Hubert A1230-01 User manual

Operating Manual
A1230-01
4-Quadrant Voltage Amplifier (2-Channel)
DC – 7 MHz 450 V/µs 185 W (DC-source) 68 W (DC-sink)
Revision 2.0
MA-12300010

Contents
1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................3
2 For Your Safety...............................................................................................................4
3 Operating Elements.........................................................................................................8
4 A123 -Control Software...............................................................................................11
5 Notes on Operation.......................................................................................................16
6 Integration into Automated Test Systems......................................................................19
7 Maintenance and Service..............................................................................................22
8 Decommissioning and Disposal....................................................................................23
9 Warranty.......................................................................................................................23
1 Contact Information....................................................................................................24
11 Guidelines...................................................................................................................24
12 Document History.......................................................................................................25
A123 - 1

1 Introduction
1.1 Device Description
The A123 - 1 is a linear, extremely wideband precision power amplifier. It is ideal for all
applications that require fast changing signals at any purely resistive and complex loads.
The A123 - 1 has two summable inputs with 5 Ω and 1 kΩ input resistance; the 5 Ω input
makes it the ideal downstream equipment for conventional function generators.
Two optional operating voltages are available for high-voltage/low-current or low-voltage/high-
current applications. Especially in case of very low-impedance loads, choosing the low operating
voltage leads to a considerable reduction of the power loss and a higher output current. If higher
output voltages are required, the preamplifier output ( Bridge Out ) allows a simple set-up of a
bridge circuit with a second A123 - 1 for doubling the output voltage
The device is equipped with a temperature-controlled, low noise fan. Additionally an over-
temperature protection, a power-loss calculation and an absolute-current monitoring guarantee
perfect short-circuit and overload protection.
In addition to the operating elements on the front panel, the amplifier is fully remote controllable via
the USB port or LAN interface, using a simple byte protocol.
If even higher output voltages or higher output currents are required, configurations with series or
parallel connections of several A123 - 1 are possible.
Always read the enclosed data sheet
The separate data sheet is part of these operating instructions and must also be read and
understood. Device-speci c modi cations on customer request can only be found in the data sheet!
The data sheet is part of the scope of delivery of the device and can be downloaded from our
website www.drhubert.com.
1.2 Scope of Delivery
•USB thumb-drive including
◦These operating instructions
◦Application Software
•Power cable
•USB cable
A1230-01 Introduction Page 3

2 For Your Safety
2.1 Used Symbols and Notations
2.1.1 Warning Level
Type and source of danger
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury.
Type and source of danger
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
Type and source of danger
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate
injury or property damage.
Type and source of danger
Indicates important information about the product or procedures that should be considered for the
correct functioning of the device.
2.1.2 Used Warning Symbols
Warning about a dangerous voltage
Warning about general danger
Description of what should be done or what to pay attention to
A1230-01 For Your Safety Page 4

2.2 General Safety Advice
The following general safety instructions must be observed during the use of this device.
Disregarding this advice or specific warnings in this manual will violate safety standards in the
intended uses of this equipment.
The manufacturer is not responsible for consequences resulting from disregarding the advice and
warnings.
Electrical voltage – Danger of electric shock
Parts under voltage:
Always cover all parts under voltage that inevitably arise during operation.
Touching of cables, sockets and plugs:
Never touch the contacts of cables, sockets or plugs directly after disconnecting them, as there is a
risk of electric shock.
Contact between amplifier outputs and PE:
Touching an ampli er output and PE at the same time can result in a life threatening electric shock.
Earth the device:
The device ful lls the requirements for protection class I. To avoid the risk of electric shock, the
device housing must be earthed and therefore always operate the device via the supplied three-
core power cable with protective conductor. The mains cable may only be plugged into a grounded
socket with a protective earth contact. An interruption of the protective earth conductor inside or
outside the device reduces the safety of the device and is prohibited.
Safety Regulations for the work with electrical equipment:
- Disconnect mains!
- Prevent reconnection!
- Test for absence of harmful voltages!
- Ground and short circuits!
- Cover or close of nearby live parts!
Devices with a heavy current connection:
Devices with a heavy current connection may only be operated via a 4-pole RCD with ≤40 ms at 5 x
IΔn. If it is not possible to install the RCD in the building installation, then our device must be
connected to the mains supply via a mobile distributor with the appropriate RCD.
Do not open the housing:
Covers must not be removed by the operating personnel. Maintenance and repair work is reserved
exclusively for quali ed service personnel.
A1230-01 For Your Safety Page 5

Important notes
The device must be used exclusively for its intended purpose.
The device is only approved for operation within the connected loads speci ed on the type label.
Do not insert any mechanical parts, especially metal parts, into the device through the ventilation
slots.
Protect the unit from moisture, humidity and condensation. Avoid using liquids near the device.
Never connect loads while the ampli er outputs are switched on.
Operate the device exclusively on the public power supply system (no generators/UPS).
To avoid personal injury and property damage, make sure that the equipment and components
used in the test are not overloaded. Read all operating instructions for the devices used thoroughly
and ensure that all defined device limits are adhered to. If there are doubts about the suitability of
the devices for the test to be performed, contact the manufacturer of the device.
2.3 Intended Use
2.3.1 Hardware
The device is intended exclusively for use as an LF power amplifier. Typical applications are the
operation as voltage amplifier on passive loads. Active loads are only permitted under certain
conditions in agreement with the manufacturer.
Operation on active loads
Active loads are only permitted under certain conditions in agreement with the manufacturer.
The device may only be operated within the technical data and under the ambient conditions
specified in this manual.
Changes to the device are not permitted without the consent and release of the manufacturer.
Proper and safe operation of the device requires correct installation and careful operation. This
manual is part of the device and must always be accessible to the user. Observe all safety
regulations listed in this manual.
The improper use leads to the exclusion of any liability claims.
The operator alone is liable for all damage caused by improper use.
A1230-01 For Your Safety Page 6

2.3.2 Software
‘A123 Control’ is software developed to control and configure HUBERT power amplifier. Take into
account technical data and applications described in this manual. Changes to the software are not
permitted without the consent and release of the manufacturer. Proper and safe operation of the
software requires correct installation and careful operation. This manual is part of the software and
must always be accessible to the user. Observe all safety regulations listed in this manual.
2.4 User
Operation may only be performed by qualified persons.
Reading and understanding the operating instructions
Never use the device without having read and understood the operating instructions. Always contact
the manufacturer if you have any questions.
Qualified persons within the meaning of the safety instructions in this manual are authorized
persons for commissioning and operating systems in accordance with the standards of safety
technology.
Risk of injury in case of insufficient qualification
Improper work can lead to personal injury and damage to property. Any work may only be carried
out by persons who have the necessary training, knowledge and experience.
A1230-01 For Your Safety Page 7

3 Operating Elements
3.1 Front Panel Elements
[1] POWER BUTTON
On / Off switch.
(Here is implemented the switchover ready to operate / standby. The standby mode is
signaled by the weakly-lit, blue LED. The power supply disconnection is implemented with
the switch on the rear side.)
[2] AMP IN 5 Ω BUTTON
OFF: 5 Ω input is switched off
ON: 5 Ω input is switched on
[3] AMP IN 1 KΩ BUTTON
OFF: 1 kΩ input is switched off
ON: 1 kΩ input is switched on
[4] OUT+ / OUT-
4 mm safety sockets, amplifier output
Reference potential (negative-socket) is connected to protective earth via 1 MΩ.
[5] IN 5 KΩ
5 Ω Signal input; isolated BNC socket
Reference potential is connected to protective earth via 1 MΩ.
[6] IN 1 KΩ
1 kΩ Signal input; isolated BNC socket
Reference potential is connected to protective earth via 1 MΩ.
[7] GROUND SOCKET
Connection to the protective conductor potential.
A1230-01 Operating Elements Page 8

[8] POWER SUPPLY HIGH / LOW BUTTON
Changing of the operating voltage
HIGH (LED on): High operating voltage (ca. ± 9 V)
LOW (LED off): Low operating voltage (ca. ± 45 V)
recommended for low-impedance loads
[9] READY/PROTECTION LED
Green: Lights up when the amplifier is ready for operation.
(READY)
Red: Signals the intervention of a protection mechanism.
Red LED lights up constantly: Over-temperature protection; the device switches on
automatically after the drop of the temperature.
Red LED flashes slowly (≈1/s): Disconnection because of exceeding the permissible
power loss or output current.
Red LED flashes rapidly (≈3/s): Hardware fault. The device must be sent to the
manufacturer
A1230-01 Operating Elements Page 9

3.2 Back Panel Elements
[1] PLUG FOR NON-HEATING APPARATUS (C13) WITH MAINS SWITCH AND
FUSEHOLDER
Fuse 4AT (5x2 mm)
[2] BRIDGE OUT BNC SOCKET
Inverted preamp output for simple setup of bridge circuits
[3] INTERLOCK
BNC socket for interlock connection
[4] COMPUTER USB
USB-socket for connecting to a computer (emulated COM-Port)
[5] COMPUTER LAN
Ethernet socket (RJ-45) for connecting to a computer
A1230-01 Page 10

4 A123 -Control Software
4.1 Hardware and Software Requirements
To run the software, you need a computer running Windows 7 or Windows 1 and a free USB
port.
4.2 Installation of the A1230-Control Software
Insert the supplied USB stick into an USB port on your computer. Open the drive in Windows
Explorer and locate to setup.exe.
•Additional drivers and required additional programs are installed within the framework of the
installation routine and require administrative access rights.
•The driver devices required for the device are tested and do not represent any security risk!
The possible security risks documented by your operating system due to non-certified
drivers can be ignored.
•Continue to follow the instructions on the screen.
•The installation program generates the directory A123 -Control.
A1230-01 A1230-Control Software Page 11

4.3 Operation of the Software
4.3.1 A1230-Control Main Window
The above control menu (A123 -Control) includes the following buttons and indications:
[1] CONFIGURATION
The configuration menu is called up.
The following characteristics of the A123 - 1 can be preset with the aid of the configuration
menu (startup configuration). The amplifier then starts after the repeated switching on with
the adjusted options.
[2] DEVICE
saadfasdfasdfsd
[3] INFO
Here you find information about your GUI software version, as well as the amplifier firmware
and the amplifier hardware.
[4] TEMPERATURE
The heat sink temperature is displayed in °C. At 75°C the amplifier switches off and at
5 °C on again.
[5] MAX. POWERLOSS
The maximum power dissipation of the power semiconductors is displayed in %.
A1230-01 A1230-Control Software Page 12

At 1 % the amplifier switches off. For short signals the maximum power dissipation can be
significantly higher than the average power dissipation.
The displayed values are rated with the heat sink temperature and therefore greater at
higher temperatures.
[6] MEAN POWERLOSS
The average power dissipation of the power semiconductors is displayed in %.
It is a measure of the long-term warming of the amplifier.
At 1 % the amplifier switches off. For short signals the maximum power dissipation can be
significantly higher than the average power dissipation.
The displayed values are rated with the heat sink temperature and therefore greater at
higher temperatures.
[7] QUIT
Quits the application.
[8] RESET INTERLOCK
Only possible if the interlock-mode latching is configured. After safety shutdown has taken
place, the interlock function must be reset manually. The amplifier can now be switched on
again (Amplifier On).
[9] STATUS INDICATION
Green, Ready:
Signals the operational readiness of the amplifier.
Red, short-circuit_current exceeded
The short-circuit current cut-off has been activated.
Red, Current + exceeded
The permissible positive transistor current has been exceeded
Red, Current – exceeded
The permissible negative transistor current has been exceeded
Red, Power Loss + exceeded
The permissible operating range of the positive side of the power semiconductors has been
exceeded.
Red, Power Loss – exceeded
The permissible operating range of the negative side of the power semiconductors has
been exceeded.
Red, Temperature exceeded
The permissible temperature of the heat sink has been exceeded.
Red, Transformer temperature exceeded
The permissible temperature of the power transformer has been exceeded.
Red, Hardware Error:
An amplifier error was detected.
[1 ] CONNECT
Selection and activation of the device interface.
A1230-01 A1230-Control Software Page 13

[11] POWER SUPPLY
Selecting the operating voltage of the amplifier.
Operating voltage Ub - high Ub + high
ca. +/-45 V Off Off
ca. +/-9 V On On
[12] INPUTS 5 OHM / 1 KOHM
The signal inputs of the amplifier can be switched on and off by clicking on the box.
[13] OUTPUT RELAY
The signal output of the amplifier can be turned on and off by clicking the appropriate box.
4.3.2 Connect Menu
The available amplifiers are listed with their corresponding port. A connection is established after
clicking on ‘Select device and confirm here’.
The device name can be freely changed by a double-click on a list entry (please note tool tip).
With the aid of ‘Check Devices’, connected devices can be searched for renewed.
A1230-01 A1230-Control Software Page 14

4.3.3 Con guration Menu
Here the default values for some parameters can be changed. These values are read when the
software starts.
[1] POWER SUPPLY
Selecting the operating voltage of the amplifier. The operating voltages can also be set
unbalanced by remote commands.
[2] 5 OHM INPUT
Selection of the state of the 5 Ω input.
[3] 1 KΩ INPUT
Selection of the state of the 1 kΩ input.
[4] INTERLOCK
Setting the interlock mode.
LATCHING: After an interlock, the interlock state must be reset by a remote command
before the amplifier can be switched through again.
LIVE: The amplifier can be switched through again immediately after the interlock state has
ended.
OFF: Interlock deactivated (default)
[5] SAVE VALUES
The configuration data is stored as initial values in the amplifier.
[6] LEAVE CONFIGURATION
Exit the configuration menu and return to the control menu.
A1230-01 A1230-Control Software Page 15

5 Notes on Operation
5.1 General Notes
Provide for sufficient space behind and in front of the amplifier, so that air can circulate through the
device unobstructed. Cool air is sucked through the slots at the left and right side of the front
panel. First connect the amplifier with the mains power connection after input/output are wired.
Allow the amplifier a warm-up phase of 15 minutes after switching on, for the stabilization of its
operating points.
5.2 Operating Voltages
Before the "amplification" begins, some considerations relating to the selection of the operating
voltage are recommended for an effective and safe operation of the A123 - 1 (see also White
Paper No.1: Hubert Power Amplifier).
The amplifiers have two operating voltages:
•High operating voltage (±9 V) for high output voltages and low load currents
•Low operating voltage (±45 V) for low output voltages and high load currents
In order to keep the power loss of the amplifier low, the operating voltage should always be
selected according to the load.
Example:
The load current IL should be 2 ADC.
Load 1: RL = 25 
For IL = 2 ADC an output voltage UA = 5 VDC is required (UA = IL * RL). The power loss PV at
the power amplifier results from the voltage drop at the power stage multiplied by the current
through it.
PV = (UB - UA) * IL = ( 9 V - 5 VDC) * 2 ADC = 1 W
Load 2: RL = 5 
For the same load current IL = 2 ADC an output voltage UA = 1 VDC is required. The power loss
at high operating voltage is thus:
PV = (UB - UA) * IL = ( 9 V - 1 VDC) * 2 ADC = 16 W
If a change is now made to the operating voltage Ulow, the following display results:
PV = (UB - UA) * IL = ( 45 V - 1 VDC) * 2 ADC = 7 W
As you can see from this simple example for DC, it makes more sense to use the amplifier at low-
impedance loads with low operating voltage. For AC signals, the calculations would be much more
complicated, but the ratios remain basically the same. Particularly with complex loads, a phase
shift between output voltage and current is an aggravating factor, which leads to additional losses
A1230-01 Notes on Operation Page 16

in the amplifier. For high impedance loads usually an operation with high operating voltage is
required in order to reach the maximum output voltage.
A diagram with the maximum DC output voltages and output currents (UI plot) is located in the
data sheet.
5.3 Connecting the Signal Source
The A123 - 1 has two unbalanced signal inputs with BNC connector and different input
resistances of 5 Ω and 1 kΩ. Connect a 5 Ω signal source (for instance Function Generator),
the output voltage is the same at both inputs, since the gain at 1 kΩ input v = 1 and at 5 Ω
input v = 2 , and thus the voltage halving by source and input resistance compensates. In short
signal lines < 2 m it does not matter which input you choose. For longer lines the 5 Ω input is
recommended in order to avoid reflections and to ensure signal integrity. However, the source must
provide the necessary output power available to drive the 5 Ω input load (3,75 V / 5 Ω = 75 mA
3,75 V * 75 mA = 281,25 mW). →
5.4 Connecting the Load
The output of the A123 - 1 is provided with 4 mm safety sockets at the power output. With the
cabling of your load, please also ensure sufficient contact protection; life-threatening voltages can
occur.
For safe and stable operation, the cables should be as short as possible and of similar length. The
cable cross section should not fall below 1.5 mm².
The A123 - 1 is a fast broadband amplifier that can deliver fast pulses with very high currents.
Please remember that the wiring can contribute a significant proportion to the inductance of your
load. In critical cases you should draw a coaxial wiring into consideration.
The A123 - 1 is stable at all complex loads. Since the output impedance of the amplifier will get
inductive at higher frequencies, this may lead to a significant overshoot with only capacitive loads.
This behavior does not indicate a possible instability of the amplifier, but is established due to an
excited series resonant circuit of output and line inductance and the connected capacity.
A damping of the resonant circuit by series resistors is recommended in this case.
5.5 Operational Startup
Connect the mains cable and switch on the mains voltage at the mains switch. The illuminated
Power button signals Standby and you can switch on the device.
After a short time, ready lights up and the amplifier is now ready to operate.
Select the best operating voltage for your load and connect it to one or both signal inputs of your
source(s). You can activate the respective input(s) with the illuminated 5 and 1 k buttons to  
start the signal processing.
A1230-01 Notes on Operation Page 17

Start the software when needed and establish a data connection to the amplifier. You will receive
additional data/information concerning the operating status of your amplifier.
The software also allows you to switch off the output relay to separate the amplifier from your load
with high impedance and to choose an asymmetric power supply.
5.6 Bridged Mode
If the output voltage of the amplifier is not sufficient or if you need even higher rise times, two
identical amplifiers can be placed in a bridged mode. For this purpose the rear " Bridge Out "
output of the first amplifier, is connected to the 1 kΩ input of the second amplifier.
Switch the 1 kΩ input of the second amplifier on, so you can control the entire output signal via
the button of the selected input of the first amplifier.
In bridged mode each amplifier delivers half of the output voltage, since the second amplifier is
driven inverted to the first. Thereby, the voltage at the load is no longer based on the rest potential!
A direct measurement of e.g. a grounded oscilloscope is no longer possible.
In this case, a differential probe or similar must be used. In many cases, the missing resting
potential is not a disadvantage, since the load requires no reference potential (for example,
magnetic field coil, ultrasonic transducers, etc.)
A1230-01 Notes on Operation Page 18

6 Integration into Automated Test Systems
For integration into automated test systems the commands of the USB interface are described in
the following. The USB interface is installed as a virtual COM port at 96 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop
bit and no parity. The command frame consist of a length byte (entire frame) followed by an
address byte. Then there is a command byte and optional parameters. Only command frames
corresponding to its own address will be considered. There is a timeout of 5 ms, that is, if after
5 ms the required number of bytes hasn't been sent, the previous bytes are ignored! The
feedback frame corresponds to the command frame, e.g. length, address, command and optional
parameters. The feedback is always carried out after execution of the command! When an
unknown command occurs, the feedback is xFE, and with a timeout xFD. Several amplifiers can
be driven via a COM interface. In this case, each amplifier requires its own address (1 ... 99, default
= 1), which is determined by a command. The address 1 is answered by all amplifiers regardless
of the stored address.
6.1 List of Remote Commands
●x 1 Status query, parameters: no; answer: 1 Byte status:
Bit : Ready
Bit 1: Overload shutdown power/power loss
Bit 2: Heatsink overtemperature/transformer
Bit 3: Output relay ( : off, 1: on)
Bit 4: 5 R-Input relay ( : off, 1: on)
Bit 5: 1 k-Input relay ( : off, 1: on)
Bit 6: operating voltage + ( : low, 1: high)
Bit 7: operating voltage – ( : low, 1: high)
●x 2 Set 5 R-Input , Parameter: 1 Byte ( : off, 1: on)
●x 3 Set 1 k-input , Parameter: 1 Byte ( : off, 1: on)
●x 4 Set Output relay , Parameter: 1 Byte ( : off, 1: on)
●x 5 Set operating voltage, Parameter: 1 Byte
( : low, 1: high, 2: only UB+ high, 3: only UB– high)
●x 6 Query temperature, Parameter: no, answer: 1 Byte temperature in C
●x 7 Query max. power loss, Parameter: no, answer: 1 Byte
Power loss in % of the current threshold (maximum since last
query)
●x 8 Query average power loss, Parameter: no, answer: 1 Byte
power loss in % of the current threshold
●x 9 Query Error, Parameter: no answer 1 Byte Error:
Bit : short circuit-current
Bit 1: Overcurrent +
A1230-01 Integration into Automated Test Systems Page 19

Bit 2: Overcurrent –
Bit 3: power loss +
Bit 4: power loss –
Bit 5: Heatsink overtemperature
Bit 6: Overtemperature transformer
Bit 7: Hardware failure
●x1 Set start configuration, Parameter: 1 Byte configuration (default x C):
Bit : 5 R-input relay ( : off, 1: on)
Bit 1: 1 k-input relay ( : off, 1: on)
Bit 2: operating voltage + ( : low, 1: high)
Bit 3: operating voltage – ( : low, 1: high)
●x11 Query start configuration, Parameter: no, answer: 1 Byte configuration
●x12 Set address, Parameters: 1 Byte address (1...99)
●x13 Query address, Parameters: no, answer: 1 Byte address
●x14 Query amplifier type, Parameters: no, answer: 1 Byte type ( x1 )
●x15 Query firmware revision, Parameters: no, answer: 1 Byte revision
●x16 Set hardware revision, Parameters: 1 Byte revision (e.g. x21 = 2.1)
●x17 Query hardware revision, Parameters: no, answer: 1 Byte revision
●x53 Set Interlock Mode, Parameter 1 Byte ( : Latching 1: Live)
●x54 Set Interlock, Parameter 1 Byte ( : Reset at Latching Mode)
●x55 Query Interlock Mode, Parameter: no, answer: 1 Byte
( : Latching 1: Live 2: Off)
●x56 Query Interlock Signal, Parameter: no, answer 1 Byte ( : off, 1: on)
6.2 Remote Command Examples
Frame: <length> <address> <command> <parameter>
6.2.1 Setting 50 Ω Input on (Ampli er address: 1)
Command frame: x 4 x 1 x 2 x 1 (all values are in hexadecimal notation)
Response frame: x 3 x 1 x 2
6.2.2 Query Heatsink Temperature
Command frame: x 3 x 1 x 6
Response frame: x 4 x 1 x 6 x28 (e.g. 4 °C)
A1230-01 Integration into Automated Test Systems Page 20