pico Technology PicoSource PG900 Series User manual

USB differential pulse generators
PicoSource®PG900 Series
Quick Start Guide

PicoSource PG900 Pulse Generators Quick Start Guide
DO252-1 Copyright © 2016 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. i
CONTENTS
1. Introduction..........................................................................................................1
2. Safety information ................................................................................................1
2.1 Symbols...................................................................................................................................2
2.2 Maximum input and output ranges..........................................................................................2
2.3 Grounding...............................................................................................................................3
2.4 External connections...............................................................................................................3
2.5 Environment............................................................................................................................4
2.6 Care of the product ................................................................................................................4
3. System requirements ............................................................................................5
4. Included with your PicoSource PG900 pulse generator .......................................5
5. Installing the PicoSource pulse generator and software........................................6
6. Using your pulse generator ..................................................................................7
6.1 Getting started with the PicoSource PG900 software ............................................................7
6.2 Connection diagrams ..............................................................................................................9
7. Free newsletter...................................................................................................11
8. Software updates and replacement.....................................................................11
9. User’s guides ......................................................................................................11
10. Specifications ......................................................................................................11
11. Technical support................................................................................................11
12. Warranty and returns.........................................................................................11

PicoSource PG900 Pulse Generators Quick Start Guide
DO252-1 Copyright © 2016 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. 1
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a PicoSource pulse generator.
The fast-transition output from the PicoSource pulse generators can stimulate a
transmission path, device, or network with a broad-spectrum signal in a single
instant. These signals, combined with dierential capability, are invaluable for
making high-speed broadband measurements in many elds such as time domain
reectometry, semiconductor testing, gigabit interconnect and port testing, and radar
systems.
Three dierential output models are available, oering extensive control over pulse
parameters including amplitude, pulse period, pulse width and deskew between
output channels.
• The PicoSource PG911 is a two-channel pulse generator based on Step
Recovery Diode (SRD) technology. It produces two pulses, up to 6 V amplitude
with 60 ps rise time.
• The PicoSource PG912 is a two-channel pulse generator based on Tunnel Diode
(TD) technology. It uses remote tunnel diode pulse heads to produce positive and
negative 200 mV pulses with 40 ps rise time.
• The PicoSource PG914 is a four-channel pulse generator beneting from both
SRD and TD technology.
For further setup information following basic installation, see the User’s Guide by
either clicking the Help menu within the PicoSource PG900 software or opening the
PDF directly from the software disk.
2. Safety information
To prevent possible electrical shock, re, personal injury, or damage to the product,
carefully read this safety information before attempting to install or use the product.
In addition, follow all generally accepted safety practices and procedures for working
with and near electricity.
The product has been designed and tested in accordance with the European standard
publication EN 61010-1:2010, and left the factory in a safe condition.
The following safety descriptions are found throughout this guide:
A WARNING identies conditions or practices that could result in injury or death.
A CAUTION identies conditions or practices that could result in damage to the
product or equipment to which it is connected.

PicoSource PG900 Pulse Generators Quick Start Guide
2 Copyright © 2016 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. DO252-1
2.1 Symbols
These safety and electrical symbols may appear on the product or in this guide.
Symbols Description
Direct current
Alternating current
Earth (ground) terminal
This terminal can be used to
make a measurement ground
connection. It is NOT a safety or
protective earth.
Chassis terminal
Possibility of electric shock
Caution
Appearance on the product
indicates a need to read this
safety and operation instruction.
Static awareness. Static discharge
can damage parts.
Do not dispose of this product as
unsorted municipal waste
WARNING
To prevent injury or death use the product only as instructed and use only
accessories supplied or recommended. Protection provided by the product
may be impaired if used in a manner not specied by the manufacturer.
2.2 Maximum input and output ranges
Observe all terminal ratings and warnings marked on the product.
The table below indicates the maximum voltage of the outputs and the overvoltage
protection range for the trigger input on each pulse generator. The overvoltage
protection ranges are the maximum voltages that can be applied without damaging
the instrument.
Connection port Maximum voltage
(output or input) Overvoltage protection
Positive and negative
integrated pulse outputs ±8 V unterminated ±10 V
Do not connect a source
Drive outputs ±5 V DC or AC pk ±5 V DC or AC pk
Do not connect a source
Tunnel diode pulse head
outputs 250 mV 0 V
Do not connect a source
Trigger input ±2 V DC or AC pk ±2 V DC or AC pk
Trigger output +3 V DC or AC pk +4 V / −2 V DC
Do not connect a source

PicoSource PG900 Pulse Generators Quick Start Guide
DO252-1 Copyright © 2016 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. 3
WARNING
To prevent electric shock or permanent damage to the signal source, do
not connect an input voltage to the integrated pulse outputs or the tunnel
diode pulse heads.
CAUTION
Exceeding the overvoltage protection range on any connector can cause
permanent damage to the instrument and other connected equipment.
2.3 Grounding
WARNING
The instrument’s ground connection through the USB cable is for functional
purposes only. The instrument does not have a protective safety ground.
WARNING
To prevent injury or death, or permanent damage to the instrument, never
connect the ground of an input or output (chassis) to any electrical power
source. To prevent personal injury or death, use a voltmeter to check that
there is no signicant AC or DC voltage between the pulse generator’s
ground and the point to which you intend to connect it.
CAUTION
To prevent signal degradation caused by poor grounding, always use the
high-quality USB cable supplied with the instrument.
2.4 External connections
WARNING
To prevent injury or death, only use the adaptor supplied with the product.
This is approved for the voltage and plug conguration in your country.
PicoSource
model USB connection
EXT power supply
Voltage (V) Current
(A pk)
Total power
(W)
PG900 Series USB 2.0. Compatible
with USB 3.0. 5 V 1.6 A pk 8 W
CAUTION
Take care to avoid mechanical stress or tight bend radii for all connected
leads, including all coaxial leads and connectors. Mishandling will cause
deformation of sidewalls, and will degrade performance.

PicoSource PG900 Pulse Generators Quick Start Guide
4 Copyright © 2016 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. DO252-1
2.5 Environment
WARNING
To prevent injury or death, do not use in wet or damp conditions, or near
explosive gas or vapor.
CAUTION
To prevent damage, always use and store your pulse generator in
appropriate environments.
Storage Operating
Temperature –20 °C to +50 °C +5 °C to +35 °C
+15 °C to +25 °C for quoted accuracy
Humidity ≤ 95% RH
(non-condensing)
≤ 85% RH at 35 °C
(non-condensing)
Altitude 2000 m
Pollution degree 2
2.6 Care of the product
The product and accessories contain no user-serviceable parts. Repair, servicing and
calibration require specialized test equipment and must only be performed by Pico
Technology or an approved service provider. There may be a charge for these services
unless covered by the Pico two year warranty.
WARNING
To prevent injury or death, do not use the product if it appears to be
damaged in any way, and stop use immediately if you are concerned by
any abnormal behavior.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the device or connected equipment, do not tamper
with or disassemble the instrument, case parts, connectors, or accessories.
When cleaning the product, use a soft cloth and a solution of mild soap
or detergent in water, and do not allow liquids to enter the instrument’s
casing.

PicoSource PG900 Pulse Generators Quick Start Guide
DO252-1 Copyright © 2016 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. 5
3. System requirements
To ensure that the PicoSource pulse generator and PicoSource PG900 software
operate correctly, you must use a computer with the system requirements and one of
the operating systems shown in the table below.
Processor
As required by the operating systemMemory
Free disk space
Operating system Microsoft Windows XP (SP3), Vista, 7,
8 (not Windows RT) or 10. 32-bit or 64-bit.
Ports USB 2.0 (also compatible with USB 3.0)
4. Included with your PicoSource PG900 pulse generator
PicoSource PG900 Pulse Generator kits contain the following items:
• PicoSource PG900 Pulse Generator
• PicoSource PG900 software disk
• Storage and carry case
• AC adaptor 5 V DC at 2 A, universal input
• USB 2.0 cable, 1.8 m
•SMA/PC3.5/2.92 wrench
• Quick Start Guide
Each pulse generator is also supplied with additional accessories, as shown below.
Accessories Order
code
PicoSource model
PG911 PG912 PG914
9040 40 ps TD positive pulse head – 1 1
9041 40 ps TD negative pulse head – 1 1
12 GHz N(f) to SMA(m) adaptor
(tted to TD pulse heads) TA172 2 2
10 GHz 20 dB SMA(m-f) attenuator
(tted to SRD pulse outputs) TA173 2 2
50 Ω coaxial SMA(m-m) pulse drive cable,
60 cm – 2 2
Some product packs may contain additional items. For a full list of all available kits
and additional accessories, see the User’s Guide or visit www.picotech.com.

PicoSource PG900 Pulse Generators Quick Start Guide
6 Copyright © 2016 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. DO252-1
5. Installing the PicoSource pulse generator and software
1. Install the PicoSource PG900 software using the software disk supplied.
Alternatively, you can download the software from picotech.com/downloads.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
Note: Do not connect the pulse generator until the installation is complete.
2. Connect the power cord to the power adaptor, and plug it into a mains (line)
power socket. Then connect the DC power cord to the back of the pulse
generator, and switch on the mains power.
3. Earth (ground) terminal. Some laptop power supplies can produce electrical
noise which may interfere with your measurements. If this occurs, the earth
terminal can be connected to an external ground point (for example, on the
system you are testing) to provide a ground reference for the instrument. This
can help to avoid external noise interfering with your signal. Alternatively, you
can run the laptop using battery power.
6
4
7
1
5
3
2
4. Connect the pulse generator to the PC using the USB cable supplied. Windows
may automatically display a New Hardware Found notication. Follow any
instructions shown. Note: If Windows asks to connect to Windows Update, select
No.
5. Run the PicoSource PG900 software.
1. Laptop or PC
2. USB cable supplied
3. USB port
4. DC power socket
5. USB port
6. PicoSource Pulse Generator
7. AC adaptor supplied

PicoSource PG900 Pulse Generators Quick Start Guide
DO252-1 Copyright © 2016 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. 7
6. Using your pulse generator
6.1 Getting started with the PicoSource PG900 software
Output menu External trigger menu
Main menu Display scaling menu Display area
Mode
menu
Timing
menu
Intensified zone
Main menu
Store and recall your settings, and access detailed Help information.
Display scaling
These controls allow you to adjust how information is shown in the Display area.
The Intensied zone shows a section of the waveform that can be expanded using
the Horizontal scale control. This function can be used to show the pulse train and
the pulse timing, including the timing in relation to the trigger.
Mode menu
Select a trigger source (internal or external) and operating mode. When Ext Trigger
is selected as the source, the External trigger menu will be enabled.
Timing menu
Adjust the period and width of the pulse.

PicoSource PG900 Pulse Generators Quick Start Guide
8 Copyright © 2016 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. DO252-1
Output menu
Select the appropriate channel and adjust the related parameters. Choose from
Positive Out and Negative Out (for the integrated step recovery diode outputs) or
TD Head1 Out and TD Head2 Out (for the tunnel diode pulse heads).
Adjusting a parameter
The value of a parameter can be adjusted in a number of ways:
•Use the up and down arrows to adjust the value in Fine or Coarse increments,
or click Dto return to the default value.
• Click and drag the Range Indicator bar.
•Click the parameter box to highlight it, and directly type a precise new value
using your keyboard.
• Right click on the value to quickly access the Maximum, Middle, or Minimum
value.
• Right click on the value and select Calculator to enter a precise new value using
the on-screen keypad.
Default
Value
Range
Indicator
Coarse
Adjustment
Fine
Adjustment

PicoSource PG900 Pulse Generators Quick Start Guide
DO252-1 Copyright © 2016 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. 9
6.2 Connection diagrams
The following diagrams illustrate time domain transmission and reectometry setup
options using a PicoSource pulse generator, a PicoScope oscilloscope, and the device
under test (DUT). In all setups, the pulse generator shown can be substituted by the
PicoSource PG914.
Signal connections should be made using precision SMA cables, unless otherwise
specied. Trigger connections can be made using lower grade cables.
TDR applications
Single-ended and differential
connections for TDR testing, using
a PicoSource pulse generator with
SRD outputs
Single-ended and differential
connections for TDR testing, using
a PicoSource pulse generator with
TD pulse head outputs

PicoSource PG900 Pulse Generators Quick Start Guide
10 Copyright © 2016 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. DO252-1
TDT applications
TDT and crosstalk
Diagram key
Single-ended connection 20 dB attenuator (TA173)*
Dierential connection Power divider kit (TA238)*
Positive TD pulse head
Negative TD pulse head Terminated load, TDR kit (TA237)*
* Additional accessories and kits are available from Pico Technology Ltd. For ordering
information, see the product data sheet or visit www.picotech.com.
Single-ended and differential connections
for TDT testing, using a PicoSource pulse
generator with SRD outputs
Single-ended and differential connections
for simultaneous TDT and crosstalk
assessment, using a PicoSource pulse
generator with SRD outputs

PicoSource PG900 Pulse Generators Quick Start Guide
DO252-1 Copyright © 2016 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. 11
7. Free newsletter
Pico Technology sends out a free monthly newsletter by email. This gives news of
product launches, software upgrades and application notes, as well as hints and
advice. We treat your e-mail address and other details as condential and will not
pass them to any third party. To subscribe, visit: www.picotech.com/newsletter
8. Software updates and replacement
The latest versions of all Pico software and manuals can be downloaded free of
charge at:
www.picotech.com/downloads
If you require a new software disk, please contact Pico Technology or your distributor.
There may be a small charge for this service.
9. User’s guides
All User’s Guides are available on the software disc, or can be downloaded from:
www.picotech.com/downloads
10. Specifications
The User’s Guide and Data Sheet contain the latest specications for your PicoSource
pulse generator.
11. Technical support
Regularly updated technical support information can be found in the Pico Technology
support forum here:
www.picotech.com/tech-support
12. Warranty and returns
These PicoSource pulse generators are supplied with a 2 year return-to-manufacturer
warranty. For full terms and conditions, see the product User’s Guide.