Quantum 9250 User Manual

Emerald 9250

Operating

Series

Pulse Generat

anual

Quantum Composers, Inc.

P.O. Box 4248

Bozeman, MT 59772

1.800.510.6530

www.QuantumComposers.com

sales@QuantumComposers.com

9250 Manual Version 1.2 | Quantum Composers

Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................ 5

TECHNICAL SUPPORT .................................................................................................................................................................. 5

WARRANTY .............................................................................................................................................................................. 5

PACKAGE CONTENTS .................................................................................................................................................................. 5

2. SAFETY ISSUES .......................................................................................................................................................... 6

3. FRONT & BACK PANEL OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................ 7

FRONT PANEL ........................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Run/Stop/Power Button ................................................................................................................................................... 7

BACK PANEL ............................................................................................................................................................................. 8

Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8

BNC Output Connectors .................................................................................................................................................... 8

USB ................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Power Input ...................................................................................................................................................................... 8

4. PULSE CONCEPTS AND PULSE GENERATOR OPERATIONS ......................................................................................... 9

COUNTER ARCHITECTURE OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................. 9

SYSTEM TIMER FUNCTIONS .......................................................................................................................................................... 9

CHANNEL TIMER FUNCTIONS ..................................................................................................................................................... 10

DIGITAL OUTPUT MULTIPLEXER .................................................................................................................................................. 10

DEPENDENT & INDEPENDENT TIMING EVENTS (SYNC FUNCTION) ..................................................................................................... 10

NAVIGATING THE 9250 ............................................................................................................................................................ 11

ENABLING SYSTEM OUTPUT ....................................................................................................................................................... 11

SMOOTH TRANSITION UPDATING ................................................................................................................................................ 11

PULSE WIDTH & DELAY NOTES .................................................................................................................................................. 12

5. 9250 SETUP ............................................................................................................................................................. 13

OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................................................. 13

POWER .................................................................................................................................................................................. 13

COMMUNICATION ................................................................................................................................................................... 13

USB ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 13

DRIVER INSTALLATION (WINDOWS XP) ........................................................................................................................................ 14

DRIVER INSTALLATION (WINDOWS 7) .......................................................................................................................................... 14

6. 9250 APPLICATION ................................................................................................................................................. 15

9250 APPLICATION OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................................. 15

BASIC OPERATION ................................................................................................................................................................... 16

System Section ................................................................................................................................................................ 16

Channels Section ............................................................................................................................................................ 18

Virtual Channels ............................................................................................................................................................. 20

Enhanced Options........................................................................................................................................................... 21

COMMAND TERMINAL .............................................................................................................................................................. 22

PARAMETER STORAGE .............................................................................................................................................................. 22

Saving Custom Settings to a Bin ..................................................................................................................................... 22

9250 Manual Version 1.2 | Quantum Composers

Recalling Custom Settings from a Bin ............................................................................................................................. 23

7. OPERATING THE 9250 ............................................................................................................................................. 25

NORMAL INTERNAL RATE GENERATOR OPERATION ........................................................................................................................ 25

Continuous Mode ........................................................................................................................................................... 25

Single Shot Mode ............................................................................................................................................................ 26

System Burst Mode Function .......................................................................................................................................... 26

System Duty Cycle Function ............................................................................................................................................ 26

CHANNEL TIMER OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................................................... 27

Channel Normal Function ............................................................................................................................................... 27

Channel Single Shot Function ......................................................................................................................................... 27

Channel Burst Mode ....................................................................................................................................................... 28

Channel Duty Cycle Mode ............................................................................................................................................... 28

EXTERNAL INPUT OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................................................... 29

Generate a Pulse on Every Trigger Input ........................................................................................................................ 29

Using the External Gate to Control the System .............................................................................................................. 30

Using the External Gate to Control the Channel............................................................................................................. 30

OUTPUT EXAMPLES .................................................................................................................................................................. 31

8. PROGRAMMING THE 9250 ...................................................................................................................................... 32

PERSONAL COMPUTER TO 9250 COMMUNICATION ....................................................................................................................... 32

USB Interface Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 32

PROGRAMMING COMMAND TYPES AND FORMAT .......................................................................................................................... 32

Line Termination ............................................................................................................................................................ 33

IEEE 488.2 Common Command Format ......................................................................................................................... 33

SCPI Command Keywords ............................................................................................................................................... 33

SCPI Command Format ................................................................................................................................................... 34

SCPI Keyword Separator ................................................................................................................................................. 34

SCPI Optional Keywords ................................................................................................................................................. 34

SCPI Parameter Types ..................................................................................................................................................... 35

Error Codes ..................................................................................................................................................................... 35

Programming Examples ................................................................................................................................................. 35

9250 SCPI COMMAND SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................................. 37

IEEE 488.2 COMMON COMMANDS ........................................................................................................................................... 41

9. APPENDIX A – SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................... 42

9250 SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................. 42

10. APPENDIX B – BLUETOOTH OPTION .................................................................................................................... 45

OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................................................. 45

POWER .................................................................................................................................................................................. 45

INITIALIZATION & CONNECTIVITY ................................................................................................................................................ 45

11. APPENDIX C – TZ50 (IMPEDANCE MATCH OPTION) ............................................................................................ 47

TZ50 OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................................................................... 47

TZ50 SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................. 47

Terminating Into 50 Ohms.............................................................................................................................................. 48

Terminating Into High Impedance .................................................................................................................................. 48

9250 Manual Version 1.2 | Quantum Composers

12. APPENDIX D – SAFETY SYMBOLS......................................................................................................................... 49

SAFETY MARKING SYMBOLS ....................................................................................................................................................... 49

13. APPENDIX E – CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ............................................................................................ 51

9250 Manual Version 1.2 | Quantum Composers

1. Introduction

This manual is a reference designed to familiarize you with the Quantum Composers 9250

series pulse generator and is arranged so that you can easily find the information you’re looking for. Generally, each topic has its own section and no section assumes that you’ve

read anything else in the manual.

Technical Support

For questions or comments about operating the 9250 our technical staff can be reached via one of the following methods:

 Phone - (406) 582-0227  Fax - (406) 582-0237  Internet - www.quantumcomposers.com

Warranty

In addition to a 30-day money back guarantee, the 9250 has a two-year limited warranty from the date of delivery. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Quantum Composers will repair or replace any defective unit. Contact us for information on obtaining warranty service.

Package Contents

The box you receive should contain the following:

 9250 Pulse Generator  User’s Manual, Drivers, & 9250 application on Disc  USB Cord  5VDC (10W) Wall Adapter Power Supply

Contact Quantum Composers at 1 (406) 582-0227 if any parts are missing. Updated CD contents and/or support are available from the web site at: www.quantumcomposers.com

9250 Manual Version 1.2 | Quantum Composers

2. Safety Issues

Normal use of test equipment presents a certain amount of danger due to electrical shock because it may be necessary for testing to be performed where voltage is exposed.

An electrical shock causing 10 milliamps of current to pass through the heart will stop most human heartbeats. Voltage as low as 35 VDC or 35 V dangerous and hazardous, as it can produce a lethal current under certain conditions. Higher voltages pose an even greater threat because such voltage can easily produce a lethal current. Your normal work habits should include all accepted practices that will prevent contact with exposed high voltage and 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 needlessly. Remove housing and covers only when

necessary. Turn off equipment while making test connections in high- voltage circuits. Discharge high-voltage capacitors after shutting down power.

 When testing AC powered equipment, remember that AC line voltage is usually

present on power input circuits, such as the on-off switch, fuses, power transformer, etc.

 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 contact with metal objects that could provide a good ground return path.

 Never work alone. Someone should always be nearby to render aid if

necessary. Training in CPR first aid is highly recommended.

AC should be considered

RMS

9250 Manual Version 1.2 | Quantum Composers

3. Front & Back Panel Overview

 Quantum Logo

Indicates the unit is powered on and system status.

 Channel A-D

Indicates which channels are in the enabled state.

 Active

Indicates the unit is armed and/or channels are actively pulsing (or waiting to be triggered).

Front Panel

Indicators

A total of 6 separate LED indicators are included on the front panel of the 9250 series. The following details the type of indication they represent.

Run/Stop/Power Button

The Run/Stop button serves the dual purpose of both powering on/off the unit as well as

enabling/disabling the system output. It should be noted that only a short press is needed to both turn on and arm/disarm the unit. The button needs to be pressed and held for approximately 1 second in order to power off the unit. In the power off sequence the active settings are saved and reloaded when the unit is power back on.

The following image represents the front panel of a 9250:

Figure 3.1 - 9250 Front Panel

9250 Manual Version 1.2 | Quantum Composers

Back Panel

 PWR

Indicates the unit is powered on.

 Active

Indicates the armed channels are actively pulsing (or waiting to be triggered).

 Gate/Trig

Indicates which mode the external input is in. If neither is illuminated, the unit is in internally triggered mode.

Indicators

A total of 4 LED indicators are included on the back panel of the 9250.The following further details the type of indication they represent.

BNC Output Connectors

Standard BNC connectors are found on the back panel which output the pulses for their

respective channel.

USB

A “Standard B” female type USB connector is found on the back panel. This allows for

communication with the unit (on standard units).

Power Input

A standard, circular female plug (5.5mmx2.1mm) can found on the back panel below the USB connector. This provides power to the unit.

The following image represents the back panel of a 9250:

Figure 3.2- 9250 Back Panel

9250 Manual Version 1.2 | Quantum Composers

4. Pulse Concepts and Pulse Generator Operations

*Start source is:

Run/Stop button/function in Internal Modes

External input in External Trigger modes

*TRG command via Serial access

**Channels are armed by the Run/Stop function (external button or through 9250 application).

In single shot and burst modes channels may be rearmed by pressing the RUN button again.

 Continuous

Once started T0 pulses are generated continuously.

 Single Shot

One T0 pulse is generated for each start command.

 Burst

‘N’ T

pulses are generated for each start

command.

 Duty Cycle

Once started T0 pulses cycle on and off continuously.

Counter Architecture Overview

System Timer Functions

The System Timer functions as a non-retriggerable, multi-vibrator pulse generator. This means that once started, depending on the mode, the timer will produce pulses continuously. Before pulses can be generated, the timer must be armed and then receive a start pulse. Arming the counter is done by enabling the Run/Stop function by either the external button or through the 9250 application. With external trigger disabled, the Run/Stop function also generates the start command for the counter. With external trigger enabled, the external trigger provides the start pulse. In either case, once started, the counter operation is determined by the System Mode Generator. Standard modes include:

The T0 pulse is distributed to all of the start inputs of the Channel Timers and Mode Generators.

9250 Manual Version 1.2 | Quantum Composers

 Normal

A pulse is generated for each T0 pulse.

 Single Shot

One pulse is generated for the first T0 pulse, after

which the output is inhibited.

 Burst

‘N’ number of pulses are generated for each T0

pulse, after which the output is inhibited.

 Duty Cycle

‘N’ number of pulses are produced, one for each T0 pulse, after which ‘M’ number of pulses will be

inhibited, one for each T0 pulse. The cycle is then repeated for each subsequent T0 pulse.

Channel Timer Functions

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 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 start pulse for each channel is provided by the internal T0 pulse generated by the internal system timer. Whether or not a pulse is generated for each T0 pulse is determined by the Channel Mode Generator. Standard modes include:

A Different mode may be selected for each channel, allowing a wide variety of output combinations. Each output may also be independently disabled or gated (using the external gate input).

Digital Output Multiplexer

The outputs of each of the Channel Timers are routed to a set of multiplexers. This allows

routing of any or all Channel Timers to any or all of the units’ outputs. In the normal mode of

operation, the output of the nth Channel Timer is routed to the nth output connector. As an example, if a double pulse is required on Channel A, one can multiplex the Channel A timer with the Channel B timer, then adjust each timer to provide the necessary pulses. Only the

timing parameters are multiplexed together, not the actual output amplitudes.

Dependent & Independent Timing Events (Sync Function)

The 9250 allows the user to control the relationship between the Channel Timers by setting the sync source for each timer. Independent events are all timed relative to the internal T0 start pulse. Dependent events may be linked together by setting the sync source to the controlling event. This allows the instrument to match the timed events and adjustments can be made in one event without detuning the timing between it and the dependent event.

9250 Manual Version 1.2 | Quantum Composers

Navigating the 9250

Width

Delay

Sync Source

Period

CHA

10us

9us

100us

CHB

80us

10us

CHA

CHC

20us

4us

CHD

50us

5us

CHC

Primary control of the 9250 is carried out either through the 9250 application (see 9250 application Menus) or through unit specific commands using a terminal program via USB (see Programming the 9250). Communication through Bluetooth is also available as an upgrade which will allow the same user interfaces as USB. The Run/Stop button serves the purpose of both power on/off as well as enabling/disabling the system output.

Enabling System Output

The Run/Stop button on the 9250 is used to arm the system. With external trigger disabled, the button will arm and start pulse output. With external trigger enabled, the button will arm the pulse generator. Pulse outputs then starts after the first valid trigger input. Pressing the Run/Stop button a second time disables the pulse generator.

Smooth Transition Updating

Caution should be used when attempting to update the 9250’s parameters when the unit is actively

pulsing. The system counters are double buffered to insure that updating while the counters are active does not generate significant timing errors. A one clock error (4ns) may occur if the counters are reloaded during counter updates. To insure a smooth delay transition during an update, all channels must have completed their pulses at least 2us before the end of the period (Counter updates take 2us). It should be noted that if a delay jump does occur, only a single jump will occur before the unit’s nominal desired delay is reached.

*Example in which initial delay jumps may occur while actively updating while pulsing:

80us(Width) + 10us(Delay) + 9us(Sync Source Delay) = 99us  Within 2us of Period (100us)

9250 Manual Version 1.2 | Quantum Composers

*Example in which initial delay jumps will not occur while actively updating while pulsing:

Width

Delay

Sync Source

Period

CHA

10us

5us

100us

CHB

80us

10us

CHC

20us

4us

CHD

50us

5us

CHC

80us(Width) + 10us(Delay) = 90us  NOT within 2us of Period (100 us)

Pulse Width & Delay Notes

The following notes should be reviewed to understand the full capabilities and limitations of the pulse delays (rising edges) and widths (falling edges) on the 9250:

-Delay (rising edge) notes:  Since a T0 signal output is not present, the delay accuracy is essentially the rising edge

accuracy from channel-to-channel.

 There will be some inherent delay error when all channels have their respective delay values

set to zero; although, these errors should all be well within the delay accuracy specification. Fine delay adjustments may be used to lower the error accordingly (i.e. The fine delays may be adjusted to line up the rising edges if higher accuracy is needed. )

-Width (falling edge) notes:  The delay has 5ps resolution while the width only has 4 ns resolution; thus, when

dynamically adjusting the delay, the width will only update in 2ns steps. This assures that the width accuracy specification is still met.

9250 Manual Version 1.2 | Quantum Composers

5. 9250 Setup

Overview

The 9250 can easily be interfaced by means of the included 9250 application. On standard models, a USB cable and a port with USB 2.0 capabilities or greater (recommended) are required to communicate with the unit. Bluetooth is available as an option if wireless communication is required. If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.

Power

The 9250 requires a +5VDC ± 250mV (≥1.5A) power supply to operate. The included wall adapter can be used to power the unit. The power adapter should be plugged into the rear panel of the unit that is labeled 5V – 1.5A. If a different power source is used, the required mating connector is a standard, circular female plug with the following dimensions: 5.5mm x 2.1 mm x 9.5mm (outer diameter x inner diameter x connector length). It is recommended that the AC Mains Socket-Outlet be easily accessible so that the external power supply can be easily removed from the AC Mains Socket Outlet.

The multi-functional power button, labeled “Run/Stop,” located on the front of the unit will turn on the 9250 when pressed once. Since the current consumption is dependent on the external

loads, it is highly recommended that loads connected to any of the outputs be ≥50 ohms. It should be noted that if 9250 consumes ≥1.5A, the internal current sense circuit will cause the

unit to go into a latched state, which is depicted by the flashing LED’s on the Quantum logo. In this state, all outputs will be inactive. In order to clear this state, the 9250 must be power cycled.

Communication

The 9250 provides a standard USB connection for remote communications. An optional Bluetooth feature is also available.

USB

When the 9250 is connected to a remote computer via the USB connection, the computer will recognize the unit as a “QC -PG”. Drivers will need to be installed for the remote computer to interface to the 9250. Drivers are included on the provided CD. Once the drivers have been installed, the 9250 will show up in the device manager as a USB to Serial Port Adapter. The 9250 can then be communicated with by either the included 9250 application or by using any generic communication terminal program. The unit is baud rate independent, so any speed can be selected. Typically a rate of 115,200bps can be used. The minimum suggested baud rate is 1,200bps.

9250 Manual Version 1.2 | Quantum Composers

Driver Installation (Windows XP)

1. Plug the 9250 into the computer using a USB cable. Make sure the unit is powered on.

2. The computer will display a message indicating it has found new hardware: “QC-PG”.

3. The new hardware wizard will launch. Check the “Install from a list or specific location”

option and click next.

4. Select “Search for the best driver in these locations” and check the option to “Include

this location in the search”. Click the browse button and locate the folder on the CD where the 9250 drivers are located. Click next.

5. A message window will launch asking if you want to continue installing this driver.

Select the “Continue Anyway” button.

6. It should now indicate that it is installing a driver for a “QC-PG USB Communications

Port”.

7. Once the process is finished, a message will indicate that the drivers have been

successfully installed.

8. You can now communicate with the 9250 using either the included 9250 application or

by using any generic communication terminal program. You can view the Com Port number assigned to the 9250 in your computers device manager under Ports.

Driver Installation (Windows 7)

1. Plug the 9250 into the computer using a USB cable. Make sure the unit is powered on.

2. A message will pop up on the computer indicating it has found new hardware and is

installing device driver software.

3. A message will indicate that the device drivers have not been successfully installed. The

Action Center may then launch with a list of options. Close the Action Center and do not launch any of the actions.

4. Go to your computers device manager. This can be done by one of two ways. a) Right

click on the desktop “Computer” icon and select properties. Select Device Manager on the left toolbar. b) Navigate to Control Panel and then Device Manager.

5. In Device Manager you should see a device under the Other Devices called the QC-PG.

There will be a yellow exclamation point next to it.

6. Right click on the QC-PG and select update driver software.

7. Select “Browse My Computer” for driver software and browse to the location of the USB

drivers for the 9250. The location is typically found on the software CD. It will contain a file called “9200cdc.inf”. Select the folder in which the file resides, not the file itself. Click next.

8. Windows will then indicate a warning window that the drivers are not verified. Select

“Install this driver software anyway”.

9. A message will then indicate that the drivers have been successfully updated and a QC

PG USB Communication Port is now available.

10. You can now communicate with the 9250 using either the included 9250 application or

by using any generic communication terminal program. You can view the Com Port number assigned to the 9250 in your computers device manager under Ports.

9250 Manual Version 1.2 | Quantum Composers

6. 9250 Application

9250 Application Overview

Aside from using the SCPI command protocol, the included software application is the primary means of communication with the 9250. This application allows simple control of the 9250 unit via the USB or optional Bluetooth communications port. To run the software, simply double click on the application which can be found on the included CD. No installation is required. The software can also be copied to your computer and run from any location. The screenshot shown below (Figure 6. 1) shows the 9250 application and all of the corresponding default parameters:

Figure 6.1 –9250 Application Shown In Default State

9250 Manual Version 1.2 | Quantum Composers

Basic Operation

The following steps must be carried out before communication with the 9250 may take place:

 Ensure that the proper drivers have already been installed on the remote computer.

These drivers will need to be installed for the remote computer to interface to the 9250. Reference the “9250 Setup  USB” section for more information on installing the proper drivers.

 Open the 9250 application by double clicking on the application which can be found on

the included CD.

 Once the 9250 application recognizes the COM Port the 9250 is attached to, a

connection will be established, and communication may now be carried out.

 A COM Port does not need to be selected as the computer will automatically recognize

the 9250. If multiple 9250 units are connected to the same computer, multiple instances of the GUI may be run. The first application instance will connect to the 9250 on the lowest COM Port, followed by the next application connecting to the 9250 on the next highest COM port.

*Note: Parameters on the GUI that are not applicable with the selected settings will be greyed

out and won’t be able to be adjusted until the appropriate settings have been selected.

(Example: The System’s Burst Count cannot be adjusted until the System is set to Burst

Mode.)

System Section

The System Section of the 9250 application only affects the 9250’s system parameters. As shown below in Figure 6.2, the following system parameters may be altered:

Figure 6.2 –9250 Application: System Parameters

9250 Manual Version 1.2 | Quantum Composers

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