AVTECH ELECTROSYSTEMS LTD. AV-1015-B User manual

INSTRUCTIONS
MODEL AV-1015-B
±50 VOLT
GENERAL PURPOSE LAB PULSE GENERATOR
AND LASER DIODE DRIVER
WITH IEEE 488.2 AND RS-232 CONTROL
SERIAL NUMBER: 143
A V T E C H E L E C T R O S Y S T E M S L T D .
N A N O S E C O N D W A V E F O R M E L E C T R O N I C S
S I N C E 1 9 5
[e-mail]
http://www.avtechpulse.com/
Tel: [phone] (USA & Canada)
or [phone] (Worldwide)
BOX 5120, LCD MERIVALE
OTTAWA, CANADA K2C3H5

WARRANTY
Avtech Electrosystems Ltd. warrants products of its manufacture to be free
from defects in material and workmanship under conditions of normal use. If,
within one year after delivery to the original owner, and after prepaid return by
the original owner, this Avtech product is found to be defective, Avtech shall at
its option repair or replace said defective item. This warranty does not apply to
units which have been dissembled, modified or subjected to conditions
exceeding the applicable specifications or ratings. This warranty is the extent of
the obligation assumed by Avtech with respect to this product and no other
warranty or guarantee is either expressed or implied.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Phone: [phone] (USA & Canada)
or [phone] (Worldwide)
E-mail: [e-mail]
World Wide Web: http://www.avtechpulse.com
2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTY.................................................................................................................... 2
TECHNICAL SUPPORT..................................................................................................2
TABLE OF CONTENTS..................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 5
SPECIFICATIONS...........................................................................................................6
REGULATORY NOTES.................................................................................................. 8
FCC PART 18..........................................................................................................................8
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY..................................................................................8
DIRECTIVE 2011/65/EU (RoHS).............................................................................................9
DIRECTIVE 2002/96/EC ( EEE)............................................................................................9
FIRM ARE LICENSING.......................................................................................................10
INSTALLATION.............................................................................................................11
VISUAL CHECK....................................................................................................................11
PO ER RATINGS................................................................................................................ 11
CONNECTION TO THE PO ER SUPPLY...........................................................................11
PROTECTION FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK...........................................................................12
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS........................................................................................13
LABVIE DRIVERS..............................................................................................................13
FUSES........................................................................................................................... 14
AC FUSE REPLACEMENT...................................................................................................14
DC FUSE REPLACEMENT...................................................................................................15
FUSE RATINGS.................................................................................................................... 15
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS........................................................................................16
REAR PANEL CONTROLS..........................................................................................18
GENERAL INFORMATION...........................................................................................20
BASIC PULSE CONTROL....................................................................................................20
TRIGGER MODES................................................................................................................ 22
PULSE IDTH MODES........................................................................................................22
GATING MODES...................................................................................................................22
MINIMIZING WA EFORM DISTORTIONS...................................................................23
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE..........................................................................................................23
GENERATING LO -VOLTAGE AVEFORMS...................................................................23
USE 50Ω TRANSMISSION LINES........................................................................................23
3

USE LO -INDUCTANCE LOADS........................................................................................23
NEVER APPLY AN EXTERNAL VOLTAGE TO THE OUTPUT............................................24
TYPICAL WA EFORMS...............................................................................................25
OPERATIONAL CHECK...............................................................................................27
PROGRAMMING YOUR PULSE GENERATOR...........................................................30
KEY PROGRAMMING COMMANDS....................................................................................30
ALL PROGRAMMING COMMANDS.....................................................................................31
OTHER INFORMATION................................................................................................33
APPLICATION NOTES.........................................................................................................33
MANUAL FEEDBACK...........................................................................................................33
MECHANICAL INFORMATION.....................................................................................34
TOP COVER REMOVAL.......................................................................................................34
RACK MOUNTING................................................................................................................34
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE..............................................................................34
MAINTENANCE............................................................................................................ 35
REGULAR MAINTENANCE..................................................................................................35
CLEANING............................................................................................................................35
TRIGGER DAMAGE..............................................................................................................35
WIRING DIAGRAMS.....................................................................................................36
IRING OF AC PO ER.......................................................................................................36
IRING OF FLOATING DC PO ER....................................................................................37
PCB 158R7 - LO VOLTAGE PO ER SUPPLY................................................................38
PCB 278A - CAPACITOR BANKS........................................................................................39
PCB 96H - HIGH VOLTAGE DC PO ER SUPPLY..............................................................40
PCB 104H - KEYPAD / DISPLAY BOARD...........................................................................41
PCB 112C - AMPLITUDE RANGE CONTROL.....................................................................42
MAIN IRING.......................................................................................................................43
PERFORMANCE CHECK SHEET................................................................................44
Manual Reference: /fileserver1/officefiles/instructword/av-1015/av-1015-b,ed29.odt.
Last modified August 11, 2023.
Copyright © 2023 Avtech Electrosystems Ltd, All Rights Reserved.
4

INTRODUCTION
The AV-1015-B is a general-purpose ±50V pulser, offering 10 MHz operation, 10 ns rise
and fall times, pulse widths from 20 ns to 10 ms, and a variable delay of up to 1 second.
When driving a 50 Ohm load, it can provide up to 1 Amp of current. This model is ideal
for both general lab pulse/delay generator applications, as well as high-current laser
diode pulsing applications.
The AV-1015-B provides single or double pulse output and can be triggered or gated by
an external source. A front-panel pushbutton can also be used to trigger the instrument.
The output pulse width can be set to follow an input trigger pulse width and the output
amplitude can be controlled by an externally applied 0 to +10 Volts DC control voltage.
The AV-1015-B features front panel keyboard and adjust knob control of the output
pulse parameters along with a four line by 40 character back-lit LCD display of the
output amplitude, polarity, pulse width, pulse repetition frequency, source resistance
and delay. The instrument includes memory to store up to four complete instrument
setups. The operator may use the front panel or the computer interface to store a
complete “snapshot” of all key instrument settings, and recall this setup at a later time.
The source resistance can be set at either 2 or 50Ω. In the 2Ω setting, the output
amplitude is variable from <5 to 50V. In the 50Ω setting the amplitude is variable from
<1 to 25V to 50Ω, or to 50 Volts to a high impedance. The output amplitude can also be
controlled externally by applying a 0 to +10V DC control voltage to a rear panel BNC
connector.
The MOSFET output stages will safely withstand any combination of front panel control
settings, output open or short circuits, and high duty cycles. An internal power supply
monitor removes the power to the output stage for five seconds if an average power
overload exists. After that time, the unit operates normally for one second, and if the
overload condition persists, the power is cut again. This cycle repeats until the overload
is removed. With a 50Ω load the unit will withstand duty cycles as high as 25% but with
high impedance loads the duty cycle may be as high as 80%. The output stage will
source up to 1 Amp (and will automatically shut down if the load current exceeds this
significantly).
Application notes describing the use of the AV-1010 and AV-1015 families of pulse
generators are available on the Avtech web site, http://www.avtechpulse.com.
This instrument is intended for use in research and development laboratories.
5

SPECIFICATIONS
Model1:AV-1015-B
Amplitude2,6, with ZOUT = 2Ω:
with ZOUT = 50Ω:
≤5 to 50 V
≤1 to 25 V
Pulse width, PW (FWHM)3:20 ns to 10 ms
Rise time (20%-80%)4:≤ 10 ns
Fall time (80%-20%)4:≤ 10 ns
Pulse repetition frequency, PRF: 1 Hz to 10 MHz
Maximum duty cycle: 25% into 50Ω loads
50% into >200Ω8
Output impedance (ZOUT)5:≈ 2 Ω or 50 Ω, switchable
Required load impedance: ≥ 50 Ω
Output polarity: Positive or negative, switchable
Leading edge overshoot (into a
non-inductive 50 Ω load):
≤ 8% of maximum rated amplitude for all amplitudes. Typically < 3% at maximum amplitude.
Settles to ±3% of stable amplitude within 60 ns.
Typical pulse-top droop: dV/dt ≈ IOUT÷4000uF
Double pulse mode spacing: 1 us to 1 second (measured between the two leading edges of the pulse doublet). Must
not exceed one-half of the period. There must be at least (PW + 100 ns) of “dead time”
(no pulsing) between the trailing edge of the first pulse and the leading edge of the second
pulse. For instance, if the pulse width is 1 us, the programmed delay between leading edges
must be greater than 1 us (the pulse width) + 1.1 us (the minimum dead time) = 2.1 us,
and the period must be greater than 4.2 us.
Sync output: +3V, >30ns, to ≥50Ω
Gated operation: TTL, synchronous or asynchronous, active high or low, switchable.
Trigger modes: Internal trigger, external trigger (TTL-level pulse, > 10 ns, 1 kΩ input impedance),
front-panel “Single Pulse” pushbutton, or single pulse trigger via computer command.
In the external trigger mode, the pulse width may be set by the instrument,
or it may be set to track the input pulse width.
Variable delay: Sync to main output: 0 to ±1.0 seconds, for all trigger modes (including external trigger).
Propagation delay: ≤ 150 ns (Ext trig in to pulse out)
Jitter: ≤ ± 35ps ± 0.015% of sync delay (sync out to pulse out)
GPIB and RS-232 control1 :Yes, standard feature on all -B units.
Ethernet port, for remote control
using VXI-11.3, ssh, telnet, &
web:
Included. Recommended as a modern alternative to GPIB / RS-232.
See http://www.avtechpulse.com/options/vxi for details.
LabView drivers: Available for download at http://www.avtechpulse.com/labview.
Settings resolution: The resolution of the timing parameters (pulse width, delay, period) varies,
but is always better than 0.15% of (|set value| + 20 ns).
The amplitude resolution is < 0.1% of the maximum amplitude.
Settings accuracy: Typically ± 3% (plus ±1V or ± 2 ns) after 10 minute warmup, at low duty cycles .
For high-accuracy applications requiring traceable calibration,
verify the output parameters with a calibrated oscilloscope9.
Output protection: The output is protected against short circuits, open circuits, and high duty cycle
Connectors, BNC female
Power requirements: 100 - 240 Volts, 50 - 60 Hz
Dimensions: 100 mm x 430 mm x 3 5 mm (3.9” x 1 ” x 14.8”)
Chassis material, weight: Anodized aluminum with blue-gray plastic trim. ≤ 10 kg / 22 lbs.
Designed & assembled in North America.
Temperature range: +5°C to +40°C
Optional rack-mount kit: Add the suffix “-R5” to the model number to include 19” rack mount kit
1) -B suffix indicates IEEE-488.2 GPIB and RS-232 control of amplitude and frequency. See http://www.avtechpulse.com/ gpib for details.
2) The output amplitude may also be controlled by applying 0 to +10 V DC to a rear-panel BNC connector.
3) The output pulse width may also be controlled externally by applying a TTL-level trigger of the desired width to a rear-panel BNC connector (PWIN =
PWOUT mode).
4) Valid into a 50 Ohm load.
5) This is the internal resistance in series with the output. It is not the load resistance.
6) The output can be set at lower values, but the overshoot may become significant relative to the pulse amplitude at low amplitudes.
6

) The amplitude may decrease ~10% relative to the programmed setting if the instrument is operating at or near the maximum specified duty cycle.
8) Subject to the additional limitation that there must be at least 5 ns of “dead time” (no pulsing) between the trailing edge of one pulse and the leading
edge of the next pulse.
9) These instruments are provided with a basic calibration checksheet, showing a selection of measured output parameters. These measurements are
performed with equipment that is calibrated on a regular basis by a third-party ISO/IEC 1 025:2005 accredited calibration laboratory. However,
Avtech itself does not claim any accreditation. For applications requiring traceable performance, use a calibrated measurement system rather than
relying on the accuracy of the pulse generator settings.

REGULATORY NOTES
FCC PART 18
This device complies with part 18 of the FCC rules for non-consumer industrial,
scientific and medical (ISM) equipment.
This instrument is enclosed in a rugged metal chassis and uses a filtered power entry
module (where applicable). The main output signal is provided on a shielded connector
that is intended to be used with shielded coaxial cabling and a shielded load. Under
these conditions, the interference potential of this instrument is low.
If interference is observed, check that appropriate well-shielded cabling is used on the
output connectors. Contact Avtech ([e-mail]) for advice if you are unsure
of the most appropriate cabling. Also, check that your load is adequately shielded. It
may be necessary to enclose the load in a metal enclosure.
If any of the connectors on the instrument are unused, they should be covered with
shielded metal “dust caps” to reduce the interference potential.
This instrument does not normally require regular maintenance to minimize interference
potential. However, if loose hardware or connectors are noted, they should be
tightened. Contact Avtech ([e-mail]) if you require assistance.
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We Avtech Electrosystems Ltd.
P.O. Box 5120, LCD Merivale
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K2C 3H5
declare that this pulse generator meets the intent of Directive 2004/108/EG for
Electromagnetic Compatibility. Compliance pertains to the following specifications as
listed in the official Journal of the European Communities:
EN 50081-1 Emission
EN 50082-1 Immunity
8

and that this pulse generator meets the intent of the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC.
Compliance pertains to the following specifications as listed in the official Journal of the
European Communities:
EN 61010-1:2001 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for
measurement, control, and laboratory use
DIRECTIVE 2011/65/EU (RoHS)
We Avtech Electrosystems Ltd.
P.O. Box 5120, LCD Merivale
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K2C 3H5
declare that, to the best of our knowledge, all electrical and electronic equipment (EEE)
sold by the company are in compliance with Directive 2011/65/EU of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2011 on the restriction of the use of certain
hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (also known as “RoHS
Recast”). In addition, this declaration of conformity is issued under the sole
responsibility of Avtech Electrosystems Ltd. Specifically, products manufactured do not
contain the substances listed in the table below in concentrations greater than the listed
maximum value.
Material/Substance Threshold level
Lead (Pb) < 1000 ppm (0.1% by mass)
Mercury (Hg) < 1000 ppm (0.1% by mass)
Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+) < 1000 ppm (0.1% by mass)
Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB) < 1000 ppm (0.1% by mass)
Polybrominated Diphenyl ethers (PBDE) < 1000 ppm (0.1% by mass)
Cadmium (Cd) < 100 ppm (0.01% by mass)
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) < 1000 ppm (0.1% by mass)
Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) < 1000 ppm (0.1% by mass)
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) < 1000 ppm (0.1% by mass)
Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) < 1000 ppm (0.1% by mass)
DIRECTIVE 2002/96/EC (WEEE)
European customers who have purchased this equipment directly from Avtech will have
completed a “WEEE Responsibility Agreement” form, accepting responsibility for WEEE
compliance (as mandated in Directive 2002/96/EC of the European Union and local
9

laws) on behalf of the customer, as provided for under Article 9 of Directive
2002/96/EC.
Customers who have purchased Avtech equipment through local representatives
should consult with the representative to determine who has responsibility for WEEE
compliance. Normally, such responsibilities with lie with the representative, unless other
arrangements (under Article 9) have been made.
Requirements for WEEE compliance may include registration of products with local
governments, reporting of recycling activities to local governments, and financing of
recycling activities.
FIRMWARE LICENSING
Instruments with firmware versions 5.00 or higher use open-source software internally.
Some of this software requires that the source code be made available to the user as a
condition of its licensing. This source code is available upon request (contact
[e-mail]).
Earlier firmware versions do not contain any open source software.
10

INSTALLATION
VISUAL CHECK
After unpacking the instrument, examine to ensure that it has not been damaged in
shipment. Visually inspect all connectors, knobs, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and the
handles. Confirm that a power cord, a GPIB cable, and two instrumentation manuals
(this manual and the “Programming Manual for -B Instruments”) are with the instrument.
If the instrument has been damaged, file a claim immediately with the company that
transported the instrument.
POWER RATINGS
This instrument is intended to operate from 100 - 240 V, 50 - 60 Hz.
The maximum power consumption is 90 Watts. Please see the “FUSES” section for
information about the appropriate AC and DC fuses.
This instrument is an “Installation Category II” instrument, intended for operation from a
normal single-phase supply.
CONNECTION TO THE POWER SUPPLY
An IEC-320 three-pronged recessed male socket is provided on the back panel for AC
power connection to the instrument. One end of the detachable power cord that is
supplied with the instrument plugs into this socket. The other end of the detachable
power cord plugs into the local mains supply. Use only the cable supplied with the
instrument. The mains supply must be earthed, and the cord used to connect the
instrument to the mains supply must provide an earth connection. (The supplied cord
does this.)
Warning: Failure to use a grounded outlet may result in injury or death due to
electric shock. This product uses a power cord with a ground connection. It must be
connected to a properly grounded outlet. The instrument chassis is connected to the
ground wire in the power cord.
The table below describes the power cord that is normally supplied with this instrument,
depending on the destination region:
11

Destination Region Description Option Manufacturer Part Number
United Kingdom, Hong Kong,
Singapore, Malaysia
BS 1363,
230V, 50 Hz -AC00 Qualtek 3 0001-E01
Australia, New Zealand AS 3112:2000,
230-240V, 50 Hz -AC01 Qualtek 3 4003-A01
Continental Europe, Korea,
Indonesia, Russia
European CEE /
“Schuko” 230V, 50 Hz -AC02 Qualtek 364002-D01
North America, Taiwan NEMA 5-15,
120V, 60 Hz -AC03 Qualtek 31200 -01
Switzerland SEV 1011,
230V, 50 Hz -AC06 Qualtek 3 8001-E01
South Africa, India SABS 164-1,
220-250V, 50 Hz -AC1 Volex 2131H 10 C3
Japan JIS 8303,
100V, 50-60 Hz -AC18 Qualtek 39 002-01
Israel SI 32,
220V, 50 Hz -AC19 Qualtek 398001-01
China GB 1002-1 / 2099-1,
220V, 50 Hz -AC22 Qualtek 399012-01
PROTECTION FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK
Operators of this instrument must be protected from electric shock at all times. The
owner must ensure that operators are prevented access and/or are insulated from
every connection point. In some cases, connections must be exposed to potential
human contact. Operators must be trained to protect themselves from the risk of electric
shock. This instrument is intended for use by qualified personnel who recognize shock
hazards and are familiar with safety precautions required to avoid possibly injury. In
particular, operators should:
1. Keep exposed high-voltage wiring to an absolute minimum.
2. Wherever possible, use shielded connectors and cabling.
3. Connect and disconnect loads and cables only when the instrument is turned off.
4. Keep in mind that all cables, connectors, oscilloscope probes, and loads must
have an appropriate voltage rating.
5. Do not attempt any repairs on the instrument, beyond the fuse replacement
procedures described in this manual. Contact Avtech technical support (see
page 2 for contact information) if the instrument requires servicing. Service is to
be performed solely by qualified service personnel.
12

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
This instrument is intended for use under the following conditions:
1. indoor use;
2. altitude up to 2 000 m;
3. temperature 5 °C to 40 °C;
4. maximum relative humidity 80 % for temperatures up to 31 °C decreasing
linearly to 50 % relative humidity at 40 °C;
5. Mains supply voltage fluctuations up to ±10 % of the nominal voltage;
6. no pollution or only dry, non-conductive pollution.
LABVIEW DRIVERS
A LabVIEW driver for this instrument is available for download on the Avtech web site,
at http://www.avtechpulse.com/labview. A copy is also available in National Instruments'
Instrument Driver Library at http://www.natinst.com/.
13

FUSES
This instrument contains four fuses. All are accessible from the rear-panel. Two protect
the AC prime power input, and two protect the internal DC power supplies. The
locations of the fuses on the rear panel are shown in the figure below:
AC FUSE REPLACEMENT
To physically access the AC fuses, the power cord must be detached from the rear
panel of the instrument. The fuse drawer may then be extracted using a small flat-head
screwdriver, as shown below:
14
Fuses #1 and #2
(AC fuses)
Fuse #4
(DC fuse)
Fuse #
(DC fuse)
Fuse
Drawer
Pry out the fuse
drawer using a
screwdriver.

DC FUSE REPLACEMENT
The DC fuses may be replaced by inserting the tip of a flat-head screwdriver into the
fuse holder slot, and rotating the slot counter-clockwise. The fuse and its carrier will
then pop out.
FUSE RATINGS
The following table lists the required fuses:
Fuses
Nominal
Mains
Voltage
Rating Case Size
Recommended Replacement Part
Littelfuse Part
Number
Digi-Key Stock
Number
#1, #2 (AC)
115 V 0.8A, 250V,
Time-Delay 5×20 mm 0218.800HXP F2418-ND
230 V 0.5A, 250V,
Time-Delay 5×20 mm 0218.500HXP F2416-ND
#3 (DC) N/A 1.6A, 250V,
Time-Delay 5×20 mm 021801.6HXP F2424-ND
#4 (DC) N/A 1.6A, 250V,
Time-Delay 5×20 mm 021801.6HXP F2424-ND
The recommended fuse manufacturer is Littelfuse (http://www.littelfuse.com).
Replacement fuses may be easily obtained from Digi-Key (http://www.digikey.com) and
other distributors.
15

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
1. POWER Switch . This is the main power switch. When turning the instrument on,
there is normally a delay of 10 seconds before anything is shown on the main
display, as the internal operating system boots up.
2. OVERLOAD Indicator . When the instrument is powered, this indicator is normally
green, indicating normal operation. If this indicator is yellow, an internal automatic
overload protection circuit has been tripped. If the unit is overloaded (by operating
at an exceedingly high duty cycle or by operating into a very low impedance), the
protective circuit will disable the output of the instrument and turn the indicator light
yellow. The light will stay yellow (i.e. output disabled) for about 5 seconds after
which the instrument will attempt to re-enable the output (i.e. light green) for about
1 second. If the overload condition persists, the output will be disabled again (i.e.
light yellow) for another 5 seconds. If the overload condition has been removed, the
instrument will resume normal operation.
This overload indicator may flash yellow briefly at start-up. This is not a cause for
concern.
Note that the output stage will safely withstand a short-circuited load condition.
3. OUT CONNECTOR . This BNC connector provides the main output signal, into load
impedances of 50Ω or higher.
Caution: Voltages as high as ±50V may be present on the center conductor of
this output connector. Avoid touching this conductor. Connect to this connector
using standard coaxial cable, to ensure that the center conductor is not exposed.
4. SYNC OUT . This connector supplies a SYNC output that can be used to trigger
other equipment, particularly oscilloscopes. This signal leads (or lags) the main
output by a duration set by the "DELAY" controls and has an approximate
amplitude of +3 Volts to RL > 50Ω with a pulse width of approximately 50 ns.
16
1
2
3
4
5
6

5. LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD) . This LCD is used in conjunction with the
keypad to change the instrument settings. Normally, the main menu is displayed,
which lists the key adjustable parameters and their current values. The
“Programming Manual for -B Instruments” describes the menus and submenus in
detail.
6. KEYPAD .
Control Name Function
MOVE This moves the arrow pointer on the display.
CHANGE This is used to enter the submenu, or to select the operating
mode, pointed to by the arrow pointer.
×10 If one of the adjustable numeric parameters is displayed, this
increases the setting by a factor of ten.
÷10 If one of the adjustable numeric parameters is displayed, this
decreases the setting by a factor of ten.
+/- If one of the adjustable numeric parameters is displayed, and
this parameter can be both positive or negative, this changes the
sign of the parameter.
EXTRA FINE This changes the step size of the ADJUST knob. In the extra-
fine mode, the step size is twenty times finer than in the normal
mode. This button switches between the two step sizes.
ADJUST This large knob adjusts the value of any displayed numeric
adjustable values, such as frequency, pulse width, etc. The
adjust step size is set by the "EXTRA FINE" button.
When the main menu is displayed, this knob can be used to
move the arrow pointer.
1

REAR PANEL CONTROLS
Note: some connectors may be in different positions than shown above, depending on
the exact combination of options ordered.
1. AC POWER INPUT . An IEC-320 C14 three-pronged recessed male socket is
provided on the back panel for AC power connection to the instrument. One end of
the detachable power cord that is supplied with the instrument plugs into this socket.
2. AC FUSE DRAWER . The two fuses that protect the AC input are located in this
drawer. Please see the “FUSES” section of this manual for more information.
3. DC FUSES . These two fuses protect the internal DC power supplies. Please see the
“FUSES” sections of this manual for more information.
4. GATE . This TTL-level (0 and +5V) logic input can be used to gate the triggering of
the instrument. This input can be either active high or active low, depending on the
front panel settings or programming commands. (The instrument triggers normally
when this input is unconnected). When set to active high mode, this input is pulled-
down to ground by a 1 kΩ resistor. When set to active low mode, this input is pulled-
up to +5V by a 1 kΩ resistor.
5. TRIG . This TTL-level (0 and +5V) logic input can be used to trigger the instrument, if
the instrument is set to triggering externally. The instrument triggers on the rising
edge of this input. The input impedance of this input is 1 kΩ. (Depending on the
length of cable attached to this input, and the source driving it, it may be desirable to
add a coaxial 50 Ohm terminator to this input to provide a proper transmission line
termination. The Pasternack (www.pasternack.com) PE6008-50 BNC feed-thru 50
Ohm terminator is suggested for this purpose.)
18
GATE
RS-232
GPIB
TRIG
AMP
8
5
6
31
49
2

When triggering externally, the instrument can be set such that the output pulse
width tracks the pulse width on this input, or the output pulse width can be set
independently.
6. GPIB Connector . A standard GPIB cable can be attached to this connector to allow
the instrument to be computer-controlled. See the “Programming Manual for -B
Instruments” for more details on GPIB control.
. RS-232 Connector. A standard serial cable with a 25-pin male connector can be
attached to this connector to allow the instrument to be computer-controlled. A user
name (“admin”) and a password (“default”, as shipped from the factory) are required
when logging into a serial terminal session. The internal controller attempts to auto-
sense the parity setting. It may be necessary to send a few return characters before
attempting a login in order to provide enough data to allow this auto-sensing to work.
(A standard Linux “agetty” process is used to implement serial control internally.) See
the “Programming Manual for -B Instruments” for more details on RS-232 control.
8. Network Connector . This Ethernet connector allows the instrument to be remotely
controlled using the VXI-11.3, ssh (secure shell), telnet, and http (web) protocols. See
the “Programming Manual for -B Instruments” for more details.
9. AMP Connector . The output amplitude can be set to track the voltage on this input.
Zero Volts in corresponds to zero amplitude output, and +10V in corresponds to
maximum amplitude out. This mode is activated by selecting "Ext Control" on the front-
panel amplitude menu, or with the "source:voltage external" command.
19

GENERAL INFORMATION
BASIC PULSE CONTROL
This instrument can be triggered by its own internal clock or by an external TTL trigger
signal. In either case, two output channels respond to the trigger: OUT and SYNC. The
OUT channel is the signal that is applied to the load. Its amplitude and pulse width are
variable. The SYNC pulse is a fixed-width TTL-level reference pulse used to trigger
oscilloscopes or other measurement systems. When the delay is set to a positive value
the SYNC pulse precedes the OUT pulse. When the delay is set to a negative value the
SYNC pulse follows the OUT pulse.
These pulses are illustrated below, assuming internal triggering and a positive delay:
Figure A
If the delay is negative, the order of the SYNC and OUT pulses is reversed:
Figure B
The next figure illustrates the relationship between the signal when an external TTL-
level trigger is used:
20
SYNC OUT
(generated by the
internal oscillator)
50 ns, FIXED
MAIN OUTPUT
PULSE WIDTHDELAY > 0
AMPLITUDE,
VARIABLE
3V, FIXED
SYNC OUT
(generated by the
internal oscillator)
50 ns, FIXED
MAIN OUTPUT
PULSE WIDTH
DELAY < 0
AMPLITUDE,
VARIABLE
3V, FIXED