Operating Manual Version 0.10 Model 577 Pulse Generator Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 2955 Kerner Blvd. San Rafael, CA 94901 Phone: 415-453-9955 Fax: 415-453-9956 Email: info@berkeleynucleonics.com Web: www.berkeleynucleonics.
Firmware Release 1.00 Manual Version 0.10 © 2013 All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A. WARRANTY In addition to a 30-day money back guarantee, the 577 has a two-year limited warranty from the date of delivery. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. If repairs are required during the warranty period, contact the factory for component replacement or shipping instructions. Include the serial number of the instrument.
Table of Contents PULSE GENERATOR .................................................................................................................................. 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................. I 1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 TECHNICAL SUPPORT ......................
7.2.5 Rearming the System ............................................................................................................ 14 7.2.6 Setting the Shot Counter Parameters ................................................................................... 14 7.3 CHANNEL MENUS .............................................................................................................................. 15 7.3.1 Enabling Channel Output ...................................................................
1 Introduction This manual is a reference designed to familiarize you with the BNC Model 577 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 specifications including electrical ratings and weight are included within the manual. See the Table of Contents to locate the specifications and other product information.
1.3.1 Unpacking Caution The Model 577 is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic damage to the device. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage several components on the device. Remove the device from the package and inspect the device for loose components or any sign of damage. Notify BNC if the device appears damaged in any way. Caution: Be sure that your incoming line is between 100 V to 240 V, 50-60 Hz. 1.3.
2 Safety Issues The 577 has built in equipment protections to prevent harm to the unit and the user, if the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. Normal use of test equipment presents a certain amount of danger due to electrical shock because it may be necessary for testing to be performed where voltage is exposed. An electrical shock causing 10 milliamps of current to pass through the heart will stop most human heartbeats.
3 Pulse Concepts and Operations 3.1 Counter Architecture Overview Signal Source 3.2 System Timer Functions The System Timer functions as a non-retriggerable, multi-vibrator pulse generator. This means that once started, depending on the mode, the timer will produce pulses continuously. Before pulses can be generated, the timer must first be armed and then receive a start pulse. Arming the counter is done by pressing the Run/Stop key.
3.4 Digital Output Multiplexer The outputs of the Channel Timers are routed to a set of multiplexers. This allows routing of any or all Channel Timers to any or all of the unit outputs. In the normal mode of operation, the output of the Channel “x” Timer is routed to the Channel “x” output connector. As an example, if a double pulse is required on Channel A output, one may multiplex the Channel A timer with the Channel C timer adjusting each timer to provide the necessary pulses.
4 Model 577 Front Panel Overview 4.1 Display Layout and Indicators The Model 577 front panel has a keyboard, rotary adjustment knob, and a LCD display that allows the user to program all settings. 4.1.1 LCD Screen A 3”, 240x400 pixel TFT module displays all parameters and status information. The status information is located in the upper portion of the display. Parameters are changed via pushbutton and rotary adjustment menu control.
4.1.2 Keypad (Pushbuttons) Three keypad areas provide fast access to various menus and easy editing of system parameters. Provide one touch access to the menus for setting up the System and channel parameters. Pressing the appropriate Blue Soft Key will display the sub-menu containing the corresponding parameters. The left (◄) and right (►) arrow keys move the cursor to different positions within the currently selected parameter.
5 Model 577 Rear Panel Overview 5.1 Layout and Connectors The Model 577 rear panel has power input, clock in and out, and communication connections. 5.1.1 AC Power Connector The Model 577 can be operated from 100 to 240 V at a line frequency of 50-60 Hz. 5.1.2 Power Switch If this switch is used to turn the Model 577 off, changes that have been made to data or parameters will not be saved. 5.1.3 BNC Connectors External Clock input (CLK IN), and External Clock output (CLK OUT), are standard.
6 Navigating the 577 Front Panel 6.1 Selecting Menus Parameters are grouped in menus, selectable using the Blue Soft Keys, the Next key, and a Rotary Adjustment Knob. For example, to select the output channel parameters, press the Blue Soft Key corresponding to the Channel menu. When the Blue Soft Key is pressed, a submenu will appear containing the corresponding Channels. These may be navigated to, and selected by, the use of the Next key and/or the Rotary Adjustment Knob.
7 577 Menu Structure 7.1 The Screen at a Glance The screen has several areas of interest to the user. The information above the blue line always appears on the screen, and information below the blue line will change with the selected menu or screen. First is the Status in the upper left hand corner. This shows if the unit is armed or generating pulses.
7.2.2 Setting System Mode of Operation The Mode soft key selects the mode for the T0 System Timer. The display will show additional parameters choices (Burst, On, Off, etc.) only when they are appropriate. Mode: Selects the T0 System Timer mode: Continuous, Single Shot, Burst or Duty Cycle. Continuous: Once started, T0 pulses are generated continuously.
Single Shot: One T0 pulse is generated for each start command. Burst: Sets the number of pulses to be generated when in Burst mode.
Duty Cycle: On: Off: Allows T0 rate to be a sub-multiple of the Clock Source. Sets the number of pulses to be generated during each “On” cycle when in Duty Cycle mode. Sets the number of pulses to skip during each “Off” cycle when in the Duty Cycle mode. *NOTE: Any mode may be started by the RUN/STOP key when the Trigger Input is disabled. Any mode may be armed by the RUN/STOP key, and then started by an external trigger when the Trigger Input is enabled.
7.2.4 Setting the Output Reference The 577 also has the ability to output a clock signal to an external unit if so desired. The user can choose from any of the preset frequencies as well as outputting the T 0 signal. If the unit is in external input mode and a different frequency is input than what the 577 is told to expect, the output would be a factor of the expected frequency. Ref: Selects the frequency of the output reference for synchronizing with external system components. 7.2.
7.3 Channel Menus 7.3.1 Enabling Channel Output At the top of the Setup area on each of the Channel Menu page is a parameter to Enable or Disable the displayed channel. Each channel may be individually controlled. Each channel is listed in the Status area at the top of the page. If a channel is displayed in white, it is enabled. If a channel is displayed in gray, the channel is disabled. 7.3.
7.3.3 Channel Menu in Duty Cycle Mode The Duty Cycle Mode Channel page includes additional parameters to set the number of On pulses and the number of Off pulses. 7.3.4 Channel Page Sub-Menus When in the Channel Menu page the soft key sub-menu options will change. The left most soft key allows the user to select the particular channel to be displayed. The next soft key is a function key that toggles the display between the Output page and the Channel page (it will not bring up a sub menu).
7.3.6 Output Menu As mentioned earlier, the second key from the left is a function key that toggles the display between the Output page and the Channel page. The 577 supports two types of outputs: a high speed TTL/CMOS compatible output, and for applications which require different voltage levels or higher current, an Adjustable voltage output. The Polarity of the pulses can also be defined to function as Active High or Active Low.
The 577 will ignore incoming triggers until all channels have fully completed their assigned pulses, even if that channel is disabled. For example if all channels were set to 100µs pulse widths and one channel had a 50 µs delay, even if that channel was disabled, the 577 could not be retriggered faster than 150 µs. To ensure this does not cause triggering problems set unused channels to have a combined delay and width time less than the desired trigger rate.
7.4.3 Communication Configurations To gather information about the unit’s configuration or change a communication parameter select the Comm Menu with the Menu soft key. From the Comm Menu the Baud Rates for USB and RS-232 protocols can be changed independently. In addition the Echo function can be enabled and disabled for both independently. By scrolling through the pages here additional information can be found about all the available communications methods.
7.4.5 Information Menus Under the Information Menu the system configuration information is displayed. If calling for support please have this information handy. The menu will display the serial number of the unit, the model and code versions. The third information page will show what type of input/output module is installed in each bay of the device. The page will also show if the Dual Trigger or Communications upgrade option has been purchased.
8 Remote Communication The 577 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. Due to the high number of special features found in the 577, many of the commands are not included in the SCPI specification.
It may be necessary to cycle power on the 577 after connecting a USB serial cable between the 577 and the PC. USB communication notes: The correct drivers must be installed on the personal computer before communication can be accomplished via USB. The BAUD rates on the PC and on the pulse generator must match for successful communication.
Windows Firewall will block the Digi Device Discovery from being able to see the unit. It is advisable to turn the Windows Firewall off while performing these tasks. When the utility sees the Digi device, it will display the currently assigned IP address in the list. 8.4.3 Setting the 577 to Raw TCP Protocol Note* Only follow this process if Raw TCP communications are desired, direct communications with a terminal program is the factory default method.
8.5 Programming Command Types and Format The 577 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 sections 8.5.
:PULSe:POL NORMal Any parameter may be queried by sending the command with a question mark appended. For example: - QUERY FORMAT :PULSE1:STATE? Will return: 1 :PULSE1:WIDT? Will return: 0.000120000 :PULSE1:POL? Will return: NORM 8.5.4 SCPI Keyword Separator A colon (:) must always separate one keyword from the next lower-level keyword. A space must be used to separate the keyword header from the first parameter.
8.5.8 Error Codes The 577 responds to all commands with either: ok or ?n Where "n" is one of the following error codes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Incorrect prefix, i.e. no colon or * to start command. Missing command keyword. Invalid command keyword. Missing parameter. Invalid parameter. Query only, command needs a question mark. Invalid query, command does not have a query form. Command unavailable in current system state. Parameter out of bounds for the given module.
8.6 577 Commands (SCPI Command Summary) Keyword :INSTrument :CATalog :FULL :COMMands :NSELect :SELect :STATe Keyword :DISPlay Parameter Range ? ? ? 0-8 T0 / CH[A-H] 0/1 or OFF/ON Parameter Range Notes The units' upper level command keyword Returns a comma-separated list of the names of all the channels. Example: a two channel unit would return T 0, CHA, CHB Returns a comma-separated list of the names of all the channels and their associated number.
Keyword Parameter Range :SYSTem Notes Command to change the units system settings. :STATe ? :BEEPer :STATe :VOLume :COMMunicate :USB :BAUD :ECHo :SERial :BAUD :ECHo Query Only Command 0/1 or OFF/ON Command to turn on or off the systems' beeper. 0 - 100 Command to change the units' beeper volume. 4800 / 9600 / 19200 / 38400 / 57600 / 115200 0/1 or OFF/ON Command to change the baud rate for the USB interface.
Keyword Parameter Range :PULSe[0] Notes Command to change the units global settings, this is the same as using the :SPULse command :STATe 0/1 or OFF/ON :PERiod 50 ns to 999.999,995 s :MODe NORMal/ SINGle/ BURSt/ DCYCle Enables or disables the output for all channels. This command is the same as pressing the Run/Stop button. Sets the T0 period. Value can be integer, decimal or scientific notation. There is a rate limitation for a 35 and 45 volt modules. Changes the system output mode.
Keyword Parameter Range :PULSe[0] Notes Command to change the units global settings, this is the same as using the :SPULse command :GATe :MODe Command *IDN DISable, PULSeinh, OUTPutinh, CHPUlseinh, CHOUtputinh Sets the gate mode for the unit: When in pulse inhibit mode if the pulse has started before the gate is seen the output pulse will finish, but any further pulses will be prevented, In output inhibit mode if a pulse has started it will be truncated as soon as the gate signal is seen and will pre
Keyword Parameter Range :PULSe[1/2/n] :STATe :WIDTh Command to change the units channel specific settings. :SYNC 0/1 or OFF/ON 10 ns to 999.999,999,999,75 s 0 to 999.999,999,999,75 s T0,CHA,CHB-CHH :MUX 0-255 :DELay :POLarity :OUTPut :MODe :AMPLitude :CMODe Notes enables/disables output pulse for selected channel. Sets the pulse width for the selected channel. Sets the delay from the timing reference to when the pulse is created. Allows the user to select the timing reference for each channel.
9 Option DT15 (Dual Trigger) In the Gate/Trigger menu the Gate soft key will allow the user to set the functionality of the Gate input. The Choices are Gate, Trigger, or ReArm. This module option allows the GATE input to function as a second Trigger input. The Dual Trigger Option also enables the Gate input to ReArm the unit. For consistency, the enabling menu for this option is located in the Gate function selection.
10 Option AT35 (35V Output / Fast Rise) When the Adjustable Mode is enabled for this module, the outputs will provide an output that is adjustable from 5 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.
11 Option TZ50 (TTL Impedance Matching) This module option allows a user to have a 50 Ω 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. *Note: The TZ50 module has significant overshoot and ringing through high impedance (see figure below).
12 Option AT45 (45V Output) 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 low output is no longer allowed. To maintain the highest possible rise time, care must be taken with cabling and termination.
12.1.1 Module Errors If a channel on any AT45 module is over-driven, the channel will disable itself and the system will indicate an error on the module. The error will not clear until the user fixes the error causing condition and presses the Clr Err soft key, or power cycles the instrument. The overdriving protection is limited to low resistance errors not to direct shorts to ground. Damage to the output will occur when driving into short circuits.
12.3 AT45 SCPI Command Extension Summary Keyword :PULSe [1 / 2 / n] Parameter 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. :OUTPut :MODe :AMP Subsystem. Contains command to control output mode.
High Z Load at 45 V Low Z Load at 5 V Model 577 Operating Manual 22
Low Z Load at 45 V Rise time and overshoot are tuned for best response at low impedance (low Z) Rise Time vs.
Fall Time vs. Output Voltage Overshoot vs.
13 Safety Marking Symbols This section provides a description of the safety marking symbols that appear on the instrument. These symbols provide information about potentially danger-ous situations which can result in death, injury, or damage to the instrument and other components. Symbol Publication Description/Comment IEC 417, No. 5032 IEC 417, No. 5017 IEC 417, No. 5019 IEC 417, No. 5020 IEC 417, No. 5007 IEC 417, No. 5008 IEC 417, No. 5172 ISO 3864, No. B.3.6 IEC 417, No.
ISO 3864, No. B.3.1 Caution (refer to accompanying documents) used to direct the user to the instruction manual where it is necessary to follow certain specified instructions where safety is involved. IEC 417, No. 5268-a In-position of bistable push control IEC 417, No. 5269-a Out-position of bistable push control IEC 60417, No.5009 - CE Mark Standby/On Symbol momentary contact switch, does not disconnect AC mains voltage. Indicates compliance with the WEEE Directive.
14 Model 577 Specifications I/O Configuration Model/Output Output Modules: Standard AT20 Optional L82 L130 AT35 AT45 TZ50 TZ35 Input Modules: Standard IA15 Optional IL82 IL130 577 – 2C: 2 Independent Channels 577 – 4C: 4 Independent Channels 577 – 8C: 8 Independent Chann els Dual Channel, TTL/CMOS & Adjustable Output Module Dual Channel, 820 nm Optical Output Module Dual Channel, 1300 nm Optical Output Module Dual Channel, TTL/35 V High Voltage Output Module Dual Channel, 45 V High and Low Impedance Vol
Delay Accuracy Delay Resolution Jitter (channel to channel) Output Multiplexor Time Base Channel Output Modes Burst Mode Duty Cycle Mode Wait Counts Channel Control Modes Standard Features Communications: USB RS-232 External Clock In External Clock Input Voltage External Clock Out System Options DT15 COM SRM DRM General Storage Dimensions Weight Power Fuse Temperature Operation Transportation & Storage 10 ns + (0.0001 x delay) 250 ps < 250 ps RMS Any/all channels may be OR’d to any/all outputs.
Output Resolution Current Rise Time Slew Rate Overshoot Trigger/Gate Dual Input Module (Standard) Trigger Input: Function Rate Slope Threshold Maximum Input Resolution Trigger Accuracy Impedance Rate Trigger Jitter Insertion Delay Minimum Pulse Width Pulse Inhibit Delay Output Inhibit Delay Gate Input: Mode Polarity Trigger Jitter (Gate as Trigger Input) Optical Outputs Wavelength Maximum Signal Rate Maximum Link Dist. Connector Type Optical Inputs Wavelength Maximum Signal Rate Maximum Link Dist.
TZ50 Specifications TTL/CMOS Mode Output Level Rise Time Slew Rate Jitter - Channel to Channel Adjustable Mode Output Resolution Current Slew Rate AT45 Specifications Amplitude Resolution Accuracy Rise Time Fall Time Frequency (Internal & External) Overshoot Polarity - High Z (>10k) Polarity - Low Z (50 Ohms) Pulse Width - High Z (>10k) Pulse Width - Low Z (50 Ohms) Current (maximum) 4.0 V typ into 50 Ohms 2.8 ns 0.5 V/ns 50 ps RMS 10 mV 100 mA typ, 400 mA max (short pulses) 0.
