Quantum Composers 9730 Series - Manual (Page 8)

5-8
5
Pulse Generator Concepts and Operation
System Timer Functions

Burst Mode
The System Timer functions as a non-retriggerable, multi-vibrator T
0
pulse
generator
in ‘Burst’
mode . This means that once started the timer will produce
pulses continuously at the specified rate until the highest channel burst count is
reached. Before pulses can be generated, the timer must be armed and then
receive a System Start pulse. Arming the counter is done by pressing the
RUN/STOP key. With external trigger disabled, the RUN/STOP key or a
software
trigger command may be used to generate the System Start pulse for
the counter. With external trigger enabled, the RUN/STOP key or software
trigger command arms the unit and the subsequent external trigger pulses
replace the T
0
pulses.

Single Shot Mode
In ‘Single Shot’
mode , the System Timer is bypassed and the T
0
pulse is
generated directly from the System Start pulse.
The T
0
pulses are distributed to the Channel Start input of all of the Channel
Timers.
Channel Timer Functions
The Channel Timer functions as a non-retriggerable, delayed, one shot pulse
generator. This means that the timer will only generate one delayed pulse for
every Channel Start pulse received. Once the channel timer has started
counting, additional start pulses will be ignored until the pulse has been
completed (non-retriggerable). The Channel Start pulse for each channel is
provided by the internal T
0
pulse.
Whether or not a pulse is generated for each T
0
pulse is determined by the
channel enable setting. Pulses are defined by a time delay , from their sync or
start pulse to the active edge, a time width over which the pulse is active, and an
amplitude during the active portion of the pulse.
Navigating the 9730 Front Panel

Selecting Menus
Parameters are grouped in menus, selectable using the function keys. To select
the output channel parameters, press the letter key corresponding to the desired
channel. To select other menus, including the channel test menus, press the
FUNC key and then the key corresponding to the desired function.
Menus may include a number of different pages, with each page containing up to
four adjustable parameters or state variables. The status block in the upper-left