Aeroflex 7100 - Radio test set upgrade to network analyzer up-hack

[jmonette]

Hi,

I bought myself a few months back an Aeroflex 7100. I tough they were nice. On paper there are 2 signal generator that goes up to 6GHz and 2 signal analyzer that goes at the same frequency. For any hobbyist lab, it is a dream! But, I'm a bit disappointed at the moment. The spectrum works OK and the generator too, but there seems to be so much more it could do with more software and a bit of hardware.

So with two sources and two analyzers, I tough maybe it could be upgraded to a 2 port network analyzer. I don't have any idea of the complexity of such project!
But, do you think this can be done?

The Aeroflex is basically just a PXI mainframe with 2*3035C (Analyzer), 2*3010 (clock generator) and 2*3025C(signal generator). Since the 3035C is using an FFT instead of an actual sweep, I'm not sure how the performance would result. The same goes for the 3025C which is an AWG.

What are your thoughts?

[wldshy]

you need another two 3010s & two bridges

[testpoint1]

Aeroflex already give up the project of 7100, even I want to buy the LTE TDD option, they can not do it.

[ZL1CVD]

Does anyone know what model the controller in the 7100 is?

[jmonette]

I'm not 100% sure. I did a tear down 3 years ago and can't find the pictures anymore. But, according to the device manager it would be 7100 SFC V5. I'll keep looking for those pictures on my computer and if I find them, I'll linked them here.

[ZL1CVD]

Love to see internal pics - test equipment porn! 

[jmonette]

There it is!

The full resolution picture are available here:
https://ibb.co/smtxjyC
https://ibb.co/WxccCJj
https://ibb.co/P4pPnK5
https://ibb.co/9ZsvT7K
https://ibb.co/N7nqjYs
https://ibb.co/9HB1NZG

I'm not absolutely sure but, from what I can see the Kontron SBC should manage the PXI and the board behind would be the motherboard with an other processor. So the PXI controller should be a Kontron AM4100. This is also confirmed by the clock speed limitation of the Kontron.

[ZL1CVD]

Mine just arrived today.

Confirm the PC part is Core 2 Duo T7500 2.2GHz. 3GB RAM (SODIMM). I think this is what windows refers to as 7100 SFC V5 in device manager under NI-VISA PXI Devices.

There is a PXI bridge in there to. I think that is talking to the AM4100 controller & 3x Aeroflex RTR111 STV001225 Baseband Modules

Its OK but pretty dedicated to its job. At least they have left the Soft Front Panels in there and the Aeroflex software allows for basic RF generator and analyses up to 6GHz. The 3035C is Digitizer rated 250kHz to 6GHz & the 3025C Generator does 1MHz to 6GHz. So a great range for general RF use.

The Aeroflex Windows touch panel UI is also very good and intuitive. Its very easy to get it all up and running - generating or analyzing a singles is quick after only a short play. Fans are noisy, 3x biguns.

 

Its definitely a keeper for me! Time to sell of one of the CMU-200s to make space I think.

Now all I need is a PXI version of the Rohde & Schwarz dual audio generator & analyzer CMU-B41
 
 

[Qw3rtzuiop]

I was able to catch a 7100 dual channel. Unfortunately the hdd seems to be corrupt. There are missing files for the 7100 tools. Can someone provide a backup copy of his 7100?

[cedinu]

I was able to catch a 7100 dual channel. Unfortunately the hdd seems to be corrupt. There are missing files for the 7100 tools. Can someone provide a backup copy of his 7100?

I might be able to send you the original image from my 7100, but be cautious that it will not be good for your 7100 as calibration data is not the same. Anyway, the software is kind of useless unless you want to test LTE phones. On mine I've put an SSD, installed W7 32 Embedded, drivers for the 30XX boards and Viavi (the "new" Aeroflex) software(s). The only downside is the calibration for the combiner is unknown until I will calibrate the machine in a laboratory. (this is a recommendation for you to calibrate it in a lab or with the help of already calibrated tools) For the rest of 30XX, cal data is in their EEPROMs.
So, please tell me which way you want to go, original or fresh install.

[Qw3rtzuiop]

Thanks. I was provided with an image a few weeks ago and im probably do the fresh install soon.

[jmonette]

If it fails, I think I still have an image of mine. Let me know if you need it.

[jry]

any chance of getting a copy of the image.
just got one in but it was missing the Aeroflex app touch screen drivers