PerkinElmer 5184 Instruction Manual

Model 5184

Ultra Low-Noise

Voltage Preamplifier

Instruction Manual

222516-A-MNL-D

Copyright © 2000 PERKINELMER CORPORATION

FCC Notice

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with this manual, may cause interference to radio communications. As
temporarily permitted by regulation, operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause interference, in which case the user at his own facility will be required to take whatever
measures may be required to correct the interference.

Company Names

PerkinElmer Instruments is part of Perkin Elmer, Inc., and includes the businesses formerly trading
as EG&G Princeton Applied Research, EG&G Instruments and EG&G Signal Recovery.

Declaration of Conformity

This product conforms to EC Directives 89/336/EEC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive,
amended by 92/31/EEC and 93/68/EEC, and Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC amended by
93/68/EEC.

This product has been designed in conformance with the following IEC/EN standards:

EMC: BS EN55011 (1991) Group 1, Class A (CSPIR 11:1990)

BS EN50082-1 (1992):

IEC 801-2:1991
IEC 801-3:1994
IEC 801-4:1988

Safety: BS EN61010-1: 1993 (IEC 1010-1:1990+A1:1992)

Trademarks



is a trademark of PerkinElmer, Inc.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Chapter One, Description

1.1 Description ................................................................................................................................................. 1-1

1.2 Options....................................................................................................................................................... 1-2

Chapter Two, Initial Checks

2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 2-1

2.2 Equipment Needed ...................................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.3 Procedure.................................................................................................................................................... 2-1

Chapter Three, Operating Instructions

3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 3-1

3.1.01 Power Switch.....................................................................................................................................3-1

3.1.02 Input..................................................................................................................................................3-1

3.1.03 Output ............................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.2 Battery Operation........................................................................................................................................ 3-2

3.3 External Supply Operation..........................................................................................................................3-2

Appendix A, Specifications

Appendix B, External Power Supply

Warranty

................................................................................................................................. End of Manual

i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ii

Description

1.1 Description

Chapter

The model 5184 is a medium-impedance (5 MΩ), AC-coupled, voltage preamplifier
which features an ultra low-noise FET input stage (800 pV/√Hz at 1 kHz). It has a
frequency range of 0.5 Hz to 1 MHz and a fixed gain of 60 dB (×1000). The 5184 is
ideal for use with medium impedance cryogenic sources and IR detectors such as
HgCdTe, InSb and InAs.

The model 5184 incorporates a special input stage which can be floated to give the
ground loop immunity normally associated with differential inputs, without the usual
accompanying noise penalty of the input devices required in differential circuits.

The model 5184 can be powered from its own internally housed (alkaline) batteries, an
external low voltage supply (±15 V or ±18 V DC) or from a line power supply via the
model PS0108 (optional extra). It can also be powered from most PerkinElmer
Instruments lock-in amplifiers. Connection of external power to the instrument is by a
5-way DIN connector on the rear panel.

1

Figure 1-1, Model 5184 Front Panel

Figure 1-2, Model 5184 Rear Panel

1-1

Chapter 1, DESCRIPTION

1.2 Options

The model 5184 is supplied complete with four 9 V alkaline batteries. The following
optional extras are available.

Model PS0108

Model PS0109

Model C0218

Model K0304

Remote Line Power Supply for the model 5184. See Appendix B
for details of this unit.

Pack of 20 alkaline batteries for the model 5184

Power cable. This cable allows the user to power the model
5184 from any one of the following PerkinElmer Instruments
Lock-in Amplifiers:
Model 5102, 5104, 5109, 5110, 5205, 5206, 5207, 5208, 5209,
5210, 5302, 7220, 7225, 7260, 7265 or 7280.

Rack mounting kit. This allows 1 or 2 model 5184 preamplifiers
to be mounted in a standard 19" rack.

1-2

Initial Checks

2.1 Introduction

The following procedure is provided to facilitate initial performance checking of the
Model 5183. In general, the procedure should be performed after inspecting the
instrument for shipping damage, but before using it experimentally. If any damage is
noted, PerkinElmer Instruments should be notified immediately and a claim filed with
the carrier. The shipping container should be saved for inspection by the carrier.

Should any difficulty be encountered in carrying out these checks, contact the factory
or one of its representatives.

2.2 Equipment Needed

1) General purpose laboratory oscilloscope.

2) Signal generator capable of providing a 10 mV pk-pk sine wave at 1 kHz.

2.3 Procedure

Chapter

2

1) Set the front-panel
press the adjacent
indicating that the internal batteries are installed and functioning properly. If the

POWER TEST

the 5184’s battery requirements.

Those users who have purchased the PerkinElmer Instruments external

Note:

power supply option can use the external supply to perform the initial checks, in
which case step 1 is replaced by the following operations.

a) Make sure that the voltage selector switch on the external power supply is in

the position indicating the line voltage to be used (110 V AC or 240 V AC).

b) Plug the line cord into the external power supply and the external power

supply into the instrument power socket.

c) Set the

adjacent
indicating that the external supply is functioning properly.

2) Set the 5184 input
position.

POWER

POWER

POWER TEST

indicator does not light, refer to Section 3.2 for a discussion of

switch to the up (

POWER TEST

GROUND / ISOLATE

switch to the down (

button. The associated indicator should light,

EXTERNAL

button. The associated indicator should light,

BATTERY

) position. Then press the

switch to the down (

) position. Then

GROUND

)

3) Connect the oscilloscope to the

4) Allow approximately 1 minute for the model 5184 circuitry to stabilize

OUTPUT

BNC connector.

2-1

Chapter 2, INITIAL CHECKS

5) Set the signal generator to 1 kHz, 10 mV pk-pk and connect it’s output to the

6) Monitor the 5184 output; the output level should be 10 V pk-pk.

INPUT

amplitude settings so as to obtain consistency between input settings and output
readings.

BNC connector. Use the oscilloscope to monitor the signal generator

7) Set the 5184 input
position.

8) The output level should still be 10 V pk-pk.

9) Return the

This completes the initial checks. If the instrument performed as indicated, one can be
reasonably sure that it has arrived in good working order and is functioning properly.

POWER

GROUND / ISOLATE

switch to the center (

switch to the up (

) position.

OFF

ISOLATE

)

2-2

Operating Instructions

3.1 Introduction

The Model 5184 Preamplifier can be powered from an external power source or from
internal alkaline cells as selected from a front-panel switch. In operation, the voltage to
be measured is connected to the AC-coupled
preamplifier amplifies the signal voltage by a fixed 60 dB (1000 times) which is then
output from the

OUTPUT

3.1.01 Power Switch

BNC connector.

INPUT

Chapter

BNC connector. The

3

The three position
selected. To operate the 5184 from an external power source, set the switch to the up
position. To operate the 5184 from internal batteries, set the switch to the down
position. In the center position, the 5184 is unpowered. The status of the selected
power source can be ascertained by pressing the
LED will light if the power source voltage, whether of the external power source or the
5184 internal batteries, is above the minimum required value for reliable operation.

POWER

switch allows

EXTERNAL, OFF

POWER TEST

, or

BATTERY

button; the adjacent

3.1.02 Input

The 5184 input circuit is of an asymmetrical differential configuration. When the

GROUND / ISOLATE

the BNC input socket is grounded and the input may be used in the conventional
single-ended mode. When the
(

ISOLATE

“pseudo-differential” mode. This gives the ground loop immunity normally associated
with differential inputs without the accompanying noise penalty associated with
differential input stages. In “pseudo-differential” mode the signal voltages should be
connected to the BNC
on the front panel. The maximum common mode input voltage is 300 mV peak to peak
and the maximum voltage difference between the shell of the BNC signal input
connector and the front panel ground terminal is ±600 mV.

) position, the input stage is floated and the input may be used in the

switch is set to the down (

GROUND / ISOLATE

INPUT

socket and the signal ground to the

GROUN

D) position, the screen of

switch is set to the up

GROUND

to be

terminal

3.1.03 Output

The 5184 output can generate greater than 10 V peak to peak signals into loads greater
than 100 kΩ. The 450 ohm output impedance provides a convenient 10:1 output
attenuator if the amplifier is loaded with 50 ohms, which can be useful if the 5184 is
required to drive coax cable greater than one meter in length at signal frequencies
approaching 1 MHz.

3-1

Chapter 3, OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

3.2 Battery Operation

In battery powered operation, the 5184 requires four 9 V alkaline cells (type NEDA
1604, PP3 or equivalent). Each battery fits into its own removable tray accessible
from the rear panel. When they are exhausted, all four batteries should be replaced
together. Care should be taken when exchanging the batteries to observe the correct
polarity which is marked on the inside of the battery trays and the top of the batteries.
The batteries will provide up to eight hours operation at 1 V rms. output level.

Nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries can be used if preferred, but there will be a
penalty of a reduction in the operating time obtained. In addition it will be necessary to
recharge these batteries in an external charger.

3.3 External Supply Operation

External power can be provided by a stand-alone external power supply (see
Appendix B) providing ±18 V DC, or the Preamplifier Power Output of most
PerkinElmer Instruments lock-in amplifiers which provide ±15 V DC. Connection is
by a DIN 5-way socket on the rear panel of the 5184.

Figure 3-2, External Power Input Connector Pinout

Figure 3-1, Battery Type

3-2

Specifications

General

Input

Appendix

AC coupled voltage amplifier with fixed x1000 (60dB) voltage gain and a maximum
frequency response extending from 0.5 Hz to 1 MHz. Pseudo-differential input and
single-ended output via BNC connectors.

Battery powered from internal alkaline batteries or external DC power supplies.

Modes Asymmetrical differential. Front panel ground

terminal provided.
Coupling AC
Impedance 5 MΩ //50 pF
Frequency Response 0.5 Hz - 1 MHz
C.M.R.R. > 80 dB (100 Hz to 1 kHz)
Max differential input voltage 10 mV pk-pk
Max common-mode input voltage 300 mV pk-pk
Max signal low potential w.r.t. ground terminal

±600 mV
Max input without damage ±15 V DC or 10 V rms. AC @ 50 Hz
Noise See Figure A-1 ; typ 800 pV/√Hz @ 1 kHz

A

Output

Figure A-1, Model 5184 Noise Figure Contours (Typical)

Gain x1000 (60 dB) fixed
Gain Accuracy ±1%
Gain Stability ±800 ppm/° C

A-1

Appendix A, SPECIFICATIONS

Power

Dimensions

Impedance 450
Max voltage swing >10 V pk-pk
Slew rate > 22 V/µs
Polarity Non-inverting
Distortion < 0.1% T.H.D.

Internal Four 9 V alkaline batteries provide

External

a) ±15 V or ±18 V DC @

b) 110 V AC or 240 V AC via optional

(excluding connectors) 8.25" wide × 11" deep × 3.5" high

Weight 5.3 lbs. (2.4 kg) excluding optional power supply

Ω

approximately 8 hours of use

40 mA

external model PS0108 power supply

(210 mm wide × 279 mm deep × 89 mm high)

A-2

Power Supply Unit
(Model PS0108)

Appendix

B

Figure B-1, Model PS0108 External Power Supply

Fuse Rating

115 V operation 200 mA
230 V operation 100 mA

Fuse Type 5 mm × 20 mm, 250 V, Slow Blow

B-1

Appendix B, POWER SUPPLY UNIT (MODEL PS0108)

B-2

WARRANTY

PerkinElmer Instruments Corporation warrants each instrument of its own manufacture to be free of defects in material and
workmanship for a period of ONE year from the date of delivery to the original purchaser. Obligations under this Warranty
shall be limited to replacing, repairing or giving credit for the purchase, at our option, of any instruments returned,
shipment pr epaid, to our Service Department for that purpose, provided prior authoriz ation for such r eturn has been given
by an authorized representative of PerkinElmer Instruments Corporation.

This Warranty shall not apply to any instrument, which our inspection shall disclose to our satisfaction, to have become
defective or unusable due to abuse, mishandling, misuse, accident, alteration, negligence, improper installation, or other
causes beyond our control. This Warranty shall not apply to any instrument or component not manufactured by PerkinElmer
Instruments Corporation. When products manufactured by others are included in PerkinElmer Instruments Corporation
equipment, the original manufacturers Warranty is extended to PerkinElmer Instruments customers.

PerkinElmer Instruments Corporation reserves the right to make changes in design at any time without incurring any
obligation to install same on units previously purchased.

THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE HEREOF. THIS WARRANTY IS
IN LIEU OF, AND EXCLUDES ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESSED, IMPLIED OR
STATUTORY, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AS WELL AS ANY AND ALL
OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES OF PERKINELMER INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. NO PERSON, FIRM OR CORPORATION IS AUTHORIZED TO
ASSUME FOR PERKINELMER INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION ANY ADDITIONAL OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY NOT
EXPRESSLY PROVIDED FOR HEREIN EXCEPT IN WRITING DULY EXECUTED BY AN OFFICER OF PERKINELMER
INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION.

SHOULD YOUR EQUIPMENT REQUIRE SERVICE

A. Contact your local PerkinElmer Instruments (Signal Recovery) office, agent, representative or distributor to discuss the

problem. In many cases it may be possible to expedite servicing by localizing the problem to a particular unit or cable.

B. We will need the following information, a copy of which should also be attached to any equipment which is returned

for service.

1. Model number and serial number of instrument

2. Your name (instrument user)

3. Your address

4. Address to which the instrument should be returned

5. Your telephone number and extension

C. If you experience any difficulties in obtaining service please contact:

PerkinElmer Instruments (Signal Recovery)
801 South Illinois Avenue Phone: [phone]
Oak Ridge Fax: [phone]
TN 37831-2011 E-mail: [e-mail]
USA

or

PerkinElmer Instruments (Signal Recovery)
Sorbus House Phone: [phone]
Mulberry Business Park Fax: [phone]
WOKINGHAM RG41 2GY E-mail: [e-mail]
United Kingdom

6. Symptoms (in detail, including control settings)

7. Your purchase order number for repair charges (does
not apply to repairs in warranty)

8. Shipping instructions (if you wish to authorize
shipment by any method other than normal surface
transportation)