -93.6 3.77 3.72 0.005
1
Blackman-Harris -92 2.00 1.90 0.83
1
Hamming -43.0 1.36 1.30 1.78
1
Hanning -32.0 1.50 1.44 1.42

Configuring the Decimator to an Optimization setting of Spurious will increase the measurement
time but reduce, and in most cases remove completely, the spurious signals generated within the
Decimator. It is recommended that Speed Optimization be used when measuring modulated or noise
signal band power, as spurious optimization can reduce measurement accuracy. An Optimization
setting of Speed will increase measurement speed at the expense of leaving internally generated
spurious signals visible to the user.

2.5.3 Cross Polarity Mode

A Decimator with a switch port licence can enable Cross Polarity mode (CrossPol). In this mode the
Decimator will display the spectrum from two inputs simultaneously. In the example below, the
green trace, Switch Port, is configured as “1 - port1” and the orange trace, Cross Pol Switch Port, is
configured as “7 – port7”. The input port names default to “portX” where X is a number between 1
and 8. These names can be changed through the WCM’s Port Names tab. CrossPol markers display
the delta power between the two traces.

1
“On the Use of Windows for Harmonic Analysis with Discrete Fourier Transform”, Fredric J. Harris, Proceedings of
the IEEE, Vol. 66, No. 1, January 1978
2
“Extremely Flat-Top Windows for Harmonic Analysis”, Irini S. Reljin, Branimir D. Reljin, Veljko D. Papić, IEEE
Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, Vol. 56, No. 3, June 2007”
3
“Technical Review, Windows to FFT Analysis”, Brüel & Kjær, No. 3 1987

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2.5.4 Carrier Monitor

The Decimator can be configured to monitor up to 100 carriers, validating the captured trace for
limits within acceptable Band Power and Presence of a Carrier thresholds. The measurement is
defaulted to use the entire span of the viewport. If configured, email or SNMP trap notification
events will be raised when an alarm threshold is exceeded. To use the carrier monitor, a new
measurement must be configured then enabled.

2.5.4.1 New Measurement

The following figure shows the New Measurement window. A unique name must be giving to each
new measurement. Use the drop down box to configure the options for Analyses, Notifications, and
State. Note that the state options are not configurable through this menu. These values are
determined from the current Java Applet configuration.

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Once all of the options are configured, click the Ok button in the corner of the New Measurement
window. This will cause the Carrier Monitor Toolbar to be displayed on the left side of the Java
Applet.

2.5.4.2 Carrier Monitor Toolbar

The carrier monitor toolbar appears after one New Measurement has been configured. Moving the
mouse cursor over the toolbar widens it to make the measurement names visible. Figure 2-5 shows
the Java Applet with three Carrier Monitor measurements configured. Note that the measurement
has been ‘Played’ so many of the Carrier Monitor Toolbar buttons have been disabled. The selected
carrier (“Carrier 1” from the Measurement Table) has up to 24 hours of results shown in the Carrier
window.

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Figure 2-5 Carrier Monitor

The following Table describes each of the Carrier Monitor Toolbar buttons.
Button Name Button Graphic Description
Play Start the carrier monitor. This will sequentially
process the carrier monitor measurements. If a
threshold is exceeded Measurement Status LED
will go red and, if enabled, a notification will be
sent.
Stop Stop the carrier monitor measurements

Add Create a new measurement

Delete Delete the selected measurement

Edit Edit the selected measurement

Recall State Recall the Decimator state from the selected

measurement
Capture State Capture the state of the decimator to the
selected measurement
Move Move the selected measurement down one
Measurement
Down

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Button Name Button Graphic Description

Move Move the selected measurement up one
Measurement Up
Scroll to Top Scroll to the top of the measurement table

Scroll Up Scroll up one

Measurement OR When the mouse cursor is not in the Carrier

Table Monitor Toolbar area, then only the
Measurement Status LED is shown. Otherwise,
a two column table with Measurement Status
and Measurement Name is shown
LED: Gray is unknown, Green is success, Red is
failure
Scroll Down Scroll down one

Scroll to Bottom Scroll to the bottom of the measurement table

2.5.4.3 Carrier Monitor Notifications

The Carrier Monitor can be configured to send SNMP or email notifications if a measurement
threshold is exceeded. Note that both the master switch (press Carrier MonitorEmail or Carrier
MonitorSNMP) and the measurement notification control (select the measurement from the
Carrier Monitor Toolbar and click the ‘Edit’ button and then select Notifications from the drop down
menu) must be enabled for notifications to be generated.

2.5.4.4 From the Command Line

After setting up the measurements for carrier monitoring in the previous section and running and
testing interactively, it may be beneficial to run the carrier monitoring not from within the Java
Applet, but from a command line task.

To do this, perform the following:

● Run the Decimator UI to create a project file with all the measurements in it. Test
it out running in the browser interactively. Include things like measurement delay,
trace analysis result logging, email notifications, SNMP configuration and all
your measurements. Save the project file to disk. (e.g. C:/myproject.xml)
● Obtain the decimator.jar file by searching in your browser’s cache for the file
“decimator.jar”. (Consult your browser documentation to find the directory
and/or search your drive) Some browsers allow a “File | Save As…” option to
save the current page to disk, which will in turn save “decimator.jar” to the
directory.
● Shutdown the Decimator UI.

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● From the command line run:

○ java -java.util.logging.config.file=''FullPathToJavaLoggingPropertiesFile'' -cp
decimator.jar com.sedsystems.decimator.CarrierMonitoring -IpAddress
''YourDecimatorCardIpAddress'' -Port ''YourPort'' -ProjectFile
''FullPathToYourProjectFile''
● As an example:
○ java -Djava.util.logging.config.file=C:/decimator.properties -cp decimator.jar
com.sedsystems.decimator.CarrierMonitoring -IpAddress 192.168.10.1 -Port
9784 -ProjectFile C:/myproject.xml
● A sample decimator.properties java logging file exists at the bottom of the
Decimator Java Applet help (click System  Help)

2.5.5 Query String

Normally, the user interface is started with default settings. If you find you often change the settings
to the same values regularly, you can save a Project and reopen it each time you use the Decimator,
or you may want to take advantage of the query string function.

The user interface can be configured via the URL used to access it, so that it will start with the
specified settings. For example, the URL http://192.168.10.1/index.html?frequency=1455.5 will start
the user interface with the center frequency set to 1455.5 MHz. The complete list of possible
parameters is shown below.

Parameter Name Description Expected Data Type Example Default Value

Frequency Sets the center Decimal, MHz frequency=1345.23 half of the
frequency available
frequency
Span Sets the span Decimal, kHz span=24.885 the minimum
span value
RBW Sets the resolution Decimal RBW=95 100
BW
Averages Sets the number of Decimal averages=12 10
averages
Autoyaxis Turns Y axis auto Boolean (true=on) autoyaxis=false true (auto scaling
scaling on/off on)
Yref The Y axis reference Decimal (dB) yref=-10 0
value. (value at the top
of the plot)
dbdiv The number of dB per Decimal (dB) dbdiv=5 10
division on the Y axis.
switchport Selects the switched Decimal switchport=5 1
RF port (8-Port (1 to 8)
Decimator only)
autoattenuation Toggles input Boolean (true=auto) autoattenuation=true true (automatic
attenuation between attenuation)
auto and manual

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Parameter Name Description Expected Data Type Example Default Value

attenuation Sets the attenuation Decimal attenuation=5 0
level in dB
referenceselect Toggles the clock Enum: referenceselect=auto internal
reference between external
internal/external
internal
auto
capturemode Sets the capture mode Enum: capturemode=continuous stopped
stopped
single
continuous
fftwindow Sets the FFT window Enum: fftwindow=flattop blackman-harris
rectangular
flattop
blackman-harris
hamming
hanning
fftoverlap Sets the FFT overlap Decimal (0 to 1) fftoverlap=0.4 0.5
spectralinversion Sets the spectral Boolean (true=on) spectralinversion=true false
inversion
optimization Sets the optimization Enum: optimization=speed spurious
or dithering option spurious
speed
detector Sets the detector Enum: detector=peak normal
option peak
normal
hold Sets the hold mode Enum: hold=max hold normal
normal
max hold
min hold
colorscheme Sets the color scheme Enum: colorscheme=print normal
on the plot normal
print

The parameters must be appended to the regular URL using the standard URL query string format
(parameter list and URL separated by '?', parameters separated by '&', and parameter name/value
separated by '='). The parameters can be in any order, and parameter names are case insensitive. You
may specify as many or as few parameters as you like.

Examples:
● http://192.168.10.1/index.html?frequency=1350.5&span=25.5
○ Sets the center frequency to 1350.5 MHz, and span to 25.5 kHz.

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● http://192.168.10.1/index.html?autoyaxis=false
○ Turns off automatic Y-axis scaling.
● http://192.168.10.1/index.html?frequency=1350.5&span=25.5&RBW=98&averag
es=11&referenceselect=external&capturemode=continuous
○ Sets the center frequency to 1350.5 MHz, span to 25.5 kHz, resolution
bandwidth to 98 Hz, the number of averages to 11, enables the external
frequency reference, then starts a continuous mode trace.

2.5.6 Time Domain Mode (Future)

Note: the time domain mode User Interface is not accessible on the Java Applet at this time. It will
be made available when demand warrants it. Time domain mode is only available from the API
Socket Interface at this time.

The time domain mode is used to measure the instantaneous power of the input signal in the actual
span shown.

For the time domain, the basic operations made by the Decimator are to collect the samples
contiguously and then display the data in the time domain to the operator.

This also can be done in Raw mode or Decimated mode. Raw mode takes the full input range of the
Decimator and displays the time domain data. Decimated mode reduces the bandwidth down to the
desired span (as close as it can; refer to the actual span reported). The resultant time domain data is
displayed to the user. Note that the scale and time range of the display are actual values, based on
the settings chosen.

2.6 SNMP Interface

The Decimator supports monitoring of the operational status through the SNMP interface. MIB
definitions are available to provide translations of the OIDs to readable labels. The SNMP interface
provides read-only data concerning the device operations.

The OIDs of interest are the device identification and version information, as well as the operational
status.

The device identification is provided in the ISO branch of the object ID structure. The ENTITY-
MIB file contains the translations for these nodes. Notable entries are as follows:

.1.3.6.1.2.1.47.1.1.1.1.8 Hardware revision.

.1.3.6.1.2.1.47.1.1.1.1.10 Software revision.

.1.3.6.1.2.1.47.1.1.1.1.11 Serial number.

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Status information on the device operations is provided in the ISO branch as well. The IADC-MIB
file contains the OID translations. Entries are as follows:

.1.3.6.1.4.1.9633.4.1.1.0 Input overload status.

.1.3.6.1.4.1.9633.4.1.2.0 Overall device status, indicates if a major fault occurred.

.1.3.6.1.4.1.9633.4.1.3.0 System up time, indicates how long the device has been
running since last reset.

.1.3.6.1.4.1.9633.4.1.4.0 Voltage of the onboard 1.2v power supply (if available).

.1.3.6.1.4.1.9633.4.1.5.0 Voltage of the onboard 2.5v power supply (if available).

.1.3.6.1.4.1.9633.4.1.6.0 Voltage of the onboard 5.0v power supply (if available).

.1.3.6.1.4.1.9633.4.1.7.0 Voltage of the onboard 12.0v power supply (if available).

.1.3.6.1.4.1.9633.4.1.8.0 Voltage of the onboard 17.0v power supply (if available).

.1.3.6.1.4.1.9633.4.1.9.0 Onboard temperature.

.1.3.6.1.4.1.9633.4.1.10.0 The center frequency of the current capture.

.1.3.6.1.4.1.9633.4.1.11.0 The span width of the current capture.

.1.3.6.1.4.1.9633.4.1.12.0 The resolution bandwidth of the current spectrum capture.

If a time capture is in progress, the value is 0.

.1.3.6.1.4.1.9633.4.1.14.0 Internal clock setting.

.1.3.6.1.4.1.9633.4.1.16.0 Auto attenuation setting.

.1.3.6.1.4.1.9633.4.1.17.0 Number of available switch ports.

.1.3.6.1.4.1.9633.4.1.18.0 The currently selected switch port.

The MIB OID files are available from the HTTP interface of the Decimator. To obtain the files,
enter the filename for each into the URL field of a browser and then save the file for use by your
SNMP tools. For example, to access the files using the default IP address, use the following URLs:
● http://192.168.10.1/ENTITY-MIB.mib
● http://192.168.10.1/IADC-MIB.mib
● http://192.168.10.1/SEDSYSTEMS-MIB.mib

Refer to Decimator API Specification (125497) included on the CD for further information.

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2.6.1 Input Signal Considerations

The input to the Decimator must between 5 and 3000 MHz. Note that the input can be limited by an
external filter to the band of interest within this range in order to avoid reducing the signal to noise
ratio of the instrument. The more broadband noise allowed into the Decimator’s input, the lower the
dynamic range will be. The total power in the full input frequency range should not exceed the input
power level specification for Decimator. Refer to the specification in Section 2.8. Any band pass,
high pass, or low pass RF filter suitable for 50-ohm applications may be used on the input to the
Decimator.

2.6.2 10 MHz Reference Considerations

The Decimator uses a 10 MHz reference as a frequency reference. Note that frequencies reported
will be limited in accuracy and phase noise by the choice of 10 MHz reference. The on-board
frequency reference is accurate to ±2.6 ppm and is selected by default. An external reference will
typically provide better accuracy.

The external frequency reference must be selected through the Java Applet or the API Socket
Interface. The setting will remain selected until you close the connection.

2.7 Updating the Firmware

The Decimator incorporates a web page to manage updating the firmware, which eliminates the need
to return the unit to the factory for updates.

Reset the Decimator before installing firmware and ensure there are no API connections made,
including the Java Applet and the API Socket Interface, after the reset and during the installation.
The Decimator can be reset in the Configuration->Reset tab of the Web Configuration Manager or
by cycling the power to it.

The Firmware Upgrade tab, shown below, is the default tab displayed after successfully logging in to
the Decimators WCM. Refer to Section 2.3.1.1 for details on logging in.

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The firmware update file, supplied by SED, can be transferred to the Decimator using a local host
computer. After specifying the firmware location and clicking Upload, the file will be obtained and
then the following screen will be displayed

Once the upload is complete, a confirmation page will be displayed

Clicking on Begin Flash will update the Decimator firmware. When complete, the Decimator will be
automatically reset. If the firmware file fails the integrity check, it is highly recommended that the
Cancel Firmware Upgrade button be pressed or there is a risk the Decimator may be rendered
unresponsive.

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2.8 General Specifications

Parameter Specification
Power Requirements PCIe 25 watts, or
3-pin Molex connector: 3.3/5V 1A and 12V 1A
Environmental Indoor environment
Temperature Operational Temperature Range: 0 to +55°C
Non operating: -20°C to +70°C
Humidity Operating: 10% to 95% non condensing
Non operating: 10% to 95% non condensing
Mechanical
Size half size PCIe card, 6.875 by 4.2 inches
Physical Interfaces
RF Input SMA, 50 ohms
Input Frequency Range: 5 MHz to 3,000 MHz
Input Power: +5 dBm to –110 dBm (aggregate)
Maximum Safe Input +10 dBm
Control RJ-45, 10/100base-T, half or full duplex
TCP/IP API, SNMP, HTTP
Reference BNC, 50 ohms
10 MHz, -5 dBm to +13 dBm
Health Monitor Green if the Decimator is ready for use
LED Red if the Decimator has encountered an error
Not illuminated if the Decimator is initializing
Trigger Inputs Future Use
PCIe x1 Used to power the Decimator. The Decimator can not be controlled through the PCIe
interface
Measurements
1
Amplitude ± 0.5 dB (at 25°C)
Accuracy ± 1.0 dB (5 to 40°C)
Frequency ± 2.6 ppm (internal)
Accuracy or as per external reference source
Frequency 1 Hz
Resolution
Resolution 1 Hz to 15 MHz
Bandwidth
Spurious Images: < -55 dBc (typical)
Aliasing: < -55 dBc (typical)
DC Offset: (time domain only) < -30 dBc (typical)
Single up to 220 MHz
Measurement
Span
Multiple up to 2995 MHz
Measurement
Span
Averaging User selectable, up to 255 averages

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Parameter Specification
Measurement 500 MHz span, 1 MHz RBW, 200 ms
3
Speed 200 MHz span, 30 KHz RBW, 630 ms
80 MHz span, 100 kHz RBW, 170 ms
3.5 MHz span, 8 kHz RBW, 90 ms
Modes of Operation
Raw Snapshot Mode: Number of IQ time samples is approx 32 million
Linear Power/Bin (4096 Samples, up to 255 averages)
Log Power/Bin (4096 Samples, up to 255 averages)
Raw IQ Samples - decimated 16 - 4092 in steps of 4 – sampling frequency up to 3.7
MHz
Selectable Spectral Inversion
Programmatic measurement and control over Ethernet based API
Notes:
1. Measurement conditions: 10 averages, input level between -8 dBm and -68 dBm, 3 sigma
2. Resolution bandwidths auto or manual adjustable
3. Expected rates with 10 averages, speed optimization
4. All specification at 25°C unless otherwise noted and are subject to change without notice.

2.9 Warranty / Repair Contact Information

If your Decimator is not operating correctly, contact the Service Department for support and a
Return Material Authorization (RMA) number if applicable. There are no serviceable parts on the
Decimator.

SED Systems
18 Innovation Boulevard
P.O. Box 1464
Saskatoon, SK
Canada
Telephone: 306-933-1605
Fax: 306-933-1695
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.sedsystems.ca/contact_customer_service

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