Differential picosecond pulse generators
Differential picosecond pulse generators

Differential picosecond pulse generators

PicoSource PG900 Series  USB differential picosecond pulse generators

The fast-transition pulse can stimulate a transmission path, device or network with a broad spectrum signal in a single instant. Such a pulse is very useful for many of the high-speed broadband measurements that we need to make; for instance in time-domain reflectometry, semiconductor test, gigabit interconnect and port test and in radar.

Differential high-speed data in particular dominates the measurement challenge in our digital, computing, interconnect and telecommunications systems. Surprisingly, cost-effective fast-transition differential pulse generators have been very hard to find ... until now!

Typical applications include:

  • TDR/TDT network and match analysis
  • Spectral and flatness measurements
  • Timing, jitter and crosstalk determinations

PG911 and PG914

  • Integral 50 Ω SMA(f) Step Recovery Diode outputs
  • < 60 ps transition time
  • Dual 2.5 to 6 V variable amplitude outputs
  • ±1 ns in 1 ps steps timing deskew
  • 200 ns to 4 μs pulse width
  • 1 μs to 1 s internal clock period
  • ​< 3 ps RMS jitter relative to external trigger
  • –20 dB 10 GHz SMA(m-f) attenuator included with Step Recovery Diode outputs

PG912 and PG914

  • External 50 Ω N(m) positive and negative Tunnel Diode pulse heads
  • < 40 ps transition time
  • Dual > 200 mV fixed amplitude outputs
  • ​±200 ps in 1 ps steps timing deskew
  • Inter-series N(f) – SMA(m) adapter included with Tunnel Diode pulse heads
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PicoSource PG900 Series specifications

PicoSource PG911 and PG914

Integrated step recovery diode pulse outputs
Pulse outputs

Positive-going (fast rise) and negative-going (fast fall) outputs returning to 0 V.
Adjustable amplitude and timing parameters. Fast transition on leading edge.

Output impedance

50 Ω

Output connector

SMA(f)

Output amplitude

Adjustable 2.5 V to 6 V in 10 mV steps

Output accuracy

±10%

Output amplitude limit

2.5 V to 6 V, adjustable in 100 mV increments

Duty cycle limit

50% maximum (for 2.5 V to 4 V amplitude)
20% maximum (up to 6 V amplitude)

Differential deskew range

Adjustable in 1 ps steps over 2 ns range

 

Positive or negative-going, smooth mode:

Negative-going, fast mode:

Pulse transition time

< 60 ps (10% to 90%) (smooth mode)

< 50 ps (10% to 90%)

Pulse aberrations

< +20%, –10% for first 2 ns
< ±7% to 10 ns
< ±2% to pulse width –50 ns

< (+40%, –10%)

Trailing edge transition time

< 8 ns (10% to 90%)

PicoSource PG912 and PG914

Drive outputs with tunnel diode pulse heads
PS9040 Positive tunnel diode pulse head

Positive-going (fast rise) output on < 70 mV pedestal.
Fixed amplitude and adjustable timing parameters.
Fast transition on leading edge.

PS9041 Negative tunnel diode pulse head

Negative going (fast fall) output on < –70 mV pedestal.
Fixed amplitude and adjustable variable timing parameters.
Fast transition on leading edge.

Output impedance

50 Ω, ±2 Ω

Output connector

N(m)

Output amplitude

Fixed 200 mV

Output accuracy

±25%

Differential deskew range

Adjustable in 1 ps steps over 200 ps minimum, 300 ps typical

Pulse transition time

< 40 ps (10 % to 90%)

Pulse aberrations

< ±20%, for first 2 ns
< ±7% to 15 ns
< ±2% to (pulse width – 50 ns)

Trailing edge transition time

< 8 ns (10% to 90%)

Dimensions (each pulse head)

80 mm x 28 mm x 25 mm

Weight (each pulse head)

125 g