Pulse generators are available for generating output pulses having widths (durations) ranging from minutes down to under 1 picosecond. In general, generators for pulses with widths over a few microseconds employ digital counters for timing these pulses, while widths between approximately 1 nanosecond and several microseconds are typically generated by analog techniques such as RC (resistor-capacitor) networks or switched delay lines. Pulse generators capable of generating pulses with widths under approximately 100 picoseconds are often termed "microwave pulsers", and typically generate these ultra-short pulses using Step recovery diode
(SRD) or Nonlinear Transmission Line (NLTL) methods).
Step Recovery Diode pulse generators are inexpensive but typically require several volts of input drive level and have a moderately high level of random jitter (usually undesirable variation in the time at which successive pulses occur). NLTL-based pulse generators generally have lower jitter, but are more complex to manufacture, and are not suited for integration in low-cost monolithic ICs. A new class of microwave pulse generation architecture, the RACE (Rapid Automatic Cascode Exchange) pulse generation circuit, is implemented using low-cost monolithic IC technology and can produce pulses as short as 1 picosecond, and with a repetition rates exceeding 30 billion pulses per second. These pulsers are typically used in military communications applications, and low-power microwave transceiver ICs. Such pulsers, if driven by a continuous frequency clock, will as microwave comb generators, having output freqency components at integer multiples of the pulse repetition rate, and extending to well over 100 gigahertz
Pulse generators are generally voltage sources, with true current pulse generators being available only from a few suppliers.
These pulses can then be injected into a device under test and used as a stimulus or clock signal or analyzed as they progress through the device, confirming the proper operation of the device or pinpointing a fault in the device. Pulse generators are also used to drive devices such as switches, lasers and optical components, modulators, intensifiers as well as resistive loads.The output of a pulse generator may also be used as the modulation signal for a signal generator.
Pulse generators usually allow control of the pulse repetition rate (frequency), pulse width, delay with respect to an internal or external trigger and the high- and low-voltage levels of the pulses. More-sophisticated pulse generators may allow control over the rise time and fall time of the pulses. Pulse generators may use digital techniques, analog techniques, or a combination of both techniques to form the output pulses. the pulse repetition rate and duration may be digitally controlled but the pulse amplitude and rise and fall times may be determined by analog circuitry in the output stage of the pulse generator. With correct adjustment, pulse generators can also produce a 50% duty cycle square wave. Pulse generators are generally single-channel providing one frequency, delay, width and output. To produce multiple pulses, these simple pulse generators would have to be ganged in series or in parallel.
New family of pulse generators can produce multiple-channels of independent widths and delays and independent outputs and polarities. Often called digital delay/pulse generators, the newest designs even offer differing repetition rates with each channel. These digital delay generators are useful in synchronizing, delaying, gating and triggering multiple devices usually with respect to one event. One is also able to multiplex the timing of several channels onto one channel in order to trigger or even gate the same device multiple times.
Model 575 Digital Delay / Pulse Generator
The Model 575 provides multi-channel 250 ps-resolution timing, delaying, gating, pulsing and syncing functions for an attractive price. There are many practical modes of operation and features in addition to the traditional digital delay and pulse generator modes. For usefulness and value – there is nothing comparable.
Each channel provides both delays and widths – so a 2-channel Model 575 provides the same delay and width functionality of competitive 4-channel units. The 575 is available in 2, 4 and 8 channel configurations, with optional Ethernet, USB, High Voltage and Dual Input Trigger options.
This Digital Delay/Pulse Generator, representing our finest in precision timing, provides precise delays and widths with 250pS resolution for times up to 100 seconds. Low jitter both with internal clocks (50pS) and using an external trigger (800pS) give users the timing needed to control many devices. This is particularly useful where several pulses or gate signals need to be delayed and timed with respect to each other or the common trigger. You may even use one channel as a trigger reference for other channels, locking the timing delays when needed. There is lots to learn about the Model 575, which offers much more than a clock-divider, independant channel triggering, indendant amplitudes/channel, delay and width control, and a Labview 8 driver. Give us a call, we are happy to discuss your applications.
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Model 575 Digital Delay / Pulse Generator

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Model 505 Digital Delay / Pulse Generator
Model 505 expands the previously established boundaries of antiquated pulse generating equipment by adding 8 independent channels, multiple modes of operation, and 16 different edges into a single instrument. As a pulse generator model 505 provides rate, delay, width, and output adjustability with each channel. As a digital delay generator, model 505 provides fine resolution, timing, and low jitter. By allowing external, internal, and 3rd party software to control the 505 this Digital Delay and Pulse Generator can address many application specific requirements.
The outputs are synchronized to one another with coherence of 5 ns. A channel’s timing can be referenced to any other channel or to the zero delay point (To) The edges are adjustable in 10 ns steps. Channels can be selectively gated, enabled / disabled. Each channel possesses separate output level and polarity characteristics along with system level gating capability. Model 505 provides the ability to store custom parameter settings which are able to be recalled for later use.
The Model 505 Digital Delay Generator provide 2, 4 or 8 delay and width outputs capable of synchronizing to either external or internal triggers. The Model 505 Digital Delay Generator offers delay and width resolution of 10 ns.
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Model 505 Digital Delay / Pulse Generator
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Model 725 Multi-Trigger Digital Delay Generator
Researchers and system integrators, needing controls and diagnostics for their experiments and systems, are regularly forced to build from scratch or to piece together several boxes. Many hours are spent learning the idiosyncrasies of each box and how to properly couple boxes to each other. Each box has its own programming protocol. Valuable time is lost to tracking connections, taming noisy signals, adjusting timing on multiple boxes and other aggravating chores. Now one box will eliminate much of this.
The Model 725 coordinates, integrates and synchronizes complicated setups, simply, reliably and affordably. Featuring eight timing channels with programmable logic, unique timing modes and 10 ns resolution, the Model 725 outperforms a rack full of instruments, specialized boxes, filters and cables. Inputs can be logic signals, switches, transducers, interlocks, computer commands and gauges. The model 725 can be programmed and controlled easily via Labview or Windows. It contains sophisticated logic, gating and filtering. It has eight inputs, eight outputs and eight separate timers.
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Model 725 Multi-Trigger Digital Delay Generator
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Simptronik SK-1000A Pulse Generator 1 GHz, Portable, High-performance, Touch Screen  |
Features
- Up to 1GHz bandwidth.
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Low cost: $5,125 USD.
- Low jitter (rms):Â 15ps
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LCD, touch-screen, user-friendly control interface
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Light weight:Â 0.8kg
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Dimensions: 4.0 x 9.6 x 18.2cm  (HxWxD), 1.6 x 3.8 x 7.3 inch (HxWxD)
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Wide output amplitude:Â Â 0.1V-3V
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Parameters |
Specification |
Maximum frequency |
1GHz |
Frequency resolution |
4 digits |
Frequency accuracy |
+/-100ppm |
RMS jitter |
15ps +0.001% |
Built-in data pattern |
PRBS 7, 10, 15, 23, 31, clock |
Customer data pattern |
32 bit |
Delay range between data and clock channels |
0-16ns |
Delay resolution |
50ps |
Transition time (10/90) |
500ps |
Timing sources |
Internal or external clocking |
Output channels |
Differential clock and data channels |
Output amplitude range |
0.1V to 3.0V |
Output amplitude Accuracy |
+/-(5%+100mV) |
Output offset voltage |
0V to 2.5V |
Amplitude, offset voltage resolution |
10mV |
Output Impedance |
50 ohm |
Max. external Voltage |
-1.5V to 4.0V |
Overshoot/ringing |
+/-(5%+100mV) |
Power |
25W (external AC power supply) |
Weight |
~0.8kg |
Price |
USD$5125.00 |
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Simptronik SK-660A Pulse Generator 660 MHz, Portable, High-performance, Touch Screen  |
Features
- Up to 1GHz bandwidth.
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Low cost: $5,125 USD.
- Low jitter (rms):Â 15ps
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LCD, touch-screen, user-friendly control interface
-
Light weight:Â 0.8kg
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Dimensions: 4.0 x 9.6 x 18.2cm  (HxWxD), 1.6 x 3.8 x 7.3 inch (HxWxD)
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Wide output amplitude:0.1V-3V
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Parameters |
Specification |
Maximum frequency |
1GHz |
Frequency resolution |
4 digits |
Frequency accuracy |
+/-100ppm |
RMS jitter |
15ps +0.001% |
Built-in data pattern |
PRBS 7, 10, 15, 23, 31, clock |
Customer data pattern |
32 bit |
Delay range between data and clock channels |
0-16ns |
Delay resolution |
50ps |
Transition time (10/90) |
500ps |
Timing sources |
Internal or external clocking |
Output channels |
Differential clock and data channels |
Output amplitude range |
0.1V to 3.0V |
Output amplitude Accuracy |
+/-(5%+100mV) |
Output offset voltage |
0V to 2.5V |
Amplitude, offset voltage resolution |
10mV |
Output Impedance |
50 ohm |
Max. external Voltage |
-1.5V to 4.0V |
Overshoot/ringing |
+/-(5%+100mV) |
Power |
25W (external AC power supply) |
Weight |
~0.8kg |
Price |
USD$5125.00 |
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