Avtech AVP-AV-1S-C User manual

INSTRUCTIONS
MODEL AVP-AV-1S-C
5 VOLT, 1 MHz
HIGH SPEED PULSE GENERATOR
WITH 80 ps RISE TIME, 200 ps FALL TIME
SERIAL NUMBER 14173
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] (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
AVAILABLE OPTIONS.....................................................................................................6
SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................................................7
REGULATORY NOTES....................................................................................................8
FCC PART 18.......................................................................................................................... 8
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY..................................................................................8
DIRECTIVE 2011/65/EU (RoHS)............................................................................................9
DIRECTIVE 2002/96/EC ( EEE)............................................................................................9
INSTALLATION..............................................................................................................11
VISUAL CHECK....................................................................................................................11
PO ER RATINGS................................................................................................................11
CONNECTION TO THE PO ER SUPPLY...........................................................................11
PROTECTION FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK...........................................................................12
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS........................................................................................13
FUSES.............................................................................................................................14
AC FUSE REPLACEMENT...................................................................................................14
DC FUSE REPLACEMENT...................................................................................................15
FUSE RATINGS.................................................................................................................... 15
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS..........................................................................................16
REAR PANEL CONTROLS............................................................................................18
GENERAL INFORMATION............................................................................................1
BASIC TEST ARRANGEMENT............................................................................................19
BASIC PULSE CONTROL.................................................................................................... 19
AMPLITUDE INTERACTION.................................................................................................20
OPERATION AT LO AMPLITUDES..................................................................................20
MINIMIZING WAVEFORM DISTORTIONS....................................................................21
USE 50Ω TRANSMISSION LINES AND LOADS.................................................................21
USE LO -INDUCTANCE LOADS........................................................................................21
PREVENTING DAMAGE................................................................................................21
3

MECHANICAL INFORMATION......................................................................................22
TOP COVER REMOVAL.......................................................................................................22
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE..............................................................................22
MAINTENANCE..............................................................................................................23
REGULAR MAINTENANCE..................................................................................................23
CLEANING............................................................................................................................ 23
WIRING DIAGRAMS.......................................................................................................24
IRING OF AC PO ER.......................................................................................................24
PCB 158R5 - LO VOLTAGE PO ER SUPPLY................................................................25
PCB 235C - HIGH VOLTAGE DC PO ER SUPPLY...........................................................26
PCB 126D - OSCILLATOR AND TRIGGER CIRCUIT..........................................................27
PCB 231A - INTERNAL OFFSET GENERATOR.................................................................28
MAIN IRING.......................................................................................................................29
PERFORMANCE CHECK SHEET.................................................................................30
Manual Reference /fileserver2/officefiles/instructword/avp/AVP-AV-1S-C,ed10.odt.
Last modified November 5, 2021.
Copyright © 2021 Avtech Electrosystems Ltd, All Rights Reserved.
4

INTRODUCTION
The AVP-AV-1S-C is a high performance instrument capable of generating up to 5V
into 50Ω loads at repetition rates up to 1 MHz. The rise time is less than 80 ps, and the
fall time is less than 200 ps. The pulse width is variable from 0.2 to 4 ns.
Instruments with the "-P" model suffix can generate up to +5V, whereas instruments
with the "-N" model suffix can generate up to -5V. Instruments with the “-PN” suffix have
a switchable output polarity.
The output is designed to drive 50Ω loads. (A 50Ω load is required for proper
operation.) The output is AC-coupled.
This instrument is intended for use in research and development laboratories.
5

AVAILABLE OPTIONS
The AVP-AV-1S-C is available with several options
-M Option a monitor output is provided.
-OS Option an externally generated DC offset can be added to the output.
-OT Option an internally generated DC offset, controlled by a front-panel dial, can be
added to the output.
6

SPECIFICATIONS
Model AVP-AV-1S-C1
Maximum amplitude2< 1 to 5 V
Pulse width (FWHM) 0.2 - 4 ns
PRF 100 Hz to 1 MHz
Rise time (20%-80%) ≤ 80 ps
Fall time (80%-20%) ≤ 200 ps
Polarity Specify -P, -N, -PN
Required load impedance 50 Ohms5
Accuracy / calibration Not calibrated. At lower pulse widths and higher PRFs, the amplitude tends to
roll off relative to the set value. For high-accuracy applications requiring
traceable calibration, verify the output with a calibrated oscilloscope.
Propagation delay ≤ 200 ns (Ext trig in to pulse out)
Jitter, Ext trig in to pulse out ± 35ps ± 0.015% of sync delay
Trigger modes Internal trigger, or external trigger (TTL level pulse, > 50 ns, 1 kΩ input impedance)
Variable delay Sync to main out 0 to 200 ns, for internal trigger mode only.
No variable delay in external trigger mode
Sync output +3 Volts, > 50 ns, will drive 50 Ohm loads
DC offset or bias insertion Optional3. Apply required DC offset or bias in the range of ± 50V (250 mA max)
to back panel solder terminal.
Monitor output option4Provides a 20 dB (x10) attenuated coincident replica of main output
Connectors Out, Monitor SMA. TRIG, SYNC, GATE (-B only) BNC
Optional accessory kit
(attenuators and terminators)
Add the suffix "-AK1" to the model number to include the recommended accessory kit. Consists of
three SMA, 18 GHz, 2 Watt attenuators (10, 20 & 30 dB) for use on the output, and two 50 Ohm,
1 GHz, 1 Watt feed-through terminators (one SMA, one BNC) for use on external trigger inputs.
Optional accessory kit
(coaxial cables and adapters)
Add the suffix "-AK8" to the model number to include the recommended accessory kit.
Consists of one 12-inch SMA-M/SMA-M PE-SR405FL coaxial cable, one 12-inch SMA-M/SMA-M RG-
316 coaxial cable, one 36-inch SMA-M/SMA-M RG-316 coaxial cable, one 24-inch SMA-M/BNC-M RG-
316 coaxial cable, one 36-inch BNC-M/BNC-M RG58C/U coaxial cable, one SMA-F to BNC-M adapter,
one SMA-M to BNC-F adapter, one SMA-F to SMA-F adapter, and one SMA-F to solder cup adapter
Temperature range +5°C to +40°C
Power requirements 100 - 240 Volts, 50 - 60 Hz
Dimensions 100 × 430 × 375 mm (3.9” × 17” × 14.8”)
Chassis material Aluminum, with vinyl trim
1. -C suffix indicates stand-alone lab instrument with internal clock and line powering. No suffix indicates miniature module requiring DC power and external
trigger. (See http //www.avtechpulse.com/formats for details of the four basic instrument formats).
2. For operation at amplitudes of less than 20% of full-scale, best results will be obtained by setting the amplitude near full-scale and using external
attenuators on the output.
3. For externally applied DC offset option suffix model number with -OS. The Avtech AVX-T bias tee can also be used to obtain DC offset. For internally
generated DC offset option (0 to ±5V) add the suffix -OT to the model number.
4. For monitor option add suffix -M.
5. A 50 Ohm load is required. Other loads may damage the instrument. Consult Avtech ([e-mail]) if you need to drive other load impedances.
7

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.
10

INSTALLATION
VISUAL CHECK
After unpacking the instrument mainframe and the transformer module, examine to
ensure that they have not been damaged in shipment. Visually inspect all connectors,
knobs, and handles. Confirm that a power cord and an instrumentation manual (this
manual), 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 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-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 370001-E01
Australia, New Zealand AS 3112 2000,
230-240V, 50 Hz -AC01 Qualtek 374003-A01
Continental Europe, Korea,
Indonesia, Russia
European CEE 7/7
“Schuko” 230V, 50 Hz -AC02 Qualtek 364002-D01
North America, Taiwan NEMA 5-15,
120V, 60 Hz -AC03 Qualtek 312007-01
Switzerland SEV 1011,
230V, 50 Hz -AC06 Qualtek 378001-E01
South Africa, India SABS 164-1,
220-250V, 50 Hz -AC17 Volex 2131H 10 C3
Japan JIS 8303,
100V, 50-60 Hz -AC18 Qualtek 397002-01
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.
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) 100-240V 0.5A, 250V,
Time-Delay 5×20 mm 0218.500HXP F2416-ND
#3 (DC) N/A 1.0A, 250V,
Time-Delay 5×20 mm 0218001.HXP F2419-ND
#4 (DC) N/A 0.5A, 250V,
Time-Delay 5×20 mm 0218.500HXP F2416-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 may be a delay of several seconds before the instrument appears to respond.
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.
3) PRF Range Switch . This switch sets the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) range of
the internal oscillator. The marked value of each position is the upper limit of the
10 1 range, approximately. The vernier dial directly below the switch varies the PRF
within the set range.
If this switched is set to the “EXT” position, the instrument is triggered by a signal
applied to the TRIG connector, rather than by the internal oscillator.
4) TRIG Connector . When the PRF Range Switch is set to “EXT”, the instrument is
triggered by a TTL pulse applied to this connector. The pulse must be at least 50 ns
wide.
When the PRF Range Switch is set to one of the four internal oscillator ranges, this
connector is an output, which supplies a 2V, 200 ns wide pulse for each trigger
16
13
24
56
10
97
8

event. This output may be used to trigger oscilloscopes or other equipment.
5) Delay Controls . When the PRF Range Switch is set to one of the four internal
oscillator ranges, the main output is delayed relative to the TRIG output pulse (item
3). The delay is variable up to 200 ns, approximately, using the DELAY and DELAY
FINE dials.
6) Pulse Width Control . This dial controls the pulse width.
7) Amplitude Control . This dial controls the amplitude, in conjunction with the LOW /
HIGH range switch.
8) LOW / HIGH Range Switch . In the HIGH range, the full maximum amplitude
(approximately 5V) is delivered to the OUT connector. In the LOW range, a 15 dB
attenuator is applied to the output, reducing the maximum output voltage to
approximately 1V.
9) POS / NEG Polarity Switch . This controls the polarity of the output pulse.
10) OUT Connector . This SMA connector provides the main output. This output
requires a 50Ω load to function properly.
17

REAR PANEL CONTROLS
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. OS INPUT CONNECTOR . (Present on units with -OS option only.) A DC offset in
the range of ±50V (250 mA max) may be applied to this solder terminal. The DC
offset will appear on the output. When this feature is not used, the OS input should
be connected to ground (using the adjacent GND connector). This is especially
important when driving loads containing a diode.
5. GND CONNECTOR . (Present on units with -OS option only.) This solder terminal is
connected to ground. It may be used to ground the OS input connector.
6. MON OUTPUT CONNECTOR . (Present on units with -M option only.) This SMA
connector output provides a 20 dB attenuated coincident replica of main output, for
monitoring purposes.
7. OFFSET ON/OFF SWITCH & OUTPUT. (Present on units with -OT option only).
This switch enables the offset feature when it is set to “ON”. When it is set to “OFF”,
no offset is added to the output. The internally generated offset is available at the
“OFFSET OUT” BNC connector, for monitoring purposes.
18
2
31
65
7
4
MON OS GND
OFFSET
OUT
OFFSET
ON OFF

GENERAL INFORMATION
BASIC TEST ARRANGEMENT
The AVP-AV-1S-C should be tested with a sampling oscilloscope with a bandwidth of at
least 15 GHz to properly observe the high-speed waveform. (The cables and
attenuators must also have a bandwidth of at least 15 GHz.) A typical test arrangement
is shown below
The attenuators are required to prevent damage to the sampling oscilloscope. A 40 dB
attenuator with sufficient voltage rating should be used on the main output. Factory
tests are conducted using Mini-Circuits model BW-S20W2+ attenuators.
BASIC PULSE CONTROL
This instrument can be triggered by its own internal clock or by an external TTL trigger
signal. When triggered internally, two mainframe output channels respond to the
trigger OUT and SYNC.
OUT. This is the main output. The maximum output voltage is 5V.
TRIG. The TRIG pulse is a fixed-width TTL-level reference pulse used to trigger
oscilloscopes or other measurement systems.
The TRIG output precedes the main output. These pulses are illustrated below
19
AVTECH
PULSER
MAIN OUTPUT
CONNECTOR
TRIG
CONNECTOR
AC
POWER
ALL CABLES 50 OHM COAXIAL
SAMPLING
OSCILLOSCOPE
B > 15 GHz
50 OHM INPUT
TRIG
CONNECTOR
40 dB
ATTENUATOR

When triggered externally, the TRIG connector acts as an input. The delay controls do
not function in this mode. This illustrated below
AMPLITUDE INTERACTION
Some properties of the output pulse may change as a function of the amplitude setting.
For some demanding applications, it may be desirable to use a combination of external
attenuators and the amplitude pot to achieve the desired output amplitude.
OPERATION AT LOW AMPLITUDES
This instrument will generate the best waveforms when operated near maximum
amplitude. If amplitudes less than ~ 20% of the full-scale value are desired, better
results will be obtained if the pulse generator is operated at a higher amplitude, and an
attenuator is connected to the output.
Avtech recommends the BW-SxxW2+ series of 18 GHz coaxial attenuators from Mini-
Circuits, http //www.minicircuits.com/. (The “xx” in the part number is replaced with the
numeric attenuation value in dB).
20
TRIG
(generated by the
internal oscillator)
200 ns, FIXED
MAIN OUTPUT
PULSE WIDTHDELAY
AMPLITUDE,
VARIABLE
2V, FIXED
MAIN OUTPUT
PULSE WIDTH
AMPLITUDE,
VARIABLE
> 50 ns
TTL LEVELS
(0V and 3V-5V)
TRIG
(external input)
PROPAGATION DELAY (FIXED)