BNC 555 Series User manual

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Find the Berkeley Nucleonics 555 at our website: Click HERE

Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation
2955 KernerBlvd.
San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.berkeleynucleonics.com
555 Series
Pulse Generator
User's Manual
BNC
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Contents
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................1
Technical Support .............................................................................................................. 1
Parts List............................................................................................................................ 1
Warranty ............................................................................................................................ 1
Safety Issues...................................................................................................................... 1
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS..............................................................5
Front Panel......................................................................................................................... 5
Display Layout and Indicators ............................................................................................ 5
Keypads .............................................................................................................................. 5
Parameter Adjustment Knob ............................................................................................. 6
BASIC OPERATION ...............................................................................7
Overview............................................................................................................................ 7
QuickStart ........................................................................................................................... 8
Selecting Menus ................................................................................................................ 9
Selecting Menu Items ....................................................................................................... 9
Numeric Input Mode ......................................................................................................... 9
Item Edit Mode ................................................................................................................ 10
Alphanumeric Input Mode .............................................................................................. 10
MENUS ................................................................................................. 11
CHANNELMenu .............................................................................................................11
Enable/Disable ...................................................................................................................11
Timing Parameters ............................................................................................................11
Pulse Configuration...........................................................................................................11
Special Functions .............................................................................................................. 12
Gated Operation............................................................................................................... 12
MODE Menu................................................................................................................... 12
Modes............................................................................................................................... 12
RATE Menu..................................................................................................................... 13
To Period .......................................................................................................................... 13
GATE/TRIGGER Menu ................................................................................................. 13
Gate/Trigger Mode .......................................................................................................... 14
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SYSTEM Menu ............................................................................................................... 14
Computer Communication Parameters ........................................................................... 14
Keypad Controls .............................................................................................................. 15
Miscellaneous .................................................................................................................. 15
STORE Menu.................................................................................................................. 15
Storing a Configuration..................................................................................................... 15
Configuration # ................................................................................................................. 16
Name ................................................................................................................................. 16
RECALLMenu ............................................................................................................... 16
Recalling a Configuration................................................................................................. 16
Configuration # ................................................................................................................. 16
Name ................................................................................................................................. 16
AUXILIARY Menus ........................................................................................................ 17
BASIC OPERATION .............................................................................18
COMPUTER INTERFACE ....................................................................21
Serial Port Pinout ............................................................................................................. 21
Programming Command Types and Format ................................................................... 21
IEEE 488.2 Common Command Format ......................................................................... 21
SCPI Command Keywords ............................................................................................... 22
SCPI Command and Query Format ................................................................................. 22
SCPI Keyword Separator ................................................................................................. 23
SCPI Option Keyword...................................................................................................... 23
SCPI Specific and Implied Channel ................................................................................. 23
SCPI Parameter Types ..................................................................................................... 23
Error Codes...................................................................................................................... 23
INTERFACE EXAMPLES .....................................................................25
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................31
Internal Rate Generator ................................................................................................. 31
Channel Timing Parameters ............................................................................................ 31
Output Channel Parameters ............................................................................................ 31
External Trigger and Gate .............................................................................................. 31
Computer Interface ......................................................................................................... 32
General............................................................................................................................. 32
MENU SUMMARY................................................................................33
MAINTENANCE ...................................................................................37
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CUSTOM FEATURES ...........................................................................39
35 Volt Option.................................................................................................................. 39
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INTRODUCTION
This manual is designed to familiarize you with the Berkeley Nucleonics Model 555 pulse
generator. Rather than the usual array of knobs and switches, the 555 uses a menu-driven user
interface with “on-line” help -- once you learn the basics of operating your 555, you may never
need to refer to this manual again.
The 555 has some unique features that are designed exclusively for use as a laser trigger signal
generator, but can also be used as a general purpose pulse generator. Because it employs a
flexible microprocessor-controlled architecture, the 555 can be customized to fit your exact
requirements -- contact Berkeley Nucleonics for details.
Technical Support
For questions or comments about operating the 555 -- contact Berkeley Nucleonics via one of
the following methods.
- Phone - [phone]
- Fax - [phone]
- Internet - www.berkeleynucleonics.com
Parts List
The following parts are included with the 555 -- contact Berkeley Nucleonics if any parts are
missing.- 555 Pulse Generator
- AC Power Cord
- User’s Manual
Warranty
In addition to a 30-day money back guarantee, the 555 has a one-year limited warranty from
the date of delivery. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Berkeley
Nucleonics will repair or replace any defective unit. Contact us for information on obtaining
warranty service. Warranty does not apply to defects resulting from:
- Improper or inadequate maintenance or calibration;
- Unauthorized modification or misuse;
- Operation outside of the published environmental specifications for the product;
- Improper site preparation or maintenance.
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Berkeley Nucleonics does not warrant the operation of this product to be uninterrupted or error
free. This product is not intended for medical or life-support use, for the detonation of
explosive devices, or for any other application that could cause bodily harm in the event of a
product malfunction. The user assumes all risks associated with such use of this product.
Safety Issues
Normal use of test equipment presents a certain amount of danger from electrical shock be-
cause testing must be performed where exposed voltage is present. An electrical shock causing
10 milliamps of current to pass through the heart will stop most human heartbeats. Voltage as
low as 35 VDC or RMS AC should be considered dangerous and hazardous since it can
produce a lethal current under certain conditions. Higher voltages pose an even greater threat
because such voltage can easily produce a lethal current. Your normal work habits should
include all accepted practices that will prevent contact with exposed high voltage, and steer
current away from your heart in case of accidental contact with a high voltage. You will signifi-
cantly reduce the risk factor if you know and observe the following safety precautions:
1. To avoid the risk of electric shock, do not remove the instrument cover. Servic-
ing of the instrument should only be performed by trained, qualified personnel.
2. Do not position the instrument in such a manner that makes it difficult to remove
the AC power cord.
3. Use an insulated floor material or a large, insulated floor mat to stand on, and an
insulated work surface on which to place equipment. Make certain such
surfaces are not damp or wet.
4. Use the time-proven “one hand in the pocket” technique while handling an
instrument probe. Be particularly careful to avoid contact with metal objects
that could provide a good ground return path.
5. When testing AC powered equipment, remember that AC line voltage is usually
present on power input circuits, such as the on-off switch, fuses, power trans-
former etc.
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6. Never work alone. Someone should always be nearby to render aid if neces-
sary. Training in CPR first aid is highly recommended.
7. Safety symbols used on the instrument
- Instruction Manual symbol
(user must refer to the instruction manual)
- On/Standby switch symbols:
On
Standby
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