Aeroflex PN9000 phase noise measurement system

[Leo Bodnar]

I have an Aeroflex PN9000 system main module without PC digitiser and software.  These are often listed on eBay for anywhere between $200 to $20,000.

From what I understand it is just a dumb frontend - mixer, filter, LNA and PLL loop - like HP 11848A.
I have pulled all the modules out and did not find anything more intelligent than a GBIP controller.  Just a bunch of almost homemade quality perfboards with simple PTH  analogue circuits, relays and simple digital logic.

Does anybody have one of them and can shed some light on how does it communicate with the rest of their system?  Is there a known GPIB protocol?  I doubt there will be anything parsable.  If it is anything like 11848A then it is just bit-banging at a specified GPIB address.

It is also known as NoiseXT/Aeroflex/Cobham/Weinschel/IFR/Marconi/Europtest and whatnot else PN9000...

Cheers
Leo

[Leo Bodnar]

This is how insert modules look inside.  I believe HEF4738 is just a simple interface that latches GP-IB data in and out of parallel registers in individual modules.
Leo

[Gytis]

I was wondering if you had any progress on cracking into that PN9000 interface?

[Dany]

hi,
I have the original software for the PN8000 model.
I think it might work for yours too
Dany

[NiaDebesis]

Hi, I have the same system.

You also need a spacial card that plug in in a ISA slot in the pc.

You are forced to have WIN95 system to control the hardware.

[nonlinear]

Hi.

I also have such system equipped with Win98.

Can send SW and picture of the card.

[Krysz]

Hi
Does anyone have a service manual for this type?
Thanks