ALPhANOV TOMBAK User manual

ALPhANOV –Optical and Laser Technological Center
Phone: [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 1/69 - v1.3
Pulse-Delay-Generator
TOMBAK
User Manual

ALPhANOV –Centre Technologique Optique et Lasers
Tél. [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 2/69 - v1.3

ALPhANOV –Centre Technologique Optique et Lasers
Tél. [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 3/69 - v1.3

ALPhANOV –Centre Technologique Optique et Lasers
Tél. [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 4/69 - v1.3
Global Introduction
The Pulse-Delay Generator is a very versatile module, it provides many settings to realize a large set of
functions, from the simplest to the very advanced ones:
It can be used as:
•A logical signal delayer: see “Using PDG as a Pulse & Delay Generator” section 2.8.1 (p26).
•A basic frequency generator: see “Using TOMBAK as a standalone generator” section 2.8.2
(p31).
•A burst generator: see “Using the PDG as a burst generator” section 2.8.3 (p36 ).
•A signal gating module: see “Using the Gate feature of PDG” section 2.8.4 (p41)
•A synchronization module: see “Using PDG as a signal synchronization module” section 2.8.5
(p46)
•A voltage level convertor: see “Using PDG as a Voltage Level Converter” section 2.8.6 (p51)
•A frequency divider: see “Using PDG as a frequency divider” section 2.8.7 (p55)

ALPhANOV –Centre Technologique Optique et Lasers
Tél. [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 5/69 - v1.3
Revision Sheet
Release No.
Date
Revision Description
v1.0
27/04/17
First version
v1.1
07/12/2017
Add Hardware setup and divider example configuration
v1.2
24/01/2018
Updated the list of instructions (§ 3.2.1)
v1.3
26/02/2018
Add Multiple channel section
Disclaimer
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Copyright © ALPhANOV –Optical and Laser Technological Center
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Phone: [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Fax: [phone]
www.alphanov.com

ALPhANOV –Centre Technologique Optique et Lasers
Tél. [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 6/69 - v1.3
USER'S MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Global Introduction........................................................................................................................................
GENERAL INFORMATION......................................................................................................1-9
1.1 Package Content...................................................................................................................1-10
1.2 Safety Instructions................................................................................................................1-10
1.2.1 Wiring...............................................................................................................................................1-10
1.2.2 Operating environment .....................................................................................................................1-10
1.3 Contact...................................................................................................................................1-10
SYSTEM SUMMARY...................................................................................................................11
2.1 PDG Features and Performance............................................................................................12
2.1.1 Features................................................................................................................................................12
2.2 Front-Panel overview..............................................................................................................14
2.2.1 Power and Communications Connectors.............................................................................................14
2.2.2 SMA Output and Input Connectors .....................................................................................................14
2.2.3 KK Connectors ....................................................................................................................................15
2.3 System Setup............................................................................................................................16
2.3.1 Power...................................................................................................................................................16
2.3.2 USB .....................................................................................................................................................16
2.3.3 Tools Installation (Windows) ..............................................................................................................16
2.3.3.1 Software installation...................................................................................................................16
2.3.3.2 Driver installation.......................................................................................................................19
2.4 Hardware Setup.......................................................................................................................19
2.4.1 “Pulse Out” voltage output level..........................................................................................................19
2.4.2 “Shape Out” voltage output level ........................................................................................................19
2.5 Global Architecture.................................................................................................................20
2.6 Multi-channel module –Stacked TOMBAK.........................................................................20
2.7 Front-Panel User Interface.....................................................................................................22
2.7.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................................22
2.7.2 Working Mode.....................................................................................................................................22
2.7.2.1 Board..........................................................................................................................................22
2.7.2.2 Shaper.........................................................................................................................................22
2.7.2.3 Inverse........................................................................................................................................22
2.7.2.4 Advanced Mode .........................................................................................................................23
2.7.3 Input Pulse ...........................................................................................................................................23
2.7.3.1 Threshold....................................................................................................................................23
2.7.3.2 Pulse Freq...................................................................................................................................23
2.7.3.3 Division......................................................................................................................................23
2.7.3.4 Source.........................................................................................................................................23
2.7.4 Output Pulse.........................................................................................................................................24
2.7.4.1 Width..........................................................................................................................................24
2.7.4.2 Delay..........................................................................................................................................24
2.7.4.3 Fine Delay..................................................................................................................................24

ALPhANOV –Centre Technologique Optique et Lasers
Tél. [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 7/69 - v1.3
2.7.5 Synchro Input.......................................................................................................................................24
2.7.5.1 Source.........................................................................................................................................24
2.7.5.2 Frequency...................................................................................................................................24
2.7.5.3 Mode ..........................................................................................................................................24
2.7.5.4 Burst Size ...................................................................................................................................25
2.7.5.5 Trigger........................................................................................................................................25
2.7.6 Synchro Output....................................................................................................................................25
2.7.6.1 Source.........................................................................................................................................25
2.8 Configuration Example...........................................................................................................26
2.8.1 Using PDG as a Pulse & Delay Generator...........................................................................................26
2.8.1.1 Presentation................................................................................................................................26
2.8.1.2 Timing diagram..........................................................................................................................26
2.8.1.3 Synoptic......................................................................................................................................26
2.8.1.4 Cabling.......................................................................................................................................26
2.8.1.5 Software configuration...............................................................................................................27
2.8.1.6 Main features..............................................................................................................................30
2.8.2 Using PDG as a standalone generator..................................................................................................31
2.8.2.1 Presentation................................................................................................................................31
2.8.2.2 Timing diagram..........................................................................................................................31
2.8.2.3 Synoptic......................................................................................................................................31
2.8.2.4 Cabling.......................................................................................................................................31
2.8.2.5 Software configuration...............................................................................................................32
2.8.2.6 Main features..............................................................................................................................35
2.8.3 Using Tombak as a burst generator......................................................................................................36
2.8.3.1 Presentation................................................................................................................................36
2.8.3.2 Timing diagram..........................................................................................................................36
2.8.3.3 Synoptic......................................................................................................................................36
2.8.3.4 Cabling.......................................................................................................................................37
2.8.3.5 Software configuration...............................................................................................................37
2.8.3.6 Main features..............................................................................................................................40
2.8.4 Using the Gate feature of PDG............................................................................................................41
2.8.4.1 Presentation................................................................................................................................41
2.8.4.2 Timing diagram..........................................................................................................................41
2.8.4.3 Synoptic......................................................................................................................................41
2.8.4.4 Cabling.......................................................................................................................................42
2.8.4.5 Software configuration...............................................................................................................42
2.8.4.6 Main features..............................................................................................................................45
2.8.5 Using PDG as a signal synchronization module..................................................................................46
2.8.5.1 Presentation................................................................................................................................46
2.8.5.2 Timing diagram..........................................................................................................................46
2.8.5.3 Synoptic......................................................................................................................................46
2.8.5.4 Cabling.......................................................................................................................................47
2.8.5.5 Software configuration...............................................................................................................47
2.8.5.6 Main features..............................................................................................................................50
2.8.6 Using PDG as a Voltage Level Converter ...........................................................................................51
2.8.6.1 Presentation................................................................................................................................51
2.8.6.2 Timing diagram..........................................................................................................................51
2.8.6.3 Synoptic......................................................................................................................................51
2.8.6.4 Cabling.......................................................................................................................................52
2.8.6.5 Software configuration...............................................................................................................52
2.8.6.6 Main features..............................................................................................................................54
2.8.7 Using PDG as a frequency divider.......................................................................................................55
2.8.7.1 Presentation................................................................................................................................55
2.8.7.2 Timing diagram..........................................................................................................................55
2.8.7.3 Synoptic......................................................................................................................................55

ALPhANOV –Centre Technologique Optique et Lasers
Tél. [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 8/69 - v1.3
2.8.7.4 Cabling.......................................................................................................................................56
2.8.7.5 Software configuration...............................................................................................................56
2.8.7.6 Main features..............................................................................................................................59
REMOTE COMMUNICATION...................................................................................................61
3.1 Protocol Description................................................................................................................62
3.1.1 Getting started: configure UART.........................................................................................................62
3.1.2 Protocol................................................................................................................................................62
3.1.2.1 Sequence ....................................................................................................................................62
3.1.2.2 Notation......................................................................................................................................62
3.1.2.3 Query..........................................................................................................................................62
3.1.2.4 Response ....................................................................................................................................62
3.1.2.5 Status..........................................................................................................................................63
3.1.3 Messaging............................................................................................................................................64
3.1.3.1 Write equipment address............................................................................................................64
3.1.3.2 Read equipment address.............................................................................................................65
3.1.3.3 Read protocol version.................................................................................................................65
3.1.3.4 Read error code ..........................................................................................................................65
3.1.3.5 Write instruction.........................................................................................................................66
3.1.3.6 Read instruction .........................................................................................................................66
3.1.3.7 Apply all instructions .................................................................................................................66
3.1.3.8 Save instructions ........................................................................................................................67
3.1.3.9 Read measure .............................................................................................................................67
3.1.3.10 Write shaper values....................................................................................................................67
3.1.3.11 Save shaper values .....................................................................................................................68
3.1.3.12 Software trigger..........................................................................................................................68
3.2 List of Instructions and measures..........................................................................................68
3.2.1 Instructions ..........................................................................................................................................68
3.2.2 Measures..............................................................................................................................................69
3.3 Example....................................................................................................................................69

1.0 –GENERAL INFORMATION
ALPhANOV –Centre Technologique Optique et Lasers
Tél. [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 1-9/69 - v1.3
GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 –GENERAL INFORMATION
ALPhANOV –Centre Technologique Optique et Lasers
Tél. [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 1-10/69 - v1.3
1.1 Package Content
The Pulse Delay Generator package comes with:
•1 PDG board
•1 DC Power Supply (+5V / 2A)
•1 USB-Jack FTDI cable
•1 CD-ROM or USB Key with “ALPhANOV Control Software Suite”
•1 User Manual
Figure 1 - Package Content
1.2 Safety Instructions
1.2.1 Wiring
-Please first connect the input pins to the board and then plug the DC Power Supply.
-Use caution when connecting the Power Supply.
-Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from Tombak.
-Connect the ground completely. Electric shock may occur if the ground is not connected
correctly.
1.2.2 Operating environment
-Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other equipment
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
-To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose Tombak to rain or moisture.
1.3 Contact
If you have any question about Tombak module, please contact ALPhANOV at [e-mail].

2.0 –SYSTEM SUMMARY
ALPhANOV –Centre Technologique Optique et Lasers
Tél. [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 11/69 - v1.3
SYSTEM SUMMARY

2.0 –SYSTEM SUMMARY
ALPhANOV –Centre Technologique Optique et Lasers
Tél. [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 12/69 - v1.3
2.1 PDG Features and Performance
2.1.1 Features
The Pulse Delay Generator is a multifunctional and high-performance instrument that enables the user to
consolidate multiple functions into one compact device.
This unit is a great asset to generate high frequency pulses, delays and bursts. It’s an ideal testing and
timing control instrument for electronics and lasers.

2.0 –SYSTEM SUMMARY
ALPhANOV –Centre Technologique Optique et Lasers
Tél. [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 13/69 - v1.3
The Pulse Delay Generator offers several operating modes including pulse generator, frequency divider,
burst and pulse picker. This unit generates accurate pulses with a repetition rate up to 20 MHz, variable
pulse widths from 5 ns to 262 ns and pulse delays from 10 ps to 262 ns. Output levels are adjustable
between 1 V, 3.3 V and 5 V compatible

2.0 –SYSTEM SUMMARY
ALPhANOV –Centre Technologique Optique et Lasers
Tél. [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 14/69 - v1.3
2.2 Front-Panel overview
2.2.1 Power and Communications Connectors
󰪦- Power connector (5V / 0.7A)
󰪧- Input Communication Connector
󰪨- Output Communication Connector
2.2.2 SMA Output and Input Connectors
󰪩- Analogic Output Signal (Shaper)
󰪪- Digital Pulse Output Signal (Pulse Out)
󰪫- Synchronization Output Signal 2 (Sync Out 2)
󰪬- Synchronization Output Signal 1 (Sync Out 1)
󰪭- External Synchronization Input Signal (Sync Ext In)
󰪦
󰪨
󰪧
󰪩
󰪪
󰪫
󰪬
󰪭
󰪮
󰪯
󰪰
󰪱
󰪲
󰪳

2.0 –SYSTEM SUMMARY
ALPhANOV –Centre Technologique Optique et Lasers
Tél. [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 15/69 - v1.3
󰪮- Digital Pulse Input Signal (Pulse In)
󰪯- External Gate Signal Input (Gate Ext)
2.2.3 KK Connectors
󰪰- Shape Selection Connector
󰪱- External Synchronization Connector
󰪲- Analogic Pulse Input Connector
󰪳- Spare Connectors (Factory use only)

2.0 –SYSTEM SUMMARY
ALPhANOV –Centre Technologique Optique et Lasers
Tél. [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 16/69 - v1.3
2.3 System Setup
2.3.1 Power
To power Tombak module, please use the DC Power adapter provided.
First plug the cables into the power connector (󰪦)of the module. Red cable in ‘+’ and black cable in ‘-’
(polarity is indicated on the product).
You can then plug the DC Power Adapter to a plug socket.
2.3.2 USB
To communicate with Tombak module, please use included USB →Jack cable provided.
First connect the jack part into Input Communication Connector (󰪧) of the module.
Please install software and pilots before plugging USB cable to computer. See section below
2.3.3 Tools Installation (Windows)
PDG boards works along “ALPhANOV Control Software”: this software is unique and compatible with all
ALPhANOV electronic modules and boards.
2.3.3.1 Software installation
Insert CD-ROM or USB Key provided with the module. Then open an Explorer windows and navigate into
“Computer” part. You will either see a CR-ROM or USB Key with “ALPhANOV” title, open it.
Double click on ControlSoftware_x_x_xx.exe file name.
The following window will show:
Click on Next;
In the following windows, choose a specific installation path or leave default. Then, go to the next section

2.0 –SYSTEM SUMMARY
ALPhANOV –Centre Technologique Optique et Lasers
Tél. [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 17/69 - v1.3
The following window lets you choose the program’s shortcut name in the Start Menu folder. Feel free to
change it or leave it by default.
The next part lets you choose if a desktop icon needs to be created. If so, please check the box. Then go to
next section.

2.0 –SYSTEM SUMMARY
ALPhANOV –Centre Technologique Optique et Lasers
Tél. [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 18/69 - v1.3
Finally click on the Install button.
Installation of the software is now completed. To install drivers & tools please let all the box checked and
click on “Finish”. You can now move to next section “Driver installation”.

2.0 –SYSTEM SUMMARY
ALPhANOV –Centre Technologique Optique et Lasers
Tél. [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 19/69 - v1.3
Jumper
Pin number 1 is indicated on
electronic board by the symbol
« » or by the indicator « 1 ».
2.3.3.2 Driver installation
The driver installation runs through 2 parts:
•Microsoft Runtime installation
•USB Driver installation
No specific indication here, just click on “Next” and “Install” dialogs and wait until installations are
finished.
2.4 Hardware Setup
Tombak module provides some hardware setup to adjust output voltage level by moving jumpers on
electronic board.
2.4.1 “Pulse Out” voltage output level
Voltage level can be adjusted according to the following configuration:
-1V : Jumper J901 in position 2-3
-3,3V : Jumper J901 in position 1-2 et J900 in position 1-2
-TTL : Jumper J901 in position 1-2 et J900 in position 2-3
2.4.2 “Shape Out” voltage output level
Voltage level can be adjusted according to the following configuration:
-1V : Jumper J800 in position 2-3 et J801 in position 2-3
-5V : Jumper J800 in position 1-2 et J801 in position 1-2

2.0 –SYSTEM SUMMARY
ALPhANOV –Centre Technologique Optique et Lasers
Tél. [phone] –Fax [phone] –[e-mail] –www.alphanov.com
Bât. IOA, rue François Mitterrand - 33400 Talence –France
SIRET 493 635 817 00031 - N° TVA intracommunautaire : FR 24493635817
Page 20/69 - v1.3
2.5 Global Architecture
2.6 Multi-channel module –Stacked TOMBAK
TOMBAK can be delivered in multi-channel version with multiple board stacked in a compact module.