1 Table of Contents Table of Contents ..................1-2 Introduction ....................2-6 Technical Support ......................2-6 Warranty ........................2-6 Package Contents ......................2-6 Safety Issues ....................3-7 Front Panel Overview ................. 4-8 9520 Front Panel ......................4-8 Display Layout and Indicators ................. 4-8 Description of Front Panel Area ................
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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) ..............6-19 Internal Reference Menu..................6-19 Setting the Internal Reference Source and Rate ............ 6-19 Reference Out Menu ....................
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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 ............
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System Options ....................... A-4 Safety Marking Symbols..................... B-5 COM Overview ......................C-8 GPIB Interface ......................C-8 Ethernet Interface ......................C-8 IP Address and Raw TCP/IP Connection ............... C-8 Determining IP Address ..................C-8 DT15 Overview ......................D-10 DT15 Menus ......................D-10 Trigger 1 Menu (TRIG key) .................
2 Introduction This manual is a reference designed to familiarize you with the Quantum Composers 9520 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.
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.
4 Front Panel Overview 9520 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: ↕...
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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. Numeric Keypad Allows numbers and alphanumeric values to be entered. When entering alphanumeric values, pressing a key will display the first letter shown on the key.
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.
The T 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.
Navigating the 9520 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.
(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.
Setting Pulse Timing Parameters Pulses are defined by a delay, from their sync or start pulse to the active edge, and a width. Wid: Sets the width of the active portion of the pulse. Dly: Sets the delay from the sync source to the start of the pulse. NOTE: If Wid + Dly + 75ns (hardware reset time) >...
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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 T Period. 5-15...
6 9520 Menu Structure System Mode Menus (FUNC + MODE key) MODE: MODE: Single MODE: Burst MODE: Duty Continuous Shot Cycle #/On #/Burst #/Off Setting System Mode of Operation The MODE menu sets the T system timer mode. The menu will show the extra set parameters (Burst, On &...
Mode Menu Channel Enable Channel Enable Channel Enable Channel Enable Mode: Normal Mode: Single Mode: Burst Mode: Shot Duty Cycle #/On Pulses #/Burst 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.
Sets the number of pulses to generate before inhibiting output in Duty Cycle Mode. Off: Sets the number of pulses to inhibit before repeating the On Cycle in Duty Cycle Mode. 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 T...
Gate: Enables the GATE input for the channel by setting the method of output control used with the gating function. Logic: Sets the logic level used with the gating function, either active high or active low. “Pulse Inhibit” method The gate prevents the channel from being triggered by the channel’s trigger source pulse.
Reference Out Menu Ref Out: T Ref Out: Ref Out: 50MHz Ref Out: Ref Out: 25MHz Pulse 100MHz 33.33MHz Period Period Period Period Period Ref Out: 20MHz Ref Out: Ref Out: Ref Out: Ref Out: 16.67Mhz 14.2857MHz 12.5MHz 11.11MHz Period Period Period Period...
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 Level: Sets the gating threshold.
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 Setting the Display Decimal Mark Selects the format of the decimal mark, “.” or “,”. Mark: Setting the Display Brightness LCD:...
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 9520 Quick Start - Normal Internal Rate Generator Operation The 9520 has a powerful set of functions providing a number of modes of operation for the internal or “System” rate generator (T ). Most of these functions can be ignored if a simple continuous stream of pulses is required.
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 9520 will now generate a pulse for every valid trigger.
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 another burst. T generate a burst of pulses: - within the system Mode menu Mode: Select the Burst mode.
Set the number of pulses to produce during the on cycle. Off Cycle: Set the number of pulses to skip during the off cycle. *Note: Older Quantum Composers pulse generators had a divide-by-n function. The duty cycle mode is a more general case. To reproduce the divide-by-n 7-27...
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 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 Set the period between pulses.
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:...
8 Programming the 9520 Personal Computer to Pulse Generator Communication The 9520 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.
(pc). These drivers are included on the CD that was shipped with your unit. Please contact Quantum Composers or visit www.quantumcomposers.com for updated installation files and instructions.
Programming Command Types and Format The 9520 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.
*IDN?<cr><lf> 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<cr><lf> enables channel A :PULSE1:POL NORM<cr><lf> sets polarity to active high :PULSE:WIDT 0.020<cr><lf> sets pulse width to 20 ms :PULSE1:DELAY 0.0023<cr><lf> sets delay to 2.3 ms :PULSE0:MODE NORM<cr><lf>...
9520 INSTrument Commands (SCPI Command Summary) Keyword Parameter Comments :INSTrument Subsystem. Supports treating each channel as a logical instrument. :CATalog? Query only. Returns a comma-separated list of the names of all channels. A two channel instrument would return: T0,CHA,CHB. :FULL? Query only.
9520 System PULSe[0] Commands (SCPI Command Summary) Keyword Parameter Comments :PULSe[0] Subsystem. Contains commands to control the output pulse generation. Commands without suffix refer to the currently selected logical instrument. See INSTrument subsystem. :COUNter Subsystem. Contains commands to define the Counter function. :STATe 0/1 or ON/OFF Enables/Disables the counter function.
9520 Channel PULSe[n] Commands (SCPI Command Summary) Keyword Parameter Comments :PULSe [1 / 2 / n] 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.
9520 SYSTem Commands (SCPI Command Summary) Keyword Parameter Comments :SYSTem Query only. Returns the state of the machine: returns "1" if the machine is armed :STATe? and/or generating pulses or "0" if the machine has been disarmed. :BEEPer Subsystem. Controls the audible beeper. :STATe 0/1 or ON/OFF Enables/disables the beeper.
9520 DISPlay Commands (SCPI Command Summary) Keyword Parameter Comments Subsystem. Contains commands to control :DISPlay the display. Enables/Disables automatic display update. When true, front panel display is updated :MODe 0/1 or ON/OFF with serial command parameter changes. Setting to false decreases response time. Query only.
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 QC products: Indoor use only Ordinary Protection: This product is NOT protected against the harmful...
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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.
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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 moulded or engraved to a depth or raised height of 0.5 mm, or that the symbol and outline are contrasting in colour with the...
Quantum Composers pulse generators. The method discussed is Raw TCP/IP communication. The Ethernet module used in Quantum Composers pulse generators is a “Digi Connect ME” device manufactured by Digi International, Inc. It supports virtually all practical Ethernet communication methods. A set of utilities and documentation by Digi is included on the CD shipped with the pulse generator.
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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.
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”...
Threshold Level Threshold Level Trigger Edge Trigger Edge *Only enabled when TRIG mode is set to “Dual Trig”. Functions as Standard when not in “Dual Trig” mode. Gate Menu DT15 SCPI Command Summary Keyword Parameter Comments Subsystem. Contains commands to control the output pulse generation.
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.
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.
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.
Off: Sets the number of pulses to skip each during off cycle when in the Duty Cycle mode. Cycles: Sets the number o DC Increment Cycles to generate before completion. Sets the T period which determines the fundamental output frequency of the unit. Advanced Channel Menu Increment Extension (FUNC + channel key) Channel Enable Increment Wid *...
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Width Step Resolution 250 ps Width Incremented Range 10,000 s Delay Step Size -100 ms to 100 ms Delay Minimum Step 10 ns (-10ns) Delay Step Resolution 250 ps Delay Incremented Range 10,000 s *Note: Any increment value between -10 ns and 10 ns 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.
AT45 Channel Menus Channel Output Configuration Menu Channel Enable Channel Enable Output Type: Output Type: High Z Low Z Polarity Output Level Output Level AT45 SCPI Command Extension Summary Keyword Parameter Comments :PULSe [1 / 2 / n] Subsystem. Contains commands to control the output pulse generation.
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Figure 1 (High Z 5V) Figure 2 (High Z 45V) H-19...
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Figure 3 (Low Z 5V) Figure 4 (Low Z 45V) H-20...
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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...
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Figure 7 (Overshoot Versus Output Voltage) H-22...
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