New low-cost triggerable differential 40ps to 60ps differential pulse generators

Now available from Saelig, the PicoSource PG900 Series differential pulse generators are high-speed, low-cost, fast-transition instruments that can test transmission paths with a fast pulse, instantly simulating a wide-spectrum signal. The generators are particularly suitable for high-speed broadband measurements such as time-domain reflectometry, semiconductor testing, gigabit port testing, and radar systems. The PG900 Series instruments are capable of creating pulses with less than 40ps rise-times for 200mV pulses, or 60ps for 2.5V to 6V pulses. The USB-connected PG900 Series offer 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. The generators can simulate broad spectral signals driving a 50ohm 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 PicoSource PG900 Series offers two triggered step-generation technologies to suit different applications. The PG911, with integral step-recovery diode outputs, offers a transition time of < 60ps with a large and adjustable output swing of 2.5V to 6V 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. The PG912 uses external tunnel diode pulse heads to deliver a faster transition time of less than 40ps with fixed 200mV amplitude at the interface plane. A third model, the PG914, combines both technologies in one space-saving, economical unit. All models feature low-jitter external trigger input and output, with an internal trigger clock offering extensive width, period, and hold-off adjustments. Pulse edge jitter with respect to the trigger input and output is less than 3ps RMS. Connected via USB to a PC running Microsoft Windows, the PicoSource PG900 Generators offer a compact and economical 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 these instruments now brings RF and microwave test to many on-site measurement situations, and so can form an essential part of a broadband technician's toolkit, says the company.