Quantum Composers 9500+ Series Pulse Generator Manua

9500 Series Pulse Generator
Plus
Operating Manual
QUANTUM COMPOSERS, INC
PO Box 4248
Bozeman, MT 59772
(406)582-0227 phone
(406)582-0237 fax
www.quantumcomposers.com
February 2006
Bootrom: 1.02
FW: 1.20

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Contents
1 Introduction .................................................................. 1
Technical Support .......................................................................................... 2
Warranty ......................................................................................................... 2
Package Contents .......................................................................................... 2
Safety Issues................................................................................................... 3
2 Front Panel Overview ................................................. 5
9500+ Front Panels ....................................................................................... 6
Display Layout and Indicators .....................................................................................................6
Description of Front-Panel Area................................................................... 6
Keypads ..........................................................................................................................................6
Rotary Adjustment Knob ..............................................................................................................7
3 Pulse Concepts & Pulse Generator Operation ...... 9
Counter Architecture Overview .................................................................................................10
System Timer Functions .............................................................................................................10
Channel Timer Functions ...........................................................................................................11
Output Multiplexer .....................................................................................................................11
Dependent & Independent Timing Events ...............................................................................11
Navigating the 9500+ Front Panel.............................................................11
Selecting Menus ...........................................................................................................................11
Selecting Menu Items..................................................................................................................12
Numeric Input Mode ...................................................................................................................12
Entering Non-Numeric Parameters ..........................................................................................12
Alphanumeric Input Mode .........................................................................................................12
Enabling System Output .............................................................................................................13
Enable/Disable Channel Output ................................................................................................13
Rearming the Channel Timers ...................................................................................................13
Setting Pulse Timing Parameters ..............................................................................................13
Setting Pulse Output Parameters .............................................................................................13
Using the Output Multiplexer ...................................................................................................14
Setting System Internal Rate ....................................................................................... 14
4 9500+ Menus ................................................................ 15
9500+ Menu Structure ................................................................................16
System Mode Menu .....................................................................................18
Setting System Mode of Operation ............................................................................................18
Channel Menus ............................................................................................18
Enabling Channel Output ...........................................................................................................18
Setting the Channel Timing Parameters ..................................................................................19
Setting Pulse Output Configuration .........................................................................................19
Setting Pulse Mode of Operation ...............................................................................................19
Setting Pulse Gate Control ........................................................................................................19

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Delaying the Start of Channel Output ......................................................................................20
Rate Menu ....................................................................................................20
Setting the Internal Rate ............................................................................................................20
Gate/Trig Menu ............................................................................................21
Enabling System Trigger or Gate ..............................................................................................21
System Menu ................................................................................................21
Setting System Communication Parameters ............................................................................21
Setting Keypad Parameters .......................................................................................................22
Setting the Auto Start Mode ......................................................................................................22
Setting the Display Decimal Mark ............................................................................................22
Setting the Display Brightness ..................................................................................................22
Store Menu ...................................................................................................22
Storing a Configuration ..............................................................................................................22
Recall Menu ..................................................................................................23
Recalling System Configurations ...............................................................................................23
5 Operating the 9500+ .................................................. 25
Quick Start - Normal Internal Rate Generator Operation .......................26
Quick Start - Normal External Trigger Operation ....................................26
System Timer Overview ..............................................................................27
To Use Continuous Mode ............................................................................................... 27
To Use Single Shot Mode ............................................................................................... 27
To Use System Burst Mode Function ............................................................................ 28
To Use SystemDuty Cycle Function .............................................................................. 28
Channel Timer Overview ............................................................................28
To Use Normal Mode Function ...................................................................................... 28
To Use Channel Single Shot Function .......................................................................... 29
To Use Channel Burst Mode Function .......................................................................... 29
To Use the Channel Duty Cycle Function .................................................................... 29
To Use the Channel Gating Function ........................................................................... 30
External Input Overview.............................................................................30
To Generate a Pulse on Every Trigger Input................................................................ 30
To Generate a Burst of Pulses on Every Trigger Input ................................................ 30
To Start a Continuous Stream of Pulses Using the External Trigger ......................... 31
To use the External Gate to Control the System .......................................................... 31
6 Programming the 9500+ ........................................... 33
Personal Computer to Pulse Generator Communication ........................34
RS232 Interface Overview ..........................................................................34
GPIB Interface Overview ............................................................................34
USB Interface Overview ..............................................................................35
Ethernet Interface Overview ......................................................................36
Programming Command Types and Format .............................................36
Line Termination .........................................................................................37
IEEE 488.2 Common Command Format...................................................37

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SCPI Command Keywords ..........................................................................37
SCPI Command Format ..............................................................................38
SCPI Format..................................................................................................................................38
SCPI Keyword Separator ............................................................................38
SCPI Optional Keywords ............................................................................38
SCPI Specific and Implied Channel ...........................................................39
SCPI Parameter Types ................................................................................39
Error Codes...................................................................................................39
Programming Examples ..............................................................................40
9500+SCPI Command Summary ...............................................................41
9500+ SCPI Command Summary ..............................................................42
9500+ SCPI Command Summary ..............................................................43
9500+ SCPI Command Summary ..............................................................44
IEEE 488.2 Common Commands...............................................................45
Appendix ......................................................................... 47
Appendix A - Specifications ........................................ 48
9500+ Specifications ....................................................................................48
Appendix B - Special Functions ................................. 50
35 Volt Output ..............................................................................................50
"T" Option .....................................................................................................51
Optical Outputs/Inputs................................................................................53
System Mode:Increment ..............................................................................53
Reference Clock ............................................................................................54
Trigger Gate Option .....................................................................................56
Appendix C - Com.......................................................... 58
Ethernet Interface Overview ......................................................................58
Programming Comand Types and Format ................................................59

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1
Introduction
1

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Introduction
This manual is a reference designed to familiarize you with the Quantum Com-
posers 9500+ 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 9500+ -- our technical staff can
be reached via one of the following methods:
- Phone - (406) 582-0227
- Fax - (4406) 582-0237
- Internet - www.quantumcomposers.com
Warranty
In addition to a 30-day money back guarantee, the 9500+ 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.
Contact us for information on obtaining warranty service.
Package Contents
The box you receive should contain the following:
- 9500+ Pulse Generator
- AC Power Cord
- User's Manual on Disc
Contact Quantum Composers (406) 582-0227 if any parts are missing.
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Safety Issues
Normal use of test equipment presents a certain amount of danger from electri-
cal 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 easily produce a lethal current. Your normal work habits should
include all accepted practices that will prevent contact with exposed high volt-
age, 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.
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4

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2
Front Panel Overview
5

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Front Panel Overview
9500+ Front Panels
Display Layout and Indicators
A 4 line x 20 character vacuum fluorescent display module displays parameters
and status information. The status information is located in the upper-left corner
of the display, between the two brackets. There are three enunciators:
*
Vertical Arrow
Indicates there are additional pages to the current
menu.
*
Blinking Light
Indicates the unit is actively generating pulses, or
armed and waiting for an external trigger.
*
Musical Note
Indicates the function key has been pressed.
The upper-right side of the display contains the title of the currently displayed
menu. The rest of the display is used for system parameters. The display
brightness may be adjusted, allowing the instrument to be used under various
lighting conditions.
Description of Front-Panel Area
Keypads
Three keypad areas provide fast access to various menus and easy editing of
system parameters.
*
Channel Keypad
Provides one touch access to the menus for setting up
the channel parameters. Pressing the appropriate let-
ter will display the parameters for the corresponding
channel.
*
Arrow Keypad
The up/down arrows are used to increment/decrement
the current parameter (indicated by the blinking cursor).
The position of the cursor controls the step size for
each increment. The right/left arrow moves the cursor
to different positions within the current parameter. The
NEXT key selects the next parameter in the currently
displayed menu. The yellow Function key allows the
keys to select the yellow functions.
*
Numeric Keypad
Allows numbers and alphanumeric values to be en-
tered. When entering alphanumeric values, pressing a
key will display the first letter shown on the key. Re-
peated key presses will toggle through all the letters,
both upper and lower case, shown on the keycap. To
enter two letters which appear on the same keycap,
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