Avtech AVR-EB4-B User manual

INSTRUCTIONS
MODEL AVR-EB4-B
+2A / -4A REVERSE RECOVERY
MEASUREMENT SYSTEM
WITH 4.5 ns SWITCHING TIME
SERIAL NUMBER: 14 1
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 7 5
[e-mail]
http://www.avtechpulse.com/
Tel: [phone] (USA & Canada) or [phone] (Intl)
Fax: [phone] (USA & Canada) or [phone] (Intl)
BOX 512 , 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] (International)
Fax: [phone] (USA & Canada) or [phone] (International)
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...............................................................................................................6
SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................................................8
REGULATORY NOTES....................................................................................................9
FCC PART 18..........................................................................................................................9
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY..................................................................................9
DIRECTIVE 2011/65/EU (RoHS)..........................................................................................10
DIRECTIVE 2002/96/EC ( EEE)..........................................................................................10
FIRM ARE LICENSING.......................................................................................................11
INSTALLATION..............................................................................................................12
VISUAL CHECK.................................................................................................................... 12
PO ER RATINGS................................................................................................................12
CONNECTION TO THE PO ER SUPPLY...........................................................................12
PROTECTION FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK...........................................................................13
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS........................................................................................14
FUSES.............................................................................................................................15
AC FUSE REPLACEMENT...................................................................................................15
DC FUSE REPLACEMENT...................................................................................................16
FUSE RATINGS....................................................................................................................16
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS..........................................................................................17
REAR PANEL CONTROLS............................................................................................19
TIMING CONTROL.........................................................................................................21
BASIC TIMING CONTROL...................................................................................................21
TRIGGER MODES................................................................................................................23
GATING MODES...................................................................................................................23
BASIC AMPLITUDE CONTROL....................................................................................24
SETTING THE AMPLITUDE LEVELS..................................................................................25
AMPLITUDE ACCURACY.....................................................................................................26
INCORRECT ORIENTATION................................................................................................26
CABLE LENGTHS................................................................................................................26
3

ACCESSIBLE VOLTAGES...................................................................................................27
STANDARD TEST IG MECHANICAL ASPECTS........................................................28
AVX-TRR-MIX TEST JIG......................................................................................................28
TYPICAL RESULTS.......................................................................................................31
1N4937 RESULTS................................................................................................................31
J5418 RESULTS...................................................................................................................33
1N4004 RESULTS................................................................................................................34
MUR8100E RESULTS..........................................................................................................35
RUS460 RESULTS...............................................................................................................37
CSD10120 RESULTS...........................................................................................................39
UTG8042 RESULTS.............................................................................................................40
SPECIALIZED TEST IGS.............................................................................................42
AVX-TRR-ANB, AXIAL NO-BEND JIG.................................................................................42
AVX-TRR-AXPOST JIG........................................................................................................ 43
AVX-TRR-HPOST JIG..........................................................................................................44
AVX-TRR-MELF, MELF JIG.................................................................................................44
AVX-TRR-MELF, CHIP-LEVEL TESTS................................................................................46
AVX-TRR-STUD, DO-4 AND DO-5 STUD PACKAGES.......................................................46
AVX-TRR-BTA TEST JIG.....................................................................................................49
AVX-TRR-SDA TEST JIG.....................................................................................................51
AVX-TRR-AR1 TEST JIG......................................................................................................56
AVX-TRR-DO214AC TEST JIG............................................................................................60
TROUBLESHOOTING....................................................................................................62
PROGRAMMING YOUR PULSE GENERATOR............................................................63
KEY PROGRAMMING COMMANDS....................................................................................63
ALL PROGRAMMING COMMANDS.....................................................................................64
MECHANICAL INFORMATION......................................................................................66
TOP COVER REMOVAL.......................................................................................................66
RACK MOUNTING................................................................................................................66
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE..............................................................................66
MAINTENANCE..............................................................................................................67
REGULAR MAINTENANCE..................................................................................................67
CLEANING............................................................................................................................67
TRIGGER DAMAGE.............................................................................................................. 67
4

WIRING DIAGRAMS.......................................................................................................68
IRING OF AC PO ER.......................................................................................................68
PCB 158R5 - LO VOLTAGE PO ER SUPPLY................................................................69
PCB 168B - HIGH VOLTAGE DC PO ER SUPPLY...........................................................70
PCB 104G - KEYPAD / DISPLAY BOARD...........................................................................71
MAIN IRING.......................................................................................................................72
STANDARD TEST JIG IRING (AVX-TRR-MIX).................................................................73
TEST JIG IRING (AVX-TRR-AR1).....................................................................................74
TEST JIG IRING (AVX-TRR-AXPOST).............................................................................75
TEST JIG IRING (AVX-TRR-HPOST)................................................................................76
TEST JIG IRING (AVX-TRR-SCHA / AVX-TRR-MSB-MELF)...........................................77
TEST JIG IRING (AVX-TRR-SCHA / AVX-TRR-MSB-STUD)...........................................78
TEST JIG IRING (AVX-TRR-BTA).....................................................................................79
TEST JIG IRING (AVX-TRR-ANB)....................................................................................80
TEST JIG IRING (AVX-TRR-SDA).....................................................................................81
TEST JIG IRING (AVX-TRR-LORAX, AVX-TRR-SSDA, AVX-TRR-DO214AC)...............82
PERFORMANCE CHECK SHEET.................................................................................83
Manual Reference: /fileserver2/officefiles/instructword/avr-eb/avr-eb4/AVR-EB4-B,ed19.odt.
Last modified August 11, 2 2 .
Copyright © 2 2 Avtech Electrosystems Ltd, All Rights Reserved.
5

INTRODUCTION
The AVR-EB4-B is a high performance, GPIB and RS232-equipped instrument capable
of generating a +1 V / -2 V bipolar waveform into a 5 Ohm resistance. Normally, a
diode will be placed in series with this resistance, allowing diode currents of up to +2A
and -4A to be generated.
More specifically, the AVR-EB4-B mainframe generates a 2-2 us wide forward-bias
pulse with amplitude adjustable up to +1 V/+2A, which is immediately followed by a 2-
2 us wide reverse-bias pulse with amplitude up to -2 V/-4A. The forward and reverse
amplitudes and pulse widths are independently variable. The forward-to-reverse
switching time is < 4.5 ns (1 %-9 %).
The current waveforms generated by this instrument are suitable for MIL-STD-75 E
Method 4 31.4 Test Condition B tests. (Avtech can also provide separate test systems
for Condition D tests). In the terminology of this standard, V3 = up to +2 V, V4 =
up to -2 V, RF = 5 Ohms, R4 = 5 Ohms, and RR ≈ . These values differ from the
values suggested in the standard, but the use of 5 Ohm resistances allows common
coaxial cabling to be used for flexible connection arrangement, and greatly reduces the
τ = L / R time constants that plague measurement systems based on the suggested
values. As a result, the measurements are more accurate and more repeatable. (For
additional information about the rationale behind the basic approach, please see
Avtech Technical Brief 15, “A Comparison of Reverse Recovery Measurement
Systems”, at http://www.avtechpulse.com/appnote.)
The values of IF, IRM, and iR(REC) produced by this instrument are suitable for MIL-STD-
75 E Method 4 31.4 Test Conditions B1-B4. (Condition B4 is not recommended by
Avtech, however, because the high IRM / iR(REC) ratio will make the results more sensitive
to parasitic effects.)
Standard AVR-EB4-B models include one AVX-TRR-MIX diode test jig. The instrument
mainframe is connected to the test jig using one coaxial cable and one DB-9 control
cable. The standard test jig contains a variety of pin sockets and posts, which may be
used to hold the diode device under test (DUT). The test jig has a hinged lid, which
must be fully closed to protect the user from high voltages. The output will be
automatically disabled if the lid is left open. The standard AVX-TRR-MIX test jig will
accommodate TO-22 AC (2 lead) packages, DO-style packages with (leads bent at
9 °), and standard and reverse-polarity TO-3 packages.
The AVR-EB4-B may also be provided with different or additional a customized test
jigs, to meet particular customer package requirements.
The diode-under-test is connected in series with a 5 Ohm resistance present on the
test jig. In order to achieve the full +2A / -4A amplitude, the diode resistance (dV/dI at
high currents) must be much less than 5 Ohms (i.e., 5 Ohms or lower).
6

One end of the 5 Ohm resistance is connected to ground, and access to the other end
is provided through a coaxial connector. This output should be terminated with 5
Ohms, and connected to a high-bandwidth (> 4 MHz) oscilloscope. The voltage
across this resistance is directly proportional to the current through the diode. By
observing the current waveform through the diode, the reverse recovery time may be
determined.
While the provided test jig is intended to be flexible and easy to use, users can also
develop their own test jigs easily.
The AVR-EB4-B includes an internal trigger source, but it can also be triggered or
gated by an external source. A front-panel pushbutton can also be used to trigger the
instrument.
The AVR-EB4-B features front panel keyboard and adjust knob control of the output
pulse parameters along with a four line by 4 -character backlit LCD display of the
output amplitude, pulse repetition frequency, 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.
This instrument is intended for use in research, development, test and calibration
laboratories by qualified personnel.
7

SPECIFICATIONS
Model1: AVR-EB4-B
Recovery type: Reverse recovery
Intended application: High-speed rectifiers
Basic waveform: A positive pulse followed immediately by a negative pulse
Pulse polarity: - +
Voltage output2,4,6:
(to RL = 5 Ω) -2V to -2 V +5V to +1 V
Corresponding diode current2,4
(approx., depends on VDIODE): -4 mA to -4A +1 mA to +2A
Pulse width (FWHM): 2 us - 2 us
Rise time (1 %-9 %): < 4.5 ns < 1 us
Output impedance during pulse
(inside the mainframe): ≤ 2 Ohm 5 Ohms
Maximum PRF: 1 Hz
Variable delay (sync out to
main out): Follows + pulse to ±1s, variable
Included test jig3: See tables on later pages.
Connectors: BNC on mainframe, SMA on jigs
GPIB & RS-232: Standard on -B units. See http://www.avtechpulse.com/gpib for details.
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.
Settings resolution: The resolution of the timing parameters (pulse width, delay, period) varies, but is always
better than .15% of (|set value| + 2 ns).
The amplitude resolution is < .1% of the maximum amplitude.
Settings accuracy: Typically ± 3% after 1 minute warmup, for timing parameter. For high-accuracy
applications requiring traceable calibration, verify the output parameters with a
calibrated oscilloscope4,1 .
Trigger modes: Internal trigger, external trigger (TTL level pulse, > 1 ns, 1 kΩ input impedance),
front-panel “Single Pulse” pushbutton, or single pulse trigger via computer command.
Sync output: > +3 Volts, > 5 ns, will drive 5 Ohm loads
Gate input: Active high or low, switchable. Suppresses triggering when active.
Power requirements: 1 - 24 Volts, 5 - 6 Hz
Dimensions: H x W x D: 1 mm x 43 mm x 375 mm (3.9” x 17” x 14.8”)
Chassis material: cast aluminum frame and handles, blue vinyl on aluminum cover plates
Temperature range: +5°C to +4 °C
1) -B suffix indicates IEEE-488.2 GPIB and RS-232 control of amplitude, pulse width, PRF and delay (see http://www.avtechpulse.com/gpib).
2) For operation at amplitudes of less than 1 % of full-scale, best results will be obtained by setting the amplitude near full-scale and using external
attenuators on the output.
3) Customized jigs available upon request.
4) The amplitude settings should not be relied upon for any degree of accuracy, because the dynamics of the device under test can affect the actual
generated waveforms. Amplitude settings should always be verified by oscilloscope measurements.
5) Thus the diode must come to forward steady-state within 5 ns.
6) The diode must have a breakdown voltage exceeding these amplitude limits. Contact Avtech for special arrangements if IMAX × 5 Ω > VBR.
7) The full forward pulse width is 2 us, but the reverse pulse is super-imposed on the forward pulse 5 ns after the start of the forward pulse.
8) Increases to 4.5 ns for units with the -DIPFP option, due to the switching relay inductance.
9) Depends on the parasitic inductance of the DUT and its leads.
1 ) 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 17 25:2 5 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.
8

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 (in[email protected]m) 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 512 , LCD Merivale
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K2C 3H5
declare that this pulse generator meets the intent of Directive 2 4/1 8/EG for
Electromagnetic Compatibility. Compliance pertains to the following specifications as
listed in the official Journal of the European Communities:
EN 5 81-1 Emission
EN 5 82-1 Immunity
9

and that this pulse generator meets the intent of the Low Voltage Directive 2 6/95/EC.
Compliance pertains to the following specifications as listed in the official Journal of the
European Communities:
EN 61 1 -1:2 1 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for
measurement, control, and laboratory use
DIRECTIVE 2 11/65/EU (RoHS)
We Avtech Electrosystems Ltd.
P.O. Box 512 , 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 2 11/65/EU of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2 11 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) < 1 ppm ( .1% by mass)
Mercury (Hg) < 1 ppm ( .1% by mass)
Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+) < 1 ppm ( .1% by mass)
Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB) < 1 ppm ( .1% by mass)
Polybrominated Diphenyl ethers (PBDE) < 1 ppm ( .1% by mass)
Cadmium (Cd) < 1 ppm ( . 1% by mass)
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) < 1 ppm ( .1% by mass)
Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) < 1 ppm ( .1% by mass)
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) < 1 ppm ( .1% by mass)
Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) < 1 ppm ( .1% by mass)
DIRECTIVE 2 2/96/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 2 2/96/EC of the European Union and local
1

laws) on behalf of the customer, as provided for under Article 9 of Directive
2 2/96/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. 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
[email protected]om).
Earlier firmware versions do not contain any open source software.
11

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. If the instrument has been damaged, file a claim immediately with the
company that transported the instrument.
The following items should be with the instrument:
1. One power cord.
2. One GPIB cable
3. Two instrumentation manuals (this manual and the “Programming Manual for -B
Instruments”).
4. One test jig, with a hinged lid.
5. One 5 meter length of coaxial cable.
6. One 6 cm length of coaxial cable.
7. One 5 Ohm BNC feed-through terminator
8. One 2 meter DB-9 control cable.
POWER RATINGS
This instrument is intended to operate from 1 - 24 V, 5 - 6 Hz.
The maximum power consumption is 57 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-32 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.
12

The table below describes the power cord that is normally supplied with this instrument,
depending on the destination region:
Destination Region Description Option Manufacturer Part Number
United Kingdom, Hong Kong,
Singapore, Malaysia
BS 1363,
23 V, 5 Hz -AC Qualtek 37 1-E 1
Australia, New Zealand AS 3112:2 ,
23 -24 V, 5 Hz -AC 1 Qualtek 374 3-A 1
Continental Europe, Korea,
Indonesia, Russia
European CEE 7/7
“Schuko” 23 V, 5 Hz -AC 2 Qualtek 364 2-D 1
North America, Taiwan NEMA 5-15,
12 V, 6 Hz -AC 3 Qualtek 312 7- 1
Switzerland SEV 1 11,
23 V, 5 Hz -AC 6 Qualtek 378 1-E 1
South Africa, India SABS 164-1,
22 -25 V, 5 Hz -AC17 Volex 2131H 1 C3
Japan JIS 83 3,
1 V, 5 -6 Hz -AC18 Qualtek 397 2- 1
Israel SI 32,
22 V, 5 Hz -AC19 Qualtek 398 1- 1
China GB 1 2-1 / 2 99-1,
22 V, 5 Hz -AC22 Qualtek 399 12- 1
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.
13

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.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
This instrument is intended for use under the following conditions:
1. indoor use;
2. altitude up to 2 m;
3. temperature 5 °C to 4 °C;
4. maximum relative humidity 8 % for temperatures up to 31 °C decreasing
linearly to 5 % relative humidity at 4 °C;
5. Mains supply voltage fluctuations up to ±1 % of the nominal voltage;
6. no pollution or only dry, non-conductive pollution.
14

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:
15
Fuse
Drawer
Pry out the fuse
drawer using a
screwdriver.
Fuses #1 and #2
AC fuses)
Fuse #4
DC fuse)
Fuse #3
DC fuse)

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) 1 -24 V .5A, 25 V,
Time-Delay 5×2 mm 218.5 HXP F2416-ND
#3 (DC) N/A .8A, 25 V,
Time-Delay 5×2 mm 218.8 HXP F2418-ND
#4 (DC) N/A .8A, 25 V,
Time-Delay 5×2 mm 218.8 HXP F2418-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.
16

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
1. POWER Switch . This is the main power switch. When turning the instrument on,
there is normally a delay of 1 seconds before anything is shown on the main
display, as the internal operating system boots up.
If the main menu does not appear after 3 seconds, turn off the instrument and
leave it off for at least 6 seconds before applying power again.
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
abOUT1 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.
3. 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 > 5 Ω with a pulse width of approximately 1 ns.
4. 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
17
23
45
1

detail.
5. 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.
×1 If one of the adjustable numeric parameters is displayed, this
increases the setting by a factor of ten.
÷1 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.
18

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-32 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 ( 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 ( 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 5 Ohm terminator to this input to provide a proper transmission line
termination. The Pasternack (www.pasternack.com) PE6 8-5 BNC feed-thru 5
19
OUT
CONTROL
GATE
RS-232
GPIB
TRIG
4
7
6
1
9
2
3
1
5
8

Ohm terminator is suggested for this purpose.)
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.
7. 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. PULSE OUT CONNECTOR . This BNC connector provides the pulse output signal to
the test jig. This output should be connected to the corresponding input on the test jig
using one of the the supplied coaxial cables (6 cm or 5 m).
Caution: Voltages as high as 24 V 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.
1 .CONTROL Connector . This DB-9 female connector should be connected to the
corresponding connector on the test jig using the supplied DB-9 cable. This cable
contains the safety interlock signals that ensure that the test jig lid is closed. The
pinout is as follows:
Pin 1 - To test jig switch 1.
Pin 2 - To test jig switch 2.
Pin 5 - Ground.
Pin 6 - To test jig switch 1.
Pin 7 - To test jig switch 2.
Pin 9 - Safety sensor power supply (+15V through 68 Ohms).
When the test jig lid is safely closed, Pin 1 is shorted to Pin 6, and Pin 2 is shorted to
Pin 7.
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