ALPhANOV AeroDIODE TOMBAK Installation and operating instructions

Multiboard Series
TOMBAK : Synchronization electronic board
Application Note
How to use the TOMBAK
as a voltage level converter
(SYNC Mode)

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How to use the TOMBAK as a Voltage Level
Converter (SYNC Mode)
1. Presentation
The board can be used as a voltage level converter in every mode that used the
Pulse_In signal as a reference signal. However, SYNC mode is a specific mode
that gives extended performance to the voltage converter feature (higher
frequency, lower jitter, lower insertion delay…).
An additional “Autofine delay” can be added which adds a 0-10ns delay while
keeping a very short insertion delay and ultra-low Jitter.
2. Timing & voltage level Diagram
Figure 1 : Pulse In detection signal with software adjustable threshold
3. Synoptic
Pre-requirement: Before using the TOMBAK board, make sure you followed all the instructions
mentioned in the Operating Manual
Figure 2 : Main firmware features used in Voltage Level Converter

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4. Cabling
1. Plug the USB-Jack cable in the “USB In”connector
2. Plug the signal you want to convert in the “Pulse In”SMA connector
3. The upgraded signal will output on the “Pulse Out” SMA connector
4. Finally, plug the power supply to the “Power In” connector to power on the
board
5. Software configuration
Launch the ALPhANOV Control Software and click on Connect to start the TOMBAK
hardware detection. The software automatically detects the TOMBAK board.
A window will appear for each TOMBAK connected to the computer.
Power
Supply
-
+
USB-Jack
Cable
Input signal
Upgraded signal
Output signal

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The main configuration windows must be configured as follow :
•Working Mode window :
oSet the Board On
oSet the Shaper button to Off
oSet the Inverse button to Off unless you need to invert the output
signal
oSet Advanced Mode to Sync

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•Input pulse window :
oConfigure the Threshold voltage so that the input pulse frequency is
detected and the same as your pulse generator system
oSet the Division factor to 1
oSet the input pulse Source to Direct
•Output Pulse window :
oChoose the output delay value
oChoose the output pulse width
oAuto Fine Delay may be let in auto mode (this generates an additional
adjustable delay in the 0-10ns range)
•Synchro input windows (default settings) :
oSource : not used in this mode
oGate Mode : None
oFrequency : not used in this mode
oBurst size : not used in this mode
•Synchro ouput window (default settings) :
oSource : Pulse
Don’t forget to save the settings by clicking on the “Save” button in the bar menu.

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6. Main features
Input PulseIn voltage (software adjustable
threshold)
30 mV –3,3V
Input/output maximum frequency
150 MHz
Minimum insertion delay (fine delay deactivated)
(see fig 2)
12 ns
Minimum insertion delay (0-10ns fine delay)
(see fig 2)
15 ns
Output Voltage
1 / 3,3 / 5 Volts
(hardware setup –see user
manual for selecting it)