Quantum Composers 9200 Series - Manual (Page 47)

9200 Manual Version 1.6 | Quantum Composers Page 47
Feature Descriptions
Resolution and Accuracy
The resolution and accuracy of the width, delays, and period counters improves to 5ns. This
allows for finer adjustments (5ns) on the widths, delays and period.
Period/Rate
The maximum frequency which can be generated will be increased to 20Mhz (50ns period).
Duty Cycle, Cycle Counter
When in duty cycle mode, a new parameter exists which is the “Duty Cycle Counts.” This
parameter will determine the number of cycles the duty cycle sequence will execute. Normally,
the duty cycle continues until stopped by the user; although, now a specified number of duty
cycle events can be executed. If set to 0, the cycles will continue until stopped by the user. This
feature
can be thought of as a “burst” mode for duty cycle.
Virtual Channels
Upon upgrading to a 9200 Plus, additional “virtual” channels will become available. A 2 channel
unit adds 2 additional virtual channels, while a 4 channel unit adds 4 additional channels. This
effectively doubles the number of channel timers the unit may utilize. The virtual channels add
all the channel timer functions to each virtual channel. The only difference between a normal
channel and a virtual channel is that the virtual channel has no physical output. However, a
virtual channel can be multiplexed with a normal channel output to create complex pulse trains.
For example, on a 4 channel Plus unit, virtual channels E through H can be multiplexed with any
of the physical channels A though D. Reference the 9200 Plus Application Overview for more
information on interfacing with the virtual channels.
System/Pulse Counter
A counter is added that can count the number of pulses from the selected source. The source
can be the system (T
o
) or any of the available channel timers. This is a 32 bit counter that can
be enabled and reset by the user
by means of the “Enable” selection and “Clear” button. It can
be thought of as a “shot” counter.
External Trigger Period Counter
A “Period Counter” has been added which measures the time between incoming external trigger
pulses. The period counter can average up to 15 periods for greater accuracy. The counter can
operate in a manual mode where it will latch the incoming period measurement and hold the
reading or an auto mode, where the reading will constantly be updated as long as external
triggers are applied. The user has the ability to enable and clear this counter by means of the
“Enable” selection and “Clear” button. To use this optional counter the system must be in
triggered mode.