DIGITAL PULSE GENERATOR KIT

The Digital Pulse Generator is designed to provide precise pulse repetition rates and duty cycles over a wide range. Continuously variable pulse generators use noisy potentiometers to set pulse widths; consequently they are difficult to set to precise values, and have unacceptable stability. The Digital Pulse Generator can be set to precise values and is as stable as its master crystal oscillator. Both pulse width (logic-1) and pulse spacing (logic-0) can be set over an eight decade range in steps of 100 nanoseconds. The Digital Pulse Generator can be controlled via the front panel (two switches and two push-buttons) or via RS-232. The manual for the Digital Pulse Generator Kit includes detailed building instructions and schematics. The manual is available for download on the Data & Documentation page.

PULSE mode: Pulse width (logic-1) and pulse spacing (logic-0) are independently adjustable from 200 nanoseconds to 9.9999999 seconds in 100 nanosecond steps Pulse Output: BNC connector, 50 ohms DC coupled TTL output driving up to 15 TTL loads Rise/fall time less than 20 nsec into 50 pFd Clock Output (optional): BNC connector, 50 ohms DC coupled TTL output driving up to 15 TTL loads Rise/fall time less than 20 nsec into 50 pFd 10 or 5 MHz - selected via jumper Other: Socketed PIC16F87 microcontroller Microchip assembler (MPASM) source code included Operation from 0 to 70 °C., 32 to 158 °F. Power in = 9 VDC at 100 mA DB9 female RS-232 connector Baud rates: 1200 to 19200

SQUARE mode: Pulse width (logic 1) equals pulse spacing (logic 0) Frequency is adjustable from 2.5 MHz to 0.05 Hz in 200 nanosecond steps Manual Controls: PULSE/SQUARE toggle switch - selects the mode LINE toggle switch - moves LCD cursor to selected line during Pulse mode ADVance pushbutton - moves LCD cursor right to the next numeric character. The cursor wraps around from the last numeric character to the first numeric character INCrement pushbutton - increments the numeric character at the LCD cursor. Numeric values wrap around from 9 to 0 RS-232 Controls: Set pulse spacing (logic-0) in milliseconds or microseconds Set pulse width (logic-1) in milliseconds or microseconds Set squarewave frequency in Hertz Display settings - pulse high and low, period, and frequency Update counter chips from current settings Overwrite power-up defaults with the current pulse settings Radio control servo output Text menu interface useable via any terminal program Command line interface can be used with custom control software on host

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED?

The PGEN-PCB-KIT includes all the components needed to build the PGEN circuit board and mounting hardware for the LCD module. The items listed here are not supplied with the kit but are required to construct a fully functional Digital Pulse Generator. You will need to purchase these items yourself. The Digital Pulse Generator manual includes a detailed list with multiple suppliers and part numbers.

• AC adapter (wall transformer)
• 9VDC output at 100mA or more, coaxial power plug, center +, 5.5 mm O.D., 2.1 mm I.D.
• Plastic case, PacTec model CM5-200
  • Dimensions (inches): 5.08 wide x 5.25 deep x 2.25 high
  • Dimensions (mm): 129.03 wide x 133.35 deep x 57.1 high
• Toggle switches, two required for PULSE/SQUARE and LINE select switches
  • miniature, SPST, Off-On
• Pushbutton switches, two required for Digit ADVance and Digit INCrement switches
  • miniature, snap-action, momentary, Normally Open
• BNC connector, 50 ohm, bulkhead mount, 1 required (pulse output), 1 optional (clock output)
• LCD module, 2 lines by 16 characters
• Hook-up wire for switches