USBControl Software

The USBControl software is an application created by Accel-RF Corporation (ARF) for controlling the ARF components, such as the Pulser cards.  It is a Graphical User Interface useful for controlling a vairety of ARF products that contain USB interfaces, for example:

1) Pulser - The pulser cards are located in Pulsing fixtures.  Under normal operation, they are connected to the computer via a USB bus routed through the D-Sub on the bottom of the fixture.  However, there also exists a USB connector on the top side that allows powering and controlling of the pulser functions via a separate computer (such as a laptop).  This opens the possibility of removing the fixture from the system and taking it to a location such as a thermal measurement system or vector network analyzer for characterization.

2) GPIB_MUX - Most of the custom ARF boxes utilize a GPIB interface for computer control because it is more stable and a faster interface than the USB bus.  However, the boxes may also be controlled using a design referred to as GPIB_MUX.  This card may be used in other ancilliary equipment sold by ARF.  This interface allows low level control of that card.

3) RFUP - The RFU Pulsed motherboard is the latest design of the RF subsystem.  It contains an elaborate RF switch matrix, VCOs, and VGAs used in the RF portion of the AARTS system.  It is normally controlled via the GPIB_MUX card. However, it also contains a USB interface for low-level control.

4) PCUHCU - The newest generation of power supply and heater controller is normally controlled via the GPIB interface.  However, it also contains a USB interface for low-level control.