SYSTRON DONNER 100A Manual

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
HANDBOOK
CONCORD INSTRUMENT DIVISION
10
Syrtron Drtve r Concord, Caltforn~a94518 . U.S.A.
Tel: [phone] TWX: 910-481-9479 . Cable: SYSTRONOONNER
MODEL 700A
PULSE GENERATOR
Part Number 37000 - 690

WARRANTY
Systron-Donner instruments are warranted during a period of one year from date of shipment to
original purchaser to be free from defects in material and workmanship. This warranty does not apply
to vacuum tubes, except as these are warranted by tube manufacturers. The liability of Seller under
this warranty is limited to replacingor repairingany instrumentor componentthereof which is returned
by Buyer, at his expense, during such period and which has not been subjected to misuse, neglect.
improper installation, repair, alteration, or accident. Seller shall have the right to final determination as
to the existence and cause of
a defect. Inno event shall Seller be liable for collateral or consequential
damages. This warranty is in lieu of any other warranty, expressed, implied, or statutory; and no
agreement extendingor modifying it will be binding upon Seller unless in writing and signed by
a duly
authorizedofficer.
RECEIVING INSPECTION
Every Systron-Donner instrument is carefully inspected and is in perfect working order at the time of
shipment. Each instrument should be checked as soon as received.Ifthe unit is damaged inany way, or
failsto operate,
a claim should immediately be filed with the transportation company.
Whenever a Systron-Donner instrument requires service, the nearest Systron-Donner representative
should be contacted; all representativeswill provide immediate service or arrange factory returnswhen
necessary.
Please specify both model and serial number in all correspondenceconcerning Systron-Donner instru-
ments. Address all inquiries on operation or applicationsto your nearest sales representative;or, Sales
Manager, Concord Instrument Division, Systron-Donner Corporation,
10 Systron Drive, Concord.
California
94518.

-
MODEL S OOA
- Model lOOA Pulse Generator
Thr Datapulsr, Modrl 100Aia an economical high per-
forrnanc~ pulse gen~rakorrlrsigned for general purpose test-
ing of a variety of el~ctronic equipmrnt. Unfqur., all solicl
-
state circuits reduce conlplpxity and provide versatile per-
It)rmanc~, in a cunvenic~nhlv compact package.
Simultaneous
positive anrl nrgative outputs
dplirrr L natts into 513 ohms,
+
and pulsr rate, width, amplitude, anti rlplay are continuously
variable over broarl ranges. Front panel controls select
cither singly or dou\~It.pulsr operation, synchronousor asyn-
chronous eating, and either internal, external, or manual
-
single cycIt= trlggerinc.
Two synchronizing trigger outputs
are supplied for svstem applicationand to provide a reference
for pulse drblay in the sin~lc pulse rnorle.
-
iii

MODEL 1 WA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE
FRONTISPIECE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LlSTOF SCHEMATICS
LlSTOF
l LLUSTRATIONS
LlST OF TABLES
SECTION
I SPEC1FICATIONS
Repetition Rate
ExternalTrigger
Manual Cycling
GatedOperation
Trigger Outputs
Pulse Mode
Pulse Delay
PulseWidth
MainPulseOutput
Riseand FallTime
Jitter
WaveformAberration
Output Protection
Output Mixing
OperatingTemperature
Power Required
PhysicalCharacteristics
Accessories Available
SECTION I1 OPERATION
2.1 General Information
2.2 Controls and Connectors
2.3 Functional Verification
2.4 Operating Instructions
2.5 Definitions
SECTION
Ill THEORY OF OPERATION
3.1 General Description
3.2 Circuit Description
PAGE
i
iii
v
vi
vi
vii

MODEL 100A
PAGE
SECTION IV
SECTIONV
DrawingNumber
FigureNumber
MAINTENANCE
4.1 PreventiveMaintenance
4.2 Parts Removal
4.3 Troubleshooting
4.4 Calibration
PARTS LlST
5.1 Abbreviations and Symbols
5.2 Repetition Rate Switch Assembly
5.3 Pulse Delay Switch Assembly
5.4 Pulse Width Switch Assembly
5.5 Front Panel Assembly
5.6 Back PanelAssembly
5.7 MainCircuit BoardAssembly
LlSTOF SCHEMATICS
Description
Block Diagram
- Model 100A PulseGenerator
Schematic - Model 100A PulseGenerator
Schematic
- Power Supply
LlSTOF
l LLUSTRATIONS
Title
Model
1 OOA Accessories
Model 100A Controls and Connectors
Front Panel
Model l00AControls and Connectors
Back Panel
Networks for Transistor Load
Output DecouplingCircuits
Reverse Voltage Protection
Output Mixing
Output PulseCharacteristics
Waveform Diagrams
Repetition Rate Oscillator
Trigger Multivibrator
External Trigger Amplifier

Figure Number
Table Number
4-1
MODEL lOOA
PAGE
Title
Delay Multivibrator 3-11
Output Drivers and Amplifiers 3-14
Parts Location - Schematic 37000 - 152
4 -5
Top View
- Model 100A
4 -8
Bottom View - Model lOOA 4 -9
LIST OF TABLES
Title
Troubleshooting
4 -6
vii

MODEL l00A
SECTION I
SPECIFICATIONS
1.1 Repetition Rate
Repetition rate is continuously variable from
0.
1 hertz to 10 megahertz in eight decade ranges for either
single or double pulse operation. Effective rates to 20 mega-
hertz may be set up in the double pulse mode.
1.2 ExternalTrigger
The external trigger input is ac coupled, and
operates at 0 to 10 megahertz from f0.25 volt pulses with a
minimum duration of 20 nanoseconds, or 50 hertz to
10 megahertz from
1 volt rms sine maves. Slope polarity
and level controls provide triggering at any point on the
input waveform more than 0.25 volts and less than 5 volts
above or below the average dc level. Input impedance is
greater than 2. 5k ohms. The maximum transient amplitude
which may be applied safely is
+5 volts.
1.3 ManualCycling
In the single pulse mode, actuating the single
pulse pushbutton provides one cycle of output (single or
double pulse mode).
1.4 GatedOperation
The gating mode is selected as nongated (continu-
ous), synchronously gated, or asynchronously gated. Signal
levels more positive than
t2 volts are required to enable
the outputs in either gated mode. The maximum level which
may hc applied safely is 10 volts.

MODEL 1OOA SPECIFICATIONS
1.4. 1 Synchronous Gating
The repetition rate oscillator i: normally off in
this mode and is turned on for the duration of an applied gate
pulse. Both main outputs and both trigger output. are gated
and synchronized to the gate signal.
1.4.2 Asynchronous Gating
The pulse delay circuit is gated in thi: mode,
and the rate oscillator operates continuously. Main pul: e
outputs and the reference trigger begin with the first cycle
(internally or externally triggered) after
the gate pul~e
occurs and stop when the gate pulse subsides. The advanced
trigger is not gated and occurs at the oscillator repetition
rate.
1.5 Trigger Outputs
1.5. 1 Advanced Trigger
The advanced trigger is a positive pulse with a
minimum amplitude of 1.
7 volts from a 50 ohm source, and
is typically 15 nanoseconds in duration. Available on in-
ternally triggered operations only, the advance trigger
occurs approximately 10%of the repetition rate period be-
fore the reference trigger.
1.5.2 Reference Trigger
The reference trigger isa positive pulse with a
minimum amplitude of 2.0 volts from a 50 ohm source, and
is typically 15 nanoseconds in duration. When triggered
from an external source, the reference trigger occurs
approximately 30 nanoseconds after the external trigger.
1.6 Pulse Mode
Single or double pul~eoperation is zelected hy
the pulse mode switch.

SPECIFICATIONS MODEL lOOA
1.6. 1 Single Pulse
One pulse per cycle occurs in the main outputs
at the end of the delay period.
1. 6.2 Double Pulse
Two identical pulses per cycle occur in the main
outputs, the first approximately 40 nanoseconds after the
reference trigger, and the second at a time determined by
the pulse delay controls.
Pulse Delay
Pulse delay is continuously variable from
40 nanoseconds with respect to the reference trigger, or
60 nanoseconds with respect to an external trigger, up to a
maximum of 10 seconds in seven decade ranges with a
100:l multiplier. Delay is variable over at least 70% of the
pulse period up to a repetition rate of 1 megahertz, de-
creasing to 50%above 4 megahertz and 30% at 10 megahertz.
The reference trigger is counted down when the delay is
greater than the pulse period, with stable countdown ratios
greater than 100:1 possible; the advance trigger is not
counted down.
1.8 Pulse Width
Pulse width is continuously variable (measured at
the
50% point of the leading and trailing edges) from typically
35 nanoseconds (40 nanoseconds maximum) to 10 seconds in
seven decade ranges with a 100:l multiplier. The maximum
duty cycle is at least 60% and is typically 7070.
Main Pulse Output
Pulse amplitude is continuously variable from
0. 5 to 10 volts into 50 ohms with simultaneous positive and
negative dc coupled outputs (baselines are at ground). The
source impedance decreases with amplitude and is approxi-
mately 50 ohms at amplitudes less than
5 volts.

MODEL IOOA SPECIFICATIONS
1.10 Rise and Fall Time
Rise time is less than 5 nanoseconds, and fall
time is typically less than
7 nanoseconds (10 nanoseconds
~naximurn)with the outputs terminated in 50 ohm resistive
loads.
1.11 Jitter
Repetition rate, delay, and width jitter are less
than 0.
15% (typically 0. 1%)on each range (withinthe highest
decade on the width and delay ranges with more than
10:1 coverage).
1.12 Waveform Aberration
Overshoot, preshoot, ringing, and top slope
aberration are typically less than
f5% (with a maximum of
k70/0) at amplitudes greater than 3 volts (with properly
connected 50 ohm terminations).
1.13 Output Protection
Output stages will not be damaged by any combi-
nation of front panel control settings and will withstand
short circuits to ground of any duration. The instrument
is not rated for operation into loads at other than ground
potential.
1.14 Output Mixing
Same polarity outputs may be diode mixed with a
negligible loss of amplitude. Same or opposite polarity
outputs may be resistor mixed with a resultant loss of
amplitude. Outputs may not be directly coupled together.

SPECIFICATIONS MODEL lOOA
1.15 Operating Temperature
The instrument is designed for operation in
0
ambient temperatures of 0 to 50° C (32O to 122O
F).
1.16 Power Required
Approximately 15 watts at 105-125/210-230 volts
and 50-400 hertz ac is required. All power supplies are
regulated against line and load changes.
1.17 PhysicalCharacteristics
Instrument weight is approximately 8 pounds.
Dilnensions are 3-112 inches high by 8-112 inches wide and
11 inches deep. Each instrument is furnished with an at-
tached line cord and
NEMA 3-prong plug. The cabinet and
front panel are brushed aluminum with black etched mark-
ings and trim. The russet brown top, bottom, and side
panels are removable. A tilt-up bracket is provided.
Instruments may
he rack mounted by Type 1005 (single
unit) or Type 1006 (dualunit) Rack Mounting Sets.
1.18 Accessories Available (Figure 1-1)
1. 18. 1 Type 1005 Rack Mounting Set
This set mounts a single instrument in a standard
19 inch wide by 3-112 inch high rack panel, offset to either
side of center.
1.18.2 Type 1006 Rack Mounting Set
This set mounts two instruments in
a standard
19 inch wide by 3- 112 inch high rack panel.
1.18.3 Type 2003A 50 ohm Termination
This specially designed load provides proper
termination of 50 ohm coaxial cables for fast-rise pulse
outputs.

MODEL lOOA SPECIFICATIONS
1. 18.4 Type
2 101 Inverting Transformer
The 2101 transformer inverts the poeitive
trigger output (advanced or reference) for applications
requiring a negative synchronous trigger.
1. 18.5 Type 2302 Mixing Unit
The mixing unit combines two same polarity
outputs with approximately 1 volt loss of amplitude.
1. 18. 6
Type 240 1 Variable Integrator.
This accessory provides a means of varying
pulse rise and fall times.
1. 18. 7 Instruction Manual
One operation and maintenance handbook is
supplied with each instrument. Additional handbooks are
available at a slight additional charge.

Figure 1-1. Model lOOA Accessories.

MODEL l00A
SECTION II
OPERATION
General Information
CAUTION
The outputs are designed for 50 ohm
resistive loads. An inductive load or
active circuit connected directly to an
output may damage the instrument.
Refer to paragraph
2.4 (Operating
Instructions) for non-standard load
connection and output mixing inforrna-
tion.
Pulse amplitude, width, delay, and repetition
rate are continuously variable over broad ranges, and pro-
vide an infinite variety of pulse parameter combinations to
satisfy many test requirements. Single or double pulse
operation, simultaneous positive and negative outputs,
flexible external gating and triggering, and countdoun
capabilities extend the instrunlent's versatility. Extra
operating convenience is gained through 1000:1 vernler
control and 100: 1 range multiplication of pulse width and
delay. Available accessories provide variable rise and
fall times, reference trigger inversion, low loss output
mixing and minimum distortion load termination.
Gating capabilities consist of synchronous, asyn-
chronous, and coincidence gating. The output pulse train is
synchronized to the leading edge of an externally applied
gate waveform in the synchronous mode. In the asynchro-
nous mode, the output pulse train begins with the first
advance trigger after the gate pulse occurs and continues
until the gate pulse subsides; the output is quiescently off
between gate pulses while the rate oscillator continuously
provides advance trigger outputs. The reference trigger is
gated in both modes while the advance trigger is gated in
the synchronous mode only. Coincidence gating is achieved
by application of both a gate signal and an external trigger
pulse so that output pulses occur only when the two are co-
incident.

MODEL lOOA OPERATION
Frequency division by synchronous countdown is
obtained from either internal or external triggering when
the delay is set greater than the trigger period and the out-
put pulse rate is a subharmonic of the trigger rate. The
reference trigger occurs at the subharmonic rate in either
case while the advanced trigger occurs at the oscillator rate
for internal triggering and is turned off for external trig-
gering.
2.2
Controls and Connectors (Figure 2-1)
2.2.1 Power Switch
The
POWER switch connects ac power to the
transformer primary and lights the pilot lamp when the
switch is turned ON.
2.2.2 Repetition Rate
The REPETITION RATE rotary switch selects
either internal or external triggering and the repetition rate
range for internally triggered operation. The smaller ver-
nier knob provides continuously variable control of all
ranges. There are eight decade ranges and the instrument
is set to the rate indicated on the front panel when the ver-
nier is fully clockwise.
The SINGLE PULSE position permits the instru-
ment to be triggered manually for one cycle of output by the
SINGLE PULSE pushbutton.
The EXT TRIG
SLOPE (t) and (-) positions
permit the instrument to be triggered from an external
source by either a positive or negative going waveform.
The TRIGGERING LEVEL control determines
the
(t) or (-) amplitude of a signal that will trigger the
instrument for operation from an external source.
A BNC connector is provided for the external
TRIGGER INPUT.

Figure 2-1 b. Model IOOA Controls and Connectors.
I I I I
I

OPERATION MODEL lOOA
2.2. 3 Pulse Delay
The PULSE DELAY rotary switch selects one of
seven decade ranges and the smaller vernier knob provides
continuously variable control of each range. The instru-
ment is set to the delay indicated on the front panel when
the vernier is fully clockwise. The ranges are multiplied
by 100 when the vernier knob is pulled out.
NOTE: Vernier control of pulse delay and width should be
limited to a single range step. Too much range reduction
by vernier control causes pulse distortion. Also the outputs
may become unstable because recovery time
is longer for
higher ranges.
2.2.4 Pulse Width
The PULSE WIDTH rotary switch selects one of
seven decade ranges and the smaller vernier knob provides
continuously variable control for each range. The instru-
ment is set to the width indicated on the front panel when
the vernier is fully clockwise. The ranges are multiplied
by 100 when the vernier knob is pulled out.
2.2.5 Amplitude
The POSITIVE and NEGATIVE pulse AMPLITUDE
knobs provide continuously variable amplitude control of the
simultaneously occurring main outputs. The baseline for
both outputs is at ground potential.
The POS OUTPUT and
NEG OUTPUT BNC con-
nectors couple the main outputs to external loads. The
GRD jack provides access to the instrument ground for test
connections.
2.2.
6 Gate Mode
The main outputs are continuous when the GATE
MODE switch is in the NON-GATED position but are inter-
rupted and occur in gated bursts, as controlled by an ex-
ternally applied gate signal, when the switch is in either the
SYNC or the ASYNC position.

MODEL IOOA 0PERP.TION
In the SYNC position, the repetition rate oscillator
is disabled and the main output pulses occur only during the
pulse interval of an applied gate signal. The first main
pulse of a gated burst is synchronized to the leading edge of
the gate pulse and both trigger outputs are gated.
The pulse delay circuit, rather than the repetition
rate oscillator is disabled in the ASYNC position, and on in-
ternally triggered operations the advance trigger is available
asa clock pulse. Main output and reference trigger pulses
begin with the first rate oscillator pulse after the start of
a
gate pulse and continue until the gate pulse subsides, for
either internal or external triggering.
The external gate signal is connected to the
ENABLING GATE INPUT BNC connector.
2.2.7 Pulse Mode
Single or double pulse operation is selected by
the
PULSE MODE switch. In the SGL position, one pul~e
per cycle occurs at the outputs, delayed from the reference
trigger for
a period set by the delay controls.
Two identical
~ulsesoccur when the switch is in the DBL ~o~ition.the first
is delayed approximately 30 nano~econdsfrom the reference
trigger, and the second is delayed for
a period determined
by the delay controls.
2.2.8 Trigger Output
The TRIGGER OUTPUT BNC connectors couple
the ADVANCE and REFERENCE trigger outputs to external
instruments.
2.2.9 Power Input
A 6-foot, 3-wire ac line cord with a NEMA
3-prong plug is attached to the back of the instrument.
The 115/230 selector switch on the back panel
connects the power transformer primaries for operation
from either a 115 or a 230 volt ac input.
Overload protection is provided by a
112 ampere
cartridge type fuse mounted on the back pancl.