Quantum 9700 User Manual

9700 Series

Pulse Generator

User's Manual

Quantum Composers, Inc
PO Box 4248
Bozeman, MT 59772

Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.quantumcomposers.com

Table of Contents

11 Introduction ..............................................................

1Technical Support ........................................................

1Parts List ................................................................

1Warranty .................................................................

2Custom Modifications ....................................................

2Safety Issues .............................................................

52 Controls and Connectors ................................................

5Front Panel ..............................................................

5Display ...............................................................

5Control Buttons .......................................................

5Enter Button .......................................................

5Menu Button .......................................................

5Up Button .........................................................

5Down Button ......................................................

6Left Button ........................................................

6Right Button .......................................................

6Stop Button .......................................................

6Run Button ........................................................

6 Output Sections ...................................................

7 External Trigger ...................................................

7 Sync Out ...........................................................

7Interlock (Toggle Switch) ...........................................

7Rear Panel ...............................................................

7 Interlock ...........................................................

7 Serial Port ........................................................

8GPIB Port (optional) ...............................................

8ACInput ...........................................................

93 Operating Instructions ...................................................

9Overview .................................................................

10Selecting Menu Items ................................................

10Numeric Input Mode .................................................

10Item Edit Mode ......................................................

i

Table of Contents

n:Enable - Tn:Enable ................................................

n:lamps - Tn:lamps ..................................................

n:Dly - Tn:Delay .....................................................

n:Wid - Tn:Pulse Width ..............................................

10Main Menu ..............................................................

10MODE - Pulse Modes ..............................................

10External Trigger Mode ............................................

11Single Shot Mode ................................................

11 Channel Menus .........................................................

11
11
11
12

12Store/Recall Menus .....................................................

12STORE Configuration ................................................

12RECALL Configuration ..............................................

13Shot Counter ........................................................

13Fmark ...............................................................

13Volume .............................................................

13 GPIB:Addr (optional) .................................................

154 Computer Interface .....................................................

15Serial (RS232) Pinout ...................................................

15 GPIB ...................................................................

16Command Language ....................................................

16Command Protocol ..................................................

17Communication Protocol .............................................

18Command Listing .......................................................

195 Specifications ...........................................................

19Delays ..................................................................

19External Trig/Gate .......................................................

19Internal Rate Generator ..................................................

20Outputs .................................................................

20Computer Interface ......................................................

20General .................................................................

216 Maintenance ............................................................

21Replacing the Fuse ......................................................

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Table of Contents

iii

1 INTRODUCTION

This manual is designed to help you quickly and easily learn to use your Quantum
Composers Model 9700 current pulse generator. The 9700 provides digitally
controlled current pulses with currents from 0 - 25 Amps and pulsewidths from
100µs to 100ms. We also offer a long pulse version which holds up to 10A for 10µs

- 500ms. Rather than the usual array of knobs and switches, the 9700 uses a
menu-driven user interface with "on-line" help -- once you learn the basics of
operating your 9700, you may never need to refer to this manual again.

Since the Model 9700 employs a flexible microprocessor-controlled architecture, the
9700 can be customized to fit your exact requirements -- contact Quantum
Composers for details.

Technical Support

For questions or comments about operating the 9700, contact Quantum Composers
via one of the following methods:

P Phone - [phone]
P Fax - [phone]
P Internet - www.quantumcomposers.com

Parts List

The following parts are included with the 9700 -- contact Quantum Composers if any
parts are missing:

P 9700 Pulse Generator
P AC Power Cord
P User's Manual

Warranty

In addition to a 30-day money back guarantee, the Model 9700 has a one-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.

1

Custom Modifications

The 9700 is microprocessor-controlled and employs a flexible and expandable
user-interface. New features and operating modes often can be added without
hardware modifications by merely modifying the software contained inside the 9700

- contact Quantum Composers for details.

Safety Issues

Normal use of test 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. Voltage as low as 35 VDC or RMS AC should be
considered dangerous and hazardous since it 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:

1. 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.

2. If possible, familiarize yourself with the equipment being
tested and the location of high voltage points. However,
remember that high voltage may appear at unexpected points
in defective equipment.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. When testing AC powered equipment, remember that AC line
voltage is usually present on some power input circuits, such

2

as the on-off switch, fuses, power transformer etc., any time
the equipment is connected to an AC outlet, even if the
equipment is turned off.

6. Never work alone. Someone should always be nearby to
render aid if necessary. Training in CPR first aid is highly
recommended.

3

4

2 CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS

This chapter explains the function of each control and connector on the 9700.

Front Panel

The front panel contains the most frequently used controls and connectors.

Display

The 9700 features a backlit liquid crystal display, which displays menu selections
and settings. The left half of the display shows the current menu selection, while the
right half shows the current setting of the item associated with that menu.

Control Buttons

Item Button

Toggles between the various items in a menu.

Menu Button

Toggles between the various sets of menus.

Up Button

Increments a number or increments the selection for the current item.

Down Button

Decrements a number or increments the selection for the current item.

5

Left Button

For numeric items, this button is used to select which digit in a numeric entry is
selected for editing. For other items, or when the left most digit is already selected
for numeric items, pressing and holding this button down displays a brief description
of the current item.

Right Button

For numeric items, this button is used to select which digit in a numeric entry is
selected for editing. For other items, or when the right most digit is already selected
for numeric items, press and hold this button down to display the range and units for
the current item.

Stop Button

Disables output of pulses on all channels.

Run Button

Enables output of pulses.

Output Sections

There are two (2) output sections on the front of the 9700; each consists of a pair of
banana plugs, a BNC current monitor, a toggle switch, and a charge level indicator.
Each output section is independently controlled and isolated from each other. Loads
are connected to the banana plugs. The toggle switch allows the user to physically
disconnect the output (off position). Disconnecting the outputs is recommended
while connecting loads.

Warning: The charge bank voltage is present on the positive (red) output jack;
before connecting loads, disconnect bank voltage by placing toggle switch in off
position.

6

The charge level indicator illuminates when the capacitor bank is fully charged. The
current monitor is an oscilloscope compatible reference voltage to monitor the
current pulse, 1A = 100mV.

External Trigger

Trig In (BNC) -- external signal input to trigger the generation of pulses.
Optoisolated input, 3-15V (>3mA). Pressing the RUN button in the external trigger
mode arms the system and waits for an external trigger input.

Sync Out

This is a BNC connector which provides a TTL sync output when the instrument is
fired. This signal is generated by the internal clock and therefore the actual pulse
output will be delayed relative to the Sync Out as specified by the channel delay
parameter.

Interlock

A switch is provided to arm/disarm the system. This switch is used with the interlock
input on the rear panel to control pulse generation of the system. A READY
indicator is provided to indicate that the rear interlock is satisfied and the arm/disarm
switch is in the armed position. No pulses will be generated unless the LED is on.
When the system is disarmed, a relay disconnects the bank voltage from the output
jacks.

Rear Panel

Interlock

This is a BNC connector which must be appropriately connected to allow the
instrument to generate pulses. The input must be shorted to satisfy the interlock.

Serial Port

This is a 9-pin D-sub connector for the RS232 interface that comes standard with the

9700. It is pinned to be directly connected to a standard IBM-PC serial port -- use a
straight-through cable (not a null modem cable) to connect to a PC.

7

GPIB Port (optional)

The GPIB (IEEE 488) interface is available as an option with the 9700.

AC Input

A standard EIC instrument-type cord should be used. The 9700 is supplied with a
power cord that fits the type of socket used in your country.

Input requirements: 100-240VAC, 1A

8

3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

This chapter presents detailed instructions on the operation of the 9700.

Overview

The 9700 provides digitally controlled, single shot, current pulses. The current is
provided by a 3700mF capacitor bank charged to approximately 44V. The ability of
the instrument to maintain the requested current will be load dependent, limited by
the voltage and the stored energy. Thus the output pulse is energy limited by the
amount of energy stored on the capacitor bank (CV
large loads will result in droop at the end of the pulse as the capacitor bank
discharges. The table below shows the maximum droop free pulsewidth as a function
of resistance and current.

MAXIMUM CONSTANT CURRENT PULSEWIDTH (ms)*

2

/2 = 36.2 Joules). Long pulses or

CURRENT (A)

10521RESISTANCE (ohms)
751905251,0901
501605001,0602

--904259905

----30086010

The current in the Model 9700 is controlled by a high-side power mosfet. Care
should be taken when making connections. A switch is provided for each channel to
disconnect the load from the capacitor bank.

The 9700 uses a single-line LCD to display menu selections. The front panel keys
are used to “navigate” through sets of menus to set various options and control the
current pulse generator. Some keys are only active at certain times or have different
behavior depending on what state the menus are in -- once understood, the menus can
be quickly and easily manipulated. The 9700 also contains non-volatile memory for
storing up to twelve (12) configurations, so you need not go through the entire setup
process each time the instrument is used.

9

Selecting Menu Items

The menu items in the 9700 are arranged in a set. Pressing the key will toggle
between sets of menus, while the key will toggle between menu items within the
current set. Hold down the Left arrow key to receive a short description of the

current menu item. Pressing and holding the Right arrow key will display the valid
range for that item.

Numeric Input Mode

When the current item is numeric, the system enters the Numeric Input mode. In this
mode, 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. When the left most digit is active,
pressing and holding the Left arrow key will display a brief description of the current
item. When the right most digit is active, pressing and holding the Right arrow key
will display the range and units for the current item.

Item Edit Mode

When the current item is non-numeric, the Up and Down arrow keys are used to
select among different options for the entry. The Left and Right arrow keys are used
to display a description of the item.

Main Menu

The Main Menu consists of a set of menus selections used to set the operating mode,
time period and frequency of the 9700.

MODE - Pulse Modes

There are two (2) different Pulse modes available.

External Trigger Mode

In the External Trigger mode, one pulse is output each time an active edge occurs on
the Trigger input. The external trigger polarity menu (
whether the 9700 is triggered on the rising or falling edge of the external trigger.

10

TRIG) is used to determine

Single Shot Mode

During Single Shot operation, one pulse is generated each time the Run key is
pressed. The rate at which pulses are produced is totally dependent on how fast the
Run key is pressed. The delay of each of the outputs is relative to To (the internal
clock).

Channel Menus

This set of menus is used to set enable and set the current, delay, pulse width for each
of the output channels.

n: Enable - Tn:Enable

Each of the two (2) channels has independent output control and may be enabled or
disabled from the n:Enable menu, where n = 1, 2. When disabled, the channel will
not generate a current pulse when the unit is triggered.

n:Iamps - Tn:Iamps

Each of the two (2) channels has an independent output current setting from the
n:Iamps menu where n = 1, 2. Currents from 00.00 to 25.00A may be selected with a
resolution of 10mA. Current is provided from a 3,700mF capacitor bank, which is
charged to nominally 44V. The maximum current available will therefore be limited
to the bank voltage and the load resistance. (The capacitor bank is charged by an
isolated power supply which is current limited and thus takes approximately 15
seconds to charge.) The charge ready LED indicator illuminates when the capacitor
bank is fully charged.

n:Dly - Tn :Delay

Each of the two (2) channels has an independent delay setting which is set from the
Tn:Dly menu, where n = 1, 2. Delays from 0 to 99.999999 seconds may be selected
with a resolution of 200ns.

When in any mode but External Trigger, the Delay setting sets the delay from the
time the internal timer To goes high until a pulse is output on a particular channel.

When in External Trigger mode, the delays are with respect to the active edge of the
external trigger input signal.

11

n:Wid - Tn:Pulse Width

Each of the two (2) channels has an independent pulse width setting which is set from
the Tn:Wid menu, where n = 1, 2. Pulsewidths from 100µs to 100ms may be
selected with a resolution of 200ns. *See custom features for Long Pulse option
specifications.

The pulse width is used to specify the duration of the output pulse. The setting of the
output polarity (the Tn:Pol menu) for a particular channel determines whether the
output is high for this duration or low.

Store/Recall/Misc. Menus

The 9700 contains non-volatile memory for storing twelve (12) different
configurations. The settings for all menu selections are stored and can be quickly
recalled.

STORE Configuration

Stores the current menu settings in the specified memory location one (1) - twelve
(12).

Note: If you overwrite a particular location, its previous contents are destroyed.
A configuration is stored by using the Up and Down arrow keys to select the memory

location number and pressing the Left or Right arrow key. You will be prompted to
press the key to verify that you want to overwrite the existing stored

configuration. If you press any other key, the configuration will not be saved.

RECALL Configuration

Recalls a previously stored configuration from the specified memory location. To
recall a configuration, use the Up and Down arrow keys to select the memory
location number and press the Left or Right arrow key. You will be prompted to
press the key to verify that you want to overwrite the active configuration. If you

press any other key, the configuration will not be recalled.

Note: A zero configuration is available for recall. This configuration resets the
instrument to the factory default settings.

12

Shot Counter

The 9700 includes a nine (9) digit shot counter. The maximum count displayed is
4,294,967,295 after which the count rolls over to zero. To manually reset the counter
to zero, press the Left or Right arrow key. You will prompted to press the key

to verify that you want to zero the counter. If you press any other key, the shot
counter will not be reset.

Fmark

The character used as a decimal point can be set to either a "." (period) or a ","
(comma). The period is generally used in North America, while the comma is used
in Europe.

Volume

The key click volume may be adjusted from 0 (disabled) to 9. The default value is 2.

GPIB:Addr (optional)

For systems with the optional GPIB interface this menu sets the GPIB address. The
valid address range is from 0 to 30.

13

14

____________________________________________________________________

4 Computer Interface

The 9700 comes standard with an RS232 serial interface; a GPIB (IEEE-488)
interface is available as an option. All menu settings can be set and retrieved over the
computer interface using a simple command language.

Serial (RS232) Pinout

The serial port is located on the back of the 9700, and uses a 9-pin D-type connector
with the following pinout (as viewed from the back of the 9700):

1. No connection

2. Tx - Transmit (to computer)

3. Rx - Receive (from computer)

4. DTR - connected to pin 6

5. Ground

6. DSR - connected to pin 4

7. RTS - connected to pin 8

8. CTS - connected to pin 7

9. No connection

The voltage level of the Transmit signal is +/-10V, the Receive signal should be at
least +/-5V.

GPIB

An optional GPIB (also known as IEEE-488) computer interface is available for the

9700. Before using this interface, the address must be set using the GPIB Address
menu item. The same command set is used for both the GPIB and RS-232 interfaces.
Both interfaces may be used at the same time. Responses will be made to the most
recently used interface.

Command Language

All menu items can be accessed and selected via the computer interface using a
simple command language. The command set is the same for both the RS232 and
GPIB interfaces.

15

Command Protocol

All commands have the following syntax:

$<name> <##>CR

where

P $ indicates a command follows.

P <name> is the command name. No spaces are allowed between the $ and the

<name>. The name is case sensitive.

P <##> is an unsigned integer associated with the command. A space must be

inserted between

P CR is a carriage return character (ASCII value 13).

With echo enabled, all characters sent will be echoed back to the sender before the
expected response is sent.

Unidentified commands and most out of range conditions result in the pulse
generator ignoring the command. If the command is properly identified, the pulse
generator returns an
ASCII 10), otherwise it returns a
a carriage return and a line feed). A
parameter is out of range.

<name> and <##>.

ok followed by a carriage return and a line feed (ASCII 13,

?1 (a question mark, followed by the number "one",

?2 is sent if a valid command is received but the

Example

- send the following command to set the number of cycles:

$MODE 1

The pulse generator will return the following:

Echo Enabled: MODE 1<cr><lf>

ok<cr><lf>

Echo Disabled: ok<cr><lf>

Only one command will be processed per message. Commands are not processed
until the carriage return is sent. If an error is made and identified prior to sending the
carriage return, sending a new $ will reset the input buffer and allow a corrected
command to be sent.

To determine the current value of a parameter the syntax is:

$<name> ?CR

16

where name = a valid command name.
This will return an integer followed by a space, carriage return, and a line feed

character (ASCII 10).
Example

- the following command would retrieve the current Cycles setting:

$MODE ?

The pulse generator will return the following:

Echo Enabled: MODE ?<cr><lf>

100<cr><lf>

Echo Disabled: 100<cr><lf>

Communication Protocol

Communication parameters are set at 9600 baud, 8 bits, parity = none, and 1 stop bit.
To help establish RS232 communications, the pulse generator emits the characters

BNC approximately every 200 ms after power up and until the 9700 receives a $.

Both the GPIB and the RS232 interface may be used at the same time. The
instrument will respond to the port which sent the command.

17

Command List

The following table summarizes all the commands:

9700 Communication Commands

DescriptionParametersCommand Name

MODE

TRIG

T1:Ena

T2:Ena

RUN

ECHO

Fmark,

1 = External Trigger mode
0 = falling edge

1 = rising edge

1 = Enable
0 - 2500T1:Iamp

1 = Enable
0 - 2500T2:Iamp

1 - 1000BEEP

1 = Enable

0 = Reset to zeroSHOTS

0 = Disable
1 = Enable

1 = . (period)

Sets the pulse generator mode.0 = Single Shot mode

Sets the active edge of the Ext/Gate signal when used as
an external trigger.

Enable/disable Channel 10 = Disable

Sets the current level, in 10's of mA (100 = 1A), for
Channel 1

Sets the pulse width, in microseconds*10, for Channel 1.100 - 100000T1:Wid
Sets the delay, in microseconds*10, for Channel 1.0 - 999999998T1:Dly
Enable/disable Channel 20 = Disable

Sets the current level, in 10's of mA (100 = 1A), for
Channel 2

Sets the pulse width, in microseconds*10, for Channel 2100 - 100000 T2:Wid
Sets the delay, in microseconds*10, for Channel 20 - 999999998T2:Dly
Beeps the speaker inside the 9700 the specified number

of times.
Enable / disables the pulse generator output.0 = Disable

Recall a stored configuration.0 - 12RECALL
Store a configuration.1 - 12STORE
Resets shot counter. SHOT ? will return the number of

shots.
Enables/Disables the RS232 echo. The result string is

always sent back.
Sets the character used as a decimal point on the display.0 = , (comma)

Sets the key click volume level.0 - 9VOLUME

18

4 SPECIFICATIONS

DELAYS

P CHANNELS Two (2) independent outputs, with digitally controlled

delay and pulsewidth.

P CURRENT 0 to 25A (Bank voltage 44V minimum)
P RESOLUTION 10mA
P ACCURACY 50mA
P DELAY 0 to 99.9999998s
P RESOLUTION 200ns
P PULSEWIDTH 100µs to 100ms
P RESOLUTION 200ns
P ACCURACY 100ns + .0001 x delay
P TIMEBASE 5MHz, 25PPM crystal oscillator
P RMS JITTER 100ns
P TRIG DELAY Ext Trig to To < 10µs

EXTERNAL TRIG / GATE

P RATE Dc to 1/ (75ms + largest delay + period)
P THRESHOLD 3VDc (3mA into optoisolator)
P TRIGGER SLOPE Rising or falling edge
P IMPEDANCE 1000Ω

INTERNAL RATE GENERATOR

P MODES Single shot, external trigger
P RMS JITTER 100ns

19

OUTPUTS

(T1,T2)

P IMPEDANCE 1.405Ω
P SLEW RATE > 2.5A/µs
P OVERSHOOT < 100mA + 10% of pulse amplitude
P AMPLITUDE 0-25A (loads 1 - 10 ohm)
P PEAK CURRENT 25A per channel
P DC CURRENT LIMIT 150mA (each channel)

COMPUTER INTERFACE

P RS232 9600 Baud. All instrument functions and settings may

be controlled over the interface bus.

GENERAL

P STORAGE Twelve (12) complete configurations may be stored

and recalled from the front panel or the computer
interface.

P WEIGHT 10 lbs.
P POWER < 100W @ 120 or 220VAC

20

5 MAINTENANCE

Except for fuse replacement, the 9700 should require no maintenance.

Replacing the Fuse

A pair of fuses are mounted in the power entry module. To replace fuses, follow the
instructions given below:

1. Unplug the 9700 from power source and remove power cord
from the back panel.

2. Remove the fuse holder by pushing down on the center tab
and pulling out.

3. Remove the faulty fuse and replace with one of a similar
rating.

4. Reinstall the fuse holder.

5. Reattach the power cord.

21

22

6 CUSTOM FEATURES

Long Pulse Option Specifications

-10µs - 100ms @ 10A for the duration of the width.

23