BNC 106H User manual

Instruction Manual
Model 106H/155H/158H
Optical Module
2955 Kerner Blvd. San Rafael, CA 94901 Ph: 415-453-9955 FX: 415-453-9956
www.berkeleynucleonics.com

2
WARRANTY
Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation warrants all instruments, including
component parts, to be free from defects in material and workmanship,
under normal use and service for a period of one year. If repairs are
required during the warranty period, contact the factory for component
replacement or shipping instructions. Include serial number of the
instrument. This warranty is void if the unit is repaired or altered by others
than those authorized by Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation.

3
CONTENTS
Page
SECTION 1 SPECIFICATIONS 6
Model 106H Characteristics 6
SECTION 2 OPERATING INFORMATION 8
Features 8
General 8
Power Up 8
Module Installation 8
Safety Precautions 9
Warm Up Requirements 9
Troubleshooting 9
Front Panel Description 9
LED Indicator 9
Connectors 9
Rear Panel Description 10
Mainframe Operation 11
Front Panel Programming 11
Remote Programming 13
SECTION 3 THEORY OF OPERATION 14
General 14
Circuit Description 14
Module Interface 14
Laser Drivers 15
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE AND CALIBRATION 17
Maintenance 17
Light Output Connector 17
Calibration 17
General 17
Equipment Required 17
Procedure 17

4
CONTENTS
ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure No. Page
Frontispiece Model 106H 1064 nm Optical Module 5
1-1 Trigger and Output Pulse Timing
2-1 Safety Labels
3-1 Module Interface Block Diagram
TABLES
Table No. Page
2-1 106H Module Default Settings 10
2-2 Menu Keys for the 106H Module 12
3-1 P8, Module Interface Signals 14
3-2 Plug-In Module Memory Map 16

5
1064 NM OPTICAL MODULE
MODEL 106H
Graphic (Model 106H)
The Model 106H is one of a series of output plug-in modules that provide electrical and optical pulses
when installed in the Model 6040 mainframe.
This particular module provides optical pulses of 1064 nm wavelength at peak levels to 50 mW at rates
to 2 kHz.

6
SECTION 1
SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL 106H CHARACTERISTICS
Timing Characteristics
Rep Rate: 0.01 Hz - 2 kHz.
Delay: 0 - 640 s (Single Pulse operation),
500 s - 640 s (Double Pulse operation).
Width: Four fixed output widths, 10 ns, 15 ns, 20 ns and 25 ns
(contact factory for custom widths).
Output Characteristics
LIGHT OUT
Source: Laser diode.
Wavelength: 1064 nm.
Spectral Width: 4 nm typical, 10 nm max.
Power Level: 50 mW max., 5 mW min. (Peak level). Baseline level is
fixed at zero.
Power Level Resolution: 0.2 mW.
Extinction Ratio:
Pulse Adjustment Range: (Max. pulse size: min. pulse size) 10 dB,
Rise Time: 3ns.
Fall Time: 5ns.
Insertion Delay: 20 ns typical (between mainframe TRIG OUT and LIGHT
OUT; see Figure 1-1).
Jitter: 100 ps rms (between mainframe TRIG OUT and LIGHT
OUT).
Connector: SMA 100/140 um glass fiber.
PULSE OUT
Amplitude: +5 V into 50 ohms.
Transition Times: 1.5 ns.
Insertion Delay: 10 ns typical (between mainframe TRIG OUT and
module PULSE OUT; see Figure 1-1).

7
SPECIFICATIONS
Modes
The Model 106H can operate under the following mainframe Mode.
PULSE Conventional pulse generator operation with rate,
delay, width (four width selections) and single/double pulse
operation controlled by the 6040 mainframe.
Module Memory Control
Nonvolatile memory (RAM and ROM) stores front panel settings and determines the allowable signals,
modes and units.
STORAGE: Ten complete settings can be saved in module memory
and retrieved by the mainframe. The setting in memory 0 is
automatically transferred into the mainframe upon insertion
of the module,
General
DIMENSIONS: 3.75" W 4.9" H 10" D (95 mm 124 mm 254 mm).
WEIGHT: 2 lbs, net (0.9 kg); 7 lbs, shipping (3.2 kg).
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE: 0° - 50° C operating temperature (32° -112° F).
Specifications apply 10° - 40° C (50° -104° F).

8
SECTION 2
OPERATING INFORMATION
FEATURES
The Model 106H plug-in module provides a 1064 nm laser diode optical output source for the Model
6040 Universal Pulse Generator, The 106H operates only in the Pulse Mode of the 6040 mainframe. It
supplies flat-topped pulses with fast rise and fall times and adjustable Peak level. Baseline level is fixed
at zero (no light output).
Pulse timing is generated by the mainframe. The pulse width may be chosen from four fixed selections:
10 ns, 15 ns, 20 ns, or 25 ns (contact the factory for alternate width choices). A delay can be specified
with respect to an internal trigger occurring at a selected repetition rate or with respect to an externally
supplied trigger signal (TRIG IN). In addition. Single Cycle operation allows the user to trigger the
instrument manually, using a pushbutton (or using remote programming). In each case a trigger out
signal (TRIG OUT) is provided by the 6040 for reference (see Figure 1-1). Double Pulse operation,
producing both an initial and delayed pulse out of the same jack, may be selected for any trigger choice.
For all of these timing options both optical and electrical outputs are provided. The module PULSE OUT
jack provides electrical pulses coincident with the optical output (LIGHT OUT). These +5 V (into 50 ohm)
pulses have the same width as the optical pulses produced (even when the module is provided with
alternate width options). The mainframe PULSE OUT jack also supplies +5 V electrical pulses that
correspond to the optical output pulses, provided the standard width selections (10 ns, 15 ns, 20 ns, or
25 ns) are being used. Refer to Figure 1-1 for timing diagrams of these outputs.
For more detailed information on the characteristics of the Pulse Mode and hov to control the module
from the mainframe, see the Specifications section and the 6040 manual.
General
POWER UP
When power is applied to the 6040 mainframe with a 106H module installed, the instrument settings from
the module's memory 0 are activated. The mainframe automatically checks what type of plug-in module
is in place and loads the appropriate parameters. The LCD, after shoving the mainframe's software
version number and performing a memory check, will display "106H Ver. x.x" where "x.x" is the version
number of the module.
Module Installation
The module must be installed with mainframe power off. A module can be damaged or have its
memory corrupted if inserted or removed from the mainframe with the power on. To install the module,
simply slide it in and tighten the mount screw knob.

9
OPERATING INFORMATION
Safety Precautions
Laser light emitted from the end of a connected light fiber is invisible. Fibers should be terminated in a
system which will not allow human exposure to this radiation. Do not stare into the beam or into a beam
from a reflecting surface. Use of controls or adjustments or performance procedures other than those
specified herein may result in hazardous exposure. Safety labels attached to the module are shown in
Figure 2-1.
Always keep the LIGHT OUT connector covered with the dust cap when a fiber is not attached in order to
avoid hazardous exposure and to keep the connector as clean as possible.
Warm Up Requirements
No warm up period, other than that necessary for the mainframe itself, is required.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Follow the procedure in the Troubleshooting section of the 6040 manual. Make sure that the module is
seated correctly in the mainframe. If the module's memory has been corrupted, a cold boot will put the
module's default settings into effect (as described in the Cold Boot paragraph in the 6040 manual). Table
2-1 gives the default settings for the 106H module.
The Quick Test procedure for the mainframe may be applied to the 106H by selecting the Pulse Mode
and following the test sequence using the module's LIGHT OUT connector and an optical detector in
place of the mainframe's PULSE OUT.
Front Panel Descriptions
LED INDICATOR
The front panel LASER ACTIVE LED turns on when the instrument is in a state that can produce a light
output.
CONNECTORS
Two connectors appear on the 106H module front panel.
LIGHT OUT provides the optical output from the module. A100/140 m fiber with an SMA connector is
required (the unit can be configured for other connectors; consult the factory for details). To keep dust
out of the connector when a fiber is not attached, a dust cap is provided.

10
OPERATING INFORMATION
Table 2-1. 106H Module Default Settings.
PULSE OUT provides an electrical output from the module corresponding to the optical output from
LIGHT OUT.
When LIGHT OUT is active, PULSE OUT goes to +5 V (into 50 ohm); when LIGHT OUT is off, PULSE
OUT is at zero volts (see Figure 1-1).
Rear Panel Description
The rear panel of the 106H module has a mounting screw (for installation into the mainframe), one 40-pin
edge connector, and one SMA connector.
The 40-pin connector allows the 6040 mainframe to control and communicate with the module and also
supplies the power to the module.
The SMA (snap-on type) connector receives the high speed pulse generator DRIVE signal from the
mainframe, This signal is an ECL version of the mainframe's front panel PULSE OUT.
MODE: Pulse
TRIG: Single Cycle
(with other values set as follows)
Internal Trigger Rate = 1 kHz.
External Trigger Threshold = 0.00 V
Trigger Slope +
TIMING: Delay = 1 s
Width = "1"
Single Pulse
LEVEL: Peak = 50.0mW
GPIB/RS232: GPIB Address = 6
Baud Rate = 1200
Full Duplex
Remote Enabled

11
OPERATING INFORMATION
Mainframe Operation
This section presents information on how to operate the Model 6040 Universal Pulse Generator with the
Model 106H optical module installed. Only the details that are specific to the module are described. For
an overall description of how to use the mainframe with plug-in modules, please refer to the 6040
manual.
Front Panel Programming
When operating the instrument from the front panel, certain control keys have module dependent action,
as indicated in the 6040 manual. The aspects of these keys, and the menus they control, that are not
general to the mainframe will be listed here.
An overall chart of the menu keys, showing which menu selections are available for this module, is given
in Table 2-2.

12
OPERATING INFORMATION
Table 2-2. Menu Keys for the 106H Module
{MODE} The Mode menu for the 106H has only the Pulse Mode available In this Mode, flat-
topped pulses of specified Width, Peak level and Delay are produced.
{TRIG} The Trigger source and parameter menu has five menu items Single Cycle,
Internal Trigger (and Rate), External Trigger (and Threshold), and External Trigger
Slope.
Internal Trigger Rate is adjustable from 0.01 Hz to 2 kHz.
External Trigger allows the instrument to accept user-supplied triggers at rates
from zero to 2 kHz. For external triggers exceeding 2 kHz, the instrument will
internally limit the rate and will supply output pulses (and TRIG OUT pulses) at a 2
kHz rate. The External Trigger Threshold is adjustable over the 6040's entire
range.
MODE Menu
Pulse
TRIG Menu
Single Cycle
Internal Trigger (and Rate)
External Trigger (and Threshold)
External Trigger Slope
TIMING Menu
Delay
Width
Single/Double Pulse
LEVEL Menu
Peak

13
OPERATING INFORMATION
{TIMING} The Timing parameter menu has three selections: Single/Double Pulse. Delay,
Width, a Single/Double Pulse.
Delay determines the time duration between the mainframe TRIG OUT pulse and
the PULSE OUT and LIGHT OUT pulses (see Figure 1-1).
In Single Pulse operation, Delay may be specified over the entire timing range of
the mainframe, from zero delay to a delay of 640 seconds. The time interval
between the leading edge of the output pulse (mainframe PULSE OUT and
module PULSE OUT or LIGHT OUT) and the TRIG OUT pulse will be equal to
Delay plus the insertion delay.
In Double Pulse operation, Delay may range from 500 us to 640 seconds. Two
identical pulses are provided from each output (mainframe PULSE OUT, module
PULSE OUT and LIGHT OUT). The leading edge of the initial pulse, which occurs
at the zero delay position, and the leading edge of the second pulse are separated
by the selected Delay.
Width allows the user to select one of four fixed pulse widths for the output: either
10 ns, 15 ns, 20 ns or 25 ns (or from an alternate set of widths ordered from the
factory). The desired width is selected by pressing 1, 2, 3, or 4 (corresponding to
10 ns, 15 ns, 20 ns or 25 ns respectively) followed by the ENTER or EXEC key (if
alternate widths have been supplied, 1, 2, 3, and 4 correspond in order to
increasing pulse widths). Pressing 0, followed by ENTER or EXEC, will result in
zero output from the LIGHT OUT jack, the module PULSE OUT jack, and the
mainframe PULSE OUT jack; the mainframe, however, will continue to produce
TRIG OUT pulses.
{LEVEL} The Level parameter menu for the 106H has only the Peak Level available.
Peak Level selects the output power level for the optical pulses. This level may be
adjusted between 5 mW and 50 mW in 0.2 mW steps. No light output is present
between pulses.
{UNITS} This key is not used with the106H module (and has no effect).
FUNCTION KEYS These keys are not used with the 106H module (and have no effect).
{A}, {B}, {C}
Remote Programming
The remote programming commands that are specific to this module correspond to the module
dependent front panel commands, as described in the previous section. Consult the 6040 manual and
the above section for details on controlling the instrument with remote programming. The Module Status
command, the only command that is specific to the module, is not used with the 106H and will return an
undefined value.

14
SECTION 3
THEORY OF OPERATION
General
CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
Module Interface
The module is controlled by the mainframe via signals received on the 40-pin connector, P8 (see Table
3-D. Signals QADO-QAD7 are multiplexed with data and address. QA8-QA12 are no multiplexed
address lines.
Table 3-1. PS, Module Interface Signals
QALE, a quiet bus signal, is used to latch the lower eight address lines, LA0-LA7 (QADO-QAD7), into the
octal latch, Z4. These are distributed to 26, a nonvolatile RAM, to Z5, a 2764 EPROM, and to Z8, an
8255 Parallel Peripheral Interface 1C (PPI). Table 3-2 gives the memory map for the module.
Z6, the nonvolatile RAM, is used for saving panel settings using the STORE and RECALL keys.
Z5, the EPROM, contains the module ID. and parameter boundaries used by the microprocessor to set
up the operation of the system (module and mainframe).
Signals(s) Pin# Description
QAD0-QAD7 8-1 8 multiplexed data/address line
QA8-QA12 16-12 5 address lines
QRD 11 Module read
QWR 10 Module write
QALE 9 Address Latch Enable (demux QAD0-QAD7)
PLUGIN 18 Enables module interface circuits
RESET 17 System reset
MOD DIS 19 Disables module
+5 V 26, 28 +5 V supply
-5.2 V 34, 36 -5.2 V supply
+12 V 37, 39 +12 V supply
-12 V 38, 40 -12 V supply
THE 27 +3 V supply
GND 35, 29-33 Ground
20-25 Unused

15
THEORY OF OPERATION
Z8, the PPI, is used to control the output level and width selection. PA0-PA7 control Z7 (an 8-bit DAC)
which sets the power level of the light pulse. Port B is not used. PC0-PC3 are used to select one of four
different preset widths, and PC4 is a software disable.
QRD and QWR control the direction of data flow to and from the mainframe, respectively.
RESET is used at power up to initialize ZS, the 8255 PPI.
MOD DIS allows the user to disable the output of the plug-in via the mainframe rear panel MODULE
DISABLE connector.
Laser Drivers
Z7 is an 8-bit DAC whose full-scale current is set at 2 mA by R9. Z13-1 produces a voltage swing of 7,5
V as the programming to Z7 varies from zero to full scale. R91, via R92, biases Z13-1 to a negative
voltage (approximately -2.5 V). R4 provides an adjustable gain (to Z13-7) for the entire range of voltages
at Z13-1. R93 provides a second adjustable gain; however, this path only operates on the negative levels
from Z13-1. The net affect is that the gain is in creased as the voltage at Z1 3-1 goes more negative than
ground, R94 provides a third gain adjustment that operates on the positive levels from Z13-1
R5 is used to set the output of Z13-7 at the desired (negative) level. The voltage at Z13-7 is applied to
the gates of a pair of FETs, Q13 and OH. These FETs function as voltage variable resistors that shunt
current around the laser as required to control the optical output. The triple slope gain characteristic
provided by CR1 and CR7 is required to linearize the control of the optical output power.
The drive current for the laser (LD1-5, LD1-9) is generated by one of four high current avalanche pulse
generators. One of these is shown as Q12A. A common high voltage supply serves all four circuits, only
one of which is used at a time. The circuits are identical except for the length of the pulse-forming
"clipping" lines, CL2A and CL3A. The output pulse width is selected by applying power and triggers to
the appropriate generator.
A negative-going current pulse of approximately 10 amps appears at the collector of Q12A. Its width is
twice the length of the delay line, CL2. A small trigger transformer couples a short (10 ns) trigger from
Q16A to Q12A and determines the trigger width.
Z9 gates steer the triggers to the desired trigger transistor and also enable one of the high voltage opto-
isolators which in turn applies the -350 V to the appropriate avalanche transistor. "1 of 4" enable logic is
provided by Z8.

16
THEORY OF OPERATION
The CL2A and CL3A clipping lines are normally open and store very little energy. Even if they became
shorted, the current is limited by R40 to a level well below the laser's maximum rating. As an additional
precaution, the high voltage supply itself (PSD is only capable of 2 mA.
Q7 receives the DRIVE signal from the mainframe, amplifies and translates it to CMOS levels for Z9 and
Z1 1. Z1 1 provides some disable logic that allows either an internal disable (from the bus decoders) or
MOD DIS (from the rear panel connector) to inhibit the generation of triggers and force the amplitude to
zero by turning the amplitude control transistors on. When no inhibiting is present, the LASER ACTIVE
light is illuminated.
Q1 generates a pulse whose width is approximately equal to that of the optical pulse and whose
amplitude is +5 V into 50 ohms.
Table 3-2. Plug-In Module Memory Map
Memory Range
C000-C777 Z5, I.D.ROM
C800-CFFF Unused
D000-D7FF Z6, Nonvolatile RAM
D800-DFFF I/O
D800-D9FF Z8,82C55 PPI
D800 Port A (Peak level)
D801 Port B (unused)
D802 Port C (Width Select, Disable)
D803 Control
DA00-DFFF Unused

17
SECTION 4
MAINTENANCE AND CALIBRATION
MAINTENANCE
Light Output Connector
For satisfactory performance, proper care in the use of the optical components is necessary. There must
be no contamination to interfere with the passage of light through the fiber end connections and the
bulkhead connector. The following procedures should be observed.
1. Avoid connecting and disconnecting the optical cable as much as possible.
2. Keep the connectors absolutely clean.
3. Keep the output bulkhead connector and the user's connector capped when not in use.
CALIBRATION
General
The Model 106H is an optical pulse generator whose output is controlled by the 6040 mainframe.
Digital data is applied to a DAC, Z7, whose full scale current is set to 2 mA by R9, This produces a 7.5 V
swing at Z13-1. This point (Z13-D will be referred to as "TP-A" in what follows. The second half of Z13
generates a voltage for the gates of the control FETs, Z13 and Z14. The relation between this gate
voltage and the actual optical power out is quite nonlinear. The goal of this calibration procedure is to
introduce the appropriate compensating nonlinearities so that the actual output power and displayed
power are in agreement.
It is recommended that the calibration of the 106H module be verified every 12 months. The instrument
requires no warm up period exceeding that of the 6040, for which ten minutes is suggested.
Equipment Required
Optical detector calibrated at 1064 nm (EG&G FFD-100 or equivalent).
100 MHz bandwidth oscilloscope (Tektronix 485 or equivalent). (Steps 7 through 14
may also be performed using the BNC 6100 Optical Power Meter.)
3 1/2 digit (or better) DVM.

18
MAINTENANCE AND CALIBRATION
PROCEDURE
WARNING: Do not attempt to adjust R3. This control has been factory set for accurate wavelength. If
the laser is defective, return the module to the factory.
1. Set the displayed Peak level to 15 mW.
2. Select Internal Trigger with a 2 kHz rate.
3. Set the Width to 25 ns (width #4),
4. Set TP-A (Z13-l) to- 0.3V with R91.
5. Set the measured optical power to 15 mW with R5 (be sure all fiber optic connections are
clean).
6. Set the displayed Peak level to 30 mW. Record the measured optical power.
7. Set the displayed Peak level to 35 mW. Record the measured optical power.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 while adjusting R4 until the measured change is 5 mW.
9. Set the displayed Peak level to 5 mW. Record the measured optical power.
10. Set the displayed a Peak level to 10 mW, Record the measured optical power.
11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 while adjusting R93 until the measured change is 5 mW.
12. Set the displayed Peak level to 45 mW. Record the measured optical power.
13. Set the displayed Peak level to 50 mW. Record the measured optical power.
14. Repeat steps 12 and 13 while adjusting R94 until the measured change is 5 mW
(measured) optical power with displayed power at 5, 10, and 20. 30, 40, and 50 mW. If
agreement is worse than ±5 % of reading in the 5-20 mW region, change the initial
displayed Peak level in step 1 so that it is near the region of worst disagreement,
and repeat the calibration procedure (starting with step 1).