Vector Measurement

Controller
ELE-VMC

FEATURES
• Fast, precise acquisition controller for complex coordinated measurement tasks
• Comprehensive AESA control interface
• Integrated RF multiplexer control functions
• Digital antenna data interface
• Compatible with legacy and third-party instruments
• 10 ns timing resolution

DESCRIPTION
The NSI-MI Vector Measurement Controller (VMC) is a master timing controller for complex electronic measurement
and data acquisition. It can be used for fast on-the-fly electronic testing, precisely coordinated with mechanical
motion or other controlled or monitored test attributes. As an enhancement to NSI-MI’s Vector Field AnalyzerTM,
the VMC provides comprehensive support of electronically steerable and digital antennas for automated testing. A
complete set of selectable trigger and data inputs and outputs gives the VMC the ability to control practically any
device or instrument with precise timing resolution.

INCLUDES AVAILABLE ADD-ONS

• ELE-VMC Vector Measurement Controller • Beam steering interface
• User manual • Digital AUT data port interface
OPTION PACKAGES
Basic Receiver Control Package
Timing Control - The VMC provides timing control for third-party receivers. The timing functions enable
triggering the receiver, external sources, and RF multiplexers according to user-defined patterns and delay
values. Triggering of the electronic instruments can be precisely arranged relative to position trigger signals
obtained from a motion controller.
RF Multiplexer Control - Fast RF switch control is a vital function for use with third-party receivers. The VMC
will control solid state or electromechanical RF switches for fast electrical state changes during testing. The
VMC has the same multiplexer control port configuration as the VFA, so control cables and interfaces can
be easily shared or reconfigured.
Data Buffering - The VMC includes fast, deep data buffering to enable higher acquisition speeds with third-
party receivers.

Analog AUT Package

Beam Steering Interface - The VMC provides a comprehensive digital interface allowing several options for
controlling AUT states during testing. This basic control interface can be used in two different ways: an
“open-loop” scheme allows a selectable fixed dwell time for AUT setup, or a “closed-loop” scheme waits for
the AUT to return an acknowledgment to the VMC before continuing. The flexible AUT interface also includes
up to 20 parallel bits for AUT state control in addition to the Strobe/Dwell and Strobe/Ack functions. This
real-time digital AESA interface enables fully coordinated acquisition sequencing and supports
measurements at full AUT rates.

Digital AUT Package

Digital AUT Data Interface - For testing digital antennas, with integrated down-conversion and digitization,
the VMC provides a separate Gigabit Ethernet port for data transfer from the AUT to the test system. Data
buffering may be enabled for this port when needed. AUT received data is passed to the measurement
workstation, or other storage device, via the VMC allowing for fast, smooth data transfer.

Basic Receiver Analog AUT Digital AUT

Features
ELE-VMC-BC ELE-VMC-AA ELE-VMC-DA
Signal sources - trigger/lock signals   
System trigger input (position, major)   
Multiplexer (RF switch) control   
Receiver - measurement trigger/done   
Receiver - data read and buffering/forward   
Receiver-in-the-loop acquisition modes   
AUT strobe/ready   
Beam steering data bits   
AUT-in-the-loop acquisition modes   
AUT fault detection   
Scan status indicators (host controlled)   
AUT data import via LAN (789 protocol)   
Digital antenna acquisition modes   

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SPECIFICATIONS
Function / Parameters Performance
Timing latency
Hardware input response ~20 ns
Hardware output response ~10 ns
VNA read after sweep complete ~1 µs
Beam/Aux TTL interfaces - 2 ports
Data 20 data bits
Control signals Strobe, acknowledge
Beam interface: RS-485 equivalent
Logic level
Auxiliary TTL Interface: single-ended TTL compatible
Programmable timing Range Resolution
Strobe out pulse width 1 to 65535 µs 1 µs
Data to strobe delay 0 to 65535 µs 1 µs
DC power +/- 18 VDC
Multiplexer interfaces - 2 ports
Compatibility ELE-MUX product family
Control signals 8 differential bits per port
Logic level RS-485 equivalent
DC power +/- 18 VDC
BNC interfaces - 10 ports J01– J10 ports
Control signals Programmable as input or output
Trigger bus interface - Provides four differential real-time signals with programmable pulse width
Range Resolution
Frequency trigger output 1 to 65535 µs 1 µs
Measurement trigger output 1 to 65535 µs 1 µs
Network interfaces
VMC control 100/Gb Ethernet
Acquired data 100/Gb Ethernet
Service panel - Comes with tamper-resistant access capability
Console USB 2.0
Host USB 2.0
Internal storage Removable SD card
AC power 100–240 VAC 50/60 Hz, 100 W max
Environmental 0– 40 °C

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REAR PANEL
A B

C D E F G H

(A) Ten programmable BNC I/O: For triggers and responses; tri-color LEDs show input/output signal logic.
(B) Universal AC input: 100 to 240 V AC
(C) Trigger Bus: Simple timing interface with other NSI-MI instruments
(D) Standard TTL interface: Beam steering / AESA control, triggering, GBCR
(E) Differential TTL interface: Beam steering / AESA control, triggering, GBCR
(F) Dual 8-bit MUX: RF multiplexer, switch, or other control via parallel TTL
(G) Console, Host, SD card: Behind lockable service panel; removing the SD card clears instrument memory.
(H) Dual Gigabit Ethernet: Control and AUT data handling

TYPICAL RF MEASUREMENT SUBSYSTEM

ELE-IPC ELE-SRC ELE-VMC

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 LOCATIONS
1125 Satellite Blvd., Suite 100
Atlanta, Georgia 30024-4629
USA
+1 678 475 8300

19730 Magellan Drive

Torrance, CA 90502-1104
USA
Test +1 310 525 7000

with Unit 51 Harley Road

Confidence Sheffield, S11 9SE
UK
+44 7493 235224

NSI-MI Technologies introduced the world to microwave antenna measurement systems and is the preferred
global supplier of antenna, radar cross section, and radome measurement solutions. Today, our innovative
products, systems, and services lead the industry in setting new standards for tomorrow’s performance. From
world-class in-house testing facilities to delivering industry-leading turnkey systems, we provide the highest
quality measurement products on the market.
Our full range of standard products and custom-designed systems are backed by our longstanding commitment
to precision-engineered accuracy, reliability, and lasting performance. We provide the right solution for every
RF measurement need and our worldwide network of service professionals are always available to offer
support.
For more information on ordering NSI-MI Technologies' products, applications or services please contact your
nearest NSI-MI office. Our complete sales team information is available at: www.nsi-mi.com/contact-us

ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED

DS-VMC 2.3/4/22

Information contained herein shall not be used as a contractual document. All products and their specifications subject to
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