575 Series Pulse Generator Operating Manual Version 5.6 Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 2955 Kerner Blvd. San Rafael, CA 94901 (415) 453-9955 phone (415) 453-9956 fax www.berkeleynucleonics.
1 Table of Contents 1 2 3 4 5 6 Table of Contents .......................................................................................1-2 Introduction .................................................................................................2-6 Technical Support ........................................................................................................ 2-6 Warranty .....................................................................................................................
Configuring the Channel Multiplexer .................................................................... 6-18 Channel Gate Menu ............................................................................................... 6-18 Setting the Sync Source ......................................................................................... 6-18 Setting Channel Gate Control ................................................................................ 6-18 Clocks/Rate Menus (FUNC + RATE key) .............
External Input Overview ............................................................................................ 7-28 To Generate a Pulse on Every Trigger Input ......................................................... 7-28 To Generate a Burst of Pulses on Every Trigger Input .......................................... 7-29 To Start a Continuous Stream of Pulses Using the External Trigger .................... 7-29 To use the External Gate to Control the System ............................................
System Options ....................................................................................................... A-4 Safety Marking Symbols............................................................................................. B-5 COM Overview ........................................................................................................... C-8 GPIB Interface ............................................................................................................
2 Introduction This manual is a reference designed to familiarize you with the Berkeley Nucleonics 575 series pulse generator and is arranged so that you can easily find the information you’re looking for. Generally, each topic has its own section and no section assumes that you’ve read anything else in the manual. Technical Support For questions or comments about operating the 575 -- our technical staff can be reached via one of the following methods: Phone: (415) 453-9955 Fax: (415) 453-9956 Online: www.
3 Safety Issues Normal use of test equipment presents a certain amount of danger from electrical shock because testing must be performed where exposed voltage is present. An electrical shock causing 10 milliamps of current to pass through the heart will stop most human heartbeats. Voltage as low as 35 V (DC or RMS AC) should be considered dangerous and hazardous since it can produce a lethal current under certain conditions.
4 Front Panel Overview 575 Front Panel Display Layout and Indicators A 4 line x 20 character vacuum fluorescent display module displays parameters and status information. The status information is located in the upper-left corner of the display, between the two brackets. There are four enunciators: ↕ A vertical arrow indicates there are additional pages to the current menu.
Numeric Keypad right (RIGHT) and left (LEFT) arrow keys moves the cursor to different positions within the current parameter. The NEXT key selects the next parameter in the currently displayed menu. Allows numbers and alphanumeric values to be en-tered. When entering alphanumeric values, pressing a key will display the first letter shown on the key. The yellow FUNC key allows the keys to select the yellow functions.
5 Pulse Concepts and Pulse Generator Operations Counter Architecture Overview *Start source is: RUN/STOP key in Internal Modes External input in External Trigger modes *TRG command via Serial/GPIB access **Channels are armed by the RUN button. In single shot and burst modes channels may be rearmed by pressing the RUN button. System Timer Functions The System Timer functions as a non-retriggerable, multi-vibrator pulse generator.
The T0 pulses are distributed to all of the start inputs of the Channel Timers and Mode Generators Channel Timer Functions The Channel Timer functions as a non-retriggerable, delayed, one shot pulse generator. This means that the timer will only generate one delayed pulse for every start pulse received. Once the channel timer has started counting, addi-tional start pulses will be ignored until the pulse has been completed (non-retriggerable).
Navigating the 575 Front Panel Selecting Menus Parameters are grouped in menus, selectable using menu keys. To select the output channel parameters press the letter key corresponding to the desired channel. To select second level menus press the FUNC key and then the key corresponding to the desired function. To select advanced channel menus press the FUNC key followed by the desired channel key. Menus may include a number of different pages with each page containing up to four parameters.
(CW adjustment knob) enables the item and the DOWN arrow (CCW adjustment knob) disables the item. Alphanumeric Input Mode When the current item is alphanumeric, the system enters the Alphanumeric Input Mode. In this mode, data is entered using the alphanumeric keypad. Pressing a key will display the first letter shown on the keypad. Repeated key presses will toggle through all the letters, both upper and lower case, shown on the key cap.
Setting Pulse Timing Parameters Pulses are defined by a delay, from their sync or start pulse to the active edge, and a width. Wid: Dly: Sets the width of the active portion of the pulse. Sets the delay from the sync source to the start of the pulse. NOTE: If Wid + Dly + 75 ns (hardware reset time) > T0 Period, the correct pulse width will be generated but at a slower rate.
To set the system Internal Rate - press the yellow FUNC key, then press the RATE key, and then use the dial or number pad to specify the T0 Period.
6 575 Menu Structure System Mode Menus (FUNC + MODE key) MODE: Continuous MODE: Single Shot MODE: Burst #/Burst MODE: Duty Cycle #/On #/Off Setting System Mode of Operation The MODE menu sets the T0 system timer mode. The menu will show the extra set parameters (Burst, On & Off) only when they are appropriate. Mode: Burst: On: Off: Selects the T0 mode: Continuous, Single Shot, Burst or Duty Cycle mode. Sets the number of pulses to be generated when in Burst mode.
Mode Menu Channel Enable Mode: Normal Channel Enable Mode: Single Shot Channel Enable Mode: Burst #/Burst Pulses Channel Enable Mode: Duty Cycle #/On Pulses #/Off Pulses Wait Menu Channel Enable #/Wait Pulses Enabling Channel Output At the top of each of the channel menu pages is a parameter to enable or disable the channel. Each channel may be individually controlled. When enabled, the channel key will illuminate.
On: Sets the number of pulses to generate before inhibiting output in Duty Cycle Mode. Sets the number of pulses to inhibit before repeating the On Cycle in Duty Cycle Mode. Off: Delaying the Start of Channel Output Within any channel mode, the output of the channel can be delayed using the wait parameter (within the CHANNEL menu): Wait: Sets the number of T0 pulses to wait until enabling the channel output.
Gate: Enables the GATE input for the channel by setting the method of output control used with the gating function. Sets the logic level used with the gating function, either active high or active low. Logic: “Pulse Inhibit” method The gate prevents the channel from being triggered by the channel’s trigger source pulse. If a pulse has already started when the gate disables the channel, the pulse will continue normal output but will not restart on the next trigger pulse.
Reference Out Menu Ref Out: T0 Pulse Ref Out: 100MHz Ref Out: 50MHz Ref Out: 33.33MHz Ref Out: 25MHz T0 Period T0 Period T0 Period T0 Period T0 Period Ref Out: 20MHz Ref Out: 16.67Mhz Ref Out: 14.2857MHz Ref Out: 12.5MHz Ref Out: 11.11MHz T0 Period T0 Period T0 Period T0 Period T0 Period Ref Out: 10MHz T0 Period Setting the Output Reference Ref Out: Selects the frequency of the output reference for syn-chronizing with external system components.
Enabling System Gate Enables the use of the GATE input as a trigger inhibit or output control for all channels simultaneously, or on a per channel basis. Mode: Selects between disabling the GATE inputs and method of output control Sets the gating threshold. Sets the active logic level.
User Options Menu 2 Auto Start Mode Decimal Mark LCD Brightness Setting the Auto Start Mode The unit may be configured to automatically start generating pulses after power up. Setting the Display Decimal Mark Mark: Selects the format of the decimal mark, “.” or “,”. Setting the Display Brightness LCD: Adjusts display brightness.
Recall Menu (FUNC + RECALL key) Configuration # Name Help Line Recalling System Configurations Use the following procedure to recall a stored or default system configuration: Enter the Recall Menu (FUNC + RECALL). Select a configuration number. From the Recall Menu, press the recall key sequence (function + recall). *Note: Configuration 0 is the factory default setting.
7 Operating the 575 Quick Start - Normal Internal Rate Generator Operation The 575 has a powerful set of functions providing a number of modes of operation for the internal or “System” rate generator (T0). Most of these functions can be ignored if a simple continuous stream of pulses is required. Starting from the default settings, which can be restored by recalling configuration 0, the following parameters need to be set: Pulse Width, Delay Enter the Channel menus by pressing the letter key.
Pulse Width, Delay Enter the Channel menus by pressing the letter key. Enter the required pulse width and delay. Repeat for each output channel. Start Press the RUN/STOP key to start/arm the instrument. The 575 will now generate a pulse for every valid trigger. Stop Press the RUN/STOP key a second time to stop/dis-arm the instrument (i.e. to stop generating pulses).
Pressing the RUN/STOP button while the burst is in process will stop the output. After the burst has been completed, pressing the RUN/STOP button will generate an-other burst. T0 generate a burst of pulses: - within the system Mode menu Mode: Select the Burst mode. Burst: Set the number of pulses to produce in the burst.
Mode: Select the Normal mode. Pressing the RUN/STOP key will now generate a continuous stream of pulses. To Use Channel Single Shot Function The Single Shot mode generates a single pulse every time the RUN/STOP key is pressed. If the unit is in the active state, ( i.e. channels which are set to the Normal mode are producing pulses), pressing the FUNC key and RUN/STOP key will reset the Single Shot counters and generate one pulse in sync with the other channels running in the Normal mode.
function, set the on cycle to 1 and set the off cycle to (n-1), where “n” is the divide-by-n factor. To Use the Channel Gating Function Each channel may use the external input to gate or control its output. The gate controls the triggering of the channel. To use the gate, set the following parameters - within the Channel menu Mode: In Gate Menu must be set to Channel Menu. Channel Gate: Select “Pulse Inh” or “Output Inh”. Logic: Select active high or active low.
To Generate a Burst of Pulses on Every Trigger Input To generate a burst of pulses for every external trigger received set the following parameters: - within the Mode menu Mode: Select the Burst mode. Burst: Set the number of pulses to generate in each burst. - within the Rate menu To: Set the period between pulses. - within the Rate menu Source: Select the system oscillator or an external clock in frequency. To: Set the period between pulses. - within the Trigger menu Mode: Select Triggered mode.
that occur after the pulses start are ignored. Pressing the RUN/STOP key a second time will disarm the unit. To use the External Gate to Control the System The external gate may be used to control the output of the unit. To gate the system timer: - within the Mode menu Mode: Select the desired mode. - within the Rate menu Source: Select the system oscillator or an external clock in frequency. Per: Set the period between pulses. - within the Gate menu Mode: Select “Pulse Inh” or “Output Inh”.
8 Programming the 575 Personal Computer to Pulse Generator Communication The 575 ships standard with an RS232 serial and USB interface. Ethernet and GPIB interfaces are available as an option. All menu settings can be set and retrieved over the computer interface using a simple command language. The command set is structured to be consistent with the Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments.
USB Interface Overview The USB interface is standard on the 575. Before this type of communication can be used, the appropriate drivers must be installed on the personal computer (pc). These drivers are included on the CD that was shipped with your unit. Please contact Berkeley Nucleonics or visit www.berkeleynucleonics.com for updated installation files and instructions. USB communication is achieved by using a mapped (virtual) COM port on the PC.
Programming Command Types and Format The 575 Pulse Generator uses two types of programming commands: IEEE 488.2 Common Commands and Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI). The format is the same for all interfaces. HyperTerminal (in Windows) or any other generic terminal program may be used to interactively test the commands using the RS232 interface. The format of each type is described in the following paragraphs. Line Termination The pulse generator uses text-style line terminations.
*IDN? SCPI Command Format SCPI Command Keywords The commands are shown as a mixture of upper and lower case letters. The upper case letters indicate the abbreviated spelling for the command. You may send either the abbreviated version or the entire keyword. Upper and/or lower case characters are acceptable.
SCPI Optional Keywords Optional keywords and/or parameters appear in square brackets ( [ ] ) in the command syntax. Note that the brackets are not part of the command and should not be sent to the pulse generator. When sending a second level key-word without the optional keyword, the pulse generator assumes that you intend to use the optional keyword and responds as if it had been sent.
Programming Examples Example 1) 20 ms pulse width, 2.3 ms delay, 10 Hz, internal trigger, continuous operation. :PULSE1:STATE ON :PULSE1:POL NORM :PULSE:WIDT 0.020 :PULSE1:DELAY 0.0023 :PULSE0:MODE NORM :PULSE0:PER 0.1 :PULSE0:TRIG:MODE DIS enables channel A sets polarity to active high sets pulse width to 20 ms sets delay to 2.
575 INSTrument Commands (SCPI Command Summary) Keyword :INSTrument Parameter :CATalog? :FULL? :COMMands? :NSELect 0-8 :SELect T0,CHA,CHB,CHC,CHD, CHE,CHF,CHG,CHH :STATe 0/1 or ON/OFF Comments Subsystem. Supports treating each channel as a logical instrument. Query only. Returns a comma-separated list of the names of all channels. A two channel instrument would return: T0,CHA,CHB. Query only. Returns a comma-separated list of the names of all channels and their associated number.
575 System PULSe[0] Commands (SCPI Command Summary) Keyword :PULSe[0] Parameter :COUNter :STATe :CLear 0/1 or ON/OFF TCNTS/GCNTS :COUNts TCNTS/GCNTS :STATe 0/1 or ON/OFF :PERiod :MODe :BCOunter 100ns-5000s NORMal / SINGle / BURSt / DCYCle 1-9,999,999 :PCOunter 1-9,999,999 :OCOunter 1-9,999,999 :ICLock :OCLock SYS / EXT10 / EXT20 / EXT25 / EXT40 / EXT50 / EXT80 / EXT100 T0 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 14 / 16 / 20 / 25 / 33 / 50 / 100 :GATe :MODe :LOGic DISabled / PULSe / OUTPut / CHANnel LOW / HIGH
575 Channel PULSe[n] Commands (SCPI Command Summary) Keyword :PULSe [1 / 2 / n] Parameter :STATe 0/1 or ON/OFF :WIDTh 10ns 999.99999999975s 999.99999999975s 999.99999999975s TO, CHA, CHB, CHC, CHD, etc. 0-255 :DELay :SYNC :MUX :POLarity NORMal / COMPlement / INVerted :OUTPut :MODe :BCOunter TTL/ ADJustable/ 2.
575 SYSTem Commands (SCPI Command Summary) Keyword :SYSTem Parameter :STATe? :BEEPer :STATe :VOLume 0/1 or ON/OFF 0 - 100 :COMMunicate :GPIB :ADDRess 1-15 :SERial :BAUD :USB 4800 / 9600 / 19200 / 38400 / 57600 / 115200 / 4800 / 9600 / 19200 / 38400 :ECHo 0/1 or ON/OFF :KLOCk 0/1 or ON/OFF :AUTorun 0/1 or ON/OFF :VERSion? :SERN? :INFOrmation? :NSID? :CAPS 0/1 or ON/OFF Comments Query only.
575 DISPlay Commands (SCPI Command Summary) Keyword Parameter :DISPlay :MODe 0/1 or ON/OFF :UPDate? :BRIGhtness :ENABle 0-4 0/1 or ON/OFF Comments Subsystem. Contains commands to control the display. Enables/Disables automatic display update. When true, front panel display is updated with serial command parameter changes. Setting to false decreases response time. Query only. Forces update of display. Use when mode is false. Controls intensity of display.
Appendix A - 575 Specifications INTERNAL RATE GENERATOR RATE (T0 period) RESOLUTION ACCURACY JITTER SETTLING BURST MODE TIMEBASE OSCILLATOR SYSTEM OUTPUT MODES PULSE CONTROL MODES 0.0002 Hz to 20.
SLOPE GATE INPUT MODE POLARITY Rising or Falling Pulse inhibit or output inhibit Active high/active low MODULE SPECIFICATIONS TTL/ADJUSTABLE DUAL CHANNEL OUTPUT MODULE (Standard) OUTPUT IMPEDANCE 50 ohm TTL/CMOS MODE OUTPUT LEVEL RISE TIME SLEW RATE JITTER 4.0 V typ into 1 kohm 3 ns typ (10% - 90%) > 0.5 V/ns 50 ps RMS channel to channel ADJUSTABLE MODE OUTPUT LEVEL OUTPUT RESOLUTION CURRENT RISE TIME SLEW RATE OVERSHOOT 2.0 to 20 VDC into 1 k ohm 1.0 to 10.
TRIGGER INPUT SLOPE JITTER INSERTION DELAY MINIMUM PULSE WIDTH Rising or Falling 800 ps RMS <160 ns 2 ns GATE INPUT POLARITY FUNCTION CHANNEL BEHAVIOR PULSE INHIBIT DELAY OUTPUT INHIBIT DELAY Active High/Active Low Pulse Inhibit or Output Inhibit Global w/Individual Channel 120 ns 50 ns OPTICAL OUTPUTS WAVELENGTH MAXIMUM SIGNAL RATE MAXIMUM LINK DIST. CONNECTOR TYPE 820 nm or 1300 nm 5 MBd 1.5 km ST OPTICAL INPUTS WAVELENGTH MAXIMUM SIGNAL RATE MAXIMUM LINK DIST.
FUSE (Qty 2) 3.
Appendix B - Safety Symbols Safety Marking Symbols Technical specifications including electrical ratings and weight are included within the manual. See the Table of Contents to locate the specifications and other product information. The following classifications are standard across all BNC Pulse Generator products: Indoor use only Ordinary Protection: This product is NOT protected against the harmful ingress of moisture.
IEC 417, No. 5017 Earth (ground) terminal - Primarily used for functional earth terminals which are generally associated with test and measurement circuits. These terminals are not for safety earthing purposes but provide an earth reference point. IEC 417, No. 5019 Protective conductor terminal - This symbol is specifically reserved for the protective conductor terminal and no other. It is placed at the equipment earthing point and is mandatory for all grounded equipment . IEC 417, No.
ISO 3864, No. B.3.6 Background colour - yellow; symbol and outline – black Caution, risk of electric shock - Generally used only for voltages in excess of 1000 V. It is permissible to use it to indicate lower voltages if an explanation is provided in the manual. Colour requirements do not apply to markings on equipment if the symbol is molded or engraved to a depth or raised height of 0.5 mm, or that the symbol and outline are contrasting in colour with the background. IEC 417, No.
Appendix C - COM Option COM Overview The COM Option for the 575 includes a GPIB and an Ethernet interface in addition to the RS232 and USB interfaces included with the standard product. The command set is the same for the RS-232, USB, GPIB, and Ethernet. Different interfaces may be used at the same time. Responses will be made to the most recently used interface. GPIB Interface Also known as IEEE-488, a GPIB computer interface is optional on the 575.
Connect, Digi Device Discovery”. When the utility opens, it scans the LAN looking for Digi Ethernet modules. It may take a minute after plugging in or powering the Ethernet module before the LAN negotiates the connection with the Digi module. Hit “Refresh View” in the left column after a minute or so if the utility fails to see the unit when you start it. In some situations it is possible that the Windows Firewall will block the Digi Device Discovery from being able to see the unit.
Appendix D - DT15 (Dual Trigger Option) DT15 Overview This module option allows the “Gate” input to function as a second trigger input. For consistency, the enabling menu for this option is located under the “Trig” menu structure. Once the dual trigger mode is enabled, both the “Gate” and “Trig” inputs can act as trigger inputs. Adjustments for the “Gate” trigger input are located under the “Gate” menu structure.
Threshold Level Trigger Edge Threshold Level Trigger Edge *Only enabled when TRIG mode is set to “Dual Trig”. Functions as Standard Gate Menu when not in “Dual Trig” mode. DT15 SCPI Command Summary Keyword Parameter :PULSe [0] :TRIGger :MODe DUAL :PULSe[1/2/n] :CTRIGger GATE/TRIG Comments Subsystem. Contains commands to control the output pulse generation. Commands without suffix refer to the currently selected logical instrument. See INSTrument subsystem. Subsystem.
Appendix E - AT35 (35V Output Option) AT35 Description When the Adjustable Mode is enabled for this module, the outputs will provide an adjustable output from 5 volts to 35 volts. The pulse width can be set over the standard range of the unit, but the 35 volt output will self limit to approximately 4 µs with some droop. There is no change to TTL output mode functionality with this module. To maintain the highest possible rise time, care must be taken with cabling and termination.
Appendix F - TZ50 (Impedance Matching Output Module) TZ50 Overview This module option allows a user to have a 50 Ohm load on the output while maintaining output amplitude of at least 4 Volts while in the TTL/CMOS mode. All other functionality of the module is the same as the AT20 modules, including output while using the Adjustable Mode Function of the channels. TZ50 Specifications TTL/CMOS Mode Output Level Rise Time Slew Rate Jitter - Channel to Channel 4.0 V typ into 50 Ohms 3 ns 0.
Appendix G - Increment Modes Option Increment Overview The System Increment modes are a pair of special modes, which allow the delay and width of each channel to be incremented at the end of a burst of pulses. Each channel is independent and each may be set with different initial values and different values for the step size for both the delay and the pulse width. There are two incrementing modes, Increment and DC Increment.
Off: Sets the number of pulses to skip each during off cycle when in the Duty Cycle mode. Sets the number o DC Increment Cycles to generate before completion. Sets the T0 period which determines the fundamental output frequency of the unit. Cycles: To: Advanced Channel Menu Increment Extension (FUNC + channel key) Channel Enable Increment Wid * Increment Dly * Setting the Channel Increment Parameters To define a pulse requires two parameters: the delay to the active edge and the width of the pulse.
Width Step Resolution Width Incremented Range 250 ps 10,000 s Delay Step Size Delay Minimum Step Delay Step Resolution Delay Incremented Range -100 ms to 100 ms 10 ns (-10 ns) 250 ps 10,000 s *Note: Any increment value between -10ns and 10ns will disable the increment function for that parameter.
Appendix H - AT45 Option (45 Volt Output) AT45 Option Overview For channels with AT45 output option, the maximum frequency is limited to 100 kHz. The pulse width can be set over the standard range of the unit with both active high and low outputs when set to high impedance mode. In low impedance mode, the pulse width is limited to a maximum of 10s and the active high output is no longer allowed. To maintain the highest possible rise time, care must be taken with cabling and termination.
AT45 SCPI Command Extension Summary Keyword :PULSe [1 / 2 / n] Parameter :OUTPut :MODe HIZ / LOZ :AMP :MERRor 4 V – 45 V 1 Comments Subsystem. Contains commands to control the output pulse generation. Valid suffix range depends on the number of channels (ChA = 1, ChB = 2, etc). Command without suffix refers to the currently selected logical instrument. See INSTrument subsystem. Subsystem. Contains command to control output mode.
Figure 1 (High Z 5V) Figure 2 (High Z 45V) H-19
Figure 3 (Low Z 5V) Figure 4 (Low Z 45V) H-20
Rise time and overshoot are tuned for best response at low impedance (low Z) Figure 5 (Rise Time versus Output Voltage) Figure 6 (Fall Time versus Output Voltage) H-21
Figure 7 (Overshoot Versus Output Voltage) H-22