PicoSource PG914 0-6V High Speed Pulse Generator (PP979)Manufacturer: Pico Technology Price: $14,475.00
The PicoSource PG914 Differential Pulse Generator combines the features of both the PG911 and PG912 pulse generators. It is a high-speed, low-cost, fast-transition instrument that can test transmission paths with a fast pulse, instantly simulating a wide-spectrum signal with adjustable output voltages. It is ideal for high-speed broadband measurements such as time-domain reflectometry, semiconductor testing, gigabit port testing, and radar systems. It can create pulses with less than 60ps rise-time with a variable 2.5V to 6V output. The USB-connected PG914 provides differential outputs with programmable de-skew in 1ps steps. De-skewing allows timing inequalities in test connections and fixtures to be nulled out, or the deliberate introduction of timing skew to stress-test a system. Each of the outputs can also function in single-ended mode. It can simulate broad spectral signals driving a 50 ohm cable to a device under test, with the reflected or transmitted pulse monitored and displayed by a broadband or sampling oscilloscope, such as a Picoscope 9300 20GHz Sampling Oscilloscope. This Time Domain Reflection analysis is widely used for testing very fast data paths such as Ethernet, USB, HDMI, SATA, RF, radar and microwave devices, cables, networks and other high speed equipment. The PG914, with integral step-recovery diode outputs, offers a transition time of < 60ps with a large and adjustable output swing of 2.5 V to 6 V on each output. These pulses can support high dynamic range and long-distance measurements and can exercise all signal amplitudes in most transmission systems and devices. Connected via USB to a PC running Microsoft Windows, the PicoSource PG911 Generator offers a compact and economical TDR instrument, with the added advantage of the PC’s high-resolution graphical display and easy setup via keyboard, mouse, or touchscreen. The reasonable cost and extreme portability of the PG911 now brings RF and microwave test to many on-site measurement situations, and thus can form an essential part of a broadband technician’s toolkit.
Applications include: TDR/TDT network and matching analysis; spectral and flatness measurements; timing, jitter and crosstalk measurements The PG9141 Pulse Generators can partner the PicoScope 9300 20 GHz Sampling Oscilloscope in many of these applications.
HardwareA versatile, portable triggered differential USB pulse generator
Despite their small size and portability the PicoSource PG900 generators pack quite a punch, with integrated Step Recovery Diode outputs of up to 6 V pk each into 50 Ω. That’s a whopping 12 V pk differential pulse amplitude to drive lossy paths or stress system ports. Outputs are adjustable in 10 mV steps down to 2.5 V pk. A user-settable amplitude limit is provided to protect more sensitive system ports and 20 dB attenuators are supplied fitted to the pulse outputs for small-signal and optimum-match applications. Step Recovery variable amplitude pulse  The positive (fast rise) and negative (fast fall) pulses are both ground referenced and each pulses in opposite polarity to their user selected amplitude. This amplitude (the 'mark') is held for the user-selected pulse width and then returns to ground. Further pulses are prevented for the user set hold-off period and thereafter will repeat at 40 ns after the next received trigger. When the internal clock is selected, the pulse will repeat at the user-set period and holdoff is inactive. An output trigger is generated 40 ns before every pulse, however initiated.Pulse transition time is typically 55 ps and spectral content (compared with a simulated ideal infinitely fast edge) extends to around 13 GHz @ –10 dB. The negative (fast fall) pulse can be selected for even faster transition time by selecting 'fast' rather than 'smooth' mode. Pulse aberration is compromised but transition time is typically 45 ps and spectral content extends to around 14 GHz @ –10 dB. Typical pulse shape as captured on a PicoScope 9300 20 GHz Sampling Oscilloscope are shown to the right. Tunnel Diode Head fixed-amplitude pulse The positive (fast rise) and negative (fast fall) pulses are both ground-referenced and each pulses in opposite polarity to its user-selected amplitude. This amplitude (the 'mark') is held for the user-selected pulse width and then returns to ground. Further pulses are prevented for the user-set holdoff period and thereafter will repeat at 40 ns after the next received trigger. When the internal clock is selected, the pulse will repeat at the user-set period and holdoff is inactive. An output trigger is generated 40 ns prior to every pulse, however initiated. Pulse transition time is typically 55 ps and spectral content (compared with a simulated ideal infinitely fast edge) extends to around 13 GHz @ –10 dB. The negative (fast fall) pulse can be selected for even faster transition time by selecting 'fast' rather than 'smooth' mode. Pulse aberration is compromised but transition time is typically 45 ps and spectral content extends to around 14 GHz @ –10 dB. Typical pulse shape as captured on a PicoScope 9300 20 GHz Sampling Oscilloscope is shown to the right.
PicoSource PG900 softwarePulse control PC software The PicoSource PG900 Series generators are USB controlled from a Microsoft Windows PC running PicoSource PG900 software that is provided with the product. This is a very straightforward control application featuring a helpful graphical display of the pulse, limits and trigger settings as they are applied. Default and User pulse settings can be saved for future recall. The pulse and trigger waveform displays can be toggled between three timebase settings to show the timing relationship of trigger and pulse, the pulse period or the pulse train being output.
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The PicoSource PG900 Series are low-jitter triggered differential USB pulse generators. Pulse outputs are optimized for broad spectral content (fastest transition time) to best suit spectral and time-domain transmission and reflectometry measurements. An internal clock is provided for stand-alone, self-triggered operation and trigger input and output allow the generators to source or respond to system triggers. Differential outputs ensure that the proliferation of gigabit differential interconnect and systems can all be addressed (e.g. SATA, USB3, HDMI, Ethernet).
Essential to any differential test or measurement is the ability to adjust for small but significant velocity and path length differences that are bound to exist in any measurement setup. The PG900 pulse outputs can each be adjusted (time-skewed) in 1 ps increments to deskew path differences before the measurement, or to deliberately stress a transmission path with timing skew.
