Quantum Quantum Composers manual

1 1 INTRODUCTION This manual is designed to help you quickly and easily learn to use your Quantum Compo s ers Model 9412/9412A pulse generator. Rather than the usual array of knobs and switches, the 9412/9412A uses a menu - driven user interface with "on - line" he lp -- once you learn the basics of operating your 9412/9412A, you may neve[...]

2 Custom Modifications The 9412/9412A is microprocessor - controlled and employs a flexible and expandable user - interface. New features and operating modes often can be added, without hardware modif i- cations, by merely modifying the software contained inside the 9412/9412A. Most modific a- tions can be made for a very modest charge -- conta ct [...]

3 6. 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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6 1 CONTROLS AND CONNECT ORS This chapter explains the function of each control and connector on the 9412/9412A. Front Panel The front panel contains the most frequently used controls and connectors. Display The 9412/9412A features a backlit liquid crystal display, which displays menu selections and settings. The left half of the display shows the [...]

7 Left Button (help) 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 i tems, pressing and holding this button down displays a brief description of the current item. Right Button (range) For numeric items, this button [...]

8 T2 Channel 2 output -- designed specifically for use as a solid - stat e laser Q - switch trigger and has all the capabilities of the other output channels, including several special modes which a f- fect only the output of Channel 2. Ext/Gate External Trigger or Gate signal input -- used as either an external signal to trigger the gener a- tion [...]

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12 1 OPERATING INSTRUCTIO NS This chapter presents detailed instructions on the operation of the 9412/9412A. Overview The 9412/9412A uses a single - line L CD to display menu selections. The front panel keys are used to "navigate" through sets of menus to set various options and control the pulse ge n era- tor. Some keys are only active a[...]

13 Main Menu The Main Menu consists of a set of menu selections used to set the operating mode, time p e- riod and frequency of the 9412/9412A. MODE - Pulse Modes There are five (5) different Pulse modes available. Continuous Mode While in Continuous mode, the 9412/9412A will generate pulses at the rate set by the inte r nal To Period as set in the[...]

14 Duty Cycle The Duty Cycle mode is similar to Continuous mode in that a continuous stream of pulses is output. The exception is the outputs are only active for a set number of seconds ( DC:On menu), then disabled for another set time period ( DC:Off menu) before being re - enabled. This cycle is repeated for a set number of times ( CYCLES menu), [...]

15 ToPer - To Period Except when in External Trigger or Single Shot mode, all pulse outputs are based on an i n te r- nal timer called To. This menu is used to select the rate at which To runs by selecting the time period in microseconds between timer pulses. When in Continuous, Burst, or Duty C y cle mode, pulses are out put at the rate determined[...]

16 When set to Positive , the output will initially be at 0 Volts. When active, will go high for the specified pulse width time, after which it will return to 0. The voltage level while high w ill d e- pend upon the load and the setting of the output voltage adjustment on the back panel. If set to Negative , the output will normally be at the high [...]

17 T2:Wait The output of Channel 2 can be delayed for a number of pulses. This menu is used to set the number of pulses that must occur on the other channels before the output o f Channel 2 is e n- abled. This is particularly useful when using Channel 2 as a Q - switch trigger, as it allows the laser to thermally stabilize before activa t ing the Q[...]

18 RECALL Configuration Recalls a previously stored configuration from the specified memory location. To rec all 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 [...]

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21 1 COMPUTER INTERFACE The 9412/9412A comes standard with an RS232 serial interface. 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 9412/9412A and uses a 9 - pin D - type connector with the following pinout (as viewed from t[...]

22 P P CR is a carriage return character (ASCII value 13). With echo enabled, all characters sent will be echoed back to the sender. Unidentified commands and most out of range conditions result in the pulse generator igno r ing the command. If the command is properly identified, the pulse generator returns an ok fo l- lo wed by a carriage return a[...]

23 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 QC a p proximately every 200 ms after power up and until the 9412/9412A receives a $ .[...]

24 Command List The following table summarizes all the commands. Note: The name of each command is identical to how it appears on the dis play of the 9412/9412A.[...]

25 9412/9412A Communication Commands Command Name Parameters Description MODE 0 = Continuous mode 1 = Burst mode 2 = Duty Cycle mode 3 = Single Shot mode 4 = External Trigger mode Sets the pulse generator mode. GATE 0 = off 1 = active low 2 = active high Enables the external trigger input to function as a gate controlling all outputs. Cannot be use[...]

26 9412/9412A Communication Commands RECALL 0 - 4 (9412) 0 - 8 (9412A) Recall a stored configuration. STORE 1 - 4 (9412) 1 - 8 (9412A) Store a configuration. SHOTS (9412A Only) 0 = Reset to zero Resets shot counter. SHOT ? will return the number of shots. ECHO 0 = Disable 1 = Enable Enables/Disables the RS232 echo. The result string is always sent [...]

27 1 SPECIFICATIONS DELAYS P CHANNELS Two (2) independent outputs, with digitally controlled delay and pulsewidth. P DELAY 0 to 99.999999 sec P PULSEWIDTH 10 µ s to 99.999999 sec P RESOLUTION 1 µ s P ACCURACY 100 ns + .0002 x delay P TIMEBASE 8 MHz, 50 PPM crystal oscillator P RMS JITTER 50 ns + .0002 x period, 200 ns max P TRIG DELAY Ext Trig to[...]

28 OUTPUTS (T1,T2) P IM PEDANCE 50 Ω P SLEW RATE > .2 V/ns P OVERSHOOT < 100 mV + 10% of pulse amplitude P AMPLITUDE 1 - 10V into 50 Ω load 2 - 20V into high impedance load manually adjusted, all outputs at same level P PEAK CURRENT 400 mA per channel P AVERAGE CURRENT 200 mA average (total for all channels) COMPUTER INTERFACE P RS232 960[...]

29 1 MAINTENANCE Except for fuse replacement, the 9412/9412A should require no maintenance. Replacing the Fuse The fuse is mounted on the circuit board located inside the 9412/9412A. Remove the top cover to access and follow the instructions given below to replace the fuse: 1. Unplug the 9412/9412A from power source and remove power cord from the b[...]

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31 1 CUSTOM FEATURES None.[...]