RF Switch
SSM3608
Up/Down Converter
FEU3543/FED3543
Vector Network Analyzer
SNA3308/SNA3308U
Vector Signal Transceiver
SGR3006/3008
Chassis
PXC1080
Chassis
PXC1180
Data Storage Module
SDA Serie
Digital Multi-Meter
DMM4365
Oscilloscope / Digitizer
SDS4025
Source Measure Unit
SMU Series
Chassis
PXC1191
Controller
PXC2080
Controller
PXC2190

Microwave Testing System for NV Centers

This microwave testing system, built on a robust PXI platform, is designed for precise measurement of NV centers. It integrates four microwave signal sources and four lock-in amplifiers, enabling frequency sweeping and FM modulation for accurate testing. The system offers a wide frequency range (2.6 GHz to 3.2 GHz) and supports real-time data analysis, making it ideal for advanced quantum sensing applications. With a custom-designed software interface, it ensures efficient control and measurement of NV center characteristics, providing key insights for research and development.

Main Advantages of the System

The microwave signal source covers a wide frequency range, from 300 MHz to 8 GHz, meeting all user testing requirements.

The microwave signal source supports various modulation methods, such as FM, ASK, PSK, etc. For users, both the modulation frequency and modulation depth of FM modulation can be customized, allowing for more flexible experimental testing with different parameter combinations.

The microwave signal source has a real-time bandwidth of 1 GHz, allowing users to generate a variety of RF wideband signals.

The custom chassis can integrate third-party phase-locked amplifiers, and the chassis width is about 10 cm smaller than the standard 18-slot PXIe chassis. Additionally, the chassis provides power (12V DC) for the phase-locked amplifier.

The microwave signal source can output RF signals up to 20 dBm, eliminating the need for an external power amplifier, effectively reducing the system's size.

Testing Capabilities

Product Model Description Quantity
Controller PXC2190 Intel® Core™ i7 Processor (Kaby Lake), 4 Cores PCI Express 3.0 Bus, Maximum System Throughput up to 16 GB/s, 500 GB (or higher) HDD 1
Chassis PXC1180 PXIe chassis, 9 slot, 1 system slot, 7 PXI/PXIe hybrid slots, 1 PXI Express timing slot.(PXIe 3.0) 1
Microwave Signal Source SGR3008 RF signal source, frequency range 300 MHz to 8 GHz, instantaneous bandwidth 1 GB, maximum output power 20 dBm, 2-slot PXIe; supports FM/ASK/PSK/QAM 4
Phase-Locked Amplifier OE1300 DC to 100 kHz/500 kHz measurement range, time constant 1 µs to 3 ks, 8 arbitrary frequency demodulators, dynamic range up to 130 dB, voltage measurement range 1 nV to 5 V 4
PC Software Custom Development Generates sweep and FM signals, program-controlled phase-locked amplifier synchronization, zero-crossing detection, UI design, etc. 1

System Overview

The microwave signal source test system is built on a mature and stable PXI platform, with all functions integrated within a custom PXI chassis, as shown in the diagram below. In this setup, the PXIe controller is placed in the controller slot (Slot 1) and is responsible for controlling each module to operate independently. It also analyzes, processes, and displays the data collected from each module.

Each microwave signal source occupies 2 PXIe slots, with a total of 4 microwave signal sources occupying 8 slots. The phase-locked amplifier module communicates with the controller via the UART protocol and is securely mounted within the custom chassis through dedicated mounting holes.

When the system is in operation, each microwave signal source module communicates with the controller via the PXIe bus. The controller sends software commands to the microwave signal sources to emit RF signals and, using the UART protocol, controls the phase-locked amplifier module to collect data. The data collected by the phase-locked amplifier is first stored in the onboard FIFO buffer and then transferred to the controller via the PXIe bus. The controller processes, analyzes, displays, and stores the data. The PXIe bus supports a maximum data bandwidth of 24 GB/s, which fully meets the data bandwidth requirements when all modules are operating simultaneously. Furthermore, each module can operate independently without affecting the others.

The entire test system is housed in a custom chassis, with the front panel divided into functional areas based on customer requirements, including microwave signal source output ports, phase-locked amplifier input ports, common communication ports (USB, Ethernet), video ports, etc.

Inside the custom chassis, the system consists of:

01

9-slot PXIe chassis (PXC1180)

02

Embedded PXIe controller (PXC2190)

03

4 microwave signal source modules (SGR3008)

04

4 phase-locked amplifier modules (OE1300)

Functionality of Each Module:

The four microwave signal sources are inserted into the PXIe chassis and are controlled via the PXIe bus. The phase-locked amplifiers are installed inside the custom chassis, which provides power to them. The controller communicates with and controls the four phase-locked amplifiers through Ethernet, enabling data interaction and control.

PXIe Chassis (PXC1180)

Provides power to the embedded controller, microwave signal sources, and phase-locked amplifiers. It also provides data transmission and signal routing channels between the microwave signal sources, phase-locked amplifiers, and the controller.

PXIe Controller (PXC2190)

Controls the microwave signal sources and phase-locked amplifiers, sending instructions and reading data from both. It analyzes and processes the data, and the results are displayed on an external monitor.

Microwave Signal Source (SGR3008)

Generates the required single-tone swept signals and FM swept signals, with parameter configurations set through the software interface.

Phase-Locked Amplifier (OE1300)

Collects data from the balanced detector and performs PID control.

PC Software
Functionality Overview

The PC software is designed to provide an intuitive interface for controlling and monitoring the entire microwave signal source test system. It enables users to configure, control, and monitor the system’s performance in real time. Below are the key features and functions of the software:
Signal Generation and Configuration
01

Signal Type Selection:>

Users can choose between different signal types such as single-tone sweep signals, FM sweep signals, and other predefined RF signal configurations.>

02

Frequency Range and Parameters:>

The software allows users to set and adjust the frequency range, frequency sweep rates, and signal parameters such as modulation depth, modulation f requency, etc.>

03

Output Power Control:>

Users can configure the output power of the microwave signal sources, including options to adjust power levels up to 20 dBm.>

Phase-Locked Amplifier Control
01

Data Acquisition>

The software synchronizes with the phase-locked amplifier modules (OE1300) to collect data from the balanced detectors in real time.>

02

PID Control>

Provides PID control functionality for the phase-locked amplifier to maintain stability and optimal performance during signal acquisition.>

03

Monitoring>

Displays real-time measurements and status information from the phase-locked amplifiers, including signal quality and gain data.>

Real-time Data Processing
01

Data Analysis>

The software processes and analyzes the data collected from the microwave signal sources and phase-locked amplifiers. It includes signal processing tools such as FFT analysis, signal quality assessment, and more.>

02

Visual Display>

Graphical representation of the measured data, including signal strength, frequency sweeps, and modulation patterns. The software provides real-time visual feedback of the system's performance, allowing for quick adjustments and optimization.>

03

Data Logging>

Allows for the logging and storage of test data for later analysis. Data can be saved in various formats (e.g., CSV, Excel) for reporting or further analysis.>

Sweep and Modulation Control
01

FM Sweep Generation>

The software supports frequency modulation (FM) sweep signal generation, allowing users to control parameters like modulation frequency, modulation depth, and sweep range.>

02

Multi-Parameter Testing>

Users can set up a series of tests with varying parameters (e.g., frequency range, modulation type) to generate complex signal patterns for different testing scenarios.>

Synchronization and Remote Control
01

System Synchronization>

The software synchronizes all system components, including microwave signal sources and phase-locked amplifiers, ensuring that they operate in harmony.>

02

Remote Control and Monitoring>

Through Ethernet or other communication interfaces, the software supports remote operation and monitoring, enabling the user to control the system from a remote location.>

03

External Device Integration>

The software allows for integration with external devices, such as spectrum analyzers or other testing equipment, for comprehensive testing and analysis.>

User Interface (UI) and Customization
01

Customizable Interface>

The software provides a customizable user interface (UI) where users can configure the layout, choose which parameters to display, and set up their own preferred workflows.>

02

Control Panels>

Includes control panels for adjusting signal parameters, power settings, and real-time monitoring of each module’s status.>

03

Reports and Exporting>

Generates reports based on collected data and system performance, which can be exported to various formats (e.g., PDF, Excel) for documentation or further processing.>

Error Monitoring and Diagnostics
01

Real-time Alerts>

The software monitors the system for errors or faults, such as excessive temperature, power issues, or communication failures. It sends real-time alerts if something goes wrong.>

02

System Diagnostics>

Provides diagnostic tools for troubleshooting and maintaining system health, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.>

Automation and Scheduling
01

Automated Testing>

Users can set up automated test sequences where the system runs through various configurations and parameter sets, allowing for time-efficient and repeatable testing.>

02

Scheduling>

Users can schedule tests or data logging to run at specific times, enhancing flexibility and enabling unattended operation for prolonged testing periods.>

This comprehensive PC software package provides users with the necessary tools to configure, control, monitor, and analyze the microwave signal source test system effectively, ensuring accuracy, ease of use, and high performance.

Software Interface