Signal Generator Module

The signal generator (siggen) module is a Python driver to control the signal generator that is used during a test. Several built-in modules are included with SDR Calibrator, but you may need to write your own. Instructions for this can be found at the bottom.

Signal Generator Profile Parameters

If the parameter has [USER_SET], it must contain a value. If it has [DEFAULTABLE] instead, the driver should have a default value for the parameter.

• siggen_module = [USER_SET]: This is the name of the signal generator module found in the sdrcalibrator/lib/equipment/siggen directory that will be loaded. It does not have a default value.
• siggen_connect_params = [USER_SET]: This parameter is a Python dictionary with any connection parameters the specific signal generator module may need. For example, it may define the IP address or serial number associated with the signal generator. This parameter is not currently defaultable, but you can pass an empty dictionary if no parameters are required.
• siggen_rf_on_settling_time = [DEFAULTABLE]: This parameter defined the amount of time (in seconds) to wait after turning on the RF power output from the signal generator before continuing the script. This allows the power to settle and debounces and relays/switches used internally in the signal generator.
• siggen_rf_off_settling_time = [DEFAULTABLE]: This parameter defined the amount of time (in seconds) to wait after turning off the RF power output from the signal generator before continuing the script. This allows the power to settle and debounces and relays/switches used internally in the signal generator. If a relay is still bouncing, power may still be at the output for a short time after the actual "off" command. If interfacing with very sensitive equipment, or drastically changing the gain of the SDR, it may be a good idea to use this parameter.

Parameter Quick-Copy

For convenience, here is a copyable list of parameters in this category

# Signal generator parameters
siggen_module = 'MODULE_NAME'
siggen_connect_params = {
    'ip_addr' : 'xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx',
    'port' : 'xxxx'
}
#siggen_rf_on_settling_time = 1
#siggen_rf_off_settling_time = 0

Note: The parameters set here are not based on the default parameter recommendations for any particular signal generator. Instead, they are just examples to show formatting.

Writing an Signal Generator Driver

Coming soon!