Programmable TTL Pulse Generator

PulseBlaster^TM is a general-purpose, multichannel, programmable TTL pulse generator / digital word generator. It offers up to 24 individually controlled channels, powerful program-flow features, and variable output rates ranging from ns to days per interval.

PulseBlaster^TM implements a novel 80-bit Very-Long Instruction Word (VLIW) architecture. Due to its versatility and intelligence, it is most commonly used as a powerful timing engine for applications requiring sophisticated pulse sequences and output patterns, precision timing of wide-ranging intervals, and complex system control.

The standard form factor is PCI-e, and the standard clock frequency is 100 MHz. Higher clock rates are available, currently up to 500 MHz (the PBESR-PRO series of boards).

Key Specifications

• Standard clock frequency of 100 MHz
• High-speed models available, currently up to 500 MHz clock frequency (PBESR-PRO            series of boards)
• Standard clock stability of 100 ppm, with optional oven-controlled clock oscillator                (OCXO) of 200 ppb
• Up to 24 individually controlled output channels
• Up to 25 mA output current per channel (varies by firmware, please consult manual)
• DB-25 bracket mounted connector
• IDC headers for on-board access to signals
• Programmable pulse lengths from six clock periods (60 ns at 100 MHz) to 7 days per instruction. Pulses as short as 2.0 ns are available (PulseBlasterESR-PRO model at      500 MHz)
• 10 ns pulse resolution (at 100 MHz)
• 4k pulse program instruction word memory depths available
• Advanced pulse-program flow control: nested loops (8 levels), branches, and                   subroutines
• 20-bit loop counter (over 1 million events/repetitions)
• Software and hardware triggering, up to 5 MHz retriggering frequency
• PCIe form factor

Applications

   Complex, high-speed, multi-channel pulse, pattern, and word generation. Customers’ applications have included

• Experiment and process control in Electron, Nuclear and Quadrupole Resonances      (ESR, NMR, NQR)
• Mass Spectrometry and related test technologies
• Ultrasound, radar, medical imaging
• Laser control in advanced communication
• Solid state physics experiments
• Nanomagnetism and spintronics applications
• Robotics and process synchronization
• Data bus emulation
• General laboratory use
• Delay generator