Quantum Composers 9730 Series User manual

9730 Series Pulse Generator
Operating Manual
Version 1.2
Quantum Composers, INC
212 Discovery Drive
Bozeman, MT 59718
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.quantumcomposers.com
Your distributor:

1-2
1 Table of Contents
1 TABLE OF CONTENTS.......................................................................................................................1-2
2 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................2-5
TECHNICAL SUPPORT .............................................................................................................................. 2-5
WARRANTY .............................................................................................................................................2-5
PACKAGE CONTENTS...............................................................................................................................2-5
3 SAFETY ISSUES....................................................................................................................................3-6
4 PRODUCT OVERVIEW.......................................................................................................................4-7
Key Features......................................................................................................................................4-7
Advanced Features/Options............................................................................................................... 4-7
5 PULSE GENERATOR CONCEPTS AND OPERATION.................................................................5-8
System Timer Functions.....................................................................................................................5-8
Channel Timer Functions ..................................................................................................................5-8
Navigating the 9730 Front Panel.......................................................................................................5-8
6 FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW............................................................................................................6-11
9730 DISPLAY ....................................................................................................................................... 6-11
Display Layout and Indicators......................................................................................................... 6-11
DESCRIPTION OF FRONT PANEL AREA................................................................................................... 6-11
Keypads and Keys............................................................................................................................ 6-11
Second Level Menus (Function Key)................................................................................................6-12
Channel Outputs (BNC Connectors)................................................................................................6-12
Channel Status LED Indicators .......................................................................................................6-12
Arm Switch (Keyed) ......................................................................................................................... 6-13
System Status LED Indicators.......................................................................................................... 6-13
Front Sync Output............................................................................................................................6-13
Front Trigger Input..........................................................................................................................6-13
7 REAR PANEL OVERVIEW...............................................................................................................7-14
DESCRIPTION OF REAR PANEL AREA.....................................................................................................7-14
Channel Connections (Banana Jacks).............................................................................................7-14
Rear Sync Output.............................................................................................................................7-14
Rear Trigger Input...........................................................................................................................7-14
Interlock Short .................................................................................................................................7-14
Communication Ports ......................................................................................................................7-14
Voltage Input (AC)...........................................................................................................................7-14
Cooling Fans....................................................................................................................................7-15
8 MENU STRUCTURE ..........................................................................................................................8-16
MODE Menu (FUNC + 1)............................................................................................................... 8-16
RATE Menu (FUNC + 4)................................................................................................................. 8-16
Channel Menu (A, B, C, or D)......................................................................................................... 8-17
Channel Test Menu (FUNC + A, B, C, or D) ..................................................................................8-18
TRIG Menu (TRIG)..........................................................................................................................8-20
Counter Menu (FUNC + 8) ............................................................................................................. 8-20
SYSTEM Menu (FUNC + 3) ............................................................................................................8-21
STORE Menu (FUNC + 6) ..............................................................................................................8-22
RECALL Menu (FUNC + 9)............................................................................................................8-22
9 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.........................................................................................................9-23

1-3
QUICK START –INTERNAL SINGLE SHOT GENERATOR OPERATION ......................................................9-23
Pulse Width, Delay...........................................................................................................................9-23
Amplitude.........................................................................................................................................9-23
Enable..............................................................................................................................................9-23
Interlock........................................................................................................................................... 9-23
Wait for Charge ...............................................................................................................................9-23
ARM Key Switch ..............................................................................................................................9-23
Start..................................................................................................................................................9-23
QUICK START –SINGLE SHOT EXTERNAL TRIGGER OPERATION...........................................................9-24
Trig ..................................................................................................................................................9-24
Level................................................................................................................................................. 9-24
Edge................................................................................................................................................. 9-24
Filter ................................................................................................................................................9-24
Source..............................................................................................................................................9-24
Pulse Width, Delay...........................................................................................................................9-24
Amplitude.........................................................................................................................................9-24
Enable..............................................................................................................................................9-24
Interlock........................................................................................................................................... 9-24
Wait for Charge ...............................................................................................................................9-25
ARM Key Switch ..............................................................................................................................9-25
Start..................................................................................................................................................9-25
STANDARD OPERATION MODES ............................................................................................................ 9-25
System Pulse Generation Overview.................................................................................................9-25
Single Shot Mode (Trigger Disabled)..............................................................................................9-25
Burst Mode (Trigger Disabled)........................................................................................................9-25
External Input Overview..................................................................................................................9-26
Single Shot Mode (Trigger Enabled)...............................................................................................9-27
SPECIAL TESTING MODES......................................................................................................................9-27
Pre Pulse Resistance Testing...........................................................................................................9-27
Post Pulse Resistance Testing.......................................................................................................... 9-28
Testing Mode Error/Status Conditions ............................................................................................9-28
10 PROGRAMMING THE 9730 .........................................................................................................10-30
PERSONAL COMPUTER TO PULSE GENERATOR COMMUNICATION....................................................... 10-30
RS232 Interface Overview .............................................................................................................10-30
USB Interface Overview ................................................................................................................ 10-31
Ethernet Interface Overview.......................................................................................................... 10-32
PROGRAMMING COMMAND TYPES AND FORMAT ................................................................................10-32
Line Termination............................................................................................................................ 10-32
IEEE 488.2 Common Command Format....................................................................................... 10-33
SCPI Command Keywords............................................................................................................. 10-33
SCPI Keyword Separator............................................................................................................... 10-33
SCPI Optional Keywords............................................................................................................... 10-34
SCPI Parameter Types................................................................................................................... 10-34
Legacy Command Support............................................................................................................. 10-34
Error Codes ................................................................................................................................... 10-34
PROGRAMMING EXAMPLES ................................................................................................................. 10-35
Example 1:.....................................................................................................................................10-35
Example 2:.....................................................................................................................................10-35
9730 SCPI COMMAND SUMMARY....................................................................................................... 10-36
Instrument Commands................................................................................................................... 10-36
System Pulse Commands................................................................................................................ 10-37
Channel Commands....................................................................................................................... 10-38
Display Commands........................................................................................................................10-39
System Commands .........................................................................................................................10-39
IEEE 488.2 COMMON COMMANDS...................................................................................................... 10-40

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SPECIAL COMMANDS........................................................................................................................... 10-40
APPENDIX A - SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................................................... A-1
APPENDIX B - SAFETY SYMBOLS....................................................................................................................... B-1
SAFETY MARKING SYMBOLS...................................................................................................................B-1

2-5
2 Introduction
This manual is designed to familiarize you with the Quantum Composers 9730
series pulse generator and is arranged so that you can easily find the information
for which you are looking. Generally, each topic has its own section and no
section assumes that your have read anything else in the manual.
Technical Support
For questions or comments about operating the 9730 our technical staff can be
reached via one of the following methods:
•Phone: [phone]
•Fax: [phone]
•Online: www.quantumcomposers.com
Warranty
In addition to a 30 day money back guarantee, the 9730 has a one-year limited
warranty from the date of delivery. This warranty covers defects in materials and
workmanship. Quantum Composers will replace any defective unit. Contact us
for information on obtaining warranty service.
Package Contents
The box you receive should contain the following:
•9730 Pulse Generator
oAC Power Cord
oAccessories
Arm Switch Keys (qty 2)
50 Ohm Interlock Shorting Jumper (BNC)
•Disc that includes
oOperating Manual
oSoftware Drivers
oCommunication Software
Contact Quantum Composers at [phone] if any parts are missing.

3-6
3 Safety Issues
Normal use of equipment exposes users to a certain amount of danger from
electrical shock because 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. Voltages as low as 35 V (DC or RMS
AC) should also be considered dangerous and hazardous since they can
produce a lethal current under certain conditions. Higher voltages pose an even
greater threat because such voltage can more easily produce a lethal current.
Your normal work habits should include all accepted practices that will prevent
contact with exposed high voltage, and those that will steer current away from
your heart in case of accidental contact with a high voltage. You will significantly
reduce the risk factor if you know and observe the following safety precautions:
•If possible, familiarize yourself with the equipment being tested and the
location of its high-voltage points. However, remember that high voltage
may appear at unexpected points in defective equipment.
•Do not expose high voltage components needlessly. Remove housings
and covers only when necessary. Turn off equipment while making test
connections in high-voltage circuits. Discharge high-voltage capacitors
after removing power.
•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.
•Use the time-proven “one hand in the pocket” technique while handling an
instrument probe. Be particularly careful to avoid contacting a nearby
metal object that could provide a good ground return path.
•When testing AC powered equipment, remember that AC line voltage is
usually present on some power input circuits, such as the on-off switch,
fuses, power transformer etc., and any time the equipment is connected to
an AC outlet, even if the equipment is turned off.
•Never work alone. Someone should always be nearby to render aid if
necessary. Training in CPR first aid is highly recommended.

4-7
4 Product Overview
The 9730 series combines industry leading QC digital delay methodologies along
with high capacity charge banks to generate precisely timed adjustable amplitude
current pulses. This ability to generate highly precise current pulses makes this
unit ideal for applications that require a high level of accuracy and repeatability.
Key Features
•Up to 4 individual outputs with fully individual programming and control.
•Up to 6A output per channel (Standard Instrument).
•Complete channel and system setup stored in memory. Provides 12
memory storage slots.
•Remote programmability – RS232, USB and Ethernet.
•Front and rear external trigger inputs.
Advanced Features/Options
•Resistance measurement (4 wire) for each channel with pre and post
pulse testing features.
•Current and voltage monitor outputs.
•Front and rear sync outputs.
•Safety features including remote interlock and removable keyed enable
switch.

5-8
5 Pulse Generator Concepts and Operation
•Burst Mode
System Timer Functions
The System Timer functions as a non-retriggerable, multi-vibrator T0pulse
generator in ‘Burst’ mode. This means that once started the timer will
produce pulses continuously at the specified rate until the highest channel
burst count is reached. Before pulses can be generated, the timer must
be armed and then receive a System Start pulse. Arming the counter is
done by pressing the RUN/STOP key. With external trigger disabled, the
RUN/STOP key or a software trigger command may be used to generate
the System Start pulse for the counter. With external trigger enabled, the
RUN/STOP key or software trigger command arms the unit and the
subsequent external trigger pulses replace the T0 pulses.
•Single Shot Mode
In ‘Single Shot’ mode, the System Timer is bypassed and the T0pulse is
generated directly from the System Start pulse.
The T0pulses are distributed to the Channel Start input of all of the
Channel Timers.
The Channel Timer functions as a non-retriggerable, delayed, one shot
pulse generator. This means that the timer will only generate one delayed
pulse for every Channel Start pulse received. Once the channel timer has
started counting, additional start pulses will be ignored until the pulse has
been completed (non-retriggerable). The Channel Start pulse for each
channel is provided by the internal T0pulse.
Channel Timer Functions
Whether or not a pulse is generated for each T0pulse is determined by
the channel enable setting.Pulses are defined by a time delay, from their
sync or start pulse to the active edge, a time width over which the pulse is
active, and an amplitude during the active portion of the pulse.
•Selecting Menus
Navigating the 9730 Front Panel
Parameters are grouped in menus, selectable using the function keys. To
select the output channel parameters, press the letter key corresponding
to the desired channel. To select other menus, including the channel test
menus, press the FUNC key and then the key corresponding to the
desired function.

5-9
Menus may include a number of different pages, with each page
containing up to four adjustable parameters or state variables. The status
block in the upper-left corner of the display shows a vertical arrow if the
current menu contains additional pages. To select the next page, press
the channel button again or select the same menu pressing the FUNC key
and the channel/menu key again.
•Selecting Menu Items
Within a menu, the blinking cursor indicates the current menu item for
editing. The NEXT key will select a different adjustable menu item.
•Numeric Input Mode
When the current item is numeric, the system enters the Numeric Input
Mode. In this mode data may be edited in one of two ways:
oArrow Keypad - The Left and Right arrow keys are used to select a
digit to edit. The selected digit blinks to identify itself as the active
digit. The Up and Down arrow keys are then used to increment or
decrement this digit.
oNumeric Keypad - Enter the number, including decimal point using
the numeric keypad. Complete the number using the ENTER key.
Errors may be corrected using the backspace key or to start over
press the clear key (CLR). Pressing the CLR key a second time will
exit the numeric keypad mode and restore the original number.
•Entering Non-Numeric Parameters
When the current item is non-numeric, the Up and Down arrow keys are
used to select among different options for the parameter.
•Alphanumeric Input Mode
When the current item is alphanumeric, the system enters the
Alphanumeric Input Mode. In this mode, data is entered using the
alphanumeric keypad. Pressing a key will display the first letter shown on
the keypad. Repeated key presses will toggle through all the letters, both
upper and lower case, shown on the key cap. To enter two letters which
appear on the same key cap, select the first character, then use the right
arrow to shift to the next position and enter the next letter. The Left and
Right arrow keys may be used to position the cursor to edit any character.
When data entry is complete, the ENTER key must be pressed. The keys
contain the following characters:
o1 => 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
o2 => A B C a b c 2
o3 => D E F d e f 3
o4 => G H I g h i 4
o5 => J K L j k l 5
o6 => M N O m n o 6

5-10
o7 => P Q R S p q r s 7
o8 => T U V t u v 8
o9 => W X Y Z w x y z 9
o0 => 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
o. => . , # $ % & ?
o- => - + * / space
•Enabling System Output
The RUN/STOP key is used to arm the system. With external trigger
disabled, the key will arm and start pulse output. With external trigger
enabled, the key will arm the pulse generator. Pulse output then starts
after the first valid trigger input. With external trigger enabled, pressing
the RUN/STOP key a second time disables the pulse generator.