PTS Synthesizers

Introduction

Programmed Test Sources, or PTS, makes an assortment of nice frequency synthesizers.

I picked up a PTS 250, a 1 to 250 MHz synthesizer that came with no documentation. Mine had front-panel knobs with a resolution down to 1 Hz. Using these controls was intuitive, but I did some searching for information on how to use the remote programming connector on the back of the device.

I found some sites on the web that provided a good starting point:

K3PGP's PTS 160

A page describing how he was able to remotely program his PTS 160. This page also has scans of a few of the pages of the PTS 160 user manual. This includes a brief theory of operation and description of the remote control interface.

N8UR's PTS Programming

This page has another version of information on controlling PTS synthesizers. One useful tidbit is how to install hardware modules to upgrade a unit for higher resolution options.

PTS_3200_Manual.pdf

A full scan of the PTS 3200 manual that I found on a tech equipment seller's page.

Using these information sources, I was able to figure out how to program my PTS 250 from the 50-pin remote connector. I have attempted to consolidate the information into one page that can be used to program PTS synthesizers in the range from PTS 040 through PTS 1600.

Some of this consolidation effort is guess work. The PTS 160 should be correct, as the information came from its manual. I have verified that I can program my PTS 250. How the information applies to other instruments in the series is speculation. If anyone finds something to be wrong, please feel free to contact me.

Some notes on the programming methods:

• Most of the 4-bit BCD values are limited to the range 0-9.
• The PTS 160 does not use the 100 MHz entry, rather the 10 MHz entry is allowed to go to 16 to specify 160 MHz.
• I assume the PTS 120 probably also allows a 10 MHz entry up to 12 to specify 120 MHz.
• The PTS 250 uses two of the 100 MHz bits with a max value of 2 for 200 MHz.
• I assume the PTS 620 uses the 100 MHz entry with a max value of 6.
• I speculate that the PTS 1600 allows the 100 MHz entry up to 16 to specify 1600 MHz.

The consolidated programming information is presented below on this page. The same information formatted in a MS Word document is linked here:
PTS-040-1600_Prog.doc

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PTS Remote BCD Programming

PTS 040 - 1600 REMOTE FREQUENCY, SIGNAL LEVEL AND CONTROL MODE PROGRAMMING

		Hex / BCD Weight:	1	2	4	2	Latch Enable
Digit			Pin Numbers (50-pin connector)
100	MHz	(See Note 2)	43	44	49	45	23
10	MHz	(See Note 1)	15	16	40	41	23
1	MHz	(0-9 BCD valid; 10-15 invalid)	17	18	19	20	24
100	KHz	"	1	2	26	27	24
10	KHz	"	3	4	28	29	25
1	KHz	"	5	6	30	31	25
100	Hz	"	7	8	32	33	46
10	Hz	"	9	10	34	35	46
1	Hz	"	11	12	36	37	47
0.1	Hz	"	13	14	38	39	47

Frequency and Control Mode Programming

Frequency and Control Mode programming employ TTL-level, negative true logic.

Remote Enable = Pin 42
+5 - +5.4V = Pin 48 (100 mA max)
Ground = Pin 50

Note 1: On PTS 160, 100MHz not used and max value = 16. On PTS 120, max = 12. On PTS 040, max = 4.

Note 2: Max value limited per instrument; (max = 2 for PTS 250.) On PTS 1600, max = 16.

Signal Level Programming

Output signal level programming is through analog DC control voltage on Pin 22.
Remote Level = Pin 22
RMS output = 0.5 x Pin 22 DC control voltage, +0.6 - +2.0 VDC
Ground = Pin 21

PTS PHASE ROTATION PROGRAMMING (Optional)

	Hex/BCD Weight:	1	2	4	8	Latch Enable
Phase Increment		Pin Numbers (15-pin connector)
36.00°	(0-9 BCD valid)	9	10	11	12	14
3.60°	"	5	6	7	8	15
0.36°	"	1	2	3	4	15

Phase Rotation programming employs TTL-level, negative true logic.
Ground = Pin 13

TTL Levels

Low: +0.7V max
High: +2.0V min

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